Chapter 36

【Kudoki Family】

Kudoki Minbu Shousuke Sadatsuna - Grandfather of Yagoro Sadatsuna

Kudoki Kurando Masatsuna - Younger brother of Sadatsuna, Great-uncle of Yagoro Sadatsuna

Akechi Jubei Mitsuhoshi - Vassal of the Kudoki family, military strategist

Chokubei Hanbei Masaharu - Vassal of the Kudoki family, military strategist

Numata Ueno-no-suke Yoshiaki - Vassal of the Kudoki family, military strategist

Kurono Jushiro Kagehisa - Vassal of the Kudoki family, leader of the Eight Gates

Hayashi Yojiemon - Leader of the Kudoki navy

Hirosaki Sukegoro Nakahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, grandson of Hirosaki Gorouemon Yukichika

【Rokkaku Family】

Rokkaku Sakyo Daifu Takayori - Head of the Rokkaku family, biological son of Hosokawa Harumoto, adopted into the Rokkaku family

Gotou Tanba-no-kami Sadahiro - Senior vassal of the Rokkaku family, died during the collapse of Kannonji

Gotou Matajiro Takaharu - Second son of Gotou Tanba-no-kami Sadahiro, adopted into the Ogura family

Ohtaki Hyobu Fujiyasu - Shogunate official, currently on assignment to the Rokkaku family

【Miwa Family】

Miwa Shuri Daifu Nagahiro - Former head of the Miwa family

Miwa Magojiro Masahide - Current head of the Miwa family, son of Togawa Issai, adopted into the Miwa family

Miwa Buzen-no-kami Masahisa - Younger brother of Nagahiro, uncle of Magojiro Masahide

Anzai Settsu-no-suke Fuyuyasu - Younger brother of Nagahiro, uncle of Magojiro Masahide

【Ashikaga Family】

Ashikaga Yoshiaki - 13th Shogun, died in the Eiroku Incident

Ichijo-in Kakukei - Younger brother of Yoshiaki, historically the 15th Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki

Ashikaga Yoshitsuna - Cousin of Yoshiaki, historically the 14th Shogun Ashikaga Yoshitane

【Oda Family】

Oda Nobunaga - Head of the Oda family

Dan羽 Gorouzaemon-no-suke Nagahide - Vassal of the Oda family

Shibata Kogen Katsuie - Vassal of the Oda family

Kihara Kichizaemon Hideyoshi - Vassal of the Oda family

【Kawabira Group】

Hachisuka Koroku Masahiro - Leader of the Kawabira Group

Maeno Shiroemon Nagahiro - Leader of the Kawabira Group

【Hatakeyama Family】

Hatakeyama Shuri-no-suke Takaharu - Head of the Hatakeyama family, guardian of Kii and Kawachi

【Katsura】

Inukai Shimasuke Masahiro - Leader of the Katsura navy

【Asakura Family】

Katsura Nagahide - Vassal of the Asakura family, historically known as Katsura Nagahide after serving the Oda family

Eiroku 8 (1565) Early April, Omi Ika District, Shioazumi Beach, Shioazumi Castle, Kudoki Sadatsuna

"Has the snow in Echizen melted?"

"Yes."

"Then the Kaga followers will start moving."

When I asked, Jushiro nodded.

"Probably. The rice planting will be completed by late May to early June. From then until early September, we can move the troops."

My head hurts. Jushiro, Jubei, Hanbei, and Ueno-no-suke all frowned.

"The Asakura couldn't unite, right?"

"Unfortunately, no."

"Then they will all be killed. Their heads will be impaled on bamboo spears and displayed."

I wish the people of Echizen would just run away. They should learn from the Takeda of Wakasa. When the Miwa army attacked Wakasa, the people of Echizen fled to Kaga, and when the Ikkō-ikki of Kaga attacked, they fled to Kai, where their relatives, the Takeda, were.

There is strong anti-Kudoki sentiment there. They are probably having a field day with my bad reputation. But the Miwa attacked Wakasa, and the Ikkō-ikki of Kaga attacked Echizen. Shingen was beaten by the Uesugi of Echigo. The Takeda, who only had less than 300,000 koku in Kai and Suwa, didn't become that way because of me. Why am I the only one being blamed?

Hanbei sighed. Don't worry, Hanbei. There are good points, like the Asakura leaving Echizen. When the time comes to take over Echizen, we won't have to worry about strange considerations. Nobunaga probably gave Echizen to Katsura Nagahide after suppressing it because he expected him to fail in governing and be overthrown by the Ikkō-ikki. Before the Ikkō-ikki of Kaga, most of the old Asakura vassals had fallen. Later, Nobunaga re-conquered Echizen, massacred the Ikkō-ikki, and gave Echizen to Shibata Katsuie. He must have been laughing. I want to do the same.

"By this year, they will likely surge towards the Kibagamine Pass, probably from August to September. We are hiring new troops. I want to be able to move at least 8,000 men from the Kudoki main family alone, excluding the troops from Echizen. We are also buying muskets from Sakai using the Eight Gates. By summer, we should have at least 2,000."

When I looked at Jushiro, he nodded as if to say, "It's fine."

"I think it will be sufficient to defend the Kibagamine Pass."

Ueno-no-suke, I believe your words.

"Has the new Shogun been decided yet?"

"Not yet. It will probably be after the battle with the Hatakeyama ends."

When I answered, Jubei nodded. The battle between the Miwa and the Hatakeyama is gradually tilting in favor of the Miwa, but it hasn't ended yet. Hatakeyama Takaharu is stubbornly resisting. He even sent a letter asking me to fight together. I'm tired of it. I replied that it's impossible because we are dealing with the Ikkō-ikki.

"It seems that Miwa Magojiro doesn't have real power. He can't make decisions without his two uncles."

"Lord Jubei, well, it's a difficult situation. It's hard for one person to decide."

When the handsome Jubei laughed, the gentle Hanbei followed up. These two make a perfect team. I wonder what would have happened if Hanbei had served Jubei in history.

"However, isn't it decided that the next Shogun will be Yoshimasa of the Hirashima family?"

"Not necessarily. There is also Lord Ichijo-in Kakukei, the younger brother of Yoshiaki."

"Even after killing Yoshiaki? Lord Jubei."

"That's why it's good. You should know what will happen if you oppose the Miwa."

The handsome Jubei and the brilliant Ueno-no-suke, their relationship is like a teacher and student because of their age difference. But Jubei has a point. In both history and this world, Ichijo-in Kakukei, later known as Ashikaga Yoshiaki, was not killed. He is seen as a valuable card.

The favored candidate, Yoshimasa of the Hirashima family, is the grandson of the 11th Shogun Ashikaga Yoshizumi. He is the son of Yoshizumi's son, Ashikaga Yoshitada. To Yoshiaki and Yoshitaka, he is a cousin, and I think he will be the 14th Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshitane. He will probably change his name. Currently, he and his father Yoshitada are living in the Hirashima estate of Tenshoin Temple in Awa. The reason they are called the Hirashima family is because of this. In history, Yoshitada and Yoshitane died of illness soon after, but what will happen in this world...

"Lord, people who seem to be Ikkō followers are frequently visiting Katsura."

When Jushiro spoke, everyone frowned.

"From Kaga?"

"No, also from Hongan-ji."

Everyone's faces became even more serious. They look like they've just taken Senburi. Really, the Ikkō followers are a troublesome existence.

"Lord, what about the Katsura pirates?"

Jubei looked worried. He was in Echizen, so he knows the fear of the Ikkō followers well.

"I met them through Yojiemon, and they know about it. The impression wasn't bad. Yojiemon still occasionally meets with the Katsura pirates. They are reluctant to fight the Kudoki."

Jushiro, Jubei, Hanbei, and Ueno-no-suke, none of them are convinced. I can't blame them; I'm worried too.

"Yojiemon made a proposal."

The four looked at me.

"Should we impose a blockade on Katsura? The Kudoki goods will be sent to Kyoto through the Kudoki Valley, not through Katsura."

The four looked at each other, all with skeptical expressions.

"Will it be effective?"

"To some extent, it should be. A blockade is something Katsura will dislike. However, Jushiro, if we do that, there will be complaints from the Kudoki as well. Using the lake and ships is much faster and allows for much more cargo than using horses on land."

"..."

"I told Yojiemon that, but he said that even spreading rumors will have an effect."

Everyone is thinking. In a sense, this is like an economic sanction. How effective it will be...

"Will it harden Katsura's stance?"

"I think it's quite possible, Hanbei."

Hanbei's concern is valid. Countries that are economically sanctioned usually react more strongly than they become docile. This is evident from Japan during World War II. But in this case, it's not an economic sanction but a warning of an economic sanction. Moreover, it's just spreading rumors. The Kudoki won't overtly warn them. There might be an announcement effect that cools their heads...

"If Katsura still decides to act?"

When Ueno-no-suke asked, everyone looked at me.

"There's no choice but to crush them."

"It will mean a conflict with Mount Hiei, Lord."

"There's no other way, Ueno-no-suke. If we leave them alone, they will underestimate us. It won't end well. If Mount Hiei stands in the way, we will crush Mount Hiei."

The four looked at each other.

"I agree with Lord's thoughts."

"Lord Jubei!"

Hanbei and Ueno-no-suke scolded him.

"If the Kudoki want to expand their power in Omi, a confrontation with temples and shrines, including Mount Hiei, is inevitable, isn't it?"

When Jubei asked, Hanbei and Ueno-no-suke reluctantly nodded. Jushiro also nodded vigorously. He was thinking this from the beginning.

"I will spread the rumors in Katsura."

"I leave it to you, Jushiro. ...But fighting the Ikkō followers in Echizen and Mount Hiei in Omi, we might be called enemies of the Buddha."

When I said that, the four laughed softly. I couldn't help but laugh too. Why do I have to play the role of Nobunaga? But Jubei is right. If we want to gain power in Omi, a confrontation with Mount Hiei is inevitable. In history, the Asai and Rokkaku tried to avoid it, and their downfall was inevitable.

Crushing Mount Hiei and expelling the Rokkaku, we will gain control of Shiga County. This will secure the entry and exit to Kyoto. We need a castle. Otsu, but Otsu is too close to Kyoto and might unnecessarily provoke the Miwa. In that case, it should be Sakamoto. Overseeing Katsura, Mount Hiei, and the Rokkaku while securing the entry and exit to Kyoto... Who will I assign? Gorouemon? No, I need to assign him to lead a separate force in an emergency. Then... My head hurts. I always struggle with a lack of talent. Maybe I should assign it to Sakamoto.

"Jubei, how is the castle construction in Naha?"

"The construction is progressing smoothly. The local lords of Sakata County are being cooperative."

"That's good."

Jubei looks pleased. I will also have a castle built in Sakamoto. Look forward to it.

"Rokkaku Sakyo Daifu Takayori is expressing dissatisfaction. Now that the rebellion of the Ogura family has been suppressed, we can't be complacent."

"..."

Don't say such heavy things, Jushiro.

Rokkaku Sakyo Daifu Takayori suppressed the rebellion of the Ogura family at the end of March. It took five months to suppress the rebellion after it started. The rebel Ogura branch was destroyed, and their land became part of the Rokkaku family's domain. The main Ogura family, which lost its head, will have the second son of the late Gotou Tanba-no-kami adopted as the heir. This appointment seems to be well-received because the late Gotou Tanba-no-kami was popular among the local lords.

Suppressing the rebellion in five months is not something to be proud of, but Takayori seems satisfied. He seems to think he has successfully won his first battle. The senior vassals of the Rokkaku family, however, are probably relieved. The letter from my father-in-law has a sense of relief. He doesn't want any more internal problems.

They will probably start causing trouble again, demanding the return of Sakata County or the construction of a castle. The shogunate officials in the Rokkaku family seem to want to rescue Ichijo-in Kakukei. They argue that rescuing him and welcoming him to Kannonji Castle will enhance the prestige of the Rokkaku family. The Ohtaki and others have no standing as they are, so they want to create a position by welcoming Yoshitaka. Naturally, my father-in-law and the senior vassals are opposed. They argue that the current Rokkaku family doesn't have the power for such a move. But Takayori is enthusiastic. I would absolutely refuse if I were in his position.

To restrain Takayori, I need allies. But Nobunaga is still struggling in Mino. He occasionally sends troops to Ise Nagashima as well. It seems to be to cut off support for the Ikkō-ikki in Mikawa, but it's not going well. He might be afraid of the rebellion spreading to Owari. He won't be able to take Mino or Nagashima with a half-hearted effort. ...I will have a castle built in Sumata. Sumata is a strategic location for transportation and close to Inabayama Castle. It will have a significant psychological impact on the local lords of Mino. By putting pressure on western Mino and using intrigue to turn them, if western Mino becomes Oda territory, both Takayori and Ryūsei will be subdued, ...right?

Eiroku 8 (1565) Mid-April, Owari Kariya District, Komaki Village, Komaki Castle, Kihara Hideyoshi

"Excuse me, I am Kichizaemon."

When I opened the door and entered the room, Lord and Dan羽 Gorouzaemon-no-suke were already there.

"You're late!"

It was Lord's displeased voice. I felt a chill. Lord has been in a bad mood recently. Neither the Mino campaign nor the Ikkō-ikki of Ise Nagashima is making progress.

"I apologize."

"Come here!"

"Ha!"

I hurried over.

"A letter came from Kudoki."

A letter from Kudoki? I glanced at Dan羽, who also looked surprised. Lord was waiting for both of us to be present before speaking.

"The letter says that while they have formed an alliance, they cannot help with the Mino campaign, and they are sorry."

What does this mean? Kudoki's focus has always been on Echizen. They said they couldn't contribute much to the Mino campaign. Lord formed an alliance with the hope that Kudoki would divert some of their attention, but...

"Kudoki says they want to help in some way."

"Are they sending troops?"

When Dan羽 asked,