Chapter 37

【Kudoki Family】

Kudoki Minbu Shousuke Sadatsuna - Grandfather of Yagoro Masatsuna

Kudoki Kurando Noritsuna - Great-uncle of Yagoro Masatsuna

Kudoki Ubayewo Naotsuna - Uncle of Yagoro Masatsuna

Kudoki Saemonnojo Terutaka - Uncle of Yagoro Masatsuna

Hioki Gorouemon Yukichika - Vassal of the Kudoki family, hereditary, councilor

Iguchi Echizenno守 Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Asai family, councilor

Tazawa Matasaburou Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, hereditary

Takanoze Bizenno守 Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Rokkaku family, turned to the Asai family and declined in the Nara field battle

Tazawa Kojirou Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, hereditary, son of Tazawa Matasaburou Masahiro

Moriyama Sakubei Shigemasa - Vassal of the Kudoki family, hereditary, son of the public affairs officer Moriyama Yabuemon Shigeyoshi

Shinjo Gembuzaemon Naomasa - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Asai family, lord of the Sakata district

Ohno Kousa Masahide - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Asai family, lord of the Sakata district

Tsukagasawa Wakasa Masaharu - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Asai family, lord of the Ika district

Ashida Shirozaemon Nobutomo - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Takeda family

Muroga Jinshiro Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Takeda family

Aikiji Shibe Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Takeda family

Koizumi Sozaemon Shigemasa - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Takeda family

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

Takatani Hanbe Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, military strategist

Numata Ueno Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, military strategist

Kurono Jukurou Kagehisa - Vassal of the Kudoki family, leader of the eight gates

Kutsugetsu Hayatsuki - Vassal of the Kudoki family, subordinate of Jukurou, commander of the ten units

Hayashi Yujizaemon - Commander of the Kudoki navy

Kudoki Shunzei Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, grandson of Kudoki Kurando Noritsuna

Hioki Sukegorou Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, grandson of Hioki Gorouemon Yukichika

Miyagawa Shigemasa Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, grandson of the production officer Miyagawa Matasaburou Sadahiro

Arakawa Heishiro Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, grandson of the granary officer Arakawa Heikuro Masahiro

Nagano Jinpachiro Masahiro - Vassal of the Kudoki family, grandson of the agricultural officer Nagano Shinzaburou Masahiro

【Rokkaku Family】

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

Otsu Hachizaemon Kanahiro - Vassal of the Rokkaku family, Otsu officer

Komi Mimasaka Masahiro - Vassal of the Rokkaku family, Kusatsu officer

【Miwa Family】

Miwa Shuri Daifu Masahiro - Former head of the Miwa family

Miwa Mago Saburou Masahiro - Head of the Miwa family, son of Togawa Issai, adopted into the Miwa family

Miwa Buzen Masahiro - Brother of Masahiro, uncle of Mago Saburou Masahiro

Anzai Settsu Masahiro - Brother of Masahiro, uncle of Mago Saburou Masahiro

【Hatakeyama Family】

Hatakeyama Shuri Ryo Masahiro - Head of the Hatakeyama family, guardian of Kii and Kawachi

【Katsuta】

Ishihara Yujirou Masahiro - Commander of the Katsuta navy

In the eighth month of 1565, in the southern Nakachou district of Echizen, at the Kibasaka Pass, Kudoki Masahiro:

The forts of Hachibuse, Kannonmaru, Kibasaka, and Seikoushima stood in a row, guarding the Kibasaka Pass. In front of them, the Kudoki army had set up camp, blocking the pass. To capture the forts or break through the Kibasaka Pass, one would have to defeat the Kudoki army. If the Ikki forces ignored the Kudoki army and attacked the forts, they would be attacked from both the forts and the Kudoki army, suffering tremendous losses.

In front of the Kudoki army, three layers of horse barriers were built to prevent the enemy from easily breaking through. There were also three layers of horse barriers on the sides. Defeating the Kudoki army, protected by these barriers, would not be easy. The Kudoki musket corps, numbering two thousand, could fire in three waves of seven hundred, seven hundred, and six hundred, inflicting significant damage on the enemy. In this world, the Battle of Nagashino would not happen; instead, the Battle of Kibasaka would become famous for its continuous musket fire.

The Kudoki main army, including the fort soldiers, numbered about ten thousand, and the kokujin troops numbered about three thousand, totaling thirteen thousand. I have no sentimental thoughts about leading an army of over ten thousand. The large army of the Ikki forces, arrayed about eight hundred meters (about eight cho) away, clearly outnumbered the Kudoki army, with over thirty thousand troops. It was more like three times as many. It was a reality that made me want to cry with gratitude, but there was another painful reality.

"Uemon, it's raining."

"Thunder is rumbling, and the wind is strong. This is a storm, and it looks like it will get worse."

Don't sound so relaxed, White-gege. Do you understand? This rain will render the Kudoki army's strength, its firepower, useless. What do you think the horse barriers are for? It was a lot of work to gather the wood. My officers, Naotsuna, Terutaka, and Shintaro, Iwemon, worked hard to gather it...

It was sunny just a moment ago. Suddenly, the wind started, and it quickly turned dark with flashes of lightning and thunder. Could a typhoon be hitting Echizen directly? It's not impossible given the time of year...

"Night will fall soon. The rain will intensify. In this weather, battle is impossible. The enemy is also taking shelter. We must evacuate our troops."

"Only about four to five thousand can fit in the upper forts. If the rain gets worse, it will be difficult to climb up. We must hurry. The remaining troops, though pitiful, must take shelter under the trees and rest."

Hanbe and Jubei started suggesting that the troops be evacuated. Was I being unreasonable for considering a night attack?

"Let's hold a council of war. Gather everyone."

Several voices of reproach rose, but I ignored them.

"Jukurou, confirm the enemy's movements. Whether they are taking shelter from the storm or attacking, our actions will depend on this."

"Hai."

Jukurou moved. Seeing this, people started to move reluctantly. The rain intensified. In about half an hour, the Kudoki main army's generals and kokujin lords gathered.

It was a council of war in the rain, with no zabuton, standing in the rain. The weather worsened, and it was so dark that faces could not be distinguished. The rain and wind were pounding. I raised my voice to be heard over the storm.

"Jukurou is confirming the enemy's movements! If the enemy is taking shelter from the storm, we will attack! If they are advancing, we will meet them here!"

"Do you think the enemy will advance, my lord?"

The tone was surprised, and it was probably Iguchi Echizenno守.

"I would. The Kudoki muskets are useless. In that case, the numerically superior Ikki forces have the advantage. Don't you agree?"

No one said anything. Were they opposed, or in agreement? Were they perhaps stunned? It seemed likely.

"If the enemy is taking shelter from the storm, we will attack! This storm will hide our movements! We will attack from the front, and the two thousand soldiers from the forts will come down the mountain to attack the enemy's flanks and rear! When the enemy is confused, shout that they are betrayed! That the Echizen forces have betrayed them! And that it's over, and they should flee!"

"..."

"The two thousand musketeers will defend the forts! There, the muskets can be used. Tazawa Kojirou and Moriyama Sakubei, stay here to defend the camp and secure the Kibasaka Pass!"

"Hai."

While giving orders, Jukurou returned with a few subordinates.

"My lord! The Ikki forces are taking shelter from the storm and resting! They do not expect us to attack!"

"Good! In half an hour, we will advance. Put bits in the horses' mouths!"

Shinji and Sozaemon volunteered to lead the vanguard. They are newcomers from Shinano and want to earn trust by achieving a feat. To avoid friendly fire, we set a password: "Sky" and "Sea." If we win, we will become famous.

It's a terrible situation. The storm has intensified, almost a typhoon. Fortunately, it's a tailwind. People and horses are being pushed by the wind and rain. The mud is terrible, and we can't run, only move quickly. Shunzei, Sukegorou, Shigemasa, Heishiro, and Jinpachiro follow silently. They don't talk as much as before. They seem to be more focused. It's a bit better. Perhaps it's time to involve them in practical work under the officers, or in the military strategy or logistics departments.

Finish this battle as quickly as possible. It would be easier to win with continuous musket fire in clear weather. But with muskets, we would have to wait for the enemy to attack. If the Kaga Ikki were to face the Kudoki alone, it would be fine, but there's a possibility that Katsuta is moving. Considering the presence of Rokkaku and Miwa, it's best to finish this quickly. Also, the Mino Isshiki, who now hates the Kudoki because of the Sumata incident, is a concern. We are surrounded on all sides.

Still, it's a terrible battle. The rain and wind are severe, and visibility is poor. It's dark, but I can't tell if it's because of the night or the bad weather. The occasional lightning is the only light, and it allows us to see a little. I don't think the leading units, guided by the eight gates, are lost...

A shout rose from the front!

"Uemon!"

"My lord! It's started!"

"Don't fall behind! Crush the Ikki forces!"

I raised my voice, and voices rose around me. The speed of the advance increased, and everyone seemed to believe we could win. They were excited. Still, their feet were stuck in the mud, and they couldn't move their horses as they wished!

Shouts also rose from another direction, and lightning flashed. It was probably the people who came down from the forts. From the direction, it was likely Takanoze Bizenno守 from Hachibuse or Ashida Shirozaemon from Seikoushima. Then, voices rose from the opposite direction. It was probably Tazawa Matasaburou and Muroga Jinshiro. They seemed to have attacked from both flanks, and the enemy must be confused. This is our chance!

"The enemy is confused! Don't forget the password!"

Everyone responded "Ou" to Uemon's shout. I was about to say it...

As we advanced, the sounds of swords clashing, screams, roars, and death cries could be heard.

"Don't run! Stand and fight! Ugh, ... damn it!"

"Go back to Kaga!"

"It's a betrayal! The Echizen forces have betrayed us!"

"It's over! Flee!"

I could hear it, or perhaps they were saying it so I could hear. The sounds were fading. Were they trying to escape? It flashed! The enemy was collapsing!

"Uemon!"

"My lord, the enemy is collapsing!"

"Don't let them escape! Pursue them!"

"Pursue them!"

When Uemon and I shouted "Pursue them!" everyone shouted "Pursue them!" and "Don't let them escape!" and moved towards the enemy.

In the early part of September 1565, in the Tsuruga district of Echizen, at the Kinka Castle, Kudoki Masahiro:

"Katsuta has seized the Kudoki ships, you say?"

"Yes, it's a problem."

With a slightly relaxed smile, the woman named Hayatsuki of the eight gates, who was around thirty-five and quite attractive, answered. She had come to deliver information about the Kinai region to Jukurou. Some of the generals frowned, but Jukurou looked resigned. This was probably how it usually was.

"Did the Katsuta pirates do it?"

Hayatsuki slowly shook her head.

"Was it the Ikki forces?"

"Yes."

"Is it happening now?"

She shook her head again.

"They seem to have returned the seized ships."

"We won, so they hurriedly returned the ships! How despicable!"

When Iguchi Echizenno守 spat this out, those gathered in the large hall nodded. Looking at them, I realized how many there were. The Kudoki had grown without me noticing.

"Did Katsuta apologize to the Kudoki?"

"I haven't heard of such a thing."

"What about Mount Hiei?"

"Yes."

Hayatsuki laughed and said, "We are being taken lightly."

"That's impolite! Woman!"

"Stop it, Uemon."

"But..."

"Hayatsuki is right. I am being taken lightly."

Uemon's face turned red, and he fell silent. Don't glare at Hayatsuki like that. But Hayatsuki, stop laughing. Jukurou looks uncomfortable.

"We will attack Mount Hiei."

Several voices of "My lord" rose.

"Are you opposed? But the battles in Echizen will continue. If we don't crush Mount Hiei here, Katsuta will continue to act as they please. Is that acceptable? As Hayatsuki said, I, or rather the Kudoki, am being taken lightly. In this chaotic world, you should understand how dangerous that is. Don't forget that the Rokkaku are to the south and the Miwa to the west."

Many nodded.

"We will crush Mount Hiei and defeat Katsuta. We will make the Kudoki's fear known to the world. We will make Otsu and the Kudoki's territory. We will build a castle in Sakamoto to control the west and gain Echizen and Wakasa!"

"..."

"Is there anyone opposed? Don't hold back; this is a council of war."

Everyone remained silent.

"We will attack Mount Hiei. Prepare for it."

"Hai."

Everyone bowed and left the hall. Only Jukurou, Hayatsuki, Jubei, Hanbe, and Ueno Masahiro remained. When I said, "Come closer," they obediently approached.

"Is there any movement from the Rokkaku?"

"There has been no significant movement."

"What about the Miwa and Hatakeyama?"

"Yes."

Have they been at war for over half a year? Is their territory safe? The farmers' discontent must be growing, and they probably can't expect any income. There is no one to mediate since there is no shogun. I think it's a big advantage that the Kudoki don't rely on peasant soldiers. The Kudoki can still conduct military operations in September.

"Jukurou, Hayatsuki."

"Hai."

"Follow the movements of Mount Hiei and Katsuta. I hear that many of the monks of Mount Hiei live in Sakamoto. Don't forget to investigate the movements in Sakamoto."

"Hai."

"Tell Yujizaemon to ally with the Katsuta pirates and the Tachihara forces. And assist him."

"Hai."

The two bowed and left.

"This victory in Echizen is significant, I think."

"Do you think so, Hanbe?"

"Yes. My lord, you have repelled the troublesome Ikki forces. And now, by attacking Mount Hiei here, everyone will fear you. A fool like Katsuta will not appear again. The kokujin are not opposing because they need a strong ruler in northern Omi. We cannot afford to relax here."

Jubei and Ueno Masahiro nodded.

The battle against the Ikki forces ended in a great victory for the Kudoki. The Kudoki army pursued the Ikki forces in the storm and captured the Hachibuse Castle. However, they were exhausted and had to rest in the castle for a full day to avoid the storm. After the weather improved, they advanced north and captured the Y