Chapter 40

【Kudoki Family】

Kudoki Minbu Shosho Sadatsuna - Grandfather of Yagoro Kihachiro

Kudoki Koye - Wife of Yagoro Kihachiro, daughter of Hirai Sadahide

Hidetsugu Goemon - Vassal of the Kudoki family, hereditary retainer, member of the council

Hidetsugu Samon Sadahide - Vassal of the Kudoki family, hereditary retainer, son of Goemon

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

Otsu Hachizaemon Kanetoshi - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Rokkaku family, Otsu magistrate

【Rokkaku Family】

Rokkaku Sakyo Daibu Teruyori - Head of the Rokkaku family, biological son of Hosokawa Harumoto, adopted into the Rokkaku family

Komi Mimasaka-no-kami Hidemasa - Vassal of the Rokkaku family, magistrate of Kusatsu

Hirai Kaga-no-kami Sadahide - Vassal of the Rokkaku family, one of the six major vassals

Hirai Yataro Takahide - Vassal of the Rokkaku family, son of Hirai Kaga-no-kami Sadahide

【Miyoshi Family】

Miyoshi Shuri Daibu Masahide - Former head of the Miyoshi family

Miyoshi Saburoemon Masanari - Head of the Miyoshi family, son of Toki Masahide, adopted into the Miyoshi family

Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami Masahide - Brother of Masahide, uncle of Masanari

Azuma Settsu-no-kami Fuyuyasu - Brother of Masahide, uncle of Masanari

Matsunaga Danjo Tadayoshi - Vassal of the Miyoshi family

Naito Bizen-no-kami Masahiro - Vassal of the Miyoshi family, brother of Tadayoshi

【Ashikaga Family】

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

Ichijo-in Kakukei / Ashikaga Yoshinaga - Brother of Yoshiaki, 15th Shogun in historical fact

Ashikaga Yoshitada (Yoshie) - Cousin of Yoshiaki, 14th Shogun in historical fact

Hosokawa Hyobu Daifu Fujitaka - Vassal of Ashikaga Yoshiaki

【Hatakeyama Family】

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

【Oda Family】

Oda Kazusa-no-suke Nobunaga - Head of the Oda family, lord of Owari

【Ikkoku Family】

Ikkoku Uemon Daifu Takaharu - Head of the Ikkoku family, lord of Mino

【Hongan-ji】

Kennyo - 11th head of Hongan-ji

In the eighth month of Eiroku 9 (1566), at the end of the month, in Ika County, Omi Province, at the Salt Beach, in the Salt Beach Castle, Kudoki Kihachiro.

"It's been a long time, Hyobu Daifu-dono."

"Indeed, it has been a long time."

"This time, I have caused you much trouble. I am truly grateful."

"It's no big deal. I am glad to be of service."

In the study of Salt Beach Castle, I am drinking tea with Hosokawa Hyobu Daifu Fujitaka. Although we are drinking tea calmly, there were many things that happened before I came here. Thinking about it, it feels a bit strange.

"How is Sakyo Daibu-dono doing?"

"Of course, he is not well."

Fujitaka shook his head.

"That's a problem, but if we trace it back, the reason is that Sakyo Daibu-dono treated his father-in-law rudely. It can't be helped."

"..."

"Sakyo Daibu-dono may not know, but my wife is the adopted daughter of the late Jochi Nyudo, meaning she is a daughter of the Rokkaku family who married into the Kudoki family. To distrust Hirai Kaga-no-kami just because of our connection is a bit unreasonable."

The fault lies with Sakyo Daibu, not with me. Please convey this to Yoshinaga, Fujitaka-dono.

Around the end of July, Hirai's father-in-law submitted to the Kudoki. I invited him, but I was honestly surprised. It felt like, "Really?" But it also means that the father-in-law was in a desperate situation. According to his son Yataro, after Koye became pregnant, Sakyo Daibu's treatment became even harsher.

The father-in-law's submission to the Kudoki was also for the sake of Koye and the unborn child. If the Hirai clan were destroyed by Sakyo Daibu, Koye would lose her support. In that case, the position of Koye and the unborn child would become extremely unstable. Therefore, it would be better to submit to the Kudoki, protect Koye and her child, and expand the Hirai's influence.

Of course, the Rokkaku Sakyo Daibu was furious at the Hirai's defection. He ordered the destruction of the Hirai and tried to gather troops, but they did not gather easily. It's not surprising, as the defection of the Hirai was discovered in early August. In about a month, the harvest season would begin. If the war were to drag on, it would affect the harvest. I think there was a thought that it would be better to wait until after the harvest. However, it is clear that Sakyo Daibu's control has weakened. If it were an order from Jochi Nyudo, a certain number of troops would have gathered.

I understand the feelings of the local lords, but I don't need to cater to them. We immediately deployed our troops. The main force of the Kudoki family used the navy to land in Kusatsu. While the Katsura navy secured control of the lake, the Kudoki navy transported the troops. It went better than expected.

We were able to quickly deploy ten thousand troops to Kusatsu. It should have been a sufficient show of force to the Rokkaku's local lords. It would make future negotiations easier. I ordered the local lords of Ika County to prepare for movements from Echizen, and gathered the local lords of Asai and Sakata counties at Ima Beach Castle. Together with the garrison of Ima Beach Castle, about four thousand troops gathered at Ima Beach Castle.

I ordered Samon, who was defending Ima Beach Castle, to stay inside the castle and not to go out. It would be enough to defend the castle and draw some of the enemy's forces. As expected, in the eastern part of southern Omi, local lords who refused Sakyo Daibu's orders and fortified their own territories continued to appear. This situation was convenient for the local lords who did not want to send troops before the harvest.

I sent letters to the local lords of Kutsu County.

"This incident is solely to protect the father-in-law, Hirai Kaga-no-kami, and not to cut off Kutsu County. Therefore, we will not attack you, and we hope you can rest assured."

Kutsu County had been quite restless, but it seemed to calm down after sending these letters. Everyone knew that Sakyo Daibu had been harsh on the Hirai. They probably thought the defection was inevitable.

While this was happening, Yoshinaga intervened as a mediator. For Yoshinaga, it would be ideal to have both the Kudoki and the Rokkaku as allies. I think he thought that by doing favors for both sides... and there was also the issue of money. Ashikaga Yoshitada, the Koga Shogun, was appointed to the position of Jisha Shogun and renamed Yoshie. In the Muromachi period, the position of Jisha Shogun was seen as the next Shogun. In other words, Yoshie was recognized as a candidate for the next Shogun, and the Shogun's appointment was imminent.

On the other hand, Yoshinaga was in a difficult position. He was in the Taima Castle in Yamato with Miyoshi Masanari, but the situation was not good due to the attacks from the Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami, Azuma Settsu-no-kami, and the temple and shrine forces of Nara, as well as the筒井氏. Even with the support of the Hatakeyama of Kawachi and Kii, they were at a disadvantage.

Yoshinaga also wanted a position to counter this. Moreover, he wanted to receive the Shogun's appointment first. But that would require money. He was thinking of mediating, receiving a reward, and if it went well, gaining the Kudoki and Rokkaku as allies. It's fine, if he asks for troops, I will refuse, but I can provide some financial assistance. I will pay the reward properly. I am not ungrateful or stingy.

Sakyo Daibu's surroundings were close to the harvest season, and troops were not gathering. If this continued, the Kudoki would have the upper hand. I persuaded Sakyo Daibu to accept mediation. I also accepted the mediation; there was no need to force the issue. The result would be a confirmation of the current situation. In Kutsu County, Komai and Hirai were recognized as vassals of the Kudoki. In addition, we took in Koi's uncle. That's about it for this time.

It's not easy to cut off Kutsu County right now. Among the Rokkaku's vassals, there are powerful figures like Shintō and Aochi. They have both power and popularity. Sakyo Daibu is not scary, but they are. One mistake could lead to a unified front against the Kudoki. In historical fact, most of them surrendered to Nobunaga, but Nobunaga had over 30,000 troops. With only 15,000 troops, I can't be sure what would happen.

First, I will conduct negotiations from the west of the lake to the east. Then, I will cut off Echizen and strengthen my forces. Based on that, I will cut off the west and east of the lake. This time, it's more of a reconnaissance in force. The Rokkaku couldn't deploy troops, but we could. This is significant. The local lords of southern Omi probably think that Sakyo Daibu is not reliable. We will proceed step by step. I think Fujitaka understands this.

"Yoshinaga-sama relies on Daisan Daifu-sama."

Stop it.

"It would be more advantageous to ally with the Rokkaku family rather than the Kudoki family. This mediation is a good opportunity to bring the Rokkaku family into our fold."

I don't want to get too close to the Ashikaga. Fujitaka looked at me, smiling.

"I understand Daisan Daifu-sama's thoughts... but the Rokkaku family is unreliable. Shudai-sama also thinks so."

"Shudai-dono?"

Shudai... Matsunaga Tadayoshi's official position is Danjo, but Shudai is the Chinese name for Danjo. In this region, Shudai refers to Matsunaga Tadayoshi. Tadayoshi took over the northern part of Yamato from the Rokkaku. It's unlikely that the Rokkaku will become an ally. Incidentally, the Rokkaku have the monks of Mount Hiei on their side. For Tadayoshi, who is in a hostile relationship with the monks of Nara, the Rokkaku must seem like part of the monk faction. And I, who burned Mount Hiei, am a friend.

"Can you lend your support to Yoshinaga-sama? Everyone is worried that Daisan Daifu-sama will not support him. They think he has given up on Yoshinaga-sama's abilities."

The weight of the tripod? We haven't even met, so there's no way I've given up on him. Why would I be a loyal retainer to the Ashikaga? I don't like the Ashikaga.

"Even if I support Yoshinaga-sama, it won't make much of a difference."

"What do you mean?"

Fujitaka looked puzzled. These people like to drag out wars.

"The Kudoki has grown to 500,000 koku, with about 15,000 troops. If we divide our forces to suppress Echizen and the Rokkaku, we can only send about 7,000 troops to Kyoto. I don't think that will be very useful. At the very least, we need 30,000 troops..."

"30,000 troops...?"

Fujitaka looked stunned.

In this world, the Miyoshi are stronger than in historical fact because Miyoshi Masahide and Azuma Fuyuyasu are still alive. And Tadayoshi is also stronger because his brother is still alive. Even if I send 7,000 troops, it will be difficult to achieve a decisive victory. In other words, the war will continue. That's the worst way to fight.

I remember that Nobunaga's army for the march to Kyoto was about 70,000 in total. But the main force of Nobunaga's army was about 30,000. However, because there was a large army of 30,000, more participants joined during the march to Kyoto. And because it became a massive army of 70,000, the enemy fled. Moving a large army is expensive, but in the end, it ended quickly and was cheaper.

"But 30,000 troops..."

"We need to control Echizen and southern Omi."

We need at least 5,000 troops to suppress Kaga. Considering that, the total military strength of the Kudoki needs to be over 35,000, or about 1.2 million koku. Clearly, we need to control southern Omi. It's possible to hire troops with money, but relying solely on income from money is risky. We need the backing of rice income.

"Or, if Oda-dono controls Mino, we can borrow his strength."

"Oda-dono?"

"Yes."

He looks puzzled. It seems that the idea of borrowing Nobunaga's strength hasn't even crossed Yoshinaga's and his close associates' minds.

"If Oda controls Owari and Mino, with 1 million koku, and the Kudoki has at least 500,000 koku, together we can have 30,000 troops. With that, we can pressure the Rokkaku family to join the march to Kyoto, making it 40,000 troops. With 40,000 troops from Omi to Kyoto, Tadayoshi from Yamato, and Hatakeyama from Kawachi and Kii, we can prepare sufficient forces to attack from three directions and surely win."

"But can Oda control Mino?"

"I think he will, but..."

Fujitaka tilted his head. I'm a bit worried too. I think Nobunaga will control Mino, but if asked when, I can only tilt my head. The castle at Mokuma was built, but the negotiations are not progressing as expected. There are three reasons. First, the fact that the castle at Mokuma was built according to my plan and the construction method was also my idea has spread. In other words, the Oda are not seen as significant. Nobunaga defeated Imagawa Yoshimoto at Okehazama, but...

Second, in this world, the incident where Chūhachirō took over Inabayama Castle did not happen. The authority of Ikkoku Takaharu is not subtly undermined. The legend of Inabayama Castle being impregnable is still alive. Third, there is the issue of the Ise Nagashima. They are allied with the Ikkoku and are hindering the Oda. The local lords of Mino are hesitant to join the Oda. It will take more time to control Mino.

"It might take a little more time."

"..."

"That's why it's important to ally with the Rokkaku family now."

"Whether Yoshinaga-sama will agree..."

Fujitaka looked dejected. Well, try your best. I don't intend to actively work for Yoshinaga. I don't want to be called and come immediately. I'll push it to the Rokkaku.

"By the way, Hyobu Daifu-dono, there is something I would like to ask."

"What is it?"

"Why is Yoshinaga-sama acting with Miyoshi Masanari, who is the enemy of his brother, and what is the reason for that?"

When I asked, Fujitaka nodded vigorously.

"Masanari-dono was framed."

Framed? There must be something behind it...

In the ninth month of Eiroku 9 (1566), in the middle of the month, in Ika County, Omi Province, at the Salt Beach, in the Salt Beach Castle, Kudoki Kihachiro.

"So, an internal split is inevitable?"

When I asked, Jushiro smiled.

"There is already a conflict over this year's taxes between the followers in Kaga and Echizen. It will not be resolved."

Well, it won't be resolved because there are people stirring it up, Jushiro. I ordered it, but...

"So, should we attack now or next year?"

When I asked Jubei, Hanbei, and Ueno-no-suke, they looked at each other, and Jubei spoke.

"I think we should attack immediately."

"There's not much time until the snow falls. Wouldn't it be better to let the followers fight each other and attack next year?"

"Lord, if we wait until next year, there is a possibility that the followers will fight in April and May.