Chapter 42

【Kure Family】

Hidemaro Goroemon - Kure Family Vassal, Hereditary, Councilor

Kurono Shigezo Kagehisa - Kure Family Vassal, Leader of the Eight Gates

Ashida Shirozaemon Nobushige - Kure Family Vassal, Former Takeda Vassal

Mishima Shichiro Masahiro - Kure Family Vassal, Former Takeda Vassal

Sanada Danjou Tadayoshi - Kure Family Vassal, Former Takeda Vassal

【Rokkaku Family】

Rokkaku Sakyo-no-taifu Teruyoshi - Head of the Rokkaku Family, Adopted son of the Rokkaku family, biological son of Hosokawa Harumoto

Saito Yamashiro-no-kami Tadamasa - Rokkaku Family Vassal

Mekada Jirozaemon-no-jo Tadaharu - Rokkaku Family Vassal

Gotou Tanba-no-kami Tadamitsu - Rokkaku Family Vassal, died in the collapse of Kannonji

Gotou Iki-no-kami Tadanari - Rokkaku Family Vassal, son of Gotou Tanba-no-kami Tadamitsu

Kasuga Shimo-no-kami Sadahide - Rokkaku Family Vassal, retired due to being disliked by Sakyo-no-taifu Teruyoshi

Kasuga Sahyoe-no-taifu Tadahide - Rokkaku Family Vassal, son of Kasuga Shimo-no-kami Sadahide

【Shimotsuma Family】

Shimotsuma Shuri-no-taifu Nagahiro - Former Head of the Shimotsuma Family

Shimotsuma Masahiro - Head of the Shimotsuma Family, son of Toki Isonosuke, adopted into the Shimotsuma main family

Shimotsuma Buzen-no-kami Masahide - Brother of Nagahiro, uncle of Masahiro

Anzai Settsu-no-kami Toshikuni - Brother of Nagahiro, uncle of Masahiro

Matsunaga Danjou Tadayoshi - Shimotsuma Family Vassal, known as Shodai (Chinese name for Danjou-tai)

Naito Bizen-no-kami Masahiro - Shimotsuma Family Vassal, brother of Matsunaga Tadayoshi

【Ashikaga Family】

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

Ashikaga Yoshiaki - Brother of Yoshiaki, historical 15th Shogun Ashikaga Yoshizumi

Ashikaga Yoshie - Cousin of Yoshiaki, from the Hoshima Kanpaku family

Hosokawa San-no-jo Fujitaka - Vassal of Ashikaga Yoshiaki and Yoshizumi

【Hatakeyama Family】

Hatakeyama Shuri-no-suke Takaharu - Head of the Hatakeyama Family, Guardian of Kii and Kawachi

【Oda Family】

Oda Kamakura-no-suke Nobunaga - Head of the Oda Family, Lord of Owari

【Ikkoku Family】

Ikkoku Uemon-no-taifu Ryūkō - Head of the Ikkoku Family, Lord of Mino

【Honganji】

Kennyo - 11th Head of the Honganji

Shichiri Mikawa-no-kami Yasuaki - Official of the Honganji

Shimo Kutsugino-no-kami Yasuteru - Warrior of the Honganji

Sugiura Iki-no-kami Genno - Warrior of the Honganji

【Kuge (Nobility)】

Kujo Sadahira - One of the Five Regent Families, Head of the Kujo Family, former Chancellor

Konoe Sakihisa - One of the Five Regent Families, Head of the Konoe Family, Chancellor

Tokudaiji Naoki - One of the Five Regent Families, Head of the Tokudaiji Family, Acting Grand Minister, wife is Princess Harunaga

Asukai Masahiro - Minister, grandfather of Kure Mototsuna

Asukai Masahiro - Acting Middle Minister, son of Asukai Masahiro, uncle of Kure Mototsuna

Yakuei - Monk of the Jodo Shinshu (Takada School), son of Asukai Masahiro

Eiroku 10 (1567) - Early February, Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Tsurugizaka Castle, Horse Field Nobuharu

"I have been in your service for a long time. I am deeply grateful for your friendship. Please convey my best wishes to the Lord."

"I understand. ... We may never meet again. Take care of yourself."

"It is an honor. Take care of yourself, Mino-no-kami. ... Farewell."

After a bow, Ichigawa Masahiro stood up and left the room, bowing once more outside. He is a man of principle.

Another one is gone. How many now...? As he thought this, Tokubei Daidai-no-suke entered the room and sat down in front of him.

"Mino-no-kami, did you just meet with Ichigawa Masahiro?"

"His final farewell."

"I see, ... It is inevitable, but it is truly regrettable."

Tokubei's voice was somber.

As Tokubei said, it is inevitable. The people of northern Shinano who sided with Takeda have all been stripped of their lands. Some may have tried to side with Uesugi, but the people of northern Shinano who sided with Uesugi did not allow it. The humiliation of being stripped of their lands and fleeing to Echigo hardened their hearts. Uesugi also favored those who fought Takeda and showed loyalty to Uesugi, rather than those who might betray them to Takeda.

If Takeda had the means, they could have given them replacement lands. But Takeda now has less than 300,000 koku of land and can barely defend against attacks from the Murakami and other people of northern Shinano. It is impossible to cut into others' lands. After all, Uesugi stands behind the Murakami. Takeda is focused on the Kanto region, but they cannot forget about Shinano.

With no hope of reclaiming their lands and no replacement lands to be given, Takeda has lost face. It is understandable that the people of northern Shinano have given up on Takeda and left. Takeda is both angry and pitiful, but also somewhat relieved. If they leave Takeda, it will reduce expenses and improve the household finances.

"Where is he going, did you ask?"

"He said to Omi."

"Then to Kure?"

"Probably."

Tokubei let out a light sigh and a troubled smile appeared on his face.

"Ah, everyone is going to Kure."

"Kure is known for its generous treatment of the people of northern Shinano. It must be easy for them to go there."

"Five hundred soldiers and fifty arquebuses, one frontline castle."

"That would be Mishima and Ashida. Sanada has been given 1,500 soldiers."

A force of 1,500 soldiers is equivalent to 50,000 koku of land. It is not the treatment of a newcomer but of a hereditary vassal. They are treated with enviable generosity.

"Kure, originally a small local lord, has few hereditary vassals, but he is taking a bold step."

"Perhaps to gather people from other regions. In fact, people are leaving Takeda one after another. He is turning a weakness into a strength."

Kure now has nearly a million koku of land and is close to Kyoto, making it easy for people to gather.

"Kure Daisan-no-taifu is said to be a man of strong temperament."

"Yes, I have heard that he was bold and difficult to control even as a child. Even before his coming of age, he did not yield a step to the Miyoshi in defending the late Shogun Yoshiaki."

"The famous story of him laughing off the threat of being destroyed with 3,000 soldiers if he betrayed, and not retreating even with 30,000."

Tokubei's tone was one of admiration.

"Among those who feared the Miyoshi, only Daisan-no-taifu did not fear them. Shogun Yoshiaki is said to have shed tears of gratitude for Daisan-no-taifu's loyalty."

Considering that Kure at the time had less than 10,000 koku of land, it was unusual. But Kure has now become a dominant force in the region. Perhaps those who achieve great things are different from ordinary people...

"Rokkaku Seishin entered the priesthood and made Daisan-no-taifu his son-in-law, seeing him as someone extraordinary..."

"He was a proud son-in-law, but the Rokkaku family has declined. The Rokkaku family no longer has the power it once had."

"Even in these turbulent times, it is harsh."

Tokubei sighed.

Indeed, it is harsh. The once powerful Asakura have been destroyed, and the Rokkaku can barely maintain half of Omi. They will either be destroyed by Kure or submit to maintain their lands. The same is true for the Takeda, Hojo, and Imagawa, who have lost their former power. The Miyoshi are divided and fighting each other. In this situation, Kure and Uesugi are gaining strength. Especially Kure, who burned down Mount Hiei and the Hie Shrine. They show no mercy to their enemies. This makes it difficult to become their enemy. The surrounding regions fear Kure...

"But a man skilled in war and with a strong temperament often lacks political skills. Daisan-no-taifu is different."

"Kure's false name list, it seems to be modeled after the Imagawa."

"That's true, but if it's good, he adopts it actively. That is commendable."

"Well, indeed, but..."

There is a part of me that does not want to acknowledge Kure Daisan-no-taifu. If Kure had not given unnecessary advice, Takeda would have conquered northern Shinano and aimed for Kozuke. Then they would have targeted weakened Suruga. The late Lord's eyes were set on the south. The alliance of the three countries will collapse, but as long as Uesugi is an enemy, Hojo cannot make Takeda an enemy. For the Hojo, who aim to dominate the Kanto region, the Kanto Kanrei is just an obstacle. It would not be easy for the Hojo to face Uesugi alone. The Hojo will surely ally with Takeda.

But in reality, Takeda, Hojo, and Imagawa have all weakened and must cooperate to maintain their territories. All the efforts to expand their territories have been in vain. The construction of the Dragon King's Dike, started by the late Lord, is not progressing due to a lack of funds. Lord Nobunaga is trying to restore Takeda's former strength, but...

"Envious, isn't it?"

"What?"

"Because they are the richest and strongest in the land. I hear that taxes are low and merchants are abundant in their territory."

"They trade with Ming and send ships to Ezo. Uesugi is actively promoting trade with Kure. There must be a lot of profit."

The sea, Kofu is a mountainous region, so trade by sea is impossible. The difference in cargo capacity between horses and ships is significant. If Kure's wealth were available to Takeda...

Eiroku 10 (1567) - Early March, Yamashiro Province, Kageno and Adogawa, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Meme Chiden

"Welcome, Father."

"Yes, how are the Prince and Princess doing?"

"They are doing well, without any problems."

"That's good to hear."

Father, Minister Asukai Masahiro, nodded in satisfaction.

"I visited the residence of Tokudaiji Naoki the day before yesterday. They are living happily together."

"That's good. Thank you for your efforts, Father."

"Oh, it's nothing much."

Father laughed heartily. He seemed to be in a good mood. It seems that the daughter who married into the Tokudaiji family is living happily.

"Things have improved a lot compared to the past."

Father looked around the room, where the furnishings were beautifully arranged.

"Thanks to Kure. But the Asukai residence is the same, isn't it?"

"Yes. In the past, we struggled to welcome the New Year, but now we look forward to it."

"Indeed."

We both laughed together.

Since Daisan-no-taifu became the head of the Kure family, various gifts have been sent at the end of the year. In the past, it was dried shiitake mushrooms, clear sake, and soap. Now, with the acquisition of Tsuruga and Wakasa, salt, bales of goods, kelp, sugar, and Echigo cotton. Porcelain and silk obtained through trade with Ming. Sometimes even exotic South Seas wine. Some in the court compare Kure to the Heike of old.

"Chiden, I hear that Rokkaku and Ikkoku are going to assist in the march to Kyoto. A letter from Yoshizumi has arrived at the Chancellor's residence."

"Then, is Yoshizumi from Yamato coming?"

"Yes, it seems he is finally going to march to Kyoto."

Father's voice was excited. The main force for the march to Kyoto will be the Kure army. This will add more weight to Kure's presence, which will affect the Asukai family.

Father's secret wish is for the Prince Eirei to be declared a prince, to come of age, and to be declared the Crown Prince... He does not say it out loud, but I can tell. My brother has also noticed. At first, it was a faint hope. But as the Kure family grew, Father's desire became more intense. Prince Eirei has an older brother, Prince Seirin, who is three years older. But with Daisan-no-taifu of Omi and Echizen, who has a million koku of land, it is impossible to ignore him. No one can ignore the close relationship between the Kure family and the court.

"Chiden, do you know? It seems there will be a fireworks display in Otsu this autumn."

"Really? Is that true?"

"It's true. Tsuruga is far, but Otsu is right next to Kyoto. I'm thinking of going to see it."

"Is it safe?"

I asked, and Father laughed.

"Don't worry. The war will be over by autumn."

"I hope so."

Father laughed again.

"Recently, Yakuei visited."

"Brother Yakuei?"

"Yes, he suggested that his daughter become a foster daughter of the Asukai family, to be the daughter of the Acting Middle Minister."

"..."

Yakuei's daughter to be the foster daughter of Brother Masahiro? Father is playing with his beard, a habit when he is thinking. What is going on?

"Father and Masahiro want to strengthen the bond between the Asukai and Kure families. Both the Acting Middle Minister and Yakuei seem to think so."

"Then, as a concubine to Daisan-no-taifu?"

Father slowly shook his head.

"Given Daisan-no-taifu's status, it wouldn't be strange to have two wives."

"..."

"Kure and Honganji are now irreconcilable. Yakuei wants to ally with Kure to oppose Honganji. But Kure is strict with Buddhism. You can see this from their actions in Mount Hiei and Echizen. This is a way to approach from the side."

"I understand, but will it work?"

"We don't know."

Father leaned in closer.

"Besides, the Prince needs a reliable support, don't you think?"

"That