Chapter 46

In the tenth year of Eiroku (1567), mid-October, in Asahimachi, Tsuruga District, Echizen Province, at Kehi Shrine, Kehi Yuki no.

While arranging flowers in my room, my father, Kehi Norinao, came in looking flustered.

"What has happened, Father? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Even when I teased him, my father did not pay attention.

"Lord Dainagon is about to arrive. We just received a messenger."

"Ah!"

Lord Dainagon?

"We will entertain him in the study. You must serve him tea."

"Would roasted tea be acceptable?"

"Yes, I've heard that Lord Dainagon particularly enjoys roasted tea. That will be fine. After that, wait in the next room."

"Yes."

The next room? Does that mean to listen to the conversation? Before I could confirm, my father left the room.

Recently, my father has occasionally let me listen to his conversations with guests and then asked for my thoughts. It seems he uses my opinions as a reference for his decisions as the chief priest of Kehi Shrine. However, I feel a bit of a burden knowing that my opinions, as someone not yet fifteen, could influence my father's judgments. I have complained about this several times, but my father only tells me not to worry and does not take it seriously. Besides, the lords I meet are all boring. My opinions tend to be rather harsh. But today's guest is Lord Dainagon...

I want to meet him and hear what he has to say. Lord Dainagon has visited here twice before, but my father always ordered me to stay in my room and never let me meet him. He is said to be a fierce and terrifying person, but also one who loves new and rare things, and is deeply devoted to the cause of imperial restoration and loyal to the shogunate. I wonder what kind of person he is.

Lord Dainagon arrived about half an hour later, accompanied by about a hundred retainers. In the study, there were my father, Lord Dainagon, and one attendant. I prepared tea for the three of them and headed to the room.

"Your sudden visit has surprised us."

I heard Lord Dainagon laugh in response to my father's words.

"Forgive me, Lord Chief Priest. I have been busy with battles and have not had the chance to inspect my domain recently. Now that I have some free time, I decided to tour Echizen from Wakasa. I stopped here on the way."

"Is that so? Then you have already inspected Wakasa?"

"Yes, I have seen it."

Inspecting the domain? I remember hearing that he is a very diligent person.

"Excuse me, I have brought the tea."

I opened the sliding door and entered the room. A young lord was facing my father. He had an ordinary appearance, nothing particularly striking. Is this Lord Dainagon? I was a bit disappointed. Behind him was a retainer, who looked young but had sharp, agile eyes. He probably served as a guard, but if I had been told he was Lord Dainagon, I would have believed it.

"This is my daughter."

"My name is Yuki no."

"I am grateful for your trouble. I am Kukuri Dainagon Mototsuna."

When I introduced myself, Lord Dainagon responded politely. I served the tea to Lord Dainagon, the retainer, and my father. The retainer immediately took a sip and tried to switch the teacup with Lord Dainagon's. A poison test? I had never seen it before, and I was surprised it actually existed!

"That is unnecessary."

"But—"

"Do not worry. Kehi Shrine is not my enemy. Lord Chief Priest would not kill me. Sotaro, you should relax and enjoy the tea. Do not waste the thoughtful effort of his daughter."

"Hai."

Lord Dainagon scolded the retainer and then looked at me.

"Please forgive me. Lord Dainagon, I am grateful for the tea."

Lord Dainagon slowly sipped the tea.

"I am sorry, I should have offered to test the tea, but I was not considerate enough..."

"No, I was the one who acted improperly."

My father and Lord Dainagon were apologizing to each other. Lord Dainagon did not seem to be the fierce person he was rumored to be. I bowed and left the room to wait in the next room.

"But is it really all right? Lord Yoshitsugu of Yamato relies on Lord Dainagon. If you inspect Echizen from Wakasa at this time, it might cause trouble with Lord Yoshitsugu if he finds out."

"It does not matter. Echizen and Kaga must be stabilized before we can move west. Lord Yoshitsugu should understand this from the last battle."

Lord Dainagon's voice was calm.

"For the time being, I will focus on the north. Next year, when the snow melts, I plan to cooperate with the Kanto Kanrei and advance into Etchu and Noto. I believe you are already aware of this, Lord Chief Priest."

"I know that Lord Uesugi will not cross the mountains this year and that you plan to advance into Etchu next year."

Kehi Shrine has land in Echigo, from where information about the Uesugi clan is sent to my father, the chief priest.

Kehi Shrine used to have land in Kaga and Etchu, but it was taken away when those provinces became Ikkō-ikki territories. The land in Echizen was also taken by the Ikkō-ikki, but when Echizen and Kaga came under the control of the Kukuri family, Lord Dainagon returned the land that could be confirmed as belonging to Kehi Shrine. Although it was only the land that had records, my father was grateful.

"Lord Yoshitsugu does not need to worry. He will be promoted to Junior Fifth Rank Lower and appointed as Left Middle Captain by the end of the year. This will put him on equal footing with Lord Yoshinori. I hope it will help him settle down."

"That is—"

"I spent some money. The recent victory has made the court unable to ignore us."

Lord Dainagon let out a low, meaningful laugh. It was scary. Who was unable to ignore them? Lord Yoshitsugu? Or Lord Dainagon? Even though I was not in the same room, I could feel Lord Dainagon's intimidating presence. I could not hear my father's voice. I think he was overwhelmed.

In the recent battle, Lord Dainagon defeated the Miyoshi army and won a complete victory. It was the first time in a long while that the Miyoshi army had been defeated. Everyone must have been surprised. But that was not the end. He destroyed the traitorous Rokkaku clan and occupied southern Omi, except for Kōga. Then, he attacked the Ikkō-ikki forces in Etchu and Noto at Kibagamine Pass, and instead of retreating, he advanced into Kaga and took it from the Ikkō-ikki. Everyone was afraid of his ferocity. The court's decision to promote Lord Yoshitsugu to Junior Fifth Rank Lower and appoint him as Left Middle Captain was probably due to their fear of Lord Dainagon.

"Still, it is a strange situation. Lord Yoshitsugu is in Yamato, and Lord Yoshinori is in Sakai, both unable to enter Kyoto."

Lord Yoshitsugu cannot enter Kyoto because he is blocked by the Miyoshi Buzen and the Anazawa Settsu. It is rumored that Lord Yoshinori cannot enter Kyoto because he fears Lord Dainagon. If Lord Dainagon wanted to, he could lead an army of over fifty thousand into Kyoto.

"Lord Yoshinori is staying in Sakai because of his illness."

"Really? Is that true?"

"He is trying to hide it by spreading rumors that he fears me. He has a boil on his back. He cannot lie on his back, and it is very painful. He cannot move to Kyoto because his illness is severe, or he fears that the court will learn about it. If they knew he was ill, he could not be appointed as shogun."

"How shocking..."

I was surprised. Lord Yoshinori is ill? When did he find out such important information? I have heard that the Kukuri ninja, the Hachimon-shū, are very skilled, and they are truly impressive.

"... Does Lord Yoshitsugu know about this?"

"He does not, at least I have not told him. If he knew, he would just cause more trouble."

It was silent. No sound came from the room. I think my father was speechless. Lord Dainagon chuckled.

"... How was Wakasa?"

"The port in Obama is now receiving ships. The people are happy, but it is not very lively. The chaos from the Takeda rule still lingers. It is a small province, but they have been foolishly fighting among themselves without end."

I could only hear his voice, but from his tone, I could sense his anger and contempt.

"But there was a pleasant discovery. Wakasa has a long history of agate crafting. The number of craftsmen has decreased due to the war, but I want to revive the industry under the protection of the Kukuri. The wealthy court nobles and merchants in Kyoto will want it. Also, lacquerware, paper, salt, and bales of goods. I want to produce high-quality lacquerware that can rival Kukuri lacquer."

This time, his voice sounded cheerful. I had heard that Lord Dainagon was enthusiastic about promoting local specialties, and it seemed to be true.

"If that happens, ships will come to Obama. It will be good for Tsuruga as well."

"Obama might become a competitor to Tsuruga. Is that all right?"

Lord Dainagon laughed and teased my father. He seemed to be enjoying himself, and I think my father was probably smiling wryly.

"By the way, Lord Chief Priest, do you know about the Kenseisha Shrine?"

"Of course. It is the second most important shrine in Echizen after Kehi Shrine. What about it?"

"It is the clan shrine of the Oda family of Owari. I received a letter from Lord Oda asking for my consideration. The attack on Mino has started smoothly, and he must have remembered his clan shrine. I hope the foolish Ikkō-ikki have not destroyed it. I need to go and see it."

"The shrine is also called Oda Myojin because of the place name. Speaking of Oda, it is known for its pottery."

"Pottery? Tea bowls. That is good to hear. I look forward to visiting. ... Lord Chief Priest, I have been well entertained. I will take my leave now, though I am reluctant to go."

"I am sorry for the poor hospitality."

"No, I have been well entertained. Please thank your daughter for me. The tea was delicious."

Before Lord Dainagon left the room, I returned to my room. My father would come to this room, so I needed to gather my thoughts before he arrived. After a while, my father came in.

"Yuki no, what did you think of Lord Dainagon?"

"He is completely different from what people say."

"Different?"

"Yes, Lord Dainagon is not a loyal retainer of Lord Yoshitsugu. I also do not believe he is a fierce person. He may appear that way to others, but—"

My father nodded twice.

"What do you think of the Kukuri family's future?"

"I am not sure, but there is something that concerns me."

"... What is it?"

"Lord Dainagon looked down on the Takeda of Wakasa. How do you think he views the conflict between Lord Yoshinori and Lord Yoshitsugu?"

My father frowned and thought about it.

"Lord Dainagon destroyed Mount Hiei and the Ikkō-ikki. I do not know what he is thinking, but he does not hesitate to eliminate anyone who stands in his way, no matter who they are..."

"... No matter who they are?"

"Yes."

My father took a deep breath.

"Would you like to go to Lord Dainagon's side?"

"Is that all right?"

I looked at my father in surprise.

"Do not underestimate me. I know what kind of daughter you are. Do you want to go?"

"Yes, I want to see Lord Dainagon more closely. I want to understand what he is thinking and where he is going."

"You are a troublesome daughter."

"I am sorry."

My father sighed again, and I laughed out loud.

In the tenth year of Eiroku (1567), mid-October, in Haramura, Shima District, Settsu Province, at Katsurayama Castle, Miyoshi Nagayasu.

When I returned to Katsurayama Castle from Sakai, my uncle, Miyoshi Buzen no Kami Masahide, was visiting. My son, Hisakatsu, was entertaining him. They both had smiles on their faces, so they must have been having a pleasant conversation.

"Uncle, you have been here while I was away."

"Are you worried about Sakai?"

"A little."

Their smiles disappeared. They did not want to be overheard by the retainers, so I had them follow me to my room. Once we were seated, Buzen no Kami immediately spoke, clearly concerned.

"Uncle, how is Lord Yoshinori's condition?"

"Not good. The boil on his back has grown larger. It is very painful, and he cannot lie on his back."

Their faces darkened.

"Lord Yoshinori says it is not serious, but he looks very exhausted. It will be difficult for him to move to Kyoto. It would be better for him to rest in Sakai for a while."

"Uncle, next month, Lord Yoshitsugu of Yamato will be promoted to Junior Fifth Rank Lower and appointed as Left Middle Captain."

"Is that so?"

"Father, the Kukuri family has outmaneuvered us."

"That is not the case, Hisakatsu. If we had won at Yamashina, the Kukuri family's actions would have been meaningless."

Buzen no Kami and Hisakatsu looked disappointed.

We lost to the Kukuri family at Yamashina. The Kukuri family was probably concerned about the Hokuriku region, so they did not pursue us aggressively and withdrew quickly. Therefore, the damage we suffered was not significant. The Matsunaga Danjō-no-suke, the Hōki, and the Takeda of Kii were also unable to move against us. Lord Yoshitsugu's entry into Kyoto was a failure, and nothing had changed on the surface before the defeat.

However, the impact of that defeat on our surroundings was not small. Although everyone had acknowledged the Kukuri family's wealth, they did not think their military power was that strong. They were gaining strength, but the court did not believe they could defeat us. However, this time, the court decided to promote Lord Yoshitsugu to Junior Fifth Rank Lower and appoint him as Left Middle Captain, even though we were controlling Kyoto. The court was clearly beginning to fear the Kukuri family. They were worried about what would happen if the Kukuri family entered Kyoto while we were their allies. The Kukuri family's influence was gradually increasing.

"Uncle, the Hongan-ji's Kennyo is asking for help."

"Is it about Etchu?"

"Yes. If things continue, he fears that he will be attacked and destroyed by the Uesugi and the Kukuri next spring."

"Father, the Hongan-ji is trying to get the Hōjō and the Takeda to move and stop the Uesugi's troops. They are also asking us to stop the Kukuri's troops."

I sighed involuntarily.

"That is impossible."

My words made Buzen no Kami and Hisakatsu frown.

"The Kukuri family can mobilize fifty thousand troops. If they place thirty thousand in Omi, we can do nothing. The Takeda and the Hōjō are not what they used to be. The Takeda have less than thirty thousand koku, and the Hōjō only control Izu, Sagami, southern Musashi, and part of western Shimōsa. They cannot attract all of the Uesugi's troops. Even if their numbers are reduced, the combined forces of the Kukuri and the Uesugi will be sufficient to overrun Etchu."

Their faces became even more grim.

"Uncle, the Hongan-ji is trying to form an alliance with Etchu and Noto."

"With us, the Hongan-ji, the Noto Takeda, the Hōjō, the Takeda, and the Ikkō-ikki of Noto, to oppose the Kukuri, Uesugi, and Oda families."

"It does not seem likely to succeed. ... Do not look so disappointed, Hisakatsu. I am not against it, but do not have high hopes."

"..."

"Buzen no Kami, if the Kukuri family moves north, we should take the opportunity to destroy the Takeda. If we can use the Hongan-ji to bring the Satsuma troops to our side, we can deal a significant blow to the Takeda."

"Indeed."

Buzen no Kami nodded.

"About ten thousand troops should be enough for Omi. We can use one unit to keep the Matsunaga in check while the rest attack the Takeda. If we destroy the Takeda, we can take control of Kawachi and Kii. Even if we cannot destroy them, a significant blow will force the Takeda to retreat to Kii. This will make Lord Yoshitsugu of Yamato tremble."

If we can bring the Satsuma troops to our side, we will not be outnumbered in terms of firearms, even against the Kukuri family. The problem is the cannons...

In the tenth year of Eiroku (1567), early November, in Shiozuhama, Ika District, Omi Province, at Shiozuhama Castle, Kukuri Mototsuna.

"The lord, Takeda Saemon-suke and Shūri Daifu, wish to return to Noto as the lord of the province."

"And?"

"They request that you, Lord Dainagon, remove the treacherous Chōkurō Saemon-no-jo and Yusa Mimasaka-no-kami."

What a presumptuous request. My retainers also looked displeased. I was not amused either. I had just returned from inspecting Echizen from Wakasa, and this was the first thing I heard.

"Lord Iinagawa."

"Ha."

"I understand your request. I need to discuss it with my retainers. Please wait in another room for a while."

"Ha, I humbly request your consideration."

Iinagawa Wakasa-no-kami Masaaki bowed and left the