Chapter 47

In the early part of November, Eiroku 10 (1567), at Shioazumi Beach in Ika District, Omi Province, at Shioazumi Castle, Kuki Mototsune.

Is the relationship between the Maeda of Noto and the Maeda of Kii and Kawachi good? From the story of Gamou Uesugi no Kami, I learned that it used to be good. This goes back to the year 1545. You wouldn't know, as it happened more than twenty years before I was born. Even the hereditary vassals of the Kuki clan didn't know. It seems like something that might have happened, but it feels distant. Gamou knew because the Rokkaku and the Maeda were close, and the Rokkaku had an interest in the central political scene. Otherwise, there would be no way to know.

To summarize Gamou's story: In 1545, the head of the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi, Maeda Tōtōmi-no-kami Masanaga, died. Masanaga had several younger brothers but no sons. Normally, a successor would be chosen from among the brothers. However, Masanaga left an unusual will, designating the son of the governor of Noto as his successor. This governor of Noto was Maeda Shūri-no-taifu Yoshitō, a renowned good ruler of the Maeda family of Noto, and the son was Maeda Yoshitsugu. In other words, the will was to welcome a man who would later be expelled from Noto as the successor. Thinking about it now, it seems quite unreasonable.

The agreement to welcome Maeda Yoshitsugu as the head of the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi was apparently made between Maeda Tōtōmi-no-kami Masanaga and Maeda Shūri-no-taifu Yoshitō. Yoshitō was well-received by the shogunate. If Yoshitō had petitioned the shogunate, it would not have been difficult for Yoshitsugu to become the head of the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi. However, Yoshitō also died around the same time, and the will was never realized.

The problem arose after that. After the death of Maeda Tōtōmi-no-kami Masanaga, the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi fell into chaos over the succession, to the point where the funeral was delayed. In other words, the living people were causing a commotion while the dead were left unattended. This allowed the guardian of Kawachi, Yusa Nagahide, to gain power, and the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi significantly lost their influence. The current head, Maeda Takaharu, is the son of Masanaga's younger brother, Masakuni. It's easy to imagine how he views the Maeda family of Noto. It's hard to think they have a good relationship.

The Maeda family of Noto is probably like a plague to the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi. Even if they were helped, it's hard to imagine the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi would be happy. It even seems like Maeda Takaharu might have been the one to push the father and son, Maeda Saitō-no-suke and Shūri-no-taifu, onto Kuki. He probably didn't want them in the capital, so he asked Yoshitsugu to push them onto me.

Kuki, who does not wish to expand his influence, seems to have agreed to this as a favor to the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi. It makes sense, as Maeda Saitō-no-suke Yoshitsugu was originally supposed to be the head of the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi. No one wants him in the capital. For Maeda Takaharu, it's natural, and for Yoshitsugu, the existence of Yoshitsugu, who could cause chaos in the Maeda family of Kii and Kawachi, is just a nuisance.

Gamou Uesugi no Kami, being a former vassal of the Rokkaku, is well-informed about these matters. It makes sense that he advised me to ignore them. However, I suspect there's more to his words. The Maeda family of Noto is related to the Rokkaku. A woman from the Maeda family married Rokkaku Yoshikata, also known as Jōshin Nyūdō. This means that Yoshinori, the son of Yoshikata, has blood from both the Rokkaku and the Maeda. Additionally, the daughter of Jōshin Nyūdō married Maeda Saitō-no-suke Yoshitsugu. There are two layers of connection. What would happen if I were to help the Maeda? Gamou might be suspected of trying to help the Maeda because of their connection to the Rokkaku.

I was called out of retirement to serve as an advisor and was given 10,000 koku. Anyone would see this as a generous treatment. Therefore, I must be extremely careful in my words and actions. I'm sure I had a thorough discussion with my son, Saitō-no-suke, before he entered service. The Rokkaku family is gone. The basic principle of the samurai is gratitude and service. Since the Kuki family is treating the Gamou family generously, the Gamou family must serve the Kuki family exclusively.

This agreement is why Uesugi no Kami is here. Otherwise, his son, Saitō-no-suke, would not have been allowed to enter service. If he were allowed, the Gamou family itself would be at risk. I do not discriminate in treatment between hereditary and non-hereditary vassals. Everyone understands and accepts this. I do not question the past, nor do I dwell on it. Everyone understands this. Since I have shown this policy, the non-hereditary vassals must follow it. In other words, dwelling on the past is not allowed. Gamou Uesugi no Kami, you have passed this time. I acknowledge you.

"Honestly, if the Ikko-ikki from Noto, Etchū, and Hida were to disappear, I wouldn't mind if those three provinces were not part of Kuki's territory."

Some people nodded at my words, but others looked dissatisfied. Of course, a larger territory is better. However, no one spoke out against it. Everyone feels that it would be ideal if the Ikko-ikki were to disappear.

"The problem is the father and son, Maeda Saitō-no-suke and Shūri-no-taifu, who have come seeking help. Is it worth helping them? It's unusual for a vassal to be expelled. What circumstances led to their expulsion?"

When I asked, Jūzō said, "I will explain."

As expected of the Hachimon. While Gamou is well-informed, Jūzō can provide a more objective account.

According to Jūzō, when Saitō-no-suke Yoshitsugu and Shūri-no-taifu Yoshinori were in Noto, the power of the senior vassals had grown, and the control over the Maeda family's vassals had weakened. The seven senior vassals, known as the Maeda Shichininshū, held significant power, and the head of the Maeda family had to make decisions through a council with them. Yoshitsugu and Yoshinori had a hard time controlling the senior vassals. There were several political upheavals. Yoshitsugu's retirement seems to have been a way to take responsibility for one of these upheavals.

During Yoshinori's tenure, he actively promoted his supporters to counter the Maeda Shichininshū. Whether he was trying to maintain balance between the two opposing forces or to suppress or expel the Maeda Shichininshū with his supporters is unclear. To me, it looks like he was creating a powder keg and playing with fire.

Eventually, the Maeda Shichininshū, led by Yusa Mimasaka-no-kami and Nagakuro Saemon-no-jo, could no longer tolerate Yoshinori's methods and expelled Saitō-no-suke Yoshitsugu and Shūri-no-taifu Yoshinori. The ease with which they were expelled suggests that other vassals either participated or at least did not oppose it. Currently, they have installed Yoshinori's son, Yoshinari, as the head, but he is only about fifteen years old and is a mere puppet. The senior vassals, led by Yusa Mimasaka-no-kami and Nagakuro Saemon-no-jo, are doing as they please.

In short, the Maeda family of Noto failed to transition from a guardian family to a Sengoku daimyo. This is not uncommon in the Sengoku period. Families like the Kyōgoku, Aki Takeda, Wakasa Takeda, Hosokawa, Ōuchi, and Tō. The Maeda family of Noto, after the death of the renowned good ruler, Maeda Shūri-no-taifu Yoshitō, saw the head of the family expelled from Noto and reduced to a puppet in just two generations, about twenty years. It's impossible to expect them to be effective rulers or allies. Suppressing the Ikko-ikki and stabilizing Noto? It's unlikely and would be a waste of resources. Everyone seems to feel the same way, looking disheartened after hearing Jūzō's account.

"They can't be relied upon."

"But they can be used."

"Lord Akechi, what do you mean by 'used'?"

"Lord Nagato-no-kami, Noto is currently ruled by a young head and a coalition of senior vassals. If we can persuade Saitō-no-suke and Shūri-no-taifu to join us, we can undermine the enemy."

As expected of the handsome Jūbei. He smiles while casually suggesting using Saitō-no-suke and Shūri-no-taifu. He's as sharp as ever. His uncle, Nagato, looks nervous.

"But will they go along with the persuasion? They might not even give Saitō-no-suke and Shūri-no-taifu a second glance."

Someone is being harsh. It's probably Heiemon. He's straightforward, so he's probably speaking from the heart, not out of malice.

"There's no problem. Even if they don't go along with it, spreading rumors that someone else has will create suspicion and distrust. They won't be able to mount an effective defense."

Everyone grunted at the words of the brilliant Sōda Ueno-no-suke. They've become adept at thinking about such things, influenced by Jūbei and Hanbei. I wonder if they're okay. I've given each of them 10,000 koku, but I hope they don't do something drastic like the Honnō-ji incident or take over Shioazumi Castle.

"Alright, the basic strategy is to divide and conquer. Jūbei, Ueno-no-suke, we'll adopt your plan. This time, we'll do it to honor Yoshitsugu."

"But, my lord, can Saitō-no-suke and Shūri-no-taifu maintain their territory?"

"Who knows. Whether they can or can't, it doesn't matter, Heiemon. If they can, we'll let them have Noto. If they can't, we'll crush them. That's all. We've honored Yoshitsugu once, so he won't have any complaints."

Everyone nodded. Of course, that father and son can't maintain their territory. Internal conflicts will start soon. If things go well, we can bring down both the Maeda father and son and the senior vassals. It will be a two-pronged attack, but it should be easy to crush them.

I called Iikawa Wakasa-no-kami and informed him that we would assist in returning Saitō-no-suke and Shūri-no-taifu to Noto. I also ordered him to start persuading the senior vassals in Noto by June. Iikawa Wakasa-no-kami was delighted, bowing repeatedly. He looked pitiful. Having a foolish lord is hard on the vassals.

After the meeting, I called Gamou Uesugi no Kami, Sanada Danjō, Kurono Jūzō, Akechi Jūbei, Takenaka Hanbei, and Sōda Ueno-no-suke to my room. This is the main event. Deceiving, trapping, and pushing people into hell, then laughing at their suffering. Be happy, Gamou Uesugi no Kami, you're now part of the Kuki's evil plot.

"I assume you understand that I will take Noto."

Everyone nodded. Why aren't they surprised? It's strange.

"First, we'll entrust Noto to the Maeda father and son. But chaos will soon arise. They won't be able to control it. Kuki will attack Noto again. ... Understand, Jūzō?"

"Hai."

Jūzō nodded.

"We will destroy all the senior vassals currently ruling Noto. In the first expedition, we'll crush Yusa, Nagakuro, and one or two others."

"..."

"In the second expedition, we'll crush the rest."

"..."

"What about Saitō-no-suke and Shūri-no-taifu?"

Hanbei looked at me as if seeking confirmation.

"Unfortunately, they will be killed in an internal conflict, as will their sons currently in Noto. Kuki will occupy Noto, taking over from the extinct Maeda family of Noto."

Hanbei nodded, looking satisfied. The Sengoku period is harsh. It's not just the lord testing the vassals; the vassals test the lord too.

"Jūzō, if you need anything, just say so. I'll provide as many secret letters, money, goods, and people as you need."

"Hai."

"Use me too. If you need me to lie, I'll lie as much as you need. Do you have any concerns?"

"None."

I nodded, and Jūzō bowed slightly. He's reliable.

"I plan to propose to Uesugi that he attack Etchū. If we attack Etchū from the east and west, the Ikko-ikki will either go to Hida or aim for Noto by sea. We'll stop them with the Wakasa pirates. Have the military strategists discuss with the pirates to survey the sea routes to Etchū and Noto in advance."

Three people nodded. I haven't appointed the pirates to the military strategists yet.

"If the military strategists need any personnel from the pirates, let me know. I'll order the pirates."

"Hai."

The three nodded happily.

"My lord, if Kuki takes Noto and Uesugi takes Etchū, what about Hida?"

Sanada Danjō looked at me.

"Uesugi is fine."

Everyone was surprised.

"Hida has many mines. Is that acceptable?"

Gamou Uesugi no Kami's question was met with nods from everyone.

"Eventually, Oda will take Mino. When that happens, Hida will be sandwiched between Uesugi in Etchū and Oda in Mino. That will be troublesome."

"But our family has good relations with both Uesugi and Oda. We have an alliance with Oda."

"Now, yes. But in the future, who knows? There are people skilled at manipulating daimyo."

Everyone looked at each other. They must have thought of Yoshitsugu.

"If Uesugi and Oda fight over the mines in Hida, it will be to our advantage. I will mediate and act as an intermediary. Both will want Kuki as an ally. As long as they think that, they won't be enemies. This is more beneficial than taking Hida."

Everyone nodded. Hida is a poisoned bun. It looks delicious, but if you bite into it, you'll be caught between Oda and Uesugi, struggling.

"Jūzō, send people to Shikoku."

"Hai."

"One reason for the strength of the Miyoshi is their solid base in Shikoku. If we can undermine this, the Miyoshi will weaken. Investigate those who oppose the Miyoshi or those who are currently obedient but harbor hostility."

"Hai."

Jūzō looked pleased. He wasn't the only one; everyone looked happy. They must think I've decided to fight the Miyoshi.

It will come to that eventually. But I have significant concerns about fighting the Miyoshi. They are strong, probably stronger than in history. In history, Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami Masayasu and Anzai Settsu-no-kami Fuyuyasu, who are dead, are alive in this world. This makes a big difference. They didn't flinch even after losing the recent battle. To ensure a certain victory, military power alone is not enough. We need to take various other actions. Undermining the Miyoshi's influence in Shikoku is one of them...

In the middle of November, Eiroku 10 (1567), at Shioazumi Beach in Ika District, Omi Province, at Shioazumi Castle, Gamou Sadahide.

A mysterious person. While watching Lord Kuki Daisan-no-kami Mototsune happily handling administrative affairs in the calendar room, I thought. The new lord seems to enjoy governing the domain more than waging war. The calendar room is a peculiar room, divided into upper and lower sections, with a large desk on the upper section. The desk is equipped with an inkstone, brush, and abacus. One of the duties of the young attendants is to ensure the ink in the inkstone never runs out. Currently, five young attendants are waiting in the calendar room, ready to serve.

On the opposite side, there is a large chest. The chest stores not only paper but also documents detailing matters the lord deems necessary, maps of the domain, diagrams of personnel deployment, and future plans. On the pillars of the upper section, monthly calendars are posted. The lord uses these calendars to make plans. It is indeed convenient and makes planning easier. Everyone in the Kuki domain uses this system.

"Did you send the Kyoto measures to Echizen and Kaga?"

"Yes, as ordered, we sent about