Chapter 48

Eiroku 10 (1567) Early December, Omi Province, Ika District, Shiozuhama - Luis Frois

"Yesterday, I met Lord Kuki Daini Daifu Mototsune. This king of Omi is just over twenty years old, of medium build and height, with no particularly distinctive features and almost no beard. His voice is clear, but he is far from the reputation of being rough and violent; instead, he is calm and thoughtful. He diligently works with his vassals for the welfare of his people every day."

"He lost his father in war when he was a child. At that time, he was only a small lord commanding about three hundred soldiers. However, he organized his troops, accumulated weapons, and devised strategies to subdue the neighboring lords. The mysterious secret organization called the Eight Gates played a significant role in this. The Eight Gates are greatly feared by the neighboring lords. This fear is also directed at Lord Kuki Daini Daifu. Now, he is the king of four provinces and the second-largest power in the Kinai region, commanding an army of fifty thousand."

"He is an excellent administrator and ruler, who has established laws and never tolerates lawlessness or injustice in his domain. He values justice, is generous and humble. His territory is extremely prosperous, and his people live in peace. The port of Tsuruga, which he owns, is visited not only by Portuguese ships but also by many ships from Ming. He is the wealthiest among the lords. In terms of strategy, he is meticulous, brave, and bold on the battlefield, and at times, cruel and merciless. The neighboring lords fear his wealth, military power, and mercilessness."

"He possesses excellent understanding and clear judgment, and does not believe in gods, Buddhas, or any superstitious divinations. He publicly states that there is no creator of the universe or immortality of the soul, and that nothing exists after death. However, he does not consider religion useless. He believes it is necessary to save and comfort people's hearts as a ruler. He makes extremely cold and rational judgments."

"Therefore, he strongly despises and hates those who do not save people's hearts but instead curry favor with the powerful, indulge in evil, and amass wealth, or who deceive and incite people to rebel against their lords to gain power. In fact, such heretics, who were once the most authoritative in this country, had their base burned and were driven away by him. Additionally, twenty thousand monks and their followers who opposed him were killed. However, there is no criticism of him. Everyone is silent in the face of his decisive actions."

"He warned me that if we do the same as those heretics, he would become a disaster for us. This is not a threat; we must be fully aware of this. As long as we follow his warning, we are allowed to preach in his territory. He is not kind to us, but he is fair. We are not treated unfairly compared to other heretics. We are extremely safe in his territory and will not be persecuted by heretics. He will severely punish those who do such things."

Is this letter to Father Torres good? I sighed. There is something different about Lord Kuki Daini Daifu Mototsune. He seems different from the people of this country and from us. What is it...? He was always watching me. Just as I was watching him, he was watching me. What was he thinking...?

Eiroku 11 (1568) Early February, Omi Province, Takashima District, Anegawa Village - Shimizu Castle, Kuki Mototsune

"I was surprised to hear you fell, Grandfather. You seemed fine when we met at New Year's, so I was quite shocked."

"I didn't fall, I tripped. Everyone misunderstood and made a fuss. I'm fine, as you can see."

"You shouldn't say that while lying in bed."

"I'm just being cautious. I hit my shoulder when I fell."

Daini Daifu snorted. My dear grandson, you came running when you heard I fell.

"Your mother said the same thing, so it must be true. But don't overdo it; you're getting old."

"Don't treat me like an old man. You should be careful about catching a cold. Don't be careless just because you're young."

"Indeed."

I don't want to get old. Tripping for no reason...

"I have good news, Grandfather. Koyae might be pregnant."

"Really?"

"Probably."

"That's wonderful."

"Indeed."

This will make two great-grandchildren. They will be born by the end of the year. I thought I had nothing to regret when Takehifumaru was born. I thought the same when the Rokkaku clan was destroyed. But I can't die yet. I have too many attachments. The older I get, the more I wish to live...

"Are you sending Hatakeyama back to Noto?"

"He's causing trouble. This is the only time; there won't be a second. I don't like doing things for nothing."

Daini Daifu spat out unpleasantly. Is Hatakeyama troublesome? It's strange, why is Daini Daifu called a loyal retainer of the Ashikaga...? And no second time?

"Will Hatakeyama settle down if you send him back?"

"He won't. I thought he would come to greet me at New Year's, but he only sent his vassals. He doesn't understand who is helping him return. After he returns, he doesn't know who to rely on. Well, the Hatakeyama clan is a prestigious family. They can't bow to a upstart like the Kuki."

"..."

Daini Daifu's face twisted. He must be very displeased.

"If you can't consider such things, you can't survive in this chaotic world. It's the same as Rokkaku Sakyo Daifu. Crushing him doesn't hurt at all."

"Indeed."

"Noto will become Kuki territory next year, even if not this year."

"You're evil, aren't you? I understand what you're thinking. You're using Hatakeyama to gain Noto."

I laughed, and Daini Daifu laughed too.

"Exactly. Lord Yoshinari gave me a good tool. I'll use it to the fullest."

"Playing the role of a loyal retainer of the Ashikaga while expanding your territory is not bad, Daini Daifu. You're very reliable."

"Surviving in a chaotic world isn't about pretty words. It's necessary to appear clean, though."

We laughed again. I see, that's what it means to be a loyal retainer of the Ashikaga.

"Don't laugh, Grandfather. This chaotic world isn't as easy as getting a country back with someone else's help. You might be used or discarded. You need that kind of resolve..."

"Indeed, you can't survive on the name of a prestigious family alone."

Daini Daifu nodded.

"Look at the Tokugawa in Mikawa. They're in a terrible state."

"Is it the Ikko-ikki?"

He shook his head.

"It has already happened. This time, a family dispute has arisen."

"What?"

I tried to sit up but was stopped by Daini Daifu. A family dispute on top of being beaten by the Ikko-ikki?

"The Tokugawa's chief wife is from the Imagawa clan. She has a daughter and a legitimate son. With the Imagawa's influence expanding into eastern Mikawa, a faction within the Tokugawa household has emerged to ally with the Imagawa. I don't think they allied willingly. If this continues, the Tokugawa will be destroyed. But relying on the Oda isn't an option; the Oda are too preoccupied with Mino. To suppress the Ikko-ikki, it would be faster to seek mediation from the Takeda through the Imagawa, and from the Hongan-ji through the Takeda. They thought of killing the head of the household and having the legitimate son succeed."

"Wouldn't it be better to have him retire or be exiled?"

Daini Daifu shook his head.

"Imagawa Suwano-no-kami wouldn't agree. They tried to gain independence during the confusion after the death of the previous Suwano-no-kami. He is very angry."

"I see. What does Imagawa think about this?"

"He knows, of course. I even suspect he proposed it to the Imagawa. If the head of the household is young, they might protect him as a hostage in Sunpu and effectively make western Mikawa Imagawa territory."

"Possible."

The current Suwano-no-kami, Yoshinobu, tried to take over the Tokugawa while they were suffering from the Ikko-ikki. He's a cunning man.

"Unfortunately, the plan was discovered before it could be carried out. The senior vassals involved were executed. The chief wife, Tsumaki-dono, the legitimate son, and the daughter were all killed."

"...They killed the wife and children..."

I exhaled. It was truly tragic.

"It couldn't be helped. We can't leave the roots of the Imagawa in the Tokugawa. The Imagawa have been eliminated from the Tokugawa."

I feel sorry for them, but I can't sympathize. This is a chaotic world. As long as the Tokugawa are weak, they will continue to be trampled. Weakness is a sin. They must become strong, even if it means being evil. Daini Daifu's face showed no sympathy.

"The Tokugawa learned of this incident from the Oda. I informed the Oda."

"What? The Eight Gates?"

Daini Daifu laughed out loud.

"Almost, but not quite. The information came from a merchant in Sunpu named Nakajima Kinsuke."

A merchant in Sunpu? Nakajima Kinsuke?

"Wait, that name..."

"Yes, Takashima Echizen."

"Really?"

"Really. He now collaborates with the Eight Gates in Sunpu and makes a fortune dealing with the Imagawa, Takeda, and Hojo. He seems to be having a lot of fun and provides us with various information."

Echizen? I burst out laughing. Daini Daifu laughed too. We laughed for a while.

"The Tokugawa's power has declined due to this family dispute. If this continues, they will be crushed by the Imagawa and the Ikko-ikki. The Tokugawa intend to strengthen their relationship with the Oda."

"How so?"

"A daughter of the Oda, Oichi, will marry into the Tokugawa. She is the sister of Lord Oda."

"So the Tokugawa will become a vassal of the Oda."

They gained independence from the Imagawa, but now they will become a vassal of the Oda... The Tokugawa lacked something to maintain their independence. What a pitiful situation. No, I shouldn't pity them. The Kuki could have become a vassal of the Rokkaku if we had made a mistake...

"For the Oda, this is a setback. They intended to use the Tokugawa as a shield against the Imagawa, but now they are a burden. However, they can't leave them alone. If Mikawa falls to the Imagawa, their influence will extend to the Chita Peninsula. While it doesn't produce much rice, it is the production site of Tokoname ware. Losing it would be a significant blow to the Oda. The Oda's financial resources are supported by Tokoname and Tsushima."

"Indeed."

In the Kuki's case, it would be like Tsuruga, Otsu, and Kusatsu.

"Imagawa Suwano-no-kami is unexpectedly tough. I thought he would fall at桶狭間, but he recovered beautifully. In the alliance of the three provinces of Kai, Suruga, and Sagami, Suruga seems to have taken the lead."

"..."

"The Oda have won over most of the local lords in Mino. The conquest of Mino is near, but they can't be complacent. The Imagawa are approaching, and there is the Ikko-ikki in Ise Nagashima. The Tokai region will be turbulent. The Oda's march to Kyoto will be delayed for a while."

"Then what about Lord Yoshinari?"

Daini Daifu smiled.

"He will have to wait a bit longer. I'm not confident fighting the Miyoshi alone."

"Lord Yoshinari will complain."

"It can't be helped; he will have to endure."

Daini Daifu shrugged.

Eiroku 11 (1568) Early April, Omi Province, Ika District, Shiozuhama - Shiozuhama Castle, Kuki Mototsune

"Unai Hyogojo Kagefusa and Miyake Bizen-no-kami Nagahiro have agreed to defect to our side, in exchange for the security of their territories and personal safety."

"Very well. Unai and Miyake were not involved in the exile of the Hatakeyama father and son. There is no problem. Let them assist the Hatakeyama father and son as senior vassals."

I replied, and Jukuro nodded with a meaningful smile.

Unai and Miyake were not involved in the exile of the Hatakeyama father and son because they had been exiled from Noto by Hatakeyama Shudai Yoshinaga before that. After the Hatakeyama father and son were exiled, they returned to Noto with Yusa and Nagahiro. Unai and Miyake will not get along with the Hatakeyama father and son. For these two, the Hatakeyama father and son are the killers of their grandfather. Miyake Bizen-no-kami Nagahiro is the younger brother of Unai Hyogojo Kagefusa and was adopted into the Miyake family. Their grandfather, Unai Sotetsu, was assassinated by the Hatakeyama father and son. They will provide ample fuel for conflict. However, Yusa and Nagahiro, who brought them back to Noto, were betrayed so easily. Either they lack popularity, or they have given up on their future. Both might be true.

"I am also in contact with Kasamatsu Tango-no-kami and Terakawa Shirozaemon-no-jo. The response is not bad, but they are still wary of retaliation from Hatakeyama Shudai. They asked if it is possible to welcome Hatakeyama Shudai as a retired lord."

"Is that a way of saying they want the current system to continue?"

"No, they accept the punishment of Yusa and Nagahiro."

I couldn't help but laugh. Jukuro was also laughing.

"There's no point in talking. If Yusa and Nagahiro are punished, their own power will increase. That's the point, isn't it?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Then, after that, they want to do as they please with my help to suppress the Hatakeyama father and son. You really underestimate me."

"You are still young, my lord."

I couldn't stop laughing. Jukuro and I laughed for a while.

It's a good thing we were in my room. If we were in the audience chamber, the pages would have looked at us suspiciously, thinking we were plotting something evil.

"The return of Hatakeyama Shudai as the head of the clan is non-negotiable. Inform Kasamatsu Tango-no-kami and Terakawa Shirozaemon-no-jo that their territories and personal safety are guaranteed. I will write a document to confirm this, including the portions for Unai and Miyake."

"Understood."

After discussing a few more matters, Jukuro left. The Hatakeyama father and son will be angry. I have decided the post-war system on my own. However, they can't complain. They asked me to use my influence, but it was unsuccessful. Everyone fears the Hatakeyama father and son's retaliation and doesn't trust them. They can't conduct negotiations. While in Noto, they assassinated senior vassals and incited conflicts, which is why everyone now fears and avoids the Hatakeyama father and son.

Everyone wants my guarantee. In other words, they want me to continue to be involved in Noto and prevent the Hatakeyama from acting arbitrarily. They intend to use me to control the Hatakeyama. However, this gives me a legitimate reason to be involved in Noto. So, I sent letters to Yoshinari and Uesugi, stating that I will take care of Noto from now on and asking for their approval. It's not about the Hatakeyama, but about Noto.

Uesugi immediately agreed.

"I leave the matter of Noto to Lord Daini Daifu."

Uesugi's true intention is to focus on conquering the Kanto region. He considers the Hokuriku region secure as long as he holds Echizen and Echigo.

Yoshinari initially complained but reluctantly agreed when he understood that Noto would not stabilize with just the Hatakeyama.

"I leave the matter of Noto to Lord Daini Daifu's discretion."

In other words, Noto has become part of my sphere of influence. The Hatakeyama may be dissatisfied, but this is the reality. They must accept it to gain my protection. Well, that's unlikely.

"My lord, it's Shinjiro. Is it alright?"

Shinjiro? Did he come from Sakamoto?

"It's fine."

I called out, and the lord of Sakamoto Castle, Miyagawa Shinjiro Yoshiyuki, slowly entered. Behind him was Tazawa Matashiro Masafumi, who served as a councilor. What is this? Two senior vassals coming together is not a good sign.

"What is it, both of you?"

I tried to sound as friendly as possible, but both of their expressions were stiff. This is not a good sign.

"Today, we have a request, my lord."

"Are you asking for money, Shinjiro? If you need money, I'm happy to provide it. The bottom of the warehouse almost fell through from the weight of the coins, and Heikuro is urging me to spend more."

We imported copper coins from Ming, so we have more than enough. The Kuki need to spend money to circulate it in the world. But everyone comes to the Kuki, so the money doesn't leave the Kuki. The conquest of the Hokuriku region and the Oda's control of Mino should change this.

"No, it's not about money."

Shinjiro shook his head.

"Then what is it?"

I'm clumsy. It's not a matter of money. This is going to be troublesome.

"Since Lady Koyae is pregnant, we thought it would be necessary to have a woman to take care of my lord's personal affairs."

Personal affairs? Don't beat around the bush. You mean a concubine, right?

"I don't need one. I'm satisfied with Koyae."

"That won't do. My lord,