Chapter 49

Eiroku 11 (1568) Late May, Seta Beach, Omi Province, Seta Beach Castle, Kuki Mototsune

Etchu, which is now Toyama Prefecture, but to be honest, I don't know much about this region. To be frank, I don't know much about Etchu during the Sengoku period either. The only things I know are that Toyama is famous for its medicine sellers and that the cold yellowtail is delicious. It seems that no powerful force or dictator emerged in Etchu. Therefore, it seems that during the Sengoku period, it did not have much influence.

Originally, the Shugodai of Etchu was the Hatakeyama family, who governed Kawachi and Kii. However, they did not go to Etchu and left it to the local Shugodai. This is a typical pattern for a coup. As the Sengoku period progressed, the Kanamori and Shiina families gained power, but they were not significant. The problem was the Ikko-ikki. As Kaga became a country dominated by the Ikko-ikki, they gradually gained strength. In other words, Etchu was divided into three forces: the Kanamori, the Shiina, and the Ikko-ikki. In general, the Nanto district in the southwestern part of Etchu was the Ikko-ikki. The Toyama and Namerikawa districts in the northwestern and central parts of Etchu were under the control of Kanamori Nagachika. The Nishikawa district in the eastern part of Etchu was under the control of Shiina Yasuyori.

Among these three forces, the Shiina were close to the Uesugi. The Kanamori and the Ikko-ikki formed an alliance to suppress the Shiina. This conflict involving the Shiina against the Kanamori-Ikko-ikki alliance also involved Takeda Shingen. The Kanamori-Ikko-ikki alliance was one of Shingen's strategies to divide the Uesugi's strength and make the conquest of Shinano easier. However, after the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, the Takeda suffered a great defeat, and at this point, the Kanamori-Ikko-ikki alliance was not very useful to Takeda's strategy. It was as if Shingen's legacy was acting on its own.

After the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, with the defeat of the Takeda and the death of Shingen, the Shiina gained the upper hand, and the Kanamori-Ikko-ikki alliance was at a disadvantage. However, this is the strange thing about the world; it doesn't always turn out that way. After the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, the Uesugi became deeply involved in the conquest of Shinano and the subjugation of Kanto. Etchu was left to the Shiina to protect Echigo. The strategy was to suppress the Takeda and the Hojo to the point where they could not move. In other words, Etchu was put on the back burner.

Strategically, this was correct. However, it was not easy for the Shiina. For about seven years since the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, the Shiina had been fighting the Kanamori-Ikko-ikki alliance alone. The situation was not good. Just when I thought the Uesugi should come to the rescue, I made a grand entrance on the Hokuriku front. Kuki, who crushed the Ikko-ikki in Echizen and Kaga, was like a natural enemy to the Ikko-ikki. There was no choice but to use him.

For the Kanamori-Ikko-ikki alliance, Kuki's appearance was like a monster suddenly emerging from the sea and destroying everything around it. Naturally, they panicked. I then proposed a joint operation to Yusa and Nagahide, who were also panicking in Noto. Yusa and Nagahide had no objections. The Ikko followers in Noto were supporting Yusa and Nagahide on the orders of the Hongan-ji. Before I knew it, a great war was about to break out in Hokuriku, with the Kuki-Uesugi-Shiina alliance against the rest. Oh, I forgot to mention the Hatakeyama. Well, it's fine; they are not a significant presence.

Kuki's mobilized forces numbered 30,000. I left 10,000 at Sakamoto Castle. The movements of the Miyoshi were strange. They seemed to be trying to conquer the Hatakeyama in Kawachi and Kii, but I left that to Hatakeyama Takahiro and Matsunaga Hisahide. I led 20,000 troops to the Hokuriku region. Some of the local samurai from southern Omi wanted to join, but I declined. I promised them a year of rest. However, I was pleased. Whether it was out of genuine interest or flattery, it was clear that they were paying attention to my movements, which was better than indifference.

"Lord"

"Have they arrived?"

"Yes, Lord Hatakeyama Shuzui and Saemon-no-suke will arrive in about half an hour."

Akiha Kyubei reported from outside the room. Late, they were supposed to arrive an hour ago. They must be enjoying the feeling of superiority by making me wait. Saya and Yuki moved. Don't be so tense, you're making me nervous too.

"Saya, I'm leaving. I might not be able to attend the birth this time. Please have a healthy baby. It can be a boy or a girl. And take care of Takewakamaru."

"Yes."

"Yuki, it's going to get hot. Take care of yourself."

"Yes."

"Then I'm off."

As I was about to leave the room with my helmet, they both said, "We pray for your success." I wasn't particularly happy; their voices sounded somewhat sad. I didn't see Takewakamaru. I can't let my heart be crushed. Being a Sengoku daimyo is a cursed business.

Outside the castle, 20,000 troops were assembled. Yes, it's quite a sight. I waited for the Hatakeyama with my attendants, pages, Sanada, Gamou, Jukuro, and the military strategists. After about fifteen minutes, the Hatakeyama forces appeared. However, they were only about fifty in number. They were useless in battle. I had to place them in the rear with guards. But as a precaution, it would be better to have Hatakeyama Shuzui by my side. The pretext would be to confirm the situation in Noto.

The Hatakeyama forces stopped about a hundred meters away. Then five of them approached. Two were on horseback, and three were on foot. Two of the three on foot were leading the horses. These fools, do they intend to approach me on horseback? I dismounted to wait for them. Do they think it's a good idea to look down on the person who is supposed to help them? Is that the pride of the prestigious Hatakeyama family? Don't make me laugh, you fools who were expelled from your country!

The attendants and pages were murmuring, "Be quiet," I told them to stop. You fools! Don't you think they would be happy if you cause a commotion? There are other ways to silence such people. I dismounted about five meters away. These fools were wearing heavy armor. This isn't a period drama; no one wears such armor these days. The Kuki generals all wear contemporary armor. By the way, I wear the latest South Barbarian cuirass and helmet, purchased from Portuguese merchants. It's a bit heavy but the strongest of the time.

The three gradually approached, excluding the horse leaders. The older one was Hatakeyama Saemon-no-suke Yoshitune, and the younger one was Hatakeyama Shuzui Yoshitsuna. The third person was Iikawa Wakasa-no-kami. Shuzui Yoshitsuna is in his mid-thirties. He wears a red-lacquered armor, and as he approaches, it makes a thudding sound. His father is wearing a navy blue-lacquered armor. Both are national treasures in modern times. Iikawa Wakasa-no-kami wears contemporary armor.

They stopped about three meters away and remained silent. What, are they too good to speak to their inferiors now? They are quite a handful.

"Hatakeyama Shuzui?"

"Indeed."

"Then you must be Saemon-no-suke."

He only nodded. He doesn't seem to want to talk to me.

Generally, people from prestigious families like these dislike upstarts. They only accept upstarts when they are useful, but even then, they feel unpleasant. They feel powerless themselves. They only accept upstarts when they are revered. At that time, they feel satisfied that they are cute. They feel superior and recognize their own value. Yoshitaka probably said something flattering. Kuki is a loyal retainer of the Ashikaga. He will do as you command. So, you can feel like you're on a big ship. Because of this, they probably thought it was okay to cause a little trouble.

Both of them had smiles on their faces. They seem satisfied to treat me as an inferior. Iikawa Wakasa-no-kami stood expressionless. Poor guy. ...Oh, so Rokkaku Yoshitaka and Hatakeyama Yoshitsuna are cousins. I just realized this now. No wonder we don't get along. To them, I am the same as Yusa and Nagahide. A bad guy who took over the Rokkaku through a coup. Yoshitaka, you gave me a real problem.

"I am Kuki Daisan-no-kami."

Their smiles grew wider. They seem pleased that I greeted them. On the other hand, my retainers are furious. Calm down.

"How many troops do you have, Lord Hatakeyama? It looks like only about fifty. Did you leave the rest somewhere?"

Their faces twisted. My retainers are smug. I'm not trying to cause trouble; it's normal to confirm the number of allied troops.

"Lord Daisan-no-kami, that is all of our troops."

Iikawa Wakasa-no-kami answered uneasily.

"Is that so? Then they are of no use in battle. They will have to wait in the rear of the Kuki forces."

Even when I emphasized, "Is that acceptable?" they remained silent. Are they upset that I said they are of no use in battle? I could use them as the vanguard and crush them if I wanted to.

"I will place 500 guards behind the Hatakeyama forces. We can't afford any trouble. ...Sakurou, call Miyabe Zenjo and Nishiyama Hyobu here."

Their moods improved. They seem somewhat satisfied, thinking I am showing them consideration. Sakurou Kuroda moved to call Miyabe and Nishiyama.

"Lord Shuzui, I would like you to stay by my side and consult on various matters. Therefore, Lord Saemon-no-suke will lead the Hatakeyama forces, but with only about fifty troops, they are of no use in battle. They will have to follow behind the Kuki forces. You will be placed behind them."

"Hai."

"Their role has two parts. One is to guard. The enemy is not limited to the people of Noto. There are also Ikko-ikki monks. Make sure they are not attacked by mistake."

"Hai."

"The second is to monitor."

Everyone showed a shocked expression. Is it okay to say such things? That's how it feels.

"What do you mean! Lord Daisan-no-kami! To monitor us is an insult!"

"Can you guarantee that there is not a single traitor among those fifty men, Lord Shuzui?"

Shuzui, who was shouting with a red face, fell silent. Saemon-no-suke looks displeased but remains silent.

"The traitors will be desperate. They might take hostages from their families to force a betrayal or try to obtain information with money. I don't think I'm the only one who thinks this is a possibility."

"..."

"Lord Shuzui, don't you understand? By having you by my side, I am ensuring your safety."

"What?"

"It's a dangerous situation. You could be killed at any moment if you stay with them."

For the first time, Shuzui and Saemon-no-suke showed signs of unease. They were probably too elated at the prospect of returning to Noto.

"Zenjo, Hyobu, if anyone tries to contact the Hatakeyama forces from the outside or if anyone tries to leave the Hatakeyama forces, kill them immediately."

"Hai."

They looked like they wanted to say something, so I raised my hand to stop them. Zenjo and Hyobu looked like their eyes were about to pop out.

"If the Hatakeyama forces move more than three cho away from the Kuki forces or deviate to the side, assume they have been taken over by traitors and attack without hesitation. Kill them all."

"What... What are you saying..."

"Don't worry about Lord Saemon-no-suke, Lord Shuzui. He will already be dead by then."

Shuzui and Saemon-no-suke looked like they wanted to say something but couldn't. They just grunted.

"Zenjo, Hyobu, I'm counting on you."

"Hai."

They answered and quickly retreated. They didn't have to retreat so quickly.

"Is this an insult, Lord Daisan-no-kami! Lord Yoshitaka told us to treat us with respect as the lords of Noto!"

Saemon-no-suke shouted. I heard his voice for the first time. It was a hoarse, unpleasant voice, like that of a drunkard.

"There seems to be a misunderstanding. What I was asked by Lord Yoshitaka was to take back Noto from the traitors and make Lord Shuzui the lord of the province. It was not to revere you."

"What... What are you saying..."

"Lord Wakasa-no-kami, take Lord Saemon-no-suke back to the troops. And tell them that if they do anything strange, all fifty of them, including Lord Saemon-no-suke, will be killed. To me, having Lord Shuzui by my side is enough. There is no need to bring fifty men to Noto. Don't forget that. If there are traitors, they won't be able to move."

Iikawa Wakasa-no-kami calmed down the fuming Saemon-no-suke and led him back to the troops. I clearly warned Shuzui. If he upset me, his father and the fifty men would die in vain. I also took away his sword, dagger, and armor-piercing weapon and assigned him a guard, who would also serve as a monitor. Shuzui resisted at first but eventually nodded with a pale face. He is quite a handful.

Finally, we are ready to march. We were delayed due to these fools. Everyone's faces were tense, but only Jubei was smiling happily. He hates fools, and he seems pleased with how I handled the Hatakeyama. I also dislike fools, but I can accept them. ...I'm gradually losing confidence. The degree of foolishness is too severe.

Eiroku 11 (1568) Early June, Kaga Province, Ishikawa District, Omiyadera, Kuki Mototsune

"It has been restored quite well."

"Yes, thanks to the money you provided, it progressed more than expected. The peasants who helped with the construction are happy to earn money."

The castle steward of Omiyadera, Iikuchi Echizen-no-kami, answered happily. It's his home, so it's natural that he is happy. The previous battle had severely damaged it, and I was surprised at how much progress had been made. I am also pleased.

"Never be stingy with the peasants. Pay them generously. If you need money, go to Seta Beach; there's no need to be hesitant."

"Hai."

This place was the base of the Ikko-ikki. If the peasants think that life has become harder under Kuki, another uprising might occur. Economic stimulus through public works is necessary.

"Is the castle still called Omiyadera?"

"Everyone calls it Omiyajou... "

"Omiyajou, hmm. Do you dislike it?"

"It just has a bit of an Ikko-ikki smell."

Echizen-no-kami chuckled, and everyone else followed suit. Outside Omiyadera, I gave the troops a rest while I sat on a zabuton with Sanada, Gamou, Jukuro, the military strategist, and Echizen, discussing matters. The attendants and pages were waiting a little distance away with Shuzui. The fifty Hatakeyama troops followed without any problems.

"Well, that's true. From Omiyadera to Omiyajou. It doesn't change much. If you think of a good name, let me know. I will officially recognize it."

"Hai. Are you not entering the castle?"

"No, we need to hurry. I stopped here to see if you had heard anything about Noto and Etchu. I have received reports from Jukuro, but Echizen has been in Kaga. Do you know anything?"

Echizen nodded.

"Kanamori will surrender."

Everyone looked at each other.

"I have also heard from Jukuro that there are movements towards surrender. The Kanamori family is divided between surrender and resistance, and I heard that the surrender faction is dominant. Is that correct?"

Echizen nodded vigorously.

"There is no mistake. The head of the Kanamori family, Saemon-no-jo Nagachika, has exiled his eldest son Nagaharu, his relative Kiyotaka, and his senior retainer Terumasa, all of whom were sympathetic to the Ikko-ikki. The Kanamori family has decided to surrender."

"Um."

In that case, it would be better to postpone a rapid attack on Etchu. There is no need for unnecessary casualties. The Kanamori will likely surrender to the Uesugi