Chapter 5

In the ninth month of the year 1553, in the village of Kutsuki in the Takashima District of Omi Province, at Kutsuki Castle, a young boy named Takewakamaru stood.

"Takewakamaru, Lord Nagao Danjō Sukezaemon has come to pay his respects to Lord Kōshin," my grandfather said, his voice tinged with excitement. He always gets worked up when it comes to matters involving Yoshifuji. It's a bit of a problem.

"Is that so? Then I should go to Iwagami Hall, shouldn't I?"

"Yes, that would be best."

Whenever a guest comes, my grandfather wants me to meet them. When Yoshifuji came, he introduced me to his retainers. It seems he's trying to sell me. Well, it's not a bad thing. In this world, being unknown is never a good thing. This time, it's quite a big catch, so it's best to meet him.

Nagao Danjō Sukezaemon Kagekatsu, who would later become known as Uesugi Kenshin. This time, Kagekatsu has come to Kyoto to express his gratitude for his recent appointment as a Fifth Rank Lower Danjō Sukezaemon. The message came from the Asukai family in Kyoto. It's quite impressive that he came to Kyoto just to express his gratitude. However, it's a bit disappointing. Kagekatsu only brought about fifty men with him. If he had at least five thousand soldiers, it would be a different story... No, that's not possible. The current Kagekatsu is not the later Kenshin. He hasn't yet earned the reputation of a military god. While Uesugi Kenshin might be able to move the Rokkaku and the Asakura, Nagao Kagekatsu cannot.

At Iwagami Hall, Yoshifuji was entertaining Kagekatsu in high spirits. Others present included Hosokawa Harumoto and Fujitaka. For Yoshifuji, Harumoto, and Fujitaka, who had been dejected after their fall from Kyoto, Kagekatsu's visit from distant Echigo must have been a great comfort. After all, the responses from the Rokkaku and the Asakura have not been favorable. Currently, there is no plan for Yoshifuji to return to Kyoto. When my grandfather and I arrived at Iwagami Hall, we were immediately shown to the room. He probably wants to show that there are people who look up to him. He wants to introduce us to Kagekatsu and Kagekatsu to us.

"Danjō, this is Kutsuki Minbu Shōsuke and Takewakamaru. The people of Kutsuki are loyal to me," my grandfather said, bowing his head and calling it "a great honor." I followed suit. Don't get the wrong idea, Yoshifuji. I haven't been loyal, nor do I plan to be. I'm just investing because there's a benefit. I'll make sure to get a return on my investment later. But there are people in this world who delude themselves into thinking they are loved...

"Minbu Shōsuke, Takewakamaru, this is Nagao Danjō Sukezaemon."

"Nagao Danjō Sukezaemon Kagekatsu, at your service."

"I am Kutsuki Minbu Shōsuke Sadahiro, and this is my grandson, Takewakamaru."

Kagekatsu bowed slightly, and my grandfather and I bowed again. Coming here makes me feel like a rice-husking locust, which I find unpleasant. Even if I say I have studies to do and try to refuse, my grandfather insists on coming, and Yoshifuji gets annoyed if I don't. He calls me immediately. Thanks to this, I have to show my face at Iwagami Hall almost every day, acting like a rice-husking locust. I'm tired of it.

Kagekatsu was a small man. In his portraits, he is depicted as a stout, bearded man, but now he is a slender, delicate young man, just a bit over twenty. He doesn't have a thick beard. However, his eyes were sharp. He seemed a bit dangerous. In modern times, he would probably be the type to get stopped by the police.

Well, that's right. In the Battle of Kawanakajima, he faced off against Shingen, and he claimed to be celibate for life. In modern times, he would be a tough, rebellious delinquent. Not to mention, he claimed to be the reincarnation of Bishamonten, the god of war. He would be seen as a typical middle schooler with a delusional eye. He doesn't seem normal at all. I'm interested, but it's best to keep my distance.

"Takewakamaru is still young, but he is quite a strategist."

The eyes of the middle schooler with the delusional eye sharpened! It's the evil eye! Don't look at me, Kagekatsu! Don't say unnecessary things, Yoshifuji! Kagekatsu, you know I'm joking, right? I'm only five years old, so don't glare at me like that. What if I have a seizure? ...I shouldn't have said that. I felt sorry for Yoshifuji because he looked so dejected...

"My grandson, but I look forward to his future."

Grandfather! Please don't say unnecessary things. But even Harumoto and Fujitaka started to affirm Yoshifuji's words. Why are there so many people around me who say unnecessary things? No one tries to understand my feelings.

"What kind of strategy is it?"

Kagekatsu looked at me intently and asked. Yoshifuji nodded happily, "As I said, the responses from the Rokkaku and the Asakura have not been good..."

"Lord Kōshin."

I interrupted, and Yoshifuji laughed.

"You're a worrier, Takewakamaru. But don't worry, Danjō is a trustworthy man."

What are you asserting, you fool? He thinks I'm worried that Kagekatsu might leak his plans to the Miyoshi. That's not it at all.

"That's not it. Lord Nagao Danjō Sukezaemon is from Echigo, and the neighboring province is Etchū."

Yoshifuji exclaimed, "Ah!" and looked a bit embarrassed. Harumoto and Fujitaka had similar expressions. Do you understand? Etchū is ruled by the Ikko-ikki, and they are enemies of Echigo. It would be unwise to suggest using the Ikko-ikki to Kagekatsu. He might be a strange man, but he is your greatest ally. Think a bit more.

"Is your strategy to use the Ikko-ikki?"

"Yes, that's right."

"I don't mind. Lord Kōshin, please continue."

Yoshifuji shook his head.

"...No, I'll stop. It's a plan that won't work anyway. I don't want to make Danjō uncomfortable."

That's right, that's the way to go.

"Will it not work?"

Kagekatsu asked suspiciously, and Yoshifuji nodded, "Yes, Takewakamaru thinks it won't work, and I agree. But the important thing is that Takewakamaru told me not to just wait for the Rokkaku and the Asakura to help, but to take action myself. That attitude will eventually move the hearts of the Rokkaku and the Asakura. ...I agree, and when I move their hearts, I will be able to return to Kyoto."

Kagekatsu nodded vigorously. Yes, he seems to like such things.

"Danjō."

"Ha."

"When you come to Kyoto next time, I will be there to welcome you."

"Ha, I look forward to it."

"Um-hum."

Ah, they're staring at each other, entering their own world. Well, that's fine. Kagekatsu will come to Kyoto again the year before the Battle of Okehazama, in 1559. Oda Nobunaga will also come to Kyoto that year. It will be a memorable year for Yoshifuji.

Kagekatsu stayed at Iwagami Hall that night and left for Echigo the next day. To be honest, he was the worst. There was a banquet in the evening, and Kagekatsu drank sake like there was no tomorrow. I wondered if his purpose in coming to Kutsuki was to meet Yoshifuji or to drink sake. The puffy cheeks in his portraits are probably from drinking. My evaluation of him is a delusional middle schooler who drinks heavily. I don't want to get close to him again. He's supposed to be a legendary hero and a military god, but I couldn't feel any admiration or respect for him. I wonder why?

In the tenth month of the year 1553, in the village of Kutsuki in the Takashima District of Omi Province, at Kutsuki Castle, Kutsuki Aya.

"Mother, it's Takewakamaru. May I come in?"

I heard Takewakamaru's voice in the corridor. I smiled and answered brightly, "Please come in," and Takewakamaru entered the room, followed by Umamaru. They sat down and greeted me politely.

"Good morning, Mother."

"Good morning, Lady."

"Good morning, Lord Takewakamaru, Lord Umamaru."

"It has become quite cool since October."

"Yes, it feels chilly in the mornings and evenings."

I replied, and my son nodded, saying, "Indeed." I felt a sense of unease again today. My son comes to my room almost every day, and each time, I feel this unease. He doesn't look like a five-year-old at all.

"This year's rice crop is average, it seems."

"Yes, last year was a good harvest, so... it's a bit disappointing."

"There's nothing we can do. We can't have a good harvest every year. It's better than a poor harvest. Wars will be fought over rice."

"..."

That's true, wars will break out. But it's hard to believe that a five-year-old would point this out. Especially when it's your own child. Who is this child?

"Sakumon has returned from Kashima. Four martial arts experts who studied under Tsukahara Bokuden will come to Kutsuki. They should arrive next month."

"Lord Kōshin will be pleased."

"Yes, the garden at Iwagami Hall is beautiful, but it can get boring. I want to entertain Lord Kōshin and ease his boredom."

I sighed involuntarily. My son looked at me with a puzzled expression. I quickly smiled and said, "It's nothing."

My father-in-law dotes on Takewakamaru. He seems to see him as a worthy heir to the Kutsuki family. But is that really the case? Even when my husband was alive, there was something mysterious about him. But after my husband's death, Takewakamaru changed so much that he seemed like a different person. Perhaps he had no choice but to change...?

"I'm going to start preparing shiitake mushrooms soon. I would like your help, Mother."

"Alright, is it that time of year already?"

"Yes."

One of the reasons for Kutsuki's prosperity was the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms. It is a closely guarded secret of the Kutsuki family, and any information about it is strictly prohibited from leaking outside.

"When it's the twelfth month, I plan to send clear sake, dried shiitake mushrooms, soap, and lacquerware to Grandfather Asukai and Uncle. I also plan to request that they present them to the Emperor. I would appreciate your help in this, Mother."

"Alright, I'll send a letter later."

I agreed, and Takewakamaru nodded.

Since last year, Takewakamaru has been sending gifts to the Asukai family and requesting that his father and brother present them to the Emperor. The gifts are not large in quantity, but they are all valuable, especially the clear sake and dried shiitake mushrooms, which are essential for the New Year. However, they are expensive and difficult for the impoverished court and nobles to obtain. My father and brother were surprised by Takewakamaru's generosity. Kutsuki is a small domain, and even if the products are from Kutsuki, they didn't expect them to be given for free. They probably don't realize that we cultivate them.

Takewakamaru's offerings have naturally surprised the court as well. I know this from a letter my father received, which said the Emperor was very pleased. The court seems to value Kutsuki not only for its loyalty to the shogunate but also for its dedication to the imperial cause. This evaluation should benefit not only Kutsuki but also my father and brother. Even in my family, Takewakamaru is highly regarded. I wonder what he is thinking and planning...

"By the way, this time I'll include roasted tea. I hope they will enjoy it..."

"I'm sure they will, Lord Takewakamaru. It's very delicious."

"I hope so."

Takewakamaru and Umamaru were talking amicably. Even without the master-servant relationship, Takewakamaru seems older. But in Kutsuki, no one seems to notice this abnormality.

Takewakamaru said, "I'm sorry to have disturbed you," and left the room. I realized I had sighed. I'm still not used to this. Will I ever be able to accept this reality...

In the twelfth month of the year 1553, in the village of Kutsuki in the Takashima District of Omi Province, at Kutsuki Castle, Takewakamaru.

Today, as usual, the sounds of "Ei" and "Ya" from the dojo in Kutsuki Castle could be heard. The voices reached my room, and they seemed to be putting a lot of effort into it. It must be Sakumon, he seems to be working hard. It's good to work hard, and it's even better if the results show. We paid a lot of money to bring people from Kashima. I hope a master of the Shinno-ryu will emerge from Kutsuki. I really do.

From Kashima, Tsukahara Bokuden's disciple, Tsukahara Koshijiro, came with three other disciples. Koshijiro is in his late forties and a distant relative of Bokuden. The other three are in their late twenties, disciples of Bokuden but under Koshijiro's care. I heard Koshijiro is quite skilled. I wonder if he has been taught the "Ichi-no-Tachi." I'm a bit afraid to ask.

Of the four, Koshijiro and one other, Honma Genjiro, are at Iwagami Hall. The remaining two, Matsumoto Heima and Kudo Kusaburō, are teaching here at Kutsuki Castle. People from Nishiyama Castle also come to learn the Shinno-ryu. Thanks to this, the exchange between Kutsuki and Nishiyama has become even closer. It's an unexpected development, but not a bad one.

Yoshifuji is overjoyed. Along with Fujitaka and other retainers, and my uncles, he practices with wooden swords every day. He used to be depressed because the situation wasn't improving, but that has decreased. He laughs more, which is good for his mental health. I was surprised to learn that Yoshifuji had never studied military tactics under a proper teacher. Considering his life of war and escape, he probably didn't have the time. He's known as a sword master, but he might have started learning military tactics quite late. Maybe I've sped up history a bit? But it's not a big deal. Even if the number of people he kills at the end increases by ten, it shouldn't be a problem.

"Lord Takewakamaru, I want to practice swordsmanship too."

When Umamaru pleaded, Kamaomaru, Iwamatsu, Toramaru, and Chidomaru also said they wanted to practice. Again? How many times has this happened?

"No, you can only do suburi."

The five looked disappointed. But the Shinno-ryu uses wooden swords. If you get injured before your bones are fully developed, it could lead to lifelong injuries. I've told them this many times, but they don't seem to understand.

"Instead, learn writing and the abacus. They will definitely be useful."

The five looked unhappy. I ignored them and started practicing calligraphy. Cursive and semi-cursive scripts are tedious, but I can't keep relying on others to write for me. When they realized I wasn't going to listen, they also started practicing writing. In the Sengoku period, people tend to think about gaining military fame on the battlefield. Writing and the abacus are not popular, even though they are the most important. Even Ishida Mitsunari must have found it hard to be understood.

...Yoshifuji even said, "You are truly kind," and teared up. I understand he's in a sensitive phase, but don't cry. He was often bullied, so he tends to cry when someone is kind to him. He's probably too sensitive and easily affected. The misunderstanding with the Miyoshi might be because he thinks they are mocking him, even if they don't mean to. He's a troublesome person.

It's not for your sake, don't get the wrong idea. It's all for the enhancement of Kutsuki's military power. I don't know if swordsmanship will be useful on the battlefield, but it's not just about the battlefield. There are many instances of ambushes indoors. We need to increase our chances of survival as much as possible.

A letter from Kagekatsu of Echigo arrived. It was a thank-you note for the warm hospitality and the delicious sake, and he said he wanted to drink again. He also wrote that he wanted to discuss military strategy in more detail later, but I think it's just a social courtesy. I won't take it seriously. For some reason, two bolts of Echigo cotton came with the letter.

He probably wants more sake. I had no choice but to ask the merchant to send it. I attached a letter warning him to be careful not to drink too much, but I wonder how seriously he will take it... Kutsuki and Echigo are now trading