Chapter 55

Eiroku 12 (1569) Mid-February, Omi Province, Kusatsu District, Yamagami Village, Kuki Mototsuna

The Kuki army of 20,000 gathered near Eizanji. The main force of the Kuki army, led by the Kuki family, numbered about 14,000, and the local samurai of southern Omi numbered about 6,000. The local samurai of northern Omi were responsible for the security of Omi. Southern Omi could have provided 12,000, but the formation was not yet complete. When I asked the local samurai how many soldiers they could provide without overexerting themselves, they replied that it would be about 60-70%. Therefore, I received 50%, or 6,000 soldiers. I also called Ima-hama's Sakumon for the first time in a while. Since Oda had taken Mino, it was fine to use Ima-hama's soldiers for the expedition.

Still, Eizanji is not much to speak of. It is a famous Zen temple, but it is quite desolate. When I asked around, I learned that Omi had been ravaged by war since the Onin War. Eizanji has not recovered since then. It's a bit pitiful.

Perhaps because of this, the monks are terribly afraid of the army. While waiting for the local samurai to gather, the monks came to me and said, "Please do not desecrate the temple." I thought, "I'm not a lunatic who burns down every temple I see." I told them, "I won't do anything, so go read your sutras," and sent them away. They were truly impolite.

However, according to Saito and Megata, I am known for being kind to shrines but strict with temples. The reason is said to be that I favored Kehi Shrine and Kusanagi Shrine in Echizen and took the daughter of the Kehi Grand Priest as a concubine. It's ridiculous. I burned down Hiyoshi Shrine, didn't I? I burn when necessary and don't burn when unnecessary. That's all there is to it.

Anyway, I was a bit curious that there is also an Eizanji in Ise's Enban District. The monks said, "Please don't burn that one either." Crossing the Suzuka Mountains, you immediately reach Ise's Enban District. There must be a strong connection. I must be as considerate as possible. After all, Eizanji was built by the Rokkaku family. It's a troublesome matter.

Kobayashi, Aozuchi, Ikeda, Gotou, Nagata... The local samurai gathered one after another. I greeted and thanked each of them. Then, the son of Kusatsu Saburoemon, the governor of Shimotsuke, appeared. He was accompanied by a young, small warrior. From his appearance, he must be the son. So, he must be Chusan Kiyohide, later known as Ujimasa. I greeted him and confirmed it was indeed Chusan Kiyohide. He seemed to have a strong personality.

"Chusan, this is your first battle, isn't it? Isn't the armor heavy?"

"It's not heavy at all!"

He seemed to think I was mocking him.

"That's impressive. When I went to my first battle, I didn't wear armor. I was younger than you, and the armor was too heavy to move in. If I couldn't move, I couldn't run away when necessary."

"Oh, now he looks puzzled. He's cute."

"Lord Dainagon doesn't need to wear armor..."

"That's a lie. I don't know who said it, but a strange rumor spread. When I lost a battle, I stayed light to run away easily. The enemy had nearly four times the number of soldiers. Running away is not shameful. I didn't even carry a sword, just a dagger in my civilian clothes. It was around this time of year. The wind was strong and cold, and I remember putting warm stones in my pocket before going to the battlefield."

Now he looks impressed.

"Chusan, don't let your body get cold. You might get a stomachache or a cold."

"Yes."

"Getting a cold on the battlefield can be fatal. When your body is cold, your movements become sluggish. You can lose your life over small things on the battlefield. Never be overconfident."

"Yes, thank you for your words."

Is he moved?

"Indeed, don't take unnecessary risks. You will eventually lead an army. It's better to learn how to move an army by staying close to Dainagon than to seek personal glory. I lost my father early and didn't have that opportunity. I envy you."

"Yes."

Shimotsuke-no-kami and Dainagon are thanking me. It seems Chusan likes to fight. He is skilled in battle but tends to charge recklessly, according to contemporary evaluations of Ujimasa.

With the army gathered, it was time to depart. The monks of Eizanji must be relieved that I'm leaving. I should have had them pray for victory. They would have been happy with a generous offering. Yes, from now on, I will be their patron. I will make Eizanji a Kuki temple, not a Rokkaku temple. Since I will move to southern Omi, it's worth considering as part of controlling southern Omi.

Eiroku 12 (1569) Early April, Ise Province, Kawagoe District, Yatagabe Village, Inari Masahide

The Kuki army's headquarters was overflowing with local samurai from northern Ise. Perhaps I should have come a bit earlier. However, as long as I stay near Nagano, I will be attacked by Nagano and Kitabatake. The only way to ensure the survival of my family is to send my son, Tsurumaru, as a hostage. When I was led to the inner chamber, a general in Western armor stood in front. That must be Kuki Dainagon. Flanking him were rows of armored warriors. Their gazes were stern. I braced myself.

"I am Inari Kanzaiemon Masahide, lord of Inari Castle in Aya District. I have come to join Lord Kuki Dainagon. My son, Tsurumaru, is with me. I humbly request to be included in your army."

I bowed, and a voice called, "Raise your head." Was that Dainagon's voice?

"You have come well, Kanzaiemon."

"Yes."

The feeling was not bad, but I must not be complacent. The other side is a powerful daimyo with nearly two million koku. He can crush a small local samurai like me with a single move. He might also toy with me.

"I, too, was once a local samurai of Kuki Valley. I understand your hardships. With powerful figures like Nagano and Kitabatake nearby, it's not easy to come to me."

"Yes."

I was relieved. It seemed he had no intention of destroying the Inari family. I had the chance to look at him more closely. He was just an ordinary young man.

"But from now on, send a messenger first."

"I understand."

Was I suspected? I tried to send a messenger, but Kuki's advance was faster than expected. Most of the local samurai in northern Ise joined Kuki. Those who resisted were mainly Koshizawa Jiroemon, Harada Yamashiro-no-kami, Asakura Shimousa-no-kami, Nanbu Uemon-no-jo, and Kashiwade Tarosuke from Enban District, and Higashida Shousuke from Suzuka District. They were all quickly defeated. Kuki's influence had already spread widely. Perhaps Inari did not come because it was difficult to be near Nagano.

"Kanzaiemon, did you bring your son as a hostage?"

"Yes, as proof of my loyalty."

"It's unnecessary. I don't take hostages. To protect a family, one might have to sacrifice and kill a hostage. That's the way of the Sengoku period. I don't want you to be complacent because of a hostage. I'll take your sincerity."

"Yes."

Is Kuki serious about not taking hostages? I can't be too happy. It's not lenient, but strict. Without hostages, he can also abandon you.

"Kanzaiemon, what is the situation with Nagano?"

"Yes, there are those who advocate fighting Kuki with Kitabatake and those who advocate submitting to Kuki. The current head, Nagano Jiro, is from the Kitabatake family, so he seems to be considering fighting with Kitabatake, but he can't unite the family."

This much Kuki must already know.

"Are those who advocate submitting to Kuki strong?"

"Yes, they are. The main figures are the Nagano family's branch, Unrinin Keishiro, Hino Iki-no-kami, Bumpu Yosanemon, and Kawakita Naishoujo, all of whom advocate cutting ties with Kitabatake and making peace with Dainagon."

"Wait, Hino Iki-no-kami too?"

"Yes."

He looked puzzled. I'm not lying, but...

"I see, Iki-no-kami too. Then, Nagano Jiro can't move."

"Yes."

"But for all the branches to cut ties with the head family, Kitabatake must be very unpopular."

Dainagon smiled wryly. The surrounding warriors also agreed.

"Originally, Nagano Jiro was adopted to unite the Nagano and Kitabatake families and expand their influence in northern Ise. However, that plan was shattered by the defeat at Shiohama. The land route to Suzuka Kobe did not go as planned, and there is strong regret in the Nagano family about adopting someone from Kitabatake."

Dainagon nodded vigorously.

"The previous and the one before that, the heads of the Nagano family, died under suspicious circumstances."

"Yes. This has led to unrest in the family over the past few years. There have even been conflicts with the opposing branches."

"Indeed, I understand, Kanzaiemon. I knew some of this, but hearing it from someone on the scene is different. It was helpful."

"Yes."

I was relieved. It seemed I was useful. The rest depends on my performance on the battlefield.

"Lord, what will you do? Attack Nagano or go to Noto?"

Noto? Hatakeyama?

"Are you testing me, Jubei?"

Jubei? Kuki's strategist, Akechi Jubei?

"That's not the case."

Dainagon laughed out loud.

"Fine, you've done well. The invasion of Ise is over. We will now head to Noto. There has been unrest there. The next time I come to Ise will be next year. It's a busy time."

Next year... Will we be staring at each other for a year...? Laughter could be heard.

"Kanzaiemon, don't worry. Nagano won't attack first."

"Yes."

Did he read my mind?

"Neither will Kitabatake. Sending troops and being betrayed by Nagano would be disastrous. They will focus on solidifying Nagano's internal situation. Nagano will become chaotic."

That might be true.

"Let's take precautions. Umeda Sakumon, step forward."

"Yes."

A man knelt in front of me. I could only see his back, but it must be Umeda Sakumon.

"While I am away, Umeda Sakumon will lead the local samurai of northern Ise. The local samurai of northern Ise should consider Umeda Sakumon's words as mine."

Everyone bowed. Dainagon stood up.

"I will entrust my sword to Umeda Sakumon. Those who disobey should be cut down with this sword!"

"Yes."

Umeda Sakumon received the sword as if it were a sacred duty. I was surprised; Umeda Sakumon must be highly trusted. I thought he would be wary if he were of the Rokkaku bloodline...

"In an emergency, report to Yamashiro-no-kami and Jirosuke. They will lead the troops from southern Omi as reinforcements. Don't worry about supplies; they are prepared at Eizanji in southern Omi. Fight with peace of mind."

"Yes, I will guard well while you are away. Don't worry about Noto."

"Indeed, I count on you. Also, I will entrust Nakahara Hanbei to Umeda Sakumon. Hanbei is a man who supports Kuki's military strategy. Feel free to consult him."

"Yes."

I was surprised; he was really thorough.

"Let's move out. The local samurai of northern Ise should return to their castles. The rest, to Omi."

"Yes."

The Kuki army left. Now to Noto. It will get hot, and we must end the battle before winter. It won't be an easy battle. The next battle in Ise will be early next spring.

Eiroku 12 (1569) Early August, Ise Province, Aya District, Inari Village, Kuki Mototsuna

"I am surprised. I never expected another invasion of Ise within the year..."

Inari Kanzaiemon shook his head. I understand his feelings. The Kuki army suddenly appeared near his castle.

"Forgive me. To deceive the enemy, one must first deceive their allies. You and others were deceived, so Kitabatake was also deceived. I thank you for that."

Laughter, albeit weak, could be heard. I wish it were more enthusiastic.

"But was it necessary to deceive us?"

"Yes, Sanemon. After the Kuki army withdrew, merchants in southern Ise bought up rice. They said it was for the Hōjō in Kantō, who needed it for the war."

When I answered, Chikusa Sanemon said, "You don't mean..."

"Exactly. I had them buy the rice."

The Kuki army's headquarters buzzed with excitement. About twenty men were in the tent, and they were agitated.

"Kitabatake thought I would come next year and sold their rice. Since Nagano can't be relied on, they sold their rice to buy weapons and stockpile food for the harvest to prepare for a siege. They must be in a panic now."

"Then, let's quickly attack Nagano and Kitabatake."

Umeda Sakumon leaned forward.

"Be patient, Sakumon. I have already worked on the branches and main families of the Nagano family. Nagano Jiro will either be deposed or killed. We will soon receive a response."

Another buzz of excitement arose.

Indeed, a messenger from Nagano arrived immediately. The messenger was Hino Iki-no-kami. This man opposed Oda during the invasion of Ise but did not oppose me. Perhaps Nobunaga tried to force Oda Nobukatsu on the Nagano family, and they resisted. They were tired of receiving adoptees from other families for two generations. Kuki does not force adoptees. According to the agreement with Kuki, the younger brother of the previous head, Nagano Fujimasa, Yunrinin Yuki, will become the head of the Nagano family.

"I am Hino Iki-no-kami, meeting you for the first time."

"Indeed, I am Kuki Dainagon Mototsuna."

"The Nagano family has deposed the head, Nagano Jiro Kihito, and sent him back to the Kitabatake family. The new head is Yunrinin Keishiro, now known as Nagano Keishiro. The Nagano family wishes to submit to Kuki Dainagon and join your army."

"That is reassuring. Prepare your troops quickly and join us. After we unite, we will head to southern Ise."

"Yes."

Hino Iki-no-kami left. I ordered everyone to prepare for the campaign. They left the camp. Only Sanada Danjou, Akechi Jubei, Nakahara Hanbei, Numata Kōshū-no-suke, and the attendants remained.

It went well. Dividing the army for the southern and northern campaigns was a good decision. For the invasion of Ise, we used the local samurai of southern Omi, and for the invasion of Noto, we used the armies of Echizen and Kaga. The direct army of the Kuki family was also divided into two for the southern and northern campaigns. Thanks to this, the movement of the army was smooth. I and my close aides moved ahead by ship to Shiohama, and the army for the northern campaign was ready, so the troops did not get tired and did not need to rest.

The invasion of Noto also went well. It was almost anticlimactic. The Hatakeyama family must have been thoroughly disliked by everyone. When the Kuki army invaded Noto, everyone around the Hatakeyama family fled. Sakanoue-no-kami and Sakumon-no-suke tried to escape from Noto but were killed by the peasants. They must have been deeply hated.

What's strange is where those two were heading. Did they have a place to go? Sakanoue-no-kami's two sons were not killed. The peasants were reluctant to kill children. The two are under Kuki's protection. I will send them to the Hatakeyama in Kii. They might not like it, but...

There was almost no fighting. The cleanup took time. Kuki announced that he would govern Noto, the tax would be 40% for the government and 60% for the people,