Chapter 56

Eiroku 12 (1569) Early November, Omi Province, Takashima District, Anai River Village, Shimizu Castle, Kudono Mototsuna

"Seems you have another child, eh?"

"Congratulations."

"When I returned to the castle after the battle, I found out a daughter was born. It was a surprise."

When I replied, my grandfather and great-uncle burst into laughter. Indeed, talking with these three always makes me feel at ease. My grandfather seems to be in good health today, sitting cross-legged as usual. I told him not to overexert himself, but he really seems fine.

"It's not a laughing matter. When I returned to the castle, Yukiyo was holding a baby, welcoming me. I didn't expect it to be Yukiyo's daughter, so I asked whose child it was. Yukiyo got angry, very angry, and even cried. Saya scolded me, calling me a terrible man. I had to apologize profusely, without even taking off my armor."

The two of them laughed again, heartily.

"You're always missing the mark in odd places. But that's what makes you good."

"It's not helping, Grandfather."

They kept laughing. I couldn't help but laugh too; it was a ridiculous story. But still, if she was pregnant, she should have let me know. I appreciated her concern for my busy schedule, but...

"Takehime, what a good name."

"I hope she grows up straight and tall like bamboo, and that she will root herself firmly in the Kudono and her future husband's family."

"Indeed, a good name."

"Truly."

It's heartwarming to see them so pleased. My grandfather now has three great-grandchildren. I should bring them here next time; he'll be delighted.

"Still, the conquest of Ise was quick, wasn't it? I was surprised."

"Great-uncle, without food, a castle cannot hold, no matter how strong it is."

"Did you make the merchants buy rice for them? You have strange ideas."

"Kitabatake looked regretful. He probably thought I was being dishonorable."

My grandfather laughed out loud.

"Nonsense, there's no such thing as dishonor in war. The loser is at fault."

That's right, in war, you must win. There's no such thing as dishonor. I can win because I know how famous generals like Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu fought. And because I know men like Jubei, Hanbei, and Ueno no Suke. That gives me an advantage over others. But I don't think of it as dishonorable. It's only effective if you use it.

"Still, I can't be happy about it. Kitabatake's main family is still in Ise."

The two of them exchanged glances, their smiles gone.

"Are you thinking of a truce?"

"Yes."

"Yoshaki is a problem."

My grandfather is right. Yoshaki always does unnecessary things. It's a problem. I took a sip of tea, and they followed suit.

The conquest of Ise went smoothly. We surrounded Ogasawara Castle in early August, and by early September, the Kitabatake forces had exhausted their supplies. The battle was over. But then Yoshaki intervened.

"Kitabatake seems to have asked Yoshaki to mediate after the conquest of northern Ise. Yoshaki probably thought he could gain favor by mediating when Kitabatake was in trouble, but the battle ended sooner than expected, so he hurriedly sent the Miyake and Hosokawa brothers."

The two of them nodded, frowning.

"At that point, no one would be happy with mediation. Kitabatake would be upset that I didn't suppress the Kudono sooner, and I would wonder what kind of mediation this was. But the Miyake and Hosokawa brothers couldn't return empty-handed. They tried hard to reach an agreement. It was essentially a surrender, but the wording was to save Yoshaki's face. It's ridiculous."

If Kitabatake had been asked, he should have considered Kitabatake's interests first, not the Ashikaga's. He probably tried to appear heroic and increase his authority, but it backfired.

"I was thinking of moving Kitabatake's main family to Omi, giving them about 5,000 koku and treating them as a prestigious family, but making them powerless. But..."

Thinking about it now, it's frustrating.

"Did the Miyake and Hosokawa brothers interfere?"

"Yes, Kitabatake seems to have begged to stay in Ise, accepting the loss of his territory. He probably said he would be killed if he went to Omi. Ridiculous! I wouldn't do such a thing!"

"..."

"Ise is where Kitabatake's influence is strong, and his branch families are widespread. If the main family stays in Ise, it could cause trouble. They might try to regain power, or someone might incite them."

"Branch families, the Miyoshi, and the Hongan-ji... It's a problem."

"Exactly. It will be a problem."

The two of them sighed.

"Since you didn't say anything..."

"I've told you many times, Great-uncle. If they move to Omi, they will lose their influence, and the branch families will not act rashly to protect the main family. It would be safer for the Kitabatake. But those two seem to have been influenced by Yoshaki and won't listen."

The two of them looked helpless. I probably look the same.

"It could end up like the Hatakeyama in Noto, causing more unrest."

"Even worse! I might have to kill them all. I told the Miyake and Hosokawa brothers that clearly, but they won't listen. The Kitabatake main and branch families insist on staying in Ise, saying they will persuade them. It's a sad story. No one will trust a mediator who acts like that."

"..."

"Think about it, I've destroyed the Rokkaku, Hatakeyama, and Kitabatake. They were all powerful daimyo with the title of shugo. Yoshaki might not like it."

Yoshaki probably wants to balance the power among the daimyo to establish the shogun's authority as a mediator. In that sense, both the Miyoshi and Kudono are disruptors of the old order. Yoshitaka and Yoshaki are different. Yoshitaka relied on and trusted the Kudono. But Yoshaki, while relying on the Kudono, is also wary of them.

"Why didn't you refuse? You should be able to now."

"...I'm secretly approaching the Miyoshi, suggesting they make Yoshaki the next shogun."

Both of them were stunned. Great-uncle muttered, "What?"

"Of course, I'm not serious. I just wanted to stop the Miyoshi's movements while I mobilize my army."

"I see, you're using Yoshaki as a bargaining chip with the Heishima shogun."

"Exactly."

My grandfather and great-uncle nodded.

"If you use Yoshaki as a bargaining chip with the Heishima shogun, they might avoid a conflict with the Kudono. But if the Kudono and Yoshaki break ties, the Miyoshi might seriously ally with Yoshaki. I might have overplayed my hand."

My grandfather and great-uncle grunted. It seemed like a good move at the time, but now it feels like I've stirred up trouble.

"If the Kudono and Yoshaki break ties and Yoshaki allies with the Miyoshi, if Yoshaki is rational, he will try to improve relations with the Kudono to strengthen his position. But if he gets emotional, who knows what will happen. Miiro Juro and Matsunaga Danjo, along with the Hatano of Tamba, the Isshiki of Tango, and the Ikko-ikki of Nagashima. Matsunaga even has the Sanuki of Koga. One mistake and they could be manipulated."

It might not be a包围网 for Nobunaga but a包围网 for the Kudono. Especially the movements of the Hatano of Tamba and the Isshiki of Tango are unclear. They are not friendly to the Kudono, but they are not friendly to the Miyoshi either. They share borders in Wakasa, so there's no guarantee of safety. How they respond to Yoshaki's call...

"Is it unwise to break ties now?"

My grandfather asked, looking at my face.

"Destroy the Ikko-ikki of Nagashima and control the navy of Shima. Avoid breaking ties until the Kitabatake of Ise are destroyed. After that, the Kudono can concentrate their forces in the capital. Eventually, the Miyoshi will call for the next shogun from the Heishima shogun. Until then, we must endure. After that, even if we break ties, Yoshaki will come to terms. But now..."

Unfortunately, the Heishima shogun is not moving. So now, I have no choice but to yield. In the end, I had to give 5,000 koku to the Kitabatake main family and allow them to stay in Ise. The branch families are around them...

"It's a problem."

My grandfather said, and great-uncle nodded.

"There are other problems. The influence extends to Nagano."

My grandfather and great-uncle exchanged glances.

"What do you mean?"

"Nagano rejected the adopted son from the Kitabatake and sided with the Kudono. They fear the Kitabatake's revival and retaliation."

Their expressions became serious.

"The new head of the Nagano, Nagano Keishiro, offered his niece to be my concubine."

"Niece? Wait, that girl is—"

"The daughter of the former head of the Nagano, Nagano Yamashiro-no-kami, who was killed by the Kitabatake. She was supposed to marry the adopted son from the Kitabatake, Nagano Jiro, but the marriage was called off due to the failed cooperation and the murder of her father, Yamashiro-no-kami. She is the daughter of the main line of the Nagano, named Suzu."

My grandfather and great-uncle exchanged glances. The inability to marry Suzu was one reason for the weak power base of Nagano Jiro. He never became the son-in-law and was always an outsider in the Nagano family.

"Does Keishiro have a son? If he married her to his son, it would solidify his position in the Nagano clan."

I shook my head.

"If the Kitabatake had moved to Omi, it would have happened. But it didn't. Great-uncle, the Nagano clan fully understands that the Kitabatake hate them. After all, they rejected the adopted son, Nagano Jiro, which was a huge loss of face for the Kitabatake. The Nagano clan sees more benefit in making Suzu my concubine."

Even if the Kitabatake regain power, they can't attack the Nagano. If they do, Suzu will appeal to me, and the Kitabatake will anger me. If the Nagano are destroyed by the Kitabatake, and Suzu bears a child with me, the Nagano clan can be revived. The Nagano clan is seeking an external solution rather than internal stability by using Suzu. My grandfather sighed deeply.

"What will you do?"

"I have no choice but to accept. ...She will come to Shiozu Beach by the end of the year."

My mouth felt bitter, and I took another sip of tea.

"If I refuse, the Nagano clan will be shaken and confused. It could also give the Kitabatake the wrong idea that I'm neglecting the Nagano, which would be dangerous. By taking a concubine from the Nagano, I can firmly control the Nagano clan and show that I don't underestimate the Kitabatake. This way, if the Kitabatake rebel, the chaos can be limited to southern Ise, and it shouldn't be too difficult to deal with."

I hope the Kitabatake understand this and don't act foolishly... but I doubt they will. They are fools who angered Nobunaga and were killed.

"To be honest, it's a heavy burden. Saya came to the Kudono as a daughter of the Rokkaku. She must have been anxious, but the Rokkaku were a strong backing. She must have felt secure. Yukiyo came to the Kudono by her own will. But Suzu... It's not uncommon in this chaotic world, but it's pitiful. I heard she is ten years old. How much does she understand..."

"Ten years old!" The two of them exclaimed in unison. I sighed. They are surprised, and I was too. A ten-year-old girl as a concubine...

"It's not clear if she will actually become a concubine. In a few years, the threat from the Kitabatake might be gone, and we could return her to the Nagano. She is more like a hostage, but being a hostage would weaken the Nagano's position. That's why they want her to be a concubine. The Nagano clan is that anxious."

The two of them sighed deeply.

"You have a difficult task, my lord."

Great-uncle sympathized with me. His kindness was touching. ...I can't keep complaining forever.

"There were some good results. Umeda and Chikusa are trustworthy. They seem to recognize me."

"That's good."

"But it's tough. The standards are the Kanrei-dai and Seishin Nyudo. I can't be complacent."

My grandfather and great-uncle laughed. I said I would give Umeda 20,000 koku and establish a separate family, but I haven't decided which province to give him. I wanted to consider Umeda's preferences, but he is hesitant. Ise or not Ise. Ise is risky, which is why he is hesitant.

"Great-uncle, about Shuzai."

"Shuzai, what about him?"

"He is currently under the Kanshi Bugyo, but I'm thinking of moving him to the Hyoryo-bugyo."

"Hyoryo-bugyo..."

"I'm planning to improve the roads. From Shiozu Beach to Noto, within Omi, and the Hachifuku and Chikusa roads. The Hyoryo-bugyo will handle it."

My grandfather and great-uncle were wide-eyed.

"That's a big project."

"Yes, it will be a large-scale operation involving people and money. I think it will be a good experience for Shuzai. After two or three years in the Hyoryo-bugyo, I'll move him to the Gunryaku-bugyo to learn about war preparations. Then, I'll have him learn about warfare and castle construction in the Gunryaku-bugyo. Finally, I'll have him gain experience as a general by my side."

"Thank you, I don't know what to say..."

Great-uncle blinked.

"Shuzai will likely come to the forefront of the Kudono after he turns thirty. It's about ten years from now. I'm looking forward to what the Kudono will be like then."

"Hai."

I'm also giving the lord of Kudonotani and the lord of the castle some mundane tasks. I want Shuzai to grow...

Eiroku 12 (1569) Late November, Omi Ika District, Shiozu Beach, Shiozu Beach Castle, Nagano Suzu

When I stepped off the boat, the castle was right in front of me.

"Is this Shiozu Beach Castle?"

"Yes, this is the residence of Kudono Daisan Daifu, Shiozu Beach Castle."

My uncle, Nagano Keishiro, answered my question. It was smaller than I expected. The Daisan Daifu lives in such a small castle?

The sound of gunfire came from a distance.

"Uncle, the sound of gunfire."

"Yes, the Kudono's gunners are famous. Only the Saiga can match them. I heard the Miyoshi were thoroughly beaten by the Kudono's gunners in the Battle of Yamashina."

"Is that so?"

When Uncle informed the gatekeeper of our arrival, a well-built samurai appeared and led us into the castle. We were taken to a slightly unusual room with large chests and desks. A young man was sitting on the upper platform. Is this Kudono Daisan Daifu? I shouldn't look at someone of higher rank; it's impolite. I lowered my gaze. When Uncle sat and bowed, I hurriedly did the same.

"It's been a while."

"Yes, thank you for coming, Keishiro. And this must be Lady Suzu."

"Yes, it is Suzu."

"Both of you, please raise your heads."

Uncle raised his head, so I did too.

"Lady Suzu, I am Kudono Daisan Daifu Mototsuna. You must be tired from the journey. Did you get seasick?"

"Thank you for your concern. We arrived at Shiozu Beach without any problems."

"That's good."

He is kind and considerate. His voice is gentle, and his expression is ordinary. He is not tall or muscular. Is this really Kudono Daisan Daifu?

Kudono Daisan Daifu turned the small Kudono family into a powerful daimyo with vast territories. Everyone is afraid of Daisan Daifu. Even the feared Ikko-ikki cannot match him. The Ikko-ikki followers call him a demon and fear him. I thought he would be a large, muscular man with a thick beard and a scary face. I, this person, will become his concubine? But I don't know what to do... No one at the Nagano castle told me. Uncle said I would understand eventually...

"Keishiro, don't worry about Lady Suzu. I will treat her well. The same goes for the Nagano family."

"Thank you. Please take good care of her."

"Yes. I have placed 3,000 soldiers and two of my trusted retainers, Sanada Genjiro and Sanada Tokijiro, at the Ogasawara Castle and Kiri Castle in northern Ise. They are the sons of my heavy retainer, Sanada Danjo. Though young, they are excellent warriors. Keep in close contact with them."

"Hai."

I don't fully understand, but it seems Daisan Daifu is trying to protect the Nagano family. I should be grateful. The Nagano family has a terrifying enemy, the Kitabatake. My father and grandfather were killed by the Kitabatake. Although the Kitabatake lost the recent battle, Uncle says we can't be complacent. I agree.

"I have spoken well of the Nagano family to the Umeda and Chikusa in northern Ise. If the Nagano family requests reinforcements, they will respond immediately. Keep in close contact with them."

"Hai."

"I will also respond immediately when I receive news. I won't abandon you. However, don't be complacent. The Heishima shogun, Yoshisuke, has finally moved."

"What! Is that true?"

Uncle is surprised. I am too. Uncle is usually calm, but he is this surprised.

"It's true. We