Chapter 57

In the thirteenth year of Eiroku (1570), late January, in the town of Shiotsu, at Shiotsu Castle, Kuki Motonao.

My grandfather died. It was around the time when preparations for the New Year were about to begin, at the end of last year. He suddenly went up to the watchtower and looked outside the castle. Perhaps it was cold, but he came down with a fever that night. By the time I received the news and headed to Shimizuyama Castle, he was already gone. I think it was probably pneumonia. He used to say that the scenery at this time of year wasn't particularly pleasant, so I wonder what he was thinking when he went up to the watchtower.

The Kuki family canceled all New Year celebrations and the atmosphere turned to mourning. It was New Year's, the most auspicious time of the year. I told the retainers that the funeral would be a simple family affair and that they should go about their usual business, but most of them still came to pay their respects. Thanks to this, the funeral turned out to be quite grand. Nobles from Kyoto also came, including Ashikaga Yoshiaki, who had recently changed his name from Yoshitsugu. An envoy from Yoshiaki also arrived, which was quite troublesome and tiring.

He died at over seventy years old, and the Kuki family had become a powerful daimyo. Everyone said it was a good death. A good death, I suppose, but he didn't conquer the country or anything. Perhaps it was an unsatisfying life for him. I think what he truly wanted was for me to revive the Ashikaga shogunate. If I had become a kanrei like Rokkaku Takayori, he might have been truly satisfied.

But I couldn't trust the Ashikaga. So, while using them, I sought a path of independence. I think my grandfather was happy that the Kuki family grew, but he must have felt a bit of loneliness, as his dreams were being crushed. I wasn't a very good grandson. I'm grateful to you, Grandfather. You didn't force your will on me, so I was able to move forward freely.

A letter addressed to me was found in my grandfather's room. It was filled with memories of us, like fishing at the Azumagawa River, teaching me how to ride a horse, and accompanying me on my first battle. It said it was fun. At the end, it said to live without regrets and not to hold back for his sake. ...Was it just the scenery that he saw from the watchtower? Perhaps he was seeing something else, a world he truly desired.

The Hokuriku region, including Noto, has settled down. I should return to Shimizuyama Castle. I can't leave Ayama alone, and it also serves to keep an eye on Kyoto. With the Hatakeyama family losing power, the presence of the Matsunaga family in Yamato is important. Yoshiaki doesn't matter, but I need to show a supportive stance towards the Matsunaga. It's also easier to meet my uncle at Shimizuyama Castle. A castle in southern Omi will likely be built next year, but the location hasn't been decided yet. I've told the military strategists that the area near Kannonji Castle is not suitable, so it won't be in An土. It will probably be in Hachiman or Otsu.

"Lord, Jūzō is here."

"Formality is unnecessary, let him in."

In response to the page's words, Jūzō entered the room.

"I apologize for disturbing your rest."

"No, it's just right. I tend to think of nothing good when I'm idle. It's just my small-mindedness."

Jūzō looked troubled. You're right, you can't agree when your lord says he's small-minded. I said something foolish.

"So, what's the matter?"

"Nagashima is becoming quite active."

"..."

"They are sending envoys to the local lords in northern Ise."

"Finally, they've started to move. Where?"

"Kuwana County. Ito Saburoemon, Higuchi Naizō, and Yabe Umayemon. They are likely sending envoys to others as well."

"Those are the places I expected."

Jūzō nodded.

After the conquest of Ise, the Nagashima Ikki was in a bit of a panic. It's understandable, given how quickly the Kuki family, known as enemies of the Buddha, conquered Ise. The surrender of Kitabatake without much resistance must have been hard to believe. The strategy of the Nagashima Ikki was to attack the Kuki from behind by turning the local lords of northern Ise against them. But that strategy failed. They must have felt the pressure. The Nagashima Ikki hurriedly bought provisions, weapons, and soap, and increased their forces. The participation of the Saka gun is also confirmed. Their forces likely exceed 30,000. Kennyo must be desperate.

Due to these preparations, support for the Mikawa Ikki has been neglected. As a result, the Oda and Tokugawa alliance gained the upper hand against the Mikawa Ikki in western Mikawa. Letters of gratitude from Nobunaga and Ieyasu have even arrived. It seems the preparations for the war against the Kuki are finally complete. The Nagashima, or rather the Ikki, are trying to undermine the Kuki. The real battle