Chapter 6

In the 22nd year of Tenmon (1553), December, in Kutsuki Valley, Omi Province, at Kutsuki Castle, Takewakamaru.

"Three Good?" "Unforgivable," Umamaru and the others criticized the Three Good. You know, no matter what you say, the Three Good won't care. Don't waste your time.

"Stop talking and continue your calligraphy practice."

When I warned them, they showed a dissatisfied expression, but when Goroemon glared at them, they quietly resumed their practice. As expected of Shirogege, his face is scary.

"I don't understand. Goroemon, explain in detail."

"Hai."

The news was brought by a soldier I assigned as a guard. According to Goroemon's assessment, he seems to be a trustworthy man. According to the man's account, they were suddenly surrounded by about 300 Three Good soldiers near Ohara after entering Kyoto. They were only about 30, so there was no way they could win. They said it was a tribute from the Kutsuki family to the Imperial Court, but the Three Good soldiers didn't care and took the cargo.

"The cargo was taken?"

"Hai, there was a bit of a scuffle, but the numbers were too overwhelming. There was no way to win."

"Any casualties?"

Goroemon shook his head.

"None, just minor scratches."

"That's good."

I'm not being sarcastic. The worst-case scenario was avoided. If there were casualties, it would have been a mess. This is a fortunate turn of events.

"Were there any witnesses?"

"There were travelers and merchants, it was broad daylight."

"Of course."

The road from Kyoto to Kutsuki also leads to Wakasa. It's the route for sending seafood. There must have been many witnesses. To take the tribute in such a situation? It doesn't make sense.

"What do you plan to do?"

Goroemon stared at me intently. Is he testing me, seeing how much I can handle? Sigh, surviving in a chaotic era is tough...

"Call everyone to the main hall."

"Hai."

"Once they're gathered, let me know. Until then, I'll continue my calligraphy practice."

"Hai."

Goroemon bowed happily and left the room. Did I pass the test?

It probably took about an hour for Goroemon to call me. There are no clocks in this world, so the sense of time is a bit vague. But my grandfather and uncles are at Iwagami Hall, and we need to call people from the West Mountains, so it's understandable that it takes time, though it's a bit slow. We need a way to quickly communicate "an emergency has occurred, gather here" using smoke signals or drums. Another task to add to my list. My head hurts.

When I entered the main hall, the retainers, who were chatting, stopped talking. I took my seat and looked around. My grandfather sat beside me as a guardian. The only one missing among the main figures is my fourth uncle, Terutaka. I remember he said he was going to Takeda in Wakasa. That place will eventually be a constant scene of internal strife and become useless... The people around Yoshifuji are all unreliable. I feel like sighing.

"A troublesome matter has occurred. I assume everyone knows, but just to be sure, Goroemon, tell them what happened."

"Hai."

As Goroemon spoke, nods and murmurs of indignation could be heard from various directions. Some were talking in low voices to their neighbors. Everyone was a bit excited. When Goroemon finished, my grandfather spoke.

"Three hundred soldiers? It doesn't seem like the upstarts acted on their own. It must have been an order from above."

Everyone nodded. I think so too. That's what makes it troublesome. If it were just the foolish actions of some idiots, it would have been easier... But who exactly is "above"? It doesn't seem to be Masahiro...

"Takewakamaru, shouldn't we inform the Shogun?"

"No, let's decide here first."

"But—"

"I understand, Grandfather. This issue is somehow related to Iwagami Hall. The Three Good's true target is probably there, not Kutsuki. But the cargo was taken from Kutsuki. We need to decide Kutsuki's course of action first. We can't panic."

There were nods from various directions. My grandfather also nodded. No, my grandfather is too close to the Ashikaga. Kutsuki is Kutsuki. We can submit to the Ashikaga, but we won't blindly follow them. If we do, Kutsuki will be looked down upon, not just by the Three Good, but by the Ashikaga as well.

"The first option for Kutsuki is to appeal to the Shogun's family about the Three Good's misconduct and demand the return of the cargo."

Miyagawa Shinjiro Yoritada spoke calmly. My grandfather evaluates him as thoughtful and calm. His tone confirms this.

"The Three Good must understand this. They took a tribute to the Imperial Court, which can't be ignored. I don't understand the Three Good's thinking."

When I said this, nods could be seen from various directions. The Three Good took a tribute to the Emperor. Even if they want to ignore Yoshifuji, they can't ignore the Emperor. Ignoring him would worsen their relationship with the Imperial Court and the nobles. For the Three Good, who control Kyoto, this would be a foolish move. If the Shogun demands the return of the cargo taken from Yoshifuji, they would have to return it eventually. It would only acknowledge Yoshifuji's authority. Only Yoshifuji would be pleased; what benefit would the Three Good gain?

"Lord, you are right; I don't understand the Three Good's thinking."

Yoritada slowly shook his head. Yoritada, stop being so serious. This isn't a cup of bancha. Give me an answer, an answer.

"Kutsuki has another option."

"Hatakeyama, right?"

"Hai, this way we won't trouble the Shogun's family."

"That's it," my grandfather said. Everyone's gaze turned to him.

"Takewakamaru, the Three Good are gauging the relationship between Kutsuki and the Shogun's family. Is that not the case?"

Gauging the relationship? Yoshifuji is staying at Kutsuki, and my four uncles are close attendants. Is there a reason to gauge the relationship in this situation? It's not about the relationship but who to rely on? No, that's not it either. Ignoring Yoshifuji and only relying on Hatakeyama is impossible. It would not benefit Kutsuki to ruin Yoshifuji's reputation. I don't think the Three Good don't understand this.

"I don't understand. ...There's no choice, we'll send the cargo again."

The main hall buzzed. "Again?" such voices could be heard.

"Negotiating with the Three Good might delay the cargo from arriving by New Year's. The Emperor is eagerly waiting for it. We'll send the cargo again."

My strong tone was effective. Everyone nodded. I don't understand the Three Good's intentions, but I can't show panic. It's important to make them realize that trivial tricks won't work on Kutsuki.

"Shinjiro, go to the Three Good's Chikuzen."

"Hai, to demand the return of the cargo?"

"That's one part, but also to tell them we're sending the cargo again and to control their soldiers' misconduct. Grandfather."

"I understand, a letter, right?"

"Un. Shinjiro, take it to the Three Good."

"Hai."

Yoritada bowed.

"Perhaps that's the Three Good's intention."

My uncle Fujimasa spoke with a puzzled look.

"To ruin our and the Shogun's reputation by preventing the cargo from arriving by New Year's."

Is that possible? I can't say it's impossible...

"Regardless of the Shogun, if the Three Good are trying to ruin Kutsuki's reputation, Kutsuki has grown quite a bit. I'm surprised."

When I joked, a burst of laughter erupted. Well, what will happen...

In the 23rd year of Tenmon (1554), January, in Kutsuki Valley, Omi Province, at Kutsuki Castle, Takewakamaru.

"Takewakamaru, are you alright?"

"Probably."

"Are you not preparing for battle?"

"The battle isn't decided yet, Grandfather. Preparing for battle might give the enemy an excuse to attack Kutsuki."

Grandfather, you don't look well. I probably don't look good either. From the castle's window, I can see Kutsuki Village as usual. But outside Kutsuki Valley, in Ohara, Kyoto, about 3,000 Three Good soldiers are waiting. Ohara is about six ri (24 kilometers) from Kutsuki. At the marching speed of this era, about four ri (16 kilometers) per day, 3,000 soldiers can reach Kutsuki in two days. If they hurry, it's a one-day distance.

Kutsuki's military strength is 300, a 10:1 ratio against the Three Good. Even if we fortify the castle, it won't last long. How many more days can I see this scenery? But how did it come to this? Has there ever been a historical record of the Three Good attacking Kutsuki? Since Kutsuki continued until Sekigahara, if we fought, we must have survived. I don't think there was a war... Or has history changed?

"Grandfather, I've asked the uncles to take the Shogun to Kannonji Castle if necessary. I've also sent a messenger to the Rokkaku to request their acceptance."

"Is that so... What will you do?"

"Well, what will I do? It depends on the situation."

"Hmm."

I could feel Grandfather's gaze, but I pretended not to notice. Being a lord isn't easy; I don't want anyone to know I'm scared.

Still, the Three Good, they always do terrible things. That's why they're hated. I've come to dislike them too. But I've taken some precautions, so I probably won't die. If the Three Good march on Kutsuki, I'll secretly send a messenger to Hatakeyama. Then, using the old man of the Hatakeyama family, I'll move the Emperor to stop the Three Good. We should be able to buy enough time by fortifying the castle.

The root of the problem is the tribute to the Imperial Court. Not just the old man of the Hatakeyama family, but the Imperial Court will also be desperate. If they can't stop the Three Good here, the Imperial Court might be accused of abandoning the loyal Kutsuki. They would be disgraced for not being able to save a small daimyo with less than 10,000 koku.

At the end of last year, the Three Good took Kutsuki's tribute. We immediately sent it again and managed to deliver it by New Year's. The Three Good also returned the cargo with an apology. We then presented it to the Hatakeyama family and the Imperial Court. The Imperial Court was delighted, thinking they had gained. We also raised our name. Kutsuki is small but wealthy, and the lord is generous. People don't gather around a small, stingy man, so I considered it a necessary expense. It was supposed to end there.

But things took a strange turn afterward. Around the end of the New Year, the Imperial Court said the Three Good wanted to apologize to me directly and would come to Kutsuki. I initially refused, but when the Imperial Court insisted, I accepted. From the Imperial Court's perspective, they didn't want any lingering bad feelings, so they mediated. I also thought refusing would damage the Imperial Court's and the Three Good's reputation, so I accepted. After all, they were coming to Kutsuki to apologize. I couldn't refuse.

I thought the Three Good were interested in Yoshifuji's condition. Just the other day, Kagekatsu came. A daimyo from a distant province recognizing Yoshifuji's authority would naturally draw the Three Good's attention. I thought they were using the apology as an excuse to gauge Yoshifuji's condition. But it seems their target was Kutsuki from the beginning. Or is it pressure on Yoshifuji? I still can't judge. But it makes sense why they returned the cargo and apologized so quickly. They were trying to make us let our guard down. The Three Good are quite cunning.

Nagahisa, with a small entourage, is heading this way. He will probably stay in Shiga County tonight and enter Takashima County tomorrow. Nagahisa, one of the Three Good's trio and a respected elder of the Three Good clan, is a cousin of Genchiro, the father of Masahiro. The Three Good clan has few long-lived members due to the many tragic deaths, especially when Masahiro inherited the headship at ten. It's easy to imagine that the older Nagahisa was relied upon. His presence suggests that Masahiro is likely involved in this matter.

"Grandfather, the meeting is tomorrow. Let's rest early today."

"Right."

Grandfather's expression was cloudy.

"Don't worry, Grandfather. There won't be a battle. The 3,000 soldiers are just a threat."

"Right."

But I don't understand. What does the Three Good want? To find a pretext to attack Kutsuki? Kutsuki is a difficult place to attack; it's not an easy win, and even if they win, the damage would be significant. Besides, the Shogun has already fled. It seems a bit foolish. No, it's not foolish. It could be a warning: if you hide the Shogun, this will happen. Or are they planning to negotiate with military power? But what are they negotiating about?

I think it's a threat. I think it's a threat. If it's not... I almost sighed but quickly held it back. The meeting will be held at Kutsuki Castle. Yoshifuji and the shogunate officials wanted to come to Kutsuki Castle, but I declined. They will wait at Iwagami Hall, along with the uncles. Really, Kutsuki has too many troublesome people, and I'm tired of it.

The next day, in the afternoon, Nagahisa visited Kutsuki Castle. The meeting would be between Nagahisa and me alone. Nagahisa requested this. Grandfather looked worried, but I accepted. This confirmed it. His target is Kutsuki. I faced Nagahisa in the guest room. He looked to be in his late thirties to early forties, with a sturdy build and a large face. He must have been a great support when Masahiro inherited the headship.

Nagahisa was staring at me. What's with him? Does he have a preference for young boys? I don't have that kind of preference. Besides, I'm not that handsome. I wish I looked more like my mother, but I resemble my father. I'm not ugly, but I'm quite ordinary. If I looked like my mother, I would have been a fine-looking young man... A maid appeared, placed roasted tea in front of us, and left. It's roasted tea, not genmaicha. I took a sip to confirm. It's fine, it's roasted tea.

"I am Kutsuki Takewakamaru. Thank you for coming today."

I bowed slightly, and Nagahisa hurriedly returned the greeting.

"No, I apologize for the delay. I am Three Good's Nagahisa. Last year, my men caused great trouble to you and the Kutsuki family. I apologize again. Please forgive us."

Nagahisa bowed deeply.

"Your courtesy is appreciated. Mistakes can happen to anyone. Since you have apologized, we consider the matter settled. I hope the Three Good will also think so."

"Your words have lifted a weight from my shoulders. Thank you."

Nagahisa looked at me again and smiled. His large face wasn't unattractive. He had a certain charm. He would be popular with women. ...The apology is over. The formal part of the meeting is over. The real talk begins now.

"Still, you are quite young. If I may ask, how old are you, Lord Takewakamaru?"

"I am six this year."

"Lord Chikuzen-no-kami inherited the Three Good at ten. You are four years younger, which must have been quite a challenge."

His tone was almost a sigh. Masahiro had a tough time, and so did Nagahisa, who helped him. That's why the Three Good became dominant.

"Thanks to my grandfather, it wasn't too difficult."

"Is that so?"

Nagahisa nodded. This is strange. Is this all? If this is all, Nagahisa is just a nice old man. Was the incident last year really just a mistake by some low-ranking soldiers? Did we overreact to the Three Good's shadow? But there are 3,000 soldiers. What does that mean? Nagahisa took a sip of roasted tea. "It's roasted tea, isn't it?" He seems to know.

"I've wanted to meet you for a long time. You are quite a strategist, thinking of such terrifying plans."

"Excuse me, what do you mean?"

"It's about the Ikkō-ikki."

Nagahisa was smiling, but his eyes weren't.

"I don't understand. What are you talking about?"

"The plan to attract the attention of the Rokkaku, Asakura, and Azai, and have the Ikkō-ikki attack from behind. I heard it was your strategy. Am I wrong?"

I retract my previous statement. It was premature to think it was just a mistake by low-ranking soldiers. What should I do now? It might be better to act surprised...