Chapter 60

Eiroku 13 (1570) Early July, Omi Province, Adachi District, Muraigamura, Hino Castle, Gamou Sadahide

"You both look well."

As I called out, Kan Nakamuradaiu Masahiro and Kōbe Shōsaburō Tomemori smiled.

"Lord, you are said to be performing well beside Dainandai Shōhō."

"We were secretly pleased to hear that."

"Indeed, then today you are here to show your pleasure openly, I see."

As I made a jab, the two let out a light laugh. They had been quite worried when I retired. Most likely, it was due to the unease of no longer having a strong connection to the Rokkaku family.

It's getting hot. July, and it will only get hotter from here. The sound of cicadas could be heard even in the study.

"Chūzaburō seems to be doing well. I hear he performed admirably during the last Ise expedition."

"I hear he is favored by the lord at Shimizuyama. It's promising, isn't it?"

"There's still a long way to go. He tends to act rashly, which worries me."

Still, it's better than before. After being reprimanded by the lord, he has become somewhat more restrained.

"I called you here today for a reason other than this. The lord is deeply troubled by the situation in Ise. Are there any more people who might join the ikki?"

The two, who had been relaxed, became serious. Nakamuradaiu spoke.

"So far, it seems to be fine. However..."

"However?"

As I urged him to continue, the two exchanged glances.

"If the siege of Nagashima drags on, others might follow."

Shōsaburō continued.

"So, it's a matter of waiting and seeing, is it?"

The two nodded.

"Have you received any invitations from the ikki?"

The two laughed.

"No, we haven't."

"Even if we did, it would be the last resort. As a senior retainer of the Kōri family, we wouldn't easily be swayed. What do you think, Shōsaburō?"

"Indeed."

"Understood."

A senior retainer of the Kōri family. There was a bit of hesitation, but it wasn't unwelcome. It showed that they had become accustomed to their current position.

"What about the movements of the Kitabatake?"

"There are no overt actions, but anti-Kōri sentiment is strong."

"The branch families are the same. If it comes to it, they might align with Nagashima."

"Indeed, we can't afford to let things drag on. One mistake and South Ise will fall into chaos."

As I muttered, the two nodded.

"What does the lord at Shimizuyama intend to do?"

"You're concerned, Shōsaburō. He won't leave it be. The lord dislikes those who incite the peasants and will never allow it."

"Then..."

"It will come to war. I know from the battles in Etchū and Noto that fighting the ikki is tough. You need to be prepared."

The two nodded vigorously.

"Is there anything else you've noticed?"

The two thought for a moment, and Nakamuradaiu said, "By the way, the relationship between the Kitabatake father and son is strange."

"I know that the relationship between Gonchūnagon and Ukon Daibu Shōhō is poor."

Nakamuradaiu looked a bit troubled.

"No, it's not that. It's about Gonchūnagon and Naga no Jirō, now Kitabatake Jirō."

"Ah, the second son who was adopted by the Naga family."

So, not only the eldest son but also the second son has a poor relationship. I wasn't the only one surprised; Shōsaburō also looked shocked as Nakamuradaiu continued.

"Despite being adopted by the Naga family, he was of no use. Gonchūnagon is said to be dissatisfied, saying that if he had controlled Ise with the Naga family, the Kōri family wouldn't have fallen behind. Kitabatake Jirō, on the other hand, says he didn't receive enough support from the Kitabatake family."

"..."

"Originally, the relationship with the eldest son, Ukon Daibu Shōhō, was poor, and the relationship with the second son, Jirō, was also not good. Now, Gonchūnagon favors the third son, Tsurumatsu. He is said to have a fierce temperament, which Gonchūnagon likes. I hear he is teaching him swordsmanship."

As I was surprised, Nakamuradaiu nodded, confirming it wasn't a lie.

"How old is Tsurumatsu?"

Nakamuradaiu tilted his head.

"About ten years old, I think. I hear he harbors no hidden hostility towards the Kōri family. Gonchūnagon is looking forward to his coming of age."

Ten years old, he might come of age in two or three years. A proud son. The eldest son, though the head of the family, is obese, and the second son is incompetent. It's understandable to place hopes on the third son, but how will the eldest and second sons feel about it...? It could become interesting if used properly.

"Have you heard anything from Tama no Kami?"

As I was deep in thought, Nakamuradaiu asked.

"I haven't. He is my son-in-law, so he finds it difficult to come to me. From what my son says, he doesn't even show his face at the Mise Palace. It seems he has given up on the Kitabatake."

Not coming to me means he is avoiding being asked about the Kitabatake. It suggests there is something he must keep hidden from the Kitabatake. He has given up on them but won't sell them out, it seems. Tama no Kami Nakamurashōsuke Naomasa, he has some backbone. But how long will that be allowed in this chaotic era? This is not a time to be lenient...

Eiroku 13 (1570) Early August, Omi Province, Takashima District, Anai River Village, Shimizuyama Castle, Kōri Motonao

"Kitabatake Jirō, it's good that you came."

"..."

The young man sitting in front of me mumbled something. It's hard to hear from more than three meters away. But if I say I can't hear, he'll be hurt, so it's better to continue the conversation with a smile. The others present, Gamou Kōshū, Kurono Shigetake, and Sanada Danjō, are also smiling slightly.

"I'm sure Gonchūnagon was worried, saying you would be killed if you came to Shimizuyama. I have a bad reputation, after all. Or were you told that there's no need for a Kitabatake to meet with the Kōri?"

"..."

I could barely hear him.

"Nothing like that, that's surprising."

Kitabatake Jirō's face turned red. Did he think he had been abandoned by his father?

"Don't worry, it's a good thing. How about serving me directly? I'll give you a stipend of 5,000 koku and a domain."

"..."

Kitabatake Jirō's face turned even redder. I couldn't tell if he was happy or angry. Kōshū called out, "My lord."

"Indeed, Jirō seems to be taken aback."

"Yes, I see. I may have been a bit too hasty. Without understanding the reason, it's hard to accept easily. I'll explain now, so listen carefully."

"Hai."

Kitabatake Jirō nodded. He didn't seem to have a bad feeling.

"Actually, the Naga family is quite concerned about you. It's understandable, given the situation. I'm sure you also have negative feelings towards the Naga family."

"..."

I could see that his mouth was tense, even from a distance. He must have a lot of resentment.

"Here's the thing. If we give you a proper position, it might ease your feelings and make the Naga family feel more at ease. What do you think?"

His tension eased. Yes, that's a good sign. It shows he is interested in what I have to say.

"A stipend of 5,000 koku is less than what you would have with the Naga family, so you might be dissatisfied. But the main Kitabatake family has a stipend of 5,000 koku, and it can't be exceeded. However, if you serve under me and achieve results, you will definitely receive an increase. That will be something you have earned through your own efforts, and the main Kitabatake family won't have a say in it. Isn't that right?"

"The increase is not a lie. I am a refugee from Shinano, but now I have a stipend of 20,000 koku. The lord is not stingy."

As Danjō spoke, Shigetake and Kōshū laughed, and Jirō nodded. It's a good reaction. Danjō is looking at Jirō with interest.

"How about 5,000 koku in Sabae, Echizen?"

"In Echizen?"

There seems to be some dissatisfaction or anxiety. He's not outright opposing it, though. He probably wants a domain in Ise.

"I understand your feelings. I initially thought about giving you a domain in Ise, but considering the Naga family and the main Kitabatake family, I think it's better not to. There are many branch families of the Kitabatake who have negative feelings towards me. If you were to receive a new domain and establish a household, it would cause a lot of trouble. That's why I thought about Sabae in Echizen."

He is thinking. Probably about his father and the branch families. He must be thinking that he might be treated as a traitor.

"It's not a bad deal. As it stands, you will spend your life as a Kitabatake retainer, always worrying about Gonchūnagon and Ukon Daibu Shōhō. Why not start anew in Echizen? From there, it will depend on your abilities."

Jirō nodded several times. One more push, and I think he'll agree. It feels like a sales pitch.

"Sabae is not a bad place. It has been a rice-producing area for a long time. The Asakura have improved the roads, so there is a lot of traffic. The Hino River, Asagawa River, and Katsuyama River flow through it, so the water supply is good."

"Indeed."

Rice, roads, and rivers—these are key points for prosperity. Jirō must be seeing Sabae as a promising place. His voice is strong when he says, "Indeed."

"The problem is housing. There are several castles, but they are mountain castles and might be a bit inconvenient. There won't be any battles in Echizen, so it would be more practical to build a new mansion along the river. ...What do you think, will you leave it to me?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm saying I'll build a mansion for you. A new mansion in a new land is much better than an old, used castle."

"Amazing!"

"Indeed."

"This is enviable."

As Kōshū, Shigetake, and Danjō spoke, Jirō nodded vigorously. Yes, I've got a customer with a bonus!

"Thank you for your consideration. I would like to start anew in Echizen."

"Is that so? You will accept it. I appreciate your decision."

"No, I should be the one to thank you. Thank you very much."

Jirō bowed. Kōshū, Shigetake, and Danjō each offered words of encouragement, and Jirō responded happily. He doesn't seem to be a fool. His initial bad impression might be due to severe shyness or poor social skills. If that's the case, being adopted wouldn't have worked out.

He will go to Echizen before the snow falls. However, moving requires money, and he will need to hire new retainers. But it's unclear how much support the main Kitabatake family will provide. They might even try to sabotage him, or they might genuinely have no money. Therefore, I decided to provide him with a travel allowance. Jirō was overjoyed, clearly pleased with the consideration. He repeatedly thanked me as he left the room.

The initial and final impressions are completely different. He must have developed a sense of distrust, not being valued either as an adopted son or when he returned to his family. Once he realized I cared about him, he became much more open. Don't worry, from now on, I will take good care of you. I need to build a new mansion before winter. It must be a new, clean mansion; using old materials is out of the question. I need to be thorough.

"You are truly remarkable. If you had chosen the path of a merchant, you would have become the greatest merchant in Japan. If you had chosen the path of a monk, you would have become the greatest monk in Japan."

Shigetake shook his head, as if deeply moved. The other two laughed. It's rude to laugh when someone is praising you.

"You have my gratitude. Your cooperation has been invaluable. However, the results are not yet in. Everything is still to come."

"Indeed, it will be interesting to see what happens next."

Kōshū and Danjō are listening with amusement. Who is the biggest villain among us?

"Kitabatake Jirō is going to Echizen. Can Kitabatake Gonchūnagon read my mind?"

"That would be difficult."

Shigetake answered.

"Difficult, then what about the Kitabatake family?"

I asked Kōshū, Shigetake, and Danjō, and the three smiled slyly. Hey, don't show that evil smile. A true villain shows a sincere smile.

"Ukon Daibu Shōhō will become more of a hindrance to Kitabatake Gonchūnagon. Without Ukon Daibu Shōhō, he can pass the Kitabatake family to the third son, Tsurumatsu. Ukon Daibu Shōhō will be isolated."

Danjō's voice was bright, like he was talking about dinner plans.

"Will he be disinherited? What do you think, Kōshū?"

"Well, disinheriting him might raise suspicions. Given that Ukon Daibu Shōhō is obese, it might be a heart condition."

"Indeed, a heart condition. It's plausible and won't raise suspicions. But will they go that far? Kōshū?"

"Kitabatake Gonchūnagon is known to be quite ruthless."

"Indeed, the previous heads of the Naga family were killed."

I nodded solemnly. The three looked like they were about to burst out laughing. No, this is a time for a serious expression.

"Will Ukon Daibu Shōhō realize he is in danger?"

"He will, I'm sure."

Shigetake smiled wryly.

"Then what will Ukon Daibu Shōhō do? Will he sit and wait for death?"

"He will seek help from the lord."

"But he won't have any connections, Kōshū. He will be surrounded by enemies."

"He will need help. We can use Tama no Kami Nakamurashōsuke."

It's no good, I burst out laughing. It's hard to talk about something we've already discussed. The three also burst out laughing. After a good laugh,

"Then, who will come to express gratitude for Jirō's matter from the Kitabatake?"

"Toriya Ishimokami."

"I won't meet him, Danjō. Ideally, the head of the family, Ukon Daibu Shōhō, should come. Sending Ishimokami is an insult."

The three nodded.

"I will be marching into Ise in September. I will meet Ukon Daibu Shōhō there."

"I will convey that to Tama no Kami."

"Indeed."

There, I will bring Ukon Daibu Shōhō into the fold. I will hear many interesting stories. I will make it clear that I am behind Ukon Daibu Shōhō. If anything happens to him, I won't remain silent. The fools will be crushed after Nagashima is dealt with, based on Ukon Daibu Shōhō's accusations. Everyone will believe it. I will be shocked and cut off the source of the trouble. The branch families will be destroyed, and Gonchūnagon will be confined. I will confine his favorite son as well. He will try to escape, and I will kill him then. That will be the end.

It's fine even if the fools act rashly and Ukon Daibu Shōhō is killed. Jirō is there,