Chapter 61

In the thirteenth year of Eiroku (1570), mid-September, in the village of Ōminato, Ise Province, Kiyotsuna Kō no Kami of the Kōzumi clan.

In the autumn when the golden rice stalks ripen, the farmers are busy with the harvest. It must be the most enjoyable time of the year. On the other hand, I lead my army in a parade of crimes: intimidation, violence, murder, and arson. Fortunately, it's the Sengoku period, and such things are commonplace; I'm not the only one doing this. Besides, there's no police to catch us. Still, I'm not exactly enjoying this. My mood is as low as if I had stepped in dog feces with a brand new pair of shoes.

The Kōzumi army numbers 35,000, with 20,000 stationed in Kuwana to suppress the Ikko-ikki in Nagashima. The commander is Umeda Saemon-no-kami, the deputy commander is Chikusa Saburōzaemon-no-jō, the war supervisor is Shintō Yamashiro-no-kami, and the inspector is Megata Jirōzaemon-no-jō. These four should be reliable. I lead the remaining 15,000 troops to deal with the fools who refuse to listen to me. I wish someone could do this for me.

The first place I dealt with was Matsusaka. I captured and beheaded five merchants who had ignored my orders and traded with Nagashima. Their property was confiscated, their shops were destroyed, and their families were exiled from the Kōzumi domain. I also declared that Matsusaka's self-governance would be abolished and a steward would be appointed to manage it directly under the Kōzumi. The merchants who had been in charge of Matsusaka's self-governance complained, but they shut up after I beheaded two of them.

I don't think I was being too harsh. All of them had been trading with Nagashima. The five I beheaded first were the ones who had the largest trade with Nagashima, so I killed them as an example. I could have beheaded all of them, and when I told the merchants this, they were visibly shaken.

As punishment, I ordered Matsusaka to pay 5,000 kan of arrow money. No one complained. The seven heads I beheaded were displayed in the center of the town with a sign bearing my name and the crimes they had committed. I ordered them to be displayed for ten days. The residents of Matsusaka must have understood who was in charge. Don't worry, I will recognize their self-governance after the conquest of Nagashima, but it will be under the Kōzumi's rule.

Now, I am in Ōminato. To be precise, I am not in the town itself but have set up camp a little distance away. The handling of Ōminato is already complete. I beheaded five people, just like in Matsusaka. Their property was confiscated, their shops were destroyed, their families were exiled from the Kōzumi domain, and their heads were displayed. I declared that Ōminato's self-governance would be abolished, but the assembly of merchants who had been in charge of it did not complain. They also did not complain when I ordered them to pay 5,000 kan of arrow money.

Of course, this is because Ōminato had been under a naval blockade by Kuki before I arrived. Kuki had been quite ruthless. Any ship that tried to break the blockade was burned, and all the crew members were killed. Kuki did this in a way that was visible from the port. Kuki is great; thanks to him, I saved a lot of trouble. I will praise him later. Make sure the fools don't say Kuki is too violent.

I ordered the assembly of merchants in Ōminato to procure more ships and to submit a letter from Kitabatake. They turned pale. They seemed to understand that my target was not just the conquest of Nagashima but also Kitabatake. They submitted the letter without any resistance, probably realizing that showing any more support for Kitabatake would be dangerous. Kitabatake Gonchūnagon will be angry, thinking that I have been ungrateful for the favors he has shown to Ōminato.

Immediately after subduing Ōminato, Yamada and Uji sent envoys to apologize. Both said they would obey my orders and pay 5,000 kan of arrow money, but I rejected it, saying it was not enough. Fools! What I want is not just that. The main goal is to abolish their self-governance and accept a steward. To establish self-governance under the Kōzumi's rule, it is necessary to abolish it once. I also demanded the exile of the five merchants who had cooperated the most with Nagashima.

When the envoys started to mumble, I showed them the heads of the merchants I had beheaded in Ōminato. They immediately quieted down. I told them that if they did not accept my demands within five days, I would burn the town. Three days have passed, but I still haven't received a response. What are they doing? If they are crying to the Ise Shrine, it's a waste of time. I have already taken care of that. The Ise Shrine does not want to make me an enemy.

"Sir."

"Hmm."

A page entered the tent. Finally, he's here.

"Lord Kitabatake Ukon-no-kami is here, along with his younger brother Kitabatake Jirō, Tamaru Nakatsukasa-no-taifu, and Fujikata Gobu-no-suke. Tōyazai Iwami-no-kami is also with them."

"Very well. Let Ukon-no-kami, Jirō, Nakatsukasa-no-taifu, and Gobu-no-suke in. I will meet with Iwami-no-kami separately."

I thought it would be Yamada and Uji, but it's them. Well, this is also an important task. I decided to receive them in the tent. In addition to me, the reception included Kudō Kōzuke-no-suke, Sanada Bizen-no-suke, Hino Semon, Tazawa Matasaburō, Akechi Jūbei, Takenaka Hanbei, Numata Kōzuke-no-suke, Kōzumi Nagato-no-kami, and Kōzumi Saemon-no-suke. The page prepared four zabuton.

There was a commotion outside the tent. It was probably Tōyazai Iwami-no-kami, who was likely assigned as a monitor by Gonchūnagon. He tried to enter the tent but was stopped by the page. He must be trembling with humiliation right now. Serves him right; I don't like him. Thanks to him, I am called a pedophile.

First, a large man and Jirō entered. Both were in civilian clothes. They were followed by Tamaru Nakatsukasa-no-taifu and Fujikata Gobu-no-suke. This large man must be Kitabatake Ukon-no-kami Masafusa. He is tall, broad, and thick. He looks like a professional wrestler. Everyone is surprised. There is probably no man in Japan with such a physique in this era. He looks more like a brown bear than a human. But he doesn't look obese.

"Kitabatake Ukon-no-kami Masafusa."

He had a calm, composed voice.

"Yes, I am Kōzumi Dainagon. Thank you for coming. Jirō, you look well."

"Hai."

"Nakatsukasa-no-taifu, Gobu-no-suke, you have worked hard. Please sit."

The four sat on the zabuton. Immediately, a creaking sound was heard. Everyone looked at each other.

"Ukon-no-kami, are you alright?"

"Well, I'm a bit worried."

Another creaking sound was heard. It's no good, it's dangerous.

"Prepare a round cushion for Ukon-no-kami."

When I gave the order, the page immediately brought a round cushion to Ukon-no-kami. Ukon-no-kami stood up, folded the zabuton, and took the round cushion, sitting on it. He is still large, even sitting, and his head is higher than Jirō's. I couldn't help but laugh.

"You are large."

"I am honored."

"Are you strong?"

"Hai."

That's strange; I heard Ukon-no-kami was obese. This is clearly a giant, a powerful man.

"Then, you must be quite skilled in martial arts."

"Well..."

Ukon-no-kami's expression darkened.

"Is it not good?"

"I am not agile."

"I see."

So, he has poor motor skills. That's why his father disliked him. Everyone would think that with such a physique and strength, he would be invincible. Gonchūnagon was one of them. But unfortunately, Ukon-no-kami has no motor skills. In other words, his physique and strength are wasted. His father, Gonchūnagon, couldn't tolerate this and distanced himself. The rumor that he can't ride a horse might be true, or it might be because he would crush the horse. However, from the way he has been handling things, he doesn't seem stupid; he seems intelligent. It's a shame to distance him just because he is not good at martial arts.

"Thank you for taking Jirō under your care. I am truly grateful."

Ukon-no-kami bowed, and Jirō followed. The other two also bowed.

"No, it's not necessary. Removing the thorn between the Kitabatake and the Nagano is an important task. I am grateful that Jirō accepted the offer."

"Thank you for your consideration."

"Are they taking it well? I was a bit worried about how Gonchūnagon and the Kitabata clan would receive it."

"..."

The expressions of the four darkened slightly. I had also received reports from Chūzō, but it seems they are not pleased. They are probably being harsh on Jirō, no, they definitely are.

"Gonchūnagon is a problem. They lost the battle due to a lack of provisions, not because of fighting. They can't seem to accept the loss."

The four had solemn expressions.

"If Gonchūnagon acknowledges the loss, everyone will calm down."

The dissatisfaction of the branch families is partly influenced by Gonchūnagon. If the branch families act alone, they will fail. If the main family acts, then restoration is possible. That's why the branch families are restless.

"I am sorry."

Ukon-no-kami and Jirō bowed, and Tamaru Nakatsukasa-no-taifu and Fujikata Gobu-no-suke followed.

"No, it's not your fault. However, a problem that cannot be left unattended has arisen."

The expressions of the four tensed. They seem to have guessed.

"Gonchūnagon has issued letters to the merchants of Ōminato. I had them submit these letters. Some of them instruct the merchants to support Nagashima and ignore any requests for assistance from the Kōzumi. There are also requests for aid to the Ikko-ikki in Mikawa and for the branch families to prepare weapons and provisions."

"Clearly, these are actions hostile to the Kōzumi."

The faces of the four tensed even more. Tamaru and Fujikata can be ignored, but I need to corner Ukon-no-kami and Jirō here.

"Ukon-no-kami, Jirō, did you know about this? Are you in agreement with Gonchūnagon?"

"Absolutely not."

"Such a thing."

The two shook their heads in denial. That's what I thought. Gonchūnagon ignores these two. They probably disapprove of Gonchūnagon's actions but can't stop him. Jirō's acceptance of the transfer to Echizen might have been to escape his father. He can't stand being dragged into it.

"Ukon-no-kami, are you okay with this? You will be killed if this continues."

"Please wait, my brother is not involved. He tried to stop my father, but..."

"..."

Jirō defended him, but Ukon-no-kami remained silent.

"I understand, you are not involved. But even if you are not involved in the rebellion, Ukon-no-kami will be killed by Gonchūnagon. To make Tsurumatsu the heir."

The two did not show surprise. They must have realized. Kōzuke-no-suke and the others looked puzzled.

"What are you thinking, Ukon-no-kami? What are you planning?"

"..."

"Ukon-no-kami!"

"..."

"I am a failure, but perhaps it cannot be helped."

"Brother!"

Ukon-no-kami spoke slowly, and Jirō cried out. What is going on? A failure? This is where he should ask for my help, and I would become his protector. Jirō suddenly rolled forward, kicking the zabuton backward.

"Please, after moving to Echizen, I intended to ask for your permission to take my brother with me!"

"..."

"To save Ukon-no-kami?"

Jirō nodded vigorously.

"After returning from Nagano, I was despised and insulted by everyone. Only my brother welcomed me warmly. Without him, I might have committed seppuku out of frustration. Now it's my turn to help my brother."

"Jirō, it's not for you, but for me. If you commit seppuku, I would have to do the same. I don't want to commit seppuku; it looks painful."

"Brother!"

Jirō cried, and Ukon-no-kami put his hand on Jirō's shoulder. Jirō then burst into tears. This is a problem; it's not what I expected. Everyone around us looks puzzled, and no one seems to be able to help.

"Ukon-no-kami, is there anything you want to do?"

"..."

"Yes, there is."

"What is it?"

He showed a bit of hesitation. Is he shy?

"I am interested in strange tales. I want to travel around the country and listen to stories."

Ukon-no-kami patted Jirō's back as he answered. Strange tales? Everyone looks confused. I don't understand either.

"Do you mean you are interested in yokai?"

"Yes."

Does he want to study folklore, or is he just a yokai enthusiast?

"Why don't you do it? Even if you can't do it yourself, you can have your retainers investigate for you."

Ukon-no-kami showed a sad smile.

"I was told that such things are not suitable for the head of the Kitabatake clan. And that the head of the Kitabatake clan must be brave and skilled in martial arts."

Being brave and skilled in martial arts, he is originally a court noble.

"Do you dislike war?"

"Yes."

"Is that why you have been called useless and unable to do anything?"

"Yes."

This is a problem; I can't leave him alone.

"There are suspicious points about these two. Uncle Kōzuke-no-suke, please arrange for them to be detained and sent to Shizukayama, but treat them with respect. I will personally interrogate them when they return to Shizukayama."

The two looked bewildered, but I couldn't laugh.

"Isn't this a bit harsh?"

"I also think so. What will Gonchūnagon think?"

Tamaru Nakatsukasa-no-taifu and Fujikata Gobu-no-suke tried to restrain me.

"Tell Gonchūnagon that you tried to stop me, but I was stubborn and wouldn't listen."

"..."

"Upon investigation, I will order Ukon-no-kami to retire. Gonchūnagon won't complain; he can make his proud son the head of the clan. After retiring, Ukon-no-kami will serve me. I will let him do what he likes. He can investigate in Ise, Ōmi, Wakasa, Echizen, Kaga, and Noto. If he finds any interesting stories, he should tell me. Take them away."

It was difficult for Uncle Kōzuke-no-suke to maintain a stern expression while the pages escorted the two out. When they left, I naturally smiled. I wasn't the only one; everyone was smiling.

"You have a lot of work to do."

I will let Ukon-no-kami investigate yokai tales and eventually write a book. It will be appreciated by the court and will be a valuable work of folklore for future generations. Yes, I will also let him inspect the regions. Who says he is useless? There are many ways to use him.

"Sir, you are very kind."

"Is that sarcasm, Semon?"

Semon shook his head.

"No, it's the truth."

"I want to see the monks of the Hongan-ji laugh or steam with anger."

Everyone laughed.

Hino Semon, who used to be so single-minded, has changed. He has become more like his father, Hino Shirageji Goroemon. It's good that he has grown as a person, but he has also started to tease me in strange ways. Children tend to inherit their parents' bad traits, which is a problem.

"I felt sorry for him. If he had been born into the Kōzumi clan instead of the Kitabatake, I would have let him do what he likes. Thinking about that, I couldn't just let him die. It would be easier to suppress the Kitabatake by letting him die, but... I am too soft, and it makes me sick."

"..."

"Being born into a prestigious family is not easy. I am glad I