Chapter 7

In the year 1554, the first month, in the Kutsuki Valley of Omi Province's Takashima District, at Kutsuki Castle, a young boy named Takewakamaru stood.

Miyoshi Chōitsu smiled with a frightening look. "Pretending is useless, you know. They've investigated you quite thoroughly. I have a good idea where they got their information. This has become quite a predicament. Should I be honest?"

"I thought it might comfort the Shogun if I could ease his sorrow. I never thought it was actually possible. It's more like a distraction, really."

He deliberately spoke in a light tone. "It's just a joke, a child's joke. Do you understand?"

"…A distraction, you say."

"…Indeed. Do you think it's possible, Sōshirō-dono?"

"…"

Chōitsu remained silent. So, he doesn't think it's possible. It must be Yoshikage, then. Yoshikage, who lost his father to the Ikkō sect and suffered greatly, is reacting to the idea of using the Ikkō sect, not to the feasibility of the plan. And the man in front of me understands this.

"Dividing Kaga would not be a mere distraction if it were to succeed."

"The Asakura of Echizen and the Ikkō sect of Kaga are mortal enemies. Even if the Hongan-ji ordered it, Kaga would not readily comply. In other words, it's not going to happen. There's no need to worry."

"…I see."

Are you really worried? No way, Yoshikage, you can't be seriously considering an attack on the Hongan-ji. That's why you thought I was exposed? That's a poor assumption…

"What are you thinking?"

The same frightening eyes were fixed on me.

"Nothing."

"Your face doesn't look good, does it?"

What's that supposed to mean? Trying to rattle me? Don't underestimate a salaryman. I haven't killed anyone, but I've been through office politics, sales, and negotiations. I forced a chuckle. Chōitsu's eyes widened.

"There are three thousand soldiers at Ōhara, so my face turns pale."

"…Miyoshi are all worriers. That's just Sōshirō's concern for you. There's no ill intent."

"I only wanted to comfort the Shogun, with no ill intent."

We were on the same page. We glared at each other again, but Chōitsu exhaled. Don't let your guard down, it's not over yet.

"Takewakamaru-dono, you're said to be six years old. Are you really six?"

"…"

"It feels like I'm talking to someone of the same age."

"…As you can see, I'm a six-year-old child."

A six-year-old child. I found it funny saying it myself. What a strange child. I had to suppress a laugh. Chōitsu looked at me with a bemused expression.

"Alright, I didn't come here today to talk about the Ikkō sect. I have a different matter to discuss."

"…"

"Perhaps it's time to stop showing loyalty to the Ashikaga family?"

"…"

"Would you consider joining the Miyoshi?"

I maintained a smile and remained silent. This would put me in a stronger position. Chōitsu would have to speak more to get a response from me. I would listen carefully before answering.

"I've investigated you. You're young but quite capable. I agree with that assessment after talking to you. However, Kutsuki is small, and you won't be able to use your talents here. The same applies to the Ashikaga Shogunate. No matter how loyal you are, they can't reward you. Isn't that a waste?"

"…"

I smiled even more, as if afraid of being read.

"The Miyoshi can offer you a position befitting your abilities."

"…For example?"

When I asked, Chōitsu spoke enthusiastically.

"The Miyoshi are currently deploying troops in Tamba. This will be resolved soon. After that, it will be Wakasa. Kutsuki borders Wakasa. If Kutsuki joins the Miyoshi, the Takeda of Wakasa will be attacked from the west and south. After subjugation, Wakasa can be entrusted to Kutsuki."

I deliberately widened my eyes. Wakasa, with about 80,000 koku, would give me ten times the territory I have now. The potential for trade via the Sea of Japan would be immense.

However, it looks tempting, but it's a poisoned bun. The wife of Takeda Nobuyoshi, the head of the Takeda clan of Wakasa, is the daughter of Rokkaku Takayori and the sister of the current head of the Rokkaku clan, Rokkaku Yoshikata. And the wife of Takeda Nobuyoshi's heir, Yoshitada, is the sister of Ashikaga Yoshifuji. Attacking the Takeda of Wakasa would mean making the Ashikaga and Rokkaku enemies. This can't be done without the support of the Miyoshi. In other words, it would mean living under the protection of the Miyoshi. My position would be weak, and it's questionable whether I would really get Wakasa.

It might be hard for modern people to understand, but before Oda Nobunaga, the Rokkaku clan was undoubtedly a superpower in the Kinai region, on par with the Miyoshi. Wakasa, despite being weakened by internal strife, was not invaded by other countries because of the names of the Rokkaku and Ashikaga. Wakasa was occupied by the Asakura around 1568, but by then the Rokkaku had lost all their power. Even if I could get Wakasa, it would be to serve as a buffer against the Asakura for the Miyoshi. Echizen has over 500,000 koku. The Rokkaku and Ashikaga are enemies, and Kutsuki, with less than 100,000 koku, can't defend against the Asakura. It would be crushed.

"Takewakamaru-dono, I'm not asking you to attack Yoshifuji. Just drive him out. Then, join the Miyoshi and help with the attack on Wakasa. It's not a bad deal, is it?"

"…"

"Or are you still loyal to the Ashikaga? I don't think it's good for the Kutsuki family."

It's a clever way of putting it, implying it's not a rebellion. The presence of the 3,000 soldiers at Ōhara means, "We've made this much of a concession, think carefully before you refuse."

Still, the fate of Kutsuki might be more significant than I thought. I considered Kutsuki just a small lord in Omi, one among many, but it seems not. The Shogun has repeatedly fled to Kutsuki when expelled from the capital. Kutsuki has hidden the Shogun. Kutsuki is seen as a loyal vassal to the Shogun. If Kutsuki betrays the Shogun, what would that mean?

First, the Shogun would lose a safe haven. Then, it would be said that even Kutsuki has given up on the Shogun. Others would more easily betray the Shogun. The Shogun's authority would be lost, and people would lose trust in each other. Finding a new safe haven would be difficult. The future looks bleak.

"Is this proposal known to Sakamoto no Kami?"

"It's my personal decision. But I have confidence in persuading my lord, Sakamoto no Kami. I hope you can trust me."

"…I see."

It's a good performance, but I don't believe it. You're trying to avoid a commitment, but saying Yoshikage doesn't know is a poor excuse. Can you really decide the fate of Wakasa? You don't have the authority to speak without Yoshikage's approval. Are you underestimating me, or did you plan to deceive from the start?

"It's a good proposal, but I can't answer on my own."

"Of course, I understand. I'm not asking for an answer now."

The room was filled with a calm atmosphere. Chōitsu must have felt he had enough leverage. I was satisfied too; I understood the purpose of this meeting and gained some insights.

At the entrance of Kutsuki Castle, the old man and other Kutsuki family members came to see Chōitsu off. Chōitsu's attendants were preparing horses. Fine Kawachi Fujitaka, Shinsa Haruya, and Jibu Fujimichi were hiding in the shadows, despite my warning them not to come. They must be worried about Kutsuki.

"Takewakamaru-dono, it's fine to see me off here."

"Please be careful on your way back."

Chōitsu nodded and headed outside. He stopped and looked back, with a strange smile.

"By the way, I almost forgot. Please take care of the matter we discussed earlier."

I knew he would say that. This cunning old man. I smiled back.

"Sōshirō-dono, please convey my regards to Sakamoto no Kami."

Chōitsu's smile faltered. It's too early to celebrate.

"Kutsuki cannot betray the Shogun and take Wakasa."

His smile disappeared, and the atmosphere around us tensed.

"…Do you intend to destroy your family?"

His voice was low and intimidating. The air was thick, and the people around us turned pale.

"Can you destroy the Kutsuki family?"

"…Have you forgotten about the 3,000 soldiers?"

"Even if it were 30,000, my answer wouldn't change."

My sarcasm made the faces of those around me even paler. Small daimyo try to avoid conflict with larger ones to avoid being destroyed. What can you do by challenging the Miyoshi? But the Miyoshi are the ones who started this. If I have to fight, I'll do it spectacularly.

"Sōshirō-dono, if Kutsuki abandons the Shogun and joins the Miyoshi, what would Sakamoto no Kami think?"

"Of course, he would be pleased."

"But he wouldn't trust you. You betrayed the Ashikaga, who you've served loyally for generations. There's no guarantee that someone who betrayed once won't betray again. It would be even easier to betray the Miyoshi, who have no deep ties. A lord who has lost trust will ultimately be destroyed. Isn't that right?"

I asked, but Chōitsu remained silent, staring at me intensely.

"If we are attacked here, I will fight to protect the Shogun, even if we lose. Kutsuki village will be lost, and I might not survive. After that, the survivors will decide their own path. They might continue to serve the Shogun, or they might choose a different path, having fulfilled their duty."

"…"

"Whichever path they choose, no one will blame Kutsuki. They have served loyally since the Kamakura period. Any daimyo would be happy to take them in without hesitation."

Chōitsu, who had been staring at me, sighed and slumped his shoulders.

"What a pity. It seems the Kutsuki and the Miyoshi are not meant to be. I tried to persuade you…"

"…"

"Don't worry. I won't attack Kutsuki."

He took the reins from his attendants and mounted his horse. He looked at me again. "Well, I'll take my leave." He rode away slowly. I managed to get through it. …Sorry, the talk about trust is just a facade. The Miyoshi will decline gradually. I can't bet on a losing horse.

When I returned to the castle, Fine Kawachi Fujitaka, Shinsa Haruya, and Jibu Fujimichi were looking at me with admiration. Fine Kawachi Fujitaka, who would become a shrewd and experienced man in the future, was still in his early twenties and seemed unreliable. The old man… He was also moved by the scene. I urged him to return to the castle. We had to talk. I sent away the others and was left alone with the old man in his room. I didn't want the children to come to my room.

"Old man, there might be someone in the Shogun's entourage who is in league with the Miyoshi."

"Impossible."

The old man's face tensed. Finally, he looked like someone I could talk to. He had been in a daze earlier.

"It's true. Miyoshi Chōitsu knew about the Ikkō sect plan I devised."

The old man looked puzzled. He didn't understand.

"How did the Miyoshi find out? Neither the Rokkaku, Asakura, Asai, nor the Hongan-ji should know. The Iwagami-kan is well-guarded. If it wasn't from the outside, it must have leaked from the inside."

The old man's expression changed. The plan was communicated to the Rokkaku, Asakura, Asai, and the Hongan-ji by messengers from Yoshifuji, but my name was not mentioned. Of course, no one would take a plan from a five-year-old seriously.

"The Shogun is in danger."

I grabbed the old man's knee as he tried to stand.

"Calm down, old man."

"But—"

"Calm down!"

I shouted and made him sit. Why do I have to scold my grandfather?

"I just said there might be a spy. There might not be one. Causing a fuss would only stir up discord. It might be the Miyoshi's goal."

"But if there is a spy—"

"The Miyoshi have no intention of harming the Shogun. If they did, they would have attacked Kutsuki long ago."

"…But—"

"Causing a fuss is dangerous. If there is a spy, they might become desperate and attack the Shogun."

"…"

"This is a secret between you and me. Don't tell your uncles."

The old man reluctantly nodded. It's better to change the subject. But I think there is a spy. They must be worried and on guard after the failed meeting with Chōitsu. If I say there's a spy, what would happen? I'll identify them later. For now, I'll let them think I don't know. I might use them as double agents or feed them false information. That would be better.

"Old man, the Miyoshi's goal is Kutsuki. If they succeed, they'll make Kutsuki betray the Shogun and join them. If not, they'll create suspicion and drive a wedge between Kutsuki and the Shogun. That's how I see it."

"…I see. The Miyoshi see Kutsuki as an obstacle."

Finally, the old man was back to normal.

"Exactly. The Rokkaku, Asakura, Asai, and the Hongan-ji won't move to protect the Shogun. The Miyoshi understand this. The Miyoshi have no immediate enemies. But Kutsuki is loyal to the Shogun. Kutsuki is right next to Kyoto, so it's a thorn in their side."

Kutsuki is in a difficult position to attack. That's why the Shogun relies on Kutsuki. Attacking Kutsuki would cause significant damage. Instead, they tried to make Kutsuki useless. That's probably their strategy.

"That's why he said those things."

"Exactly."

"I thought my heart would stop."

The old man looked exasperated. I might have exaggerated a bit. There aren't 30,000 soldiers. It's a hundred times the size of Kutsuki. I couldn't help but laugh.

"It couldn't be helped. If I didn't say that, Kutsuki would be suspected."

"You're a real piece of work."

The old man started to laugh too.

"Old man."

"What?"

"Taking Kyoto back from the Miyoshi is difficult, no, impossible,