Chapter 70

Eiroku 14 (1571) Mid-October Tatsunokuchi, Settsu Province, Wakamura Village, Katsuragawa Castle

Kuchiki Mototsuna

"Indeed, the stronghold of the Miyoshi family, who once dominated the land, is a magnificent sight."

As Chogorozaemon's exclamation echoed through the grand hall, voices of agreement rose from all corners. I agree; the castle's structure is impressive, and the pillars and shoji screens inside are of the finest quality. After all, a castle is a symbol of power. The court nobles, daimyo, and local lords who came here must have been overwhelmed by the Miyoshi's might, whether friend or foe. This is completely different from Shimizu Mountain and Shiozu Beach. Even Kannonji Castle would be inferior in comparison. We are like country bumpkins who have come to the city.

"What will you do next, my lord?"

"Hmm, we must secure Izumi and Kawachi. Especially Iimoriyama Castle, which, along with this Katsuragawa Castle, is one of the Miyoshi's key strongholds in the Kinai region. We must secure it. By doing so, we must show the world that the Miyoshi have been defeated by the Kuchiki... "

As I answered Jubei, he nodded in satisfaction. I don't want him to be content just because we've secured Katsuragawa Castle; it feels like that.

The Second Battle of Yamashina ended in victory for the Kuchiki. The central forces of the Miyoshi collapsed, suffering about 3,000 casualties. Most of these were foot soldiers from the central units. The commanders, Matsuyama Shinnojyo Shigeharu and Imamura Kii-no-kami Yasumitsu, were also killed. Due to their light armor, they were overwhelmingly defeated. I think it's a good result; in the future, fewer generals will attempt such tactics, and bamboo bundles will primarily be used in siege warfare. This will make the Kuchiki's musket units safer.

We didn't pursue the Miyoshi too aggressively, and with the day growing dark, the Kuchiki forces spent the night in Yamashina. However, we attacked the fleeing enemy with large cannons, so the end was more like a rout. The Miyoshi retreated to Kyoto but soon abandoned it, raising Ashikaga Yoshihiro to the position of shogun. They must have judged that they could no longer fight. The forces guarding the north of Kyoto also retreated, heading to Settsu. Initially, they intended to defend from this Katsuragawa Castle and Iimoriyama Castle, but they must have decided that preparations couldn't be completed in time due to the Kuchiki's rapid advance.

In the end, they gave up on defending the Kinai region and began retreating from Settsu to Shikoku. On our side, we bypassed Kyoto, which seems to have been a good move. If we had lingered in Kyoto to greet the court, Yoshitaka might have caused trouble again. The Miyoshi forces in Yamato, who were wary of the Kuchiki, also retreated. According to Chokuzo's report, they are heading north in Kii, likely aiming to retreat to Shikoku from there.

"Well, it shouldn't be too difficult."

"Indeed, since the Miyoshi have abandoned the Kinai region..."

Voices of agreement rose from all corners of the grand hall. The Kuchiki generals and local lords were all in high spirits after the victory.

"Don't be complacent. Although the Miyoshi are retreating from the Kinai region, this is not the end. They will surely counterattack. Also, don't forget that Ishiyama Hongan-ji and Sakai are not friendly to the Kuchiki."

As I reprimanded them, everyone showed a respectful demeanor. I feel like a nagging mother-in-law. It's disheartening, but I don't think I'm saying anything wrong. The Miyoshi clan gained significant power in the Kinai region after Yoshikage became the head of the family. Before that, they repeatedly advanced from Shikoku to the Kinai region and were driven back, only to return to Shikoku. For them, a comeback is like a family tradition. An unpleasant one.

The same applies after Yoshikage. Historically, the Miyoshi clan continued to fight tenaciously even after retreating to Shikoku. They attacked Ashikaga Yoshitaka at Hongan-ji and lured Oda Nobunaga to Noda and Fukushima, attacking him alongside Hongan-ji. In this world, Miyoshi Masahide and Anchi Fuyutaka are still alive. It can't end here. The battle between the Kuchiki and the Miyoshi is just beginning. We cannot afford to be complacent.

As evidence, the situation in Yamato and Kii is not favorable. The local lords in Yamato and Kii who supported the Miyoshi have not surrendered. In Yamato, the Tsutsui, Togoshi, and Kishu, and in Kii, the Yawata, Saiga, Negoro, and Takanawa. Because of this, Yoshitaka cannot enter Kyoto. At sea, the Kuki and Horikawa are attacking the Saiga merchant ships, but it will take some time before the effects are seen.

Yoshitaka has sent a messenger asking us to drive out the enemies in Yamato. He seems eager to enter Kyoto as soon as possible, but I replied that we must first drive the Miyoshi out of Settsu, Izumi, and Kawachi. If the Miyoshi retreat to Shikoku, it should not be difficult to make the anti-Yoshitaka forces in the Kinai region surrender. They are likely to submit without a fight. There's no need to force the issue.

"Today, we will rest in this castle. I know you are tired, but do not be complacent. Although the Miyoshi are retreating to Shikoku, consider this enemy territory."

"Hai."

Everyone bowed their heads. I should call Doi Sosan and have a talk with him soon. It's not a conversation that can be had openly, so I'll call him to my quarters.

"My lord."

"What is it, Sakon?"

Unozawa Sakon spoke with a tense voice.

"Lord Ikeda Chikugo-no-kami of Toyotama Castle in Toyoshima County and Lord Iwata Jiro of Iwata Castle in Kawabe County have come to pay their respects to you."

"Very well, I will see them. Bring them here."

"Hai."

Ikeda and Iwata. They are unpredictable, but this time they sided with us. It's true that their absence gave us an advantage in Yamashina. I should thank them sincerely.

Eiroku 14 (1571) Mid-October Tatsunokuchi, Settsu Province, Wakamura Village, Katsuragawa Castle

Doi Sosan

"Well, Sosan, we can finally have a calm conversation."

"Hai."

Indeed, we can have a calm conversation, but I didn't expect to be called to the quarters... and...

"Do you not wish to take off your armor?"

"No, I am a coward. I have no intention of taking off my armor on the battlefield."

Battlefield? We are inside the castle. And a coward? Is he joking? But he doesn't smile. Is he serious? I looked at Lord Gamou Uesugi, but his expression didn't change. Is he afraid of me?

"I have already spoken to Lord Uesugi. There is no need to worry. So, what is it? I hear a letter has come from Chosokabe. Are you in contact with Chosokabe?"

"Huh?"

What is he talking about? If that were the case, I wouldn't be here.

"Be honest. If you are in contact, it would be convenient. I have something to discuss with Chosokabe. I would like you to act as an intermediary. What do you think?"

He leaned in to look at my face.

"I am not in contact with Chosokabe!"

I answered indignantly, and Lord Daisen Daifu laughed out loud.

"My lord, please do not joke too much. Lord Sosan, please forgive him. My lord has a somewhat troublesome habit of enjoying surprising people. I have been surprised by him many times."

"I am not joking; I am testing you. What I am about to say is a secret of secrets. I cannot speak to someone I do not trust."

I see, he was testing me...

"Do you really think the Shosho is suspicious of you?"

"Hai, he is suspicious of me."

"Be honest. Is the Shosho a fool?"

"That is..."

"He is not a fool, then is he overly suspicious?"

"I do not think so."

"Then, is it possible that he is pretending to be suspicious because you are in the way?"

I am in the way? Pretending to be suspicious?

"......Could it be......"

Lord Daisen Daifu nodded.

"Yes, as someone who has sworn loyalty to the Ii family, it must be painful to be seen as an obstacle. But what do you think?"

"......I cannot say it is not possible."

It might be possible. The Shosho sees me as an obstacle, and that's why he pretends to be suspicious... I have never thought of such a thing...

"What do you think of the Shosho's character?"

"He is not a fool; rather, he is intelligent. However, he is proud and somewhat relies on himself. That is my only concern..."

"So, you often advise the Shosho?"

"Hai."

"He might see it as a lack of trust or a criticism. He might think that as long as you are around, others will not trust him. What do you think, Lord Uesugi?"

"It is possible."

Lord Uesugi nodded. Have I been wrong...?

"Sosan, can the Shosho defeat Chosokabe Kunitsune without your help?"

"......"

"I see. He cannot, can he? The retainers of the Ii family might think the same. If the Shosho realizes this..."

"It would be troublesome."

I bit my lip.

"I will return to Tosa and convey my true feelings to my lord. I have no intention of belittling him. I only want him to be a good lord."

"It will be in vain."

"But..."

Lord Daisen Daifu shook his head. I cannot continue...

"If my words could move his heart, he would not have distanced himself from you in the first place."

"......"

"Pride and self-reliance, Sosan, that is arrogance. An arrogant person does not reflect on themselves or admit their flaws. They cannot recognize someone better than themselves. Such a person is the least suitable to be a leader."

"That is not..."

"Can you say it is not? If so, are there people around the Shosho? Not flatterers, but those who can advise and reprimand him. If they exist, you would not be distanced, right?"

"......"

I cannot respond. I thought he was a lord with the spirit to lead the Ii family. But was that just a biased view? Have I been blind to his flaws...

"The Shosho cannot defeat Chosokabe Kunitsune. If this continues, the Ii family will perish."

"Can Lord Daisen Daifu help my lord?"

Lord Daisen Daifu looked at Lord Uesugi, who had a serious expression.

"Lord Sosan, it will be difficult for the Kuchiki family to help the Shosho. Unfortunately, our family is not yet in a position to send troops to Tosa. Therefore, the Shosho must protect the Ii family from Kunitsune with his own strength."

"......"

"But there might be a way to protect the Ii family."

"What is it?"

Lord Uesugi looked at Lord Daisen Daifu, who nodded.

"Have the Shosho retire and let his heir, Senkai, succeed him. Then, Lord Sosan will act as a regent."

"Th-That is..."

"Sosan, I cannot think of any other way to protect the Ii family. It depends on your resolve. Can you make the decision? I will not ask for an immediate answer, but please consider it."

So that's why I was called to the quarters... I was careless. I should have realized that something unusual would be discussed when I was called here...

"What about the Ootomo? The Shosho's consort is from the Ootomo family."

"The Ootomo cannot continue to play with the Mori. Their foundation is shaky."

"......Foundation? ...Hizen, Ryuzoji?"

At my words, Lord Daisen Daifu smiled.

"Even if the Ootomo were to side with them, they cannot stop Chosokabe. It would only anger the Mori. The Ii family would be attacked from Iyo and eastern Tosa."

That is true. But...

"I told you to make the decision, Sosan. Either side with the Ootomo and fight Chosokabe while advancing into Iyo, or side with the Kuchiki to crush Chosokabe and advance into Awa. The fate of the Ii family is at stake."

"......"

"I will not allow you to fight for the Ootomo while receiving aid from the Kuchiki. Remember that."

As I left the quarters, I thought. I relied on the Kuchiki, but it seems the time has come when I must consider more than just Tosa. Whether to ally with the Kuchiki, Miyoshi, Mori, or Ootomo, I must carefully decide how to protect the Ii family...

Eiroku 14 (1571) Early November, Yamashiro Province, Katsuragawa, Sakyo-ku, Muromachi

Kuchiki Mototsuna

"Ho ho ho, the Miyoshi have retreated to Shikoku, ho ho ho."

He is in a good mood, repeatedly saying "ho ho ho." I'm getting tired of it.

"That is thanks to Lord Daisen Daifu."

"Yes, indeed. The Kuchiki are formidable, but letting Yoshihiro escape was a mistake, ho ho ho."

I dislike this man. His voice is cheerful, but his eyes are sharp. I knew he was dissatisfied with me.

"I apologize."

"Ho ho ho, I am not blaming you, Daisen Daifu."

Who said it was a mistake? And stop saying "ho ho ho." Nobunaga must be tired of it too. This man's physique doesn't suit "ho ho ho." His shoulders are bulging, making him look like a professional wrestler or a weightlifter, but his body lacks thickness, making him look very awkward. He looks like a malnourished professional wrestler. His large, round face makes him even more awkward.

This malnourished professional wrestler is Ashikaga Yoshitaka. When I took over Iimoriyama Castle and the Miyoshi retreated to Shikoku, the anti-Yoshitaka forces surrendered one after another. There was almost no punishment for them. The reason is simple: if we tried to punish them, they would resist. Yoshitaka wants to enter Kyoto as soon as possible to show that he is the legitimate ruler. He wants to avoid any further delays. Here, he is turning a blind eye, so to speak. The anti-Yoshitaka forces understand this, which is why they are being assertive.

Now that he has entered Kyoto and taken over the Muromachi residence, he is in a good mood. In this grand hall, besides Yoshitaka, there are Hosokawa Fujitaka, Miyabe Fujihide, Uesugi Kiyoyoshi, Wada Norimasa, Ishikawa Takaaki, Matsunaga Hisahide, and Hatakeyama Takahiro. They are the most trusted men who have shared hardships with Yoshitaka. However, they are quite dissatisfied and wary of me. They are unhappy with my lack of enthusiasm for the march to Kyoto, especially with letting Yoshihiro escape, as mentioned earlier. They are also struggling with how to reward me. I have heard various things.

I have pacified Yamashiro, Settsu, Kawachi, and Izumi, but Yamashiro is the direct territory of the Ashikaga, so I cannot take it. For Kawachi and Izumi, they are considering giving them to Miyoshi Masahide. For Yamato, they are thinking of giving it to Matsunaga, and for Kii, to Hatakeyama. The problem is Settsu. They are hesitant about whether to give it to the Kuchiki or not.

"Lord Daisen Daifu, Yoshitaka relies on you."

"Indeed, as Lord Fujitaka says, I am considering making you a deputy shogun or a kanrei."

"I do not need any rewards."

Fujitaka, Yoshitaka. I have no intention of taking a position in the shogunate. Do you understand? I have no interest in working for the shogunate. If I become a deputy shogun or a kanrei, I will just be used for free labor. Stop trying to use me for free. Besides, the Kuchiki are not of a family that can take such positions; it would only invite resistance. I am not interested.

Yoshitaka understands this. It's just a show of high regard for the Kuchiki's efforts. He probably thinks I won't accept it, and if I do, he can form an anti-Kuchiki alliance around him. This is likely the same reason why Nobunaga declined the positions of deputy shogun and kanrei. Settsu is not needed now. With the unpredictable local lords, the Hongan-ji, and pro-Miyoshi Sakai, it would only bring trouble.

"If you do not need rewards, you are selfless. Then, I will appoint you as a shogunal retainer. Will you accept that?"

"Thank you, but I have already been appointed as a retainer by Lord Kogen-in. I do not seek any further honors."

"Is that so..."

Yoshitaka looked around in confusion. He probably thought I would accept a position that would elevate my family's status. He intended to use it as a reward, but I don't need it. I have no interest in advancing my position within the Ashikaga shogunate.

"Is there anything you desire?"

"Then, if you allow me to place a deputy in Sakai, I would be grateful."

"Is that all? Very well, I will allow it."

He agreed easily. He doesn't understand. He probably thought I wanted to establish a Kuchiki branch office in Sakai, as it is an autonomous city. Unfortunately, what I wanted was to establish a Kuchiki governing body in Sakai, giving the Kuchiki ownership of it.

He also offered the Ashikaga family crest and the paulownia crest, but I declined. He also offered the headship of the Kyogoku and Rokkaku families. It seems he doesn't want to let the prestigious daimyo families of the shogunate die out. It's the same as giving the headship of the Uesugi family to Kagehori. If given to me, I can take it, or I can give it to someone else. I gratefully accepted it. To dominate Omi, I cannot ignore the names of the Kyogoku and Rokkaku. I will eventually pass the headship of the Kyogoku to my sons and the Rokkaku to Umehito. They will be pleased. I also received the title of "Yakata-sama." Among the Kuchiki retainers are former retainers of the Kyogoku, Rokkaku, H