Chapter 8

In the early part of April, in the year 1554 (Tenshō 23), in the Kutsuki Valley of the Takanashi District in Ōmi Province, at the Iwagami Manor, Takewakamaru stood and listened.

"It seems that the senior retainers of the Imagawa, Hōjō, and Takeda clans held a meeting at the Zen德寺 in Suruga," one of the shogunate officials said excitedly.

"Does that mean they've formed an alliance?" another asked.

"Most likely. The alliance of the three provinces of Kai, Suruga, and Shinano," the first official replied. The officials were quite agitated. It's true that an alliance of this scale is rare. I can understand their excitement. Plus, things have been rather quiet lately, so they seem to be enjoying the stimulation.

I'm a bit excited too. I see, so the heads of the clans meeting at Zen德寺 was a lie. Of course, the Imagawa, Hōjō, and Takeda each have their own enemies. For the heads of the clans to meet and discuss would be like a summit in modern times. Scheduling would be difficult.

The senior retainers would gather to deliberate, report to the heads, and then reach an agreement. It's probably something like that. In modern terms, it would be like a meeting of deputy ministers. Human nature doesn't change much over time. When it comes to senior retainers, for the Imagawa, it would be Taiyū Setsudai, for the Takeda, it would be Hoshina and Koyamada. For the Hōjō, who knows? Maybe Matsuda, or perhaps Hōjō Genan? I'm not sure.

By the way, this information came from the Asukai family. The court nobles surprisingly get information quickly. They have daughters married into various daimyo families, so information comes from there. If court nobles exchange and verify information, they can become quite well-informed. The court is like an information gathering agency. This fact further encourages marriages between court nobles and samurai.

"Take Wakamaru, what do you think?"

When my grandfather asked me, the officials turned their gaze to me. Lately, their gazes have been intense. I wish they would stop looking at me like that. It makes me very uncomfortable.

"You don't need to hold back," Yoshiteru said. Yoshiteru changed his name from Yoshifuji to Yoshiteru in February this year. It finally feels right. The reason for the name change is to shine his name and to make the Ashikaga era shine again. I understand his feelings, but it's difficult. Another obstacle has been added.

"The Imagawa, Hōjō, and Takeda have each determined their paths. The Imagawa will advance westward along the Tōkaidō, from Mikawa to Owari. The Hōjō will aim to conquer Kanto, and the Takeda will target Shinano. The Kanto Kanrei, the Yamauchi Uesugi, will be further pressured by the Hōjō. Eventually, they might rely on the Shōnosuke of Echigo. Shōnosuke is a man of great chivalry and will surely respond if they ask for help. The Nagao family will fight the Takeda and Hōjō in Shinano and Kanto."

When I stated my opinion, everyone exchanged glances, a bit perplexed.

"Then, relying on the Shōnosuke is difficult, is it?" Yoshiteru said sadly, and a few officials lowered their heads. Recently, Yoshiteru has been considering relying on Nagao Kagekatsu of Echigo. A Kyoto recovery army centered on the Nagao and Asakura of the Hokuriku region, with the addition of the Asai and Rokkaku. However, Kagekatsu will soon be engaged in a tough battle with the Takeda over Shinano. It will be difficult for him to march to Kyoto.

My grandfather proposed a truce to Yoshiteru, but it was rejected. However, Yoshiteru understands that the Asai and Asakura are not reliable. That's why he's considering Kagekatsu. The formation of the alliance of the three provinces has made things even more difficult for Yoshiteru. Everything he does seems to go wrong.

Yoshiteru can't just let the Kanto Kanrei be left to die. He's in a position where he must help. This makes the situation even more difficult. It's following the historical trend. Kagekatsu will march to Kyoto after Yoshiteru returns to Kyoto. In reality, the best course of action is to seek a truce. For now, I can only gather information and practice with a wooden sword in the Shinryū style.

Still, will the alliance of the three provinces in Kai, Suruga, and Shinano affect the situation in Kyoto? This is something you wouldn't learn in school. It's surprising to see how Kyoto and the regions are connected in unexpected ways.

"Sad, isn't it? The Rokkaku and Asakura are unreliable, and the Ōtomo of Kyushu have lost their former power. Even the Shōnosuke can't be relied on."

Yoshiteru's sad muttering continued. It's true. The Ōtomo of Chūgoku once supported the Ashikaga shogunate and marched to Kyoto. But now, they have lost their power due to the rebellion of Sō Masafusa. Sō is struggling just to secure his position. The Mōri will soon rise, and the Chūgoku region will enter a three-way battle between the Ōtomo, Mōri, and Amako, leading to the unification by the Mōri. Militarily, they won't be reliable for a while.

"If only he had at least the northern half of Ōmi, how much stronger he would be..."

No, even if you say that, I have no intention of being loyal to the Ashikaga. I'm only supporting them because they have value to me. It's true. But since that incident, I've been seen as a young but wise and brave loyalist.

Wise and brave? I haven't even been to my first battle, so I can't be wise and brave. I think that, but no one denies it. Apparently, I became known as wise and brave because of the incident at the Hongan-ji and my statement that I'm not afraid of three myriads. According to a letter from the Asukai family, I'm quite famous in the court. My boldness in not yielding to the threat of the Miyoshi and my strong loyalty to the imperial cause. Who is this person? It's definitely not me. If this were modern times, the Miyoshi would be suspected of kidnapping.

As an apology, I received a secret book on gunpowder, "Tekkō Yaku no Kata to Chōgō Jitai," from Yoshiteru after that. It was presented to Yoshiteru by the Ōtomo of Kyushu along with guns this New Year. I received a copy. It will be quite useful for Yoshiteru. I already know how to make gunpowder, but the Ashikaga receive many tributes, and the leftovers are quite tasty.

Making gunpowder. Kutsuki has hot springs, so sulfur is not a problem. Charcoal is also not a problem. The issue is saltpeter. Saltpeter is not produced in Japan, but I know how to make it. The materials are mugwort, barnyard grass, and a large amount of human and animal excrement. It can be made in four to five years. What should I do? Should I make it? It's dangerous, and it would be safer not to, but the environment surrounding Kutsuki is not good. ...I'll make it, but I'll keep it a secret from Yoshiteru. No, this is Kutsuki's top secret. I can't tell anyone. What should I do...

In the middle of April, in the year 1554 (Tenshō 23), in the Kutsuki Valley of the Takanashi District in Ōmi Province, at the Nishiyama Castle, Kutsuki Masahisa.

Takewakamaru suddenly visited Nishiyama Castle without any prior notice, accompanied only by Gorōemon. Even though it's within the Kutsuki Valley and not far from Kutsuki Castle, it was too careless. When I scolded Gorōemon, Takewakamaru said, "I asked him to," and defended Gorōemon. He then said he wanted to talk alone and in secret. It was unusual, and the absence of his older brother was concerning. I had my son, Masaharu, entertain Gorōemon and led Takewakamaru to my room. While waiting for the maid to prepare the roasted tea, I asked about Umemaru.

"Is Umemaru serving well?"

"He often says he wants to learn military tactics."

"I see."

Sigh. Even though he's by Takewakamaru's side, he wants to learn military tactics. I wish he would learn from him. What's the point of having him serve by his side...

"I only allow him to practice with a wooden sword until his bones are fully formed. I tell him to focus on calligraphy and abacus, but he seems dissatisfied."

"I apologize."

"Don't worry about it. I understand that men prefer to use their bodies over their minds."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his wise words. The child in front of me has a way of making people laugh unintentionally. After a few more words, the maid brought the tea, and I asked about the purpose of his visit.

"So, what brings you here today?"

"I received the 'Tekkō Yaku no Kata to Chōgō Jitai' from the Shōgun. Uncle, you know about it, right?"

"Yes, I do."

"Gunpowder is made from sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. I know the proportions. And Kutsuki has sulfur and charcoal."

"So the problem is saltpeter, then."

Takewakamaru nodded. Gunpowder is expensive. It's difficult to gather enough guns, and it's even harder to gather enough gunpowder and lead bullets. That's why daimyo and local lords can't effectively use guns. Kutsuki has a gunsmith, so we have an advantage in gathering guns. However, in terms of gunpowder and lead bullets, we are on equal footing with other daimyo.

Still, Kutsuki has a considerable amount of money from the sales of shiitake mushrooms, clear sake, and soap. We use that money to gather gunpowder and lead. Other daimyo can only gather money by squeezing taxes from their peasants, which has its limits. The reality is that even if they gather guns, they can't buy gunpowder because they don't have the money. They have no choice but to give up on gathering guns.

The future of war will change. It will become a war that requires money. In other words, daimyo and local lords who can't make money won't be able to fight and will inevitably fall. This is the era that will come. And Takewakamaru can make money. This means he can fight. He's only six years old, does he understand this? If he does, as his brother said, in ten or fifteen years...

"We could buy saltpeter, but I want to make it."

"Can you make it?"

When I asked in surprise, Takewakamaru nodded.

"Yes, I can. Here."

Takewakamaru took out a piece of paper from his sleeve. The handwriting was not very good, with a slight upward slant, but it described how to make saltpeter. However, I couldn't help but tilt my head.

"Really, can you make it with mugwort and human and animal excrement?"

"Yes, I can. It's the same as making shiitake mushrooms and soap. It takes time, but it's not that difficult."

It's the same as making shiitake mushrooms and soap. I couldn't argue with that.

"But why are you doing this?"

Is it a waste? Takewakamaru didn't answer the question. The response was to just try it and see the results. I had no choice but to believe him.

"I want you to do this at Nishiyama, in secret."

"Will you not make it in Kutsuki?"

When I asked in surprise, Takewakamaru shook his head.

"Kutsuki has too many people coming and going."

"I see."

You don't want anyone to know, do you? I doubt it, but...

"Does the old man know about this?"

When I asked in a low voice, he shook his head again.

"He doesn't. If I tell him, it might leak out of the Iwagami Manor. That's why I came here."

"Are you worried about spies?"

"Do you know? The old man told you, didn't he? I told you not to."

He frowned.

"No, the old man was worried, so I forced it out of him."

"..."

"He seemed relieved after talking to me. It's fine. The old man understands that your judgment is correct. I also think you are correct."

His expression didn't change. Then he spat out, "The old man is too lenient with the Ashikaga." I was more surprised by the words than the expression or tone. He just called the Ashikaga by their name. Takewakamaru looked at me and sighed.

"Uncle, are you upset that I called the Ashikaga by their name?"

"More surprised than upset. You are known as a wise and brave loyalist."

"Wise and brave loyalist? Who is that? I haven't even been to my first battle."

I couldn't help but chuckle. Takewakamaru's discontented look was oddly amusing.

"This is not a laughing matter, Uncle. What if it gets out that Kutsuki is making saltpeter? It would be a disaster. The Rokkaku, Asai, Takeda, Asakura, Miyoshi, all would target Kutsuki. Kutsuki has guns and gunpowder, after all. The Shōgun would be the same. He might try to strengthen his military power by controlling Kutsuki, or he might try to control other daimyo by trading saltpeter. Even if the Shōgun hesitates, the shogunate officials would want it. If they could, the Shōgun and the shogunate would regain their authority. And Kutsuki is small and easy to crush."

"I see."

Takewakamaru was looking at me with a piercing gaze. He might think the Shōgun and the shogunate are the biggest threat. Takewakamaru sighed and slumped his shoulders. He must have been thirsty, as he took a few sips of tea.

"To be honest, I was hesitant to make saltpeter. One mistake and Kutsuki could be destroyed. But Kutsuki has become too well-known. Even without gunpowder, Kutsuki's wealth and proximity to Kyoto have attracted attention. The Miyoshi have their eyes on us, and others are likely watching us closely. I think the environment surrounding Kutsuki is harsh."

It was a somber statement. Kutsuki is prospering, but the six-year-old child who brought this prosperity is pessimistic about the future. It was a sobering thought.

"Right now, no one is openly attacking because the Shōgun is here. At most, the Miyoshi cause some trouble. But what will happen when we return to Kyoto...? I think it's dangerous. It's frustrating, but Kutsuki is small and has few soldiers. The only way to compensate is to improve our equipment. Guns are one of them. If we rely on guns, we can't afford to be uncertain about gunpowder. We have no choice but to make saltpeter."

Takewakamaru sighed deeply. I was honestly surprised. Is there anyone in Kutsuki who thinks this far ahead? Sadly, even my older brother doesn't match Takewakamaru. I realized that Takewakamaru is the true lord of Kutsuki, and he is suffering.

"I understand. Let's make saltpeter at Nishiyama."

"I'm sorry, Uncle