Chapter 80

Eiroku 16 (1573) Late February, Yamashiro Province, Katsurano District, Daitoku-ji Temple, Miyoshi Nagayasu

Daitoku-ji Temple was surrounded by a formidable guard. Considering that the Dainagon had a force of ten thousand men escorting us from Sakai to Kyoto, it seems he is quite wary of any attack against us. The one who would attack us is most likely aiming at the Great Lord. Therefore, it is safe to assume that the attackers are being incited by the Saemon-no-kami, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, and his associates.

The Dainagon is trying to stabilize the Kinai region and protect the Ashikaga lineage, but for Yoshiaki, the Great Lord is a threat. It seems that the relationship between the Dainagon and Yoshiaki is not going well. What does this all mean...? In one of the rooms at Daitoku-ji, the five of us—Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami, Akechi Settsu-no-kami, I, Kusunoki, and the Dainagon—decided to have a discussion. We need to gauge the future movements in the Kinai region, especially the actions of the Kuki family, and choose the path for the Miyoshi family...

"Have you heard that only we are to attend the Shogun's proclamation tomorrow?"

When Buzen-no-kami asked, the Dainagon nodded.

"Should I lament the decline of the Bakufu's authority, or should I be ashamed of my own inadequacy in issuing the proclamation? I am somewhat at a loss."

A ripple of laughter spread through the room. His tone was calm, not one of lamentation over his inadequacy.

"I've heard that strange secret letters are circulating among the neighboring provinces?"

"Settsu-no-kami, did you know about this, or did you receive one as well?"

"No, I haven't received one yet. So, does the Dainagon know about it?"

"Indeed, I do. It will likely reach you as well."

"..."

The four of us exchanged glances. The Dainagon remained calm. When we confirmed that the content of the secret letter was about the Kuki family's extermination, the Dainagon nodded with a wry smile.

"I thought he would at least refrain from such actions until the Shogun's proclamation, but it seems he is more impatient than I anticipated. Thanks to him, all the neighboring daimyo have canceled their attendance at the Shogun's proclamation, fearing to be drawn into a pointless conflict. He seems displeased by this, but it's not my fault..."

The Dainagon laughed lightly. He was not just calm; he seemed to disregard Yoshiaki entirely.

"What do you intend to do?"

When asked, the Dainagon smiled faintly.

"As a warrior, I intend to repel any fire that comes my way."

"Your opponent is persistent and won't give up easily."

"I understand. It's a family trait of the Ashikaga. I am prepared for the possibility that everything outside Kyoto will become Kuki territory."

The room fell silent, so much so that even the slightest movement seemed hesitant.

"You speak boldly."

"..."

To Buzen-no-kami's words, the Dainagon remained silent.

"Do you intend to aim for the realm?"

"Yes."

He admitted it casually, but the atmosphere in the room became even heavier. The Dainagon smiled faintly.

"The Ashikaga cannot govern the realm. Don't you agree?"

"..."

"The Ashikaga have weakened to the point where they cannot stand on their own feet. They cannot admit this, so they try to weaken powerful daimyo by using neighboring daimyo. The Shogun, who should be the leader of the warriors and protector of the realm, is causing chaos. The continuous warfare is due to this."

"You must have responded to the call of the Kōbō."

There might have been a hint of criticism. But the Dainagon continued without changing his expression.

"I do not deny it, Nihon-kami. If you think I am selfish, that's fine. But Kuki has come to a point where there is no turning back. We cannot be allowed to stop. Kuki must aim for the realm; we have no choice. I believe you understand this the best, don't you?"

"..."

"Once, Shōkō-in was in the same position. He expelled the forces trying to suppress the Miyoshi and advanced to a point where there was no turning back. He aimed for the realm, seized the Shogun's authority, and took control of the Bakufu, thus gaining the hegemony of the realm. If Shōkō-in had lived for another ten years, the realm might have been pacified by the Miyoshi family. If that had happened, everyone would have recognized the Miyoshi's rule. ...What a pity."

The Dainagon shook his head. Buzen-no-kami and Settsu-no-kami watched him silently.

"Shōkō-in failed, and I will challenge it. If I fail, someone else will aim for the realm. And someday, someone will seize the realm, and the Ashikaga era will end."

"The Ashikaga era will end..."

Kusunoki murmured, and Buzen-no-kami and Settsu-no-kami nodded slightly. Indeed, if Shōkō-in had lived for another ten years, the realm might have become the Miyoshi's...

"What will the Miyoshi family do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Will you side with Kuki or the Ashikaga? Or will you support the Hōjō Kōbō family and once again declare your name to the realm? You will be forced to make a choice eventually."

"..."

Buzen-no-kami, Settsu-no-kami, I, and Kusunoki exchanged glances. It's not a matter of eventually; the time is near.

"I intend to attack Tamba and Tango after the Shogun's proclamation. Then I will advance my troops to Harima and fight the Hongan-ji and the Mōri."

"..."

"Eventually, in the not-too-distant future, I will hear about the choice you have made."

"..."

The Dainagon smiled faintly.

Eiroku 16 (1573) Early March, Yamashiro Province, Katsurano District, Konoe Sakihisa's Residence, Kuki Yoshitsuna

"The Shogun's proclamation was quite a lonely affair, I heard. The Sanjo-kubō, who served as the imperial envoy, was surprised."

Konoe Sakihisa, the Chancellor, laughed with a "hohoho" in a good mood. He must be thinking, "Serves him right," because he deeply dislikes Yoshiaki. While it is self-inflicted, I don't feel sorry for Yoshiaki. I also dislike him and think, "Serves him right."

"It was a solemn ceremony, rather than a lonely one."

Sakihisa laughed again. I also laughed. It was indeed solemn. After all, no one was happy. Among the Bakufu officials, who looked as if they had swallowed a bitter pill, the delegation from Shikoku, led by Yoshizumi, occasionally glanced at Yoshiaki with strange eyes. They probably felt pity and were secretly laughing. I had to tighten my expression to keep from bursting out laughing.

"I thank you for your consideration for the Great Lord."

"Of course, it was necessary. The Emperor also thought it was important to show consideration for the Great Lord to suppress the new Kōbō."

This time, he did not laugh. Before the Shogun's proclamation, the imperial envoy conveyed the Emperor's words to Yoshizumi. I had asked Sakihisa to do this through him.

"The smooth conduct of this Shogun's proclamation is due to the Great Lord's decision. I sincerely commend it."

In other words, the Emperor is praising Yoshizumi's decision for the Shogun's proclamation and implicitly warning Yoshiaki that he has no merit and should not get too complacent about becoming Shogun. When Yoshizumi heard this, he was moved to tears, while Yoshiaki frowned.

My aim is to protect Yoshizumi. It is unacceptable for Yoshiaki and his associates to insult Yoshizumi after he becomes Shogun. I don't mind if Yoshiaki is hated, but I don't want to be disliked. I might need the support of the Hōjō Kōbō family in the future. I must not let Yoshizumi harbor any resentment. The court seems to think the same way, which is why the Emperor's words were conveyed. Yoshiaki's face is completely ruined. This is the first time a Shogun's proclamation has so thoroughly disgraced the person becoming Shogun. However, Yoshiaki only frowned at that moment and remained calm afterward. I don't understand.

"The Noh performance was also terrible, I heard."

"Yes, it was terrible."

The Shogun's proclamation was bad, but the Noh performance was even worse. With so few attendees, it was indeed pitiful and embarrassing. These events are meant to be lively with a large audience. The attendees all looked uncomfortable, and the Noh performers seemed dissatisfied. They lacked enthusiasm. However, I provided the performance fees, and in the future, I will not use the Yamato Sarugaku. I will use the Ōmi Sarugaku, which will also contribute to the protection of local performing arts.

"You played the small drum, I heard."

"Yes, at the request of the Kōbō."

Sakihisa laughed and looked at me strangely.

"You must have had a tough time."

"..."

I actually did a good job, so I didn't feel too much pain. Besides, there is something else that concerns me. It's strange; Yoshiaki has not reacted. Despite his once-in-a-lifetime grand occasion being ruined, Yoshiaki has not reacted. He remained calm and composed even when I played the small drum poorly. Normally, he should have been more upset or even looked down on me...

"It's the talk of the court. Despite showing such loyalty, to be humiliated in front of everyone, the Dainagon must be in a difficult position."

"It's just a small drum, after all. It's merely entertainment."

Sakihisa glanced at me.

"What about the secret envoy? If that had been discovered, the Shogun's proclamation should have been canceled. The Emperor strongly wished for it. But it was held due to your insistence. Only a few people, including Maro, know about this. However, everyone knows about the secret letters and is suspicious."

"..."

"Everyone is saying that the new Kōbō is insensitive and lacks the qualities to lead others."

"..."

Sakihisa is right. There should have been no Shogun's proclamation for Yoshiaki. Why did Yoshiaki send those secret letters before the Shogun's proclamation? It still doesn't make sense... The small drum was probably a test. Does he suspect that I have rebellious intentions against the Ashikaga or that I know about the secret letters? So I responded that I have no rebellious intentions and know nothing. Normally, he should have felt somewhat relieved that Kuki has no rebellious intentions or knows nothing. But he didn't show any such signs. He just looked at me calmly. What was he thinking?

"Even Nijō is criticized for his poor judgment in choosing people."

...The Chancellor is in a good mood because his rival's evaluation has dropped. Well, just tone it down a bit.

"There are troubling rumors circulating."

"Rumors?"

Sakihisa threw his head back and laughed loudly. A new version! The Chancellor seems to have entered a super good mood.

"You benefited, Dainagon."

"..."

"The Hōjō Kōbō family, Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami, and Akechi Settsu-no-kami have all improved their relations with you. I heard they were quite friendly."

"It was a fortunate occasion. They did not show any signs of displeasure."

Some people don't understand. The Bakufu officials were obviously displeased, but not Yoshiaki. It's a bit unsettling.

"The new Kōbō's entourage didn't seem to enjoy it. There are even rumors in the court that the Great Lord might once again become Sei-i Taishōgun."

"..."

"The new Kōbō must be feeling uneasy. You are quite cruel."

Sakihisa stared at me.

"By deliberately appointing someone unsuitable as Shogun to undermine the Ashikaga's authority. You are wicked, Dainagon. But that's what makes you reliable. Hohoho."

"..."

He threw his head back again. He can't control himself; he's in full swing. But the rumor about Yoshizumi's revival is interesting. It means that people around me see me as having the power to replace the Shogun. What would Yoshiaki think if he knew...? Of course, he wouldn't be pleased. But I haven't heard any reaction from him. Why?

"By the way, about Utsu."

"After the Prince Eirin's proclamation and the establishment of the Takada-no-miya, an imperial decree for his execution will be issued. ...The Crown Prince is quite concerned about Prince Eirin's treatment. He has reportedly told his surroundings that he cannot treat him rudely."

"That is a gracious word. The relatives of the Higashikuni family will be pleased."

Sakihisa nodded in agreement.

"How is the health of the Kudara no Konikishi? I hear it is quite poor."

"His grandfather is over eighty years old..."

"I see..."

Sakihisa's expression darkened. Kudara no Konikishi is the Chinese name for a junior minister. His grandfather, Higashikuni Masahara, has been bedridden since the end of last year. I have sent various nourishing items, but...

"I will tell Maro to inform Akai that he should support the Dainagon. There's no need to worry."

"Thank you. Please convey that I will also send a letter later."

"Very well, I understand."

In Tamba, we need to be cautious about Utsu, Hatano, Akai, and Kawakatsu. Utsu has formed an alliance with Hatano and Kawakatsu. If Kuki attacks Utsu and saves the court from financial distress, and if Akai cooperates, it will also become a merit for Kuki and Konoe. The presence of Kuki and Konoe in the court will become even more significant...

"If an imperial decree is issued to you, the new Kōbō will be further humiliated."

"..."

"But the Emperor is also disillusioned with the Ashikaga. If they cannot protect the court, the Bakufu has no substance."

It is a time of turmoil; being weak is a sin. The Shogun must not be weak. It is absurd for a protector to need protection. The Ashikaga Bakufu must fall.

Eiroku 16 (1573) Late March, Ōmi Province, Higashine District, Hachiman Town, Hachiman Castle, Kurono Kagehisa

"Lord."

In the darkness, I called out, and the response came, "Jūzō?"

The faint sound of a sword being sheathed and the lord rising could be heard. It is usual, but I was pleased by the lord's vigilance, even in small matters. When I was about to approach, the lord spoke in a puzzled voice.

"Jūzō, is someone else here?"

"Yes, my son, Kobē, is with me. Do you recognize him?"

The lord let out a faint chuckle.

"I can't see, but I can sense that something is different about Jūzō. It feels heavy. Perhaps I sensed Kobē's gaze."

"That is... I am honored."

I was honestly surprised. Kobē was also surprised. The lord's intuition is not to be underestimated, even by us, the ninja.

"It's been a while, Kobē. I'm disappointed that I can't see your face. Are you well?"

"Yes."

"Tell me, what brings you here tonight? Do you have any news?"

"No, my father asked me to accompany him."

"Hmm, learning the trade from your father. I envy you, Jūzō. It will take another ten, no, fifteen years for me. Until then, I must hold on."

"..."

There was a hint of loneliness in his voice. The lord has been the head of the family for over twenty years. Normally, he could have retired and focused on grooming his successor while overseeing the family. But as the lord said, it will take another ten years. The lord is still in his mid-twenties, in the prime of his life. But he might be a bit tired.

"Complaining won't do any good. Report."

"Yes, first about Tamba."

The lord nodded.

"Utsu is in frequent contact with Kawakatsu, Hatano, Akai, and Isshiki. They are hastily preparing for battle, which suggests they know that Kuki, who has received an imperial decree, will attack."

The lord murmured, "I see."

"It's not just Utsu; Kawakatsu, Hatano, Akai, and Isshiki are all preparing for battle. Kuki has not yet received an imperial decree. The current court is focused solely on Prince Eirin's proclamation. It's strange where Utsu got this information."

The lord chuckled.

"I informed them, using Akai Akuyemon."

"Lord," Kobē murmured.

"Can't keep it hidden forever. If they get the information from Akai, Utsu, Hatano, and Kawakatsu will think Akai is on their side."

"Then what about Akai?"

The lord chuckled again.

"He says he will be on our side through the Chancellor. However, Akai Akuyemon is also related to the Hatano family. Only Akuyemon knows whose side he is on."

The possibility of Akuyemon betraying is also considered. Kobē tensed up. Sigh, his resolve is still not strong enough.

"Will Akai Akuyemon break the agreement with Lord?"

"I don't know, Kobē. Tamba is to the north of Kyoto and is a strategic location at the entrance to the western provinces, including Settsu and Harima. The Bakufu has always appointed the Hosokawa family as the governor of Tamba. It's that important."

The lord is right. Tamba is close to Kyoto and easily gets involved in Kyoto's political conflicts.

"When Miyoshi Nagayasu secured the Kinai region, he immediately had Naitō Bizen-no-kami attack Tamba. He must have seen that Tamba was necessary to control Kyoto. However, Tamba is not easy to govern. The local samurai rebelled, and Bizen-no-kami was expelled from Tamba. It's not surprising if Kuki also thinks about expelling the Miyoshi."

"Lord, I reported before attacking Nagashima..."

"The Rokkaku Saikyō-taifu, Jūzō?"

"Yes."

"I have been concerned about that. He tried to unite the local samurai of Tamba to save Nagashima but failed. I thought that was the case. However, with the fall of Nagashima and the inevitable march to Kyoto, Kuki might have used Saikyō-taifu to lay the groundwork for sending troops to Tamba. If that's the case, it's too optimistic to think Akai will be on our side."

The lord laughed lightly.