Chapter 81

Eiroku 16 (1573) Late March Omi Province, Higashine, Hachiman Town Hachiman Castle Kuki Motonao

Even though it's late March, the night is a bit chilly. I pulled my collar together.

"Juzo, keep an eye on the movements of the Hongan-ji and Harima. If Kennyo is behind the movements in Tamba, there should be some activity in Harima and the Hongan-ji."

"Hai."

Kennyo might be waiting for me to invade Tamba, but it could also be due to internal turmoil. When that happens, they might raise an army in Settsu and call for reinforcements from Harima...

It will certainly be a great upheaval. My father-in-law will have a tough time. I need to reinforce my troops in Settsu, at least thirty thousand. I also need to exacerbate the internal strife in the Hongan-ji. I can't just sit idly by. The conflict with the Hongan-ji will be a long one. Even if there's no immediate effect, it should have an impact eventually. I've assigned Juzo to this task, and it will be handled by Kobei. It's a heavy responsibility, Kobei.

Historically, Akechi Mitsuhide's invasion of Tamba was also difficult. I need to be fully prepared. I need to reinforce my troops in Settsu and Wakasa before attacking Tamba from Kyoto. I'll take control of eastern Tamba via the Sankan road and attack Utsu. When will the Hatano, Akai, and Kawakatsu move...? I need to gather information quickly. The Hatano's ninjas, as you mentioned before, are troublesome.

"Juzo, Kobei, try to persuade the local lords of Tango. Also, for the invasion of Tamba, we need to know the movements of the Hatano, Akai, and Kawakatsu quickly. I'll leave it to you. But be careful of the Hatano's ninjas. Don't take any unnecessary risks."

"Hai."

Well, even if I tell them not to take risks, they won't be able to gather information without taking some risks. I'll be satisfied if they take a little care.

"How is the Shogun's movements?"

I heard Juzo's chuckle.

"He's still sending letters to the daimyo as usual."

"I see, no change then."

Maybe I'm overthinking it. But it's worrying.

"His concubine, Sako, is reportedly pregnant."

"…I haven't received any news about that."

"It hasn't been made public yet. The news will come eventually."

"Will it be born around autumn?"

"Probably."

A girl, a girl... From a woman's perspective, not a man's.

"…Can you place someone in the Shogun's surroundings? Preferably a woman."

I sensed a movement in the darkness. Perhaps they exchanged glances.

"Is one Ikkusai not enough? I've also been receiving letters from the Hosokawa recently."

A letter from藤孝, a hesitant letter. It seems he's trying to balance both sides. He hasn't fully committed to our side. This is藤孝's way of dealing with the world, balancing both sides and gradually tilting towards the more favorable one. He betrays at the very end. From the Ashikaga to the Oda, from the Oda to the Toyotomi, from the Toyotomi to the Tokugawa, not flashy but gradually solidifying his position and growing.

"There's something odd about the Shogun."

"What do you mean?"

"He doesn't show any displeasure despite the Shogunate's decrees and the Noh performances being against his will. He doesn't even react to poor drumming. I thought he would be disappointed or disdainful, but he just silently looked at me, at me. What was that about…"

I heard Juzo's voice, "My Lord," with a worried tone. I couldn't see his face, but I felt embarrassed.

"He was displeased until he went to Sakai, but when he returned, he had changed. He might have realized I'm trying to overthrow the Shogunate. Or perhaps he just felt something was off…"

"…"

I sensed a movement in the darkness.

"He seems to be undermining the Ashikaga's authority by trying to bolster himself. It's hard to believe he didn't notice the secret letter. He's playing the role of a loyal Ashikaga retainer without saying anything. It's not surprising that the Shogun is suspicious. What do you think, Juzo, Kobei?"

"Indeed, that's true."

"I think it's possible."

Both the Hosokawa and the Miyoshi aimed to expand their influence within the Shogunate. But there's no sign of such movements from the Kuki. He doesn't show any interest in elevating his family's status. If you find it odd, it's natural to be suspicious. I think Yoshimasa was sizing me up, trying to figure out who I am and what I'm thinking.

"Maybe it was a mistake, I should have declined the drumming. I might have avoided suspicion that way. I might have been too good."

Good boys often do bad things when they go behind the scenes. Am I one of them?

"Does My Lord want to know the Shogun's true thoughts?"

"Yes, the Shogun's movements can be understood through Ikkusai and the Hosokawa. But to understand his inner thoughts, a woman might be more effective than a man."

I felt the air move again. Juzo and Kobei were silently discussing in the darkness.

"I see. …Understood, it might be difficult to send someone in. They will thoroughly investigate their background. I'll try to bring some of the women serving the Shogun over to our side."

"Thank you."

Kobei said, "It's about time for the night watch," and it was time for Juzo and Kobei to leave quietly.

I can't understand Yoshimasa. I thought he was just a stupid man who wanted to be Shogun, or a suspicious and unpleasant man. But there might be more to him. Why did he send the secret letter before the Shogunate's decree? If it had been exposed, the decree would have been canceled. Why take such a risky move? I thought he was incited, but if there's more to it...

If he was gauging the Kuki's influence, what if the answer was no attendees? He might have been displeased to realize the Kuki's influence was greater than expected. And he might be suspicious of my movements and sizing me up… But if I had exposed the secret letter and accused Yoshimasa, what would he have done? …It's simple, an apology letter and a pledge, and that would be the end of it. Nobunaga has used this tactic many times.

Is Yoshimasa a crybaby? He does bad things, gets angry, and feels relieved when he gets an apology. He sends letters to get attention. If that's the case, I'm disliked because I ignored him. No, my thoughts are getting strange. I'll go to sleep, I'm tired.

Eiroku 16 (1573) Late April Omi Province, Higashine, Hachiman Town Hachiman Castle Hachi Kuniaki

It looked big from the outside, and it was big inside too. The main hall of Hachiman Castle was filled with the main generals and local lords of the Kuki family. The Kuki have grown quite large. As I was thinking this, I heard someone call "Gorouemon." It was a familiar voice. I looked in the direction of the voice and saw Shinjiro at the upper seat, a familiar face. I moved closer and sat down next to him.

"It's been a long time, Gorouemon."

"Indeed, it has. I hear you've been quite active in Kyoto, I'm envious."

"Well, Sakamoto is close to Kyoto, that's the reason. If you were in Sakamoto, you might have done more than me."

"Perhaps, who knows."

We looked at each other and laughed.

"There are quite a few people gathered, aren't there?"

I asked, and Shinjiro nodded.

"The Kuki family has received an imperial command. It's the first time. We can't afford to fail. There's also the matter of the Tosa Ichijo family."

"Tosa? I've heard things aren't going well."

Shinjiro frowned.

"That's right. The daimyo didn't gather for the Shogunate's decree. As a result, the Shogun seems to think the Kuki's power is not significant. My Lord has expressed a desire to meet in Ise several times, but the Shogun has refused."

"I see, we can't afford to fail."

Is this an attempt to impress the Tosa Ichijo family with the Kuki's power by fulfilling the imperial command? As I was thinking this, My Lord appeared. Everyone bowed to welcome him as he headed to the upper seat. His footsteps were quick, just as they always were. Once he sat down, he immediately said, "Raise your heads." This was also unchanged.

"As you know, an imperial command has been issued from the court. We are to attack Utsu Jirozaemon, who has unjustly taken over the long-held imperial lands of Ono and Yama, and restore them to their original state. Ueno no Suke, I leave it to you."

Nagata Ueno no Suke bowed and began to speak.

"Attacking Utsu Jirozaemon is not a difficult task with the full strength of the Kuki. However, Utsu has allies. Hatano Saemon no Kami, Kawakatsu Daisen no Jo Tsunemoto. It's unclear how they will move. Additionally, in Tamba, there is Akai Arakichi. Arakichi has pledged allegiance to the Kuki, but he is related to the Hatano. Depending on the situation, he could become an enemy."

"Nagata, are you saying that all of Tamba will become our enemy?"

Sado no Kami Chisaemon asked, and Ueno no Suke nodded.

"There is a significant possibility of that, as the military strategists consider. My Lord also shares this view."

Everyone turned their gaze to My Lord, who urged Ueno no Suke to continue.

"Furthermore, there are some suspicious movements in Tango, Harima, and the Hongan-ji. The Ikkusai in Tango is frequently communicating with Utsu, Hatano, Kawakatsu, and Akai, preparing for war. In Harima, the Koyama, Bessho, and Akamatsu are also preparing for war, and the Hongan-ji is doing the same. These forces are likely to rise against us if we invade Tamba."

The main hall fell silent.

"It will be a major battle."

Someone muttered, and everyone nodded.

"It must not become a major battle."

My Lord's voice came from the upper seat.

"The battle will be fought in Tamba and Tango. I will place thirty thousand troops in Settsu. Tazawa Mataemon, Tazawa Kojuro, Hachikuni Samon, Moriyama Sakubei, Sanada Gonta, Sanada Tokijiro. Go to Settsu and, together with Higashine Kaga no Kami, keep the Hongan-ji and Harima forces in check."

"Hai."

Those called bowed. My Lord nodded and said, "Do not be complacent with the Hongan-ji." He is quite concerned about the Hongan-ji. Samon, don't fail...

"Nagae Bizen no Kami."

"Hai."

"Move Manosuke and Kojiro from Tsuruga back to Takahama, along with the troops. When I invade Tamba, attack Tango."

The main hall buzzed with excitement.

"However, it's not Tamba, is it? If you attack Tamba from Wakasa via the Horikoshi Pass, Utsu will be attacked from both north and south, and will collapse quickly."

My Lord shook his head.

"Uncle, the Ikkusai might attack Wakasa. If they strike from behind after you cross the Horikoshi Pass, it will result in a major defeat."

Murmurs of agreement arose from the crowd.

"But the Ikkusai is the head of the Shogunate's samurai office. Attacking him will certainly bring punishment from the Shogunate. Is that acceptable?"

Shinjo Gobuzaemon asked anxiously, and My Lord said, "It doesn't matter." Everyone exchanged glances. My Lord is serious.

"Our family has received the imperial command to attack Utsu, and the Ikkusai is aware of it. If he wants to help us, he should at least send a greeting. If he prepares for war without a greeting, we must consider it an act of hostility. The head of the samurai office should know this. Regardless of what the Shogunate says, we have the right on our side."

Everyone nodded.

"However, the attack should not go beyond the Iza River. There, observe the movements of the Ikkusai, Hatano, and Akai. If the Hatano and Akai support the Ikkusai, focus on defense. If they do not, wait for my orders. Depending on the situation, I might send additional troops to Tamba."

I see, this is a way to keep the Tamba forces in check while restraining the Ikkusai. This will make the Tamba forces hesitant to move, worried about the Nagae in Tango.

"Now, for the attack on Utsu, we will also involve the Echizen, Kaga, and Noto forces. Gorouemon, Echizen no Kami, Miyabe Zenjo坊, lead the troops as the flag bearers."

"Hai."

A murmur of excitement arose. My Lord has rarely used the northern Kanto forces in battles in the Kinai region. This time, it seems the Kuki will mobilize all their forces...

"Shinjiro."

"Hai."

"Stay in Sakamoto and keep an eye on Kyoto. I will send Koizumi Sannosuke and Ichigawa Sonnosuke to Sakamoto."

"Hai, understood."

Shinjiro bowed. Keeping an eye on Kyoto, no longer sugar-coated, My Lord is declaring the Shogun as an enemy to everyone.

"Shintou Yamashiro no Kami, Goto Iki no Kami."

"Hai."

"The two of you will stay in this castle as the caretakers. Take care of the castle with Takechikumaru's tutor, Takenaka Hanbei, and Yamaguchi Shintaro."

"Hai."

"Is there anything else? Don't hesitate to speak your mind."

My Lord looked around the main hall. No one had any objections.

"The departure is on May 25th. Gather at this Hachiman Castle two days before. That's all."

Everyone bowed.

Eiroku 16 (1573) Early May Omi Province, Higashine, Hachiman Town Hachiman Castle Kuki Koyae

'The swift passage of time, though we may regret it, cannot be turned back. The flow of the river never ceases, and we must draw water. Let us draw water, let us draw water.'

On the Noh stage, the women began to sing and dance. It was a popular performance, "Kamo," a Noh play that depicts the legend of the Kamo Shrine, enjoyed by all. In the audience were My Lord, Daimyo-sama, the children, Yuki-no-dono, Tatsuno-dono, Shino-dono, and myself. Also present were Higashine Shimosakai, Takenaka Hanbei, and Yamaguchi Shintaro.

"What is this all about? After returning from Kyoto, you had the Noh stage built, and now a Noh performance on Children's Day?"

I asked My Lord, who glanced at me and returned his gaze to the stage.

"I wanted to celebrate the Children's Day for my sons, that's all."

"But, what about Take-hime and Tsuru-hime, My Lord?"

"Do not worry, Mother. From now on, I plan to hold Noh performances on every festival. Of course, we will have one for the Shangsi Festival in March next year. Tatsuno, Shino, you should dress up nicely. Start preparing your costumes now."

Tatsuno-dono and Shino-dono happily replied, "Hai."

"Do you like Noh, My Lord?"

Yuki-no-dono asked with a laugh, and My Lord replied, "No."

"But you often play the small drum."

"I play the small drum when I'm confused and thinking. I realized it calms my mind. The small drum is useful, though it's hard to master."

"That's... "

My Lord shook his head at my words.

"It's fine for a lord to be bad at the small drum or dancing. But we must not forget to protect those who make a living from such arts. I have focused on protecting and nurturing local products. Now, I need to support such arts as well..."

Daimyo-sama and Yuki-no-dono exchanged glances. My Lord seems to be quite troubled lately. But his drumming skills have improved significantly compared to before. He could have a little more confidence...

"Omi is one of the provinces where Sarugaku is popular. But without the lord's interest, it will lose its spirit. That's why I'm inviting them. However, the top three troupes, Yamashiro, Shimosaka, and Higashiyama, have declined due to the burning of the Higashiyama Shrine..."

Daimyo-sama exclaimed, "Oh." The Higashiyama Shrine and Enryaku-ji have repeatedly requested permission to rebuild, but My Lord has not granted it. No one has tried to intercede on their behalf. Once, Daimyo-sama tried to intercede for someone who requested it, but My Lord bluntly refused, saying, "No need to intercede."

"The Ningen and Shichiseki festivals will be performed by the Minman-ji troupe, the Shangsi and Chongyang festivals by the Ohmori troupe, and the Children's Day festival by the Sakurin troupe. The Sakurin troupe will perform only once a year, in November, with a special Noh performance. When I am away at war, the performance will be held in the name of Takechikumaru, but the number of performances will be limited to five."

"Is it appropriate, My Lord, to hold a Noh performance during a war?"

"It doesn't matter, the outcome of the war is unrelated to Noh."

I could tell that Higashine-dono chuckled at My Lord's words.

"The next festival is the Tanabata Festival. I look forward to it. Will you join us, My Lord?"

Yuki-no-dono asked, and My Lord shook his head.

"It will be difficult, the war won't end in a month. I expect to return by the Chongyang Festival... or perhaps it will extend into the next year."

Yuki-no-dono and I exchanged glances. This war is to attack Utsu, a local lord in Tamba, which shouldn't be that difficult... Is there something else?