Chapter 92

In the first half of January, in the year of Genki 3 (1575), in Hachiman Town, Sawayama District, Omi Province, Kuki Morinaga.

A middle-aged man of medium build and height entered the grand hall where many retainers were lined up. His father-in-law accompanied him. The middle-aged man was a monk. He sat about five meters away from me and bowed his head.

"It has been a long time, Shōi."

"Yes, it has been a long time since Nagashima. It's been a while, Shōi."

"Indeed."

It had been four years since we last met during the conquest of Nagashima. At that time, Shōi still had the appearance of a robust middle-aged man. But now, Shōi looked like a tired old monk. The past four years had been harsh on him.

"Shōi, did you bring the oath?"

"Yes, here it is."

Shōi took out a piece of paper from his robe. His father-in-law received it and brought it to me. I took it and confirmed its contents. There were no issues. It pledged to follow the laws of Kuki.

"Is this not only for you but also for those who admire you?"

"Yes, there is no mistake about that."

"Very well. Father-in-law, give this to Shōi."

The father-in-law took the paper from me and handed it to Shōi, who looked at it intently. It was an oath recognizing the permission to preach within the Kuki domain.

"Is there anything suspicious about it?"

"No, there is nothing suspicious. I am truly grateful for accepting us, who were once your enemies. I sincerely thank you for your magnanimity."

Shōi bowed his head. He called me "Lord," which was a declaration of becoming a subject of Kuki. The retainers nodded in satisfaction.

"As long as you follow the laws of Kuki, I will provide protection."

"Yes."

"Regarding those who follow you, I will give ten kan of money to each family. For those who wish to become farmers, I will also provide fields. The fields will be in Echizen and Kaga, which are direct territories of the Kuki family. I will be the lord. If you have any problems, come to me."

"Yes."

Shōi bowed his head, suppressing his surprise.

"However, for now, Echizen and Kaga are covered in snow, so you will stay in Omi for a while. You don't need to worry about food; we will provide it. The snow will melt by April, and you can go to Echizen and Kaga after that. Additionally, I will exempt you from taxes for the next three years."

Shōi said, "Thank you for your consideration," and bowed his head again.

"Those who wish to engage in trade are free to live anywhere in the domain. They can also travel outside the domain."

"Yes."

"Shōi, it must be inconvenient without a temple. I will build a temple for you in Echizen. Don't worry about it. If the believers use the ten kan of money I gave them to build a temple, it would defeat the purpose."

"Your repeated consideration is truly appreciated. Everyone will be delighted."

Shōi started to cry.

"From now on, please teach to calm the hearts of the people."

"Yes."

Shōi left, repeatedly expressing his gratitude. Well, we can skip the New Year's greetings. But that's fine. I wouldn't know how to respond to them anyway. But next year, he will probably come to greet me, and I hope I can accept it sincerely.

"Lord, this is truly a fortunate event."

The hall filled with a warm laughter at the words of my great-uncle, the storehouse keeper.

"Lord is truly kind, giving ten kan to each family. I was almost about to cheer. With a temple built for him, Shōi will surely follow Lord's will. Truly, Lord is a master of people."

Saemon was grinning.

"Decide whether you are praising or criticizing. You are starting to resemble your father, Goroemon, in the way you toy with me."

Everyone laughed, and Saemon showed a gesture of embarrassment. In this aspect, he is more likable than Goroemon. That old man would have been the first to laugh like a horse. He is probably drinking sake while admiring the snow right now.

Ten kan is not for individuals but for families. There are about 2,500 families, so it amounts to 25,000 kan. It's a large sum, but considering it will keep 10,000 believers calm, it's not too expensive. If I abandon them penniless, they might turn to crime or unite in poverty and start another rebellion. Both are negative outcomes. If I accept them, I must turn them into good citizens of Kuki.

Building a temple serves the same purpose. If I build it, Shōi and the believers will find it difficult to defy Kuki's control. If the temple I build becomes a status symbol, Shōi and the 10,000 believers will obediently follow Kuki's laws. A temple is a small price to pay, and I will build a grand one. I will name it Shinwaji, for peace of mind. They will surely be delighted.

"The Hongan-ji has finally split. Kennyo has not sent a reply even after the new year. It seems he refuses to follow Kuki's laws. Of course, I cannot allow this. I will launch an attack on the Hongan-ji in April. Prepare for the battle."

Everyone nodded. The battle will take place after Shōi and his followers leave for Echizen. During this time, I will cut off the sea routes between the Hongan-ji and Inga, and between the Hongan-ji and the Kii samurai. It's time for the pirates to act. I will ask the Miyoshi for help with Inga.

"Matsumoto, Naito, and Miyoshi, their movements are unpredictable. We must be well-prepared before attacking. Everyone, do not be complacent in battle. I will issue an order later."

With that, the meeting in the grand hall ended. I must not show any weakness to Matsumoto, Naito, and Miyoshi. I will overwhelm them to crush their fighting spirit. By doing so, I will distance them from Yoshizumi. If everything goes well, that would be great...

When I returned to the calendar room, retainers seeking approval immediately came. Work follows me wherever I am. I listened to each one and made decisions. I heard about seven retainers, which took about two hours. I had a cup of tea prepared. It was delicious, and I felt a sense of fulfillment after completing a task. I had my shoulders massaged by Kato Magojirō, which felt great.

Kennyo was reportedly furious about Shōi's defection. He threw things and acted violently. He probably never expected Shōi to seek protection from Kuki. Completely caught off guard, Shōi and his followers left Ishiyama and fled to Omi, and Kennyo could do nothing about it. All Kennyo could do was excommunicate Shōi and his companions, calling them traitors and enemies of the Buddha. He is urging the believers to unite their hearts with him, as this is a religious persecution. He is in a difficult position.

However, according to Kobayakawa's report, there is a weakness in the Hongan-ji. Not all the believers who fled from Nagashima to Ishiyama followed Shōi to Kuki. Over 5,000 still remain in Ishiyama. It's not because life in Ishiyama was good, but because they were uncertain about trusting Kuki. But if they learn that Shōi and his followers are being treated well... Treating Shōi and his followers favorably is part of this strategy.

Merchants will soon gather, and I need to decide the exchange rate for gold and silver. I decided to slightly adjust the ratio, considering the trade with Ming and Korea. There is a question of whether it makes sense to prioritize the overseas ratio over domestic production. However, I want to avoid being unfairly exploited due to lack of knowledge. At least, if it is recorded in the future that I called merchants from all over the country to discuss the gold-silver exchange rate and that there were concerns about losses due to the difference with the overseas ratio, that would be good. Future generations can deal with the issues of their time. I have sounded the alarm for the future, and that is enough.

This New Year is busy. Greetings from daimyos and retainers, Noh performances, and the reception of Shōi. This year, envoys came from the north, including Date and Mogami, and from the south, including Ootomo, Ryūzōji, and Shimazu. Ootomo, who was once close to the Ashikaga, seems to have realized that Yoshizumi considers him an obstacle to bringing the Mōri to Kyoto due to the attacks by the Mōri and Ryūzōji. Additionally, Tosa Ichijō is focused on Chōsokabe and cannot be of use. So, Ootomo came crying to Kuki. I would like to have a lazy New Year sometimes, as I could do it to my heart's content in my original world. Now, I am woken up if I sleep too much, and I feel like saying "Tohohoho"...

In the early part of February, in the year of Genki 3 (1575), in Sakai Town, Ōtori District, Izumi Province, at the residence of Imai Sōkyū, Imai Sōkyū.

"It's much colder here compared to Hakata."

Shima Tokudaiji bent forward and sipped his tea. Kamiya Zenjirō nodded in agreement. These two, being from Chikuzen Province, are particularly sensitive to the cold. They were also complaining about the cold in Hachiman Castle in Omi. I made sure to place enough braziers, but they have been saying it's cold since we arrived here.

"By the way, what do you think about the story of the young general from Omi?"

The room fell silent, and no one mentioned the cold anymore. The young general gathered merchants from all over the country. From the north, he called Arashihama Sōkurō from Kashiwazaki in Echigo Province, and from the south, Torihara Sōan from Bōshū in Satsuma Province. There were over thirty merchants in total. The content of the discussion was about using gold and silver to eliminate the complexity of copper coins. Shima Tokudaiji and Kamiya Zenjirō, who have amassed great wealth through overseas trade, what did they think? On the way back to Hakata, I asked them to stop by Sakai. Tawaraya and I are waiting for them to speak.

"Equating ten ryō of gold to twenty kan of copper coins and ten ryō of silver to two kan of copper coins is not an unreasonable proposal. Ming and Korea also have similar gold-silver exchange ratios."

"I agree with Shima. The initial proposal of ten ryō of gold to fifteen kan of copper coins and ten ryō of silver to two kan of copper coins was a bit too high for silver. After all, a large amount of silver is produced in Iwami and Nanao."

From the perspective of Shima Tokudaiji and Kamiya Zenjirō, it seems reasonable...

"However, in the West, the exchange rate is one gold to fifteen silver. I was honestly surprised. If that is true, the young general's concern that gold will eventually flow from Japan to the West is valid."

Shima Tokudaiji looked worried. To prevent this, the young general said that someone needs to unify the country and oversee the gold and silver.

"The young general is concerned about the gold-silver exchange rate. Even the Shogun would not worry about such matters. What kind of person is he? I have heard that you are close to him, Tawaraya and Naya."

Kamiya Zenjirō asked.

"I have some connections, but I cannot say we are close. He is a person whose thoughts are hard to read, or perhaps a mysterious person..."

Tawaraya's words made the two nod in agreement.

"He is twenty-seven years old and governs eleven provinces, primarily in the Kinai and Hokuriku regions. He is the person closest to unifying the country. He has said that the gold-silver exchange rate will be announced by the court. It seems he does not consider the Shogun. Some say it is a waste to keep him as a samurai in Sakai and Tsuruga."

My words made Shima Tokudaiji and Kamiya Zenjirō exchange glances and smile faintly.

"Can the young general achieve unification? What do you think, Zenjirō?"

"I cannot say for sure, Tokudaiji. But if the young general cannot do it, neither can Ootomo or Ryūzōji."

"That's true. Let's watch the young general's efforts to unify the country from the corner of Kyushu."

The two laughed happily. Can he achieve unification...

In the middle of February, in the year of Genki 3 (1575), in Himeyama, Shizutani District, Harima Province, at Himeji Castle, Kōji Takatō.

"Kanbei, what about the Hongan-ji?"

My uncle, Kōji Kyūmōsai, stroked his round head and asked. Beside him, my father, Hyōgokusuke, twisted his mustache. These two have the habit of doing this when they are nervous, which makes me wonder if I have a similar habit.

"I'm not sure, but they have split. The Ikkō-ikki, known for their ironclad unity, have fractured. This might make others see the Hongan-ji as weak. Whether anyone will act for the Hongan-ji is uncertain..."

"Matsumoto, Naito, Miyoshi, and Takeda... What do you think, brother?"

"It will be difficult, Kyūmō. If they were going to act, they would have done so during the attack on Tango and Tamba. It's unlikely they will act now."

My father and uncle nodded in agreement.

The young general from Omi demanded the Hongan-ji's submission, which they refused. This was probably within the young general's expectations. He has declared that he will attack the Hongan-ji in April.

"Kanbei, it seems that Mimaki has asked Kaga no Kami to join forces."

"Probably at the request of the monks in Inga. However, my lord has declined."

Even if they were not aligned with Kuki, they would have declined. My lord does not desire to wage war in other provinces. His goal is to maintain the current territories. But that is boring. I want to test myself more. That's why I chose Kuki over the Mōri. The Mōri, who do not desire unification, will eventually be consumed by others. To maintain the present, one must aim higher.

"If Kōji does not act, neither will Mimaki or Besho. This will isolate the Hongan-ji."

"That's right."

My uncle's words were met with a nod from my father. That's correct. Neither Mimaki nor Besho can act. If they force it, they risk Kōji attacking their vulnerable territories. The balance of power in Harima, maintained by Kōji, Akasaka, and Besho, has prevented the emergence of a dominant force.

"The Miyoshi navy has blocked the sea route between Inga and the Hongan-ji. The Hongan-ji will suffer from supply shortages."

My words made my father and uncle sigh deeply.

"The young general is skilled in siege warfare."

"That's true, brother."

He weakens the enemy and isolates them before engaging in battle. That's what makes him terrifying. It's the most unpleasant way to be attacked, feeling the slow approach of death.

"What will the Mōri do, Kanbei?"

"I'm not sure, uncle. The Hongan-ji has received letters from the Shogun as well..."

My uncle snorted, another habit he has when things are not going well. He seems dissatisfied with the uncertainty of the Mōri's actions.

But will the Mōri send troops to rescue the Hongan-ji? On land, they would have to lead the uncertain Ujikata and the daimyos of Harima. It's impossible. If they do send troops, it would be to transport supplies by sea. However, the Miyoshi and Kuki also have navies. Can the Mōri send their navy...? They cannot. Murakami of Noshima has only recently submitted to the Mōri and is still uncertain. They are also considering how Ujikata and Murakami would react if they lose. The Mōri are large but internally unstable. They are paying the price for allying with unreliable people.

"Kanbei, have you heard from the Mura?"

While thinking, my father asked.

"No, I haven't. In fact, I have told the Mura to avoid frequent communication to prevent the Mōri and my lord from noticing."

"That's right."

My father nodded. Our family's secret connection to the Mura, acting on the young general's behalf, is dangerous but should strengthen the bond between our family and the Kuki.

The Mura were in a precarious position. They were almost about to defect from the Mōri, but we managed to hold them back. They are extremely angry with the Mōri. I told them to cause trouble and delay the Mōri as much as possible. For now, the Mura are dissatisfied with the Mōri but not to the point of defecting. The Mōri are working hard to appease them.

When will the attack on the Hongan-ji end...? When it does, the Kuki army will advance west, changing the situation in the western provinces... The idea of allying with Ujikata seems to have come from the Mōri's Ryūkawa and Sōemon-suke. I've heard that the other, Yoshikawa Suruga no Kami, opposed it. Sōemon-suke must have been in a hurry, trying to protect the San'yō region under his responsibility...

"By the way, have you heard about Taibei?"

My father asked, chuckling. I looked at my uncle, but he seemed to have no idea. From his laughter, it didn't seem to be something bad...

"Has something happened to Taibei?"

"It's about the pot."

"I've heard he's been complaining a lot about it..."

My father burst into laughter, slapping his knee. I was puzzled...

"That's just the surface. In reality, he seems to really like it. They say he enjoys polishing it."

"Really?"

I was surprised, and so was my uncle. Taibei, the rough man, enjoying polishing a pot? My father laughed heartily again.

"But when someone points it out, Taibei turns red and denies it, saying he has no choice but to polish it. The ones who told me, Zenjirō and Kuroemon, were laughing so hard. I laughed too."

The three of us looked at each other and laughed in unison. Taibei, the rough man? It seems the world is full of unbelievable things.

"Well, if life is too dull with only drinking and wielding spears, it's good that he has found a new hobby."

"Father, it doesn't sound very convincing when you say it with a laugh."

"Indeed, Kanbei is right."

"Is it? I am truly happy for him. Maybe I should start collecting pots too. What do you think, will you join me?"

My father laughed, and my uncle shook his head as if to say, "Oh well."