Chapter 94

In the third year of Genki (1575), early June, in Osaka, the birthplace of the Shoryo-cho in the Higashinari District of Settsu Province, Kuki Moritsuna stood there.

The Ishiyama Hongan-ji was surrounded by 50,000 Kuki troops. It was grand, to say the least. The castle, which served as the foundation for Osaka Castle, was majestic, and the sight of 50,000 troops surrounding it was impressive. It felt almost surreal. A month had passed since the Kuki troops began the siege. Takatsuki Castle, Maruyama Castle, Hiroshiba Castle, Masayama Castle, Morikuchi Castle, Oumi Castle, Imano Castle, Nakamuramachi Castle, Shien Castle, Noda Castle, Rono-kishi Castle, Katsumachi Castle, Kizuki Castle, Naniwa Castle, and Honjo Castle... These were the branch castles built by the Hongan-ji, all of which were captured by the end of May and now served as Kuki's auxiliary castles.

Most of the castles did not put up much resistance, but the castles near the river mouths and the sea, such as Kizuki Castle and Naniwa Castle, fiercely resisted. They must have been desperate, thinking their supply lines would be cut off. In reality, the sea control was in the hands of Kuki and the Saito. It was somewhat meaningless, but... After the fall of the branch castles, the Hongan-ji focused solely on the siege and did not make any offensive moves. They were probably buying time, hoping for a change in the surrounding situation that would turn in Kuki's favor. It was like the Winter Siege of Osaka. Unlike the Toyotomi, the Hongan-ji had allies. Considering this, it wasn't necessarily a bad strategy. However, it was based on the premise that they had enough provisions.

I wonder how Koyoru and Yuki are doing now. Both were found to be pregnant before the campaign. It caused quite a stir. For some reason, they both became pregnant at the same time. Why, I wonder? Of course, it was because both of them were with me. The expected delivery date is November. This time, I should be able to return before the birth. But, Ayama will probably make a fuss again, demanding that I take Tatsuhime as a concubine. Thinking about it, I feel like cheering for the Hongan-ji, hoping they can resist until the end of October. I can't say that in front of my vassals.

...When new life is nurtured, some lives are lost. Before the campaign, Ise's Sanada Danjou Masahiro died. I thought he was just taking a nap, but he had passed away. I was sad, and tears came to my eyes. The Sanada clan did not participate in this battle. They wanted to, but I told them to properly perform the funeral rites and declined. I need to offer incense for him later. He was happy about the delicious Ise shrimp. He used to say, "The north sea has crabs, the south sea has shrimp." He was delighted to receive a territory near the sea, and his wife was also happy. He said, "In Shinano, I never experienced such joy," and his face lit up. I miss him, I really miss him.

In Kuki's main camp, besides me, there were my father-in-law, Hirai Kaga-no-kami, Gamou Kozuke-no-suke, Kurono Shichizou, Tazawa Matasuke, Akechi Jubei, Numata Ueno-no-suke, Yamaji Izaemon, Umedo Saemon-dai, and Chikusa Saburozaemon. Umedo Saemon-dai did not accept the name Rokkaku. I told him he didn't need to be so formal, but he insisted on not using the name Rokkaku. He thought it was dangerous to be associated with Rokkaku while living in Kuki.

I didn't push him further, as it might indeed be dangerous. In the end, he requested a 20,000-koku territory in Ise. It was fine; both Nagano and Sanada were in Ise. Umedo's influence would not increase. Rather, I thought it would serve as a good check on Nagano. He is obedient now, but who knows about the future. Most of the local lords in Kuki's territory are generally obedient.

After all, in Omi, we burned down Mount Hiei and trampled on Kutsuki. In Hokuriku, we massacred the Ikkoshu in Echizen, Kaga, and Etchu. In Ise, we wiped out the Kitabatake. Given this, it's natural that Koyoru and Yataro would be desperate for their father. I am the king of slaughter in the Sengoku period. It's understandable that I am feared. Realizing this, I became depressed. Was Nobunaga the same? I feel a bit of kinship with the historical Nobunaga.

My father-in-law, Hirai Kaga-no-kami, is always by my side, probably due to the grain diversion incident. I think he is trying to show that he will not rebel. I understand this, so I try to have a pleasant conversation with him. Especially regarding the internal affairs of the Hongan-ji, I always seek his opinion first.

Whether I accept it or not is another matter. By asking him first, I am showing that I rely on and respect him. It's important to show consideration. A scratch may seem minor, but if it becomes infected, it can lead to serious problems, even tetanus. It's important to treat it properly before it gets worse. Now, no one doubts the closeness between me and my father-in-law. Ah, the handsome Jubei has entered the tent. He is approaching me. He seems a bit nervous. What's going on?

"Lord, a guest has arrived."

"Guest?"

When I asked, Jubei nodded. A guest on the battlefield? A merchant from Sakai? Tennojiya? Naya?

"It's the Kanpaku, Lord Konoe Sakihisa."

"Huh?"

I shouldn't have made such a surprised sound. But why would the Kanpaku come here? As I was thinking this, Lord Konoe Sakihisa entered the tent with a "hohohoho" laugh. You, you're too casual. Everyone hurriedly knelt to welcome him.

I had a seat prepared for him, and I also sat down. He was smiling, looking very pleased. He seemed happy to surprise us. He has a childlike side. I don't mind that. He is known as a military-minded Kanpaku in the court, unlike the usual court nobles, due to his role in leading troops to protect the palace.

"Actually, Lord, I have come with a request."

"What kind of request?"

Are you asking for money? If so, a letter would suffice. There's no need to come to the battlefield. What is it?

"Would you consider making peace with the Hongan-ji?"

"Peace, you say?"

The surrounding people murmured, so I told them to be quiet.

"Would it be possible to make peace in the name of the court? I have come to consult with you, Lord, about the Hongan-ji's withdrawal from Ishiyama, as you have already proposed."

"Peace in the name of the court, you say?"

Lord Konoe Sakihisa nodded, no longer smiling.

"Actually, this peace proposal was made by Kujyo to Kennyo Shonin."

Kujyo? The Taiko? I remember Kujyo had connections with the Hongan-ji.

"The Hongan-ji is in a situation where they can no longer fight. Kennyo Shonin is considering surrender, but some stubborn believers are insisting on fighting to the death. Therefore, they want to make peace in the name of the court to persuade these stubborn believers. However, if Kujyo were to act, it might lead to strange speculations, given his connections with the Miyoshi Sakyo-no-kami. That's why he consulted with me."

"I see."

"Is it a bad proposal, do you think?"

Lord Konoe Sakihisa looked at me closely.

Hmm, it's not a bad proposal. Kennyo must have turned to Kujyo in desperation. It's possible that Kujyo was also influenced by Miyoshi Sakyo-no-kami. I know that a letter from Yoshitaka has arrived, but there's no sign of a response. He must be annoyed. Perhaps he thought about making peace and quickly driving them away. If the peace is established, the court's authority will be enhanced, and the Hongan-ji will pay tribute. I will also need to pay tribute.

"There are two conditions. If you accept them..."

"Hmm, two conditions?"

"Yes, one for the Hongan-ji and one for the court."

Lord Konoe Sakihisa looked at me intently.

"First, the Hongan-ji must promise to hand over Ishiyama intact, without setting it on fire."

"Will they accept the peace?"

"Yes."

Lord Konoe Sakihisa nodded.

"Then, what is the condition for the court?"

"It's about the ratio of gold to silver, which I have been requesting for a long time."

"Of course, that's it."

Lord Konoe Sakihisa looked displeased. Yes, that's it. The court is reluctant to announce the ratio, as they don't want to take responsibility. There might also be a lack of understanding.

"What do you think? Can you consider it and leave it to Kuki? After that, I will announce the ratio and inform the merchants nationwide."

"Is that acceptable?"

"It doesn't matter to me. Whether Kuki or another daimyo unifies the country, if the court has considered it, they can ask the new ruler about it. This will allow the court to remind the new ruler about the ratio of gold to silver."

Lord Konoe Sakihisa nodded several times.

"Hohohoho, leaving the practical matters to the samurai and the court's role to ringing the bell, that's a clever idea."

"The samurai's rise and fall are intense. The court, which has been with the creation of the country, should sound the alarm for such important matters."

"Indeed, that makes sense. Yes, yes."

Lord Konoe Sakihisa nodded happily. This will make the courtiers think that Kuki respects the court. It's important to make them think that Kuki relies on the court, not that he is using it.

With the rough agreement, Lord Konoe Sakihisa left with a smile. ...Perhaps he thought I would massacre the Ikkoshu at Ishiyama. That's why he proposed peace. It's possible, as both Kozuke-no-suke and Shichizou thought I would massacre them. Am I really the king of slaughter? I feel depressed.

In about ten days, a mediator from the court will arrive. It seems to be my uncle, Asukai. If the peace is established, he will be promoted to Kugyo. He was already promoted to Shoni last year, so he will be Shoni Kugyo. He will probably come with enthusiasm. It's an easy job, and he might be thanked. I'll also mention the announcement of an imperial princess next year. He will be pleased.

Still, peace in the name of the court. In the historical record, the peace was also mediated by the court. In that peace, Kennyo withdrew from Ishiyama. There are theories that the peace was initiated by Kennyo or by Nobunaga, but I think it was a bit different. I believe that Konoe Sakihisa, seeing Kennyo's dire situation, suggested and obtained agreement for the peace, then approached Nobunaga after getting his approval.

When Konoe Sakihisa was exiled from Kyoto by Yoshitaka, he relied on the Hongan-ji. When Yoshitaka was exiled by Nobunaga, he returned to Kyoto and formed a close relationship with Nobunaga. He was close to both Nobunaga and Kennyo and had a good relationship with the emperor. He was the ideal person to mediate the peace. He is also very casual. Court nobles are often shrewd. I don't dislike them.

In the third year of Genki (1575), mid-July, in Hachiman-cho, Gamou District, Omi Province, at Hachiman Castle, Kuki Moritsuna.

In Takewakamaru's room, Takewakamaru, Matsujiro, and Take were listening to Kitahara Sakon-no-taifu Masahiro, who was smiling and talking. The children were very interested in what he was saying. Kitahara Sakon-no-taifu is popular with children. He is gentle and strong, often being asked by children to tell stories.

He also does his job well. He reports on his inspections of the territory, such as broken bridges and the need for road paving. Most people dislike such hands-on work, but it is important. It's crucial to value people who do such important but unglamorous work.

"In Kutsuki, there is a strange phenomenon called 'bakebi.'"

"Bakebi!" Takewakamaru exclaimed. "What is it?"

"It is a mischievous spirit that appears on cloudy or rainy nights, regardless of the season. It appears on the shore of Lake Biwa and floats in the air. At first, it is small, but as it moves, it grows, eventually reaching a size of three feet. It is larger than Matsujiro and Take."

The children exclaimed in delight.

As I was watching the children, Fujido Yuzaimon called me softly, "Lord." He was being considerate not to be noticed by the children. Indeed, he is a considerate man.

"What is it, Yuzaimon?"

"Your concubine, Yuki, is waiting for you in the calendar room."

"Yuki?"

"Yes, she is waiting for you urgently."

"Understood. Thank you for your consideration."

I expressed my gratitude, and Yuzaimon bowed deeply. We headed to the calendar room together.

"What kind of job do you want to do in the future, Yuzaimon?"

"I want to build castles and towns. I was moved by the town of Nami that you built."

His voice was enthusiastic. He is a talented castle builder, like Fujido Takatiger.

"I see... How about going to Ishiyama? Yuzaimon?"

"Ishiyama?"

His voice was a bit puzzled.

"Yes. Yamaji Izaemon needs people. Ishiyama is not only a magnificent castle but also an important base for the western campaign. It will be bustling with activity. A man who can move goods can influence the war. There is much to learn in both castle building and town building."

"Thank you for your consideration. I will go to Ishiyama."

"Good, it's decided. I will write a letter to Izaemon. Take it with you to Ishiyama."

"Yes."

I will also send his brother to the Ishida. I will use Masa. He is a bit unusual, so I need to be careful.

When I entered the calendar room, Yuki was sitting, hiding her swollen belly. The heat will be intense, and it must be difficult for her. Kozuke-no-suke and Shichizou were also there. I had given them a break, but perhaps Yuki called them? It seems to be a serious matter... There were a few pages as well.

"What is it, Yuki?"

"A letter has arrived from my father in Tsuruga. He asked me to deliver it to you urgently."

Yuki handed me a lacquer letter box. Yuzaimon took it and passed it to me. I opened it and took out the letter.

"Yuki, do you know what's in it?"

"No, I don't. I was only told to deliver it to you urgently. I only know that something serious has happened..."

"Have you heard anything?"

"No."

Yuki nodded, looking confused. What is it? A letter from the chief priest of Kehi Shrine. What has happened? This is the first time... I opened the letter and read it. It contained only one line.

"Lord Uesugi Kagekatsu of the Kantō region has collapsed due to a stroke. The situation is critical."

I sighed. Indeed, in the historical record, Uesugi Kenshin died of a stroke. It was probably due to high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, causing trouble in the skull. He collapsed in the toilet and died a few days later. "The situation is critical" suggests it might be very bad. ...He drank too much! I had warned him... But I was the one who sent the sake. I sighed again.

"Lord?"

Yuki looked at me with a worried expression. I shouldn't upset her, as she is pregnant. Kozuke-no-suke, Shichizou, and Yuzaimon also looked worried. I am a poor leader.

"Yuki, tell the chief priest that I am very grateful. I will send a letter, but please also send one from you. It's important."

"Yes, but..."

She looked curious. I can't help it, but I'll try to be as gentle as possible.

"It seems that the Lord of the Kantō region is not well. I hope it's nothing serious."

There was a murmur, but I ignored it.

"You don't need to worry. Just focus on the baby. I hope it's a boy, but a girl is fine too."

"Yes."

I gently reassured Yuki and had her leave the calendar room.

"Lord?"

Kozuke-no-suke asked in a strained voice.

"It seems he had a stroke. The situation is critical."

Silence.

"Is there any mistake?"

"Kozuke-no-suke, Kehi Shrine has territories in Echizen, Etchu, Echigo, and Sado. I don't think there is a mistake."

"I will verify it. I will ask Kobune."

"Thank you."

Shichizou stood up and left the room.

Lord Uesugi Kagekatsu has collapsed. The situation is critical, but I doubt he will make it. It's strange; in this world, he never called himself Kenshin. It also seems to be a bit earlier than in the historical record. I remember he died at the age of 49, the same year as Nobunaga. Two to three years earlier. Is it my fault? If I hadn't sent the sake... It's meaningless.

I need to refocus. How will this affect the country and Kuki? In this world, there is no Uesugi Kagekatsu, who was adopted from the Hojo. Therefore, the conflict at Otate did not happen. But there is no Kagekatsu as an adopted son. There is no successor. The Uesugi clan will surely fall into chaos. What will this chaos lead to...

First, I need to consider the Hokuriku region. The Kuroda in Etchu might move. The Shiina might also be affected. I need to warn the Noto, Kaga, and Echizen. I can't send troops there for a while. And Hida... How will Nobunaga view this situation? It's possible that the Oda army might invade Hida. What will I do then? Support the Uesugi, join the Oda, or remain neutral...

The eastern front, which was solid, has suddenly become tense. Can I still launch a western campaign in this situation? Yoshitaka, who is in Aki, and Kennyo, who is in hiding, will not let this pass. They will surely try to take advantage of this situation. And the Matsunaga, Naito, Miyoshi, and Takeda... This is giving me a headache. The stress might make my blood vessels burst.