Chapter 10

May 28, 1552

■ Sagami Province, Ashigara Lower District, Hoan Kyu-no-yashiki of the Hojo Clan

"Yoshirou, what is this?"

"Fujikikumaru, this is a type of divination called Southern Barbarian astrology."

"Divination, huh. I didn't think you'd be interested in such things, Yoshirou. I thought you were the type who sought practical experience."

Yoshirou began to explain carefully in response to Fujikikumaru's question.

"Well, they say that divination is just a matter of chance, but it's also important to gain new knowledge."

"I suppose that's true. Considering things like firearms, maybe it makes sense."

"Anyway, that's why I want to conduct an experiment."

"You're going to drag me into it, aren't you?"

"Do you understand?"

"I don't understand."

The two of them grinned, while Takechimaru, who had been brought along again, was flustered.

"Brother, Lord Yoshirou, you'll be scolded by Dewa again."

"It's fine. I've already gotten permission from Lord Kondo today."

"Is that in exchange for the new type of firearm with the stock?"

"Exactly. Since it's been improved to a certain extent, I really want the opinion of someone with practical experience."

"I see. With the Tanegashima type, it feels unstable when you press it against your cheek to aim, and the loud noise hurts your ears. But with the shoulder stock, it seems more stable, and the sound is farther from your ears, so it's a bit quieter."

"Exactly. That's why it's best to have someone with practical experience test it, rather than just theorizing about it."

"Well, we don't use them that much in our household, but it's better than only using them for boar hunting, right?"

"I suppose so."

"So, Takechimaru, don't worry."

"If that's the case, then it's fine."

Takechimaru, who was still unsure, watched as Yoshirou and Fujikikumaru's excitement grew.

"So, what are you going to do with that divination?"

"Search for something."

"Search for something? Did you lose something?"

"No. Isn't there the Tofu Gold Mine in Izu? But I thought there might be hidden gold mines elsewhere, considering the terrain of Izu, so I found this dowsing method."

"Well, it's true that it seems unlikely there would only be one in Tofu, but isn't this a bit too divine?"

Fujikikumaru looked at Yoshirou as if he were a pitiful person.

"Well, just think of it as a game. It doesn't cost anything to try."

"I suppose so."

"Besides, there might still be undiscovered veins in the Tofu Gold Mine."

"That's just a hunch. But since Yoshirou has good intuition, it might be worth it."

"Alright, I'll get the map of Izu and suspend a crystal rod, soaked in the sacred sake of Hakone Gongen, from a thread over it. I'll move it around the map while concentrating. Buried gold and silver, reveal yourselves to the world."

Fujikikumaru and Takechimaru watched as Yoshirou performed the dowsing in a divine manner.

The crystal rod stopped at the Oyokodani, Hyugadou, Kusayama, Kakiyama, and Kaji-yama in Tofu.

"Yep, this place shows that there is new gold and silver buried here!"

Fujikikumaru spoke to Yoshirou, who said this.

"Well, it's possible in Tofu, but are you really okay with this?"

"I'm fine. Let's move on to the next one."

"If you say so, I'll go along with it."

"The next one is in Shuzenji's Uryano!"

"Really?"

"Well, it's just a matter of chance, but it's a bit embarrassing to ask someone to check it out."

"Hmm, I see. I'll pass this on to the Izu governor, Kasaoka Echizen."

"Thanks. But if I say I found the location through divination, they might not believe me, so could you say that Lord Soun appeared in your dream and told you?"

"Eh! Then I'll seem divine!"

Fujikikumaru made a face of reluctance.

"I'll give you 30% of the profits from the sweetened beans."

"Hmm, 50% and I'll consider it."

"Hmm, how about 40%?"

"Hmm, that might be a compromise. Alright."

"Great."

The two of them shook hands firmly with a grin, while Takechimaru wondered if they were really okay.

June 25, 1552

■ Sagami Province, Ashigara Lower District, Hoan Kyu-no-yashiki of the Hojo Clan, Mita Yoshirou

According to the news from Grandfather Hoan, who is on campaign in Kozuke, Lord Uesugi Kenshin was unable to hold the Kozuke Shirai Castle in early May and fled to Echigo, immediately seeking help from Nagao Kagekatsu. As a result, the vanguard of the Echigo forces advanced into Kozuke by late May.

I was surprised by the speed. To send troops, even if it's just a vanguard, in such a short time. Was Nagao Kagekatsu predicting this all along, or is it divine? I can't tell. Does this mean history can change in any way? I'm starting to feel very uneasy.

August 10, 1552

■ Sagami Province, Ashigara Lower District, Odawara Castle, Hojo Fujikikumaru

Hmm, this is a problem. I said that to Yoshirou, but if I say Lord Soun appeared in my dream, people might doubt my sanity. The gold mine is indeed very beneficial for our household, but can it really be found through divination? Still, 40% is a good deal, so I can't just let it go.

My older brothers, as successors and branch family heads, receive fiefs, but we haven't yet, so Yoshirou's profits are very tempting. He's a strange guy with odd inventions and ideas, but he's a good friend to me, and I don't want to ruin our relationship.

Hmm, since the Echigo forces have entered Kozuke as allies of the Uesugi, my father might go on campaign soon. I should talk to him while he's still here, through Kasaoka Echizen. I'll emphasize that it was just a dream.

August 13, 1552

■ Sagami Province, Ashigara Lower District, Odawara Castle

After the meeting about the Uesugi and Echigo forces, Ujiyasu, who was relaxing after a bath, was informed by a retainer that his third son, Fujikikumaru, had something to discuss. Ujiyasu, who hadn't been able to spend much time with his children lately, decided to hear him out and immediately ordered Fujikikumaru to be brought in.

Fujikikumaru soon arrived.

"Father, I'm sorry to disturb you when you're tired."

"Fujikikumaru, come in."

Fujikikumaru entered, opening the sliding door.

"Fujikikumaru, what do you want to talk about tonight?"

Fujikikumaru, clearly nervous, began to speak.

"Actually, a few days ago, Lord Soun appeared at my bedside."

"Lord Soun, you say?"

"Yes, I might have been half-asleep, but—"

He seemed to be implying that the information might not be accurate, but it wasn't his fault.

"Hmm. What did Lord Soun say?"

Ujiyasu, though skeptical, decided to listen to his son.

"He said he would tell us where gold is buried for the Hojo family."

"Interesting. Where is it?"

Fujikikumaru, flustered, responded to Ujiyasu's calm demeanor.

"He said there are gold veins in these five places."

"Hmm. Tofu and Shuzenji's Uryano, you say?"

Ujiyasu, intrigued by the precise locations, decided to have Kasaoka Echizen check them out during his inspection.

"Please note, it was just a dream. If I've disturbed you, I apologize."

Fujikikumaru bowed deeply.

"No, I understand. It's possible in Izu. I'll have Kasaoka Echizen check it out during his inspection."

Fujikikumaru, back in his room, thought, "If it doesn't work out, 40% won't be enough. I'll demand 60%!"

August 22, 1552

■ Sagami Province, Ashigara Lower District, Hoan Kyu-no-yashiki of the Hojo Clan, Mita Yoshirou

It seems that Nagao Kagekatsu, out of a sense of justice, has personally come to Kozuke. As a result, Lord Ujiyasu, who had returned to the province, is advancing to Kozuke again. This time, his eldest son, Shinjiro, is making his first campaign, and I saw him depart from the castle gate, looking very impressive.

It seems that the story about Fujikikumaru's dream went well, and Lord Ujiyasu told Kasaoka Echizen to check it out during his inspection. Fujikikumaru said, "I was scared. If it doesn't work out, it's your fault, Yoshirou," and added, "40% isn't enough, give me 60%!" I hope it works out, but history has changed. Still, given the current situation, even 40% is a good deal.

December 28, 1552

■ Sagami Province, Ashigara Lower District, Hoan Kyu-no-yashiki of the Hojo Clan, Mita Yoshirou

The main force of the Echigo army returned to Echigo in late October, and with the heavy snow, a natural truce occurred between the remaining Uesugi allies and the Hojo army, which returned to Odawara. They all returned with the smell of battle. Grandfather Hoan, Lord Ujiyasu, and Shinjiro were all safe.

Around this time, envoys from the Takeda and Imagawa began to come frequently. It seems the time for the Three Kingdoms Alliance is approaching. If that happens, will Takeda Shingen's eldest daughter, who was supposed to marry Ujiyasu, now marry Shinjiro? Shinjiro is energetic, so maybe this is a deviation from the Ujiyasu route?

However, it's certain that Takechimaru will go to the Imagawa as a hostage. If he goes, I'll make sure to give him some things to take with him.

February 1, 1553

■ Sagami Province, Ashigara Lower District, Hoan Kyu-no-yashiki of the Hojo Clan, Mita Yoshirou

It seems the Three Kingdoms Alliance is about to be concluded, and Shinjiro has come of age and is now known as Hojo Shinjiro Ujimasa. This name is said to be a continuation of the name of Lord Soun's second son, but it's unusual to give the name of someone who died young in their thirties.

Anyway, it seems that Takeda Harunobu's eldest daughter, Ume-hime, who is twelve years old, will marry into the family in December this year. As a result, Aya-hime, who was very kind to me as a hostage, will marry Imagawa Ujizane in July, and Takechimaru will go with her. I'll miss them.

Especially Aya-hime, who is older than Ujiyasu, has taken a leadership role and helped mediate many things. I hope she will be happy, but if history continues as it is, the Imagawa will be attacked by Shingen, and she will flee to Kakegawa without being able to ride in a palanquin. I hope Imagawa Yoshimoto doesn't die easily at Okehazama. I can only pray for Aya-hime's happiness.

In the Kanto region, Lord Ujiyasu, Grandfather Hoan, and Ujihide are still fighting in the west and east. It seems that controlling the Koga Kubo has been effective, allowing them to influence various families. The current Koga Kubo is Ashikaga Yoshiuji, who is still in his childhood, so he is known as Ashikaga Umechimaru. Even so, as the Kanto Kubo, he can be used as a symbol.

The gold mine is still busy, and it seems the investigation hasn't started yet. I hope they find it soon.