"That certainly piques my interest."俄然Suddenly
I said, washing down the faint sweetness with tea .煉切Nerikiri餡bean paste
"The idea that something unnecessary for the Oda family might be useful for the Asai family... that's quite intriguing."
"Please don't take offense."
I gave a wry smile at Nobukane's voice, which was tinged with a sense of unease.
"Of course. It's only natural that Oda and Asai would have different expectations."
The moment he heard my response, he let out a sigh of relief.
Then slowly open your mouth.
"That is absolutely correct. We will discuss this matter again when Mr. Matsunaga arrives. The delay in that strategist's arrival is also a consideration to avoid disrupting the discussions between Oda and Asai."
"Oda and Asai...is that so? I suppose it would be inappropriate for Lord Matsunaga to hear about it."
"Since he asked the question knowing the answer, Lieutenant General of the Right Imperial Guard is also at fault."性質friend
Nobukane gave a wry smile.
"They are merely our collaborators for now. We cannot fully trust them."
"I see, that's only natural."
I finished my tea and put the bowl down, saying:
"However, the Oda family is now a powerful force controlling the Kinai region. As guardians of the Shogunate, they can no longer remain secretive in Owari or Mino. The connections that Lord Matsunaga possesses, and his own, would be of great benefit to the Oda family."辣腕Ratsuwan
"Of course, that's true. And we are surrounded by external enemies, led by the Asakura family. The Hongenji sect is also showing suspicious activity. The real test will come now."
"In short..."
I whispered to the man who was third in rank within the Oda family.
"—So you're saying we're still only halfway there... that we've only just stepped into the middle of the journey?"
"Or perhaps, we have finally reached that horizon... Lieutenant General of the Right Imperial Guard."
"I see, 'we'...that's a very kind thing to say."
"Isn't that obvious?"
Suddenly, Nobukane's face became serious, and he announced in a clear voice.
"The Oda clan will never forget that Lord Ukonoe Chujo was able to go falconry in Mino. Without the Chujo, the Oda clan would not be what it is today...we understand that very well."
"But the same could be said for us."
I responded in a clear voice.
"When the Asai clan was attacked by the Wakasa Takeda clan against the Rokkaku, Saito, and Asakura clans in the past, my brother-in-law intervened, and the course of the battle changed dramatically. Without Oda, the Asai clan would not be what it is today, and we understand that fact."
"That is precisely why we must join hands, more closely than ever before."
Nobukane continued:
"My brother often says the same thing: If the Oda, Asai, and Tokugawa families were to join forces, there would be nothing left to fear."
"But why exclude the Takeda family? Lord Katsuyori's sons surely have Oda blood flowing through their veins."
Nobunaga's younger brother then openly showed his concern on his face.
"We only have a ceasefire agreement with the Takeda family. And it's true that the Takeda family has been acting strangely lately..."
"Strange movements?"
Seeing me frown, Nobukane said:
"Yes, it is indeed related to the Hongenji sect. The Takeda family and the head of the Hongenji sect are sworn brothers, but it has been confirmed that they have been communicating closely recently."顕如Kennyo
"..."
"My brother suspects that if Ikko-mune's disciples were to rise up all at once, there's a high probability that the Takeda family would also take advantage of the situation and start a war."
"No, but..."
I continued, pressing my hand to my forehead.
"The Takeda family was in the midst of a conflict with the Uesugi family. They shouldn't have had the time or resources to pay attention to us..."
"That's the troublesome part, Lieutenant General of the Right Imperial Guard."
Nobunaga's younger brother clutched his forehead and said, as if forcing the words out:
"That's because the Hongenji sect is involved here as well. It seems those people were conducting their operations as far away as Echigo, via the Hokuriku Road."
"The reason the cult has been quiet lately is probably because they've been making those arrangements," Nobukane said, then looked me in the eyes.
"As you may already know, Lord Kenshin, the head of the Uesugi family, shares the same fundamental ideology as the Hongenji sect. He desires to eradicate demons and create a society where only humans can live."
"Well, in short..."
With a sense of resignation, I let out a deep sigh.
My honest feeling is that the day that was bound to come has finally arrived.
"The Asai family was targeted because they were seen as someone whose vision of the nation and the state was different from their own."
"Since we are allied with the Asai family, who are pursuing a policy of reconciliation with the Zashiki-warashi (house spirits)... conflict with them was unavoidable."
"Despite all that, does the Oda family still intend to join forces with us?"
"Of course, that's the intention. We are not strangers, not friends, we are family."
Nobukane nodded.
"Besides, even if my brother were to issue a command to the entire country... neither the Hongenji sect nor the Uesugi family would obediently comply. We have no choice but to fight."
"My brother also said this," he said.
"The conflict will continue endlessly, without limit, until all differing ideologies are crushed. If we were understanding creatures who could understand each other through words alone, conflict would disappear from this world."
"...It's a truly lamentable story, but it might be true."
Choosing my words carefully, I looked at Nobukane.
"People can certainly understand each other. But that's only true with people who can understand each other. There will always be people with whom you can never connect or understand each other."所詮In the end
"I truly feel from the bottom of my heart that we are fortunate to be able to understand each other."
Nobukane took a sip of tea at that point.
Then, after taking just one bite of the nerikiri (a type of Japanese sweet), she looked at me with gentle eyes.
"I see, it is indeed pleasing that I and the Oda family are on good terms—but then? What does the Oda intend to ask of the Asai?"
"Of course, influence."
Nobukane said, as if he could see right into the depths of my eyes.
"Is it possible for Lieutenant General of the Right Imperial Guard to control the dragon? Or to make a request to the dragon? For example, a request to destroy the Asakura clan?"
"That's not possible."
I immediately denied it.
Naturally, that's what I thought the moment I became aware of the existence of the Mizuchi.
Using the dragon would make it easy to bring the Japanese generals under your control—that means...
However, I sensed that it was something I absolutely must not say out loud.
From the very beginning, the Mizuchi is a creature that ancient people created to defend Japan from demons.
They would never accept a request to kill someone—or commit mass murder.
Or rather, the more likely I was to incur her wrath the moment I even wished for something like that.
"We cannot allow that monster to be released onto the surface again. If we do, this time it will truly be the end of Japan. The dragon, having tasted the pleasure of killing and the pleasure of destruction... will surely turn its fangs on us as well."
"...I see, it seems quite difficult to control."
"This is a being far beyond human control. We are appeasing the water god, not subjugating him."
Even as I say that, I realize that a strong, undeniable suspicion is beginning to rear its head.
Up until now, I've always believed, without a doubt, that the Water God was on my side.
In fact, that giant water dragon has always acted in my best interest.
But is that enough to conclude that they are on our side?
Perhaps, by chance, their interests had simply aligned up until now.
(To begin with, I don't even understand Taishakutsukige's true intentions. I don't know what she's thinking, why she's helping me...or even the relationship between Taishakutsukige, the Water God, and Hagoromo Yanagi.)
Having thought that far, I hastily changed my mind.
We'll deal with the monsters later.
First, we need to consider the hopeless conflicts that we humans face.
"For now, we must consider what to do without the dragon."
"The situation is becoming quite difficult."
Nobukane said.
"Asakura Yoshikage's political acumen and strategic abilities are extraordinary. When the Uesugi army, which is like a demon capable of directly clashing with the Takeda cavalry and the Hojo army of Kanto, joins them... we need to consider how we should deal with this."
We do not desire destruction.
Nobunaga's younger brother uttered the sound , but it quietly drifted into the room.言霊Kotodama (the power of words)
◆
The subsequent conversation focused entirely on discussing potential future events and how to address them.
The agreements regarding the passage of both armies within the territories of the Oda and Asai families were to be reaffirmed and then renegotiated.
This was, needless to say, done in anticipation of a clash with the Asakura army.
If the Asakura army were to invade Omi, potentially involving Ikkoso's disciples and the Uesugi army, and the Oda army were unable to respond smoothly, the Asai family would immediately face the risk of annihilation.
In addition, increased pressure on the Hongenji sect and heightened surveillance of Ikko sect disciples within the territory have been confirmed, and the Takeda family will likely have their alliance with the Oda family and their status reaffirmed.
These events likely took place after Nobunaga's triumphant return to Kyoto.
Just as they were discussing how to welcome the returning army, they suddenly heard the neighing of horses.
Judging by the cries, there are several of them. It seems Hisahide and his men have finally arrived.
(It's been more than an hour (2 hours) since the original agreement...)
For a moment I thought he was being overly considerate, but perhaps the person he was supposed to introduce me to was just late.
It's probably unavoidable when it comes to important figures.
Soon, the voice of a female servant could be heard from behind the door, asking permission to enter.
It was indeed an announcement of Hisahide's arrival, and a question was asked whether it would be alright to invite him into the room.
There's no reason to refuse.
After all, I, Nobukane, and the others are complete novices when it comes to Kyoto.
They were at a loss as to where to welcome Nobunaga and his men, and would have liked to hear Hisahide's opinion, as he was familiar with Kyoto.
"I apologize for being late. I am Matsunaga Danjo."
After the door opened and there was a brief pause, Hisahide threw his words into the room.
However, he showed no sign of entering the room.
That gesture left me a little confused.
Perhaps it's because we overreact and become overly cautious, trying to find meaning in the actions of this old man, who is renowned as a strategist.
"What's wrong, Lord Matsunaga? Aren't you coming in?"
When Nobukane called out to him, the old general replied without moving his face, "First of all."
My other brother-in-law seemed convinced by that alone and nodded in agreement.
"It appears that Lord Matsunaga has someone he would like to introduce to the Lieutenant General of the Right Imperial Guard. Once this matter is settled, we will have another discussion with Lord Matsunaga present."
I see, that makes sense. I understand now.
In short, everything has been planned and arranged beforehand.
In the end, I'm just an ordinary person—nothing more than a fish being manipulated by a clever old man.
After bowing to Nobukane, he left the room and followed Hisahide.
The mansion where the meeting was being held was a very quiet place.
Given that there's a magnificent Japanese garden, I would ideally like to explore it thoroughly—but I rarely have the time.
(But I suppose that's unavoidable...)
I couldn't help but think to myself with a touch of self-deprecation.
In this turbulent Sengoku period, it is a fact that being a daimyo meant enjoying various advantages in life compared to ordinary people.
Therefore, in exchange for those benefits, we must endure what we have to endure.
That's what you call the responsibility of someone in a position of authority.
"This way, Lieutenant General of the Right Imperial Guard."
If I just followed the directions, I would suddenly find myself outside the mansion.
I wondered what was going on, but I was completely taken aback by the soldiers deployed there.
After all, a group of soldiers had somehow appeared inside the mansion .犇Hishi
They were probably soldiers from Matsunaga's army. They were all armed with long spears.
(You don't mean you're planning to finish me off here...!?)
Such thoughts ran through my mind along with a cold sweat, but it seems my worries were unfounded.
That's because the soldiers don't seem to have any murderous intent.
On the contrary, they even seemed relieved to see me, who had been guided there by Hisahide.
Hisahide was probably telling his men something about me.
The soldiers swiftly broke open the basket as if by prior arrangement, and a laborer carrying the basket stepped forward. It was then carefully lowered in front of me and Hisahide.
"Now, who exactly could it be?"
I was muttering that to myself.
Nobukane's words are echoing in my mind.
An opponent who is unnecessary to the Oda family, but might be useful to the Asai family—that is the person currently in the cage.
"At one point, he was the noblest warrior in Japan. However, that was for political reasons. In reality, he is a gentle person who wouldn't hurt a fly."
Ah, I sighed involuntarily.
Just by hearing Hisahide's words, it was easy to imagine who the other person was.
No, to begin with—there are only a limited number of people that a strategist from Yamato would willingly want to introduce me to.
Then the cage opens, and a human figure appears.
I blinked in surprise. She was far more beautiful than I had imagined.
It almost feels as if the surrounding area has been instantly enveloped in a fragrant aroma.
"This is Lord Miyoshi Sakyo-no-daibu Yoshitsugu, Lieutenant General of the Right Imperial Guard."
Hisahide said this, respectfully taking the woman's hand.
"Actually, we had something to discuss with you, Lieutenant General, which is why we have asked you, Yoshitsugu, to return to Kyoto from Yamato Province. Would you please listen to what we have to say?"