Japan's Warring States Period: The Rise of the Wakasa Tiger

Chapter 16 Asakura Kuzuryu

The Asakura clan was originally a powerful clan in the Asakura region of the Yafu County of Tajima Province. During the Nanbokucho period, the head of the family, Asakura Hirokage, followed Sasaki Takatsune into Echizen Province. During the reign of the seventh head, Asakura Toshikage, he took advantage of the Onin War in 1467 to move his residence to Ichijodani, and gradually expelled the Sasaki and Kai clans, pacifying Echizen Province.

The Asakura family owned the port of Tsuruga and controlled the transportation routes of Kinki and Hokuriku. Through the efforts of several generations of people, such as Minakage, Ujikage, Sadakage, and Takakage, their home city Ichijodani gradually developed into the economic and cultural center of Echizen Province and even Hokuriku. Many nobles and monks from Kyoto and Nara came to visit, and the Asakura family often sponsored elegant activities such as Noh and Renga in the territory. Therefore, Ichijodani was also called the "Little Kyoto of Hokuriku" and became one of the important bases of the "Kyoto culture" at that time.

The prosperity of economy and culture inspired political and military ambitions. In terms of military, during the reign of the current head, Asakura Takakage, with the support of his important minister, Asakura Munetsugu, he actively intervened in disputes in surrounding areas, for example, he helped suppress the rebellion of the Wakasa Itsumi clan, intervened in the internal strife of the Mino guardian Toki family, and cooperated with the Rokkaku clan to defeat the Asai clan. Although he did not gain much in terms of territory, his influence was already known far and wide.

Politically, Asakura Takakage actively approached the shogunate through political cash and other means, and was allowed by Ashikaga Yoshiharu to use white umbrella bags, felt saddle covers, and painted carriages. Finally, he became the guardian of Echizen in a legitimate way, fulfilling the long-cherished wish of the Asakura clan. Not long ago, he was promoted to the "companion" of the shogun, and for a time he was in the limelight.

However, such a high-spirited and powerful daimyo Kunimochi was turned away in front of the small Kuniyoshi Castle.

Kuniyoshi Castle is located in Mikata County, on the border between Wakasa and Echizen. It controls the strategic Tsubaki Pass between Tenno Mountain and Otake Mountain. It is 200 meters above sea level and overlooks the streets of Tango. It is an important castle that the Echizen army must capture before entering Wakasa. This castle was built by Awaya Katsuhisa, and there are more than 300 samurai and miscellaneous soldiers in the castle.

Before Awaya Mototaka rebelled, he used his position as the chief family elder to force through a resolution to build this castle at the border of Wakasa and Echizen on the pretext of guarding against the Asakura clan, and to have the Awaya clan send someone to serve as the castle lord.

Mikata County has always been the sphere of influence of the Kumagai clan, and it is obvious that Awaya Mototaka wants to drive a wedge into Mikata County. Kumagai Katsunao knows this very well, but he can only acquiesce because he is not as strong as the Awaya clan.

However, considering that this place is remote, the land is barren, the people are poor, and that it will be the first to bear the brunt of a war, no one from the main branch of the Awaya clan was willing to go there. In the end, it was Awaya Katsuhisa who volunteered to go and build the city and defend it.

Awaya Katsuhisa was from the distant branch of the Awaya clan. Although he was only 18 years old, he had great ambitions and wanted to change his family's current situation and make a name for himself. When building Kuniyoshi Castle, he built a curved moat and dug an earthen moat along the ridge, referring to Gozeyama Castle. Although the construction was not completed due to limited funds and manpower, the dangerous terrain and complex fortifications made it difficult for the Asakura clan to make up their minds to attack.

However, the outbreak of the "Miyagawa Rebellion" gave the Asakura family a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

After Awaya Mototaka was defeated and killed, the Awaya clan, especially the close members of the main family, were doomed to be reduced in fiefdom and replaced. The Awaya samurai stationed in Kuniyoshi Castle were also worried about this and urged Awaya Katsuhisa to make plans early. Many samurai even suggested that they simply surrender to the Asakura clan and lead the Asakura army to counterattack Wakasa to gain the first merit.

At this time, Asakura Takakage, who had a keen political sense, also seized the opportunity and sent his important minister Maemaya Kagesada to Kuniyoshi Castle to try to persuade Awaya Katsuhisa to rebel and open the door to seize Wakasa. Unexpectedly, Awaya Katsuhisa refused to let him in, which led to the scene in the palace of Ichijodani Castle.

Maebashi Kagesada was one of the Four Bugyo of Ichijodani, and he also participated in the planning of Echizen provincial politics as a judge, and was deeply trusted by Asakura Takakage. He thought he could easily capture the rebel Awaya Katsuhisa, but he returned empty-handed. No wonder he couldn't hold his head up in front of Asakura Takakage.

"I really underestimated this guy." In the hall, Asakura Takakage, dressed in the attire of a nobleman and wearing an ebonized hat, said expressionlessly while drinking tea. Next to him sat an old man with a five-striped black cassock, a gray beard, and a thin face. He was Asakura Soteki, known as the "Nine-headed Dragon of Asakura".

"That kid Awaya Katsuhisa said that no matter how much internal turmoil the Takeda clan has, it is their family affair and outsiders have no right to interfere." Maemaya Kagesada reported carefully.

Asakura Takakage yawned and asked nonchalantly, "Awaya Ukyo Ryo has died in Honjoji Temple, and the castle of Komura Castle has been captured. The warriors of the Awaya family have either died or fled. That kid has never thought that he will be liquidated by the new head of the Takeda clan sooner or later. If he does not submit to the Asakura clan now, he will regret it in the future."

"He said that he believed the new head of the Takeda clan would not indiscriminately punish the entire Awaya clan. But I learned from the insiders in the city that the situation in Kuniyoshi Castle is very delicate now. Many warriors of the Awaya clan are urging the city to surrender. I dare to speculate that as long as the insiders incite more, it won't be long before someone will take the initiative to deliver Kuniyoshi Castle to us without the main family taking any action."

"That's great. Then I'll trouble you to add more fuel to the fire. If you can take Kuniyoshi Castle without fighting, you will be rewarded handsomely." Asakura Takakage was a fat man. He yawned after saying a few words. It seemed that it was time for lunch break.

At this time, Asakura Sotei, who had been sipping tea quietly, spoke up: "My lord, are you really going to take action against Wakasa?"

"Why, Master, do you think there is something wrong?"

Asakura Soteki looked embarrassed and said, "The reason why our Asakura clan can have the reputation we have today is not because of military force, but because of morality. For decades, the Asakura clan has lived in Echizen and has never coveted the territories of other countries. Even if they sent troops, they were mostly to help the needy and uphold justice. Therefore, the people are happy and the neighbors are loyal. Now, we have to take advantage of the civil unrest in our neighboring countries to rob them. This is really contrary to my beliefs." This veteran figure of the Asakura family was not only the "God of War of Echizen", but also the great-uncle of Asakura Takakage. He expressed his opposition, which really surprised Asakura Takakage.

"Master, I didn't take advantage of the situation. It was the Takeda clan that brought this upon themselves." Asakura Takakage tried to explain, "You can see that in the past twenty years, since the late years of Lord Motonobu, Wakasa has never been stable. Our Asakura family has sent troops to help suppress rebellions by their retainers twice before. Now there is chaos within the clan, with bandits everywhere and the people living in misery. Our family is sending troops now to comply with the will of heaven."

Asakura Soteki has always upheld the word "righteousness" throughout his life. The Asakura family has become the leader of Kinki and Hokuriku, largely due to the respect of the surrounding daimyo and even the shogunate for Asakura Soteki. Now that Asakura Takakage is going to betray his consistent "faith and loyalty", Asakura Soteki is very disappointed:

"The two families have been neighbors for a hundred years. Although there have been frictions, they have never fought each other with real weapons. If we rashly send troops, I am afraid that it will damage the reputation that our family has worked so hard to accumulate."

Asakura Takakage, who wanted to take this opportunity to expand his territory, was obviously not like his great uncle, who would not be bound by the so-called "reputation" and "morality". He saw clearly early on that the Asakura family sent troops to support the daimyo in various places, but in the end, they got nothing in return except a good reputation.

Now that he has officially obtained the post of Echizen Shugo, he has fulfilled the political wish of his ancestors. The next step is to make further progress in military and territory. Compared with the neighboring Kaga, Hida, Mino, and Omi, the weak, divided, and conveniently located Wakasa Province is undoubtedly the best choice for a trial run.

Asakura Takakage, who had made up his mind, quoted an ancient Chinese saying in response to Asakura Soteki's concerns:

"If you don't take what heaven offers, you will suffer the consequences. If you don't welcome the opportunity, you will suffer the consequences. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the prestige of our family and expand our power. Please rest assured, Master. As long as we take over Wakasa, I promise to treat the people well and let them live and work in peace and contentment like the people of Echizen."

"Since my lord has made up his mind, I will not say any more. But I have a request..." Asakura Sotei sighed softly.

"Master, please speak."

"This expedition is very narrow. Can I serve as the military commissioner and go into battle on behalf of my lord?"

For decades, the Asakura clan had appointed a member of the clan as a Gunbugyo to go to war on behalf of the head of the clan. For example, the historical Asakura Munetsugu served three generations of the family head and spent his entire life in the military. Not counting the military campaigns, he went to battle as a Gunbugyo more than ten times, winning more battles than losses, which is why he was known as the "Military God of Echizen."

"Master, if you hadn't volunteered, I would have been embarrassed to speak up." Asakura Takakage quickly poured some tea for Asakura Munetoki and said with a smile, "If Kuniyoshi Castle can be opened without bloodshed, I can send the younger generations of our Asakura family to fight the rest of the battle. But if Awaya Katsuhisa insists on not surrendering, then I'll really have to trouble you to take action. The terrain of Tsubakitoge will inevitably lead to a fierce battle, and only you can command it properly."

"I understand, but please promise me that if we cannot take down Guoji City within a month, I will be allowed to lead my army to retreat and not engage in unnecessary fighting and sacrifice."

"Oh? What do you mean? Not to mention that with the help of a master, this city can be taken at any time; even if something goes wrong in the middle, why set a limit of one month?" Asakura Takakage asked curiously.

"War cannot be started lightly. Once it is started, we must consider the right time, right place, and right people. The Takeda clan has always been on good terms with the shogun and the kanrei. Within a month, both parties and even the imperial court will come out to mediate. Especially the Hosokawa clan, they may even send reinforcements. In this case, we will lose the right time.

Even if Kuniyoshi Castle was captured later, the strong castles behind it, such as Mikata and Okurami, would have been ready to fight back, which would mean losing the geographical advantage.

The most important thing is harmony among people... Through this "Miyagawa Rebellion", I feel that the new head of the Takeda clan may not be an ordinary person. Under his leadership, Wakasa may have a new atmosphere. If the battle goes badly, I am afraid that the main family will not even be able to maintain harmony among people."

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(End of this chapter)