Japan's Sengoku Period: The Sanada Clan's Ambition

Chapter 104 Shinano Acquired, Sanada Family Becomes a Great Master!
The Kyoto tour and the battle against the enemy have successfully concluded.

Under the command of Nobuyuki Sanada, the battle was a great victory, and the team performed outstandingly. From then on, they could be called the "Seven Spears of Kyoto".

After this battle, Fukushima Masanori, Kato Kiyomasa, Ikeda Terumasa, Kuroda Nagamasa, and Kato Yoshiaki were utterly impressed by Sanada Nobuyuki.

Several people walked out of the house with their arms around each other's shoulders, acting as if they were old friends who had never met before.

As the group stepped out of the room, they were met by Hideyoshi Hashiba, who had a dark expression on his face, standing in the courtyard.

The men were so frightened that they sobered up halfway and immediately knelt down.

"Greetings, my lord."

"Greetings, Lord Hashiba." Nobuyuki Sanada also knelt down.

Hideyoshi Hashiba slowly walked towards the group and said in a deep voice, "You lot are too presumptuous. The main family heard everything from next door. What kind of behavior is this, shouting and yelling like this?"

"These are all warriors who possess knowledge and skills, yet they are truly disgraced!"

"Also, who gave you permission to bring Genzaburo to a place like this, Ichimatsu? Was it you?"

Fukushima Masanori replied tremblingly, "Gensaburo said he has something to ask of the lord, so I brought him here."

"What is this place?"

"Such an elegant place has been turned into a mess by you all, it's truly shameful!" Hideyoshi Hashiba said, somewhat angrily.

Since Hideyoshi Hashiba took control of Kyoto, his status has risen, and he has recently begun to indulge in refined pursuits.

However, due to his humble origins, Hideyoshi Hashiba repeatedly encountered setbacks when he tried to learn culture from the noble families of Kyoto, so he sought out Yoshino Tayu, a famous courtesan in Kyoto.

Although Yoshino Tayu was also a courtesan, she was proficient in waka, renga, and haiku, and was also skilled in calligraphy, tea ceremony, and various musical instruments, making her one of the top courtesans in Kyoto.

Just as he was having a pleasant conversation with Yoshino Tayu, the wailing and howling of Kato Kiyomasa and the others next door completely extinguished Hideyoshi's interest in studying.

That's why he got so angry.

"You've brought Genzaburo here, are you going to have him join your evil ways?"

Fukushima Masanori: ? ? ? ? ?
With Genzaburo's skills, does he need me to guide him?

Am I worthy?
Compared to him, I am but a novice, my lord.

"Get out of here!"

"It's really not a worry."

"And you, Toranosuke, weren't you supposed to be in charge of the quarry? Why are you still lingering in Kyoto?"

Kato Kiyomasa lowered his head like a child who had made a mistake, not daring to utter a single word, and could only silently endure Hashiba Hideyoshi's anger.

Seeing that everyone's attitude was good, Hideyoshi waved his hand, and the group ran out as if they had been granted a pardon.

Nobuyuki Sanada also wanted to leave, but Hideyoshi Hashiba stopped him.

"Gensaburo, come with me!"

"what!"

Sanada Nobuyuki got up and followed behind Hashiba Hideyoshi. When he turned around, he saw Fukushima Masanori and the others hiding under the corridor, watching him with schadenfreude.

Fukushima Masanori pouted at Sanada Nobuyuki, perhaps saying, "Good luck, bro."

Soon, Sanada Nobuyuki, led by Hashiba Hideyoshi, walked to a courtyard. Along the way, there were fully armed hatamoto and pagemen, showing that after Honnoji, Hashiba Hideyoshi was very concerned about his safety.

Upon entering the courtyard, Hideyoshi Hashiba pushed open a door, inside which sat a woman.

"Oh, this is Yoshino Tayu."

"Genzaburo, don't misunderstand. I'm here to learn waka poetry, not what you think," Hashiba Hideyoshi quickly explained to Sanada Nobuyuki, as if afraid of damaging his image in Sanada's eyes.

Nobuyuki Sanada nodded quickly to indicate that he understood.

Learning a foreign language is something everyone knows.

"My name is Yoshino, and I am the local lady-in-waiting."

"This is the first time I've met you, sir. May I ask your name?" Yoshino Tayu rose slightly and bowed to Sanada Nobuyuki.

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly replied, "I am Sanada Genzaburo."

"Alright, Genzaburo, come here quickly. Yoshino Tayu just gave me a waka poem. Do you know what the next line is?" Hashiba Hideyoshi interrupted their conversation and dragged Sanada Nobuyuki directly to the table next to him.

A flicker of disgust crossed Yoshino Tayu's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

Given her status, she could only feign compliance when facing a samurai like Hideyoshi Hashiba.

After Sanada Nobuyuki sat down, there were several pieces of paper on the table in front of him, one of which had the words "longing is evident in one's appearance" written on it.

"This is a famous line from Taira no Kanetori, a renowned poet from the Heian period. The next line is 'I want to hide my feelings, but I cannot.'" Sanada Nobuyuki actually knew this line; his mother, Yamate-dono, often copied it.

A hint of surprise flashed in Yoshino Tayu's eyes, while Hashiba Hideyoshi impatiently said, "Quick, quick, write it down."

"what!"

Nobuyuki Sanada picked up a brush and wrote it down, adding the last two sentences as he did so.

"What does this sentence mean?" Hideyoshi Hashiba asked, tilting his head back, looking just like a struggling student asking for help.

Sanada Nobuyuki then simply wrote the entire text down in Chinese characters.

"My longing is evident in my face, though I try to conceal it. For whom do I suffer this torment, that I invite those who question me?"

“This waka poem tells the story of a woman who, unable to conceal her longing for someone, is discovered by others who ask: ‘Are you so troubled because you are thinking of someone?’” Nobuyuki Sanada explained slowly.

After hearing Sanada Nobuyuki's explanation, Hashiba Hideyoshi slapped his forehead and couldn't help but exclaim, "So that's how it is. What a thoughtful mind!"

"Wait, Tayu, could it be that you intend to use this opportunity to express your longing for me?" Hideyoshi Hashiba suddenly looked up, gazing at Yoshino Tayu with a burning gaze.

Yoshino Tayu was completely dumbfounded.

I just wrote a random sentence, how did you come up with the idea of ​​turning it into a TV series?

Before Yoshino Tayu could speak, Hashiba Hideyoshi rushed forward and grabbed Yoshino Tayu's hand, "Tayu, I understand your intentions."

"When I get back, I will definitely explain to Madam that once she agrees, I will definitely take you as my concubine."

"It's settled then, Genzaburo, let's go!"

Without giving Yoshino Tayu a chance to speak, Hideyoshi Hashiba grabbed Sanada Nobuyuki and ran outside. Sanada Nobuyuki was exasperated; Hideyoshi Hashiba was truly suffering from a lack of education.

Yoshino Tayu stood frozen in place, weakly reaching out to call out to Hashiba Hideyoshi, but unsure how to begin.

"Sigh, this person really has no sense of fun at all."

"However, that Genzaburo is quite interesting."

"These characters are well written. It's truly remarkable that a samurai can write Chinese characters like this." Yoshino Tayu picked up the silk paper written by Sanada Nobuyuki and couldn't help but admire the characters on it.

Outside the city walls, Hideyoshi Hashiba excitedly mounted his horse, and Nobuyuki Sanada took the reins from a close aide and rode alongside him.

“Gensaburo, you’ve come at just the right time.”

“I am planning to build a castle in Osaka. I have appointed Asano and Kuroda as chief magistrates to oversee the construction, and I am preparing to have all the daimyo of the land conscript laborers.”

"How is it? Not bad, right?" Hideyoshi Hashiba turned his head, making no attempt to hide the smile on his face.

The site of Osaka Castle was chosen on the former site of the Ishiyama Gobo of Honganji Temple. The terrain here is flat and very close to Kyoto and Sakai Port, making it a very good location.

Hideyoshi Hashiba built Osaka Castle to declare to the world his status as the "victor of the Oda clan's internal power struggle," thereby making other daimyo submit to him.

"Lord Hashiba has great ambitions, which I greatly admire."

“Since it is a call for laborers from all over the land, then my Sanada family is willing to share the burden for Lord Hashiba.” Sanada Nobuyuki took the opportunity to express his loyalty.

Although he had just had a party, Nobuyuki Sanada hadn't forgotten why he came to Kyoto in the first place.

At this stage, Hideyoshi Hashiba is indeed the strongest ally, and the Sanada family must hold on tight.

As expected, seeing that Sanada Nobuyuki was so responsive, Hashiba Hideyoshi also showed a satisfied expression.

As they walked and talked, Hideyoshi Hashiba casually asked about the situation in Shinano and also inquired about the latest developments in the Kanto region.

Before long, the group arrived at Hideyoshi Hashiba's residence in Kyoto.

"You can stay here tonight. I'll have Ningning arrange a room for you."

"Thank you, Master Yushiba."

"Come, sit down!" Hideyoshi Hashiba beckoned to Nobuyuki Sanada, then pulled over a small table and placed it in front of him.

Nobuyuki Sanada quickly sat down next to Hideyoshi Hashiba and found a map on the table.

"Recently, many daimyo in the Kanto region have jointly written to our clan, requesting that we stabilize the situation in the Kanto region."

"The alliance between Tokugawa and Hojo has caused many people great anxiety."

Nobuyuki Sanada remained silent, waiting quietly for Hideyoshi Hashiba to say his next words.

As expected, Hideyoshi Hashiba raised his head, looked at Nobuyuki Sanada, and said, "I heard that Mikawa no Kami is planning to marry his daughter into the Hojo family. What is the Sanada family's opinion on this?"

"This is an internal matter of the Tokugawa family, and I dare not say more."

"The Tokugawa and Hojo clans form a powerful alliance." Hideyoshi Hashiba stared intently at the Kanto region for a long time before suddenly speaking, "The Sanada clan can be used by me, right?"

Sanada Nobuyuki's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately replied, "Of course!"

"Our family's loyalty to Lord Hashiba and the Oda clan is as clear as day!"

Hideyoshi Hashiba patted Nobuyuki Sanada on the shoulder, "I trust the loyalty of the Sanada family."

"I am truly sorry for Tokugawa's invasion of Shinano some time ago."

“It was approved by Oda’s retainer (Oda Nobutaka) at the time. When I learned of this, I immediately protested, but as you know, I am not the head of the Oda clan and there is nothing I can do about it.”

"Fortunately, the Sanada clan withstood the Tokugawa clan's offensive, which was commendable," Hideyoshi Hashiba continued to praise.

Nobuyuki Sanada immediately showed his gratitude.

But in his heart he was thinking: Who are you trying to fool? If Tokugawa Ieyasu doesn't give his approval, will he dare to take action against Shinano?
Oda Nobutaka and Oda Nobukatsu were two incompetent fools; Tokugawa Ieyasu didn't even take them seriously. What difference was there between their words and farts?

However, the Sanada clan merely demonstrated their "united front value" through this battle, and the alliance between the Tokugawa and Hojo clans was indeed a significant threat.

If Hideyoshi Hashiba wanted to plant a spy next to the Tokugawa clan, the Sanada clan was naturally the best choice.

Firstly, the Sanada family actively sought refuge with them, and they did so early on.

Secondly, the Sanada family demonstrated its value and clearly stood in opposition to the Tokugawa family.

Finally, the Sanada family always upheld their status as "Oda retainers," and in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's eyes, they were considered "one of their own" and could be trusted.

"What difficulties does the Sanada family face? Genzaburo, please speak freely today, and I will provide support to the Sanada family." Hideyoshi Hashiba waved his hand generously.

Seeing that Hideyoshi Hashiba had finally said those words, Nobuyuki Sanada breathed a sigh of relief. "I've been chatting with you for so long, and this is what I've been waiting for."

Otherwise, what's the point of me traveling all this way to curry favor with someone powerful?
"Lord Hashiba, the Tokugawa family wishes to maintain peace with our main family, and we are currently discussing this matter with them."

"But the Tokugawa family is powerful after all, and our main family hopes that Lord Hashiba can warn Tokugawa Mikawa-no-kami in the name of the Oda family."

Hideyoshi Hashiba nodded. "I have already sent people to handle this without the Sanada family having to tell me."

"Thank you, Master Yushiba."

"In addition, before the Tokugawa clan launched their attack, a rebellion broke out in Shinano."

"Upon investigation, it has been confirmed that these people were instigated by the Tokugawa family, which is truly unforgivable."

“But the territories of these vassals are all recognized by the Oda clan, and our main family dares not make decisions on its own. Therefore, we hope that Lord Hashiba can punish these vassals who participated in the uprising,” Sanada Nobuyuki pleaded, bowing low.

A smile unconsciously crept onto Hideyoshi Hashiba's lips.

He liked the Sanada family just the way they were.

After the uprising was quelled, the Sanada clan could have easily disposed of the territories of these local lords as they saw fit. After all, the Oda clan had no intention of interfering in Shinano.

But the Sanada family still consulted with Hideyoshi Hashiba and let him make the decision. What was that?
That's loyalty!

For a moment, Hideyoshi Hashiba looked at Nobuyuki Sanada with eyes full of admiration.

He has no shortage of capable retainers and samurai under his command, but he does need younger brothers like the Sanada family who are pragmatic and sensible.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to entrust such an important place as Shinano to the Sanada family.

Shinano, bordered by the Uesugi to the north, the Tokugawa to the south, and the Hojo to the east, was the perfect location for Hideyoshi Hashiba to monitor three powerful daimyo simultaneously.

"List!" Hideyoshi Hashiba uttered two words lightly.

Sanada Nobuyuki paused for a moment, but then understood what Hashiba Hideyoshi meant, and took out the catalog he had prepared beforehand from his pocket.

"This is the list of the nationals who participated in this uprising, with the Kiso, Muroga, and Yashiro families leading the way, totaling eleven families."

After saying that, Sanada Nobuyuki pointed to the end of the list, "These are the Shinano garrison who fought alongside our clan against the rebellion, among whom the Hoshina, Kasuga, and Ogasawara clans contributed the most."

"In addition, the Obata clan of Ueno also sent troops to participate in the war." The Obata clan were local lords of Ueno and were not on the list, Sanada Nobuyuki added.

Hideyoshi Hashiba carefully examined the names on the list, then picked up a pen and crossed out all the names of the national subjects in one stroke.

"The main family allows the Sanada family to handle these territories as they see fit."

"Thank you, Lord Hashiba!" Sanada Nobuyuki immediately prostrated himself on the ground and bowed deeply.

This move by Hideyoshi Hashiba was extremely important for the Sanada family.

With this investment, the Sanada family's position in Shinano was truly secured.

Most importantly, the Sanada family could finally continue implementing its policy of turning Shinano into a territory and integrating its retainers into its own domain.

"Don't be too happy yet!" Hideyoshi Hashiba changed the subject, looking at Nobuyuki Sanada with a serious expression, and then held up two fingers, "Two things."

"First, the Sanada family hostages need to be delivered as soon as possible."

"Secondly, the Sanada family must dissolve the alliance with the Uesugi family!" Hideyoshi Hashiba's eyes gleamed as he spoke these words in an unyielding tone.

Nobuyuki Sanada struggled to suppress his emotions, determined not to let a trace of dissatisfaction or reluctance show on his face.

Although the Sanada family always referred to themselves as "Oda retainers," they were actually just daimyo subordinate to the Oda family, not true retainers.

Therefore, sending hostages is not unusual, as the Sanada family also has many hostages from Shinano Province.

But the second condition is a real problem.

If the Sanada family breaks its alliance with the Uesugi family, it will be like having enemies in the east, south, and north, and powerful ones at that.

In this situation, the Sanada family had no choice but to be firmly bound to the Oda family.

Although Hideyoshi Hashiba was willing to give the Sanada family a chance to pledge allegiance, it did not mean that he completely trusted them.

Only by placing the Sanada family in an isolated environment could Hideyoshi Hashiba truly feel at ease.

"The alliance between the Uesugi and Sanada families is unbreakable. If Lord Hashiba insists on severing ties between our main family and the Uesugi family, please forgive me for refusing."

To Hideyoshi Hashiba's surprise, Nobuyuki Sanada refused outright.

Now Hideyoshi Hashiba was puzzled; he had originally thought that Nobuyuki Sanada would agree without hesitation.

"why is that?"

"Could it be that the Sanada family's so-called loyalty is nothing but an excuse?" Hideyoshi Hashiba's face darkened, and his tone became somewhat unfriendly.

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly said, "Lord Hashiba, please calm down and allow me to explain."

"Speak. If you cannot provide a reason that satisfies me, then the matter of Shinano shall be dropped."

Sanada Nobuyuki was silent for a moment, his mind racing, before he spoke, "To be honest, our family has been striving to bring the Uesugi family under the wing of the Oda family."

"Oh?" Hideyoshi Hashiba became interested. "Go on."

“When Lord Nobunaga destroyed the Takeda clan, the Uesugi clan was already struggling to survive and its destruction was imminent.”

"Although things have improved somewhat, there is still a rebellion within his territory caused by his retainer, Shinbada."

"I have visited Echigo several times, and Lord Uesugi has clearly expressed his unease and concern about the Uesugi family's situation."

"If Lord Hashiba trusts our family, we are willing to act as intermediaries to persuade Lord Uesugi to go to Kyoto and submit to Lord Hashiba's command!" After saying this, Sanada Nobuyuki slightly raised his head to observe the changes in Hashiba Hideyoshi's expression.

As expected, after hearing Sanada Nobuyuki's words, Hashiba Hideyoshi's expression gradually softened.

Is Nobuyuki Sanada's statement convincing?
No.

Because if Hideyoshi Hashiba wanted to subjugate the Uesugi clan, anyone could have done that task.

However, Hideyoshi Hashiba remained lost in thought.

Because the Uesugi family's attitude has always been ambiguous, to be honest, Hideyoshi Hashiba didn't know what the Uesugi family was really thinking.

During the great battle with Shibata Katsuie, Hashiba Hideyoshi also persuaded the Uesugi clan to send troops to attack Shibata Katsuie, thus tying down Sasa Narimasa's forces in Etchū.

But whenever Hideyoshi Hashiba tried to persuade the Uesugi clan to submit, he was always met with rejection.

The Uesugi family's attitude is very clear: they can be friendly with you, Hideyoshi Hashiba, but they won't make me submit to you!
This left Hideyoshi Hashiba completely baffled.

"Is the Sanada family confident they can persuade the Uesugi family?" After thinking for a long time, Hideyoshi Hashiba finally spoke.

Sanada Nobuyuki was overjoyed upon hearing this; there was hope.

The Sanada family could not possibly abandon the Uesugi family; they were the Sanada family's strong rear base, a place that could protect them and provide a safety net.

Moreover, regardless of his abilities, Uesugi Kagekatsu is a man of integrity and trustworthiness.

In other words, the Sanada family could confidently expose their backs to the Uesugi family.

For the foreseeable future, the Sanada clan's main rivals will be the Tokugawa and Hojo clans. If they cannot stabilize their rear, the Sanada clan will not dare to act rashly in front of the Tokugawa and Hojo clans.

"Lord Uesugi is acquainted with me and is quite fond of my younger brother."

"When the Hojo invaded Shinano, the Uesugi clan and their main family joined forces to defend against the enemy, and a great deal of trust had been established between them."

"Furthermore, the main family previously joined the Uesugi family in the Ueno Kuni uprising and together drove out the Hojo family."

"Our main family not only established trust with the Uesugi family, but also maintained contact with other daimyo in Kanto."

"Others may not be able to get Lord Uesugi to come to Kyoto, but my Sanada family certainly can," Sanada Nobuyuki said firmly.

These words also served as an opportunity to demonstrate another value of the Sanada family to Hideyoshi Hashiba.

Besides keeping an eye on Tokugawa and Hojo, I can also help you recruit followers. Right now it's Uesugi, but it could be any other daimyo in Kanto in the future.

This is the unique value of my Sanada family!
Sure enough, after hearing what Sanada Nobuyuki said, a smile returned to Hashiba Hideyoshi's face.

"Gensaburo, you're quite good!"

The admiration in Hideyoshi Hashiba's eyes was almost impossible to conceal; for a moment, he even wanted Nobuyuki Sanada to stay in Kyoto and serve him.

However, Shinano would play a significant role in his future plans, so he suppressed the idea for the time being.

"The relevant official document has been prepared. Go see Zokichi tomorrow; I have a gift for you."

"Furthermore! Shinano belongs to the Sanada family now!" Hideyoshi Hashiba placed a heavy hand on Nobuyuki Sanada's shoulder before striding away.

As soon as Hideyoshi Hashiba left, Nobuyuki Sanada felt as if all his strength had been drained away, and he collapsed to the ground.

At the same time, a huge sense of surprise filled Nobuyuki Sanada's heart.

Finally, the Sanada family has taken this step.

From this day forward, the Sanada family has finally gained a foothold in this chaotic Warring States period.

With the support of the Oda (Hashiba) family, the Sanada clan had fertile ground for survival and development.

The thought, "Shinano belongs to the Sanada family," kept echoing in Sanada Nobuyuki's mind.

and many more?

Who is Zokichi?
Sanada Nobuyuki suddenly snapped out of his surprise, but when he turned around, Hashiba Hideyoshi was already gone.

It was getting dark, and Sanada Nobuyuki got up and left the house.

A servant was kneeling at the door. When he saw Sanada Nobuyuki come out, he quickly bowed and said, "Lord Sanada, the lord has already given instructions that your residence is in the annex. Please follow me."

"Good work."

Following behind the young man, we walked through two corridors, and a Tang-style gate came into view.

The servant quickly tugged at Sanada Nobuyuki's sleeve, "That's the women's quarters over there, Lord Sanada, please come this way."

"Yes!" Sanada Nobuyuki quickly lowered his head, not daring to look inside any further.

I finally managed to latch onto this powerful figure, so I dare not look around carelessly.

　Three special female characters appeared in the Taiga drama "Sanada Maru".

　　Yoshino Taifu, Ono Michi, Izumo Akuno.

　　Yoshino Tayu is the same person Sanada Nobushige was introduced to by Hashiba Hideyoshi on his first trip to Osaka. Later, his father, Sanada Masayuki, was also infatuated with him.

　　Ono Michi was the "confidant" found by the eldest brother, Sanada Nobuyuki, and was the one who was caught in the famous scene by Honda Komatsu and his sister-in-law.

　　Izumo no Okuni appears when Hashiba Hideyoshi besieges Odawara Castle, and even pulls Hashiba Hideyoshi into dancing.

　　The three individuals mentioned above are all real historical figures.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)