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

Chapter 109 A formidable general appears, take him down!
The next morning, Nobuyuki Sanada got out of bed with dark circles under his eyes.

Koide Yoshimasa came to report that Hashiba Hideyoshi had returned from Osaka.

During this period, construction of Osaka Castle had already begun, and laborers from all over the country were continuously gathering there.

Under Hideyoshi Hashiba's orders, the construction of the castle was carried out meticulously, but the progress was not fast.

The Sanada family also received the labor mobilization order from Hideyoshi Hashiba, and several hundred conscripts from Shinano were already on their way to Osaka Castle.

"Gensaburo, why do you look so unwell?"

Inside the main hall, Hideyoshi Hashiba looked at Nobuyuki Sanada, who had come to pay his respects, with a surprised expression.

Nobuyuki Sanada could only make up the excuse that there were too many mosquitoes last night and he didn't sleep well.

"Come, let me introduce you." Hideyoshi Hashiba pointed to Nobuyuki Sanada, "This is the young master of the Sanada family in Shinano, Sanada Hyogo-no-kami."

Only then did Sanada Nobuyuki notice that there was another person sitting upright inside the hall.

After Hideyoshi Hashiba finished speaking, the man quickly bowed and said, "I am Kyogoku Nakamatsu, the governor of Omi Province. I greet Lord Sanada Hyogo."

Upon hearing the name, Sanada Nobuyuki immediately realized that this was the famous "Firefly Daimyo" Kyogoku Takatsugu.

The term "firefly" is a joke.

Because fireflies glow from their rear ends, some people later used this to satirize the Kyogoku brothers for rising to power through nepotism.

"So you are Lord Kyoto. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please take care of me."

As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face, and knowing that Kyogoku Takatsugu and Hashiba Hideyoshi had this relationship, Sanada Nobuyuki naturally became very enthusiastic.

Despite his impressive reputation, such as the Omi Protector-General and Junior Assistant Minister of the Imperial Household Department, Kyogoku Takatsugu is now completely powerless.

The Kyogoku family's territory was seized by the Azai family during the reign of Azai Ryōsei. At that time, the head of the Kyogoku clan, Kyogoku Takakichi, could only eke out a living by serving under Ashikaga Yoshiteru, Oda Nobunaga, and others.

After Kyogoku Takayoshi's death, Kyogoku Takatsugu was almost executed during the Honnoji Incident for siding with Akechi Mitsuhide.

It's all thanks to Kyogoku Tatsuko's good looks that he entered Hideyoshi Hashiba's harem; otherwise, Kyogoku Takaji wouldn't be sitting here talking.

"Gensaburo, I heard from Saiji that you are leaving for Shinano today?"

"Yes, I have come here specifically to resign, Lord Hashiba."

Hideyoshi Hashiba stroked his beard and then instructed, "After returning to Shinano, keep an eye on Tokugawa and don't forget your promise to me."

"I hope that after Osaka Castle is completed, Uesugi Danjo Shosuke will appear before me."

"clear?"

“Ha!” Nobuyuki Sanada immediately bowed and responded.

After giving his instructions, Hideyoshi Hashiba turned his gaze to Kyogoku Takaji, who was standing to the side.

Upon seeing this, Sanada Nobuyuki immediately got up and left the main hall.

Koide Yoshimasa had already packed up all the gifts given by Hashiba Hideyoshi, and Yamagami Teruhisa and others also came to meet up with Sanada Nobuyuki.

With the permission certificate issued by Hideyoshi Hashiba in his pocket, Nobuyuki Sanada embarked on his journey back to Shinano.

Starting from Kyoto, we arrived in the Sakamoto area, took a boat and docked at Nagahama Castle, then headed east into Sakata District.

That night, Nobuyuki Sanada and his party stayed overnight in Kashiwabara-go, Sakata-gun, where there were several temple gates where they could stay.

After resting for a night, Nobuyuki Sanada continued his journey.

Originally, he planned to return by the same route, but the next morning, Nobuyuki Sanada learned some news.

Mori Nagayoshi defeated Toyama Tomotada of Naegi Castle and occupied the castle. The Toyama clan fled to Mikawa and joined Tokugawa Ieyasu. Mori Nagayoshi then completely occupied eastern Mino.

Upon learning this news, Nobuyuki Sanada decided to change his route to Mino.

My initial concern was that the road would be difficult to traverse, being entirely mountainous and frequently ravaged by war. My group consisted of only about ten people, carrying a substantial reward from Hideyoshi Hashiba. What if we encountered an accident on the road and lost our belongings?

Now that Mori Nagayoshi has taken control of Higashi Mino, there shouldn't be any major problems leaving from here. If necessary, Mori Nagayoshi can even send troops to escort us.

Kyoto, Hashiba Residence.

After Sanada Nobuyuki left, Hashiba Hideyoshi assigned Kyogoku Takatsugu to a sinecure as the supervisor of Osaka Castle.

Subsequently, a letter was delivered to Hideyoshi Hashiba.

"My lord, according to Lord Konishi's report, it seems that Lord Sanada has purchased a batch of arquebuses from Sakai Port."

"What did Konishi's letter say?" Upon hearing Ishida Mitsunari's report, Hashiba Hideyoshi casually raised his head and asked.

Seeing that Hideyoshi Hashiba didn't care at all, Mitsunari Ishida became a little anxious.

"The Sanada family purchased arquebuses from merchants in Sakai Port without prior permission or the consent of their lord."

"Shouldn't this kind of thing be stopped?"

Hideyoshi Hashiba gave Mitsunari Ishida a disapproving look, but still patiently said, "Sakichi, I know you are dedicated to your duty, but there's no need to worry about this."

"If Genzaburo really wanted to smuggle firearms from Sakai Port, why would he buy them from Konishi?"

"Doesn't he know that Konishi is a retainer of the main family?"

With that, Hideyoshi Hashiba stood up and walked to Mitsunari Ishida's side. "I not only know that Genzaburo bought the arquebus from Konishi, but I also know that it was Katagiri Susaku who introduced it to him."

"Alright, let's drop this matter and not mention it again."

"But my lord..."

"Hmm?" Seeing that Ishida Mitsunari was still determined to press the matter, Hashiba Hideyoshi also became somewhat angry.

Ishida Mitsunari was undoubtedly the most capable of all of Hashiba Hideyoshi's retainers, but he was too rigid and inflexible in his approach.

Hideyoshi Hashiba often offended his colleagues because he was too serious, which left him quite helpless.

After all, Ishida Mitsunari was selfless and devoted to the public good, so it wouldn't be good for Hashiba Hideyoshi to discourage him, would it?
I will say it again.

"Our family need not interfere in the Sanada family's purchase of firearms."

"Even Genzaburo didn't bother me with such a trivial matter, so why would you, Sakichi, make me uncomfortable over this?"

Seeing that Hideyoshi Hashiba had already said so much, Mitsunari Ishida had no choice but to shut his mouth.

Watching Ishida Mitsunari's departing figure, Hashiba Hideyoshi felt both gratified and regretful. "If Sakichi had the same mindset as Genzaburo, I could rest easy from now on."

Sekigahara.

The area where Omi and Mino meet is also where the Hokuni, Higashikoku, and Ise-kaido roads converge, making it a necessary route for entering and leaving Kyoto.

When passing by, Nobuyuki Sanada made a special stop.

"Michiki, if a battle were to break out here, where would you deploy your troops?" Sanada Nobuyuki turned around and pointed to the surroundings, looking at Michiki on the mountain beside him.

Although Yamagami Michiki did not understand why Sanada Nobuyuki would ask such a question, he still observed carefully.

Not long after, Shan Shangdao pointed to a mountain behind him.

"This mountain is located at a strategic pass, offering both offensive and defensive advantages, making it a crucial point for controlling the capital."

"If I were a general, I would certainly deploy my troops here."

Teruhisa Yamagami was referring to Mount Sasao. Nobuyuki Sanada smiled but said nothing.

"However, if it is to cover the main camp, another force should be deployed at the three-way intersection ahead. This will not only tie down the enemy forces but also allow them to descend the mountain to attack the enemy's flanks after the battle breaks out."

"Furthermore, in order to guard against enemy forces that may come from the Ise direction, troops should also be stationed at the Yamaguchi Pass on the right side of the Ise Road," Teruhisa Yamagami analyzed seriously.

After hearing what Teruhisa Yamagami said, Nobuyuki Sanada couldn't help but glance at Teruhisa Yamagami a couple more times.

The two mountains that Teruhisa Yamagami just pointed to are Mount Nangu, where the Mori clan was stationed in history, and Mount Matsuo, where Hideaki Kobayakawa was stationed.

Goodness, did this guy read the script? Of course, Nobuyuki Sanada knew that was impossible, which only meant that Teruhisa Yamagami still had something up his sleeve.

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from behind Nobuyuki Sanada. When he turned around, he saw that it was Masanori Fukushima.

"Lord Fukushima, what's going on?" Nobuyuki Sanada looked at Masanori Fukushima, who had come running over covered in dust, with a puzzled expression.

Fukushima Masanori stopped beside Sanada Nobuyuki, dismounted, and said with an indignant expression, "Why did Lord Sanada leave without saying goodbye?"

"I originally planned to continue hosting Lord Sanada at Yoshino Tayu's place in a couple of days."

"I begged Yoshino Tayu for several days before he finally agreed."

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly explained, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Fukushima, but I really have a lot of things to do in Shinano."

"Next time, next time I go to Kyoto, I will definitely accompany Lord Fukushima until we're drunk."

Fukushima Masanori stepped forward and warmly put his arm around Sanada Nobuyuki's shoulder, then whispered in Sanada Nobuyuki's ear, "Since Lord Sanada is determined to leave, I will not try to stop him."

"However, I have not yet fully grasped the key points that Lord Sanada taught me that day."

"May I ask if Lord Sanada could instruct me further?"

Nobuyuki Sanada was speechless when he saw Fukushima Masanori's lewd expression.

So you came here for this after all?
"At this?"

"I have brought paper and pen with me, and I would be grateful if Lord Sanada would be so kind as to offer his guidance." Fukushima Masanori quickly took out paper, pen and ink from his pocket.

Sanada Nobuyuki had no choice but to squat down and write down some basic principles as requested by Fukushima Masanori.

The content is brief, but every word is precious.

It's a pity the details didn't pass the review, otherwise I could let my godfathers judge its quality.
"Alright, these are just some basic things. Lord Fukushima, please take them and try them out."

"If there's anything you still don't understand, I'll discuss it with Lord Fukushima after our next trip to Kyoto." Sanada Nobuyuki tossed the written text to Fukushima Masanori.

Fukushima Masanori carefully put the treasure into his pocket, then bowed deeply to Sanada Nobuyuki, saying, "Thank you so much, Lord Sanada, for sharing your knowledge. I am deeply grateful!"

"Please be sure to inform me in advance when Lord Sanada comes to Kyoto again."

"No problem, no problem." Nobuyuki Sanada waved his hand and quickly sent Masanori Fukushima away.

Distracted by Fukushima Masanori, Sanada Nobuyuki lost interest in staying in Sekigahara and the group hurried on their way to Kaneyama Castle.

They stopped for one night in Gifu Castle along the way, and soon arrived at Kinzan Castle, Mori Nagayoshi's residence.

"Hahahaha!"

"I heard from the servant that Genzaburo has come in person, so I rushed back from the hunting grounds without even having time to change my clothes. Please forgive me, Genzaburo."

Inside Jinshan City, Sen Changke, dressed in a raincoat and wearing a straw hat, walked in from outside, covered in sweat.

Before anyone arrives, the sound comes first.

"Lord Musashi looks quite well."

Mori Nagayoshi puffed out his chest. Having recently defeated the Toyama family and other dissenting local lords to unify the eastern Mino region, Mori Nagayoshi was naturally in a good mood.

"Genzaburo is coming from Kyoto again?"

“Yes, I’m preparing to return to Shinano, so I came to Kanesan Castle to pay my respects to Musashi-no-kami,” Sanada Nobuyuki replied with a smile.

Mori Nagayoshi warmly led Sanada Nobuyuki to the backyard, and then quickly had someone call Ikeda Chika out.

"Madam, quickly prepare the meal."

"Oh, it's Lord Sanada." After Ikeda Chi came out, she saw Sanada Nobuyuki standing next to Mori Nagayoshi and quickly greeted him.

Nobuyuki Sanada returned the greeting.

"It just so happens that my retainers brought some game today. Lord Sanada, you really are lucky to have arrived at the right time."

"By the way, should we call him Saizo?" Ikeda Chi looked at Mori Nagayoshi.

Sen Changke waved his hand, "That guy is still at the hunting grounds and doesn't want to come back, don't worry about him."

"Yes, then I will go and prepare." With that, Ikeda Chi turned and left with a smile.

Sanada Nobuyuki asked curiously, "Who is this Saizo?"

"Oh, Ke'er is hiding it."

"I previously served under Shibata Shuji and Akechi. After the Battle of Shizugatake, I fled Gifu Castle and am currently staying with the main family."

Speaking of Ke'er Caizang, Sen Changke also had a headache. "This Caizang is arrogant and haughty. He came to seek refuge with the main family, but he acts like a big shot."

"He eats a lot and has a bad temper. I really want to get rid of him as soon as possible."

"A person like that will only bring trouble to Jinshan City sooner or later!" Sen Changke sighed.

Upon hearing Mori Nagayoshi's words, Sanada Nobuyuki couldn't help but have some thoughts.

This Ke'er Cai Cang Ke is a fierce general, and judging from the meaning behind Sen Chang Ke's words, it seems...
"Is this samurai named Saizo now a retainer of Musashi no Kami?"

“No, that’s not it.” Mori Nagayoshi shook his head. “It’s just that we have some connections, and he had nowhere else to go, so we took him in temporarily.”

"I heard he's planning to seek refuge with Sanhao Sun Qilang, but I don't know when he'll set off."

Miyoshi Sonshichiro was the later Toyotomi Hidetsugu. At this time, because he was adopted by Miyoshi Yasunaga, he was still called Miyoshi Nobuyoshi.

"Is Saizo's salary high?" Sanada Nobuyuki then asked.

"Very low." After saying that, Mori Nagayoshi finally realized, "Could it be that you want to recruit him, Genzaburo?"

“Indeed.” Sanada Nobuyuki nodded. “I have few retainers under my command, and this is precisely the time when I need manpower.”

"Judging from what Musashi-no-kami just said, this Saizo must be a person of outstanding martial prowess, right?"

Mori Nagayoshi affirmed, "That's true."

“Cai Zang previously studied spearmanship under Zen Master Yin Rong of the Hōzō-in Temple of Kōfuku-ji in Yamato Province. He was outstanding in military strategy, and his martial prowess was no less than mine,” Mori Nagayoshi explained.

After saying that, Mori Nagayoshi said to Sanada Nobuyuki in a serious tone, "Saizo is a proud and arrogant person with an eccentric personality. If Genzaburo wants to recruit him, he should be prepared."

"It's alright. People with outstanding abilities are naturally extraordinary."

"Please ask Musashi-no-kami to make the introduction."

Sen Changke was not one to hesitate. He immediately summoned a servant and ordered him to go to the hunting grounds to fetch Ke'er Cai Zang.

By this time, the kitchen had already started serving the dishes, so Mori Nagayoshi pulled Sanada Nobuyuki along to eat while they waited.

A moment later, a burly warrior covered in mud appeared at the door.

Mori Naga glanced disdainfully at the doorway, barely suppressing his anger, and pointed at the person who had entered, saying to Sanada Nobuyuki, "This is Kazusazo."

　Kair Saizo: His real name was Kair Yoshinobu, and he was born in Kair District, Mino Province.

　　As a child, he studied the Hozoin-ryu spear technique at Kofukuji Temple and received the full transmission of Hozoin Inei's skills.

　　He later served briefly under Shibata Katsuie, Akechi Mitsuhide, Maeda Toshiie, and Mori Nagayoshi.

　　He later became a retainer of Oda Nobutaka, but after the Battle of Shizugatake, Oda Nobutaka committed suicide, and Kaji Saizo became a ronin.

　　Not long after, Ke'er Caizang joined Toyotomi Hidetsugu. During the Battle of Komaki-Nagakute, because she refused to give up her mount to Toyotomi Hidetsugu who was fleeing on foot, she was subsequently dismissed by Toyotomi Hidetsugu and became a ronin again.

　　He later served under Fukushima Masanori and distinguished himself in the Battle of Sekigahara.

　　Legend has it that Korchagin liked to carry a piece of bamboo with him when he went to war. Every time he killed someone, he would pluck a bamboo leaf and put it in the mouth of the dead person to indicate that Korchagin had killed him.

　　Therefore, Kajitsuzo is also known as "Sasa no Saizo", where Sasa means bamboo.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)