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

Chapter 121 Ueda Castle, the Sanada family's new stronghold!
Inside the Nakano-kan.

Sanada Nobuyuki warmly welcomed the man back to his residence. After firing only two shots, Sanada Nobuyuki was deeply impressed by the man's superb marksmanship.

Firearms, which were widely deployed during the later stages of Japan's Sengoku period, remained the mainstay of the battlefield.

Having a well-trained and skilled arquebusier unit under one's command can play a decisive role in suppressing enemy forces on the battlefield.

"Isn't Ichimakuzai your real name?" Sanada Nobuyuki couldn't help but ask as he poured the other man a bowl of sake.

Since the other party did not reveal their real name immediately, it was probably because they did not want to expose their identity in public. Therefore, Sanada Nobuyuki waited until he returned to his residence before asking.

The man indeed showed his gratitude to Sanada Nobuyuki before bowing formally and saying, "I am Inafumi Iga no Kami Sukenao of Tango Province, greetings to Lord Sanada Hyogo."

Inatomi Yunao?

"I've never heard of this name before," Nobuyuki Sanada said, looking completely bewildered.

Inatomi Yuzuru continued his introduction, "I was originally a retainer of the Isshiki clan, the daimyo of Tango Province. My grandfather was Inatomi Sagami-no-kami, the lord of Yumiki Castle."

"During the Honnoji Incident, Hosokawa Fujitaka and his son tricked their lord to Miyazu Castle and killed him, and the Isshiki family was subsequently destroyed."

"I was unwilling to serve my enemies, so I left Tango and wandered around Kyoto, Sakai and other places."

"My arrival here was merely by chance, and I apologize for any rudeness I may have shown earlier, Lord Sanada."

After hearing Inatomi Hironobu's explanation, Sanada Nobuyuki quickly expressed his understanding.

Then, Nobuyuki Sanada asked, "So, what are Iga no Kami's plans after this?"

"I originally planned to find a place to become a monk, and I even thought of a Dharma name: Yimengzhai."

"Isn't this what I'm doing, traveling around looking for a place to stay?" With that, Inatomi Takanao downed the drink in his cup in one gulp.

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly continued pouring sake, asking as he did so, "Iga no Kami's skill just now amazed everyone; he must have a deep understanding of the art of firearms, right?"

"To be honest, I learned my artillery skills from my grandfather." When mentioning his grandfather, Inatomi Yuichi immediately showed admiration. "My grandfather studied artillery under Sasaki Shōsukejirō. Sasaki Shōsuke once traveled across the ocean to Ming China to study artillery, and returned to Japan after achieving some success."

"After that, my grandfather devoted his life to the study of artillery. My father died early and then passed on his artillery skills to me."

Although Sanada Nobuyuki did not know the grandfather that Inatomi Susanoo mentioned or that Sasaki, if he was indeed a "student who returned from studying in the Ming Dynasty," then he must have some knowledge.

"It's a pity that the Isshiki family is no more. All that my grandfather learned in his life is about to be buried in my hands," Inatomi Takunao said with a regretful expression.

"Has Iga no Kami ever considered returning to public service?"

Inatomi Shunao put down his wine glass and said with a serious expression, "Not long ago, Lord Hashiba of Kyoto wanted me to serve as Hosokawa Yoichiro's artillery instructor, but I really do not want to serve my enemy."

"But I can't afford to offend Lord Hashiba, and this is what's troubling me."

I don't know Sanada Nobuyuki at all, but I know Hashiba Hideyoshi and Hosokawa Tadaoki very well.

If someone who could be valued by Hideyoshi Hashiba and appointed as Hosokawa Tadaoki's artillery instructor were to be let go so easily, Sanada Nobuyuki would probably wake up in the middle of the night and slap himself for it.
"I wonder if Iga no Kami would be willing to serve as the commander of the clan's arquebusiers?"

"As you can see, I just bought a batch of firearms from Sakai Port, and I was worried that there was no one in my family who could take on this important task."

“Since Iga no Kami has nowhere to go for the time being, how about you condescend to serve under our clan?” Sanada Nobuyuki looked at him expectantly.

Inatomi Takunao glanced at Sanada Nobuyuki with surprise, "Isn't Lord Sanada afraid of offending Lord Hashiba because of this?"

"Haha, I'm afraid you don't know, but my position as the fifth-rank Hyogo-no-kami was actually requested by Lord Hashiba himself."

Upon hearing this, Inatomi Yuta realized that the person in front of him was also a favorite of Hashiba Hideyoshi.

"I will only stay in Shinano for three months, during which time I will train 300 samurai who can skillfully operate arquebuses for Lord Sanada."

"Furthermore, I also possess a unique gunpowder formula, which I can give to the Sanada family for free."

"By configuring gunpowder in this way, we can reduce the loss of saltpeter and ensure that the gunpowder burns completely, thus reducing the chance of a barrel explosion," Inato Yuichi said confidently.

Sanada Nobuyuki's eyes lit up immediately. "Is this really true?"

The arquebuses used in Japan during the Sengoku period were muzzle-loading, relying on a matchlock to ignite gunpowder and propel the projectile. However, due to Japan's technological level, gunpowder ratios, overall design, high frequency of use leading to barrel overheating, gunpowder residue, and other issues, they were highly prone to barrel explosions.

To solve this problem, the common method is to use a "three-stage firing" method.

Simply put, the arquebusiers were divided into groups of three: one was responsible for firing, one for loading, and the other for adjusting the arquebus.

After being divided into groups, the three muskets took turns firing, which shortened the firing interval and prevented the barrel from overheating, gunpowder residue, and other problems that could lead to a barrel explosion if the same musket was fired continuously.

Inato Sukehiro claims he has a unique gunpowder formula, which is indeed very attractive.

"Since Lord Inafumi is willing to teach me how to firearms, I should treat him with the respect due to a teacher."

"No, no, I am but a prison guard. I only wish that my family's traditional skills would be lost forever."

"If my Inafumi-ryu artillery technique can be carried forward by the Sanada family, my grandfather can rest in peace."

Having dealt with Inatomi Susanoo, Sanada Nobuyuki immediately summoned Hatsushikano Masaji and instructed him to divide the samurai from Kai into groups.

Those skilled in mounted combat were assigned to Sanada Nobushige to form the Red Guard; those skilled in using arquebuses remained under Inatomi Sukenao to learn; and those skilled in close combat using spears and katana were assigned to Kana Saizo.

Nobuyuki Sanada aims to establish his own direct command force in the shortest possible time.

The situation in the Kinai region is not peaceful right now, and I believe it won't be long before Toyotomi Hideyoshi's letter reaches Shinano.

September arrived quickly, and Ueda Castle was finally completed thanks to the tireless efforts of tens of thousands of laborers working day and night. Sanada Nobuyuki also went to Ueda Castle with the prepared laws governing the division of the country.

Heading south along the Chikuma River, a brand new castle located in Uedada-daira comes into view.

The castle town was still under construction, but it was already taking shape. Passing through the bustling crowd, Nobuyuki Sanada arrived at the Otemon Gate of Ueda Castle.

Looking at the "magnificent" city gate before him, Sanada Nobuyuki couldn't help but sigh, "The Sanada family finally has a decent place to call their own."

"It's Lord Genzaburo, open the door quickly." Some samurai were not yet used to addressing Sanada Nobuyuki by his official title, Hyogo-no-kami, but Sanada Nobuyuki did not care.

Upon entering Ueda Castle, Nobuyuki Sanada soon spotted Masayuki Sanada lost in thought under a tree.

"Father."

"Gensaburo, you've arrived." Sanada Masayuki turned around and, seeing it was Sanada Nobuyuki, stood up as well, pointing to the second-floor castle tower not far away. "Let's go, let's go see the main family's new residence!"

Following behind Sanada Masayuki, the two of them climbed up the castle tower together.

Given the Sanada family's financial resources and time constraints, the main area of ​​Ueda Castle was not large, and the castle tower was only a two-story tower.

Standing atop the castle tower and surveying the entire castle, one can have a complete view of Ueda Castle.

This is a terraced castle, with the main keep located in the southern part of the castle, and the second keep surrounding it. An outer gate was built at the east side of the second keep, and a moat was built outside the outer gate, with water drawn from the Chikuma River to serve as a moat.

Each of the four corners of the castle had a watchtower, while a separate curved platform was built on the west side. This curved platform was mainly used as a warehouse and garrison for Ueda Castle.

The castle town section is located in the southeast corner of the castle. This area is relatively flat and suitable for the expansion of the castle town.

Standing on the castle tower and looking northeast, you can still vaguely see the outline of Toishi Castle.

"How about it, Genzaburo? Does the castle I personally designed and supervised deserve to be called a magnificent castle?" Sanada Masayuki stroked his beard with a smug look, clearly extremely satisfied with the Ueda Castle beneath his feet.

Nobuyuki Sanada really didn't want to discourage Masayuki Sanada, so he suggested, "Why don't you go and see Osaka Castle, Dad? After you see it, you'll understand what a difference there is."

However, judging solely from the castle itself, Ueda Castle designed by Sanada Masayuki was indeed excellent; otherwise, Takeda Katsuyori would not have entrusted Sanada Masayuki with the construction of the new castle.

"It is indeed a nice city."

“With this Ueda Castle, the main family’s rule in Shinano will become even more secure,” Sanada Nobuyuki said slowly.

Sanada Masayuki nodded, then turned to Sanada Nobuyuki, "You haven't been to this small prefecture in a long time. I'm afraid you didn't come here for Ueda Castle today?"

"As expected, nothing can be hidden from Father."

"That's right, the specific clauses of the national law have been compiled, and we're just waiting for Father to review them." Sanada Nobuyuki smiled, his hard work over the years finally paying off.

Sanada Masayuki, unable to wait any longer, asked, "Where?"

"Kotaro has already moved the items to the evaluation room."

"go!"

Sanada Masayuki rushed to the assessment room, where Suzuki Kotaro had already neatly arranged stacks of documents on the desk.

"so much?"

Sanada Masayuki couldn't help but exclaim in surprise at the pile of books on the table, then sat down and began to peruse them. Sanada Nobuyuki, on the other hand, stood obediently to the side, patiently waiting.

As the documents were turned page by page, Sanada Masayuki's expression gradually became serious.

After reading the top layer, Sanada Nobuyuki quickly said, "Father, what you just read was about the laws governing the territory, which were perfected by combining the laws of the Takeda family as recorded by Lord Hoshina Danjo.

"The next layer contains the newly revised military law, which was formulated by Lord Kawahara and my uncle. I have categorized and summarized it."

"This last layer is the military service regulations I formulated. From now on, all areas in Shinano and Ueno will be responsible for military service in accordance with these regulations."

"Father, take your time looking at it. There's still plenty of time."

After Nobuyuki Sanada finished his introduction, Masayuki Sanada swallowed back what he was about to say and obediently continued flipping through the pages.

Half an hour later, Sanada Masayuki rubbed his sore eyes and said with a sigh, "Gensaburo, you really prepared a surprise for the main family."

"Compared to that, Ueda Castle is nothing to mention."

　Inatomi Yushinao: A retainer of the Tango Isshiki family. His grandfather, Inatomi Yushinpei, was a senior retainer of the Isshiki family and the lord of Yumiki Castle.

　　He learned firearms from Inatomi Yushu from a young age and was highly skilled, capable of hitting a willow leaf from a hundred paces away.

　　He once went to the altar of the Great God of the Heavenly Bridge in Tango to worship, and fasted for 17 days, during which time he came up with a unique method of "blind shooting".

　　In addition, he can determine the location of birds by listening to their chirping in the house, and thus shoot them down without seeing them.

　　It is said that he can hit the bullseye every time, even if he covers his eyes with a towel.

　　After the Isshiki family was destroyed, he became Hosokawa Tadaoki's artillery instructor at the urging of Hashiba Hideyoshi.

　　During Japan's invasion of Korea, Inatomi Takunao also participated in the war and was very active.

　　In battle, he earned the nickname "Double-Armored Warrior" because he could move nimbly across the battlefield while wearing double-layered armor.

　　During the Battle of Sekigahara, he was assigned by Hosokawa Tadaoki to protect Akechi Tamako. However, Akechi Tamako later committed suicide, and Hosokawa Tadaoki ordered Inatomi to be put on the wanted list.

　　Tokugawa Ieyasu admired Inatomi Susanoo's artillery skills and specially pardoned him.

　　Afterwards, Inatomi Takunao served the Tokugawa Shogunate and participated in improving the gun-making technology in Kunitomo Village.

　　He taught artillery techniques to Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tokugawa Hidetada, Matsudaira Tadayoshi, Date Masamune, Asano Yukinaga, and others, and carried forward the Inatomi-ryu artillery technique.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)