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

Chapter 125 Plotting against Hida, Cultivating a Junior Follower!
Hida Kingdom is located among mountains.

Hida is bordered by Etchu to the north, Echizen to the west, Mino to the south, and Shinano to the east.

This area is all high mountains and steep ridges, with almost no flat land to be found.

The limited farmland is scattered in a few small valleys, "sparsely populated and with few people," making it a barren land that even birds wouldn't bother with.

However, Hida is not entirely without merit; in addition to its abundant timber resources, it also has gold mines.

When Oda Nobunaga was building Azuchi Castle, the local people of Hida presented him with gold ingots, and afterwards Oda Nobunaga even sent someone to "thank" him.

He also subtly expressed his hope that Hida could become Oda's territory.

The local people of Hida were furious at Oda Nobunaga's proposal. "We're giving you money, and you still want our territory?"
After being rejected, Oda Nobunaga was furious and prepared to send troops to attack Hida directly.

However, after surveying the terrain of Hida and calculating the time, manpower, and provisions required for the attack, Oda Nobunaga abandoned the plan.

This lousy place is none of my business; let whoever wants to go there go. Oda Nobunaga simply doesn't have time to bother with it.

This is why, even after the Oda clan had defeated all the surrounding daimyo and destroyed the Takeda clan, Hida remained completely intact.

Inside Nakano Castle, Sanada Nobuyuki seemed to be deep in thought upon hearing the name "Hida".

I don't think I've ever paid any attention to this place that's right next to Shinano.

What is the current situation in Hida?

Izuura Morikiyo quickly replied, "After Honnoji last year, the Hida-no-Iekoji clan has been actively attacking hostile forces in the country."

"Around October of last year, the Anekoji clan mobilized 1000 troops to attack Takahara Suwa Castle, and the head of the Ema clan, Ema Terumori, led 300 troops to meet them."

"The two sides fought in the Hachikamachi area. The Ema clan suffered a great defeat, Ema Terumori was killed, and Takahara Suwa Castle was also captured by the Anagoji clan."

"In March of this year, Anagoji Yoritsuna, on the pretext of colluding with the Hashiba family to plot a rebellion, sent someone to assassinate Miki Akitsuna, the lord of Nabeyama Castle."

“Miki Akitsuna is also the younger brother of Anekoji Yoritsuna.” Izuura Morikiyo sighed as he said this.

The story of the Hida-no-Koji clan is also quite interesting; strictly speaking, they are the Miki clan.

Hida was formerly the territory of the Kyogoku family, a prestigious clan in Omi Province. The Kyogoku family held the hereditary title of Hida Guardian, and the Miki family were vassals of the Kyogoku family.

Later, Miki Yoshiyori and Miki Yoshitsuna of the Miki family actively donated money to the shogunate and the imperial court, and through a series of means, they finally seized the name of the family, Anekoji, and began to call themselves Anekoji.

Miki Yosuna changed his name to Anekoji Yoritsuna and hoped that the then Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru would petition the Imperial Court for the official position of "Chūnagon" (middle counselor), but the Imperial Court refused.

Although she later served as a "servant," Anekokōji Yoritsuna still referred to herself as a "Chūnagon."

The main point is that as long as I'm shameless, it's others who will be embarrassed.

"So, this Anagoji Yoritsuna has now taken control of the entire Hida region?" Sanada Nobuyuki asked after clarifying the situation in Hida.

Morikiyo Izuura nodded in agreement, "You could say that."

"However, it has only been a short time, and the remnants of the Hida people, including Ema, still exist. I heard that these people are planning to join the Hashiba family, hoping to use the Hashiba family's power to reclaim their former territories."

This is one of the advantages of having a ninja organization under your command; you can obtain various intelligence about the surrounding areas without even leaving your home.

"So what you mean to Ma Shou is that these people can be used by our family?"

"Wasn't Lord Genzaburo just worried about the gold mine?"

"Although these remnants of the Jiangma clan may not be useful to our main family, the artisans in their territory..." Izuura Morikiyo smiled.

Nobuyuki Sanada also laughed.

After seeing off Morikiyo Izuura, Nobuyuki Sanada returned to his residence.

A young samurai and Suzuki Kotaro stood facing each other in the courtyard, each holding a wooden sword, both covered in sweat.

"Kotaro, are you bullying Kumachiyo again?" Nobuyuki Sanada stood behind the two of them.

Upon hearing Sanada Nobuyuki's voice, the two quickly put down their wooden swords and bowed in respect.

"My lord, Xiong Qiandai insisted on teaching me military strategy. I couldn't argue with him, so I could only teach him a lesson in military tactics," Suzuki Kotaro said somewhat unconvinced.

A newbie kid who just arrived is studying military law every day and has the audacity to teach me.

Since Suzuki Kotaro couldn't win an argument, he had to resort to fists; otherwise, the newcomer would become the boss.

Sanada Nobuyuki chuckled upon hearing this, sat down on the floor under the eaves, and waved to Obata Kumachiyo.

"Kuma Chiyo, you even studied military law?"

"Ha!" Eleven-year-old Obata Chiyo was not tall; when she stood up, she was barely the same height as Sanada Nobuyuki, who was sitting down.

Nobuyuki Sanada laughed and asked, "Who did you learn all of that from?"

“My father taught me a lot when he was alive, and I have also studied the military formation diagrams left by my grandfather.”

"I've memorized the records of every battle the Takeda clan fought during the reign of Lord Shingen," Obata Kumachiyo said proudly, puffing out her chest.

Upon hearing this, Nobuyuki Sanada's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

If Kuma Chiyo wasn't lying, then this kid really does have some talent.

Could Obata be the compiler of "Koyo Gunkan", the founder of "Koshu-ryu Military Academy" during the Edo period, and the top braggart of the Takeda clan?
The reason why the Takeda clan was able to "become famous throughout the world" and why the so-called "Koshu-ryu military academy" was so popular during the Edo period was because a man named Obata Kagekiri wrote a book called "Koyo Gunkan" which made the Takeda clan seem like a superhuman.

Even the Tokugawa clan and various clans under the shogunate during the Edo period were learning the "Koshu-ryu military science," making it seem as if Takeda Shingen's military tactics were invincible.

Nobuyuki Sanada thought about it more and more and it seemed to make sense; otherwise, how could there be such a coincidence?

How do you have the Takeda clan's battle records from over the years?

Obata Kumachiyo quickly replied, "They were all passed down from my grandfather. My father collected them when he was the Kaizu Castle Governor."

“When my uncle led us to flee to Echigo, he also took these things with him. I’ve seen them since I was a child.”

Sanada Nobuyuki was now convinced that the Obata Kumachiyo in front of him was definitely the same Obata Kageki, without a doubt.

If that's true, then we really need to nurture him properly; he could definitely become a great general leading an army in the future.

"Kumachiyo, from today onwards, you will serve as my attendant."

The so-called "in-training" was mostly the son of a daimyo's retainer. During wartime, they were allowed to remain in the commander-in-chief's main camp to learn and observe troop deployment and battle command.

The "Kinshu" (近习) were often composed of many people and were called "Kinshu-shu-shu" (近习众). They were essentially military cadets or reserve officers, and were a way for daimyo to train young samurai in their households.

Upon seeing that Sanada Nobuyuki had asked her to serve as his attendant, Obata Kumachiyo, who was full of enthusiasm for learning, immediately knelt down on the ground with excitement, "Thank you, my lord!"

Kotaro Suzuki, who was standing nearby, was a little jealous.

Why? I was here first! "Kotaro, you too." Sanada Nobuyuki would not show favoritism, especially since Kotaro was loyal and caring towards him.

Suzuki Kotaro finally smiled again, and didn't forget to give Obata Kumachiyo a provocative look at the end.

"Alright, you can continue practicing military strategy."

Finally, Sanada Nobuyuki specifically instructed Kumachiyo, "Although military law is a must-know for samurai in marching and fighting, military strategy should not be neglected either."

“Genjiro and Saizo are both in the city. You can go and ask them for advice when you have time.”

When Nobuyuki Sanada spoke, Chiyo Kuma immediately became serious and quickly said that she understood.

At the same time, he could also feel the high hopes that Nobuyuki Sanada had for him, and a burning look flashed in his eyes.

Winter was fast approaching in Shinano.

Heavy snow blocked the mountains and roads, and everything in the territory seemed to have been put on pause.

Before winter, the retainers of the Sanada family and the local lords of Shinano moved to Ueda Castle, and Sanada Nobuyuki was no exception.

The entire Sanada family gathered at the Sanada House in Ueda Castle, with a group of people surrounding the hearth.

Everyone except Yazawa Yoritsuna, who was stationed at Numata Castle, was here.

Sanada Masayuki sat in the main seat, with his brothers Sanada Nobuyuki and Sanada Nobushige on either side. Their grandmother sat further inside, holding a blanket, while Mrs. Muramatsu and Oyamada Shigeaki sat side by side below.

Koyuki and the other women sat in the outermost circle. Among them was Atori, the daughter of Takanashi Naiki, who had just become Sanada Nobushige's concubine. Atori and Koyuki were cousins.

"I wonder how Mother is doing in Osaka. She hasn't written to me in a long time." Mrs. Muramatsu suddenly mentioned Lord Yamate in the crowd.

Sanada Masayuki's lips twitched, and then he said with some pain, "Kaoru's expenses are getting bigger and bigger. Last month, she actually asked me for 200 kan, and it had to be in gold."

"Does being a hostage in Osaka Castle cost this much money?" Sanada Nobushige, standing to the side, gaped in astonishment. He recalled that if it weren't for Uesugi Kagekatsu's financial support in Echigo, he would have starved to death long ago with the meager amount of money Sanada Masayuki had given him.

Sanada Nobuyuki looked at Sanada Masayuki with amusement, "Father, why don't you mention that Mother also secured a position as Grand Steward for you?"

"Hahahaha!" Sanada Masayuki's true colors were revealed; he was deliberately showing off. "That's right, everyone. Last month, the Imperial Court issued its official appointment, and I am now a Grand Steward of the Imperial Kitchen, a rank below Fourth Grade!"

Oh!
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present gasped in amazement.

Last month, the regent Ichijo Naki suddenly visited Shinano, bringing with him an imperial edict of appointment and official robes and seals, and sought out Sanada Masayuki.

Perhaps Yamate-dono's activities in Kyoto had been effective, and Sanada Masayuki's long-cherished dream of becoming a Grand Steward of the Imperial Kitchen had finally come to fruition.

To express his gratitude, Masayuki Sanada specially gifted Ichijo a fine horse, which moved Ichijo deeply.

Since Chosokabe Motochika destroyed the Ichijo family of Tosa, the Ichijo family's quality of life in Kyoto has plummeted.

If we take this horse back to Kyoto, it can fetch at least ten kan, enough to feed a family for a long time.

The official position of Daizen Daifu (大膳大夫) has special significance in the Koshin region; it was held by Takeda Shingen.

Congratulations, Father!

"Congratulations, Father-in-law." Hoshina Masamitsu's voice was the loudest. He was sitting near the door, as if afraid that Sanada Masayuki wouldn't hear him.

Sanada Masayuki nodded with satisfaction; this was exactly the feeling he wanted.

Sanada Nobuyuki was also drawn to Hoshina Masamitsu's voice, and then said to Hoshina Masamitsu, "Brother-in-law, I heard that there's been a lot of discussion in Ina District lately about the new military service regulations."

Is the resistance significant?

Masamitsu Hoshina moved forward slightly and then answered in a serious tone, "After the law was promulgated, many people in the country had strong opinions about this matter."

"However, the main reason is that the weapons and equipment cannot be replenished in time. Once the subsequent inventory work is completed, the problem will be solved."

"I am in dire need of thirty arquebuses. I heard that Genzaburo bought a batch from Sakai Port. I wonder if he could share some with me?"

The Hoshina family's military service was mandated to provide 50 arquebusiers, a matter that was giving Hoshina Masamitsu a headache.

“The ones we bought before have already been assigned to the foot soldiers. If my brother-in-law needs them, I can order another batch from Sakai Port.”

“But the earliest we can get there is next spring. Brother-in-law, why don’t you ask Father for some?” Sanada Nobuyuki’s gaze swept over Sanada Masayuki, who was standing to the side.

This old man is getting stingier and stingier. Sanada Nobuyuki has approached Sanada Masayuki several times, wanting a batch of guku, but Sanada Masayuki has completely ignored him.

With Masamitsu Hoshina around this time, we absolutely have to get some gold coins from Old Deng.

"Cough cough!"

Feeling a little flustered by the stares of Masamitsu Hoshina and Nobuyuki Sanada, Masayuki Sanada coughed twice and then said, "There are quite a few arquebuses in Ueno, but the situation in Kanto is also very tense recently, and the Hojo clan is mobilizing on a large scale."

"I heard that the Hojo clan has purchased more than a thousand arquebuses. It seems they will launch an offensive soon."

“Our main clan is also preparing for war in Ueno, and we don’t have any extra arquebuses to give you for the time being.” Sanada Masayuki looked at Hoshina Masamitsu with a helpless expression.

Masamitsu Hoshina sighed, "In that case, we'll have to find another nationality to exchange for."

“Brother-in-law, don’t be anxious. Father has already given clear orders that there will be no punishment for failing to complete the new military service on the first attempt. Take your time,” Sanada Nobuyuki quickly reassured him.

The new military service system promulgated by the Sanada family had too many implications. In order to prevent resistance from the retainers and the people of the country, Sanada Masayuki made a special provision that those who failed to complete their first military service would be exempt from punishment.

Without this regulation, Shinano Province would probably be in an uproar by now.

"If you have important business to discuss, could you please find another place to talk about it? Today is a rare opportunity for the whole family to get together, so could you please refrain from discussing politics?"

At this moment, Kyouun-in, with his white hair, stood up and walked shakily toward Sanada Masayuki.

Sanada Masayuki quickly offered his seat to his elderly mother, then said apologetically, "Yes, yes, Mother is absolutely right."

"Come, come, sit closer. I have prepared gifts for everyone."

"They were all bought from Echigo; everyone has one."

The atmosphere inside the room then became lively, with everyone smiling as they received gifts from Masayuki Sanada.

Sanada Nobuyuki watched the harmonious scene inside the house with a smile, but his thoughts had already drifted off to who-knows-where.

The New Year is almost here, and this is Nobuyuki Sanada's second New Year here.

Is the twelfth year of Tianzheng finally approaching?

　Regarding the "Jiayang Military Mirror": There is no specific historical evidence to prove that the "Jiayang Military Mirror" was actually written; there are many different opinions.

　　Kira is more inclined to believe that it was not compiled by a single person, but rather by a compilation of various military deployments and battle records passed down from the Takeda clan over the years, which were then collected and summarized by Obata Kagenori.

　　Therefore, Obata Kagekiri is probably not the creator, but rather the editor. Of course, this is just Kira's own opinion and may not be entirely accurate.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)