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

Chapter 132 The Widow, Ikeda Chi

"Did you hear that?"

"what?"

"That Sanada Hyogo-no-kami from Shinano actually managed to snatch the body of Musashi-no-kami from tens of thousands of enemy soldiers all by himself."

"What do you mean tens of thousands? There were clearly tens of thousands of people. People from the village next to my brother-in-law's family saw it with their own eyes."

"Wow, as expected of samurai wearing red armor. This group of people are all dressed in red armor and red helmets, just like the Red Guards of the Takeda clan back then. They are really amazing."

Outside Obata Castle in Owari Province, a group of foot soldiers from the Hashiba Army pointed and gestured at the Sanada clan's Red Cavalry.

Now everyone knows that the Nagakute army has been defeated and that generals Mori Nagayoshi and Ikeda Tsuneoki have been killed in battle, and a sense of fear has spread throughout the Hashiba army.

At this point, someone spread the rumor, exaggerating the story of Sanada Nobuyuki taking Mori Nagayoshi's body into a tale of a lone rider entering an army as if it were nothing, which amused Sanada Nobuyuki.

"Lord Sanada, the lord requests your presence." Katagiri Katsumoto arrived at the Sanada family's camp and found Sanada Nobuyuki.

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly dismounted and tossed his helmet and spear to Sanada Nobushige, who was standing nearby.

"Lord Katagiri, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

"Have you been to Yoshino Tayu's place lately?" Sanada Nobuyuki stepped forward and patted Katagiri Katsumoto on the shoulder affectionately, then gave him a knowing look.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Katagiri Katsumoto's face. He then subconsciously glanced around and, finding no one paying attention, whispered, "I went there secretly. Because of Lord Sanada, I was allowed to enter."

"However, the expenses are too high, and I have only been there once." Katagiri Katsumoto held up one finger with an embarrassed expression.

"Really?" Nobuyuki Sanada feigned disbelief.

Katagiri Katsumoto hesitated for a moment, then slowly extended another finger. "Hehe, twice."

"When I go to Kyoto next time, I will definitely take Lord Katagiri inside to see it!"

Katagiri Katsumoto's eyes lit up. "Is this really true?"

Indeed, the allure of "going upstairs" to men remains unchanged throughout history.

"Of course I take it seriously."

As they spoke, they arrived at Hideyoshi's main camp. Sanada Nobuyuki straightened his battle robe before lifting the protective barrier and walking in with his head down.

Upon seeing Sanada Nobuyuki enter, the samurai in the main camp all turned their gazes toward him.

Some people's eyes were filled with shock, while others' eyes were filled with doubt.

"Nobuyuki Sanada greets Lord Hashiba!"

"Oh, my Hyogo has arrived!" Hideyoshi Hashiba quickly waved to Nobuyuki Sanada, signaling him to come closer.

After Sanada Nobuyuki moved forward a little, Hashiba Hideyoshi smiled and said, "I have investigated the course of the Battle of Nagakute. Hyogo has done a great job in retrieving Musashi-no-kami's body from the enemy's encirclement."

"Just name your reward!" Hideyoshi Hashiba said generously.

Sanada Nobuyuki straightened his back and replied with a serious expression, "Musashi-no-kami has treated me very well. He and I were like brothers back in Shinano."

"I only regret that I could not have arrived at the battlefield sooner, which led to Lord Musashi's unfortunate death. This is my fault."

"Retrieving the body is already an act of atonement; how dare we speak of further rewards?"

Upon hearing Sanada Nobuyuki's words, the samurai present were immediately filled with respect.

Hideyoshi Hashiba's beard twitched, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. "I never imagined that Hyogo and Musashi no Kami had such a deep relationship. Such words and deeds truly deserve the praise of Musashi no Kami for his loyalty and integrity in Shinshu."

"Kyutaro has already reported on the course of the Battle of Nagakute. This battle was caused by our army's improper deployment, which allowed the Tokugawa clan to discover our movements in advance."

"The Sanada family went through great trouble to come from Shinano to join the war and lifted the siege of Iwamura Castle. How can the deaths of Musashi-no-kami and Kii-no-kami be blamed on the Sanada family?"

After Hideyoshi Hashiba finished speaking, Hidemasa Hori, who was sitting to the side, sighed inwardly. While Hideyoshi Hashiba appeared to be talking about Nobuyuki Sanada, he was secretly blaming himself.

But this really isn't my fault. It's all because of your good nephew. His 9000-strong army was crushed in one battle by Yasumasa Kambara's 4000 men.

If I hadn't remained calm under pressure, the casualties in the Battle of Nagakute would have been far more than two or three thousand.

Of course, Hori Hidemasa dared not say these things to his face, but could only say in a low voice, "Firstly, we underestimated the enemy and acted rashly, and secondly, the Tokugawa clan's Hattori followers in the Owari and Mikawa areas were well-informed, which led to this defeat."

Taking the blame is out of the question.

Miyoshi Nobuyoshi is Hideyoshi's nephew, so we can't pin the blame on him. Hori Hidemasa certainly didn't do anything too wrong either, so the responsibility must lie with Mori Nagayoshi and Ikeda Tsuneoki.

Since the dead can't speak anyway, the phrase "underestimating the enemy and acting rashly" wasn't explicitly stated, but it was practically a tacit admission.

He also mentioned that the Tokugawa family was well-informed, implying that Lord Hashiba's decision was correct and that the enemy was simply too cunning.

Sanada Nobuyuki glanced at Hori Hidemasa, and sure enough, none of those who managed to rise to prominence under Oda Nobunaga were simple men.

"Okay, now is not the time to talk about this."

Hideyoshi Hashiba simply turned the page on the matter. After all, it was Ikeda Tsuneoki and Mori Nagayoshi who died, not his own direct subordinates. The more bigwigs from the Kiyosu Conference died, the more influence he would have within the Oda clan.

Speaking of which, it seems that Gorozaemon-no-jo is also seriously ill and will not live much longer. As expected, I, Hideyoshi, am the one destined by Heaven!

Thinking of this, Hideyoshi Hashiba's mood immediately improved.

"It's getting late. Let's rest outside the city for today and attack Obata Castle tomorrow."

"I, Hideyoshi, will surely punish Tokugawa and avenge Kii no Kami and the others!"

No sooner had Hideyoshi Hashiba finished speaking than an envoy, covered in sweat, ran in from outside.

"My lord, Komakiyama reports that the Tokugawa army has returned to Komakiyama Castle overnight, and there are no enemy troops left in Obata Castle!"

Hideyoshi Hashiba:
Hideyoshi Hashiba was completely devastated.

From the moment he decided to divide his forces in Mikawa, he was constantly led by the nose by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and was always on the defensive. Despite having more than twice the military strength of the enemy, he had nowhere to use his forces.

Hideyoshi Hashiba was immediately overwhelmed with a deep sense of powerlessness.

"Withdraw troops."

Hideyoshi Hashiba, barely suppressing his anger, issued the order.

Since Tokugawa Ieyasu has already returned to Komakiyama Castle, there is no need for him to stay here any longer.

That night, the Hashiba army returned to Rakuten Castle in low spirits.

The Sanada family also received Hideyoshi Hashiba's help, and were given some food and fodder. Their camp was set up outside Rakuda Castle.

However, today wasn't all bad news. While the battle in Owari wasn't progressing smoothly, in the Ise direction, Hideyoshi's younger brother, Hidenaga, was making great strides.

The capture of Matsushima Castle, an important castle in Ise Province under Oda Nobuo's control, by Hashiba Hidenaga was good news that boosted morale.

However, this good news was for Hideyoshi Hashiba. The deaths of Tsuneoki Ikeda and Nagayoshi Mori were undoubtedly disastrous for Mino.

The sudden loss of two powerful leaders, one of whom was a key figure appointed at the Kiyosu Conference, dealt a severe blow to Mino.

As the news spread, an uproar ensued in Letian City.

The problem facing Toyotomi Hideyoshi now is that he must stabilize the situation in Mino as soon as possible. This is the front line against the combined forces of Oda Nobuo and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it absolutely cannot be allowed to descend into chaos.

If people's hearts are lost, it will be difficult to lead the team.

The following day, during the military council at Rakuten Castle, Hideyoshi Hashiba summoned all the main samurai who had participated in the battle.

"Gentlemen, although the deaths of Kii no Kami and Owari no Kami have cost our army two great generals, you need not be discouraged."

"In Ise, Koichiro has already captured Matsushima Castle, and the enemy has suffered heavy losses."

Hideyoshi Hashiba first reported on the results of the battle in Ise to stabilize morale.

Afterwards, Hideyoshi Hashiba searched through the crowd again and finally found Terumasa Ikeda at the very back.

"Sanzaemon!"

When his name was called, Terumasa Ikeda trembled, then walked out full of anticipation.

"It is truly a pity that your father, Kii no Mori, bravely died."

"However, the loyalty and courage of the Ikeda family must not be broken. Your father and brothers are both dead, and from now on, the Ikeda family will depend on you to support it," Hideyoshi Hashiba encouraged.

Ikeda Terumasa suppressed his excitement and was about to express his loyalty when Hashiba Hideyoshi continued, "You were the lord of Ōgaki Castle before, so you shall inherit the territory of Nishinō."

This is what Hideyoshi meant by "the land he has annexed." When he said this, he had a smile on his face, as if to say: "See how generous I am?"

Terumasa Ikeda was speechless. "My father died fighting for you, and all I got was a stable job as a commander?"
You promised to give Owari as a bonus to the Ikeda family, what a stingy guy! And the thing is, I should thank you, right?

"Thank you so much, Lord Hashiba Chikuzen!" Terumasa Ikeda could only show a look of deep gratitude.

Strictly speaking, although the Ikeda family was one of the bigwigs in the Kiyosu Conference, their abilities were actually quite low.

Before the Honnoji Incident, Ikeda Tsuneoki's territory in Settsu consisted of only tens of thousands of koku. After the Honnoji Incident, his territory was increased to around 120,000 koku.

After the Battle of Shizugatake was fought against Shibata Katsuie, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, whether to control Sakai Port or to build Osaka Castle, transferred Ikeda Tsuneoki to Mino.

Although Mino is considered a prosperous area, it is still inferior to Osaka Bay.
However, if Ikeda Tsuneoki wanted to have a voice within the Oda Group, he did need to rely on Hashiba Hideyoshi, so he had no choice but to go to Mino.

The key is that you, Hideyoshi Hashiba, could at least be a little more generous. I gave you such a good place as Settsu, and you only gave my Ikeda family an extra 10,000 koku?

After the family moved to Mino, the Ikeda family's rice yield increased from 12 to 13, but it was still very low.

If it weren't for Hideyoshi Hashiba's promise to give Owari to the Ikeda clan after defeating Oda Nobuoka, Ikeda Tsuneoki would never have wanted to send troops.

Now that the person is dead, all they've done is put up a show of force, and they haven't even gotten my father's body back yet.

Ikeda Terumasa had already cursed Hashiba Hideyoshi several times in his heart.

After stepping down, Hideyoshi Hashiba readjusted his tone and said with deep sorrow, "Next is about Higashi Mino. Musashi no Kami, along with his father, brothers, and several others, all died for the Oda family, truly a family of loyal martyrs."

"At present, the Mori family's territory is still being ravaged by enemy troops, and a new leader must be established as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Nobuyuki Sanada, who was sitting below, touched the suicide note of Nagayoshi Mori in his arms, which he had forgotten to take out yesterday.

Before Sanada Nobuyuki could speak, Hashiba Hideyoshi, sitting in the main seat, held up a letter and said sadly, "Musashi-no-kami was prepared to die before going into battle and wrote his last words in advance."

As he spoke, Hideyoshi Hashiba slowly unfolded his will. "Musashi-no-kami said in his last words that he hoped I would decide the fate of the Mori family's territory."

"Musashi no Kami also said that his son was too young to manage the household, and his younger brother could serve the family. As for the place of Kinzan Castle, a reliable person should be chosen to be in charge."

"These last words were presented by Shin'emon, the elder of the Mori clan." Hideyoshi pointed to a person in the crowd.

Hayashi Tōan and Hayashi Michū immediately stepped forward. This Hayashi Tōan was a retainer of Mino Province, and shared the same name as Hayashi Tōan (father of Hayashi Hidesada), a retainer during the reign of Oda Nobuhide.

"This will was indeed written by our lord when he left Jinshan City. I never imagined that his words would come true," Lin Tong'an and his son said with sorrow.

Hayashi Tōan's daughter was Mori Yoshinari's wife; in other words, Hayashi Tōan was Mori Nagayoshi's maternal grandfather. His coming forward proved that what Hashiba Hideyoshi said was true.

After hearing this, everyone present showed expressions of regret.

The samurai of the Oda Group held the Mori family in high esteem, with Mori Yoshinari being a formidable general from the beginning.

Mori Yoshinari died a heroic death in the battle against the combined forces of Asai and Asakura, outnumbered and outgunned. His eldest son, Mori Yoshinaka, also died in Omi.

During the Honnoji Incident, the three Mori brothers, Ranmaru, Nagashi, and Nagataka, also died alongside Oda Nobunaga. Including Nagayoshi, who died yesterday, the Mori family has lost six members of the family in battle, making them a family of loyal martyrs.

"How could I, Hideyoshi, bear to let the Mori family lose its territory, given their loyalty and bravery?" With tears in his eyes, Hideyoshi said emotionally, "Therefore, I have decided that the Mori family name will be inherited by Musashi no Kami's younger brother, Senchiyo, and that the territory of Kinzan Castle will be secured."

Oh!
For a moment, the warriors below all showed expressions of amazement.

Lord Hashiba is truly kind and righteous.

After Hideyoshi Hashiba finished speaking, he glanced at Nobuyuki Sanada in the crowd, and Sanada quickly looked away.

Hori Hidemasa, standing to the side, twitched his lips and shook his head slightly, his gaze meeting that of Sanada Nobuyuki below. Sanada Nobuyuki nodded, and Hori Hidemasa also nodded slightly.

"However, Senchiyo is still young, so from now on, Shin'emon and his son will serve as her tutors and do their best to assist her."

"Ha!" Lin Tong'an and his son Lin Weizhong immediately accepted the order.

Having resolved the succession issues of the Ikeda and Mori families, Hideyoshi Hashiba felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. He then waved his hand, indicating he was somewhat tired, and the military council adjourned.

The samurai left the judging room one after another, and Sanada Nobuyuki felt somewhat heavy-hearted.

"Sanada Hyogo-sama."

Just as he stepped out of the evaluation room, a voice called out to Sanada Nobuyuki from behind.

Sanada Nobuyuki turned around and saw Hori Hidemasa.

When Sanada Nobuyuki first went to Kyoto, he met Hori Hidemasa at Kiyosu Castle, but they didn't have much of a relationship.

"So it's Lord Hori."

“During the military council just now, I noticed that Lord Sanada’s expression was off. Could it be that he is dissatisfied with Lord Hashiba’s arrangements?” Hori Hidemasa led Sanada Nobuyuki to a corner.

Sanada Nobuyuki calmly replied, "What makes you say that, Lord Hori?"

"I have heard that Lord Sanada and Musashi-no-kami are close friends and that he has visited Kinzan Castle many times."

"This time, you even retrieved Musashi no Kami's body amidst a vast army. Such friendship is as steadfast as gold and stone." Hori Hidemasa looked at Sanada Nobuyuki with admiration. "Just now, Lord Hashiba did not allow Musashi no Kami's son to inherit the family name. Isn't Lord Sanada angry?"

"Since Musashi-no-kami has already left a will, authorizing Lord Hashiba to handle the Mori clan's territory with full authority, how dare I interfere?"

"Moreover, Lord Hashiba took pity on the Musashi family's loyalty and could not bear to take back the Mori clan's territory. He specially allowed Musashi's younger brother to inherit the family name. Lord Hashiba's kindness is as heavy as a mountain," Sanada Nobuyuki sighed.

Hori Hidemasa looked at Sanada Nobuyuki with surprise. "Is that really what Lord Sanada thinks?"

“Of course!” Nobuyuki Sanada answered without hesitation.

"My Sanada family is also grateful for Lord Hashiba's protection; otherwise, how could Shinano Province exist?"

"Lord Hashiba has been incredibly kind to us."

Hori Hidemasa nodded thoughtfully, then took his leave.

Sanada Nobuyuki felt a little uneasy as he watched Hori Hidemasa leave. He wasn't familiar with Hori Hidemasa, and he didn't know why Hori Hidemasa wanted to talk to him about these things.

Is it a reminder or a warning?
Nobuyuki Sanada didn’t know.

Touching the suicide note, stained with Mori Nagayoshi's blood, which Mori Nagayoshi had personally handed him, Sanada Nobuyuki was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

Hideyoshi Hashiba was quite cunning.

From this day forward, I fear that Mino will be under the control of Hideyoshi Hashiba.

Terumasa Ikeda is the second son of Tsuneoki Ikeda, while Tadamasa Mori (Senchiyo) is the younger brother of Nagayoshi Mori. Neither of them are traditional heirs.

Suddenly inheriting the headship of the family amidst the current chaotic situation, it's impossible to stabilize the household without Hideyoshi's support. And to gain Hideyoshi's support, it seems the only option left is to become his lackey.

As Sanada Nobuyuki was leaving the main keep of Rakuten Castle, he was about to find a place to throw away Mori Nagayoshi's will when he suddenly heard a crying sound outside.

Following the sound, they found a woman dressed in white weeping beside Mori Nagayoshi's corpse.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Ikeda Chi, immersed in grief, slowly raised her head. Her pitiful eyes caused Sanada Nobuyuki a pang of heartache.

"Sanada-sama."

　A special mention should be made of the Komaki-Nagakute War: This was not a single battle, but a factional struggle that lasted for a long time.

　　The main battlefield was a standoff between Hashiba Hideyoshi, Oda Nobuo, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, with Hideyoshi's side deploying a total of 10 troops.

　　Sanada Nobuyuki brought only a small force, which would not have a decisive impact on the overall battle situation.

　　This military expedition is just to gain some military merit and reap some benefits.

　　The Sanada clan's main battleground is in Kanto and Shinano, but the story hasn't been updated there yet; it will be covered later.

　　Stay tuned for further updates.

　　The entire Komaki-Nagakute battle will last for about 50 chapters, and these chapters are essentially introducing the background.

　　Regarding the Tokugawa clan, some readers believe that the Tokugawa clan should be weakened or destroyed while Komaki-Nagakute is in power. However, this would not benefit the Sanada clan at all.

　　The Sanada family's existence was due to the Tokugawa family's strength; in other words, if the Tokugawa family were defeated, the monkey (the Tokugawa clan) would no longer need the Sanada family.

　　Simply put, it's like the rabbit being killed, the dog being cooked, and the bow being put away after the birds are all gone.

　　As for how the Sanada family develops, that will be revealed in future updates. I cannot give away any spoilers for now, and I hope you understand.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)