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

Chapter 148 Meinong has a lot of talent, so they're poaching people like crazy!

Mori Tadamasa was getting angrier and angrier the more he thought about it.

If it weren't for the fact that Sanada Nobuyuki held a certain position in Hashiba Hideyoshi's heart, Mori Tadamasa would have wanted to start cursing him outright.

So shameless.

It's not without its benefits that the Sanada family comes to help me fight the uprising. Hideyoshi Hashiba has already given you Ena County and even provided an extra 30,000 koku of grain.

Now that the war is over, Tsumagi Yoritada is still unwilling to pledge allegiance to him, which has greatly affected the Mori family's rule over Toki District.

The Tsumaki family is just an ordinary kokujin clan. If the Sanada family didn't back them up, would they dare to challenge the Mori family?

"Lord Mori, you are mistaken."

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly denied it three times, saying, "The Tsumagi family are retainers of the Mori family, not my Sanada family."

"Toki County is also the territory of the Mori family."

"This matter is a private affair between the Mori family and Lord Tsumagi, an internal matter of the Mori family. Lord Mori, have you come to question the main family because you have the wrong person?"

Seeing that Sanada Nobuyuki was still denying it, Mori Tadamasa said angrily, "In that case, our clan will send troops to punish the traitor Tsumagi Yoritada. The Sanada clan must not interfere."

"Lord Mori, please do as you please. My Sanada family will naturally not interfere. Otherwise, if this gets to Lord Hashiba's ears, our family will also be held responsible, won't we?"

"I hope so." Mori Tadamasa glanced at Sanada Nobuyuki with a look of resentment before turning back to the Mori family's ranks.

After Mori Tadamasa left, Ikeda Terumasa rushed over upon hearing the news.

"Brother-in-law, why are you arguing with that kid?"

“I am aware of the matter concerning Tsumagi Castle. In my opinion, it’s not a big deal. There’s no need to antagonize the Mori family over a castle.” Terumasa Ikeda seemed to want to act as a peacemaker.

Nobuyuki Sanada smiled slightly at this.

His conflict with the Mori family wasn't with Tsumagi Shiro, but with Ikeda Chika and Genban.

As for Tsumagi Yoritada, Sanada Nobuyuki really had no intention of seizing Mori Tadamasa's territory; it was Tsumagi Yoritada who took the initiative to come to him.

Tsumagi Yoritada was worried that the Mori family would take back Tsumagi Castle, so he wanted to curry favor with Sanada Nobuyuki.

Sanada Nobuyuki naturally welcomed the underlings who came to him with open arms.

More importantly, this matter falls into the category of things that can be minor or major, and it does not yet rise to the level of a matter of principle.

Even if Hideyoshi Hashiba knew, he would just laugh it off as long as the Sanada clan didn't directly intervene militarily.

After all, Hideyoshi Hashiba was happy to see the Sanada and Mori families at odds. Otherwise, if the Mori and Sanada families were fighting each other, wouldn't all his previous efforts have been in vain?
"Brother-in-law, why don't we go down and look for Senchiyo?" Seeing that Sanada Nobuyuki did not respond, Ikeda Terumasa volunteered.

Nobuyuki Sanada gave Terumasa Ikeda a deep look. This matter had absolutely nothing to do with the Ikeda family, so why was Terumasa Ikeda so eager to get involved?
"No need, I will handle this matter."

"It's nothing, no need to trouble Sanzaemon," Sanada Nobuyuki quickly declined.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Terumasa Ikeda's eyes, but it quickly disappeared before he turned and left.

After arriving at Gifu Castle, the four parted ways.

Inaba Sadamichi and Mori Tadamasa headed north, while Sanada Nobuyuki continued eastward.

Today, there are four daimyo in Mino, including the Sanada family: the Ikeda family, which controls central and western Mino; the Inaba family, which controls northern Mino; the Mori family, which controls eastern Mino; and the Sanada family, which controls the easternmost Ena district.

Among them, the Ikeda family was the strongest, followed by the Inaba family, then the Mori family and the Sanada family (only in Mino). There were also some Oda family retainers and local lords of varying ranks, but they were all subordinate to the Ikeda family or the Inaba and Mori families.

Since Mori Tadamasa had brought up the matter himself, Sanada Nobuyuki thought about it for a long time and also felt that he couldn't completely ignore it.

If things take a turn for the worse, such as if Tsumagi Yoritada also launches a rebellion, the Sanada family will also be implicated.

On his way back to Naegi Castle, Nobuyuki Sanada made a special detour to Tsumugi Castle.

When Tsumagi Yoritada learned that Sanada Nobuyuki had arrived, he rushed out to greet him, as he had been under immense pressure lately.

Lin Tong'an and his son Lin Weizhong come every day demanding that he hand over Tsumagi Castle. If it weren't for the fact that all the Mori family's foot soldiers had been taken away by Mori Tadamasa to fight in Ōgaki Castle, Tsumagi Castle would probably be surrounded by now.

"Lord Sanada, you're finally back."

"Lin Weizhong has come several times already. I really don't want to hand over Tsumagi Castle," Tsumagi Yoritada complained helplessly.

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly gestured to Tsumagi Yoritada not to panic, "Don't worry, I'm here."

"I have learned about Lord Tsumaki's situation. I have a question for you to answer first."

"Lord Sanada, please speak." Tsumagi Yoritada obediently sat down.

Sanada Nobuyuki pondered for a moment before slowly asking, "Lord Tsumagi, would you be willing to become a retainer of the Mori family?"

"Of course I don't want to!" Tsumagi Yoritada quickly shook his head. "Back then, I was defeated by Musashi no Kami, and in order to protect my family's reputation, I had no choice but to submit to the Mori family."

"But afterwards, the Mori family confiscated Kimikishiro. How can that be reasonable?"

"Since you've accepted our loyalty, shouldn't you return the castle?" Tsumagi Yoritada said indignantly.

This is indeed the truth.

However, the Mori family cannot be entirely blamed for this. After all, Mori Nagayoshi had just conquered these areas and hadn't had time to govern them when the Komaki Nagatet broke out, and Mori Nagayoshi was killed in battle.

The current situation is due to the fact that the problem of Tsumikishiro has not been resolved.

"Since Lord Tsumagi is so frank, then I shall also say a few words from the bottom of my heart." Sanada Nobuyuki looked at Tsumagi Yoritada with a sincere expression.

"As you know, Toki County is the territory of the Mori family, and the Tsumagi clan can be considered a vassal of the Mori family no matter what."

“My Sanada family has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of the Mori family. If we forcibly interfere, and the Mori family reports the matter to Lord Hashiba, our main family will also be in deep trouble.”

"So, if Lady Tsumagi doesn't want to stay in the Mori family and suffer mistreatment, why not run away?"

Tsumagi Yoritada had certainly thought about this problem, but what about his territory?
Running away meant giving up everything and becoming a ronin, but Tsumagi Yoritada couldn't bear to do so.

"It's easy to flee, but what about the family's territory?"

"If the Tsumagi family is willing to come to our main family, I can compensate the Tsumagi family with an equal amount of land in Ena County. What do you say?" After so much buildup, Sanada Nobuyuki finally revealed his true thoughts.

Tsumagi Yoritada hesitated.

Although his time with Sanada Nobuyuki was short, Tsumagi Yoritada had already gained some understanding of Sanada's abilities and charisma. Following the Sanada family was definitely better than staying with the Mori family, and Sanada Nobuyuki had even promised to compensate him with land, showing considerable sincerity.

But to put it bluntly, Ena County doesn't really want that kind of rotten land, Tsumabuki Yoritada.

"How much koku does the Tsumagi family possess?" Sanada Nobuyuki then asked.

Tsumagi Yoritada answered truthfully, "If there is no poor harvest, the annual yield will be at least 3000 koku."

“In that case, how about I offer 5000 koku of land in Ena County as a condition?” Sanada Nobuyuki knew that the land in Ena County was definitely not as good as that in Toki County, so it was reasonable to give a little more.

This time, Tsumabuki Yoritada was tempted.

Just as he was about to agree, Nobuyuki Sanada interrupted, "But there's a condition."

"What conditions?"

Sanada Nobuyuki smiled, "We definitely can't take Tsumagi Castle with us, but the samurai within the Tsumagi family's territory..."

"Understood!" Tsumabuki Yoritada understood immediately, and even extended the concept to other situations, saying, "Before I leave, I'll also collect the annual tribute for the second half of this year!"

Tsumagi Yoritada felt a pang of regret; if he had had enough time, he could have demolished Tsumagi Castle as well.

Children can be taught!

Children can be taught!

Sanada Nobuyuki's gaze towards Tsumagi Yoritada also revealed admiration. It's clear that Mino is indeed a place with many talented people.

It was already evening of the second day when I returned to Naegi Castle. The castle town had returned to normal.

After entering the city, Sanada Nobuyuki did not see Sanada Nobushige and the others. He asked a maid and learned that they had all gone to the countryside to inspect the land.

"Lord Sanada, you're back."

At that moment, Chihiro Ikeda gracefully emerged from the inner room.

It's clear that Chihiro Ikeda looks well, and the sadness and dejection she had shown recently are no longer visible on her face.

"Is Madam still not resting?" Sanada Nobuyuki asked, looking up at Ikeda Chi as he picked up a document from the table to examine it.

Chika Ikeda slowly walked over and sat down next to Nobuyuki Sanada. "I just got Genban to sleep. That kid's been having nightmares lately."

"However, I've been eating more lately than before, and my health has improved quite a bit," Chihiro Ikeda continued.

Nobuyuki Sanada nodded and then began to review the documents.

These are all recent documents related to the governance of the seedling city, and some are planning maps by Sato Kentada. Sanada Nobuyuki is looking at them very carefully.

Although all matters were entrusted to Sato Kenta, he still needed to personally oversee things when necessary, and at least have a clear understanding of the situation.

Seeing Sanada Nobuyuki working diligently, Ikeda Chi suddenly leaned close and massaged Sanada Nobuyuki's shoulders with both hands.

"Thank you for your trouble, Madam." Sensing the warmth and intimacy that Ikeda Chika had shown, Sanada Nobuyuki quickly expressed his gratitude.

I've been really exhausted lately.

As Chika was kneading, Ikeda suddenly slid her hand down Sanada Nobuyuki's shoulder, her slender hand gently brushing across Sanada Nobuyuki's chest before moving further down.
Before Sanada Nobuyuki could react, Ikeda Chi gently shifted her hips, pressing her chest against Sanada Nobuyuki's back.

Then, Chisuke Ikeda leaned close to Nobuyuki Sanada's ear and gently breathed on him.

"lady."

Feeling the close proximity and Ikeda Sen's mischievous hands beside him, Sanada Nobuyuki's breathing became rapid. "Does my lady know the consequences of angering me?"

"Of course I know," Ikeda Chiyo said, slightly out of breath.

Hearing the breathing beside him, Sanada Nobuyuki grabbed Ikeda Sente. "Since you know, why don't you stop?"

Ikeda Chi didn't answer, but instead leaned forward and kissed Sanada Nobuyuki with her warm lips.

Sanada Nobuyuki was taken aback by Ikeda Chi's sudden enthusiasm and could only respond subconsciously.

After a while, Sanada Nobuyuki pushed Ikeda Chi away, and Ikeda Chi looked at Sanada Nobuyuki with a charming expression.

"Madam." Sanada Nobuyuki swallowed hard. He had absolutely no control over Ikeda Sen.

“Lord Sanada, you may call me by my name, Chiyo.” Ikeda Chiyo smiled sweetly.

Nobuyuki Sanada put down the document in his hand and waved to Chiaki Ikeda.

Chika Ikeda slowly crawled over from the ground and lay down in Nobuyuki Sanada's arms.
"Lord Sanada, actually, I also have nightmares at night." Ikeda Chi's tone was extremely frightened, and in her haste, she grabbed something...

"Didn't you promise Musashi-no-kami that you would protect me?"

"Ah Qian, I'll show you what a real nightmare is now."

An hour later, Ikeda Chihaya lay weakly on Sanada Nobuyuki's back.

"Sanada-sama."

"You want me to change how I address you? Then what should you call me?" Sanada Nobuyuki reached out and grabbed Ikeda Chika again.

Chihiro Ikeda winced in pain. "It hurts."

"I'm sorry, but why didn't you say so just now?"

"I didn't even have time to think about it just now. My lord didn't even give me a chance to cry out in pain." Ikeda Chika stretched out her leg and gently rubbed it against him in a coquettish manner.

Sanada Nobuyuki sighed inwardly, "It might be a good thing that Mori Nagayoshi died so young, but it's just a hardship for me."

However, since he had promised Morinaga to take good care of Ikeda Sen, Sanada Nobuyuki would not go back on his word. He would just stay in bed all day tomorrow!

Fight!

But this time, the balance of power has shifted.

This woman is terrifying!

That night, Nobuyuki Sanada was heartbroken.

(End of this chapter)