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

Chapter 17: Metaphorical Interpretation, Initiation!
In the tenth year of Tianzheng, June 8th.

As news of the assassination of Oda Nobunaga and his son at Honnoji Temple spread to Shinano and other areas, Oda's generals in northern Shinano, Mori Nagayoshi and Mori Nagahide in southern Shinano, abandoned their territories and fled to Mino.

After losing control of the Oda clan, northern Shinano region entered a power vacuum for a time.

First, Yoshimasa Kiso seized the opportunity to occupy Fukashi Castle and blockade the streets of Shinano.

Then, because Anayama Nobuhito was killed on his way back to Suruga from Kyoto, Tokugawa Ieyasu took the opportunity to have Okabe Masatsuna occupy the Anayama clan's residence, Shimoyama-kan, and control the main transportation route in and out of Kai.

Finally, uprisings of varying sizes broke out throughout Shinano, including the "Do-Ikki" (peasant uprising) initiated by local samurai and the Ikko-Ikki (religious-led peasant uprising) launched by the Ikko-shu sect.

The entire Shinano and Kai regions were in complete chaos.

The Sanada family gained a significant advantage in this turmoil, successfully controlling the four districts of Hanishina, Karasaki, Takai, and Minouchi through a series of maneuvers orchestrated by Sanada Nobuyuki.

In addition to their own small prefectures, the Sanada family now occupies the territory of five counties in Shinano.

Of course, apart from small prefectures, the Sanada family only signed petitions for joint operations with other local people (which is also a type of uprising, and uprising itself means alliance), so these places were not actually considered Sanada family territory.

Because the Sanada clan was temporarily unable to convert these local lords into vassals, it could only be said that the five counties of northern Shinano were temporarily suppressed by the Sanada clan.

As for how far the Sanada family can ultimately go and whether they can successfully digest these territories, there is still a long way to go.

Late at night, in the Sanada residence of Toishi Castle, Sanada Masayuki and his son Sanada Nobuyuki were having a long talk.

“Father, although the five counties of northern Shinano are temporarily suppressed by our family, the pressure from the outside world has always existed.”

"According to the message sent back by my uncle, the Oda clan's offensive in Echigo has stopped, and the Uesugi clan has recaptured Uozu Castle."

"The Uesugi family's next move is to re-enter Shinano. I've heard that Ogasawara Tosetsusei of the Ogasawara family has received the Uesugi family's support and has entered Chikuma District, preparing to launch an uprising in Fukashi Castle," Sanada Nobuyuki said slowly.

Sanada Masayuki stroked his chin. “This is a good move. With the reputation of the Ogasawara family, it wouldn’t be difficult to launch a rebellion. Besides, there are still many former Ogasawara retainers in Chikuma and Azumi districts.”

The Ogasawara clan were the governors of Shinano (similar to the governors of the provinces at the end of the Han Dynasty), and had always been a prominent samurai family that ruled the Shinano region.

However, they were defeated in battle against Takeda Shingen, and the Takeda clan eventually occupied Shinano.

Members of the Ogasawara family fled to the Kinki region and served under Miyoshi Nagayoshi, hoping to restore their family name with the help of the Miyoshi family's influence.

But not long after, the Miyoshi family was defeated by Oda Nobunaga, and the Ogasawara family began their exile again.

Of these, Ogasawara Tōsetsuke (Ogasawara Sadayane, Tōsetsuke being his posthumous Buddhist name) fled to the Uesugi clan in Echigo, while Ogasawara Sadayoshi fled to the Tokugawa clan's territory in Mikawa. (Ogasawara Tōsetsuke was Ogasawara Sadayoshi's uncle, but Sadayoshi was the son of the former head of the clan and had a higher right of succession.)
Now that Shinano is in chaos, it is only natural for the Uesugi family to take the opportunity to intervene.

Moreover, Uesugi Kagekatsu still had Ogasawara Tosetsusei as a trump card, which he could use to gather former Ogasawara retainers from Chikuma and Azumi districts under the banner of restoring the Ogasawara family name.

"Besides the Ogasawara clan, the Tokugawa clan in the Tōtōmi and Suruga regions also seems to be making moves."

"Mori Nagahide of Ina District in southern Shinano has also fled his territory. Since it is adjacent to the Tokugawa family's territory, he will surely be attacked by the Tokugawa family."

"Furthermore, there seem to be signs of a large-scale uprising breaking out in Kai. Kawajiri Hidetaka will likely be unable to withstand the pressure alone and will inevitably meet his demise. The Tokugawa clan will not miss such a golden opportunity to occupy Kai," Sanada Nobuyuki continued his analysis.

Sanada Masayuki first acknowledged Sanada Nobuyuki's analysis, then changed the subject, saying, "It's good that you can see the threats from the Uesugi and Tokugawa families, but you've overlooked another, even greater threat."

"Please enlighten me, Father." Sanada Nobuyuki quickly adopted a look of being all ears.

Sanada Masayuki's lips curled slightly as he cleared his throat. "This threat is the Hojo clan!"

"The Hojo family?"

“Excellent!” Sanada Masayuki pulled out a map from his pocket, which detailed the information of various castles in Shinano, Ueno, Kai, and other places. Clearly, Sanada Masayuki had prepared for this in advance.

"After Mori Nagayoshi left northern Shinano, the Uesugi family arrived."

"Kai may be on the verge of an uprising, so the Tokugawa family has their eyes on it."

"And what about Ueno?"

"That reclusive lord (the retired emperor) in Odawara Castle must be plotting how to conquer Ueno right now," Sanada Masayuki said, seemingly very satisfied with his strategic planning, stroking his beard with a smug look on his face.

Nobuyuki Sanada also cooperated by showing an admiring look.

One has to admire Sanada Masayuki's insight; although he knew the course of history and that the Hojo clan would indeed send troops, he was certain that the Hojo clan would succeed.

However, it was only when he actually participated in these historical events that Nobuyuki Sanada truly realized that Masayuki Sanada's abilities were indeed well-deserved.

“If the Hojo clan were to make a move against Ueno, our Numata Castle would be…” Sanada Nobuyuki said with a worried expression.

“Don’t worry, Genzaburo, I’ve already come up with a plan. Just watch!” Sanada Masayuki said confidently.

Nobuyuki Sanada nodded. Was the legendary "double-edged sword" about to begin?
The phrase "comparison between appearance and reality" roughly means "to sit on the fence" and act like a weather vane, repeatedly switching sides and maneuvering between various forces.

In the tenth year of Tianzheng, June 10th.

After receiving Takigawa Kazumasu's order, Sanada Masayuki set off for Minowa Castle once again after arranging various affairs within his territory.

Two days after Sanada Masayuki left Minowa Castle, a small-scale rebellion had broken out in the Ueno region.

Fujita Nobuyoshi, the lord of Ueno Sunuma Castle, launched a rebellion, but it was quickly suppressed by Takigawa Kazumasu.

At this moment, the entire Ueno region is in a state of panic, and the people are filled with anxiety about the future.

By the time Sanada Masayuki arrived at Minowa Castle, the local lords from all over Ueno and parts of Shinano had already gathered inside the castle tower.

Soon, a tired-looking Takigawa Kazumasu walked to the head seat.

After taking his seat, Takigawa Kazumasu forced a smile and said to everyone, "As you all probably already know, some things have happened in my Oda family recently."

"However, you need not worry. Our retainers in various regions have already begun to suppress the traitor Akechi Mitsuhide."

"I have also decided to return to Kyoto to participate in the battle against Akechi Mitsuhide."

“I will be leaving this place in a few days. If any of you here want my head, Takikawa Kazumasu’s head, you may send troops like Fujita Nobuyoshi did. I will not stop you.”

“Here is a letter from the Hojo clan. The Hojo clan expresses their willingness to stand together with the Oda clan, so you need not worry. As long as you continue to serve our clan, your territory will be secured,” Takigawa Kazumasu announced loudly, holding up a letter.

Looking at the optimistic Takikawa Kazumasu above, Sanada Masayuki sitting below appeared worried.

Can you really believe what the Hojo family says?

If it weren't for the time required to mobilize a large army, Hojo Ujimasa and his son would probably already be at the gates of Minowa Castle with their troops by now.

　Generally, after a daimyo issues a battle order, it takes about half a month (depending on the size of the territory and the number of troops mobilized) to assemble his forces and summon foot soldiers from various places.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)