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

Chapter 39 South Shinano Strategy

After the Honnoji Incident, Kai and Shinano provinces were indeed in a state of chaos.

Leaving aside the three powerful families of Uesugi, Tokugawa, and Hojo, the most active family in Shinano Province was actually the Kiso family of Chikuma District.

The Kiso clan of Shinano were descendants of the Fujiwara clan and had no connection with the famous Kiso Yoshinaka. They were called the Kiso clan simply because the place where they lived for generations was called Kiso Valley.

The Kiso clan defected to the Takeda clan when Takeda Shingen was conquering Shinano. Kiso Yoshimasa's father, Kiso Yoshiyasu, was very active under Takeda Shingen.

During the reign of Kiso Yoshimasa, he married Takeda Shingen's daughter (Mari-hime), further strengthening his ties with the Takeda family.

Until the Oda clan launched the Koshu campaign, Kiso Yoshimasa became a collaborator.

Until the Honnoji Incident, Kiso Yoshimasa suddenly felt that he was capable.

First, they blocked the streets from Shinano to Mino to prevent Takigawa Kazumasu and Mori Nagayoshi from returning to Mino. Then, they sent troops to plunder Ena District in Mino and Ina District in Shinano.

It's basically a case of "when the cat's away, the mice will play," and they'll kick any passing dog they see.

At first, Yoshimasa Kiso's plan went smoothly.

They levied exorbitant tolls on passing merchants by controlling the streets of Shinano, and made a small fortune by plundering Ena and Ina districts.

But these good days didn't last long.

First, Ogasawara Tosetsai returned from Echigo and, with the support of the Uesugi family, joined forces with former retainers of the Ogasawara family to capture Fukashi Castle.

Immediately afterwards, Mori Nagayoshi used a stratagem to break through Fukushima Castle, capture Kiso Yoshimasa's son, and force Kiso Yoshimasa to open the road to Mino.

After all that, Yoshimasa Kiso looked back and realized that all his hard work had come to nothing.

He made a lot of enemies, though.

"My lord, the Fujisawa and Hoshina clans of Ina County have joined forces to attack Matsuoka Castle and have now cut off the road from Shinano to Mikawa and Tōtōmi."

"After the Sanada clan captured Uehara Castle, they also blocked the streets leading to Kai."

"Kiso Valley has now completely lost contact with the outside world."

Inside Fukushima Castle, Yamamura Yoshihiro, a senior retainer of the Kiso clan, reported the latest situation in Shinano to Kiso Yoshimasa in a panic.

Upon hearing the report, Yoshimasa Kiso jumped up from his seat.

"what?!"

Kiso Yoshimasa stared at Yamamura Yoshihiro in disbelief. "Fujisawa and Hoshina have actually teamed up?"

"Yes, it is said that they have the support of the Sanada family, and now the Ina and Suwa districts are under the control of the Sanada family," Yamamura Yoshihiro continued.

Yoshimasa Kiso immediately sensed something was wrong.

The relationship with Mino in the west has soured, Fukashi Castle in the north is now controlled by Ogasawara Tosetsusei, and Ina District in the south and Suwa District in the east have also fallen into the hands of the Sanada family.

In that case, wouldn't the Kiso family be completely isolated and helpless?
"Where is the Hojo family?"

"What is the Hojo clan doing!" When the Hojo clan invaded Shinano, most of the people of Shinano chose to join the powerful Hojo clan, and the Kiso clan was no exception.

At that time, the Suwa clan of Suwa District and the Fujisawa clan of Ina District also pledged allegiance to the Hojo clan, so the Kiso clan was in a relatively good position.

But when I woke up, everything had suddenly changed?

Yoshimasa Kiso couldn't quite accept it.

Yamamura Yoshihiro continued, "According to the latest news, the Uesugi clan has withdrawn from Shinano, and the Hojo clan is currently engaged in fierce fighting with the Tokugawa clan in Kai."

"Damn it, why did we have to fight the Tokugawa in Kai? Wouldn't it have been better to attack Shinano sooner?" Kiso Yoshimasa said with a look of frustration. If he had known that the Hojo clan was like this, he would never have chosen to side with them.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Kiso Yoshimasa continued, "What about Tokugawa? If we choose to serve Tokugawa now..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yoshimasa Kiso realized it was unlikely, and his voice grew softer and softer.

At that moment, another retainer of the Kiso family, Chimura Yoshishige, walked in from outside.

"My lord, there is an envoy from the Sanada family outside the city requesting an audience." "Sanada?" Kiso Yoshimasa said impatiently, as if he had grasped at a lifeline, "Quickly, invite him in."

Fukashi Castle, which later became Matsumoto Castle.

This is a flatland castle, which later became known as one of the "Four National Treasure Castles of Japan," along with Hikone Castle, Himeji Castle, and Inuyama Castle. Matsumoto Castle's keep is also one of the twelve existing castle keeps in Japan.

Originally built as a branch castle of Hayashi Castle, the residence of the Ogasawara clan, the guardians of Shinano Province, Hayashi Castle was captured and burned to the ground by Takeda Shingen in 1550. From then on, Fukashi Castle became the core area of ​​Chikuma District.

With tears in his eyes, Ogasawara Sadakashi entered the castle, as memories of happy times he had spent here with his father and brothers flooded his mind.

Things are people and nothing is done, and tears shed first.

"Kisaburo, it's so good to see you!"

Ogasawara Tosetsai was very excited to hear that Ogasawara Sadakae had entered the castle, and immediately ran out of his residence.

In terms of seniority, Ogasawara Tosetsusei is Ogasawara Sadakae's uncle.

"Greetings, Uncle."

"It's good that you're back. Come on, let's go inside and talk." Ogasawara Tosetsuzai took Ogasawara Sadakae's hand and led him into the house.

Since the Miyoshi family was destroyed, the uncle and nephew have not seen each other for many years.

Once inside, Ogasawara Tosetsuke had someone summon Futaki Shigekichi and Inugami Hisachi.

These two men were former retainers of the Ogasawara family, and their contributions were indispensable to Ogasawara Tosetsuzai's successful capture of Fukashi Castle.

“Bungo no Kami (Niki Shigekichi), Hanzaemon (Inugami Hisachi), look, who’s back!” Ogasawara Tosetsuzai pulled Ogasawara Sadayoshi over.

Upon seeing Ogasawara Sadakashi, Inugami Hisashi was alright, but Futaki Shigekichi immediately knelt on the ground, saying, "Greetings, young master!"

Ogasawara Tosetsuke's expression was somewhat unnatural, but he still continued, "Kisaburo has arrived, and the revival of the Ogasawara clan is in sight."

"We owe a great debt to the Uesugi family; otherwise, things wouldn't have progressed so smoothly." Ogasawara Tosetsuzai explained to Ogasawara Sadakae in detail how he had recaptured Fukashi Castle with the assistance of the Uesugi family.

After listening to Ogasawara Tosetsusei's words, Ogasawara Sadakae asked directly, "Uncle, in what capacity are you currently in charge of Fukashi Castle?"

"Is he the head of the Ogasawara family, or a retainer of the Ogasawara family?"

Ogasawara Tosetsuzai froze on the spot, somewhat puzzled as to why Ogasawara Sadakae would ask such a question.

We reclaimed this city ourselves, need I say more?

But upon closer reflection, it seems there's something more to what this kid said. Could it be that he's come back this time to compete with me for the position of head of the family?

The enthusiasm in Ogasawara Tosetsuzai's eyes as he looked at Ogasawara Sadakae had vanished.

"Kisaburo, what do you mean by that?" Ogasawara Tosetsuzai asked in an unfriendly tone.

"It's nothing. I just wanted to know your identity first, so that we can avoid any awkward situations in the future."

Ogasawara Tosetsuzai immediately replied, "I personally conquered Fukashi Castle, so naturally I was in charge. Could it be that Kisaburo also desires the position of head of the household?"

"I wouldn't dare, but I've heard that the Uesugi family seems to have retreated to Echigo recently."

"I wonder how Uncle plans to defend Shenzhi City?"

Ogasawara Tosetsusai curled his lip and pointed at Futaki Shigekichi and Inugami Hisachi, saying, "There are three thousand soldiers in the castle, and with the assistance of Futaki and Inugami, even without the Uesugi family, we are not afraid of the Kiso clan's threat."

At this time, Fukashi Castle was mainly engaged in battle with the Kiso family, so Ogasawara Tosetsusei saw no need to worry about it.

"But what if an even more powerful enemy appears?"

"Who?"

Ogasawara Sadakashi suddenly smiled, "Uncle will find out soon."

　According to records, after the Honnoji Incident, Kiso Yoshimasa attacked Ena District in Mino Province, looting and burning temples. He moved all the Buddhist statues and more than 600 volumes of the Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra from the temples back to Jōshō-ji Temple in Kiso Valley.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)