The name of the great swordsman begins in Okehazama.

In the early morning, Xiaogucheng is like a piece of jade crafted by a master craftsman, reflecting a verdant light.

Odani Castle is built against the mountains and beside the water, backed by the Yokoyama, Kinfun, and Ibuki mountains, with the Torahime mountain to the left and Lake Biwa to the right.

The main castle was built on a mountaintop, and the builders made perfect use of the terrain to construct the second castle. The second castle was connected to several smaller castles, such as the Kyogoku Maru (defensive fortifications), forming a stepped defensive structure.

The prosperity of the Asai three generations was inseparable from this fortified castle.

Standing at the foot of the mountain, Changqing looked into the distance and couldn't help but exclaim: "Truly a city that is easy to defend and difficult to attack!"

"Take me to the inn, I need to change my clothes!" he said to Shinsuke.

When meeting a future retainer, one should naturally dress formally.

……

Inside the castle tower of Odani Castle, the reclusive Hisamasa Asai is talking with his son, the head of his clan.

Now, the Asai not only control northern Omi, but have also begun to encroach on the Rokkaku family's territory.

Hisamasa was overshadowed by the Rokkaku and Kyogoku families from a young age. He had ambitions but lacked the ability to achieve them. His own timid nature led him to submit to the Rokkaku family, after which he was forced into seclusion by his retainers.

I never expected my son to be so outstanding so soon after taking over as head of the family. Now I feel it's a stroke of luck, and the relationship between father and son is becoming more and more harmonious.

"Reporting, sir, an envoy from the Oda clan has arrived?"

"Oda?" Nagamasa's eyes suddenly lit up.

Although Nagamasa was the head of the clan, his father Hisamasa couldn't help but offer some advice: "I heard that Oda Nobunaga decisively defeated Saito's army last month. He must be here now to ask us to help him restrain the Saito clan."

"I understand... Father, do you intend to meet him together?" Nagamasa had no choice but to ask his father's opinion. Although he had retired, he still had the support of old ministers.

"I'm going back! See for yourself..." Jiuzheng left with his hands behind his back, but couldn't help muttering to himself as he reached the door, "We can deal with whatever conditions we get, just don't agree to send troops."

"I understand! Someone, invite Lords Kaihoku Tsunachika and Akao Kiyotsuna to the guest house in Erdao City, and then bring the envoy there."

……

After passing through several city gates and winding mountain roads, Changqing was led to a guild hall specifically for receiving envoys.

The place was exquisitely decorated, with various flowers and plants in the courtyard and wind chimes hanging in the corridor. After passing through an empty room, which looked like a tea room, there were ink paintings of landscapes and eagles and pine trees painted on the screen.

This place was clearly used to receive high-ranking officials of the imperial court and important members of the Asakura family.

Nagayoshi's status in the Oda family was not high, so this level of hospitality was somewhat excessive. However, if you imagine it as a fan receiving someone sent by their idol, it doesn't seem unreasonable.

In the very center of the tatami mat sat a handsome young samurai. He was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with delicate features. His brows revealed a composure beyond his years, a composure cultivated through countless victories, and certainly not the feigned composure of Ieyasu of Mikawa in his prime.

On his left and right sat two middle-aged warriors, one with a serious expression and the other with a gentle demeanor.

Their eyes were far sharper than those of the Mikawa people, perhaps because they had witnessed the rise and fall of the Asai family.

"Oda clan envoy Mori Nagayoshi greets Lord Azai." Nagayoshi bowed respectfully.

"Mori Nagayoshi?" Nagamasa couldn't help but straighten up.

"Ahem!" The two high-ranking officials coughed in unison.

"Lord Mori, you have come from afar; you must be tired." Nagamasa resumed his seated posture. "Please sit. These two are my family's important retainers, Lord Kaihoku Tsunachika and Lord Akao Kiyotsuna."

After exchanging greetings with the two senior officials, Changqing sat down in the center of the room.

Kaihoku Tsunachika asked, "We heard that the Oda clan recently displayed great power in western Mino, and Lord Mori's achievements were truly remarkable, earning our utmost respect. What brings you here at this time?"

Nagayoshi took out Nobunaga's letter from his bosom and presented it with both hands: "This is a personal letter from my lord, Oda Nobunaga, to Lord Azai. Please take a look."

A junior servant took the letter and respectfully handed it to Nagamasa.

Nagamasa read intently, initially with a stern face, but as he delved deeper into the text, a barely perceptible smile gradually appeared on his lips.

The letter begins by praising Azai Nagamasa for his youthful talent and ability to defeat a large enemy force with a small one, stating that "his bravery and wisdom are comparable to those of famous generals of old."

He then mentioned that he was deeply honored to have heard that the character "長" in Nagamasa's name was taken from his own, saying, "I feel as if I have found a kindred spirit."

The letter also wildly praised the Asai family's governance, claiming that in northern Omi, "no one picks up lost items on the road, and doors are left unlocked at night," and that the people lived in peace and prosperity, "truly a model for a chaotic world."

In the end, they only subtly expressed their hope for a good relationship between the two companies, without making any plans for cooperation.

This blatant flattery is clearly too much for a young, rising star.

The more an idol fawns over his male fans, the more awesome he becomes.

After reading the letter, Nagamasa took a deep breath and handed it to Kaihoku Tsunachika.

His gaze toward Changqing became even more affectionate.

The "Chang" in Changqing's name also comes from Nobunaga, and he was a fierce general in the Battle of Moribe. The choice of the envoy and the content of the letter were exactly to his liking.

Seeing Nagamasa raise an eyebrow, Nagayoshi continued to fabricate and flatter, "My lord has always respected true heroes. He once said that Imagawa Yoshimoto is not worth mentioning at all compared to you."

Nagamasa was a little embarrassed by the praise. "Lord Nobunaga's praise is too kind for me!"

Seeing that Nobunaga was only focused on making peace and had not proposed any alliance, Kaihoku Tsuna began to speak in high-sounding terms.

"My lord, the Oda clan and my family have no prior grudges. Now the Saito clan is in decline, and the Rokkaku clan is our sworn enemy. Befriending the Oda clan will only benefit my family."

Akao Kiyotsuna nodded in agreement: "Lord Tsuna is absolutely right. It's good that we each get what we need."

Nagamasa rubbed his cheek and changed the subject.

"I've heard that Lord Mori displayed exceptional skill in the Battle of Moribe. Such martial prowess is unparalleled in this world. Perhaps I should stay at Odani Castle for a few days, and allow me to write a letter to Lord Nobunaga!"

"Saito's generals are not worth mentioning; before us, Saito has not a single opponent!"

The two high-ranking officials couldn't help but change their expressions.

Weren't they just praising their lord? Why is the messenger praising himself now?

Nagamasa, however, didn't take it to heart; his eyes were full of admiration for this confidence.

The conversation naturally turned to martial arts. Although young, Nagamasa was highly skilled in both swordsmanship and archery. When he learned that Nagayoshi was the founder of the Ashina School, his interest grew even stronger.

"If Lord Mori isn't in a hurry to return to Owari, why not stay at Odani Castle for a few more days?" Nagamasa suddenly suggested. "I'd also like to witness the Ashina school's military strategies."

This suggestion suited Nagayoshi perfectly, so he immediately agreed, saying, "I am deeply grateful for Lord Asai's kindness, and I humbly accept your offer."

Kaibei Gangchichi seemed to want to say something, but seeing that his lord was in high spirits, he remained silent.

Akao Kiyotsuna comforted his colleague at the right moment: "Our lord has always admired those with superb martial arts skills. I'm sure our lord will be very pleased that Lord Mori can stay for a few more days."

That evening, Changzheng hosted a banquet for Changqing. The banquet featured not only fine wine and delicacies but also elegant music performances.

After the banquet, Changqing was arranged to stay at the guesthouse. The bedroom window offered a panoramic view of Lake Biwa at night.

Lord Nobunaga really didn't flatter me for nothing... Nagayoshi hugged the soft blanket and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, just as Changqing finished washing up, a servant came to greet him.

"Our lord is waiting for you in the city. Please follow me!"