Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

Alright, that'll save Shichibei from nagging any more. Afterwards, send someone to escort Yamana Hirotoyo back to Japan, and then take over the Ikuno Silver Mine. It's just that Okubo Nagayasu isn't there yet, which is urgent.

Urgent!

No, I have to write to Kai now and urge Yonekura Nobutsugu. He's just a minor official managing Kinzan. The Takeda clan has countless samurai in Kinzan, including many powerful figures. They wouldn't hide Shichibei for some nobody.

After writing the letter, Shichibei ordered Kawamuraya's swift messenger to deliver it to Tsutsuzaki Mansion as quickly as possible. Not only did the letter need to be delivered, but he also had to tell Yonekura Nobutsugu to reply first, regardless of whether the person had been found or not.

Even if they couldn't find such a person, Shichibei would at least have gotten an answer. Now, there's been no reply, no news at all, it's like a stone has sunk into the sea, which is incredibly frustrating.

Since Nobunaga himself was in Kyoto and had given Shichibei a huge pile of expensive junk to deal with, Shichibei couldn't return to Gifu immediately. He had to find a way to get rid of the junk first, and besides, Shichibei was also in trouble.

Using these junk to settle debts with the wealthy merchants of Sakai, Nobunaga was clearly busy requisitioning arquebuses and gunpowder. Those old-timers in engineering in later generations should understand this tactic very well.

The big boss bought a luxury car to offset his company's taxes. After driving it for two years, he only offered 20% or even 10% off the original price to use as payment to subcontractors who wanted to settle debts. They had no money, but they had the car.

With the Chinese New Year approaching, the subcontractor desperately needed cash flow, so he reluctantly agreed to take on the car, resold it at a discount, and squeezed out some cash to share with the debt collectors.

If it were just a normal luxury car, that would be one thing, but some bad people are using flood-damaged cars and cars that have been in major accidents to offset the price, offering them at the price of a normal car. It's utterly despicable.

Thinking about it this way, Shichibei was actually quite conscientious to only use the carved white copper basin as collateral for the gun money.

Just as he was about to enter the gates of Myokakuji Temple to greet Nobunaga, he saw Tokugawa Ieyasu walking out of the temple with a cheerful smile. At this moment, Ieyasu was very humble and polite; otherwise, everyone would have praised him as an honest man. Even after Hideyoshi died, many people still believed that he was an honest man, that his rebellion was merely a power grab from the civilian faction, and that the country still belonged to Hideyori.

Upon seeing Shichibei enter, Ieyasu made no attempt to assert his status as a fellow "Miya-kata-sama" and greeted Shichibei directly. Shichibei, having no grudge against Ieyasu, naturally stopped to chat with him for a few moments.

Upon inquiry, it was learned that Ieyasu had come to hold a tea party with Nobunaga. The Imperial Court had already recognized Ieyasu's Tokugawa lineage and his supposed branch of the Minamoto clan, and he was currently serving as the governor of Mikawa. Now that he had conquered Tōtōmi, he naturally wanted to move up in rank.

I've already achieved the rank of Imperial Household, so surely I can become a Grand Master of the Capital or a Commander of the Left Guard?

As expected of Nobunaga's good brother, Nobunaga invited Kuga Harumichi over, and the group sat down for a tea party. Calling it a tea party was just a euphemism; it was really just an opportunity for Nobunaga to smooth things over with him. After all, the position of Kyoto Daibu was a prestigious post held only by the most outstanding members of the samurai class, and Nobunaga had refused the imperial appointment because he saw that Nobunaga wasn't going to take the position.

Now that Nobunaga is preparing to start his own business independently, Ieyasu wants to try his luck. Kuga Harumichi is the second son of the previous Grand Minister of State, Konoe Hisamichi, and the adopted son of the Minister of the Right, Kuga Michitane, making him a very high-ranking noble. Importantly, he maintains close ties with the samurai class, making him a relatively pragmatic court noble.

By the way, just a side note, Kuga Harumichi's grandson, Kuga Tomoyo, was adopted into the Iwakura family.

Yes, it's the Iwakura family, the one with Iwakura Tomomi.

After their chat, Shichibei watched Tokugawa Ieyasu leave. Ieyasu even turned back and waved to Shichibei as he reached the door. What a nice gesture! Such a good guy.

When Nobunaga, who was at Myokaku-ji Temple, learned that Shichibei had come to report on the deployment of arquebuses, he naturally made time to meet him. Another war was imminent, and arquebuses were an essential weapon; the more the better.

Having just finished a tea party, Nobunaga was taking a short rest. Therefore, he was behaving rather casually, partly because Shichibei was his retainer. Earlier, Nobunaga had even put on a loincloth in front of Shichibei, truly treating him like family, though Shichibei was now practically his nephew-in-law.

Upon learning that Shichibei could control at least 350 arquebuses each month, Nobunaga still felt it wasn't enough and asked Shichibei to find a way to get more, the more the better.

As for the money? There's always a way out; the Ikuno Silver Mine will be there soon, right? The silver mine will also be pledged to Shichibei, and Nobunaga and Shichibei will split the profits directly.

They are truly extravagant, and they really spend money.

As planned, Nobunaga ordered Shichibei to transport some gunpowder, matchlock, and lead ingots to Kunitomo Village. He also intended to give some to Tokugawa Ieyasu. This time, Nobunaga was going to fight a battle unlike any other.

What does this mean? It means that large-scale mobilization of farmers to join the army will cease. Relying on the land surveys and the resulting revenue from the acquired territory, Nobunaga decided that even local servants would no longer be conscripted en masse. Instead, those with the capacity to wage war would either pay money to serve or have one of them permanently stationed at Gifu Castle.

Of course, their presence wasn't free. Nobunaga provided them with rice as stipends, and they received appropriate subsidies for going to war, with rewards for meritorious service. Hearing this, many people probably already have a general idea.

Separation of soldiers from farmers!

However, this thing is not yet in its complete form. Last year, when they attacked the Kitabatake clan, the generals all saw what kind of mess the Oda army was in. Apart from the fact that everyone knew Nobunaga was fighting to settle his son, which greatly reduced their motivation.

Another reason was the sudden mobilization of an army of 75,000, a mixed force comprised largely of peasant soldiers with weak fighting capabilities. Seeing so many of their own, most of these men, who were already only there to go through the motions, became even more unruly with their numbers, figuring that the law wouldn't punish everyone.

Everyone's just giving up and lying down, so why are you, Nobunaga, going to cut me down?

So, Nobunaga, having learned his lesson, decided that he would never again recruit peasant soldiers for war. Either these landowners would pay money and settle down as landowners and farmers, or he would specifically designate one person to serve long-term in Gifu.

There are choices, but not many.

Historically, when Nobunaga attacked Kitabatake Ōkawachi Castle, he mobilized over 70,000 men. However, just six months later, when attacking Asakura, he could only muster 30,000. It should be noted that this 30,000 included troops from figures like Ikeda Katsumasa, Matsunaga Hisahide, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Akechi Mitsuhide. Even several hundred cavalrymen from the court noble families, such as Hino Terusaki and Asukai Masaaki, were mobilized to gather the necessary forces for the 30,000.

One major reason for this was that Nobunaga realized that simply recruiting soldiers was not very effective and only wasted resources. He believed that quality was more important than quantity, and that it was necessary to deploy a standing army.

So despite the fact that Shibata Katsuie, Sakuma Nobumori, Kinoshita Hideyoshi, and Niwa Nagahide all eventually fought, Nobunaga only managed to muster a force far inferior to that used in the Battle of Kawachi.

The retainers, like Hideyoshi, had previously been able to muster an army of 3,500 men. This time, however, they brought none of the Tsubouchi or Hachisuka factions, only brave samurai and foot soldiers; the rest of the able-bodied men stayed home to farm. At most, they wouldn't have more than 500 men. It wasn't that they lacked money; they had the money, but couldn't muster such a large force in a short time.

If Hideyoshi had 3,500 men when Kanesaki retreated, then he would only need to cover the rear. After all, with 3,500 men blocking the way in the dark, even 20,000 Asakura soldiers would need at least two hours to cut them down.

"Won't the number of soldiers be too small if we suddenly form an army like this?" Shichibei knew about this in advance, but Nobunaga made this decision unilaterally and did not discuss it with his retainers.

As the Oda clan grew, its retainers also developed their own agendas. In matters that determined the future of the Oda clan, Nobunaga inevitably made arbitrary decisions at times.

"The Asakura forces number at most 30,000, and their strength is uneven. Our army still has the advantage." Nobunaga hadn't discussed this with Shichibei, since Shichibei was a novice.

It was only because they were close allies of Nobi that they directly took over military logistics, which is why they knew about it in advance.

“That’s true…” That’s a good point, and Shichibei had no excuse to refute it.

The army that Asakura could muster consisted of 30,000 men, at least half of whom were peasant soldiers, while Nobunaga's army was entirely composed of professional soldiers and regular troops. For example, the 12,000 men amassed around Gifu Castle were all professional soldiers who only cared about fighting, eating Nobunaga's rice, and receiving Nobunaga's money.

These people don't need to do anything else; they can just stay home and practice martial arts diligently every day, taking turns guarding Nobunaga and Gifu Castle. When a real war breaks out, they'll all be eager to charge in.

"You'll need to bring several hundred men too." If Shichibei hadn't asked, Nobunaga wouldn't have thought of that at the time.

Although Shichibei only has a territory of 5,000 plus 1,200, he now has over 2,000 loyal followers. Aside from the purely commercial laborers and shipwrights, a large number of samurai and foot soldiers have also been placed under Shichibei's command.

Some were stationed at horse farms, others at post stations; mobilizing a standing army of five hundred men was a simple matter at the sound of a whistle. Originally, Nobunaga had already granted Shichibei sufficient commercial privileges, but he also bestowed upon him additional territory.

The idea was that Shichibei could raise the small pack animal corps on his own, and if necessary, join the defense of Oda's main camp, without having to bring in Niwa Nagahide's troops, who historically provided logistics for Nobunaga, to protect the small pack animal corps.

"Understood, understood." Even if Nobunaga hadn't mentioned it, Shichibei would have still brought several hundred men into battle.

To attack Asakura, one must enter enemy territory. Without a guard of 500 men, how can Shichibei feel at ease? Even without an attack from the Asakura army, the peasants in Echizen territory could easily launch an attack on a small pack animal caravan.

During the Warring States period, peasants were also known for their martial prowess when necessary. They were incredibly brave when hunting, and they were also exceptionally fierce when raiding lone pack animals.

"Alright, you can go back to your work now." After Nobunaga finished his short rest, his servants came forward to help him change his clothes.

When hosting a tea ceremony, one should wear simple and elegant attire. Afterwards, when receiving guests, one should dress more formally and extravagantly; Nobunaga changed his clothes several times a day.

"My minister retire."

190. I learned by chance that someone was hoarding salt.

Upon exiting the door, he was surprised to see that it was Hosokawa Fujitaka who had entered. Hosokawa Fujitaka was a model of good interpersonal skills. As one of the few families that miraculously maintained their status as a prominent family from the Muromachi Shogunate to the Edo Shogunate, and even produced a Prime Minister in later eras, his family must have had some entrepreneurial spirit.

Not to mention greeting Shichibei, he would greet even the hundred foot soldiers guarding Nobunaga's gate.

When asked casually, he revealed that his visit to Nobunaga was for no secret purpose: to deliver a letter of instruction to Nobunaga. Since all official letters of instruction from the shogunate now required Nobunaga's countersignature to be valid, the letter before him was a condemnation of Asakura Yoshikage.

Because Asakura Yoshikage neither came to Kyoto to congratulate Ashikaga Yoshiaki on his ascension to the throne, nor did he fulfill his duty as a subject by contributing money and labor to the construction of the Nijō Palace.

In feudal times, this would be considered unwavering in harboring rebellious intentions.

Therefore, Oda Nobunaga is now ordered by Shogun Ashikaga to subdue Asakura Yoshikage. It's good to use the Shogun to command disobedience; if you say you want to fight, you have the pretext of righteousness to start the war.

"It's a matter of utmost importance, please take care of it immediately." Shichibei didn't delay, and after a few words, asked Hosokawa Fujitaka to report to Nobunaga immediately. This imperial edict must have been negotiated and prepared long ago, and now that it's finally written, implemented, and issued, it looks like it will be announced to the world within the month.

Regardless of whether the two sides had a falling out, they were still cooperating on the surface. Nobunaga immediately came to Kyoto to "pay his respects" to Ashikaga Yoshiaki after the New Year, which also meant to perform the duties of a vassal and to congratulate Ashikaga Yoshiaki on the New Year.

Historically, after the Battle of Sekigahara, many feudal lords had to shuttle between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans to offer New Year's greetings to both sides. This was because the rule of the land had not yet been clearly transferred to the Tokugawa family, leaving many feeling lost and uncertain.

Offering a sword as a New Year gift is a small matter; making this gesture is, in fact, a way of maintaining or acknowledging the overall framework and order.

In the end, Lady Yodo even built a large room with a thousand tatami mats to entertain the so-called feudal lords and their retainers. Tokugawa Ieyasu was amused when he heard this, saying that Lady Yodo had no idea what was going on.

By the way, just a side note, why didn't Shichibei live with Nobunaga at Myokaku-ji or Honno-ji?

Thanks to Nobunaga's influence, Shichibei had already acquired land in Kyoto and was permitted to build a branch of the Kawamuraya shop. With the shop in the front and the house in the back, it was essentially equivalent to Shichibei having his own residence in Kyoto. Therefore, when visiting Kyoto, he no longer needed to stay at temples or the residences of familiar court nobles or samurai.

It's not that I'm worried or anything, it's just that there's no place like home.

Back inside the store, Kotaro So, who was in charge of the Kyoto and Sakaimachi branches, and Shigekatsu Kuwayama, who had come to Kyoto with Shichibei, both asked Shichibei if he had made a decision with Nobunaga regarding the firearms.

It's settled. Nobunaga thinks it's not enough, so let's work harder.

The more capable he was, the more he would do, and Nobunaga's KPIs would never be low. He not only had to lead arquebusiers into battle, but also hundreds of samurai foot soldiers.

Recruiting people was actually easy; after all, Shichibei supported those samurai, whose job was to guard the post stations and conduct registration and checks. In previous campaigns, their military service was indispensable every time.

When will we go into battle?

Hosokawa Fujitaka has already issued the imperial edict declaring Asakura Yoshikage's disloyal intentions, so it's probably coming soon. What a pity, "People say Luoyang is as beautiful as brocade, but I came not in spring." The capital city before me is also called Luoyang, and when spring arrives and the fragrant flowers are in full bloom, I'll have to go out and kill people.

Perhaps in just these past few days, Nobunaga even bestowed the Yagata-no-gami (a title of honor) upon Yoshiuji of Daihoji in Ōshu (the southernmost part of Oshu). That's quite a show of power. Basically, everyone who could come has come; those who weren't going to come wouldn't have come even if invited. Like Asakura Yoshikage—would he have come? Definitely not.

On the other hand, Takeda Shingen not only received a house name but also bought a bestowed name for his son, accomplishing two things in one trip, which was truly delightful.

Hojo Ujiyasu also sent his family's diplomatic monks to Kyoto to present horses and hawks to Yoshiaki and Nobunaga. The purpose, of course, was to gain the approval of the Kyoto court and the shogunate, and to show them to the sycophants of the Kanto region.

You are Bando Yagaya-gata, and I am Oda Shinya-gata.

The Kanto region has a strong tradition of old samurai culture; otherwise, the Hojo clan wouldn't have needed to impersonate the Hojo clan. They simply wanted a seemingly legitimate name to justify their actions in the Kanto region.

When the Hojo clan's diplomatic monk arrived, Shichibei overheard Nobunaga muttering to himself, "Why is it another falcon being delivered?"

In just the last few days, or about half a month, Nobunaga received more than fifty falcons of various kinds. Although Nobunaga did participate in falconry and was not opposed to this kind of "refined hobby" of samurai daimyo, receiving more than fifty falcons at once meant that even Nobunaga didn't have that many people who knew how to raise them.

He originally intended to directly convert the money into cash for Shichibei, letting Shichibei calculate the cost. Shichibei repeatedly declined, finally managing to drop the deal. While the large, ornate white bronze basin might fetch a good price, the falcon might not. As the old saying goes, even with immense wealth, feathered creatures don't count. Not to mention that the falcon also has feathers, Shichibei simply couldn't handle such a creature.

In later years, near the gate of Osaka Castle Park on the side close to Yomiuri TV station, there were two elderly Japanese men walking falcons. That thing could be considered a tourist attraction, but unfortunately, it's not a tourist attraction in the city where people can see the falcons hunting rabbits and pheasants.

Tourists might take a quick photo, then head off to board the cruise ship that tours the moat of Osaka Castle. I wonder if those two falcons get a little silly standing at the castle gate every day.

Returning to the matter of Nobunaga's re-establishment of the Yagata-go system, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who had just received the Yagata-go, was about to flee back to Mikawa. At that time, the Oda clan's military mobilization would begin.

Having a reference point makes it easier for Kotaro So and Shigekatsu Kuwayama to understand. They then discussed the firearms again. It was getting dark, so they ate and went to sleep.

The next day, as Nobunaga had instructed, they had to deliver military supplies such as arquebuses, gunpowder, and lead ingots to Odani Castle and Okazaki Castle. Nobunaga's main force was deployed this time, but due to the sudden separation of soldiers and farmers, they were slightly short of troops. Not only did they have to ask Tokugawa Ieyasu to go into battle, but Azai Nagamasa also had to go into battle.

If you want to take your two younger brothers out, you definitely have to show some generosity with money, food, and supplies. As the eldest brother, you have to use both kindness and strictness.

After calculating, I decided to give each of them two hundred arquebuses and some other supplies. Asai Nagamasa's side is easy to handle; we can just dispatch supplies from Kunitomo Village. As for Tokugawa Ieyasu's, we'll have to send a shoal ship from Sakai.

Fortunately, with Ataka Nobuyasu of the Awaji Navy and Kuki Yoshitaka of the Shima Navy now under Nobunaga's command, the shipping route from Sakai to Ise, Owari, and Tōtōmi has been effectively controlled by the Oda clan.

With the protection of two large naval forces, the returning ships bound for Oda and Tokugawa territories would never again suffer the same fate as the previous lord, Itō.

This year is different from history; Nobunaga plans to go directly to Odani Castle to meet up with Azai Nagamasa. Historically, Nobunaga took the left bank of Lake Biwa because, in addition to attacking Asakura Yoshikage, he also needed to assist Yoshiaki's nephew, Takeda Motoaki, in reclaiming Wakasa.

He attacked the Muto clan, who were pro-Asakura, and conquered the territory of Wakasa. Of course, Nobunaga also had his own selfish motives, hoping to gain control of Wakasa-Ohama and thus control the trade hub of the northward trade route.

At this moment, it's unclear whether Yoshiaki and Nobunaga are truly at odds, as Yoshiaki hasn't explicitly stated his intention to reinstate Takeda Motoaki. Therefore, Nobunaga's primary military objective is to directly capture Ichijodani Castle.

If Asakura could capture Ichijōdani Castle, or annihilate the two main armies of the Asakura clan—the Tsuruga and Ōno clans—then the Asakura clan would be like a candle in the wind, and might even disintegrate on its own.

Japan's Sengoku period has evolved from village chiefs fighting each other to the current stage where tens of thousands of people engage in large-scale battles, and a single battle can determine the fate of an entire neighboring country.