Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

Unfortunately, during Japan's Sengoku period, when a country was invaded, the actual land that could be plundered was generally only 20% to 40% of the country's own territory, measured in koku (a unit of rice measure). The rest was either the territory of surrendered nobles or the territory of temples and shrines.

After deducting the rewards given to retainers who made great contributions, the lord might not actually achieve a significant increase in power. Of course, he could follow Nobunaga's example and grant six districts of Echizen to Azai Nagamasa, taking his Azai and Ika districts in Kohoku. He could exchange 450,000 koku of new patronage from an enemy province for 150,000 koku of his retainers' former stipends.

As for the unfamiliar new territory of 450,000 koku in the six districts of Echizen, how much of it you, Azai Nagamasa, can grasp depends on your abilities.

Why didn't the Kuroda family kill the entire Utsunomiya family after they were granted Buzen territory? Ultimately, it was about eliminating powerful local lords and coveting their lands.

Therefore, this battle requires neither too many men nor too many men. Sending too many people, especially those who conquer cities and seize territory to gain merit, would be disastrous.

With too many people, there's no new knowledge to share. We can only send one or two thousand men with Nagayoshi; the main force of the household won't be dispatched.

He dusted himself off and got up. What a tiring life! He knew he wouldn't get to enjoy these good days for long; time to head to the shore and Tiancheng. He spurred his horse to the city, where the harbor below was still full of ships of all sizes. The victorious navy was lounging around the city, arms around each other, enjoying their time.

After learning of the great victory, Nobunaga promoted Kuki Yoshitaka to the rank of 35,000 koku daimyo. While Ataka Kiyoyasu and Morimura Haru didn't receive any promotions, as they were only supporting characters, they still received their due rewards in the thousands of kan (a unit of currency), and Nobunaga also bestowed upon them a large amount of food and drink. As long as they could eat and drink, it was all on Nobunaga's tab.

No wonder these online trolls were so drunk; with lots of money, large bottles of alcohol, and prostitutes who had come all the way from Sakaimachi to do business, they were having a really good time.

What can you expect from a feudal army?

When Shichibei arrived at the castle, Ataka Kiyoyasu and Morimura Haru immediately came to see him. Upon learning that Nobunaga had issued orders to conquer Awaji Province and completely isolate the Mori navy from Osaka Bay, they happily accepted the command. Shichibei didn't urge them to set out immediately, giving them five days to prepare. After all, Osaka Bay was now in the hands of the Oda navy, and with ships, resupply would be very convenient.

Awaji Island, having lost the Mori family's backyard, must be a desolate place by now.

Chaos ensued. After defeating Sugatatsu, the leader of the Mori clan stationed in Awaji, and conquering castles such as Sumoto, Awaji province could be easily taken over.

Nobunaga was really generous in giving away a territory of 50,000 koku.

He added an extra instruction: to set up a high stilt on the opposite side of the Akashi Strait and guard it continuously for twelve hours to prevent any of the Mori army's ships from entering or leaving Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple.

Set off on your journey, and may your martial arts prowess endure.

Shichibei didn't even give Hara Nagayori any instructions, just told him to watch the two admirals perform. The two naval forces totaled more than three thousand men, and now that they were fighting for territory, they would definitely fight very hard. Hara Nagayori might not even get the chance to personally participate in the siege; he could only watch.

He was sent primarily because he was Shichibei's brother-in-law, a powerful figure in the family, and qualified to lead Kawamura's army. The others were less capable, not because Todo Takatora or Sanada Masaki were incapable of leading a thousand men.

Before setting off, Nagayori asked if they should eliminate the remaining local warlords on the island. Shichibei smiled and said there was no need. Although they had a need for territory, it wasn't that much. The war was never-ending, and although they were currently granted Kishiwada, Nobunaga might transfer it to some place in Kanto or western Japan someday.

Pacifying Awaji province is sufficient; our fundamental goal remains controlling the commerce of the entire nation. The necessary samurai have already been placed, although the 600 cavalrymen of Namie only earn 50 koku each and still require support. But having land is enough; with this land, the people will settle down.

"Hikoji, where is your Tomoyo in Mino again?" Shichibei had forgotten for a moment.

"Two thousand strings of cash for flowers and trees in Honchao County, Nōshū." Of course, Hara Nagayori knew his own home, so he blurted it out.

"Then it would be eight thousand shi, or at most ten thousand shi."

"Not much different."

"How about I transfer you to a fief of 30,000 koku in the mainland?" Shichibei's eldest son is still young, and he needs a deputy general to relieve himself of ordinary military combat duties.

"Huh?" Hara Nagayoshi was taken aback.

Where did the 30,000 koku of Awaji come from? Actually, it did come from the 10,000 koku that was left unclaimed in Sumoto, and the 10,000 to 20,000 koku that were occupied by the Awaji people. Put them together and you get 30,000 koku.

He directly assigned those powerful clans of Awaji Province to serve as retainers of former Nagayori. As for the existing samurai groups, whether he incorporated them or schemed to destroy them and seize the land, it was up to him. As long as he could...

Shichibei only needs to field an army that meets the standard of 30,000 koku; the rest of Shichibei are irrelevant.

"How is it?" Once Nagayoshi is pulled out of Mino, he will no longer be Yoriki, but will become Shichibei's retainer.

Although it was somewhat like acting first and informing later, as long as it was reported to Nobunaga, Nobunaga would definitely approve it. Since Nagayori's original territory was in Mino, taking away the power and influence of others would make it easier for Nobutada to unify Mino.

“I will never forget my sworn brother’s great kindness.” Hara Nagayoshi immediately kowtowed to Shichibei.

If it were merely a transfer of 10,000 koku of rice to Sumoto, Hara Nagayori would certainly be unwilling. But now, with 30,000 koku, it's practically like transferring half of Awaji province to him—what more could he possibly want?

Even if there are Chinese and powerful clans in the new territory, there might still be troublemakers. But the difference between striving for 2,000 guan and earning 30,000 shi is fundamental.

To own one's own city, regardless of size, and be called a daimyo—isn't that essentially a class elevation?

"Haha, good job! I'll write to the lord right away and request that you be granted to me." Shichibei helped Hara Nagayoshi up; they were brothers after all.

454. Iyo's Conquest on the Agenda

Shichibei drafted a report in front of Hara Nagayori, requesting that Hara Nagayori be transferred from Mino to Awajisu Castle. Around the same time in history, Shibata Katsuie reclaimed Hara Nagayori from Nobunaga and transferred him to Katsuyama in Echizen Province with a fief of 20,000 koku.

Seeing that Shichibei had finished writing, Hara Nagayori was extremely grateful and bowed to Shichibei again. Watching the swift-footed men rush to deliver the document to Kyoto, Hara Nagayori pledged to complete the mission of conquering Azusa.

Then he rushed onto the ship and followed Kiyoyasu Ataka and Haru Morimura to Awaji. He ran faster than Kiyoyasu Ataka and the others, as if afraid others wouldn't know he was heading to Awaji.

"Oh dear, I never expected to meet the King of the Capital here." Shichibei was still seeing off Hara Nagayori when a large ship with Oda quince patterns came ashore, and Miyoshi Nobutaka jumped off.

"Hmm? Prince Katsurui?" Shichibei recognized the voice as that of Miyoshi Nobutaka.

That's strange. Weren't you focused on conquering the four kingdoms? The other day, Nobunaga held a meeting of his senior retainers, and even Tokugawa Ieyasu came, but Nobutaka was nowhere to be seen. Now that the meeting is over, why are you suddenly here?

Come.

"Haha, I must report to Father." Miyoshi Nobutaka bowed to Shichibei, seemingly in a very good mood.

"Zanzibar travel guide complete?"

"The Junior Vice Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Kagawa has surrendered, and the city gates have been opened amidst the fog

As expected, the disastrous defeat of Mori Murakami's navy at Kizugawa caused the Kagawa clan, which had been recruited by Kobayakawa Takakage in Nishisanuki, to waver. Faced with the overwhelming force of the Oda clan, and without the support of the Mori clan, the Kagawa clan had no choice but to surrender.

Nobuzumi originally inherited the title of the Kagawa clan in Kyoto, so the surrender of Amagiri Castle was a natural progression. Historically, the Kagawa clan, the deputy governor of Nishisanuki, surrendered the castle on the condition of adopting Kagawa Chikachika, the son of Chōsokabe Motochika. However, they ultimately failed to retain their title; Hideyoshi conquered Shikoku and reached the islands, the Kagawa clan changed hands, and their territory was confiscated.

After Chosokabe Nobuchika died in the Battle of Naka-Tomikawa, the Chosokabe family lost its eldest son, and Hideyoshi planned to use Kagawa Chikawa, who was being held hostage in Osaka, to inherit the Chosokabe family.

Kagawa Chikaka, who was returning to Tosa, died suddenly on the spot, and the Kagawa clan, the deputy governor of the four districts of Nishisanuki, died out.

It's highly likely that it can't be severed now, because Kagawa no Kage has gone into seclusion.

He will relinquish his position in the Kagawa clan. The two Kagawa branches will merge into one, and Kagawa Nobusumi will openly take over Amagiri Castle.

Due to the previous continuous warfare, Hosokawa Ujimasa, lord of Kujukuyama Castle in Nishisanuki, Hosokawa Yorihiro, lord of Nio Castle, Yoshida Kanehisa, lord of Tenjinzan Castle, and Saito Shigo, lord of Fujime Castle, were either killed or fled, and the local power in Nishisanuki was almost completely wiped out. Kagawa Nobusumi is currently enjoying himself, with each of his retainers receiving rewards and promotions.

So what are you doing here, buddy?

Xiangzhuang's sword dance is intended for Peigong.

"Hehe, hehehehe..." Miyoshi Nobutaka just smiled, then said that he was going to Kyoto immediately to pay his respects to Oda Nobunaga, and would return to Shichibei after he had finished his visit.

Riddler, yet another riddler. Damn it, riddlers are the most annoying people I've ever met. Unfortunately, he's Nobunaga's eldest son, so Shichibei could only smile and watch as Miyoshi Nobutaka changed horses and rode off towards Kyoto.

In fact, Nobutaka Miyoshi's idea was not complicated; he just wanted to eat what was readily available.

When rebuilding the Awa Navy, his energy was entirely focused on fighting against Sogawa Moriyasu. So apart from pushing Morimura Haru to Shichibei, he did nothing else.

Understanding is understandable, but understanding is one thing, respecting and blessing is another.

After pacifying Sanshu, the next step was Iyo, also known as Yushu. Oda Nobunaga and Chosokabe Motochika had agreed that Motochika would conquer not only Tosa but also half of southern Iyo. Northern Iyo was intended for Kagawa Nobusumi, serving as a base to directly intimidate the Mori clan's main territory, Aki Province, from across the Seto Inland Sea.

I have 400,000 koku, and I'll divide 200,000 between myself and others. It's a win-win situation.

While the land route was relatively easy for the Tosa conquest of southern Iyo, a large-scale offensive still required a navy. However, the land route for the attack on northern Iyo from Awa and Sanuki was much more difficult, necessitating a substantial navy to assist with troop movements and logistical support.

What else is there to say? Nobutaka Miyoshi definitely hopes that the Awa Navy will return to Awa Province, and it would be best if the Awaji Ataka Navy were also temporarily assigned to him as support.

Miyoshi Nobutaka, who usually joked around with Shichibei, knew that things weren't going to go smoothly when he saw Shichibei this time, so he naturally didn't dare to stay in Kishiwada Castle for long. He first ran to Kyoto to get the imperial decree from his father, and then came back to talk to Shichibei.

He wanted the Awa and Awaji/Ataka spies, not for...

His own selfish desires led him to expand the Oda clan's territory and, in conjunction with Nobunaga's grand strategy of eliminating the Mori clan, to enter northern Iyo.

From the perspective of the Oda clan as a whole, his demands were indeed "out of public interest" in a sense.

Another matter is that the current nominal governor of Iyo, Kono Michinao, has no children. Historically, the Kono family first surrendered to the Chōsokabe family, and then to Hashiba Hideyoshi, thus preserving their family name. Although their territory shrank significantly and they left Iyo, at least their family name was preserved. However, Kono Michinao died young without children, and the Iyo Kono clan, which had been in existence for fifty-seven generations, died out.

Such a great opportunity, why not seize it?

Both Miyoshi Nobutaka and Kagawa Nobusumi already had sons, and not just one. So, it would be no problem to give one of their sons to Kono Michinao.

Of course, Kono Michinao was only fifteen years old this year, so it's normal that he had no children. In other words, it's also quite normal that he died young.

Anyway, Kono Michinao inherited his family from Murakami Michiyasu's family on Kurushima Island, so even if he were to die, it wouldn't be a big deal. Currently, the Kono family's affairs are controlled by Murakami Michiyasu, and his retainers are gradually disintegrating and weakening.

This kind of family, which no longer has any decent retainers and only exists in name only, is the perfect family. Using it to install a son is like planting a flag in the area, without needing to expend much effort to suppress the old faction—perfect.

Because both matters were of great importance and required Oda Nobunaga's endorsement or approval, Miyoshi Nobutaka was willing to leave Awa, where he was essentially a local tyrant, and come to the Kinai region specifically to pay his respects to his father, Nobunaga.

So what was Nobunaga's attitude?

Nobunaga, who was reading Shichibei's application to transfer Nagayori's fief to Awaji Province, had initially listened casually to Nobutaka's explanation. After Nobutaka finished speaking, he also finished reading the application.

The first thing you say is difficult.

Even Nobunaga could have forced Shichibei to hand over the Awa navy, which had already secured 5,000 koku of rice in Awaji. But doing so would have been a complete violation of the entire feudal samurai system of Japan. It would have been a classic example of a monarch breaking a promise between lord and vassal and interfering in the internal affairs of his vassal.

Why did Nobunaga say it was difficult, rather than impossible? Because Morimura Haru had only obtained Shichibei's promise to settle the 5,000 koku of rice at the Awaji Iwaya residence. However, Awaji was currently under attack, and the entire process of establishing a vassal state under the Emperor's grace was in its final stages.

Once Iwaya Castle opens its gates, Morimura Haru enters the castle and acquires the nearby 5,000 koku of land, then Morimura Haru will be an extremely loyal retainer of Shichibei.

Unless Morimura Haru himself breaks away from the domain and abandons his promise to Shichibei, no one has the right to take him away from Shichibei.

Historically, Tokugawa Ieyasu orchestrated a major internal conflict within the Ukita clan to weaken them, causing half of the Ukita retainers to defect and leave Okayama. Only after this point did the Tokugawa clan intervene and take in these defecting samurai.

It would certainly be morally condemned, but procedurally it would be barely acceptable. If Ukita Hideie had any grievances, he could appeal to the Five Elders Joint Conference of the Toyotomi Court, where the ministers of Toyotomi Hideyori would deliberate and make a decision.

Just as the father and son were talking, Sugatatsu Nagatoshi, the lord of Iwaya Castle, abandoned the castle and fled to seek refuge with the Mori clan. The Kawamura clan landed on Awaji Island with almost no casualties and hardly any fighting.

Thanks to the long-standing goodwill of Ataka Kiyoyasu's family on Awaji Island, and the recent victory of the Oda clan in defeating Mori Murakami's navy at Kizugawa, the people of Awaji surrendered without resistance.

There aren't many powerful families left; those who are close to the Azur family either go to war or...

They either died or had their heads shaved by the Mori. The rest followed Sugatsuna and surrendered to the Mori, and now that the Oda army is counterattacking, they have no choice but to flee.

Good thing, it saves Oda's army from having to go ashore to shave their heads.

Morimura Haru entered Iwaya Castle, Hara Nagayori entered Sumoto Castle, and Ataka Kiyoyasu did not need a castle. He fully learned from his brother Ataka Nobuyasu's survival strategy of having three burrows, having territory on Awaji Island and a manor in Sakai, Honshu.

Although Nobuyasu Ataka died in battle, the Ataka family thrived. Even though they lost their territory on Awaji Island, the remaining retainers found rest and stability at Sakai Minami-sho. And now they've fought their way back, and their family is back to normal.

Instead of building castles, it's better to establish multiple bases along the Seto Inland Sea coast. As long as the Anzawa family has the skill to build and operate ships, it's not a big deal if any one of their bases is attacked; they can retreat to other bases to lick their wounds and develop stealthily.

"This is not appropriate." After much thought, Nobunaga refused Nobutaka's request. As for the matter of the Kono family, that was something that could be dealt with.

Nobunaga allowed Miyoshi Nobutaka and Kagawa Nobusumi to act first and report later in matters concerning the Kono clan of Iyo, as long as they could seize Kita Iyo and directly threaten Aki, then everything would be fine.

“Father, without a navy, it will be difficult to invade the north.” Miyoshi Nobutaka’s original plan was actually perfect.

His proposal to return the Awa Navy to Awa was tantamount to tearing down the roof. In his mind, Nobunaga would most likely ask the Awa Navy to temporarily assist Nobutaka for three to five years until the battle of Iyo was over, which would be considered a way of opening a window for discussion.

But he never expected that the Awa Navy had transformed from a naval force directly under Nobunaga into a retainer who was effectively stationed in Shichibei's territory.

In addition, there is another problem: Kuki Yoshitaka is going to return to Shima and lead his navy to cooperate with Oda Nobuhiro in attacking the Odawara Hojo clan in Kanto along the Tokaido.

The remaining guard and defense forces on Osaka Bay and Awaji Island were the naval forces of Kiyoyasu Ataka and Haru Morimura.