Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

Why? Because Uchijima Uchijima's entire family died in a landslide.

In other words, the Kitahida Uchijima clan, which had been unable to subdue for two generations since the Miki clan and had also seized the Anekoji clan, was wiped out without Anekoji Yoritsuna exerting any effort. Kitahida, which had only nominally submitted to the Anekoji clan, was now entirely unified under the Anekoji family's umbrella.

While others scream, weep, and break down in despair during an earthquake, he revels in joy. What does it matter to me if my neighbors die in the earthquake? It's the death of my decades-long adversary that truly brings joy.

After achieving complete unification of Hida, Anegakoji Yoritsuna had further ideas. He had obtained the position of Junior Third Rank Councilor through Oda Nobunaga, and his father, Miki Yoshiyori, had been appointed Junior Third Rank Councilor after taking control of the Anegakoji clan.

In theory, their family had already secured their position as the head of the Fujiwara clan of the Koichi-ryu school of Hida Province. However, during the reign of Oda Nobukatsu, Yoritsuna Yoritsuna was prepared to hand over the title of head of the family to his eldest son, Hidetsuna Yoritsuna, who was then appointed as the fifth-rank official of Hida Province, Saemon-suke.

However, Oda Nobukatsu was somewhat reluctant to offer Hidetsuna the position of Junior Third-Rank Councilor or Middle Counselor. Nobukatsu had this one flaw: he seemed to be holding back on granting him an official title.

His brothers were like this, as was his sister, Hirotsuna, who was related to him by blood. In terms of patriarchal lineage, Hirotsuna was also Nobuo's cousin, since their stepmothers were both daughters of Saito Dosan.

According to Oda Nobukatsu's plan, aside from the second or third lords of the court, samurai lords were not allowed to obtain such high ranks. He probably worried that if samurai lords had high-ranking titles, they would develop unrealistic ambitions.

In this way, his sister, Hidetsuna Koji, would not be able to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and be promoted to the third rank.

He harbored a secret resentment. To him, even if he were eventually appointed as the fourth-ranking official, it wouldn't be enough. He had to be promoted from the third rank to the rank of minister, otherwise his family's three generations of hard work would have been in vain.

Originally, they might have just harbored resentment, but suddenly the situation changed drastically, and the father and son saw hope. Since Oda Nobukatsu wouldn't grant me the rank of Third Grade, I went to find Oda Nobushige.

Anekōji Yoritsuna Hidetsuna's request was very clear: Anekōji Hidetsuna must also be ranked as a Junior Third Rank official. As for what kind of job it was, it didn't matter; Oda Nobushige just needed to help him get promoted to Junior Third Rank.

Such a request was practically no request at all; Oda Nobushige and Tokugawa Ieyasu agreed swiftly. The remaining problem was that Hida's four thousand men were simply too few to shake the Western Army's main force.

Honda Masanobu's idea was to see if there was a way to mobilize the local tyrants in Kitano, such as Endo Yoshitaka, the son-in-law of Anekokōji Yoritsuna. In addition, he planned to transfer Toyama Tomotada from the former Nobutada bannermen in Nagoya, and also send troops there to Kitano.

Four thousand might not be enough, but eight thousand would be very likely.

At that time, eight thousand men will march south from Beinong, ten to twenty thousand will attack from Dongnong, and the main force of the Eastern Army will cross the Yellow River and head north. This three-pronged attack is quite in line with the military strategy of surrounding three sides while leaving one open.

Is it feasible? Tokugawa Ieyasu had never actually commanded an army of hundreds of thousands. Oda Nobushige was only fifteen; what did he know about warfare? For a moment, Tokugawa Ieyasu also felt somewhat insecure. But his strength lay in his mindset; having come this far, he absolutely could not waver.

He can be described as having composure in the face of great events!

On the other side of the river, Shichibei convened a military council of feudal lords. Everyone was talking at once, offering their own ideas and approaches, but after a long and noisy discussion, no conclusion was reached. Tokugawa Ieyasu, however, did not intend to summon all the leaders of his hundreds of thousands of men, but instead summoned Honda Masanobu for a secret meeting.

"Prolonged delays will inevitably lead to changes." This was the only sentence that Masanobu Honda uttered.

To put it bluntly, the Eastern Army was stirred up by a bombshell rumor that their homes would be raided. Of course, the generals surrounding Oda Nobushige did indeed harbor the idea of ​​storming Osaka and seizing central power. I, Owari no Fumoyo, risked my life to conquer the land, but in the end, it was the sons-in-law of the western provinces and Nobukatsu's trusted confidants and close associates from the south who benefited.

It's hard to say how long this momentum can last. What if Kawamura Nagayoshi on the other side starts using the silver bullet tactic? Back when I was in the central government, I always heard Kawamura Nagayoshi spouting about poverty, but in reality, when has he ever been short of money?

Before the Eastern Army set off, they even took 100,000 kan from his pocket. Now the Western Army is arrayed on the north bank, unmoving as a mountain, and all their food and supplies are provided by Kawamura Nagayoshi, which shows that he still has some wealth.

Over time, it's entirely possible that some people might be bribed by his gold coins and Tianzheng coins.

"Hmm..." Tokugawa Ieyasu was calm, but he was still hesitant.

Even the greatest generals, at moments that determine the fate of hundreds of thousands, will weigh their options repeatedly. The way Taipei 101 paced back and forth at Changwu Railway Station is almost a scene from a movie. If even a general as renowned as him hesitated, who wouldn't?

"There's one more thing: if we delay, the rainy season will arrive." Honda Masanobu was from Mikawa, right next to Nobi, and was very familiar with the local rainy season.

"Hiss..." This sentence almost had the power to seal the deal.

Although Tokugawa Ieyasu spent most of his early life in Suruga, Suruga also had a rainy season. How could Ieyasu not know how troublesome the rainy season was? Once the rainy season arrived, it would mean at least a month or two of being unable to wage war. Furthermore, with hundreds of thousands of troops gathered together, there was a risk of an epidemic breaking out.

"Summon all generals and prepare for battle!" Tokugawa Ieyasu finally made up his mind to launch the decisive battle as soon as possible.

At this time, the main camp of the Eastern Army had moved to Komakiyama, as it was the only "strategic" location in the northern Owari region. Oda Nobunaga had built Komakiyama Castle here, and after moving to Gifu in Mino, he sold Komakiyama to Kawamuraya.

After the Eastern Army arrived, they immediately seized the Komakiyama horse farm, taking over the castle ruins and all the horses. With the existing stables and manor houses, Tokugawa Ieyasu saved himself the trouble of building fences; he could simply move the existing horse enclosures around.

Upon hearing the news, the generals rushed into the temporary camp that served as their main battle position. They all sat on bundles of millet, awaiting the military council.

Having already consulted with, or rather, notified, Oda Nobushige, Tokugawa Ieyasu bypassed the military council and directly issued military orders in Oda Nobushige's name. It must be said that Oda Nobushige was quite ruthless; after entering Owari, he ruthlessly incorporated over ten thousand former Nobutada Umakai followers into his ranks.

He appointed all of his late father's old retainers, such as Gamo Fuehide, Saji Kazunari, and Toyama Tomotada, as chief retainers, bestowing favors and winning them over. He sought to strengthen his own direct retainer group and, on the advice of Dan Tadamasa, tried his best to avoid any conflict with Tokugawa Ieyasu, ensuring harmony within the Eastern Army.

The Eastern Army, having risen through the ranks during Japan's Sengoku period, was well aware that it effectively had two leaders. Oda Nobushige's knowing when to advance and retreat effectively maintained the stability of the entire Eastern Army.

Therefore, whether Ieyasu informed him or announced the order, Oda Nobushige nodded in approval and did not express any objection.

A true silent general!

If Oda Nobushige succeeds one day, he will undoubtedly be praised for his "shrewd and decisive strategy." He might even be described as having "a resolute ambition to conquer the world."

According to Ieyasu's plan, the four divisions of Kiso Yoshimasa, Mori Hideyori, Mori Tadamasa, and Sanada Nobuoki, totaling 12,000 men, plus Takigawa Masushige's 7,000 cavalry as the second force, would head straight for Higano Kanesan Castle, cross the river, and launch a strong attack on the left flank of the Western Army.

Three thousand cavalrymen, including Toyama Tomotada, also detoured across the river. They then joined four thousand cavalrymen, including Anegokōji Yoritsuna and Hidetsuna, who came south from Hida, as well as a thousand cavalrymen from local lords such as Endō Yoshitaka, for a total of eight thousand men. They attacked the rear of the Western Army from Kitano.

The army split into two: the Ise and Noo forces marched to Sunomata Castle to attack the right flank of the western army, while the Kanto and Tokai forces marched to Inuyama Castle to attack the left flank of the western army.

The Eastern Army's central command was still located at Komakiyama, mainly centered around Oda Nobushige and his former Umakai followers, numbering about 30,000 cavalry.

Knowing that the battle had reached a point of life and death, Ieyasu moved his army forward, positioning it roughly slightly behind the midpoint between Sunomata and Inuyama. Upon receiving news of a breakthrough on either side, he immediately mobilized his main force as a backup attack.

Aside from Nobushige's main force, which could barely be considered the general reserve, even Ieyasu's Edo troops were being sent. No one would have any respect for a cowardly commander.

Upon hearing the military order, the generals of the Eastern Army responded enthusiastically. After learning that the tactic was to encircle the enemy from three sides, leaving one side vulnerable, they all expressed their acceptance.

Moreover, Ieyasu's explanation was very simple and easy to understand. He divided the battlefield into three parts: Sunomata was one battlefield, Inuyama and Kinzan was another, and the Tokugawa Edo troops preparing to advance on the south bank of the Kiso River and Kitano were yet another.

If the battle were broken down into smaller, localized battlefields involving only 30,000 to 50,000 men, the generals would understand and put their clever minds to work. The two main frontal assaults, led by Sunomata and Inuyama, were not prioritized; both were aggressive attacks aimed at defeating the opposing western army.

let's go!

Don't accuse Tokugawa Ieyasu of being stingy; he didn't hesitate to bestow 100,000 kan of wealth. Basically, he gave one kan to every soldier who came, rewarding them based on the number of people, even if they were just a lowly soldier.

A generous reward will surely attract brave men. If we don't use the money we squeezed from Oda Nobuo and Kawamura Nagayoshi now, when will we?

The Eastern Army generals, now brimming with anticipation after receiving their rewards, were even more eager to fight. Although they had been held back for eight days at Hamamatsu Castle, they had managed to advance triumphantly to Nobi. All they needed to do was defeat the enemy in front of them to enter the Kinai region; victory was in sight.

The opportunity to ascend to the throne of a great nation and take control of the central government is right before one's eyes; it's impossible not to be excited.

Meanwhile, on the north bank of the Kiso River, Shichibei was constantly getting news of the Eastern Army from the wounded Sumi scouting horse.

Those scouts killed during reconnaissance, ronin, and low-ranking soldiers were directly recruited and given an annual stipend of eight kan and three rice rations. Those who were samurai and received rice rations were promoted to high-ranking officials, and those with high-ranking officials were allowed to double their inheritance.

To be honest, a major battle is bound to kill a lot of people, so this is just a pre-emptive replacement. The scouts, on the other hand, didn't think that far ahead. They were so excited to learn that even if they were killed while gathering information, their families would be protected.

Besides, once they found out the news, they received a ready-made reward of gold.

"You mean the enemy's main force is advancing towards Sunomata Inuyama, and even the Edo troops have come down from Komakiyama?" Shichibei's heart stirred upon hearing of the Eastern Army's great mobilization.

"Could it be that the Kanto forces are preparing for a full-scale attack?" Takenaka Shigeharu recalled the map of Noo in his mind and felt that Tokugawa Ieyasu was not such a reckless man.

"A two-pronged attack might be their plan to prevent our troops from identifying their main force," Todo Takatora immediately thought.

For example, if the Eastern Army has 100,000 troops, 70,000 would attack one side, while the other 30,000 would be responsible for delaying the enemy on the other side. The side with the 70,000 troops would then be able to gain a local advantage. If they could defeat the Western Army in front of them, they could immediately form a sweeping momentum and achieve victory.

Because the battle area was very wide, Shichibei might not be able to quickly determine the location of the main force of the Eastern Army. He could only distribute his forces evenly between two locations, which in effect created a weakness in one area.

“If they attack, we attack too! We’ll concentrate our best troops on one flank and launch a counterattack.” Takenaka Shigeharu rarely came up with such a reckless idea.

“This proposal is feasible,” Hara Nagayori immediately agreed.

"Phew..." Shichibei breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Sanada Masaki again.

"Sitting idly by and waiting for death is absolutely not an option. If we know the enemy is about to make a move, then we must strike with lightning speed." Sanada Masaki thought about it and also supported this idea.

Avoid fighting on the defensive; instead, employ flexible defense. Probing the Eastern Army's strengths and weaknesses during offensive maneuvers can be a valuable source of intelligence.

"My lord, there's news from the direction of Jinshan!" Hiratsuka Tamehiro hurriedly entered.

"how!"

"Reports indicate that a pontoon bridge is being constructed beneath Jinshan Castle." The money was well spent; an important message reached the shogunate's main tent.

Chapter 651 The Prelude to the Decisive Battle Has Begun

"really!"

Even though Shichibei wasn't particularly tactical, he knew that pontoon bridges were built to facilitate the rapid passage of large armies. If it were just a small force of a hundred or so men, they could easily cross in three or five small boats.

Even the earlier group of eight or ten people, including the scouting party, either swam across the river on their own or found a bamboo or wooden raft to cross. The Kiso River was the largest outlet for timber from Kiso Valley, and the main business of Hachisuka Masakatsu and his group back then was the transportation of bamboo and timber.

Finding a bamboo raft or a wooden raft is very easy; a few people can easily cross. Why would you need a pontoon bridge?

"The main attack direction of the Kanto forces must be on the Jinshan-Inuyama flank!" Takenaka Shigeharu and Todo Takatora said almost in unison; it was as clear as day.

"No rush! Offer a hefty reward, select the elite, and report back again!" Shichibei suddenly calmed down, and a mysterious aura rushed straight to the top of his head.

Once the news of the construction of a pontoon bridge along the Kiso River in the Jinshan City section was confirmed, the more detailed the better. After confirmation, the entire Western Army's deployment was immediately adjusted.

"Goma Kai!" Hiratsuka Tamehiro gave the order, and dozens of elite samurai immediately stepped forward.

"Look ahead." Shichibei waved to the back, and immediately a servant brought over a rattan box. When the box was opened, it was full of gold dust.

Whether it succeeds or fails, this box of gold dust is a reward for you. Each of you must ride two horses and go quickly and return swiftly. You must bring back clear and certain news of the Jinshan Floating Bridge.

Over the past twenty years, Shichibei has also assembled a group of elite samurai. Although they may not be as brave and fierce as those of other families, they are well-equipped and have ample provisions, and are certainly above average.

Dozens of imperial horsemen responded with a clamor, took the rattan box, mounted their horses, and rode off towards Gold Mountain. Ghana is at most thirty-odd kilometers from Gold Mountain, which is quite a distance. Even if the Eastern Army had set off from Inuyama Castle to Gold Mountain, it would still be about fifteen kilometers.

On the contrary, Shichibei's main camp in Gana-Gifu was very close to Sunomata, only eight kilometers away. In other words, the closest point of Shichibei's main camp to the front line of the confrontation was only eight kilometers away.

This is why, when everyone first heard the news of reinforcements at Inuyama and Sunomata's locations, they couldn't immediately determine the main direction of attack.

Since Sunomata and Inuyama are eight kilometers apart and fifteen or sixteen kilometers apart respectively, neither of them is considered a very long distance.

"Summon all the generals."

By the time news from Jinshan arrives, the Eastern Army's deployment will be complete, and the Western Army must immediately prepare its response. Summon all generals to the central command post to await further news. Also, adjust the overall army's deployment in preparation for engaging the enemy.

"Heh heh." The crowd responded solemnly.

The generals of the Western Army, who had been deployed along the river from Ōgaki to Kamo, flocked to the meeting upon hearing of the military council. The fact that the council was being held at this time indicated that a grand strategy had already been devised.

By the way, this Kamo-no is the passage that blocked the entrance to Kanesan Castle. It was here that Oda Nobunaga decisively defeated Takeda Katsuyori's 20,000 elite cavalry, killing tens of thousands and breaking the backbone of the Kai-Nobu elite troops. It was also after the Battle of Kamo-no that the Takeda clan rapidly collapsed and headed towards its demise.

At this time, the one stationed in Kamo was Watanabe Kanbei, one of Shichibei's trusted and beloved generals.

The generals arrived one after another. After entering the tent, they saw Shichibei sitting upright without saying a word. Although many were anxious, they dared not act rashly and simply sat down in order, waiting for instructions.

Unexpectedly, Shichibei simply sat there without uttering a word, while the Kawamura Hatamoto guards at the door were all eagerly waiting.

Some whispered among themselves, while others remained silent, simply sitting quietly. Once all the generals had gathered, without exception, Shichibei finally opened his eyes.

He remained silent, as news of the Jinshan Floating Bridge had not yet arrived. Without confirmation, no decision could be made lightly.

"General!" someone shouted first.

"..." Shichibei remained calm, only raising his hand to make a gesture to stop him from speaking.

This left the generals feeling somewhat incredulous. It was Shichibei who had summoned them, and it was Shichibei who had arrived without saying a word. What was he up to?

"Urgent report!" A horseman's shout came from outside the tent.