View Full Version : Making a God of War (Uesugi: Legednary, Domination)
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_000.jpg
:bow: This will be my last TW:S2 story of the Sengoku Jidai.
This is my first time writing a novel in English (which obviously is not my first language).
Please pardon my broken English and enjoy!
Settings
Clan: Uesugi
Settings: Legendary, Domination
Version: V5607
DLC: Blood Pack, Ikko-Ikki, Hattori, Sengoku Jidai units
MOD: none
Table of Content
Video: Making a God of War
Episode 01. Feud of Brothers (http://youtu.be/t6nAlyMdtg4?hd=1)
Episode 02. Long-time Enemies (http://youtu.be/lplFYVn0nFQ?hd=1)
Episode 03. Dragon of Echigo (http://youtu.be/PnewApVVSBs?hd=1)
Episode 04. Tower of Fortune (http://youtu.be/VrGd0uWLM9Q?hd=1)
Episode 05. When Time is Ripe (http://youtu.be/YP1i9l5KcGY?hd=1)
Episode 06. Shikoku Under Siege (http://youtu.be/BpJ-t339vxg?hd=1)
Episode 07. Duel of Untouchables (http://youtu.be/onryDI9KWJo?hd=1)
Episode 08. Making a Siegemaster (http://youtu.be/XvtJ6T_lm6A?hd=1)
Episode 09. Friend, or Enemy (http://youtu.be/DRCVyK8KQKA?hd=1)
Episode 10. The Hidden Fleet (http://youtu.be/-5o4sdXQUHo?hd=1)
Upcoming
Episode 11. The Good Thief
Introduction - Torachiyo (1530-1544)
Chapter 1. Clouds of Kasugayama Castle (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053468515&viewfull=1#post2053468515)
Chapter 2. Oath under Bishamonten (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053468530&viewfull=1#post2053468530)
Chapter 3. Crisis of Nagao Clan (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053469179&viewfull=1#post2053469179)
Chapter 4. Plot of Rizenji (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053469238&viewfull=1#post2053469238)
Book 1 - Nagao Kagetora (1545-1546)
Chapter 5. Tohachi Bishamon Tenon (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053469327&viewfull=1#post2053469327)
Chapter 6. Mind Preparation (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053469532&viewfull=1#post2053469532)
Chapter 7. Making a God of War (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053471334&viewfull=1#post2053471334)
Chapter 8. Valuable Promises (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053471378&viewfull=1#post2053471378)
Chapter 9. Match-Making Trip (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053472525&viewfull=1#post2053472525)
Chapter 10. Plan of Expansion (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053473564&viewfull=1#post2053473564)
Chapter 11. Twin Dragon (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053474015&viewfull=1#post2053474015)
Chapter 12. Reconciliation Effort (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053475875&viewfull=1#post2053475875)
Book 2 - Dragon of Echigo (1546-1548)
Chapter 13. Enjoying a Drink (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053477417&viewfull=1#post2053477417)
Chapter 14. Chaos in Hokuriku (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053477497&viewfull=1#post2053477497)
Chapter 15. Last Mind Standing (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053478571&viewfull=1#post2053478571)
Chapter 16. Uesugi Norimasa (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053479477&viewfull=1#post2053479477)
Chapter 17. A Plot to Exploit (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053480849&viewfull=1#post2053480849)
Chapter 18. The Treaty of Ueno (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053484566&viewfull=1#post2053484566)
Chapter 19. Heaven and Earth (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053487849&viewfull=1#post2053487849)
Book 3 - God of Fortune (1548-1550)
Chapter 20. National hero in making (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053488831&viewfull=1#post2053488831)
Chapter 21. Three Generations of Tragedy (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053490483&viewfull=1#post2053490483)
Chapter 22. Dilemma of the Righteous (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053491662&viewfull=1#post2053491662)
Chapter 23. When the Sky Dips Beneath (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053494933&viewfull=1#post2053494933)
Characters (will be updated as the story progresses)
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_kenshin_480.jpg
長尾景虎 Nagao Kagetora (later known as Uesugi Kenshin)
Born in 1530. The second son of the Echigo Daimyo Nagao Tamekage (長尾為景). Named "Torachiyo (虎千代)" at birth, where "tora" (tiger) reflected that he was born in the zodiac year of tiger. His favorite novel is The Tale of Genji (源氏物語), a masterpiece depicting Japanese nobles' romance in the 11th century. Torachiyo was sent to Rizenji, the Forest Spring Temple, to become a monk between the age of 7 and 14. He was volunteered by the clan officers to assume the leadership of Echigo, as his elder brother Harukage proved to be a incompetent leader.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/usami_nomi_480.jpg
宇佐美乃美 Usami Nomi
Born in 1530. Daughter of Usami Sadamitsu (宇佐美定滿 1489-1564), lord of Biwa Island Castle and a family officer of the Nagao clan. When Nomi was 7, she travelled to the great temple of Todai-ji in Nara, and took a sacred oath in front of the giant statue of Bishamonten (毘沙門天), the God of War.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/nagao_masakage_480.jpg
長尾政景 Nagao Masakage
Born in 1526. Leader of one of the prominent Nagao families. He married an elder sister of Uesugi Kenshin. When conflict arose between Uesugi Kenshin and his elder brother, Harukage, Masakage intended to side with the (quite incompetent) incumbent Harukage.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/ashina_yaya_480.jpg
廬名夜也 Ashina Yaya
Born in 1525. Daughter of the Ashina clan daimyo, Ashina Morikiyo (蘆名盛舜).
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/maltz_housekeeper_480.jpg
管家茂子 Maoko the Housekeeper
Maltz's avatar in the story. As "子" (ko) is a typical girl's name in Japan, Maoko is a lady born in around 1510. She was a doula during Torachiyo's birth, and remains the nanny of Torachiyo until he becomes a monk in Rizenji (Forest Spring Temple) at 7. When Torachiyo assumes power at the age of 15 as Kagetora, Maoko is promoted from a maid to housekeeper due to her past ties with Kagetora.
Since the game's virtual world often makes abbreviations and mistakes, Maoko's primary job is to convince the characters that all nonsense actually make sense, and make the story more similar to the actual, more complicated world. As the executioner of commands, she gladly handles all trivial issues and decisions for the clan.
Selected secondary characters
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/nagao_tamekage_240.jpg
長尾為景 Nagao Tamekage
Born in 1489 (some sources say 1471). Daimyo of the Nagao clan, ruler of Echigo. In 1506, he succeeded his father as the Shogunate's Deputy Guardian of Echigo. Once forced to retreat to Etchu and Sado Island due to his military campaign against the weakening (actual) Guardian of Echigo, the Uesugi clan (not the same Uesugi family which Kenshin later adapts), he finally controlled Echigo in 1510.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_harukage_240.jpg
長尾晴景 Nagao Harukage
Born in 1509. Successor of the Nagao clan, ruler of Echigo since 1537. Famous for his poor health and irrelevant interests. As rebellions in Echigo were left unsuppressed, more and more family officers plot to replace him with his younger brother, the future Uesugi Kenshin.
Peasant Phill
07-20-2012, 11:30
... And we're off again.
I'll be following this as usual.
Chapter 1. Clouds of Kasugayama Castle
Kasuga Mountain (yama) Castle is located, as you guessed, on top of the Kasuga mountain.
Twenty years ago, the Nagao clan took control of Echigo. Since then, the Nagao family lived in the Kasuga Mountain castle.
There is a waterfall behind the castle, accompanied by a little shrine, a bridge, which frequently spans a beautiful rainbow beneath.
A few years ago, the daimyo Nagao Tamekage remodelled the castle to a perfect square shape.
In the middle of the short walls was their humble two-storey house that people reportedly could not find the door in.
People used to criticize the unimaginative design of the new look. They rather stare at the waterfall.
But eventually they got used to it.
The Kasuga Mountain makes up the western rim of the Seki River (kawa) basin. Looking east, one can see dozens of miles of rice fields.
In late winter or early spring, the morning fog could cover the entire Seki River basin. Then on top of the Kasuga mountain, there is a spectacular view of the "sea of cloud" beneath.
The blue sky on top, the white clouds at the bottom, while the sea of cloud reflects the yellow and orange bits of the morning sun.
People could temporarily forget their worries in the mundane world, and merge their mind with the tranquil and grand nature.
And so goes the name of Kasuga, "spring sun".
February 18, 1530
Nagao Harukage: "Father, what a beautiful sea of cloud!"
Nagao Tamekage: "Yes. This magnificence will all be yours one day."
Harukage: "What's ..ficence? Is it related to defecation?"
Tamekage: "You are 21 years old but speak like a 2! :on_furious: Where did you go when you skipped class?"
Tamekage gave his son's head a few solid knocks.
Midwife Maoko: "My lord, the baby is born! A boy!"
Tamekate: "Wahaha. This one started kicking and punching in the womb. I knew it is a boy." :on_lol:
The midwife carried out the crying little baby, whose face look especially red under the morning sunshine.
The baby's limbs are chubby. There is a thin layer of fine hair covering his shoulder and forehead.
Tamekage: "What a strong baby. What should I call him?" :on_hmm:
Midwife Maoko: "Madam suggests that since he was born on the Spring-Sun mountain, we call him Spring-Born."
Tamekage: "MEH. There are already so many spring-born, autumn-born around. Only four options - too many with identical names. Hm, isn't this year the year of Tiger? How about Tiger(Tora) chiyo?"
Maoko: "My lord, there are only 12 options. And you never heard of Dog-chiyo or Pig-chiyo..."
Tamekage: ":on_sweat: There is actually a Pig-shiro clan nearby. :on_bash: Who are you? How dare you challenge my authority? Guards! Push this midwife off the mountain!"
Maoko: "My lord~ turn around and look!"
Tamekage: "I won't fall for your childish trick!"
Maoko: "No~ look quickly! It is beautiful!"
As Tamekage turned around, he was stunned by the view. :on_lightning:
A large cloud was making its way here from the Shinano mountains, with golden-orange rims and rainbow-color aura.
As if it was accompanied by the chorus of angels, enchanted by the bells of the morning valley.
Tamekage: "I have never seen a cloud so beautiful..."
Maoko: "I heard that when a god reincarnates to become a baby, he rides a beautiful cloud. This is probably it..."
Tamekage: "Hm... what a sweet tongue. OK, you are forgiven. Come, cloud~"
Harukage: "Come, cloud~"
By the calling and waving of the people on top of the Kasuga mountain, the golden color slowly approached...
But suddenly, there comes a gust of powerful, chilling south wind!
"WOOOO----"
And the golden cloud was blown away to the northern sea.
Tamekage: "What a monsterous wind! Well, it looks like this god is not born into our family." :on_tears:
Maoko: "Looks like the cloud is heading toward a little island on the sea..."
The midwife looked at the baby with a little sympathy and murmured.
"This is the sixteenth century and people still buy this crap, stupid baga..." :on_idle:
Chapter 2. Oath under Bishamonten
Built 700 years ago, Nara's Todaiji (東大寺) is a holy site of Japan's Buddhism. Faithfuls of different branches flock its hall.
A giant gold statue of the Buddha is located in the middle of the Great-Buddha Hall.
In the corners of the hall stood four tall stone statues of guardians, Tamonten, Zochoten, Jikokuten, and Komokuten.
Each guardian was carved with skills and passion, frightening and humbling.
The greatest of the four guardians is Tamonten (多聞天), whose named derived from legends that he frequently attended Buddha's lessons.
As Tamonten holds a treasury tower on his right hand, he was a "tower-holding" wealth-bringing guardian.
When Buddhism subsequently spread to Japan, he became a god of warfare due to the halberd in his other hand.
Tamonten is also called Bishamonten (毘沙門天), a direct sound translation from his original name in ancient India.
Maybe it does not matter whether people ask Bishamonten for wealth or victory - the faithfuls always cherry-pick the trivial incidences to confirm their faith.
No wonder soldiers recruited in this area (Yamato) has better morale than the those from the rest of Japan.
July 19, 1537
This day, the meeting of destiny took place in Todaiji.
Nanny Maoko: "Young master, come and crawl through this hole under the pillar. You will grow smarter!" :on_idea:
Nagao Torachiyo: "No way! What if I got stuck?"
Nanny Maoko: "I crawled through it when I was 13! Young master is only 7 years old. It is safe~"
Torachiyo: "I want to return to Echigo. I want to read Tale of Genji back in Kasugayama castle."
Maoko: "Young master, Tale of Genji is a romantic novel. In this treacherous world, romantics cannot live for long... although they may have many children before dying."
Torachiyo: "I want to go home! WAAAAAA~~~" :on_crying: :on_tantrum:
The summer cicada rub their wings on the tree; the little boy stamps his feet on the ground.
While Torachiyo is throwing a tantrum on the floor, there is another child nearby, kneeling down in front of the statue of Tamonten, eyes shut.
"From today, I shall cleanse my mind and forgo my desires. I will take the burden of all misfortunes and sufferings, so I could relieve people from their miseries. Bishamonten, please have sympathy. Please enlighten me with your wisdom."
When the child finished her oath, she bowed down and knocked her forehead on the floor seven times, in front of the statue maybe 100 times of her size.
"What a serious oath!" Nanny Maoko thought. But when she turned around and looked at the source of the voice, she saw a little girl with her long hair curled on top of her head, wearing a full body of cherry pink. Why would a little girl come to Todaiji and make such an oath...
Maoko: "Oh wow! Isn't this Sir Usami?! :on_yell: What a coincidence to see you in Nara."
Usami Sadamitsu: "Oh my. Isn't this young Torachiyo? Having a bad mood today?"
Maoko: "Thanks for recognizing my existence..." :on_idle:
Torachiyo: "Uncle Usami, I want to go home... Bring me home!"
Maoko: "What a display of rudeness! Young master needs to control his temper." :on_sweat:
Usami Sadamitsu: "It is fine~ Oh, please let me introduce... this is my daughter, Nomi. Nomi, this is Torachiyo, the young son of Lord Tamekage, the Guardian of Echigo."
Usami Nomi: "It is a pleasure to meet you."
Usami Nomi elegantly bowed down.
Just like Torachiyo, Nomi also had two rows of tears under her dark watery eyes.
Yet with her upright posture and confident smile, every move of Nomi gives a hint of magnificence.
She feels 1000 times more mature than Torachiyo.
Maoko: "Are you a human being..." :on_lightning:
Torachiyo: "...er..."
Torachiyo's mind is lost as he stares at Usami Nomi.
Usami Sadamitsu: "Torachiyo, you are welcome to visit Biwa Island anytime."
Maoko: "Ah... that would bring too much trouble for lord Usami."
Usami Sadamitsu: "Not at all. I am the lord of the Biwa Island, a family officer of the Nagao clan. It would be my pleasure to take you on a tour of our humble tiny island just off the shore. So where is Torachiyo going next?"
Maoko: "WE are heading to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto to meet up with Lord Tamekage, who is now having a Tea Ceremony with other daimyos."
Usami Sadamitsu: "Oh... then there is no business for an uninvited family officer to stick around. Let's meet back in Echigo, then."
Usami Nomi: "See you in Echigo."
Maoko: "Bye~"
Nomi beamed the sweetest smile before she turned around. Just a few seconds later, the Usami father and daughter disappeard in the bright sunshine outside Todaiji.
Torachiyo: "Biwa island... Biwa island..."
Torachiyo was completely conquered by Nomi's smile. His mouth could not seal completely, as a thin string of saliva hangs all the way from his mouth to the floor.
Some photos to share. I took them myself when I travelled to Japan in 2008. :bow:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_002.JPG
Todaiji, Nara.
Very big! One of the most famous temples in Japan.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_003.JPG
Statue of Tamonten a.k.a. Bishamonten, inside Todaiji.
Japanese God of War.
Likely the biggest and best statue of Bishamonten in Japan.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_004.JPG
There is a famous hole under one of the pillars in Todaiji. Kids crawl through it and "gain wisdom".
This boy probably got stuck and panicked. I crawled through it when I went there the first time, 13 years old.
When I took this picture I was 31. No doubt I would get stuck in the middle. :laugh4:
This is out of the story's sequence, but I have uploaded the first video.
If you want to take a sneak peak here you go! :bow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6nAlyMdtg4
Chapter 3. Crisis of Nagao Clan
Rizenji, litearlly the Forest Spring Temple, stands humbly on the side of Kasuga mountain. The temple belongs to Soto, one of the major branches of Zen Buddhism. Originated in China's Jiangxi, the Soto branch stresses the value of meditation. Different from the Rinzai branch, which makes good connections with the Shogunate regime, the Soto branch is popular among the lower-class samurai (who compose the samurai army) and common folks.
Before ascending to the factual ruler of Echigo, the Nagao clan was originally lords of rural domains in the province. As a result, Nagao clan enjoys a close tie with Rizenji. Clan members often hold their conversion ceremony, weddings, and funerals in the temple. Youngsters of the clan also spend years in the temple to develop their knowledge and mind.
Torachiyo was sent to Rizenji at the age of 7 for his bizarre temper. Yet the decision was for his own good. This year (1937), his father, Nagao Tamekage, resigned from the Guardian of Echigo citing health-related issues. The rulership of Echigo was passed to his oldest son, Nagao Harukage. At the time it was common for an elder clan leader to retire before his life reaches the end, so their successor receives more on-the-job training. As Harukage assumes power, it was safe for Tochiachiyo, the alternative heir of the clan, to un-develop an interest in power.
Torachiyo was lucky to study under the famous monk, Tenshitsu Koiku (天室光育 not Ten Shit-su, but Ten Shi-tsu), the 6th master of Rizenji.
Nagao Tamekage held the actual power of Echigo until he finally passed away in 1943. He was buried in Nagao's family cemetery, not far behind Rizenji.
Yet Nagao Harukage does not possess leadership for Echigo. He frequently gets sick, and yet he demands plenty of entertainment from alcohol and women. These two things give rise to each other. Harukage somewhat held back when his father was alive, but now he spends no time ruling Echigo. Cases accumulate quickly - officers' disputes, landlords's demands, Ikko-Ikki's riots... nothing is resolved. The ruling of the Nagao Clan in Echigo quickly destablizes.
The clan's officers deeply worry. Then they recall there is an alternative heir in Rizenji - Torachiyo, who is 20 years younger than Harukage.
December 29, 1544
Torachiyo sits beside the window, silently stares outside.
Snow drizzles from the just-turned dark sky, quietly accumulates on Rizenji's roof tiles. Just like the external and internal pressures on Echigo - it accumulates silently, until the roof collapses.
Tenshitsu Koiku: "Torachiyo. Seven years have passed. You have learned much and did it quickly. Master thinks you should seriously consider the clan officer's plea. Today a few more visited us - you should see the worries on their face."
Torachiyo: "Master. Isn't it a good life to become a Zen master like you? Managing a temple and lives a quiet life."
Koiku: "Ha. It is not that simple. Master has to worry about fundings. The application I submitted last year has not been approved - and we are now at the end of this fiscal year! The younger monks have to go out and ask for donated food. Hard work and frequent diarrhea." :on_cough:
Torachiyo: "So it is like what they say, my brother does not rule Echigo, but leech on it like a parasite?"
Koiku: "Maybe those visiting clan officers did not receive salary themselves. Torachiyo, master has observed you for 7 years. You do not rest before finishing sweeping the end of the hallway. You feed the smaller and more timid squirrel with your own bread. You are a responsible, fair, and compassonate person. You will pay your officers on time and support your monks." :on_sweat:
Torachiyo: "But betraying an elder brother is one of the worst offences..."
Koiku: "There are many contradictions among principles: buddhist principles, confusian principles, job requirement, ethics, morality, faith... Life is a constant struggle and growth from learning and overcoming such contradictions. Did your father Tamekage not expel the Uesugi clan, Guardian of Echigo? When a regime needs to reform but does not realize it, and the replacement cannot come in place naturally, revolution is probably the only way."
Torachiyo: "Hm..."
Torachiyo ponders his master's words. Suddenly, there was a loud series of bang on the gate.
"KOKOKOKOKO"
"Is Master Tenshitsu here? Is Torachiyo here?"
Torachiyo: "Hm, who is this?"
Koiku: "There is a sign beside the door - visitor hours ends at 5 p.m." :on_shrug:
The visitor came in by herself - a woman with some age.
Torachiyo: "Oh! Isn't this aunty Maoko?!"
Maoko the maid: "Yes, young master Torachiyo! It has been 7 years! You have grown so much!"
The two hug each other tightly, with tears in their eyes. Maoko was Torachiyo's caregiver before he came to Rizenji. Maoko also helped during the birth of Torachiyo 14 years ago.
Maoko the maid: "There are soon going to be important guests from Kasuagayama castle! :on_yell: I am here to give you a heads-up so you do not go to bed too early tonight and miss an opportunity of history."
Torachiyo: "What opportunity of history?"
Maoko the maid: "You will see in a moment. First, please change to more formal clothes..."
Koiku: "Do you mean our monk clothes look cheap? Why not approve our budget?!" :on_furious:
Chapter 4. Plots of Rizenji
Branches crack loudly as they burn in the furnace, but the fire does not warm up the coldness of minds. Plotting a coup does not make people passionate and enthusiastic.
The small hall of Rizenji is crowded with dozens of Nagao officers, from seniors to samurai and ashigaru captains. They sit squarely on the straw-woven tatami mats, forming a great circle in the middle. The late comers sit on the outer rim.
"Jimbo clan's army could attack at any moment."
"Hojo, Imagawa, and Takeda could form a three-clan alliance. They will severely threaten Echigo."
"Rumors said that the Ikkos had planned to expand east, toward Etchu and Echigo."
"We cannot sit and wait any longer."
"Torachiyo, please make up your mind!"
The clan officers urged Torachiyo to make the decision.
Torachiyo: "Thank you, every body."
Everybody holds their breath and awaits his next sentence.
Torachiyo: "The Nagao clan does require a capable leader. But Torachiyo does not qualify, for I am only a monk of Rizenji. I do not know how to rule Echigo. I do not know how to fight. I do not know how to lead an army. I cannot promise I can do any better than my elder brother. If a new leader is required, please elect another person among us."
"Lord Tamekage's cared about me. How can I do that?"
"Echigo must be led by a member of the Nagao family!"
"I cannot betray the Nagao family!"
Torachiyo: "You gentlemen push me to betray my elder brother, who has not harmed me in any way. If our army has no reason to attack, and the command has no ability to lead an army, how can we succeed?"
The clan officers turned their heads to look at each other. Maybe this young Nagao has no interset in contemporary politics.
"This is not a matter of ability, but responsibility!" :on_furious:
Suddenly, a clear and loud female voice reaches the hall from outside. Clan officers were shocked by such a determined tone from a woman - they searched for the source of the voice, only to see a young lady in her teens walking in.
Yet this young lady is tall and strong - she stares at Torachiyo's face like a gliding eagle. Nothing escapes her penetrating vision.
"If you have a responsibility to do good to this world, why would you care about the trivial blame of betraying an elder brother? Reputations are nothing more than mundane views! Do not bother with it!"
It is so quiet that people could hear each other breathing.
"The greatest generals and ministers are not born to be. They learn from experiences! From their helpers! What are you afraid of?"
The young lady walks all the way to Torachiyo, now standing right in front of him. She literally looks down on Torachiyo, like a heavenly deity descending upon the mortals of this transient world. Torachiyo is petrified.
"Er... this... I... you are..." :on_bibber:
"I am Usami Nomi, the daughter of the Lord of Biwa Island Castle. The Biwa Island Castle stands by Torachiyo!"
"Oh... Hm... thanks, coming, Nomi, good..." :on_bibber: Torachiyo's tongue is as flexible as a chunk of log; his mind is as functional as a slab of granite. He fails to utter a complete sentence.
Maoko the maid: "Ah... lady Nomi, I think youngmaster gets your point. Please take a seat. I have brought an important guest for young master..."
Just as Usami Nomi sits down, another samurai-looking man walks in. The clan officers recognizes him instantly.
"He is with us, too?" :on_angry:
"We will succeed if he is on our side!"
"This is great!"
Nagao Masakge: "Torachiyo, the Ueda Nagao family supports you."
Torachiyo: "Cousin Masakage..."
The Nagao clan consists of three prominent Nagao families. Besides the ruling Nagao family (Sanjo Nagao) of Tamekage, Harukage, and Torachiyo, there are two others: Ueda Nagao and Koshi Nagao. The 18-year-old Nagao Masakage is the head of Ueda Nagao, the largest branch of the three.
Torachiyo: "Didn't Masakage use to support Harukage?"
Nagao Masakage: "Please understand - as the leader of a large family, I have to maintain the unity and order of the clan. But there is only so much one can tolerate."
Masakage closes his eyes as he recalls a painful memory.
Masakage: "A few nights ago, after drinking too much wine, Harukage made an... :on_tears: inappropriate advances on your sister, Aya. Luckily I was able to stop him. But... there is no way that I can bear the dishonor under him."
"What an animal!" :on_bash:
"How could he touch Sentouin..."
"Harukage lays fingers on his own sister..." Torachiyo tightly clenches his fists. He rarely feels rage in the past seven years.
Aya, usually respectfully referred to as Sentouin (the lady of deity peach), is Torachiyo's older sister, and Harukage's younger sister. She is married to Masakage.
Usami Nomi: "This scums is asking to be kicked out. We have Masakage's support! Since Koshi Nagao is already on Torachiyo's side, now we have obtained the overwhelming majority of Nagao. Let's do this!
Masakage: "The sooner, the better. I know Masakage has gone to visit Kyoto's red-light district during the coming spring festival. There will be little resistance in Kasugayama Castle."
Usami Nomi: "Take Kasugayama Castle!"
"Take Kasugayama Castle!" Officers yelled out loud with Usami Nomi.
Torachiyo: "But I am just a teenager... I have not passed the adulthood ceremony..."
Tenshitsu Koiku: "Ah, the ceremony is a piece of cake. Reading scriptures, taking oaths, stamps on the certificate, thank you, come again. :on_lol: And then we do the ceremony of leaving monkhood. We can handle all of that within one morning. How about right here, the day after tomorrow?"
Torachiyo: "I am sorry to leave Rizenji like this, and to trouble you, master."
Koiku: "Don't mention it. Rizenji nowadays makes its living on handling these ceremonies. Wedding in the morning, divorce in the afternoon. Thank you, come again. :on_love: Of course, your ceremony is on the house."
Torachiyo: "Then I shall declare myself an adult when the new year comes. I will work with all of you for the future the Nagao clan!" :on_hero:
"Ah..." What a relief for the clan officers. The owed salaries...
Koiku: "Master has nurtured many youngsters of the Nagao clan, but you Torachiyo is the most warm-hearted. Remember, we do not need another warlord among the warring nations. Even the most prosperous clan could turn to dust in tens of years. What we need is a lighthose in the storm, a landmark above the fog. One day, the storm will pass, and the fog wil dissipate. One day, the virtues will return as people learn this is the best way. Master hopes Torachiyo will live out human's goodwill and hope. Do this for everybody, Torachiyo."
Torachiyo: "I will devote my life to this, master." :on_tears:
Koiku: "Good. Ah yes. What is going to be Torachiyo's name as an adult?"
Masakage: "The Echigo Nagao all have "Kage" in our names. We have Tamekage, Harukage, Masakage... and Torachiyo is a tiger (tora). How about [color=red]Torakage?" :on_idea:
Koiku: "Er... I know you are all busy at ruling Echigo, and do not have time studying boring ancient scriptures. :on_read: Tora (虎) is [color=red]tiger, a noun. Kage (景) in ancient Chinese means great, an adjective. Adjectives go before nouns. "Great Tiger" makes sense. "Tiger Great" is total nonsense."
Masakage: "Now I know skipping school leads to life-long embarassment..." :on_corner:
Torachiyo: "Thank you, master and Masakage. Please call me Kagetora (景虎) from now on!"
Maoko the maid: "Luckily, none of us has met a French." :on_sweat:
002.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_002.jpg
Finally, we begin the campaign.
I make a new attempt of using the largest unit size (Ultra).
Regular Yari Ashigaru has 200 men per unit.
Here are a few goals of the camapign:
(1) Figure out tactics and an army composition that enbale me to fight 40 vs. 40 battles on Ultra, Legendary with reasonable effectiveness. Hopefully I can get away with my current memory and video card.
(2) Figure out a way to allow archers in the back to fire without "blocked line of sight". I only noticed this serious problem late in my last campaign. The AI could shoot at me, but I could not shoot at them. What's wrong? Further studies and experiments are required.
(3) Role-play Uesugi Kenshin! What would Kenshin do? Of course, in order to win the game, we still have to expand.
001.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_001.jpg
Let's look at Uesugi's specialty - Warrior Monks.
The following four are of practical interests:
(1) Uesugi Bow Warrior Monks
Like the Ikko Bow Warrior Monks, they fire more accurately and more quickly (+5). Having the extra 25 range brings enormous flexibility on the battlefield. However, unlike Ikko, Uesugi's Bow Monks require level-2 archery tech (fire arrows). In this campaign I will rush for them as quickly as possible.
(2) Uesugi Marathon Monks
Identical to Ikko's Marathon Monks. After using them in my Ikko campaign, I realized that their extra speed and refresh ability (second wind) makes no difference, while their 75% unit size compared to regular Warrior Monks is a reminder of poor investment. However, there was one unexpected advantage of these poor DLC units - that their unit card has a very different color from other 3 monks (Naginata, Cavalry, Bow). So I could quickly spot their half-sized unit card in a 40 vs. 40 battle.
(3) Uesugi Naginata Warrior Monks
Very solid units. Identical to Ikko's Naginata Monks' stats, but cheaper to hire and feed. And of course better than the regular variety. War cries have a very small radius of effect and somehow tend to stop the charges, so I have learned to delay them after impact. Around 3 units per army (War cry on center + left + right = mass rout) is good enough and perfectly affordable.
(4) Warrior Nuns
The Ikko-Ikki clan pack DLC compensates the other clans with Warrior Nuns (Ikko cannot hire them). Too bad Uesugi does not have an improved variety of nuns; looks like an oversight of the DLC. The ladies fight even better than guys!
But I think this is a impractical unit. First, they do not have War Cry, which lowers enemy's morale and defence. These muggle nuns are not replacement for magic-capable male monks. Second, the nuns require the third level religious tech and traditional Buddhist temple. Traditional Buddhism clans has no need to research religious techs to level 3. So the nuns are merely a fancy addition of an already functional army.
But maybe I will probalby go for the ladies as I am just a shallow, testosterone driven male. Very clever, CA! :on_bash:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_006.jpg
Chapter 5. Tohachi Bishamon Tenon
The coup took place during the wee hours of January 1, 1545. As Harutage was far away in Kyoto and clan officers loyal to him were mostly absent, Kagetora took Kasugayama Castle without any blood shed. People make wishes on New Year's day. Many wish to have Harukage replaced anyway.
Yet Harukage still has a few loyal captains. Besides, enemies of Echigo, such as Etchu's Jinbo Clan, cannot let go a perfect oppurtunity to split the Nagao Clan into two...
March 15, 1545
It has been years since Kagetora witnessed the "sea of cloud" on top of Kasuga mountain the last time. Just as fascinating as he remembered.
Maoko the housekeeeper: "My lord, Harukage's army has revealed themselves. They are marching toward the Kasugayama Castle! About 800 in strength."
Nagao Masakage: "Darn, where did Harukage gather so many followers? We have pooled over all our strength and gathered only 800."
Maoko the housekeeper: "Harukage wasted away most of the clan's savings. We had to disband most garrison soldiers."
Nagao Masakage: :on_furious:
Nago Kagetora quietly looks at the fuming Masakage, his second-in-command by default. Yet managing finance is not a simple task. Can he do a better job than his brother? He does not even know where to start. But since the battle is imminent, maybe he should worry about finance later.
Kagetora: "So... it is finally the time to fight my brother."
Usami Nomi: "A fighter's destiny belongs to the battlefield. I shall join the bodyguards and fight on the side of my lord!"
Kagetora: "Thank you, Nomi. If you do not wish to be identified to be a woman, you can wear one of those full-face masks with fake white mostache..."
Kagetora lightly taps his almost overly polished armor hanging on the rack. This will be his first time to wear them. This will be his very first battle. A battle to decide his and his clan's fate.
Maoko: "Do you want more wax applied on the bamboo armor, my lord?" :on_love:
Kagetora: "Thanks, Maoko. I think we can save some wax for the candles..."
Masakage: "We can't wait anymore - the entire Echigo is waiting for our move. Kagetora, please announce the battle! We can reach Harukage in three days."
Kagetora: "Sure. If we have no time to gather more men, we may as well end this sooner."
Maoko: "My lord. What banners shall our soldiers bear?"
Masakage: "Huh? Nagao banners, of course."
Maoko: "My lord, our enemy is using Nagao banners, too. We will be unable to distinguish each other on the battlefield."
Masakage: ":on_blush: That's true. Yet Harukage claims to be the rightful leader of Nagao Clan. If we use another banner, we acknoledge his claim. Our soldiers will feel like traitors and cannot fight properly. There is no other way. Maybe add a headband to distinguish friends and foes?"
Nomi: "Actually, there IS another way."
Masakage: "Huh?"
Nomi: "Let's upgrade this battle to levels above! It is not a battle between brothers of the same clan, but a battle between the righteous and the treacherous, the promised and the cursed, the holy and the sinful! BANISH THE DAMNED SOULS TO THE EIGHTEENTH LEVEL OF HELL!" :on_devil:
Suddenly, Kagetora feels the ground quietly tremor. Earthquake is very common in Japan.
Masakage: "Sounds good. They may be Nagao, but the evil Nagao that is doomed to fail." :on_groucho:
Kagetora: "I just hope I can live up to the good guy's reputation. We just made a bad first impression... :on_sweat:"
Nomi: "Maoko, could you bring me a large brush, black cloth, and white paint?"
Maoko: "Right away!"
Moments later, Kagetora and Masakage watch Nomi write seven foot-wide Kanji charcters on the black cloth. Her calligraphy is extermely powerful. The words seemed to be flowing with energy. Must have been years of practice.
刀八毘沙門天王
Tohachi Bishamon Tenon
Kagetora: :on_lightning: "What an instant masterpiece!"
Masakage: "Wow! Could you design my living room?" :on_please2:
Nomi: "Not interested." :on_yellowcard:
Masakage: "That was intended as a joke... anyway. Bishamonten is the God of War. If we claim to be Bishamonten, our enemies must be ghosts and monsters. Their fate is sealed." :on_panda:
Nomi: "Indeed. Scums like Harukage can be crushed by a single finger." :on_picknose:
Kagetora: "But if we claim to be Bishamonten... won't Bishamonten get angry at us and deliver devine punishment?" :on_bibber:
Nomi: "Not if you act according to Bishamonten's way."
Nomi gave Kagetora's shoulder a few firm pats.
Masakage: "Good. Hm, it is a bit tedious if we write all seven words on each soldiers' banner. Only the top part is visible anyway. Let's just take one representative word, shall we?"
Kagetora: "To (刀, knife), Hachi (八, eight), Sha (沙, sand), Mon (門, door), Ten (天, sky), On (王, king) are all common words. Bi (毘) is rare as it only appears in translations. Let's use Bi, then."
Nomi: "I like it. Maoko, can you make 800 Bi banners in two days?"
Maoko: "We do have enough artists to mimic Lady Nomi's work, but we are short of black cloth and white paint due to high demands from Chosokabe and Hattori... Does indigo cloth and red ink work?" :on_sweat:
Masakage: "Not enough contrast and bizarre taste... but good enough to be unique, I guess?"
Kagetora: "This is my first a battle, and I already claim to be a God of War...":on_sweat:
Note:
Tohachi: "Eight knives". Since Japanese took Bishamon as the God of War, in some sculptures the deity bears 8 knives in the back. Some also say this was a translation from ancient Chinese' pronunciation of Tibet (Tubo).
Tenon: "Heavenly King". Each of the four guardians is a Tenon.
Fun read so far. I like it :2thumbsup:
Thank you.
I hope international readers find old East Asian culture interesting. :bow:By the way, I just realized I have made a terrible typo for Echigo - the home province. Somehow I kept typing it as Ichigo. I probably get used to hearing Suzuki Ichiro (the baseball player). The corrections have been made for the story. But for the video episode 1 it is too late. :no:
012.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_012.jpg
Nomi: "Kagetora, Harukage's army is waitng for us in Nagaoka's field."
Masakage: "Hm... I wouldn't call it a field, more like hills. I guess Harukage wants to camp on one of the hills and lure us to attack."
Kagetora: "Well, we are the ones who wants to end this as quickly as possible. We have to attack. We need a battle plan..."
Nomi: "Few plans survive after seeing the battlefield. Kagetora, let's go and observe the terrain."
Kagetora: "Hey, don't jsut go like that! You are one of my bodyguards!" :on_angry:
Masakage: ":on_lol: It looks like Nomi actually enjoys battle. I thought this is her first battle as well? Kagetora, you and Nomi ride the cavalry to observe the terrain. I shall lead the infantry and catch up soon. Wait for me, yeah?"
Kagetora: "Of course. How could I defeat my brother's 800 men with 39 bodyguards.:on_sweat:
***
Back in Kasuagayama Castle, Maoko the housekeeper moniters the advance of Kagetora's army.
Maoko the housekeeper: "Yes, use fast cavalry to initiate the battle. This way, the infantry reinforcement would not move after the battle, and could therefore save some energy for more actions later in the season. :on_bath:
007.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_007.jpg
Nagaoka, Echigo. March 17, 1545
Kagetora rides with Nomi and other bodyguards to Nagaoka. It is a good spring day - sunny and mild. Although there is no cherry blossom here, the pine trees in Nagaoka are straight and tall - all season long.
Kagetora: "Nomi, what do you think about the terrain?"
Nomi: "There are two hills populated with pine trees. Harukage must be hiding in one of them."
Kagetora: "Which one do you think is more likely?"
Nomi: "If Harukage knows military, he would rush over and take the larger hill on our side. There will be plenty of cover and flexibility."
Kagetora: "That would be a problem for us."
Nomi: "But I heard that Harukage knows nothing about military. He probably hides in the smaller hill, which is long and thin. He is pretty much stuck there. If he wants to hide his left, his units on the right get exposed. We can exploit that and defeat his units one by one."
Kagetora: "Sounds good!"
Nomi: "Let's show them the power of Bishamonten!" :on_hero:
008.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_008.jpg
Chapter 6. Mind preparation of a God of war
Kagetora: "Hm... this is so beautiful. Bird chirps, blooming wild flowers, and the morning's sun... :on_whistle:"
Kagetora closes his eyes and enjoyed the brief moment of peace. He misses the quiet days in Rizenji. He would take some breads and walk into the forest. Sparrows would land on his hand, bold squirrel jump up to his shoulder... :on_saturated:
Kagetora: "Life is like morning dew. We should cherish the moments of beauty."
Nomi: "Kagetora! You are now on a battlefield! You should focus on fighting!"
Kagetora: "Sorry!"
Nomi: "Trees, fauna, clouds, colors, lights and shades, they are all decorations of the battlefield. Do not think of them. Your brain should be filled with tactics. Your mind should be filled with struggle!":on_furious:
Kagetora: "Yes! I shall concentrate! The beautiful scenary is like passing clouds!"
009.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_009.jpg
Kagetora prepares his mind. He takes slow, deep breaths. He closes his eyes.
This world never changes for us, but we are the subject of change.
Kagetora must change. Focus, focus, focus.
Kategora: "I think I am ready..."
Kagetora opens his eyes."
"WHAT THE..." :on_angry2:
When Kagetora opens his eyes again, he was so shocked that he almost fell off the steed.
The beautiful clouds have been replaced by a grey and gloomy sky.
The trees are blurred, the animals are gone.
A terribly boring and depressing battlefield.
Nomi: "What's wrong?"
Kagetora: "I am now focused on the battle... there is nothing interesting in the surroundings." :on_corner:
Nomi: "Then you are on the right track. Beauty and Ugliness are distinguished by merely an idea. And if you save that mindpower to have NO idea about beauty and ugliness, you truly focus on the battle."
Kagetora: "Rizenji should invite you to deliver guest speech after this. :on_sweat: Let's wait for Masakage's reinforcement!"
***
(back in Kasugayama castle)
Maoko the Housekeeper: "With such low settings on visuals, young master might be able to smoothly command a few huge battles." :on_bath:
010.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_010.jpg
(a few hours later...)
Masakage: "Thanks for waiting. I hope you enjoyed the wait - the sun has come out, and the spring breeze is a nice addition. I saw a few deer families on the way. Hey, nice polished armor. A little overdone if I may..."
Kagetora: "Masakage, we have to concentrate on battle. We can enjoy the scenary afterward."
Masakage: "Kagetora, you are right. I am very sorry. Today's battle decides the fate of the Nagao clan! My mind will be cleared of all irrelevant thoughts!"
So Masakage also closes his eyes...
011.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_011.jpg
Masakage is now 20. He cannot lose face in front of Kagetora, who is five years younger than him.
He needs to focus. Today he will prove that he is a great general in the Nagao clan, worthy of being the leader of the second largest family in the clan.
Masakage: "I am ready. Kageto... MONSTER! WAAAA~~~" :on_angry2:
Kagetora: "Where is the monster?"
Masakage: "You are not Kagetora! You are a monster pretending to be him! You may wear his armor, but you have no face!" :on_furious:
Kagetora: "What are you talking about... of course I have a face."
Masakage: "Hm... yeah. How can you talk if you don't have a mouth. But I do see no mouth on your face..."
Kagetora: "Maybe you are a little too focused on battle... :on_sweat:"
014.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_014.jpg
Nomi: "Kagetora, one cannot be too focused in battle. Ideally we see just the enemies - nothing else."
Kagetora: "Sure!"
Masakage: "So where is the enemy? Can you see them?"
Kagetora: "I saw Harukage's men march onto the smaller hill."
Masakage: "Yes. There are two units of Yari Ashigaru, one unit of Bow Ashigaru, one unit of Yari Samurai, and Harukage's Yari Cavalry."
Kagetora: "Wow. You were not even here. How do you know?"
Masakage: "Maoko the housekeeper passed me that information. :on_sweat:"
Nomi: "Even now I can see Harukage's Yari Cavalry in the forest. So his men must be nearby."
Masakage: "Hiding on the hill with trees? That shows how confident Harukage is." :on_lol:
015.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_015.jpg
Kagetora: "Hm... so what should we do? Surround them and attack?"
Masakage: "We don't have that many men to do that. The two armies are roughly equal in strength."
Kagetora: "Sorry... any suggestions, Masakage?"
Masakage: "Ideally, we draw them out - one at a time. Defeat each one with all our forces."
Kagetora: "Brilliant!" :on_lol:
Nomi: "Kagetora, did you not study military books in Rizenji? Divide and Conquer is the fundamental principle of all strategies and tactics. It is however up to the generals to figure out how to divide and conquer."
Kagetora: "OK... how do we do that today, Masakage?"
Masakage: "Maybe only Bishamonten knows... :on_sweat:"
Nomi: "We are too far away to make any practical plan. We should ride closer to figure out a practical plan."
Kagetora: "Okay, Masakage, please stay here with infantry. We will call for your help if needed."
Masakage: "Be careful, Yari Cavalry is extremely fast!"
Nomi: "Harukage is probably drowned by the bird chirps in the deep forest as we speak. We will not wake him up." :on_ohlala:
As Kagetora rides with Nomi to scout on Harukage's hidden army, he cannot help but to wonder why Nomi knows so much about military.
Kagetora: "Nomi, this is also your first battle, but you seem to have witness hundreds of wars. Where did you learn about military?"
Nomi: "My father is a famous strategist of Echigo. I study military literature during my free time. And sometimes I just know it."
Kagetora: "My father vists me five times over the seven years I was in Rizenji. My master teaches me Zen Buddhism. I read romantic novel Tale of Genji in my free time, and no wonder I have no idea about military..." :on_beg:
Nomi: "No worries. I am the same age as you. So by the time you are 30, you will know as least as much as me now. Likely a lot more."
Kagetora: "You are also 15? Which day were you born?"
Nomi: "February 18."
Kagetora: :on_angry: "Me too! What a conincidence!"
Nomi: "That was a good try, Kagetora. But I have taken my oath to Bishamonten. I have given up desires. Please find someone else." :on_yellowcard:
Kagetora: "But I was really born on February 18..." :on_sleep:
Nomi: "Sure, a conincidence. Wait!"
Kagetora: "Huh?"
Nomi: "There are units moving in the forest. Can you see them?"
Kagetora: "Oh yeah!"
Nomi: "With long, shiny spears. Yari Ashigaru."
Kagetora: "I only see white dots..."
016.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_016.jpg
Kagetora and Nomi ride closer and closer to the hidden enemies...
Nomi: "Can you see them now, Kagetora?"
Kagetora: "Yep... I can see them now. They are not really in hiding. :on_sweat:"
Nomi: "That's becasuse Harukage picked a narrow hill to hide, and rotated his men to face our infantry. That enables us to approach them from the side. Let's get closer."
Kagetora: "We are already very close... Doesn't Harukage commands Yari Cavalry?":on_bibber:
Nomi: "He is on the other side of the hill. And I doubt he knows we are here. Don't you want to draw some enemies out to defeat? This is a good chance."
Kagetora: "How close should we go?"
Nomi: "Close enough to make them think that they can get you. Can you see the white dots on the ashigaru's hat?"
Kagetora: "Hm... no."
Nomi: "Then we are not close enough. Keep going!"
017.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_017.jpg
Kagetora and Nomi ride even closer...
Kagetora: "Nomi. I can now count the number of ropes on the ashigaru's armor. But I still do not see the white dot on their hat...."
Nomi: "Neither do I, strange. Oh yeah, the white dots faces the front. So we cannot see it from the back."
Kagetora: :on_exhausted: "So we are getting too close?"
Nomi: "Maybe. But they are not moving. How about this."
Suddenly, Nomi takes a deep breath and yells out loud!
:on_gmegap: "Lord Kagetora, watch out! Here are Harukage's men! If they discover us, we are in big trouble!"
Kagetora: "What you doing?!" :on_scare:
018.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_018.jpg
Harukage's ashigaru were shocked when they realize the enemy has circled to their back - and so close! And it is the enemy's daimyo!
Yari Ashigaru captain: :on_yell: "Don't let the chance slip away! Charge!"
Harukage's Yari Ashigaru turned around and raised their long spears! Approaching fast!
Kagetora: "They are coming! What do we do?"
Nomi: "Divide and conquer. What do you think?"
Kagetora: "Let's lead them back! Bodyguards, come with me!"
Nomi: "Don't ride too fast! Give them some hope." :on_love:
019.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_019.jpg
Haruakge's Yari Ashigaru are full of hopes. If they can defeat the enemy daimyo and take his head, they will be heavily rewarded. Money, land, woman, status as a samurai...
Their target is only slightly ahead of them.
They charged without thinking whether whether they will be supported.
They chase, without knowing that they are heading into a giant trap.
Masakage: "Soldiers of Echigo, loyal followers of Nagao! The time has come to let blood stain your armors and blades! All four units of infantry - on my command! The enemy is hopeless! We deliver them to heaven! CHARGE! :on_furious:"
Soldiers: "CHARGE!" :on_furious:
020.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_020.jpg
Nagao Ashigaru Cpatain: "We are blessed by Bishamonten! There is nothing to be afraid!"
Ashigaru: "Kill them all!" :on_furious:
021.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_021.jpg
Kagetora heard the charges of his men.
He turned around, and he saw...
***
(5 years ago)
Torachiyo: "Master, look. I stumped on this bug. It is completely flattened. Haha!" :on_lol:
Tenshitsu Koiku: "Indeed. The bug used to have a life. Now it is lifeless, flat, on the tatami."
Torachiyo: "I know you want to blame me, master. For a monk should not kill. But even if I do not kill it, bugs do not live long anyway. I did not take too many days from it."
Koiku: "Maybe it will die soon anyway. A bug's life is short compared to ours, Torachiyo. Maybe a human's life is short compared to something else. Can you give an example?"
Torachiyo: "Like a pine tree? Those great, tall pine trees outside Rizenji must have lived for hundreds of years."
Koiku: "Trees eventually die and rot, too. Is there anything older than pine trees?"
Torachiyo: "The deity in the heavens, the Buddha, have been here for thousands of years, or more."
Koiku: "Yes, they could be as old as this world. So how do you think the Buddha looks at us?"
Torachiyo: "Just like we look at bugs. we are tiny and can be crushed easily."
Koiku: "Yes. But have you heard Buddha descend upon this world and start killing people like bugs?"
Torachiyo: "No..."
Koiku: "Why mpt? Why do Buddha enlighten us and save us from the endless, bitter reincarnations?"
Torachiyo: "I don't know."
Koiku: "Buddha has sympathy on us, Torachiyo. We are all weak and small. But we have lives. Buddha and the deity know this, yet they cherish our lives."
Torachiyo: "I... yes, master, thank you for your lesson. I understand now. I should cherish the bug's life, or any other person's life, like a Buddha cherishes my life."
Koiku: "You are a good boy, Torachiyo. I have some old bread here. Why don't you take some old bread and feed the birds outside?"
****
Nomi: "Kagetora! What are you waiting for?! The enemies are fleeing! Time to charge!"
Kagetora: "Ah... I am sorry. Bodyguards! Charge!"
Bodygaurds: "Charge!"
022.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_022.jpg
As Kagetora raises his katana, he sees Nomi leading the other bodyguards in a glorious, powerful downhill charge. Harukage's soldiers will die from severe internal bleeding if they get hit by the horse charge.
Kagetora slows down his horse, and lets the other bodyguards go first. Kagetora is mature enough to understands this does not make him any less "guilty" of killing. These men follow his orders. So he is directly responsible for the killings. Besides, this is a battlefield. Kill, or be killed.
Here is another contradiction between Buddhist principles and the world. Kagetora must overcome it, if he wants to become the avatar of Bishamonten. What would Bishamonten think about this? He asks himself. But he is not wise enough to answer it.
023.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_023.jpg
"Wow. Can't we work together! That was a perfect trap! We lost just one ashigaru. And he was not killed by the enemy, but accidentally tripped and got flattened by our own guys who stepped on him. Poor dude. :on_lol:
Just like any general, Nagao Masakage would take a 200 : 1 exchange on any day.
Kagetora: "Good work, thank you all."
Nomi: "You don't look too happy, Kagetora. Why? Because the poor guy died from friendly fire, friendly feet? Don't worry - things like this can happen. His family won't know the true cause of death. He will be honored."
Kagetora: "Please don't worry about me. I should focus on battle, and contemplate memories after."
Nomi: "Good for you. A good general makes judgment on a split of a second. Full attention is demanded at any time."
Masakage: "So what do we do next? Can we draw out the second unit of Yari Ashigaru?"
Nomi: "I am afraid it wouldn't be this easy. That second Yari Ashigaru unit is on the same side of the hill as Harukage's Yari Cavalry. We don't have a bait that can outrun Yari Cavalry from such a short distance."
Masakage: "Isn't there a large hill overlooking Harukage's unit? Let's go up the hill and see if Harukage has some weakness to exploit."
Kagetora: "Yeah. The soldiers could use a little shade from the noon sun." :on_hot:
Kagetora leads his men on top of the larger hill, where they share a good view on Harukage's hideout. Harukage's Yari Cavalry is exposed, but Harukage does not seem to know about that.
Nomi: "Kagetora, let's order our Bow Ashigaru to secretly march foward under the cover of the trees, and fire at Harukage. Maybe we can draw him out."
Kagetora: "Sure. Bow Ashigaru, lunch break is over in 5 minutes!"
Slowly and quietly, Kagetora's Bow Ashigaru inch down the hill. Harukage's Yari Cavalry seems to be in their range. As Kagetora raises his katana, the ashigaru draw arrows, ready to fire. Suddenly, they hear noises coming form the other hill. Harukage's Bow Ashigaru is marching toward them.
Nomi: "This is no good. Call them back, Kagetora!" :on_furious:
Kagetora: "Huh?"
Nomi: "Call all of them back. Run! Everybody! You, too!"
Kagetora: "OK. All Bow Ashigaru, cancel the plan! Fall back with me!"
Under Kagetora's command, the Bow Ashigaru and everyone on the hill fisrt run up then run down, to the other side of the hill. Finally, Harukage's Bow Ashigaru gave up their slow pursue, and returned to their hideout.
Masakage: "Why don't we attack just now? We have Harukage in range." :on_aww:
Nomi: "Because we will be in Harukage's Bow Ashigaru's range."
Masakage: "We have forests as cover. We can kill them faster even if we have a shooting duel."
Nomi: "And what will happen after Harukage loses his Bow Ashigaru?"
Masakage: "Hm... without ranged units in the army? I think he will launch a full assault. Then we will be forced to engage."
Nomi: "Against foes like Harukage? We are not thinking about just victory. We are thinking about a landside victory. We can do better than that." :on_picknose:
Kagetora: "It looks like Harukage's passive-aggressive Bow Ashigaru has come to this side of the hill. Maybe now we can work on his units from the opposite side? Like we did before?"
Masakage: "Sure. I will handle the infantry like before."
Nomi: "I agree. If the enemy does not move, we move."
Kagetora: "I suppose the next sentence goes: If the enemy moves, we do not move?"
Nomi: "What? So you wait on the same spot to be defeated? If the enemy moves, we move faster!" :on_furious:
024.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_024.jpg
As Kagetora and Nomi ride to the other side of Harukage's army, Masakage orders the infantry to regroup behind a small hill. Harukage's army is also moving in the forest.
Kagetora: "Nomi, can you tell which yari infantry is on our side now?"
Nomi: "I think their yai is too short to be Ashigaru's. Let's get closer. Maybe to the back of their army. Maybe Harukage will be disturbed enough and do something stupid."
Kagetora: "Ok."
As Kagetora and Nomi ride even closer to Harukage, they heard a sudden, loud charging call from the forest.
Kagetora: "Harukage is attacking! Let's get back to the trap!"
Nomi: "Nope - they are not coming at us... they are going at Masakage!"
Kagetora: :on_scare: "We have to get back to help!"
Nomi: "I think Harukage just charged with his Yari Cavalry. Don't bother, Kagetora. It will be over before we get back. Let's hope for the best."
"Masakage! Enemy incoming!" Kagetora yells his lungs out.
***
Masakage also heard the charge from the forest. He saw 80 Yari Cavalry flying down the hill, coming right at him. Then he heard somebody yelling from a great distance - can't really tell the words.
"Ha. This must be Kagetora's warning."
Masakage clenches his fist. His hands are sweating.
"This is the moment of the battle. Nagao Masakage's name shall be remembered for what is going to happen next!"
Masakage murmurs to himself.
"Yari Samurai, rush to the top of the small hill, toward that patch of pine forest! Bow Ashigaru, prepare for engagement! Bodyguards, hold your position - do not let the enemy see us moving yet!"
"But my lord, the enemy taisho is charging at us! They are fast!"
"Show your courage! Show your toughness! Show your honor! We will be victorious! On my order...!" :on_furious:
025.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_025.jpg
If Masakage moves too fast, he might not be able to draw Haruakge into his trap.
If Masakage moves too slow, he will be charged into.
He needs to find the right moment!
"My lord, enemy is getting too close!"
"My lord, please order us to move!"
"NOW! Rush up the hill, towards that patch of pine trees!" :on_furious:
On Masakage's order, his bodyguards whip their horses like mad! But they are obviously slow due to their heavy armor and equipment, the "ballon" and all that. Nagao Harukage's Yari Cavalry flies like a straight arrow, pointing right at the slow bodyguards of Masakage! The distance between the two is rapidly shortening!
Harukage: "Traitor of Nagao! You are just like your father!" :on_furious:
Masakage: "Scum of Nagao! How dare you insult my father! Come and fight!" :on_furious:
Harukage: "Kill him!" :on_bash:
026.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_026.jpg
Harukage's Yari Cavalry rush up the little hill in no time! They have caught up with Masakage's bodyguards! One bodyguard instantly fell, two more are trapped!
But Harukage is not excited - as he discovers he is the one trapped!
"CHARGE!"
Masakage's Yari Samurai arrive at almost the best moment and spot possible - they pour down the hill and charge into Harukage's Yari Cavalry in the small pine forest!
Masakage: "Bow Ashigaru, prepare to wrap from behind! Bodyguards, come with me! We cricle to his back! Harukage dies right here!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_027.jpg
While Yari Cavalry is essentially Yari Samurai on horse, they are no match of Yari Samurai on foot. Their unarmored steeds are very big and easy targets. Their movement is heavily restricted in the forest. The horses fall quickly, throwing the riders on the ground.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_028.jpg
Kagetora's Yari Samurai keeps pouring from behind the hill. Seeing so many of his best fall in such a short time, Harukage's confidence is quickly replaced by fear. He starts to accept that he made a bad move. But he still hoped that somehow a miracle would happen.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_029.jpg
Seconds have gone by and the miracle has not arrived. Four rows of Yari Cavalry has been reduced to just one. There is no doubt that he is defeated. All he can hope is to make it out alive.
"Retreat! Retreat!" Harukage yells, while he is already riding down the hill.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_030.jpg
As Harukage turns back, he discovers that more enemies are about to circle to his back. They are merely Bow Ashigaru. But if they are given a few more seconds, they will completely block his way of retreat - certain death.
Perhaps fortunately for Harukage, his Yari Cavalry is defeated so quickly that the Bow Ashigaru could not completely block off his retreat route in time.
"Run! Run!" Harukage whips his steed like a mad man.
"CHARGE! Don't let them escape!" :on_furious:
It is now Maskage's turn to charge at Harukage!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_031.jpg
"I was tricked by the traitor Masakage! He will be pusnihed by his treachery one day!"
Haruakge swears as he flees like wind.
But he makes no plan to come back and fulfill his prophecy - his men's morale have been shattered from that traumatic experience on top of the small hill.
His remaining infantries are abandoned on the battlefield.
"My lord, we lost 4 Yari Samurai and killed 56 Yari Cavalry."
Masakage: "Excellent work. That fool Harukage is lucky to make it out alive, or this would be a perfect story to tell. Well, now we all know who is the boss here!. :on_lol:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_032.jpg
Kagetora: "Wow. That was really close. You are truly brave to wait for this long to start moving."
Masakage: "Probably a little too brave. Three good bodyguards lost their lives because of my misjudgment of speeds. :on_cough: I need to be more careful later."
Nomi: "Don't worry about it. The vacancy can be filled easily within a year."
Nomi seems to be unusually indiferent of loss of lives. Maybe that's because she is used to sever her own emotional feelings.
Kagetora: "Harukage has abandoned his men in the forest. Can we ask them to surrender?" :on_sweat:
Masakage: "I hope there is such option... Let's fight them and finish this. Three units remain. The Yari Samurai, the Bow Ashigaru, and the Yari Ashigaru. Where do we begin?"
Nomi: "Those Yari Samurai are showing their faces from the forest, and they don't seem to be protected by Bow units. Shoot at them and draw them out!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_033.jpg
Kagetora watches his Bow Ashigaru leading Harukage's Yari Samurai into the trap.
They might be looking for a quick death. Or some good fight before it happens.
"Ashigaru, do not be afraid of samurai! They are in our trap! They are not coming out alive! CHARGE!"
But Kagetora wants to minimize the loss of his men. Every life is to be cherished, if he has the control of any. It is over quite quickly, with badly injured enemies struggled for another labored breath on the blood-stained grass. They are suffering.
Kagetora noticed that Nomi took out a little Biwa (a string instrument that is very roughly equivalent to a "guitar" of ancient east asia) and starts playing a very tragic tone.
Nomi starts singing.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_034.jpg
Ashigaru and samurai, one low and one high.
Equal on the battlefield, each has exact on life.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_035.jpg
The outcome is clear, when commander flees in fear.
Holy banner carries blood smear, if the deities would care.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_036.jpg
Feud of brothers is tragedy, resolved by a clash of two armies.
The chosen's rise is destiny, for he shall leave a forever legacy.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_037.jpg
Wins and losses will be forgoten,
Blunders and error will be forgiven.
Virtues though carry forever,
In words and deeds of the believer.
Kagetora sighs quietly as Nomi finishes her song.
Masakage: "Wow. Can everybody on Biwa island play Biwa like you? Amazing!" :on_love:
Nomi: "Do all member of the Nagao clan grow long tails, Masakage?"
Masakage: ":on_exhausted: That was intended to be a joke and a compliment... OK let's focus on the battle! There are only two units remain in the forest. Kagetora, the Bow Ashigaru can draw out the next one."
Nomi: "Bow Ashigaru is showing their face. Let's play safe."
Under Kagetora's command, each Bow Ashigaru increased their distance to each other.
They approach the forest with a loose formation. So even if they get fired on, there will be less casualty.
Moments later, Harukage's Bow Ashigaru started marching down hill - following a tree-less clear path.
Nomi: "This one will be over with a splash. Kagetora and Masakage can set up an ambush on each side. Maskage keeps a slightly longer distance. Wait for the enemy to pass the line between you two, then charge. As Kagetora draws the enemy's attention and charges into the enemy head-on, Maskage charges right into the enemy's rear. And as you are directly opposite of each other, the enemy unit will be instantly torn apart, and rout."
Masakage: "What a stylish tactics. Did you learn it from master Usami Sadamitsu, the founder of Echigo-ryu Tactics?"
Nomi: "Yes. This is Split Chrysanthemum sytle. There are a few more varities... I can show you when the situations arise."
Masakage: "Split Chrysanthemum that is!" :on_furious:
Note: Naga-o, 長尾, is literally "long tail" or "grow tail".
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_038.jpg
Kagetora, Nomi and the other bodyguards waited in a distance. The enemy Bow Ashigaru slowly marches forward.
Kagetora: "Is it time yet?"
Nomi: "Not yet. If you charge now, they will see us and fire on us. Wait until they cannot see you coming until it is too late."
Kagetora: "OK."
Patience is important, just as important as making lightning fast judgment.
Yet as Kagetora focuses his eyes on the enemy, they seem to walk a lot more slowly...
Nomi: "NOW!":on_furious:
Kagetora: "Charge with me one last time, guards!"
Bodyguards: "CHARGE!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_039.jpg
Kagetora feels wind pass through his ears.
They are quickly approaching the enemey - who appears to be unaware of their attack.
Suddenly, the enemy turns around and attempt to draw arrows!
Kagetora: "AHHHH~"
Kagetora led his guards charge right into the enemy's bow ashigaru, followed by Masakage's perfect rear charge only seconds later.
Bodies fly and roll!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_040.jpg
Kagetora, Masakage, Nomi, and all riders swing their Katana and cut down the helpless Bow Ashigaru. They do not even know which direction to flee. Soon they were all lying, face down, face up, or face unrecognizable or missing.
Nobody fell on Kagetora's side.
Masakage: "Good. Just one last unit remain - Yari Ashigaru. Let's go."
Nomi: "I think they are already fleeing. Shall we lay the last ambush and finish this?"
Kagetora: "Can't we just ask them to surrender?"
Nomi: "There is an honor dying on the battlefield. Surrendering leaves them shame for the rest of their lives."
"Maybe this honor thing is carried a little too far..." :on_cough: Kagetora wonders in his mind.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_041.jpg
The Battle of Nagaoka is over by mid-afternoon.
All Echigo soon learned that Kagetora's army defeated his brother Harukage's with a wide margin.
The nearby clans were thrilled by the seemingly unlikely result.
The rule of Kagetora is firmly in Kagetora's hand.
But this was only the beginning of a long journey.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_042.jpg
Harukage and his other 23 remaining men attempt to hide in deep pine forest of Echigo.
Yet the unpopular Harukage's location was soon given away by hunters, and Kagetora's army easily tracked him down.
Harukage's men did not have a chance when they are surrounded.
They chose to commit Seppuku, which is more honorable than being killed by enemies.
Echigo's landlords are now firmly united under Kagetora's "Bi" banner, which severs as a great inpsiration for soldiers of the Nagao clan.
Some start to wonder maybe Kagetora is really the avatar of Bishamonten, for he did so well in his first battle.
But the 15-year-old needs way more battles to prove his ability.
Here comes the right time to play the First Episode! :bow:
The HD version (1080) is also available on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6nAlyMdtg4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6nAlyMdtg4
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_052.jpg
By the way, in the game, Nagao Kagetora is bold at a young age of 15.
He looks like a cheap-item shop owner of JRPG... how can they make Uesugi Kenshin look like this. :on_beg:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_043.jpg
Chapter 7. Making a God of War
Distant thunders can be heard from the forest;
cool drizzles passes through layers of pine needles.
Soldiers of Nagao Kagetora carries the body of Harukage, his face forever marked with terror.
Kagetora: "Rest in peace, my brother. I shall take your responsibility of the Nagao clan, and do my best to help it prosper."
Kagetora reaches out and closes Harukage's eyes.
He does not hold any negative sentiment against Harukage. Only destiny turns them into enemies.
Maybe years later, they will lay side by side in the graveyard behind Rizenji. It does not matter.
Maoko: "Finally I found you, My lord. An ashigaru picked up a very good stuff - as a gift to my lord Kagetora."
Kagetora: "Oh? Please let's take a look."
Ashigaru: "My lord! I found this old man! He got lost on the battlefield!"
Kagetora: "Why do you call this old mister a "good stuff"? He should be led home."
Maoko: "My lord, this is the famous Noodle Chef - Master Kang from Great Ming (Chinese Dynasty, 1368-1644)!"
Kagetora: "Master Kang from Great Ming?" :on_huh:
Master Kang: "Yes, Kagetora my lord! I can see that you are taller than average young men. You must have had noodle and bread instead of rice, right?"
Kagetora: "I have udon and ramen sometimes..."
Maoko: "Master Kang is a famous noodle chef from Great Ming. How about let's hire Master Kang to make noodle for Kasugayama castle? Good noodles, satisfied and impressed guests."
Kagetora: "Sounds good. Then Master Kang, how about let's..."
Nomi: "Hold on!" :on_furious:
Nomi takes a big step forward. She stands between Master Kang and Kagetora like a mountain.
Nomi: "The desire of the tongue and nose is a poisonous snake to our mind. The avatar of Bishamonten would practice righteousness and assist the weak. Why should he worry about not being popular as a result? We don't have to resort to bribe our guests' stomach."
Kagetora: "Yeah... Nomi is right. Bishamonten is a follower of Buddha, too, so he has to watch his behavior. Master Kang, I'll have some ashigaru to lead you home. I will be happy with discounted tea and rice." :on_sweat:
Master Kang: "Sure. Kagetora my lord, it is sad that we have to part ways right after we meet. Well, let me leave you a gift. It is nothing special..."
Master Kang reaches into his pants' pocket.
A wooden rod as thick as one's wrist, and a robber band as thick as one's thumb.
Master Kang: "People say my noodles taste so good, but actually my materials are nothing different. The only true difference of my noodles are the process of dough. I give it a good, long rub before I let it sit. After practicing dough rubbing for 30 years, I can rub a huge dough as heavy as 50 pounds. My strength comes from these two small items. I pull this rubber band on the rod, every night for 100 times. I carry these two items with me as a sentimental sourvenir to remind myself that no greatness can be achieved without practice, practice, and more practice. Now I see that Kagetora my lord is young. It is the right time to take on a correct attitude toward this world. Hopefully these two items give Kagetora my lord some things to think about."
Kagetora receives the rod and the rubber band from Master Kang. The wooden rod has been rubbed so much that it is as smooth as jade, and the rubber band is so thick that it looks that it cannot be stretched by regular means. Practice makes perfect - 30 years of dough rubbing to make a Master Noodle Chef.
Kagetora: "I really appreciate this valuable gift, master."
Master Kang: "You are very welcome. Oh, by the way, these two items are originally used to train for bow pulling. I cannot tell you how to pull a bow, though. It is not my expertise."
Kagetora: "So it is a Gomuyumi (rubber bow). Thanks, Master Kang!"
Master Kang disappears behind the deep-forest path under the escort of ashigaru. A hermit with legendary skills.
Nomi: "What a good gift to change one's life, more valuable than any material fortune in the world. Kagetora, you must cherish it."
Kagetora: "Of course. Let me give it a pull."
Kagetora puts the rubber band on the rod. He holds the rod with his left hand. His right hand holds the rubber...
Kagetora: "HMMM... YOOO... AHHH... AIIII...." :on_devil:
Nomi: "Just pull it. Why so much whining?"
Kagetora pulled as hard as he could, but the rubber only extended by about half an inch.
Maoko: "Master Kang must be a god-descend if he can pull this rubber band..."
Nomi: "Is it as hard as it looks? Let me give it a try."
Nomi stands firm on the ground. Her chest high, her belly restrained, she inshales!
Nomi: "YAH!"
The rubber band turns into heated butter - it stretches to double length!
Maoko: "Nomi is not a god-descend, Nomi is a god...":on_bibber:
Nomi: "Ha... this is nothing. I practice martial art every day. Kagetora is a prince who lives in a temple. I bet somebody else took water from the well for you? Go back to Kasugayama and pull this bow - 1000 times each night! Then we see who is better ten years later.":on_lol:
Kagetora: :on_beg:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_044.jpg
Kagetora's pain is written on his face when he thinks about pulling the rubber bow 1000 times each night. :on_beg:
Nomi: "Don't look so miserable. Taking pain like a meal. Take training like entertainment!" :on_hero:
Kagetora: "It is not easy to become a god of war's avatar. I have to train and practice martial arts!"
Nomi: "BAH. Even if you become a sword saint, you are at best a god of fighting - a gatekeeper for a god of war. You have to learn more tricks to become a god of war."
Kagetora: "Which tricks?" :on_huh:
Nomi confidently raises her chin. She probably has these answers for a long time.
Nomi: "Ancient Chinese strategist wrote that 'An army's value relies on its godly speed.' You should always take the initiative on the battlefield, and let the enemy react to your decisions - barely. You know the enemies' intention quickly, make decisions quickly, prepare quickly, and march quickly. When the enemies arrive, you send them home with an ambush. When the enemies want to catch their breath, you rush them and cut them to pieces." :on_lol:
Maoko: "And when the enemise wants to scavenge the battleifled, you have already finished and all bodies are stripped to their underwears." :on_sing:
Nomi: "NO!:on_furious: Bishamonten returns belongings to their rightful owners. We defeat the enemies until their minds bow to Bishamonten - until they feel too embarrassed to receive your returned spoils of war."
Kagetora: "Certainly! I have to work on strategies. I shall read strategy books of all ages, and ask for enlightenment from experts. I will learn from each battle in the future!"
Maoko: "My lord, the library in Kasugayama Castle has a large volume of literature. Welcome to take a look."
Kagetora: "Great!"
Nomi is not finished yet. She drank some water from her kettle and continued...
Nomi: "The ultimate goal of being a god of war's avatar is to establish an absolutly terrifying reputation. Your own men listen to you; your enemies listen to you. When you come, they behave; when you leave, they get naughty. When you smile, the are loose; when you frown, they are tight. When you raise your hand, they are soft; when you put down your hand, they are hard..."
Maoko: "Maybe we should clarify this..." :on_sweat:
Nomi: "Don't interrupt me! :on_furious: At the end, when our enemies realize Nagao Kagetora is coming, they will shake and sweat uncontrollably, follwed by running away unconditionally. Anybody can bear your Bi banner, and the enemies suffer a mental break down upon seeing it. This is Bishamonten's terror! Devils are banished in hell! WAHAHAHAHA!" :on_panda:
Nomi laughs uncontrollably as she imagines the scene. Maybe that's her own dream.
Kagetora: ":on_sweat: I can only dream for this day to come true. Maybe I can gain some reputation from having more battles..."
Nomi: "As you walk the righteous path of Bishamonten, the world will start to believe. Don't worry."
Kagetora: "Yes. I shall take one step at a time, but never give up. Now I know the fisrt and the final goal. Is there any intermediate goal?"
Nomi: "Didn't you hear the saying that 'too many routes make you lose all sheep?' Let's just make one more goal. Hm... there are many kinds of specialized generals. Some are good at castle assault, some are good at cavalry, some infantry... take your choice."
Maoko: "My lord, infantry consists of the majority of the army. Shall we consider to specialize as an infantry general?"
Nomi: "Hm... the root of all armies? Cavalry is afraid of trees. Bowmen is afraid of rain and darkness. Melee infantry is the most versatile. Destroying the enemies face to face is the foundation of battles. Sure, Infantry general is a good idea."
Kagetora: "Right! I will study infantry tactics!" :on_aww:
Maoko: "Lady Nomi, I heard that there is another specialized general who look for sneaky night assaults..."
Nomi: "How can you let the avatar of Bishamonten attack in people's sleep? That works completely against our public relations effort. :on_redcard: Kagetora always attack during the day. Well, unless the enemy is a night owl and wants to fight at night."
Kagetora: "Fighting face to face under broad daylight? Sure. I will work hard to become a worthy avatar of Bishamonten!" :on_tears:
Maoko: "Maybe lord Masakage is more interested in night attacks..." :on_sweat:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_013.jpg
Chapter 8. Valuable Promises
Kasugayama Castle has a new owner, as the fued of brothers ends.
But the real tasks of ruling a clan begins. Diplomacy, economy, research...
One bad decision... well, is a bad decision.
Kagetora: "Masakage, could you please give me a briefing on the clans surrounding Nagao?"
Masakage: "Certainly. Currently, we are at war with Jinbo(神保) in Etchu. The Yamanouchi Uesugi(山內上杉) is very friendly to us Nagao (see note). The Mogami(最上) clan to the northeast is friendly; they fight Date(伊達) and Honma(本間). The Ashina(蘆名) clan to the southeast is also friendly; they fight Satake(佐竹). The Murakami(村上) clan to the southwest is neutral; they fight Takeda(武田)."
Kagetora: "So we have just one immediate enemy, Jinbo."
Masakage: "Yes. Nagao has been nice to our neighbors lately. We do not invade others - except Jinbo in Etchu. :on_sweat: But that battle had to be fought. Do you want to hear about it? It could take a while..."
Kagetora: "Please. I would be embarrassed if I do not know about the history of my own clan."
Nagao and Jinbo has a long history dated back to three generations ago. The story involves the the Shogunate's (official) Guardian of Echigo, Uesugi, and the Ueda Nagao which is now under Nagao Masakage.
In 1506, Nagao Kagetora's grandfather, Nagao Yoshikage (長尾能景), the Shogunate's Acting Guardian of Echigo, marched an army to Etchu in order to assist Jinbo Yoshimune (神保慶宗), the Shogunate's Acting Guardian of Etchu, to defend against Ikko-Ikki. They won their first battle. But Jinbo Yoshimune suddenly made a peace treaty with Ikko-Ikki, and withdrew from their next battle. Nagao Yoshikage asked for reinforcement from his superior, the Official Echigo Guardian Uesugi Fusayoshi (上杉房能), but Fukayoshi refused to help. Nagao Yoshikage was outnumbered by Ikko-Ikki and killed in battle in Etchu.
Kagetora: "Poor grandfather..." :on_beg:
Nomi: "With a friend like Jinbo Yoshimune, why do you even need an enemy?" :on_bash:
The position of the Acting Guardian of Echigo was succeeded by Kagetora's father, Nagao Tamekage (長尾為景). In the following year (1507), the Echigo Guardian Uesugi Fusayoshi wanted to take back Tamekage's control of his army. But Tamekage hoped to revenge for his father. In addition, he blamed Uesugi Fusayoshi's refusal to help a direct cause of his father's death. As a result, Tamekage supported an adopted son of Uesugi Fusayoshi, Uesugi Sadazane (上杉定實), to become the new official Guardian of Echigo. Of course, Sadazane would favor Tamekage to continuelly command Echigo's army.
Nagao Tamekage attacked Uesugi Fusayoshi. Fusayoshi lost, and committed suicide while fleeing Echigo. As a result, the Shogunate's (official) Guardian of Echigo is now Uesugi Sadazane.
Kagetora: "Father was called a representative of the Sengoku Jidai's treachery. It began here, right?"
Masakage: "Without his 'treachery', you do not exist, Kagetora."
Nomi: "Uesugi Sadazane is still living in Echigo. He freqently visits Biwa island."
In 1509, Uesugi Akisada (上杉顯定), the lord of Yamanouchi Uesugi, the Shogunate's Commander of Kanto (關東管領, the highest position under Seii Tai-Shogun 征夷大將軍, THE Shogun)", vowed to revenge for Uesugi Fusayoshi. The army of Kanto marched to Echigo. Then, Ueda Nagao, one of Nagao's prominent families, switched side to join Kanto army in a bid to replace Tamekage's Sanjo Nagao as the new head Nagao Clan. The dominos fall further and Tamekage had to flee Echigo, first to Etchu and later to Sado island, living in a temple. This was the low point of Nagao Tamekage's life.
:on_poverty:
Kagetora: "So your father betrayed my father..."
Masakage: "I was not born yet. Don't blame me! :on_yell:
Nagao Tamekage would not be so famous if he gave up from there. He got the help from the Honma clan, ruler of Sado island. After a series of preparations, in 1510 Takekage landed in Echigo with his army, and defeated Uesugi Akisada's Kanto army in subsequent battles. At the moment, Kanto was not very stable due to the rise of the Sagami Hojo clan, so Uesugi Akisada decided retreat from Echigo. However, the Ueda Nagao, led by Masakage's father, flipped back to the side of Tamekage's Sanjo Nagao, and severed the Kanto army's retreat route. The Uesugi army was forced to fight, and lost. Uesugi Akisada committed suicide. Nagao Tamekage was in firm control of Echigo since then.
Masakage: "Now Sanjo and Ueda Nagaos are in good terms... because your elder sister is my wife." :on_love:
Nomi: "Killing the Guardian of the province and the Kanto Commander? That's quite something. I am sure Kagetora's father saw fingers pointing at him everywhere he went."
Masakage: :on_cough: "That's probably why he decided to retire a little earlier. Eight years ago (1537), he attended a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and was insulted by other daimyos. :on_scared: He announced his retirement when he came back."
Maoko: "Actually I joined that Kyoto trip with master Kagetora, then just 7 years old. We visited Nara's great temple, Todaiji. Now we realize why old master wanted to retire immediately after he returned to Echigo." :on_tears:
Nomi: "My father and I seemed go to Nara at the same time, too. Maybe we met each other at that time? I cannot remember."
Maoko: :on_smile:
Masakage: "Well, when two armies meet, who says only the higher ranked can defeat the lower ranked? Even the Seii-Taishogun is now a figure head in Kyoto. The Commander of Kanto is just a title now."
Kagetora: "Yeah. Wait a second... Uesugi Akisada is the lord of Yamanouchi Uesugi. My father killed Uesugi Akisada. So why are we now very friendly with Yamanouchi Uesugi? :on_Mad:"
Masakage: "Let's just say the current Kanto Commander, Uesugi Norimasa (上杉憲政), has little to do with Uesugi Akisada. There were three Kanto Commanders in between."
Maoko: "Let's go back to Jinbo..." :on_sweat:
Note: In history, Yamanouchi Uesugi did not become a vassal of Nagao until several years later. This story attmpts to be historically accurate and correct the game's oversimplification.
Kagetora: "Sorry. Just a second, so what happened after my father defeated the Kanto Kanrei (Commander of Kanto)?" :on_huh:
Masakage: "Well, your elder brother Nagao Harukage became the adopted son and successor of Uesugi Sadazane. This makes sure that when Uesugi Sadazane eventually passes away, the Nagao clan will become the (officla) Echigo Guardian."
Nomi: "For the Echigo's internal harmony."
Masakage: "Not quite - remember that my family, Ueda Nagao, once betrayed... pretended to betray? :on_sing: Your father Tamekage then married out his daughters, one to each major Nagao family. That's why my wife is your elder sister."
Kagetora: "I hope our blood lines are not too closely related..."
Masakage: "Yeah...":on_sweat:
Nomi: "Having a lot of kids is an asset in the Sengoku Jidai. If the reproductive trait runs in the family, maybe Kagetora will one day have many kids?"
Kagetora: "I am not interested in marriage..."
Maoko: "My lord, let's get to Jinbo...":on_exhausted:
Masakage: "OK! Now Echigo is ready to make a pay back to Etchu. Fifteen years ago (1520), your father Nagao Tamekage attacked Etchu. He was a good army commander, and defeated Jinbo Yoshimune. Yoshimune committed suicide. His son Jinbo Nagamoto bowed to revenge for his father, just like your father vowed to revenge for his father. The two clans have been fighting on and off since."
Kagetora: "Got it. It is unfortunate that Nagao and Jinbo have come to this. Let's talk about something else..."
(A) Talk about Economy. (Paragon +4) <----
(B) Talk about Diplomacy. (Paragon +3) [done]
(C) Talk about Military. (Renegade +2)
(D) Talk about my sister. (Renegade +10)
Kagetora: "Let's talk about how to sustain Echigo's economy. The lands in Echigo does not seem to be particularly fertile..."
Maoko the housekeeper takes a large step forward and bows to Kagetora. Looks like she had done various research on this subject.
Maoko: "There are two good ways to increase income, my lord. The first is through territorial expansion. The more tax payers there are, the wealtheir we are. However, since we also need to expand the government body over the acquired territories, we will receive less and less additional income."
Kagetora: "Why? Don't we hire the same number of government staff?" :on_huh:
Maoko: "My lord, due to the Shogunnate and the class of warrios, Japan is now essentially a feudalism soceity, not a centralized power like Great Ming. In feudalism, your additional provinces are managed by your clan officers. They have their families to feed, bodyguards to hire, personal wealth to grow, etc."
Kagetora: "Got it. Sounds like an ineffective way to earn money... and expansion involves war, and tragedy to the innocent. So what's the second way to increase income?"
Maoko: "Business. We do business with other clans and other countries."
Kagetora: "How do we incraese income by business?"
Maoko: "Er... I guess Rizenji does not want my lord to be greedy. Buy low, sell high, supply where goods are demanded, and hold monopoly on rare but valuable commidities that everybody wants so we set our own price. We do not have to make money to advance our personal wealth - we do that so Echigo and its people prosper. To be greedy and selfish is the nature of mankind. Only the selected few can be free from such trivial pursuit and focus on the most important aspects about life - making our short life count."
Maoko suddenly stops, and look at Masakage.
Masakage: "OK, I won't buy that rice field near Kasugayama Castle..." :on_sweat:
Maoko: "Echigo actually has a naval tradition that allows us to conduct more profitable trades... However, since some time ago the difference becomes so small that is now unnoticable. :on_bird: But we still have a good ship-building industry... but that's military."
Masakage: "Sounds like Maoko the housekeeper knows a lot about money making! Kagetora's Kasugayama castle is in good hands." :on_thumbup:
Kagetora: "Yes. Maoko will guide us through many dilemma situations in the future."
Maoko: "I will do my best, my lord."
Kagetora noticed that Nomi's are looking outside the meeting room. Maybe she is not very interested in business.
Kagetora: "Let's talk about something else..."
(A) Talk about Economy. (Paragon +4) [done]
(B) Talk about Diplomacy. (Paragon +3) [done]
(C) Talk about Military. (Renegade +2) <---
(D) Talk about Nomi's ideal type of bodyfriend. (Honor -1)
Kagetora: "So Nomi, what's your advice on Nagao's military?"
Nomi: "We have only one enemy, so what do you say? Jinbo has been our enemy for three generations. There is no hope for peace. For someone who would be so afraid to go to battle that they could make peace with an enemy in front of their friend, we can crush these bastards with the small army we have now." :on_picknose:
Kagetora: "Hopefully. Hm... I heard that backstabbing is quite common in Sengoku Jidai. Is there some way to make sure that our neighbors will stay friendly with us?"
Masakage: "Like marching an army to Echigo immediately after we leave? That would be so dishonorable. :on_furious: Well, we can always dispatch emissaries to reinforcement our friendship with nearby clans."
Kagetora: "How do we do that? With gifts?"
Masakage: "Your brother Harukage pretty much destroyed our clan's savings. We cannot afford it." :on_cough:
Nomi: "Happiness from monetary gifts deteriorate very quickly. That's not a good way to win people's heart. We win their heart if they trust us. Maybe we can... 'sell' our trust-worthiness to them."
Kagetora: "Like 'we promise that we will not attack you'? That's a little suspicious..." :on_sweat:
Masakage: "If they do not believe us, they might actually attack us first!" :on_yell:
Maoko the housekeeper suddenly takes another step forward. She is now right in front of Kagetora. A lady in her mid 30s, she witnessed Kagetora's birth and was his primary caregiver for his first seven years of life. Kagetora feels safe when Maoko is around.
Maoko: "My lord mentions a promise that can be sold and delivered? We can do that."
Kagetora: "Oh? How?"
Maoko: "In Sengoku Jidai, clans often have to march armies through someone else's territory. And they have to pay for the right of military access. If I allow your army to pass through my territory, I give you my full trust. So in a way, trust is sold by means of military access."
Kagetora: "Hm... so we allow someone else's army to park right below Kasugayama Castle?"
Masakage: "And take a tour to the Tensho (top fortress, where this meeting is taking place)"? :on_bibber:
Maoko: "Well, they still have to apply for it. We won't just allow anybody to come into the Tensho and use our bathroom." :on_redcard:
Masakage: "But... if they apply for it, we have to grant permission as long as the request is reasonable, right? To some extent this is an unequal treaty..." :on_sleep:
Kagetora: "Hm... what would Bishamonten do? :on_huh: Would he agree to bear the insult of an unequal treaty?"
Nomi: "What's unequal in the deal if both sides believe it is fair? What do you have to be afraid if you trust someone enough? The military access is sold with a reasonable price for our firm promise and convenience. If they offer a low price, we could refuse to sell. If they do not want to buy, we do not force them. If their army comes and plots treachery, we PUNISH THEM!" :on_bash:
Nomi's face instantly turns red when she thinks about "Bishamonten sends little devils to hell". Must be a very hot place.
Kagetora: "Hm... sure. I guess we will have to trust our emissaries to negotiate a reasonable deal. Hm... who is good with diplomacy in the Nagao clan?"
Maoko: "The Nagao clan are packed with good warriors, but unfortunately with few diplomatic talents so they frequently make our guests angry, like making fun of their names and tell inappropriate jokes in front of ladies. Besides, my lord, diplomacy is the job of the clan leader. An emissary only speaks the clan leader's mind. Please let me handle this in the meantime."
Kagetora: "Maoko, I mean no disrespect, but you are... a lady. Clan lords without an open mind would feel insulted if we dispatch a female emissary..."
Nomi: "Don't underestimate women!" :on_furious:
Maoko: "No worries, my lord. I shall open their mind, followed by their wallets."
Maoko reveals a confident smile. She seems to have experiences in diplomatic dealings.
Kagetora: "Thank you, Maoko. You are already busy with the clan's daily operations, and now we add this large burden onto you. You now have my full authority to represent the Nagao clan in diplomatic dealings." :bow:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_045.jpg
(The HQ of the Mogami Clan: Yamagata Castle, Province of Uzen)
Under fire-red shiny armor, Mogami Yoshimori leans forward on his little foldable chair. In front of him kneels a courteous emissary in a modest but formal dress.
Maoko: "Lord Yoshimori. The new Acting Guardian of Echigo, lord Nagao Kagetora, dispatches me to bring Nagao clan's sincere blessings. We hope that Nagao and the Mgami clans' friendly relationship would continue to develop."
Mogami Yoshimori: "HAHAHA... but why does he send a woman? Did all Nagao emissaries die from the fued of brothers?" :on_lol:
Maoko: "Lord Yoshimori lives your reputation - always directly to the point. Indeed, Echigo has suffered from years of rebellions and proverty. We have lost a lot of men. Now women are in charge of most household."
Yoshimori: "Oh, I see. Sorry to hear that. So how would Nagao want to maintain a friendly relationship with Mogami? You cannot just tell us that you like us."
Maoko: "Exactly. Lord Yoshimori, we propose to the Mogami clan a chance to prosper."
Yoshimori: "Sure, tell me more."
Maoko: "Mogami's Ugo is famous for its granite. The upper-class women in Echigo love granite counter-top. If it is pretty, they pay without price negotiating. Mogami can sell these beautiful stones to Echigo for good profit."
Yoshimori: "Hm... but last year I asked Kagetora's brother, Harukage, to sign a trade deal with us, but he never responded." :on_exhausted:
Maoko: "Yes, he was a slacker. That's why we disposed him. :on_dead:"
Yoshimori: :on_sweat:
Maoko: "I mean Lord Yoshimori, now Echigo is pretty much run by ladies. Our daimyo's chief bodyguard is a lady. The emissary in front of you is a lady. Later on we will have a nun from Rizenji. Soon I will look for a wife for Lord Kagetora. So please, trust me."
Yoshimori: "Well... hm, you sound sincere. And there is indeed good profit for Mogami. Why not? I will sign the trade deal with you."
Maoko: "But the problem is that Echigo has no specialty product to sell to Mogami. The trade will be one-sided."
Yoshimori: "Yeah that's true. An unequal trade does not last long. Hm..."
So what would be the equal trade?
Maoko: "Besides, there are a lot of bandits in the northeast. Right now Nagao does not have the manpower to guard the trading wagons. So Lord Yoshimori will have to guard the cargo with Mogami soldiers to the Kasugayama Castle."
Yoshimori: "That's not a problem. It is our goods and our profits. But... would you allow our army to enter your territory?"
Maoko: "Hm... how about this. We sell military access to Lord Yoshinari at a very discounted price. This way, our trades are quite equal, and Mogami has full trust from Nagao. Isn't that a good way to improve our relationship?"
Yoshimori: "Hm... strategic safety from one side sounds good, so I can concentrate on Date. How much do you ask for?"
Maoko: "How much would Lord Yoshimori sell military access for?"
Yoshimori: "If to Nagao? Hm... we are at good terms. 500 koku per season?"
Maoko: "Sure. We give you a special discount. 40%. 300 koku per season."
Yoshimori: "Eh... I meant to say 400 koku per season to Nagao. So can you give me 240 koku per season?"
Maoko: "Lord Yoshimori - women are not stupid. Please don't do this to me. Besides, Lord Kagetora already told me the bottom price. I cannot offer you whatever discount you want..."
Suddenly, Maoko lowered her voice.
"240 koku is higher than the bottom price. Lord Yoshimori, my husband just died from war. He is still lying there, without a coffin." :on_scared:
Yoshimori: "OH~~~ I see. How about 10 koku for the burial? That should be more than enough. You tell me the bottom price, and we have a deal, OK?"
Maoko: "I have two kids at 7 and 8. One is physically challenged and the other mentally..."
Yoshimori: "I am so sorry... 20 koku, ok?"
Maoko: "My parents just suffered a stroke and now has to rely on manual feeding."
Yoshimori: "OK, OK. I have 57 koku worth of silver on me. You can take them all. How's that?"
Maoko: "200 koku per season, for 23 seasons. 10 seasons of non-aggression afterward."
Yoshimori: "Deal!" :on_furious:
Maoko: "Thank you, Lord Yoshimori!" :on_please2:
***
Maoko: "Lord Kagetora, we signed a trade deal with Mogami. Sold 23 seasons of military access for a total of 4657 koku. They will pay the full amount by autumn."
Kagetora: "This is good! We now have the budget to expand the costal village, pave the roads in Echigo, and more! Please keep going!" :on_aww:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_046.jpg
(Katsurao Castle, Murakami Clan's HQ)
Murakami Yoshikiyo just suffered a defeat by Takeda Harunobu (he won't become Shingen until 1559). He sat on the little bench with a long face. The emissary politely kneels down as usual.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/murakami_yoshikiyo_240.jpg
Murakami Yoshikiyo (村上義清)
Born in 1501. Famous for his fierceness in battles, Murakami Yoshikiyo forms an alliance with other Shinano daimyos against the invasion of Takeda, and had a rare feat of defeat them twice, but still lost in the end. In history, Murakami Yoshikiyo fled Shinano to become a general of the Uesugi (originally Nagao) clan in Echigo, and is well respected in the Uesugi clan. He killed Takeda Harunobu's famously capable brother, Takeda Nobushige, in the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima.
***
Murakami Yoshikiyo: "What? A female emissary is here to insult me?"
Maoko the Housekeeper: "Lord Yoshikiyo, I am a lady, but I am also the housekeeper of Kasugayama castle. I am in charge of many important issues, such as new clan officer recuirtment and dilemma situations. My presence here shows that Lord Nagao Kagetora shows full respect of Murakami."
Yoshikiyo: "OK... So what does the housekeeper has to say?"
Maoko: "My master, Lord Kagetora has untied Echigo, and he is about to attack Jinbo in Etchu. But Murakami and Jinbo are allies. My lord sends me here to inform Murakami about this."
Yoshikiyo: "So are you going to attack Shinano next?" :on_furious:
Maoko: "Lord Yoshikiyo, please read this secret letter."
Maoko the housekeeper reaches into her clothes and retreived an evenlope.
Murakami Yoshikiyo takes a good look at the envelope - it was sealed with golden wax.
And when he opens the letter, he sees red ink. This must be an important letter written from one daimyo to another.
"Kagetora san(Mr.),
Glad to learn about your rule in Echigo.
May you work with us Takeda.
Takeda advances north to hold Shinano and Hida, while
Nagao advances west to hold Etchu and Noto.
The two clans would remain friends.
Regards,
Takeda Harunobu"
Yoshikiyo: :on_bash: "Takeda Harunobu, you SOB! Don't trust him, he will attack Echigo as soon as he has Shinano!"
Maoko: :on_sweat: "That sounds very familiar. My master Kagetora always holds a good intention toward Murakami, so we do not want Murakami to suffer from this treacherous plot. That's why we present this letter to Lord Yoshikiyo."
Yoshikiyo: "So what does the Nagao want to do?"
Maoko: "We have no intention to invade other clans."
Yoshikiyo: "Oh? That's rare. So Nagao will not join Takeda's side?"
Maoko: "We do not want to invade other clans, so we do not want to join an invasion."
Yoshikiyo: "Sounds noble. So how about Nagao and Murakami join force and defend against Takeda?"
Maoko: "But Takeda has two powerful military allies - Hojo and Imagawa. Nagao might be busy with Hojo should they expand north. Then Nagao will not have enough army to help Murakami in Shinano."
Yoshikiyo: "So how would you agree to aid Murakami?"
Maoko: "How about this? We Echigo warriors are not afraid of battles. We simply are not rich enough to support two armies. So if Murakami agrees to pay for some of our expenses, we will be able to dispatch more men to Shinano."
Yoshikiyo: "Sure. How much do you ask?"
Maoko: "Why don't Lord Yoshikiyo name a price? The more aid we receive, the more men we can dispatch."
Yoshikiyo: "Shinano is not very rich, either. How about 4000 koku for five years of military assistance?"
Maoko: "I know Lord Yoshikiyo is a man of honor, and does not start with an unreasonable request just for bargain's sake. That's it. 4000 koku for five years. If Takeda invades Murakami in the next years, Nagao must send help! And even if we cannot reach Shinano in time, we will restore clan Murakami!"
Yoshikiyo: ":on_exhausted: Don't jinx us. Echigo to Shinano is less than one month's march apart."
Maoko: "Somebody tells me it takes half a year?"
Yoshikiyo: "WHAT? Did they crawl?"
Maoko: "Anyway, this is our promise. Let's sign a formal treaty."
Yoshikiyo: "Sure. Let me find the right form... hm..."
Murakami Yoshikiyo attempts to locate the "Miliatry Assistance" form in his cabinet.
But he can't find it.
Yoshikiyo: "That's odd... those form have run out? I have lots of Peace Treaty or asking for Trade Embargo forms... who would do treacherous stuff like that..."
Maoko: "How about Military Access? The offer of military access is a guarantee of Nagao's assistance!" :on_hero:
Yoshikiyo: "Oh? You just give military access away just like that? Nagao Kagetora sounds like a trustworthy person. OK then!"
***
Maoko: "Lord Kagetora, the Murakami clan has generously offered 3945 koku, paid in full amount in three seasons. But we have to assist them to defend against Takeda Harunobu's invasion."
Masakage: "WHAT? Did you just promise them that without asking us?" :on_furious:
Maoko: "Hey, we are talking about Takeda Harunobu! It would be a major disappointment if we do not fight a huge battle with him."
Masakage: "That's true... opponents like Nagao Harukage are not exciting." :on_yawn:
Nomi: "Takeda Harunobu seems to be a truly worthy enemy. I want to fight him! If there is a chance when two armies meet in the battlefield, please allow me to challenge him personally!" :on_hero:
Kagetora: "Wait a second... who is Takeda Harunobu?" :on_blush:
Maoko: "Takeda Harunobu, "the Tiger of Kai". He is a famous strategist and expansionist. His clan expands like a wild fire, consuming everything - eventually foes and friends alike. Takeda will certainly invade Echigo if he holds Shinano."
Kagetora: "Hm... sounds like a warmongering nut to me." :on_sweat:
Nomi: "A very tough warmongering nut."
Kagetora: "Anyway, if the warmonger attacks us after we defeat Jinbo, we should have the army to face Takeda. OK... thanks for Maoko's effort! Please continue!" :on_aww:
***
Note 1: From now on, I will not introduce secondary characters on the first page, but only at the time they first appear in the story (for a significant rule). This way the first page will not be cluttered with character information.
Note 2: The first deal with Murakami is worth 3945 koku. The rest (2198 koku) will be mentioned later in the story.
(Kurokawa Castle, Fukushima, Ashina Clan's HQ)
Maoko: "Is Lord Ashina Morikiyo in the castle?"
Gateguard: "Lord Morikiyo is leading an army to fight Satake. He won't return until a few days later. Please stay at the emissary's hotel."
Maoko: "I see..."
(the Embassy)
The hotel is called "The Embassy", but actually Maoko has to share a tiny room with three other emissaries.
Maoko: :on_pushups: "Greetings. Since we are in the same profession and fate brings us to share this little room, why don't we open our hearts and share information? Maybe we will see each other again later in our respective castles. I will start with Nagao. We Nagao clan wishes to become a clear stream in the murky waters of Sangoku Jidai. We are here to promote friendship between Ashina and Nagao. So what is your purpose here?"
Date's emissary: "Greetings. Our lord wishes to marry Miss Yaya."
Satomi's emissary: "HUH? :on_angry: Our lord also wishes to marry Miss Yaya."
Hojo's emissary: "WHAT? :on_angry2: Our lord wishes to marry Miss Yaya, too!"
Date's emissary: "How dare you even imagine this?"
Satomi's emissary: "Your daimyo is so ugly. He can't be serious." :on_picknose:
Hojo's emissary: "Who can compare to our lord, 'The Lion of Sagami'?" :on_lie:
Satomi's emissary: "We will turn it to 'The TenderLoin of Sagami!" :on_lol:
Hojo's emissary: "You want a war huh? I will make up something so you get one!" :on_furious:
The other three emissaries are now literally holding each other's throats.
Maoko: "Stupid men... :on_cough: Ah please don't fight! We are diplomatic staff! We never say what's really in our mind! Let's clam down... who is Miss Yaya?"
Satomi's emissary: "You don't know? Miss Yaya is the most beautiful woman in northeastern Japan."
Date's emissary: "If I can hold her hand, I will not wash my hands for a year..." :on_love:
Hojo's emissary: "If I can kiss her, I can die from a heart attack." :on_totallove:
Maoko: "The most beautiful woman in northeastern Japan? Is she in Kurokawa Castle now?"
Date's emissary: "She is the daimyo's daughter, so she must be?"
Satomi's emissary: "But we cannot see her even if we are emissaries." :on_tears:
Hojo's emissary: "You might get a chance since you are a woman..."
***
Maoko: "Is this where Miss Yaya lives?"
Servant: "Yep. And you are?"
Maoko: "This is my card. Nice to meet you.
Yamamura Sadako (山村貞子)
Emperor Go-Nara's Special Beauty Pageant Head Commissioner (後奈良天皇御前一品名媛選拔專人)
Servant: "Oh... miss Yamamura. WOW! You are a high officer from the Imperial Palace?"
Yamamura Sadako: "Yes. It is my pleasure to meet you. Here are some silver that is worth 5 koku, a little gift from Kyoto. Please introduce Miss Yaya to me."
Servant: "Long live the Emperor! I will show the way!" :on_totallove:
Sadako: "Thank you. Oh, yes. I was passing through the embassy and heard that a few emissaries want to propose to Miss Yaya for their daimyo? But the emperor's business should take the first priority, right? Please hold them off until I am done."
Servant: "Of course!" :on_totallove:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/ashina_yaya_480.jpg
Ashina Yaya (蘆名夜也)
Born in 1525 (currently 20 years old). The daughter of Ashina Morikiyo. She is referred to as "the most beautiful woman in northeastern Japan". However, other than being beautiful, she is an average girl in everything else.
***
Yamamura Sadako: (Wow, she is pretty.) "Greetings, Miss Yaya. I am Yamamura Sadako. Please just call me sister Sadako "
Ashina Yaya: "Greetings, sister Sadako. What is this Beauty Pageant in Kyoto?"
Sadako: "The Emperor wishes to hold a special Beauty Peagent contest across Japan. I am leading a group of special comissioners who are in charge of promoting the event and collecting registrations from qualified ladies. The conditions are: Age 16 and olrder, good look, good talents, good personality, no bad habits, no criminal records, never married, and never had a child without marriage. How about Miss Yaya join the contest, too? The transportation to and from Kyoto and accomodations will be fully reinbursed. Should you win the contest, you can expect to marry at least a level-3 ranked high officer, maybe even the next Emperor!" :on_love:
Yaya: "Thank you, sister Sadako. May I be honest with you? I am actually an average girl who happens to have a popular look. But deep in my heart I know I am far worse comapred to many other girls. Some girls are prudent, but I frequently go on a shopping spree. Some girls are cunning, but I frequently draw blanks and have no idea of what people talk about. Some girls are polite, but I speak my mind without thinking and frequently cause awkward situations. I know I don't have a chance in this competition... Now I am 20 years old, so I just want to find a reliable man to settle down. I cannot dream about being the wife of a high officer or even the Queen of Japan." :on_sweat:
Sadako: "How humble Miss Yaya is. To tell the truth, I have seen many bad girls, the greedy, the shrewish, the ambitious... they are everywhere. That's why the divorce rate climbs so high... to 2% now. The men are not better! Many hold no manner, no ideal, no determination, no respect for wives... that's why I expelled my useless huband!" :on_furious:
Yaya: "What a determination! :on_aww: Does sister Sadako have any recommendation for picking the right husband? I heard there are some emissaries here in Kurakawa Castle. Maybe my father will pick one of their daimyos..."
Sadako: "I think the best husband is one who not only holds an good ideal, but also follows it in his every step. Didn't the Buddha say "matching the goal and the way is greatness"? This kind of man would be the most reliable."
Yaya: "Yes. But now we are deep in the wars. Men all swallow their promises, especially those who are attracted to physical beauty, for they cannot imagine what beauty will turn into after 20 years. All they care about is young women's body. There is an old Chinese saying that "beauty brings disaster". Is my beauty a curse to me? Am I destined to marry a man who only cares about fortune and poessession?" :on_scared:
Ashina Yaya weeps in the arms of Yamamura Sadako.
Sadako: "Yes. If I could travel back to the past, I would never have married that bastard... he had an affair with our housemaid! What an a*ole! I shall curse him! Curse him! He will die a horrible death in SEVEN DAYS!" :on_furious:
Yaya: ":on_sweat: What a terrible curse from sister Sadako..."
Sadako: "Oh yeah. Did Yaya hear about the new clan lord of Echigo, Nagao Kagetora?"
Yaya: "The news just reached Fukushima a few days ago - he defeated his elder brother's army, right? If a man can disregard the order of brothers, this Kagetora must be just one of those terrible men out there?" :on_redcard:
Sadako: "Actually he is not... :on_sweat: I have a younger sister Maoko, who works in Echigo. She tells me that Nagao Kagetora is a great person. He was elected by his clan officers to replace his incompetent brother. Kagetora aims to become a righteous model in Sengoku Jidai. He is honest, selfless, considerate, observative, couragerous, and he likes to listen to criticisms. Rumor says that he is the avatar of Bishamonten, the god of war!" :on_love:
Yaya: "Wow. Sounds like a rare breed! If what sister Sadako says is true... :on_blush: but then I am just a mortal with all kinds of weakness. How can I match to this deity-like man? And the Bishamonten would not bother thinking about getting married..." :on_idle:
Sadako: "Yeah... :on_sweat: "Maybe the rumor is a little exaggerating. If Miss Yaya is interested, isn't Echigo right beside Fukushima? It is easy to see whether the rumor about Nagao Kagetora is true. I am getting back to Kyoto through Echigo anyway. We can travel together to Kasugayama Castle. My sister Maoko will accomodate you from there."
Yaya: "Thank you so much! :on_aww: I am 20 years old, so I do not have to report my trips to father anymore..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_057.jpg
Bottom right circle:
Rizenji (Forest Spring Temple)
Tomb of (Uesugi) Kenshin. Of course it was not there at the time of the story.
***
Chapter 9. Match-Making Trip
Ashina Yaya: "Hehe, sister Maoko looks just like your elder sister Sadako."
Maoko: "I have another sister, Kawamata Kayoko. We share the same look as we were born together. :on_sweat: But I am only a country woman, unliky my sisters. Now Echigo is beginning to prosper under the rule of Lord Kagetora!"
Yaya: "Is Lord Kagetora inside the Kasugayama Castle now?"
Maoko: "Yes. But he is busy with military planning during the day... there is going to be a battle with Jinbo. Let's find him in the evening. How about I take you on a tour in Echigo?"
Yaya: "Sure!" :on_aww:
(Echigo, Naoetsu Port)
Yaya: "Wow, what a large construction project going on here. Why do you need such a big port?"
Maoko: "Lord Kagetora wishes to build Naoetsu Port into the largest military port of the northern shore. A powerful navy is a must for Nagao's sea trades."
Yaya: "Nice. :on_huh: There is a handsome, tall gentleman standing there. Is he Lord Kagetora?"
Maoko: "Oh, he is Nagao Masakage. A distant cousin of Lord Kagetora and also the husband of Lord Kagetora's elder sister. Masakage is the leader of the Ueda Nagao..."
Yaya: "So he is married? Then we don't have to be shy. Let's go chat with him, ok?"
(What a bold Miss Yaya...) :on_sweat:
Maoko scratches her head.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/nagao_masakage_480.jpg
Nagao Masakage (長尾政景)
Born in 1526. Nagao Kagetora is the right-hand man of Nagao Kagetora, as he is both the husband of Kagetora's siter, and also the leader Ueda Nagao, one of the three major Nagao families in Echigo.
***
Ashina Yaya: "Hey Mr. Samurai! I am Ash... Satake Yako from Hitachi. I am a distant cousin of Maoko the Housekeeper. This is my first time in Echigo. Nice to meet you! :on_pushups:
Nagao Masakage: "Huh? Oh? :on_totallove: "Yes Miss Yako! what can I do for you?"
Yako: "I want to know what you think about Lord Kagetora."
Masakage: "Kagetora? He is quite humble, never showing arrogance. He is also considerate to his subordinates. I think it is fair to say he is a... good person?"
Yako: "Did many girls call him a good person?"
Masakage: "What do you mean?"
Maoko: "Was Lord Kagetora refused by many girls before?"
Masakage: "Never heard about that... Kagetora spent seven years in the temple and only returned three months ago. He'll probably blush when he sees a beautiful lady like you! :on_blush:"
Yako: "Thank you. So how does Lord Kagetora treat you?"
Masakage: "He is a good listener. He takes my ideas. He responds to my jokes, even the failed ones that are not really funny. What an idiot! :on_panda:"
Yako: "Kagetora is an idiot?... :on_exhausted:"
Maoko: ":on_cough: Maybe Lord Kagetora does not want to hurt your feeling, Lord Masakage."
Masakage: "Yeah maybe. I am sorry. I should not criticize a good person like this. He listens to me, he is willing to learn and learns fast. He has my firm support!"
Maoko: "Only a charismatic leader draws supports from his clan officers!":on_aww:
Masakage: "Indeed. Although I have to support him because of my wife. Hey Miss Yako. Are you free for lunch? How about we...?"
Yako: "Oh I am sorry, I have another appointment right now and I am already late. Thank you!":on_bye:
Masakage: "Bye bye. Hope to see Miss Yako again!"
Maoko: "Bye!"
***
Maoko: "What is our appointment?" :on_sweat:
Yako: "Haha! :on_lol: I am very used to being asked out for lunch or dinner. Sometimes more than 10 times in a day. I have hundreds of reasons to refuse them. :on_yellowcard: :on_redcard: This guy is already married and he still asks girls out for lunch? Maoko, you should report this to his wife."
Maoko: "Let's not cause political trouble in the clan... :on_sweat: OK then, I can think of another place to take you. Do you want to see road paving?"
Yako: "Road paving? Like.. putting bricks on the road? How about something else?" :on_sweat:
Maoko: "But there is a person I would like you to meet..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/usami_nomi_480.jpg
Usami Nomi (宇佐美乃美)
Born in 1530. Daughter of the Lord of Biwashima (Biwa Island) Castle, Usami Sadamitsu, the founder of "Echigo-style Law of Army". As Sadamitsu has no son, Nomi becomes the successor of "Echigo-style" strategy. She is currently one of Kagetora's bodyguards.
Maoko: "Yako, may I introduce you to the acting Lord of Biwashima Castle, Miss Usami Nomi. Nomi, this is my distant cousin Satake Yako from Hitachi. I invited her to spend a few days in Echigo."
Yako: ":on_pushups: Pleased to meet you."
Nomi: "Sorry, Housekeeper, Lunch break is over and we are behind schedule. Is there anything I can help quickly?"
Yako: "Actually we have nothing important..."
Maoko: "Ah... we know Nomi is busy. But Yako is curious about the new leader of Nagao. What is your opinion about Lord Kagetora, Nomi?"
Nomi: "Kagetora? My father once said he had potential. We hope to shape him into a 'God of War' that everybody loves and fears. Let's see if this day will come."
Yako: "God of War?":on_huh:
Nomi: ":on_panda: Actually it is just propaganda."
Yako: "So Kagetora is a lying politican? :on_exhausted:"
Maoko: ":on_sweat: I think Nomi meant that daimyos in Sengoku Jidai have to look after their image. Of course Lord Kagetora will live up to that image, right?"
Nomi: "Hm, I think Kagetora's integrity is dependable. He lived in Rizenji for seven years, under the nurture of Master Tenshitsu Koiku. He has a big heart, good intentions... What he needs is to work on military strategy. One day, he will become a good general. But whether he can be called a 'God of War', nobody knows."
Yako: "I see. How does Lord Kagetora treat Miss Nomi?"
Nomi: "Kagetora is quite fair to us bodyguards. Last time somebody claimed about the thick wax on the armor and he had somebody wipe it off immediately... other than that I have to observe him more to comment."
Yako: "Actually... what I mean is... Miss Nomi is a pretty girl. You have good skins, good body build... did Kagetora ever make any hint on Nomi?" :on_blush:
Nomi: "No. Kagetora does not look at girls like normal men do... as if Kagetora has absolute no interest in girls. A little weird now I think about it..."
Yako: "Maybe Kagetora likes man more? :on_exhausted:"
Maoko: "NONONO! :on_scare: We certainly have not noticed that... Kagetora would make a dependable husband!"
Nomi: "At least he would not suddenly admit he has a bastard son somewhere else... but it is common for a clan leader to have concubines..."
Yako: "No way! :on_redcard: Okay, may I ask a bold question. How does Nomi feel about Kagetora?"
Nomi: "I have taken an oath under Bishamonten to sever all my personal desires in exchange for his wisdom and courage. I see Kagetora as our leader. We discuss issues of the clan and the army. We fight side by side on the battlefield, regardless of gender."
Yako: "Pure friendship is rare... so, what if Nomi had never taken the oath? Would you fall in love with Kagetora?"
Nomi: "Interesting question. I have never thought about it. Now since you asked... maybe? He has nothing that I hate. Okay Yako, I am sorry, I follow Buddha. I cannot think about that any further. That's it. No."
Yako: [color=olive]"Yeah don't think about that in the future, either." :on_whip:
Nomi: "What? Who are you and where are you from again?"
Maoko: "Ah... thanks, Nomi! Please go ahead with the construction!"
Maoko drags away Yako in a hurry.
Yako: "Wow! Looks like Lord Kagetora is somebody! I want to know him... now! I can't wait!" :on_totallove:
Maoko: ":on_sweat: He is still preparing for war. How about we visit Rizenji and see if Master Tenshitsu Koiku is there?"
Yako: "Lord Kagetora's mentor? Sure!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/tenshitsu_koiku_240.jpg
Tenshitsu Koiku (天室光育)
Born in 1470. The 6th master of Rizenji and a famous monk of the Soto Branch of Zen Buddhism. He was the mentor of Torachiyo (Kagetora) for seven years, between age seven and forteen.
***
Nobody dares to lie in front of a monk master - the karma will come back and hunt them.
Ashina Yaya: "Greetings, master Tenshitsu. I have long admired your teachings of the Buddha, and I am fortunate to meet you in person today. My name is Ashina Yaya, daughter of the Ashina clan daimyo Morikiyo." :on_pushups:
Tenshitsu Koiku: "Welcome to Rizenji, miss Ashina Yaya."
Maoko: "I am sorry, master Tenshitsu, do we have a nun server in Rizenji? Miss Yaya is still single."
Yaya: "I am very sorry about the trouble." :on_pushups:
Koiku: "No problem. Munechika will join the Nagao clan tomorrow morning, but she is still with us tonight. Do you have any other concern, Munechika?"
Munechika: "One can cultivate Buddhism while serving the Nagao clan, or serving a guest of Rizenji. It does not matter. Actually this lady arrives at the best time possible. We have finally received 500 koku of funding from Kasugayama Castle, so the cups, pajama, pillars and linens are all new. You are the first user."
Munechika beams a modest smile to Ashina Yaya.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_049.jpg
Cool breeze quietly sneak into Rizenji through its slightly opened bamboo-paper windows.
Master Tenshitsu Koiku and Maoko the Housekeeper treat their guest from Fukushima with the tea grown right on Kasugayama and its own spring water. A lingering comfort in the throat.
Yaya: "Master Tenshitsu is Kagetora's mentor for seven years. What type of person was Kagetora?"
Koiku: "Oh... I remember he was a crying boy when he came in. He knew what he liked, but he refused to compromise. Maybe he was spoiled by his previous care-giver."
Maoko: :on_sweat:
Yaya: "So he was emotionally unstable? Do you think he would be an abusive husband?":on_huh:
Koiku: "Quite the opposite, actually. Kagetora was very stable, or stubborn if I may call it. But he was not like other boys who was stubborn at getting his favorite toys or activities. He was stubborn about finishing his goal. For example, if I asked him to sweep the floor, he kept sweeping until he finished it. When he readsbooks, he did not take a break before finishing a chapter or a plot. He could recall the entire Tale of Genji from his memory. Maybe he lived in that time in his past life? Hahaha..."
Yaya: "I see... anything special about Kagetora when he was here?"
Koiku: "Kagetora had Buddhists' wisdoms. I am not talking about conventional intelligence that he could learn things fast and found associations between threads. I am referring to Kagetora's ability to understand the philosophy of Buddha. He got enlightened easily. He treated the weak with sympathy and patience. He did not hold the value that people are born into different classes, or people are above other life forms - but that everybody, every life should be equal. Don't be fooled by the fact that he is only fifteen - maybe people never realize those although they call themselves Buddhists for many more years. For some time, I thought I could pass this temple to Kagetora. But he had a greater calling."
Yaya: ":on_angry:Wait a second, master. How old is Kagetora?"
Koiku: "Fifteen years old."
Yaya: "And I am already twenty. Why was I born so early? :on_beg:"
Maoko: ":on_sweat: Kagetora has finished his adulthood ceremony... he is legally an adult."
Tenshitsu Koiku is an old monk who had seen many things in this world. He easily figures out what's going on.
Koiku: "Kagetora? Hm, I suppose whoever marries him will live in peace and harmony. But to tell the truth, I have never seen Kagetora showing any interest in woman. He simply did not think about it. So maybe... I am a monk, I cannot talk further."
Yaya: "Platonic love?" :on_blush:
Koiku: "Miss Ashina, please allow an old monk to be a little frank. If you wish to find a good husband, there are still plenty out there. I can help you find one with a better-matching age. However, Kagetora is not just fine man. He has something very, very rare. Kagetora does not have Lady Usami Nomi's burst of confidence, but he influences people in a subtle way. Kagetora does not tell an endless stream of jokes like Lord Nagao Masakage, but people feel at ease when being with him. While all other people's traits may facilitate the teaching of the Buddha, Kagetora somehow makes people realize what Buddhism really is about. So, maybe he IS the avatar of Bishamonten? If Miss Yaya and Kagetora do become a couple, please do not create trouble for him. If he has a great purpose lying ahead, his human lifespan would be too short to be wasted on mundane complaints or quarrels between husband and wife."
A long moment of silence follows Tenshitsu Koiku's speech.
Yaya: ":on_scared: Thank you, master. I cannot be an enemy of Buddhism. I cannot match Kagetora's greatness. I can only regret that I did not study hard and better control my shallow desires...":on_whine:
Ashina Yaya's tears poured down her eyes. Beauty is skin deep.
Maoko: :on_yell:"AHAHAH... Girls are more mature than boys, right? And you are five years older. No problem! Master Tenshitsu, right?"
Koiku: "Er... Miss Yaya seems to show true emotion all the time. This is a good trait for a Buddhist! I have seen a lot of Buddhist couples.:on_sing: In Japan even monks marry and have kids. There is always a work around. :on_sweat:"
Yaya: ":on_blush: Master Tenshitsu speaks as if I am already married to Kagetora! What if Kagetora tells me I am a good girl and dumps me? I would hang myself here!" :on_scare:
Koiku: "It looks like I have stirred too much unecessary thought for Miss Yaya, and she is now tortured by her unecessary thoughts. Ts Ts Ts, I have paved a hell with good intentions." :on_sweat:
Standing on the top balcony of the Kasugayama Castle, Ashina Yaya and Maoko enjoy a fantastic view of the Seki river plain. The setting sun is now hidden behind the mountains. Yet it is still bright enough for them to see workers returning home from the water-filled rice field. They are here for the improved irrigation, which increases the productivity of Echigo's farms.
The meeting room of Kasugayama castle is located in the middle of the Tensho, where Nagao Kagetora lives. The meetings room features a few large shelves full of military history, strategies, and terrain maps. Kagetora is studying, with two large red candles burning on the side.
Yaya and Maoko watch from outside the window.
"A concentrated man has the most charm. And he indeed looks charming!" :on_totallove:
Sparks jump out of Yaya's eyes.
"How about we chat with Kagetora for a while?"
"Just a second! Sister Maoko, is my make-up intact? How about my hairs?"
"You look good. Let's go now - Lord Kagetora sleeps early."
"Wait! What should I talk about to give him a good impression?":on_blush:
"Er... I think he is studying military strategy. So why don't we talk about that?"
"But I know nothing about military strategy...":on_exhausted:
"Don't worry, I will give you hints."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_kenshin_480.jpg
Nagao Kagetora (長尾景虎)
Born on February 18, 1530. The leader of the Nagao clan. He promised his master to become a clear stream in the Sengoku Jidai.
***
"Lord Kagetora! We have a rare guest in Kasugayama Castle. This is the daughter of Ashina clan's daimyo Ashina Morikiyo, Miss Ashina Yaya. She is also my fourth cousin."
"Nice to meet you, my lord. I am very sorry to interrupt your study.":on_pushups:
"Oh, not at all. Please take a seat on the mat! I happen to encounter some obstacles in my study, and wish to gain some inspirations from discussing with someone."
The three sat by the table, which has a few maps of Japan laying on top.
"What is troubling Lord Kagetora?"
"Tomorrow I need to discuss with the clan officers about my vision of the clan in the future years. So I need to be prepared for it."
"Such an important study... May I serve you some tea?" :on_totallove:
"How can I let a guest do that? And I will have trouble falling asleep if I drink tea after lunch. I have a few plans for the future in mind..."
"Yes. Let's talk about them."
Chapter 10. Plan of Expansion
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_053.jpg
Kagetora: "The first plan that comes to my mind is to expand toward the northeast. If the Nagao clan has the entire northeastern Japan, we will be able to expand steadily toward the southwest. There will be few armies required, so there will be less pressured on the clan's finance, and we can invest further in infrastructure."
Yaya: :on_aww:
Maoko: "Yeah. Minimizing the need for defence is crucial. Ideally, all armies are assigned on a certain campaign, not just a defensive role."
Kagetora: "But as we know, we will have a lot of ground to cover in the northeast, and not so many people live there. The expansion will be quite slow. Yet there aren't any particularly powerful clan in the northeast. So this is a slow but sure plan."
Maoko: "Yes. A stable and prosperous 'backyard' builds the foundation of a powerful clan. Isn'y it right, Miss Yaya?"
Yaya: "May I have a question?" :on_huh:
Kagetora: "Of course, please."
Yaya: "My geography is not very good... where is the Ashina clan?"
Maoko: :on_yell: "Let's discuss the next plan."
Kagetora: :on_sweat: "It is such an embarrassment to discuss this in front of Miss Ashina. I am very sorry."
Since Ashina's territory Fukushima is part of northeastern Japan, this plan implies that Nagao will have to somehow get rid of Ashina.
Yaya: :on_huh:
Kagetora: "Actually, I did not like this plan for many reasons. First, we just signed a long-term trade and military access deal with the Mogami clan. We have no excuse to suddenly attack them. The Honma clan on Sado island helped my father to return to Echigo, so I cannot simply invade Sado island like an ungrateful bastard. Finally, we are very friendly with the Ashina clan, as Miss Yaya can testify."
Maoko: "Yeah. Lord Kagetora wishes to follow the righteous path. Betraying people's trust is the complete opposite."
Yaya: "Oh! So Ashina clan is in the northeast? Please do not attack us." :on_beg:
Kagetora: "Nagao will not. I hope that Nagao's friendship with Ashina would last a long time."
Yaya: "Is it possible to further improve our clans' relationship through marriage?"
Kagetora: "That's certainly possible."
Yaya: :on_aww:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_054.jpg
Kagetora: "The second plan is to expand west toward the Honganji-controlled Hokuriku region, including Echizen and Kaga, with the goal to eventually convert Jodo Shinshu Buddhists there. This plan will enable Nagao to own a good number of sea ports and to trade with other clans. The fertile farmland in Kaga and Echizen will help our food production tremendously."
Yaya again looks at Kagetora with admiring eyes. :on_aww:
Maoko: "Makes sense. Jodo Shinshu has been a bitter enemy of the Nagao clan for at least three generations. Their religious doctrine is shallow; their followers are radical. They are usually called a 'mutant' of Buddhism, or not really Buddhism at all. As a follower of Zen Buddhism, we almost have a responsibility to get rid of these deviants."
Kagetora: "I understand why people think so... Honganji makes a strong appeal among the lower class, and the lower class are already hated and disgusted, aren't they? If we simply hate them, wouldn't this make us just like one of them? When I was in Rizenji, I once had a discussion with Master Tenshitsu..."
Yaya: "Sorry to interrupt - what is Jodo Shinshu? Some kind of dojo (exercise ground)?" :on_huh:"
Maoko: ":on_sweat: Jodo is 'pure land', Miss Yaya. You must have heard of their rebellions as 'Ikko-Ikki', meaning 'rebellions from people with a unity of mind'. Jodo Shinshu is a branch of Buddhists who believe that reciting 'Namo Amitaabha' alone is enough to carry one's spirit to the western paradise, the pure land, after their death."
Yaya: "Yeah, I know Ikko-Ikki! :on_lol: They are crazy religious zealots. Sounds too easy to be true to reach paradise like that. What if they do all kinds of bad things while reciting Namo Amitaabha?"
Maoko: "That's exactly what happens now. They even don't chant it anymore - just paint it on lanterns. And they make typos..."
Kagetora: "Well, 'bad' is in the eyes of the others. The Ikko-Ikki also think we are the bad people. The conflict between conventional Buddhism, like Zenshu (Zen), and Jodo Shinshu is now essentially a clash between the samurai noble class and the lower peasant and jobless class. As long as there is still inequality within the society, the tension will build up and eventually erupt, whether through religious rebellion or some other form of conflict. Elminating the Jodo Shinshu only bury the problem temporarily, if ever possible."
Yaya: "Sorry, can you explain this with easier words?" :on_scared:
Maoko: "Miss Yaya must be tired from all the tours we had today." :on_bath:
Kagetora: "Let's not bore Miss Yaya with this..." :on_sweat:
Maoko: "So my lord wishes to maintain peace with Honganji?"
Kagetora: "If possible. Besides, this is not a very long-term plan. While defeating Ikko-Ikki might not be that difficult if we act quickly, once we reach Echizen, Nagao's territory will be stetched very long, almost in the shape of a dragon."
Yaya: "How great - the Dragon of Hokuriku!" :on_love:
Kagetora: "Thanks, Miss Yaya. But this will leave us very vulnerable to multiple wars at the same time. And we will have to leave a significant army to defend while working on our next expansion targets. If we are unlucky, we will be stuck with constantly defending against invasions. I cannot let luck decide our clan's future."
Maoko: "Indeed. Honganji will not let us go easily - we will have to leave a heavy garrison in Kaga and Echizen. This further slows down our future campaign. Hokuriku is a hot potato. Isn't it, Miss Yaya?"
Yaya: "I... I know how to make potato salad..." :on_exhausted:
Kagetora: :on_sweat: "Since we are both under Buddhism, I hope to avoid war with Honganji as much as possible. I believe peaceful co-existence works better for everyone's benefit. Hatred and revenge is a never-ending painful cycle."
Maoko: "I am afraid that Honganji does not think like my lord. They have a bad record..." :on_idle:
Note: Honganju (本願寺) is the main temple of Jodo Shinshu, located in Settsu province at the time but sadly is completely omitted in the TW:S2 game. As Nagao can be referred to as Kasugayama Castle, Jodo Shinshu is referted to as Honganji.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_055.jpg
Kagetora: "The third plan is to expand south, all the way into Kanto and the sea. Didn't our officers warn about the alliance of Takeda-Hojo-Imagawa? If we allow them to grow, there is going to be trouble for Echigo. It will not be easy to challenge three clans at the same time. But again, if we act fast and smart, it is not impossible."
Maoko: "This could be a little more difficult than the other plans. But it shouldn't be a problem for my lord." :on_thumbup:
Yaya: "My lord Kagetora can handle three on the battlefield? But please handle only on woman at home, ok?" :on_aww:
Maoko: "Miss Yaya..." :on_exhausted:
Kagetora: "Actually we do not have to think Takeda-Hojo-Imagawa differently. Any clan could be our enemy. If we defeat them, our new neighbors will be our new potential threat..."
Maoko: "That's true. Good allies are hard to find in Sengoku Jidai."
Kagetora: "And if we simply declare war on these three clans and attack relentlessly in the name of 'pre-emptive strike on a potential threat', what does it separate us apart from a warmongering expansionist like Takeda Harunobu?"
Maoko: "Yeah. These hypocrites should be ashamed of themselves!" :on_furious:
Kagetora: "And like the previous plan, or even worse, we will be vulnerable to multiple wars at the same time. We will be constantly losing ground and taking them back... many wars and miseries upon the people. This is simply not right. I don't want to walk this path."
Maoko: "Yep. This is too chaotic to make a good story for our next generations. Right? Miss Yaya?" :on_idea:
Yaya: "The Ashina clan can handle the east side for Nagao!" :on_hero:
Kagetora: "As in a military alliance? :on_huh: If Ashina focus on Satake and Satomi... yeah, Ashina will be our best ally."
Maoko: "(Sounds like a long shot...:on_sweat:) But what if Ashina runs out of province to attack one day?"
Kagetora: "Hm... maybe we have to meet Ashina on the battlefield when that day comes."
Yaya: "Please don't! Kagetora, please do not pick this plan. Please!" :on_beg:
Kagetora: "I hope not. But the above three plans are all I could think of. None is perfect... It will be the best if we do not expand at all, right?" :on_cough:
Maoko: "Then we are just waiting to be overpowered..."
Kagetora: "I hope I will not live long enough to see that day."
Yaya: "Lord Kagetora, please do expand and live a long life!" :on_aww:
Kagetora: ":on_lol: What would Bishamonten do? The dynasties are nothing but passing clouds of the sky. Only the spirits of Buddha remain. Why shall we bother expanding?"
Maoko: "For the happiness of all staff of the Kasugayama Castle!" :on_tears:
Yaya: "For the well-being of your future family!" :on_aww:
Kagetora: "Yeah, of course."
Kagetora made an embarrased smile. :on_please2:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6493&d=1344437936
Yaya: "Lord Kagetora, I have an unrelated question..."
Kagetora: "Sure."
Yaya: "I have seen many statues of Bishamonten, the God of War. But why does he hold a tower in his hand? Does the tower have any use for battles? Like... storing dead enemies' ashes?" :on_huh:
Kagetora: "Good question... how come I never thought about that before?" :on_sweat:
Maoko: "We might have literatures in the libary..."
Bishamon Tenon, the chief of the four heavenly kings, has been regarded as the God of War in Japan since the religion's arrival 1000 years ago.
Maoko the Housekeeper guides Kagetora and Yaya through Kasugayama Castle's book vault. They retrieved a few old Buddhism sciptures, translated by monks during Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) of China. Kagetora flips through the pages carefully, as the literature is literally falling apart.
Kagetora: "Interesting. Interesting. Bishamonten is not really a God of War."
Yaya: "He does not exist?" :on_scare:
Kagetora: "Bishamon is a sound translation from Hindu. But his name means "The Knowledgable", Tamon (多聞) as he frequently listened to Buddha's lectures. He is a God of Knowledge."
Yaya: "So he uses the tower to store his lecture notes?"
Kagetora: "While the Holy Halberd on his left hand symbolizes his ability to defeat evil, the tower on his right hand is a Tower of Fortune. He also delivers fortune to the needed. He is a God of Fortune, too. Most people worship the God of Fortune due to their greed. But the Tower of Fortune only opens for those in need." :on_idea:
Maoko: "What such versatility and kindness, he deserves to lead the other three!"
Yaya: "So... if what people say are true, the Lord Kagetora is an avatar of Bishamonten, Kagetora must have all the world's knowledge and fortune to pass it to people. Is it right?"
Kagetora: "AH..." :on_lightning:
Kagetora feels dizzy, as he suddenly had a trance of realization. This is enlightenment. This is his destiny.
Kagetora: "Miss Yaya, you must be a Bodhisattva (enlightened and compassionate savior) on earth. You have shown me a great path of life!" :on_lol:
Maoko: "What is it, my lord?"
Kagetora: "The key of leading a clan is not just about war, but also knowledge and fortune. This is where the Nagao clan is heading! We cannot be satisfied with knowledge of Echigo, but also the entire Japan and its surrounding countries. We cannot be satisfied with the port and farms of Echigo, but also all other means to increase our fortune - not for our personal gain, but for all those in need!" :on_hero:
Maoko: "To learn about foreign countries and earn a fortune? Must be Foreign Trade! Right, Miss Yaya?"
Yaya: "Can a Bodhisattva marry a Tenon?"
Maoko: :on_exhausted:
Note: The educated in Japan at the time could read and write Chinese, pretty much like medieval Europeans could communicate in Latin - although some words may have slightly different meanings and variants.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_056.jpg
Yaya: "Aren't there lady Bodhisattva?" :on_huh:
Maoko: "Yes. There are many Bodhisattva. They are willing to help and enlighten the others. For this purpose, some may decide to marry."
Yaya: "So they can marry an avatar of a deity?" :on_sing:
Kagetora: "Sure, they can. :on_sweat: Housekeeper, did you mention foreign trade? What is it about?"
Maoko: "Please let me explain.
(1) Great Ming: Silk Trade
Shiny, soft, and durable, Chinese silk is a prized luxury of the world. The silk road has existed for more than a thousand years to export Chinese silk to Europe. We will have to obtain Great Ming's official trader certification. Then we will be the only vender of Chinese silk in Japan.
Kagetora: "Sounds good. What can we trade with Great Ming?"
Maoko: "Well, Japan is full of volcano activities. We have sulfur and copper."
Kagetora: "Good!"
(2) Great Ming: Cotton Trade
Cotton is not as luxurious as silk, but it is the most practical clothing material for its softness and air permeability. Everybody can afford cotton. China has been cultivating cotton since Song Dynasty (960-1276 AD). We can negotiate cotton trade at the same time as silk trade.
Kagetora: "Nice! But how come all I hear about is Korean Cotton Trade?" :on_huh:
Maoko: "Strangely everybody thought it is Korea cotton... I double checked - cotton is not grown in Korea, which is famous for Ginseng (human-shaped roots of certain plants)."
Yaya: "I heard Ginseng is good for health! We should import Korean Ginseng!" :on_aww:
(3) Southern Ocean: Incense Trade
Incense is burned daily in temples and many upper-class household. Widly cultivated from a distant continent, incense reach Japan through a long sea trade route, in the hands of traders of island nations in the south. If the Nagao caln becomes the sole supplier of incense throughout temples of Japan, we will naturally receive some extra supports from temples.
The above three are the most profitable foreign trades.
Kagetora: "This is great! How much income do they add up to?"
Maoko: "I have seen some records... minus the maintenance fee of the trade fleet and variations of trade route, they add up to 5,000 to 10,000 koku per season."
Kagetora: "Wow. :on_lightning: That's 3 to 6 times of how much we make."
Maoko: "The majority of Nagao's income come from our families' own farms and businesses, which are unrelated to taxing the population. If we only compare tax income and foreign trade, the above foreign trade is equivalent to 10 to 20 provinces of tax income! There is more than how much the Emperor or the Seii Taishogun (The Shogun) makes!"
Kagetora: :on_panda:
Yaya: "So Lord Kagetora will become a rich, handsome, and potentially tall gentleman? You are going to grow taller in the next few years, right?" :on_aww:
Kagetora: "I certainly hope so... :on_sweat: So why don't we establish those trades as quickly as possible?"
Maoko: "There is a big problem..."
Kagetora: "What is it?"
Maoko: "All those trade routes pass through southwestern Japan. They are very far from Echigo."
Kagetora: "That's true. If we use Echigo's port, we are very vulnerable to raids and our ships cannot get repairs in time should they get damaged from pirates or other clan's attack. We need to control a port in southwestern Japan to carry out thsoe trades... Which one is the best?"
Maoko: "Hizen's port."
Kagetora quickly grabs a map of Kyushu and study its geography carefully.
Kagetora: "Interesting. Hizen is just like Echigo, with good ship-makers. Lands in northern Kyushu are very fertile - from there a significant portion of Japanese culture was born. I wish I can sail there... maybe with an army one day..."
Yaya: "Standing in front of the ship, feeling the sea breeze on my face with both arms open? How romantic! Can you take me with you if you go to Kyushu, Kagetora?" :on_blush:
Kagetora: "Sure..." :on_sweat:
Maoko: "But how do we defend Echigo?"
Kagetora: "Splitting the army in two places could mean losing both... Abandoning our home certainly sound crazy. :on_tears: What would Bishamonten do?"
Kagetora falls into deep thoughts for a moment...
"Well, I have to give it a try. Please inform all the high-level clan officers for a meeting right here, tomorrow after lunch. We will have a serious discussion about this."
"Does Lord Kagetora have a good plan to pursuade our officers?"
"Not really... but I will do my best."
"Maybe I can think of something to help... For now, please take a good rest, my lord."
"Thank you, you too."
"Lord Kagetora, I am staying in Rizenji tonight. It is not a long walk from here. If you cannot fall asleep..." :on_blush:
"Oh yes, Miss Yaya. What a pleasure to meet you. :on_please2: I hope that Nagao and Ashina maintain a good relationship, and we will see each other again in the future."
"What? Is that good night and goodbye?" :on_crazymad:
"What's wrong? Is Rizenji not treating our guest properly?" :on_sweat:
"Don't push me away, or I will jump down the Kasuga mountain from here!" :on_tantrum:
"Ah... Miss Yaya. There is still tomorrow! Let's chat more when we return to Rizenji! Good night, my lord!"
"WAAAAAA~~~" :on_whine:
Ashina Yaya bursts out crying as soon as she gets back to her room in Rizenji.
She completely breaks down and rolls back and forth on her bedding mat.
Rizenji Munechika (Nun): "What's wrong with our guest? What's troubling her?"
Maoko: "Miss Yaya, please do not disturb Master Tenshitsu's sleep..."
Munechika: "Oh no worries, Master Tenshitsu snores like a thunder storm. :on_lol: Was Miss Yaya harrassed by an impolite guy? Beautiful ladies like Miss Yaya must have encountered troubles like this."
Maoko: "Actually, she was not harrassed... Lord Kagetora was very focused on the clan's future, so he unfortunately ignored Miss Yaya." :on_sweat:
Yaya: "Just now in the Kasugayama Castle, my eyes were fixed on Kagetora, but he did not give me even one good look! I gave him so many hints, but he ignored me completely! WAAAA~~~" :on_tantrum:
Ashina Yaya screams in pain. Tears and waters from her nose are blurring her makeup, which is now all over the place on the new linen that Munechika just made.
Being a famously beautiful girl, Ashina Yaya is used to being the focus of men's attention. But tonight, Kagetora did not even look at her face for more than 10 seconds. The huge gap between her pink expectation and the cruel reality truly devastated this poor girl.
Munechika: "Ignored? Well... look at me. :on_lol: I am ugly, and my family is dirt poor. I was given to Rizenji when I was five. But then I studied the scriptures. Tomorrow I am officially Nagao clan's monk! A well-paid permenant position! :on_hero:"
Maoko: "A modest appearance is a blessing - it allows one to focus on what's truly important. Munechika is now a holy messenger of Buddha and gets to travel for free all year round! What a dream job to have!" :on_love:
Munechika: "Thanks! Miss Yaya, passion between men and women are an obstacle of enlightenment. Please clam down and think about what will happen after marriage - for passion only last a few years at best. The Buddha only enlighten those that fate allows. A religious relationship with Buddha is what we should seek the most."
"He pushed me away! I wanna die! Give me a knife! WAAAAAA~~" :on_crazymad:
Yaya of course has no room in her mind for Buddhist teaching now.
She screams and rolls around on the mat, kicking and throwing pillows around the room.
Munechika: "Er... what should we do, housekeeper?" :on_sweat:
Maoko: "Actually I have a solution. I can stop Miss Yaya's crying and make her smile. But this method involves well-intended deception involving Lord Kagetora, the clan officers, and Miss Yaya's father. Munechika, am I allowed to do that?"
Munechika: "Deceiving is generally a bad idea, but there are exceptions. Are there serious consequences of the deception?"
Maoko: "Seriously good, not seriously bad."
Munechika: "Is there going to be anyone hurt or killed?"
Maoko: "Nope."
Munechika: "Anybody going to have a heartbreak or suffer?"
Maoko: "Not really."
Munechika: "Any little animals hurt, tree saplings damaged?"
Maoko: "Probably not."
Munechika: "Anybody who is going to regret their decision from misguided information?"
Maoko: "Possibly not.":on_sweat:
Munechika: "Well, then. It seems that such deception is generallly beneficial. Why not?" :on_lol:
"I am not good enough for Kagetora. I will marry some nasty stinky stupid man. WAAAA~~" :on_beg:
What a blow to her heart. Kagetora did not even mention she is a good person.
If all Yaya has is beauty, and Kagetora completely ignores beauty, she is nothing but a transparent floating bubble in front of Kagetora.
Maoko: "Miss Yaya, tomorrow we will take the first step to form a wonderful marriage bond between Nagao and Ashina! Big sister Maoko will make it happen easily! But we have much to prepare tonight - there is no time to be emotional!"
Yaya: "What? Tomorrow for marriage? Is it between Kagetora and me?"
Maoko: "Who else?"
Suddenly Yaya starts smiling with her eyes wide open! :on_aww:
The blurred makeup has formed a contemporary art on her face. You can pretend you understand it.
How could Maoko facilitate the marriage between Yaya and Kagetora, who has no interest in woman?
(Next morning, Kasugayama Castle)
About ten high-level clan officiers now sit in a circle. The first one on Kagetora's right is Nagao Masakage, head of the Ueda Nagao family. Usami Nomi sits close to the middle of the ring as the acting lord of Biwa Island Castle.
Kagetora: "I am sorry for calling this urgent meeting. But we have an important decision to make. The sooner we make up our mind, the earlier we can prepare for it. I have realized that foreign trades, namely silk and cotten trade with Great Ming and incense trade with southern oceanic countries, are critically important ways to propel the Nagao clan into prosperity. I wish to hear your opinion on this."
"Oh..."
"Hm..."
Maybe they just had lunch not long ago, the clan officiers show little energy in their response. The decision sounds like a no-brainer anyway - if you know a way to make money, why not just go ahead?
Kagetora: "But the Naoetsu port of Echigo is too far away from foreign trade routes. Our navy will have great difficulty to resupply. In other words, the Nagao clan is going to take a port in Kyushu's Hizen province!"
"Hizen? Hahaha..." :on_lol:
"That's a good one."
Nomi: "It looks like Lord Kagetora is serious..."
Masakage: "Hm... we can't blame a clan leader to be creative and visionary. But do we have the ability to launch a campaign to Kyushu? How many ships do we need?" :on_huh:
Kagetora: "We have help. Please bring in the emissary."
As the clan officers turn their head, they see Maoko the housekeeper leading an elegantly dressed lady emissary into the room. She walks in very small steps and keeps her head down. When she finally walks to the front of officers, she kneels down and bows to them. Finally, she looks up.
"WA...":on_lightning:
"Angel..."
"So beautiful...":on_sing:
The clan officers exclaimed. Some regret that they got married too early.
"I've seen her..."
"I was fooled..." :on_idle:
Kagetora: "May I introduce you - the emissary from the Ashina clan, daughter of Fukushima daimyo Ashina Morikiyo, Miss Ashina Yaya."
"Pleased to meet you."
Yaya bows to the clan officers.
She is such an eye catcher, especially with proper dress and make-up.
She is everybody's dream lover, suitable for poster on the door and wallpaper on the window's screen.
The clan officers are compelled to take another look at her.
One more look. Yet another look.
"It is my honor to bring Fukushima's good wishes to Echigo. We wish that the Nagao clan will walk the path of prosperity under the leadership of Lord Kagetora. I am here to invite the Nagao clan to join Ashina in a very meaningful pursuit of fortune. As the Kyushu clans have fallen into chaos and their existing foreign trades largely ignored and abandoned, the Nagao and Ashina clan will cooperate closely in order to take over these foreign trades."
Ashina Yaya spent a long time memorizing her scripts overnight.
But she does it quite well under the motivation of love. :on_love:
"Oh... so developing foreign trade is not a random fantasy."
"It looks like that foreign trade is an oppurtunity up for grab. Maybe there are other competitors... We have to act fast."
"The Ashina clan produces high quality woods, and can build fine ships. But the Nagao clan trains high-quality sailors."
"How do we cooperate?"
Yaya: "Nagao travels west along the northwestern shore while Ashina advance along the southeastern shore. Our navy will meet in Kyushu, and we share trade profits."
Masakage: "Thanks for looking at us so highly. Ashina's land is relatively rich, so you might be able to afford many ships. But Echigo will have trouble supporting a strong navy and a trading fleet..."
Yaya: "The Ashina clan is willing to contribute to Nagao's campaign on one condition: Nagao must allow Ashina to freely expand in northeastern Japan."
"Oh... an interesting strategic alliance."
"That's why they want to talk to us, hm."
"Is Kyushu Nagao's land for grab?"
Yaya: "Yes. All Ashina asks for is the northeast."
"Hm... so essentially we are borrowing money from Ashina. That does not sound too good."
"How much can you lend?"
Yaya: "3500 koku. In the name of purchasing military access - you do not have to pay it back."
"Oh? Essentially a gift to Nagao?"
"A very attractive proposal..."
Masakage: "This certainly looks good to me. We can make use of the fund and a good neighbor. What do you say, clan leader?"
Kagetora: "We have enjoyed friendship with the Ashina clan for a long time. Cooperation benefits both. There is no reason to object."
Masakage: "Anybody favor a campaign to Hizen with the help of Ashina?"
"Eee-Eee-Oh!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
The clan officers agree in unison.
"Oh, no, I am so sorry, I forgot to mention the second condition."
Yaya's face turned red all of a sudden, like a ripe apple that anybody wants a bite.
"Since this is a significant agreement between the two clans, we hope that Lord Kagetora can sign this deal in person in Kurokawa Castle."
Kagetora: "What do you all think?"
Masakage: "There is no way we would agree if the treacherous Jinbo asks for a signing in Toyama Castle. But Ashina is a trust-worthy friend... should be all right?"
Nomi: "Yep. There is no danger in this."
"Eee-Eee-Oh!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
Nagao clan officers agree again.
Masakage: "But we need to prepare for an attack of Etchu. It is no big deal. I can lead the army and start marching the infantry first. Kagetora can catch up with the bodyguards later."
Nomi: "We can handle the rest."
Yaya: "Thank you very much for agreeing with us. We will be eagerly waiting for Lord Kagetora's arrival in Kurokawa Castle."
Housekeeper Maoko: "I will safely escort Miss Yaya back to Kurokawa Castle."
Ashina Yaya bows again, stands up, and leaves the meeting room in small steps.
The clan officers reluctantly watch her slow exit.
Seeing such a beautiful woman today, at least they did not climb the stairs in vain.
Ten days have passed. Nagao Kagetora arrived at the Kurokawa Castle with just a few bodyguards.
To his surprise, the Ashina daimyo Ashina Morikiyo welcomes him at the gate.
Morikiyo: "Kagetora? OH... You have the look of a great clan leader. And to take on such an endeavor to Kyushu... you must be a very determined person. Reliable husband, right?" :on_lol:
Kagetora: "Thank you, Lord Ashina. I wish our partnership last a long time. When does the signing take place?"
Morikiyo: "Oh those diplomatic trivials... your emissary has handled that. Let's hold the great ceremony tomorrow, which is a great time according to Shinto calendar. Shall we?"
Kagetora: "Great ceremoney? Sounds very formal... sure."
In the evening, Nagao Kagetora stays in the Kurokawa Castle. But he sensed that something is wrong. Every servant look at him as if he is some king of escaped monkey from the zoo.
"He is only 15?" :on_aww:
"Looks quite mature!"
"He is handsome!" :on_totallove:
"My lord! I am sorry!" :on_beg:
Maoko the housekeeper kneels down and grabs Kagetora's legs as soon as she enters the room.
Kagetora: "What's wrong?"
Maoko: "There are developments that I have not reported to you before. Actually, all of this is a plot of Miss Yaya and me, in order to help Lord Kagetora to realize your Kyushu campaign."
Kagetora: "What's the plot?" :on_yell:
Maoko: "We know that the clan officers in Kasugayama Castle are too stubborn to approve my lord's Kyushu campaign. So we faked the scene during the clan meeting that morning, where Miss Yaya played the emissary and proposed the partnership between Ashina and Nagao on Kyushu campaign. In fact, the sponsorship through military access, naval cooperation were all made up."
Kagetora: "What? :on_angry2: How can you make this up? Clan meeting is as serious as it can be!"
Kagetora is sweating all over his hand. A new clan lord for a few months now manipulate his officers like monkeys...
Maoko: "But fortunately, although they were all made up ten days ago, now they are all real."
Kagetora: "Real? Why?
Maoko: "Miss Yaya pleaded to Lord Ashina Morikiyo. She had resort to the utmost sacrifice..."
Kagetora: "Screaming non-stop? :on_tantrum: I heard some really painful screams from Rizenji that night..."
Maoko: "More serious than that."
Kagetora: "Threatening to jump down the mountain? :on_crazymad: She said that on the Kasugayama Castle. Quite scary..." :on_sweat:
Maoko: "Close! She pleaded that she would marry Lord Kagetora, so the two clans could form such a firm strategic partnership."
Kagetora: "Marry Lord Kagetora? Marry Me?" :on_angry2:
Maoko: "Yes. And the great wedding ceremony is tomorrow! Congratulations!" :on_please2:
Kagetora: "NOOOOOO---" :on_tantrum: :on_crazymad: :on_whine:
Kagetora's vision turns dark. He falls on the straw mat like a sushi fallen from chopsticks.
Kagetora: "So I come to Fukushima not to sign some partnership deal, but to get married? But I am not prepared for it! I heard that being single is a blessing, while marriage turns one into a slave of the family...' :on_idle:
Maoko: "That's only accurate until you have kids. :on_sweat: I mean Lord Kagetora, Miss Yaya is the princess of the Ashina clan, a famous and respected clan in Japan. Marriage between the two clans brings fame and benefits for Nagao. Besides, Miss Yaya is extremely beautiful. She will definitely apply a bonus on my lord's desired Bishamonten image. All heroes marry beautiful women in the history." :on_love:
Kagetora: "But I have no interest in bodily desires. Beauty fades away even before we reach half-way of our lives... only spirits last after we die."
Suddenly, Maoko the housekeepr stands up. She flips the table with her left hand, and points at Kagetora's nose with her right!
Maoko: :on_furious: "Is Kagetora such a selfish person?! Remember the sacrifice of Miss Yaya! That night on Kasugayama, she was convinced by your determination and ideals, so she made up her mind to serve you for the rest of her life! Didn't she inspire you to realize that Bishamonten is much more than winning battles? Didn't she help you draw the support of the clan? How can you treat her like an object that will fade away?"
Kagetora: "AH..." :on_corner:
Kagetora is utterly ashamed of himself.
"Housekeeper, how can I face you and Miss Yaya if I cannot treat such a living Bodhisattva like a person? Can I sacrifice myself to actualize somebody else's dream? I would be honored to have a wife like Miss Yaya. I shall cherish her until the end of my life!"
Tears drip down Kagetora's cheek. :on_tears:
Maoko: :on_tears:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_047.jpg
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_048.jpg
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_004.jpg
"Yaya, I am not tired yet. I will finish this chapter."
"Please come now ~ you can finish it tomorrow ~" :on_blush:
***
"Yaya, did you see my Sun Tzu's Art of War?" :on_huh:
"I was reorganizing the room yesterday. Some old stuff are falling apart and smelled moldy, so I threw them away."
***
:on_yell: "OH NO! I am late for my clan meeting! How come the servants did not give us morning calls?"
"I asked them not to bother us in our sleep."
***
"Yaya, do we have ladies' party today? So many shoes laying by the door."
"I went to the town today! They are on a great sale!" :on_aww:
***
"Yaya, where are all of my formal clothes? I have to deliver a speech to important clan sponsors."
:on_yawn: "They smell too strongly of your armpit. I sent them to wash."
***
"Yaya, I was in the bathroom and could not answer the door. Was it Usami Nomi?
"I told her that you are not home. Please tell her not to intrude our private lives!" :on_furious:
***
"Yaya, my mother's birthday is tomorrow. Let's pick some good presents, ok?"
"I know what she calls me in the back - a fox monster who have mind-controlled her son! How can she say that? She better moves to Rizenji!" :on_furious:
***
"Yaya, tomorrow I am off to a military campaign to Etchu. I will miss you."
"Kagetora, please return safely! There is something you need to know..."
"Yes?"
"I have your baby, due date is next spring!" :on_blush:
"Really? This is great!" :on_aww:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_050.jpg
Chapter 11. Twin Dragon
The summer of Echigo flies through over a series of congestions due to contrsuction.
The road is congested with cargo due to narrowed lanes.
The port is congested with ships due to reduced docks.
The farm is congested with water due to improved irrigation.
The castle is congested with workers due to its expansion into a stronghold.
And now the green leaves have again turned yellow.
The battle with the long-time enemy Jinbo is not far ahead.
Kagetora: "We are about to enter Etchu. My grandfather was betrayed and killed here. My father once fled Echigo to Etchu, and then returned to revenge for his father. Now I am here, too."
Masakage: "Nagao and Jinbo share a lot of negative memories. If we don't finish off Jinbo quickly and completely, there is going to be a new addition. Let's crush them once and for all!" :on_hero:
Kagetora: "But is killing the end of hatred?"
Nomi: "If the subject of the hatred is no longer alive, there is no one that still hates."
Kagetora: "Hatred has lived on in many forms. Even unrelated people who hear the story could carry the emotion. Besides, aren't we honestly a little afraid of Jinbo's revenge, so we are only trying to stop our own fear?"
Kagetora is not happy about such kind of answers. "An eye for an eye" is an out-dated approach that never solves the root of the problem - fear. Kagetora's understanding in Buddhism tells him that there must be a better way to deal with Jinbo. But they do not listen right now. A battle is inevitable.
Rizenji Munechika: "Lord Kagetora. I just returned from Jinbo's army. They have 600 men."
Munechika is now Nagao clan's monk (nun). Other than spreading Buddhism, she also serves as the army's eyes and sometimes the army's invisible arms. These "political monks" face a lot more danger than "temple monks" do. But Munechika still volunteered herself for the job because of the challenge and the chance to travel all over Japan. Plus, she trusts that Nagao Kagetora is not going to ask her to do anything against her values and principles.
Masakage: "Oh? So few men for Jinbo. Where did they go?"
Nomi: "Maybe we catch them off guard. Remember that a good strategist march quickly? We defeated Harugate in the spring, and we are ready for another action in the fall. Not bad!" :on_lol:
Munechika: "I have spread my lord's crushing victory in the Battle of Nagaoka, defeating 800 men with a loss of 28. Jinbo's men are definitely not looking forward to the coming battle."
Masakage: "Yeah! Let fear consum them!" :on_panda:
Nomi: "What if they are too afraid? They would hide inside the Toyama castle."
Masakage: "Oh, then that's not good for us. We have only 160 bow ashigaru. We will have to storm the castle and take very heavy losses."
Kagetora: "I see. So is there anyway we can convince Jinbo to fight us on the field?"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_051.jpg
Nomi: "You don't want them to retreat into the castle? It is easy. Just remove the fear factor. We will bring less men to the battlefield."
Kagetora: "The history is full of losing generals who look down on their enemies..." :on_sweat:
Masakage: "Don't look at this so negatively. Essentially, we want them to look down on us for bringing so few men, so they think they can win on the field. We know what we can do to them, but they don't. :on_lol:"
Nomi: "There are also many generals in the history who won battles because of their sharp judgment and bold tactics. Don't worry, Kagetora."
Even tough Kagetora's first battle was a great success, he only had to fight his brother, who has no military talent. How about Jinbo? Two generations ago, they were so afraid that they made peace with an enemey. One generaiton ago, they were crushed in battle. Maybe they are not that tough now, either.
Kagetora: "How good is Jinbo Nagamoto in battle?"
Masakage: "I don't think he has fought any good battles... but we are not exactly famous generals, either." :on_sweat:
Nomi: "We will be fine. Two generals, two units of Yari Ashigaru. That's enough."
Kagetora: "What? :on_yell: Without samurai and ranged support? Our tactics will be very limited..."
Nomi: "BAH. Battles are rarely about quantity, and only sometimes about quality. But battles almost always rely on tactics. Please allow me, the successor of Echigo-style Tactics, to show you the way!" :on_hero:
Nomi's father, Lord of the Biwa Island Castle Usami Sadamitsu, is a famous military strategist. Since Sadamitsu has no son, he passes all his knowledge on military tactics to his only daughter, Nomi. What tactics would Nomi suggest in this situation?
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_058.jpg
September 17th, 1545
The autumn sun makes everything look aged.
The land of Etchu is entering yet another dormancy.
Kagetora marches to the north side of Toyama (Mount "To"). On his right, he sees the ocean without end. On his left, he sees a gigantic mountain so much larger from the surrounding hills, just like a huge stamp dropped from heaven.
"It looks like the long-time enemies have to fight after all."
Kagetora sighs quietly.
Kagetora: "Oh. There are two hills on the south. Wouldn't Jinbo Nagamoto hide inside one of them like Harukage did?"
Nomi: "And leave an undefended Toyama Castle for us to march straight into? He is not that stupid. See, there is Jinbo."
Kagetora follows Nomi's direction. The Toyama castle is located at the border of the ocean and the mountains, its roof tiles shines orange and gold colors. The Jinbo army is defending on a bald hill between the Nagao army and the Toyama castle, blocking Kagetora's way to Toyama castle.
Masakage: :on_yawn:"Ah... you are so slow. I was here before the sun came out! It looks like that Jinbo Nagamoto really hates us - this is his challenges! He wants us to charge uphill and resolve this under the sun!"
Nomi: "Ha. If every battle is fought with two armies simply charging at each other, why do you even need a general? :on_onemoretime:We will let him follow our plan instead. Let's see... we can let our ashigaru wait on this hill."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_059.jpg
Kagetora: "So Nomi, Lord Usami Sadamitsu is the creator of 'Echigo-style' Military Doctrine. Can you tell me how does your father's 'Echigo-style' compared to other styles of military doctrine?"
Nomi's pride is written on her face. :on_lol:
Nomi: "Well, let's take Takeda and Hojo as a comparison. Takeda's 'Kai-style' Military Doctrine focuses on ruthless and overwhelming attacks. Hojo's 'Sagami-style' Military Doctrine steady expansion and territory conslidation. These are two extremes of one dimension. 'Echigo-style' falls into the middle in this dimension - we are slower than Takeda, but faster than Hojo."
Masakage: "Just something in the middle? Sounds quite boring..." :on_yawn:
Nomi: "I haven't finished yet! :on_bash: We the 'Echigo-style' have our own dimension - the loss of manpower. We do not worry about being fast or slow, but we do everything to minimize loss. We are not focused on burning the enemy like wild fire or squeeze out the enemy like a fat man in a lift. We are flexible, adaptable, irritable, peace-able, and borderline untouchable. Under Echigo-style, our enemies are distracted, confused, disorganized, disoriented, and defeated before they could deliver much harm to us." :on_panda:
Masakage: "Wow! Can I become a student of 'Echigo-style?'" :on_aww:
Nomi: "My father does not pass 'Echigo-style' Military Doctrine to outsiders. So I am the only successor. But you can learn from me little by little." :on_lie:
Kagetora: "What a great style of strategy - minimizing losses is the act of kindness and wisdom. It would be an honor of we can invite Lord Usami to become the official advisor of Nagao clan!"
Nomi: "Unfortunately, my father has no interest in mundane politics. 'Listening to stupid kids' whine is a waste of time,' he always says. He wishes to use his limited life time to develop 'Echigo-style' to its extreme, and he did accomplish much. "Echigo-style is much more than just battles. But I only know battles..."
Nomi suddenly lost her confidence on her face. Maybe Usami Sadamitsu has other students not in the Usami family?
Kagetora: "But it would still be an honor to invite him to give guest lectures..."
Nomi: "Sure. Being a scholar, he has to travel to some foreign country to recharge every five to six years. Last year he travelled to Great Ming (China)... he should return a few months later."
Masakage: "What? He takes sabbatical leave?" :on_sweat:
Nomi: "That's why I am the acting lord of Biwa Island Castle."
Kagetora: "Wow! He is an international scholar! Is your father exchanging his military doctrine ideas in Great Ming?"
Nomi: "Actually he is just there learning Chinese..." :on_sweat:
Kagetora: "It would be honor to have him with us... I read about so many great leaders in history who had good advisors. If we have your father's help..."
Oh oh, Nomi's face turns red!
"WHAT?! Are you implying that I am not good?! Let's use 'Treasure Box Opener' today!":on_furious:
"Treasure Box Opener?" :on_huh:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_060.jpg
Kagetora: "What is a Treasure Box Opener?"
Masakage: "A key?" :on_sing:
Nomi: "It is just a metaphor. Let me quote from Echigo-style Miilitary Doctrine: 'For a mixture of yari and bows, it is common to see bows first as the box, and yari back as treasure. During a battle, the bow goes before yari to provide cover.'"
Nomi shakes her head left and right as she recites the military doctrine.:on_lalala:
Kagetora: "Yeah, the yari units are like treasure if they are purposely protected. So how do we open the trasure box?"
Nomi: "Two hands - one opens the box in one direction, and the other steals the treasure in the opposite direction. The hand that opens can now release the handle, for the treasure maybe be too heavy for one hand to carry at home."
Masakage: "Can you just tell me what to do?" :on_beg:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_061.jpg
Kagetora: "I think what Nomi means is that Masakage and I will approach the enemy from both sies. One of us will draw the bow unit away, while the other draws out the yari unit all the way back and defeat it."
Nomi: "Not bad! Toyama is south, the sea of Japan is north. So we will approach from both north and south."
Masakage: "Got it! I will take the sea and draw out the bow unit. Kagetora, your father killed his father. Their yari will follow you all the way back." :on_lol:
Kagetora: "Sounds good."
Nomi: "Masakage, after Kagetora draws out their yari, you must quickly shake off the bow ashigaru and return here and command our own Yari Ashigaru."
Masakage: "Sounds like an important task! No worries!"
Kagetora: "We march along the hills! Yari Ashigaru, stay and wait for Masakage's command! We move out!"
The morning sun shines on Kagetora's katana, with a reflection of deep autumn's imminent passing and decay.
Kagetora and his bodyguards march in the deep forest, landing on a soft layer of fallen leaves. More red and range colors drift to the floor, right in front of Kagetora's eyes. He recalls the peace of Rizenji.
But this is all in the past. Being a clan leader, his time has to be spent in constant stress - he bears the responsibility of tens of thousands of lives.
Nomi: "Kagetora, I heard that Yaya is expecting? Congratulations! :on_please2: When is the baby due?"
Kagetora: "Thank you. The baby is due next spring."
Nomi: "Good! You know what's interesting? Your brother Harukage threw himself into women, but he had no offsprings. Kagetora has a reputation of not into girls, but you have a son immediately after marriage."
Kagetora's thought goes back to a few months ago...
Yaya: "Kagetora, do you want a baby?"
Kagetora: :on_yell:"What? We just got married. Isn't it a little early to think about babies? I heard that babies make the grave of marriage."
Yaya: "Nonsense! I want to give birth to a team of little Kagetora. The Nagao clan needs successors! More family members means more helpers!"
Kagetora: "Successors can be adopted. I think Masakage and my sister will have a good baby."
Yaya: :on_redcard: "NO! I want my own baby. How about let's... work on it tonight?" :on_blush:
Kagetora: "You know I need to pull my rubber bow. 1000 times each night."
Yaya: "Don't play with the rubber toy! Play with a real person!" :on_blush:
Kagetora: :on_sweat: "It is not playing... HEY don't pull off my pants! NOOOOO~~"
***
Masakage: "Ha, look at that pair of black eyes! :on_panda: Must be some hard work at home, Kagetora. You know, we have been waiting for your approval on Kasugayama Castle's expansion project. If we don't hear from you by noon, we will have to demolish Rizenji to make room for Sake Den." :on_sing:
Kagetora: "I am very sorry. I will study the blueprint now."
Masakage: "There is not much to study. Just adding two arrows towers and add some height to the walls. The main purpsoe is to get the space for a Sake Den."
Kagetora: "Can the Sake Den be as far away from Rizenji as possible?"
Masakage: "Don't underestimate the power of information!" :on_lol:
***
Kagetora takes a few deep breaths.
There are now more duties on Kagetora's shoulder. He will have to spend quite a bit of his life with his wife and children, meaning he will have less sleep if he wants to be a responsible clan leader.
Nomi: "Kagetora?"
Kagetora: "Oh yes. Yes. We decided to have kids. How about you, Nomi? Are you planning to have a family in the future?"
Nomi: "I told you already. I took an oath under Bishamonten. I wish to receive his courage and wisdom, and for that I will forgo all of my bodily desires."
Kagetora: "I see..."
There is no doubt that Kagetora admires Nomi's lifestyle, as a simple and focused mind could accomplish tremendous tasks. But now Kagetora has made his choice. Maybe having a family is not that bad afterall.
"Dong-Dong-Dong-"
Suddenly, Kagetora hears drum beat from outside the forest.
Nomi: "Jinbo's Bow Ashigaru is after Masakage!"
Kagetora: "Guards, let's move out!"
Note: In history, Uesugi Kenshin never had a wife and child. His eventual successor, Uesugi Kagekatsu, was an adopted son from his sister and Nagao Masakage.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_062.jpg
Jinbo Nagamoto: "WHAT? Doesn't that three-umbrella sign belong to Nagao Kagetora?" :on_furious:
"Jinbo Nagamoto! You are no match of Nagao's army! Let's face Ikko-Ikki together like two generations before!"
Jinbo Nagamoto is suprised that Nagao Kagetora's voice sounds like a girl, probably due to his many vegetarian years in Rizenji. This deeply disgusted Nagamoto, as he cannot afford to lose to this girly opponent today!
Jinbo Nagamoto: "How dare you! Yari Ashigaru, go get him, I want him dead!" :on_bash:
"YAAAA!"
The Yari Ashigaru responded to order and charged at Kagetora!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_063.jpg
In the meantime, Masakage has shaken off the Bow Ashigaru and returned to Nagao's infantry.
Masakage: "Haha, I made it back so early... Kagetora is still far away. :on_hmm: Hm... if I ride on the horse and charge at the yari, I would be an idiot. Guards, off the horse! One single row!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_064.jpg
Masakage and his guards formed one single row on top of the hill.
He patiently awaits Kagetora's arrival - with enemies chasing his back.
As their shoulders cross (technically, Masakage's shoulder and Kagetora's horse's shoulder), they looked at each other and smiled.
Masakage: "Soldiers of Nagao! Today we show them the Echigo-style! Charge!" :on_furious:
As Masakage raises his Katana, forty elite samurai leade the three-way charge downhill!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_065.jpg
The front row of Jinbo's ashigaru has to face the unstoppable charge from Masakage's bodyguards!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_066.jpg
"WAAA!"
Jinbo's ashigaru screams as the entire row is instantly decimated. They fall down on their comrades further down the slope, triggering a cascade of terror!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_067.jpg
"RUN!~~~"
Jinbo's men flees for their lives, only to hear the ground tremors loudly behind them.
Nagao Kagetora is charging down hill with his guards - on the horse!
Jinbo's men roll and fly all over the place!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_068.jpg
"Please let me go! Let me go! Let me WAAA~~"
The last ashigaru screams as one of Kagetora's guard severes his head from behind with a sharp Katana.
The head rolls toward Kagetora, stopped by his feet.
Terror is forever carved on his face.
"He was pleading for his life..."
Kagetora feels really uncomfortable about this.
Blood is fine, but killing a begging enemy...
"Kagetora, this is a battlefield. On the battlefield, if you show mercy to an enemy, the enemy will turn around and kill your soldiers. So essentially you are showing cruelty to your own soldiers. As a commander, you should always take your soldiers' lives as the first priority."
"Ok, Nomi. On the battlefield, I should focus on destroying the enemy whenever possible."
"Revision: On the battlefield, we should focus on destroying the enemy with minimal loss on our side whenever possible."
"Got it, thanks!"
That's the spirit of Echigo-style.
Now Kagetora has to quickly forget that head, as this is still a battlefield.
"If this is not a battlefield, can I show the enemy mercy?" Kagetora wondered in his mind.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_069.jpg
"My lord! The Ashigaru unit we sent after Nagao Kagetora has been wiped out!"
"I could see it from here..."
Jinbo Nagamoto clinches his fist tightly.
How can he not revenge for his father? If he is again defeated by the son of his father's killer, the shame would be so overwhelming that he'd rather die.
"Jinbo Nagamoto, see? You are no match to Nagao. Quit fighting! The Ikko-Ikki is coming!"
Jinbo Nagamoto cannot bear to hear Nagao Kagetora's girlish voice. He can easily kill this man! :on_devil:
"CHARGE!"
Jinbo Nagamoto charges downhill! His bodyguards are all shocked! They have to follow their lord!
"Nagao Kagetora! Come fight me if you are a human!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_070.jpg
Kagetora: "Nagamoto is calling for a duel! If I do not agree I would not be a human..." :on_sweat:
Nomi: "This is a battlefield! The enemy also wants to destroy you using whatever means possible. If you listen to his orders, you are too stupid to be a human. Bring him back!"
Kagetora and his bodyguards quickly turn back, while Nagao's Yari Ashigaru rush forward, in an attempt to intercept the enemey! Nagao Masakage also rushes to help!
"Attack!"
Kagetora and bodyguards pass through his infantry!
"It is time to show Jinbo what Nagao is made of! CHARGE!" :on_furious:
Under their captain's order, 400 Nagao Yari Ashigaru charge at Jinbo Nagamoto's 40 bodyguards!
"Don't run away! ATTACK!"
Jinbo Nagamoto and bodyguards raise their Katana as they charge into the yari ashigaru!
"YAAAA----"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_071.jpg
The two sides clash! Most of ashigaru on the first row are bumped into the sky!
Swords cross spears; horses and men yell; blood and flesh splatter!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_073.jpg
While Jinbo Nagamoto commands the clan's finest samurai, their katana cannot always reach the ashigaru below. If a long yari finds their horses' body, the samurai will be helplessly thrown to the ground. Even so, Jinbo's guards are determined to protected their daimyo. Nagao's ashigaru are losing the battle, even though they have ten times more men...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_074.jpg
Nomi: "Good work, Kagetora. Jinbo is now trapped on three sides. Let's circle to his back and cut off his escape route. Then we get him good."
Kagetora: "Our men are losing the fight! We can't just stand and watch!"
Nomi: "Our ashigaru vastly outnumber the enemy. Even if we are losing a bit, our number will prevail. And ashigaru replenish quickly anyway."
Kagetora: "No! I can't stand to see my men dying! Even if they are just ashigaru!"
Kagetora turned to face his bodyguards.
"Listen! We attack now! Follow me and charge Jinbo's back!"
Kagetora's bodyguards are a little confused, as it seems a little bit early for Kagetora to throw himself into danger. Nomi is also shocked by Kagetora's decision, but she quickly reacts!
"Lord Kagetora does not want to see his men dying! We shall not be afraid of the danger! Follow Lord Kagetora!" :on_furious:
"Follow lord Kagetora!"
Usami Nomi raises her katana high, as he leads the charge right into the back of the chaotic melee!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_075.jpg
As Kagetora's bodyguards join the fray, Jinbo's soldiers switched their attention to Kagetora! They asked for this! They want to kill Kagetora!
"YAAA!"
Kagetora sees the eneny coming at his way and leaving the poor ashigaru behind, a tremendous courage comes to his heart! He charges into the enemies, swinging his katana fearlessly! Time seems to slow down in front of Kagetora, as his blade quickly finds the weakness of every opponent!
"WAAA~"
"OOH~"
Jinbo Nagamoto's bodyguards are no match to Kagetora's surge of power and skills! One by one falls down from their horse!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_076.jpg
"Kill him! Kill him!"
Jinbo Nagamoto's orders his bodyguards to take down the seemingly invincible Kagetora, but hides himself in the back - unprotected.
"Jinbo Nagamoto!"
Usami Nomi seizes the oppurtunity and gallops forth - she is already right in the back of him!
"It is Nagao Kagetora!"
Jinbo Nagamoto recogizes this voice! Confused for a moment, he turns around to find Kagetora, only to see a shiny reflection of the autumn sun flashing in front of his chest!
"WAAAA!~~"
The slash breaks Nagamoto's armor, skin and ribs! Jinbo Nagamoto screams as he falls down the horse - dead within seconds!
"YEAH!~~~" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
The surviving Nagao ashigaru cheers with their arms in the air.
As Nagao Masakage charged in at last, none of Jinbo Nagamoto's bodyguards made it out.
Nagao defeated Jinbo Nagamoto's 40 bodyguards with roughly an equal cost of 40 men.
"Are you all right, my lord?"
"Is lord Kagetora hurt?"
The bodyguards surround Kagetora, who has blood splattered all over his armor.
"I am... Huu.. I am fine. "
Kagetora is visibally tense - he has not realized that the enemies have fallen.
"We did not protect Lord Kagetora properly."
"My lord is such a good fighter. You just killed six samurai double-handedly!" :on_aww:
"It is fine... it was over so quickly, there was not much time to think."
Even now Kagetora cannot think properly. It feels like a dream. He cannot recall all the details. It was all his instincts.
Masakage: "Sorry for being late, too. But Kagetora, you took a great risk just now. What if you get killed by a lucky nobody? Many battles were lost because the commander threw his life away too easily. It is not worth it to risk thousands to save a few dozens. Hm... but before you have a son, I am ranked no.2 in the clan's successor list. If you are gone..." :on_sing:
Nomi: "... are you seriously thinking about that, Masakage?"
Kagetora: "Masakage only wants to ease the tension a little... Thank you, I am sorry. I will be more careful in the future."
Kagetora discovers a dead Nagao bodyguard not far from him - killed because of his reckless decision.
Kagetora dismounts and sits beside the bodyguard's blood-stained body.
"It is my fault." Kagetora's vision is blurred.
Masakage wants to say something (that he thinks is) funny but holds his tongue just in time. He remembers that Kagetora's favorite book is the romantic novel Tales of Genji. This is who Kagetora is.
Masakage: "Don't forget to present his family an appreciation certifate.
Kagetora: "Certainly."
Masakage: "Hm... you know what? I never thought Kagetora was a good fighter, but just now you were nothing less than a sword saint! Your katana was cutting their throats, severing their arms, breaking their legs, splitting their heads, penetrating their chests... nobody lasted more than three rounds. Who is this new tutor or must I have been dreaming?" :on_angry:
Kagetora: "I only know about pulling the rubber bow... I just had this sudden surge of courage, as if I am not controlling myself."
Nomi: "It is normal for a fighter to experience a trance, as if you are possessed by the God of War Bishamonten! It will go away after a while."
Masakage: "What? How come when I get mad, people only see my face turning red and jumping around like a gorilla?" :on_yell:
As they speak, a large group of ashigaru have surrounded Kagetora in the middle."
"Thank you, my lord, for helping us when we most need it!" :on_aww:
"You saved our lives!"
"The enemies are no match of Lord Kagetora!"
"We are proud to be a member of Nagao clan!"
"Thank you. I think I just got lucky..."
"You must be the true avatar of Bishamonten!" :on_hero:
"Lord Kagetora, we will spread the words about what just happened! So everybody knows how great you are!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
"Ok let's come back to the battle - it is not over yet! Go back to where you were!"
The Yari Ashigaru are returning to their spot. There are still half of the enemy remaining.
"Thank you, Nomi, for defeating Jinbo Nagamoto. You will receive the top honor of this battle."
"This is what I've always been dreaming - defeating the enemy taisho among ten thousand men. Please let me do it more in the future."
Nomi takes a large step on the stirrup, and mounts her horse in a flawless blackflip - ending straight up on her steed. The other bodyguards could only watch in awe.
"Is Kagetora really so good? I did not have the time to watch..."
"What if he is really Bishamonten's avatar? He is born on the same day as me. My father once told me that there was a beautiful rainbow cloud drifting from Kasuga Mountain on the day I was born..."
"Or are we falling into our own make-believe legend?"
There are many doubts in Usami Nomi's mind. But being one of Kagetora's bodyguards, she does not have to suspect who Kagetora really is, as she has to loyally protect Kagetora in either case. Looks like that this young man, who brings peace and joy to his followers, is truly worthwhile of people's allegiance.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_077.jpg
Now the Jinbo army has lost their commander. The remaining 300+ ashigaru keep wiping their sweats from their palms.
"Shall we retreat into the castle?"
"Many of us have lost fathers or elder brothers to the Nagao clan! We cannot back off!"
"Yes, we shall use our blood to proof our will! We should stay and fight!"
Yet under Nagao's double-headed tactics, the Yari Ashigaru easily fall into the trap. When Jinbo's men look up, they see Nagao Kagetora on top of the slope."
"OH No! Nagao Kagetora is on top of the hill!" :on_bibber:
"RUN!~~"
Jinbo's ashigaru starts fleeing even before Kagetora starts charging!
"Don't just stand there! Get to the horse and mow them down!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_078.jpg
Their fate have been sealed,
Their wounds will not be healed.
Accepting death, the last of them kneel,
For there is no mercy on the battlefield.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_079.jpg
There is only one unit left for Jinbo, but they did not flee.
Masakage: "I have been waiting for this... are we doing 'Split Chrysanthemum' again?" :on_love:
Nomi: "Actually in Echigo-style Law of Army, there are quite a number of ways for two cavalry units to defeat one bow. Want o try something else?"
Masakage: "Sure!"
Nomi: "If two cavalries delay their charging a bit, but control their timing to reach the enemy at the same time, then they will both perform a back-charge at an angle. Think of this as you holding cooked rice with both hands. As your palms come to a close, the rice each get squeezed to become paste, or fall through the cracks of your fingers."
Masakage: "Wow. Looks like the two generals have to really coordinate on this one. What is it called? Crush Rice with Hands?" :on_sing:
Nomi: "Its formal name is 'Twin Dragon's Pearl'.
Kagetora: "Let's do 'Twin Dragon's Pearl'!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_080.jpg
As Jinbo's Bow Ashigaru marches pass them in a fruitless chase to Nagao's Yari Ashiagru, Kagetora sees Masakage coming from a distance. Is Masakage going to arrive at the same time? No time to think!
Kagetora: "CHARGE!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_081.jpg
The resulting impact was beyond words.
160 Bow Ashigaru was reduced to 60 within seconds.
It was all over.
The Battle of Toyama is over. Nagao defeated Jinbo's 600 with a loss of 44 men.
The undefended Toyama Castle lays in front of Nagao Kagetora.
Within moments, Nagao can finally defeat Jinbo, eliminating their long-time enemy once and for all.
But...
Note: I accidentally skipped over the battle result screen during video recording. When the new patch arrived, I could not get an accurate replay of what happened, so I also lost track of the exact number of men lost. 44 is a figure from memory.
Here comes the the Episode #02! :bow:
The HD version (1080) is also available on Youtube. http://youtu.be/lplFYVn0nFQ?hd=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lplFYVn0nFQ
The final 30 seconds of the episode will be a spoiler for future plots.
But that's just the nature of the episodes as they are designed to be stand-alone drama (some plots before and after each significant battle).
Enjoy!
Chapter 12. Reconciliation Effort
Masakage: :on_yell: "WHAT? Did Jinbo Nagamoto's bodyguard hit you in the head just now? Why don't we take Toyama castle? At most there will be a few bunch of castle guards."
Nomi: "Kagetora, this is our best oppurtunity to eliminate our long-time enemy. We can use Bow Ashigaru to pick off their guards. There will be very little loss on our side."
Kagetora: "The battle is over. Why do we want to kill them off?"
Even though the Nagao army is only steps away from Toyama Castle, Kagetora refused to issue the assault order. Are all the efforts for nothing?
Masakage: "Then what do you want to do, Kagetora?"
Kagetora: "I want to reconcile with the Jinbo clan, and return to how things were two generations ago."
Masakage: :on_yell: "Reconcile? Making friends? We killed two of their daimyos in a row. How can it happen?"
Kagetora: "Didn't they contribute to the death of one of ours?"
Masakage: "Well, we still owe them one. Unless Kagetora will sacrifice yourself?":on_angry:
Masakage can't help but imagine that Kagetora heroically marches into the Toyama Castle and perform Seppuku. Autumn leaves fall; the white blade goes in; the red blade comes out along with some small intestine.
Kagetora: "Nope. It does not matter who killed how many... memories are just flickers of mind. And since the Nagao clan has decided on the strategy of developing foreign trades, we will not have the army to properly defend Etchu against Honganji's Ikko rebellion. If we reconcile with Jinbo, we can fight against Ikko-Ikki together."
Masakage: "Hm... OK, you convinced me. But Jinbo is different..." :on_sweat:
Nomi: "Kagetora, you can be trusted, but Jinbo cannot."
Kagetora: "The one who could not be trusted was Jinbo Yoshimune, but he is long gone. I heard that Jinbo Nagamoto's heir, Jinbo Nagazumi, is about the same age as me. Maybe he will understand me better. A peace treaty is better for both clans. Why wouldn't he, if the Jinbo clan can survive as a result?"
Although Kagetora thinks rationally, Nomi is afraid that Jinbo's next clan leader will be consumed by hatred. Few samurai can bear the shame of losing grandfather and father to the same enemy. The enormous pressure would definitely distort Jinbo Nagazumi's judgment.
Nomi: "Kagetora, people in this situation are usually too emotional to think."
Kagetora: "Anger will not last forever. If we are patient, maybe we will talk some sense out of Jinbo Nagazumi."
Masakage: "BAH. I say we don't offer them a chance to betray us again. If somebody killed my grandfather and father, I will definitely seek revenge whenever I get the chance!" :on_bash:
Nomi: "Yes. The feuds between neighboring clans are the destined tragedy of Sengoku Jidai and its generals. Let's take Jinbo out now before it has a chance to recover."
"What if Jinbo does not have a chance to recover?"
Winning a battle is easy, winning a person's heart is diffulct.
Nagao Kagetora cannot do it alone - maybe Buddha's compassion could help.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/munechika_240.jpg
Rizenji Munechika (林泉寺 宗睦)
Born in 1519. One of the best pupils of Tenshitsu Koiku, Zen Buddhist master of Rizenji. She was sent to Rizenji due to her family's proverty and her modest look (leaving her few chance to marry up). She studied hard in Rizenji and becomes the first "graduate" of Rizenji, joining the Nagao clan to assist Nagao Kagetora and to spread Buddhism in her travel.
Note: Monks tend to have similar names, so at the time they were commonly identified by their temples. For example, the master monk of Hongaji at this moment was Hongaji Shoyo.
Masakage: "Oh? Munechika is here."
Munechika: "It takes soldiers to recover military strength. It takes recruits to make soldiers. It takes motivation to have recruits. With Buddha's wisdom and compassion, I shall remove their motivation."
Masakage: "Wow. Pulling weeds with the roots? It might be difficult..."
Munechika: "There is no limit in the universe of Buddhism. Lord Kagetora takes care of Jinbo, I will work on Etchu."
Munechika speaks at a modest pace and tone - hard to detect any emotion.
Kagetora: "It would be great if Munechika can stagnate Jinbo's military recovery. Let's work on pursuading Jinbo."
Masakage: "Sounds like a good plan. Let's go!":on_lol:
Kagetora: "Oh sorry, I forgot to mention. I can go alone. Masakage, please lead the soldiers back to Kasugayama Castle."
Masakage: :on_angry2: "WHAT? You don't bring soldiers?"
Kagetora: "I want to show my sincerity. Jinbo Nagazumi will see it more easily if I do not pressurize him with an overhwleming force. I will be fine with Nomi and the other bodyguards."
Nomi: "Kagetora, this is too risky. As the chief bodyguard I cannot let you do it."
Nomi has been promoted to chief bodyguard for taking down Jinbo Nagamoto during the Battle of Toyama. She has the responsibility to keep Kagetora from danger.
Kagetora: "I actually think I am safer without soldiers. The bodyguards are all cavalry, so there is no way Jinbo Nagazumi can get to us. Besides, the sooner we reconcile with Jinbo, the safer we will be."
Masakage: "That's true. And we need to replenish the lost numbers back in Echigo. Kasugayama Castle also needs to recruit more men. You can leave Echigo to me."
Nomi: "Hm..."
Masakage: "Nomi, Kagetora knows what he is doing. If Jinbo Nagazumi is like his grandfather and father, there is no chance he can harm Kagetora. :on_picknose: Just don't all fall asleep together at night, OK?"
Nomi: "Ok then."
Somehow Nomi knows what Kagetora wants to do is the best for Nagao and Jinbo. But how long would it take for Jinbo Nagazumi to realize that?
Munechika: "I shall be on my way, too."
With her hands in namaste (Buddhists' courtesy posture, palms touching each other in front of the chest), Munechika slowly walks away on her geta (wooden slippers).
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_082.jpg
The fallen leaves have turned to dust. The busy year is almost over.
But it is a very long winter for Kagetora, who with his bodyguards set up a large tent in front of Toyama Castle. They cannot all sleep at the same time. Fortunately, they could still purchase their supplies from the towns of Etchu.
Kagetora's letter has not been answered until today. Jinbo Nagazumi marches out of the Toyama Castle with his men!
Nagazumi: "Nagao Kagetora! Do not insult the Jinbo clan any further! Just do it quickly!" :on_furious:
Kagetora: "I am not here to conquer Jinbo. Let's face Honganji together like before!"
Nagazumi: "I hate Nagao! I'd rather chase you all the way to Echigo and have my castle stolen by Ikko-Ikki! ATTACK!"
The angry Jinbo Nagazumi charges out with his samurai guards. Kagetora and his bodyguards quickly mount their steed.
The 15-year-old Jinbo Nagazumi is not rally a good fighter himself, so he stays behind his men.
Yet since most of Jinbo's men are not mounted, they could only slowly charge at Kagetora, almost at walking speed.
With superior speed, Kagetora and his bodyguards move along the walls and trenches of Toyama Castle, easily keeping a safe distance from Jinbo Nagazumi.
Nagazumi: "Don't run away!" :on_furious:
Kagetora: "I don't want to fight you, Nagazumi. If I wanted to fight, I would have done it two months ago. Let's talk."
Nagazumi: "There is no talking needed! If I have to bear the shame of not revenging for my grandfater and father, I would rather die in your hands!" :on_bash:
Nomi: "So he would rather die in Kagetora's hands than killing Kagetora."
Kagetora: "Maybe he is too emotional to talk now..." :on_sweat:
The two armies continue to march along Toyama Castle.
Kagetora: "Nagazumi, look! I am not bringing any man! I do not hold any grudge against Jinbo. The past has nothing to do with our future!"
Nagazumi: "Of course you don't! I didn't kill your father! I will curse you in my grave!" :on_furious:
It probably took Nagazumi two months to make up his mind - today he is finally ready to meet his end.
But Kagetora has othter ideas.
Kagetora: "It is hard to neglect a long-time enemy..."
Suddenly, Kagetora realizes that they have made a full circle around Toyama Castle. The Nagao camp is again in sight.
Kagetora: "Don't the Jinbo clan wish to continue ruling Etchu?"
Nagazumi: "Shut up! I just want to kill you! Or you come kill me! Let's do this!"
Kagetora: "But the people of Etchu would prefer Jinbo's rule, right? Jinbo is guiding Etchu to prosperity!"
Nagazumi: "You are an enemy! Your words are poisons! I will never listen to you!"
Kagetora realizes that Jinbo had invested in various infrastructures of Etchu, much like what Nagao did for Echigo. Jinbo do care about their people.
Nomi: "Kagetora, if he says he will never listen to you, how about asking him 'NOT' to reconcile with Nagao?"
Kagetora: "I think this is not a good time to agitate him further." :on_sweat:
So the two small armies made another five circles around Toyama Castle. Finally they have to stop the endless chase as the day ends. Before returning to the castle, Jinbo Nagazumi and his men completely tear up Kagetora's tent.
Nomi: "What a sore loser... Once he agrees with the peace treaty, let's not forget to charge him for all the damages."
Kagetora: "The tent and pots are inexpensive. If some koku can release his anger, may it is very worth it?"
At the same time, in the towns of Etchu...
Rizenji Munechika: "Eh? Why are these people in line?"
Ashigaru recruits: "We lost our jobs from the port. So we wish to become ashigaru to make a living."
"Joining the Jinbo clan?"
"Yep. Who else?"
"Oh... didn't you know? Jinbo clan lost a decisive battle in Toyama because they threw their ashigaru at Nagao's army like throwing eggs on brick wall. Jinbo does not value the lives of their ashigaru."
"Oh? Hm... but we still need to feed ourselves..."
"Why don't you join the Nagao clan in Echigo? They pay a lot more than Jinbo. Nagao also offer more vacation days, health benefits, no overtimes, and Nagao has the lowest casualty rate among all clans of Japan!"
"WOW! How much is Nagao's starting salary for ashigaru?"
"More than 1.5 times of what Jinbo pays!"
"That's it! To Echigo!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
"Nagao is the best!"
The ashigaru recruit line disappears in seconds.
Munechika: "Return to the Buddha. The best fortune is to live without hunger."
Munechika continues her slow journey on her geta.
Rizenji Munechika: "Eh? Where are these samurais going?"
Samurai recruit: "The Sword Dojo in town is accepting new students. We wish to learn swords and fight like a true samurai on the battlefield."
"Fight for whom?"
"Etchu's Jinbo, of course."
"Hm... don't you know? The Sword Dojo in Etchu does not have a good master. For sure the Jinbo daimyos would learn their swords there. But for two generations in a row, the Jinbo daimyos lost their lives in duels. I heard Jinbo Nagamoto was killed before even attacking his opponent once."
"Yeah... maybe this is not a very good place to learn swords. But we have no better choice."
"How can you say that? Isn't the 'Sword Sait' Kamiizumi Nobutsuna (上泉信綱) opening up a Dojo in Ueno? Ueno is just south of Echigo - just about half a month's journey from here. How can you miss the best of the best?"
"Of course! If we want to learn swords, we should learn it from the Sword Saint!"
"Yes! Let's go to Ueno!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
The samurai recruits change their direction and leave for Ueno.
Munechika: "Return to the Buddha. Let's hope you learn how to completely control your sword."
Munechika continues her slow journey on her geta.
Rizenji Munechika: "Eh? Where are these farmers going?"
Rioters: "Our crops fail because of the darn drought! We will starve to death this winter! We have to do what Honganji does - making a riot and rob ourselves some food... and extra goodies! :on_devil:"
"Are you starting a revolt today?"
"Yeah? We heard that Toyama Castle is poorly defended. The samurai lords must be rich!"
"Ah... how about this? I have 20 koku worth of silver with me. Take it, and live a good winter."
"Wow! Are you from Honganji?"
"No, no, Rizenji." :on_sweat:
"That's great! Rizenji! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Who wants Sake?"
"YEAH!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
The would be rioters cheerfully leap for the pub with Munechika's koku.
Munechika: "Return to Buddha. How can I allow you to rob Toyama Castle and destroy Lord Kagetora's effort?"
Jinbo Nagazumi: :on_furious: "Nagao Kagetora! Stop this madness! We are not going to succumb to you!"
Kagetora: "I am not asking you to surrender! Let's treat each other equally!"
Jinbo Nagazumi: "I... I... I won't follow your orders!"
In the beginning, Jinbo Nagazumi challenged Nagao Kagetora every two to three days.
But Nagao Kagetora kept dodging the confrontation.
The winter has past - now the flowers are blooming again. First daffodils, then cherry and prune.
Nowadays Jinbo Nagazumi comes out only every six or seven days.
Nagazumi: "My dead ancestors would not agree if I make peace with you!"
Kagetora: "Wouldn't they want to see Jinbo clan's continual existence?"
Nagazumi: "Your words are like flowers! I won't listen!"
Kagetora and his bodyguards have made countless circles around Toayama Castle.
He can now call which landmark is coming next.
The guards are even counting times of each lap.
Nomi: :on_lol: "The last lap was a new slow record! From the trend of the most recent 10 laps, Nagazumi is consistently getting slower. Maybe eventually he will simply sit on the ground."
Kagetora: "Maybe he'll walk backward..." :on_sweat:
For every chase, the end point is Nagao's great tent in front of Toyama Castle.
Kagetora: "Hongaji has declared war on Noto's Hatakeyama clan! Let's sit down and work out a plan to repel the Ikko-Ikki's invasion!"
Nagazumi: "You are trying to distract me! I... I... I hate your tent!" :on_bash:
Kagetora's tent had been torn down again and again. Someone actually urinated on it.
But now bird chirps and flower blossoms are too soothing for violent behaviors.
So Kagetora' tent is only partially disassembled.
Nomi: "Ha. He is giving up.":on_lol:
Kagetora: "Looks like that Nagazumi's hatred towards Nagao is diminishing."
Kagetora takes a deep breath of the spring's humid and fresh air, much like Rizenji's.
"We have been here for four months. I wonder how Echigo is doing now..."
As Kagetora restores the tent with his guards, his thoughts wonder back to Kasugayama mountain. He has been writing letters to Yaya, who should be giving birth soon. Kagetora is turning 16... is he ready to be a father? Probably easier than being a clan lord.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_005.jpg
Munechika: "Lord Kagetora! Looks like that Jinbo have largely spared our tent today! Please tell me what to order from the town."
Kagetora: "Oh Munechika. Thank you so much for your effort. There are still no reinforcement coming for Jinbo Nagazumi."
Munechika: "Don't mention it. Actually I am here to bring you the latest development in Echigo. The Housekeeper asks me to memorize them."
Actually Munechika received rigorous memory training in Rizenji. She is famous for being able to recite the entire "Bishamon scripture" in Hindu. But of course nobody could tell whether she makes mistakes or not.
Kagetora: "Great. Let's talk about the family first. Is the baby born yet?"
Munechika: "Oh yes! The baby was born... eight days ago! Housekeeper Maoko was there to help. Both Madam Yaya and the boy were safe."
Kagetora: "I am a father now! Great!" :on_aww:
Nomi: "Congratulations!" :on_please2:
"Congratulations, Lord Kagetora!"
"Must be a great successor to Nagao clan one day!"
"Can't wait to see the baby!":on_totallove:
Kagetora is showered with his bodyguards' blessings.
Munechika: "Oh, Madam Yaya said she found the name "Ujinari" good for the boy when he turns into an adult."
Nomi: "Uji is the common name for the Sagami Hojo clan..." :on_exhausted:
Kagetora: "It is all right. Names are not important. We can call him Umachiyo (horse-chiyo) at home!"
Note: Probably for simplicity, the game does not take into account the fact that Japanese at the time do not get their formal names until they turn into an adult. Babies' names usually have the following suffix:
X-maru (X 丸, "X ball", a chubby baby perhaps.)
X-chiyo (X 千代, "X thousand generations", probably hoping the baby to bring long-lasting prosperity to the family.)
X-poshi (X 法師, "X wizard/monk", maybe hoping the child to possess great abilities or blessed by Buddha)
"X" are usually animals or plants of good meanings, such as tiger, crane, pine tree, goodness, or their ranks among siblings.
If Kagetora (who was Tiger-chiyo) names his children following his zodiac year pattern, then Year 1546 was the year of horse, so the boy would be Umachiyo (Horse-chiyo), to be followed by "Goat-chiyo", "Monkey-chiyo", "Chicken-chiyo", "Dog-chiyo", etc. Ape-chiyo (Maeda Toshiie) and Dog-chiyo (Maeda Toshinaga, son of Toshiie) actually existed, although they were not born on the respective zodiac years.
The game also ignores that members of the same clan often share one common character in their names. For example, Echigo's Nagao clan carry "Kage" in their names, and Sagami's Hojo clan carry "Uji" in their names. So Kagetora's boy should be named "Kagenari" (景成, great accomplisment) instead of "Ujinari" (氏成, surname accomplisment). (Kage 景= great/scenary, Uji 氏= surname, which is weird to appear in a given name).
In the future, I will convert all Kagetora's children's names into "Kage-X" just to be historically accurate.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_083.jpg
Kagetora: "Good. Let's talk about Echigo's construction. Anything new?"
Munechika: "We have expanded the Kasugayama Castle into a stronghold. The Sake Den's foundation has been laid, so it will start operating later this year. The irrigation projects are finished. And the Naoetsu Trading Port of Echigo is being upgraded to a Military Port."
Nomi: "Yes. We definitely need a good navy."
Munechika: "Our very first Bune encountered a Jinbo scout ship just outside the Naoetsu Port. But as soon as we approached them, they surrendered." :on_lol:
Kagetora: " Good! So we will build a powerful navy and realize our plan of international trade!" :on_aww:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_084.jpg
(A) Ask about family (Paragon +4) [done]
(B) Ask about Echigo's construction (Paragon +3) [done]
(C) Ask about Kagetora's reputation (Renegade +3) <---
(D) Ask about where Nomi takes bath in the past four months (honor -1)
***
Kagetora: "Hm... somehow I am a little curious about how people look at me..." :on_blush:
Munechika: "The clan officers mobilized to spread my lord's heroic victories in the Battle of Nagaoka and Toyama. Those Yari Ashigaru who were saved by my lord in Toyama have been very influential in the towns. By the way, my lord's generosity toward Jinbo has gained Nagao quite a bit of respect, even though what will happen remains to be seen. My lord, you are honored by everyone!"
Kagetora: "Oh yes? I don't think I am that good...":on_sweat:
Munechika: "I am sure the other daimyos respect Lord Kagetora, even though they might not admit it."
Nomi: "You are getting one step closer to become the God of Army, Kagetora!" :on_please2:
Kagetora: [color=indigo]"Thanks so much for all your helps.":
Nomi: "Most of these are your own ideas. Your intuition proves to be the best decision. We can only help you to become a most feared warlord, but you can turn yourself into a well-loved leader."
Nomi now admires Kagetora's judgment. Maybe he IS the avatar of Bishamonten, preaching Buddhism with his own deeds.
Note: The above picture is taken two seasons later. By then Kagetora's fame has jumped two more levels.
(A) Ask about diplomacy (paragon +2) <---
(B) Return to menu
***
Kagetora: "Any change on the surrounding clans?"
Munechika: "Oh yes. Takeda has invaded Murakami in Shinano. Things do not look good for Murakami."
Kagetora: "Oh? :on_lightning: We promised Murakami to defend against Takeda!"
Munechika: "Just like people say, Lord Kagetora always fulfills his promise. Please don't worry; Lord Masakage is now readying an army. Please focus on Jinbo and we will deal with Takeda next."
Nomi: "I hope Masakage does not to attack Takeda by himself. Takeda Harunobu is a formidable foe. When we are truly ready, we can attack Takeda with everything we have, and restore Murakami clan to fulfill our promise."
Munechika: "That's exactly what Housekeeper Maoko said. At this stage, we are just recruiting more soldiers in Echigo to be really ready for battle. Maoko also said she will see if there is something to do to diplomatically slow Takeda down."
Nomi: "Hm... shall we find a designated diplomatic emissary? Housekeeper Maoko is already busy with all trivial operations of the clan. How about Naoe Kagetsuna (直江景綱)? He is polite and knows what he is talking about." :on_huh:
Munechika: "Unfortunately, Mr. Naoe is taking one year off to visit a relative in Great Ming."
Nomi: "OK..." :on_exhausted:
Munechika: "Please do not look down on the Housekeeper. If she can comfort women who give long and painful births sometimes over days, she has no trouble taming clan lords who are easily embarrassed and agitated."
Kagetora: "Yeah, Maoko can handle that for now." :on_bath:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_046.jpg
At the same time...
Order has departed Katsurao Castle along with hope. Valuable and garbage are mixed on the floor.
The defeated Murakami Yoshikiyo catches his breath on a small folded chair.
The emissary politely bows as usual.
Murakami Yoshikiyo: :on_cough: "We lost. It is over. In a few days, Takeda is coming to Katsurao Castle. What about the reinforcement of Echigo?"
Maoko: "Lord Yoshikiyo, this happens so suddenly that we simply cannot make it to Katsurao Castle in time. Please pack up everything you can and retreat to Echigo with me. Lord Kagetora will defeat Takeda and restore Murakami in Shinano, as promised."
Yoshikiyo: "Oh? Is Nagao Kagetora trust-worthy? Hm... if Kagetora has the determination to reconcile with a long-time enemy like Jinbo, maybe he can be dependable."
Maoko: "I will personally make sure Murakami is restored one day. :on_tears: Oh please do not forget to empty your treasury. Don't leave anything to Takeda."
Yoshikiyo: "Ha... there is no much left anyway... just 2000 koku or so worth of silver. I will take it to Echigo and leave it with Nagao. As long as you can restore Murakami, 2000 koku is nothing."
Maoko: "We cannot simply take it from Lord Yoshikiyo. Officially we purchase it with unlimited military access. One day we will restore Murakami in Shinano!" :on_furious:
Yoshikiyo: "I have started waiting!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_085.jpg
Two months later...
Takeda Harunobu carries a dominating precense. His famous generals pack the meeting room like hairs on a cow.
The emissary bows politely. :on_pushups:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/takeda_shingen_240.jpg
Takeda Harunobu (武田晴信)
Born in 1521. Better known by his Buddhist name "Shingen", which he adapted in 1559, and his nickname "Tiger of Kai". One of the most famous military strategists in Japanese history. He bears the famous "Furinkazan" (swift as wind, slow as forest, invasive like fire, and stable as mountain) banner taken from Sun Tsu's Art of War. In their trademark red armor, the Takeda army invade and devour surrounding clans like wild fire.
For his aggressive and oppurtunistic approach, Takeda Harunobu made quite a few controversial decisions. He banished his own father (1541), killed all surrended soldiers and tortured hostages (1547), betrayed his ally Imagawa and attacks it when it was weak (1567), ordered his oldest son Takeda Yoshinobu to commit suicide (1567), and attemped to topple his new ally Tokugawa in the back (1568). Still, due to his superior clan management skills, generals, and military doctrines, Takeda Harunobu became one of the most feared forces of Sengoku Jidai.
Harunobu naturally became the nemesis of "Dragon of Echigo" Uesugi Kenshin, who was equally capable in military but strictly followed moral principles. The costly Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima was especially famous. The two daimyos actually deeply respect each other for their strengths. Uesugi Kenshin refused to sever salt supply to Takeda's land even if they are at war. In his death bed, Takeda Shigen asked his succeeding son to ask for help from Uesugi Kenshin, who he knew would be truly dependable. But Shingen himself could never embarrass himself to ask for Kenshin's help.
***
Harunobu: "Oh? A female emissary from Kasugayama Castle? I thought Lord Kagetora is a respectful person?"
Maoko: "We also thought Lord Harunobu was a respectable person, but now you you invaded Shinano and expelled Murakami, whom Nagao has a responsibility to protect."
Harunobu: "Hmm?" :on_angry:
Harunobu frowns. He wanted to establish fear first, but it looks like the emissary is willing to fight back.
Harunobu: "It is all right. Last year Nagao Kagetora expelled his elder brother Harukage. If Kagetora does not respect his elder brother, I cannot ask Kagetora to respect me."
Maoko: "Indeed. Five years ago, Lord Harunobu expelled your own father. It is natural that you have no regards toward Nagao."
Harunobu: "What the..." :on_yell:
Harunobu wants to punish the emissary, but torturing a female emissary would be highly dishonorable.
"What a rude emissary!" :on_furious:
"Are you asking for war?"
Harunobu's officers voice their support to Harunobu.
Harunobu: "Nagao does not need to worry about Takeda's business. We work for our prosperity, just like Nagao works for yours. If we want to invade Shinano, we don't care about others' feelings. Takeda acquired Shinano thanks to our generals' greatest effort. There were also sacrifices."
Maoko: "Sure. But that does not mean the other clan's promises are non-existent. My mission here is to inform Takeda that Lord Kagetora will fullfil his promises to Murakami - one day, Nagao will restore Murakami in Shinano."
Harunobu: "So you ARE looking for war?"
Maoko: "Not right now. I actually bring a warning to Takeda - the Kiso clan of Shinano and Anegakoji clan of Hida have invited Nagao to form an alliance against Takeda."
"What?"
"A Realm Divide after taking just one province?" :on_bibber:
Takeda's clan officers gasp in fear.
Harunobu: "Why are you warning us?"
Maoko: "Lord Kagetora admires Lord Harunobu's capability, and he wishes to fight Lord Harunobu fairly on the battlefield one day. Lord Kagetora does not want to see Lord Harunobu attacked in the back while facing Nagao's army."
Harunobu is surprised that Nagao Kagetora would think like this. He must be either an extremely capable military commander, or simply stupid beyond salvation. From what Harunobu has heard so far, Kagetora seems to belong to the former category. It would be great Harunobu gains an ally like Kagetora.
But the twist of fate might turn them into enemies, as it seems now.
Harunobu: "How about this? Takeda will make a reasonable offer so Nagao does not join the alliance against Takeda."
Maoko: "Lord Harunobu, Lord Kagetora will never accept bribery."
Harunobu: :on_cough:"Then we will make a fair deal. We make an offer so that we will fight Nagao after we deal with Kiso and Anagakoji. If you win, Shinano is yours!"
Maoko: "Sure. We can work that out with military access as a promise of non-aggression."
Harunobu: "How about 4300 koku for five years?"
Maoko: "Lord Harunobu is fair and just, so there is no need to bargain. Lord Kagetora will wait for Takeda. Together we shall fight a decisive battle for the ownership of Shinano."
Harunobu: "Good!"
"PA!"
Harunobu slaps his iron Furinkazan fan to his thigh.
Note: At the time of writing this, the game is far from finished and I am not certain what will happen to Takeda in the future. It would be ideal if he does develop into the nemesis of Uesugi Kenshin as in history. The best I can do is to give him colored dialogue.
When Munechika returns to the towns of Etchu.
To her surprise, there are hundreds of people gathering on the streets.
These people do not look like farmers or anyone who has a respectable career.
"The master of Rizenji has come!" :on_aww:
"She is here!"
Hundreds of people make a circle around Munechika.
Munechika: "What can I do for you?"
"Rizenji master, we hear that you are so charitable that you must help us!"
"We are all unemployed because..."
"... because nobody wants me."
"... because job is hard to find these days."
"... because my last boss was a jerk!" :on_furious:
"Anyway, we have spent all our savings..." http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_poverty.gif
"We are starving!"
"We hear that Toyama Castle is underdefended. We plan to assault the castle! Unless..." :on_hmm:
Munechika: "Unless I help you all, right?" :on_exhausted:
"Yes! If you do not help us, we will sack Toyama Castle and loot it clean!" :on_furious:
"The Ikko-Ikki is coming - why leave the goodies to them?"
"Yes! We loot it first!"
Munechika: "Looting someone else's property? This is so wrong. But I cannot help you indefinitely, either. You have to get proper jobs to feed yourselves. Why don't you go to Echigo and enlist as ashigaru?"
"Echigo? BAH. Too far."
"Listening to orders? Neh."
"I don't want to risk my life."
Munechika sighs quietly. These people are unemployed for a reason. If they do not think differently, nothing is going to help them.
"Please help us... this is the last time!"
"Help us!" :on_beg:
Munechika: "Well, you have probably one thousand here. How can a traveling nun help you all? I have to apply for emergency relief fund from Kasugayama Castle. Nagao clan is not rich, but maybe it can spare 400 koku or so. This is your last chance. Take the money and start your own business."
"400 koku! We can buy weapons and have a serious army!" :on_sing:
"Those samurai in Toyama Castle don't stand a chance!" :on_lol:
Munechika: ":on_furious: Don't use it to harm the others! You can buy some farms or... fishboats. I wonder why nobody does that."
"Sure, sure! Thank you so much!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
"Master from Rizenji is our savior!"
"Rizenji is the best!"
The mob cheer loudly.
Munechika: "Amitabhah (Oh Buddha), it looks like I have made things worse."
Munechika sits quietly under a tree. It is not easy to do good.
:on_cough: "Now these people have a greater appetite for freebies. I wonder who will have to put an end on their greed... I hope Lord Kagetora reach peace with Jinbo quickly, or they are going to be in grave danger."
A few days later, outside Toyama Castle...
"Jeee--- Jeee--- Jeee---"
The summer Cicada rob their wings rigorously;
The wind blows the warm air on Kagetora's face.
Objects in the distance are distorted just like they are behind a stove,
A section of the road leading to the Toyama Castle look like a mirror - but there is no water on them.
Jinbo Nagazumi: "Nagao Kagetora! Stop all this! You are insane!"
Kagetora: "My patience represents my sincerity! Ishiyama Honganji (headquarter) has issued an attack order on Etchu! We have to talk now!"
Nagazumi: "You cannot be trusted! You... You..."
Nagazumi is short on words. He murmurs and turns back to the castle.
"Not again..." Nomi shrugs. :on_shrug:
At least the frequency of Nagazumi's "sally" has reduced greatly over the steaming summer.
This is only the third time in the past month, and Nagazumi only makes the above short statement.
Kagetora's tent is spared for the very first time.
Nomi: "Kagetora, why are you not losing your patience?"
Kagetora: "I don't know... I still see some hope at the end of this."
Nomi: "But Honganji's army is coming. How can there be hope if Jinbo does not see the real threat?"
Kagetora: "Actually I am betting on this, too. Maybe the Ikko-Ikki is the wake-up call..."
Kagetora scratches his head. Jinbo Nagazumi is probably just a few steps away from reconciliation, but there is one last, tall obstacle. Maybe the Ikko-Ikki will be a stepping stone to overcome this obstacle.
Munechika: "Lord Kagetora! Oh, nice. The tent is intact!"
Kagetora: "Yep, Munechika. It looks like that Jinbo has soften. But we are still not there yet."
Munechika: "Please hurry. I cannot control Etchu's mobs much longer. Maybe more than one thousand of them are planning to loot Toyama Castle before the Ikko-Ikki arrives."
Nomi: "Wow. Just like Ikko-Ikki. But it is good that they did not join Ikko-Ikki. Maybe we can pit them against each other?" :on_hmm:
Although Ikko-Ikki are technically "religious rebels", many join for the loot.
Munechika: "Maybe it is possible. I have reached the end of my patience. I am not going to help them again." :on_redcard:
Kagetora: "Well, if they are capable of working, they are not ending up as mobs. If they cannot feed themselves, they cannot care about moral standards. We should not judge them so harshly."
Nomi: "Kagetora, why have sympathy toward scums? They have to be ruled with laws, not ethics."
Kagetora: "Hm..."
A distant memory suddenly comes to Kagetora's mind.
(Rizenji, three years ago)
Torachiyo: "Master, the Kasugayama Castle issues a new policy called 'Tough on Crimes'. What does it mean?"
Tenshitsu Koiku: "It means that people who commit crimes will receive harsher penalty. For example, a thief who received whipping will receive amputation from now on, and a raper will lose... you know. This policy hopes to scare away would-be criminals.
Torachiyo: "Hm... master once told me, for those who are too poor to afford food, they will have to steal or rob food to stay alive, or they will starve to death."
Koiku: "Yes. The new policy does not affect them. If they steal now, they live past today. Whipping or amputation next month matters little."
Torachiyo: "I see. So if Kasugayama Castle fails to provide for those in desparate need, the new policy means nothing to them."
Koiku: "Exactly."
Tenshitsu Koiku looks out of the bamboo window. The Kasugayama Castle is directly visible.
But most of the lords cannot see what the common people see.
Torachiyo: "How about for others who do not have to commit crimes? Would the new policy scare them away?" :on_huh:
Koiku: "That's a very good question, Torachiyo. Master cannot say for sure."
Torachiyo: "Why not?"
Koiku: "Criminals are not born to be. Master have seen thousands of Buddhists coming to the Rizenji. Some confess their crimes to master. All of them wish they had not become a criminal, whether they had been caught or not. We have to look at the reasons that make them criminals. If we do not fix these reasons, but only increase penalty, the root of the problem is still there."
Torachiyo: "It is like pulling weeds from our vegetable farm. If the weeds' roots are not pulled off the ground, the weeds grow back quickly even if we step on the new leaves."
Koiku: "Good, good."
Koiku pats Torachiyo on the head.
Torachiyo: "So what are the main reasons of their crimes?"
Koiku: "Hm... master think the most common reason is hatred toward the society."
Torachiyo: "Oh?"
Everybody lives in peace in Rizenji.
Torachiyo had not heard about anti-social behavior or psychopaths.
Koiku: "These people think the society owes them. So they commit crimes as a revenge."
Torachiyo: "Why do they think so?"
Koiku: "Most of them are disadvantaged group of the society. Some of them are not as smart as the others. Some of them are physically disabled. Some of them are simply not very lucky at the time. These disadvantaged people attribute their misfortune to the society. They think the smart, the rich, the able-bodied, the fortunate folks owe them. So stealing from them, even killing them, is actually severing justice."
Torachiyo: "So if we catch all these people and put them to prison, there will be no criminal left, right?"
Koiku: "Haha... now Torachiyo thinks like your brother Harukage." :on_sweat:
Torachiyo: "Why is this not a good approach?"
Torachiyo heard that his brother Harukage is not a very capable ruler. But he does not undersatnd why yet.
Koiku: "Being disadvantaged is quite a subjective feeling, only relative to being advantaged. If you randomly pick five monks from Rizenji, you can always rank them from the tallest to the shortest, and maybe from the smartest to the dumbest. There is bound to be one who feels the most disadvantaged."
Torachiyo: "So this last one will think master is unfair, or life is unfair. Actually I heard that one a lot from the pupil who left last month... I heard he went to Hongaji."
Koiku: "Yeah he was not happy with Zen Buddhism and preferred something... simpler. Even if you take this monk away, there will simply be a new victim from the remaining four, who feels the most disadvantaged."
Torachiyo: "But after this guy left for Honganji, everybody was happy.
Koiki: "(Cough) That's because master does a good job treating every one fairly. That guy... let's just say he is paranoid."
Torachiyo: "Oh... right. So unless the leader is very fair, taking the bad one away does not solve the problem."
Koiku: "Yes. What master has to do is to share the resources among the all monks as evenly as possible, so even if objectively there is still one who is the most disadvantaged, this monk does not think so."
Torachiyo: "I see. If the master only punishes the poorest monk, there will simply be a new victim, and another new victim."
Koiki: "Torachiyo, you are very good! But master cannot give you awards or the other monks will be jealous. Indeed, If we simply punish the poorest monk for hating the others, we are only making him more miserable."
Torachiyo: "I see!" :on_aww:
Munechika: "Amitabha... :on_attention: this is a great story. Too bad I was not around when master told it."
Kagetora: "Actually you sat right beside us, but maybe you were busy preparing for the scripture reciting contest."
Munechika: ":on_cough: And I forgot all the Hindu in the following month... I am truly embarrassed about my negative remarks toward these people."
Kagetora: "In a way, we, the lords, the samurai, the officially-affiliated monks, all the priveleged class contribute to the bottom class' misery. The best thing a ruler can do to them is not to punish them further, but provide them helps."
Munechika: "Fortunately I did just that! But I doubt 400 koku will turn back."
Kagetora: "Some of them may, and that will be worth every koku."
Munechika: "Indeed."
Nomi quietly listens to the two Buddhists chat. While she is a faithful follower of Bishamonten, she has devoted her energy into studying military strategy and tactics. Social policies are beyond her realm.
Kagetora: "Munechika, when you return to Kasugayama Castle, can you ask the Housekeeper to draft some policies that will increase welfare to the poorest?"
Munechika: "Where would the money come from?"
Kagetora: "Taxing the richest more?"
Nomi: "Many clan officers will not be happy about this, Kagetora." :on_sweat:
Kagetora: "I can only hope that they understand. Maybe that story helps."
Nomi: "I believe it will. Kagetora, I have full confidence in you in building Nagao into the most respected and loved clan in Japan. You can leave wars and battles to me."
Kagetora: "Thank you, Nomi. I will do my best."
Nomi: "Kagetora..."
All of a sudden, there is a strange sense of awkwardness.
Nomi: "(clears throat) OK... and we heard from Munechika that Takeda has been slowed down by the Housekeeper's effort. So maybe we can call up Echigo's army and fight a good battle with Honganji first?"
Munechika: :on_yell: "AHHHH! I forgot to mention the latest development!"
Nomi: "What is it?"
Munechika: "Hojo! Hojo is readying a large army! Rumor goes that they are coming north!"
Kagetora: "So we will have to be careful about Hojo's ambition. It would be nice that if we have two armies, one for Ikko-Ikki, one for Takeda or Hojo. Echigo covers a lot of space and we simply cannot keep marching back and forth."
Nomi: "Too bad, our second army are ships. It is the intrinsic weakness of Nagao's strategy of developing International Sea Trade. We can only hope that it pays off in the future."
Could Kagetora's strategy actualize one day?
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_086.jpg
Another month has passed...
August 13, 1546
Muenechika: "Lord Kagetora! Honganji's vanguard has arrived in Etchu!" :on_angry:
Kagetora: "This fast? Our time is running out..."
Nomi: "We have to talk to Jinbo Nagazumi, now."
Kagetora: "How do we make him believe that the Honganji army is here?"
Nomi: "By asking him to take a look? He cannot come out if we block his front gate."
Kagetora: "Yeah..." :on_sweat:
The Ikko-Ikki army knows little order. They loot everything, leaving a path of destruction behind them.
Now, they gather just ten miles west of Toyama castle.
More and more men march to the camp from Kaga and Noto.
The evening sun shines from behind Ikko-Ikki's formidable camp.
Jinbo Nagazumi stares at the sun briefly, temporarily blinded by the light.
He knows that a long darkness will cover Etchu.
Nagazumi quietly falls to his knees.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/jinbo_nagazumi_240.jpg
Jinbo Nagazumi(神保長住)
About the same age as Nagao Kagetora, Nagazumi is the successor of the Jinbo clan, acting guardian of Etchu. Nagazumi really hates the Nagao clan, which contributed to his grandfather Jinbo Yoshimune and father Jinbo Nagamoto's death. But that hatred is insignificant now.
***
Nagazumi: "Too late. This is the end of Jinbo."
Kagetora: "Don't say that. We can still work together. There is hope."
For the first time in a year, Kagetora stands almost side by side with Nagazumi.
Nagazumi has lost all his energy to chase Kagetora, as the Ikko-Ikki's horde will consume everthing in Etchu, including Nagazumi and his painful memories.
Nagazumi: "What hope do we have? Ikko-Ikki has 3000 or 4000 men. Even if I recruit all men from Etchu's castle town now, I can mostly get 300 or 400. How much does Nagao have?"
Munechika: "(Looks like I have overdone it... :on_sweat:) Nagao has about 2000 in Echigo."
Nomi: "Ikko-Ikki may have more men, but their soldiers are not disciplined fighters like Nagao's."
Nagamoto: "How can I watch Nagao 's 2000 protect 400 soldiers of Jinbo?"
Nagazumi looks at his long shadow, which ends by the feet of Kagetora.
"Nagao Kagetora, I am in no position to say this as a Jinbo, because Nagao is my clan's sworn enemy. This comes from Nagazumi persnoally. If I have to choose between Ikko-Ikki and Nagao, I hope it would be Nagao. Now I have a request."
"Yes?"
"If Ikko-Ikki destroys Jinbo this time, can Nagao restore Jinbo one day?"
Kagetora thinks briefly. He knows he has to fulfill his promises, so he cannot give them away liberally.
"Sure. I promise you."
Jinbo Nagazumi stands up and faces Kagetora. He can see the evening sun's brightness in Kagetora's eyes.
"Ok, then."
Suddenly, Jinbo Nagazumi kneels before Kagetora!
"The Jinbo clan is now a vassal of Nagao! We swear our loyalty to Nagao!"
"No, no, no."
Kagetora quickly pulls up Nagazumi.
"I don't want you to become a vassal. There is only one way to resolve the history of our past two generations. We have to treat each other equally. I promise you that Nagao will restore the Jinbo clan in Etchu!"
"You are worthy of your fame, Kagetora!"
Nagazumi opens his arms and give Kagetora, his past sworn enemy, a tight and heartful hug.
Kagetora has gained Nagazumi's respect and trust. If Nagazumi can count on anybody in Sengoku, it is Kagetora.
"Then please allow me to rebuild Jinbo with my own hands! Tell everybody in Toyama Castle to pack up everything valuable! We move to Kasugayama Castle with Nagao!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_088.jpg
On the Mid Autumn Festival Day of the 15th year of Tenmon (August 15, 1546), Jinbo Nagazumi signed a peace treaty with Nagao Kagetora in Toyama Castle.
The two clans reconcile and remain equal in status.
Jinbo Nagazumi offers all Jinbo's remaining resources to Nagao, while Nagao Kagetora promises to help the Jinbo clan return to Etchu one day.
The peace treaty greatly promoted the fame of Nagao Kagetora, as he accomplished the seemingly impossible - turning a sworn enemy of three generations into a friend. This has never happened before in Sengoku Jidai. Some believe that Nagao Kagetora will eventually end the wars, and restore harmony and trust in Japan.
But Nagao Kagetora never thought that way.
Honganji's Ikko-Ikki now occupies the empty Toyama Castle. Takeda and Hojo is readying an army to expand north. The crisis of Nagao grows every day.
Nomi: "Ha! That covers our entire tent expense plus 6000 koku! I have started admiring you, Kagetora!" :on_lol:
Kagetora: :on_sweat:
End of Book One - Nagao Kagetora
Book One Notes
I wish to make this a serious story that has a long-lasting value instead of a simple after-action report of the game, which as you know has come out for a while. Naturally there will be omissions, modifications, and fabrications in the plot compared to the game. I will try to list all of them at the end of each Book. I will also explain why I did certain things in the game if the reason is not obvious.
(1) Kagetora's Wife and Babies
Although in history Kagetora has no children, in this game I wish to push Kagetora's reproductivity to the limit of the game mechanics just because I believe it is possible. The game randomly decides whether a son/daughter is born only at the beginning of a turn. As a new random seed is generated whenever a new save is loaded, by patiently loading auto-saves of the previous end-turn, it is possible to reach the theoretical reproductive limit of 5 successive children starting on Turn 5, then 9, 13, 17, and 21. As a result, I have to give Kagetora a bride on Turn 1, and the only candidate available is Ashina's daughter. Story-wise, I hope to use Yaya and the babies to balance Sengoku's general lack of femininity and develop the soft sides of Kagetora.
(2) Why Kyushu (Again)
I have done the trade nodes to dry in my other campaigns and stories. But after finishing a Date campaign by holding the east side of Japan and expand westward, I think it is so much better for the meaning of the story if Kagetora attempts something drastically different, with a long and bold vision. Besides, the alternatives are not very good for the plot:
First, since Kagetora HAS to marry Ashina Yaya (see above), going northeast and after the in-laws is no longer an option (although some of us might sometimes think it is a great idea). Second, going after Hongaji (Ikko) would be the default choice of the historical Kagetora, but even as Ikko (mostly depicted in my Guide of Bait Tactics) it was better to go west. So I may as well just go west in the first place. Third, Takeda Shingen is Kagetora's nemesis. Killing him so early would spoil the entire story.
Yet going after Kyushu means that Nagao would be much limited in resources and manpower in the early years.
(3) Why not finish Jinbo off quickly
For the plot I need to allow Kagetora to make a series of "heroic decisions" to boost his fame step by step. In the game, this is a great way to make money, too. The Legendary AI receives very healthy income pre turn. By blocking Jinbo's spending channels, I am able to sign a very fat peace treaty at the latest possible time. It is much more profitable than simply occupying Etchu, which works against the Kyushu campaign plan anyway.
In the real world, fame alone is enough to increase Kagetora's honor and soldier's morale. But in the game I have to find ways to earn honor and experience the hard way. In the game, honor does not matter above 6, but for this campaign I will keep earning honor (and never lose any point of honor no matter what) for the sake of the plot. Holding Jinbo in their castle in total gives me 4 heroic victories - three for Kagetora following one for Nagao Masakage (to level 2). It is omitted in the story for simplicity.
(4) Pace of the story
I am confident that I will be able to eventually finish the story, but it might take a LONG time as commitments return when the summer is over. The Chinese version of the story, which is quite a bit ahead of this English version, is hosted on CLAN Long's TW:S2 forum (http://www.clanlong.com/forum/thread-211760-1-1.html). That's why there are video episodes for Book 4 already uploaded on Youtube.
(5) Feedbacks always welcome! :on_aww:
Eventually I hope to rewrite this into a formal non-profit online novel that is completely independent of the game (while keeping some references only those who played the game will understand). So I would really appreciate your feedback! If you dislike something, please please please help me remove them. If you like something, please also let me know or it might be slashed!
I have started an official website (http://maltzxd.blog.163.com, currently there are just information of characters, video episodes, and some historical studies). At this moment, though, I have no plan to re-write an English version, because obviously I am not a good English writer. :on_blush:
(6) Reportedly, my many typos
I must have dyslexia because I cannot see them as I type. If you are bothered by them, too bad. :on_panda:
:bow:
Book Two. Dragon of Echigo
Chapter 13. Enjoying a Drink
The Saken Den's grand opening day is tommorrow. But it is already operational tonight, serving four
important patrons.
:on_lol: "All right! We shall not return home before getting drunk!"
"Cheers!"
"It's been a long time since I could drink like this!"
"Please order anything you like. Let the Kasugayama Castle be the host."
They are Murakami Yoshikiyo, Jinbo Nagazumi, Nagao Masakage, and the clan leader of Nagao, Nagao Kagetora.
Some of them have many bad memories to temporarily forget.
"My lord, there are good sashimi in stock, fresh catch from Naoetsu Port. Would you like some?"
"Of course. The best parts, please."
The server wears all black. He returns to the kitchen and slices the raw fish with a quick blade.
The sashimi is served with very little delay.
:on_love: "More sake!"
"Certainly!"
The server in black returns to the bar and pours Sake into delicate blue-white china cups.
He and the Sake is back at the table like an autumn breeze.
"OH... I think I cannot drink anymore... ARGH :on_waterfall:"
"BAH. Little Nagazumi has no capacity for drinks."
"Waitor, would you please clean this up?"
"Right away!"
The server in black quickly mops up the vomit. He then carry the unconscious Jinbo Nagazumi to rest in the
tea room in the back of the Sake Den.
"Haha. You two young ones are pretty good! More!"
"Let's have more!"
"Sure!"
The half moon has climbed up the Sake Den. It is now the wee hours.
There are only two men still sitting by the table.
:on_dizzy: "I... Murakami... Yoshi... Yoshi... Kiyo has lived for 45 years, and have never seen anyone who can drink more than me. You Kagetora is... the first! You... You..."
:on_waterfall: Murakami Yoshikiyo throws up liberally, and his face falls right back in it.
The server in black quickly returns with the mop.
In a moment, Yoshikiyo and his vomits have been clearned up.
"I didn't know I am this good. Alcohol tastes like water to me."
Kagetora scratches his head. He has taken about five outhouse breaks, but he only feels a little dizzy.
He has never had this much of alcohol in his life. He did not drink any while in Rizenji.
But he has outlasted the other three tonight.
"Lord Kagetora, please forgive me if I tell the truth." :on_pushups:
"Madam Yaya ordered me to keep Lord Kagetora healthy. But I did not want to break the mood of you and your guests. So I added water in your Sake. There are less alcohol in three cups of yours than in half a cup of theirs."
The server in black takes away all the stacked dishes as he speaks.
:on_sweat: "Oh, no wonder. I know I should not be a good drinker. I have to stay away from it."
"Yes, Lord Kagetora. Don't drink until you pass out. I heard a guy died as he was suffocated by his own vomit." :on_scare:
The table is now wiped clean. Ready for opening day.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_087.jpg
The server in black also serves some steamed towels for Kagetora to wipe his face and hands. It was a nice party, especially if you are the last man sitting.
"You are a very good server. How long have you been here?"
"Lord Kagetora, my name is Naoaki. I have been training here for two months."
"I want to tip you nicely, but I think you deserve a raise to work in the Kasugayama Castle. I know Housekeeper Yamayoshi Maoko can always use some extra hands. What do you say?"
"Lord Kagetora, you have sharp eyes. Actually I am not a server, but a ninja. A ninja of Echigo-style. I am actually assigned to train here by Housekeeper Maoko to become a sushi chef."
"A ninja of Echigo-style?" :on_huh:
Kagetora has never heard of ninja. Literally they are "people who endure". Maybe they are stoics who purposely suffer to raise their spirits?
"My lord, I am a student of Master Usami Sadamitsu. I actually have a few more years of studies to be completed on Biwa Island, but Housekeeper Maoko really needs a spying saboteur right away..."
"A spying saboteur?" :on_angry:
"Or maybe you prefer 'intelligence agent', which appears on my job description."
Kagetora has never heard of "intelligence agent". It sounds very elegant, for a spying saboteur.
"Wait, I thought Usami Sadamitsu is a military strategist and tactician."
"He is. The Echigo Military Doctrine stresses reaching the maxmimal goal with minimal loss. Withuot intelligence from ninja, how does the army know where and when to strike? Our information is critically important."
"I see. Hm... I wonder how come Usami Nomi never mentioned ninja to me."
"That's because she is only the successor of master Sadamitsu's Echigo-style Tactics. I, and a few other school mates, are the successors of master Sadamitsu's Echigo-style Ninjutsu"
"Ninjutsu?" :on_huh:
"The skills of ninja. We defeat the enemy before the war is ever declared. That would be the ultimate mastery of Ninjutsu."
"Wow." :on_aww:
Kagetora can only imagine what an exciting career a ninja has. But he doubts he can ever bear the moral responsibility of stealing information, breaking other's property on purpose, betraying other's trust, and even assassinating an innocent person.
"I have a rude question; I hope you do not mind. How do you justify your actions?"
"It is your orders, my lord. I am not trained to make those hard moral decisions. That responsibility is yours only. I am only your tool."
"I see..." :on_sweat:
That actually gives Kagetora some peace in mind. As long as Kagetora does not order Naoaki to kill innocent people, he will not... right?"
"So you will not kill unless I order you to?"
"Actually, I will not kill even if you order me to."
"How come?"
"Because... :on_blush: embarrassingly, I suck at combat. And Echigo-style Ninjutsu prefers not to solve problems with violence - that would be too degrading and insulting for our rich assortment of skills and incredible mental toughness. There is always a risk for using violence, through which we might be hurt or killed. This goes against the spirit of Echigo-style, to minimize loss."
"Makes sense. So what is your specialty, Naoaki?"
"I am an expert of camouflage and costume-playing."
"Camouflage and custome-playing?"
"Yep. I am very good at turning myself into someone else to gather the information I need. My victims never think they are forced to give up information. I never hurt their bodies, damage their feelings, step on their ego, and nor I affect Nagao's fame in any way. My victims are all happily reusable."
"Wow!" :on_totallove:
Kagetora likes the Echigo-style Ninjutsu!
"Naoaki, how about I give you a long-term assignment now? Please gather intelligence on Takeda and Hojo, or any of our future enemy. Don't bother with personal information like medical history or marriage problems, though."
"Certainly. I will pack up tonight. How about a travelling merchant? Or a Geisha? :on_hmm:"
"How do we get into contact with you?"
"I will contact you when I have the information, Lord Kagetora."
"Good."
Kagetora is quite relieved that the Nagao clan now has ninja at his disposal. Although spying is stealing, Kagetora think it is all right to steal military information as long as his agents try to minimize collateral damage. These clans are at war, anyway.
A six-month baby cannot crawl yet, but he can hold Kagetora's fingers to stand up.
"Oh-yo! My boy!" :on_kiss:
Kagetora holds Umachiyo in his arms and kisses the baby's forehead.
There is a saying that "having a son fulfills all your desires".
Kagetora is overwhelmed by a feeling of love and fortune. He hopes that time freezes right now.
Yaya: "Kagetora, can you stay in Kasugayama for longer this time?"
Kagetora: "I certainly hope so. Now we have promised to help restore Jinbo and Murakami. There will be more battles."
Yaya: "But please return home more frequently. I really missed you." :on_aww:
Kagetora: "I am really sorry that I was not here when Umachiyo was born.
Kagetora promised that he would cherish Yaya throughout his life, but he was away for almost a year in their first year of marriage.
Yaya: "It is OK. You are a clan lord, you have the entire clan to take care of. I have heard much of what you did while stayig in Kasugayama Castle. I know you have very important things to do."
Kagetora: "Thank you."
Kagetora holds Yaya with his other arm. His vision is a little blurred.
But he smells a strange stench that resembles Nagao Masakage's vomit.
"Hm... what is that smell?"
"Umachiyo must have poo-ed. Let me see."
Yaya takes a sneak look from the back of Umachiyo's cloth diaper.
That smell now intensifies to resemble Urakami Yoshikiyo's vomit. :on_waterfall:
"Oh-oh. It is watery. And there is a lot. Some of it is on your hand."
"I will wash the diapers."
"Kagetora can leave that to the servants."
"But I have never done that before... I want to feel like a father."
"Then why don't Kagetora take a bath with Umachiyo? He likes to play with water. I'll wash the diaper."
***
The baby is now sound asleep. Kagetora watchse the baby with a heartful smile.
No scenary in this world can match his sleeping baby's heavenly peaceful face.
"Yaya, thank you so much. Taking care of Umachiyo is a lot of work."
"Not at all. I am actually very happy every day, watching him growing up! I want to have more babies. Kagetora, how about now? The baby is sleeping~ :on_blush:"
"Er... aren't we going to wake the baby up?"
"He sleeps like Buta(pig)chiyo. Let's go~"
Although Kagetora has an exceptionally low sex drive, he can see that Yaya really love babies.
There is no better way to make Yaya happy... :on_moon:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_089.jpg
Kasugayama Castle's meeting room now feels smaller. Besides clan lord Kagetora, the head of the Ueda Nagao, Masakage, etc. there are now guest generals Murakami Yoshikiyo and Jinbo Nagasumi and their own officers.
"That's it for today. We will keep working on the eventual campaign to Kyushu."
Kagetora bows to the clan officers.
"Oh I am very sorry!" :on_yell:
Maoko the housekeeper interrupted with a blushing face.
"I have left out one item. The port of Naoetsu is now ready to take a sea trade partner. Which clan should we seek?"
"The Honma clan on Sado island has helped my father at his most unfortunate times. Without Honma, there is no Nagao Kagetora. Let's approach Honma for trading, then?"
"Good idea."
"I heard that Honma has a good navy. So their port is not easy for another clan to blockade. It is a safe bet."
"OK!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
The clan officers unanimously approved.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_091.jpg
Chapter 14. Chaos in Hokuriku
Hongaji's army was here only three days after Jinbo evacuated from Toyama Castle.
Seeing hordes of Loan Sword Ashigaru marching on the streets and take whatever they want, even a nun has to be careful.
Rizenji Munechika's order is to stay in Etchu and keep an eye on the Ikko army.
She learned that Honganji is constantly sending new troops to Toyama Castle.
"Hey! Isn't this the master from Rizenji?"
"AH..." http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_yell.gif
The beggar suddenly holds Munechika's arm.
Perhaps he received some of Kasugayama Castle's koku last time.
"Here is Rizenji's master!"
"It is you!"
"I miss you so much!"
A homeless crowd of hundreds now encircle Munechika.
She wants to run away, but she recalls Kagetora's sympathy toward these people.
She decides to stay.
"What can I do for you?" :on_sweat:
"We... have again spent all the koku. We will have to rob Toyama Castle if you don't help us."
"What? I already told you it was the last time."
"Please, master. Buddha's compassion is limitless. Please help us again."
"No. I am only making things worse for you."
"If you don't help us, we will starve to death. Then it would be your fault."
"This karma is created by yourself. I have done my best and I feel no regret." :on_redcard:
"Master, you know that Honganji is in charge of Etchu, right? If we give you to Honganji..."
Munechika shivers when she hears that. :on_bibber:
Hongaji and Rizenji are not enemies, but Hongaji is known for their lack of compatibility with other Buddhist branches. Would Munechika face religious persecution?
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_092.jpg
"What? How can you do this to me? I helped you!"
"We don't want to. But when we are desparate, we can do anything."
Munechika sighs. She quietly prays to Buddha for wisdom.
"Master, are you playing deaf?"
"Give us an answer today."
"Either we take you to Honganji for some koku, or you give us some more."
"I have no more koku with me. I can't really help you."
"Honganji must dislike Rizenji, right? I heard Hongaji is big. They must have torture chambers in the basement." :on_harhar:
Suddenly, Munechika has an idea.
"Well, even if you give me to Honganji, general Shimozuma Raishou is a buddy of our Lord Nagao Kagetora! I will be released instantly. I am not scared by you." :on_lie:
The mobs have no idea of who is who. Shimozuma Raishou is the commanding general of Hongaji's army in Hokuriku.
And common sense goes that monks and nuns never lie.
"Oh... then we will rob Toyama castle!" :on_furious:
"Yes! Loot it clean! The Hongaji's army is away, we heard!"
"You are not afraid of Hongaji's revenge?"
"We have no money now... we can't care for that."
"We will take everything and run!" :on_panda:
Munechika knows that Jinbo has packed up everything to go.
But these people do not know.
Munechika also recalls that Usami Nomi once mentioned "pitting the mobs against Honganji".
"All right, there is a secret that I have been keeping to myself."
"What's the secret?"
"Do you know why I have been keeping you away from Toyama castle? I heard this from Jinbo Nagazumi with my own ears - that generations of Jinbo daimyos have kept a great family treasure hidden within Toyama Castle, buried underneath the Tensho. I wanted to save it for Lord Kagetora to unearth it, but now my lord has returned to Echigo. If this treausre can help you one last time, maybe it is better to let you have it."
"Oh? Really?" :on_aww:
"The master heard it with her own ears!"
"Yes! Let's go find the treasure!" :on_sing:
"Kill the guards and take the treausre!"
The mobs disappear from Etchu's street in seconds.
They have probably stashed away some weapons for this day.
:on_attention: "Oh Buddha, I have lied twice in a row today. Is this the right thing to do?"
"I should worry about this later - now I have to inform the Kasugayama Castle about this."
Munechika also disappears from the street.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_090.jpg
The snow falls again on Kasugayama.
But the tensho feels warm as it is packed with people.
In the middle sits Nagao Kagetora, surrounded by Nagao Masakage, Murakami Yoshikiyo, Jinbo Nagazumi, etc. Together there are more than 40 clan officers as they have an important emissary to meet.
"How dare you to come here?!" :on_furious:
Murakami Yoshikiyo stares at the emissary from Takeda.
But the emissary pretends Yoshikiyo does not exist. He has an important proposal to make.
"Lord Kagetora, it is my fortune to meet you in person. I bring the sincere blessing of our lord Takeda Harunobu."
"You are welcome. I heard Takeda has been at war with Kiso and Anegakoji."
"Indeed. Actually Kiso and Anegakoji found another help - Honganji."
"That's quite busy for you..."
The "Realm Divide" for Takeda formed within half a year.
If Nagao turns against Takeda, Takeda will undoubtedly be destroyed.
But Kagetora also wishes to maintain peace with Takeda.
"Lord Kagetora, because of the war, we Takeda wish to not only maintain peace with Nagao, but also to start trading with Nagao."
"WHAT?!" :on_bash: Murakami Yoshikiyo is visibly upset.
"We are not against trading, but we hope Lord Harunobu understand that we aim to restore the Murakami clan in Shinano. So eventually Takeda and Nagao might to go war."
"Lord Kagetora, we can trade until the day that we declare war, if that unfortuante day arrives. By the way, we hope that Nagao can break trades with the Yamanouchi Uesugi and Honma."
"WHAT?" :on_yell: Masakage stands up in shock. What a bold request.
"Did I hear it right?"
"Your Lord Harunobu is not a mistress of Lord Kagetora. Why such jealousy towards the wives?" :on_panda:
Murakami Yoshikiyo recovers a little self-esteem by insulting Takeda.
"Er..."
Takeda's emissary cannot properly respond to the overwhelming hostility.
"Why would Nagao do that? Is this really what Lord Harunobu propose to us?"
"Er... Actually... "
The emissary of Takeda wanted to say something, but swallowed the words.
"Then we are sorry. Nagao promises trust to a trade partner. It is impossible for us to break a trade agreement like this. Please return to Kai."
"Too bad. I hope to meet Lord Kagetora again in the future."
The Takeda emissary politely exited.
"What's Takeda Harunobu thinking?":on_picknose:
"Shameless as usual!" :on_bash:
Murakami Yoshikiyo punches the straw mat with his fists.
Kagetora: "Are you sure Takeda Harunobu is a famous strategist?" :on_sweat:
Nomi: "Maybe there is some hidden plot behind this..."
Kagetora: "All right, then. That's it for the clan meeting today. Please come to the Sake Den - all you can eat buffet!"
Clan officers: http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_cheer.gif
That's why they come to the meeting despite the snow.
"WAIT! There is a grave danger coming to Nagao! Can't you see it?"
"Oh?"
Suddenly a bald old man rushed into the meeting room. His white hair floats in the wind from both sides of his head.
"You are back!"
"Who is this crazy old man?"
"Takeda Harunobu knows we would reject this! He is only doing this to show Hojo! Honma is just a distraction!"
The old man yells to the clan officers as his face turns all red.
"Er... guards? Would you please...'
Kagetora has noticed an increasing number of drunk old men since the Sake Den started business. So it is time to call the guards...
Note: You must have noticed an unfortunate reality - Takeda Shingen, the nemesis of Uesugi Kenshin and the default final boss of the story, has been killed by the foolish game AI. For the story's sake, let's pretend Takeda Harunobu lives on. The same privilege will be granted to other important characters. (Murakami Yoshikiyo and Jibno Nagazumi are both technically dead in the game.)
"The meeting is not adjourned! Nobody exits the room!" :on_bash:
The radical old man blocks the door with his arms.
"Guards~ thank you~"
A few ashigaru show up by the door and hold the old man by his arms...
"What are you doing? Kagetora?" :on_furious:
Nomi takes a large step forward - she is now only taller than Kagetora by 1/4 of her head, but still as menancing as ever.
Kagetora: "Oh?"
Nomi: :on_furious: "You people don't recognize my father? He is only away for a year and half!"
Masakage: "AH... it is master Usami Sadamitsu!" :on_yell:
"THE Usami Sadamitsu who invented Echigo-style Military Doctrine?" :on_aww:
"He does look like an inventor..."
"I thought he was quite normal the year before, what did the trip to Great Ming do to him?"
"Did he eat something wrong?"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/usami_sadamitsu_240.jpg
Usami Sadamitsu(宇佐美定滿)
Born in 1489. Lord of Echigo's Biwa Island Castle. A legendary military strategist of Sengoku Jidai. He invented the "Echigo-style Military Doctrine", which stress to use all possible and creative means for minimal loss and maximal gain. Due to his devotion in pioneering works in tactics and ninjutsu, Sadamitsu is not actively involved in clan politics and passes the rulership and clan officer duty to his only child, Nomi. Sadamitsu also takes sabbatical leaves to foreign countries every five or six years.
***
"AH... I am so sorry. I did not recognize master Usami."
Kagetora bows politely to the old man, and invites him to take his own seat in the meeting.
Sadamitsu sits at Kagetora's place without hesitation; this raises the eyebrows of some clan officers.
Usami Sadamitsu is actually only 57 years old. But maybe due to his overconsumption of brain power, lack of proper make-up, and frequently loss of sleep due to his inspiring research, he looks 10 to 20 years older than his real age.
Kagetora: "May I ask master Usami to become Echigo's formal advisor, the teacher of the army."
Sadamitsu: "Teacher of the army, Teacher of the country, your teacher, my teacher... it does not matter. I will just say whatever necessary. You have to look seriously at Hojo's threat!"
Kagetora: "Please enlighten us!" :on_pushups:
Kagetora bows again, and the other clan officers have to follow.
Sadamitsu: "Look, cunning fox like 'The Tiger of Kai' Takeda Harunobu would never send an emissary to make a request that would be certainly turned down."
Kagetora: "So why did Takeda Harunobu do it anyway?"
Sadamitsu: "From an educated guess, Hojo has just destroyed the Ogigayatsu Uesugi in Musashi. It is readying an army for another attack. Yamanouchi Uesugi's Ueno, who controls the gateway between Kanto and Echigo, is Hojo's reasonable next target as Uesugi is the weakest clan around. If Hojo is to attack Yamanouchi Uesugi, Hojo would want Takeda to help. But this is definitely not in Takeda's best interest, as if Nagao assist Yamanouchi Uesugi, and Takeda assists Hojo, then Nagao would have to declare war on Takeda. At this moment, Takeda cannot afford to fight Nagao. It is already very busy with Kiso and Anagakoji."
Nomi: "So Takeda sends an emissary to Echigo to show Hojo that 'we have tried to help Hojo by breaking up Uesugi and Nagao, but it failed'?"
Kagetora: "This way, Takeda does not have to be actively involved in the war between Hojo and Nagao-Uesugi..."
Masakage: "And Takeda Harunobu tried to mask his intention by adding Honma into the request, just to make sure that Nagao will refuse?"
Sadamitsu: "Yes, it appears so. But here's the interesting part. Think about it. It is now obvious that Takeda want Nagao to remain trading with Uesugi. Why? Besides, it is impossible for 'the Lion of Sagami', Hojo Ujiyasu, to buy Takeda's stupid excuse. Takeda Harunobu must know that. I believe there is something hidden behind this."
Nomi: "Can it be that Takeda wants Nagao to know Hojo is about to attacking Uesugi?"
Sadamitsu: "Looks like the talent runs in the family! :on_lie: Yes. I believe that Takeda wants to pit Hojo against Nagao, so both are weakened in the resulting war. This will give Takeda more room to expand. That emissary was actually serving a warning of Hojo's imminent attack."
Kagetora: "Why would Takeda Harunobu do that? Hojo Ujiyasu is his ally."
Sadamitsu: "Kagetora, you are a little naive. :on_picknose: Most clans in Sengoku treat alliance as a promise that can be easily broken. An enemy yesterday could be a friend tomorow, and vice versa."
Kagetora: "Oh..."
Kagetora really wishes to treat a friend as a friend forever.
But trustworthy friends are probably a rarity in Sengoku.
Maybe he could be an exception. Maybe he could not.
Murakami Yoshikiyo: "Well, now we have confirmed that Hojo is about to attack Uesugi. Do we want to stand and watch, or actually do something?"
Jinbo Nagazumi: "Don't forget that Takeda wants us to fight Hojo..."
Kagetora: "Hm..."
Although Nagao does not have a sworm responsibility to protect Yamanouchi Uesugi (see note below), helping a neighboring clan fighting off an invader seems to be the right thing to do. Besides, Yamanouchi Uesugi's leader, Uesugi Norimasa, is the current Kanto Kanrei (Commander of the Kanto region, which is present-day Tokyo and surroundings). It seems to be Kagetora's responsibility to help the Kanto Commander, even though an the ex-ex-ex-Kanto Kanrei fought his father and died.
Kagetora: "If Uesugi is invaded, we will help them drive of the invader. Doesn't the acting guardian of Echigo has a responsibility to help the Kanto Kanrei?"
Masakage: "Kagetora, the power of Kanto Kanrei has greatly diminished. Don't be bound by the ranks. Your father was good at it. I mean no disrespect. :on_sweat:"
Nomi: "But Kagetora is right that if Uesugi is invaded, we should help them fight off the invader. It is simply the right thing to do."
Masakage: "Ok..."
Sadamitsu looks at his daughter with a proud smile. His girl took an oath of life devotion under Bishamonten at the age of seven, and since then she became the voice of righteousness in the family. The path of the righteousness is often much harder to walk on than the path of the crooked. But it provides such an mysterious and powerful mentality to his daughter that Sadamitsu sometimes wonder whether Nomi really has a piece of Bishamonten living in her.
Kagetora: "It would be nice if we have some ninja intelligence..."
Sadamitsu: "Now you mention it! :on_bash: How dare you to steal my best student while I was away? How can 500 koku compensate for my loss? Do you know how much those costumes cost?"
Nomi: "Father, please forgive us. We really need a ninja."
Sadamitsu: "How come you don't practice the art of Ninjutsu? I should have another child after your mother left."
Nomi: "..."
Nomi simply could not tolerate Ninjutsu, even if it could mean to further reduce loss. She likes to have a duel face to face, instead of stabbing an enemy in the back. She would never sabotage someone else's property to advance her purpose. As a result, Nomi's relationship with Sadamitsu has been bumpy at times. Perhaps Sadamitsu goes for the less harmful Echigo-style because of her daughter's insistence.
Masakage: "OK. Forget about the ninja. We have 2000 men now. They can be freed up after spring planting. If Hojo declares war to Uesugi, we march to Ueno and crush Hojo!":on_lol:
Sadamitsu: "Don't underestimate 'The Lion of Sagami'. He is not worse than 'The Tiger of Kai'!"
Kagetora: "OK. I will personally lead the army."
Kagetora thinks about Yaya and cute Umachiyo for a brief second.
It will be time to say goodbye soon.
Masakage: "I will defend the Kasugayama Castle and develop Echigo!"
Sadamitsu: "BAH. There is nothing else to develop... besides, Naoetsu and Honjo have returned from their vacations. Just leave it to them. Masakage, you should go to Etchu and defend against Hongaji. They are going to declare war on us very soon."
Masakage: "What? By myself?"
Sadamitsu: "Yes. Because Kagetora is going to need all soldiers of Echigo to fight Hojo. You will be left with yourself."
Masakage: "Then how can I defend against Hongaji?" :on_bibber:
Sadamitsu: "That Rizenji nun is the army!" :on_furious:
Usami Sadamitsu is visibly impatient.
That's why he dislikes politics, because he does not want to waste time explaining the obvious to the less enlightened.
Kagetora: "Oh? Munechika is the army? Please enlighten us, master..."
Sadamitsu: "Honganji's weakness is in its shaky belief - Jodo Shinshu (pure-land true branch) is just a collection of weak-minded mobs. Defending Hongaji with an army is the stupidest thing. Those mobs can be easily held off by a powerful mind - the same way Jodo Shinshu was born. Masakage, you should restore Jinbo when the Rizenji nun does her job. There is no better time."
The meeting room cools down. Usami Sadamitsu's thinking has reached the stratosphere.
Jinbo Nagazumi: "Please let me go with Lord Masakage! I want to rebuild Jinbo with my own hands!"
Sadamitsu: "Yes, you can show Masakage how."
Nagazumi: "Huh?" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_dizzy.gif
Sadamitsu: "I will give you a big hint, the Toyama Castle is now occupied by mobs, which will dissolve as long as they run out of food. All you need to is to wait outside and prevent them from getting supplies. Sounds familiar, right? Haha. :on_panda:"
Kagetora: "So Honganji is going to declare war on us?..."
Sadamitsu: "Yes. They are not going to be happy with the development in Etchu."
Nomi: "That's why the Housekeeper left in a hurry this morning..."
Note: While the game sets Yanamouchi Uesugi as a vassal of Nagao in 1545, in history this did not happen until later - and it was not really a master-vassalage relationship but more of assylum-refuge. The story now follows the history - Nagao helps Uesugi simply because Kagetora thinks it is the right thing to do.
(A few days later, at the border of Kaga and Etchu)
Shimotsuma Raishou (下間賴照), the commander-in-chief of Honganji's army in the northern land (Hokuriku), sits on a little folded chair among his Ikko monk generals and captains. They vary a lot in age and sizes, but one thing is common - they are monks, so their heads are all shaved. Maoko the housekeeper can see some of the candles reflections on their head. This strangely brings calm to her mind.
"Commander Shimotsuma." :pushups:
Maoko bows down politely. She always keep the same distance between the floor and her forehead. Being a diplomatic emissary is not just about accomplishing the objectives, but doing it with style.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/shimotsuma_raishou_240.jpg
Shimotsuma Raishou (下間賴照)
Born in 1516. A senior monk official and general in Honganji. In history, Shimotsuma Raishou was assigned to Echizen to lead the Ikko-Ikki there to fight against the expanding Oda clan. The campaigned eventually failed and Raishou was killed.
***
Raishou and his colleagues are surprisingly comfortable about seeing a female emissary.
This is probably because monks are allowed to marry and have kids in Japan, so they do not drool at any woman like boys in all-male schools do.
Maoko: "Lord Raishou. I am here to bring regards from our lord, Nagao Kagetora."
Raishou: "Good. You must be the housekeepr of Kasugayama Castle. I know that you have defeated Jinbo and forced them to surrender. But how come Jinbo abandoned Etchu and return to Echigo with you?"
Maoko: "Lord Raishou, there is no way that Jinbo can defend against Ikko-Ikki's army."
Raishou: "Haha. :on_panda: That's true. So you Nagao is fine with the fact that we Honganji is the new ruler of Etchu, right?"
Maoko: "One should not lie in front of an agent of the Buddha. So please allow me to directly reveal my message to Honganji. Lord Kagetora has promised Jinbo Nagazumi that one day Nagao will see Jinbo restored in Etchu. That's why Jinbo Nagazumi did not do down with the Toyama Castle like a samurai."
"Tse... tse... tse..."
"Amitabhah..."
The monk captains could sense the tension.
Tension can be eased by reciting "Amitabhah" (Buddha).
Raishou: "So... are you here to declare war? We now have an army of 4000 strong. We can easily demolish anything you have in Echigo." :on_picknose:
"Amitabhah..."
"Our Lord Kagetora is loved by all his soldiers. He has defeated tough enemies, and is not afraid of war with Honganji. However, Honganji has much to worry about."
"Worry about what? We are allied with the Hattori clan in the west, and we have a stable trade partner Anegakoji in Hida. Now we either attack you or we go after Shinano. If you offer a good price, we will go after Shinano." :on_lol:
Shimotsuma Raishou is confident about Ikko-Ikki's military might.
Their loan sword ashigaru horde is said to be able to cut through any spear wall.
Maoko: "So indeed you have no idea yet. The enemies of Honganji lies within!" :on_furious:
Raishou: "What?"
"One of us is a mole?"
"Amitabhah..."
The monk captains look at each other.
Maybe with the right price, anybody could be suspicious.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_093.jpg
Maoko: "The Zen Buddhists in Kaga has been plotting for a revolt! The remnants of the Jinbo clan has also gathered in Etchu, and is on their way to retake Toyama Castle!"
"Really?"
"How come I never heard of this?"
Maoko: "How about following me and take a look for yourself."
Shimotsuma Raishou and his captains followed Maoko to a small hill. The time is quite late and the sky has mostly turned dark. But as they look east, they see red lights reflected from the dense, dark cloud in the distance. That's the direction of the Toyama Castle. Something must be happening there.
"Amitabhah..." :on_attention:
"We are going to lose Etchu!" :on_scare:
"We have to go back to Toyama Castle!"
"But what about Kaga's revolt?"
The monk captains have just returned from their Etchu campaign and is on their way back to Echizen.
Now their vacation has to be postponed.
Maoko: "Our Lord Nagao Kagetora wishes to relay the following message. We Nagao are always ready to fight against Honganji's invasion. However, we do not wish to take advantage of Honganji when your power is divided. If Hongaji wants a war, come with all your force, and we shall settle this on the battlefield. However, if Honganji shows open hostility to Nagao right away, we will have no other choice but to declare war today."
Raishou: "Hm... looks like Nagao Kagetora is quite a character."
Shimotsuma Raishou has heard quite a lot about Nagao Kagetora recently. Is his confidence based on an illusion or his true ability?
"It will be better if we take care of the revolts and then come back to fight Nagao."
"Yes, obviously."
"Or not fight Nagao."
Maoko: "Come fight us if you wish, but we are willing to enjoy peace if you choose not to. If a temporary peace is desired, my Lord Nagao Kagetora proposes a certain fee in exchange for Nagao's military access. This would be our guarantee of not attacking Honganji in the meantime."
"Hm..."
"It would be a good deal if we can buy peace with a few thousand koku."
"Let's handle our immediate enemies first, then worry about Nagao."
The sky above Toyama Castle is turning to bright red.
The choice seems to be very obvious.
Raishou: "OK then. Honganji is willing to purchase Nagao's military access with a reasonable price. We shall fight each other on a later day, if such day unfortuantely arrives, or not at all."
Maoko: "Certainly."
Raishou: "How much do you ask?"
Maoko: "It depends on how long Honganji wish to maintain peace with Nagao."
Raishou: "How about 2000 koku for two years?"
Maoko: "So Honganji wishes to fight Nagao after just two years? :on_picknose: Then we may as well declare war right now."
Raishou: "Oh... 4000 koku for four years?"
Maoko: "Any form of termed deal means a countdown for war. I suggest we make an indefinite deal for just a little bit more, 4600 koku."
Raishou: "Indefinite deal?"
Maoko: "Yes. Honganji decides when to war Nagao. We will be waiting."
"Seems good. This way we have purchased permenant peace from Nagao in the future."
"Yep. Nagao Kagetora seems to be someone we can trust."
Raishou: "OK then, we will pay!"
After securing the east border, the Honganji army can confidently work on the internal problems.
"Now let's split the army up. 1000 go save Etchu. The rest turns to Kaga with me! Kaga is too important to lose!" :on_furious:
"Amitabhah..." :on_attention:
Note: Jodo Shinshu (pure land true branch, the "Ikko") of Buddhism advocates that reciting "Amitabhah" alone is enough for the faithful to enter the paradise. Such simple doctrine makes Ikko very popular in the common folks.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_098.jpg
(Two weeks later... January, 1547)
Shimotsuma Raishou leads his army back to Kaga, but all they can hear is Amitabhah.
"How come I have not seen any rebellion in Kaga?" :on_Mad:
"There are certainly protests of various kinds in front of our castle... but this is actually quite normal." :on_sweat:
Suddenly, a few messagers rushes in. Their armors are stained with blood!
"My lord! Our army in Etchu was ambushed by the enemies in the Toyama Castle half way! We are the only survivors! :on_beg:"
"My lord, these people are NOT Jinbo clan's remnants! They are mobsters!"
Raishou: "WHAT? 1000 soldiers... just you now?"
Shimotsuma Raishou falls to his little folded chair.
"Somebody must have supplied them with weapons!"
"Some one tipped them off of our plan!"
The monk captains immediately come up with conspiracy theories, which do seem very likely.
And yet another messenger rushes in!
"My lord! There are rebellions appearing in Noto! We have no garrison there! Please go to Noto!"
Raishou: "Noto?" :on_angry:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_095.jpg
Shimotsuma Raishou is quite a smart Ikko monk... in Ikko monk's standard.
So he quickly figured out what's going on.
Raishou: "We are deceived by the Nagao emissary - the real rebellion is in Noto, not Kaga!" :on_angry:
The monk captains have also realized that all dots can be connected to one picture...
"My lord! I remember hearing about a Rizenji nun from Echigo. She has a lot of followers from Etchu! The mobs in Etchu could be following her order!"
"My lord! There are reports that the rebellion in Noto occurred a few months after the nun showed up there!"
"I heard that this nun distribute a considerable amount of koku among the poor! That's why they listen to her!"
Raishou: "Echigo's Rizenji?" :on_yell:
Shimotsuma Raishou paid 4600 koku to Kasugayama Castle, which is just above Kasugayama's Rizenji...
So Rizenji is using Honganji's koku against Honganji!
Raishou stood up, angrily kicking away his folded chair!
:on_bash:"We cannot tolerate Nagao's plot! We declare war to Nagao now! We march to Noto and crush the rebellion, then Etchu, then Echigo! All navies - attack any Nago ship on sight! All Ikko monks - go after this Rizenji Nun and... debate with her! Destroy her reputation!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_094.jpg
(At the same time, in Echigo...)
Kagetora: "Yaya, I am sorry I will have to be away soon. Hojo has declared war on Yamanouchi Uesugi. We will defend Ueno against the invasion from Sagami."
Yaya: "It is OK, Kagetora. You do what you know is right. How long does it take this time?"
Kagetora: "I am not sure. We'll first march to Ueno to see where the enemy is at the time. Since Takeda and Imagawa did not join Hojo's invasion, the war should be over after just one decisive battle."
Yaya: "Good. Kagetora, there is again something you should know..."
Kagetora: "Yes?"
Yaya: ":on_blush: I am pregnant again! It's been 4 months!"
Kagetora: ":on_yell: So the baby was made just after I returned from Etchu..."
Kagetora notices that Yaya's eyes are filled with joy.
Kagetora is happy for Yaya.
Yaya: "Yes. The baby should be born early summer."
Kagetora: "I hope I could there for you and the baby this time."
Kagetora feels deeply sorry that he missed the chance to witness the birth of Umachiyo.
Kagetora: "How about you come with us to Ueno, and stay there to give birth? Uesugi Norimasa's force is enough to protect you there. And I heard Norimasa is a hospitable person."
Yaya: "Sounds good! Ride with me, don't ride with Nomi!" :on_furious:
Kagetora: :on_sweat:
Note: Yamanouchi (山內) is better referred to as Yamanouchi Uesugi (山內上杉), or simply Uesugi, which is their surname.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_097.jpg
When Nagao Masakage and Jinbo Nagazumi looks up, he seems to see hundreds of glowing eyes in the dark.
The defenders of Toyama Castle can easily crush Masakage's 40 cavalry - as long as they do not run away.
Nagao Masakage: "Munechika, is this what advisor Usami calls 'reviving Jinbo with 40 men'?" :on_bibber:
Munechika: "Yep. I have arranged the contact of the camping shop for you so you get 20% discount on tent parts. All you need is to talk some sense into those mobs."
Masakage: "How do I do that?" :on_crying:
Munechika: "Nagazumi knows. He is familiar with the road surrounding the castle."
Jinbo Nagazumi: "I see... :on_sweat: But it seems that the mobs will not surrender any more easily compared to me..." :on_idle:
Munechika: "Oh, actually we do not need them to surrender. All you need to do is to make them abandon the castle and flee. Then Nagazumi can reclaim the Toyama Castle."
Nagazumi: "I see. So at the end, I have to help myself to revive Jinbo clan..." :on_tears:
Munechika: "If we Nagao do all the work, do you sleep well at night?"
Nagazuzmi: "Master Munechika speaks wisdom. This is where I prefer to be!" :on_devil:
Masakage: "But didn't Ikko-Ikki declare war on us? They can easily march to Etchu..." :on_scare:
Munechika: "Keeping Honganji from coming back is my job. Actually, I am have a debate with an Ikko monk tomorrow."
Masakage: "You can do it, Munechika!" :on_furious:
Nagazumi: "Yes, show them what we've got! May the force... of the Buddha be with you!"
Munechika: "I know there will be risks when I signed up for this. A destruction of one's mind is far more damaging than the destruction of one's body. Wait for my good news!" :on_hero:
Chapter 15. Last Mind Standing
The debate is about to begin.
Audience pack the streets. This is a fight of wisdom and faith!
Master of Debate: "OK! Please be quiet now. Let's introduce the debators!
"On my left, from the Nagao clan of Echigo - whose charity work has turned into rebellions, whose knowledge of Buddhism puts monks to shame, whose popularity surpasses that of the Hangoji general :on_furious: RI-ZEN-JI, MUNE-CHIKA!"
Crowd: "Yo!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
"On my right, from Ishiyama Honganji - who propelled Honganji to become a contender of Sengoku, who converted millions to search for the pure land, who incited rebellions in his sleep - the grandmaster of Hongaji, the savior of the lost, the Pope of Ikko-Ikki! :on_furious: HON-GAN-JI, SHO-YO!"
"Honganji Shoyo (本願寺証如)?" :on_scare:
"The grandmaster of Honganji is here today?"
Munechika: :on_bibber:
Hongaji Shoyo is the 10th grandmaster of Honganji, who carries Hongaji to a new height of power that rivals samurai regimes. Just as the crowd can't believe what they just heard, one of the debate staff passes a little paper slip to the Master of Dabate.
"Ops, sorry. He happens to have the same name as the grandmaster... please welcome... the other HON-GAN-JI, SHO-YO!"
Crowd: "YEAH!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
"The rule is simple. You ask each other a question. Whoever fails to answer three questions properly first loses the debate! You have to ask a question related to Buddhism. You cannot commit personal attacks with your mouth, hands, feet, or anyother body parts. Or you lose immediately. Nagao's Munechika asks the question first!"
Crowd: "Eee-Eee-OH!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
= ROUND ONE =
Munechika studied hard for this debate. She reviewed a lot of famous stories of Zen Buddhism, so she could use them when the time comes.
Munechika: "OK. Two young monks are hitting each other in the temple. They ask the Zen Buddhist Master to arbitrate and to determine who is right and wrong."
A: "Master, B hit me first. It is B's fault!" :on_furious:
Master: "Yes, you are right."
B: "Master, A swore at me first. It is A's fault!" :on_furious:
Master: "Yes, you are right."
A: :on_exhausted: "Master, we cannot be both right. One is right, and one is wrong."
Munechika: "Now you are the Zen Master. What should you answer?"
Shoyo: "Er... I say whoever started this wrong! A is wrong!" :on_furious:
Munechika: "No. There is no differentiation in the heart of a Zen Master. The quarrels between the two monks are trivial."
A: :on_exhausted: "Master, we cannot be both right. One is right, and one is wrong."
Master: "Yes, you are right."
Shoyo: "Yes, you are right..." :on_scared:
Shoyo regrets that he does not understand Zen Buddhism well enough.
"OOOOOH...." :on_idle:
The crowd is very disappointed.
Master of the Debate: "OK! One strike for Honganji! Now it is Shoyo's turn to ask a question!"
Shoyo: "All right, a young man visits a Master of Jodo Shinshu..."
Man: "Master, I... I... I see dead people. :on_scare: The dead people try to spook me, such as by suddenly show up on my window or in my back when I look into the mirror. It really craps me out. Why me? :on_beg:"
Master: "That's because you do not have a pure heart. When your heart is possessed by unpure thoughts, the ghosts come to trouble you."
Man: "Then if I treat them well, worship them with high-quality food and burning paper cash and house to them, they would not bother me. Right?"
Shoyo: "How would you answer this as a Jodo Shinshu master?"
Munechika: "Er..." :on_sweat:
Munechika is confused by the question, because throughout her training in Rizenji, nobody talked about ghosts. She has never seen a ghost, nor have the others in Rizenji. Munechika thinks ghosts are no more than people's imagination. But Shoyo's question already assumse that ghosts exist. How should she describe the behavior of something she think does not exist?
*** two years ago, Rizenji ***
Munechika: "Master, I am not really in a good position to ask about this, but eventually you will retire, and the next master of Rizenji will be selected. Where do you think I should improve in order to become a candidate?"
Tenshitsu Koiku: "It is fine to ask, Munechika. There was never a nun temple master in Japan, but I am not against it, either. A master of the temple is the bridge between the enclosed and the mundane worlds. You have to learn both worlds well."
Munechika: "So I have to leave Rizenji and tour Japan?"
Koiku: "But we are short on budget for that. :on_sweat: Speaking of this, there is actually a request from Kasugayama Castle... they require a monk to work for the Nagao clan. This is a risky assignment, and you might be asked to do things against your belief. But it is the best way to learn about the mundane world."
Munechika: "Master, do you think I can do it?"
Koiku: "Only you know whether you can do it. How about I arrnage an interview for you?"
Munechika: "An interview?"
Koiku: "Yes. Maoko the Housekeeper will ask you a series of questions. If you pass the interview, you will be hired."
Munechika: "Yamayoshi Maoko, the maid who frequently visits us?"
Koiku: "Yes. She is promoted by Torachiyo, I mean Kagetora. I hope you did not serve her our cheapest tea bag because she was just a maid." :on_sweat:
Munechika: "Are there actually different qualities of tea bags? I just used the tea in the brown bag."
Koiku: "So you did... :on_exhausted: So she will probably ask you tougher questions."
Munechika: "What if I do not know the answer of a question?"
Master Tenshitsu Koiku responded with a grin. :on_harhar:
Koiku: "Then try to overthrow the question."
***
Master of Debate: "Rizenji Munechika, If you do not know the answer..."
Munechika: "I know the answer! I say..."
Man: "Then if I treat them well, worship them with high-quality food and burning paper cash and house to them, they would not bother me. Right?"
Master: "The most important thing of being a faitful Buddhist is not to think about things that we should not think about! The fact you are bothered by the ghost means that you have unecessarily thought about the ghost. The ghosts spook because you think about them! If I do not think about the ghost, the ghost cannot do anything to you. If they show up on your window, you see right through them. They do not even come to your mind."
The audience turns quiet. Wisdom of the Buddha can be difficult to comprehend at times.
Shoyo: "Oh... actually you have a great point. That's exactly how a Jodo Shinshu master answered me before." :on_sweat:
Master of Debate: "Rizenji Munechika wins round one!"
Crowd: "YEAH!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
= ROUND 2 =
Master of Debate: "Now we begin round 2! Honganji asks the question first!"
Shoyo: "Japan is frequently devaststated by tsunami, volcano, and earthquakes. One day... a man visits the Jodo Shinshu Master..."
Man: "Master, obviously, tsunami comes from the sea, volcano lava comes from underground, and earthquake is the ground shaking. But what are the ultimate sources of these disasters? "
Shoyo: "How do you answer?"
Munechika: "Er..."
Munechika is again stunned by the question. This is like asking why is the sky blue, why are the leaves green, and why the sun shines bright. Maybe one day people will know the answers, but not yet.
*** Two years ago, Kasugayama Castle ***
Maoko: "Munechika, are you ready to begin the interview?"
Munechika: "Yes, please."
Maoko: "Okay. Can you tell me why you want to work for the Nagao clan?"
Munechika: "I want to learn more about the world outside Rizenji. I find that an isolated life in the temple does not satisfy my curiosity of the world. I wish to learn as much as possible, and one day return to become a candidate of the next master of Rizenji."
Maoko: "Oh, interesting. If a maid can become the keeper of the clan, who say a nun cannot be the master of a temple? But of course we cannot expect equal pay with men. That time will not come in the next 500 years."
Munechika: "Pay does not matter. Worldly posession only hinders my purpose."
Maoko: "I hope the clan officers see things like you... :on_sweat: But just for your information, we will cover all your health benefits but not for your family's - but it does not matter, you are a nun anyway. All your trips are insured."
Munechika: "Good."
Maoko: "OK. Please talk about your curiosity. What interests you the most?"
Munechika: "I want to understand why people have various desires."
Maoko: "Hm. That's a very good topic. Some say these desires promote the survivability of mankind. We exist because we strive for better livings."
Munechika: "But the desires also make so much conflict in the world."
Maoko: "Yep. The desires can do more harm than good if they come into close contact with other individuals'."
Munechika: "I hope to understand these desires better, and pursuade people to give up most of their desires, to make the world a peaceful place."
Maoko: "Interesting. Okay, next question. Today I heard Ikko-Ikki's new propaganda, somebody erects a sign of Namo Amitabhah (Return to Buddha) and the last typhoon turned away. What's your take on this?"
Munechika: "Hm... maybe it is only a conincidence."
Maoko: "Jodo Shinshu (Ikko) advocates that getting rid of desires can turn away natural disasters. "
Munechika: "Yeah... I think they are going too far. The disaster is in our mind."
***
Master of Debate: "Rizenji Munechika, if you do not know the answer, just say it..."
Munechika: "OK, I know the answer!"
Man: "Master, obviously, tsunami comes from the sea, volcano lava comes from underground, and earthquake is the ground shaking. But what are the ultimate sources of these disasters? "
Master: "That's because there are greed, angre, obessession, prejudice, and doubts in people's mind. As long as those thoughts remain in our mind, those disasters will keep occuring to punish these people."
Shoyo: "Exactly..." :on_exhausted:
Munechika: "There is a Taoism idiom - 'the heaven is not humane; it treats everything like puppies.' In fact, there are earthquakes, volcano, and tsunami happening in uninhabited land. If you insist to associate these natural disasters with people's negative thoughts, you are also obssessed."
Shoyo: ":on_scare: I was wrong!"
Crowd: "YEAH!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
Master of Debate: "Rizenji Munechika correctly answers the question! Now it is Rizenji's turn to ask!"
Munechika: "Good. There was a famous scholar Su Shi (1037-1101) in Song Dynasty, you must know..."
Shoyo: "Sushi?"
Munechika: "Not Sushi... Su Shi. :on_furious: He was a good friend of a Zen Master Fo Yin (1032-1098)."
Shoyo: "Okay~" :on_sweat:
Munechika: "Su Shi thought he knew a lot about Buddhism. One day, he made this poem:
稽首天中天， - As I bury my head into the heaven above skies (a metaphor of Buddhism),
毫光照大千。 - A tiny enlightenment is enough to make the entire world bright.
八風吹不動， - The eight winds (Buddhist terms: praises, ridicules, slanders, honor, gains, losses, suffering, happiness) cannot move me,
端坐紫金蓮。 - As I sit upright on the purple-gold lotus. (like a Buddha)
Munechika: "Su Shi was very happy about his new poem, so he sent it to his Zen Master friend Fo Yin, who lived on the other side of the river. Fo Yin replied with two words."
放屁 - Passing Fart (Bullshit)
Munechika: "Su Shi was very angry, so he hired a boat and crossed the river to argue with Fo Yin. Fo Yin made a modification on the last sentence of Su Shi's poem. What's the modification?"
Shoyo: "Er..."
Shoyo is compeltely defeated on this one. :on_sleep: He does not even know who Su Shi and Fo Yin is, although his does like to eat Shishi (Japanese monks can eat animals.) But apparently everybody in Zen Buddhism knows this story.
Shoyo: "The eight wind cannot move me, because I recite Namo Amitabah?" :on_exhausted:
Munechika: "Nope."
八風吹不動， - The eight winds cannot move you,
一屁打過江。 - But one fart hits you across the river.
Crowd: "Wahahaha..." :on_lol:
Shoyo: :on_corner: "I should have studied more..."
Shoyo's hits his chest with both fists like a drumstick.
Master of Debate: "Rizenji Munechika wins round 2! Be careful, Honganji will lose this debate if you lose one more round!"
= ROUND 3 =
Master of Debate: "Now we begin round 3! Rizenji asks the question first!"
Shoyo: "Wait! This is not fair! If I cannot answer this question, I do not get the chance to ask my question!" :on_beg:
Master of Debate: "Where is your confidence? :on_picknose: But OK, you can ask first."
Shoyo: "Good! So..."
Shoyo: "The temple of Jodo Shinshu is called Honganji (本願寺, "the base wish" temple). What is the base of wish?"
Munechika: "I know!" :on_idea:
Munechika was a good pupil in Rizenji - she was especially good at memorizing Buddhist scriptures.
Munechika: "The is the 18th wish of Amitabhah (Buddha)'s 48 wishes."
《無量壽經》： "The scripture of limitless life"
我成佛時， - When I become Buddha,
十方眾生， - all people around the world,
聞我名號， - as they hear my name,
至心信樂， - they shall find faith and happiness in their hearts,
所有善根， - they shall find all roots of benevolence,
心心回向， - their hearts shall return,
願生我國。 - hope to be born in my kingdom.
乃至十念， - Even if they only have 10 such thoguhts,
若不生者， - and if they have not be born into my kingdom,
不取正覺。 - then I will not be ultimately enlightened.
唯除五逆， - Unless these people commit one of the five utmost sins,
誹謗正法。 - and slander the righteous law.
Munechika: "This is Hon-gan, the base of wishes. Jodo-Shinshu advocates Buddha's compassion to make everyone who holds a benevolent heart to enter his kingdom, the pure land, the western paradise."
Shoyo: :on_exhausted: "You know more than me..."
Munechika: "But there is a mistake in Jodo branch's interpretation - the doctrine of Honganji states that even those who commit the five sins (such as killing one's mother, killing one's father, attempt to murder Buddha, monks, and disturb their peace) can still go to heaven as long as they recite Namo Amitabahah. But Buddha originally excluded them. In a separate scripture (佛說觀無量壽佛經), we see that exceptions could be made. But those are rare exceptions."
Shoyo: "Really? :on_angry:"
Munechika: "That's why there are so many criminals believe in Jodo and do not change their sinful behavior... because they think they can still get into heaven as long as they repent at the end. It is unfortunate."
Shoyo: "That's why..."
Shoyo looks like a deflated balloon.
Crowd: "OHHH...."
Master of Debate: "OK! Now it is Rizenji Munechika's turn to ask!"
Munechika wants to finish this early, as she has more important assignments.
She knows that her opponent is especially weak in common Zen knowledge. This is her chance.
Munechika: "I will ask another story that everyone knows. When the 5th grandmaster of Zen Buddhist, Hong Ren (弘忍, 601-674), sought a successor, he asked his pupils to make poems. The top-seated pupil, Shen Shou (神秀), made the following poem."
身是菩提樹， My body is like a Bohdi tree (tree of enlightenment, sacred fig).
心如明鏡台， My mind is like a clear mirror stand.
時時勤拂拭， I clean the mirror frequently,
莫使惹塵埃。 so that it does not catch dusts.
Munechika: "The future 6th grandmaster, Hui Neng (惠能), was at the time a very low-ranked monk. But he also made a poem that deeply impressed the grandmaster. What was it?"
Shoyo: "Er... The sacred fig is a big tree... I don't know!" :on_beg:
Shoyo has learned this story when he was in Honganji.
But they were all too excited about rebellions so they forgot about the story instantly.
Munechika: "Here it is."
菩提本無樹， Bodhi (enlightenment) is originally not a tree,
明鏡亦非台； Neither is a clear mirror is any kind of stand.
本來無一物， If there is nothing that eixsts,
何處惹塵埃。 There is no dust to be cleaned.
Munechika: "This poem deeply matches the spirit of Zen Buddhism. So Hui Neng became the sixth grandmaster of Zen Buddhism - that's hundreds of years before it gets spread to Japan."
Shoyo: "I see..." :on_scared:
Shoyo is crushed by Munechika's words of wisdom.
Shoyo: "The Jodo Shinshu is a superstition for the ignorant! NOOOO~~~"
Shoyo falls to the ground - Blood gushes out from his mouth as he bit his lip on the floor. http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_redblood.gif
Munechika: "Please don't say that. There are 86400 ways to understand Buddha. Every one takes whatever he or she needs. We cannot force everyone to become a scholar. The Jodo Shinshu appears to a large number of people; it certainly has its meaning of existence. There is no limit in Buddhism - why do we distinguish between each other? Zen, Jodo, and all other branches, all as one. Amitabhah."
Crowd: "YEAH!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
As the crowd cheers in the background, Munechika finishes her speech with a namaste gesture.
Master of Debate: "Round three is won by Rizenji! The debate is over - Rizenji wins with a 3 to 0 shutout!"
Crowd: "Rizenji! Rizenji! Rizenji! Yee-Yee-Oh!" https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=6601&d=1345767865
***
Note: In terms of game mechanics, 4-star Munechika easily crushed 2-star Shoyo. :on_sing:
Chapter 16. Uesugi Norimasa
Kasugayama Castle, March, 1547
Today, the Nagao army plans to begin their march.
From Kasugayama Castle, they'll head south to the province of Ueno.
Their mission - assist the Yamanouchi Uesugi to defend against an invasion from Hojo.
Kagetora: "Everything is ready... but where is Yaya?" :on_huh:
Kagetora promised Yaya to bring her along. But she disappeared after breakfast.
Suddenly, Housekeeper Maoko bursts into the room with sweats all over her face.
Maoko: "My Lord! Come! Madam Yaya's... water is broken! But she is not in labor yet! We have to perform a surgery!" :on_yell:
Kagetora: "A surgery?! Is it dangerous?" :on_bibber:
Maoko: "Think about Seppuku minus disembowelment! My lord, you need to be present to give support to Madam Yaya!"
Kagetora: "But... but I need to lead the march today!"
Maoko: "My lord, please - she is your wife!"
Kagetora: "AHHH..."
Kagetora is tortured by guilt. He has never put Yaya to his first priority - everything he did was about his Nagao clan. But on the other hand, Kagetora knows that a daimyo cannot postpone a march due to a family member's illness.
Nomi: "Kagetora, you must go to Yaya. I will wear your armor and lead the march in your place. Take your time with Yaya, and then come to join us."
Maoko: "YES, let's do that!" :on_furious:
Kagetora: "Ok sure. Thank you very much, Nomi!"
Kagetora quickly takes off his armor and joins Maoko.
There are quite a few pieces - now all piled up on the floor.
Nomi: "Hm..." :on_hmm:
Actually, there is one thing that Nomi has always wanted.
Ten years ago, she took a vow under Bishamonten to become his faithful follower.
Kagetora is the (self-styled) avatar of Bishamonten.
Wouldn't it be nice if Nomi can pretend to be Bishamonten for a while?
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_105.jpg
In a few moments, Nomi is in Kagetora's armor.
It fits really well - Kagetora has grown taller, now he and Nomi are about the same size.
Nomi draws the Katana the way Kagetora always does.
All of a sudden, she feels the confidence and power of a deity!
"We begin the march to Ueno!" :on_getsome:
"BUUU--- BUUU--- BUUU---"
The longhorn can be heard all over Kasuga Mountain. The Nagao army is on the move!
Note: The picture above is from KOEI's Nobunaga Ambition XIII. In the future I will use more pictures from the game to fill in the blanks of TW:S2.
(ten days later)
West of Hirai Castle, base of Uesugi Norimasa, the Kanto Kanrei (commander)
Nagao's 2000 men have arrived in Ueno and made a camp just outside the castle.
But Nagao Kagetora has not joined them.
"My lord... Lady Nomi, The Kanto Kanrei is here!"
"We don't have Kagetora yet. :on_sweat: What should I do?..."
Nomi takes a look at the huge "Bi" banner behind her.
She takes a deep breath.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_106.jpg
Uesugi Norimasa: "Nagao Kagetora? You are very famous in Ueno! :on_aww: It is a pleasure for the Uesugi to have your assistance. In this troubled time, we can rarely find any man like you. Man like you are... er... my..."
:on_lightning: As Uesugi Norimasa sees Kagetora's face, he cannot finish his sentence.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_norimasa_240.jpg
Uesugi Norimasa (上杉憲政)
Borin in 1523. Leader of the Yamanouechi Uesugi of Ueno, he succeeds the Shogunate's "Kanto Kanrei" position.
In history, as Uesugi's influence diminishes under the threat of the rising Hojo clan, Uesugi Norimasa sought help from Nagao Kagetora of Echigo. Not long after, Uesugi Norimasa lost his land and had to seek shelter in Echigo. In 1559, in the hope of restoring the honor of the Uesugi clan and the Kanto Kanrei position, Norimasa passed his Uesugi name and the Shogunate rank to Nagao Kagetora, who took "Masa" from Norimasa to become Uesugi Masatora. This name was in use for 3 years, famously during the fourth battle of Kawanakajima (1561).
***
"Lord Norimasa, it is my honor to meet you." :on_pushups:
:on_angry2:"Nagao Kagetora is a lady?"
"Er..."
It is an awkward moment. Norimasa had imagined that Kagetora must be a "manly man".
No wonder people say Kagetora does not like woman.
Nomi cannot tell a lie for she follows Bishamonten.
She has to reveal the truth.
Nomi: "I am very sorry, Lord Norimasa. I am only a Kagemusha (shadow warrior) of Lord Kagetora. My name is Usami Nomi, daughter of Usami Sadamitsu, Lord of Biwa Island Castle. Lord Kagetora's wife gave birth in the morning when we started marching from Kasugayama Castle, so I took my lord's place for a few days. I believe that Lord Kagetora will arrive in Ueno shortly."
Norimasa: :on_sweat: "Oh, I see! Actually you are doing very well, you do look like a Kagetora to me! Do you fight, too?"
Nomi: "Thank you... Yes, I do fight. I am the captain bodyguard for Lord Kagetora."
Norimasa: "Oh... good for you!" :on_thumbup:
Norimasa cannot help but imagine a team of beautiful ladies to be his bodyguards. :on_sing:
Note: Kagemusha was common in Sengoku just like stunt-double is today.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_096.jpg
Yaya: "Thank you for being with me... I have no other request of this life."
Kagetora: "I will forever put you in my heart..."
Kagetora and Yaya hug each other in tears.
Maoko: :on_sweat: "Please, my lord. You are both very young compared to me. You still have many days ahead!"
Yaya: "Thank you, housekeeper. We have a healthy boy now! What should we name the boy?"
Kagetora: "Many things we have done are for peace. How about "for peace", Kamekazu? When he becomes an adult in the clan, we will put Kage into his name to become Kagekazu."
Yaya: "Good name! So what should we call him at home?"
Kagetora: "We can follow Umachiyo and call him Hitsuji(sheep)-chiyo, since he is born in the year of sheep."
Yaya: "It sounds weird, but very cute! :on_aww: Why not? Umachiyo, you have to love Hitsujichiyo, OK?"
Umachiyo: "Bababa..." :on_hi:
Umachiyo has turned one year old - he just learned to walk.
Maoko: "My lord, please leave Kasugayama Castle to us. The army is waiting for you."
Yaya: "When I get better, I might go to Ueno to look for you!"
Kagetora: "Sure!"
Kagetora looks up - the strong wind is tearing the clouds apart.
Where are the enemies? It has been almost three months since 2000 Nagao's men came to Ueno.
Uesugi Norimasa: "What's Hojo doing? If you declare war, at least try to attack us..." :on_sweat:
Kagetora: "Maybe they are... we just do not know it yet."
Norimasa: "I can't wait for the great battle! The joined forces of Nagao and Uesugi smash Hojo on the battlefield!"
The Kanto Kanrei pumps his fist in the air. :on_getsome:
Nomi: "I remember that my father once suspect this is just a plot of Hojo Ujiyasu, the Lion of Sagami. We have to be more suspicious about Hojo's real intention. Maybe Nagao's army in Ueno is part of Hojo's plan."
Norimasa: "Yes, lady Kagetora is right! Hojo Ujiyasu is a cunning lion. We have to be careful."
Lady Kagetora: "My name is Nomi..." :on_exhausted:
Norimasa: "You look like a Kagetora more than a Nomi... :on_sweat:"
Lady Kagetora: "So the Kanto Kanrei can force people to change their names?" :on_tears:
Norimasa: "Yeah... I can give my clan's "Nori" word as an honor. But Nori-mi is weird... Masa-mi sounds good!" :on_sing:
Masami: :on_corner:
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blows the picnic plates away. Sands get into people's eyes and mouths! A thick branch falls off the tree!
"AAI-YO!" and the branch screams!
"Who is this?":on_angry:
"An assassin?"
Nomi draws her katana at the assassin in black - only sees someone she recognizes.
The assassin quickly gets up and takes a very professional ninja posture.
:on_hero: "I am sorry! Ninja Naoaki reporting!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/ninja_naoaki_240.jpg
Ninja Naoaki (忍者直明)
The first pupil of Usami Sadamitsu's Echigo-style Ninjutsu. However, five years before his graduation, Naoaki was called up to the Nagao clan as a field agent. Naoaki is (supposedly) an expert of camouflage and costume-playing (i.e. cos-play), and is therefore extremely suitable for covert spying missions. Naoaki believes that his speciality perfectly matches Echigo-style Ninjutsu's spirit - he does not hurt his victim's body, damage his victim's feeling, steps on his victim's ego, nor he affects Nagao's reputation.
***
Kagetora: "Finally you are back! What do you know?"
Naoaki: "My lord, sorry to keep you waiting! I have travelled all across Kanto, Shinano, Hokuriku, and even the sea! I know everything! Please pick your questions!"
Norimasa: "Wait! You are a ninja? Maybe you know this... in spring, someone burned a large portion of our crops! I wonder who did such a terrible thing. Do you have any information?"
Naoaki: "Er... Lord Uesugi, I have an alibi." :on_sweat:
Note: Naokai has to be trained whenever possible. :on_sweat:
HopAlongBunny
09-03-2012, 07:19
I've been following this story from the beginning; I just recently went and checked out the videos.
Wow!:on_2thumbs: the scenes and the music are great!!! The story has been excellent so far, but the videos add another dimension to the tale.
More please :party2:
Thanks! Yes I must say the video is a lot of work. Each minute is 1-2 hours behind the scenes. :dizzy2:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_100.jpg
(A) Listen to ninja's intelligence report (Paragon +5)
(B) Look at beautiful wife (Renegade +5) <--
***
Ninja Naoaki was just about to speak, but he notices that nobody is looking at him. Their eyes are fixed on someone in his back... Oh, it is Lord Kagetora's wife, a little toddler, and a baby in the arms.
In the end, Ashina Yaya and the babies did join Kagetora in Ueno, under the invitation of Uesugi Norimasa. Ueno is very safe thanks to the precense of Nagao's army.
Kagetora: "Yaya, this is Kanto Kanrei, Lord Uesugi Norimasa. This is my wife, daughter of the Ashina daimyo Ashina Morikiyo, Yaya."
Yaya: "Thank you so much for your hospitality. :pushups: Umachiyo, say hi to uncle Uesugi."
Umachiyo waves his hands.
"Good!" :on_lol:
Norimasa pats Umachiyo on his head.
Yaya: "It must be exciting to be a ninja! Can I hear Naoaki's stories, too?"
Norimasa: "Of course! Please start!"
***
(A) Listen to intel on Hokuriku.
(B) Listen to intel on Shinano.
(C) Listen to intel on Kai.
(D) Listen to intel on Kanto.
(E) Play all <--
***
Kagetora: "OK, let's talk about home first. What is Honganji doing in Hokuriku (the northern land)?"
Naoaki: "Certainly, my lord. I put on the custume of a travelling flute musician, you know, with a basket covering my face. I was in Noto and witnessed Ikko-Ikki's great army crush the mobs like a bug. And they put a bounty on master Rizenji Munechika!" :on_angry:
Norimasa: "Rizenji Munechika? I know this name! There was a famous debate in Noto three months ago! Munechika silenced the opponent from Honganji! I wish I was there!" :on_aww:
Yaya: "What happened to the monk from Honganji? Was he punished by torture?" :on_scare:
Naoaki: "Nope. He gave up on Ikko and opened a bookstore in the market."
Norimasa: "Market, temple, and sake den... the development trinity! It is normal to see staff leaving one only to join another, as the lords tend to demolish one before building another." :on_lol:
Yaya: "So was Munechika safe in Noto?"
Naoaki: "I helped her with a Geisha costume and sneak through the border to Kaga. Then I followed Munechika to Kaga, where she incited another mob's rebellion!" :on_hero:
Kagetora: ":on_sweat: I don't think this is the right way to fight a war... by inciting rebellions in the darkness..."
Naoaki: "Don't worry, Lord Kagetora. All Munechika did was charity work. The mobs gather when there are freebies. Disorder rises when the mobs gather. The police arrive when disorder rises. People get beaten when police arrive. Then, riot happens when people get beaten." :on_sing:
Kagetora: :on_exhausted:
Norimasa: "Kagetora, you are really a righteous person! No wonder people call you the avatar of Bishamonten!" :on_thumbup:
Nomi notices that Yaya looks at Kagetora admiringly. :on_aww:
This is really disgusting. :on_waterfall:
Nomi: "So what is Munechika doing next? Maybe she can travel to Echizen and cause for major damage."
Naoaki: "I scouted ahead for Munechika. Unfortunately, there was a heavy garrison in Echizen. If the Honganji army came to Kaga, Munechika would return to Noto. She planned to delay Honganji's action by casuing unending rebellions in Hokuriku. Hopefully, this gives Lord Masakage enough time to restore Jinbo clan in Etchu."
Kagetora: "OK then. There seems to be no better way to delay Honganji. One day, we probably have to fight them."
Yaya: "Kagetora, you already did your best."
Naoaki: "Actually our trips in Hokuriku has made Munechika a household name there! This is a great thing for the spreading of Buddhism!"
Nomi: "Looks like that Masakage will be able to restore Jinbo in Etchu. Let's hope Jinbo regains its strength quickly..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_107.jpg
Kagetora: "Speaking of Honganji - they seem to have a large navy. How is Echigo's navy doing?"
Naoaki: "Oh yes, Lord Kagetora asks the right question! I have seen two battles with my own eyes!"
Yaya: "You were on the ship?" :on_aww:
Naoaki: "Yes! :on_hero: I heng on to the flag pole and hid myself! So I had the best view of the battle!"
Norimasa: "Just a second! I go get some tea and snacks..."
Kagetora is a little worried about the Kanto Commander.
Uesugi Norimasa is a good friend to hang out with.
But he does not seem to carry the prestige to match the second highest Shogunate position.
Kagetora can't march an army to Ueno every time Uesugi is attacked.
Naoaki: "OK. Let's talk about the first battle. The Echigo Bune and the Honganji Bune had a duel on the water! But since Echigo's sailors have received rigorous balance training..."
Norimasa: "Balance training?" :on_huh:
Naoaki: "Yes. We built a large wave pool in the navy base. We nicknamed it 'The Pirate Den'".
Yaya: "I have heard of it! So there is no real pirate in the Pirate Den?"
Naokai: "Of course not. How could Lord Kagetora tolerate cooperation with Wako pirates?"
Kagetora: "Yeah, it is just a name to keep the teenagers interested in joining the navy." :on_sweat:
Naoaki: "Anyway, our sailors are much more experienced on the water. As the two ships approached each other, the Echigo sailors released a defeanening war cry! BAAAAAAH! :on_furious:"
Norimasa: "WOW!" :on_scare:
Naoaki: "The enemies were stunned! The Echigo sailors grasped the opportunity and jumped onto the enemy's ship and started hacking and slashing!"
Yaya: "How powerful is the war cry?"
Naokai: "Oh you would not want to hear it! The enemies were scared enough that most of them dropped their katana! They get hacked down like strawmen - plus blood splash everywhere like the tomato sause we use in Pirate Den!" :on_panda:
Norimasa: "OH YEAH!" :on_sing:
Yaya: "How bloody!" :on_aww:
Naoaki is so excited that there are some foams coming out of his mouth.
Yaya and Uesugi Norimasa are his greatest fans.
Note: Not until much later (Chapter 46: Duel of the Untouchables) do I start using the debug camera to make screenshots and videos. In the meantime, the naval battles will have small ships and sailors from the normal camera. Sorry. :on_sweat:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_108.jpg
Naoaki: "Then all of a sudden the wind changed, my view was completely blocked by Honganji's banner! So I leaped to Honganji's Bune, hiding myself on the horizontal beam! Dozens of sailors fighting for their lives right under my feet!"
Nomi: "Why didn't you help our men?"
Naoaki: "Er... I was in Ninja uniform. People tend to think a spy is always from the other side. :on_sweat:"
Norimasa: "You are so brave, still! So what did you see?"
Yaya: "Umachiyo, cover your ears!"
Umachiyo: "Bababa..." :on_hi:
Naoaki: "Oh yes! I saw a samurai suddenly beheaded right under me! The blood rushes out from his neck like a fountain! PAAAAAH! And that head was flying toward me - it almost hit my head! I was sure the head saw me!"
Norimasa: :on_bibber:
Yaya: "YEEEW!" :on_aww:
Kagetora: "That's very interesting. Naoaki, how about the next battle?"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_109.jpg
Naoaki: "Oh the second battle ended much more quickly. I found a better view - right in between of the two large "Bi" banner. Oh the scenary of the sea was breath-taking! But as soon as our sailors started firing and yelling, the chickens from Honganji gave up and surrender."
Yaya: "I really want to take a trip on the sea. Kagetora, can you bring me when you start your Kyushu campaign?"
Norimasa: "Eh? Kyushu campaign?" :on_huh:
Kagetora: ":on_sweat: Yes. The Nagao clan aims to prosper through international trade. To do that we need to have a stand in Kyushu. Lord Norimasa, please understand this is our secret though..."
Norimasa: "Interesting. Good luck! I won't tell anyone."
Kagetora: "Thank you."
"How can she reveal clan's top secret just like that?" Nomi thought.
But strategy has no shelf space in Yaya's mind, just like jealousy holds a mansion in most women's heart.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_101.jpg
Naoaki: "Oh yes! There was another sea battle at the same time. A tiny half-broken Honganji ship tried to put a blockade on Honma's port on Sado island, but it was easily caught up and by our Bune. Unfortunately, Honma's port was still blocked off by Date's fleet."
Kagetora: "Ops. So that means our trade with Honma is..." :on_tears:
Nomi: "... losing koku. Where is Honma's navy?"
Naokai: "Probably blocking Date's port?" :on_exhausted:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_099.jpg
Chapter 17. A Plot to Exploit
Kagetora: "Looks like we do not have to be afraid of Honganji for now. How about Kanto? Did you find Hojo's army?"
Suddenly, Naoaki showed a very mean grin. :on_harhar:
Naoaki: "Here is where things get interesting. I was under the pretendence of a rogue ronin, you know, just don't shave my beard for two weeks and fake some chest hairs growing out of my shirt. I travelled to Kanto, but did not see much of Hojo's army there. Definitely less than 2000."
Kagetora: "That's odd. Hojo definitely has more than that."
Norimasa: "Where did they go?"
Nomi: "Obviously, they have started an invasion - but they are not coming to Ueno."
Nomi recalls his father Sadamitsu's warning.
Maybe Hojo wanted Nagao to detect its intention to attack Ueno.
So now Nagao's 2000 men is parked in Ueno, doing nothing for the past three months.
Naoaki: :on_harhar: "So I put on a different make-up... my favorite travelling merchant, carrying a big, but empty bag in my back, and sneaked into Shinano. Do you know what I found there?"
Nomi: "Hojo Ujiyasu's army?"
Naoaki: "Good one, lady Kagetora! :on_idea:"
Norimasa: "Hey, only the Kando Kanrei can change people's name!" :on_sing:
Nomi: "It is ok. What about Hojo's army?"
Naoaki: ":on_sweat: I am very sorry. Hojo's army was on their way to North Shinano, which was controlled by the Kiso clan..."
"What? Isn't northern Shinano controlled by Takeda?" :on_angry:
Naoaki: "Takeda made a mistake and their smaller army was crushed. Now they are back to square one in Kai."
Nomi: "I thought Takeda Harunobu is better than that..."
Naoaki: "Well, people make mistakes. Takeda Harunobu is famous for attacking again and again. He is not famous for winning again and again."
Kagetora: "OK..." :on_sweat:
Naoaki: "There was rumor that Takeda Harunobu was killed in battle. I will have to verify that myself later. Anyway, back to northern Shinano. Hojo Ujiyasu's army had about 2000 men, but they are not all in one place, as the bigger army rushed to defeat Kiso, which was very much weakened by Takeda. Maybe Kiso is smart enough to retreat? Maybe not. Anyway, I met Maoko the Housekeeper on her way to Kiso for some kind of military access deal. It is out of my understanding why Kiso would like to make sure Nagao does not attack them... :on_sweat:"
Nomi: "I see. So Hojo Ujiyasu's plot is to draw Nagao to Ueno, so Hojo can take Shinano and attack Echigo while we are away..."
Norimasa: "Echigo is in danger!" :on_angry2:
Yaya: :on_scare:
Kagetora: "Why does Hojo want to attack Echigo, though? If I were Hojo Ujiyasu, I wouldn't stretch my territory this thin."
Nomi: "Right. Hojo Ujiyasu is the 'Lion of Sagami' is famous for his steady and conservative strategies. This is unlikely. We have to look deeper into this..."
Although it is a hot summer day, the air mass seems to cool down rapidly when Kagetora and Nomi dig deep into Hojo Ujiyasu's plot. The fate of Kanto will be decided soon - by a plot to exploit another plot. In order to be a contemporary of "Tiger of Kai" Takeda Harunobu and "Lion of Sagami" Hojo Ujiyasu, Nagao Kagetora has to work really hard as well.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_103.jpg
(In the evening...)
Under candle light, Ninja Naoaki completed a strategic map of Shinano and surrounding regions.
Uesugi Norimasa: "Ok! Let's talk some strategies!" :on_aww:
Naoaki: "By early autumn, Hojo Ujiyasu would have taken northern Shinano and have probably 1000 men left after defeating Kiso. Another 700 reinforcement are on the way from southern Shinano."
Nomi: "The two armies will try to combine, obviously. The question is where is Hojo going next."
Kagetora: "If the Nagao army stays in Ueno, Hojo might invade Echigo. But if I were Hojo Ujiyasu, I would not prefer going further north. It is better to take Ueno, which connects to Hojo's other territory in Kanto."
Nomi: "AH! Now it is clear! Why didn't I realize this earlier?" :on_furious:
Norimasa: "What's clear?"
Nomi suddenly understands Hojo Ujiyasu's plot.
Nomi: "Hojo Ujiyasu wanted to attack Ueno from the very beginning. He did not march his army to Ueno because he wanted to avoid a head-on clash with Uesugi and Nagao's army. Hojo Ujiyasu did not have the confidence to win this battle."
Norimasa: "Yes! :on_lie:"
Nomi: "Hojo Ujiyasu then asked Takeda Harunobu to join his side. But Takeda Harunobu refused to send an army as it was already busy with three other wars. Harunobu sent an emissary to Kasugayama Castle and purposely gave us a hint that Hojo Ujiyasu would attack Ueno."
Norimasa: "With a friend like this..." :on_bash:
Kagetora: "Yes. That happened last winter."
Nomi: "After realizing Takeda Harunobu's unwillingness to help, Hojo Ujiyasu knew it would be impossible to directly attack Ueno. At this moment, Takeda Harunobu was unexpectedly defeated by Kiso in northern Shinano. Hojo Ujiyasu had a new plan. He secretly marched to northern Shinano through Takeda's Kai, where he easily defeated the already weakened Kiso."
Kagetora: "Yes. This is what happens now."
Nomi: "But Hojo's best scenario is to take Ueno. Ujiyasu only has to fake an invasion to Echigo. While Nagao's army retreat to defend their home, Hojo Ujiyasu would quickly attack Ueno along with its army in Kanto."
Kagetora: "Ah... makes sense!"
Norimasa: "Please don't leave me, Kagetora! :on_beg: But if you don't go, Echigo would be in danger." :on_sweat:
Nomi: "I bet that we will hear rumors that Hojo's army has left north Shinano to attack Echigo."
Kagetora: "But it is just a rumor."
Nomi: "Indeed."
Nomi takes a deep breath and reveals a confident smile.
"There shall no return trip if Hojo Ujiyasu comes to Ueno!" :on_ohlala:
Norimasa: :on_bibber: "The lady Kagetora is even more horrifying than a female tiger!"
"Thank you."
Nomi nodded lightly.
She is a little tired of Uesugi Norimasa.
Norimasa: "But what are we going to do?" :on_aww:
Kagetora: "I think Nomi means we will set an ambush. There seems to be only one path between North Shinano and Ueno."
Kagetora points at ninja Naoaki's map - an obvious path connects North Shinano and Ueno.
Naoaki: :on_sweat: "I cannot stop Ujiyasu is he decides to climb mountains..."
Nomi: "If Hojo Ujiyasu wants to sneak attack Ueno, he has to do it quickly. Naoaki, what does the terrain of this path look like?"
Naoaki: "Vallyes and trees. It is quite ideal for an ambush!" :on_love:
Nomi: "Very good. If Hojo Ujiyasu is not careful, we might be able to defeat his two armies separately - with minimal loss."
Kagetora: "Then we can sign a peace treaty with Hojo and end this war.":on_bath:
Norimasa: "Why don't you take over Hojo's territory? It must be easy by then." :on_sing:
Kagetora: "Is that your order, Lord Norimasa?"
Norimasa: "Nope. Just a suggestion." :on_please2:
Kagetora: "Then please allow me to decline. Nagao has no reason to take over Hojo's territory. We just hope to bring peace to Kanto region."
Norimasa: "Wow Kagetora, you are really a nice person. If the warmongers and expansionists learn from you, the Sengoku Jidai would be immediately over."
Kagetora: :on_sweat:
But then people like Kagetora would not stand out like a Japanese idol.
There is a popular saying: "Without the devils, nobody would believe in Buddha."
Naoaki: "So... my lord wishes to delay Hojo's reinforcement from the south?"
Nomi: "That would be the best. What can Naoaki do?"
Naoaki: ":on_ohlala: Oh, there are too many ways. For example, I can put on my weapon merchant costume... but I need several hundred koku to pull this off. :on_please2:"
Kagetora: "Sure. If this allows us to defeat Hojo's two armies separately, it is worth every koku."
Naoaki: "Yes! I will make it happen!"
Naoaki makes his confident ninja pose. :on_hero:
Nomi: "Good for you. You live up to my father's standard."
Naoaki: "You are not bad, too. You live to my master's standard."
Norimasa: "Wait, what's your relationship?" :on_sing:
Naoaki: "We are students under the same master."
Nomi: "We are urelated." :on_redcard:
Kagetora: :on_sweat: "They are both students of master Usami Sadamitsu. One specializes in military strategy and tactics; the other specializes in ninjutsu."
Norimasa: "Wow!" :on_thumbup:
Kagetora: "But... if we can defeat Ujiyasu's entire army in one battle, wouldn't this justify our cause even more?"
Nomi: "Kagetora, fighting a battle is not just about clash of the units - it is about clash of strategies, too. In the clash of strategies, we exploit our enemy's plot if there is a chance. Just like a soldier would attack an enemy's weakness if he can."
Kagetora: "I see. Let's do this!"
Kagetora used to hope that every enemy would fight with him face to face. If Kagetora wins, the enemy would yield and sign a peace treaty. But the reality is far more complicated.
Kagetora: "Let's spread rumors, too. Let's say Nagao Kagetora is leading 2200 men back to Echigo."
Naoaki: "That's not enough, my lord. We need witness and evidence. How about I help Lord Norimasa's army pretend to be Nagao's?"
Nomi: "In the meantime, the real Nagao army separate into hundreds of groups of merchants, farmers, monks... and the vallye's deep forest shall be our rendezvous."
Naoaki: "Exactly! I will prepare the costumes if Lord Norimasa helps me."
Norimasa: "Good! Good! Trust me to get the costumes!"
Kagetora: "The decisive battle is coming soon! We should start preparing as quickly as possible"
Norimasa: "Let this autumn be the last season for Hojo Ujiyasu! WAHAHAHA! WAHAHAHA! WAHAHAHA!" :on_lol::on_panda::on_sing:
Uesugi Norimasa laughs uncontrollably.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_110.jpg
September 11, 1547
Border of Ueno and Shinano
Kagetora got up early in this wet, cool autumn morning. White smoke come out from his mouth.
After a brief breakfast, Kagetora and his bodyguards climbed up a nearby hill.
The morning sun merge from the horizon. He can see Mount Fuji in the far south - the entire upper portion is covered in snow, reflecting the morning golden sun.
Kagetora looks at Usami Nomi, who has been his bodyguard captain for two years.
She used to be taller than Kagetora by half of a head. But now they are about the same height.
Nomi's cheeks appear quite red with the sunshine's hue. Kagetora can always tell confidence from her face.
Kagetora: "Nomi, if we defeat Hojo Ujiyasu today, what happens next?"
Nomi: "We can divide the army up. One press forward, defeat Hojo's reinforcement, and completely smash their invasion. The other takes North Shinano in the meantime, restoring Lord Murakami Yoshikiyo's power and fulfilling our promise to Murakami."
Kagetora: "Then we sign a peace treaty with Hojo, right?"
Nomi: "Unless Kagetora wants to become an aggressor? Then we march back to Ueno, and attack Sagami together with Lord Uesugi Norimasa. We can easily crush the remaining Hojo army."
Kagetora: "Hm..."
Nomi: "I thought Kagetora is reluctant to invade another clan?"
The morning fog of Shinano's valley looks just like the sea of cloud beneath Echigo's Kasuga mountain. On top of the sea there are small, colorful islands - hills populated with trees and their falling leaves.
Kagetora: "I am thinking about Kyushu. We set out a goal to expand toward Kyushu - isn't this an invasion as well? If I have decided to invade Kyushu, why do I refrain from invading Kanto?"
Nomi: "It is difficult to walk the righteous path, Kagetora. An invasion is an invasion, no matter what our excuse is. We will fall into hopeless hypocrisy and self-deception if we simply call Kyushu clans 'evil' and attack them in the name of righteousness. Maybe there is a sound solution to this when the time is right."
Kagetora: "Sure. For now, let's give Hojo a chance. If they initiate another war in the future, our army marches to Kanto."
Nomi: "Give them a chance? You are a very nice person, Kagetora."
Nomi rarely gives a sweet smile like she does now.
Her specialty in military strategy and tactics makes her the "female Kagetora" in Uesugi Norimasa's mouth. She is a perfect companion to discuss strategy and wars.
Yet, if she applies the same amount of make-up as Yaya does, Nomi could be very attractive as well.
Luckily, Kagetora is an oddity who has no desire in romantic relationship. This is also what Nomi hopes for, as she devotes her life to the way of Bishamonten, the God of War.
Perhaps, this is the only way that they can pour all their energy into strategies and tactics. Together, they complete the image of Bishamonten, like a bright rising sun in the morning sky.
Kagetora: "So that would be peace with Hojo. How about Takeda?"
Nomi: "If Takeda Harunobu indeed suffered a defeat in Shinano earlier this year, there must be very little army in Kai. This could be Takeda's weakest moment."
Kagetora: "So we do not have to worry about Takeda for a while."
Nomi: "Harunobu's actions cannot be predicted using common sense. Maybe we can scout Kai with ninja..."
"Ninja reporting!" :on_hero:
And the ninja arrives as they speak of him!
"Ninja Naoaki reporting! Top urgency! My lord, please prepare for battle now!"
Kagetora sees Naoaki first as a little black dot leaping left and right.
But a ninja's speed is legendary. Before Naoaki finishes his line, the ninja is right in front of Kagetora.
[color=indigo]"What's new?"
"Hojo's reinforcement is delayed. But Hojo Ujiyasu has marched overnight - they are only 6 miles west of here!" :on_getsome:
"The battle is today!"
Kagetora can feel his heart pounding - what kind of opponent is the Lion of Sagami?
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_104.jpg
As Nagao Kagetora hoped, "The Lion of Sagami" Hojo Ujiyasu marches toward Ueno.
They were ambushed by Nagao half-way, in the Shinano region called Ueda.
The battle that decides the fate of Kanto begins!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_111.jpg
Hojo Ujiyasu is only a few days from entering Ueno.
His army has been marching only in the night. The men are spread out in a long column.
As the sun comes out, it is almost the time for Hojo to make camp.
"Matsuda."
"Yes, my lord."
The one who answers is a senior clan officer in the clan, Matsuda Noriyoshi.
"Let's go for another 2 or 3 miles and call it the day. We have to wait for the reinforcement from Musashi to arrive anyway."
"Certainly."
As Matsuda ride to the front of the army to relay the message, Hojo Ujiyasu takes a good look of the landscape. There is not much to be seen at night.
They are in a deep valley surrounded by tall mountains. The morning fog is slowly climbing along the mountain. Is Hojo clan's future as promising as the rising morning sun?
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/hojo_ujiyasu_240.jpg
Hojo Ujiyasu (北條氏康)
Born in 1515. The third leader of the Sagami Hojo clan, which is unrelated to the Hojo family of the Kamakura Shogunnate. Nicknamed "the Lion of Sagami", Hojo Ujiyasu possess extraordinary abilities in clan development, diplomacy, and military. Under the leadership of Ujiyasu, Hojo gradually became the most powerful clan in the Kanto region.
Historically, Hojo Ujiyasu's most famous battle was the Night Battle of Kawagoe Castle (河越城夜戰) in 1546, where Hojo Ujiyasu's surprise night sally of 10,000 strong routed the joint force of Ahikaga and Uesugi of 80,000. In 1554, Hojo Ujiyasu formed a famous three-way alliance with Takeda Harunobu and Imagawa Yoshimoto (which usually happens a lot earlier in the game). In addition, Hojo Ujiyasu's sons unite under the same banner, which is a rarity in Sengoku Jidai.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_113.jpg
An intense battle is about to happen. Nagao Kagetora must quickly figures out a plan.
Nomi: "Kagetora, the Hojo army has not detected us. We are in a good ambush situation - although not as perfect as four hours ago."
Kagetora: "Ambush? How about we divide up the army in two and hide in the forest? When Hojo Ujiyasu's army pass through, we attack them in the middle from both sides."
Kagetora has been studying ancient literature on military tactics. It is common knowledge that in an ambush situation, the first half of the enemy army should be let to pass. Attacking the middle usually kills the enemy taisho, and the rest of the army will rout easily.
Naoaki: "My lord, ambushing an marching army is good. But now it is close to Hojo's rest time. They are going to setup a camp, so we may end up attacking their camp by surprise. Most soldiers would be sleeping. This is great!" :on_sing:
Kagetora: "Oh... Hm..."
Kagetora is reluctant to attack somebody in their sleep.
Nomi: "Kagetora, if you wish to keep carrying the banner of Bishamonten, attacking people in their sleep won't help. If you sneak attack, you already admit that you cannot defeat them when they are awake. Bishamonten does not fear any enemy in any situation."
Naoaki: "But my lord, Hojo Ujiyasu pulled off this night attack on Uesugi in Musashi last year..." :on_yell:
Kagetora: "That's probably why Lord Uesugi Norimasa dislikes Hojo this much. :on_sweat: Thank you, Naoaki. But I prefer to defeat the enemy face to face."
Somehow, Kagetora just feels this is the right thing to do. Even though doing the right thing is not always the easiest option... or maybe it will be proven to be the best option only in the end.
Nomi: [color=darkred]"I support Kagetora's decision. Fighting the enemy squarely does not mean we will simply charge everybody at them... that would be silly. :on_picknose: We still use tactics."
Kagetora: "Nomi, does the Echigo-sytle Tactics cover ambush?"
Nomi: "Certainly. Pick your chapter: Yari Ambush, Bow Ambush, Cavalry Ambush, or All Ambush?"
Kagetora: :on_aww:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_114.jpg
Hojo Ujiyasu is a man of caution. Even if everything appears well, he does not let his guard down.
"Matsuda, by now, Nagao Kagetora must have returned to Echigo, right?"
"Yes, my lord. Our intelligence shows that Nagao's army has retreated from Ueno."
"Somehow, I feel things can go wrong..."
"My lord, please do not worry. Nobody can remain calm when their home is threatened. In fact, three out of four Sengoku Jidai's military campaigns were cancelled because their home was under the threat of attack."
"That probably explain why now so many daimyos attack their neighbors without protecting their home province - only to find themselves homeless..." :on_sweat:
"Yes. As Nagao Kagetora returns to Echigo, Ueno goes to Hojo, too! My lord has accomplished much, while Nagao Kagetora none!"
"I am also worried about Takeda Harunobu. Shinano has been his goal for a long time. Rumors are that Takeda Harunobu has been badly injured and killed... but I don't believe it."
"I agree, my lord. We cannot trust Takeda Harunobu. One day, he will turn against Hojo."
While people temporarily think the "Tiger of Kai" Takeda Harunobu is no longer a contender of Sengoku Jidai, Hojo Ujiyasu does not believe it. For a great clan leader, any opportunity can be turned into a legendary come back.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_115.jpg
"Nomi, so this is the 'ambush of spears' mentioned in Echigo Style Tactics?"
"Yep. Let me recite a section. 'Let the bows be the bait, the yari be the trap. Whoever comes into the trap will be devoured, leaving corpses on the track.' This is called the 'Devourer' formation."
"Okay, so let's do this as planned! The bodyguards follow me! Can we trust you with the bow ashigaru, captain Kojima?"
"Yes! My lord, let me handle this!" :on_hero:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_112.jpg
At this moment, the morning fog covers the entire valley, including Hojo's marching army.
But it might cover other armies...
Matsuda Noriyoshi: "My lord. I heard that Nagao Kagetora is only 17 years old. My lord is almost twice as old as him. Kagetora cannot match my lord's wisdom."
Hojo Ujiyasu: "But I heard that Nagao Kagetora spent almost entire year to finally make the Jinbo clan surrender. I cannot imagine anybody doing that in Sengoku."
Noriyoshi: "But now Nagao Kagetora has fallen into our plot and retreated to Echigo."
Ujiyasu: "If I were him, I would first confirm the advance of Hojo's army with ninja."
Noriyoshi: "I see. But not every body has good quality agents like our Fuma (風魔, wind-demon) ninja." :on_lie:
Suddenly, Hojo Ujiyasu's heart beats fast. His hands start sweating.
Something is wrong; he can feel it.
Ujiyasu: "Matsuda, are there ninja activities in Echigo?"
Noriyoshi: "Oh... yes. There is an Echigo-style ninjutsu founded by Usami Sadamitsu, who have retired from clan businesses for several years. Rumor goes that he became crazy after a trip to Great Ming."
Ujiyasu: "Retired does not mean he is doing nothing. If he is the founder of Echigo ninjutsu, he could still train ninja, and maybe even more efficiently since he can focus on teaching."
Noriyoshi: "Certainly."
Ujiyasu: "Let's assume Nagao Kagetora has already acquired Echigo ninja. Could it be that Nagao's ninja has already infiltrated us?"
Noriyoshi: "Please do not worry, my lord. Echigo ninja learns little about assassination or sabotage, but costume playing. They just put on costumes and attend parties."
Ujiyasu: "If they are good at camouflage and costumes, maybe they were once very close to us..."
Noriyoshi: "Hm, that's possible."
Now Matsuda Noriyoshi also feels his heart beats.
Fear is about things that we do not know. The more uncertainty there is, the more fearful it is.
Ujiyasu: "Where is the current position of our reinforcement from Sagami?"
Noriyoshi: "Yesterday we received their report. They are about 8 miles south of Lake Suwa."
Ujiyasu: "8 miles?"
Noriyoshi: "Yes."
Ujiyasu: "But weren't they already there three days ago?" :on_angry:
Noriyoshi: "My lord, they reported that they need some time to get their weapons and armors ready. They would catch up quickly."
Ujiyasu: "Didn't Sagami equip them when they depart?"
Noriyoshi: "We were still hiring good blacksmith in Sagami. The report goes that they found a good weapon merchant, who offered very fair prize to upgrade their weapons. They have received some fine, free samples."
Hojo Ujiyasu holds his horse. It doesn't feel right.
Ujiyasu: "There aren't free weapons from a weapon merchant. Maybe the merchant is an Echigo ninja in disguise?"
Noriyoshi: "Oh? I don't think a ninja would receive much training in acting."
Ujiyasu: "You said they do not receive much training in assassination and sabotage..."
Noriyoshi: "Hm... the chance is low, my lord." :on_sweat:"
Ujiyasu: "Why not? If a ninja has infiltrated us, he will slow us down as much as he can."
Noriyoshi: "But what for?"
Ujiyasu: "So... Nagao Kagetora could divide us up and conquer?"
Noriyoshi: "Attack us? Here?" :on_yell:
Ujiyasu does not answer. He listens to his men's marching, chirping birds, leaves and branches in the wind...
Could it be that they are already in a trap?
Ujiyasu: "Let's not go any further. Make camp in the forest head!"
The Hojo soldiers are happy about an early break. They are now hungry and tired.
Suddenly, loud noise comes from ahead!
"YOOOO~~"
"HAHAHA~~~"
"My lord, there is an ambush!" :on_bibber:
"Find cover!" :on_furious:
Hojo's army cannot find a large cover nearby - only a small patch of trees!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_116.jpg
Bow Ashigaru Captain: "My lord, Hojo's army are in range! But half of them are hiding under the trees. Do we fire anyway?"
Kagetora: "Er... Captain Kojima, what do you suggest?"
Captain Kojima: "We can still shoot. But we can hardly do any damage."
Nomi: "Kagetora, the Echigo-style Tactics says... there is no time for recital. We cannot allow enemies who hide in the forest. We have to draw them out - quickly!"
Kagetora: "Ok... please lead the way! :on_sweat:"
Nomi: "Follow me!"
Nomi has practiced horse riding since she was a toddler. As she draws the katana, the pack follows!
Kagetora: "Wait~~" :on_beg:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_121.jpg
"Hojo Ujiyasu, Nagao Kagetora has been waiting here!"
A loud voice comes down from a nearby hill!
Strangely it sounds more like a screaming woman.
Noriyoshi: "My lord! Look there! It is Nagao Kagetora!" :on_yell:
Ujiyasu: "Now I know why people say Nagao Kagetora does not like women... because he is not very masculine. :on_smoke: All units, back off from the hill!"
Noriyoshi: "What should we do, my lord?"
"Hojo Ujiyasu, surrender now and live!"
Ujiyasu: "Darn. Kagetora sees all of our men, but I cannot see any of his..."
Hojo Ujiyasu is famous for his calmness.
He has to think rationally under this intence stress...
Ujiyasu: "We know Nagao Kagetora has 2000 men. We only have 1000 now. If I were Nagao Kagetora, I would use my numerical advantage to split my army into at least two, so I can flank Ujiyasu."
Noriyoshi: "Makes sense... so what should we do, my lord?" :on_yell:
Ujiyasu: "If we focus all our force and attack one of Nagao's split army, we might break it or force it to back off! Then we can make our way out!"
Noriyoshi: "Let's do that!"
Suddenly, Nagao's army appear right in front of Hojo!
"Nagao's Bow Ashigaru is here!"
"They are backing off!"
Ujiyasu: "Bow Ashigaru does not attack first in am ambush situation! This must be a glitch in Nagao's plan! This is Nagao's weakness! We attack!" :on_furious:
Ujiyasu's order instantly reaches his Yari Ashigaru! They charge after Nagao's bow ashigaru!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_117.jpg
Hojo's Yari Ashigaru: "CHARGE!" :on_getsome:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_118.jpg
Hojo's Yari Ashigaru follows Nagao's Bow Ashiagru into the Devourer!
The formation closes up!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_120.jpg
Not knowing that their first units are being "devoured", more of Hojo's Yari Ashigaru charge ahead!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_119.jpg
Hojo's Yari Ashigaru are all trapped, only a few of them made it out through the gaps in theformation.
"Kagetora, let's go chase the fleeing enemies!"
"Er... how about Hojo Ujiyasu?"
"We cannot use the same trick three times. He is going to be much more cautious. We can use this time to take a little break."
:on_sweat:"Ok then. Let's go!"
As Kagetora raises his katana, all bodyguards run down the fleeing ashigaru.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_122.jpg
Hojo Ujiyasu has lost all his Yari Ashigaru.
Yet he still has more than 100 Yari Samurai.
Ujiyasu: "So this is Nagao Kagetora's trick... instead of laying an ambush on both sides, he has lots of soldiers right in front of us. He anticipated what we anticipated. Very good..."
Hojo Ujiyasu gained this information at a cost of 300 lives.
Noriyoshi: "My lord, Nagao Kagetora is on the hill again!"
Hojo Ujiyasu looks up. Nagao Kagetora and his bodyguards are taking a good view of Hojo's army.
Noriyoshi: "My lord, Nagao Kagetora is not protected by his infantry. Together maybe we can get him!"
Ujiyasu: "That's probably what exactly Nagao Kagetora wants. There are lots of trees on the hill, it is easy to hide a few hundred men in there. I heard that Jinbo Nagamoto got killed by Nagao Kagetora because he foolishly chased Kagetora into a trap. Hold off any attack! We defend!"
Noriyoshi: "My lord has detected Nagao Kagetora's evil plan! We still have hope!"
Just as Hojo's army receives the order of stand-and-fight, there are noises coming from the front again...
Noriyoshi: "Nagao's Bow Ashigaru has returned! They are firing at us!" :on_yell:
Ujiyasu: "We won't be fooled again! Bow Ashigaru move forward!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_123.jpg
Kagetora: "Nomi, Hojo's Bow Ashigaru is going to shoot at ours. What should we do?"
Nomi: "Nagao's Bow Ashigaru have received rigorous training with rubber bows. They can handle this."
Kagetora: "But I don't want them to risk their lives unecessarily..." :on_sweat:
Nomi: "No, they don't have to engage in a shoot-out. Shoot-and-run is better."
Kagetora: "Shoot and run?"
Nomi: "Every heard of the Mongolians?"
Kagetora: "But our archers are on foot."
Nomi: "So? Can't they run?"
As Hojo's Bow Ashigaru march forward, Nagao has alraedy unleashed a volley!
They fell right on to the head of Yari Samurai and whoever happens to walk among them! :on_beg:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_124.jpg
"Fire back! Fire back!"
Hojo's Bow Ashigaru rush forward, but the Nagao attackers have backed off.
"Do we chase them?"
"No! We have the order to hold the ground! Return to your positions!"
"Yes, Sir!"
Hojo's Bow Ashigaru walks back to their positions, which is BEHIND their Yari Samurai.
Yet as Nagao's Bow Ashigaru adapts a thin, tight formation, they can fire exactly one volley at Hojo's Yari Samurai before Hojo's Bow Ashigaru arrive. When Hojo's men finally get into firing position, Nagao's men would have fallen back, and Hojo's men would return to their position, completing the cycle.
"Nagao's men returns!"
"Watch out! They are firing at us again!"
"WAAAAA~~~" :on_dead:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_125.jpg
But after 10 cycles or so, Hojo's Yari Samurai has lost one third of their men!
Samurai Captain: "As samurai it is a shame to stand and got shot to death! We charge and kill some enemies!"
Samurai: "But Lord Ujiyasu has orders not to attack!"
Captain: "We will do Hojo a service by killing some enemies! Charge with me!"
Samurai: "CHARGE!"
Hojo Ujiyasu: "NO! Don't charge without orders!" :on_crazymad:
Matsuda Noriyoshi: "My lord, our passive tactics is not working!"
Note: A simple solution for Hojo is to tuck their Yari Samurai in the back. But the AI is not smart enough to realize that... :on_sweat:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_126.jpg
With the determination of certain death, Hojo's Yari Samurai charge right into Nagao's formation.
Their morale broke after their captain gets a thrust in the throat, but they at least killed a few enemies before that point.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_127.jpg
Hojo Ujiyasu has lost all his melee infantry. His conservative tactics has been exploited by Nagao Kagetora.
Ujiyasu takes a look at his remaining troops - a few hundred bow ashigaru and about one hundred bomb throwers.
Noriyoshi: "My lord, we have to be more aggressive..." :on_tears:
Ujiyasu: "Then we march right into Kagetora's trap..."
Matsuda Noriyoshi looks at the rising sun - maybe they are not going to see the sunset.
Hojo Ujiyasu is an expert of internal development and castle building. The Hojo army usually resorts to defending in a well-built castle when they see a powerful enemy coming. On the field, Hojo is simply not aggressive enough. His every move is anticipated, especially when Nagao Kagetora can observe him on the hill without worrying at being attacked.
Noriyoshi: "My lord! Nagao's bow units are about to shoot at us again!" :on_furious:
Ujiyasu: "Darn... Bow Ashigaru march first and go after them! We charge all together and kill our way out!" :on_getsome:
Norisyohi: "Yes!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_129.jpg
Hojo's Bow Ashigaru receive the attack order.
There are three units of them, but only two units go after Nagao. One unit decided to turn back.
Ujiyasu: "Why are you turning back?" :on_bash:
Bow Ashigaru Captain: "My lord, we cannot see the enemies! The forest is blocking our view... and we previously received an order of hiding in the forest no matter what..."
Ujiyasu: "The new order overwrites the old! Just go now!" :on_furious:
Bow Ashigaru Captain: "My lord, the enemy have already gone far! Do we run up or..."
Ujiyasu: "Run! Run!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_130.jpg
But it was too late! Nagao's Bow Ashigaru have rushed up. 800 of them are firing at 200-strong Hojo bow ashigaru!
"The enemy is coming at us, draw arrows!"
"There are too many of them! No!"
"WAAAAA" :on_dead:
Nagao's Bow Ashigaru outnumber Hojo's four to one! The rain of death arrives! The mist of blood arises!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_131.jpg
Matsuda Noriyoshi: "My lord, our bow ashigaru have been decimated! If we don't help them, Nagao Kagetora is going to run them down!"
Hojo Ujiyasu: "We attack together!" :on_furious:
Finally, Hojo Ujiyasu's army march together,
after losing more than half of their number.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_132.jpg
As Hojo's line move forward, Nagao Kagetora gives up pursuing the fleeing enemies.
Just as the lines were about to clash...
Hojo's Bow Ashigaru Captain: "Lord Ujiyasu, it is our fault not to assist our comrades in time. But we can buy some time for you to retreat! Please let us stay and fight!" :on_tears:
Ujiyasu: "Retreat?"
Captain: "Yes. Let us distract Nagao Kagetora!"
Noriyasu: "This could be our chance to escape, my lord... we can make a come back one day..."
There is no doubt that Hojo has lost the battle, but Hojo Ujiyasu could still decide whether to escape with his life...
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_133.jpg
Hojo's last Bow Ashigaru held their ground.
They unleashed volley after volley of deadly arrows,
until they were overwhelmed by Nagao's men.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_134.jpg
Hojo Ujiyasu and Matsuda Noriyoshi were retreating,
until they heard the screams of their brave ashigaru.
Noriyoshi: "Why are you stopping, my lord? We cannot let them die in vein!"
Ujiyasu: "How can I face the clan by going back like this? The Hojo clan is powerful not because of a heroic clan leader, but a group of brothers who closely stick together. How can I abandon my men like this?" :on_tears:
Noriyoshi: "My lord..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_135.jpg
Hojo Ujiyasu and Matsuda Noriyoshi returns to the battlefield, for their last, glorious charge!
They will show Japan what Hojo clan is made of!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_136.jpg
Hojo's bomb throwers are closing in!
Nagao's Bow Ashigaru shall stop their advance!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_137.jpg
Hojo Ujiyasu: "CHARGE! Fight to the death!" :on_furious:
Hojo soldiers: "To death!"
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_140.jpg
The Battle of Ueda is over.
"The Lion of Sagami" Hojo Ujiyasu and Matsuda Noriyoshi's army was outnumbered and crushed by Nagao's ambush force.
Only 23 Bow Ashigaru made it to Sagami.
It is a little too early, but I think this is a good time to show Episode III!
If you wish to avoid spoilers please skip the last minute.
http://youtu.be/PnewApVVSBs?hd=1
http://youtu.be/PnewApVVSBs?hd=1
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_139.jpg
But this is what really happens in the game - Hojo Ujiyasu was routed before any contact was made.
That's why in the video there is no scene about his heroic death. :on_exhausted:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_142.jpg
Chapter 18. The Treaty of Ueno
As planned, Nagao Kagetora splits his army in half after the Battle of Ueno.
As he asked for a volunteer to lead the second army, the Yari Samurai captain raises his hand.
"I can do it - I don't need any other help! Just my own Yari Samurai team!"
"Oh? Good. What is your name?"
"I am Kakizaki Kageie! My lord, I have followed you since the Battle of Nagaoka two years ago. This is the 5th time you asked it."
"I am sorry..."
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/kakizaki_kageie_240.jpg
Kakizaki Kageie (柿崎景家)
Born in 1513. THE most famous general of Uesugi Kenshin's army, Kakizaki Kageie's cavalry was famous for his ferocious aggressiveness on the battlefield. For example, Kakizaki was the vanguard during the Fourth Kawanakajima Battle, in which he almost broke the center of Takeda Shingen's formation. Kakizaki is not only a capable commander, but also has talents in internal affairs and diplomacy.
"Good, Kakizaki, you will lead your man to retake Katsurao Castle."
"Yep. Easy job!" :on_hero:
"All other units follow me to fight Hojo's reinforcement!"
Hojo's reinforcement was shocked to learn that their daimyo has already been defeated.
Lacking proper equipment, they chose to run - but Nagao Kagetora caught up with them by the border of Shinano and Kai.
The battle was over very quickly.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_141.jpg
Kakizaki Kageie: "What kind of garrison is this? Let's climb over the wall and bash them underground!" :on_furious:
Ninja Naoaki: "Sir Kakizaki! Please don't risk your lives unecessarily. I can open the gates for you."
Kageie: "How?"
Naoaki: "I can put on a costume of a locksmith."
Kageie: "And that gives you the skill of a locksmith?" :on_Mad:
Naoaki: "Nope. It is just role playing. I know lock-picking by heart. It is a basic skill for Echigo-styled ninja, just like sneaking, repair, barter, speech, and small weapons." :on_lie:
Kageie: "Sneaking?"
Naoaki: "Yes. You didn't see me one minute ago, right?"
Kageie: "Repair?"
Naoaki: "Repair is simply the reverse of sabotage. If I can sabotage something, I know how to repair it if I have the components"
Kageie: "Barter?"
Naoaki: "That I am still working on... ideally I wish to get things totally free, just like many others. But at first maybe 15% to 30% discount will do."
Kageie: "Speech?"
Naoaki: "Yes. I don't have to go around killing every guard if I can pursuade them to go away."
Kageie: "Small Weapons?"
Naoaki: "Shiriken. Headshot while sneaking gives a lot more damage." :on_hero:
Kageie: "I see... nice! Boys! We charge in after the gates are opened!" :on_furious:
***
The Hojo defenders knew this is their last stand.
They fought to their last men, knowing that this is what their daimyo did in the Battle of Ueda.
Kakizaki's unit suffered quite heavy casualties, but they got their jobs done.
Nagao Kagetora fulfilled his promise to Murakami Yoshikiyo, who is now on his way to Shinano.
Note: The game has a limited database of captain's names - this one is Nagao Harukage. :on_exhausted:
143.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_143.jpg
Maoko the Housekeeper: "Congratulations, Lord Yoshikiyo! We have received news that Lord Kagetora have retaken north Shinano."
Murakami Yoshikiyo: "Good. I knew I could trust Kagetora. Nagao can count on Murakami's support no matter what!"
Maoko: "Thank you. For a good start, how about a trade agreement?"
Yoshikiyo: "Of course."
Murakami Yoshikiyo was about to leave Kasugayama Castle with his clan officiers, but he returned as soon as he stepped out of the gate.
Yoshikiyo: "Housekeeper, I almost forgot - I have 32 koku on credit with the Sake Den." :on_sweat:
Maoko: "Please don't worry about these little things. But I know if we do not accept, Lord Yoshikiyo would feel the burden. Thank you."
Yoshikiyo: "Good. Now let's go back to Shinano!"
"YO!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
Murakami's officers cheer.
102.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_102.jpg
In the meantime, Nagao Masakage continues his "siege" of Etchu's Toyama Castle. The mobs did not surrender, but eventually exhausted their supply. They never found any hidde treasure, only secretly buried skeletons from centuries of dark struggles of the noble class. As the defenders hear about the return of the Ikko-Ikki army, they abandoned Toyama castle.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_144.jpg
Maoko: "Lord Nagazumi, congratulations! The Ikko-Ikki army could not figure out what's going on, so they have temporarily retreated from Etchu. Please return to Toyama Castle and restore the Jinbo clan!"
Jinbo Nagazumi: "Great! I knew Lord Kagetora will fulfill his promise. I will never forget this. Please let me know if Jinbo can be of any service to Nagao!"
Maoko: "Maybe we will have to fight the Ikko-Ikki together in the coming years. But for now, let's just open our markets to each other, shall we?"
Nagazumi: "Certainly!"
As Jibo Nagazumi and his officers packs up to leave Kasugayama Castle, they bumped into Murakami Yoshikiyo. He is also on his way to restore his clan.
Nagazumi: "Uncle Yoshikiyo, why are you coming back?"
Yoshikiyo: "I still owe the Sake Den 32 koku... :on_sweat:"
Nagazumi: "Oh yes... I pledged some donation to Rizenji last week..."
Nagazumi searched his pocket and only found 21 koku of silver.
He promptly dropped them off in the donation box of Rizenji, which is conveniently located outside the gate of Kasugayama Castle.
"See you later!" Nagazumi waves to Maoko and Kasugayama Castle's staff.
"Bye!"
"Let's go home!"
"OH!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif
Note: In the game, when a clan is revived and becomes a vassal, its diplomatic relationship restores to the game's 1545 default. In this case, Jinbo becomes an instant hater of Nagao again... :on_bird:
I am sorry for the delay in updates.
In the meantime, please enjoy the video series of "Making the God of War", which has a much faster progress than the story (9 game years ahead, to be exact). I have provided all Youtube links in the updated Table of Content (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?142038-Making-a-God-of-War-(Uesugi-Legednary-Domination)&p=2053468110&viewfull=1#post2053468110).
The video series is designed to be a stand-alone drama. There are of course heavy spoilers of the plot, but I think the written story have much more to offer than the visuals. :bow:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_148.jpg
Border of Shinano and Kai, Spring 1548
Ninja Naoaki: "My lord! I have returned from the province of Kai. I arranged a horse wagon and pretended to be a horse merchant! :on_lie: I found that horses in Kai were all running freely. Takeda had very little soldiers left - just slightly more than a thousand."
Nomi: "Hm... never expected Takeda Harunobu to hit such a low point."
Naoaki: "Yep. Anyone can destroy Takeda easily. Why don't we do it, my lord? If we leave Takeda alone, they could become a great threat to us in the future."
Kagetora: "I understand your reasons, Naoaki. But we cannot attack others just because we can win. Besides, we still have a military access agreement with Takeda. If we attack now, how do we distinguish ourselves from the mad warmongers?"
Nomi: "Actually, we can circumvent the military access agreement."
Kagetora: "Oh?"
Nomi: "We can hide our army in North Shinano. If Takeda declares war to Murakami again, we join the war and destroy Takeda once and for all."
Kagetora: "Oh..."
If Takeda declares war on Murakami again, indeed Nagao, who is now officially protecting Murakami, is fully justified to declare war on Takeda. But...
Kagetora: "I think it is better if Takeda Harunobu gives up his ambition on Shinano completely. This way we can avoid another war and loss of many lives. Maybe we can talk to him?"
Nomi: "Maybe there will be an oppurtunity soon..."
HopAlongBunny
09-28-2012, 21:34
You are too modest :p
While I prefer the depth and imagination put into the written work, your movies are superb! They add yet another level to an already complex tale :bow:
Ueno is famous for its prune trees. Every spring, pink prune flowers fill the valleys and banks, just like cherry blossom. Actually prunes, plums, and cherries are all similar trees. Many Ueno locals also confuse prunes with cherries.
"My lord, the cherry blossoms are so beautiful."
"Indeed, Yamamoto."
"Just as you expected my lord, Hojo Ujiyasu failed due to his over-confidence. His offspring will bite his bitter fruit of public humiliation."
Takeda Harunobu nods to eye-patched advisor, one of the best in Sengoku Jidai.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/yamamoto_kansuke_240.jpg
Yamamoto Kansuke (山本勘助)
Born in 1493, famous for being the advisor of Takeda Harunobu. Yamamoto Kansuke had a rough childhood, losing his left eye and crippling his right leg. He became a wanderer at a young age, learning military strategy and the way of swords. After being refused employment by the Imagawa clan, Kansuke returned to Takeda.
During the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima between Takeda and Uesugi, Yamamoto Kansuke suggested the famous but ill-fated "Wood cracker" tactics, where Takeda Shingen would split his army in an attempt to attack the rear of Uesugi Masatora (Uesugi Kenshin). Takeda's brief weakness was seized by Uesugi Masatora, who attacked Takeda Shingen's half army with full force. Takeda Shingen's army was almost destroyed. In order to take the responsibility of the tactical blunder, Yamamoto Kansuke charged into the enemy and died.
Note: There is controversy that whether Yamamoto Kansuke actually exists, or a character created to mask Takeda Shingen's own tactical blunder.
***
Harunobu: "Hm. If Takeda and Hojo join force, we can defeat Nagao. But we made a mistake in North Shinano..."
Kansuke: "Master, please don't blame yourself. There are many things we cannot control. You did the right thing not to help Hojo this time. A victorious Hojo would eventually turn on us. But a victorious Uesugi would not."
Takeda Harunobu suffered two major defeats in North Shinano in three years.
The first time he was crushed by Murakami Yoshikiyo's cavalry.
The second time he was caught off-guard by the Kiso clan.
His army was almost completely wiped out - ashigaru captains, samurai captains, only a few hundreds of them made it back to Kai.
Takeda Harunobu knew that his clan could not afford another war, so he had to refuse's Hojo Ujiyasu's request to declare war on Uesugi. This way, Takeda could recover and wait for its chance tomorrow.
Kansuke: "Well, this is what I think will happen. Nagao Kagetora has tied his hands in the back with that 'righteousness' bull crap, so he will never attack us without a reason."
Harunobu: "Yes. His options are very limited."
Speaking of "attacking without a reason", this is exactly what Takeda Harunobu would do. Military strategy is all about surprise. If the enemy is not expecting an attack, they cannot properly defend.
Kansuke: "And we can expect that Nagao Kagetora will have to negotiate peace with Hojo because he has no reason to attack Sagami."
Harunobu: "Yes. That's what Nagao Kagetora would do."
Speaking of "completely wipe out an enemy when it is weak", this is also exactly Takeda Harunobu's style. Why give an enemy a chance to recover? Kill them all.
Kansuke: "Then, I heard that Murakami Yoshikiyo fled to Echigo because Nagao Kagetora promised him that one day he will take back Shinano for him. So we can expect the return of Murakami Yoshikiyo in North Shinano."
Harunobu: "Yeah, Nagao Kagetora is too naive. Naturally, we will look for a chance to defeat Murakami once more. What I am afraid is that Nagao Kagetora also expects us to do this. He might declare war on Takeda as soon as we make a move north and attack us."
Kansuke: "Nagao Kagetora won't do that."
Harunobu: "Why not?"
Kansuke: "That's not his character. Kagetora would say something like 'let's give Takeda a friendly warning and hope that they will listen,' then he would return to Echigo. Once he goes back, we can distract him."
Harunobu: "Of course! I like your idea. Let's first receive his friendly warning, then."
Kansuke: "Hm. Ya." :rolleyes:
Yamamoto Kansuke rolls his eyes.
Kagetora is so predictable strategically.
Takeda Harunobu cannot help but think, maybe one day he will have to fight Nagao Kagetora face to face. But he has to delay this day as long as possible. Nagao Kagetora has been defeating his every enemy with little loss. There is no point for Takeda to challenge this fearsome enemy before it is ready.
By the invitation of the Kanto Kanrei, more than ten daimyos gather in Ueno's Hirai Castle today.
But they do not really care about Kanto Kanrei Uesugi Norimasa - they just want to get an idea of the future of Kanto - maybe meeting a few future allies or enemies.
The ten-year-old Hojo Ujimasa, eldest son of Hojo Ujiyasu, leads his officers here to plead for peace. The Hojo clan is now at the mercy of Uesugi Norimasa and Nagao Kagetora - should Uesugi and Nagao refuse for peace, they could easily topple the rest of Hojo within a year or two.
The chief clan officer Hojo Tsunashige (北條綱成) will speak for the young clan leader.
Hojo Tsunashige: "Lord Norimasa, the Hojo clan deserves punishment for declaring war on Kanto Kanrei. For this, our clan leader, Hojo Ujiyasu, and an important clan officer, Matsuda Noriyoshi, were both killed in battle. Hojo had received its punishment. Lord Norimasa, please end the war of Kanto in front of all daimyos!"
Hojo Ujimasa, Hojo Tsunashige, and other Hojo officers all kneel to the Kanto Kanrei in three rows, begging for forgiveness. It is undoubtedly a shame for samurai to kneel and beg. But now they could not ask for Hojo Ujiyasu and Matsuda Noriyoshi's glorious and luxurious endings - charging into the enemies under the golden rising sun. The glorious battle has finished. Practical diplomacy begins.
Uesugi Norimasa: "The battle was fought by Nagao Kagetora. Why don't you ask him?"
"Lord Kagetora, please forgive Hojo!"
"We have learned our lessons!"
In Kasugayama Castle, Nagao Kagetora specifically asks his clan officers not to kneel down before him.
But now Kagetora inevitably feels a sense of supremacy, which makes him uneasy.
"Please, sit up."
Kagetora does not like the sense of power, although he does possess it - Hojo's officers did exactly what he said, sitting up.
Kagetora: "We met on the battlefield because Hojo started an invasion. We could force Hojo to accept unfavorable conditions, but this does not prevent Hojo from starting another invasion in the future. The only condition I would accept for a peace treaty is that Hojo does not hold a grudge toward the past. A peace treaty should mark a new start for peace, not an intermission of wars or even the motivation of a future war."
Hojo Tsunashige: "I appreciate Lord Kagetora's openness and good will. However, this is the era of warring nations. It will be hard to pursuade a samurai, who is trained to fight for honor, not to seek for revenge."
The norm of Sengoku Jidai's peace treaty is for the losing clan to take insults, and then seek revenge at a later day. Retribution has been the norm for hundreds of years in Japan - or maybe since the beginning of human.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_145.jpg
Uesugi Norimasa: "Er... a complete peace of mind could be hard to promise on... How about we try some practical terms for peace?"
Kagetora feels a little embarrassed. :on_sweat: His training in Zen Buddhism makes him a believer of "Idealism", where the material world is merely an temporary illusion to the mind. Naturally, people who live in the material world entirely would think Kagetora is too naive and impractical.
Kagetora: "Hm... why don't Hojo suggest a few conditions?"
Hojo Tsunashige: "Hojo would like to return Kanto Kanrei's Musashi province. We will also pay 5000 koku by the end of next year."
Kagetora noticed a large grin on Uesugi Norimasa's face.
A province and 5000 koku must sounds pretty good to Kanto Kanrei.
Maybe Nagao would get most of the koku as a reward.
Suddenly, Usami Nomi, officially the advisor the Nagao, raised her hand and requested a private conversation with Kagetora.
Kagetora: "Excuse me."
"Kagetora, Musashi is a province that sits in the middle of Kanto region - everybody wants a piece of it. If Kanto Kanrei cannot hold it before, he cannot hold it in the future. Five thousand koku is a small amount that we can easily amke. The alliance of Hojo, Takeda, and Imagawa, on the other hand, is too powerful. We should break it up."
Nomi whisper in Kagetora's ears as he nods.
Kagetora: [color=indigo]"Hojo took Musashi province with your own effort and sacrifices. Taking it back could sow seeds of hatred for a future invasion to Musashi and further. On ther other hand, Hojo, Takeda, and Imagawa are military allies. If Hojo remains military allies with these two clans, it would be hard for Hojo not being dragged to another invasion in the future. I suggest that Hojo ceases the military alliance with Takeda and Imagawa. Please keep your 5000 koku for peaceful purpose, such as internal development. People could use a tax break after the war."
"Oh..." :on_angry:
"Hm..."
The daimyos at the meeting were all shocked by Kagetora's generous proposal.
Maybe there is some truth in his claim of being the avatar of Bishamonten.
But Takeda Harunobu is the most surprised of all.
The three-way alliance was his hard work, designed to ensure an easy expansion path for Takeda through Shinano.
Kanto will probably never be the same after the three-way alliance is broken.
Clans will continually war each other, just like the old days.
Getting stuck in the province of Kai is Takeda's slow death sentence.
Uesugi Norimasa: "Hm... what Kagetora suggests sounds very generous to me. But since Nagao fought Hojo without Uesugi's help, I have no conditions to add. What does Hojo think?"
After a brief discussion, Hojo Tsunashige and other officers returned with another kneeling bow.
Hojo Tsunashige: "Lord Nagao Kagetora's suggestion is kind and generous. We agree. From now on, Hojo will focus on development. Our military alliance with Imagawa and Takeda is over."
Uesuji Norimasa: "Then let's sign the peace treaty!" :on_whistle:
So is the end of Hojo's ambition, for now.
Hojo's power is not weakened under the treaty's condition.
But the effect of the end of the three-way alliance could be profound.
Looking back from 10 years later, Nagao Kagetora had asked far more than a province and 5000 koku from Hojo and their allies.
146.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_146.jpg
Just as the meeting appears to be over, a bunch of monks march into the room.
"Hold on a second!"
The room instantly lights up due to their shaved heads. The leader of the pack is Shimotsuma Raishu, commander of Honganji's Ikko-Ikki army in Hokuriku (northern lands).
"DOH! The Ikko-Ikki!" :on_scare:
"Radicals!"
"Terrorists!" :on_furious:
Many daimyos hold a grudge against the rebellious Ikko-Ikki.
Shimotsuma Raishu: "Wait! We bring Honganji's will to negotiate a peace treaty between Nagao and Honganji. We want peace! Please don't hate us!"
The daimyos take a second look at the monk captains. Indeed they do not carry weapons or agricultural tools.
Honganji's territories have been plagued by uprisings incited by Nagao's nun Rizenji Munechika. The monks are unwilling to leave their temples in the fear of losing a debate with Munechika. In addition, Honganji's new ships usually do not last more than one month after leaving their Echizen port. The ubiquitous Nagao navy captures them on sight.
As a result, the grandmaster Shoyo issued the order of peace.
Uesugi Norimasa: "Hm... Hokuriku is a little far from Kanto. But it looks like this is the best place for a negotiation."
Nagao Kagetora: "Certainly. We would like to have peace with Honganji, as it was you who declared war on us. What's the condition suggested by Master Shoyo?"
Shimotsuma Raishu: "Nagao can keep all the ships and sailors captured. Honganji can pay for your ships' repairs. Please recall your nun. No more debates, no more Zen Buddhism, no more charity work."
Norimasa: "Doesn't look like a permenant solution to a long-time conflict." :on_picknose:
Raishu: "Because our armies haven't really fought! :on_furious: But we don't want to fight with Nagao."
"What else do you expect from Ikko-Ikki?"
"You have lost the naval battles and the debate. That condition is not enough."
"Get your real Grandmaster Shoyo for a debate!"
"Don't discriminate against us. We are also Buddhists!" :on_bash:
Shimotsuma Raishu has to yell to get his voice heard.
If these Ikko peasants are pushed to the corner of society and have nowhere else to backoff, they have to fight back.
"Excuse me." Usami Nomi had more to say to Kagetora.
"Our army is one trip away from reaching Kyushu. That trip involves sailing across the coast of Hongaji's Hokuriku territory."
Kagetora nods.
147.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_147.jpg
Uesugi Norimasa: "Well, Honganji can't blame us for doubting you. :on_picknose: I heard that nowadays Ikko fanatics would suddenly grab people on the bridge and jump into the rivers, down the wells, or off the cliffs. :on_scare: Such terrorists! How do you pursuade others to make peace with you?"
Shimotsuma Raishu: "Are you afraid when you step on a bridge today? This is what we feel every moment. Our home, our land, our children, you can take away any of them at any time you wish. Don't call us terrorists if you bring us nothing but fear! You do not understand!" :on_furious:
"BS! Join the Nagao and destroy Ikko Ikki!" :on_getsome:
"Restore... restore justice!"
"Can't negotiate with the radicals!"
Nagao Kagetora: "Daimyos! Please hear me!"
Kagetora walks out and stands in front of the Ikko monks.
"Jodo Shinshu is a branch of Buddhism. They are different from Zen Buddhism and other branches. Every Buddhist has the freedom to choose from a branch that brings him or her most peace. Believers of Jodo Shinshu are people just like us. Why should we fight against our own? I agree with Honganji's conditions, as long as Honganji promises not to incite rebellions in our lands."
The meeting room quiets down.
It is easy to judge others, but not so easy to treat others like oneself.
Uesugi Norimasa: "So... does Honganji agree with Nagao Kagetora's condition?"
Shimotsuma Raishu: "Of course. Why would our monks want to go to Echigo to debate with Rizenji's nun for another round? But I cannot promise Honganji's plans for other regions. I am only a regional commander."
Norimasa: "Reasonable. What do you say, Kagetora?"
Kagetora: "Agreed."
Raishu: "Thank you, Lord Kagetora. You have my personal respect."
To Shimotsuma Raishu, Nagao Kagetora is a floating wood in the hostile ocean.
Norimasa: "Hm, since the peace treaty seems shaky, you two can use Jinbo in Etchu as your buffer. Let's sign the peace treaties before you regret!"
As Nagao Kagetora, Hojo Ujimasa, and Shimotsuma head to the signing table, both Nagao's enemies have obtained their peace. Nagao has no more enemies... for now.
"Nagao Kagetora is a reliable daimyo!" :on_aww:
"He is a clear stream in the murky waters!"
"A latern in the darkness!"
"A dragon among people!"
"We should unite under Nagao Kagetora, for he will stablize the Kanto region!" :on_love:
Nagao Kagetora wins the praises of daimyos.
Murakami Yoshikiyo: "How about we give Nagao Kagetora a nickname - Echigo's Dragon?" :on_lol:
Jinbo Nagaozumi: "Yes! Dragon is the highest form of all creatures. It would fit the image of Nagao Kagetora!"
Ashina Morikiyo (Yaya's father): "Oh yes! A dragon son-in-law!"
Uesugi Norimasa: 'The Dragon of Echigo, Uesugi Ke... Norimasa's trusted advocate!"
Kagetora has earned himself a few loyal supporters.
"Dragon of Echigo, Nagao Kagetora!" http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/onion/on_lanlanlu.gif The daimyos cheer.
Here comes a new star in Sengoku Jidai, slightly brighter than the "Tiger of Kai" and the late "Lion of Sagami". "Dragon of Echigo", there is not going to be a parallel of him in people's memory.
Even though Nagao Kagetora has become the most liked daimyo in the Sengoku Jidai, he is still very far away from Bishamonten, the "God of Army". One should only compare to himself, not to others.
Note: At this point in the game, Nagao Kagetora has established three vassals (Jinbo twice, and Murakami). His honor has reached 9 (3 original, 3 great victories, 3 vassals). The overflow honor has no actual meanings in terms of game mechanics. But for role-playing purpose this really looks fitting.
Kagetora: "Yaya, the meeting is over! Nagao has no more enemies. We can return to Echigo."
Yaya: "Good. Umachiyo, go give daddy a hug! We invited grandpa for dinner."
Umachiyo: "Daddy, daddy. Hug, Hug." :on_hi:
Kagetora: "Good Umachiyo!"
This time Kagetora left for more than half a year. Umachiyo, his eldest son, can now speak simple words such as "Daddy", "Mommy", "Hug". And their second son Hitsujichiyo can stand up on his own.
And then Kagetora noticed that Yaya's belly is again getting big... :on_angry:
Kagetora: "Yaya, is this another child?"
Yaya: "Yes. Almost due in fact! I have never got a chance to tell you. Remember last summer? We came to Ueno under the invitation of Lord Uesugi Norimasa. One night, lord Norimasa..."
Kagetora: "This is Norimasa's child?" :on_lightning: :on_tantrum: :on_beg: :on_bash:
Yaya: "No, no! What are you thinking about? One night, lord Norimasa invited us to listen to ninja Naoaki's story. That night, it was very hot, and we could not sleep. So..." :on_blush:
Kagetora: "Oh... yes, I remember."
Kagetora is very embarrassed for his rushed judgment. :on_sweat:
He should have never doubted his wife, or Uesugi Norimasa's hospitality.
Maybe that's why old wisdom says "a beautiful wife brings disaster for a man" - way too many others would fall for her beauty.
Yaya: "Kagetora, what's wrong? Too tired?"
Kagetora: "Nothing... it... feels strange that we easily made another baby just like that."
Yaya: "Yes. :on_blush: You are great, Kagetora! Let's have more!"
Kagetora: :on_scare:
Yaya: "What should we name this child? I picked 'Nori' (成, accomplish) for umachiyo. You picked 'Kazu' (和, peace) for hitsujichiyo. How about the third child?"
Kagetora: "Hm, since the child was conceived in Ueno, why don't we ask Lord Uesugi Norimasa to name the child?"
Yaya: "Taking one word from Kanto Kanrei? What an honor. Good idea!"
Kagetora is sorry for his earlier doubt on Uesugi Norimasa.
Letting Norimasa name his third child would make him feel better.
149.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_149.jpg
Chapter 19. Heaven and Earth
An old saying goes, "there is no un-ending banquet in this world." Kanto Kanrei Uesugi Norimasa meets with each daimyos as they say goodbye.
Norimasa: "Of course the child can use my name! :on_lol: 'Masa' means 'governance'. Pretty good, right?"
Kagetora: "Thank you, lord Norimasa. If the child is a boy, he will become Kagemasa when he turns into an adult."
Yaya: "But it sounds like Masakage's son..." :on_sweat:
Norimasa: "Kagetora, can I simply call you by name? I wish to tell you that you are a truly unique man, not only in our time, but also in Japanese history. It is truly my honor to know you."
Kagetora: "Please, lord Norimasa. I am not as good as you think. I have many weaknesses. Maybe people are only projecting their ideal type of person on me." :on_sweat:
Norimasa: "Maybe that's true. But you are the one closest to people's ideals."
Kagetora: "We all have something in us that others desire. I really adore Lord Norimasa's sincerity and hospitality."
Norimasa: :on_aww: "Really? Then Kagetora must come to Ueno again some time."
Kagetora: "Certainly. Likewise, if Lord Norimasa has any thing, any thing, that Nagao can be of use, no matter where Nagao Kagetora is, I will offer my service. Please accept my promise."
Norimasa: "Great!" :on_lol:
Kagetora and his clan officers bowed to Kanto Kanrei.
Just as they are walking down the stairs, they bump into Takeda Harunobu and his clan officers.
Kagetora: "Lord Harunobu. There is something I wish to say to you in person."
Takeda Harunobu nods, as both daimyos walk away from their officers.
They are on the second floor of the castle.
Thousands of pink prune blossom fill their views.
"Lord Takeda Harunobu."
"Just call me Harunobu. I will call you Kagetora."
Takeda Harunobu is nine years older than Nagao Kagetora.
They are about the same size while standing side by side.
Kagetora looks Harunobu in the eyes. There seems to be an entire world hidden behind.
"Sure. Harunobu, please understand our situation. Nagao clan has a responsibility to protect the Murakami clan. Please do not attack Shinano again. The greatest fortune for the people is to provide peace. So they do not have to fear about dying on the battlefield, not seeing their wife and children again. So the parents do not have to fear about losing their children."
Kagetora sees no change of emotion on Harunobu's face.
Just like what people say - it is impossible to read Takeda Harunobu.
"Kagetora, please also understand Takeda's situation. The province of Kai is poor. Our gold mine has insignificant production compared to Sado island's gold mine or Iwami's silver mine. If I do not expand and grow stronger, very soon we will be overwhelmed by any neighbor. There is going to be war anyway. I cannot disappoint my officers and captains."
"What don't we use peaceful approaches? Negotiations? Trades?"
Takeda Harunobu takes a deep breath, smiles, and sighs.
"Kagetora, you are 18 years old, right? There are many things that you will learn about others over the next 9 years. People in this world are not like you. If they are not sure about a neighbor, they will assume hostility. If they know you, they think they can exlpoit you. If you don't say anything, they think you are plotting against them. If you say something, they only pick the worst to remember. This is human nature. It is impossible to maintain order with just negotiations and trades. Disagreement naturally escalates to wars."
"I do not believe in that. People are smart and can be cooperative."
"Then we shall see. Kagetora, nobody wins battles like you. If Takeda Harunobu never loses, I can also play your rule, carrying a huge banner of Bishamonten. But I lose battles; I lose battles all the time. Maybe you are actually the avatar of Bishamonten, but I know one thing for sure - Takeda Harunobu is no more than a human of flesh and blood. Takeda Harunobu has no divine qualities. You are not seduced by women, but I am. You are not driven by greed, but I am. You only have to displace an elder brother not from the same mother. But I have to expel my own father. I am sorry - Takeda Harunobu cannot walk on Nagao Kagetora's path. This path is uniquely yours. I have to find my own unique path."
"Harunobu..."
"My path is called 'Domination by Fear'. Nobody will be stronger than Takeda. Nobody could stand their ground against Takeda. I will tell my officers that Nagao Kagetora is a narcissistic lunatic who should write more poetry. I will defeat Nagao Kagetora."
Surprised by Takeda Harunobu's response, Nagao Kagetora remains silent.
Takeda Harunobu walks on the opposite direction of Nagao Kagetora.
But they have one thing in common at this very moment- they speak from their hearts to each other.
"I actually hope we will meet on the battlefield one day. Fighting you would be a pleasure. If there is anyone in Sengoku Jidai that I would consider a worthy opponent, it would be you, Nagao Kagetora. Be careful, don't get assassinated by some lowly ninja. If that happens, I would feel very sad."
Takeda Harunobu walks away, and leads his officers to meet with Uesugi Norimasa.
Kagetora looks down at the blooming forests of Ueno. His thoughts drift randomly like millions of falling prune flower petals.
Maybe Kagetora is the luckiest person in Sengoku Jidai.
As Kanto Kanrei, Uesugi Norimasa has to say goodbye to Takeda Harunobu just like any other daimyo.
Norimasa: "I look forward to you return."
Harunobu: "Sure. Thank you."
Takeda Harunobu has no interests to waste words on Uesugi Norimasa. The once prestigious Uesugi clan is in rapid decline. They are nothing but a rotting obstacle to Takeda's grand expansion strategy.
Norimasa: "Lord Harunobu, why don't you adapt Nagao Kagetora's style? We can use another powerful daimyo to maintain
orders."
Harunobu: "Hm. My lord, please understand. The province of Kai has very low productivity compared to other clan's lands. How can I afford Nagao Kagetora's style?"
Norimasa: "Echigo is not particularly rich, either."
Harunobu: "Then Echigo will not be able to sustain Nagao Kagetora's chivalry code. It is outdated."
Norimasa: "Hm... I agree it is a difficult path. Maybe that's why Kagetora mentioned about a Kyushu campaign and international trades."
Harunobu: "Oh?"
A bell rings in Takeda Harunobu's ear. Harunobu would laugh at Nagao Kagetora's meaningless altruism, which he believes only leads to Nagao's destruction. But if Nagao Kagetora can find a second source of income, such as international trade, maybe Nagao Kagetora can continue to role-play the philanthropist.
Harunobu: "When is Nagao Kagetora going to Kyushu?"
Norimasa: "Maybe soon? His army has nothing else to do now."
Harunobu: "Hm..."
All facial expressions on Harunobu's face are lost. The more goes on in his mind, the less he reveals to the others.
Even so, Takeda Harunobu's heart pounds quickly. His knows his precious chance is coming.
The temporary absence of Nagao Kagetora will leave a power vaccum in Kanto. Takeda can basically do whatever it want. What should he do? What's best for Takeda?
Norimasa: "Er... Lord Harunobu?"
Norimasa waves in front of Harunobu. Apparently he has zoned out for a little too long.
Harunobu: "Oh. Lord Norimasa, you see, Nagao Kagetora can afford to look for riches because there is Naoetsu port in Echigo. Kai, however, is an in-land province."
Norimasa: "Hm... that's true. OK, I am not asking you to work as hard as Nagao Kagetora, then. :on_sweat: But at least can you promise me not to invade other clans?"
Takeda Harunobu has to frown on this one.
Harunobu: "But lord Norimasa, didn't you just tell me that Nagao is going to Kyushu? Do you think daimyos in Kyushu would just give away their territory to Nagao?" :on_getsome:
Norimasa: "Hm... right. And he will have to take objections from the Kyushu Tandai (九州探題, supervisor of Kyushu). But I am Kanto Kanrei. What happens in Kyushu is not my business."
Harunobu: "There is no Kyushu Tandai now! Nagao Kagetora can do whatever he wants. This is unfair."
Norimasa: "Now you sound like a child, lord Harunobu. The world is never fair. Why am I not as smart as you and Nagao Kagetora?"
Harunobu: "... OK then."
Takeda Harunobu shakes his head. The world is never fair. Luck descends on those who tries, but there is never guarantee. In this time of war, the strongest clan survives; the weak are inevitably swallowed.
Norimasa: "Anyway. As long as I am still the Kanto Kanrei, I have to make sure there is no threat of regional stability. This is my duty. Can you promise me you are not going to invade someone else?"
Harunobu: "Sure..."
Norimasa: "That doesn't sound convincing. Why don't you make an oath?"
Harunobu: "OK... if Takeda clan attacks another clan... Takeda will lose Kai! We will lose battle after battle, province after province! We will be doomed to remain an trivial clan in Japan! I will be killed in the most important battle in my life!" :on_furious:
Takeda Harunobu has really lost his patience with this trivial Kanto Kanrei.
All he wants to do is to return to Kai and plan for his next invasion.
And there will not be a Nagao Kagetora to stop him,
when the heaven will be temporarily reachable by the earth.
End of Book 2
Book 2 Notes
1. March Speed Adjustment
Japan is not very big. If game mechanics is strictly followed, 20 miles would take an entire season to travel. The story tries to adhere to a reasonable march speed, which "frees up" characters to advance various plots. For example, now Kagetora has the time to make babies with Yaya, otherwise the mismatched timing could imply that Yaya had someone else. :on_beg:
2. Perserved in formaldehyde
The game's simple AI frequently kills off characters. And when the game runs out of historical names, it starts to use randomly generated names. For a story, characters can't come and go like convenience store customers. The unfortunately fallen will live if they are important characters in the story (such as Takeda Harunobu).
3. Historical Convergence
I try to make things happen in the story the same way that they happened in history. For example, Uesugi Kenshin's name evolution will follow the same path of "Torachiyo -> Nagao Kagetora -> Uesugi Masatora -> Uesugi Terutora -> Uesugi Kenshin" based on the similar events as in history, even though the game mechanics do not allow such events to take place. When there is a conflict between the game and history, I follow the latter.
4. Role of Usami Nomi
Usami Nomi is not my creation - she appeared as the leading female character in the famous classic Sengoku movie "Heaven and Earth" (1990 film). Usami Nomi since then has become a popular subject of romance of Uesugi Kenshin in subsequent fictions.
In this story, however, Nomi is not Kagetora's romantic interest, but the "female version of historical Uesugi Kenshin". When Nomi possesses the strategic mind of the God of Army, I can make Nagao Kagetora a real person who learns and grows (and eventually become a well-deserved God of Army).
Together, Kagetora and Nomi they complete the "God of Army" image as we adore today.
Book 3 God of Fortune
Chapter 20. National hero in making
On a hot summer day of year 1548, a small emissary ship lands in the shore of Great Ming (China)'s Shandong.
The threats of Japanese pirates have peaked in recent years.
As a result, Great Ming issues a ban of all sea activities - no fishing, no private trades.
Yet the Portuguese merchants ignored the ban - they opened a market on an island offshore Zhejiang.
The market thrived - it became a city of its own.
The Chinese army landed on that island this year.
They sealed the port with wood and rocks, burned down the city, and killed hundreds of Portuguese merchants.
Some of them escaped with their lives and went to Japan...
"Ha! A dwarf emissary from the dwarf country!":on_picknose:
(Note: Japan was called "Wo" in Chinese, meaning "short". Japanese were in average quite a bit shorter than Chinese. Shandong is famous for having tall residents.)
"She is really short!":on_lol:
A Shandong tall man points at Maoko the Housekeeper's nose.
"Well... I was born this way. Nothing I can change about it."
Maoko shrugs. She speaks broken Chinese.
"Excuse me. How do you go to QI's (pronunced: CHEESE) village?"
"Why? You are an emissary. Shouldn't you go to Beijing?"
"I am not an emissary from Kyoto. I am here to visit QI's village."
"Well... just around the corner ahead..."
***
"DAMN the Wako is here!"
The kids run amok upon seeing Maoko.
:on_sweat: "Er... uncle, I am looking for a young man in your village. His father is QI Jingtong, and his name is..."
***
Qi Jiguang (戚繼光 Pronounced: Chee Jee-Guaang) 21 years old): :on_angry: "Who are you?! I don't know you! Wako pirates are enemies! I don't talk to you!"
(note: QI Jiguang is a Chinese national hero, who defeated the wako pirates with revolutionary tactics.)
Maoko: "Well... not all Japanese are pirates. Just like not all Japanese like to eat fish. I don't like seafood at all." :on_waterfall:
Qi Jiguang: "Hm... What do you want?"
Maoko: "You are planning to take part in the martial exam in the village next year, right?"
Qi Jiguang: "Huh? No. I am not. I am not ready yet." :on_read:
Maoko: "How come? Don't you want to beat Wako?"
Qi Jiguang: "I do. But I have no idea where to start. I cannot just head into the exam hall and sell them nationalism... like disputed ownership on some rocks in the middle of the ocean. That at most will make me a captain of sailors. I want to become a general." :on_hero:
Maoko: "Hm... yeah you have to show knowledge on a higher level. Why don't I share with you our experiences with Wako?"
Qi Jiguang: "Are you selling out your own people? I don't trust you." :on_yellowcard:
Maoko: "Wako are not entirely Japanese... many of them come from China. And they are criminals! They are darn pirates! :on_bash: I think we can unite on this front."
Qi Jiguang: "Hm... OK. So what do you know about Wako?"
(one hour later)
Jiguang: "OH! So Wako only appear in certain spots?... Hm, if I can expect their arrival, I can beat them before they do any damage to the innocent people." :on_hmm:
Maoko: "Exactly. Or you could use some weak fleet as bait and attract their attacks."
Jiguang: "But if my fleet is weaker, how do I beat them?"
Maoko: "You will figure out some good tactics. Wako are terrible fighters and highly susceptible to war cries. :on_lol: Besides, their ships are..."
(another hour later)
Jiguang: ":on_lol: The pirated Bune cannot compared to the legit Bune! We will design some ships that can easily crush them."
Maoko: "Yes. The only threat about Wako is that they keep coming back. If you have a fleet capable of beating them, and you know where to expect them, the only remaining challenge is the tedium of beating them again and again."
Jiguang: "I won't mind about too many victories to report. :on_please: Now I have many things to say to exam officers."
Maoko: "And you will become a general."
Jiguang: "Good, good. :on_sing: Thank you very much! Why are you helping me? Who are you anyway?"
Maoko: "My full name is Yamayoshi Maoko. I am an officer in the Nagao clan, led by Nagao Kagetora."
Jiguang: ":on_sweat: What?"
Maoko: "Our names are not important - they change frequently. Our purpose stays the same, though. We wish to do free trade with Great Ming."
Jiguang: "Free trading? But you do know about the sea ban, right? You need the red-sealed ships and pay an annual fee for the permit."
Maoko: "But then we cannot make too much from it. We desire the profits from international trade, and use that to fund our campaign to unite Japan."
Jiguang: "Sounds like a noble cause. Why don't you lobby with Beijing?"
Maoko: "I don't think Beijing will take a small clan seriously. But we think you should be able to help us."
Jiguang: "Me? :on_angry: But I am a nobody."
Maoko: "If you go on and beat Wako, Great Ming will lift its sea ban, right?."
Jiguang: "Probably... but why me? Why not some existing general?"
Maoko: "Because they will fail, but you will suceed. You can do it!"
Jiguang: "Why are you so sure? But thanks..." :on_sweat:
Qi Jiguang feels really lucky about what happened today.
Indeed, all he wants to do in his life is to defeat the pirates.
Now it seems that his dream will realize pretty soon...
***
Note: In history, Qi Jiguang's famous army completely defeated Wako in 1567, and Great Ming lifted the sea ban in the same year. As the plot involves Nagao/Uesugi doing trade with Great Ming much earlier, there is something Maoko must do to make such trades happen more quickly.
Bungo, a hub of Portugese merchants. A window for the exchange and mutual influence of European and Japanese culture.
In a morning of early autumn 1548, a small emissary ship returning from Great Ming docks here.
"Two typhoons... and there is one more..." :on_exhausted:
There is no ship to take Maoko back to Echigo in the storm.
This is the first time Maoko the Housekeeper travels to Bungo.
"Southern barbarians" can be seen every where on the streets.
They have tall noses, white skins, and chest hair growing out of their collar.
The locals are used to them. Some actually convert to their religion.
Maoko: "This looks like a good place to gather information. My goal is to find Lord Kagetora a good reason to launch a Kyushu campaign. Poor Kagetora, he is tortured by his conscience."
Maoko: "But the authority may find me suspicious if I ask too much about politics and military...." :on_sweat:
Maoko walks by a European chapel. As the mass finishes, a group of young European ladies walk down the stairs.
Maoko: "Excuse me! Excuse me! Do you speak Japanese?"
The girls look at each other, then one of them steps forward.
"Sure. Can I help you?"
The girl has a long face, a pointy nose, brown hair, very friendly, quite a typical "southern barbarian" girl.
Maoko: "Many Portugese escaped from Great Ming's sea ban and take refuge in Kyushu. Kyoto wishes to express its condolence. I am an emissary, Kawamata Kayoko (川又伽椰子). eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh"
Suddenly, Maoko makes a very long, embarrassing burp.
Kayoko: "I am sorry."
"It is OK, miss emissary. My name is Minata. My Japanese friends call me Minato (Japanese: port), although in Europe it would be a boy's name. Please call me Minato; it is easier to remember."
Kayoko: "Nice to meet you, Minato. Do you happen to know where to look for the refuge from Great Ming?"
Minato: "I know where to find the refuge you are looking for. Their tents are located in the south of the Bungo port. How about I take you there?"
Kayoko: "That will be great!"
Kayoko is of course not a real emissary from Kyoto. But the Portugese girl Minato could be a good cover for her information-gathering mission... :on_harhar:
Note: Maoko has two fictional sisters, Kawamata Kayoko (川又伽椰子) and Yamamura Sadako (山村貞子). They are leading characters of famous Japanese horror movie franchises "Ju-on" and "Ringu".
The Portugese refuge camp is small. Tattered and filthy clothes lay around the tents. There is nothing valuable.
The refugees are mal-nutritioned - only surviving by the assistance of the nearby catholic chapel.
Some church goers think their fate is well deserved, for they were once smugglers driven by greed.
Refugee: "We are murdered by Chinese, and now discriminated by Japanese. Why does this happen to us?"
Kayoko: "I am very sorry. :on_pushups: Here are 10 koku worth of silver. Please accept our tiny gift. Maybe you find a job here and establish your new life."
Refugee: "Thank you..."
Kayoko knows that it is only human nature to form bias and prejudice on outsiders.
It is how we simplify the world, or there would be too much information to handle.
However, as we grow up, many of us will realize that the outsiders are not much different from ourselves.
Minato: "Oh... sister Kayoko is a nice person. Well, now you have found the refuge camp. If there is nothing else, I will say goodbye to you..."
Kayoko: ":on_yell: Wait wait wait! There is no insider's information to gather from refugees... can I chat with you more? Isn't there a good java coffee shop nearby? I will buy you a cup!"
Minato: :on_totallove: "Java coffee? It is expensive! Sure!"
***
The coffee shop is small, but it has modeled after the European style - the seats are out on the street.
Kayoko and Minato picked a quiet corner, for there could be sensitive information...
Kayoko: "Minato speak very fluent Japanese!" (of course your tones are off but we forgive you)
Minato: :on_blush: "Really? Thank you. I study very hard. My teacher is a good friend of my father. He is a samurai."
Kayoko: "A samurai? So Minato must know some things about the samurai clans in Kyushu?"
Minato: "Yes, I know some of them. For example, my father deals exclusively with the powerful Ito clan. They are now ruling Bungo."
Kayoto: "The Ito clan?..."
Minato: "Yep. Actually Ito Yoshisuke is my godfather!" :on_lie:
Kayoto: "Wow! The Ito daimyo is your godfather?"
Minato: "Actually, my father said Ito Yoshisuke has dozens of god-daughters. So I am not that special. :on_sweat:"
Kayoto: "Many god-daughters? :on_bird: Probably a polite term for 'mistresses'. I am sure you are not."
Minato: "My father said he would never sacrifice me to become a mistress. For now I am still just his god-daughter."
Kayoto: "Good!" :on_love:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/ito_minato_240.jpg
Ito Minato (伊東 湊)
Born in Portugal, 1523 as Minata Silva. She goes with nickname "Minato"(port) in Japan. Five years ago, Minato arrived in Japan with her merchant father and settled down in Bungo's "southern barbarian" district. Her father does business with the local samurai class. The daimyo of Ito clan, Ito Yoshisuke, is Minato's godfather.
Kayoko feels it's her lucky day. Her first contact in Kyushu, Minato, is quite an insider of the local clans. What does Minato know?
***
(A) Asks about Otomo (Paragon +5) <---
(B) Asks about Shimazu (Paragon +5)
(C) Asks about Minato (Renegade +5)
(D) Ask Minato to pay for coffee (Honor -1)
***
Kayoko: "Now we are in Bungo... isn't there a powerful Otomo clan? What happened to Otomo?"
Minato: "Otomo? Yes they were once something, led by a great general Betsugi... something. :on_sweat: Since Otomo was very powerful, it attracted attacks from all sides. No matter how good your general is, you can only properly defend one front. So eventually Otomo was destroyed."
Kayoto: "I see."
Kayoko once heard this saying: "the most important rule for defence is to reduce the need for defence." It looks like Otomo is no good at diplomacy.
Kayoko: "How about the famous 'falcon man' in Satsuma? The Shimazu clan?"
Minato: "The home of pirates? Yeah, the Shimazu daimyo has a good roster of sons. The second son Yoshi... I also forgot his name :on_blush: was the fiercest in battle. But the Shimazu clan is now history."
Kayoko: :on_angry: "What happened to Shimazu?"
Minato: "They were attacking Higo while Ito's army made a lightning strike in Satsuma. Shimazu lost their castle and their supply. As a result, they lost the subsequent battle. I heard everybody got killed. Tragic. :on_dead:"
Kayoko: "Oh..."
Kayoko once heard another saying: "the most important rule for offence is to bring down the target before someone brings you down." Apparently Shimazu took too long in their Higo campaign.
Kayoko: "Hm... From Kyoto, I only know Shimazu and Otomo are the most famous clans. How about Ito and Shoni?"
Minato: "Indeed. Currently Kyushu us divided between Ito and Shoni. Shoni is in the north; Ito is in the south. But Ito and Shoni are actually allies. They are at war with some smaller clans in middle Kyushu, such as Sagara."
Kayoko: "I see. Hm..." :on_huh:
Can "assisting Sagara" be a justifiable excuse for Nagao to march to Kyushu? Maybe not enough...
Kayoko: "Minato, you are familiar with Ito, right? Can you tell me more? Any conflicts internally or externally? :on_please:"
Minato: "Sister Kayoko is really into wars, huh? Well, it is your job to understand the situation here. There was a serious dispute in the Ito family, but it has passed so nobody mentions it anymore. Ito is now at war with Sagara and the Kikkawa clan in Chugoku region."
Kayoko: "Oh... Chukoku..."
Chukoku seems to be too far ahead for Nagao to worry about.
Kayoko holds her little coffee cup and takes a sip. So bitter! :on_eeek:
Why would European drink this kind of... maybe just a fashion thing.
Kayoko: "How about you, Minato? Are you planning to stay here for long?"
Minato: "I think so. The Ito daimyo likes us Portugese traders. I heard he is going to expand the Nanban Port... you know, the 'southern barbarian' port. I heard there are more missionaries arriving from home."
Kayoko: "Oh. So we are expecting more catholics in Bungo."
Minato: "Yes. I am afraid that the local Buddhists would be unhappy... hopefully the Ito authority would maintain order?"
Minato: "Buddhists are actually quite tolerant to other religions.... well until somebody incites a revolt, of course." :on_sweat:
Minato: "Yes. Some of our missionaries berate other religions too much. They are also very good at mobilizing angry mobs. I don't like them."
Kayoko used to be a faithful Buddhist.
But now she does not distinguish between religions.
She believes that all religions point to the same goal, which even atheists would agree on.
Disputing whose god is real or fake, or starting a war because of it, gets one further away from this goal.
A typhoon is coming. Grey clouds fly by in the sky.
But the pedestrain walk in their own pace.
When there is order, people live without fear.
***
(A) Talk about the small clans in middle Kyushu (Paragon +2)
(B) Talk about Shoni (Paragon +5, advance plot)
(C) Drink Coffee (meaningless animation only)
(D) Find Minato a bodyfriend (sidequest: EXP +100)
***
Kayoko takes a sip of the bitter coffee.
She picks up the cup almost unconsciously -
probably like people looking down at their watch when they do not really want to know the time.
Kayoko takes another sip of the bitter coffee...
OPS. There are only three drops left.
Yet she pretends; she took the last three drops like a mouth full.
Little awkward moment like this fill our days, don't they? :on_sweat:
Kayoko: "What are the smaller clans in middle-Kyushu?"
Minato: "In the province of Higo. These clans are led by the Sagara daimyo Sagara Haruhiro. They do not care so much about expanding. But they still field a respective army in Higo. That's why neither Ito or Shoni have been able to advance into Higo. Well, Shoni is not really helping us."
Kayoko: "So Sagara's friends are defense-minded. What's wrong with Shoni?"
Minato: "I heard that the Shoni daimyo no longer holds the power of the clan... All issues must be discussed with Ryu... Ryuzo... something. :on_sweat: There was a series of tragic incidents; many people got killed... I am not very sure about the details. I only know that everybody expect this Ryu... something to replace Shoni clan in the near future."
Kayoko: "A clan's internal struggle? A daimyo in distress and a treacherous clan officer? Sounds ideal for Nagao intervention! :on_sing:"
Minato: "What?" :on_huh:
Kayoko: "Nothing..."
Kayoko gets nervous and picks up the empty coffee cup. OPS - it is already empty!
Now Kayoko has to decide whether to drink from the empty cup...
If Kayoko drinks from the cup, it is self-degrading, and there is a risk that Minato has noticed the emptiness of the cup.
If Kayoko does not drink from the cup...
Well, she polite returns it to the kitchen.
Store clerk: "Oh you don't have to... thanks!" :on_pushups:
The store clerk makes a 90-degree bow.
Kayoko: "Why don't we travel to Hizen and investigate Shoni clan and this Ryu... something further?"
Minato: "To Hizen?... Might be a good trip. I have always wanted to see the world. And who knows? Maybe I can find a good boyfriend. I am already 25."
Kayoko: "You are still so young... :on_tears: But yes, let's find you a boyfriend. :on_please: So Minato never had a boyfriend?"
Minato: "I did in Portugal... He was a sailor on the Black Ship. But he... was reportedly killed in battle. He never came back to me. I don't want to talk further about this, sorry." :on_cough:
Kayoko: "No problem... sorry to hear that..."
***
On the ship to Hizen...
Minato: "Kayoko sister must know many good man in Kyoto, right?"
Kayoko: "Yeah. European girls would be popular there... but you can't expect happiness if they are only after your white skin and blue eyes."
Minato: "Yep. I wish to find a righteous man. Somebody who has a purpose of his life."
Kayoko: ":on_idea: That's the specialty of Echigo! I have a sister who works there. Any other conditions?"
Minato: "Over 5-feet tall? I know it sounds mean but... :on_sweat:"
Kayoko: "Yep. Sure... hm, that elminates more than half of them. OK."
Minato: "And of course, not too ugly or poor."
Kayoko: "Sure. Standard requirements."
Minato: "He cannot force me to give up my religion."
Kayoko: "That is easy as long as you don't marry into Ikko-Ikki."
Minato: "Oh. There is one more thing."
Kayoko: "Let's hear it!"
Minato: "I have a bad habbit. I verbally... abuse my boyfriend. Sometimes physically. My ex once said he fell like an inferior being when he was with me. But I just can't help it. I want to stop but I cannot. So my boy friend has to have a good temper and is resistant to criticisms."
Kayoko: "I find you are OK... or mayb you only show that to your boyfriend?"
Minato: "Yes. You don't know me, Kayoko sister." :on_sung:
Kayoko: "It is OK. I have many things that I keep to myself, too. :on_sweat: Well, so you ex-boyfriend... maybe he was not really killed in battle..."
Minato: "I know..." :on_exhausted:
Chapter 21. Three Generations of Tragedy
Port Hizen
Kayoko and Minato picked a very noisy tea house for lunch.
Many foreign merchants from Great Ming and Chosen like to come to this tea house,
for in each of the separated rooms, there are services more than the tea...
Minato: "Did Kayoko sister got the story of Shoni?"
Kayoko: "Yep. The locals know everything." :on_idea:
Ryuzoji Iekane (龍造寺家兼, born 1454) was a capable officer of Hizen's Shoni clan. Eventually, Ryuzoji Iekane climbed to the top to become Shoni's most relied officer. Eighteen years ago (1530), when the powerful Ouchi clan attacked Shoni, it was Ryuzoji Iekane who led the army and repelled Ouchi's invasion.
The Ouchi clan did not give up. They realized that Shoni cannot be conquered as long as Ryuzoji Iekane led the army. Therefore, they used dark plots to spawn the seeds of doubt between Ryuzoji Iekane and his lord, Shoni Sukemoto. When Ouchi invaded Kyushu again six years later (1536), Ryuzoji Iekane did not join the war in the critical moment. Shoni Sukemoto was forced to commit suicide. Incidentally, his father was forced to commit suicide 40 years ago in the same castle.
Minato: "So poor..."
Kayoko: "History repeatedly shows that, when there is a powerful clan officer under a weak lord, there is never a happy ending. Well, history does not have any happy ending. Only story does. Fortunately, this is a story." :on_sweat:
But Ryuzoji Iekane did not desert Shoni completely. He helped Shoni Sukemoto's son, Shoni Fuyuhisa (少貳冬尚, born 1529) to restore the Shoni clan four years later (1540). For this, Ryuzoji Iekane again became the top-ranked officer in Shoni. But the damage has been done - another important clan officer of Shoni, Baba Yori... er... I don't know how to read the second character of his name, was angry. Why would Shoni Fuyuhisa trust Ryuzoji this much after what they have done?
Baba plotted a sudden ambush to kill all of the Ryuzoji family. Three years ago (1545), Baba stroke - most members of the Ryuzoji family were killed. But Ryuzoji Iezane escaped with his great grandson. The following year, Ryuzoki Iezane gathered all that's left in Ryuzoji and defeated Baba. From now on, Ryuzoji became the only voice in Shoni clan. Shoni Fuyuhisa is merely a puppet.
Minato: "So sad... losing his son and grandson..."
Kayoko: "Indeed. Ryuzoji Iezane's health quickly deteriorated. He passed away in the following year (1546) at an old age of 93."
So the great grandson assumes power. His name is Ryuzoji Takanobu (龍造寺隆信, born 1529). Compared to his great grandfather, Ryuzoji Takanobu is much less kind and considerate. Last year (1547), Ryuzoji Takanobu locked up Shoni Fuyuhisa in the mountain castle of Tachibana. Maybe it is just a matter of time that Shoni Fuyuhisa repeated the fate of his father and grandfather.
Minato: "Sigh... you are right, Kayoko sister. History is so depressing."
Kayoko: "Well, not if we can make a difference now. How about we give a hand to this Shoni Fuyuhisa?"
Minato: "Oh? Like to become my boy friend?"
Kayoko: "I thought we are trying to help him. :on_sweat: I mean he is already miserable enough."
Minato: "OK... yeah, and I don't want to get killed by Ryuzoji. So what do we do?"
Kayoko: "How about some role playing?"
Minato: "Sure!" :on_aww:
Tachibayama Castle
Tachibayama, the mountain where the flowers established, oversees the prosperous Hakata port. The port is a focal point of commerce and culture in Northern Kyushu. But the castle on top of it, the Tachibayama Castle, has become the prison of Shoni Fuyuhisa.
The guards of Ryuzoji forbid entry of visitors.
But exceptions could be made to the emperor's emissary, who offer generous gifts.
***
All by himself, Shoni Fuyuhisa sits quietly on the straw mats.
He is not imagining freedom, for that does not relieve him from the responsibility of a prestigeous clan's downfall.
Shoni Fuyuhisa: "Visitors? Why?"
Shoni Fuyuhisa does not seem to be excited. Shame is his burden to carry, no matter where he goes.
:on_pushups: "Greetings, Lord Fuyuhisa. I am Yamayoshi Maoko from Echigo. This is my assistant, Portugese merchant representative, Miss Silva."
:on_hi: "Hi! Please call me Minata."
Fuyuhisa: "From Echigo? I've heard of you... Dragon of Echigo, right? Naga... hm... :on_cough:"
Embarrassed about not knowing the name of Echigo's daimyo, Shoni Fuyuhisa sighs heavily.
Minata: "Nagao Kagetora."
Fuyuhisa: "Yes, yes."
Maoko the Housekeeper: "I am the chief of staff in Kasygayama Castle. I am on a special mission - the Nagao clan and the European merchants with to co-develop international trade. We wish to enlist support from Lord Fuyuhisa's Shoni clan."
Fuyuhisa: "Are you talking about the Red-Seal ship?"
Minato: "Not just that. We aim to pursue free trade with China after their sea ban is lifted, so we do not have to pay for the permit. We will expand international trades to cover the southern ocean and the Indian ocean. We aim to expand total trade revenue by five times or more." :on_aww:
Fuyuhisa: "It is an honor to receive the attention from the Dragon of Echigo and European friends... But..."
Shoni Fuyuhisa wants to say something but stops.
"Please follow me."
Maoko and Minata follow Shoni Fuyuhisa into a very small storage room below the stairs.
Shoni Fuyuhisa closes the door and lits a candle.
There must be Ryuzoji's ears in the Tachibana castle.
"Thank you, emissary from Echigo. I very greatful of Lord Nagao Kagetora's invitation. However, I have to tell you the truth."
The candle light flickers under Shoni Fuyuhisa's heavy sighs.
Fuyuhisa: "You may think the guards below are Shoni's guards. You may think I can make decisions for Shoni clan. But no. The guards are Ryuzoji's guards. Ryuzoji Takanobu makes decision for Shoni clan now."
Minata: "Why?"
Fuyuhisa: "You are from Europe, so you probably have not heard about what happened here. Now, Shoni is merely a puppet of Ryuzoji. Very soon, we will be discarded."
Maoko: "Actually, Lord Kagetora knew about the conflict between Shoni and Ryuzoji. We were all saddened by what happened."
Fuyuhisa: "Really."
Fuyuhisa is a little surprised. He thought no one would care.
Fuyuhisa: "Then you must know why Ryuzoji Takanobu is not a loyal officer of Shoni. He thinks we owe the life of his entire family. To certain extent this is true. Besides, even if Baba did not ambush Ryuzoji, I could not stop Shoni's downfall from Ouchi, Otomo, and all our enemies. You can blame all of this on me. I cannot compare to your Lord Kagetora. And there is very little you can do in Echigo."
Maoko: "Please don't lose hope, Lord Fuyuhisa. Actually, Lord Kagetora is very willing to help Shoni. That's why I am here!" :on_getsome:
Fuyuhisa: "Oh? How?"
Maoko: "If necessary, lord Nagao Kagetora would personally lead an army here."
Fuyuhisa: "No no no... it is possible. Echigo to Kyushu? That would require a very powerful navy."
A long stretch of silence follows.
Maoko awkwardly clears her throat. :on_cough:
Minata: "Oh yes! Please forgive me to be impolite. We Portugese came a long way from Europe to Japan. We sailed for months! It is much, much more than the distance between Kyushu and Echigo. Echigo to Kyushu is shorter than Lisbon to Barcelona. Japan is so small! :on_picknose: Nagao Kagetora can do it easily!"
Maoko the housekeepr wipes away her sweat. Hopefully she has not offended Shoni Fuyuhisa. :on_sweat:
Fuyuhisa: "I... er..."
Maoko: "Lord Fuyuhisa, Minata is right. Lord Kagetora can send help from Echigo. We can defeat Ryuzoji together."
Fuyuhisa: "Really?"
Fuyuhisa's eyes glow a little. The candle smoke sometimes makes teary eyes.
Fuyuhisa: "But... that would be a huge expense. Could Echigo afford this?"
Maoko: "Indeed, Echigo is not the richest province in Japan. That's why Lord Kagetora thought about international trade. What we could send to Kyushu could be limited..."
The glows in Fuyuhisa's eyes disappears.
Ryuzoji's army is powerful. Its navy is the largest in Kyushu.
Even Nagao could not match the stregnth of Ryuzoji.
Maoko: "Who said we will fight Ryuzoji?" :on_idea:
Shoni Fuyuhisa is confused... if Nagao Kagetora does not defeat Ryuzoji Takamoto, how can he help?
Maoko: "There are many ways to win a war. Clashing on the battlefield is difficult, but relatively simple. There are more subtle alternatives - but they make things a lot easiser, too. Let's start with a surprise landing in the Bay of Hakata."
Fuyuhisa: "Sure, that would reduce the need for many Bunes to overcome Ryuzoji's fleet. But what next?"
Maoko: "I estimate that Nagao can spare about 3000 men. That's more than enough if we pick the right moment. Isn't Shoni still at war with the smaller clans in Higo? We will wait until Ryuzoji marches its army south. This should buy us a few days. Most of the castles in northern Kyushu still listens to lord Fuyuhisa, or at least they are supposed to. We can enlist their support if they see 3000 men standing behind you."
Fuyuhisa: "Enlisting supports of dozens of castles in Northern Kyushu within a few days? All I have now is less than one hundred loyal samurai."
Maoko: "That's enough for storming out of the Tachibanayama Castle and seizing control of the docks of Hataka for one night. Nagao can take care of the rest from there."
Fuyuhisa: :on_idle: "I hope it is this easy."
Shoni Fuyuhisa has long recognized his incompetency as a leader of a prestigious clan.
Or maybe his lack of confidence turns that into a self-fullfilling prophecy.
The camera goes to Minata's face.
On the bottom right of the screen it reads:
Plot bonus moment! Left Click for Paragon Interruption!
5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3, 2....
***
The little room again falls into quietness. It seems that Shoni Fuyuhisa is not confident enough to pull this off.
Maoko: "Minata, you look like you want to say something?"
Minata: "Do I?"
Maoko: "Yah? Don't you want to?"
Maoko blinks her right eye hard.
Fuyuhisa: "Miss Maoko, are you not feeling well?"
Minata: "OH! Yes! Yes! I have something to say. Hey, Fuku... no, Fu..."
Maoko: "Fuyuhisa."
Minata: "Right. Fuyuhisa, cheer up! :on_cheer: The Nagao army is powerful! And with our Portugese's support of international trade, I am sure we have Ryuzoji beat."
Fuyuhisa: "Ok, Ok. Suppose we take control of nothern Kyushu. But what happens next? How do I repay Nagao?"
Minata: "As we proposed, Nagao would like to expand its international trade with us. You can let Nagao use your trading ports and develop a sizable trading fleet and profitable trade routes. That should cover Nagao's cost in just a few years. Don't underestimate the profit of international trade! That's why we are here calling you Lords and Madams." :on_lie:
Maoko: :on_angry: (that last line was not in the script...)
Fuyuhisa: "It is OK, I understand this... But then lord Kagetora just leaves a trade fleet here and returns to Echigo? That won't work. I am not sure about things in Echigo, but here in Kyushu, neighbor clans are hungry tigers and wolves. As soon as you leave, Shoni will be preyed upon."
Maybe from another angle, the existence of Ryuzoji has prevented Shoni from complete destruction. They actually gained groundf from the Otomo clan in Buzen.
Minata: "Yeah... but if Nagao does not leave, people will say.... 'OH, Shoni was Ryuzoji's puppet, and now it becomes Nagao's puppet.' Doesn't Lord Fuyuhisa want to restore the glory of Shoni?"
Maoko: "I am sorry... Miss Minata is very direct... I hope it has not offended Lord Fuyuhisa. But if I may add anyithing... Actually, Lord Kagetora is very kind to guest daimyos, such as Jinbo Nagazumi and Murakami Takeyoshi. If this is what Lord Fuyuhisa prefers... we can do that, too."
:on_cough:
Shoni Fuyuhisa sighs heavily again.
Shoni Fuyuhisa had realized that from the beginning, he never had a chance to restore Shoni's glory.
In the climax of Sengoku, only the powerful clans earn the right to live on.
All Fuyuhisa could strive for is a little more dignity in his own ending.
Fuyuhisa: "I have long recognized that I will be the last daimyo of Shoni. All I ask for is to keep Shoni's titles and current lands. The rest is up to Lord Kagetora."
Fuyuhisa closes his eyes.
"You know, I have been tired of seeing betryals and mistrust. If Lord Nagao Kagetora is indeed, like what people say, a hope of ending the countries at war, I believe he would a better ruler than me, than Ryuzoji Takamoto, and perhaps than anybody else in Japan."
Minata: "Hey, Lord Fuyuhisa, you sound like you have to be pushed into a shark tank tomorrow. Why this desparation? You don't have to play in politics to survive... how about a merchant, a craftsman, a painter, a writer...? Why do you get another job, other than a samurai?"
Fuyuhisa's face is frozen as he is shocked by Minata's rude but honest comment. A samurai giving up being a samurai?
Fuyuhisa: "Samurai is not a job, but a... I don't know. It is more than a title, but an armor sewed to our skins and bones. If I try to remove it, other samurai will look down on me... like a do not deserve to live."
Minata: "Why care? The other samurai only know you by your name, Shoni Fuyuhisa. Even if you become the Shogun or even the emperor - these people still only know you by your name. To them, you are only a name! But, to youself and people who know you, you are much more."
Fuyuhisa: "Hm... very interesting thought. Shoni Fuyuhisa has gained a bad reputation... so what do I have to lose?"
Shoni Fuyuhisa grins. That's a new expression from his face.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_156.jpg
Chapter 22. Dilemma of the Righteous
Echigo's winter of 1548 is unusually cold.
A fierce snowstorm arrived last night. As people wake up this morning, snows are up to their thigh.
"Hey! Hey! Hey!"
Yet there is a man who walks bravely in the snow, all the way up to Echigo's Kasugayama Castle.
For there is a clan meeting every Monday morning. His name is Nagao Kagenobu (長尾景信).
By the time Nagao Kagenobu reaches the castle's gate at the bottom of Kasuga mountain, there have been more than one hundred people waiting in line. They all dress in white, with cloth covering their face.
"Yo? So many people waiting for climb Kasuga mountain? Are you here all for the clan meeting?"
Nagao Kagenobu notices that these men in white all look very tough. No, not chests full of muscle and arms as thick as thighs - those traits will not exist until steroids are invented.
These men have very determined eyes. When they speak, they reveal a strong sense of purpose. They want to make this world a better place, even if this means they have to sacrifice their lives. While normal men's will to fight are affected by how their neighbors are doing, these men simply fight for their sacred purpose.
They are Warrior Monks.
Kagenobu: "Warrior monks? I thought these are two different careers..." :on_huh:
Warrior Monk (A): "Just like Panda should be Cat-Bear instead of Bear-Cat in Chinese, warrior monks are still monks. We just happen to like martial arts."
Kagenobu: "Oh... you like fighting."
Warrior Monk (A): "No no no. We don't like fighting. We don't like wars. We fight so there will be no more fighting. We go to war to end wars."
Kagenobu: "Sounds like one of those Zen Buddhists' paradox arguments to me. :on_sweat: Where are you all from? Why are you here?"
Warrior Monk (B): "We are mostly from north-east region. We all heard that Lord Nagao Kagetora is the best candidate to end Sengoku Jidai and restore Japan's harmony. We are here to help."
Kagenobu: "Oh? Welcome!" :on_aww:
Warrior Monk (C): "But unfortunately the snowstorm came. Kasugayama Castle is closed to visitors..."
Nagao Kagenobu looks up and sees a big sign:
"Closed due to weather. Please come back later. All meetings cancelled."
Kagenobu: "Ops." :on_sweat:
Kagenobu shrugs - he walked more than an hour in the snow to get here.
But he is not angry.
Kagenobu: "Well, at least I learned something new. So what would you all do when the mountain is closed to visitors?"
Warrior Monk (C): "We wait right here until the mountain re-opens."
Kagenobu: "Why don't you stay in the town's hotels?"
Warrior Monk (B): "Haha. Mister, have you heard monks staying in hotels? We are not samurais, who own lands and peasants. We have very little money."
Kagenobu: "Right. You are monks! But if you are a full-time warrior, how would you support yourselves?"
Warrior Monk (A): "Salary? :on_please: Normally we would offer services for food and shelter. But many of us are here to raise some funds for our respective temples. It is Sengoku, so the dominations are not enough..."
Kagenobu: "Right! I suppose your salary has to be higher than samurai's. After all, samurai pay for their own armor and weapons."
Warrior Monk (B): "Yep. I hope Lord Nagao Kagetora can afford us. Otherwise we will have disband and return to our vegetable garden."
Kagenobu: "Of course you stay! I will go up and call Nagao Kagetora to get down to greet you. Wait here!"
Warrior Monk (C): "Oh? Who are you?" :on_angry:
Kagenobu: "I am his mother's brother. Nice to meet you!" :on_please:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/nagao_kagenobu_240.jpg
Nagao Kagenobu (長尾景信)
Born roughly around 1515. Head of Koshin Nagao, one of the three major Nagao families of Echigo (the other two are headed by Nagao Kagetora and Nagao Masakage). Nagao Kagenobu is a brother of Nago Kagetora's mother. Historically, Nagao Kagenobu has no worthnoting abilities. The Koshin Nagao deteriorated under his leadership.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_150.jpg
Kasugayama Castle
Tensho - Kagetora's living quarter
Yaya: "Oh! It is grandpa Kagenobu! Umachiyo, call grandpa Kagenobu!"
Umachiyo (2.5 years): "Grandpa! Bubu!" :on_hi:
Yaya: ":on_exhausted: Sorry..."
Kagenobu: "It is ok... Can I ask you to just call me uncle? I am only mid-30s..." :on_sweat:"
Kagenobu pats Umachiyo's little face.
Although he is Umachiyo's father's mother's brother, Umachiyo was born when Kagetora was 16, and Kagetora was born when his mother was 18.
Hiroshichiyo (1.5 years): "Papa!" :on_hi:
Yaya: "No~ he is not papa... sorry, he calls everybody papa. So embarassing... :on_blush:"
Kagenobu: "It is ok. I guess we all did that when we were little."
Kagenobu also pats Hiroshichiyo on the head. He is very cute. So "sheep-chiyo" fits him well.
Seluchiyo (0.5 years): "WAAAA~~~~" :on_tantrum:
Yaya: "Sorry, sorry, uncle Kagenobu, please wait a second."
Yaya holds Seluchiyo (monkey chiyo) in her arm. The little baby just woke up from his nap.
Kagenobu: "What a little monkey! So... are you still planning another baby? :on_sweat:"
Yaya: "Yes... I like babies! But yes it is a lot of work."
Kagenobu: "What would be his name?"
Yaya: "He will use the name 'Chika', which stands for emotional closeness. Kagetora is mostly around last year. I hope he can stay home more often if he could."
Kagenobu: "Good, good. Would you like a girl this time?"
Yaya: "Actually I have a feeling it is going to be a boy again..."
Kagenobu: "Four boys? :on_angry: maybe you should hire a nanny. Maybe Maoko can find one?"
Yaya: "I hope to raise all of my kids personally..."
Kagenobu notices some new wrinkles beside Yaya's eyes. She is only 23 years old...
Kagenobu: "Oh Yaya, is Kagetora here?"
Yaya: "Sorry, he is not. He is not very happy these days... so I asked him to chat with master Tenshitsu Koiku in Rizenji."
Kagenobu: "Oh! Rizenji is located just beside the front gate, right?"
Yaya: "Yes. I am sorry that you made this trip through all the snow..."
Kagenobu: "It is ok. I have seen some cute babies! That just made my day."
Kagenobu is simply a happy person.
Many people say the world is terrible and hopeless, but he believes things get better day by day.
And since he is not really good at anything, he will let the capable take more responsibilities to save the world.
But maybe it is the time for Kagenobu to start a family...
Rizenji - Forest Spring Temple
The spring is still frozen by the winter.
Snows quietly accumulate on the outer rim of the temple's windows.
Dried branches crack as they burn in the fireplace.
Kagetora's mind resembles the frozen spring more than the fireplace.
Masakage: "Kagetora, you have to look at the reality. War times or not, nobody succeeds without stepping on others' heads and shoulders."
Nomi: "Well, there are alternatives. For example, we can avoid competition if we live in the temple, or become a hermit."
Kagetora: "Then maybe I should become a hermit. I have had the thought of living in Mount Koya's temples."
Masakage: "WHAT?! :on_yell: Are you saying that you want to simply give up and disappear?"
Nomi: "How can you say that, Kagetora? Yaya is about to have your fourth child. How can you abandon your family like this?" :on_furious:
Nagao Masakage is the second in command of Nagao clan. He is not sure whether he can keep the clan alive in times like this.
Usami Nomi understands what Ashina Yaya and the children would feel if Kagetora suddenly abandons his family. In fact, all Yaya wants is a sweet family.
Kagetora: "I am very sorry. I am in great pains, too. But I cannot do something that I know is wrong. If I cannot justify my own actions and become a person that I dislike, then how can I stand in front of my family and my clan's people? How can I invade another clan? How can I rob their land and property, kill their people and break up their family? I cannot do this. Once I compromise my own principles, I lose my meaning of life."
Kagetora looks down, breathing heavily.
His conscience now runs against the future of Nagao clan.
Masakage: "There must be an excuse you can use to comfort yourself. Like your invasion helps improve people's lives. A few lives lost can be exchanged for more lives saved. Their sacrifice is worth it."
Kagetora: "Would you like to sacrifice your life for someone you don't know in the future? For the killed, everything is lost."
Nomi: "You can pick the worst clans to attack, Kagetora."
Kagetora: "Who is here to judge better from worse? Am I attacking others using excuses I made up?"
Actually, if Nagao Kagetora does not care about his conscience, by tactics alone, he can probably quickly conquer all nearby provinces, and become the most powerful daimyo in the history of Sengoku Jidai.
Masakage: "Kagetora, the world is not just black and white. There are fifty shades of grey. Sometimes, even the best person commit a sin..."
Kagetora: "If he knows it is a sin, would he commit it in the first place?"
Masakage: "You are thinking too much."
Kagetora: "If I can, why don't I? Isn't it a sin that I ignore my responsibility to think of the consequences?"
But even if Nagao becomes the greatest clan in Japan, then what next?
Nagao Kagetora may be adored as a hero for some, but deep inside his heart, Kagetora knows taht his puny existence won't make any difference in the history of mankind.
Somebody wins the war, somebody loses the war. Another war comes later...
One day, the superpower called Nagao will fall, when another great leader rises in a similar fashion. Nagao's offsprings slaughtered, their people enslaved...
War after war, the cycle continues...
War never changes.
Tenshitsu Koiku: "Kagetora, you have a good heart, and you have a strong sense of justice. I have seen that on you since you were a child. I support you."
Kagetora: "Master..."
Koiku: "You know, on the night that you decided to lead Nagao clan, I knew one day you would have such conflicts. When you fought your brother, it was the only option left. When you attacked Jinbo, you had to end the war. When you declared war on Hojo, you had to repel their invasion. You did not have a choice in any of those. But now you have a choice."
The master monk stops for a while, as he sees Kagetora has tears in his eyes.
Koiku: "People say politics are too dirty - it corrupts everybody who dips a foot in it. However, I thik politics, or power, is not dirty - but the complexity of affairs in politics makes people lose track of what they really like and do not like to do with their lives. Kagetora, you do not want to invade others and cause others' misery. Do you know what do you want to do with your lives?"
Kagetora: "I want to make this world a better place whatever I do."
Such a simple thought that so many have lost.
Masakage: "This is easy! :on_lie: By beating a bad clan, you make this world a better place."
Koiku: "No, Masakage. Making this world a better place in whatever you do is not easy. In fact, by labeling some clan a bad clan, you just now made this world a worse place. Each clan has tens of thousands of people. Each people can perform good or bad things under different situations. How can you just call them bad? This injustice itself could cause much hatred."
Masakage: "Well, I mean 'worse' clans. We can still attack the 'worse' clans. It is relative. We bring good lives to their people.... oh well, some will unfortuantely got killed first. OK, sorry. I will shut up." :on_punch:
Tenshitsu Koiku recalls his young age... he was once deciding whether to become a monk or not.
Sixty years have past. He has not regreted.
Being a monk, he chose an easy path of not bearing the stress from desires and responsibility.
Kagetora can give up desires; in fact, he already does that by instinct.
But Kagetora has way more responbitilities on his shoulders than Tenshitsu Koiku does.
Koiku: "Kagetora, wars are struggles outside your mind. You can overcome wars with strategies, courage, endurance, and everybody's contribution. This, on the other hand, is a struggle inside your mind. Do not treat this struggle as an unfortunate accident. This should happen to you. You have to also face it with courage. You cannot run away. Even if you do, it will stay on you."
Kagetora: "Yes, master. Thank you for your teachings. I shouldn't have had the thought to run away. But I cannot justify any invasion with any excuse I can think of, such as 'I am doing this for the clan, not myself.' I have to stay honest and true."
Koiku: "You know, Kagetora, most people don't question themselves like you do. You make your life very difficult by being a strong critics of yourself. However, because of this habit of yours, you are capable of living a life very different from anybody else. Don't lose that habit, or you will be just like anybody else."
Kagetora: "Yes, master, I will carry it on."
Masakage: "Er... :on_idle: I appreciate master's attempt to make Kagetora feel better. But we are not reaching any compromise here. Kagetora, even if you don't care about the Nagao clan, why don't you care about us? We all depend on you. We like you, too."
Nomi: "Yes, Kagetora, we all like you. Don't give up!"
Nomi's cheek blushes all of a sudden.
Nomi is a faithful follower of Bishamonten, she would of course believe in Nagao Kagetora, the self-styled the avatar of Bishamonten.
She has vowed to give up passion of the mundane world. She has not gone crazy, probably because she can hide that emotion within her faith.
Koiku: (Hm... we shouldn't add family's pressure to Kagetora. :on_sweat:) "Well, let's give Kagetora some time and switch to another topic. Let's talk about life, shall we? What do you live for?"
What do we live for? This is a big question.
Everybody looks at each other.
Nomi: "I live for the oath I made to Bishamonten. I pledged my life to him, and asked him to grant me courage and wisdom to follow him and enlighten the world."
Tenshitsu Koiku: "I guess Nomi has to first know Bishamonten's will in order to follow him. How do you know Bishamonten's will, Nomi?"
Nomi: "I follow rules in scripture. I also follow Kagetora. I have inner peace from following them. I know I am doing the right things."
Kagetora: "Thank you... I hope I will not let you down."
Kagetora is a little relieved to hear that he brings peace to Nomi's mind.
Masakage: "I... I live for people whom I love and those who love me."
Koiku: "I am sure you know whom you love. But how do you know who love you, Masakage?"
Masakage: "Er... yeah, I guess I can never know for sure. I have to trust them if they claim they love me. I trust my families and friends, like Kagetora. I guess I live for you sometimes? :on_blush: Kagetora, if somebody points a Musket at you, I hope to be lucky enough to stand in front of you."
Kagetora: "Thank you... I never thought you think this way."
Kagetora can only hope that he could do this for Masakage and others.
He is not afraid of dying, but his duties instruct him to highly value his life.
That brings him to shame. Lives should be equal, isn't it?
Koiku: "Ok, it is my turn. You probably expect me to say 'I live for Buddhism'? That's indeed the case... 60 years ago."
Masakage: "Then what does master live for?"
"Well, it is a long story. Please allow me to start from the beginning."
Tenshitsu Koiku takes a sip of the steaming green tea. Some secrets have been kept for a little too many years.
Sixty years ago, I became a monk. I wanted to be just like Buddha. I live for Buddha.
Fifty years ago, I had studied so many scriptures, but I found that Buddhism... was just Buddhism, a religion. I then follow my master monk, whom I sincerely admired and respected. I lived for my master.
Fourty years ago, my master passed away. I was his favorite pupil, so I inherited his temple, Rizenji. I devoted every day into the management of Rizenji. I successfully drew a large crowd of followers. Our donation boxes were always full. We had so many monks and nuns. Just imagine what Honganji is today.
Thirty years ago, I finally discovered that the larger my temple was, the shallower my Buddhist teaching became. When the visitor came, they looked at our red-painted double gate, our large golden statue of Buddha, our huge thurible (a holder for burning incense) with hundreds of incense thicker than thumbs... then they made a wish and went home. They did not come for Buddhism at all. I was like a businessman who ran a theme park. I had to make a drastic change.
Masakage: "Master, I heard there was a large fire in Rizenji about 30 years ago. Is that..." :on_angry:
Tenshitzu Koiku: "You are right, Masakage. It was a sin. I hoped Buddha would agree with me. Hm, looking back, it was the best thing I have done in my life as a monk. Haha."
Kagetora: :on_sweat:
Or the worst thing he could have done as a businessman.
Kagetora could never imagine that his master could burn down his own temple. He recalls the old saying that "one can follow Buddha only after he gives up all worldly belongings".
The temple burned down, along with people's wishlists. (Note: In Japan, people can usually write wishes on a small wooden board and hang it outside the temple.) People all thought this was the end of Rizenji, but I hoped it was a beginnig. We had enough savings to rebuild just a small temple - this very one you are sitting on. As you can tell, it looked so dull that no tourists would visit us anymore. But I started taking students. I lived for my students. One day, I would pass away, and hand over Buddhism to them. I taught classes day and night. I hoped that they would be enlightened as quickly as possible.
Twenty years ago, I realized that enlightenment was not something I could simply teach. I cannot rush it and stuff it down a student's throat. The more pressure I gave them, they more resistance I received. Some of my students ran away, some of them became a little... wacky. You see crazy monks all the time, right? Maybe it was my fault. Many of my pupils were pushed farther away from enlightenment. So I stopped taking many students. I preached to guests who came here for accomodation, for praying, for a relief from their pressured lives.
Ten years ago, I found that what I did was quite fruitless again. Those who seemed to understand me now forgot everything. Those who seemed to like Buddhism backed away. What I have done seemed to be all in vain. What had I accomplished? I was tired and old. In desperation, I gave up all my wishes. I did not live for anything. If you want this old monk to hold a adulthood ceremony, I am happy to. If you want this old monk to teach a young studnet, I am happy to. If you want this old monk to take care of the clan lord's young son called Torachiyo, I am also happy to.
The room went silent after Tenshitsu Koiku finished his concentrated life's story.
Kagetora: "Thank you, master. I... I don't know what I live for, actually. I am sorry."
Koiku: "There is nothing wrong it that, Kagetora. You are just like me now."
Nomi: "How about living like a Bishamonten's avatar?"
Kagetora: "Sure... but what would Bishamonten do? Would he invade Kyushu with an army? Would he attack other clans without a fully justified reason? I don't think he would do that..."
Nobody knows what Bishamonten would do.
But what Kagetora says makes some sense - Bishamonten probably would not invade others for no good reason.
"Hey! Anybody cares about my opinion?"
"Oh? It is uncle Kagenobu!"
"Please, Masakage... I am only a few years older than you."
Nagao Kagenobu shakes off his snow boots and walks in.
"I live, so I can be spend every day happy."
Kagenobu reveals his trade-marked smile.
What does Nagao Kagenobu has to say? People are used to seeing his patented smile during clan meetings.
He almost never had anything meaningful to say.
"Sorry, the walls of Rizenji are not very thick, so I overheard some of your conversations from outside. I have something to say to Kagetora."
Kagenobu pours himself a cup of tea. He always seems happy.
"Kagetora and Nomi, you said you want to follow Bishamonten? Who is Bishamonten? He listened to Buddha's lectures, and BOOM he was suddenly promoted to a tenon (sky king). People say Bishamonten fights demons. But have you seen demons? Has anybody seen Bishamonten? Bishamonten does not do anything to our world. No offense, but from my view, Bishamonten is nothing but a statue made of wood or rock. Why do you want to follow a statue of wood and rock?"
Nomi: "Demons live inside people's minds. Bishamonten's spirit is about to bravely confront demons both inside our own mind, and then demons who have possessed other people's mind."
Kagenobu: "That sounds too abstract to me. I think Bishamonten is just some thing people made up." :on_yellowcard:
Nomi: "How can you say that?" :on_angry:
Kagetora: :on_sweat: "I think I get what uncle Kagenobu means.... uncle Kagenobu means that we should not really try to understand what Bishamonten would do in this world. Because Bishamonten never belongs to this world."
Kagenobu: "Exactly. Bishamonten only has to decide to beat demons. That's such an easy decision. Kagetora has to decide whether to beat another clan. That's not an easy decision. We as people have to handle a lot more tough decisions. Why do we look up for guidance? We should look into ourselves."
Kagetora: "I see... so I have to take full responsibility for my decisions. I cannot shove my responsibilities on my faith."
Kagenobu: "Yes. Look into yourself. I trust that Kagetora has what it takes."
There is a sprak of hope lighting up in Kagetora's eyes.
Yet Nomi sighs as she looks down.
If Bishamonten is something that people make up, then she is merely following a piece of her imagination.
What should be her real purpose of life?
Tenshitsu Koiku: "Nomi, Buddhism is never about everybody believing in the same tenon. Buddhism is about everybody finding the same peace in their mind. If Kagetora finds peace without following Bishamonten, he does not have to."
Nomi: "Master..."
If Kagetora does not follow Bishamonten, who should Nomi follow if there is a conflict?
Her faith, of course. Then she would have to oppose Kagetora. She does not like that.
She can only hope that this day will never come.
Kagetora: "Right. I cannot restrict my thoughts in the absolute good and evil in the realm of gods and demons. When Nagao clan gains territory, another clan loses it. When two armies go on the battlefield, the families of the dead weep. For the realm of human, there is no pure victory and loss - but always a mixture of bitter and sweet."
Kagetora remembers his brother Harukage. He is not entirely a bad person.
Kagetora was told that Harukage used to hold infant Kagetora in his arms, and took him for a walk in the woods.
But then they had to meet on the battlefield, as there could be only one ruler of the clan.
Harukage was killed, right in front of Kagetora's eyes.
Kagetora: "My conscience cannot be restricted by a Buddhism tenon's statue. I have to consider much more: my family, my officiers, my generals, my soldiers, my people, and those of the other clans, too. There WILL BE negative consequences in my actions, as I am not fighting against demons, but real people who are just like me. I will not be able to please every one. Some will oppose me; some will hate me; some will never forgive me. I can only hope that I have the wisdom and courage to face these delimma, and make the best decisions - not just for my people, but for Japan; not just for now, but for our future generations. Right, uncle Kagenobu?
Kagenobu: "I didn't think that much... but I have a feeling that the statue Bishamonten is too small for you, Kagetora."
Masakage: "Kagetora, I believe you have the wisdom and courage to do it." :on_tears:
Nomi: "Kagetora, you have my faith."
Kagetora finally finds peace.
He will launch his campaign to Kyushu, but he will try his best to minimize suffering, and bring peace and prosperity to the people there.
Koiku: "Good, good. Kagenobu, thank you very much for your words of wisdom."
Kagenobu: :on_sweat: "I don't have wisdom."
Koiku: "Oh, you do. The fact that you can keep that smile on you all day is the best proof of inner peace. Are you interested in becoming the next manager of Rizenji? I am retiring in a few years..."
Kagenobu: "No please, master! I want to get married!" :on_yell:
"Hahaha..." Laughter bursts out in the room.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting! We brought back good news!" :on_pushups:
Maoko the housekeeper is back from her half-year-trip to China, with two new friends.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_157.jpg
Maoko the Housekeeper brought back to people who are critical for Nagao Kagetora's Kyushu campaign.
The first person is a loyal retainer of Shoni Fuyuhisa named Toshisuke.
Toshisuke is responsible for coordinating Nagao Kagetora and Shoni Fuyuhisa's joint strike.
They plan to take advantage of Ryuzoji's military campaign to Higo, and make a surprise landing in Port Hataka of Tsukushi.
Nagao's 3000 soldiers will storm the nearby castle of Tachibanayama, and quickly succumb the smaller castles of Tsukushi and Hizen.
If they act fast enough, Ryuzoji's army would not have a chance to counterstrike.
The second person brought back from Maoko is Minato, daughter of a well-connected Portugese merchant.
Minato comes to Echigo in the hope to find a suitable boyfriend...
And somehow, under the dark plots of Maoko and the influence of beer, she and Nagao Kagenobu fell in love.
The Nagao clan enjoyed a very peaceful and prosper year.
When snow has melted; Kasugayama Castle sees a unpresendented spring festival,
spring dance, spring cakes, spring rolls, spring signs, spring dress, and most important of all, spring breaks.
People of Echigo have high hopes in the rules of Nagao Kagetora.
More and more think he could actually be the avatar of the Buddhism Tenon.
But Kagetora thinks he is just a regular human being.
He has to plan very carefully about his next move.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_159.jpg
Diplomatic preparations come first.
Shoni is allied with the Ito clan, the prominent power in southern Kyushu.
Nagao would not be able to afford an all-out war with Ito, so a marriage between Nagao and Ito would strengthen their relationship.
May God/Buddha bless the bride and groom,
May the clans enjoy peace, and their relationship to bloom.
May Nagao Kagenobu and Ito Minato live happily after (probably not).
At least Nagao Kagenobu walked with his chin pointing forward for a few months.
It is rare to have a European bride! He was the focus of jealousy and envy.
Just for a few months.
Note: Sorry about the delay in updates!
I am determined to finish the story!
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_160.jpg
A few months later, Nagao Kagenobu and Minato visited Kyushu. But they did more than shaking hands with residence in Bungo's Nanban district. They were in fact special and secret emissaries to Ito clan. Nagao offered a fat gift to Ito Yoshisuke in exchange for his support of Nagao's precense in northern Kyushu.
Now Ito Yoshisuke can smell something fishy in this political marriage. What should Ito Yoshisuke do? The Ito clan has good relationships with Nagao now, thanks to his god-daughter Minato. Nagao Kagetora has a peace-loving reputation, so he definitely would not declare war on Ito all of a sudden.
How about Shoni, or more accurately, Ryuzoji? Ryuzoji Takanobu is am ambitious expansionist who will turn his attention to Ito once he defeats the smaller clans in Bungo. Although breaking military alliance with Ryuzoji makes Ito Yoshisuke looks bad, this might be an inevitable reality sooner or later. Besides, Ito has its own other enemy - the Kikkawa clan in Chukoku region. They had a nasty history in the path. Ito Yoshisuke has been thinking about a revenge for years.
Ito Yoshisuke decided to bet on Nagao Kagetora's side.
Of course, it all came down to the irresitably persuasive emissaries of Nagao. Deal. :on_please:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_161.jpg
But the diplomats had far more to do.
Starting with the Mogami clan in the northeast.
This poor clan just lost a major battle - its daimyo was killed.
His eldest son was only five (later known as Mogami Yoshiaki, 最上義光).
Nagao secured another deal with Mogami - by agreeing to harbor the Mogami family should anything worse happens.
The two clans have been friends for decades, so this is not really a problem, as long as the Mogami clan, er..., contributes for Nagao's expansion plan in Kyushu.
If Nagao gains land in Kyushu, a castle will be reserved under the Mogami family.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_162.jpg
Selling hope is like promising economy and jobs - people do not resist their own hopes (except for the severely depressed).
For Ashina Morikiyo, Nagao Kagetora's father-in-law, he hopes that his daughter has a bright and happy future, just like any father does.
The Ashina clan had just successfully defeated Satake clan, so they have a lot of loot to share.
So why not help out?
If Nagao Kagetora's bold campaign works, Ashina Morikiyo will be a very proud father-in-law.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_153.jpg
Chapter 23. When the Sky Dips Beneath
Day of Departure, Spring 1549
Nagao Kagetora, Nagao Masakage, ashigaru and samurai captains such as Kakizaki Kageie, along with Ninja Naoaki, nun Rizenji Munechika, and three thousand soldiers of Echigo, boarded a large fleet in port Naoetsu. They are heading southwest, all the way to Kyushu. For many, they have never been so far away from home.
So who is in charge of Kasugayama Castle? It was Kagetora's uncle, Nagao Kagenobu. Echigo has enjoyed more than a year of total peace - all Kagenobu needs to do is to keep his Portugese wife Minato happy, and remember to feed Ashina Yaya's plants.
Every thing seems wonderful. People are full of hopes.
But what they do not know is that they have been watched. Someone in the Shinano mountains has kept a close eye on Echigo.
Tsutsujigasaki-yakata (躑躅崎館), Headquarters of the Takeda Clan
Province of Kai
"Ho! Ho! Ho!"
More than two thousand crimson-armored soldiers of Takeda exercise their skills.
Their chants are in unison; their minds are one - to invade as rapidly as wild fire.
The strength of Takeda recovers extremely fast, thanks to Takeda Takenobu's legendary bonus, ops, legendary management skills.
It is time for another invasion.
"My lord, the intelligence from Echigo has arrived. Nagao Kagetora has boarded ships in Naoetsu port three days ago."
Advisor Yamamoto Kansuke spoke by Takeda Harunobu's ear.
"Let's wait a bit longer, or Nagao Kagetora could turn back. But the plan with the Ikkos can go ahead."
"Yes, my lord. I shall travel to Echizen."
"Hold on. I think Commander Shimotsuma Raishu cannot make the decision this time. But, we don't have time to let him ask headquarter Ishiyama Honganji."
"Yes, my lord. Grandmaster Honganji Shoyo is too kind to initiate a war with Nagao in a hurry. We have to create a situation to force Shimotsuma into war with Nagao."
"Jinbo."
"That's exactly what I think, too, my lord. Jinbo Nagazumi was so smart that he spent one year to chase after Nagao Kagetora and still failed. We can tell him to do anything for us."
"Good. Let's do this..."
Takeda Harunobu closed his eyes while he reveals his plot.
Jinbo is now a loyal follower of Nagao. But that can be worked to Nagao's disadvantage.
"My lord, your cunning mind is unmatched in the Sengoku Jidai."
"There are many smart men out there. I can only hope so."
"Ho! Ho! Ho!"
The soldiers have been well trained.
And their time is about to come.
"Kagetora, you leave a weakness to me, and I shall bite. You want to play fair, but nobody else does in Sengoku. That's why you will meet your end."
Takeda Harunobu looks north - many beautiful mountains stand in his view to Echigo.
Echizen Yoshizaki-gobō (吉崎御坊),
Honganji's Echizen Command HQ
Shimotsuma has very thick brows. It appears even thicker under his shaved head.
Raishu: "WHAT? Nagao Kagetora is SAILING toward us?"
It looks like the Ikko-Ikki commander's eyes could pop out any moment.
Ikko-Ikki captain: "Yep. The news just reaches Echizen. Nagao Kagetora has almost all captains and soldiers of Echigo on board."
Raishu: "So is Nagao Kagetora attacking us?"
Captain: "Unlikely. Nagao Kagetora's emissary visited us last month for Buddha's birthday's celebration, re-stating that Nagao wishes to maintain peace with Honganji."
Raishu: "Maybe they tried to deceive us?... but this is not Nagao Kagetora's style."
Shimotsuma Raishu scratches his chin. What does Nagao Kagetora want to do?
Maybe he is going to Kyoto? Samurai of this era dream to march an army onto Kyoto.
Their names will be forever remembered even if they fail halfway.
Captain: "And the second issue: the emissary of Takeda asks to see you, my lord."
Raishu: "Another ceasefire plead? Well... let's see if Takeda agrees with our terms this time..."
Takeda Harunobu has repeatedly demanded absurd ceasefire conditions. This makes Shimotsuma Raishu really impatient.
***
This emissary is different. His crippled and half-blinded appearance is not exactly diplomatic.
But a monk should not judge people by their appearance, nor by their hearts - he should not judge at all.
Yamamoto Kansuke: "Lord Shimotsuma Raishu, I am not here to ask for a ceasefire."
Raishu: "Oh?"
Shimotsuma Raishu is a little disappointed. His success as a commander depends on whether he can succumb his enemies. But so far he has been a poor performer.
Kansuke: "I am here to bring you a good news."
Raishu: "Ok, let me guess. Nagao Kagetora is on a ship?"
Kansuke: "Oh, nothing escapes lord Raishu's ears."
Raishu: "I wouldn't call it good news, though. At best it is a neutral news."
Kansuke: "Why does everybody talk about Nagao Kagetora? My good news to Honganji is about something else, lord Shimotsuma."
Raishu: "And what is that?"
Now Shimotsuma Raishu is a little interested. He knows he cannot trust an enemy's emissary, but at least he can hear about their words.
Kansuke: "We Takeda will attack North Shinano again, and Honganji can attack Etchu. This way, we will get rid of two annoying enemies, Murakami and Jinbo."
Raishu: "Jinbo Nagazumi is an ignorant brat, but these two clans are protected by Nagao. We signed a peace treaty with Nagao, we cannot do that."
Kansuke: "We don't declare war on Nagao. We edeclare war on these small clans."
Shimotsuma Raishu frowns as his thick brows connect.
Raishu: "People are not stupid... and what if Nagao Kagetora choose to land in Echizen to punish us?"
Kansuke: "Nope, Nagao Kagetora won't land in Echizen. He is going to Kyushu."
Raishu: "Kyushu?" :on_angry:
Kansuke: "This comes from the Kanto Kanlei, lord Uesugi Norimasa himself."
Shimotsuma Raishu has doubts. Why would Uesugi Norimasa reveal Nagao Kagetora's military plan to Takeda?
But Honganji is never part of samurai politics. They must have their reasons...
Raishu: "Oh well, even if Nagao Kagetora is really going to Kyushu, he can still change his mind."
Kansuke: "Not if Honganji ambushes Nagao Kagetora's fleet on the sea."
Raishu: "WHAT? :on_angry: We've lost way too many ships to Echigo's navy. We cannot beat them."
Kansuke: "No worries. All Uesugi's Bune are now away in Kyushu. The transport ships are very easy to defeat. Takeda would do it ourselves if we had a port."
Raishu: "Hm..."
Shimotsuma Raishu realizes this could be a good oppurtunity to defeat Nagao, a formidable opponent.
In Sengoku Jidai, most clans stay afloat by making sure their neighbors never get more powerful than they do.
Treaties mean nothing in the hands of victors.
Raishu: "So you are suggesting that Honganji assassinate Nagao Kagetora on the sea. Why would we listen to you?"
Kansuke: "So that Honganji will reclaim Etchu, and Takeda will reclaim North Shinano. We will then have peace."
Raishu: "Takeda promise means nothing. You might as well suggest somebody else to betray us later."
Kansuke: "Let's look at it this way. Nagao Kagetora is easily our biggest common enemy in the region. If we do not work together, sooner or later we will be destroyed individually."
Raishu: "I don't think Nagao Kagetora is a keen expansionist like... lord Takeda Harunobu." :on_picknose:
Kansuke: "If not, why would Nagao Kagetora go to Kyushu?"
There is a long period of silence.
This is Sengoku Jidai, where everybody acts in their best interest.
Maybe Nagao Kagetora's chooses a chivalry style only to pave his way to a justified Kyushu campaign. Who knows?
Raishu: "But I still cannot declare war on Nagao just like this. I have to ask for Ishiyama Honganji's permission."
Kansuke: "For sure Ishiyama Honganji will agree."
Raishu: "Why is that?"
Kansuke: "Because of Jinbo's attack."
Raishu: "What attack?"
Kansuke: "You don't know? Jinbo is marching an army to Kaga. Kaga is a holy land for Ikko. How could Honganji tolerate this?"
Raishu: "Wait, wait, you said Jinbo is attacking us? Captain!"
Captain: "My lord."
Raishu: "Is Jinbo attacking us?"
Captain: "No. But Jinbo is attacking Kaga. This has been confirmed this morning. It would be the next item that I bring to you."
Raishu: "Why don't you tell me earlier?" :on_furious:
Captain: "Well, since Kaga fell into chaos last year, we have lost our governance there. My lord told me to leave issues not directly related to Honganji till later." :on_sweat:
Raishu: "Ok..."
Actually, Yamamoto Kansuke forged a letter from Kaga's local militant groups, which urged Jinbo to take the oppurtunity and expand its influence into Kaga. That's why Jinbo is marching an army to Kaga.
Raishu: "How dare Jinbo march an army to Kaga?" :on_bash:
Kansuke: "Yes. Isn't this enough reason to wipe Jinbo off Echu?"
Raishu: "Er..."
Kansuke: "Has Lord Raishu forgot the shame in Ueno? When you pleaded for peace but everybody else looked down on you?"
Shimotsuma Raishu knows that Nagao Kagetora has fulfilled his promise. The terrible nun was recalled and never returned.
But under this circumstance, all Raishu can see is the need to put down the annoying Jinbo Nagazumi.
Raishu: "I... I have to think this over."
Kansuke: "Why? If you do not stop Jinbo's ambition, do you think Nagao Kagetora will? This is a war for your own survival! Even when Nagao Kagetora trusted us with their military access, Takeda still has to expand!"
Raishu: "So there is really no trust in people in Sengoku?"
Kansuke: "Being powerful is the only way to survive!" :on_furious:
Shimotsuma Raishu loses words.
He has to make a very difficult decision.
He can stick to the peace treaty and watch Jinbo Nagazumi takes Kaga away, or declare war on Jinbo, on Nagao, and defend Ikko's holy land in Hokuriku. Which task is more important?
At the same time, in Echigo...
Two months have passed since Nagao Kagenobu and Minato got married.
Just like all international couples, cultural clashes slowly transform from excitement to lonesome.
Most samurai treat woman as their belongings. Nagao Kagenobu, however, never lives like a samurai.
"Dear Minato, my love, the breakfast is ready!" :on_love:
"Can't you see I am still sleeping?"
"OK~"
Frankly, Minato is quite disappointed from the arranged marriage.
She imagined her husband would be similar to his nephew Nagao Kagetora.
Now she realizes that her husband is just a bystander of the Nagao family - not exactly respected, not really appreciated, only occassionally mentioned.
Kagenobu: "OK then, I will leave the breakfast on the table. I have to hold a meeting soon in Kasugayama Castle."
Minato: "What meeting?"
Kagenobu: "A clan officer meeting."
Minato: "Why do you have to do it? Don't they usually ignore you anyway?"
Kagenobu: :on_sweat: "Well, I am technically the highest ranked Nagao family member in Echigo now. Kagetora and Masakage are both on the ships."
Minato: "So you are the least useful Nagao family member?"
Kagenobu: "Yep... I've never fought a battle... I don't want to."
Minato: ":on_cough: So you get left at home to hold meetings..."
Kagenobu: "I got left at home to take care of my wife. :on_sing:"
Minato: "Estúpido..."
Kagenobu: "Hey, I can understand Portugese if you keep using the same word! But if I was as smart as Kagetora, I would have a lot of lady fans. Then I probably won't come back tonight."
Minato: :on_furious: "How dare you?!"
Minato actually has a smile on her face.
Minato: "Just go to your meeting... who will be in the meeting?"
Kagenobu: "The internal affairs officers, Naoe Kagetsuna (直江景綱) and Honjo Saneyori (本莊實乃). They are nice people. Kagetora brings his wife on the trip. Why don't you join me?"
Minato: "No, I want to sleep more."
Kagenobu: "Let's take a look at Kasugayama's 'sea of cloud' together."
Minato: ":on_picknose: You call that little lump of dirt Kasuga mountain? You didn't see the mountains in Portugal."
Kagenobu: "Well, Japan also has Mount Fuji, which must be taller than your Portugese mountain. Hm... but Mountain Fuji is a dangerous volcano. You don't want to live close to a volcano. Think about this. When a person is not very tall, a small mountain would appear taller."
Minato: :on_exhausted:
Minato gets off the bed in pajama.
Minato: "BAH. You go to hold some boring meetings. I will go have tea with Maoko sister."
Kagenobu: "Sure... are you coming home for dinner?"
Minato: "I don't know. Just go! Don't let people wait for you!"
Kagenobu nods in silence and puts on his straw coat, as the cold spring fog could quickly dampen his clothes.
Marriage is not as sweet as he imagined. But he is very satisfied with life nontheless.
Afterall, one does not need a reason to be happy.
Actually, Nagao Kagenobu still has quite a few hours to kill until the scheduled meeting.
He planned to see the 'sea of cloud' from the top of Kasugayama mountain with Minato, and maybe take a walk in the trails of Kasuga mountain for the beautiful display of cherry blossom.
But that plan didn't work out.
"Some monk said that life is lonely in essence." Kagenobu shrugs.
Maybe he will take a cherry blossom tour by himself.
Kasugayama Castle, Top Level
When Nagao Kagenobu finally arrives at the meeting room, it is close to noon hour.
It was indeed a very enjoyable and refershing walk, even if he saw many couples holding hands on the trails.
Any single man knows that feeling. They would hope all romantic lovers suddenly discover that they are actually brother and sister separated since birth.
"I am very lucky that I am a noble, and I have a wife."
Nagao Kagenobu walks into the meeting room...
and backs out in shock! :on_angry:
Minato is inside, along with everybody else!
"Come in, estúpido! Everybody is waiting for you!" :on_bash:
"OK~"
Everybody is watching - how shameful for a samurai to be publically scolded by his wife, especially in front of his fellow clan officers.
"I am so sorry~" :on_idle:
Nagao Kagenobu sees quite a few familiar faces in the meeting room besides Minato:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/naoe_kagetsuna_240.jpg
Naoe Kagetsuna (直江景綱)
Born in 1509. An long-time clan officer since Kagetora's father Nagao Tamekage. Kagetsuna was one of the first to join Kagetora's side during the feud of brothers. An expert in internal affairs and diplomacy, Kagetsuna possess a rare talent in the military-expert roster of Nagao clan. A Bugyo (奉行, quite like cabinet minister today) in diplomacy and internal affrais, Naoe Kagetsuna was very depended upon in the clan.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/honjo_saneyori_240.jpg
Honjo Saneyori (本莊實乃)
Born in 1511. A Nagao clan officer during Harukage's rule, Saneyori noticed the unusual qualities of Torachiyo (future Kagetora), and invited him to live in his castle and taught him military tactics. During the feud of brothers, Saneyori accompanied Kagetora's military campaign and secured his rulership of Echigo. Honjo Saneyori then became a Bugyo of internal affairs, sharing significant power and responsibility with Naoe Kagetsuna.
***
Maoko: "It is OK. Lord Kagenobu is not late actually. But we moved forward the meeting due to an emergency. Too bad, we sent out more than 20 ashigaru, but none could not find you."
Kagenobu: :on_sweat: "I was taking a walk around Rizenji. What's the matter?"
Naoe Kagetsuna: "How about let the captain speak for himself?"
"Yes. I am captain Saito Tomonobu, responsible for the border of Echu and Echigo."
This captain looks young, probably in his early twenties. With a bulky stature, he shaved his head but kept a large beard. His eyes spit anger under those thick and dark brows. His look kills.
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/saito_tomonobu_240.jpg
Saito Tomonobu (齋藤朝信)
Born in 1527. Famous for his all-purpose role in the Nagao/Uesugi clan, Saito Tomonobu was a Bugyo of Internal Affairs, but also participated in many battles. His ferocity and bravery earned him the title of "Echigo's Ghost Buster (Zongqui)".
Saito Tomonobu: "We have received Jinbo Nagazumi's report - as he has mobilized an army and ready to invade Kaga. I find Jinbo's move very troublesome, as Kaga is still technically Honganji's land. And we have signed a peace treaty with Honganji. That's why I am here to ask for advice."
But Saito Tomonobu speaks with such a soft and smooth voice, just like reading a bedside story to babies. This is such a mismatch with his appearance.
Naoe Kagetsuna: "Well, although technically Jinbo is an independent clan, it shares a inseparable bond with us. We Nagao have a peace treaty with Honganji. How can Jinbo Nagazumi not checking with us before attacking Honganji's Kaga?"
Saito Tomonobu: "Probably because Jinbo Nagazumi is eager to restore the glory of his clan... Currently, Honganji's power has greatly diminished in Kaga. So maybe Jinbo Nagazumi thought Kaga was free for grab."
Honjo Saneyori: "But then this gives Honganji a perfect excuse to remove Jinbo from Echu. If we help Jinbo, we break the peace treaty with Honganji. If we do nothing, we fail to fulfill our promise to protect Jinbo."
Naoe Kagetsuna: "Lord Kagetora will make that decision..."
"Yep. Yep. Yep."
That's all Nagao Kagenobu said in between.
Naoe Kagetsuna: "Let's assume the worst. Suppose Jinbo Nagazumi is defeated by Honganji in Kaga. Honganji's army would march to Echu next - and declare war on us due to our alliance with Jinbo."
Honjo Sangeyori: "Yes. Then Lord Kagetora's fleet would be in danger. And the Ikko-Ikki army would march to Echigo... that's not good."
Saito Tomonobu: "I was thinking about the same thing. Therefore, I have sent some fast boats to catch up with Lord Kagetora, warning him of possible danger."
"Sounds like we are heading into trouble land..." :on_sweat: Nagao Kagenobu wipes away some sweats on his forehead.
"Can we do something here in Kasugayama Castle?"
Actually, Kagenobu IS the highest-ranked Nagao officer in Echigo. He has to something.
Honjo Saneyori: "Hm, if Ikko-Ikki came to attack Echigo, we can ask Lord Kagetora to land on Echizen. This would draw their army back."
Naoe Kagetsuna: "Or simply pretend to."
Maoko: "Another possibility - if Lord Kagetora's fleet defeats Honganji on the sea, we might be able to come to another peace treaty with the Ikko... maybe recognizing their ownership of Echu. That's not ideal, but at time like this we have to yield somehow. I can be the emissary."
Naoe Kagetsuna: "After the incident of Fukuyama castle, I think the monks no longer trust you, Maoko. :on_sweat: I go."
Maoko: "Certainly. Kagetsuna will show them reasons."
"Lord Kagenobu, what do you think?"
"Eh..." :on_sweat:
"Estúpido, say something!" :on_furious:
http://ccc-ccc.ca/tmp/temp_2012/stw2/uesugi/uesugi_154.jpg
Saito Tomonobu looks at Kagenobu with sympathy.
That's the thing about political marriage though - he has to endure this for the sake of Nagao clan.
"OK... this is what I think. I think... I think Jinbo Nagazumi can't find a worse time to anger Honganji, as there is no army in Echigo to back him up. With a friend like this, who..."
"Don't say cliche!" :on_furious:
Naoe Kagetsuna: "That's actually a good point. Jinbo Nagazumi trusts us, likes us, and... almost obeys us. Why would he suddenly do something against our interest? Maybe a third party is behind this."
Honjo Saneyori: "That could be the one Lord Kagetora worries the most."
Saito Tomonobu: "I am thinking about the same thing."
Maoko: "OK, please let me go to Shinano and warn Lord Murakami Yoshikiyo. Someone might be coming at him."
Honjo Saneyori: "Yes. If we lose Shinano, Echigo would be next, undoubtedly."
"What? losing Echigo? And what will happen to us? Who is this person you are talking about?" :on_cold:
"I told you to pay more attention to meetings!" :on_bash:
I am (again) very sorry about the delayed update! Being quite busy lately.
I am still going to continue the story - but I will be out of town for a week first. :sweatdrop:
If you can read Chinese, welcome to check out the official forum for this story.
The original version has progressed to chapter 76, which is about 200,000 words (?) ahead of the English version. :bow:
http://novels.freeforums.org/68-t4.html
vBulletin® v3.7.1, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.