1548 - The Hojo forces led by Hojo Ujiyasu, move into Musashi. Ujiyasu brings along nearly 1400 men swelled by reinforcements diverted from the Sagami garrison.


Despite fielding around 200 capable archers of his own, Ujiyasu waits for a particularly heavy mid afternoon downpour before approaching the bridge. The Yari troops march quickly across, the Uesugi forces retreating to higher ground - a catastrophic error of judgement by the Uesugi taisho.


Quikcly surrounding the enemy's position and moving in, the Hojo forces rout the Uesugi army - Lord Uesugi abandons his honour and flees.


Another decisive victory for Ujiyasu. Leaving Kai undefended was a risk, but the risk has now paid off handsomely. The victorious Hojo army surrounds Edo and begins to lay siege. The Hojo clan's ambitions of becoming Lords of the Kanto are now a step closer.


The following year Shinano falls without striking a blow - the ronin in those parts preferring to vanish into the hills. Perhaps Ujiyasu's reputation precedes him?

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Thank you Kagemusha-san, though the last installment was a little rushed to say the least. (I will tidy it up a bit).

I will post my next account soon. I have done a lot of infrastructure building, teppo training and have raided the ronin provinces to the north in preparation.