Iga Ninjutsu is Good (Hattori: Legendary, Domination, V5445)

[Maltz]

Chisato: "What's the HQ's attitude toward Oda? Still selling military access?"
Goemon: "Yep. Keep peace in Kinki is Hattori's primary interest. This should be quite easy as Oda just declared war to Ikko Buddhists."
Chisato: "Let's hope Oda's army in Ise gets pulled to the north soon..."

Note: Actually at this point, when I hit End Turn, Oda's army in Ise could either leave for the north or head west, stepping right into Hattori's territory (with military access). Of course, I chose to let them head north.

[Maltz]

Chisato: "So there is little to worry about in eastern Kinki. How about potential threats from the west, Goemon?"
Goemon: "We have two weak buffer clans, Bessho and Hanato. Bessho is quite a problem as they have gathered one full stack, and their old enemy in the west is now replaced by their ally. It has no other place to expand. A full stack army is gathering at our border."
Chisato: "Can we avoid a war with them?"
Goemon: "The HQ has sent ninja to assassinate their generals and constantly burn down their castle gates. Both have the effect to recall their army to the castle. Hopefully this can delay their war on us..."

[Maltz]

Chisato: "So there could be trouble with Bessho... how about Hanato?"
Goemon: "The powerful Takaoka clan has declared war on Hanato, so I doubt Hanato could last very long. These two clans used to be allies. Takaoka is getting a bad fame for the betrayal."
Chisato: "Takaoka and the Hattori are trade partners."
Goemon: "Hm... maybe Takaoka merchants can no longer look straight into our guys' eyes. I guess they will cancel the trade soon."
Chisato: "How is their stupid diplomatic decision impacting an innocent third party?"
Goemon: "That's just the way things go here... 100 chances to take an unexpected turn for the worse..."

[Maltz]

Chisato: "Master, please note that the Ito clan is still at war with us. But now Shimazu lies in the middle..."
Sandayu: "Ito clan? Our monk will take care of them. There is a rebel army marching toward the Hyuga castle as we speak. "

Note: It looks like that Ito's army had lost to Shimazu, as the rebel army was relatively small.

[Maltz]

Sandayu: "Let's bring down Sagara (auto-resolved), and build up Satzuma to be Hattori's recruitment center for all melee units!"

Note: In this campaign, I paid special attention to Development Commissioner's ability to lower the effect of resistance to occupation. For the home province of a "great clan" such as Satzuma, I always let the Development Commissioner take it so I can save some garrisons.

[Maltz]

Chisato: "What's the next step, master?"
Sandayu: "Now Ito is gone, so all we need to worry about is Shimazu."
Chisato: "Is Hattori going to declare war on Shimazu? They have no allies..."
Sandayu: "Not necessary. You see the Shimazu army are all out on the field. All we need to do is to give them some distraction, while a rebel army sneak into their last castle."
Chisato: "My distraction plan would costs the clan a lot... And we will have to wait an extra turn from the rebels to act..."
Sandayu: "Don't underestimate the importance of diplomacy, Chisato. After some rapid expansion in recent years, the Hattori clan wants to avoid any extra attention. Let's do things the harmonious way."
Chisato: "Well, as long as the HQ approves my budget..."
Sandayu: "Yep. Practically we are now paying you to buy diplomatic favors."
Chisato: "I am a diplomatic agent as well? Do I get diplomatic immunity if my mission fails?"
Sandayu: "Go distract the Shimazu army!"

[Maltz]

Earlier, in the Omi province...

Hattori Yasunaga: "Sigh... the Hattori clan is surrounded by potential enemies. The turbulent neighboorhood, just like the weather, could quickly change and sink us."
Bodyguard A: "My Lord, what are you talking about? Everybody is buying our military access. If they betray us, they would suffer a bad name in Japan."
Yasunaga: "What if they do not care? Takaoda already betrayed Hanato. The key to stable borders is not military access, but friendly attitudes. The one that worries me the most is Oda. They do not even want to trade with us."
Bodyguard A: "Why don't you send your son to be a hostage?"
Yasunaga: "What are you talking about? Why don't I send YOUR son to be a hostage?"
Bodyguard A: "Sure? But I am a nobody. Maybe +1 relationship?"
Hattori Masanari: "Father, uncle A has a point. Please trasnfer me to Oda's school. This way our clan can trade with them and develop a good relationship!"
Yasunaga: "This is dangerous, but a good idea..."
Masanari: "I have always wanted to do something for the clan. I am sure I will make friends within the Oda family and pursuade them to like us more."
Yasunaga: "OK..."
Masanari: "The Iga schools are all about these religious brain washing crap anyway..."

[Maltz]

Sandayu: "What did you find in Satzuma, Chisato?"
Chisato: "Master, sagara's defence is extremely weak in Satzuma. But they were still strong enough to repel a tiny wave of Shimazu attack. The Shimazu clan took the Ouchi province, but lost Satzuma to Sagara."
Sandayu: "Good. Let's take care of Sagara!"

[Maltz]

Chisato: "Hattori sent its heir to Oda as a hostage? Is it a joke? Did we lose a war or something?"
Goemon: "Nope. It is a bold diplomatic move to solidify our friendship with Oda. Of course they don't call it hostage - instead, a student exchange program. Oda will probably send some nobody's son over."
Chisato: "So now Oda should be extra friendly to us?"
Goemon: "Before they run out of enemies? Probably..."