Making a God of War (Uesugi: Legednary, Domination)

[Maltz]

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..." 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. I go."
Maoko: "Certainly. Kagetsuna will show them reasons."

"Lord Kagenobu, what do you think?"
"Eh..."
"Estúpido, say something!"



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!"

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!"