CHAPTER III


Spring 1552
Report:
Hojo didn't dare to weaken his position in Shimosa too much, and Hitachi was taken with no men lost, by massacring Ota Sukemasa (SA) who tried to make a stand. Also, good news, as Nobukado comes of age:

Heir matures


But rebel clans from all provinces surrounding our clan, except for Jimbo of Etchu, backed by both the Hojo and his ally, the Oda, attacked us. Thus, the situation developed as following:
- Shinano, defended by Obata Toramori (YC) and Takeda Nobushige (YS), came under a massive attack from the Kyogoku clan of Hida, lead by Kyogoku Sakon (YS) with the help of the Saito of Mino under Saito Kojiro (CA) also bringing 1 YS.





- Yamamoto Kansuke (CA, only 55) defended briliantly Echigo, succeding to defeat Mogami Michiuki (YS) who also brought 1 SA. That was one of the toughest battles as there was a huge danger for Kansuke's pack to look reluctant to his hit-and-run tactics.





- Mutsu was also attacked by troops of the Mogami, backed by inside agitators of the Ahikaga clan, who took control of the invading force, consisting of 1 SA and 1 Nodachi; Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) made sure all their heads remained in our province.





Plans:
Nowake decides all potential enemy rebel forces must be crushed, no matter of their neutrality in the former conflict.
- Thus, Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) seconded by Obata Toramori (YC) shall perform an incredibly bold maneuvre, attacking Jimbo in Etchu, their forces consisting of 1 WM and 1 SA (general's rank 2) Even if their forces were depleted, the fighting spirit should make up for the low numbers of our men.
- Morozumi Masakiyo shall occupy the now undefended and rich Dewa.
- Shingen and some 2 packs of NC shall corner Hojo Ujiyasu in Shimosa, who leads 5 SA, 1 YS and 1 YA.




Summer 1552
Report:
Kansuke defeats Jimbo Yorisada in Etchu, killing all rebels, while Shingen crushes Ujiyasu's large army, and takes his head.

Hojo burned


But problems arised in our western flank. In a last ditched attempt to save his ally, the Hojo, Oda Nobuhide invades Mikawa with a large force of battle hardened samurai and ashigaru, consisting of his hatamoto, 3 SA and 3 YA, lead by sound names like Hatakeyama Takamasa, Kanamori Nagachika, Akechi Mitsuhide, Nishio Yoshitsugu, Shibata Katsuie and Akechi Hirochika. Even if outnumbered 3 to 1, Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA, under 40 men) and his half depleted 2 packs of NC, lead by Obata Nobutomo (legendary swordman, who dies in this battle) and Amari SaigoIezane, decided to confront them, and took Nobuhide's head. Nobunaga succeded his father.

Hojo's ally

Nobuhide lost head

Nobunaga becomes head


Plans:
While our men will regroup everywhere else, Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) will attack Sado and Shingen will assault the now ronin Hojo forces in their fortifications in Shimosa, a surprise autumn campaign shall be launched into Owari by Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) and his now even more depleted packs of NC, asisted by Amari Torayasu (CA) who will arrive by ship.




Autumn 1552
Report:
Owari, defended by Asakura Yoshikage with 3 YA, falls. Sado and the last defenders of Shimosa are also crushed. A rebellion starts in Etchu.

Plans:
Yamamoto and Obata shall hold Etchu, seconded by 1 NC, against Jimbo Hisahide and his rebel forces consisting in 1 WM, 1 YA and 1 SA. In the meantime, Sanada Yukitaka (HC) shall invade from his new headquarters in Mikawa, converging with Takeda Nobukado (YS) from Shinano, the province of Mino. Morozumi Masakiyo will continue his campaign in the north by invading Noto, and Shingen will launch an attack from Shimosa into Kazusa.




Winter 1552
Report:
Even if Shingen and Masakiyo secured the flanks by taking control of Kazusa and Noto, and Kansuke contained the rebellion, our attack on the centre was grounded to a halt by multiple factors.

Most importantly, Oda launched a winter counter-offensive with Nobunaga in front of his army of 1 YS, 3 SA and 6 YA, from Omi into Owari, against our very depleted forces of 2 CA and 2 NC, lead by Tsuchiya Masatsugu and Amari Torayasu. Against all odds, Tsuchiya trampled the Oda under the hooves of his horse and took Nobunga's head, ending the clan.

On the other hand, Mikawa was attacked from Mino by Asai Shigetoki (YA) thus Sanada Yukitaka (HC) was forced into a defensive position, from where he crushed the enemy, but the attack on Mino was delayed.

Oda winter counter-offensive

Nobunaga lost head

Oda waits reincarnation


The now ronin forces of Oda in Omi submited to their former allies, the Shimazu, who now gained some clout just a few miles far from Kyoto, blocking the way, which was very unpleasant for us but not an impediment.

Omi submits to Shimazu


Plans:
As Sado rebelled lead by Hijitsuki clan, who raised 1 SA and 2 YA, Yokota Takatoshi (YC) must accept the risky task of dealing with them. On the other hand, Mino, Hida and Kaga shall be attacked as follows:
- Sanada Yukitaka (HC) from Mikawa, Takeda Nobushige (YS) from Shinano and a small pack of NC from Owari will converge on Mino.
- Hida shall be dealt with by Takeda Nobukado (YS) and 1 NC.
- Kaga will be invaded by Yamamoto Kansuke (CA) Obata Toramori (YC) and 1 NC from Etchu and Morozumi Masakiyo (NC) from Noto.




CHAPTER IV


Spring 1553
Report:
Amazingly, Yokota won through briliant tactical maneuvres, even if his men were not at all experienced. Saito retreated from Mino after a few skirmishes, giving us the province. The SA from Hida who tried to make a stand were eliminated to one man by Nobukado.

Kaga was more problematic: Morozumi (NC) was attacked by a superior force of 1 WM from Kaga in Noto, forcing him to defend, which he did, succesfully. But now only the very depleted Yamamoto (CA), Obata (YC) and 1 NC were taking on the the Sohei of Kaga, with an army of 2 WM, 1 YA and 1 SA, lead by Togashi Fujikage (rank 2). Nevertheless, our forces clunged to victory with their bare hands, and enveloped the Togashi forces so well, that none escaped, despite the fearsome reputation of the Sohei. Heavy loses were inflicted on our forces as well though.

Plans:
This is a crucial moment for our clan. With the east and far north under control, our next objective is closing in on the centre of Japan. Not only that Kyoto is almost in our grasp, but given the inimaginably small forces used up untill now, our influence in the provinces subdued is mantained mainly through the news of our victories - and the high mobility of our army; indeed, rebelling against us is now compared with a head that tries to strike an axe. Gah

So Nowake decides to continue our furios march against all other forces divergent from our power. Yamamoto (CA) and Obata (YC), with the small core of NC, are sent into Echizen. Due to the fact that these 3 troops together barely raise to 2/3 of a normal one, Nobukado (YS) is dispatched from Hida with orders to merge with them. Ise will be the subject of a preliminary reconasaince mission under the orders of Amari Torayasu. In all other bordering provinces, our forces will be building up from behind.

Omi is now a region in turmoil: Shimazu were attacked by the briliant Hata Kagetake of Wakasa, and are now under siege. Shingen sent an emissary to see if this ronin would not want to join the kashindan - the large retainer warband.




Summer 1553
Report:
The resistance in Echizen was conducted by Asakura Nobunaga (SA) who received the aid of his relative, Toshikatsu (WM). Both were killed, along with all their men. These sound victories not only bring prestige to our generals, but also make sure that there are no enemy forces to coagulate with rebels from neighbouring provinces.

Plans:
Ise is ready to be taken, although there are important forces defending its shrines, 2 WM 3SA 2 YA, lead by Kitabatake Takanobu. Amari (CA), given to command other 2 YS and 2 NC, is ordered to conduct the offensive.




Autumn 1553
Report:
As expected, Amari Torayasu confirms expectations, and none of the Kitabatake is left alive to defend their large castle.

Plans:
It is decided that Amari should eliminate the next imediate threat for Ise's security, the Tsutsui clan of Yamato, under the great Takakage. Their forces, 1 WM, 1 SA and 1 YA, will not be a problem for Amari's army. Meanwhile, Tsuchiya Masatsugu shall protect Ise.

Negociations with Hata Kagetake having failed, Yamamoto Kansuke (CA), seconded by Takeda Nobushige (YS) and Sanada Yukitaka (HC) along with 1 NC, 1 CA and 1 YS, will invade Omi, confronting 1 WM, 2 YC, 1 CA and 1 SA. Many of these troops are remnants of the Asai and Saito clans, and it is probably those that impeded the negociations. They will receive their pay. In order to finish the Hata clan from one single blow, Obata Toramori (YC) and Takeda Nobukado (YS) shall invade Wakasa, defended by Hata Kazuuji (SA).




Winter 1553
Report:
Again, victory belongs to us. Both great generals, Kagetake and Takakage, are killed, and their clans, Hata and Tsutsui, wiped from the face of the earth. Wakasa, Omi and Yamato pay now homage to Nowake, and Kyoto's walls can almost be seen over the fog raising from lake Biwa.

Remnants of the Saito and Asai forces have barricadated themselves in Hikone castle, under Saito Masakatsu (CA) and Asai Yukinaga (SA). But 2 YC of the Saito headed now on the road to Kyoto, to join the Hosokawa clan who rules the capital in this moment. Their heads shall be put in higher pikes.

Plans:
But untill then, many battles lay ahead. Hatakeyama Shigenao from Kii threatens our southern flank with his 1 WM and 1 SA. Tsuchiya Masatsugu (CA) shall attack him from Ise, with another CA and 1 YS. Sanada Yukitaka (HC) shall invade Iga, while Takeda Nobushige (YS) is given the task of storming Hikone.