Tokugawa 1580 Campaign

[Togakure]

Summer 1582. As the Spring came to a close, my advisors informed me that, were we to liquidate certain non-essential assets, we could afford to bribe the rebels in Kawachi without waiting until next harvest. By reducing our Border Forts in Owari to Border Watchtowers, downgrading our Famous Spear Dojo in Totomi (where we will never train Yari Samurai, given the far superior dojo, palace, and drill dojo in Owari), and liquidating the Battlefield Ninja Dojo in Totomi, we would have enough to offer a sufficient bribe, build a unit of archers there to increase the garrison, and produce spies until the next harvest. Asano-san, the commander of our Battlefield Ninja, understands the need, and I have assured him that I am commited to building another dojo in Mikawa, which is developing into our primary strategic intelligence center.

Though investing in Kawachi will put us in a dire financial position in the short run, I think it will be worthwhile in the long run. If worse comes to worst, I can send Asano to raid Satsuma. War with the Shimazu is imminent--they have been massing troops along Hizen's borders. My primary concern is that an attack on the Shimazu will give both Lord Uesugi and Lord Hojo the opportunity to cancel their alliance with us, as they are allied with the Shimazu as well. However, there is no guarantee that they will honor their alliance with us when Shimazu attacks Hizen either, so again, I think it is a risk worth taking. Just before the turn of this season I ordered my emissary in Kawachi to offer the bribe. Yosh ... it was accepted!

Now the problem is holding the province. Loyalty is low, even though I have lowered taxes significantly. Two shinobi will arrive in the province next season, which will help to calm the populace there, and two more are on their way. Unfortunately, we can only afford to train a single Samurai Archer unit until the next harvest. With the existing garrison of 120 monks and 180 archers, that will increase the garrison to a total of 360 men. Though they have been trained at the finest of dojos and a Drill Dojo, and sport weapons crafted by a master swordsmith, they don't have an experienced commander and are surrounded by rebel provinces. I anticipate an immediate attack by the rebels next season. Beginnings are always such a dangerous time.

A unit of Oda loyalists has retaken Omi. Oda Nobunaga has fallen to the rebels in Iga, and his successor, Oda Nobuharu, is now Daimyo of the Oda clan. At Rank Three, Nobuharu is a shadow of his former lord in command capability, but he still has the skills of loyal Hideyoshi to leverage. Hideyoshi has returned to Mino. Nobuharu is in Omi. A very large force of rebels occupies Wakasa and a smaller force under a Rank Two commander now occupies Yamashiro, so I don't expect any dramatic moves from the Oda any time soon. The seemingly motionless Takeda on the other hand ... .

Before my emissary could obtain audience with Lord Hojo, the Kwanto lord's emissary arrived here, offering an alliance. I have accepted. My emissary will return from Hitachi via the port in Echigo, assessing Uesugi's troops and provinces on the way.

Though our treasury is practically empty, I am going to refrain from ordering Asano to Satsuma this season. He is poised to strike however, and if the Shimazu attack Hizen, retaliation will be immediate--despite any political consequences.

Tomorrow I will make a pilgrimmage to the shrine of Fudo Myoo. Perhaps he will honor us and imbue our new samurai with his righteous fury in the defense of Kawachi. I have a feeling they will need it.