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

[Maltz]

Chapter 8. Valuable Promises

Kasugayama Castle has a new owner, as the fued of brothers ends.
But the real tasks of ruling a clan begins. Diplomacy, economy, research...
One bad decision... well, is a bad decision.

Kagetora: "Masakage, could you please give me a briefing on the clans surrounding Nagao?"
Masakage: "Certainly. Currently, we are at war with Jinbo(神保) in Etchu. The Yamanouchi Uesugi(山內上杉) is very friendly to us Nagao (see note). The Mogami(最上) clan to the northeast is friendly; they fight Date(伊達) and Honma(本間). The Ashina(蘆名) clan to the southeast is also friendly; they fight Satake(佐竹). The Murakami(村上) clan to the southwest is neutral; they fight Takeda(武田)."
Kagetora: "So we have just one immediate enemy, Jinbo."
Masakage: "Yes. Nagao has been nice to our neighbors lately. We do not invade others - except Jinbo in Etchu. But that battle had to be fought. Do you want to hear about it? It could take a while..."
Kagetora: "Please. I would be embarrassed if I do not know about the history of my own clan."

Nagao and Jinbo has a long history dated back to three generations ago. The story involves the the Shogunate's (official) Guardian of Echigo, Uesugi, and the Ueda Nagao which is now under Nagao Masakage.

In 1506, Nagao Kagetora's grandfather, Nagao Yoshikage (長尾能景), the Shogunate's Acting Guardian of Echigo, marched an army to Etchu in order to assist Jinbo Yoshimune (神保慶宗), the Shogunate's Acting Guardian of Etchu, to defend against Ikko-Ikki. They won their first battle. But Jinbo Yoshimune suddenly made a peace treaty with Ikko-Ikki, and withdrew from their next battle. Nagao Yoshikage asked for reinforcement from his superior, the Official Echigo Guardian Uesugi Fusayoshi (上杉房能), but Fukayoshi refused to help. Nagao Yoshikage was outnumbered by Ikko-Ikki and killed in battle in Etchu.

Kagetora: "Poor grandfather..."
Nomi: "With a friend like Jinbo Yoshimune, why do you even need an enemy?"

The position of the Acting Guardian of Echigo was succeeded by Kagetora's father, Nagao Tamekage (長尾為景). In the following year (1507), the Echigo Guardian Uesugi Fusayoshi wanted to take back Tamekage's control of his army. But Tamekage hoped to revenge for his father. In addition, he blamed Uesugi Fusayoshi's refusal to help a direct cause of his father's death. As a result, Tamekage supported an adopted son of Uesugi Fusayoshi, Uesugi Sadazane (上杉定實), to become the new official Guardian of Echigo. Of course, Sadazane would favor Tamekage to continuelly command Echigo's army.

Nagao Tamekage attacked Uesugi Fusayoshi. Fusayoshi lost, and committed suicide while fleeing Echigo. As a result, the Shogunate's (official) Guardian of Echigo is now Uesugi Sadazane.

Kagetora: "Father was called a representative of the Sengoku Jidai's treachery. It began here, right?"
Masakage: "Without his 'treachery', you do not exist, Kagetora."
Nomi: "Uesugi Sadazane is still living in Echigo. He freqently visits Biwa island."

In 1509, Uesugi Akisada (上杉顯定), the lord of Yamanouchi Uesugi, the Shogunate's Commander of Kanto (關東管領, the highest position under Seii Tai-Shogun 征夷大將軍, THE Shogun)", vowed to revenge for Uesugi Fusayoshi. The army of Kanto marched to Echigo. Then, Ueda Nagao, one of Nagao's prominent families, switched side to join Kanto army in a bid to replace Tamekage's Sanjo Nagao as the new head Nagao Clan. The dominos fall further and Tamekage had to flee Echigo, first to Etchu and later to Sado island, living in a temple. This was the low point of Nagao Tamekage's life.
:on_poverty:

Kagetora: "So your father betrayed my father..."
Masakage: "I was not born yet. Don't blame me!

Nagao Tamekage would not be so famous if he gave up from there. He got the help from the Honma clan, ruler of Sado island. After a series of preparations, in 1510 Takekage landed in Echigo with his army, and defeated Uesugi Akisada's Kanto army in subsequent battles. At the moment, Kanto was not very stable due to the rise of the Sagami Hojo clan, so Uesugi Akisada decided retreat from Echigo. However, the Ueda Nagao, led by Masakage's father, flipped back to the side of Tamekage's Sanjo Nagao, and severed the Kanto army's retreat route. The Uesugi army was forced to fight, and lost. Uesugi Akisada committed suicide. Nagao Tamekage was in firm control of Echigo since then.

Masakage: "Now Sanjo and Ueda Nagaos are in good terms... because your elder sister is my wife."
Nomi: "Killing the Guardian of the province and the Kanto Commander? That's quite something. I am sure Kagetora's father saw fingers pointing at him everywhere he went."
Masakage: "That's probably why he decided to retire a little earlier. Eight years ago (1537), he attended a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and was insulted by other daimyos. He announced his retirement when he came back."
Maoko: "Actually I joined that Kyoto trip with master Kagetora, then just 7 years old. We visited Nara's great temple, Todaiji. Now we realize why old master wanted to retire immediately after he returned to Echigo."
Nomi: "My father and I seemed go to Nara at the same time, too. Maybe we met each other at that time? I cannot remember."
Maoko: :on_smile:

Masakage: "Well, when two armies meet, who says only the higher ranked can defeat the lower ranked? Even the Seii-Taishogun is now a figure head in Kyoto. The Commander of Kanto is just a title now."
Kagetora: "Yeah. Wait a second... Uesugi Akisada is the lord of Yamanouchi Uesugi. My father killed Uesugi Akisada. So why are we now very friendly with Yamanouchi Uesugi? "
Masakage: "Let's just say the current Kanto Commander, Uesugi Norimasa (上杉憲政), has little to do with Uesugi Akisada. There were three Kanto Commanders in between."
Maoko: "Let's go back to Jinbo..."

Note: In history, Yamanouchi Uesugi did not become a vassal of Nagao until several years later. This story attmpts to be historically accurate and correct the game's oversimplification.

[Maltz]

Kagetora: "Sorry. Just a second, so what happened after my father defeated the Kanto Kanrei (Commander of Kanto)?"

Masakage: "Well, your elder brother Nagao Harukage became the adopted son and successor of Uesugi Sadazane. This makes sure that when Uesugi Sadazane eventually passes away, the Nagao clan will become the (officla) Echigo Guardian."

Nomi: "For the Echigo's internal harmony."
Masakage: "Not quite - remember that my family, Ueda Nagao, once betrayed... pretended to betray? Your father Tamekage then married out his daughters, one to each major Nagao family. That's why my wife is your elder sister."
Kagetora: "I hope our blood lines are not too closely related..."
Masakage: "Yeah..."
Nomi: "Having a lot of kids is an asset in the Sengoku Jidai. If the reproductive trait runs in the family, maybe Kagetora will one day have many kids?"
Kagetora: "I am not interested in marriage..."

Maoko: "My lord, let's get to Jinbo..."

Masakage: "OK! Now Echigo is ready to make a pay back to Etchu. Fifteen years ago (1520), your father Nagao Tamekage attacked Etchu. He was a good army commander, and defeated Jinbo Yoshimune. Yoshimune committed suicide. His son Jinbo Nagamoto bowed to revenge for his father, just like your father vowed to revenge for his father. The two clans have been fighting on and off since."

Kagetora: "Got it. It is unfortunate that Nagao and Jinbo have come to this. Let's talk about something else..."

(A) Talk about Economy. (Paragon +4) <----
(B) Talk about Diplomacy. (Paragon +3) [done]
(C) Talk about Military. (Renegade +2)
(D) Talk about my sister. (Renegade +10)

[Maltz]

Kagetora: "Let's talk about how to sustain Echigo's economy. The lands in Echigo does not seem to be particularly fertile..."

Maoko the housekeeper takes a large step forward and bows to Kagetora. Looks like she had done various research on this subject.

Maoko: "There are two good ways to increase income, my lord. The first is through territorial expansion. The more tax payers there are, the wealtheir we are. However, since we also need to expand the government body over the acquired territories, we will receive less and less additional income."

Kagetora: "Why? Don't we hire the same number of government staff?"

Maoko: "My lord, due to the Shogunnate and the class of warrios, Japan is now essentially a feudalism soceity, not a centralized power like Great Ming. In feudalism, your additional provinces are managed by your clan officers. They have their families to feed, bodyguards to hire, personal wealth to grow, etc."

Kagetora: "Got it. Sounds like an ineffective way to earn money... and expansion involves war, and tragedy to the innocent. So what's the second way to increase income?"

Maoko: "Business. We do business with other clans and other countries."

Kagetora: "How do we incraese income by business?"

Maoko: "Er... I guess Rizenji does not want my lord to be greedy. Buy low, sell high, supply where goods are demanded, and hold monopoly on rare but valuable commidities that everybody wants so we set our own price. We do not have to make money to advance our personal wealth - we do that so Echigo and its people prosper. To be greedy and selfish is the nature of mankind. Only the selected few can be free from such trivial pursuit and focus on the most important aspects about life - making our short life count."

Maoko suddenly stops, and look at Masakage.

Masakage: "OK, I won't buy that rice field near Kasugayama Castle..."

Maoko: "Echigo actually has a naval tradition that allows us to conduct more profitable trades... However, since some time ago the difference becomes so small that is now unnoticable. But we still have a good ship-building industry... but that's military."

Masakage: "Sounds like Maoko the housekeeper knows a lot about money making! Kagetora's Kasugayama castle is in good hands."
Kagetora: "Yes. Maoko will guide us through many dilemma situations in the future."
Maoko: "I will do my best, my lord."

Kagetora noticed that Nomi's are looking outside the meeting room. Maybe she is not very interested in business.

Kagetora: "Let's talk about something else..."

(A) Talk about Economy. (Paragon +4) [done]
(B) Talk about Diplomacy. (Paragon +3) [done]
(C) Talk about Military. (Renegade +2) <---
(D) Talk about Nomi's ideal type of bodyfriend. (Honor -1)

[Maltz]

Kagetora: "So Nomi, what's your advice on Nagao's military?"

Nomi: "We have only one enemy, so what do you say? Jinbo has been our enemy for three generations. There is no hope for peace. For someone who would be so afraid to go to battle that they could make peace with an enemy in front of their friend, we can crush these bastards with the small army we have now."

Kagetora: "Hopefully. Hm... I heard that backstabbing is quite common in Sengoku Jidai. Is there some way to make sure that our neighbors will stay friendly with us?"

Masakage: "Like marching an army to Echigo immediately after we leave? That would be so dishonorable. Well, we can always dispatch emissaries to reinforcement our friendship with nearby clans."

Kagetora: "How do we do that? With gifts?"
Masakage: "Your brother Harukage pretty much destroyed our clan's savings. We cannot afford it."
Nomi: "Happiness from monetary gifts deteriorate very quickly. That's not a good way to win people's heart. We win their heart if they trust us. Maybe we can... 'sell' our trust-worthiness to them."
Kagetora: "Like 'we promise that we will not attack you'? That's a little suspicious..."
Masakage: "If they do not believe us, they might actually attack us first!"

Maoko the housekeeper suddenly takes another step forward. She is now right in front of Kagetora. A lady in her mid 30s, she witnessed Kagetora's birth and was his primary caregiver for his first seven years of life. Kagetora feels safe when Maoko is around.

Maoko: "My lord mentions a promise that can be sold and delivered? We can do that."

Kagetora: "Oh? How?"
Maoko: "In Sengoku Jidai, clans often have to march armies through someone else's territory. And they have to pay for the right of military access. If I allow your army to pass through my territory, I give you my full trust. So in a way, trust is sold by means of military access."
Kagetora: "Hm... so we allow someone else's army to park right below Kasugayama Castle?"
Masakage: "And take a tour to the Tensho (top fortress, where this meeting is taking place)"?
Maoko: "Well, they still have to apply for it. We won't just allow anybody to come into the Tensho and use our bathroom."

Masakage: "But... if they apply for it, we have to grant permission as long as the request is reasonable, right? To some extent this is an unequal treaty..."
Kagetora: "Hm... what would Bishamonten do? Would he agree to bear the insult of an unequal treaty?"
Nomi: "What's unequal in the deal if both sides believe it is fair? What do you have to be afraid if you trust someone enough? The military access is sold with a reasonable price for our firm promise and convenience. If they offer a low price, we could refuse to sell. If they do not want to buy, we do not force them. If their army comes and plots treachery, we PUNISH THEM!"

Nomi's face instantly turns red when she thinks about "Bishamonten sends little devils to hell". Must be a very hot place.

Kagetora: "Hm... sure. I guess we will have to trust our emissaries to negotiate a reasonable deal. Hm... who is good with diplomacy in the Nagao clan?"

Maoko: "The Nagao clan are packed with good warriors, but unfortunately with few diplomatic talents so they frequently make our guests angry, like making fun of their names and tell inappropriate jokes in front of ladies. Besides, my lord, diplomacy is the job of the clan leader. An emissary only speaks the clan leader's mind. Please let me handle this in the meantime."

Kagetora: "Maoko, I mean no disrespect, but you are... a lady. Clan lords without an open mind would feel insulted if we dispatch a female emissary..."
Nomi: "Don't underestimate women!"
Maoko: "No worries, my lord. I shall open their mind, followed by their wallets."

Maoko reveals a confident smile. She seems to have experiences in diplomatic dealings.

Kagetora: "Thank you, Maoko. You are already busy with the clan's daily operations, and now we add this large burden onto you. You now have my full authority to represent the Nagao clan in diplomatic dealings."

[Maltz]

(The HQ of the Mogami Clan: Yamagata Castle, Province of Uzen)

Under fire-red shiny armor, Mogami Yoshimori leans forward on his little foldable chair. In front of him kneels a courteous emissary in a modest but formal dress.

Maoko: "Lord Yoshimori. The new Acting Guardian of Echigo, lord Nagao Kagetora, dispatches me to bring Nagao clan's sincere blessings. We hope that Nagao and the Mgami clans' friendly relationship would continue to develop."

Mogami Yoshimori: "HAHAHA... but why does he send a woman? Did all Nagao emissaries die from the fued of brothers?"

Maoko: "Lord Yoshimori lives your reputation - always directly to the point. Indeed, Echigo has suffered from years of rebellions and proverty. We have lost a lot of men. Now women are in charge of most household."

Yoshimori: "Oh, I see. Sorry to hear that. So how would Nagao want to maintain a friendly relationship with Mogami? You cannot just tell us that you like us."

Maoko: "Exactly. Lord Yoshimori, we propose to the Mogami clan a chance to prosper."
Yoshimori: "Sure, tell me more."

Maoko: "Mogami's Ugo is famous for its granite. The upper-class women in Echigo love granite counter-top. If it is pretty, they pay without price negotiating. Mogami can sell these beautiful stones to Echigo for good profit."

Yoshimori: "Hm... but last year I asked Kagetora's brother, Harukage, to sign a trade deal with us, but he never responded."
Maoko: "Yes, he was a slacker. That's why we disposed him. "
Yoshimori:

Maoko: "I mean Lord Yoshimori, now Echigo is pretty much run by ladies. Our daimyo's chief bodyguard is a lady. The emissary in front of you is a lady. Later on we will have a nun from Rizenji. Soon I will look for a wife for Lord Kagetora. So please, trust me."

Yoshimori: "Well... hm, you sound sincere. And there is indeed good profit for Mogami. Why not? I will sign the trade deal with you."
Maoko: "But the problem is that Echigo has no specialty product to sell to Mogami. The trade will be one-sided."
Yoshimori: "Yeah that's true. An unequal trade does not last long. Hm..."

So what would be the equal trade?

Maoko: "Besides, there are a lot of bandits in the northeast. Right now Nagao does not have the manpower to guard the trading wagons. So Lord Yoshimori will have to guard the cargo with Mogami soldiers to the Kasugayama Castle."

Yoshimori: "That's not a problem. It is our goods and our profits. But... would you allow our army to enter your territory?"
Maoko: "Hm... how about this. We sell military access to Lord Yoshinari at a very discounted price. This way, our trades are quite equal, and Mogami has full trust from Nagao. Isn't that a good way to improve our relationship?"
Yoshimori: "Hm... strategic safety from one side sounds good, so I can concentrate on Date. How much do you ask for?"

Maoko: "How much would Lord Yoshimori sell military access for?"

Yoshimori: "If to Nagao? Hm... we are at good terms. 500 koku per season?"
Maoko: "Sure. We give you a special discount. 40%. 300 koku per season."
Yoshimori: "Eh... I meant to say 400 koku per season to Nagao. So can you give me 240 koku per season?"
Maoko: "Lord Yoshimori - women are not stupid. Please don't do this to me. Besides, Lord Kagetora already told me the bottom price. I cannot offer you whatever discount you want..."

Suddenly, Maoko lowered her voice.
"240 koku is higher than the bottom price. Lord Yoshimori, my husband just died from war. He is still lying there, without a coffin."

Yoshimori: "OH~~~ I see. How about 10 koku for the burial? That should be more than enough. You tell me the bottom price, and we have a deal, OK?"
Maoko: "I have two kids at 7 and 8. One is physically challenged and the other mentally..."
Yoshimori: "I am so sorry... 20 koku, ok?"
Maoko: "My parents just suffered a stroke and now has to rely on manual feeding."
Yoshimori: "OK, OK. I have 57 koku worth of silver on me. You can take them all. How's that?"
Maoko: "200 koku per season, for 23 seasons. 10 seasons of non-aggression afterward."
Yoshimori: "Deal!"
Maoko: "Thank you, Lord Yoshimori!"

***

Maoko: "Lord Kagetora, we signed a trade deal with Mogami. Sold 23 seasons of military access for a total of 4657 koku. They will pay the full amount by autumn."
Kagetora: "This is good! We now have the budget to expand the costal village, pave the roads in Echigo, and more! Please keep going!"

[Maltz]

(Katsurao Castle, Murakami Clan's HQ)

Murakami Yoshikiyo just suffered a defeat by Takeda Harunobu (he won't become Shingen until 1559). He sat on the little bench with a long face. The emissary politely kneels down as usual.


Murakami Yoshikiyo (村上義清)

Born in 1501. Famous for his fierceness in battles, Murakami Yoshikiyo forms an alliance with other Shinano daimyos against the invasion of Takeda, and had a rare feat of defeat them twice, but still lost in the end. In history, Murakami Yoshikiyo fled Shinano to become a general of the Uesugi (originally Nagao) clan in Echigo, and is well respected in the Uesugi clan. He killed Takeda Harunobu's famously capable brother, Takeda Nobushige, in the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima.

***

Murakami Yoshikiyo: "What? A female emissary is here to insult me?"
Maoko the Housekeeper: "Lord Yoshikiyo, I am a lady, but I am also the housekeeper of Kasugayama castle. I am in charge of many important issues, such as new clan officer recuirtment and dilemma situations. My presence here shows that Lord Nagao Kagetora shows full respect of Murakami."
Yoshikiyo: "OK... So what does the housekeeper has to say?"
Maoko: "My master, Lord Kagetora has untied Echigo, and he is about to attack Jinbo in Etchu. But Murakami and Jinbo are allies. My lord sends me here to inform Murakami about this."
Yoshikiyo: "So are you going to attack Shinano next?"
Maoko: "Lord Yoshikiyo, please read this secret letter."

Maoko the housekeeper reaches into her clothes and retreived an evenlope.
Murakami Yoshikiyo takes a good look at the envelope - it was sealed with golden wax.
And when he opens the letter, he sees red ink. This must be an important letter written from one daimyo to another.

"Kagetora san(Mr.),

Glad to learn about your rule in Echigo.
May you work with us Takeda.
Takeda advances north to hold Shinano and Hida, while
Nagao advances west to hold Etchu and Noto.
The two clans would remain friends.

Regards,
Takeda Harunobu"

Yoshikiyo: "Takeda Harunobu, you SOB! Don't trust him, he will attack Echigo as soon as he has Shinano!"
Maoko: "That sounds very familiar. My master Kagetora always holds a good intention toward Murakami, so we do not want Murakami to suffer from this treacherous plot. That's why we present this letter to Lord Yoshikiyo."
Yoshikiyo: "So what does the Nagao want to do?"
Maoko: "We have no intention to invade other clans."
Yoshikiyo: "Oh? That's rare. So Nagao will not join Takeda's side?"
Maoko: "We do not want to invade other clans, so we do not want to join an invasion."
Yoshikiyo: "Sounds noble. So how about Nagao and Murakami join force and defend against Takeda?"
Maoko: "But Takeda has two powerful military allies - Hojo and Imagawa. Nagao might be busy with Hojo should they expand north. Then Nagao will not have enough army to help Murakami in Shinano."
Yoshikiyo: "So how would you agree to aid Murakami?"
Maoko: "How about this? We Echigo warriors are not afraid of battles. We simply are not rich enough to support two armies. So if Murakami agrees to pay for some of our expenses, we will be able to dispatch more men to Shinano."
Yoshikiyo: "Sure. How much do you ask?"
Maoko: "Why don't Lord Yoshikiyo name a price? The more aid we receive, the more men we can dispatch."
Yoshikiyo: "Shinano is not very rich, either. How about 4000 koku for five years of military assistance?"
Maoko: "I know Lord Yoshikiyo is a man of honor, and does not start with an unreasonable request just for bargain's sake. That's it. 4000 koku for five years. If Takeda invades Murakami in the next years, Nagao must send help! And even if we cannot reach Shinano in time, we will restore clan Murakami!"
Yoshikiyo: " Don't jinx us. Echigo to Shinano is less than one month's march apart."
Maoko: "Somebody tells me it takes half a year?"
Yoshikiyo: "WHAT? Did they crawl?"
Maoko: "Anyway, this is our promise. Let's sign a formal treaty."
Yoshikiyo: "Sure. Let me find the right form... hm..."

Murakami Yoshikiyo attempts to locate the "Miliatry Assistance" form in his cabinet.
But he can't find it.

Yoshikiyo: "That's odd... those form have run out? I have lots of Peace Treaty or asking for Trade Embargo forms... who would do treacherous stuff like that..."
Maoko: "How about Military Access? The offer of military access is a guarantee of Nagao's assistance!"
Yoshikiyo: "Oh? You just give military access away just like that? Nagao Kagetora sounds like a trustworthy person. OK then!"

***

Maoko: "Lord Kagetora, the Murakami clan has generously offered 3945 koku, paid in full amount in three seasons. But we have to assist them to defend against Takeda Harunobu's invasion."
Masakage: "WHAT? Did you just promise them that without asking us?"
Maoko: "Hey, we are talking about Takeda Harunobu! It would be a major disappointment if we do not fight a huge battle with him."
Masakage: "That's true... opponents like Nagao Harukage are not exciting."
Nomi: "Takeda Harunobu seems to be a truly worthy enemy. I want to fight him! If there is a chance when two armies meet in the battlefield, please allow me to challenge him personally!"
Kagetora: "Wait a second... who is Takeda Harunobu?"
Maoko: "Takeda Harunobu, "the Tiger of Kai". He is a famous strategist and expansionist. His clan expands like a wild fire, consuming everything - eventually foes and friends alike. Takeda will certainly invade Echigo if he holds Shinano."
Kagetora: "Hm... sounds like a warmongering nut to me."
Nomi: "A very tough warmongering nut."
Kagetora: "Anyway, if the warmonger attacks us after we defeat Jinbo, we should have the army to face Takeda. OK... thanks for Maoko's effort! Please continue!"

***

Note 1: From now on, I will not introduce secondary characters on the first page, but only at the time they first appear in the story (for a significant rule). This way the first page will not be cluttered with character information.

Note 2: The first deal with Murakami is worth 3945 koku. The rest (2198 koku) will be mentioned later in the story.

[Maltz]

(Kurokawa Castle, Fukushima, Ashina Clan's HQ)

Maoko: "Is Lord Ashina Morikiyo in the castle?"
Gateguard: "Lord Morikiyo is leading an army to fight Satake. He won't return until a few days later. Please stay at the emissary's hotel."
Maoko: "I see..."

(the Embassy)

The hotel is called "The Embassy", but actually Maoko has to share a tiny room with three other emissaries.

Maoko: "Greetings. Since we are in the same profession and fate brings us to share this little room, why don't we open our hearts and share information? Maybe we will see each other again later in our respective castles. I will start with Nagao. We Nagao clan wishes to become a clear stream in the murky waters of Sangoku Jidai. We are here to promote friendship between Ashina and Nagao. So what is your purpose here?"

Date's emissary: "Greetings. Our lord wishes to marry Miss Yaya."
Satomi's emissary: "HUH? Our lord also wishes to marry Miss Yaya."
Hojo's emissary: "WHAT? Our lord wishes to marry Miss Yaya, too!"
Date's emissary: "How dare you even imagine this?"
Satomi's emissary: "Your daimyo is so ugly. He can't be serious."
Hojo's emissary: "Who can compare to our lord, 'The Lion of Sagami'?"
Satomi's emissary: "We will turn it to 'The TenderLoin of Sagami!"
Hojo's emissary: "You want a war huh? I will make up something so you get one!"

The other three emissaries are now literally holding each other's throats.

Maoko: "Stupid men... Ah please don't fight! We are diplomatic staff! We never say what's really in our mind! Let's clam down... who is Miss Yaya?"

Satomi's emissary: "You don't know? Miss Yaya is the most beautiful woman in northeastern Japan."
Date's emissary: "If I can hold her hand, I will not wash my hands for a year..."
Hojo's emissary: "If I can kiss her, I can die from a heart attack."

Maoko: "The most beautiful woman in northeastern Japan? Is she in Kurokawa Castle now?"

Date's emissary: "She is the daimyo's daughter, so she must be?"
Satomi's emissary: "But we cannot see her even if we are emissaries."
Hojo's emissary: "You might get a chance since you are a woman..."

***

Maoko: "Is this where Miss Yaya lives?"
Servant: "Yep. And you are?"
Maoko: "This is my card. Nice to meet you.

Yamamura Sadako (山村貞子)
Emperor Go-Nara's Special Beauty Pageant Head Commissioner (後奈良天皇御前一品名媛選拔專人)

Servant: "Oh... miss Yamamura. WOW! You are a high officer from the Imperial Palace?"
Yamamura Sadako: "Yes. It is my pleasure to meet you. Here are some silver that is worth 5 koku, a little gift from Kyoto. Please introduce Miss Yaya to me."
Servant: "Long live the Emperor! I will show the way!"
Sadako: "Thank you. Oh, yes. I was passing through the embassy and heard that a few emissaries want to propose to Miss Yaya for their daimyo? But the emperor's business should take the first priority, right? Please hold them off until I am done."
Servant: "Of course!"

[Maltz]

Here comes the the Episode #02!
The HD version (1080) is also available on Youtube. http://youtu.be/lplFYVn0nFQ?hd=1



The final 30 seconds of the episode will be a spoiler for future plots.
But that's just the nature of the episodes as they are designed to be stand-alone drama (some plots before and after each significant battle).
Enjoy!

[Maltz]

Chapter 12. Reconciliation Effort

Masakage: "WHAT? Did Jinbo Nagamoto's bodyguard hit you in the head just now? Why don't we take Toyama castle? At most there will be a few bunch of castle guards."
Nomi: "Kagetora, this is our best oppurtunity to eliminate our long-time enemy. We can use Bow Ashigaru to pick off their guards. There will be very little loss on our side."
Kagetora: "The battle is over. Why do we want to kill them off?"

Even though the Nagao army is only steps away from Toyama Castle, Kagetora refused to issue the assault order. Are all the efforts for nothing?

Masakage: "Then what do you want to do, Kagetora?"
Kagetora: "I want to reconcile with the Jinbo clan, and return to how things were two generations ago."
Masakage: "Reconcile? Making friends? We killed two of their daimyos in a row. How can it happen?"
Kagetora: "Didn't they contribute to the death of one of ours?"
Masakage: "Well, we still owe them one. Unless Kagetora will sacrifice yourself?"

Masakage can't help but imagine that Kagetora heroically marches into the Toyama Castle and perform Seppuku. Autumn leaves fall; the white blade goes in; the red blade comes out along with some small intestine.

Kagetora: "Nope. It does not matter who killed how many... memories are just flickers of mind. And since the Nagao clan has decided on the strategy of developing foreign trades, we will not have the army to properly defend Etchu against Honganji's Ikko rebellion. If we reconcile with Jinbo, we can fight against Ikko-Ikki together."

Masakage: "Hm... OK, you convinced me. But Jinbo is different..."
Nomi: "Kagetora, you can be trusted, but Jinbo cannot."

Kagetora: "The one who could not be trusted was Jinbo Yoshimune, but he is long gone. I heard that Jinbo Nagamoto's heir, Jinbo Nagazumi, is about the same age as me. Maybe he will understand me better. A peace treaty is better for both clans. Why wouldn't he, if the Jinbo clan can survive as a result?"

Although Kagetora thinks rationally, Nomi is afraid that Jinbo's next clan leader will be consumed by hatred. Few samurai can bear the shame of losing grandfather and father to the same enemy. The enormous pressure would definitely distort Jinbo Nagazumi's judgment.

Nomi: "Kagetora, people in this situation are usually too emotional to think."
Kagetora: "Anger will not last forever. If we are patient, maybe we will talk some sense out of Jinbo Nagazumi."

Masakage: "BAH. I say we don't offer them a chance to betray us again. If somebody killed my grandfather and father, I will definitely seek revenge whenever I get the chance!"
Nomi: "Yes. The feuds between neighboring clans are the destined tragedy of Sengoku Jidai and its generals. Let's take Jinbo out now before it has a chance to recover."

"What if Jinbo does not have a chance to recover?"

Winning a battle is easy, winning a person's heart is diffulct.
Nagao Kagetora cannot do it alone - maybe Buddha's compassion could help.

[Maltz]

Rizenji Munechika (林泉寺 宗睦)

Born in 1519. One of the best pupils of Tenshitsu Koiku, Zen Buddhist master of Rizenji. She was sent to Rizenji due to her family's proverty and her modest look (leaving her few chance to marry up). She studied hard in Rizenji and becomes the first "graduate" of Rizenji, joining the Nagao clan to assist Nagao Kagetora and to spread Buddhism in her travel.

Note: Monks tend to have similar names, so at the time they were commonly identified by their temples. For example, the master monk of Hongaji at this moment was Hongaji Shoyo.

Masakage: "Oh? Munechika is here."
Munechika: "It takes soldiers to recover military strength. It takes recruits to make soldiers. It takes motivation to have recruits. With Buddha's wisdom and compassion, I shall remove their motivation."
Masakage: "Wow. Pulling weeds with the roots? It might be difficult..."
Munechika: "There is no limit in the universe of Buddhism. Lord Kagetora takes care of Jinbo, I will work on Etchu."

Munechika speaks at a modest pace and tone - hard to detect any emotion.

Kagetora: "It would be great if Munechika can stagnate Jinbo's military recovery. Let's work on pursuading Jinbo."
Masakage: "Sounds like a good plan. Let's go!"
Kagetora: "Oh sorry, I forgot to mention. I can go alone. Masakage, please lead the soldiers back to Kasugayama Castle."
Masakage: "WHAT? You don't bring soldiers?"
Kagetora: "I want to show my sincerity. Jinbo Nagazumi will see it more easily if I do not pressurize him with an overhwleming force. I will be fine with Nomi and the other bodyguards."
Nomi: "Kagetora, this is too risky. As the chief bodyguard I cannot let you do it."

Nomi has been promoted to chief bodyguard for taking down Jinbo Nagamoto during the Battle of Toyama. She has the responsibility to keep Kagetora from danger.

Kagetora: "I actually think I am safer without soldiers. The bodyguards are all cavalry, so there is no way Jinbo Nagazumi can get to us. Besides, the sooner we reconcile with Jinbo, the safer we will be."
Masakage: "That's true. And we need to replenish the lost numbers back in Echigo. Kasugayama Castle also needs to recruit more men. You can leave Echigo to me."
Nomi: "Hm..."
Masakage: "Nomi, Kagetora knows what he is doing. If Jinbo Nagazumi is like his grandfather and father, there is no chance he can harm Kagetora. Just don't all fall asleep together at night, OK?"
Nomi: "Ok then."

Somehow Nomi knows what Kagetora wants to do is the best for Nagao and Jinbo. But how long would it take for Jinbo Nagazumi to realize that?

Munechika: "I shall be on my way, too."

With her hands in namaste (Buddhists' courtesy posture, palms touching each other in front of the chest), Munechika slowly walks away on her geta (wooden slippers).

[Maltz]

Jinbo Nagazumi: "Nagao Kagetora! Stop this madness! We are not going to succumb to you!"
Kagetora: "I am not asking you to surrender! Let's treat each other equally!"
Jinbo Nagazumi: "I... I... I won't follow your orders!"

In the beginning, Jinbo Nagazumi challenged Nagao Kagetora every two to three days.
But Nagao Kagetora kept dodging the confrontation.
The winter has past - now the flowers are blooming again. First daffodils, then cherry and prune.
Nowadays Jinbo Nagazumi comes out only every six or seven days.

Nagazumi: "My dead ancestors would not agree if I make peace with you!"
Kagetora: "Wouldn't they want to see Jinbo clan's continual existence?"
Nagazumi: "Your words are like flowers! I won't listen!"

Kagetora and his bodyguards have made countless circles around Toayama Castle.
He can now call which landmark is coming next.
The guards are even counting times of each lap.

Nomi: "The last lap was a new slow record! From the trend of the most recent 10 laps, Nagazumi is consistently getting slower. Maybe eventually he will simply sit on the ground."
Kagetora: "Maybe he'll walk backward..."

For every chase, the end point is Nagao's great tent in front of Toyama Castle.

Kagetora: "Hongaji has declared war on Noto's Hatakeyama clan! Let's sit down and work out a plan to repel the Ikko-Ikki's invasion!"
Nagazumi: "You are trying to distract me! I... I... I hate your tent!"

Kagetora's tent had been torn down again and again. Someone actually urinated on it.
But now bird chirps and flower blossoms are too soothing for violent behaviors.
So Kagetora' tent is only partially disassembled.

Nomi: "Ha. He is giving up."
Kagetora: "Looks like that Nagazumi's hatred towards Nagao is diminishing."

Kagetora takes a deep breath of the spring's humid and fresh air, much like Rizenji's.

"We have been here for four months. I wonder how Echigo is doing now..."

As Kagetora restores the tent with his guards, his thoughts wonder back to Kasugayama mountain. He has been writing letters to Yaya, who should be giving birth soon. Kagetora is turning 16... is he ready to be a father? Probably easier than being a clan lord.