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

[Maltz]

But after 10 cycles or so, Hojo's Yari Samurai has lost one third of their men!

Samurai Captain: "As samurai it is a shame to stand and got shot to death! We charge and kill some enemies!"
Samurai: "But Lord Ujiyasu has orders not to attack!"
Captain: "We will do Hojo a service by killing some enemies! Charge with me!"
Samurai: "CHARGE!"

Hojo Ujiyasu: "NO! Don't charge without orders!"
Matsuda Noriyoshi: "My lord, our passive tactics is not working!"

Note: A simple solution for Hojo is to tuck their Yari Samurai in the back. But the AI is not smart enough to realize that...

[Maltz]

With the determination of certain death, Hojo's Yari Samurai charge right into Nagao's formation.
Their morale broke after their captain gets a thrust in the throat, but they at least killed a few enemies before that point.

[Maltz]

Hojo Ujiyasu has lost all his melee infantry. His conservative tactics has been exploited by Nagao Kagetora.
Ujiyasu takes a look at his remaining troops - a few hundred bow ashigaru and about one hundred bomb throwers.

Noriyoshi: "My lord, we have to be more aggressive..."
Ujiyasu: "Then we march right into Kagetora's trap..."

Matsuda Noriyoshi looks at the rising sun - maybe they are not going to see the sunset.
Hojo Ujiyasu is an expert of internal development and castle building. The Hojo army usually resorts to defending in a well-built castle when they see a powerful enemy coming. On the field, Hojo is simply not aggressive enough. His every move is anticipated, especially when Nagao Kagetora can observe him on the hill without worrying at being attacked.

Noriyoshi: "My lord! Nagao's bow units are about to shoot at us again!"
Ujiyasu: "Darn... Bow Ashigaru march first and go after them! We charge all together and kill our way out!"
Norisyohi: "Yes!"

[Maltz]

Hojo's Bow Ashigaru receive the attack order.
There are three units of them, but only two units go after Nagao. One unit decided to turn back.

Ujiyasu: "Why are you turning back?"
Bow Ashigaru Captain: "My lord, we cannot see the enemies! The forest is blocking our view... and we previously received an order of hiding in the forest no matter what..."
Ujiyasu: "The new order overwrites the old! Just go now!"
Bow Ashigaru Captain: "My lord, the enemy have already gone far! Do we run up or..."
Ujiyasu: "Run! Run!"

[Maltz]

But it was too late! Nagao's Bow Ashigaru have rushed up. 800 of them are firing at 200-strong Hojo bow ashigaru!

"The enemy is coming at us, draw arrows!"
"There are too many of them! No!"
"WAAAAA"

Nagao's Bow Ashigaru outnumber Hojo's four to one! The rain of death arrives! The mist of blood arises!

[Maltz]

Matsuda Noriyoshi: "My lord, our bow ashigaru have been decimated! If we don't help them, Nagao Kagetora is going to run them down!"
Hojo Ujiyasu: "We attack together!"

Finally, Hojo Ujiyasu's army march together,
after losing more than half of their number.

[Maltz]

As Hojo's line move forward, Nagao Kagetora gives up pursuing the fleeing enemies.
Just as the lines were about to clash...

Hojo's Bow Ashigaru Captain: "Lord Ujiyasu, it is our fault not to assist our comrades in time. But we can buy some time for you to retreat! Please let us stay and fight!"
Ujiyasu: "Retreat?"
Captain: "Yes. Let us distract Nagao Kagetora!"
Noriyasu: "This could be our chance to escape, my lord... we can make a come back one day..."

There is no doubt that Hojo has lost the battle, but Hojo Ujiyasu could still decide whether to escape with his life...

[Maltz]

Hojo's last Bow Ashigaru held their ground.
They unleashed volley after volley of deadly arrows,
until they were overwhelmed by Nagao's men.

[Maltz]

Hojo Ujiyasu and Matsuda Noriyoshi were retreating,
until they heard the screams of their brave ashigaru.

Noriyoshi: "Why are you stopping, my lord? We cannot let them die in vein!"
Ujiyasu: "How can I face the clan by going back like this? The Hojo clan is powerful not because of a heroic clan leader, but a group of brothers who closely stick together. How can I abandon my men like this?"
Noriyoshi: "My lord..."

[Maltz]

Hojo Ujiyasu and Matsuda Noriyoshi returns to the battlefield, for their last, glorious charge!
They will show Japan what Hojo clan is made of!

[Maltz]

Hojo's bomb throwers are closing in!
Nagao's Bow Ashigaru shall stop their advance!

[Maltz]

Hojo Ujiyasu: "CHARGE! Fight to the death!"
Hojo soldiers: "To death!"

[Maltz]

The Battle of Ueda is over.
"The Lion of Sagami" Hojo Ujiyasu and Matsuda Noriyoshi's army was outnumbered and crushed by Nagao's ambush force.
Only 23 Bow Ashigaru made it to Sagami.

[Maltz]

It is a little too early, but I think this is a good time to show Episode III!
If you wish to avoid spoilers please skip the last minute.

http://youtu.be/PnewApVVSBs?hd=1

[Maltz]

But this is what really happens in the game - Hojo Ujiyasu was routed before any contact was made.
That's why in the video there is no scene about his heroic death.

[Maltz]

Chapter 18. The Treaty of Ueno

As planned, Nagao Kagetora splits his army in half after the Battle of Ueno.
As he asked for a volunteer to lead the second army, the Yari Samurai captain raises his hand.

"I can do it - I don't need any other help! Just my own Yari Samurai team!"
"Oh? Good. What is your name?"
"I am Kakizaki Kageie! My lord, I have followed you since the Battle of Nagaoka two years ago. This is the 5th time you asked it."
"I am sorry..."



Kakizaki Kageie (柿崎景家)
Born in 1513. THE most famous general of Uesugi Kenshin's army, Kakizaki Kageie's cavalry was famous for his ferocious aggressiveness on the battlefield. For example, Kakizaki was the vanguard during the Fourth Kawanakajima Battle, in which he almost broke the center of Takeda Shingen's formation. Kakizaki is not only a capable commander, but also has talents in internal affairs and diplomacy.

"Good, Kakizaki, you will lead your man to retake Katsurao Castle."
"Yep. Easy job!"
"All other units follow me to fight Hojo's reinforcement!"

Hojo's reinforcement was shocked to learn that their daimyo has already been defeated.
Lacking proper equipment, they chose to run - but Nagao Kagetora caught up with them by the border of Shinano and Kai.
The battle was over very quickly.

[Maltz]

Kakizaki Kageie: "What kind of garrison is this? Let's climb over the wall and bash them underground!"
Ninja Naoaki: "Sir Kakizaki! Please don't risk your lives unecessarily. I can open the gates for you."
Kageie: "How?"
Naoaki: "I can put on a costume of a locksmith."
Kageie: "And that gives you the skill of a locksmith?"
Naoaki: "Nope. It is just role playing. I know lock-picking by heart. It is a basic skill for Echigo-styled ninja, just like sneaking, repair, barter, speech, and small weapons."
Kageie: "Sneaking?"
Naoaki: "Yes. You didn't see me one minute ago, right?"
Kageie: "Repair?"
Naoaki: "Repair is simply the reverse of sabotage. If I can sabotage something, I know how to repair it if I have the components"
Kageie: "Barter?"
Naoaki: "That I am still working on... ideally I wish to get things totally free, just like many others. But at first maybe 15% to 30% discount will do."
Kageie: "Speech?"
Naoaki: "Yes. I don't have to go around killing every guard if I can pursuade them to go away."
Kageie: "Small Weapons?"
Naoaki: "Shiriken. Headshot while sneaking gives a lot more damage."
Kageie: "I see... nice! Boys! We charge in after the gates are opened!"

***

The Hojo defenders knew this is their last stand.
They fought to their last men, knowing that this is what their daimyo did in the Battle of Ueda.
Kakizaki's unit suffered quite heavy casualties, but they got their jobs done.
Nagao Kagetora fulfilled his promise to Murakami Yoshikiyo, who is now on his way to Shinano.

Note: The game has a limited database of captain's names - this one is Nagao Harukage.

[Maltz]

143.


Maoko the Housekeeper: "Congratulations, Lord Yoshikiyo! We have received news that Lord Kagetora have retaken north Shinano."
Murakami Yoshikiyo: "Good. I knew I could trust Kagetora. Nagao can count on Murakami's support no matter what!"
Maoko: "Thank you. For a good start, how about a trade agreement?"
Yoshikiyo: "Of course."

Murakami Yoshikiyo was about to leave Kasugayama Castle with his clan officiers, but he returned as soon as he stepped out of the gate.

Yoshikiyo: "Housekeeper, I almost forgot - I have 32 koku on credit with the Sake Den."
Maoko: "Please don't worry about these little things. But I know if we do not accept, Lord Yoshikiyo would feel the burden. Thank you."
Yoshikiyo: "Good. Now let's go back to Shinano!"

"YO!"
Murakami's officers cheer.

[Maltz]

102.


In the meantime, Nagao Masakage continues his "siege" of Etchu's Toyama Castle. The mobs did not surrender, but eventually exhausted their supply. They never found any hidde treasure, only secretly buried skeletons from centuries of dark struggles of the noble class. As the defenders hear about the return of the Ikko-Ikki army, they abandoned Toyama castle.

[Maltz]

Maoko: "Lord Nagazumi, congratulations! The Ikko-Ikki army could not figure out what's going on, so they have temporarily retreated from Etchu. Please return to Toyama Castle and restore the Jinbo clan!"
Jinbo Nagazumi: "Great! I knew Lord Kagetora will fulfill his promise. I will never forget this. Please let me know if Jinbo can be of any service to Nagao!"
Maoko: "Maybe we will have to fight the Ikko-Ikki together in the coming years. But for now, let's just open our markets to each other, shall we?"
Nagazumi: "Certainly!"

As Jibo Nagazumi and his officers packs up to leave Kasugayama Castle, they bumped into Murakami Yoshikiyo. He is also on his way to restore his clan.

Nagazumi: "Uncle Yoshikiyo, why are you coming back?"
Yoshikiyo: "I still owe the Sake Den 32 koku... "
Nagazumi: "Oh yes... I pledged some donation to Rizenji last week..."

Nagazumi searched his pocket and only found 21 koku of silver.
He promptly dropped them off in the donation box of Rizenji, which is conveniently located outside the gate of Kasugayama Castle.

"See you later!" Nagazumi waves to Maoko and Kasugayama Castle's staff.
"Bye!"
"Let's go home!"
"OH!"

Note: In the game, when a clan is revived and becomes a vassal, its diplomatic relationship restores to the game's 1545 default. In this case, Jinbo becomes an instant hater of Nagao again...

[Maltz]

I am sorry for the delay in updates.

In the meantime, please enjoy the video series of "Making the God of War", which has a much faster progress than the story (9 game years ahead, to be exact). I have provided all Youtube links in the updated Table of Content.

The video series is designed to be a stand-alone drama. There are of course heavy spoilers of the plot, but I think the written story have much more to offer than the visuals.

[Maltz]

Border of Shinano and Kai, Spring 1548

Ninja Naoaki: "My lord! I have returned from the province of Kai. I arranged a horse wagon and pretended to be a horse merchant! I found that horses in Kai were all running freely. Takeda had very little soldiers left - just slightly more than a thousand."

Nomi: "Hm... never expected Takeda Harunobu to hit such a low point."
Naoaki: "Yep. Anyone can destroy Takeda easily. Why don't we do it, my lord? If we leave Takeda alone, they could become a great threat to us in the future."
Kagetora: "I understand your reasons, Naoaki. But we cannot attack others just because we can win. Besides, we still have a military access agreement with Takeda. If we attack now, how do we distinguish ourselves from the mad warmongers?"
Nomi: "Actually, we can circumvent the military access agreement."
Kagetora: "Oh?"
Nomi: "We can hide our army in North Shinano. If Takeda declares war to Murakami again, we join the war and destroy Takeda once and for all."
Kagetora: "Oh..."

If Takeda declares war on Murakami again, indeed Nagao, who is now officially protecting Murakami, is fully justified to declare war on Takeda. But...

Kagetora: "I think it is better if Takeda Harunobu gives up his ambition on Shinano completely. This way we can avoid another war and loss of many lives. Maybe we can talk to him?"
Nomi: "Maybe there will be an oppurtunity soon..."

[HopAlongBunny]

You are too modest :p

While I prefer the depth and imagination put into the written work, your movies are superb! They add yet another level to an already complex tale

[Maltz]

Ueno is famous for its prune trees. Every spring, pink prune flowers fill the valleys and banks, just like cherry blossom. Actually prunes, plums, and cherries are all similar trees. Many Ueno locals also confuse prunes with cherries.

"My lord, the cherry blossoms are so beautiful."
"Indeed, Yamamoto."
"Just as you expected my lord, Hojo Ujiyasu failed due to his over-confidence. His offspring will bite his bitter fruit of public humiliation."

Takeda Harunobu nods to eye-patched advisor, one of the best in Sengoku Jidai.



Yamamoto Kansuke (山本勘助)

Born in 1493, famous for being the advisor of Takeda Harunobu. Yamamoto Kansuke had a rough childhood, losing his left eye and crippling his right leg. He became a wanderer at a young age, learning military strategy and the way of swords. After being refused employment by the Imagawa clan, Kansuke returned to Takeda.

During the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima between Takeda and Uesugi, Yamamoto Kansuke suggested the famous but ill-fated "Wood cracker" tactics, where Takeda Shingen would split his army in an attempt to attack the rear of Uesugi Masatora (Uesugi Kenshin). Takeda's brief weakness was seized by Uesugi Masatora, who attacked Takeda Shingen's half army with full force. Takeda Shingen's army was almost destroyed. In order to take the responsibility of the tactical blunder, Yamamoto Kansuke charged into the enemy and died.

Note: There is controversy that whether Yamamoto Kansuke actually exists, or a character created to mask Takeda Shingen's own tactical blunder.

***

Harunobu: "Hm. If Takeda and Hojo join force, we can defeat Nagao. But we made a mistake in North Shinano..."
Kansuke: "Master, please don't blame yourself. There are many things we cannot control. You did the right thing not to help Hojo this time. A victorious Hojo would eventually turn on us. But a victorious Uesugi would not."

Takeda Harunobu suffered two major defeats in North Shinano in three years.
The first time he was crushed by Murakami Yoshikiyo's cavalry.
The second time he was caught off-guard by the Kiso clan.
His army was almost completely wiped out - ashigaru captains, samurai captains, only a few hundreds of them made it back to Kai.

Takeda Harunobu knew that his clan could not afford another war, so he had to refuse's Hojo Ujiyasu's request to declare war on Uesugi. This way, Takeda could recover and wait for its chance tomorrow.

Kansuke: "Well, this is what I think will happen. Nagao Kagetora has tied his hands in the back with that 'righteousness' bull crap, so he will never attack us without a reason."
Harunobu: "Yes. His options are very limited."

Speaking of "attacking without a reason", this is exactly what Takeda Harunobu would do. Military strategy is all about surprise. If the enemy is not expecting an attack, they cannot properly defend.

Kansuke: "And we can expect that Nagao Kagetora will have to negotiate peace with Hojo because he has no reason to attack Sagami."
Harunobu: "Yes. That's what Nagao Kagetora would do."

Speaking of "completely wipe out an enemy when it is weak", this is also exactly Takeda Harunobu's style. Why give an enemy a chance to recover? Kill them all.

Kansuke: "Then, I heard that Murakami Yoshikiyo fled to Echigo because Nagao Kagetora promised him that one day he will take back Shinano for him. So we can expect the return of Murakami Yoshikiyo in North Shinano."
Harunobu: "Yeah, Nagao Kagetora is too naive. Naturally, we will look for a chance to defeat Murakami once more. What I am afraid is that Nagao Kagetora also expects us to do this. He might declare war on Takeda as soon as we make a move north and attack us."
Kansuke: "Nagao Kagetora won't do that."
Harunobu: "Why not?"
Kansuke: "That's not his character. Kagetora would say something like 'let's give Takeda a friendly warning and hope that they will listen,' then he would return to Echigo. Once he goes back, we can distract him."
Harunobu: "Of course! I like your idea. Let's first receive his friendly warning, then."
Kansuke: "Hm. Ya."

Yamamoto Kansuke rolls his eyes.
Kagetora is so predictable strategically.

Takeda Harunobu cannot help but think, maybe one day he will have to fight Nagao Kagetora face to face. But he has to delay this day as long as possible. Nagao Kagetora has been defeating his every enemy with little loss. There is no point for Takeda to challenge this fearsome enemy before it is ready.

[Maltz]

By the invitation of the Kanto Kanrei, more than ten daimyos gather in Ueno's Hirai Castle today.
But they do not really care about Kanto Kanrei Uesugi Norimasa - they just want to get an idea of the future of Kanto - maybe meeting a few future allies or enemies.

The ten-year-old Hojo Ujimasa, eldest son of Hojo Ujiyasu, leads his officers here to plead for peace. The Hojo clan is now at the mercy of Uesugi Norimasa and Nagao Kagetora - should Uesugi and Nagao refuse for peace, they could easily topple the rest of Hojo within a year or two.

The chief clan officer Hojo Tsunashige (北條綱成) will speak for the young clan leader.

Hojo Tsunashige: "Lord Norimasa, the Hojo clan deserves punishment for declaring war on Kanto Kanrei. For this, our clan leader, Hojo Ujiyasu, and an important clan officer, Matsuda Noriyoshi, were both killed in battle. Hojo had received its punishment. Lord Norimasa, please end the war of Kanto in front of all daimyos!"

Hojo Ujimasa, Hojo Tsunashige, and other Hojo officers all kneel to the Kanto Kanrei in three rows, begging for forgiveness. It is undoubtedly a shame for samurai to kneel and beg. But now they could not ask for Hojo Ujiyasu and Matsuda Noriyoshi's glorious and luxurious endings - charging into the enemies under the golden rising sun. The glorious battle has finished. Practical diplomacy begins.

Uesugi Norimasa: "The battle was fought by Nagao Kagetora. Why don't you ask him?"

"Lord Kagetora, please forgive Hojo!"
"We have learned our lessons!"

In Kasugayama Castle, Nagao Kagetora specifically asks his clan officers not to kneel down before him.
But now Kagetora inevitably feels a sense of supremacy, which makes him uneasy.

"Please, sit up."

Kagetora does not like the sense of power, although he does possess it - Hojo's officers did exactly what he said, sitting up.

Kagetora: "We met on the battlefield because Hojo started an invasion. We could force Hojo to accept unfavorable conditions, but this does not prevent Hojo from starting another invasion in the future. The only condition I would accept for a peace treaty is that Hojo does not hold a grudge toward the past. A peace treaty should mark a new start for peace, not an intermission of wars or even the motivation of a future war."

Hojo Tsunashige: "I appreciate Lord Kagetora's openness and good will. However, this is the era of warring nations. It will be hard to pursuade a samurai, who is trained to fight for honor, not to seek for revenge."

The norm of Sengoku Jidai's peace treaty is for the losing clan to take insults, and then seek revenge at a later day. Retribution has been the norm for hundreds of years in Japan - or maybe since the beginning of human.

[Maltz]

Uesugi Norimasa: "Er... a complete peace of mind could be hard to promise on... How about we try some practical terms for peace?"

Kagetora feels a little embarrassed. His training in Zen Buddhism makes him a believer of "Idealism", where the material world is merely an temporary illusion to the mind. Naturally, people who live in the material world entirely would think Kagetora is too naive and impractical.

Kagetora: "Hm... why don't Hojo suggest a few conditions?"
Hojo Tsunashige: "Hojo would like to return Kanto Kanrei's Musashi province. We will also pay 5000 koku by the end of next year."

Kagetora noticed a large grin on Uesugi Norimasa's face.
A province and 5000 koku must sounds pretty good to Kanto Kanrei.
Maybe Nagao would get most of the koku as a reward.

Suddenly, Usami Nomi, officially the advisor the Nagao, raised her hand and requested a private conversation with Kagetora.
Kagetora: "Excuse me."

"Kagetora, Musashi is a province that sits in the middle of Kanto region - everybody wants a piece of it. If Kanto Kanrei cannot hold it before, he cannot hold it in the future. Five thousand koku is a small amount that we can easily amke. The alliance of Hojo, Takeda, and Imagawa, on the other hand, is too powerful. We should break it up."
Nomi whisper in Kagetora's ears as he nods.

Kagetora: [color=indigo]"Hojo took Musashi province with your own effort and sacrifices. Taking it back could sow seeds of hatred for a future invasion to Musashi and further. On ther other hand, Hojo, Takeda, and Imagawa are military allies. If Hojo remains military allies with these two clans, it would be hard for Hojo not being dragged to another invasion in the future. I suggest that Hojo ceases the military alliance with Takeda and Imagawa. Please keep your 5000 koku for peaceful purpose, such as internal development. People could use a tax break after the war."

"Oh..."
"Hm..."
The daimyos at the meeting were all shocked by Kagetora's generous proposal.
Maybe there is some truth in his claim of being the avatar of Bishamonten.

But Takeda Harunobu is the most surprised of all.
The three-way alliance was his hard work, designed to ensure an easy expansion path for Takeda through Shinano.
Kanto will probably never be the same after the three-way alliance is broken.
Clans will continually war each other, just like the old days.
Getting stuck in the province of Kai is Takeda's slow death sentence.

Uesugi Norimasa: "Hm... what Kagetora suggests sounds very generous to me. But since Nagao fought Hojo without Uesugi's help, I have no conditions to add. What does Hojo think?"

After a brief discussion, Hojo Tsunashige and other officers returned with another kneeling bow.

Hojo Tsunashige: "Lord Nagao Kagetora's suggestion is kind and generous. We agree. From now on, Hojo will focus on development. Our military alliance with Imagawa and Takeda is over."

Uesuji Norimasa: "Then let's sign the peace treaty!"

So is the end of Hojo's ambition, for now.

Hojo's power is not weakened under the treaty's condition.
But the effect of the end of the three-way alliance could be profound.
Looking back from 10 years later, Nagao Kagetora had asked far more than a province and 5000 koku from Hojo and their allies.

[Maltz]

146.


Just as the meeting appears to be over, a bunch of monks march into the room.

"Hold on a second!"

The room instantly lights up due to their shaved heads. The leader of the pack is Shimotsuma Raishu, commander of Honganji's Ikko-Ikki army in Hokuriku (northern lands).

"DOH! The Ikko-Ikki!"
"Radicals!"
"Terrorists!"

Many daimyos hold a grudge against the rebellious Ikko-Ikki.

Shimotsuma Raishu: "Wait! We bring Honganji's will to negotiate a peace treaty between Nagao and Honganji. We want peace! Please don't hate us!"

The daimyos take a second look at the monk captains. Indeed they do not carry weapons or agricultural tools.

Honganji's territories have been plagued by uprisings incited by Nagao's nun Rizenji Munechika. The monks are unwilling to leave their temples in the fear of losing a debate with Munechika. In addition, Honganji's new ships usually do not last more than one month after leaving their Echizen port. The ubiquitous Nagao navy captures them on sight.

As a result, the grandmaster Shoyo issued the order of peace.

Uesugi Norimasa: "Hm... Hokuriku is a little far from Kanto. But it looks like this is the best place for a negotiation."
Nagao Kagetora: "Certainly. We would like to have peace with Honganji, as it was you who declared war on us. What's the condition suggested by Master Shoyo?"
Shimotsuma Raishu: "Nagao can keep all the ships and sailors captured. Honganji can pay for your ships' repairs. Please recall your nun. No more debates, no more Zen Buddhism, no more charity work."

Norimasa: "Doesn't look like a permenant solution to a long-time conflict."
Raishu: "Because our armies haven't really fought! But we don't want to fight with Nagao."

"What else do you expect from Ikko-Ikki?"
"You have lost the naval battles and the debate. That condition is not enough."
"Get your real Grandmaster Shoyo for a debate!"

"Don't discriminate against us. We are also Buddhists!"
Shimotsuma Raishu has to yell to get his voice heard.

If these Ikko peasants are pushed to the corner of society and have nowhere else to backoff, they have to fight back.

"Excuse me." Usami Nomi had more to say to Kagetora.
"Our army is one trip away from reaching Kyushu. That trip involves sailing across the coast of Hongaji's Hokuriku territory."

Kagetora nods.

[Maltz]

147.


Uesugi Norimasa: "Well, Honganji can't blame us for doubting you. I heard that nowadays Ikko fanatics would suddenly grab people on the bridge and jump into the rivers, down the wells, or off the cliffs. Such terrorists! How do you pursuade others to make peace with you?"

Shimotsuma Raishu: "Are you afraid when you step on a bridge today? This is what we feel every moment. Our home, our land, our children, you can take away any of them at any time you wish. Don't call us terrorists if you bring us nothing but fear! You do not understand!"

"BS! Join the Nagao and destroy Ikko Ikki!"
"Restore... restore justice!"
"Can't negotiate with the radicals!"

Nagao Kagetora: "Daimyos! Please hear me!"
Kagetora walks out and stands in front of the Ikko monks.

"Jodo Shinshu is a branch of Buddhism. They are different from Zen Buddhism and other branches. Every Buddhist has the freedom to choose from a branch that brings him or her most peace. Believers of Jodo Shinshu are people just like us. Why should we fight against our own? I agree with Honganji's conditions, as long as Honganji promises not to incite rebellions in our lands."

The meeting room quiets down.
It is easy to judge others, but not so easy to treat others like oneself.

Uesugi Norimasa: "So... does Honganji agree with Nagao Kagetora's condition?"
Shimotsuma Raishu: "Of course. Why would our monks want to go to Echigo to debate with Rizenji's nun for another round? But I cannot promise Honganji's plans for other regions. I am only a regional commander."
Norimasa: "Reasonable. What do you say, Kagetora?"

Kagetora: "Agreed."
Raishu: "Thank you, Lord Kagetora. You have my personal respect."

To Shimotsuma Raishu, Nagao Kagetora is a floating wood in the hostile ocean.

Norimasa: "Hm, since the peace treaty seems shaky, you two can use Jinbo in Etchu as your buffer. Let's sign the peace treaties before you regret!"

As Nagao Kagetora, Hojo Ujimasa, and Shimotsuma head to the signing table, both Nagao's enemies have obtained their peace. Nagao has no more enemies... for now.

"Nagao Kagetora is a reliable daimyo!"
"He is a clear stream in the murky waters!"
"A latern in the darkness!"
"A dragon among people!"
"We should unite under Nagao Kagetora, for he will stablize the Kanto region!"

Nagao Kagetora wins the praises of daimyos.

Murakami Yoshikiyo: "How about we give Nagao Kagetora a nickname - Echigo's Dragon?"
Jinbo Nagaozumi: "Yes! Dragon is the highest form of all creatures. It would fit the image of Nagao Kagetora!"
Ashina Morikiyo (Yaya's father): "Oh yes! A dragon son-in-law!"
Uesugi Norimasa: 'The Dragon of Echigo, Uesugi Ke... Norimasa's trusted advocate!"

Kagetora has earned himself a few loyal supporters.

"Dragon of Echigo, Nagao Kagetora!" The daimyos cheer.

Here comes a new star in Sengoku Jidai, slightly brighter than the "Tiger of Kai" and the late "Lion of Sagami". "Dragon of Echigo", there is not going to be a parallel of him in people's memory.

Even though Nagao Kagetora has become the most liked daimyo in the Sengoku Jidai, he is still very far away from Bishamonten, the "God of Army". One should only compare to himself, not to others.

Note: At this point in the game, Nagao Kagetora has established three vassals (Jinbo twice, and Murakami). His honor has reached 9 (3 original, 3 great victories, 3 vassals). The overflow honor has no actual meanings in terms of game mechanics. But for role-playing purpose this really looks fitting.

[Maltz]

Kagetora: "Yaya, the meeting is over! Nagao has no more enemies. We can return to Echigo."
Yaya: "Good. Umachiyo, go give daddy a hug! We invited grandpa for dinner."
Umachiyo: "Daddy, daddy. Hug, Hug."
Kagetora: "Good Umachiyo!"

This time Kagetora left for more than half a year. Umachiyo, his eldest son, can now speak simple words such as "Daddy", "Mommy", "Hug". And their second son Hitsujichiyo can stand up on his own.

And then Kagetora noticed that Yaya's belly is again getting big...

Kagetora: "Yaya, is this another child?"
Yaya: "Yes. Almost due in fact! I have never got a chance to tell you. Remember last summer? We came to Ueno under the invitation of Lord Uesugi Norimasa. One night, lord Norimasa..."
Kagetora: "This is Norimasa's child?"
Yaya: "No, no! What are you thinking about? One night, lord Norimasa invited us to listen to ninja Naoaki's story. That night, it was very hot, and we could not sleep. So..."
Kagetora: "Oh... yes, I remember."

Kagetora is very embarrassed for his rushed judgment.
He should have never doubted his wife, or Uesugi Norimasa's hospitality.
Maybe that's why old wisdom says "a beautiful wife brings disaster for a man" - way too many others would fall for her beauty.

Yaya: "Kagetora, what's wrong? Too tired?"
Kagetora: "Nothing... it... feels strange that we easily made another baby just like that."
Yaya: "Yes. You are great, Kagetora! Let's have more!"
Kagetora:

Yaya: "What should we name this child? I picked 'Nori' (成, accomplish) for umachiyo. You picked 'Kazu' (和, peace) for hitsujichiyo. How about the third child?"
Kagetora: "Hm, since the child was conceived in Ueno, why don't we ask Lord Uesugi Norimasa to name the child?"
Yaya: "Taking one word from Kanto Kanrei? What an honor. Good idea!"

Kagetora is sorry for his earlier doubt on Uesugi Norimasa.
Letting Norimasa name his third child would make him feel better.

[Maltz]

149.


Chapter 19. Heaven and Earth

An old saying goes, "there is no un-ending banquet in this world." Kanto Kanrei Uesugi Norimasa meets with each daimyos as they say goodbye.

Norimasa: "Of course the child can use my name! 'Masa' means 'governance'. Pretty good, right?"
Kagetora: "Thank you, lord Norimasa. If the child is a boy, he will become Kagemasa when he turns into an adult."
Yaya: "But it sounds like Masakage's son..."

Norimasa: "Kagetora, can I simply call you by name? I wish to tell you that you are a truly unique man, not only in our time, but also in Japanese history. It is truly my honor to know you."

Kagetora: "Please, lord Norimasa. I am not as good as you think. I have many weaknesses. Maybe people are only projecting their ideal type of person on me."
Norimasa: "Maybe that's true. But you are the one closest to people's ideals."
Kagetora: "We all have something in us that others desire. I really adore Lord Norimasa's sincerity and hospitality."
Norimasa: "Really? Then Kagetora must come to Ueno again some time."
Kagetora: "Certainly. Likewise, if Lord Norimasa has any thing, any thing, that Nagao can be of use, no matter where Nagao Kagetora is, I will offer my service. Please accept my promise."
Norimasa: "Great!"

Kagetora and his clan officers bowed to Kanto Kanrei.
Just as they are walking down the stairs, they bump into Takeda Harunobu and his clan officers.