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

[Maltz]

Kagetora: "Lord Harunobu. There is something I wish to say to you in person."
Takeda Harunobu nods, as both daimyos walk away from their officers.

They are on the second floor of the castle.
Thousands of pink prune blossom fill their views.

"Lord Takeda Harunobu."
"Just call me Harunobu. I will call you Kagetora."

Takeda Harunobu is nine years older than Nagao Kagetora.
They are about the same size while standing side by side.

Kagetora looks Harunobu in the eyes. There seems to be an entire world hidden behind.

"Sure. Harunobu, please understand our situation. Nagao clan has a responsibility to protect the Murakami clan. Please do not attack Shinano again. The greatest fortune for the people is to provide peace. So they do not have to fear about dying on the battlefield, not seeing their wife and children again. So the parents do not have to fear about losing their children."

Kagetora sees no change of emotion on Harunobu's face.
Just like what people say - it is impossible to read Takeda Harunobu.

"Kagetora, please also understand Takeda's situation. The province of Kai is poor. Our gold mine has insignificant production compared to Sado island's gold mine or Iwami's silver mine. If I do not expand and grow stronger, very soon we will be overwhelmed by any neighbor. There is going to be war anyway. I cannot disappoint my officers and captains."

"What don't we use peaceful approaches? Negotiations? Trades?"

Takeda Harunobu takes a deep breath, smiles, and sighs.

"Kagetora, you are 18 years old, right? There are many things that you will learn about others over the next 9 years. People in this world are not like you. If they are not sure about a neighbor, they will assume hostility. If they know you, they think they can exlpoit you. If you don't say anything, they think you are plotting against them. If you say something, they only pick the worst to remember. This is human nature. It is impossible to maintain order with just negotiations and trades. Disagreement naturally escalates to wars."

"I do not believe in that. People are smart and can be cooperative."

"Then we shall see. Kagetora, nobody wins battles like you. If Takeda Harunobu never loses, I can also play your rule, carrying a huge banner of Bishamonten. But I lose battles; I lose battles all the time. Maybe you are actually the avatar of Bishamonten, but I know one thing for sure - Takeda Harunobu is no more than a human of flesh and blood. Takeda Harunobu has no divine qualities. You are not seduced by women, but I am. You are not driven by greed, but I am. You only have to displace an elder brother not from the same mother. But I have to expel my own father. I am sorry - Takeda Harunobu cannot walk on Nagao Kagetora's path. This path is uniquely yours. I have to find my own unique path."

"Harunobu..."

"My path is called 'Domination by Fear'. Nobody will be stronger than Takeda. Nobody could stand their ground against Takeda. I will tell my officers that Nagao Kagetora is a narcissistic lunatic who should write more poetry. I will defeat Nagao Kagetora."

Surprised by Takeda Harunobu's response, Nagao Kagetora remains silent.
Takeda Harunobu walks on the opposite direction of Nagao Kagetora.
But they have one thing in common at this very moment- they speak from their hearts to each other.

"I actually hope we will meet on the battlefield one day. Fighting you would be a pleasure. If there is anyone in Sengoku Jidai that I would consider a worthy opponent, it would be you, Nagao Kagetora. Be careful, don't get assassinated by some lowly ninja. If that happens, I would feel very sad."

Takeda Harunobu walks away, and leads his officers to meet with Uesugi Norimasa.

Kagetora looks down at the blooming forests of Ueno. His thoughts drift randomly like millions of falling prune flower petals.

Maybe Kagetora is the luckiest person in Sengoku Jidai.

[Maltz]

As Kanto Kanrei, Uesugi Norimasa has to say goodbye to Takeda Harunobu just like any other daimyo.

Norimasa: "I look forward to you return."
Harunobu: "Sure. Thank you."

Takeda Harunobu has no interests to waste words on Uesugi Norimasa. The once prestigious Uesugi clan is in rapid decline. They are nothing but a rotting obstacle to Takeda's grand expansion strategy.

Norimasa: "Lord Harunobu, why don't you adapt Nagao Kagetora's style? We can use another powerful daimyo to maintain

orders."
Harunobu: "Hm. My lord, please understand. The province of Kai has very low productivity compared to other clan's lands. How can I afford Nagao Kagetora's style?"
Norimasa: "Echigo is not particularly rich, either."
Harunobu: "Then Echigo will not be able to sustain Nagao Kagetora's chivalry code. It is outdated."
Norimasa: "Hm... I agree it is a difficult path. Maybe that's why Kagetora mentioned about a Kyushu campaign and international trades."
Harunobu: "Oh?"

A bell rings in Takeda Harunobu's ear. Harunobu would laugh at Nagao Kagetora's meaningless altruism, which he believes only leads to Nagao's destruction. But if Nagao Kagetora can find a second source of income, such as international trade, maybe Nagao Kagetora can continue to role-play the philanthropist.

Harunobu: "When is Nagao Kagetora going to Kyushu?"
Norimasa: "Maybe soon? His army has nothing else to do now."
Harunobu: "Hm..."

All facial expressions on Harunobu's face are lost. The more goes on in his mind, the less he reveals to the others.

Even so, Takeda Harunobu's heart pounds quickly. His knows his precious chance is coming.

The temporary absence of Nagao Kagetora will leave a power vaccum in Kanto. Takeda can basically do whatever it want. What should he do? What's best for Takeda?

Norimasa: "Er... Lord Harunobu?"
Norimasa waves in front of Harunobu. Apparently he has zoned out for a little too long.

Harunobu: "Oh. Lord Norimasa, you see, Nagao Kagetora can afford to look for riches because there is Naoetsu port in Echigo. Kai, however, is an in-land province."
Norimasa: "Hm... that's true. OK, I am not asking you to work as hard as Nagao Kagetora, then. But at least can you promise me not to invade other clans?"

Takeda Harunobu has to frown on this one.

Harunobu: "But lord Norimasa, didn't you just tell me that Nagao is going to Kyushu? Do you think daimyos in Kyushu would just give away their territory to Nagao?"
Norimasa: "Hm... right. And he will have to take objections from the Kyushu Tandai (九州探題, supervisor of Kyushu). But I am Kanto Kanrei. What happens in Kyushu is not my business."
Harunobu: "There is no Kyushu Tandai now! Nagao Kagetora can do whatever he wants. This is unfair."
Norimasa: "Now you sound like a child, lord Harunobu. The world is never fair. Why am I not as smart as you and Nagao Kagetora?"
Harunobu: "... OK then."

Takeda Harunobu shakes his head. The world is never fair. Luck descends on those who tries, but there is never guarantee. In this time of war, the strongest clan survives; the weak are inevitably swallowed.

Norimasa: "Anyway. As long as I am still the Kanto Kanrei, I have to make sure there is no threat of regional stability. This is my duty. Can you promise me you are not going to invade someone else?"
Harunobu: "Sure..."
Norimasa: "That doesn't sound convincing. Why don't you make an oath?"
Harunobu: "OK... if Takeda clan attacks another clan... Takeda will lose Kai! We will lose battle after battle, province after province! We will be doomed to remain an trivial clan in Japan! I will be killed in the most important battle in my life!"

Takeda Harunobu has really lost his patience with this trivial Kanto Kanrei.
All he wants to do is to return to Kai and plan for his next invasion.
And there will not be a Nagao Kagetora to stop him,
when the heaven will be temporarily reachable by the earth.

End of Book 2

[Maltz]

Book 2 Notes

1. March Speed Adjustment

Japan is not very big. If game mechanics is strictly followed, 20 miles would take an entire season to travel. The story tries to adhere to a reasonable march speed, which "frees up" characters to advance various plots. For example, now Kagetora has the time to make babies with Yaya, otherwise the mismatched timing could imply that Yaya had someone else.

2. Perserved in formaldehyde

The game's simple AI frequently kills off characters. And when the game runs out of historical names, it starts to use randomly generated names. For a story, characters can't come and go like convenience store customers. The unfortunately fallen will live if they are important characters in the story (such as Takeda Harunobu).

3. Historical Convergence

I try to make things happen in the story the same way that they happened in history. For example, Uesugi Kenshin's name evolution will follow the same path of "Torachiyo -> Nagao Kagetora -> Uesugi Masatora -> Uesugi Terutora -> Uesugi Kenshin" based on the similar events as in history, even though the game mechanics do not allow such events to take place. When there is a conflict between the game and history, I follow the latter.

4. Role of Usami Nomi

Usami Nomi is not my creation - she appeared as the leading female character in the famous classic Sengoku movie "Heaven and Earth" (1990 film). Usami Nomi since then has become a popular subject of romance of Uesugi Kenshin in subsequent fictions.

In this story, however, Nomi is not Kagetora's romantic interest, but the "female version of historical Uesugi Kenshin". When Nomi possesses the strategic mind of the God of Army, I can make Nagao Kagetora a real person who learns and grows (and eventually become a well-deserved God of Army).

Together, Kagetora and Nomi they complete the "God of Army" image as we adore today.

[Maltz]

Book 3 God of Fortune

Chapter 20. National hero in making

On a hot summer day of year 1548, a small emissary ship lands in the shore of Great Ming (China)'s Shandong.
The threats of Japanese pirates have peaked in recent years.
As a result, Great Ming issues a ban of all sea activities - no fishing, no private trades.

Yet the Portuguese merchants ignored the ban - they opened a market on an island offshore Zhejiang.
The market thrived - it became a city of its own.
The Chinese army landed on that island this year.
They sealed the port with wood and rocks, burned down the city, and killed hundreds of Portuguese merchants.
Some of them escaped with their lives and went to Japan...

"Ha! A dwarf emissary from the dwarf country!"

(Note: Japan was called "Wo" in Chinese, meaning "short". Japanese were in average quite a bit shorter than Chinese. Shandong is famous for having tall residents.)

"She is really short!"
A Shandong tall man points at Maoko the Housekeeper's nose.

"Well... I was born this way. Nothing I can change about it."
Maoko shrugs. She speaks broken Chinese.

"Excuse me. How do you go to QI's (pronunced: CHEESE) village?"
"Why? You are an emissary. Shouldn't you go to Beijing?"
"I am not an emissary from Kyoto. I am here to visit QI's village."
"Well... just around the corner ahead..."

***

"DAMN the Wako is here!"
The kids run amok upon seeing Maoko.

"Er... uncle, I am looking for a young man in your village. His father is QI Jingtong, and his name is..."

***

Qi Jiguang (戚繼光 Pronounced: Chee Jee-Guaang) 21 years old): "Who are you?! I don't know you! Wako pirates are enemies! I don't talk to you!"

(note: QI Jiguang is a Chinese national hero, who defeated the wako pirates with revolutionary tactics.)

Maoko: "Well... not all Japanese are pirates. Just like not all Japanese like to eat fish. I don't like seafood at all."
Qi Jiguang: "Hm... What do you want?"
Maoko: "You are planning to take part in the martial exam in the village next year, right?"
Qi Jiguang: "Huh? No. I am not. I am not ready yet."
Maoko: "How come? Don't you want to beat Wako?"
Qi Jiguang: "I do. But I have no idea where to start. I cannot just head into the exam hall and sell them nationalism... like disputed ownership on some rocks in the middle of the ocean. That at most will make me a captain of sailors. I want to become a general."
Maoko: "Hm... yeah you have to show knowledge on a higher level. Why don't I share with you our experiences with Wako?"
Qi Jiguang: "Are you selling out your own people? I don't trust you."
Maoko: "Wako are not entirely Japanese... many of them come from China. And they are criminals! They are darn pirates! I think we can unite on this front."
Qi Jiguang: "Hm... OK. So what do you know about Wako?"

[Maltz]

(one hour later)

Jiguang: "OH! So Wako only appear in certain spots?... Hm, if I can expect their arrival, I can beat them before they do any damage to the innocent people."
Maoko: "Exactly. Or you could use some weak fleet as bait and attract their attacks."
Jiguang: "But if my fleet is weaker, how do I beat them?"
Maoko: "You will figure out some good tactics. Wako are terrible fighters and highly susceptible to war cries. Besides, their ships are..."

(another hour later)

Jiguang: " The pirated Bune cannot compared to the legit Bune! We will design some ships that can easily crush them."
Maoko: "Yes. The only threat about Wako is that they keep coming back. If you have a fleet capable of beating them, and you know where to expect them, the only remaining challenge is the tedium of beating them again and again."
Jiguang: "I won't mind about too many victories to report. Now I have many things to say to exam officers."
Maoko: "And you will become a general."
Jiguang: "Good, good. Thank you very much! Why are you helping me? Who are you anyway?"
Maoko: "My full name is Yamayoshi Maoko. I am an officer in the Nagao clan, led by Nagao Kagetora."
Jiguang: " What?"
Maoko: "Our names are not important - they change frequently. Our purpose stays the same, though. We wish to do free trade with Great Ming."
Jiguang: "Free trading? But you do know about the sea ban, right? You need the red-sealed ships and pay an annual fee for the permit."
Maoko: "But then we cannot make too much from it. We desire the profits from international trade, and use that to fund our campaign to unite Japan."
Jiguang: "Sounds like a noble cause. Why don't you lobby with Beijing?"
Maoko: "I don't think Beijing will take a small clan seriously. But we think you should be able to help us."
Jiguang: "Me? But I am a nobody."
Maoko: "If you go on and beat Wako, Great Ming will lift its sea ban, right?."
Jiguang: "Probably... but why me? Why not some existing general?"
Maoko: "Because they will fail, but you will suceed. You can do it!"
Jiguang: "Why are you so sure? But thanks..."

Qi Jiguang feels really lucky about what happened today.
Indeed, all he wants to do in his life is to defeat the pirates.
Now it seems that his dream will realize pretty soon...

***

Note: In history, Qi Jiguang's famous army completely defeated Wako in 1567, and Great Ming lifted the sea ban in the same year. As the plot involves Nagao/Uesugi doing trade with Great Ming much earlier, there is something Maoko must do to make such trades happen more quickly.

[Maltz]

Bungo, a hub of Portugese merchants. A window for the exchange and mutual influence of European and Japanese culture.
In a morning of early autumn 1548, a small emissary ship returning from Great Ming docks here.

"Two typhoons... and there is one more..."
There is no ship to take Maoko back to Echigo in the storm.

This is the first time Maoko the Housekeeper travels to Bungo.
"Southern barbarians" can be seen every where on the streets.
They have tall noses, white skins, and chest hair growing out of their collar.
The locals are used to them. Some actually convert to their religion.

Maoko: "This looks like a good place to gather information. My goal is to find Lord Kagetora a good reason to launch a Kyushu campaign. Poor Kagetora, he is tortured by his conscience."

Maoko: "But the authority may find me suspicious if I ask too much about politics and military...."

Maoko walks by a European chapel. As the mass finishes, a group of young European ladies walk down the stairs.

Maoko: "Excuse me! Excuse me! Do you speak Japanese?"
The girls look at each other, then one of them steps forward.

"Sure. Can I help you?"
The girl has a long face, a pointy nose, brown hair, very friendly, quite a typical "southern barbarian" girl.

Maoko: "Many Portugese escaped from Great Ming's sea ban and take refuge in Kyushu. Kyoto wishes to express its condolence. I am an emissary, Kawamata Kayoko (川又伽椰子). eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh"

Suddenly, Maoko makes a very long, embarrassing burp.

Kayoko: "I am sorry."

"It is OK, miss emissary. My name is Minata. My Japanese friends call me Minato (Japanese: port), although in Europe it would be a boy's name. Please call me Minato; it is easier to remember."

Kayoko: "Nice to meet you, Minato. Do you happen to know where to look for the refuge from Great Ming?"
Minato: "I know where to find the refuge you are looking for. Their tents are located in the south of the Bungo port. How about I take you there?"
Kayoko: "That will be great!"

Kayoko is of course not a real emissary from Kyoto. But the Portugese girl Minato could be a good cover for her information-gathering mission...

Note: Maoko has two fictional sisters, Kawamata Kayoko (川又伽椰子) and Yamamura Sadako (山村貞子). They are leading characters of famous Japanese horror movie franchises "Ju-on" and "Ringu".

[Maltz]

The Portugese refuge camp is small. Tattered and filthy clothes lay around the tents. There is nothing valuable.
The refugees are mal-nutritioned - only surviving by the assistance of the nearby catholic chapel.
Some church goers think their fate is well deserved, for they were once smugglers driven by greed.

Refugee: "We are murdered by Chinese, and now discriminated by Japanese. Why does this happen to us?"
Kayoko: "I am very sorry. Here are 10 koku worth of silver. Please accept our tiny gift. Maybe you find a job here and establish your new life."
Refugee: "Thank you..."

Kayoko knows that it is only human nature to form bias and prejudice on outsiders.
It is how we simplify the world, or there would be too much information to handle.
However, as we grow up, many of us will realize that the outsiders are not much different from ourselves.

Minato: "Oh... sister Kayoko is a nice person. Well, now you have found the refuge camp. If there is nothing else, I will say goodbye to you..."
Kayoko: " Wait wait wait! There is no insider's information to gather from refugees... can I chat with you more? Isn't there a good java coffee shop nearby? I will buy you a cup!"
Minato: "Java coffee? It is expensive! Sure!"

***

The coffee shop is small, but it has modeled after the European style - the seats are out on the street.
Kayoko and Minato picked a quiet corner, for there could be sensitive information...

Kayoko: "Minato speak very fluent Japanese!" (of course your tones are off but we forgive you)
Minato: "Really? Thank you. I study very hard. My teacher is a good friend of my father. He is a samurai."
Kayoko: "A samurai? So Minato must know some things about the samurai clans in Kyushu?"
Minato: "Yes, I know some of them. For example, my father deals exclusively with the powerful Ito clan. They are now ruling Bungo."
Kayoto: "The Ito clan?..."
Minato: "Yep. Actually Ito Yoshisuke is my godfather!"
Kayoto: "Wow! The Ito daimyo is your godfather?"
Minato: "Actually, my father said Ito Yoshisuke has dozens of god-daughters. So I am not that special. "
Kayoto: "Many god-daughters? Probably a polite term for 'mistresses'. I am sure you are not."
Minato: "My father said he would never sacrifice me to become a mistress. For now I am still just his god-daughter."
Kayoto: "Good!"



Ito Minato (伊東 湊)
Born in Portugal, 1523 as Minata Silva. She goes with nickname "Minato"(port) in Japan. Five years ago, Minato arrived in Japan with her merchant father and settled down in Bungo's "southern barbarian" district. Her father does business with the local samurai class. The daimyo of Ito clan, Ito Yoshisuke, is Minato's godfather.

[Maltz]

Kayoko feels it's her lucky day. Her first contact in Kyushu, Minato, is quite an insider of the local clans. What does Minato know?

***

(A) Asks about Otomo (Paragon +5) <---
(B) Asks about Shimazu (Paragon +5)
(C) Asks about Minato (Renegade +5)
(D) Ask Minato to pay for coffee (Honor -1)

***

Kayoko: "Now we are in Bungo... isn't there a powerful Otomo clan? What happened to Otomo?"
Minato: "Otomo? Yes they were once something, led by a great general Betsugi... something. Since Otomo was very powerful, it attracted attacks from all sides. No matter how good your general is, you can only properly defend one front. So eventually Otomo was destroyed."
Kayoto: "I see."

Kayoko once heard this saying: "the most important rule for defence is to reduce the need for defence." It looks like Otomo is no good at diplomacy.

Kayoko: "How about the famous 'falcon man' in Satsuma? The Shimazu clan?"
Minato: "The home of pirates? Yeah, the Shimazu daimyo has a good roster of sons. The second son Yoshi... I also forgot his name was the fiercest in battle. But the Shimazu clan is now history."
Kayoko: "What happened to Shimazu?"
Minato: "They were attacking Higo while Ito's army made a lightning strike in Satsuma. Shimazu lost their castle and their supply. As a result, they lost the subsequent battle. I heard everybody got killed. Tragic. "
Kayoko: "Oh..."

Kayoko once heard another saying: "the most important rule for offence is to bring down the target before someone brings you down." Apparently Shimazu took too long in their Higo campaign.

Kayoko: "Hm... From Kyoto, I only know Shimazu and Otomo are the most famous clans. How about Ito and Shoni?"
Minato: "Indeed. Currently Kyushu us divided between Ito and Shoni. Shoni is in the north; Ito is in the south. But Ito and Shoni are actually allies. They are at war with some smaller clans in middle Kyushu, such as Sagara."
Kayoko: "I see. Hm..."

Can "assisting Sagara" be a justifiable excuse for Nagao to march to Kyushu? Maybe not enough...

Kayoko: "Minato, you are familiar with Ito, right? Can you tell me more? Any conflicts internally or externally? "
Minato: "Sister Kayoko is really into wars, huh? Well, it is your job to understand the situation here. There was a serious dispute in the Ito family, but it has passed so nobody mentions it anymore. Ito is now at war with Sagara and the Kikkawa clan in Chugoku region."
Kayoko: "Oh... Chukoku..."

Chukoku seems to be too far ahead for Nagao to worry about.

Kayoko holds her little coffee cup and takes a sip. So bitter!
Why would European drink this kind of... maybe just a fashion thing.

Kayoko: "How about you, Minato? Are you planning to stay here for long?"
Minato: "I think so. The Ito daimyo likes us Portugese traders. I heard he is going to expand the Nanban Port... you know, the 'southern barbarian' port. I heard there are more missionaries arriving from home."
Kayoko: "Oh. So we are expecting more catholics in Bungo."
Minato: "Yes. I am afraid that the local Buddhists would be unhappy... hopefully the Ito authority would maintain order?"
Minato: "Buddhists are actually quite tolerant to other religions.... well until somebody incites a revolt, of course."
Minato: "Yes. Some of our missionaries berate other religions too much. They are also very good at mobilizing angry mobs. I don't like them."

Kayoko used to be a faithful Buddhist.
But now she does not distinguish between religions.
She believes that all religions point to the same goal, which even atheists would agree on.
Disputing whose god is real or fake, or starting a war because of it, gets one further away from this goal.

[Maltz]

A typhoon is coming. Grey clouds fly by in the sky.
But the pedestrain walk in their own pace.
When there is order, people live without fear.

***

(A) Talk about the small clans in middle Kyushu (Paragon +2)
(B) Talk about Shoni (Paragon +5, advance plot)
(C) Drink Coffee (meaningless animation only)
(D) Find Minato a bodyfriend (sidequest: EXP +100)

***

Kayoko takes a sip of the bitter coffee.
She picks up the cup almost unconsciously -
probably like people looking down at their watch when they do not really want to know the time.

Kayoko takes another sip of the bitter coffee...
OPS. There are only three drops left.
Yet she pretends; she took the last three drops like a mouth full.
Little awkward moment like this fill our days, don't they?

Kayoko: "What are the smaller clans in middle-Kyushu?"
Minato: "In the province of Higo. These clans are led by the Sagara daimyo Sagara Haruhiro. They do not care so much about expanding. But they still field a respective army in Higo. That's why neither Ito or Shoni have been able to advance into Higo. Well, Shoni is not really helping us."
Kayoko: "So Sagara's friends are defense-minded. What's wrong with Shoni?"
Minato: "I heard that the Shoni daimyo no longer holds the power of the clan... All issues must be discussed with Ryu... Ryuzo... something. There was a series of tragic incidents; many people got killed... I am not very sure about the details. I only know that everybody expect this Ryu... something to replace Shoni clan in the near future."
Kayoko: "A clan's internal struggle? A daimyo in distress and a treacherous clan officer? Sounds ideal for Nagao intervention! "
Minato: "What?"
Kayoko: "Nothing..."

Kayoko gets nervous and picks up the empty coffee cup. OPS - it is already empty!
Now Kayoko has to decide whether to drink from the empty cup...
If Kayoko drinks from the cup, it is self-degrading, and there is a risk that Minato has noticed the emptiness of the cup.
If Kayoko does not drink from the cup...
Well, she polite returns it to the kitchen.

[Maltz]

Store clerk: "Oh you don't have to... thanks!"
The store clerk makes a 90-degree bow.

Kayoko: "Why don't we travel to Hizen and investigate Shoni clan and this Ryu... something further?"
Minato: "To Hizen?... Might be a good trip. I have always wanted to see the world. And who knows? Maybe I can find a good boyfriend. I am already 25."
Kayoko: "You are still so young... But yes, let's find you a boyfriend. So Minato never had a boyfriend?"
Minato: "I did in Portugal... He was a sailor on the Black Ship. But he... was reportedly killed in battle. He never came back to me. I don't want to talk further about this, sorry."
Kayoko: "No problem... sorry to hear that..."

***

On the ship to Hizen...

Minato: "Kayoko sister must know many good man in Kyoto, right?"
Kayoko: "Yeah. European girls would be popular there... but you can't expect happiness if they are only after your white skin and blue eyes."
Minato: "Yep. I wish to find a righteous man. Somebody who has a purpose of his life."
Kayoko: " That's the specialty of Echigo! I have a sister who works there. Any other conditions?"
Minato: "Over 5-feet tall? I know it sounds mean but... "
Kayoko: "Yep. Sure... hm, that elminates more than half of them. OK."
Minato: "And of course, not too ugly or poor."
Kayoko: "Sure. Standard requirements."
Minato: "He cannot force me to give up my religion."
Kayoko: "That is easy as long as you don't marry into Ikko-Ikki."
Minato: "Oh. There is one more thing."
Kayoko: "Let's hear it!"
Minato: "I have a bad habbit. I verbally... abuse my boyfriend. Sometimes physically. My ex once said he fell like an inferior being when he was with me. But I just can't help it. I want to stop but I cannot. So my boy friend has to have a good temper and is resistant to criticisms."
Kayoko: "I find you are OK... or mayb you only show that to your boyfriend?"
Minato: "Yes. You don't know me, Kayoko sister."
Kayoko: "It is OK. I have many things that I keep to myself, too. Well, so you ex-boyfriend... maybe he was not really killed in battle..."
Minato: "I know..."

[Maltz]

Chapter 21. Three Generations of Tragedy

Port Hizen

Kayoko and Minato picked a very noisy tea house for lunch.
Many foreign merchants from Great Ming and Chosen like to come to this tea house,
for in each of the separated rooms, there are services more than the tea...

Minato: "Did Kayoko sister got the story of Shoni?"
Kayoko: "Yep. The locals know everything."

Ryuzoji Iekane (龍造寺家兼, born 1454) was a capable officer of Hizen's Shoni clan. Eventually, Ryuzoji Iekane climbed to the top to become Shoni's most relied officer. Eighteen years ago (1530), when the powerful Ouchi clan attacked Shoni, it was Ryuzoji Iekane who led the army and repelled Ouchi's invasion.

The Ouchi clan did not give up. They realized that Shoni cannot be conquered as long as Ryuzoji Iekane led the army. Therefore, they used dark plots to spawn the seeds of doubt between Ryuzoji Iekane and his lord, Shoni Sukemoto. When Ouchi invaded Kyushu again six years later (1536), Ryuzoji Iekane did not join the war in the critical moment. Shoni Sukemoto was forced to commit suicide. Incidentally, his father was forced to commit suicide 40 years ago in the same castle.

Minato: "So poor..."
Kayoko: "History repeatedly shows that, when there is a powerful clan officer under a weak lord, there is never a happy ending. Well, history does not have any happy ending. Only story does. Fortunately, this is a story."

But Ryuzoji Iekane did not desert Shoni completely. He helped Shoni Sukemoto's son, Shoni Fuyuhisa (少貳冬尚, born 1529) to restore the Shoni clan four years later (1540). For this, Ryuzoji Iekane again became the top-ranked officer in Shoni. But the damage has been done - another important clan officer of Shoni, Baba Yori... er... I don't know how to read the second character of his name, was angry. Why would Shoni Fuyuhisa trust Ryuzoji this much after what they have done?

Baba plotted a sudden ambush to kill all of the Ryuzoji family. Three years ago (1545), Baba stroke - most members of the Ryuzoji family were killed. But Ryuzoji Iezane escaped with his great grandson. The following year, Ryuzoki Iezane gathered all that's left in Ryuzoji and defeated Baba. From now on, Ryuzoji became the only voice in Shoni clan. Shoni Fuyuhisa is merely a puppet.

Minato: "So sad... losing his son and grandson..."
Kayoko: "Indeed. Ryuzoji Iezane's health quickly deteriorated. He passed away in the following year (1546) at an old age of 93."

So the great grandson assumes power. His name is Ryuzoji Takanobu (龍造寺隆信, born 1529). Compared to his great grandfather, Ryuzoji Takanobu is much less kind and considerate. Last year (1547), Ryuzoji Takanobu locked up Shoni Fuyuhisa in the mountain castle of Tachibana. Maybe it is just a matter of time that Shoni Fuyuhisa repeated the fate of his father and grandfather.

Minato: "Sigh... you are right, Kayoko sister. History is so depressing."
Kayoko: "Well, not if we can make a difference now. How about we give a hand to this Shoni Fuyuhisa?"
Minato: "Oh? Like to become my boy friend?"
Kayoko: "I thought we are trying to help him. I mean he is already miserable enough."
Minato: "OK... yeah, and I don't want to get killed by Ryuzoji. So what do we do?"
Kayoko: "How about some role playing?"
Minato: "Sure!"

[Maltz]

Tachibayama Castle

Tachibayama, the mountain where the flowers established, oversees the prosperous Hakata port. The port is a focal point of commerce and culture in Northern Kyushu. But the castle on top of it, the Tachibayama Castle, has become the prison of Shoni Fuyuhisa.

The guards of Ryuzoji forbid entry of visitors.
But exceptions could be made to the emperor's emissary, who offer generous gifts.

***

All by himself, Shoni Fuyuhisa sits quietly on the straw mats.
He is not imagining freedom, for that does not relieve him from the responsibility of a prestigeous clan's downfall.

Shoni Fuyuhisa: "Visitors? Why?"
Shoni Fuyuhisa does not seem to be excited. Shame is his burden to carry, no matter where he goes.

"Greetings, Lord Fuyuhisa. I am Yamayoshi Maoko from Echigo. This is my assistant, Portugese merchant representative, Miss Silva."
"Hi! Please call me Minata."

Fuyuhisa: "From Echigo? I've heard of you... Dragon of Echigo, right? Naga... hm... "
Embarrassed about not knowing the name of Echigo's daimyo, Shoni Fuyuhisa sighs heavily.

Minata: "Nagao Kagetora."
Fuyuhisa: "Yes, yes."
Maoko the Housekeeper: "I am the chief of staff in Kasygayama Castle. I am on a special mission - the Nagao clan and the European merchants with to co-develop international trade. We wish to enlist support from Lord Fuyuhisa's Shoni clan."
Fuyuhisa: "Are you talking about the Red-Seal ship?"
Minato: "Not just that. We aim to pursue free trade with China after their sea ban is lifted, so we do not have to pay for the permit. We will expand international trades to cover the southern ocean and the Indian ocean. We aim to expand total trade revenue by five times or more."
Fuyuhisa: "It is an honor to receive the attention from the Dragon of Echigo and European friends... But..."

Shoni Fuyuhisa wants to say something but stops.

"Please follow me."

[Maltz]

Maoko and Minata follow Shoni Fuyuhisa into a very small storage room below the stairs.
Shoni Fuyuhisa closes the door and lits a candle.
There must be Ryuzoji's ears in the Tachibana castle.

"Thank you, emissary from Echigo. I very greatful of Lord Nagao Kagetora's invitation. However, I have to tell you the truth."

The candle light flickers under Shoni Fuyuhisa's heavy sighs.

Fuyuhisa: "You may think the guards below are Shoni's guards. You may think I can make decisions for Shoni clan. But no. The guards are Ryuzoji's guards. Ryuzoji Takanobu makes decision for Shoni clan now."

Minata: "Why?"

Fuyuhisa: "You are from Europe, so you probably have not heard about what happened here. Now, Shoni is merely a puppet of Ryuzoji. Very soon, we will be discarded."
Maoko: "Actually, Lord Kagetora knew about the conflict between Shoni and Ryuzoji. We were all saddened by what happened."
Fuyuhisa: "Really."

Fuyuhisa is a little surprised. He thought no one would care.

Fuyuhisa: "Then you must know why Ryuzoji Takanobu is not a loyal officer of Shoni. He thinks we owe the life of his entire family. To certain extent this is true. Besides, even if Baba did not ambush Ryuzoji, I could not stop Shoni's downfall from Ouchi, Otomo, and all our enemies. You can blame all of this on me. I cannot compare to your Lord Kagetora. And there is very little you can do in Echigo."
Maoko: "Please don't lose hope, Lord Fuyuhisa. Actually, Lord Kagetora is very willing to help Shoni. That's why I am here!"
Fuyuhisa: "Oh? How?"
Maoko: "If necessary, lord Nagao Kagetora would personally lead an army here."
Fuyuhisa: "No no no... it is possible. Echigo to Kyushu? That would require a very powerful navy."

A long stretch of silence follows.
Maoko awkwardly clears her throat.

Minata: "Oh yes! Please forgive me to be impolite. We Portugese came a long way from Europe to Japan. We sailed for months! It is much, much more than the distance between Kyushu and Echigo. Echigo to Kyushu is shorter than Lisbon to Barcelona. Japan is so small! Nagao Kagetora can do it easily!"

Maoko the housekeepr wipes away her sweat. Hopefully she has not offended Shoni Fuyuhisa.

Fuyuhisa: "I... er..."
Maoko: "Lord Fuyuhisa, Minata is right. Lord Kagetora can send help from Echigo. We can defeat Ryuzoji together."
Fuyuhisa: "Really?"

Fuyuhisa's eyes glow a little. The candle smoke sometimes makes teary eyes.

Fuyuhisa: "But... that would be a huge expense. Could Echigo afford this?"
Maoko: "Indeed, Echigo is not the richest province in Japan. That's why Lord Kagetora thought about international trade. What we could send to Kyushu could be limited..."

The glows in Fuyuhisa's eyes disappears.
Ryuzoji's army is powerful. Its navy is the largest in Kyushu.
Even Nagao could not match the stregnth of Ryuzoji.

Maoko: "Who said we will fight Ryuzoji?"

[Maltz]

Shoni Fuyuhisa is confused... if Nagao Kagetora does not defeat Ryuzoji Takamoto, how can he help?

Maoko: "There are many ways to win a war. Clashing on the battlefield is difficult, but relatively simple. There are more subtle alternatives - but they make things a lot easiser, too. Let's start with a surprise landing in the Bay of Hakata."

Fuyuhisa: "Sure, that would reduce the need for many Bunes to overcome Ryuzoji's fleet. But what next?"

Maoko: "I estimate that Nagao can spare about 3000 men. That's more than enough if we pick the right moment. Isn't Shoni still at war with the smaller clans in Higo? We will wait until Ryuzoji marches its army south. This should buy us a few days. Most of the castles in northern Kyushu still listens to lord Fuyuhisa, or at least they are supposed to. We can enlist their support if they see 3000 men standing behind you."

Fuyuhisa: "Enlisting supports of dozens of castles in Northern Kyushu within a few days? All I have now is less than one hundred loyal samurai."

Maoko: "That's enough for storming out of the Tachibanayama Castle and seizing control of the docks of Hataka for one night. Nagao can take care of the rest from there."

Fuyuhisa: "I hope it is this easy."

Shoni Fuyuhisa has long recognized his incompetency as a leader of a prestigious clan.
Or maybe his lack of confidence turns that into a self-fullfilling prophecy.

[Maltz]

The camera goes to Minata's face.
On the bottom right of the screen it reads:
Plot bonus moment! Left Click for Paragon Interruption!
5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3, 2....

***

The little room again falls into quietness. It seems that Shoni Fuyuhisa is not confident enough to pull this off.

Maoko: "Minata, you look like you want to say something?"
Minata: "Do I?"
Maoko: "Yah? Don't you want to?"

Maoko blinks her right eye hard.
Fuyuhisa: "Miss Maoko, are you not feeling well?"

Minata: "OH! Yes! Yes! I have something to say. Hey, Fuku... no, Fu..."
Maoko: "Fuyuhisa."
Minata: "Right. Fuyuhisa, cheer up! The Nagao army is powerful! And with our Portugese's support of international trade, I am sure we have Ryuzoji beat."

Fuyuhisa: "Ok, Ok. Suppose we take control of nothern Kyushu. But what happens next? How do I repay Nagao?"
Minata: "As we proposed, Nagao would like to expand its international trade with us. You can let Nagao use your trading ports and develop a sizable trading fleet and profitable trade routes. That should cover Nagao's cost in just a few years. Don't underestimate the profit of international trade! That's why we are here calling you Lords and Madams."
Maoko: (that last line was not in the script...)

Fuyuhisa: "It is OK, I understand this... But then lord Kagetora just leaves a trade fleet here and returns to Echigo? That won't work. I am not sure about things in Echigo, but here in Kyushu, neighbor clans are hungry tigers and wolves. As soon as you leave, Shoni will be preyed upon."

Maybe from another angle, the existence of Ryuzoji has prevented Shoni from complete destruction. They actually gained groundf from the Otomo clan in Buzen.

Minata: "Yeah... but if Nagao does not leave, people will say.... 'OH, Shoni was Ryuzoji's puppet, and now it becomes Nagao's puppet.' Doesn't Lord Fuyuhisa want to restore the glory of Shoni?"
Maoko: "I am sorry... Miss Minata is very direct... I hope it has not offended Lord Fuyuhisa. But if I may add anyithing... Actually, Lord Kagetora is very kind to guest daimyos, such as Jinbo Nagazumi and Murakami Takeyoshi. If this is what Lord Fuyuhisa prefers... we can do that, too."



Shoni Fuyuhisa sighs heavily again.

[Maltz]

Shoni Fuyuhisa had realized that from the beginning, he never had a chance to restore Shoni's glory.
In the climax of Sengoku, only the powerful clans earn the right to live on.
All Fuyuhisa could strive for is a little more dignity in his own ending.

Fuyuhisa: "I have long recognized that I will be the last daimyo of Shoni. All I ask for is to keep Shoni's titles and current lands. The rest is up to Lord Kagetora."

Fuyuhisa closes his eyes.

"You know, I have been tired of seeing betryals and mistrust. If Lord Nagao Kagetora is indeed, like what people say, a hope of ending the countries at war, I believe he would a better ruler than me, than Ryuzoji Takamoto, and perhaps than anybody else in Japan."

Minata: "Hey, Lord Fuyuhisa, you sound like you have to be pushed into a shark tank tomorrow. Why this desparation? You don't have to play in politics to survive... how about a merchant, a craftsman, a painter, a writer...? Why do you get another job, other than a samurai?"

Fuyuhisa's face is frozen as he is shocked by Minata's rude but honest comment. A samurai giving up being a samurai?

Fuyuhisa: "Samurai is not a job, but a... I don't know. It is more than a title, but an armor sewed to our skins and bones. If I try to remove it, other samurai will look down on me... like a do not deserve to live."

Minata: "Why care? The other samurai only know you by your name, Shoni Fuyuhisa. Even if you become the Shogun or even the emperor - these people still only know you by your name. To them, you are only a name! But, to youself and people who know you, you are much more."

Fuyuhisa: "Hm... very interesting thought. Shoni Fuyuhisa has gained a bad reputation... so what do I have to lose?"

Shoni Fuyuhisa grins. That's a new expression from his face.

[Maltz]

Chapter 22. Dilemma of the Righteous

Echigo's winter of 1548 is unusually cold.
A fierce snowstorm arrived last night. As people wake up this morning, snows are up to their thigh.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!"
Yet there is a man who walks bravely in the snow, all the way up to Echigo's Kasugayama Castle.
For there is a clan meeting every Monday morning. His name is Nagao Kagenobu (長尾景信).

By the time Nagao Kagenobu reaches the castle's gate at the bottom of Kasuga mountain, there have been more than one hundred people waiting in line. They all dress in white, with cloth covering their face.

"Yo? So many people waiting for climb Kasuga mountain? Are you here all for the clan meeting?"
Nagao Kagenobu notices that these men in white all look very tough. No, not chests full of muscle and arms as thick as thighs - those traits will not exist until steroids are invented.

These men have very determined eyes. When they speak, they reveal a strong sense of purpose. They want to make this world a better place, even if this means they have to sacrifice their lives. While normal men's will to fight are affected by how their neighbors are doing, these men simply fight for their sacred purpose.

They are Warrior Monks.

[Maltz]

Kagenobu: "Warrior monks? I thought these are two different careers..."
Warrior Monk (A): "Just like Panda should be Cat-Bear instead of Bear-Cat in Chinese, warrior monks are still monks. We just happen to like martial arts."
Kagenobu: "Oh... you like fighting."
Warrior Monk (A): "No no no. We don't like fighting. We don't like wars. We fight so there will be no more fighting. We go to war to end wars."
Kagenobu: "Sounds like one of those Zen Buddhists' paradox arguments to me. Where are you all from? Why are you here?"
Warrior Monk (B): "We are mostly from north-east region. We all heard that Lord Nagao Kagetora is the best candidate to end Sengoku Jidai and restore Japan's harmony. We are here to help."
Kagenobu: "Oh? Welcome!"
Warrior Monk (C): "But unfortunately the snowstorm came. Kasugayama Castle is closed to visitors..."

Nagao Kagenobu looks up and sees a big sign:

"Closed due to weather. Please come back later. All meetings cancelled."

Kagenobu: "Ops."
Kagenobu shrugs - he walked more than an hour in the snow to get here.
But he is not angry.

Kagenobu: "Well, at least I learned something new. So what would you all do when the mountain is closed to visitors?"
Warrior Monk (C): "We wait right here until the mountain re-opens."
Kagenobu: "Why don't you stay in the town's hotels?"
Warrior Monk (B): "Haha. Mister, have you heard monks staying in hotels? We are not samurais, who own lands and peasants. We have very little money."
Kagenobu: "Right. You are monks! But if you are a full-time warrior, how would you support yourselves?"
Warrior Monk (A): "Salary? Normally we would offer services for food and shelter. But many of us are here to raise some funds for our respective temples. It is Sengoku, so the dominations are not enough..."
Kagenobu: "Right! I suppose your salary has to be higher than samurai's. After all, samurai pay for their own armor and weapons."
Warrior Monk (B): "Yep. I hope Lord Nagao Kagetora can afford us. Otherwise we will have disband and return to our vegetable garden."
Kagenobu: "Of course you stay! I will go up and call Nagao Kagetora to get down to greet you. Wait here!"
Warrior Monk (C): "Oh? Who are you?"
Kagenobu: "I am his mother's brother. Nice to meet you!"



Nagao Kagenobu (長尾景信)

Born roughly around 1515. Head of Koshin Nagao, one of the three major Nagao families of Echigo (the other two are headed by Nagao Kagetora and Nagao Masakage). Nagao Kagenobu is a brother of Nago Kagetora's mother. Historically, Nagao Kagenobu has no worthnoting abilities. The Koshin Nagao deteriorated under his leadership.

[Maltz]

Kasugayama Castle
Tensho - Kagetora's living quarter

Yaya: "Oh! It is grandpa Kagenobu! Umachiyo, call grandpa Kagenobu!"
Umachiyo (2.5 years): "Grandpa! Bubu!"
Yaya: " Sorry..."
Kagenobu: "It is ok... Can I ask you to just call me uncle? I am only mid-30s..." "

Kagenobu pats Umachiyo's little face.
Although he is Umachiyo's father's mother's brother, Umachiyo was born when Kagetora was 16, and Kagetora was born when his mother was 18.

Hiroshichiyo (1.5 years): "Papa!"
Yaya: "No~ he is not papa... sorry, he calls everybody papa. So embarassing... "
Kagenobu: "It is ok. I guess we all did that when we were little."

Kagenobu also pats Hiroshichiyo on the head. He is very cute. So "sheep-chiyo" fits him well.

Seluchiyo (0.5 years): "WAAAA~~~~"
Yaya: "Sorry, sorry, uncle Kagenobu, please wait a second."
Yaya holds Seluchiyo (monkey chiyo) in her arm. The little baby just woke up from his nap.

Kagenobu: "What a little monkey! So... are you still planning another baby? "
Yaya: "Yes... I like babies! But yes it is a lot of work."
Kagenobu: "What would be his name?"
Yaya: "He will use the name 'Chika', which stands for emotional closeness. Kagetora is mostly around last year. I hope he can stay home more often if he could."
Kagenobu: "Good, good. Would you like a girl this time?"
Yaya: "Actually I have a feeling it is going to be a boy again..."
Kagenobu: "Four boys? maybe you should hire a nanny. Maybe Maoko can find one?"
Yaya: "I hope to raise all of my kids personally..."

Kagenobu notices some new wrinkles beside Yaya's eyes. She is only 23 years old...

Kagenobu: "Oh Yaya, is Kagetora here?"
Yaya: "Sorry, he is not. He is not very happy these days... so I asked him to chat with master Tenshitsu Koiku in Rizenji."
Kagenobu: "Oh! Rizenji is located just beside the front gate, right?"
Yaya: "Yes. I am sorry that you made this trip through all the snow..."
Kagenobu: "It is ok. I have seen some cute babies! That just made my day."

Kagenobu is simply a happy person.
Many people say the world is terrible and hopeless, but he believes things get better day by day.
And since he is not really good at anything, he will let the capable take more responsibilities to save the world.

But maybe it is the time for Kagenobu to start a family...

[Maltz]

Rizenji - Forest Spring Temple

The spring is still frozen by the winter.
Snows quietly accumulate on the outer rim of the temple's windows.
Dried branches crack as they burn in the fireplace.

Kagetora's mind resembles the frozen spring more than the fireplace.

Masakage: "Kagetora, you have to look at the reality. War times or not, nobody succeeds without stepping on others' heads and shoulders."
Nomi: "Well, there are alternatives. For example, we can avoid competition if we live in the temple, or become a hermit."
Kagetora: "Then maybe I should become a hermit. I have had the thought of living in Mount Koya's temples."
Masakage: "WHAT?! Are you saying that you want to simply give up and disappear?"
Nomi: "How can you say that, Kagetora? Yaya is about to have your fourth child. How can you abandon your family like this?"

Nagao Masakage is the second in command of Nagao clan. He is not sure whether he can keep the clan alive in times like this.
Usami Nomi understands what Ashina Yaya and the children would feel if Kagetora suddenly abandons his family. In fact, all Yaya wants is a sweet family.

Kagetora: "I am very sorry. I am in great pains, too. But I cannot do something that I know is wrong. If I cannot justify my own actions and become a person that I dislike, then how can I stand in front of my family and my clan's people? How can I invade another clan? How can I rob their land and property, kill their people and break up their family? I cannot do this. Once I compromise my own principles, I lose my meaning of life."

Kagetora looks down, breathing heavily.
His conscience now runs against the future of Nagao clan.

Masakage: "There must be an excuse you can use to comfort yourself. Like your invasion helps improve people's lives. A few lives lost can be exchanged for more lives saved. Their sacrifice is worth it."
Kagetora: "Would you like to sacrifice your life for someone you don't know in the future? For the killed, everything is lost."
Nomi: "You can pick the worst clans to attack, Kagetora."
Kagetora: "Who is here to judge better from worse? Am I attacking others using excuses I made up?"

Actually, if Nagao Kagetora does not care about his conscience, by tactics alone, he can probably quickly conquer all nearby provinces, and become the most powerful daimyo in the history of Sengoku Jidai.

Masakage: "Kagetora, the world is not just black and white. There are fifty shades of grey. Sometimes, even the best person commit a sin..."
Kagetora: "If he knows it is a sin, would he commit it in the first place?"
Masakage: "You are thinking too much."
Kagetora: "If I can, why don't I? Isn't it a sin that I ignore my responsibility to think of the consequences?"

But even if Nagao becomes the greatest clan in Japan, then what next?
Nagao Kagetora may be adored as a hero for some, but deep inside his heart, Kagetora knows taht his puny existence won't make any difference in the history of mankind.
Somebody wins the war, somebody loses the war. Another war comes later...
One day, the superpower called Nagao will fall, when another great leader rises in a similar fashion. Nagao's offsprings slaughtered, their people enslaved...
War after war, the cycle continues...

War never changes.

[Maltz]

Tenshitsu Koiku: "Kagetora, you have a good heart, and you have a strong sense of justice. I have seen that on you since you were a child. I support you."
Kagetora: "Master..."
Koiku: "You know, on the night that you decided to lead Nagao clan, I knew one day you would have such conflicts. When you fought your brother, it was the only option left. When you attacked Jinbo, you had to end the war. When you declared war on Hojo, you had to repel their invasion. You did not have a choice in any of those. But now you have a choice."

The master monk stops for a while, as he sees Kagetora has tears in his eyes.

Koiku: "People say politics are too dirty - it corrupts everybody who dips a foot in it. However, I thik politics, or power, is not dirty - but the complexity of affairs in politics makes people lose track of what they really like and do not like to do with their lives. Kagetora, you do not want to invade others and cause others' misery. Do you know what do you want to do with your lives?"

Kagetora: "I want to make this world a better place whatever I do."

Such a simple thought that so many have lost.

Masakage: "This is easy! By beating a bad clan, you make this world a better place."

Koiku: "No, Masakage. Making this world a better place in whatever you do is not easy. In fact, by labeling some clan a bad clan, you just now made this world a worse place. Each clan has tens of thousands of people. Each people can perform good or bad things under different situations. How can you just call them bad? This injustice itself could cause much hatred."

Masakage: "Well, I mean 'worse' clans. We can still attack the 'worse' clans. It is relative. We bring good lives to their people.... oh well, some will unfortuantely got killed first. OK, sorry. I will shut up."

Tenshitsu Koiku recalls his young age... he was once deciding whether to become a monk or not.
Sixty years have past. He has not regreted.
Being a monk, he chose an easy path of not bearing the stress from desires and responsibility.
Kagetora can give up desires; in fact, he already does that by instinct.
But Kagetora has way more responbitilities on his shoulders than Tenshitsu Koiku does.

Koiku: "Kagetora, wars are struggles outside your mind. You can overcome wars with strategies, courage, endurance, and everybody's contribution. This, on the other hand, is a struggle inside your mind. Do not treat this struggle as an unfortunate accident. This should happen to you. You have to also face it with courage. You cannot run away. Even if you do, it will stay on you."

Kagetora: "Yes, master. Thank you for your teachings. I shouldn't have had the thought to run away. But I cannot justify any invasion with any excuse I can think of, such as 'I am doing this for the clan, not myself.' I have to stay honest and true."

Koiku: "You know, Kagetora, most people don't question themselves like you do. You make your life very difficult by being a strong critics of yourself. However, because of this habit of yours, you are capable of living a life very different from anybody else. Don't lose that habit, or you will be just like anybody else."

Kagetora: "Yes, master, I will carry it on."

Masakage: "Er... I appreciate master's attempt to make Kagetora feel better. But we are not reaching any compromise here. Kagetora, even if you don't care about the Nagao clan, why don't you care about us? We all depend on you. We like you, too."

Nomi: "Yes, Kagetora, we all like you. Don't give up!"
Nomi's cheek blushes all of a sudden.
Nomi is a faithful follower of Bishamonten, she would of course believe in Nagao Kagetora, the self-styled the avatar of Bishamonten.
She has vowed to give up passion of the mundane world. She has not gone crazy, probably because she can hide that emotion within her faith.

Koiku: (Hm... we shouldn't add family's pressure to Kagetora. ) "Well, let's give Kagetora some time and switch to another topic. Let's talk about life, shall we? What do you live for?"

[Maltz]

What do we live for? This is a big question.
Everybody looks at each other.

Nomi: "I live for the oath I made to Bishamonten. I pledged my life to him, and asked him to grant me courage and wisdom to follow him and enlighten the world."
Tenshitsu Koiku: "I guess Nomi has to first know Bishamonten's will in order to follow him. How do you know Bishamonten's will, Nomi?"
Nomi: "I follow rules in scripture. I also follow Kagetora. I have inner peace from following them. I know I am doing the right things."
Kagetora: "Thank you... I hope I will not let you down."

Kagetora is a little relieved to hear that he brings peace to Nomi's mind.

Masakage: "I... I live for people whom I love and those who love me."
Koiku: "I am sure you know whom you love. But how do you know who love you, Masakage?"
Masakage: "Er... yeah, I guess I can never know for sure. I have to trust them if they claim they love me. I trust my families and friends, like Kagetora. I guess I live for you sometimes? Kagetora, if somebody points a Musket at you, I hope to be lucky enough to stand in front of you."
Kagetora: "Thank you... I never thought you think this way."

Kagetora can only hope that he could do this for Masakage and others.
He is not afraid of dying, but his duties instruct him to highly value his life.
That brings him to shame. Lives should be equal, isn't it?

Koiku: "Ok, it is my turn. You probably expect me to say 'I live for Buddhism'? That's indeed the case... 60 years ago."
Masakage: "Then what does master live for?"

"Well, it is a long story. Please allow me to start from the beginning."
Tenshitsu Koiku takes a sip of the steaming green tea. Some secrets have been kept for a little too many years.

[Maltz]

Sixty years ago, I became a monk. I wanted to be just like Buddha. I live for Buddha.

Fifty years ago, I had studied so many scriptures, but I found that Buddhism... was just Buddhism, a religion. I then follow my master monk, whom I sincerely admired and respected. I lived for my master.

Fourty years ago, my master passed away. I was his favorite pupil, so I inherited his temple, Rizenji. I devoted every day into the management of Rizenji. I successfully drew a large crowd of followers. Our donation boxes were always full. We had so many monks and nuns. Just imagine what Honganji is today.

Thirty years ago, I finally discovered that the larger my temple was, the shallower my Buddhist teaching became. When the visitor came, they looked at our red-painted double gate, our large golden statue of Buddha, our huge thurible (a holder for burning incense) with hundreds of incense thicker than thumbs... then they made a wish and went home. They did not come for Buddhism at all. I was like a businessman who ran a theme park. I had to make a drastic change.

Masakage: "Master, I heard there was a large fire in Rizenji about 30 years ago. Is that..."
Tenshitzu Koiku: "You are right, Masakage. It was a sin. I hoped Buddha would agree with me. Hm, looking back, it was the best thing I have done in my life as a monk. Haha."
Kagetora:

Or the worst thing he could have done as a businessman.
Kagetora could never imagine that his master could burn down his own temple. He recalls the old saying that "one can follow Buddha only after he gives up all worldly belongings".

The temple burned down, along with people's wishlists. (Note: In Japan, people can usually write wishes on a small wooden board and hang it outside the temple.) People all thought this was the end of Rizenji, but I hoped it was a beginnig. We had enough savings to rebuild just a small temple - this very one you are sitting on. As you can tell, it looked so dull that no tourists would visit us anymore. But I started taking students. I lived for my students. One day, I would pass away, and hand over Buddhism to them. I taught classes day and night. I hoped that they would be enlightened as quickly as possible.

Twenty years ago, I realized that enlightenment was not something I could simply teach. I cannot rush it and stuff it down a student's throat. The more pressure I gave them, they more resistance I received. Some of my students ran away, some of them became a little... wacky. You see crazy monks all the time, right? Maybe it was my fault. Many of my pupils were pushed farther away from enlightenment. So I stopped taking many students. I preached to guests who came here for accomodation, for praying, for a relief from their pressured lives.

Ten years ago, I found that what I did was quite fruitless again. Those who seemed to understand me now forgot everything. Those who seemed to like Buddhism backed away. What I have done seemed to be all in vain. What had I accomplished? I was tired and old. In desperation, I gave up all my wishes. I did not live for anything. If you want this old monk to hold a adulthood ceremony, I am happy to. If you want this old monk to teach a young studnet, I am happy to. If you want this old monk to take care of the clan lord's young son called Torachiyo, I am also happy to.

The room went silent after Tenshitsu Koiku finished his concentrated life's story.

Kagetora: "Thank you, master. I... I don't know what I live for, actually. I am sorry."
Koiku: "There is nothing wrong it that, Kagetora. You are just like me now."
Nomi: "How about living like a Bishamonten's avatar?"
Kagetora: "Sure... but what would Bishamonten do? Would he invade Kyushu with an army? Would he attack other clans without a fully justified reason? I don't think he would do that..."

Nobody knows what Bishamonten would do.
But what Kagetora says makes some sense - Bishamonten probably would not invade others for no good reason.

"Hey! Anybody cares about my opinion?"
"Oh? It is uncle Kagenobu!"
"Please, Masakage... I am only a few years older than you."

Nagao Kagenobu shakes off his snow boots and walks in.

"I live, so I can be spend every day happy."
Kagenobu reveals his trade-marked smile.

[Maltz]

What does Nagao Kagenobu has to say? People are used to seeing his patented smile during clan meetings.
He almost never had anything meaningful to say.

"Sorry, the walls of Rizenji are not very thick, so I overheard some of your conversations from outside. I have something to say to Kagetora."

Kagenobu pours himself a cup of tea. He always seems happy.

"Kagetora and Nomi, you said you want to follow Bishamonten? Who is Bishamonten? He listened to Buddha's lectures, and BOOM he was suddenly promoted to a tenon (sky king). People say Bishamonten fights demons. But have you seen demons? Has anybody seen Bishamonten? Bishamonten does not do anything to our world. No offense, but from my view, Bishamonten is nothing but a statue made of wood or rock. Why do you want to follow a statue of wood and rock?"

Nomi: "Demons live inside people's minds. Bishamonten's spirit is about to bravely confront demons both inside our own mind, and then demons who have possessed other people's mind."
Kagenobu: "That sounds too abstract to me. I think Bishamonten is just some thing people made up."
Nomi: "How can you say that?"
Kagetora: "I think I get what uncle Kagenobu means.... uncle Kagenobu means that we should not really try to understand what Bishamonten would do in this world. Because Bishamonten never belongs to this world."
Kagenobu: "Exactly. Bishamonten only has to decide to beat demons. That's such an easy decision. Kagetora has to decide whether to beat another clan. That's not an easy decision. We as people have to handle a lot more tough decisions. Why do we look up for guidance? We should look into ourselves."
Kagetora: "I see... so I have to take full responsibility for my decisions. I cannot shove my responsibilities on my faith."
Kagenobu: "Yes. Look into yourself. I trust that Kagetora has what it takes."

There is a sprak of hope lighting up in Kagetora's eyes.

Yet Nomi sighs as she looks down.
If Bishamonten is something that people make up, then she is merely following a piece of her imagination.
What should be her real purpose of life?

Tenshitsu Koiku: "Nomi, Buddhism is never about everybody believing in the same tenon. Buddhism is about everybody finding the same peace in their mind. If Kagetora finds peace without following Bishamonten, he does not have to."
Nomi: "Master..."

If Kagetora does not follow Bishamonten, who should Nomi follow if there is a conflict?
Her faith, of course. Then she would have to oppose Kagetora. She does not like that.
She can only hope that this day will never come.

Kagetora: "Right. I cannot restrict my thoughts in the absolute good and evil in the realm of gods and demons. When Nagao clan gains territory, another clan loses it. When two armies go on the battlefield, the families of the dead weep. For the realm of human, there is no pure victory and loss - but always a mixture of bitter and sweet."

Kagetora remembers his brother Harukage. He is not entirely a bad person.
Kagetora was told that Harukage used to hold infant Kagetora in his arms, and took him for a walk in the woods.
But then they had to meet on the battlefield, as there could be only one ruler of the clan.
Harukage was killed, right in front of Kagetora's eyes.

Kagetora: "My conscience cannot be restricted by a Buddhism tenon's statue. I have to consider much more: my family, my officiers, my generals, my soldiers, my people, and those of the other clans, too. There WILL BE negative consequences in my actions, as I am not fighting against demons, but real people who are just like me. I will not be able to please every one. Some will oppose me; some will hate me; some will never forgive me. I can only hope that I have the wisdom and courage to face these delimma, and make the best decisions - not just for my people, but for Japan; not just for now, but for our future generations. Right, uncle Kagenobu?

Kagenobu: "I didn't think that much... but I have a feeling that the statue Bishamonten is too small for you, Kagetora."
Masakage: "Kagetora, I believe you have the wisdom and courage to do it."
Nomi: "Kagetora, you have my faith."

Kagetora finally finds peace.
He will launch his campaign to Kyushu, but he will try his best to minimize suffering, and bring peace and prosperity to the people there.

Koiku: "Good, good. Kagenobu, thank you very much for your words of wisdom."
Kagenobu: "I don't have wisdom."
Koiku: "Oh, you do. The fact that you can keep that smile on you all day is the best proof of inner peace. Are you interested in becoming the next manager of Rizenji? I am retiring in a few years..."
Kagenobu: "No please, master! I want to get married!"

"Hahaha..." Laughter bursts out in the room.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting! We brought back good news!"
Maoko the housekeeper is back from her half-year-trip to China, with two new friends.

[Maltz]

Maoko the Housekeeper brought back to people who are critical for Nagao Kagetora's Kyushu campaign.

The first person is a loyal retainer of Shoni Fuyuhisa named Toshisuke.
Toshisuke is responsible for coordinating Nagao Kagetora and Shoni Fuyuhisa's joint strike.
They plan to take advantage of Ryuzoji's military campaign to Higo, and make a surprise landing in Port Hataka of Tsukushi.
Nagao's 3000 soldiers will storm the nearby castle of Tachibanayama, and quickly succumb the smaller castles of Tsukushi and Hizen.
If they act fast enough, Ryuzoji's army would not have a chance to counterstrike.

The second person brought back from Maoko is Minato, daughter of a well-connected Portugese merchant.
Minato comes to Echigo in the hope to find a suitable boyfriend...
And somehow, under the dark plots of Maoko and the influence of beer, she and Nagao Kagenobu fell in love.

The Nagao clan enjoyed a very peaceful and prosper year.
When snow has melted; Kasugayama Castle sees a unpresendented spring festival,
spring dance, spring cakes, spring rolls, spring signs, spring dress, and most important of all, spring breaks.

People of Echigo have high hopes in the rules of Nagao Kagetora.
More and more think he could actually be the avatar of the Buddhism Tenon.
But Kagetora thinks he is just a regular human being.
He has to plan very carefully about his next move.

[Maltz]

Diplomatic preparations come first.
Shoni is allied with the Ito clan, the prominent power in southern Kyushu.
Nagao would not be able to afford an all-out war with Ito, so a marriage between Nagao and Ito would strengthen their relationship.

May God/Buddha bless the bride and groom,
May the clans enjoy peace, and their relationship to bloom.
May Nagao Kagenobu and Ito Minato live happily after (probably not).

At least Nagao Kagenobu walked with his chin pointing forward for a few months.
It is rare to have a European bride! He was the focus of jealousy and envy.
Just for a few months.

[Maltz]

Note: Sorry about the delay in updates!
I am determined to finish the story!



A few months later, Nagao Kagenobu and Minato visited Kyushu. But they did more than shaking hands with residence in Bungo's Nanban district. They were in fact special and secret emissaries to Ito clan. Nagao offered a fat gift to Ito Yoshisuke in exchange for his support of Nagao's precense in northern Kyushu.

Now Ito Yoshisuke can smell something fishy in this political marriage. What should Ito Yoshisuke do? The Ito clan has good relationships with Nagao now, thanks to his god-daughter Minato. Nagao Kagetora has a peace-loving reputation, so he definitely would not declare war on Ito all of a sudden.

How about Shoni, or more accurately, Ryuzoji? Ryuzoji Takanobu is am ambitious expansionist who will turn his attention to Ito once he defeats the smaller clans in Bungo. Although breaking military alliance with Ryuzoji makes Ito Yoshisuke looks bad, this might be an inevitable reality sooner or later. Besides, Ito has its own other enemy - the Kikkawa clan in Chukoku region. They had a nasty history in the path. Ito Yoshisuke has been thinking about a revenge for years.

Ito Yoshisuke decided to bet on Nagao Kagetora's side.

Of course, it all came down to the irresitably persuasive emissaries of Nagao. Deal.

[Maltz]

But the diplomats had far more to do.

Starting with the Mogami clan in the northeast.
This poor clan just lost a major battle - its daimyo was killed.
His eldest son was only five (later known as Mogami Yoshiaki, 最上義光).

Nagao secured another deal with Mogami - by agreeing to harbor the Mogami family should anything worse happens.
The two clans have been friends for decades, so this is not really a problem, as long as the Mogami clan, er..., contributes for Nagao's expansion plan in Kyushu.

If Nagao gains land in Kyushu, a castle will be reserved under the Mogami family.

[Maltz]

Selling hope is like promising economy and jobs - people do not resist their own hopes (except for the severely depressed).

For Ashina Morikiyo, Nagao Kagetora's father-in-law, he hopes that his daughter has a bright and happy future, just like any father does.
The Ashina clan had just successfully defeated Satake clan, so they have a lot of loot to share.
So why not help out?
If Nagao Kagetora's bold campaign works, Ashina Morikiyo will be a very proud father-in-law.

[Maltz]

Chapter 23. When the Sky Dips Beneath

Day of Departure, Spring 1549

Nagao Kagetora, Nagao Masakage, ashigaru and samurai captains such as Kakizaki Kageie, along with Ninja Naoaki, nun Rizenji Munechika, and three thousand soldiers of Echigo, boarded a large fleet in port Naoetsu. They are heading southwest, all the way to Kyushu. For many, they have never been so far away from home.

So who is in charge of Kasugayama Castle? It was Kagetora's uncle, Nagao Kagenobu. Echigo has enjoyed more than a year of total peace - all Kagenobu needs to do is to keep his Portugese wife Minato happy, and remember to feed Ashina Yaya's plants.

Every thing seems wonderful. People are full of hopes.
But what they do not know is that they have been watched. Someone in the Shinano mountains has kept a close eye on Echigo.