ODA ~ From Such Humble Beginnings

[Wishazu]

ODA ~ Passing the Torch

Autumn, 1570 My father is dead. It now falls to me to guide my clan to it`s destiny, the domination of all Japan. I was unaware of my father`s journal untill it was handed to me by his closest retainer, a man by the name of Li Kurosawa. I am not much of a writer but I will try to keep an accurate record of events to come.



Autumn, 1572 It has been two years since my first entry. Affairs of state have kept me busy and to be honest, nothing of much interest has occured. There has been no further fighting with Lord Shimazu these past two years and we have agreed to a ceasefire.

Autumn, 1574 I am now firmly established in Kyushu and the memory of Shimazu rule here is just that, a memory, a fading memory. The Hojo however continue to grow strong, they have almost completely surrounded Owari but have not yet dared to attack.



Winter, 1575 With the preparations in place, I have declared war on the Shimazu and invaded Iyo. The province was taken and the castle there is surrounded and under siege.

Summer, 1576 My emmissary in Bitchu has been killed. Apparently he engaged the services of a local courtesan, It would seem he must have caused some offense. The woman has not been seen since.



Spring, 1577 I have continued my offensive in Shikoku. Sanuki has fallen to me and the siege in Iyo has ended.

Autumn, 1577 I ordered the death of the Shimazu emmissary, our man was successfull. My enemy, Lord Shimazu also died this month, though the cause would appear to be sickness. His son has taken over. This new lord`s days are numbered.

Winter, 1577 I have pushed on into Awa and swept aside a small force sent to hold us at a major bridge crossing. Awa belongs to me now. General Naotaka has attacked and taken Tosa. My brother, Hideyoshi has opened up a new front with an attack on Bizen. He defeated a small army there and has the local castle under siege. I will crush them soon.

Spring, 1578 The entire island of Shikoku is now under my banner and the Shimazu are completely on the defensive.



Leaving a small force to maintain the siege in Bizen I ordered Hideyoshi to launch an immediate attack upon Mimisaka. Once again the Shimazu forces retreated behind their castle walls.

Summer, 1578 Disturbing news arrived today. My younger brother, Nobuharu has been murdered. The circumstances appear eerily similar to the death of my emmisary two years ago. I hope these two killings are not related.

Autumn, 1578 The Hojo finally invaded Owari this season. They were defeated in a huge battle, but now I have ordered the abandonment of the province. I do not feel a sentimental towards that place as my father and the troops will be better put to good use in the war with Shimazu. This war continues to go well with the latest Lord Shimazu dying in battle in a misguided attack against my superior forces. His brother now rules the clan.

Spring, 1579 I have attacked and taken Awaji. The Shimazu clan have now been completely evicted from the smaller islands and now reside in an ever shrinking domain around Yamashiro. However there was another disturbing event, my brother Hideyoshi has died in mysterious circumstances. I have heard whispers that the killings were ordered by myself in order to cement my rule of the clan, In many ways I wish it were so but it is not the case. I feel I may be next. I have ordered a purge of my household, I cannot risk Lord Hojo infiltrating an assassin into my court.

Summer, 1579 I have fought a mighty Shimazu army in Kawachi and won.



Once again they attempted to hold me at an important crossing. However, before they enemy were fully deployed I was able to get my Cavalry Archers across the bridge and behind the enemy formations.



There they were ordered to stay clear of the river and harass the enemy formations whilst my infantry crossed the bridge.



A small formation of enemy Archers were able to inflict some damage on my units as they moved over the bridge. Once my men were all across the Shimazu forces lost heart and fled the field.



Overview
This is tricky. The Geisha has killed all my heirs brothers but one and his own sons are still babies. My wars are going fine but I don`t think the Geisha will let me live long enough to win.