Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 14 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Takachiho 

Lets’s rewind the time just a little.

Honshu – the Oda-Matsudaira allied forces led by Oda Nobuna, Koushuu Takeda army led by Takeda Shingen, it has become a full scale outbreak of war at Matsudaira Motoyasu’s Nagashino castle. Takeda army that has surrounded Nagashino castle, stop their encirclement in order to crush Oda rear guard that has begun to advance to the west. On the other hand, Oda Nobuna has prepared 3000 Teppo unit together with Takigawa Kazumasu, build a long horse barricade in Shitarahara and adopted defensive plan in order to block Takeda’s cavalry charge. 

But, on that day, rain fell to Shitarahara…… 

Suwa drums resounded from Takeda camp, the crimson Takeda cavalry has started preparation to break the horse barricade that Oda army built. 

The proud veteran princess general of Takeda clan. the Takeda Shinten’O – Yamagata Masakage. Naito Masatoyo. Kousaka Danjou. And Baba Nobufusa who has changed to Baba Nobuharu. Each one of them is a match for a thousand. They are great commander who has the capacity of a feudal lord. 

These girls that led the crowd of horse riding warriors, line up at one line “at that time” and waited. 

“not good. No matter if we have taken measures against the heavy rains, with this rain, the firepower of Tanegashimas is reduced to half. And Juubei is……” 

A swift horse from vice general of Akechi Mitsuhide – Saito Toshimitsu has reached Nobuna. 

Right now, Mitsuhide had been isolated in Tanba frontline. To prevent the Kikkawa Motoharu advancement to the capital through San’indou, to the place at Tanba where Hatano clan was captured, Yamana clan who held a stronghold that blocked the path from Mori clan territory to Tanba, has abandon Oda clan and bad news came that they change sides to Mori clan, because of that Mitsuhide become isolated in Tanba. 

This morning, a letter from Mitsuhide to Nobuna said “the secret plan to maintain Tanba frontline has been invented”. For some reason there was a bad premonition. That premonition came true. Approximately at the same time when Saito Toshimitsu sent a letter to Nobuna. In the Toshimitsu’s, it was written this way. 

“my master Akechi Mitsuhide-sama has sent her own mother as a hostage to Hatano clan in order to make peace with Hatano clan of Tanba. Its possible to gain time and delayed Kikkawa Motoharu’s invasion towards Tanba just a little bit. Lastly my master who was reluctant for the responsibility “if anything happen to Hahaue” went to Hatano clan for her mother. However, all people of Hatano clan once have betrayed Mitsuhide-sama and make an onslaught from behind. I believe that trust will not be obtained even if they serve Oda clan now. Since Mitsuhide-sama’s mother has been taken as shield on the pretext of being a hostage, I am afraid that it would bring advantageous situation to Mori army……although Mitsuhide-sama is a perfect person, she has one fatal weakness as a general. She trust other people too much” 

“Juubei’s mother……to Hatano clan……she shouldn’t did that. I think that something very dreadful is happening” Nobuna didn’t suppress the beating of her heart anymore. “Yoshiharu come back quickly” 

“Nobuna-chan? You look pale, is everything alright?” 

Here at the main camp at Shitarahara. 

Takigawa Kazumasu who sit on the next seat seem to be worried and looked at Nobuna. 

“……Sakon. Not yet. We still cannot let Takeda cavalry to charge. We mustn’t fight until this rainy weather clear up. I shut the whole army inside the barricade without moving. The trench used to prevent Takeda cavalry charge is not completed yet……in the end, the fragile horse barricade is just for a show. At the area beyond the barricade, is trap to drop the cavalry to a labyrinth made from earthworks that has been combined together. I have been taught by Yoshiharu. its an open battle formation “The Trench” that is used in modern warfare. It had been improved to specialized in anti-cavalry battle. A grand trap to kill cavalries. The wide plain of this Shitarahara itself is reformed as a huge fort, so to speak. It will take several days to completion. We must earn a few days. That is the strict order for Matsudaira army” 

“this is an intention to challenge the ancient japan’s field, in fact, crushing the encampment at the labyrinth is like sieging a castle. And then there is 3000 Teppo units here. It will be the death to Takeda cavalry” 

“yes, but I don’t think that it would go well. it would, if the enemy is an ordinary military commander but Takeda Shingen is a cautious woman. I will certainly abandon my trap. She should’ve sensed that Shitarahara is a death trap to lure the Takeda cavalry. Therefore, after one or two skirmishes, at some point Takeda Shingen will certainly delay the decisive battle completely until she has devised a method to capture the field camp. It would came to a stalemate” 

However at this time. 

A messenger suddenly came from Matsudaira army that guard the west side of the long camp of Oda – Matsudaira alliance. 

“its our Hime-sama’s decision that this war wouldn’t be won without a gamble. A suicide squad has been formed. Sakai Tadatsugu’s army has taken off to the battlefield. They cross Toyogawa that flowed to the south, advancing through the mountains, to capture Tobigasuyama fort that Takeda clan has built behind Nagashino castle, in order to cut off the Takeda army way to retreat” 

“a cut off?! You can’t. its too quick to cut off Takeda army path to retreat! We will move after we completed the open battle formation! No, a cut off tactic is useless against Takeda Shingen!” Nobuna raises a voice like a scream. 

“Takechiyo?! What are you doing? Did she cannot withstand the pressure against Takeda Shingen again just like Mikatagahara? That’s not possible. For that child to make the same mistakes twice” 

Nobuna ride on a horse and rushes to Matsudaira Motoyasu’s camp. 

Matsudaira Motoyasu is sitting upon a namban chair and biting her nail while looking pale. Its her bad habit ever since she was little. When she is cornered, she has a habit of biting her own nail. 

“Takechiyo! Pull back the detached army immediately! This confrontation aren’t meant for a decisive battle! We will make it a stalemate in order to delay Takeda forces visit to the capital! We would clashed against Takeda forces, Mori army that advanced from San’in region and Uesugi Kenshin who has stand up again” 

“……Kichi-Oneesama. if we shut ourselves at Shitarahara while holding the trump card of Oda Army – the 3000 Teppou squad, Akechi Mitsuhide-san and Shibata Katsuie-san will be subjugated by the enemy. To begin with, is Kichi-Oneesama wouldn’t be able to accomplish Tenka Fubu if you cannot win against Takeda Shingen-san. This is a gambling” 

There is something wrong with Matsudaira Motoyasu’s tone and expression. “has her heart broken after tasting the horror of Takeda cavalry at Mikatagahara? No. that’s not possible. Although Takechiyo looked weak, she is a thoroughly tenacious princess general. She won’t make a gamble about life and death with the current circumstances. Furthermore, her behavior is similar to dragging me and Oda army……” 

But, the figure of the princess general in front of Nobuna’s eyes is certainly Motoyasu herself. 

The pitiful Takechiyo is the childhood friend and Imouto-bun of Nobuna of Owari after being she was abducted by the Oda clan. 

If it was somebody else, she would be able to noticed. 

“this is absolutely strange. Wake up Takechiyo! There is no princess general who boast a strong perseverance like you in japan……for that reason, I expect you to be the ruler of japan once Tenka Fubu is achieved” 

“ufufu. I am grateful for your blessing~. But. Takeda Shingen-san is stronger at war than Kichi-Oneesama. the reconciliation like the battle of Gifu is not possible anymore. Shinegn-san will not retreat. At any rate, Takeda forces visit towards the capital is due to Shingen-san’s Chichiue strict order” 

“from Takeda Nobutora? That man still hasn’t abandon the world? Takechiyo, why do you know about this secret?” 

“ah well~, now that you mention it, we are going to tell you about it, ufufufu……” there was an inconspicuous princess general who waited like a shadow next to Takechiyo……rather a general, she is a delicate maiden like an artist or a master of tea ceremony……she answered to Nobuna in gloomy laughter. She wear a raccoon ear on her head like Motoyasu. 

“you are?!” 

“ufufu……have you forgotten Nobuna-sama? I am Honda Yahachirou Masanobu. I am Motoyasu-sama’s strategist. I have been wandering around for a long time and joined Honbyo temple riot without abandoning my faith to O’Neko-sama. I have serves as a strategist in the battle with Oda army. I naturally obtained information from various scenes behind the back while resigned as a samurai and wandering around from place to place” 

“de,aruka. I cannot remember……your shadow is too thin” 

“fufufu. I have examined the true identity of the strategist in the shadow, which is Takeda Nobutora-dono who made the encirclement of Oda clan. It was during the riot of Nagashima of Ise, isn’t it? After I heard about Nobutora-dono became the strategist of Kitabatake clan of Ise and subdued a large number of Kuki pirates, from there, after I followed Nobutora-dono’s footstep while walking out from the people along the way……beyond that point, Konoe Sakihisa-sama was mentioned” 

“……although I know that Takeda Nobutora was exiled from Imagawa clan of Suruga to Ise, there was a connection to Konoe from that point……?” 

“because Konoe-sama was afraid that harm will come to Himiko-sama and didn’t confessed at any cost, a certain person would be spilt apart quickly. The fact is, its not worrying about what will happen to other person than Motoyasu-sama……that’s right. Motoyasu-sama renamed herself by using the opportunity from this battle. Because she cannot control the retainers and branch family of Matsudaira clan, let alone receiving the title of Mikawa-no-kami from Yamato Gosho, she remained a country samurai, Matsudaira clan of Mikawa forever. Therefore, the certain betrayer who ran away from Hime and joined the riot, made her appearances. Fufufu” 

“hai~. There is Yahachirou’s advice to me to rename myself with the name that I have desired long ago~. Kichi-Oneesama, I will introduce myself as Tokugawa Ieyasu” 

“……Tokugawa, Ieyasu……Mikawa-no-kami?” 

“Kichi-Oneesama? Tokugawa Ieyasu is thoroughly an equal ally to Oda clan.its not a retainer to Kichi-Oneesama~. the status is different from Shibata Katsuie and Sagara Yoshiharu. I am fully insist on changing to this name” 

“with this the whole Matsudaira clan is the servant of Motoyasu-sama who turned into Ieyasu-sama. Finally, Ieyasu-sama has obtained an authority of a daimyo of a country and become strong. Nobuna-sama? In the future, Ieyasu-sama……don’t give “order” to our Hime. The two people are ally till the end. Even if you both are similar to being an Ane and and Imouto……if Nobuna-sama overworked our Hime, this Honda Masanobu will not allow it. Fufufu” 

Honda Masanobu……Tokugawa Ieyasu……no. something is different. Those two smiles are wicked. This is not Takechiyo. As if she have become a totally different person. But why? I don’t understand. Did she been manipulated by Honda Masanobu? 

“fufufu. Nobuna-sama? If Sakai Tadatsugu’s detached forces succeeded in their cut off tactic, the Takeda cavalry that charged at the whole army at Shitarahara, will have no way to survive. Even if the cut off failed, Takeda Shingen would judge” it’s a good now that Oda clan has made a blunder”, it’s the same thing. that would be a trouble” 

“Honda Masanobu? You used Sakai Tadatsugu who is the elder of Matsudaira clan as a disposable pawn?!” 

“its “Virtue(Toku)-River(Gawa)-clan”, Nobuna-sama. Sakai clan has the highest social status among Matsudaira branch clan. because they are veteran and gloomy clan who intervenes in Hime’s workd in many ways, wouldn’t it be a good bargain if they die in battle? I was nearly killed by the enraged Honda Heihachiro also known as Tadakatsu who opposed against my plan, because that woman dislike a certain person who is like a femme fatale in the past, Ieyasu-sama dismissed her by saying “don’t bring up your personal feelings”. Although we are in the same Honda clan, why is Heihachiro is so dumb?” 

“you intent to forcibly hasten the outbreak of the war until that much?! The battle formation at Shitarahara still hasn’t been completed yet! Furthermore, the rain which is the weakness of Tanegashimas has fallen today! If both army are trampled down by Takeda cavalry, Takechiyo’s insistence for independency from Oda clan will come for nothing!” 

Honda Masanobu floated a wicked smile that cannot be imagined from her lovely looks. 

“well then, what should we do? Tokugawa clan is a thorough independent daimyo clan. we are in the same boat with Oda clan but we have no obligation to share the same destiny. But if we betrayed Oda clan while having a reinforcement, our Hime – Tokugawa Ieyasu’s fame as a loyal princess general will be tarnished, because of that we are not going to betray Nobuna-sam during the battle. Therefore, at today’s evening, both Oda and Tokugawa clan will probably fall together. Right, Nobuna-sama? Wouldn’t it better to withdraw from Shitarahara immediately? Ufufu” 

“there is no way that would happen. Even for you Takechiyo” for Nobuna who has tasted various rebellion and betrayal until now, only Tokuchiyo whom she believed without any reason, that won’t betray her. no, there is no need for her to believe it. They both had spent their childhood together. However, she don’t understand what kind of trick that Honda Masanobu who has returned to her duty, used to ensnare Motoyasu. No. its not Matsudaira Motoyasu anymore. Its Tokugawa Ieyasu. “Ieyasu’s eyes that look on me is cold……or rather, its like there is no emotion” it’s a gaze that hold neither interest nor hatred towards Nobuna. Nobuna was hit by a feeling as if her foots is falling in. it was heartbreaking. As if, there is a big hole in her heart. 

(I don’t know how the situation will progress. The idea of Tenka Fubu is possible when Takechiyo are given the task to control Tohoku region as a start. A task……that’s right. The only task I asked from Takechiyo is to block Takeda army advancement to the capital. I might have been treating Takechiyo like a trench. Because she is my childhood friend, I might depend too much on Takechiyo. Juubei. Yoshiharu. I am already might not be able to come back alive from Shitarahara……) Nobuna trembled. 

(……Yoshiharu……please……come quickly ……Juubei……me……save us…!) 

At the ground of Takachiho – Gaspard who keep a searching group beside him to stay in this place after entrusting the detached forces to Tachibana clan, have finally found what he is searching for. 

A dim cave that stretched in the mountains of Takachiho. 

Gaspard who has reached the deepest part of the cave muttered “Gracias”. 

Frois conveyed an urgent message behind Gaspard. 

“the reconciliation between Otomo and Shimazu clan has been formed in Taka castle. Of course, Sagara Yoshiharu-san still survived. Gaspard-sama” 

“……I see. As expected, fate still sided on Sagara Yoshiharu and Oda Nobuna……” 

“you should give up. To erase Yoshiharu-san’s existence from this world of Sengoku era. This, because of Simon-san’s craftiness and the power of Otomo-sama’s feeling has surpassed your ingenuity, the reconciliation of both army has been formed……as the result of planning a plot to kill him, if Oda Nobuna-sama is perished, even your goal will be lost” 

“did Sagara Yoshiharu return to Honshuu together with Don Simon?” 

“no. to fight against Ryuzoji army that has risen in revolt in Hizen. It seemed that Otomo-sama implored it. Although Otomo-sama has already escaped from your control but because its not possible for her to stand in the battlefield alone. One more battle. In order to settle the dispute against Ryuzoji-sama who killed her Otouto. Yoshiharu-san’s support is necessary” 

“in that case, fate is yet to be decided. If Ryuzoji Takanobu defeat him in the battlefield……I will still survive as the result, I am able to serve under Oda Nobuna as her new strategist, if he is killed in battle, Sorin-sama will have no choice but to need me again too” Gaspard smiled. 

“Ryuzoji army has overwhelming advantages after overturning Don Simon’s prediction and capturing Yanagawa castle. Once Ryuzoji army beat Sagara Yoshiharu, I must return quickly to Sorin-sama” 

“you are too obsessed in killing Yoshiharu-san until this much. Can’t you take your hand and struggled together with him to change Nobuna-sama’s future?” 

“unfortunately, I cannot. There is no way to change Oda Nobuna’s fate other than making her abandon love and become a virgin queen, Frois” 

“you don’t have the faith of a Christian. Is there is something about a virgin queen that is related to make the European to recognize Nobuna-sama as a queen of civilized nation? But also, I think that there is something different” 

“ah, its different. Of course that is one of the reason. The true reason is……for something more desperate Frois” 

“……does it has something to do with the future foreseen by the art of clairvoyance? Is it about when the love between Nobuna-sama and Yoshiharu-san would bring ruin? But you shouldn’t be able to predict Yoshiharu-san’s future” 

“I cannot tell you the detail yet. More importantly Frois, I have found the thing that I sought for in Takachiho……my victory is coming. The history of Zipang is changing. To the right direction……” 

Frois aren’t able to find the treasure tool that Gaspard has said to be found in the darkness of the cave. What did he find in Takachiho? What it will be used for? Its impossible for Frois who isn’t familiar with the mythology of Zipang to understand it. 

At this time, Yoshiharu and the other cannot sense the incident that is happening in Honshuu. But, immediately after the reconciliation at Hyuga, Yoshiharu and the other are making preparation for the anti-Mori and anti-Ryuzoji battle without sleep or eating together. 

As such……Kuroda Kanbei is unusually wilted up when observing the open sea of Hyuga from the sandy beach. 

Kanbei felt responsible for not being able to prevent the tragedy around Yanagawa castle. Its meant to deceive Gaspard but, she had betrayed Oda clan even if its temporarily. 

“……even if its for the sake of the strategy, Simon has betrayed Oda Nobuna who has fall into predicament……would I even be allowed to serve Oda Nobuna again now? would I be forgiven……? Although Sagara Yoshiharu who had come together with me to Kyushu could understand it, many generals of Oda clan will doubt it……wouldn’t it better for Simon to leave Oda clan now? right now there is Sagara Yoshihi for Yoshiharu. it is also because of Sagara Yoshihi that Sorin has finally stand up on her own. She is a vice general who has both the passion of a commander and ingenuity of a strategist……” 

“what are you talking about? A meek Kanbei is unlike Kanbei at all. Even Yoshihi-Neesan indirectly thanked you for she was able to matured after being forcibly imprison at Mushiga by Kanbei” 

Yoshiharu who appeared behind Kanbei’s back unnoticed, pat Kanbei’s head. 

“uwa, you surprised me~” 

“its an usual thing that you do things carelessly. Nowadays people care less about it. Your rebellious performance is similar like eating too much dumpling while travelling and then got a stomachache” 

“is that the way to comfort someone?!” 

“come on, cheer up. Aren’t the grand counter attack of Otomo army and anti-Ryuzoji army must advance advanced at the same time at east and west of Kyushu? Even if either one of them failed, I won’t be in time to rescue Nobuna or Juubei. Next time we will met at Honshuu, Kanbei” 

“Yubikiri. Do you know that there is a culture called Yubikiri? Has it been introduced in Sengoku era yet? Recently, I have begun to lost the cultural differences between the Sengoku era and the future” although Yoshiharu try to take Kanbei’s finger while laughing, Kanbei blushed “do-don’t touch me” and resisted. 

“what is it?” 

“yo-you even made Tachibana Muneshige and Otomo Sorin as your local wife. The “Present Genji” doesn’t have any credibility!” 

“like I said. I am not making everybody as my local wife” 

“how dare you said that with a straight face. Weren’t both Muneshige and Sorin confessed their love to you at the same time?! Because Sorin has obstinate and selfish personality, you wouldn’t be able to escape, Muneshige is a good child but Tachibana clan will surround and corner you in full forces! What are you going to do about it?!” 

“h-how you say? Erm~. Because I have Nobuna, I keep on rejecting” 

“haa……li-listen Sagara Yoshiharu. I tell you this, Simon will not become your local wife” 

“nn? That is, of course right? What are your suddenly saying?” 

“……because Hanbei will get angry” 

“eh?” 

“ne-never mind. Also! Simon will properly promise not to quietly leaving you this time. Therefore, you must promise me too! Even though you are always ready to lay down your life, don’t die in battle without Simon’s permission, Sagara Yoshiharu!” 

“even if you say so, at any rate the battle at Kyushu is harsh and Ryuzoji army are much more relentless than Shimazu forces and Kai Soun. Though I will make every effort to survive, I cannot make a definite promise” 

“hmph. It can’t be helped, Yoshiharu. don’t forget Simon’s word. If you have trouble with the battle against Ryuzoji army then escape to the shore” 

“……the shore? I don’t get it but I understand” 

“that’s good. Don’t die. What would Hanbei think if you left selfishly?!” 

“I see, in that case there is no helping it. Its like if Hanbei got taken as a hostage. I understand, I promised. I will absolutely live and return to Honshuu. You have to be careful too” 

“uwaa~! You didn’t make a definite promise a while ago~!  You promise it with a smile when Hanbei’s name come out!” 

“hahaha. Its alright. I won’t die until the flag of Kurokan Ichiryuu flutters in Rome. I will certainly find the medicine that will completely cure Hanbei’s disease in the other side of the sea. The future that we have in our hand will not end in Honnouji. That thing is just the beginning” 

(I wonder if its bad for Hanbei if I monopolizes this person’s smile in the beach of Hyuga) although Kanbei hesitated, she nodded. 

“……yes!” 

“as expected, that Kanbei, did she get taller? No, somehow……why do I thought that Kanbei totally look like a cute pubescent girl?” Yoshiharu was confused when looking at Kanbei’s frighteningly dazzling smile just for an instant. 

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