Chapter 10 - Since I was reborn as Saito Yoshitatsu, I'm aiming to hand over the territory to Oda Nobunaga and live longer!

1535 (Tenbun era, year 4)

TL: Yuina

Editor: Yuina

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Author's Note:

The map was made by my (one-sided) mentor, @kana_ides.

■ Simplified Map of the Mino Region

External Narrator

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Chapter 10: Omi's Peace Negociations and the Shugo Toki Yorinari ➁

　Kamaha Castle, Kamaha Castle - Great Hall

　Nagai Sakon no daibu Norihide quietly took his seat at the far end of the room, patiently awaiting the commencement of the proceedings.

　Odachi Hisauji, a member of the Ashikaga Shogunate's internal council, occupied the head seat.

Then, Seated in proximity, from closest to farthest, were Rokkaku Sadayori, Rokkaku Yoshihisa, Asakura Takakage, Toki Jiro Masayori, Kyogoku Takakiyo, Kyogoku Takaaki, Kyogoku Takayoshi, Azai Sukemasa, Ibi Goro Mitsuchika [1], and finally, Sakon no Daibu, occupying the last position.

　The arrangement of the meeting was as follows:

　The Azai Faction:

• Azai Sukemasa
• Kyogoku Takaaki
• Asakura Takakage
• Toki Jiro Masayori

　The Rokkaku Faction:

• Rokkaku Sadayori
• Rokkaku Yoshihisa
• Kyogoku Takayoshi
• Ibi Goro Mitsuchika
• Nagai Sakon no daibu Norihide

　Neutral (Leaning toward the Rokkaku Faction):

• Odachi Hisauji
• Kyogoku Takakiyo

　With this structure in place.

　The first to speak was Odachi Hisauji. Despite being 82 years old, he remained a sharp-eyed general of the shogunate.

"Now, as we discussed previously, let us solidify the peace treaty between the Kyogoku and Rokkaku clans, with this castle serving as the boundary to determine their respective territories. Are there any objections?"

"No objections."

　Multiple voices resounded in agreement. This peace treaty would be established between the Kyogoku and Rokkaku clans based on their respective ranks. The Azai clan, due to their lower status, was unable to form a peace treaty with the Rokkaku clan.

"And as part of this agreement, the following conditions will be included:

1. The shogunate will appoint Kyogoku Takakiyo as the semi-shugo of Omi Province. Should he step down from this position, the succession will be decided through consultation with Takayoshi and Takaharu.
2. Azai Sukemasa shall adopt Soregashi, the son of Rokkaku Yoshihisa.
3. Once Soregashi's coming of age ceremony is completed, he shall assume the role of Shugodai (deputy shugo) of Omi.
4. Taga Sadataka shall apologize to Azai Sukemasa and return to the service of the Azai clan.
5. he three clans shall diligently work together, with the support of the shogunate, as well as the Asakura and Toki clans, to ensure the fulfillment of these agreements.

　Are there any objections?"

"No objections."

　The preceding discussions had already concluded, and the peace treaty progressed smoothly.

"Are there any opinions or suggestions regarding additional conditions?"

　Everyone exchanged glances, observing each other's expressions. At this juncture, introducing new statements could easily disrupt the peace treaty, which resulted in heightened tension inside the room.

　After a brief pause, Odachi Hisauji exhaled deeply and spoke:

"Henceforth, the peace treaty has been established. I have prepared the necessary documents for signing, and I kindly request your signatures later."

　With those words, the atmosphere eased greatly. Brushes and inkstones were made ready by attendants, and both the Azai and Rokkaku clans showed signs of relief.

　For the Azai clan, this peace treaty symbolized official recognition and an elevated status among the provincial lords. They also successfully reconciled with the rebels and reintegrated them under their control.

　The Rokkaku clan secured their dominance in northern Omi as they successfully positioned one of their clan members as the successor to the other clan. This arrangement didn't cause significant losses for either party. As for the Kyoto clan, they managed to retain their position as semi-shugo, which was crucial considering the losses they had experienced in recent years. It can be said that even the preservation of their nominal title was already a positive outcome for Kyogoku Takakiyo.

"Then, shall we summon Soregashi-dono, the child who will be adopted. Bring him here."

"Yes."

　Upon Oodachi Hisauji's call, a retainer of the Rokkaku clan exited the room. Rokkaku Yoshihisa, Soregashi's afther, spoke to Azai Sukemasa in good spirits.

"Soregashi possesses a calm disposition and a profound passion for literature. He displays remarkable intelligence, as evident from the fact that even the Shogun has entrusted him with several valuable manuscripts."

"To have such a talented child as an adopted son is an extraordinary opportunity for the Azai clan."

　Both men exchanged smiles, although Azai Sukemasa's smile did not fully reach his eyes. From his point of view, even for the sake of becoming shugodai, it meant welcoming a retainer who had ties to the Rokkaku clan into his household. Although he accepted the adoption for strategic reasons,, he couldn't help but feel conflicted.

　The sliding door opened and a young boy came in.

"Greetings, everyone. I am Soregashi, the son of Rokkaku Yoshihisa."

　Soregashi delivered his greeting with a pale face and a trembling voice, keeping his gaze lowered.

"Ah, so you are Soregashi. Even from your appearance, your intelligence shines through. I, Azai Sukemasa, shall be your father from today. Though I may not be of the same caliber as your biological father, I trust you will lend me your support. Welcome to the Azai family."

　Azai Sukemasa, wearing a sincere and heartfelt smile, unlike before, approached Soregashi and warmly clasped his hand.

"Now, as agreed, we shall hold your coming-of-age ceremony early next year. Your name shall combine one character from Yoshihisa-sama's name and one character from mine."

"So it shall be Hisamasa, with the 'Hisa' character from Yoshihisa and the 'masa' character from Sukemasa."

"Very well. Now, let us proceed to Odani Castle. There, a residence has already been prepared for you."

　Azai Sukemasa, Soregashi and Rokkaku Yoshihisa left the room after signing the peace treaty. For them, this marked the most crucial part. However, for Sakon no daibu and the Toki clan, the most important part lay ahead.

"Now, let us address the matter of the shugo and shugodai positions in Mino Province."

　The first to speak was, as expected, Odachi Hisauji.

"My lord, Sakyo no daibu Toki Yorinari, has a proposal regarding this matter."

"Sakon no daibu, please let us hear it."

　Rokkaku Sadayori prompted Sakon no daibu, while Ibi Goro Mitsuchika remained seemingly uninvolved in the conversation.

"Yes. Actually, my lord has expressed his desire for Masayori-sama to return to Oga [2]."

"What do you mean by that?"

　With a quizzical expression, Toki Jiro Masayori peered closely at Sakon no daibu's face. From Masayori's perspective, it was Kankuro's deceased father, Nishimura Masatoshi [3], who had expelled him from Mino. Naturally, he harbored some doubts. In response, Sakon no daibu appeared on the verge of tears.

"Yorinari-sama is deeply troubled by the state of Mino, which has suffered due to the ongoing conflict between them, two brothers."

"Are you referring to the floods? Perhaps the heavens are displeased by your dishonorable conduct, after driving out the true Shugo."

　Asakura Takakage responded with a taunting tone. Given his support for Toki Masayori, he was inclined to take his side.

"Yes, I acknowledge that this situation arose due to my own shortcomings. Therefore, I thought it would be beneficial for Masayori-sama to return and for Yornori-sama to be appointed as the next guardian by the Shogunate."

"Hmm, are you attempting to get us involved."

"Myokaku-ji Temple has also made a similar request to the Shogun, but I believe it would be unwise to trouble the Shogun. Therefore, we propose that after Yorinori-sama, the leadership be entrusted to your esteemed son, Masayori-sama, and of course under the guidance of the shogunate."

　From Odachi Hisauji's perspective, having the Shogunate settle the governorship dispute would be a favorable achievement, bolstering their authority. Even without prior discussion, it was still a favorable proposition.

"The Shogun has already been duly informed."

"And what is your opinion on this matter?"

"The Shogunate sees no issue with the proposal. It had already been suggested that Yorinari-dono, the de facto ruler, be appointed as the shugo of Mino. If this can be resolved amicably, it would be ideal. The Imperial Court also appears to be considering the official appointment of Sakyo no daibu as the guardian of Mino."

　For Toki Masayori, the prospect of returning to Mino as the shugo, even if merely in name, held great appeal. Remaining under the protection of the Asakura clan would undoubtedly require even more time to regain control of Mino.

"...Understood. I shall return to Mino. I will send my son to claim the Oga castle."

"...It is a relief to witness the day when my elder brothers can walk again side by side without further strife..."

　Upon hearing Jiro Masayori's words, Ibi Goro, who had remained silent until then, became overwhelmed with emotion, his eyes glistening with tears. Meanwhile, a faint smile graced the lips of Sakyo no daibu.

Author's Note:

The viper played the protagonist here. As one delves into the history of warlords from bygone eras, they often appear invincible.

Although the fact that Azai Hisamasa being adopted by the Rokkaku clan is only a theory, I have opted for that narrative as it aligns better with the overall storyline.

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[1] Ibi Mitsuchika - Toki Yorinori's younger brother.

[2] Oga Castle and its surrounding castletown prospered under the leadership of Yorinari Toki, the official constable of Mino Province (modern-day southern Gifu) who moved to the castle from the Gifu-city area in 1535. The castle soon fell as a result of intense fighting with Dosan Saito, leading to turbulent times for Mino Province.

[3] Kankuro is referring to Saito Dosan, with Nishimura Masatoshi being his father.

"Saitō Dōsan is known for having a large number of pseudonyms and for frequently changing his name. Some believe that this is because there were two Saitō Dōsan, father and son, and the son adopted his father's name after his death. Other names of Saitō Dōsan are Minemaru (峰丸), Hōrenbō (法蓮坊), Matsunami Shogorō (松浪庄五郎), Nishimura Kankurō Masatoshi (西村勘九郎正利), Shinkurō (新九郎), Nagai Norihide (長井規秀), and Saitō Sakondayu Toshimasa (斎藤左近大夫利政). The name Saitō was adopted from the former shugodai of Mino who had been overcome by the Nagai clan in the 1520s." (from the wiki page of Saito Dosan)