Chapter 5 Part 2 - Since I was reborn as Saito Yoshitatsu, I'm aiming to hand over the territory to Oda Nobunaga and live longer!
1534 (Tenbun era, year 3)
TL: YuinaEditor: Yuina
[1] Shogosho was the seat of the castle where the Shugo (provincial constable) lived in medieval Japan. With the expansion of political power of Shugo, the functions of Kokuga (provincial government offices) were shifted to Shugosho.
Author's Note:
From this point onwards, the third-person perspective will be used.(External Narrator)
T/N: I'll only be adding External Narrator at the beginning of each chapter when it's the case. If you don't find External Narrator written on top, then it means that we automatically revert to the main character's (Yoshitatsu) perspective.
"I had suspected that Saito Tatewaki's [2] covert activities were aiming at regaining influence in Mino, so I promptly reported this matter to Lord Kagehiro and conducted thorough investigations even while I was mourning my father. I sincerely apologize for any delay in relaying this crucial information to your esteemed presence."
Upon witnesssing Sakon no daibu Norihide humbly bowing before Sakyo no daibu Yorinari and expressing his remorse, everyone present came to the unanimous belief that the culprit behind this incident must be Tatewaki Saemon no jo Toshishige.
"Indeed, if that's the case, it can't be helped. Our growing proximity to the shogunate [3] is keeping my elder brother constantly on edge, uncertain of when his titular post of Shugo might be revoked. But to think that he would resort to such reckless acts..."
"If only Hikoshiro-san were still alive, he would have easily suppressed them using the Saito clan's authority alone."
Someone murmured, prompting Yorinari to react. Hikoshiro was one of the few remaining Saito clan members who had sided with his faction, but he had already departed this world.
"So we should have someone take over the Saito clan. Hmm. That might work. It is all thanks to Nagahiro's father, Toshitaka, who was adopted from the Saito clan that the Nagai family rose to the position of Koshugodai (deputy shugodai)."
"In that case, shall we have Yasaburo-dono inherit the Saito family name?"
As Sakon no daibu Norihide said that, Yorinari shook his headin response,
"No, it is you who will inherit the Saito clan, Shinkuro (Dosan). Formally, you are Nagahiro's son as well, so there should be no issue. In addition, the the Saito Shugodai (deputy shugo) have always resided in Inabayama Castle, and you are its current lord."
"But if I do that, I would become an outsider to the Nagai clan, and I won't be able to support them anymore..."
"Then assign your younger brother to assist Yasaburo. He should be the lord of Takegahana Castle. From now on, your brother shall also serme me here."
"Indeed, my younger brother has also changed his surname to Nagai, but..."
Amidst the confusion, uncertainty pervaded the gathering.
"In these pressing times, there seems to be no one else but you, Sakon no Daibu, who can effectively bring the entire country together."
"...I am humbled by your kind words."
"To let you succeed the position of Saito Shugodai, we must first secure the bakufu's approval for my official appointement as Shugo. We should also establish contact with Rokkaku Danjo [4] whithout delay."
"In the case, I've already established connections with the Azai and Kyogoku clans for a long time, so I'll mediate among the three parties to reach a peaceful resolution. If the north is stabilized, Rokkaku will be able send back his troops to Kyoto. The Kanrei will surely be pleased." [5]
"That sounds like a good plan. It will be a token of goodwill during negotiations. I leave it to you."
[1] Shogosho was the seat of the castle where the Shugo (provincial constable) lived in medieval Japan. With the expansion of political power of Shugo, the functions of Kokuga (provincial government offices) were shifted to Shugosho.
[2] Tatewaki is his title, we are still speaking of Saito Toshishige. Tatewaki Saemon no jo: Third-ranked officer of the Left Division of the Outer Palace Guards.
[3] The bakufu was the military government of Japan between 1192 and 1868, headed by the shogun. Prior to 1192, the bakufu—also known as shogonate—was responsible only for warfare and policing and was firmly subordinate to the imperial court.
[4] Danjo - judge (of the Imperial Prosecuting and Investigating Office); judicial officer; minister of justice.
[5] The Sengoku period in Japan, which lasted from the late 15th century to the late 16th century was characterized by constant warfare and political turmoil, with various regional daimyo (feudal lords) vying for power and control over different territories.
The Rokkaku Clan: The Rokkaku clan was a powerful and influential family that held control over parts of the Omi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture). They were known for their strategic location and formidable military strength.
The Asai Clan: The Asai clan was another prominent clan during the Sengoku period, ruling over parts of the Omi Province as well. They were often in conflict with the Rokkaku clan due to territorial disputes and power struggles in the region.
The Kyogoku Clan: The Kyogoku clan was also a significant clan in the Omi Province, and like the Asai clan, they were engaged in territorial disputes with the Rokkaku clan.
Dosan reveals that he already has established connections with the Asai and Kyogoku clans and plans to mediate among the three parties to reach a peaceful resolution. By stabilizing the northern region, the Rokkaku clan would be able to withdraw its troops from Kyoto, a move that would likely please the Kanrei (deputy shogun).
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