Chapter 9 Part 2 - 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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　Ogaki Castle, Mino Province

　In June of the fourth year of the Tenbun era (1535), an accord was reached between the Azai, Kyogoku [1] and Rokkaku clans. It seems that my father, Sakon no daibu, was called upon as a representative along with Ibi Goro Mitsuchika-sama [3], the younger brother of Yorinari-sama, the guardian of Mino Province, and Takakage Asakura of Echizen, to serve as witnesses to the accord. For some reason, I was also asked to accompany them, so I found myself riding a horse, while I was still not used to it, toward Kamaha Castle in northern Omi. By the way, we are scheduled to meet with Ibi-sama at the Fuwa Pass, which marks the border between Omi and Mino. It seems that his relationship with my father is not particularly good.

"Father, didn't the Azai and Kyogoku clans already establish an accord last year?"

"That's right. The current head, Kyogoku Takakiyuki, resides in Odani Castle."

"So, this time it will be an accord between the Rokkaku and Azai clans?"

"Not only that, but yes, it will be."

　Why do I have to go? You probably won't even need me. I wonder if I'll receive a business trip allowance. I didn't have one in my previous life, so I definitely want one now.

　On the way, at my father's request, we made a detour to Ogaki Castle. Ogaki Castle is a crucial stronghold against enemies if the Fuwa Pass is breached. The lord of the castle, Takenokoshi Hisatsuna, warmly welcomed my father and me, and even prepared a feast in the evening. The Takenokoshi clan, a well-established local feudal lord [5], and my father have been close allies since the time when my father bore the surname Nishimura. I know them well because they always come for a visit to Inabayama Castle at the beginning of the year.

"Hisatsuna-dono, I am actually considering having this young boy, Toyotamaru, come of age soon."

"Oh, how old is Toyotamaru-dono?"

"He is nine years old."

　If we go by full age, I'm only 8 years old. I should be in second grade, enjoying my playtime to the fullest. Give me a break.

"He is remarkably composed for his age. I envy Sakon no daibu-sama for having such an admirable child.

　However, I think it might be a little early..."

　That's right, it's too early! I'd like to say so myself, but I'm too scared at the thought of being stared at by those eyes. So, hang in there, Takenokoshi-dono! I'm on your side.

"Yes, it's indeed early. But there's a reason behind it."

"Is it alright if I ask about that reason?"

"The lord (Yorinari) ordered us to inherit the Saito family name. And it's related to that."

"I suppose it's to secure his appointment as the shugo of Mino and prepare a suitable deputy (shugodai)."

"Exactly. So, we reached out to the Rokkaku clan and Myokaku Temple to seek the Shogun's support. However, the Asakura clan is standing in our way."

"Asakura is protecting Masayori-dono [6], the nominal shugo of Mino, after all."

"His nominal shugodai, Saito Tatewaki [7], is also there. So, I thought it's time to rattle Asakura's cage a bit."

　My father, Sakon no Daibu, had a sinister smile. He exuded an aura of a venomous snake. Takenokoshi-dono also responded with a slightly cynical smile. Birds of a feather flock together, I suppose. I don't want to be here.

"We plan to seek reconciliation with Jiro Masayori-dono. Our proposal is to appoint Yorinori-sama as the shugo starting next year, and subsequently designate Masayori-dono's eldest son as his successor."

"It reminds me of the days of the Southern and Northern Courts [8] with the emperor's promises."

"If the Shogun and Rokkaku-sama serve as intermediaries, both sides will be satisfied. Besides, the appointment is in the hands of the Shogun, so breaking his promise like the emperor would not be possible."

"Certainly, if we are successful, it will undoubtedly bring relief to the province of Mino, which has been plagued by floods, and it will allow us to dedicate our focus on its governance instead of being entangled in warfare."

"And so, with Saito Tatewaki's permission, we will be allowed to take on the Saito surname, making Toyotamaru the next shugodai."

"I see. So, that's where the talk of coming of age ceremony comes in."

"That's right. By involving Saito Tatewaki in the ceremony, we will establish Toyotamaru as the legitimate successor of the Saito clan."

　What? I have never heard anything about that. Please issue your decree three months in advance. I'll consider it null and void this time.

"That's the plan. We'll need your efforts to add the finishing touch."

　I want to return to Inabayama Castle. Let's pretend I didn't hear anything.

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[1] The Kyōgoku acted as shugo (governors) of Ōmi, Hida, Izumo and Oki Provinces in the period before the Ōnin War.

[2] Asakura Takakage (10th) was a daimyo (Japanese feudal lord) of Echizen Province during the Sengoku period (period of warring states). He was the tenth head of the Asakura clan. He was a son of Asakura Sadakage (9th). He was the father of Asakura Yoshikage. His mother was a daughter of Saito Toshikuni, who was a Shugodai of Mino Province. His younger sister married Toki Yoshiyori, the Shugo of Mino Province, and gave birth to his heir, Toki Yorizumi. He called himself 'Takakage' after his great-grandfather Takakage (7th).

[3] He belonged to the Toki clan of Mino. He was adopted as the son of Ibi Motonobu, the head of the Ibi clan, who had no children, so he became the lord of Ibi Castle in Ibi County, Mino Province. His biological father should be Toki Masafusa.

[4] Kamaha Castle - Omi Province (former province located in present-day Shiga Prefecture)

[5] The term "kokujin ryōshu" (国人領主) in medieval historical records refers to local feudal lords who were considered as nominal lords in the capital but held substantial authority over their respective territories.

[6] Jiro Masayori is Toki Yoshiyori, Yorinani's elder brother, the current shugo of Mino.

[7] Tatewaki is his title, his full name is Saito Toshishige. Tatewaki Saemon no jo: Third-ranked officer of the Left Division of the Outer Palace Guards.

[8] During this period, there existed a Northern Imperial Court, established by Ashikaga Takauji in Kyoto, and a Southern Imperial Court, established by Emperor Go-Daigo in Yoshino.
Ideologically, the two courts fought for fifty years, with the South giving up to the North in 1392. However, in reality the Northern line was under the power of the Ashikaga shogunate (military power) and had little real independence.

There were instances where promises made between the Southern and Northern Courts were not fulfilled, leading to conflicts and disputes. It does not imply that the promises being discussed are necessarily empty. However, as with any political negotiations and agreements, there is always a level of uncertainty and potential for promises to be broken or unfulfilled.