Chapter 16: To Win One’s First Battle

Ōigawa Castle – Isshiki Masataka

1561. Summer.

“This will be your first battle, huh, my lord?”

“Well, it’s just an internal dispute.”

I was talking with Sasuke while wearing my armor when my mother entered the room together with several maids.

From her expression, I could already tell what she wanted to say.

“Why don’t you just leave the fighting to Sasuke? If something were to happen to you, Isshiki will perish. Not only that, Hisahime will also grieve.”

As you could tell, this was exactly why I hadn’t had my first battle until now. Even my late father couldn’t stand up against her. What could the mere head of Isshiki do against the daughter of Lord Ujichika?

If not for her, my first battle would have been the Invasion of Owari, the same campaign when the Battle of Okehazama occurred.

“On the contrary, Mother, if I don’t participate here, the Isshiki will truly perish. In the case of Ohisa-sama, if I don’t participate, I’ll appear weak-willed in front of her. If anything, she will be worried about her future if her husband is as such.”

“Your life is the most important thing. Do you intend to end up like Masafumi-sama?”

Mother was the one who took it the hardest when Father’s death reached us, so I understood why she was so fussy about me going to the battle. But, the problem was, if the soldiers I’d be leading were to hear about this, their morale would plummet, and I’d be a laughingstock for my whole life.

As someone who was born into a samurai clan, that would be a life worse than death.

“There is no need for you to worry, Mother, I won’t do anything reckless. Besides, Ujizane-sama won’t put me—someone who’s going on his first battle—on the frontline. Once we take Hikuma Castle and I return to our Ōigawa Castle, I’ll come straight to report to you, Mother.”

Mother let out a deep sigh before handing me a single sword. To my surprise, it was the very “Muramasa” I had seriously considered buying as a charm against Motoyasu.

“This is?”

“I always intended to stop you from going into battles. As long as you listen to me, I would never have to give you this sword. But, it seems like the day when I have to give you this has come.”

After receiving the sword from her, I drew it from its scabbard. The blade seemed impeccably maintained and looked sharp enough to cut well, but something else caught my attention.

I didn’t know if it was due to the reflection of light or something else, but the blade shimmered with a faint purple hue—as if this was the legendary Demon Blade Muramasa itself.

“This was a sword given to me by my father when I married into this clan. He told me to pass it to the child who’d succeed Masafumi-sama. But this is just a useless trinket until your first battle so I never told you about it… but…”

“Mother, once I safely get through this campaign and pick up Ohisa-sama, why don’t us three go somewhere together? We have the Four Retainers guarding the castle, so we can rest easy. You’ve been cooped up in the castle since Father died, so let’s take the time to relax and strengthen our bond as family.”

“…Very well. Then, I’ll wait for you to return safely to me—no, to this castle.”

“No need to worry, Mother.”

After that, I finished my preparations and headed to the castle gate, where the soldiers and retainers who had chosen to accompany me were already waiting.

“Did you wait for long?”

“It’s your first campaign. We understand that you need time to prepare yourself mentally, my lord.”

Tokimune said, holding the reins of a horse.

He and Masatomo would stay behind in this battle. The only ones of the core retainers that I’d bring were Sasuke and Michifusa. Both had fought in numerous battles alongside my father, so I could rest easy going with them.

“My lord, a few words from you would serve to boost the soldiers’ morale.”

“Is that so?”

“It is. Among them are those who are heading to the battlefield for the first time. Just like you.”

“Got it.”

I mounted my horse. Then, from there—a position higher than the others, where I could clearly see the expressions of my retainers and soldiers, I opened my mouth,

“This battle will be my first! Though the enemy was once a retainer of Imagawa, they now are seeking to harm Ujizane-sama! We will not, and cannot forgive such a person! Everyone, lend me your strength!!”

“Ooh!!” Their shouts reverberated through the space. It seemed like my speech worked. Thank goodness.

“Keep a cool head, my lord. Don’t rush ahead in the name of glory.”

“Yes. I’ll rely on Michifusa and Sasuke, and just focus on learning the ropes at Hikuma. I’ll leave myself in your care.”

“Understood!”

Michifusa, who was standing next to me, bowed his head. Sasuke wasn’t here—probably was discussing something with the other retainers.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Ooh!!”

And so, the march toward my first battle began.