Chapter 10: The Unknown Clan Head

Kiyosu Castle – Oda Nobunaga

1561. Spring.

“Is it about time, Gorōza¹Gorōzaemon or Nagahide Niwa. He is a loyal retainer of Nobunaga who was under his service from the beginning, even outliving him to serve Hideyoshi later.?”

“It is. I’ve sent men to Iinoya to investigate.”

“Do you think a marriage between Takechiyo and Isshiki would happen?”

“If the other side sees value in Matsudaira’s existence, I wouldn’t be surprised if it does happen.”

“I see. By the way, Isshiki’s new head… what kind of man is he?”

“He is a man still shrouded in history. Rumor has it he hasn’t even seen his first battle.”

“Has he not already come of age? Did they raise him as a wallflower? A weakling?”

“That, we can’t be so sure about. But, if Motoyasu-dono, who has spent years with Imagawa, is offering Hisahime-sama for marriage, he’s likely no ordinary man.”

“I see your point.”

Takechiyo²Matsudaira Takechiyo was Motoyasu’s birth name.—no, he was going by Motoyasu now, wasn’t he? To think that the boy who was once a hostage now ruled western Mikawa, life truly was unpredictable. But that was precisely what made it so fascinating.

But now, someone else had piqued my curiosity even more than him.

That Isshiki fellow, the one Motoyasu was trying to win over—what kind of man was he?

“Still, Motoyasu-dono got outmaneuvered quickly, huh? Without those rumors, he would have succeeded in painting himself as a bold, brave man.”

“Indeed. If Iinoya is already on his side, then he has nothing to fear, and that explains his confidence. Still, we should give credit to Isshiki for knowing Iinoya’s current situation and acting on it. Still, to use that information in this way… I don’t know if he’s foolish or brilliant.”

“Likely the latter. After all, now he has drawn all the attention to himself.”

I had to agree with that. He saw through Motoyasu’s cunning plan so early and turned it to his advantage, making his name known to the other domains.

“Gorōza, what is his name again?”

“Isshiki Masataka-dono. He’s nineteen this year.”

“Young. Is there anyone acting as his regent?”

“No. The previous head was killed at Okehazama, but he was quite formidable. Even us failed to claim his head. Those who stood by his side were also formidable.”

“An Isshiki who died at Okehazama… the same man who wounded Koheita³Hattori Kazutada, a samurai under Nobunaga, known for being the first one among Nobunaga’s man to lead the charge on Imagawa Yoshimoto during the Battle of Okehazama.? I believe his name was… Isshiki Masafumi?”

“Yes. He was the only retainer who didn’t abandon his lord while the rest of the Imagawa forces scattered and retreated.”

“Such a loyal retainer. But, is his son as loyal as him?”

Gorōza shook his head without saying anything. Fair answer. After all, Isshiki Masataka wasn’t someone we both had ever heard of before. Judging him based purely on speculation would be foolish.

But there was a problem. I had grown curious about this man.

“Gorōza.”

“Even if it’s your order my lord, it’s impossible.”

“I haven’t even said anything yet, have I?”

“But I know what you’re thinking. I can tell that you’re about to order me to arrange a meeting with Isshiki Masataka-dono.”

He really knew me well. Which meant, he also knew that once I set my mind on something, I wouldn’t rest until I was done. Otherwise, I couldn’t focus on anything else.

“If you can’t, I won’t be able to focus on our campaign on Mino.”

“…That’ll be a problem. We’ve already failed multiple times.”

I wasn’t kidding about how I wouldn’t be able to focus. Now, what should I do to meet that guy?

Alright, I’d use Motoyasu. I was planning to send a messenger to him anyway, so might as well.

“Gorōza, prepare a brush and ink.”

“Understood. But who are you writing to?”

“Motoyasu. Tell him I’ll agree to his proposal, but with conditions.”

“…Don’t tell me.”

That exasperated look from Gorōza was one that I was familiar with. Anyway, it was just what he had predicted.

I’d tell Motoyasu to summon Isshiki Masataka to Okazaki Castle. That’d be the condition to tie up the recent matter.

Motoyasu would be desperate to make it happen. Our side needed someone to watch our flank. It wouldn’t be ideal, but having him to watch our flank would be better than having no one.

“Depending on his response, I might need to go to Okazaki myself. When I do, accompany me, Gorōza. I’ll see for myself what kind of man Isshiki Masataka is.”

“…Understood.”

Gorōza didn’t seem to be too enthusiastic about this.

In any case, Isshiki Masataka… I wonder what kind of man he is.