Chapter 5: Signs of a Division

Imagawa Residence – Isshiki Masataka

1561. Spring.

“Isshiki Masataka. Here to deliver my urgent report, my lord.”

“Good work, Masataka. You may raise your head.”

“Yes.”

When I looked up, I saw Ujizane-sama seated before me. Standing on both sides were his close aides, Imagawa’s senior retainers, as well as the core members of the clan.

But even I could notice that their numbers had dwindled compared to the last time I was here.

If the clan’s former advisor, Taigen Sessai¹He was Yoshimoto’s uncle, and a capable advisor who consolidated Imagawa’s position as one of the strongest clan during this era. Unfortunately, he died three years before Yoshimoto’s death at Okehazama., was still alive, the situation might be different—no, if he was alive the defeat at Okehazama wouldn’t have happened in the first place.

“Do tell. What is your purpose in holding an audience with us today?”

“Yes. I’ve come to report that Matsudaira Motoyasu had sent a messenger to our side. Sakai Tadatsugu was the one he sent.”

At those words, the atmosphere in the room instantly turned tense. Well, it was understandable. After all, Matsudaira had brazenly taken over Okazaki Castle from Imagawa the moment the clan was weakened. Among those who had defected, they were the ones who gathered the most resentment.

But that wasn’t all.

“Surely you aren’t trying to claim ignorance to what Sekiguchi Chikanaga was up to, right, Masataka-dono?”

“I am not. Hence I requested this audience today.”

The man who was glaring at me was Asahina Yasutomo-dono. He was the lord of Kakegawa Castle and a loyal retainer of Imagawa who participated against Oda’s recent invasion of Owari. In history, he was one of the few who remained at Ujizane-sama’s side, even after the Imagawa clan had fallen. He was the man that I believed wouldn’t ever betray the clan.

As for Sekiguchi Chikanaga, the man whose name was mentioned, he was the father of Sena-sama, who married into the Matsudaira clan. There were rumors of how Chikanaga had an especially close relationship with Motoyasu right before he claimed his independence, but he had committed a seppuku before that rumor could be confirmed.

This was another reason why they were all on edge.

“Then, do tell. What did Motoyasu tell you?”

“He offered his own sister, Hisahime-sama, to be my wife.”

“And?”

“I told him that I’d need some time because this isn’t a matter that I could decide on my own. Of course, I told him that I’d need to ask for your permission first, Ujizane-sama.”

At that, Ujizane-sama’s face turned uncomfortable as he looked around to check on his retainers’ reactions. This was one of the reasons why so many people left the Imagawa—he was just unable to assert himself firmly, even in a situation like this. He was probably aware of this flaw of his too, but he was too busy with keeping appearances. 

Actually, even now, some of the retainers sent him doubtful looks.

“Why did you not just turn him down right there and then?”

“Because ever since the defeat at Okehazama, the Isshiki clan hasn’t been able to rebuild our power yet. I judged that it wouldn’t be wise for us to turn Matsudaira into our enemies.”

Yasutomo-dono nodded in satisfaction at my answer. He noticed that I was telling the truth.

Originally, the Imagawa had total control over Suruga, where the Imagawa Residence was located, Tōtōmi, where our Isshiki clan was, and Mikawa, which Motoyasu was trying to take control of. But now, most of western Mikawa had been taken by Matsudaira and Oda.

Ii Naomori, who was absent from this meeting, was probably watching all of this unfold from his Iinoya Castle and would more than likely side with Matsudaira when push came to shove. Actually, he might’ve already been in contact with them.

If that were to happen, Hikuma Castle, which held western Tōtōmi would also be in danger. If Matsudaira were to join forces with Oda and advance eastward, our Ōigawa Castle would turn into a front line in no time at all.

“Before we give you our opinion, let me hear yours, Masataka. What do you think should be done?”

“With all due respect, I believe that there will be no problem in accepting his offer.”

The moment I said that, several retainers who had been waiting for my answer stood up. Yasutomo-dono held his hand up to stop them. They really were well-behaved, weren’t they?

“Why? Are you planning to abandon us too, Masataka?”

Ujizane-sama looked at me with a sad gaze.

Some of the retainers also hung their heads in frustration. Well, that wasn’t my intention at all, of course. I had no plans to join Oda or Matsudaira—I wanted to serve Imagawa for the rest of my life. After all, I had knowledge of what would transpire in the future.

I would not let things unfold the way they did in the actual history.

“Of course not. In the first place, Motoyasu only offered me a marriage, not an alliance. By accepting marriage with Hisahime-sama, my heir will gain the Matsudaira blood, as well as the legitimacy to rule over Mikawa. My sole desire is to dedicate myself to serve you, Ujizane-sama, as you rise to become the rightful hegemon of Tōkai again.”

“Easy for you to speak.”

The one who intruded with such rude words was Inoo Tsuratatsu. He was the lord of Hikuma Castle that I mentioned earlier. In history, after the Battle of Okehazama, he chose to side with Motoyasu, only to be attacked by Ujizane-sama and eventually surrendered to him. Unable to trust him after his betrayal, eventually, Ujizane-sama executed him.

“The lord can send someone to keep an eye on me. I have nothing to hide. Anyone can watch all of my movements until they are satisfied.”

“As if we have the time to waste on the likes of you. In fact, if Ujizane-sama didn’t order me to come, I won’t even attend an audience with a brat like you here.”

“Then go back to Hikuma Castle. Your presence here isn’t even necessary, Tsuratatsu-dono.”

In my plan to rebuild the Imagawa clan, I obviously had no need for traitors like him. His castle was a key point in Imagawa’s line of defense. Having him rule such a place would only be a liability if anything.

“Such an arrogant thing to say for a sprout who has never even participated in war.”

“Indeed. I haven’t had the chance to participate in my first battle. But, as the head of my clan, I’m more than prepared to fight. Although, for this matter, whether I have participated in war or not is completely irrelevant.”

When I sent a glare at him and he sent his glare back. If he had a sword in his hand, he’d probably try to stab me right there and then. That was how tense the atmosphere between us was.

“Enough. You two are in the presence of the lord.”

“…Please forgive my impudence.”

I turned around to face Ujizane-sama and bowed. Meanwhile, Tsuratatsu just snorted and turned his head away. This man really had no loyalty at all.

“I believe that Masataka’s opinion is reasonable. However, Tōtōmi is too unstable at the moment. There are bound to be some who are questioning Ōigawa’s decision. Therefore, I will leave the matter with Matsudaira in your capable hands, but at the same time, I will send someone to monitor you. What do you all think?”

No one said anything. Which meant, they were in favor of that decision.

Now, the only question would be who he’d send to monitor me…?

“We will assign Okabe Masatsuna to watch over you.”

“Understood.”

“Mm… Masataka, we trust that you will not betray our side.”

With that Ujizane-sama and the other retainers left the room. Leaving me and Asahina Yasutomo-dono in the room.

He didn’t show any sign that he’d stand up soon, so I stood up first. When I passed by him as I tried to leave the room, I faintly heard his voice.

“I, too, believe in you, Masataka-dono.”

I didn’t mishear that. He was someone who knew the relationship between me, Ujizane-sama, and Motoyasu. He really meant what he said.