Chapter 6: Matsudaira, the Legitimate Ruler of Mikawa

Ōigawa Castle – Isshiki Masataka

1561. Spring.

Upon returning to Ōigawa Castle, I immediately dispatched a messenger. The messenger they sent me was Sakai Tadatsugu, one of the most prominent retainers of the Matsudaira clan, who had just declared their independence.

If I were to send someone of less stature, it would be showing a major disrespect to them.

And so, I decided to send Ono Michifusa, one of the Four Retainers, as my messenger.

The letter I entrusted him read,

‘I am delighted to accept the proposal you’ve offered me the other day. Hence, I have decided to meet you directly to discuss it. I will entrust the choice of location to you, so please leave your reply to the messenger. We will also accommodate any date; however, I’ll have to request you to avoid any unreasonable demands.’

It really sounded all-business.

At this, Tokimune let out a wry smile, while Mother’s face paled, but really, there was no need to worry too much. I mean, Motoyasu wouldn’t attack us yet.

“But Masataka, are you sure you want to proceed like this? Won’t this harm your position within the Imagawa clan? After all, this is a marriage to the traitor we’re talking about…”

Other than those two, the senior retainer, Isshiki Masatomo and several pages were here too. There was also Okabe Masatsuna, whom the lord sent to watch me.

Speaking of Okabe, the one person who’d come to mind immediately, as expected, was Okabe Motonobu¹Senior retainer of Imagawa, known for his loyalty at Okehazama. He was the one who retrieved Imagawa Yoshimoto’s body during the battle.. Okabe Masatsuna was a figure shrouded in mystery in the actual history. I originally thought that he was Motonobu’s older brother, but it turned out he was the younger one—born in the same year, just a different month.

During the Battle of Okehazama, Motonobu-dono was assigned to hold a castle in Mikawa while Masatsuna-dono served at Ujizane-sama’s side in Suruga.

Unlike his brother, the latter didn’t strike me as one who’d love to go to war.

“It will harm it slightly, yes, but in the long term, I believe taking Matsudaira’s blood isn’t a bad move. Mikawa is a place that’s caught in the conflict between Imagawa and Oda—doomed to always be a battleground. Yet, there was a time when Matsudaira nearly controlled the whole province, that was, during Motoyasu’s grandfather—Matsudaira Kiyoyasu-dono’s time.”

“Exactly. A lot of people believed that if Kiyoyasu-dono were still alive, the power dynamics in Tōkai would be entirely different.” 

Even the Imagawa clan’s retainer here, Masatsuna-dono, agreed with me. That was how great Matsudaira Kiyoyasu’s presence was, and at the same time, why the Moriyama Collapse was a major event for many daimyō clans.

The event was the origin of the legend of Ieyasu’s aversion to Muramasa blades. During an invasion of Owari, Kiyoyasu was cut down by his traitorous retainer, Abe Masatoyo, using a blade called “Senko Muramasa”²This is what known as the Moriyama Collapse.. Then, Motoyasu’s father, Hirotada, was also attacked by a Muramasa wakizashi³Short blade., and when Matsudaira Nobuyasu-sama, someone who was close to the Imagawa’s side, committed seppuku, he reportedly used a Muramasa blade.

Well, in the end, that was just a legend, who knows if it was true—but maybe I should confirm it myself. I could buy a Muramasa blade as a talisman for the occasion.

Whoops, I got side-tracked.

“Indeed. Many feudal lords of Mikawa consider Matsudaira to be the true ruler of Mikawa. If not so, at the very least, they don’t have good feelings toward both Oda and Imagawa due to them ravaging Mikawa’s grounds for years. This is why Motoyasu was able to seize Okazaki Castle with such ease, and why he is running around looking for a foothold now.”

“On top of that, with Matsudaira declaring their independence, many of their former retainers followed suit. Even those who remained in Suruga fled amidst the chaos after Lord Yoshimoto’s death.”

Masatomo said in a quiet tone.

From what I could confirm, key figures like the renowned symbol of Eastern Mikawa, Sakai Tadatsugu; the unrivaled warrior of the East, Honda Tadakatsu; Ii Naomori, who hadn’t declared his stance yet, but when he did, he’d bring his son, the ‘Red Demon’, Ii Naomasa; and Sakakibara Yasumasa, all four who’d later become the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa, soon would swear an allegiance with Motoyasu.

The situation in the Iinoya Castle shifted a little from the actual history, but it was clear that the Ii clan wouldn’t stay by the Imagawa’s side.

I tried to encourage Masatomo, but the grim reality hit me hard instead.

Anyway, this was part of the reason why I decided to accept the marriage to Hisahime-sama. I was trying to bet on the butterfly effect; maybe this decision would change the course of history somehow and create an opening I could exploit in Mikawa.

“Still, I am impressed. For someone so young, your insight is definitely remarkable. Perhaps there was no need to send me here, after all.”

“No, no, I am still lacking in many ways. That’s why Mother is always worried about me.”

“Masataka, don’t say such strange things.”

Mother scolded me. Masatsuna-dono wasn’t part of the Isshiki clan, so she was probably afraid that strange rumors might spread due to my words.

“Then, I assume that when Motoyasu’s reply arrives, you’ll go to the location he chose?”

“Mm. We need to build trust with him first, or else nothing could proceed forward.”

“Are you sure this is a safe move?”

“Motoyasu isn’t a fool. Killing me now would give Ujizane-sama a pretext to attack. He still hasn’t gained his foothold yet, that’s the least thing that he wants. I believe he genuinely seeks ties with us.”

“And through that, he aims to shake our Imagawa clan as a whole.”

Masatsuna-dono said, clenching his fists tightly on his knee. He really was an extremely loyal and admirable person, just like his brother, Motonobu-dono.

“Alright, if all goes well, Michifusa will return soon. Let’s hope that he brings good news.”

“Let’s hope so…”

Masatomo nodded, agreeing with what I said.

A few hours later, Michifusa returned with a reply from Motoyasu.