Chapter 7: Motoyasu’s Purpose, and the Future of Tōtōmi

Ōigawa Castle – Isshiki Masataka

1561. Spring.

“What can I say…? Motoyasu really has put some good thoughts into this.”

That was my impression when I read the letter that Michifusa brought back.

“I too wish to meet you at once,” that was what Motoyasu wrote to me.

The place he specified as the meeting place was Iinoya Castle. While Iinoya Castle’s side hadn’t openly declared their defection, their lord’s absence from the Imagawa Residence spoke volumes of their stance. 

Then, why did Motoyasu choose it as our place of meeting?

“As expected, he’s trying to kill you, Masataka…”

Mother said in a worried tone as she read the letter. Well, not quite.

“Masatomo.”

“Yes, my lord?”

“Do you think we, Imagawa and Matsudaira are the only ones who know about Iinoya Castle’s situation?”

“That’s… no, I don’t believe so. Though the Takeda clan is on our side, they seem more than eager to target our Imagawa’s lands. Chances are they also know that information.”

“Takeda Shingen, huh? He’s taking his time in conquering Shinano¹Shinano is just north of Tōtōmi, where Masataka’s territory is. It also bordered Suruga, Mikawa, Owari, and Mino., but his next move will surely limit ours.”

Well, in the actual history, they really did break the alliance and attacked Suruga, delivering the final blow to the Imagawa as a daimyō clan.

Why? Because he wanted access to the sea. After all, his territory—Kai²Just east of Shinano, bordering Suruga as well to its south. and Shinano—didn’t have that.

“Regardless, I believe the reason why Motoyasu chose Iinoya Castle is this.”

When I said that, all eyes turned to focus toward me.

“Currently, Iinoya’s official status is as an Imagawa retainer. By conducting this talk there, he’s trying to appeal to the neighboring lords of how brave of a man he is, marching toward his enemy’s territory like that. Iinoya’s location is a little inland, but in terms of distance, it’s halfway between Ōigawa and Okazaki. By marching there, it’ll paint him as a man of great resolve and boost his reputation. I assume that there’s someone he wants to impress, hence he did this. On top of that, I suspect that he already has Ii clan on his side, so in truth, I’ll be the one entering the enemy’s territory here. To exploit Ii clan’s undeclared stance like this… what a clever man…”

“But, who is it that Motoyasu wishes to impress? Have you figured that out, Masataka?”

“I could guess. It’s most likely the Fool of Owari—in other words, Oda. They have shown no interest in Tōtōmi or Suruga since Lord Yoshimoto’s death. If they decide to ally themselves with Matsudaira, they could leave their backs to them, allowing them to focus on their conquest of Mino. With just slight aid from Oda, Matsudaira could seize Tōtōmi and Suruga, and eventually, become the new ruler of Tōkai. I believe that’s what Motoyasu is aiming for.”

Mother let out a groan when she heard that. I came up with this deduction from the events that I knew in history. The Isshiki clan didn’t exist in history, so this meeting at Iinoya was already something that diverged from the history.

Since that was the case, I had to exploit such opportunities to gain advantage, or else the whole clan could enter a death flag.

“Assuming that really is what Motoyasu is aiming for, will you play along, Masataka-dono?”

“That would be foolish, Masatsuna-dono. Instead of doing that, let’s use it to our advantage. Rakudo, are you there?”

“I am.”

Everyone’s bodies flinched when Rakudo appeared out of thin air. Only Masatsuna-dono was unaware of his existence, though.

“Send words to our men in Owari. Spread rumors about Iinoya immediately.”

“What kind of rumors should they spread?”

“Let’s see… say that Tōtōmi’s Ii is in frequent contact with Matsudaira. If Ii joins with Matsudaira, their conquest of Tōtōmi will proceed smoothly, allowing Oda to focus on Mino without worrying about their rear. Make sure the rumors enter the Fool of Owari’s ears.”

“Understood.”

After saying that, Rakudo vanished. Amazing, wasn’t he? Even I was stunned when I saw it for the first time.

Though, right now, only Masatsuna-dono stood with his mouth agape.

“Masataka-dono, just now…”

“That was a secret of our Isshiki clan. Please let it stay a secret, Masatsuna-dono.”

“…Understood. My duty here is solely to monitor your dealings with Matsudaira. I won’t speak of anything else.”

“Many thanks.”

Man, Masatsuna-dono’s so nice. Could I get him as my retainer? …Well, of course I wouldn’t actually poach him. That’d only make my position even more awkward than it already was.

“In any case, with this, Motoyasu’s ploy will be for nothing. It might even boost my reputation. Now, if I were a daimyō, I could contact Oda, team up with them and trap him in between.”

“M-my lord, are you really…?”

“It was just a joke, Masatomo.”

“If it really is, then forgive me…”

I mean, if I were serious, I’d say that when only the clan members were present. While yes, I genuinely admired Masatsuna-dono, the Okabe was a loyal retainer of Imagawa.

If I were to forget about that, I’d end up sharing Sekiguchi Chikanaga’s fate—death.

While I was on the topic, maybe I should inquire about Sena-sama at the meeting. She likely wouldn’t return to our side, I mean, Ujizane-sama had her father, Chikanaga, to be killed off, after all.

But then, what next? If she harbored resentment toward Imagawa, the whole thing would unfold like what had happened in the actual history—or not. It depended on her feelings, really.

Still, I’d love to ease Mother’s heart a little, so I’d do my best to probe during the meeting, even if only a little.