Pillars of the Wu family

In Asahiyama Castle, dozens of kilometers away, Yoshitoki Kira confronted Tokimasa Takikawa with a large gun wrapped around the blade of the gun. The difference is probably the difference in the level of professional training and semi-professional training. Takigawa Tokimashi, who exercises his body and hones his killing skills all day long, is already a big step ahead of Kira Yoshitoki. He is helping him, the house supervisor, to do intensive training.

Intermittent collision sounds came from time to time as the two warriors tossed and moved. The so-called movement and footsteps were not that complicated. They were nothing more than matching the skills when killing the enemy. Using it to the extreme can kill most spear masters in seconds, and Takikawa Tokimashi is already very close to that level.

Whenever Tokimashi Takikawa was defending, Yoshitoki Kira tried his best to beat him back. Keijiro Takigawa would use a similarly systematic attack routine and use different rhythms according to the situation to defeat him steadily. Intentionally restraining his strength, he also wears a simple body shield, but even if his strength is only "light", it is unbearable. Kirayoshi, who has never received resistance training, was hit by him with a round of counterattacks and follow-up blows Wherever it goes, it will swell up quickly.

This kind of battle lasts for half an hour, and then rests for half an hour before the exchange of offense and defense. The requirement for the attacker is to launch at least six uninterrupted onslaughts, each attack lasts about 2 minutes, and the rest of the time is a stalemate free attack. This kind of training not only increases the difficulty but also ensures the amount of training. If you can't control the rhythm, you will be exhausted.

Yoshitoki Kira was trying to calm his heartbeat. Every time he entered the forced attack time, he would be urged by Xiao Xing, who was supervising the battle, and Iwazuru Maru would count for him.As a family supervisor, it is considered very responsible for this part.After all, the armor on his body is not light.The iron plates installed on the chest and back, and the limbs also have thin iron plates to imitate the role of armor. It is absolutely painful to train wearing a suit of armor, and it is still in the hot sun in the morning.

In the other corner of the courtyard, several samurai were doing similar training. Nagasaka Shinmasa played against Shima Tokikatsu, Watanabe Shouzuna played against Nagao Joharu, and Honda Mitsuya came on as a substitute to cheer.They also wore similar armor and did the same training. With Kira Yoshitoki's temperament, how could he let go of the opportunity to "share difficulties".

The battle-tested Nagasaka Nobumasa and Shima Tokatsu are fortunate to say that they have been tortured by various perverted Teutonic Knights training in the past few years, and they are not afraid of this level of training difficulty. Watanabe Shouzuna and Nagao Sada Haruka has a problem. The two guys are one year younger than Kirayoshi. They usually practice semi-professional training and feel that they are very good. When they encounter high-intensity training, they are tired. They can still attack and defend each other in the first half an hour. The fight was decent, and the second half of the hour was just to deal with it hastily with a big gun.

"Clang clang clang..."

A small copper bell rang.It means that all the training this morning is over, and Yoshishi Kira turned around and ran away without saying a word.A few surnames standing on the porch rushed over to unload his armor. Masuda Shinsaburo respectfully handed over a night of iced sour plum soup. Tanaka Hisei, who was only eight or nine years old, came over with a small wooden bucket. There are big and sweet peaches in the well water.

Yoshihiro Kira, who was relaxed, lay on the porch and ate peaches while complaining: "Why do you have to torture yourself to death wearing this thing!"

"This kind of training is still very effective! The master's body is getting stronger and stronger!" Kawada Iwatsumaru looked at the strong master enviously.

If he didn't know very well that this young house governor doesn't have the hobbies of Long Yang, he would definitely offer himself. A few unlucky people hinted that they could do "everything" for him, and they were pulled down. Kira Yoshishishi was all sent to Niigata Town as the basic executors. He didn't want to go the way those few unlucky ghosts walked.

"Lord Master! I, Dingharu, have won again! Please believe that in a few years, I, Dingharu, will surpass Keijiro and become Echigo's veritable No. 1 without a few years of force! Hahaha..." Nagao Sada With her chest high and her head held high, Chun walked over arrogantly, proudly showing off her achievements.

Watanabe Shouzuna, who is fifteen years old, is 1.6 meters five. Although his stature is definitely top-notch among his peers, he is a bit shorter than his brothers who have played since childhood. Seeing the tall and strong Takikawa Keijiro and Shima Sakon couldn't help feeling even more depressed. Hearing this guy's shameless show off, he yelled at Nagao Joharu angrily: "Bastard! Don't fart here, okay! Didn't you just beat me once? Yesterday , I beat you the day before yesterday and the days before that!"

"cut!"

Seeing Nagao Joharu's contemptuous tone, Watanabe Shouzuna felt his head heat up, and shouted angrily: "What the hell! If you don't accept it, let's have another round, and I will definitely beat you like a dead dog!"

Nagao Dingchun rolled his eyes and said with a smile: "Come on! Who is afraid of whom! The loser should respectfully call the winner Shifan, dare you bet?"

"There is nothing to bet on! Go! Go now!"

"Hey, hey! Don't be silly, I said I want to bet but I didn't say to bet immediately, bet today, what are you in a hurry for?" Nagao Dingchun broke away from his arm with a playful smile, proudly picked up a peach and took a bite , said leisurely: "Let me enjoy the glory of the winner first!"

Yoshihiro Kira picked up a few peaches and threw them to Keijiro Takigawa and the others. Looking at the two boys, he felt a sense of vindictiveness there. Tasami Xusui is also 12 years old, and will grow into a tall and strong samurai in a few years. Suddenly, he sighs that life is bullying and unpredictable.

A few days later, in the Ohiro room of Asahiyama Castle, Kira’s vassals gathered here, following the governor’s departure to the battle. This time they did not bring all the members of the court with them. Obviously, the strategy of going out this time is also different from the past, so he chose to stay and continue to promote the development of various projects in Echigo.

Today is the daily routine military meeting time, just at this time an envoy from the Nagao family rushed over.

"Honjo Kiyoshichiro Hidetsuna pays homage to the town hall!" The young warrior bowed down and raised his head to reveal a face resembling Honjo Shino, the only son of Honjo Shino.About the same age as Kira Yoshitoshi.He is about 1.6 meters tall.Yuanfu has not made any special achievements in the past two years, and has been active as a side samurai of Nagao Jinghu.

Yoshiki Kira smiled and said, "So it's Xiugang! Didn't you join the Ue as the United States?"

"I will serve as an envoy in charge of contacting things and adding burdens. This time I came here to ask about the status of the Zhenfu Palace. My lord is worried that Shinano's lack of military strength will be dangerous." Honjo Hidetsuna replied truthfully.

"Well, Hidetsuna said when he got back, there is no need to worry about Takeda Harunobu, the Takeda family is secretly attacking Hida at this time. For the time being, they don't have the strength to resist with all their strength. Brother, please feel at ease to deal with Hojo Ujiyasu!"

"Yes! Then I will take my leave!"

Seeing Hidetsuna Honjo walk away quickly, the retainers who had been silent in the evaluation room began to discuss in low voices, and Honda looked at Nanangaoka's house in wonder for a while, making sure that he did not know the intention of the lord, and finally couldn't help asking To: "I don't know what the master's plan is, whether to march immediately and defeat the [-] army led by Takeda Dianxie, or..."

Yoshishi Kira smiled, and asked back: "Do you guys think that Takeda Noriya will have a decisive battle with our family?"

"I'm afraid not with the temperament of that Dian Stable Palace! He will definitely stay in the city and stick to the cage!" Ben Duoshizheng's reaction was beyond the expectations of some warriors, after several years of training.For a long time, Ben has become a single-sided adviser, and he will serve as the military adviser for Shinano this time.As a military strategist who doesn't know how to divination, he is still very qualified.

Watanabe Takatsuna asked strangely: "Is Shizhenden so sure?"

"There is a basis for my daring to say this at the time. It is said that Takeda Toshio is a loyal and prudent samurai. There is no one in the family who does not praise Takeda Dianxue as a benevolent general."

Through Honda's explanation, the samurai of the Kira family immediately understood his judgment. Honda has been studying the Takeda family's problems for more than three years, and the information in his hand must be more comprehensive than theirs. With the intelligence support of the Kira Ninja Army, he concluded that It is also understandable to make a firm judgment, which is probably the case if you have a specialization in the art industry.

"Actually, you don't need to analyze Takeda's character in detail, and you can come to the same conclusion." Langoka Tanbo got a lupine from somewhere, and shaking it a few times is really a bit Kongming.

However, his hard work was obviously ignored, and several genealogy representatives asked at the same time: "How do you say that?"

"Takeda Harunobu is a hero, but all heroes are good at forbearance in adversity, just like a potential dragon inhabiting a river, and when it is in the right direction, it will soar into the sky!" Namioka Tanbo continued to pose with half-closed eyes.

Takigawa Shiyi scratched his head irritably, and couldn't help reminding: "Answer the question! Don't say such useless words."

"Uh! I'm digressing!" Langoka Takabo coughed, and said seriously: "With the current strength of the Takeda family, is it possible to have an all-out war with Echigo? Why did Takeda Daizen send his younger brother Takeda Nomono to be the chief general instead of himself Are you going out? Isn’t it because you are worried about an all-out war? Takeda Dazen must know his younger brother better than we do. He sent Takeda Noriyu to Shinano is nothing more than the possibility of concentration. The first is enough to restrain us, and the second is sure Stabilize the situation, the third is a show of weakness, in the opinion of you gentlemen, what kind would it be?"

"The third type! For sure!" Takikawa Tokimashi's words won the approval of all the samurai.

This time, the retainer group has maintained a very high consistency. After the baptism of the last Kawanakajima battle, the Takeda family has long recognized the strength of the Kira Army. There is absolutely no chance of winning a field battle head-on. It is certain that they dare not fight recklessly with the ferocious Kira Army.

"It is said that Takeda Dianxiu's army is not inferior to his brother's. It is a bit of a flattery. Judging from several battles where he led the army alone and commanded battles, this Dianxiudian is very stable in his troops. He rarely fights recklessly when he is not sure. This order is mostly to contain our side, even if the containment fails, it can prevent the situation from deteriorating." Ben Duoshi was admiring: "It's a wonderful move!"

"Hehe, it's more than that." Yoshiki Kira was holding a new bat fan. On the front of the pure white fan was the Ashikaga Nibiri Ryokan pattern, and on the back was written the family history of the Kamiso Ashikaga family in small letters, and the last monogram was Kira The monogram of "righteousness" is a variant of righteousness.

"What does the owner mean?"

"With the wisdom of Takeda Harunobu, will you not be able to guess the determination of the family? Absolutely not! With the determination of the family, the strength of the Kira Legion, if Takeda Harunobu has no determination to fight to the death, he will not face the family directly. In this case, it is better to let go His younger brother Nobushige Takeda came to be the chief general! Fighting against the main family is not a good job. If one move is not handled well, it will cause huge losses to the Takeda army. What do you think will happen when Nobushige Takeda returns to Kai?" Yoshihiro Kira raised his eyebrows, as if he did not care Be aware of what you do unintentionally.

Ben Duoshi suddenly realized that he patted his head, and said with a smile: "I see! I was negligent! Compared with the wisdom of the owner, I still have a lot to learn...Takeda Ozen's intentions are really sinister, It’s just that I don’t know how the owner of the hall will deal with this Takeda stable.”

Yoshihiro Kira shook his bat fan and smiled without saying a word, while Honda was thinking about it at high speed. Every time this expression appeared, it was definitely when he had made a decision, and the pressure to be his counselor was extraordinarily high.You must closely follow the thinking of this lord, otherwise you will appear to be too useless.

"Based on the 1000 troops of the main army, plus the [-] troops of the Shinano people, and the [-] troops of the Vanguard Murakami and Kakizaki teams, the total is [-] people!" Namioka Sapbo worried about his own strength. : "It's too hasty to play this time. If you come to fight Shinano without all the preparations, I'm afraid it will be difficult to fight."

"You can't expect to take down Shinano all at once? Didn't it take the Takeda family more than ten years to take down their current territory?" Watanabe Takasuna said indifferently: "To take down the small prefecture, you must take down Hushi Castle, that city How to fight? Sanada is notoriously difficult to deal with, and the steep terrain is not convenient for the Iron Cannon and Baker teams to attack. If they attack by force, they will definitely lose a lot!"

"The iron cannon team can't be deployed, and neither can the heavy rattan bow team. There are too many mountain castles in Shinano. If the Takeda family is determined to spend time with my Kira family on the mountain castles, it will take a lot of time to adjust and remove them one by one. .”

"Not necessarily, as long as a few iconic castles can be breached, it will have a great deterrent effect. If the people of Shinano are shaken, it will be much more convenient to fight."

"Then there's only Toishi Castle? If the Takeda Army led by Takeda Toshiro also cages the castle, it won't be able to take it down no matter what!"

"Is there so much military food in those cities?"

"Takeda's army should carry a lot of rations! If we persist until the end of autumn, my Kira family will definitely retreat."

"I'm afraid we won't be able to wait until after the fall. As long as we can confirm the initial suppression of Hida, the Takeda army will definitely return to help. When the autumn harvest is over, the Takeda family will be able to make a comeback!"

"In this case……"

The debate among Kira's vassals was extremely fierce. From the initial simple revenge on the Takeda family to a big discussion on seizing Shinano, the non-stop quarrel lasted for half an hour, and the dry-mouthed vassals realized that Kira Yoshito hadn't spoken all the time. , hurriedly bowed and waited for the instruction of the governor.

"My family just wants to avenge the despicableness of the Takeda family. I haven't thought about capturing the whole of Shinano yet. Speaking of which, capturing Shinano is not something that can be achieved in one battle?" Yoshitoki Kira fixed his eyes on Baba Pass and said with a big wave of his hand. : "That's why our family is going to attack Qingliu City from here!"

On July 25, when Nobushige Takeda entered Yantian Castle and Yukitaka Sanada of Toishi City maintained a posture of echoing one south and one north, the Murakami Yoshiki team suddenly and slowly retreated to Katsuo Castle. The team withdrew to Jucheng one after another and made a defensive posture of cage city.

"What the hell are they doing? Why did they retreat!" Takeda Nobushige held the information in his hands and pondered suspiciously, and the retainers who followed did not dare to intervene, and they each took care of their own affairs.

Since the impact of the war two years ago, the Takeda family's research on the Kira family can be described as comprehensive analysis, and even sent ninjas to Kyoto to carefully investigate his news. They dressed up as farmers, small businessmen, monks, wandering girls, witches, etc. Waiting for a profession to wander around in Kinai for nearly two years, in order to get first-hand information, he did not hesitate to use the dark lines that have been hidden in Kinai for many years, and the various information sent back are all creepy to see.

The Miyoshi family is far more powerful than the Takeda family. They were fortunate enough to watch the Tamba War and the siege of Hatakeyama and the Liujiao Allied Forces. The intelligence made them realize the strength of the Miyoshi family. With two thousand iron cannons and nearly a thousand horse-riding warriors, they can mobilize [-] troops at any time. It is not something the current Takeda family can fight against.

The maximum mobilization force of the Takeda family is between [-] and [-] at the most if the army left behind is to be considered. Perhaps the overall quality of the samurai and the overall combat strength of the ashigaru are better than those of the Miyoshi family. But this is not enough to offset the gap in strength and equipment.

It is said that the Miyoshi family was even stronger a few years ago, but the Kira family was able to achieve a brilliant record of complete victory in front of this powerful enemy. It has nothing to do with the influence of Tokyuki Yamamoto.The important thing is that Kira's army is very difficult to deal with.This sudden retreat made people wonder what kind of medicine he was selling in his gourd.

Nobushige Matsuo, the half-brother of Takeda Nobushige, said: "Could it be that Kira's army is in vain. Worried about our two-sided attack? Our army has more than [-] troops, and Sanada Danzheng still has [-] troops. Two-sided attack can easily be eaten. This road vanguard!"

"It is very likely that this is the case. According to the penetrated information, the main force of the Kira army is still in Asahiyama Castle. Although it is suppressed by the Kira ninja and cannot approach, the general number of troops can still be estimated. From the current point of view. At most not More than [-] troops!" Masato Koyamada led [-] troops to accompany the army as support, and it was obvious that Takeda Harunobu felt that [-] troops was not enough.

Fanfu Huchang bluffed in dissatisfaction: "Dare to call with a maximum of 8000 people? That person is really arrogant! Do you think I have no one in Jiafei?"

"No matter what, let's wait and see what happens!" Takeda Nobushige made up his mind.

The bewildered Takeda Army tried to launch several attacks but was repelled by the Murakami and Kakizaki Army. Takeda Nobushige couldn't figure out what the Kira family's plan was and did not dare to act rashly. The Murakami and Kakizaki coalition forces had no intention of attacking at all. Prepared to procrastinate, the Takeda Army seemed more restless compared to Kira Army's carelessness while waiting.

However, from the point of view of the situation, it is more beneficial for the Takeda family to spend it, and Nobushige Takeda is also happy to see that the Kira Army has no movement.As long as the opponent does not retreat until the autumn harvest, the Takeda family is sure to make Kira's army suffer.This consumption lasted for five full days. Except for a few tentative fights on the first day, neither side had any more military operations. The weird atmosphere made Nobushige Takeda very worried.

Soon his worries were fulfilled. Five days later, he received the news that Qingliu City had fallen. The Jiliang army never worried about who was superior in the confrontation. They left the [-] troops in Yantian City for five days, and then took advantage of the time difference When they hit Zhongxinano, the Takeda Army realized that it had been set up by the Kira Army.

The Kira Legion left [-] Shinano troops near Kawanakajima as a countermeasure. As the main force, the [-] army, led by Yoshitoki Kira, appeared in front of Aoyagi Castle in a silent and unexpected crossing Baba Pass. Qingliu Qingchang, the owner of Qingliu City, desperately resisted the invasion of Kira's army, but unfortunately there were only [-] garrisons in the city that could not stop the surprise attack of [-] troops.

With the joint efforts of the Iron Cannon Team and the Heavy Rattan Bow Team, powerful firepower was poured on the fragile castle, easily breaking through the fortified castle that had blocked Nagao Jinghu in the first Battle of Kawanakajima, Kiyoshi Aoyagi The chief was killed on the spot, and his younger brother Aoyagi Yoricaga and all his clan were cut into seppuku. None of the surviving warriors had to endure grief and be forced to surrender.

The silent capture of Qingliu Castle also silently announced the complete collapse of the CITIC line of defense that the Takeda family painstakingly managed. The big leak of CITIC has completely leaked all the arrangements, and Takeda Harunobu, who was recuperating in Kaiyuya Hot Spring, was also at the same time. Time received the news, and there was nothing to do but lose his temper in anger.

Of course, he is well aware of the topographical characteristics of Shinano. A continuous mountain range stretching from Mount Yatsuno in the south to Mt. Iinawa in the north divides Shinano into two parts. The division zone is North Shinano in the northeast and Zhongxinano in the southwest.

In this mountain range, there are many plateaus that can be crossed, such as Baba Pass, Aoki Pass, Baofuji Pass, Wushi Pass, etc. It is impossible to block so many passes with the military strength of the Takeda family. It may be used by the enemy's intentions. In the final analysis, the Takeda family is in a passive and beaten strategic situation, so they will show more flaws at the expense of one another.

Getting angry and cursing people couldn't solve the problem, and Takeda Harunobu who calmed down began to think about countermeasures: "Cunning Kira family! The family defended the small prefecture, and they took advantage of the situation to attack Zhongxinano. If they defended Zhongxinano, the small prefecture would definitely be broken. A household Shicheng can't hold back the army's pressure, it's really a good plan... Forget it! My family will see what happens! I hope you don't naively think that Shinano is so easy to capture!"

After a little thought, he figured out the current situation. Takeda Harunobu asked his servants to convey the order on his behalf. The Suwa prefects and Baba Nobuharu joined forces to resist the Kira Army that invaded Zhongxinano, and specifically asked the main force of Zhongxinano to avoid a decisive battle with the Kira Army. No matter how good the timing is, you must not act without authorization, and those who disobey the order will be executed.

Afterwards, several orders were issued, mainly to urge the people of CITIC Nong to unite under the banner of the Takeda Army and use their respective geographical advantages to defend the city. When it comes to the attack of the Kira Army, try to hide as much as possible and light the beacon for help, trying every means to delay the attack of the Kira Army.

It takes time to issue an order, and it takes time to accept the order and choose the degree of execution. The delay of seven or eight days has already missed the best time to adjust.

Under the cool mountain wind in summer, the white flags with "Punish despicable" written on both sides and "Cultivate rebellious ministers" are fluttering in the wind. Of course, this cannot be called a white flag. Not all white flags have your word written on them or a family crest painted on them. It's called the white flag, and these two flags are the reason why Kira Yoshitoshi made a grandiose appearance for this battle.

Punishment means that when the Takeda family assassinated Kirayoshi, the liaison has always been the same. Disasters and chaos come first, and the Kira family launches military revenge later, and the rebellion is ruled in the name of Shinano's guardian and acting general Rishu, and crusade against Shinano. The superposition of the rich and Chinese people who did not obey the order left enough room for him to go out to Shinano, and the Takeda family, which occupied more than half of the territory of Shinano, lost moral support. ", one can imagine how aggrieved they are.

In the next half month, the Kira Legion defeated several Shinano National Army of the Takeda side, broke through the small house castle and Hiki Castle, and went deep into the Matsumoto Basin along the rich water system of the Saichuan River Basin. The Kira Army with no intention of stopping was crazy Several strong cities in the Matsumoto Basin were uprooted one after another. The whole Zhongxin was shocked three times a day, and everyone was worried that Kira's army would make bigger moves.

The harassment of the Chibei cavalry appeared and disappeared. They once snatched and burned several small load teams outside Fukashi Castle. The huge logistical hidden danger and psychological shadow put the Takeda family under heavy pressure. Kira Chibei was too powerful, so he used harassment tactics It is so difficult to deal with, Baba Nobuharu tried to lure Kira Chibi into the trap several times, but was seen through by the cunning Takikawa Tokimashi, and the Kira army who did not bite the hook became more and more difficult to deal with.

On August 1th, Takeda Nobushige led an army of [-] soldiers and finally entered Fukashi Castle. This trip detoured through Saku County and Suwa County, and finally arrived in Chikuma County. At this time, Minami Shinano's army gathered more than [-] Thousands of troops, the powerful military force greatly encouraged the people of CITIC Nong, they decided to fight for the stability of their territory and the increase of merits, and the people of CITIC Nong are full of hope even if they die under the iron hoof of Kira Chibei. To earn enough meritorious service.

This time, Kira's army really encountered a problem. Kira Chibei's elusiveness was based on the great fear of Takeda's army. Once the people of Shinano broke the boat and put on a posture that they were barefoot and not afraid of wearing shoes, any military operations would be fatal. Besieged by the desperate Zhongxin Nong people.

In terms of familiarity with the terrain, Kira Chibei is far behind, and the people of CITIC Nongguo have also learned to play tricks. Small forests, deep valleys, and reed marshes by the roadside can all be their ambush spots, and they can play their best. The local national army with the right location and superiority means that the fight is getting smoother, even if you can't beat you, you can still disgust you to death. (To be continued..)