Japan's Warring States Period: The Rise of the Wakasa Tiger

Chapter 82: Five nails pulled out from the third level diamond

Hearing that Rokkaku Sadanori had been speaking for Nobushige, whom he had never met before, Rokkaku Yoshitaka felt quite unhappy: "I heard that this Izu no Kami first forced his cousin (Takeda Nobutaka) to death, and then forced his own brother to abdicate. He is a ruthless character in every way. The main family should be careful to guard against him, let alone enter into a marriage alliance with him."

"You only know one side of the story. If it weren't for these seemingly brutal methods, Wakasa would have been in the hands of the Asakura family. In troubled times, when using thundering methods, you must not be indecisive. In this regard, I have higher expectations for the new head of the Takeda clan."

Seeing Rokkaku Sadanari's expectant expression, Rokkaku Yoshitaka could not help but sneer: "Then you just wait and see, is your future son-in-law the way you think he is, or the way I think he is. You said that we were born in troubled times, and I don't think even a family line can be fully trusted, let alone those guys who have nothing to do with him."

Rokkaku Sadanari no longer paid any attention to Rokkaku Yoshihito, and picked up a cup of tea and sipped it leisurely.

At this time, Nobushige, accompanied by Kumagaya Takanao, Kagawa Morihisa, Yamamoto Shigeyuki and Yamagata Morinobu, personally led more than 40 cavalrymen and 100 horsemen, all the way south, and entered Kyoto through Kuramaguchi.

A team of more than 140 people was not uncommon among the nobles and common people in Kyoto, but the trustworthy red cavalry and golden stables were really unique and attracted passers-by to stop and watch.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the warriors of the Takeda family were even more high-spirited and vigorous, the horsemen's hooves were clattering in unison, and the horsemen held their heads high and looked determined. The team slowly went south along Karasuma Alley, and amid the admiration of the people around them, the family emblem of the Wakasa Takeda family once again shone in Kyoto.

At this time, Odate Tsuneoki and Odate Harumitsu, father and son, who had just paid a visit to Ashikaga Yoshiharu, were preparing to take their carriage back to their residence, but were attracted by the bustling noise from the next street and walked to Karasuma Alley to join in the fun.

This father and son, like Kuchiki Uetsugu, were members of Ashikaga Yoshiharu's "Eight Naidan People", among whom Odate Tsuneoki was the chief, which was enough to show the trust that Ashikaga Yoshiharu had in them.

"Kyoto is really bustling these days, with people coming and going. It's a pity that no one patronizes our business." The roadside vendors and the proprietress of the kimono shop joked as they watched the Takeda army slowly walk past them.

The proprietress glanced at him and smiled charmingly, "That's right. No matter how lively it is, the people who come here are all well-known figures from all over the place. How could they condescend to patronize our business?"

"That's right, haha." The vendor scratched his head and said with a smile, "I heard from a samurai who just passed by that this is the master of the Wakasa Takeda family, who is going to the Higashi-Dōin to visit Lord Jiang Yuesai of the Rokkaku family."

Jiang Yuezhai is the name of Liujiao Dinglai. In his early years, he was ordained as a monk in Xiangguo Temple and was named "Guangshi Chenggui" and also known as "Jiang Yuezhai".

"If I remember correctly, the prince from Awa also visited Dongdongyuan a few days ago, right?" The proprietress asked curiously, "This Dongdongyuan is really crowded with people."

"That's right, Kanrei-sama, the guy from Awa, and the prince from the Takeda family who's here today, all of them are well-known figures. It seems that Prince Jiang Yuesai is the highest existence in Kyoto." The peddler sighed.

"Cough cough."

The peddler felt that the coughing sound was familiar, and when he turned around, he found that Daguan Changxing and his son Daguan Qingguang had appeared behind him at some point.

"Sir Jibu... I deserve to die, I deserve to die!" The vendors often sold their wares around the Muromachi Palace, so they were very familiar with the Odate father and son who frequently visited the palace. Moreover, the father and son did not put on airs and often took care of the business of these vendors. As time went by, they became half-acquaintances. "Yici, there are some things you need to think clearly before you speak." Odate Harumi's tone was easygoing, but there was a hint of chill in it.

"I was just talking nonsense, please don't mind it, my lords. This Kyoto... No, there is no one in the world more noble than His Highness the Kubo, hehe." The peddler then symbolically slapped himself twice and apologized to the Odate father and son with a smile.

"Watch your mouth. It's a good thing you met us this time. If you met other adults, you wouldn't be so lucky." Daguan Changxing reminded.

"Yes, yes, I understand. Thank you very much, sirs. Thank you very much, sirs!" the peddler responded humbly.

"You said, is this the military force of the Wakasa Takeda family?" asked Odate Tsuneoki.

The vendor nodded and quickly replied, "Yes, that's what the samurai who just passed by said. He also said that he was going to visit Lord Jiang Yuesai of the Rokkaku family."

"Father, when the Takeda family came to Kyoto, shouldn't they visit the Shogun first? But they passed by the Imperial Palace and turned a blind eye. This is extremely disrespectful!" Odate Harumitsu said indignantly.

"Don't jump to conclusions." Daguan Changxing had been through many ups and downs in the political world for many years. He did not act on impulse, but instructed Daguan Qingguang: "Even if the public officials are not clear about this matter, the governor should know about it. Go and find out what the reason is. Remember, don't be impulsive, especially at this critical juncture."

"I understand, son." Odate Harumitsu nodded.

"I have to say, the military strength of the Wakasa Takeda clan really opened my eyes." Odate Changxing changed the subject, staring at the Takeda army that walked in front of him with their heads held high, and couldn't help but sigh: "If the shogunate could have such an army, how great it would be."

"Father, didn't the head of the Takeda family go to Kyoto at the invitation of the Shogun? I think that by appointing him as the guardian of Wakasa and Tango, we can test his attitude towards the Shogun. If he is worthy of an important position, we might as well win him over," suggested Odate Harumitsu.

"Of course." Otate Tsuneoki nodded in agreement. "As long as he hasn't boarded the ship of Hosokawa Kyojo, we still have a chance. So, find out as soon as possible why he came to visit the Rokkaku family."

"Asshole! Don't you have eyes when you walk?!" The father and son of Daguan were talking when a loud noise diverted everyone's attention.

In front of the Takeda army, seven or eight foot soldiers, led by three samurai with shaved heads, surrounded a cage and shouted at the people inside to come out. Two of the four sedan bearers knelt on the ground trembling and dared not raise their heads. Two others curled up on the ground and wailed in pain, with blood gushing out from their bodies. The old, weak, women and children watching could not bear to watch.

"Pull out five nails from the three-step diamond!" Odate Harumitsu stared at the family crest on the foot soldiers' hats and said in surprise, "Are these people from the Miyoshi family?!"

Sorry everyone, I updated late today because of something else, please forgive me

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(End of this chapter)