Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

"Don't rush..." Nobunaga raised his hand and continued speaking.

Furthermore, Ito Seizo, one of Nobunaga's female retainers, and eight hundred men were assigned to Shichibei as support. As for the naval forces that Shichibei was currently organizing, namely the forces of Morimura Haru and Ataka Kiyoyasu, they were all assigned to Shichibei as support.

Leaving aside the navy, just considering land forces and manpower, Shichibei Shichibei was assigned...

More than a thousand cavalry. As long as Shichibei can surround Miki, he can then take Awaji and Izumi at will.

Clearly, as long as Shichibei continues his campaigns, Nobunaga will not strip away any more of his forces. After all, Nobunaga is performance-driven; he only works when there are results. Without results, he might even cut the entire project team, or even the entire department.

"Gulp." Shichibei swallowed loudly.

Previously, Nobunaga assigned Shichibei the task of establishing post stations, relay stations, and streets. Later, it was to make Shichibei the exclusive transport unit for Nobunaga's main force. Only Nagayori was specifically assigned to Shichibei as the governor of Tsuruga Castle.

Now that Wakasa and Echizen on either side of Tsuruga are both Oda clan territories, they are very safe. Therefore, Hara Nagayori no longer needs to be on guard in Tsuruga for a long time and can move around to fight.

Logically, there's absolutely no need to allocate any more resources to Shichibei. His rank is a mere 50,000 koku, and even that's divided haphazardly. The largest portion is a little over 20,000 koku in Tsuruga District, Echizen Province. This small amount of land is mainly just to give Shichibei the qualification to join the Standing Committee.

He's not even a castle lord, so how can he become a senior retainer of the Oda clan?

If it's not for fighting, what's the point of having so much manpower? This time last year...

Nobunaga only planned to have Shichibei lend his troops to Hideyoshi and go with him to Harima to get a haircut. This was the reasonable thing to do. Hideyoshi was a good fighter, and quite a good one at that. It would be appropriate to entrust him with a standing army of several thousand men.

It would be irresponsible to simply hand over so many people to Shichibei.

"Finally, I'll lend you the Hachiya Hyogo for a year." Nobunaga glanced at the floor with his folding fan.

Hachiya Yoritaka entered from outside. Hachiya Yoritaka was not only one of Nobunaga's generals in the Black Robe Army, but also the lord of Hida Castle in Omi Province. Although his territory was only less than 20,000 koku, he had risen through the ranks step by step from serving as Nobunaga's ashigaru koku (foot soldier). When he seized Ransha-tai, there were ten magistrates stationed outside, one of whom was Hachiya Yoritaka.

With his qualifications, leading five hundred men to serve as Shichibei's vice commander would be more than enough. He could go with Shichibei to besiege Miki Castle, establish his martial reputation, and his next step would likely be to become a powerful retainer with a salary of over 50,000 koku.

If one makes a significant contribution to a certain strategy, becoming the ruler of a small country with a capital of 100,000 koku is not an unimaginable possibility.

People like Hachiya Yoritaka, who truly rose through the ranks from junior officer to high-ranking officer, are commendable in both experience and skill.

That kind of thing.

"Please guide me!" Hachiya Yoritaka first bowed to Nobunaga, then bowed to Shichibei.

"I am deeply apprehensive." What else could Shichibei say? Nobunaga had already arranged this, and he was just urging Shichibei to go into battle.

They had no choice but to go; not going would be disrespectful to Nobunaga. Nobunaga was also in a bind; the battle situation had changed so drastically, and his main force still had to keep an eye on the Hongan-ji Temple. If he didn't push his subordinates, was he going to push himself?

After leaving Nobunaga's residence, Niwa Nagahide ran away as fast as he could, not daring to speak to Shichibei at all. He ran faster than if a bamboo rat had suddenly snatched a bamboo stalk from the forest in the summer; he was gone in a flash, head and tail missing.

Depend on!

You betrayed me, you little brat!

Almost instantly, Shichibei realized it was Niwa Nagahide who had made the suggestion to Oda Nobunaga. "We're both good sons-in-law of Oda Nobuhiro, how can we push our good brother-in-law into a fire pit? That bastard, he'll get you sooner or later!"

He no longer had time to make things difficult for Niwa Nagahide; Shichibei immediately sent messages back to Gifu, Azuchi, Kiyosu, and Tsuruga. Nobunaga's orders...

The order has been issued; a large-scale mobilization of Kawamura's army is required.

Since this is a re-conscription, in addition to Shichibei's own standing army, all the hired soldiers and the foot soldiers conscripted by the powerful need to be rewarded.

Nobunaga said he would provide the money, but that usually means he would provide it after the autumn harvest, like the annual tribute rice. At this point, only Shichibei himself could advance the funds; what else could he do?

The Bessho and Hashiba troops were no longer howling inside Kawamura's house. There was a place to lie down and rest, and there was even hot soup and rice. What was there to howl about?

Seeing their condition, Shichibei couldn't bear to tell them that Nobunaga had ordered all soldiers in both armies who were not injured to go east to Harima, whether to besiege the city or to participate in the battle.

Truly a beast of burden.

We're all good oxen and horses under heaven, alas...

The army, which had only rested for less than two months, was once again conscripted by Shichibei from various countries. To Shichibei's slight surprise, the Ii clan also sent troops to participate in the war.

The child from the Ii family is four years old this year, right? He definitely can't come. Originally, the Ii family's retainers were all under the command of Saegusa Morinao.

The Daoshen Formation is not usually separated into its own ranks. However, this time it was separated, and upon closer inspection, its commander-in-chief was none other than Ii Naotora, who was wearing the armor of his father and grandfather.

What are you doing here, a woman?

"This..." Shichibei looked at Ii Naotora and Saegusa Morina kneeling below, and expressed slight doubt.

“Since we are a military family, how could we not come when our lord summons us?” Ii Naotora’s words made a lot of sense. The Ii family was a military family, and when war came, they would certainly have to fulfill their feudal military obligations.

To be cowardly to go into battle would tarnish the reputation of bravery that has been passed down through generations of the Ii family. To lose that reputation and be ridiculed would be far worse than slapping these samurai in the face.

"It's just...blindness, never mind..." Shichibei wanted to say something more, but he had a lot of things to do right now and didn't have time to deal with this.

Because Hachiya Yoritaka, Ito Hisahisa, Shibata Nagakatsu, Hirate Nagamasa, and others had already led their troops to join the battle. These generals, including Shichibei, had to be received one by one and given certain gifts. Regardless of whether they knew each other or not, the fact that Shichibei was being served by his subordinates for the first time as a support officer meant that a superior-subordinate relationship was established in a certain sense.

The senior officers in the navy weren't just there to yell and say they couldn't hear. After two years of training on Eta Island, their relationships had become incredibly close. For the young sailors from the countryside, the senior officers always paid for their first time with a geisha. And when they went out for meals and drinks, the senior officers were always the ones to foot the bill.

Japan has this kind of cultural tradition, which can be seen as a manifestation of paternalistic parenting. The hierarchy is clearly defined, and of course, the phenomenon of subordinates overthrowing their superiors is also prevalent.

Shichibei entertained these newly arrived samurai with toasts and drinks, drinking heartily for half the night. Many samurai of that era were heavy drinkers. Perhaps it was also related to the numbing effect of alcohol; with killing and hacking every day, countless men suffered mental breakdowns. During World War II, alcohol, cigarettes, chewing gum, ice cream, coffee—basically any military ration that could soothe soldiers' emotions—were in high demand in every country.

Hitler himself was a vegetarian, didn't drink alcohol, and didn't smoke. He had tried to ban German soldiers from smoking, but in the end, he not only allowed cigarettes but also started using ice.

Not bad, Shichibei didn't get completely drunk and lie on the ground halfway back, like a drunkard. He was still able to find his way back to his room on his own, and even washed his feet and went to sleep along the way.

Hey, today is so strange, the bed is already made.

Just as he was about to pull off his clothes, someone opened the screen door and walked in carrying a copper basin. Shichibei squinted, not immediately recognizing who it was. He only heard the words "washing feet," so he thought, "I'll wash my feet then."

As he washed, Shichibei realized that this was Ii's sister-in-law.

Just as he was about to call out, Ii Naotora held up his hand, making a shushing gesture, indicating to Shichibei not to shout. If he called anyone over, he'd only be left with washing his feet.

Interrupted like this, Shichibei suddenly understood. Oh dear, why is Sister-in-law Ii being so proactive? Shichibei had only occasionally hinted at wanting to be a child and have a few more sips of milk, and she'd already noticed?

Given Shichibei's personality, he would have said something to break the silence. But apart from the sound of water washing his feet, there was no other sound for a moment.

You're so talkative usually, why are you suddenly so quiet?

Cursing himself for his useless nature, Shichibei saw Ii's sister-in-law fetch a towel to wipe his feet and finally said, "Let me do it." Ii Naotora didn't refuse and handed the towel to Shichibei.

Shichibei hurriedly and carefully wiped his feet. Usually, he would just wipe them for a couple of seconds and be done with it, but today he wiped them for an unusually long time. He didn't know why his feet were so easy to wipe, and he wiped them carefully for at least two minutes.

Looking up again, it was so big and white.

No, what? Well, this is nonsense... On another note...

Seeing the gleam in Shichibei's eyes, Ii Naotora knew he hadn't misjudged the situation at all. Kawamura Nagayoshi had simply been too embarrassed to say it, but he'd already been eyeing it. Perhaps it was because they were in Gifu; at home, he wouldn't have dared to act.

Now that Ii Naotora is in Kyoto, his wife and children are far away. Theoretically, Ii Naotora married Ii Naochika first and then Saegusa Moritomo. Even if he had sex with her, he wouldn't have to take responsibility.

"Please rest well." Ii Naotora lifted a corner of the quilt and knelt respectfully beside the tatami.

"Yes, yes, yes, it's time to rest." Shichibei jumped even faster than Niwa Nagahide, who had run away the other day, and almost in the blink of an eye, he slipped into the quilt.

Ii Naotora didn't hesitate and squeezed in, rubbing against Shichibei's body. His large, white breasts rubbed against Shichibei's arm, and one could hear his rather rapid heartbeat.

Clearly, Sister-in-law Ii was not as calm as she appeared on the surface; she was indeed somewhat "stealing" something.

A wife is not as good as a concubine, and a concubine is not as good as a stolen lover; the ancients were right.

Feeling that silky smooth touch, Shichibei was no gentleman who could remain unmoved by such a sight. If he didn't eat it, he'd be a complete pretentious show-off. At this moment, the only thing Shichibei could maintain his composure was getting up to blow out the candle beside the bed.

413. Beat them into submission before negotiating.

Even earlier than Shichibei, that thing woke up. Merchants from Kyoto, Otsu, and Azuchi, who had heard that Shichibei was going to lead an army into battle alone, had already gotten up early to pay their respects to him.

I just can't leave here...

No, I can't get up. My sister-in-law was riding her bike and I had to shake her awake. You guys wait outside until my sister-in-law and I have a private chat before we talk.

When Shichibei emerged refreshed to meet the group of wealthy merchants, the big bosses assumed he was overjoyed at being suddenly appointed "legion commander" and entrusted with such an important responsibility. They all crowded around him, offering their congratulations.

It wasn't anything major, although they knew Shichibei wasn't short of money or equipment. But having an Oda army commander who, like them, came from a merchant background, was something they had to eagerly cling to.

Whether or not they lack something is Shichibei's business; whether or not they give it away is their business.

Even Ishigami Tsuguyoshi from Tsuruga rushed over, bringing leather sheaths, boots, and hilt straps (tethers for dagger handles) made from smuggled deerskin, and presented two thousand kan of cash raised by the merchants of Tsuruga.

Think back to when Hideyoshi was traveling down the Mahime Road. Konishi Ryōsō and Hihiya Ryōke were the same, rushing to deliver money and goods to Hideyoshi, and even taking the initiative to transport military rations from Sakai. In those days, merchants had to depend on the power of the samurai. If they were not bound to the samurai, then their businesses and the money they earned would be like castles in the air.

Although the samurai were not good at business or abacus, they had sword hilts and were skilled at physical destruction.

Shichibei, a merchant who travels with a sword, is truly an anomaly among Japan's great merchants.

Having accepted the gifts from the wealthy merchants, Shichibei led an army of over 16,000 men and immediately departed Kyoto. However, this time he didn't rashly launch a direct attack on Higashi-Harima; Niwa Nagahide's crushing defeat was still fresh in everyone's memory. Since they held the card of Bessho Nagaharu, they were determined to play it hard.

Nobunaga's demands of Shichibei were simple: do whatever it takes to capture the branch castles surrounding Miki Castle, besiege Bessho Yoshichika and the other rebel generals inside Miki Castle, secure the supply route from Kyoto to Himeji, and maintain contact with Hashiba Hideyoshi.

As for whether or not Miki Castle could be captured, or when it could be captured, that was irrelevant; Nobunaga made no demands.

We must firmly surround it, and ignore everything else!

In addition, Nobunaga also ordered Reizei Tamejun, one of the three councilors who had territory in Hosokawa-sou in Higashi-Harima, to go into battle. This was both to help the Reizei family restore Hosokawa-sou and to use Reizei Tamejun's status as one of the three councilors to prepare for future campaigns.

By the way, just a side note, this illegitimate son of Reizei Tamejun is named Fujiwara Seika.

Since he had made up his mind not to act rashly, Shichibei asked Bessho Nagaharu to send his younger brother Bessho Tomohisa and Reizei Tamejun to Awaga Castle first to discuss the matter with Awaga Sadanobu.

What price would you be willing to pay?

The amount of land he receives is certain; Shichibei has no reason to lie about that. Secondly, it's simply a matter of increasing his territory or demanding money, which is easy to handle. After defeating Bessho Yoshichika, he'll have tens of thousands of koku of land to divide. As for money? Talking about money with Shichibei is the simplest thing to do.

Tamakawa Sadanori's legal wife was also the daughter of Bessho Nagaharu. In terms of kinship, he was Bessho Nagaharu's uncle-in-law. They were all family, so why the formalities? Everyone could love Bessho, and everyone could talk.

Of course, the necessary muscles still need to be flexed; bring out 16,000 people to let the mere 1,000 or so people from Tamsui Dingfan see clearly.

Only when both sides are in a good position can they have a good chance to talk.

And let me tell you, Shichibei's troops were definitely of high quality. There's no doubt about that; even Nobunaga praised them after using them. Hideyoshi used them and even wanted to intercept them.

The army halted east of the Narukawa River, refusing to cross, awaiting a reply from Awagawa Sadanobu. Awagawa Sadanobu, meanwhile, relayed news of his attack by over 20,000 Oda troops to Miki Castle, requesting reinforcements from Bessho Yoshichika.

So what was Bessho Yoshichika doing?

Bessho Yoshichika's younger brother and Bessho Nagaharu's uncle, Bessho Shigemune, wasn't he sent by Nagaharu to serve as a hostage to Hideyoshi? Logically, as a hostage, Bessho Shigemune should have been beheaded. But who told Bessho Yoshichika to rebel?

As a result, Kodera Takataka told Hideyoshi that Bessho Shigemune had served as the chief retainer of the Bessho family for many years and had a great deal of influence within the family. Although his influence was not as great as Bessho Yoshichika's, he was still a prominent figure.

Since that's the case, why not leave Bessho Shigemune behind specifically to pacify the people of eastern Harima Province? Hideyoshi thought this made sense, so he ordered Bessho Shigemune to pacify the people of Harima Province in order to shake the Bessho clan's power.

Normally, at this point, Toyotomi Hideyoshi is at a disadvantage, and few would side with Oda. However, Kobayakawa Takakage is proving ineffective; after so many days of fighting, he hasn't even entered Himeji Castle, which is causing concern in Harima...

The people of our country have always had no one to rely on.

Kobayakawa Takakage didn't even need to storm the castle; just besieging Himeji would have made the entire Harima province his. But he couldn't defeat Tatsuno, a branch castle, and couldn't break through no matter how hard he tried. That's how useless the Mori clan's shareholder-style alliance army really is.

Everyone wants you to go first and tackle the tough challenges, while I reap the benefits from behind. Or, let Kobayakawa Takakage's troops go first, and everyone else will cheer you on from behind. As long as I don't die, everything will be fine.