Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

Seeing Shichibei looking around, Kohara Chikaji didn't pretend at all.

He bluntly stated that his father-in-law was a penniless wretch. The construction of Okayama Castle involved a nationwide petition every winter, with repairs done bit by bit each year, continuing until the Ikeda clan was granted fiefdoms. Even the de facto outer moat, the "Twenty-Day Moat," was dug by Kobayakawa Hideaki—it was incredibly shabby.

It's just a city with an empty exterior; what kind of defensive capabilities could it possibly have?

Although the castle town had been well-prepared and the silt at the river mouth had been dredged, the castle itself was inadequate. How could it protect the castle town? Shichibei was full of doubts; Naoie hadn't handled this matter well.

What if things really escalate?

Alright, alright, let's go see Naoie first. Logically speaking, as a senior retainer of the Oda clan, a vassal of the upper province and a lord of the lower province, Naoie should have gone to the port to meet Shichibei. However, it would have been appropriate for Naoie to wait for Shichibei outside the castle tower or the palace, but he still didn't see Naoie.

This caused Shichibei considerable concern about Naoie's illness. When he entered Naoie's residence and actually saw Naoie, Shichibei's heart pounded even harder.

Naoya isn't just sick, he's about to die!

Not only was his face pale and his lips bloodless, but even his hair was gradually turning gray. He looked deathly, clearly on the verge of death.

"Please forgive my serious illness, which prevents me from welcoming the King." Jiang Yuan Chikaji helped Naoie up and greeted Shichibei.

"It's my fault for bothering you." Shichibei quickly gestured for them to rest; in this state, why bow and show any respect?

"The governor of the capital clearly sees that I am unable to go into battle with Lieutenant General Gifu." Naoie's tone sounded very weak.

But how can someone say such things upon first meeting someone? Although Shichibei prefers a straightforward way of speaking, for Naoie to say that he cannot accompany Aki and Bingo on the expedition is not only somewhat rash, but even someone less tactful might think that he harbors rebellious intentions and plots against them.

"This..." Shichibei was at a loss for words.

The main reason was seeing Naoki's appearance; he looked so old and about to die. Any normal person, without any conflict of interest or past grudges, would feel pity for him.

How many people can truly sever their seven emotions and six desires?

"Hachiro, Hachiro, come quickly and pay your respects to the King's Palace." Before Shichibei could react, Ukita Naoie called Ukita Hachiro in.

Seven-year-old Ukita Hachiro was very obedient to his father, and he kowtowed to Shichibei on the ground. The floor thudded with a loud thud.

The melon seeds cracked open. He gave Shichibei a proper salute; that kid's really a simpleton.

As an elder, I was surprised to see the young man kowtow so earnestly. Shichibei instinctively reached all over his body to check for any spare change. The New Year was approaching, and he needed to give the boy a red envelope with some lucky money.

"No need for that, no need for that." Shichibei touched his waist before realizing what was happening and quickly told the child to get up.

"Of course, of course." Naoie remained calm and gestured for Ukita Hachiro to sit down next to him.

The Nao family struggled for over fifty years amidst intrigue, betrayal, and slaughter, producing a large number of children, including ten daughters who are recorded as married. However, they had only one son, and no other sons.

Outsiders all know that if Naoie were to die now, there would inevitably be a bloody struggle for the family's succession. How could Naoie himself not know this?

But he no longer has time to plan for Ukita Hachiro, and he also doesn't want to pass on the family business to his nephew who has already come of age. So now he can only play the victim and garner sympathy.

In fact, to gain Hideyoshi's support, he even sent his own wife, Lady Daigo (later known as Tanyoin), to Hideyoshi as a hostage, hoping to cultivate some goodwill towards Ukita Hachiro.

This Lady Daigo was a great beauty, first married to Miura Sadakatsu, then to Ukita Naoie. When she was brought before Hideyoshi as a hostage, Hideyoshi accepted her without hesitation. He didn't care about being a widow; he just wanted to enjoy himself first.

As for Hideyoshi, we'll have to rely on Daigo-dono to handle things. As for Shichibei, Ukita Naoie originally had no way of contacting him. But now, with the Mori Great Expedition underway, Naoie has an opportunity.

The news that Kawamura Nagayoshi had previously offered strong advice and was severely rebuked by Oda Nobunaga, but instead of suffering any consequences, he was even granted an additional 50,000 koku, had already reached Naoie's ears.

He was acutely aware of Kawamura Nagayoshi's influence within the Oda regime, given his reputation as the most honest and upright man in Owari. Even when it came to matters of personal interest, many members of the Owari samurai would choose to consult Kawamura Nagayoshi's opinions.

If Shichibei could feel even a sliver of pity for Ukita Hachiro—just a tiny sliver, the size of a firefly's tail—it might just increase Ukita Hachiro's chances of succeeding to the throne.

Given the Ukita family's status, the selection of the head of the clan is not merely a matter within the retainers' group, but is also influenced by the current Right Vice-Minister, Oda Nobunaga. To protect Ukita Hachiro, Nobunaga's approval is required.

To get Nobunaga's approval, Hashiba Hideyoshi, the commander of the Sanyo Road army...

You should nod in agreement, and it would be best if someone else chimed in to support you.

"Nonsense..." Well, if he'll kowtow, then so be it. Shichibei didn't say anything more.

"This campaign is a momentous event for the nation, but I have no chance to participate." Naoie did not cough or anything, but he was barely breathing.

The Bizen Gunki (Records of the Bizen Army) clearly states that Ukita Naoie died from an extremely malignant intestinal disease. It had progressed to the point of rectal prolapse, and the disease was progressing very rapidly. It is highly likely related to some kind of cancer, and given Naoie's early experience of poverty, intestinal cancer is a very strong possibility.

It was pitiful; his entire buttocks appeared to be loose when he died. And because his death was so sudden, the Ukita army was at the front lines cooperating with Hideyoshi in attacking the Mori. Therefore, his death was kept secret, kept in a coffin, and only made public after nearly half a year.

"Please take care of yourself." Shichibei wasn't a doctor; he had only come to Okayama to organize the grain supplies that had gathered from Bizen Province.

Since I'm here, I thought I'd pay my respects. I didn't expect Naoki to be so seriously ill. It seems he really does only have three to five days left. This is truly a troublesome situation.

After the meeting, Naoie asked Ukita Hachiro to escort Shichibei to his residence below the castle to rest, as a gesture of hospitality. It's pitiful to hear that a seven-year-old child has to do such a thing in place of his father.

When they reached the door, Shichibei told Ukita Hachiro to go back, but the boy was really stubborn. He said that his father had ordered him to be delivered to the house, so he had to be delivered to the house.

That little face, that stubbornness, can sometimes make you angry, wanting to slap it across the face. Other times, you feel for this child, how tough it is to be so young and so strong.

Alright, alright, alright, Shichibei won't say any more.

Hideyoshi received a report that left him completely baffled: according to various sources, the Mori army seemed to have abandoned Bitchu. They left only Sarugake Castle and its surrounding branch castles as a last line of defense, stationed in Bitchu. Their army of over 50,000 men seemed to have vanished overnight.

Could it be because of a food shortage? Possibly, but unlikely.

We've even survived the summer, and with the autumn harvest, we can easily get enough grain from nearby sources. If we can't use water transport, then we'll use land transport; after all, this is a war of annihilation!

The country will be destroyed!

If they retreat, Hideyoshi will besiege Sarugake Castle and advance his army directly to Bingo. How will the Mori clan then manage their domain? Aki and Bingo are their very foundation.

In his territory, Koriyama Castle was the famous castle where Mori Motonari founded his business.

Even in Aki and Bingo, Oda's army has appeared; the Mori clan is bound to be attacked.

Even seasoned warriors like Hachisuka Koroku and the resourceful Kuroda Kanbei were completely baffled. This was even more true for Yamana Toyokuni, Ikeda Katsumasa, and Bessho Nagaharu, who had come from the campaign. Their only consensus was that the Mori army's retreat was unusual, and something significant must have happened.

Just then, two important pieces of news arrived: Kawamura Kyōjō's troops had already set off, and Ukita Naoie was seriously ill.

No way, no way, no way, could it be that Naoie Ukita is going to betray us again?

At this time, the Ukita army of 5,000 cavalry, led by Ukita Tadai, Hanafusa Toshihide, Osafune Sadachika, Togawa Hideyasu, and others, was stationed south of Kurashiki. Another 5,000 cavalry, led by Hanafusa Masanari, Okaie Toshi, Akashi Kagechika, and others, were fortifying Bitchu Takamatsu Castle.

In a sense, Ukita's army is now cutting off Hashiba's army's escape route.

Fortunately, Shichibei's messenger found Hideyoshi at this time and informed him that Kawamura's 6,000 cavalry had already entered Okayama Castle and were processing the 60,000 koku of rice procured from Bizen. After spring, it would be distributed to the various armies for consumption.

By the way, I request Hideyoshi to seize Bitchu as soon as possible and advance towards Kuranoura. This will facilitate the landing of Kawamura's army and the Shikoku forces at Kuranoura, where they can establish forward outposts.

If Hideyoshi is unable to act for the time being, then inform him that Shichibei should lead the Kawamura family and the Shikoku forces to attack Ryougiura.

"Could it be..." Kuroda Kanbei's face darkened, his eyes filled with a hint.

“Impossible. Shichibei and Koichiro are sworn brothers, as close as brothers,” Hideyoshi retorted instinctively.

Anyway, there are only two people around, so there's nothing we can't talk about. Shichibei's second younger sister, Aji, married Hashiba Hidenaga. The couple had a very good relationship and had two sons and a daughter. Back when Owari was still a small town, the two families had formed a marriage alliance; they weren't blood brothers, but their bond was stronger than that of blood brothers.

“Things are unpredictable,” Kuroda Kanbei thought differently.

The unrest within the Oda clan was already known to Oda's senior retainers and their confidants. Hideyoshi was actually in a better position; although he was far removed from Nobunaga, his adopted son was Nobunaga's favored eldest son. His only concern was that Nobunaga would depose him and install Ujimaru as his successor.

Now things are much better. He's been appointed as the chief retainer of the Oda clan and has become the vice-commander and platoon leader for this expedition against the Mori clan. He can definitely do another ten...

Eight years ago.

The little scheme that had been brewing in my mind naturally subsided and did not really resurface.

Of course, if Nobunaga were to strip Hideyoshi of his position as commander of the army and head of the Hashiba clan right now, Hideyoshi would jump up in protest.

While Hideyoshi was treated this way, others were not. Mitsuhide was humiliated, Nagamasa was publicly beaten and verbally abused by Nobunaga, and even Nagakura Nagayoshi was demoted in his rank as a chief retainer.

Some things are better left unsaid; it's better to be on the safe side than to believe they're absolutely nonexistent.

"Even if Shichibei makes some unusual moves, instead of seizing Settsu and Kawachi, he's getting involved with Ukita?" Hideyoshi understood what Kuroda Kanbei meant.

It was simply a matter of Ukita Naoie feigning illness to prepare for a defection, while Kawamura's army landed to block Okayama's retreat. Mori's army, meanwhile, lay in wait at Sarukake Castle. Once they launched their attack, Hashiba's army would be immediately surrounded and trapped.

Is it possible?

almost impossible.

The Mori army's movements are so puzzling, and Ukita Naoie has fallen ill neither early nor late in his life. There are so many coincidences, so many suspicious points; the more impossible something seems, the more likely it is to be true.

In this deceitful and treacherous world, it's best to think the worst of people.

490. The Great Rebellion of Azuchi-hira

In the seventh month of the Tianzheng period, in the twelfth month, there was a great dark day.

The area around Azuchi Castle, which should have been filled with the festive atmosphere of New Year's Eve, was now engulfed in flames on all sides. The Oda army, which had long since dispersed to return home for the New Year, offered almost no effective resistance to the attack by the Asai army.

In the evening, Nakagawa Shigemasa, who was left to guard the camp, presented the Azai army with a large amount of sake and rice cakes on behalf of Oda Nobunaga. As soon as he entered the camp, he drank three cups with Azai Nagamasa. At the signal of smashing the cups, swordsmen rushed in from outside the tent and chopped Nakagawa Shigemasa into several pieces.

As for Fukutomi Hidekatsu, he was already completely drunk, snoring loudly. Anyway, with the two of them on duty, it was Nakagawa Shigemasa's turn to be on duty, so what was there to worry about?

Yes, Nakagawa Shigemasa has become Nakagawa Shigemasa, carefree now.

Because of the New Year, the Oda army dispersed and returned to their homes, while the Asai army was stationed in the training grounds, military camps, and temples below the castle, in a state of complete assembly.

At a single command, carrying the head of Nakagawa Shigemasa, the troops split into three groups and began the battle. Three thousand men went to capture Azuchi Castle, while five thousand headed straight for Kyoto.

They attacked and killed Oda Nobunaga and his son Nobutada, and 10,000 men swept through the castle town. The remaining 4,000 men were kept as reserves tonight; if the mission succeeded tomorrow morning, 2,000 men would sweep across the north bank of the river, and 2,000 men would seize the south bank.

"Madam, Madam! Disaster! Disaster!" The old warriors who remained at home cried out as they opened the barrier door.

Because of the firecrackers and the spaciousness of the town below Azuchi Castle, the young general's side hadn't heard anything amiss. However, several veteran samurai who remained at home clearly heard the sound of cannons firing outside.

"How is it?" The young general's heart tightened, as Shichibei had repeatedly instructed him not long ago.

"There must be a rebellion; the sound of cannons is already ringing out from under the city walls."

"What!" Not only was the young major general surprised, but Princess Ichihime exclaimed in unison. In this day and age, someone actually dared to rebel against Nobunaga in Azuchi?

"Please leave immediately, Madam."

"This..." Anyone would hesitate if something like this happened.

The young general and his men quickly stood up. Someone brought a ladder and climbed onto the roof. They discovered that two or three fires had broken out in the town below the castle, and the shouts of battle were gradually reaching the more than ten important retainers and one family residences built around Azuchi Castle.

That was definitely not the sound of firecrackers, but a genuine iron cannon.

A deafening roar. Large hordes of chaotic soldiers, armed with torches, were sweeping towards Azuchi Castle.

"Walk! "

In short, there was no room for hesitation. Since a disturbance had truly occurred, this house full of elderly, weak, women, and children was utterly incapable of resistance. Even Koshichibei was just a child. Standing up, he wasn't even half the height of a spear; how could he fight?

Run! Only by living can you have everything. Death is the end; nothing is possible anymore.

A large group of children, celebrating the New Year, were carried along, and all those who could run followed. Since most of the men had accompanied Shichibei to fight in Aki, the Inase Yoshinari family, Shibata Nagakatsu's wife and children, and Hara Nagayasu's wife and children were all at home.

After thinking for a moment, the young general sent someone to inform Hideyoshi and his entire family to flee immediately. As for the shop's employees, they were all ordered to ride away on horseback, leaving behind only the accounts and cash.