Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

Without the natural barrier of the sea, Shin-Takayama Castle was just an ordinary flatland. Three thousand men defending it, thirty thousand attacking—how many days could it hold out?

It would be difficult to finish in ten days; it will most likely be done in three to five days.

Therefore, entering the city would be suicide. The best course of action would be to send someone to infiltrate Shin-Takayama Castle while the Oda army was still establishing its foothold and set it on fire.

At this time, due to the uprising of Yamanouchi Takamichi at Koyama Castle, the Oda army would have dispatched at least 10,000 to 20,000 troops to attack the castle. Therefore, the Oda army remaining at Shin-Takayama Castle would likely only have 10,000 to 20,000 troops.

Kawamura's army, acting as a flank force, will advance to seize Etajima Island and control Aki Bay. They will absolutely not halt their forces at Shin-Takayama Castle. If chaos ensues at Shin-Takayama Castle, there will be an opportunity to act both inside and outside the castle.

Perhaps it's the only chance.

Whether it succeeds or not, let's take a gamble and send three thousand men straight to Oda's army.

The main camp. Once the Oda army's central camp is defeated, the Oda army will inevitably collapse and retreat, and the Mori clan's crisis will be resolved. Ota Motonaga will then become a renowned general no less than his father, Mori Motonari, known throughout the world, unparalleled in the world.

Plans are in place!

"They just accepted it like that?" Shichibei received a report from the troops sent to Shin-Takayama Castle. Kobayakawa Takakage had left only about a hundred old, weak, sick, and disabled people in the castle. When they saw the Oda army entering, they were overjoyed.

What for? A handover.

Even if we leave Shin-Takayama Castle to the Oda army, they won't destroy it easily. Once a peace treaty is reached, Kobayakawa Takakage will have to return to Shin-Takayama Castle to continue his work.

He was promised 100,000 koku of half the province of Bingo, but he couldn't possibly fight to the death at Shin-Takayama Castle and cause a situation where the main castle fell while the branch castle remained intact.

Those who besieged Shin-Takayama Castle will have to keep their heads down for the rest of their lives, like that Mitsunari, right?

"The castle was completely empty, with no provisions, money, or goods left. They took everything." Hara Nagayori just smiled; at least the Kobayakawa army ran fast, taking Shin-Takayama Castle.

It was left behind.

"Haha, he's smart to be sensible." Shichibei chuckled as well. It was good that the castle hadn't been taken by Ota Motonsuna.

If it were captured by Ōta Motonatsu's two or three thousand men, it would be a problem. After all, attacking such an annoying castle takes time, and Nobunaga is eager to destroy the Mōri this year, hold the Oma-no-gi (Imperial Horse Ceremony), and become the Grand Chancellor.

"However, there is something I need to inform the Grand General in advance." Hara Nagayoshi glanced in the direction of Jokoji Temple.

"what?"

"New Takayama City is still small, with a maximum of ten thousand cavalry stationed there."

"Whoa!"

I thought it was something serious. Of course, Kobayakawa Takakage was essentially the lord of Bingo Province. At that time, Bingo Province had a population of about 200,000 koku. In those days, with a little effort, one could build a population of 5,000 with a population of 100,000 koku. Naturally, Shin-Takayama Castle only needed to be built as a city for 10,000 people.

Shichibei could understand what Hara Nagayori meant by that. It meant that Hideyoshi and Nobukatsu's central army couldn't both enter Shin-Takayama Castle together.

That's good news. Who knows, Nobuo might not actually want to stay with Hideyoshi forever.

"Rise. Perfect timing. Nobuo enters the castle, and Hideyoshi sets up his forces at nearby Old Takayama Castle and other locations. Once preparations are complete, we'll attack Aki."

"Let's hurry up and hand over Onomichi and Shin-Takayama Castle to the central army." Shichibei was too lazy to get involved in the so-called "struggle" of overall command in this battle.

As supporting characters, all we need to do is maintain logistics and send the Shikoku forces, who are acting as a flanking force, wherever they are needed, like firing ammunition from a cannon.

In any case, the Seto Inland Sea is now controlled by Oda's navy and Kurushima Michiyasu, who has defected to Oda. Onomichi and Shin-Takayama are both located on the coast, and the navy can reach them in a day. Even if something happens, there are 30,000 to 40,000 firefighting troops ready to be dispatched at any time.

Now that we have a navy, we should leverage its advantages. We should seize those important ports and bridges along the coast. As for suppressing the enemy on land, that's Hideyoshi's job.

"Then what about our main camp?"

"Go to the three islands and prepare to seize Etajima, Itsukushima, and other places." Ryounoura is now considered the rear area; leave 500 men to guard the area and maintain smooth water transport.

This Ōmishima is the island where the Ōyamaji Shrine is located, situated precisely between Aki-nada and Mishima-mura. It is considered the shrine of Japan's sea god.

It is widely worshipped. Omishima is not only inhabited, but also has numerous temporary residences for worshippers and pilgrims. It was temporarily requisitioned as a base to facilitate our jump to Etajima.

534. Mototsuna's Night Raid on the Numata River

"Oh, this city is interesting."

Nobuo entered Shin-Takayama Castle and, gazing at its appearance floating on the sea, found it quite interesting. In such a situation, with ample provisions and weapons, they could indeed be invincible in small-scale battles.

Of course, if it's a major battle involving tens of thousands of troops, that's a different story. Even if Oda Nobuo didn't improve much, he had experience in attacking and defending castles, and he certainly had his share of experience.

"Now that His Highness the Lieutenant General has entered the city, I shall proceed to Ōmishima." Shichibei, upon seeing the appearance of the city, knew that Ōta Motonaga's three thousand men were unlikely to be trying to extort money, and felt quite at ease.

"Then why aren't we leaving? Of course we have to leave. What use is staying at Shin-Takayama Castle? Shichibei needs to pave the way for Oda Nobuo at sea."

"We'll have to rely on the King's Palace for everything." Nobuo replied to Shichibei with a smile, adopting the leisurely demeanor of a supreme commander.

He even had a certain air about him, though not the air of a courtier like Imagawa Yoshimoto. Oda Nobuo was still wearing armor, imitating his father Oda Nobunaga's style. He was wearing his father's discarded armor, intentionally, just like Yodo-hime in history wearing Hideyoshi's armor while guarding Osaka Castle.

"No, no, it's all for serving my lord." Shichibei, anyway...

I was just doing my duty.

"Hahaha, that's right. I'm just acting as a vanguard for my father." Oda Nobuo still needed the support of his senior retainers to ensure a smooth transition and take over the reins of power, so his attitude was naturally polite.

"Yes, let's work together for our lord's great cause of conquering the world." Alright, brother, you stay in the center, I'm going to charge.

After leaving Shin-Takayama Castle, Shichibei visited Hashiba Hideyoshi again. At this time, the army had received news that Yamanouchi Takamichi, the lord of Koyama Castle, had raised an army and besieged the castle. Hideyoshi was mobilizing the army to suppress Yamanouchi Takamichi.

The surrender of the Mori clan did not mean that the local powerful clans below them would surrender. The Amago clan died, but did Sase, Misawa, Ogasawara, and Ushio die? Not only did they not die, these people continued to ride horses and enjoy high salaries.

It will take time to defeat the powerful rulers of neighboring countries and pacify the local strongmen.

A powerful figure who can sweep away all enemies will naturally have a loyal and steadfast patron. Depending on the person, the time, and the circumstances, Hideyoshi and Shichibei did not connect Yamauchi Takamichi and Ota Motonsuna.

When you conquer a country, you never see one that doesn't require shaving its head. Shaving its head is good; it allows you to eliminate powerful figures, freeing up more territory to reward the new rulers.

New knowledge for people.

It would be best if Ōta Mototsuna surrendered, but if he didn't? Even if he was Hoida Motochika's younger brother, he still had to be killed. That was the rule of the Warring States period, and there was no arguing about it.

However, Hideyoshi still considered the possibility that Yamauchi Takamichi and Ōta Motonsuna had conspired to rebel, so he sent 3,000 men from the Amago Re-establishment Army to block Yamauchi Takamichi's gates. He didn't intend to attack a disgusting castle like Koyama Castle; instead, he used the Amago family's connections to persuade Yamauchi Takamichi to surrender and open the gates without killing him.

The Amago family is about to rise again. The other day, Shichibei saw Amago Katsuhisa and Yamanaka Shikanosuke, and they all had beaming faces. Some were sharpening their swords, others were cleaning their spears. Nobunaga promised their family that they would reclaim the former territories of Izumo and Hōki.

Nishibogi was a former leader of the Amago Shingu faction, so although the Amago clan valued Izumo, they also valued Nishibogi. Coincidentally, Higashibogi was captured by Nanjo Munekatsu, who was revived by Hideyoshi, and Nishibogi was awarded to Amago Katsuhisa, which was something Nobunaga had publicly promised.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Amago's re-establishment army numbered three thousand; it wouldn't be enough to fill the entire territory he would later acquire. Those traitors who remained in the area would certainly be thoroughly wiped out. And the local loyalists had already been nearly wiped out by the Mori in the previous two re-establishment campaigns.

At this point, bringing Yamauchi Takamichi to Izumo is a way of using an old acquaintance.

Since Kozan was quite a distance from Shin-Takayama Castle, Hideyoshi ordered Bessho Nagaharu to go forward specifically to secure the passage between the two locations. He also dispatched Hashiba Hidenaga as the second detachment, to be deployed if a siege were to be launched. If Amago could persuade Yamauchi Takamichi to open the castle gates and capture it, then Hidenaga would withdraw.

In total, Hideyoshi only sent 13,000 to 14,000 men to deal with Yamauchi Takamichi. He also had 15,000 men surrounding him, and another 2,000 were left to guard Onomichi and Jokoji Temple.

On the right bank of the Numata River, there were 10,000 of Nobunaga's main force guarding the left and right flanks of the Numata River, and Nobukatsu's 8,000 cavalrymen at Shin-Takayama Castle, making it extremely secure.

Hideyoshi was Hideyoshi after all. All the generals around Shichibei thought the arrangement was foolproof, with a vanguard and a rear guard, patrols and elite troops. As for the problem that Shin-Takayama Castle would become a floating castle after the tide came in, separating it from the Hashiba and Nobunaga armies on the shore, Hideyoshi didn't care at all.

Because after discussing it with Shichibei, he directly intercepted Ataka Kiyoyasu from Shichibei's hands. "Brother, since your legs aren't good, you should rest at Shin-Takayama Castle."

While we're at it, let's leave one-third of the Ataka Navy in Shin-Takayama Castle.

The rest was left to Funakoshi Kagehisa and the others, who continued to follow Shichibei to Ōmishima.

The Seto Inland Sea is now under the control of Oda's navy. The Mori clan's naval units were all wiped out at the Kizu River estuary. The Kono and Murakami clan's navy has also been controlled by the Kurushima clan and surrendered to Oda. With Ataka Kiyoyasu's dozens of ships protecting it, Shin-Takayama Castle is as impregnable as a fortress.

go.

After handing over Shin-Takayama Castle, Kawamura's army, as planned, joined forces with the Shimamura naval forces to seize Etajima. This time, the vanguard was led by Miyoshi Nobutaka, and Kagawa Nobusumi was tasked with capturing Itsukushima. Chōsokabe Nobuchika, supported by the Tosa Urado naval forces under Ikeyori and others, was spying on the mouth of the Ōta River, preparing to land on Aki.

The mouth of the Ota River was the site where Hiroshima Castle would later be built. Historically, due to the low-lying and damp soil of this area, the foundation of Hiroshima Castle was unstable, leading to repeated rebuilding efforts. Tens of thousands of logs were driven into the ground to solidify the foundation. Neighboring Venice used a similar method; it was a massive project that required generations of construction and continuous maintenance.

Our seventh brother, naturally, landed on Ōmitsuri Island and also took the opportunity to pay homage to the Ōyamatsumi-no-kami at the Ōyamatsumi Shrine. He offered a tachi (a type of ancient Chinese sword) as a prayer for victory, a special offering tachi. It can also be called a divine sword or ceremonial sword, and these divine swords are specially crafted by artisans.

The entire Omishima Island was under the jurisdiction of the shrine, and outside the shrine's torii gates, there was a moat with more than eighty gates. Due to the war, almost no one came to worship, which made it convenient for the army to station there.

There's a story about this shrine worth mentioning. In 1992, the shrine was considered a "remnant of Japanese imperialism" and was set on fire by someone associated with the nuclear faction (or, according to another account, a slanderous act). Everything below the ancestral hall was destroyed.

However, these Japanese were quite inflexible. Approximately 40% of Japan's national treasures—including tachi, armor, ceremonial items, as well as other paintings, calligraphy, bronze statues, and ceramics—were preserved in the shrine without being burned. If Shichibei were alive, he would have easily burned them all, leaving no one to prove anything.

During a lull in the fighting, Shichibei had the leisure to stroll along the Shinto Path. Although his subordinates were unaware that Oda Mori had already made peace, they knew very well that the credit for the great victory could only go to Nobukatsu.

No matter who argued, it wouldn't make a difference; this was Nobunaga's arrangement. The generals, who were aware of the situation, remained quite calm and simply went on the autumn outing with Shichibei.

The weather was a bit chilly, but the sea breeze over the Seto Inland Sea wasn't too fierce. Shichibei's main castle was right on the shore of Wada, so the breeze had cleared up and he didn't feel particularly cold.

Inside the shrine, there's a pond called the "Divine Pond" where wealth is discarded. Shichibei wasn't just a feudal lord, but also the big boss of Kawamura-ya; anyone who saw this would definitely have to pay their respects. Although the money was acquired through monopolizing business rights, that doesn't stop us from "working hard."

How to make an effort? By throwing coins into the wishing well, of course!

A ten-tael gold coin is too extravagant; let's just use a normal one-tael gold coin. With a splash, a gold coin was tossed into the divine pool. The turtles in the pool were startled and darted out in a flash.

"What a clever bastard who knows how to get away!" Shichibei chuckled and cursed, then began to mutter to himself.

"Lord Ōta, surrender and you will receive 35,000 koku!" Hoida Motochika's family, through the Bingo people gathered under Ōta Mototsuna's command, finally found him.

"Thirty-five thousand koku?" Ota Motonsuna has already begun his relocation, preparing to pull off a heist at Shin-Takayama Castle.

"Not only will your family be protected, but your territory will also be increased." The messenger naturally couldn't tell Ota Motonaga that Mori Terumoto had already surrendered, and now it was just a waste of time, because the messenger didn't know that either.

I'm afraid that if I tell Ota Motonsuna, the news will leak out and ruin things.

Oda Nobuo's unparalleled achievements.

According to normal logic, if you resist the royal army, your whole family should be killed. Now, not only are your whole family spared, but you're also given 35,000 shi (a unit of grain measure). You should be secretly happy.

A normal person would simply go with the flow and kneel down. You say this is betraying Yamauchi Takamichi? Give me a break. If a feudal lord in Japan's Sengoku period claimed to have lived a completely innocent life and never betrayed anyone, he wouldn't have lived to see the end of the Genna era.

But Ōta Motonsuna, preoccupied with proving himself, was determined to earn everyone's praise for not being a coward. He refused his brother's envoy's persuasion, stating that since he had been granted the Ōta Estate in Bingo, he had a responsibility to defend it. What 35,000 koku? You pursue your wealth and status, I'll do my great work.

Please go to the sunny road to promotion and wealth, while I will go to the narrow bridge to loyalty and death for my country!

If you don't leave, don't blame me for drawing my sword. Don't talk about being brothers; last year, Hoida Motochika surrendered to Oda and was left in the Mori territory. That kinship is over.

The family slapped their thighs and shouted, "How could it have come to this? How could it have come to this?"

After his family was driven away by the Ota army, Ota Mototsuna, in order to avoid being discovered, immediately began to infiltrate the coast, taking advantage of the fact that his army consisted entirely of local people.

Upon learning that the Oda army had indeed entered Shin-Takayama Castle and dispatched troops to attack Koyama Castle, Ōta Mototsuna slightly modified his plan. This was because he had learned from the Hoida family members who had previously come to persuade him to surrender that Hoida Motochika had always been with Hideyoshi's central army. In other words, Hideyoshi had sent his trusted and core troops to attack Koyama, and the troops around him were not necessarily his elite personal guards.

He guessed correctly, except for the 10,000 cavalry that Nobunaga's own force hadn't anticipated.

Hideyoshi even sent his elite main force, including Hidenaga, north as the second wave of troops to attack Koyama Castle. Surrounding him were relatively ordinary Banshu troops and samurai, with the most powerful samurai, Bessho Nagaharu, being sent out to secure the passage.

His original plan was to send someone to infiltrate the familiar Shin-Takayama Castle, set it on fire at night, and then take advantage of the high tide to separate the Oda clan inside and outside the castle, allowing him to launch a surprise attack on the Oda army outside the castle that was not under his command.

Defeating the enemy forces and sweeping away their defeated troops, if we can launch a surprise attack and kill Oda's general, then all will be accomplished. If not, when the tide recedes the next day, we can take advantage of the demoralized state of the castle's inhabitants to attempt an attack on Shin-Takayama Castle.

Relying on those one or two "ninjas" who infiltrated the city to open the city gates would be difficult.

However, creating chaos by shouting that the Maori army had entered the city is still achievable.

In the best-case scenario, the Oda army would fall into disarray, making Shin-Takayama Castle in Heijo a much easier target during the low tide. If the Oda army did not fall into disarray, then Ōta Motonsuna would choose to flee, waiting for reinforcements from all sides. He would then try to eliminate one or two of these reinforcements, accumulating small victories into a major triumph, and turning tactical advantages into strategic advantages.