Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

A high-ranking samurai, he was Nobunaga's foot soldier commander when Hideyoshi was the lord of Sunomata Castle. If Narifumi Mochiyasu were to be killed in battle...

It will definitely be recorded as a meritorious service.

He was also known as Naritomi Juemon because he had defeated enemy generals ten times in a single month, which impressed Ryūzōji Takanobu, who then asked him to change his name to Juemon.

Shichibei then instructed Sanada Masaki to send someone to find out the list of enemy generals captured in the Battle of Dazaifu, preferably by making a copy. Usually after such a great battle, to appease the spirits of the dead, a spirit-suppressing tower would be built on the spot, or money would be offered to a nearby shrine to have them perform a ritual for the deceased.

During this process, a list of those with names will certainly be kept, and they will be specifically named for their salvation. Major enemy generals will even be given special religious names by monks before being sent to the afterlife.

Soon, Nobunaga arrived at Kumamoto Castle, and Sanada Masaki also found the list.

Regarding the list, there is indeed someone named Naritomi who was targeted, but it's not Naritomi Juemon, it's Naritomi Kai no Kami. So it's possible that the person Shichibei is looking for is still alive.

After settling Nobunaga in, Shichibei immediately asked Sanada Nobushige, Nobuyuki, Ryuzoji Takanobu, and Nabeshima Naoshige how Nobunaga had been dealt with.

The two heads of the family became monks, Ryuzoji Temple Takanobu's Buddhist title Soryū, Nabeshima Nao

Mo, whose Buddhist name was Sōchi, shaved his head and became a member of Nobunaga's inner circle. Ryūzōji Takanobu received 5,000 koku, and Nabeshima Naomo received 2,500 koku. The entire clan of retainers lived off the stipends of these two men; they were guaranteed to have enough to eat and wear, and by following Nobunaga, there was always a chance to revive their family's reputation.

It seems that Narifumi Moyasu wasn't with those two, since his family was only a foot soldier general under Ryuzoji. Quickly send someone to Saga Castle to inquire with Hachiya Yoritaka about any of the lower-ranking samurai he had recruited, if any were named Narifumi Juemon.

With clear information, the investigation was much easier. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that Narifumi Juemon, a samurai with a salary of 2,000 koku, was not someone that Hachiya Yoritaka would want, and was currently retired. He was living idly in the countryside of Hizen, and there was no word yet on his whereabouts.

They invited him over with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain).

For Shichibei to remember his name and that he was a capable administrator, Shichibei must have been quite competent; he must have been a renowned samurai in another dimension.

While observing the situation in the countryside, Narifu Moyasu was suddenly approached by the Hachiya family's Makai and the Kawamura family's attendants. Shichibei promised him a salary of 2,000 koku, which Narifu Moyasu found unbelievable.

When did my reputation end up in Kawamura Kyōjō's ears?

中?

585. Nobunaga asked me about the Three Masters.

Narifu Moyasu's current name is still Narifu Nobutane, with "Nobutane" being the "Nobutane" in Ryuzoji Takanobu. Now that Ryuzoji Takanobu is living a life of leisure in Kyoto, perhaps he could change his name.

Originally, Narifumo Yasushi had no intention of taking up an official post, since Ryūzōji Takanobu was, after all, the governor of Goshu and Ershima, and had eventually surrendered. According to custom, even if the position were changed, he would still be given a reward of ten to twenty thousand koku.

He preferred to serve Ryuzoji with 200 koku of rice rather than serve the newly arrived Hideyoshi Hashiba or Yoritaka Hachiya. As a result, Ryuzoji's retainers suffered a devastating defeat in the Battle of Dazaifu, with Mizue Fumoyo almost completely wiped out.

The Ryuzoji clan couldn't even muster a decent group of retainers. Even if Nobunaga were willing to restore Takanobu to his daimyo status, he would struggle to govern the territory. It was virtually impossible for Narifumi Mochiyasu to serve the Ryuzoji clan again. At this time, the Kawamura clan's invitation to recruit him arrived.

Historically, during the division of Kyushu into major provinces, Kato Kiyomasa once offered Naritomi Moroyasu a stipend of 10,000 koku. Naritomi Moroyasu stated that he was a retainer of the Ryuzoji family and that even with such a meager salary, he could not easily betray his lord. He resolutely refused Kato Kiyomasa's offer and returned to his hometown to manage flood control and cultivate new fields.

Later, Nabeshima Naoshige and his son Katsushige, with a mere 40,000 koku, swallowed up 357,000 koku of the Hizen Saga Domain. Narutomi Moyasu was then appointed by Nabeshima Katsushige as a rank-1 shishi (a high-ranking officer).

These can be understood as "retainers" (or "chieftains"). The Saga Domain had approximately 18-20 samurai families that were at least "set-up" (or higher) in rank. Those even higher were limited to the Nabeshima three families and the Ryuzoji four families.

Now, Shichibei knelt before Shichibei, who was observing him, and he was observing Shichibei in turn. He had heard of Shichibei's legendary name; as one of the most prominent merchants in the land, and also serving as a chief retainer and patriarch of the Oda clan, Kawamura Nagayoshi was a truly legendary figure.

It is said that Kawamura Nagayoshi was just a horse groom in Owari in his early years, but in just twenty years, he became the lord of a country, accompanying Nobunaga's unification of Japan and ruling Higo with a staggering 570,000 koku of rice.

He had expected him to be a heroic warrior, or at least a shrewd strategist, but to his utter surprise, the man standing before Cheng Fumao was a much shorter, unremarkable, and thin man.

You can't judge a book by its cover, and you can't measure the sea with a bushel.

Shichibei, on the other hand, strolled leisurely, his demeanor calm and natural. "I've seen plenty of samurai with far greater reputations than a mere Narifumi Moyasu like you. Shichibei even has his own 'Kawamura Ryobei'..."

Regardless of how the world ultimately unfolds, the reputation of the "Seven Spears of Iigake" will certainly not be small.

The long-demystified Shichibei didn't hesitate at all when he chopped down Shimazu Toshihisa. He chopped him down, so what?

Many famous figures from the Sengoku period died because of Shichibei, and many others survived because of him. Recruiting Tomio Yasushi is simply hiring a local from Hizen. It will be convenient for him to be appointed as the Nagasaki Magistrate's Deputy and to manage the Ōmura territory.

"Does Juemon know where he will serve after arriving?" Shichibei, as the lord, spoke first.

"I don't know yet." Cheng Fumaoan genuinely didn't know and humbly accepted the instruction.

"He was appointed as the acting magistrate of Ōmura and the acting magistrate of Nagasaki." A samurai with a salary of 2,000 koku was qualified to serve as the magistrate of a district.

Back when Shichibei served as the governor of Kaito District, he didn't yet receive a stipend of 2,000 koku. Nobunaga simply assigned him small foot soldiers to strengthen his samurai ranks and facilitate his governance. With a stipend of 2,000 koku, Naritomi Moroyasu probably wouldn't have needed so many small foot soldiers assigned to him.

"I'm new here, and I've already been given such an important position!" Narifu Moan was a little incredulous. He had no connection with Shichibei whatsoever, yet he'd been appointed as a high-ranking official right away.

It's unbelievable that this is a high-ranking official.

"So what? Just the day before Sanada Hyōbu-jō was appointed my attendant, he fought me to the death." Shichibei turned and glanced at Sanada Masaki.

Sanada Masaki was also helpless. He rushed to the aid of Takeda Katsuyori and entered Iwadono Castle to hold it. Because Oyamada Nobushige rebelled, he fought desperately with Katsuyori to escape, but was captured after exhausting himself and was about to be beheaded. Shichibei showed leniency, pleaded for them, and paid their ransom. He had been sold to Shichibei for three years, but three years after three years, he actually managed to become a senior retainer of the Kawamura family.

"My lord, please don't mention it, please don't mention it." Sanada Masaki quickly gave an awkward laugh.

"What's the big deal?" Shichibei laughed. "It's all about serving the emperor. If you fight to the last moment and do your best, then you are a loyal subject. There's nothing more to say."

"Such a thing is true..." After listening to Sanada Masaaki's brief explanation, Narifu Moyasu was somewhat convinced. There really was such a monarch who trusted his people completely.

"How is it?" Shichibei didn't intend to waste any more words. Two thousand koku of rice to recruit you as the governor of Hitoshi County was a very high price.

"I am willing to serve my lord." They've said it so frankly; it would be ungrateful not to accept.

Since Narifumo Yasushi had already lost his master, it was an unexpected stroke of luck for someone to offer him 2,000 koku as a ronin who had left his homeland.

"Take office immediately!" Nobunaga was in the castle, and soon five thousand men were to be sent to Ōmura to take over Nagasaki and protect the newly built temples and shrines.

"I have a favor to ask." You should make a request when your boss needs you. If you don't make it now, it's either too late to make it later, or it won't be effective anymore.

"The prefectural officials still need to work together with us." Cheng Fumao'an, a man of two thousand shi (a unit of grain), also had twenty or thirty retainers, and could lead eighty men into battle.

However, twenty or thirty samurai probably couldn't manage a large village of 60,000 people, so Shichibei hoped that Shichibei would contribute some extra salary to assign him a strong and loyal ally.

To put it bluntly, with the Ryuzoji family gone, the new lord only accepted lower-ranking samurai with stipends below 100 koku, and most of the higher-salaried samurai were barred from serving. He needed to seize this opportunity to rally his fellow townsmen.

First, I need to find a job to keep me busy. If the opportunity arises later, I can take a position in another family. For now, I'll receive a salary from the Kawamura family; that's enough to make a living.

"Torohide, add a thousand men to support Juemon." Shichibei nodded.

Don't dwell on this.

To put it bluntly, it's just hiring temporary workers who receive a salary and have relatively free time to come and go. It can also be seen as an effort to stabilize the situation in Hizen, and to bring out another batch of samurai who originally earned two or three hundred koku or three or five hundred koku to serve as allies in Ōmura Castle.

"Thank you very much."

With one matter settled, Shichibei felt a great sense of relief. With locals now in charge of governing Ōmura and Nagasaki, many responsibilities could be relieved. Nobunaga was also in the castle at that moment, waiting for Shimazu Tadatsumi to organize his army to escort him into Satsuma for his inspection.

Although Shimazu Tadatsumi had already become Oda's son-in-law and had in fact rebelled against Shimazu Yoshihisa to become the governor of Satsuma and Ōsumi provinces, theoretically he shouldn't have any security issues. However, Shichibei still wanted to ask Nobunaga whether it was appropriate to have Tōdō Takatora lead 5,000 men to protect Nobunaga.

Once the goods were delivered to Ito Yuhei, Shichibei felt relieved. Ito Yuhei had only regained his former territory thanks to Nobunaga, and he loved Nobunaga to death. Moreover, his father, Ito Yoshisuke, had already gone to Kyoto to serve as Nobunaga's retainer. With him as his protector, Shichibei felt more at ease.

When Nobunaga arrived at Kumamoto Castle, he suddenly asked about the Takamori family after the deaths of Takamori Korenao and his son, Koreki. Shichibei then told him that a woman from a collateral branch of the Takamori family had been chosen to marry Takamori Kashiwagi.

He became the adopted son-in-law of Takamori Yuki and inherited the Takamori family line.

Nobunaga bluntly stated that since such a loyal retainer had descendants, three thousand koku was far too meager. He suggested sending someone to inquire whether the Takamori family was willing to leave their former territory, and if so, he would offer them ten thousand koku to settle their affairs.

I understand, it's about winning over the hearts of the people of Kyushu.

When you arrive in a new territory, you need a corresponding plan. In Hizen, you had to cut out Karabul's tongue; in Higo, you had to richly reward the loyal and righteous Takamori family.

Needless to say, Takamori Koreichi, the new heir of the Takamori family, agreed to accept Nobunaga's arrangements after discussing with his clan's followers. The main reason was that Takamori Korechika, the most steadfast defender of Takamori Castle, had died in battle, and Nobunaga was willing to offer them at least 10,000 koku of rice. If they didn't leave, it would be disrespectful to Nobunaga.

You say that this is betraying God? Of course not.

The Takamori family is no longer a vassal of the Aso family; the Aso family, a powerful daimyo during the Sengoku period, has been wiped out. Now, only the Aso Ōmiyaji family, a priest family, remains. Not only the Takamori family, but also the Kai family has been separated and become vassals of the Kawamura family.

So Nobunaga directly took over the Takamori family and made them his own.

As for where the mother's clothes will ultimately be placed, it will probably depend on Nobunaga's own decision.

Although the Takamori family left their hometown where they had fought for hundreds of years, they went directly to the top platform in all of Japan. Since the country was not yet unified, their family still had the opportunity to "soar like dragons and phoenixes".

"There's one more thing." Nobunaga walked very slowly, he was indeed getting old. In the past, Shichibei had to jog to keep up with him.

"Please give your instructions."

"Sanboshi, what do you think should be done?" Then Nobunaga suddenly mentioned Oda Nobutada's eldest son, Sanboshi.

In this world, Oda Nobutada married Takeda Matsuhime, the daughter of Takeda Shingen, at a young age. Soon after their marriage, they had Oda Sanboshi. When Nobutada died in battle, Sanboshi was only nine years old and naturally could not inherit any high position. He could only live a simple life with Takeda Matsuhime.

Nobutada's own retainers were either taken over by Nobunaga or by Oda Nobuharu and his son, who later took control of the Nakano-Kana Domain. Oda Sanboshi also had no retainers to rely on.

Two more years have passed, and Oda Sanboshi is now twelve years old (by the traditional Chinese age reckoning). In theory, Nobunaga could come of age for him, begin paving the way for him, and establish a group of retainers.

As the legitimate son of Oda Nobutada and Takeda Matsuhime, Nobunaga valued Nobutada highly. Although his son was far inferior to him, Nobunaga still had feelings and memories of Nobutada.

Forget about getting another million koku for Oda Nobukatsu, but a personal domain of two or three hundred thousand koku is still an option. Nobutaka and Nobusumi are at the level of three hundred thousand koku, which ensures their status as lords of a province without giving them the power to rebel and challenge Oda Nobukatsu.

The highest rank the three magistrates could attain was 300,000 koku; it couldn't be higher. While Nobunaga still had the upper hand, we should help him secure his territory. Once Nobunaga was gone, Nobukatsu might not be willing to give his beloved nephew 300,000 koku.

"Actually, it would be best to be adopted into his family." Seeing that Nobunaga asked so sincerely, Shichibei answered sincerely as well.

"Hiss..." Whether it was because he hadn't thought of it or because he felt it was impossible, Nobunaga actually took a breath in silence.

Because the direct line of the Oda clan has now passed to Oda Nobukatsu's branch, Oda Sanboshi's position is actually quite awkward. Although his father was the genuine head of the Oda clan, and had held that position for several years, theoretically he should be the heir to the Oda clan's headship, but in reality, he is not.

Such ambiguous and complicated relationships would sow the seeds of trouble in any country. Rather than letting trouble explode in the future and cause unrest in the Oda clan, it would be better to send Oda Sanboshi to a daimyo and have him become someone else's adopted son.

In this way, the Three Monks would have both a territory of two or three hundred thousand koku and be free from the Oda clan. Even Oda Nobukatsu would feel at ease and would find the Three Monks much more agreeable.

Hachiya Yoritaka didn't have a son the other day, and neither did Sasa Narimasa. His only son died in battle, and now the whole family has daughters.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to give the three Oda monks 100,000 koku of rice to Sasa Narimasa in Toyama, Etchu?

Sasa Narimasa was a loyal and senior retainer of the Oda clan. Since he had no sons but had daughters, he was practically the perfect match for Oda Sanboshi.

"My lord?" Shichibei noticed that Nobunaga seemed somewhat conflicted.

"Should I be adopted into his family?" Hmm, Nobunaga is really torn. What's going on?

“Sassa Nagasuke happens to have no legitimate son.” Sassa Narimasa and Maeda Toshiie Toshinaga are currently launching a fierce attack on Shiina Kagenao’s Uozu Castle.

Once the battle is won, Sassa Narimasa will be granted an additional fiefdom, perfect, exactly 200,000 koku. Neither too much nor too little, a perfect opportunity to place Oda Nobunaga's three masters in power.

"Oh dear, let me think about it some more." Nobunaga didn't respond; clearly, Shichibei's answer wasn't the one he was most looking forward to.

and many more!

A sudden alarm bell rang in Shichibei's mind: Could Nobunaga be planning to send the three Oda Hoshinos to Kanto, emulating the pattern of one principality in the east and one in the west, eventually leading to a direct conflict between the two sides?

"My lord, you must be vigilant and not forget the threat posed by the Ashikaga East and West Dukes." With this thought in mind, Shichibei quickly added.

"How could that be!" Nobunaga immediately denied.

Thankfully, Nobunaga was wise enough not to resort to such flashy tactics. Had he acted recklessly, Japan might have faced another war between the east and west in the future.

It's likely that Nobunaga still wanted to keep the three Oda monks within the Oda framework, serving as the chief scribes of the Oda clan's close relatives. That's why he was so conflicted.

The position of head of the vassal state should be held by Oda Nobuhiro and his son. To avoid any future trouble, it would be best to give the child away.