Legend of the Oda

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1543 Kipposhi the fool
Nobuhide arrived at Masahide's study. Masahide greeted his lord and asked what he needed.
"I came to collect Kipposhi. I'm taking him to see that play."
Masahide smiled and replied, "Splendid, he's reading with Kiyohide at the moment. I'll fetch him."
Masahide left to get Kipposhi. But he quickly exclaimed his shock when he discovered Kiyohide tied and bound. Kipposhi was nowhere to be seen. Masahide untied and shook Kiyohide. Nobuhide came immediately and watched as Kiyohide came to. Masahide frantically asked.
"Who did this? Where have they Taken the young Lord?"
Kiyohide apologized and explained.
"I tried to get him to read Heiki, but he wanted to go swimming. I threatened to inform you and ….."
Masahide interrupted. "He knocked you out, tied you up, and ran away….."
Kiyohide acknowledged his failure, and Masahide scolded him.
"My lord, for this failure, I'll gladly take mine and my son's lives!"
Nobuhide looked tiredly at him.
"Let's not overreact! Kipposhi is to blame. We both know he is a reckless fool."
Masahide apologized.
"Even Sir Soteki Asakura has come to know Kipposhi as the Fool of Owari. My young student's reputation and nickname is my biggest shame."
Nobuhide comforted him.
"Don't be so hard on yourself. Surely you can see the looming potential that kid exudes. Even as a foolish child, he's brilliant and tactical. I know where he is, I'll collect him there. No harm is done. I don’t blame you for his poor attitude. That's my blood coursing through his veins. Don't worry; he'll grow out of it once he's wed. I'll be off now. I'll bring the boy back in the morning."
Meanwhile, Kipposhi organized a system with the locals at the river where some would jump in the water, and the others would wrangle the fish with nets. Nobuhide observed from a distance before approaching him.
"So why did you skip out on your studies? Just to fish with peasants?"
Kipposhi calmly explained. "Please understand, I don't want to learn about people that died 300 years ago. I'm alive now; I want to do things. I want to see the whole world. Not just our territory. And these people were having trouble feeding themselves. I simply found a better method than they were using. Now they are doing much better."
Nobuhide smiled and thought to himself. "This boy doesn't realize his incredible potential yet. When he does, will Owari still have a use for me?"
Nobuhide told Kipposhi, "Come with me. I know you have strong feelings about dead people, but there's something I want you to learn. It's about our ancestors, the Taira clan. Before the Oda branch existed, the Taira were loyal and powerful imperial ministers."
Kipposhi knew better than to resist his father; he waved goodbye to the fishermen and followed his father.
1543 Atsumori
Kipposhi asked his father.
"Why is this play so important to you?"
Nobuhide stopped walking and turned to Kipposhi.
"It's important to our family. Atsumori was a young warrior from our clan. During the Genpei War, he was killed by the Minamoto. This play takes place after his death. His ghost returned and confronted his killer Naozane. Naozane had become a monk and prayed for Atsumori. Naozane thought it was the right thing to kill Atsumori. Atsumori returned in disguise and told his perspective. He demands Naozane reenact his deed. Naozane, in guilt and shame, refused, even if it costs his own life. Atsumori declared Naozane was no longer his enemy and asked for a favor. Naozane prayed for his release. You see, his murder so burdened Atsumori that he couldn't rest. After making peace, he could.
Kipposhi was confused. He asked, "You just told me the whole play! Why would I want to watch it now?"
Nobuhide responded.
"Because seeing it is completely different from hearing it told. Atsumori in disguise, the singing, the dance. You will embrace the tragedy our clan of loyalists endured just to defend the court and the emperor! You have to embrace history to overcome it. My son, you will one day surpass me and achieve things I could only dream of. That will not happen if you remain a fool."
Kipposhi looked bitterly at his father.
"Perhaps I'm the only one that isn't a fool. Perhaps you're all fools!"
Nobuhide raised his hands.
"I would slap my other sons or any of my men for suggesting I'm a fool. But perhaps you are right. I don't understand you; I don't think anyone does. That's why you're going to do great things. Now come, or we could miss the Genpei act."
As they watched the play, Kipposhi became inspired. Especially by one in particular.
"In truth, this world is not eternally inhabited
It is more transient than dewdrops on the leaves of grass or the moon reflected in the water.
After reciting the poetry of flower at Kanaya, all glory is now left with the wind of impermanence.
Those who leisurely play with the moon of the southern tower now hide in the cloud of Sankhara.
Human life lasts only 50 years, contrast human life with life of Geten. It is but a dream and an illusion.
Once they are given life from god, there is no such thing that doesn't perish.
Unless we consider this a seed of awakening, it is a grievous truth indeed."
Kipposhi would remember this - he would often recite it when he worried as it seemed to calm him.
However, Nobuhide wasn't the only parent in Owari.
1543: A monster in the making
An explosion in the residence of Kazumasu Takigawa shook the ground.
Kazumasu shouted, "What the hell just happened?"
A servant informed him.
"I see, my son was born with terrible power. Kill the boy. We can't risk a monster like that growing up or the sake of Owari and lord Nobuhide."
Three samurai left the room and entered what remained, which was destroyed when it was born. The oldest samurai unsheathed his katana and plunged it downward at the infant. A blast of ki shattered the blade. A ki field protected the child's body; the infant wept and again. Ki blast shot out like small bombs. One struck and killed the assailant. The other two men fled back to lord Takigawa. After reporting the incident, lord Takigawa sighed.
"If we can't kill him, we must seal him. Send for sealing expert Gon Takenaka in Inabayama Castle. Offer the child as a token of goodwill to the Viper Dosan. Masahide had a tea ceremony with the Asakura…. I offer my child to the Saito. It looks as if that wicked hell spawn of mine will be of some use to me after all."
With that, Kazumasu, as a Takigawa, gave away his son Yumemaru. He would have no idea the incredible story he had set in motion. His son would live life as an unloved slave, a powerless fool, a scorned monster, and even a hero. However, Kazumasu would not be a part of it at all. The fact is Keiji Maeda would never know his father.
1543 Purchased
Nobuhide Oda and Kazumasa Takigawa were certainly not the only fathers in the land. In Mikawa, Hirotada Matsudaira was awakened to bad news.
"My lord, some of our men have gone rogue! To celebrate lord Motoyasu's birth, Tadatsugu Sakai and Tadataka Honda have gathered a force to invade the Oda."
Hirotada was surprised.
"Why would they leave on their own volition? These fools could be the death of us."
Just then, another messenger rushed in.
"Lord Matsudaira! Nobutada Matsudaira has raised an Oda banner, and his troops are coming this way."
Hirotada was terrified.
"My uncle has come for my head! This is the end. Perhaps it would be easiest to commit seppuku….."
A third messenger arrived soon after.
"My lord, new report! A single warrior has intercepted Nobutada's men at the gate. It's lord Kuro, who has single-handedly repelled the enemy!"
Hirotada still had a guardian angel. Kuro was an unrivaled spearman using a narrow entrance to his advantage; he held the coup at bay until Heihachi Honda, Sadaharu Aoki and Masayoshi Naruse arrived with the main force. Hirotada was safe, but the same couldn't be said about his rogue force.
At Nagoya Castle, Katsuie Shibata led the defense with his officers Kazumasu Takigawa and Yoshinari Mori. Using Sunogumo, Katsuie ensnared the invaders with a sandstorm. Everyone on Katsuie's side had covered their faces with a light, see-through cloth. This allowed them to dominate on the battlefield. Kazumasu and Yoshinari had both become adept swordsmen and easily dispatched their enemies. In the heat of battle, the enemy commander would challenge Katsuie.
"Come and face Tadataka Honda! I am The Tonbokiri!"
Katsuie fearlessly charged at him, yelling
"I am Katsuie Shibata! The only wielder of two Onika!"
Their clash was brief, and Tadataka was quickly wounded. He managed to escape, but in doing so, destroyed his army's morale.
Tadatsugu attempted to dress his wounds.
"Damn it, let me heal you! They have us cornered. We need a counterattack to escape. I need your help."
Tadataka handed him the Tonbokiri.
"Sakai, give this spear to my brother. Tell him to train my son. I wanted a victory so bad I never imagined the price of defeat. I'm going to distract them. Take that opportunity to flee. Don't let the Tonbokiri fall to the Oda. Protect the Matsudaira clan."
Tadataka charged the Oda line and sacrificed himself to clear a path for the Matsudaira escape. When Tadatsugu Sakai returned, he rushed to Hirotada Matsudaira.
"My Lord, our raid has failed. Tadataka was killed."
Heihachi Honda interrupted.
"You fools! My brother has lost his life due to your impulses. Why would you idiots ride into Oda lands?"
Tadatsugu was confused. "Tadataka said Lord Matsudaira ordered the raid!...?"
Meanwhile, in Nagoya Castle, Nobuhide and Masahide held a meeting.
"You see, Hiro, men of the Matsudaira are easily purchased. The raid trap and Nobutada's rebellion were successful. This is useful information; in a single night, I have crippled the Matsudaira clan."
1547 Lady Oichi
In 1545, Dosan Saito tricked Nobuhide Oda into an attempted siege. However, Dosan set up many false pits and archers, killing many of Nobuhide's men. Nobuhide would bide his time for the next two years. He had a tough decision to make. A full force conquest of Mino, or an alliance with the Viper. While in his study, looking over his maps, Masahide Hirate would join him. Nobuhide glanced at Masahide, knowing he brought an update.
Masahide gave his report.
"Nobuhide, I bring wonderful news. Your wife has given birth to the sweetest baby girl in all of Owari! Would you like to see her?"
Nobuhide scoffed.
"I didn't even know we were expecting another child…. have her raised properly. She will marry that brute Katsuie in time. That kid is impressive in battle and of Shiba stock. With a marriage of my child to the Shibata, I could bloodlessly become the Shugo."
Masahide's eyes lost their light as he asked.
"My lord.. are you so concerned in politics you don't even have time for your daughter?"
Nobuhide sighed.
"Hiro, I'm sorry, but I'm sure I'll see her around. After all, I have to be around when she gets married."
Masahide silently pitied Nobuhide and his children. Later that day, Masahide would meet with Toshimasa Maeda.
"Lord Maeda, how are things at your castle? I hope you and yours are adapting well."
Toshimasa laughed, looked at the floor, and said, "You know I spent years trying to earn a castle of my own. Now that I have one, I realized I never wanted one. Upkeep, servants, troops, and worst of all, the anxiety of enemy raids. Especially the Saito, I hate to rush him. But, has lord Oda decided on Saito yet?"
Masahide looked sternly and replied.
"Tomorrow, lord Nobuhide and young lord Kipposhi will ride to Inabayama Castle to meet with the Viper."
1547 Into the Viper's den
Nobuhide stood face to face with Dosan Saito. The two Daimyo glared suspiciously at one another. Dosan broke the silence.
"You're bolder than I gave you credit for. I never expected you and your son to walk into my home. Yet here you are. I see you wear a sword at each hip. Tell me, if I turned my men on you, would two swords be enough?"
Nobuhide responded quickly.
"Just this sword, the other is sealed away. But I know you can't assassinate me. Why do you think I'm here? Come on then, your son and my daughter. We become kin, peace of mind for Mino and Owari."
Dosan sneered.
"How can there be peace in Mino? Certainly not as long as you hold Ogaki Castle! I don't forget that you and Asakura stole my castle and two Onika. Will you make that right?"
Nobuhide clenched his teeth.
"In the name of peace, I would consider giving up Ogaki Castle. However, if you mentioned the forfeiture of Sir Shibata or his Onika…. I won't hesitate to cut my way out of here. As for Kipposhi, he may be a fool. He is a demon with a blade too. Like you, he doesn't value honor, and thus his swordplay is a sight to behold. Now Dosan, let me ask. Are you willing to accept my deal?"
Dosan smiled.
"Perhaps in another era, we could have been friends…. but I will accept your deal. Ogaki Castle is the key to Omi. Omi is my key to Kyoto. However, I won’t be giving you my heir Yoshitatsu. His wife has been decided. In two years, your heir will wed my daughter Kicho. This isn't negotiable."
Nobuhide thought to himself. "Damn that crafty snake; I have to accept the deal he wants. He thinks he's going to outlive me. He wants to manipulate Kipposhi when I'm gone…. fool. He doesn't realize how much potential that boy holds. I'll accept his terms. Now I can focus on the Imagawa."
Nobuhide accepted the deal. With that, he and Kipposhi left. Now that he was to marry, Kipposhi was given the name Nobunaga Oda.
1549 Lady No
After returning to Owari, Nobunaga was given control of Nagoya Castle. Nobuhide had a new castle built in Suemori and would rule from there.
Two years later, in 1549, it was time for Nobunaga to marry Lady Kicho. Dosan Saito and Nobuhide were now linked by marriage. However, this wasn't the Viper's plan.
After the wedding, the new couple settled in Nobunaga's bedroom. The entire day, lady Kicho was nervous. This was something Nobunaga took note of. Nobunaga waited as she approached him. He then looked at her and asked.
"How do you plan to do it?"
Kicho's face grew red as she wasn't ready for that manner of question.
Nobunaga laughed.
"Not your marital obligation…. Your father has no doubt instructed you to kill me. Makes sense here on our wedding night. I can't imagine a more opportune chance. I'm underdressed and unarmed. Not to mention, I dismissed my guards. So how do you plan to do it? Poison, perhaps you have a hidden blade. I'd love to know where you have harbored such a weapon."
Kicho was surprised this man, regarded across the land as a fool, was able to predict her father's plan perfectly. She exposed a dagger strapped to her inner thigh.
"You are correct, my lord. My father instructed me to kill you for the good of Mino. Now that you know the truth, will you call your guards?"
Nobunaga smiled.
"No, lady of Mino. If you truly deem me unworthy, then kill me. Human life is but fifty years. To prolong it is pointless. I won't force you into a marriage you aren't satisfied with. So Lady No, what will you choose? I can sense you are conflicted. Surely you remain loyal to your father."
She smiled and grabbed the Sekanso, then slowly approached Nobunaga.
"Lady No….clever. Lady of Mino, I like it. Now, as for my choice."
Lady No stepped over him, then kneeled, Sekanso in hand. She looked into his eyes and saw no fear even as she brought the blade down. The room was silent for a moment.
"Is this your answer to me?"
The blade was next to his face. He looked up at his wife in silence, and moments after, they shared a passionate kiss.
Nobunaga let her know.
"I will tell you this much: if you don't kill me here today, in time, Mino will be mine. This whole land will belong to me! Is that something you can live with?"
Lady No smiled.
"I can see it in your eyes. You are not a Daimyo! You are a king. If that's so, then I'll be your queen. I'd gladly follow you to hell and back if needed. But know this - if you falter, I'll be the one to kill you. I don't care if Mino and the world belong to you. As long as you belong to me!"
1549 Loose ends
After the marriage, Nobuhide started to fortify Ansho Castle. Hirotada Matsudaira, knowing conflict was imminent, sent his son to be mentored by Yoshimoto Imagawa. In exchange, Yoshimoto would send reinforcements when the time came. However, this plan wouldn't go as expected.
A messenger arrived at Sunpu Castle.
"Lord Imagawa, I bring a troublesome report! The Matsudaira men escorting Hirotada's heir have joined the Oda clan. The boy is now an Oda hostage."
Yoshimoto was enraged and called on his uncle, Sessai Taigen.
"That bastard continues to interfere with my plans. I need that Matsudaira boy. He is the key to Mikawa. I want you to meet with Hirotada. The time has come. He is now a liability."
Sessai nodded and made preparations to visit Mikawa.
Meanwhile, in Okazaki Castle, Nobuhide's envoy arrived with a simple demand.
"Surrender to the Oda, or I will kill your son."
Hirotada quickly responded.
"Lord Imagawa has protected us from the Oda since my father's death. My loyalty will forever remain with Lord Imagawa. Kill the boy! In doing so, you will prove my undying loyalty to the Imagawa clan! There will be no further negotiations."
As the Oda envoy departed, Sessai Taigen arrived and made haste for Hirotada.
Sometime later, in Suemori Castle, Nobuhide would receive Hirotada's response.
"Damn that stubborn fool! The boy is now useless to me. I suppose I will send him to Nobunaga for the time being. Make preparations for our upcoming fight with the Imagawa."
That night, Hirotada grew ill, and Sessai wished him a speedy recovery. That wish would go ungranted. Hirotada Matsudaira passed away the following morning.
Lacking leadership, Yoshimoto would have Sessai Taigen oversee Mikawa until Motoyasu could be recovered. Yoshimoto swore to return young Motoyasu and destroy the Oda clan.
1549 The Viper's plan
Dosan received a very upsetting letter. His daughter informed him she would not be taking Nobunaga's life. This infuriated him, as he needed that assassination to invade Owari.
Now he was forced into a truce with the Oda clan. Dosan couldn't figure out how a fool like Nobunaga had seduced his smartest daughter Kicho. He had heard many stories of Nobunaga the fool. A man who was constantly late to appointments. The fool who dressed casually and spoke informally no matter the occasion. Dosan decided to meet with Nobunaga to see if perhaps there was something more to his son-in-law. So it was that he set up a meeting with him.
Masahide Hirate informed Nobunaga of Dosan's planned meeting.
"Young master, please don't insult your father-in-law. He is a very important man. We need this truce to last so your father can focus on the Imagawa. Especially now with the Mikawa situation. I need you to promise me you'll behave yourself."
Nobunaga sneered at him.
"Old man, do you not trust me? What kind of fool would embarrass himself in front of his father-in-law?"
Masahide sighed and brought up a recent incident.
"Do you remember when lord Asakura came to congratulate you? You've grown to be such a brilliant young man, but you have no impulse control. Sometimes you have to act in ways you don't want to. Sometimes people's opinions are important."
Nobunaga smiled and walked away without a word.
Masahide sighed.
"Oh, lord Nobuhide, where did I go wrong with your heir?"
Dosan purposefully arrived late and casually dressed for their meeting. His plan in its entirety was to make Nobunaga feel more comfortable with him. So he arrived exactly as he expected Nobunaga. When he arrived, he was mortified. Nobunaga was formally dressed and had arrived early for their meeting.
Nobunaga called out to the Viper.
"Lord Saito, What is the meaning of this? First, you've kept me waiting all this time, and now you arrive, dressed like you are home alone? Have they no sense for time or fashion in Mino?"
Both Nobunaga's men and Dosan's escorts made a big effort not to laugh at the Viper. Dosan was embarrassed, angry, and impressed with his son-in-law. He thought to himself. "He was this prepared? He made me the fool! I can see that this boy is something special. Perhaps this alliance has some merit after all."
From that day forward, Dosan would frequently visit Nobunaga. He would grow to admire him more than any of his sons. This would build tension between himself and his sons, with one relationship deteriorating more than the others. His son Yoshitatsu would grow to hate both his father and Nobunaga more than anything. This would gain him support in Mino.
1550  Foundation of the Saika
Sadayo Suzuki, the Daimyo of the Suzuki clan in Kii, learned of a new weapon from Kyushu.
"Very impressive to have the ability to shoot fire and metal without an Onika. This weapon is from a foreigner washed up in Tanegashima? It would take years before these could get mass-produced. I must go speak with Junsho Tsutsui."
So, he brought his impressive new weapon to a master smith named Junsho Tsutsui.
"That's right, old man. I need a thousand of these by the end of the year. I'm going to change the world with them. But I also need you to mimic the Tanegashima with this."
He held in his hand a metal rod resembling a gun barrel. Junsho asked.
"Is that the Saika?"
Sadayu smiled and nodded in affirmation. Junsho responded, "I'll add stock and make it as close as possible. Too bad I can't bore it out to increase the authenticity.  But it will look and feel like one of these... What are they called?"
Sadayu pondered for a short time then blurted.
"BOOM STICKS!"
Junsho laughed and suggested, “How about Tanegashima? It's simple enough.”.
Sadayu grunted.
"I suppose I gave you the impossible task to reproduce them; you may name them too."
Junsho laughed at him.
"Dear boy, trust me, it isn't hard to recreate these. Your only problem is how you will get this black powder that makes it all possible? A man from the Hosokawa in Shikoku has been visiting. Kuroshitsuji, his Onika, can produce the powder. He is willing to make us as much as we need, and best of all, he's trading for rice and salt in our favor. Hisahide, that man, may certainly be bigger than he implies. I'd say he could have a serious effect on this land. He is very crafty, and he constantly adapts to his situation. I can see how he looks around a room - he is planning non-stop. A mind like that must be a serious burden. At any rate, he is on our side."
Within a year, the Tsutsui provided a thousand Tanegashima. In exchange, they were given The Tanegashima and a promise to repeat business. The Suzuki clan was about to guarantee that.
Sadayu only commanded 1200 troops. The Fuse clan just south of him had an army of 4000 men. Sadayu staged a daring plan, and 200 men charged towards the Fuse. Fuse scouts immediately saw his camp set up outside of Saika, and by the time Sadayu arrived, lord Yoshitaka Fuse waited with a force of 3000 men. The Suzuki raid had failed, and Sadayu fled, but their retreat was slow. Yoshitaka wasn't going to let Sadayu escape. He ordered his force to pursue the Suzuki and exterminate them. Sadayu arrived at a crudely constructed wooden fence.
Yoshitaka laughed.
"Fool, this fence won't save you!"
Sadayu snapped, and 1000 men, armed with muskets, approached the fence. Yoshitaka scorned him.
"Sticks!? You're going to fight my army with a fence and sticks?"
Sadayu then smiled and yelled to open fire on Yoshitaka, who was hit with twenty shots and fell dead off his horse. The same fate was bestowed upon many of his troops. Yoshitaka and his two oldest sons died in the first volley. His last son Hisaharu attempted to flee. Sadayu got prone on one knee and shot him off his horse. Leaderless and confused, the larger army was child's play for the Suzuki. While celebrating their victory in the Fuse lands, Sadayu declared.
"We are no longer the Suzuki army! From this day forward, we are the Saika mercenaries! I shall take the name Magoichi Saika, and together we will be an army for hire."
The Suzuki would become very successful mercenaries.
1551 Yoshimoto marches
It was a peaceful night. Nobuhiro Oda was drinking and talking to his advisors when a messenger rushed in.
"My lord, I bring urgent news! Yoshimoto Imagawa has led a massive force into our borders! Both forts have already fallen. Ansho Castle is soon to be surrounded!"
One of Nobuhiro's men, Nobumori Sakuma, rose.
"Lord Nobuhiro, I need to get us reinforcements!"
Nobuhiro crossed his arms.
"Nobumori….You'll die if you leave the castle. The risk is too high."
Nobumori looked at Nobuhiro.
"My lord, if we don't get reinforcements, everyone in this castle will die."
Nobuhiro knew he spoke the truth and sent him on his way. Nobumori made a daring escape from Mikawa and alerted Nobuhide in Suemori Castle. Nobuhide sent word to Nobunaga and Toshimasa Maeda to gather their forces and head to Ansho Castle immediately.
Toshimasa Maeda would be the first army on the scene. He engaged Sessai Taigen's forces near Ansho Castle. The second on the scene was Nobuhide; his troops would start to repel the Imagawa main force. The Imagawa main force outnumbered Nobuhide's unit three to one. Nobuhide needed reinforcements desperately. Just when it seemed his right-wing was going to crumble….
A wave of molten rock sprayed the Imagawa line.
"Sir Shibata! Nobunaga must be here! I knew he wasn't going to let me down."
Nobuhiro watched as Nobunaga split his forces. His resentment for his younger brother got the better of him, and he ordered his men to open the gates and join the battle.
"Nobunaga, you think you're so great? I'll show you true leadership."
With that, Nobuhiro's forces began to push the Imagawa from the castle walls. At the same time, Katsuie Shibata started to do major damage to the Imagawa's left. Kazumasu Takigawa and Yoshinari Mori were faced with a powerful obstacle on the right.
Nobutora Takeda, The Giant of Kai!
Nobutora was a powerful enemy, able to throw a fully armored man an incredible distance. Meanwhile, in Azukizaka, Toshimasa Maeda was proving to be a perfect match for Sessai Taigen.  The Bankaze repelled all of Sessai's darts, making them a hazard for the Imagawa troops.
As such, without their trump card, Sessai soon ordered a regroup. Nobuhide and Nobunaga worked together to cut a path through the Imagawa's center. Yoshimoto would personally ride to meet them. Nobuhide, seeing the enemy commander, ordered his men to stand down. Yoshimoto called for a similar cease-fire. The two men circled each other on horseback. Nobuhide spoke first.
"So here he is, the great schemer of the Imagawa. I imagined you'd be bigger."
Yoshimoto grimaced menacingly at him.
"My father's murderer, I imagined you'd be older. Curious that you aren't wielding the blade that claimed his life. Are you so terrified of it? I’ll tell you what; I'll make you a deal. Return me the Matsudaira brat and give me the Onikage, and I'll spare your life."
Nobuhide was infuriated by this provocation.
"Foolish boy, I don't need the Onikage to deal with a rat-like yourself!"
Nobuhide charged at him. However, Yoshimoto had expected it and parried his attack. The force of his blade knocked Nobuhide from his horse.  Yoshimoto dismounted him and rushed his downed opponent. Nobuhide rolled out of the way. He then jumped back to his feet and kicked Yoshimoto, disarming him and knocking him to the ground. Nobuhide stood over the injured Imagawa and readied to finish him off, but he dropped his sword mid-swing as his vision started to blur. He was suddenly struck with illness. Nobunaga watched in horror. He noticed a suspicious old monk ride to Yoshimoto and escort him safely away. The Imagawa would soon retreat.
Sometime later, in Suemori Castle, Nobuhide's condition grew worse. His sons and retainers gathered around him.
"How frail human life can be. To succumb to illness in our moment of triumph."
Nobuhiro held his father's hand.
"You pushed yourself too hard, father. You can rest now."
Nobuhiro was calm and respectful during this time, gaining a lot of respect from the retainers. His brother Nobunaga, however, wept loudly, unable to contain his emotions. His behavior earned much ire and resentment. Nobuhide would pass away in the night, leaving the Oda in internal turmoil.
1551 Sir Hirate's final lesson
During Nobuhide's funeral, Nobuhiro and Nobukatsu were model sons; they lit incense and showed much respect to their father. This worried Masahide Hirate. He had heard nothing but praise for the younger and illegitimate Oda boys. Since Nobuhide's death, support for Nobunaga, the legitimate heir, had plummeted. But there was still hope. Masahide had tirelessly drilled proper etiquette into young Nobunaga for the funeral. Nobunaga was well dressed and respectful. Now all he had to do was light the incense and honor his father. As Nobunaga approached the table, he was haunted by visions of his father's death.
"No! Father, you can't leave now! You're the only one that understands me; you're the only one I can trust! Please come back!"
During the outburst, Nobunaga knocked over the table and stormed out. Everyone there immediately condemned his actions and immediately started taking sides against him. Seeking to stop this disaster, Masahide Hirate addressed the crowd.
"Loyal retainers of the Oda clan. I would like to personally claim responsibility for Lord Nobunaga's actions. As his teacher, I am to blame for his misconduct, and I intend to make amends for it….."
Nobunaga continued to rampage in his domicile until a messenger arrived with a note from Sir Hirate. Nobunaga began to read it.
"Young Master, you need to control your emotions. Your behavior at your father's deathbed and his funeral were unacceptable. I know you are hurt. I, too, miss him. But there is a time and a place. You need to learn that your actions have consequences. You need to understand that behavior like that will only lead you to lose those of value. So, in a final effort to help you get serious and become the lord I know you can be, I have decided to publicly take my own life. With that, I hope I can get through you and win you enough support to survive this Oda Civil War that is no doubt incipient. Farewell, young master, I pray this is the push you needed."
Nobunaga reflected on his words, and for the first time, he regretted his actions.
"Gramps…. you can't go that far. I can't lose you too. I will change, I swear. But first, I have to stop you."
Nobunaga began to run as fast as he could, all the while thinking of every time he caused trouble for Masahide. All the time, he disobeyed his teacher. He needed to stop him, to apologize. Finally, he arrived at Masahide's residence. He was confronted with the keeper of the estate.
"Hey, I need to speak with Sir Hirate immediately!"
The man looked at the ground and responded.
"Lord Nobunaga…. I'm sorry, but lord Hirate has….."
"How could I be too late? I came as soon as I…. I see, outsmarted again by Sir Hirate. I wasn't supposed to know until it was over…. Very well. I swear I will make it up to you. I'll not only unite Owari but this entire land! Can you hear me, Hirate!?"
In the Ki plane, Nobuhide turned to Masahide.
"It must have worked. It seems you got through him in the end."
Masahide smiled.
"I only hope that resolve is enough to help him survive the perils ahead."
Nobuhide smirked in response.
"Are you kidding? Of course, it will; we will finally get to see his full greatness unhindered."
Because of Masahide's suicide, many retainers had stayed loyal, like Takigawa, Maeda, and Mori. However, Nobutomo would take Kiyosu Castle. Nobukatsu would take Suemori Castle, and Nobuhiro would take Narumi Castle. Just like that, the Oda and Owari were split into four.
1552 The Oda Brothers
"Report! Lord Katsuie Shibata is marching on Nagoya Castle, under the banner of your half-brother Nobuhiro Oda."
Nobunaga called his retainers to discuss this troubling news.
"Sir Maeda, Takigawa, Mori, I'm certain you have all heard about Nobuhiro and Shibata. Trust me; I don't want to fight my brother. My father hasn't even been gone for a year. We all don't want to fight Shibata; he wields two Onika and is a devil on the battlefield. My father would constantly shower him with praise. He trusted his abilities so much he assigned him to my safety in Nagoya. I know this will be tough for you. Sir Maeda was once your student, Takigawa, and Mori was your commander. We can do this. Remember, he's a warrior. He has no clue about farming. He has made his camp very close to an irrigation dam in Atsuta. What are both of his Onika weak to?"
Toshimasa Maeda’s eyes widened. “Water! Sand and fire are easily overcome by water. So that is your plan?"
Kazumasu thought to himself. "Hmm, apparently, lord Nobunaga isn't the fool everyone thinks he is."
Nobunaga devised a simple plan. Katsuie and most of Nobuhiro's troops were camped at the base of an irrigation flat. The dam was closed, so the man-made river was dry, making it an optimal camp to invade Nagoya Castle. Nobunaga would give half of his troops to Toshimasa and half to Kazumasa. In the dead of night, Nobunaga would unleash a flood attack; then, both sides would converge, a pincer attack and a flood attack together.
Nobuhiro had camped further back, closer to Narumi, and his scouts rushed to him.
"Lord Nobuhiro, your brother has sent forces to attack Shibata!"
Nobuhiro immediately dismissed it.
"Lord Shibata is invincible; Nobunaga can send whoever he wants."
And so, Nobuhiro did not send reinforcements. Katsuie began to rally his unprepared men when he heard something unexpected. A Torrent of water rushed towards his camp. The raging water swallowed him and his troops. As he swam to dry land, he was met by Kazumasu and Yoshinari.
"I see you have come for my head; I'm glad it was you if anyone."
Kazumasu presented him with ropes.
"Katsuie…. Neither of us wants to take your head; we are here to take you to lord Nobunaga."
Katsuie was bound and brought before Nobunaga but couldn't look at his former lord in the eyes.
"Lord Nobunaga…. I have betrayed you and joined your brother. Now I bear the shame of capture. I tried and failed to kill you. If you want me to beg for my life, I will not."
Nobunaga looked down on his former guard.
"Relax, Sir Shibata, I do not need your head. I am willing to overlook your foolish actions. I need you to be my sword. I need you to cut down those in my path. Cut his ropes - let me see his answer unhindered."
Katsuie was freed, and he looked up at Nobunaga. He thought to himself, “He doesn't fear me as an enemy. I led an assault to kill him and didn't even care. As the loser, I don’t have a choice. I will spend the rest of my life as his sword."
Soon, Toshimasa Maeda arrived with a prisoner on his horse. He brought the prisoner before his lord and removed the sack on his head to reveal his brother Nobuhiro.
Nobuhiro couldn't believe he had lost so easily.
"Little brother, take my head already. I will not ask for forgiveness. I refuse to invoke our father's memory. I lost the battle; my head shall be your trophy. So, just get it over with."
Nobunaga gave a signal, and one of his troops brought his blade down, cutting the ropes that bound Nobuhiro.
"Brother, you may assume I hate you because you tried to steal my birthright. But I do not hate you. I sympathize with your situation. You're my older brother, but you are illegitimate. So, because of that, I am the rightful leader. It's nonsense; I don't believe in birthright. I am the rightful leader because I am a better leader and my destiny overshadows yours. Return to Ansho Castle, protect us from the Imagawa as you always have. If you need to challenge me, I'll be waiting. I'll defeat you as many times as I have to."
Nobuhiro had no response from his brother. He complied with his wishes and returned to Ansho Castle, defeated. Word of Nobunaga's victory echoed throughout Owari. But he still had several enemies.
1554 A good nephew
Nobutomo sent a vassalage request to Nobunaga. he sent it under the authority of the proper Shugo of Owari, Yoshimune Shiba. He demanded Nobunaga visit both his uncle in Kiyosu Castle and then the Shugo in his private residence. Kazumasu Takigawa was upset at their audacity.
"My lord! You can't be seriously considering such a proposal. Yoshimune is a puppet, and your uncle is pulling the strings! If you play into his hands….."
Nobunaga stared at his adjunct.
"Do you think I'm that foolish? Of course, I'm only following the motions. If I attack my uncle unprovoked while the Shugo is in his care, the whole world will label me as a usurper. My father was in a similar situation. I must play my hand carefully. I will meet with them. Perhaps we can benefit from this ploy. Remember, it wasn't too long ago my uncle was exiled for poisoning my grandfather."
Katsuie Shibata had never seen this cool, calculating side of Nobunaga. He was both impressed and even a bit uncomfortable. He commented.
"My Lord, as a Shiba descendant, let me say I think you are the rightful Shugo of Owari."
Nobunaga laughed dismissively.
"I'm not the Shugo, nor a Daimyo. I am a King!"
Nobunaga would first go to visit the Shugo. This meeting would not be what Nobunaga expected. Yoshimune immediately dismissed all of his servants. Alone with Nobunaga, he would divulge his agenda.
"Nobunaga Oda, son of the Tiger of Owari. Your uncle has been abusing my office for too long. As Shugo of Owari, I demand his execution!"
Yoshimune passed an official edict ordering the death of Nobutomo to Nobunaga.
"Lord Shiba, if this is your will as well as the will of the prestigious court, I shall serve justice to the traitor forthwith!"
Yoshimune was excited.
"I knew I could count on you, my boy. As soon as he is dead, I'll immediately hand over his lands and titles. You will be my new deputy Shugo."
Nobunaga showed much gratitude and immediately departed for Kiyosu Castle. Upon arrival, he met with his uncle and delivered the edict.
"Honorable uncle, the Shugo has gone mad and ordered your death! I came as quickly as I could to inform you of his horrible act."
Nobutomo thanked his nephew for his loyalty.
"That damned fool! After all my years of service! This misdeed cannot go unpunished! In the name of justice, rally the men! Today we put this traitor to death! Nobunaga, thank you for being a good nephew. I wish your father would have done the same. I will take the Shugo's place, and you'll be my new deputy as a reward for your loyalty."
Nobutomo's men stormed the Shugo's estate, capturing him and his loyalists. He immediately ordered their executions and would display their heads in prominent locations around Owari. Unfortunately for Nobutomo, he played directly into Nobunaga's hands. Nobunaga started a smear campaign, labeling Nobutomo a power-hungry usurper. After the brutal execution of the Shugo, many supporters flocked to Nobunaga, who sent an army to Kiyosu Castle. A vengeful Katsuie Shibata led his army. With Katsuie blood listed, before long, Nobutomo's army crumbled, as did the gates to Kiyosu Castle. While the place burned, Nobutomo committed seppuku.
"Damn you, Nobunaga, you weren't the fool I thought you to be. Nobuhide, brother, prepare yourself. I am coming to tell you how villainous your heir has become."
However, even with this monumental success, Nobunaga had no time to rest. An urgent report came in.
"My lord! The Imagawa clan have taken Ansho Castle! Your brother Nobuhiro has been captured!"
1554 Yoshimoto's ambition
Katsuie Shibata returned to the camp carrying a cart with heads of noteworthy enemies.
"My lord, some of these guys introduced themselves. Some were just decent enough fights. ….My Lord? You seem distracted. What is the matter?"
Nobunaga was contemplating what could have happened. His father and brother had defended Ansho Castle many times.
"How could the castle fall before I even knew it was under attack? "
Katsuie was confused.
"My lord, what castle? If you want, I can rally these guys, and we can take it back! I am your sword, Lord Nobunaga."
Nobunaga shifted his attention in Katsuie's direction.
"You don't understand; this isn't a matter that can be solved with swords. I must go to negotiate with Imagawa. I know what they want."
So it was, Nobunaga sent an envoy to Sunpu demanding a negotiation for their hostages. Nobunaga traveled to his home at Nagoya Castle to pick up his hand. On his arrival, he met with Heihachi Honda.
"Sir Honda, it's time. The Imagawa are moving to Mikawa. Get Motoyasu ready. You guys are going home."
Heihachi was excited but thought it would be inappropriate to show such emotion to Nobunaga. So he simply responded, "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Oda. I will make sure the young lord is ready."
Meanwhile, in Sunpu, Yoshimoto Imagawa received Nobunaga's message.
"Uncle gathers the prisoners! Today we finally reclaim my puppet!"
Sometime later, Nobunaga and Yoshimoto would meet face to face.
"Nobunaga Oda, the fool of Owari. You know what I have, and you know what I want."
Nobunaga approached fearlessly.
"No, I know what you need. Alongside Sir Honda, I have taken a personal stake in Lord Matsudaira's education. That boy has ten times the potential of a snake-like yourself. I'd sooner kill him myself than give him to you, to be used!"
Nobunaga drew his blade and approached Motoyasu. Yoshimoto yelled, "WAIT!"
Nobunaga stopped and turned towards him. Yoshimoto was desperate, and he ordered his men to release the prisoners.
"See, Nobunaga, I can be merciful. Why not return the spirit?"
Nobunaga sneered.
"Very well, Sir Honda. You return to Yoshimoto's care."
Heihachi turned to Motoyasu and said,
"I appreciate your offer, Lord Oda. But I'd rather personally cut down lord Motoyasu than be apart from him."
Motoyasu remembered, back when he was kidnapped years ago, Heihachi had made the same threat to his captors. Loyalty like that was irreplaceable.
Nobunaga stated, "It would seem they are a package deal. So what will you offer for them?"
Yoshimoto called for his last prisoner Nobuhiro Oda. "How about your brother's life? Give me Motoyasu, and you can have Nobuhiro."
Nobunaga dismissed this option.
"Nobuhiro's life is inconsequential to me. He betrayed me, tried to usurp me, and now he's lost my castle in Ansho; why would I want him? His life's only value is to not upset my father's spirit."
Yoshimoto, still in desperation, yelled out.
"I'll also have my men leave Ansho Castle. Is that not fair for a boy you have no use of?"
Nobunaga scoffed at the notion.
"My brother is useless, and I already owned Ansho. If I gave up my student, I'd still be at a loss. You must think broader; how about Katsukake in Owari. That castle, too, is my right."
Yoshimoto was immediately dismissive. Nobunaga smirked.
"No deal.. very well. Sir Honda, take Motoyasu's head!"
Without hesitation, Heihachi drew his blade. In a panic, Yoshimoto yelled, "Wait! Wait! My men will abandon Kutsukake as well. Just return the Matsudaira boy!"
Nobunaga had won the negotiations. For the low price of two men, he received his brother and two castles.
Sometime later, Sessai Taigen scolded his nephew.
"You let that fool get the upper hand, two castles for the boy? You have brought shame to the Imagawa. The fool was bluffing."
Yoshimoto replied, "Dear uncle, I assure you he is a fool because he wasn't bluffing. But regardless, now I have Mikawa under my control, we can start preparing for my match to the capital!"
1554 The coward
Directly after Nobunaga's negotiation, he met with his brother Nobuhiro.
"Brother, I'm sorry I failed to protect the castle. I …."
Nobunaga silenced him.
"Nobuhiro, you didn't fail. You see, to fail, you would have had to try. You are a coward, or maybe you just wanted to get back at me. I can't tell. But it usually goes, I get a report of an approaching threat, I get a request for aid, and then there is a war. The first messenger arrived and said the war was over and my side lost. Even a demon-like Shibata can't instantly win a war…. so the only possibility….."
Nobuhiro hung his head low.
"I surrendered without hesitation. I had no option for the lives of my men, Sir Sakuma, and my sons. Yoshimoto brought well over 20,000 troops. I've never seen a number so great. What could I have done?"
Nobunaga smiled, "So that is the reason. Well, at least Sir Sakuma and his boys survived. Send them to guard Katsukake Castle. You can return to Ansho."
Nobuhiro was expecting death once again. But instead, he was again sent home.
"Brother, I have to ask, why did our uncle die when he fought you? But you continue to spare me?"
Nobunaga chuckled and walked away. "Because Nobutomo was a threat to me."