Legend of the Oda

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1560 Nagamasa Azai
Hisamasa Azai was the talented Daimyo of North Omi. His castle, Odani, was renowned throughout the land. Hisamasa was a talented warrior and a very competent leader. However, he was soon overshadowed by his 16-year-old son….Nagamasa Azai, the Prince of Omi. He was handsome, courageous, honorable, bold, and quick-witted. He was a very tactical planner. Though only 16, he had already succeeded in defending Odani from Tatsuoki Saito and Yoshikata Rokkaku. He was a brilliant poet, well versed in written and spoken word. He was also considered a poet with a sword. Many people in Omi considered him a candidate for being a sword saint. One day, Hisamasa's closest advisor recommended that he step down and allow Nagamasa to lead the clan. Hisamasa scoffed at this and dismissed him.
"Come back when you are sober. The wine has gotten to you."
The next three advisors made the same request, and Hisamasa again turned them away. On the third day, all of his officers offered an ultimatum.
"My lord, it is in the clan's best interests that you relinquish your title and Onika to lord Nagamasa. Failure to do so would be treason, and we will respond in kind."
Hisamasa was furious. “Treason? I'm the Daimyo…. You thankless ingratitude! How much is my son paying you?"
The retainers responded.
"He doesn't know of our actions; if he ever finds out, we would all commit seppuku to redeem his honor. We are doing what is best for Omi. Talent like his can't be ignored. This isn't like the Takeda coup. You can stay in Odani; you'll be his head advisor. Keep your wealth. We would all die for you, Lord Hisamasa…. but we need Nagamasa in this chaotic time. Please understand. Relinquish your title and Onika for the future of our clan and Omi."
Hisamasa was eventually forced to agree to their demands and installed Nagamasa as the Daimyo of North Omi and lord of Odani Castle.
Back in Owari, Nobunaga and Hideyoshi heard of Nagamasa's victories over the Saito and Rokkaku clans. Hideyoshi turned to his lord.
"The enemy of our enemy could be our friend."
Nobunaga smiled.
"Or just another Enemy. But this boy is certainly special. Perhaps I won't marry my sister to Lord Shibata after all…. regardless, send something nice to the Azai to congratulate Nagamasa's rise to prominence.  Also, plant some of your peasant spies. I want to know everything about this kid."
And so, Nobunaga's attention turned to the prince of Omi.
1561 Yumemaru
In Mino, Tatsuoki Saito, the son of Yoshitatsu, ruled. However, he wasn't as devious as his father or as cunning as his grandfather. Regardless, he did have Inabayama Castle protected by the Sunomata river. The Oda had attempted to take it several times. Each time Nobunaga tried, the Saito repelled them at Sunomata. They tried several times to build a castle on the opposite bank of Sunomata. Each time, the Saito army was fast enough to destroy the construction site. However, that castle and this river weren't his only treasures. Locked in prison were three misunderstood monsters. The Saito feared their incredible power. Hanbei was a powerful sealer. However, he had another terrifying power. Two guards outside of his cell spoke.
"I can't believe we have to guard the monsters. I heard the little one can see everything and can invade your mind. He can control you, like a puppet."
A faint voice came from the prison.
"Not entirely true. I can't control your minds. Also, I can't see everything; I can only learn the truth. The truth is that one of you is a traitor to the Saito….."
Immediately, the guards grew suspicious of each other and started to fight. A female voice asked Hanbei.
"Which is the traitor?"
Hanbei laughed.
"Neither, of course. They were disturbing my nap. Is it so wrong to mess with them so, Lady Yuki?"
Lady Yuki responded, "No, I suppose not, their purpose is to keep us down here….it just seems cruel. What if someone dies?"
"Everyone dies. No one can stop it. Even if you could prolong it, why even bother? This world is cruel and unforgiving. Especially to people like us."
Yuki apologized. Hanbei responded.
"It's not your fault I'm here. Your father put a monster in you and locked you up too. If you're going to be sorry for anyone here, it should be him."
Hanbei pointed at a young man in the last cell. Then he continued.
"That guy's been locked up since his birth…. at least I had Gon, and you were a lady of the Saito…. I don't think that kid has ever had anything."
That story saddened Yuki. Later she approached the caged young man. She called out.
"Hey kid, would you like to talk?"
The young man looked around, not sure if she was talking to him. He approached but didn't say anything. She asked.
"What's your name? I'm Yuki of the Saito."
The boy went from excited to sad. He replied,
"I was never given a name. I think you're the first person to talk with me. I've only heard people talk…. no one wants to speak with a monster."
Yuki started crying. She couldn't believe how he was treated.
"I don't think you're a monster. I think you’re special. I had a little brother like you once. He died when he was little. His name was Yumemaru. Would it be okay if I called you that? You could be my brother if that's fine with you."
Yumemaru agreed. It was the happiest moment of his entire life. They talked for some time. That night, he would repeatedly say his new name.
A few months later, Tatsuoki Saito got an idea.
"What if we unleashed the monsters on our enemies? The boy fights the Oda, and my aunt could fight the Azai! Men! Bring the monsters here to Inabayama!"
Even Tatsuoki had no idea of the destructive potential of these individuals and would soon pay for his ignorance. The presence of these monsters would terrify his men, leading to hatred even among his ranks.
However, not everyone hated or feared them.
1562 Hanzo Iga
Another monster was being created.
In the province of Iga lived the direct descendants of Senoto Iga, the Iga ninja who held the Kagebushin Ninji. It could create identity clones composed entirely of the ki of the user. The user could completely control the clones or have them act of their own volition. The way of the ninja was that each clan had a single grandmaster scroll, and from it, they could make up to 90 lesser scrolls for the standard ninja to use. They were led by a grandmaster who would pass his grandmaster scroll on to his son. Danzo Iga was a feared ninja and leader of the Iga. His son was named Hanzo, after Senoto's greatest student.
One day, Danzo declared,
"My son, today I recognized you as my official replacement. In the event of my death or loss of functions, you will become the grandmaster of the Iga ninja clan."
Hanzo looked up at his father.
"Why do you stand on all of this ceremonial crap? The Iga is the greatest ninja clan in all the land. We should be the ninja leaders, but all you false grandmasters stand on old ceremonial trash. You serve samurai and Daimyo! We should demand all the ninji be returned to the Iga clan. With all the ninji, our grandmaster would be even stronger than most Onika! Just like the true grandmaster Senoto! Father, you must free yourself from the shackles of the past!"
Danzo slapped his son and shouted, " How dare you!? Do you insult our traditions and my capacity as a leader? Do you want a war with all the other ninja? You could only possess all of the ninji if you killed every ninja in every clan. Even the great Senoto wouldn't have been able to accomplish that. Think carefully about your next words; they could be your last. I have decided to forget this outburst. I warn you to stop challenging our nindo. If you challenge it again, you're challenging me! If you challenge me, you better be ready to kill me!"
Hanzo kneeled before his father.
"I'm sorry, father, I shouldn't have stepped out of line."
Danzo handed him a scythe.
"Karasu, this blade, had been a symbol of not only the Iga clan but all ninja. Used by Senoto, this blade is said to have been the inspiration for the kusarigama. Karasu belongs to you now."
Hanzo begrudgingly thanked Danzo. As he walked away, he thought, "There's only one thing I can do now. I'll become the greatest ninja to ever live. To accomplish that, I need three things. All of the master Ninji scrolls, the eyes of Amana, and most importantly, I must kill all other ninja. There can only be one."
1562 Hanzo Hattori
That night, Hanzo stole the Kagebushin master scroll. He made 80 clones and sent them all over the Iga village. Most of the village slept, and because of Hanzo's timing, would never wake again. Those who woke wouldn't survive long enough to react. Danzo sprang up to consciousness.  He bolted to grab the master scroll. He attempted to make clones, but nothing happened. His son's voice echoed.
"What will you do without the Kagebushin? Will you just lay down and die?"
Danzo looked around and shouted.
"My son is a traitor! Even if you cut me down, the Iga ninja will hunt you down!"
Hanzo's voice got closer.
"I know; that's why I handled them first."
Two Hanzo dropped from the ceiling. Both were immediately cut down. Danzo was about to turn around when he felt a blade in his back. He heard his son's voice again.
"I killed all of them! Men, women, and children, no survivors! I'm the last of the Iga ninja. Soon I will be the only ninja. By slaying my clan, I have proven myself as the best. I shall surpass even Senoto himself."
With one swift slash, Danzo Iga was decapitated by his son wielding the blade he gifted him.
"Your death is progress. Die with my last shred of humanity. I'll kill all other ninja, claim all the ninji and become the true grandmaster. Now I'm off to claim your lord's head and those eyes!"
The Daimyo of Iga was a man from the Hattori clan, Masashige Hattori. Masashige had something Hanzo required. The Hattori clan passed down a set of powerful black eyes - the eyes of Amana, with which came the power of corpse alchemy. Hanzo assassinated everyone in the Hattori clan, including Masashige. He stole the eyes of Amana to use them to reanimate Masahide's body. He then possessed Masahide's body using Kagebushin in conjunction with Amana's eyes.
"Just like Senoto Iga. Now, I shall make my goal possible as Hanzo Hattori!"
Using the corpse of Masashige as a puppet, Hanzo claimed to be a samurai.
Hanzo would spend the rest of his life hunting and killing other ninjas, with his ultimate goal being the most powerful ninja in history. He would earn the name Hanzo the Devil. No matter how powerful a ninja was, though, he would still require a master. The question presented is, who would be strong enough to subjugate a devil?
1563 Hanzo and Ieyasu
Hanzo Hattori started selling his clan's services to other Daimyo to secure necessary resources and locate ninja clans. However, one, in particular, would catch Hanzo's eye. In Mikawa, the recently independent Ieyasu Matsudaira was fighting his former masters in the Imagawa clan.
Hanzo appreciated the strong overthrowing a weaker lord, so he agreed to take the job. Hanzo's ninja were instrumental in the Matsudaira's victory. After the battle, Ieyasu personally wanted to meet Hanzo. Hanzo was amused. Usually, Daimyo looked down on ninja and mercenaries. So, to be summoned by a lord was a great curiosity to him. Ieyasu immediately greeted Hanzo on his arrival.
"I thank you for your services against the Imagawa. It's true what they say; your men are like demons. I witnessed one take an arrow and a gunshot without flinching. If he managed to survive, I'd like to commend him personally. All of your men were fearless and effective. I've opted to double your fee in hopes of future business. I need help to see this land united and need powerful allies. Would you lend me your power?"
Ieyasu didn't know all of Hanzo's men were just corpse puppets. Even Hanzo Hattori, the Samurai he was conversing with, was just a corpse puppet. But his enthusiastic compliments and appreciation delighted the real Hanzo, who was hidden at the top of a nearby tree.
Ieyasu continued.
"I was wondering if you could share with me any information you have on other ninja clans and Samurai holding around Iga? I'd pay for the information, of course. I'm conducting a land survey, but the location of the ninja clan is the most mysterious endeavor. It requires many surveyors, and most of my knowledge is hearsay."
This immediately caught Hanzo's attention. He thought to himself. "The Daimyo of Mikawa is rich, respects my power, and is investigating the ninja. His ambition is to unite the land too…. if I were to falsely submit my services…. I could earn a living hunting the ninja, helping this boy gain power and land…. only for me to steal it from him later. Two birds with a single stone!"
Hanzo kneeled before Ieyasu and said, "Lord Ieyasu, I would like to submit to your clan. I vow I will do everything in my power to help you find every single ninja clan out there. As for my ninja, they would be at your disposal."
Ieyasu was shocked at his proposal. He didn't even consider Iga's subjugation. He immediately accepted, and thus Hanzo promptly became Ieyasu's left hand. This timing could not be better.
Back with the Oda, a meeting with a monster was in the works.
1563 Hideyoshi meets Hanbei
Nobunaga approached Hideyoshi's room…. and paused to listen to a conversation.
"I agree with you. Haha, but what can we do?... TRUE!"
Nobunaga entered, confused to see only Hideyoshi.
"What are you doing, monkey? Have you lost your feeble mind?"
Hideyoshi was surprised to be visited by Nobunaga in person.
"Lord Nobunaga…. I'm sorry - had I been expecting you, I would have….."
Nobunaga interrupted.
"Silence, monkey, who were you talking with?"
Hideyoshi nervously responded.
"My Onika…. Bankaze. He…. was once a king. He hated humans for a long time. But he…."
Nobunaga said dismissively.
"Spare me then. You should talk to him in your head. No one else can hear him. People are quick to judge, and you'll be labeled as a mad man."
Hideyoshi bowed to his lord.
"Of course, my lord, I'll start immediately."
Nobunaga asked.
"Who is it? I've heard you've taken exception to one of the Saito's ranks. Who is this person?"
Hideyoshi got a serious look on his face.
"From what I've learned from the captured Saito troops, his name is Hanbei. He is Tatsuoki's strategist, and he's good…. no, better than good, He's amazing. It's like he can read minds or see the future. Every plan I come up with, he has a perfect counter. He's brilliant…. we need his mind on our side. He is wasting away with the Saito."
Hideyoshi's adoration amused Nobunaga.
"So, monkey, how do you plan to secure your asset?"
Hideyoshi looked down.
"...I'm still not sure. It's not like I can ask to meet with him. From what I hear, he is literally under lock and key. He is a prisoner to the Saito...such a shame for a man that talented. If we could spring him, maybe we could fix our Sunomata deadlock. I have a man on the inside too. Kanbei Kuroda, a brilliant young man. He's been collecting taxes "for the Shogunate" from the Imagawa, Matsudaira, Saito, and even the Oda for a few years…. the only issue is he's not affiliated with the Shogunate, who hasn't collected taxes. Not since the Onin war. I had our men seize him immediately after finding him out…. instead of killing him, I hired him. He now helps me research, draw maps, come up with plans and collect taxes. He's currently…. "evaluating the Saito's, Inabayama Castle." In reality, he's drawing detailed maps of the castle and finding the location of Hanbei."
Nobunaga was thoroughly impressed.
"This is exactly why I chose you, monkey. When your spy returns, come to me. Matsudaira has found an interesting ally. Perhaps we can make use of them."
Within the month, Nobunaga hired A group of Iga ninjas to infiltrate Inabayama Castle and extract Hanbei. Hideyoshi's prowess with Bankaze's power made their infiltration child's play. He quickly found the tower Hanbei was held in. Hanbei had been expecting him.
"You have come from Owari with ninja in search of me. Have you not? I am Hanbei Takenaka, strategist of the Saito clan. If you seek my death, all I ask is that you spare the other denizens of this tower. They are just prisoners, and they have not foiled any of your plans."
Hideyoshi was excited to meet him finally.
"Kill you? No, my friend. I've come to recruit you. I need your exceptional mind to build a new world for my lord Nobunaga. With a mind as powerful as yours, we could unite the world in thirty years…. or less. So, will you join us, Sir Hanbei?"
Hideyoshi stretched his open hand out with a wide smile. Hanbei had tears in his eyes. In confusion, he asked.
"Did you…. just call me your friend? Like an important companion? Is that someone precious to you? I have never had a friend before…. but I can't leave just yet…. there's something I must do first…. will you trust me, my friend?"
Hideyoshi shook his hand and excitedly exclaimed.
"Of course! Just don't make us wait forever. If you have a plan, it must be worth making a reality, so take all the time you need."
And so, Hideyoshi returned empty-handed to Owari. Nobunaga summoned him.
"So your mission has failed? How unfortunate…."
Hideyoshi confidently boasted.
"Not at all, my lord. Sir Hanbei will be here as soon as he is able."
Nobunaga laughed.
"You sure seem confident he's coming. How do you know he'll keep his word?”
“Because he's my friend!"
And so, Hideyoshi waited for his gamble to pay off.
1563 HANBEI TAKES INABAYAMA
In Inabayama Castle, Tatsuoki Saito is awakened from his sleep. The first thing he sees is a severed head. The next thing he sees is a bloody sword. He looks up to see Hanbei Takenaka holding both.
"Why even bother to wake me? If my life ends tonight, I'd rather be asleep. Is that okay? May I return to sleep?" he whimpered.
Hanbei dropped the head and the sword and looked down at Tatsuoki.
"Lord Saito, I'm not here to kill you. I'm here to pay my debt to the Saito. I have been in Saito's care since I was born, so I intend to pay that debt by giving you Inabayama Castle."
Tatsuoki rose and interjected.
"Inabayama Castle is already mine! Why would you give me my castle?"
Hanbei laughed. "You are truly clueless…. Inabayama Castle was yours. It was taken in the night by a Coup d'état. He was the leader."
Hanbei pointed at the decapitated head. Tatsuoki was shocked and afraid after hearing this. Hanbei continued.
"I've been listening to this plan for a week, so I took the time to teach lady Yuki all the seals she would need to take care of herself and Yumemaru. Then I unlocked my cell. After all that…. I killed the rebels one by one. Now, I'm here to give back your castle and the traitor's lives. Then, I'm going to leave Inabayama Castle. I've managed to find a friend, a person who values my existence. I'm excited at such a prospect. In parting, I'd like to warn you, listen to your people, Lord Saito. This coup was your fault. When you brought me and my fellow prisoners here…. your people became fearful. They think we are monsters. They believe we eat babies to survive. They think I can control their minds. They are terrified of us. I'd say let lady Yuki and Yumemaru go free, and that particular issue will be resolved. Well, I'm going now; my debt is paid."
Hanbei gestured and started walking away. Tatsuoki called out.
"What makes you think I'd let you leave?"
A kunai quickly flew by Tatsuoki's head. Hanbei laughed and revealed a second kunai in his hand.
"That was a message, next time I won't miss. Did you think I wouldn't plan for your objection? You have two options, lord Tatsuoki. Let me go or die here and now. You've always considered me a monster, so if you want, I'll prove it to you."
With that, Hanbei left Inabayama Castle and made for Owari. However, he was met outside by an old man with long white hair.
"Are you with the Saito? Have you come to stop me? Look, old man…."
The mysterious figure interrupted him.
"Old, yes, that is certainly an accurate description of me. Especially relative to your age. But man isn't entirely accurate. Like my father, I simply am…. Although you could say I'm but a simple piece of my father. Just a hand, a hand that guides. You see, you are special. The Hand that writes and the one who reads make destiny. Destiny is what will be. No one has free will. Except, in some special cases, the Hand that fixes creates. She creates wildcards like you. People with a gift, and most importantly, free will. I've come to make sure you make the right choice. Your free will is very important…."
The Hand explained to Hanbei what would be and what could be. Then he turned into a bird and flew away. Whatever he said would stick with Hanbei for the rest of his life.
1563 Hanbei's plan
Hanbei laid out a map.
"Hideyoshi's spies have purchased this patch of tree as lumber. Last night our men stashed supplies at these locations. Hideyoshi's men will start cutting trees and stacking the lumber throughout the day. Undercover of the night, we shall float the lumber down to the building site. At the same time, we will move our stashed supplies there as well. Hideyoshi's architecture will be in charge from here. Any questions?"
Everyone was amazed at the complexity of his plan. Hideyoshi asked.
"Hanbei, do you think it could work?"
Hanbei responded, "Absolutely. We can build Sunomata before the Saito arrives. That's the only challenge….. Wait."
As Kazumasu Takigawa entered the room, Hanbei paused. Kazumasu stood waiting for Hanbei to continue his plan. Hanbei remembered his parting words to his fellow prisoners.
"Lady Yuki, don't look so sad. After I'm gone, they might increase your food rations. Fewer mouths, more food."
Hanbei smiled. Only a person who knew every plan they could ever make would succeed a smile like that. On the surface, he acted like he didn't care. In reality, he did care. Yuki and Yumemaru were the only people he truly knew. They were his family. He knew he couldn't keep them all alive. So he decided to escape alone.
Yuki seemed happy for him and told him one thing.
"Just stay happy. You're the smartest man I know. You can make a difference in the world."
So, Hanbei swore to make a difference. As he unlocked his cell, he walked to Yumemaru's cell.
"Hey kid, I know we don't talk much. You're too far away. But I'm getting out of here. I'm not sure how to say this…. but I know your whole story…. and I know that my leaving will hurt you. I'm sorry, but I have to go. Someday you'll find someone who values you. That's the truth. I know I'm like family. It's because you've seen me most of your life. I swear if I ever find the bastard that abandoned you…."
In the present, Hanbei glared at Kazumasu. Hanbei walked to him, and before Kazumasu could speak, Hanbei punched Kazumasu in the Nose. Hanbei shouted.
"THAT'S FOR WHAT YOU DID TO YUMEMARU!"
Kazumasu and Hideyoshi's men drew their swords. Kazumasu called for his men to wait. Then he got up and asked Hanbei.
"Who is this Yumemaru? I don't even recognize that name."
Hanbei gritted his teeth and grumbled, "He is your Son!"
A look of realization hit the other’s face.
"Oh, you must mean the monster that killed my wife…. What else could I have done? He killed my wife, my servants, my men, and he destroyed my home. I felt responsible for that monster, so I took him to Sir Gon, and that was that! Lord Nobuhide was safe, and so was Owari…. so if you need to hit me again, do it and be done with it! We are about to do something never seen before. If it will get us started on our mission, hit me as many times as you like! My son was born a monster, and I abandoned him! Hitting me won't change that! Nothing will. "
Hanbei returned to his map.
"I'm sorry for my outburst. I've been locked up a bit too long…. anyway; Sir Hashiba will lead our men to the construction site under the cover of darkness. Kanbei and Kazumasu will gather our stashed supplies and meet us at the building site. We have to work quickly and efficiently. We need a structure together, enough to repel the Saito when they arrive. Without me, they will be much slower. If we are all at our best, we can build this castle. The one-day castle is the key to Inabayama."
If anyone else had planned this, it would be impossible, but Hanbei was in a sense omniscient. The impossible castle was about to exist.
1563 Sunomata: the one-day castle
"It's starting to look like a castle. Hanbei, this is incredible."
Hanbei pointed to the architect directing the construction.
"I feel the credit lies with Koroku Hachisuka. You certainly picked a gifted architect. We still have a few hours before the sun rises. The truth has confirmed it. Sunomata Castle will stand before the sun is out."
Hideyoshi was excited at the prospect of success. Hanbei wasn't as excited because he knew what lay before them.
"I hate to interrupt your celebration, but …. the Mino three will be here in 30 hours. After that, we need to counterattack and…. "
The thunderous sounds of a marching army echoed. Hideyoshi climbed the rear wall to see what was going on.
Nobunaga Oda, Katsuie Shibata, Toshiie Maeda, and Yoshinari Mori had arrived with the Oda main force.
"Lord Nobunaga is here?? Why would he come without knowing of our success?"
Hanbei, too, was fascinated by Nobunaga's actions.
"It would appear our lord can see what even the truth cannot. Hideyoshi, you are right to put your faith in him."
Nobunaga entered the half-built makeshift castle.
"So this is your excuse for a castle…. very well. The important thing is: can it survive the enemy?"
Koroku approached and kneeled before him.
"Lord Nobunaga, if this castle does not hold, I'll gladly offer my head as penance."
Nobunaga smiled.
"You put a lot of faith in this structure, Hideyoshi. You certainly have a keen eye for talent. That's good. If we are going to build a new world, we can only have the best!"
Hideyoshi soon approached.
"The castle is coming along nicely; pre-building pieces were brilliant. The Saito morale will certainly plummet after they see it…. on that note, what of Lady No? Is she upset that you are going into battle against her clan?"
Nobunaga remembered a conversation with his wife.
‘If my family stands in your way…. destroy them. I'm the Queen of the Oda now. I was born into the Saito and traded off. My nephew is stupid to resist your control of Mino. So take it! Father left it to you.’
Nobunaga had smiled.
‘I'll take back your home, your castle. From Inabayama Castle…. what a cumbersome name…. I will be like Shi Huang Di of Qin. I'll take this mountain castle and name it Gifu. From there, I will take the whole land. Tatsuoki will surrender or be crushed!’
Hideyoshi was confused about his lord's silence. However, he would never dare interrupt him. Nobunaga pointed at Inabayama Castle.
"My thoughts are on that. In the morning, let them see our castle! Then, when they tremble, we crush them. I won't wait for them anymore."
So it was the Saito did see the castle. A scout ran to Tatsuoki.
"Lord Saito! Urgent Report! The Oda has constructed a castle at Sunomata….. Overnight!!"
Tatsuoki was stunned. "What?? That's... That's not possible! There is no way the Oda is that coordinated!"
Another scout soon arrived.
"My lord, many retainers and troops panicked, deserted, surrendered, or committed acts of seppuku! The one-night castle has led to utter chaos! My lord, is this the end of the Saito?"
Tatsuoki was terrified.
"Call the mercenaries and the Mino three! Defend this castle - the Oda is coming!"
He was correct. Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, Katsuie, and Yoshinari led the charge. The Oda charged up the mountain pass, but they soon would encounter a serious obstacle at Rokumon Gate.
1563 The Saika mercenaries
As Nobunaga predicted archers at Rokumon, he sent a decoy unit of around 500 troops. Instead of yelling and arrows flying through the air and impacting them instead, it was thunderous explosions. Hundreds of booms and bangs. Nobunaga watched in horror as his troops were torn to pieces. As he pulled them back to the tree line, he called out.
"Monkey! Come here now, and bring Hanbei too!"
Hideyoshi and Hanbei hurried to his location.
"My lord, they are using hundreds of rifles. We can only attack that gate in small numbers. We will get murdered before we can do damage. I've heard of this tactic. A mercenary force led by a Daimyo. The Saika mercenaries, led by Sadayu Suzuki. Magoichi Saika is his current alias. I like him and his son Shigehide. If only I could talk with him..."
Nobunaga scoffed and looked at Hanbei, who looked surprisingly nervous.
"Well?... come on then! Use your power to see the future and tell us how to win!"
Hanbei looked back, worried.
"I'm... sorry…. but I can't control the truth... it's not telling me anything right now."
Nobunaga yelled, telling them to find a solution. Hideyoshi and Hanbei frantically started devising strategies. Nobunaga heard a familiar voice in his head.
"Hey, kid... You know, it’s just a small gate and some fancy weapons… pathetic... I'll get rid of that stupid gate for you. All I require is too measly human lives. Deal?"
Nobunaga dismissed him.
"I don't need your help and won't pay your cost!"
At that time, he heard another wave of explosions and death. The terrible sound gave even the most hardened veterans anxiety. Then soon, another wave, and shortly after another. Hideyoshi rushed back to Nobunaga.
"I'm sorry, my lord! We thought to send a wave, then after they've shot charge during their reload… they reloaded too fast. There are so many bodies; we can no longer pass with horses. We are running out of options."
Nobunaga gritted his teeth in frustration. Then he heard a bold call.
"Worry not, my lord! Where the monkey has failed, I shall pull through! "
Nobunaga looked ahead and saw Katsuie in his obsidian armor.
"Make us proud, Shibata! You are our last hope."
Katsuie and his men wore obsidian armor forged by his dual trance, with Ryujin wielded by Toshiie to cool the molten rock. The idea was to deflect the gunfire. And initially, it worked. But eventually, the obsidian gave way to the barrage of bullets. Katsuie's unit was destroyed, and Katsuie was narrowly evacuated. He was in shock after being shot in the shoulder. Nobunaga, seeing his men carry him out of that blood bath, limp and unconscious, eventually grew furious. He drew his blade and declared, "This ends now!"
Kazumasu Takigawa was shocked at the damage inflicted by the Tanegashima. Suddenly, he felt a terrible power behind him. He turned towards Nobunaga, who was now holding the Onikage sword. A dark purple sphere covered him. Kazumasu and Hanbei watched him charge at the gate. Kazumasu thought it was a suicidal charge and prepared to join his lord.
That's when the rifle fire resumed. Everyone expected to see Nobunaga fall gloriously. Instead, they witnessed something very unexpected.
The bullets couldn't pierce the sphere. Nobunaga approached the gate and condensed the sphere around himself into a ball of energy in his hand.
He then shouted,
"Shinidama!"
The ball of energy shot from his hand into the gate, making a big opening. The enemy leader, Magoichi Saika, was too surprised to react to Nobunaga approaching him. His two guards pointed their rifles at him, but Nobunaga quickly cut both guns in half. Magoichi went to aim his Onika, Saika, at Nobunaga, but Nobunaga quickly snatched it out of his hands and pointed it at him. Magoichi kneeled before Nobunaga.
"I'll make this simple. Your unit impressed me. I want you to work for me. I'll pay the Saito's fee, and you'll work for me. If not…."
Nobunaga looked down at the rifle. Magoichi lowered his head. "My unit works for you now, Lord Oda."
Nobunaga smiled as he was starting to like the feeling of subjugation of an enemy. But he soon heard a voice in his head.
"It's time to pay my fee….kid."
Nobunaga grinned and tossed the Saika rifle back to Magoichi.
"However, your salvation won't be free. Your guys killed a whole damn lot of my troops. More than I'm comfortable with…. and for that, you have to pay!"
Nobunaga turned to the disarmed guards and cut them down. Not only was Magoichi disturbed by the act, so was Hideyoshi.
"Let them be an example of what happens to those who defy Nobunaga."
Onikage was starting to make an impact on Nobunaga's personality. But more importantly, the way to Inabayama Castle was now open.
1563 Siege of Inabayama
Magoichi and his men frantically raced to Inabayama's main gate.
"Hurry up! The Oda are coming! Let us in quickly!”
So, the main gate was opened, and the Saika set up a firing line on the wall. Magoichi commanded,
"All troops, come reinforce the gate! Get as close together as possible. Saika Gunners about - face!"
The Saika turned their rifles toward the Saito troops. Magoichi ordered his men to fire. The confused Saito troops panicked. Then, the Oda army ordered the gates open. Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, Yoshinari and Toshiie stormed the castle grounds. The Saito army was destroyed. Many took their lives, fled or surrendered. The Mino three gathered the remaining resistance and engaged Hideyoshi and Yoshinari. Tatsuoki started to panic.
"Damn mercenaries, is your loyalty that easily bought? Nobunaga….you win this battle, but your head will be mine! Let's see how you deal with real monsters!"
Toshiie was determined to take Tatsuoki's head and raced into Inabayama's keep alone. The guards in the castle stood no chance. As he continued on his quest, he was faced with a dark walkway. He proceeded cautiously and soon noticed movement, so he lunged with Ryujin. His spear moved through the darkness and into his target. He lit a nearby lamp. He was hoping to see Tatsuoki on his spear. His face turned from optimism to horror when he saw his true victim.
In war, sometimes mistakes are made.
1563 THREE MINO WARRIORS
Toshiie was frozen in dismay. "... I didn't…. I was…. I thought you were Tatsuoki…."
Lady Yuki reassured him.
"I know it was not your intention. Tatsuoki extinguished all the lamps to aid his escape. The man is a coward."
Toshiie removed Ryujin, and her wound started to bleed heavily.
"Oh …. that's not good. We have to get you help quickly!"
She looked up at him. "No…. it's too late for that…. I have to get down this corridor to Yumemaru. Before…. please, help me get to him."
In the meantime, the Mino three had begun the counter-attack. Kazumasu and Yoshinari looked at each other first, then at the Mino three.
"Kazumasu, those guys almost killed us long ago. Are you ready to pay them back?"
Kazumasu drew his blade.
"Of course, but it will be much harder without Sir Shibata."
Hideyoshi soon joined them.
"Did you guys need an interim triumvirate member? I'm your guy."
And so, a slightly altered Oda triumvirate engaged with the Mino three.
Back in Inabayama Castle, Toshiie and Yuki had made it back to the cell. There, Yumemaru lay unconscious. Yuki explained.
"Yumemaru began to feel pain after Tatsuoki freed us in his panic. I didn't want to worry him, so I put him to sleep. …. I wish I had time to teach you the seals."
Toshiie was confused.
"I don't understand; why teach me seals?"
Yuki responded somberly.
"There is something terrible inside of me. That boy is strong enough to hold it. I will forgive you on the condition that you save him. Please, without me, he would have no one."
Toshiie, feeling guilty, agreed.
"I swear to protect the boy, on my life. But shouldn't I know what you are giving him?"
Yuki looked at him with a pale face.
"It's better if you never know."
Outside of the castle, Kazumasu, Yoshinari and Hideyoshi were keeping up with the Mino three.
"Eventually, we'll tire ourselves out…. keep them busy for a minute, will you? I've got to try something” Hideyoshi started to talk to himself.
"Now is the time. Are you ready, Bankaze? Let's do this - Bankaze trance!"
Nobunaga felt the air pressure from Hideyoshi's trance.
"As expected, that monkey has incredible potential. His latent power will be instrumental in crafting my new world. Grow stronger, Hideyoshi, let your upbringing chain you no longer."
Meanwhile, in Inabayama's prison, Yuki had just finished her ritual. Toshiie asked, "So is that all you needed to do? What now?"
Yuki had just finished placing five golden rings on Yumemaru's right hand.
"Never let those rings leave his hand. The whole world could suffer if he loses them. I can tell you are torturing yourself about my fate. You hold it in so well. You're like Hanbei. He's also trying to hide his feelings. Don't worry... I forgive you."
Toshiie was shocked.
"What do you mean?! The wounds I gave you will…."
Yuki reassured him. "Compared to life recently, I consider this a liberation. I just regret passing another burden onto Yumemaru…. poor Yumemaru …. you have to protect him. Please, just look after Yume…."
Toshiie caught her before she fell over. He called her in vain. She had already passed away. Toshiie grabbed Yumemaru, determined to keep his word.
Meanwhile, Hideyoshi had entered his trance. He gathered a well of ki in his arms and yelled for his allies to duck his attack. He then threw his arms forward.
"Gale fists!"
A powerful black wind sent the Mino three flying backward. Yoshinari yelled. "Now grab them and bind them. We are taking these guys to Nobunaga."
He looked back at Hideyoshi, lying exhausted on his back.
In the castle, Toshiie was struggling against the remnant Saito troops when Nobunaga and his troops pushed into the castle. In a matter of minutes, the place fell to the Oda.
Nobunaga had Taken Inabayama Castle, but Tatsuoki Saito was nowhere to be found.
1563 Gifu Castle
Nobunaga stared at Inabayama's smoldering keep.
"Viper, I have finally taken the castle you left for me. My queen, you can return home once more. All the damage Yoshitatsu and Tatsuoki have done will be repaired and improved. This castle will be my new base. The foundation of my new world. Soon I'll take all of Mino, then straight to the capital! The Tiger and the Viper, I have inherited both of their wills and lands. Today I am a Daimyo; someday, I will be a king. On that day, you can rest easy."
Onikage's voice echoed in his head.
"You are a fool to think you got here alone. Your victory here and at Okehazama are mine. My power is why you still live. Without me, you're as good as dead. So here is my proposal…. I'll give you the power to take over the world; in exchange, I'll take over your body. You're going to die someday. It’s inevitable. All men must die, so when that time comes, I'll become you, and you will be immortal in a sense. What do you say? Are you ready to become an immortal king?"
Nobunaga walked to Hanbei.
"You, lazy Boy. You're Gon Takenaka's successor, is that correct?"
Hanbei just now realized Nobunaga Oda had approached him.
"Yes, that is correct, Sir...Uh, my Lord. I'm Sir Gon's student."
Nobunaga Smiled and handed him the Onikage sword. Everyone fell silent. Hanbei now held a sword of limitless power, and he smiled.
"You must know! You know what I am?!"
Nobunaga glared at him.
"Did you ever assume I didn't know? Relax, if I were afraid of you, I wouldn't have handed you that sword. You know what that is, is that correct?"
Hanbei looked at the Onikage sword.
"Yes…. this blade is unique. Forged by Onikage himself. He called it the Shichishito. V.T. fought and died to get this sword. Kamikaze, Onikage and Rinto. These three monsters are why the Takenaka exist."
Nobunaga asked, "So why not try to seal it? Why let me use it?"
Hanbei responded, "I'm here as Hideyoshi's friend. I'm not here as the last Takenaka. The Onika are none of my business anymore. As my lord, I shall only do as you command."
Nobunaga smiled, "Then I command you to seal the Onikage! I swear to never rely on that twisted evil power again! I will take this land with my own two hands."
Hanbei compiled his order and crafted a sheath to seal the Onikage. When he was done, he handed the sealed sword back to him. Nobunaga smiled.
"You see, Onikage? I don't need you or anyone else. Someone! Bring me a sword!"
Nobuhide and a man approached with a katana looted from the castle. Nobunaga drew and admired the blade. “From this day forward, this castle will be known as Gifu. So too shall my new sword. Behold the blade of Gifu."
Nobunaga held the sword high in the air. That's when Hideyoshi and Yoshinari approached him with the prisoners. By the main gate, Toshiie Maeda had carried Yumemaru and was soon approached as well.
1563 A monster's father
Hanbei said to Toshiie, "Thank you for saving Yumemaru….But I also know what happened to Lady Yuki. However, thanks to the truth, I know what happened…. had you tried to explain it, I would have cut you down. That said, this boy's father is here. It's Kazumasu Takigawa, the Soza…. that bastard!"
Toshiie looked up at him.
"You must know them…. I swear I didn't mean to…."
Hanbei interrupted him.
"Not another word about it! I know why it happened…. it doesn't change that it did! Lady Yuki trusted you with this boy. If you can reunite him with his father, your debt will be paid. You owe her that much!"
In Front of Gifu Castle, the Mino three had been presented to Nobunaga. Three proud warriors bound and presented to the enemy Daimyo alive. They all felt great shame.
"You are the Mino three. I once heard tales of your battles against my father and you. Morinari Ando, Ittetsu Inaba, and Bokuzen Ujiie, the greatest three Mino warriors. You are a legendary trio. I need legendary might on my side. You only have two options. You can continue to be legendary Mino warriors and serve me, or I have your heads taken and paraded around Mino, killing you and your legend here and now. Which will it be?"
Around this time, Toshiie Maeda approached Kazumasu Takigawa.
"Sir Takigawa, I have amazing news. I managed to recover your long-lost son from the Saito. "
Kazumasu glared at him and coldly responded.
"I have no son. You recovered the monster that killed my wife. The monster that could not be killed. Had I had some way to finish the beast, I would. If I were you, I'd take it to a cliff and cast it off mount Inaba."
Toshiie was about to strike him when Hanbei caught his fist.
"He's not worth it, Toshiie. He's the real monster. He doesn't have a shred of paternity in him."
Toshiie was still livid and shouted at Kazumasu.
"You bastard! He's your son! He's not dangerous anymore! Yuki spent the last of her time assuring that! Will you still turn away from him?"
Kazumasu coldly responded. "Off a cliff…."
Toshiie charged him and punched him repeatedly. Hanbei attempted to peel him off, but he was knocked to the ground. Nobunaga approached them, furious.
"What's the meaning of this?! You two dare sully my great triumph with your childish squabble?!"
Toshiie was about to explain his actions when Kazumasu blurted out.
"The blame is mine alone, my lord! I purposefully antagonized. I goaded him into striking me. I didn't see enough action.”
Nobunaga pointed at him and said,
"You just fight the Saito from now on! Until I direct you to fight a new enemy.. is that understood?"
Kazumasu agreed and apologized to everyone.
Toshiie would adopt Yumemaru into the Maeda clan, giving him a new name similar to his father's name, Toshimasu Maeda.
One day, Nobunaga would come across Toshiie in the way of the sword. It was going poorly.
"You know, Toshiie. I've seen children handle blades more gracefully. That boy may look younger, but...I've done the math….he's actually thirty years old. Interesting, is it not? But seeing that poor display of strength and coordination…. I'd say that seal has a very high cost. The boy is useless. I'd say he's either the weakest person I've ever seen, or he is secretly the strongest. Ah ha ha…. I'd wager on the former, though."
Despite his inability to perform like a warrior, Toshiie treated him as a son. Toshimasu never had much interaction with other people, so he would constantly prank or trick others in an attempt to interact with them. He grew to be a very unique and eccentric individual. Nobody would suffer more from this than Toshiie did. Toshiie would endure tampered bath water, hidden or glued sandals, and many other practical jokes for years. But every time he was inconvenienced, he considered it Karma for the innocent life he took. He had failed to inform Toshimasu of his father's identity or Yuki's fate. The guilt of these secrets would continue to haunt Toshiie.