Legend of the Oda

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1570 NAGAMASA'S DECISION

Nobunaga was growing impatient. He wanted to level Echizen to the ground, so he began his march without waiting for the rest of his forces but taking along only the forces of Hideyoshi, Yoshinari and Toshiie. 

Hideyoshi tried to advise him to wait for Mitsuhide or Oni-Shibata, but he was ignored. Then, he brought up how they would have to cross Azai territory and that The Azai and Asakura were longtime allies. 

Nobunaga simply responded, "Nagamasa is kin; he has no option but to stay out of this. Don't bother me further, Monkey. We have to kill this coalition in its crib!" 

Hideyoshi fell silent - he wasn't going to risk angering Nobunaga further. As Nobunaga approached Omi, he met no resistance, as he expected. 

Meanwhile, in Odani Castle, Nagamasa and Hisamasa argued over what should be done about the Oda marching on their longtime allies, the Asakura. 

"Nagamasa, my gifted boy, I swore that the Azai would protect the Asakura in perpetuity. Don't let the fact your wife is of Oda stock stay your hand. The Oda is marching on your ally; that's an act of war!" 

Nagamasa, still unsure of the best course of action, responded, "Nobunaga is the brother of my wife Oichi, and that makes him my brother. I can't wage war against my kin. Can you consider my wife's feelings for a moment? How would she feel if I slew her brother in combat?" 

Just then, lady Oichi entered the room. 

"Lord Nagamasa. Lady No once told me if Nobunaga brought her father's head, she would have cleaned it for him. That's dedicated. She was born a Lady of the Saito, but when she married my brother, she became the lady of the Oda. I am your wife.. so I'm a Lady of the Azai now. No matter what you choose, I'll stand behind you." 

Hisamasa was impressed by her resolve. He turned to his son and asked, "Now that your wife has spoken, what will you do, my son?"

Meanwhile, the Oda army had arrived at the gates of Kanegasaki. Yoshikage Asakura was hosting a meeting with several Daimyo when a messenger arrived with the news. 

"Damn that monster Nobunaga! I figured we had more time to plan. Men, dispatch envoys to the Azai and Rokkaku immediately! It's now or never. This will be our first battle against the Demon King!"

1570 THE SIEGE OF KANEGASAKI 

The Oda forces used everything they could to break down the gates. Soteki Asakura had years ago reinforced the gates of Kanegasaki. He also designed the walls to be siege-proof. He knew most invaders would have to start at Kanegasaki, so he fortified it. Nobunaga realized this and fondly remembered the veteran warrior. 

"If the Asakura had you now, I would not stand a chance. I hope you can forgive what I'm about to do to your clan, but I do so in the name of peace. Their graves will be the foundation of my new world." 

Hideyoshi and Toshiie tried a synchronization attack with their Onika. Even after that, the gate stood strong. When Nobunaga heard thunderous hooves behind his position, another army had arrived. Before Nobunaga could inquire who this new force was, Nobumori Sakuma raced by on his horse. He jumped off with the massive Sanno hammer. In that one mighty strike, he reduced the gate to splinters. 

He approached Nobunaga, "I apologize for my tardiness, lord Nobunaga!" 

Nobunaga smiled. “As long as you perform feats like that, you can be as late as you wish.” 

The Oda troops rushed into the courtyard, where, waiting for them, they found an even more fortified gate. Meanwhile, Yoshikage Asakura had successfully evacuated the local Daimyo using rope ladders by way of a secret escape route. He then ordered the ropes cut and burned. He kept the bulk of his forces in the rear of the castle. Yoshikage's commander, Yoshitsugu Maeba, would station his unit outside the inner gate. Nobumori again managed to pummel the gate to ruble, but doing so took most of his ki. 

Hideyoshi and Toshiie took his place at the vanguard and engaged the Maeba forces. Because of the tight quarters, the Maeda and Hashiba struggled to gain ground. Nobunaga was about to lose his cool and summon his blade. 

Two more armies arrived, led by Kazumasu Takigawa and Nagahide Niwa. Kazumasu, Nagahide and Nobumori took the vanguard with fresh troops, sending Hideyoshi and Toshiie to the rear guard. Kazumasu fired his rifle, dropped it to his assistant, pulled another shorter rifle from his coat, and did the same. 

Nobunaga took notice of this. 

"He learned that from the Saika. That Kazumasu is a crafty fellow indeed." 

Once he dismounted and drew the Sozasamonji, the tide of the battle turned. Nobumori sent Yoshitsugu flying with a powerful strike from the Sanno hammer. This caused his men to rally, calling him Nobumori the Mountain. The Oda forces stormed the castle, only to find it abandoned. The troubling news came when the Asakura army was discovered sitting idle behind the castle. 

Kazumasu turned to the mountain and asked, "Why aren't they attacking? Do you think it's out of fear?" The Mountain was doubtful but didn't have an answer. 

Just then, news reached Nobunaga of another army approaching. "Good, Is it Akechi or Shibata?" 

The scout reported, "No, my lord, it appeared to be the Azai." 

Nobunaga smiled. "My brother-in-law has decided to gain some glory for himself, ha. Men, engage the Asakura troops immediately! Don't let Nagamasa take Yoshikage's head!" 

Nobunaga was feeling competitive, but the feeling wouldn't last long. Soon, another scout would come with a frightened look on his face.

1570 THE GRAVITY OF TSUKUYOMI 

"My Lord…. T-The Azai is marching with the Rokkaku clan…!" 

Nobunaga’s face grew pale.

"The Azai have betrayed us…. We can't get caught in a pincer attack! Kazumasu, Monkey, Toshiie and Nagahide, defend the rear!" 

Toshiie looked at the distance between them and the Azai. "My lord, we actually have enough time to escape! We just need to ride fast and hard!" 

Nobunaga laughed, "Retreat? Why would I do that? I'm going to take Yoshikage's head, then Nagamasa's and Yoshitaka's after that! This is how we build a new world!" 

Just then, the Azai's mounted archers shot a volley of flaming arrows into the sky. Nobumori was confused, "What an ineffective volley, clearly the boys needs a lesson in battle…." 

Hideyoshi interrupted him, "That wasn't meant to harm us. It was some signal…!"

Seeing the beacon, Yoshikage smiled. "The Azai have given the signal - all units Charge!" 

The Asakura launched their pincer on Nobunaga's force. Nobunaga and Yoshikage approached each other. The first summoned his sword, the Shichishito, and Yoshikage smiled. 

"The Onikage. You must think power like that makes you invincible. You don't understand the gravity of your situation." 

Yoshikage pulled out a sinister-looking weapon, a scythe with a white crescent-shaped blade. The blade resembled the moon, while its handle and his dark armor resembled the night sky. 

Nobunaga laughed loudly. "The Tsukuyomi… you must think that gives you some advantage. You're wrong; all it will do is slow your death slightly. My power is unmatched." 

Nobunaga swung his sword at Yoshikage, who blocked easily with his massive weapon. The force of the impact pushed him back. 

Nobunaga smiled, "Are you afraid yet? If not, how about another demonstration, this time with two hands!?" 

Nobunaga grasped the Shichishito with both hands and slashed at Yoshikage again. The man was pushed considerably this time, and his sandals dragged so hard they were flung from his feet. 

"Do you fear me now? You should, because if I had chosen, I could have killed you just then. I chose to frighten you instead. Now I'm finally ready to finish you!" 

Nobunaga ran at him; his sword lifted high. Yoshikage laughed.

Meanwhile, the rear guard was struggling against the Azai/Rokkaku army. Hideyoshi was pushed back and passed the outer gate. Nobumori and Nagahide were quickly overwhelmed. Toshiie, however, had been sought out by Nagamasa Azai.

"Sir Maeda, you have a legendary reputation. They say that among Ryujin users, you are the greatest to ever live. Because I can't find Nobunaga, I'd like to challenge you to an honorable duel, one water style Onika to another. What do you say?" 

Toshiie was impressed by the young lord's manners and respectful speech on a bloody battlefield. He happily accepted and entered his trance. Water coated his trident and armor. Nagamasa then held up Nakisaki, his Onika, a sword with a helmet splitter off to the side of the blade. He entered his trance, and his sword turned into two swords, each with two additional side blades. 

Toshiie shot a powerful stream of water at Nagamasa, who countered it with a sphere of water. Their attacks canceled each other out.

Meanwhile, Nobunaga was charging at Yoshikage when suddenly his sword seemingly increased in weight, so much he fell to the ground. He quickly got up and tried to pick it back up, but it felt much heavier than before. 

Yoshikage laughed harder. "You can normally swing the sword pretty fast; however, when its gravity is increased, it's impossible for a man to even lift properly. Did you think the Tsukuyomi simply controlled the moon? You must have thought the moon is harmless. How could I hurt you with a giant rock in the sky? Well,… Tsukuyomi created the moon; he used rock, dust and a powerful force called gravity! With it, he changed everything in this world. Whatever he touched, he could change the weight of, including your sword. So let me ask you, are you afraid? " 

Without his sword, Nobunaga was desperate. In his mind, he begged Onikage for more power. Onikage granted him a substantial power increase. The purple aura spread from his arm across his chest and into his other arm. His arms muscle mass increased. Soon, he was able to lift his sword again. 

He once again raised it high and charged at Yoshikage again. Yoshikage lifted his right arm with his hand outstretched and pointed at Nobunaga. "If you can wield your sword at ten times gravity, how about a hundred times?" Yoshikage balled his fist, and Nobunaga felt that familiar feeling, immediately letting go of the sword this time. The sword fell with a great impact on the ground, shaking it. Nobunaga then started to gather Ki in his hands and then taunted Yoshikage. 

"I've absorbed Onikage - that sword isn't my only…." he dropped to the ground instantly. 

Surprised, he asked, "But…. how? I can hardly move, I'm so heavy…. my armor…." he looked to his shoulder, noticing a small scratch. 

Yoshikage smiled. "You see, I could have killed you there, but I decided that you should experience the same fear you attempted to seed in me. Do you fear impending doom?" he lifted the Tsukuyomi into the air...

1570 DESPERATE ESCAPE

Azai/Asakura troops surrounded Hideyoshi. The situation seemed hopeless; that's when he saw Nobunaga drop to the ground, with Yoshikage approaching with the Tsukuyomi. Even though he was exhausted, Hideyoshi entered his ascended trance.

"I don't care if it kills me! I have to save Lord Nobunaga!" 

He quickly extended his staff, which shot across the battlefield like a bullet. Yoshikage brought his scythe down to finish Nobunaga but was sent flying back as the Bankaze struck his chest plate. Hideyoshi grew to a massive size and grabbed Nobunaga. 

In the meantime, Toshiie and Nagamasa fought to a fierce standstill. Toshiie paused as he witnessed the rescue of Nobunaga. He thought to himself, "I don't think I can beat Nagamasa. We are in serious trouble, and we're surrounded. I think I have just enough ki to clear a path for retreat, but if I turn my back on Nagamasa, he'll…. no matter - I have to give Lord Nobunaga a way out! Even if it cost my life!" 

Toshiie turned away from Nagamasa and used all of his remaining ki to make a large torrent of water. Like a flood, it swept the enemy away. This cleared an escape route for the Oda. 

Toshiie yelled, "THE PATH IS CLEAR! ODA FORCES, IT'S TIME TO ESCAPE!" 

He expected to be cut down at any second as his trance faded and as his back was to Nagamasa.
As he heard Nagamasa step towards him, he knew he didn't have time to react to a skilled warrior like him. His hopes were that his wife Matsu and his nephew Toshimasu would live on without him and that Hideyoshi could rescue Nobunaga. He smiled as he prepared his last thought, imagining Nobunaga's promised land without war. 

That's when he heard, "Then you must live as well." He was shoved into the mud and slid down. Nagamasa had refused to stab such a great warrior in the back.

Hideyoshi jumped over the outer gate and slid down the muddy slope. Nobumori, Kazumasu and Nagahide followed shortly after with the Oda armies survivors. 

Hisamasa Azai scolded his son for allowing the Oda to flee and ordered the Azai to pursue. 

Hideyoshi ran out of ki and fell to the ground together with Nobunaga. The Warlord, exhausted and shaken, asked Hideyoshi, "Did I…. did I almost lose? Did…. did I almost die?" 

He didn't know what to say. 

“Thank you, Hideyoshi”.
Hideyoshi was surprised to hear his name from Nobunaga - it didn't comfort him; it terrified him. That's when he realized their grim situation. The Rokkaku were approaching from the front, the Azai and Asakura from the rear, and worse yet, it appeared that two new forces approached from the east and west. This was a very grim outcome for the exhausted Oda army.

1570 SURVIVING KANEGASAKI 

The Azai, led by Hisamasa and Nagamasa, were the first to arrive. 

Nobunaga found new energy in the form of rage. "Nagamasa! You treacherous cur! Out of all the clans, I chose to ally with the Azai, and this is how I'm repaid? Because of your betrayal, I had to flee the castle I had just seized. You are a spineless, worthless brat, and you haven't got any honor." 

Nobunaga's face was red; he was livid. 

Nagamasa dismounted his horse, "Don't you see, Nobunaga? Onikage has corrupted you. It's controlling you into doing horrible things! You have to be stopped... We can't allow your deeds to continue unchecked. If I ordered my forces to charge, you'd all be dead. But I don't want to kill you… brother, please. Surrender and live, for Oichi, for Lady No, for yourself and your men. Lord Asakura has come up with a peace plan. Surrender and relinquish the sword, leave the capital, surrender your holdings in Omi back to the Rokkaku and your holdings in Mino to Lord Tatsuoki. Then, things can go back to normal, and we can work together towards true peace." 

Nobunaga scoffed. "Fool! You wish for me to undo all that I have done for my pursuit of peace! I'm not going to relinquish anything! If I did, my true brothers, Nobukatsu and Nobuoki, would have died for nothing! I will make a world without war to honor their sacrifices; my brothers knew sacrifices had to be made to build a new world. You are no brother of mine!" 

Nagamasa was distressed, but he ordered his men to charge with a stoic look on his face. The Oda struggled desperately but were quickly overwhelmed. They attempted to retreat, but the Azai didn't let up, and soon, the Rokkaku were within earshot. 

As the new threat closed in, Toshiie looked at Hideyoshi, who nodded back.

“It's been an honor to fight alongside you. I started with nothing, and now I'm a Samurai and an Onika. I hope Nene, Hidenaga, Hanbei and Kanbei do well without me around. Toshiie, let's protect lord Nobunaga as long as possible!" 

The fighting intensified. Before long, the pincer attack dealt heavy losses to the Oda side.

Nobunaga watched several gifted warriors die. One such warrior was Yoshiaki Kuki, who was stabbed by several spears. While onlooking, Nobunaga almost fell victim to the same fate. However, Hirohide Hirate cut down the would-be assassins. 

"Not today, my Lord. As long as I draw breath, the enemy won't take your head!" 

Nobunaga smiled, "Sir Hirate, 20 years after your passing, and you're still protecting me... Your boy is a finer treasure than any other keepsake, thank you." 

As the situation grew more desperate, the Oda were pushed closer together, and they weren't going to last much longer. However, everything would soon change. 

Another force from the east came charging towards the Rokkaku. A thunderous voice echoed throughout the battlefield.

"YOSHIKATA! YOU WERE ALREADY WARNED NOT TO CROSS THE ODA AGAIN. YOU WILL PAY DEARLY THIS TIME." 

Yoshikata was terrified. He knew this horrible voice without seeing him, so he ordered his men to face the nearby hills. That's when Oni-Shibata and his forces came full down and slammed into the Rokkaku. Toshiie and Kazumasu were overjoyed to see their commander and mentor shatter the enemy formation and morale. Katsuie entered his dual trance and crushed the Rokkaku army, while Narimasa Sassa and Nobuhide Oda too wreaked havoc on the Rokkaku line. 

As the Rokkaku shattered and attempted to flee, the Shibata army pursued. 

"I'm not going to let that snake get away with this! You idiots, stop standing around and get our Lord to safety! If even one hair on his head is damaged, I'm holding you personally responsible." 

Katsuie pursued the Rokkaku far and demanded Yoshikata surrender or die horribly for his actions. Just like that, Katsuie had destroyed the Rokkaku clan. From the west, Mitsuhide’s reinforcements arrived as well too. Hidemitsu Akechi and Toshimitsu Saito joined him. Together they repelled the Azai and safely escorted Nobunaga, Hirohide, Nobumori, Nagahide, Hideyoshi, Toshiie and Kazumasu, the only survivors from Kanegasaki, back to the capital. 

Nobunaga would never forget this loss. He would never forgive Nagamasa and Yoshikage and became obsessed with vengeance - but he didn't realize there were other threats closer to home...

1570 BUROKEN NATO

Among the Oda warriors that died defending Nobunaga and his generals after the siege of Kanegasaki, one deserves special mention: Buroken Nato. A young warrior from Mino. He was present at the Siege of Inabayama Castle. He joined the Oda as an ashigaru. He served Katsuie Shibata in the battle of Kannonji Castle and killed Nobuoki Sasaki, cousin of Nobutaka Rokkaku. Because of his bravery, Katsuie granted him a sword and a helmet. He did well in the capital purge of the Miyoshi and caught the eye of Kazumasu Takigawa. From then on, he served Kazumasu and was adopted by the Nato clan. Buroken was grateful for being accepted into a Samurai clan and swore to pay back Kazumasu's kindness. When Kazumasu and Nobumori Sakuma reinforced the Oda at Kanegasaki Castle, Buroken caught and reloaded Kazumasu's rifles and acted as his personal bodyguard. After the enemy pincer attack, Buroken helped Kazumasu escape. When the Azai later caught up with the exhausted Oda troops, Buroken saw an escape. He could have fled, because the Azai weren't after him. However, seeing his commander Kazumasu surrounded and remembering his debt to the man that made him a Samurai, Buroken raced to assist him. Cutting down the Azai ashigaru in droves, he was soon fighting alongside Kazumasu to protect Nobunaga. When the Shibata army arrived, it seemed like everything was going to be okay, but the Azai archers had targeted Kazumasu, thinking he was Nobunaga. Kazumasu was too focused on trying to defend Nobunaga, and he could not hear Buroken's warnings. Buroken ran and pushed Kazumasu to the ground. The Azai flew, and many found their way into Buroken. He knelt to the ground:  his debt was repaid. He felt the life leaving his body. Kazumasu raced to him. 

The last thing he heard was the Akechi reinforcements arriving, then he drifted off, breathing a sigh of relief in knowing that Kazumasu was safe. Buroken Nato was a true warrior. When he was young, he was thrown from his horse, sustaining a bad head injury that would have crippled some men, but he continued fighting and living his own life. He could have fled, but he chose to fight a losing battle. 

Nobunaga often quotes Atsumori, "A man's life is but 50 years." 

But Buroken only made it to 24. While Nobunaga was too upset about losing and his vengeance to notice his sacrifice, Kazumasu never forgot. 

For the rest of his life, Kazumasu would rally his men with stories of his valor. Those stories remained. Though he died young through his legends, his name was immortalized as Buroken Nato, the Hero.

1570 LEGENDARY WEAPONS

Nobunaga had made it safely back to the capital. Soon after, Mitsuhide arrived with his forces. With him was one of Nobunaga's last remaining brothers, Nobuhiro. 

Nobunaga called out to him. "You know, Nobuhiro, when I saw you on the battlefield, I thought you had joined with the Azai. Surprisingly, you were part of the rescue. Considering you have rebelled and colluded with the Imagawa and the Saito, I figured this was going to end similarly. But I guess you're full of surprises."

Nobuhiro was distressed about his brother's lack of faith but understood why. He simply swore to make amends through his actions. Nobunaga was amused by this and responded, "We shall see." 

Then, the Warlord summoned his Royal guards, including Ieyasu Tokugawa and Hisahide Matsunaga. It was time to start planning his revenge on the Azai. 

It would take some time for Ieyasu to arrive, so in the meantime, he held an award ceremony to commemorate those who fought in Kanegasaki. 

Mitsuhide and Katsuie received additional land to their fiefs. Hideyoshi was awarded a glorious rising sun Kabuto. Toshiie and Nobumori received an increased stipend. Kazumasa was awarded a large foreign horse and a new European rifle. Nagahide and Yoshinari would receive something different. 

Nagahide was presented with the legendary Azumaru sword, the very sword that belonged to the first Onikage, Kagekiyo Taira. He was deeply honored to receive such a legendary weapon. He thanked Nobunaga, who scoffed. 

"I wanted all my Royal Guards to carry Onika; however, I'm short on Onika at the moment. So, ancient weapons will have to do for now. On that note, bring it out! Yoshinari Mori, come, I've got something for you as well. This cross spear was used by the legendary Benkei Musashibo, the first Kamikaze. Use it to kill the traitors and fools that stand in our path." 

The Oda would continue planning and celebrating for a few days, still waiting for Hisahide and Ieyasu. Nobunaga started to get impatient. Hisahide had more than enough time to arrive; he wasn't nearly as far as Ieyasu. That same day, a messenger arrived with grim news.

1570 A MAN CALLED HISAHIDE

The messenger rushed to Nobunaga.
"My Lord… the Miyoshi army is being ferried by the monks at Ishiyama Hongan-ji - they are gathering around Osaka." 

Katsuie Shibata rose. "Those fools! I failed to scare them properly last time. Allow me to correct that mistake, my Lord! I will crush their will like I crushed the Rokkaku clan." 

Toshiie Maeda and Kazumasa Takigawa rose as well, requesting to join their mentor once again on the battlefield. Nobunaga agreed and sent them to battle the Miyoshi/Hongan-ji forces. 

"Those damn monks! I just lost half of my army, so it will be difficult to destroy the Azai and Asakura with the forces we have now. But…." 

Just then, a second messenger arrived with another grim update. "My Lord!! The Tsutsui have revolted and taken back Yamato province." 

Nobunaga gritted his teeth and summoned his sword. Nobumori Sakuma and Nagahide Niwa volunteered to suppress the revolting Tsutsui. Nobunaga agreed and dispatched them as well. 

"Looks like all we have is Mitsuhide, Yoshinari, Hisahide and Ieyasu, but we can still make a salvageable expedition with a third of our…." 

He was interrupted by yet another messenger. "My Lord, I bring terrible news. Hisahide Matsunaga has burned the Oda banners at Shigisan Castle and declared independence!" 

Everyone expected an outburst from Nobunaga. He was mad about losing the Asakura's coalition, the Azai's betrayal, his loss, the Hongan-ji monks, the Miyoshi and a revolt. Now, a Royal guard had betrayed him.

Everyone braced for the incipient explosion of rage. Instead, Nobunaga smiled and laughed. "So Hisahide shows his hand at last. Honestly, I'm impressed it took him this long. Mitsuhide! Submit him and bring him back to me …. alive. But…I'm sure you already planned on that." 

Mitsuhide did plan on it. In his mind, Hisahide was a villainous monster. He knew the truth about the attempts on Yoshiteru and Yoshiaki Ashikaga's lives. He also heard about his role in the fall of the Hosokawa and the rise of the Miyoshi at the hands of Hisahide. Mitsuhide, like Yoshiaki, knew how vile Hisahide truly was. Nobunaga knew that serving justice to him was exactly what Mitsuhide needed to restore his faith in him. 

So, Mitsuhide rallied his troops and set forth for Shigisan Castle.

1570 THE ODA COUNTER ATTACK 

Nobunaga was in his quarters with Lady No, his wife. 

"You're right, No, I can't stand idle any longer! I wonder if I'll still be so restless once the wars are over and the world is at peace." 

No chuckled at him. "My King, you won't actually see your work completed. The good die young, and you're the greatest of all time. Every day you survive is a miracle. Just remember, I'll follow you to hell and back if needed. All I need is to die alongside you to arrive in tandem in the next life. You can't be killed on some battlefield by some samurai seeking glory or land. You must die in my arms, even if I must kill you myself." 

Nobunaga smiled at her threats paradox that soothed his anxieties. "Relax. I can't die to the likes of the Miyoshi. They leached from the Hosokawa and Ashikaga until they were the biggest clan around. Now, thanks to Hisahide, they are a hollow shell. However, if my monkey's maps are accurate…. Then, they still hold a third of Shikoku. That's a lot of troops. I'll lead my personal force to reinforce Shibata. If we are lucky, we can drive those fanatics out of Osaka as well." 

With that, Nobunaga left his wife's company to participate in another bloody conflict. Katsuie had already served heavy casualties for the Miyoshi. Killing six of Miyoshi's top Samurai personally. Toshiie killed four and Kazumasu 2 before Nobunaga’s unexpected reinforcements arrived. 

Once they did, the Miyoshi line shattered. Nobunaga ordered the pursuit to follow the Miyoshi to Ishiyama Hongan-ji. However, the Hongan-ji forces were waiting, the same defenses from Nagashima - over 1000 muskets. 

The guns shredded the Oda forces. Then, the monks attacked from two sides while the gunners continued to shred the Oda ranks. After seeing a third of his troops liquefied, Nobunaga ordered a full retreat. He was upset that not only could he not damage the Hongan-ji, but the Miyoshi army escaped back to Shikoku to menace him yet another day.

1570 HISAHIDE'S MISCALCULATION

The Akechi army surrounded Shigisan Castle. Hideyoshi's forces had quickly sieged Tsutsui Castle with the assistance of the Akechi. In return, Hideyoshi loaned his rear guard to Mitsuhide and offered him words of wisdom. 

“Hisahide is a snake. He is a cunning schemer. He is an inhuman monster. He'll let you think you've won, then immediately stab you in the back. If you underestimate him, he'll kill you." 

Mitsuhide considered this warning when approaching Shigisan. Upon arrival, some of his men fell through a trap door, and from it emerged Hisahide's vanguard led by his son Kojiro Matsunaga. Toshimitsu Saito led a detached unit to engage them, allowing Mitsuhide to continue. 

Hisahide stood and watched from the castle gate, taunting Mitsuhide, "Oh no! Hahaha, the mighty Akechi army has come for my head…. and I'm defenseless alone in my castle." 

Nagayori Ono, one of Mitsuhide's commanders, was angered by this taunt and ordered his men to charge. A massive explosion ripped himself and his unit to pieces when he stepped on a mound of loose dirt. 

Hisahide laughed maniacally, "Oh no! What happened to that guy? You guys might want to watch your step. Who knows how many more of those are out there?" 

Mitsuhide responded, "I see now why they call you a villain. Instead of engaging us honestly, you hide in your castle and place traps all around yourself..., yet you sent your son Kojiro to the field. You are a coward." 

Hisahide laughed, "Now now, don't slander because I found the easiest way to win. The way I see it, you have two options. You can run home to your master, or you can die honorably trying to take Shigisan Castle. The choice is yours." 

Mitsuhide smiled and summoned his sword. "You think you've won already - you're but a pompous villain. My favorite kind to crush. Honor is a key samurai virtue, indeed. However, it isn't the most important value to me. For me… that is justice! Villains need to be punished; that is why I merged with Kamikaze, the very embodiment of justice. You see, Hisahide, there was a third option all along…." 

Mitsuhide outstretched his arms, and hundreds of diamond spikes formed around him. The spikes flew out, sticking into each mound of dirt between the Akechi and Shigisan Castle. All the hidden explosives detonated at once. 

Hisahide was shocked, "That's not possible…. how did you find all of them?" 

Mitsuhide smiled and flew to Hisahide, encasing his arms in diamond casts. 

"Kamikaze quickly noticed all your traps, and, together, we decided a controlled detonation was the best option. A villainous monster like yourself never stood a chance against a sword of justice. Now, you will meet your punishment from Nobunaga himself. You saw what he did at Mount Hiei. I can only imagine what he'll do to you.”

And so, Mitsuhide brought Hisahide to Nobunaga to answer for his crimes. 

Hisahide sat in front of Nobunaga. 

"If you want the satisfaction of me begging, you'll get no such pleasure from me." 

Nobunaga smiled, "Danjo, is that your real name? I need you to help me unite this land. None of the minds in this land can match you in terms of schemes, not even me. Seeing how easily you were captured shows me you aren't a threat on your own. So, I've elected to forgive you. You will help me unite the land, and we can kill each other after that. Danjo, you are dismissed. Mitsuhide, cut his bindings." 

Hisahide was stunned at his sentence, and even more so on how well-informed he was. Mitsuhide, however, couldn't believe that justice had once again eluded a monster like Hisahide. 

Though instructed to free Hisahide, Mitsuhide shook as he considered taking his head. Nobunaga smiled, curious about Mitsuhide's choice. 

But Mitsuhide thought about Nobunaga's vision of a land without war and cut the ropes from Hisahide's wrists. Hisahide laughed as he left the throne room.

Mitsuhide wanted to scold Nobunaga for his abandonment of justice, but he kept it to himself. Still, Mitsuhide wouldn't forget this injustice.

1570 TO FIGHT OUR BROTHERS

With the three threats aimed at the capital neutralized, Nobunaga set his sights on Omi once again. He had his forces draft and train recruits. 

Then, he sent for Ieyasu Tokugawa. 

"Ieyasu, soon we will punish Nagamasa Azai and Yoshikage Asakura for their betrayal. I have sent envoys to the Takeda and Hojo. These envoys have asked them to protect Mino and Suruga while we prepare to destroy the Uesugi. Our true target is Yokoyama Castle in Omi. With Yokoyama Castle, we can fortify on the Ane river and take Odani Castle and Nagamasa's head. From there, we march to Echizen. After we take Echizen, I'll beat Yoshikage to death with Nagamasa's severed head. Now that you know the plan and our securities, all that remains is to gather every available body you can find and then travel to Ogaki Castle in Mino. Ittetsu Inaba and the Mino three will take care of you and your men until it's time to move on to the Azai."

Ieyasu was deeply honored that Nobunaga felt he was the lynchpin of this operation. At the same time, he felt terrible. He had only met Nagamasa a few times, but he knew Nobunaga admired him as a warrior, rival, Daimyo, and even a brother.

"Nobunaga must be weeping on the inside; surely he remembers Nobukatsu's death. Lord Nobunaga is so strong; he has already buried two brothers and two fathers. Now, he must fight and overcome another. I wish I were strong enough to carry that kind of burden. I can't imagine losing someone important and being personally responsible for their death. But that is why I respect him so much. He emancipated me from the Imagawa, and he has sacrificed everything to build his new world. His dream is worth fighting for. I'll gather all the men I can muster, and together we will fight. Fight to repay our debt of liberation from our captors. We will fight for his new world, one in which we will never again have to fight our brothers. If that is the stakes, then no cost is too high. We will bury our opponents and use their graves as the foundation of this new world." 

Ieyasu called his retainers Heihachi, Tadazane and Tadakatsu Honda, Hanzo Hattori, Yasumasa Sakakibara, Mototada and Tadahiro Torii,  Yoshinobu Natsumae, Sadaharu Aoki and Masayoshi Naruse. While gathering troops, a gang of upstarts joined Ieyasu, wishing to make a name for themselves. Shikibu, Gorojiro and Rokurogoro Kosaka, Muneroku Yamada and a cousin of Sadaharu, Aoki Jozaemon. These five young men captured Ieyasu's heart; he was so impressed by their excitement to serve he named them rear guard commanders on the spot.

Meanwhile, Nobunaga had gathered his massive army at the site of the under-construction Azuchi Castle. His forces included: Mitsuhide Akechi, Hidemitsu Akechi, Toshimitsu Saito, Hideyoshi Hashiba, Hanbei Takenaka, Kanbei Kuroda, Katsuie Shibata, Kazumasu Takigawa, Toshiie Maeda, Yoshinari Mori, The Toyama brothers, Nobuhiro Oda, Nobumori Sakuma, Nagahide Niwa, Narimasa Sassa, Nobuharu Oda, Koroku Hachisuka, Ienaga Ikoma, Kazutoyo Yamauchi, Naomasa Harada and Hirohide Hirate.

They would form a pincer attack with the Mino three, Ittetsu Inaba, Morinari Ando, Bokuzen Ujiie and Ieyasu's forces. Their target was the Azai's Yokoyama Castle in Omi.

1570 THE SIEGE OF YOKOYAMA CASTLE 

Soon, the Oda and Tokugawa were headed for Yokoyama. Within an afternoon, Yokoyama was surrounded, and things started to look grim for the Azai. 

In Odani, Nagamasa and his father Hisamasa argued. 

"Nagamasa, my son, you are a gifted warrior but a terrible strategist. If we do nothing, Nobunaga will steal Yokoyama Castle, and we will be vulnerable to the siege at Odani Castle!" 

Nagamasa responded to his father's accusations. "Father, I understand your concerns…. but the Oda army outnumbers us vastly. If we engage them…. even if we win, it will cost most of our army. We won't be able to hold Odani without troops." 

Since the Rokkaku clan, Tsutsui clan, Kitabatake clan and Matsunaga clan had surrendered to the Oda, the only reinforcements expected were from Echizen. Most of the coalition was the Azai and Asakura at this point. The Azai needed every available body from the Asakura to stand a chance. Luckily for them, Yoshikage Asakura anticipated this retaliatory strike and quickly gathered every available warrior in Echizen. 

After receiving word of Yoshikage's massive army setting up a camp down the Ane river, Nagamasa and Hisamasa would send their armies minus those at Yokoyama Castle to gather upstream on the Ane river. This was shaping up to be a legendary battle. With the Azai aimed at the Tokugawa camp and the Asakura troops aimed at the Oda, it seemed as if the battlefield was even. The Oda outnumbered the Asakura, and the Tokugawa were about even with the Azai. 

Near Yokoyama, at the Oda camp, Ieyasu had ventured to discuss the upcoming battle with Nobunaga. 

"The lines look simple enough, Lord Nobunaga; we should be able to manage a victory if we are careful. Hanbei is the greatest strategic mind I've ever witnessed. When I visited him, he couldn't stop showing maps and explaining very precise and complicated strategies. If we listen to everything he has to say…." 

Nobunaga slammed his hand on the table. 

"This won't do! I must personally take Nagamasa's head. Switch camps with me in the night. In the morning, I'll destroy the Azai, and you can keep Yoshikage busy until I come to take his head as well!" 

Ieyasu was surprised by this complete turnaround and waited for Nobunaga to laugh off this sick joke, but the awaited fit of laughter never came. Nobunaga wasn't jesting; he was seriously going to invalidate Hanbei's plans and the even playing field for his petty revenge. 

After failing to convince Nobunaga to see reason, Ieyasu left, disheartened.

After switching camps, there were whispers of a suicide charge to satisfy Nobunaga's thirst for vengeance. Heihachi Honda recommended naysayers be beaten, Yasumasa Sakakibara recommended executions, Tadahiro Torii recommended the highest ranking of the naysayers be commanded to commit seppuku. 

Ieyasu feared such actions could spark mutiny or defections. Also, he knew the Asakura outnumbered them 2 to 1. So, he would need as many warriors as possible. To settle his men, he called them all for a speech. 

"Men of Mikawa and Suruga! The Asakura outnumber us; this is true. However, the assault we shall undertake is no suicide charge, nor is it the Oda sacrificing a pawn for a chance at revenge. The Oda have been betrayed by their former allies, the Azai. Nobunaga welcomed Nagamasa into his family at the cost of his sister's maidenhood and life. Nagamasa has brought shame to his clan. So, it is his duty to avenge his betrayal. However, he isn't the only one with a duty to uphold. We, the warriors of Mikawa and Suruga, were once dominated by a tyrant! Yoshimoto Imagawa! That villain raised me to be his slave, and you his pawns. Nobunaga slew the tyrant, and by right, he could have killed me and absorbed Mikawa as his territory. He didn't!! He offered us a choice. We could die loyal to the Imagawa or partner with him to build a better world without war. So that is our duty; we must repay his breaking of our chains. We must destroy the Asakura so that this land can be free of war! I may not live to see this peace, but I swear on my father’s glorious golden armor, the mighty Raikage spear and the very heart in my chest that as long as I draw breath, I will fight any who stand in the way of that new world.!" 

The hearts of the Tokugawa troops were immensely reinvigorated and captivated. 

Though Ieyasu had expressed doubts on living to see peace, he would far outlive every man in attendance that day. 

Meanwhile, in Nobunaga's new camp, there was no speech. It was a rather quiet night. As men took shifts remaining awake to scout, Nobunaga didn't sleep a wink. His mind was obsessed with killing Nagamasa. He envisioned several scenarios where he murdered his brother-in-law. He imagined how he'd do it and what he would say. 

He pondered until the sun rose, then excitedly exclaimed, "NOW IS THE TIME!" as he prepared to engage the Azai at Anegawa.