CH 82

December late 1570

As the end of the year approached and the cold became even harsher, an unexpected person visited Sakihisa (Konoe).

“First, please ask the uncultured people to leave. Those who do not understand elegance should wait outside. I am unarmed, unlike you who are behind me, so you should not lag behind.”

Sakihisa (Konoe) was surprised by the unexpected guest, but he smiled and spoke sarcastically. The visitor smiled back without a sharp irony and asked those around him to step back.

“It’s quite sudden and unexpected, Lord Kenshin of Echigo.”

“Hahaha, no one would expect me to wander around dressed as a wandering monk.”

Laughing like a mischievous child, Kenshin of Echigo answered Sakihisa (Konoe)’s question. As he had planned, no one could have predicted that Kenshin would visit Sakihisa (Konoe) in Gifu. Even the Takeda spies, who believed Kenshin was in Kasugayama Castle, did not doubt it.

“Tonight is a good night. Shall we enjoy the moon in the garden?”

“….Very well. But I am currently under the protection of the Oda clan. Do not forget that.”

After warning Kenshin, Sakihisa (Konoe) guided him to the veranda. It was the middle of winter in late December, but Kenshin, born in the harsh cold of Echigo, was accustomed to this level of cold. However, Sakihisa (Konoe) felt a little chilly, so he wore a double-layered silk-threaded angled-sleeve coat.

“It’s getting cold tonight. Let’s warm it up from the beginning.”

“Warm it up?”

Kenshin frowned at the unfamiliar word. However, without answering his question, Sakihisa (Konoe) ordered a servant to prepare warm sake. After a while, the servant brought warm sake and a plate with snacks. Sakihisa (Konoe) took a jug and poured sake into a cup, offering it to Kenshin. Kenshin, slightly bewildered, accepted the cup from Sakihisa (Konoe) and looked down. The cup was white except for a blue snake-eye pattern at the bottom. Kenshin looked at the color on the white part and the transparency at the boundary between the blue and white. He was captivated by the blue sparkling warm sake reflecting the moonlight. Eventually, he smiled mischievously and clinked cups with Sakihisa (Konoe).

“To our reunion.”

“Ah, to our reunion.”

They tilted their cups and drank the sake in one gulp. Sakihisa (Konoe) was used to it, but Kenshin, who tasted warm sake for the first time, was surprised but quickly regained his composure and enjoyed the taste.

“Delicious.”

“Indeed. This is a rare item that even Oda clan retainers can hardly obtain. It is suitable for drinking on a day like today.”

While saying this, Sakihisa (Konoe) turned his face towards the garden. Kenshin also followed his gaze. There was the moon shining clearly in the dark night, illuminating the garden, and the sound of rustling leaves tickled their ears. The severe yet beautiful winter scenery was there. Kenshin understood why he had avoided having guards. Silently, just gazing at the garden in front of them while drinking sake felt like a luxurious experience to Kenshin. And he thought that it would be inappropriate to disturb such a fleeting and beautiful place by trampling on it with his presence.

“What a fleeting beauty. I understand why you dislike monkeys on the eaves.”

“This garden is my masterpiece. Unrefined and uncultured people are unnecessary.”

While gazing at the garden, Sakihisa (Konoe) tilted his cup. Kenshin also raised his cup. Although they were silently enjoying the sake while gazing at the garden, Kenshin suddenly spoke.

“Aren’t you going to ask me the reason why I came?”

“Do I have to forcefully ask and answer your question?”

Sakihisa (Konoe) smiled and answered Kenshin’s question. Sakihisa (Konoe) was not particularly interested in what Kenshin’s purpose was. He was satisfied with just drinking sake with an old friend. They had once formed an alliance for the revival of the authority of the imperial court and the Ashikaga regime, but their ambitions were shattered by the Takeda and Hojo clans. However, their friendship had not disappeared.

“Haha, it seems that if I don’t ask, it will seem like I came just to crush your spirit. Well… let me ask you directly. The reason I came is related to your daughter.”

“Daughter…? No way…”

For the first time, Sakihisa (Konoe) showed a surprised expression. Kenshin, with a mischievous smile, finished his cup of sake and continued speaking.

“Even when I fought against the Takeda, I have never been so surprised. Using a woman for politics… I never thought of it. That’s why everyone is deceived. Neither the Takeda spies nor the Hojo spies have noticed. It seems that to the outside world, it appears that it is the Oda or Mori clan who are doing it.”

“…”

“If I hadn’t met her and heard her story, I would have laughed at the spies’ reports. But after meeting that girl and hearing her, I realized that the spies were not foolish.”

Kenshin paused and finished his cup of sake, taking a breath.

“The foundation of a country is its people. We samurai only borrow the harvest in exchange for protecting the people’s land. She understands this, and she makes the people prosper. And in doing so, she gains her own power. The spies were dizzy with confusion. The power she possesses is equivalent to 1.2 million koku of land.”

“…The reason you visited me, is it not a playful request for me to intercede? My daughter is a treasure of the Konoe family. She cannot be sent away so easily. Besides, she is currently working under Lord Oda. As long as she does not dislike it, I cannot separate her from Lord Oda’s side.”

Sakihisa (Konoe) thought it was a complicated story. While the Takeda and Hojo clans focused on the military aspects of the Oda clan, they neglected agriculture and fishing. However, Kenshin was different. He considered himself a samurai entrusted with the people’s land. Unlike the Takeda and Hojo, he valued Shizuko’s production technology.

“Wait. You… the reason you visited today, could it be…”

Sakihisa (Konoe), who was considering Kenshin’s intentions, realized that Kenshin’s visit today was not just a whim but a calculated move. Kenshin, with a cunning smile, told Sakihisa (Konoe) the answer.

“No, I don’t intend to take her away. I just want to talk to her again. Lady Shizuko of the Konoe family.”

In preparation for the New Year, Sakihisa (Konoe) had purchased a variety of goods from Shizuko. The day the goods arrived was the day after Kenshin’s visit. Occasionally, Nobunaga would handle it, but Shizuko was primarily responsible for Sakihisa (Konoe)’s dealings. Although Shizuko herself did not usually visit unless it was to deliver goods, she decided to visit as a greeting due to the New Year. Kenshin took advantage of the timing and obtained an opportunity to meet Shizuko, which would be difficult for even a senior Oda clan retainer. It was understandable that Sakihisa (Konoe) would be worried as he could not easily drive them away.

“Lady Shizuko has arrived.”

“….Let her in.”

Sakihisa (Konoe) felt a slight unease as he left his friend alone in the room and went outside with Shizuko. However, Sakihisa (Konoe) crossed his arms, cleared his throat, and turned his back to her.

“(Don’t do anything unnecessary.)”

“(Don’t worry.)”

Although Kenshin said so, Sakihisa (Konoe) couldn’t feel completely at ease when he looked at Kenshin’s expression. Sakihisa (Konoe) let out a sigh as if he were spitting out something heavy.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

As the words were spoken, the door was quietly opened. First, Shizuko, dressed warmly, entered, followed by Kaiser and König. Kenshin instinctively recoiled at the sight of the huge beasts, but Sakihisa (Konoe) chuckled. Once Kenshin’s understanding caught up, he blushed and coughed to cover it up.

“Oh, sorry. These kids won’t leave me… um, don’t worry, they’re not scary, you know?”

Shizuko scratched the back of her head and gave a dry laugh at Kenshin’s reaction. Kenshin corrected his posture and looked at Kaiser and König again. They were so huge that he had never seen anything like them, but they didn’t give off a rough impression. Instead, they had a divine beauty. Kenshin thought to himself.

“I don’t mind. However, I was surprised at first, but the more I look, the more refined their appearance is.”

Shizuko smiled wryly at the monk’s (Kenshin’s) words. Since the end of the Battle of Shiga, Wittman and the others had never left Shizuko’s side. Although they would obediently stay away in places where animals were not allowed, they would always be waiting at the entrance. Especially Kaiser, who had regained his affectionate behavior from when he was a young cub, would stick to her all the time. Perhaps feeling a lack of affection due to the frequent movements, Shizuko decided to let them do as they pleased.

“I’m sorry, Lord Konoe. I just wanted to confirm the inventory… Is that alright?”

Shizuko asked Sakihisa (Konoe) if it was okay to confirm the contents. She meant both confirming the contents and whether it was okay to do so in the presence of an outsider. After glancing at Kenshin, Sakihisa (Konoe) sighed heavily and nodded without waiting for her reply. Shizuko felt a question mark about Sakihisa (Konoe)’s attitude, but she decided not to delve deeper as she thought it would make him uncomfortable. Shizuko took out the documents from the wrapping cloth and handed them to Sakihisa (Konoe) after double-checking the contents.

“Salt, sugar, miso, soy sauce, mirin, sake, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, Gifu rice, Owari rice… well, it’s quite a lot. The kitchen might get a bit crowded.”

“It’s fine. I plan to invite acquaintances for a banquet during the New Year. After the first three days of the New Year, there will probably be half left.”

It was a quantity that could sustain an individual for several months, but they would consume it in a few days. Shizuko was slightly curious about how many people he would invite, but she decided not to poke into it further. After that, she told Sakihisa (Konoe) that she wanted to check the luggage, and without waiting for her response, Sakihisa (Konoe) took Shizuko out with him. Kenshin was initially taken aback by their swift movements, but once his understanding caught up, he smiled softly.

“Um, is it alright?”

Shizuko felt a slight unease as Sakihisa (Konoe) left his friend alone in the room and went outside with her. However, Sakihisa (Konoe) crossed his arms, cleared his throat, and turned his back to her.

“Listen, Lady Shizuko. My second challenge is to make you my adopted daughter. However, I have only discussed this with Lord Oda.”

“Eh, ah, yes, huh?”

Shizuko, who heard an outrageous bombshell statement, but before she could think about it, Sakihisa (Konoe) turned around and continued speaking with a desperate expression.

“That wicked villain, worse than the eccentric, somehow knows about it. That man. He must be plotting something wicked. Therefore, here—”

“Don’t say such cruel things.”

In the middle of their conversation, a voice came from the side, causing Sakihisa (Konoe) to stiffen. However, the person who called out didn’t seem to care much and approached Sakihisa (Konoe) and the others with a very natural stride.

“Excuse me, I just wanted to talk, but this guy here is overly cautious.”

Kenshin stood in front of Shizuko and bowed respectfully. Shizuko, who still couldn’t grasp the situation, reflexively bowed her head. Sakihisa (Konoe), who seemed like he wanted to say something, eventually sighed and sat down on the veranda.

“Lord Fushiki-an. This girl is busy, so we can’t take up too much of her time. Please make it brief.”

Sakihisa (Konoe), understanding that any countermeasures would be broken, concluded that it would be best to comply with Kenshin’s wishes while monitoring and guiding without crossing any lines. Kenshin, sensing Sakihisa (Konoe)’s intentions, once again bowed his head to Sakihisa (Konoe) with gratitude and apology, then turned his attention back to Shizuko.

“We have met before, but let me introduce myself again. I am Fushiki-an.”

“I am Shizuko. Um… Is your name, and being a friend of the Konoe family, referring to the person known as the Dragon of Echigo?”

Kenshin’s expression stiffened at the mention of the Dragon of Echigo. Shizuko, who had previously shown no signs of seeing through Kenshin’s true identity, immediately saw through it this time. Kenshin turned his face towards Sakihisa (Konoe) only. He seemed to find Kenshin’s surprise quite enjoyable as he grinned. Kenshin, facing Shizuko again, cleared his throat and spoke.

“If I were indeed the Dragon of Echigo, what would you do?”

“I wouldn’t do anything in particular. However, if you were to secretly come to Gifu, considering it’s the season when it snows, I thought it might be quite inconvenient for you.”

Kenshin and Sakihisa (Konoe) were speechless at Shizuko’s response. The Dragon of Echigo, known as a military genius on par with Takeda and Hojo, had countless people who desired his head. In this rare opportunity to take Kenshin’s life, Shizuko showed no ambition to do so. On the contrary, she expressed concern for Kenshin’s return. Even Sakihisa (Konoe) found her response to be beyond his expectations. Kenshin, who saw no signs of hostility and observed their surprise with a curious expression, looked directly at Shizuko. Kenshin intuitively understood from his gaze that he could trust her words from earlier.

“Hahaha, how refreshing.”

“Y-Yes.”

Shizuko was perplexed by Kenshin’s hearty laughter. After laughing for a while, Kenshin smiled warmly.

“I sense a refreshing breeze from you, someone who seeks not only personal gain. It makes me feel refreshed and invigorated.”

Shizuko, who didn’t understand the meaning of his words, tilted her head. However, she remembered that he was someone who often overturned the common sense of the Sengoku period.

When she collected the suggestion box, Shizuko didn’t realize that the person in front of her was Kenshin. Although the name Fushiki-an caught her attention, she couldn’t imagine that Kenshin, a local lord of Echigo, would come to Gifu without any escorts. That’s why everyone fell into Kenshin’s trap, and no one could see through his true identity.

“I hope you will remain the same way forever.”

“Y-Yes. Thank you.”

“Hahaha, it’s been a while since I laughed from the bottom of my heart. I would like to offer you a drink as thanks, but I’ve heard that you don’t drink alcohol. So, let me offer you a cup of tea, following the sencha (steeped tea) etiquette spread by this guy.”

The Konoe-style sencha (steeped tea) ceremony is a type of tea ceremony that Sakihisa (Konoe) improved based on sencha (steeped tea). Unlike the matcha ceremony, it only requires a teapot, teacups, a cooling bowl, and tea leaves. While there are recommended ways to drink it, there are no strict rules. It can be enjoyed sitting cross-legged face to face, sitting side by side on the veranda, or even standing. Sakihisa (Konoe)’s sencha (steeped tea) ceremony consists only of a philosophy towards mindset and hospitality, and recommended procedures.

The philosophy and hospitality in sencha (steeped tea) are not much different from the matcha ceremony. Although there are several procedures, Sakihisa (Konoe) recommends the following method. First, the host of the tea gathering serves lukewarm tea to quench the guests’ thirst. Then, they serve slightly hot tea and sweets to the guests who have calmed down. After that, they can chat or leisurely enjoy the scenery, spending their time as they wish. Finally, they serve tea brewed at an appropriate temperature to conclude the gathering.

Any type of green tea, oolong tea, black tea, or hojicha is acceptable. The order and types of tea can be varied. It is allowed to serve green tea first and oolong tea last. Each person can choose the way they think suits them best. This relaxed rule and the affordability of the tea utensils made the Konoe-style sencha (steeped tea) ceremony very popular among samurai, court nobles, and mainly women.

As a side note, green tea, oolong tea, and black tea are all made from the tea plant called Camellia sinensis, which belongs to the family Theaceae. The difference between the three lies in the processing of the tea leaves. When making tea from the fresh leaves of the plant, unfermented tea is called green tea, lightly fermented tea is called yellow tea or white tea, moderately fermented tea is called oolong tea, and fully fermented tea is called black tea. Post-fermented tea made by koji fungus is called black tea. Therefore, there is domestically produced black tea made from Japanese tea plants nowadays. Although it may not satisfy those who prefer Indian or Sri Lankan black tea, it has a soft and sweet aroma, a refreshing taste with minimal bitterness, and a slightly sweet flavor.

“Oh dear, as usual, he insists on having his way.”

Sakihisa (Konoe) shrugged his shoulders with a frustrated expression at Kenshin’s words.

Ashimitsu was tilling a corner of the Sakura Shinnoshi Shrine while enduring the winter cold. The reason he was doing the tilling himself was that what he was going to grow was extremely dangerous, and he didn’t want to entrust it to just anyone.

(If Shizuko finds out, she might be attacked. I should try to cover it up as much as possible.)

Planting would take place in May, but since it was uncertain when things would get busy, Ashimitsu decided to till the land frequently when he had the time. Since he only used a small plot of land, it took him less than a moment to finish tilling. After wiping the sweat from his forehead, he sat on a nearby stone.

(Doing something unusual.)

“It’s because what I’m going to grow in the spring is something special.”

Kaito Kato’s voice could be heard from somewhere. However, Ashimitsu answered without paying much attention, wiping away his sweat and loosening his muscles.

(Could it be related to the poison plants I used on the 30 people?)

“If you know too much, you’ll lose your life, Kaito Kato. Well, fine, you were watching where I was going to use it anyway. I’ll tell you as a special favor. I’m growing poisonous plants for brainwashing. In Nanban, they are called Angel’s Trumpet or Datura.”

Angel’s Trumpet, Datura, Datura, and Mandarage are all names for the same plant, Datura, which is a highly dangerous poisonous annual or perennial herb or tree. There are two types of Datura: the Datura metel species, commonly known as Angel’s Trumpet, and the Datura species, commonly known as Datura. Both are toxic plants and are extremely dangerous.

As a side note, the term “Chosen” in Chosen Asagao (Morning Glory) does not refer to a specific region but simply means “something that came from overseas.” Although it bears the name Asagao, Datura belongs to the Solanaceae family, not the Convolvulaceae family like the Morning Glory. In 1804, Hanaoka Seishu, who performed the world’s first surgery for breast cancer under general anesthesia, used a type of Datura called Metel, which is native to India.

(Is it the same type of poisonous plant as the Hashiridokoro?)

“This is better for brainwashing.”

The Datura that Ashimitsu imported is an extremely dangerous poisonous plant. In India, there was a criminal organization called Datsureasu that used Datura to intoxicate their targets and commit robberies. It is said that the Datura they used was the same as the one Ashimitsu is growing. The poison was so potent that some people couldn’t endure it and lost their lives, but those people were Takeda and Hojo’s spies. Therefore, Ashimitsu felt no guilt whatsoever. Of course, except for Shizuko, the lives of others were worth no more than roadside stones to him.

“Hashish couldn’t control thoughts as effectively, but this one is easier to control, and there’s no worry about leakage.”

(Could it be… those 30 people…)

“That’s enough talking, Kaito Kato. If you continue to pry, be prepared to lose your head.”

Ending the conversation unilaterally, Ashimitsu put away his tools and left the area. Kaito Kato, who had been silently watching the field Ashimitsu tilled for a while, muttered as if he was expelling something black from his chest.

(Soldiers who sacrificed their lives… I sense unrest around the Koga group lately.)

On a certain day in January, the rewards for meritorious service in the Shiga camp were to be held at Nobunaga’s castle, Gifu Castle. It was thanks to the efforts of each individual in the Shiga camp, which could be considered Nobunaga’s greatest crisis, that he narrowly escaped destruction.

“First achievement! Mori Sansaemon Yoshinari!”

It is difficult to rank their contributions, but if I had to choose one person, it would be Yoshinari Mori. Thanks to his efforts, Nobunaga was able to capture Kyoto without being attacked from behind. Furthermore, through diplomatic negotiations using his connections, he was able to persuade some of the anti-Oda alliance. It is clear to anyone that he made the greatest contribution at the Shiga camp.

“Yoshinari, your work in overcoming the crisis of our nation was truly righteous.”

“Yes!”

Yoshinari was given two famous tea utensils, gold, and a fief. Many other generals such as Shibata, Sassa, Maeda Toshiie, Kinoshita Fujitaka Hideyoshi, Niwa Nagahide, and Akechi Mitsuhide were also rewarded.

“(Hey, don’t you feel like we’re not getting any rewards?)”

Keiji whispered to Shizuko.

“(Well, of course. This time, we ignored orders. Isn’t preventing the fall of Usayama Castle compensation enough?)”

“(…Well, originally we were supposed to join the Noda and Fukushima armies, so it can’t be helped.)”

Keiji seemed to have no interest in rewards either, as he shrugged his shoulders easily. Shizuko, on the other hand, had no interest in rewards. The things given as rewards, such as treasures, tea utensils, swords, and horses, were all difficult for Shizuko to handle, and even if she received them, she would just give them to others. She was more eager to finish and go home to check on the wasabi cultivation.

“That’s all. And this time, there are two special merits that commend their military achievements, in addition to them.”

Shizuko thought the rewards were over, but the facilitator said there was still more to come, which annoyed Shizuko.

“The first one is the soldiers who defended Usayama Castle. Without their brave efforts, it would have been impossible to defend the castle. The warriors who fought to the death should be honored with special merits.”

Nobunaga spoke with an atmosphere as if offering a silent prayer. Whether it was Nobunaga himself speaking about the special merits or the facilitator, no one knew. Nobunaga closed his eyes and continued speaking, furrowing his brow.

“May the spirits of those who gave their lives for their homeland rest in peace.”

Upon hearing Nobunaga’s words, his retainers prayed without being told. They prayed to comfort the spirits of the soldiers who slept in the nameless soil. When everyone finished praying, Nobunaga opened his eyes and began talking about the second special merit.

“The second one is also related to Usayama Castle. Those individuals fought with all their might at Usayama Castle, thoroughly crushed the rebellious Rokkaku clan, contributed to the stability of Omi Province, and made it easier to manipulate the Koga clan. They did not stand on the front lines, did not seek military achievements, but worked behind the scenes. I want to give them the second special merit.”

(Ah, I have a bad feeling about this.)

“Shizuko, the commander-in-chief of the Shizuko Army! Maeda Keiji, Kani Saizo, Mori Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi)! Your contributions were truly great.”

Shizuko’s head started to ache, but she couldn’t just stand there after her name was called. She received the admiring gazes of Oda clan retainers, but at the same time, she also felt the jealousy and resentment surrounding her. Whether it was the positive or negative emotions, Shizuko had become accustomed to receiving them in the numerous battles she had fought, or perhaps she had become mentally tough. She easily brushed off the ill intentions of her vassals and moved in front of Nobunaga.

“Hmm… Can battles really make people grow so strong? A baby taking its first steps has become a full-fledged warrior.”

Nobunaga muttered to himself with a triumphant smile. When Shizuko sat in front of him, Nobunaga’s expression became serious.

“Shizuko, Maeda Keiji, Kani Saizo, Mori Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi), your contributions were great.”

They were all given the same rewards of swords, horses, and gold, but Shizuko was also given a famous tea utensil and an Eiraku-sen mon flag. The Eiraku-sen mon flag was used by Nobunaga as his flag emblem. However, this emblem had only been bestowed upon the Uesugi, Kuroda, and Sengoku clans, and it was rarely given to vassals, so it was a great honor.

“That concludes the rewards, but there is one more thing I want to inform everyone about.”

Nobunaga lightly clapped his hands and signaled to a pageboy, and the sliding door at the entrance was quietly opened. Konoe Sakihisa entered the room from there. The moment Shizuko saw him, she understood what was about to happen next. Her headache intensified, but she thought that Nobunaga had planned this action and tried to distract herself by scratching the back of her head. Sakihisa (Konoe) wore a gentle smile as he moved to Shizuko’s side and sat down.

“I’m sure everyone is curious, so let’s reveal Shizuko’s true identity.”

The room became restless at those words. Shizuko’s last name was Ayanokoji, but no matter how much they investigated, there was no evidence that Shizuko was born into the Ayanokoji family. Even after coming to Kyoto, Nobunaga secretly had Takigawa Kazumasu investigate, but no information about her came up. All they knew was that Nobunaga had picked her up from somewhere and now found her to be quite useful.

“It all started when the current Shogun’s older brother, the swordmaster Shogun, had a secret meeting with Lord Oda. After I parted ways with the Uesugi clan, I was searching for a samurai whom I could entrust my dreams to. That’s when I saw the meeting between Lord Oda and the swordmaster Shogun. I took the opportunity to ask to participate in the meeting and made a promise to lend my strength to Lord Oda. That’s her.”

(How can he calmly tell such a blatant lie… I could never do that.)

Sakihisa (Konoe) spoke without a hint of hesitation. To those who didn’t know the truth, Sakihisa’s words seemed like facts.

“I’m sure you all have noticed to some extent, but I have forbidden her from using the Konoe family name. One reason is to prevent spies, and the other is that it was more convenient for her to show her talent as an unknown person.”

(I don’t care anymore…)

Sakihisa (Konoe) continued with his 90% lies. In response, Shizuko gave up trying to figure out the truth.

Although Ayanokoji Shizuko was her real name, within the Oda clan, she had become known as Konoe Shizuko. The fact that Shizuko was a member of the Konoe family surprised the warlords, and they held a certain awe for her. However, Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi remained unchanged in their attitude towards her. Keiji even said, “A person can live with just three cups of rice a day. But I’d rather have sake than my surname.” In the end, whether Shizuko was from the Konoe family or not didn’t matter much to those around her. It was simply a matter of accepting her knowledge and out-of-place courage.

A few days after the eventful rewards ceremony, Shizuko was urgently given 100 Ashigaru foot soldiers by Nobunaga. She was troubled by how to handle the soldiers. While fluctuations in the number of soldiers were common, being given around 100 soldiers was a first for her.

“Hmm, what should I do? Maybe I should train the new recruits for a while.”

“Start with the physical fitness test as usual.”

Nagayoshi interjected as Shizuko pondered. Shizuko’s army conducted a screening process called the physical fitness test. Those who failed the test would receive training designed by Shizuko for the logistics unit, while those who passed would undergo special training based on Nagayoshi’s own experiences. Either way, they would receive training under Nagayoshi’s supervision, and sometimes even outsiders would participate in the training, as his training methods were well-regarded in other armies.

Shizuko’s army was divided into two: the combat forces involved in battles and the logistics forces responsible for rear support. The logistics forces included the Kurokuwa civil engineering workers who performed civil engineering tasks, the kitchen staff who prepared meals for the generals, the medical staff who treated wounded soldiers, the hygiene staff who handled sanitation and epidemic prevention, the logistics staff who guarded and transported weapons and provisions, the reconnaissance staff who served as scouts, the communication staff who handled messengers and fast horses, and the security staff who handled military dogs. In order to smoothly carry out military operations, the support of the logistics forces was crucial. It was often the case that they were called cowards and looked down upon by those who fought with their lives. However, the strength of the Roman army was in its logistics, as the saying goes, and it was said that every famous figure, from Liu Bang to Xiao He, and from Cao Cao to Xun Yu, had an expert in logistics.

Nobunaga himself didn’t say it out loud, but he believed that what happened before the battle was important. Therefore, he was satisfied with Shizuko’s efforts to strengthen the rear support, and sometimes he secretly adopted her ideas. If something could be used, even tactics, strategies, or theories that the enemy excelled in, he would adopt them for his own army. This boldness was also one of Nobunaga’s strengths.

After thinking for a moment upon hearing Nagayoshi’s opinion, Shizuko faced him and voiced her conclusion.

“I’ll run this time. I’ve been busy lately and haven’t been training much.”

“I wonder how many will survive this time.”

While having such a conversation, the two of them prepared themselves. After getting ready, they moved to the square where the 100 soldiers were waiting. Thanks to having them line up in advance, Shizuko and Nagayoshi easily stood in front of the 100 soldiers.

“Alright, attention! I assume you have heard about this beforehand, so I won’t say anything. Now, I want all of you to undergo a physical fitness test.”

Standing on a wooden platform and using a wooden megaphone, Shizuko addressed the 100 soldiers. As expected, or rather, as it had become customary, the new recruits showed a disrespectful attitude towards Shizuko. However, Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi, who were watching from a distance, couldn’t help but smile, looking forward to how long their attitude would last. The longest someone had maintained it was about 50 minutes. Most of them would start complaining during the warm-up exercises before the physical fitness test, and if they could last about 20 minutes, that was considered good.

“Ideally, I would say to wear comfortable clothes, but this time, please stay in your current attire.”

After about 10 minutes, the physical fitness test, or rather, simple running, began. It was obvious that Shizuko would be in the lead, followed by the 100 new recruits running in a line. The rules were simple: Shizuko would run until she reached her physical limit, everyone would give up, or all the runners except Shizuko would be eliminated.

“Oh, you’re doing your best. Most likely, within two laps, about half of you will drop out.”

Keiji, who had been watching from a distance, had somehow ended up standing next to Nagayoshi. While Keiji looked excitedly with his hands raised, Nagayoshi had a rather uninterested expression.

“It would be good if half of them could complete one lap. Running on sand consumes a lot of energy despite its appearance. It would be tough for new recruits who have never experienced this kind of training.”

Nagayoshi’s thinking was correct. It was just running a 500-meter lap, but because of the sand, they couldn’t kick the ground strongly. They inevitably used more force than on a hard surface. It may be a small difference for each step, but it adds up over time. As expected, by the time they finished two laps, nearly 80% of them were exhausted and dragging their feet.

“Two laps completed. Look, if you look down, you’ll get more tired.”

On the other hand, Shizuko still looked calm. She maintained the same pace as before and entered the third lap. Before even completing half of it, 70% of them reached their physical limit and stopped. Except for Shizuko, only one person reached the goal of the third lap. That person didn’t seem capable of running the fourth lap, so Shizuko stopped the physical measurement there.

“Since everyone seems to have dropped out, we’re done.”

The new recruits breathed a sigh of relief at Shizuko’s announcement. However, they soon learned of their despair.

“After a 10-minute break, we will now move on to pull-ups.”

The new recruits, who learned that there was more to the physical measurement, felt like their world had turned dark.

There was someone watching them from a distance.

“Hmph, even my brother-in-law would have a hard time if he’s not used to it.”

It was Nobunaga. When he received a consultation from Nagamasa about “starting over with new recruits,” he immediately came up with the idea of throwing them into Shizuko’s army. There was a possibility of troublesome things happening elsewhere due to their backgrounds. In that regard, Shizuko’s army was a group of eccentric individuals, so they wouldn’t be particularly bothered by the addition of a few more people. And Shizuko’s army didn’t judge people based on their status or bloodline. If they had talent and luck, they could rise to higher positions.

“Fight against fate, my brother-in-law. If you have the power to make fate surrender, you will surely make a comeback.”

Nobunaga estimated that it would take about two years to destroy the Asakura clan. Odani Castle was a sturdy fortress. However, no matter how strong a castle is, it cannot survive on its own. If all the routes for water and food supply are cut off, it is inevitable that it will start to collapse from within.

“Strengthen yourself within these two years.”

Nobunaga muttered quietly to himself without addressing anyone. Before the mounted warriors could react, Nobunaga turned his horse’s head and left the scene.

After recovering from his injuries, Mori Yoshinari visited Shizuko’s house to give his year-end greetings. There were no particular problems, and it ended in a peaceful atmosphere. However, for some reason, Yoshinari expressed his desire to have a match with Nagayoshi. Shizuko thought it might be tough for Yoshinari, who still had some numbness and a disability in his left arm. However, when she realized that Nagayoshi was eager to do it, Shizuko knew she couldn’t stop him. To avoid any casualties in a spear match, as everyone would be responsible, they decided to have a staff match instead. Yoshinari swung the staff a few times to get a feel for it, then turned to face Nagayoshi.

“No need to hold back. Come at me with all your might, thinking of me as your enemy.”

As Nagayoshi nodded in response to those words, he started running towards Yoshinari.

At first, Shizuko, Keiji, and Saizo, who had been watching from a distance, thought Yoshinari would be at a disadvantage. However, when they saw the outcome, it was a complete defeat for Nagayoshi. The area around them was filled with footprints from their steps, but most of them were Nagayoshi’s footprints. Yoshinari effortlessly evaded Nagayoshi’s attacks and counterattacked with momentum. It was an incredible movement for someone in their fifties, especially with a disability in their left arm.

“Damn it! Damn it!”

Nagayoshi swung the staff around while shouting. It was just a reckless swinging, driven by frustration and the inability to land a hit. Such attacks couldn’t possibly reach Yoshinari, and he easily dodged them.

“Guh!”

Nagayoshi, who had exposed his vulnerabilities, was struck hard by Yoshinari’s staff on his torso. In pain, Nagayoshi fell to his knees, but Yoshinari mercilessly struck Nagayoshi’s hand holding the staff. The result of the match was clearly Yoshinari’s overwhelming victory. Not only Nagayoshi himself, but also Shizuko, who had imposed the training to train him, couldn’t hide their shock.

“Your skills are good, but you rely too much on techniques. Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi), you have been neglecting the basics too much. With that, no matter how much we spar, you won’t be able to defeat me.”

After picking up the staff that Nagayoshi dropped, Yoshinari expressed his thoughts on the match. Although his breathing was slightly irregular, he still seemed composed. On the other hand, Nagayoshi was breathing heavily, indicating that he had consumed a lot of energy.

“And you’re too cunning. Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi), you are only half-hearted in your cunningness. If you can make soldiers tremble with just a simple thrust, without relying on techniques, then you will be a true warrior.”

Nagayoshi was taken aback by Yoshinari’s words. He realized that he had relied too much on techniques, trying to move on to the next one when one didn’t work, and ended up in a quagmire. Yoshinari smiled faintly at how Nagayoshi had arrived at the answer with just a small hint.

“Listen, Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi). Don’t scare soldiers with your techniques. Make them tremble with just a simple thrust. If you can do that, then you will be a true warrior.”

“Yes…”

Nagayoshi’s response brought a satisfied smile to Yoshinari’s face. He helped Nagayoshi up, brushing off the dirt on his clothes. Even without saying it out loud, Nagayoshi could feel Yoshinari’s thoughts through his actions. After removing all the dirt, Yoshinari patted Nagayoshi’s shoulder a few times.

“Surpass me, Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi). Show me that you can surpass me.”

“Father… Yeah, I don’t know when, but I will definitely surpass you!”

Nagayoshi’s response made Yoshinari smile and nod repeatedly.

After training Nagayoshi, Mori Yoshinari visited Nobunaga. Even though he had withdrawn from the front lines and handed over the family headship to his eldest son, he was still Nobunaga’s right-hand man and the most trusted person. He continued to assist in politics, diplomacy, negotiations using his connections, and the development of the next generation, just as before his injury.

Shizuko was no different. Various items were delivered, as if she was trying to finish the items she had requested by the end of the year. The last items to arrive at the end of the year were three.

The first item was a glass petri dish. A petri dish is a glass plate used in microbiological experiments for cultivating microorganisms. It was invented by the German bacteriologist Julius Richard Petri and has since been widely used as a common container in scientific experiments, especially for using agar as a solid medium. The reason this container was needed was because it was related to the production of penicillin. Although the production facility was small, the production of penicillin had already begun. To confirm the effectiveness of the produced penicillin, making agar plates in petri dishes was the easiest method. However, production of petri dishes couldn’t keep up because they were made of glass. Nevertheless, to gather the necessary number, Shizuko had repeatedly requested production. Currently, it was penicillin extract, but Shizuko also considered crystallizing it into powder once the purification level improved, using the dehydrating effect of alcohol.

This natural penicillin, known as penicillin G, is primarily used against gram-positive bacteria. However, among them, the first indication is syphilis. When treating syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum, penicillin G is more effective than other antibiotics.

Syphilis can be transmitted through sexual contact, but there is also congenital syphilis transmitted during pregnancy or at birth. Since it cannot be cultured, although the complete DNA sequence of the entire genome was determined in 1998, the pathogenic mechanism of syphilis is still largely unknown. However, for some reason, it can be cultured in the testicles of rabbits. Syphilis was first recorded in Japan in 1512. Considering that syphilis appeared in Western history in the late 15th century (although there are various theories, so it is not confirmed), it means that it reached Japan in just a few decades. Syphilis spread rapidly and until the discovery of penicillin, there was no cure for it. In Japan, prominent figures such as Kato Kiyomasa, Yuki Hideyasu, Maeda Toshinaga, and Asano Yukinaga died from syphilis.

Before the discovery of penicillin, treatments for syphilis included mercury therapy and intentionally infecting patients with malaria to induce high fever and confirm the death of Treponema pallidum in the body, followed by administering quinine to kill the malaria parasite. However, since the discovery of penicillin, such treatments have disappeared. Treponema pallidum has not acquired resistance to antibiotics even in modern times, so depending on the stage, it can be cured by administering penicillin G for up to twelve weeks.

As a side note, the United States government conducted a human experiment on syphilis in Tuskegee, Alabama, targeting 400 to 600 poor black people from 1932 to 40 years later in order to study various severe complications that occur in late-stage syphilis. The infamous Tuskegee syphilis experiment was conducted by leaving patients untreated without informing them of their illness. Furthermore, healthy individuals were told lies about having a malignant disease in their blood after a health examination and intentionally infected with syphilis under the guise of “treatment.” Additionally, from July 1946 to December 1948, the same insurance agency conducted human experiments on syphilis in Guatemala (known as the Guatemala syphilis experiment). The terrifying aspect of these human experiments is that they were conducted during a time when the mode of transmission of the disease and the treatment methods were already known.

The petri dish was for penicillin, but the second item that arrived was wormwood. Its scientific name is Artemisia. It has a name in Japanese that is too embarrassing to say out loud, but it doesn’t have a foul odor like feces. It has a unique scent similar to yomogi (Japanese mugwort) and lavender. When dried, the scent becomes even stronger, so it is called “sweet wormwood.” However, wormwood’s reproductive power is so strong that it is suitable for the herb category. Although it is an annual plant, if the underground rhizome remains, it can reproduce from there.

This damn carrot’s ether extract (artemisinin) has an astonishing effect on quinine-resistant malaria. It is easy to cultivate and relatively affordable compared to other naturally derived medicines. When it comes to a specific medicine for malaria, quinine is the most famous, but it is impossible to cultivate cinchona in Japan.

During the Warring States period, when European merchants visited Japan through Southeast Asia, there was a need for medicine to prevent malaria. The first confirmed cases of malaria infection date back to around 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Human remains believed to have been infected with malaria were excavated from an ancient city in Turkey. Around the 1st century BC, the ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra also suffered from malaria, and reliefs related to this have been excavated. These reliefs are said to be the oldest record of a malaria epidemic in human history. Furthermore, malaria is not a disease specific to tropical regions. In Finland, near the Arctic Circle, thousands of people were infected in the early 20th century. Records of infection also exist in the United States, Canada, and Japan cannot be completely excluded from the affected areas.

Malaria, which had been a mystery for many years, was discovered by French army physician Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran in 1880 when he found the malaria parasite in the blood of a patient stationed in Algeria. It was not until 1897 that British physician Ronald Ross proved that mosquitoes transmit malaria.

The most important thing that arrived last was the cold weather gear set for Shizuko. Specifically, it consisted of gloves, socks, a belly warmer, and a pottery hot water bottle. These were not for Shizuko to use, but for the soldiers defending her base.

Thanks to Nobunaga’s consideration, soldiers were always stationed where Shizuko lived. However, they had to endure both the summer heat and winter cold. Even though it was their duty, this could take a toll on their health. It was essential to take measures to combat the cold along with the summer heat. It was unthinkable for the soldiers who were guarding to be unable to move when it mattered due to numb hands from the cold. Therefore, it was important to ensure that the soldiers could remain in optimal condition even in the cold.

“Alright, attention! We will now distribute two sets of cold weather gear to each person, starting from those who have received them. Also, this time, we will be conducting field tests, so we will ask for feedback on usability.”

“Yes, sir!”

At Shizuko’s announcement, bundles containing the four-piece set were handed out to the soldiers, two sets at a time. They immediately put on the belly warmers, gloves, and socks, and filled the pottery hot water bottles with hot water.

“It’s warm… I used to have stomach problems a lot during this season, but with this, I should be fine.”

“It would be perfect if we had some sake, don’t you think?”

“Cut it out. If you do something like that, Oda-sama’s thunder will strike you.”

With the cold alleviated and a sense of ease, the soldiers began chatting with each other. It would have been perfect if they could also be provided with insulated boots, but the current situation did not allow for the cost of distributing them to all the soldiers. They could only be given to close aides like Keiji, Saizo, Nagayoshi, and Aya. However, their performance was outstanding, and they did not let water seep in even when walking on water or melting snow.

“Alright, it’s fine to chat, but please return to work in order of those who have received the gear. You will wear the four-piece set throughout the winter. I will occasionally come to ask about the usability, so be prepared to answer immediately.”

“Yes, understood!”

The soldiers, who had been in a relaxed atmosphere, hurriedly responded to Shizuko’s instructions and tightened their expressions. After putting on the gear, the soldiers returned to their designated positions with an extra bundle of cloth in hand. Once everyone had received their gear, Shizuko stretched her arms widely.

“Alright, I’ve finished everything I needed to do until the end of the year. Well, there will be things to do early next year, but I can take it easy for a few days.”

Shizuko rotated her arms around and loosened her stiff shoulders. However, once the new year arrived, more work would come. Shizuko occasionally wondered when her busy life would settle down.

“Next year, I’ll live a leisurely life with a folding fan.”

Shizuko muttered such things, forgetting that she had made the same resolution at the end of the previous year. Unfortunately, the world situation did not allow her to find peace. Shizuko’s previously unknown army made a shocking debut in the Battle of Usayama Castle. The various countries were surprised when they heard that she had annihilated the ruler of Omi Province, Rokkaku, who had gained fame shortly after. They sent many spies to gather information. The once quiet surroundings of Shizuko gradually became noisy. No matter how much she longed for a quiet life, Shizuko’s turbulent life would continue for a while longer.