CH 85

April early in the year 1571

Shizuko turned her horse’s head while giving a command to stop to the people around her with her hand. Seeing her change the direction of the horse towards Genro, Keiji and the soldiers followed suit and imitated Shizuko.

“What’s wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?”

“A messenger came earlier and said that the Lord will come to the mansion tomorrow.”

Genro sweated as he conveyed the contents of the message to Shizuko. Shizuko thought it was unusual for Nobunaga to summon her at this time. Whether he was thinking of something sinister or just being capricious as usual, it was difficult to judge, but she had no choice but to go.

“Understood. Please prepare to depart tomorrow morning.”

“Yes!”

After replying energetically, Genro ran away from the scene just as he had come. Shizuko also gave orders to the escort soldiers, Keiji, Saizo, Nagayoshi, and Shou to prepare for tomorrow. Going to Nobunaga’s mansion was a common occurrence, so everyone prepared without any problems. This time, Shizuko also brought Shou and Takatora (Yokichi Toudou) along for the visit. Only Ashimitsu was absent, but Shizuko understood that Ashimitsu had been called by Nobunaga through a different route. In other words, Nobunaga considered Ashimitsu to be a separate person from Shizuko, and she understood that.

(I’ve always been curious, what did Uncle Ashimitsu do? Lately, he has been acquiring dangerous poisonous plants, could that be related?)

Shizuko was aware of Ashimitsu’s secret collection of poisonous plants. Since she herself had established the route for obtaining them from overseas, it was inevitable that she would know. However, she pretended not to know. The fact that Ashimitsu was hiding it meant that it was better for her not to know. There was no need to know everything and it was not necessary to interfere and hinder him by sticking her nose into unnecessary things. Therefore, while understanding the situation, Shizuko decided to trust Ashimitsu, not inquire about anything, and pretend to know nothing.

“Lord, Lady Shizuko has arrived.”

“Let her in.”

As the shoji door was quietly opened along with Nobunaga’s command, Shizuko bowed and entered the room. In her eyes, she saw Nobunaga, Mori Yoshinari, Takenaka Hanbei, Takigawa Kazumasu, Akechi, Ashimitsu, and other important figures. Shizuko slightly tilted her head in confusion at the presence of Takigawa Kazumasu, who was in charge of gathering information, but she sat down in an empty space.

“Everyone is here. Let’s start the discussion right away.”

Everyone tightened their expressions at Nobunaga’s words. It was easy to predict that this gathering of people called by him would involve a serious discussion.

“There is no need to explain our current situation. The surrounding countries are full of enemies, and there are traitors everywhere. The only way to overcome this is to crush each enemy one by one.”

Except for the loyal Uesugi, it can be assumed that everyone is fundamentally hostile to the Oda clan. Takeda has not made a clear declaration of hostility, but it is certain that they are not allies of the Oda clan. The Asakura clan, Azai clan, Takeda clan, Enryakuji Temple, Honganji Temple, Iga clan, and Nagashima are enemies from all directions. Unlike Takeda, the Uesugi clan, which does not actively show hostility, is also in a dangerous state. In fact, the attitude of the Uesugi clan was more cunning than those who openly opposed them. Enemies who pretend to be allies cannot claim a just cause if their actions are exposed, and opinions sympathetic to the enemy are more likely to arise from within.

“Akechi, you will continue to hold Kyoto as usual. The Shogun will surely plot something again, so deal with it appropriately.”

“Yes!”

Mitsuhide replied to Nobunaga’s words. Shizuko understood that this was a place to convey who would be responsible for what, and she was slightly curious about her own assignment. Being called to this gathering meant that she was already given a certain degree of personal discretion. Depending on the location, she could do good work and strengthen her influence.

(I don’t want too much power, but to gain some influence, I need some power. I need to achieve some accomplishments and focus on developing the infrastructure of the land, otherwise, only Owari and Mino will prosper.)

If she were given temporary control over the land, Shizuko would first focus on developing the infrastructure. In order to activate economic activities by moving people and goods, the infrastructure must be in good condition. Once the infrastructure is in place, maintaining public order would be the next step, but by then, Shizuko believed that someone else would be in control of the land. Nobunaga would not keep Shizuko tied to a specific land for a long time. For Nobunaga, Shizuko was someone who could increase the productivity of the land, and once the productivity of the land stabilized, it would be fine to return it to him.

“Shizuko, you and Saru (Hideyoshi) and Takenaka will hold down the Asai and Asakura clans. However, Ashimitsu will accompany me.”

“Yes! (Ah, as I thought, Uncle Ashimitsu has a separate assignment. Maybe it’s Mt. Hiei?)”

While replying, Shizuko understood the reason why Ashimitsu was called separately. However, she didn’t understand why Ashimitsu was singled out. She thought it might be because their views on religion were different from hers, but she felt that it wasn’t just that. Nobunaga didn’t think so lightly of someone to keep them by his side for such a reason.

“Also, I have something to discuss with you. Please stay behind.”

The assignments for each person were announced afterwards. However, they would start dividing the work after attacking Nagashima. Leaving Nagashima alone at their throat was dangerous, so they needed to weaken it enough so that they couldn’t engage in military activities for a while. Shizuko thought that if they were dealing with Nagashima, they would need to prepare various “weapons”.

(I want to minimize the casualties of the soldiers at Nagashima. We don’t have rifled matchlock guns yet, and using explosives there would make it difficult to establish control later on. Hmm, maybe long-range weapons after all.)

It would be easiest if they could settle it through negotiations, but the other side had no intention of listening to them. In that case, there was only one way to make the other side sit at the negotiation table, and that was to win in battle. However, by completely destroying Nagashima, there was also the possibility of suppressing other Ikko Ikki groups. In fact, by responding harshly to the Nagashima Ikko Ikki, Nobunaga had managed to quiet down other Ikko Ikki groups. Shizuko also planned to carry out a strategy without mercy against the Nagashima Ikko Ikki, which would suppress other Ikko Ikki groups and result in no unnecessary damage to both sides. She thought about what kind of strategy to use, but she couldn’t come up with a good plan. After the meeting, having listened to Nobunaga’s speech, Shizuko sent her troops home.

Nobunaga’s plan was quite simple. He wanted to rebuild Shizuko’s house and turn it into a samurai residence. He had been concerned for a while that Shizuko’s status and the size of her house did not match. Shizuko didn’t need a large house, but for Nobunaga, it was a necessary condition for Shizuko to have a house that matched her status in order to raise the next generation. In addition, it had already been decided that various expansions would be made to the surrounding area where Shizuko lived. Everything was already decided, and Shizuko had no room to intervene with her opinions. This was because Nobunaga entrusted her with taking as much land as she needed for agriculture. She could give some input regarding the vinyl greenhouses, but whether it would be adopted or not was uncertain.

(Headache… With such a scale, just the two of us won’t be enough. The plan was already made with the assumption of increasing the number of people from the beginning.)

If it became a samurai residence, it would be impossible for Aya and Shou to manage the house alone. At least 10 servants would be needed. Entering the house would require much more effort than before. In return, Wittman’s sleeping area, the huts for Akagane, Shirogane, and Kurogane, the hut where the turtles spend the winter, and the sleeping area for the shepherds would all become much larger than before. That’s not all. Once Nobunaga’s plan was completed, it would become a place that could be considered a quarantine facility in a sense. It would be like a closed-off area within the Oda territory, similar to Dejima that existed during the Edo period.

“…Maybe I should use the abandoned hot spring as a dumping ground and surround it with slightly warm water. Then, I could keep some animals that prefer a warm climate. I should send a letter to Mr. Frois right away.”

Shizuko found Nobunaga’s actions excessive, but for Nobunaga, Shizuko was a golden goose that laid golden eggs. When he received reports that there were more spies around her and she did nothing about it, it was only natural for him to take measures.

Shizuko couldn’t quite understand Nobunaga’s intentions, but since it was an order and she had no clear reason to refuse, she accepted Nobunaga’s words without thinking too deeply. When she arrived in Owari, Shizuko dismissed her troops and watched as each of them returned home. After that, she went to her own pond with food in hand. The pond, exclusively for Shizuko, had received red and white or all-red koi and colorful goldfish, but she had noticed them a little late due to being busy. Fortunately, koi and goldfish are omnivorous and eat almost anything. They might even eat their dead companions if necessary. Feeding the koi was done several times a day, but once a day was enough for the goldfish.

“Here, it’s food.”

As soon as she threw the food into the pond, the koi and goldfish attacked it with incredible speed. After putting in enough food that they could finish in about 5 to 15 minutes, Shizuko checked on the condition of the koi and goldfish. Seeing them swimming energetically without any illness or injuries, a smile naturally appeared on her face. However, it wasn’t all fun. In the pond of koi and goldfish, there were occasionally dangerous creatures that approached.

“Hey, Maruta. This fish is not for you.”

Shizuko picked up the Manul cat, Maruta, who was peering into the pond, with a look of exasperation. The Akagane and Kurogane had lost interest in the koi and goldfish after a new bathing area was prepared, but Maruta was different.

“Fnyaaa!! Fuh! Fuh!”

Maruta, who was suddenly picked up, let out a threatening growl, but it lacked any real power and only flailed its limbs. Eventually, it seemed to get tired and let its limbs hang down, allowing Shizuko to carry it. Shizuko carried Maruta under her arm and headed towards her house. Just before reaching the house, she noticed Tam and Kaiser playing together. Nearby, two unusually large cats, or rather, the mythical animals known as snow leopards, were yawning. Their beautiful white and black spotted patterns were fantastical, but they were currently covered in dirt, ruining their appearance.

“Yukki, Shirochoco, if you sleep here, you’ll get dirty.”

After it was determined that they were snow leopards, the male was named Yukki and the female was named Shirochoco. I called out to both of them, but they just wagged their tails and didn’t try to move. On the other hand, when Kaiser and Tama saw Shizuko, they stopped playing and ran over to her.

“Fugya!”

First, Kaiser reached Shizuko, and then Tama arrived and climbed onto Kaiser’s back. Then, Tama was lifted onto Shizuko’s shoulder using a log as a step. The log was surprised and looked around because it felt a shock on its back while it was napping. However, Tama, who used the log as a step, was happily cuddling on Shizuko’s shoulder. Kaiser also showed no interest in the log’s surprise and was cuddling with Shizuko. In the end, the log understood that it couldn’t figure out the cause even after looking around, so it stretched out its limbs and started to nap again.

“Alright, let’s go inside the house because it’s cold.”

Shizuko stroked the chins of the two cats who were cuddling and carried Tama on her shoulder, held the log on her left side, and had Kaiser on her right side. Without realizing it, Yukki and Shirochoco, who had woken up, were following behind. Aya and Shou must have been busy with something else because there was no greeting from them. Feeling a little lonely, Shizuko went straight to her room after entering the house. When she opened the sliding door, the first thing she saw was the Wittman family sleeping around.

“…My room is not a place to sleep. Well, I have created a comfortable environment, but oh well.”

Shizuko put down the log and Tama on the floor and lay down on a beach chair. Originally, it was a beach chair placed on the beach or by the poolside, but she had modified it for indoor use since she was in a spacious room. However, the indoor beach chair was made of high-quality materials such as Kiso hinoki (Japanese cypress) and black persimmon, so it was unnecessarily luxurious. The cushion was also made of silk, cotton, and hemp, making it extremely comfortable. The room was well-equipped for comfortable lying down, including indoor hammocks.

“…Why do you choose to sit on my stomach instead of using the cat house like Tama and Hana?”

Shizuko muttered while poking the log sitting on her stomach. The log ignored her muttering and curled up as if to say that it was its place. The Wittman family noticed the log and poked it as if it was in the way, but the log didn’t react at all and continued sleeping.

“Alright.”

Shizuko murmured only that and stroked Adelheid’s head who was next to her. Immediately, the Wittman family gathered around her as if saying they wanted to be stroked too.

In April, Shizuko led her army to Kyoto. The purpose was not to advance, but to conduct regular patrols. For Nobunaga, the fall of Kyoto was a matter of life and death. It was necessary to regularly patrol from Owari and Mino to Kyoto, and from Kyoto to Owari and Mino, to keep an eye out for any abnormalities. Shizuko, along with Keiji, Saizo, Nagayoshi, and a force of 500 soldiers, formed the army. Takatora (Yokichi Toudou) thought it was too early to go, Aya and Shou stayed behind, and the Wittman family stayed behind as well since it was not a military operation but just a patrol. Ashimitsu couldn’t go to Kyoto due to his background, but Shizuko had no way of knowing his secret, so she left him in Owari as an emergency response member.

The patrol in Kyoto was a modest but important task, so they carried out the mission with the same equipment as regular military operations. They used the Eiraku senmon flag and equipped all the soldiers with armor. Even though they appeared to be conducting military operations, no one felt any discomfort. However, among them, there were individuals who wielded extraordinary weapons, namely Shizuko, Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi. More precisely, it was not them, but the weapons they held.

The weapon Shizuko wielded was a ceremonial glaive called Kuse, which had vibrant decorations, a blue blade, and a red cloth wrapped around the tip of the handle. Keiji wielded a halberd, and Nagayoshi wielded a bardiche. However, the halberd and bardiche were made using the manufacturing techniques of Japanese swords and spears. Keiji initially handled various weapons, but he was captivated by the flamboyance of the halberd. He made unique modifications, making the versatile halberd even more versatile, and it became his exclusive weapon. Nagayoshi’s bardiche was thick and had a heavy weight. It was a weapon designed to literally “crush helmets.” The bardiche had a menacing form and a unique sense of intimidation that plunged onlookers into fear.

Saizo only had a regular long spear, but the material of the spearhead was made of a special steel called Damascus steel. The manufacturing technique of Damascus steel, which had disappeared in the 19th century, was still preserved during the Sengoku period. Shizuko had already obtained many ingots of Damascus steel, so she commissioned a swordsmith to make a spear with Damascus steel. The swordsmiths were initially fearful when they saw Damascus steel for the first time. However, they became fascinated after seeing knives made of Damascus steel and, after several failures, finally completed the spearhead that Shizuko desired. Saizo was captivated at first sight by the long spear with a wood grain-like pattern. Before he knew it, he had taken the long spear in his hand and, in a sense, with an almost forceful desire that he couldn’t imagine in his usual self, he wanted the long spear. Faced with Saizo’s passionate outburst, which was usually calm and composed, Shizuko had no objections and gave him the long spear.

With each of them obtaining weapons they were infatuated with, there was only one thing to do. Although the weapons were new, they held weapons that felt familiar in their hands and joined in the skirmishes caused by the Ikko sect, sometimes even borrowing campsites for battles. As a result, Nagayoshi, who cleaved humans in half with his bardiche, earned the nickname “Demon Slayer,” Keiji, who was always on the verge of falling in battles, became known as the “Most Eccentric of the Oda Clan,” and Saizo, who carried bamboo shoots with him as trophies, gained the nickname “Saizo with Bamboo.” However, because they were too focused on testing their weapons, they often forgot to receive their rewards and ended up borrowing money from Shizuko in the end.

After arriving in Kyoto, Shizuko entered the mansion assigned to the army. After disarming, she distributed gold coins to 200 soldiers for rest, assigned 100 soldiers to guard the mansion, and ordered the remaining 200 soldiers to be on standby. Although it was only a small amount, the purpose was to stimulate the economy of Kyoto by allowing the soldiers to spend money and buy things locally. Of course, breaking the laws set by Nobunaga, such as gambling, buying women, or using bribes, was strictly prohibited. Those who violated the prohibition would face severe punishment. In serious cases, they could even be publicly executed. When they went to the capital, Nobunaga had beheaded two foot soldiers for peeking at women’s faces and stealing a single coin. The so-called “Nobunaga’s penny-pinching” was used as propaganda to show the strict discipline of the Oda army. The strict discipline still continued to this day, and anyone who committed acts of violence against women, evaded payment at restaurants, or violated the prohibitions would be publicly executed regardless of their position.

“However, I have work to do, so I can’t move around freely. If I’m working, I don’t want others to feel restricted, so please play as usual.”

“Understood.”

Keiji and Nagayoshi replied energetically to Shizuko’s words. Even with strict military discipline, it would become suffocating. In order to relieve tension and allow the soldiers to play to their heart’s content, it was necessary for them to see Keiji and Nagayoshi playing extravagantly and cancel out their guilt. However, Saizo’s absence was largely due to his own personality. Immediately after receiving the gold coins, the two of them rushed out.

“I don’t feel any tension.”

Saizo muttered while looking amazed at the transformation of the two.

“Can’t be helped. Nobody wants to live a cramped life.”

“I have been entrusted with the role of Shizuko-sama’s bodyguard, and I have never felt cramped until today. And that will not change from now on.”

“Hehe, thank you. I rely on you in Kyoto.”

“Yes!”

Satisfied with Saizo’s response, Shizuko turned to her desk.

Kenshin, who was in Kasugayama Castle in Echigo, had been actively gathering information on the Oda territory, especially on Shizuko, recently. Not only her own territory, but the retainers of the Oda clan were also a group of peculiar individuals. Among them, it was not enough to rise to a position of power just because one was from the Konoe family. Kenshin was convinced that there must be some ability, a talent that the surrounding people would also acknowledge. And his thoughts hit the mark.

“Hmm… A hospital and a spinning factory? There are some things I can’t quite understand.”

Kenshin, who heard the investigation report from Kenen, had a puzzled expression.

“Even Kenen himself was perplexed. However, since the appearance of Konoe Shizuko, the Oda family’s wealth has significantly increased. Furthermore, the people are provided with food, clothing, and a peaceful living without experiencing hunger. Why would they do such a thing? It’s truly strange.”

Kagetsuna answered with a look that seemed to say he wanted to call it strange. He himself had doubts about Kenen’s report. However, if Kenen’s report was not accurate, there was no explanation for the Oda family’s prosperity.

“There is an explanation. It’s the same as the buildings. If the foundation of the people is solid, they can withstand anything. In the current chaotic era, both the samurai, court nobles, and Buddhist temples are taking everything from the people. In war, they plunder everything and even end up selling people. I am no different… Everyone is doing the same thing.”

“But if we don’t do that, the country will be overflowing with starving people.”

“Exactly. That’s where her strength lies.”

Kagetsuna had a perplexed expression, unable to understand what Kenshin meant.

“Every country is suffering from hunger. Our country is no exception. However, someone has appeared who doesn’t let hunger prevail and provides the people with food, clothing, and a safe place to live. In that case, the oppressed people will become soldiers who fear no death for that person. The difference was evident in Usa-yama Castle and Noda/Fukushima.”

“Indeed, that’s true. The battle between Honganji Temple and the Oda army was a defensive battle for the Oda army. However, Usa-yama Castle, despite suffering great damage, held out until the end. Even though there were plenty of opportunities for the foot soldiers to escape.”

Kenshin nodded at Kagetsuna’s words. Most battles are either plundering battles to secure provisions, or battles to reduce provisions. They fight only for their own territories, without considering other countries. No, they are too busy with their own territories to spare any thought for other countries.

“Shizuko-sama understood. If we can break through Usayama Castle, it means the downfall of the Oda clan. It means that the peaceful rule under the control of the Shogun and the Oda clan will return to chaos.”

“If chaos returns, the people will be plundered again. It was because Shizuko-sama and the people who followed her had the consciousness that they wanted to protect Usayama Castle from the Asakura and Asai alliance, even at the cost of great sacrifice.”

The damage suffered by the Oda army in the battle of Usayama Castle was truly abnormal. The surrounding countries, upon learning of the battle of Usayama Castle, which had more casualties than the fourth battle of Kawanakajima, trembled at the fierceness of the Oda army. It’s not just about the number of casualties. It’s about the fact that the Oda army fought to the end, even with so many casualties.

“Indeed, Shizuko-sama is in the right. Ignore the request from Honganji Temple. I want to see which side, those who have been exploiting the people in the same old way or those who are creating a new world, is more loved by heaven.”

“Yes! But what should we do if Oda clan comes to attack our country?”

Kagetsuna’s concern is valid. Currently, Oda and Uesugi are in an alliance, but eventually Oda will attack Uesugi’s territory. Kagekatsu was worried about how Kenshin would respond at that time.

“Nothing will change. Let us settle our grudges on the battlefield. If I lose, it will be proof that the new world is loved by heaven. On the contrary, if I win, it means that heaven is trying to make me do something. That’s all.”

“…Omijosama (Your Excellency)”

“For that reason, thoroughly investigate Shizuko’s army. When our army and the Oda army engage in battle, they will undoubtedly play a crucial role. My intuition tells me so.”

“Understood. I will order the Kozaru to investigate in detail.”

After nodding at Kagetsuna’s words, Kenshin closed his eyes quietly.

(If Shizuko remains unchanged when I go to battle against Oda, perhaps heaven will love her. But that’s fine. If it means that the people can live a gentle life, I am prepared to be the foundation.)

Shizuko groaned, holding her head. As always, she had a headache from Nobunaga’s whimsical and deceitful stories.

“Participate in a mock battle… I wish they had discussed it with me beforehand.”

However, even if she had been informed before leaving for Kyoto, Shizuko herself was unsure if she would have agreed to participate. She would only intervene in battles when necessary, but she wanted to avoid any conspicuous actions outside of that.

“But… it’s because the honor of the Oda clan is at stake, so there’s no choice but to do it, right?”

She didn’t feel enthusiastic about it, but she understood the reason for having a mock battle at this time. Nobunaga wanted to show that the Oda army was still strong to those around him. After the series of major defeats last year, the Oda army began to be treated with a slightly contemptuous attitude by neighboring countries. Therefore, Nobunaga thought of demonstrating the strength of the Oda army to those around him.

The conversation proceeded smoothly, as if there were no objections from Shizuko. The Oda army would be represented by the Akechi army, Shibata army, and Shizuko’s army. Several other armies from the Kinai region would also participate, attracted by the rewards offered by Nobunaga to the top performers. Four days after Shizuko arrived in Kyoto, under the watchful eyes of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki and envoys from the Imperial Court, Nobunaga’s mock battle began.

“Ah, as you all know, this is a mock battle, so it’s a bit different from regular battles.”

Shizuko, who appeared to lack energy and intensity, spoke casually to her soldiers. The number of soldiers was limited to 100 by the rules. Shizuko had 5 cavalry archers and the remaining 95 were infantry. Among them, 35 were from Shizuko’s unit, and the rest were composed of 20 elite soldiers each from Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi. The mock battle would be fought with a total of 100 soldiers and 5 commanders. Although Shizuko only had 3 commanders, it was not a problem as long as it didn’t exceed 5, according to the rules.

“Shizuchiー. Put some spirit into it.”

Keiji teased, causing laughter from those around him. Shizuko’s appearance was imposing due to the full-face mask she wore, but her voice was relaxed, creating a relaxed atmosphere for the entire army.

“Hahaha, that’s quite a demanding request. But let’s talk seriously. The first opponent is Wada-dono, the guardian of Settsu Province. He is a vassal, so we must not underestimate him.”

“I’m fully motivated. Leave the vanguard to me!”

Nagayoshi, full of motivation, shouted. However, everyone already knew that Nagayoshi would be at the forefront, even without him shouting. That’s why everyone was surprised by Shizuko’s next words.

“Ah, Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi), you will be in charge of defense with a shield.”

“Wait a minute!”

“Listen to the whole story. This time, we want to demonstrate the honor of the Oda army. Even if Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi) takes the lead and defeats the enemy, it won’t mean much. It is precisely because unexpected individuals are placed in unexpected positions that the strength of the Oda army can be demonstrated.”

Nagayoshi, who raised a protest, withdrew his words after Shizuko’s explanation. Shizuko’s words were correct. Even if Nagayoshi scattered the shogunate’s army, it would be expected of him as a young warrior with unparalleled strength. However, if Nagayoshi took on the defense role and another person cleared the path, the surrounding people would be surprised and fearful of the depth of the Oda army.

“So, Saizo, I leave the charge to you. Keiji, you will be in the strike team. I will give the signal for the charge, but after that, please act independently according to the situation on the battlefield.”

“Yes! Understood.”

“Heh, Shizuchi is bold to let us do as we please.”

“Oh… I also wanted to charge.”

Saizo remained calm, while Keiji had a joyful smile, and Nagayoshi seemed slightly disappointed. Each of them had a different attitude.

“First impressions are important. Don’t worry, depending on the opponent, the next charge might be Nagayoshi.”

“Really! Listen, it’s a promise! I’ll be the one to charge next!!”

“Well, it depends on the opponent… Well, it doesn’t matter. I should inform the next army in advance, as there may be many casualties.”

Nagayoshi, who realized that he could be the next charge team, was overjoyed. Shizuko, who thought that there might be casualties in the next mock battle, could only manage a dry laugh.

“Shizuko-sama, are you really okay with me being in the charge team?”

A puzzled Saizo called out to Shizuko. He seemed more lost than puzzled. Shizuko understood what was troubling him and smiled kindly before speaking.

“There’s no need to hesitate. I will accept everything about you. So, release what’s smoldering in your heart.”

After saying that, Shizuko directed her horse to the designated position. For a moment, Saizo looked surprised, but in the next moment, he wore an unusual, confident smile and bowed his head to Shizuko. When he raised his head again, Saizo’s expression was not that of a composed person, but rather that of a rough and wild warrior.

“Let the battle begin!”

After Wada’s army and Shizuko’s army took their positions, a soldier acting as a signaler shouted the start of the battle. As soon as the signal was heard, Saizo and his 20 soldiers began their charge. The surrounding people were surprised and murmured when they saw Saizo, who had a remarkable record in defensive battles, charging with a spear. However, soon their surprise turned into astonishment.

“Get out of my way!”

Just before colliding with the spear unit, Saizo’s troops dismounted and charged at the spear unit. The spears held by the spear unit were long spears (about 5 meters), while the spears held by Saizo’s troops were hand spears (about 2.7 meters), only half the length. The surrounding people thought that Saizo would become prey to the spears. However, contrary to their expectations, Saizo’s troops dodged the spears of the spear unit, slipped into their blind spots, and struck their opponents’ bellies with full force using their hand spears.

Several soldiers were mowed down. Some were even blown away more than a meter. With Saizo and his troops’ charge, the soldiers of Wada’s army were mowed down like rag dolls, and in no time, more than 10 soldiers were rendered unable to fight.

“I, Kani Saizo, who was feared as the demon who devoured demons, will you stand in my way if you value your life?”

Saizo roared in the middle of the battlefield. His voice was so loud that it reached the ears of Yoshiaki, the Imperial Court’s envoy, Nobunaga, and the local daimyos who were watching from a distance. The hearts of Wada’s soldiers were completely broken, and some dropped their weapons, while others stood frozen and even wet themselves. After crushing them and annihilating the spear unit, Saizo continued his charge towards Wada’s main force.

“What’s wrong! Is this all the generals of Kinai can do?!”

Since coming under Shizuko’s command, Saizo had become a person who appeared thoughtful and always had a calm atmosphere. However, he used to be the unruly and rough warrior, the unruly and rough general of Mino. At first, he reluctantly behaved quietly under the admonishment of those around him, but before he knew it, his current style had become established. He himself would sometimes question, “Why was I such a troublemaker?” That’s why Saizo came to be seen as a calm and composed general by those around him. However, the beast sleeping within him always sought an opportunity to come out. But when he thought about the consequences of angering Shizuko by showing his beastly side, Saizo hesitated and held back. That’s why Saizo was overjoyed when Shizuko told him, “No need to worry about the details.” With no fear, Saizo released the beast within him.

Witnessing Saizo mow down soldiers while roaring like a beast, the hearts of Wada’s soldiers were completely shattered.

“It’s about time… Keiji Squad, charge. Along the way, I’ll play a prank, but don’t mind it.”

“Hahaha, I’m looking forward to it. Alright, I’m off!”

As soon as she said that, the Keiji Squad rode their horses. As Shizuko had predicted, they moved along the side to attack, skirting the edges.

“Well, I don’t think it’s necessary, but we still have a job to do.”

After lightly rotating her shoulders, Shizuko nocked an arrow.

“…3, 2, 1, fire!”

With a high-pitched sound, the arrow flew in the opposite direction of the Keiji Squad. The Wada Army unconsciously reacted to the sudden strange noise. Although it was only a brief moment, it became the turning point that decided the outcome.

“Oh no! Enemies from the side!? Ahh!”

The main force of the Wada Army was devastated by the attacks from the Saizo Squad in the front and the Keiji Squad from the side. The remaining soldiers, in desperation, headed towards Shizuko’s squad, but they all fell before Nagayoshi without any means to resist.

“We’ve captured their general’s flag!”

Trial battles are not fights to the death. Therefore, soldiers wear cloth markers as substitutes for their lives, and the commanding general carries a general’s flag. If a soldier has their marker taken by the enemy, they are considered to have been killed and are removed from the battlefield. And when the general’s flag held by a military commander is taken by the enemy, the outcome is decided at that moment. Although there are times when the battle becomes heated and they excessively fight each other, since the marker is worn on the back of the head, it can also be snatched by an enemy who sneaks up from behind.

“The winner is the Oda Army!”

The emcee announced Shizuko’s army’s victory from the tower. Although there were some who continued to grapple even after the announcement, they were pulled apart by those around them. However, Saizo, who was invincible, couldn’t even approach, and if Keiji faced Saizo, he couldn’t hold back, so there was a possibility that both sides would get injured, causing them to hesitate on what to do.

“That’s enough.”

Shizuko, who had somehow moved close to the Wada Army, called out to Saizo, who was still wielding his spear. Her voice lacked vigor and had no imposing presence, but Saizo, who had been like a wild horse until now, stopped moving as if it were a lie. Saizo placed his spear on the ground and knelt towards Shizuko.

“I apologize. I got carried away and lost my composure.”

“It was I who told you to unleash your inner beast… me. There’s no need to worry. If you really insist, please fulfill your duty splendidly in the next trial battle.”

“I appreciate your generous consideration.”

Saizo deeply bowed his head to Shizuko’s words. With just a single word, she silenced Saizo, who had been so unruly. Not only the Wada soldiers, but also the countrymen who were watching from afar, were left speechless. The only one who knew the reason, Nobunaga, was the only one who seemed to be enjoying it, laughing.

“Let’s withdraw!”

“Yes!”

Following Shizuko’s command, the soldiers lined up and marched in perfect formation. Their precise movements, like a machine, were beautiful, leaving those who watched breathless. Just like the saying “a bird leaves no trace,” Shizuko’s army’s graceful departure left a strong impression on the neighboring countries.