Chapter 9: The Hidden Crisis

"First courtesy, then military action... Is there anything else I can say? Let me think it over again." Kira Mansamaru let out a wry smile, as if he vaguely remembered that when he was very young, a great monk from Kyoto had visited him. It seemed there was some connection to his mother's family, and although he could not recall much of what was said, he indeed received a few books from him

The words of Yamamoto Kansuke served as a wake-up call for Kira Mantsumaru, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. He vaguely recalled that the Oda clan had seemingly been expelled from Mikawa in the past year or two. Matsudaira Takechiyo had been exchanged to the Imagawa clan to become a disciple of Taiyuan Snow Master, and Oda Nobuhide had also collapsed under tremendous pressure, passing away a few years later due to illness

In contrast, the Hiwamaru is an independent area that connects to the main castle but does not connect with the North and South Castles. It serves as the residence for the Kira clan's family members, thus ensuring a higher level of concealment. At its highest point lies the main castle, and the road connecting to the main castle is designed with complex tiger mouths and horse exits, maximizing the military function of this new Nishijo Castle. Upon its completion, the castle immediately received unanimous praise from the Kira family, and Yamamoto Kansuke was thus accepted into the ranks of capable ministers by the Kira family.

Oh! This... because the Kira family has always lacked the support of ninjas and sufficient sources of intelligence, it is only appropriate to pay more attention to the Hattori clan, one of the three Iga ninja families that has now allied with us. Kira Bansho hurriedly came up with an excuse to brush it off. The Kira family already has its own horse-riding group, and it is reasonable to establish a new name to appease the Hattori clan.

"Because he is Hattori Hanzo!"

The thoughts of Master Taiyuan are so profound that even the ministers cannot fully comprehend them. The recent actions of the Imagawa clan will undoubtedly have adverse effects on our family. I believe the Imagawa clan has made a firm decision to seize Anxiang City in one swift move, driving out their long-standing rival, the Oda clan, from the western Mikawa region.

"Master Chongfu from Taiyuan? Why has he come at this time? Is he planning to launch another attack on Ancheng?" Kira Mansomaru was greatly astonished. The battle of Ancheng had only concluded in early spring of this year, and the Matsudaira army, serving as the vanguard of the Imagawa clan, had faced fierce counterattacks from the defending Oda forces. Ultimately, with Honda Tadataka losing his life, the Matsudaira forces retreated, marking the end of the conflict.

"This cannot be! My life has just begun; am I to become the ruler of a fallen nation?" Kira Manshomaru suddenly realized how perilous his situation was, and it seemed that his good days were coming to an end. Looking at Yamamoto Kansuke, who was deep in thought with his eyes closed, he felt a sense of calm return. At least things had not deteriorated to that extent; he still had a chance.

"What?" Kira Bansho Maru jumped up, incredulously walking up to Yamamoto Kansuke, grabbing his shoulders and urgently asking, "How is this possible? The main family is the head of the Imagawa clan! How dare they treat the main family this way! This is impossible! I absolutely do not believe it!"

Yamamoto Kansuke suddenly posed an unexpected question, leaving Kira Manshomaru somewhat bewildered as he looked at him in confusion. He recited the history that his father had once conveyed to him: "Jissō Ankokuzan Temple was originally named Jissō Temple. It is the ancestral temple of the Man family, established by our forefather. At the same time, it is a branch temple of the Myōshin-ji sect of the Rinzai school. A century ago, it was a renowned large temple in Mikawa Province, flourishing with incense offerings. Later, it was destroyed by the fires of the Onin War. A few years ago, my father strongly supported the revival of the temple, inviting the newly emerged Zen master Taiyuan Seisai to undertake its restoration, renaming it Jissō Ankokuzan Temple. The current abbot is a disciple of Master Taiyuan, a high monk from Myōshin-ji in Kyoto, Master Nishiyama Sōen. Master, what do you mean?"

Master Xuezhai of Taiyuan is a high monk of the Miaoxin Temple sect. I wonder if the esteemed host remembers having met Master Xuezhai before? Regrettably, I was still wandering in the Junhe Kingdom at that time and could not participate. However, I have heard from several princes that Master Xuezhai is quite fond of the princes and even gifted the esteemed host a few books. Given Master Xuezhai's character, he would surely prefer courtesy before conflict

Shin Nishijo Castle is constructed with earth and stone, featuring tall stone walls and a complex crescent-shaped moat in front of the main gate, which are characteristic of the architecture of Kanesuke Yamamoto. Within the main gate, the Sanmaru was established to accommodate the retainers' quarters, while the various turrets here serve to store provisions and weapons during peacetime, and act as a stronghold for defense during wartime

If I remember correctly, Master Xuezhai of Taiyuan should have revitalized the Shixiang Anguo Zen Temple eight years ago

Master Xuezhai of Taiyuan must understand this as well, so finding an opponent to engage in a decisive battle with a complete victory is essential. Looking across the western Sanhe region, apart from the peaceful castle of the Oda clan, the only significant threat comes from my Kira clan. As the head of the Imagawa family and the initiator of the anti-Imagawa movement, if we can conquer our own territory in western Sanhe, the anti-Imagawa forces will disintegrate. Currently, there is no better option than to engage our own family.

Master! Could it be that the reason for the arrival of the Matsudaira family at Okazaki Castle is due to the internal strife within their clan? The Matsudaira family, as a puppet of the Imagawa clan ruling over Mikawa Province, has fallen into chaos following the sudden death of their head. Within less than six months, signs of disintegration have emerged. It is likely that the Imagawa clan will not stand idly by while the Matsudaira family faces destruction, allowing Western Mikawa to descend into turmoil once again.

Nimaru was divided into Kitamaru and Himemaru, with Otemon facing east directly across from the Yazakagawa River. To the south of Saijo Castle lies Mikawa Bay, making the northern area the most likely to face enemy attacks. Therefore, the northern side of Nimaru was dismantled to create Kitamaru, specifically for samurai defense, and was completely separated from Honmaru by waterways, which became one of the distinctive features of the Yamamoto castle-building style.

Please remain calm, esteemed lord! Yamamoto Kansuke glared at him with a fierce gaze, showing no intention of offering comfort: The Matsudaira clan is embroiled in internal strife, and Imagawa has only dispatched Taiyuan Yukizai to Okazaki Castle to quell the signs of unrest within the Matsudaira clan. However, the Matsudaira clan suffered a devastating defeat in the Battle of Anjō this year and currently lacks the confidence to retaliate immediately. If they hastily take to the field, Anjō Castle will undoubtedly face an even greater blow.

At first, everything seemed fine, but when he reached the latter part, it was simply shocking. Kira Manshomaru felt as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water in the depths of winter, chilled to the bone. Yamamoto Kansuke's analysis was far more professional than his immature thoughts, yet he was not in the mood to offer compliments: "How could this happen to me? I would rather never hear these words! I have not provoked anyone, yet I am faced with this calamity. What on earth is going on? Can't I just live peacefully as a small lord tending to my fields?"

Kira Bansho Maru held his head and thought for a long time but could not come up with a solution. With a look of dejection, he said: "Indeed, there is no better choice, but isn't there any other way for the main family to avoid this?"

He did not know what fate awaited the Kira family, but as the head of the Saijo Kira family opposing the Imagawa, the circumstances following the Imagawa family's takeover of the western Mikawa region were undoubtedly not favorable. In any case, it would certainly not be too pleasant. Previously, he and the library had naively believed that the Imagawa family would consider the bonds of kinship, but it now seemed that such thinking was rather childish.

It must be said that the family indeed requires intelligence support. According to the information from Shijian Guard, the Taiyuan Snow Studio will set out from Junhe at the end of this month to take up residence in Okazaki Castle. Yamamoto Kansuke revealed this news

After everyone had withdrawn, Yamamoto Kansuke said: "Using the Hatamoto clan to question the lord of the mansion is indeed a good way to win over the Hatamoto family. However, it seems that the lord of the mansion is particularly concerned about the Hatamoto clan. I have pondered for a long time but still do not understand the reason for this"

The outcome of this battle also led to the untimely death of Matsudaira Hirotada, resulting in nearly six months of internal strife within the Matsudaira clan, which had lost its head. Even the Hatamoto clan, which had been loyal to the Matsudaira for over a decade, had to seek alternative paths. Logically, the Imagawa clan should not continue to attack the Oda faction at this time, as the Matsudaira clan, serving as the cannon fodder for the Imagawa, had yet to recover from the blow of losing their leader. Engaging in further conflict at Anshō Castle at this juncture would not be a wise decision.

"Hmm? What is the master of the establishment saying?" Yamamoto Kansuke's ears were very sharp; upon hearing him mumble softly, he immediately pressed for an answer.

The words of the esteemed master have awakened the subjects! Yamamoto Kansuke, who was caught in a logical deadlock, seemed to have gained some insight and, with a pale face, said: "I finally understand the intentions of Taiyuan Xuezhai! He intends to target my Kira family!"