(SWC events) Nobunaga Oda
3 Mar 2015 12:05 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
yoyakeTen events. NOBUNAGA LEADS TO SO MUCH VERBOSITY...
1. Nightingale (Hideyoshi, Ieyasu)
Hideyoshi, Ieyasu and MC were accompanying Nobunaga on his journey when they came upon a clearing.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Are we safe out here with no guards present?
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: Don't worry. We have with us the legendary champion MC, who fought bravely at Itsukushima in the West, and at the Siege of Kawagoe Castle in the East.
Nobunaga Oda: Ieyasu, Hideyoshi... I want you to make me a haiku on the nightingale. MC, you shall be the judge.
Without warning, Nobunaga gave his instructions. Staring mischievously at each, he added:
Nobunaga Oda: But this is nightingale that does not sing.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Hm... Not only must we come up with a haiku on the spot, but our nightingale cannot even sing.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I've got it. How's this? Silent nightingale / I shall force you to sing if / silent you remain.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Very nice. Mine goes something like this: Though you do not sing / I await you patiently / silent nightingale.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: And your verse, Lord Nobunaga?
Nobunaga Oda: If you do not sing / I must kill you nightingale / silent nightingale.
> Nobunaga's haiku.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: I must say that it seems somewhat tragic to resort to murder.
Nobunaga Oda: I find that I disagree.
Nobunaga Oda: A nightingale that cannot sing is like a bird without wings, or horse who has lost its legs.
Nobunaga Oda: With no reason to live, prolonging a life of misery and humiliation is but torment. Death is preferable.
Hideyoshi and Ieyasu fell silent at Nobunaga's words.
Nobunaga Oda: What value is there in hanging on to life? Eventually, death comes for us all.
Nobunaga Oda: Therefore, if you value life above all else, then it makes everything else in this world worthless.
Nobunaga stared off into the distance and continued...
Nobunaga Oda: Yet man must continue to move forward.
(Event ends here)
> Hideyoshi's haiku.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: I must say that it seems somewhat tragic to resort to murder.
Nobunaga Oda: I find that I disagree.
Nobunaga Oda: A nightingale that cannot sing is like a bird without wings, or horse who has lost its legs.
Nobunaga Oda: With no reason to live, prolonging a life of misery and humiliation is but torment. Death is preferable.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I see... I must do whatever I can to somehow force this nightingale to sing.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: Or at least, that is how I see it.
As he spoke, Hideyoshi stared off into the distance.
(Event ends here)
> Ieyasu's haiku.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: I must say that it seems somewhat tragic to resort to murder.
Nobunaga Oda: I find that I disagree.
Nobunaga Oda: A nightingale that cannot sing is like a bird without wings, or horse who has lost its legs.
Nobunaga Oda: With no reason to live, prolonging a life of misery and humiliation is but torment. Death is preferable.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: I see... However, with the passage of time, the nightingale may yet regain its voice.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: The bird may heal and once again take to the skies, and the horse may someday gallop across the plains.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Together with the bird and the horse, I will patiently await that day.
As he spoke, Ieyasu stared off into the distance.
(Event ends here)
-
2. Silver and Stone (Mitsuhide)
While on a journey, Nobunaga, Mitsuhide and MC stopped for a rest alongside the path.
Nobunaga Oda: There are 11 pieces of silver in within my pocket, all of them equal in weight to a single ryō. There is a stone mixed in with them as well.
Nobunaga reached into his pocket, withdrew the coins, and set them in a row. He picked up a single stone and added it amongst them.
Nobunaga Oda: Separate the stone from amidst the silver. However...
Nobunaga produced a small scale and smirked as he placed it in front of Mitsuhide and MC.
Nobunaga Oda: You may use the scale twice, and twice only.
> It is impossible.
Mitsuhide nodded emphatically at MC and spoke.
Mitsuhide Akechi: It is as MC says... You must use the scale three times. Twice is not enough to produce the stone.
Nobunaga Oda: Open your eyes Mitsuhide, MC.
Nobunaga smiled, and without even using the scale, produced the stone and held it before them.
> No problem.
Mitsuhide Akechi: MC, that's impossible!
Nobunaga Oda: Open your eyes, Mitsuhide.
Nobunaga laughed and turned to MC.
Ignoring the scale, MC plucked out the stone and handed it to Nobunaga.
Mitsuhide Akechi: Incredible!
Nobunaga Oda: Two uses of the scale were permitted; however, I never said they were obligatory.
Nobunaga Oda: The silver and the pebble are of differing appearance, and of different weight. You must have seen where it was placed...
Nobunaga Oda: So Mitsuhide, you were correct. However, the truth is meaningless.
Nobunaga Oda: What may be undisputed fact now may be utterly false at some other point in time.
Nobunaga Oda: Therefore, do not allow the truth to keep you from your objectivity. See the world for what it is.
Nobunaga smiled wryly at MC, then mounted his horse and rode off.
Mitsuhide and MC hurriedly mounted their steeds and galloped after Nobunaga.
-
3. Shōgi (Hideyoshi, Ieyasu)
Hideyoshi, Ieyasu, and MC took turns playing each other at Shōgi.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I'm sick of playing you two! You're too good for me!
After a series of defeats, a still winless Hideyoshi threw the pieces in anger and upended the board.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: Lord Ieyasu, for somebody of your numerous talents to be such a good Shōgi player as well is simply unfair!
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Go may not be your strong suit, Lord Hideyoshi, but is not your renown as a warrior not sufficient enough?
Nobunaga Oda: I wonder...
Nobunaga appeared suddenly, causing the three of them to sit up straight.
Nobunaga Oda: I would like to play one game. However, you will have little time to consider your moves. Which of you will play me?
> Lord Ieyasu, I humbly defer to you.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: W-what?! I... MC! How could you do this to me?
Cursing under his breath, Ieyasu took his seat opposite Nobunaga and the match began.
Though Ieyasu was quite skilled at Shōgi, he became flustered due to the time limit and made one poor move after another.
Though Nobunaga also committed errors, he continued placidly, capturing pieces as he went.
After many frenetic exchanges across the game board, Nobunaga won the match decisively.
> I, MC, shall trounce you.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Ahh, thank you, MC! I am in your debt! Have at it!
With an obviously relieved Ieyasu cheering in the background, MC faced off against Nobunaga.
However, MC spent too much time fretting over mistakes, and began to rush.
In response, Nobunaga's unorthodox attacks provoked still more missteps from MC.
Though Nobunaga also committed errors, he continued placidly, capturing pieces as he went.
When faced with the time limit on moves, MC was unable to utilize the proper strategies and fell before Nobunaga.
Nobunaga Oda: On the field of battle, as in life, there is little time for deliberation. Though our losses may mount, still we must not yield.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I see... Now, why don't you try facing me this time?
Hideyoshi came unbidden to sit opposite Nobunaga.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: B-But Lord Hideyoshi. He has beaten even us.
Before Ieyasu and MC could move to intervene, Hideyoshi shot them a mischievous wink.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I shall give him a taste of his own medicine. Watch and learn.
Both men set their pieces on the board. Hideyoshi removed the pawn from in front of his rook.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I don't think I'll be needing this.
He then placed it off to the side of the board. Nobunaga laughed thinly as the match began.
Incredibly, the unskilled Hideyoshi took control of the match.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Of course! By removing the pawn from before the rook, the rook can be deployed immediately... Ingenious!
Hideyoshi continued to keep Nobunaga on the defensive, until he ultimately emerged the winner.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: In a real battle, one may not alter the enemy's formation, but he may do as he likes with his own.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: There are always many paths to the same destination. That's life.
Nobunaga Oda: You should listen to Monkey once in a while.
Nobunaga laughed heartily and knocked over Hideyoshi's king.
-
4. Nobunaga at Anegawa (Hanbei, Kanbei)
- Oda Army: Camp -
Hanbei Takenaka: Nobunaga has won this battle. It was a strategic victory.
That night, in the Oda Camp at Anegawa, Hanbei and Kanbei conversed while observing the Azai camp.
Kanbei Kuroda: Yokoyama Castle is a strategic transportation hub. Capture it, and the communications between the Azai and Asakura will be cut.
Hanbei Takenaka: Thus, in order to protect Yokoyama Castle, Nagamasa would be forced to venture forth from the impregnable Odani Castle.
Kanbei Kuroda: I would prefer if Azai just stayed put. If we could topple Yokoyama Castle, then the enemy territory would be ours for the taking.
Hanbei Takenaka: If isolated, then any fortress will eventually be overcome. We simply need to surround them and then wait for them to surrender.
Kanbei Kuroda: If we draw them out onto the field, our allies will crush them. Nagamasa's only chance for victory would be to use the element of surprise.
Nagamasa's campfires lit the night sky. Meanwhile, far away from Yokoyama Caslte, Nobunaga's laughter boomed.
Hanbei Takenaka: Those watch fires must mean they're working through the night in order to launch a surprise attack against us tomorrow morning.
Hanbei Takenaka: But that's impossible. Nobunaga will immediately see through that. How unfortunate for Nagamasa.
Kanbei Kuroda: We have readied our formation to prepare for their assault. The spark that is the Azai and Asakura shall be forever extinguished here at Anegawa.
Hanbei Takenaka: It won't be that easy. We mustn't make light of our adversary.
Hanbei Takenaka: He is passionate, strong of will and has the devoted loyalty of his men. That is why we must take precautions.
At dawn, the Azai-Asakura Army quickly gathered on the far bank of the river as expected.
The Oda-Tokugawa Army of 30,000 strong squared off against the 18,000 men of the Azai-Asakura forces. The battle began.
-
5. Nobunaga and Hanbei (Hanbei)
- Oda Army: Camp -
Hanbei Takenaka: You are a terror. You rush headfirst towards the peace that has eluded our troubled land, without hesitation.
In the Oda Army camp at Nagashino... Hanbei spoke to Nobunaga, who was standing alone.
At the Shitara Plains, anti-cavalry barricades had been built across the battlefield. And behind them, 3,000 rifles lied in wait.
Hanbei Takenaka: Cavalry are powerless against our rifle formations. r formations, and with that specter before them, the path is hidden.
Hanbei Takenaka: The true terror of the rifle is not merely tactical. They have altered the very foundations of warfare as we know it.
Hanbei Takenaka: With a bow, the power and range depend entirely upon the bowman, be he a veteran or callow youth.
Hanbei Takenaka: That is not the case with firearms. Men and boys alike wield the same power. What is the significance of this?
Hanbei Takenaka: When a solider is lost, he can be replaced much more quickly. This alone is a drastic change to the way battles are fought.
When a soldier is lost... In other words, dead. Hanbei's expression hardened as he spoke those words.
Hanbei Takenaka: In the past, soldiers were too valuable to risk in decisive battles, so the wars were never won, and the chaos continued.
Hanbei Takenaka: However, you are different. You realized that with the deployment of rifles, no soldiers must be held in reserve for future battles.
Hanbei Takenaka: You do not flinch at the sacrifices as you pursue your goal. And therefore, a final battle has finally been presented before us. And finally, the land may know peace.
Nobunaga Oda: ...Is that so?
Nobunaga smiled faintly, which infuriated Hanbei.
Hanbei Takenaka: We are not playthings with which you while away the time! We are living, breathing, people!
Hanbei Takenaka: People yearn to build a future for themselves and their loved ones from the ashes of their past.
Nobunaga leaned in toward Hanbei, stared intently into his eyes, and smiled.
Nobunaga Oda: In your final hour you finally realize this, eh, Hanbei?
Hanbei Takenaka: How could you...?!
Just at that moment, Hanbei convulsed as he clutched his chest in agony.
Nobunaga Oda: Death comes to us all. It is the unavoidable destination, which is why we are even on this journey known as life anyway.
Nobunaga Oda: The Takeda is finished. Shingen has overstepped his bounds. His failure to seize the capital has invited the overthrow of his clan.
Nobunaga Oda: Therefore, fresh off his string of victories, Katsuyori seeks to continue the Takeda name. However, this is as far as it shall go.
Nobunaga Oda: He and his generals plan grand, heroic deaths for themselves; that they might stoke the flames of their warriors' hearts, reinvigorating the house of Takeda.
Nobunaga Oda: Such fools...
Nobunaga Oda: Their plan is futile. They must be destroyed. I cannot allow such acts of dissension to go unpunished.
Withering in pain, Hanbei fell to his knees. Smiling, Nobunaga stood before him and spoke.
Nobunaga Oda: I will not relent, Hanbei. I will bring meaning to life.
Hanbei Takenaka: Urgh... Ugh... Aaaah!
Turning around, Nobunaga prepared to leave, while Hanbei stared at his back as he strode away.
-
6. A Target Missed (Magoichi, Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide)
In the year 1576, one year after the Battle of Nagashino, Nobunaga was once again on the verge of conquering the Kinki region.
The lord of the Chūgoku region, Terumoto Mōri, arrived to aid the Kinki resistance forces that were encircling Nobunaga.
Nobunaga ordered Naomasa Ban to lead a large army in an all-out assault against the resistance forces.
Magoichi Saika: I will never allow you to get away with this, Nobunaga... Everyone! Follow my lead!
Magoichi assembled thousands of riflemen and launched a counterattack against, slaughtering Naomasa and repelling the Oda forces.
The remaining 7000 troops reached the safety of the Tennōji Garrison thanks to Mitsuhide Akechi. However...
Mitsuhide Akechi: The enemy numbers 15,000. Their allies are many, and more. Morale is dangerously low; victory is beyond our reach.
Surrounded by Magoichi's 15,000 troops, they were left with nothing but to wait for death.
Nobunaga then took to the field to rescue Mitsuhide and his men. But few troops mustered to his rash call.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: This is madness, Lord Nobunaga. There aren't even three thousand men here. They aren't even a fifth of what awaits you!
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: Even if you count Mitsuhide's tired and wounded men, you don't even have ten thousand. If that isn't enough, you face the Saika Rebels' rifles!
Nobunaga Oda: Let them come.
Nobunaga deftly mounted his horse, and galloped headlong toward the enemy.
Hideyoshi and MC, trailing behind, hurled themselves after him, toward certain death.
Officer: Fools! Have they come seeking death? It makes no sense. Perhaps the rumors of Nobunaga's sortie are false.
Magoichi Saika: Nobunaga's motives are inscrutable! Don't try to make sense out of his actions. Reason is no key to his madness!
Ignoring the other officers, Magoichi took up his gun, made for the battlefield, and went looking for Nobunaga.
Magoichi Saika: Where are you, Nobunaga? My aim is infallible. Once I've got you in my sights, there is no escape.
Magoichi Saika: You should have stayed, pondering the utopian dream alone at Azuchi Castle.
Nobunaga Oda: But one man's dream will do nothing for the people.
Magoichi Saika: Thus you prowl about, igniting conflicts, and take countless lives!
Nobunaga Oda: Every life is equally precious. Therefore, every life is equally worthless.
Nobunaga Oda: I ask you thin. Is it better to die, swallowed by the tide of fate, or resist, with purpose and brilliance, and live.
Magoichi Saika: I have a question for you too. I'll let my rifle ask it.
Magoichi took aim at Nobunaga, and pulled the trigger.
Meanwhile, word of Nobunaga's assault reached Mitsuhide and his men at the Tennōji Garrison.
Messenger: Lord Nobunaga is leading a regiment against the main enemy force!
Mitsuhide Akechi: Impossible! They ride into the very jaws of death!
Mitsuhide Akechi: We can wait for a full report and risk death, or take the matter into our own hands.
Mitsuhide Akechi: The time is now! Men, battered as though we may be, we must rescue Lord Nobunaga!
Mitsuhide Akechi: The shadows of defeat and disgrace will vanish in the light of our glorious victory! We are destined for victory!
Nobunaga's foolish gambit, and Mitsuhide's subsequent charge were completely unexpected by the enemy. The battlefield was in chaos.
Magoichi Saika: It can't be.
Magoichi was astonished. He lost sight of Nobunaga in the melee.
Magoichi Saika: I missed my mark.
Magoichi's bullet missed Nobunaga's heart. It only grazed his thigh.
Nobunaga's troops stood and repelled Magoichi's forces. After the battle, Mitsuhide, overcome with emotion, fell to his knees before Nobunaga.
Nobunaga Oda: This is how life opens before you. Did you feel it, Mitsuhide?
Mitsuhide Akechi: Yes, my lord.
Nobunaga Oda: Look at me, Mitsuhide. Strike down he who stands in your way.
Mitsuhide looked up. Smiling softly, Nobunaga stood before him.
-
7. Steamed Bun (Mitsuhide, Hideyoshi, Generic(s): Murashige)
Araki Murashige, a lord of Settsu, came to request an audience with Nobunaga.
Murashige Araki: There are matters I wish to discuss with you, my lord.
Nobunaga Oda: Very well.
Murashige Araki: Please, you must send me troops. I beg of you, you must reconsider Settsu's situation.
Nobunaga had many enemies in Settsu, and had suffered their treachery before.
Murashige Araki: In the spirit of a new beginning, I ask that you let me take care of Settsu!
The room erupted into murmurs with Murashige's pronouncement.
Mitsuhide Akechi: An entire domain, eh? He's not shy.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: That's quite a heavy load for our dear Lord Araki! I think you should leave it to me!
Nobunaga Oda: Silence!
One thunderous command from Nobunaga returned the room to silence.
In the blink of an eye, Nobunaga was on his feet, blade drawn.
> Stop Murashige from being slain.
> Murashige's insolence cannot stand. He must be punished!
Nobunaga waited for Murashige to lower his sword, then speared a steamed bun with his blade.
Nobunaga Oda: Eat!
He pointed at Murashige with the blade that speared the steamed bun.
All expected that Murashige would meet his end.
Murashige Araki: Yes, my lord.
Murashige devoured the impaled steamed bun with exceptional vigor.
Nobunaga Oda: Excellent.
Nobunaga departed.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: That one's got guts to spare. One day, he'll be a great man.
-
8. Big Words (Motochika, Toshiie)
Motochika Chōsokabe, Lord of Tosa and an Oda ally, sought counsel with Nobunaga.
Nobunaga Oda: So, you are the bat on a birdless island.
Motochika Chōsokabe: Your kindness humbles me, my lord.
Nobunaga Oda: Does it now? Hahahaha!
Motochika Chōsokabe: Hahahaha!
Toshiie Maeda: Looks like they're firm friends already.
Toshiie Maeda: I've no idea how though. I don't even understand what they're saying!
> I understand.
Toshiie Maeda: Do you really get it, MC? No wonder Lord Nobunaga saw so much in you.
(Event ends here)
> I haven't a clue either.
Toshiie Maeda: That's what I thought, MC. That's a relief. Hero for the ages you may be, but even you aren't sure.
Toshiie Maeda: All's well, then. I'm in trouble if I'm the only one who doesn't get it.
-
9. Seeds of Rebellion (Ranmaru)
By all outward appearances, Nobunaga's world was tranquil.
However, MC had many contacts, and heard shadowy rumors of a plot to assassinate Nobunaga.
Given Nobunaga's penchant for making enemies, many people could have been plotting his death.
Regardless of their actual guilt, only rumors of the following members of Nobunaga's inner circle reached him.
Mitsuhide Akechi, Shibata Katsuie, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and even his son, Oda Nobutada, were suspected.
MC went to Nobunaga to deliver a report.
Nobunaga Oda: ...Is that so?
As expected, Nobunaga listened with an amused smirk on his face, and summarily ignored the report.
> So you have faith in your men?
Nobunaga Oda: Do you believe this?
This time Nobunaga was clearly amused, and his grin became a laugh.
Nobunaga Oda: Faith is a prayer for things to stay as they are, small and understandable.
Nobunaga Oda: I could create a small world here in the palm of my hand, or a miraculous, fantasy world of great proportions.
Nobunaga Oda: Forced to choose, would you take the latter?
Nobunaga clapped MC on the shoulder and smiled.
Nobunaga Oda: Don't be gullible. I pray ceaselessly. I hope for betrayal.
> You can't let the flow of time stop.
Nobunaga Oda: Even if you kill Nobunaga the man, you cannot stop the flow of time.
This time Nobunaga was clearly amused, and his grin became a laugh.
Nobunaga Oda: They pray for things to stay small and understandable.
Nobunaga Oda: Sacrificing my body to their puny gods is a waste of time.
Nobunaga clapped MC on the shoulder and smiled.
Nobunaga Oda: It is not Nobunaga alone who can advance the passage of time.
A rear door slid open. Ranmaru bent in a polite, brisk bow.
Ranmaru Mori: Lord Nobunaga, it is time for the meeting with the Hakata partisans.
The audience with Nobunaga, at that point, ended.
-
10. Professor Mōri's Analysis (Motonari)
- Mōri Clan: Castle -
Motonari Mōri: Quite an interesting battle, isn't it? Lord Nobunaga shall alter the very essence of waging war.
Motonari Mōri: Until now, it was seldom that even a great battle would result in a lasting settlement.
Motonari Mōri: It takes a lot of time to recruit replacements for fallen soldiers. This is especially true when one is engaged with other enemies.
Motonari Mōri: Troops can be recruited and sent to fight, while the true settlement is being politically settled in negotiations.
Motonari Mōri: This takes time, naturally. The battlefield and its environs will be devastated, and no crops will be harvested.
Motonari Mōri: These settlements are always compromises. No quarrel is ever truly laid to rest. This pattern has repeated itself throughout history.
Motonari Mōri: With this battle, Lord Nobunaga aims to achieve swift, decisive victory with an ingenious new strategy.
Motonari Mōri: To do this, a trap to lure out Lord Yoshimoto Imagawa has been very carefully designed.
Motonari Mōri: Five years earlier, the lord of Narumi Castle, an Oda vassal, defected to the Imagawa side.
Motonari Mōri: In reality, though, the lord of Narumi Castle maintained his allegiance to the Oda, and the rumor of treachery was spread to deceive Yoshimoto.
Motonari Mōri: I think this is what Nobunaga intended all along.
Motonari Mōri: However, Lord Yoshimoto got wind of the plot, put the lord of Narumi Castle to the sword, and assumed direct control of the castle.
Motonari Mōri: This weakened the Mikawa and other local clans, and the Imagawa gained the advantage through their direct control of the area.
Motonari Mōri: Moreover, Narumi Castle was positioned near the heart of the Oda clan. With this acquisiton, the Oda's opposition gained the upper hand.
Motonari Mōri: On the other hand, it put them dangerously close to the Oda's headquarters. Lord Nobunaga moved quickly to surround Narumi Castle.
Motonari Mōri: Given the iron-fisted local rule, he had no fears of being set upon by the local clans.
Motonari Mōri: Under pressure, the Imagawa sent reinforcements. Using Narumi Castle as bait, Nobunaga had snared a big fish.
Motonari Mōri: Lord Yoshimoto pulled back his attacking forces from Narumi Castle. As he had done in the past, he sought to enter into negotiation.
Motonari Mōri: Nobunaga dashed his hopes of negotiation, and changed the nature of warfare. He did this to bring the era of strife to a speedy close.
Motonari Mōri: Indeed, without victory there is nothing. But the way I see it, he knew he could win.
Motonari Mōri: The Imagawa, with their great numbers, pressed the Oda forces, but the long weeks of campaigning had taken their toll on their forces.
Motonari Mōri: Once the local clans joined the fight, the Imagawa's hopes for a great victory faded away before his eyes.
Motonari Mōri: Under the direct rule policy of the Imagawa, the local lords realized that the recent tragedy at Narumi Castle could one day be their own fate.
Motonari Mōri: Their will to fight was limited, meaning that in reality, there were no more than 5000 fatigued troops to defeat.
Motonari Mōri: Ah, for shame! I've run on for far too long. Being long-winded is bound to bore and annoy everyone.
Motonari Mōri: Anyway, we must continue to observe history as it unfolds.
-
1. Nightingale (Hideyoshi, Ieyasu)
Hideyoshi, Ieyasu and MC were accompanying Nobunaga on his journey when they came upon a clearing.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Are we safe out here with no guards present?
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: Don't worry. We have with us the legendary champion MC, who fought bravely at Itsukushima in the West, and at the Siege of Kawagoe Castle in the East.
Nobunaga Oda: Ieyasu, Hideyoshi... I want you to make me a haiku on the nightingale. MC, you shall be the judge.
Without warning, Nobunaga gave his instructions. Staring mischievously at each, he added:
Nobunaga Oda: But this is nightingale that does not sing.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Hm... Not only must we come up with a haiku on the spot, but our nightingale cannot even sing.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I've got it. How's this? Silent nightingale / I shall force you to sing if / silent you remain.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Very nice. Mine goes something like this: Though you do not sing / I await you patiently / silent nightingale.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: And your verse, Lord Nobunaga?
Nobunaga Oda: If you do not sing / I must kill you nightingale / silent nightingale.
> Nobunaga's haiku.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: I must say that it seems somewhat tragic to resort to murder.
Nobunaga Oda: I find that I disagree.
Nobunaga Oda: A nightingale that cannot sing is like a bird without wings, or horse who has lost its legs.
Nobunaga Oda: With no reason to live, prolonging a life of misery and humiliation is but torment. Death is preferable.
Hideyoshi and Ieyasu fell silent at Nobunaga's words.
Nobunaga Oda: What value is there in hanging on to life? Eventually, death comes for us all.
Nobunaga Oda: Therefore, if you value life above all else, then it makes everything else in this world worthless.
Nobunaga stared off into the distance and continued...
Nobunaga Oda: Yet man must continue to move forward.
(Event ends here)
> Hideyoshi's haiku.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: I must say that it seems somewhat tragic to resort to murder.
Nobunaga Oda: I find that I disagree.
Nobunaga Oda: A nightingale that cannot sing is like a bird without wings, or horse who has lost its legs.
Nobunaga Oda: With no reason to live, prolonging a life of misery and humiliation is but torment. Death is preferable.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I see... I must do whatever I can to somehow force this nightingale to sing.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: Or at least, that is how I see it.
As he spoke, Hideyoshi stared off into the distance.
(Event ends here)
> Ieyasu's haiku.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: I must say that it seems somewhat tragic to resort to murder.
Nobunaga Oda: I find that I disagree.
Nobunaga Oda: A nightingale that cannot sing is like a bird without wings, or horse who has lost its legs.
Nobunaga Oda: With no reason to live, prolonging a life of misery and humiliation is but torment. Death is preferable.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: I see... However, with the passage of time, the nightingale may yet regain its voice.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: The bird may heal and once again take to the skies, and the horse may someday gallop across the plains.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Together with the bird and the horse, I will patiently await that day.
As he spoke, Ieyasu stared off into the distance.
(Event ends here)
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2. Silver and Stone (Mitsuhide)
While on a journey, Nobunaga, Mitsuhide and MC stopped for a rest alongside the path.
Nobunaga Oda: There are 11 pieces of silver in within my pocket, all of them equal in weight to a single ryō. There is a stone mixed in with them as well.
Nobunaga reached into his pocket, withdrew the coins, and set them in a row. He picked up a single stone and added it amongst them.
Nobunaga Oda: Separate the stone from amidst the silver. However...
Nobunaga produced a small scale and smirked as he placed it in front of Mitsuhide and MC.
Nobunaga Oda: You may use the scale twice, and twice only.
> It is impossible.
Mitsuhide nodded emphatically at MC and spoke.
Mitsuhide Akechi: It is as MC says... You must use the scale three times. Twice is not enough to produce the stone.
Nobunaga Oda: Open your eyes Mitsuhide, MC.
Nobunaga smiled, and without even using the scale, produced the stone and held it before them.
> No problem.
Mitsuhide Akechi: MC, that's impossible!
Nobunaga Oda: Open your eyes, Mitsuhide.
Nobunaga laughed and turned to MC.
Ignoring the scale, MC plucked out the stone and handed it to Nobunaga.
Mitsuhide Akechi: Incredible!
Nobunaga Oda: Two uses of the scale were permitted; however, I never said they were obligatory.
Nobunaga Oda: The silver and the pebble are of differing appearance, and of different weight. You must have seen where it was placed...
Nobunaga Oda: So Mitsuhide, you were correct. However, the truth is meaningless.
Nobunaga Oda: What may be undisputed fact now may be utterly false at some other point in time.
Nobunaga Oda: Therefore, do not allow the truth to keep you from your objectivity. See the world for what it is.
Nobunaga smiled wryly at MC, then mounted his horse and rode off.
Mitsuhide and MC hurriedly mounted their steeds and galloped after Nobunaga.
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3. Shōgi (Hideyoshi, Ieyasu)
Hideyoshi, Ieyasu, and MC took turns playing each other at Shōgi.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I'm sick of playing you two! You're too good for me!
After a series of defeats, a still winless Hideyoshi threw the pieces in anger and upended the board.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: Lord Ieyasu, for somebody of your numerous talents to be such a good Shōgi player as well is simply unfair!
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Go may not be your strong suit, Lord Hideyoshi, but is not your renown as a warrior not sufficient enough?
Nobunaga Oda: I wonder...
Nobunaga appeared suddenly, causing the three of them to sit up straight.
Nobunaga Oda: I would like to play one game. However, you will have little time to consider your moves. Which of you will play me?
> Lord Ieyasu, I humbly defer to you.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: W-what?! I... MC! How could you do this to me?
Cursing under his breath, Ieyasu took his seat opposite Nobunaga and the match began.
Though Ieyasu was quite skilled at Shōgi, he became flustered due to the time limit and made one poor move after another.
Though Nobunaga also committed errors, he continued placidly, capturing pieces as he went.
After many frenetic exchanges across the game board, Nobunaga won the match decisively.
> I, MC, shall trounce you.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Ahh, thank you, MC! I am in your debt! Have at it!
With an obviously relieved Ieyasu cheering in the background, MC faced off against Nobunaga.
However, MC spent too much time fretting over mistakes, and began to rush.
In response, Nobunaga's unorthodox attacks provoked still more missteps from MC.
Though Nobunaga also committed errors, he continued placidly, capturing pieces as he went.
When faced with the time limit on moves, MC was unable to utilize the proper strategies and fell before Nobunaga.
Nobunaga Oda: On the field of battle, as in life, there is little time for deliberation. Though our losses may mount, still we must not yield.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I see... Now, why don't you try facing me this time?
Hideyoshi came unbidden to sit opposite Nobunaga.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: B-But Lord Hideyoshi. He has beaten even us.
Before Ieyasu and MC could move to intervene, Hideyoshi shot them a mischievous wink.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I shall give him a taste of his own medicine. Watch and learn.
Both men set their pieces on the board. Hideyoshi removed the pawn from in front of his rook.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: I don't think I'll be needing this.
He then placed it off to the side of the board. Nobunaga laughed thinly as the match began.
Incredibly, the unskilled Hideyoshi took control of the match.
Ieyasu Tokugawa: Of course! By removing the pawn from before the rook, the rook can be deployed immediately... Ingenious!
Hideyoshi continued to keep Nobunaga on the defensive, until he ultimately emerged the winner.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: In a real battle, one may not alter the enemy's formation, but he may do as he likes with his own.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: There are always many paths to the same destination. That's life.
Nobunaga Oda: You should listen to Monkey once in a while.
Nobunaga laughed heartily and knocked over Hideyoshi's king.
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4. Nobunaga at Anegawa (Hanbei, Kanbei)
- Oda Army: Camp -
Hanbei Takenaka: Nobunaga has won this battle. It was a strategic victory.
That night, in the Oda Camp at Anegawa, Hanbei and Kanbei conversed while observing the Azai camp.
Kanbei Kuroda: Yokoyama Castle is a strategic transportation hub. Capture it, and the communications between the Azai and Asakura will be cut.
Hanbei Takenaka: Thus, in order to protect Yokoyama Castle, Nagamasa would be forced to venture forth from the impregnable Odani Castle.
Kanbei Kuroda: I would prefer if Azai just stayed put. If we could topple Yokoyama Castle, then the enemy territory would be ours for the taking.
Hanbei Takenaka: If isolated, then any fortress will eventually be overcome. We simply need to surround them and then wait for them to surrender.
Kanbei Kuroda: If we draw them out onto the field, our allies will crush them. Nagamasa's only chance for victory would be to use the element of surprise.
Nagamasa's campfires lit the night sky. Meanwhile, far away from Yokoyama Caslte, Nobunaga's laughter boomed.
Hanbei Takenaka: Those watch fires must mean they're working through the night in order to launch a surprise attack against us tomorrow morning.
Hanbei Takenaka: But that's impossible. Nobunaga will immediately see through that. How unfortunate for Nagamasa.
Kanbei Kuroda: We have readied our formation to prepare for their assault. The spark that is the Azai and Asakura shall be forever extinguished here at Anegawa.
Hanbei Takenaka: It won't be that easy. We mustn't make light of our adversary.
Hanbei Takenaka: He is passionate, strong of will and has the devoted loyalty of his men. That is why we must take precautions.
At dawn, the Azai-Asakura Army quickly gathered on the far bank of the river as expected.
The Oda-Tokugawa Army of 30,000 strong squared off against the 18,000 men of the Azai-Asakura forces. The battle began.
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5. Nobunaga and Hanbei (Hanbei)
- Oda Army: Camp -
Hanbei Takenaka: You are a terror. You rush headfirst towards the peace that has eluded our troubled land, without hesitation.
In the Oda Army camp at Nagashino... Hanbei spoke to Nobunaga, who was standing alone.
At the Shitara Plains, anti-cavalry barricades had been built across the battlefield. And behind them, 3,000 rifles lied in wait.
Hanbei Takenaka: Cavalry are powerless against our rifle formations. r formations, and with that specter before them, the path is hidden.
Hanbei Takenaka: The true terror of the rifle is not merely tactical. They have altered the very foundations of warfare as we know it.
Hanbei Takenaka: With a bow, the power and range depend entirely upon the bowman, be he a veteran or callow youth.
Hanbei Takenaka: That is not the case with firearms. Men and boys alike wield the same power. What is the significance of this?
Hanbei Takenaka: When a solider is lost, he can be replaced much more quickly. This alone is a drastic change to the way battles are fought.
When a soldier is lost... In other words, dead. Hanbei's expression hardened as he spoke those words.
Hanbei Takenaka: In the past, soldiers were too valuable to risk in decisive battles, so the wars were never won, and the chaos continued.
Hanbei Takenaka: However, you are different. You realized that with the deployment of rifles, no soldiers must be held in reserve for future battles.
Hanbei Takenaka: You do not flinch at the sacrifices as you pursue your goal. And therefore, a final battle has finally been presented before us. And finally, the land may know peace.
Nobunaga Oda: ...Is that so?
Nobunaga smiled faintly, which infuriated Hanbei.
Hanbei Takenaka: We are not playthings with which you while away the time! We are living, breathing, people!
Hanbei Takenaka: People yearn to build a future for themselves and their loved ones from the ashes of their past.
Nobunaga leaned in toward Hanbei, stared intently into his eyes, and smiled.
Nobunaga Oda: In your final hour you finally realize this, eh, Hanbei?
Hanbei Takenaka: How could you...?!
Just at that moment, Hanbei convulsed as he clutched his chest in agony.
Nobunaga Oda: Death comes to us all. It is the unavoidable destination, which is why we are even on this journey known as life anyway.
Nobunaga Oda: The Takeda is finished. Shingen has overstepped his bounds. His failure to seize the capital has invited the overthrow of his clan.
Nobunaga Oda: Therefore, fresh off his string of victories, Katsuyori seeks to continue the Takeda name. However, this is as far as it shall go.
Nobunaga Oda: He and his generals plan grand, heroic deaths for themselves; that they might stoke the flames of their warriors' hearts, reinvigorating the house of Takeda.
Nobunaga Oda: Such fools...
Nobunaga Oda: Their plan is futile. They must be destroyed. I cannot allow such acts of dissension to go unpunished.
Withering in pain, Hanbei fell to his knees. Smiling, Nobunaga stood before him and spoke.
Nobunaga Oda: I will not relent, Hanbei. I will bring meaning to life.
Hanbei Takenaka: Urgh... Ugh... Aaaah!
Turning around, Nobunaga prepared to leave, while Hanbei stared at his back as he strode away.
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6. A Target Missed (Magoichi, Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide)
In the year 1576, one year after the Battle of Nagashino, Nobunaga was once again on the verge of conquering the Kinki region.
The lord of the Chūgoku region, Terumoto Mōri, arrived to aid the Kinki resistance forces that were encircling Nobunaga.
Nobunaga ordered Naomasa Ban to lead a large army in an all-out assault against the resistance forces.
Magoichi Saika: I will never allow you to get away with this, Nobunaga... Everyone! Follow my lead!
Magoichi assembled thousands of riflemen and launched a counterattack against, slaughtering Naomasa and repelling the Oda forces.
The remaining 7000 troops reached the safety of the Tennōji Garrison thanks to Mitsuhide Akechi. However...
Mitsuhide Akechi: The enemy numbers 15,000. Their allies are many, and more. Morale is dangerously low; victory is beyond our reach.
Surrounded by Magoichi's 15,000 troops, they were left with nothing but to wait for death.
Nobunaga then took to the field to rescue Mitsuhide and his men. But few troops mustered to his rash call.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: This is madness, Lord Nobunaga. There aren't even three thousand men here. They aren't even a fifth of what awaits you!
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: Even if you count Mitsuhide's tired and wounded men, you don't even have ten thousand. If that isn't enough, you face the Saika Rebels' rifles!
Nobunaga Oda: Let them come.
Nobunaga deftly mounted his horse, and galloped headlong toward the enemy.
Hideyoshi and MC, trailing behind, hurled themselves after him, toward certain death.
Officer: Fools! Have they come seeking death? It makes no sense. Perhaps the rumors of Nobunaga's sortie are false.
Magoichi Saika: Nobunaga's motives are inscrutable! Don't try to make sense out of his actions. Reason is no key to his madness!
Ignoring the other officers, Magoichi took up his gun, made for the battlefield, and went looking for Nobunaga.
Magoichi Saika: Where are you, Nobunaga? My aim is infallible. Once I've got you in my sights, there is no escape.
Magoichi Saika: You should have stayed, pondering the utopian dream alone at Azuchi Castle.
Nobunaga Oda: But one man's dream will do nothing for the people.
Magoichi Saika: Thus you prowl about, igniting conflicts, and take countless lives!
Nobunaga Oda: Every life is equally precious. Therefore, every life is equally worthless.
Nobunaga Oda: I ask you thin. Is it better to die, swallowed by the tide of fate, or resist, with purpose and brilliance, and live.
Magoichi Saika: I have a question for you too. I'll let my rifle ask it.
Magoichi took aim at Nobunaga, and pulled the trigger.
Meanwhile, word of Nobunaga's assault reached Mitsuhide and his men at the Tennōji Garrison.
Messenger: Lord Nobunaga is leading a regiment against the main enemy force!
Mitsuhide Akechi: Impossible! They ride into the very jaws of death!
Mitsuhide Akechi: We can wait for a full report and risk death, or take the matter into our own hands.
Mitsuhide Akechi: The time is now! Men, battered as though we may be, we must rescue Lord Nobunaga!
Mitsuhide Akechi: The shadows of defeat and disgrace will vanish in the light of our glorious victory! We are destined for victory!
Nobunaga's foolish gambit, and Mitsuhide's subsequent charge were completely unexpected by the enemy. The battlefield was in chaos.
Magoichi Saika: It can't be.
Magoichi was astonished. He lost sight of Nobunaga in the melee.
Magoichi Saika: I missed my mark.
Magoichi's bullet missed Nobunaga's heart. It only grazed his thigh.
Nobunaga's troops stood and repelled Magoichi's forces. After the battle, Mitsuhide, overcome with emotion, fell to his knees before Nobunaga.
Nobunaga Oda: This is how life opens before you. Did you feel it, Mitsuhide?
Mitsuhide Akechi: Yes, my lord.
Nobunaga Oda: Look at me, Mitsuhide. Strike down he who stands in your way.
Mitsuhide looked up. Smiling softly, Nobunaga stood before him.
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7. Steamed Bun (Mitsuhide, Hideyoshi, Generic(s): Murashige)
Araki Murashige, a lord of Settsu, came to request an audience with Nobunaga.
Murashige Araki: There are matters I wish to discuss with you, my lord.
Nobunaga Oda: Very well.
Murashige Araki: Please, you must send me troops. I beg of you, you must reconsider Settsu's situation.
Nobunaga had many enemies in Settsu, and had suffered their treachery before.
Murashige Araki: In the spirit of a new beginning, I ask that you let me take care of Settsu!
The room erupted into murmurs with Murashige's pronouncement.
Mitsuhide Akechi: An entire domain, eh? He's not shy.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: That's quite a heavy load for our dear Lord Araki! I think you should leave it to me!
Nobunaga Oda: Silence!
One thunderous command from Nobunaga returned the room to silence.
In the blink of an eye, Nobunaga was on his feet, blade drawn.
> Stop Murashige from being slain.
> Murashige's insolence cannot stand. He must be punished!
Nobunaga waited for Murashige to lower his sword, then speared a steamed bun with his blade.
Nobunaga Oda: Eat!
He pointed at Murashige with the blade that speared the steamed bun.
All expected that Murashige would meet his end.
Murashige Araki: Yes, my lord.
Murashige devoured the impaled steamed bun with exceptional vigor.
Nobunaga Oda: Excellent.
Nobunaga departed.
Hideyoshi Toyotomi: That one's got guts to spare. One day, he'll be a great man.
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8. Big Words (Motochika, Toshiie)
Motochika Chōsokabe, Lord of Tosa and an Oda ally, sought counsel with Nobunaga.
Nobunaga Oda: So, you are the bat on a birdless island.
Motochika Chōsokabe: Your kindness humbles me, my lord.
Nobunaga Oda: Does it now? Hahahaha!
Motochika Chōsokabe: Hahahaha!
Toshiie Maeda: Looks like they're firm friends already.
Toshiie Maeda: I've no idea how though. I don't even understand what they're saying!
> I understand.
Toshiie Maeda: Do you really get it, MC? No wonder Lord Nobunaga saw so much in you.
(Event ends here)
> I haven't a clue either.
Toshiie Maeda: That's what I thought, MC. That's a relief. Hero for the ages you may be, but even you aren't sure.
Toshiie Maeda: All's well, then. I'm in trouble if I'm the only one who doesn't get it.
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9. Seeds of Rebellion (Ranmaru)
By all outward appearances, Nobunaga's world was tranquil.
However, MC had many contacts, and heard shadowy rumors of a plot to assassinate Nobunaga.
Given Nobunaga's penchant for making enemies, many people could have been plotting his death.
Regardless of their actual guilt, only rumors of the following members of Nobunaga's inner circle reached him.
Mitsuhide Akechi, Shibata Katsuie, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and even his son, Oda Nobutada, were suspected.
MC went to Nobunaga to deliver a report.
Nobunaga Oda: ...Is that so?
As expected, Nobunaga listened with an amused smirk on his face, and summarily ignored the report.
> So you have faith in your men?
Nobunaga Oda: Do you believe this?
This time Nobunaga was clearly amused, and his grin became a laugh.
Nobunaga Oda: Faith is a prayer for things to stay as they are, small and understandable.
Nobunaga Oda: I could create a small world here in the palm of my hand, or a miraculous, fantasy world of great proportions.
Nobunaga Oda: Forced to choose, would you take the latter?
Nobunaga clapped MC on the shoulder and smiled.
Nobunaga Oda: Don't be gullible. I pray ceaselessly. I hope for betrayal.
> You can't let the flow of time stop.
Nobunaga Oda: Even if you kill Nobunaga the man, you cannot stop the flow of time.
This time Nobunaga was clearly amused, and his grin became a laugh.
Nobunaga Oda: They pray for things to stay small and understandable.
Nobunaga Oda: Sacrificing my body to their puny gods is a waste of time.
Nobunaga clapped MC on the shoulder and smiled.
Nobunaga Oda: It is not Nobunaga alone who can advance the passage of time.
A rear door slid open. Ranmaru bent in a polite, brisk bow.
Ranmaru Mori: Lord Nobunaga, it is time for the meeting with the Hakata partisans.
The audience with Nobunaga, at that point, ended.
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10. Professor Mōri's Analysis (Motonari)
- Mōri Clan: Castle -
Motonari Mōri: Quite an interesting battle, isn't it? Lord Nobunaga shall alter the very essence of waging war.
Motonari Mōri: Until now, it was seldom that even a great battle would result in a lasting settlement.
Motonari Mōri: It takes a lot of time to recruit replacements for fallen soldiers. This is especially true when one is engaged with other enemies.
Motonari Mōri: Troops can be recruited and sent to fight, while the true settlement is being politically settled in negotiations.
Motonari Mōri: This takes time, naturally. The battlefield and its environs will be devastated, and no crops will be harvested.
Motonari Mōri: These settlements are always compromises. No quarrel is ever truly laid to rest. This pattern has repeated itself throughout history.
Motonari Mōri: With this battle, Lord Nobunaga aims to achieve swift, decisive victory with an ingenious new strategy.
Motonari Mōri: To do this, a trap to lure out Lord Yoshimoto Imagawa has been very carefully designed.
Motonari Mōri: Five years earlier, the lord of Narumi Castle, an Oda vassal, defected to the Imagawa side.
Motonari Mōri: In reality, though, the lord of Narumi Castle maintained his allegiance to the Oda, and the rumor of treachery was spread to deceive Yoshimoto.
Motonari Mōri: I think this is what Nobunaga intended all along.
Motonari Mōri: However, Lord Yoshimoto got wind of the plot, put the lord of Narumi Castle to the sword, and assumed direct control of the castle.
Motonari Mōri: This weakened the Mikawa and other local clans, and the Imagawa gained the advantage through their direct control of the area.
Motonari Mōri: Moreover, Narumi Castle was positioned near the heart of the Oda clan. With this acquisiton, the Oda's opposition gained the upper hand.
Motonari Mōri: On the other hand, it put them dangerously close to the Oda's headquarters. Lord Nobunaga moved quickly to surround Narumi Castle.
Motonari Mōri: Given the iron-fisted local rule, he had no fears of being set upon by the local clans.
Motonari Mōri: Under pressure, the Imagawa sent reinforcements. Using Narumi Castle as bait, Nobunaga had snared a big fish.
Motonari Mōri: Lord Yoshimoto pulled back his attacking forces from Narumi Castle. As he had done in the past, he sought to enter into negotiation.
Motonari Mōri: Nobunaga dashed his hopes of negotiation, and changed the nature of warfare. He did this to bring the era of strife to a speedy close.
Motonari Mōri: Indeed, without victory there is nothing. But the way I see it, he knew he could win.
Motonari Mōri: The Imagawa, with their great numbers, pressed the Oda forces, but the long weeks of campaigning had taken their toll on their forces.
Motonari Mōri: Once the local clans joined the fight, the Imagawa's hopes for a great victory faded away before his eyes.
Motonari Mōri: Under the direct rule policy of the Imagawa, the local lords realized that the recent tragedy at Narumi Castle could one day be their own fate.
Motonari Mōri: Their will to fight was limited, meaning that in reality, there were no more than 5000 fatigued troops to defeat.
Motonari Mōri: Ah, for shame! I've run on for far too long. Being long-winded is bound to bore and annoy everyone.
Motonari Mōri: Anyway, we must continue to observe history as it unfolds.
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