Japan's in a L'Oda Trouble - Let's Play Nobunaga's Ambition Sphere of Influence(Oda)

[Tolvo]

The Birth of Nobunaga - Nobutora Takeda’s Exile - Update 5

We are onto part 5 already. There is little going on with the Oda clan at the moment. For now Nobuhide gathers his spoils from war and works upon the infrastructure of his castles. To the east in the lands of Kai something is going on. A daimyo is being ousted and replaced, conquest dominates the area, and a soon to be powerful figure comes to terms with who they are. Nobuhide as well takes the time to spend money in the court while talking with its members. He has attained some privileged titles making his diplomatic endeavors easier.

Kai 1541

In the land of Kai… Nobutora Takeda, the representative of Kai, had unprecedented success expanding his territory. However, due to his harsh treatment of his vassals and their fatigue from consecutive foreign conquests, complaints were gradually becoming more frequent. It was then that an incident occurred.

Nobutora Takeda:
What’s going on? Open the gates at once!

Nobutora had returned to Kai after visiting Suruga both to celebrate his military exploits and to see his daughter, who he had married to the Imagawa clan. But the gates of Kai would not open for their lord.

Nobukata Itagaki:
I apologize, Lord Nobutora, but I cannot let you through

Torayasu Amari:
This is an order from the daimyo of Kai.

Nobutora Takeda:
But the daimyo of Kai is ME! Wait… You don’t mean…

Harunobu Takeda:
…

Nobutora Takeda:
Harunobu! I see now! You usurped the clan while I was away, did you?

Harunobu Takeda:
It is as you say. I ask that you kindly live out the rest of your life in Suruga.

Nobutora Takeda:
Ha ha ha ha! I was truly careless to have my country stolen from me by my own son. Just remember that your karma will come back and bite you in the end.

Harunobu Takeda:
…

And so, Harunobu became the head of the Takeda clan by driving out his father. After restoring clan membership to those vassals which Nobutora had exiled, he began restructuring the clan.

Characters Introduced

Nobutora Takeda

Harunobu Takeda

Torayasu Amari

Nobukata Itagaki

Imperial Court

At the Imperial Court you are able to to speak with the court in a similar manner to diplomacy. The higher the intelligence of who you send to talk the faster trust is gained. As it reaches 100 trust you can then ask for something from the court. It should be noted talking to the court is expensive, I’d advise only doing it after you have a strong economy.

You are able to request ranks for yourself or your retainers, the higher your rank is the more trust you gain from other clans surrounding you. If your clan is not large enough or powerful enough your rank requests may be refused. Pay attention only to the class of the rank, otherwise they mean nothing. Each specific rank doesn’t actually mean you perform tasks relating to them. You also don’t gain any additional bonuses.

The Imperial Court is unfortunately not very interesting and not very useful, it can help a bit over time but is otherwise an expensive money sink that can be ignored entirely.

[Tolvo]

Create An Officer

Hello there, originally I was not planning on allowing for custom characters because they can sometimes mess up the story but I think I have found some good ways to balance and introduce them without altering the game too much.

Something fun about Nobunaga’s Ambition - Sphere of Influence is that you can create your own characters. There are limitations, such as they need a selected portrait from those available, male and female are the only genders available, and there are only a few voices available. But we can try anyway! I’ll make a simple character sheet that you can copy, paste, and fill out, to help me create the character that you desire. I may also be upping the difficulty since we will be putting all of our characters in the Oda clan so we can actually keep track of what they are doing. I will introduce the created characters whenever we start over as we reach a scenario. Such as when the Viper of Mino scenario begins.

Sheet

Appearance: (Describe what you want them to look like, be very basic, there are a lot of faces but not too many. Keep in mind that nearly every portrait is Japanese)
First Name:
Last Name:
Birth Date: (Range is 1460-1580)
Gender:
Tenet: (Conservative, Neutral, or Progressive)
Ideals: (Fame, Clan, Talent, Profit, Justice, Ambition, Mastery, or Spirit)
Tactic: (What they do in battle, make it simple, like makes ranged attacks better or moves faster)
Abilities: (Leadership, Valor, Intelligence, Politics. Please pick a focus and just gve me the gist of what you want your character to be good at)

Created Officers

Tamadono Inoue

Saka Yamashina

[Fefnir]

In an effort to not just copy+paste the character I made previously, here’s a new gal:

Appearance: Older appearance, short hair, (I was thinking the portrait that’s four down and three to the right.)
First Name: Saka
Last Name: Yamashina
Birth Date: 1531
Gender: Female
Tenet: Neutral
Ideals: Clan
Tactic: Short range and defense focused.
Abilities: Intelligence; I’ll take any ability that’s basically just “good at farming.”

[Tolvo]

Alright she has been added!

[Tolvo]

Viper of Mino - To The Next Generation - Update 6

In this update Nobuhide Oda discusses his plans for Kipposhi(Nobunaga) and who he should marry. Who it is may be a bit shocking but the plan is sound. But what of the Imagawa? To the south the Oda clan’s enemies gather but they have no idea just how crafty old Nobuhide can be.

With the invasion of Mino ending in waste, Nobuhide Oda began focusing his efforts n maintaining Owari and battling the Imagawa clan. However, making an enemy of Dosan Saito of Min proved to be a source of unyielding pressure.

Masahide Hirate:
A castle in Suemori?

Nobuhide Oda:
One to guard against the imagawa. I plan to move there myself.

Masahide Hirate:
While I think the idea is sound, my lord…what will become of Nagoya Castle?

Nobuhide Oda:
I’ll give it to Kipposhi.

Masahide Hirate:
!!

Nobuhide Ooda:
Masahide, watch over him for me.

Masahide Hirate: B-But, my lord…

Nobuhide Oda:
Oh? Worried about the “Fool of Owari”?

Masahide Hirate:
Well… I have to wonder if Lord Kipposhi is up to the task of governing a castle.

Nobuhide Oda:
Masahide, do you remember what you sad when Kipposhi was born?

Masahide Hirate:
I’m…afraid the memory escapes me.

Nobuhide Oda:
You sad he was a child of striking beauty, who’d have no trouble finding a wife. And I think it’s about time he found that wife. If he gets married, he’ll settle down – settle down enough to lead a castle.

Masahide Hirate:
I see… Might you have someone in mind, my lord?

Nobuhide Oda:
Not just any woman would do as Kipposhi’s wife, all things considered. She needs to be tough, tricky, sly… Like…like that vper.

Masahide Hirate:
Lord Nobuhide, you couldn’t be thinking of…

Nobuhide Oda:
I am. It’s about time we made up with the viper, with all the movement in Mikawa lately. However, for our sake and Kipposhi’s, we can’t give them peace for free. We’re taking his daughter.

Masahide Hirate:
Yet, it is Dosan’s daughter of which we speak… Would she, too, not be every bit as venomous as he?

Nobuhide Oda:
Worry not. Kipposhi can handle any snake, no matter how venomous. Now before that, we need to deal with Suemori. If we let Yoshimoto into Owari, we’ll be ruined.

To The Next Generation(Quest)

Seeing boundless possibility in his son, Nobunaga(Kipposhi), Nobuhide began his preparations to leave the Oda Clan to him.

Build Suemori Castle by September, 1547

[Tolvo]

Viper of Mino - The Mori Introduced - Update 7

Another short update. To the west the Ouchi and Mori face defeat, destruction and ultimately, rebirth. Motonari Mori begins to set into motions events that would help determine the future of Japan and their rise to prominence.

The Ouchi army had surrounded Gassantoda Castle, but guerilla attacks by the Amago army had interrupted their supply chain and morale was dropping. Eventually, the minor clans that had joined the Ouchi clan began openly defecting to the Amago clan, starting with the Kikkawa clan. The Ouchi army had totally fallen apart and was forced to retreat. But, they took heavy losses in the process, including Yoshitaka Ouchi’s son, Harumochi, and Masahira Kobayakawa. Even Motonari Mori’s rear guard got caught up in the Amago army’s fierce counterattack, and barely made it back to Yoshida Koriyama Castle alive.

Motonari Mori:
I came very close to dying in that battle.

Takamoto Mori:
We cannot forget the loyalty of those who gave their lives to allow us to escape.

Motonari Mori:
Yes, we lost many soldiers. But…we also gained something.

Takamoto Mori:
What?! What happened?

Motonari Mori:
I hear Yoshitaka was disheartened by the loss, and has been distancing himself from his ruling duties. Now is the perfect time to take control of Aki and Bingo. It is time for the Mori clan to stop hiding in the shadow of the Ouchi and stand on our own two legs.

Takamoto Mori:
Are you going to mobilize the troops?

Motonari Mori:
Before that, I have to talk with Takafusa. Even if Yoshitaka forgives us, we would be in a tough position if Takafusa opposed the move.

After their defeat at Gassantoda Castle, Yoshitaka Ouchi lost his will to rule and the Ouchi clan fell into decline. Seeing this as his chance to become independent Motonari Mori nullified his vassalage to the Ouchi clan and begun acting of his own accord.

Characters Introduced

Motonari Mori

Takamoto Mori

[Tolvo]

Viper of Mino - Guns Arrive In Japan - Update 8

In this update muskets finally arrive in Japan. The year is 1543 and their arrival would mean that the face of war for Japan would forever be changed. Trade would open up greatly, for now, and guns would flood in from the west and from Sakai.

In August in the 12th year of Tenmon, 1543, on Tanegashima Island of Osumi. On the morning after a typhoon, the people of the island found a single boat washed up on the coast.

Western:
…

Lookout:
Hey, is that…? Hey, you, state your name!

Western:
…!

Lookout:
Wh-What was that sound?! Hey, someone call the ma… No, call the young master! A westerner with strange magic is attacking us!

The westerner on the washed up boat had been carrying a musket, a weapon made from technology not yet in Japan. Though the man fired a shot into the air in surprise when the island dwellers approached him, he eventually calmed down. …and met with the leader of the Tanegashima clan, Tokitaka Tanegashima. Tokitaka fell in love with the weapon the moment he saw it fired and paid the foreign man a large sum of money for it.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
So, this is what my boy from Tanegashima has gotten us?

Takahisa Shimazu:
Yes, father – he’s still young, and knows no fear.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
There are times when recklessness can teach us that which we did not know before… Yet, is it truly wise to give such a rare thing to the shogunate?

Takahisa Shimazu:
We are in possession of another of its kind. Tokitaka is having his craftsman attempt to make a copy of it.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
Meaning that the day will come when we’ll have quite a few of these around, ‘ey?

Takahisa Shimazu:
It will. And when it does…

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
…we’ll be able to use these in battle. I look forward to it, yet cannot help also fearing it.

The copy of the musket Tokitaka had made did not possess strong enough screw to make it effective. To remedy this, the craftsman Kinbei Yaita had his daughter marry the westerner, learn the construction of the screw, and thus created a musket durable enough to use. The war torn world’s demand for the powerful new weapon was immense, immediately prompting mass production. Due to the efforts of the Tanegashima clan’s liege clan, the Shimazu, as well as the visiting warrior priest of the Negoro Temple, Kazunaga Tsuda, muskets spread all throughout the nation.

Characters Introduced

Jisshinsai Shimazu

Takahisa Shimazu

[Tolvo]

Viper of Mino - Poems and Motonari Mori’s Schemes - Update 9

A simple and small update. We learn a bit about the history of Japan’s schooling as well as the poems to live life by, and see Motonari aging and becoming even more of a schemer.

After Tadayoshi Shimazu became a monk, he changed his name to Jisshinsai Shimazu. Praised as “The Sacred Ruler of Satsuma”, Jisshinsai was said to be both wise and virtuous. Additionally, he was als famous for teaching that same wisdom and virtue equally to his followers.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
“Even if you hear the teachings of the past and recite them, they are worthless if you do not incorporate them into your actions.”

Takahisa Shimazu:
Indeed.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
“No matter whether you live in an ornate mansion or a straw hut, a person’s virtue is determined by what is in their heart.”

Takahisa Shimazu:
I see.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
“Can we rely on such a fleeting thing as ‘tomorrow’? ‘Today’ is when your studies must be done.”

Takahisa Shimazu:
I agree completely.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
…Do you really understand what I’m saying? I can’t tell with such halfhearted responses.

Takahisa Shimazu:
Sorry, I’m a man of few words. I may not even live up to the hair on your feet, but these poems you wrote are easy to understand even for me. You are truly a wonderful teacher, Father.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
Well, I thought it would be good for you to learn some things. Studying isn’t only for monks you know. Someday, all the people of Satsuma must study and nourish their minds.

Takahisa Shimazu:
“Even if you think yourself to be unskilled, do not slack off. Your training is the proverbial ‘journey of a thousand miles’.” Well said.

Jisshinsai Shimazu:
“Before you legislate, educate. Punishing someone who is ignorant of their crime…is not a vrtuous path.”

Takahisa Shimazu:
I shall carve that into my very being.

There are forty-seven “Iroha Poems” that Jisshinsai wrote, one for each of the characters of the Japanese syllabary. Each poem starts with a different character. Jisshinsai’s poems expound a sort of model for warriors to follow in their daily lives, based on his wisdom. The Iroha Poems would go on to serve as the foundation for Satsuma’s Goju education system. Later, during the Meiji Restoration, they would also contribute greatly to the education of the people of Satsuma.

The Kobayakawa clan of the Sanyo region boasted a powerful navy. The clan had weakened in recent years as a result of a series of deaths of the clan heads, but Motonari Mori and Yoshitaka Ouchi had begun a maneuver to restore the Kobayakawa clan to its former glory. With support from Yoshitaka, Motonari’s third son, Takakage, changed his name and became the next head of the Kobayakawa clan.

Motonari Mori:
I didn’t expect Yoshitaka to come out so strongly in support of you, I guess it was worth leaving you in his care after all.

Takakage Kobayakawa:
Yes… We must use whatever methods we have available to us.

Motonari Mori:
Indeed. Your talents as a leader are unmatched by both Takamoto and Motoharu. I’m entrusting the Kobayakawa clan to you because I have faith in you. Do you get my meaning? Do not disappoint me.

Takakage Kobayakawa:
Heh… Leave it to me. I wll use the power of the Kobayakawa clan to the fullest in supporting the Mori clan.

Motonari Mori:
Also…

Takakage Kobayakawa:
Yes?

Motonari Mori:
Be careful of flattery. Don’t let our enemies win you over.

Takakage Kobayakawa:
…Understood.

The Kobayakawa clan was in possession of a powerful navy, and gaining control of this held great meaning for the Mori clan. And so, Takakage Mori changed his name to Takakage Kobayakawa, and was put in charge of expanding Mori influence n the Sanyo region.

[Tolvo]

Viper of Mino - The Date Clan Civil Wars and Kipposhi and Takechiyo Meet - Update 10

In this update we get a glimpse at the Date clan to the northeast and their squabbling and plans among themselves. As well Nobuhide Oda takes the Matsudaira heir hostage and two finally meet, Kipposhi(Nobunaga Oda) and Takechiyo(Ieyasu Tokugawa).

Build Suemori Castle Completed!

Tanemune Date was the fourteenth head of the Date clan. He aggressively expanded his territory through marriages, his rule extended even to Oshu and Ushu. Nearly all the daimyos of Oshu were involved in this extended family called a “den” that Tanemune had created. Tanemune was also planning to send his third son, Sanemoto, to the representative of Echigo, Sadazane Uesugi, as a foster child. This would allow him to expand his domain even further. But before he could do that…

Soldier:
Lord Tanemune! Lay down your weapon and do as we say!

Tanemune Date:
Are you Harumune’s men?

Harumune Date:
Why, yes they are! Don’t struggle, Father.

Tanemune Date:
You dolt… I don’t understand what this is all about.

Harumune Date:
If I let you have your way, everyone in Japan would be our relatives. It makes it so hard to do anything.

Tanemune had been clashing with his heir, Harumune, about their territory. Harumune strongly opposed his father’s plans to send Date troops to Echigo, and imprisoned Tanemune. But a few days later…

Soldier:
Lord Harumune! I have an urgent report.

Harumune Date:
What? Did my father escape or something?

Soldier:
Er… Yes. Exactly that. Lord Tanemune has entered Marumor Castle and is gathering troops as we speak.

Harumune Date:
Well, I kind of expected this to happen. It wouldn’t be fun otherwise. Now that it’s come to this, I have no choice but to strike down my father. I’ll show the world a war that engulfs both Oshu and Ushu!

Harumune was proactive in everything he did, even going so far as to attack the marriage procession of Lady Kubo, famed for her beauty, in order to make her his own wife. Conflict between Harumune and his father Tanemune, who had an insatiable greed for power, was inevitable. On Tanemune’s side were the powerful daimyos of the Ashina clan. The conflict in the Date clan came to be known as the Tenbun War, and would come to spread across all of Oshu.

Hirotada Matsudaira, a minor daimyo ruling over Mikawa, was under the protection of Yoshmoto Imagawa, the daimyo of Suruga. As proof of his loyalty to Yoshimooto, Hirotada sent his eldest son and heir, Takechiyo, to the Imagawa clan. However, on his way to Yoshimoto, an unforseen disaster befell Takechiyo.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
What happened to Hirotada’s son?

Sessai Taigen:
It appears someone betrayed us and handed him over to Nobuhide Oda.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
Do they have no shame? Yet, perhaps it was our fault for putting him in the hands of people we could not trust.

Sessai Taigen:
The power of money is strong, milord. The reports say the men sold Takechiyo to Nobuhide.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
Money… So that’s how Nobuhide operates.

Sessai Taigen:
Indeed. Therefore, we must use our own methods. I vow to bring back Takechiyo personally.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
Nobuhide better watch out now that he’s angered my master.

Sessai Taigen:
II am a servant of the Buddha. It is my duty to root out evil. I will show Nobuhide that the world has not fallen so low as to overlook those who would sell a child to their enemy, not even for a sack of gold.

Yoshimoto imagawa:
I don’t know who I’m scared of more: the demons in hell or you.

Nobuhide’s unorthodox plan to steal Takechiyo Matsudaira away by buying out the warriors guarding him ended in success. However, taking Takechiyo as a hostage was not enough to make Hirotada Matsudaira bow to the Oda clan.

Masahide Hirate:
To think that Hirotada would be this stubborn…

Nobuhide Oda:
I can scarcely believe it myself… I suppose his Mikawa warrior dutifulness won’t allow him to betray Yoshimoto.

Masahide Hirate:
What will we do with his son, my lord?

Nobuhide Oda:
Take care of the child. We’ll be able to make use of him someday. Yoshimoto will likely come back for the boy. Put Nobuhiro in Ansho.

Masahide Hirate:
Lord Nobuhiro, my lord…?

Nobuhide Oda:
He should be able to handle defending Ansho. And Ii can’t imagine him taking Mikawa. Kipposhi, however, might have a chance…

Masahide Hirate:
When will we change the Young Master’s name, my lord?

Nobuhide Oda:
When his marriage has been settled. Masahide, move negotiations along with the viper.

Masahide Hirate:
We will have to give up Ogaki…is that permissible, my lord?

Nobuhide Oda:
Give it to them. Because Kipposhi… No, Nobunaga will take it right back.

To The Next Generation(Quest)

Nobuhiro Oda protects Ansho Castle for one year.
Bring Saito Clan’s trust to 100 in a year.

The heir to the Oda clan, Kipposhi (Later known as Nobunaga Oda), was called “The Fool of Owari” from his eccentric behavior. After another day of playing with the other kids in town, Kipposhi returned home to find an unfamiliar child in the garden.

Kipposhi:
Hey. I haven’t seen you around here. What’s your name?

Takechiyoo:
Um, my name is Takechiyo.

Takechiyo Matsudaira would later be known as Ieyasu Tokugawa. At this point in time, he was a hostage of the Oda clan thanks to a plot by Nobuhide Oda.

KIpposhi:
So, you’re the heir to the Matsudaira clan. Do you know who I am?

Takechiyo:
Yes. You are Kipposhi, if I’m not mistaken.

Kipposhi:
Oh, so you already knew. That’s boring.

Takechiyo:
(I can’t say I knew he was the Fool of Owari because of how dopey he looked…)

Kipposhi:
I like you, you’ve got some guts. I think I’ll make you my vassal from now on. Tomorrow, I command you to join me for swimming and horse riding practice.

Takechiyo:
I will gladly join you for practice, but I must decline your offer of vassalage.’

Kipposhi:
Oh? Why is that? Do you also have your pride as leader of a country?

Takechiyo:
No, it’s just that I have a number of followers already. If I became your vassal, I would have to request a stipend from you for them. I didn’t want to cause that sort of trouble for you.

Kipposhi:
…Ha ha ha ha ha! I see, you were already thinking about money. You’re pretty stingy.

Takechiyo:
A-Am I…?

Kipposhi:
But, while I have the deepest consideration for my vassals, I can also handle vulgar topics like money. One who cannot do that is unfit to be a lord!

Takechiyo:
(Huh… It seems like he’s more than just a fool.)

Kipposhi:
It’s difficult to admit, but I don’t have money to give you right now. I suppose I’ll have to give up on making you my vassal.

Takechiyo:
(Phew…)

Kipposhi:
But as soon as the day comes when I have money to give you and your vassals, I will have you obey me… Obey my world.

Takechiyo:
What do you mean?

Kipposhi:
Until then, we are friends! Tomorrow, head to the river at sunrise. Don’t forget!

Takechiyo:
…What an overwhelming personality, to say the least. But, he’s kind of fun to be around. A friend, huh… That might be the first tme I’ve heard that word.

Takechiyo – Ieyasu Tokugawa – would spend the next few years in the Oda clan. Though he was a hostage, he had no strict rules placed upon him and could live freely. This period of Ieyasu’s life greatly influenced his development.

Characters introduced

Kipposhi

Takechiyo

Tanemune Date

Harumune Date

[Tolvo]

Viper of Mino - Nobunaga’s Marriage and 2nd Battle of Azukizaka - Update 11

In this update a marriage is set up between Dosan Saito’s daughter Kicho and Nobunaga Oda. Takechiyo is wanted badly by the Imagawa, while Nobuhide begins to question his own actions. The character list has been updated as well I have added a map of the regions of Japan duriing the Sengoku period.

Saito clan trust level 100 reached!

Sandwiched between the Saito clan to the north and the Imagawa clan to the south, Nobuhide Oda resolved to make peace with the Saito clan. The peace talks ended in success. As a result, Dosan Saito’s daughter, Kicho, and Nobuhide’s son, Nobunaga, were bound in marriage.

Dosan Saito:
This marriage has brought us into alliance with the Oda clan. Would like to believe it would be of use to us, but rumors say Nobunaga is quite the fool. Kicho! If Nobunaga proves to truly be a useless fool…use this blade to kll him. When you do, I will gather the men and take Owari.

Kicho:
Yes Father. However if he is no fool…thiis blade may end up killing you instead.

Nobunaga Oda:
So, Princess of Mino, what did the Viper tell you?

Kicho:
…To support you my Lord.

Nobunaga Oda:
Support me? Not in fact to kill me? If you don’t kill me now, Mino will eventually be mine. Lady No, can you accept that?

Kicho:
…If I choose to kill you, it will be because I realized you are too much of a fool to take even the land of Mno.

Nobunaga Oda:
Heh…is that so…

Ansho castle defended for one year!

To the Next Generation(Quest)

Completed!

Though the Matsudaira clan saw a crushing period of decline after losing their leader, Kiyoyasu Matsudaira at the Tragedy at Moriyama, they were met with another blow. Kiyomasa’s heir and the current leader of the clan, Hirotada, fell at the hands of a retainer as well.

Sessai Taigen:
With this battle we mourn Sir Hirotada, and we take back his son!

Sessai Taigen of the Imagawa clan overcame the danger of having an absent head of the Matsudaira clan to his people’s advantage by fighting in remembrance of Hirotada. Though it’s soldiers fought bravely, Ansho Castle could not stand against the high morale of the Mikawa soldiers and the deft leadership of Sessai.

Masahide Hirate:
Lord Nobuhide, forgive me. If only had arrived in time with reinforcements…!

Nobuhide Oda:
Don’t blame yourself, Masahide. With that monk on the field, there was nothing we could have done. Yet, that blasted Nobuhiro went and got himself captured… Now that was something I hadn’t expect.

Masahide Hirate:
Must we return Takechiyo, my lord?

Nobuhide Oda:
We must… And Takechiyo will then go on to become the leader of Mikawa. The young Takechiyo will be nothing but a puppet to Yoshimoto and Sessai, making Mikawa…all theirs…

Masahide Hirate:
Lord Nobuhide…

The day of Takechiyo’s return, Oda’s central base…

Nobunaga Oda:
Father should have just left Nobuhiro to rot. You’re far more useful, Takechiyo.

Takechiyo:
Lord Nobunaga, I believe people can hear you…

Nobunaga Oda:
Takechiyo, do you want to go back to the Imagawa?

Takechiyo:
Though I don’t wish to go back to the Imagawa, I do wish to return to Mikawa.

Nobunaga Oda:
And why is that?

Takechiyo:
There are retainers of mine waiting for my return.

Nobunaga Oda:
There you go about retainers again… Do you not wish to stay here with the Oda, to aim for conquest at my side?

Takechiyo:
I can aim for conquest with you, Lord Nobunaga, even from Mikawa.

Nobunaga Oda:
Should you return to Mikawa, you’ll be sworn to Yoshimoto. Are you going too defeat him, now, and embark on a national conquest? Now that I’d like to see.

Takechiyo:
!..

Nobunaga Oda:
That was a mere jest. But know this, Takechiyo – do not say that which you cannot do.

Takechiyo:
It is not something I cannot do! Once Mikawa has gained its independence, I’ll come to your aid, Lord Nobunaga – I swear it!

Nobunaga Oda:
Heh… Well, don’t forget those words.

A few days later, at Nobuhide Oda’s residence.

Nobuhide Oda:
I chose the wrong opponent to focus on… Blast, I knew I should have taken over Owari first. It seems the power of coin is not enough… Now, if only my life would hold… No, it matters not. Should my time run out, Nobunaga will remain. That boy has a talent and a destiny I can’t even begin to fathom. He will take all of Owari as his own; of that I am certain. All I must do, then, is lay the foundation for his conquest.

Taking back the head of the Matsudaira clan allowed the Imagawa to exercise full control over the lands of Mikawa. And Nobuhide, without all of Owari under his control, could do little but struggle before the immense power difference of power between him and the Imagawa.

The Muromachi shogunate, which had endured for more than 200 years, was losing its authority. The 20th shogun, Yoshiharu Ashikaga, was stuck in a deadlock war with Chancellor Harumoto Hosokawa. On his son Yoshiteru’s 11th birthday, Yoshiharu made a decision.

Yoshiharu Ashikaga:
Yoshiteru, do you know what happened on my 11th birthday?

Yoshiteru Ashikaga:
I have heard that was the day you became shogun.

Yoshiharu Ashikaga:
Indeed. I intend to make that a custom of the house of the shogun. Yoshiteru, from today forth you are now shogun. Command the nation as you see fit.

Yoshiteru Ashikaga:
Yes, Father!

The Ashikaga clan, the house fo the shogun, had little power left, but rebellions were common n the Hosokawa clan with whom they were currently engaged, and the Kinai region was in complete disarray. Yoshiteru had spent his childhood alternately fleeing from and returning to the capital. Later, he would become a disciple of master swordsman Bokuden Tsukahara and grow to be the “Swordmaster Shogun”, working tirelessly to restore power to the shogunate.

We get a glimpse at the work of Saka Yamashina. She makes for an excellent diplomat and has been traveling in the regions surrounding Owari making peace with thse who would see the Oda clan as friends.

Characters Introduced

Kicho

Yoshiharu Ashikaga

Yoshiteru Ashikaga

[Tolvo]

The Struggle For Power - Nobuhide’s Death - Update 12

This update is a rather sad one. The Oda clan loses Nobuhide to sudden sickness.

Succumbing to sickness, Nobuhide Oda, the head of the Oda clan, realized that his time had come.

Nobuhide Oda:
And so, it is disease that claims me… To think that my life would end so quickly…

Masahide Hirate:
Lord Nobuhide, Lord Nobunaga would like to–

Nobuhide Oda:
Keep him out. We can’t let him catch this too. Let him know, Masahide. Let him know that this is how delicate the human animal is. Tell him not to follow my path, not to be tied down by the old ways…

And so Nobuhide Oda, the Tiger of Owari, passed away, leaving his son Nobunaga to take the reins of the Oda clan.

And then, on the day of the funeral…

Masahide Hirate:
Where…where is the Young Master?

Soldier:
My lord, everyone is searching for him as hard as they can, but…

Masahide Hirat:
What does he think he’s doing on such an important day?!

Ultimately, Nobuhide’s funeral began in Nobunaga’s absence.

Katsuie Shibata:
Sir Hirate, can the men really not find Lord Nobunaga?

Masahide Hirate:
Forgive me, sir Shibata. The responsibility all lies with me…

Katsuie Shibata:
Just where in the world could he be…? Well, Lord Nobukatsu, if you would burn the incense–

Nobunaga Oda:
…

Masahide Hirate:
Y-Young Master…! What on earth are you wearing…?!

Nobunaga Oda:
…

Masahide Hirate:
Young Master! Please, wait!

Nobunaga Oda:
(Father… You were the only one who loved me, who knew me. And I knew you were the only one of this pack who wasn’t a fool. Yet, to see you die so early in life… To think that a man of your caliber could fall so easily… Everyone dies. Everyone lives, simply waiting for death. And if that’s so…!)

Masahide Hirate:
Young Master!

Nobunaga Oda:
Death awaits us all… May tales of my life…be passed on…

Nobunaga snatched the incense and threw it at Nobuhide’s tablet as hard as he could before dashing off without a word.

Masahide Hirate:
Young…Master…

Katsuie Shibata:
…

Nobunaga’s younger brother Nobukatsu, however, went through the funeral a perfect picture of composure. Seeing the stark contrast between the two brothers, Nobukatsu’s supporters gave up on Nobunaga and seceded. Adding insult to injury, a few other retainers, concerned for their clan’s prospect for a future, defected to the Imagawa, bringing the Oda on the verge of collapse.

Nagoya Castle, Owari. The night after Nobunaga ran out of Nobuhide’s funeral.

Kicho:
…Who goes there?

Nobunaga Oda:
…

Kicho:
Lord Nobunaga… What brings you here at such a later hour?

Nobunaga Oda:
No…

Kicho:
Yes, my lord?

Nobunaga Oda:
Do you think a fool is unworthy to lead?

Kicho:
Yes, my lord. None will bow to a fool.

Nobunaga Oda:
Do you think a fool cannot conquer Owari?

Kicho:
Yes, my lord. A fool cannot win in battle.

Nobunaga Oda:
…Do you think I am a fool?

Kicho:
No.

Nobunaga Oda:
Don’t lie to me. All of our retainers and even the people in town call me a fool.

Kicho:
Lord Nobunaga, are you not the Fool of Owari?

Nobunaga Oda:
…Now you’re calling me a fool.

Kicho:
Everyone does, my lord, but I do not think you are a fool. You are the Fool, with a capital F. I feel that a fool of that level can do that which neither the wise nor the foolish can.

Nobunaga Oda:
…

Kicho:
Your fool’s act Lord Nobunaga, has a reason behind it. Did you not also have your reasons for what you did at your father’s funeral?

Nobunaga Oda:
Enough. I was just feeling sorry for myself. Forget I said anything.

Kicho:
Very well. I’ll forget, too, the puffiness of my lord’s weepy face and how he spoke with a voice high enough to be the envy of any maiden.

Nobunaga Oda:
Gah… You won’t see me cry again! From now on, No, all you’ll see from me is unyielding resolve and a face of pure courage.

Kicho:
Haha… When father was alone with me, he would show the same side of himself. Their faces are different, yet so very similar. He’s strong…but I still have to take care of him. Oh, what am I saying? Am I not a woman of Mino, daughter of Dosan…?

The 20th year of Tenmon, 1551. Suemori Castle, Owari. The leader of the Oda clan, Nobuhide Oda, who called this castle home, suddenly passed away due to illness. His dying words left his heir, Nobunaga, as the new lord of the clan.

Masahide Hirate:
Young Master! Do wait, Young Master!

Nobunaga Oda:
What do you want, gramps? I’ve already paid my respects, if that’s what you’re after.

Masahide Oda:
One could hardly call that “paying your respects!” To think you would throw incense at Lord Nobuhide’s tablet like that… Such unruliness from the future lord of the Oda clan is a poor example for our retainers!

Nobunaga Oda:
…

Masahide Hirate:
And furthermore, I hear others say your brother Lord Nobukatsu was a picture of etiquette. This will only strengthen Lord Nobukatsu’s supporters even further. Please bear that in mind, Young Master! If you simply continue to accept the name of “The Fool of Owari”, then as the leader of the Oda clan…

Nobunaga Oda:
Hmph. The Fool of Owari, you say… Not bad.

Masahide Hrate:
Young Master!

Nobunaga Oda:
As lord of this clan, I won’t be held back by petty etiquette and worthless traditions. I’ll be on my way, gramps. There’s things other than this funeral I’ve got to do.

Masahide Hirate:
Please, wait, young master! Did I bring him up the wrong way? Just what is to become of the Oda, or Owari…?

Clan Unification(Quest)

Nobunaga Oda took the reins of the clan once his father passed away. He first sought to complete Nobuhide’s work of uniting Owari.

Capture Kiyosu Castle. Capture Inuyama Castle.

Characters Introduced

Katsuie Shibata

[Tolvo]

The Struggle For Power - Sessai’s Death, the Triple Alliance, and Uniting Owari - Update 13

Nobunaga works on uniting all of Owari under his rule, during this time the Imagawa, Takeda, and Hojo begin the Triple Alliance to prepare each of them for their future expansions. Something to maybe bring up such as with Sessai and Nobuhide dying. While their stories are told romantically do not forget these are pretty horrible people who did absolutely monstrous things. If you feel bad for Yoshimoto losing his best friend and mentor keep in mind Yoshimoto in real life had children crucified and forced to commit suicide. Just try to keep this all in mind as we see these beatufiul stories that pretty much everyone involved is a bastard.

Nobunaga Oda defeated Nobutomo Oda and captured Kiyosu Castle.

Nobunaga Oda:
Father always had a soft spot for this castle…and I can see why. This town is apt for commerce. I claim this castle as my own. Move the warriors and merchants – move everyone from Nagoya over here.

Though not ideal for defense, Kiyosu Castle saw a lot of traffic, making the expansion of commerce in the town promising. From this day forth, it would expand as the center of Owari.

The Imagawa Clan of Suruga. Yoshimoto Imagawa, said to be the “greatest warrior of Tokai”, controlled a vast territory and had an army large enough to back it up. Geographically, Yoshimoto was not too far from the capital either. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was the daimyo that was closest to ruling the nation. However, what was stopping the Imagawa clan from marching to the capital was not the countries that lay between them, but rather the two major armies from in the opposite direction.

Yoshimoto’s late wife had descended from the Takeda clan of Kai. However Nobutora, the head of the Takeda clan and the one who had suggested the marriage alliance, was presently being challenged for control of the clan by the current heir, Harunobu.

Furthermore, although Yoshimoto had married his daughter into the Hojo clan of Sagami, the Imagawa’s alliance with the Takeda clan had reignited a border dispute between the Imagawa and Hojo. The head of the Hojo clan, Ujiyasu, had pulled off a skillful surprise attack that allowed him to survive an attack on Kawagoe Castle, which Yoshimoto had secretly planned. Additionally, Ujiyasu had been showing signs of expanding his army.

In order to pave the way to the capital for the Imagawa clan, Sessai Taigen, one of Yoshimoto’s chief retainers, had been negotiating with the leaders of the Takeda and Hojo behind the scenes.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
An alliance between all three countries?

Sessai Taigen:
Indeed. With just a bit more time, my plan should be a success and we will be able to march to the capital unhindered.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
Splendid. What is it that you ask of me, then?

Sessai Taigen:
A meeting, Lord.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
Oh? With whom?

Sessai Taigen:
I would like you to meet with Harunobu Takeda and Ujiyasu Hojo at Zentokuji and speak frankly about your intentions.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
I see… This plan is daring, yet intriguing. I knew I could count on you.

And so, the legendary alliance between the three clans was decided at Zentokuji. The Imagawa, Takeda, and Hojo clans formed marriage alliances with each other, and at last each clan could focus on expanding their own territory to the west, north, and east, respectively.

Sessai Taigen. A Zen priest at Kyoto, he was called to Suruga to take the position of young Yoshimoto’s instructor. Since then, he had continued to support Yoshimoto in public and in private. The efforts of the two had brought the Imagawa clan up to being one of the largest forces in the nation.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
Heh… Master Sessai, your good karma is still lacking. Should you die here, you will reincarnate in hell. Take the time to recover, master.

Sessai Taigen:
Lord Yoshimoto… I am the one who serves the Buddha. I can tell how much time I have left.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
…

Sessai Taigen:
Yet, I have no regrets. Because, Lord Yoshimoto, your road to conquest has been opened.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
The Triple Alliance… Leaving such a thing behind certainly shows your masterly love.

Sessai Taigen:
It is but a trifling token of my gratitude, my lord. This time I have spent with you…it was very enjoyable. I was able to use my techniques on the battlefield to their fullest because of you, Lord Yoshimoto. Meeting you was a true blessing. And because I received such a blessing in this life, my next destination…can only be hell.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
THen… Then wait for me in hell, master. I will go on to take the nation. And on that road, the sin I shall bear will be immense.

Sessai Taigen:
Then, my lord… Allow me to make our preparations to fight with hell’s ogres. Lord Yoshimoto… Take the nation, no matter the cost…

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
I will, master. I won’t let your efforts go to waste. Now, you need only sleep.

The Imagawa clan had been held up by the works of Yoshimoto and Sessai. And without Sessa at his side, Yoshimoto had to carry the entire Imagawa on both of his shoulders. That fact cast a faint, yet all too dark shadow upon the clan’s future.

Characters Introduced

Ujiyasu Hojo

[Tolvo]

The Struggle For Power - Motonari’s Plans for the Kikkawa, and the Imagawa March on the Oda - Update 14

Welcome to Update 14. This is yet another short update that sets up more for the future conquest of the Mori clan under Motonari Mori. Of greater importance is the plan of Yoshimoto Imagawa. He has decided finally to take the capital with the only true foes between him and it being the Oda clan led by Nobunaga Oda.

Okitsune Kikkawa, the head of the Kikkawa clan, was a valiant warrior but lacked in prudence. His rash nature was made evident with how readily he betrayed the Ouchi clan at Gassantoda Castle. Due to this and other incidents, unease and distrust were brewing among his vassals.

Motonari Mori:
Motoharu. You are to join the Kikkawa clan from today on.

Motoharu Mori:
Ah, you mean the clan that Mother came from?

Motonari Mori:
Yes. Their leader, Okitsune, was just driven out of the clan for misconduct.

Motoharu Mori:
…I see.

Motonari Mori:
I want you to succeed your mother’s clan. Do you understand? Do not disappoint me.

Motoharu Kikkawa:
I understand, Father. Leave it to me. I will become one of the strongest generals in the West and support the Mori clan.

And so, it was decided that Motoharu Mori would change his name to Motoharu Kikkawa and inherit the Kikkawa clan. He would be in charge of expanding the influence of the Mori clan in the Sanin region.

Inuyama Castle captured.

Soldier:
Reporting! Lord Nobukatsu Oda has rebelled at Suemori Castle! He has gained Lords Hayashi and Shibata as allies and is raising soldiers against us!

Nobunaga Oda:
…Is that so? Mother and the others likely put him up to this, telling him to replace his fool of a brother. Though my younger brother, he lets others make his decisions for him… What a pity. Yet, I will give no quarter. Those that stand in my way, no matter who they are, I will crush. Prepare to march! We bring down Suemori Castle immediately!

Capture Suemori Castle

Suemori Castle Captured

Katsuie Shibata:
Guh… To think that I would fall into enemy hands, unable to fulfill my liege’s orders… Such is fate. Come, now! Take my head!

Nobunaga Oda:
…I will not.

Katsuie Shibata:
What?! You would pity one who tried to take your life?

Nobunaga Oda:
No. I simply concluded that I need you for the path I will take. If you are one bound by such trivialities, I have no need of you, I’ll end your life right here. Yet, if you are one who would create this new world with me, living through your shame, then you are worth keeping alive. Now tell me Katsuie…which are you?

Katsuie Shibata:
(He would call joining his brother and attempting to take his life a “triviality”…? Perhaps Lord Nobunaga is called a fool because none in this world can truly grasp the depth of this man’s mind…) …Understood, my liege. I, Katsuie, swear to charge through this world of chaos under my lord, Nobunaga!

Clan Unification(Quest)
Completed!

Tokai, Suruga… Residing here was a might daimyo who had taken Totom, Mikawa, and part of Owari. Yoshimoto Imagawa. This man, known as the greatest warrior in Tokai, harbored a new ambition in his heart.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
We begin advancing west! We march to Owari, the fertile land of the Oda! I, Yoshimoto, will see how much of a man the Fool of Owari, Nobunaga, is…then conquer his lands, without fail!

Meanwhile in Owari.

Soldier:
Reporting! Imagawa forces have begun marching from Suruga! Yoshimoto himself is marching towards Owari with a large force!

Nobunaga Oda:
Yoshimoto… This battle won’t be easy… Throwing ourselves against a massive force led by Tokai’s best warrior will only get us killed. Winning without depending on old tactics, on old ways of war… Now is the time face my true trial!

[Tolvo]

Battle of Okehazama - Nobunaga’s First True Battle - Update 15

It is time for one of if not the most important battles of Nobunaga’s life. Yoshimoto and Nobunaga square off, the Oda and Imagawa war.

The Battle of Okehazama(Quest)

Yoshimoto Imagawa, said to be the greatest warrior in Tokai, advanced his army into Owari. Ignoring his panicking retainers, Nobunaga looked far into the future.

Surround Narumi Castle.

Surround Narumi Castle completed!

Retainer 1:
We must surrender ourselves to the enemy for the sake of our clan!

Retainer 2:
What madness is that? The best course is to fortify here and stop our enemy’s momentum!

Nobunaga Oda:
We live but 50 years… Can we achieve our desires in life while worrying about nothing?

Nobunaga Oda:
Never. I shallow where my heart leads me, and therein, I will gain it all.

The Battle of Okehazama(Quest)

Defeat Yoshimoto Imagawa

Nobunaga Oda:
Yoshimoto…I’ve found you! Everybody, listen! The enemy doesn’t know of our presence, not through this thunder and rain! We cut into their main camp before they notice us! We aim for but one thing – Yoshimoto’s head!

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
This sound, this stench… Everyone, prepare for the enemy! The fool of Oda has drawn near!

Nobunaga Oda:
Well noticed, Yoshimoto! But you’re too late!

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
Attacking from the front under the cover of rain… Haha, you truly are like a storm!

Oda Soldier:
The Imagawa army has noticed our attack and begun to move! Please be careful, my lord!

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
What s this, this unsettling quiet… Something is happening. Something unbelievable… Everyone, return to the main camp!

Defeat Yoshimoto Imagawa completed!

Soldier:
Reporting! Our allies have cornered Yoshimoto Imagawa! A horseman has left him with grave wounds!

Nobunaga Oda:
Good news… Perhaps I can fell him at last. I’ll watch his death myself. Bring me to him.

Soldier:
Yessir!

An earth shaking turning of tables had taken place in Owari. The mighty daimyo of Suruga, Yoshimoto Imagawa, attempted to conquer Owari with overwhelming force. However, he met with an unexpected ambush at Okehazama. Leading the ambush was the young daimyo of Owari, Nobunaga Oda. And now, at the hands of a young warrior with a paltry force, the daimyo known as the greatest warrior in Tokai was meeting his end.

Nobunaga Oda:
Curtains, Yoshimoto.

Yoshimoto Imagawa:
Nobunaga, of all the people… I never expected to die watched over by an enemy. But, listen… Surpass me. Overcome what I’ve become. An average daimyo…satisfied with the single realm of Owari…is someone you must never…be…
…

Nobunaga Oda:
That I do not need to be told. What my heart desires is larger, wider than you could ever imagine. You were but the first step on the path of my ambition. Worry not for me; pass on.

And so, Yoshimoto met the end of his chaotic life. At the same time began the age of Nobunaga Oda, a conqueror among conquerors.

The battle at Okehazama(Quest)

Completed!

Yoshimoto Imagawa dead. News of hs defeat came as a great shock to Motoyasu Matsudaira, who had faithfully served in Yoshimoto’s vanguard.

Motoyasu Matsudaira(Tekechiyo):
This cannot be! Are you certain?

Soldier:
Yes, my lord. They were taken by surprise, and–

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
That’s not what I’m asking! I don’t care about that! What I want to know is, was it really Nobunaga Oda that did it?

Soldier:
Y-Yes, sr. The reports say that Nobunaga led the assault on the Imagawa camp himself.

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
He really did it… And where does that leave me? Listen well, warriors of Mikawa! It is time for us to return to our homeland! If we dawdle now, the Matsudaira clan will never get another chance to reclaim Okazaki and Mikawa! I can’t believe it was Nobunaga… I must make sure not to get on his bad side.

And so, Motoyasu Matsudaira broke off from the Imagawa army at Okazaki Castle to reclaim Mikawa, the land of his ancestors. With the death of Yoshimoto, the Imagawa clan quickly began to collapse.

Historical Tidbits

When Nobunaga talks of living but 50 years this is something that is often attributed to him. This is based on a Noh play called Atsumori by Zeami Motokiyo… The play contains a scene with a song/poem about the life of a warrior and how long they live. It took place in 1184 during the battle of Ichi-no-Tani and is about the samurai Taira no Atsumori.

To my understanding the original goes as follows.

Ningen Gojuunen,
Geten no uchi wo kurabureba,
yumemaboroshi no gotokunari.
Hitotabi sei wo ete,
metsusenu mono no
arubekika?

Which may have two translations, or more.

A man’s life of 50 years under the sky
is nothing compared to
the age of this world.
Life is but a fleeting dream, an illusion –
Is there anything that lasts forever?

or

In truth, this world is not eternally inhabited
It is more transient than dewdrops on the leave of grass, or the moon reflected in the water.
After reciting the poetry of flower at Kanaya, all glory is now left with the wind of impermanence.
Those who leisurely play with the moon of southern tower, now hide in the cloud of Saṅkhāra.
Human life lasts only 50 years, Contrast human life with life of Geten, It is but a very dream and illusion.
Once they are given life from god, there is no such thing don’t perish.
Unless we consider this a very seed of awakening, it is a grievous truth indeed.

Also while in the game we see Nobunaga and Yoshimoto meet we don’t really know if they ever did. Supposedly he was killed in battle against Nobunaga but the killer was a common soldier, and it is said Yoshimoto’s head was brought to Nobunaga and it was essentially paraded through Owari. Reminder, nearly everyone in this game is a monster.

Also something additional about the battle. It should be noted that what happened was the Imagawa army was many times larger than the Oda army but was spread out to conquer all of Owari. Because of that Nobunaga was able to use a secret path and ford a river which would normally have too high of water that receded thanks to the particular position of the moon that night. He crossed it then ambushed Yoshimoto at his camp sneaking past the spread thin soldiers and basically assassinated him.

If you’d like me to go over the history more in these little additions I can. Do let me know if it’s desired.

• Yes More History Tidbits
• No More History Tidbits

[Tolvo]

The Battle of Okehazama - The Viper of Mino Perishes - Update 16

Dosan Saito, the Viper of Mino, was in conflict with his heir, Yoshitatsu. No one quite knew why. Some say they were simply made not to see eye to eye, while others whispered that they were not related by blood… Some say Yoshitatsu smelled danger as his father’s interest in Nobunaga Oda grew. And then, finally…

Dosan Saito:
What is going on?!

Soldier:
An emergency, my lord! Your retainers have banded together in rebellion! Reports say they have slain your other children and are on their way here!

Dosan Saito:
…So, what scoundrel is trying to take my life?

Soldier:
It is believed to be your heir, Lord Yoshitatsu!

Dosan Saito:
Yoshitatsu…

His resolve gathered, Dosan hurriedly wrote a letter to Nobunaga and sent a courier running towards Owari. Then, gathering up what men he could, he made his last stand against Yoshitatsu’s army. However, he was outnumbered. Yoshitatsu’s overwhelming numbers forced him into submission.

Dosan Saito:
So, this is it… Well, Yoshitatsu… I’ll be watching just how well you do against the fool of Owari from the next world.

Dosan was slain by his son. The man who clawed his way to the top met a grand end at the hands of his own blood, doing the same.

This report reached Nobunaga, who was on the verge of sending Dosan reinforcements.

Nobunaga Oda:
So…the Viper is dead, is he? Well, if it’s come to this…

Soldier:
Will we disarm the men, my lord?

Nobunaga Oda:
No, continue preparations. …We take Mino.

Soldier:
Yes, my… lord? But, Lord Dosan was your uncle, my lord. Is now not the time to mourn rather than fight…?

Nobunaga Oda:
Right now is the perfect opportunity. In the letter that came a few days ago was the Viper’s will. He said that he gives Mino to me. Though I don’t know what the man was after…we have the perfect justification to attack Mino. We can’t let this chance slip by. I will bring it under my control – first, Mino, then this nation.

A few days later, Yoshitatsu, having slain his father, announced cutting ties with the Oda. Nobunaga told the world of Dosan’s last words, “I give you Mino”, and fashioned himself the rightful heir to the land. Thus began the Oda’s invasion of Mino.

After defeating Yoshimoto Imagawa at Okehazama and ridding itself of pressing danger, the Oda clan built up its strength. On the other hand, the nearby country of Mino had kept up its hostility towards the Oda since the death of its former leader, Dosan Saito. However, the Saito clan was an organization Dosan built up in a single generation. Its decline due to his death was clear to all.

Nobunaga Oda:
…This is the perfect chance. Mino is fertile and bountiful, a land Dosan was as far as to deceive his liege to steal. It would be a waste to have ti under the lead of a talentless youth. We take Mino. Mino – that is the next step on the path I must take.

The Conquest of Mino(Quest)

“I concede Mino” were the Viper’s last words before the flames consumed him. Caring not for the intent behind the words, Nobunaga advanced into Mino.

Bring the Azai Clan’s trust to 100.
Bring the Matsudaira Clan’s Trust to 100.
Capture Inabayama Castle.

Historical Tidbits

It is not really known what prompted Yoshitatsu to kill Dosan Saito, and whether or not they were really related by blood is also unknown. Nobunaga claimed that the Viper ceded Mino to him but again there are a lot of unknowns here. It is both possible and unknown if he really did.

[Tolvo]

The Battle of Okehazama - Oda and Azai Become Kin - Update 17

Brought the Azai Clan’s trust to 100!

As his quest for territory met fiercer and fiercer resistance, Nobunaga sought new allies. The first clan Nobunaga laid eyes on was the Azai clan, rulers of North Omi. While securing his route to the capital by allying himself with those who controlled Odani Castle, an important point along the way, was a major reason…he also wanted Nagamasa Azai, known to be brave and wise, as an ally. In an attempt to form this alliance, Nobunaga made a bold move.

Oichi:
You called, brother?

Nobunaga Oda:
Ichi… There’s something I need to ask you.

Oichi:
You want me to marry into the Azai clan, yes?

Nobunaga Oda:
So, you know… My sister truly is a wise woman.

Oichi:
My brother, everyone in the Oda clan knows that the alliance with the Azai is all you have been thinking about.

Nobunaga Oda:
Mmm… This alliance is a shortcut to the capital, something I must gain for the cause of conquest. Yet, among the Azai, there are those who view the alliance with Asakura as of great importance, starting with Nagamasa’s father, Hisamasa. They hold no fondness for me.

Oichi:
Because of that, we need proof, a guarantee, something unshakable… And that proof would be…me, correct?

Nobunaga Oda:
Ichi…

Oichi:
I am the daughter of a warrior house. If I can be of use to the family in a time of such need…I will go gladly.

Nobunaga Oda:
I see… Then I will send a messenger to the Azai. Prepare for marriage.

Oichi:
Understood, brother.

And so, Oichi married into the Azai clan of Omi. The brilliant young warrior, Nagamasa. A woman known to be the fairest lady in the land, Oichi. Their marriage was known all throughout Owari and Omi, gathering up the people’s blessings and jealousy.

Oichi:
My name is Ichi. Though of modest ability I may be, I am ready to take my role as a woman of the Azai.

Nagamasa Azai:
Let us skip the stiff greetings. Lady Ichi, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming so far. …To put it plainly, within my people, there are those who object to our marriage – to the alliance with the Oda. They say we cannot trust the Oda, since they are enemies of our trusted friends, the Asakura. However. I believe in my new brother. I believe in Sir Nobunaga. He promised not to attack the Asakura in return for our alliance. And, also…as proof of our new bond, he gave you, Lady Ichi, a vision of unspeakable beauty, to me.

Oichi:
Lord Nagamasa…

Nagamasa Azai:
To make the alliance last, Lady Ichi, I will protect you with my life, come what may.

Oichi:
Nagamasa, though sudden, if I may ask a favor of you.

Nagamasa Azai:
…What mght that be?

Oichi:
From today on, I am your wife. You needn’t be so stiff.

Nagamasa Azai:
Forgive m… Ah, sorry. Let’s go hand in hand for the glory of both Oda and Azai, Ichi.

And so, a strong bond was made only stronger by marriage was formed between the Oda and Azai clans.

Historical Tidbits

This would have taken place in the year 1564. The game sometimes causes events to happen too early depending on what you do as the player.

Characters Introduced

Nagamasa Azai

Oichi

[Tolvo]

The Battle of Okehazama - Hideyoshi’s One Night Fortress - Update 18

In his invasion of Mino, Nobunaga Oda sought to construct a fortress in Sunomata to act as a foothold for his military advance. However, the stubborn defenses of the Saito clan brought his efforts to failure time and time again.

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
I’ll bet Lord Nobunaga’s getting real impatient about now…

Koroku Hachisuka:
Hey, Tokichiro, what’d you want me for?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Ah, Koroku, there you are. I wanted to ask for your help on something.

Koroku Hachisuka:
Oh? Does it involve us making coin?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Nah, it involves building a fortress – and with that, I want to put those smug samurai in their place.

Koroku Hachisuka:
And how’s building a fortress going to do that?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Listen up good. Lord Nobunaga? Man wants him a fort in Sunomata more than anything right now.

Koroku Hachisuka:
Sunomata? You mean our turf?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Right, your place. But these green Oda samurai keep waltzing over to Sunomata and trying to build the thing like they own the place…

Koroku Hachisuka:
…and the Saito men keep coming down and wrecking t all up, huh?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Right, right. So I was thinking, maybe we should do it ourselves. OUR way.

Koroku Hachisuka:
Now you’ve got me interested. All right, I”ll take care of the Saito lot. Is three months enough?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Nah, 2 months’ll be all it takes.

Koroku Hachisuka:
Now that’s some ambition! Don’t be lettin’ that confidence bite you in the arse, now!

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Say whatever you want – one of these days, I’m gonna be a daimyo myself. This ain’t nothing!

Koroku Hachisuka:
Remind me to beg you some coin when you’re big, haha. Well, I’m gonna go get things ready.

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
All right, counting on you!

One Night Fort at Sunomata(Quest)

The Oda Army wanted a fortress to act as a foothold in their Mino campaign. Where many other officers had failed at the construction, a new challenger steps in.

Build a fortress in Sunomata.

Built a fortress in Sunomata.

With the help of Koroku Hachisuka and other people of Mino, Hideyoshi Kinoshita managed to create a fortress in Sunomata. It took on the name of the “Sunomata One Night Fortress”, and people praised Hideyoshi’s quickness of motion.

Nobunaga Oda:
Hmm… Rather well done, Monkey.

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Praise I am unworthy of, my lord!

Nobunaga Oda:
When matters became difficult, you were able to bow your head to those who knew the lay of the land better and ask for help… That was something the samurai cannot do, not while their petty station and birth holds them back. Because you are not bound by such insipid ideas, you could do what the samurai could not.

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Insipid ideas…?

Nobunaga Oda:
Keep up your good work. The world I create is a world for those like you.

Koroku Hachisuka:
Hey, Tokichiro! That went well! You got praised by your boss, didn’t you? And let me tell you, I’m looking forward to that reward!

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Koroku… I’ve decided.

Koroku Hachisuka:
Decided? Decided what?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
I’m going to climb up the social ladder, serving under Lord Nobunaga! This is the only place I can pull it off! Lord Nobunaga spits in the face of tradition, of station, of birth… That means I’ve got a chance!

Koroku Hachisuka:
Ah, I get it… In that case, I’ll help you out, too!

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
All right, Koroku! Join us, and let’s make a new world together!

Koroku Hachisuka:
Yeah! I don’t really get this new world business, but we’re splitting the reward, got it?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
…So you hadn’t forgotten.

The sudden construction of a fortress in the war torn land of Sunomata greatly surprised the Saito army…sending Hideyoshi Kinoshita’s name thundering throughout the Oda clan.

One Night Fort at Sunomata(Quest) Completed!

Historical TIdbits

It is not exactly known when Hideyoshi was born. Early on he served Yoshimoto Imagawa before absconding and joined the Oda clan in 1558. He had no lineage and served as a mere foot soldier at first. The event in questions really is true though. Hideyoshi really managed to get a fortress built under these conditions and the Saito were pretty pissed about it. Whether it was done in one night truly or not is unknown, probably it wasn’t. Supposedly he also found a secret route in the process that aided in defeating the Saito. Monkey is also how he was referred to by many and by Nobunaga himself due to his features and mannerisms. The fortress was also reconstructed and now serves as a museum to its history.

Characters Introduced

Hideyoshi Kinoshita

Koroku Hachisuka

[Tolvo]

Battle of Okehazama - Motoyasu Becomes Ieyasu, Matsudaira and Oda Ally - Update 19

Another short update, the Matsudaira and Oda join hands creating a bond that would last until death.

Brought Matsudaira Clan trust to 100.

Losing their leader Yoshimoto at Okehazama, the Imagawa clan lost their former glory and found itself on a quick course to decline. Under these conditions, Motoyasu Matsudaira, tired of serving under the Imagawa clan for so long, swore independence. In an attempt to reclaim Mikawa, the land of his father and forefathers, he rebelled against his former masters.

Reports of this reached Nobunaga in Owari.

Nobunaga Oda:
So, that whelp I spent my childhood with… He has grown in body and spirit, I see. However, with the Matsudaira being as small as it is now, eagerness alone isn’t going to help them become independent.

Soldier:
My lord, do you have a moment?

Nobunaga Oda:
Aye, has he arrived?

Soldier:
Yessir. Lord Motoyasu Matsudaira has arrived.

Nobunaga Oda:
Good news. Now, how long has it been since we have seen each other…

Kiyosu Castle of Owari. Here, on this day, Nobunaga and Motoyasu met with each other as daimyo.

Nobunaga Oda:
Takechiyo… Or, should I say, Sir Motoyasu Matsudaira. How long it has been. I thank you for making such a long journey here.

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
And you, Sir Kipposhi, are now Sir Nobunaga Oda. How pleased I am to see you once again.

Nobunaga Oda:
Our forms and positions have both seen much change, indeed. I would love to speak on about the past, yet…let us get the main topic out of the way, first.

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
Aye. Our alliance, my lord.

Nobunaga Oda:
Rght. Though both small clans, we have many enemies. Joining hands would be of benefit to both of us. The problem is the discord between our clans leftover from my father’s generation. I cannot imagine my retainers would accept an alliance easily.

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
Indeed, and no small amount of my people look at this alliance with eyes lacking all fondness. However, I wish to make this alliance go through, no matter the cost.

Nobunaga Oda:
Hm. And why might that be?

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
Because I wish to see an order, a new world, with these eyes. Even if I managed to wrest Mikawa back, am I to rest there in satisfaction, all that would await me is the fate of the Imagawa. It is no longer enough to simply value clan and tradition, not if I wish to survive this chaos. One must look to something broader, greater…

Nobunaga Oda:
And you think that broader, greater thing is this “new world”?

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
That I do. And now, the only one with his eyes on that…is you alone, Sir Nobunaga, in my view.

Nobunaga Oda:
I see. You have noted my ambition and wish to come along… Heh…Hahaha! Now, you’re an interesting one. Very well, Sir Motoyasu. Starting now, we are allies. Let Oda and Matsudaira join hands and cut open a new world in this land of the rising sun.

Motoyasu Matsudaira:
Aye!

And so, the Oda and Matsudaira clans came to be allies. Nobunaga promised his daughter to Motoyasu’s eldest son, strengthening the bond between the clans. Furthermore, Motoyasu removed the “moto” in his name given to him by Yoshimoto to take on a new name – Ieyasu. The alliance was known to later generations as the Kiyosu Alliance, and it supported Nobunaga’s conquest for years to come.

[Tolvo]

Battle of Okehazama - Love Is In The Air - Update 20

[Content Warning for Incest]

We are introduced to Toshiie Maeda this update, who would go on to become a very important member of the Oda clan. Unfortunately he loves his sister/cousin which this is the history so it couldn’t be avoided, but yeah, warning for that. We also get to see Hideyoshi get hitched(Not featuring Kevin James or Will Smith).

Toshiie Maeda, Oda clan retainer. Blessed in physique, possessed of a volatile temper and skilled in usage of a spear, he was a warrior called a “Legendary Spearman” by those around him. He was also known for his eccentricity, flamboyance, and quickness to fight.

After building up a few exploits in battle, Toshiie had become one of Nobunaga’s most trusted elites, leading him to want to take a wife.

Matsu:
Brother, what made you choose me?

Toshiie had taken Matsu as a wife, his cousin whom he’d grown up with like a sibling since a young age.

Toshiie Maeda:
H-Hey, no more of this “brother” stuff! We’re married now, okay?

Matsu:
Ah, forgive me. It’s hard to get out of the habit.

Toshiie Maeda:
I see… Well, no need to force it. Take it slowly.

Matsu:
So, why have you chosen me as your wife? Father and mother were both quite surprised.

Toshiie Maeda:
Well… How was I supposed to leave you alone? Your dad died on you, your mother chased you out…if I left you alone, could I even call myself a man?

Though his cousin, Matsu had not been born into the same family as Toshiie. She lost her biological father, and when her mother remarried, she ended up given to the Maeda family.

Toshiie Maeda:
Well, you’re going to be living with me from now on. Nothing’ll hold you down, and you’ll have nothing to worry about!

Matsu:
All right… I’ll pass my days here with you, my dear, calm and tranquil.

Toshiie Maeda:
I’ll help that tranquility – from now on, I’m going straight! Gotta make life easier for you!

Toshiie Maeda and his wife, Matsu. The two were said to be a close, loving couple, giving birth to two sons and nine daughters. Here, their life together began.

One day, in the Oda’s main castle.

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Hey! Toshiie!

Toshiie Maeda:
Oh, Hideyoshi. What’s the matter?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Well, actually, I… I’m getting hitched, too.

Toshiie Maeda:
Really?! Well, that’s something to celebrate! So, what kind of girl’s she?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
I tell you, she’s way too much of a beauty for a guy like me. W-Way too much, I tell you…

Toshiie Maeda:
Hey, you seem a little…down. What’s the matter, sad you can’t fool around anymore?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Come on! Well, uh, that aside… Her mother was really against it. I managed to get her permission, but, well… In the end, we’re going to have the wedding in that infantry house.

Toshiie Maeda:
Wait, THAT infantry house?!

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Y-Yeah. So, Toshiie, I wanted to ask you as a man!

Toshiie Maeda:
…

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Would you arrange our marriage?

And so, Hideyoshi Kinoshita and his new wife Nene had their wedding in the infantry house of his residence, with Toshiie Maeda arranging the affair.

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
N-Nene! I’m gonna make you the happiest woman in the world!

Nene:
No need to be overdramatic, my dear. I’m already happy enough.

Toshiie Maeda:
Phew… Well, I’d say you’re in a good place.

Matsu:
Nene, ask me anytime if you need anything!

Nene:
Sure! Thanks for being so kind!

It is said that Hideyoshi and Nene overcame her parents’ opposition to have a marriage based on love, rare at the time. It is also said that the Maeda couple who arranged the marriage maintained a long, interfamiily relationship with the newlyweds.

Nene:
But if you cheat, I’m telling Lord Nobunaga, okay?

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Wh…?! A-All right…

Historical Tidbits

Toshiie Maeda is said to have dressed in eccentric ways. This is in reference to Kabukimono. They were bands of ronin or samurai who dressed in eccentric clothing that were typically younger, and were around during the Sengoku and Edo periods. Nobunaga in his youth is also described as having worn such outfits. There is some history to women also using Kabukimono culture to dress as men, and men doing the reverse and wearing women’s clothing. Generally they were frowned upon but some areas tolerated them more than others with certain places outright banning the lifestyle.

Characters Introduced

Toshiie Maeda

Matsu

Nene

[Tolvo]

Battle of Okehazama - The Genius Tactician Hanbei - Update 21

Shigeharu Hanbei Takenaka, a warrior residing in Mino, had served the Saito clan since his father’s generation. Though he possessed a rare, prodigious intellect, he saw little use.

Instead, his gentle nature and his appearance, which had been likened to a woman’s, earned him nothing but the mockery of the burly warriors around him. Hanbei paid them no particular mind, but one day a Saito retainer got carried away and mocked him far more than he could bear.

Though Hanbei left without refutation, his face held back a quiet anger. Then, one day…

The head of the Saito clan, Tatsuoki Saito, awoke in Inabayama Castle from his lazy slumber to see a surprising scene.

Hanbei Takenaka:
Have you awoken, Lord Tatsuoki?

Tatsuoki Saito:
You’re…Hanbei, aren’t you? Just what is the meaning of this?

Hanbei Takenaka:
I come today to ask you for respite from my duties, my lord.

Tatsuoki Saito:
This…this is how you ask for respite…? And what’s that head?

Hanbei Takenaka:
This is the head of the man wh insulted me but a few days ago. Seeing as I could not forgive him as a warrior, I liberated him of his head.

Tatsuoki Saito:
Then… Then why do you have soldiers with you?

Hanbei Takenaka:
Because I’d like to offer this castle up to you, my lord.

Tatsuoki Saito:
Offer it to me? This castle I already own?

Hanbei Takenaka:
I’m afraid, my lord, that this castle had been taken over by unsavory retainers who were but manipulating you. Therefore, I took it back for you.

Tatsuoki Saito:
You…took it back? With such a small number of troops?

Hanbei Takenaka:
Indeed. Though they may be numerous, they were but a flock of fools who neglect their warrior’s duties. For your sake, my lord, I have slain them. And with that, I will take my leave. I wish you fortune in your ruling.

Tatsuoki Saito:
…

The rumors surrounding Hanbei Takenaka, who had taken over Inabayama Castle with a paltry force before disappearing, spread instantly to nearby lands.

Hideyoshi Kinoshita:
Now this guy sounds like a man and a half. And I can be Lord Nobunaga’ll be really intrigued! I think I’ll send a man to keep an eye on him. But Inabayama comes first! If they’re letting their lackeys get the better of them, the Saito are good as done! And Mino’s all Lord Nobunaga’s!

Historical Tidbits

Hanbei’s real name was Shigeharu. This story is somewhat true in that Hanbei really did capture Inabayama Caste. However, he also went on to defend it against the Oda which impressed Hideyoshi. Hanbei has been portrayed as a woman before because of the historical accounts of his feminine appearance.

Characters Introduced

Hanbei Takenaka