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.
