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.
