Japan's Sengoku Period: The Sanada Clan's Ambition

Chapter 18 Takigawa Kazumasu: Betrayal! Utter betrayal!

After the evaluation was completed, Sanada Masayuki arrived at the Sanada family's residence in Minowa Castle, his mind preoccupied.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, Sanada Masayuki heard the metallic clanging of weapons.

Passing through the corridor into the backyard, one sees Sanada Nobushige practicing military strategy with a middle-aged samurai (there are many different interpretations of military strategy and military tactics; in this book, military strategy specifically refers to martial arts).

"Genjiro, no more fighting."

"Hmph, I never expected that after all these years of dominating Kanto, I would be no match for Genjiro. I am truly ashamed." The middle-aged samurai sat down, panting, and casually placed his spear on the ground.

Sanada Nobushige quickly sheathed his sword, saying, "Lord Yamagami's military strategy is superb. If Lord Yamagami had not deliberately yielded to me, how could I have won?"

Seeing that Sanada Nobushige had offered a way out, Yamagami Teruhisa's gaze towards Sanada Nobushige softened considerably.

"Oh, it's Lord Yamagami of the Sano family. I've heard so much about you." At this moment, Sanada Masayuki also recognized the other party's identity and quickly came down to greet him.

Yamagami Teruhisa returned the greeting and said, "Awa no Kami, your son is quite good. Given time, he will surely become a famous samurai."

"My son is reckless; please don't take offense, sir."

“Ah, it’s because I’m not as skilled as you, it has nothing to do with Genjiro-dono.” Yamagami Teruhisa waved his hand, then said, “I no longer serve the Sano family, I’m just a Shugenzhe (ascetic) now.”

"Why did Master Shan run away from home?"

“You are the pillar of the Sano clan!” Sanada Masayuki asked in confusion.

Teruhisa Yamagami sighed, "I have spent my life pursuing the art of war, but I am too busy with household affairs to have any time to hone my skills. That is why I chose to leave."

"I traveled in the Kanto region for more than a year, but gained nothing."

"Until I had a battle with Lord Genjiro just now, I gained some insights, so this trip was not in vain."

Teruhisa Yamagami, also known as Michiki Yamagami, was a member of the Yamagami clan of Ueno Province.

He was originally a retainer of Uesugi Norimasa, and served Uesugi Norimasa along with Nagano Narimasa.

However, Uesugi Norimasa was later defeated by Hojo Ujiyasu and fled to Echigo, where Yamagami Teruhisa joined the Sano clan to continue fighting against the Hojo family.

Over the course of more than a decade, he fought dozens of battles, large and small, against the Hojo clan, becoming one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of Sano" and enjoying considerable prestige in the Kanto region.

"So, what are your plans for the future, Lord Yamagami?" Sanada Masayuki continued to ask.

Without hesitation, Yamagami replied, "Kiwa Castle is a place of unparalleled beauty. I am prepared to settle here and continue my pursuit of the ultimate military strategy."

"I'm afraid Lord Yamagami will be disappointed," Sanada Masayuki said, pouring cold water on Yamagami Michiki's enthusiasm.

"Where did you get this from?"

“Because the Hojo clan is about to attack,” Sanada Masayuki said slowly.

Upon hearing the mention of the Hojo family, Yamagami Michiki immediately perked up.

"If the Hojo clan dares to invade, I will show them the prowess of the samurai of Kozuke (Keno is also called Kozuke, and Nagano Narimasa was nicknamed Kozuke Yellow Spot)!"

But after saying that, Yamashiro Michiko lowered his head again.

He is now all alone. If the Hojo clan really attacks, how can he withstand it?

After a long talk with Sanada Nobuyuki, Sanada Masayuki followed his advice and continued to maintain his status as a retainer of the Oda clan.

Therefore, Sanada Masayuki hurriedly said, "My Sanada clan has decided to stand with the Oda clan. When the Hojo clan attacks, our clan will fight them to the death."

"If the lord of the mountain does not mind, how about temporarily serving under our command as a guest general?"

The Sanada family wasn't even a daimyo. Yamagami Teruhisa was on par with Sanada Masayuki in terms of status, so Sanada Masayuki dared not mention anything about recruiting, as it would easily offend people.

Yamagami Michi had no other pursuits in this life; besides martial arts, only opposing the Hojo clan could attract his interest.

Upon hearing Sanada Masayuki's words, Yamagami Michiki quickly declared, "Since Awa no Kami says so, then I, Yamagami Michiki, have no choice but to accept the responsibility!"

"If the Hojo clan attacks, I am willing to be the first to engage them!"

"A word is settled!"

Just as Takigawa Kazumasu was preparing to return to Kyoto, an unexpected message reached Minowa Castle.

The Hojo clan has launched an attack. June 16th, Tensho 10.

Hojo Ujinao, the head of the Hojo clan, the powerful ruler of Kanto, led his troops out of Odawara Castle. Hojo Ujikuni, the head of Hachigata Castle, along with Hojo Ujiteru, Hojo Ujiki, and even the retired Hojo Ujimasa, all accompanied the army.

The army, numbering 65,000, marched straight towards the strategically important Ueno Castle, Masahashi Castle.

"Oh!"

Kazumasu Takigawa overturned the table in front of him, smashing several of his beloved teacups to pieces.

"betray!"

"This is blatant betrayal!"

"They just sent a letter of peace a couple of days ago, and now they've mobilized a large army. The Hojo family is making a fool of me!"

Kazumasu Takikawa was stunned. His chest heaved, clearly furious.

Takikawa Masushige, who was below, quickly comforted him, "Uncle, we should immediately mobilize our forces to meet the enemy. We must not let the Hojo clan easily occupy Ueno, otherwise we will not be able to leave."

Takigawa Kazumasu nodded. "Assemble your forces and immediately issue orders to the people of the territory!"

"what!"

Early the next morning, Takigawa Kazumasu personally led 18,000 troops to Wada Castle to set up camp, preparing to once again confront the Hojo clan.

Before leaving, Sanada Masayuki approached Takigawa Kazumasu, saying, "Lord Takigawa, there are rumors circulating in Numata Castle that the Uesugi clan will send troops south from Mikuni Pass. I request permission to go to Numata Castle to defend it."

"Otherwise, if the Uesugi clan sends troops, we will be attacked from both sides."

Kazumasu Takigawa quickly agreed to Sanada Masayuki's proposal.

"I have already heard about the situation in Shinano. The Sanada family is absolutely loyal to the main family, and with Awa no Kami stationed at Numata Castle, I can fight against the Hojo family with peace of mind."

"I'll leave the rest to Anfang to guard."

"Ha!" Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Sanada Masayuki didn't waste any more words and immediately set off back to Ueno Numata Castle.

What else can we do but stay? Stay here and die?

On June 18, the Hojo clan's vanguard arrived at Wada Castle.

Takigawa Kazumasu personally commanded the army to launch an attack, decisively defeating the Hojo clan's vanguard. Takigawa Kazumasu led his troops in pursuit, directly attacking the vicinity of Kami District in Musashi Province.

However, the next day, Hojo Ujinao's army arrived, and the two armies faced off at the Kamiryu River.

On the battlefield, Takigawa Kazumasu angrily denounced the Hojo clan for their treachery.

However, the Hojo family immediately responded.

In fact, although the Hojo clan had previously expressed their submission to the Oda clan, they had always been very dissatisfied with the Oda clan's behavior.

When the Oda clan attacked the Takeda clan, the Hojo clan also sent troops to participate in the war. After the war, when the Takeda clan's territory was divided, even Tokugawa Ieyasu obtained the territory of Suruga Province, but the Hojo clan did not get a single penny.

The Kozuke Province, which the Oda clan had coveted for many years, was taken over by the Oda clan and given to Takigawa Kazumasu, much to the dissatisfaction of the Hojo clan.

Although Takigawa Kazumasu outwardly showed great respect for the Hojo family and the two sides corresponded frequently, he stabbed them in the back.

Under pressure from Takigawa Kazumasu, the Hojo clan was forced to surrender Gion Castle, which they had already occupied.

After that, Ota Sukemasa and Kajiwara Masakage, who had been at odds with the Hojo clan for many years, also sided with the Oda clan, which made the entire Hojo clan very uneasy.

What's the meaning of you, Takigawa Kazumasu, taking in so many of my Hojo family's mortal enemies?

Since you are ruthless, then don't blame me for being unjust; at least that's what the Hojo family thinks.

With Hojo Ujinao issuing the order to attack, the largest field battle in the Kanto region during the Sengoku period broke out.

　Regarding Takigawa Kazumasu: Takigawa Kazumasu's ability to stand out in the talented Oda clan is beyond doubt.

　　The main reason was that the Oda clan had weak influence in the Kanto region, and Takigawa Kazumasu, an outsider, had only controlled Ueno for a short time before Oda Nobunaga died.

　　The loss of Ueno was not due to Kazumasu Takigawa's lack of ability, but rather because the situation was extremely difficult.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)