What Does a Super Weak Minor Lord in the Sengoku Era Aim For? - Chapter 21

Eiroku 3rd Year, January 14th – Below Sarukawa Castle, Yamanaka Yūzaburō

Just as the Shimosarukawa force had nearly been annihilated, a new shockwave hit us—the main Sarukawa army had arrived and joined their ranks.

“Rotate the bamboo spear unit!”

The exhausted frontline bamboo spear troops swiftly swapped places with the rear unit. The transition was seamless, leaving no openings for the enemy. This was the result of their rigorous training.

But still, we had just driven off eighty men of the Shimosarukawa force with only twenty of our bamboo spear soldiers at the front. Of course, a third of them had been cut down by arrows at the start, and when the bamboo spears clashed, most of the militia fled.

“Advance!”

“Ei! Yah! Ei!”

“Ei! Yah! Ei!”

Once again, our bamboo spear unit launched an offensive. Unlike before, the Sarukawa main force had no militia lacking proper weapons. However, they too were quickly knocked down, beaten, and scattered by the bamboo spears. Within ten exchanges, their front line was nearly peeled away.

But from there, things became difficult.

As expected of the main force, there are a few formidable warriors among them—knocking aside thrusting bamboo spears and even breaking them.

The bamboo spear unit was vulnerable to attacks from the side. If a gap formed in the spear formation, it could crumble. In other words, even a single powerful warrior could cause serious trouble.

“Pull back the bamboo spear unit! Send in the spear unit!”

Now it was time for the spear warriors to take over. Shinsuke and Tōnai’s ten-man spear units each moved forward. These were the strongest fighters of the Yamanaka forces.

Of course, I would be joining them.

By now, we had reached the exit of the narrow pass. There was enough space to fight properly.

…Huh? Why is Kiyo’oki standing beside me?

“Kiyo’oki, what are you doing here? Have the enemies at our rear been dealt with?”

“Yes, the chief retainer and the spear unit have surrounded the wounded enemies. I am no longer needed there.”

…Surrounded them? Not defeated them? What does that mean…?

Well, whatever. I’ll leave it to Jūzō.

Still, this guy really does whatever he wants…

…But still, Tōnai’s unit and Kitamura’s unit are already engaging the enemy?

Is everyone just really frustrated or something? Hey, at least leave some for me.

As the commander, I need to get in some action here.

Oh, there he is—that guy who was swinging around that massive spear earlier. And standing next to him… that’s the enemy commander, Sarukawa Mondo.

“I am Shima Kiyooki, a retainer of the Yamanaka household! If any among you think themselves worthy, step forward!”

Wait, what?

Did Kiyooki just jump ahead of me? Also, retainer? Really? That’s kinda…

“I am Namikawa Sakon, captain of the Sarukawa forces! You impudent whelp, I’ll turn you into rust for my Chikumaru!”

Oh, so he’s Namikawa—the famous master of the long spear.

…And he also gave his spear a name. Alright then.

“Namikawa Sakon, the renowned spearman of Sarukawa? That’s just what I was hoping for!”

Wait, wait, wait.

I’m not about to let Kiyooki, who just tagged along uninvited, steal this fight from me.

I grabbed his sleeve and yanked him back.

“I’ll take on Namikawa. You take the enemy commander and make sure you take his head!”

“Fuh-gah?!”

Kiyooki let out some weird noise, but I ignored him and stepped toward Namikawa.

“I am Yamanaka Yūzaburō. I’m coming for you.”

“Oh? So you’re Yamanaka? Good—no complaints here.”

Namikawa stepped forward and advanced toward me.

I felt a little tense. His long spear wasn’t just for show—the tip was perfectly crafted. His large frame radiated a powerful presence.

…No. I can’t let this shake me. I have to steady myself, focus on his eyes.

Life can end in an instant, on the smallest whim. A single smooth stone underfoot could be enough to kill someone.

I already died once. If I think of it that way, I have nothing to fear.

Namikawa closed the distance in a flash, slashing at my neck with astonishing speed.

I dropped my stance and dodged.

A sharp, dry whoosh sliced through the air above my head.

I stepped in, aiming a thrust at Namikawa’s neck. With his massive spear still mid-swing, he couldn’t move quickly—his spear’s weight and impressive length required a solid, stable stance to control.

A decisive strike.

But Namikawa twisted his entire upper body, using the momentum of his swing to barely evade my thrust.
Impressive footwork. I caught the brief look of satisfaction flashing across his face.

But he’s not done yet!

My weapon was a cross spear. The moment my thrust missed, the hooked blade lashed out, grazing Namikawa’s neck.

Blood spurted from his throat, yet he still managed to fold his arm and whip his spear around for a desperate counterthrust.

Too slow!

I smoothly hooked his spear with my blade, dragging it down, then let my spear slide forward—its tip slicing through his fingers, severing them, before piercing through his armor.

Namikawa’s eyes locked onto mine, wide with shock. That light in them rapidly faded.

I yanked my spear free, and he collapsed to the ground.

The instant he fell, enemy soldiers let out frenzied screams and rushed at me.

I knew it. They had all stopped to watch our duel.

I swept aside an incoming spear and lunged. Hook, drag down, thrust upward, twist—every movement efficient, precise. I never stayed still, never let myself get surrounded.

This was what I had drilled over and over again. My body moved instinctively, no thought required.

By the time I snapped back to awareness, no more enemies were advancing.

Five or six bodies lay motionless around me.

I was drenched in blood—not of my own.

“The enemy commander, Sarukawa Mondo, has fallen!”

Kiyooki’s triumphant cry rang out.

A roar erupted from our side.

The air shifted in an instant.

The chaotic melee turned into a full-blown rout.