What Does a Super Weak Minor Lord in the Sengoku Era Aim For? - Chapter 29

Eiroku 3, January 23 – Matsunaga Hisahide

“…Koufukuji has no intention of opposing Matsunaga-sama. We merely sought to brush away the sparks that threatened to fall upon us.”

I sat in the main hall of the temple that served as my headquarters, facing a monk named Souzen, who was acting as Koufukuji’s deputy administrator.
Souzen seemed to be in charge of external negotiations and was an experienced, shrewd man who never revealed his true emotions. 

In other words, he was a cunning monk who was not easily dealt with.

The Nanto invasion had seen repeated battles with warrior monks and local samurai alliances across various locations.
However, a curious report reached the battlefield—Yamanaka’s unit, which had been sent to negotiate with Houzouin, was engaged in a grand match against a select group of Houzouin warrior monks on the main road.

I couldn’t shake my curiosity about this development.
Apparently, the enemy felt the same. 

Both sides gradually ceased fighting, and before long, the battle itself had come to a halt.

Naturally, I decided to go and watch.
And so, enemies and allies alike gathered in large numbers along the main road in front of Houzouin’s gates to witness the spectacle.

In the five-round match between Yamanaka’s unit and the Houzouin warrior monks representing Koufukuji, Yamanaka’s side had already won three and lost one, securing an impressive victory.

Yet, there was still a sense of incompleteness.
The large crowd of spectators seemed to feel the same. 

Thus, the final showdown between the two generals commenced.

The battle began slowly but gradually became faster and more intense.
Eventually, it reached a speed beyond the eye’s ability to follow, leaving the onlookers breathless with astonishment.

“Both sides improved their skills through the match. In the end, they seemed to have stepped into the realm of death, so I intervened.”

So said Yuuki, who had served as the referee, when I spoke with him later.

Yuuki was an extraordinary swordsman.
Perhaps only he could truly understand the nature of that fight.

In any case, that match drained the Koufukuji warrior monks of their will to fight. 

Shortly after, Koufukuji sent an envoy seeking peace.

“I understand that well enough. We shall not interfere in matters within the temple gates. However, the governance of the town must be handled by samurais. That is the same everywhere.”

I had no interest in what happened inside the temple grounds.
As long as I could secure control over the town of Nanto, that was enough.

I had no desire to deal with the troublesome factions of Nanto and Hokurei.
They were noble figures connected to the Emperor and the Shogun himself—so high above that I would rather take a step back and revere them from afar.

However, it was also a fact that Koufukuji served as a powerful backer for Tsutsui and the local samurai clans.
The temple purchasing weapons and hiring soldiers posed a danger to us—one we could not tolerate.

That was a matter I needed to deal with.

“Temples and shrines are places for spreading the teachings of Buddha. I wish to see the expulsion of corrupt monks who bear weapons and kill. However, those who pursue martial arts as a path, like the monks of Houzouin, are a different matter.”

Present at this discussion were Yamanaka-dono, who had played a key role in settling the conflict through the match, and Houzouin’s head, In’ei-dono.

“…I understand. We shall make the effort.”

Reluctantly, Souzen accepted my demands.

Phew, this should be enough. 

Negotiating with high-ranking monks is exhausting.
But before finalizing the settlement, I should hear the opinions of the two men who brought an end to this conflict. 

Without them, we might have ended up in the worst-case scenario—a bloodbath, with the halls of Koufukuji reduced to ashes.

After all, fighting against temples and shrines is a troublesome affair. 

Finding a proper resolution is exceedingly difficult…

“Yamanaka-dono, would this settlement with Koufukuji suffice?”

“I fear it is insufficient.”

“What…? In what way?”

“Koufukuji is a place of venerable faith. Its authority will not waver in the slightest, even in the face of military invasion. However, I have heard that monks who devote themselves to the Buddhist path and pray for the peace of the world suffer greatly when forced to bear arms and fight. Furthermore, being entangled in town governance and the disputes of the communal monks obstructs their pursuit of enlightenment.”

“That may be true… but what are you trying to say?”

“It may be mere folly on my part, but I believe that temples seeking the path of Buddha and samurais striving to bring order to the world could coexist. Rather than merely reaching a truce or peace agreement, we should pursue coordination and integration, working together as one to ensure the stability of society. If Matsunaga-sama commands it, I am prepared to stand as Koufukuji’s shield.”

“Umu… Umumumu…”

Coordination and integration, is it?
He’s certainly making a bold proposal. 

Yamanaka, defending Koufukuji?
Is he really willing to take on the tiresome task of negotiating with temples and shrines himself?
Or does he have an ulterior motive—perhaps a desire to partake in the wealth and privileges that these religious institutions have long enjoyed?

But for me, there is only gain and nothing to lose…

“In’ei-dono, what do you think?”

“Yes, I too found myself deeply moved by Yamanaka-sama’s words. If such a path were to be taken, it would bring me great joy beyond measure.”

“And what about you, Souzen-dono?”

“…Indeed, if that were to come to pass, I believe it would be ideal. However, this is a matter too great for me to decide alone. I must take it back and consult with everyone before providing an answer.”

“Then, I look forward to a favorable response. If it comes to that, even I would not be unwilling to devote myself to the Buddha.”

“Matsunaga-sama, taking refuge in the Buddha? If that were to happen, the temples and shrines would be freed from troublesome matters and could fully immerse themselves in the Buddhist path. I understand. I will do my utmost to persuade the abbot.”

“Then this discussion is concluded. All that remains is to await your good response. Now, to change the subject—how is Kakukei-sama of Ichijouin? Is he in good health?”

“Well… about that…”

“Hm? What is the matter?”

“Kakukei-sama passed away just recently.”

“What? He has… died?”

“Yes. It was food poisoning. After eating his favorite Yoshino dried persimmons, he suddenly fell ill and passed away.”

“…”

What? Kakukei-sama was the direct younger brother of the Shogun.
If anything were to happen to the Shogun, he was the one who would return to secular life and become the next Shogun. 

And now… he is gone?

“What a lamentable thing… And Yoshino, of all places—an accursed land for the Ashikaga Shogunate.”

“Indeed. Because of that, some have even begun to claim that it is the curse of Emperor Go-Daigo, which has been causing trouble.”

“The curse of Emperor Go-Daigo…”

What an absurd turn of events.
I can only imagine how deeply troubled the Shogun must be upon hearing this…

No, more than that—if Emperor Go-Daigo’s curse were to extend to the Shogun himself, it could be disastrous. 

This must be stopped at all costs.
The current Shogun is an irreplaceable figure.

“Yamanaka-dono, is there any good way to quell Emperor Go-Daigo’s curse?”

“From what Souzen-sama has told us, the deceased passed away due to food poisoning. If this so-called curse of Emperor Go-Daigo is nothing more than baseless superstition, then it is not something Matsunaga-sama should concern himself with.”

“I—Is that so…? Yes, you’re right. Of course, you’re right. Worrying over such rumors would be pointless.”

…That was close.
I nearly let myself be caught up in foolish gossip and become the laughingstock of the people.

Well said, Yamanaka. You saved me there.

“…However.”

Oh? There’s more?

“As someone who serves closely beside the Shogun, it is natural for Matsunaga-sama to be concerned… If that is the case, allow me to send my men to investigate.”

“You will investigate?”

“Indeed.”

“Ha-ha! Good.”

Yes, I can rest easy leaving this to Yamanaka.
This way, I can maintain my face before the Shogun.

After all, it’s nothing more than a silly rumor. 

Once the investigation turns up nothing suspicious, that will be the end of it.