Secret of Otate 1587: Narumiin and Kenshin's Will, Chapter-5

Secret of Otate 1587: Narumiin and Kenshin's Will、Chapter-5

Chapter Five: The Final Battle of the Otate Rebellion in Tensho Fifteen 1587

 

In the eleventh and twelfth years of Tensho, Kagekatsu's forces repeatedly launched attacks on the Agakita-circle faction but suffered crushing defeats every time. Within Echigo, various commanders who opposed Kagekatsu's oppressive rule were increasingly defecting to the Agakita-circle faction, resulting in a near balance of forces and fierce battles.

 

Thanks to Genta's strong defenses and the advantage of the swampy terrain, Kagekatsu's side found themselves in a difficult situation. During one encounter, Kagekatsu himself narrowly escaped capture by Genta's forces. As the battles raged on, Kagekatsu's confidence waned, far from the legendary warrior Kenshin, who had won sixty-eight out of seventy battles.

 

Kanetsugu also faced challenges. Despite being a strategist, he struggled to ease the concerns of Echigo's residents and soldiers. Perhaps he shared a similar dependence on great power with Kagekatsu, making it hard for him to connect with the people.

 

"Genta, we've scattered them again. This is the second time this year. Not bad at all. And it seems that half of the defectors have returned to our side. We're getting closer to capturing Kasugayama Castle, but Kagekatsu is making rash moves. He lacks the qualities of a true leader. As for our strategist Kensoku, I can't fathom what he's thinking..."

 

"Genta, in the past year and this year, Kagekatsu's forces have dwindled by half. If we continue like this, the fall of Kasugayama Castle is within sight..."

 

"Genta, I heard a rumor that Kagekatsu is considering surrendering to Hideyoshi. Is he really willing to sell out Echigo, along with all its wealth, like that? We must retake Kasugayama Castle before anything else. Domanmaru will come of age this year. It's time to reveal the late Lord's will to the world..."

 

"The late Lord's will has already been sent to all the commanders nationwide..."

 

"I suppose Narumiin has made up his mind. It will be a momentous occasion when Domanmaru enters his first battle..."

 

"What year is it now?"

 

"When the new year comes, it will be 1587..."

 

"Let's make sure Kenshin's will is buried deep in Kaji Castle. It's best for it to remain in this land of Agakita-circle. Inform Narumiin of this..."

 

"Genjiro's final message has arrived... It's addressed to Narumiin and you, Genta..."

 

"His final message? What happened?"

 

"He apparently suffered a stroke and wrote it before he passed away..."

 

"Kangoro, would you please read it?"

 

"Respected Narumiin and Genta,

 

It has been quite some time since I last contacted you, following the unfortunate passing of Lord Nobunaga. I hope you can forgive my absence.

 

I wonder how things have been in Echigo since then. Have the late Lord's last wishes been conveyed to all the commanders? Has Domanmaru safely completed his coming-of-age ceremony? I can't help but worry, but it falls to none other than Narumiin and Genta to guide Domanmaru as he assumes his role as lord and leads our forces to victory.

 

Within our nation, many commanders have rallied behind Hideyoshi's quest for domination. He has already pacified Kii, Shikoku, Hida, Bizen, and has even set his sights on Kyushu. It is said he contemplates expeditions to Korea and Ming China. These are turbulent times, and I earnestly look forward to the late Lord's will heralding the end of this era.

 

Sincerely,

Genjiro Tarumi"

 

"That Genjiro, it's a pity..."

 

These are historical accounts related to the Otate Rebellion during the Tensho era:

 

In the current situation, there is a mix of anxiety and hope, but we have no choice but to trust Domanmaru-sama and Lord Genta. My memories are limited to the ten years until I receive orders to hide in the earth until the appropriate time comes, as commanded by Lord Narumiin. Kenshin-sama, who foresaw his own death, had already chosen a successor. Before his passing, Kenshin-sama gave Lord Narumiin a scroll with important information regarding the inheritance and the future financial state of Echigo. Without this, it would have been nearly impossible for Kagekatsu to be officially recognized as the rightful lord. Domanmaru-sama and Yashamaru-sama were twin brothers, indistinguishable to most commanders. Looking back, Kenshin-sama may have seen a ray of hope in this.

 

Kenshin-sama's war funds came mainly from the Nagaikinzan and other sources, accounting for about half of Japan's gold. In my estimation, Kenshin-sama's extensive military campaigns, totaling seventy battles, were sustained largely by the riches of the Nagaikinzan. The Agakita-circle faction's blue wisteria fabric from Echigo gained popularity in Kyoto and Osaka after two trips there expanded its distribution network.

 

The Narumi gold mine, with reserves equivalent to about half of Japan's, was essential for Kenshin-sama's campaigns outside of Echigo. This is why the power of the local lords within the Agakita-circle faction was indispensable to Kenshin-sama. When the Otate Rebellion erupted, Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu relentlessly pursued the Agakita-circle faction, even going so far as to submit to Hideyoshi and receive his support. But, above all else, they had to bury Kenshin-sama's last will and testament, the scroll.

 

The rebellion appeared to have ended once Kagekatsu's side claimed victory, but there were almost no rewards for the Agakita-circle faction. Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu treated their own retainers well, while the Agakita-circle faction received only meager rewards. After the passing of Lord Nagaatsu Uesugi, Genta (Shigeie) inherited the lordship but received no support beyond that. As Genta, Kajin Hidetsuna, and other Agakita-circle leaders were in charge of managing the faction, their resentment towards Kagekatsu grew stronger.

 

Initially, Genta had no choice but to obey his older brother and Yasuda's persistent requests to side with Kagekatsu. Lord Nagaatsu successfully brokered peace with Katsuyori and shifted the momentum, eventually aiding the Kagetora faction. Genta had initially supported Kagetora but was manipulated by Yasuda into supporting Kagekatsu. Yasuda's false rumors that Kagetora's faction had attacked first led Genta to fight on Kagekatsu's side.

 

Later, news of Kagetora-sama and Hana-gozen's suicides at Samegao Castle arrived. This was revealed to be Yasuda's stratagem, as Hori-dono defected due to Yasuda's manipulation. Additionally, Yasuda's agreement with Kagekatsu became public knowledge. Genta's anger reached its peak.

 

Despite his disappointment, Genta had no choice but to follow his brother's orders. He attacked the main family's Hidetsuna, who was on Kagetora's side, leading to the temporary surrender of Kaji Castle. However, this was a ruse on Genta's part to deceive Kagekatsu's forces. It was meant to blindside Kagekatsu.

 

For Narumiin-sama, who was on Kagetora's side, this was all part of the plan. Genta's actions were also a counter-stratagem against Yasuda-dono. Genta informed his brother and his retainers of his supposed attack on the main family. Accepting the surrender letter would have resolved the situation.

 

Kagekatsu's high-handed attitude and the actions of commanders who had fought on Kagekatsu's side gradually sparked rebellion within the Agakita-circle faction.

 

It appears that you have provided a Japanese text that appears to be a historical narrative or story. Here is the English translation of the text:

 

Domanmaru had also come of age, growing strong. Upon seeing Kenshin's testament, Genta's resolve to remain loyal to Domanmaru and Narumiin grew stronger, and they set out to defeat Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu's forces.

 

Kagekatsu had angered many with his tribute of hidden treasures from Kasugayama Castle to Hideyoshi, and some believed he was not fit to be the lord of Echigo. Genta remained resolute in rejecting Hideyoshi's repeated peace negotiations, as they offered only clemency for the Agakita-circle group, nothing more. In terms of military strength and morale, they were confident they could defeat Kagekatsu and Hideyoshi's forces.

 

The final showdown between the Agakita-circle group and Kagekatsu-Hideyoshi's forces had become inevitable.

 

In August of 1587, in the fifteenth year of the Tensho era, with Hideyoshi's reinforcements behind them, Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu's forces faced off against the combined army of Kaji Hidetsuna and Shinbata Iesihige across the Agano River. Even Narumiin, in her warrior attire, was mounted on horseback in their ranks.

 

Hideyoshi repeatedly proposed peace talks with Genta, but it was merely a guarantee of clemency. Genta's anger had only grown.

 

Domanmaru, leading an army of 200,000 soldiers, was preparing to lead the Agakita-circle group in a counterattack. Other generals, reminiscent of Kenshin's battles at Kawanakajima, anxiously watched the unfolding events.

 

Domanmaru's first battle flag struck against Hideyoshi and Kagekatsu's forces. While there was the pretext of avenging Yashamaru, Kagekatsu's younger brother, and seeking revenge for his father and birth mother, there was also the mission of fulfilling Kenshin's dream—to pacify Echigo and Kanto, then head to the capital and bring an end to Japan's era of conflict with "TENKA-FUGI." They had to crush Hideyoshi's ambitions. Thanks to Kenshin's treasure and the loyalty of other daimyos such as the Hojo clan in Odawara and the Ashina and Date families in the Tohoku region, Tokugawa had secured control over the western half of Japan.

 

I cannot know whether Domanmaru will emerge victorious in this battle, or if Kagekatsu and Hideyoshi's forces will triumph.

 

In preparation for the decisive battle, Narumiin instructed me to hide deep in the ruins of the castle. Two servants, Asakura and Nakagawa, buried Kenshin's testament before escaping to live as farmers. If they survive, these two are expected to keep the secret for generations.

 

Domanmaru will take the name of Echigo's lord and shatter Hideyoshi's ambitions. While Kagetora and Hana-gozen met tragic ends due to betrayal from their allies, Domanmaru is Kenshin's legitimate successor. I cannot die until I see it with my own eyes—the final battle against the archenemies, Hideyoshi, Kagekatsu, and Kanetsugu.

 

Kenshin's testament is the beautiful scroll that will command the world. The scroll of his will cannot remain buried in the earth forever.

 

Kagetora and his brother Ujinori held each other in high esteem but were separated. Kagetora, the seventh son of Ujiyasu, had married before becoming Kenshin's adopted son. In the midst of the Soetsu Alliance, he divorced his wife and hastily came to Echigo, where he married Hana-hime, Kenshin's niece. Finally, their child, Domanmaru, would succeed Kenshin and bring an end to the turbulent times.

I wonder when Domanmaru will find me in these castle ruins.

 

 

(End)"