Chapter 6: Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tenkai “Unity”

The inside of the temple was not so wide. It stood on the mid-slope of a small hill; the main hall built against the mountainside. Fresh green leaves grew thickly, carrying a refreshing breeze. Beside the stone path leading to the main hall stood two lanterns. To the right was a washing basin. Beyond that, connected to the main hall by a covered corridor, was the temple lodging.

“It is quiet here.”

Mitsuhide stepped forward and looked around.

Crunch, crunch…

A figure approached from the direction of the lodging.

Even to my eyes, it was immediately clear he was a samurai.

“That person is…”

Handsome in appearance. The boyishness in his keen features had vanished; he had become a fine general.

“Tadaoki-san. You’re Tadaoki-san, aren’t you!”

I called out and stepped forward two or three paces, but stopped as the silent Tadaoki said nothing.

Looking at Tadaoki’s face, I felt relieved. Yet his expression was hard—perhaps stern would be more accurate.

When Tadaoki came before me, he seized me firmly by both shoulders.

“Ow!”

My face twisted for a moment.

“Where on earth have you been until now?!”

Though his words sounded like concern, his tone was harsh. I could not tell if I was being accused or scolded.

“Eh… ah, well, um…”

I had no idea how to explain.

“Answer me!”

Again, Tadaoki shook my shoulders.

“W-wait, Tadaoki-san…”

My head wobbled, dizziness overtook me.

At that point Mitsuhide stepped forward, unable to watch.

“Lord Tadaoki, calm yourself.”

So, saying, Mitsuhide restrained him by seizing his right arm. Tadaoki then grabbed Mitsuhide’s restraining arm with his left hand.

And Tadaoki glared at Mitsuhide.

“You are Lord Akechi Mitsuhide, are you not?”

At those words I felt unease.

“What do you mean, Lord Tadaoki. Has anything about me changed? It is rather you who has changed. You seem like a different man from a few days ago.”

“A few days ago?”

Tadaoki narrowed his eyes briefly, tilting his head.

“At the tea gathering attended by Lady Mako and Lady Miki…”

Mitsuhide broke off. It seemed he sensed something ominous.

After a pause, Tadaoki spoke gravely.

“That was more than two years ago.”

“Two years?!”

Mitsuhide shouted in a strong tone. Then he looked at me thoughtfully.

“Lady Miki…”

“Yes.”

“This is what it means to cross time… is it not?”

I nodded slowly.

Mitsuhide now understood and truly felt that he had leapt through time.

“That’s right!”

Mitsuhide remembered something vital—the outcome of the rebellion at Honnoji with Oda Nobunaga.

“Lord Tadaoki. What became of the Honnoji rebellion?!”

Mitsuhide demanded firmly.

“What?”

Tadaoki seemed surprised, as though saying the question was unexpected.

“Was Lord Nobunaga unharmed?!”

As Mitsuhide pressed forward, Tadaoki stepped back.

“Lord Mitsuhide…”

Tadaoki’s eyes were clouded with doubt.

“What are you saying I have done?!”

“You set fire to Honnoji, attacked Lord Nobunaga in his sleep, and killed him, did you not…?”

“W-what… what did you just say?!”

“At Honnoji, you killed Lord Nobunaga and were punished for treason by the troops of Kuroda Kanbei, retainer of the Toyotomi…”

Tadaoki’s words faltered at the end.

“Of all things… of all things, to be burdened with the disgrace of rebellion against Lord Nobunaga…”

Mitsuhide clenched his fists, arms trembling.

“Lord Tadaoki, what is the state of the realm?”

Though he tried to sound calm, Mitsuhide’s eyes were bloodshot with anger.

“Lord Mitsuhide…”

“Lord Tadaoki, the state of affairs?”

Pressed by Mitsuhide, Tadaoki’s reply was cold.

“Already, Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi has pacified the provinces and become Kampaku. Even if you were to speak the truth now, power would easily crush it.”

“…..”

The wise Mitsuhide understood Tadaoki’s words completely.

“Lord Mitsuhide…”

Just as I tried to speak, Mitsuhide’s anger exploded.

“Kanbeeeeeeei!”

He growled Kanbei’s name, turned his back to us, strode forward, drew his sword in a flash, and cleaved down a tree before him with a single stroke.

He stood motionless. The tip of the blade still trembled with anger.

“Will you not lend me your support?”

In a Japanese room with a quiet garden visible from the wide veranda, Mitsuhide sat down and asked Tadaoki.

Miki and I looked from Mitsuhide to Tadaoki in turn.

Tadaoki closed his eyes slowly and shook his head. Then he said,

“I cannot comply with your wish. Forgive me.”

And turned his gaze to the garden.

“The state is too stabilized. This is already Toyotomi’s world.”

“You truly mean you cannot aid me?”

“Yes. Should the world fall into war again, the damage would spread not only to the Hosokawa but to our neighbors and innocent commoners. And my father would never permit it.”

Tadaoki’s words sounded almost bureaucratic.

In this age, samurai had only two choices: “achieve victory” or “survive.” Though a military house, the Hosokawa had deep ties to the court nobility. Tadaoki’s father, Hosokawa Fujitaka, had close relations with the imperial family. Thus survival was the path chosen to weather the times.

“The family comes first.”

This was Fujitaka’s favorite saying.

And indeed, this was likely the key reason the Hosokawa survived into later ages.

“It cannot be helped…”

Mitsuhide decided to accept Tadaoki’s position for now. He changed the subject, aiming gradually to soften Tadaoki’s feelings.

“By the way, Lord Tadaoki. Is Lord Fujitaka in good health?”

Mitsuhide’s stern face turned to a smile.

Miki and I peered at Tadaoki’s face.

His expression remained stiff.

“Tadaoki-san ♪”

Miki smiled.

“Ah, forgive me…”

“What is it?” I asked.

“Surely nothing has happened to Lord Fujitaka?!”

For an instant Mitsuhide’s expression changed.

“No, my father lives. He has now taken the name Yūsai.”

“I see.”

“You all seem not to know the circumstances well. It will be a long story, but let me explain. There are points unfavorable to Lord Mitsuhide, but please hear me out.”

“Very well. Please proceed.”

At Tadaoki’s words, Mitsuhide nodded solemnly.

Mirai and I also silently nodded.

“The incident at Honnō-ji. That was the beginning…”

Tadaoki began to speak in a grave tone.

Flames raged.

Honnō-ji burned, turning Lord Nobunaga’s frustration into fire, flames roaring like madness and scorching the dark heavens. By dawn, the temple was reduced to ashes without a trace. Nobunaga’s ambition and Mitsuhide’s hopes were both turned to ash.

Firefighting equipment of this age was primitive. Fires were so feared they could erase entire towns. Arson was therefore punishable by death. Moreover, temples also served as government offices like today’s city halls, keeping family registers and records.

If a fire started there, it would naturally draw great attention.

The assassination of Nobunaga would inevitably be known throughout the country. Warlords campaigning in the provinces would be expected to return to the capital to avenge him.

But in reality, only Hashiba Hideyoshi’s army took action.

“The Hosokawa family also received word that Lord Nobunaga had perished at Honnō-ji, but it was already three days after the incident. By that time, no letter had come from Lord Akechi, and while we debated how to judge the situation, news arrived that Hideyoshi’s army was approaching the capital.”

The Oda armies out in the provinces were all struggling against powerful foes and could not return to Kyoto.

It became a duel between the Akechi army and Hideyoshi’s army. The Hosokawa household was split in two.

Should they aid their old friend Akechi, close to the Imperial court like themselves, or join Oda’s side under the name of avenging a traitor’s rebellion against Nobunaga?

The Hosokawa family stood at a crossroads that would determine their fate.

“At that time, my father, Fujitaka, was in deep anguish. Supporting either side was a great gamble. Though Lord Akechi requested reinforcements, his location could not be confirmed. On the other hand, Lord Hashiba sent no request. His letter stated that to attack Lord Akechi was to show loyalty to Lord Nobunaga, calling it vengeance. He even wrote that support was free but interference was unnecessary. My father decided quickly.”

Hosokawa Fujitaka retired and changed his name to Yūsai. To sever ties with both the Oda and Akechi houses, he passed the headship to Tadaoki. Then, without aiding either side, he calmly observed the situation. Truly, it was the best strategy for the survival of the Hosokawa family, based on “the family comes first.” Yūsai sought victory for his family by not moving.

The battle unfolded one-sidedly, and Hideyoshi’s army prevailed.

Thus Yūsai’s judgment was proven correct.

“Lord Hashiba sent a letter of thanks in his own name. It was thanks for calmly observing the vengeance for Lord Nobunaga.”

“V-vengeance…”

Mitsuhide’s words trembled.

“Calling it vengeance is cruel!”

Mirai shouted. I too could not remain silent.

“Tadaoki-san, the one with the right to vengeance is Mitsuhide-san. The one who directly killed Nobunaga was Kuroda Kanbei!”

“Yes, Mitsuhide-san was there, and so were I and Tamao!”

Mirai’s expression was fierce.

Tadaoki thought for a moment, then spoke.

“I too would like to believe your story. But now, nothing can be done.”

“Tadaoki-san, surely something…”

“Tamao-dono!”

Mitsuhide stopped my words.

“It is enough.”

“But then, Mitsuhide-san will remain burdened with false charges.”

I could not accept the situation Mitsuhide was in.

“I am grateful. Tamao-dono’s feelings are enough.”

“But…”

“Wait. Information gathering is most important first. Why was it that among so many famous generals under Oda, it was Hideyoshi who rose to the top?”

Mitsuhide spoke calmly.

Tadaoki deeply nodded.

“Then…”

The Incident at Honnō-ji, the Battle of Yamazaki were fought, and in effect Hideyoshi carried out the vengeance.

Before the generals scattered across the provinces could return, he sent letters of thanks, gathered the court nobles including the Imperial family, and won over the wealthy merchants nearby.

Then, when the Oda armies assembled, Hashiba Hideyoshi appeared as assistant to Oda Nobunaga’s third son, Nobukatsu.

Because he had avenged Nobunaga and served as Nobukatsu’s supporter, Hideyoshi’s influence grew stronger. That in turn increased the tension with Oda’s brave general, Shibata Katsuie.

For Katsuie, Hideyoshi had once been like a subordinate, a flunky, nothing more than Nobunaga’s jester. In fact, when Hideyoshi changed his name from Kinoshita Tōkichirō, he borrowed one character from Niwa Nagahide’s name and one from Shibata Katsuie’s, combining them to make “Hashiba.” Yet before long, he wielded enough influence to command even the Oda, and even dared to argue with Katsuie. When Katsuie’s anger reached its peak, he finally bared his fangs.

But Hideyoshi’s army was overwhelmingly strong. The fight was so one-sided it could hardly be called a battle. Katsuie perished, not fawning on Hideyoshi but remaining to the end “the fierce general Shibata Katsuie.” With this, Hideyoshi climbed rapidly to the pinnacle of power.

Reaching the height of power, Hideyoshi sought honor. Not being of the Minamoto lineage, he could not be granted the title of shōgun.

“Kanpaku, Grand Minister of State.”

This became Hideyoshi’s highest title, and in name and reality he became the ruler of the realm. He changed his name from Hashiba Hideyoshi to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

If Hideyoshi said something was white, even black would be called white.

No matter how distinguished the lineage of a general, before Hideyoshi they bowed their heads. Even if Mitsuhide raised an army, it was nearly impossible to overturn such circumstances.

“Speaking of which, what became of Kuroda Kanbei?”

Mirai asked.

“Lord Kuroda, after Lord Hideyoshi took control of the realm, went to Kyushu.”

“Kyushu?” (Why go out of his way…)

I thought to myself.

“How like Kanbei…”

Mitsuhide murmured.

“Why is that?”

“Kyushu, especially the Buzen region, has many plains and a warm climate, yielding abundant crops. Geographically, it is far from Osaka, so even if conflict arose with Hideyoshi, he could confront him at the Kanmon Strait. The currents there are swift. It is suited for amassing wealth and easy to defend in the larger sense. No doubt he advised being stationed there for those reasons.”

“Mitsuhide-dono, that is just like your way of thinking. But if one aims to rule the realm, should he not first go to Kyoto?”

“True. For Lord Kuroda, being closest to Lord Hideyoshi…”

“Mitsuhide-dono, no further!”

Tadaoki cut off Mitsuhide’s words.

“Mitsuhide-dono, who knows who may be listening. Such things…”

“You are right.”

Mitsuhide had nothing left to lose, while Tadaoki had much to protect.

Mitsuhide, hunted as a traitor. Tadaoki, a bridge between Hideyoshi and the Imperial family.

Their positions were completely different.

“Then let me put it another way. To march from Owari to Kyoto as Lord Nobunaga did, expanding influence in all directions, requires immense strength. But if one uses Lord Hideyoshi’s prestige to seize Kyushu, then the only direction left is eastward. In short, one can concentrate power in a single direction.”

Mitsuhide spoke quietly.

“Then it will still take time before the world sees peace?”

“Most likely…”

To Tadaoki’s question, Mitsuhide gave no clear answer.

Looking to my side, I saw Mirai restless.

“More importantly!”

At Mirai’s sudden voice, Mitsuhide and Tadaoki turned to her.

“More importantly, what are we going to do now?!”

So saying, Mirai slapped the tatami and pressed Mitsuhide.

“Ah, ah, that is true as well…”

Overwhelmed by Mirai’s force, Mitsuhide faltered for words.

“H-hey, Mirai…”

“Tamao, be quiet!”

Mirai would not back down.

“Listen. Mitsuhide-san, Tadaoki-san, shouldn’t you two at least discuss what comes next?”

When Mirai said this, Mitsuhide and Tadaoki looked at each other. Then they turned to me.

“Ah, well, um… Sorry, I do understand that analyzing the situation is important for you and Mitsuhide-san, but we’re also anxious.”

“My apologies. Tadaoki-dono, in the matter of Honnō-ji, have Lady Tamao and Lady Mirai, who were there, been suspected as well?”

Mitsuhide shifted the subject out of concern for us.

“That is not a problem. For a while, because the rebellion occurred right after the two of you met Mitsuhide-dono, there were some unpleasant rumors.”

“What unpleasant rumors?”

I asked directly, without hesitation.

“Tamao-dono, you are a Christian, are you not?”

“Yes.”

I took out the cross from my chest and showed it.

“Mm, no mistake.”

“Tadaoki-dono, what connection is there between Lady Tamao being a Christian and suspicion of rebellion against Lord Nobunaga?”

Mitsuhide asked.

“Mitsuhide-dono, are you familiar with Lord Takayama Ukon?”

“Of course. A man of strong conviction, quite a fine general.”

“Tamao-dono, Lady Mirai, do you know of him?”

Tadaoki asked us.

“Uh, um… not really?”

Mirai tilted her head, not even understanding the point of the question.

“And you, Tamao-dono?”

“Yes, he was what you’d call a Christian daimyō.”

I narrowed my eyes and answered seriously. At this, Tadaoki reacted.

“Somehow, you seem to know Lord Takayama in detail.”

“Not in detail. I just heard the general story.”

“What kind of story?”

Mirai looked at me curiously.

I looked at Mitsuhide, Tadaoki, and Mirai in turn.

“In short, Toyotomi Hideyoshi half-joked to Takayama Ukon that if he did not give up Christianity, his lands would be confiscated. To which Ukon replied with a straight face: ‘Then please confiscate them.’”

“What?!”

Mitsuhide looked at Tadaoki in surprise.

Tadaoki nodded.

“Lord Takayama chose Christ over Lord Hideyoshi. Lord Hideyoshi, angered that Ukon revered Christ so much that even jest could not move him, confiscated his lands. And soon after, restrictions on Christians grew harsher.”

“And how does that connect to suspicion of treason against Lord Nobunaga?”

“Because Christianity was thought to have such influence that it could make one raise a blade against his lord.”

“That’s ridiculous!”

I protested.

Mitsuhide raised his hand to stop me.

“Wait. That would mean Lord Hideyoshi did not know the truth of the rebellion against Nobunaga. So that incident was truly Kanbei’s plot… Or perhaps he knew everything and used it as an excuse to suppress Christianity…”

Mitsuhide folded his arms.

“Hey…”

Mirai rubbed her temples, muttering.

“So in the end, Mitsuhide-san and Tamao are both fugitives?”

“Mirai, don’t say it like it’s someone else’s problem. At this point you and I are in the same situation.”

“Oh, that’s true!”

Mirai stuck out her tongue and tapped her own head.

“Really!”

I pouted.

“Heh.”

Watching our exchange, Mitsuhide’s face softened.

Then he looked at Tadaoki and grew serious.

“Tadaoki-dono. For one who lives by the sword, whether poisoned or tricked, to kill and be killed is but one of many means. I have no intention of rotting away here. But Lady Tamao and Lady Mirai are my guests, and I cannot allow them to be caught up in it. Please, will you take them into your care?”

Mitsuhide bowed deeply to Tadaoki.

“Mitsuhide-san…”

My chest ached.

“M-Mitsuhide-dono, please raise your head. It is I, Tadaoki, who am the coward unable to stand with your feelings. But I gladly accept your request. Whatever the reason, I shall protect the two of them.”

“Tadaoki-dono, I am indebted…”

Mitsuhide was cornered, yet still thought first of us. I witnessed his deep kindness.

Mirai and I would now take shelter with the Hosokawa family.

But what Mitsuhide would do from here, that was the problem.

“Shall we begin?”

That voice came from the adjoining room beyond the sliding doors.

Ssshh.

The sliding doors opened quietly.

“It has been a while, Lord Mitsuhide.”

“L-Lord Ieyasu!”

With slightly plump cheeks and a short, stocky build, Ieyasu’s appearance was somewhat like a raccoon. Though small in body, as one of Hideyoshi’s Five Elders he held sufficient dignity. And now he stood before us.

Mitsuhide grasped his sword and half-turned in stance. If Ieyasu stepped into the room, his sharp blade would split him — it was a warning.

“Tadaoki-dono?!”

Mitsuhide’s eyes stayed locked on Ieyasu as he demanded Tadaoki’s true intent.

Mirai and I tensed.

The air froze.

But in the next instant, Ieyasu smiled, then pressed his lips shut and bowed his head.

“Mitsuhide-dono. To act now would be easy. I beg you to endure, and join me, Ieyasu, in seeking the realm.”

“W-what are you saying…”

A refreshing breeze blew. Gentle sunlight filtered through the trees, and birds chirped in the tranquil mountain temple.

No matter what history Hideyoshi had created, for us it had been barely half a day since that dreadful event at Honnō-ji.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Hideyoshi’s chief men, had suddenly appeared. Mitsuhide, Mirai, and I were so shocked we could not move. Our bodies stiffened with fear.

But contrary to our shock, Mitsuhide, after hearing Tadaoki’s account, was now being invited by Tokugawa Ieyasu as an ally.

“How about it?”

In a detached room open to a garden serene enough to monopolize, Ieyasu spoke slowly as they sat. Mirai and I were seated on the veranda. Though Ieyasu had asked that we excuse ourselves, Mitsuhide refused. Tea and manju were served, but the tension of a life-and-death discussion kept the air taut.

“Mitsuhide-dono. First, relax and listen.”

Tadaoki tried to calm Mitsuhide.

The shoji were slid wide open, the slightly downward view offering a scene of beauty and stillness. At Tadaoki’s words, Mitsuhide nodded and sat.

“Mitsuhide-dono, I, Ieyasu, need you. Please accept this offer.”

Ieyasu’s eyes did not speak falsehood.

“Lord Ieyasu, do you say this disregarding all about the rebellion against Lord Nobunaga?”

“Of course.”

“Then, then you will aid me in vengeance?!”

Mitsuhide’s tone rose.

Ieyasu said nothing. Tadaoki also remained silent.

“Lord Ieyasu, may I take it so?!”

Mitsuhide pressed again.

Ieyasu shook his head.

“That I cannot do.”

Unexpected. Ieyasu’s answer surprised Mitsuhide.

“Why not? To take the realm together is to avenge Lord Nobunaga.”

“Mitsuhide-dono, why do you cling to vengeance?”

“As a samurai, avenging my lord and clearing my name—do you object?”

Mitsuhide pressed Ieyasu.

“I will say it plainly. Vengeance is useless.”

Ieyasu spoke firmly. Mitsuhide’s expression grew severe. Mirai and I instinctively turned to Ieyasu.

“What did you say…!”

“Mitsuhide-dono!”

Tadaoki interjected, pouring hot water into a teacup.

“This teacup is Lord Tokugawa. If you pour the same amount into a sake cup called Toyotomi, it will of course overflow. Mitsuhide-dono is also this teacup. If you two join, that makes two teacups. And a sake cup is but a sake cup. The teacup cares not for its capacity.”

“Tadaoki-dono’s way of speaking is too roundabout.”

Ieyasu laughed.

“Listen well. Though we both seek the realm, do not weigh vengeance for one man, Nobunaga, as equal to the great aim of pacifying the land.”

“Then, what do you two want of me?”

At Mitsuhide’s question, Ieyasu smirked.

“Mitsuhide-dono, you must wait in safety for now.”

“A safe place?”

Mitsuhide glanced at Tadaoki. Tadaoki nodded.

For Mitsuhide the rebel, there should be no refuge.

“You will remain in this temple.”

Ieyasu lightly tapped the tatami as he said this.

“This temple is such a safe place?”

“Of course.”

Ieyasu answered confidently.

“Mitsuhide-dono, do you not know where this is?”

Tadaoki spoke in a low voice.

I twisted my body from the veranda to look at the three. Mirai had already slipped inside the room.

Tadaoki cast a glance at her, then said,

“Lady Tamao, Lady Mirai may not be familiar, but Mitsuhide-dono surely knows this place well.”

“Where is this…?”

Mirai muttered.

Tadaoki spoke.

“This is Enryaku-ji… Mount Hiei’s Enryaku-ji.”

“What?!”

Mitsuhide could not hide his shock. Nor could I. Only Mirai, ignorant of history, failed to grasp the situation.

Mount Hiei’s Enryaku-ji.

It was a place tied to Oda Nobunaga. In rage at the warrior monks who opposed his rule, Nobunaga had burned the mountain.

It is said Mitsuhide slew Nobunaga, and Hideyoshi slew Mitsuhide.

There is the word “hero.” But does everyone see the same man as a hero?

No. In history, Hideyoshi is remembered as the symbol of success, the “hero” who avenged his lord. But for those who suffered under Nobunaga, Mitsuhide was the hero. To have him branded a traitor and die a cruel death meant Nobunaga’s tyranny was vindicated by Toyotomi.

To the monks of Mount Hiei, though they had no personal grudge against Hideyoshi, they could not accept this.

Rumble.

The dull sound of shutters sliding, shoji glowing white, I awoke.

Blinking four or five times at the ceiling, I turned left. Mirai still slept. I did not wake her. Though awake, my body felt heavy. The constant tension had worn my muscles.

After a while, a young monk came to say breakfast was ready. Seeing Mirai asleep, I declined politely. Surely Mirai would complain later, but she would not enjoy temple fare anyway. We had food in the car, so I thought nothing of it.

I slid the shoji open half a meter.

“What a nice day!”

I felt nature honestly. Some calm returned to me.

Without waking Mirai, I stepped onto the veranda. Walking along the corridor toward Mitsuhide’s room, I called twice, then slid the door open.

Mitsuhide was gone. It was breakfast time, so I assumed he was eating elsewhere.

“Where should I go?”

I looked around, searching for someone as I continued along the corridor.

Soon I saw a monk sweeping fallen leaves with a bamboo broom.

His shaved head shone dully.

“Excuse me!”

I stopped and called out.

He turned, tucking the broom under his arm, and bowed with palms together. Embarrassed at addressing a monk so casually, I also bowed with palms together.

As I bowed, I heard him chuckle.

Puzzled, I raised my face. He covered his mouth lightly, still smiling. I felt a little annoyed but held back.

“Um… where is Mitsuhide-san?”

Again he chuckled.

“W-what’s so funny?”

I raised my voice slightly.

“My apologies. There is no such person as Akechi Mitsuhide in this temple.”

Only when he faced me straight did I notice.

“Mitsuhide-san!”

“Good morning, Lady Tamao.”

“Wha… wh-what happened to your head?!”

My voice nearly cracked.

“How do I look?”

Mitsuhide rubbed his freshly shaven head, embarrassed.

“How… Why did you shave it off?”

He walked slowly closer.

“Lady Tamao, sit.”

Mitsuhide sat on the veranda. I did too.

“Lady Tamao, look. Is this garden not beautiful?”

“Yes, like a great painting. It soothes my heart.”

“Indeed. As if the war-torn world were a lie.”

“If only we could gaze like this forever…”

Mitsuhide smiled at my words.

“From here?”

“Yes.”

“Always?”

“Y-yes…”

As I answered, my eyes shifted from the garden to Mitsuhide.

“Lady Tamao.”

“Yes.”

“Why is this garden beautiful?”

“Eh?”

“Why does it remain so?”

“Because it is pruned and cleaned?”

I answered plainly, unsure of his intent.

“Exactly. Keep it daily, and it is easy to clean.”

“Uh, I see…”

I tilted my head. Mitsuhide smiled.

“To gaze at the garden, this place is best. But to keep its beauty, one must go down inside. Only within can pruning and cleaning be done.”

“…”

“I think a garden and a country are the same. A ruler who only gazes is worthless. Only one who enters may be fit. Otherwise the country cannot remain beautiful.”

Mitsuhide narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

“What will you do, Mitsuhide-san?”

I asked softly, peering at his face.

He looked up at the sky.

“What I seek is peace for the people. Farmland ravaged by war, towns sunk in flames, always it is the weak who suffer. If someone can end such times, I wish to help without hesitation.”

“That is just like you…”

“Akechi Mitsuhide… I cast away this name. From now on, I will live as Nankōbō Jigen. I will watch carefully what must be done for the era.”

“Priest Jigen…”

“I wish to use all my strength so that light may shine on this country.”

Mitsuhide rose, speaking in a voice as clear as his heart.

“Well then, I shall return to sweeping.”

He smiled at me.

“I’ll help!”

I replied with a bright smile, following Mitsuhide who sought a shining path.

Mitsuhide and I finished cleaning the garden and put away the tools in the storehouse.

“Lady Tamao, thank you.”

Mitsuhide spoke gently.

“Lady Tamao, Lady Tamao!”

Tadaoki came running along the corridor, spotting me.

Reaching the veranda where I stood, he said,

“Ah, good. You were with Mitsuhide-dono?”

“Y-yes…”

“Tadaoki-dono, why so flustered?”

Mitsuhide looked puzzled too.

Catching his breath, Tadaoki said,

“Well, Lady Mirai was in such a panic thinking you had disappeared, it became an uproar…”

“Huh?”

Really, Mirai was such a worrier.

Mitsuhide and I looked at each other and smiled.

“Lady Tamao was helping with the cleaning.”

“Cleaning?”

“Yes.”

“I feared she had been attacked by assassins…”

“Assassins… what is that?”

I asked innocently.

“Assassins… those who strike from the shadows.”

“Oh, ninjas!”

“Ninjas…?”

Tadaoki tilted his head. Later I learned the word “ninja” came only in the Meiji era.

“Like hired killers?”

I asked. Mitsuhide smirked.

“Yes. For example…”

He stooped, picked up a pebble the size of a ping pong ball, and tossed it lightly.

We both followed the rising stone.

“Um…”

I began, but Mitsuhide’s arm swept in an arc. The stone vanished into the bushes.

Thunk!

“Ugh!”

A dull cry.

“Well then, what business have you?”

Mitsuhide’s glare pierced the bushes.

A man staggered out, his dark-brown garb blending like tree bark.

“Forgive me!”

Mitsuhide seized Tadaoki’s sword, drew it, and rushed with flowing movement.

Clang!

The man drew his blade too, sparks flying as they clashed and parted.

“I take you to be a Toyotomi agent?”

Mitsuhide poised his sword mid-level.

“…”

The man gave no reply.

“Silence is assent!”

Mitsuhide declared. The man slashed.

Clash!

Blades locked, neither moving.

“For whose sake do you wager your life?”

Mitsuhide’s eyes gleamed.

Tadaoki and I did not move. I could not. To suddenly see steel clashing in this mountain silence shocked me more than yesterday’s peasant spears. Perhaps because after reuniting with Tadaoki and meeting Tokugawa Ieyasu I had felt some relief.

The Toyotomi age was still an age of war.

Mitsuhide pressed closer.

“Do not waste your life. Use it for tomorrow’s rising sun.”

“What do you mean!”

The man finally spoke.

“Even if you kill me here, you cannot escape. Submit. You will not be harmed.”

“Fool!”

Mitsuhide spat back.

“Do not insult this man with lies!”

Tadaoki flared up.

I stood frozen, hands clenched tight.

“Do not hasten to death!”

Mitsuhide’s voice was sharp.

“No more talk!”

The man knocked Mitsuhide’s blade aside, but Mitsuhide was faster. He swept the blow, flipped his grip, and struck the man’s shoulder with the back of his sword.

“Ugh.”

The man groaned and fell.

“Phew…”

Mitsuhide exhaled. Tadaoki and I breathed in relief.

Hearing the commotion, several monks rushed out. Mitsuhide explained and left the man in their care.

“This is troublesome…”

Mitsuhide muttered, returning Tadaoki’s sword. Tadaoki sheathed it quietly.

“For their reach to extend even here… unexpected.”

Tadaoki adjusted the sword at his waist.

“It was only a matter of time.”

“So even Enryaku-ji draws eyes…”

“No matter which lodging on Mount Hiei, it would be the same.”

Mitsuhide’s tone said he had expected to be found.

“Um…”

I spoke, looking between them.

“Um… with respect… since he’s already captured, won’t there no longer be any information leak?”

“I wish that were true. But if one spy fails to return, another will come. Whether captured or killed makes little difference. Once, perhaps. Twice, then Toyotomi will suspect Hiei hides something.”

Mitsuhide sat on the veranda.

“Then what will you do?”

“Escape.”

He said it plainly.

“Escape…?”

I looked to Tadaoki. He smiled faintly.

“With Lord Ieyasu and Tadaoki-san’s backing, why flee?”

I asked firmly.

“I have heard from Lord Ieyasu of Ishida Mitsunari’s moves.”

“Moves…?”

“I will explain,” Tadaoki said, picking up a twig and drawing three overlapping circles on the ground.

“These three circles. One is the Toyotomi, in truth held by Ishida Mitsunari. One is Lord Tokugawa’s. Some follow him firmly, others waver in the middle. The last is the provincial lords, outwardly allied with both. At the center, overlapping all, are the court nobles, who cling to whoever ensures their safety.”

“So where are you, Tadaoki-san?”

I asked bluntly.

“Uh!”

Tadaoki faltered.

“Hahaha! Lady Tamao, sharp indeed. Allow me to explain.”

Mitsuhide spoke.

“Lady Tamao, Tadaoki-dono stands at the center.”

Pointing to the overlap.

“The court?”

I looked from Mitsuhide to Tadaoki’s unreadable face, then back.

“The Hosokawa are warriors yet close to the Imperial family. One day he will link them with the Tokugawa.”

“Is that so?”

I looked anew at Tadaoki.

“Thus, until that day, I will hide.”

“Where will you go?”

“To Jigen-ji, a sister temple of Hiei.”

“And that will be safe?”

“Do not worry. Akechi Mitsuhide is dead. From now on, if you hear the name Nankōbō Jigen, think of me near.”

So, saying, Mitsuhide smiled as always.