Chapter 7: Hosokawa Yūsai “Succession”

At noon that day, we left Mount Hiei accompanied by Hosokawa Tadaoki. Tadaoki suspected that Ishida Mitsunari, who had seized power in place of the fallen Hideyoshi, was beginning to move hastily, and decided to return to Osaka within the day. Mitsuhide said he would depart Hiei in the afternoon and saw us off at the Enryakuji temple gate until we were out of sight.

Miki and I drifted through time.

If it were the near future or the near past, perhaps we might meet again, but the world is not so kind. If fate exists in this world, perhaps we are tied to Tadaoki by threads of destiny.

For now, all we could do was believe that trusting this fate called Tadaoki was the path we must walk.

Tadaoki’s procession hurried toward Osaka. Miki and I drove the car slowly at the rear of the line.

“I don’t really get it, but…”

Yawning, Miki steered the car gently and glanced at me.

“Tamao…”

“What?”

I lifted my face.

“What are you doing?”

“What do you mean… I was looking at a map.”

I had spread a road map on my lap to pass the time.

“A map… That’s a road map, isn’t it?”

“Yes. About four hundred years ahead of this time, that is.”

I answered coolly.

“Four hundred years ahead…”

Miki sighed at the flow of such a vast span of time, but I ignored her feelings and ran my finger across the road map.

“Ah!”

“What is it?”

Startled by my voice, Miki hit the brakes. The screech of sudden braking made the line ahead stop as well.

“Look, here. Here, this road, isn’t it the one we’re on now?”

I had found the old highway on the map that matched the road we were traveling. Miki held her head and shook it.

“Even if you found that, it’s pointless.”

“W-well, yes, but I was bored.”

I flashed a smile, showing my teeth.

“Is something the matter?”

Tadaoki peered into the car through the passenger window.

“Tadaoki-san. Tamao’s just playing with something useless.”

“Huh?”

“Useless… That’s harsh, isn’t it?”

I pouted.

Tadaoki looked down at the map on my lap.

“So, this is the cause of it?”

Saying so, he picked up the road map and examined it.

For a while he stared intently at it.

“Th-this is…!”

“What’s wrong?”

Startled by Tadaoki’s unusual reaction, Miki and I tilted our heads.

“Though the roads differ, the terrain is similar.”

“O-of course it is.”

Miki replied with a sigh.

“Lady Miki, you said it was useless, did you not?”

“Yes…”

Miki was pressured.

“May I have this map?”

At Tadaoki’s desperation over a single road map, Miki and I exchanged glances.

“What do we do, Tamao?”

“Well, it’s Miki’s map…”

“If we can’t return to our world it’s just scrap paper anyway, and it’s not that expensive. If we do get back, I’ll just buy another one.”

Miki smiled at Tadaoki.

“Ohh, I am in your debt.”

He received the road map and stared at it intently. But the contour lines and distance markings in meters were unfamiliar, making it somewhat difficult to grasp.

“Tadaoki-sama, please return to your palanquin. If we do not hurry, our arrival in Osaka will be delayed.”

One of his retainers approached.

Since Tadaoki had dismounted, the line remained stopped.

“Wait a little longer.”

Tadaoki was too engrossed in the map to return.

“But like this…”

The retainer was at a loss.

Miki and I sighed at each other.

“Tonight, at the inn, we’ll teach you how to read it. For now, please return to your palanquin.”

I said with a wry smile.

“Hmm…”

Tadaoki groaned.

He looked back and forth between me and the palanquin, then smiled.

“I will ride in this car with Lady Tamao and Lady Miki!”

“I knew it…”

I muttered, smiling faintly.

“Such a reckless…”

The retainer held his head, but quickly recovered.

“We cannot carry an empty palanquin of our lord.”

“Then you shall ride in it.”

“That is not the issue.”

“What do you mean?”

“This vehicle cannot be protected at the end of the line.”

And so…

Miki’s car was moved to the center of the procession.

This was to guard Tadaoki inside. The empty palanquin followed behind the car, not at the end.

Miki drove. Tadaoki and I sat in the back seat, spreading out the road map.

I began by explaining how to read it.

First, ignore highways and straight trunk roads, since they were laid out after modern urban planning laws. Instead, narrow but continuous roads had the names of old highways beside them. These old highways were the main roads of this era. Next, urban areas were often on plains or basins, so despite differences in scale, the terrain had not changed drastically.

The tricky parts were those developed after the war. In places, whole hills had been shaved down—these were new towns. On mountains, contour lines were shown, but the larger the development, the less distinct the lines. Using three colored markers, I traced the highways and marked X’s on the new towns as I carefully explained to Tadaoki.

“This goes here like this…”

“Oh.”

“And this and this… This is a new town, so cross it out!”

“Then is this one also a new town?”

He pointed to the map.

“Yes, exactly! You’re quick to learn, Tadaoki-san.”

“No, not at all…”

“But it’s amazing. This is your first time seeing a road map, and you’re already getting it!”

We grew excited over a single map.

“You two seem awfully cozy. Could you keep it down a little?”

Miki teased from the driver’s seat, looking through the mirror.

“W-what are you saying?”

I leaned forward and smacked her shoulder.

The wheel swerved slightly.

“H-hey, what was that for?!”

“Because you said something weird!”

“I don’t mind, but the others might…”

At that, Tadaoki and I looked around.

Our eyes met those of several companions, who quickly averted their gaze.

I blushed deeply and lowered my head.

Tadaoki, saying he would “clear the misunderstanding,” reached for the door.

“No, don’t!”

Miki shouted, but the lock clicked open. I raised my face at her voice. Distracted by Tadaoki, the car swerved again.

The door swung open wide, then slammed shut as Miki turned the wheel. In the motion, Tadaoki lost balance and fell against me. At that moment, Miki hit the brakes and stopped the car.

The swaying had drawn even more stares.

All eyes were on us now.

“What are you two doing?”

She spoke coldly. This time Tadaoki panicked.

He quickly pulled away from me.

“Shameless! All of you, stop staring!”

And again reached for the door.

“Wait,” Miki said, rolling down his window.

Tadaoki’s eyes moved downward.

“…My apologies,” Tadaoki muttered, blushing. Then he stuck his head out.

Then he leaned out the window.

“There is nothing indecent here! Keep formation!”

He spoke awkwardly.

Miki, at the wheel, stifled laughter.

— Osaka —

This is present-day Osaka Prefecture.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s castle, Osaka Castle, has long been beloved by the people.

The castle town thrived as a commercial city. Normally, castle towns were laid out in a maze to hinder invaders, but Hideyoshi prioritized economic activity, straightening the streets for ease of travel. This was Japan’s first land-readjustment project.

Later, the city changed again. Known as the “City of Water,” Osaka relied on ships to transport goods in bulk. In the south of today’s Chūō Ward, a wealthy merchant, Yasui Dōton, used his fortune to build canals for flood control. This made trade flourish further, creating the present-day city. People honored Dōton’s achievement by naming the canal Dōtonbori. Osaka was not merely a city with merchants—it was a city for merchants.

The Hosokawa residence stood at Tamatsukuri, southwest of Osaka Castle and northeast of Dōtonbori—right between the city’s landmarks.

We arrived at the Hosokawa mansion well into the night.

Even at a gallop, it took half a day from Hiei to Osaka. With unpaved roads and a large procession, travel was slow. In this age with no streetlamps, a late departure meant camping along the way.

But thanks to Miki’s headlights, which not only lit the path but deterred bandits, the Hosokawa party arrived safely at the mansion.

“Lady Tamao, Lady Miki, you must be tired. Please consider this your home and ask for anything you wish.”

“Thank you. But we’re fine.”

I smiled.

“Hey, I was the one driving!”

Miki stretched out her legs.

The shadows of lanterns swayed.

“Ah, so it was. Lady Miki, I am grateful for your trouble.”

“No, no, it is we who have been constantly in your debt.”

“Miki, that sounds prickly.”

I, unable to watch, cut in.

“That’s not it, but… I’m a little jealous.”

At those words, both Tadaoki and I flushed red.

At the presence outside, Tadaoki’s expression changed.

“Lord Tadaoki. The retired lord has come.”

“What? My father has arrived?”

“Indeed.”

“Understood. I will go at once.”

When Tadaoki answered, the retainer withdrew.

“Tadaoki-san. If Lord Fujitaka—no, Yūsai-sama is here, we should greet him too.”

I said, but Tadaoki smiled.

“I appreciate it, but please rest tonight.”

“Why?”

“It is late. If you meet him now it will take time. Tomorrow you may greet him properly.”

“She’s right, Tamao. It would trouble Yūsai-sama late at night.”

Miki patted my shoulder.

I thought a moment.

“If it won’t be rude to Yūsai-sama…”

“I’ll speak to him myself.”

“If you say so…”

I nodded lightly.

“Rest well tonight. Tomorrow I’ll show you around the castle town. Anywhere you wish to go?”

Tadaoki looked from me to Miki.

Miki grinned.

“Food, of course. Osaka means eating till you drop!”

“Eating… till you drop?”

A phrase new to Tadaoki.

“Haha, Miki’s being crude. She means specialties. Famous foods.”

“Don’t act so prim, Tamao!”

Miki sulked, Tadaoki smiled.

“Osaka is the kitchen of the realm. There are plenty of delicious things. I will guide you to the very best.”

“Yay!”

Miki raised her fist in delight.

Tadaoki turned to me again.

“And you, Lady Tamao?”

“Y-yes. I don’t really… ah…”

“What is it?”

“Well…”

“Speak freely.”

He spoke gently.

“What is it, Tamao?” Miki asked.

After some thought I said,

“A chapel… If there is a chapel, could you take us there?”

“You mean a church?”

“Y-yes. Is that not allowed?”

At Hiei I had learned of Takayama Ukon and the persecution of Christians, yet Tadaoki’s answer was soft.

“It should be fine. But with one condition.”

“A condition?”

“Yes, I too have my position. It must be only under the guise of sightseeing. Is that acceptable?”

“Sightseeing?”

“She means just visiting,” Miki said.

“Exactly.”

Tadaoki’s tone was serious.

I felt uneasy, but decided it was enough if I could pray.

“Th-thank you.”

I bowed.

“Now, my father awaits. Excuse me.”

Tadaoki left with a bow.

“Don’t trouble him,” Miki said, sounding mature.

“I wasn’t…”

“You knew what you were doing!”

“Th-that’s…”

“Well, never mind. At least we can go to a church. But don’t do anything rash that would bring trouble on Tadaoki.”

“I-I know.”

“Good then.”

Miki glanced sideways at me. I looked away.

A brief silence.

“Phew!”

Miki sprawled on the tatami.

“I’m beat!”

“Really, Miki, so unladylike.”

“I’m serious! You don’t know because you can’t drive, but creeping along in a procession is exhausting. I’m wiped out.”

“Wiped out? But there were no cars, no traffic lights, it looked relaxing.”

I said, but Miki wagged her finger like a metronome.

“Tsk tsk. Not like that. It’s like being stuck in holiday traffic, super stressful. And when Tadaoki got in the car, all those guards crowded us—it was dangerous!”

“I-I see…”

I sweated.

It seemed I had triggered her complaints.

“Think about the one holding the wheel. Really, you and Tadaoki…”

“I said I was sorry!”

“Well, fine. But the roads aren’t paved, bridges are narrow, mountain curves are sharp…”

Though she said she was tired, she seemed lively—until her grumbling turned into sleep talk.

We had crossed time and age, living in unease. Tomorrow was uncertain.

For the first time in this era, I went to sleep with hope of “meeting tomorrow.”

In another room of the Hosokawa mansion, Tadaoki drank with his father Yūsai.

“Tadaoki. I hear you met those two again.”

“Yes, by chance…”

“I knew at once, seeing that iron carriage in the yard. Where are they now?”

Yūsai sipped his cup.

“They wished to greet you, Father, but as it grew late I let them rest. Tomorrow morning they will pay their respects.”

“I see. A pity, but I shall look forward to tomorrow instead.”

He set down the cup. Tadaoki refilled it, but Yūsai waved him off.

“No need. I’ll pour myself.”

He placed the cup on the tray. Tadaoki bowed slightly and set the flask down.

Then both took up their chopsticks together.

Yūsai picked a simmered radish. Then he took lotus root from the simmered dish, crunching lightly.

“At this age, hard food is troublesome.”

He next chose a carrot.

“Please don’t say that. If battle comes, we must rely on your wisdom.”

Tadaoki smiled.

“Ha! You expect this old body in battle?”

“Old body?”

“Yes, I’m retired.”

“Father, you only passed the house to me after Lord Nobunaga’s assassination, to protect the family.”

“Ha ha, true enough.”

Yūsai drank again.

“You jest…”

“After so much tea and poetry, war feels bothersome.”

He grinned.

“Father…”

Tadaoki held his head. Yūsai popped another piece of radish in his mouth.

In the quiet mansion at Osaka’s heart, the night deepened.

“By the way, Tadaoki.”

“Yes?”

Their faces grew serious.

“I can’t keep saying I’m retired forever.”

“Yes. Once the stage is set…”

“East and West—which side will the scales tip toward?”

Yūsai narrowed his eyes.

“The West seems slightly stronger.”

“Slightly?”

He was testing Tadaoki’s judgment—whether he was fit to lead.

“The West has a solid base. Though their core has quarrels, local lords are mostly content. Not fully, but not enough to fight. However…”

“However?”

“If they want lasting peace, some will look to the East. In short, lords will choose sides depending on their opponent.”

“So, you read it that way. The great champion shows decline, while the challenger is rising and attractive.”

“Preferably, we’d stay outside the ring.”

“You can’t say that.”

“Which side would you take, Father?”

“…I am still pondering.”

“The court favors the East. That’s why you’ve had secret contact, is it not?”

Yūsai drank quietly.

A pause.

“Tadaoki.”

“Yes.”

“What matters is protecting this house. Raising it up. That’s all.”

“Yes.”

For Yūsai, Hosokawa’s survival was everything. If need be, father and son might even split sides.

In 1600, history showed the Sanada brothers fought on opposite sides; the younger Yukimura died, but the elder Masayuki survived and preserved the bloodline.

Yūsai foresaw such a battle dividing the realm.

His eyes turned fierce like a demon’s.

“Tadaoki. The important thing is not Tokugawa or Toyotomi. It is whether it benefits the Hosokawa. Life is survival. Even if you hold the realm, it lasts but a blink. Victory means survival. Think only of that. Only that…”

The next day.

We greeted Yūsai. As he was to depart for Kyoto, we could not speak long.

His eyes looked as gentle and compassionate as ever.