Chapter 8: Konishi Yukinaga “Faith”

Clear skies. A perfectly blue sky stretched over Osaka Castle town.

The streets overflowed with people, and every boat that passed along the canals was piled with goods.

Compared with modern times, the population was much smaller. However, the city itself was also smaller. Until recently, the Namba area of today’s Osaka City Chūō Ward, now the center of the people’s town, was still paddy fields until the municipal subway and the various railway stations were built.

In this era, Osaka’s economy developed around the canals. In other words, even if the population was small, because the town itself was small, the population density may not have been all that different.

“So many people.”

Miki said this, shaking her head left and right.

Hosokawa Tadaoki’s procession was attracting attention from all around. The sight of me and Miki in casual shirts and jeans certainly stood out. But I thought maybe not as much as I imagined, and then I realized why we could hardly see the people around us.

There were too many guards around Tadaoki. Like modern-day secret service agents, they surrounded Tadaoki and us as we moved. The guard was so tight that it blocked our view.

“Even though he said sightseeing in the castle town, it feels like being in a birdcage—no atmosphere at all.”

Miki muttered.

“My apologies…”

Tadaoki smiled wryly.

“Miki, just endure it. Obviously, in these clothes we’re going to stand out.”

“Then maybe I should start wearing a kimono tomorrow.”

“That would be most suitable. I’ll summon a kimono merchant to the residence and have something made for you.”

Tadaoki smiled.

“Eh? Really?!”

Miki was overjoyed.

“S-sorry…”

All I could do was smile bitterly.

“We will soon reach the dock. From there, I shall guide you by boat.”

“By boat?”

“Lucky! On a boat there won’t be an entourage, right?!”

Miki cheered loudly, already fangirling.

“M-Miki, that’s rude to the guards!”

“Haha. It’s fine. If their mood could be swayed by something like that, they wouldn’t be fit for guard duty.”

Thanks to Tadaoki’s smooth handling, I was left speechless.

Soon our party reached a dock where a pleasure barge was moored.

Rice, fish, vegetables. The Osaka castle town truly felt worthy of being called “the kitchen of the nation,” a hub of food distribution. The boat carrying us moved slowly along, giving us a view of the bustling city.

“This is luxury.”

Before long, we reached the dock where a yakatabune was moored.

Then suddenly, “Hey, young lady! We’ve got a lively fresh sea bream here! How about it, I’ll give ya a discount, take it home!”

A man with a twisted headband shouted to Miki from a shop on the bank.

Startled, Miki, who had been leaning on the railing in elegance, nearly slipped and fell into the river.

“Ugh, mood ruined!”

Miki pouted.

Tadaoki and I exchanged glances and laughed.

“Tadaoki-san, thank you. Even arranging such a boat for us.”

“No, it’s nothing you should worry about.”

“Tamao, just be grateful for Tadaoki-san’s thoughtfulness!”

Miki said nonchalantly.

“Miki, maybe study the word ‘restraint’ a little more?”

I scolded Miki.

“There you go again, trying to look like the good girl to get on Tadaoki-san’s good side!”

“That’s not it—”

“Now, now.”

Unable to stand it, Tadaoki stepped in between us.

“I’m sorry.”

Again, I bowed my head to Tadaoki.

“It’s fine. In fact, using this boat is convenient for us.”

“…?”

I tilted my head.

“As you can see, the castle town is lively, which is delightful. Just seeing this city fills me with energy.”

“Yes.”

“But on the other hand, because it’s so bustling, it’s difficult to tell if suspicious people are among the crowd.”

Tadaoki’s face grew serious.

“Lady Tamao, Lady Miki, you both stand out. Even if your clothes were changed, it would be the same. And I myself, preparing for great affairs of the realm, may have my life targeted. That is why I chose to move by boat. This way, it places less strain on the guards as well.”

“I see. So, safe and comfortable.”

I nodded, clapping my left palm with my right fist.

And then Tadaoki smiled again.

“Lady Miki…”

He called out to Miki, who was in high spirits enjoying the boat ride.

“Yes?”

When she turned, her grin was so wide she looked like a fangirl.

For a moment, Tadaoki faltered.

“Ah, Lady Miki, forgive me while you are enjoying yourself, but would you mind closing the shoji screens?”

“Eh?”

“I wish to avoid people’s eyes for a while.”

Tadaoki spoke gently.

“Is something wrong?”

“No need to worry.”

Tadaoki replied quietly. I and Miki exchanged glances. Miki nodded and closed the shoji.

The boat drifted slowly downstream.

With a jolt, the boat stopped.

I had been dozing in the gentle rocking.

The shoji at the bow slid open and one of the guards poked his head in.

“Lord Tadaoki. We have arrived.”

“Is everything ready?”

“All is arranged.”

Their exchange was short and to the point.

“Now, let us go.”

Tadaoki called to us.

“Ah, yes.”

I replied and looked at Miki. Miki wasn’t just dozing, she was fast asleep. I rubbed her shoulder to wake her.

“Hnn…?”

Miki half-opened her eyes.

Leaving the still-sluggish Miki aside, I followed Tadaoki out.

On the riverbank, I saw a building.

“A church?”

I murmured, looking at Tadaoki.

When our eyes met, Tadaoki looked up at the sky and said, “The weather is fine today. Let’s stop the boat here for a while and drop a fishing line. This building is a Christian chapel, is it not? None of my retainers are to enter this building. None of my retainers.”

He sat down at the edge of the boat.

After a beat, I understood Tadaoki’s intent.

By order of Hideyoshi, Christianity was forbidden. Tadaoki avoided conspicuous action and used the river to bring me to the most accessible chapel.

“Th-thank you.”

I bowed to Tadaoki and stepped off the boat, entering the chapel.

When Oda Nobunaga permitted Christian missionaries, churches had been built here and there.

It wasn’t that Nobunaga himself believed in Christianity, but rather that he used it to check the power of temples and shrines and to obtain foreign knowledge and weapons.

After Hideyoshi unified the land, for a time he left it alone, but eventually a conflict arose between him and the Christian daimyo Takayama Ukon, and Christianity came to be increasingly oppressed.

I looked slowly around the inside of the chapel.

“It looks like they converted a training hall…”

A wide wooden floor, and in the alcove-like space at the front hung a crucifix about the size of a hanging scroll.

I smiled softly and let out a long breath.

As I stepped forward quietly, the floor creaked.

I stood before the cross and knelt, folding my hands at my chest as if moved by the wind. Closing my eyes, my head naturally bowed.

“Lord, please guide us…”

I wanted to know where the path lay for us, wandering across eras in times of turmoil, and what meaning it held. That was my unease.

Why had we crossed time? How could we return to our original age and life? I repeated these questions over and over.

Gradually my heartbeat slowed, calmer and calmer. After a deep breath, I slowly opened my eyes.

I would not give up. To endure and survive—that itself was hope, that itself was the path to the future. I engraved this in my heart.

Turning my back to the cross, I slipped on my shoes and laid my hand on the door.

Tadaoki sat fishing with his back turned to me, acting as though he was enjoying himself, yet he had discreetly stationed guards at both corners of the chapel to ensure my safety.

“Tadaoki-san, thank—”

“Is that not Lord Tadaoki?”

A voice overlapped mine, calling out to Tadaoki from the opposite bank.

Tadaoki lifted his face, and I too looked across the river.

“L-Lord Ishida!”

Tadaoki’s voice cracked.

The sharp gaze of the man Tadaoki addressed as Ishida turned on me. The moment our eyes met, a chill ran down my back. Awkwardly, like a drinking bird toy, I bowed.

The man’s name was Ishida Mitsunari. He was the very man with whom Tadaoki’s father, Hosokawa Yūsai, had held a secret meeting at Osaka Castle the previous night.

“I had heard from Lord Yūsai that you were absent, but…”

Mitsunari spoke, his right eyebrow twitching.

Tadaoki set down his fishing rod and stood, the boat rocking slightly.

“I returned late last night. I have heard the gist from my father.”

He bowed.

“Ho. And why are you fishing in such a place?”

“T-that is…”

Tadaoki faltered.

“This is a chapel. What connection do you have here with those women?”

Mitsunari narrowed his eyes, already staring at me.

Mitsunari, who upheld Hideyoshi’s rule with strict loyalty. If he discovered I was Christian, it would bring trouble upon Tadaoki. Yet I had no intent to lie to deceive him, and inside me there was conflict.

“Lord Tadaoki.”

Mitsunari’s gaze returned to him.

“Lord Ishida! Details, please, within the boat!”

Tadaoki covered the situation.

“Mm.”

Mitsunari nodded. I noticed his eyebrow twitch. “A suspicious man,” I thought, staring at him.

Our boat crossed to fetch Mitsunari and his guards, then slowly returned upstream. Those who could not board went through town to wait ahead.

Tadaoki explained to Mitsunari that he was patrolling Osaka castle town based on information that a disused chapel was being used as a bandit hideout. Since such banned buildings were perfect hiding places, he and we had disguised ourselves as acrobats assisting in the investigation.

“And your names?”

“I am Igarashi Tamao, and this is Nishina Miki.”

“Hello!”

“Hel…lo?”

Mitsunari’s face hardened.

Tadaoki hurriedly stepped in.

“Lord Ishida. They are country folk, unfamiliar with manners.”

“Wha—”

Miki bristled, ready to snap back, but I restrained her. When Tadaoki glanced our way, I returned a small wink. He seemed to understand, for he smiled faintly.

“If they are country folk, then I suppose it cannot be helped. I will overlook minor matters.”

“Thank you.”

Tadaoki bowed.

“You say country folk, but from where?”

“Well, we crossed time, so we can’t exactly say where we’re from!”

Miki’s tone was sharp.

Mitsunari’s piercing eyes scanned us from head to toe.

“Now that you mention it, there was a report that at the Honnoji incident some strange-looking women were seen…”

Mitsunari’s icy gaze bored into our eyes.

I averted mine, but Miki, stubborn, held his gaze firmly.

Silence wrapped around us.

“Lord Ishida, surely these are different people. They could not possibly have been at such a place!”

Tadaoki hurried to deny it.

Miki and I endured Mitsunari’s cold stare in silence.

“Hmph.”

Mitsunari broke the silence with an unexpected smile.

“No, I do not mean to accuse. Only, in that incident, there are things that do not add up. I merely suspect there are things even I do not know. Besides, Lord Hideyoshi has already decreed we need not concern ourselves with Akechi’s remnants.”

“Something troubles you?”

“No…”

Mitsunari replied, once more turning his gaze on us.

Cautious. Cool. Suspicious.

Having risen through Hideyoshi’s favor, Ishida Mitsunari must have exerted tremendous effort to reach his current position.

Thud.

The boat docked.

Miki and I waited for it to steady before stepping ashore. We hurried up the steps, but Tadaoki did not follow.

“Tadaoki-san!”

Miki called. A figure appeared from the boat.

My unease cleared and I sighed in relief—but it was not Tadaoki. It was one of the samurai who had boarded with Mitsunari from the opposite bank.

“Um…”

I started to speak but stopped midway.

“Lord Tadaoki remains aboard with Lord Ishida to discuss private matters. Until they finish, why don’t you enjoy some dumplings upstairs in this teahouse?”

“….”

Miki and I exchanged glances.

“No need to worry. The dumplings here are excellent, and from the second floor you can watch the street outside at ease.”

The man smiled.

His name was Konishi Yukinaga. He said he was born to a merchant family in Sakai.

Yukinaga ordered three plates of dumplings. When they arrived, he dismissed the others, telling the guards to relax downstairs and have some dumplings.

When the maidservant left, Yukinaga slid the shoji open to check the corridor, then returned to his seat.

“Now, please enjoy.”

He smiled sincerely, offering the dumplings.

“Yes, thank you.”

I answered without hesitation and reached for a skewer—then felt Miki’s stare from the side.

She was glaring at me, her eyes flicking between me and the dumplings.

“Ah…”

A sound escaped my lips.

Across the table, Yukinaga froze mid-bite, glanced up at us, then set his dumpling skewer back on the plate.

“Is something worrying you?”

He smiled.

“N-no, not at all…”

I waved my hand quickly.

Miki, though, was clearly uneasy and displeased at being separated from Tadaoki.

Yukinaga smiled again, picked up a skewer, and said, “There’s no poison in these.”

With a laugh, he popped two dumplings into his mouth. After glancing at us again, he sipped his tea and then gazed out at the street below.

“Osaka is a lively city, is it not.”

“….”

Miki and I stayed silent.

“Sigh. If you’re this guarded, I can’t even talk.”

He muttered.

“No, that’s not it…”

I began to deny, but Yukinaga continued.

“It’s only natural. In this world, what should we seek, what should we believe? Parents suspect their children, children wish their parents’ downfall, brothers fight for succession, women and children are sent as hostages. Everyone acts differently depending on their nature, their way of life, and their position at the time. Trusting others is important, but whether someone is worthy to serve is another matter. No one is perfect. Precisely because they are imperfect, they are human. Yet I believe all people must equally have the right to live happily.”

“….”

Miki was silent.

I searched for the depth behind Yukinaga’s words. He looked gently at the people outside.

“Soon, there will be a decisive battle that divides the realm.”

He spoke solemnly.

He explained to us that the rift between Tokugawa and Toyotomi had become irreparable.

“Wh-why tell us something so important?”

Suspicious, Miki looked at him. Following her gaze, I too looked at Yukinaga.

“What do the people of this city live believing in? And what is it the warriors fear, that they cannot lay down their swords?”

“Yukinaga-san, are you…”

When I spoke, he slowly turned his gaze back. Looking closely, his eyes were clear. He reached into his breast and took something out.

“Ah.”

Miki gasped.

(As I thought…)

Just as I expected. Yukinaga was a Christian. He took out a rosary.

“Even in a violent age, peace is needed.”

“Yes.”

I replied gently.

“Are you also Christian?”

Even at Miki’s blunt question, Yukinaga smiled kindly and nodded.

Konishi Yukinaga was a Christian daimyo, like Takayama Ukon.

Even when Hideyoshi confiscated everything, Ukon declared his heart remained with Christ. Yukinaga, while continuing to govern as a daimyo, held to his faith.

He said, “To remain true to one’s faith is most important. Therefore, I cannot judge Lord Ukon’s choice. But as one who leads many retainers, I cannot forget my responsibility. For all to share happiness equally—that is what I believe the Lord guides us to.”

I felt in his words a gentleness that honored others.

He was glad we stayed close to Tadaoki, but advised caution regarding Yūsai, whose foremost priority was the family. I had never doubted Yūsai’s gentle smile, but I nodded sincerely to Yukinaga’s words.

I wanted to do something for Yukinaga, who cared for us. At the same time, I felt ashamed for not knowing of him.

As I sat with my head lowered, Miki tapped my shoulder.

I turned, but she leaned close to my ear.

She whispered,

“This Konishi person, he’s going to side with the West at Sekigahara, right? And being this close to Ishida Mitsunari means…”

“Ah!”

I opened my mouth in shock, but no words came.

“What’s wrong?”

Yukinaga immediately responded.

“N-no…”

“Do you have worries?”

He smiled very gently.

I could not ignore that smile.

“Yukinaga-san.”

“Yes?”

“In the coming battle between East and West, please be cautious.”

“Of course.”

“Please keep in mind the possibility of disadvantage. If the worst happens, consider withdrawing.”

I wanted to tell him the outcome of Sekigahara but swallowed the words.

He seemed to sense my feelings.

“I will engrave that in my heart.”

Just a single line, but heavy.

Soon the shoji slid open.

Tadaoki and Mitsunari entered. Mitsunari’s face was softer, yet still cold.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

His words were businesslike and flat.

Behind him, Tadaoki bowed.

“Lady Tamao, Lady Miki, thank you for waiting. Yukinaga-dono, I am obliged to you for hosting them.”

Smiling, Yukinaga replied,

“It was a pleasant time.”

Mitsunari and Tadaoki sat. Mitsunari at the upper seat, Miki and I by the window, Yukinaga and Tadaoki opposite.

I noticed Tadaoki looked somewhat tense.

Mitsunari’s gaze fell on us.

“Now then, Lady Tamao, was it…”

“Y-yes.”

“And Lady Miki.”

“Yes.”

Each time we answered, I felt Mitsunari’s stare prick at Tadaoki, though with my head lowered I could not be sure.

“It seems you carry many curious things.”

At his words, Miki looked at Tadaoki. I tugged at her sleeve.

Tadaoki stayed silent.

Mitsunari drew a folding fan, tapping it lightly against his palm.

“My apologies. A few days ago, word reached me from the border guards that something strange had entered Osaka along with the Hosokawa procession. So, I made some inquiries.”

Here he smiled.

“If they are Tadaoki-dono’s companions, then there is no need for concern. Still, their fussiness caused some trouble. You understand.”

“Y-yes, I understand.”

I replied. Miki looked a little displeased, but stayed quiet out of consideration for Tadaoki.

“By the way, about earlier… If you don’t mind, may I see some of those things?”

Persistent, Mitsunari pressed.

Miki and I exchanged looks.

“Well then…”

With a sigh, Miki pulled a hundred-yen lighter from her bag and flicked it alight.

“Ohh!”

Both Mitsunari and Yukinaga recoiled in surprise.

“Heh. (Amateurs.)”

Miki smirked and flicked the flame on and off repeatedly.

Next, she pulled out her cell phone.

“Miki, without relay towers it won’t work.”

I tapped her arm.

She winked at me.

“It’s fine!”

Confidently, she flipped the phone open and turned its back toward Mitsunari and Yukinaga. They frowned curiously.

Click!

She pressed the shutter, and the sound played. Their faces appeared on the screen, caught in comical expressions.

They looked back and forth between each other and the screen repeatedly.

“Wh-what is this…”

Mitsunari’s reaction was greater than expected. Miki beamed with pride. But I noticed Tadaoki’s stern face.

As Mitsunari fiddled with the phone in fascination, Miki rummaged in her bag again. I tugged her sleeve and shook my head.

“What?”

She whispered. I gestured toward Tadaoki. He shook his head firmly.

“What else do you have?”

Mitsunari’s eyes shone like a child in a toy shop.

“Well, that’s all for today. Even on the second floor we might be seen, so let’s save the rest for another time.”

Miki smiled.

“Then the rest, inside the castle!”

Mitsunari said at once, as though it were obvious.

“Th-that’s…”

Miki faltered.

“You refuse?”

His expression darkened.

“N-no, not exactly…”

Miki struggled to answer.

I too could find no words. With Toyotomi power in Mitsunari’s hands, even if he killed us, there would be no complaint. Miki knew that as well.

At last Tadaoki spoke.

“These two know nothing of castle manners. To invite them within is a dangerous jest.”

“This is no jest. Who knows what uses these items may have!”

“P-please calm yourself, Lord Mitsunari.”

Yukinaga interjected.

“What, Yukinaga? You would lecture me too?!”

“Not at all. Only that all things have their order.”

He leaned close.

“Lend me your ear.”

Yukinaga urged that rather than ruin everything by forcing matters, it would be wiser to let Tadaoki bring them to the castle later. Mitsunari, dissatisfied, nevertheless accepted.

He turned.

“Very well. If by chance the Hosokawa residence is ever thinly manned, then come to the castle. I will send for you.”

“Y-yes. Thank you.”

Miki and I gave polite thanks.

Mitsunari narrowed his eyes, giving us a chilling look. Then, tilting his head, he shifted his gaze to Yukinaga.

“Lord Mitsunari, shall we…”

“Mm.”

He rose.

When Mitsunari left, Yukinaga followed, but before going he smiled.

“Lady Tamao, Lady Miki, I am glad we met. Take care of yourselves.”

And he left.

Left behind were the three of us. Outside, the town was still lively.

“I must apologize…”

Tadaoki spoke.

“Yes?”

“Please return to the residence ahead of me.”

“What do you mean?”

Miki asked.

“I must go to the castle now.”

“Why?”

She pressed him.

“Miki, don’t trouble Tadaoki-san.”

I held her back.

“But!”

“It’s urgent.”

“My apologies…”

Tadaoki then left the room.

Soon after, from the second-floor window we saw Mitsunari’s procession heading toward Osaka Castle. Of course, Tadaoki was among them.

I watched his back with unease. Meanwhile, Miki ate five skewers of dumplings to try to cheer herself up.