Chronicles of The Hardships of Komachi in The Sengoku Era

Year 1571, mid-September.

By the time Sakamoto had turned into a scorched earth under Nobunaga, Shizuko, under imperial orders, had attacked Otani Castle with Hideyoshi, keeping Hisamasa Asai pinned down.
Of course, the forces of Shizuko and Hideyoshi were a mixed group, but their command structures were independent.
Both sides were attacking the main gate, which was not only a key defense point but also a vulnerable spot.
If this gate was breached, the enemy forces would flood in, so the defense side had allocated a large number of personnel and elite troops to guard it.
Although they had been conducting a siege before Nobunaga’s attack on Sakamoto, the attackers were at a disadvantage, and the situation was at a stalemate, or rather, they were even in a worse position.
However, there was a reason for their disadvantage.
Shizuko’s forces repeatedly engaged in regular combat using only new recruits and low-skilled units, while leaving their elite troops behind.
They would open hostilities at a set time every day, applying pressure without forcing themselves and then retreat at sunset.
From the enemy’s perspective, it seemed like a foolish strategy that only resulted in unnecessary exhaustion without any significant gains.

Of course, this was a trap to implant a certain idea in the enemy’s mind.
The Oda forces only attacked during the day and did nothing at night, which led the defenders to think.
If they continued the same pattern for seven days, the night patrols would become lax.
Shizuko desired this complacency.

“Well, everyone, today is the twelfth day.
Lord Nobunaga’s attack on Sakamoto should be over by now.
If that’s the case, it’s about time for us to launch our attack as well.
Let’s achieve great military feats.”

Shizuko spoke calmly to the gathered individuals.
Despite her nonchalant attitude, which did not show any signs of excitement, Saizo, who had a long history with her, understood that she was planning something.

“Seeing is believing, it’s faster to see than to explain in detail.”

After saying just that, Shizuko ended the conversation and asked Genro to gather the designated soldiers.
She also instructed Saizo to retrieve something from Tsukigase Castle.

“Today, we will use something a little dangerous.
It has a wide-ranging impact, so lower your troops more than usual and wait.”

The soldiers didn’t understand what she meant, but they had no complaints about the order to step back.
After ensuring that the message reached each squad, Shizuko stood up with her bow.
As usual, when she arrived at the main gate, Hideyoshi, who had arrived earlier, rushed towards her with Hidenaga and Hanbei.

“I would like to know what we are about to do soon.
Hanbei seems to know, but he hasn’t told me anything.”

“Hehe, I am also skeptical, but it is a promise with Lady Shizuko.
However, she said she would demonstrate the plan today, so she should tell us the details.”

Only Hanbei had been briefed on the plan this time.
However, even Hanbei was only given a rough outline and did not know the details.
They thought it was to prevent information leaks, but Shizuko had a different intention.
As they were attacking the main gate, there was a high possibility that spies from the Asai side had infiltrated their own forces.
To inform them that “something is going to happen,” Shizuko deliberately leaked information while concealing the core part.

“Haha, it’s easy to explain in words… but it’s faster to see.”

“Why? Is it necessary to be cautious about spies when we are on the verge of war?”

“Brother, it seems that Lady Shizuko is confident.
Let’s just silently watch the outcome.
If it turns out to be too boring… yes, let’s treat ourselves to a cup of sake.”

Shizuko seemed troubled by Hideyoshi’s curious attitude, and Hidenaga came to her rescue with a smile.
Being told by his younger brother Hidenaga, there was no choice but to back down obediently, and Hideyoshi thought.

“Fine.
But when we execute it, make sure to tell me properly!”

After emphasizing this, Hideyoshi returned to his camp with the two of them.
Seeing Hidenaga’s gaze that seemed to want to say something, Shizuko understood that she needed to contact Hideyoshi just before the execution.

(As expected of Hidenaga.
He’s really good at handling Hideyoshi.
In a way, it can be said that he is manipulating Hideyoshi.)

Hidenaga pushed Hideyoshi’s back gently when he was troubled, and he skillfully calmed him down when he was angry, and he always obtained what Hideyoshi desired first.
In a sense, Hidenaga could be said to be controlling Hideyoshi, but he never boasted about his own achievements, always wearing a cheerful expression.

(Well, the preparations are complete, but I can assume that he knows about last night’s incident.)

Hidenaga, who was perceptive, probably had a rough idea of what Shizuko was planning based on what she had done so far.
It could be assumed that Takenaka Hanbei, even if he didn’t know the details, had a general understanding of the situation.
They were two people that they didn’t want to turn into enemies, Shizuko thought while moving to the designated location.

“We will begin in half an hour.”

True to her words, Shizuko remained still for an hour.
And an hour later, just before noon, Shizuko finally took action.
She first called Hideyoshi and the others to her.

“Finally.
I’ve been waiting!”

Hideyoshi, with anticipation in his heart, laughed excitedly, while Hanbei and Hidenaga smiled wryly.
Shizuko also smiled wryly at Hideyoshi’s childlike excitement.

“Now, what we are about to do is very simple.
We will destroy that gate.”

After clearing her throat and changing the atmosphere, Shizuko pointed to the main gate and explained.
If they could destroy the main gate, the current situation would change drastically.
The three of them understood what Shizuko was going to do, but they immediately had questions.

“How exactly do you plan to destroy the main gate?”

That was the method of destroying the main gate.
If the destruction of the main gate was the goal, it contradicted what Shizuko had been doing in the past, repeatedly engaging in ordinary battles without annihilating the defending Ashigaru troops, and they didn’t understand the connection.

“Well, well, I will show you now, so please wait a moment.”

Shizuko lightly dismissed the confused three and moved to a suitable position.
She mounted her horse and used binoculars to confirm the main gate.
Seeing that the desired object was securely attached and the enemy side was unaware, Shizuko put the megaphone to her mouth and spoke in her usual manner.

“To the Asai soldiers guarding the main gate, we will now seriously begin our invasion.
First, we will destroy the main gate, so if you don’t want to die, please stay away from it.”

The words, lacking in force, resonated at the main gate.
For a moment, the Asai soldiers were taken aback, but they quickly regained their composure, and laughter erupted here and there.
However, their attitudes had been anticipated, and Shizuko let go of the megaphone and prepared her bow.

(It would be embarrassing to miss here.
Aim carefully…)

“Hey, hey, you’re going to destroy the gate with arrows? Keep the jokes to your speeches.”

The Asai soldiers heckled, but Shizuko ignored them and aimed for something attached to the main gate.
As soon as she felt her aim was steady, Shizuko released the arrow.
It flew in an arc and hit the main gate precisely.

In an instant, there was a thunderous explosion accompanied by a loud noise, and the main gate was blown backward.

After flying about three meters, crushing any Asai soldiers in its path, the massive main gate fell to the ground with a heavy thud.
The impact of the fall stirred up a cloud of dust.

After a while, the dust cleared, and the visibility improved, but not a single person uttered a word.
Neither the Asai soldiers nor the Oda soldiers, nor Hideyoshi, Hanbei, or Hidenaga, who were behind Shizuko, could understand what had happened.
In the midst of this, Shizuko lowered her bow and once again put the megaphone to her mouth, speaking with the same nonchalant tone as before.

“Now that the main gate has been destroyed, we will begin the invasion.
We will accept surrender for just a few more counts.
Please make your decision quickly as we will launch a full-scale attack.
One… two… three…”

The Oda soldiers, who were still in a state of shock, finally remembered their duties and began preparing for battle at Shizuko’s lively countdown.
However, none of them understood what Shizuko had done to result in the main gate being blown away.

“Four… five…”

The cavalry also recovered from their confusion and quickly prepared their bows.
In response to the sound, Oda soldiers all around began to take up the posture of an assault.

“Wait a minute! We surrender! We will come down, so please don’t attack!”

Just before Shizuko swung her arm down to initiate the invasion, the Asai side surrendered.
Shizuko kept her hand raised and used her scope to observe their reactions.

(Did I intimidate them too much? They seem really frightened, and I’m starting to feel a little sorry for them.)

Some stood dumbfounded, some trembled and held their heads, and some even fainted while still wetting themselves.
They didn’t know what had been done to them, but they associated the weapon that blew away the gate with their own future, and Shizuko thought they had despaired.
She observed them closely, but seeing that the Asai soldiers had no intention of resisting, Shizuko spoke to them.

“Now, throw all your weapons behind you and lie face down on the ground with your hands behind your necks.
If anyone remains standing or refuses to disarm, we will consider it as a sign of resistance.”

The Asai soldiers followed her instructions and threw all their weapons behind them.
Those who were unconscious had their swords and spears taken by those nearby, who then threw them as far as possible.
Once everyone had finished disarming, they lay down on the ground.
Shizuko noticed that there was no one standing within visible range and gave the order to the still bewildered soldiers.

“Vanguard, confirm the situation at the main gate!”,”Y-Yes!”

Genro, who had momentarily been stunned and slow to react, quickly changed his mind and gave the order for 500 men to pass through the main gate.
They collected the discarded weapons and checked the condition of the Ashikaga soldiers, but there was no sign of resistance.

“Remove the armor one by one.
Those who are tapped on the shoulder, stand up!”

Genro, having confirmed that the weapons had been brought to the Oda camp, proceeded to strip the Ashikaga soldiers of their armor.
Since it took time, they divided into several groups to remove the armor.
Once disarmed, they were given a small amount of money and enough food for one or two days, and were allowed to return home.
Perhaps the final act of mercy was beyond their comprehension, as the Ashikaga soldiers couldn’t help but look back at the Oda soldiers.

“Our lord is truly compassionate.
He mourns even the deaths of lowly soldiers like you.
Therefore, those who surrender and disarm themselves and return home will be spared.”

Genro answered the puzzled Ashikaga soldiers.
Unlike Shizuko, he spoke with a powerful voice.

“However! Our lord’s mercy is not unlimited! Don’t think you can continue to rely on our lord’s mercy forever.
If we meet again on the battlefield, you will be mercilessly cut down.
Now, go!”

After finishing his words, Genro drove away the Ashikaga soldiers.
One by one, the soldiers discarded their armor and returned home.
Within an hour, not a single Ashikaga soldier remained at the main gate.
The bodies caught in the main gate were buried in a deep pit along with quicklime, and a simple grave was made with earth piled on top.

“Begin dismantling!”

After driving away the Ashikaga soldiers from the main gate, Genro shouted orders loudly along with the deployment of soldiers.
The civil engineering workers known as Kurokuwa shouted in response and stormed the buildings.
Their task was to dismantle the defensive structures.
Although they usually built buildings, they were excited about the rare task of demolition.
They removed boards and sometimes destroyed the buildings.
The dismantled materials were gradually carried out and sold to the Omi Province merchants’ union at a bargain price.
The Oda army was able to destroy the defense network of Odani Castle, the Kurokuwa were satisfied with their demolition work, and the Omi Province merchants’ union could buy the materials at a bargain price.
Everyone was in a happy state.
If there was anyone unhappy, it would be Ashikaga Hisamasa, who had built the defense structures, and Nagamasa, who had to witness the dismantling of his own defenses.

“Dismantle quickly!”

Genro urged the Kurokuwa workers.
In response, the workers swung their axes and responded with the sound of destruction.

Meanwhile, Shizuko, who was in the Oda army’s main camp, was being bombarded with questions by Hideyoshi.

“Explosives? How did you destroy the main gate with just that amount?”

“Um, well.
I’ll spare you the detailed calculations…”

Shizuko was getting tired of Hideyoshi’s never-ending interest, but even after he finished, Hidenaga and Takenaka Hanbei were waiting behind him.
Shizuko resigned herself to the fact that this would be a long day, and suddenly Hidenaga spoke up.

“Brother, it’s about time we ask our questions as well.
We haven’t had a chance to speak since earlier.”

“W-Well, that’s true.”

“But we don’t have a scarecrow.
Brother, from now on, questions are prohibited.”

Hidenaga, who rarely spoke with such force, made his point, and Hideyoshi reluctantly stepped back.
Hidenaga smiled, knowing that Shizuko was still not giving up, and turned to Takenaka Hanbei.

“You will probably ask the same question.
In that case, please go ahead, Hanbei.”

“I appreciate that.
Then… what was Lady Shizuko planning with this battle?”

After bowing to Hidenaga, Takenaka Hanbei asked his question.
Hidenaga seemed to have the same question in mind, as he nodded with a smile.

While Hideyoshi was questioning Shizuko, Takenaka Hanbei was recalling everything she had done.
She had the power to easily destroy the main gate, but until today, she had repeatedly engaged in minor battles without attacking.
At first, Takenaka Hanbei thought it was a minor battle to lure the enemy to the main gate, but now that the main gate had been easily destroyed, he concluded that there must be another motive.

“There isn’t a significant motive… but if I had to give one, it would be to create an ‘ambiguous situation.'”

Takenaka Hanbei questioned Shizuko’s words with a smile.

“Takenaka-sama, having heard my explanation, you know about the ‘scheme’ I set up.
But what about the Ashikaga side? And what about the spies who witnessed this battle? I wonder what they think I did,” Shizuko replied with a teasing smile.

“Well, indeed…”

What Shizuko did was a method commonly used in modern times to destroy doors.
Along the seams of the gate, she attached plastic explosives such as Semtex, and finally attached them diagonally with a detonator buried in the central part.
After that, the detonator could be triggered in various ways, causing the door to either fly backward from the explosion’s impact or only the fixed fittings to be destroyed and collapse in place.
What Shizuko did this time was almost the same.
Instead of Semtex, she used gelignite, the world’s first plastic explosive invented by Alfred Nobel.
Unlike dynamite, which seeped nitroglycerin, gelignite was a convenient explosive because it did not seep nitroglycerin, even at that time.

(Although it was developed for gold and silver mines, it unexpectedly became a byproduct.)

In recent years, it has been replaced by ammonium nitrate fuel oil explosives and has not seen the light of day, but when it comes to explosives used for mining, dynamite was famous.
By mixing nitroglycerin with ammonium nitrate and a heat-reducing flame retardant (such as salt), dynamite for mining excavation could be completed.
However, nitroglycerin is an unstable substance and requires advanced facilities for production.
Furthermore, when mixing nitrocellulose with nitroglycerin, if there is a failure in temperature and concentration control, explosion accidents can occur.

In modern times, it is pressurized and mixed to be stable even at high temperatures, but it is difficult to create a pressure chamber in the Sengoku period.
Therefore, Shizuko created a substitute for the pressure chamber by creating a low-temperature chamber and mixing the explosives there.
Although it took time and could only mix a small amount, the power of dynamite alone was more than enough to make a profit.

“(Well, it’s mostly Ashimitsu-san’s theory, though.) In the end, they will surrender.
With minimal losses, we can incorporate their entire army into ours.
They will self-destruct and surrender on their own.”

“However, there are still people who can maintain their sanity.
Such opponents are stubborn.”

Takenaka Hanbei’s question was valid.
Even if someone had doubts about the defensive structures, it wouldn’t be easy for them to break down.
It was not surprising that there were people who could endure while carrying their doubts.

“Certainly, one or two people may be able to endure.
But is enduring the problem’s solution?”

“…Enduring alone is meaningless, is that what you’re saying?”

“With the encirclement tactic, reinforcements cannot approach, and the heavily fortified main gate is easily breached in an instant.
Does the Oda army have any other hidden moves? Can they defend the castle with their current forces? The smarter the person, the deeper they think about the meaninglessness.
And when a smart person collapses… decision-making becomes difficult.”

The Oda army used the encirclement tactic to cut off reinforcements and easily blow up the supposedly strong main gate.
This was clearly evident.
However, how they did it was unclear.
Having a clear result but an unclear process induces a great sense of unease in the opponent.
They begin to suspect if there are any other hidden tricks, and this mental exhaustion takes a toll.

There is a reason to instill unease rather than fear.
Fear comes with a specific target, but unease is a state where the target is not clear.
Therefore, controlling unease requires a great deal of mental strength.
The Oda army’s actions are unknown, and this unease is vague and varies from person to person.
Adding worries leads to stronger unease and negative thinking, which further intensifies the unease.

“(Well, it’s mostly Ashimitsu-san’s theory, though.) In the end, they will surrender.
With minimal losses, we can incorporate their entire army into ours.
They will self-destruct and surrender on their own.”

Shizuko’s castle siege was primarily devised by Ashimitsu.
First, they surrounded the castle with the encirclement tactic, preventing reinforcements from approaching and isolating the people inside the castle from the outside world, cutting off information.
Then, they planted seeds of unease and worry within the castle, gradually eroding their calmness.
The surroundings were already surrounded.
The Oda side didn’t need to rush, and even if the enemy attacked, they could retreat to the encirclement and defend the strong castle.
Eventually, the enemy would give up on capturing the castle and retreat to their own castle.
Unable to escape and cut off from external information, disagreements arose among the retainers, causing discord within the clan.

As discord spread, someone would conduct covert operations that appeared to leak internal information, causing suspicion and paranoia among the retainers.
The person framed as the suspect would be forced to prove their innocence, even though they hadn’t leaked any information.
However, proving that they hadn’t leaked information was impossible.
And if they desperately defended themselves or emotionally argued against the suspicion, they would appear suspicious to those around them.
The pitiful suspect’s life was at stake, so it was natural for them to become desperate, but once suspicion arose, they wouldn’t even notice such things.
This would lead to gossip and quarrels that would normally not be revealed, and eventually, factions would form and escalate into violence.

As a final touch, Shizuko encouraged betrayal from her side.
She called out to those who surrendered first, offering them mercy, creating an environment conducive to betrayal.
Even if they didn’t respond to her call, they could simply kidnap someone.
After that, they would search desperately for a traitor who didn’t exist.
No matter how strong the castle was, if the hearts of those defending it were broken, it would easily fall.,”On our side, we won’t exhaust ourselves, and only the higher-ups on the other side will self-destruct.
And we can easily collect resources from the other side… What’s wrong?”

While explaining, Shizuko noticed that Hideyoshi and the other two were not looking well.
She became anxious, wondering if she had said something that bothered them, but Takenaka Hanbei shook his head to deny it.

“No, there’s no problem.
I was just a little surprised.”

“I-I see.
Well, let’s end the explanation here, and continue another day.”

Hideyoshi and Hidenaga nodded without raising any objections to Shizuko’s proposal.

“She’s a person who comes up with ruthless siege tactics despite her innocent face.”

On the way back to his camp, Hideyoshi suddenly muttered.
Takenaka Hanbei and Hidenaga also nodded, agreeing with Hideyoshi’s opinion.
The three of them had rich imaginations, so they realized that if Shizuko’s ideas were actually implemented, it would lead to an uncontrollable situation.

“Reinforcements are not coming.
If discord arises internally, deserters will not cease.
If we reach a situation where we can’t judge who to trust, we will no longer be able to act as an army, you see.”

Hidenaga joked while looking up at the sky.
Perhaps his mind was distracted by it, and Hideyoshi spoke with a wry smile.

“Hanbei, there’s no need to be so ruthless.
The enemy is pitiful, after all.”

“That’s right.
This siege strategy is also calculated to instill fear in the enemy and encourage surrender among those around.
It’s not such a ruthless plan.”

“Indeed.
Even if the besieged castle has its information cut off, the external castles understand what is happening.
If they think they will be attacked in such a way… they may easily surrender.”

“Huh… hahaha! W-Well, of course, I’ve noticed that too.
But I don’t think it’s necessary to go that far.”

Seeing that the two of them were satisfied, Hideyoshi hastily tried to cover up his slip of the tongue.
Although his attitude was obvious, Takenaka Hanbei and Hidenaga did not delve deeper and just smiled wryly.

(…I see, I’m starting to understand.)

While listening to Hideyoshi and Hidenaga’s conversation, Takenaka Hanbei understood something.

(What Shizuko is doing is capturing the castle with minimal sacrifice.
Isolating the castle, creating uncertainty about what will happen, and creating an environment that makes surrender easier.
Those who see this will fear that it will be their turn next.)

Takenaka Hanbei turned his gaze towards Hidenaga.
Hidenaga had a smile on his face, but his eyes were not smiling.
Takenaka Hanbei knew that he had come to the same conclusion as him.

(To capture it not with force, but with psychological warfare.
It’s a terrifying tactic that can’t be easily imitated.
The castles that will be captured by Shizuko from now on will become a strange situation that is both fortunate and pitiful in a sense.)

For the time being, it would be Tsukigase Castle, Takenaka Hanbei added in his mind.

While the main force of the Shizuko-Hideyoshi alliance was capturing the main gate of Kotani Castle, a separate unit was attacking Tsukigase Castle.
The tactics remained the same, surrounding the castle with multiple layers of fortifications, cutting off supply routes, and preventing reinforcements from approaching.
After that, they would attack and then retreat, repeating a delaying tactic of attacking and retreating.
With no reinforcements coming and the supply line completely cut off, the lord of Tsukigase Castle, Tsukise Tango no Kami Yorinobu, felt helpless in defending the castle.

Nobunaga had built a fortress on Mount Tora Gozen, but Tsukigase Castle was located just west of it, and there was a risk of being flanked if they made one wrong move.
Therefore, for Nobunaga, it was strategically necessary to capture both Tsukigase Castle and the nearby Yamamotoyama Castle.
Shizuko used her Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) group and applied the prefabrication method to develop the “Ichiya Fukei” (overnight fortification) that surrounded the two castles.

The Ichiya Fukei method, named after Nobunaga’s Sunomata Castle, does not involve producing materials for the fortification at the site where it is built, but rather producing and processing the necessary materials for the fortification in advance in a safe location, and then assembling them at the site where the fortification is built.
The method had the drawback of looking complete on the outside but being hollow on the inside.
However, the advantage of being able to build a fortification overnight gave them the advantage of demoralizing the soldiers and civilians holed up in the castle.
If the subordinates as a whole lost their fighting spirit, surrender would be the only option for the lord.

An event occurred that proved this.
The soldiers defending Tsukigase Castle gradually lost their fighting spirit.
On the first day, the fortification was completed, on the second day, discord arose within the castle, and on the third day, they received information that reinforcements from Yamamotoyama Castle were not coming.
They offered to surrender.
The information about Yamamotoyama Castle was a lie, but the presence of an enemy castle around them created a sense of confinement and robbed them of their ability to think rationally.

“Alright, I’ve obtained what I needed.”

With the requested items from Shizuko in hand, Saizo immediately headed towards the headquarters of the Shizuko-Hideyoshi alliance.

“We were able to capture Tsukigase Castle without besieging it, but I feel a bit unsatisfied.”

One of Saizo’s attendants muttered with a slightly troubled expression.
Although they could hope for advancement based on their performance on the battlefield, Shizuko’s tactics hardly involved any fighting.
This was a problem even before considering their performance.

“Tsukigase Castle is an important stronghold for the Asai and Asakura clans.
Understand the difficulty of capturing it without causing damage.
As the art of war says, it is a last resort to fight and capture a castle, and it is a superior strategy to capture a castle without fighting.”

“Ah…”

Although he had a slightly dissatisfied expression, Saizo ignored his attendant and hurried to the headquarters.
It was rare for him to be away from Shizuko’s side for a long time, so he was restless.
Pushing his horse a little harder, he arrived at the headquarters in two-thirds of the usual time.
Saizo immediately headed towards Shizuko upon arrival.
They were not holding a war council, but Saizo knew that Shizuko was with Hideyoshi and the others.
When he finally saw Shizuko, Saizo let out a small sigh of relief.
But immediately, he prepared to prostrate himself and speak.

“Shizuko-sama.
As ordered, I had the selected individuals hand over the requested items.”

“Thank you, it was faster than expected.
Let the soldiers rest.
As for the next Yamamotoyama Castle… it depends on Lord.”

While saying that, Shizuko received what she had asked Saizo for.
It was a document.
However, when she opened the document, it was blank.
Only the seal that proved the person had written it was written in the corner.
Not only Hideyoshi and Takenaka Hanbei, but also Hidenaga, were puzzled by it.

“Hey, Shizuko.
What are you going to use that blank document for?”

Hideyoshi, who was curious, pointed to the document with his fan and asked.
Shizuko answered while showing the document to Hideyoshi and the others.

“Well, I’ll just write in this document that we are secretly communicating with the Oda family.
Well, the recipient of the document is addressed to Asai who is holed up in Kotani Castle.”

“Tsukigase Castle has fallen, right? Why bother writing a document for secret communication?”

“In addition to the document for secret communication, I will add a letter that says ‘People’s hearts are unpredictable.
It is futile to see the crumbling unity.’ After that, it’s up to Asai to decide how to judge it… Well, they can do as they please.”

“…? -What!?”

At first, Hideyoshi didn’t understand, but the moment he understood the meaning of the words, a chill ran down his spine.
Takenaka Hanbei, Hidenaga, and Saizo also broke into a cold sweat as soon as they reached the answer.
If the plan Shizuko is about to carry out succeeds, it will force Asai to prove the existence of a traitor.
If the document of secret communication falls into Asai’s hands, he will think that Tsukigase Castle fell because of a traitor.
Even if he doesn’t think that way, it’s a perfect scenario for Asai if he believes that there is a traitor.
After all, for the countrymen, they must be extremely cautious of their retainers’ betrayal.

The same goes for Yamamotoyama Castle.
Just by saying those words, Asai Hisamasa will become suspicious and doubtful.
If Yamamotoyama Castle falls in the same way, they will be further disadvantaged.
However, if there is a traitor, their movements will be known.
If Yamamotoyama Castle has fallen due to the hands of a traitor, there is a risk that the reinforcements will be annihilated.
For Asai, who no longer has time to send reinforcements, the annihilation of the reinforcements is a situation to be avoided.
But the countrymen have a duty to send reinforcements to the supporting castle.
If they neglect this duty, the retainers will easily betray the countrymen to protect their own families.
Asai Hisamasa will be greatly troubled whether to send reinforcements or abandon them.

“Asai will be troubled, the entire family will suspect each other, and the members of Yamamotoyama Castle, who are unjustly suspected, will become suspicious of each other.
If left alone, the unity of the Asai family will crumble and they will start an internal conflict on their own.
When the Asai family is sufficiently weakened, we will crush them all at once.”

When she said “crush,” Shizuko forcefully hit the table.
It hurt a little, but she didn’t show it on her face and continued speaking.

“Kotani Castle is a sturdy castle.
However, even the strongest walls will collapse due to a single crack.
No matter how strong we make the castle, if the hearts of the soldiers break, it will fall.
If we can create a crack in the Asai family with this plan, it will work to our advantage in the future.”

An event that proves her words will occur.
Due to Hisamasa’s unfounded suspicion of Yamamotoyama Castle’s lord, Atsuji Sadayuki, a rift was created between Sadayuki and Hisamasa.
The rift not only did not disappear but widened as time passed.
When the rift widened to the point where it was no longer shallow, a demon took residence in Sadayuki’s heart.
The demon of “secretly communicating with Nobunaga.”