As the smoke of battle cleared, Oda Nobunaga stood atop Gifu Castle, his gaze traversing the Mino Plains to the vast territories beyond. He knew full well that true hegemony could not be achieved solely by the sword.
"The best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans," he whispered to himself, a hint of a grim smile flickering across his lips.
His first target was Takeda Harunobu, the "Tiger of Kai," who reigned supreme over Kai. A head-on confrontation with this formidable general, renowned for his "Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain" strategy, would inevitably lead to significant losses, even if he could defeat him. After careful consideration, Nobunaga opted for a more sophisticated strategy: marriage.
He summoned the daughter of Toyama Tomokatsu, lord of Naegi Castle, and solemnly adopted her as his daughter. Then, an eloquent member of the Oda clan embarked on the mountain road to Kai, bearing a generous betrothal gift. In the Takeda household's hall, the lobbyist eloquently explained the pros and cons, proposing that the carefully nurtured noblewoman be married to Takeda Harunobu's son, Katsuyori.
Takeda Harunobu stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming. Admiring Nobunaga's courage and foresight, he readily agreed to the marriage.
When the Toyama clan gave birth to Nobukatsu, this blood-forged alliance became even stronger. To further cement the relationship, Nobunaga made another move, requesting that Harunobu's daughter be married to his heir, Nobutada. Facing each other across the mountains, the two heroes, using the most ancient alliance, temporarily defied the threat of war between the East and the West.
Nobunaga immediately turned his attention to Omi. He sent an envoy to the Asai clan, proposing a marriage alliance—his sister Aichi to the young head of the clan, Asai Nagamasa.
However, this time the negotiations reached an impasse. Asai Nagamasa paced the hall, his brow furrowed. He admired the Oda clan's strength but was even more concerned about offending the Asakura clan, with whom he had long been friends. He faced a dilemma: should he uphold his old ties with Hokuriku or embrace the new alliance with Owari?
Nobunaga's envoys arrived again, bringing even more earnest assurances and promises. After much deliberation, Asai Nagamasa finally agreed. As Princess Aichi's sedan chair entered Odani Castle, another crucial political bond was forged within the mountains and rivers of Omi.
Just as Nobunaga was weaving his web of hegemony through marriage, an imperial edict from Kyoto provided the opportunity he had longed for. Imperial envoy Tachiiri Yoritaka respectfully presented the imperial decree, hoping that the awe-inspiring overlord would pledge allegiance to the court and offer gifts.
Holding the heavy edict, Nobunaga's eyes ignited with a fiery passion. This was exactly what he needed: a legitimate reason to enter Kyoto!
But before he could head west, there was a hidden danger he had to overcome—Ise Province was like a dagger at his side. If not resolved, it would lead to endless trouble. Nobunaga gazed at the seaside land on the map and slowly clenched his fist.