Chronicles of The Hardships of Komachi in The Sengoku Era

1571, late November.

When Shizuko made a bomb remark to Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada), the head priest of a certain shrine sneezed loudly.

“Hmm, someone is gossiping.”

Sniffling, Ashimitsu muttered. At his feet were two curled up cats. They were cats that had settled in the shrine at some point, and although he initially tried to drive them away, Ashimitsu gave up and decided to leave them alone. The cats were like brothers and were always together. Sometimes he saw them with other companions, like calico cats or black cats, but they were not always together except for the brothers.

“Brothers, huh. Hmph, my younger brother is a bottomless fool. He has no power to rule over Ashikaga anymore. I can’t understand how he can’t grasp that.”

It wasn’t because he knew the history after his own death in the present day. When Ashimitsu was attacked, he realized that the authority of the shogunate was no longer there and that Toshiie’s fate was to perish. If he were politically ousted from the shogun’s seat, it would be one thing, but to rebel through the despicable means of assassination, and for the people around to silently condone his actions. It’s no wonder that the shogun is said to be nothing more than a mere figurehead.

(However, that doesn’t mean I will forgive them for trying to kill me)

“The cats are doing something quite adorable, basking in the sun like that.”

Lost in thought, a voice suddenly came. Ashimitsu didn’t turn his face towards it and let out a small sigh.

“I’m thinking about how to kill those idiots from Miyoshi.”

“That’s dangerous.”

The person who spoke, Sakihisa (Konoe), shrugged his shoulders with a playful expression. Then, as if it were natural, he sat down next to him and took out a pottery jug with a stopper from his pocket.

“I’ve got some good sake. Shall we drink it as a toast to the sky?”

“…If I say I won’t drink it, you’ll just drink it on your own. Do as you please.”

“Then, let me do as I please.”

With that, Sakihisa (Konoe) took out two cups and poured sake into each. Taking the cups silently, Ashimitsu quickly drank about half of it in one gulp.

“There’s no benefit for you to accompany me.”

“It’s tasteless to calculate gains and losses when talking with a friend. Besides, if I were only seeking benefits, I wouldn’t bother coming here.”

“…You have a point.”

After murmuring, Ashimitsu drank the sake in his cup. When the cup was empty, Sakihisa (Konoe) smiled and poured more sake. After placing the cup filled with sake, Ashimitsu poured sake into Sakihisa (Konoe)’s cup as a return toast. With an even more intoxicated smile, Sakihisa (Konoe) spoke.

“Is your bad mood because of Shizuko-sama, after all?”

In an instant, Ashimitsu froze with the cup still at his lips. After a few seconds, Ashimitsu regained control of his emotions and glanced at Sakihisa (Konoe) before emptying his cup.

“…Lately, there have been many spies from Takeda. Even close to Shizuko-sama. I’ve been taking care of them as soon as I find them, but there seems to be no sign of them decreasing. Oda is fortifying the mansion, but why don’t they realize that mobilizing more troops only creates more opportunities for spies to infiltrate!”

Perhaps because he was irritated, Ashimitsu crushed the cup in his hand. In a fit of anger, Sakihisa (Konoe) casually tilted his cup while sitting next to the enraged Ashimitsu.

“If you’re so worried, why don’t you leave here and go to Shizuko-sama?”

“If only I could. I can’t move from this place because I have troublesome matters to deal with.”

“That’s a difficult situation.”

Saying that, Sakihisa (Konoe) finished his drink. On the other hand, Ashimitsu, who was still frustrated, tried to control his emotions by biting his nails. However, it didn’t have much effect, and he stared ahead with sharp eyes. If it were a weak-willed person, they would shrink back from the atmosphere that could be called Ashimitsu’s murderous intent, but Sakihisa (Konoe), who had served as the regent controlling the imperial court where all sorts of evil spirits ran rampant, calmly brushed it off with a cool face.

“Look, don’t make that face. It seems we have a visitor.”

With a faint smile, Sakihisa (Konoe) pointed in a certain direction with his chin. There stood a person dressed in men’s clothing, with two swords at their waist, although their attire was slightly rough.

“Oh, were you busy?”

Uttering such words in a carefree voice, the person in men’s clothing, Shizuko, scratched the back of their head.

In a certain place in Owari, with no obstructions around and no hiding places for people, let alone a single cat, Nobunaga and a few of his retainers gathered. The surroundings were guarded by Shizuko and Mitsuhide’s personal troops, keeping their distance, and not even a single cat could enter. The hunting dog unit and security forces were also involved in the guard, making it an ideal place for secret discussions.

The gathered retainers were Mitsuhide Akechi, Hanbei Takenaka, Yoshinari Mori, Ashimitsu, and Shizuko, a total of five people. If more than eight people were gathered, there was a risk of information leaking from somewhere, so they gathered the appropriate individuals to discuss future matters.

“Hmph, I must say I was surprised this time.”

Nobunaga, sitting at the head, muttered with a smile. While Mitsuhide, Takenaka Hanbei, and Yoshinari Mori had stiff expressions, Ashimitsu and Shizuko had calm faces. After clearing his throat and changing the atmosphere, Shizuko spoke.

“First of all, thank you for adopting my strategy in last year’s battle. Thanks to that, we were able to feign defeat as planned. And now, with the attack on Enryakuji Temple, the situation is set to lure out Takeda.”

The reason for the three people’s stiff expressions was that last year’s defeat was planned from the beginning. However, they quickly realized something. None of the major warlords had died, even if they were injured. The capable warlords were under Nobunaga’s control.

“It doesn’t matter. I saw value in your strategy. That’s all.”

“I appreciate your kindness. Although it has caused significant damage to the loyal retainers, it is all for the ultimate victory of the Oda clan. I ask for your understanding.”

“No, victory and defeat are common in warfare. I understood that from your explanation, so I have no objections.”

Still with stiff expressions, Yoshinari Mori understood the situation and nodded slightly. Seeing the attitudes of the three, Shizuko smiled kindly and spread out a piece of paper she had beside her.

“Through the investigation of the first Battle of Mikatagahara, we obtained various useful information. This will further disadvantage Takeda. Well, to hide the disadvantage, they will probably mobilize their entire army. The number… probably around 30,000.”

“30,000!”

Mitsuhide couldn’t help but raise his voice. Takeda’s army of 30,000 was a threat that even the composed Mitsuhide couldn’t remain calm about. However, Shizuko lightly dismissed Mitsuhide’s concern.

“Those who rely on numbers will drown in numbers. 30,000 is certainly a threat. However, they have weaknesses, so we must challenge them with that number.”

Takeda’s military doctrine, with its red armor and loose arrows, had few unconventional tactics and mostly consisted of basic tactics with slight improvements. The pure strength of Takeda soldiers and the high quality of the commanders were the greatest weapons of the Takeda army. That’s why they excelled in open-field battles, and as evidence, Shingen had only suffered tactical defeats twice in his lifetime. The reason Takeda soldiers were strong was said to be because the harsh living conditions in Kai produced tough and sturdy soldiers. There is a saying, “One soldier from Mikawa is equivalent to three soldiers from Owari,” and “One soldier from Kai is equivalent to five soldiers from Owari.” Each Takeda soldier was a formidable warrior.

Among them, the most famous was the elite unit of “Takeda’s Red Armor.” It was founded by Toramasa Iitomi and later inherited by his brother Masakage Yamagata, becoming the strongest unit of the Sengoku period. The special attack unit within Takeda’s Red Armor was Muto Kihei (later known as Masayuki Sanada). The Red Armor, which defeated ten times the enemy without hesitation, created the myth of the elite Red Armor. Inspired by this myth, the strongest unit of the Tokugawa clan, “Ii’s Red Armor,” and the “Sanada’s Red Armor” led by Sanada were born.

However, the Takeda army, renowned as the strongest in the Sengoku period, also had weaknesses. The most well-known weakness was the “weak position of the head of the Takeda family.” Although they had a strong feudal system with influential vassals, it was closer to an oligarchy and not a system where the head made decisions independently and the vassals accepted them. Furthermore, a significant portion of Takeda Shingen’s success was due to the achievements and suggestions of capable subordinates, so there was a strong independent spirit among them, and they were not united around the head.

Furthermore, Takeda’s diplomatic policy, which embodied the law of the jungle, often led to betraying allies and continuing territorial invasions once the opponent weakened, making it difficult to build trust with alliance partners and constantly exposing themselves to the danger of being attacked. As a result, they were unable to engage in long-term campaigns and were forced to decide victory or defeat in a short period of time. In historical fact, after Takeda Shingen’s death, Katsuyori paid the price for this.

The vassals also had weaknesses. It is said that Shingen listened to his vassals’ opinions and made decisions through discussions, which was close to a system of consensus and mediation. He was an excellent leader, but he also devoted himself to mediating disputes among his vassals as a chairman and mediator. In other words, if there were disputes among the vassals, Shingen had few means to stop them. After all, the vassals were countrymen who had their own territories and troops, each possessing the power to fight. If they didn’t act together, there was a possibility of betrayal. Takeda Nobutora (Takeda Shingen’s father) tried to break this situation, but his son, Shingen, expelled him, so the opportunity to strengthen the dictatorial power of the head of the Takeda family was lost.,The last point is that they have not been able to break away from the outdated military system. The soldiers mobilized were a combination of peasant soldiers and local samurai, and the ratio of firearms equipment was average. It is unclear whether they disliked firearms that eliminated the difference between weak and strong soldiers, or simply due to lack of funds, but in any case, the Takeda soldiers had very poor firearms equipment. This can be said to be the opposite of Nobunaga, who saw the potential of firearms as a new era five years after the introduction of firearms.

“Takeda is a formidable enemy. That’s why we must counterattack them with maximum mobilization and defeat them completely. Without this, there is no way to break the Oda encirclement network established by Honganji Temple.”

Defeating Takeda would have a significant impact on most of the countrymen participating in the Oda encirclement network, including Uesugi and Hojo, who have equal strength. It would also be possible to break down the countrymen who cooperate with Asakura and Azai, of course, and those who cooperate with Honganji Temple. Takeda was such a big name and could be considered the key to the anti-Oda forces.

“May I ask a question?”

Takenaka Hanbei, who had been silent until now, voiced his doubts. He had a calm expression, but there was a compelling force that couldn’t be ignored.

“Shizuko-dono’s plan seems to be going well. However, you haven’t shown any evidence that you can defeat Takeda’s formidable army of 30,000 soldiers. Do you intend to convince us with any means of defeating them?”

Nobunaga also felt the same. There were no doubts or inconsistencies in the explanation, and there were no chronological discrepancies. It could even be said that the possible actions that the Takeda army could take were predicted. However, that was all. The crucial part of Shizuko’s story, which was how to defeat the opposing Takeda army, was missing.

“We will use several weapons (…), but the most effective one will be this (…).”

While Shizuko smoothly answered Takenaka Hanbei’s question, Ashimitsu raised the new model matchlock gun for everyone to see.

“This is a new model matchlock gun developed by me and Uncle Ashimitsu. It has an effective range several times longer than the current matchlock guns.”

The new model matchlock gun is based on the Sharps military carbine and incorporates the advantages of many guns such as the Enfield rifle and Winchester M1873 carbine. Its effective range is 830 meters, firing rate is 9 rounds per minute, weight is 4.6 kilograms, initial velocity is 420 m/s, and it uses a paper cartridge with only one bullet loaded from the rear. When using smokeless gunpowder, the initial velocity exceeds 600 m/s, but since lead melts, the gunpowder used is brown powder. The paper cartridge adopts the centerfire primer commonly used in modern times. After firing, the burnt residue of the brown powder adheres to the paper, reducing the dirt inside the barrel. With simple calculations, at least 9 people can be killed within a minute. With 100 guns, it is possible to kill 900 people in a minute. If aimed at enemies hundreds of meters away, it is possible to inflict significant damage before they approach.

However, using live ammunition with smokeless gunpowder causes the bullet speed to be too fast, resulting in lead melting. After firing a few rounds, it would be fortunate if it only caused a bullet jam, but in the worst case, it could cause an explosion and the barrel could burst, endangering the shooter. The solution to this problem is the full metal jacket bullet. However, the full metal jacket bullet takes time to process and is expensive, so it cannot be used as ammunition that needs to be prepared in large quantities. Therefore, the inferior brown powder and paper cartridge were used as substitutes.

“Is it complete?”

Nobunaga stands up vigorously while shouting. It seemed as if he could snatch the new model matchlock gun at any moment, and Shizuko instinctively flinches, but she clears her throat and receives the new model matchlock gun from Ashimitsu before he can say anything.

“The details are a secret, but I have devoted all the technology I have. We have imported some from Nanban, but they don’t seem to realize its value. However, thanks to that, we can obtain them cheaply, just like platinum, which is helpful.”

Platinum is a very expensive metal in modern times, but during the Age of Discovery, it was treated as fake silver and a large amount of platinum was discarded into the sea. The reason for this was that it was mistaken for silver, which was highly valued in Europe at the time, and looted and brought back, but it did not melt in the silver processing facilities. It’s no wonder, as the melting point of silver is about 960 degrees, while the melting point of platinum is about 1770 degrees. It is impossible to melt platinum, which is nearly twice as high, with silver processing facilities.

Of course, Shizuko is no exception, but she used the fact that platinum is very resistant to oxidation to her advantage and processed platinum. After processing it into powder form, she used the powder metallurgy technique to mold it into easily stored bars. Thanks to the story that Japan was buying silver that wouldn’t melt from Spanish and Portuguese merchants, a considerable amount of platinum was collected. Shizuko realized that they were being ridiculed by their behavior, but she didn’t mind as it was more convenient to be deceived. She could obtain a huge amount of platinum just by pretending to be deceived.

“For now, let me show you its performance. For that, I ask for your cooperation, Lord Akechi.”

“….Understood.”

After both sides finished their preparations, Nobunaga and the others moved to a test site to confirm the performance of the matchlock guns. There, targets for shooting were prepared up to a distance of 1 kilometer. Even though Shizuko herself did not have the shooting ability to hit a target 1 kilometer away, she prepared it to measure the maximum range.

“First, Lord Akechi, please.”

Mitsuhide, as instructed, aimed with the conventional matchlock gun and shot through a target measuring one shaku square (about 38 centimeters) from a distance of 21 ken (about 38 meters). Considering the performance of the matchlock gun and bullets at that time, it can be said that it was an astonishing skill. There was even a story that when he joined Asakura Yoshikage, he hit a target measuring one shaku square from a distance of 25 ken (about 45 meters), and Shizuko thought that it might not be a complete lie.

“As expected of Lord Akechi. Now, please witness the performance of the new model matchlock gun.”

Shizuko aimed with the Sharps gun and loaded it with a paper cartridge. The loading method was so different that Nobunaga and the others couldn’t understand what Shizuko was doing. However, before they could ask Shizuko, she pulled the trigger. In an instant, there was an explosion sound, and the target measuring one shaku square located 61 ken (about 110 meters) away shattered.

“Phew… (Ah, thank goodness. I’ve been explaining with such a confident face, so it would be embarrassing if I missed.)”

Shizuko let out a sigh of relief as she realized that she had hit the target, although it was not the planned target. However, Nobunaga and the others were not concerned about that. It was clear that she had hit a target at a distance of more than twice as far away. Moreover, it was a target that was in a straight line. Matchlock guns have spherical bullets, so they have a certain amount of power, but they tend to fly in all directions due to the left and right movement inside the barrel at the time of firing. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to shoot bullets straight. However, Shizuko’s matchlock gun easily accomplished it. It was no wonder that Nobunaga, who had been studying matchlock guns early on, was amazed.

“Ahem, as you can see.”

Shizuko coughed to change the atmosphere as Nobunaga and the others opened their mouths slackly. Finally understanding, Nobunaga tightened his expression and nodded lightly.

“I am convinced that we can defeat Takeda. Shizuko, produce as many of these matchlock guns as possible, and if there is a shortage of funds, I will provide as much as needed.”

“Yes!”

Nobunaga nodded satisfactorily at Shizuko’s response. Mitsuhide, Takenaka Hanbei, and Mori Yoshinari had their doubts, but there was no merit in questioning them at this point, so they swallowed their doubts. There was a possibility that even if they were explained logically, they wouldn’t understand. In any case, since Shizuko had obtained the budget from Nobunaga, she decided to manufacture the new model matchlock guns in earnest over the course of a year. Taking into account counterintelligence measures, she adopted a method of producing parts separately and assembling them at the end.

After that, they had various discussions and then disbanded. Shizuko became the de facto supreme commander of the Takeda campaign, but nominally, Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) became the supreme commander. Shizuko accepted Nobunaga’s opinion because there was a possibility that things would not progress if she was the one in charge. From now on, Shizuko would discuss strategies for the Takeda campaign with Takenaka Hanbei, utilize Mitsuhide’s matchlock troops, and train soldiers with Mori Yoshinari. It would be busy, but this battle would determine the fate of the Oda family, so they couldn’t afford to be half-hearted.

“I’m tired.”

Shizuko murmured as she massaged her shoulders. If the results didn’t match her confident attitude, she wouldn’t be able to face anyone. With so much to do, Shizuko felt a little down.

“Was it better to keep quiet about that story?”

Suddenly, Ashimitsu asked as they walked for a while. Shizuko understood what he was referring to and smiled wryly as she took something out of her pocket.

“I guess even if I say this is a secret weapon, you won’t understand, right?”

What Shizuko took out was a foldable umbrella that is commonly sold in modern times.

“We, Mitsu, and I, and Shizuko’s foldable umbrellas. We have enough.”

“That’s right. But why did everyone have foldable umbrellas? It’s especially strange that Mitsu-san had one.”

Ashimitsu’s face twisted in bitterness for a moment. It was unclear whether he didn’t want Shizuko to know something or whether Shizuko mentioned something he didn’t want to be known. One thing was certain, having three foldable umbrellas for Shizuko was just a question, but for Ashimitsu, it was a known fact that he didn’t want to inform Shizuko about. After calming his emotions, Ashimitsu casually placed his hand on Shizuko’s shoulder.,”It’s natural for anyone to have a folding umbrella in those times. It’s better to be prepared for anything.”

“Yeah, I guess so. Sudden rain is a common thing.”

Shizuko, who didn’t have much of a question, agreed with Ashimitsu’s words and put the folding umbrella away. Ashimitsu let out a small sigh in a position where she couldn’t see him, and muttered a word in his heart.

(I’m sorry, Shizuko. But I… don’t want to see you cry again.)

As late November approached, the cold became more severe and the time for outdoor activities became shorter. Due to the increasing number of people falling ill during the survey of the Mikatagahara Plateau, Shizuko was forced to cancel the terrain survey. After completing the survey, Takatora (Yokichi Toudou) returned, followed by Keiji and Nagayoshi, who had finished borrowing a camp. However, Shizuko’s house was under major renovation, so they were forced to stay in a temporary residence for Shizuko. Keiji, no matter where he lived, was still Keiji. The only complaint they had was that they couldn’t easily take a bath.

Shizuko obtained a verbal agreement from Nobunaga that the budget was unlimited, and she ordered a massive production of parts for each individual, ignoring the budget. The only thing left for Shizuko to do was to achieve results in the battle against the Takeda. All the factions were moving exactly as Shizuko had envisioned. Both Honganji Temple and Enryakuji Temple, the Takeda, Uesugi, and Tokugawa. At this time, all the factions were dancing in the palm of Shizuko’s hand.

While keeping an eye on the movements of all the factions, Shizuko wrote replies to the increasing number of letters that came during the winter. She thought it was because she spent more time indoors due to the cold, but it turned out that the recipients were timing their letters to be sent during the winter because they knew Shizuko would reply promptly.

“But it feels like I’m getting more and more pen pals…”

Hideyoshi, Takenaka Hanbei, Shibata, Niwa, Sassa, Maeda Toshiie, and others had been writing to her for a while, but recently she started receiving letters from famous warriors like Ikeda Tsuneoki, Sakuma Nobumori, Hayashi Hidesada, and Hori Hidemasa. Occasionally, she would also receive letters from completely unknown minor warriors, but they were usually well-known individuals within their own retainers. As if she had just remembered, Hosokawa Fujitaka sent her a thick booklet containing tanka poems about Turkish Angora. It was a first-class historical document, and anyone interested in that field would be desperate to have it. However, for Shizuko, it was a tiresome read and too long, so she was always amazed at how much he could write.

“Oh, did another letter come?”

Keiji, dressed in a kimono, called out to Shizuko and sat down nearby, taking a letter without hesitation. Shizuko briefly thought about privacy, but all the letters that reached her had already been censored, so there was nothing written that she would be troubled by if he saw it. It could also be said that she didn’t have the time to think about the large number of replies.

“If you’re free, please keep Lady Oichi company.”

“Hahaha, it’s impossible for me to keep up with that wild princess.”

After putting the letter back in its original place, Keiji waved his hand lightly and brushed it off. Oichi was quiet at first. Rather, she was too busy getting used to the completely different living environment. However, once she got used to it, she started showing interest in various things around her, just like Nobunaga’s younger sister. She would even go for walks alone at times, ignoring the words of the maids. Worried about her safety, Shizuko thought about sending a letter to Nobunaga to gently remind him.

“That’s just like Oichi. She’ll bear the responsibility herself. Let it go.”

However, the reply she received was short and it troubled Shizuko. From the letter, it could be understood that Oichi’s actions were not eccentric, but rather, it was her inherent personality. Understanding and accepting were two different things, but in any case, it was troublesome for her to wander outside on her own, so Shizuko ordered the gatekeepers not to let Oichi out.

“Even though we need to verify this year’s developments… it’s troublesome.”

Feeling a great fatigue, Shizuko unintentionally let out a small sigh.

Shizuko’s development plan was to acquire the budget from January to February, finalize the plans and place orders with the technical district by April. After that, Shizuko would accompany Nobunaga in military actions, so the progress would be left in the hands of others until the rice harvest in September to October. After the harvest, she would inquire about the progress of each plan and push for completion if there were delays. If they were completed, she would receive the verification machines and perform the final checks. If Shizuko’s verification passed, the plan would be officially completed, and she would handle the remaining tasks. This was the flow of the project, as Nobunaga’s military actions were concentrated from spring to summer. The reason Shizuko spent most of her time at home during the winter was because it was the off-season for farming and she had relatively more time for verification.

“Why did I think of making taiyaki and takoyaki makers, and Imakawa-yaki (also known as obanyaki or niju-yaki) makers? If I could go back in time, I would punch my past self.”

This year, the plans were for mirrors, magnets, sextants, rangefinders, sundial compasses, various circular slide rules, mechanical marine chronometers, and Stirling engines. Mirrors, magnets, sextants, rangefinders, sundial compasses, and various circular slide rules were just entering mass production, so there weren’t any major problems. It took time to stabilize the mechanical marine chronometers on ships, so they hadn’t even started making prototypes yet. The progress of the Stirling engines was mediocre as it was simply trial and error.

Despite that, there weren’t many problems, so Shizuko ordered additional glass for light bulbs. Then, for some reason unknown to her, Shizuko ordered the development of taiyaki, takoyaki, and Imakawa-yaki makers. Just recently, the verification machines had arrived, and Shizuko was at a loss.

“It would cause discord in the whole house, so it would be better not to make them.”

“My uncle was in the tsubuan faction.”

Keiji said with a laugh, but Shizuko was uneasy. After all, preferences for “anko” (sweet bean paste) were almost taboo. If they criticized other types of “anko” carelessly, it could lead to a thunderous response from the influential figures. This was evident in the “yokan conflict.”

In the “yokan conflict,” most people were divided into the koshian (smooth bean paste) faction and the tsubuan (chunky bean paste) faction. Mitsuhide preferred matcha, Niwa and Mori Yoshinari preferred yuzu, Takigawa Kazumasu and Sakuma, Hayashi preferred salt, and Nobunaga preferred chestnut. Among the two main factions, Shibata was the leader of the koshian faction, and Hideyoshi was the leader of the tsubuan faction, which consisted of easily quarrelsome individuals. It didn’t end there. Shibata’s close friend Maeda Toshiie joined the tsubuan faction, and Hideyoshi’s younger brother Hidenaga and Takenaka Hanbei were in the koshian faction, making it even more difficult for them to accept each other. When Hideyoshi learned that Hidenaga was in the koshian faction, he reportedly uttered words similar to when Caesar condemned his trusted Brutus for betrayal.

“Anything is fine for me. It’s important that it tastes good.”

“If only they could have been more flexible, we wouldn’t have had those arguments.”

The debate between the tsubuan and koshian factions, which still had no resolution in modern times, was not going to be resolved in the Sengoku period either, and the two of them were arguing even at the Owari-Mino Senryu (river poetry) competition organized by Shizuko.

“Well, it’s not a good day to make them. Chamaru-kun isn’t here, and he’ll probably get angry again if we make them.”

Perhaps because being left out in the previous salt kettle incident had greatly affected him, Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) had been shouting at Shizuko every time a package arrived, demanding to be invited next time. Therefore, if she made taiyaki while he was away visiting Nobunaga, he would definitely sulk. Since things could get complicated when he sulked, Shizuko hurried to Gifu. The content of the letter was just asking when Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) would be returning, but it would bring unfortunate consequences for Shizuko.

The next day, instead of a quick horse, a large amount of azuki beans and sugar were delivered to Shizuko. Feeling a bad premonition, Shizuko read the accompanying letter. The letter stated that Nobunaga, his family, and all the retainers would participate in a taste test. The reason for the large amount of azuki beans and sugar was to signify the participation of a large number of people. And then another problem arose.

“So you’re excluding me now, Shizuko?”

The one who delivered the azuki beans and sugar was none other than Nohime, who had not shown herself until now. She entered areas where no trespassing signs were posted without any mercy, as if she knew the place well. Although Shizuko didn’t have high expectations, it was somewhat frustrating that her efforts had no effect.

“It’s not like I’m excluding you…”

“Well, never mind. By the way, I heard you’ve been acquiring birds and playing with them. Is that oddly black bird one of them?”

Nohime asked while pointing at a certain chicken with a fan. The bird that Shizuko was currently fond of was a breed of chicken called ukokkei. As the name suggests, it had a unique characteristic of being completely black, down to its bones, unlike other chickens.,Its place of origin is still unknown, but historically, the Chinese breed is famous. In China, it has been treated as a sacred bird since ancient times. In the 11th century, it was mentioned in “Wu Liang Xiang Gan Zhi,” and in the 14th century, it was mentioned in “Dong Fang Jian Wen Lu,” making it an ancient breed. It has a completely different appearance from ordinary chickens, and it is black from its flesh, bones, and even its internal organs. Not to mention its meat, its eggs also have nutritional advantages that are distinct from regular chicken eggs, making them highly valued as medicine in various countries. However, due to its low egg production, the absolute number of eggs is small, so it is still expensive and is sold as a high-priced chicken egg and meat.

However, it is possible to select superior individuals from ukokkei chickens raised in multiple locations and crossbreed them to create a purebred ukokkei breed with a high egg production.

“Yes, they are chickens from a neighboring country. I have also acquired others.”

In addition to ukokkei chickens, Shizuko also acquired a Chinese local breed called Cochin. As the name suggests, Cochin chickens are large, with the broiler breed weighing about 2.5 kilograms, while Cochin chickens usually grow to 4 to 5 kilograms. The breed created by crossing Cochin chickens with Owari local chickens is the famous Nagoya Cochin. Shizuko acquired Cochin chickens to create a breed that is similar to Nagoya Cochin.

“And also, um… I have also acquired Satsuma chickens, dodos, and ostriches.”

Satsuma chickens are chickens raised in Satsuma. They have a long history and are said to have been raised since the time of Shimazu Tadahisa, a military commander in the Heian and Kamakura periods and the ancestor of the Shimazu clan. They have a fierce temperament suitable for cockfighting, but with their long black tails and bright red body color, they have a very beautiful appearance and are also kept for ornamental purposes.

Hichin chickens, one of the three major local chicken breeds in Japan, are said to have been created by crossing imported gamecocks (shamo) from Thailand with local chickens raised in the northern part of Akita Prefecture. However, as the location of northern Akita Prefecture was outside the influence of the Oda clan, it was deemed difficult to obtain, and Shizuko abandoned the plan to create a breed based on Hichin chickens.

On the other hand, the dodo is a bird that became extinct in less than 100 years since its discovery. Despite being a wild animal, it had very little wariness and would approach humans who saw it for the first time without any caution. As a result, predation by European settlers became common, and the introduced small animals became feral and began to attack dodos. In addition, there were multiple factors, such as nesting on the ground, that led to the rapid extinction of the dodo.

Based on records brought to Europe, it was believed that the dodo had a high adaptability to the environment, had good meat yield when slaughtered, and was easy to breed due to its docile nature. Following Shizuko’s expectations, it was confirmed that they had a relatively high adaptability to the environment. However, since there are hardly any records left, unlike other chickens, they are being kept in isolated places. Currently, it is known that they are highly wary only when raising their young, but otherwise, they are not afraid of humans and even approach them without any caution.

Lastly, there is the ostrich. The ostrich, the largest bird species, has astonishing vitality and adaptability to the environment. It is strong against injuries and diseases, and can be raised with just vegetable scraps from daily life as it is omnivorous. There are records of ostriches being raised as early as ancient Egypt, and they are useful not only for their meat but also for their skin and fat. As adults, they can withstand heat, cold, and high humidity, are resistant to infectious diseases, are quiet and docile, have no odor, have high reproductive ability, and do not engage in territorial disputes with others. There is no reason not to raise ostriches. Unlike other chickens, it takes nearly a year to raise them, but they can be fed mainly on grass and vegetable scraps due to their omnivorous nature. The only drawback is that due to their astonishing vitality, even if their heads are cut off, they do not die immediately, and their hearts continue to pump blood throughout their bodies at a speed of 60 km/h to support their lives.

Ostrich meat is known for its dense and delicate texture without any peculiarities. In other words, if left in the state mentioned earlier, the capillaries throughout the body that have been pumped with blood beyond their limits will burst, dyeing the meat completely red with blood. Once it reaches this state, the meat becomes too bland and delicate, and it becomes too bloody to be eaten. As a side note, in modern times, this phenomenon is avoided by putting them to sleep with carbon dioxide before slaughtering.

“I’ve never heard so many unfamiliar names.”

“Well, I’m collecting them for the purpose of breeding chicken varieties…”

Chickens have the advantage of having a short life cycle and requiring less time for breeding compared to cows and pigs. Most breeds are also easy to raise. Furthermore, compared to the ease of raising chickens, their nutritional value is also highly regarded. However, if there is one problem among the chickens acquired this time, it would be the ukokkei chickens. Ukokkei chickens have an exceptionally high nutritional value among chickens, but their black color tends to make them look unappetizing.

“Hohoho, I don’t know when it will be, but I’m looking forward to the taste.”

With just that, Nohime left briskly. Shizuko didn’t understand what was going on, but she soon realized that it was impossible to understand Nohime’s thoughts and decided to resume the ukokkei chicken farming work. However, her hands stopped immediately.

“I forgot. I heard you’ve been eating delicious food recently. And yet, you didn’t invite me. What kind of judgment is that?”

Nohime, who was supposed to have left, suddenly approached from behind, placed her hands on Shizuko’s shoulders, and whispered in her ear.

“Don’t forget next time, okay?”

Nohime warned with a slightly stronger grip on Shizuko’s shoulders. Shizuko nodded her head slightly, sweating coldly. Satisfied with her reaction, Nohime smiled and lightly patted her shoulders before leaving.