Winter 1530 Clan Meeting

As the peasants finished the last of their harvest, the first flakes of snow began falling. Into the crisp winter air, The Daimyo’s call once again went forth for his advisors to meet. With hot sake and rice cakes before them, they gathered to lend their thoughts to the coming year ahead.

“My Generals,” he said, “This year past has been good. Kyushu is ours. What remains, is to decide how the taxes will be spent, and whether we will immediately repay Mori for his treachery in Nagato, or to punish the Filthy Ronin who pollute Tosa. (ed. Note: is this the right province name?) First, to the taxes. What do we have in our treasury at this time?”

General Shoni Sukemoto then spoke: “My lord, the peasants have done an excellent job this year. Accordingly, you have 1900 koku in your treasury at this moment.”

As the Daimyo nodded at this pleasant news, Shimazu Yoshihiro stepped forward to join the conversation. “Noble Daimyo, the dishonor Mori has done us in Nagato is great, but we could also gain much koku by taking the province of Shikoku. There is a silver mine there, and that koku would be much help to raise further troops.”

General Ijuin Shigenobu(Vanya), who had brought much fame to his banner already, disagreed. “The Ronin are worthless. Against us, Tosa would surely fall, followed by Awa. With those provinces in hand, we could then focus our energies on Mori. In the meantime, we should reinforce Buzen, so that he does not think he can continue his attack against us.”

“Your emissary stands ready to go to Tosa, if that is your wish,” said Akizuki Toshisue (Voodoo Child).

“One moment, please, My lord,” said Shoni Sukemoto (Maltz), as he stepped forward and bowed. “Lord Mori is weak now, but his strength will grow if allowed to go unchecked. I say we take Nagato once again. I will volunteer to stand at the border of Bungo against any move by the Ronin, but I would request that a unit of Samurai Archers be sent as well, as reinforcements. If we take Nagato, we will rock Mori on his heels, and can then move to Suo, Iwami, and Aki.

“That is well thought,” said Ijuin (Vanya), but what of the strength of Mori there? Does he still have 240 men waiting for us? We should try to match that, but do we currently have enough men in the field?”

“No, my lord,” said Shoni (Maltz), “general Akizuki’s spies have told us that there are now but 140 men there!”

“Then we should pig stick Mori for his betrayal!” stated Ijuin (Vanya).

“If it be so, My lord, then I will immediately send the emissary to Nagato, to ensure the accuracy of our reports,” followed Akizuki (Voodoo Child).

Shimazu Iehisa(Terezawa), who had remained silent thus far, then spoke: “I agree with this course, My Lord. Let it be done.”

After hearing the words of his councilors, the Daimyo nodded, and spoke his orders: “I would have it thus: Ijuin, you are to retake the province of Nagato. Punish him for his treachery, and I will personally reinforce Bungo, lest the Rinin take it in their heads that we are weak. As for our peasants, how best can they be put to use?”

Shimazu Yoshihiro spoke again: “We should construct a Sword Dojo, that our warriors better know the way of the sword. I also think we should construct a Tea House, perhaps in Bungo, as we have discussed?”

“Then we will need to build a fort in Bungo. The Sword Dojo should be built in Satsuma, as it is our main point for training troops at this time. What of the Castle in Hizen? Did it survive the assault?” asked General Ijuin(Vanya)

“The improvements to the castle will not be done for just under two more years,” said Akizuki (Voodoo). The peasants there can begin the construction of the Sword Dojo then. I need a place to recruit men of the shadows now, though, and I would have a Tea House built intead in Hizen, as the Castle there did survive, so we could begin immediately.”

“I agree,” said Shoni(Maltz), “since the cost will be cheaper, as there is no need to construct a Castle from scratch, as there would be in Bungo”.

Iehisa(Tera), though deep in his sake, roused himself again, and nodded his agreement to the plan.

Their meeting being finished, and with much work to do, the clan went forth once more, to bring honor and a united Nippon to the Daimyo of Shimazu!