Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi lays in his bed. His failing health was hidden well, but now he can no longer lift his heavy body to fight. His dream came so close, but he cannot hold onto life forever. His time has come and he will accept it. Slowly his eyes closes. His one last wish is for Japan to finally defeat Korea, but that wish will never be realize.
In his final moments, he appoints his son as the next heir. Lord Toyotomi did not understand that his will to conquer Korea would lead to the weakening of his clan. Not only that, but his and his brother lord Hidenaga's death causes a burden on the two sides of the clan. Conflicts grew and lord Hideyoshi's heir is not recognize as the heir.
During the conflicts between the clan, lord Tokugawa took action and seize all rights as shogun. He declares that he would take over the legacy of unifying Japan which was pass from lord Oda to lord Hideyoshi. This anger many of the people from the Toyotomi clan and they plan to assassin lord Tokugawa.
The plan was unsuccessful and many of the Toyotomi clan loyalist were force to pledge their loyalty to lord Tokugawa. Only one oppose him, Uesugi Kagekatsu. Lord Tokugawa demand him to return to Kyoto to state his reasoning, but one of lord Uesugi's chief adviser mocked lord Tokugawa and thus lord Tokugawa lead an army to attack the Uesugi clan.
Ishida Mitsunari seeing this as a opportunity, decides to attack lord Tokugawa from the west. Lord Tokugawa leaves his post to attack the Uesugi clan to Date Masamune and returns to challenge lord Ishida.
On the day of the battle
I did not understand how, but I stand on this battle field just a mere soldier of the eastern army. I know no one and no one knows me. A soldier who has no rank, but lord Tokugawa trust me. He once approached me knowing that I am the son of one of his loyal retainers.
He said to me, "You are young and ambitious, but do not throw your life away carelessly."
I looked at him and saw in his eyes the sadness he did not want to show. I nod my head in return to assure him of my safety.
Lord Tokugawa returns to his position at the front and yells, "I know that you all are willing to throw your life away, but do not carelessly throw it way. Value your life and return safely."
With his final words, we all ready ourselves for the battle.
Here we are readying ourselves
No comments:
Post a Comment