Great name!

Chapter 264: Contradicting Nobunaga
Sakuma Nobumori happily took over the position of the commander-in-chief in the attack on Honganji Temple and obtained the seven countries and forces. At this point, his strength surpassed that of Nobutora.

He said to Nobutora with great pride, "I didn't expect that Lord Jingzhao Yin would also back down. But it doesn't matter. The Lord of the Family now knows that old ministers like me are the pillars of the Oda Family."

Nobutora chuckled and said, "Sakuma-sama is so confident. I really hope you can still smile in the future."

Listening to Nobutora's harsh words, Sakuma Nobumori felt a little uneasy, but he was the head of the family now, and it was impossible for him to admit defeat. He said stubbornly: "Heh, Lord Jingzhao Yin, are you cursing the Oda family with these words?"

Nobutora said with a straight face, "Oh, what do you want, Lord Sakuma? The head of the family is right here, you can complain directly."

When Nobunaga saw this, he said angrily, "Okay, Sakuma, do you still have time to argue here? Hurry up and think about how to defeat Honganji!"

Sakuma Nobumori snorted coldly and then retreated.

Nobunaga then looked at Nobutora and said with some dissatisfaction: "You don't think this battle will be a success?"

Nobutora did not hide anything and said directly: "Honganji is very powerful and it is not something that can be taken down overnight. Moreover, Honganji can join forces with the Mori family, and they also have the help of the Negoro clan and the Saiga clan in Kii. I think this battle will take several years.

If you want to defeat Honganji, you must cut off his wings and surround him to defeat him."

Nobunaga responded and asked Nobutora to retreat.

Now Oda Nobunaga has stabilized the situation in the capital, but the enemy has not yet calmed down and is planning to send troops to fight against the Mori clan of the Oda clan.

The Mori family was furious when they learned that the Kodera family had surrendered to the Oda family. Ankokuji Eike pointed out that if the Kodera family was allowed to continue staying in Harima, other lords of Harima might defect to the Oda family.

If Harima fell into the hands of the Oda family, the connection between the Mori family and Honganji would become difficult.

At the suggestion of Ankokuji Keike, Yoshikawa Motoharu and Kobayakawa Takakage agreed to send troops to attack the Kodera family.

Because Harima was in the Sanyo Road, which was under the charge of Kobayakawa Takakage, Kobayakawa Takakage sent his naval admiral Ura Munekatsu with 5,000 troops to land at Eigaura, the territory of Miki Michiaki, preparing to attack Himeji Castle two miles away and Gokaku Castle behind it.

The reason why Miki Michiaki agreed to the landing of the Mori army was because Miki Michiaki's family had a close relationship with Honganji. The Mori family's attack on Harima was to help Honganji, so Honganji Shonen was naturally willing to provide help and convenience.

Eigaura under the rule of Miki Michiaki was actually a free city governed by the officials of Honganji Temple, so the Mori army landed here.

The news that the Mori army was going to land on Eigaura was learned by Kuroda Kanbei at the first time. He was shocked to learn that the enemy had 5,000 troops. You know, the maximum number of troops he could mobilize was 500, and including the Kotera family, there were only 1,500 people. However, Kotera Masatoshi would definitely retreat and defend the city.

Kuroda Kanbei knew that he could not rely on his lord, so he had to send people to ask the Oda family for help.

It is not far from Harima to Wakae Castle, and a fast horse can get there in one day.

At this time, Nobunaga had just fought a hard battle with Honganji and suffered heavy losses. He was still thinking about gathering troops to attack Honganji and had no time to take care of Harima, so he did not meet the envoy from the Kuroda family for help.

When Nobutora learned of this, he immediately went to see Nobunaga and said, "I can send a thousand men to Harima. Even if all of them die, the reputation of the Oda family can be guaranteed."

Nobunaga said unconcernedly, "Even if I don't help them, what can we do? Harima still belongs to the Oda family after all, Nobutora, we must make a choice."

Xin Hu still insisted: "I will let Chang Xin lead the troops."

After that, he left and met with the envoy of the Kuroda family, saying: "I will send a thousand soldiers to support Kanbei. Whether he can win depends on him."

Afterwards, Naganobu left with 200 regular soldiers, 800 Ise soldiers, and two powerful generals, Shima Sakon and Todo Takatora.

When Kanbei asked the Oda family for help, changes occurred within the Kodera family. Originally, Kodera Masatoki wanted to surrender to the Mori family, but he surrendered to the Oda family after being persuaded by Kuroda Kanbei.

Now that the Mori family's army is attacking, retainers such as Ogawa Mikawa-no-kami and Kushibashi Sakyochika, who originally wanted to surrender to the Mori family, naturally took the opportunity to instigate Kotera Masanori.

As Kodera Masaharu was wavering, he had no choice but to call Kuroda Kanbei to discuss the matter.

Kuroda Kanbei looked at the others and immediately said, "The Mori army is nothing to worry about. I have already asked the Oda family for help, and the reinforcements will arrive soon."

Kushibashi Sakyochika raised his lips slightly, looked at Kanbei with provocation, and said confidently: "Kanbei, you are still talking nonsense. Honganji defeated the 30,000-strong army of the Oda family before. The Oda family suffered heavy losses and could not take care of themselves. How could they come to support us? Master, you should immediately submit to the Mori family!"

Kuroda Kanbei immediately retorted: "But the Oda clan defeated the enemy with fewer troops at Tennoji Castle. Master, we should wait and see how the Oda clan reacts. If we surrender now, we will be looked down upon by others in the future.

Moreover, if we submit to the Mori family at this time, they might put forward some harsh conditions!"

Kodera Masamitsu was a conservative ruler, and when he heard that he might have to cede territory in exchange for peace, he began to hesitate.

At this time, a warrior shouted: "Report, an elite army appeared outside the city, more than a thousand strong!"

When everyone heard this, they hurried to the city walls to see what was happening.

Kuroda Kanbei saw the familiar flag and laughed, "Hahaha, it's the troops of the Tsuda family. Lord Jingzhao Yin is here to support us!"

Kodera Masatoki asked hurriedly, "But is it Tsuda Kyōjoin Shintōden?"

Kuroda Kanbei nodded repeatedly.

Kodera Masamoto did not dare to be careless, and hurriedly took Kuroda Kanbei out of the city to welcome them.

The leader of the army was none other than Tsuda Naganobu. He rode forward, sat on his horse, looked at Kodera Masanori and Kuroda Kanbei, and said, "I am Tsuda Naganobu, son of Tsuda Kyōjoin-dono, the patriarch of the Oda family. Following my father's orders, I am leading a thousand soldiers to support the Kodera family. Who are you two?"

Kodera Masatoki was a little unhappy looking at the arrogant Tsuda Nagatoki, but when he saw the elite soldiers and brave generals behind Nagatoki, he still said honestly: "I am Kodera Masatoki, the lord of Mikoshi Castle."

Kuroda Kanbei also saluted and said, "I am the elder of the Kodera family and the lord of Himeji Castle, Kuroda Takataka. I would like to ask you, with the Mori army of 5,000 men, how can the governor of Jingzhao be assured of your coming?"

Tsuda Naganobu smiled and said, "That depends on your ability. Father said that we will follow your command.

Lord Kuroda, please don't underestimate my thousand men. They are elite soldiers who have experienced several major and fierce battles.

Have you heard of Takeda Shingen? These 1,000 men followed my father in the Battle of Mikatagahara and fought against the Takeda army. To be frank, what is there to be afraid of with only 5,000 men from the Mori clan? "

Kodera Masatoshi listened and couldn't help but be shocked. Such an elite force was enough to defeat any lord in Harima.

Kuroda Kanbei was overjoyed. He was worried about his insufficient military strength. Now with the support of such elite troops, he had enough confidence to defeat the invading Mori army!
He quickly signaled to Kodera Masashi to invite the other party in.

Koji Masayuki stepped aside with some frustration to make way. Changxin squeezed the horse's belly, and the warhorse snorted and moved forward slowly.

Kushibashi Sakyochin, who was at the city gate, gritted his teeth and said, "Damn it, who is this guy? Why is he so arrogant?"

Ogawa Mikawa-no-kami also said with a sullen face: "How presumptuous! He doesn't take our Kodera family seriously at all."

The people behind were also complaining.

Tsuda Naganobu didn't even look at them and went straight into the city, followed by the Tsuda clan behind him, who followed in orderly steps. Kushibashi Sakyochin and the others shut their mouths when they saw the well-trained Tsuda clan. Compared to the Tsuda clan with standard equipment, the army of the Kodera family was like a mob.

Kuroda Kanbei, who was watching from the side, quickly said to Kodera Masatoki, "Master, please don't be angry. This young man is not only the son of the famous general Tsuda Kyōjoin, but also the son-in-law of Lord Nobunaga. He has a great background."

After hearing this, Kodera Masatoki looked at the elite Tsuda clan and his expression eased a lot. He laughed dryly and said, "I understand. It's just youthful vigor."

Soon, the group returned to Honmaru Hiroma, and Tsuda Naganobu sat opposite the group.

He asked directly: "When will the Maori army arrive?"

Kuroda Kanbei said quickly: "According to the time, we will probably reach Yinggaura by this evening."

Chang Xin nodded and asked again: "What are your plans?"

Kushibashi Sakyochika snorted and said, "You are so powerful, do you still need a battle plan? Isn't it just to defeat the Mori army head-on?"

Tsuda Naganobu glared at Kushibashi Sakyochin and shouted, "What nonsense are you talking about? I'm only here to support you. Is there no one left in the Kodera family?"

Kodera Masanori immediately shouted, "Sakyoujin, get out of here!"

Kuroda Kanbei hurriedly added: "Lord Naganobu, please calm down. I have already made a preliminary plan. I intend to create a false impression of defeat for the Mori army, let them relax their vigilance, and then launch a surprise attack on the exhausted Mori army in the early morning.

Then we can deploy deceptive troops, spread flags and drums, shout and frighten the enemy from all sides, so that the Maori army will mistakenly think that our army has a large number of people. What do you think, Lord Changxin?"

Upon hearing this, Tsuda Naganobu looked up to Kuroda Kanbei and nodded, saying, "Well, this plan is good. I will cooperate with you and launch a surprise attack on the Mori army in the early morning.

As for the false attack, there is no need for that. Our army's sneak attack is enough to defeat the Maori army."

When Kodera Masamoto heard that they could drive away the Mori army, he felt relieved and a smile appeared on his face.

After the deliberation, Tsuda Naganobu led his troops out of Gochaku Castle and returned to Himeji Castle with Kuroda Kanbei.

All the people from the Kuroda family went to the city gate to welcome them.

Arriving at Himeji Castle, Tsuda Naganobu smiled and said, "I heard that many people in the Kodera family are still loyal to the Mori family, so I can only give them a warning first. Lord Kuroda will not blame me, right?"

Kuroda Kanbei praised directly: "Lord Changxin's wisdom is already comparable to that of Lord Jingzhao Yin. Your show of power has really helped me a lot.

Lord Changxin, are you sure that we can defeat the Maori army this time?"

Tsuda Naganobu said sternly: "Lord Kuroda, originally Nobunaga-dono didn't want to send troops to support Harima, but my father asked me to come here for the sake of the reputation of the Oda family.

You can rest assured that this battle is not only for your Kodera family, but also for the reputation of my Oda family."

Kuroda Kanbei felt helpless, this is the tragedy of small forces.

He quickly calmed down and arranged accommodation for Tsuda Naganobu. He also used his family savings to entertain the Tsuda people.

However, even though Kuroda Kanbei spent hundreds of kan and emptied his family's savings to entertain the Tsuda clan, all the Kuroda family could provide was some dried fish, radishes and tofu.

Tsuda Naganobu and others did not complain, but they still took out the prepared lunch boxes and invited Kuroda Kanbei to eat with them.

Soon it was evening, and Kuriyama Yoshitsugu, who was in charge of gathering information at Eigaura, ran back and reported to Kuroda Kanbei: "The Mori army has landed at Eigaura."

Kuroda Kanbei immediately asked, "What did they do after they landed?"

Kuriyama Zensuke said a little aggrievedly: "When the general of the Mori army, Ura Munekatsu, heard that there were only 500 people in Himeji Castle and only 1,000 people in Goji Castle, he didn't take us seriously.

He ordered a day's rest and asked the Miki family to prepare some drinks. I think they're going to celebrate tonight."

Kuroda Kanbei was overjoyed when he heard this. It seemed like God was helping him win.

He immediately told Tsuda Naganobu the good news.

Tsuda Naganobu chuckled and said, "Oh, the general of the Mori family is so incompetent? Or is it the Mori family that is incompetent? Sakon, let me rest and set off at midnight!"

Kuroda Kanbei also quickly ordered his troops to get ready.

At four o'clock in the morning, Tsuda Naganobu and Kuroda Kanbei arrived at the forest near Eiga River with their troops. At this time, there was a layer of white fog inside and outside Eiga River.

They did not rush to attack, but waited until daybreak, when the fog had thickened.

Tsuda Naganobu stood up and said, "Lord Kuroda, send out the troops."

Kuroda Kanbei nodded, waved his military uniform, and shouted, "Go!"

"kill!"

Shima Sakon and Fujido Takatora were the first to lead their troops into Eiga Urauchi. The Mori army on the periphery was still hungover, and it was not until the Tsuda tribe broke into the camp that the Mori army woke up.

"Enemy attack!"

The Mori family foot soldiers behind him screamed in fear.

Pu Zongsheng in the main camp was awakened, and he quickly stood up and shouted: "Assemble, assemble, counterattack!"

Shima Sakon heard Ura Munen's cry and shouted, "The enemy general is there, kill him!"

Ura Munekatsu thought that Shima Sakon was an unknown general, so he immediately brought his troops to attack. Shima Sakon shouted loudly and attacked Ura Munekatsu himself.

Ura Munekatsu immediately raised his spear to engage in the battle, but after only three rounds, he was stabbed to the ground by Shima Sakon, and two samurai stepped forward to cut off his head.

"The enemy general Uramongatsu has been captured by our island's left flank!"

"Oh!"

The Tsuda people nearby shouted loudly.

When the Maori army saw that their commander had been killed in battle, they fled in terror, and many of them boarded the boats and escaped.

Kuroda Kanbei looked at the fleeing Mori army and asked in surprise, "How could the Mori army be so vulnerable?"

(End of this chapter)