Great name!

Chapter 265 Leaving the Land of Right and Wrong
The Kuroda army didn't even have much fighting before the Mori army was driven into the sea cleanly and efficiently by the Tsuda clan, and their commander Ura Munekatsu was killed in battle.

Whether it was Kuroda Kanbei or other people in the Kuroda family, they all gasped at the fighting power displayed by the Tsuda clan.

"What a strong army. They can coordinate even when they are scattered."

"These are definitely elite troops who have been training for a long time."

"It's normal for Lord Nagatobu to be so arrogant. He is indeed a powerful army that has fought against the Takeda army."

At this time, the Tsuda clan had already begun to gather. Tsuda Naganobu handed the task of cleaning up the battlefield to Shima Sakon. He came before Kuroda Kanbei and said, "I will report to the head of the family the merits of Kuroda's advice and strategy in this battle."

Kuroda Kanbei was overjoyed. This time, he strongly advocated that the Kodera family fight against the Mori army, and he used all the savings and resources of the Kuroda family to fight this battle. Wasn't it just to show his own value?
If Tsuda Naganobu had praised Oda Nobunaga for his achievements in front of Oda Nobunaga, he would have definitely established a firm foothold in Oda Nobunaga's favor.

He quickly bowed to Tsuda Naganobu and said, "I will always remember the kindness of Lord Naganobu and Lord Jingzhao Yin, and I will repay you in the future."

Tsuda Naganobu remembered his father Nobutora's advice to him: Kuroda Kanbei is a talented person. Among all the talented people I have seen, Kuroda Kanbei can also be regarded as a first-class talent.

Although the master of the family has appointed Monkey as the general to fight against the Mori army and is in charge of Sanyo Road, Kuroda Kanbei will work under him at that time.

But we are not without the opportunity to win over Kuroda Kanbei. Such a talent, even if he is not one of ours, can still become our ally.

If they become our enemy, they will be our most troublesome enemy.

Thinking of this, Tsuda Naganobu said to Kuroda Kanbei, "My father mentioned the Harima incident to the master of the family, so my father will naturally be responsible for it.

You have made a great contribution, and telling others about it will show that my father has a keen eye.

Lord Kuroda, you have great talent and should not be limited to Harima. As long as you continue to work hard and follow the Oda family, I think you will be successful in the future."

Kuroda Kanbei was somewhat touched. He nodded and said, "I will keep Lord Changxin's good advice in mind. If Lord Jingzhaoyin needs anything, I will do it."

Naganobu smiled and nodded, then withdrew his troops and returned to Himeji Castle with Kuroda Kanbei to rest.

At this time, in the castle, Kodera Masatoki was a little uneasy. After all, there were 5,000 Mori troops, and the Mori family was very powerful. Both the Ouchi family, the overlord of that time, and the Amago family, the governor of ten countries, had been destroyed.

Their Kodera family has been in Harima Province for generations, but they are just a small force, so he was naturally trembling with fear.

Ogawa Mikawa-no-kami below could see the panic of Kodera Masatoki, and he comforted him, "Don't worry, Master. Oji Castle is easy to defend but difficult to attack. We still have a thousand soldiers guarding the castle. The Mori army has come from afar and it will be difficult to capture it."

Kushibashi Sakyochika said quickly: "Our army can hold out for a few days, and then take advantage of the situation to negotiate and surrender. If the Mori family asks for punishment, we can completely push all the responsibility onto Lord Kuroda."

Although Kodera Masanori is indecisive, he is not as without bottom line as Kushibashi Sakyochika.

He did not respond, but asked directly: "According to Kanbei's battle plan, the war has already started by now, right?"

Ogawa Mikawa-no-kami glanced at the sun outside and replied, "The fog has almost dissipated. According to Lord Kuroda's plan, it is almost over now."

Kodera Masashi immediately said, "Send someone to investigate the situation right away."

At this time, Kuriyama Zensuke came over with a samurai and shouted, "I am Kuriyama Zensuke, a retainer of the Kuroda family. I am here to report on the orders of the master of the family that our army has defeated the Mori army and that the Mori army has escaped by boat.

The chief general of the Mori army, Uramune, was killed on the spot by the general of the Tsuda clan, Lord Shima Sakon! "

Upon hearing this, Kodera Masamoto immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Ogawa Mikawa-no-kami congratulated Kodera Masamoto with a happy face, while Kushibashi Sakyochin had a stern face and was not in a good mood.

Kodera Masatoshi smiled and said, "Well done, tell Kanbei that I have prepared a celebration banquet."

Kuriyama Yoshisuke immediately left Gozaku Castle and rode back to Himeji Castle on a fast horse.

At this time, Tsuda Naganobu and his companions had just returned to Himeji Castle to rest. Kuroda Kanbei looked at the sun and said, "There's no need to worry too much. We can still make it to the banquet."

Tsuda Naganobu waved his hand and said, "There is no need for a celebration banquet. The war in the capital is more important. I still have to go back to report."

When dealing with vassal states like Kodera Masafuki, one must take a tougher attitude.

He stood up and was about to leave. He took two steps, then turned around and said, "Lord Kuroda can consider sending a hostage to the Oda family. My father will protect him then."

Kuroda Kanbei immediately understood the meaning of this. He bowed and said, "Thank you, Lord Jingzhao Yin."

Tsuda Naganobu did not stay in Harima, but immediately led his troops to leave Himeji Castle and return to Wakae Castle in the capital.

Nobunaga and Nobutora saw Tsuda Naganobu return victoriously, and Nobunaga was the first to ask, "How did it feel to fight against the Mori clan?"

Tsuda Naganobu recounted the war in detail from beginning to end.

After hearing this, Oda Nobunaga shook his head and said, "The Mori army is weak like this. It poses no threat to the main family."

Nobutora reminded: "Master, the navy of the Mori family is very powerful, we must be careful."

Nobunaga smiled and said, "What are you afraid of with the navy? My Oda navy has more than 300 ships and nearly 10,000 people, which is not inferior to the Mori army."

Xinhu did not refute. No matter how you talk about this kind of thing, it can never compare to the actual situation.

Now Oda Nobunaga has ordered the navy to blockade Osaka Bay, thus cutting off Honganji's connection with the Mori family on land and sea.

It was this blockade that led to the first Battle of Kizugawaguchi.

Unlike in history, the Oda clan's navy innovated their tactics, adding new firearms such as large cannons and iron cannons, and no longer relying on traditional rocket launchers and boarding battles.

As for the navy of the Mori family, it was mainly equipped with iron cannons, and also added new firearms such as roasted iron cannons.

Of course, the biggest gap between the two armies is the quality of the troops and their tactics.

Nobutora had no choice but to say, "It is better to be careful. Now Honganji has joined forces with the Mori family to be our enemy. In addition, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki is in the Mori family. Ashikaga Yoshiaki will definitely contact others to besiege our Oda family. This will be a new round of encirclement."

Nobunaga also became serious at this time. He asked: "Do you think the lords in the east will join?"

Nobutora nodded and said, "The master of the family expelled Ashikaga Yoshiaki, and this action has angered Uesugi Kenshin of Echigo. After all, he is the Kanto Kanrei recognized by the shogunate.

This man is a conservative who wants to restore the system of the heyday of the shogunate. If Ashikaga Yoshiaki calls on Kenshin Uesugi to come to Kyoto to serve the king, Kenshin Uesugi will not refuse. "Nobunaga heard this, thought for a while, nodded and said: "If Kenshin Uesugi goes to Kyoto, he should go to Hokuriku. Now Gonroku is attacking Kaga, and there are only Noto and Echigo left in Hokuriku, and then Echigo. It seems that we still have time."

Xin Hu asked, "Is the master so sure?"

Nobunaga laughed and said, "If I didn't have this confidence, how would I dare to fight for the world?"

Nobutora nodded and said, "Indeed, now that the situation in the capital has stabilized, I plan to return to Iwamura Castle to guard against the Takeda family.

Although the Takeda family suffered heavy losses, Ashikaga Yoshiaki and Honganji Hideyoshi will still contact Takeda Katsuyori. Even if Takeda Katsuyori does not send troops to attack the Oda family, I am afraid he will invade the Tokugawa family. "

Nobunaga didn't know why Nobutora had to go back to Iwamura Castle, which made him a little angry, so he replied, "Well, then you go back."

Nobutora bowed and left Hiroma.

Afterwards, Nobutora left Wakae Castle with Tsuda Nagatobu and several thousand soldiers from his headquarters and returned to Iwamura Castle.

When Sakuma Nobumori learned that Tsuda Nobutora had left, he said to his retainers, "I think Tsuda Nobutora is becoming less and less useful."

Shortly after Nobutora left, Nobunaga ordered Sakuma Nobumori to form a large army to attack Honganji Temple, and at the same time ordered the navy to blockade Osaka Bay.

In Honganji, Kenshin ordered Shimomana Nakataka and others to guard various places, and at the same time sent people to break through the blockade and go to the Mori family for help.

The Mori clan lost thousands of men and a general in Harima, and also damaged the reputation of the Mori clan. This defeat was a loss of both the wife and the army.

Now that Honganji has asked for help, Mori Terumoto will naturally send troops.

He said to his uncles Yoshikawa Motoharu and Kobayakawa Takakage: "In the Battle of Harima, the veteran general Ura Munekatsu was killed by Tsuda Nobutora's men. The prestige of my Mori family was greatly damaged. Many lords of Harima have defected to the Oda family. This is very disadvantageous to my Mori family!

My army cannot cross the Ukita family and enter the capital, so I plan to send my navy to fight. I want to let the Oda family experience the power of my Mori navy.

This battle is a battle of revenge. We must avenge our previous shame and tell the world that our Maori family will never give up so easily! "

Kobayakawa Takakage lost a great general, so he naturally wanted revenge. He immediately supported Mori Terumoto's decision. After analyzing the situation, Yoshikawa Motoharu thought that they had a great advantage in this battle, so he agreed.

Subsequently, the Mori family formed a navy, led by Kodama Norihide, Nomi Munekatsu, Murakami Motoyoshi, Kami Michimasa, Awaya Motonobu, Iguchi Kagemori, Inoue Harutada and others, with seven or eight hundred large ships that sailed through the Seto Inland Sea and appeared on the Osaka sea route. The purpose of the Mori navy was to defeat the Oda clan navy by water and deliver military supplies to Ishiyama Honganji.

At the same time, Mori Terumoto also arranged for Iida Yoshitake to contact Ishiyama Honganji, and Kagawa Hirokage and the Sugimoto family attacked Kizu Castle and Hanakuma Castle, but were blocked by Sakuma Nobumori, so they turned to Kodama Nobuhide to join forces.

In order to completely control Osaka Bay, the Mori army sent Tarobei Danchi and Kagamori Kanno into Iwaya Castle in Awaji Province.

This time, the Mori family’s navy sent out all its main forces.

As for the Oda clan, the navy formed a fleet consisting of Manabe Shichigozobei, Numano Dennai, Numano Iga, Numano Okumamori, Miyazaki Kamadaofu, Miyazaki Kanamesuke, Amagasaki Obata clan, and Hanakuma Noguchi clan to fight, but the Oda clan had only more than 300 warships and was at a disadvantage in terms of both number of people and ships.

Even so, the Oda navy chose to defend at the mouth of the Kizu River.

Before the outbreak of the naval battle, in order to cooperate with the Mori family, the Ikko Ikki in Eda Castle near Osaka took the opportunity to attack Sumiyoshi and try to take over the port. Sakuma Nobumori, who stayed behind in Tennoji, led his troops to attack and fought fiercely with the Ikko Ikki.

After the Honganji Ikki went to war with the Oda clan, Kodama Norihide, who learned the news, acted decisively and immediately ordered the navy to attack the Oda navy.

Oda naval general Manabe Shichigosanbei immediately led his troops to fight against the Mori army.

The Oda clan adopted the strategy of long-range attack with firearms and achieved many results in the early stage. Dozens of the Mori clan's ships suffered heavy losses.

However, the general of the Mori clan, Kodama Norihide, immediately used his signature skills. He took advantage of the large number of ships in his own navy and launched the wolf pack tactics.

A large number of Kobayashi ships attacked quickly and rushed into the gaps of the Oda navy's fleet, using roasted jade and fire arrows to shoot at the ships and burn the Oda navy's ships.

The Noshima navy also bundled up firewood, set it on fire to create smoke, and threw it at the Oda army's ships, then attacked while the Oda army was choking on the charcoal smoke.

Immediately afterwards, the Murozu navy under the command of Suzuki Magoichi of the Saiga clan suddenly rushed out and attacked the Oda navy from the side.

The Oda navy was trapped in siege and suffered a crushing defeat. Generals such as Manabe Shichigozobei, Numano Iga, Numano Dennai, Noguchi, Obata, Miyazaki Kamadao, Miyazaki Kanamesuke and most of the naval soldiers were killed in the battle.

Of the more than 300 ships, only one in ten survived.

Oda Nobunaga originally wanted to go to support, but on the way he received the news that the navy had suffered a disastrous defeat. He cursed Manabe Shichigosaburo for his incompetence.

But things had come to this point, and he had no choice but to retreat back to Ruojiang City.

After returning to the castle, Nobunaga remembered Nobutora's reminder.

He said to himself, "I regret not listening to Tiger's advice at the beginning."

This was indeed enough to make Nobunaga regret. He besieged Honganji in the hope of trapping the temple to death and leaving it without water and food.

However, the Mori navy defeated the Oda navy and dominated the entire Osaka Bay. Food and supplies could be delivered to the Honganji Temple unimpeded, and Oda Nobunaga's siege plan failed.

Unless the Oda army can regain control of the sea in Osaka Bay, the Oda family will have to continue to consume resources in Osaka.

Nobunaga had no choice but to write a letter to Nobutora in Iwamura Castle to discuss how to deal with the Mori family's navy.

Nobutora received a letter and learned that the Oda navy was defeated again, but compared with the losses of the Mori clan in history, the losses were negligible. This time the Mori clan lost 20%.

Although the Oda clan suffered heavy naval losses in Osaka Bay, there was still a navy led by Kuki Yoshitaka in Ise Bay.

Nobutora then wrote back: “The navy under Kuki Yoshitaka can still fight, but our army must develop a tactic to counter the Mori family’s tactics in order to win.

I read the detailed report of this battle. The Mori navy relied on small boats to launch surprise attacks and set fires to our army.

To counter this tactic, I think we can build a batch of warships that are not afraid of fire, such as covering the Ataku ships with a thin layer of iron, so that we don’t have to worry about the Mori family setting fire to them. "

The ironclad ship was a solution that Nobunaga came up with after much thought, and this time, Nobutora used it directly.

(End of this chapter)