Great name!

Chapter 304: Honnoji Temple on June
On the afternoon of June 1st, the tea party was over, and Nobunaga said to Nobutora: "I will tell the court tomorrow that my Oda family is going to open the Kaifu, and I will be the regent."

Nobutora said directly: "Then let the head of the family live in Nijo Palace first, so that the court can be mentally prepared."

Oda Nobunaga thought about it for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, I'll tell Nobutada later."

Nobunaga was in a good mood. He smiled and asked, "Will you stay in Honnoji tonight?"

Xin Hu waved his hand, turned around and said, "Forget it, forget it, I'm going to go see my daughter and grandson, you can play by yourself."

Xinhu is walking so fast, you are about to be roasted, should I stay here and wait to die? Slip away.

Nobunaga looked at Nobutora who was running very fast and sighed.

Mori Ranmaru said, "Nobunaga-dono, can you please go back to Jibu-dono after I go down?"

Nobunaga waved his hand and said with a smile: "Forget it, Nobutora is just lazy. I could use my status as the head of the family to suppress him before, but now it's not possible.

It’s no use for me to ask, I’ll let Nobutada ask him later.”

Nobunaga then turned around and went to find Oda Nobutada.

Nobutora first returned to Myokaku-ji Temple, which was the residence of Oda Nobutada.

After a while, Oda Nobutada came back. He followed his father Nobunaga's instructions and moved his base to Nijo Palace.

Nobutora also moved his things to Nijo Palace.

He had gone into seclusion, and was followed by less than two hundred elite warriors, who were pulling dozens of carts carrying a pile of boxes to the Nijo Palace.

Oda Nobutada looked at it and asked curiously, "What is this thing that father-in-law is pulling?"

Nobutora grinned and said, "Nothing, just some cannons. You know, I am the best at using cannons in the Oda family.

Back then, Imagawa Yoshimoto, the daimyo with a million koku and the best archer in Tōkaidō, was killed by my cannon."

Oda Nobutada was also a few years old at the time, so he naturally had an impression of this incident. He remembered that his mother Kicho gathered all the samurai women in the city to defend the city.

"I remember that my mother was holding a naginata and gathered the women to defend the city. I was also holding a wakizashi. It was not until the afternoon that we received news of victory from the front and we breathed a sigh of relief."

Oda Nobutada was full of emotion.

Since Nobutora changed the subject, Nobutada didn't ask about the box anymore.

The news that Oda Nobutada had entered the Nijo Palace soon reached the ears of the imperial court and the emperor.

When the emperor knew that the Oda clan was going to open up, he was actually relieved. After all, last year Nobunaga wore the clothes of the Tang Dynasty emperor, and he thought Oda Nobunaga was going to kill him.

After hearing the good news today, he can finally sleep peacefully.

Let the war begin. No matter whether it is the Genji or the Taira clan, it has nothing to do with him who becomes the general. Whoever wants to be the general can do it.

The emperor immediately summoned the regent and prepared the imperial edict to appoint the Oda family as the shogun.

In the evening, Oda Nobutada went to Honnoji Temple for a banquet, while Nobutora stayed in the Imperial Palace.

In the study room of the courtyard, Nobutora looked at Ishimaru Hachiro in front of him and said, "Have you arranged people to travel from Tamba to Kyoto?"

Ishimaru Hachiro nodded and said, "Reporting to the hermit, everything has been arranged. People have been arranged for both the main road and the small road. They are all the fastest runners in the mountains."

"Well, there must not be any mistakes this time."

He looked at the two powerful generals, Shima Sakon and Todo Takatora, and said, "Tonight, you should let everyone get some rest. Once you get the signal, immediately transport the cannons to the city and guard the key positions."

Shima Sakonwa was surprised and asked, "Master Hermit, what's going on? Are you on guard against Tamba because you're worried that the Hyuga guards will rebel?"

Nobutora rubbed the ring in his hand and nodded, "Yes, it's correct. Akechi Mitsuhide will definitely come."

However, Akechi Mitsuhide went to the Atago Shrine and composed that waka poem. The timeline did not change, and he did not agree to join forces with Kicho to rebel. Akechi Mitsuhide had no way out, and he was scared by Oda Nobunaga and wanted to rebel!

There were only about a hundred people around Nobunaga, and he had spread this news to Akechi Mitsuhide, which would definitely cause Akechi Mitsuhide to rebel.

As for Oda Nobutada, he came here after learning that Oda Nobunaga was in Kyoto. Akechi Mitsuhide had no idea that Oda Nobutada was in Kyoto until he arrived in Kyoto and discovered Oda Nobutada.

It was just an accident that Akechi Mitsuhide rebelled and wiped out the father and son of the Oda family.

It was because of the killing of Oda father and son that Akechi Mitsuhide saw the hope of reaching the summit. He hurriedly contacted Hosokawa and others, but unfortunately few people responded.

As for Hashiba Hideyoshi, he arrived slower than Oda Nobuo and Niwa Nagahide, but Oda Nobuo and Niwa Nagahide failed to defeat Akechi Mitsuhide, allowing Hashiba Hideyoshi who arrived to reap the spoils.

It is not certain who will pick the peaches this time.

Nobutora had arranged everything and was just waiting for Akechi Mitsuhide to arrive.

He sent his retainers away and sat in his study with his eyes closed to rest.

Time passed little by little, and soon it was the early morning of June 2nd.

Akechi Mitsuhide led his army to the Katsura River outside Kyoto.

Here, turn south to Sakaimachi, and go east to Kyoto.

Akechi Mitsuhide sat on his horse, and retainers such as Akechi Mitsuharu looked at the head of the family.

Mitsuhide narrowed his eyes, pointed the whip in his hand in the direction of Kyoto, and shouted: "The enemy is in Honnoji!"

"Oh!"

Akechi Mitsuharu and others raised their hands and roared, then they immediately turned their horses around and led their troops towards Kyoto.

At one o'clock in the morning, Akechi Mitsuhide led his troops into Kyoto. A scout in front of him shouted, "Report! Our spies sneaked into Kyoto and found the Oda army under Nijo-no-miya!"

Akechi Mitsuhide was a little surprised. Who else from the Oda family came to Kyoto?
He immediately asked, "Where is Monomi Bantou? Have you found out who is at Nijo Gosho?"

Soon, a scout came forward and said, "Report! We have sent people to inquire. The people living in the Nijo Palace are Oda Nobutada and Tsuda Nobutora! There are a thousand soldiers in the palace!"

When Akechi Mitsuhide heard the news, his whole body trembled with excitement. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
He immediately deployed his troops. Akechi Mitsuharu led the vanguard to attack Honnoji Temple where Oda Nobunaga was staying, Akechi Haruzaemon attacked Nijo Palace, and he himself stayed at Sanjohori River, ready to provide support at any time.

At 1:30 in the morning, Akechi Mitsurugi's team arrived outside Honnoji Temple. He drew his sword and shouted, "Shoot!"

A team of archers immediately fired rockets at Honnoji Temple.

Nobunaga's attendants, who had already heard the noise outside, stood up to check. As soon as they stood in the yard, rockets were shot at them, and several unlucky guys were hit and fell to the ground.

"Enemy attack!"

"Go and protect Nobunaga-dono!"

"Hold on, go forward and hold on!"

Upon hearing the news, Mori Ranmaru hurried to the bedroom where Oda Nobunaga was resting and shouted, "Nobunaga-dono, excuse me!"

Nobunaga stood up and shouted, "What's going on?"

Mori Ranmaru was shaking with anger, and he shouted in a low voice: "It was Yuito Hyuugama-no-kami who rebelled!"

Oda Nobunaga was stunned. At this moment he remembered what Nobutora said: Isn't Nobunaga afraid that Akechi Mitsuhide will rebel?
"I see."

He turned and picked up a knife.

Mori Ranmaru was still there saying, "Akechi Mitsuhide is such a bastard!"

Nobunaga strode out and said, "It's not about right or wrong. Follow me."

Nobunaga walked to the front yard with Mori Ranmaru. His attendants were still fighting desperately. He immediately picked up a heavy rattan bow and shot an arrow at the climbing Akechi Ashigaru.

It was a pity that there were too many enemies and the attendants had no time to put on their armor. More than a hundred people were about to be wiped out.

Nobunaga already knew that there was no chance, so he said to Mori Ranmaru: "Let the others hold on for a while, you follow me."

Oda Nobunaga retreated to the backyard. He didn't want to be humiliated, so he lit a fire and then committed suicide in the fire. Mori Ranmaru killed several people in the backyard, and then was attacked by more than a dozen spearmen and stabbed to death on the spot.

……

In Nijo Castle, a dark shadow entered Nobutora's study.

"Master Hermit, Akechi Mitsuhide has come to Kyoto."

Xin Hu heard this and immediately opened his eyes, stood up and said, "Come and report at the right time!"

He looked at Shima Sakon and Toudou Takatora and said, "Go and prepare quickly."

At this moment, the attendants immediately brought the Nanbando and asked Nobutora to wear it.

Soon, Oda Nobutada sent Mori Shinsuke, who shouted, "Jibu-dono, the enemy is attacking Kyoto, and the Honnoji Temple where Nobunaga-dono is staying is on fire!"

Xinhu nodded and said, "Where is the master of the family?"

Mao Li Xinjie replied: "The master of the family is arranging for Madam Beidian and His Highness the Young Master to leave first, and we will stay to defend the city."

Xinhu nodded and strode out.

When he walked to the backyard, he saw Adong and the three wizards who were about to leave.

Xinhu didn't say anything, just nodded.

Oda Nobutada said goodbye to his wife and children, and came to Nobutora and said, "Father-in-law, I'm afraid Akechi Mitsuhide has rebelled, and she should be near Kyoto today.

We can't leave anymore. Akechi Mitsuhide will definitely block all the roads. Adong and the others can still hide in the palace."

Nobutora patted Oda Nobutada on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Akechi Mitsuhide can't take the Nijo Palace, I'm here."

Oda Nobutada forced a smile, then asked worriedly, "I wonder how father is doing?"

Xinhu frowned and pursed his lips and said, "Now, let's just accept our fate."

Oda Nobutada nodded and climbed the city wall with Nobutora. He was a little surprised to see the personal guards guarding Nobutora on the top of the city wall holding medium and large barrels.

Xinhu laughed and said, "Haha, I didn't expect to use them."

Oda Nobutada didn't think much about it. He smiled and said, "My father-in-law's unintentional action may save us."

Nobutora nodded and whispered, "I have arranged for the ninjas to go to Settsu for help. As long as they can hold out for half a day, reinforcements will arrive in Settsu."

After hearing this, Oda Nobutada became even more confident.

"The enemy is coming!"

The warriors on the tower shouted loudly.

Oda Nobutada and Nobutora looked towards the street and saw a large number of torches and foot soldiers holding water-colored bellflower flags appearing on the street in the distance.

“It’s Mitsuhide Akechi!”

Oda Nobutada said through gritted teeth.

Nobutora looked at Shima Sakon and shouted, "Sakon, bring them closer and fight them!"

Shima Sakon nodded and said to the Ōtsutsu team, "Ōtsutsu team, attack within a hundred steps."

Soon, the Akechi army was getting closer and closer to Nijo Palace.

"Big Gun Team, fire!"

"Boom boom boom!"

Several large guns immediately opened fire, and the Akechi army in front instantly let out screams.

Akechiji Sagoro was startled and shouted, "Move forward quickly!"

"Come on!"

"kill!"

The Akechi army immediately shouted to boost morale and launched a charge.

They braved the bows and arrows and cannons from the top of the city walls, and rushed towards Nijo Castle carrying shields, bamboo bundles and ladders.

The Akechi army not only attacked one side of Nijo Castle, but also besieged the castle on all sides with thousands of troops.

Nijo Castle was separated from the Imperial Palace by a street. At this time, the nobles nearby and the emperor in the palace were all awakened. The nobles did not know what was going on outside, so they all ran towards the palace.

Inside the palace, the emperor asked his attendants, "Where did the fight start?"

Prince Makoto brought Adong and Sanposhi, who had come to seek refuge, to the palace. He immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Akechi Mitsuhide is rebelling and is attacking Honnoji Temple and Nijo Castle!"

"Ah? How could this be? How could this be?"

The emperor's tone and expression were not so exaggerated. Since it was an internal strife in the Oda family, it would not affect the royal family.

Moreover, he knew that Akechi Mitsuhide was originally a retainer of Ashikaga Yoshiaki, and later became an important official of Oda Nobunaga, and had a good relationship with the imperial court.

He frowned and looked at A-Dong and the three wizards, and snorted.

Adong was calm and composed. He just hugged the third master with a stern face and didn't say anything.

The emperor asked curiously, "How come you, a weak woman, are not panicking?"

A-Dong saluted and replied, "My father, Jibu-dono, is a famous general with many victories. How can Akechi Mitsuhide, with only 10,000 soldiers, defeat the thousands of elite soldiers under my father's command?"

"Ah?"

The surrounding nobles were all confused. Did you make a mistake? Akechi Mitsuhide had ten times more troops than your father Tsuda Nobutora!

The emperor naturally knew that the Jibu-King that Adong was talking about was a man who had been in charge of Kyoto, and he was also a famous general named Tsuda Nobutora who was personally recognized by him.

The emperor was shocked by Adong's aura, and his attitude towards her became better for a while.

"Oh, haha, it's true that a tiger father will have a dog daughter."

The emperor gave a mild compliment, and the palace fell into an eerie silence.

Time passed bit by bit, the fire in Honnoji Temple burned more fiercely, and the fighting in Nijo Castle continued.

Oda Nobutada felt a pain in his heart when he looked at the fire in the direction of Honnoji Temple.

"Father!"

He screamed, then spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted.

Fortunately, Nobutora was quick-witted and quick-handed and held back Oda Nobutada.

He turned around and shouted, "Don't panic, with me, Tsuda Nobutora, this city is as solid as a rock!"

As time went on, the fighting on the city wall became more intense.

At Sanjokawahori, Akechi's main camp, scouts came forward and shouted, "Report, Honnoji Temple has been breached, Oda Nobunaga is caught in the fire, and his life or death cannot be confirmed. Lord Samasuke has led his troops to support Lord Saemon!"

Upon hearing the news, Akechi Mitsuhide breathed a sigh of relief. Oda Nobunaga was probably dead. Now, as long as he killed Oda Nobutada and Tsuda Nobutora, the Oda family would be finished, and the world would belong to me, Akechi Mitsuhide!
"Report!"

Behind them, a scout came running and shouted, "Report! Master, a group of soldiers are coming towards us from the direction of Settsu!"

Akechi Mitsuhide stood up and yelled, "Nonsense! The Tsuda family has no troops to support us. Their main force has already gone to Shikoku!"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible, this is fake news!"

(End of this chapter)