NOVEL WEB Chapter 217.1
Chapter 217.1. The Coup
Ashikaga Takauji was relaxing in his room with sake after returning home from a night party. He could faintly hear the chirping of crickets from the garden, signaling the end of summer as he sipped from his sake cup.
“Once Obon is over, it’ll be autumn again… Another year older.”
His birthday was in September. He planned to celebrate grandly this year too, but at his age, he couldn’t help but worry about how many more years he had left.
Humans are such greedy creatures. No matter how much luxury one indulges in, what they ultimately seek is not money or power. It’s health and longevity, which even a child can possess.
“I want to live a little longer to ensure my son’s generation is secure…”
Looking up at the sky through the window, he noticed it was a new moon night. No wonder it was so dark outside, he thought as he poured more sake from the bottle into his cup.
“Passing power to my son, Yoshimitsu… Hm, he’s competent enough, but his surroundings…”
Takauji’s son, Yoshimitsu, was skilled in politics and capable. His open-hearted and magnanimous personality made him popular among those around him, so he held the position of Prime Minister.
However, he was not beyond competent. In peaceful times, he would be more than qualified to head the family…
“How did warlords during the Sengoku period solve such dilemmas…? He’s needlessly talented with a sword. Even though I named him Yoshimitsu…”
Takauji sighed, placing his sake cup on the floor with a bitter smile. His son Yoshimitsu was nicknamed one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokyo. If he hadn’t been born into the Ashikaga family, he might have fought on the front lines of a dungeon. Hence, he was liked by military personnel.
There wouldn’t be a problem in peaceful times. However, now was a time of chaos; annoyingly, there were cunning individuals beyond competence.
Amano Sakimori, the king of the abandoned, who built a large force this year. Taira Masako, the witch of the Taira clan, who lulls those around her into complacency with her gentle demeanor only to manipulate them. Minamoto Kurou, who appears to be silent but steadily secures his share. Oda Nobuhiro, who operates behind the scenes.
Just thinking of these four monsters, Yoshimitsu would struggle to counter them. If I die, he might fall from the seat of the Three Families.
“But… it’s pointless to think about what happens after I die… My son has his life, and my grandson has his. It might be the flow of the world for us to fall…”
In this age of conflict, there’s no point in worrying about what happens after one’s death, he thought, standing up to go to bed.
“Hm?”
Hearing gunshots outside, he narrowed his eyes in caution. Was it a dungeon? Did one appear nearby?
If so, there should soon be an announcement or the butler would report it. He waited without panicking, but the distant gunshots grew closer, and explosions followed.
The mansion became noisy, indicating something unexpected had happened.
Opening a drawer, he took out a pistol, dressed, and prepared for any contingency. It might be a needless worry, but just in case.
Then, he heard rough footsteps approaching, and the sliding door was abruptly opened.
“Father! There’s a rebellion! The military is attacking this mansion! According to the subordinates’ reports, we’re already surrounded by troops!”
“A rebellion? Is this Honnoji? And which unit?”
Looking at the man who barged in with a bitter smile, Takauji saw a man about two meters tall with a muscular build that threatened to burst his clothes. His beard was trimmed short, and his face was that of a fierce warrior. The butler following him was staggering, holding armor with a mirror-like surface.
“They’re carrying banners! Five clove leaves on a triangular background, claiming to be from the Miyoshi clan!”
“Sengoku era indeed. Miyoshi Nagayoshi… Has he lost his mind? How many troops does he have?”
“Surprisingly many! They’ve spread throughout the city. We hadn’t received any information about a potential rebellion!”
Yoshimitsu shouted while putting on armor, causing Takauji to frown and think.
“I haven’t heard any rumors either… It’s strange. If the Miyoshi clan had such plans, I would’ve heard… And stop shouting. I can hear you.”
The Ashikaga clan has long arms. If a coup were brewing within the city, information would have certainly come through, but there was none. Highly unnatural. If Miyoshi Nagayoshi were that smart, he wouldn’t have started declining.
Takauji wondered if the Oda clan was involved but doubted they would attempt something so forceful. Nobuhiro is cautious. A coup would be too high-risk. The Taira and Minamoto clans do not need a coup as they already hold power.
Realizing there was no point in pondering, he focused on dealing with the current situation.
“Can we escape? Any reinforcements?”
“Communication seems to be jammed! We can’t contact the military, so escaping will be difficult. We’re surrounded so tightly that not even a rat could slip through! The enemy is numerous, and the guards report their movements are different, likely due to skills!”
“Such highly skilled soldiers in large numbers… Miyoshi Nagayoshi…”
Fuming at his inability to prevent the coup, Takauji bit his lip.
“Father! Grandfather! The enemy is infiltrating gradually!”
Running up with loud clattering steps was his grandson, Yoshiaki, dressed in red samurai armor and holding a vermilion spear. Guards followed him, some carrying automatic rifles, others with spears, swords, or blades. Yoshiaki looked like a young warrior, making Takauji smile.
“When did I time travel to the Sengoku period, eh?”
Magically enchanted weapons are far stronger than guns. Recently, with modifications from Serika Kamiyo, some could even withstand armor-piercing rounds. Hence, despite their anachronistic appearance, there was a reason for wearing them, but it still made Takauji smile wryly. It looked like a period drama set.
“Father! Let’s fight like Sengoku warriors! Let’s show the enemy that Ashikaga is here!”
Laughing heartily, Yoshimitsu’s men chuckled, easing the tension of the battlefield. Takauji thought Yoshimitsu was indeed more suited for the military than politics.
Checking his pistol’s magazine was full, he shrugged and looked around. Everyone had determined expressions, none showing fear.
“Alright. Let’s show the enemy that messing with Ashikaga means pain!”