your always welcome

"Thank you for your trouble."
Katsu said thank to Yamaoka.
　
"Please do not mind.
I wasn't able to live up to your expectations.
I did not meet to his main disciple.
And his family also seems to have evacuated from the Edo city already."
Yamaoka replied.
　
"Where they took evacuated?"
　
"Soma.
Because his leading disciple Tomita Takayoshi is Soma samurai.
Than anything，Tomita is his son-in-law."
　　
If it was Tomita， might come up with something good wisdom for that issue.　
I was told so..
However，Tomita is a key figure in Soma clan.
Currently meet him it would be impossible."
　
"I see.
Thanks again."
katsu said so.

"Your always welcome.
I am also a Tokugawa vassal.”
Yamaoka laughed.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　


Sankinkotai.
Of course lord not to travel alone.
Although depending on the size of its clan，there was the case of two or three thousand people scale matrix.

This matrix had moved slowly in a dignified manner.
Because dignity of lord was very important.
Of course this was mere move of every other year.

Although depending on that travel distance,there was the case that cost several thousand ryo consuming.
(Several million U.S. dollars?)


Of course they had a mansions in the Edo city.
There was many vassals reside there.
　
Their salary.
Upkeep of the mansions.
(This mansions were on several places in the Edo city.)
Companionship as lords.
etc.
This costs was also heavy.

Prestige of lords in Tokugawa regime.
It was determined by rice yields in their territory.

Also they were ordered to public works from the Tokugawa regime by that number.
Of course they had to bear that cost.


・・・・・・・・・
　

Its financial resources.
Therefore，financial resources of the lord of this era.
It was a rice tribute of farmers as a land tax basically.
(And sales income of that rice.)

Rice at the time.
It was weak to changes in climate.
Famine occurred often.
(I think rice cultivation around the world it was like this.)

The actual tax revenue changed by it.

When the Great Famine.
Of course there was no tax revenue.
In this case, lords ran the remedy.
Of course this cost was took.

financial resources

"The enemy might raid to the Sendai city directly."

The about 15 km south of the Sendai city.
There is Arahama there.
Abukuma river leading to the sea there.　
　
Hirakata was a main port of that time japanese ships.　
The about 150 km north from there.
Next main port was Arahama.　　


・・・・・・・・・　


And there was a thing to be concerned about further.
The about 20 km northeast of the Sendai city.
There is Ishinomaki Bay there.
Kitakami river leading to the sea there.　
(It is a tributary now by the flood control work.)

Ishinomaki was the base port of export of rice in Sendai clan.
In this era,it became base port in the northern Ōu region.
Storage facilities had been developed.
Army provisions had been accumulate here.
And defense facility of Ishinomaki Bay was not enough at that time.
　
"We celebrates Imperial prince in the Sendai city."
Also they had this plan.　
　
"Our troops are concentrated in front now.
This is bad."
　

・・・・・・・・・　

　
Another serious problems were present.
Season was early summer.
Shipment of rice was over already.

This period, therefore rice was not left much to the rice storage warehouse.
It was natural.
But it was still a large amount.

New Year beginning of this year，there was a battle of Toba Fushimi.
(Lunar calendar)　

"Subdue Aizu."
Mid-January，there was this instruction to the Sendai clan.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
Lords territory and the Edo city.
Nationwide lords lived in shifts by one year for the security of the Tokugawa regime.
This system was called ”Sankin kotai”.　
　
There was a vassal to them naturally.
As result the Edo city was a population of 1 million people or more.

But this system was became titular already.
Population of Edo dropped dramatically.
And the Edo city became the enemy territory.
　
Main financial resources of their was collapsed.
　

walking

"At about the same time Hirakata,the enemy troops was landed in Kashiwazaki of Echigo."
After a while，there was this report.
Link of two operations，it was clear.

”Enemy troops departed from Edo Bay.
Destination unknown.”
There was also this report from spy of the Edo city.

"Our information transmission is slower than the enemy operations."
This was a threat.

Telegraph of the UK at that time.
It did even reach only up to Ceylon yet.

Traffic of the information by the steam ship was the main way of Western countries in Asia.
West Japan had become so already.
(also include the Tokugawa navy.)

But the main means of communication for them.
It was walking.

And south from Shirakawa was exist many checkpoints of new government.
Communication was not easy.


・・・・・・・・・
　

Of course they also use ships.
However，it was in the river mainly.

If we go by ship to Edo from Ōu region.
We must go around the Boso Peninsula. (current Chiba)
This place was too dangerous place in Japan ship at the time.

”Distress of the ship occurs too.
We should make the canal to Edo from the front of the Boso Peninsula.”
Couple of decades ago、Tokugawa had this plan.
But before the start of construction this era came.
　
Also voyage of the ship too was dependent on the weather.
That uncertainties were too many to be used in a modern strategy.
　
"Modern steamboat is not the case."　
When the Japanese were using it as their enemy，they might had feel keenly for the first time.　
 

・・・・・・・・・
　

"Above all，the enemy has the command of the seas."

Parachute troops deep into enemy territory.
This landing operation was not the case.
Landing had been performed on the safe area.
　
Kashiwazaki of Echigo.　
Its located is west of Nagaoka.
New government troops had occupied Nagaoka Castle already.
　
"But they no need to frequently port call.
They can landing anywhere."
　

share the same fate

"Prevent the entry into Ōshū Kaidō of landing troops."
This was the issue of their emergency.

"If we allowed it.
Supply lines of Shirakawa attacking troops become cut off.
And become a pincer."

River named ”Abukuma River”.
This river was flowing to Sendai along this road.
Also it had been development as a traffic route.
(as transport of rice mainly.)

So large-scale supply was possible.


・・・・・・・・・

　
Of course ”X” has a distorted shape.

If I write it exaggeratedly
Lower right of X.
It is ”つ”.

The Pacific Ocean side location of the same latitude with Shirakawa.
It was Taira on 20 km north of Hirakata.
It was also territory of Taira clan.
(current Iwaki)
　
This road become about 40 km mountain road in earnest from here to Miharu.
In other words，Taira is sub gate of the Ōu region.
(It is not door of house)

"If the enemy is beyond this place,it's that allowed to break into premises of Ōu region."
They did build a defensive line here hurry.

Of course，their troops was insufficient.

　
・・・・・・・・・　
　　

This is a digression.
This Taira is place name.

Aside from this， there is famous Taira clan.
This taira is family name of samurai.
Mid-12th century，they laid the foundation of samurai regime.

Their representatives, Taira no Kiyomori.
His life was broadcast as a TV drama last year.
(Starring Matuyama Kenichi san.)
　

over sea

New government troops have succeeded in landing in nonresistance.　

Because Ōu people lacked the perspective of the sea.　
It was never the case.
　
Sendai clan in particular.　

Harvest rice of Sendai clan.
It was accounted for significant part of the consumption of rice of Edo city.　
This rice was taken to Edo city by ship.
　
Therefore seaway had been developed already in this era.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　

Also 250 years ago from this time.
Date Masamune of the first lord of Sendai.　
He build a Western-style sailing ship.
And he sent envoys to the Pope of Rome.
　
The ship crossed the Pacific Ocean.　
And arrived in Acapulco harbor.
　
Then they crossed the Atlantic in a ship of Spain.
They were able to audience with the Pope.

However、in the meantime，significant conversion of policy had been performed in Japan.

Prohibit of Christianity.
After this this developed into the implementation of the policy of seclusion.

Prohibition of entry into Japan of foreigners.
And of course prohibition of departure of the Japanese people.

Foreign countries are over sea for the Japanese people.

Ships which has open ocean voyage ability.
Prohibition of that build.

This prohibition had been thorough by Tokugawa regime.
As result Japan ship was became the ability to sail only along the coast.
This voyage was also influenced considerably by the weather.


・・・・・・・・・

　

Lord having the economic strength having a modern navy in Ōu region.
It was Sendai clan at that time.
(Aizu was exist in inland.)

The upheaval that caused by release of seclusion policy.
It was all happening at the west Japan.

Sendai clan had taken the distance always against this upheaval.
It was naturally.
The political center had moved to Kyoto already.
It was far from Sendai.
And its situation was too unstable.

People of Sendai was able to maintain the peace by it.
At the same time，they were delayed conclusively awareness of the era by it.

When Second Choshu subjugation，Tokugawa Navy also ran the landing operation to the Choshu territory.
It was not a unknown operation for Tokugawa.

However，their strategy plan was biased inland.
It was a strategy plan of 300 years ago.

The peace of 250 years by seclusion policy.
It was also the stagnation of 250 years.
Their strategy had been established by thought of that time.
As with early Choshu and Satsuma.

New government troops have succeeded in landing in nonresistance.

Landing from over sea of Japanese people troops.
Seclusion of Ōu might was over at this time.

lightning war

"Enemy troops that landed in Hiragata.
They will go around to the rear of us.
It's no doubt."
Of course they predicted it.

"At first we recapture the Shirakawa Castle of entrance of Ōu region."
This report was shortly after their operations have been initiated.

Few days ago，new government reinforcements arrived in the Shirakawa Castle.
The Shirakawa castle had been enhanced steadily.

”It's a good trend.”
However,they thought so at that time.

"This operation run by our main force.
However，this is also diversionary tactic.
We will attracted the attention of enemy to the Shirakawa Castle."

This operations had been carried out in Ōshū Kaidō along.　
(About meaning of ”Ōshū Kaidō” is ”the main road of Ōu region”.)

There is highland on west of this road.
This highlands are protruding like cape.
There is Nikko at the midpoint of this highland.

”Ｗ”
Vertex in the middle is the Shirakawa Castle.

"Aizu troops advance to Nikko at a stretch.
Current，forces of Tokugawa of Kanto is gathered at there.
They join."

There was the Utsunomiya Castle in the plains of east of Nikko.
Utsunomiya is entrance of Kanto.
There is also new government rear base.

”They capture the Utsunomiya Castle as lightning war.

Also Shirakawa and Utsunomiya is the entry and exit of the corridor.
The enemy troops of Shirakawa.
It is their main troops.
They are orphaned by it.

Retreat，destruction and surrender.
They will be forced to this selection.

And we will further going south.

Tone River that flows through the middle of the Kanto plain.
Advance our front to this river line.
It is first our goal."

"However.
Our operations were taken its behind by enemy at all."
They understand that.

(maybe)

"Enemy troops landed in Hirakata."
When Ōu alliance tried to launch an attack against the Shirakawa Castle，this report was delivered to them.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・


"x".

”/”
If we thinks Shirakawa is this low point, Sendai is this top point.
 "/" is twice as long in an upward direction than  "\".

This another top point is Aizu、and this another low point is Hirakata.
Although its main part was through in the mountains，there was also road here.
(Incidentally，if you go straight from Aizu，you will arrive to Niigata port.)　
　
The center point is current Koriyama city.
It was a territory of Nihonmatsu clan at that time.
Miharu clan were also present in this center area.

They were advanced to Sukagawa as a rear base Miharu and Nihonmatsu.
Sukagawa is 10 km south of Koriyama.
There was on the middle of Shirakawa and Koriyama.


・・・・・・・・・
　

Japanese Haiku.
５・７・５
The universe of 17 characters.

Probably that influence was not strong than Chuck Berry san.
After the Beatles,Haiku seems to had influence the lyrics of John Lennon san.
(maybe)

Matsuo Basho who was a representative of haiku.
200 years ago from this time， he was traveled Ōu region.
After sightseeing of Shirakawa，he stayed at a friend's house of Sukagawa.

"You would have made ​​a haiku in Shirakawa.
Please tell me your haiku."
Basho was asked so from Sukagawa friend.

"Shirakawa is the entrance of another world.

I thought its emotion of the people of ancient.
And I noticed，same emotion had been filled also in me.
I was not able to make a haiku by too much impressed.
Elegance is Shirakawa.”
And they laughed.

Shirakawa attacking troops of Ōu alliance.
And now，they were gathered in Sukagawa.

preparation

"I know what!"
Ernest said on the fly.

"Probably Ogasawara Nagamichi being in your enemy side?
It was the time of negotiation with the Tokugawa after the Namamugi incident.
Official document that I translated it with responsibility first.
It was his writings.
　
Diplomatic personnel of the Tokugawa at the time.　
They did not the point at all.
We were made to frustrating always by them.
　
However，they continued to refuse to interference in the internal affairs by foreign countries.　　

Mop-up of your opponents by our cooperation.

This offer was exist to the Tokugawa from back then.　
I think can trust them."　
　
"It is necessary that Ōu alliance also adjust the appearance of the government.
Head is necessary for this."
During their meeting with the foreign merchants，this agenda came out.
There was this information. 　

And now，Imperial prince were present in the Ōu region.


・・・・・・・・・


Each commander of the government forces.
Appointment of royalty to it had officially determined.

"I will also go to the front line as soon as possible."
Saigo said to Omura.
　
"Sorry.　
You are person who should stay to headquarters."
　
"Please do not mind.
I am honored whiffler of royalty.
Preparation of operations than that?"
　
"Is going well.
　
Enemy warship of Echigo.
Satsuma warships eliminated it.
　
Its enemy warship is tokugawa navy originally.
They do not own the Navy.
　
Also enemy troops are not deployed in Hirakata.
Tokugawa navy of Pacific Ocean side has been control by the Enomoto.　
They can not interfere with our operations.
　
We run operations as scheduled."　
　

shaking hands

"Do not need you to worry about.

I think fairyland does not exist in the world.
So Japan also is no fairyland.

Current，Japan's the time that must be changed for Japan.

Old time is pass.
New time be come."
Omura said resolutely.
　
"I appreciate to your consideration.
We should not let violation of service regulations you."
And he laughed.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
"Tokugawa is one local monarch.　
Japan should be transformed to a federal system that the head of the Emperor."　
Ernest had announce this sentence to the Japan Times.
(Incidentally this was violation of service regulations of diplomatic corps.)
　
It was the time when the flow of Japanese society is not yet clear.
This sentence became a reputation.
　
”British theory” （eikoku saku ron）
Finally it had been translated and published in this name.
　
(Maybe British Ambassador did not know this fact.　
Ernest had been able to read Japanese.)
　
After that，people who have an interest in the UK and Ernest had increased.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
"If Japan aims to change the political system，it may prove to be a civil war.
When it became a reality，what should the United Kingdom do?"
Often Ernest was asked like that from Japanese people.
　
"The UK will neutral."
He answered so always.
　
"It mere public stance.

The UK has the interests in Japan.
The UK should do not want to lose it.
　
Convenient force to the interests of The UK.
The UK to cooperate with it and let win.　
　
The UK should want to do so.　
What is real intention of The UK?"
Often he was also asked like that.　

"Because it，The UK will neutral."　
He said resolutely.
　
"If the UK has to interfere in the internal affairs of Japan.
The situation in Japan will surely get worse.
As result，the UK will lose own interests.
The UK is not chosen such a stupid act."
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　

"In the future, please give us appropriate advice."　
Omura shaking hands with smile.

teenage emotion

"We also bought weapons for the Tokugawa overthrow.
Can not blame them. "
Omura laughed.

"Cancellation of neutrality would required to obtain the Stonewall.

They are only government of Japan.

Therefore we would required this approval of other countries.
In order to do so，after all we would required a decisive advantage against enemy."
And he said so.　
　
"I know what you mean.
However・・・.

I can not organize well the feeling.
I think this is a inconsistent myself."
Ernest began talking.
　
"Before the Battle of Toba Fushimi.　
I went to Osaka for the first time.
　
Aizu samurai was in charge of security in that area still.
We have invited them.
　
For appreciation of the other day，we want to invite you guys to dined at Osaka city.
After a few days，there was this proposal from them.
We consented gladly.
　
But there was a complaint about it from the Tokugawa.
Private relationship with foreigners was forbidden at that time.　
Aizu clan was in the important position of Tokugawa regime.
　
We are very regrettable, it seems would be canceled.
We thought so.　
　
Ready for the dined.　
　
But one night they came.
And we went to Osaka center city secretly.

Everyone had the face of mischievous.
Everyone was pleasant guys.
Of course，you guys also the same them.
　
Why you guys does fighting each other?
　
When I was a teenager still，my brother borrowed a book from the library.　
That book was a fantastic travelogue of Asia.
　
Japan in the book was a fairyland.
I longed to Japan.
　
When I was a university student in London，I saw a some notice.
　
Is looking for the interpreter candidate in Japan.　
I had applied for immediately.
And I came to Japan.
　
At that time，Japan had several years passed from abandon the policy of seclusion.
But Japanese society was still peace.
　
Above all，Japan was peace for hundreds of years.　
After that，I understood that.
　
Ever since we came，Japanese began to hate each other.
　
Just maybe we should not came to Japan？　
Often I think so."　

pseudonym

"It is difficult."
That was the reply from Ernest.
　
Arms purchase route of Nagaoka.
The new government was investigate it.
As result Japanese merchants of one person was emerged on Investigation line.
However，nobody knew about him.
　
"This is a pseudonym of foreign merchants."　
It was found quickly.
But his nationality was not clear.
He was use several different nationality.
And he had started the arms sales to the allied forces in the east Japan.　
　

"Ban of arms sales by him."　
New government tried to request about it to other countries through the British Ambassador.
They consulted to Ernest.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
Battleship Stonewall.
Tokugawa was purchased this battleship from the United States.
But before its delivery，the Restoration was establishment at Japan.
　
This battleship was the latest at the time.
　
"Battleship which can compete in performance against this battleship at the Far East.
It's only one battleship of the Royal Navy."　
It was said so.
　
Tokugawa had overwhelmed at naval power to New government already.　
The existence of this battleship was too much a threat for New government.
　
"Government should request a neutrality to other countries.　

At first，government to declare war against the Tokugawa officially.
And request the neutral.
There is a principle of non-interference in internal affairs at international law.
The behavior that is advantageous to one party to the civil war.
It can not as a nation.
Government can prevent the delivery of the battleship to Tokugawa."
Ernest advised at that time.


This neutrality was successful.

"Now，there is two government in Japan."
But by this，such recognition was also made possible.

"The government of Kyoto is the Government of Japan
Britain is aware so.

However，the nation of a different opinion with us.
Of course it exists
It is naturally.


And we understand the circumstances that lead to now.
However，people who do not know it well
Of course it exists
It is also naturally.


I do mere commerce with other government.
Such a thinking is possible.



Above all， the nation will do restrain completely against commercial activities of individual.
It's impossible.
In particular，against persons who nationality is not clear."
　
"I want please you listen this idea as my friend."
He added.　
　
"American Civil War was terminated.
Therefore a large amount weapons was left over.
　

I think government must get the Stonewall as soon as possible.
Government should take its measures.
Now is such time already."

　

go for a walk with Butaphine

song，i made.

spring was gone

When Imperial prince landed in Hirakata,Ogasawara Shigenosuke had come for escort.
He was the eldest son of Ogasawara Nagamichi.
After surrender of Chiyoda Castle,they had escaped from the Edo city.

Ogasawara Nagamichi was commander in chief of the second Choshu expedition.
He was put the headquarters on Kokura Castle of opposite shore of Shimonoseki.
However，Kokura received the onslaught of Kiheitai of Takasugi.
　
Finally，Nagamichi retreated from Kokura alone without telling his ally.
Then Kokura Castle fell in the confusion.　
This became a symbol of the Tokugawa defeat.
(In reality，Tokugawa was defeated already in many places.)
　
"The Japanese government was defeated to only Choshu."
(Current Yamaguchi)　
This was became the decisive trigger of the revolution.　.　
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
"You’re tired,aren't you?
Shigenosuke asked to Imperial prince.
They were about the same age.
　
"Thank you for your concern.　
But I'm not tired."
Imperial prince laughed.

"Maybe Karatsu of Hizen is Ogasawara territory.
(Current Saga)
Come to the land far away，is your worry too much？"
　
"Yes.
However，before transferring to Karatsu my grandfather was a lord of Tanagura.
Many people will help us.　
(Tanagura is 15 kilometers southeast of Shirakawa.)　
　
I do not know a lot about my grandfather.
Because he died before I was born.
　
Ou people are cordial.
However，when I was a kid，I had been told so from the vassal of elderly.
It is true.　
　
So I do not have any problems.

Well，We head to Miharu at first."
Shigenosuke said so.　

"Miharu.
It's a good sound."

I was in the big city for a long time.
Now is not spring already.
But I being exist now in this fresh green.
My fatigue disappeared by just it.
Of course it may be sacrilegious."
Imperial prince said.

"Ou people say.
Here's foliage is amazing.
It is exactly the Pure Land.”
They became smile.


・・・・・・・・・
　

Miharu，they headed .
Just then,Shirakawa Cheats troops were gathered to that area.
　
　
Literal translation of ”Miharu” is ”Three Spring”.

plan

"No problem.

Currently, Nagaoka has secured Niigata port.
They are supplemented with the latest weapons from here.

Therefore，although we need to secured there soon as possible.
Even so，outbreak of war is at peak of Nagaoka's fighting force.
They're troops about thousand people.　
No affect to the total war.

Plan is allowed to proceed as scheduled.
Please tells so to Kyoto."
Omura said.

Royal visit to Edo city of the Emperor.
After destruction of the Shogitai，it had been planned in earnest.
(of course secretly)
This was the plan of relocation of the capital virtually.

So，the safety of Edo city.
It was essential for this plan.


・・・・・・・・・

　
"We must show to the East Japan that the times have changed.
We prevent the intensification of the war by it.
This royal visit has also its meaning.

There is no risk at all.
Due to the nature of this thing，that is impossible.
　　
However，we have secured the Nanzheng Castle already.
Reinforcements of soldiers is also progressing well.
They lost the Hanzhong.
Northern Expedition would be impossible in that state.

I assert.
Changan Castle is completely safe."

"Also they gave us an important clue."
　　

・・・・・・・・・
　
　
"Reproduce of the Northern and Southern Dynasties."
They were concerned about this.

This reality came out by escape of Imperial prince.
　　

・・・・・・・・・　　
　
　
”I understood.”
But Omura laughed.

"Enomoto never participate in combat."
Tokugawa navy was still their threat.

"In order to seal their movements，conversely royal visit should run as soon as possible."
　
"And Hirakata is the landfall point."
　

able to avoid

"So Nagaoka did enter a war?"
Omura asked.


"Yes.
Immediately after，Nagaoka started the maneuver.
And they occupied the tactics points.
Because the river was also swollen，our  forefront troops became isolated."

　
"What Ojiya was doing？"
　
"According to the report from Yamagata，they did not realize to changing conditions.
Just maybe they might took it lightly.
When the messenger of Yamagata went for remedy consultation，they seems to have been during dinner."
　
"It's enough.
What battle was?"
　
"Our troops had start battle at unfavorable position.
And firepower of Nagaoka was dominant than our think.　　
　
To hear this news，Yamagata was sent for reinforcements immediately.
However,  river crossing was not able to expedite.
　
As result it had became sequential input of troops.
And was defeated each.
　
Tokiyama of Kiheitai executive.
He was death in battle."
　
"Tokiyama dead?"
　
"Yes.　
Then they was full retreat on the left side of the river.
Considerable damage seems to have out on Kiheitai."
　
Omura was Choshu samurai.
Yamagata and Tokiyama.
They were members since Kiheitai inception.
After the death of Takasugi，Yamagata was commander of Kiheitai.
　
"This is a message from Yamagata.
Do not worry.
We were rebuilding our posture already.
We head to Raiders of Nagaoka castle from now.
　
We will smash the enemy always.
It is Kiheitai."
　

" Please send Saigo to front.
This battle was able to avoid surely.　
Someone like him is most need in front.
Can you talk about it to Satsuma?"
And he added.

　
A few days later，report of Nagaoka Castle occupation came.　
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
"This is to be a tough fight.
Readiness of death in battle is necessary each other."
After listening to the report of Tokiyama died，Yamagata said so to his colleagues.
They were friend.
　
"This war was able to avoid surely."　　
After this，this think was became remain inside him.

once again

"Will you tell your Excellency that I'm here？"
Kawai said to the gatekeeper with a smile.

"Did he come back again?"
Chief staff made a wearied.

Kawai was kicked out of front headquarters of the new government troops.
But he came back again and again.

"Will you tell your Excellency that I'm here？"
And he said so with a smile.

"How impudent he is to say such a thing.
Does he thinks can fool me by it?
Do not need to listen to his words in first place.

Because they're small and weak country.
If they become our enemy，they are not threat for us.

Do not come again.
Tell to him so."
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　

"Public opinion of Nagaoka has reached a critical point.
If I reported this，it will explode surely.
So Nagaoka becomes the battlefield."
Kawai thought so on way back to Nagaoka.

He had focused on civil administration until now.
This result was also begun.
　

Therefore their military build-up was possible.
They exceeded the new government troops in the quality of the armed.　
And they were supposed to exclude surrender to the new government from their choice by it.


"We try to develop the industry of Nagaoka.
I think this will become for Japan."

This was his true feelings.
Nagaoka people also had been begun to cooperate with this dream.

"But it would become nonsense."

Nagaoka was a small country.
Everyone was well aware each other.
　
"In proportion to the improvement of Nagaoka economy，smile of people has increased."

Kawai had been thinking so.
　
"Once again, I will go to Ojiya."

that's enough

"I did nothing know about Kawai at that time."
Later this staff said so.
　

・・・・・・・・・


"America is the reverse of Japan.
Grand Poobah is wise."
Katus said so after returning from the U.S.

After this，it had become a common understanding of revolution participants.
It was particularly noticeable in young people.
　
Photos of Choshu Kiheitai is remains.
Everyone have a fearless look.
　
Photos of Kawai is also remains.
Unsophisticated hick.
He is that impression.
　
"Kawai was never haughty.
He was always smiling and was humble to everyone."
There was also testimony of Nagaoka people.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
This staff was the person of Tosa.
　
"I want to participate in their activities."　
He heard activity of Sakamoto and Nakaoka.
And he rushed out the Tosa.
But it was immediately after the assassination of them.

Mainstay of the Kanto region was Satsuma troops.
Mainstay of this area was Choshu troops.

He was chief of staff of this front line.
Just maybe there was gloom in him.
　

・・・・・・・・・
　
　
"This man is just a fool.
Do you believe such subterfuge is accepted?
This is buy time.　
That time，I thought so."
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
"War readiness have been taken.
Fighting spirit is also strong."　
　　
Information of Nagaoka reconnaissance.
It had been report to him already.　

"That' enough."
He laughed to Kawai.　
　
"Do not need to hear the apocryphal of you.
You go home quickly and do preparing for war.
Get lost!"
He said.
　
"Please listen to my talk."　
Kawai said clinging to him.　

"Incompetence!"　
He wanted to say so to Kawai.
　
"Drove him to outside!"
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
"If I think from now，he did not want the war sincerely.
I'm so confident.

But at that time.
This man is lying.
I had confident so."

advice

Probably all them need was time.

"Saigo is military commander of enemy.
And therefore Tokugawa can peace of mind."
Before the arrival of the new government troops to Edo city.
Katsu said so.
　
"In order to indicate that the era has changed，we need executions of Yoshinobu."　
Saigo was the forefront of this opinion originally.　　
　
"I trust you."
But when met for surrender of Chiyoda Castle, Saigo  also said so to Katsu.
　
The two were already acquainted.
They were respected each other.


・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
"Tokugawa has already declared the surrender.
Attack to Edo city.
We also unacceptable for ethical reasons."
　
In response to the request of Katsu，British ambassador had recommended like that to the new government.

　
The United Kingdom was presence to backing the best for the new government of founding.　
Of course they were understand the influence of their own.

This era was the era of imperialism.

Trade routes had been already secured at Edo city.
Edo city was becoming an important market for them.　

"Ensure our existing interests by avoidance of war."
So there was also the convenience of their.　
　
However，humans do not determine oneself's behavior at only loss and gain.
That's why，this era became such a situation.
Of course it is not limited to Japanese.
Its many evidence exist today as this era's history.
　
They had interact with many Japanese in this era of change.
　
"Japan is certainly backward nation.
However，they can build a new society."
They might had feeling little envy to Japanese.
　
"If we think about Japan future，Edo city should not become on the battlefield."
Probably，they thought so themselves.
　
Satsuma and Choshu had a war with them.　
However，as result the new government had been able to have someone who will advice that.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
Between Kawai and staff of the new government troops.　
They met for the first time with distrust to each other.
Of course there was no trust there.　
　
Kawai and nagaoka were just appeared on the front stage.
 
”Military buildup is dangerous.
Neutrality is impossible in the first place."

Foreign merchants who sell weapons to them was present.
But there were no foreign persons who advises to them.

we do not want war

Ojiya was 15 km south of Nagaoka.
There was a front-line base of the new government troops here.

人

River was flowing along this road.
Ojiya is the left-hand side of it and Nagaoka is right side.
New government troops had begun to move to the opposite shore.　
　
But Japan was the rainy season at this time.
So river was swollen.
Troop movements were making little progress.
　
Kawai asked the chief of staff at here.　
He was the early 20s.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　

The person in charge of the new government agencies of Ōu region.
　
"This is too reckless.”

When this dispatch had decided，first candidates  were declined it.
As result，adventuristic person were appointed to it.
This staff might have had the same situation.

　
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
"We have ignored the instructions of the government.
I apologize sincerely as the representative of Nagaoka."
Kawai said so at first.　

"However，public opinion of Nagaoka is very confusing now.
Because Ōu troops has been stationed at near Nagaoka.
　
If we ran the government order，become war against them.
It is most likely.

We do not want war.　
We hope keep in neutral.

Of course we have no intention to rebel against the government.
However，Nagaoka is a small country.
If we participate in the government troops.
I think we are useless much for the government troops .

And feud of east and west of Japan.
We think this situation is just a misunderstanding.
　
Please give us time.
We will convince them to surrender to government.
If we convince them with all our heart.
I think they agree surely to it.
We believe so.

Avoid war.
We think it is the most important for Japanese people.
　
Also we will develop the industry of Nagaoka from now.
I think this will become for the government much than participation in the government troops.
Above all，I think it become for the Emperor.

Because Nagaoka is Japan's Nagaoka.
We are Japanese.”

　
　

we keep in neutral

"Nagaoka must be armed in order to remain neutral."
Kawai thought so.
　
At the confluence of road was the enclave of Aizu.
There was a byway leading to Aizu from here.
So Nagaoka trends were very important for Aizu at this time.
　

"We request you to participate in the alliance."
Of course there was a strong demands like that from Aizu against Nagaoka.

　
"We keep in neutral."
Kawai rejected it.
　
Defense line of aizu in the mountains had been surpassed already.
　
"We may also resort to arms."
Demands of Aizu had become increasingly severe.
　
"We keep in neutral."　
But Kawai did not change the intention.
Of course Nagaoka did war readiness at the same time.
　
Practical problem，new government troops was approaching.
Aizu was not able to fight against Nagaoka.　
　

Policy of Kawai was going well.
But Nagaoka public opinion was no one.　

　

・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
After all，Aizu was defeated.
They retreated to abandon the base.　
(Number of soldiers were too different.）
　
At the confluence of road called "Ojiya".
New government troops had advanced to this point.
Here was just south of Nagaoka.
　
Nagaoka public opinion was confused further.　

"Subdue Aizu."
"Put out the sinews of war."
Nagaoka had been undergone this stringent requirements of the new government by that petition.
　
"We should surrender to the new government as soon as possible.
If we doesn't do so，we doesn’t know what kind of retaliation."
But this was not a strong opinion.

"We also should fight with Aizu against government troops."

Aizu was a familiar presence for them.
It was part of their landscape.

People of main government troops were from western Japan.
War and them were presence of no sense of reality for most Nagaoka people.

But war and them were cast out Aizu and appeared in the immediate vicinity to reality.
Their familiar landscape was changed completely.

"They are invaders."
There were many people who naively think so.

And they were armed with state-of-the-art weapons.


・・・・・・・・・
　

"I will go to explain the position of Nagaoka to Ojiya.
Please stop making rash and blind act."
kawai said to them.

人

Nagaoka was a small country.
But  Nagaoka was a relatively large  lord in Echigo's lord.
　
人

Lower right is route from the Kanto.
Lower left is route from the Shinshu. (Current Nagano）
Both is mountain route.
Become elongated plain from the confluence point.
And vertex is Nagaoka.
There is a Niigata port on this extension.
　
Nagaoka was a transportation hub.
So Tokugawa was placed reliable lords on this land.
It was Makino clan.
　
Nagaoka is Place name.
Makino is Lord name.
　
Makino was a vassal from an early Tokugawa.
At that time Tokugawa was small lord of Mikawa.
　
"I want to do something for Tokugawa clan."　
Submission of the petition was due to this strong intention of Lord.
(However，its contents was strongly reflected the intention of Kawai.)
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
Kawai was the middle class of Nagaoka samurai in the first place.
Of course class was important in feudal times.

At first，Kawai had exceptional achievements as local staff of Nagaoka.
Normally，there was no reason Kawai can get ahead.

"This era Nagaoka need a talent like him."
But lord trusted him.
　
Finally lord has appointed him to prime minister of Nagaoka.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
"Livelihood of the people is the first."　
Kawai had excellent achievements at civilian rule.　
　
"In order to protect the lives of the people of Nagaoka、we will be surrender to the government troops is good."
Probably he thought so.
This means that、 Nagaoka become fight with people from the Tokugawa faction.
But Nagaoka had a sense of resistance against it.

There were many enclaves of lords of the Tokugawa faction in Echigo.
In addition to the geographical conditions，Nagaoka was close to them emotionally.

Above all，lords did not want it.


・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
Regardless the forces of either，lower class samurai was beginning to have the real power.
(Ōu region was still not so much.)
Its existence was beginning of denial of the feudal. 　
Kawai was one of those people.　
　
But he did not abandon loyalty to the lord and affection to the people under one's dominion.　
　
He was older than any of them.
He was 40s,the same age as Saigo.
(Average life expectancy was less than 50 years old at this time.)
So he was also know well about the feudal society.

”Nagaoka remain neutral.”
He made up his mind.
　

petition

"Did Aizu defeated the government troops?"

"No.
It seems Nagaoka clan."

"Nagaoka？
They?"
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
"Restoration of this time.　
This is what came out by the conspirators of some.
　
They condemn the blunders of Tokugawa.　
But please think twice.
　
Tokugawa had decided the policy of opening of the country from the very beginning.
　
Harmony with the imperial court.
Friendship with foreign countries.
Tokugawa had been working on it at all the time.
　
They advocated the expulsion of the foreigners.
They've been disturbed against policy of the Tokugawa at all the time.
　
And now they are going to inherit the policy of the Tokugawa while silent on this matter.
They should to admit their mistake first.
They are suspicious in point of loyal and ability.
　
Imperial court should be delegated regime to the Tokugawa again."　
　　
Immediately after Yoshinobu did return Japan regime to the Emperor.
There was a lord who submitted the petition to the imperial court.
It was Nagaoka clan.　
　
This petition had been writing by Nagaoka samurai of lord deputy.
His name was ”Kawai Tsuginosuke”.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
Nagaoka was a small country of Echigo.　
Also this petition was submitted suddenly.
　
"They's mere redneck."
This petition had been ignored by the new government with light malicious.
　
After Battle of Toba Fushimi，people of Nagaoka clan also returned to Edo.　

"This mansion is already useless."
　
Stockpiled rice and treasure.
Kawai got rid of all the things of the Edo mansion.
He purchased the weapon in this funds from foreign merchants.
　
Twin Gatling gun of state-of-the-art were included in it.
(According to one theory，three units only existed in Japan at this time.）　
　
And they returned to Echigo.
　
Nagaoka was a small country.
Therefore number of samurai was small.
The most samurai of Nagaoka were armed in the latest weapons.
　
As result，they were became strongest in Japan in the point of quality of the armed.
But Kawai had not intention of fight.
　
Tyranny of Tokugawa deserter.
It had become a problem in Echigo.
　
Kawai had negotiations with them.
And he asked them to leave from territory of Nagaoka.
　
"Nagaoka not favor both.　
We take the policy of neutrality."
Kawai declared so to Nagaoka samurai.
　

is groundless

Ship carrying the Imperial prince sailed the Edo Bay.
Enomoto also saw off to Edo mouth.
After the Imperial prince was waiting day at off the coast of Hiragata， joined the troops of escort safely.

A few days later，Enomoto had been called on government forces headquarters.

"Whereabouts of Imperial prince."
He had received the interrogation about it.

"While he confined in Kaneiji,government troops were begun to attack to the Shogitai.
We do not blame it of course.
Government troops leave the rebels for the monk of one person.
There can be no it.
But he is top of Tokugawa family temple.
He is an important person for Tokugawa.


Tokugawa looked for his whereabouts.
Tokugawa was able to protect him luckily.
He had hoped evacuation from the war.
Tokugawa also thought it was legitimate.
Therefore we were escort him to Hiragata of unrelated to war.

However，we are the Navy.
After he was landed at Hirakata.
We do not know at all about it.


And lately we were very hectic by disposal decision of Tokugawa.
Evacuation of the monks of one person.
We did not think that it is important matter.
So this notification to the government was delayed.
I apologize for its matter."
　
"Tokugawa Navy is transported deserter to Ōu region.
There is also this rumor."
　
"Is groundless."
Enomoto said.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　

　
"Tokugawa became reduced to poverty.
After this，moonlight flit will appear one after another in them.　
Tokugawa navy will also be busy."　
When Enomoto leave from the headquarters，heard this voice.
　
"Please do not mind.
They are in a prickly mood now."
Escort of Enomoto said so.
　

The lower-level officials of  government headquarters of of Edo.
Persons of Tokugawa had left to it.

"After all，it was better for maintaining security of Edo city."
Because new government were judgment so.


And merchants that are relevant to the headquarters.

Tokugawa had the intelligence network in there.
　
While waiting for Enomoto，he was in contact with this person.
　
"Troops movement instructions to the Echigo has been issued suddenly. 　
Troops movement instructions to the Osaka and Koshu.
At the same time，this strange instructions were also issued suddenly.
Also merchants was asked to raise a large amount of medical supplies from the new government.

Strict gag has been running，the Government troops seems to had large defeat at Echigo.
It seems of an unpredictable situation."
　

there's one in the every crowd

"Saigo and Okubo.
Persons of ability comparable to them exists in the Tokugawa?
Such a person does not exist.
There is no reason Tokugawa win to them.”

When the Battle of Toba Fushimi，Yoshinobu said so.

Persons of ability comparable.
Probably Oguri and Katsu was so.
(and Yoshinobu.)

But this two men were political opponents.

Mission to the United States of Japan first.
Both men were its members.
(Katsu was as captain of their ship.)

The importance of the construction of the modern state.
They were people who had first feel this.

Oguri was planning the abolition of feudalism and transition to the county prefecture system.
However，forces of anti-Tokugawa had increased the momentum.

"Time is too bad."
His plan was nearly setback.

" This may be a golden opportunity.
After all，no action is no change.
Tokugawa could migrate to the county prefecture system at a stretch by subdue this force.
Therefore Tokugawa has to have overwhelming armed force to centrally."　
Oguri was planning this conversely.
　
In order to do so.
　
"Tokugawa must partnership with France."
　
Oguri was doing a joint national project with France already.
He knew even personality of the French ambassador.
　
"We can trust their."　
He thought so.　
　　
But Katsu rebounded to this.
Era was the era of imperialism.
　
"Satsuma and Choshu has partnered with the United Kingdom.
Also Satsuma and Choshu are allied.
There is no mistake about this observation.
　
We will subdue them by force of arms.
It's too late.
Tokugawa troops was defeated in Choshu only already.
It's just become a situation irreparable."
　
Katsu thought so.
Above all，Yoshinobu thought so too.
　
"Collateralized by part of national territory of Japan."
In fact，unreasonable had been came out to his plan with backfoot of Tokugawa.
　
Oguri was ousted.　


・・・・・・・・・

　
Before all things get more serious，Oguri built a modern dock of first in Japan with France.　
　
"Tokugawa regime will leave this dock to Japan.
It only，there was a meaning of the presence of Tokugawa regime."
When this dock complete，he laughed and said so.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　

　
"I’m sorry to stop you.
You also busy."　
Yamaguchi said so.　
　
"Not exactly."
Enomoto replied.
　
"Good talking to you.
Sayonara."　
　
Enomoto did not replied.
　
"There's one in the every crowd."
Yamaguchi went into the cabin.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
Later，new government was subdue opposition by force like Oguri's plan.　

　

people will talk

This conversation was done in ship named "Chogei Maru".
This ship was Imperial prince boarding ship.

"Hi,admiral！"

When Enomoto was try to return to his ship, he was stopped by its voice.
(Enomoto's ship was "Kaiyo Maru" of Tokugawa Navy's flagship.)

"Oh，Yamaguchi!"
Enomoto smiled.
He was the officer of the Tokugawa army of acquaintance of Enomoto.　　

"Why you're here？"
　
"People will talk."
He said with a laugh.　
　
"Hey！It’s a joke.
I have been asked to escort Imperial prince to here.
　
Accompany until Ōu region.
I consented it in this prerequisite."
　
"Do you go to Ōu now?"

"Yeah."
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　

"Do you know?"
Yamaguchi started talking after a short pause.
　
"Oguri was killed."　
　
"Oguri killed？
Why？"
　
Oguri was representative of warmonger of Tokugawa.
He was dismissed by Yoshinobu for that.
After this，he was retired to his fief gonda of kozuke.
He was a comrade of Enomoto.

"He was killed for what reason."
Enomoto asked.

"I have no idea.　
According to rumor，he seems to had organized the anti-government group in Kozuke."
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　

"After this，I will do small private school teachers in the country.
　
If Tokugawa regime was followed，we was making a modern state absolutely.
They destroyed it completely.
Do they make any society?
I want witness it."
Before leaving the Edo city,Oguri said so to Enomoto.


・・・・・・・・・


One month and a half ago，new government soldiers came to the village of Oguri.

"I was abandoned the political activity already.
I live as a farmer.
I never rebel against the government."
Oguri had notified in advance to the new government troops.


"You're the mastermind behind the antigovernment activities of Kozuke."

Around this time，The Shogitai of Kan'eiji were becoming impossible to ignore.
The new government troops had just succeeded in recapturing Utsunomiya Castle.
Collision was about to begin at also Echigo.
New government troops had been impatient to the control of the Kanto Plain.

"Oguri is a traitor against the Emperor.
So we do execution him."

It was determined hurriedly and it was run.

from then

"I would like to talk to you in private."
Enomoto said to Imperial prince.
　
Three days ago of disposal decision of the Tokugawa，the messenger of the Imperial prince visited Enomoto secretly.

"I want to evacuation to Ōu region until situation to settle."　
The messenger said so.　
It was request of escort.

"To Hirakata."
Enomoto accepted it on this prerequisite.
Hirakata was de facto buffer zone at that time.　
　
"If we are continue to stay Edo city，it seems become very dangerous."　
They moved the schedule forward by disposal decision of Tokugawa.
So Enomoto came back in a hurry.　
　
They came at that midnight.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
　
Enomoto，Imperial prince and his entourage.　
The room was the only three people.
　
"Thank you for helping us."
Imperial prince said.　
He was young yet.

"Please allow to talk my opinion to you.
You do voluntary appearance to edo office of Imperial court.
It is better than go to Ōu region.　
I am convinced Imperial Court never harm to Imperial prince.
If you being so，Tokugawa navy put everything we have into it."
Enomoto insisted so.
But Imperial prince intention was not changed.

"All right.
However，I ask to you only one thing.
Please you avoid to become a situation of Northern and Southern Dynasties in any case."
Enomoto added it to the end.

"Of course.
I also have a good understanding about its dangers."
Imperial prince replied.

"Mr Enomoto."
He then continued to talk.
　
"I thinking・・・.
First，the Shougitai was formed in order to guard Mr Yoshinobu.
It had nothing to do with me.　

But they did not dissolve even after Mr Yoshinobu leaving from Edo city.
Conversely,it continued to increase gradually.　
The Emperor in Kyoto is my nephew.
And I am a monk.
I will not fight him in the first place.
So，I had apprehensive to the Shogitai.
　
Rudeness of Satsuma and Choshu against the imperial court.
It is beyond endurance at  present.
Therefore we punish them for the imperial court .　
　
Please dont worry，they're just a coward.
If we put a little pressure，they give the game away immediately.
So this is never battle.　
　
I had been heard so.
　
However，after that，Event of its contrary appeared one after another.
Kan'eiji atmosphere became more and more savage.　
Kan'eiji is the family temple of the Tokugawa.
This is a sacred place.
And I had a duty to protect the Kan'eiji.
I had feel repugnant to them.
　
And that day had came.
　
The battle was significantly disadvantage.
Also cannon began to fall in the precincts.
　
After all、I became to escape before anyone else.
When I was hurry to gate.
　
Defend the Imperial prince！

I heard its voice clearly with gunshots.

I do not know the after situation well.　
I escaped from them until the lying.　
　
Number of people who died in that battle.　
I do not know even it.
 　
I want to evacuation to Ōu region until situation to settle.　

Escape from my duty.
Is it good？

I have been thinking from then."

 　
・・・・・・・・・


Mid-14th century.
Kamakura regime of first samurai regime.
At the end of this regime，dissatisfaction of samurai was a growing.
　
Finally this regime was overthrown by samurai helped Imperial Court.
(The situation was somewhat similar to this era）
　
But this regime was only to protect the rights of the nobility.
Immediately samurai did revolt to Imperial Court、and they established their regime.
　
This regime had fielded its own emperor.
(Of course from Imperial prince.)

As result，several decades，there were two Emperor in Japan.
　
This era called Northern and Southern Dynasties.
　

koku

There was a unit in japan until this time called "koku".
It was used primarily as a unit to measure the rice.
It was also used as a numeric value that indicates the economic power of lords.


The yield of rice in its territory
The prestige of lords inside Tokugawa regime.
It had been determined by it.




Satsuma 720 (thousand)
Choshu 360
Tosa 490
Saga 350
　
Aizu 230
Sendai 620
Yonezawa 150
Shonai 140
Nihonmatsu 100
Taira 50
Souma 60
Miharu 55
Akita 200

Nagaoka 74
Takada 150

Top part is main lords of the new government.
Middle part is lords of Ōu region.
Under part is lords of Echigo.
(Of course this is not its all.)

This was a number of its lord.
(There is a little change in the numerical value depending on time.)


・・・・・・・・・
　

However，this was nominal.
Choshu and Satsuma seems to had reached 1000 at that time.

Because Choshu decreased sharply the territory，they was carried out reclamation project desperately.
They did not dismiss the vassal.
It was very rare cases.

Satsuma had a south trade route.
(Violation of the law of Tokugawa.)

Ryukyu Dynasty was under the de facto control of Satsuma. (Current Okinawa)
Their burden was also greater.


When Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to Edo、Number of Kanto region was 2500.
After the establishment of Tokugawa regime,they took over the territory of throughout Japan.
As result，it became about 4000 as area under direct control.
In the determination of this time,it became 700.

　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　　

If someone want to have a modern navy.
Economic power was necessary surely.　

Large lords of western Japan had a navy.
However，even if mobilize its all，it did not reach the Tokugawa navy.
They was not able to purchase state-of-the-art ship in the economic strength of the single.
　

Those who have the economic power capable to have the Navy in Ōu region.
It was Sendai.
But it was likely deemed to be an act of hostility against Tokugawa regime.
　
Ou region was peace only.
Of course they did not need it until now.

refrain

After all, it became a reproduction of the first round of the Battle of Toba Fushimi.

Number of new government troops were less than allied troops.
Allied troops moved forward in rely on their number.
As result，they had been besieged easily by new government troops.
And they received a shelling，suffered a great loss.

Of course they did not know accurately number of soldiers each other.
　
"West military is show the movement that surrounds against Shirakawa castle."

Allied troops could not confirmed the extent of their damage by confusion yet.
At this time，this rumors flowed.
Eventually they retreated with abandon the shirakawa castle.
　
Shirakawa is the entrance of the Ōu region.
Other words,Shirakawa is the entrance of the Kanto region.

Lose of Shirakawa Castle
It was like had been locked the front door of the Kanto region by enemy.
Therefore after the conclusion of the alliance，their first goal was the recapture of Shirakawa Castle.

Also in order to achieve the unity of their intention，they were need to create a counterattack strategy as soon as possible.
They also strengthened their wishful thinking about the Shogitai as a corollary.


・・・・・・・・・


After devastating of the Shogitai.
Disposal of Tokugawa by the new government.
It was formal decision.

”Transfer to the Suruga and Totomi from the Kanto region.”
(Current Shizuoka Prefecture)
Territory will be around 5/1 of until now，survival of Tokugawa was formal decision by it.

"So please refrain from thoughtless action.
We have been taken Tokugawa as hostage by government."
Katsu said to Enomoto.
Immediately after this formal decision，Enomoto was called to Katsu.

"They has been taken Tokugawa navy as hostage by us."
Enomoto laughed.

"Stop joking.
Request for participation to their counterattack strategy.
It ought to came to you.
Refrain ・・・.”

"We have been taken Tokugawa as hostage by government.
I understand it.
I never take thoughtless action."

"Do I trust you?"

"Of course.
And they are planning to trade in Niigata with other countries.
The United Kingdom is the most friendly to the government.
Therefore it's going to be in a country other than the United Kingdom.
In some cases，this could become a proxy war.
My lord did not want it.
Of course,me too."

Enomoto said so.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・


"Well，I must go back to navy base."

"Go back?"

"Yes，I am also very busy."
Enomoto said laughing.

"I see.

By the way，what is your opinion of what to do tokugawa navy in the future?　

Tokugawa was able to survive.
However，its territory was greatly reduced.
And the number of vassal is not touched.
　
This is the same situation as Choshu of 250 years ago.
After this，Tokugawa would never have economic power to maintain the large navy.
　
You have solicitation of incorporation into the government navy.
I hear so.
Know when to quit.
It's important for everyone.
Don't do anything foolish."
Katsu said.

"I think so."
He said only it.

time

"Who will be the leader of this alliance?"
　
If this war is chess、Ōu might had win.
But they were aggregates of many intention．
War could not do with only their friendly relations.

Sendai had been overwhelmed others in point of territory.
Date of Sendai lord.
They were originally champion of Ōu region from era of Hideyoshi.

But Uesugi of Yonezawa lord.
When Uesugi Kenshin was lord of Echigo.
They were present Nobunaga was look up.

Tug-of-war of alliance was exists already between Sendai and Yonezawa.

"I do not want subdue Aizu and Shonai.
However,I do not also want fight against west military."
Of course like this lords was also present.
　
But this was a matter of course.
　
 　
・・・・・・・・・　

　
New government had not been established suddenly.　
　
For example，between Satsuma and Choshu had a war.
Tosa had a power struggle within.
Choshu also had internal coup war.
Of course they did war against Tokugawa.
　
Many people died.
　
They also had idea of antiforeigner at first.　
They fought with the Western countries.
And suffered large loss.

”Antiforeigner is ridiculous.”
As a corollary，they became thought so.
 　

"We help the Tokugawa and will do the expulsion of the foreigners.
"And make fellowship of  Imperial court and Tokugawa for Japan."

Next.
　

”We have understand.
Tokugawa regime Does not have the ability to overcome this crisis in first place.
Above all，there is not legal basis to rule Japan to them. 　
They are just a local lord.
Nevertheless they act as Japan regime for only the interests of Tokugawa.
We must overthrow Tokugawa regime as soon as possible.
　
After that we will determined the national policy of Japan at a meeting of lords.”

　
Finally.

”Overthrow of Tokugawa does not make sense for Japan.
Cause of a problem was not Tokugawa regime.
The current social system of Japan became not fit the real.
It is it.

We have understand clearly.
Feudalism had finished its mission already.

We must established a modern constitutional monarchy in Japan.”
　
At least,some of them.
They had reached this thought.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・


The thing that Ōu most needed.
It was time.

"We will subdue them as soon as possible and should recover Tokugawa regime."
This was their idea at this time.
　
If they was able to have a time.
After repeating the conflict and collision，they would have been able to have their philosophy.
　
But reality they were thrown into the war suddenly from a quiet life.　
Of course there was no unified intention and philosophy at there.
 　
”We must established a modern constitutional monarchy in Japan.
In order to do so，we need to unify Japan as soon as possible.”
This was their enemy.　

had arrived

Tokugawa Ieyasu was the only ally of Oda Nobunaga.
He did not betray Nobunaga until the end.
Above all，Nobunaga did not betray him until the end.
Nobunaga was a man who betray.　
　
Nobunaga was killed in Kyoto.
Although he did not predicting the rebellion of Akechi，he was defenseless uncannily at that time.
He was attacked by Akechi troops at there.　
　
He had invited Ieyasu to Kyoto as a guest at that time.
Nobunaga was a man who betray.　
It may be that Nobunaga did friendly correspondence to avoid his anxiety.
　
　
・・・・・・・・・
　
"The man who had been reckoned from Nobunaga."　　

Ieyasu's reputation was high.
He had already major powers also.
　
"Ieyasu must relegated to the frontier."
　
Hideyoshi was originally poor farmers.
But he had achieved unprecedented success by appointed of Nobunaga

“Talent can exist as a talent."
This was already the negation of the Middle Ages.

Colleagues and superiors of Nobunaga regime became his vassal suddenly.
When Hideyoshi inauguration，person that must be wary of most was Ieyasu.　　
　
Ieyasu had to move to Edo from Hamamatsu. (Current Shizuoka)
But his territory had increased nearly doubled by it.
There was also Hideyoshi’s refrain against Ieyasu.　


・・・・・・・・・

　
Hideyoshi died.
　
Due to his rapid rise，his direct vassal was little.
He was from a poor peasant.
Of course there were no vassal  from ancestral.
　
His son still was too young.
As a corollary，political situation became unstable.
　
Sekigahara that located in center of Japan.
Finally it became to a battle that bisects Japan at here.
Tokugawa Ieyasu's East military had won.　
　
Lords of west military.
They were confiscated territory.
(For example Chosokabe of Tosa.)

Yamanouchi of original Oda vassal.
He was a first man who expressed a willingness to side with Tokugawa.
He was given a Tosa from Tokugawa by their achievements.

Or their territory had been reduced significantly.
(For example Mouri of Choshu.)

Uesugi of Echigo.
They were large lords to rule Echigo.
　
But after this Battle，Their territory also had been reduced significantly.
And they was forced to move to Yonezawa.
　
Lord who remained intact in west military.
It was only Satsuma.
　
If you find out it you can know that fact easily.
Of course，it is because that was forced to do so by the situation.

Satsuma’s bravery in this battle.
It was too far.　
　
　
・・・・・・・・・　
　
　
Tokugawa became stable administration.
After this，people had 250-years in peace.　
And this era had arrived.