May, Tensho 9, Owari
The other day, I was on my way to Owari with my father, who gave me a letter to go to a place called Atsuta Minato in Owari. On the way, we stopped at a castle and went on our way. I was told that if we left from the castle where we were staying today, we could arrive in a few hours if we left tomorrow morning.
On the way, Shingoro explained to us about the places associated with his grandfather, but frankly, we didn't listen to him. Well, I feel bad about it, but I don't blame him.
I don't care about the grasslands or the stones, and no matter how polite the explanation, I don't know the actual situation, so I can't really feel it.
More importantly, I want to go to Atsuta as soon as possible!
Because Grandpa's requirements are definitely cannons, right? If you ask your dad and dads if they're planning a surprise, they'll fool you, but you can kind of tell by the air. You know, my dad would be sighing so openly. You're thinking that your father has done it again, aren't you?
The reason they made him travel all the way to Owari was probably because the cannon was too heavy, so they carried it by boat. I think it would be faster to carry it via Lake Biwa: ...... Well, I don't think the old man would do anything useless, so I'll just hope for the best anyway!
I had been riding in a palanquin for several hours in the morning sun, and the slow tempo of the vibrations made me feel completely dreamy.
As I was sleeping comfortably, I suddenly opened my eyes to the scent of the tide. I'm sure it's a nostalgic scent. ...... I wonder if this is a memory from my previous life. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier with the help of a few of these products.
Just as I'm about to enjoy it more, I hear a voice calling out to me.
"And ...... and ......-dono? Are you awake? Are we about to arrive at Atsuta Minato?
Is this a pine tree? When I looked up, rubbing my sleepy eyes, I saw a pine tree with loose cheeks ...... beautiful.
I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that. Can you see? The surface of the sea glows in the sun, it's very magical.
I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.
There was a cloudless blue sky, the surface of the sea reflected in the sun to make it even brighter, and the soothing sound of the waves. ...... There was a mystery there that could not be seen anymore in the future.
It's amazing ......
How wonderful it was. As I was immersed in the excitement, my eyes met with my father in front of me and he was coming towards me.
I was so impressed that I met my father's eyes in front of me, who was coming towards me. Don't worry, I'll carry you out.
After he said this, he took me in his arms and began to walk away. The situation was so sudden that I writhed in a panic, but he gently patted me on the back to calm me down.
It's okay, don't be so violent," he said. Ha-ha, it's okay, don't be so violent.
As I quietly followed my father's advice, the scent of the tide seemed to get stronger and louder, and the sound of the waves seemed to get louder and louder. Was this because we were getting closer to the surf? After that, as I was toddling along, my dad suddenly stopped.
Open your eyes.
At my father's urging, I opened my eyes fearfully and found a huge ship floating there. There was a steel plate affixed to the side, and I wondered if the glimpse was a cannon. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by its overpowering presence.
'Dekaaaah!
"Hahahaha! You must be surprised. This is the pride of our Oda family, the Warriors' ironclad ship! He defeated that Mouri navy and is the strongest in Japan in both name and reality!
Oh no, I can see how this would put my dad in a good mood. The one you see over there is the mainstream boat of this era, right? That's wood, that's steel, that's ...... that's an overwhelming victory. I'm not sure if it's the same thing as a ship, but it's more like a warship.
I'm sure my grandfather is well ahead of his time. I'm sure most people wouldn't be able to think of anything like this.
It's not a good idea to just give them a firearm, so he sent an ironclad ship to us.
"Really?! I'm so glad!
"Hahahaha! So, yeah. Then you can write a letter to your father later.
"Yes!
I never dreamed they'd send me all the way out here for me! Because there are only six ships, right? I'll have to send a statement to the grandfather at ...... to send such a valuable thing to me immediately! I'll send you some of those beautiful shells on the ground over there as well.
"Chiei, can you give me this boat?
No, ......, that's a quirk. But you'll get the rifle as promised. It's a lot of work to transport them to Gifu, so you'll have to settle for three this time.
Well, you can't get an ironclad ship: ...... It's a no-brainer. I'm very happy with it. But I wonder if we can build that ship. I would like to have such a big ship, even if it doesn't have to be armed. If it can carry a lot of people and goods, it will be able to do a lot of trade, and I think the economy will develop more and more.
Can't you make that ship, Chichiuei?
Then, as if waiting for me, two men approached me.
I figured that's what Sanboshi would say, so I recruited some craftsmen from the Sakai area. On the right is Tagosaku, the shipbuilder's master carpenter, and on the left is Shobei, the foreman. And on the left is Shobei, a blacksmith who can make stone fire arrows.
"Waka-sama, it's nice to meet you!
These two will move to Gifu with all their students and families. I heard that Imai-dono negotiated desperately with them. Originally, he was supposed to come with me today, but he fell ill from exhaustion. Unfortunately, he was unable to come.
I can't believe you're here to help me. ...... I'll never forget your sacrifice, Munehisa Imai! I always get the image of something falling down, but are you okay? Take care!
Oh, really, Imaidono has no brains. I'll send you a note later.
"Mm, do it.
Thank you both for your help.
"Heh!
I'm looking forward to trying out your work if I can. I'm looking forward to it. I'd like to have two big boats in any case.
"Heh! Leave it to me!
"Master, if you leave the flaming arrows in the castle, where do you plan to put such a big ship?
Well, that's what I'm wondering about. Cannons are not very useful, but they won't be able to be used for night battles, and eventually I'd like to use them in sieges and siege battles. As for the ships, I've already decided where to place them.
"Yes, I will keep them in Omi.
"Hmm? What to put in the sea? Hmm, well, there are other uses for that place. All right, do as you please.
"Thank you!
That place is close to Gifu, and it seems to be very convenient. Well, that's good.
As I was chatting with my father and the others, I suddenly saw an ironclad ship. Well, it was huge. But how does it work? I can't even see the huge sails that look like a pirate ship.
As I gradually lowered my gaze, there was something there that I couldn't believe.
Huh? What's that wooden stick? You know, the kind you see in a canoe or something? Oh, no way, this is human-powered! I'm sure you're not the only one who's interested in importing weapons, but you should adopt the technology of sailing ships, you poor people down there.
It's a good thing that I've told my dad and his friends about it. ...... Hmmm, they don't seem to understand it very well. I'm not sure I know much about the principles either.
I'm going to have to switch it up now and enjoy this ironclad ship!
"I'd like to ride in a boat,
"Oh, okay, so we'll all get in.
Like my dad, even Shingoro and Matsu got into the boat in a groove. Yeah, yeah, I know exactly how you feel! I'm so curious!
A few minutes later, the view in front of me was just as I had hoped. The horizon stretched as far as the eye could see, and perhaps because the air was so clean, I could see very far away.
Wow, that was amazing!
Yes. We're lucky to have good weather today.
"Yes!
...... It's really beautiful. When I look at this magnificent ocean, my insecurities seem insignificant.
The truth is, I didn't mean to initiate this request. I'm running out of time, is this really the right choice? Isn't it really wrong and just a waste of precious time? The thought of it still makes me cower.
So I've been thinking about it for a long, long time. I've been thinking and thinking about ...... because I've come to the conclusion that it's something I really need to do. So I'm going to...
I want to go to Houjouke. I would like to perform a festival there.
The silence that suddenly appeared, only the sound of the waves echoed through the place. Shingo's group is frozen in surprise, but my dad is looking at me intently. I'm not kidding, as I look straight at him with that kind of feeling, Shingo's finally rebooted and hurriedly walked in between us.
I'll be waiting for you! Waka-sama, are you insane? You don't have to go to such a frontier, do you?
No, it's a good idea.
"But ......
"Good, Shingoro.
My dad is looking straight at me, he won't tolerate falsehoods. He seemed to be telling me that.
"You are serious, Three Lawyer.
"Yes.
I guess not in Gifu.
It's now or never. Please forgive me.
I bow my head deeply, deeply, begging for forgiveness. How long has it been, the area is painfully quiet. Everyone is watching with bated breath.
I'm not sure if I'm ready or not ...... when I suddenly hear a sigh. A deep, deep sigh ...... would be my dad's.
I'm not going to be able to get away with it. Do what you want.
"Lord! Waka-sama is only two! The Hojo family has only been vassals for a short period of time, and it's too late to wait for something to happen to the young master!
Shingoro shouts out to stop me, but it's too late. Because my dad and I have already made up our minds.
"Then let Shingoro protect you.
"What!
"Shingoro, look into the eyes of the Three Fathers. It is the eye of a man who has made up his mind. This must be the answer to your conflicted question, then as a parent and a man, you cannot trample the determination of the Three Lawyers!
Thanks, Dad. ......
"Sanbhoshi, listen to me. You are a man to take responsibility for your words! Don't say a word, you understand!
"Yes!
Satisfied with my answer, my father suddenly relaxed his face.
But I want you back home for New Year's. Do you understand?
"Thank you for ......
Thus, I was able to get permission from my dad. There's still a lot of work to be done, but for now, I'm going to make it through the first gate.
I'm not going to regret it, I'm determined.