In the early morning of December 24, Naito Masatoyo led the Takeda army of 10,000 men from Kai and marched south along the west bank of the Tenryu River to relieve the siege of Futamata.

Sakai Tadaji, the Okubo brothers, and Hiraiwa Jinyoshi each led an army, totaling 7,000, and when they heard the wind, they had already shrunk their fronts, occupied the terrain, and were horns with each other, waiting for each other, and at the same time reporting upwards.

The two sides fought fiercely for about an hour, and there was no distinction between high and low. It wasn't until the Nimata Mamoru climbed the horse farm and looked into the distance, and realized that it was indeed reinforcements arriving, that he immediately named all the uninjured people in the city, counting 700, and opened the door and raised the flag to respond.

This lack of troops would have affected the battle situation, but Naito Masato's troops saw that their morale was greatly boosted, and their fighting spirit was endless, and they gradually gained a slight upper hand.

After about an hour, Sakai, Okubo, and Hiraiwa felt the pressure mounting, so Narujin withdrew his troops and withdrew to the prearranged hills.

Masatoyo Naito, who has always acted steadily, did not waste his fights, believing that getting in touch with the Futamataki Castle Baba Nobubo would be considered a great success.

Then came the confrontation phase.

The Tokugawa army still had siege positions to the west and south and maintained the pressure, but the Takeda army opened up the northern front and had a channel to transport grain and increase troops.

In another half an hour, the situation changed dramatically.

The 2,500 elite cronies of Tokugawa Ieyasu himself were alone on the east side of Futamatata Castle, separated from the large army by a meandering river, and although they were reported, they were unable to provide timely support.

At this time, he was about to adjust the arrangement, but suddenly heard the shocking news.

It turned out that Takeda Katsuyori himself led thousands of foot riders, concealed the ears and eyes of the scout ninjas, and secretly attacked him in another direction!

Fortunately, Torii Mototada, who guarded the flanks, was a loyal and resolute man, and when he sensed the enemy's movements, he quickly ordered his younger brother to report the news, but he led 200 outnumbered soldiers to boldly counterattack and launched a decisive charge towards the rushing sea of people.

At that time, the person who took the lead in front of Takeda Katsuyori was Hara Masayin, who was good at observing the situation and arranging formations, but he did not expect the Tokugawa army to act so resolutely, and he was caught off guard and lost the opportunity.

Although the various divisions immediately followed and quickly overwhelmed this small force of 200 people, the deeds were undoubtedly revealed, the queue was already chaotic, and more importantly, a sharp spirit unconsciously unloaded three points.

Under Torii Mototada, 200 people generously went to their deaths to gain a rare time.

After dealing with him, Takeda Katsuyori waved his troops again, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was ready.

Relying on the existing camp, the soldiers raised bamboo bundles as a defense, and the spears behind them resisted, although the bows and iron cannons were greatly affected by the weather and were difficult to use, but the defense line composed of thousands of brave flesh and blood was still strong and strong.

Seeing this, Takeda Katsuyori had no choice but to give up the idea of winning by surprise, and carefully arranged the formation, considering simply playing a big game, preparing to link up the troops on both sides of the river, and take advantage of the confusion and mobility of scout warfare (at least he thought it was an advantage) to inflict heavy damage on the Tokugawa headquarters the next day.

At this time, when he heard that Sasa Narimasa in the south had almost arrived at the front line to escort the vehicles to transport supplies, he casually sent hundreds of people to order the general of the banner, Yonekura Shigetsugu, to go around and see the situation, and ordered, "If it is appropriate, crush this tired supply team, take some baggage back, and let the soldiers have a good time!" ”

He thought to himself that Yonekura Shigetsugu was also a brave man with a small reputation in Koshin, and it should not be a problem to deal with a often defeated general who relied on nepotism to ascend to power.

In his heart, Takeda Katsuyori still remembers the last time he was too cautious and cautious, was scared away by the suspicious soldiers, greatly hurt his face, and gritted his teeth afterwards.

But one moment, the other, don't think that the mistake will be repeated now!

Koshin warriors will not be knocked down by the same trick twice.

Unexpectedly, only a quarter of an hour later, a middle-level retainer with an arm injury and the bleeding had not completely stopped, reported miserably: "The situation is critical! The 'Ghost Boy Keiji' of the Heite family rushed to the front and beheaded Yoonekura Shigetsu-sama with one shot! There is also a man named Yamauchi Kazutoyo in the back, who seems to be a bit powerful......"

Takeda Katsuyori was stunned for a moment, and said to himself in confusion: "Is there actually an elite flag hidden in the transport team?" But even if it's a tie family flag, can you still fight after walking so far in the snow? ”

In an instant, another samurai was covered in blood and dust, rushing in embarrassment, and shouted eagerly: "Imai and Hatsuka Erbei have fallen into a bitter battle, and the tie army is too fierce!" I need support! ”

Then I heard someone exclaim: "The Tokugawa army seems to have moved!" They're rushing out! ”

After looking at it, Takeda Katsuyori realized that there were indeed large groups of enemy soldiers attacking him on the south and east sides.

Behind him is already the bank of the Tianlong River.

At this time, Katsuzi Khan was sweating profusely and ran to the vicinity: "I asked the soldiers who had just fought, probably the Heiju family used oxen and horses to transport people over!" From the outside, it looks like it's loaded with supplies, but it's actually an army! ”

Hikaru Nagasaka, who was standing next to him, was at a loss: "Sure enough, I missed the calculation!" The other party is so intentional, obviously there is a plan for a long time, should we ...... Isn't it time to avoid its edge for a while, in order to ...... In order to ...... in the future"

In a hurry, Takeda Katsuyori was a little intended, but he quickly came to his senses and shook his head decisively: "In this situation, it is the best chance to fight hard!" As soon as you retreat, there is a danger of collapse! ”

Katsushi and Mitsuki Nagasaka were stunned and didn't dare to speak again.

Takeda Katsuyori gave the order: "Tell the Baba Nobubo of Futamata-jo Castle that he can control the only ferry crossing of the Tenryu River no matter what." Then let Naito Masatoyo send as many soldiers as possible to support within an hour! The Tokugawa army on the other side of the river will definitely not be able to fight back before tonight, and the various divisions will wait for my dispatch before the early hours of tomorrow! ”

Then he paused to think for a moment, and then said: "Let Nishina Morinobu continue to command the battle with Tokugawa Ieyasu's department, and then Yokota, Hara, Sanzhi, Okuma, and Sone...... There should be 2,000 foot soldiers in each department, so inform you to gather here quickly, and follow me to deal with the strange soldiers of the Tieshou family! ”

After finishing speaking, he was no longer nervous, and ordered the "hundred-footed crowd" to hurry up and give the order, but Takeda Katsuyori himself waited patiently for a while.

The front Imai and Hatsuka 2nd teams were attacked by Hirate Hideyi, Yamauchi Kazutoyo, Keer Caizo, Kasai Naganobu and others, the number of disadvantage was extremely great, and the physical strength and morale were also at a disadvantage, the situation was obviously very difficult, the front retreated step by step, it was difficult to support, and it could only be to resist bravely regardless of sacrifice.

Takeda Katsuyori saw it from a distance, but he was hard-hearted and did not go to the rescue, and sat back and watched the defeat of the two retainers with no expression on his face, only patiently waiting for the follow-up troops to continue to come.

Not long after, the second team of Imai and Hatsuka was defeated.

Then, six or seven Bidai generals, including Yokota Yasukei, Hara Moriyin, Mieda Mamotomo, Okuma Asahide, and Sone Masayo, appeared in front of him.

Although the retainers were somewhat nervous, worried and even dissenting, and dissatisfied, they all showed a posture of being ready to fight at any time, and did not hesitate in the slightest in their movements.

Takeda Katsuyori looked around at everyone, turned over and stepped on the war horse, drew his sword and said sharply: "Over the past few years, I have fought many battles with the Tieshou family, lest they have a strong city, set up iron cannons, and cannot defend it. Now that the other party is rushing to fight with me, it can be said that it is right in the middle of the hand, and it is the time for my Jiaxin man to make contributions! ”

This impassioned, heroic, and domineering is not inferior to his father.

But for some reason, only a few soldiers excitedly shouted "whale wave" to cater to the general's declaration of war.

Most people just said a symbolic "oh" in unison and shut up.

The arrow was on the bow, naturally there was no time to think about it, Takeda Katsuyori waved his sword and pointed it, and the generals quickly rushed over with their soldiers, without the slightest intention of delaying.

Although the recent years have been unfavorable, the Kai people are extremely confident in the hand-to-hand combat in the field. The Flag Banner Unit led by the "Oni Boy Keiji" of the Heite family was also slightly famous, but it was not recognized by the Takeda retainers.

At least not before this battle.