Under the seemingly calm night, waves are brewing everywhere.

Just as Jingzhen and Takeda Shingen were talking at night in the tent, the castle tower of Uminoguchi Castle on the other side was also gathered by generals to conduct another military meeting.

Hiraga is seven feet tall and has a face like a pig. As an important minister of the Oi clan and a family, he was given the power to make free decisions before he was ordered to support Kainoguchi Castle, so he took over the defense of the entire city as soon as he entered the castle, and was the number one person in the Shinano coalition this time. But at this moment, it was obviously high on the main seat, but the eyes of the generals frequently swirled around on its right side.

Regarding the shift in everyone's focus, Hiraga Chenglai knew it but didn't care. Although he is a general of the Imai clan and is often self-conscious, both civil and military, he never dared to think that he could force the famous Kai Tiger into such a situation. Therefore, for the young man who caused all these variables and really helped himself to carry out the Lord's commandment, it is natural to appreciate and appreciate it over jealousy.

This young man is about 20 years old, with a pointed forehead, a stiff nose and exposed teeth, and a body less than six feet short, and he is the second son of Umino Yutsuna, the head of the Umino clan known as one of the "Three Shino Families" (Note 1).

Speaking of Umino Yuzuna, it may be little known, but if its other name, Sanada Yukitaka, is mentioned, that is, the grandfather of the famous "First Soldier of the Warring States" Sanada Yukimura, the public officials must suddenly understand.

Sanada Danmasa Tadashi Yukitaka, formerly known as Umino Yukitsuna, was born in the Umino clan, one of the "Shino Three Families"; Later, he inherited the Sanada clan, a tributary of the Umino clan, and changed his name to Sanada Yutakaka, with the legal name Ichitokusai. It has both civil and military skills, because it is good at attacking the city and adjusting the strategy, and is called "attacking the bomb", ranking among the twenty-four generals of Takeda, and has a large number of famous generals such as Sanada Nobutsuna, Sanada Masahui, Sanada Masayuki, Sanada Shinyin, Kanai Takatsu, etc., and is the founder of the three generations of Sanada glory.

In the original history, Yukitsuna Umino did not show much edge in his early years. It was not until the tenth year of the Astronomical Tenth Year (i.e., 1541) that Takeda Nobutora, together with the Shinano clans such as Suwa and Murakami, completely defeated the Umino clan in the Battle of Umino and divided the territory of the Umino clan in Oyama Prefecture.

In the twelfth year of Astronomy (around 1543), Sanada Yutaka gradually realized that the hope of restoring the old domain with the Uesugi clan was becoming increasingly elusive, and at this time, Takeda Shintora had been exiled by his son Takeda Shingen, who was recruiting talented people and making progress in Shinano, so he returned to the Takeda clan on the condition of retrieving the old domain. Later, Sanada Yukitaka, a local snake who was familiar with the hydrology and geography of Shinano Province, gave full play to his role as a leader and helped the Takeda clan conquer Saku Castle, Uedawara, Toishi Castle (also known as Toishi Castle), and Katsubi Castle.

But in this world, this future famous general whose dignity is really difficult to compliment, but has his own furrow in his belly, has already emerged in the support of Sea Mouth Castle, and is privately called the head of the "Three Heroes of Shino" by the people in the city.

The so-called "Shino Sanjie" refers to the most outstanding young generation of the three clans of Kaino, Mochizuki, and Yuzu, who are collectively known as the "Shino Three Families". In addition to Yukitsuna Umino, there is also a man and a woman who came with him to aid Umi no Kuchi Castle and are sitting on the right side of it, named Yuzu Nobumasa and Mochizuki Chiyo.

This time, these "Shino Three Heroes" were coincidentally sent by their respective families, so that they led the elite of their families to support the Oi clan, in addition to showing the importance of allies and showing off their strength, there was also a bit of tempering and competition behind the scenes.

Although the Shino clan, a descendant of Emperor Seiwa and the three clans, had been keeping warm in the chaotic era when Shinano was juxtaposed, they were united with each other, and there was no lack of ideas for each other to overwhelm or even annex the remaining two.

Now, the two clans of Kaiye and Youzu are relatively strong, while the Mochizuki clan is in slight decline, and there is only one daughter under the knee of the lord, and seeing that the heir stream is cut off, the remaining two clans have the idea of having a step-son-in-law and adopting a son, and peacefully evolving the Mochizuki clan, so they take this opportunity to send young talents of the right age to give it a try.

In addition to Umino Yuzuna, Youzu Nobumasa is the second son of Youzu Motonao, the head of the Youzu clan, and is now over twenty years old, with a tall figure and a handsome appearance, and is a famous beautiful man among the three clans. In addition, his martial arts are outstanding, and he doesn't know how many young girls in a small county are the dream lovers of young girls.

And the core of the faint competition between the two clans of Haiye and Youzu is the daughter of the Mochizuki clan who sits on the right of the two - Chiyo Mochizuki. I saw that his ninja outfit, his whole body was hidden in a black night suit, but his bright eyes and Xiao He's pointed chin, coupled with the majesty that could not be concealed on his chest, and the taboo style that was inadvertently revealed, still made everyone present secretly glance at him.

Because of Yuzu Nobumasa's outstanding appearance and martial arts, he prides himself on being a young hero, and has always despised the ugly face and poor martial arts, and thinks that he is not enough to compare with himself, let alone compete for the heart of Chiyo Mochizuki. However, in this military discussion, Yuzu Nobumasa, who has always been personable, was pale, and it was difficult to hide his displeasure and jealousy.

It turns out that in the opinion of Nobumasa Youzu. From the day he entered the city, Umino Yukitsuna, who had long been despised by himself, was like a fish in water, showing his strategy and strategy, and successfully thwarted the Takeda army's attacks for several days, and was praised and praised by all generals, including Hiraga Nariyori. Even the goddess, who usually disdains herself, shows a charming gaze full of admiration from time to time, pulling the damn Umino Yuzuna to ask for military strategy and ask questions, but the martial arts that she is proud of are difficult to show.

When the Ganli army attacked by surprise that day, he finally won the opportunity to lead the troops, and personally led three hundred elites out of the city to counterattack the Ganli army, which failed to attack and fell into chaos, and personally took a samurai from the other side and killed five or six ashigaru. In his opinion, if he chased all the way at that time, he would have directly broken the entire enemy army, taken advantage of the chaos to take down the enemy's main formation, and took down the opponent's general, and even the head of the enemy chieftain Takeda Shintora. As a result, the damned dwarf forced the troops to be withdrawn, so that he missed a great opportunity to make immortal achievements. Hmph, I must be worried that I will be in the limelight and attract the favor of Miss Chiyo, it's really hateful!

And now, I can only listen to the military discussion in the clouds like a monkey, watch those real big people talk to that dwarf with respect and even awe, and respectfully ask him about his next step, and Miss Chiyo, Miss Chiyo actually has such a look, it's really hateful!

Yuzu Nobumasa's heart is turning upside down, and the goddess in his eyes, Chiyo Mochizuki, is opening her beautiful eyes and listening to Yukitsuna Umino talk eloquently. Although he was impressed by Yukitsuna Umino, Chiyo Mochizuki didn't have any charm in his heart.

First, although he is not a dog, he really can't accept the dignity of Yuzuna Haino.

Second, unlike the unilateral wishful thinking of the Umino and Youzu clans, the Mochizuki clan also has its own plans.

Although the clan is in a slight decline, and she is a daughter, it is difficult to inherit the family business, but the elders of the clan are not willing to fulfill the wishes of the Haiye and Youjin clans, and hand over the family business to the candidates launched by the two clans, but prefer to select good talents from outside the "three families of Shino", preferably from other county orders. In this way, the Umino and Youzu clans have no name to interfere in the inheritance of the Mochizuki clan's name, and the power of the son-in-law clan can also be used by Mochizuki to block the forcible interference of the other two. Second, if the outsiders want to oppose the guest, they will be resisted by the Umino and Youzu clans, so that under the control of each other, no one can annex the Mochizuki clan.

Therefore, the tengu of Yuzu Nobumasa has always been unilaterally amorous and jealous, and has never been taken to heart by Chiyo Mochizuki. However, this usually wooden, unbearable appearance of Umino Yukitsuna actually hides this talent for strategy, and he has to report to the clan when he goes back.

Not to mention Yuzu Nobumasa and Mochizuki Chiyo's inner drama, the new star of Umi no Kou Castle and the focus of attention - Yukitsuna Umino is another idea.

"What a nuisance! My father and I had long anticipated the Takeda clan's covetousness for the whole of Shinano, and our refusal to take half a step back in the face of such heavy losses, is the best proof of this. Therefore, this time, I strongly urge us to support the "Shino Three Families", and be sure to help the Oi clan guard the Saku Gate, so that they can fall into the fate of the cold lips and teeth in the future. ”

"As a result, I am the only one who has done everything for the life of the whole city and the future of the family!"

"The originally nervous bitter master Oi got carried away after winning a few games, and these days he has gradually become jealous of me, for fear of being an anti-guest. Youzu Nobumasa's tengu only has Chiyo Mochizuki in his eyes, and he gets carried away for his performance, and he doesn't listen to the general's orders before, and he almost spoils the overall situation. Chiyo Mochizuki seems to be big-chested, but it is not a fuel-efficient lamp, and he obviously leads the decisive force of the Koyo ninja people, but there is no other action except for helping to repair the crossbow guarding the city, and even intentionally or unintentionally provokes me to fight with Youzu Nobumasa, obviously sitting on the mountain and watching the tiger fight, but I and the sister of His Royal Highness Kawahara Dango Shou are already in love (Note 2), and I don't have that kind of mind at all. Not to mention the other rabble, such as Ashida and Soki, who have no idea or vision, and can't be counted on at all when it matters. ”

"Hey, now that I look at the overall situation, I can't count those guys, I just hope to unite and get through this difficulty."

"This time, our successive defeats against the famous Takeda Army caused huge casualties to it for two consecutive days yesterday and today, and a complete victory is just around the corner! All of this is due to the unity of all of you, but also to the ghost schemes of His Royal Highness Umino Dan Masadada (Umino Yuzuna), I wonder what His Highness Umino is currently teaching me? ”

Just as the three of them were thinking about each other, Hiraga Chengyori had already finished his briefing on the current battle situation and asked with a smile.

"His Royal Highness Yuan Xin raises love, it is just a small skill of carving insects, and this battle still depends on the heroic struggle of all your adults! Regarding the next step of the battle, there are indeed one or two shallow views below. ”

"Since Takeda Sakyo (Takeda Shintora) inherited the position of family governor in the year of the head of the family, he has played more than 40 times before and after, not only winning more and losing less, but also fighting again after defeat, which is a stubborn personality that does not stop until the goal is achieved. From his eleven-year entanglement with Suwa, it can be seen that his desire to covet Shinano has been for a long time, and he will not change because of a momentary victory or defeat. ”

"Therefore, in view of the overall situation, it is not a bad choice for us to nominally surrender to the Takeda clan and turn the troubles to forces such as Suwa, Ina, and Chikuma, which are not on good terms with us. Retreat can protect the family business, advance can take advantage of the Takeda clan's northward advance, and wait for an opportunity to seek a large territory in the direction of Matsumoto and Takato. ”

"Hmph, these days have been putting on a strategic appearance, but in the end he is still a cowardly child who is afraid of the enemy like a tiger!"

"Yes, the junior has a clever plan, but it seems that it will not work out after all"

"That's it, we obviously have the upper hand, and it's good that we didn't let the Takeda clan cut the land and sue for peace, how can there be a reason to admit defeat!"

……

Hearing Umino Yuzuna's "surrender theory", Yuzu Nobumasa, who had long been jealous, was the first to jump out and speak out against it, and a group of wealthy people who were full of self-confidence and felt good about themselves also talked about it, and the original awe-inspiring eyes gradually revealed a little suspicion.

"Ahem, the Takeda clan has a country and its power far exceeds ours, and His Royal Highness Haiye is also serious, so you don't have to mind. But it is only the battle and the fact that only the lords of each house can decide in a word, and since we have been ordered to defend the city, we should consider our own affairs. Seeing that the discussion was intensifying, Hiraga Nariyori couldn't help but pull two sentences to ease the atmosphere, but he also disagreed with Umino Yuzuna's point of view.

"Since you don't agree with this move, there is another way to go, which is to abandon your past grievances and fight against Takeda, and improve your relationship with the Suwa clan, Takato clan, Kiso clan, and other Minami Shinano clans. Although they have always been at odds with us, they are also bordered by Kai, and they have the same interests in the fight against Takeda and foreign expansion. In this way, to the south, you can resist the insult of Takeda, and to the north, you can take the seven clans of North Shinano, such as Murakami, Takanashi, Suda, Yashiro, Shimazu, Kurita, and Inoue. ”

"How can the Suwa clan, a stinky fish and rotten shrimp that was beaten into a dead dog by the Takeda clan, be worthy of an alliance with us. If we can defeat Takeda once today, we can defeat him ten times, a hundred times, why should we shake hands with those guys! ”

Before Yukitsuna's voice fell, Nobumasa Youzu was the first to jump out to oppose it, bringing up the rhythm of everyone.

"Yes, we are better than Takeda, and Takeda is better than Suwa and Takato, isn't it equivalent to us being far better than Suwa and Takato! It is better to wait for the end of this defense of the city, and we will take the opportunity to destroy those wastes and divide the family property, wouldn't it be happy! ”

"That's right, I didn't expect the son of the Youjin family to be quite bold, much stronger than the three-inch bud Guding who has a few conspiracies in his belly, but just wants to retreat and surrender!"

"Ahem" In order to suppress the discussion in the field, Hiraga Chenglai felt that the number of coughs today was more than in his life, "The military discussion is to express your own opinions, don't target individuals!" His Highness Umino's plan is also an old word, but it is also not within our authority, I don't know if there are other plans? ”

"As for the next strategy, that is to increase efforts and cripple this Takeda army! Although Dr. Takeda Sakyo is very persistent in his strategy, he is more utilitarian in his bones, and in popular terms, it is a pinch of persimmon picking up softness. ”

"In my opinion, although it has already decided to attack Shinano, when and where to attack it is debatable, if we can beat it with a stick, it will re-evaluate our strength, and change the strategy to Takato, Takashima, Sakata, etc., and delay the time when we will be invaded."

Yuzu Nobumasa, who was glared at by Chiyo Mochizuki, finally didn't jump out against it this time. Although Mochizuki Chiyo doesn't understand why Umino Yuzuna is still worried about the good situation, the "Shino Three Families" have been working together and have always advanced and retreated together when they are external, but that day the dog Yuzu Nobumasa didn't know what he had committed today, and repeatedly jumped out of place to dismantle the stage, so that all ethnic groups still didn't know it when they saw the jokes of the "Three Shino Families".

Although Hiraga Nariyori is the leader of the coalition forces, he doesn't want to pay attention to the bullshit of the families at all, and only thinks about keeping the Oi clan foundation in peace and keeping the Takeda army out of the mouth of the sea. Therefore, Umino Yukitsuna's strategy was very appetizing, so he showed his banner in support:

"In my opinion, His Highness Umino's plan is impartial, unhurried, and should be applied, I wonder if you have any other proposals?"

The fact that the Ichigan clan was able to send troops to rescue the Oi clan this time was not only based on the friendship of the same neighbors, but also a little bit of a cold consciousness, but it was also not high enough to stand in the perspective of the whole Shinano as one, and to make a big heart for the distant neighbors of the Suwa clan and the Takato clan who were not harmonious. Therefore, he successively echoed the opinions of Hiraga Nariyori and expressed his agreement.

Seeing that everyone was unanimous, Umino Yuzuna secretly sighed in his heart that everyone had no foresight, and if this continued, Shinano would sooner or later fall into the hands of the Takeda clan. can only solve the current siege first and come up with a plan.