Daimyo Takamoto rode at a leisurely pace across the snow covered fields. He paused to gaze at the smoke rising lazily from peasant huts scattered about in the distance.
There was not a soul to be seen for miles. The fields lie fallow in winter.
Every creature - human, beast and bird - hid from the winter cold in its own fashion. Only he - the Tiger of Kyushu - felt safe and at home out here in the open, in the snow and in the cold. Except for the province of Buzen, the destruction of the Ouchi left him as the undisputed master of all Kyushu.
He recalled the pact that he had made with Daimyo Tamehisa when the first Chosokabe Wars ended in stalemate years ago. It's time that I kept my promise to Tamehisa, he thought
The Second Chosokabe Wars
The Mori declared war upon the Chosokabe in Spring 1568. Mori Takamoto made sure that he was well prepared this time. He allocated two field armies for the invasion of Shikkoku, one under his command, and another under his brother, Mori Motoharu.
When asked where he intended to begin his invasion, he answered fiercely and without hesitation, "Iyo!"
His brother, Mori Takakage, had lost his life defending Imabari Castle in Iyo, in the last battle of the first Chosokabe Wars.
~ ~ ~
The Chosokabe greeted the Mori declaration of war with consternation. The Chosokabe were pariahs in Japan. They had no friends and were already locked in a war of attrition with the Yamana, Hatekeyama and Kikkawa clans.
"Our navy is virtually confined to port with so many enemy ships prowling the seas. Now, the Mori, with their powerful navy, are free to strike anywhere in Shikkoku! We can't defend everywhere!" worried the Chosokabe strategists.
"Don't wreck your brains on that account," Daimyo Tamehisa said calmly. "The Tiger of Kyushu will land in Iyo. As certain as the sun sets in the west, I know he will be in Iyo, and I will place my army there to welcome him!"
~ ~ ~
Mori Motoharu was drinking sake with his captains at his headquarters when the messenger arrived.
"The daimyo has commenced the siege of Imabari Castle. The main Chosokabe field army have shut themselves in Imabari. It is a powerful force. He requests that you remain close with your army in case the Chosokabe attempt to breakout," the messenger said.
Motoharu said,"Assure my brother, the daimyo, that I will do as he requests. We will remain here. We will not move until he gives the order"
After the messenger left, Mori Motoharu gave a knowing glance at one of his adjutants. The adjutant got up and left the tent. Shortly afterwards, a metsuke appeared before Motoharu and reported.
"My lord, I have grave news! Strong Chosokabe reinforcements are detected moving up the Imabari-Kochi road. They will reach Imabari within days!"
"What!" Motoharu exclaimed.
"We must not allow the Chosokabe to link up. We have to destroy the Chosokabe while they remain separated," one of his captains, Uechiro, advised.
"I agree. I will send word to my brother and await his command," Motoharu replied.
"My lord, there is no time! By the time you send word to the Daimyo, and receive his orders, the opportunity will be lost! Whereas if we move now, we still have time to set up an ambush and attack the Chosokabe in marching formation. If these reinforcements are allowed to reach Imabari and take up positions on high ground, they will be twice as strong and many more Mori men will die taking Imabari. Consider my lord, what would the Daimyo wish you to do? Didn't he always say that an army should be fluid, flowing like a stream, and that commanders, from the highest to the lowest, should respond quickly to changing situations? Think how furious he will be if he found out that you had this information and did nothing," advised Uechiro.
"Your words, Uechiro, are like the rays of the sun dispelling the darkness!" Motoharu exclaimed slapping his thigh. "Very well, then, rouse the men! We will move out immediately! We will destroy these Chosokabe reinforcements and be back before my brother even realises that we were gone"
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