The autumn winds of Ise carried a chilling atmosphere. As Oda Nobunaga's army approached like a dark cloud, the powerful clans of northern Ise were already distraught before they even engaged in battle. Some abandoned their cities and fled, others offered maps and served as vanguards, and some even eagerly offered their daughters to Oda's camp, hoping for survival through marriage. Many families, already divided, had quietly sided with Oda's followers, eager for a new master to bring about a resurgence.
Without a single blow, Nobunaga, through marriage and strategic cunning, had conquered much of Ise. Only the Kitada clan remained in a desperate position, but they were no longer a threat. With his worries freed, Nobunaga immediately returned to Gifu Castle, his sharp eyes fixed on the glorious road to Kyoto.
His grand vision was clear and unwavering: to support Ashikaga Yoshiaki as shogun and conquer Kyoto in one fell swoop! However, Rokkaku Yoshitaka of Omi stood like a poisonous thorn in the way of this kingly path.
Nobunaga had sent envoys to Kannonji Castle, attempting to subdue the enemy without a fight. But Rokkaku Yoshitaka refused to surrender. Instigated by the "Three Miyoshi Men," he resolved to support Ashikaga Yoshihide and challenge Nobunaga.
"Since you won't yield, then uproot your enemies." Nobunaga sneered, and the declaration of war was issued. The order spread throughout Owari, Mino, and Ise, and loyal and fearful lords gathered their armies, their banners draped across the sky, marching straight towards Omi.
Nobunaga personally led his army from Gifu Castle, aiming for Kannonji Castle, the heart of the Rokkaku clan. With Wadayama Castle and Minasaku Castle as its antagonistic horns, Kannonji Castle held a strategic position. Nobunaga deployed his forces like a chess chess master. First, he ordered his ally, Asai Nagamasa, to drive a wedge between the two castles, severing their connection. He then dispatched Hayashi Michikatsu and Akechi Mitsuhide to contain Wadayama Castle.
The final blow came at Minasaku Castle. Thanks to the valiant charge of Matsudaira Shinichi, the castle was finally captured! Upon receiving the news of victory, Nobunaga personally led his main force, surrounding Kanonji Castle like a tidal wave.
Inside the castle, Rokkaku Yoshitaka, utterly terrified, hastily sent envoys to beg for peace. However, when Nobunaga's drums of war began to beat, he lost even the courage to negotiate and fled hastily into the mountains of Koga. Like monkeys scattering when a tree falls, Rokkaku's retainers knelt before the Oda army's gates.
With the road now clear, Oda Nobunaga, like a conqueror, welcomed the future shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, into Mii-dera Temple. The gates of Kyoto were now wide open for him.
Upon hearing of the Rokkaku clan's defeat, the Miyoshi clan, entrenched in Kyoto, knew their situation was hopeless. They abandoned the imperial capital overnight and fled to Settsu. Oda Nobunaga entered the long-desired Kyoto without a single bloodshed. He did not rush to enjoy his victory but instead deployed defenses at Toji Temple, wary of a counterattack from the south.
He relocated Ashikaga Yoshiaki to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, while he himself assumed de facto control of Kyoto. The ancient capital was abuzz with excitement and trembling at his arrival. Citizens lined the streets, eager to witness the heroic figure of this legendary overlord; yet others, fearing his prestige, fled for safety, carrying their elderly and children. Even Emperor Go-Okinocho, deep in the palace, prayed day and night, hoping that this new powerful figure would bring order, not destruction.
However, Nobunaga soon reassured everyone. He issued strict orders to his subordinates to refrain from atrocities, restored order, and appeased the refugees. His imagined "tyranny" did not materialize, replaced by unprecedented military discipline and peace. The restive citizens of Kyoto were gradually won over by his tactics.
With domestic affairs initially settled, old court grudges needed to be settled. Initially, the "Miyoshi Three" had supported Ashikaga Yoshihide, while Miyoshi Yoshitsugu and Matsunaga Hisahide had supported Ashikaga Yoshiaki. Now, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu and Matsunaga Hisahide, the mastermind behind the assassination of the previous shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru, came together to offer surrender.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki was filled with grief and indignation, refusing to forgive his brother's murderer. However, Oda Nobunaga, with his gaze fixed on the entire world, defied the pleas of others and, in a calm and undeniable voice, advised, "The world is not yet settled, so we must recruit talented individuals to serve us. Past offenses can be forgiven, but talented individuals are hard to come by."
Finally, Ashikaga Yoshiaki succumbed to Nobunaga's will. Matsunaga Hisahide and Miyoshi Yoshitsugu were not only pardoned but also treated with unexpected courtesy. In Nobunaga's chess game, even the most filthy pieces, if useful, could be given a new role.