Gamers’ attitude towards Nioh 2 quite ambiguous. Especially among ardent admirers, fans of souls-like games. Some people madly adore the creation of Team Ninja, while others brand it with shame. However, often all such disputes revolve around gameplay. The plot part is simply ignored and not taken into account. But in vain, because the developers succinctly, to the best of their ability, retold one of the most important periods in the history of Japan, filling it with a dose of fantasy, and peppering it with folkloric mischief for the action.

Hello everyone, Cheezzy purple beard is in touch, and let’s try to compare what is presented in Nioh 2 a story with real events of long ago. For now, we will only observe the beginning of the formation of the new head of the Oda clan, as well as his loyal vassals.

Probably, before the story it is worth making a reservation. Let me talk about some nuances. Firstly, of course, there is absolutely no way to escape from spoilers. I’ll say even more, in the text, conventionally divided into chapters, we will first remember the plot of the game, and only then move on to the events that actually happened. It will be clearer this way, it seems to us, and more interesting. Secondly, the material is based on the main chain of missions. We will touch upon the secondary ones only lightly, as well as the secondary characters. Otherwise the article would never have been written. However, more on this below.

1. Death of the Viper

The main character Hide wakes up at night from heart-rending cries for help and persistent knocking on the door. The unexpected guest turns out to be a peasant, who is being chased by an angry youkai. A small demon that feeds mainly on the corpses of people and weakened relatives.

The protagonist easily deals with evil. However, the rescued visitor, noticing a demonic reflection in the eyes of the deliverer, runs away. Hide, returning to his shack, discovers a strange note. In it, an unknown person asks the main character to come to the rescue of a once prosperous village, famous for its post horses and draft cattle.

The fact is that the settlement is filled with terrible youkai, filling their bellies with human flesh and quenching their own thirst with warm blood. Hide decides to deal with the daring demons, and at the same time get acquainted with the author of the letter, who found out about the protagonist.

Having reached a village in the province of Mino, the hero enters into an unequal battle with creatures escaped from hell. The perpetrators of the outrage turn out to be two demonic executioners who practice human torture in the Underworld. Huge youkai, one with the head of a bull, the other – a horse, at the direction of Hide’s hardened steel, evaporate from the world of the living. Yes, but everything is not going entirely smoothly.

The inner essence of the protagonist, born from the union of a human and a demon, takes over. Darkness begins to take possession of him, but the author of the note, who arrives in time, uses the spirit stone to pacify the evil. The savior turns out to be Tokichiro, a traveling merchant who has not only a guardian spirit in the form of a monkey, but also similar habits and antics. He invites Hide to join forces to move towards a bright future together.

The hero agrees, and now the two of them are heading to a settlement of blacksmiths located on the shore of a mountain lake, founded by settled vagabonds. Along the way, Tokichiro will tell you that not only the province of Mino, on whose land our sandals walk, is affected by the war, but also the neighboring Owari and Omi. Endless feuds in their territories give rise to spirit stones that attract demons and dashing people.

The companion sincerely admits that in such turbulent times it is precisely necessary to act, because the chance of becoming famous increases noticeably. We just need to find a stronger gentleman. More influential. According to the stated characteristics, the choice fell on a monk named Saito Dosan, whose guardian spirit is a snake.

Of course, it was not in vain that the cunning merchant decided to enter his service. Not because of religious beliefs. No, of course not. Tokichiro knew very well about the influence of Dosan, popularly nicknamed the Viper for his betrayal in the name of power. A monk, once upon a time, having gotten rid of his own master, took the post of governor of Mino and got involved in the abyss of endless wars with the rulers of the neighboring province. However, with the course of events, the hatchet of enmity was buried, and the daughter of Dosan himself married the son of former adversaries. True, since then a lot of water has passed under the bridge, and the rice has been eaten.

Now Dosan, having moved away from bureaucratic affairs, handed over the reins to his son (well, or daughter, depending on the gender of the main character chosen by the gamer) and began collecting spirit stones in his old age. Aware of his hobby, Tokichiro, with the slyness inherent in a merchant, offered the monk the services of his small group to deliver precious crystals. Having received consent, the main character sets off to clean up the stunted streets of the blacksmiths’ settlement, which has become a haven for the demon of smoke and darkness, born of grievances and pure hatred of the deceased.

The destruction of the youkai is marked by the sudden appearance of an unknown person in a mask, seriously determined to shorten the protagonist’s height by at least one head with a glaive. Tokichiro does not allow another battle to happen on the ashes of the first battle, inviting him to resolve the conflict over a bowl of rice. Having filled her stomach for free, the stranger admits that she is a hunter of the undead, after which, having rejected the offer of a joint journey, she leaves. A couple of central characters return to Dosan victoriously.

A few months later, the protagonist’s master finds himself in a difficult situation. Unexpectedly for everyone, the monk is treacherously attacked by the forces of his own son – Yoshitatsu Saito. The discouraged father, having suffered heavy losses among his allies, is forced to retreat to a castle located in the mountains of the province of Mino. The main characters quickly move towards him.

At the time of their appearance, the dungeons of the fortress are already swarming with the forces of an ungrateful relative, most of which are demons. Hide, having reduced their number, eventually encounters a huge snake, which was once a patron deity, and is now transformed by a spirit stone into an aggressive monster.

The rescued, exhausted Dosan, seeing the protagonist’s faithful dagger, recognizes his child in it. It turns out that the monk was once upon a time not only the governor of Mino, but also the head of the undead hunters. But it so happened that he fell madly in love with the demoness, abandoning the destruction of youkai. The years of family life passed very quickly, because soon the neighbors found out about the essence of Dosan’s chosen one. Then the woman, not wanting to bring righteous anger on her lover’s head, leaves him with the child.

But the family reunion was short-lived. The army of Yoshitatsu Saito bursts into the hall where the battle with the giant snake took place. The monk, immediately assessing the current situation, sends Hide through a secret hole, and he himself remains to take the last battle.

In the darkness of a secret passage, the protagonist meets Tokichiro, as well as a lover of free food. The undead hunter, called Mumyo, helps the heroes who are trapped and joins their tandem. Now the trio, following the advice of the heroically deceased Dosan, flees to the neighboring province of Owari. To the ruling Nobunaga Oda there, married to the daughter of a monk. The plot flywheel has been launched, but let’s stop and watch how everything happened in reality?

At the beginning of the game’s story, two main events occur. The first is the joining of the main characters to Nobunaga Oda. Moreover, it is worth noting that, roughly speaking, the prototype of Tokichiro is Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who will be mentioned throughout the adventure with excerpts from the book. And Hide, in fact, is just an outside observer, invented solely to embody the gamer in the world Nioh 2. The second important event is the death of Saito Dosan. So.

The appearance of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the service of the young ruler Nobunaga Ode is interpreted differently by different sources. Although, in general terms. The difficult years of those years forced young Hideyoshi to leave his father’s house. He holds his sandals towards the temple. Moreover, some authors explain the reason for turning to religion in connection with the then practiced tradition of “shortening mouths”. They say that poor families sent their children to the temple in order to be able to somehow feed themselves, and to give the child the opportunity to survive. But existence under the supervision of the gods did not appeal to Hideyoshi, so he retreated. Ran away in search of a wild life.

It’s worth making a reservation here: some sources claim that the story about the temple is a banal invention. Hideyoshi allegedly immediately set off on his wanderings. Be that as it may, he ends up on the lands of Imagawa Yoshimoto (a direct enemy of the Oda clan, which we’ll talk about a little later), and enters into the service of the local samurai. Further events developed according to one of three theories.

During the first, most base, Hideyoshi becomes involved in robbery, and therefore runs away to his native lands, where he goes into the service of Nobunaga. According to the second theory, Imagawa, preparing for an attack on Oda’s forces, learned about a new model of armor that had appeared in the enemy’s regular army. Wanting to get his hands on an unusual steel shell, Yoshimoto orders Hideyoshi to be sent home as a spy to get what he needs. But the far-sighted vassal, finding himself in his father’s lands, decided to irrevocably change his master. And the third option, it seems to me, is the most romantic. The samurai, who sheltered the hero for several years, somehow gives him money to buy metal armor sold in his small homeland. Hideyoshi takes hard coins and even buys the necessary equipment, but not for the master, but for his beloved. After which, having dressed up and spoiled himself, he goes to Nobunaga’s courtyard to ask to join the ranks of his troops.

Another interesting controversial point raised by the game regarding Hideyoshi-Tokichiro is related to his appearance and habits. The fact is that the real prototype was not only born in the year of the monkey, but also resembled this mammal. As a result, from a very young age until his death, he had the same nickname. Monkey. True, with the passage of time the epithets for him changed: small, ugly, crowned. Some authors make a remark on this issue, stipulating that Hideyoshi acquired such a nickname thanks to the sharp-tongued Nobunaga Ode. For it was he who first called his vassal that way. In the game, you can notice Tokichiro’s monkey antics, movements, as well as a guardian spirit in the form of this mammal. A kind of allusion to a real-life person.

As for Saito Dosan, he did not take any direct part in the meeting between Hideyoshi and Nobunagai. However, it would be wrong to ignore acquaintance with this husband, because both in the past and in Nioh 2 his personality plays a significant role.

The first steps of Dosan’s formation as an imperious ruler, unfortunately, cannot be established for certain. But the theory constantly wanders from one source to another and is reprinted, subjected to serious criticism among historians. According to it, Dosan was allegedly originally a butter seller, and a little later inherited an entire shop. His entrepreneurial spirit, unsurpassed skill in speculation and in obtaining information quickly allowed him to get rich and make the necessary contacts. It’s hard to say how it really happened. For this stage of Dosan’s life is shrouded in darkness.

The next significant step in Saito’s development as a leader has two versions. According to the first, having crossed the mark of 26 years, he enters the service of the leader of the Nagai clan from the province of Mino. Soon he organizes a conspiracy with several relatives of the head of the house and gets rid of him, putting forward his candidacy. The dissatisfied relatives of the murdered man are, to put it mildly, against it, but only Dosan, having enlisted the support of the military governor, quickly shuts their mouths.

The second version sounds dull compared to the above. Her adherents claim that Saito achieved respect in the Nagai clan solely through the efforts of his father. Allegedly, his parent curried favor with the master, allowing his son, who resorted to bribery and fraud, to be at the top of the clan food chain.

Be that as it may, Dosan decides to cement an alliance with the military governor. Why does he marry his daughter to the son of a like-minded person?. However, the marriage did not last long. Since one day Saito has a strong quarrel with his son-in-law, after which he poisons him. The situation, let’s say, is not pleasant. The daughter is alone again, and the union is somehow fragile and unreliable. Therefore, everything needs to be corrected.

Then Dosan comes up with a brilliant idea. Why not give the young widow away again?? And already for the second son of the governor. After all, there is not a single reason not to do this.

Saito really liked the new son-in-law – flexible, soft-bodied, spineless. Nice thing. Dosan began to actively educate him with great pleasure. Either he forbade riding or hunting, in short, he completely tyrannized. Of course, from such a life, the daughter’s husband very soon howled and went on the run. But the father-in-law, having organized a pursuit, overtook the negligent son-in-law and forced him to commit suicide in order to wash away the shadow of shame cast by his act from the family.

After some time, the position of governor of Mino province becomes vacant. The vacant post was predicted for Dosan’s ally, who had lost two sons, but Saito suddenly opposed. Having bribed the elders of his like-minded man, he attacked his castle, forcing him to hide. Thus, Dosan, having ousted the rightful heir, who once gave him a foothold at the top of the clan, became the sole governor of Mino.

For the treachery shown more than once, for the betrayal of his allies, Saito was popularly awarded the nickname “Viper”, which the developers, of course, did not forget to reflect in the game. Creators Nioh 2 Not only is Dosan literally called that, but the patron spirit is also depicted in the guise of a snake. Very allegorical.

Having taken the post of provincial governor, Saito was actively involved in foreign political relations with his neighbors. Or rather, in military clashes with Nobunaga’s father. Having defeated the enemy forces at the Battle of Kanoguchi, Dosan decides to form a strong alliance with him. Alliance based on blood marriage. After all, before this, such a move worked simply amazingly.

The union is sealed by the wedding of Dosan’s daughter and Nobunaga Oda himself. However, the acquaintance with the new son-in-law occurred only five years later. Having reached the age of 60, Saito finally decides to meet his distant relative, about whom there were a lot of rumors. Especially now, when the son-in-law is waging a fierce struggle with his brothers for the place of head of the clan after the unexpected death of his father.

It’s worth a little distraction here and briefly talk about Nobunaga himself to understand the context. Rumors and gossip arose around him for a reason. Young, no, young (at the time of his father’s death he was approaching his 18th birthday) Oda dressed and behaved very provocatively. He wore traditional Japanese pleated pants that were short to his knees, had a strange bun hairstyle for a samurai, and also used bright colors in his clothes. Painted scabbards, leather cuirass and other armor. At the same time, Nobunaga did not stop at his different appearance from everyone else. Violating generally accepted rules of decency, he, along with his retinue imitating him, ate rice cakes, chestnuts, persimmons, melon as they walked, and offended passersby with petty antics. And most importantly, he mixed with the second or third vassals of his father, which simply aroused anger among the elders. After all, in fact, he wasted time on people not of his status, for which he naturally received a nickname behind his back, translated into Russian as “big fool”.

Nobunaga’s ambiguous reputation and unpredictable behavior caused fears among the elders regarding the possibility of him leading an entire clan. Unlike his younger brother, who was raised by his mother and behaved traditionally and expectedly. Without all these youth tricks.

As a litmus test demonstrating the polarity of the heirs, the authors mention the funeral of their father. At an important ritual event, on the day of farewell to a relative who had passed on to another world, the younger brother was present from the beginning to the very end and behaved with the utmost dignity. Nobunaga, in his characteristic manner, neglected all formalities – threw a handful of incense into the coffin and calmly left.

At the time of his first meeting with his father-in-law, Oda was fighting not only for the post of head, but also fighting off an external enemy, not without the military help of Dosan, of course. However, more on this a little later, when the plot flywheel touches this moment.

Saito specially arrived early at the temple, located on the border of the provinces of Mino and Owari, to secretly observe the approaching procession of the son-in-law discussed by society. Seeing his colorful clothes and stupid bun on his head from a hiding place, Dosan believed in the veracity of the rumors, but personal acquaintance changed everything. Twenty-year-old Nobunaga came to his father-in-law neatly dressed, combed according to all the rules of military etiquette, and during the conversation he demonstrated leadership qualities, dictating the course of the meeting.

In addition, old Saito was amazed by the army that arrived with his relative. One half of the infantry was armed with ordinary bows and arquebuses, the second with long spears 6.3 meters long. Firearms, considered a novelty, incredible pikes – everything testified to the skill and strength of the army. As a result, Dosan not only did not want to poison or lecture his son-in-law, but even expressed an opinion about his supremacy over his clan. Of course, such a thought flashed exclusively between especially loyal vassals.

Soon Saito decides to leave the post of governor of Mino and become a monk. Subsequent events, which, by the way, are demonstrated in the game, are interpreted differently by several sources.

According to the first option, Dosan appoints one of his younger sons as his heir, ignoring the direct successor, the eldest Yoshitatsu. The neglect of his person did not please the comrades-in-arms of the child selected from power, so they quickly assemble an army and get rid of competitors.

Having learned about the https://howlcasino.co.uk/withdrawal/ death of his younger sons, Dosan urgently writes a will in the name of Nobunaga, transferring to his son-in-law all power over the province. At the same time, he is gathering troops to repel the unruly son. A decisive mortal battle between father and son looms as a dark cloud ahead.

The second interpretation of events says that Dosan, under pressure from his inner circle, immediately transferred power to Yoshitatsu. True, such manipulation did not appeal to the old schemer at all. In connection with this, after waiting a little, he began to prepare his return, criticizing the actions of the new head and emphasizing the merits of his middle son.

Of course, Yoshitatsu had to quickly react to what was happening, otherwise, instead of becoming governor, there was a serious chance of losing his head. The counterattack to Dosan’s actions was a conspiracy, which was not inferior in meanness to his “merits”.

In the cold autumn, Yoshitatsu moves away from everyone, ceasing to appear in public. Immediately, rumors spread throughout the province that the Viper’s heir was allegedly terminally ill. And a little later, the uncle comes to the younger brothers with the news of the approaching death of a relative. Weakened Yoshitatsu, on the verge of death, almost delirious, wants only one thing – to say goodbye to loved ones. The younger brothers, not suspecting a catch, arrive at the castle, where they lay down their violent heads.

Upon learning of the death of two sons, Dosan becomes furious. Having gathered his troops into a fist, he goes through all the settlements around the castle of the vile heir and burns them. It becomes obvious that armed conflict cannot be avoided. Both sides begin to hastily prepare for battle.

Dosan turns to Nobunaga for help. In his letter, the monk says that if he defeats the vile son, he intends to transfer the entire province of Mino to his son-in-law. Yoshitatsu enlists the support of the old military governor. The same one whom his father once expelled in order to take his post.

The decisive battle took place on the banks of the Nagara River. Yoshitatsu’s army, consisting of seventeen and a half thousand people, opposed Dosan’s army, numbering only two and a half. The outcome of the battle was predetermined. The former governor fell to his son.

Nobunaga, who did not have time to help, received news of his father-in-law’s death while he was already on his way. Having fought off several detachments sent by Yoshitatsu, Oda decided to return to Kiyosu. Now the province of Mino has suddenly turned from friendly to hostile, a force to be reckoned with.

Analyzing the conflict between father and son, some authors propose two hypotheses explaining the root causes. Perhaps, according to the first theory, the heir was not Dosan’s own child, but the offspring of the exiled governor and the concubine who went over to him. Accordingly, the enmity that has arisen is nothing more than revenge for the suffering of the real father. The second hypothesis blames Saito’s inner circle for the incident. Trusted vassals who deliberately turned relatives against each other. However, be that as it may, the fact of Yoshitatsu’s warm, respectful attitude towards his father cannot be ignored.

The day after the victory, the head of the defeated Dosan was laid before the heir. The warriors who presented this gift apparently expected praise from their master, but it turned out the way it turned out. Yoshitatsu was not at all happy about the present. He ordered the nose of the fighter who destroyed his relative to be cut off, and he left the house for a while and began to call himself by the name of the famous parricide of the past.

2. Twin’s Fall

On the way, Tokichiro tells his companions about the rumors he has heard about Nobunaga Oda. They say that despite his young age, the young ruler shows promise. Moreover, what other! By resorting to the use of firearms on the battlefield, he made a real revolution in military strategy. True, people still call him a little stupid. Not openly, of course, in a whisper, among themselves, but still. At least, that’s what word of mouth conveyed to the merchant.

Having reached Kiyosu Castle in the province of Owari, the heroes seek a meeting with the ruler living in the fortress. Nobunaga Oda listens carefully to the story of the death of his father-in-law and, to the surprise of many, including the demon hunter, decides to accept strangers into his service.

Four years of relatively calm life, as far as those distant times allowed, flashed by in an instant. And so, on a May day, the protagonists, having probably forgotten the appearance of a youkai, head west, to a valley surrounded by mountain slopes. There, Nobunaga’s army organizes an ambush for the moving army of the famous commander Imagawa Yoshimoto, who holds near him a guardian spirit in the form of an elephant. Having crushed two provinces under himself with a hot iron, the dashing military leader planned to overthrow the young ruler of Owari. But everything turned out a little wrong.

During a skirmish between two armies, spear master Maeda Toshiie suddenly appears on the battlefield. Once upon a time, he faithfully served Nobunaga, but due to his wayward character and eternal fights, he was expelled from the clan. However, from today the warrior is ready to prove through military deeds that he is worthy to remain in the ranks of Oda’s regular army.

During the battle, Hide defeats Imagawa Yoshimoto, sending his soul to the forefathers. The unconditional defeat of the commander forces his outnumbered army to run away, thereby saving their own lives.

Having gotten rid of the looming threat, and albeit a distant, but still restless neighbor, Nobunaga decides to extend his influence to the north of the province of Mino. In the territories once controlled by the deceased father-in-law, and now controlled by the treacherous son – Yoshitatsu Saito. But before deploying troops, it is vital to establish a launching pad for a coordinated attack. The place for temporary fortification is the fork of two rivers in the area of ​​​​the settlement of Sunomata, subject to the enemy.

At the direction of Nobunaga, the task of building the fort falls on the shoulders of the heroes, as well as the spear master Maeda and the oldest vassal of the Oda family, Shibata Katsuie. A strong-built warrior wielding two axes and guarded by the ghost of a ferocious boar. He is distrustful of the spirit stones and the protagonists themselves who use them, because the hilt of the right weapon is unlikely to let a real husband down at the right moment.

Two warriors, separated from the group, decide in tandem to build a temporary shelter. Tokichiro enlists the support of the amphibious half-demon Hatiska Koroku, after which he invites the main character to act wiser. Firstly, do not build a fortress from scratch, but capture a nearby fort in order to further modify it. Secondly, free the spirits of Khatisk’s fellow tribesmen from the captivity of evil, who will help in the construction of the castle.

Hide, of course, agrees with the proposed plan and fearlessly implements it. In just one night, Nobunaga’s subjects create a fortification near two rivers, which becomes the starting point in the conquest of the north of Mino province. At the same time, on the advice of Tokichiro, the merits for the speedy construction of the castle are attributed to the master of the spear and the lover of axes, so as not to strain the already tense relationship with them. Also, in one of the battles, Hide helps Maeda Toshiie, who found himself in the minority, to emerge from the battle, not just alive, but the undisputed winner. The feat of arms does not go unnoticed, and therefore Nobunaga accepts the spearman back into his service.

Taking advantage of the built fort, Oda’s army enters foreign territories like a master. Just a year of advance, and the troops stop not far from the seemingly impregnable fortress of Inabayama on the top of the mountain – the refuge of the killer of his own father – Yoshitatsu Saito. Victory over him meant the peremptory conquest of the province of Mino. However, the defense of the castle actually created enormous difficulties, the resolution of which again became a headache for the heroes.

True, not for long. The cunning Tokichiro offers to visit the talented tactician and strategist who leads a solitary lifestyle, Takenaka Hanbei. After all, during the health of Saito Dosan, protected by the viper spirit, he had already captured this impregnable castle with a small handful of people in order to show the master the weakness of the erected walls. And when Yoshitatsu killed his own father, the strategist left service without hesitation.

During the appointed meeting, the brilliant tactician admits to the heroes that he cannot help in any way due to his progressive illness. But the merchant Tokichiro takes out a spirit stone from his bosom, and instantly relieves the ghostly goat – the guardian of Takenaka and the progenitor of medicine – from the illness. Feeling the illness recede, the strategist decides to help the protagonists in their difficult task.

Fighting his way into Yoshitatsu’s chambers, Hide notices terrible transformations around. As if the unbridled thirst for power and egoism inherent in the parricide was reflected on the walls of the castle under the influence, as rumors say, of spirit stones stored in the rooms. And so, the main character, facing the mask, meets the owner of the fortress. In a fierce battle, the protagonist defeats him, suddenly discovering that Yoshitatsu is his absolute twin. But there is no time left for surprise, because out of nowhere for a moment an ominous lanky old man materializes, which Hide sees in his nightmares.

The companions of the hero, the elder, who ran into the chambers, no longer find him. However, like spirit stones, which undoubtedly upsets Tokichiro. However, Inabayama Castle is captured, which means Nobunaga becomes the sole ruler of Mino Province.

At the celebration of such a significant event, the merchant, taking out hidden impudence from his bins, bursts into the event and asks Oda to bestow the same name on him and Hide. The master, showing excessive favor, does not punish the discourteous Tokichiro, but even vice versa. Satisfies his request, giving Hideyoshi a sonorous.

The continuation of the misadventures of the main characters in reality is the battle under the banner of Oda against the commander Imagawa Yoshimoto. However, this battle was preceded by a number of events in the life of the young ruler, which for a clear understanding of what is happening is still worth briefly touching on.

Retreating to his residence, Nobunaga decides to finally sort out family relationships. Or rather, not even that. He is forced into direct confrontation with his younger brother, supported by the majority of the elders. For the grown-up pretender, encouraged by the treacherous vassals, has not only gathered troops, but is also rushing headlong towards Nobunaga. There was no time left for the build-up or any negotiations.

The young ruler hastily recruits loyal companions and enters the battle. Moreover, the situation was extremely unpleasant. Supporters of his younger brother fielded 1,700 trained warriors, while Nobunaga somehow managed to scrape together about 700 fighters. However, the numerical minority did not become a hindrance.

First, Nobunaga defeated the first detachment of his relative under the control of Shibata Katsuie, familiar to the gamer as a guardian spirit in the form of a boar. Then on the same day the remaining forces of the younger brother fell. And the failed head of the clan himself, picking up his soiled trousers, retreated.

Nobunaga’s mother saved the failed revolutionary and his associates from the bitter fate. She met with her son, persuading him not to start blood feuds. Not wanting to deepen the family split, the young ruler agreed and granted amnesty to all rebels.

It would seem that you miraculously remained alive, while maintaining a high position. Rejoice at every new day and smiling luck. But the defeat only angered the younger brother, who began to look for allies among more powerful relatives. Secret preparations for the next attack on Nobunaga began in full swing. Yes, only the situation has changed slightly over the past year, because the elders were already on the side of the current ruler. An important arch-secret message about the upcoming conspiracy was conveyed to a potential victim by Shibata Katsuie. The experienced warrior realized in time that it was time to change his master.

Nobunaga, realizing the difficulty of fighting two relatives at once, decided to take the lead. In this he was helped by a trick used not so long ago by the hostile Yoshitatsu Saito. In a cunning move, Nobunaga suddenly withdrew from everyone, starting rumors about his own incurable illness. Such news could not but please his younger brother.

Anticipating his own imminent rise, he, on the advice of Shibata Katsuie, went to the residence of a relative, planning to persuade him to write a will. Of course, things didn’t turn out that way at all. The simple-minded rebel was killed, and Shibata himself was accepted into his service by Nobunaga for his help in eliminating the sub-revolutionary. The young ruler spent the next two years exclusively in family squabbles, eventually bringing the entire Oda clan under his control.

Under the guise of civil strife, the warlike neighbor Imagawa Yoshimoto, known to gamers as an elephant spirit, entered into alliances with forts on the eastern border of Owari province. This created a zone beyond Nobunaga’s control, which could at any moment become a springboard for a surprise attack. The problem that arose required urgent intervention. Urgent. However, there was not enough strength to eliminate it.

With his brains wide open, Nobunaga builds siege fortifications next to enemy forts and resorts to, let’s call it, spy tricks. The trusted vassal is supposedly sent on a trade mission to the largest market in the region, where merchants from all the surrounding provinces gathered. There, an agent spreads rumors that one of the fort commanders is playing a double game. And when Imagawa Yoshimoto invades Owari Province, he will attack from behind. The information, as expected, reached the right ears. The slandered commander and his son were instantly multiplied by zero.

Then the following trick came into play. Nobunaga’s clerk, on his personal instructions, abandons all his affairs and spends days on end learning to forge the signature of another owner of the fortress. When perfection has been achieved, the vassal draws up a fake report, and the “official paper” is sent to the market along with the merchant. From where it gets into the right hands. Imagawa, having familiarized himself with the false correspondence indicating betrayal, orders the execution of the second commander of the fort.

Yes, Nobunaga’s plans worked perfectly. True, they were of little use. After all, new commanders took the place of the killed ones. And Yoshimoto himself, during Oda’s espionage floundering, had already gathered troops and sent a united front to the province of Owari. It was supposed to become the fourth territory belonging to the best commander of the eastern lands. And let’s discuss a little the personality of Nobunaga’s upcoming opponent, for it was his habits that led to his tragic end.

Imagawa Yoshimoto was not a simple upstart who rose to power. Oh no. His clan originated from a side branch of the shoguns and was one of the most eminent houses in the country. Yoshimoto constantly emphasized such a revered origin, both in everyday life and during campaigns.

Considering himself an aristocratic person, he painted his teeth with ink every day. A tar smile, adored by women and the nobility, in those days was considered a sign of sophistication and high taste. Yoshimoto completed his image with bright red clothes, and he used this color everywhere, right down to the color of the palanquin. However, we should not be deceived by the eccentricity that seems to us now. Yoshimoto was elevated to the rank of the best commander not for his appearance or for his high birth.

Having headed the clan, he immediately set about reforming military affairs. As the authors of historical works say, during the years of civil strife, battles took place using “bulk tactics”. The military leader gathered subordinate commanders and set a number of tasks, after which the troops selflessly rushed into battle. The subsequent outcome of the battle could only be awaited.

Yoshimoto, dissatisfied with the lack of control, streamlined the interaction between top and middle management, receiving at the same time a list of senior commanders indicating the number and type of weapons of the fighters. This approach not only made it easier to plan the operation, but also made it possible to quickly coordinate troops.

The vast battle experience gained over decades of military clashes, about fifteen years of difference and a huge army – everything, literally, predicted an unconditional victory for Yoshimoto. It was hard to even imagine anything else. Against an enemy army of 25 thousand people, young Nobunaga could oppose, at most, 6, and even then with the condition of bleeding almost the entire province.

During the first days of the battles, the attacker’s army captured not only two forts, suffering minor losses, but also defeated a detachment of 300 soldiers sent to meet them. Having also deprived two of Oda’s commanders of violent heads. Nobunaga’s destruction was imminently approaching. Anticipating a katana hanging over his neck, the young ruler decides to take a desperate step.

One of the units, divided into three by Yoshimoto’s army, entered the valley near the mountain and settled down to rest. The location is not entirely favorable: the narrow ravine stretching from the southeast to the northwest is overgrown with thick tall grass, which is why the large detachment did not have the opportunity to deploy into battle formation.

Gathering his commanders, Nobunaga loudly announced the planned mad attack. The target of their surprise attack will not be the soldiers who have tasted victory, but the head of Imagawa. Fortunately, because of his carelessness and aristocratic habit of traveling on a bright red palanquin, the scouts learned the location of the headquarters. Behind the main force, guarded by three hundred personal guards.

The historical chronicle mentions that on the day of Oda’s raid on the camp, enemy warriors had already begun celebrating the successful start of the campaign. We opened several barrels of sake and spread out a little at a time to the nearest villages to replenish food supplies. The timing of the attack was perfect.

The sudden cavalry charge took Yoshimoto’s guards by surprise. In just moments, Nobunaga’s horsemen swept away the enemy’s personal guard, managing to break through to the adversary’s tent. The stunned Imagawa tried to fight off the enemies who had jumped out of nowhere, but Oda’s two adjutants turned out to be more dexterous and stronger than him. This is how the earthly journey of the best commander of the eastern lands and an unfriendly neighbor who coveted a foreign province ended ingloriously.

Nobunaga, risking everything, won an unconditional victory over Imagawa Yoshimoto. However, while describing the large-scale action, we lost sight of one person who played an important role in the game. But in vain, because this battle became especially important for him.

We are talking about the spear master Maeda Toshiie, protected by a ghostly dog. From the age of 13, his fate was tightly intertwined with the Oda clan. It was at this age that the young spear lover begins to serve Nobunaga. Chroniclers and historians, occupied with more important events, do not particularly notice the young Maeda until the time of troubles sets in. The power struggle takes a toll on Toshiie. In one of the conflicts he is wounded in the right eye.

The trauma he suffered, according to some authors, greatly damaged his sanity, making it incredibly difficult for Maeda to contain his anger. Also, some sources mention possible bipolar personality disorder, but this opinion did not find much approval.

Be that as it may, the overly impulsive, hot-tempered Toshiie one day quarrels with his master’s vassal. He shamelessly publicly accuses the master of the tea ceremony of intentionally damaging his blade. The subordinate, stunned by such a slander, naturally seeks protection from Nobunaga. Oda, after listening to the arguments of both, forbids Maeda to pursue the master of tea ceremonies. But Toshiie, not caring about the master’s words, kills the offender in front of his own eyes.

It is difficult to imagine the flurry of emotions that gripped Nobunaga at that moment. After all, in those years only disobedience was considered a crime worse than murder. Having suppressed the rage that flared up in himself, Oda nevertheless decides to save the life of the guilty vassal, remembering his devotion to the clan. Maeda is kicked out of the service.

Yes, but Toshiie such a punishment was worse than death. He did not see his life outside the clan. Outside of military campaigns under the banner of Nobunaga. In this connection, the mighty giant Maeda, under the guise of another person, joins Oda’s troops, hoping to justify himself in the eyes of his master. By the way, the master of the spear was truly considered a giant among his contemporaries. For example, Nobunaga was 157 cm tall, and Hideyoshi was 154 cm tall. While Toshiie himself reached an impossible 182 cm.

Maeda’s opportunity to atone for her crime presented itself during Oda’s desperate attack on Imagawa Yoshimoto’s tent. In those distant medieval years, the best proof of the courage and devotion of a samurai was the presentation of honorary trophies to the master in the form of the heads of opponents defeated in battle. Which, of course, is what Maeda did when the adversary’s troops were defeated and put to flight. Nobunaga appreciated such a brave gesture, forgiving his loyal vassal, but did not officially include him in the ranks of his army. Because he hasn’t earned it yet.

It is also worth mentioning the guardian spirit in the form of a dog, which the developers gifted to the game Toshiie. The fact is that in reality the spear master had the nickname Dog. Its appearance is explained by the historical works of the authors by two hypotheses.

First, it’s all Nobunaga’s fault. It was he who awarded his vassal this nickname, based on his childhood name. Maeda Inutiyo, where the character "inu" can be translated as "dog". The second version of the origin suggests turning to the character of Toshiie. They say they called him that for his courage and sincere devotion to his master, which is unique to a dog.

Having defeated Yoshimoto, Nobunaga decides to pay an unfriendly visit to an old friend who recently sent his beloved father-in-law to another world. Fortunately, one dangerous neighbor-conqueror will no longer bother you.

Inspired by their military exploits, Oda’s army boldly entered the territory of Mino Province, hoping to quickly reach the residence of the offender – Yoshitatsu Saito. However, they were not allowed to go far. The sent troops of the owner of the province instantly calmed Nobunaga’s troops, forcing them to turn around. The foray failed. A little later, Oda will again try to enter the lands of the parricide, but he will receive nothing but bitter defeat. Yoshitatsu held Mino tightly in his arms.

Nobunaga postponed attempts to invade the lands of his deceased father-in-law for about a year. Perhaps he would have delayed even longer, but news of Yoshitatsu’s sudden death arrived. The ungrateful son of Dosan left this mortal world, leaving his 13-year-old son, Tatsuoka, on the throne. An unexpected event in the Saito clan served as a signal for Oda to attack. To an attack that failed again. The unfavorable outcome of the next battle made Nobunaga think carefully. The province of Mino, like this, cannot be captured in a swoop.

Long preparations began for the systematic conquest of the neighboring territory. Oda makes alliances, covering the rear, moves military forces closer to the border, including his own residence. When the preparations were completed, Nobunaga’s troops, following a deliberate plan, again crossed the border. Only this time Oda’s army does not retreat, driven by defensive units. The invasion escalates into a protracted war on foreign territory.

The period of endless battles in comparison with the history presented in Nioh 2 interesting for two, let’s say, events. First, stubborn spear master Maeda finally wins Nobunaga’s favor. He brings his master the head of a certain sworn enemy, about whose identity the authors of historical articles do not go into much detail. Secondly, Oda’s troops are successfully opposed by the troops of the loyal vassal of the Saito clan – commander Takenaka Hanbei. Virtuoso strategist and tactician. But we’ll talk about it a little lower. Because now on our agenda is one of the most interesting legends, the debate about which is still going on. Namely, the history of the emergence of Sunomata Castle at the confluence of the Sai and Nagara rivers.

When you try to find descriptions of the events of those years on the Internet, like it or not, you will come across an article reprinted from each other. Nobunaga, waging a continuous war with the people of the Saito clan, decides to make a sharp leap forward to the enemy’s residence, but for this he lacks a bridgehead. A fortified point from which units could advance as a united front. Oda entrusts the solution to this problem to his faithful vassal Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The construction of the required fort was complicated by the fact that the chosen location was located in enemy territory. Of course, the enemy would not be happy, to put it mildly, if Nobunaga’s fighters started swarming right next to him. But the resourceful mind of Oda’s trusted servant still found a way to carry out his master’s order. No matter what.

Hideyoshi’s subordinates cut down trees on the opposite bank of the Nagara, after which they put together sections of fortress walls and towers. The resulting structures, under the cover of darkness, were floated down the river on rafts and assembled into a single, seemingly monolithic castle. Of course, the built fort was, in fact, an empty frame, a decoration for a fortification. However, the enemy didn’t even know about it, and while he was being careful, finding out, sniffing, Nobunaga’s troops brought the fragile structure to a full-fledged castle.

The feat of Toyotomi Hideyoshi described by many authors is amazing. In one night, he erected a fort on someone else’s land, which later allowed his master’s forces to win the war. Yes, but there are a number of theories, additions, clarifications regarding this event.

For example, the exact date of construction of Sunomata Castle is unknown. There are suggestions that the fortress was built not at the turning point of protracted battles, but much, much earlier. During Oda’s unsuccessful campaign against the province of Mino, when the news of the death of the parricide Yoshitatsu excited the public. It is also assumed that the task of erecting the fort initially fell on the shoulders of Shibata Katsuie and another vassal. But the master of two axes and the owner of a ghostly boar, according to the game version, failed the task miserably. Saito’s troops controlling the territory did not allow him to turn around.

When the task of building the castle was set to Hideyoshi, according to one hypothesis, he turned to the dashing man Hachisuke Koroku, depicted in Nioh 2 amphibious half-demon. His clan, who knew the area well, provided all possible assistance to Toyotomi, including transporting the knocked together structures along the river. In the future, Hatiska will faithfully serve first Oda, and then Hideyoshi himself.

However, some authors generally cast doubt on the described event. After all, precise reinforced concrete evidence regarding the construction of even a frame castle or one external wall is not yet available. There is only a beautiful legend, retold from time to time.

The turning point in the never-ending confrontation between Nobunaga and the Saito clan occurred when Tatsuoka reached the age of 19. The young ruler among the elders did not prove himself to be the best, having incompetently weakened with his leadership the once strong province left by his father. Also, evil tongues say that the young man was mired in drunkenness and entertainment, shifting his responsibilities to vassals. Because of which, of course, the discontent of his subjects only grew.

Here again, several sources, narrating subsequent events, differ in detail. First, let’s take a look at the option that is closer to the plot of the game.

While preparing an attack on Tatsuoka’s residence, Oda decides to recruit one of the enemy’s best strategists. Takenaka Hambei, who defeated Nobunaga’s troops on the battlefield more than once. Toyotomi Hideyoshi is sent to the tactician with a tempting offer to change the master. The visitor brings gifts with him, promises a good position, a considerable reward, but the strategist refuses. After all, he moved away from the affairs of the Saito clan as much as possible, preferring to study science in solitude.

Nioh 2, demonstrating Hambei, it does not just focus attention on his illness. The fact is that the great tactician from birth was not distinguished by hefty health. In addition to this, he had a weak physique, a sickly appearance, and in general, as the authors write, he looked more like a fragile woman. Which was, to put it mildly, not very good for a samurai. But nature, which squeezed a strong male body, gifted him with an extraordinary mind in return. A mind that allowed him to rise from an ordinary vassal of Yoshitatsu Saito to a respected military strategist of the clan.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, having received a refusal at the first meeting, did not give up his plans, returning to Hambei again. And then again. Only at the third rendezvous did the tactician agree to go over to Oda’s side, but on the condition that he would be a vassal of the exclusively persistent, irrepressible Hideyoshi.

Having replaced the master, the strategist develops a plan to conquer the castle of his former master, who leads a completely unsamurai lifestyle. The fact is that storming the residence of the Saito clan was not so easy to carry out. The fortress was located on a mountain 329 meters high, the approaches to it from the south and north were covered by mountains, a stormy river flowed in the east, and in the adjacent territory from the west there was a castle town on the plain. A thoughtless capture of such a fortification threatened the loss of a huge number of soldiers. And even then, human lives laid on the altar of victory did not promise the obligatory achievement of what was planned.

Hambey was well aware of the high possibility of failure of the assault, therefore, like the hero of a spy film, he decided to take possession of the residence without noise and dust. On that ill-fated day for the Saita clan, their head, under the pretext of illness, locked himself in his own chambers in order to enjoy unbridled drunkenness. Having learned about this, the tactician, together with two conspirators and six servants, came to the castle on a courtesy visit, supposedly to inquire about the master’s health. Of course, the guards freely let such distinguished guests through without bothering to check the large chest they had taken with gifts for the ill ruler. But in vain, the gift would have greatly surprised the lazy guards.

Finding themselves in the master’s chambers, Hambei, together with his entire delegation, put on armor pulled out of the chest and armed themselves. After which, after frightening the drunken Tatsuoki to the point of hiccups, they expelled him from the family nest under threat of death. Soon the gates of the impenetrable fortress opened before Nobunaga’s troops. The province of Mino passed under the control of Oda. There is also an idea that initially the strategist captured the castle for his beloved. However, he was forced to give up his residence, assuming that he would not be able to withstand Nobunaga in an open battle.

Another option for conquering the fortress, where Hideyoshi is the main character, is also close to the story told in the game. Toyotomi, together with his dashing vassal Hatiska Koroku, and several subjects, decide on a daring night raid. Under cover of darkness, they climbed a steep cliff and entered the castle unnoticed. Inside, medieval saboteurs set fire to a warehouse and a powder magazine, causing a lot of panic. Noise, shouting, commotion, running around – there was a complete madness going on around, which Hideyoshi took advantage of, breaking through to the main gate, and opening it for Oda’s waiting troops.

The next version of the events of the conquest of the residence of the Saito clan is more mundane than the first two. Nobunaga suddenly receives a message from three senior enemy commanders about their desire to defect to his side. It is assumed that the motive for the betrayal was Tatsuoka’s wild life and the bleak prospects under his rule. Oda, without much hesitation, accepts the offer of the defectors and goes to the fortress.

Having surrounded the castle, Nobunaga’s troops burn nearby settlements, thereby depriving the enemy of supplies. The siege did not last long compared to the many years of confrontation. Two weeks later, the residence fell, and Tatsuoki himself fled down the river. Having conquered the province of Mino, Nobunaga begins to look at new territories, planning to unite all of Japan under his banners.

Ahead of the now mature Nobunaga Oda, truly difficult battles await, the outcome of which will depend on thousands of lives. His loyal vassals will face many difficulties. Someone will show dedication and heroism, and someone will decide to sharpen a knife to stab you in the back.

The purple beard and I will definitely talk about this and make comparisons with the plot of the game in the next article. After all, work on the sequel is already in full swing.

1) Prasol A.F. Unification of Japan. Oda Nobunaga, M.: Publishing house VKN, 2016. – 432 s. – ISBN 978-5-9906061-2-8.

2) Mason R., Kaiger J. A Brief History of Japan, St. Petersburg.: ABC-Atticus, 2020.

3) Articles from the VK group of the Historical Reconstruction Club “Samurai Shimazu”:

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