ASAHI NO NISHISEI - Rising Sun Goes West (2)

Interlude 5 - Izumiin Rebellion

October 26

Near the border of Himukai and Satsuhayato Provinces, Western Chintou Island

Izumiin Genjiro Sanematsu rebelled against the Shimanami family about a month ago, and he holed up in Migasaki Castle, the main castle of his own territory in Himukai Province, and ordered his soldiers to attack the castle of the Shimanami family. They took Kobayashi Castle, which was still under construction, and attacked Kuniwake Castle, where Shimanami Renju, the wife of Shimanami Jigannokami Tadahisa, lived, but were met with resistance by the garrison. Meanwhile, Shimanami's reinforcements arrived at Kuniwake Castle, and Izumiin's army was defeated.

Aiming to defeat Izumiin, Shimanami forces attacked the castle to retake Kobayashi Castle, but met with unexpectedly fierce resistance and withdrew without a fight. A second attack was to await the arrival of the main army sent from Satsunan. On October 24, the Shimanami forces joined forces with the main army led by general Shimanami Matashichiro Tadatoyo and two days later, on October 26, the Shimanami army began its march to Kobayashi Castle.

"This time we will decide..."

Shimanami Matasaburo Tadamitsu, a Shimanami army general, emerged from their ranks and pointed his gaudily decorated military banner toward Kobayashi Castle. Immediately thereafter, the sound of horagai (conch shell) echoed, and foot soldiers with bamboo shields, spears, and flintlock rifles led by a general on horseback headed toward Kobayashi Castle.

"UWOOOOOH!"

The soldiers, wearing banners and capes on their backs and red hoods on their heads, charged toward Kobayashi Castle with spirited battlecry.

Kobayashi Castle Third Ward

Kobayashi Castle, a mountain castle carved out of a mountain, is divided by sections called 'wards.' On the ramparts of the Third Ward, the most front line of the three, where the general serving the Izumiin family, Nobe Ginemon Hikoichi, was located. Standing atop the ramparts with his men, Ginemon looked down on the large enemy army approaching Kobayashi Castle.

"Gunmen! Hold your fire until my orders!"

Around him, gunmen with flintlock rifles aimed at the enemy through simple shields and the narrow spaces hollowed out in the castle walls.

"Group commander! Draw them close enough!"

"Yes, sir!"

The gunnery commander, who was in command of the gunmen, kept a close eye on the hordes of Shimanami soldiers approaching the castle. At that moment, a bullet fired by the Shimanami army grazed his left cheek.

"Grk... not yet!"

The group commander was not intimidated by the bullets that flew here and there, and he drew the enemy as close as he could.

"Take aim...! OPEN FIRE!"

Bang-ba-bang, bang, bang!

At last, the Izumiin gunmen pulled the trigger. Immediately after that, the sound of irregular gunfire echoed through the air, accompanied by white smoke. The Shimanami soldiers approaching Kobayashi Castle were hit by bullets and fell one after another.

"Archers, provide cover!"

A flintlock gun must be loaded with ammunition and gunpowder after each shot. It takes about 20 seconds for the next round to be fired, even for the most experienced gunmen. During this time, the archers would cover the guns with their bows and arrows.

"Agh!"

"Uagh!"

Arrows were flying in both directions, and many people on the castle side were falling to the arrows of Shimanami's army. Meanwhile, the vanguard of the Shimanami army reached the moat surrounding the castle. The Izumiin army was shooting with bows and guns at those who were trying to cross the fence set up outside the moat, and deftly preventing them from approaching any further.