Prince Mochihito Raises an Army

Unsurprisingly, Minamoto no Nakatsuna's actions went too far, giving the Minamoto a reason to raise an army.

They were the third sons of Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, Prince Mochihito, they raised the banner of "supporting the rightful wife and punishing the Taira Clan," secretly colluding and accumulating strength.

However, the Taira's power was at its zenith at this time, and they had a dense network of spies both inside and outside Kyoto.

The unusual movements of the Minamoto Warriors infiltrated Kyoto to gather information and attempt to contact his former subordinates were quickly detected.

Like a true shadow, Shintarō followed a suspicious Samurai, lurking on the rooftop, and overheard the samurai's secret conversation with his companion in the hidden mansion.

"His Highness Prince Mochihito the Minamoto in various regions..."

The intermittent whispers were enough to piece together a startling scheme.

Shintarō's figure vanished like smoke, and he quickly returned with news.

The Rokuhara Residence was brightly lit.

After listening to Shintarō's report, Munemori's expression changed repeatedly, filled with surprise and doubt.

He felt both that Minamoto were like an ant trying to shake a tree, and a vague unease crept in. " With the Prince Mochihito's... decree... how dare they!"

He paced back and forth, unable to produce a decisive order.

Upon Tomomori and Shigehira rushed over and, after learning the details, both looked grave.

"We must act immediately!" Tomomori gripped the hilt of his sword, his eyes sharp. "Suppress the ringleaders before they successfully coordinate and the orders spread!"

Shigehira nodded in agreement. "Brother, there's no time to lose. We should take control of Prince Mochihito as quickly as possible, seize the imperial edict, and arrest the ringleaders!"

However, Munemori still hesitated. "Should we wait for Father's instructions? After all, it involves a prince..."

Tomomori said urgently, "Father is in Fukuhara! By the time the messenger returns, the opportunity to fight will have been lost! Brother, you are now the head of the family!"

Munemori looked at his younger brothers' eager and determined eyes, then at the Ninja Shintarō kneeling on the ground awaiting orders, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He lacked Shigemori's decisiveness and Kiyomori's ruthlessness. Faced with this sudden crisis, his lack of confidence as the head of the family was exposed.

"... Immediately dispatch a messenger on horseback to Fukuhara to report to Father! At the same time... strengthen security in Kyoto and monitor the residences of Prince Mochihito Hijiri and the known remnants of the Minamoto clan... but, but do not alert them; await Father's decision!"

This order was delayed and conservative.

Tomomori and Shigehira exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness and anxiety in each other's eyes. However, they were not the heads of the family and could not overstep their authority to mobilize a large number of troops.

It was this delay of just two or three days that gave Prince Mochihito and Minamoto no Yorimasa a final chance.

The imperial edict was still secretly sent out of Kyoto, though its reach was limited, but sparks of resistance had already been ignited.

Kiyomori received the urgent report, flew into a rage, and once again sped back to Kyoto from Fukuhara.

The old tycoon's decisions were as swift as lightning and as ruthless as thunder.

"Fools! What are you waiting for? Send troops immediately! Capture all those traitors, including Prince Mochihito Minamoto no Yorimasa! Live or die!"

Under Kiyomori's personal command, the Taira's war machine was set in motion, displaying chilling efficiency and ruthlessness.

The stage lights and shadows shifted rapidly, and the sounds of horses' hooves, footsteps, commands, and clashing armor merged into a torrent of steel.

Despite the Minamoto clan's preparations, the Taira's overwhelming military superiority and swift attack quickly quelled this hasty "rebellion."

Retired Emperor Takakura, residing in the Imperial Palace, also received the news.

His tone carried a complex and ambiguous meaning, containing a slight pity for his half-brother's desperate act, but more so, worry about the situation spiraling out of control. "I heard that Prince Mochihito has already changed into women's clothing and taken refuge in Onjōji."

Tokuko, kneeling to the side, frowned slightly upon hearing this, her hands unconsciously clenching her sleeves. "Onjōji... but, if the Taira's soldiers break in..."

Although she was now the mother of the Emperor, deep down she still harbored an instinctive resistance and unease towards bloodshed and violent suppression.

Retired Emperor Takakura shook his head, the candlelight flickering on his young yet weary face. "Onjōji is struggling to survive itself and has no ability to protect them. Therefore, he also sent out distress signals to Kōfuku-ji and Enryaku-ji at the same time, attempting to use the temples' strength to fight back."

However, this move was exactly what Kiyomori had anticipated.

On the other side of the stage, the hall where Kiyomori was located suddenly lit up.

A document lay open in front of him, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"The 20,000 koku of rice from Omi has been delivered to Enryaku-ji." His deep voice rang out, carrying an undeniable authority. "You took my rice and now you want to protect my enemies? Hmph, those monks at Enryaku-ji know what to do."

Without Enryaku-ji, Kofuku-ji Kōfuku-ji, isolated and helpless, was indeed no longer a threat in Kiyomori's eyes. He cut off the strongest external support that Prince Mochihito might seek with the most direct benefit.

Just then, a dark figure, like ink blending into candlelight, silently slipped into the hall and knelt on one knee. It was Ninja from the Higa Clan.

"Latest news: Prince Mochihito and his entourage have entered Byodoin Byōdō-in in Uji."

A glint flashed in Kiyomori's eyes. "Byōdō-in?" The location of that place quickly came to mind.

The Ninja continued his report, his voice calm and even. "They fled all the way, Prince Mochihito Ni... is at his limit, having fallen from his horse a total of six times. He is currently resting at Byōdō-in, and it seems unlikely he will be able to escape any further in the near future."

"Haha!" Kiyomori suddenly stood up, his joy overflowing. "Byōdō-in! Heaven has helped us! This place is within the reach of my Taira's influence, halfway to Kōfuku-ji! He can't run anymore, this is his burial ground!"

He whirled around, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over his nephews and nieces standing to the side, a ruthless and decisive aura emanating from him. "Tomomori!"

"Yes!" Taira no Tomomori's eyes were burning with determination, showing no fear whatsoever.

"You are appointed general. Immediately muster the troops, march to Uji, and storm Byōdō-in! You must Prince Mochihito Minamoto no Yorimasa and Minamoto no Yorimasa, in one fell swoop!"

"Yes, sir!" Tomomori's voice was firm and resolute.

"Shigehira!"

"... Yes." Taira no Shigehira also stepped forward to respond. Compared to Tomomori's unreserved response, his reply seemed to carry a hint of subtle complexity, but his posture was equally respectful and firm.

"You will also go with us to Tomomori!"

"Yes."

Kiyomori's sharp gaze swept over the two men, finally settling on Shintarō, who was kneeling on the other side. "And—"

"Shintarō."

Kiyomori's gaze fell on the young Ninja was kneeling silently in the corner.

"Go and inform Koremori; he also wants to go into battle."

"Yes."

"This is your first time joining the army. Your mission remains the same: stay close to him and protect him." Kiyomori revealed a triumphant smile. "Let him see for himself how the Taira crushes the enemy."

Shintarō lowered his head even further, his voice steady and calm. "Yes, sir."

Scene change.

A faint sense of melancholy and worry permeated the air in front of Shigemori's mansion.

Koremori has already changed into formal military uniform.

The dark armor made his usually elegant figure appear more upright, but the gentleness in his eyes still seemed somewhat out of place against the cold armor.

Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves in front of the courtyard, casting dappled patterns of light on his shoulder armor.

His mother, the widow of the late Shigemori, held back her tears, her eyes brimming with them, and carefully straightened his collar and tie.

His movements were so gentle, as if he were still a boy about to embark on a long journey.

Her lips trembled slightly, eventually turning into a barely audible sigh.

The younger brother, Kiyotsune, stood ramrod straight, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration. "Brother, I wish you a resounding victory and a safe return!"

Meanwhile, Sukemori stood a little distance away with his arms crossed, grinning and saying, "Brother, if you keep passively running away like this, you won't be able to defeat the enemy."

Koremori looked at his younger brothers with a gentle smile. He didn't refute Sukemori, but simply nodded slightly, his gaze finally settling on his mother's face.

"Then Mother," he bowed slightly, his voice as gentle as ever, "Your son is setting off."

The lady's hand finally trembled slightly. She took a deep breath and looked past her son's shoulder at Shintarō, who had been standing quietly in the shadows by the door.

The young Ninja almost blended into the background, silent as a stone, except for his eyes, which appeared exceptionally calm in the shadows.

"Shintarō," the lady's voice carried a barely perceptible plea, "Koremori... I entrust this child to you. Please... protect him."

Shintarō took a small step forward from the shadows, sunlight falling on his ordinary face. He remained expressionless, but nodded very solemnly to his wife.

Koremori also glanced back at Shintarō, and their eyes met briefly.

"Let's go," Koremori said softly.

He turned around and started walking.