"May the Main God bless us! My Wajin brother, since you've brought artisans and livestock—even if not as many as the terms required—I still acknowledge you as my brother! ...For the sake of our brotherly friendship, I'll return your elderly chieftain to you! ..."
Zuwaro smiled as he looked at Kakizaki Mitsuhiro's respectful expression, and at the solemn face of the other Wajin chieftain, and roughly guessed the political significance that captive old chieftain held for the Wajin tribe.
It was just like the kingdom's Priest Elder. If he fell alive into the hands of another tribe, then for the glory of the Main God and the honor of the kingdom, they would have to ransom him back no matter what! He reckoned that this political impetus was also the fundamental reason the Wajin tribe had been able, this time, to gather so much wealth, livestock, and manpower so quickly, and bring so many warriors to intimidate them!
Fortunately, he had had nearly a month. He had long since exchanged written conversations many times with that literate old chieftain, and had asked everything that needed asking...
Thinking of this, Zuwaro waved his big hand. Two Kingdom Warriors supported the Kakizaki clan elder Kudo Shigeyasu down from the Great Snow Wolf, then sent him back into the Wajin ranks.
"Ah! Elder Kudo! You've finally returned! To see you safe and sound is like spring birds bringing an auspicious blessing! What a joyous day this truly is! ..."
"Young Lord Mitsuhiro... This time, it was this old retainer's responsibility that the main house lost face and suffered the humiliation of defeat! I truly... truly have no face to go back and see Lord Nobuhiro..."
"This... Elder Kudo, Father sent a letter. He asked that you must preserve yourself and return to see