Shogun_ A Novel of Japan - James Clavell [455]
“What?”
“My agreement at Yokosé was nothing more than a trick to gain time,” Toranaga said affably. “Ishido took the bait. The fool expects me in Osaka within a few weeks. Zataki also took that bait. And you and all my valiant, untrusting vassals also took the bait. With no real concession whatsoever I’ve gained a month, put Ishido and his filthy allies in turmoil. I hear they’re already scrambling for the Kwanto. Kiyama’s been promised it as well as Zataki.”
“You never intended to go?” Hiro-matsu shook his head, then as the clarity of the idea suddenly hit him, his face broke into a delighted grin. “It’s all a ruse?”
“Of course. Listen, everyone had to be taken in, neh? Zataki, everyone, even you! Or spies would have told Ishido and he would have moved against us at once and no good fortune on earth or gods in heaven could have prevented disaster to me.”
“That’s true … ah, Lord, forgive me. I’m so stupid. I deserve to lose my head! So it was all nonsense, always nonsense. But … but what about General Kiyoshio?”
“He said he was guilty of treason. I don’t need treasonous generals, only obedient vassals.”
“But why attack Lord Sudara? Why withdraw your favor from him?”
“Because it pleases me to do so,” Toranaga said harshly.
“Yes. Please excuse me. That’s your sole privilege. I beg you to forgive me for doubting you.”
“Why should I forgive you for being you, old friend? I needed you to do what you did and say what you said. Now I need you more than ever. I must have someone I can trust. That’s why I’m taking you into my confidence. This has got to be secret between us.”
“Oh Sire. You make me so happy ….”
“Yes,” Toranaga said. “That’s the only thing I’m afraid of.”
“Sire?”
“You’re commander-in-chief. You alone can neutralize this stupid, brooding mutiny while I’m waiting. I trust you and must trust you. My son can’t hold my generals in check, though he’d never show outward joy at the secret—if he knew it—but your face is the gateway to your soul, old friend.”
“Then let me take my life after I’ve settled the generals.”
“That’s no help. You must hold them together pending my pretended departure, neh? You’ll just have to guard your face and your sleep like never before. You’re the only one in all the world who knows—you’re the only one I must trust, neh?”
“Forgive me for my stupidity. I won’t fail. Explain to me what I must do.”
“Say to my generals what’s true—that you persuaded me to take your advice, which is also theirs, neh? I formally order my departure postponed for seven days. Later I’ll postpone it again. Sickness, this time. You’re the only one to know.”
“Then? Then it will be Crimson Sky?”
“Not as originally planned. Crimson Sky was always a last plan, neh?”
“Yes. What about the Musket Regiment? Could it blast a path through the mountains?”
“Part of the way. But not all the way to Kyoto.”
“Have Zataki assassinated.”
“That might be possible. But Ishido and his allies are still invincible.” Toranaga told him the arguments of Omi, Yabu, Igurashi, and Buntaro the day of the earthquake. “At that time I ordered Crimson Sky as another feint to throw Ishido into confusion … and also had the right parts of the discussion whispered into the wrong ears. But the fact is, Ishido’s force is still invincible.”
“How can we split them up? What about Kiyama and Onoshi?”
“No, those two are implacably against me. All the Christians will be against me—except my Christian, and I will soon put him and his ship to very good use. Time is what I need most. I’ve allies and secret friends throughout the Empire and if I have time…. Every day I gain weakens Ishido further. That’s my battle plan. Every day of delay is important. Listen, after the rains, Ishido will come against the Kwanto a simultaneous pincer, Ikawa Jikkyu spearheading the south, Zataki in the north. We contain Jikkyu at Mishima, then fall back to the Hakoné Pass and Odawara, where we make our final stand. In the north we’ll hold Zataki fast in the mountains