Hyouge Mono

Furuta Sasuke negotiates for the Hiragumo teakettle while Nobunaga tests his loyalty with a warship.

In October 1577, Furuta Sasuke, a 34-year-old vassal of Oda Nobunaga, travels to Shigisan Castle to negotiate with Matsunaga Hisahide, who allied with the Mori Clan and Ikko-ikki. Nobunaga offers a pardon for the Hiragumo teakettle, but Hisahide refuses, strapping the kettle filled with gunpowder to his chest before it explodes, leaving Sasuke with the top. By 1578, Nobunaga displays the Great Atakabune, a massive sea vessel. After Nobunaga executes a merchant for inconsistent opinion rather than disrespect, he challenges Sasuke to determine whether the artistic Hiragumo teakettle or the military Great Atakabune is superior.

Sasuke Persuades Kiyohide to Surrender Amidst Tea Bowl Controversy

Sen no Soeki suggests painting the Great Atakabune black, a critique Nobunaga accepts calmly. Sasuke visits his brother-in-law Nakagawa Kiyohide before Kiyohide joins Araki Murashige in war. Comparing his wife Osen to glazed pottery, Sasuke learns Murashige has rebelled. He travels to Ibaraki Castle in white armor to negotiate surrender. Kiyohide refuses, but Sasuke threatens Osen’s life to force compliance. Kiyohide yields. During the campaign, Sasuke confronts Murashige, who trades the legendary Araki Kourai tea bowl for his life. Later, Soeki hosts a ceremony using a replica of the bowl. Sasuke feels betrayed by Soeki’s awareness of his actions and the substitution of the authentic artifact.

Sasuke becomes Soeki's disciple and witnesses Nobunaga's continental ambitions

Sasuke admits his deeds to Soeki, who reveals Murashige already knew because Soeki provided the Araki Kourai. Soeki demands the bowl's return and accepts Sasuke as his disciple. Sasuke visits Azuchi Castle, admiring its design before meeting Nobunaga, who shares his goal of unifying Japan and invading the continent. Later, Sasuke drinks tea with Hashiba using a bowl gifted by Nobunaga from Komogai. Hashiba asks about a banquet hosted by Mitsuhide to celebrate his appointment to oversee the Kinki region. At the event, Akechi Hidemitsu insulted Nobunaga, prompting Sasuke to challenge him until Mitsuhide intervened and forced an apology. Mitsuhide justified Nobunaga's behavior through his ideals and loyalty. He then brewed tea with a standard round kettle instead of the Hakkaku Nobunaga gave him, leaving Sasuke puzzled by this deviation.

Black Teabowl Crafted by Soeki Amidst Nobunaga's Political Maneuvering

In February 1581, Nobunaga parades through Kyoto to display his military strength to the emperor. Three tea masters, Tsuda Sougyuu, Imai Soukyuu, and Senno Soueki, evaluate the attire of generals including Nobunaga, Mitsuhide, Shibata, Sasuke, and Oda Nagamasu. Nobunaga later walks with sons Nobutada, Nobukatsu, and Nobutaka, congratulating Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide requests the end of general Sakuma Nobumori's exile, but Nobunaga refuses, claiming older men are obsolete for his new order. Soeki commissions master potter Chojiro to create a black teabowl. By May, Hideyoshi and Sasuke visit Soeki, where Hideyoshi meets Soeki's daughter Ogin. Sasuke learns about tea jar value from Souji, who notes Sasuke has seen five times fewer masterpieces than him. While Sasuke mentions the Tsukumonasu, Souji states three pieces surpass it. Hideyoshi discusses his battles against the Mori with Soeki, who reveals their shared commoner origins and his desire for Hideyoshi to rule instead of Nobunaga.

Hideyoshi besieges Tottori Castle and tests Sasuke with tea artifacts in August 1581

In August 1581, Hideyoshi besieges Tottori Castle while Hashiba Hidenaga and Soeki secretly negotiate with him. Hideyoshi agrees to overthrow Nobunaga, who commands Takayama Ukon, Sasuke’s brother-in-law, to deliver Ise steeds. Sasuke discusses three tea jars with Ukon before Hideyoshi presents eight masterpieces for selection. Sasuke chooses a teascoop by Shutoku but substitutes it with his own creation. Hideyoshi delivers this item to Mitsuhide, attempting to incite rebellion by feigning injury and weeping to manipulate Mitsuhide’s emotions during the tense political maneuvering.

Sasuke attempts to capture Fukuyou Castle using crude pottery and deception tactics.

In January 1582, Sasuke feels pressure to achieve more war feats before his chance to become a lord fades. Soeki tests Hosokawa’s loyalty to Nobunaga, while Sasuke commissions Katou Kagenobu to create crude Ido teabowls. By February, Oda forces move against Takeda Katsuyori. Ieyasu and Hojo Ujimasa attack Katsuyori, Oda Nagamasa targets Fukashi Castle, and another force assaults Takatou Castle defended by Nishina Morinobu. Sasuke volunteers to subdue the nearby Fukuyou Castle with minimal troops. He pretends the simple wares are masterpieces to persuade retainers to flee. In March, as Oda forces prepare to aid Ieyasu, Sasuke attempts to persuade Morinobu again. He sends crude wares to one guard and poor intercourse to another, but is kicked through a window upon reaching Morinobu.

Soueki and Sasuke observe Mitsuhide's desperation while Nobunaga plans his imperial ascent in January 1582.

In January 1582, Soueki and Hidenaga discuss Nobunaga's vulnerable trip to Kyoto to visit merchant Shimai Shoushitsu, creating an opportunity for Mitsuhide to attack at Honno temple. By March, Sasuke survives a fall and receives governance over a 200 koku manor, bringing his total to 400 koku, while Takigawa Kazumasu is honored for conquering Kai but denied the Jukou Konasu tea jar, receiving rule over the Kantou region instead. Mitsuhide learns from Hideyoshi that he will be denied Shikoku, a fact Nobunaga confirms by stating his son Nobutada will rule there, revealing this is merely the first step toward becoming emperor. In April, Kuroda Yoshitaka and Hachitsuka Masakatsu arrive at Hideyoshi's camp fighting the Mori, suggesting an attack on Shimizu Munearu at Takamatsu castle, but Hideyoshi prefers flooding it via the Kawazugahana river as a ploy to buy time for Mitsuhide to kill Nobunaga. By May, Soueki and Sasuke visit Mitsuhide to discuss a banquet in Azuchi celebrating victory over the Takeda. Soueki promises to provide food with Souji and Sasuke as assistants, and noticing the Hakkaku arrangement, he realizes Mitsuhide's desperation and believes he will act soon.

Tokugawa Ieyasu attends Nobunaga's banquet while Mori Terumoto targets Takamatsu castle.

Tokugawa Ieyasu arrives at Azuchi for a banquet where he receives rule of Suruga but is angered by Nobunaga's luxury, specifically a pineapple dessert served by Sasuke. Meanwhile, Mori Terumoto moves to Bicchu to recapture Takamatsu castle. Nobunaga sends Mitsuhide to assist Hideyoshi, with orders relayed by Sasuke and Nakagawa Kiyohide to Hosokawa, Takayama, and Ikeda. Sasuke senses danger seeing Nobunaga lean on furniture and discusses ambition with Mitsuhide, who offers reassurance. Ieyasu later visits Mitsuhide to apologize for his outburst, bonding over their shared discontent as loyal retainers. Hideyoshi has flooded Takamatsu castle and welcomes Nobunaga to Chuugoku, leaving Hidenaga in command. Before departing, Sasuke receives new Iwai armor from Osen, requested from general Hosokawa Tadaoki, which reignites his desire for lordship.

May 1582 Sasuke receives a valuable bowl while Nobunaga plans war and refuses court titles.

On May 29, 1582, Sasuke struggles to feed his fifty men but receives a crude Bizen bowl valued at one thousand koku from Hideyoshi. By June 1, Nobunaga prepares for war against Chousokabe in Kyushu, requiring aid from Hakata merchants Kamiya Soutan and Shimai Shoushitsu. He declines offers to become shogun, grand advisor, or grand counsellor, asserting his status as God of the Realm due to his extensive art collection, though he lacks two tea jars. Sasuke visits Kiyohide, who discourages him from viewing masterpieces at Honno. Meanwhile, Mitsuhide informs four retainers of his plot to kill Nobunaga. Soueki delivers gunpowder to Honno under the guise of supporting the Mori war. Nobunaga dines with Nobutada and Nagamasu, intending for Nobutada to rule using art for influence, with Nagamasu as advisor. As Mitsuhide moves troops, Sasuke feels impending doom while carving a tea scoop. Nobunaga is killed by Hideyoshi after being woken by a stone frog.

Nobunaga's final tea, Hideyoshi's theft, and the escape of key figures amidst the Honnoji Incident.

Nobunaga brews tea with his blood for Hideyoshi before Mitsuhide assaults the temple. Hideyoshi steals art while Shimai Shoushitsu and Kamiya Soutan flee with the Narashiba. Hideyoshi plants explosives from Soueki but is spotted by Yasuke, who kills his accomplice. Mitsuhide allows civilians to exit, hiding Hideyoshi among them. Sasuke rushes to Honno due to anxiety. Nobutada flees Myokaku temple to Niji castle with regents and the imperial prince. Mitsuhide pauses fighting as the imperial group leaves. Nagamasu considers suicide but assists Nobutada, then escapes disguised as a woman. Sasuke sees Akechi troops in Kyoto, confirming the rebellion, and heads to the burned Honno. He meets Nagamasu there, and they are attacked by Mitsuhide's men. Yasuke rescues them, giving them masterpieces found on Hideyoshi's associate. Nagamasu and Sasuke keep one piece each, while Nagamasu orders Yasuke to deliver the rest to the Oda clan.

Yasuke hunts Nobunaga's killer while Sasuke offers prayers and Nagamasa seeks refuge.

Yasuke pursues Nobunaga's killer, while Sasuke leaves a tea scoop as an offering for Nobunaga's soul. Nagamasa seeks safety from Sasuke as they flee Kyoto. Hosokawa Tadaoki and Fujitaka receive a letter from Mitsuhide proposing rebellion; Fujitaka incapacitates Tadaoki and shaves their heads. On June 3, Sasuke inspects the Seitaka tea jar. Nagamasa considers serving Shibata, Hashiba, or Tokugawa, then departs for Gifu, while Sasuke heads to Ibaraki to see Kiyohide. Ieyasu plans to return to Mikawa via Iga, where Hanzou will recruit Iga and Kouga fighters. A Mitsuhide messenger proposes an alliance to Hidenaga, who kills him and displays the letter as if intended for the Mori. With peace talks nearly complete, Hidenaga orders troops to retreat to Himeji castle. On June 4, Gamo Katahide abandons Azuchi castle before Mitsuhide's forces. Mitsuhide distributes masterpieces among retainers and orders war against Shibata Katsuie, receiving news that the Hosokawas refuse to ally. On June 05, Kiyohide receives letters and, following Sasuke's advice, chooses to ally with Hideyoshi.

Sasuke informs Hideyoshi of Kiyohide's decision while Mitsuhide maneuvers for power.

On June 6, 1582, Sasuke visits Himeji castle to report Kiyohide's choice. Hideyoshi attributes his rapid return to grief and notes alliances with Ikeda, Takayama, Niwa, and Nobutaka. He plans to meet Hidenaga at Amagasaki castle to confront Mitsuhide before Shibata arrives, promising Sasuke lordship. By June 7, Mitsuhide sends the Hatsuhana to Ieyasu with an alliance offer, prompting Ieyasu to begin conscription. On June 8, Mitsuhide places Hidemitsu in charge of Azuchi and laments Hosokawa and Tsutsui's absence, while Soueki admires the castle's new white appearance. Hideyoshi tells Sasuke on June 9 that a hostage from Kiyohide is required, but this is actually a ruse to secure Ikeda and Takayama's loyalty. On June 10, Araki Murashige, now known as Doufun, reports Ashikaga Yoshiaki's support for Hideyoshi and requests pardon for the Momojiri vase, which is granted. Sasuke then designs a banner for Nobunaga's retainers to seek revenge.

Mitsuhide realizes betrayal as Hideyoshi's superior forces approach Kyoto for a decisive clash.

In June 1582, Akechi Mitsuhide discovers Toyotomi Hideyoshi has tricked him into a trap near Kyoto. While Tokugawa Ieyasu prepares to aid Mitsuhide with 15,000 men, Hideyoshi arrives with 40,000 troops. His army, led by Hidenaga, Nobutaka, and Niwa, positions Takayama at the vanguard and Kiyohide’s forces at Mount Tenno. Amidst the tension, Ueda Satarou, known for killing Mitsuhide’s son Tsuda Nobusumi, raises a revenge banner. Sasuke joins Takayama for a meal and consumes potent tea, an act observed by Satarou. As Hideyoshi’s overwhelming numbers attack, Mitsuhide’s sole hope lies in capturing Mount Tenno, a suicide mission assigned to his retainer Saitou. During the fighting, Yasuke saves Sasuke and reveals Hideyoshi killed Nobunaga. Sasuke initially doubts this but eventually abandons his quest for vengeance to survive the battle.

Akechi Mitsuhide faces betrayal and death amidst the siege of Sakamoto Castle.

On June 13, 1582, Ieyasu retreats upon learning Hideyoshi commands 40,000 men, recalling his past defeat at Mikatagahara. Akechi Mitsuhide is surrounded at Shouryuuji castle, while monks from Enryaku temple, viewing him as Oda’s killer, suggest fleeing there as Sakamoto castle comes under assault. Mitsuhide’s wife, Hiroko, intends to surrender masterpieces to the enemy, prompting Hideyoshi to send Sasuke for retrieval. Akechi Hidemitsu hands over the items but strikes Sasuke with the Hakkaku due to lingering resentment from the Azuchi banquet. Near Sakamoto, Enryaku temple warriors attack Mitsuhide for his actions under Oda’s orders. After saving the monk Zaifu, Mitsuhide is mortally wounded. Additional violent monks appear before Ieyasu arrives on the scene.

Nobukatsu grants Azuchi guards while Hideyoshi holds hostages and negotiates Sasuke's freedom

On June 15, 1582, Nobukatsu assigns Azuchi castle guards to Gamon Masahide while Soueki suggests burning the main tower. By June 20, Kiyohide asks Sasuke to protect the Nakagawa clan, and Hideyoshi holds Nobutada’s son Sanpouchi hostage. Sasuke secures his freedom from Hideyoshi, who warns against spreading rumors about Honnouji. Meanwhile, Shibata approaches Oichi, vowing revenge, while her daughter Ochacha, aged 13, refuses fancy clothes. In November 1582, Sasuke visits the Yamazaki castle tea lodge designed by Soueki, who names the concept Shibui. During the ceremony, Sasuke attempts to bury a foreign chest given by Nobunaga, but Osen retrieves and stores it instead.

Sasuke negotiates peace between Hideyoshi and Ieyasu while managing his new guardianship duties.

In October 1584, Sasuke attends a Kyoto tea ceremony with Soueki, Hosokawa Tadaoki, Gamon Matsuhide, and Takayama Ukon. Ukon presents Sasuke with olive-colored Nanban cloth, and a memorial is held for Kiyohide, who died a year prior. Sasuke now serves as guardian to Kiyohide’s eldest son, Nakagawa Hidemasa, earning 12,000 koku while Hidemasa fights the Tokugawa. By November 1584, Hideyoshi has besieged Tokugawa allies in Kobe for six months with Ishida Mitsunari as aide. Hideyoshi sends Sasuke to Ieyasu to propose peace with Nobukatsu, removing Ieyasu’s reason to fight. Ieyasu lends the Hatsuhana sword to Sasuke for his service. Despite nearly losing his temper during the banquet, Sasuke secures an armistice and secretly takes an Iga stone plate.

Sasuke receives promotion and adopts the Oribe name after tea ceremony disputes

In March 1585, Sasuke hosts a tea ceremony for Soueki and Souji in Ibaraki using the Hatsuhana. Soueki criticizes Sasuke for imitating his Taian tea room. Hideyoshi becomes chief advisor to the emperor, and Sasuke anticipates a promotion. By July, Sasuke is elevated to daimyo status at Oozaka castle, gaining control of the west hills of Yamashiro province and 35,000 koku. He selects the title Oribe, inspired by olive-dyed clothes shown by Ukon. Sasuke marries his daughter Sen to Furuta Shigetsugu to manage the Nakagawa house. Traveling to Mino, he meets Ueda Sataro, who presents an Imayaki Seto black tea bowl made by Choujirou. Sasuke instructs Hanshichi from Muta no Boraga to create a Shinoyaki with a red mark. Honoring the Six Works of Seto of Nobunaga, he orders his artisans to produce the Ten works of Oribe.

Sasuke delivers a kimono to Osen while Soueki faces political turmoil and Hideyoshi's wrath

In 1585 at Oozaka castle, Imai Soukyuu loses his tea master role to Soueki. Hideyoshi pursues Ochacha, now 15, who submits to him for power. Kato Kiyomasa brings a Tsujigahana kimono to One, who gives it to Sasuke for Osen. While Hideyoshi assaults Ochacha, Sasuke shares a loving night with Osen. Months later, Soueki receives the name Sen no Rikyuu from priest Kokei Souchin. He suggests poisoning the emperor, angering Hideyoshi, who stabs him. Soueki pledges loyalty, and they plan the assassination. In January 1586, during the act in Soueki's golden tea room, the emperor acknowledges Hideyoshi, who spares him. In February, a dying Araki Doufun asks Sasuke to find his son. Sasuke accepts a Korean ritual tea stand as payment for this task.

Sasuke and Sataro search for a golden tea room while Hideyoshi plans political control.

In March 1586, Sasuke and Sataro seek a golden tea room in Ozaka castle. Hideyoshi discusses strategy with Hidenaga in Settsu, needing a new plan to control citizens if the emperor supports Mori or Tokugawa. They must eliminate the emperor's successor, Sanehito Shinnou, allowing Hideyoshi to guard the grandchild Sanpouchi. By May, Ieyasu marries Hideyoshi's sister Asahi in Toutoumi. Hideyoshi displays a Shiga Pot and promises the Katatsugi tea jar Nitta if Toyotomi pacifies Kyushu. Mitsunari manages monetary matters between Sakai and Hakata. A new administrative center, Jurakudai, is built in Uchino, where Sasuke meets painter Hasegawa Touhaku. In June, Sakakibara Yasumasa meets with Ishikawa and Soueki. Soueki displays a black square tea bowl priced at 700 kan. To gain ideas for his mansion, Soueki suggests Sasuke travel to Yamashina.

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