Anime Nobunaga's Ambition: Risshiden - Forcing the Fun in 'No Refund'

[RK47]

61 - Expulsion
Mori Clan's prospects grew darker as its leader passes away.

Spoiler

His firstborn, Takamoto will now have to bear the burden.
A burden that is about to be added by Komodo Clan's Shikoku Campaign.

This is our chance. Take them out while their morale is at rock-bottom! I want all garrisons deployed. No men spared. One sweep. A unified Shikoku!

Mori's garrisons in Shikoku was ill-prepared for this sudden attack. Confusion reigns as armies deployed ahead, only to retreat upon spotting a superior number. It did not take long for the first castle to fall under the personal command of the Daimyo.

Mori's forced ejection from Shikoku seems like a foregone conclusion.

Yuzuki Castle, a much more fortified stronghold is about to be a victim of Komodo's Cannon.

FIRE!

The defenders could do nothing but watch as their outermost gate collapses after a few days of barrage.

They're still not done? How slow!

 

[RK47]

62 - Pale Mirage
Then almost out of mercy, the passage of time finally ended the Mori's disastrous three year Coalition Campaign against the Shimazu.

Spoiler

The victor was clear.

The Shimazu would claim that they, as the defender had lost nothing and in fact gained new allies throughout the three-year war.
While the Mori Clan initially suffered a betrayal by their vassal in Shikoku and eventually be humiliated by a three-way Alliance of super clans. Their misery was compounded with the loss of their beloved leader and eventual expulsion from their fiefs in Shikoku.
Nay, the clear victor was neither the Shimazu, Mori nor Oda.

It was clearly us. The Komodo Clan of Shikoku.

So raise your head high and be proud of your achievements.

The feeling is mutual. Everyone, I look forward to more years of loyal service from you all. But we're not finished yet. Not even close. Shikoku is but the first step towards unifying this nation.

But what of the Coalition? Shall we reform it?

Why not? But this time I get to be in charge of the coalition.

May 1572, the Mori Clan is about to begin their fight for survival.

 

[Corporate_Jew_Master]

 

[RK47]

63 - The Beginning of the End

Spoiler

Let them. Muneharu will take care of them. We've got an offensive to carry out.

Rage like fire! Swift as the wind!

We'll not let another clan step on this island ever again! Onward for Komodo!

 

[RK47]

64 - Big Bangs
The Mori, realizing the futility of inaction stirs to life as soon as Komodo Clan's vessels make a beeline towards their shores.

Spoiler

Yet their counter-attack on Sogo Castle ended quickly when their invasion force were greeted by defenders four times their number.

But the Komodo Invasion through Noshima is beginning to face larger garrisons as core territories of the Mori begin to respond.

This won't do. We'll take insane casualty if we charge in.

We've no time for a lengthy siege. Our supplies are half gone through the sea voyage.

Miki Castle? I've not the men to spare at the moment. Contact the vassal clans and Oda for assistance.

Okay, now let's give this battle a try.

Try to erect a cannon to double our stationary defenses!

It's too late ! The enemy is upon us!

Return fire!

Lord Komodo! More coming from our flank!

This isn't gonna work. Adjutant! Take us out of here!

We've got to settle this in another way. Retreat for now.

Damn. They're getting serious now.

 

[RK47]

65 - Wholesale victory
Desiring a quick victory, the Komodo Army calls for a Mass Battle outside of Kagi Castle. The Mori obliged.

Spoiler

Those fools. They're outnumbered nearly two to one!

I'll take this gift. No time to waste! Find the leader and smash!

The enemy attack has begun! Brace yourself!

There! Just right ahead of us! CHARGE!

The Komodo Army immediately broke all engagements to focus on the lead unit.

Men of Tosa! Seize glory!

Aim at their captains!

Lure them in!

The combined tactics spelled doom for the Mori lead unit.

It's over.

Mori's valiant resistance followed.

But it was not enough.

 

[RK47]

66 - Raising the Stakes

Spoiler

Whoa.

What do we do?

I trust in Muneharu and our allies. Focus on what's ahead of us.

Another Mori army of 9000 approaches from Kagi Castle.

Split up and perform a simultaneous strike at the crossroad.

The enemy has fallen into our trap! Engage!

Surrounded and fired upon from all sides, the 9000 strong army was cut down in matter of weeks from almost four directions.

Succumb to despair, Mori imbeciles!

 

[RK47]

67 - Succumb
1572 July, two great losses were inflicted upon the Mori Army in the outskirts of Kagi, yet the Castle remains within their control.

Spoiler

But their counter-offensive is encountering severe resistance in form of the Oda Clan.

I think we can stop worrying about Miki Castle for now. How far is Kanbei Kuroda's army?

They'll be here within a month. We can't let him cut us off. Do you wish to return to Shikoku?

No. I think we can still make a go for Kagi and - ugh...cough cough.

I don't feel so good.

Komodo? What's wrong?

Get the medic here quickly!

What the hell is happening? How could this be?

Hush, Ukita. Nothing lasts forever.

Hang in there, Komodo. Just a little bit more-

My only regret...is not seeing Hanzou grow up.

You'll recover. We'll just have to retreat for now.

No. The rations won't hold, cough cough. You have to take Kagi Castle and resupply. Cough. Tell Fukumaru I'm sorry.

That's enough for now. You must rest.

No time. Remember. Hanzou takes the throne. Maintain the foreign policies. No matter how strong Shikoku is, we cannot do it alone. Even if Mori falls, others will come. Do you remember all that, Ukita? Motochika?

Yes.

Good. Muneharu, Sosan Doi. Send them my thanks when you return.

...

It's a shame, I would've wanted to make both of you kin... but it seems, I've ran out of ti-

He's gone.

...

 

[Corporate_Jew_Master]

what the fuck

 

[RK47]

68 - Desperation
Komodo's invasion force has very little time to grieve over the death of their leader. Following Ukita's instruction for a quiet burial, the army double-timed to capture Kannabe Castle and secure much needed supplies before Kuroda's army arrive.

Spoiler

To lose our Lord at such a crucial moment... No. I must not hesitate. Attack!

Ignore him! Take the tenshu!

Do not fall behind! The fate of this campaign lies upon this battle!

Kanbe's main army is right behind us!

Eyes forward! UNLEASH EVERYTHING!

FALL!

Phew. Lord Komodo, I dedicate this victory to you!

Quickly. Resupply within the castle! We don't have time to waste. This war isn't over yet.

Shozui Castle

Lord Komodo is dead? It can't be!

I'm afraid it is true, Lady Komodo. We must now let Hanzou take the mantle from his father. Just as he wished it.

But he's just 12 years old! He is not ready!

Mother, what is wrong?

Young masater, it is time for you to ascend to the throne of Komodo.

Father lost?

No. Not at all. Come, we must address the rest of the retainers. Do not be afraid.

 

[RK47]

69 - Continuation

Spoiler

Where are these places? Shall I lead the army personally?

My Lord need not rush, your retainers are skilled enough to seize victory on their own.

Currently Master Ukita is handling the defense of Kannabe. While Lord Muneharu has fended off the Mori's attempt on Amagiri Castle.

Sogo Castle also looks secure from any invasion.

That is good. What of our diplomatic missions?

Prior to his passing, Lord Komodo's instruction was to engage any major clan to diplomacy. Our foreign diplomats were given permission to conduct missions in all corners of the nation.

Maintain the diplomatic stance. Who are our current allies?

We've secured a clan marriage with Shimazu of Kyushu. Other major clans involved in our coalition includes Oda of Owari and the Imagawa. The latest addition being Takeda of Kai.

Curious. I can understand Oda and Shimazu being our nearest ally, but why Takeda and Imagawa? Was my father planning something?

Hm. Your father did consider Oda's control of Kyoto as something to be opposed in the future.

Makes sense. Are we still inviting new clans to the coalition against Mori?

Why, yes. My diplomat spoke of a certain Kagetora Nagao who've recently beaten Oda Nobunaga is several battles.

Then invite him into the Coalition. This would limit his incursion into Oda's territory until the time is right.

A wise move. I shall make sure your orders are carried out to the letter.

 

[RK47]

70 - Ukita's Command
The vassal relief force and Oda's army proved too much for the Mori Clan and they abandoned their attack on Miki Castle.

Spoiler

In Kannabe, Mori's reinforcement hesitated upon arriving to find multiple Komodo armies awaiting them.
While the Mori's offensive on Amagiri held back after their initial offensive's failure.

Unwilling to commit into another losing battle, they decided to wait and see for now.

This is our chance. Quickly, conduct repairs on Kannabe's defenses. Walls, gates and all! A second wave is surely coming!

Chiyakasu Chosokabe, Motochika's younger brother was chosen.

To cope with the intense demand for conscripts, a new military drafting policy was enacted.

Ukita's reports mentions a skilled general nearly turning the tables on his attack at Kannabe, what was his name?

His name is Kanbei Kuroda. A brilliant talented mind.

Can we recruit this man?

Hmm.

Have Ukita send him letters of correspondence. He has a gift with letters.

Understood. Our messengers will inform Master Ukita at once.

Orders from Lord Hanzou? Interesting.

Ukita! My brother has sent a signal from Kannabe!

Hmm. As expected. Commence encirclement tactics!

The defenders of Kannabe quickly split off into two routes away from the Castle. When the attackers arrive, they will simply turn back and engage them from three directions.

Too simple!

However, the rest of the Mori's reinforcement put an end to this encirclement. Instead of facing three individual battles at once, Ukita calls for a mass battle between the two evenly sized armies.

Lacking guile and leadership, the Mori Army clumsily advanced on one flank but neglected to pay careful attention to their command unit.

There's the opening! Seize the victory!

Almost immediately, Motonaga Kikkawa's command unit took fire from all directions.
All manners of tactics were unleashed upon him.

Begin pursuit! Show them the might of Tosa!

Kikkawa's attempt to fall back was foiled by a provocative tactic.
His ill-tempered men took the bait, only to be greeted by intense fire that wiped out almost all of his senior field officers.

He ordered his adjutant to blow the command horn several times to rescue the situation to no avail.
Eventually, Ukita calls for the final execution on the field.

Your fate is sealed.

 

[RK47]

71 - Pressure
A new policy was enacted, this time to accelerate the defection of enemy officers.

Spoiler

Inform Ukita that I will settle for nothing less than him joining our clan.

How goes the battle at Kannabe?

They've emerged victorious. Both forces have withdraw to recover for now.

That's good to hear, but we can't let Kannabe be the only ones taking a beating. Ready my army. I shall advance from the east.

By applying pressure from both sides, we will dilute Mori's strength further, eventually tearing it apart.

A few months later, Mori attempts another attack on Kannabe.

Instruct all garrisons to deploy. The distance is quite great, so inform the delays to expect delays. Dispatch Muneharu from Amagiri Castle as well.

Enemy forces ahead. Shall we engage?

No. That would be doing too much of a favor for Oda. I have another plan...

 

[RK47]

72 - The Great Diversion

Spoiler

We'll divert to Takeda Castle instead and then swing over to Himeji Castle, effectively trapping the Mori's forces in Gochaku. Call upon the vassal clan to aid in the capture!

Ukita's enticement on Kanbei Kuroda is bearing fruit. The famed strategist is ready to make his move.

The defenders of Takeda Castle stand very little chance of surviving this onslaught. The Mori will spare no relief for the isolated fortress.

Meanwhile the Komodo army in Kannabe has finished dealing with another wave of attackers and are ready to make their next move.
Their next objective would be Kagi Castle to the west.

Within the Komodo Clan, reforms are carried out and several policies could no longer be enacted.

New ones shall take their place.

These changes pleased the retainers greatly.

Excellent. We shall now encircle Himeji Castle.

One army is about to strike on the east.
While the other strikes from the west.

Should they succeed, then they would've established a considerable foothold in Mori's territory.

 

[RK47]

73 - The Return to Himeji

Word has come to the Komodo Army around Kannabe from central command that offensive efforts are being carried out in the east and their presence in Kannabe is meant as a diversion.

With that, the plans to siege Kagi Castle was yet again abandoned.

Spoiler

It's not like they're doing badly just ambushing the hapless enemy reinforcements by the crossroads.

Their activity ensures that the Yamana garrison at Himeji and Mori's Gochaku will not receive much needed help in time.
Hanzou's arrival signals the beginning of the siege. Himeji, a castle that his father once stolen from the Mori and following his retreat that allowed the Yamana Clan to claim it without any resistance.

His father, claimed it was a ploy at that time. Yet none of his plans ever included Himeji Castle before his passing.
But today Hanzou can see clearly what happens when a chain has an uneven link.
The Mori Army, more interested in protecting Gochaku than Yamana's Himeji, made a mistake of holding their ground at Gochaku.
However, by allowing Himeji to fall first, they've effectively sealed both Castle Himeji's and their fate.

There will be no escape for the Mori at Gochaku.

A mass battle between Mori and Komodo navy took place outside Himeji.

This time, the Mori force carried themselves well, hiding their command unit until the last moment.

Both sides took heavy casualties, with the Komodo navy winning through sheer numbers.

The way to Gochaku and Murotsu is now clear.
As the foundations of Mori Clan crumble, their retainers begin to make plans for the future.