October 11, 1839
Tanaka stood in front of the soldier who looked at him suspiciously. He tried to look innocent, realized it wasn’t working, and gave himself over to bluntness.
“Now look, here, underofficer. I have returned from a mission for the shogun. He won’t be happy if I am late bringing him this news.”
“Sir, you have not provided any identification. None of the men here know who you are, and so, I’m afraid we can’t let you through.”
Tanaka growled to himself. He probably should have brought Matanabe along. Young Ichiro was proving to be quite adept at forcing people to get out of his way. Hardly Christian, but one used what tools the Lord provided.
“Underofficer, could I leave this message with you, if you could get it to the attention of the Shogun.” The underofficer took it, and began to study it. Curses! The man could read!? His staff swung in a short arc, cracking the man’s head. He dropped. The other sentries tried to draw their weapons, but Tanaka ran through the camp entrance.
Well, the alarm had been sounded, but Ieyoshi should be in that tent there. He ducked left, behind a large grey tent. Just in time. The guards were running around like a disturbed anthill. Taking another glance around the side, he saw his chance. Tanaka bullrushed the single unprepared guard, and fell, sprawled in front of the Shogun.
“Tanaka?”
“My Lord Shogun.”
“I see you decided to…drop in?” One of the faint smiles for which Ieyoshi was known so well crept onto his features.
“You may want to distribute my description to all of your guards, or I’ll keep finding ways into your camp.” Tanaka adopted a grin.
“Indeed. Tanaka, you don’t have to remain prostrate before me. I am not the Emperor, you know.”
Tanaka chuckled a bit at that. “Well, Ieyoshi, I have finished my survey of the population under Date’s influence.” He stood up, brushing himself off. Tanaka sat down in the corner, on top of one of the shogun’s cushions. “It is not good. I believe we may lose everything north of Akita.”
A commotion erupted from outside the tent. “A second, Tanaka. I have to end the ruckus your assault on the encampment created.” Ieyoshi stood, and strode to the tent entrance.
“Soldiers, go back to your duties. The infiltrator is one of my agents.” Ieyoshi strode back to his desk, and sat down. “Now, Tanaka, you were saying?”
“Yes, Ieyoshi. Date has finally convinced the people that the Emperor has denounced you in secret, and is being held captive by your men.”
“And they believe this?”
“Completely. Unless some loyal troops are deployed soon, we may lose all of Hokkaido to Date.”
“Interesting. Well, you may now resume your normal duties, Tanaka. The thanks of Japan go with you.”
“My Lord Shogun.” Tanaka inclined his head. “I’m serious about the guards. I don’t want to have to break in again.”
“That will be dealt with. Good day, Tanaka.”
“The Lord bless you, honorable shogun.” With that, Tanaka strode out, leaving Ieyoshi shaking his head.