#Matsunaga Hisamichi

[gachagachaart]

[drazudrazz]

Miscellaneous, mostly me trying to get my basara groove back.

[nekkyousagi]

A short Sengoku Basara drabble for @nexu101 starring Matsunaga Hisahide and his son Hisamichi

***

Hisamichi bowed and entered the quiet stillness of his father's study.

"Chichi-ue, I have finished reading the excerpt of the Xunzi writings, as you instructed."

"Excellent." Hisahide looked up from his concentrated writing. "What are your thoughts on Hsun Tzu's philosophy?"

"I..." Hisamichi scratched the back of his head, frowning. "I really don't understand it. His comments of human nature being...evil. I just don't think I can agree with that."

The lord of Yamato sighed, placing the ink-filled bamboo brush into its holder. "That is why you must look into such philosophic writings for their deeper meanings. If you recall, the Xunzi refers to human nature as being evil only when it has not been disciplined into order by way of ritual and principle. That is something I am sure you can appreciate?"

"Y-yes. I had not seen it in that light," Hisamichi lowered his gaze in shame. "I guess I am still having trouble reading the style of calligraphy. As you already know, I am less than decent at reading Chinese characters."

"So it would seem," Hisahide nodded, leaning back on his heels and regarded his son with knowing eyes. "However, with time, I have confidence that you shall become more proficient in it."

"Hehe, you have too much faith in me, Chichi-ue." Hisamichi smiled softly, a little worried over his father's expectations.

"Nonsense. You are my son, after all. It is only natural for a parent to have confidence in his children. Though, I would have you try again." He looked across the room to a wooden mantelpiece, filled with scrolls and ancient texts and nonchalantly pointed over to it. "Choose from any of my collection on that corner shelf, and read aloud the words of whatever page you open."

"Chichi-ue?"

"Do not worry, Hisamichi. I will not judge too harshly."

"Very well."

The younger man stepped lightly over to the shelf and after a few long seconds of glancing over the artifiacts, gently took one of the books in hand and opened it. His eyes lingered on the page and noticed he could read the calligraphy well. The style was familiar and elegant, with clearly written brushstrokes and fine characters. Hisamichi took a breath and began reading.

"Honor is an illusion. A fickle mirage holding men enthralled to foolish ideals. What is a general but an agent of carnage, who clings to honor as a justification to violence? Conflict, drawing a sword, war against one's fellow man. They are all a part of our nature. But our battles, our brave words, our profound thoughts, are merely pantomime in a puppet show. No matter how epic our tale is while we stand in the light, we are destined for dust. Every one of us, peasant and lord alike. We are all betrothed to entropy, every mother's son. Locked in this melancholy fate."

Silence filled the room for several moments. Hisamichi worried his reading was too terrible for his father to even comment on, but the shocked and troubled expression on the older man's face said something else entirely.

Concerned, Hisamichi cleared his throat and opened his mouth to say something, when his father silenced him.

"Bring it to me." Matsunaga's eyes remained distant, as he put out his hand in request for the novel. Hisamichi promptly closed the book, crossed the room, and handed it to his father. Hisahide's forehead creased as he frowned, examining it with familiarity and disturbance. "How ironic that from all the books you would choose this. My, my...what a curious thing."

"I did not mean to choose such a dark passage." Hisamichi fidgeted, eyes flitting to and fro, fingers wrapping together nervously. "There was no signature. Do you know who wrote it?"

Matsunaga shoulders drooped slightly, as he placed the book down on his writing desk, fingers resting over the cover. "It was written by a man weary of the world and all its frailties, having witnessed the truth of this existence and of the end of all things. A man who had lost...everything..."

Hisamichi stepped closer, and knelt at his father's side, gazing up at him almost as a child would. "Did he ever...find happiness again?"

Hisahide turned to look at his son and smiled gently, bringing a hand up to cup around Hisamichi's stubbled cheek.

"Yes. I believe he did."

[nexu101]

Matsunaga Hisamichi Drabble #3

For @vengrych - a tense encounter between Rion and Hisamichi

I’m most creative when I am procrastinating... (AKA I should be studying for my tests this week, but I got caught up in AU stuff and needed to write this idea out). Context is this - Mitsunari was taken captive after the Battle of Sekigahara, and Rion & Co. want to rescue him. Ieyasu has recently wiped out the last vestiges of the Toyotomi resistance with brutal warfare tactics that unsettled Hisamichi, who is allied with the East. (Also warning for violence! It’s not too bad, but be safe if you’re squeamish!)

Manase Rion. He had seen her before, at Mitsunari's side. She went missing after the Battle of Sekigahara and was presumed to be dead. But there was no mistaking those fierce eyes. His hand instinctively grasped the hilt of his sword, ready to unsheathe it at the first sign of danger.

Rion tensed and began to sort through her options. The guards were around the corner, just a few meters away from Hisamichi. Any sound or disturbance would alert them to her presence, and their only opportunity to rescue Mitsunari would go to waste. A paralyzing poison might incapacitate Hisamichi and prevent him from calling for help, but she might not be able to close the distance in enough time. A dart, then? But his body slumping to the floor might make too much noise. A vial of gas? That could take care of the guards too. But she wasn't wearing a mask, and if she tried to put one on, it would indicate to Hisamichi that he should cover his nose and mouth. She softly exhaled the breath she had been holding and angled her wrist against the poison needle in her sleeve. Whatever happened, she was prepared to take her own life if it meant it protecting those of her companions.

Several moments passed. Hisamichi realized Rion would not attack first. Her piercing gaze wasn't one of aggression; it was one of pleading. Pleading to be reunited with her lord.  Pleading to right one of Ieyasu's wrongs. Ieyasu may have championed his bond with Mitsunari, but he was miserable as their prisoner, angry that not only had he failed to avenge Hideyoshi, but he could not even join his comrades in an honorable death. An honorable death... Ieyasu had denied an honorable death to those at Osaka... The flames, the screaming, the stench of charred flesh, and the knowledge that somewhere in the pile of burning bodies lay his friend Tomoe... Hisamichi let go of his sword and took a step back.

"Hisamichi-dono?" One of the guards called out, having noticed that Hisamichi looked uneasy. "Are you alright?" Hisamichi's golden eye gleamed at Rion in the dim light. She gritted her teeth and slipped the gas vial into her hand. It was now or never. 

"Yes, sorry!" Hisamichi turned to the guard and grinned, looking like his usual friendly self. "I just remembered that my father left me some paperwork to finish up." Hisamichi turned away from her and walked down the hallway to the staircase, sending her one last look before leaving. She remained poised for combat, half-expecting him to ambush her with reinforcements at any second. But nothing happened. The cawing of a crow outside interrupted her racing thoughts. She couldn't waste any more time overthinking this. Sakon was waiting for her. Rion sighed, put her vial back in her robe, and merged with the shadows once more.

Thank you for indulging me, uwu.

[straizo-relatable]

Maria kicks Matsunaga in between the legs... I love her.

[basararmy-archive]

     “Oooo, Michi-sama is big...”

[cookie-art]

My half of an art trade I worked on with @brorotica.

Hisamichi will always be one of my fav OCs of theirs. I had so much fun with this!

[leenaevilin]

[Update] 斬劇『戦国BASARA』天政奉還 (zangeki sengoku basara ~ tenseihoukan)

the show will be running from July 12th, 2019 to July 21st, 2019 (Tokyo) @ ヒューリックホール東京 (Hulic Hall Tokyo) & July 26th, 2019 to July 28th, 2019 (Osaka) @ 梅田芸術劇場 シアター・ドラマシティ (Umeda Geijutsu Gekijou Theater Drama City)

visuals update under the cut^^

Cast:

Mashima Shuuto as Date Masamune (伊達政宗)

Matsumura Ryuunosuke as Sanada Yukimura (真田幸村)

Okino Kouji as Ishida Mitsunari (石田三成)

Nagata Seiichiro as Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康)

Inoue Masahiro as Katakura Kojuurou (片倉小十郎) Kubota Hidetoshi as Ashikaga Yoshiteru (足利義輝) Sueno Takuma as Takenaka Hanbee (竹中半兵衛) Maeda Shinji as Fuuma Kotarou (風魔小太郎) Takaoka Hiroki as Kobayakawa Hideaki (小早川秀秋) Takayanagi Akane as Oichi (お市) Deguchi Arisa as Tsuruhime (鶴姫) Seto Yuusuke as Akechi Mitsuhide (明智光秀) Seto Yuusuke as Tenkai (天海) Daigo Seshiru as Kyougoku Maria (京極マリア) Matsuda Kenji as Matsunaga Hisahide (松永久秀) Kitano Shoutarou as Miyoshi Sanninshuu Eldest Brother (三好三人衆・長兄) Hisamichi Narimitsu as Miyoshi Sanninshuu Second Brother (三好三人衆・次男) Tanuma Georgy as Miyoshi Sanninshuu Third Brother (三好三人衆・三男)

homepage twitter natalie

[scoobydoojedi]

Matsunaga Clan

The Matsunaga were allied to a branch of the Miyoshi clan and later came to serve the Miyoshi. Matsunaga Hisahide was known as infamous schemer and worked hard to undermine the efforts of the Ashikaga shogunate. The schemes of the Matsunaga resulted in numerous murders and assassinations. They proved useful allies for the Oda and helped the Oda subdue the Asai and the Asakura, but ultimately were mistrusted by the Oda. Their fate was sealed when the Oda clan invaded their territory.

*Prominent People*

*Matsunaga Hisahide* (1510-1577) Matsunaga Hisahide stands out in Japanese history as an infamous schemer and a out-right villain.Hisahide first notably appears in 1549, when he assisted Chokei in the defeat of Miyoshi Masanagaand acted as his spokesman in Kyôto (he first appears as a Miyoshi retainer in documents dated1541). During the 1550’s Matsunaga acted as the Miyoshi’s governor of the capital, and stayed close to the shôgun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru. Hisahide was later tasked with the conquest of Yamato province, an endeavor that made him, by 1564, essentially an independent daimyo. Already, Matsunaga was working to undermine his former masters; between1561 and 1564, three of Chokei’s brothers and his heir died. Matsunaga Kazunari (1561) andMatsunaga Jikkyu (1562) passed on under what may be considered mysterious circumstances while Atagi Fuyuyasu (1564) was murdered. In 1563 Chokei’s son and heir Yoshioki also died what was probably unnatural death. The extent to which Hisahide had a hand in all of this will never be known, but he was rumored to have poisoned Yoshioki. Furthermore, some said that he framed Fuyuyasu and goaded Chokei into having him killed. Regardless of how bloody his hands may have been, Matsunaga was essentially the heir to Chokei’s domain when the latter died in August of 1564. In point of fact Chokei had adopted the young Miyoshi Yoshitsugu as heir after Yoshioki’s death, and this young man was presently under the guardianship of the so-calledMiyoshi triumvirate: Miyoshi Nagayuki, Miyoshi Masayasu, and Iwanari Tomomichi, who held Sakai, the Miyoshi’s Settsu headquarters. While animosity existed between the triumvirate and Hisahide, for the time being they acted in unison. Shôgun Yoshiteru had lately attempted to rid himself of the pervasive Miyoshi influence he had been saddled with for years; his efforts at independence cost him his life. On 17 June 1565 troops sent by Matsunaga and the Miyoshi closed on the shogun’s palace and forced Yoshiteru to commit suicide after a heroic struggle. In his place the infant Yoshihide was installed, an act that prompted Yoshiteru’s brother Yoshiaki to flee and seek out a patron. In the meantime Matsunaga and the Miyoshi came to a parting of ways and began fighting. In 1566 Matsunaga’s warriors were defeated outside Sakai, and Hisahide himself failed in attempts some time later to reduce the Miyoshi presence in Kwatchi. A truce was arranged that allowed Matsunaga to leave the Sakai area, and fighting continued further inland. In the course of the conflict, Matsunaga is reputed to have burned down the Great Buddha Hall of the Todaiji (Nara), to this day considered a needless act of near-villainy.

In 1568 Yoshiaki secured the services of Oda Nobunaga, the up-and-coming lord of Mino andOwari; in November of 1568 Nobunaga marched on Kyôto. Faced with this unexpected danger, Matsunaga cannily decided to submit and was allowed to keep his lands in Yamato. Most likely Nobunaga was him as a useful tool both against the Miyoshi and to expand Oda influence into Yamato. In addition, Matsunaga had sent, as a token of his sincerity, a renowned tea item known asTsukumogami, a gesture which no doubt effected Nobunaga (a bit of a tea enthusiast himself). Matsunaga did prove useful over the next few years, serving Nobunaga in his wars with the Asai andAsakura and against, of course, the Miyoshi.

By 1573, however, Matsunaga was conspiring against Nobunaga with, of all people, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu. This arrangement did not last long, and soon Matsunaga was back on Nobunaga’s side, helping to destroy Yoshitsugu and the remaining Miyoshi. Hisahide then became involved in the siege of the Ishiyama Honganji. In 1577 Hisahide rebelled once again; he and his son Hisamichi abandoned their positions around the Honganji and returned to Yamato, possibly hoping that other Yamato daimyo, such as Tsutsui Junkei would follow. This proved not the case, and Tsutsui and Oda Nobutada soon surrounded Matsunaga in Shigi castle. Word came that Oda sought two things from Matsunaga - his head and a certain valuable tea item, ‘Hiragumo’, which Matusnaga defiantly smashed before killing himself. Hisamichi was captured alive and taken to Kyôto, where he was executed.

At once a habitual schemer and a cultured man of tea, Matsunaga Hisahide came in some ways to embody the spirit of the 16th Century - albeit largely the worst qualities. His plots and the manner of his dying (in addition to the smashing of the tea item, it is said that he ordered his head be blown up to deny that to Oda as well) became the stuff of Edo dramas. An ardent Nichiren adherent, Matsunaga was also vilified in contemporary western accounts of the day, especially after he banned the Jesuits from Kyôto in1565.

*Matsunaga Hisamichi* (????-1577) Hisamichi was the son of Matsunaga Hisahide and assisted in the murder of shôgun Ashikaga Yoshiteru in 1565. He joined his father in rebelling against Oda Nobunaga in 1577 but was captured and later executed in Kyoto.

[demon-blood-youths]

Serpent of Shadows meets with @tengadokuson (Hisamichi)

“Are you the one? Matsunaga Hishaide? I’m here as an envoy from Oda.” Said the masked youth to the other as he delivers a scroll to him. This doesn’t look like Hishaide as Oda described but...appearances look deceiving. Though he has to make sure...

[nekkyousagi]

Tea and Whispers

Drabble by Nekkyo Usagi  - Matsunaga Hisahide and Lady Soma

"Oh no, this will not do at all." Lady Soma huffed to herself, as she sorted through her collection of tea ceremony implements. "It has to be just right!" The occasion fast approaching required nothing but the finest Soma clan had to offer. Of course, to the outside eye the plan was merely a small and private meeting, a simple tea ceremony between close associates. But to Lady Soma, it was more than that. Even the most subtle of meetings brought with it many areas of expertise one could communicate. Such was the way of strategy in these times. But unlike the not so hidden drama and subterfuge of the court scene, this meeting was different.

Of course, it would not be the first time she had kept company with Matsunaga Hisahide. They had often come together in discussions over tea ceremony, herbal remedies, tonics and antiquities from across the sea, political intrigue, stories from the shogun's court, and exchanging almost competitive remarks over their two respective sons.  

Lady Soma fussed and picked through her sets of chado, striving to select the perfect pieces for seasonality and appropriateness, in hopes to impress this man so versed in the arts. There was a level of caution to be aware of along the selection process. She did not wish to appear as if she were trying too hard to impress. That would be embarrassing. As the day waned, and late afternoon approached, Lady Soma was finally finished with the needed preparations and awaited the arrival of the Lord of Yamato province.

"My my, Lady Soma, you have really outdone yourself. These implements are exquisite. You flatter an old hermit."

Lady Soma smiled gently, breaking from her poise for a moment, as she mixed the fragrant tea power into a gentle froth. "Mere trinkets compared to your splendid collection, Lord Hisahide." Lady Soma replied, handing him the tea bowl. "I am honored by your compliments."

Matsunaga paused, examining the colors and unique glazing of the tea bowl, a sharp eyebrow raised slightly in interest. Though simple in its design and shape, the color of the vessel intrigued him, a soft cool green, so like the storm frothed seas of Soma's coastlines. It brought a sense of calm and reflection to the senses. "Unique," Matsunaga mused, as he sipped with reverence. "An unusual pattern. I am curious to know it's origin."

Lady Soma straightened, glowing with pride. "If I may be so bold, my lord, you will not find this style of chado anywhere but within Soma clan. It was made with the soils of our land and sculpted with the hands of our own artisans."

"Is that so?" The lord of Yamato glanced at the vessel once more with curiosity, before sipping the last of its contents. "A fine cup it makes, my lady. Though I must say, it is quite a bold move for your small clan to invest in such a craft."

"You underestimate Soma clan, my lord. It is true that we are well known for our fine horses. But we must keep with the changing times. Perhaps there are days ahead when men will make war with tea and words instead of spears and swords?"

Matsunaga chuckled at that. "The war of tea has been raging for a thousand years. You are wise to invest in it. Perhaps these vessels will serve as messengers to those after us, the beauty and struggles of this era captured for all time." Matsunaga admired the tea bowl once more before placing it down before Lady Soma. He smiled knowingly. "Though not born of the Soma, I do admire your pride in it."

"Of course, my dear son Yoshitane is my greatest pride. I wish for nothing more than his success as clan leader."

"No doubt."

The tea ritual having been completed, Lady Soma relaxed her shoulders, easing the slight tension put there by her concentration while performing the ceremony. Though she had done it many times, being under the heavy, dark gaze of Matsunaga Hisahide, a man who could rival Sen no Rikyu in his knowledge of tea ceremony, felt intimidating. She could feel his hawk gold eyes counting every move, every turn of the hand, but she was determined to impress. Assuming she had performed admirably, judging by his relaxed tone, Lady Soma eased into the more casual conversing she'd been hoping for. Though their relationship had been distant and professional for the most part, she truly did admire him and, when not under scrutiny over etiquette, found his company...familiar.

"I must say, your generously instructing my dear Yoshitane in the way of tea has been indispensable." Lady Soma's eyes softened at the thought of her son. "He has gained much respect because of it, and for this I am grateful to you, Lord Hisahide."

"He has proven to be a...dedicated pupil. Both of our sons still have much to learn." Matsunaga replied, a tired expression crossing his countenance for a moment.

"So it would seem," Lady Soma gently put the tea implements to the side, and slid across the floor closing the distance between them slightly, though they were already in close proximity within the walls of a modest tea room. Soma clan did not have the opulence of the courts nor of Matsunaga's own house, but it was beautiful in its simplicity, and suitable for private meetings. "You know, dear Hisamichi did come to visit with my son Yoshitane, the other day. They rode horses together, practiced calligraphy and engaged in some sparring. It was so refreshing to see them getting along so well!" "Indeed?" Matsunaga replied. "I am pleased as well that Hisamichi has found such an admirable companion as the Lord of Soma."

Lady Soma coyly hid her smile behind her sleeve as she spoke. "You should have seen them, the way they kept company! Why, you would almost think they were brothers! Oho! Should we not be good parents and...get along better, as well?"

Keeping her eyes low, Lady Soma spoke softly, a sweetness in her voice, as she eyed the Lord of Yamato closely, her flirtatious nature suddenly getting the better of her. Lady Soma's dark eyes followed the lines and folds of his dark silk kimono, the way the sleeves lay over the curve of his strong arms and broad shoulders, how the collar hugged greedily against his the back of his neck, the sheen in his black oiled hair. Lord Matsunaga was a sight to behold, she had to admit. And in this close setting, she could feel the heat rise up the back of her neck, and her heart fluttered. But no, this was merely a meeting. It could lead to closer ties with the Matsunaga clan, who were in good favor with the Shogun's court. Ties to the shogun could provide benevolence for the Soma. She had to think of her clan's future...her son's future...not her own.

Her wandering eyes had not gone unnoticed and she suddenly found herself captured within his gaze. Eyes like molten gold, Matsunaga Hisahide regarded her with amusement. Her heart fluttered in her chest at the color of them burning in the dark, not unlike beast or a dragon. But behind that glow, she could see the sadness of a man who had loved and lost in the past, who suffered in silence, hiding his sorrows behind gold and jewels, fire and smoke.

“Ho...“ He smiled, the flames in his eyes dancing. "...an interesting proposal, Lady Soma."

A hard thump in her chest shook her whole body at that word, and Lady Soma fumbled to compose herself. "O-oh! Yes, well, ah...I-It is pleasant to be in the company of one who understands the arts and civility as well as you do. So many these days are more concerned with waving a sword around, they forget the importance of tradition and good character. We must ensure that our children inherit these qualities...it is our duty as parents, don't you agree?"

"Why yes. Desirable qualities honed over a lifetime." Matsunaga noticed her trying to evade his gaze now that she had caught it. A fine game to play. He leaned closer, admiring the intricate patterns of her kimono and its intricate seasonal patterns, the smoothness of her soft coral hair draping over small shoulders. The scent of incense permeated from him, cedarwood and pine, and her heart thundered in her chest as his frame neared, almost touching shoulders, his shadow casting over her. "Dignity...astuteness...benevolence....such attractive virtues are rare and precious commodities. Their value is without measure."

"You are now a collector of virtues as well as tangible treasures, Lord Hisahide?"

Matsunaga grinned. "One can gather all the treasure in the world, and still possess no virtue. They are the most sought after riches of all."

"Noble words. You have changed for the better, Lord Hisahide."

"Ho...have I changed, Lady Soma?"

"You were once called a villain. Surely a man, now chasing after virtues rather than gold, has no need for such a title?"

Matsunaga leaned closer, bringing his hand up to her face, tucking the loose strands behind her ear. Lady Soma's heart leaped into her throat at the sudden closeness, and her fingers trembled. He looked into her eyes with a warmth she had never seen before, but the fire still lingered, smoldering like a candle in the dim light.

"Perhaps you should still be wary of this...villain. Who knows whether or not he may try to steal away your heart?"

Lady Soma fought for breath, and forced herself to shyly look away from the fire in his eyes. "M-my heart...?"

This was becoming absurd. A woman of her age and status should not even be having such a private meeting with the lord of another province. They were colleagues, simply acquaintances. Had her flirtatious words given him the wrong impression? "Oh no! What desire would there be for that? I am merely an old widow..."

"My dear Lady Soma," Matsunaga Hisahide chuckled low and sultry, a playful smokiness in his tone as he gently took her hand. "You already know how much I treasure...antiquity."

A flustered huff gave away Lady Soma's sudden loss of composure. Her face felt hot, flushed redder than winter Camilla flower, as she glanced toward the open windows and moved herself away from under his shadow.

"O-oh my, h-how late in the day it had become! Lord Hisahide, I dare say I have kept you in my company for far too long! Do forgive me." She busied herself with stacking the cups and tea utensils, trying to hide her nervousness with laughter.

Matsunaga smiled at her jittery voice as she fought to regain her poise. "Do not be so concerned, my lady. Only an empty castle full of trinkets await me."

"Have you forgotten dear Hisamichi? Surely, after all this time, would you not wish to take every opportunity to spend time with your dear son!"

"Oh, I have made much time for him. But if you insist, I shall take my leave" Matsunaga rose to his knees and gracefully bowed. "I thank you for your gracious hospitality."

Lady Soma bowed low in grateful reverence to the Lord of Yamato as he slid on his knees, crouched through the small tea house door, and exited the room. A wave of relief crashed over her, as she sat back onto her heels. Her heart still pounded loudly in her chest, and she smacked it with a hand to try and still it's thunder. The still fresh memory of those molten gold eyes permeated her thoughts. Not even her late lord husband had ever looked at her with such fire. Her breath fluttered like a young maiden. Unbelievable! Her habit of flirtatious and flattering speech had won her many strategic battles of words and wit but this time...How greatly she had miscalculated...

"Oh, Lady Soma...I seem to have forgotten one thing." Her body jolted as Matsunaga's voice echoed back into the tea house, though he remained outside. "That cosmetic serum you so graciously bequeathed to me, is simply marvelous. Your tonic, I dare say, it feels like a spark of youth has been returned to me. The bottle is quite close to becoming empty, I am afraid. Would you be so kind...?" "Oh, of course, Lord Hisahide. It would be my pleasure. I shall have another sent to you forthwith." "Most gracious. Though, I was hoping that you might deliver in person, Lady Soma. I do so enjoy our little talks." Another deep wash of red clothed her cheeks as Lady Soma bowed low within the secluded teahouse, her heart still thundering wildly, as Matsunaga Hisahide slowly walked away down the stone path.

A great yet...wonderful, miscalculation, indeed.

[nexu101]

Matsunaga Hisamichi Drabble #5

5 already? Yeesh!

This particular drabble takes place shortly after Hisamichi and Hisahide are finally reunited, so they’re still a bit awkward around each other. And this one ends with a little suspense and a mention of some of @norageonlypancakes’s OCs...

Hisamichi entered the small dimly lit room and saw his father meticulously cleaning an ornately decorated tea set. Hisahide held a cup up to the candlelight, its gleam matching the one in his father's eyes. "Beautiful, is it not? Such impeccable craftsmanship..."

Hisamichi approached Hisahide. "Wow. It's so colorful."

"Yes." Hisahide tied up his hair in a loose knot and continued cleaning. "A friend of mine, Furuta-dono, has been experimenting with ceramics for some time now. I have become rather fond of his style."

Hisamichi sat down beside his father and picked up one of the cups. He traced the rim with his fingers, admiring how its irregularities gave it a more personal touch. "It's very... um... neat." Hisamichi tried to think of something to say that sounded intellectual to impress his father, but he couldn't. 

Hisahide just smiled at him. "I have many other sets like this one if you would like to take a look."

"Yes! But could I bring in another lantern? It's so dark in here. It can't be good for your eyes." Hisamichi stood up and turned to leave the room, but he stumbled over a teapot that was in his blind spot and broke it. He looked down at it and immediately froze. "I- I-" he stammered before bowing deeply, afraid to face his father. "Chichiue, I- I'm so, so sorry, I- I don't- I wasn't paying attention, and I-"

A sharp laugh interrupted his apology. "Hisamichi, straighten up. It's alright." Hisamichi reluctantly did as he was told and saw that his father was grinning. "Why are you so worried? It was destined to crumble from the moment it was created. A bit sooner than expected, I suppose, but then, there is no knowing when things may break." Hisahide picked up a shard of the teapot. "And this was my least favorite piece in the set anyway. Now I have an excuse to use a different one if Furuta-dono ever comes to visit."  Hisamichi shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to make of his father's musings. It was then that Hisahide noticed a red stain on the floor. "You're bleeding." He took the cloth he had been using and motioned for Hisamichi to stick out his foot. Hisamichi sat down and let his father bandage the cut. "Now, if you had been wearing your tabi, this would not have been so bad." Of all the things his father said, it was the small scolding that put Hisamichi at ease. He didn't realize his face had changed until Hisahide looked up at him and asked, "What is it?"

"Nothing, it's just..." Hisamichi scratched the back of his neck. "It's just been a while since I've had someone to get onto me for things."

Hisahide remained silent for a moment before replying. "Well, it's been a while since I've had someone to look after." Feeling that he had said a bit too much, Hisahide turned back to his dishes and began placing them on the shelves, spending a great deal of time twisting and turning them until every last detail was aligned to create the perfect aesthetic. 

Hisamichi opened his mouth to compliment his father's work, but a sudden flurry of feathers startled him and made him curse loudly instead. Fuuma Kotaro, the mysterious shinobi whose services had somehow been enlisted by their clan, emerged from the darkness and handed a slip of paper to Hisahide. Hisamichi bowed sheepishly in greeting. "Sorry, Fuuma-san,” he added. “I didn't mean to say those things." Kotaro didn't respond.

"It's alright, he doesn't talk." Hisahide muttered as he finished reading the paper and handed it back to Kotaro. "Sanada Masayuki wishes to meet with us at once. It's urgent."

"Urgent?"

"He did not specify, but there is turbulence in Kai, and I suspect his son Nobuyuki seeks to take advantage of it." Hisahide paused, wondering for a moment if he would ever face a similar problem, but he continued. "Securing passage to Kai may be difficult, but I would like for you to meet Masayuki-dono. He is an old friend of mine." A familiar smirk settled onto his face. "Turbulence in Kai...” he repeated. “This will be very interesting indeed."

Dun dun dun! Kai is about to explode in line with @norageonlypancakes’s AU, but in the meantime, Hisahide wonders about his relationship with Hisamichi compared to Masayuki’s relationship with Nobuyuki ( @norageonlypancakes’s OCs - a schemer raising a schemer), and tbh it bothers him a little bit that his relationship with Hisamichi would have actually been worse if Hisamichi was raised within the clan instead of being taken as a hostage. (Also, Hisahide, stop being so tsundere, this is your son!!)

The Furuta-dono that Hisahide mentions is Furuta Oribe, a tea master who developed the colorful style of Oribe ware. Technically, this style emerged in 1605 or so... but this is Basara, coherent timelines don’t exist here!

Besides Kotaro making his first appearance in a drabble, I think the main highlight here is Hisahide with his hair up in a loose knot ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[nexu101]

Matsunaga Hisamichi Drabble #4

For @norageonlypancakes. Hisamichi and Tomoe meet on the battlefield.

THIS IS SUCH A MAJOR WIP I’M SORRY!!! I would right a context summary, but this kind of became a blend of ideas so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ @norageonlypancakes could probably explain it better than me lol.

"PUSH FORWARD!" Hisamichi shouted as his detachment charged towards what little remained of the Takeda cavalry. The red soldiers scrambled to assume a battle formation, but there was no time to regroup before the Matsunaga forces descended upon them. An arrow flew right past Hisamichi and struck one of the men behind him. "Target the archers!" Hisamichi gritted his teeth and sprinted towards the captain of the bowmen who had their bow drawn and ready to fire. But oddly, they weren't facing Hisamichi or the oncoming troops. He followed their gaze to a skirmish at the top of a nearby hill. It was his father, locked in a duel with a Takeda general. "CHICHIUE!" Hisamichi yelled as loud as he could as he lunged towards the captain. Hisahide turned his head at the sound of Hisamichi's cry and saw the captain aiming at him with every intent to kill. But Hisamichi tackled the captain to the ground just as they fired, causing the arrow to miss its mark and hit the general's shoulder instead.

The captain's mask fell to the ground and shattered, revealing the face of a deformed woman. Hisamichi attempted to wrestle the bow out of her grasp, but she took an arrow from her quiver and jabbed it in his injured leg, intensifying the pain he was already feeling from over-exerting himself. She managed to squirm out from under him, but he held onto the bow, and it snapped in half. She made a gasp of anger before striking his head with her half of the bow. He swept out a leg from under her with a kick, but she quickly recovered and swung at him again. He dodged this time and pushed her back with the hilt of his sword. It became clear to her then that he had no intentions of killing an opponent who had been disarmed. Suddenly, the call for the Takeda army to retreat resounded through the clearing. They stared at each other for a moment, breathing heavily. But something behind Hisamichi caught the woman's attention; she narrowed her eyes and took a step back. Hisamichi recognized the presence of his father. He turned around and saw his father's hand was raised in the air, poised to ignite some explosive that would likely kill the captain. "Stop!" He grabbed his father's wrist and pulled it down. "They're retreating. Let them go."

"The battlefield is no place for mercy."

"But-"

"Spare a life today, and you will have to take it tomorrow." The woman tensed. She would have run away already if her ankle hadn't been badly sprained in her scuffle with Hisamichi. But Hisamichi wasn't unscathed either. A bright red stripe was already forming on his face from where he was hit with the bow, and blood oozed from the arrow in his leg. Yet he was still defending this woman's life.  What an interesting young man Hisamichi had grown to be. "However... I suppose we could take them as prisoners until the fighting ends and negotiate money for their release."

Hisamichi sighed in relief. He wasn’t enthused about the idea of taking prisoners since he was once one himself, but it was better than the needless shedding of blood. Hisahide motioned for the soldiers gathering around them to take hold of the woman. Knowing that she risked the lives of other survivors if she resisted, she closed her eyes and bit her lip as they pushed her to the ground and tied her wrists and prepared to carry her away.

And so their friendship begins! Again, still a major WIP and subject to change, but this is the basic idea.

[nexu101]

Matsunaga Hisamichi Drabble No. 2

Hello! I’ve written another drabble for Hisamichi! I thought it would be cute if Hisamichi gets an official portrait of him made at Hisahide’s behest, and Hisahide is all uwu my son is so perfect. A couple of things to preface this: first, I tried researching the portrait process a lot, but… I still don't know a lot of the details, like if you’re required to pose, pose for how long, pose at the artists’ school, have the artist visit you, blah blah blah. So sorry if I got any of that wrong. Also, this drabble has an abrupt end because I am tired, and I want to go to bed lol. But enjoy!

Hisahide smoothed out Hisamichi’s kimono and straightened his vest, fussing over every last detail of the outfit. “Chichiue, I’m sure it looks fine.” “ ‘Fine’ isn’t good enough for an official portrait. If I’m commissioning Eitoku-dono, I will settle for nothing less than perfection. Though… I suppose you are still unwilling to shave?” Hisamichi laughed. “I kinda like the scruff.” “Not even a trim? Even if we just rearranged your hair-” “No thanks, I’m good.” Hisahide smiled. “It was worth a try.” Hisamichi gathered his father in a hug. “Thank you. Thank you for everything, Chichiue. From the bottom of my heart.” Hisahide closed his eyes and returned the hug. He had been parted for too long from his greatest treasure. They walked together into the room where the painter and his apprentices were waiting. Hisamichi’s movements were a bit stiff: he was unused to wearing custom-tailored robes. He knelt on the floor and picked up the fan to be used in the portrait as Hisahide handed him an antique sword with the Matsunaga ivy mon emblazoned on the hilt in gold. “Eitoku-dono, my son has a leg injury, so it may be necessary for him to stand up and stretch every now and then to relieve any discomfort.” “Don’t worry about it,” Hisamichi quickly interjected, not wanting to inconvenience Eitoku. “I’ll be fine.” Eitoku peered at him with an unreadable expression from behind his temporary workspace. “Shall I paint two eyes?” Hisahide gestured towards Hisamichi, deferring the question to him. “I’d prefer it if you included the, um, injury.” He worried for a moment if Eitoku’s lack of a response meant he had said something wrong, but he smiled when he saw that his father was beaming. “Don’t smile. You need to look serious for this portrait, Hisamichi.” “I can’t help it! You’re just so excited for this.” “I’m slightly less excited at the prospect of you being remembered by posterity for your silly grin.” His father’s teasing made Hisamichi chuckle, but he managed to stifle it quickly. “Alright, I’ll just… look somewhere else.” Eitoku muttered something in Chinese to which Hisahide replied, also in Chinese. Hisamichi grew increasingly embarrassed with his lack of language skills as their conversation went on. He was getting a portrait done… He was going to lead his clan one day… But he didn’t know anything about Chinese or administration or diplomacy or etiquette or philosophy or- “That’s a little too serious of a face.” “O-Oh! Sorry, Chichiue.” “Hisamichi…” Hisamichi glanced at his father and met his reassuring gaze. “I cannot think of someone more suitable to carry on the name of our ancestors. Take a deep breath and relax. Everything will come in time. Starting with your portrait.” Hisamichi nodded. It was true. And, he mused, his father was too stubborn to die before at least teaching him how to host a tea ceremony properly. He rolled back his shoulders and assumed a more stern and confident posture. He was determined to not only make his father proud, but his mother and brothers too.

A few things: Eitoku (Full name: Kano Eitoku) was a really famous artist who was commissioned by daimyou all the time, and Hisahide would spare no expense for his son. Also, from what I’ve gathered, it was common for the people in the portraits to have a fan and a sword in the paintings with them. Eitoku mentions the eyes because I read somewhere that Date Masamune (the famous One-Eyed Dragon) once requested to have a portrait that depicted him with two intact eyes instead of only one. Hisamichi decides to have his injured eye shown. And Hisamichi’s mother and brothers are dead, so that’s why they’re listed somewhat separately. For the #angst.

Poor Hisamichi gets a little nervous, but Hisahide is just so happy that Hisamichi can’t help but be happy too.

[nexu101]

One of my Sengoku BASARA OCs, Umeko Her partner is Matsunaga Hisamichi, making her Matsunaga Hisahide’s daugher-in-law 😳😳 (refs: 1, 2)

[nexu101]

Matsunaga Hisahide facts!

I thought it might be fun to compile some of the information I have learned about Matsunaga Hisahide into one post. If anyone would like more information beyond what is summarized in this post, feel free to contact me, and I can provide you with more.

#1.) Hisahide was a retainer to Miyoshi Nagayoshi, also known as Chokei. Chokei’s heir Yoshioki died under mysterious circumstances, and it is theorized that Hisahide may have poisoned him. Additional deaths he may or may not have been involved in include three of Chokei’s brothers and possibly Chokei himself; thus, Hisahide was well on his way to living up to the idea of gekokujou, a term used to describe someone of lower status upheaving someone of higher status (1, 2)

#2.) After the Miyoshi heir’s death, the next clan head was too young to rule, so authority fell to the Miyoshi Triumvirate who were also manipulated by Hisahide to an extent. Together, they coordinated a siege attack in Kyoto that resulted in the shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru's forced suicide (3). Hisahide also had conflicts with the Miyoshi Triumvirate that were further polarized by the arrival of Oda Nobunaga (Elison and Smith, 1981).

#3.) Hisahide is notorious in the annals of history for burning down the Todai-ji temple which contained the Great Buddha daibutsu-den. However, Missionary Luis Frois claims that Hisahide did not burn down Todai-ji, but rather, it was a Christian samurai who acted independently while the Miyoshi were stationed there. I, however, am a bit skeptical of this claim of his innocence since Hisahide had reasonable motivations to be involved in the incident (4; 5; Elison and Smith, 1981). This comprises the last of the “Three Evils” Nobunaga condemned Hisahide for - killing the shogun, revolting against his Miyoshi lords, and burning Todai-ji (6).

#4.) Hisahide occupied Shigisan Castle and built a castle of his own - Tamon Castle (Elison and Smith, 1981). An artist’s depiction of what Shigisan Castle may have looked like can be seen here. It was noted as being particularly steep and defensible (5). As for Tamon Castle, it is alleged that it contained Japan’s first tower keep, but I personally am uncertain as to the validity of this claim (4).

#5.) Hisahide was frequently invited to Noh performances and other ceremonies by Oda Nobunaga (5). It was allegedly after one such performance where Hisahide was in attendance that Nobunaga received word of his brother-in-law Azai Nagamasa turning against him. Hisahide advised Nobunaga to retreat away from Kyoto, and it is said that this was made possible by Hisahide convincing a castle lord in Omi to assist them with Hisahide being fully prepared to kill him should he refuse (7; 8).

#6.) Hisahide may not be quite the evil villain he is portrayed to be... Letters from Nobunaga indicate that his son Matsunaga Hisamichi was actually the troublesome one. Hisahide apparently offered Nobunaga gifts of swords to appease him when Hisamichi would do something that angered him. Hisamichi was also forced to cede Tamon Castle to Nobunaga (5). Additionally, Nobunaga had suspected the infamous Matsunaga revolt against him that resulted in Hisahide's death was instigated by Hisamichi (6). Because of this, Nobunaga is recorded as having executed two of Hisamichi’s sons in an attempt to force compliance (5). Different accounts exist regarding the manner of death of Hisamichi as well as his brother Kojiro, though it appears as though some of Hisahide’s descendants may have survived, with several political and military figures in modern-day Japan claiming Yamato Matsunaga ancestry.

#7.) The famous Sengoku Era physician Manase Dosan appears to have written a sex manual for Hisahide with the specific purpose of how to use sex to benefit one’s health (9). What interests me about this manual is that it has several passages devoted to how to best please someone with a clitoris/vagina.

#8.) Hisahide invited Jesuit missionary Gaspar Vilela to a debate with two respected scholars - the astronomer Yuuki Yamashiro-no-kami Tadamasa and the Confucian tutor Kiyohara Ekata. Gaspar impressed them so much that they converted to Christianity. Gaspar’s escort to the debate, Takayama Tomoteru, also converted, and he raised his son Ukon in the Christian faith. Ukon is currently in the process of potentially becoming a saint recognized by the Catholic church. Some accounts alledge that Hisahide also converted, but I think it is more likely he remained a member of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism despite any superficial Christian indications he may have given (10; 11; 12).

#9). Hisahide led attacks against the Tsutsui clan, the clan Shima Sakon served before entering the service of Ishida Mitsunari. (13). This in part led to the decline of the Tsutsui clan. After Hisahide’s death, the embittered clan head Tsutsui Junkei razed Tamon Castle in what many interpret to be an act driven by the motivation to erase any traces left of Matsunaga Hisahide (14).

Book Source:  Elison, George and Smith, Bardwell. Warlords Artists and Commoners: Japan in the Sixteenth Century. University of Hawaii Press, 1981.