The garrison made a stubborn resistance for some weeks but the fortress was now shorn of its main protection, and most unfortunately the discord between Madame Yodogimi’s favourite generals and the other officers assumed formidable dimensions. In consequence, the defenders were severely defeated in more than one engagement, and their numbers were so greatly reduced that it was impossible for them to hold the castle much longer.
One night Sanada Yukimura, the Chief of the General Staff, met Shigenari in secret.
“It is not possible for us to hold out,” he said gloomily. “We must effect the escape of our lord out of the castle and convey him to a place of security—he can take refuge in the province of Lord Shimazu. Through him we may be able to do something to retrieve our losses and restore the power of our clan. Some of us must go with our chief, but in order the more easily to get away the enemy must be deluded with the idea that Hideyori and his bravest warriors have fallen; therefore we must leave substitutes behind us who resemble us in some degree. Their bodies will be found, and the enemy will think we are dead and not try to pursue us as they most certainly would do if they thought we had fled. I have found my substitute; do you find yours. I must regret that it is necessary for these men to sacrifice their lives for ours, but we must all act for the future good of the clan to which we owe allegiance—all personal considerations must give way. Do you not approve of my plan?”
“It is an excellent idea,” replied Shigenari, after some reflection. “And I heartily approve of it. But if every experienced general leaves the castle even though substitutes are left, the shrewd Iyeyasu will soon suspect the truth. I at any rate must remain. I was seen by Iyeyasu and his staff only a short time ago; they will not have forgotten my features and cannot be deceived by another man clad in my armour. Therefore, I leave the escort of our lord and the restoration of the clan to you and the other generals. I will stay alone with the garrison and fight to the last. My death and your life are equally necessary for the sake of our lord. So do not seek to dissuade me. I am resolved.”
“A truly noble resolve, my friend,” said Yukimura with admiration. “Would that I could remain with you! I am reluctant to leave you alone and we shall miss your help, but if you are determined to do this thing far be it from me to dissuade you. It must be well-known to the enemy that you are a favourite of our lord and always in close attendance on his person; so when they find your dead body on the field they will never suspect he has escaped. Your death in this way will be the means of restoring the power of the Toyotomis. I could find it in my heart to envy you, good comrade!”
“Then that is settled. To-morrow I will charge the enemy’s line with my men and divert his attention while the rest of you steal out from the rear.”
After a few words of affectionate farewell, the two men parted knowing they would never meet again.
On retiring to his room for a brief rest, Shigenari spoke to his young wife in his usual cheerful manner.
“To-morrow our troops are going to make a sally that will effectually dispose of the enemy,” he said. “On such a notable occasion I wish to wear the armour my lord graciously gave me last year; pray bring it to me.”
When his wife brought it he took the helmet; and burning some very precious incense called Ranjatai, held the helmet so that the smoke ascended into it. Aoyagi, divining from his manner that he had some solemn motive for this action, felt her heart sink.