1579, Mitsuhide’s BetrayalAfter crushing the Takeda at Nagashino and further successful campai

1579, Mitsuhide’s BetrayalAfter crushing the Takeda at Nagashino and further successful campaigns, Nobunaga’s path to become the next Shogun was on the horizon. Nobunaga’s rivals had either been dealt with or chose to become vassals to spare themselves from his wrath. Peace and a sense of normalcy was returning to the countryside as the war finally drew to a close. However, one Oda retainer did not share the dream of a Shogunate run by the Demon King. Akechi Mitsuhide, a loyal, intelligent, and well-trusted retainer had been by Nobunaga’s side for years. These qualities made Mitsuhide’s decision all the more shocking. Reasons for Mitsuhide’s next actions varies by historical documents. Some say Nobunaga betrayed Mitsuhide’s trust and executed a general to whom he promised safety. This ultimately lead to a revenge killing of Mitsuhide’s mother. Others say Nobunaga constantly downplayed Mitsuhide’s achievements and contributions, and would openly insult him in public. Perhaps Mitsuhide simply feared Nobunaga’s temperamental mood (possibly bipolar) would unleash brutalities on the public. Whatever the case may be, Mitsuhide’s support for Nobunaga had vanished. As Hashiba Hideyoshi was off fighting the Mori Clan, Mitsuhide was ordered to march west and support his efforts. Instead, Mitsuhide gathered his most trusted senior retainers and spoke in secrecy. An army of 13,000 men was amassed. Mitsuhide’s sites had been set on Honno-Ji Temple to save Japan from the Demon King.  INSTAGRAM | DEVIANTART |  TUMBLR -- source link

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