Heihō Densho – Kōyō Gunkan Naigunpō no maki / 兵法伝書 甲陽軍鑑之内軍法之巻
(Military Strategy Book – scroll of military methodology from the Kōyō Gunkan)
*Note – From here on the term “Naigunpō” will be used to reference the one from the Ueno Tamaki Kabunsho, while “Kōyō Gunkan” will reference the original
①
REFERENCE: UNKNOWN¹
信玄公御出軍前に三ヶ条誠之事
― 第一、其国絵図を以内談之事、
― 第二、敵之人数積り、同強弱内談之事、
― 第三、味方いさむる誓詞アラハしてつしへき事、三ヶ条共口伝有、
THE 3 CLAUSES FOR DEMONSTRATING TRUST BEFORE EMBARKING ON MILITARY AFFAIRS TRANSCRIBED BY THE LATE TAKEDA SHINGEN
- #1: Must disclose information about the territory shown in the specific province’s map
- #2: Must be able to assess the enemy’s numbers, as well as their strengths & weaknesses
- #3: Allies are expected to demonstrate their pledge of support
There are also verbal instructions pertaining to these 3 clauses
1) The sections found in Ueno Tamaki Kabunsho come from the 36th volume of the Kōyō Gunkan. Despite reviewing this volume to its entirety, I was only able to confirm everything except for this part. Currently I am not sure where this comes from. It could just be a note someone included…?
②
REFERENCE: Section #42 (pg. 139)
三ヶ条合戦備定之事
一、第一、味方よくして敵のたつるを見て是をいたす、口伝有
―、第二、敵勝之味方を討、二、三より是に勝ちひさく共、数を以て敵壱つに九つ迄と思へ共、五つ六つまてはよし、口伝多シ
ー、第三、敵の備を立て、堅くは是味方九つ迄にして、むかって又横を用ル、せめては六つまてにする、口伝多シ、
3 CLAUSES REGARDING SPECIFIC PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLES
- #1: Perceive that your allies are making good efforts in defeating the enemy. There are verbal instructions for this.
- #2: Devise a plan that will lead to victory where in defeating an enemy, you strike down around 2~3 of their comrades. Depending on their numbers, have the notion that for each enemy you face, there’s around 9 to deal with. However, defeating 5~6 of them will suffice. There are many verbal instructions regarding this.
- #3: When the enemy has placed up a tight defense, apporach with up to 9 of your allies. Or if you plan to flank, be accompanied by your allies, up to 6 at best. There are many verbal instructions regarding this.
③
REFERENCE: Section #42 (pg. 140)
大将三つの再拝は
一、第一、常々地国他国共に武士の手柄忠節・忠功上中下共に能批判之事、
一、第二、人を能見知、それ／＼に役を申付ル事、
第三、忠節・忠功の武士に手柄の上中下ノ能穿鑿して、三段に恩をくるゝ
事、
右共に三つの再拝也、かたの通あしけれは、諸侍の行烈むさほりて、下の手柄■
をのれ／＼か仕様にて、上になると意得、
REFERENCE: Section #142 (pg 140)
戦場の働をひかへ、軽薄計に懸りて、太将の鋒先弱しさるにつき、此三ヶ条は国大将の再拝ならん、又手にて再ふるは、其下の侍大将、或は足軽大将の仕る所なり、如此、
一、御籏奉行にはさいはいを許給ふ事、¹
一、武者奉行は御太将とひとしくさいはいをもたひして不叶事、但功すくなきは不計、口伝、
The 3 ways to earn gratitude from the commander
- #1: To always achieve, with a high level of judgment, undeniably meritorious deeds, and acts of loyalty and dedication within each territory entered
- #2: Understand people’s abilities, and how they can be useful at your call when needed
- #3: Show complete gratefulness for the help received from warriors who have undeniably achieved deeds, and who show loyalty
In this case are the 3 ways of earning gratitude. Anyone who doesn’t fit these qualifications will only provide poor service. Specifically, according to these 3 clauses, if you do not make preparations for the tasks on the battlefield, cannot make quick & efficient calculations, and cause brave warrior’s assault to weaken, you won’t earn praise from your country’s leader.
As an addition, through the following, you can earn a position below samurai taishō (samurai general), or gain the position as ashigaru taishō (foot soldier leader) by:
- Gaining praise to be promoted to hatamoto (direct retainer of a warlord)
- In all absolute will your praise be on the level of a competent individual, thus earning you the right to be a valiant warrior. It would be nonsense to see your achievements as a small thing. This will be explained verbally.
1) In the referenced Kōyō Gunkan there is a note in parenthesis which states the following:
一本二御槍奉行ソノ四字アリ (in a different area the 4-character term “o-yaribugyō” exists)
This is regarding the word “御旗奉行” (o-hatabugyō, rise to hatamoto status). Apparently, the term o-yaribugyō was used by some in the same way to describe a retainer, by indicating that individual to be one who was high-ranking to wield a spear (yari) as a true warrior.
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