The map of this story is inspired by the game Nobunagas ambition awakening scenario "The lands know no peace."
It's been 1 year since Hōjō spys led by Fuma Kotaro confirmed the Kampakus death, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
His death's cause is still unknown but the high command of the Hōjō is assured it was due to stress because the Hōjō didn't surrender when the Toyotomi build a castle overlooking Odawara instead senior vassal Hōjō Ujinobu, the youngest son of Hōjō Ujiyasu but the most competent, responded by bombing the castle with the last few mortars in the castle.
Enraged by this and that Date Masamune arrived late, he ordered a full out attack in which many senior generals died including Honda Tadakatsu, Li Naomasa, Chosokabe Motochika (due to a sunken ship caused by fire arrows), Fukushima Masanori and Kato Yoshiakira.
After the death of Hideyoshi, many sons of the fallen Daimyos (Warlords) and other Retainers backstabbed the Toyotomi due to lacking confindence in the new Kampaku- Toyotomi Hidetsugu.
Using this chance the Hōjo made a last attack on the besieging army and won in a decisive victory.
Now that Odawara was saved, the Hōjo realized that they lost alot of land.
Odawara, Sagami, 1591
Hōjō Ujinobu has been summoned by his older brother, Ujiteru, to travel from Izu, where he repaired Niriyama castle, to Odawara.
"Who's there?" An Ashigaru holding his Yari (spear) asked while guarding the gate.
"It's me, Hōjō Ujinobu." Ujinobu said riding on his horse together with his escort army.
"Forgive me my lord! We are just cautious!" The Ashigaru said and got on his knees.
Ujinobu got off his horse and slowly walked towards the soldier.
He kneels down and said, "Don't worry I appreciate your work."
"Now! Where's my nephew?!" Ujinobu said and went on his horse.
He was escorted by a few soldiers to the main castle and his men rested in the barracks.
He went inside the castle and went into direction of the yard.
There he noticed his older brother,Ujiteru, missing an eye.
"Brother! Come on give me a hug!" Ujiteru said as he noticed his brother.
"Ujiteru? What happend?" Ujinobu asked.
"Oh this? Li Noamasa gave it to me before I killed him." Ujiteru said
"You killed the red demon of Li?" Ujinobu asked suprised.
"Oh come on. You killed the untouchable Honda Tadakatsu and saved the Hōjō." Ujiteru said.
"It was my duty. But why am I her? You didn't just want to drink tea do you?" Ujinobu said.
"No no it's not that. It's Ujinao. It's better Ujimasa talks to to you about this matter." Ujiteru explained.
He and his brother went down a hallway into a room where he saw his nephew, Ujinao, on a tatami mat very pale.
"Oh no what happend?" Ujinobu asked and put his hand on Ujimasas shoulder.
"Fever." Ujimasa answered shortly.
" *cough* *cough* Uncle... it's so good to see you. Father wanted to talk to you." Ujinao said.
"Well I didn't expect my nephew dying but yeah, it's good to see you, Ujinao." Ujinobu said.
He looked over to his older brother who just went into a backroom and he followed him.
"Ujinobu, with Ujinao dying the Hōjō wouldn't have an heir and we want you to take over." Ujimasa explained.
"Wait, me? I'm the youngest I don't have a right to that!" Ujinobu said.
"Ujinobu! You are the most competent and capable member of this family, you are the best candidate!" Ujimasa said.
"Ok, I accept, I will bring the Hōjō to glory!" Ujinobu stated.
"Good, I will prepare the ceremony." Ujimasa said and went back to his son.