This news struck Genichiro like a bolt from the blue. He couldn't believe his ears—his own grandfather had betrayed him at this crucial moment.
The dutiful Genichiro did not defy Isshin's command and instead led his troops back to Ashina.
However, upon returning to Ashina, Genichiro immediately questioned his grandfather:
"Why did you do this? We could have wiped out the Shogunate in one fell swoop. Was it because the Tokugawa Shogunate bribed you with treasures, or were you worried that your grandson, me, would become too powerful and threaten your rule?"
"My grandson, I have long since entrusted Ashina to you, so how could I be wary of you? I merely wish to tell you that eliminating an opponent is never the way to maximize benefits!"
Then, Ashina Isshin leisurely sipped his tea and patiently explained to Genichiro.
"My grandson, do you know that the Shogunate has completely united due to Ashina's pressure?"
"So what? These people are no match for me!"
Genichiro paid no mind to Ashina Isshin's words, believing that before the Undead Legion, no matter how many people there were, they were nothing more than insignificant ants.
However, Ashina Isshin looked at Genichiro seriously and said firmly:
"The dead are the great enemies of the living. If we continue fighting like this, this war will escalate into a war between races. It will become a fight to the death, ending only when one side is completely annihilated. Do you wish to rule a kingdom full of death and silence?"
Genichiro fell silent.
Although he longed to become Shogun, he had never considered ruling a world devoid of life.
He hoped his kingdom would have vibrant people, not a horde of walking corpses.
Ashina Isshin's words plunged him into deep thought.
Ashina Isshin continued:
"If you force an attack, it will only provoke fierce resistance from everyone in Kyoto. They will stop you at all costs, even if only one person remains!"
His voice carried both helplessness and warning.
Genichiro finally realized that relying solely on overwhelming strength could not solve every problem.
He needed a wiser strategy to achieve his goals.
So, he asked his grandfather for advice.
"Then, what should we do?"
Ashina Isshin calmly replied:
"Accept the Shogunate's gifts and sign an alliance treaty with them!"
"But can this really make me Shogun?"
Genichiro's face was full of doubt. He was confused by his grandfather's decision.
"My foolish grandson, becoming Shogun cannot rely on brute force alone. You need to think more!"
Isshin sighed at his grandson's political acumen.
He knew that while Genichiro was an exceptional talent in martial arts and mystic studies, he was indeed lacking in political wisdom.
"Your grandson understands. Please teach me!"
Genichiro repeatedly nodded and asked impatiently.
"Genichiro, how much tax revenue did the Shogunate collect last year?"
Isshin looked at Genichiro with profound eyes.
"About fourteen million koku," Genichiro replied after thinking for a moment.
"Then what is the value of these treasures and women?"
Isshin pointed toward the treasures in the hall and continued questioning him.
Genichiro carefully observed the treasures and roughly estimated their total value.
"About six million koku."
"Last year was a bumper harvest, yet the tax revenue was only fourteen million koku, and the Shogunate must pay this tribute every year. A good harvest year is manageable, but what about when disaster strikes?
"At that time, tax revenue will likely be halved, perhaps even lower than six million koku. Then who will pay this money? Where will the nobles obtain the funds needed to maintain their prestige?"
Isshin continued pressing him.
"According to the nobles' methods, they will probably make the common people bear the burden. They will continue exploiting the people's grain and imposing harsher rule.
"Extreme oppression will inevitably lead to extreme resentment among the common people. The Shogunate's reputation will worsen, and public grievances will rise."
Genichiro muttered as though enlightened, as if he could already see the future. The divine light in his eyes grew brighter and brighter as he finally understood what he should do.
"And although we are the culprits, we are not the ones carrying out the oppression. The common people will only hate the Shogunate and will not direct their anger toward Ashina Castle.
"In this way, Ashina will become wealthier through the Shogunate's annual tributes, and the common people of Ashina will also live in peace and prosperity.
"More importantly, with the support of His Majesty, the God of Death, time itself will become our greatest weapon.
"As time passes, Ashina's Undead Army will grow stronger and stronger, while the Shogunate will gradually weaken due to insufficient resources.
"Once the other side can no longer continue paying tribute, we will have a legitimate reason to interfere in Shogunate affairs.
"In the end, the Tokugawa Shogunate will collapse without us launching an attack, and Ashina will conquer the entire Land of Reeds without fighting!"
"Not only that, after this battle, the Shogunate's control over surrounding territories will rapidly weaken, and the nearby daimyos may cease paying tribute to the Shogunate.
"If, at that time, we are willing to help the Shogunate suppress those disloyal lords, Ashina can use the Shogunate's money and grain to support Ashina's troops while collecting even more undead soldiers!"
Ashina Isshin further refined Genichiro's ideas, making the plan even more complete.
"This plan is brilliant~~ Grandpa~~"
Ashina Genichiro became increasingly excited as he listened, and in the end, he could not help but applaud his grandfather's strategy.
"Hahaha~~ Genichiro, you must remember that sometimes waiting is also a strategy.
"We must wait until the time is ripe before acting decisively.
"Moving too early now would only expose our intentions and make the Shogunate wary.
"Only by striking at the critical moment can we deliver a fatal blow."
Genichiro nodded to show his understanding.
He knew Isshin was right.
They needed patience and had to wait for the best opportunity.
Time itself was the most formidable weapon.
With the God of Death's blessing, they were practically immortal and had more than enough time to slowly scheme against the Shogunate.
"But, Grandpa, won't doing this alert the Shogunate?"
Ashina Genichiro asked worriedly.
He knew that although Ashina Isshin's plan seemed perfect, if the Shogunate discovered any clues, all their previous efforts would be wasted.
Ashina Isshin stroked his beard and said earnestly:
"Before absolute strength, even if the Shogunate knows, they can only accept reality.
"Moreover, I intend for you to marry Princess Senhime as your official wife.
"With Princess Senhime, who carries Tokugawa blood, your children will possess the strongest political legitimacy in the Shogunate and naturally inherit the qualifications to succeed the Tokugawa regime.
"In that way, even if the old Tokugawa Shogun knows that Ashina will eventually replace the Shogunate's rule, he will not resist excessively.
"As long as Princess Senhime protects them, the Tokugawa family, at worst, will not meet a miserable end!"
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