Part 182

Learn about Otani Yoshitsugu, who fought at Shizugatake and Sekigahara, and Shima Sakon, Ishida Mitsunari's loyal general in Nioh 3.

Otani Yoshitsugu, also known as "Gyobu", served Toyotomi Hideyoshi from a young age and was granted the title "Gyobu Shoyu", lesser minister of justice. He was known for his calm demeanor that hid a fierce fighting spirit. Yoshitsugu fought valiantly in battles such as Shizugatake and Odawara, even during illness. During the conquest of Kyushu, he personally led an assault on a Negoro temple, defeating their leader. He formed a close friendship with Ishida Mitsunari, sharing a candid relationship. Yoshitsugu was also skilled in both martial and mystical arts.

His friendship with Ishida Mitsunari began during the Battle of Shizugatake, where Yoshitsugu's strategic maneuvers, including convincing enemy armies to defect, and his participation in the vanguard alongside Mitsunari earned him recognition as one of the "Three Swords" of the battle. Despite knowing the resistance against Ieyasu would likely fail after Hideyoshi's death, Yoshitsugu stood by Mitsunari due to his passion.

At the Battle of Sekigahara, Yoshitsugu was critically wounded by Kobayakawa Hideaki's spear, causing disarray among his forces. He then transformed into an Oni (a type of demon) to hold back the enemy until his final confrontation with William, where he was defeated.

Yoshitsugu's daughter, Chikurin-in, married Sanada Yukimura through a political arrangement suggested by Hideyoshi, which solidified the alliance between the Otani and Sanada clans. Yoshitsugu recognized Yukimura's potential, and Yukimura respected Yoshitsugu as an intelligent and powerful father-in-law.

Shima Sakon, born Shima Kiyooki, was a highly capable general and military strategist serving Ishida Mitsunari. He provided realistic counsel, tempering Mitsunari's idealism. Originally from a powerful family in Yamato province, Sakon served the Tsutsui clan but became a ronin (a masterless samurai) after openly disagreeing with his lord. Ishida Mitsunari, recognizing Sakon's genius, recruited him by offering half of his domain in Sawayama. This generous offer led to the saying that Mitsunari possessed two undeserved assets: Sawayama Castle and Shima Sakon.

Sakon's reputation for bravery was significant, having rejected offers from other daimyo before Mitsunari's. He was deeply moved by Mitsunari's unprecedented offer of half his land in exchange for his service. Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself was impressed and urged Sakon to serve Mitsunari faithfully.

Although Sakon served Mitsunari, Mitsunari viewed him as an older brother. Sakon's humanity and trustworthiness complemented Mitsunari's character, and Mitsunari highly valued his opinions. Sakon, while sometimes blunt or seemingly sarcastic, remained loyal and dedicated himself to his lord's success.

At the Battle of Sekigahara, Sakon's ferocity terrified Tokugawa troops, earning him the moniker "Sakon the Oni". Kuroda Nagamasa's forces, who directly engaged Sakon, were reportedly so traumatized that they suffered from recurring nightmares. Intriguingly, despite descriptions of his armor by those who faced him, no two accounts matched, suggesting the sheer terror of the sight impaired their memories.

Although widely believed to have been killed at Sekigahara, Sakon's remains were never found. Persistent reports of sightings in Kyoto after the battle fueled speculation that he may have survived and returned to the capital.