Niwa clan
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The Niwa clan (丹羽氏, Niwa-shi) was a Japanese samurai family that held power in the provinces of Owari and Wakasa during the Sengoku period.[1] Unlike the similarly-named Kodama Niwa and Isshiki Niwa clans—which claimed descent from Emperor Kanmu's son the former Prince Yoshimine no Yasuo, or were a cadet branch to the Isshiki clan that itself was a cadet to the Ashikaga clan, respectively—this family claimed its lineage through the mythical first Emperor Jimmu's second son Kamuyaimimi.[2]
History[edit | edit source]
Under Niwa Nagahide's leadership, the Niwa clan followed suit and fought in support of Oda Nobunaga and his clan. In 1573, Nagahide followed Nobunaga's orders and aided in eliminating the Asakura clan, which led to Nobunaga easily conquering Ōmi and Echizen. Within three years, Nagahide later took control over Azuchi Castle's construction. From his loyalty and assured efforts, Nagahide received luxurious gifts which reflexed Nobunaga's high esteem of him. In 1581, he even received the honor of leading a parade in Kyoto to Emperor Ōgimachi's presence.[3] He also joined Nobunaga in his invasion of Iga as one of his generals.[4]
Fallout of Nobunaga's death[edit | edit source]
In 1582, after Nobunaga's suicide in Honnō-ji following Akechi Mitsuhide's betrayal and attack,[5] Nagahide abandoned his campaign at Shikoku[3] and returned to Azuchi Castle to find any remaining allies. There, he met with Nobunaga's former retainer and the Kakushiba ikki member Yasuke, who sought to find Mori Ranmaru after the incident. However, Nagahide showed Yasuke an urn containing Ranmaru's ashes, telling him how he committed suicide upon seeing the temple burnt down and Nobunaga dead. However, before Yasuke left, Nagahide informed him of Tokugawa Ieyasu's presence in Yamashiro before departing for Wakasa to deal with internal problems.[6]
Dealing with the Performer[edit | edit source]
Upon his return home, Nagahide learned that he and his family were under attack by an unknown figure and his allies, a legion of pirates. One day, he was attacked at his estate and was nearly overwhelmed. Fortunately, Yasuke and his fellow Kakushiba ikki member and Igan shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe arrived and killed Nagahide's attackers. Afterwards, they discussed the current events where he spoke of a man called "The Performer" attacking him and his people. With this troubling news, he sent his allies to find Hong, an informant in Obama.[4]
After meeting chef Hong, Naoe and Yasuke were informed of an impending attack on the Niwa family in Tsuruga.[7] Arriving at Tsuruga Castle, they found Niwa nobles having a feast until they were subsequently attacked by pirates. After the pair dealt with the attackers, one of the Niwa elders informed them that they could learn more about the tune during the attack at Saifukuji Temple.[8]
Nagahide soon joined Hong at his shop and met with Naoe and Yasuke, who shared their findings. They revealed that The Performer was Takeda Motoaki,[9] after discovering Motoaki's business with Samemaru and his pirates attacking his family[10] and that the tune was known by a biwa master who knew it belonged solely to Motoaki.[11] With this, Nagahide concurred as he realized that Motoaki sought to reclaim the Takeda clan's glory, Nochiseyama Castle, and thus all of Wakasa.[9]
Nagahide soon agreed for Naoe and Yasuke to confront Motoaki. While Yasuke chased down and killed pirate captain Samemaru, Naoe sought and found Motokai alone. Engaging him in a fight, Naoe defeated and killed Motoaki, ending his plans for Wakasa. Nagahide and Yasuke soon joined her while Nagahide thanked for their efforts. Before leaving, Nagahide asked for them to come visit and talk about a task.[9]
Nagahide's extended relative Niwa Toshikazu also met Naoe and Yasuke and tasked to help him rid the province of the dangerous pirates wreaking havoc. Throughout their time in Wakasa, they dealt with and killed a hundred of the pirates and informed Toshikazu, who gifted them gold and mon for their efforts.[12] Later, they met with Nagahide at his estate, where the lord tasked them to recover valuable items across Japan for him. When they acquired all of the items and gave it to Nagahide, he explained these items represent tokens of the past of him and his wife, who was going blind. Before they left, he thanked him on behalf of both him and his wife.[13]
Joining Hideyoshi[edit | edit source]
After Motoaki's downfall, Nagahide joined Hashiba Hideyoshi's efforts to avenge Nobunaga's death.[3] After Mitsuhide's death at the Battle of Yamazaki,[14] Nagahide continued his support for Hideyoshi until his death in 1585, due to an unknown illness.[3]
Notable members[edit | edit source]
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑
Niwa clan on Wikipedia
- ↑ 丹羽氏 on Wikipedia
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Database: Niwa Nagahide
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Red Walls
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Temple of the Horseman
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Lords of Azuchi
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Chef Hong
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Revenge
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Assassin's Creed: Shadows – The Performer
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Smuggler's Gambit
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – The Music
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – High Seas Haymaker
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Valuable Reflections
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Topple the Traitor