Arriving in Akamagaseki, the principle city of Nagato Kikkawa Kunitsune, Lord of the Kikkawa clan, the second most powerful family in Aki, and father-in-law of Mori Motonari is brought before the Daimyo of the Ouchi clan, Ouchi Yoshitaka.
After the greetings the conversation begins.
"Lord Ouchi, Lord Mori, daimyo of Aki, holder of lands as your vassal in Suwo, and your ally, has sent me to represent his family. It is a new year, Lord Ouchi, and my son-in-law is anxious to prepare for the next campaign season. He understands you will be anxious to consolidate your forces in Kyushu to combat the Otomo threat there, but the eastern border cannot be ignored. The Amako are silent at present, but they can never be trusted to be left to their own and the battle among your supporters and those of the Amako in Bingo continues to rage. Mori would like to attempt to push the tide in favor of our faction in Bingo and weaken the Amako, while strengthening our own position. What say you? What forces do you have on your eastern front in Bingo, both your own and those of your vassals and supporters in the province, and what on guard in Iwami? Do not count any forces that are commited to Kyushu. And what can you tell us on the nature of the fight in those two provinces? We have sent out our own scouts, but have yet to hear from them. We also ask that we be permitted to take command of the front in Bingo. Allow your forces there and those of your supporters in Bingo to work in conjunction with our own, and victory will be assured and it will allow you to focus on your own efforts in Kyushu. What say you, Lord Ouchi?"