Hatakeyama Yoshinoru, Lord of Noto, assembled his war council.

"Our forces are ready and eager to fight," Hatakeyama announced to the prominent samurai and retainers that made up the council. "However, we have few forces compared to those of our immediate neighbours. What are your suggestions?"

"The Ikko-Ikki in Kaga have been a constant problem, Lord Hatakeyama, especially along our mutual border," Inaba Fujimora, Hatakeyama Yoshinoru's most trusted samurai and retainer, said. "I suggest we rid ourselves of the troublesome Pure Landers immediately."

A small head movement from Takigawa Kazumasa translated to a request to speak. Hatakeyama nodded towards the man, a relative newcomer, and former general for the Sanada clan in Shinano.

"I suggest that we build our forces, Hatakeyama-sama, so that we may better prepare for the defeat of the True Pure Land believers. Etchu is our proper course of action. With control of that domain, we should be able to fight against the Ikko Ikki with more efficiency."

Hatakeyama held up his hand for a moment, stopping the conversation, and closed his eyes. After several moments of deep meditation, his decision was made.

"Send our foot samurai to the border of Kaga, where they will stand guard against possible invasion. The mounted samurai shall immediately make for the border with Etchu. Deploy scouts and gather all information on the status of the Jinbo clan there."

ORDERS:
Scouts to be deployed to the borderlands of Etchu, to determine how much resistance there shall be.
Scouts are also to be sent to the capital of Etchu, to determine the status of the Jinbo clan, and gather all available information on military forces province-wide.
1000 foot samurai are to take up residence in the villages along the short border with Kaga, to maintain a defensive position.
5000 mounted samurai are to proceed immediately for Etchu, but are to wait before crossing for the scouting reports.

Hatakeyama Yoshinoru, Shomyo