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October 1561

Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen. Two warlords fighting for dominance of Shinano Province. For the fourth time, their armies exchanged blows at Kawanakajima. So far it was their bloodiest battle to date, which already claimed the life of Shingen's brother, Nobushige, and his talented general, Yamamoto Kansuke. A legendary duel took place when Kenshin reached Shingen's camp in a surpise assault. The two daimyos fought each other face to face, a rare event during that time. It was cut short, however, when Kenshin was forced to retreat due to Shingen's reinforcements. The Takeda army stood firm, but suffered enormous casualties, while the Uesugi forces retreated back to Chikumigawa. The battle, apparently, is turning into another stalemate.

But one unexpected moment would decide the final outcome of this war.

Shortly after his duel Kenshin, Shingen recuperated, only to suddenly collapse on his feet. An arrow was stuck on his neck. His retainers were horrified, and rushed to his aid. But as fate dictated, the Tiger of Kai never made it back to his home. [1] It was never known whn exactly took that fateful shot. Some say an ashigaru archer from the Uesugi, while others claimed it was an assassin from the Hojo clan. The debate still continues to this day.

After learning of his esteemed rival's demise, Kenshin was said to have wept for two days. Some sources allegedly quoted him saying, "I may have won this fleeting victory, but I forever lost a good friend."



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[1] The POD.
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