Toyotomi Hideyoshi Executes Date Masamune

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was infuriated that Date Masamune delayed to participate in the Siege of Odawara. Hideyoshi wanted to avoid any further trouble, so he let Masamune live. What if Hideyoshi's short temper got the best of him (at Masamune showing no fear) and had Masamune executed at Odawara?
 
Hideyoshi doesn't have the time to deal with a clan further away in the north, when he's got a bigger threat closer to him (Tokugawa).

Another thing is Hideyoshi might've seen something in Masamune that he decided to spare his life. He has a sense of pragmatism like his former lord. In hindsight, it might've been a good choice to cultivate a close relationship with the Tohuku clans, as it'll prevent Ieyasu from gaining a solid alliance of eastern Japanese clans.
 
Top