The positions of troops before intense fighting began to take place. At this juncture, about 13000 men were under Shibata (with Shibata himself situated just to the north with another 7000, and about 30000 under Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi himself, with 20000, had not arrived on the scene yet. Despite the disparity in numbers, Shibata's men knew that many under Hideyoshi were not entirely devouted members, and thus had some confidence of victory.

Following a long period of stalemate, a shift in positions is conducted during the night. Now in an excellent position to attack, Sakuma Morimasa conducts an offensive on Nakagawa Kiyohide's position defending the fort on Mount Ooiwa. Kuwayama and Takayama did not move, now hoping to ease themselves over to Shibata's side. Shibata knew that Sakuma had overextended himself to deep into enemy territory and repeatedly asked him to come back. Sakuma ignored these and actually asked Shibata himself to join him up front.

Hideyoshi arrives on the scene after a forced march from Oogaki, some 52 kilometers away, which took an amazing 5 hours. Taking Sakuma completely by surprise, Hideyoshi pursued him. Sakuma's main body of troops managed to escape, but Hideyoshi attacked Shibata Katsumasa, who was forced to retreat. It was at this time that the "Seven Spears of Shizugatake" were born. The area surrounding Lake Yogo became a confused exodus of Shibata's troops, and Hideyoshi was able to secure his victory.

Click for a fly-by of the battlefield. It is a large file -- please be patient.