| abstract | - The Saika Renegades (雑賀衆, Saika-shu or Saiga-shu) is an umbrella term used to describe the group of insurgents in Kii Province (roughly modern day Wakayama Prefecture). Their namesake is believed to be either be the main dock of the group's trade routes, Saikazaki, or their main headquarters, Saika Castle. Descendants of the group's members reportedly still exist today. The group's earliest origins is believed to be either the Saika-Tsuchihashi or Suzuki clans. Both rural clans took advantage of the civil wars in the Kansai region to establish themselves as mercenaries. Comprised of sailors, pirates and traders from Kyushu (or Shikoku), they were soon feared for leading a formidable navy. Their knowledge of Western trade routes led to their familiarity with the Tanegashima rifle crafting, eventually leading to their own rifle-crafting expertise. For decades, the group thrived and lived as a rural power independent from the shogunate's rulings. During the Warring States period, five prominent families in Saika decided to band together to protect their independence and to rebel against samurai expansion. Historical records do not name a particular clan as a leader, but gunki-monogatari and folklore will often have the Suzuki clan act as the figurehead since they were reportedly the lords of Saika Castle. In due time, the group threw in their lot with the Honganji Rioters and posed a threat to Nobunaga with their expert gunners and guerrilla tactics. They surrendered to Nobunaga in 1577 and later fought Hideyoshi at Komaki-Nagakute. When Hideyoshi led a campaign to demolish them, the group's name disappears with Suzuki Sadayū's death in 1585. Surviving members later found service within the Toyotomi ranks. The Saika-shu label first appeared in historical records when they joined forces with Kennyo; they were likely named as such to distinguish them from the Negoro-shu, a group sharing similar origins and talents. Both groups collaborated together and were both crushed by Hideyoshi at the same time. Alternatively, it is said that the Saika-shu and Negoro-shu were originally the same group. After their surrender to Nobunaga, the Saika lords were divided over their technical servitude to the Oda and split into two parties for a fierce civil war. The dispute came to close with Nobunaga's death in 1582; whether the two groups reconciled their differences is up for debate.
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