That said Shinano has useful stone resources that could prove useful to an ambitious warlord. They do not, however, need to worry about the Kiso in Shinano province, as relations with these neighbours are peaceful. In theory, the Tokugawa are vassals of the Imagawa clan to the east in the provinces of Suruga and Totomi. An Oda army has actually invaded the Tokugawa province of Mikawa. Now, they are at war with the Oda once again. This goes some way to explaining their superior diplomatic skills, their training and use of very good kisho ninja, and the superior metsuke who keep order in their lands. By accepting the protection of the Imagawa, the Tokugawa only guaranteed that they were frequently attacked by the Oda. The Tokugawa have been squeezed between two powerful and ambitious clans: the Imagawa to the east, and the Oda in the west, a most uncomfortable position. They have also changed their clan name, with the permission of the Emperor Matsudaira, to Tokugawa, the place where Yorimoto's descendent settled.
Although the Tokugawa are an ancient family, claiming descent from Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, they have known hard times since those glorious days.