A legendary commander of the Genpei War, who turned the tide for the Minamoto clan by defeating the Taira forces against Kiso Yoshinaka, born of the Kawachi Minamoto line, lost his father young to clan rival Minamoto no Yoshihira. Sent into refuge in Kiso Valley, Shinano, he was raised by local warriors and took the name "Kiso". From youth, he gathered retainers in Shinano, preparing for renewed strife. When the Genpei War broke out, Yoshinaka raised troops in Shinano and advanced into Hokuriku. To secure this vital grain region, the Taira dispatched a massive army. Yoshinaka avoided direct battle, striking supply lines and harassing their rear through mountain raids. At Kurikara Gorge, seeing his chance, he staged a decisive battle. He planted numerous banners to feign strength, split his forces to block retreat, and engaged lightly as a diversion. At night he unleashed fire oxen, plunging the Taira into chaos. Attacked front and rear, many were driven over cliffs. Of 70,000, only 2,000 survived, leaving the Taira crippled and giving the Minamoto the