"But could it also be said that was because the Native Americans were weak? That is exactly why Japan must pursue fukoku kyohei —wealthy nation, strong military."
"Major Ishiwara. I agree with you entirely. Japan must achieve fukoku kyohei . But does that justify invading other nations or dominating other ethnic groups? Of course, we must defend ourselves from imminent threats. If another country wages war intending ethnic cleansing against Japan, we must be prepared to respond accordingly. However, just because the world behaves that way doesn't mean Japan should do the same to others."
"I see. And I suppose you present this view to His Majesty Aisin-Gioro Puyi as well?"
What an unpleasant tone he used.
"Yes. I offer my opinions whenever His Majesty seeks them."
"There's always a way to phrase things. But if current global trends continue, whether we wish it or not, a final war will come. In the Far East, it'll likely be between Japan and America. America keeps expanding its influence eastward into Asia. It already controls the Philippines and has expanded into mainland China. And it was none other than Captain Takashiro Soryu who helped make that possible. When that final war comes… what will you do?"
Historically, Ishiwara had begun formulating his vision of a final war around 1927. The Liutiao Lake Incident of 1931 and the subsequent Manchurian Incident were early steps toward realizing that vision.
"A final war isn't inevitable. To prevent it, I believe Japan should build a cooperative relationship with America and strive to become a nation that respects one another."
"That doesn't sound like something a soldier would say. But I don't dislike it. Working to avoid war? Yes, that's right. Still, America will attack first. First through economic warfare. What would you do if they cut off oil and iron supplies?"
"Major, may I ask you a question in return? Do you believe that if you can't win an economic war, you can win through weapons instead? A nation that can't win through economics surely cannot win through arms."
"That's precisely why we must bring Manchuria and Mongolia under Japanese control—to strengthen our economy. If we grant them self-determination and they betray us to side with America, then what?"
"In that case, we accept it with regret. The Qing Empire decides its own affairs. It would simply mean losing a friend. Besides, shouldn't we also seek allies in Europe, not just East Asia?"
"Europe, huh. The Anglo-Japanese Alliance has long since dissolved, but if British interests in China don't conflict, perhaps restoring the alliance is possible... Interesting. Let me change the subject. Captain, how do you envision warfare ten or twenty years from now?"
"Well, assuming current weapon development continues, tanks will dominate land battles. They'll carry powerful engines, armor exceeding 200mm, and cannons larger than 100mm. Infantry won't stand a chance. Bombers carrying over ten tons of explosives will be mass-produced, enabling indiscriminate bombing of cities. Fighters will break the sound barrier, have combat ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers, and carry high-performance torpedoes. At sea, battleships and heavy cruisers will become obsolete. Also, radio detection devices will be developed, instantly locating aircraft and ships hundreds of kilometers away. Self-guided rocket artillery will also become practical. By then, even small differences in technological capability will create insurmountable gaps."
"It sounds like science fiction, but you speak as if you've seen it yourself. Still, your predictions mostly align with mine. Technology directly reflects national strength. In other words, without improving national power, technology cannot advance."
"I agree that national power and technological strength are proportional. However, I don't believe the way to increase national power lies in European-American imperialist colonialism. Japan must follow its own Wangdao —the righteous path. Ruling other nations by military force—that is Hegemonic Rule (Badao) ."
In later writings, Ishiwara described the ultimate war between Japan and America as a clash between Wangdao and Badao . Here, Takashiro pointed out that Ishiwara's current thinking aligned more closely with Badao .
"I see. So what I'm trying to do is Badao , is it? But if we initially rule through military force, but then treat them with virtue—like fellow Japanese—wouldn't that differ from Western imperialism?"
"That's arrogance. The most valuable thing for a human being is the ability to decide and act based on their own will. Not everyone wishes to be treated like a Japanese person. Some nations—even if poor—want to preserve their own culture."
"You're quite an interesting man. For someone so young, you think deeply. How about it? Would you consider transferring to the Army and becoming my subordinate? With your talent, I could give you far greater opportunities."
So he tried to recruit him, huh. Still, hearing "for someone so young" almost made Takashiro smirk inwardly. Including his past life, Takashiro was already sixty years old.
"I don't want advice from a kid like you," he thought bitterly.
"Thank you for the kind offer. However, my personnel matters rest entirely with His Majesty. If you wish for my transfer, you must first convince His Majesty."
"Hahaha! So that's a polite no! Fair enough. We should keep exchanging views like this. Ah, one last question—I hope you don't mind?"
"Of course, go ahead."
"How did you know the Great Kantō Earthquake would strike on September 1st? And down to the exact time?"
"Well, I'm afraid I don't understand. That day was simply when Dr. Imamura Akitsune announced the disaster drill. Nothing more, nothing less."
"I see. Then let's leave it at that for today."
"May I ask you a question as well?"
"Go ahead."
"Suppose you had a strategy you believed absolutely necessary to execute. And suppose the General Staff ordered you to halt it. Would you obey the order?"
"...I would obey. I am a soldier, after all. You really are like a character from a science fiction novel."
———
"So… Ishiwara Kanji. Same goal. Different methods…"
"He seems like a man of great talent. Why not try bringing him onboard?"
"I acknowledge his talent. But I wouldn't make him an ally. He'd ignore orders and fabricate stories if needed to push his own agenda. If he wants his opinion accepted, he should properly persuade superiors. That man is dangerous."
"Really?"
"I understand his desire to help poor farmers and break the long stagnation following the collapse of the Taisho Bubble. But such decisions should ultimately be made by the Prime Minister and Parliament—not by a single officer."
"Says the guy using cheat-like abilities and status however he pleases. You don't exactly sound convincing."
Thank you for reading Chapter 59.
Ishiwara is the kind of man who sees the destination—but not the danger along the way.
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