Chapter 558: Redirecting the Fire
Kade decided to take the advice of the East African National Defense Security Bureau. The message from the homeland was simply to "stay alert," which aligned with the Bureau's assessment.
Tapping his fingers on the desk, Kade thought for a moment and opted to play it safe. He called his assistant. "Yuri, go hire some mercenaries. We need to boost the embassy's security. And remember—no locals!"
"You mean, anyone but the Japanese?"
"Exactly. But choose carefully—we don't want them breaking under pressure. Offer short-term contracts with high pay if needed."
"No problem. Expect good news soon!" Yuri said as he left to scout the docks for sailors looking to earn extra cash.
As East Africa strengthened security, others were indeed planning to cause trouble at the embassy—though not the Japanese government, but rather a group of students.
"Matsushita-kun, those Germans have gone too far. They're bullying us. We must strike back!" Higashimoto Tanoya growled.
"Higashimoto-kun, don't let hatred cloud your judgment," replied Rui Nitōryō, a level-headed member. "Let the government handle East Africa. We're just students—we shouldn't cause more trouble. And stop targeting Matsushita-kun."
"You coward, are you scared of the Germans? You disgrace the Empire! A true samurai never surrenders his pride and must be willing to sacrifice for the Emperor!"
"Hah! You idiot. Are you planning to attack the East African embassy? Your life may be meaningless, but do you realize how much trouble you'll bring on the Empire?"
"The government is full of fools. Remember when your father's job was taken by a noble's son? These people are the real poison of the Empire. Expecting anything from them is hopeless. Our Self-Study Society will awaken the sleeping nation."
Their argument escalated until the president of Edo Third High's Self-Study Society, Matsushita, slammed the table.
"Enough! Do you even respect me as president? If you want to argue, take it outside. Don't disgrace our society."
Silence fell. The two glared at each other but then bowed. "Apologies, sir."
Matsushita nodded, satisfied. "What the Germans did to our Empire must not go unanswered—especially regarding the Sakishima Islands!"
Tanoya smirked proudly, shooting a smug glance at Rui Nitōryō, as if he'd won.
Matsushita noticed and smirked as well. Then he added, "But Rui-kun is also right. We're high school students. Politics should be left to the government."
Rui felt pleased, though the conflict remained unresolved.
"So, President, what do you suggest we do?" someone asked.
"We should get involved. Nationally and personally, this is an opportunity. But we must be strategic—we need a scapegoat."
"What? Isn't patriotism enough? Why a scapegoat?"
"Fool! We're nobodies. If we lead, we might succeed—but who'll protect us? And Tanoya-kun, I know you're after fame and fortune. There's nothing wrong with that. If we succeed, you'll be a national hero—but only if you can survive the consequences."
Pouring himself tea, Matsushita continued, "Let's give this task to First High. But we won't provoke them ourselves. Use students from Second High to stir things up. No matter who leads, we'll be there to cheer. The lead role gets fame but also risk. Supporting roles earn praise with less danger."
...
And so began a student movement in Edo.
Led by students from First High, teens from a dozen schools protested outside the East African embassy.
"Down with the invaders! Get out of Japan!"
"East Africans, go home!"
"Boyco—" Someone started to shout "boycott German goods," then hesitated. East Africa wasn't quite Germany. And East African exports weren't well known among the public.
East Africa exported many goods to Japan, but most people didn't notice. For example, rice was sold loose—no one labeled it "East African rice." It was just sold as "tropical rice."
Inside, Kade angrily eyed the demonstrators. "What are the Japanese police doing, letting this mob run wild outside the embassy?!"
The embassy zone housed more than just East Africa. If something happened, Japan risked offending multiple nations.
As the crowd swelled, the embassy's iron gates groaned under pressure.
"Get someone to brace the gate! And security—if anyone tries to break in, hit them hard! We must hold the line."
Other embassies watched the chaos like spectators at a show. The protest signs targeted East Africa, so they stayed quiet.
In a corner, East Africa's National Defense Security Bureau operatives were deploying.
"This is a great chance. We'll stir the crowd—but don't mention East Africa. Many here are just tagging along. Stir their emotions and lead them toward other embassies. Focus on those who can't read flags. If things go south, retreat immediately!"
Their agents merged into the crowd. Karl reached one embassy's gate—crowds jammed the whole street. The British embassy was shut tight—no opportunity there.
Then he spotted the Russian embassy—its gates open. He exchanged a glance with another agent.
"This is it—everyone, charge! Long live the Emperor!" Karl shouted.
"What?" The crowd had no idea what was happening, but Karl pushed forward. In a human wave, no one knew who was pushing.
Shouting "Long live the Emperor!" ensured mindless obedience. Many didn't even recognize national flags—this wasn't the modern age yet.
Guided by the Bureau's shouting and manipulation, the ignorant mob surged into the Russian embassy. The stunned Russian staff didn't even have time to react.
Inside, some began to steal. Seeing this, others joined in—soon the embassy was being looted.
With such a crowd, it would be impossible for police to identify the culprits. Angry Edo residents ran wild inside the Russian embassy. One even kicked a Russian officer—white-skinned, no less—nearly to death.
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