Roughly 2,500 years ago.
Since the first Emperor, Emperor Jimmu, the Japanese imperial line was believed to have continued without interruption.
Even when real power was overshadowed by figures like the Kampaku or the Shogun, the throne itself had never been usurped.
That was the Emperor.
Among the people, many genuinely believed the Emperor to be a living deity, a divine being worthy of worship.
Even the shogunate, which wielded real power, encouraged this belief. Elevating the Emperor elevated their own legitimacy as his representatives.
The Emperor was the embodiment of Amaterasu.
The Shogun was the greatest man entrusted with rule by that divine being.
But now, Satsuma and Chōshū accused the Shogun of abusing the Emperor's authority, claiming that they themselves would form a new government centered on the Emperor.
Thus, civil war began.
One side claimed to be the Emperor's true representatives.
The other claimed to rescue the Emperor from them.
And yet, no one cared about the Emperor's actual will.
From the beginning, he was merely a justification.
Anyone treated this way would not be pleased.
Having ruled for seven years, the young Emperor, Emperor Kaei, was no longer a child who could simply laugh it off.
"How goes the conflict between the shogunate and the so-called new government?"
"Contrary to expectations, the new government forces are performing well."
"They are winning?"
"Not exactly. But they have gained the upper hand in small engagements."
So the weak Shogun's rule was having a greater effect than expected.
"Your Majesty, Satsuma requests that you declare the Tokugawa traitors and order their suppression."
"They wish to use me as justification. But no matter who wins, I will still be a puppet."
"Your Majesty, how can you say such a thing…"
Even his own court officials were no different.
Everyone spoke of loyalty, yet all pursued their own authority.
"Both sides abandon tradition and focus only on power. Even if this conflict ends, will they truly respect me?"
No answer came.
"I will not take sides. If someone truly seeks to elevate the imperial authority, then I may reconsider."
In truth, remaining neutral was the only viable option.
If he backed the wrong side, the consequences would be fatal.
Still, part of him meant those words.
He disliked Western influence.
Yet after the victory over Russia and the acquisition of Sakhalin, even his unease felt insignificant.
Perhaps this chaos could be an opportunity.
To restore imperial authority.
But that required ability he did not possess.
So he waited.
Watching.
Hesitating.
Then, one day, an unexpected message arrived.
"Your Majesty, a letter has arrived from Killian Gore."
"…From him?"
Was this foreign interference?
He opened the letter.
And froze.
"Your Majesty, is there something wrong?"
"No… Prepare. I will meet him personally."
Even traveling to Osaka to receive him.
Such was the impact.
By the time Parliament approved deployment, Japan's conflict had only intensified.
Calling it anything other than war was meaningless.
I waited until the moment was right.
Then I sent a letter.
Not to the Shogun.
Not to the rebels.
But to the Emperor.
Because formally, he was the ruler of the nation.
As a representative of Britain, it was only proper.
The young Emperor came personally to Osaka Bay.
"Thank you for coming despite the chaos."
"It is only proper to greet such a guest."
He lacked political skill.
Too direct.
"So you intend to intervene in this war?"
"Not intervene. Support."
I spoke calmly.
"The late Shogun entrusted his son to me. Blood is thicker than water."
"…I see."
He accepted it easily.
"Then why ask me, instead of the Shogun?"
"Because Your Majesty is the ruler of this land. How could I act without your consent?"
"…My people…"
There it was.
The reaction I wanted.
"I know well how ancient and noble the imperial line is. I hold deep respect for Your Majesty."
His guard lowered.
Completely.
"Then… you ask permission to act?"
"Yes. To restore peace."
"And strengthen the Shogunate?"
"Stability is good. But too much power corrupts. Balance is better."
"…I see."
Then I guided him further.
"Britain and Japan are similar. Both are island nations. Both divide power between ruler and government."
I paused deliberately.
"But…"
"Speak freely."
"Your authority is not properly respected."
"…That is true."
"Which is why I came to you first."
Hope ignited in his eyes.
"You mean…"
"This era may be remembered as the moment imperial authority was restored. Perhaps… the Kaei Restoration."
"…Kaei Restoration…"
The words took hold.
Completely.
The puppet began to move.
Not by its own will.
But by mine.
And he would never realize it.
Perhaps that was for the best.
***
At the very beginning of the war, the shogunate had expected to easily suppress the rebels with superior numbers, but that plan faltered from the start.
Although they had begun modernization, the shogunate army had little experience handling battles involving tens of thousands of troops.
If it had been a small engagement with a few hundred modernized soldiers, it might have worked. But once they mobilized over ten thousand men, coordination began to collapse.
Military systems are not something one can master overnight.
Handing out modern weapons and conducting basic drills may work at a surface level, but proper execution requires far more. Without that, confusion is inevitable.
The shogunate attempted to combine partially modernized units with traditional forces.
But war does not follow plans so neatly.
Compared to the disorganized shogunate forces, Satsuma and Chōshū, though fewer in number, were better equipped and fought more efficiently, securing several victories.
If competent commanders had been appointed, things might have been different. But after Tokugawa Ieyoshi died, power fell into the hands of retainers who had elevated an incapable Shogun.
Corruption and incompetence combined into a perfect disaster.
"What should we do?"
"What do you mean what? Appoint proper commanders!"
"The enemy is stronger than expected. Perhaps we should regroup first…"
"And give them momentum?"
As debates dragged on, the already timid Tokugawa Iesada grew increasingly anxious.
At first, they said war would never happen.
Then they said victory would be easy.
Now they spoke of regrouping.
Everything kept changing.
Then, unexpectedly, news arrived.
"Shogun! His Highness Killian has arrived with a fleet to assist you!"
"Is that so? If Britain helps us, there is nothing to fear!"
"However, we must first determine his intentions…"
"Wait… why am I only hearing this now?"
"He sought permission from His Majesty first."
That alone was unusual.
Traditionally, the Emperor followed the shogunate's decisions, not the other way around.
Still, no one openly criticized it.
"Then… should we accept?"
"He has declared he will honor the late Shogun's request. And the Emperor has already approved. Refusal may cause diplomatic issues."
"…Then I will meet him."
Even then, Iesada did not feel much suspicion.
His own retainers were hardly trustworthy.
If all men were the same, then a distant relative might be safer than those at his side.
Better a distant tiger than wolves at one's feet.
He departed for Osaka Bay.
With imperial approval, I now had complete freedom to act.
No European power could object.
If they did, they could simply seek the Emperor's permission themselves.
When I sent word to the shogunate, they requested a meeting.
They suggested Osaka Castle.
I refused.
The Shogun came instead.
Naturally.
Japan was not Joseon.
This was a land where a single blade could change everything.
Even with guards, caution was essential.
One mistake could derail everything.
Better to proceed carefully.
When we met, I observed him closely.
"Shogun, it is an honor."
"I am honored as well… My father spoke of you often."
"Did he?"
"Yes. He said Asia might one day revolve around you…"
He hesitated, then continued.
"…around you."
So the rumors were true.
His condition was obvious.
Even so, Ieyoshi had forced this succession.
A grave mistake.
A ruler unable to bear the crown would only be crushed by it.
And surrounded by opportunists.
"Do you have any questions for me?"
"…No… I do not doubt you…"
"Good. But it is natural to wonder why I came now."
"…Ah…"
"So I will answer. At first, I had no intention of intervening. Even with your father's request, it is not simple for Britain to enter another nation's conflict."
"…I see…"
"I believed you had the advantage. There was no need."
"But now…"
"If your father were alive, this would not have happened. But your officials seem more interested in their own power."
A necessary sacrifice.
He needed someone to blame.
And he already had doubts.
"…I understand."
"Then there is no need to worry."
I leaned forward slightly.
"Everything I do is to ensure that the Tokugawa governs this nation without interference."
I emphasized one word.
Ours.
His expression brightened.
Completely convinced.
"If that is the case… I will accept your help."
"I ask for nothing but stability. Though, of course, war expenses must be repaid."
"That will be taken from Satsuma and Chōshū."
"Good. And one more thing."
I continued calmly.
"Our citizens, merchants, and… collaborators are at risk. I would like to evacuate them to Canada before operations begin."
"Of course. That will be arranged immediately."
Everything was signed without resistance.
With imperial approval already secured, it took effect immediately.
Once the Royal Navy moved, the outcome would be decided quickly.
But before that-
I would move people.
Not just citizens.
Collaborators.
And that definition could be expanded as needed.
Once the system was in place, it could be used again and again.
All that remained—
was to gather those willing to leave this land of chaos,
and send them to opportunity.