Spy Wars: Return of the Red Luan

Chapter 229 Aoki Pharmacy is Back

It seems his arrival today was very timely. Old Kato had only been promoted to Military Councilor of the Showa era a few days ago, and he usually doesn't attend regular meetings of the Naval Headquarters. His presence here indicates that this meeting is important.

I want to see what they're arguing about today. I promise I won't say a word!
As they entered the venue with Kato, the first group of people who arrived felt a headache coming on when they saw Aoki Seigen enter. Yamamoto Isoroku, in particular, thought, "It's over. The plan has fallen through again. I should have taken a step back yesterday and made a final decision in one go."

Chen Jiehua was pleasantly surprised to see Shibayama Masaki. Although he was sitting in a corner, Chen Jiehua walked straight towards him.

"He can't see me."

"Ah, I see it!"

"Don't come any closer, don't come any closer, don't..."

"Shibayama-kun! Long time no see. What are you saying you don't want?"

"Aoki-kun, it's been a long time..."

Chen Jiehua plopped down next to Shibayama Masashi, putting his arm around his shoulder. "Mr. Shibayama, you seem to be in a bad mood today?"

"Aoki-kun, the discussion is about to start, you should sit over there."

Is there any difference?

"That's the Senate section, and this is the public gallery. The public gallery has no right to speak and cannot speak during the meeting."

"Oh, I see. It's alright. I won't speak today. I'll just sit here and chat with you. I have no friends in the navy. It's so boring."

A herd of horses galloped past Shibayama Masaki... No friends, no friends, I'm not your friend, no. You're not saying anything? You're kidding me!

"Huh? Judging from Chai Shanjun's expression, he doesn't believe Qingxuan's words?"

Shibayama Masaki nodded firmly.

Damn, has my public image really gotten this bad?

"Here's the deal: this 1,000 yen is your wager. If I speak up today, it's yours. If I don't, you buy me a drink at Asakusa Temple Izakaya."

The meeting officially began, with Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army Headquarters, Sankichi Takahashi, personally presiding over the meeting.

Chen Jiehua knew a little about this person because of his nickname, "Sanji-neechan" (Sister Sanji), and his legend was everywhere in the Senso-ji area.

He was also a staunch supporter of the Fleet faction, and one of the followers of Prince Fushimi Hiroyasu and Kato Kanji.

The meeting was not particularly new; it was still about the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy Chief of Staff transferred all the naval forces that were patrolling the Atlantic to the West Coast under the guise of exercises. This meant that part of the Atlantic Fleet was merged with the Pacific Fleet to continue exercises and patrols along the line from Midway to the Philippines.

The Japanese Navy harbored a deep fear of the U.S. Navy, especially after the treaty was implemented. The fear of insufficient tonnage, combined with the previous fears, resulted in a situation where many people over-interpreted the U.S. Navy's intentions, believing that the other side could pounce at any time.

Chen Jiehua had no opinion on this; you guys can keep arguing, I'll just tease Chai Shan.

"Where is Mr. Chai Shan currently working?"

"Marine Corps".

"Didn't the Marines run out of manpower in Shanghai? Are they recruiting again? Why don't you come work for me?"

"What kind of fleet do you have? It's all old and dilapidated ships. I'm not going."

"Hey kid, you look down on my fleet? You'll regret this."

"No regrets, I'm not going." As the argument drew to a close and everyone was tired of arguing, during a break, Prince Fushimi Hirokō saw Aoki Seigen sitting in a corner whispering with Shibayama Masao. Had this kid changed his ways? Why wasn't he saying anything today?

"Qingxuan! What are you doing in the audience? Come over here and tell us your opinion!"

Chen Jiehua said helplessly, "Lord Chai, this isn't my fault. I didn't want to speak, but the Prince insisted on calling on me..."

Chen Jiehua walked to the councilor's seat amidst the attention of the crowd. "Your Highness, generals, seniors, Qingxuan doesn't intend to speak today."

"Then I'll just say a few words."

"Actually, this news isn't new. I saw this intelligence at the last meeting. I don't think there's any need to over-interpret it. As far as I know, the U.S. Navy hasn't used up its tonnage quota according to the treaty. If they wanted to, they could build it in place very quickly."

"The Empire's resources and productivity are not on the same level as America's. We need to import steel, oil, and even food."

"Therefore, there is no need to over-interpret America's routine exercises."

I don’t know when it started, but Aoki Seigen’s theories have gained a lot of credibility in the Navy and act as a kind of tranquilizer. When he says there’s nothing to worry about, many old guys really feel at ease.

After Chen Jiehua finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room instantly cooled down.

The next debate was about aircraft carriers and giant guns, another old topic that Chen Jiehua had no interest in participating in, but the old guys still wanted to hear the opinion of "Brain Aoki".

This is a bit of a headache. Just like last time, it's really hard to find the right balance. I really don't want to talk about it anymore. I wish I hadn't come.

"This is the same issue as last time. My opinion remains the same: I support large battleships and heavy artillery. The Yamato is already half-built; it's impossible to dismantle it and rebuild it, right? Let's wait until the Yamato is completed, test its performance, and then discuss this topic, shall we?"

"As for aircraft carriers, as far as I know, countries around the world have stopped building them. Of course, the economic recession is one reason, but has the combat capability of aircraft carriers been exaggerated? Perhaps other countries around the world have already verified that, right?"

"Or, Qingxuan could go out and investigate the aircraft carrier capabilities of other countries before returning."

Ultimately, we can have the aircraft carrier, but only after the Yamato is built. You old rascal Yamamoto Isoroku, you're really cunning, always trying to undermine the Yamato. So what if the Yamato wasted money? Most of that money was earned by our fleet itself.

“Lord Chai Shan, look, it’s not that I want to interrupt, but His Highness caught us hiding here. We have no choice but to speak up.”

"Anyway, you made a comment."

"I was forced."

"Anyway, you spoke, so you lost."

"Fine, I admit defeat. Let's go, I'll buy you a drink, that's for sure."

It's just a small amount of money, I'll give it to you if you want it. You should have said so earlier! How am I supposed to know you need money if you don't tell me? This is another opportunity!

These deals are all made over drinks; the last one was, and this one is too.

They caught Shibayama Masaki, but forgot about Anzai Koji.

Ultimately, Shibayama Masao was lured into the navy by Chen Jiehua. Together with the naval representatives, they went to Northeast China to resume their old business, opening a naval pharmacy and stealing business from the Kwantung Army.

As for the profits, I only want 10%, the rest will be distributed among the naval fleets. Why, you ask? I'm not a saint, I just want to annoy Doihara. I want to distract him, I want to make him restless and unable to eat or sleep.

From August to the end of 1932, Aoki Pharmacy Co., Ltd. resumed its old operations, setting up pharmacies in Korea, Manchuria, and Taiwan. Except for some resistance in Manchuria, progress was smooth in Korea and Taiwan.

One trick is fresh, eat all over the sky.

(End of this chapter)