World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

Foreign Minister Takaaki Kato also spoke up: "From a diplomatic perspective, this agreement gives Japan a renewed strategic foothold. Through Lanfang, we can maintain contact with Germany; by dispatching divisions, we can establish contact with Europe. Regardless of which side wins after the war, Japan will have room to maneuver."

The civilian officials' attitudes gradually became clear. They saw the value of the agreement—not just its military value, but also its comprehensive value in terms of industry, diplomacy, and strategy.

Okaichi felt a chill. He realized that he was fighting alone.

"But command..." he made a last-ditch effort.

"The issue of command authority can be discussed further," Saionji offered a compromise. "We can ask Lanfang to give Sakura a sufficient number of seats in the joint command, to retain veto power over major decisions, and to ensure the command authority of Sakura officers at the tactical level. These are all negotiable."

"Is it possible to negotiate a contract that's already been signed?"

"A supplementary agreement," Saionji said. "I can go to Borneo again, or invite Chen Feng to visit Japan, to conduct supplementary negotiations on the details of command."

This is already the biggest concession we can make.

Okaichi looked at Saionji, at this shrewd and calculating politician. He knew that Saionji had considered everything, from contract terms to responses to objections, from strategic ideals to practical compromises.

He could offer no better solution than anger and worry.

"I need time to think about it," he finally said, his voice weary.

"That's fine," Saionji nodded, "but time is limited. Lanfang is waiting for a reply, and the situation in Europe is changing every day. The cabinet must make a final decision by the day after tomorrow at the latest."

The meeting ended in a tense atmosphere.

Okaichi was the first to leave the meeting room, the door slamming shut behind him. Yamamoto watched his retreating figure, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

Saionji remained seated until everyone had left before speaking to her secretary:

"Make arrangements; I need to see the Heavenly Locust."

The next morning, Tokyo, Imperial Palace.

Saionji Kinmochi and Yamamoto Gonbei knelt on the tatami mats in the outer room of the Phoenix Room, awaiting the summons of the Heavenly Locust. Both were dressed in formal kimonos, their expressions solemn. The corridor was so quiet that one could hear their own heartbeats, with only the faint sound of court musicians practicing gagaku in the distance.

The door opened, and the chief attendant came out, bowing deeply: "His Majesty summons you."

The two men rose, straightened their clothes, and followed the head servant into the inner room.

Taisho Tenko sat on the throne. He wore a traditional yellow-dyed imperial robe, his face thin, his eyes sharp and deep. Although his health was poor, he still maintained the majesty of an emperor. (The editor won't elaborate on why he was in poor health.)

"Your subjects, Saionji Kinmochi and Yamamoto Gonbei, pay their respects to Your Majesty." The two knelt and bowed.

"Rise." Tianhuang's voice was gentle yet firm. "I heard you have just returned from Borneo."

"Yes." Saionji rose, but remained bowing. "We met with Commander-in-Chief Chen Feng of Lanfang and reached a military cooperation agreement. We have come to report the details to Your Majesty."

He recounted the contents of the agreement in detail, without omitting anything or embellishing anything. This included the parameters of the warships, the value of the technology, the commitment of fifty divisions, the transfer of command, and the disputes that arose at the cabinet meeting.

Tenko listened quietly without interrupting. Only after Saionji finished speaking did he slowly begin to speak:

"Yamamoto, you're a naval expert. In your opinion, can these four warships truly revive the Combined Fleet?"

Yamamoto stepped forward and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, yes. The design of the 'Ise-class' battleships has reached world-class standards. More importantly, the technology transfer will allow Japan to master the core capabilities of modern shipbuilding. Given time, the Japanese navy will not only be able to rebuild, but also surpass it."

"And the price?"

"Command of the army, and... the lives of young people." Yamamoto's voice trailed off.

The Heavenly Locust remained silent for a long time. Only wisps of smoke rising from the incense burner swirled slowly in the air within the Phoenix Chamber.

"Saionji," Tenko finally spoke, "do you think this agreement is more beneficial or detrimental to Japan?"

Saionji raised his head and looked directly into the eyes of the locust—this was rare for him, but he knew that honesty was necessary at this moment:

"Your Majesty, I believe that in the short term, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. We will have to pay a huge price and bear heavy risks. But in the long term, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Because this is the only chance for the Sakura Kingdom to survive in the new era."

"A new era?"

"Yes," Saionji's voice hardened. "Your Majesty, the world is undergoing a transformation unseen in a millennium. Old empires are declining, and new powers are rising. Technological advancements have fundamentally altered the nature of warfare, expanding national competition from land to sea and air. If Sakura Nation cannot keep pace with this change, it will be eliminated."

He paused, then continued:

"This agreement, ostensibly a military deal, is in reality Japan's ticket to integrating into a new era. Through Lanfang, we acquire technology; through the European war, we gain experience; through this global upheaval, we secure our national destiny for the next hundred years. Moreover, as far as I know, Miraika has already decided to declare war on Germany, and Lanfang will also be involved. In terms of current naval strength, Lanfang is the strongest in the world. If... if Lanfang wins, the Empire wins!"

Tenko's gaze deepened. He looked out the window at the pine trees in the Imperial Palace garden, trees that had grown for hundreds of years, witnessing the rise and fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the tumultuous Meiji Restoration.

Now, they will witness another turning point.

"The army objects, what do you think?" Tianhuang asked.

"Minister Oka's concerns are reasonable," Saionji replied. "But as the leader of the nation, we cannot only see the sacrifices and not the opportunities; we cannot only see the costs and not the future. I humbly request Your Majesty... to make a wise decision."

Another long silence followed.

Tianhuang's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the throne. Once, twice, three times.

Then he stood up.

Saionji and Yamamoto immediately knelt down.

"I understand," Tianhuang's voice came from above. "The agreement is approved. However, a few points need to be added: First, the transfer of command must be subject to clear restrictions, and the dignity of Imperial officers must be upheld. Second, the dispatch of divisions must be based on the principle of voluntariness, and forced conscription is prohibited. Third, Imperial craftsmen must participate throughout the entire process of warship construction to ensure that the technology is truly mastered."

"Your Majesty, we obey!" the two replied in unison.

"Go." The Emperor waved his hand. "Remember, your decision today will affect the fate of the Sakura Kingdom for a hundred years. I hope you... will be cautious, very cautious."

Leaving the Phoenix Room and walking along the Imperial Palace's long corridor, Saionji and Yamamoto remained silent. Sunlight streamed in through the corridor windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Only after stepping out of the Imperial Palace gates and getting into the carriage did Yamamoto finally let out a long sigh of relief.

"Your Majesty... supports us."

"But the pressure is also greater." Saionji looked out the window. "His Majesty's trust is the greatest support, but also the heaviest responsibility. From now on, the success or failure of this agreement rests entirely on our shoulders."