Ch. 16: The Shinigami Arrives
5:45 PM, August 2nd, 1918, The Dangun, Port of Inchon, Chōsen
The Black Army's ship, the Dangun, was anchored along the wooden docks while the sun began to set, causing the sky to turn slightly orange. Many Korean fishing boats and some Japanese ships were also anchored nearby. However, there was little activity occurring and the only noise one could hear was the occasional foghorn in the distance.
Capt. Gang, Seo, Park, and Yi were patrolling the outside of the ship while Roh, Myo, and Jeong were sitting around a table playing a game of cards. Zero was sitting at his desk in his office, talking to Park Eunsik and the rest of the council via wireless telegraphy. Kim Gu was sitting right next to Zero, also communicating with the council.
"And so as you can see, the Black Army has achieved much from this victory against the Japanese. Though we suffered some losses, we have made sure the lives we have lost have not been in vain. Lt. Jo has expanded the Black Army's sphere of influence in some of the Northern provinces. I assume his cooperation will eventually lead to making connections with scattered revolutionary militias operating from the Northern mountains." said Zero to himself as he repeatedly tapped on the telegraph key.
"I'm just amazed by the victory you managed to achieve at Heian-nan. In one stroke you managed to wipe out a chunk of the Japanese Army while also securing the Black Army's retreat." said Kim Gu.
"It was simple Kim. Hasegawa was reckless for he put all his eggs in one basket. He concentrated most of his forces on assaulting the hill, believing he could trick me and therefore overrun us. But his strategy was a giant gamble and therefore the stakes were tremendously high. He didn't take into account the possibility of his opponent maybe having some tricks up his sleeve." responded Zero.
Suddenly the wireless telegraph started making some clicking sounds. Zero and Kim Gu immediately turned their attention towards the telegraph. Both of them carefully listened and started to mentally decrypt the Morse coded message.
"That's sounds like promising news for you. The enlargement of the Black Army's influence will surely help us achieve independence. Even though we aren't connected directly, the council and I applaud your recent success. We have also decided to relay some interesting information regarding expanding further North." said the message from Park Eunsik and the council.
"What would that be?" responded Zero. Both he and Kim Gu waited once more till they heard the telegraph making clicking noises.
"According to rumors and secret channels, the Japanese are preparing to invade Russia, where they intend to go to war against the Bolsheviks. Public sources are saying the Japanese are sending troops so they can assist the Allied powers and the White Army's government in Eastern Siberia in stopping the Red Army. However, it has been speculated that Japan is using this as an excuse to expand their territory into Siberia, therefore enlarging the empire with resource-rich land. I say this because the North might now be more unstable due to these recent events." said the new message.
"Zero, the council does make a point. If the Japanese are going to war against Russia, then Japanese presence in the Northern regions will definitely increase." Kim Gu whispered.
Zero sat down silently in his seat for about 15 seconds before he devised a new plan in his head. He immediately grabbed the telegraph key and started to type a response.
"Me and Mr. Kim have reevaluated our plans in the Northern regions. It is true that Japanese presence will most likely increase due to the upcoming invasion, however, this opens up new possibilities. If the Japanese are planning to go to war against the Bolshevik Red Army, then it would tactically logical to open diplomatic channels with them. A partnership between my forces and the Red Army could make things more difficult for the Japanese."
A whole minute of silence passed before a response towards the proposed plan came back.
"The council and I, though unfamiliar with the full intentions and principles of the Red Army, would potentially support a connection with them in the near future. Our cause can use as much help as we can get." said the message.
"Very well. I thank you for your endorsement. I will report to you as soon as possible." Zero typed.
Once he was done typing, a new message arrived on the telegraph.
"Oh, by the way, there is a rumor floating around that a figure called "the Shinigami" is going to arrive here in Korea. We have no knowledge on who this "Shinigami" is, but it sounds serious since he was ordered by Emperor Yoshihito himself to come here. The council hopes that this figure won't be a serious obstacle." said the newly arrived message.
Zero told the council that he would investigate further before he and the council decided to end their meeting by turning off their respective telegraph sets. Both Zero and Kim Gu suddenly started to be concerned about this "Shinigami".
"A "Shinigami"? A death god is coming here on orders by the Emperor?" Kim Gu said.
"Interesting. Whoever this "Shinigami" is, we must not let him intimidate us." said Zero. "Tomorrow I am going to do some investigation on the guy. Once we find out who our next enemy is, then we will be prepared for anything he throws at us."
Kim Gu then excused himself out of the office while Zero continued to sit at his desk. He sat there quietly as he reviewed various plans and maps laid out in front of him, thinking about how and where he can find info on this "Shinigami" sent by the Emperor himself.
11:13 AM, August 3rd, 1918, Port of Inchon, Chōsen
The streets of the Port of Inchon were filled with various people while boats came in and out of the harbor. Many of the people were Korean workers proceeding with their daily lives. Other groups of people, such as Japanese, Chinese, American, British, and German, could also be seen wandering the streets. Overall the port was modernized, with Western-style buildings and businesses doting various locations. Electrical lines could be seen hanging above the streets while carts filled with various goods passed underneath.
Walking down one of the streets was Lelouch, who was wearing his Ashford Academy uniform along with the worker's cap and jacket that he had gotten from that passerby he geassed back in Tokyo.
As he was walking, Lelouch noticed a Japanese officer walking towards him.
"He should do..." Lelouch thought to himself as he prepared to take out his contact lens.
Lelouch walked up to the soldier and immediately used his geass on him. The soldier immediately stopped walking while his pupils suddenly had a faint red glow around them.
"Do you know anything regarding a Japanese military official called "The Shinigami"? If so where can I find more info on him?" asked Lelouch.
"Marshal Tōdō Isamu, aka the Shinigami, is a high ranking military official with connections to the highest ranking members of the government. They say he is regarded as the Emperor's number one warrior. Other soldiers nearby should provide you with more info." answered the geassed soldier.
Once getting his answer, Lelouch put his contact lens back in his eye and left the area while the formerly geassed soldier suddenly found himself confused and dazzled.
"So now we have a name. Marshal Tōdō Isamu. How come I have this feeling in my gut that I've met this guy before?" Lelouch wondered as he walked down another street, looking for his next target to interrogate.
2:20 PM, Office of the Governor-General of Chōsen, Keijō, Chōsen
Viceroy Hasegawa was at his desk reviewing maps of all the colonial garrisons located on the Korean Peninsula. The maps had x's and arrows drawn all over, each one indicating how much influence the Black Army had over a particular area. Hasegawa was so focused on his work that the only thing one could hear in his office was the ticking sound of a nearby clock.
Suddenly the sound of someone knocking at his door disrupted his train of thought.
"Come in!" responded Hasegawa.
The door opened and in came a one of Hasegawa's secretaries. He bowed his head slightly before talking to Hasegawa.
"My Lord, I have news for you. The Shinigami himself has just arrived in Keijō. He should be here any moment." said the somewhat worried man.
"So he is..." answered Hasegawa as he got out of his seat. "Marshal Tōdō Isamu. The fact that he's being sent here shows me that the higher ups are starting to loose their trust in me."
"Well you do know he was sent here by the Emperor's direct order, right?" asked the secretary.
"Which is primarily why I'm not voicing any opposition to this move. However, Shinigami or not, Tōdō will not make me even look more foolish." Hasegawa replied.
"Oh Hasegawa, still having a hard time gripping reality?" said a voice.
Hasegawa and his secretary immediately turned around and saw the Shinigami himself standing at the door.
"Hello there Marshal. How was your trip from the Shandong Peninsula?" asked Hasegawa.
"Very well I would say. Though i am glad to be transferred here. Haven't seen much action since the Siege of Tsingtao." answered Tōdō, a well-built man in his late thirties who had a somewhat narrow face that always seemed to be serious.
Unlike Hasegawa, Tōdō's uniform simply consisted of a tan single breasted military jacket, tan breeches, tall black boots, and a tan flat top peaked cap with a red band around it. His shoulders had red passants sewn on while his belt held a sheath to carry his katana, which was a gift from the Emperor himself. Tōdō also wore no medals except for one that indicated he was a marshal.
"Word on the street is that you have some "little" problems on the peninsula." said Tōdō as he walked towards Hasegawa.
"Cut the small talk. I know why you're here." responded Hasegawa angrily. "You may think the Black Army is a simple joke, but even I have to admit that the Black Army should not be underestimated. Their leader simply called Zero has been able to constantly outdo and outsmart us."
"Still, the fact that you've haven't made any real progress in capturing Zero or stopping the Black Army is a problem. Perhaps this is a problem meant for a more younger, able commander." said Tōdō.
"How dare you talk down to me like that!" yelled Hasegawa as he banged his fist on his desk. "I am the Viceroy, which means..."
"Do you not remember that I am technically under the direct authority of the Emperor himself?" asked Tōdō.
"However, just because you're assisting in the investigation on the Black Army doesn't mean you can insult me! And don't take so much pride in the position you currently hold. If your family didn't have connections with the Emperor, you would probably only reach the position of Colonel at best."
"Times are changing Viceroy. Your generation had their moments of glory. But now it's the next generation's turn. Failure to admit this truth can cloud one's mind very easily, leading him down the path of destruction." said Tōdō.
"I've had enough of your lecturing. The thing I need to address to you is regarding the Black Army. As you know the armed forces are preparing to invade Russia as we speak. This means I will be preoccupied with overseeing our colonial forces in the conflict. I have been instructed by my superiors to provide as much resources as you need in catching Zero and destroying the Black Army. However, as Viceroy you are expected to report all actions to me despite your unique status within the armed forces. Do I make myself clear?" asked a frustrated Hasegawa.
"Yes." answered Tōdō. The young marshal then turned around and proceeded to leave the office.
"Let me open the door for..." said Hasegawa's secretary as he reached for the door handle. However, he was instantly interrupted when Tōdō unsheathed his sharp katana in a blink of an eye and aimed the metal tip at the secretary's neck. The secretary suddenly started breathing heavily as he realized the sharp blade was only a few centimeters away from slitting his throat.
"I can handle it myself thank you. Unlike some people here, I'm quite capable of opening the door by myself." said Tōdō as he turned his gaze back towards Hasegawa. Sheathing his katana quickly, Tōdō opened the door himself and exited the office.
"No...wonder...they...call...him...the Shinigami" said the now jittery secretary as he tried to catch his breath.
"Still, his lack of respect for me makes my blood boil. He thinks I'm too old and out of touch with the world." Hasegawa responded as he clenched his fist. "However, despite my opposition with the choice of Tōdō, I firmly support any decision made by His Majesty."
"So now what do you plan to do now?" asked the secretary.
"Like I said before, to oversee the invasion of Russia."
8:53 PM, The Dangun, Port of Inchon, Chōsen
As the night sky hovered above the Port of Inchon, Lelouch had just returned to The Dangun after using his geass on various soldiers and by passers to see whether they had any info on the so called "Shinigami". As he walked along the dark docks, Lelouch made sure he had his journal of notes close to him at all time. Once on board the ship, Lelouch knocked at the cabin door. Seo opened the door as soon and instantly allowed Lelouch to enter.
"Welcome back Zero." said Seo. "How was your investigation today?"
"Very insightful and productive." Zero replied.
As he was walking towards his office, Zero saw Kim Gu and Capt. Gang discussing issues at a table while Roh was asleep on the couch with a rifle held in one hand and a bottle of alcohol in the other. The rest of the team was either keeping watch outside or sleeping. Zero immediately walked up to Kim Gu and Capt. Gang.
"Hello there Zero." said both Kim Gu and Capt. Gang simultaneously.
"You two, in my office." commanded Zero. Immediately both men got up and followed Zero into his office. Once everyone was inside and the door was shut, Zero took out the journal he was carrying.
"In my hand is a collection of information I managed to pick up today regarding this "Shinigami"." explained Zero.
"So exactly who is he? What is he like?" asked Capt. Gang. with curiosity.
"According to my investigation, Marshal Tōdō Isamu, aka "the Shinigami", is a feared, smart, dangerous, senior commander within the Imperial Japanese Army. He's about 38 years old and has shown fast progress. His first demonstration of valor and glory was during the Boxer Rebellion, where he decimated large numbers of Chinese soldiers at the mere age of 20. His next big hit would occur during the Russo-Japanese War. A huge, yet supposedly brutal strategy that left behind a sea of Russian blood resulted in Tōdō Isamu being promoted to General. It was also during this campaign that Tōdō Isamu supposedly stole the spotlight from then Major General Hasegawa Yoshimichi. It is believed the two have a somewhat hostile relationship with one another." explained Zero.
"Interesting. Did you find anything else about him?" asked a concerned Kim.
"In fact I did. Tōdō Isamu comes from a prestigious noble family that had ties with the samurai. His father, who I believe is currently a Marquis, eventually became personal friends with the then Crown Prince Yoshihito. Once Yoshihito ascended the throne in 1912, Tōdō Isamu's father persuaded the Emperor to give some honors to his son. This included the title of Marshal, along with a specially forged katana personally blessed by the Emperor himself. He's been called by some as the Emperor's undeclared top warrior. Recently he has been stationed at the Shandong Peninsula, where he fought against the Germans based there." said Zero.
"Hopefully we can use this info to understand who were are up against right?" said Capt. Gang.
"Precisely." replied Zero. "Knowing your enemy can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat."
"That is true. History has always proven that strategy." added Kim Gu.
Once Zero was done completing his update, he dismissed both Kim Gu and Capt. Gang. Both men left the office while Zero prepared to go to sleep for the night. Before he went completely asleep, Zero once again felt that he knew the Shinigami, despite the fact that he just heard of him yesterday.
8:40 AM, August 4th, 1918, The Dangun, Port of Inchon, Chōsen
Zero was sleeping soundly in his bed when suddenly he was awakened by a knocking sound.
"Zero. It's me Kim. May I come in?"
"You may enter." said the half-awake Zero. The door suddenly opened and in came Kim Gu carrying a newspaper in his arm. "What is it Kim?"
"Zero you might want to see this." said Kim Gu. He proceeded to give the paper to Zero. "The front page article is talking about the recent arrival of the Shinigami, Marshal Tōdō Isamu. The article states the Marshal has issued an ultimatum to us to either surrender now with lenient punishment, or suffer the wrath of the Imperial Japanese forces."
Zero waited for his half-awake eyes to fully adjust before looking at the front page. Once his vision cleared up, he clearly saw the article, along with a photo labeled "Marshal Tōdō Isamu".
"No way. It couldn't. How could I not realize the connection? But is it possible?" said a semi-shocked Zero as he instantly saw the photo.
"What's the problem Zero? Do you know the Shinigami?" asked Kim Gu,
"Sort of. I had a feeling I had met this guy before, but I couldn't connect the dots. But I think I can now." said Zero.
Zero then privately discussed with Kim Gu on how he had "met" Marshal Tōdō before.
"So you're saying that you know someone who exactly looks like Marshall Tōdō?" asked Kim Gu.
"Precisely, because in my world he's one of my best military commanders. His name is Kyoshiro Tohdoh." replied Zero.
Author's Note:
Sorry for the long delay. First Sandy knocked out my power and then I got caught up with other things. Anyway, we introduce Marshal Tōdō and we get to see what kind of person he is. Obviously he's the counterpart of Kyoshiro Tohdoh, but he's also intended to be the counterpart to Knight of One Bismark Waldstein.
I'm going to start working on the next chapter as fast as I can. Next chapter will be about Zero and the Black Army trying to make arms deals with the Bolsheviks while the Shinigami tries to outdo Zero mentally and physically with everything he has.