Ch. 40: Sharpening of the Blade
8:11 PM, February 10th, 1920, Perm, Russia
Multiple buildings ranging from wooden to brick lined the streets of the heavily industrialized city of Perm. The normally active city was quiet due to a snowstorm that battered the city with icy winds. Despite the weather, plumes of dark, thick smoke could still be seen rising from factory smokestacks in the distance.
Staying the night at one of the city's inns was Zero, the Zero Division members, and the representatives from the Provisional Government. Zero was in his room throwing a log into a small fireplace that heated the room slightly. He then sat down at a table, lit a small lantern, and took out his journal so he could write in it.
"Currently have to stay the night at Perm due to an unexpected snowstorm. Apparently the weather has made it too treacherous to travel. We currently plan to resume our travel back to Shanghai immediately tomorrow morning." Zero wrote. Suddenly he was distracted by the deep howling noises the heavy wind was making outside.
"Just received a response from the Provisional Government HQ regarding the diplomatic report the representatives and I sent to them. Mr. An and the rest of the members have no opposition to the Black Army's recruitment of the Czechoslovak Legion remnants. Trust between the officials of the Provisional Government and the Black Army are improving at a steady rate. Hopefully this will encourage them to accept my merger proposal.
A battalion of Czech soldiers under Colonel Václav Novák have agreed to merge with the Black Army in exchange for a senior position within the Black Army's ranks. Troops are expected to leave Russia via Japanese-occupied Vladivostok under the guise they are heading back to Czechoslovakia, when in reality they will quietly head towards the Black Army Training grounds in Korea. Bribing of port officials along with Soviet Russian intelligence should make it unlikely for the Japanese to discover this plan.
Several shipments of arms, medicine, and airplane parts have been sent to various ports of the Korean Peninsula. Through the use of several front organizations and black market dealers, all the goods should reach Rozhkov's forces stationed at the facility. Rozhkov's forces is the only remaining large army I have to be stationed on the Korean Peninsula. It is essential his forces are fully equipped, for I feel that Japan is overdue in making a move against the Black Army and the other Korean armed resistance movements."
Zero then stopped writing and started to review schematics for a several proposed construction projects and armaments.
1:44 PM, July 16th, 1920, Peers Club, Tokyo, Japan
Located in a French Renaissance-styled building, the Peers Club was one of the most prestigious meeting spots for the Japanese aristocracy. The inside of the building was resembled a Western luxury hotel. Bright chandeliers illuminated the many large rooms filled with ornate tables, carefully sewn sofas, and dozens of polished chairs. One smaller room also had two tall windows covered by expensive drapes along with some decorative antiques and wall portraits.
Various Japanese noblemen sitting at the tables and sofas could be seen socializing with one another, talking about subjects ranging from social affairs to the latest rumors. In the background, one could hear the soft melody coming from the grand piano being played in the corner of the room.
Marquess Matsukata, wearing a three piece suit, was sitting quietly at one of tables reading the daily newspaper. On the front cover of the paper were the words "GONGOTA AGREEMENT SIGNED. WAR WITH SOVIETS HALTED?" along with a cartoon depicting a bruised, Russian bear wearing a budenovka decorated with a red star shaking hands with an equally bruised Japanese officer.
Suddenly Prince Kotohito, wearing his standard military uniform, walked into the room and approached Matsukata's table. Matsuakta immediately put down the paper he was reading and was about to get out of his chair. Kotohito immediately raised his hand and requested Matsukata to sit back down before taking a seat across the table.
"Your Highness, how is life for you?" asked Matsukata.
"The usual military work." replied Kotohito. "I see this recent agreement we made with the Russians yesterday seems to be catching your attention."
"Well of course. Since the Americans withdrew their forces from Russia last April, our forces are the only ones left fighting the Russians. Now with this agreement, the Empire of Japan fully recognizes the pro-Soviet Far Eastern Republic set up in the Transbaikal region back in April." answered Matsukata.
"Our forces have also agreed to a ceasefire with the Red Army along with a gradual withdrawal from Russian soil and the halting of aid to White Army forces. However, the Far Eastern Republic will surely be useful to us as a buffer state for the time being." said Kotohito.
"And how much progress has the Imperial Army made in regards to this withdrawal?" asked Matsukata.
"Almost all of our forces in the Transbaikal region have already been evacuated via the Chinese Eastern Railroad. That of course means Semyonov is on his own from now on. Meanwhile, our forces in the Maritime Provinces are still occupying main cities such as Vladivostok and Khabarovsk due to disagreements over the evacuation date." answered Kotohito. "We also still have forces occupying the northern part of the Sakhalin Islands."
"Ah yes now I remember. The Foreign Minister was telling me we were keeping forces on Sakhalin along with refusing to recognize the Soviet government due to the massacre of White Army and Japanese soldiers, along with Japanese citizens, in the city of Nikolayevsk." said Matsukata. "I also heard from the Foreign Minister that this withdrawal and peace deal was due to certain members of the military, if you know what I mean."
"There are multiple reasons for the withdrawal ranging from diplomatic pressure from America and Britain to huge financial losses. Though I will state that I, along with my associates in the military and the government were advised to pursue peace." answered Kotohito.
"Advised? Or maybe the word instructed would be more appropriate." replied Matsukata. "Is that what the Crown Prince told you to do?"
"If you are implying malicious intent then you are mistaken." answered Kotohito. "The Crown Prince personally told me that Japan has suffered enough for fighting against the Russians and wants to end this conflict without Japan's dignity being stained any further."
"I assume he's the reason you wanted me to meet you here." replied Matsukata.
"Indeed." said Kotohito as he pulled out an envelope from his pocket. "Since you are the Emperor's direct advisor, he wants this proposal to be reviewed and hopefully approved."
For a few seconds, Matsukata stared at the envelope held in front of him with suspicion.
"Very well. I will ensure this message will reach the Emperor." said Matsukata as he grabbed the envelope out of Kotohito's hand.
"Thank you very much. And I assure you, all of our intentions are for the best." said Kotohito.
4:00 PM, Imperial Throne Room, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Japan
The imperial throne room was a large, mostly empty room with a mosaic floor made of the highest quality wood. Two large crystal chandeliers could be seen hanging from the ornately decorated copper-plated ceiling. Large drapes made of the finest materials and dyes lined the long walls of the room. A raised carpeted platform was placed in the center of the back wall while a luxurious, expertly crafted canopy hovered above.
Under it was Emperor Yoshihito, wearing a military tunic decorated with medals and epaulettes. He was sitting stoically on the Chrysanthemum Throne, a golden wooden chair with purple cushioning that depicted the Chrysanthemum Crest on it. In front of the throne was a table draped with an elaborately designed table cloth.
Standing in front of the Emperor, but at a distance, was Matsukata, who was reading the contents of the envelope he was given earlier.
"Along with the transfer of battalions from the Kantō region, Hokkaido, and Taiwan, it is also requested that knowledge of this new Imperial Guard Brigade be restricted to you, the Chief of the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff, and other military/political officials listed here." said Matsukata. "Further more, it is requested that this new brigade be deployed to Northern Chōsen to combat the insurgency in the region."
"Hmmm, so he's that eager to take responsibilities into his own hands." replied Yoshihito. "Has the Chief of the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff been notified of this proposal?"
"He has your Majesty. The proposal has already been reviewed and signed by General Uehara." answered Matsukata.
"That's all? As you may know, I am focusing my attention on less trivial matters. The reason I summoned you here is because you told me it was of the utmost importance." replied Yoshihito.
"Forgive me your Majesty, but I feel this is only the start of something much bigger. According to my knowledge, Uehara has been communicating with his Highness Prince Kotohito, who also has ties with some powerful zaibatsu. I also have heard that the Crown Prince might have had some influence over the recent peace agreement with the Russians." explained Matsukata. "Your Majesty, I fear that a political conspiracy could be in the making."
"Conspiracy? I fail to see how the zaibatsu and negotiations with the Russians could be signs of a political conspiracy." replied Yoshihito.
"Your Majesty, the liberal and civilian politicians currently gaining momentum have voiced opposition to the conflict in Russia. If the Crown Prince did play a role behind making peace with the Russians, then that would get him much sympathy from the liberal and civilian members of the government. And if Uehara is making deals with his Highness Prince Kotohito, this would essentially give him and the Crown Prince the ability to influence the military, which normally would've vocally opposed peace." said Matsukata.
"But if their desire is to get support from the liberal politicians without political reprisal from the military, then why propose a new Imperial Guard to be formed and potentially risk loosing the support of the liberals?" asked Yoshihito.
"That's why the request to restrict this knowledge to you, Uehara, and the other listed officials makes me feel they are planning to increase their influence in the Empire's affairs without alerting the politicians and the general public." answered Matsukata.
"Honestly I don't care about what my son is doing. Let him do what he wants. Frankly I am weary from all this talk of politics and current events." replied Yoshihito.
"Your Majesty, with all due respects, I highly recommend you think this through and..." said Matsukata.
The weary-looking Emperor of Japan suddenly raised his hand in the air, resulting in Matsukata stopping mid-sentence.
"If it makes you more comfortable, I will take your warning into account and put this new brigade under the overall command of Marshal Tōdō. I have my full confidence that he won't let this new brigade have the chance to spread its wings and fly away from me." said Yoshihito.
"Very well your Majesty. I fully respect your decision." replied Matsukata.
The Emperor then signaled Matsuakata to present the proposal up close to him. Matsukata walked up and approached the table separating him from the Emperor. He then bowed and proceeded to place the proposal on the table for the Emperor to sign.
Emperor Yoshihito slightly bent forward from where he was sitting and proceeded to review the proposal one last time. After reviewing, the Emperor used his semi-frail arms to pick up the pen sitting on the table and with some difficulty started to sign the proposal. Once it was signed, Matsukata took the proposal, bowed once more, and proceeded to slowly exit the throne room.
11:08 AM, August 9th, 1920, Gadeok Island, Chōsen
Off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula was Gadeok Island, a sparsely populated island consisting of many hills and trees. Even though it was located southwest of the port city of Busan, the Japanese colonial authorities barely kept surveillance over the small fishing communities dotting the island. As a result of this, the Black Army secretly constructed a port on the island.
Docked next to the port was the Black Army's submarine, which was unloading supplies. Further inland, hidden by some trees, were what appeared to be several thatched houses. Inside one of them was Zero, who was sitting in front of a low table covered with reports and maps. Sitting across from him was Commander of the South General Park Jae-sun. The General was instantly recognizable due to his large size, heavy body figure, and pronounced beard.
"I see that you have made great use of this island General." said Zero.
"Though the Southern Forces may have been battered severely, we have managed to minimize our losses and proceed forward with efficiency." replied Park.
"I thank you for your contributions despite current situation we are facing." said Zero. "Since the southern half of the peninsula is more heavily guarded than the north, the Southern Forces can't rebuild themselves fully without attracting attention."
"Nonsense, the Southern Forces are still maintaining underground cells within the major cities so that they can observe enemy movements. We're not out of the fight yet." said Park.
"That is true." replied Zero. "Anyway, how's the island's infrastructure been?"
"Going as planned Zero. Thanks to cooperation from the villagers living on this island, we have managed to set up supply caches and a communications office. The villagers have also helped with providing hospitality for the soldiers secretly stationed here." answered Park. "Also, all Black Army facilities are disguised as thatched houses, therefore ensuring our security."
"That's good. I'm also glad the port hasn't attracted attention. With this port, it will be easier for the submarine to transport supplies between Shanghai and the Korean Peninsula. As you know, we're heading to the port city of Hongwon, where we'll sneak supplies to Rozhkov's forces in the mountains." said Zero.
Suddenly the telegraph key in the corner of the room started to beep on it's own. The General got up and walked towards the telegraph to listen to it.
"Hmmm...I see...I see...huh?" said Park as he carefully listened to the telegraph. He then proceeded to send a telegram back before heading back to sit at the table.
"What is it General? Anything urgent?" asked Zero.
"I don't know exactly." answered the slightly confused General. "The telegram was apparently sent by the communication office. It said that one of our informants in Busan just alerted them that some Japanese transports escorted by warships had just entered port."
"And what message did you send back?" asked Zero.
"Told communications to be on stand by and await further orders." answered Park. "Why?"
"Because I want them to concentrate their resources on Busan port and rail activities." answered Zero. "Are you asking yourself the same question I am?"
"You mean why the Japanese would send warships to escort some transports despite the fact that Japan faces no naval threat in the immediate area?" asked Park. "Yeah. I mean, this move of theirs is pretty unconventional for them, especially since the distance between Busan and the Japanese home islands are small."
"The fact they are using warships to escort the transports seems to indicate that the contents they are carrying are more special than your standard arms and supplies." said Zero.
"I agree. I think the Japanese are planning to make a move pretty soon." replied Park.
"If that's the case, then Japan is somewhat overdue in making a game changing move." said Zero. Both he and General Park then stood up. "General, gather as much information as you can regarding all Japanese activities relating with transportation."
"Yes sir!" replied Park as he saluted Zero.
Zero saluted General Park before he excuse himself out of the house. Waiting outside for Zero was Seo, who was acting as Zero's bodyguard.
"Ready to head back to the submarine Zero?" asked Seo as he saluted.
"Yes, but before we do, I need to head to the communications office. I have to send an important message to Kim Gu personally." answered Zero.
"Very well sir." replied Seo.
5:00 PM, August 17th, 1920, Black Army HQ, International Settlement, Shanghai
Kim Gu, acting as leader of the Black Army due to Zero's absence, was sitting at his desk reading a report sent from Moscow. Suddenly someone knocked at the office door.
"Come in." said Kim Gu as he continued reading the report. The door opened and in came Dietrich, who was apparently holding a folder full of papers.
"Sorry for the sudden interruption." said Dietrich.
"No problem, just reading this report regarding the war between Russia and Poland. Their recent offensive on the city of Warsaw isn't looking too good for them. Apparently Polish forces under the command of Józef Piłsudski counterattacked them from the south, inflicting heavy losses on the Red Army." replied Kim Gu.
"I'm afraid our affairs in Russia might have to be put on hold for the meanwhile." said Dietrich. He then handed the folder to Kim Gu, who opened it and proceeded to read it to himself. "Remember how Zero told us to investigate any suspicious Japanese activities? Well I think I might have figured part of it out."
"It says here that these shipments technically don't exist since military nor naval records we have analyzed list a shipment on or near August 9th." said Kim Gu.
"That is why I decided to approach this from another angle." replied Dietrich. "As you know, Japan's recent increase usage of planes and tanks in secrecy has raised red flags. Since the Kojima Group is providing much of the funding and resources for such projects, I decided to check the Kojima Group's company records. And that's when I found out that Kojima has been shipping lots of construction equipment, gasoline, and machinery to Busan within the past month."
"But the Japanese must've been shipping something much more important to Busan on the 9th since warships were being used as escorts." replied Kim Gu.
"I agree, but as you can see, the document pertaining to shipments to Busan on the 9th is not clear." said Dietrich as he pointed to one of the papers in front of Kim Gu. "All the shipments made on August 9th are all labelled "CONFIDENTIAL". If the Japanese are willing to go through this much trouble to hide what they were shipping, then I would have to guess they were shipping new weapons, most likely planes and tanks."
"Makes sense. The only question remaining is what they are planning to do with them." said Kim Gu.
"Well, I compared Busan train schedules with Kojima's shipping records and found out a train directly bound for the city of Wonsan always left soon after the shipments arrived at port." explained Dietrich. "Some of our spies operating in the area also said there were rumors of large pieces of land north of the city being closed off by armed men in Japanese uniforms."
"So it seems that the previous shipments of construction equipment and materials was for land development. Are you thinking what I'm thinking Dietrich?" asked Kim Gu.
"That the land is being used to possibly construct an army depot and an airfield." answered Dietrich. "If that's the case, then the recent shipment of weapons means they've already finished constructing it."
"But that doesn't answer what they are planning to do next." replied Kim Gu. "Dietrich, tell Rozhkov to have the Northern Forces heighten observations in the region. Also relay this information to Zero. He should be still at the Training Facility reviewing the Rozhkov's troops."
"Very well sir." said Dietrich before he proceeded to exit Kim Gu's office.
6:30 PM, October 3rd, 1920, Provisional Government HQ, French Concession, Shanghai
Zero, along with Kim Gu, Dietrich, and Gang, were sitting at the main meeting table across from Acting President An Chang-ho and the other members of the Provisional Government.
"Onto the third topic the Black Army would like to address the Provisional Government on. Mr. An, according to Japanese reports, Korean independence fighters operating in Manchuria attacked and killed 13 Japanese people in the Chinese border city of Hunchun yesterday. However, it is speculated that this is a false flag operation committed by the Japanese to justify them attacking independent armies in Manchuria." said Zero
"We're still investigating this incident Zero. But I highly doubt that's why you came here tonight Zero." answered An.
"Correct, we are here because we fear the Japanese are going to make a big move soon." answered Gang.
"You see, in August we discovered what appeared to be a shipment of state of the art weapons to the city of Busan, where they would then be transported to Wonsan by rail. We also have determined that an arms depot and possibly an airfield is being constructed north of the city." explained Dietrich.
"Any particular reason you bring this information up now Mr. Ried?" asked An.
"We didn't report this to you immediately because we wanted to make sure our information was correct. Also, shipments being escorted by warships haven't been seen since the 9th of August." answered Dietrich. "We believe this is due to the manufacturing rate of the weapons."
"And a recent report from a factory worker in Japan has said he overheard another shipment similar in size to the one in August is being prepared to head out of the Japanese port city of Fukuoka one week from today." explained Gang. "Our observations made by our submarine patrolling the city also seem to verify this information."
"With Japan already sending more advanced weapons to Wonsan along with now having a potential reason to enter China, the Black Army fears Japan may be planning to make a huge strike against independent armies hiding in the region." said Zero. "Is there any particular group operating in the region that if decimated would be a potential blow to the cause for independence?"
An and the rest of the Provisional Government members whispered to one another before answering Zero's question.
"Well, there is the Northern Military Administration Office Army led by Kim Jwa-jin and the Korean Independent Army led by Hong Beom-do." answered An. "They operate primarily out of Manchuria and are one of the largest, most organized pro-Korean forces we have in the region."
"Mr. An, I ask you as an ally to alert commanders Kim and Hong that Japanese forces might attempt to cross the border into Manchuria." asked Zero.
"But we don't know the exact specifics behind the Hunchun Massacre." replied Park Eunsik. "As far as we know, Korean forces could've actually killed those 13 Japanese individuals."
"With all do respect sir, but it doesn't really matter in the end." said Kim Gu. "Whether or not it was a false flag operation, I have no doubt Japan will use the Hunchun Massacre to justify crossing the border."
"So exactly how are you planning to counter this Zero." asked one of the other members of the Provisional Government.
"The plan is that to halt the second shipments of weapons heading to Busan on the 10th. Afterwards, Black Army forces stationed at the Training Facility in the North will then move Southward and attack the potential Japanese arms depot and airfields. That way, the Japanese won't be able to use their new weapons in Manchuria for the time being." explained Zero.
"But to stop the shipments, you will need to have a strong navy." said An. "As far as I know, the Black Army only possesses a steam yacht, some transports, a submarine, and three torpedo boats."
"Actually that's where your wrong." interrupted Dietrich. "Two weeks ago, one of the Black Army's front organizations made a deal with the British in Hong Kong. As you may know, the British economy is suffering from the recent war it was fighting, and as a result are in need of money. Since the Black Army had already invested millions of pounds in British war bonds, the British government was indebted to us."
"The Ministry of the Treasury along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs managed to make a deal with the British." said Zero. "In exchange for canceling most of the debts owed to us by Britain, the Royal Navy would give us two destroyers docked at Hong Kong. These two destroyers, along with the other ships we have, should be adequate enough to deal with the Japanese."
"I'm quite surprised you managed to pull something like that off Zero." said An. "Very well, I will try to contact the independent armies operating in Manchuria and warn them about the Japanese."
"Thank you very much sir. I hope this moment of cooperation will benefit the both of us." replied Zero
Everyone at the table then got out of their seats and proceeded to shake hands with one another.
"Alright Japan and whoever is pulling it's strings behind the scenes. It's been a year since either of us has made an impacting move. Nevertheless, I think we should both resume the game that we have yet to finish and see who is truly better." thought Zero as he shook the hand of a Provisional Government member.
Author's Note:
I am extremely sorry for the long wait for this chapter. Been extremely busy with other things in my life right now. The Black Army is now is preparing itself for a confrontation with the Empire of Japan, their first one since their defeat on the Korean Peninsula the year before. Besides trying to counter Japan's next move, Zero continues to investigate the Kojima Group and its connections with Japan's inner politics. Also the Black Army and the Provisional Government have been getting closer to one another to the point that they are now sharing intelligence.