Ch. 46: The Shanghai Agreement
3:55 PM, December 15th, 1920, Provisional Government of ROK HQ, French Concession, Shanghai
Several Korean government officials and bureaucrats surrounded a long table. On the table were several pages of paper bound in leather. Zero, Kim Gu, Syngman Rhee, and Yi Donghwi then took turns signing the paper via a fountain pen sitting in an inkwell on the table. Once all four men signed the document, everyone in the room immediately applauded.
"After much negotiation and deliberation, it is a great honor to say that the "Shanghai Agreement" has finally been signed between the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and the Black Army." announced Rhee. "Our government hopes that with this new agreement, cooperation and assistance between us and the Black Army will improve substantially."
"As Chairman of the Black Army, I speak on behalf of all its members. We too hope this agreement will allow greater transparency between the Korean people and the Black Army itself." announced Zero. "This agreement will also show Japan that the Korean resistance is still strong and will not accept it's tyrannical rule."
Everyone in the room once again applauded when both Rhee and Zero were both done speaking. Once the applauding died down, Zero and Kim Gu all shook hands with the various government officials and bureaucrats before excusing themselves. Both men exited the Provisional Government HQ and saw Kae waiting right besides one of the Black Army's cars.
"Hey how did the signing go?!" Kae yelled upon seeing Zero and Kim Gu.
"Very well. Everything seems to be going according to plan." Zero replied.
Once Zero and Kim Gu approached the car, Kae opened the passenger door for them before entering the driver's seat.
"I presume you both want to head back to HQ?" Kae asked.
Zero nodded and Kae proceeded to start up the car and drive it down the street.
"So I'm still a little unclear about this agreement. Are we officially part of the Provisional Government?" asked Kae as she continued driving down the streets of Shanghai.
"Not exactly." replied Kim Gu.
"Huh?" Kae replied.
"Apparently the Provisional Government wasn't all in favor of the Black Army retaining autonomy within by creating another seat in the government. However, after much debate and negotiating, the Provisional Government was in favor of employing the Black Army as its "private army"." explained Zero. "As a result we became the de facto military of the Provisional Government."
"Another condition that was insisted was that the inclusion of a list of agreements, conditions, and legal codes in regards to the powers shared between us and the Provisional Government." added Kim Gu.
"What kind of conditions are we talking about here?" Kae asked.
"Well as Chairman of the Black Army, I will be responsible for reporting all the Black Army's activities to the Cabinet of the Provisional Government. That includes intelligence, financial deals, military plans, etc." answered Zero. "However the Provisional Government will share its resources such as money, intelligence, and resources with us."
"They will also have the right to have divisions of our armed forces leased to them if they give us an alert at least 48 hours in advance." said Kim Gu.
"What about the Black Army's chain of command? Will that be affected in any way?" Kae asked.
"Fortunately not. I manage to ensure that management of most of the internal activities of the Black Army are retained with me only." answered Zero.
"Really? Wouldn't the Provisional Government officials think that puts you in a pretty good position to launch a coup or something similar?" replied Kae.
"That's why me and Kim Gu came up with a backup plan for the Provisional Government in case such an event occurred to them." said Zero. "One section of the official agreement states:
"Should the Black Army be suspected of committing acts that are not in favor of the Korean people as a whole, an investigative tribunal shall be set up immediately. During this time of deliberation, the Chairman of the Black Army's powers shall be suspended. Once all deliberation is declared over, the members of the Provisional Government Cabinet shall vote whether or not to take appropriate action to alleviate the situation immediately.".
Apparently that seemed to make them feel secure about themselves."
"Ok. So how are we going to use this new agreement to our advantage?" Kae asked.
"Well Dr. Rhee has numerous connections in Honolulu and Washington D.C. who will provide us with more money while Mr. Yi can provide us with more intelligence in regards with the Koreans operating out of Manchuria." answered Kim Gu.
"In the meanwhile however we must also focus our resources on Crown Prince Hirohito. After analyzing his previous moves numerous times, I am absolutely certain that he is almost ready to make a big one. But without knowing what exactly he plans to do, we cannot develop an effective counter strategy." said Zero.
"I agree. Hirohito has shown he is willing to pull whatever strings and tricks he has to in order to pursue his goals. Shall I assist you Zero with dealing with the situation?" Kim Gu replied.
"That won't be necessary." said Zero. "I want you to oversee all the administrative functions, resource allocation, and military organization of the Black Army. I will meanwhile focus on gaining information on Hirohito."
"Very well sir." Kim Gu replied.
2:44 PM, January 23rd, 1921, Shugaku-in Imperial Villa, Kyoto, Japan
Crown Prince Hirohito, wearing a suit, and Prince Aritomo, wearing his military uniform, were walking through the various lush-green Japanese-style gardens that formed the Shugaku-in Imperial Villa. The gardens were dotted with various trees, rocks, and other types of foliage while various pathways snaked throughout the gardens. A large artificial pond was also present within the gardens.
"As you know me and Prince Kotohito will be leaving for Europe in less than two months." said Hirohito.
"I wish you both the best. Hopefully this trip will allow our empire to be more fully accepted in the eyes of the Western powers. I mean you will be the first Crown Prince to travel abroad." Aritomo replied.
"Meanwhile what's the status report on the plan?" Hirohito asked.
"Looking pretty well. Since I am already President of the Privy Council, calling a meeting won't be a problem. It's getting the motion passed that will be difficult." said Aritomo.
"Who at least is on our side for the time being?" asked Hirohito.
"We don't need to worry about the Prime Minister messing things up. We've warned the Prime Minister that we've convinced War Minister Tanaka Giichi to resign if he interferes. The Prime Minister also knows we've convinced Field Marshal Uehara Yūsaku to not nominate a new War Minister should the current one resign, therefore forcing him to dissolve his cabinet. Basically the Prime Minister knows opposition will lead to political suicide." explained Aritomo. "However the privy councillors have proven to be more difficult to convince since their positions are for life, meaning any political leverage will have no effect on them."
"Then I guess we're going to have to win them their approval. In fact this trip to the West could boost my image in their eyes." said Hirohito.
"I was thinking the exact same thing." replied Aritomo. "As you know the Emperor has become more reclusive and uninterested in current affairs as each day passes. If our current situation keeps going on, I fear the political situation will unravel and prevent Japan from utilizing its full potential."
"You shouldn't worry. My back room diplomacy, economic connections, and image will surely be enough to convince the privy councilors to approve. Also with the Shinigami now killed, more people within the government are probably asking more questions about the government's current policies." replied Hirohito.
"But what about Zero?" asked Aritomo.
"What about him?" Hirohito replied.
"Shouldn't we prepare an offensive against him before he can make his next move?" Aritomo asked.
"That won't be necessary Aritomo." said Hirohito. "Our main focus currently is to push forward with our plan while the political environmental conditions are all met. Sending resources to fight against Zero could potentially unravel everything we have worked on. Besides I don't see him making any offensive movements in the near future."
"Good point. That battle we had with them a few months ago must've at least temporarily exhausted them." said Aritomo. "Hopefully we will be able to finish our plans before Zero can gather enough resources to launch a counterattack."
Hirohito and Aritomo continued walking through the gardens while talking about other political, military, and economic matters.
2:30 PM, February 5th, 1921, Black Army HQ, International Settlement, Shanghai
Zero was sitting in his office behind his desk while Chinese General Wu Wong, an active member in the Zhili Clique faction of the Republic of China, sat across from him.
General Wu was a tall, thin man wearing a Chinese Army uniform. The uniform consisted of a light blue single-buttoned tunic that had red shoulder straps decorated with a gold star on each shoulder along with two patches of gold embroidery sewn onto the collar. The rest of the uniform included light blue trousers, a Sam Browne belt, black boots, and a light blue peaked cap encircled with a gold band.
"General once again we thank you for your government in allowing the Black Army to use the Chinese roads and railways to aid Korean resistance operating in Manchuria." said Zero.
"Well me and my superiors are quite content with you being a thorn in Japan's influence." replied General Wu.
"To maintain this positive relationship between our two governments, you might like this then." said Zero as he reached for a large briefcase on the floor and lifted it onto the desk.
General Wu turned the briefcase around and proceeded to open it. Inside were countless bundles of 100 Chinese yuan banknotes all stacked neatly. The General then closed the briefcase once inspecting its contents.
"By the way, what is current the situation the Republic of China is currently facing?" asked Zero.
"Well as you probably already know things aren't looking well for us." answered General Wu. "General Baron Roman von Ungern-Sternberg and his White Army soldiers have just taken a good portion of Outer Mongolia and managed to expel the remnants of the Anhui Clique out of the capitol of Urga. We fear he might reinstall the region's ex-ruler the Bogd Khan back to power."
"Baron von Ungern-Sternberg aka "The Mad Baron". Former subordinate of Grigory Semyonov and pan-monarchist. Mostly known for his volatile and unpredictable behavior." replied Zero. "This could actually be used as an opportunity for the Black Army and the Zhili Clique."
"How so?" asked the interested General.
"I know that the Zhili Clique and your rivals, the Japanese-assisted Fengtian Clique operating mostly from Manchuria, both share power over Peking and much of the Republic of China. Despite that, it is obvious Japan is simply using the Fengtian Clique as a stepping stone towards expanding their influence into China. Also von Ungern-Sternberg is against Soviet Russia, who provides the Black Army with arms and funds." explained Zero.
"So I'm guessing you are suggesting having White Army forces and the Fengtian Clique clash with one another, therefore weakening the both of them while we sit back and watch?" said General Wu.
"Precisely General. I think it would be a highly wise decision for your superiors in the Zhili Clique to implement a course of action that has White Army and their Mongol allies to primarily focus on the Fengtian Clique." Zero replied.
"Personally I will say that your idea makes perfect sense and that resources should be focused on having the Fengtian Clique and the White Army fight one another. However what my superiors will say is another story." said General Wu.
"What do you mean by that?" Zero asked.
"There has been talk among my superiors about rumors regarding Black Army support of Dr. Sun and his Kuomintang wrangling for control down South in the Guangdong Province. If these rumors are to be true, then that would present a problem between my associates in Peking and the Black Army." answered General Wu. "As a result there are those within the Zhili Clique who are still skeptical with reaching out more to you and in extension the Provisional Government of the ROK."
"It is true that officials within the Black Army and the Provisional Government of the ROK have talked to or talked about improving relations with the Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the KMT. But since control of the region is still being fought over between the KMT and the Guangxi Clique, the idea of aiding or having dialogue with the KMT has attracted little interest." Zero explained.
"I see. Very well. I'll report the issues discussed at this meeting to my superiors once I immediately return to Peking." said General Wu as he picked up the briefcase full of money and got out of his chair. "I hope future meetings will bring more cooperation between in us."
"I hope so too." said Zero as he shook the General's hand.
General Wu, with the briefcase in hand, exited Zero's office and was escorted down the hall by his aide-de-camp waiting outside. The two men passed Kim Gu in the hallway, who was in the process of heading towards Zero's office.
"So how did the meeting go?" asked Kim Gu as he entered the office.
"I think it went quite well." answered Zero. "Hopefully that money we have given them will allow the Zhili Clique to be strong enough to be more effective in resisting the Fengtian Clique."
"In the meanwhile I would like to report to you recent information we have just received regarding Hirohito." added Kim Gu.
He then took out a newspaper and placed it on Zero's desk. Zero then proceeded to pick it up and read the front page.
"IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY ANNOUNCES CROWN PRINCE'S TOUR OF EUROPE" was printed on the front page. Zero proceeded to skim through the article.
"It has just been publicly been announced that His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince of Japan Hirohito will begin a six-month tour of Europe next month. The fact that the Crown Prince Hirohito will be the first Crown Prince to travel overseas has already gotten much of the Japanese populace and leadership excited. It is believed the Crown Prince will meet various statesmen and leaders in Europe in order to help bridge the Empire of Japan with the European powers."
"Excellent. With Hirohito on the other side of the planet for the next few months, we can proceed with our plans on schedule without any interruption." explained Zero. "If we can muster enough resources and launch a massive propaganda campaign, we could have a good chance to launch a full offensive on the Japanese in Korea."
"There is one problem though." said Kim Gu. "Don't you find it a little suspicious they openly allowed this information to be printed? I mean if Hirohito is confident enough to have is absence be announced for all to hear, wouldn't you suspect he's anticipating such a move?"
"Hmm. You make a good point Kim. An announcement like this is either due to an error in judgement or confidence in security and I don't think Hirohito is careless enough to let a giant hole to be accidentally left uncovered." said Zero. "However this maybe the only opportunity we have where Hirohito isn't keeping his full attention on us. We can't let it go to waste."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" asked Kim Gu. "We don't have the resources to launch a full on offensive on the Japanese forces in Korea."
"I know. We are far from prepared for that scenario. Hell we don't know what exactly Hirohito and his associates are planning. How can we fight against an enemy whose full intentions aren't even know to us?" said Zero before he had a sudden realization. "I think I know how we can use this opportunity to our advantage."
"How?" asked Kim Gu with a confused look on his face.
"We use Hirohito's absence to organize an intelligence gathering group in Tokyo." said Zero.
"But we determined that expanding our intelligence networks in Tokyo would attract too much attention. Also the spies and informants we have in Tokyo and other key areas have exhausted themselves to getting all the information we currently have." said Kim Gu.
"This will be different. My plan is to set up a front for the Black Army in Tokyo, therefore allowing us to work in the open and potentially have greater access to things our spies and informants can't access." explained Zero.
"And who will you be sending on this intelligence gathering mission?" asked Kim Gu.
"Seeing how this situation must be handled with the utmost care and without a single scratch, I think it would be best if I along with members of the Zero Division are sent." answered Zero.
"Whoa wait a minute! Did you just say YOU will be going to Tokyo?! May I remind you the people in Tokyo are looking to cut off your head practically 24/7." said a shocked Kim Gu.
"I'll be ok. First, I have my geass. Second, I will have the Zero Division to help defend me. And third, I've already come up with a cover we can use to operate there will no suspicion. All I'll need to do is have Dietrich use his intelligence network and resources to create a whole new identity for us." explained Zero. "Meanwhile you'll have to look over all Black Army activity here in Shanghai."
"Though I am quite conflicted over this plan, I will go with it. Besides you're right in that we need to know what Hirohito is exactly planning." Kim Gu replied. "Also I suspect he's already made sure his plan can operate even if he is absent from the country."
"I was thinking that too. Hopefully we can find out what exactly we are dealing with and counter it." said Zero.
Author's Note:
I thank all who were patient for the release of this chapter and I deeply apologize for the long wait. Been busy with many other things in my life.
As of now the Black Army and the Provisional Government have signed an agreement saying they will cooperate with one another and share resources. Meanwhile Zero and the Zero Division plan to infiltrate Tokyo directly in order to burrow themselves within the Empire's governing institutions and find out what exactly is Hirohito intends to do with all the behind the curtains deals he has made with the aristocracy, zaibatsu, military officers and diplomats.
Since Zero himself will be partaking in this intelligence gathering mission, we will see more usage of geass.
Also please review if you can.