Ch. 54: Tensions
3:04 PM, April 30, 1922, Outskirts of Peking, China
The rural lands outside of the city were peppered with the craters and dead bodies as hundreds of soldiers from the Zhili and Fengtian Cliques fought one another. Chili soldiers, in their light-blue uniforms, were positioned in various trenches and fox holes as they attempted to ward off waves of brown-uniformed Fengtian soldiers charging towards them. The sound of gunshots from machine guns and rifles reverberoted through the air as soldiers from both sides shot at one another. A thunder-like "BOOM!" could also be heard as each artillery gun shot their shells high into the air.
Using the some of the remaining foliage on the battlefield to conceal themselves, Fengtian soldiers would use their rifles to snipe machine gunners. "BANG!" could be heard as one Zhili machine gunner fell dead. A nearby Zhili solider immediately took the dead gunner's place and started peppering the area with bullets. Various Fengtian soldiers hiding instantly fell out of the foliage dead. Those that survived fled from their hiding spots immediately. However many of them were picked off by positioned Zhili soldiers.
Waves of Fengtian cavalry could also be seen brandishing their sabers and charging towards trenches and foxholes. While some of them managed to overrun a few fox holes and machine gun nests, most retreated upon being shot at by artillery shells or bullets.
"We got them on the run! Prepare to charge back!" yelled the Zhili General as he drew out his saber.
A nearby solider blew his bugle to signal the charge. Upon hearing it, hundreds of soldiers climbed out of the trenches, fox holes, and machine guns. A collective war cry that sounded like a lion's roar filled the air as the hundreds of soldiers charged across the battlefield. As they charged, Zhili soldiers shot down any Fengtian solider they could see. Once they approached the Fengtian's defensive lines, the Zhili, like their enemies did before, found themselves being machine gunned and blown apart by artillery shells. While they managed to take out a few dozen enemy soldiers, the Zhili immediately retreated back to their defenses.
"Damn it! I thought we have them that time!" the General yelled at his aide-de-camp. "We need to take these guys out in order to attack the Fengtian's Western HQ in Changxindian."
"Perhaps we can try outflanking them again sir. It worked the last time." replied the aide-de-camp.
"That won't work! If intelligence I have received is correct, the enemy is currently being reinforced as we speak. The gains we would make from another flanking maneuver would be less than the losses we would incur."
"Then what do you plan to do sir for the time being?"
A shell then impacted the ground nearby, causing tons of earth to be ejected into the air along with the General and his aide-de-camp being knocked down to the ground. Both men then got themselves up and brushed the excess dirt off their uniforms.
"The best course of action we can take is stay on the defensive. We are one of the few obstacles blocking the Fengtian's path towards our headquarters in Baoding. If we fall, then this war is all but lost!"
"GENERAL ANOTHER WAVE IS BEING SENT THIS WAY!" yelled a nearby Lieutenant.
Turning to his left the General could see hundreds of Fengtian soldiers appearing over a hill in the distance and begin their charge.
"ALL MEN MAINTAIN POSITIONS! I DON'T WANT A SINGLE ENEMY SOUL TO PENETRATE OUR DEFENSES!"
As before, the machine guns started mowing away at the enemy, turning them to a pile of lifeless corpses in an instant. Another group attempted to charge too, but most of their soldiers were blown into many pieces from an artillery salvo. Nevertheless, some of the attacking Fengtian soldiers managed to find the opportunity to make some direct shots with their rifles.
The General continued walking down the trench lines giving various orders. As he walked, he could see dozens if not hundreds of dead or severely wounded soldiers in agony lying on the ground around him.
"At the rate this is being kept up, we won't be able to hold out for long." the General thought to himself.
A few miles North of the main battlefield, a lone Zhili scout could be seen hiding in the brushes on a hill next to some railway tracks. Upon hearing a rumbling sound in the distance, he pulled out his binoculars and looked out into the distance. In the distance he could see a train pulling three giant railway howitzers along with several boxcars coming towards him. He immediately left his hiding spot and ran back to his team who was waiting nearby.
"So is it coming?" asked one of the soldiers.
"Yes. It turns out those Black Army guys weren't exaggerating. The artillery guns were absolutely colossal." the scout responded.
"Alright men, get into position." commanded the team's Captain.
The whole team immediately ducked down behind the hill and peaked their heads high enough so they could see the train speeding towards them. One of the soldiers ran towards the railway tracks and quickly checked on the dynamite they had placed there earlier to ensure it was connected and secured. Once everything was inspected, he immediately ran back and hid behind the hill. Another soldier grabbed the detonator box connected to the dynamite and prepared to push it down.
"WHOOT! WHOOT!" echoed through the air as the train was about to pass over the dynamite. When the Captain, through his binoculars, saw the train pass over the dynamite, he gave the signal to detonate it. The soldier then pushed on the plunger with full force.
A deafening "KAAABOOOOOOM!" shattered the air as the train, along with the artillery guns and boxcars, where thrown off the tracks and broken into multiple pieces. The explosion was so powerful that the Captain and his team had to immediately lay down on their stomachs to avoid being hit wth broken pieces of metal or knocked by the explosive force.
The Captain proceeded to lift his head and inspect the wreckage. All he could see in front of him were three giant artillery guns absolutely damaged beyond repair, half a steam locomotive, a destroyed railway track, and a dozen charred corpses or what remained of them.
"Alright men time to move out and rendezvous with the others." ordered the Captain.
The Captain and his team proceeded to immediately flee the area upon finishing with their mission.
Behind the front lines of the battlefield was the Zhili command center, which consisted of several large tents surrounded by sandbag entrenchments. Multiple artillery guns dotted the area, each one firing a barrage of shells at the enemy. As a result, it sounded like a thunderstorm was occurring.
Inside one of the tents were several officers and soldiers. People came in and out of the tent as they relayed orders they had received from the front lines to their commanding officers and vice-versa. In addition, other soldiers could be seen monitoring communication lines leading back to the Zhili Army's HQ in Baoding.
As various reports on the changing battlefield came in, several officers gathered around a large map of the region pushed small figurines placed on top of the map to their new positions as indicated in the reports. However out of all the officers reviewing the map of the battlefield, none was more focused than Commander of the Zhili forces General Wu Peifu, a lightly mustached man in his late 40's. Standing besides him was General Jo and Kae, both of whom were wearing their Black Army uniforms.
"General, just received an update from General Wang. According to him the 23rd Division has yet to penetrate Fengtian lines North of Gu'an and is suffering heavy losses." reported one officer.
"Tell General Wang to maintain the offensive."
"Urgent report from the 26th Division stationed in Dacheng. Zhang Zuolin's forces are slowly pushing back our lines in the Eastern front. Aerial bombardments have also been reported." reported a second officer.
"Have the 26th Division reposition themselves behind the secondary defensive lines. It is the utmost importance to keep the Fengtian divided in the West and the East."
"3rd Cavalry Brigade supported by the 13th Artillery Battery reported making a breakthrough at Fangshan in the North. Currently they are outflanking Fengtian lines in the area, causing them to be in disarray." a third officer reported.
"Have the 3rd Cavalry Brigade continue outflanking the enemy from the East. Meanwhile have the 14th Division outflank them from the West. Finally have the 7th Division in the area to go on the offensive and push towards Peking."
Wu then continued to focus on the changes constantly being made to the war map as the ground beneath him shook due to nearby and distant artillery fire.
"It seems that the forces North of here are making some progress." Jo said.
"Yes, however I'm not sure how long that can last." Wu replied. "My men are barely defending their positions on the Eastern front against Zhang's offensive. And our advance towards Peking here in the West is going at a snail's pace. The fact that the Fengtian are reported using aerial bombardments and state-of-the art long range artillery puts them in a very advantageous position."
"You can thank the Japanese for that. Fortunately the tactics and weapons me and Kae gave you will make up for most of that lost."
"The anti-aircraft modified machine guns along with the increased target practicing have definitely given my men the ability to adequately defend themselves from enemy aircraft. As for those supposed giant Raijin railway guns the enemy received from the enemy, I had my men utilize the rapid sabotage tactics you taught us to effectively bomb the railroads in order to prevent them from being deployed."
"Well the Black Army was in the beginning only composed of several militias and some volunteers. Guerrilla warfare and ambush tactics were the only effective methods we could use." Kae added.
Another officer suddenly came in and updated Wu on the battle. The Chinese General immediately nodded and started to draw an x over one of the railway lines depicted on the map.
"Just received word from one of the saboteur teams I sent out. Apparently they managed to take out one of the major railways to the North of here along with derailing several Raijin railway guns."
"It's a good thing that managed to take them out. Had those railway guns been placed along this line of railroad, our current position would most definitely be compromised." Kae replied.
"However, even without the use of the Raijins, the Fengtian are still creeping up on us in the East. If we are expected to win this war, then it is the utmost importance to regain control of Peking and push the Fengtian back."
"I totally agree General. However the question is how do we pull that off?" Wu said and he went into deep thought.
Kae and Jo then walked to the side as Wu continued to think of a solution to the current predicament.
"General Wu is really caught in between a rock and a hard place." Jo said. "The only way he can prevent the enemy from advancing in the East is to redeploy some of his forces their in order to enforce the lines. The problem with that is that will weaken his offensive forces in the West, therefore stopping his advancement towards Peking."
"It really ticks me off that we couldn't provide more resources. If the Zhili had the equipment we have developed and bought, then they would have a better shot at winning. I mean what are those guys in the Provisional Government thinking?" Kae replied.
"I know right. However, if we are truly fighting for Korea and the interests of the Korean people, then the Black Army must respect the agreement it made with the Provisional Government."
"True. I still wish Zero was here though. He probably would've pulled off one of his miracles and had the Fengtian on the run by now."
"His miracles are something. I remember first hearing about his miracles. Couldn't believe a single individual along with a small band of fighters could manage to destroy a whole battleship and bruise the pride of Japan. However after I saw him maneuver that retreat from the mountain and luring the Japanese towards him to..."
"General Jo!" Wu yelled, much to the surprise of Jo and Kae. "What did you say just now?"
"I was just reminiscing with Kae how our lead commander Zero managed to orchestrate a successful blow on the Japanese by retreating and luring the Japanese towards him."
"THAT'S IT! CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T THINK OF IT BEFORE!"
"General Wu, what is it?" Kae asked.
"The solution to our problem. I just thought of a way to win this battle and maybe the war itself." Jo then pushed several figurines representing his forces in the West backwards. "I'll do what I did back in the war with the Anhui two years ago. I will have my forces in the West stop the advancement and feign retreat. With the enemy on the offensive and over stretching their lines, I will have my forces come around and outflank them."
Wu then took some of the Zhili figurines moved them around the figurines representing the advancing Fengtian.
"I get it. With the enemy already overstretched and giving them false confidence, they will be easy picking by your men."
"Exactly General! And if everything goes according to plan, then the Fengtian's Western front will be practically destroyed, allowing us to reinforce our forces fighting in the East."
Wu then called several of his officers and gave them orders to have all Western forces to prepare for a strategic retreat. All of the officers nodded and immediately relayed the orders to the front lines.
Jo and Kae immediately shook Wu's hand and said their goodbyes before they left for Baoding, the location of the Zhili's Army HQ. Wu in return quickly thanked the two, along with the Black Army, for the assistance they gave to the Zhili Clique.
The two of them then left the command tent and headed towards a pair horses that we being watched by the escorts provided by the Zhili Clique. They got on them and proceeded to ride Westward with their escorts towards the city of Baoding.
1:00 PM, May 5th, 1922, Imperial Japanese Army General Staff Office HQ, Tokyo, Japan
Colonel/Baron Michio Daisuke was walking down one of the large hallways as he passed numerous other military officers relaying reports and messages to other parts of the building. He then approached the door that led to Prince Kotohito's office and knocked at it.
"Come in!" said a voice from the other side.
Daisuke opened the door and entered the room. Inside he could see Kotohito sitting at his large, wooden desk reviewing several files and reports. Instinctively Daisuke clicked his boots together and saluted.
"Field Marshal Prince Kotohito! Colonel/Baron Michio Daisuke reporting for duty!" Daisuke announced.
Kotohito put down the report he was reading, stood up, and saluted Daisuke back. Upon being saluted, Daisuke lowered his hand and relaxed.
"It's nice to see you again Colonel. I see the all the years of military training has turned you into a fine soldier." Kotohito replied as he sat back down. "That's not surprising. Your late father was one of the most ideal commanders I have seen in the Imperial Army."
"My father did heavily emphasize the importance of serving and defending the ideals of His Majesty and the Empire. He made sure I would get the best training and education to enhance my ability to carry out that goal."
"Yes and the reason I called you in today is because of your expertise and record performance." Kotohito then pulled out a file labeled "MICHIO DAISUKE" and proceeded to read it's contents.
"It says here you had the highest marks in your graduating class at the Imperial Japanese Army Academy. You were then given command over the Jorogumo Battalion, where you exhibited excellent commanding skills when you chased the Bolsheviks out of Khabarovsk and trapped them by cutting off their access to the railroads. Fellow officers have commented as you being focused on your duties along with being sociable and willing to listen to others. Your lack of arrogance has also been praised by your contemporaries as well."
"I thank you for the comments your Highness, but it's really nothing special. There are many more qualified and prestigious people in the armed forces. I am simply a citizen fulfilling his duties to serve his country."
"You may not see something special, but the Regent Crown Prince does. In fact he is preparing several new positions and has advocated you to be appointed to one of them."
"Really? I am utterly shocked. I would never expect Prince Hirohito to consider me seeing how me and the Jorogumo Battalion embarrassed Japan after that lost against the Black Army two years ago." Daisuke replied.
"Actually it was because of that loss that Hirohito considered you in the first place." Daisuke immediately looked at Kotohito with confusion. "Let me explain. You see, when it became apparent that this Black Army wasn't simply an unorganized group of dissenters and troublemakers, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor suggested to send in Marshal Tōdō, a man who despite his amazing abilities and loyalty had a tendency to be overconfident and solitary. It was these flaws that contributed to the loss of the battle at the Yōkai Military Base along with his death."
"But that doesn't exactly answer my question on why he chose me."
"After analyzing the situation with me, Prince Sadanaru, and several other military advisors, Hirohito concluded that a younger generation of commanders, preferably those with first-hand experience with unconventional warfare tactics employed by the Black Army, is needed to effectively deal with them. You as a result fit the standards Hirohito is looking for." Kotohito continued to explain. "So my question therefore to you will accept this new position?"
"As a citizen of the Empire of Japan who has vowed to defend it and His Majesty the Emperor, will gladly accept the position offered by His Imperial Highness the Regent Crown Prince." said Daisuke as he saluted.
"That's good to hear Colonel. Japan needs the best of the best more than ever right now. Reports from our Fengtian allies have started to take a turn for the worst lately. Apparently the Zhili have dealt a crippling blow against the Fengtian's Western forces."
"I remember reading that in the paper recently. I was personally surprised that the Fengtian took such a serious blow considering how we have given them some of the best weapons money can buy along with our best military advisors."
"It surprised us all. Hopefully the Fengtian's Eastern front will hold long enough for Zhang Zuolin to reorganize himself and launch a counterattack." said Kotohito.
Kotohito then dismissed Daisuke. In response, Daisuke proudly saluted Kotohito before exiting the office.
As he walked out of the office and down the hallway, Daisuke started to recall the discussion he had with Kae at the post-funeral reception party. Remembering that talks with her started to make him question his reasons on fighting for Japan. He didn't agree with the discriminatory policies promoted by many in the government and the military, yet he felt he had an obligation to defend to the place he proudly called home. He wanted to protect the interests of the Empire, but also wanted to protect all the civilians, Japanese and non-Japanese, living in it. The question continued to itch at his head to the point that he had to think about something else in order to get his mind off the topic.
6:29 PM, May 6th, 1922, Provisional Government of the ROK, French Concession, Shanghai
President Rhee, his Cabinet, Provisional Government representatives, Zero, and his top advisors entered the meeting room and proceeded to sit down. Once everyone was seated, Rhee grabbed the gavel and banged it several times.
"I hereby call this meeting of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea into session!" he announced. "Mr. Zero, this meeting was called into session in regards to the current war in China. Now Mr. Kim Gu here has insisted this meeting be called. Could you please elaborate on why he did?"
Zero then got up from his seat and walked to the podium while carrying some detailed reports. "Indeed I can Mr. President. If you all recall, I was advocating for more involvement in China in order to curtail rising Japanese influence in the region. Well recent reports I have received have seemed to indicate that the Black Army's involvement in the region paid off greatly."
"How so?" asked a semi-skeptical Rhee.
"As per our agreement, the Black Army only helped the Zhili Clique by giving them some arms, allowing them to use our communication networks, and by sending over a few military advisors. Now according to a report sent by one of these advisors I have sent, the Zhili Clique, despite suffering major losses in the beginning, is now prevailing on the battlefield and has pushed the Fengtian back towards the Manchurian border." Zero explained.
Zero then kept reading the report in front of him, which mentioned how General Wu Peifu managed to regain control of the Western front by feigning retreat, luring the Fengtian troops out into the open where they were ambushed and outflanked. The report also mentioned how with the Fengtian forces in the West were now incapacitated, Wu then shifted his focus to the East, where the Western forces reinforced the Eastern front. Zero continued to explain how this shift Eastward allowed the Zhili forces to deal significant losses to the Fengtian, forcing them to retreat and abandon ground.
"Unable to maintain their defensive lines as the Zhili launched numerous attacks, the Fengtian were ordered to evacuate their headquarters in the city of Tianjin. And according to the most recent reports, Zhili forces under the command of General Wang Chengbin entered and captured Tianjin yesterday. Based on the current situation, it appears the city of Peking will soon be captured by the Zhili, meaning their victory is all but assured."
"I see. That's good to hear." Rhee said as he stroked his chin. "However Mr. Kim, I assume you didn't insist this meeting to be called just so you could relay some news?"
"Correct Mr. President. These turn of events is evidence that China is not the lost cause we initially believed it was. The strength and sophistication of the pro-Japanese Fengtian Clique's forces also confirms Zero's concerns that Japan is using them to indirectly expand their influence on the rest of the Asian continent. Therefore I am proposing to have the Provisional Government shift more focus to China." Kim Gu answered.
Immediately all the Provisional Government officials started deliberating with one another.
"Mr. Kim! We have gone over this before, the policy of this administration has always been focusing on America!" Rhee yelled. "They are our best shot of achieving independence from Japan. They have the money, influence, and allies we need to help us properly funded and keep Japan at bay!"
"Mr. President, with all due respects, Kim Gu makes a few good points." interjected Kim Kyu-sik. "Had the Fengtian been the ones who prevailed and become the dominant faction in China, then basically they, along with Japan, would be surrounding the city of Shanghai and therefore severely jeopardizing our security. Zero's plan to assist the Zhili helped prevent that from occurring."
"Also remember we limited the amount of aide the Black Army could give and utilize to help them. If the Black Army can achieve this much by giving small amounts of aide, imagine the impact they would have if we allowed them to give aide without any limitations." added Lyuh Woon-hyung.
"While I do agree we should still maintain ties with America, I think a shift of focus towards China would be beneficial in the long run. From my recent experience in America, it appears the people and government there are not interested in getting entangled in foreign conflicts that don't affect them directly." Ahn Chang-ho added.
"A stable China that is favorable to us would definitely a more reliable way of keeping Japan at bay." said Park Eunsik. "I think we should take Zero's advice and amend the current policy of the administration."
"Mr. Park, are you suggesting we allow Zero and the Black Army dictate the policy of this government?" asked a frustrated Rhee.
"Absolutely not. All I am suggesting is allowing Zero to have more input and perhaps take more of a part in the decision-making policy."
"That is out of the question! Zero officially is not a member of this administration. I will allow him to advise. I will allow him to utilize some of our resources. But I will not allow him to dictate policy."
"Mr. President. you make like it or not, but Zero's intelligence proved correct and because of him we were able to effectively throw a wrench into Japan's plans. The amount of time it bought us will definitely be beneficial to us." Hong Jin said.
"But what can China do for us in return?" Rhee asked. "You say that they can keep the Fengtian and the Japanese at bay, but can you guarantee that? China is still fragile even with the Zhili in control. The United States is our best shot because they understand the ideals we fight for. They too were founded on the desire to be independent. I have faith that the American government will finally understand our cause and give us the assistance we need."
"Mr. President, may I add something to this discussion?" Zero asked.
Rhee immediately shook his head in approval.
"President Rhee. Members of the Provisional Government. I would like to make clear that my goal is not to dictate policy as this would be against our initial agreement. All I am suggesting is we expand our operations in China and counter Japanese influence. I am not saying we abandon our ties in America. However as Mr. Ahn mentioned before, attitudes in America indicate a rise in isolationism and the government is mainly interested in domestic affairs. Therefore we cannot rely on the good will of the United States and must utilize whatever alternative that is available." Zero said. "That is why I am pleading for the Provisional Government to reconsider it's current policy and shift more attention to China. However should the Provisional Government choose to maintain the current policy, then I assure you that I, along with the Black Army, will respect and comply with the Provisional Government's decision".
"Very well. As President of the Provisional Government, I hereby am calling a vote on a resolution to amend the administration's foreign policy." Rhee announced. "All those in favor of adopting a policy that focuses on China say aye!"
"AYE!" yelled out Kim Gu along with a majority of the other Cabinet members and representatives as they raised their hand in the air to show their approval.
"All those in favor of maintaining the current policy say nay!" Rhee announced.
"NAY!" yelled out Rhee along with a pocket of representatives who still supported him.
Seeing how the majority of representatives showed approval of Zero's plan over his, Rhee angrily clenched the gavel he was holding and gave an unpleasant look at him.
"With a majority clearly in favor of changing the administration's current foreign policy, I hereby make declare it official." Rhee replied as he banged the gavel.
All the members of the Provisional Government then agreed to adjourn the meeting. As everyone got up from their seats, Kim Gu and Ahn Chang-ho immediately approached Zero.
"Hopefully this will assist you." Ahn said.
"It definitely will." Zero replied. "If we at least maintain cordial ties with China, then our zone of influence expands greatly. China has the manpower and resources we desperately need if we want to combat the full force of Japan."
"China will definitely be the spot where we will confront the Japanese next. This war between the Zhili and the Fengtian is evidence of their desire to expand into the rest of Asia." Kim Gu added.
"However I noticed the President was still unhappy about this change."
"Rhee is the type of man who doesn't like people who he feels is challenging his decisions." Ahn replied. "Hopefully it will become clearer to him why this change had to be made."
"I hope so too." said Zero. " America is still a great source of financial aid and international attention. However the Asian continent is going to be the battlefield. That is what I think Rhee fails to fully see."
Both Kim Gu and Ahn shook their heads in approval. The three of them then exited the meeting room and continued discussing future plans on how both the Black Army and the Provisional Government will use this new opportunity.
Author's Note: The Black Army-supported Zhili successfully push back the Japanese-supported Fengtian, complicating their influence in the region for the time being. We also see Hirohito is recruiting new, younger commanders who are experts when dealing with groups like the Black Army. Daisuke, who is one of those commanders chosen, also questions his ideals and loyalty. And finally, due to the Black Army's success in helping the Zhili and keeping Japanese influence at bay, the Provisional Government has decided to adopt a more China-centric policy, much to the chagrin of President Rhee.
In case you didn't noticed, but the commanders Hirohito is recruiting are the counterpart on a group of specialized military commanders from the Code Geass series. Also the next chapter will involve the counterpart of a certain, addictive, illegal substance found in the series.