Ch. 56: Opposition
2:22 PM, September 25th, 1923, Tokyo
The city of Tokyo, still recovering from a devastating earthquake, was practically leveled to the ground. Whole neighborhoods were practically wiped out. Out of the many large, multi-storied buildings that once dotted the city, only a few were left standing. All the other buildings were simply reduced to piles of smoking rubble. In addition, the smell of smoke and death filled the air.
In addition, various civilians and workers could be seen all over the city clearing the roads of debris and pulling out burned corpses from beneath the rubble of fallen buildings. Tons of people who's homes were destroyed during the disaster could also be seen wandering the streets with whatever little they could salvage.
All of this was the only thing Colonel/Baron Michio Daisuke saw as he was being driven to the Imperial Palace. Even though the windows of the car were up, Daisuke still had to partially cover his mouth and nose due to the foul smell permeating in the air.
"Dear god this smell is just unbearable. Reminds me of the odor that covers a battlefield." Daisuke said.
"Don't worry my Lord, we'll be arriving at the Imperial Palace within the next few minutes." replied the driver. "It's just hard finding roads that have been cleared of debris and aren't damaged."
Daisuke then returned to staring out the window. He saw many large buildings partially collapsed and about to fall over. Some of them were almost leaning on a 45 degree angle. Severed power lines from broken wire posts lined the streets. Several collapsed bridges could be seen near the river, which was murky due to it being full of debris, sewage, and rotting corpses. He also noticed abandoned automobiles and trolley cars knocked over on their sides.
What disturbed him the most was the sight of dozens of dead bodies lying on the ground. Several people near the pile could be seen lifting up some of the corpses and placing them on nearby carts. Once the cart was full, it was then hauled away.
"It really hurts me to see all this devastation up close." Daisuke said. "The amount of lives lost and families left without anything but the clothes on their backs is just beyond comprehension."
"I know the feeling sir. My brother-in-law's house burned to the ground as a result of the fires spread during the earthquake. He, his wife, and three children are currently now living in a shelter and receiving rations from the government." replied the driver.
"I'm very sorry to hear that. I wish them the best of health and hope they will come out of their situation with little difficulty."
Daisuke then looked straight ahead in the distance. He could see three men standing around a man who was lying on the ground. One of the three men was armed with a long, metal pipe while the second one was armed with a blood-stained, wooden cane. The man laying on the ground had his hands tied behind his back and was covered with dirt, cuts, and bruises. He then screamed out loud in pain as one of third man kicked him.
"Stop the car!" Daisuke yelled.
The driver immediately stopped the car and Daisuke quickly got out and approached the three men.
"You three! Stop beating that man!".
The three men stopped beating up the man lying on the ground and faced Daisuke.
"Why should we stop beating up this low life piece of scum?" asked the man armed with the pipe. "All we're doing is maintaining the peace in this lawless city."
"Beating up a man who is tied up and on the ground doesn't look like keeping the peace to me. It looks more like a bunch of thugs who like inflict pain on innocent people."
"This man is no doubt a criminal." added the third man. "He's a chon and his kind are guilty of spreading chaos."
"Also chons like him are guilty of poisoning the wells." added the man armed with the wooden cane. "You should be happy we are cleaning up the streets."
"You guys really think you are defenders of the law and righteous people? If there are trash on this streets that needs to be cleaned, it's vermin like you." Daisuke angrily responded.
"Did you hear that guys? Apparently this chon lover thinks we're the troublemaking bad guys." said the man armed with the pipe. "If he's willing to defend this piece of trash, then I guess that makes him guilty as well!"
The man, raising his metal pipe in the air, immediately charged at Daisuke. Once he was close enough, the man attempted to swing the metal pipe at Daisuke's head. However, Daisuke dodged the pipe at the last second and used the opportunity to kick the man in the ribs. The man instantly gasped in pain as he dropped the metal pipe. Daisuke then proceeded to punch the man in the jaw, causing him to loose his balance and fall over.
"WHY YOU!" said the man armed with the wooden cane as he, along with the third man, charged at Daisuke from two different directions.
The third man attempted to rapidly punch at Daisuke like a boxer. Raising his arms, Daisuke proceeded to block each of the man's blows. Once an opening appeared, he repeatedly punched the man in the abdomen, causing the man to kneel. As he was kneeling, Daisuke knocked him out by kicking the side of his head.
The man armed with the wooden cane swung at Daisuke repeatedly. Thanks to his good reflexes, Daisuke nevertheless avoided being hit. Because swinging at him wasn't working, the man decided to lunge the wooden cane into Daisuke's abdomen.
Like before, the man missed hitting Daisuke, who immediately put him in an armlock. With the man tightly within his grasp, Daisuke used all his upper body force to throw the man face forward into the ground. A loud "THUD" could be heard as the man's face impacted the ground. The impact also resulted in him letting go of the wooden cane.
The three men, now covered in bloody cuts and bruises, could be seen lying on the ground in front of Daisuke. Two of them slowly stood up as they continued moaning with pain. The man who was completely knocked out, on the other hand, was completely still and quiet.
"Gentlemen, if I were you, I would probably leave while you still have most of your bones intact." Daisuke addressed to the three men.
The two men, realizing they were no match for Daisuke, quickly picked up their unconscious accomplice, and limped away from the scene.
Daisuke then quickly turned his attention to the bound, beaten up man lying on the ground. He then untied the rope binding the man's hands behind his back.
"Sir are you ok? Is anything broken?" he asked as he carefully assisted the man to stand up.
The man coughed a few times as he was trying to balance to himself.
"I'm aching...all over...my body. Feel...slightly...dizzy." the man answered.
"Here let me help you into my car." Daisuke replied.
Leaning against Daisuke for support, the beaten up man slowly limped towards the car. As they approached the car, Daisuke's driver stepped out.
"My Lord!" the driver yelled out loud as he saw Daisuke partially disheveled supporting a limping, bloody, dirt covered man.
"Don't just stand there! This man needs medical attention immediately!" Daisuke ordered.
The driver quickly assisted Daisuke with carrying the beaten up man's semi-conscious body. Once they arrived at the car, the driver opened up the rear passenger door seat. Both him and Daisuke carefully placed the man across the rear seat. Daisuke then instructed the driver to give him his jacket. The driver without question gave his jacket to Daisuke, who proceeded to rip it up. He then used some of the pieces of the jacket as makeshift bandages.
Once he was done bandaging the man's bloody wounds, Daisuke and the driver got back into the car. Sitting in the front passenger seat, he then instructed the driver to take the car to the nearest hospital or refugee camp. The driver quickly started the car and drove to the nearest hospital they could find. They drove down the few roads that were clear of debris or were intact for several minutes before finally reaching a refugee camp.
The drive stopped the car in front of the camp as Daisuke got out and approached several nurses. After he explained the situation to them, two nurses grabbed a stretcher and followed him back to the car. He then opened the passenger door and assisted the nurses in carefully lifting the beaten man out of the car and onto the stretcher. He happily thanked both nurses for their assistance before they carried the man away for further medical treatment.
Daisuke then walked back to the car. Before getting in, he quickly brushed some excess dirt off his uniform and straightened his hair.
"Alright, shall we move on to our destination?" he asked the driver.
The driver immediately nodded and started up the car.
"Well that was an interesting detour wouldn't you say?" Daisuke happily asked.
"Indeed. However are you sure you don't want me to take you back home? I don't think brushing some dust and fixing your hair is enough to make yourself look fully presentable for the Crown Prince?"
"That won't be necessary. His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince is not that strict when it comes to presentations. Besides, we're already 5 minutes behind schedule. I think the Crown Prince would rather have me look untidy than to be late."
"Very well my Lord." the driver responded as he continued driving past mountains of debris and dozens of homeless families. "Excuse me my Lord, but may I ask you a question?"
"Sure. What do you want to ask?"
"Why exactly did you take the time and effort to save that chon back there?"
"Do you really have to ask why?" Daisuke responded with frustration. "It was because he was being beaten to near death by a bunch of vigilante-wannabe thugs. Someone had to stop them. As someone who took a vow to defend all subjects loyal to the Empire and His Majesty the Emperor, I couldn't stand by and watch an act of barbarity be committed."
"My Lord, I understand your reasons on why you did what you did, but there are many who would condemn your actions and would simply watch those three men beat that chon to death. Aren't you worried that your actions could attract criticism from your fellow officers and superiors?"
"They can criticize and condemn all they want, but that's their opinion. Unlike them, I heavily value the honor that comes with my position along with the oath I took that stated I would fight on behalf in the name of the Emperor and for the wellbeing of his subjects, Japanese and non-Japanese."
"I see. Well if there's one thing I would like to say about you My Lord is that you really have a good heart."
The driver carefully drove across several roads that were unevenly bumpy due to the aftereffects of the earthquake. Eventually Daisuke could see the Imperial Palace in the distance through the front window. The car crossed over the bridge leading towards the giant, wooden main gate that led into the Palace grounds.
One of the numerous Imperial Guards stationed nearby approached the driver and asked for identification. Daisuke proceeded to hand to the driver his identification papers along with a copy his summons to the driver, who proceeded to show the Imperial Guard. The Guard checked all the identification papers and read the summons. Seeing it had the Privy Seal stamped on the bottom, the Guard without question handed back the papers and ordered the main gate to be opened.
Once inside, the driver drove the car down the road that led to the entrance of the Imperial Palace. Daisuke looked out his window and could see some administrative buildings along with the large, lush gardens that covered much of the Palace grounds. A group of guards patrolling the area on horseback could also be seen passing by.
As the car reached the Imperial Palace entrance, the driver got out and opened the door for Daisuke. Once he got out, he thanked the driver and started to approach the entrance into the palace, which was flanked on both sides with Imperial Guards. He walked through the ornate, halls which exhibited a hybrid of Japanese and European architecture until he reached two large, well crafted wooden doors that led to the Crown Prince's office. After making sure his uniform and appearance was as best as he could make it look, he knocked on the door several times.
"Come in!" yelled a voice from inside the room.
Daisuke entered the office and saw Hirohito sitting at his desk. Standing beside the desk was a tall, man in his mid thirties who had a light goatee and a young woman with short hair that was about the same age as Daisuke. While both the man and woman wore the same standard Imperial Japanese Army uniform, the man's uniform consisted of a few medals.
"I'm sorry for my slight tardiness your Majesty but something unexpected got in the way." Daisuke said as he bowed.
"It's ok Colonel. For a devoted, meticulous soldier like you, it must've been something very important if it warranted you to diverge from schedule." Hirohito replied. "Anyway I think introductions are in order."
The man in his mid thirties with a light goatee stepped forward and saluted Daisuke, who immediately saluted back. "I am Major General Matsuda Taiichi of the Taiwan Garrison and it's an honor to meet you Colonel."
"It's an honor to meet you too General. I have read about your service in Taiwan and I must say I am impressed with your ability to mostly pacify the armed insurgents still active on the island."
"Thank you, but it was nothing impressive. All I did was encourage the rivalry between the native Taiwanese aborigines against the Han Chinese, therefore dividing the insurgency movement in half and prevent them from focusing on us. It was simply something I learned from my British counterparts when I was a military attaché in India."
Daisuke then shook Matsuda's hand before walking towards the girl, who was standing nearby with a serious, stoic look on her face. The girl stepped forward and like Matsuda saluted Daisuke.
"I am Sergeant Nishimura Saya. I am leader of the Kempeitai's Fuji Squad."
"I didn't know the armed forces enlisted women into their ranks." Daisuke replied.
"Is that a problem Colonel?" Nishimura asked with a serious look on her face.
"No absolutely not. It's just that I thought women weren't allowed to be enlisted into the armed forces."
"Technically you are correct Colonel." she replied. "However me and the Fuji Squad technically operate "outside" of the traditional establishment. The Fuji Squad specifically specializes in counter intelligence, espionage, and stealth operations. It's considered one of the most covert squads within the Kempeitai and as a result we have a great track record of apprehending the most cunning subversives."
"Now that we've all introduced ourselves, it is now to discuss the reason I called you here." Hirohito interjected. "As you know subversive groups have been disturbing the peace and prosperity of the Empire. The most troubling of these groups is undoubtedly the Black Army. They have been proven to be a tricky foe that cannot be defeated with standard tactics. Prince Yamagata Aritomo's death at their hands is evidence of how close and serious of a threat they can be."
Both Daisuke and Matsuda immediately gave a shocked look while Nishimura still maintained her stoic face.
"Excuse me your Highness, but I had heard that His Grace Prince Aritomo died of natural causes." responded Daisuke.
"That is was the report High Command released to the public. However in reality Aritomo was assassinated at point blank range by a Black Army agent. I requested that the truth be kept under wraps in order to maintain morale and order. The very idea of a Black Army agent killing one of the most senior officials in the Empire in his own house would certainly lead to panic." Hirohito explained.
"Ok, but what about His Imperial Highness Prince Sadanaru? Was his death by influenza simply a coverup of another assassination?" asked Matsuda.
"Sadanaru's death, while a great loss for this Empire, was fortunate enough to be simply the result of old age and a case of influenza. Everything you have heard about Sadanaru's death is 100% the truth."
"I guess the one remaining question I have is why are you telling us this?" Daisuke asked.
"Because I need to have you know every trick the Black Army has played in order to subdue them to the point that they won't be able to regroup and strike again. The previous people given the chance to stop their violence and chaos were arrogant with the old traditional ways, and therefore were unable to adapt to the rules the Black Army plays by. Former Viceroy Count Hasegawa and the deceased Marshal Tōdō are examples of that flaw. However, you three have demonstrated that you are experts when it comes to counterinsurgency.
"Therefore as Regent, I have assigned you to Chōsen with the task to deal with the Black Army and any other subversives that exist. In addition, you will be given command over several new regiments specifically trained and equipped to effectively combat the Black Army. Do any of you have any questions?"
Daisuke, Matsuda, and Nishimura all simultaneously shook their heads.
"Good. After some arrangements are finalized, you will be given further instructions on what to do next and your deadline for deployment to Chōsen. I thank you very much for taking on this difficult task." Hirohito replied. "Protect this Empire from those who deliver false justice from the dark shadows they hide in.
The three soldiers slowly bowed at the Crown Prince before they were excused.
"So Daisuke, out of the three of us, you are the only one who has actually fought the Black Army. Anything we should know about these guys?" asked Matsuda.
"All I can say General is do not underestimate them under any circumstance. Their leader Zero has recruited bright commanders and has crafted people off the street into professional soldiers. As the Shinigami showed, overconfidence and ruthlessness will only lead you into the palm of Zero's hand so he can crush you."
"I see. If that's the case, then our plan should be focused on preventing the Black Army from spreading and maintaining their influence in Chōsen."
"I agree." Nishimura replied. "We should start by setting up surveilance on the most active communication channels, financial transactions, and shipping records."
"The only question is how do we apprehend the Black Army's leadership in Shanghai. They are on foreign soil, meaning our options on how to effectively deal with them are extremely limited." said Matsuda.
"I believe His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince is dealing with that." answered Daisuke. "He's currently trying to reestablish our influence in China via the Fengtian Clique. If the Fengtian Clique manages to wrestle power away from the Zhili Clique, then we should have no problem apprehending the Black Army along with the Provisional Government."
"Well let us hope everything works out fine with little difficulty." Matsuda happily said.
"Agreed." replied both Daisuke and Nishimura simultaneously.
11:09 PM, January 28th, 1924, Black Army HQ, Shanghai
Though it was late at night and he was somewhat exhausted, Zero was still at his desk typing up various documents. The only source of light in his office was the his desk lamp. The repeated sounds of his fingers hitting the keys of the typewriter and the typewriter bell ringing were the only sounds one could hear. It was then the sound of someone knocking at his office door could be heard.
"Come in." Zero said.
The door opened and Kae walked into the office.
"Zero, it's past 11 o'clock. Shouldn't you be resting a bit?" she asked with concern.
"I'm fine Kae. I really have to get this sympathy letter to give to the Russians in regards to the recent death of Mr. Lenin typed up. It is the utmost importance that we maintain cordial relations with Russia, especially since they persuaded the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang to work together and form the United Front last year."
"But shouldn't that be a good thing since both of those groups oppose Japan and therefore could assist us in or fight?"
"Under normal circumstances that would be true Kae. I admire the writings and leadership of Dr. Sun. I think the Kuomintang have lots of potential. However the group in China that opposes Japan and has the best chance of countering them is the Zhili Clique. Since the Zhili Clique opposes the Kuomintang based in the south, our improved ties with the Zhili Clique has cost us slightly in terms of our relationship with both the Russians and the Kuomintang. That is why I am trying to improve these small setbacks by assuring both groups that while we do cooperate with the Zhili Clique, we have no intentions or desire to be hostile with Russia or the newly formed United Front."
"I see." Kae replied. "Speaking of Russia, it was a real shame that Mr. Lenin died. He was very nice to us when we visited him in Moscow a few years back. Now I am wondering who is going to succeed him."
"Well, according to word coming out of Moscow, it's most likely going to be General Secretary Joseph Stalin." answered Zero. "However he has me concerned a bit since he's already starting to alienate and expel his opponents in the Politburo. It is obvious he is going to be a different kind of leader than Lenin was."
"Let us hope Mr. Stalin doesn't jeopardize everything we have gained by working with his country." replied Kae. "By the way Zero, I heard that recent raid on that opium farm in Miryang was successful."
"You heard correctly. Thanks to that raid, opium production in Korea has been reduced even further. In addition to thwarting the gangs and corrupt Japanese officials that are trafficking the stuff, opium and morphine consumption by Koreans have reportedly have dropped while morale has increased.
"Dietrich has even told me that this increased morale has resulted in more locals cooperating with us. Our coffers are also being filled with more money thanks to the people who are donating money that they normally would've spent on opium or morphine."
"So what do you plan to due with this money?" asked Kae.
"I'm hoping we can allocate a good portion of it to R&D. Ronan has told me he could use some more equipment and chemicals to help develop more efficient engine fuel and explosives. Of course how much is a "good portion" all depends on how the Provisional Government wants to split the money."
"That shouldn't be a problem since your approval rating amongst a majority of the Provisional Government members is positive. I mean the Provisional Government knows they wouldn't even be getting any money if it wasn't for our efforts."
"Ideally that should be how they should be reacting." Zero said. "However President Rhee is still adamant my approach is wrong and inefficient. He constantly oppose my plans because I am targeting the gangs and drug traffickers along with the Japanese manufacturers and government officials. Various times he has even told me he would halt funding of Black Army activities if the operations continue."
"But surely everyone knows Rhee's thinking is wrong since the gangs and drug traffickers are as guilty as the Japanese companies and officials who are distributing the stuff. Even with his supporters, he and his faction are in the minority. They can't possibly get enough support to defund us." said Kae.
"Even though his supporters don't have a majority, Rhee still has enough influence to at least stall financial deals between us and the Provisional Government. Fortunately Kim Gu as assured me that we have enough support in the Provisional Government to render any threat by Rhee to be extremely minimal. Besides, Rhee knows that if he digresses too much from the members who support our plans, his legitimacy amongst the Korean people will be put up to question." Zero replied.
"Well that's a relief." Kae replied. "Anyway I'm heading to bed. Just don't overwork yourself Zero."
"Don't worry I won't. I plan to go to bed once I am finished with this letter."
"Ok. Well have a good night then." Kae said as she exited Zero's office.
"Good night Kae." Zero replied as he went back to typing up his letter.
Author's Notes: We see an example of Daisuke, despite being a loyal citizen and subject of the Empire, not conforming with the discriminatory policies and views held by a majority of his peers by defending a Korean man from being beaten to death. We also are introduced to two new characters, Matsuda and Nishimura, who are military commanders who specialize in counterinsurgency and guerrilla tactics (I wanted to simply say asymmetric warfare, but that term didn't appear until the Cold War). Daisuke, Matsuda, and Nishimura are obviously forming a group that is similar to one from the Code Geass universe. Meanwhile we see Zero and Kae talking about their continuing success in cutting down the opium/morphine trade along with Rhee's continued opposition to Zero's plan.
I had hoped to release this chapter a week or two ago, but due to the holidays, it was delayed. Really feel bad for people waiting 2-3 months for one chapter. That's why I am always thankful for everyone's patience. Anyway, next chapter we'll see the relationship between the Black Army and Provisional Government be strained after a series of events occur.