Ch. 57: Scandal
9:52 PM, October 4th, 1924, Shanghai International Settlement
Amongst the many brightly lit buildings dotting the streets of Shanghai was the Golden Dragon Dance Hall. Inside was a large ballroom where dozens of men and women, mostly of American/European origin, could be seen dancing to a jazz band. Many of the men were wearing simple suits and ties while many of the women were wearing flapper dresses. Other people could also be seen sitting at nearby tables, drinking wine and liquor while listening to the music.
Kae, Seo, and Park were sitting down at a nearby table listening to the music while Roh and Jeong were dancing with the rest of the crowd.
"This music from America really has a beat to it. What's it called again?" asked Seo.
"It's called jazz. Apparently it's a big hit overseas in America and Europe." answered Kae. "
"It also looks like those so-called flapper dresses are extremely popular with the ladies as well." replied Park. "Perhaps you should've worn one for tonight Kae."
"The cheongsam I am wearing right now works for me. Besides, it fits the atmosphere here in Shanghai." she replied.
Roh and Jeong, both somewhat out of breath, came over to the table as the music stopped playing.
"Dancing to jazz surely takes a lot of a man." said Roh. "Someone please pour me a shot."
Park grabbed a nearby shot glass and a bottle of liquor and gave it to Roh, who proceeded to pour himself a shot. Once it was full, he gulped it down his throat.
"Ease up on the liquor Roh. You're going to make yourself sick." said Seo.
"Don't worry about me." Roh replied. "Besides, didn't Zero say we could relax tonight?"
"I don't think he expected us to get drunk and out of hand." said Jeong.
It was then the jazz band prepared their instruments and proceeded to play another song.
"C'mon guys. Let yourself loose for once and join us for the next song." Roh requested.
"I guess one dance couldn't hurt." Park said. "Kae would you like to dance with us?"
"I don't know. I'm not really the dancing type." she answered with uncertainty.
"Weren't you the one who danced with Zero when we in Japan?" Jeong asked.
"That was part of my mission. I didn't enjoy that."
"Well Zero gave us the whole night for us to have fun and relax. You can at least fulfill that mission."
"When you put in that way..." said Kae as she poured herself a shot a liquor and drank it. "You know what the hell."
Park, Kae, and Seo then got out of their seats and joined Roh and Jeong, along with the rest of the crowd on the dance floor.
Black Army HQ
Even though it was Saturday, a day when most of the Black Army Cabinet members were off duty, Zero nevertheless called an emergency meeting. The emergency meeting was called due to recent news coming from Northeastern China. All the members were gathered in the meeting room, discussing and evaluating the current situation.
"From our available communications with the Zhili Clique's HQ, the Fengtian Clique is currently advancing through the Jehol Province at an alarming rate and are besieging the city of Shanhaiguan. To make matters worst, the Fengtian Clique won a major victory today, resulting in the capture of at least a few thousand men." Dietrich announced as he read his report.
"General Jo, from a military perspective, how severe is this loss?" Zero asked.
Jo, who had placed his hand on his forehead due to frustration, put his hand down and answered.
"Based on the current positions and movements reported by our communications, I can tell you this loss is not a light one. If this momentum is maintained, there is no doubt General Wu Peifu's forces will have to retreat and reform their lines.
"Fortunately for us and the Zhili Clique, this surrender of territory to the enemy is still affordable. There are plenty of reserves General Wu Peifu can use to reinforce his defenses and counterattack. If he places uses them strategically and deploys them in key areas, then the enemy's advance should be halted, which would lead to the lines stabilizing."
"I see." said Zero. "Minister Gang, what how do you recommend we respond?"
"Though the odds are overall in favor of the Zhili Clique, it would be naive of us to not send any aid to absolutely ensure Wu Peifu and his forces achieve victory on the battlefield. I suggest we send over more military advisors and equipment." answered Gang. "I assume the Provisional Government will have no problem with that Mr. Kim?"
"As I have said in previous meetings, me and my allies in the Provisional Government do not have a majority no thanks to the faction President Rhee has influence over. In order to get a majority, we've had to compromise with some of the pro-Rhee members to vote in favor of the Black Army's requests regarding China on the condition no active duty soldiers be sent to fight there. Therefore Minister Gang's proposal should pass with little opposition." Kim Gu replied.
"That's good to hear. Minister Gang and General Jo, I want you two to prepare a report detailing the Zhili Clique's current situation on the battlefield. I also would like to have some input from Ronan and the R&D Department. We can probably give some of the new weapons and equipment he has improved upon to the Zhili Clique." Zero ordered.
Both Gang and Jo nodded their heads in approval.
"As for Minister Won and Dietrich, I want you two to contact Peking and talk President Cao about this proposal. Tell him that upon approval of this proposal, we are prepared to negotiate on where we can deploy the military advisors and deliver the equipment."
Like Gang and Jo before, both Won and Dietrich nodded their heads in approval.
"Now that we have that settled with, I would like to talk about the most recent opium raids we have launched."
"I have received word from General Park that several partisans have managed to burn down several opium plantations and blow up a morphine processing plant in the southern provinces." Gang interjected. "Meanwhile, General Rozhkov has reported that his forces managed to detain several drug smugglers in Pyongyang."
"And what about the donations we are receiving from the peninsula? Have they continued to increased due to these raids?" asked Zero.
"Yes they have Zero." answered Minister of the Treasury Yoo. "In fact, based on my calculations, if this trend is to continue, we could possibly have a surplus."
"A surplus you say. Kim, didn't you mention earlier that the Provisional Government was facing some of financial issues?"
"Yes I did. At the most recent meeting at the Provisional Government, it was discovered that the government's coffers was loosing more money than initially thought. The Finance Minster and his staff are still sifting through all the financial records to find out the cause of this deficit." explained Kim Gu.
"Well you can tell the Finance Minister along with the rest of the Provisional Government that the Black Army is willing to give them most of the surplus money we made from the increased donations. It should alleviate much of the financial problems they are facing for the time being."
"I am sure the Finance Minister and the other members of the Provisional Government will be extremely grateful for this gesture of solidarity."
"The Black Army and the Provisional Government are in this fight against Japan together. That is why I was willing to sign the Shanghai Agreement and enter into a partnership with the Provisional Government. If Korea is to gain independence from Japan, then we must work together."
Everyone in the room immediately nodded in approval of Zero's statement.
"Before we adjourn this meeting, does anyone have any other important issues they would like to bring forth?"
Dietrich immediately raised his hand and started to speak once Zero acknowledged him.
"One of our spy rings stationed in Seoul has reported that new regiments from the Japanese Islands have arrived in the city. These new soldiers are apparently more clever and are experts in the art of counter-insurgency. Ever since they have arrived, four of our spies operating in the city have been apprehended by the authorities. Three other spies have also seemingly disappeared without a trace."
"Soldiers who excel in counter-insurgency tactics suddenly arriving on the Korean Peninsula. No doubt this is a move ordered by Hirohito himself. He's been studying our tactics since the beginning and as Regent is exercise command over the armed forces." Zero said to himself. "Dietrich, do we know who is commanding these new regiments?"
"Actually we do. One of the commanders spotted in the city was immediately recognized as Colonel/Baron Michio Daisuke, ex-commander of the Jorogumo Battalion."
"So despite loosing against us at the Yōkai Base, Hirohito still decided to give command of these new regiments to him. Daisuke must strategically be worth a lot if Hirohito is willing to overlook a decisive defeat against us." Zero thought to himself.
"In addition, two other commanders were spotted being escorted by motorcade from the train station to the Colonial HQ Building. One of the commanders was recognized as Major General Matsuda Taiichi, the famous general who got a reputation for pacifying the natives of Taiwan. The other commander was described to be a young girl."
"A young girl Dietrich? Are you sure that report is accurate?" asked Jo with skepticism. "Women are prohibited from serving in the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces."
"General I understand your skepticism. I initially was baffled myself when I received this report. However, after a long, tedious analysis of all the intel we have gathered, I came across something that came up multiple times amongst conversations between soldiers." Dietrich explained. "Soldiers would talk about a rumored "Fuji Squad" of the Kempeitai that was so good at its' job that it was almost untraceable. They would also mention that it was commanded by someone by the name of Nishimura, whom they referred to as a yuki-onna or snow woman due to her cold personality."
"So you're suggesting that this female commander spotted in Seoul is this Nishimura person and that this mysterious Fuji Squad is real?" Zero asked.
"Correct Zero. If this Fuji Squad is as good as what all these soldiers are said to be, then that its commander would be an ideal commander for newly trained soldiers specialized in counter-insurgency and count-intelligence. Also the fact that this Nishimura person is female fits the description of the commander leaving the train station with General Matsuda."
"I see. Hirohito is obviously using this deployment to counter any remaining influence we have in Korea. The fact that he chose commanders who are experts with hunting down insurgents shows how determined he is in pacifying the entire peninsula." Zero replied. "Dietrich, I want all our spy ring commanders to be on Level 4 alert and to shuffle up their spies. That should confuse the Japanese for the time being. Also ,make it top priority that the locations of all our hidden bases and communication networks aren't compromised. Additionally order all spies in Seoul to cease all current activities and instead focus on Daisuke, Matsuda, and Nishimura. I want to know what their next move will be."
Once done delivering his additional orders to Dietrich, Zero adjourned the meeting and everyone in the room got up from their seats and exited the room.
"First issues with the Fengtian Clique in China and now Hirohito increasing the pressure in Korea. It seems as of now he is continuously trying to put me in check and force me to retreat. However, his moves so far haven't put me into checkmate. I can only conclude that he already has thought out how he is going to put me in checkmate. The only question is how." thought Zero as he exited the meeting room.
2:44 PM, October 20th, 1924, Chōsen Army Garrison HQ, Keijō, Chōsen
Daisuke and Matsuda were sitting at their desks reviewing numerous reports sent in by the many spies, police officers, and soldiers deployed all over the peninsula. The sound of phones ringing and typewriters being typed filled the entire room as numerous staff officers worked around the clock to get as much information as possible. Other staff officers were looking at a map of the Korean Peninsula hanging on the wall, writing notes on it as they received intel on a specific location. Next to the map was a large link analysis chart, which showed the relationship between numerous suspects and organizations.
"General, just received news that five Black Army sympathizers were uncovered in Jinsen. Apparently they were secretly printing and distributing Black Army propaganda." reported one of the officers.
"Interrogate these five sympathizers and confiscate all the propaganda they were distributing. Also list everyone they have made contact with." Matsuda ordered.
The officer nodded his head and headed to the nearest phone so he could relay the new command.
"Sir, a double agent in Koshu has managed to infiltrate an underground communications channel. This channel was discovered to be receiving numerous orders from independence groups operating in the port city of Mokpo." another officer reported as he approached Matsudah's desk and handed him a leather binder full of reports.
"Have our double agent continue observing this channel. I want to see if this channel connects with any other cities. Meanwhile have the military coordinate with local authorities in Mokpo in investigating all all recent ship manifests. If the sympathizers are operating in an important port city such as Mokpo, then they must be using it to smuggle in supplies."
Like the first officer, the second officer nodded and walked away.
Matsuda then opened the leather binder and meticulously reviewed its contents. Suddenly he looked to his right and saw Daisuke standing there.
"How's things been on your end today General?"
"Same as usual. Ordering arrests, interrogating suspects, and analyzing intelligence. Because our forces are uncovering and detaining more sympathizers and suspects, the workload has increased exponentially."
"Surely the tactics you employed in Taiwan are effective here."
"The divide and rule tactics I have been implementing have already show some results. Nine chon businessmen have agreed to collaborate with us in exchange for land and exclusive trading rights. In addition an influential, pro-Japan community leader in Antō has agreed to be part of the local provincial government. The more chons agreeing to work with us, the harder it will be for the Black Army or any other rebellious groups to operate here."
"I presume that's how you found out about that secret base hidden in the mountains outside of the city?"
"Correct Colonel. That base was discovered thanks to reports given to us by locals. By now Nishimura and her team of soldiers should've raided the place."
"It seems the rumors about her weren't that inaccurate." Daisuke added. "Within the past few days she has participated in eight raids, all of which were completed within half an hour without garnering any unwanted attention. It's no wonder people referred to her Fuji Squad as "untraceable"."
"She's definitely someone you don't want to cross paths with. Her efficient methods of apprehending the Empire's enemies will help bring stability and order."
"His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince wanted Chōsen to be pacified as quickly as possible. Apparently stability of the peninsula is an essential factor to bring order, stability, and prosperity to the rest of the Asian continent. People like the Black Army, the Zhili Clique, and the Kuomintang are the only things hindering our efforts."
"Well you'll be glad to hear this." Matsuda interjected. "I just talked with the Crown Prince the other day when I was updating on our current situation. He told me that he and his associates are preparing to make a move that will simultaneously weaken the Black Army and bring China one step closer to peace."
"Did he go into details on what this plan was?"
"Unfortunately no. He stated he couldn't divulge much due to the potential impact this will have for the Black Army and all of Asia. He did however mention that he was secretly sending huge sums of cash to the Fengtian Clique. As to why he sent that money to them is anyone's guess."
"Though I don't usually like being kept in the dark about things, I have faith in Crown Prince that what he will do will be in the interests of the Empire, its subjects, and the rest of Asia." Daisuke replied.
10:39 AM, October 23rd, 1924, Black Army HQ, Shanghai International Settlement
The sound of papers being shuffled around, typewriter keys being pressed, and phones ringing echoed throughout the entire Intelligence Ministry. Numerous women could be seen sitting at several telephone switchboards, monitoring the phone lines as streams of new information came in.
One of the switchboard operators yawned as she waited for the next potential caller. It was then one of the many lights on the switchboard lit up, indicating an incoming call. The woman quickly plugged the phone line into the jack below the lit light. She then straightened her headset and adjusted her microphone so it was close to her mouth.
"Hello. You have reached the communications office of the Black Army's Intelligence Ministry. Please identify yourself along with your identification code before requesting who you would like to be transferred to." she politely asked.
"This is Case Officer "Mosquito", identification code #004-0113-1326, reporting from Peking. I must speak with Minister Ried immediately!" the caller responded.
Upon hearing the case officer identify who he was and where he was located, the switchboard operator immediately proceeded to plug another phone line into the jack that connected with Dietrich's office.
Dietrich was quietly sitting at the desk in his office, signing new orders and approving new assignments. The silence in his office was immediately broken when the phone on his desk started to ring. Upon hearing the phone, he put down the papers he was reviewing and picked up the phone.
"Hello, this is Minister Dietrich Ried."
"This is "Mosquito" reporting from Peking. Things are really getting chaotic here. Already lost contact with several of my agents."
Dietrich carefully listened to the case officer explain the details of the situation going on around him.
"WAIT, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?" said a shocked Dietrich as he got out of his chair. "WHY THE HELL DID HE CHOOSE TO GO ROGUE NOW?"
"Mosquito" then told Dietrich the theory he came up with based on the information he received from various agents operating in the area.
"I see, I see." Dietrich responded. "In the meantime I will relay this information with Zero in order to determine our response to this situation. In the meantime maintain current surveillance levels in the area. We're going to have to gather as much information as we can in order to properly alleviate this issue."
Dietrich then thanked "Mosquito" for the message before hanging up the phone. He then picked up the phone once more and asked the operator on the other end to connect him to Zero's office immediately.
Wearing only pants and socks, Zero was in the bathroom washing his face. After drying it with a towel, he exited the bathroom and grabbed a plain white, button shirt hanging in his bedroom closet. He then stood in front of large mirror and put on the shirt. As he was halfway done buttoning his shirt, the phone in his office adjacent to his bedroom started to ring.
Zero, with his shirt not completely buttoned or tucked in, approached the phone in his office and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Hey it's Dietrich. Just received an emergency report stating a coup has just occurred in the city of Peking. Soldiers have already seized control of most of the major roads and government buildings."
"YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Zero said with extreme frustration. "DO WE KNOW WHO IS LEADING IT?"
"According to the report, the leader of the coup is Zhili General Feng Yuxiang."
"What about the President? What's the status on him as of the moment?"
"President Cao has been removed from office and is currently under house arrest."
"Damn it. Of all the time to have a coup within the Zhili Clique. They were already having a hard time fighting back the Fengtian Clique. No doubt this coup will force Wu Peifu to divert some of his troops towards reclaiming the capitol city, an action which will surely favor Zhang Zuolin's forces." Zero thought to himself.
"Dietrich, do you have any idea on why General Feng decided to launch his coup? Surely there is more to this than meets the eye."
"We're not exactly sure. The case officer in Peking told me that he has been having a hard time contacting his informants. However he theorized that one reason Feng launched his coup was because he was bribed. Apparently there was a rumor floating around about how Feng received a large "donation" from an outside source."
"Is there any basis in this claim?"
"Not directly. However, agents operating in Manchuria have intercepted communications showing large amounts of cash being transferred from Japan to the Fengtian Clique. According to these intercepted communications. these transactions occurred right before the rumors about Feng started to appear."
"So what you are saying is that Japan gave money to the Zhang Zuolin so he could use it to bribe Feng to defect?" Zero asked.
"Precisely. There's still a chance this is just a coincidence, but the timing between the two events fits perfectly and a tactic like this coming from Japan or the Fengtian Clique wouldn't surprise me."
"I agree. A tactic like this coming from either Japan or the Fengtian Clique wouldn't surprise." Zero replied. "Nevertheless, the most important think to do now is to come up with an effective counter strategy before the Fengtian Clique can exploit this situation any further. That's why I want all our available to intel sources to gather as much information about the situation in China. Wu Peifu is going to need as much information as he can get. I meanwhile will alert the rest of the Black Army and the Provisional Government."
"Very well Zero. I will continue to update you on the situation." Dietrich replied before hanging up.
"This has your name written all over it Hirohito. Underhanded tactics like this one are a favorite of yours. However I am prepared to deal with anymore surprises and tricks you may try to throw at me." thought Zero as he angrily clenched his teeth.
7:33 PM, October 24th, 1924, Provisional Government of the ROK, French Concession, Shanghai
Inside the meeting room, Kim Gu, along with a majority of the Provisional Government key leaders, were discussing the recent coup in Peking. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt filled the room as Kim Gu described the severity of the situation and the potential damage it can cause.
"This coup practically spells disaster for the Zhili Clique." Yi Dongyeong said. "Wu Peifu can't possibly expect to be able to keep the enemy at bay and reclaim the capitol simultaneously."
"Surely there must be something we could do to counteract this?" Kim Kyu-sik replied.
"Zero has suggested we deploy the Black Army onto the battlefield. He already has drawn up plans to deploy several divisions to Peking to assist in retaking the city." Kim Gu added.
"Sir, with all due respect, it may already be too late for that." stated Lyuh Woon-hyung. "According to recent reports in the papers, the Fengtian are already advancing and forcing the Zhili to retreat. Deploying Black Army soldiers at this point might be futile."
"Lyuh, are you suggesting we simply just sit back and watch the Zhili be crushed?" asked Park Eunsik.
"Not in the least. All I am suggesting is that we don't throw away Korean lives for nothing."
"I agree with Lyuh." replied Yang Gi-tak. "Sending in forces at this point is too risky. Our resources are already limited, so we can't afford to gamble on something when the odds are not in our favor."
"I understand all your concerns, but Zero as assured me that if he is allowed to implement his plan, he can effectively retake the city of Peking with minimal casualties. Also remember this is Zero, the Man who Makes Miracles." Kim Gu replied.
"But Zero is also the one who told us to fund the Zhili Clique in order to counter Japan and the Fengtian Clique." added Yi Dongyeong. "We were willing to forego alternative, less risky options for Zero's plan because we trusted his decision making and judgement. Now because of this incident, Zero has basically wasted all that time and money we put into supporting the Zhili Clique. It shows that Zero's ability to handle our resources is poor and detrimental to our cause."
"We must remember that Zero, like all of us, is human and capable of making errors. Besides, we suspect that General Feng was bribed by Japan via the Fengtian Clique to defect and overthrow the Zhili-controlled Chinese government. I don't see how one single incident should be used to question Zero's financial handling abilities." Kim Gu replied.
"Kim, you really think I would think Zero was poor with handling our resources simply because of a surprise like this?" Yi Dongyeong replied sarcastically. "I've been an overall supporter of him since he managed to use a small band of soldiers to destroy a Japanese battleship. However, after reviewing the ledgers and comparing them with the Black Army's ledger you have provided for us during the audit, my thoughts of Zero became more unfavorable."
"What are you talking about Yi?" Kim Gu asked.
"Perhaps I should explain." Park Eunsik interjected.
"As you know the Provisional Government has been having some financial problems lately. The amount of money we have in our coffers is decreasing, even though our financial records clearly show that our expenditures are slightly lower than our income. Therefore the Finance Minister conducted an investigation on finding this missing money and determine where it was going to.
"It was then during our periodic audit of Black Army financial records that we discovered large amounts of money, equal to the amount missing, being deposited into the Black Army's coffers."
"What!" Kim Gu said with disbelief. "Surely this is an error."
"Sadly it's not an error Kim." Yang Gi-tak replied. "Our financial team has reviewed the records multiple times and all ended up with the same result."
Yang Gi-tak then slid a bookmarked ledger book across the table towards Kim Gu, who proceeded to open the book and review the bookmarked page. Kim Gu flipped through several pages as he analyzed all the transactions, payments, and donations to ensure what he was seeing was correct.
"This doesn't make any sense. Zero personally reviewed the ledger before giving approval for it to be sent to the Provisional Government. They couldn't have missed a discrepancy such as this."
"Which is why we suspect Zero not picking up this detail was no accident." Lyuh Woon-hyung added.
"Are you suspecting Zero took money from us without authorization? Do you guys hear what you are saying? This is Zero, a man who has assisted and helped us for years. Do you honestly believe Zero would commit such a crime?" Kim Gu replied with utter disbelief.
"Kim, we have always had the deepest respect for Zero. He has no doubt main many huge gains for the Korean people and effectively challenged Japan's power. However, the evidence here clearly shows that money missing from our coffers are appearing in the Black Army's along with the fact that Zero failed to mention it. Trust me, this is difficult for me to believe to, but the hard evidence is right in front of us." said Park Eunsik.
"But Park such an action is unprecedented for someone like Zero. It doesn't make sense for him to go rogue right now."
"Actually when you look at it, Zero's decisions on numerous occasions been made without consultation with the Provisional Government. Remember how he ordered the assassination of Prince Aritomo at the last minute?" Kim Kyu-sik added.
"Additionally these setbacks in China have undoubtedly been the biggest thorn Zero's reputation since he suffered defeat a few years back on the Korean Peninsula. More representatives in the government are no doubting Zero's ability and judgement for not anticipating something like a coup." Yi Dongyeong explained. "It wouldn't surprise me if he was taking this money in order save himself should his popularity plummets to unrecoverable levels."
"Then how do you plan to deal with this situation?" Kim Gu asked.
"We haven't decided how we're going to respond. We plan to discuss this situation with President Syngman Rhee, who is currently in Honolulu, along with the rest of the senior Provisional Government members who are working overseas before deciding on an appropriate course of action." Park Eunsik answered. "In the meantime, due to the sensitivity of the situation, we would prefer if you keep the details of this conversation away from Zero for the time being."
Kim Gu, realizing that Park Eunsik and the rest of the members of the Provisional Government would not be swayed, reluctantly nodded is head in approval.
12:23 PM, November 4th, 1924, Black Army HQ, Shanghai International Settlement
Zero was reviewing a large map of China hanging on the wall of his office. The map was covered in arrows, dotted lines, and scribbled notes indicating troop movements and communication lines. The only sound that could be heard in the room was the sound of the radio in the corner of the room.
"Ex-Zhili Clique General Feng Yuxiang of the Guominjun has effectively entered and taken over the Zhili key city of Tianjin. General Wu Peifu and his forces have reportedly fled the city and retreated to the remaining southern provinces under his control. With the Guominjun and the Fengtian Clique establishing superiority in the north at the expense of the Zhili Clique, it appears the days of Zhili dominance in China may be over." the radio announced.
"Damn it! The Zhili Clique were our biggest supporters in China. With them out of the picture, all our communication and supply lines in China are put at risk. This jeopardizes all my current plans. And to make it worst, all the money we spent on aiding them was for nothing. The Provisional Government is definitely going to be unhappy about this." Zero thought to himself.
It was then the sound of someone knocking at his office door reverberated throughout the room. Zero approached the door and opened it. Standing in front of him was Kim Gu.
"Kim how can I help you?" Zero asked.
"Zero, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you have been charged by the Provisional Government for embezzlement. As a result, the Provisional Government has enacted Section 6 of the Shanghai Agreement, meaning as of now your powers of Chairman of the Black Army has been suspended. They also want to see you immediately." Kim Gu explained.
"They did what!" Zero said with disbelief and anger. "How could they accuse me of something so pathetic as embezzlement?"
"Sir I know it's hard to believe, but the Provisional Government states it has enough evidence against you proving you stole money. I thought the accusation was ridiculous and I tried to convince them otherwise."
"Well I appreciate your effort. However what we need to focus on now is clearing my name." said Zero as he and Kim Gu exited the office and headed to the car.
Author's Note: Included the first scene with the Zero Division listening to jazz in order to portray them in a off-duty situation along with emphasizing this is the 1920's. So far this arc has been the most difficult to write due to the complex nature of the plot. We have the Zhili Clique loosing power in China due to the Fengtian Clique and interference from Japan (having the Fengtian Clique bribe Feng Yuxiang to defect) along with Zero being charged with embezzlement and having his powers as Chairman be suspended. Therefore all activities of the Black Army are practically "frozen".
Next chapter will be about Zero dealing with the Provisional Government's accusations along with him trying to prove that he is innocent. He will also find out that this accusation might have a more sinister motive behind it. The only question is from whom.