Ch. 58: Justice Abused
3:12 PM, November 4th, 1924, Provisional Government of the ROK, French Concession, Shanghai
Zero was sitting stoically at a small table in the main meeting room while the available senior members of the Provisional Government sat at an elevated panel table several feet across from where he was sitting. Various financial-related files, documents, and books from the Black Army and the Provisional Government could be seen piled on the table Zero and Kim Gu was sitting at.
"Gentlemen, I assure you I did not take any money from he Provisional Government without authorization. Me and my financial team have looked over our ledgers before sending them for audit and were unable to find any discrepancies. Treasury Minster Woo can corroborate my statement." Zero explained to the members of the Provisional Government.
"Zero, we've already showed you our financial records and we explicitly see large sums of money missing. Meanwhile the records you have given us show large sums of money appearing without any explanation. That is an undeniable fact." Hong Jin answered.
"If money is seemingly appearing out of nowhere, then that's probably due to the increase of donations. I specifically remember noting that in all our records." Zero replied.
"The records you gave us though show a different a story." Yi Dongyeong added. "From what we have analyzed, the records show no indication that this money was from increased donations as you claim."
"Even if you are absolutely right, under what basis do you justify enacting Section 6 of the Shanghai Agreement, therefore suspending my powers as Chairman of the Black Army? I ask because I don't think an error in our financial records warrants such drastic action." Zero contested.
"Besides the accusation of embezzlement we are currently discussing, the conduct of the recent war between the Zhili and Fengtian Cliques in China has also led us to question if your actions are the best for the Korean people." Yang Gi-tak explained. "We have spent a fortune on aiding the Zhili Clique with equipment and loans. While some of us were hesitant to make such a gamble and fund a group with an unstable foundation., we nevertheless agreed to funding them because you assured you could ensure their victory in China."
"Basically what Yang is saying is that you are the reason we switched from focusing on America and overseas for support in China. As a result the successes of the Zhili Clique became tied to your name and reputation. When they won the previous war against the Fengtian two years ago, your reputation amongst the members of the Provisional Government increased. Of course that also means your reputation will decrease when the Zhili encounter failure and defeat." added Park Eunsik.
"Park is correct Zero." Lyuh Woon-hyung interjected. "Your approval ratings in the Provisional Government have decreased since word of this defeat got out. The last things the representatives of this government want to see is a repeat of our defeat back in 1919. Members working overseas have even contacted me and have expressed their concerns. Some have even advocated for your dismissal.
"I would like to once again elaborate that these recent events were completely unforeseen. Based on my calculations and plans, Wu Peifu and his forces should've been able to hold back the invading Fengtian forces. The resulting stalemate would've then given us enough time to recuperate our resources and find any tiny cracks in their lines that we could exploit. But General Feng's coup was one thing I didn't account for. While intelligence indicated that Feng was a potential loose cannon, I never thought it would've developed into full blown betrayal." Zero explained.
"The Provisional Government is not interested in how and why this failure occurred. The only thing we are interested in is deciding how to react to this major setback along with ensuring our financial situation is secured." Hong Jin replied. "And based on the evidence we have looked out, many of our current problems trace back to you."
"Zero, you have brought much success for the Korean people. You were able to help turn several resistance movements into one single, professional army. I, along with many of us here are grateful for that." added Park Eunsik. "However, the overall interests of this government, which represents the Korean people, must take priority over the interests of a single individual. That is our reasoning behind enacting Section 6 of the Shanghai Agreement.
"Well I am extremely disappointed that you have decided to take this course of action. But because the Black Army is a signatory of the Shanghai Agreement, I will still respect your decision and comply with the terms of the agreement." said Zero.
The members of the Provisional Government nodded to one another and unanimously agreed to uphold the suspension of Zero's powers as Chairman of the Black Army. As a result of the suspension, Kim Gu, who was Deputy Chairman, was confirmed to be Acting Chairman. Zero was then excused from the meeting while Kim Gu was told to stay behind.
Zero silently walked out of the meeting room and exited the Provisional Government building. He then entered the car waiting on the side of the road and told the driver to take him back to Black Army HQ. The driver immediately started the car and drove down the crowded streets towards the Shanghai International Settlement. Zero, silently thinking to himself about the current situation, looked out the window and watched the many buildings and people pass by.
When the car stopped in front of the Black Army HQ, Zero exited the vehicle. The driver got back in the car and drove back to the Provisional Government building while Zero entered the Black Army HQ. Upon entering, he immediately saw all the Black Army staff members and officers silently waiting for him in the main lobby. It was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
"I assume everyone here is aware of the current situation I am in?" Zero asked everyone in the room.
"Zero, no one in this room believes for a second that you embezzled any money. The Provisional Government is the one that is wrong." Kae replied.
"Kae's right. The Provisional Government wouldn't be existing if it weren't for the efforts of Zero. The fact they would accuse you despite everything you have done for them makes me so angry." Seo added.
"It frustrates all of us here Seo." said Jo. "The Provisional Government must know that their odds for future success will drastically decrease without your leadership."
"I say we all march down to the Provisional Government and tell them who they are messing with!" Roh bellowed.
"Calm down Roh!." Gang interjected. "Surely there must be a more peaceful, constructive manner in which we could resolve this dilemma."
"How about we petition them en masse that they are in the wrong." suggested Park. "Surely a petition of that magnitude would change the minds of the representatives in the Provisional Government."
"However the Provisional Government wouldn't have enacted Section 6 of the Shanghai Agreement, therefore crippling the Black Army, if they weren't almost 100% convinced that Zero was guilty." explained Dietrich.
"While I appreciate everyone's passion and desire to proclaim me innocent, the situation is mostly out of our hands." Zero announced. "In accordance with the Shanghai Agreement we signed, the Provisional Government will be the ones to determine the outcome of the current situation. Hopefully Kim Gu will use his influence to convince the other members of the Provisional Government that I am innocent. As for now, all current Black Army activities and operations are being put on hold."
Zero then walked away from the crowd and told them to not disturb him for the time being. He then silently walked up the wooden staircase to the second floor corridor. As he walked down the corridor, he once again thought about the current dilemma he was in. Once he approached and entered his office, Zero quietly sat down at his desk with a stern look on his face. The only sound that could be heard in the room was the sound of the clock ticking on the desk.
"Once again I am in check. Perhaps I could my geass to get me out of this situation? No that wouldn't be effective. I would have to geass a majority of the members of the Provisional Government to proclaim me innocent. That many people being geassed at the same time to proclaim me innocent will surely increase the amount of mistrust in Zero, which is already low due to the grim situation in China. It seems for the time being, Kim Gu is my best chance of getting myself out of check." Zero thought to himself.
4:50 PM
Kim Gu, along with the other senior member of the Provisional Government, were sitting at the large table in the meeting room, discussing the embezzlement charges along with the confidence the members have in Zero's leadership.
"Once again, are we absolutely sure these are all the financial records? Is it still possible that we have overlooked a key detail?" asked Kim Gu as he sifted through the many books and papers in front of him.
"Kim, all documents have been accounted for. We have reviewed them not once, twice, but three times. Just to be extra sure, we even had them reviewed by multiple people. However the records still show there is large sums of money missing from our coffers while large sums of money appear in the Black Army's." Yi Dongyeong explained.
"The books also do not disclose where this large sum of money came from. It also indicates the money added was then being relocated to a private account due to "potential security risks". This alone alarms us greatly." explained Yang Gi-tak.
"With all due respect, do you honestly believe Zero, after everything he has done and sacrificed for us, would commit such a crime? This is the Man of Miracles. Why would he decided now to embezzle money?"
"Yes Kim, he is indeed the Man of Miracles." replied Park Eunsik. "But he is still a man and therefore vulnerable to the same avaricious forces we face within ourselves everyday. To think he would be completely immune to such flaws would be naive."
"As to why Zero would decide now to embezzle money is anyone's guess right now. It could be because he's trying to bail out due to the failures in China and therefore needed financial security. Another reason could be that he's funding something that he doesn't believe the Provisional Government will approve of." Hong Jin added.
"And those theories aren't that farfetched." added Lyuh Woon-hyung. "As we noted earlier, the failure in China has damaged Zero's credibility and trust in the eyes of some of the Provisional Government members. Zero has also shown before he is willing to act without notifying the Provisional Government."
"Zero knew he had to accept some blame if the Zhili Clique suffered defeat in China. I don't see him resorting to jumping ship because of such a set back. Also while he didn't issue any notifications when he had Prince Aritomo assassinated, he explained that was unique situation that had to be done quickly. Other than that exception, Zero has been notifying us of all his plans and proposals."
"Kim, don't take this the wrong way, but do not let your close friendship with Zero cloud your judgement. Your judgement on this matter should be guided by the evidence presented, not personal feelings." Park Eunsik said. "You may be an associated member of the Black Army, but your official responsibilities are here in the Provisional Government."
"I understand your warning and concerns Park. I have always relied on factual evidence over personal relationships to determine my decisions. It is a fact that Zero is my close friend and colleague. However if the evidence presented overwhelming indicates Zero is guilty, then I will absolutely condemn him. But until that happens, I will continue to defend him."
"That's a relief to a hear." Hong Jin responded. "Anyway, what we should discuss is our response to this incident and how we are going to rectify it."
"Hong, I'm afraid that will have to wait for another day." Park Eunsik interjected. "I've already contacted and informed the President about this situation. Right now he is extremely busy with managing his networks and overseeing his independence organizations in Honolulu. He told me that he wouldn't be back for the next two weeks. Apparently he wants all the senior cabinet members, including those overseas, to participate in the investigation and review the evidence before any official action be taken."
With nothing else to discuss about for the time being, Park Eunsik adjourned the meeting and everyone exited the meeting room. Kim Gu, carrying a satchel containing all the Black Army financial records and documents he had brought, headed to the car waiting for him on the curb of the street. Like Zero earlier, he instructed the driver to take him to the Black Army HQ. The driver nodded, started the car, and drove away.
Kim Gu then got out of the car when it arrived. With his satchel still in hand, he entered the building immediately headed to Zero's office. He walked up the stairs leading to the second floor corridor. Arriving on the second floor, Kim Gu saw Kae silently sitting in a chair outside of the door leading to Zero's office. By looking at her face and posture, Kim Gu could tell she was extremely worried.
"Kae is that you?" he called.
"Kim!" she called back.
"What are you doing here?"
"When Zero came back, he immediately went to his office. He asked all of us not to disturb him for some time. After an hour went by, I decided to check up on him. I knocked on his office door and got no response. I tried knocking again ten minutes late, but I still got no answer. I'm now starting to get worried."
"Your actions show me that you must care a lot for him. Out of all the people in the Black Army, I would have to say you are the most loyal to him."
"Can you blame me? Before he came along, the best thing I could do was survive and evade the enemy. But now we have a chance to fight back and free the people of this land from oppression. In all honesty, if Zero hadn't come along, I highly doubt I would be alive today."
"I totally understand what you are saying Kae. I still would've been in jail if Zero hadn't helped me escape. Even if I had survived jail and been released, I highly doubt the independence movement would progress the way it has without Zero's planning and charisma."
"Still can't believe that those guys at the Provisional Government would actually think Zero would actually steal money after everything he has done for them. The situation just makes my blood boil."
"Fortunately the Provisional Government has decided to wait for the arrival of the other senior officials before deciding on a course of action. That at least gives us time to sort through this mess, clear Zero's name, and find the culprit."
"Culprit? Are you telling me that you think someone set Zero up?" Kae asked with a confused look on her face.
Kim Gu proceeded to knock on the door to Zero's office.
"Zero! It's me Kim Gu. Just arrived from the meeting. I would like to update you on the situation on hand."
A clicking sound could be heard as the door was unlocked by Zero from the inside. Zero then opened the door and saw both Kim Gu and Kae standing in the corridor.
"Kae, have you been waiting for me to answer the door the whole entire time?" asked a concerned Zero. "I appreciate your concern, but I am perfectly fine. I insist you go back to your room to rest up and..."
"Zero, you put me in charge of the Zero Division. Therefore I am fully responsible for your wellbeing and safety. As a result I am willing to follow you wherever you go." Kae replied sternly.
Due to his respect of the loyalty and devotion exhibited by Kae at that moment, Zero ceased objecting to her presence.
"So Kim, what is the status so far?"
"I'm afraid not very different from before Zero. Though they are still on the fence on whether or not to declare you officially guilty, the members at the meeting were in agreement that your recent actions were suspicious enough to warrant an investigation. It was also mentioned that official deliberations won't begin until the other senior members are recalled back."
"I see." Zero replied as he slowly nodded his head. "So basically the only thing I can do besides using physical force to regain my full authority is to wait until the investigation and deliberations are complete."
"Actually, while I was on my way back from the meeting, an idea popped into my head." Zero looked up at Kim Gu with a slightly confused look on his face. "What if someone was setting you up in hope of damaging public confidence in you?"
"Honestly that wouldn't be surprising. I know for a fact that our records were correct before we handed them to the Provisional Government to be audited. Therefore something happened to the records after they left our hands. It's possible someone could've easily used this as an opportunity to change the records."
"Framing you for a crime would be an ideal way to rid you without much difficulty or effort. All one would have to do is let the accusation naturally run its course and allow it to grow." Kim Gu replied.
"But if what you guys say is true, then who exactly do we look for?" Kae curiously asked. "I mean as leader of the Black Army, you have attracted the attention of many people who would love to see you knocked down or killed."
"That is true Kae. However, if there's one group who would gain more from me being powerless, it's the Japanese. If they wanted to frame me, now would be the ideal time. We already have evidence that they were sending large amounts of money to the Fengtian Clique right before General Feng to defect. Because he defects, the Zhili Clique suffers massive losses, increasing Japan's influence in the region along with hurting my reputation." carefully explained Zero.
"Talk about killing two birds with one stone. Sounds like something..."
"...Hirohito would do." Kim Gu interjected. "The past tactics he has used against us does resemble the situation we are facing right now."
All three of them nodded simultaneously in agreement.
"The next question is how do we pursue this theory?" asked Kae.
"Simple, by starting our own investigation into this incident." answered Zero. "Obviously the evidence the Provisional Government members are looking shows no signs of external interference since they are still convinced I am guilty of something. Therefore we need to find the evidence indicating I was framed and present it to the Provisional Government before they make their verdict."
"Only one problem I see with that Zero." said Kae. "Wouldn't your own independent investigation convince the Provisional Government you were interfering and kill off any remaining confidence they have in you?"
"You make a good point. Therefore the investigation would to be done privately, away from the eyes of the Provisional Government. Of course that still means risking all remaining faith and possibly the future of "Zero, the Man who Makes Miracles" in jeopardy."
Silence filled the room when Zero, Kim Gu, and Kae started to sort through their thoughts and determining if Zero's proposed gamble was best idea.
"Zero, I have a better idea. I will lead and oversee the investigation. As Acting Chairman of the Black Army at the moment, I offer to set up an investigation team of our own. Should the Provisional Government get wind of our private investigation, then I will be the one who takes the hit, not you." Kim Gu suggested.
"You would be willing to sacrifice your own reputation in order to protect me?"
"Zero, you are the symbol of justice who inspires those who perceive themselves as weak to stand up against the unjust. You represent the cause. Therefore the complete tarnishing of your image would put our entire cause into question, which would most likely lead to further division. The value of my reputation on the other hand is much lower, for my role in maintaining unity is minimal."
"What are you talking about Kim? You have as much value as Zero when it comes to keeping everything together." said Kae. "You are the one string that directly connects the Black Army with the Provisional Government. Without you, the benefits we see as a result of our cooperation with the Provisional Government would not exist."
"Kae is right. Also many consider you to be a symbol of the cause as well. Besides, the length of your participation in resisting the Japanese is much greater than mine. Also it was because of you and your connections that allowed the symbol of Zero to spread and grow." Zero added.
"I appreciate the compliments from the both of you. However I've made up my mind." Kim Gu replied. "Zero, you have helped all of us get out of the tightest of situations. For once, let me help you."
"Very well Kim. I see I have really no other choice. I mean you are Acting Chairman."
"Thank you for understanding. I will not stop until true justice prevails." replied Kim Gu.
"As leader of the Zero Division and your most devoted follower, I too will not stop until we clear your name." added Kae.
Sitting at his ornate wooden desk, an overweight, bald, bearded Chinese man wearing a suit was sitting at his desk counting through various bundles of yuan banknotes inside of a briefcase. Because of the opium pipe he was smoking, misty white clouds of smoke filled the heavily decorated room.
The sound of someone knocking on the double doors could suddenly be heard.
"Come in!" he yelled.
One of the doors opened and a spectacled man wearing a changshan entered the room.
"Sorry to disturb you sir, but just received an important telegram." the spectacled man announced as he pulled out a folded piece of paper out of his pocket.
"Just leave it on my desk." he replied.
The spectacled man left the telegram on the desk and proceeded to escort himself out of the office. Once he was gone, the bearded Chinese man opened the telegram and read it's contents.
"My benefactor just received word that the plan has fully taken effect. He appreciates you very much for your services. He has already deposited a payment of 25,000 yuan into your bank account. You may now resume with your normal activities and use the underground channels he has provided without hindrance."
Once he was done reading it, the bearded Chinese man put it down and picked up the phone on his desk.
"Hello it's me. Re-activate Trade Routes 2, 3, 7, and 9. It seems that our friends have ensured that the difficulties we've been facing for the past year have ended."
Author's Notes: Glad to get this chapter finally out. Hoping to get another one out by August, which will be the 5 year anniversary of this story. Can only update as fast as I can due to things like work. Btw, if you have any predictions, please post or message them to me. I love reading people's predictions.
I apologize if there's too much dialogue in this chapter. Really wanted to use it as an opportunity to show a Zero and Kim Gu connecting with one another. Also wanted to depict how Kim Gu kind of looks up to Zero as a living embodiment of the cause. This will be somewhat important because if you remember C.C. told Lelouch that he had a "purpose" to fulfill in this world.
Also just wondering, but do most people prefer shorter chapters (2,000-4,000 characters) or longer ones (4,000 or more characters)?