9. Cultural Mismatch

Date Written: January 28, 2019

Date Posted: May 11, 2019

Characters: Japan, Germany, Veneziano

Summary: Japan meets Italy for the first time in the beginning of World War II.

Notes: Actually, the Italy brothers did meet Japan a little bit before WWII (I'm pretty sure there was a comic panel where it has Veneziano reminiscing on how...withdrawn Japan was). However, I decided to play around with Japan and his expectations. As you can see...the results are very ironic and funny. Just take this little fic with a grain salt.

Japan wasn't too keen on preparing for his first meeting with his fellow Axis member. He had already spoken with Germany, and much to his surprise, the meeting had gone on as planned. On this fine occasion, they had discussed agreements and plans that would not only bolster whatever plans Germany had in his sphere of influence, but also in the Pacific Theater. However, as much as Japan would have liked to continue the conversation on that same topic, they were, above all else, Nations. Nations were wont to talk about other Nations...which meant that they talked about their siblings and close neighbors.

Some of their opinions ranged from the deplorable to outright admiration. Jokes were exchanged and wry comments were cause for a small smile that neither of the two could have imagined growing on the other Nation's face. Soon after, the focus of the conversation drifted towards their fellow Axis member. It was at that specific topic that had Japan inquiring about the whereabouts of the Italian. Much to his embarrassment, Japan admitted that he had little reference or knowledge about the Italian Nation.

The Mediterranean, Germany had said, was flighty, imaginative, but extremely cowardly. Right away, Japan knew that relations with the Mediterranean Nation may not be as smooth as his newly acquainted camaraderie with the German. Japan confessed that he had heard a few things, but information concerning Italy was sparse. Back when he was still young and on good terms with his brother, China would tell him about the Silk Road and his dealings with one of the most irritating Nations he had ever met.

The Great Roman Empire.

If it was to be believed, Rome had fathered many children, all with the intent to take over and continue his legacy. The offspring had grown into states, republics, and regions. After the Italian Wars, Germany had stated with just as much aplomb as if he were discussing the weather, the offspring had dwindled to only a handful.

Nations knew what that meant.

In order to achieve power to stay in power, you had to fight for it. Most, if not all the time, Nations killed their brethren. After all, no one wanted to die, and in Italy's case, none of the Roman spawn wanted to lose Rome's inheritance.

It was very rare for beings of their kind to willingly give up power—to let go of their identity and eventually make like dust in the dying sun's rays. For some, it could be seen like a coward's death. Why run when you could fight? Nations were meant to devour, to conquer, to make others capitulate to their will. If a Nation were to lie and roll over, then yes, their lands and people were ripe for the taking if they didn't want to take responsibility.

"Ah," Germany coughed lightly, "but the Italy we're meeting today is the Northern part of the country. The Southern half is attending to domestic business."

Was it Japan's anxiety or did he see the normally stoic German end curl his lip at the mentions of Southern Italy? Best not to ask, not when their alliance was still new and relations were as fragile as a newly hatched chick's wings.

But back to the point.

North and South? And the North was visiting? Perhaps both the North and South were too powerful to fight each other for the whole of their inheritance. Perhaps both of them feared losing their inheritance if they decided to fight. Was it some sort of political alliance, a marriage if you will, between the two regions?

It was a bold move.

To have two sole heirs managing one household seemed naive, foolish even. One of the major powers would backstab and potentially absorb the other's power. Wait a minute...Japan thought some more before his wisdom caught up to him.

However, he reasoned to himself, if one of the two were to fade, then the other would surely keep their predecessor's inheritance; thus, ensuring that the Roman legacy would always remain in the hands of a direct descendant. They kept each other alive due to sheer ruthlessness.

Slightly amazed and horrified by such tactical brilliance, the Asian Nation found himself nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his uniform. It had been a while since he had encountered a power that could cause such mental discomfort. To have such a Nation as an ally with a pedigree as esteemed of the once Greatest Empire the world has ever known...it was a daunting idea. Briefly, he pondered the idea of meeting both of the Italian heirs in the flesh, but he quietly dismissed it.

No, it was already a pleasure to meet with Northern Italy. To ask for more would be simply too childish of a thought for him to entertain.

And so, he waited with hands clasped behind his back as he waited for the final Axis member to arrive.

"You're late," Germany's voice rang out. "You've been keeping Japan and I—"

"Oh my, was I already so late? I found myself caught in the sights of some pretty—"

Japan had turned to face the Italian. Despite the overly exaggerated movements and sudden entrance, Japan was still fascinated. The young man was clad in a stylish suit, which accentuated his good looks. The classic Roman features (long nose, sculpted cheekbones) was partially obscured by a cheerful smile and a wide eyed gaze. Although his observation was brief, Japan didn't see the offspring of the world's greatest empire. No, he saw—

"Please to meet you, Signore Giappone!"

Why was he rushing towards him?

And, without further ado, Japan felt the Italian take his face and—

Gods above!

Japan found himself slapping the over enthusiastic man away from him. The black haired man may have been short in stature and too old to have strength to do so, but he happened to manage.

A dozen and a million thoughts raced through his head. Was this psychological warfare? Such a bodily way of greeting someone… What kind of monster does that to his allies? Petrified by the power that stood before him, Japan slowly stepped back.

No...it was not retreat. It was…

He was just collecting himself and amassing information about Italy.

If North Italy was so conniving...then what was the Southern half like?

Behind Japan, Germany boxed Italy on the ear. "Idiot! In Japan, the people there bow; they don't kiss each other on the cheeks and hug!"