Author's Note: This took longer than expected, but here it is, the next instalment! This chapter focuses on Japan, just after the Twenty-One Demands were agreed upon between Japan and China. It was a result of the Siege of Tsingtao and allowed the Japanese to have access to Chinese waters and use Tsingtao (as well as areas in China) for resources.

On another note, can you believe it has been over a year since I wrote the first chapter? Thank you for your support through this time.

Thank you for reading,

~Anonymous Lily

Chapter Thirteen: The Worst Thing for a Nation at War

Tokyo, August 1915.

If a man from 100 years ago walked through the streets of Tokyo in 1915, it would be like stepping into a foreign country. Ever since the Meiji Restoration, Japan had been undergoing a significant change from isolated feudal society to a flourishing 20th century democracy.

For Kiku Honda, it was a strange yet exciting experience. While a small part of him wished to return to the calm times that Commodore Perry had shattered with the arrival of his black ships in 1853, he also relished the advances that propelled his people forward to a new age of prosperity. There was a sense of optimism in the air that maintained that Japan would soon be a prosperous nation like Britain and Germany.

From his vantage point on a bench near the parliament building, he observed every person that passed him, waiting. The people that weaved in and out of the streets were mostly men, clad in Western-style suits and bowler hats. Their leather spats clicked with every step.

The Prime Minister he should be out soon, Kiku thought, He said he would be here around this time.

Sure enough, out of the building's glossy black doors came the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigenobu Ōkuma. He was well into his seventies, with a ponderous frown etched onto his face. He was sharply-dressed and holding a cane for support as he made his way down the steps.

Like Kiku, he was fascinated by Western science and culture, reforming several parts of the government to fit the Western standard. Despite his age, he remained alert and firm, with the same steely resolve that he had when he last held the position of Prime Minister.

Automatically, Kiku bowed.

"Hello, Honda-san." Ōkuma greeted, "Would you like to go somewhere more private?"

"If you don't mind, Ōkuma-sama."

Kiku followed him around the side of the building to a small garden. A large cherry tree hung over the area, its flowers blanketing the ground with pale pink petals. When Kiku spotted Ōkuma testing the ground with his cane, he made a move to assist the man, but was soon stopped.

"So, Honda-san," Ōkuma asked, "What was it like in Tsingtao? From what I have gathered, the Chinese have agreed to our demands. Do you think they will be likely to try and strike back?"

Yao certainly made his anger clear when he heard my demands.

"I wouldn't exactly doubt it," Kiku answered, "But while they were clearly unhappy with the deal, neither the Chinese or the Germans would risk fighting our men to get their land back. Our men are cleaning out the forts now."

"Good," Ōkuma said, "While you've been sorting things out over there, people have been accusing the Home Minister of bribing the Lower House into letting me spend more on the military."

Kiku blinked, surprised at the statement. "Really?"

"Yes, and he's probably going to be arrested soon." Ōkuma sighed.

"I will admit I was a bit suspicious that they all agreed with your proposition so unanimously, but I never would have suspected..." Kiku trailed off, staring at the ground for a few seconds.

I wonder if it's always like this in Britain.

Meanwhile, Ōkuma was examining his pocket watch. Abruptly, he snapped it shut.

"I'm afraid I am needed elsewhere, Honda-san." he said, " But bfore you go, I want you to help on board one of the coastal defence ships, the Sagami. The crew could use your, expertise, shall we say. It leaves tomorrow at 5:00AM."

"I will be there, I promise. Goodbye, Prime Minister." Kiku replied, also exiting the garden.

%&%

Kiku breathed in the fresh sea air as he walked into the docks. The sun was hovering over the horizon, not quite high enough to bathe the city in blazing light. The dockyard was full of people, despite the early hour. Beggars wandered like ghosts; children darted from place to place and soldiers were dotted around, trying to maintain order.

Among the rows of numerous fishing vessels and occasional battered battleship was the IJN Tsukuba, standing regally above the others. This ship had served at Tsingtao and was one of the most famous of the fleet. From the handful of dock-workers milling around it, the ship was almost fully repaired from the damage it suffered during the siege.

Kiku admired the cruiser in silence, taking in its' stoic beauty.

"Is that you, Honda-san?" a voice inquired. Kiku turned to face what appeared to be the Sagami's captain. He had a stern demeanour that was vaguely familiar and spoke with obvious authority.

"Yes, Captain."

"You haven't changed a bit..." the captain murmured, before gesturing down the dock to a tall, white vessel with three steam funnels. Several men were already aboard, rushing around the deck.

"There is the Sagami, she'll be our home for however long we are needed. But of course you already know that." he explained as he walked towards the ship.

Upon closer inspection, Kiku sensed that the Sagami was slightly different from the other ships in his navy. There was something, he wasn't sure what, that was distinctly foreign about it.

"She's certainly impressive captain, but she isn't like the other Japanese ships," he commented, trying to find the politest way to ask: was she given to us by someone else?

"Yes, you see, she used to belong to the Russians. They called her Peresvet." the captain explained, his gruff voice softening slightly, "We captured her during the Russo-Japanese War and has stayed here ever since. I just hope the Russians don't reclaim her just yet."

Ah, that explains it. Still, she's a rather good-looking ship.

Kiku and the captain boarded in contemplative silence. At the sight of their commander, the sailors straightened up, observing the newcomer with curiosity.

"Men, this is Honda Kiku, a trusted sailor. He will be accompanying us by special order of the government and you will not question his authority, understood?"

"Yes, sir!" came the unanimous reply.

"Good, now back to work!" the captain barked, the softness vanishing. He then addressed a passing sailor who was carrying a basket of clucking chickens over his shoulder.

"You, escort Mr Honda to the Lieutenant's quarters."

"Yes sir," the soldier replied, setting the chickens in a tidy corner before taking Kiku's suitcase.

"This way, Honda-san." he muttered softly,trotting down the steps below deck. He checked over his shoulder to see if Kiku was still following him. Soon, they were at the Lieutenants' Quarters, where the man gave Kiku a curt nod, gave him his suitcase and disappeared above deck.

This will be my home for the next few months, Kiku reflected, At least I will be useful here, well, more useful than on land, anyway.

Author's Note: Ōkuma Shigenobu was quite an interesting man in my book, he did not belong to any of the clans that dominated Japanese politics since before the Meiji Restoration and yet he founded Waseda University and orchestrated the Twenty Five Demands. He abdicated in 1916 due to lack of support following the aforementioned Oura Scandal. (He used a cane because his right leg got blown off in 1889 during an attack by an ultra-nationalist group.)

The IJN Sagami was given to the Japanese after the Russo-Japanese War. In March 1916, it was given back to the Russians and given its' old name. (By the way, nothing mentioned the name of the captain, so I had to improvise. If anyone knows about him, feel free to tell me.)

As for the Tsukuba, it was part of fleet reviews in December 1915 and October 1916, which the current Emperor watched. Unfortunately, it exploded in Yokosuka on 14th January 1917, killing 305 men.

(Does anyone know if there is a specific suffix for addressing people like a Prime Minister? Or is '-sama' okay?)

Thank you for reading!

~Anonymous Lily