Doing my best to maintain a less than pleased expression, something that was rather difficult considering I had a beautiful and naked woman cuddling next to me, I somehow managed to allow more than a hint of annoyance to enter my tone as I summarized what Karina had just told me.
"So let me get this straight. Despite the fact that Japan is playing host to not only a Knight of Round, but also two of the most successful tacticians the Emperor has ever spawned, that Chinese puppet thinks that now is the opportune time to reclaim his country? I thought the Dickless Council had finally decided to do something about their country's drug problem".
Of course we both knew that even if the Eunuchs made something illegal, both they and their closest underlings would either snort or inject as much narcotic substances as their bloated systems could handle. But my comment wasn't intended to be accurate. It was intended to make it known that I was by no means happy with this current development.
Something which was easily picked up on by my cuddling bedding companion.
"Apparently Sawaski is still operating under the ridiculous belief that the 'superior will' of the Japanese solider is sufficient enough to achieve victory over an enemy that possesses both superior numbers and firepower. Which is kind of odd considering most of his so called army, along with the 100,000 'support elements', is comprised of Chinese soldiers. But since men, and I use the term loosely, like him and the Eunuchs hardly ever have to face the consequences of their actions, it was to be expected".
Conceding the point with a nod of my head, for it was one of the numerous things that made it rather easy to despise the bloated bureaucrats that ran the Chinese Federation, I opened my mouth to ask another question.
Only to close it since Karina was rather adept at following my thought process.
"And yes I've already learned how many 'toys' then intend to throw away in this venture. While the so called Japanese Liberation Army does have a considerable amount of knightmares at their disposal, even if it they are those tin pot machines the Federation is so proud of, their Chinese allies have assembled more than triple that amount for the second wave. Which probably wont get used if Sawaski isn't able to secure a beach head within the first day of their operation".
Snorting in agreement with this prediction, for if there was one thing that could be said about the Eunuchs was that they never fully committed their cannon fodder unless they knew they were backing a winner, I shot Karina an amused look as my reply earned a rather childish pout from the most powerful woman in Europe.
"Considering that both our 'clients' and the Brits have the rather ridiculous belief that they can keep other powers form interfering in the affairs of that island, I suspect that the 'Liberation Army' will have its hands full. And since I have no real desire to do more than I already have for the Japanese people, I'm afraid that we are going to sit this one out".
And as expected, my fellow German tried to convince me to change my mind.
"But why? I mean sure I can understand the need to keep a low profile since we're currently in the midst of preparing our own attack against the Empire, but surely its to our advantage if the Brits are unable to immediately push the Chinese and their puppets back into the sea"
Though this was a valid argument, I nevertheless chuckled at Karina's reasoning as I guessed the true reason behind this proposal.
"True. But if we were to increase our level of support to the point where we can no longer conceal it, it might very well cost us heavily in the long run. Or do you not think that the Emperor would cancel our agreement if he had undeniable proof that his 'future son in law' was conspiring against him"?
Receiving an annoyed huff from my fellow German, I was relieved to hear that she agreed with my reasoning.
Albeit grudgingly.
"I suppose your right. If ONLY because this...deal means we can save thousands of causalities by peacefully acquiring your bride's dowry. But just so you know I'm still unhappy with this. If the Brits manage to drive the Chinese and their puppets into the sea, it will make working with our own Japanese orphans more difficult. Though I suppose a threat of an all expense vacation to the Gulag will keep them in line. And if the Chinese actually manage to keep their foot hold, I sincerely doubt that the Japanese Resistance will be willing to put up with further 'foreign' interests. Which reminds me, do you want me to expand the parameters of my little team? Cause it will be easier to pin the death of the annoying loli on the Chinese during the invasion rather than it's aftermath".
Humming in consideration, for it was rather tempting to get rid of one of the main irritants that was limiting the Reich's ability to re-establish a presence in the Pacific, I reluctantly shook my head.
"Sadly, as much as I would like to remove the thorn that is Kaguya Sumeragi, I'm afraid that we will have to tolerate her for a while longer. If only because it would rather suspicious if one of the more independently minded leaders of the resistance catches a bullet in the head right after they had been reinforced by our soldiers. No. Best to keep to the original plan of finding those royal brats".
Earning a slightly disappointed sigh from my snuggling companion, I felt myself frown in consideration as Karina responded to my order with her own dawning realization.
"Shouldn't be too hard. I mean, if the Vi Britannias are hiding amongst the ranks of an organization that is supposedly committed to fighting everything the Empire represents, should be relatively easy to pick up any rumors about one of their members being a teenager with a chip on his shoulders. I mean the only other way the less damaged royal brat could hide would be to...wear...a...mask".
And just like that, my plans for the resource rich island nation changed.
...
Though his rank usually prevented him from having an occasion to remove himself from the stresses of command, Todoh had nevertheless managed to manipulate his busy schedule in order to enjoy a pastime that he hadn't been able to enjoy for the past 7 years.
For when you were one of the few competent members of an organization that was locked in a life and death struggle with a superior opponent, one did not have time for frivolities.
However, considering that it was not everyday he was reunited with a friend who had gone through the same hellish training that was a requirement for anyone wishing to serve their country as an officer in the Japanese Army, the usually dour general gladly uncorked one of the few prewar bottles of Sake he had left and poured a glass for not only himself, but also his recently returned friend.
"I must confess Tadamichi that your timing is impeccable. Though recruitment has picked up after the Battle of Narita, I'm afraid that Kusakabe's...e actions have ensured that the JLF has yet to recover its previous strength".
His words earning a look of understanding from the mustached ISD officer, Todoh found himself nodding his head in approval as his friend expanded on the nature of his problem.
"And since your not the only hero our people can look up to, the number of quality recruits is further dwindled. Have to admit, it kind of reminds me of my first few years in Europe"
Though he frowned at being called a hero, if only because serving his people was a duty that he would do regardless of praise, Todoh raised an eyebrow in curiosity as he silently prompted his companion to explain what he meant.
Something that Kuribayashi seemed willing to explain.
But not before asking a question of his own.
"How much do you know about the Reich's military development"?
Frowning in confusion to show that this was a topic in which he had little to no knowledge in, the leader of the Japanese Liberation Front found himself listening with interest as his friend answered his own question.
"While the inter service rivalry isn't nearly as fierce or destructive as it was before Krueger took power, there is still arguments over the allocation of resources and manpower. Its helps that my ultimate superior served on the front lines as a combat officer instead of some political clerk, but that just means that the traditional services are willing to allocated 15% of the year's recent recruits into her service instead of a lower figure. Still an impressive number since I believe the Reich conscripts nearly 3 million men and women into its armed forces each year for a period of 3 years. Not to mention the fact that figure gets doubled when one takes into account those that choose to volunteer. But as your well aware, a military force is never satisfied with their current manpower allotment".
Nodding his head in agreement with this time honored truth, Todoh keep his tone even as he made an observation of his own.
"Is that why both you and your men are members of the ISD instead of the Reich's regular army"?
Receiving a nod from the mustached officer, the General of the JLF found himself frowning with mixture of disgust and thoughtfulness as Tadamichi reminded him that Britannia was not the only superpower to discriminate against their people.
"Party yes. The Wehrmacht requires its soldiers to be legal citizens of the Reich, whether they be conscripts or volunteers. While membership in the ISD merely requires the individual to swear loyalty to the Chancellor and the Reich. Which comes with the promise of citizenship for both themselves and their families should they complete their 3 years of enlistment, or if they die while completing their term of service".
A policy Todoh noted that was both similar and yet more rewarding than what Britannia offered to it's conquered subjects. But the frowning General soon found himself changing his opinion as his former classmate continued.
"Of course not everyone that chooses to enlist has what it takes to become a solider, but since our days at the academy didn't exactly prepare me for working in a factory, or working to expand the Reich's infrastructure, I chose to stick with the one thing that I'm good at. Forcing a more numerous, and well equipped enemy to slowly bleed to death".
Chuckling at the reminder that his old friend had chosen to base his career around the more passive doctrine of forcing an enemy to impale themselves on his defences instead of the more flexible and aggressive strategy that was his own, Todoh had no hesitation in sharing his agreement with this viewpoint.
"The civilian sector would be wasted on you my friend. A pity that General Adachi ordered the 23rd Corps to escort our people out of our nation. Japan could have made much use of your talents during the past 7 years".
At this, the mustached officer released a sigh that was part irritation, and part weariness.
"I know. I begged the General to serve in the rearguard with him as we tried to evactuate of some of our people. But as he had been ordered to save as much of our people from Britannian enslavement as possible, he wasn't in the mood to deal with a patriotic subordinate. Its only luck that I was on the only military vessel that hadn't been sunk by the Empire during our flight west. Otherwise, you would either be dealing with some snot nosed brat that was only in shortpants when our nation fell, or some stuck up army type whose successes in the Great War makes them believe that no other nation knows how to fight Britannia".
Acknowledging this point with a nod, though unlike some of his younger subordinates, he had known the reason why some Japanese soldiers had been out of country when it had fallen to the Empire, Todoh took a moment to down his drink before moving to the true reason of their little meeting.
"And since you are now in the service of another country, may I ask what orders you have been given beyond reinforcing my command? Cause while I am pleased to see you, I also know that your masters in Berlin have you here for a purpose".
While his question brought a contemplating frown to Kuriybashi's face, the answer he received left little doubt that while his countryman was pleased to be once again given the opportunity to fight on Japanese soil, the flag he now served was no longer the rising sun.
"My orders are to not only restore the JLF to its former military might, but also help it remain independent of other organizations that may or may no have designs on absorbing it. Whenever possible, Berlin prefers to deal with those that not only have the courage to use a weapon in defence of one's country, but also those that have received the proper instruction in using said weapons. And since my superiors are somewhat...untrusting of a man who seems to prioritize theatrics over sound military logic, I'm afraid that I can only obey the orders of the leader of the JLF instead of some actor in a mask".
Though unsurprised at his friend's orders, Todoh nevertheless had some concern regarding the inflexible and suspicious attitude of his European superiors.
For in the heat of battle, victory could be seized or lost depending on the stability of an army's leadership.
And since he had already seen the effects of what happened to troops that were either unable or unwilling to obey orders, he could only hope that should he finally fall in the attempt to restore his nation, he could only hope that his death didn't signify the death of the hope of a restored Japan.
...
Though she would faithfully carry out her general's orders to the letter, for it was the duty of every Japanese officer to obey the orders of their superiors, the only female member of the Holy Swords nevertheless felt more than a touch of doubt as she observed the sight before her.
While she made allowances, small they might have been, for those who had only recently decided to fight for the dream of a restored Japan, she had no intention of doing the same for those who had spent the past 7 years fighting in the service of another country.
Yes she could understand, albeit grudgingly, why those who had grown to adulthood on foreign soil would be more willing to serve the nation that had successfully accomplished what their homeland had not.
But for those that had pledged their lives in the service of Japan, only to abandon her in her darkest hour?
That was too much to ask of her.
Which is why she had to fight the very real urge to shoot the treacherous dogs as she watched them explain the finer points of soldiering to their newest batch of recruits.
"You know, just because your not yelling at them doesn't mean that our new compatriots are blind to the fact that you are displeased with them".
Releasing a slightly irritated huff at the calmly delivered words of her fellow officer, Chiba could only continue her glaring vigil as
Senba proved that he was more flexible than she was when it came to their views on duty and honor.
"I understand your thoughts Colonel. Truly I do. But I suspect that unlike myself, you are unaware of the reason why our former comrades now serve a nation that is not Japan".
Turning towards the older officer with a look that would have cowered a lesser man, the female member of the Holy Swords could only scoff as she supplied her own theory.
"Deserters and cowards deserve no understanding Senba. They proved unfaithful to their oath. And thus have lost the right to call themselves soldiers. Let alone Japanese soldiers".
Expecting her fellow officer to either back off, or worse angrily refute her claim, Chiba was caught off guard by his almost soft spoken reply.
"Considering that these men were forced to serve another because they had followed the expressed orders of their superiors, I believe you judge them to harshly. Especially since it is thanks to their efforts that some of our people managed to escape the shame of becoming subjects to those that conquered our nation".
Frowning as she was forced to consider Senba's words, for if they were true it would cause her to alter her opinion of those that had traded in the khaki uniform of the Japanese solider for the camouflaged colors of an organization that practically owed its first allegiance to the Reich's all but declared second in command, the gray eyed officer was prevented from giving a more verbal reply due to the sudden interruption of perhaps that best example of why the Holy Swords lacked faith in the Black Knights.
"HEY DID YOU GUYS HEAR THE NEWS? THOSE DICKLESS CHINCESE BASTARDS HAVE FINALLY DECIDED TO HELP US OUT".
Making a mental reminder to somehow get that loudmouth fool assigned to the either the deadliest, or most degrading position that she could think of, Chiba and her fellow colonel quickly hurried to the makeshift command center.
If only because there was no way in hell that an idiot like Tamaki would make such a boast without having heard it from a more reptuatble source.
Which meant that General Todoh now had to decide whether the last true soliders of Japan would welcome the Chinese as allies, or another set of would be occupiers.
...
While her opinion on the military capabilities of the Chinese Federation had never been high, for how could one respect an adversary whose primary strategy was to throw enough bodies at a problem until it was solved, Cornelia had to nevertheless concede that the Chinese had chosen their puppets well.
For if they had chosen to have their own soldiers in the first wave, not only would her troops have successfully repelled the oriental invaders from the blood soaked beaches of Akita, but her presence wouldn't have been required to stiffen the spines of her more inexperienced soldiers.
Sadly however, the Chinese had correctly identified the less than stellar capabilities of their solders. And thus had ensured that the first wave was more or less entirely led by those that no doubt wished to reverse the outcome of Second Pacific War.
Which meant that instead of facing half hearted conscripts, her men faced fanatics who would rather die than suffer the shame of being forced to abandon the nation of their birth for a second time.
She had no doubt that victory would eventually be seized by the forces under her command. But considering the sheer indifference the Eleven troops and their 'allies' were showing towards their losses as they stormed off their transports, and the fact that their shoddily designed knightmares were being commanded by someone who appeared to have at least a basic understanding of how to deploy them, the purple haired royal knew that her loyal troops would have to work hard for their victory.
Especially since the enemy had been quite clever in choosing both the location and timing of their attack.
A lightly defended area far from the main concentrations of the garrison. And weather conditions that ensured that her aerial abilities to interfere with the invasion were at minimum.
All of this had resulted in the enemy making decent progress in the hour it had taken for reinforcements to reach the contested beach head. And while she had to respect an enemy that chose to engage in open warfare with Britannia instead of rely on the tactics of cowards, she would nevertheless show no hesitation in destroying those that refused to let go of the past.
"Your Highness. We're receiving an urgent message from the 213th battalion".
Forcing down a feeling of dread since she knew for a fact that the 213th hadn't been one of the units that had either been stationed near Akita or had been selected for to help contain, and then destroy the enemy bridgehead, Cornelia managed to somehow keep her voice devoid of her growing unease as she prompted her knight to continue.
"What's the message Guilford"?
And while she hated to be wrong, Cornelia quickly found herself wishing that she had been as Guilford promptly answered her question.
"The message says that they are being route by an overwhelming force of Elevens. They've already been driven into Fukuoka and are on the verge of being completely wiped out if they don't receive immediate reinforcements".
Her eyes narrowing in self disgust as she realized that she had been blind true nature of this Chinese backed invasion, Cornelia found her bad mood worsening as Nonette decided to inform her of what she already knew.
"With this weather, it'll take the nearest battalion at least 2 hours to reach them. Which means that once were finished up here, we'll be facing an enemy that's had time to not only finish securing its beach head, but also establish fortification's along the limited ways into the area itself. We'll obviously defeat them in the end, especially once this damn rain clears, but were gonna have to bleed a little if we want to drive these bastards back into the sea".
Doing her best not to keep her temper in check, a task that was rather simplified due to the fact that there were dozens of enemy knightmares to vent her anger on, the purple haired royal knew that she was left with only one course of action if she wished to spare her loyal troops the questionable honor of assaulting an enemy that was both well supplied and entrenched.
But as distasteful as she found asking her brother for help, mostly because doing so revealed that she wasn't as in control of the situation as she wished to be, she viewed the unnecessary loss of hundreds of her men more so.
She could only hope that Schneizel's pet projects, whether it was the knightmare created by the eccentric Earl of Pudding, or prototype he had brought with him from the Homeland, would be enough to keep the second Eleven army distracted while she finished up with the first one.
If only because she had no doubt that a certain masked terrorist and his allies were deliberating on how to best take advantage of this situation.
...
ANNNNND that's enough for now XD
Apologises for the long wait, but usual combination of other fanfics/non fanfic related events/writers block, have prevented me from uploading until now.
Hopefully this makes up for it.
Just a brief recap of this chapter before I answer/respond to the questions and comments that have been posted.
Yes Krueger now has an idea of who Zero is. BUT, I intend to have him wait for further proof before he makes a decision. Which of course will be influenced depending on how badly he needs Zero as a distraction for the Brits.
The conversation between Todoh and his fellow officer reveals more details about how the Reich treats its non citizen population. As well as what happened during the closing days of the Second Pacific War. From the beginning of this story, had been influenced by the Akito story line (I.e. Japanese who had been out of country at the time) but decided to expand on it/change it a little since Europe has proven to be a more competent opponent.
Now Chiba...one of the characters who rightly distrusted Zero's intentions. Believe her attitude towards the Japanese born ISD soldiers, who had previously been in the service of Japan, is realistic considering the inflexibility of her character. Senba of course being older and more experienced is more willing to over look this.
And of course the beginning of the Chinese backed invasion of Area 11. Believe I did a good job in capturing Cornelia's opinion regarding her enemy, and her displeasure in asking her brother for help, so don't believe I need to comment further.
Now to answer the questions
CHANCELLOR ZVEL I wish to confirm, but are you sure that Sendai is the right landing area for the Euro-Japanese expedition? I looked the name up on a whim, and I noticed that the only Sendai I can find is the city in the Miyagi Prefecture near the northeastern tip of the main Japanese island. Even if the Britannians shifted their troops west from Sendai, they are not going to play an immediate role, if any, in the upcoming invasion of Kyushu due to the great distance involved.
- Despite the interference of the exiled Japanese politicians, will Katase's presence as commanding officer of the invasion of Kyushu make the Chinese forces, at the absolute least, less pure examples of cannon fodder? Also, if Zero were to interfere against the Chinese invasion like in canon, how would the JLF feel when they find out that Katase was the one leading the "Liberation Army"? As far as I can remember, the JLF still hold great loyalty to General... sorry, Field Marshal Katase, and I can't help but wonder if Zero's actions against their original commanding officer will widen the rift between the Black Knights and the JLF no matter the reasons for Zero's actions.
The point of the Euro Japanese expedition was to aid the JLF in its efforts to regain its former power so its not in danger of being absorbed by the Black Knights. Never intended for them to play an immediate role in the invasion of Kyushu
As for the effect Katase's presence will have in the invasion I promise to expand in the next chapter. As well as Zero's and the reaction of the JLF.
Ps: and your the only one who caught that bit about the 'manufactured plague XD
Fortitude501
Appreciate the support for my vision of how Todoh would treat someone who was both a friend and a fellow officer. Got a lot of inspiration from the tv series North and South. Different context of course, but 2 good friends who went through the same hellish training together, and meet up again years later with different ranks and in the service of different countries...was fun to write.
And you are partially right when it comes to comparing the way the Chinese Federation directs its military and how the soviet union did it in ww2. Stalin EVENTUALLY gave his officers more free reign, but the reason why the Germans were able to get so far so quickly in the first years of the eastern front was BECAUSE of Stalin's paranoia/the importance of political officers.
Fuhrer of Europe
As always your comments are insightful. Though I confess when it comes to the Reich's super solider program, still playing with the idea of having Panzermensch. Nothing concrete right now, but is fun to think about lol.
Bauers374
Did not intend that lol. Originally was going to go with Hans, but liked the sound of Friedrich better. BUT...the true name of Freddy is Fredrick, not Friedrich. Small difference lol.
Anyways that's it for now. Unsure of when the next update will be. But stay tuned.
Reviews yes. Flames no.
Heil Europa