The strength that the island nation possesses today is entirely built upon the victories in two great wars. Two wars, where the nation's very fate was at stake, have resulted in immense war dividends, securing its rise. However, should the island nation lose this present war, its path to prominence would be irrevocably severed. It might even fall into decline once more, becoming subjugated by the Western powers.
Thus, the military leaders and politicians of the island nation are determined to avoid defeat in this crucial conflict. Despite once again staking the nation's fate on the outcome of war, they are resolute in their desire for victory, believing that such an outcome would allow them to bring all of Southeast Asia under their control and grant the island nation another opportunity for ascendancy.
"No matter what, this battle must be won," General Hachidai Rokuro declared.
"Indeed, we must win this battle at all costs!" General Ishimura Sokuo added.
"However, the navy may struggle to contend with the German fleet. Even if the Combined Fleet exerts its full strength, it would still be no match for them," General Ijuin Goro voiced his concerns.
"The current state of our navy is such that the cabinet cannot allow us to sacrifice ourselves. Once the German expeditionary fleet arrives, we can retreat into the naval ports, and the Germans will have no means to harm us," suggested General Ishimura Sokuo.
"That is a reasonable plan. Alternatively, we could strike at the German transport ships. If those vessels encounter trouble after their long journey, the consequences would be severe. With no fuel, ammunition, food, or fresh water, the Germans might even be forced to surrender. In that case, not only would the Imperial Navy score a great victory, but we might also strengthen our position for the future. Those German battlecruisers are powerful, highly capable ships!" General Hachidai Rokuro exclaimed excitedly, as though the strategy they were considering was certain to succeed.
General Ijuin Goro also glimmered with excitement. Capturing the nine German battlecruisers would propel the island nation's navy to a level second only to that of Germany. With the US Navy severely weakened, they could dominate the Pacific. The mere thought of it filled General Ijuin with overwhelming excitement.
"Report! General, the Prime Minister requests your immediate presence at the Prime Minister's residence for a meeting," the secretary announced.
"Very well, prepare my vehicle. I shall be there shortly," General Hachidai Rokuro nodded in acknowledgment.
The secretary left promptly to make the preparations.
"I suspect they are discussing how to deal with the Germans. Hachidai-san, no matter what, our navy must not engage the Germans head-on. If we do, we have no chance of victory. We must preserve our strength and target their transport ships. That is our only path to success. The navy has struggled to reach its current size, and we cannot afford to let the army's blunders ruin us," General Ijuin Goro said.
General Hachidai Rokuro nodded in agreement. "Rest assured, I know what must be done."
When General Hachidai Rokuro arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, the other four members of the cabinet were already present, along with General Hasegawa Yoshimichi, the Chief of Staff of the Army.
"Hachidai-san, we've been waiting for you!" Prime Minister Okuma Shigenobu greeted him.
"My apologies, Prime Minister, for being late," General Hachidai Rokuro immediately apologized.
"No, not at all. You're not late. It's just that everyone arrived early, so the meeting has already begun," Prime Minister Okuma reassured him.
"Understood!" General Hachidai Rokuro nodded.
"Gentlemen, according to the latest intelligence, the German expeditionary fleet has entered the Indian Ocean. It is expected to arrive in Southeast Asia within the next two weeks, and will soon reach waters near the Empire. The Germans are advancing with great force. How shall the Empire respond?" Prime Minister Okuma asked.
All eyes turned to General Hachidai Rokuro. After all, the German fleet posed a naval threat, and thus it was the navy's responsibility to address it.
"Prime Minister, we have thoroughly analyzed the strength of the German expeditionary fleet. I must admit that their fleet is formidable, far surpassing the strength of our own navy. Even if the entire Imperial Navy were to unite, it would still be no match for the German fleet. If we engage them directly, the Imperial Navy is certain to lose," General Hachidai Rokuro stated. Admitting the superiority of the German fleet was uncomfortable, but it was not a time for bravado. The most important thing now was to preserve the navy's strength.
"Cowards! Are you telling me that you lack the courage to confront the German expeditionary fleet?" Army Minister Okashi Ichinosuke sneered.
"Knowing the enemy's strength and still throwing ourselves recklessly at them would be the act of a fool. Only you army brass would consider such a foolish course of action!" General Hachidai Rokuro retorted sharply.
At that moment, it seemed that General Okashi Ichinosuke and General Hachidai Rokuro were about to clash once again.
"Enough, both of you!" Prime Minister Okuma shouted, his voice filled with anger.
Both men fell silent.
"You are all esteemed officials of the Empire. The Empire is facing a dire crisis, and rather than wasting energy on pointless bickering, we must think of how to confront the Germans. Their advance is aggressive, and if we cannot defeat them, the consequences will be grave!" Prime Minister Okuma urged.
"Prime Minister, the army is ready for battle. We have already dispatched ten divisions, over 200,000 men, to Southeast Asia. If the Germans dare to come, we will defeat them and show them the might of the Imperial Army. Unfortunately, however, the Germans have only sent their navy, without any army forces," Minister Okashi Ichinosuke said with a hint of disappointment.
"The Germans appear to be focusing their attention on the war with Britain. That is likely why they did not send their army," Foreign Minister Kato Takaaki added. "Nevertheless, their naval strength is still formidable, and we cannot underestimate them."
"Hachidai-san, is there truly no way for the navy to confront the German expeditionary fleet? If we can defeat their navy, we win the war, for they have not sent an army," Minister of the Treasury Wakatsuki Reijiro asked, looking to General Hachidai with hopeful eyes.