The attitudes of Kanichi Oura and Rokuro Yashiro essentially represented the stance of the island nation's military. With both men in agreement, Kanemitsu Oura could only hold his tongue. He understood that he dared not speak further—for who could predict what ruthless actions those fearsome individuals might take? In this nation, decisions jointly made by the army and navy were unassailable, even by the Emperor himself.
Prime Minister Shigenobu Okuma cast a glance at the other cabinet ministers, who remained silent with tightly sealed lips. He realized that further discussion was unnecessary.
"Since no one has any objections, we shall proceed as decided. Kato, inform the Americans that we accept their terms. Furthermore, express our hope for deeper collaboration with them," said Okuma.
"Yes, Prime Minister," responded Kato Takayoshi.
Meanwhile, Rokuro Yashiro and Kanichi Oura wore smiles brimming with satisfaction, already contemplating how to claim a larger share of the two-billion-dollar loan for themselves.
Following the meeting, Rokuro Yashiro returned to the Ministry of the Navy without delay. After instructing his secretary to summon Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Tsuyoshi Shimamura, he set out by car for a secluded estate on the outskirts of Tokyo. This was the residence of Gombei Yamamoto, revered as the father of the island nation's navy. It was under Yamamoto's leadership that the navy had grown from weakness to strength, eventually defeating the Chinese and Russian navies, cementing his status as the most influential figure in the navy's history.
Admirals like Sukehisa Ito, who vanquished the Beiyang Fleet during the First Sino-Japanese War, and Heihachiro Togo, who triumphed at the Battle of Tsushima, were appointed as commanders of the Combined Fleet with Yamamoto's support. His influence extended beyond the navy, allowing him to remain a formidable presence even in the political arena. Had it not been for the army's staunch opposition, he might long ago have been elevated to the rank of elder statesman.
When Rokuro Yashiro arrived to pay his respects, he found Yamamoto engrossed in a book. However, his expression betrayed his inability to focus, a sign of his deep distress over the Combined Fleet's devastating defeat.
"Sir, I bring good news. The Imperial Navy is on the verge of a revival!" Admiral Yashiro declared.
Yamamoto immediately set his book aside, his eyes fixed intently on Yashiro. "What is this about?"
"Sir, the American government has decided to extend a two-billion-dollar loan to us for national recovery and military rebuilding. Given the navy's unwavering efforts during the war, I believe we are entitled to a significant portion of these funds. With this money, we can construct more modern capital ships, ensuring the navy's resurgence in the near future!" Yashiro explained.
A glimmer of delight appeared on Yamamoto's face. Indeed, with adequate funding, the navy could construct additional warships, enabling a swift resurgence.
"But surely, the Americans have ulterior motives?" Yamamoto inquired.
"Indeed, sir. The Americans are demanding access to our markets, but their primary aim appears to be forging an alliance against Germany. Given the strained relations between the U.S. and Germany, they are keen to secure our support. As for the market's impact on domestic industries, it will likely be minimal," Yashiro replied.
Yamamoto nodded. "Industrial disruption is inevitable. However, if we can secure victory in future wars, such losses will be negligible. If we succeed in seizing Southeast Asia and perhaps even broader territories, the Empire will achieve true ascendancy."
"Precisely, sir. I wholeheartedly agree," Yashiro responded.
Shortly after, Fleet Admiral Heihachiro Togo and Admiral Tsuyoshi Shimamura arrived. Upon hearing of the American loan, their spirits were lifted. They, too, had been despondent over the Combined Fleet's defeat, which had left their positions precarious. Without formidable warships, the navy's influence had sharply diminished.
"The navy has suffered grievous losses in this war, while the army emerged virtually unscathed. Therefore, I propose that of the two billion dollars, the navy should receive 1.5 billion. With such a sum, we could construct over a dozen modern battleships. Not only would this restore our strength, but it would surpass our previous peak!" Admiral Shimamura exclaimed.
"Warship construction costs are soaring, particularly for those with robust armor and powerful main guns. Even with 1.5 billion dollars, it may be challenging to build so many battleships," cautioned Admiral Togo.
"Sir, if the budget proves insufficient, we can supplement it with military expenditures. The 1.5 billion dollars should be considered a bonus," Yashiro suggested.
Togo nodded in agreement, acknowledging the feasibility of this approach.
"We must expedite the construction of the Fuso-class battleships. The Empire cannot afford to have seas without defenses; otherwise, our interests will be left unguarded," Yamamoto declared.
"Yes, we will press the shipyards to hasten their work," Yashiro and Shimamura promptly assured him.
"Additionally, we must accelerate the design and construction of new battleships to restore our strength as quickly as possible. Germany has humiliated us in this war. We must exact vengeance in the future!" Admiral Togo asserted.
"Yes, sir!" Yashiro and Shimamura responded in unison.
"Sir, we are prepared to begin construction of the Ise-class battleships, an improved version of the Fuso-class, as soon as funding is secured. For the subsequent class, we plan to equip them with 410mm main guns. Germany's 380mm guns are formidable, but since we lack the technology to produce fifty-caliber guns, increasing the caliber is our best option. These 410mm battleships will be built in three batches: two ships in the first and second batches, and four in the third. Combined with the Fuso-class and Ise-class, we will have a fleet of 12 powerful battleships!" Yashiro exclaimed, his face alight with excitement.