Chereads / Blood and Iron Germany[Part Two] / Chapter 180 - Chapter 0750: Stubbornness

Chapter 180 - Chapter 0750: Stubbornness

Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Kumamoto, Fukuoka, and Kitakyushu—eight cities in total have been reduced to ruins under the relentless bombardment of the Germans. Millions have been displaced, wandering without a home. No one knows where the German forces will strike next. Perhaps Tokyo itself will soon fall under their assault. This cannot continue. If it does, the empire will crumble under the weight of such devastation!" At the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shigenobu Okuma's face was etched with sorrow. For the island nation, this was nothing short of a catastrophe. He couldn't understand how it had come to this, as if everything had spiraled out of their control.

The other high-ranking officials in the cabinet wore similarly grim expressions. None of them had anticipated that the Germans would act with such ruthless ferocity. 

"This war cannot go on. Thus far, we've been nothing but punching bags. If this continues, the empire is doomed!" Foreign Minister Kato Takaaki voiced his opinion solemnly. 

"Esteemed colleagues, countless citizens have fled their homes, their livelihoods now in tatters. Even the nation's food supply is in jeopardy. If this persists, widespread famine is almost inevitable!" Minister of Agriculture and Commerce Ōura Kanemoto added gravely. 

Both Ōka Ichinosuke and Yashiro Rokurō wore troubled expressions. They could sense that their insistence on refusing to negotiate with the Germans was stirring growing resentment among the other ministers. Yet, abandoning Southeast Asia, with its vast wealth and resources, was an unbearable thought for them. The island nation's limited territory, scarce resources, and frequent natural disasters made the fertile lands of Southeast Asia an irresistible prize. Having fought so hard to seize it, how could they simply let it slip away now? 

"Honorable colleagues, our advocacy for retaining Southeast Asia is for the empire's future. The region's richness and abundance need no further elaboration. If the empire secures it, the benefits will be immeasurable. Surely, you all see this as well!" Ōka Ichinosuke argued fervently. 

"Indeed, Southeast Asia is critical. But the immediate issue is the unprecedented crisis facing the homeland. If we stubbornly persist, the homeland itself may be reduced to ashes. What use would conquering Southeast Asia be if our industrial base is obliterated and the homeland lies in ruins?" Shigenobu Okuma reasoned, his tone heavy with concern. While he would have unhesitatingly supported the conquest under normal circumstances, the staggering cost of such an endeavor forced him to reconsider. 

"In this world, nothing worthwhile comes without risk. To claim the fertile lands of Southeast Asia, we must accept certain perils," General Yashiro Rokurō retorted. 

The army and navy had reached an accord: priority would be given to rebuilding the navy using American loans. Once revitalized, the navy would in turn fully support the army's expansion efforts. As the army claimed more overseas colonies, it would reciprocate by bolstering the navy. This alignment of interests between the two forces resolved their previous tensions and set them on a path of collaboration. 

Together, the navy and army now wielded enough influence to sway the political landscape of the nation. Even the prime minister and his allies found themselves powerless against this unified front. 

"What if the Germans escalate their attacks on our coastal cities? Our industrial foundation will be annihilated! So far, they've only targeted major cities, but should they turn their sights on smaller ones, our losses will be even more devastating. At that point, the empire will plunge into the abyss!" Shigenobu Okuma warned, hoping to impress the gravity of the situation upon Ōka Ichinosuke and Yashiro Rokurō. 

"Foreign Minister, didn't the Americans promise to denounce Germany on the international stage? Why has there been no action yet?" General Yashiro Rokurō inquired. 

"The U.S. government is making preparations. It should be a matter of days," Kato Takaaki replied. 

"Then perhaps we should wait a little longer. Let's see if the Americans' intervention compels the Germans to withdraw. That would be the best outcome for us," Ōka Ichinosuke suggested, clinging to a sliver of hope. 

Seeing this, Shigenobu Okuma and his allies had no choice but to hold their tongues. Further arguments seemed futile. 

After Ōka Ichinosuke and Yashiro Rokurō departed, the remaining cabinet members looked visibly distressed. 

"Prime Minister, with the army and navy joining forces, our voices no longer carry any weight," Ōura Kanemoto remarked angrily. 

Traditionally, power in the island nation's cabinet was balanced between the prime minister, foreign minister, finance minister, army minister, and navy minister—provided the army and navy were at odds. But now, their alliance had shifted the balance, significantly increasing the military's influence. If the emperor were a figure of great authority, perhaps he could mediate, but with the death of Emperor Meiji, the throne had passed to Emperor Taishō, a man plagued by mental instability. The new emperor was little more than a puppet, devoid of the respect and clout needed to impose his will. 

"Alas, there's little that can be done. The allure of Southeast Asia is too great. If the empire can seize it, we will overcome our current constraints and soar to unprecedented heights. This would be a monumental boon to the entire nation," Shigenobu Okuma lamented. 

For the island nation, Southeast Asia represented a lifeline, capable of breaking their limitations and propelling their development forward. Yet, the difficulty of achieving this goal was staggering. Germany, now the world's foremost power, would never allow such ambitions to materialize. 

"Greed beyond one's capacity invites disaster," Kato Takaaki remarked pointedly. 

"The army and navy have descended into madness. They refuse to listen to reason. Our efforts to persuade them are utterly futile. Let us hope that Amaterasu Omikami blesses us with her protection and helps us weather this storm," said Wakatsuki Reijirō. 

The island nation's cabinet ministers, one and all, were deeply troubled by the uncertain future looming before them.