Across the four seas or who's afraid of the BigBadWolf v2.0

[BigBadWolf]

[center]四海を渡って、すべての兄弟です。
このような世界では波の怒りを、風の轟音なぜ

Across the four seas, all are brothers.
In such a world why do the waves rage, the winds roar

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[BigBadWolf]

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[BigBadWolf]

And another.

[BigBadWolf]

November 26, 1941
Kurile Islands

Kurile Islands were a very cold place in December. The cruel conditions in these parts are one of the reasons that it was the favorite training ground of Dai-Nippon Teikoku Kaigun Koukuu-tai or Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. It was here that they produced some of the finest military pilots in the world. The price was heavy, though, and it was paid in lives of many trainees not quick or ready enough to avoid death in cold waters of the North Pacific. At least, it was a quick death.

Little of this was to any consequence to the lone sentry on a patrol boat off the coast of Etorofu. Sailor Fourth Class Tasuku Shima’s only thoughts at the moment were concerned with slow passage of time until the end of his watch and methods of keeping himself warm. Unfortunately, there was little he could do regarding either of the issues that troubled him.

Suddenly, a movement in the mist caught his attention. Slowly, dark shape emerged from the fog about half a mile from him, followed by several others. He quickly recognized familiar shape of Mutsuki-class destroyers. They were followed by heavy cruisers, fast battleships and finally 6 fleet carriers of Kido Butai, the world strongest carrier force. Sailor Fourth Class Tasuku Shima watched in awe as powerful ships graciously sailed past him, as if intentionally throwing a parade. Somewhere in the back of his head, his brain was struggling to make a parallel between his father’s rice fields in Ominato and these steel behemoths. Suddenly, a familiar voice startled him:

“Impressive, aren’t they?”



Tasuku almost jumped and turned to face his captain, young Lieutenant Inukai Taro, who was standing a mere 3 feet from him. Dereliction of duty on watch was a crime punishable by death in Imperial Navy and Tasuku was frozen with fear. But the captain seemed oblivious with his behavior. Instead, his eyes were firmly glued to Akagi, as she was sailing by. Tasuku could notice a flame burning in his captain’s eyes while he was watching the ship as if he wanted to commit every detail of her hull to his memory. For a moment, Taro’s memories threaten to overwhelm him, but he quickly put a stop on that. No, he has no friends on Akagi. Still, good manners must be shown. He nodded toward a signal reflector mounted on the deck rail.

“Send them a message. Wish them good luck.”

“Hai, Daii.”

Little did Tasuku know that he wished them luck in the endeavor that will soon change his and faith of countless millions. The response came quickly from the flag ship of Kido Butai. It read simply “Thank you, God’s speed.”

Lieutenant Inukai watched until the last ship in the line was barely visible as they disappeared into the dim morning light. He didn’t even notice that the watch was changed and that Tasuku went bellow to get some well deserved hot tea and soup and some sleep.

[BigBadWolf]

December 6th, 1941
Kurile Islands

Lieutenant’s career as a naval officer was plagued by his relation to his uncle, Inukai Tsuyoshi, late prime minister of Japan assassinated in May 15th incident in 1932. That was one of the reasons why he was stuck commanding this bucket in some backwater, while some of his classmates were already XO’s on larger vessels. Inukai tried not to be bitter, but it was a difficult task for someone in his position. At least, he could always hope, even though there weren’t much reason for that.

That is why he was so surprised when he received his transfer orders a week later. He was to report to Yokosuka Arsenal and await further orders there. In the mean time he had a week of leave, so he would have time to visit his mother and some friends in Tokyo. His successor wasn’t yet named, but he was to turn over the ship to his first officer. It was very unorthodox practice in Imperial Navy, and added to the aura of mystery surrounding his sudden change of fortune, if it was indeed a change of fortune. Perhaps they have found some new manner in which to humiliate him, like commander of some naval depot in Harbin. But Taro’s hope was rekindled, and he didn’t spent one moment on contemplating naval procedures. He just packed his bag and left. Two day later, he was standing on the footstep of his home in Tokyo. Accompanying him was newly promoted Sailor Third Class Tasuku Shima.

[BigBadWolf]

December 6th, 1941
The Fallen Dragon Ryokan

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The Fallen Dragon Ryokan was located just outside of Tokyo, surrounded by thick forest. Its secluded position was ideal for the purpose it was built, to secure a safe place for wealthy people to relax and talk about business in environment free from enemy ears. Employment in The Fallen Dragon was hereditary and only few of the families most loyal to the owners were entitled to it. The owners were prepared to pay handsomely for their services, as long they did their job and kept their mouth shut. Those who failed to do that, quickly discovered that Yakuza didn’t believe in second chances.

Apart from excellent kitchen staff, the Ryokan offered every other form of entertainment to its guests. The staff was well trained in providing pleasure to rich clientele in every fashion imaginable.

One of the smaller rooms was now occupied by two men, sitting at the low table with tea cups in front of them.. One of them, older one, was dressed in traditional richly decorated silk kimono. It was worth a fortune and spoke volumes of wealth and social status of the man wearing it. The other one was dress in plain western civilian clothes, but it was clear that he felt awkward in them. He was obviously contemplating something, as the old man patiently sipping his tea.

“Noboru-san…I’m afraid it cannot be done. The man simply doesn’t care about the money.”

Noboru Yamaguchi, kumicho of Yamaguchi-gumi Yakuza clan, smiled.

“Ah, Admiral, there are different methods of persuasion that we can employ.”

Head of Kaigun Koku Hombu, RADM Masaichi answered with desperation:

“But we tried everything. I even made it clear that he is putting his career on the line over this, but the man just won’t bulge. He is convinced that new Kawanishi fighter is a very bad solution and we can’t do anything without his authorization. After all, Captain Yomoshiro is the head of Technical department within Bureau.”

Oyabun remained silent. It was unacceptable that one man can stop the deal of such magnitude that involved some of the Japan’s most powerful zaibatsus. A deal that could bring millions to everyone involved. And it was a simple deal. Instead of competing with each other, Nakajima and Kawanishi decided to simply divide the cake. Nakajima’s company will produce fighters for Army and Kawanishi’s for Navy. Oyabun himself brokered the arrangement and made all necessary arrangements. Nakajima has already received substantial funds from the Army for retooling and expanding their facilities. But now, it could all fell through because one man is being stubborn.

“Well, perhaps it is time for a different approach.”

Captain Yomoshiro will quickly find out that it is not only his career on the line.