Urgent call

Compared to the old-fashioned and stubborn German officials, Akado had many advantages, chief among them being his ability to resonate with the hearts of the Chinese people. This ability, though sometimes tinged with the arrogance and absurdity typical of ordinary citizens, could at times be interpreted as wisdom in disguise. Under Akado's guidance and with the support of General Seeker, Germany engaged in another form of warfare against the lawyers of the Allied Powers—this time, at a legal level. The outcome was a victory for Germany, allowing their factories to produce civilian aircraft. However, the French and the British imposed strict limitations: aircraft produced in Germany could not ascend beyond 13,000 feet, carry more than 1,300 pounds, or exceed a speed of 186 miles per hour.

These restrictions were a forced concession by Germany, as Britain sided with France, threatening to resolve the dispute through force. Germany, unable to counter effectively, had to compromise. This compromise allowed Britain and France to savor the "sweetness" of the Versailles Peace Treaty, fostering growing contempt for Germany. Officers from the Coalition Arms Control Committee of both countries even held a celebratory reception over this legal victory, delighting in their success at keeping German aviation ambitions at bay. However, their satisfaction was short-lived.

At the start of 1921, Akado personally prepared materials and, leading the German national airline Lufthansa, brought the Allied prosecution committee to the International Tribunal. Lufthansa, established in 1926, was planned by Akado six years ahead of schedule. Although in 1920 it boasted only three outdated small triplanes, it was still the largest domestic airline in Germany. This move was prompted by the actions of British and French airlines, which had begun operating aircraft that exceeded the treaty's standards within German territory for commercial purposes, thereby undercutting the competitiveness of German airlines and causing them significant financial losses. Consequently, Germany won the case, leading to the cancellation of the aviation treaty in the summer of 1922. The treaties of Versailles and York were amended to allow Germany to produce civil aircraft without any restrictions.

Cheers erupted from the headquarters of the German Wehrmacht as the documents were received. The names of Akado and Seeker were chanted repeatedly. Merely two hours later, Lufthansa transformed from a small company with seven outdated triplanes into a large aviation enterprise boasting 54 large biplane transport aircraft.

However, the rapid development of military weapons and equipment, akin to an explosion, also brought concerns. The development of countless new devices required significant funding, and maintaining an army beyond standard size was financially demanding. Clearly, defense funds alone were insufficient. Thus, Akado conceived a highly profitable plan involving arms smuggling.

Akado first approached British military officers stationed with the German Wehrmacht. He engaged them in conversation on topics of interest to the British, such as coffee, wine, and the opium trade from India. "Dear Lieutenant Colonel Smith, I believe the situation in the Far East has been troubling for you recently, hasn't it?" Akado began, subtly steering the conversation towards the main purpose of their meeting.

"The Japanese took Qingdao from us, and it was pointless to return it to China. We were forced to compromise, betraying our good ally, China," Mr. Smith responded candidly, expressing how this affected British and French interests in the Far East and their growing hostility towards Britain, France, and Japan.

"Lieutenant Colonel Smith, even though Germany no longer has interests in the Far East, it remains an important commercial market, wouldn't you agree?" Akado asked, swirling his glass with a smile.

Smith paused, then laughed, "Oh? Are the National Defense Forces now venturing into business, Lieutenant Colonel Akado? Hahaha."

Akado joined in the laughter, "Oh, Lieutenant Colonel Smith, what does it matter if it makes money? Isn't your country's army also a sword to protect businessmen?"

"Indeed! You're right! I like your argument! My father is a businessman with ventures in India and Australia," Smith nodded in agreement.

"Germany may have lost its territorial privileges and other advantages in the Far East, but we can still secure commercial benefits and respect from our allies. I presume this won't be denied by you, Lieutenant Colonel Smith?" Akado inquired, still smiling.

"Of course! German business interests can be safeguarded," Smith continued nodding.

Raising his glass, Akado proposed, "Personally, even General Seeker believes that a Far Eastern market under the British Empire's control would prosper more than one under Japanese control. Hence, we plan to align with the British side."

Hearing Akado's support for Britain in containing Japan, Smith was visibly excited. If Europe could unite behind Britain to stabilize the Far East, it would significantly alleviate the British financial crisis. "The Defense Forces are truly friends of Britain! Dear Akado, how does the IDF intend to support Britain?" he inquired eagerly.

"We plan to assist the British Armed Squadron to withstand Japanese pressure," Akado revealed, his demeanor resembling that of a hungry wolf finally showing its fangs.

"God! Lieutenant Colonel Akado, you know Germany is not allowed to produce weapons and ammunition on a large scale," Smith exclaimed in disbelief.

Akado smiled, "You're referring to Germany not being allowed to over-equip with a large number of weapons, but we're not equipping ourselves. We produce some weapons and sell them to China."

"But I don't see how Britain benefits from a strong China and a strong Japan; they're both formidable," Smith objected, shaking his head.

Akado glanced at Smith and pointed to the document on the table, "This military assistance will be conducted in secret. The British will lead, and Germany will contribute. You gain the goodwill of the Chinese, and our military enterprises make a little money. It's that simple."

Smith picked up the documents and scrutinized them. The conditions were indeed tempting: the British would lead, and the Chinese government would devise a secret smuggling plan to provide about 100,000 rifles, 3 million rounds of ammunition, and 200 armored vehicles, among other weapons. Eighty percent of this equipment would be produced in Germany, with the remaining 20% handled by the British. These weapons and ammunition would then be transferred to merchant ships from the United States and the Netherlands, with Russia also benefiting slightly from the arrangement. The plan was so comprehensive that almost every major world power except France stood to gain from this secret arms smuggling agreement: the U.S. and the Netherlands would earn freight fees, the United Kingdom would secure the friendship of China and earn 20% of the profits, and Germany could continue to sustain its military industrial enterprise. China, in turn, would acquire the coveted arms.

"Aren't you the first one I approached?" Smith asked, looking at the German military officer before him, realizing he couldn't fully comprehend him.

Akado helped Smith turn to the last page of the document, pointing to the signature and explaining with a smile, "The United States and the Netherlands will assist the United Kingdom in pressuring the Chinese government, while Germany will collaborate with Russia to curb Japan's power in the Far East, specifically Northeast China, ensuring the interests of all involved nations."

"I need to discuss this with our government," Smith said as he stood up.

"Please," Akado replied, standing up politely like a true nobleman.

As Smith exited, the door behind Akado swung open. Seeker entered and sat on the sofa opposite Akado, his expression serious. "You're playing with fire. If the British and the French collude and our plan is exposed, you're finished," he warned.

"Me? Under what pretext would they prosecute me? For a plan that hasn't been implemented? You must be joking," Akado dismissed lightly.

Seeker looked at Akado intently, "We both know this plan is already underway! You! I! We all know! You've secretly transported 1,500 cannons to the mountains! I was aware of it! Those cannons are now being loaded onto trucks and shipped to China as the first batch of products!"

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? The Defense Force actually has 2,900 artillery pieces, and it even hides 40 Junkers!" Akado asked, still smiling.

"How do you know those warlords in China will willingly buy your arms? The United States and Britain will sell them better!" Seeker asked, frowning.

"No one wants China to be strong because everyone owes China a blood debt! We are the first to show our favor to China. This is a personal feeling. Although the Chinese government outwardly leans towards the United Kingdom, our secret actions make the Chinese prefer Germany, right?" Akado explained, his smile unwavering.

He lifted his wine glass and toasted Seeker, "And the United States and Britain will only sell outdated weapons to those self-righteous Chinese bureaucrats, while we provide the Chinese people with advanced weapons and equipment."

"It seems you've thought this through well," Seeker admitted reluctantly.

"You should be more concerned about tonight's training! The 15th Division's first full training session with over 15,000 troops can't be missed!" Akado said, still smiling.

The phone suddenly rang on the desk of the French officer in the office of the United Armed Forces Control Committee late at night. The on-duty French officer, jolted awake from a doze, grabbed the phone: "This is the Arms Control Committee! What can I do for you?"

"Just a heads-up! Pay attention to Berlin! The 15th Division of the Defense Forces in the suburbs is having night training tonight. You might want to conduct a spot check. Their numbers are seriously exceeding the limit! There are about 15,000 people! Don't ask who I am! Act quickly!"