Chapter 0713: Reluctant to Fight

Prime Minister's Office, Tokyo, Island Nation

Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu felt an inexplicable unease, as though some great event was about to unfold. The German expeditionary fleet lay not far from Tokyo, and the thought that it might breach Tokyo Bay filled him with dread. If that happened, who could foresee the chaos it would unleash?

"I can only hope that the Navy has properly secured the Uraga Channel," Ōkuma muttered to himself. "If the Germans break into Tokyo Bay and open fire, that would be a disaster."

The Prime Minister was increasingly convinced that defeating the German fleet was not as simple as they had once imagined. In the past, they had perhaps underestimated the situation, but now it was too late to reconsider. The Germans would never relinquish their vast Southeast Asian territories willingly.

Just then, his secretary burst into the room, drenched in sweat. Ōkuma's brow furrowed in irritation; he detested such lack of discipline.

"What is it? Why the panic? This is unacceptable!" Ōkuma scolded.

The secretary paused for a moment, then answered, "Prime Minister, the Germans have bombarded Shizuoka. The city has been reduced to rubble, with heavy civilian casualties."

"What?" Ōkuma froze, as though struck by a thunderbolt.

"How dare they! How could the Germans attack Shizuoka? Such a brutal massacre of civilians—do they not fear international condemnation?" Ōkuma bellowed angrily.

The secretary lowered his head, remaining silent.

"Immediately summon the other cabinet ministers to the Prime Minister's office. And inform the elders of this atrocity!" Ōkuma ordered.

The bombardment of an island coastal city by the German fleet was clearly a grave matter that required careful deliberation. If not handled with caution, it could result in dire consequences for the nation.

"Yes, Prime Minister!" The secretary quickly departed to carry out the task.

In less than twenty minutes, the other cabinet ministers had gathered at the Prime Minister's office. They were already well aware of the situation, and their faces were grim. Particularly grim was Admiral Yashiro Rokurō, the Minister of the Navy. The Navy was already under immense pressure, and now, with the Germans shelling the coastal cities, it was evident that the Germans were attempting to force the Navy into a decisive confrontation. Should the Navy choose to avoid battle again, who could say whether the Germans would continue attacking the island's cities? Such a course would lead to catastrophic losses, and the Navy would surely face widespread condemnation.

"Enough, everyone is here. Let's begin the meeting," Prime Minister Ōkuma said, his face clouded with frustration.

"Prime Minister, the elders have arrived," the secretary announced as he reentered the room.

Ōkuma and the others immediately stood and left the conference room to greet the elders.

"Esteemed elders, I apologize for troubling you to come to the Prime Minister's office," Ōkuma said, bowing his head.

"Ōkuma-kun, we are at a critical juncture for the Empire. No need for formalities. Continue with your meeting. We are here only to listen," said Yamagata Aritomo.

"Yes, Lord Yamagata," Ōkuma nodded.

Though Yamagata claimed that the elders were merely present as listeners, no one would dare take his words literally. Regardless, the cabinet's deliberations would undoubtedly weigh their opinions heavily. Ignoring them would spell the end for the current cabinet, and their swift removal from office was all but certain. These elders wielded immense influence.

"Gentlemen, I've just received word that the Germans have launched an attack on Shizuoka. The city has been reduced to ruins, and preliminary estimates indicate that over twenty thousand civilians have been killed or wounded, with hundreds of thousands left homeless. I have already ordered Shizuoka Prefecture to begin housing the displaced, but the main issue remains—was this attack on Shizuoka an isolated incident, or will the Germans continue targeting other cities? If they do, what is our course of action?" Ōkuma explained.

"We cannot allow the Germans to continue like this! All of the Empire's key cities lie along the coast. If we let the Germans shell our coastal cities, it will deliver a devastating blow to the Empire!" declared Kōzō Shōjaku, a cabinet minister.

"At this point, why has the Navy not yet engaged? The only force capable of countering the German fleet is the Navy! If the Navy can defeat the Germans, our coastal cities will be truly safe," raged Okamura Isosuke.

Admiral Yashiro Rokurō's face darkened. He had known all along that the army would seize this opportunity to press their case, but the situation for the Navy had become incredibly difficult. No one had anticipated that the Germans would resort to such drastic measures to force their hand. If the Germans had merely attacked merchant ships or fishing boats, the Navy could have held out. But now, with direct attacks on coastal cities, they had no excuse left.

After all, the Navy had been built on the backs of the people, who had sacrificed to fund its growth. If, in such a dire moment, the Navy chose to sit idly by to conserve strength, it would inevitably incite the public's fury. At that point, the Navy would not be defeated by the Germans but drowned in the rage of the people.

"Gentlemen, the Germans' actions can only serve one purpose: to force the Empire's Navy into a decisive battle. If you all believe the Navy should engage the Germans, we can dispatch the Combined Fleet for a final showdown! However, I must make it clear—at this moment, we are not confident of victory. If the Combined Fleet sails out to face the Germans, the chances of defeat are far greater than victory!" Admiral Yashiro Rokurō stated.

The high-ranking officials of the cabinet were not fools; they easily surmised the Germans' intentions. However, at this point, how could the Navy afford to remain passive? While the people of the island nation might be easily swayed, once their anger was provoked, it would be catastrophic. The ruling class might find themselves overthrown.

"Hmph! Is this how the Navy fights? Before even facing the Germans, they are already predicting their defeat. How can they have the confidence to continue fighting under such circumstances?" Okamura Isosuke sneered.