Chapter 118
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 118
Chapter Title: Mr. Sunset (5)
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After changing my mindset, I diligently passed on the essence of mechanized theory to catch both my personal gain and the goal of weakening the Japanese army—two birds with one stone.
A 20th-century nation's military power is ultimately part of its national strength, subordinate to its economic might.
Only with a sufficient population, formidable industrial capacity, and all the other necessary conditions can you build the most reliable army.
But can the Japanese army just wish for mechanization and make it happen overnight? They're already fighting the navy over limited budgets.
Disarmament is the trend of the era anyway, and Japan can't be an exception. To shift budget toward tanks from that limited pie, some big heads would have to roll.
"I've heard Colonel Kin has given our Imperial Army much valuable advice. My chest swells with pride every time I receive the reports."
"I'm just carrying out my assigned duties."
This cordial atmosphere persisted even during my interview with the Army Minister, Yamanashi Hanzō.
The Army Minister—no, the Secretary of War himself—had a sly, fox-like face. They say a man should wear his age on his face, but I could sense from his eyes just how craftily he'd lived his life.
And Hanzō, of all names.
Hanzō. It sounded like the kind of name that would accidentally give cancer to a bunch of allies while shooting arrows. His looks and name were both ominously off-putting.
"Our Imperial Army is researching tank unit utilization from every angle, and Colonel Kin's counsel is more valuable than any other advice."
What a long-winded intro.
"I understand Colonel Kin has deep ties with Ford, the company that manufactures tanks. If possible, how about considering building a factory in Asia?"
"A factory, you say."
"Yes. Japan is the most industrialized nation in Asia, isn't it? If Ford is interested in the Asian market, securing a base here makes sense, no?"
My reaction must not have been enthusiastic, because he rambled on with various pitches.
"Of course, neither you nor I are the types to discuss business directly. But the Imperial Army is willing to invest aggressively this time!"
"You're probably after technology transfer, maybe even licensed production."
"Exactly. You know how inconvenient it is to rely on imports without domesticating weapons."
During World War I, the U.S. Army had been short on field guns and relied heavily on French artillery.
Just thinking about it still makes my teeth chatter... They're wanting domestication for the same reason.
"That's a sensitive issue beyond my authority. It's not just Ford; Congress would need to approve."
"Of course, I understand, haha. But doesn't the direction of Congress depend on how someone on the ground like Colonel Kin speaks up?"
True enough.
The M1917 tank production line in the U.S. would have to shut down someday anyway.
Time to develop better tanks now. If we can sell off the ones we've enjoyed and let Japan produce more, even better.
Looking further ahead, China next door could be the ultimate customer.
The chaotic central plains, a demon realm overrun by warlords.
If we flood the middle kingdom with endless tanks and throw in crew training to boot?
Ka-ching, money money, hehe.
Plus, once China builds up its armored know-how, it'll be even easier to face the Japanese army when they lose their minds and invade.
As I sorted through these thoughts, Yamanashi slyly pulled an envelope from his inner pocket and slid it toward me.
"What's this?"
"Haha. Business is always like that, right? Nobody expects favors for nothing. A little give-and-take smooths everything out, wherever you go."
Look at this thick envelope. That texture. A work of art.
But with my business booming hand over fist right now, you think a paltry sum like this can buy Eugene Kim?
"Are you trying to buy me off with money? Do you mean to insult me?!"
You need to offer more.
This amount is just enough to let me scold you properly. To buy this greatest war hero, it'd take crates or 007 briefcases, not envelopes.
"My apologies. I've committed a grave discourtesy. It was foolish of me to think money could sway a true samurai."
No, what is this guy saying?
Don't hit me with that starry-eyed "true samurai" talk. More! Put in more!!
But the Army Minister Yamanashi had already pocketed the envelope and was busy apologizing.
This... this idiot.
How much I love money!
"Ford employees will soon bring more tanks. Let's review them together then."
"Understood."
"And personally, I have one question: You wouldn't operate tank units on the Japanese home islands, right?"
"Probably... not, heh."
"Then wouldn't building elsewhere be far more efficient in terms of production costs and transport?"
His expression changed in an instant.
"You're talking about Korea."
"I know nothing of business, but the difference between shipping by sea or not is obvious as day."
"We'll consider it."
Personally, I'd love a factory in Korea.
Waves of M1917 tractors filling Manchuria and China.
Just imagining them stuffing my pockets makes my chest swell. How much profit? Gaaah.
Once the Ford inspectors got fully into motion, my surface-level mission was nearly wrapped up.
Whether the Japanese army imports tanks or takes the whole production line, and how much they'll pay— that's for Ford, Congress, and the Japanese army to hash out. Not my place anymore.
Now it was time to move to the next phase: navy-related business.
This one called for a long game.
I had no prior ties to the navy, and suddenly asking, "What does the Japanese navy think of this treaty? Tell me," wouldn't get straight answers.
So I turned to the magic tool for bonding—
"Straight."
"House."
"Uwaaaah!!"
Nothing bonds faster than gambling.
Whoops, Japs' precious tax dollars from my salary sucking into my pockets? Side income like this? Truly grateful. Arigatou. Xie xie.
If you think I'm just playing around, big mistake. This is all for big-picture U.S.-Japan friendship.
"Lately, with Colonel Kim around, things have gotten much easier for me."
"If there's anywhere you need to go, I handle all of it?"
"Exactly. Now I can prepare for my trip with a happy heart."
Warren was planning a trip to Korea and China soon.
He'd been fretting over who would handle ceremonies while he was away, since routine duties were secondary. Perfect timing—he got gifted this walking billboard, Eugene Kim.
"Our embassy carefully selects only the best spots for Colonel Kim to show his face. Don't worry—just enjoy the popularity."
"Yessir..."
Ceremonies, inspections, ceremonies, speeches.
On days off, crowds swarm like it's an audience with His Majesty the Emperor, just to see my face and chat. This is after our Jap guards screened and rescreened them.
At first, I freaked when they said they'd filter people wanting to meet me.
"Why are you arbitrarily screening my visitors?"
"General Kin, we have no ill intent. But meeting every lowlife would tarnish your lofty reputation—"
"I'm not an Imperial soldier, so I won't meddle in foreign ways. But as a soldier of democratic America, I must always listen to the people's voices."
"Then, at least let us screen the dangerous ones! Meeting reds could be risky for you!"
Hmm, reds are a bit much.
After that, I drowned in applications to meet me.
"How many... exactly?"
"Including today's, 4,028 applications."
"That many?"
"Simple letters—not meeting requests—have passed 20,000."
Fuck.
Fuck, this can't be.
I was the fool.
Japanese aren't a New Year's card people to begin with.
They send letters endlessly like breathing "scatter New Year's cards." Insane me thinking I'd read each one sincerely.
And were all the people I met normal? Not quite.
"Lord Kin Shogun! The Empire is in dire straits."
"Is that so?"
"Since ancient times, the Empire needs a shogunate to serve His Majesty for peace. If you rise as Sei-i Taishōgun now, heroes across the land will—"
"You mad bastard!"
"Drag him out! Get this lunatic out!!"
Soldiers burst in, hauling out the delusional patient.
Or folks begging.
"This tiny archipelago is too petty and contemptuous of great men to harbor someone like me. If you invest funds, I'll multiply it tenfold—"
"Drag him!!"
After repeats, I just final-reviewed the security team's list. With embassy and Jap friends' help, I hired a temp secretary and staff just for letter replies.
Formulaic letters get formulaic replies.
Ones with substance get my approval first.
Haa. Being popular is tough.
Wonder how legends like Michael Jackson lived.
Think that's it? Nah.
"Kieeeek!!"
"General Kin looked at me!! He saw me!"
"No, he was looking at the sign next to you!"
That mob camped in front of my house.
Every so often, bold souls try camping where the mighty Imperial Army stands guard, just to chat with me.
Is this any way to live?
Fun for a day or two, but midnight intruders blowing whistles, dogs barking—feels like assassination plots. Half-mad already.
Heading home after bonding with top Japanese navy brass over trump.
Sure enough, someone tussling in front of my door.
"Wait a moment, please."
"Sure."
My driver stepped out, chatted with guards. Then the detainees yelled.
"Why can't Koreans meet General Kim?!"
"How do you know they won't stab?!"
"We're students at school in Japan! What grudge would we have against Korean hero General Kim Eugene? We just want to see your face!"
Koreans, huh.
Did I need to meet them right now? "Eh, why bother?" was my honest thought.
Japan hates it. Even wild talk from me sparks independence fears, hysterical fits.
Scared of bullets too, and with my secret plans to ship Koreans on U.S. liners, drawing eyes mingling with them wasn't smart.
But students tugged at my heart.
Talents I want to send to America walking right to me? Thank you very much.
I stepped out and approached.
"Hold on."
"General Kin! Dangerous! These Chosunjing might plot assassination—"
"We're not assassins!"
"I don't for a second think Koreans would kill me. Same people—not some other country. Hahaha."
"As expected of a hero's demeanor...!"
No, don't buy it.
Terrified of bullets. But showing fear here? You'd nail me for weakling contempt.
"First Koreans I've seen studying diligently in far-off Japan. Nice to meet you. Kim Eugene."
"Y-Your Korean is fluent."
"What blood runs in my veins? Even across the Pacific, I don't forget the language or writing."
I clasped their hands dramatically. Tears welled in the students' eyes.
"So, what's your name, student?"
"I'm Son Jin-tae, studying at Waseda First Higher School."
Waseda. Heard it's a top Japanese uni. Elite material. Coming to America with me?
"And you, sir?"
"No need for formal speech. I'm Bang Jeong-hwan, studying at Toyo University. An honor to meet you."
Jackpot.
What a catch!
No way I dreamed this up.