Chapter 120
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: Mr. Sunset (7)
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"Long time no see, Admiral."
"It's truly delightful to meet you again like this."
Togo Heihachiro.
The Marshal of the Japanese Navy and a count, he was indisputably Japan's greatest war hero.
Our reunion was conducted with utmost secrecy.
"First, I owe you an apology."
"An apology?"
"I once boldly declared that those pale-skinned, big-nosed foreigners would never step aside for a talent like you. But I was wrong, and you've risen as a hero of America—no, of Asia itself."
"I was just a green cadet back then. Your words gave me much to reflect on, Admiral Togo."
As I praised him, a faint smile crept across his face.
"That's a relief, then. You can't imagine my shock when I heard that the young cadet I met was tearing through the battlefields of Europe."
"I don't think I'd have risen through the ranks even if I'd joined the British forces. Let's chalk it up to differences in experience."
The ordeal it took to arrange this meeting was endless.
Togo, revered as the father of the Japanese Navy, was vehemently opposed to the Washington Naval Treaty. Though the invitation was extended in his name, the Japanese naval brass were on high alert, fearing he might sabotage the treaty.
And indeed, Togo was brimming with the desire to do just that.
"Our navy's spirited juniors are deeply concerned about this naval treaty."
"Is that so? As an army man, I had no idea it was that serious."
"The Imperial Navy plays a vital role in Asia's peace. Yet they're demanding one nation's unilateral sacrifice on a whim—how tragic is that?"
The reason this meeting came to pass?
Even Togo, now a sidelined elder awaiting his final days, was so incensed by the naval arms limitation treaty that he stormed out in protest.
"What can I do for you?"
"Straight to the point, I see."
"I know nothing about naval treaties. But one thing's certain: if war breaks out between America and Japan, my position becomes exceedingly awkward."
"Hmmm..."
"I'm just a mere army major. I can't play any role beyond messenger, but I can convey opinions through a channel separate from the negotiation table. So, please share your thoughts candidly, and I'll pass them on verbatim, without filter."
"Excellent. I like a man who gets to the heart of it."
Togo nodded, tapping the table with his fingers.
"First, the Imperial Navy cannot abandon the Mutsu."
"I've heard plenty about the Mutsu."
"And if they're going to impose excessive quotas on the Imperial Navy, America and Britain must pay an equal price."
"For example?"
"They should restrict fortification of Pacific islands too. Even if they limit fleets, if we fortify every potential battlefield, it'll spark an arms race through fortifications. So let's all agree to keep the key points in the Pacific and Asia demilitarized amicably."
Sounds reasonable enough.
Togo's intent was crystal clear.
During the Great War, Japan had seized Germany's South Pacific islands, but strictly speaking, they were under 'League of Nations mandate' administered by Japan.
Fortifying these mandated territories was prohibited by the Versailles Treaty, and chafing at that, his real aim was, 'Why don't you all just refrain from fortifying as well?'
The problem? America wanted exactly that.
The Harding administration had zero intention of spending another dime on the military. Fortifying islands in the middle of the Pacific? Where would that money come from, digging holes in the ground?
Proposals to build naval bases in the Philippines, Guam, and elsewhere—all shot down with a single 'no budget.' If they'd passed, King and I wouldn't have pulled our hair out over it.
"I'll convey it faithfully."
"Thank you. I pray for eternal peace in the Pacific."
"Of course. I look forward to your continued guidance."
We clasped hands firmly, concluding our clandestine meeting.
Intelligence truly is paramount.
If the Japanese had a better grasp of America's intentions, they never would have made this offer first.
But we could graciously accept Japan's proposal with feigned regret.
Fools.
"One more thing—might I ask a personal favor?"
"I'm overjoyed that this old man can be of service. Anything within my power, I'll do."
"I'd be grateful if you could introduce me to Governor-General Saito Makoto."
A rare flicker of surprise crossed Togo's eyes.
Japanese Empire, Keijo.
Bang Jeong-hwan had always returned home during breaks to tend to various matters, but this time, he couldn't wait.
He flew back like a bird and headed straight home upon landing in Keijo. With nowhere else to go and living with his in-laws, his home was his father-in-law Son Byong-hi's residence.
"Father-in-law, how fares your health?"
"How could this body remain unscathed when the nation faces such peril? No major issues, so rest easy. You met General Kim Eugene? What kind of man is he?"
Son Byong-hi, bedridden with illness, was just as eager for details.
Who was Kim Eugene? A comet-like genius general who appeared amid the darkest clouds in 5,000 years of Korean history.
Whenever this wretched nation faced calamity, a white-steed hero would emerge—Eulji Mundeok, Kang Gam-chan, and during the Imjin War, Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin. Everyone with a mouth was saying God had sent General Kim this time.
But Son Byong-hi himself was uneasy that the man was an American who'd never set foot on Korean soil.
With so many traitors among those claiming to be 'one people,' how much could a man who'd never even seen this peninsula care about Korea's independence and salvation?
Yet he could set aside his doubts at his reliable son-in-law's account.
"General Kim Eugene stands over eight feet tall, with a commanding presence—you know at a glance he's a hero for the ages."
"Indeed?"
"He calls himself Korean without a care for Japanese ears and ponders deeply the future of our people."
"What fortune! Truly fortunate! If such a renowned figure sided with the Japanese, how many more would succumb to temptation?"
"It's regrettable he's under a foreign flag, but with the dire state of affairs, could he have risen as a hero if born and bred here? Truly fortunate."
"He commands whites without hesitation and makes Japanese bow their heads—isn't it all because he's an American soldier?"
"You're right."
10 minutes.
20 minutes.
30 minutes.
Once his son-in-law started spinning fairy tales for the kids, thunder wouldn't faze them—they'd hang on his every word. With that same eloquence recounting General Kim Eugene, time melted away like ice in spring.
Only when Bang Jeong-hwan paused to wet his throat did Son Byong-hi snap out of his trance.
"Ahem. So, you didn't abandon your studies just to brag about meeting the general, did you? I asked via telegram beforehand."
"Ah, right. Forgive my excitement. General Kim proposed studying in America."
"America."
Bang Jeong-hwan had so many irons in the fire in Korea and with Cheondogyo that agreement didn't come easily.
But studying in America, with General Kim's backing? Such a once-in-a-lifetime chance—what a dilemma.
"I hesitated at first, citing family here, but he said I could bring them if I wished."
"...What magnanimity."
"But if I go to America, I can't touch Korean affairs, and if my whole family leaves, won't you feel lonely, Father-in-law? I'm fine with it. Haha!"
"You fool. The general offers such kindness—how dare you toss away this golden opportunity? Don't even speak of it."
Though his son-in-law had filled out, gazing at him always evoked the scrawny youth who seemed one gust from breaking.
His own days were numbered. His body, battered by prison hardships, was weary, and he worried for his family's future after his passing.
He who'd always championed education as the lifeline of the Korean people—could he let his son-in-law squander a chance to study in the world's most prosperous land? Regrettable, but sending him off was the right call.
Just then, commotion erupted outside the door.
"Terrible news. A Japanese man's here—"
"A Japanese?"
"Ariyoshi Juichi, Chief of Civil Affairs at the Governor-General's office, came in person."
"...What an esteemed cur graces us. We can't turn away a guest."
Before he could speak, Ariyoshi strode in.
"Welcome. What brings such a noble guest to this rebel's home?"
"Visiting the sick would be laughable. I came on a request from the mainland. Bang Jeong-hwan's here too—perfect."
Without even tea, Ariyoshi cut to the chase.
"You know General King is in the home country. He's requested the Governor-General's cooperation to establish the 'Oriental Education Development Fund.'"
"Oriental... what?"
"Oriental Education Development Fund. To arrange study abroad in America for promising talents, regardless of nationality."
Regardless of nationality—did that mean even Japanese? Words failed him momentarily.
But on reflection, limiting it to Koreans would invite Japanese sabotage, making this the only viable path.
Ariyoshi's next words nailed it home.
"Japanese will be selected appropriately from the home islands, but for Koreans, prestigious groups will nominate candidates, which the Governor-General and General King will review for scholarships."
"I don't know why General King chose you, but your group is among them. What say you?"
"Any others?"
"Direct applications via Chosun Ilbo, Dong-A Ilbo, and such; also religious groups like the YMCA. So, yes or no?"
"Yes."
"Hmph. Fair warning: if you incite the students to mischief and get caught, I won't stand idly by."
With business done, he left without awaiting reply.
"Son-in-law."
"Yes, Father."
"Seems I have one last task before I die. Become a great man in America and return."
Son Byong-hi rose with resolve.
In these eight provinces of Korea, every ambition hit the Governor-General's wall.
But in distant America?
His final flame blazed fiercely.
He instinctively knew these seeds would grow into the mightiest trees guiding the nation's next century.