January 6, 1898.
The world was holding its breath.
As news of Japan's military preparations spread, so did the looming shadow of war. The Russian Empire, unwilling to lose its hold in the Pacific, had begun mobilizing troops along its eastern borders, reinforcing naval bases in Vladivostok and deploying warships into contested waters. The message was clear: Russia was ready for a fight.
In the heart of the Imperial Palace, the war council convened again, their expressions darker than before.
Emperor Yoshihito sat with his hands folded, his expression unreadable as reports were delivered to him. General Yamagata, his top military strategist, had just returned from a tour of Japan's defenses. His face was grim.
"Our navy is ready," Yamagata said, his voice low and serious. "We have reinforced the fleet in Sasebo and Yokosuka. Every battleship and cruiser we have is armed and awaiting orders. But there is a problem."