The Dawn of the Showa Era 1

December 25, 1926

At last, the turbulent Showa Era had begun.

Historically, around 1927, the Chinese mainland would see escalating civil wars between Chiang Kai-shek's National Revolutionary Army, the Communist Party forces, and Zhang Zuolin's Beiyang warlords—a chaotic age reminiscent of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Amid this, Japan continued its economic expansion into China. By 1926, total Japanese investments in China had reached 1.4 billion yen, nearly equivalent to Japan's national budget (expenditures) for the same year.

By this point, Japan had already passed the point of no return.

However, this expansion relied on the grossly unequal treaties—the "Twenty-One Demands" (later reduced to ten) and the "Sino-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and Navigation"—which heavily favored Japan. As a result, anti-Japanese sentiment in China grew increasingly volatile.

To protect Japanese interests, Japan reinforced its China Garrison Army, but this only deepened tensions.

Finally, Chiang Kai-shek unilaterally nullified the unequal treaties with Japan and banned land/property leases to Japanese citizens, effectively expelling them from the mainland.

Attacks on Japanese and other foreigners in China also became frequent.

Historically, in March 1927, foreign concessions and consulates (including those of Japan, Britain, and the U.S.) in Nanjing were stormed. Nine foreigners were killed, and many civilians—including women and children—were assaulted or violated.

The perpetrators were believed to be Chinese Communist Party members and their sympathizers.

This incident severely poisoned Japan's perception of China.

Subsequent tragedies—the Hankou Incident, Jinan Incident, and Tongzhou Incident—where Japanese civilians were massacred or brutalized, further worsened relations. Limited military clashes escalated into the Zhang Zuolin Bombing Incident, the Manchurian Incident, and eventually the Second Sino-Japanese War.

January 1927

Imperial Space Force Headquarters

"This might be the first time since the Space Force's founding that we're all gathered together, no?"

"True. Ikeda left for America immediately, and Arima married Her Majesty Anastasia and went to Karafuto."

Arima had returned as a special envoy from the Russian Empire to attend Emperor Taishō's funeral rites. Ikeda had also timed his return from America for this occasion.

The founding members of the Space Force had been partially briefed on Takashiro Soryu's secrets.

"Even as Empress Anastasia's consort, Arima's practically the ruler of a nation now. Impressive. He's the most successful among us. And with a crown prince and princess born, everything's going smoothly."

"Nah, I owe it to Takashiro for petitioning Her Majesty to let me accompany her to Nikolayevsk. Just got lucky."

"Luck alone doesn't get you that far. So, how's governing Russia? Heard you hold monthly council meetings with the cabinet. The Emperor was envious."

"Yeah, we hold imperial councils twice a month without fail. We review bills, economic reports, public security, and diplomacy—then Anastasia gives her input."

"Does she ever oppose cabinet proposals outright?"

"Not directly. But she does insist on policies that protect the vulnerable. Some laws leave people worse off, after all."

"That's because you educated her, right?"

"Well, yes, but she's quick to learn and has her own opinions. She's remarkably capable."

"Speaking of which, the oilfield development's progressing well?"

"Thanks to you, yes. It started as a joint venture between Japan and Britain, but with expansion, Russian capital joined—and Richard Investment too. The pipeline to Karafuto's mainland is nearly complete."

"By the way, Arima, what about that intelligence organization?"

"The State Security Committee (KGB). Training's underway. We've infiltrated key figures in various countries—even the Japanese military and press have 'cooperators.' Though they think they're leaking to Comintern agents."

(Note: The Comintern was the Soviet-led international communist movement aimed at global revolution.)

"Ah, so you're flushing out 'worms in the lion's belly.' Terrifying."

"Right now, we're infiltrating the Nazi Party. Only low-level so far, but ideally, we'd assassinate Adolf early."

"That'd be best…"

Soryu privately wondered: If Adolf's like me—possessed by a demon with supernatural powers—assassination won't be easy.

"Ikeda's company has grown massively too. In total assets, it's among the world's top corporate groups, no?"

"Yeah, but things are uneasy lately. Someone's digging into Richard's identity. We get annual tax audits now—meaning our enemy can mobilize the IRS. There's also talk of a shadowy group called the Twelve Sages, elders who've controlled America's economy since its dawn. No one who's tried uncovering their identity has returned. Might just be an urban legend, though."

"So, what's Richard's cover now?"

"After 'falling ill' during a Karafuto oilfield visit, he's 'hospitalized' at a Russian Imperial Army facility. Oh, and an American spy infiltrated that hospital, Arima."

"Six have already 'disappeared.' No leads—they bit poison capsules in their molars. Probably American."

"Anyway, I'll tough it out in America until the Great Depression hits. If things get dangerous, I'll flee home—warm welcome, okay?"

"Hahaha!"

"How's the computer development, Morikawa?"

"We've built an 8-bit computer with transistors. Now we're developing programs. With radar and laser rangefinders, naval and tank artillery could achieve 100% accuracy. But we'd need barrel stabilizers, powerful motors, and precision sensors—not happening overnight. Still, within 3 km, we could reliably shoot down aircraft with cannons. An invincible fleet."

"Naval gun hit rates are around 1%, right? Guaranteed first-shot hits would make war obsolete."

"How's the sonar, Miyake?"

"Working on high-precision hydrophones. The angle-detection mechanism's tricky, and we're short on staff. Linking it to computers for instant enemy ship identification will take years. Then we miniaturize it for torpedoes. Need to filter noise and identify targets. But we'll mass-produce within a decade."

"Heard submarine construction's starting, Takashiro?"

"We're acquiring a Hyogo steel company's shipbuilding division. Secret docks will build test models first—three years for construction, two for trials. By 1939, we want fifty 3,000-ton submarines. So, Ikeda, work hard in America for the funds!"

"You got it, boss!"

To be continued in "The Dawn of the Showa Era (2)"

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A/N: Thank you for reading Chapter 48!

Feels like a reunion, doesn't it?

I'll keep writing diligently toward the finale. If you enjoyed it, bookmarks and ratings are appreciated!

If not, even a ★☆☆☆☆ is fine—I'll improve!

Feedback helps, whether it's "The pacing's slow," "Hard to follow," or "Feels derivative."

I worry if those less familiar with history can enjoy it, so thoughts on that are welcome too!

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Thank you for your support!