Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 3

Side Story 3. The 1592 Southern Sea War (3)

Oda’s goal wasn’t simply to make the Japanese recognize the Empire as a competitor.

“Looking at the current situation in Japan, Ming [China], and the Empire, it’s a two-strong, one-medium situation. Ming and the Empire are the two strong powers, and Japan is the one medium power.”

Oda analyzed the situation with a world map spread out before him.

“If we continue like this, Japan will forever only be looking at the backs of the two strong powers and become just another small nation. That cannot happen.”

Oda, staring intently at the map as if trying to pierce it, came to a conclusion.

“The world, the world… but Japan is just a piece of the world. For Japan, no, for me to become the master of the world, war is the only answer.”

Having reached a conclusion, Oda summoned his most trusted confidants.

“…Therefore, we will aim for the Empire.”

Oda’s confidants, upon hearing his decision, all turned pale.

“Are, are you serious?”

“I am always serious.”

“But, the opponent is the Empire!”

“So what?”

“…”

Faced with Oda’s resolute demeanor, the confidants all fell silent.

However, Akechi Mitsuhide was the only one who dared to dissuade Oda.

“Wouldn’t it be better to aim for Ming instead?”

Oda shook his head at Akechi’s indirect suggestion.

“No, the Empire is more advantageous than Ming.”

-I am well aware that the Empire is a great power.

-However, the Empire is divided into Honji and Shinji [likely referring to different factions or regions within the Empire, implying internal division], and its mighty military power is also split in two.

-But Ming is united as one.

-To put it another way, if we strike Ming, we have to face all the power that Ming possesses.

“Which is easier to deal with, an opponent with complete power or an opponent with only half the power? That’s why it’s the Empire.”

“…It’s not going to be easy. No, it’s impossible with Japan’s current strength.”

Oda nodded at Akechi’s point.

“I acknowledge that. That’s why I’m thinking of 10 years. We will prepare to the fullest for 10 years and then aim for it.”

“10 years is too short! We need at least 20 years!”

Oda’s expression momentarily turned fierce at Akechi’s objection. However, Oda soon composed himself and made a joke that wasn’t really a joke.

“Golden tangerine head [a playful, slightly insulting nickname], you’re too negative. And, have you thought about how old I’ll be in 20 years? Why? Are you going to take over for me when I die?”

“I have never even thought of such a disrespectful thing!”

“That’s right, that’s the golden tangerine head.”

After the meeting, Akechi came outside and turned his head to look in the direction of Oda.

“He’s crazy, he’s crazy…”

Akechi assessed that Oda had gone mad.

-It is true that the Empire is divided into Honji and Shinji.

-It is true that the Empire’s mighty military power is also divided in two.

-However, even that half of the military power is so strong that Ming cannot move carelessly.

“…No matter how much we build up our strength for 10 years, it’s impossible. It’s not like the Empire will just sleep while we build up our strength… The moment we raise an army, it’s destruction.”

Akechi, predicting the outcome of the war, gritted his teeth.

“We must eliminate him.”

* * *

Following Oda’s secret orders, Japan gradually began to move towards militarism.

The budget allocated to the defense sector in Japan’s national budget began to increase little by little.

Of course, it only ‘gradually’ increased on the surface. Internally, a large amount of the budget secretly began to be allocated to the development and production of various weapons.

And, using this funding, defense companies began to grow in size.

The enlarged defense companies began to hire more workers, and money began to circulate actively within Japan.

This boom, though not really a boom, became a suitable means to silence the officials who opposed militarism.

While muzzling the officials, Oda’s plan slowly began to enter a stable orbit.

And then, an unexpected event occurred.

* * *

As he grew older, Oda slowly began to solidify the succession structure.

To solidify his succession, Oda placed his eldest son, Nobutada, in the position of commander of the Japanese military inspection department.

The problem was that the current occupant of that position was Akechi.

“Golden tangerine head, I need you to take charge of the Cabinet Intelligence Office. I can only rest assured if you take charge.”

“…I will do my best. Thank you for trusting me.”

Although he said thank you, Akechi’s heart was filled with anger.

‘He’s trying to get rid of me!’

The two organizations that handled Japan’s information were the Japanese military inspection department and the Cabinet Intelligence Office.

However, the inspection department was considered higher than the Cabinet Intelligence Office because it could mobilize force if necessary.

That wasn’t all.

Moving to the Cabinet Intelligence Office instead of the inspection department, where he had been, meant becoming a ‘rolling stone’ [someone without a firm base or secure position].

In order to properly take control of the Cabinet Intelligence Office, he had to suppress the internal resistance within the investigation office. This was not possible in a short period of time.

If Akechi showed any sluggishness, Oda would surely use this as an excuse to eliminate Akechi.

‘No, Oda’s plan to eliminate me, Akechi Mitsuhide, is certain!’

“Then…”

Akechi finally made a firm decision.

“I’ll kill him before I die!”

Akechi, having solidified his decision, moved his confidants to the Cabinet Intelligence Office.

At the same time, he secretly began to contact the Japanese king.

Just like Oda had done.

* * *

And then, ‘the day of destiny’ came.

After the interim review of the military policies that had been in progress, Akechi requested a private audience with Oda.

“A private audience? What’s going on?”

“It’s a matter related to public sentiment.”

At Akechi’s answer, Oda ordered Nobutada.

“The commander should hear it too. Stay in your seat.”

In a place where only three people remained, Oda questioned Akechi.

“What problem has occurred with public sentiment?”

“There are complaints that the taxes are too heavy. In particular, the merchants of Naniwa – present-day Osaka – are the loudest.”

“Hmm…”

Oda, who had been pondering for a moment at Akechi’s report, asked again.

“Why are you telling me this now? Couldn’t you have said it earlier?”

“There were too many people in that place who ignored public sentiment. All of them are the kind of people who would just say that if you just suppress them, they’ll shut up.”

Nobutada, who had only been listening to Akechi’s answer, interjected.

“Isn’t that the right thing to say? Why are you so concerned about people who would just shut up if you cut off a few of their heads as an example?”

Akechi’s expression turned fierce at Nobutada’s words.

“There is an imperial saying that ‘public sentiment is heavenly sentiment’. You must never ignore public sentiment.”

“How can you do politics while only looking at people’s reactions! Your Excellency! Just suppress them!”

“Your Excellency! You can’t!”

Oda, who had been listening to the two’s debate, opened his mouth.

“It was expected that the people would have a hard time. For the time being, we will continue the current trend. If we only win, the people’s complaints will disappear.”

“Your Excellency! It would be better to lower the tax rate a little.”

“What are you talking about! We should kill a few of them as an example and confiscate their property! Some of the merchants in Naniwa are said to have as much wealth as our Japan’s budget for several years! We should kill them and take it!”

“Say something that makes sense! We don’t have enough hands to soothe public sentiment, what nonsense are you talking about!”

“You have to look at the big picture! The big picture! Isn’t the whining of those people nothing new!”

When Akechi and Nobutada’s voices were getting louder and louder, Oda opened his mouth.

“I’ll say it again, we will continue the current trend for the time being. As Nobutada said, the people are always complaining. Just ignore them.”

At that moment, Akechi stretched both arms forward.

Clang!

At the same moment, with a sharp mechanical sound, French-made double-barreled subcompact pistols popped out of both sleeves.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

With four gunshots, blood spurted from Oda and Nobutada’s chests, and the two, mortally wounded, clutched their chests and collapsed.

Thump!

At the sudden gunfire, the guards and officials outside rushed in.

“Gasp!”

When the guards and officials froze at the sight before them, Akechi shouted loudly.

“The Grand Minister and the Commander of the Inspection Department were insulting His Majesty the King and making the people suffer. His Majesty the King could not bear to see such state corruption and ordered them to be punished! This is a legitimate act by royal order! Get out of the way!”

Pressed by Akechi’s momentum, the guards and officials parted ways, and Akechi left the scene.

However, the office was full of people who had run from the conference room after hearing the gunshots.

“Chief Cabinet Secretary! What have you done!”

At the shout of the Minister of the Right, Akechi repeated what he had said earlier.

“Even so, there is a procedure! You can’t do this without a trial!”

“The Grand Minister and the Commander of the Inspection Department had too much power, so I used this expedient method instead of the regular method! I’ll say it again, this is by royal order!”

“Do you have a document to prove that it is a royal order?”

“Come to the Cabinet Intelligence Office if you have any complaints. Get out of the way!”

Akechi pushed through the people and disappeared outside instead of answering.

However, everyone knew.

-There is ‘still’ no official document. Just like it has been until now.

Until now, those who had been purged were those who had stronger power than the power of the Japanese king, and those who had the ability to threaten the life of the Japanese king if necessary.

Therefore, the Japanese king only gave orders verbally and gave documents after the work was successful.

If so, the same situation would be happening now.

“The Grand Minister has been a bit unreasonable lately…”

“Is it the era of Akechi Mitsuhide from now on…”

Most of the officials predicted that Akechi Mitsuhide would reach the peak and were in an agreeable mood, but only one person had a different idea.

It was the Deputy Commander of the Inspection Department, Hashiba Hideyoshi.

While leaving the Grand Minister’s office, Hideyoshi muttered softly.

“There is no document yet. Then…”

The more the words continued, the faster Hideyoshi’s steps became.

“Then, the peak of power is still vacant! Those idiots will realize it soon! From now on, it’s who’s faster!”

* * *

Hashiba Hideyoshi moved quickly.

Hideyoshi immediately mobilized 3,000 troops that could be mobilized immediately, raided the Cabinet Intelligence Office, and detained Akechi Mitsuhide and his confidants.

The next day, the assassination of Oda and his son and the statement of the Japanese King Ouchi Takeyo regarding this were spread throughout Japan through the telegraph network.

-Oda Nobunaga, who is now deceased, was the Grand Minister of Japan and my long-time loyalist.

-He did his best to assist me and always did his best for the revival of Japan.

-However, the tragedy occurred when the traitor Akechi Mitsuhide lied that it was my order and assassinated the loyalist.

-Therefore, I express my deep condolences for the death of the Grand Minister and will severely punish the cunning traitor.

Akechi, who heard this statement in prison, smiled bitterly without saying a word.

In the ensuing trial, Akechi only remained silent and was eventually sentenced to be beheaded.

In the end, Akechi Mitsuhide’s rebellion ended in ‘one day of glory’.

And, the peak of Japanese power returned to Hashiba Hideyoshi.

* * *

Hashiba Hideyoshi, who rose to the peak of power with faster situation judgment and drive than anyone else, tried to show that he maintained a good relationship with the Japanese king.

In response, the Japanese king granted Hashiba Hideyoshi the clan name ‘Toyotomi’.

Hideyoshi, who succeeded in building a good relationship with the Japanese king in this way, steadily continued the policies that Oda had started.

No, some parts were intensified even more.

-We must protect Japan’s unique customs, occupations, purity of language, and traditions!

-We will restore the lowered pride of the Japanese people!

Along with these slogans, not only were various imperial words and expressions thoroughly excluded, but they also created pure Japanese words and expressions to replace them and forced them to be used.

That wasn’t all.

Japanese educational institutions were forced to learn the Chronicles of Japan [Nihon Shoki, an early history of Japan].

The same was true for the occupational field.

They created the ‘Occupation Preservation Law’ and forced one of the sons of artisans to inherit the family business unconditionally. If there were no sons, the son-in-law had to inherit it.

In the worst case, when there were no children, they had to take in a disciple to continue the lineage unconditionally.

And, in order to protect this, they also changed the transfer of residence to a thorough reporting and permission system.

The same was true for residents’ identification cards. Japanese people, regardless of gender, had to carry identification cards that recorded their facial features and physical characteristics in detail at all times.

Due to these strengthened policies, the people’s dissatisfaction gradually began to reach a dangerous level.

In response, Hideyoshi used the hard-line tactics that Nobutada had suggested to silence the people, but he could not prevent the people’s dissatisfaction from accumulating.

In response, Hideyoshi decided to implement the last of Nobunaga’s plans.

It was the ‘invasion of the Empire’.

* * *

“The time has finally come to carry out the great work!”

In front of the army and navy generals gathered in the Ministry of Defense’s secret conference room, Hideyoshi declared war.

At Hideyoshi’s declaration, the Japanese military generals had expressions that said, ‘What was coming has come.’

Looking at the generals’ expressions, Hideyoshi continued.

“In this war, our goal is not to conquer the Empire. What we want is only three things. One is Daesul Island, another is the original of the Ugong Yisan level of the Challenge Record [likely a historical document detailing challenges and achievements], and the last one is the original of Emperor Yi Hyang’s Miscellaneous Records [another historical document, possibly containing personal notes or observations].”

Here, Hideyoshi suddenly stopped talking and waved his hand.

“No! It would be good to get Daesul Island, but it doesn’t matter if we don’t get it. But, we must get the other two. If we only get those two, our Japan can surpass the Empire.”

At Hideyoshi’s words, the generals in charge of the army and navy’s weapons parts nodded in unison.

The reason why the Empire was able to overwhelm other countries in technology and scientific development was because it did not lose its direction.

And the conclusion of other countries was that the reason why that was possible was thanks to the Challenge Record and the Miscellaneous Records left by Sejong and Hyang [likely referring to influential figures or emperors].

No, it was a part that even the people of the Empire acknowledged.

Hideyoshi, gaining confidence from the generals nodding, continued.

“It is true that Honji only has half of the Empire’s military power, but it is still not easy. We must never engage in a long-term war! We will mobilize all our forces and strike at once! Before the Empire guys come to their senses, we will strike at once and grab the Emperor’s balls!”

‘It’s a slightly crude expression, but it’s the most likely method.’

Hideyoshi and the Japanese military generals agreed to a short-term decisive battle to achieve the goal with a surprise attack mobilizing all their forces.

And, in the process of searching for a way to successfully realize this, the names of the Empire’s military commanders began to come up.

The names that came up first were ‘Won Gyun’ and ‘Lee Soon-shin’.