Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 5

Extranovel 5. The 1592 Naval War (5)

Imperial Army officers underwent various aptitude and personality tests throughout their time at the military academy.

Based on these assessments and their academic performance, officer candidates either chose or were assigned their career paths upon entering the military academy.

The Imperial Army had a unique method of presenting these test result sheets and report cards to the individuals.

They used a circular diagram divided into sections corresponding to the tested items, filling each section with color to represent the numerical results.

In a diagram of five concentric circles, the third circle represented the overall average. Areas within the inner circles indicated deficiencies, while areas extending beyond the outer circles indicated excellence.

This visual representation allowed recipients to quickly identify their strengths and weaknesses.

The higher the rank one achieved, the higher the average line on this circle became. To become a ‘General,’ one had to address their deficiencies and surpass this average line.

These concentric circle result sheets were also provided to the Imperial Army’s top personnel officers and the emperors, but with significant differences compared to those received by individuals.

The reports for higher-ups included more items, which greatly influenced promotion prospects.

And these additional items increased as the candidate’s rank increased.

For general promotion candidates, items such as ‘political influence’ and ‘connections’ were even included.

Furthermore, an evaluation report from the Secret Service, containing assessments of ‘political leaning’ and ‘ambition,’ was submitted separately to the emperor.

* * *

Examining these evaluation reports, Won Gyun and Yi Sun-sin presented contrasting profiles.

As candidates for the Mobile Fleet Commander, both demonstrated excellent military capabilities, exceeding the improved average.

However, Yi Sun-sin’s ability scores formed a noticeably larger circle than Won Gyun’s.

Interestingly, neither achieved a perfect circle.

The two factors preventing a perfect score for both were ‘political influence’ and ‘connections.’

In Won Gyun’s case, these two areas were overwhelmingly ‘excellent.’

Conversely, Yi Sun-sin barely exceeded ‘average’ in these categories.

Emperor Yi Ju (李珘) of the time chuckled upon reviewing this official evaluation report and muttered.

“It would be ideal to combine their strengths and divide them equally, but alas. If only….”

Yi Ju then examined the Secret Service’s evaluation report.

After scrutinizing the Secret Service’s report, Yi Ju’s eyes lit up.

“Intriguing, very intriguing. Their tendencies are like water and oil. It will be fascinating to see how the Imperial Navy manages these two.”

Yi Ju nodded after reviewing the approval documents submitted by the Minister of National Defense.

“It reveals the true state of the Imperial Navy.”

The Imperial Navy’s 2nd Mobile Fleet was battleship-centric, while the 3rd Mobile Fleet focused on aircraft carriers. The Imperial Navy recommended Won Gyun as commander of the 2nd Mobile Fleet and Yi Sun-sin as commander of the 3rd Mobile Fleet.

After reviewing the approval documents, Yi Ju paused and picked up a gold pen.

“Now is the time to choose a direction. Further delay will create more problems than it solves. Therefore….”

Yi Ju wrote an order on a blank sheet of paper.

-I grant the new commanders of the 2nd and 3rd Mobile Fleets the authority to organize their fleets as they see fit.

-However, the composition must be adjusted using only the ships belonging to the 2nd and 3rd Mobile Fleets.

‘Organize the fleet according to your preferences, but only with the ships available to you. Do not reallocate resources from other fleets.’

At the ceremony to present the letters of appointment and ceremonial swords to the two, Yi Ju inquired directly.

“Have you reviewed my order?”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“I will be watching.”

Won Gyun responded loudly, his voice echoing throughout Geunjeongjeon Hall.

“Your Majesty will witness an invincible fleet!”

Yi Sun-sin replied calmly.

“I will do my best.”

“Huh? Can’t you promise invincibility or certain victory?”

“Invincibility or certain victory cannot be rashly guaranteed. I will simply strive to achieve the best possible results under the circumstances.”

“Still, can’t you say that much in my presence?”

“To make false claims to Your Majesty would be an act of disloyalty.”

“Hahahaha!”

Yi Ju burst into laughter at Yi Sun-sin’s response, observing both Yi Sun-sin and Won Gyun.

Won Gyun glared at Yi Sun-sin, his face flushed, while Yi Sun-sin remained composed, seemingly oblivious to any issue.

“Truly fascinating. I eagerly anticipate the future of the Imperial Navy that you two will shape. Do your best.”

* * *

Following the successful inauguration ceremony, the two began reorganizing their fleets.

From an outside perspective, it appeared that Won Gyun was leading the changes, with Yi Sun-sin reluctantly following.

“I will transfer all two battleships from the 3rd Mobile Fleet to my fleet.”

“Understood. In exchange, transfer three aircraft carriers from the 2nd Fleet to my fleet.”

“I will transfer two ships. You still require one ship for reconnaissance.”

“Agreed. I will accept two ships. In return, transfer the submarine unit from the 2nd Mobile Fleet to my command.”

“I will gladly grant that request.”

As a result of these negotiations, the 2nd Mobile Fleet, under Won Gyun’s command, consisted primarily of cruisers and a smaller number of destroyers, with seven battleships as its core force.

The 3rd Mobile Fleet, commanded by Yi Sun-sin, comprised five aircraft carriers, a large number of destroyers, a smaller number of cruisers, and a submarine unit of 12 submarines as an auxiliary force.

Yi Sun-sin’s staff expressed concern about this arrangement.

“I believe relinquishing all the battleships is excessive.”

“Indeed. You should retain at least one.”

Yi Sun-sin responded to his staff’s concerns with his usual calm demeanor.

“The battleships in the 3rd Mobile Fleet are outdated. They are unsuitable for high-speed mobile warfare centered on aircraft carriers. If they were newer models like those in the 1st or 5th Mobile Fleets, it would be a different matter.”

* * *

Although located in the eastern part of the Inland Sea, the 1st Mobile Fleet, which effectively controlled the entire Inland Sea, and the 5th Mobile Fleet, responsible for the Atlantic region – technically the 4th Mobile Fleet, but due to the Imperial Navy’s tradition of avoiding the number ‘4’ [due to its association with death in East Asian cultures], it was designated the 5th Mobile Fleet – were recognized as the world’s most powerful fleets.

Both fleets maintained a permanent deployment of 8 battleships and 6 aircraft carriers. Additionally, they were massive fleets with over 10 cruisers and 30 destroyers permanently stationed and operational.

The key word here was ‘permanently’. In the event of war or conflict, even ships undergoing maintenance or temporarily docked would be immediately deployed, instantly doubling the number of battleships and aircraft carriers.

Consequently, the commanders of the 1st and 5th Mobile Fleets were selected through consultation between the emperor and high-ranking officials.

* * *

“To reiterate, the battleships currently assigned to the 2nd and 3rd Mobile Fleets are too old and slow for high-speed mobile warfare, which demands rapid movement.”

“Ah….”

Yi Sun-sin’s explanation resonated with his staff.

Since the advent of the first aircraft carrier, extensive research had been conducted on optimizing its use.

Based on this research, Yi Sun-sin developed the concept of ‘high-speed mobile warfare.’

As the staff had been trained in this tactic, their initial reservations quickly dissipated.

However, subsequent events were less favorable.

Over time, Yi Sun-sin’s comments spread widely. In the process, whether due to misunderstanding or malicious intent, his words were distorted.

‘Battleships are useless.’

Won Gyun, upon hearing this, was enraged.

“What? Useless! I’ve never encountered such an impudent brat!”

To Won Gyun, Yi Sun-sin was both a formidable competitor and a source of inferiority.

The primary reason was that Won Gyun was five years older than Yi Sun-sin.

While imperial custom often considered a difference of ten years or less as negligible, in a power struggle, the age gap necessitated a reevaluation of their relationship.

Won Gyun was among the older commanders in their cohort, while Yi Sun-sin was slightly younger. This disparity fueled Won Gyun’s sense of inadequacy.

“Yes, I acknowledge his intelligence, but his inflexibility borders on arrogance.”

Driven by this sense of inferiority, Won Gyun, who had begun his ascent to senior command, diligently cultivated connections to gain an advantage over Yi Sun-sin.

In this context, the rumors surrounding Yi Sun-sin’s remarks ignited the situation.

While some expressed concern about the deteriorating relationship between the two, many more watched with keen interest.

After all, witnessing conflict and rivalry was a common source of entertainment.

* * *

The intelligence that ‘the staff of the Japanese Army General Staff are confined to their building and not venturing out’ was promptly relayed to the Empire.

The officers of the Imperial Army’s Communications Management Bureau, upon receiving this information, wore serious expressions.

“It appears the Japs are planning something significant.”

“I concur. I might have dismissed it as unfounded fear in the past, but with the current leadership in Japan….”

“Oda was a nuisance, but Toyotomi is a genuine concern….”

Both Oda and Toyotomi advocated for ‘independent Japan,’ but their approaches differed significantly.

Oda maintained a ‘close but distant relationship (不可近不可遠) [a diplomatic strategy of maintaining cordial relations without becoming overly involved]’ with the Empire, while Toyotomi firmly adopted an ‘anti-Empire’ stance.

Therefore, the report of the change in the General Staff caused widespread concern.

“That monkey-like fellow [a derogatory term for the Japanese] must have detected our spy activity in Japan. That’s why he’s acting this way.”

“I agree. It’s typical of monkeys to be so obvious in their actions, failing to realize they would be immediately detected.”

“Aha!”

In any case, the Imperial Army’s Communications Management Bureau, having recognized Japan’s suspicious behavior, intensified its monitoring and reached a conclusion.

-Japan is definitely contemplating war with the Empire!

The Communications Management Bureau transmitted this conclusion to the Imperial Army General Staff Headquarters, which initiated an analysis.

-The Communications Management Bureau suggests it’s possible, but is it truly feasible?

-If so, when might it occur?

The staff at headquarters convened and pooled their expertise, resulting in the following assessment.

-The possibility is quite high.

-The anticipated timeframe is December.

-The primary target for Japan will be the 2nd Mobile Fleet.

The Chief of General Staff, upon receiving these findings, rose from his seat.

“Disseminate this report immediately to all fleet commanders stationed on the mainland. I will inform His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Yes, sir!”

Yi Ju, upon receiving the report, adopted a stern expression and issued an order.

“I hope Japan refrains from any foolish actions, but it is prudent to prepare in advance. Instruct the fleet commanders stationed on the mainland to maintain heightened vigilance, but discreetly. Any misstep could provoke the enemy.”

“I understand the order.”

Won Gyun, after reviewing the report from the mainland, summoned his staff to analyze the situation.

“If the Japs intend to act, December is the most plausible timeframe. If the 2nd Mobile Fleet relocates to Jeju Island, we can concentrate our forces without fear of being attacked from behind. The question is, when in December….”

Wongyun, drumming his fingers on the table, consulted the calendar and addressed his staff.

“Come to think of it… when is the Jap navy’s joint fleet training scheduled for the second half of the year?”

“According to the announcement last week, it will commence in mid-October and last for a month.”

“That’s right….”

Wongyun, nodding and studying the calendar, shared his thoughts.

“In my opinion, early December is the most probable time.”

-Even after the joint fleet training concludes, the joint fleet structure can be maintained for reasons such as training review and maintenance.

-However, it is unlikely to extend beyond two weeks. Not only would our Empire and the Ming find it suspicious, but the Japanese naval personnel would also struggle to endure it.

-And if they intend to target our Empire, they will undoubtedly target Seoul.

“Considering this, Seoul’s location is not ideal.”

Wongyun, making a remark that was only partially in jest, continued.

-If they intend to target Seoul, they must launch a landing operation, but by mid-December, the mainland enters the full-scale cold season.

-It would be extremely difficult for the Japanese army, accustomed to the relatively mild climate of Japan, to withstand this severe cold.

The physical endurance of the Japanese army is a concern, but their equipment is also a factor. Most of the weapons used by the Japanese army are not designed for such cold conditions.

“…Therefore, if the Japs are planning something, early December is the most likely, with a possible extension to mid-December. Beyond that, they will be unable to act even if they desire to. Consequently, I believe it is prudent to prepare accordingly. Any objections?” None of the staff dared to voice any dissent to Won Gyun’s question. Even if they did, Won Gyun was not one to tolerate objections.

“Very well. Then, formulate a comprehensive plan.”

“Yes, sir!”

Meanwhile, Yi Sun-sin, having received the same report, shared his assessment with his staff.

“The Japanese army will likely target the end of December. Perhaps around Christmas?”