Summoning Japan × The New Order: Last Days of Europe

Chapter 17

June 13, 1963, 11:00

Akasaka Luxury Hotel, Tokyo

Prime Minister Takagi warmly welcomed the first encounter with the people from another world, Yagou and Hanki of the Principality of Qua-Toyne. At first glance, they appeared to be tall Westerners, but the clothing they wore gave a nostalgic impression of ancient Greek attire.

"Let's take this opportunity to have a frank discussion with each other... Please, have a seat."

"Thank you, Sir Takagi."

In response to Takagi's invitation, Yagou and Hanki sat down simultaneously. Takagi also took a seat across the table from them.

'He... has sharper eyes than I thought... more like a military man than a politician...'

Hanki sensed the sharp gaze from Takagi's eyes and discerned that he had the countenance of a soldier rather than a politician. While politicians from Qua-Toyne were similar, having experienced little of what could be called a battlefield, often exuding a somewhat relaxed atmosphere, Takagi was different. He was one of the military men who survived the Pacific War and transitioned into politics, leveraging his experiences from that time.

Sensing the sudden change in atmosphere, Yagou and Hanki were keenly observing Takagi, curious about the process for forming an alliance with them.

In the tense atmosphere, Takagi first addressed the issue of the reconnaissance plane shot down over the port city of Maihark.

"Firstly, regarding the incident where our reconnaissance plane was shot down due to an unfortunate misunderstanding over Maihark... Prime Minister Kanata has already offered a formal apology for this. Furthermore, based on that incident, we have no intention of further pursuing the matter with the Principality of Qua-Toyne. Therefore, we would like to delve deeper into discussions about our relationship with your country."

Yagou and Hanki had been nervously anticipating further intimidation regarding the reconnaissance plane incident, but the response they received was quite the opposite. The Japanese Empire stated that it would not pursue the matter further and expressed its desire to enhance relations with Qua-Toyne. This was an unexpected turn of events for Yagou and Hanki. The diplomats accompanying them felt the same relief inwardly, silently breathing a sigh of relief.

"As for the foodstuffs our country requires, we would like to proceed with preparations for an alliance, including technical assistance, to purchase those foodstuffs from your country."

"When you mention technical assistance... do you mean transporting them using those iron boxes?"

"Yes, indeed. Regarding railways, our national railway and the South Manchuria Railway personnel can provide technical assistance, offering our technology for your country's development. Of course, with a military alliance, we can also allow exports of military equipment."

After saying so, Takagi signaled to the aides standing by, who then presented something.

"W-what is this...!?"

"This is a collection of weapons that we can provide to the Principality of Qua-Toyne upon the formation of the alliance. They are all actual firearms previously used by our military. Please, feel free to examine them."

What Takagi showed to the diplomats was military equipment such as the Type 38 and Type 99 rifles used by the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. Of course, they weren't loaded with bullets, but they were ready to provide a complete set of military equipment free of charge.

Most of these were weapons kept as reserves by the military. Due to the massive production during the war, many of these weapons were still being used on the second front. In particular, the Type 38 rifle, which had been produced in quantities of 3,4 million between 1908 and 1942, meant there were quite a number of them sleeping in warehouses across the country. Simply sending a large number of these weapons to a prospective ally could significantly change impressions.

"So these are weapons of the Japanese military... How much would these weapons cost?"

"No, these are weapons that we are willing to provide to your country free of charge. I understand that your military has a strength of fifty thousand soldiers, so we will provide fifty thousand rifles... enough to equip every soldier upon the formation of the alliance."

"WHAT!?"

Yagou and Hanki looked at Takagi in shock. He had offered to supply weapons for all military personnel, including reserves, free of charge.

When Yagou and Hanki witnessed rifle training during their inspection of the army base, they saw the power of bullets capable of piercing through armor, akin to skilled wizards, possessed by each individual soldier. If fifty thousand soldiers were armed with rifles boasting such power, rather than bows and spears...

'This is incredible... If all soldiers are equipped with these weapons...'

'Our military strength will change significantly...'

'And if those tanks and fighter planes are added to our forces...'

'Undoubtedly, our country will also stand among the major powers.'

"What do you think? Of course, regarding tanks and fighter planes, training will be necessary beyond what these weapons require. However, after the formation of the alliance, if you could send soldiers for training, our military will conduct it."

Yagou and Hanki agreed to Takagi's proposal, thus establishing a military alliance between Japan and Qua-Toyne. Of course, not only a military alliance but also economic agreements were signed, but Yagou and Hanki had overlooked something significant regarding these economic agreements. However, before they could realize their oversight, the situation they had feared unfolded immediately after the signing of the alliance agreement.

Nakasone, a Reformist cabinet member, rushed to Takagi with urgent news.

"Prime Minister! We have received an emergency report of an incident from the Principality of Qua-Toyne."

"What happened?"

"Qua-Toyne's neighboring country, the Kingdom of Louria, has begun crossing the border and attacking the border town called Gim."

"W-what did you say...!?"

"So, it has begun...!"

Immediately after the signing of the Japan-Qua-Toyne alliance, a large-scale military invasion by the Lourian army commenced.

And thus, the Japanese Empire would intervene in the first war in this world.

Painted red with blood...