*** Kokutawa, Nihon, South Suangese Sea
Admiral Shibata Rikyu looked at the documents he was given, and his eyes grew up with rage. Reading them was a nightmare for him, man who was born as Yukist, and for whom European Colonialism was the biggest enemy that even existed, alongside with communism. Sitting here now, reading the reports given to him by Tokkutai, the naval intelligence service, he had reasons to worry. The conflict in Jaharnapura was escalating again. From what he had read, Tokkutai was keeping the eye on both Potomiak Sultanate - smaller county, but still one of many Nihon's satellites -and Argentarino. Argentarino colonized this area in early 18th century, and their presence in the region was nothing new; after all they were here for at least few centuries. Shibata however was one of hard - line Yukists in the area; he believed that Argentarinians were trying to shove European culture down the throats of Jaharnapurians. Jaharnapurians of course wanted liberation, and started fighting. The resistance was operating in few areas around Molacca strait and on the borders with Potomiak, led mainly by local muslims who wanted to liberate Jaharnapura and join the Sultanate. Both counties had a war earlier, in the 1970s; when it ended in heavy losses of Potomiak's forces, but Argentarinians lacked power to enter the sultanate. Now it had changed and Shibata knew well that if escalating tensions erupt now, Argentarinians will have more than enough strength to capture Potomiak. And to this, he was not willing to let.
Slowly, he rose up from his chair, and turned around. He passed below enormous Nihonese War Flag, left his room deep underground the fortress on Kokutawa island which was part of Archipelago claimed by the Nihonese long ago. Now, coming through the corridors of concentrate of one of major fortresses in this area, he turned right and entered the command room. Here was true HQ; whole room was dark, but illuminated by light of countless LCD screens. Shibata saluted here an older man in Kaigun uniform. His former mentor, Gen. Ito Fukusaburu was here also, now relived from command of Kaigun Rikusentai, and tasked with intelligence gathering. Ito was seen by younger officer as true embodiment of Bushido; man who lived by the honour, and man who never harmed the innocent. For foes he was ruthless but he was more than able to show mercy. They saluted each other and Shibata spoke:
"Ito-Sama" he always respected old general, even if they had father - son feeling "I come here to ask you for a question."
"Speak, Shibata-kun" the old general seen him as a good friend. Shibata sometimes seen him also as older brother "Tell me what has been gathered by naval intelligence?"
"Ito-Sama" he spoke "you remember what I told you about crisis in Molacca strait arising again? We got information that local insurgents are on the offensive again. They will hit few important targets in nearest days.... And we are afraid that Argies can go mad over it."
"Don't be worried Shibata-kun" on old General's face appeared a smile "Shogun shall know about everything soon. We shall await his order."
*** Tosa Castle,, Nihon
Shogun Maki Kojiro always was a man who rarely let others inform him. Part of his character was unlimited lust for knowledge; he was reading the news, watching them and he always liked to be well informed so he can make an important decisions alone. Kojrio was now busy a lot; the emperor had died and there was nobody to claim the throne. Whole Imperial line was out; few suggested him that he would crown himself Emperor - but Kojiro was 62 years old, and was not married. No heirs, nobody who could have inherited what he created. Pretty much he considered offering the throne to house Von Andresova, as they were Christians like the Nihonese. His hands were full these days; for least 20 years he was ruling Nihon from shadows, and this year he came out publicly as Shoguns. Nihonese loved him for what he had done; even if he had cut himself from every major political party around. Right now he was de facto benelovent autocrat who lived in Tosa castle, helping people whom he loved.
Suddenly he heard knocking on the doors. After he ordered him to enter, he saluted his friend. Ibuki Ryuta, the former assassin working for Yakuza and now cheif of Nihontai, one of key intelligence services in the nation.
"Daisho" he saluted "I bring reports from Tokkutai in Suangese sea."
The shogun had read briefly and his face changed. He was now the "warrior self". Man who was not afraid of fighting. Being former Kaigun Rikusentai Intelligence Corps officer, he knew what that meant.
"It this confirmed?" he spoke in calm and strong voice.
"Yes Daisho." Ibuki was certain.
"Keep this secret for now. Nobody sees it with exception of Gen. Mirata of southern command. Keep me updated... and prepare for worst."
