Ch.159Ishiwara Kanji

* * *

In that world, they had America and Edison, so it makes sense.

In Russia, there was no one to compete with him, and having a secure investment opportunity turned out to be a brilliant move.

But still, it must be somewhat difficult.

Russia has revitalized the nation through major internal reforms, but they’re spending a lot of money on necessary projects like weapons development, roads, and railway networks.

How much would they need to spend on a wireless revolution?

Nikola Tesla dies in the 1940s, right? Just over ten years left, but it would be difficult without sufficient budget.

Nikola Tesla is truly a scientist of the century.

In the end, this wireless revolution they’re talking about must be related to wireless power transmission towers.

Even after his death, many scientists researched wireless power transmission methods, but nothing substantial ever came of it.

Of course, they say many practical technologies were developed during the research process.

To be honest, I don’t see much practicality in it either.

Even in a future much more advanced than this era, wireless power transmission is difficult, so how far could Tesla go, genius of the century or not?

But Tesla isn’t just working on wireless power transmission; he’s also creating many other things with military applications like radio and radar.

We can’t pour all the nation’s budget into something that isn’t certain.

Of course, continuing research on wireless power transmission might allow us to advance future technologies and implement them sooner.

“With all the money going out right now, I honestly think we should reduce the budget for Dr. Tesla.”

“It’s difficult, but he’s very adamant that budget support is necessary.”

“Is that how Prince Yusupov sees it?”

“Yes. I certainly understand why Morgan cut off his sponsorship of Dr. Tesla, but wouldn’t new innovations continue to emerge from such research?”

Right. I suppose that could happen.

Prince Yusupov. His perception is good as expected.

He’s saying exactly what I was thinking.

Then we can’t avoid investing in the budget.

“Fine. We should try everything possible. Let’s support him within reasonable limits. I think there might be ways to generate income as well.”

We can sell resources. Northern Manchuria seems a bit distant still, but it will eventually produce.

And if Trotsky manages to stir things up?

We might be able to get enormous funds in exchange for helping America.

Otherwise, we could receive support from American tycoons.

Investment opportunities will obviously be needed later on.

But first, there’s one issue.

“And let’s be careful about acquiring foreign companies. We don’t want to make enemies of other countries.”

From what I can see, they’re gobbling up everything they can get their hands on.

“Understood.”

If they meddle everywhere like a fish in water, I don’t think it will end well.

It’s like using others’ misfortunes for our own happiness.

Of course, we still need to develop Russia’s industrial power, but going too far might make hostile nations or other countries wary of Russia’s success.

If Tesla’s wireless transmission method actually works, that would change everything.

“Understood.”

“By the way, do you know how America’s Great Depression policies are progressing? Has Prince Yusupov taken any action there?”

Since Yusupov frequently visits America, he must know quite a bit.

I have high expectations for Yusupov.

He’s running tourism businesses through his villas across the country, and making money in various ways from food products like choco pies to radio, TV, and broadcasting stations.

He knows a lot and is making a lot of money. In real-time.

He’s essentially Russia’s number one tycoon. An oligarch.

Since he’s extended his reach to America, he must know something.

“Some companies are visibly making big profits even during the Great Depression. But the government hasn’t stepped in to resolve anything yet.”

Right. I’ve heard that some companies targeted different sectors during the Great Depression and succeeded. It seems that’s the case in this world too.

It’s surprising that the government still hasn’t acted.

“Even after seeing what we’re doing?”

In the end, doesn’t Roosevelt need to step in personally?

This is where Trotsky becomes a variable.

“Well, it’s ultimately a matter of pride or the KFC issue, isn’t it?”

Is that really what it comes down to?

They can’t use the Russian methods they helped develop?

“KFC, huh. In Prince Yusupov’s opinion, can we surpass America?”

“Since we’re just starting to rise, it would be difficult to surpass America even if they stumble temporarily due to the Great Depression. Of course, catching up somehow might be possible.”

That makes sense. Russia’s potential can’t be ignored, but in the end, it comes down to leadership capability.

While America was developing, Russia was in a miserable state.

Even during the World War, that was the case. Though not as much as World War II, America must have realized how strong they were.

So was KFC a good choice after all?

The Okhrana has already been dispatched, but regarding America’s economic power, no one would know better than Prince Yusupov.

But what if civil war breaks out during this process?

“What if civil war erupts?”

“Wouldn’t it depend on the scale of the civil war?”

This is quite ambiguous.

Personally, I think it would be good if America completely destroys the Japanese fleet at sea, just like in actual history.

Russia is already struggling to deal with Italy, so it would be difficult to face the Japanese fleet as well.

For that to happen, America needs to maintain enough power to handle Japan.

The civil war needs to reduce America’s power somewhat, but maintain an appropriate level.

Otherwise, we should look for ways to draw the British fleet to Asia.

Britain will eventually fight Japan to protect its colonies, so wouldn’t they send their fleet?

The question is how Churchill will respond.

Should I tell Churchill to spare the Oriental Fleet?

No, if Britain loses its Asian colonies, wouldn’t there be resource problems?

Well, it’s pointless to discuss something that hasn’t happened yet.

Honestly, this isn’t a fantasy novel. Other countries will say Russia is deifying the Tsar to resolve unstable domestic issues.

“Why do you ask?”

“From my perspective, America needs to defeat the Japanese fleet, but I’m not sure if that’s possible if the civil war intensifies.”

They did turn the tide at Midway, but wasn’t Midway difficult in terms of fleet size?

America, with accumulated damage from civil war, would eventually rebuild given its vast territory, but wouldn’t naval reconstruction be slower?

This is really just speculation.

“Is there even a reason for America and Japan to go to war in the first place?”

“That’s true.”

I tapped the edge of the desk with my finger.

It’s just a habit of mine.

I think for a moment, looking at the future from the perspective of altered history.

Wait, no. Wouldn’t it be even more likely?

The Great Depression could lead to Japan being taken over by the military, with the Imperial Headquarters running amok.

They’ll target the colonies of the great powers, using the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere as justification.

And civil war has broken out in America?

Even if circumstances have changed from the original history, isn’t this a perfect opportunity for Japan to take the Philippines and launch southern operations under the pretext of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere?

They’ll do that and try to secure maritime rights.

It means Japan could have even more justification than in the original history.

“Your Majesty?”

“No, Japan will make a move. Resources aside, those guys are crazy.”

In the original history, they were already eyeing Indochina. They’re the ones who took it and the Philippines.

If we ban resource exports due to our war with Germany, and America also stops sending resources to Japan due to civil war, Japan will naturally launch southern operations and boldly attack Pearl Harbor without hesitation.

What about other possibilities?

There’s no reason to consider that. Why? Once militarism consumes Japan, they’ll aim for expansion, and there’s China, divided more easily than cake, and the Philippines, which the home country can’t easily defend due to civil war.

MacArthur might be in the Philippines, but he’d be recalled to the home country during civil war.

Would they just leave the easily conquerable Philippines alone?

“If Your Majesty says so, there must be a reason.”

“We need to build our strength until then. Especially our lacking industrial power. Prince Yusupov is perfect for that task.”

This person is surprisingly capable when given the right platform.

At this point, there’s no one else to entrust this to besides Prince Yusupov.

“You are absolutely right, Your Majesty.”

“Prince. I’ll have the State Duma put you in charge of Russia’s industrial development project, so I’m counting on you. Especially in supporting Tesla’s wireless revolution.”

The State Duma should allow at least that much.

“Leave it to me.”

As Yusupov left the Kremlin Palace, Maria brought choco pies as a snack and spoke.

“Prince Yusupov does his work well.”

“He needs to.”

People with goals tend to work well.

I like that he’s helping Tesla’s wireless revolution.

Who knows? Maybe Tesla’s wireless revolution will completely transform Russia.

* * *

South Manchuria Railway-South Manchuria Governor-General’s Office

Ishiwara Kanji, Chief of Staff of the Manchurian Railway Army, returned to the South Manchuria Railway after completing the Manchurian Agreement in Moscow with government officials from the home country, and met with Renya Mutaguchi, who had been appointed Governor of South Manchuria.

“So, you finished the agreement in Russia?”

“Yes. I saw many things there. Russia has been growing too powerful lately.”

Yes, I’ve heard about that.

While our home country is struggling with the Great Depression, Russia is growing day by day.

I’ve heard that Russian capital has even entered our Empire’s companies.

The South Manchuria Railway Company itself started in 1906, and in the 1920s, it was combined with South Manchuria to become entirely our Empire’s property, but now Russia has some shares in it.

With the home country profiting from the railway, Russian investment wasn’t a bad thing.

But from what he’s saying now, this Ishiwara Kanji seems to have other intentions.

Mutaguchi Renya took a sip of coffee and examined Ishiwara Kanji’s eyes.

This isn’t normal. It felt like looking at someone who had lost his mind.

“So you’re saying we should be hostile toward Russia?”

“That’s not it. Russia is both a European and Asian country. What does this mean? It means the Empire and Russia can work together. There’s no reason to fight.”

Ishiwara Kanji actively denied this, shaking his head. That’s somewhat reassuring.

But on the other hand, it was more concerning.

Because I don’t understand what he’s trying to say.

“Fine. That’s well said. And?”

“We should have His Majesty the Emperor personally lead the army into China.”

Right. His Majesty should personally…

Mutaguchi Renya almost spat out the coffee he was drinking.

What did he just say? His Majesty should personally lead?

“W-what did you just say?”

“Throughout history, many monarchs have personally led armies in conquest. His Majesty should rightfully lead everything directly and advance toward China.”

He really must be an idiot.

Mutaguchi Renya seriously considered pretending he hadn’t heard anything.

It’s true that what he’s saying sounds extremely dangerous.

And why is he saying this here?

“Advancing into China. Yes, that’s good. But His Majesty the Emperor? Shouldn’t you be saying this back in the homeland?”

Even as Chief of Staff of the Railway Army, that’s limited to the Railway Army, and wouldn’t you need permission from the home country?

“Shouldn’t we prepare for that here at the Railway?”

“Hmm?”

Prepare at the Railway?

This is somewhat tempting. But what preparations should be made?

He decided to listen to what this madman had to say.

“According to the ancient Art of War, ‘Those determined to die shall live, while those who seek to live shall die.’ This is also what the famous naval admiral Yi Sun-sin of Korea said during the Bunroku Campaign (Imjin War).”

Yes, he’s setting the stage well. But what is he trying to say?

“And?”

“Hasn’t the Empress of Russia proven this? You said you saw it yourself, Governor.”

Yes, I did see that.