After Germany formally launched its offensive against the Low Countries, the combined French and British forces swiftly moved north, attempting to prevent Germany from taking Belgium. France's main forces remained entrenched along the Maginot Line, guarding against an attack by Germany's "main force."
On the same day Germany went to war with the Low Countries, Japan also received the news.
The Japanese military prepared to "declare war" on the Netherlands according to plan. Of course, Japan's long-standing tradition was to launch a sneak attack first and declare war afterward. Following this line of thought, the Imperial Japanese Navy began assembling and mobilizing ahead of schedule.
It was not until a day later that Japan's Kwantung Army received the relevant intelligence.
Far East Empire, Hailar.
At the headquarters of Japan's 23rd Division, Kwantung Army operations staff officer Tsuji Masanobu hurriedly sought out the division commander, Komatsubara Michitaro.
"Lieutenant General Komatsubara, we must act at once!"
"News has arrived from the homeland. Those Navy Baka are assembling. If nothing unexpected happens, they intend to make a move against the Dutch."
"Otherwise, once war breaks out in the Nanyang region, the Empire's resources will inevitably tilt toward the navy. And to prevent unforeseen complications, Imperial General Headquarters may then force us to avoid conflict with the Soviet Union, lest we fall into a two-front war."
"We must strike the Soviet Union in advance and create an accomplished fact, so that the homeland will tacitly approve a war between us and the Soviet Union."
After hearing Major Tsuji Masanobu's words, Komatsubara Michitaro could no longer suppress his emotions. His eyes reddened as he said, "In that case, Major Tsuji Masanobu, this time we'll gamble with you."
Komatsubara Michitaro then deployed his forces. "Colonel Ouchi Tsutomu, immediately notify Higashi Hachizo's 23rd Cavalry Regiment at the