September 17, 1939, noon, Tokyo, the capital of the Island Nation.
Before Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe even had time to eat, he received the news that Germany had formally declared war on Buru. This was undoubtedly momentous news for the Island Nation as well. Konoe forgot all about his meal and immediately summoned Foreign Minister Kuniaki Koiso, Finance Minister Seihin Ikeda, Army Minister General Seishiro Itagaki, and Navy Minister Mitsumasa Yonai.
"Excellent! We have waited for more than twenty years, and the Germans have finally launched a war against another country once again. For the Empire, this is undoubtedly a heaven-sent opportunity!" Konoe said, his face alight with excitement.
Ever since the Island Nation had been defeated by Germany in the previous war and suffered grievous losses, every successive Cabinet had made it its mission to restore the nation's strength and military power. Over the years, the Island Nation had slept on brushwood and licked gall, and with American support, built up a powerful navy once more. Even after the economic crisis cut off American aid, the Island Nation had tightened its belt and constructed large numbers of warships, once again possessing a formidable navy. Its army had likewise continued to develop and now maintained a standing force of thirty divisions. Before the economic crisis, it had even maintained fifty standing divisions. Only because the crisis had strained government finances had twenty divisions been disbanded. But should the need arise, they could immediately raise more divisions and send them into battle.
Before long, several key Cabinet ministers arrived at the Prime Minister's residence. Their faces were flushed with excitement, as though they had encountered some tremendous piece of good fortune.
To these senior officials of the Island Nation, Germany's declaration of war against Buru had undoubtedly drawn back the curtain