Desperate Gamble (Bonus Chapter for 2,200 Votes)

The Island Nation's Army undoubtedly wanted to continue with the plan. They were not afraid of the German military. Or rather, they confidently believed that their combat strength could contend with the powerful German military. Thus, they could not wait to go to war and bring those fertile colonies into Germany's territory.

"The Germans truly are far too arrogant! They are indeed strong—even the British and the French have fallen before them. If the Empire and Germany truly go to war, can we defeat them? The Empire's achievements today did not come easily!" Inoue Kaoru was somewhat worried.

"Lord Inoue, no matter how strong the Germans are, this is the Far East. This is our home ground. The Imperial Army will certainly be able to defeat them." Oka Ichinosuke was full of confidence.

"Saionji, what do you think?" Yamagata Aritomo looked at Saionji Kinmochi.

"Yamagata, esteemed elders. The Germans' reaction truly exceeded my expectations. But do we have any other choice? If we retreat, then all the colonies we gained in the Pacific Ocean will have to be returned to the Germans. We would even have to pay one hundred million Marks in compensation—that is equivalent to more than fifty million yen! The Imperial Government simply cannot come up with that much money. The Empire's subjects would not allow us to use such a vast sum to compensate the Germans either. Tens of millions of Imperial citizens are still waiting for us to expand the Empire's borders and let them live good lives!" Saionji Kinmochi said.

The Island Nation had a small land area and a large population. This made its people desperately hope that the military could win them more territory and greater living space. Should the military fail to fulfill this desire, the consequences would be extremely serious.