Forced to Fight

Island Nation, Tokyo, Prime Minister's residence.

Prime Minister Okuma Shigenobu felt an inexplicable irritation, as though something major was about to happen. The German Expeditionary Fleet was not far from Tokyo, and he was deeply worried that it would barge into Tokyo Bay. If that happened, heaven knew what kind of chaos it would stir up.

"I hope those Navy fellows have held the Uraga Channel! If the Germans break into Tokyo Bay and open fire on Tokyo, then we will be in serious trouble," Okuma Shigenobu muttered.

He increasingly felt that defeating the German fleet would not be so easy. They had made everything seem too simple before. But now, even if they wanted to stop, it was impossible. Those people would never be willing to give up Southeast Asia's vast territories.

Just then, Okuma Shigenobu's secretary rushed in, drenched in sweat. Okuma Shigenobu could not help frowning. He greatly disliked seeing his subordinates behave without proper decorum.

"What happened? You are so flustered—what kind of behavior is this!" Okuma Shigenobu rebuked him.

The secretary froze, then replied, "Prime Minister, the Germans have shelled Shizuoka. The entire city has been bombed into ruins, and the civilian casualties are severe!"

"What?" Okuma Shigenobu was instantly stunned, as though struck by a bolt from the blue.

"Baka! What is going on? Why would the Germans shell Shizuoka? Aren't they afraid of international condemnation for slaughtering civilians on such a massive scale?" Okuma Shigenobu roared furiously.

The secretary merely lowered his head and said nothing.

"Immediately summon the other Cabinet Ministers to the Prime Minister's residence. Also, inform the Elder Statesmen of this matter!" Okuma Shigenobu ordered.

The German fleet's bombardment of Island Nation's coastal cities was clearly a major incident. It had to be discussed and handled properly. Otherwise, it would