Cash-Loaded Fleet

Chapter 3 - War is Ultimately About Money

He had always thought that the given position was for a civilian. However, when he actually looked into it, I found that it was the position of a Special Mission Ensign, an officer. Even though he had offered to dedicate as many as a hundred training planes, this seems a bit excessive. Is this really okay, the Imperial Navy? Binta strongly believed so.

However, on the other hand, the intentions of the Imperial Navy became clear as day. The Imperial Navy valued his worth as their cash cow more than Binta could have imagined. Or perhaps, the position of Special Mission Ensign was just a convenient way to prevent Binta from being drafted into the Army. In any case, it was a relief that he no longer had to fear the shadow of conscription. Binta returned to Japan for the first time in several years.

Binta first headed to the retired soldier's place, at least to express his gratitude for the whole incident in England. He had been in trouble at the casino, where he was accused of cheating, and he was saved by the local naval attaché. The retired soldier had asked him to look after Binta.

"You've become quite robust. It seems you've been well-trained overseas. Well, let's have a chat."

The retired serviceman's expression changed as he looked at Binta.

"Thanks to you, I've been able to have various experiences. And as you may have already heard, I was greatly indebted to you for the incident in England."

While bowing his head, Binta offered a bottle of American whiskey as a gift. During this time, imported whiskey was considered a luxury item. The retired serviceman, taking the gift, immediately prepared two glasses. He poured whiskey into each of them and offered one to Binta.

"You've probably grown up during your time overseas. This is a congratulatory gift from me."

Binta smiled wryly at the retired serviceman, who replaced the gift he had brought with a coming-of-age gift, and took a sip of the whiskey. Imported high-quality whiskey was best enjoyed straight.

"So, how was the outside world?"

For a retired soldier who had nothing in particular to do, the stories of returnees were a welcome way to pass the time.

"Europe, although only in England, and the United States. Both were exciting, and I never had a dull day."

"Winning big against the English gentlemen who loved gambling in the United Kingdom, and outmaneuvering the battle-hardened financial experts in the United States. I regret not strongly urging you to join the Naval College. You might have brought a breath of fresh air to the Imperial Navy. It's a real shame."

The retired soldier, who didn't seem particularly disappointed, smiled warmly. Binta hesitated a little about whether to tell him that he had become a Special Mission Ensign. However, he decided to honestly explain the whole story to prevent any future misunderstandings.

"I see. You donated training planes, and not just a few, but a hundred. As a former Imperial Navy member, I must express my gratitude as well."

Bowing deeply to a high-ranking veteran, even though Binta was only a Special Mission Ensign, it was more than just awkward for him. So he hurriedly asked him to raise his head. Smiling at his reaction, the retired soldier suddenly brought up the Russo-Japanese War.

"Speaking of the Russo-Japanese War, as someone who lost comrades and subordinates in that battle, I must say that it wasn't Japan's victory. Russia simply fell apart due to domestic issues. Without that, Japan would have lost."

Binta had no objections to the old man's view. At that time, there was a significant difference in national power between Japan and Russia. Comparatively, it was like a lightweight boxer and a heavyweight boxer fighting in the same ring. Managing to avoid defeat under such circumstances was more like a miracle than mere luck.

"Also, I have to say, the world may be hailing him, but Tōgō is just a portable shrine. The Battle of Tsushima would have ended in victory regardless of who was in command, as long as they weren't complete incompetents."

"Um, I think it's better not to discuss that outside of this house."

Heihachirō Tōgō, still considered a military deity and a hero for his role in the Battle of Tsushima, was not seen as an ordinary military man even today. Labeling such a person as an ordinary man would undoubtedly make one look like the villain, even if the observation was correct.

"Of course. I'm not senile enough to shout such things outside. But, now that you're a Special Mission Ensign, remember this much. Japan managed to avoid defeat in the end because it successfully raised war funds. While the rest of the world took Russia's overwhelming superiority for granted, economic figures, including the Vice Governor of the Bank of Japan, tirelessly advocated for Japan's victory in Europe and the United States. And, in the midst of Japan being labeled as a future defeated nation, they accomplished the extremely difficult mission of raising foreign currency. They should be praised as distinguished heroes."

Whether Binta's silence was interpreted as a silent agreement or not, the retired serviceman continued to raise his voice.

"But the public is stupid. They only pay attention to the obvious event of the Battle of Tsushima. The battle wouldn't have been possible without the high-performance European-made ships bought with the taxpayers' money. Furthermore, the Baltic Fleet was in a state of exhaustion after a long voyage, like running a full marathon. So, anyone could have won, not just Tōgō. It's said that Navy Minister Yamamoto appointed him to command the Combined Fleet because he was a lucky guy, and he was right. It was also because of his luck that he was regarded as a war god. In reality, however, he is nothing more than an ordinary man. Since such a man was hailed as a god of war, the side effects would naturally be tremendous. In fact, I heard that during the Disarmament Treaty, he was raised by the opposition and stirred up trouble in the Imperial Navy. That's exactly the kind of nuisance I'd like to see him leave for another world."

Binta felt the urge to silence the retired serviceman who kept spouting off-sensitive information. However, he held back. After all, this retired serviceman was the one who had helped him in the incident in England. But on the other hand, Binta found some validity in the retired serviceman's words. Especially his perspective on war funds, while not something an Imperial Navy officer should openly discuss, was on point.

'As always, money decides the outcome of wars in the end.'

While thinking this, Binta casually changed the topic and lightheartedly recounted his experiences in England and the United States. To the elderly retired serviceman, this seemed to be the best souvenir. His eyes sparkled like a child's, and he listened eagerly to Binta's words.