More than a year had passed since the Treaty of Shimonoseki, yet its tremors continued to shake Japan to its core.
"Even now... sending your son to the Naval Academy is your only option. Bow your head. There's no other way."
"Can't you fight further? Why are you retreating like this?"
Iwasaki Yanosuke, the second head of Mitsubishi, hurled accusations at General Aritomo, his voice heavy with frustration and despair.
"You're right; I could have done more," Aritomo admitted. "The tide may favor the Navy, but the Army I've built wouldn't crumble overnight. However, had I stayed, Japan would have fractured. Endless internal strife would have consumed us. What the Empire needs now is unity, not division."
His voice carried the weight of conviction, a patriot dedicated to Japan's growth. But to Yanosuke, these words sounded like the excuses of a man resigned to defeat.
"And what of me? What of those who followed you? General—no, Sensei—is this truly the Japan you dreamed of?"
