Cherreads

Chapter 64 - The Art of War: Varun's Shrewd Negotiation

Bose then turned to an officer standing a short distance away. 'Officer Tanaka,' he instructed, his voice firm,

'contact the second-in-command of the Japanese Imperial Army here in Singapore.'

'Tell him we have a demonstration scheduled, a surprise that will significantly enhance our advantage against the Allied forces.' he added,

his gaze sharpening, 'that when I say 'advantage,' I mean it seriously.'

The officer, acknowledging the gravity of the request, affirmed, 'Hai, Netaji,' and swiftly departed,

heading towards the Japanese headquarters, located approximately five kilometers away.

------------------------

The scene shifts to a tense moment within the INA headquarters.

A group of high-ranking Japanese military officers, led by the imposing figure of the Second-in-Command, enters the room where Bose awaits.

The atmosphere crackles with anticipation.

"Netaji Bose," the Second-in-Command greets, his voice formal yet tinged with curiosity, "You requested our presence. What is this 'surprise' you wish to show us?"

Bose, his gaze unwavering, replied, "A surprise that will undoubtedly pique your interest, Commander.'

'A development that will significantly enhance our position in this conflict."

He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You will not be disappointed."

The Second-in-Command, intrigued by Bose's enigmatic statement, exchanged glances with his fellow officers.

They were eager to learn more about this 'surprise' that promised to alter the course of the war.

---------------------------------

The scene unfolds in a makeshift armory within the INA headquarters.

A hush falls over the assembled officers as Varun, standing before a table laden with weapons, addresses the Japanese delegation.

He speaks in fluent Japanese, his voice confident and clear.

"Distinguished officers," Varun begins, "I present to you the fruits of our ingenuity, weapons of unparalleled power and precision.'

'These are not mere tools of war, but instruments of liberation, designed to liberate India from the shackles of British oppression in our cause , and it will bring you to forefront of victory, in against the ALLIED."

A collective gasp ripples through the Japanese officers.

They exchange astonished glances, surprised by Varun's flawless command of their language.

This unexpected display of linguistic proficiency immediately commands their attention and respect.

He gestures towards a row of gleaming AK-47 rifles.

"Observe the craftsmanship, the meticulous attention to detail. These are not simply weapons; they are symbols of our unwavering resolve."

Varun proceeds to demonstrate the firepower of the AK - 47, each shot echoing through the armory. He showcases it's automated firing and mannual fireing.

He also showcases the grenades, explaining their tactical advantages and devastating potential.

He highlights the durability and effectiveness of the ammunition, emphasizing its precision and lethality.

While Varun captivates the Japanese officers with his presentation,

a senior INA officer addresses his own men, explaining the technical specifications and tactical advantages of each weapon in Hindi.

He emphasizes the superior firepower and precision of these weapons compared to their current arsenal.

Varun, observing the Japanese officers' reactions, continues his presentation with a calculated charm.

He speaks of the potential for collaboration, for a mutually beneficial exchange that would strengthen both their positions.

The atmosphere is charged with anticipation.

The Japanese officers, intrigued by the advanced weaponry and Varun's persuasive presentation,

and now doubly impressed by his fluency in Japanese, await the unveiling of his proposition.

-----------------------------

The demonstration concludes, the echoes of gunfire fading into a tense silence.

The Japanese officers, their initial shock replaced by a palpable excitement, gather around the table, examining the weapons with keen interest.

The Second-in-Command, his eyes gleaming with a newfound respect, turns to Varun.

"These weapons," he begins, his voice heavy with admiration, "they are truly remarkable. Their power, their precision… they would be invaluable to our forces."

He pauses, a calculated look in his eyes. "Tell me, Varun-san, are these weapons for sale?"

Varun, anticipating this question, maintains a calm demeanor. "They are," he replies, his voice measured,

"but not for mere currency. I propose a different kind of exchange."

The Japanese officers exchange curious glances.

The Second-in-Command raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what kind of exchange do you have in mind?" he asks.

Varun's gaze sweeps across the assembled officers. "We seek warships and jet aircraft," he states, his voice firm. "In return, we will provide you with a steady supply of these advanced weapons."

The Japanese officers' eyes widen. The Second-in-Command, though surprised by the audacity of the request, considers the proposition. "Warships and jets," he muses, his voice thoughtful. "That is a significant request."

He pauses, then adds, "We will need to discuss this with our superiors. Such a trade requires careful consideration."

Varun nods, his expression unwavering. "Of course," he replies.

"But I assure you, this exchange will be mutually beneficial. It will strengthen our alliance and expedite our shared goal of defeating the Allied forces."

The Japanese officers, their minds racing with the strategic implications of Varun's proposal, begin to discuss the matter amongst themselves.

The air is thick with anticipation, the potential for a game-changing alliance hanging in the balance.

The Japanese officers, their discussion a low murmur of rapid Japanese, gradually fall silent.

The Second-in-Command, his face etched with contemplation, steps forward.

"Varun-san," he begins, his voice measured, "your proposal is… intriguing. The potential benefits are undeniable.'

'However, we must address certain concerns."

He pauses, his gaze locking with Varun's. "First, the quantity. How many weapons can you supply? And at what rate?"

Varun, prepared for this line of questioning, replies smoothly. "We can produce about as much as 12000 guns, 2 lakhs of ammunition and Ten Thousands of Grenades per month. A significant quantity, sufficient to equip a substantial portion of your forces.'

'The rate of production will increase as we refine our processes. We can provide you with exact figures after a thorough assessment of your needs."

"And the quality?" the Second-in-Command presses. "You claim these weapons are superior, but we need proof. We require rigorous testing, under combat conditions."

"We welcome such testing," Varun responds, his voice confident. "We are certain these weapons will exceed your expectations. We can arrange for a field test, simulating combat scenarios, at your convenience."

The Second-in-Command nods, his expression thoughtful.

"And the warships and jets," he continues, "those are valuable assets. We cannot simply hand them over without guarantees. What assurances can you provide that this exchange will not compromise our strategic position?"

Varun's eyes gleam with a hint of steel. "We offer you a strategic partnership," he states, his voice firm.

"We are not merely seeking weapons; we are seeking to strengthen our alliance.'

'We will provide you with tactical intelligence, logistical support, and coordinated military operations.'

' We will demonstrate our commitment to this partnership."

He pauses, then adds, "Furthermore, we understand the sensitivity of this exchange.'

'We are prepared to modify the weapons, subtly, to ensure they do not surpass your existing capabilities.'

'This will maintain a strategic balance while providing you with a significant tactical advantage."

The Japanese officers exchange impressed glances. The Second-in-Command, though still cautious, is clearly intrigued by Varun's comprehensive proposal.

"We will relay this information to our superiors," he says, his voice decisive. "We will conduct the necessary assessments and field tests.'

'We will then discuss the terms of this exchange in detail. We will have an answer for you in two days."

Varun nods, a faint smile playing on his lips. "We look forward to your decision," he replies. "We are confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial."

We will relay this information to our superiors," the Second-in-Command says, his voice decisive.

"We will conduct the necessary assessments and field tests. We will then discuss the terms of this exchange in detail. We will have an answer for you in two days."

Varun nods, a faint smile playing on his lips. "We look forward to your decision," he replies. "We are confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial."

He then adds, his tone casual yet calculated, "And one more thing, Commander.'

'If you have any currently non-operational warships or jets, or if in the future you acquire any that are malfunctioning or deemed unusable,'

'we would be willing to exchange them for half the price in weaponry.'

'This would be a profitable arrangement for you, as these assets would otherwise be useless.'

'By trading them with us, you can acquire valuable weaponry in exchange for what you cannot utilize."

The Second-in-Command's eyes widen slightly, intrigued by Varun's shrewd business acumen. "That is… a very interesting proposition," he muses. "We will certainly consider it."

More Chapters