Chapter 8 First round

Third Infantry Regiment, duty command room.You can hear the soldiers learning to sing military songs "Thousands of cherry blossoms collar color, Yoshino Hana blows the storm. " The overlapping chorus faintly came from behind the scenes.A gathering of officers: Captain Endo, Lieutenant Kurita, Commander-in-Chief of Duty Captain Noguchi, Isono and Murata in suits.There is also Nishida tax in kimono.Captain Noguchi stood up, wearing his duty epaulettes. Noguchi: It seems that the military police ambushed in the homes of ordinary people in front of the camp gate, monitoring the camp gate.The guards have been ordered to report immediately if they enter the camp gate.I went on patrol before the roll call. (Down)

Nishida: I came to visit Captain Endo by chance tonight. By chance, I came uninvited and caught up with the gathering of my own people.I can’t waste everyone’s precious time, so I’ll just say one cliché and leave... Since May 15th, I’ve always opposed uprisings, and others accused me of being a fence-sitter or a revolutionary broker, and I’m not going to try to defend myself.Even now, I would like to tell you clearly: it is too early to start the incident, and I advise you to stop it. Kurita wanted to say something. Nishida: (Stopping) Wait a minute!why?The reason for the opposition lies in the "Outline of the Japan Reconstruction Act".If you believe in the "Japan Reconstruction Act", you hope to fully consider the military nature of the "Act", that is, to carry out national transformation through an armed coup d'état, and the characteristic of this armed coup d'état is that it depends on the power of the emperor to initiate it.This armed coup was by no means carried out by illegal means.It was launched legally by the power of the emperor.

Kurita: The emperor is surrounded by treacherous ministers, how can he rely on his power to launch it? Nishida: Nowhere in that book is there any mention of an illegal armed coup in order to kill traitors around the emperor.The prerequisite for relying on the power of the emperor to launch, first of all, must be aware of His Majesty's holy will. Isono: We have no way to perceive the holy will.All we have to do is trust in the Sacred Heart.The sincerity reaches the heavens, and if you start an incident with sincerity, you will definitely be able to get the forgiveness of the Sacred Heart.We think this is the spirit of Restoration!

Murata: Mr. Nishida, we believe in the Japan Reconstruction Act.However, it cannot be said that all our actions must be done in accordance with the program written in the "Reform Act". Kurita: Mr. Nishida, our uprising has nothing to do with the Reform Act.This is to cut off the treacherous ministers around the emperor!Just such an action. Nishida: ...After listening to these opinions, I will not say anything.In the future, I wish God bless and help you all. We can only say: try our best to help you. static field. Endo remained silent. Nishida: Well, everyone, I have to say goodbye. (stand up)

Endo also stood up silently and left his seat to see Nishida off. Kurita watched him off with a sense of loss. Murata: Let's continue talking. No one spoke. static field. Kurita: (in a low voice)... We said that even if we do it alone, we will start a riot. Did Captain Endo invite Nishida-san here to stop us from doing that? Murata: That's not the case... He clearly knows that no matter what Mr. Nishida says, our determination is still made. Isono: Where are we discussing? Murata: We are discussing the assessment of the situation: what attitude the Army Headquarters will take.

Captain Endo is back. Isono: My judgment is this; when I met with the Minister of War, Mr. Kawashima, he said to me: "The status quo must be reformed." Mr. Masaki gave us 500 yen and said: "If there is an incident, we will , don't notify me."...the intention is very deep.As for Mr. Ni, Murakami's military section chief, he said: "If there is no incident, the problem will not be solved. As long as there is a disturbance, it will be resolved quickly." They seem to be waiting for an incident.So, I judged the situation.I reckon that even if the incident starts, the Minister of War will probably not attack us... When the military leaders hear the news of the uprising, it is inevitable that they will be quite confused.But presumably there will be no repression at all - and it cannot be repressed.If there is suppression, it is necessary to stand on the side of the elders and important ministers who are the enemies of the people. (To Endo) Do you think the military would rather be an enemy of the people than collude with senior officials and ministers?

Endo: I don't think generals necessarily agree with what they say. Isono: Captain Endo, you are analyzing the social situation purely from the perspective of the military. Endo: Maybe so. Isono: When the two of us went to visit His Excellency Yamashita, didn’t he also say: “Anyone who violates the power of the commander-in-chief will be declared martial law and all will be killed.” Endo: I did say that, but your Excellency... Kurita: (dissatisfied) I do.I am not reconciled to killing the bad guys in Japan one day earlier.The reason is this. Isono: I agree.What's wrong with hunting down traitors who violated the right to command?Violating the power of command is tantamount to harming the emperor.Why is it not good for us to attack them as Japanese? ...That day, I heard that Aizawa had done that, so I went to the Army Province.I saw soldiers running around there.They usually show off their might, but at that time they panicked and trembled.Is this the prestigious Japanese Army Ministry?Is this what the generals of the imperial army's central agency look like?I have seen through these staff members, they are really worthless!Now, if only two or three officers from our side rush into the Army Department at once, we can occupy it.Now if it is not for the unity of the top and bottom to carry out the reform, the future of the country will be over.it is good!I want to defeat the warlord!The current military department is all warlords.I want to knock them down! ... I may be a little too radical.

Endo: I envy you all.Those generals honestly believed what the school officer said.They do have a feeling of waiting for something to happen—waiting for us to have something happen.This is the truth... However, the meaning of waiting is not necessarily the same as ours.They hope to bring about the downfall of the ruling faction through our actions.But, they probably also want to take advantage of this opportunity, get their own status and make it big, don't they? ...Isn't that the real intention?I can't help but see it that way! Isono: So, do you think it is impossible to get a job at the top?Endo does not.Doing the work at the top is important.At that time, we should win the goodwill of the central organization of the military department.And, it is important for them to admit that the rebel army is not an army of rebels, but an army of justice—a rebel army.If the central authority of the military department admits that the insurgent army is a rebel army, then it depends on the attitude of the cabinet.But the cabinet probably depends on the attitude of the military department.I do not deny the importance of that line of work.But, after our riot, they really will... really will...

Isono: There are too many things to say about waiting and watching.Indeed, there are various methods of struggle.Public trial fights are also important.Wouldn't it be enough to entrust that matter to Nishida and others?A riot is a riot. Kurita: Yes.Just do it. Isono: Stop discussing whether to do it or not!Why can't you guys be more active?Always thoughtful.It's too early to think it over; it's too early to think it over; it's too early to think it over -- and then retreat.enough!If you keep discussing whether to do it or not to do it, you will never be able to start a riot.I can do it alone!

Endo: I am the one who leads the unit.The captain and his subordinates have one heart—this is my belief...Speaking of it, the reason why I turned to the Showa Restoration was because there were a few strong men with communist ideas among the recruits every year...most of them were children from poor families.As outrageous as that thought was, it must also be considered that the miserable circumstances of life compelled them to do so.The actual situation is: they even send meager wages to the family, but the younger brothers and sisters still have nothing to eat and clothes.Although those soldiers had family members, they didn't even have a tram fare, and neither did the people who came to meet.However, these subordinates are obliged to live and die with me... They are also His Majesty's subjects, but... In a country where the emperor's ancestors and emperors are aware of every detail, the citizens are in such a situation, is this possible? ...If the Emperor's regime is not reformed now, the people are likely to turn to communism in the near future... I am deeply disturbed by this.However, when we carry out an armed coup, we must conduct it together with non-commissioned officers and soldiers. They are subordinates, but at the same time they must be comrades.Therefore, I value the spiritual education of the Showa Restoration.

static field. Endo: ...If there is no way to store it, the falling snow will melt.Even if we run ahead as the vanguard, in the current situation of the army...if it ends in failure...we will sacrifice your Majesty's army in vain, and in vain make the soldiers and their families suffer the stigma of traitors.As warriors, we can just cut open the abdomen-but this is not the end of the game. (To Isono) I am different from you and Murata, I am the commander of the army who controls the fate of his subordinates, and the responsibility is very heavy! Murata: As the commander, Endo is of course worried.At this point, we should have a more in-depth discussion on what it means to mobilize non-commissioned officers and soldiers. Kurita: Noncommissioned officers and soldiers are also comrades.They are no different from us in their concern for the country.The non-commissioned officers in my team urged us officers to act quickly.They said: "If there is no revolt in this period, what will happen to the peasants? If there is no rebellion now, won't the poverty-stricken workers become more red?" Endo: There will probably be some of these non-commissioned officers.But aren't most of our men recruits?They only joined the army on January 10, and they haven't even had a review.The individual coach barely reached the level of qualification.It cannot be said at present that they are already comrades based on the unity spirit of the Showa Restoration that respects the emperor and punishes traitors.Therefore, the actions of the soldiers are based on the orders of the commander... We command the soldiers according to the orders of the commander in chief of the army.Isn't that so? Isono: You're right.The soldiers were not well trained.Therefore... Therefore, the commander's determination must be strengthened. Kurita: If the restoration is carried out only according to the wishes of the generals, it will be a dictatorship of the military department.Soldiers are comrades too.They are also Japanese and are His Majesty's subjects.Many soldiers live in poverty, as do my squadrons.The elder brother is in the barracks, while the younger sister has to sell herself because of the poverty of the family... There is no reason to allow this kind of contradiction to exist.Soldiers are comrades, emotionally comrades! Endo: Lieutenant Kurita, nonetheless, those of us who formed a blood alliance and rebelled - the officers who have already decided to join or not to join the alliance, and those soldiers who heard the emergency assembly and received orders to act without asking what the situation is like ...are called comrades, so that they can share responsibility.Do you think this is appropriate? ... In any case, it must be considered in advance that after the uprising, there may be a question of a court-martial conference. static field. Murata: Yes.Our purpose is indeed not to attack those who violate the right of command, but to violate the power of commanding troops and horses ourselves, right? ...Only by the looks of it, maybe it is.Therefore, our attack must be the collective action of all comrades.Normally, we should regard non-commissioned officers and soldiers as comrades, and we must rely on their spontaneous determination to rise up... Therefore, spiritually, rising is a collective action of comrades.At the same time, in form, it is also an arbitrary military operation conducted by the officers in command of the various units.Soldiers are comrades.However, the responsibility for military operations, in the sense that it acts arbitrarily, should be borne by us military officers. Is this the only way to understand it? ...How about it, Captain Endo? static field. Captain Noguchi enters.He has always been taciturn. Isono: A few days ago, I visited Mr. Kita Ikki's house.I asked: "During the Wuchang Uprising of the Revolution of 1911, why did outstanding revolutionary comrades make mistakes?" The husband said: "The so-called revolution has no plan in an emergency, so no one should panic!" Plans—probably so.I know it! Murata: Everyone, in case the uprising fails, Kita-san and Nishida are indispensable for building the country in the future.Although we all have the ideals of the "Outline of the Japan Reconstruction Act", the uprising is an action planned by ourselves alone.We have to admit this point. Isono: That's right...the two of them, just in case...(sentimentally) After we die, we have to rely on them to rebuild the country... static field. Noguchi: (to Endo) Haven't you made up your mind yet? Endo: Well...let me think about it tonight. Noguchi: I made up my mind when Aizawa killed Nagata.Aizawa sacrificed himself for the country.If we are young, if we don't take the initiative to stand up and sacrifice for the country... we will be punished by heaven and earth... I will do it! ...our sincerity. (Correct posture) Your Majesty, Your Majesty will definitely see clearly. static field. Isono: (takes out several sketches) The sketches are also printed... This is the prime minister's residence, around the Metropolitan Police Department, around the Army Ministry and the General Staff Headquarters, this is the Yotsuya Castle Gate, around the Saitouchi Minister's residence, and the Akasaka Castle Gate Around the crossroads...the only thing left is to write down the final goal. The roll call sounded. Murata: Do you want roll call at night? Everyone pushed open the windows and looked at the yard. Kurita: There seems to be a lot of snow this year. There is the sound of the soldiers' counting: "One, two, three, four, five..." The night of February 25th. Officer's room of the 1st Infantry Regiment Machine Gun Squad. The stove was burning red. Turn off the lights and the sound of "Lights off!" Lieutenant Kurita and Second Lieutenant Lin, duty officer of the Rifle Team. Lin: Lieutenant Kurita, what's the matter with you? Kurita: Lieutenant Lin, do you have any good ideas? Lin: Is it ammunition? Before the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Tokyo was called Edo, and there were thirty-six city gates. Now there are only a few remaining in Yotsuya, Akasaka and other districts. Kurita: My task is to prepare for our regiment and the third infantry regiment of the Guards Division.Because the duty commander, Captain Endo himself, participated in the operation, the 3rd Infantry Regiment would probably open the ammunition depot in a grand manner, collect the ammunition and set off.However, although our commander on duty, Captain Yamada, is also a comrade, he cannot participate because of his situation.In this way, how to open the ammunition depot?If I were the squadron leader of the Rifle Corps, I could do it; but I'm only an officer in the squadron, so I can't fully control the squadron. Lin: The key to the ammunition depot is at the guardhouse... Kurita: But neither the ordnance committee of the regiment nor the non-commissioned officers who are assistants to the committee are not comrades. Lin: Today's Guard Commander is Sekine of the 10th Squadron where I was once. Kurita: Was the Guard Commander one of your subordinates in the past? Lin: I've been treating him well. If I beg him, I might be able to get the key. Kurita: Really?Anyway, try it out for me. Lin: If not... Kurita: You can only use other people, such as the assistant of the Ordnance Commissioner... Lin: That's Juncao Ishida.He is currently working late at the wing headquarters in preparation for his departure to Manchuria. Kurita: Will Ishida help? Lin: At that time, it will be the last resort. Kurita: Well, then, first you go talk to the commander of the guards. Lieutenant Lin went out. Next in came the non-commissioned officer on duty. Non-commissioned officer on duty: Here I come. Kurita: Good! Non-commissioned officer on duty: The non-commissioned officer on duty is here! Kurita: After a while, four or five people came to meet me outside.If they come, invite them to the officer's room. Non-commissioned officer on duty: The person who came to meet?Will anyone come this late? Kurita: Yes. Non-commissioned officer on duty: Those who come to see Lieutenant Kurita, please go directly to the officer's room. Kurita: Yes.At one o'clock in the middle of the night, the non-commissioned officers gathered at the squadron office, and the soldiers were scheduled to assemble urgently at three o'clock in the morning.Armed at the third level, wearing a coat and full military uniform.Understand? Non-commissioned officer on duty: Yes!At one o'clock in the evening, the non-commissioned officers assembled at the squadron office.At three o'clock in the morning, the soldiers assembled urgently.Armed at the third level, wearing a coat and full military uniform. Kurita: You can go back. Non-commissioned officer on duty: I'm going back! The non-commissioned officer on duty went out. Cangshi's first class soldier came in. Cangshi: Cangshi, the first class soldier, came under the order of the instructor! Kurita: Well...Kuraishi, in the squadron, you are the veteran private who understands my usual thoughts best. Cangshi: Yes! Kurita: Kuraishi, you are the ordnance officer in the squadron. Judging from the various preparations tonight, do you understand what you are going to do soon? Cangshi: ...Yes!Cangshi understood. Kurita: Well...the moment has finally come...you and I will die together! Cangshi: ...Yes! ... to die! Kurita: Until the special order is issued, you are on standby in the internal affairs squad.Gather ten recruits and accept the command of Second Lieutenant Lin...to collect ammunition.Understand? Cangshi: ...can you get the ammunition at night? Kurita: ...This is an extraordinary situation. Cangshi: Yes! ...Before the special order was issued, the internal affairs squad was on standby to gather ten recruits and accept the command of Second Lieutenant Lin. Kurita: Okay... (pours whiskey into the glass) Kuraishi, have a drink before leaving! Kurashiki drinks whiskey. Kurita: How is it? Cangshi: Yes!The taste is very good... Cangshi is back! Kurita: Good.Tell Lieutenant Shinoda, who manages the uniforms, to come right away! Cangshi: Yes!Called Lieutenant Shinoda. (Down) Kurita: (thinking for a while, facing the corridor) Non-commissioned officer on duty! The non-commissioned officer on duty comes in. Non-commissioned officer on duty: The non-commissioned officer on duty is here! Kurita: Good.Non-commissioned officer on duty, have a drink! (pours whiskey and hands it to him) Non-commissioned officer on duty: Yes!Thank you instructor! ...It's cold tonight, and it's good to have a drink. (drinking whiskey) Kurita: Try to answer the hypothesis I'm making now! Non-commissioned officer on duty: Yes! Kurita: You are serving as the commander of the guards. Non-commissioned officer on duty: Yes!I'm working as a guard commander. Kurita: I served as a non-commissioned officer on duty and went to the guard station. Non-commissioned officer on duty: Yes! Kurita: I said, "Give me the key to the ammunition depot." ... Guard Commander, will you give it? Non-commissioned officer on duty: ... On this occasion, Lieutenant Kurita, are you the duty commander or the duty officer of the squadron? Kurita: The duty officer of the squadron.Non-commissioned officers on duty cannot hand over the keys to the ammunition depot. Kurita: (threatening) I am your instructor! NCO: You violated Internal Guard protocol.In the presence of the Commander on Duty, the keys to the ammunition depots are not to be given to anyone other than the Ordnance Commissioner and his assistants. Kurita: That's right!Won't you even if I beg you? Non-commissioned officer on duty: No! Kurita: Good.You are an excellent non-commissioned officer. Non-commissioned officer on duty: Yes!Can I go back? Kurita: Thank you.Another drink! Non-commissioned officer on duty: Yes!It's cold tonight, and it's great to drink. (drinks the whiskey in one gulp) Going back. (Down) Then Lieutenant Shinoda came in. Shinoda: Lieutenant Shinoda is here at the order of the instructor! Kurita: Thank you for your hard work... Lieutenant Shinoda, prepare four sets of military uniforms in the quilt warehouse immediately! Shinoda: Yes!Shinoda is preparing four sets of military uniforms in the quilt warehouse!Kurita's third-level armament, second-level is also acceptable, you can handle it as you like. Shinoda: What kind of collar badge do you wear? Kurita: Yes, with the military collar badge. Shinoda: Do all four sets wear the collar badge of the Sergeant? Kurita: All four sets belong to the Sergeant.Move in ready and deliver to this room!Finish it before twelve o'clock, how about it, can it be done? Shinoda: Yes!Finish it before twelve o'clock and send it to the officer's office. Kurita: Good. Shinoda: Shinoda is back! (Down) Enter Lieutenant Sergeant. Non-commissioned officer on duty: Lieutenant Kurita, Second Lieutenant Lin is calling. The scene turned dark for a while. brighten. Kurita, Hayashi, and Juncao Ishida, assistant to the regiment's ordnance committee. Kurita: Sergeant Ishida, look, (bows his head) For the sake of righteousness, I, Kurita, bow my head and beg you. Lin: I beg you too.How about helping out? Ishida: ...No matter what the request is, the lock of the ammunition depot cannot be opened without the order of the regimental captain, the ordnance commissioner, and the duty commander—let alone at night. Kurita: That's why I beg you.What is the state of Japan now?Only our arbitrariness is the way to save Japan.Don't you understand this truth? Ishida: If things are so correct, please report your opinion to the regimental captain and follow his orders.Did Lieutenant Kurita force the Ordnance Committee Assistant Ishida to act in violation of the Model Order? Kurita: You are not forced to violate the model order. Lin: Please help us with our arbitrariness. Ishida: ...The fourth item of the military imperial decree: "Soldiers must respect faith." ——Ishida did not receive instructions from his immediate superiors. According to the spirit of the imperial edict, he found it difficult to obey Lieutenant Kurita's order to open the ammunition depot. Kurita winks at Hayashi. The two drew their pistols. Ishida stood pale. Kurita: I don't intend to make you suffer.Of course we were ready to die before we got up and acted. Lin: We are not far from death, and we want to kill you too. static field. Ishida: ...There is no way. Kurita: (Put away the pistol alone) You and Second Lieutenant Hayashi go to the guard station and instruct the commander of the guard to hand over the key.Then go to the ammunition depot together and listen to Lieutenant Lin's command!We'll do the rest. Lin quietly forced Ishida with a pistol from behind and walked out of the room. static field.Kurita stood and drank two or three glasses of whiskey in succession. knocking. Kurita: Come in! Those who entered were Isano and Murata in suits. Kurita: It's comrades!What are you waiting for! turn dark. In the other corner of the stage, the lights turned on. The snow has stopped, and it is pale and cold, outside.It looks like it's next to the gate of the 3rd Regiment's camp. A man in a coat (Shibagawa) stands. Shibakawa: (Stamping his feet in the cold) Oh...it's cold! ...The snow has stopped, God bless (looking at the watch) Nishida said that they will be dispatched between four and five o'clock, but...before they leave the camp, it is really anxious.Oops, the camp gates are open! The voice of the guard: "The whole team!" The sound of troops treading heavily on the snow. Commander's voice. "Go forward - go!" Voice of the Commander-in-Chief of the Guards, "To the right—look!" "Sand, sand, sand, sand" footsteps on the snow. Shibakawa: It's finally started... Shibagawa ran to one end of the stage. He stood still and bowed fifteen degrees to the marching procession... An officer (Endo) runs up to him. Shibakawa: (in a low voice) I wish you success! Endo: (whispers) Let's do it.Thank you very much for sending me off!Bring it to Nishida. (run down) The sound of troops marching silently on the snow. Shibagawa was standing still, he was crying.From the other end of the stage came the sound of Kita Ikki's chanting, interspersed with the sound of footsteps.Turning dark with the sound of heavy footsteps.Only the sound of footsteps continues...