Chapter 19: Military Conflict and the Cost of Betrayal

1. The Birth of the Grand Political Revolutionary Army

Although the Grand Political Coalition Army had been operating as it was, as the war grew more serious and a conflict with China became inevitable, the need to strengthen its presence increased. As a result, the troops of the Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere were to be named the "Great Political Revolutionary Army".
The reason for this was that the Taisei Yokusan Co-prosperity Bloc intended the army not merely to protect Japan's independence, but also to transform the future of Asia as a whole and to mount a revolutionary challenge to the conventional order. The name "Revolutionary Army" implied a strong determination to build a new order in Asia, which had clear implications for the existing powers, especially China and the United States.
• Kazuma Nanjo (Taisei Yokusan Bussan):
"The coming battle is not a mere territorial war. It is a war to dominate the whole of Asia. As the Daejeon revolutionary army, we will build a new order."
• Utsutsu Umiyama (Taisei Yokusan Bussan):
"By coming forward as a revolutionary army, we can demonstrate not only Japan's pride and independence, but also our strong will to carve out a future for Asia."
Thus, the forces of the Taisei Yokusan Co-prosperity Sphere would renew their significance and begin their battle under the name of the Taisei Kyosei Revolutionary Army.

2. The Plight of Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation, which had played a central role in the Taisei-Yuppan Co-prosperity Sphere, suddenly found itself in a serious economic predicament. The reason is that as the war between the Greater China Co-prosperity Sphere and China intensified, the trade networks and financial transactions controlled by Mitsubishi Shoji were severely affected, and its international dealings and trade routes were severely restricted.
In particular, Mitsubishi Shoji, which had been strengthening its trade with China, saw its economic base shattered by the war, its relationships with its major trading partners severed, and combined with pressure from the United States, the entire enterprise faced the threat of economic collapse.
• Mitsubishi Corporation executives:
"Our trade with China has stopped, and international trade has also stalled. We can't hold on any longer. We may be very close to bankruptcy."
• Shigeru Sugawara (Mitsubishi Corporation):
He said, "Economically, something must be done before the worst happens. But we can't afford to pick and choose our means to get out of this situation."

3. Sugawara's treacherous business game

To overcome the crisis at Mitsubishi Corporation, Shigeru Sugawara begins a business game that seems to conflict with the interests of the Greater China Co-prosperity Sphere. It consisted of concluding a secret deal with China to turn his back on the Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere's war and help Mitsubishi Shoji.
Sugawara justified these actions in his own mind, saying that "small matters must be sacrificed for the sake of the greater good," and decided to conclude a secret agreement with China. Believing that the continuation of the Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere war would lead to the collapse of his company, Sugawara, contrary to his own beliefs, takes what could be called treacherous actions to ensure the survival of his company.
• Shigeru Sugawara (Mitsubishi Corporation):
"In order to accomplish great things, we must sacrifice the small things. The future of Mitsubishi Corporation is at stake. We must forge cooperation with China to get things done."
• Chinese government official:
"Taking advantage of the internal turmoil in Japan, joining forces with Mitsubishi Corporation is a wise choice. We need to work together to extend our influence into Japan."
• Shigeru Sugawara (Mitsubishi Corporation):
"The continuation of the war, as demanded by the Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere, is risky for our future. The only way to protect Mitsubishi Shoji is through a secret agreement with China."
Although Sugawara's actions could be described as hostile toward the Taisei Kyomei Sphere, his decision was a painful one that would protect the continued existence of Mitsubishi Shoji, and as a result, would lead to the company's economic revival.

4. Secret Agreements with China and Subsequent Impact

Sugawara's actions, apart from the physical outcome of the war, would have a major impact on the course of the war by creating further economic conflict between Japan and China. However, the success of Sugawara's plan would temporarily put Mitsubishi Corporation back on its feet and deepen the internal conflicts within the Greater China Co-prosperity Sphere.
• Nanjo Kazuma (Taisei Yokusan Bussan):
"Shigeru Sugawara's actions are completely inconsistent with our war doctrine. He tried to protect the interests of Mitsubishi Shoji, but at great cost."
• Utsutsu Umiyama (Taisei Yokusan Bussan):
I don't agree with Sugawara's approach, but perhaps it had to be done to save Mitsubishi Corporation from a crisis. However, I don't know what effect his actions, taken against our war principles, will have in the future."