Chapter 556: Spitting Blood in Rage
The Japanese government, known for its decisiveness, wasted no time taking action against East Africa. But aware of the disparity between the two nations, it opted for "soft power" tactics to pressure East Africa into compromise.
East African Embassy in Edo.
"Minister Kade, on behalf of the Empire of Japan, I hereby express our strong protest against your country's occupation of our southern territories. This act constitutes an illegal invasion of Japanese sovereign land and seriously violates international norms. It will be condemned by the global community."
Kade remained unfazed. "Heh, if you like protesting, go ahead. But frankly, I think your government is overreacting. The Southern Ryukyu Islands were part of a deal between us and the Far Eastern Empire. What do tiny countries like yours have to do with it?"
Kade emphasized tiny countries with a biting tone. He couldn't stand Japan calling itself the "Great Japanese Empire." Great? Nations like Russia, America, and East Africa—all with vast territories—never claimed to be "great." But these small nations insisted on adding "great" for pride's sake—it was laughable.
His words made the Japanese diplomat boil with rage. It reminded him of what Kohara Masamasa had warned him earlier. Still, he was used to such arrogance from Westerners—Japan had practically begged to be seen as Western through its "Leave Asia, Join Europe" policy, driven by envy and a desire to replace them.
Some Westerners had said worse—mocking Japanese height and physique, treating them as a joke. Compared to that, East Africa's insults were mild.
Still, only a trained diplomat could remain composed. Most Japanese would have drawn swords already. Japan's people had never been shy about dying for their pride.
"Minister, sovereignty is no joke. The entire Okinawa archipelago has been Japanese territory since ancient times—"
Before he could finish, Kade cut him off. "That's perfect. Okinawa is your territory—we accept that. But our East African maps only show the Ryukyu Islands. Ryukyu and Okinawa? Completely different. So stop making baseless claims."
Kade was a master of infuriation, playing dumb while knowing exactly what he was doing. But diplomacy was often about clever rhetoric and muddy waters.
"You—!" The Japanese diplomat almost choked. He had never met anyone so thick-skinned and crude.
And he was right. East Africa lacked professional diplomats—its future diplomats were still studying in Austria!
Suppressing his fury, the Japanese official continued, "Your country's repeated provocations threaten the relationship between our two nations. Diplomacy is no small matter. I've endured so far, but continued provocation will leave me no choice."
Kade chuckled. "Is that a threat?"
"Of course not. I only hope you act fairly and not harm your own interests. Conflict helps no one—it only benefits a third party."
Hearing that, Kade lost interest in mocking him. The man was no fun to tease. He straightened up, finally looking like a real diplomat.
"You ask me to act fairly? Fine. Let's talk facts. Let's see who's in the wrong."
"Excellent. If Japan is in the wrong, I'll personally drop all claims over the Sakishima Islands."
The diplomat had worded it carefully. He said I, not the Japanese government—in case he slipped up and gave East Africa leverage. If things went badly, he could take personal responsibility—maybe even commit ritual suicide—to protect his country's honor.
Kade noticed the unspoken omission of "Japanese government." Clearly, this man wasn't serious. But Kade didn't mind humoring him—it didn't matter if they failed to agree.
"So, you claim the Southern Ryukyu Islands are your territory. What evidence do you have?"
"Since ancient times, the Ryukyu Islands have belonged to Japan. The Ryukyu Kingdom paid tribute and submitted to our emperor. We have documents to prove this."
"Then show me these documents."
"Uh…" The diplomat realized he was doomed the moment he left his house. He cursed his bad luck. He should've made his colleague handle this.
Even if the documents existed, he was sure Kade would destroy them right in front of him. These Germans were brutes—uncultured, reckless. Kade would absolutely do it.
He couldn't help mentally cursing the Germans. Barbarians, the lot of them. Just lucky fools who clawed their way into the ranks of global powers. East Africa was even worse—founded by Germans in Africa!
Europe itself had a hierarchy. France, with its dominance in arts and culture, looked down on Prussia. Even though Prussia had military strength, France had the power of cultural narrative—what it said went.
And Prussia wasn't the worst. Russia had been "expelled from Europe" entirely. Northern Vikings and even England were ridiculed. France seemed perfect, but others mocked it for Napoleon's legacy—especially America, which sought to challenge France's cultural dominance.
Back to the present—the diplomat now fully agreed with France's judgment of Germany. While Germany was being tainted by East Africa's brutish diplomacy, Japan still had to deal with it.
"Heh. Can't produce the document, can you? Even if it existed, it could be a forgery. Meanwhile, the Far Eastern Empire has multiple original tribute documents from the Ryukyu Kingdom—going back centuries. In their words, 'covering your ears to steal a bell'—that's what your government is doing. Worst of all, you already destroyed the Ryukyu Kingdom, and you still dare talk about tribute? I've never seen such shameless, ungrateful, morally bankrupt people. Associating with you would make East Africa a global laughingstock…"
"You… you… splurt!" Choking on his fury, the Japanese diplomat collapsed in a pool of blood.
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