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* * *

“Recently in Japan, it seems the Imperial Way Faction is gaining popularity.”

As I read Sabinkov’s newly posted report, it was clear that this part had diverged significantly from actual history.

Ishiwa Kanji, influenced by Russia, is practically a leader of the Imperial Way Faction now.

To put it simply, it can be seen that the Imperial Way Faction has started to dominate Japan.

It’s ironic when you think about the failure of the 2.26 Imperial Way young officers’ coup.

They say it’s influenced by Russia; I wonder if the goals of the Imperial Way Faction have shifted a bit.

Although it’s the same fascism, they are the ones who reverently return all power to the Emperor. I wonder if that’s still the case?

“How foolish of them.”

Anyone might think I’m really a deity from Russia.

I’m the grading Emperor; my situation is different from the Imperial Way Faction’s.

Still, considering my war, I might appear to the Japanese as a wise man from Russia.

However, if there’s an unexpected problem…

It’s that Ishiwa Kanji and Kita Ikki are directly leading the Imperial Way Faction.

That’s quite an unusual case.

It wouldn’t have been like this in the original history.

“Ishiwa Kanji and Kita Ikki are in league together. Hmmm.”

Although they claim to be the Imperial Way Faction, in the case of the 2.26 incident, Ishiwa Kanji, who influenced the Imperial Way, was the one suppressing it. But maybe it’s different here.

If Ishiwa Kanji and Kita Ikki unite to lead the Imperial Way Faction…

What if Ishiwa Kanji doesn’t purge the Imperial Way but stands in solidarity with them?

And what if Kita Ikki, who didn’t cooperate with the Imperial Way at the time of the 2.26 incident, joins in?

I can’t quite grasp how the historical 2.26 incident involving the Imperial Way Faction will play out.

Anyway, thinking from the perspective of original history, Kita Ikki didn’t participate in the 2.26 incident but was ultimately purged as a scapegoat.

It would actually make sense for him to side with the Imperial Way’s coup instead. Wouldn’t you agree?

Honestly, I’m somewhat looking forward to that.

Looking at the current state of the Imperial Way Faction, it seems they might burn brighter than the Control Faction.

So, I subtly suggested to the ambassador dispatched to Japan to show a positive reaction towards the Imperial Way Faction.

The Control Faction might not consider war with us, but since it’s come to this, wouldn’t it make sense to support Ishiwa Kanji, who has a higher favorability towards us?

“Your Majesty, does this mean you are supporting the Imperial Way Faction?”

It’s indeed a matter requiring careful consideration.

However, looking at the current situation in Japan, the Imperial Way Faction seems like the better choice.

Even if we support the Control Faction from behind, if the Japanese have already raised their hands for the Imperial Way, it becomes meaningless.

First, let’s bring the Imperial Way Faction to power, and then they can be let loose.

“Ishiwa Kanji is the Chief of Staff of the Manchurian Army, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The term Chief of Staff of the Manchurian Army implies a connection to Mutaguchi Renya, the governor-general of Southern Manchuria, whom we have set up.

Originally, Ishiwa Kanji used to clash frequently with Tojo Hideki and was purged. Ishiwa Kanji and Mutaguchi Renya’s combination is indeed unique.

“Then it would only make sense to assist. Ishiwa Kanji and Kita Ikki are quite peculiar fellows, so it is a bit difficult to send gold bars like Churchill. We should promote the idea that the Russians in Japan see the cause of the Imperial Way as aligned with their interests.”

They may be easy for me to handle, but since everything’s turned upside down, it wouldn’t be bad for Japan to flip as well.

Moreover, if we prepare for a surprise attack on Japan, there’s no need to let it unfold as it did in the original history.

At this point, I should be mentally prepared.

Relying on familiar figures and letting things unfold as per history is the act of a coward.

If I have future knowledge, I can make the nation I reside in prosperous and crush any foes.

Having overwhelming power and preparing a backstab is all that matters; so what’s the problem?

To be honest, part of me has given up since America has become like that.

“I will do so, Your Majesty.”

Alright, Japan is settled.

Now, after hearing about Britain, France, and Japan, the next most important target is the United States.

The National Duma tells us to reorganize the country internally, and I plan to meddle in that area.

“What about the most important United States?”

The United States, on the verge of civil war.

In this calm before the storm, they’re preparing to fight, and the status of the Military Government supporting MacArthur that we back holds great significance.

For MacArthur to succeed is crucial, as it allows us to monopolize profits and influence in America, better than anyone else.

While Britain and France may have limitations on the support they can provide, we are already prepared to send troops.

So, it shouldn’t be difficult.

“KFC is quiet, but the Military Government is in an isolated position.”

“That would be right. Above them is Canada, practically Britain’s puppet, supporting the Confederates.”

MacArthur is isolated above and below.

Even if he does well, he is cut off and has those bizarre chicken fanatics to contend with. He must be having a tough time.

Even if they build up their military, if Britain and France support the Confederates, it’ll be arduous.

The support will probably be limited.

Both countries can’t even maintain their own states, so if they directly support America with manpower, Communist Germany will surely benefit.

“It seems it would be good for Patton to request help from us. Although the problem is we need to watch for a few more years.”

The greatest issue remains intervening in the American Civil War.

If it truly becomes impossible, we have to leverage Patton.

Patton wants to crush the Reds, so we’ll offer our strength! We can contribute troops to intervene.

“I will find a way to justify it until before they go to civil war.”

Indeed. That’s the right attitude.

We need to boost MacArthur’s favorability significantly.

“Have we been spreading the word about the Chicken Revolution properly?”

That’s what I’m most curious about.

If done well, the Chicken Revolution could turn Trotsky into a chicken-obsessed man in history.

History belongs to the victors; Trotsky could go haywire, and in the process of suppressing him, his grand plan could end up enforcing one chicken meal a day for all citizens.

Keeping it like that would be delightful.

“Yes, Your Majesty. In the Military Government and Confederate states, a figure named Leon from KFC is rumored to shout, ‘Replace bread with chicken!’ and insists everyone must eat chicken at least once a day.”

They’ve turned him into a madman obsessed with chicken.

I’m very curious about Trotsky’s reaction.

“It’s the soul food of Black folks, so there’s a degree of connectivity there. After all, the main demographic of KFC is Black, right?”

“Yes. We are diligently spreading that point.”

Huey Long wouldn’t want to associate with a madman looking to revolutionize with chicken.

If we see a major explosion, KFC would eventually find itself clashing, whether they like it or not, with the Confederates or the MacArthur government.

In that case, a three-way battle is guaranteed.

Next up is the Spanish Civil War, which might erupt around the same time as in America.

In fact, Spain is more of a low-priority compared to America, as it’s such a mess.

If the Spanish Civil War were to turn out in favor of the Republic or the Communists, it might be good to lure Franco or members of the Falangist Party here to establish a government-in-exile.

“Let’s make contact with Spain.”

“Spain?”

“Make contact with Francisco Franco and José Antonio Primo de Rivera.”

“Understood.”

That side is also important.

We cannot exactly deem the Nationalists and the Falangists as the same, but as the Nationalist Spain will likely turn into a Falangist regime, when the Spanish Civil War breaks out, we will have no choice but to support the Nationalists. Depending on the timing of the American Civil War, our support for Spain might be delayed.

For now, we need to lay the groundwork so it’s evident that we’ve always had an interest in Spain.

* * *

Madrid, Spain

José Antonio Primo de Rivera.

He was the son of the dictator Miguel Primo de Rivera, who served as Prime Minister of Spain during the late Bourbon dynasty.

True to original history, he founded the far-right party Falangist Party in 1933 and had been slowly building power, though it wasn’t easy.

The Okhrana, known as the shadow of the Tsar and the hand of Anastasia, was secretly contacting the leader of the Falangist Party, José Antonio Primo de Rivera, around this time.

“Did you say that our Empress is very interested in your nation?”

José Antonio could only blink in astonishment at Okhrana’s contact.

After all, how could a small party in Spain attract attention from such a distant Eastern European nation?

He was even curious how they had learned of it in the first place.

No, if they are contacting, they might have reached out a while ago.

José Antonio suspected that those claiming to be from Okhrana might be agents sent by political enemies, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

“At least the Falangist Party is not a Communist Party, right?”

“Of course not. Rather, the Falangist Party can legitimately be viewed as the party to restore Spain’s glory.”

“Yes, we’ve heard of it. France is currently facing the risk of communization. From our perspective, we do not wish to see Spain turn communist as well.”

Is that really the case?

It’s certain that I’ve heard recently that the Communist Party is expanding in France. As an ally, Russia must be quite worried.

“That’s only natural. Recently, we’ve been overrun by Reds in Spain as well.”

Could it because of the existence of Communist Germany?

Spain has been seeing a noticeable increase in Communists as of late.

Thus, Anastasia’s assessment isn’t all that bad.

“This isn’t much, but it’s support from our King for your political fund.”

Okhrana presented a box filled with shining gold bars to José Antonio.

They sparkled. The gold bars that would be used for political funding had come into José Antonio’s hands.

“Hmm. Accepting something like this feels a bit…”

“Our concern lies solely in not wanting Spain to slip into the alliance of Communist Germany. Whether Spain becomes our ally or remains neutral later on is of no concern, as long as you do not become hostile.”

From Russia’s standpoint, all that matters is preventing the expansion of Communist authority.

The Okhrana before him kept reiterating that idea.

After all, it wouldn’t make sense to seize power and then cozy up to Communists.

José Antonio nodded.

Perhaps it’s to avoid feeling threatened by Gibraltar.

As the son of a dictator and as a Marquess, he had some insight.

Russia and Britain have united regarding air defense.

If Gibraltar feels threatened, it may hinder naval operations in the Mediterranean.

That should be manageable.

“I understand.”

That shouldn’t be a difficult undertaking.

As long as they don’t make demands for a price after giving the gold bars, it should be fine.

In fact, for the greater good of Spain, aligning with Russia could be a good strategy.

Who knows? By teaming up with Russia, they might even regain territories of the former Aragon kingdom or the Spanish Empire.

Just as such sweet fantasies flitted through his mind…

Okhrana, with a serious expression, opened his mouth.

“However, our King has instructed us to advise you to be cautious about your personal safety.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Be cautious about my personal safety?

Are they threatening me with assassination if I don’t heed their words?

No, given the previous conditions—a minimum requirement of not becoming communized—there shouldn’t be any possibility of being assassinated by Russia.

So what is it?

“Our investigations reveal that leftist factions view Marquis Estreya as a thorn in their side. Depending on elections, they might purge him.”

“That can’t be true.”

For a moment, José Antonio, who was caught off guard by the suggestion that his life was in danger, felt his face go stiff in an instant.

Are they saying the Okhrana has already infiltrated the Spanish government?

Rumor has it that the Russian Empress knows future events as a saint.

No matter how much that might be the case, it’s hard to believe as she’s still human.

It could simply be an attempt to reestablish public sentiment towards the Tsar through some glorification efforts. If so, then the answer is that the Okhrana is indeed exceptional.

Could it be that they noticed something like this?

“The Tsar spoke of a people’s front. You should be wary of their existence.”

“A people’s front?”

Does such a thing exist?

Just the name evokes images of a coalition of leftists.

José Antonio wracked his brains, trying to figure it out for the sake of the Falangist Party, but soon his eyes widened at Okhrana’s words.

“We do not wish for the Marquis to be purged either. So if any bloodshed occurs within Spain, you must take special care to preserve your life.”

“Did you reach out to anyone else?”

“We also conveyed this to a man named Franco. Please ensure you coordinate well to lead Spain together.”

With those words, Okhrana vanished into the shadows.

José Antonio remained dazed for a while.

Personal threats, bloodshed in Spain. The Spanish Communists. An unstable republican government.

All of these point to one clear conclusion.

“Civil War!”

The unstable political situation in Spain, failing to unite as one. In the midst of that, bloodshed signifies nothing less.

José Antonio sensed the impending civil war.

 

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