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Chapter 1355 Japan's Way Out 2
Settle wasn't holding back when he proactively discussed these overly complex political topics with Mukuhara Daigoi; he intended to use these secrets, which weren't exactly secrets among the naval's senior officers, to gain the trust of the new Japanese army.

Because the American campaign was coming to an end, but the pacification and clearing operations were about to begin.

If the homeland could not provide more soldiers, this new Japanese army became a necessary tool. Making them work willingly and being forced to work made a completely different difference.

How could he get the Great Whale of Mukuhara to temporarily submit to him? Setter recalled what he looked like when he was young and immediately had the answer.

Young people, especially those with family backgrounds, education, and experience, regardless of their country of origin, share a common trait: they harbor lofty ideals, aspire to become pillars of the nation, and achieve great things!
Every need has its weakness, and the stronger the need, the more obvious the weakness. This was a saying by Emperor Jingyang, and Setter always felt conflicted at times like this. He clearly disliked that person's style of doing things, yet when faced with problems, he always remembered what he said and tried to use the methods he taught. It was so hurtful to his pride!

“…The commander’s words make a lot of sense, but we are still too weak to influence the overall situation.”

Ever since their conversation in the cabin, Mukuhara Daikyou had felt that this relatively young Ming Dynasty naval commander was quite different from any of the Ming Dynasty army commanders he had met before, even including the instructors of the new army.

Those officers would act very rigidly and politely when interacting with us, trying their best not to get involved in the internal affairs of Japanese soldiers and officers, and maintaining a great distance.

But this naval commander was very straightforward, willing to discuss less abstract topics and state his position. This created a sense of kinship, even though he had once asked himself to choose a fellow countryman as a scapegoat in the new army, which could be interpreted as not being able to disobey orders.

The conversation has now turned to whether and how Japan should undergo reform. The insights are both unique and profound, offering a perspective that is truly invaluable. Even knowing the other person's identity prevents me from providing substantial help, I am still willing to engage in further exchange and listen to their opinions.

“Weakness is only temporary. When I was your age, I was still studying at the Royal Academy and had never even seen what the ocean looked like. As long as you have the right goal and make a little progress every year, in ten or twenty years, you will be ready to take over the power from your fathers and make great strides.”

Setter didn't really know the full picture of Japan's domestic political landscape, but there were many similarities in governance. Japan's problems were actually common to many small countries in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean; anyone who controlled the military could change things in a short time.

Given the development trend of the Japanese New Army and the attitude of the Ming Empire, in another ten or twenty years, a group of powerful figures will surely emerge from this group of officers, which will then have a great impact on Japan's political landscape.

As for whether Mukuhara Daigyou can hold out until then, who knows? Let's just leave it at that for now. It's just motivational, no need for too much specifics.

"Thank you for your guidance, Commander. I will keep your words in mind. If possible, I would like you to explain similar principles to the new officers. Thank you!"

These words struck a chord with Mukuhara Daigo, giving him a glimmer of hope amidst his confusion. He then forgot who ordered the public execution of the new army soldiers, hoping it would help more officers see the right direction and strengthen their resolve.

"No problem, but not now. Our only task right now is to stabilize the situation here, make it a safe distribution port for supplies, smoothly receive the cargo fleet that is about to dock, and provide complete logistical support for Governor Du and the army who are fighting on the front lines."

There's still a lot of work to be done to achieve this. I wonder if you and your new army are ready and capable of accomplishing this arduous mission?" Setter readily agreed to lecture the new army, hoping to gain the trust and respect of some officers simply by speaking. Of course, there were conditions, such as complete obedience and diligent work.

"Commander, please give your orders. We are willing to pay any price for the future of the new army!" This time, Mukuhara Daikui understood completely and his attitude was very proper.

"We will rest here for two days until we have replenished our weapons and ammunition. Then we will head towards the mountains and jungles on the east and west sides. We must establish a secure corridor with sufficient depth and fortifications between Panama City and Port Bello, and completely cut off the land route between New Spain and the Viceroyalty of Peru."

Commander Zhen is responsible for the security of the city and port area and cannot provide much assistance. I also think you are not very willing to operate alongside the army, so this mission will be carried out independently by the New Army. Depending on the results, I will report the New Army's achievements to the Naval Staff separately after the battle, and strive to... Guard, what's going on outside?"

Setter's elaborate heart-to-heart talk with Mukuhara Daigo was not truly intended to pave the way for the Japanese political situation. Even if it were, it wouldn't be the naval operations commander's place to do it; that would be the Statistics Division's job.

He simply wanted the new army to do another arduous task: clearing and defending the outskirts of Panama City. This would give him a legitimate reason to keep the new army away from the city and reduce the hostility of the local population.

It also saves the army from casualties. It should be noted that the advantage of weapons is greatly reduced in jungle and mountain warfare, and there is no guarantee that they will not contract various unknown diseases, which may lead to a significant reduction in personnel.

However, before he could finish his grand plan, the ship's bell suddenly rang, silencing all his nice-sounding nonsense, which infuriated Settle.

"Commander, it's Captain Wu's flagship, flying colorful flags!" A moment later, the navigator poked half his head in from the doorway, his face beaming with joy.

According to the communication rules of the Ming Dynasty navy, colorful flags could only be raised in two situations: first, when receiving an inspection from the Grand Marshal; second, upon returning to port after a victorious battle. Since the Grand Marshal certainly hasn't come, it means there was a great victory in Lima.

"Tell him to come see me right now, what trouble is he causing!" Upon hearing that his deputy Wu Bing had won a battle, Setter not only did not rejoice but frowned, his face filled with bitterness and resentment.

While the victory in Lima is certainly cause for celebration, it's nothing to be happy about for the navy. A port without warship protection is like a woman lying on her back—any man should take it.

To come all this way to show off such a small achievement, while abandoning the defensive targets and the army, is not only unworthy of praise but should also be considered a command error. If nothing goes wrong, all is well; but if something does, he'll be court-martialed!
"Commander, I'll go back and prepare. I'm ready to depart at any time!" Mukuhara Daikui was unaware of the Navy's arrangements, but he could tell from Settle's expression that he immediately got up to take his leave.

"Alright, I will personally send someone to convey the official orders in the next two days, telling the soldiers to prepare for jungle and mountain warfare, not to underestimate the dangers, and to prepare plenty of antidotes and insect repellents."

With Wu Bing coming, there was nothing Seitel could do about keeping Mukuro Daigaku around, so he could only wave his hand helplessly. But in his heart, he hated Wu Bing even more; unless there were special circumstances, he had to be severely punished!

(End of this chapter)