Chapter 120
Mr. Sunset (7)
“It's been a while, Admiral.”
“It truly is good to meet again like this.”
Tōgō Heihachirō.
A Marshal Admiral of the Japanese Navy and a count—without question, a war hero of Japan.
Our reunion with him was conducted in utmost secrecy.
“First of all, I suppose I owe you an apology.”
“An apology?”
“I once asserted that those pale-skinned Westerners would never make room for a talent like you. But I was wrong, and you have risen as a hero of America—no, of Asia.”
“At the time, I was nothing more than a green cadet. I, too, gained much insight from your words, Admiral Tōgō.”
At my flattery, he responded with a faint smile.
“Then that is a relief. You cannot imagine how taken aback I was when I heard that the young cadet I once met was now sweeping across the battlefields of Europe.”
“I don’t believe I would have risen through the ranks even if I had entered the British military. Let us chalk it up to differences in experience.”
If I were to list all the hardships it took to arrange this meeting, there would be no end to it.
Tōgō, revered as the father of the Japanese Navy and a Marshal Admiral, was currently extremely opposed to the Washington Naval Treaty. Although I had been invited under his name, the Japanese naval leadership remained highly wary that he might disrupt the negotiations.
And in truth, Tōgō was more than willing to do just that.
“The spirited young officers of our navy are greatly concerned about this naval treaty.”
“Is that so? As I serve in the army, I had no idea it was to that extent.”
“For the peace of Asia, the role of the Imperial Navy is paramount. Yet, intoxicated by fleeting sentiment, they would guarantee the unilateral sacrifice of one nation—what a lamentable affair.”
The reason this meeting had taken place:
Even Tōgō, now an old man relegated to the sidelines and merely waiting for his time to leave this world, could not contain his dissatisfaction with the naval disarmament treaty and had ultimately stepped forward.
“What would you like me to do?”
“Straight to the point, I see.”
“I know nothing about the naval treaty. However, one thing is certain—if war were to break out between the United States and Japan, my position would become extremely difficult.”
“Hmmm…”
“In any case, I am merely a major in the army. I can do no more than act as a messenger, but I can convey your views through a channel separate from the negotiation table. So if you speak candidly, I will deliver your words exactly as they are, without alteration.”
“Very well. I like how quickly this proceeds.”
Tōgō tapped the table lightly with his fingers and nodded.
“First, the Imperial Navy can never abandon Mutsu.”
“I have heard much about Mutsu as well.”
“And if they attempt to excessively restrict the Imperial Navy’s quota, then the United States and Britain must pay an equivalent price.”
“For example?”
“The fortification of Pacific islands must also be limited. Even if naval forces are restricted, if all potential battlefields are fortified, it will only lead to an ongoing arms race through fortification. Therefore, let us all get along and maintain key points in the Pacific and Asia in a demilitarized state.”
It sounded nice enough.
Tōgō’s intentions were clear.
Japan had seized several islands in the South Pacific from Germany during World War I, but strictly speaking, these were not Japanese territory—they were League of Nations mandates administered by Japan.
And the fortification of these mandated territories had been prohibited by the Treaty of Versailles. In other words, what he really meant was: “Since we can’t fortify them, why don’t you refrain from fortifying yours as well?”
The problem was that the United States wanted this just as much.
The Harding administration had no intention whatsoever of spending more money on the military. Fortifying islands in the middle of the Pacific? Where would that money even come from?
All proposals—to build naval bases in the Philippines, Guam, or elsewhere, or to construct new fortifications—had been dismissed with a single phrase: no funds. If any of those had passed, King and I wouldn’t have been tearing our hair out.
“I will make sure your message is conveyed.”
“Thank you. Let us hope that peace in the Pacific endures forever.”
“Of course. I look forward to continued cooperation.”
We firmly shook hands, bringing our secret meeting to a close.
Information superiority truly makes all the difference.
If those Japanese had better understood America’s intentions, they would never have been the first to make such a proposal.
But thanks to that, we were able to graciously accept Japan’s offer while wearing expressions of great reluctance.
Idiots.
“And one more thing—would it be all right if I asked for a personal favor?”
“It brings me great joy that this old man might still be of help. If it is within my power, I shall do anything.”
“I would appreciate it if you could introduce me to Makoto Saitō, the Governor-General of Korea.”
For once, a flicker of surprise crossed Tōgō’s face.
***
Empire of Japan, Keijō (Seoul).
Although Bang Jeong-hwan would usually return home during school breaks and take care of various matters, this time he could not afford to wait for vacation.
Like a bird in haste, he rushed back, and the moment he set foot in Keijō, he headed straight home. There was nowhere else for him to go anyway—he was living with his in-laws, so his home was effectively that of his father-in-law, Son Byeong-hui.
“Father-in-law, are you feeling any better?”
“When the nation faces such calamity, how could this body remain well? Still, there is nothing serious, so do not worry. I heard you met General Kim Yujin. What kind of man was he?”
Even Son Byeong-hui, lying ill in bed, could not suppress his curiosity.
Who was Kim Yujin? At this darkest hour in the five-thousand-year history of the Korean people, had he not appeared like a comet—a brilliant general?
Whenever this pitiful nation faced crisis, a hero on a white horse would always emerge. Eulji Mundeok and Gang Gam-chan had done so before, and during the Imjin War, Admiral Yi Sun-sin had appeared. Surely this time, the heavens had sent General Kim.
So everyone with a mouth was saying.
But Son Byeong-hui himself could not help but be troubled by the fact that the man was an American who had never once set foot on Korean soil.
There were already countless traitors among those who claimed to be of the same people—so how much concern could a man, who had never even seen this peninsula since birth, truly have for Korea’s independence and future?
Yet, he was able to set aside his worries thanks to the words of his son-in-law, whose judgment of people he trusted.
“General Kim Yujin was over eight feet tall, with a dignified bearing—one glance alone was enough to tell he was a hero of his age.”
“Is that so?”
“Regardless of whether the Japanese heard him or not, he called himself a Korean without hesitation, and he was deeply concerned about the future of the Korean people.”
“That is a relief. Truly a relief! If a man of such great renown had chosen to side with the Japanese, how many more would have been tempted to betray their cause?
Though it is unfortunate that he serves in a foreign military, given how dire the situation is, had he been born and raised on Korean soil, would he have been able to rise as a hero? This is truly fortunate.”
“Is it not precisely because he is an officer of the United States that he can command the white men so freely, and even the Japanese bow their heads before him?”
“That is true.”
10 minutes.
20 minutes.
30 minutes.
Whenever his son-in-law began telling stories to the children, no matter if thunder crashed outside, everyone would sit spellbound, staring only at his lips. And now, as he spoke of General Kim Yujin with that same eloquence, time melted away like ice.
Only after chatting away for quite some time, when Bang Jeong-hwan paused to moisten his throat, did Son Byeong-hui finally come to his senses, as though waking from a trance.
“Ahem. Yes. You didn’t abandon your studies just to come brag about meeting General Kim, did you? There was something you asked about in your telegram.”
“Ah, that’s right. What am I thinking? General Kim offered me the opportunity to study in the United States.”
“The United States…”
Bang Jeong-hwan had many responsibilities in Korea, and within Cheondogyo as well, so the words did not come easily.
But studying in America—especially with General Kim offering his support. Such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was not something easily dismissed.
“At first, I hesitated, saying that I had a wife and children here in Korea, but he told me that if I wished, my family could accompany me.”
“…That is no ordinary generosity.”
“But if I go to America, I won’t be able to take part in Korean affairs much at all. And if my entire family leaves, wouldn’t you feel quite lonely, father-in-law? I’m fine either way. Ha ha!”
“You foolish boy. The general has gone out of his way to offer you such kindness, and you would throw away an opportunity worth a thousand pieces of gold? Don’t even speak such nonsense.”
Though he had gained some weight now, whenever Son Byeong-hui looked at his son-in-law, he was reminded of the old days when the boy had been so thin it seemed he might break at any moment.
Now, his own time left to live was not long. His body, worn down by harsh imprisonment, was exhausted, and he worried about what would become of his family after his death.
He had always insisted that education was the lifeline of the Korean people—how could he let his son-in-law cast aside the chance to be educated in the most prosperous place in the world? Though it pained him, sending him off was only right.
At that moment, a sudden commotion arose outside the door.
“This is urgent! A Japanese official has come—”
“A Japanese?”
“It’s Ariyoshi Jūichi, the Chief of Political Affairs at the Governor-General’s Office. He has come in person.”
“…What an honored guest we have. We cannot turn him away.”
Before he could even finish speaking, Ariyoshi strode in, pushing the door open.
“Welcome. To what do we owe the visit of such a distinguished guest to the home of this so-called ‘unruly Korean’?”
“If I said it was a sick visit, that would be laughable. A request came from the mainland, so I came personally. And since Bang Jeong-hwan is here as well, all the better.”
Without even waiting for tea to be served, Ariyoshi got straight to the point.
“You are, of course, aware that General Kin is currently in the homeland. He has requested the establishment of an ‘East Asia Education Development Fund’ and has asked for the Governor-General’s cooperation.”
“East Asia… what?”
“The East Asia Education Development Fund. Regardless of nationality, it aims to provide promising individuals with opportunities to study in the United States.”
Regardless of nationality—did that mean even the Japanese would be given the same opportunity? For a moment, he was at a loss for words.
But upon reflection, if the opportunity were limited only to Koreans, Japan would surely interfere. In truth, this was the only viable approach.
The Chief of Political Affairs continued, as if to drive the point home.
“Japanese candidates will be selected appropriately from the mainland, while for Koreans, several reputable organizations will nominate suitable candidates. The Governor-General’s Office and General Kin will then review and select those to be sent abroad.
I do not know why General Kin chose your group, but among the Korean organizations he selected, yours is included. What will you do?”
“May I ask which other groups are involved?”
“Direct applications through newspapers such as the Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo are possible, and religious organizations like the YMCA are included as well. So—will you do it or not?”
“We will.”
“Hmph. Let me warn you in advance—if you incite those students to commit any improper acts and are caught, it will not be tolerated.”
Having finished his business, he left immediately without waiting for a reply.
“Son-in-law.”
“Yes, sir.”
“It seems I have one last task to complete before I die. Do return as a great man after studying in America.”
Son Byeong-hui brushed himself off and rose with effort.
In all eight provinces of Korea, no matter what one attempted, the Governor-General’s Office stood in the way, preventing any true realization of one’s aspirations.
But in a distant land like America?
The final flame of his life burned fiercely.
For he could sense that the seeds being sown now would one day grow into towering trees that would shape the nation for a hundred years to come.