January 15th, 2021, 16:00

  Corea

  Once the decision was made about what to do against Russia and Japan through the cabinet meeting, the central government’s branches began to move quietly in an organized manner. Up first was the ministry of foreign affairs that made active attempts to contact Russia.

  Corea had begun a back and forth diplomacy with Russia, the world’s second military power, and the largest owner of nuclear weapons. Right now, the territorial claim of the Manchurian area was the topic of debate. In truth, Russia’s claim for the eastern Manchurian states was a powerful nation being tyrannical in the eyes of the international community.

  China had agreed to concede the territories of the Manchurian states (the three northeastern provinces and the Mongolian self-governed state) to Corea, and announced “the Russian-Chinese territory transfer agreement” is null. According to international laws, the Manchurian area was now Corea’s territory permanently. However, Russia paid no mind and continued to make outlandish claims while ignoring international laws, showing its nature of being a “mobster-like nation.” Based on how Russia has acted throughout the international political sphere, it was no surprise.

  Also, Russia’s actions showed how completely ignorant it was being towards Corea that had overpowered a G2 nation through strength. No, to be precise, it was underestimating Corea’s power. Russia would constantly mock China for copying their military weapons, calling them a nation that could not come up with original ideas.

  When the news spread about China’s defeat to Corea, the nation Russia had always considered to be its lesser, Russia did not step back or be frightened. The nation was not one that would back down easily, reflecting president Putin’s tendencies.

  Anyhow, Corea’s ministry of foreign affairs attempted to resolve the matter peacefully by using its diplomatic strategies while Russia was gathering its forces across the border of the Manchurian states.

  Meanwhile, the decision to go into direct war against Japan had been made. The most pressing issue was figuring out Japan’s relationship with America. The number of American forces stationed in Japan was about 40 000, including the U.S Navy’s 7th fleet, Air Force, and Marines. The American 7th fleet was as powerful as any other nation’s entire naval power and the Air Force also consisted of the latest equipment and weaponry, while the most elite 13,521 Marines and 20,500 men in the army were stationed across 30 different areas in Japan.

  This factor alone would put Corea at a disadvantage, and it was the first thing they had to figure out. After the war breaks out, if any damage was to be done to the American bases during a landing or supplying operations, then it could lead to war against America as well. However, it wasn’t as if Corea could request the U.S to pull back all of their forces from Japan since it wanted to go to war against Japan.

  This was another issue that the ministry of foreign affairs had to solve. Corea, Japan, and America were military allies but it had to figure out how America would act if a war broke out between the other two nations. Based on international politics and their relationship as allies, it was expected for America to take a neutral stance. However, when news came of Prime Minister Abe’s unofficial summit with President Trump, and them having another secret meeting, the relationship between America and Japan became suspicious.

  The conversation between Prime Minister Abe and President Trump that the NIS got hold of had confirmed Corea’s suspicions.

  To summarize the important bits, America had agreed and promised to give unconditional support and military aid to Japan. This military agreement was one that would be beyond any other agreement that was made between two nations. If war broke out between Japan and Corea, then it could be assumed that America would side with Japan.

  * * *

  January 16th, 2021, 09:30

  Seoul, Yongsan-ku, B2 Bunker (ROK military joint command center)

  The complicated relationship between Corea, America, and Japan was a political matter. The ministry of national defense and the joint chief of staff were busy establishing strategies for the war against Japan. The commanders who had worked tirelessly during the Chinese-Corean war had to postpone their leave and spend sleepless nights again in the underground bunker.

  One thing that was different from the strategies used during the Chinese-Corean war was how a few of President Suh Hyun-woo’s inputs were incorporated into it. The operation was named “R J to 1945” and it was short for “Return Japan to 1945.” It symbolized the intent to return Japan to 1945 when it was a defeated nation in war.

  The name alone carried the president’s strong resolve.

  “The start of the war against Japan is still not settled. It could be today, tomorrow, or a long way into the future. However, we as soldiers, are responsible for the security of our nation and must be prepared for anything. Therefore, if anyone has a suggestion about how we should establish our tactics, please speak up, regardless of department or rank.”


  Lieutenant General Na Tae-Yoon, the operations director, started off the meeting. Lieutenant General Lee Gi-Hyung, the commander of the navy, raised his hand and made the first suggestion.

  “Unlike China, Japan is an island nation so it will have limits in utilizing its army and ground forces. Therefore, if we mobilize all the amphibious fleets and commercial ships like we did during the Shandong landing, then we have 30 000 ships at our disposal. That is if we hold the naval superiority. I believe we must use all of our artillery forces and missiles first instead of committing to an amphibious tactic.”


  When Lieutenant General Lee Gi-Hyung finished speaking, the tactics director raised his hand and spoke.

  “An artillery strike without an amphibious tactic would have its limits. In regards……”


  The meeting about the Japanese war would conclude after 5 long days, and operation “R J to 1945” was finally established. The contents were 3 volumes long and the file was sent to president Suh Hyun-woo before receiving the official approval.

  * * *

  January 17th, 2021, 14:00

  Seoul, Jongro-ku, Minister of Foreign Affair’s Office

  After Ambassador Jackie Robins’ term ended in 2020, Ambassador Wally Gold took his place. He was glancing at Minister Kim Jae-Hak with a peculiar expression.

  “As you are aware, Ambassador Gold, Corea, and Japan’s relationship is not so smooth at the moment. Our president requests for a clear explanation of America’s stance in this matter.”


  Minister Kim Jae-Hak immediately started the conversation with the main topic.

  “I am not sure what you mean by America’s stance.”


  Ambassador Gold face was neutral and he replied with a question instead.

  “If you want me to be specific, then I will.

  What would America’s stance be if Corea goes into a full-on war against Japan?”


  When the minister spoke bluntly, Ambassador Gold stopped acting coy and spoke.

  “Minister Kim! Our nation, Corea, and Japan are all allies. We are already concerned about our allies making military provocations, but if it escalated into war, then the U.S would not allow it.”


  “Will not allow it. So that means our alliance is not one of equal standing but rather on a hierarchical nature, is that it?”


  “Ah! I apologize if my statement sounded that way. That’s my mistake. I would like to amend my statement. America is absolutely against any actions that would jeopardize the alliance between the three nations.”


  Ambassador Wally Gold was just as sly as Ambassador Jackie Robins. The superficial statement from him made Minister Kim Jae-Hak frustrated for an instance.

  “If that is the case, what would America do if our nation had no choice but to go to war against Japan for the atrocities it committed?”


  “Japan’s atrocities? What do you mean?”


  Ambassador Wally Gold pretended to be shocked and asked again while leaning his upper body towards the minister.

  “I am talking about this.”


  Minister Kim handed the large envelope containing numerous documents he had already prepared to Ambassador Gold.

  “Can I take a moment to read this?”


  Ambassador Gold began to slowly read over the documents within the envelope. Then after a few moments, his eyes began to frantically dart back and forth from the document to Minister Kim Jae-hak.

  “Is this true?”


  “Well, would we have forged these documents then?”


  “My! This is unbelievable.”


  Ambassador Wally Gold placed the document on the table while laughing an empty laughter. The contents detailed the Sarin gas terrorist attack at Ji-Ling province and the assassination attempt of Vice President Kim Yeo-Jeong that Japan had committed. The thing that shocked Ambassador Gold was the amount of evidence that supported the claim that Japan was the one behind all of this.

  “I believe this amount of evidence would be more than sufficient? Ambassador Gold?”


  “I am sure you wouldn’t mind me giving you an answer after I contact the U.S government, would you, minister?”


  “Of course not, please do so.”


  * * *

  January 21st, 2021, 16:00

  Seoul, Jongro-ku, Blue House, the President’s Office

  The Federal Republic of Corea which had now been divided into 6 states after reunification had caused President Suh Hyun-woo to be busy with national affairs. He had spent the past five days going over operation “R J to 1945” with the high-ranking government officials.

  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received an official statement from Ambassador Wally Gold. America was to stay neutral during the Corean-Japanese war, and would declare all American military bases located within Japan as neutral territory and requested for the bases to be excluded from the crossfire of war.

  This could not be trusted fully, but since this was the official statement and stance the U.S government was taking, the relationship between Corea, America, and Japan was no longer holding the nation back. Therefore, President Suh Hyun-woo gave the order to report the established plans and strategies for the operation immediately for his review.

  “It seems our tactics are detailed and decisive.”


  National Security Director Na Jang-soo, who was reading the three-page summary of the key points of the operation plan, spoke while being thoroughly impressed.

  “This is quite impressive. But doesn’t this mean we must use most of the missiles our nation holds?”


  Chief Secretary Na Sung-Tae, who also attended the meeting, asked.

  “Exactly. I believe we will use the missiles the North Korean military held for this war.”


  Chairman Kang Ui-Sik, who had come with the Minister of National Defense, answered.

  “Do we have that many missiles?”


  When Secretary Na Sung-Tae asked again, Chairman Kang Ui-Sik smiled and answered him.

  “From tactical ballistic missiles with a range of 300km to ICBMs, the total number of missiles is 1,050 rounds. If we add the ballistic missiles our military currently holds, then the number would increase to 1,900 rounds. If we include all the cruise missiles as well, then the total would be 2,800 rounds.”


  The key point of the operation was victory, but as the name suggested, the other goal was to take down Japan’s economy. The main goal was to return Japan to its status after being defeated in the war in 1945, so taking down the large corporations and the smaller ones, their buildings, factories, and any other related infrastructure were targeted.

  The attack was targeted at corporations that had especially grown larger during the Japanese Imperial era and until its defeat in the second world war as a form of revenge. The best method for carrying out this attack were using ballistic and cruise missiles.

  “I didn’t realize there were so many. My, I never would have dreamt that North Korea’s missile would be used like this……”


  Chief Secretary Na Sung-Tae stopped speaking. He had forgotten Vice President Kim Yeo-Jeong was right next to him.

  “Madam Vice President, I misspoke. I apologize.”


  “That’s fine, Secretary Na! It’s true, isn’t it? I am just glad our old military’s strengths can aid in our nation’s efforts.”


  “Haha…… I am sorry again.”


  “Don’t worry about it.”


  Vice President Kim Yeo-Jeong smiled at the chief secretary and seemed amused by his perfuse apologies.

  “Ha ha ha…… it seems everyone is still adjusting.”


  “I hope you could forgive him, Madam Vice President.”


  “No, Mr. President! I am fine.”


  When the president also began to apologize, Vice President Kim Yeo-Jeong answered back politely.

  “Now! Why don’t we continue discussing the operation plans?”


  Prime Minister Lee Young-ho pointed to one part of the report and answered.

  “Looking at the established plans, we have an operation to reclaim all the historical artifacts that were stolen. I also agree with the idea of taking them back as well, but I believe it could be a waste of our special forces to conduct this part of the operation in wartime. Couldn’t we have the artifacts returned to us as a form of recompense after Japan’s surrender?”


  Prime Minister Lee Young-ho’s suggestion was well-grounded. Using special forces in wartime to reclaim cultural artifacts was a waste of manpower, and the mission itself could be highly dangerous.

  “You have a great point, prime minister. However, there’s a reason for this mission. America that is claiming to stay neutral during this war could change their stance at any moment. Japan could request America to step in and have them request for the war to be over. If that is the case, then we may not be able to demand for the cultural artifacts to be returned, even if we are victorious. Therefore, I have pushed for this operation.”


  “I see. I understand.”


  The prime minister nodded in agreement with the Minister of National Defense’s explanation.