NationStates Jolt Archive

The emerging Nipponese nation of Ascendancy, seeing that the prolifferation of aggressive minded nations among the rest of the world, decides to look to it's own region for expansion.

However from the viewpoint of the island residents of the Japanese island of Hokkaido, currently are deciding on a different approach.

"A what?" ..a young prince asks.

"Marriage. I presume you have heard of it." ..a far more fatherly figure responds, next to him, a motherly figure that looks on with amusement. The prince like Hokkaidoan though roughs his hands upon the folds of his yakuta, which overlays the white buisness like clothing he wears more normally.

"Hai. But you can't be serious."

"Is it so bad? The other Shoguns and minor nobles decided to come to us with the idea, considering our own advancements. With the fears of global warfare, the disruptions to stability are a serious concern." ..the motherly figure puts in.

"A mutual defense compact, I can understand. But MARRIAGE!!?! Why that far? This isn't..."

"You're a blood royal. It's expected son." The fatherly Shogun interjects with.

The son however comments. "Should I even bother asking 'why' we need to expand anyway, at the expense of forcing my manhood?"

"Son.." ..the motherly figure chides. The son only looks over at his sisters for 'help', of which is also lacking in the same. The five only shrug/wave from afar in the large oriental style throne room of Sapporo Palace. The son replies.. "Sorry mom. But really, how do..."

"..we feel in your shoes?" The father calmly responds, reading his son's mind exactly. The mother then instinctively takes the Shogun's hand. The son has heard all this before. The fact that a similar arrangement had allowed the Ascendancy to form upon Hakkaido some thirty years prior.

The son only replies finally.. "Great, expedient politics in the guise of romance. Can't we just have a bloody war or something instead?"

"No." Both mother 'and' father reply. The son looks reasonably flustered.

"Oh come now brother." ..comes the voice of the eldest sister.

"Oh come 'now' Cal. Don't get started on the ideas you got over there." The son spits back. Caladeni, the eldest of the five sisters, responds with her hands on her kimonoed hips. "Well listen well anyways. It's time we look to the bigger picture, before someone else decides it for us."

"And this unity blah, blah bit, yes yes I know all too well. But to someone I never have even met?"

"Al..." ...the mother replies, the name of Jeain by the way. "...you know them already."

"Know............. 'them'?" ...he said, worried about the pluralistic sound of this.

"Them." Mother and Father (Terrai) respond together in tune.

Alarion just blinks. "But I know quite a few of 'them'. How many 'them', do you mean?"

"There's a few capitals down there." ..Another sister, Alusair by name, responds.

Alarion just about flips.

---

A few days from now, representative families from the islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, as well as the island of Okinawa would arrive to consider if this entire affair was even possible.

A strange, ecclectic mix of need and pleasure would either come together upon one future Emperor's shoulders, or crush them and the rest of Japan under the heel of another nation.

*Three days later to be exact...*

On a gorgeous fall day outside the royal palace of Sapporo, the gossip and buzz of the coming conference reaches crescendo, as the various royal families arrive from the nearby international airport.

In the years since the near disentigration of civilization, the recovery of the world to begin another go at a semblance of unity, was seeing the best and worst of humanity in action.

All too many took the way of the sword and gun.

Others, such as here today, were working to rework better tidings.

The royal family, having been ready for awhile now, after years of competition between the islands after most were formed independantly, wary of another Japan nation, but seeing the external events of the world as nothing less than a threat that needed addressing, there was little choice but this course.

The fact that Hokkaido had become a dominant power in the region due to it's scientific breakthroughs in many of the same arenas that the United States of old used to command it's prominence previously, to essentially impress the other islands to see where to draw leadership towards.

Nearby Korea was just as influenced, but as yet, were not 'invited', in as much to preserve internal matters, and as much as to not worry other nations around Japan and Korea to the same effect other nations are doing around the globe.

But as the first limos begin to arrive, one particular soul was worried about something else entirely.

"(How's my breath?)"

"Everything looks fine here." ..one of the other Shoguns put in a grunty tone, one that only seemed to agree in part to the generous terms offered for alliance power sharing, as well as very nice inter-trade agreement criteria.

..but Azusa didn't like giving up independance, despite the need to do so. "..as long as your end of the agreement is held."

Terrai nodded. "He's meeting your 'offers' now. The number probably.."

*A slight hint of a whiny moan heard in another room down the long palace hallway to the conference alcove the Shoguns, and suprisingly as well, Korea after 'all', are meeting in. The representatives of the old island members of the Old Japan were present, and the Koreans, despite warnings of otherwise, were here to assert their all but 'dire' need to be included into the alliance compact.

The moan was a lonely one, as Jeain nearby tries to hide a giggle from the other Shoguns, and familiy representatives from the other delegations. Not needed though, the others (mothers of the 'offers'...) saw this coming anyway.

Apparently, the region was much closer on the gossip bandwagon at the very least, more than should be expected.

Terrai looked over at the representative from Kagoshima palace of Kyushu. "The worry about resource distribution should be there as well."

Lady Urashima nodded, if reservedly. "It will do. Even if only 34% of electronic stores and 29% of agriculture is 'all' we can deal with."

"No oil talk this time?" ..Lady Achika of Izushi commented. In this day and age, the ladies held as much power as the men. And with better skill at times too. Urashima just smirks. "And the radioactives aren't in play either, eh?"

Terrai waves a hand, and that alone seems enough to turn attentions. A forecoming of ages to come. "Is there 'any' major concerns that the Treaty needs oration over? I presume also that military concerns are not a problem as well. I still intend to do a military build-up to assert regional control, and keep China in check foremost.

We must assure respect in teeth, to hold power as an alliance."

The others look at each other, no less than twenty-six major representatives and seventeen local elected ones from the clusters of smaller townships and villages that the major families ruled over.

Peacefully thankfully. A long war of the sword this time around is 'not' needed. The gathered for 'once' seem to be in relative agreement.

Terrai however turns and eye to the Nansei Island and Korean delegations. One and three delegation groups each. The Korean 'additions' that Alarion was meeting just now, was a suprise.

In more than one way.

"We want in this alliance. Waiting we feel is too much more of a risk to our future to give another nation a chance to absorb us. Plus you 'know' we have unique things to offer everyone else." ..Lord Katsuhita comments. His Lady Reia Nii Ta nods just as stern, the two from Seoul that commanded the best respect among the Koreans.

Terrai smirked. Only a few centuries before, the Japanese were detested as imperialists over the Koreans, and no consideration of anything like this would ever have come so near.

Changes in the timeline however............

"No second questioning if this is signed. And if so by all here, and then ratified by your local island Prefectures in the next three months, then Nippon will return to reality.

For all involved here. So. Are all of you 'sure' about this."

The sight of a near unision nod was very much a pleasant suprise. The Japanese quills started to dip into ink of blue pigment ink not too long after, for the waiting triad of parchments.

---

"Didn't I see you all in that last Kyoto Fair sometime recently?" ..as Alarion looked at the large meeting room, filled with gorgeous women, their brothers and sisters, and many attendants.

Around seventy-five in total. The worrisome number was twnety-four however.

"I know I did bozu-kun." ..one certainly 'very' familiar voice crooned. Alarion then makes the sound that was just heard.

---

Meanwhile, a small flotilla of six naval vessels, led by the Hokkaido Carrier Iotia, are deployed in the following six hours, to begin the securement of the northern island of Sakhalin. The deployment of 6,500 troops and relative armor and air support from both the carrier and land based Hokkaido forces is meant to give a touch of teeth, as well as to secure the northern area of Hokkaido.

Two weeks is given to give full control of the island, one that formerly was controlled by the old nations of Japan and Russia.

Another time of changes afoot.

*two days later*

HANS News Desk: ~ The rumors are confirmed. In a ceremony set to mark the news expected all along, the island sub-nations of Nippon will unify, along with the Nansei islands to the south, and the Korean Peninsula, will join to become one alliance of defensive minded nations.

However this was marked by news that the island of Sakhalin to the north was occupied by Hokkaido troops, in a stated effort to control all islands around the new nation.

"We deem that while we are no going to fool anyone in that we aren't expansionist. We 'do' intend that we are not the same imperialistic Japanese of the far past. The ancient war of the second world war, is not our framework for all this.

Rather, we'd look to the Romans if any, for some better insparation. Our old ways of Bushido are well and good, but the old concepts of our lives, and how we command them, will have a more civilized and broadened approach. Rituals of suicide as such, have no place. And treatment of foreigners are to be far better than at any time in our history." ..came the voice of Shogannate High Lord Terrai Kerensky, a name that certainly does not conjure up old images of Japan's past.

Meanwhile, it is confirmed that a series of marriages between the various families will culminate in the Kerensky heir-apparent, Prince Alarion, to choose at least one mate from each of the new allied islands, to solifidy the royal liniage to come. No date as yet, and all of this has the local populace very much interested, as per the days of the english royals and their gossip.

It is also confirmed that the foreign advisory intends on extending relations into the local area, with China, Manchuria, Western Russia, and even as far south as the Phillipines, among the list for talks of unilateral trade and, sources wonder, further expansion. The old Japanese held islands also are being hinted at for reclamation in the future.

The only thing not certain as yet, is foreign opinion of the apparent intentions of the Nipponese realm. One that as yet, is not a fully ratified entity. Stay tuned for further news during this time of apparent unification. ~

---

Meanwhile, the first Hokkaido troops reach Sakhalin, and within two hours, take control of Kholmsk, Uglegorsk and Okha. Korsakov, Katangil, and nearby areas 'fall' another three hours later.

The only resistance encountered, is a local farmer moving goats across a dirt road, as troops move inland to take Nysh. Other than curse words in two language dialects of old Japanese, the takeover and control of the island is smooth and lacking of casualties. The local governors of the towns on Sakhalin are kept in power, and very few changes are made.

If anything, the signs of a return of a revitalized Japan is seen more with hope, after decades of lack of real civilization up here.

((OC- Blasted post didn't bump up. =--= ))

*...the following three months*

Nippon defence compact allies began to learn how to work together as their various leaders wanted. Many new industries unique to the other islands joined with the Hokkaido industries to begin spreading some old, and a few newer technologies throughout the all but unified realm.

In Korea, large numbers of volunteers began to help build a whole new highway system, and brought that knowledge to the allied islands, turning a few hundred miles of old and disused highways from the old Japan nation, back to a semblance of usability. This allowed inter-island comemrce to move more smoothly, and lessen the burden to sea lanes that couldn't keep up as quickly. (Hours verses a day or so means a heck of a lot in such terms of growth.

Many civil and social services were discussed and reengaged to begin to see to the needs of the populace. This showed signs that the unification was not a pipe dream, and that it wouldn't mean war was needed after all.

The problem of village gangs that plauged the southern islands were greatly lessened with a more unifed police force that used the Hokkaido model that had stabilized that island from a state of total anarchy that had lasted for decades after the old Japanese nation broke apart.

The old world need for independance, taken to the most destructive extreme, was now something not wanted, when such levels of independance did nothing but rip apart order and sensibility, to the maw of chaos and predators.

The Unification however looked to the good aspects of the past, and the learned mistakes as well, to model a more just society and civilization.

As infrastructure grew, so did the keen of the military grew as well. The Sakhalin operation had only one real flaw.

It wasn't any real show of strength. The Nipponese as a result, looked to make one offensive operation to claim some real territory, just as the Treaty was going to be ratified by the local populace. A touch of the old Japan 'did' have an apparent place, and for the three months, the now 1.5 million troop force, up from only 750,000 from Hokkaido native forces, built up armor and aircraft designs to push a strong presence in Korea, and a strong defensive presence on the islands.

All observers saw the obvious coming, as the heavy 'hint' influence over the near independant zone of Manchuria once more entered imperialistic sights.

Therefore, as the Treaty entered the final vote on the Eve of September 29th, sixteen divisions were lined up along the northern border of unified Korea, and fourty in reserve, with twenty air squadrons ready to control Manchuria air space, most of the armor and aircraft were not of terribly high quality. Mostly bought MIG-25s and such, and M1A1s and similar 20th century tanks from surplus stores across the world. Even old M2 Bradelys and some Paladin Arty units were brought in.

All that was needed, was the distraction of the Treaty signing. The first snows of fall in the mountains helped hide the troops within old North Korean tunnel undermountain bases and massive camoflauge tarps. Radio chatter was kept to a minimum, and, as noted, focus was kept to the islands.

Who it was that would lead the troops was probably a real suprise, given the personal matters at home.

*Unification day*

December 12th was the day decided upon, and now reched, for the final vote and ratification, which by all local accounts, was a relatively decent expectation of passing by a decent majority, with most the rest abstaining from uncertainty.

Only less than half of one percent total were truly objectioning, stating the old fractious independance thoughts that went too far in the previous age. The voices were heard, and then responded to in eloquent arguments of the obvious.

In three months, the unification period had seen good strides to improve quality of life overall. A national pride not seen in years persisted once more, and even the hinted knowledge of a military push into Manchuria was seen as a 'good' thing. (As long as they didn't lose!)

After this, the objections went unheeded, as the votes began to filter in from the villages, towns, and palace cities. By nightfall, the vote was:

56% For
41% Abstain
3% Against

Hardly an overwhelming victory, but then the general 'feeling' was for the unification. At this stage, with the infrastructure still growing, the main worry was ensuring that the nation survived. And that needed new resources.

--

As a result, as the crowds began to celebrate the official start of the Unfied Nipponese nation, the military made it's move. Lord Aleaic, at the center of the marriage talks, made such a distraction, that everyone forgot his military skill.

He was the one that sent word at U-Hour at midnight on the 13th of Decemter, to invade. The Manchurian troops, with chinese support, which both by now were far from a cooperative force, were unprepared as the unorthadox tactics of blinding light, blaring music, and other distracting methods, allowed the forward Nipponese forces to assault and break through in seven places, as Nippon Ascendancy invades and followed up enmasse with the following reserves.

Paratroops and airforces rushed into the rear and made short work of any semblance of communications and to take over smaller airbases to bring up airborne armor and mobile airpower.

The Fleet that had taken part in the Sakhalin operation, now moved up into the Korean bay, as amphib units, about 3,000 strong, landed off the west coast from Korea, into a small strip of China to secure the flank and road networks within ten miles of the landing.

Thus began the year long China Claw operation.