Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Chapter 278: The Union of Broken Bones (12)

Even the Nazi's annexation of Austria, the Anschluss, must be understood beyond its nationalist rhetoric. It represented a calculated economic merger, combining complementary industrial capacities and resources under a single authority.

And Japan's puppet state in Manchuria follows this same pattern—not merely imperial ambition, but economic necessity in Japanese eyes. The creation of Manchukuo provided access to coal, iron, and agricultural lands deemed essential for Japan's industrial future.

All should be seen as forms of economic bloc formation, policies for integrating economic zones to break through stagnation. These weren't just political maneuvers but desperate attempts to secure self-sufficient economic spheres in a world where international trade had withered.

So what should Japan do without Manchuria or Korea?

In a situation where I find it difficult to provide any other answer, does Korekiyo also lack a viable method?

"Neutrality..."

"How ungrateful. We made peace in the Far East, and now they talk of neutrality."

In the end, Korekiyo is showing signs of trying to parasitize the weight class of great powers by establishing connections here and there.

If one had to compare, it could be seen as similar to the background of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in the past.

Naturally, the country showing interest in this first is Britain, which cannot let go of its influence in southern China.

And next:

"The United States."

Franklin D. Roosevelt, who became the new president as of March.

Setting aside Stolypin's reaction that Korekiyo is trying to solve their depression through collusion with external forces:

FDR.

'...Difficult to judge, very difficult.'

Of all people, it seems this person wants to clap hands with Korekiyo.

FDR is clearly hostile to us Russians. Probably because he thinks we drove them out of China.

In reality, it was also because they've treated Chiang Kai-shek too much like a pushover since they withdrew their troops in 1928 and left only businesses behind.

Moreover, the US government is also one that didn't support Chiang Kai-shek on the grounds that he was a corrupt dictator.

'If relationships have changed, FDR's countermeasures will change too. He is likely to be pro-Japanese.'

This is certain. In any case, America can never let go of the Philippines even if they die and wake up again, and furthermore, they cannot give up Asian trade, the world's biggest pushover region.

And to protect Asia, America needs Japan.

Why not project power directly?

'If they were going to do that, they would have done it long ago. Even before we helped Chiang Kai-shek's Northern Expedition.'

If they had such capability, they would be the American Empire, not the United States.

FDR would be Emperor Roosevelt, not President Roosevelt.

What's frightening about FDR is this:

Decisiveness. He has the leadership and decisiveness to move even that lazy room-dwelling Monroe.

The evidence is that as soon as he took office, he manipulated all kinds of legislation as he pleased under the pretext of the popularity of the New Deal policy and crisis resolution.

"Just look at the repeal of Prohibition. He's a practical person. Unlike Wilson, he's not bound by morality and at least calculates the minimum profit and loss."

"Are you certain he will take Japan's hand?"

"Certain? This is definite. How could they not work together when the desires of both countries align?"

No matter how much we've risen as the victor in the Far East, I'm not confident in dealing with both countries simultaneously.

Naval power competition against an island nation and an island continent?

Rather than pouring money into such places like a madman, I'd sooner lay another Trans-Siberian Railway.

'Though they call it neutral diplomacy, Japan is craving for anyone to stand with them for survival. Financially, politically, and ideologically.'

While Korekiyo tries to join hands with America based on financial logic, the military and the public seem to have a slightly different perspective.

"Desire."

Militarism, a desire that has spread since the Russo-Japanese War but remains unfulfilled.

Though the government is still controlling it, this Control Faction incident is evidence that such control is not easy.

"Prime Minister, any way you look at it, they're obsessed with the military. Perhaps because they've been defeated by us once, it's like an animal that has lost its reason during mating season."

"It's certainly different from aiming to become a great power. It's strange how the military's influence keeps growing."

"They believe that holding guns and swords will solve the situation."

For me, this is already a known flow of history, but let me add just one assumption so Stolypin can understand.

"A country cornered financially. Add militarism to that?"

"...They start to see war as a means of making money?"

"Who wouldn't?"

The Nazi invasion of France in the original history was like that, and so was the Japanese Pacific War.

They adopted the method of repaying continuous deficit financing with war gains.

"However, we don't have the capacity to help them."

"I know. The same goes for America."

Conceding an economic zone large enough to turn their deficit financing into a surplus overnight? We can't do that when we're close to starving ourselves.

But who they target to win and repay from, this issue is a bit different.

As long as that target isn't us, it's fine.

'Franklin, can you think this far? If you can, I'll truly acknowledge you.'

But if you don't catch on until the end... then you're getting hit without knowing.

"Call Beren. Ah, Nikita too."

"Understood."

Whatever happens, our direction seems to be set.

Again, I cannot help them.

I can't even understand, let alone satisfy, the desires of those 100 million subjects of the island nation.

However, I believe that the homeland can at least slightly twist their direction.

"Your Majesty, I heard you were looking for me."

"Father, did you call for me?"

"Both of you, sit down."

Japan and we are still friendly nations.

Past hostility has dissipated over 30 years, and since Korea has sufficiently played the role of a neutral zone, there have been no conflicts either.

Some nationalistic confrontation, or superior-inferior psychology of eugenics, remains in both countries, but not enough to affect official relations.

"Nikita, I have a task for you. It's something I did once when your grandfather instructed me. Mikhail also performed something similar."

"I will accomplish whatever it is."

"No need to be so tense. It's not difficult, especially with Beren helping you."

Then, to solidify this friendship—

In other words, to prevent them from charging at us with white eyes blinded by desire:

"Go visit the Japanese Empire. Think of it as a honeymoon and take care of business at the same time."

Indeed, nothing beats a Tsarevich's eastern journey, does it?

In my experience, there is no better plan than this.