I wish to put myself forward for the position of Tairo.
~ Daimyo Ōshiro Kazuki of Okayama, Roju of Chugoku
~ Daimyo Ōshiro Kazuki of Okayama, Roju of Chugoku
((private letter to Date Munenari))
It is imperative that the forces of our empire are thoroughly modernised and capable of withstanding an attack by the gaijin. Therefore, I propose the that in conjunction with creating military schools to teach our next generation of generals the tactics and plans of the gaijin, we must also look to the sea, so that the disasters years ago need never blight our honour ever again. To that end, I propose both Army and Navy Schools be established, namely at Edo, Niigata, Sendai, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Matsue, Matyusama, Kitakyushu, and Kagoshima. Whilst I shall of course wait patiently for the matters at hand to come to an end, and humbly take any suggestions from my fellow elders, I believe that this policy of ensuring our generals and admirals are provided with the broadest and most thorough education possible is the only sound course of action to be taken.
Furthermore, I must formally submit a request to the other Roju that, due to a severe lack of interest and concern regarding the island of Shikoku over the years previous, we have found this land increasingly exposed and defenceless in regards to the ever-present threat of the gaijin; I therefore feel it is my duty as the representative and elder of that island to request that more focus be placed upon her, and that this long neglect come at last to an end.
Lord Date then went to his estate in Edo and wrote a series of letters to his erstwhile vassals and compatriots on Shikoku, commissioning them to at last remove the vestigial remains of the old army (instead replacing them with modern infantry), and above all expanding and modernising the navy; over the next five years, he intended for six new frigates and three “man-of-wars,” as the gaijin called their great black ships, to be constructed. He further wrote to Sakamoto Naotari (zenphoenix) and Taisei Iwasaki (nininunny), asking for them to take command of his army and navy, respectively; he feared that in the coming years there would soon be upheaval and disorder – he would need his home secure.
~ Lord Date Munenari of Uwajima
((Private letter to the Samurai Takeda))
Takeda-san,
Following the recent elections, in which the unfaithfulness of Daimyo Uesagi was revealed, I have decided to offer you the position of Head General of Chubu. I like to think of you as a friend and am greatly looking forward to your acceptance.
~ Ota Sukekatsu; 3rd Lord Fureno-Shizuoka & Roju Representative of Chubu
It is a shame to see that the Traditionalist elements in Chubu have no loyalty. I had hoped that we would see an era of peace and prosperity in our region but alas it is not to be.
Upon hearing his replacement as War Adviser, Lord Date retracts his proposals and leaves Edo for Matsuyama to brood over this slight.