The Rise of the Empire

"Hiss!" Mutsu Munemitsu took a breath of air, "I see, I know why the Empire bought Kasuga and Nisshin at any cost! If our enemy is Spain, then we naturally cannot let these two warships It fell into the hands of the Spaniards! So no matter how high the price is, we will buy it!" Mutsu Munemitsu looked suddenly enlightened, and the excitement and joy made his pale face appear sickly rosy.

"Wait! This is impossible! You can't predict that the Russians will cancel the order in advance! Therefore, the plan to buy these two warships is improvised! You must have other preparations, tell me, if there is no cancellation of the order by Russia If there is a problem, how are you going to solve this problem? As far as I know, the Empire did not order new large warships from Britain after the war.” Mutsu Munemitsu really deserves to be the most outstanding talent in Japan in this era, and he quickly discovered another A loophole!

"We did not order warships from the UK. The fundamental reason is that the UK could not provide the empire with warships that meet the requirements within the stipulated time, so we can only think of other ways."

"Our requirements are very simple. On the one hand, the battleships we order must be able to suppress the Munich-class armored cruisers purchased by Spain! If not, what is the use of these warships? Second, time! From the design of the warships to the final service must be It was completed in early 1898! Because the Spaniards will also increase their armaments over time, and occupying the Philippines earlier means gaining benefits earlier, so we can't delay it for too long," explained Hirobumi Ito.

"Some of the actions of the Americans have also aroused your vigilance? I have read a document. The Americans intend to strengthen their Far East Fleet. The newly built Brooklyn armored cruiser may be sent to the Far East. The Americans also have ideas about the Philippines. , so in addition to defeating the Spanish fleet, we also need to maintain a deterrence against the American fleet?" Mutsu Munemitsu added.

"Yes, time is too tight. The British cannot complete the design and construction of a powerful cruiser in less than 3 years. This is not a matter of capabilities, but a matter of focus. The British's own naval construction plan is very heavy , Our conditions are so harsh, so no shipyard or designer is willing to accept this order. Three years to produce a warship stronger than the Munich class? British shipyards with enough business don’t care about this order at all. So We did not order warships from the UK," said Hirobumi Ito.

"This matter is really difficult to complete, so far. The only ones that can stabilize the Munich-class armored cruiser are the Nisshin and Izumo we bought. It is said that when the Munich-class armored cruiser was being built, the Bavarians began to design Japan. It's in, and their shipyards are really fast....wait! You didn't order the warships from the German shipyards, did you? According to the agreement between Bavaria and Russia, they refused to sell us the warships! And The abolition of the agreement was also after Russia broke the contract first, so..." Mutsu Munemitsu was messed up again! For the first time, he realized that his brain was not enough!

"So. We need the help of the British. Do you remember how the Izumi came to Japan? Our operation method is exactly the same as last time. It's just a little bigger!" Ito Hirobumi's face became more serious. up!

History always has great inertia. For example, the Sino-Japanese War of Sino-Japanese War was definitely won by Japan in the end. For example, during the war, Japan in this plane still purchased the cruiser Izumi from Chile through the third country Ecuador. And the success of this purchasing agent gave the Japanese inspiration! Since Daigou can avoid the neutral clause, it can also avoid the agreement between Bavaria and Russia!

In terms of performance and time,

Bavaria's new warship is definitely the best choice. It can stabilize the Munich-class armored cruiser in terms of performance, and it is also available in time. Therefore, the Japanese decisively decided to obtain these two warships through purchasing agents!

certainly. The idea is very good, but it doesn't mean it's easy to do. These are two 12,000-ton armored cruisers! How can an ordinary country need such a powerful warship? Let European powerful countries purchase on behalf of others? Without this possibility, it is impossible for Britain and France to buy, and it is impossible for Russia to help the enemy. Spain may want it, and it is impossible to buy it for Japan. As for Austria-Hungary and Italy? He and Germany are allies, if this matter gets out, it may be a loss of people and money!

Looking for a stronger one. It is not easy for a country that is worthy of the status of this class of warship and can be obedient to guarantee delivery. Chile and Argentina are possible, but it seems that the two countries may start driving at any time. The Japanese are worried that one day these two countries will directly turn purchasing agents into real purchases! And it was bought with Japanese money. Wouldn't Japan lose a lot in this way?

The Japanese were called a tangle at that time! At this time, it depends on the British father. The smart British have found a suitable country, and this country is Brazil! Brazil is big enough and rich enough so there is. The economy that can support the purchase of these two warships. Moreover, Chile and Argentina in South America are engaged in an arms race. It is understandable for Brazil to purchase new warships to ensure its own safety. The most important thing is that Brazil is actually very safe, and the possibility of intercepting these two warships is not high. In addition, the British government stated that it could persuade Brazil to do Japan a favor, so finally Japan decided to purchase through Brazil!

The two armored cruisers originally named Brazil and Rio both had Japanese names, and in a list known only to no more than 10 people, these two battleships were called Asama and Yakumo! The two warships will be completed by the end of 1897 according to plan. When these two warships arrive in the UK, the Japanese naval officers and soldiers waiting in the UK will take over the two warships! Then go back to Japan, and when they get back to Japan, it's time for the Japanese fleet to attack!

"Yes, if there are Asami and Yakumo, our two second-class battleships and two super armored cruisers, plus one first-class protected cruiser and two second-class protected cruisers, will stabilize Spain. Navy! And even if there are changes in other countries, we will never be afraid of him! We can maintain the lowest deterrence in the face of the Russian fleet, and the American fleet is not to be feared!" Mutsu Munemitsu carefully analyzed everything, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt The ingenuity and horror of this plan!

"And when everything went smoothly, the Russians accidentally terminated the contract with Bavaria, putting the whole plan in crisis. If the Spaniards get the Nisshin and Izumo, then our advantage will be wiped out, so We have to buy it! Got it?" Ito Hirobumi said with a smile on his face.

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