Iron Cross

Hirohito had a faint smile on his face. When he heard the word "sergeant", he looked at Akamatsu Sadaaki again. At first, everyone disagreed with this, thinking that Hori Teikichi was too frivolous. It was insulting to the emperor to bring a sergeant to the emperor at a critical moment. But after hearing about the battle record, they became curious again: such a powerful person, who seemed to be quite old, how could he not even be an officer.

The chief of staff Kusaka Rento next to him explained awkwardly: "The Navy stipulates that officers can only be selected from graduates of the Naval Academy. Akamatsu Sadaaki graduated from the Naval Aviation School, so..."

Everyone sighed, isn't this equivalent to being a sergeant until death? Some senior officials, including Ishihara Kanji, showed thoughtful expressions-on such an important occasion, Hori Teikichi brought a sergeant who could not be promoted to the emperor, and his motives were probably not pure.

Prime Minister Kazunari Ugaki frowned. His keen sixth sense had already detected that the atmosphere was not right. He was about to stand up and say a few polite words, but the Minister of Finance spoke first. He pointed at the rank insignia on Akamatsu Sadaaki's shoulder and asked in confusion: "This rank doesn't seem to be a sergeant rank, right? Hey, I've never seen this kind of rank. Did the navy invent a new rank?"

It would have been better if he didn't say it. Once he said it, everyone's eyes were all cast over. Hori Teikichi raised his head and happened to catch a glimpse of Yamamoto Isoroku behind Hirohito. The other party nodded at him, asking him to be careful and stop some things. But Hori Teikichi pretended not to see it and immediately said: "Your Excellency, you can see that this is the rank of captain in the German Navy. Speaking of which, there is also a good story: Akamatsu Sadaaki was training with German naval officers and soldiers on Socotra Island with his bold style and skillful His skills and superb combat ability quickly won the recognition of the other side. German Navy Marshal Richthofen tried every means to retain him in Germany. Akamatsu Sadaaki was devoted to his homeland and devoted to serving His Majesty, so he refused the high position and generous salary. The German side praised his ambition, praised his achievements, and pitied his inability to be promoted. He was specially awarded the rank of captain in the German Navy so that he could lead the relevant combat formations. When the fleet returned to Germany, the German head of state also awarded him the Knight's Cross Medal - there are very few people in Germany who have received it, which can be said to be a high honor for soldiers. "

These words are true and false, and Kusa Kazuto smiled awkwardly: In fact, Akamatsu Sadaaki was moved by Richthofen's invitation and almost stayed in Germany. If it were not for Hori Teikichi's order to retain him and let Kusa Kazuto personally come forward to do the work as the chief of staff of Lieutenant General, there would be no subsequent results. In order to appease and to sort out the relationship, it was finally decided that Akamatsu Sadaaki would command the carrier-based fighter fleet with the rank of captain in the German Navy. Moreover, Hori Teikichi also asked the latter to wear the German military rank when he met with the emperor.

There were many fighter pilots of the same level as Akamatsu Sadaaki, such as the slightly older Sakai Saburo, Nishizawa Hiroyoshi, Iwamoto Tetsuzo, etc., and the younger generation Sugita Shoichi, but Sakai and Nishizawa had outstanding personal levels, but their command ability was average. Although Iwamoto Tetsuzo had a decent military rank, good command ability and combat results (ranked second at this time), his qualifications and prestige could not be compared with Akamatsu Sadaaki, so they all treated Akamatsu Sadaaki with respect.

Everyone's face suddenly became very interesting, with all kinds of expressions. Hori Teikichi said it was a good story, but who was not an old hand who had been in the officialdom for decades, and immediately understood the hidden meaning: such a loyal and brave man was even scrambled for by the German marshal, and the naval authorities actually sent him away with a sergeant? This slap in the face was loud. Japan can insist that the system is not suitable and that only graduates from the Naval Academy can be promoted. The Germans don't care about this and directly take the rank of captain. In a few days, it will probably be a major.

And this is not an isolated case. Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa of the 37th Marine Corps was not qualified to be the commander of the mobile fleet in Japan. After going to Germany, he immediately became the commander of the mobile fleet as a foreigner. It is said that he fought well. Who has the problem with the system?

The scene suddenly became awkward. Some people secretly thought: the system is not suitable is only a superficial factor, but in fact it is a deep-rooted contradiction between the fleet faction and the aviation faction. It can be suppressed in Japan alone. Now the German and Italian allies are involved. A large number of officers and soldiers of the Combined Fleet have gone to Europe to broaden their horizons. How to explain this? Is it that Japan has its own national conditions? Wouldn't it make friendly countries laugh? It is difficult to resist when they only ask one question-"During the war, don't promotion of officers depend on military achievements?" Grassroots officers and soldiers will definitely compare the two, and loyalty to the emperor and patriotism also depends on whether the system is reasonable.

Hirohito's face was calm, neither sad nor happy, and he said: "Since you have such merits and are so loyal to the emperor and patriotic, how can I be stingy with rewards? I will grant you the rank of lieutenant commander in the navy, and other meritorious generals can also be promoted after reporting their merits..."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your extraordinary promotion!"

Akamatsu Sadaaki respectfully saluted Hirohito, and the scene was quickly fooled. Everyone was relieved. Only Yamamoto Isoroku, who knew Hori Teikichi inside and out, understood that this old classmate's skills would never be limited to this. Although this extraordinary promotion came from above, as long as the pilot's brain is not broken, he will know who really appreciates and promotes him-it is impossible for someone with a broken brain to become the first ace pilot of the navy. Hori Teikichi's move is no less than tearing a big gap in the huge and stubborn system, and slapping the conservatives in the face.

But he didn't understand why this old classmate, who had always been resourceful, decisive and patient, had to confront him head-on and show his edge in such a situation today, and even did it twice - this was not the way to be a good official.

The next scene was unexpected again. Hori Teikichi said: "Your Majesty, after returning from this expedition, the German side expressed deep gratitude for the assistance to our army. In addition to the original equipment and supplies, there were also several additional gifts. The German head of state personally presented several cars, one of which was specially presented to Your Majesty, the world's top bulletproof royal car, and the rest were specially designated for important cabinet members and His Royal Highness the Chief of the Military General Staff and His Royal Highness the Chief of the General Staff..."

Hearing that the five ministers and military leaders had luxury cars available, Prince Fushimi Hiroyoshi, who had been gloomy all the time, looked a little better. Everyone surrounded Hirohito and walked towards the brand new and shiny car. However, soon, Prince Fushimi's face darkened again, because Hirohito actually greeted Hori Teikichi with a smile: "My dear minister, you have made such an unprecedented contribution. You are indeed the first general of the empire. I wonder if I have the honor to ride with you to review the troops?"

Everyone's face changed immediately after hearing this. Yamamoto Isoroku's heart immediately "stomped": This invitation sounded like the emperor was respecting the wise, but wasn't it also flattery? He hoped that Hori Teikichi would know when to advance and retreat. This kind of invitation must not be accepted, otherwise the situation in the future would be unimaginable.

But the development of the situation was far beyond expectations. Hori Teikichi only said a few humble words, and finally expressed his position: "Your Majesty's request, how dare I not comply, please Your Majesty, take a look at the magnificent lineup of the combined fleet..." Finally, Hirohito sat in the back row, and Hori Teikichi did not sit in the same row with him, but sat in the front co-pilot seat.

"Onboard!", "Onboard!" Deafening cheers rang out again after the convoy started.

Citizens on the streets of Tokyo stared in amazement at the large amount of equipment coming off the ship. In their minds, no matter how mighty and majestic the navy warships were, it would be difficult to land. They thought they would see a naval foot formation, but unexpectedly, the navy was now even richer than the army - all mechanized equipment.

At the forefront were tanks of various models, with the Tiger tank, now known as the world's number one, followed by a large number of tanks such as the Type 4 and T-34, the number of which completely exceeded the army's active equipment, not to mention the scale of the army's review, followed by a large number of armored vehicles and assault guns - in the Japanese military system, these are all considered war vehicles, and finally an almost endless fleet of trucks. Except for a very small number of naval personnel, most of the rest were supplies, and many trucks were towing large-caliber artillery behind them.

The scene in front of them made the army leaders stare with their eyes wide open. The Chief of Staff Prince Tokugawa Tokugawa, who was riding in a Mercedes-Benz sedan, asked Ishihara Kanji, who was also in the car, "Is the navy so rich now?"

"Your Highness, the navy has always been rich, but these equipment are not all for the navy. At least half of them belong to the army." Ishihara Kanji smiled and reminded, "The navy can't find so many drivers who can drive vehicles. A large part of them are army officers and soldiers. They were temporarily replaced early this morning."

"Oh...hahaha." Prince Tokugawa Tokugawa laughed, "Anyway, this time the empire's prestige has finally increased greatly. Marshal Hori Teikichi is a great man, and the army owes him a favor."

But Ishihara Kanji frowned and said, "I'm afraid things are not that simple. Don't you think many things today are weird? I'm afraid that the days of peace in Tokyo are over. . "

"Nothing, he has reason to be proud - not only did he win the war, but he also made a lot of money. This kind of thing is really rare in the world. When Yamashita Tomoyuki returns from conquering India, we will give him a bigger and more dignified ceremony." Prince Higashikuni Toshihiko was in a very good mood, "Didn't he say that he had already obtained 200 tons of gold in India? You can calculate how many days it has been?"

Inoue Narumi, who was sitting in the same car with Yamamoto Isoroku, said worriedly: "Sir, your old classmate has undergone some changes that I can't see through. Be careful that he will be too successful and shock the master." He pointed to the fanatical faces of the officers and soldiers on parade, "Now these arrogant soldiers only know Hori Teikichi, and no longer know the military headquarters."

Yamamoto sighed: "After this period of time is over, I will have a good talk with him. It's very dangerous to go on like this."

"Will it be over there?" Inoue Narumi pointed to Prince Fushimi Hiroki's car.

"I don't think so." Yamamoto thought for a while, "After all, the war is still going on. We only have some advantages, which is far from victory. With a powerful enemy in front of us, no one dares to kill a general as long as they are not crazy! If something really happens, it will be after the war, but now the gap between the two sides is deep, I am afraid it will be difficult to deal with it."

The last to appear were the carrier-based aircraft. Amidst the roar, all the carrier-based aircraft lined up in an orderly formation and flew low over Tokyo, bringing the scene to a climax...