Chapter 8: A Subtle Scheme Sparks Conflict

Chen Jiehua quickly considered the situation. Since this whole affair was orchestrated by Section Two, given the typical Japanese temperament, it was impossible they’d admit to targeting Liu Junze on purpose. Most likely, they’d slap him with a charge of espionage or revolution. Once that label landed on his record, it would spell real trouble.

With Aoki Jo’s current rank and status within the Kwantung Army, he had little real influence. If he followed standard procedure to communicate, Section Two would almost certainly ignore him. Better, then, to make a scene and blow the matter wide open!

Behind Aoki Jo stood General Okamura Yasuji from Imperial Headquarters and even, indirectly, the Emperor. Facing off with a mere section chief—even if he lost—would at worst be chalked up to youthful impulsiveness.

That settled it! Having weighed the worst possible outcome, Chen Jiehua asked for the location of Section Two and the name and rank of its chief, then strode purposefully toward their office.

Section Two’s office was also on the third floor. Upon finding it, Chen Jiehua didn’t bother to knock; he pushed the door open and strode in. Four men were inside—perfect.

“Which one of you is Colonel Sakurada Takeshi, chief of Section Two?”

“I am Sakurada Takeshi. May I ask what this is about?”

“I am Aoki Jo, a recent graduate of the Imperial Army Academy. I arrived yesterday. Today I learned that my classmate from the Academy, Liu Junze, was seized by your Section Two. When I hurried to the interrogation office, Liu was nearly beaten to death!”

“I want to see Liu’s interrogation record. The officer said it requires your approval, Colonel Sakurada.”

“Oh, you mean that Chinese who harassed the family of an Imperial soldier?”

“Colonel Sakurada, mind your words! Aren’t you being a bit hasty in passing judgment before the facts are clear? And besides, you nearly beat him to death!”

“Which Imperial soldier’s family member was allegedly harassed? I demand to meet the victim and their relative! And I want to see the interrogation record immediately!”

“Aoki, watch your tone when addressing your superior! Is this how the Army Academy teaches you to speak to officers?”

“What tone would you prefer, Colonel Sakurada? Deferential and groveling? You’re slandering my classmate—torturing him! How else should I speak to you?”

“I refuse to believe that a graduate of the Imperial Army Academy would be so reckless and depraved as to harass a woman.”

“That Chinese man did harass the family of an Imperial soldier!”

“I don’t care if he’s Chinese or from anywhere else! All I know is that he’s a soldier trained by the Imperial Army Academy!”

“Your Section Two keeps insisting he harassed someone’s family—show me your evidence! I want it now! I don’t trust you, and I won’t give you time to tamper with the records or evidence!”

Though it was already evening, the Kwantung Army headquarters was still bustling. Because Chen Jiehua had deliberately left the door wide open and raised his voice, his heated exchange with Sakurada drew the attention of everyone on the third floor, and soon people from the second and fourth floors as well. Human nature being what it is, everyone loves a spectacle.

Sakurada was so furious he began shouting incoherently and spun around, reaching for his officer’s sword.

Chen Jiehua, noticing this, fanned the flames further: “Even if you take up your sword, it won’t help! Your pathetic kendo skills are no match for mine. Stop making a fool of yourself and answer my question directly!”

Sakurada lost all self-control and exploded in rage.

Seeing things get out of hand, Kawamoto Daisaku, who had been watching from the doorway, realized he could no longer remain a bystander. He quickly stepped in to pull Aoki Jo aside and called for others to calm Sakurada.

“I’m going to kill you! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!” Sakurada repeated, brandishing his sword and preparing to charge Chen Jiehua.

“I’m willing to give you a chance to prove yourself. All I ask is that afterward you hand me the interrogation record. Otherwise, you must apologize to me and my classmate and pay compensation,” Chen Jiehua continued to provoke him.

Kawamoto, acting as mediator, wasn’t sure of Aoki Jo’s kendo skills but knew Sakurada’s were quite good—one of the best among the active officers in the Kwantung Army. He worried for Aoki Jo, since he’d promised to look after his friend’s relative and didn’t want to be proven a hypocrite within a day. He proposed they settle things in the kendo dojo, where at least lives wouldn’t be lost.

Sakurada, though, had regained only a measure of reason and, confident in his own prowess, wanted to teach this upstart a lesson—preferably with a fatal stroke. He was furious and refused to go to the dojo.

“I demand we settle this with live blades in the courtyard—no concern for life or death!”

The onlookers outside, far from discouraging them, were delighted that the show would continue. Not a single voice called for restraint; all urged them on.

Aoki Jo was inwardly ecstatic—this fool was walking right into his trap. Testing his new sword on a full colonel seemed a worthy endeavor.

Feigning hesitation and a lack of resolve, Aoki Jo gave his reluctant consent. Sakurada, seeing this, was convinced his opponent was afraid and grew more determined to restore his own dignity.

Kawamoto’s suggestion was ignored. The crowd practically pushed Sakurada and Aoki Jo down to the main courtyard.

“Let’s be clear: live-blade duel, no concern for life or death—the victor faces no consequences!” shouted the cunning Sakurada.

Damn it, he’s even stolen my lines, thought Aoki Jo, but he kept his expression cold and aloof, with a trace of nervousness.

From the fourth floor, Commander Muraoka Chotaro watched the farce through the window, remaining silent.

In those days, the Japanese esteemed martial valor; it was common for officers to settle personal grudges with public duels, life and death left to fate.

So Muraoka saw nothing amiss, and thought it might do the new lieutenant colonel—fresh out of university—some good to be disciplined by Sakurada. Damn, promoted to lieutenant colonel right out of school; I was only a second lieutenant when I graduated!

In the courtyard, Sakurada and Aoki Jo stood five meters apart, the crowd forming a wide circle for them to maneuver—clearly, they’d seen their share of duels.

Now, ironically, Kawamoto—who had tried to broker peace—found himself acting as referee.

“Colonel Sakurada and Lieutenant Colonel Aoki Jo have voluntarily agreed to a public duel, with no concern for life or death! Do you both confirm?”

“Confirmed!”

“Confirmed!”

Aoki Jo dared not be arrogant. Holding his officer’s sword, he closed his eyes and calmed his mind, seeking perfect unity between man and blade.

“Begin!” Kawamoto called, hastily jumping aside.

Sakurada, unable to restrain himself, charged first, sword in hand.

Unhurried, Aoki Jo cast aside his scabbard. With a forward dash and a flowing start in the shadow style, he delivered a rising cut followed by a heavy downward slash, moving like lightning to Sakurada’s rear.

Both men froze, each holding his final stance.

The only movement was the tip of Aoki Jo’s sword.

A single drop of blood slid to the ground.

Thirteen seconds later, as Aoki Jo struggled to maintain his posture, Sakurada’s body toppled, his torso severed in two.