Cash-Loaded Fleet

Chapter 33 - Splendid Banquet

"What were your impressions?"

Minister Shiozawa starts the conversation in the form of a question.

"The Modified Circle 5 Plan has significantly improved compared to the original Circle 5 Plan. Most notably, large surface combat vessels like the money-guzzling battleships and super-armored cruisers have all been removed from the list. It's a bit late, but it seems the Imperial Navy is finally shifting from battleships to an air-centric approach. Additionally, the special service vessels have received more attention. The enhancement of support forces like supply ships and repair ships directly contributes to the rotation rate of combat vessels, which I find very positive."

Minister Shiozawa and Vice-Minister Sawamoto both show a slight sense of relief at Binta's positive words. It seems they believe that if the conversation continues in this direction, they might be able to avoid a repeat of Admiral Oikawa's mistakes.

"However, that's the only aspect I can appreciate. In the end, what the Modified Circle 5 Plan reveals is that the Imperial Navy's mindset remains focused on fleet battles. The means have only shifted from big gun battleships to an air-centric approach. Protecting the maritime traffic routes, which should be the Navy's primary mission, is being sidelined."

"As for the maritime defense ships that are supposed to be the core of merchant ship escort, they have been significantly increased compared to the previous plan."

Minister Shiozawa was surprised by Binta's point.

"First of all, having only four ships in the original Circle 5 Plan was abnormal. Even increasing that number to thirty-four is still insufficient. On the other hand, the number of submarines has skyrocketed from forty-five to one hundred and thirty-nine. It's clear in the Modified Circle 5 Plan that the Imperial Navy is more interested in offense than defense. I'll say it plainly, the Imperial Navy's awareness of protecting maritime traffic routes is dangerously lacking. It's hard to believe this is an organization that looks up to the Royal Navy."

Maritime defense ships often operate in rotations. Unlike battleships and aircraft carriers, they work year-round, performing a variety of tasks such as maintenance, resupply, transportation, training, and more. Furthermore, they may require repairs and additional work for upgrades and equipment improvements, and in case of damage. Hence, even with thirty-four maritime defense ships, only about ten of them might be able to engage in escort duties at any given time. Currently, Japan has vast maritime traffic routes spanning from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. It's easy for even a child to understand that this number of maritime defense ships is insufficient to protect them. Even when considering around fifty old destroyers in the Maritime Escort Force, it's still far from adequate for safeguarding Japan's merchant fleet. Under these circumstances, Japan will undoubtedly be unable to withstand the impending onslaught from American submarines in the near future.

"I myself served as a military attaché and an officer at the British Embassy in England, and during that time, I witnessed firsthand the dedication of the Royal Navy to protect their maritime traffic routes. Even in the First World War and this current war, Britain's self-sufficiency rate for food barely reaches 50%. Yet, they have the economic strength to purchase goods from all around the world and the unwavering determination to protect their sea routes against any threat. So, I can understand the concerns that Satsutaba-san holds. Indeed, compared to the Royal Navy, our Imperial Navy lacks the fervor for safeguarding maritime traffic routes."

Upon Minister Shiozawa's words, Binta slightly regretted if there was a mistake in personnel placement. It should have been Admiral Shiozawa, a pro-British, not Admiral Shimada, who should have been appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Maritime Escort Force. However, if that were the case, it's almost certain that Admiral Shimada would have become the Minister of the Navy. And in front of Binta right now, it should have been a "Minister Shimada," not Admiral Shiozawa. But even then, Binta didn't like the idea. In any case, Binta revised his assessment of Minister Shiozawa. His observations were accurate and he's on the rise. Therefore, there is a need to elevate his position within the Imperial Navy, and Binta needs to provide him with substantial gifts.

"Minister, it's reassuring to have a high-ranking officer like you who understands the importance of protecting maritime traffic routes. So, what can I do to assist with your concerns?"

Somewhat confused by Binta's sudden change of mood, Minister Shiozawa still directly presented his request.

"I would like your support for half of the construction costs of the five armored aircraft carriers and the thirteen emergency wartime carriers."

For eighteen aircraft carriers, that amounts to 1,5 billion yen. Depending on future price inflation, the total may approach 2 billion yen. Half of that amount would be between 750 million and 1 billion yen.

'Quite a modest request, isn't it? No, it's underestimating me.'

Binta was making a substantial amount of money through this war, an astronomical sum, some might say. War is a folly for humanity, but for Binta, who understands the mechanics of the economy not just on the surface but also behind the scenes, it's the perfect opportunity to earn beyond compare compared to the sweat and tears of peacetime. He's truly a merchant of death or a speculator in death. While letting out a self-deprecating bitter smile in his heart, Binta pressed on with his counteroffer.

"How about making all eighteen carriers emergency wartime carriers? In that case, I'll provide all the construction costs."

For the five armored aircraft carriers, even if construction were to start now, they wouldn't be completed until 1945. And by the time their crew training is finished, it might be 1946. However, that wouldn't be in time for the crucial moments.

Minister Shiozawa widened his eyes at Binta's incredible offer, and Vice-Minister Sawamoto swallowed hard beside him. Ignoring their reactions, Binta continued with his proposal.

"Also, I'd like you to cancel the construction of the two destroyer leaders, the eight torpedo specialization destroyers, and the twenty-three anti-aircraft destroyers included in the Modified Circle 5 Plan. Instead, redirect those resources to the wartime production destroyers. You can probably have more than forty ships with the same budget. Of course, I'll provide all the construction costs for those as well."

Minister Shiozawa, taken aback by Binta's outrageous offer, started to panic. Indeed, even if they receive such a substantial amount of financial aid, it's still a minor adjustment in naval preparedness. Furthermore, narrowing down ship classes can lead to improved production efficiency, providing a strong justification and persuasive material during wartime. But in any case, asking for over 2 billion yen in financial aid is beyond Minister Shiozawa's imagination.

"Are you sure about this? It's an unprecedentedly large amount of donations, even considering wartime conditions. It's a bit awkward for the side asking for money to say this, but are you really okay with this?"

With a concerned expression on his face, Minister Shiozawa, and to seal the deal, Binta concluded with a mischievous tone.

"Oh, and as for the maritime defense ships, I'll donate the construction costs for a hundred of them. I did complain earlier that there were too few. In any case, it's not pleasant to be seen as someone who talks but doesn't walk the walk."