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kaleun -> RE: Niitaka Yama Nobore. Son of Heaven Vs Buttsworth (1/12/2008 5:19:44 AM)
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Showa 17 nen, Shigatsu muika (April 6th)
The seas off Honshu are not safe. Despite the best efforts of the Kaigun and the land based air forces, at least three enemy submarines patrol the southern coast of Honshu. Each sub sighting is assigned its own force of submarine hunters: Patrol craft, subchasers, minesweepers and, when available, destroyers are assigned to pursue the contacts. The enemy subs are occassionally depth charged, but they dive deep and the crews of the anti sub vessels are inexperienced. Anti sub warfare has not been a priority for the high command, despite their experience in the Mediterranean in the last war. It cannot be helped.
Despite the danger of the enemy submarines, three large ships slip their moorings in Tokyo bay and set out to sea. The mighty carriers Hiryu, Shokaku and Zuikaku, have completed their repairs and set off for Manila to rejoin Nagumo’s force. Of course, as soon as they get there, it is to be expected that the Admiral will send some of Kido Butai’s weary carriers to Manila for much needed repairs. Still the reinforcements will be welcome and, in the ships, the aircrews are eager to get back in the war. Most are experienced pilots, but some new replacements have also come in. They listen to the veteran’s war stories and try to learn something from them.
In Manila, The men assigned to the Bali invasion force secretly prepare for their mission. Other units train and receive replacements.
The 4th Yokosuka SNLF is encamped in a vacant field on the outskirts of Manila. The mosquitos are not as bad as in Borneo, but they are still a severe nuisance. The men sitting around their tents play cards, Shogi or write home. A sergeant approaches the tent city and the men notice the bag he has over their shoulder. Eagerly they surround him as he calls out the names of the fortunate men that have mail from home.
Hashimoto Yato examines his letter carefully. It seems much cleaner than the usual mail he receives. The mail for his unit tends to follow them around and, in the tropical heat and moisture the letters, more often than not, acquire a patina of mold and dirt. This one however is quite clean. He looks at the postdate and notices it is only a few days old.
Sangatsu sanju nichi (March 30th)
Chichi
Something wonderful has happened.
A few days ago, a young naval officer came to have lunch. I did speak with him, he was very nice. Do not worry, Haha was there all the time, she was watching us very closely. Later his friend, and army lieutenant also came and met us.
The naval lieutenant; his name is Ito, asked Haha and me to go out to se the cherry blossoms. He told her he would have preferred to ask you first. We four went to see the cherry blossoms, which have bloomed early this year.
He (The naval officer) said he could, sometimes, help my letters get to you faster. Maybe he is just teasing me, but maybe not. In any case, I gave him this letter. Let’s see how fast it gets to you.
I promised him that I would ask your permission to see him, so please Chichi, do not forbid me to see him. He seems very nice and polite. He works at the naval offices here in Hiroshima.
Haha and me miss you terribly. Please take care and come back to us as soon as you can.
Your daughter,
Sakura.
Hashimoto scratched his head. This would have been unheard of, just a few years ago.
“War changes everything” He says to himself. “I wonder if, if we go back, when this is over, if we will recognize the homeland” He reaches for pencil and paper.
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