79 Chapter 77 Massacre Part 1

--- 19th of April 1897 ---

--- 3rd Person POV ---

It has been a few days since the war between Butuan and Japan began. On the island of Taiwan, also known as Formosa, Major General Luna, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén, and Vice Admiral Chen Yi, along with several officers from both the military and navy, are holding a meeting in the afternoon. They are gathered in what was formerly the residence or office of the governor-general of Formosa, Governor-General Nogi Maresuke, who has fled the capital, Taihoku City, along with Major General Sato Jinichiro and the majority of the remaining Japanese soldiers.

The room follows a western-style architecture, a rising trend in Asia that threatens the traditional styles of the continent. Once adorned with decorations and the flags of the Japanese empire and Imperial Japanese Military, the room is now adorned with Butuanon styles. The flags that once hung in the office have been replaced by the flag of the Butuan Empire and the Butuanon Imperial Military.

A massive portrait of the Imperial family and the emperor had been positioned in the office. This painting had been brought from Vice Admiral Chen Yi's ship. Although Major General Luna aimed to further improve the situation on the island, their capabilities were limited due to the ongoing technical state of war.

After days spent defending the capital against the determined soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army from both its eastern and western flanks, Major General Luna and Brigadier General Guolao finally achieved a semblance of peace. Their combined forces, bolstered by reinforcements led by Brigadier General Yong Li, successfully secured the western and southern sectors of the prefecture. However, the eastern sector remained fiercely contested, held by the Japanese forces under the direct command of Viscount Katsura Tarō himself.

In the township of Kelung, Keibi, Chosokei, and Shinte, a strong presence of Japanese soldiers is noted. These townships collectively form a barrier hindering the advancement of the Butuanon Imperial Army towards the East. However, every resistance inevitably meets its conclusion. Today, Major General Luna, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén, and Vice Admiral Chen Yi, along with their officers, convene to discuss strategies regarding these fortified locations.

A small map of the entire Taihoku-Ken is positioned on the table. Major General Luna, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén, and Vice Admiral Chen Yi sit around the table, accompanied by their respective officers standing behind them, attentive to the ongoing discussion. The atmosphere is laden with seriousness as the three leaders receive reports from their subordinates.

"A total of four thousand Japanese soldiers were stationed in Chosokei due to its significance, alongside a few government buildings of the Japanese Empire. In the coastal town of Kelung, there were not more than three thousand soldiers and two steam warships present. Meanwhile, a combined total of four thousand soldiers were stationed in the townships of Keibi and Shinte.

According to the scouts dispatched for investigation, these townships were well-prepared, making a morning siege practically impossible. Despite the absence of walls, laying siege to them would prove quite challenging, particularly given that there were only fifteen thousand soldiers remaining in Taihoku-Ken.

Moreover, Brigadier General Yong Li requested reinforcements of three thousand men to be sent to Taichu-Ken, as the threats from the natives, in collaboration with the remnants of Japanese soldiers in the prefecture, had been escalating. Reports indicated that between three hundred to six hundred individuals had begun attacking the villages of Kishito, Horisha, and Shushu." Colonel Trilok Agarwal, Baron of Baggao, conveyed with seriousness, gesturing towards the towns he had just mentioned, as he spoke under the command of Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén.

Commodore Pramod Reddy, under the command of Vice Admiral Chen Yi, expressed dissatisfaction as he mentioned, "Not to mention that they had lost a few of their ships during the battle near the Tsushokei river, where their navy lost one ship. Additionally, during the bombardment of Taihoku, they lost another set of two ships." He pondered the challenge of replacing the lost ships.

As murmurs filled the room, individuals began discussing their opinions on the current situation they faced. They were not only contending with the Japanese in the east but also with barbarians or vermin on the island.

While murmurs and discussions continued among them, Vice Admiral Chen Yi suddenly took a stand and pointed towards the township of Kelung.

Vice Admiral Chen Yi announced in a solemn tone to the assembled room, "The ships will depart for Kelung tonight, carrying a total of three thousand men. The objective is to capture the township by nightfall. We have squandered enough time on this island, idling away when we should have been proactive. Tomorrow morning, the main fleet of the empire will arrive in the Yellow Sea, marking their presence in the Eastern Qing Sea.

Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén will lead five thousand men to the townships of Keibi and Shinte. Simultaneously, Major General Luna will advance towards Chosokei with another five thousand soldiers. En route to Chosokei, Major General Luna's forces will secure the surrounding villages, particularly Shinko. The remaining troops are to be stationed in the city, prepared to repel any potential attacks from the island's barbarians.

Once the towns are taken, we cannot afford to let the enemy regroup or recover. A full-scale invasion of the remaining Japanese-held territory is imperative. Allowing them to recuperate could prove costly, especially if they receive assistance from the local populace.

We cannot afford further delay. The main fleet of the empire will soon be engaged in battles in Joseon and Japan, rendering them unable to support our operations here," Vice Admiral Chen Yi declared, his gaze fixed firmly on the assembled audience, all of whom nodded in agreement with his assessment.

Major General Luna nodded in agreement with the Vice Admiral's assessment. "We've allocated a significant portion of our resources to defense," he remarked. "Fortunately, we've already achieved our objective of securing nearly half of the prefecture. We've quelled several local rebellions, compelling them to submit to our authority."

"After months of consolidation," he continued, "the time has come for action. We can't afford to delay any longer, especially with the arrival of the main fleet. Fifteen ships, including battleships, protected cruisers, and armored cruisers, have departed from the eastern seas of Butuan. They've rendezvoused with an additional thirty ships, comprising protected cruisers, armored cruisers, and support vessels.

This formidable fleet will undoubtedly deter the Japanese government from sending reinforcements or supplies to the remaining soldiers on the island. We must seize this opportunity to strike and eradicate them," Major General Luna declared, his gaze fixed firmly on the townships forming the defensive perimeter of the Japanese-held territory.

Major General Luna takes a small knife, his grin reflecting satisfaction as he strikes the township of Chosokei. His action prompts a ripple of satisfaction among the assembled, signaling their intent to deliver a final blow to the Japanese empire's soldiers on the island by obliterating its defensive townships.

The meeting progresses as essential operational details are discussed. The attendees pay no heed to the potential impact on civilians caught in the battle. To them, those who support the Japanese or provide them with aid are enemies of the Butuan Empire, unworthy of existence.

By five in the afternoon, the meeting concludes, plans finalized and preparations acknowledged. Personnel disperse from the office, leaving only two high-ranking figures behind: Major General Luna and Vice Admiral Chen Yi. They remain seated, a silence enveloping them as a hired local server places a set of green tea on the table before quietly exiting the room.

Major General Luna calmly relayed to Vice Admiral Chen Yi that he had received a telegram from the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister themselves. As the Vice Admiral gazed at the portrait of the Imperial Family, he inquired, "And? What was the content?"

"In regards to the issues we are facing with the natives of this island and our approach to handling them," Major General Luna responded, meeting the Vice Admiral's gaze with a steady stare. He paused briefly, then turned his attention to the office window before continuing in a grave tone, "They suggested that after dealing with the Japanese army, we should consider culling the natives. The message implied expediting our actions against the Japanese and subsequently targeting the natives under the guise of eliminating the Japanese threat."

Major General Luna's words didn't faze Vice Admiral Chen Yi in the slightest. Having served in the military for decades, he had encountered and carried out far more inhumane orders from his superiors. This brought to mind a command he had received a decade ago when he was still a naval captain in the emperor's private fleet.

For Vice Admiral Chen Yi, it was a fulfilling time. He was an unabashed supporter of the Imperial Family and the Temple of Butuan, overlooking any wrongdoing attributed to these institutions. This loyalty created an environment where those around him dared not speak ill of the imperial family or the temple.

Even Major General Luna was aware of this, understanding why Vice Admiral Chen Yi smiled in satisfaction upon hearing the latest command from higher-ups. Both Major General Luna and Vice Admiral Chen Yi were not naive; they grasped that the directive didn't solely emanate from Prime Minister Aguinaldo and Defence Minister Ahmadi themselves.

In their years of service and as one of the few individuals who have been quite close with the imperial family, they are aware that, externally, it appears that the government issues commands and establishes laws. However, in reality, it is the emperor who ultimately determines whether these laws and reforms, as passed by the House of Lords and Commons, are to be adopted by the nation.

An example occurred during the early years of the government, specifically during the second general election, when the Liberal Party surged ahead after the Conservative Party failed to fulfill its promises. The Liberal Party sought to enact laws once again limiting the power of the emperor, as previously enacted by the preceding government during the reign of Emperor Siagu XV.

These laws were passed in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. This outcome was understandable, given the dissatisfaction among the lords regarding the emperor's increasing authority while they themselves did not possess similar powers. However, despite being approved by both houses of the Parliament of Sannor, the legislation was neither ratified nor even considered by the emperor.

A significant uproar ensued within the parliament when it was reminded by both the emperor and the conservative party that the emperor holds authority over the passage of laws, as outlined in the constitution. Despite this, the liberal party persisted in their attempts multiple times before being ousted from power due to their mishandling of the Cholera outbreak across the entire empire, resulting in the deaths of five thousand individuals.

"Are we considering culling them? Then it is imperative that we launch a joint operation against the Japanese tonight, advancing into the areas still under their control... Additionally, we must establish contact with your men in Taichu and Tainan prefectures," Vice Admiral Chen Yi responded before assuming his position and approaching the map of the island of Taiwan (Formosa) on the wall.

Major General Luna informed Vice Admiral Chen Yi that he had already contacted the relevant parties and arranged a meeting location. He noted that the natives and their allied Japanese defectors had been increasingly bold in recent days, particularly in the Taichu prefecture. The villages of Kishito, Horisha, and Shushu had suffered consistent attacks, resulting in civilian casualties and losses among their own forces.

Expressing the urgency of dealing with the situation, Major General Luna emphasized that the sooner they took action, the better for achieving total control of the island.

Vice Admiral Chen Yi, observing the villages of Kishito and Horishi, then turning his attention to the Taihoku prefecture, remarked in a softer, yet emotionally charged tone, "A little bit more, and we can finally claim this land as ours... Our long-held aspiration to reclaim our ancestral lands will soon be realized. Just a little bit more..."

As Major General Luna gazed at the portrait of the Imperial Family, he smiled reverently, recognizing them as symbols of the unity between the empire and its people.

After hours of preparation and the readying of weaponry and ammunition, evening finally arrived. A total of 12 thousand soldiers departed from Taihoku City, each group heading towards their respective assigned destinations. Vice Admiral Chen Yi led 3 thousand soldiers, accompanied by his six ships, towards the coastal town of Kelung for transportation and attack.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén led 5 thousand soldiers towards Keibi and Shinte, while Major General Luna commanded another 5 thousand soldiers heading towards the villages before Chosokei. As the soldiers departed, a small send-off celebration was unexpectedly organized by the remaining troops and a number of locals for the departing Butuanon Imperial soldiers.

Mounting their respective horses, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén and Major General Luna, accompanied by their high officers, exited the city with pride and precision. Even amidst the awareness that some among them might not return, the soldiers paraded proudly as they left. Shortly after, a resounding cry of "For the empire and the emperor!" erupted from the crowds, further lifting the morale of the Butuan soldiers.

A few hours after navigating the Tamsui River and passing Fuki Point, Vice Admiral Chen Yi and his six ships, carrying three thousand soldiers, appeared near Kelung Port. However, before Vice Admiral Chen Yi could initiate his attack, the last two warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, brought by Viscount Katsura Tarō upon his arrival, made the first move. They unleashed no more than ten cannon shots, catching Vice Admiral Chen Yi's team off guard.

One of Vice Admiral Chen Yi's ships was struck by cannon fire, briefly stirring his anger until he realized the damage was minor—a mere scratch on the ship's hull.

Vice Admiral Chen Yi's fleet retaliated by firing not less than 20 shots towards the small steam warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy. However, these shots miserably missed their targets. In response, another round of ammunition was exchanged between both sides. This exchange resulted in two ships of the Butuanon Imperial Navy being hit, causing fires to engulf them while docked.

The naval vessels of the Japanese Navy also sustained damage, with one ship sinking instantly after being hit by five shots in different parts of the vessel. Meanwhile, Butuanon naval soldiers were busy reloading cannons and attempting to extinguish fires aboard their ships. Throughout the chaos, shouts echoed across the Butuan fleet as Vice Admiral Chen Yi commanded the ships to separate and surround the remaining Japanese vessel, a directive promptly followed by the respective captains of the ships.

On the side of the Japanese soldiers, despite only having the last remaining ship, no one displays fear. Instead, determination to bring down the Butuanon ships can be seen burning in their eyes. Since their arrival on the island and realizing they are greatly outnumbered, they have already accepted their fate of inevitably fighting to the death against their enemy. And tonight, that acceptance is being put to the test as a naval battle ensues.

Inside the remaining Japanese steam warship, higher-ranking crew members observe the sailing Butuanon ships attempting to surround them. It's a dire situation, the soldiers inside the ship conclude. While these are the thoughts of the remaining Japanese soldiers, the Butuanon naval soldiers believe it is their victory in this final naval battle on the island.

As they find themselves surrounded, the captain of the last Japanese navy ship calls for his remaining commanding crew while others reload the ammunition for the cannons. The captain then delivers his final speech to his crew.

"Soldiers... Today marks our final voyage in this world. We have given everything we possess, yet our capabilities are constrained by circumstance. Since our arrival on this island, we've known with certainty that we would not again behold our families, friends, or beloved.

From the moment we pledged our allegiance, we pledged all we are to our Emperor and our beloved nation. Though our foes may outnumber and outmatch us, we are Japanese... Surrender is not in our vocabulary.

We fight for our people, for the Empire, for our families, and for the EMPEROR! BANZAI!"

The echoes of praise reverberated throughout the entire ship, boosting the morale of the remaining soldiers. A command to fire the cannons resounded from both camps, but surrounded as they were, the last ship of the Japanese Empire succumbed to flames, amid screams of misery and pain.

Having secured their naval conquest, a brief celebration ensued before Vice Admiral Chen Yi and his entire remaining fleet set course for the township of Kelung, dispersing into different small companies of soldiers. However, before Vice Admiral Chen Yi's team could enter the town, a throng of locals mixed with Japanese civilians rushed toward the advancing soldiers, armed with various weapons: kitchen and farming tools, some even brandishing stakes and guns. To the Butuanon soldiers, the mob of civilians appeared as Japanese soldiers approaching them.

The civilians in Kelung were incited by Japanese soldiers to intercept the incoming Butuanon soldiers, offering them money and promising better opportunities for their loved ones in exchange. This tactic aimed to undermine the mental well-being of the Butuan Empire soldiers while the Japanese fortified themselves in the town, prepared to face the advancing Butuanon troops.

The sudden appearance of the civilian mob startled the advancing Butuanon soldiers, leaving them unable to decide how to handle the situation. As the mob drew nearer, the stress and pressure on the minds of the Butuanon soldiers increased. Many hesitated to engage with the civilians, unsure of their true identity and fearing they might inadvertently harm innocent bystanders.

To most of the Butuanon soldiers, their enemies were primarily the Imperial Japanese troops and the island's barbarians. They had never considered civilians as adversaries, particularly after experiencing the hospitality of the people of Haihoku City in the preceding days.

Amidst the chaos of battle, with no commands from their superior to verify the identities of the approaching figures, and under the weight of mental strain, fatigue, and fear of imminent danger, a member of the Butuanon Imperial Navy abruptly discharged his weapon towards the advancing crowd. The result was the collapse of a civilian or unidentified individual, eliciting shock from the Butuanon soldiers who witnessed it, while the surrounding civilians expressed their dismay and disbelief at the loss of their comrade.

Following the incident, a fellow soldier delivered a blow to the offender's face once he regained composure. Despite this act of violence, none of the remaining Butuanon soldiers intervened to halt the altercation.

"YOU BASTARD! WHY DID YOU SHOOT THEM?! THEY COULD HAVE BEEN CIVILIANS!! THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN OUR ENEMIES!" the enraged soldier shouted as he continued to unleash his fury upon the one responsible for pulling the trigger.

Instead of passively enduring the punches, the man retaliated by punching and pushing away his comrade before shouting.

"I DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!! IT WAS NOT MY FAULT THAT THEY WANTED TO DIE EARLY!! IF THEY WERE SO EAGER TO DIE, THEN SO BE IT!! BUT I REFUSE TO DIE IN THIS ISLAND! I HAVE A FAMILY TO RETURN TO!!"

The soldiers surrounding them finally separated the two, their shouts still audible as they were dragged out from the crowds by their superiors, who didn't want to further lower the morale of the remaining soldiers.

"THEY MIGHT ALSO HAVE THEIR OWN FAMILY!! THEY ARE INNOCENT!!!" Shouted the soldier who threw the first punch as he was being dragged away.

The individual who initially fired at the civilian did not relent; instead, he responded by shouting at the top of his voice.

"WE'RE IN A BLOODY WAR, YOU BASTARD! NO ONE'S INNOCENT IN THIS CONFLICT! IT'S US OR THEM! WE'RE SOLDIERS, NOT SAINTS! WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO VERIFY THEIR IDENTITY!"

This outburst not only jolted the soldiers into reality but also underscored the belief that whether they killed civilians or not, it wouldn't make a difference. In war, obstacles to their objectives must be removed. This notion weighed heavily on the mind of the Butuan soldier, while the civilians, gathered around their fallen comrade, gradually calmed themselves and resumed their advance toward the Butuan soldiers.

Unbeknownst to the civilians, the soldiers of Butuan had finally reached a decision on their course of action. Clicks of the soldiers' guns echoed through the air as they took aim at the sprinting armed civilians. The expressions of shock and doubt on the soldiers' faces had been replaced by determination and a desire to survive.

In the darkness of the night, the approaching figures remained obscured, making it difficult for the civilians to discern the Butuanon soldiers aiming their weapons at them. Conversely, the soldiers struggled to identify the individuals before them. As the distance closed between them, the civilians realized the imminent threat of the pointed guns. Panic and a will to escape swept through the crowd, but it was too late; irreversible decisions had been made.

Without hesitation, the soldiers of Butuan pulled their triggers one after another, aiming to stop the advancing figures in the darkness.

*BANG!*

*BANG!*

*BANG!*

*BANG!*