Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 268 : The War Has Started

The world watched in horror as war erupted in the Pacific.

Newspapers across Amerathia and Europe splashed bold headlines across their front pages:

"Japan and Russia at War! Battles Rage in the Sea of Japan!" – The Liberty Times

"Shots Fired! Tokyo Declares Russia the Aggressor!" – The Amerathian Post

"Tsar Nicholas Promises Swift Victory – 'Japan Will Fall!'" – The Moscow Gazette

The war had barely begun, but the propaganda machines were already in full motion.

Tokyo, Japan – The Imperial War Room

Inside the heavily guarded walls of the Imperial War Room, Emperor Yoshihito stood with his military leaders, watching as messengers rushed in and out, delivering urgent updates from the battlefield.

Admiral Heihachiro Togo, the commander of the Imperial Japanese Navy, had just returned from the front lines. His face was lined with exhaustion, but his eyes burned with fierce determination.

"Our fleet engaged the Pyotr Veliky near Tsushima Strait," Togo reported. "We disabled her rudder, forcing her to retreat, but the Russians have responded aggressively. Their reinforcements are moving toward our waters. This is no longer a skirmish—it is a full-scale naval war."

Yoshihito remained silent, his fingers gripping the Imperial Seal at his side.

"What of our land defenses?" he asked.

General Yamagata stepped forward. "The Russians are massing troops along the Manchurian border. We expect an invasion force within the next few weeks."

The Emperor's face hardened.

"So it begins."

Takamura, still reluctant to fully embrace the war, clenched his jaw. "Have we received any word from Amerathia?"

A messenger stepped forward, bowing. "Yes, Minister. President Hesh has sent a naval fleet to the Philippines as a warning to both sides. They are not committing to war, but they are making their presence known."

Yoshihito considered this. "Then we are truly alone in this fight."

Togo straightened. "No, Your Majesty. We have the spirit of our ancestors. And we have our own strength."

The Emperor nodded slowly. "Then we fight. Japan will not surrender."

Moscow, Russia – The Winter Palace

Across the world, in the frozen halls of the Winter Palace, Tsar Nicholas II was in an entirely different mood.

A lavish feast was being held in celebration of the first battle. Generals, noblemen, and high-ranking officers dined on fine caviar, sipping expensive vodka as they laughed over war maps.

At the head of the table, Grand Duke Alexei smirked. "The fools actually think they can win."

The Tsar swirled his drink lazily. "They are stubborn, yes. But they are not Europe. They are an island nation with limited resources. Their time is running out."

General Kazakov, a veteran of the Russian military, was less amused. "Do not underestimate them, Your Majesty. Japan has modernized faster than we expected. Their navy, though smaller than ours, is highly disciplined."

The Tsar scoffed. "Discipline means nothing against numbers. We will drown them in fire and steel."

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Alexei chuckled. "Then let us begin Phase Two."

Kazakov hesitated. "Your Highness, the Amerathians—"

"The Americans will do nothing," Alexei interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. "Hesh is a politician. He plays at power, but he will not commit his forces to this. We control the Pacific now. And soon, we will have Japan at our feet."

Washington, D.C. – The White House Situation Room

Matthew Hesh leaned over the table, staring at the massive map stretched before him. Red markers indicated Russian naval movements, while blue represented Japan. The Pacific was a battlefield now.

Collins stood beside him, arms crossed. "The Russians are pushing hard. They're testing Japan's defenses, moving warships dangerously close to Korean and Chinese waters."

General Hastings exhaled sharply. "Sir, if Japan falls, Russia will control the entire Pacific. That means they could challenge our interests in the Philippines, Hawaii, even our western seaboard."

Matthew's eyes darkened. "We can't let that happen."

Collins frowned. "We have two choices: diplomacy or deterrence. We either negotiate for peace or we prepare for war."

Matthew rubbed his temples. "And what are our allies saying?"

Secretary of State William Harland adjusted his glasses. "Britain is watching closely, but they won't act unless their trade routes are threatened. France is indifferent. The Chinese Empire is staying silent—for now. But if Japan starts losing territory, they may be forced to get involved."

Matthew sighed. "Then we need to act before that happens. Call for a global summit. We need to gather the major powers and force a diplomatic solution."

Collins hesitated. "Sir… we might be past that point. The war has started. Do you really think Russia will negotiate?"

Matthew clenched his jaw. "No. But if we don't try, then we're just waiting for the body count to rise."

January 12, 1898

As diplomats talked, the war raged on.

In the icy waters of the Tsushima Strait, the Japanese fleet, led by Admiral Togo, faced off against the Russian Pacific Fleet in the first major naval clash of the war.

The sea was a battlefield.

Japanese battleships roared, their massive cannons lighting up the darkened sky. Russian cruisers returned fire, their shells ripping through the waves. The thunder of war echoed across the ocean.

"Target their lead ship!" Togo commanded.

The Mikasa, Japan's flagship, fired a devastating broadside. The shells slammed into the Russian cruiser Admiral Kornilov, splitting its deck apart.

Smoke filled the sky. Ships burned. The sea turned red with the bodies of fallen sailors.

But Japan held the line.

Hours later, as the smoke cleared, Togo stood victorious.

The Russian fleet had retreated, leaving behind the wreckage of their fallen ships. Japan had won the first battle.

But it was only the beginning.

The news arrived at the White House within hours.

Collins rushed into the room, waving the latest telegram. "Sir, Japan just decimated the Russian Pacific Fleet. Togo forced them into a full retreat."

Matthew took the paper, reading the details.

For the first time in days, he allowed himself a breath of relief.

"That means the war just got a lot more complicated," Collins muttered.

Matthew nodded. "Russia won't take this humiliation lightly. They'll double down."

Hastings exhaled. "And when they do, Japan will need help. Whether we like it or not, sir… we might have to choose a side."

Matthew leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

The war was escalating.

And Amerathia wouldn't be able to stay out of it forever.