Chapter 575: The Germans Are Stubborn, They Don't Know How to Adapt!

"Modern warships are becoming increasingly complex and require systematic training," Zhao Haitao said, "A Main Gun fire control commander must not only understand artillery but also ballistics, meteorology, radar principles, and mechanical engineering. Therefore our training cycles are long—ordinary seamen six months, technical troops one year, officers two years."

Xiyuan Si listened nearby, said nothing, but his eyes also showed contemplation. He did not understand the technical details, but he understood the system. Lanfang's Military Construction was not a simple piling of weapons but a complete system build— from equipment to training, from logistics to command, every link was meticulously designed.

This system's advantage would be vividly manifested on the battlefield.

After the tour ended, Xiyuan Si and Yamamoto returned to their guest room to rest. As soon as the door closed, Yamamoto couldn't help but say:

"Your Excellency, we must sign this contract. Lanfang's technology and system are more advanced than we imagined. If the Sakura Nation can learn these, the navy's revival will truly have hope."

Xiyuan Si sat in the chair, eyes closed: "But the price is command of fifty divisions, as well as naval autonomy for the next ten years."

"Command will be transferred only during wartime, and we can retain supervisory rights," Yamamoto argued, "As for autonomy… without strength, what autonomy can be discussed? The current Sakura Nation navy doesn't even have a decent battleship; what right does it have to speak of autonomy?"

He spoke passionately, his handlebar moustache trembling:

"Your Excellency, do you know? Last night I had a nightmare, dreaming that the 'Huai River' entered Tokyo Bay again. I dreamed our coastal guns fired, the Shell bounced off its armor like a pebble on a steel plate. Then its Main Gun rotated, aiming at Tokyo…"

Yamamoto's voice lowered, tinged with pain:

"That sense of helplessness I will never forget. The Sakura Nation must have a powerful navy, otherwise it will forever be a fish on someone else's cutting board."

Xiyuan Si opened his eyes, looking at Yamamoto. The Naval Minister's eyes were bloodshot, filled with desire and fear. He was speaking sincerely.

"But a hundred million dollars… or the price of fifty divisions, is it really worth it?" Xiyuan Si asked, as if questioning Yamamoto and himself.

"Worth it." Yamamoto said resolutely, "And Chen Feng is right; the Sakura Nation has no choice. If we reject Lanfang, who else can we turn to? Yingguo? Meilika? They are too preoccupied now; even if they were willing to help, the terms wouldn't be better than Lanfang's. Most importantly—"

He paused briefly, lowering his voice:

"If we refuse, how will Lanfang react? Two years ago they could reach Tokyo; what about two years from now? Their navy has become stronger, and their army is expanding. By then, it may not be something reparations can solve."

Xiyuan Si fell silent. This was his greatest worry. The essence of international politics is power politics. A weak nation has no diplomacy; this is not an empty phrase but a blood‑stained reality.

Two years ago, the Sakura Nation had already tasted hardship. If it happened again…

He dared not imagine.

"One more thing." Yamamoto continued, "Chen Feng hinted very clearly—if the Sakura Nation makes contributions in this war, it can secure a better post‑war position. Fifty divisions, one million troops, that's no small number. Regardless of the war's outcome, a Sakura Nation possessing such a force will be courted by all sides."

Xiyuan Si nodded slowly. It truly was an opportunity. The Sakura Nation could, through this war, regain weight on the international stage.

The price is the blood of the youth, the nation's debt, and partial autonomy.

But which great power's rise does not require a price?

"Prepare yourselves," Xiyuan Si finally said, "We'll continue negotiations tonight. The command clause must secure more flexibility, the technology transfer must be accelerated, the price… aim to push it down to ninety million dollars. But the bottom line is—the contract must be signed."

Yamamoto's face showed a look of relief: "Your Excellency, you are wise."

At seven p. m., the negotiations continued.

This time the atmosphere was clearly different. Xiyuan Si and Yamamoto were both more proactive, and the issues were more concrete. They discussed the contract clauses point by point, haggled, and fought for every possible concession.

Chen Feng was very patient. He was willing to concede on some minor clauses; but on the core clauses, he would not budge an inch.

Regarding command, a compromise was finally reached: wartime command would be transferred to Lanfang's General Staff Headquarters, but the Sakura Nation would retain a seat on the "Strategic Advisory Committee" and could participate in major decisions; the daily management and training of the divisions would still be handled by Sakura Nation officers; the Sakura Nation could dispatch liaison officers with the troops, enjoying the right to be informed and to raise objections.

On technology transfer, Chen Feng agreed to accelerate the schedule but demanded the Sakura Nation pay a ten‑percent rush fee. At the same time, the Sakura Nation needed to provide corresponding resources in exchange—including priority extraction rights to the Sado Gold Mine and the Beizi Copper Mine.

Regarding price, after fierce debate it was finally set at ninety‑five million dollars. Payment methods were flexible: cash, resource compensation, or conversion using the divisions' "service fee."

"But the conversion standard must be clarified," Xiyuan Si insisted, "How many dollars should a division dispatched to Europe be valued at?"

Chen Feng offered a plan: "Convert based on actual cost. Equipping a division requires three million dollars, with transportation and maintenance calculated separately. Fifty divisions total about twenty million dollars. The remaining seventy‑five million can be paid with resources and cash."

Xiyuan Si calculated in his mind. Twenty million dollars in cost, in exchange for warships and technology worth ninety‑five million dollars. The deal was not a loss.

"Agreed." He finally nodded.

The biggest obstacle was solved; the rest were details. At eleven p. m., all contract clauses were finalized.

Wang Wenwu brought the official contract documents, a thick stack, each page featuring bilingual side‑by‑side text from Lanfang and the Sakura Nation. The signature page had been left blank, awaiting both parties' signatures and seals.

"Do we need to report back to Tian Huang?" Chen Feng asked.

Xiyuan Si shook his head: "Before departure, Tian Huang already granted me full authority. General Yamamoto also has naval authorization."

He picked up a pen, wrote his name on the signature page, then affixed the seal of the Sakura Nation's Prime Minister. Yamamoto also signed, stamping the seal of the Naval Minister.

Chen Feng signed his name and affixed Lanfang's President's seal.

Wang Wenwu, as a witness, signed.

Four copies of the contract, each side holding two. Handshakes. Photographs—this was the only permitted photo session, recording this historic moment.

"Pleasant cooperation," Chen Feng said.

"Pleasant cooperation," Xiyuan Si replied, his smile a little forced but resolute.

The contract was signed. The Sakura Nation obtained the chance to rebuild its navy, and Lanfang secured the promise of fifty divisions.

But everyone knew that behind this contract lay even more complex calculations and heavier costs.

After seeing off the Sakura Nation guests, Chen Feng stood on the club's second‑floor balcony, looking out at the darkened bay. In the distance, the dock lights twinkled, and the "Spring Day Maru" and "Autumn Moon Maru" were still moored there, set to depart for the Sakura Nation early tomorrow morning.

Wang Wenwu walked over, holding a freshly signed copy of the contract.

"Will they keep their promise?"

"Yes," Chen Feng said, "because they have no choice. Yamamoto will push the navy's reconstruction with his life, Xiyuan Si will suppress the army's opposition. As for those fifty divisions… once they are formed, once the war truly expands, when command is transferred, there may be some setbacks, but the overall situation won't change."

Wang Wenwu: President, you're too wicked, demanding the Sakura Nation's people become cannon fodder yet refusing to pay!

Chen Feng turned, looking at Wang Wenwu: "We are respectable people; how could we think of the Europeans' old slave trade!"

"But the Deguo pay the Sakura Nation people in cash!"

Chen Feng: "That's why the Deguo are rigid! They don't know how to be flexible!"

Chen Feng paused and said:

"Now, we should prepare to welcome another guest. When will Lieutenant General Rodman arrive?"

"In five days."

"Perfect timing," Chen Feng walked back indoors, "In these five days, we must re‑inspect Lanfang's defense system, hide what should be hidden and ready what should be displayed. Let the Meilika see what they want to see, and also see what we want them to see."