Clouds above the Hill: A historical novel of the Russo-Japanese War, Volume 2 by Birnbaum Phyllis Ryotaro Shiba

Author:Birnbaum, Phyllis, Ryotaro, Shiba
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Soon after Ōyama was made commander in chief of the Manchurian Army, he went to the Naval Ministry and presented himself at the minister’s office, reporting formally to Yamamoto Gombei, who had already been informed of the appointment and so showed no surprise. He did express regret, however, telling Ōyama outright that it was a shame, that Ōyama belonged in Tokyo and the promotion should have gone instead to Nozu Michitsura, commander of the Fourth Army.

“Yes, I know,” answered Ōyama, equally forthrightly. “He’s a better man for the job.” A fellow native of Satsuma, Ōyama knew all too well Nozu’s brilliance in war. “But all the army commanders are heroes,” he said. The First Army was led by Kuroki Tamemoto, the Second by Oku Yasukata, the Third by Nogi Maresuke, the Fourth by Nozu Michitsura. All four men had played active roles during the upheaval at the end of the Tokugawa period and had come through the fires of war in the Meiji period. Moreover, they were equals. Singling out Nozu as commander in chief would be likely to raise the hackles of the rest, creating a difficult situation. “That’s why I have to go.”

That same day, Ōyama had an audience with Emperor Meiji at the palace. The emperor shared with him the thinking behind his decision. “Yamagata is a good man but too prickly. He criticizes every little thing, which seems to upset the other leaders, but you’re not so demanding. That’s why I picked you.”

Ōyama laughed. “So you’re saying I’ll make a good commander in chief because I’m fog-brained, is that it?”

The emperor laughed back. “Well, something like that.”

Later, Ōyama relayed this conversation to Yamamoto Gombei with a chuckle. Then he added, “Since I was chosen for my fogginess, I’ll leave the details of fighting to Kodama. But if it turns into a losing battle, I’ll take the reins.”

Then he made a request. “I want you to decide when it’s over.” He meant, decide when to make a peace feeler. The two men had previously spent much time discussing this very thing and had begun the war with the understanding that in the end they would appeal to a third country for peace negotiations. With Ōyama off on the battlefield, it would be up to Yamamoto Gombei to carry out this mission single-handed.

“I accept,” said Yamamoto. He personally filled a clay teapot with tea and served his friend. Ōyama picked up his cup and emptied it in one gulp as if it were medicine, then paused before drawling a thank you in Kagoshima dialect. He had some odd ways.

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