The Shachihoko Agreement

[Empire of Kusari]

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Imperial Palace, Kōkyo, Imperial District, New Tokyo. 19th August 830 A.S.

Amidst the opulent grandeur of the Imperial Palace, a clandestine meeting took place, shrouded in secrecy and rife with implications that had the potential to shape a new understanding of the Empire's influence on external regions. Defence Minister Masamune Kogen, a man of martial lineage and esteemed military history, stood resolute, a man as much as a bastion of honor and duty. Opposite him sat Ryuu Majima, the enigmatic Economy Minister, who - to the knowledgeable eye - was also known to operate in the shadowy realm of the Hogosha, a powerful crime syndicate. Two seemingly disparate worlds converged in that chamber, united by a common purpose that transcended convention.

Kogen's eyes bore the weight of his ancestry, reflecting a deep understanding of the Empire's legacy. His words carried a gravitas, a reflection of his role as the Emperor's cousin. "Minister Majima, I extend my gratitude for your willingness to engage in this delicate matter."

Majima reclined with casual elegance, his countenance a tapestry of subtle expressions. He possessed an air of self-assuredness that masked the intricate network of power he held sway over. A crooked smile played on his lips as he responded, "Ah, Minister Kogen, the intrigue that surrounds us is but a reflection of our complex roles. You wished to discuss “them”, right?"

Kogen's brows knitted, a reflection of his responsibility and the caution he held dear. "Indeed, 'Riptide,' the private military company established by the Shimamori Clan, wields potential useful capabilities. The notion of utilising their strength on a broader, consolidated scale merits thought."

Majima's fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of his chair, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Kogen. "Whispers of 'Riptide's' involvement have reached my ears. Their skills could be a valuable asset for our aspirations, indeed. They appear utmost loyal to Shimamori, a most inviting circumstance."

Kogen's voice resonated with wisdom and authority as he spoke, his words bearing the weight of his military background, "However, we must tread carefully. Enlisting a private entity in such scale necessitates meticulous planning and strategic foresight."

Majima's lips curled in a half-smile, a testament to his duality. He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, his gaze locked onto Kogen. "Planning, dear Minister Kogen, has always been our forte. Despite our disparate paths, our objectives seem to align quite intriguingly."

Kogen's stern façade softened momentarily, replaced by an expression of understanding. "True, we bring our individual strengths to this alliance. My loyalty to the Emperor and my military insight, and your... unconventional connections."

Majima's chuckle, rich with irony, resonated in the chamber, his demeanour reflective of his intricate affiliations. "Ah, yes, the Hogosha, a wellspring of resources that can be harnessed for the Empire's benefit. They’re easy to control, much easier to utilise, but they have their limits."

Kogen's gaze bore into Majima's, firm yet tempered by a touch of camaraderie. "Let me be unequivocal, Minister Majima. This partnership remains shrouded in the deepest secrecy. No exposure. You are well aware of what can happen to those who fail my trust."

Majima's eyes gleamed, his tone laden with implication. "Fear not, Minister Kogen. Discretion is paramount, shadows shall intertwine to weave this alliance seamlessly."

As the dialogue continued, the façade of their disparate personas gradually dissolved, revealing a complex interplay of allegiances and ambitions. Within the realm of whispered conversations and unspoken nuances, the partnership between Masamune Kogen and Ryuu Majima began to unfurl. In the heart of the Imperial Palace, beneath the watchful gaze of centuries of history, an unlikely union formed - one that transcended titles and associations, laying the foundation for a collaboration that could sculpt the Empire's destiny.

The night passed and within the early morning hours, a handwritten document was finalized. A consensus was reached: All for the Empire’s well-being.

The Shachihoko Agreement

The purpose of this agreement is to formalise the collaboration in employing the services of the private military company 'Riptide,' led by the Shimamori Clan, in a manner that serves the interests of the Kusari Empire.


Clause 1: Scope of Employment

Both parties acknowledge that 'Riptide,' a private military company established by the Shimamori Clan, possesses unique and formidable capabilities. It is agreed that 'Riptide' shall be discreetly contracted to execute strategic operations on behalf of the Kusari Empire, as deemed necessary by the Defense Ministry.


Clause 2: Strategic Objectives

Asset Goryō, representing the Military body of the Empire, shall identify and communicate specific strategic objectives for 'Riptide' to execute. These objectives may encompass covert operations, targeted interventions, and other activities that contribute to safeguarding the interests of the Kusari Empire.


Clause 3: Integration of Expertise

Minister Majima, representing the Economy Ministry and parts of the Hogosha, acknowledges the unique expertise held by 'Riptide'. Majima further acknowledges the vast possibilities represented by Hogosha resources in assisting the Shachihoko Agreement to be successful. It is agreed that these resources shall be strategically employed to enhance the effectiveness of the operations executed by 'Riptide' whenever necessary to ensure the success of the Empire's endeavors.


Clause 4: Discretion and Secrecy

Both parties understand the sensitive nature of this collaboration. It is imperative that utmost discretion and secrecy are maintained throughout all stages of planning, execution, and postoperative analysis. Details of 'Riptide's' involvement shall be shared on a need-to-know basis only to the relevant Military or Hogosha personnel. Such involvement shall be painted as “opportunistic” employment and co-operation between the aforementioned entities and 'Riptide' personnel only. External involvement is strictly prohibited. Revealing the full-scale employment of “Riptide” by the relevant parties is to be avoided. Revelation of the Shachihoko Agreement by either side leads to immediate termination and "ToK" persecution of the personnel responsible for the data leak.


Clause 5: Shared Intelligence

The parties agree to establish a mechanism for the sharing of intelligence pertinent to the success of 'Riptide's' operations. Asset Goryō shall provide classified information relevant to the Defense Ministry's and NOH’s objectives, and Minister Majima shall contribute insights garnered from his affiliations.


Clause 6: Financial Arrangements

Financing for the operations undertaken by 'Riptide' shall be a joint effort. Both Ministries shall allocate resources from their respective budgets to ensure the seamless execution of operations. The Hogosha Syndicate's Majima Family shall handle all monetary streams towards 'Riptide' discreetly and with maximum emphasize towards plausible deniability for the Ministries involved. Detailed financial arrangements shall be formulated and agreed upon separately following the actual employment of 'Riptide'.


Clause 7: Reporting and Accountability

Upon completion of each operation, Asset Goryō shall provide a comprehensive report to both Minister Kogen and Minister Majima, detailing the outcomes and achievements. A review of the operation's success shall be conducted to assess the effectiveness of 'Riptide's' involvement.


Clause 8: Termination of Agreement

Either party may terminate this agreement with written notice if circumstances necessitate such action. Termination shall be carried out with sensitivity to ongoing operations and the overarching interests of the Kusari Empire.

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