บท 352: Chapter 352: Deceptive Tactics, But Effective
The next morning.
Hardy and Monroe arrived at the airport. Hardy's private jet was ready, and they boarded with their assistants and bodyguards saluting them as they passed.
Once seated and buckled in, the plane quickly ascended. After the flight reached cruising altitude, Hardy and Monroe moved to the back room.
Seeing the bed, Hardy recalled a humorous memory. "Remember the first time you did this on a plane?"
Monroe could never forget that incident—it was too embarrassing. She had fallen asleep and was thrown off balance when the plane landed. When they found her, she was wedged in the bed's crevice, unable to move, with a sprained ankle.
The flight was about nine hours long. The two of them lay in bed, chatting and napping in the afternoon. While half-asleep, Monroe felt someone touching her. With their impending separation, knowing they wouldn't see each other for months, she didn't mind the touch. Grabbing the other hand, she brought it to her lips, softly sucking on Hardy's fingers.
It didn't take long for their gentle exchange to escalate into something more passionate.
Outside the window, the sky was a canvas of blue and white. Below him was the most captivating actress in the United States. Hardy savored the thrill of the moment.
...
They landed in New York, where someone was waiting to pick up Monroe. After a reluctant farewell, the plane was refueled and took off again, this time heading to the U.S. Defense Logistics Base in Fort Bevor, Virginia, to meet with Major General Williams.
It was a short flight from New York to Fort Bever, but by the time they arrived, it was completely dark. Major General Williams had been waiting at the airport since he received the call. Once the plane landed, the staircase was lowered, and Williams boarded.
Hardy remained on the plane, and they discussed matters there. Some things were too sensitive to be discussed over the phone, especially with the FBI potentially monitoring their calls.
Major General Williams first updated Hardy on Lieutenant General Jason's situation. Jason had suddenly fallen ill the day before, and after two hours in the hospital, he was finally out of danger but clearly couldn't return to work.
Hardy and Williams had originally planned to wait for Jason to retire next year before moving forward with their plans for his successor. But the situation had changed unexpectedly, and Hardy saw this as an opportunity.
Luckily, he was in the United States; if he were in Japan, this could have been delayed.
Williams then briefed Hardy on the current state of the Logistics Bureau, mentioning that he now had six deputy directors, each with their own responsibilities. He also noted that some had strong connections with military chiefs or political leaders, making their positions difficult to challenge.
"In fact, the competition isn't just within the Logistics Bureau," Williams said. "According to past trends, it's more likely for a new director to be appointed from outside rather than promoted internally."
"Who makes the final decision?" Hardy asked.
"The President and the Secretary of Defense. They have the final say," Williams replied.
Hardy smiled. "I'm heading to Washington now. If all goes well, I'll meet with President Johnson tomorrow and recommend you. Hopefully, it leads to a favorable outcome."
"Hardy, thank you, whether it works out or not," Williams said sincerely.
Williams disembarked, and after about an hour, Hardy's plane took off again, bound for Washington.
They arrived in Washington after 9 PM. Hardy's first order of business was to check into his hotel and place a call to the White House. After identifying himself, the call was forwarded to President Johnson.
"Hardy, it's been a while since you've called. I take it you're back in the States?" President Johnson asked, his tone casual.
"Not only am I back, but I'm also in Washington. I called you as soon as I checked into my hotel. I'd like to meet tomorrow to report on the situation in Japan," Hardy said.
"Haha, of course, I have time. Tomorrow afternoon would work. I have an important meeting with Congress in the morning. We can meet in the afternoon and maybe have dinner together," Johnson replied.
With the time set, Hardy finally allowed himself to relax. After a day of flying and a two-hour romp with Monroe, he was exhausted and quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, Hardy rested well and mentally prepared what he wanted to say to Johnson.
It wasn't just about Williams. There was also the issue of Japan's business transformation, the situation in Southeast Asia, and the broader implications for the future. He spent the morning fine-tuning his thoughts.
In the afternoon, Hardy had lunch at the hotel before his assistant and bodyguard drove him to the White House in a luxury car rented from the hotel. Mike was already waiting at the door.
Mike, dressed in a sharp suit and looking increasingly like a politician, greeted Hardy with a smile and a warm hug.
In the President's office, Johnson welcomed Hardy with a smile, offering him a drink as they settled into a more relaxed conversation.
"I've heard about your efforts in Japan. To be honest, Hardy, you've exceeded my expectations. I was just telling Mike the other day that you'd make a great politician. Your political acumen surpasses that of some of our current members," Johnson said.
Hardy waved it off with a smile. "What I've done in Japan plays to my strengths—economics and culture. But if I had to handle everything else, I'd struggle. Real leadership involves managing countless details and making tough decisions. That's not something everyone can do. Take you, for instance; you've got thousands of issues to juggle, and your opinions carry weight. Politics isn't for the faint of heart."
Hardy's ability to compliment was certainly better than any politician's.
Johnson, visibly pleased, took another sip of his drink. Only someone who had reached his position could fully appreciate how challenging it was to lead without making critical mistakes.
Hardy then delved into the details of Japan's situation.
The transformation of heavy industry had effectively dismantled Japan's military production capabilities. The restructuring of light industry ensured that Japan's industrial base became an extension of the U.S., making it hard for them to escape American economic control.
Financially, Hardy had targeted Japan's powerful chaebols—Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Yasuda—who once controlled nearly half of Japan's economy and had backed the war effort. By acquiring their banks, Hardy had severed the nerve center of these conglomerates.
Then there was cultural transformation.
"ABC TV has caused a sensation in Japanese society since it began broadcasting. Japan has been relatively closed off, and its people had little exposure to the outside world. This has had a profound psychological impact. I've had private surveys conducted, and many people now harbor less resentment toward the United States. More are beginning to admire it."
"By exporting cultural and entertainment products, we're subtly changing their worldview. Within a few years, Japan's conservative government mindset will likely be softened. The traditional Bushido and Shinto spirits will be significantly weakened."
"We're also promoting our social values through TV, radio, and newspapers. Japan has a rigid class structure, and it's hard for those at the bottom to rise. If the lower classes start to embrace liberalism, they might dream of their own version of the American dream."
"I've also had the Global Times open a special column, where I've enlisted a group of university professors and intellectuals—people who've studied in the U.S. or the West and are willing to support our ideology. They're writing articles that criticize Japan's feudal ideas, the Bushido spirit, Shintoism, and even aspects of Japanese culture. These people have social credibility and can influence public opinion."
Hardy was using tactics known to later generations—strategies that, while underhanded, were undeniably effective. Even in the 21st century, these methods still worked.
"I'm also planning to push for the emancipation of Japanese women. This will not only unlock productivity but also disrupt the traditional family balance. The family is the fundamental unit of society; if it's unstable, society as a whole becomes unstable."
"Alongside women's liberation, we can promote a culture that diminishes men's power. Men are the backbone of any society. If the men in a society become weak, the society's momentum will weaken too."
"The Bushido spirit teaches people to embrace death without fear. We don't need that. Instead, we can promote a 'soft gun' culture, encouraging men to grow their hair, wear makeup, and adopt a more androgynous appearance. By creating a trend of effeminate male stars, we can weaken their masculinity. If this becomes a societal norm, the spirit of Japan's men will gradually be eroded, and the society will become more feminine."
Johnson silently acknowledged Hardy's strategies. While they were certainly devious, they were also remarkably insightful. MacArthur, with his more heavy-handed approach, could never have imagined this. He only knew how to suppress, not how to manipulate human nature for long-term change.
Suppression breeds resistance. Transformation can last a century.
"I agree with your approach, Hardy," President Johnson said.
With that, Hardy relaxed. The two took a sip of their drinks and lit cigars. Hardy then asked casually, "I heard that Lieutenant General Jason of the Logistics Bureau had a brain hemorrhage and is still in critical condition?"
"Yes, very suddenly. It's unlikely that Jason will return to work. I'm considering who might replace him. How did you find out?" Johnson asked, surprised.
It seemed odd to him that Hardy would be interested in the head of the Logistics Bureau.
"I've been in Japan for a few months, and since returning, I've made it
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