Threats and rumors of war have hung…
June 1864 CE
Now the British Minister to Japan, Sir Rutherford Alcock, discusses with his treaty counterparts, such as American Minister Robert Pruyn, the feasibility of a joint military strike against Takachika.
They are soon making preparations for a combined show of force.
Under the wary eyes of the Japanese, fifteen British warships ride anchor alongside four Dutch vessels, while a British regiment from Hong Kong augment their display of military might.
The French maintain a minimal naval presence, with the bulk of their forces in Mexico trying to bolster Emperor Maximilian's unstable regime.
The U.S., engaged in its Civil War, limits itself to demonstrate diplomatic and minimal military support for the allies.
In the meantime, Takachika procrastinates in negotiations by requesting additional time to respond to the allied demands, a response unacceptable to the treaty powers.
The allies decide that the time for united action has arrived.