War of Yukigakure Aggression

The War of Yukigakure Aggression was a four month war between Tsuchi no Kuni and Yuki no Kuni that began with a surprise attack from Yukigakure no Sato following the International Chuunin Exams of 2115. The war ended with the succession of Yukigakure no Sato from the leadership of Emperor Yamaguchi Matsuda and Yuki no Kuni. The end result was an occupation of Yukigakure no Sato by Tsuchi no Kuni and the Iwagakure Air Federation, overseen by Tsuchi no Kuni's Prime Minister Daniel Hollows.

Progression of the War

• Summer 2115

• Yukigakure no Sato launches a surprise attack on Tsuchi no Kuni, following the International Chuunin Exams. The attack was carried out through the use of Harvest Spirit Festival lanterns, normally set afloat with a candle inside as an offering in remembrance of the dead. The lanterns held explosive tags with the aim to take down IAF ships near the borders. The attack has 23 casualties across nine different IAF airships.

• IAF Aries [Destroyer] | 27 occupants during attack; 4 casualties.
• IAF Vulpecula [Destroyer] | 28 occupants during attack; 0 casualties.
• IAF Caelum [Frigate] | 15 occupants during attack; 1 casualty.
• IAF Delphinus [Frigate] | 17 occupants during attack; 2 casualties.
• IAF Fornax [Frigate] | 16 occupants during attack; 1 casualty.
• IAF Monoceros [Frigate] | 16 occupants during attack; 14 casualties.
• IAF Pisces [Frigate] | 15 occupants during attack; 0 casualties.
• IAF Scorpius [Frigate] | 17 occupants during attack; 0 casualties.
• IAF Ursa [Frigate] | 20 occupants during attack; 1 casualty.

• Tsuchi no Kuni declares war on Yuki no Kuni the morning following the attacks, citing the breach of the Tsuchi Yuki Aggression Declaration.
• In the absences of the Tsuchikage during the attack and declaration of war, the role of Fleet Admiral is given to the Prime Minister Daniel Hollows. Daniel Hollows will continue to hold the position even after the return of the Tsuchikge.
• Tsuchi no Kuni seizes control of Manji Village near the border of the Yuki no Kuni. Many skirmishes are fought around this point, but control is maintained by Iwagakure forces.
• The 'Shadows of Winter' are dispatched by an internal coup. Yukigakure no Sato infrastructure collapses at the highest levels.

• Fall 2115

• Battle of Nortica takes place. Largest single combat in the entire war.
• Tsuchi no Kuni makes fast progress across the country. Begins siege of Yukigakure no Sato.

• Winter 2115

• After two months of siege, Yukigakure no Sato's power shifted in a single night. The result was the succession of Yukigakure no Sato from the country of Yuki no Kuni and the immediate surrender to Tsuchi no Kuni.
• Emperor Yamaguchi Matsuda ends the war three days later when the I.A.F. Bounty was parked above his personal residence. Even without army, it wasn't until presented with an overwhelming show of force (and the loss of his boat house) that he agreed to end the nation's aggression.

• Because of the family's long history and importance to the country, Matsuda's life was spared, but his power was stripped without a means to enforce.

In News

From the Iwagakure Herald

War Declared!

Yuki no Kuni Makes First Strike!

23 Dead, Dozens more injured!

Today, a few hours before sunrise on the northern border just a mere mile from the demilitarized zone created two years ago in the Tsuchi Yuki Border Agreement1, Yuki no Kuni launched an attack on multiple airships stationed along the border. Ten ships were taken out of commission at least temporarily due to the attack with word saying that many more are damaged but still being flown. Official word is yet to confirm the count on ships, but insider information is confirming that ten ships were taken out of the sky between sundown last night and sunrise this morning. The I.A.F. has confirmed that twenty three airmen were lost in the attack, the largest loss of life in a single incident since the creation of the organization. Details are still coming in, but it appears as if the attack was done through the use of bombs disguised as lanterns customary with the Spirit Harvest Festival. It has been rumored that because of the subtlety of the attack that airmen were not aware that they were under siege until it was too late. The I.A.F. Bounty was one of the ships on the border, but information has it that the Dreadnought class ship was saved from major damage due to quick thinking of its commander.

Loyola Nine, Admiral of the I.A.F., was in Metropolis during the attack and has been unreachable for comment. Prime Minister Daniel Hollows has a press briefing later this afternoon. The Minister spoke briefly to the public, reaffirming that the country has the situation under control and that they would bring more information as they have it. Due to the Tsuchi Yuki Aggression Declaration2 signed last year by the Prime Minister, the Tsuchikage and the Admiral of the I.A.F., this act by Yuki no Kuni is a clear declaration of war. There is no doubt in any citizens mind what this means and what response the country must take now to defend its borders.

- Terian Mokusha

Iwagakure Herald Writer