Tojo is unlikely to accept removal quietly in the peaceful branch of this counterfactual. One speculative possibility is that a rival hardline faction kills him because it rejects his particular position. His guards and surrounding troops would make that difficult, although such factions had previously been prepared to use substantial force. Japan's experience of success in the Russo-Japanese War and World War I also encouraged expectations that expansion could pay. The comparison with Russia has limits because the United States presents a different strategic and economic opponent.
Notable Point · 2:51:14-2:53:40
Tojo's removal and the peaceful branch of the scenario
The peaceful branch depends on removing Tojo's influence despite his guards and the possibility of further factional violence.