[center][b][u]Eye of the Storm[/u][/b][/center]

Despite peace in Europe being a near-certain thing, the war was still being fought in the east. However, very little fighting occurred during the year of 1867. That did not mean the combatants were idle. Both sides continued to build up their forces and shore up their defences in preparation for the coming battles.

Guarded by a powerful naval escort, a Prussian force of 8,000 conscripts dodged the inferior Japanese navy and landed on the island of Naha in the Ryukyu island chain. The small force of regulars on the island put up a brave resistance, but there was little they could do to stop the Prussian army. With the island in Prussian hands, the Japanese home isles were suddenly far more vulnerable.
(-205 conscripts to Prussia, -130 regulars to Japan)

The only other military action took place in the north, as a Japanese force continued its march north through Kamchatka, meeting with little resistance and freeing political prisoners as they went. Although very few were killed in action, a number of Japanese soldiers were killed by the bitter conditions.
(-50 conscripts to Japan, -2% public support to Russia)

The nations of Russia, Japan, and the Great Qing increased the level of conscription and a flood of new recruits were rushed to the front lines, ready for fighting to commence in the new year.
(+100,000 conscripts to Russia, +150,000 conscripts to Japan, +300,000 conscripts to Qing)

Prussia continued to build up its fleet, and construction on new ironclads began with typical Prussian efficiency. They also began an ambitious plan to improve its level of equipment. The costs racked up, but many saw it as necessary.
(-£11,300, +5 ironclads, +5 ironclads in 1 turn, +5% equipment, +5% equipment in 1 turn)

The Great Qing began preparing its monstrous army to face the Russians and the Prussians. Basic fortifications - breastworks, mudwalls, etc - along both the Sinai-Russian border and along the coast were built, with emphasis placed on defending cities. Soldiers were drilled in utilising the landscape to their advantage and to dealing with the cold.
(-£1,100, +1 army sublevel, improved defences of Qing)

The Netherlands, now equipped with the world's first all-steam driven navy, decided it still wasn't big enough. More ships were ordered and production began. The ones already in service conducted naval exercises in the North Sea to make sure the sailors were well trained with steam-driven ships.
(-£5,770, +2 ironclads, +3 screw frigates, +2 screw frigates in 1 turn, +1 navy sublevel)