Chapter Twelve: The Imperial Ensign

  Tongcheng Japanese Garrison Headquarters, Yamamoto Kitaro was gazing at a soldier in a crisp military uniform with satisfaction. This person was none other than Lieutenant Inamura Yoroshige. As he looked at him, Yamamoto Kitaro couldn't help but fall into reminiscence. It was during the autumn of Meiji 20, when he and his best friend and classmate joined the Imperial Japanese Army together. He and Inamura's father, Inamura Suke, were assigned to the same unit in the 12th Infantry Brigade as ordinary soldiers. At that time, he and the fervent Inamura Suke were ordered to participate in the 12th Brigade's attack on a certain country, and they were assigned to the second batch of troops responsible for the assault.

  At that time, the first batch of attacking soldiers had been killed by the enemy's dense artillery fire on the high ground. The second batch of soldiers launched a wave-like attack on the enemy's defense line again. After paying a huge price in casualties, they finally stepped onto the enemy's position. Ikemura Suketsugu was also seriously injured while covering himself and was judged unfit to continue serving as a soldier, so he retired from the front line. At that time, this good friend held his hand tightly with a trembling hand, and he knew that his unfulfilled wish was to expand Japan, but unfortunately, he could not complete this wish with his own hands.

  From then on, he worked hard to fulfill his own dreams and finally achieved today's achievements. The Great Japanese Empire also set foot on the long-awaited continent, which can be said to have fulfilled the dream of his good friend. Yamamoto Kitaro only heard that after his good friend recovered from injury, he became a hero who opened up territory for the Great Japanese Empire and became an object of pursuit for young girls. He finally married a female teacher who admired the imperial warriors and established a family. Unexpectedly, his son also became a warrior of the empire, and there was a clear shadow of the past in his figure.

  Looking at the officer in front of him, who was also his uncle, falling into deep thought, Yamada stood up even straighter. This officer was not only his father's old friend but also a superior he admired in the Imperial Japanese Army. He had risen from an ordinary soldier to become a battalion commander through his own efforts, which was rare in the army where seniority was emphasized, and most officers of the same rank were graduates of the Army Academy or Tokyo University. He carried on him the shadow of his father and also bore his father's hopes.

  He has finally grown up and can now fulfill his father's wish with his own hands. He has been working hard for this, from a young age under the guidance of his teacher mother, he has always regarded dedicating himself to the Emperor as his highest honor, and the expansion of the Great Japanese Empire is always displayed on the wall of the classroom at every moment. At home, his father's words and deeds have also guided him in the right direction. He graduated from the Imperial Military Academy with excellent results and became a lieutenant in the army.

  "Captain Inamura, you've kept me waiting. Please take a seat." Yamamoto Kitaro came to and gestured for the other man to sit down.

  "Hey" Inamura Yamada sat up straight and respectfully in the chair next to him, and Yamamoto Kitaro personally placed a cup of tea in front of him. This was a rare honor, as even the deputy commander-in-chief didn't usually receive such treatment, several guards thought to themselves as they were waved away.

  "Yamamoto Kōtarō said in a serious tone after clearing his throat: 'Imura, it's great that you've been transferred to Tongcheng this time. Recently, some Chinese guerrilla activities have been rampant, causing casualties among the Imperial Japanese soldiers. They even blew up an ammunition depot, resulting in significant losses of supplies and severely impacting the front lines. Although I've taken some measures, they haven't been very effective. Now that you're here, I hope you can put an end to this situation and eliminate the disturbances caused by these bandits. Let the Empire's rule in China stabilize and enter the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere under the Emperor's rule as soon as possible. It's time for us to start using war to feed war and hasten our occupation of this fertile land, which has been wasted for too long.'"

  "Hey, I'll do my best to complete the task of purging the remaining bandits and strive to make this land produce loyal subjects of the Great Japanese Empire as soon as possible. Please rest assured, senior."

  "Alright, be careful. The rebels here are cunning and have created something called a landmine with great power. They're used to launching sneak attacks, so be extra cautious, Yamamura. I don't want anything to happen to you."

  "Got it."

  "By the way, I'll introduce you to a figure from the Chinese surrender faction later. This person has deep connections here and can provide us with a lot of help. He just returned from suppressing bandits in the countryside and severely cracked down on them this time, killing and capturing many bandits. Moreover, he even brought back samples of landmines. You must cooperate well with him, don't neglect him, and let him become a model for good citizens cooperating with the Great Japanese Empire. This will make it beneficial for our rule as more people will come to our side." Yamamoto Kitaro continued to instruct.

  Iemura was curious about how this person could get the praise of Yamamoto, a senior who was notorious for being strict and many Japanese soldiers were intimidated by him. How could someone like that give such high praise to a shameful surrendering Chinese? His curiosity filled his mind at once.

  Mei Huan-yu had just gotten out of bed and was preparing to visit his wife at the Lei residence, so he could tell her about his great achievement in defeating the Wu Kung team and let this filial woman be grateful to him. Unexpectedly, Yamamoto Kitaro's messenger ran over, wasn't it just a moment ago that Mei Huan-yu had finished reporting for duty? And yet, Yamamoto Kitaro had just praised him highly, so why was there suddenly something else? Mei Huan-yu curiously arrived at Yamamoto's residence.

  There was also a young Japanese officer present, who seemed to be dressed slightly differently. Mei Huan-yu curiously glanced at him and stood up straight, reporting to Yamamoto with a salute: "Mr. Yamamoto, I, Mei Huan-yu, have arrived as ordered." His posture was elegant and handsome.

  Yamamoto nodded in satisfaction: "This is Inamura Yamayo, lieutenant, who has come to Tongcheng to take charge of counter-espionage work. You must work hard with him and strive to clean up this place as soon as possible, and kill all those rioters who disrupt the peace."

  Yes

  "Hi"

  Mei Huan-yu turned around and stretched out his hand to Inamura Sanchō, who had stood up. This action was a classic move that Mei Huan-yu had summarized, which could not only win the favor of his superiors but also take the opportunity to probe the reaction of the Japanese in front of him. If the other party looked disdainful or arrogant, he could put them in the category of those who could be taken advantage of. But Inamura clearly didn't belong to that category. His movements were powerful, and his eyes stared straight at Mei Huan-yu, a gaze that immediately made Mei Huan-yu categorize him as extremely difficult to deal with, so he immediately put on a smile.

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