Starting from South America, speeding through the world

Chapter 264: Eight-Hong One-Yu Ditty
Germania.

At midnight.

This is an old hotel located on the edge of the core administrative district, which was used as a designated venue for receiving envoys before the war.

In the top-floor suite, two fully armed German guards stood watch outside the door, carrying rifles on their backs, clearly in a "combat-ready" configuration.

His gloves were tightly fastened, his leather boots were polished to a shine, his posture was upright, and his gaze never strayed more than half an inch from the end of the corridor.

The room has good sound insulation; the dark wood flooring makes almost no sound when you step on it.

Tetsuo Ito stood in front of the extinguished fireplace, with two cups of tea that had long since gone cold on the table.

His index finger trembled slightly, and his gaze was unfocused, as if it were still fixed on the telegram he had received five minutes earlier.

"Is it really a total annihilation?" Kuroda asked, sitting on the sofa, his face still showing disbelief.

There were no survivors.

"Where's the body?"

"It's still with the Germans. The operation site is being handled by the *Guards, and the handover process is still underway."

"What did they say?"

"We are actively pursuing the murderer."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ito finally turned around.

"There was blood, bullet holes, and bodies inside the carriage, but no shell casings and no explosive residue."

"The perpetrators used professional methods and left no video or photographic record."

Kuroda looked down at his hands.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted a formal request," he said.

“I know.” Ito nodded. “Precise wording and restrained demeanor.”

"Because we cannot afford the cost of completely enraging them at present."

Kuroda's voice was very soft, as if he were talking to himself, or as if he were reminding the other person.

Ito did not respond directly, but walked to the table, picked up the teapot and poured half a cup for each of them.

The steam dissipated rapidly into the air.

The clinking of the porcelain pieces sounded particularly jarring at that moment.

After a long pause, Kuroda suddenly spoke up: "They are our colleagues."

“I’ve met all those people before—Kishida, Yoshimura, and Ozawa. They even attended the South China Day celebration this year.”

“Yes.” Ito nodded. “They were also special envoys personally selected by His Majesty, and they were all slaughtered on the other side’s territory.”

"On the enemy's territory, they were slaughtered to death," Kuroda repeated the last few words in a daze.

Then, his lips moved as if he wanted to say "unacceptable" or "unforgivable," but all the words ultimately froze in his throat.

“You’re the person in charge,” Kuroda finally said in a low voice, “I’m not blaming you, but you must explain to the country—”

“I’ve already reported this,” Ito quickly interrupted the man. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ attitude also represents their view.”

"At the Imperial Conference, the Cabinet had no objection that all mediation should prioritize the interests of the Empire."

The two stared at each other in silence for a long time.

The light shone on the wooden floor, and the wall clock chimed once.

"Who do you think did it?" Kuroda asked.

Ito picked up the previous telegram and slowly read the last words:
"The identity of the attackers cannot yet be confirmed, and there is no evidence linking them to any imperial opposition forces."

"Is this what the Germans actually said?" Kuroda narrowed his eyes. "That's a bit too perfunctory."

"After all, this was an accident and a loss for us."

“But for them, it’s a golden opportunity.” Ito smiled coldly.

"*The Guards loathed this cooperation from the very beginning."

"They're betting that we'll turn against them because of this."

"We're betting we'll be angry, we'll protest, we'll withdraw from negotiations."

"That way, they can lock that plan away in the filing cabinet forever."

Kuroda snorted coldly.

“How despicable.” Ito did not refute.

"Unfortunately, they won't get their wish," he continued.

"We will not be swayed by this sacrifice. Because this sacrifice is part of the path itself."

Kuroda picked up his teacup, took two sips, and then put it back on the table.

“Kishida’s father was an instructor at the Army University,” he said.

"Yoshimura's younger brother is still serving on the front lines, and Ozawa was originally scheduled to return to Tokyo next month to preside over the research group's autumn report."

“They all know their responsibilities,” Ito’s expression grew increasingly somber. “And they understand what this mission means.”

Kuroda looked at him with a complicated expression.

"You mean, they died a worthy death?"

"We all know this road won't be smooth."

At this point, a different kind of expression appeared on Ito's face.

"What we need is not just the technology, equipment, and support we have now."

"What we seek is decisive power, the means to end war."

"And the world will certainly not hand over this key easily."

Kuroda nodded.

After a moment's thought, he still asked, "Did you ever hesitate?"

“Yes, there was one the moment I finished reading the telegram,” Ito frankly stated, “but it was only for a fleeting instant.”

"Our mission has never been to seek personal gain or loss, but to fight for the survival of the empire."

"Harmony among all nations."

"Eight directions, one universe".

"We cannot choose the hostility and conspiracies we face, but we can choose our attitude toward sacrifice."

"If their deaths can bring us ultimate victory on this continent—"

"That is the true meaning of serving one's country with seven lives."

Kuroda's heart began to pound uncontrollably.

To avoid losing his composure, he got up and went to the window, gazing at the dark night sky through the gaps in the sealed wooden planks.

Do you think this deal will ultimately go through?

“Of course,” Ito answered with certainty.

"They need resources, a stable output, and the experience we have."

"We only need a dozen or so finished products, and there is no technology transfer involved for the time being."

"A few formalities are still needed, but the details have already been agreed upon."

After hearing this, Kuroda said no more.

He put on his coat, went to the door, and stood there.

"The situation briefing tomorrow morning will proceed as scheduled," he said. "Everything will remain the same."

"Arrange the repatriation of Kishida and the others' remains," Ito instructed finally. "Proceed with the highest level of protocol."

“Of course.” Kuroda paused, then asked, “What will the document say?”

Ito barely hesitated before calmly saying:

"Our special envoy and several others were attacked by unidentified armed forces while carrying out a secret mission in Germany, and all of them were killed in the line of duty."

"You gentlemen faced your fates without flinching, remained steadfast in your resolve, and upheld righteousness and integrity even thousands of miles away. Though you die, you are still honored."

"His aspirations and integrity demonstrate the character of the imperial subjects; his loyalty and sincerity should serve as a model for future generations."

"Faced with danger, we do not retreat; we act without hesitation when ordered; we go to dangerous places without complaint; we are single-minded and do not shirk our heavy responsibilities."

"At that time and in that place, what I upheld was the duty of the nation, and what I bore was His Majesty's trust. It was not for my own selfish reasons, but truly concerned the safety of all nations."

"While we mourn their passing, we should also carry on their legacy, for their loyal spirit will never fade and their traditions will continue."

(End of this chapter)