One man's resistance against Japan, I mobilized a million people to aid Shanghai.

Washington, D.C., South Lawn of the White House.

One day ago.

The sky was a delightful Washington blue, and the sun generously shone on the manicured lawns, making the white colonnades and fluttering Stars and Stripes stand out vividly.

However, even more intense than the sun was the enthusiasm of the people here.

An unprecedented open-air press conference is underway.

Not only journalists, but also thousands of celebrities from all walks of life, representatives of veterans, family members of soldiers, and countless ordinary people who spontaneously gathered outside the fence waving small flags.

The loudspeaker clearly projected the sound from the podium to every corner.

On the podium, President Roosevelt sat in a wheelchair. Although his face was still pale from long-term fatigue, his deep-set eyes were brighter than ever before.

He was dressed in a well-fitting dark suit and tie, with a confident and determined smile on his lips.

On his left and right sides, high-ranking military and political officials, including Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, Secretary of the Army Henry Stimson, and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Harold Stark, lined up.

They all stood tall and proud, with smiles on their faces, looking confident of victory.

"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of the Bald Eagle,"

Roosevelt's infectious voice resonated throughout the hall via the microphone.

"We gather here today not only to announce the departure of a fleet, but also to herald the beginning of a new era!"

"The dawn of an era where justice will triumph over evil, civilization will dispel barbarity, and freedom will illuminate the entire Pacific Ocean and the world!"

Thunderous applause erupted, mixed with excited whistles and cheers.

Roosevelt slightly raised his hand to signal for silence, and continued:

"In the past few weeks, we have witnessed the suffering of our allies in the Far East, and we have also witnessed the madness of Zhu Ganglie, the most brutal demon in the history of human civilization."

"His ambition knows no bounds, and his methods have no bottom line."

"From Japan to Manila, his achievements were built on countless bones."

"But today, I want to tell that butcher from the East, and all people around the world who love freedom and peace, that his good days are over!"

He turned to the side and pointed to the huge map of the Pacific Ocean behind him. On the map, a thick red arrow originating from Pearl Harbor was pointing powerfully towards the western Pacific Ocean.

"Look here! Our mighty Pacific Fleet has completed an unprecedented assembly in history!"

"More than twelve aircraft carriers, including the newest Essex-class! Hundreds of the most advanced warships! More than three thousand of the world's best carrier-based aircraft!"

With each number announced, the cheers from the audience grew louder.

Reporters' flashes went off wildly, capturing the president's every gesture and expression.

"This force,"

Roosevelt's voice was powerful, "enough to crush any obstacle in its path!"

"It is about to set sail westward, to find and destroy Zhu Ganglie's main naval force, regain control of the Pacific Ocean, and sever the clutches of that demon!"

Navy Secretary Knox stepped forward at the opportune moment and took over the conversation.

"Mr. President, you are absolutely right! Our industrial machinery is running at full speed, and the number of warships launched in the past month exceeds that of the previous three years!"

"Our pilot training school is producing the finest falcons using a three-shift system!"

"Zhu Ganglie's navy may have acquired some warships by chance, but they will be utterly vulnerable in the face of our overwhelming air superiority!"

"Victory will surely belong to the bald eagle!"

Roosevelt listened with satisfaction to his subordinates' additions, his smile growing even brighter.

He turned back to the crowd and delivered an even more inspiring message: "And citizens, we are not fighting alone!"

"In the East, our valiant ally, Baldy, has led his million-strong army in a fierce counterattack against Zhu Ganglie's flank along the Yangtze River!"

"Good news keeps pouring in!"

"Meanwhile, in the north, the reformed Japanese forces have inflicted heavy blows on the enemy in North China!"

"In the far west, the British fleet is heading to Southeast Asia, and Zhu Ganglie is already the enemy of the whole world."

The crowd below the stage erupted in even more enthusiastic cheers.

A pincer attack from the east and west! A coordinated response from the north and south!

This is an absolute trap! Zhu Ganglie has no chance of escape this time!

"The international community has seen through Zhu Ganglie's true nature!"

Roosevelt waved his arms, making his signature gesture.

"The free world is united!"

"What we are defending is not merely the interests of a few countries or regions, but the cornerstone of all human civilization!"

His speech reached its climax; his voice, hoarse with excitement, became even more powerful.

"Therefore, today, I stand here as the President of the Bald Eagle to solemnly declare to you: the darkness is about to pass, and dawn is just around the corner!"

"The Pacific Fleet is the first ray of dawn piercing through this darkness!"

"Zhu Ganglie's final judgment will soon be carried out by the warriors of the Bald Eagle!"

"God bless our fleet! God bless the Bald Eagle!"

"Victory is with us!"

"Victory! Victory! Victory!!"

The shouts, as loud as a mountain and as powerful as a tsunami, resounded across the south lawn and soared into the sky.

People embraced and wept with excitement, as if they could already see the triumphant fleet and Zhu Ganglie's demise.

Roosevelt basked in the overwhelming support and felt a surge of pride.

In his plan, the Pacific Fleet would advance westward to draw away Zhu Ganglie's main naval force, the National Revolutionary Army would contain his land forces in East China, the remnants of the Japanese army would cause trouble in North China, and the Royal Navy would provide support in the Indian Ocean...

A perfect net has been cast.

Even if Zhu Ganglie has some ability, what waves can he make in the face of absolute national power, industrial strength and global alliances?

He was already considering how to deliver a national address after the fleet's initial victory, how to reward those who had contributed, how to plan the post-war order in Asia, and how to ensure the absolute dominance of the United States in the Pacific...

However, just as he reached the pinnacle of his life... a sudden change occurred!

Inside the White House, the radio lights suddenly began flashing wildly, emitting a sharp, piercing alarm.

The officers' expressions changed instantly. They hurriedly grabbed their earphones, put them on, and quickly began transcribing.

However, after they fully received the telegram's contents, they were so terrified that they collapsed to the ground...

A telegraph operator immediately reported the matter, and the White House Chief of Staff rushed over. Upon seeing the telegram, his eyes instantly turned red.

Without a second thought, he rushed out of the confidential room and ran frantically toward Roosevelt outside the White House.

"Mr. President..."

The chief of staff's voice was extremely low, yet it trembled uncontrollably.

Roosevelt, who was speaking passionately, suddenly had a bad feeling.

But as a politician who had weathered many storms, he remained calm and even gave a reassuring smile to the crowd below who had begun to whisper among themselves.

At the same time, he tilted his head slightly and said in a voice that only those around him could hear:

"What happened?"

The chief of staff's lips trembled, seemingly unable to form words, and he handed the telegrams directly to Roosevelt.

Roosevelt took it and looked down at it.

At first glance, he thought he was seeing things, or that it was a false alarm from some low-level communications station, or even a deceptive message from the enemy.

But upon closer inspection, the series of shocking words on it felt like a red-hot branding iron, searing his retina.

A bone-chilling cold pierced directly into the depths of his soul.