The room fell into an eerie silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. After a long silence, Uehara Junpei finally spoke: "I remember ten days ago, the intelligence network sent back important intelligence, ascertaining the timing of the Chinese general offensive in northern Jiangxi, which helped the 106th Division break through successfully. For this, the Commander specifically praised our intelligence department for its outstanding performance. But those words are still ringing in my ears, and the entire intelligence network has already ceased to exist. What you're saying is truly unbelievable to me."
Takasaki Shigeo was extremely dejected. He pleaded again, "It is all our fault. I am willing to commit seppuku to atone for our sins. Please forgive me!"
Upon hearing this, Matsumoto Yoshimoto was immediately terrified. His mind went blank, and he felt a sudden wave of dizziness. Cold sweat broke out on his back. He had never expected Takasaki Shigeo to offer his own suicide as an apology. If Takasaki Shigeo committed suicide, how could he, as his deputy, face the consequences? Would he follow in his footsteps?
Matsumoto Yoshimoto wished he could chop Takasaki Shigeo to pieces. Wasn't this trying to drag him down with him? He didn't have the courage to commit suicide, but with Uehara Junpei watching the two of them intently, he didn't dare to utter a single word in his defense.
Fortunately, Uehara Junpei did not agree to Takasaki Shigeo's request. Although Takasaki Shigeo was undoubtedly guilty of destroying the intelligence network, he had specifically asked the commander to commend Takasaki Shigeo for his merits because of the previous incident involving the 106th Division. But to turn around and ask him to commit suicide would be a slap in his own face.
Furthermore, Takasaki Shigeo is his most trusted confidant, and his work ability has always been outstanding. He can't just cut off his own arm and send him to his death, can he?
"Takasaki, you are indeed to blame for the failure of this intelligence network. I will consider your punishment carefully. Right now, your most important task is not to commit suicide, but to build a new intelligence network as soon as possible, especially the meteorological observation team."
This defeat on the main battlefield has, undeniably, deprived us of the ability to continue the offensive. Next, we will politically pressure the Chongqing government to negotiate. The military has decided to intensify bombing raids on the Chongqing area to exert greater pressure. Therefore, this matter is of utmost urgency. You must immediately dispatch personnel to Chongqing to conduct weather observations. As for the intelligence team, it can be put on hold for now; it can be formed after this crackdown by the Military Intelligence Bureau has subsided.”
Uehara Junpei's words relieved both Takasaki Shigeo and Matsumoto Itsuki, who had finally returned from the brink of death. Takasaki Shigeo, too, had been put in a life-or-death situation. He knew his superior well; if Uehara Junpei truly intended to kill him, no amount of pleading would be of any use and would only have the opposite effect.
Conversely, if he is sincere and willing to take responsibility, Uehara Junpei might hesitate and spare his life out of consideration for their years of service. It seems that Uehara Junpei is willing to give him a chance.
Takasaki Shigeo couldn't help but feel his eyes well up with tears, and said in a choked voice, "Thank you for your forgiveness, General. I will immediately organize new personnel to enter Chongqing and resume meteorological reconnaissance work as soon as possible."
Matsumoto Yoshimoto, who was standing to the side, relaxed. His heart, which had been in his throat, finally settled down. Since Takasaki Shigeo had been let go, he would also escape this calamity.
Uehara Junpei then asked, "According to your previous account, the Chongqing intelligence network's work had been going smoothly. However, since Ning Zhiheng took over the crackdown, the situation has taken a sharp turn for the worse, with our personnel being captured one after another. Do you have any new measures to deal with such a formidable opponent? You know, even if you build a new intelligence network, you will still have to face him. You can't just repeat the same mistakes, can you?"
Uehara Junpei's words startled Takasaki Shigeo. To be honest, as things stand, he was not confident that he could compete with Ning Yanwang. So when he heard Uehara Junpei's question, Takasaki Shigeo was at a loss for words.
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