$945 Be ready

The sea breeze howled, carrying a bit of saltiness and uneasiness, raging in the confrontation area between the warships of Xiaguo and the United States.

On the sea, the waves were surging, as if even the power of nature was foreshadowing the coming storm.

The sun was blocked by heavy clouds, and only a few rays of light occasionally shone through, illuminating the cold metal on the ships of both sides, adding a bit of solemnity.

Arthur Grayson, the young general from the United States, dressed in a neat officer's uniform, stood on the deck of the flagship with a cold and firm look.

His eyes penetrated the heavy fog, as if he could see every subtle change on the battlefield.

Although he was facing an opponent like Xiaguo with a long history and strong military power, there was no fear or hesitation on his face.

At this time, a short Japanese officer with a headband on his head walked quickly to Arthur Grayson in small steps.

The officer was flattering and servile, saying, "Lord Arthur, we are ready and can attack at any time."

The officer's name was Ichiro Arita, and he was specially sent by Japan.

This mission was to assist Arthur Grayson in attacking Xia.

Arthur Grayson glanced at Ichiro Arita with a cold look, and ordered without a trace of emotion, "Okay, your fleet moves forward and prepare for battle."

After that, he turned and left the command room.

Arthur Grayson never took Japan seriously.

In his view, it was just an isolated island country that surrendered to the feet of the United States and was their slave.

This time, Arthur Grayson planned to let the Japanese army rush to the front line to consume the strength of Xia.

Anyway, it didn't matter to him how many Japanese died.

As long as Xia could be successfully taken, everything would be worth it.

Standing beside him, Ichiro Arita was slightly hunched, with beads of sweat on his forehead gleaming in the occasional sunlight.

As an assisting officer sent by Japan, he was well aware of his awkward position in this international game - both a pawn of the United States and a guardian of his own national interests.

Facing Arthur Grayson's order, his heart was full of contradictions and struggles.

"Lord Arthur, please allow me to remind you again that although our fleet has made every effort to prepare, facing the strong strength of the Xia Navy, a direct charge may be..."

Ichiro Arita's voice was trembling a little. He tried to express his concerns in a more euphemistic way, but the fear in his words was difficult to conceal.

Hearing this, Arthur Grayson sneered. He turned around and looked at Ichiro Arita with a knife-like gaze: "Mr. Arita, you should know that war is never a fair contest. In this game, the weak can only serve as stepping stones to pave the way for the strong. Your fleet is an indispensable sacrifice in this battle."

There was no emotional fluctuation in his tone, as if he was talking about something that was very ordinary.

In Arthur Grayson's view, Japan was just a chess piece on the huge strategic chessboard of the United States, and its fate had long been determined.

"But don't worry, your sacrifice will not be in vain. The United States will remember your contribution and give corresponding rewards at some point in the future."

There was a hint of temptation in his words, trying to dispel Ichiro Arita's concerns.

However, Ichiro Arita's face became even paler.

He knew that no matter how much the United States promised, it could not make up for the tragic fate that Japanese soldiers were about to face.

But he also understood that he could not disobey Arthur Grayson's orders.

In front of the powerful United States, Japan can only choose to obey.

"Yes... yes, Lord Arthur. We... we will obey your orders."

Ichiro Arita swallowed hard and squeezed out this sentence.

His eyes were full of helplessness and despair, as if he had foreseen the upcoming tragedy.

With Arthur Grayson's order, the Japanese fleet slowly moved forward, ready to meet the doomed cruel battle.

................

In the ancient and solemn hall of Xiaguo.

The sunlight shone through the exquisite window lattices on the carved beams and painted buildings, but it failed to dispel the tension and uneasiness in the hall.

The elder sat on the main seat, his face as deep as an ancient pond, as if he could see through the essence of all things in the world.

Zhou Liu walked up to the elder, bowed, and reported in a deep voice: "Elder, the latest intelligence shows that the United States has gathered heavy troops in its border waters, and is ready to launch an attack at any time. What is more worrying is that this time they not only went to the battlefield themselves, but also pulled Japan as an ally, and the Japanese fleet has quietly joined their ranks."

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the hall.

The officials looked at each other, with both worries about the powerful enemy's pressure and indignation at Japan's erratic behavior.

"Humph, Japanese!"

An official with a strong temperament couldn't help but slammed the table and said angrily, "They are like fence-sitters, swaying with the wind, and have no position to speak of. Last time, they came to us to seek peace with a solemn oath, and their words were sincere, as if they really repented, but in the blink of an eye, they turned to the United States. They are simply a lapdog who changes their course with the wind!"

Another official took over the conversation, his voice full of disdain: "Seeking peace? That's just because they are afraid of Lord Li Qingzhou's extraordinary strength. Now that the United States is backing them up, they think they have found a new backer and can do whatever they want. Little do they know that such behavior will only make them more despicable and more despised."

The elder frowned and scanned everyone present with a sharp gaze. He spoke slowly, and although his voice was soft, it was as shocking as thunder.

"Japan's actions are shameful, but we must not lose our sense of proportion. War is a contest of strength between countries, and it is also a game of will and wisdom. What we need to do is not to be angry or to curse, but to formulate strategies to completely defeat the enemy."

At this point, the elder paused and said more firmly: "General Zhou Liu, you must immediately mobilize the elite of our Xia country to strengthen coastal defense. At the same time, closely monitor the enemy's movements and find their flaws. Remember, we must exchange the greatest victory for the smallest price. Let the world see that Xia country will always be that sacred and inviolable place!"

When Zhou Liu heard this, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes. He bowed and accepted the order, turned around and strode out of the hall, ready to meet the upcoming challenge.