A nation's industrial development begins with junior engineers.

"Ah."

Uncle Jin responded to the man's respect with a short syllable through his nose, his gaze remaining fixed on the flickering flame at his fingertips.

After a moment, as if remembering something, he added in a casual tone, as if discussing the weather, "This is an internal matter for your Navy Self-Defense Force; as long as the procedures are followed, that's fine. As for me, I just happened to be there and was listening in. You don't need to report to me."

Just happened to be there? Or maybe I was just passing by and wanted to listen?

Shinohara Ichiro's eyes twitched slightly beneath his lowered eyelids.

This Mr. Kim has recently been making waves in intelligence and military coordination circles in East Asia and even the entire Asia-Pacific region. He is frequently seen at private banquets of the Seventh Fleet's top brass, non-public meetings of the Ministry of Defense, and even some international internal briefings where even someone of Shinohara's rank has only heard of him.

Such a person, at such a sensitive moment, "coincidentally" appeared in this command room to listen to a report on a minor submarine accident.

Ghost letter!

Shinohara Ichiro lowered his head further into the ground: "Mr. Jin is quite right. It was I who... misspoke. This is indeed my duty, and I will certainly do my best to handle all the follow-ups properly, to ensure... to ensure that everything is calm and there are no complications."

These words are almost a blatant statement.

He no longer attempted to distinguish between "internal affairs" and "external matters," but instead directly promised to "properly handle all follow-ups" and guarantee "calm and peaceful times." This is tantamount to tacitly assuming that the execution standards and ultimate direction of the so-called "maritime self-defense responsibilities" will fully comply with the implicit demands of this "coincidentally" person.

It seemed that only then did Uncle Jin truly shift his gaze from the lighter and place it on Shinohara's back, which was almost bent at a ninety-degree angle.

His gaze was a bit strange, as if he were looking at a tool that had finally been properly adjusted.

"Shinohara-kun is a wise man."

"Then, once the 'early tide' comes to shore, I'll trouble you, as a senior, to take care of the necessary care and reminders. After all, young people who have experienced major accidents are prone to confusion and need the help of someone who has been through it... to sort out their thoughts and see the road ahead clearly."

"Hai!" Shinohara responded immediately, his voice suddenly rising.

"Please rest assured! I will communicate with Lord Junichiro in the most appropriate way, and make sure he fully understands the 'special nature' of the current situation and the 'continuity' of his own responsibilities. There will be absolutely no... any unrealistic misunderstandings or negligence!"

Shinohara's words were forceful and showed his loyalty, but his understanding of "specialness" and "continuity" was probably not the same as what Uncle Jin was thinking.

He had no idea what had happened deep inside the Hayashio, nor was he aware of the secret agreement between Junichiro and us regarding technology transfer.

All of Shinohara's compromises and loyalty at this moment stemmed from her fear of the invisible yet omnipresent immense pressure represented by Mr. Kim, as well as her survival instinct to grasp at any sliver of personal gain in this desperate situation.

He received the instruction precisely that "Junichiro must be made to submit," and was determined to carry it out without fail. As for the deeper strategic implications behind this instruction, that was neither something he should ask nor something he dared to ask.

A good tool doesn't need to understand its owner's entire plan; it just needs to be sharp and easy to use.

"It's good that Shinohara-kun has this awareness."

Uncle Jin watched as the struggling light in the other person's eyes gradually dimmed before continuing in a heartfelt tone:

"Shinohara-kun, you've served in the JMSDF for almost thirty years, rising step by step from graduating from Etajima to become the Chief of Operations. It hasn't been easy. I heard your son is studying naval architecture at UC Berkeley? A very ambitious young man."

Shinohara's pupils suddenly contracted, and a chill ran down his spine.

It's a motor!

Uncle Jin seemed to be just chatting casually: "Berkeley has a free academic atmosphere, which is great. However, as you know, they always scrutinize and pay special attention to foreign students in certain sensitive technology fields. Especially... if a student's family member holds an important position in the foreign military. A small 'misunderstanding' or 'administrative review' could delay things for a long time, and even affect graduation and future work visas."

Shinohara's face turned pale. His son was his pride, but also his most vulnerable weakness.

"Of course, these are all avoidable troubles." Uncle Jin's tone shifted subtly again, even sounding "considerate."

"I still have some old connections in the Seventh Fleet and certain departments of the Pentagon. They have always valued deep cooperation with reliable allies. The next phase of our joint anti-submarine special operations framework is currently selecting a core coordinator from the Japanese side."

This position requires not only professional skills, but also absolute reliability and...a clear mind. I remember, Shinohara-kun, your resume and expertise are a perfect fit.”

Shinohara's heart pounded. That position was the stepping stone he had always dreamed of, meaning direct access to the core of the joint command system between the two countries, where his influence and career advancement would be vastly different!

With a casual gesture, Uncle Jin grasped his lifeline with one hand and opened the door to the pinnacle for him with the other.

"As for Junichiro's family," Uncle Jin's tone softened, "how many of the documents for their merchant fleets traveling the oceans can withstand the Seventh Fleet's 'partner-style random inspections'? Whether they enjoy fast passage or frequently 'cooperate with investigations' leading to delays and soaring costs, often depends on a simple conversation between us friends."

Fear, longing for the future, the lure of enormous profits, and a sense of powerlessness in the face of reality intertwine to form an impenetrable net that binds Shinohara tightly.

“Look, Shinohara-kun…”

Uncle Jin's seductive words kept seeping into Shinohara's mind:

"Our goals are not contradictory. You desire a stable family life and a successful career. I desire a solid partnership and strict adherence to the treaty."

It would be most appropriate for you to have an 'internal conversation' with Junichiro. You represent a certain 'consensus and bottom line within the system,' and this kind of pressure is more effective than direct pressure from an outsider like me, and it also... preserves the last bit of necessary dignity for him.

After all, he still needs to lead his family in the future, and even establish himself within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Uncle Jin stood up, walked over to Shinohara, and gently pressed his hand on Shinohara's stiff shoulder.

"Once this matter is handled well, I will arrange for the right person at Berkeley to 'take care' of your son and ensure his studies proceed smoothly. I will personally oversee the recommendation from the Joint Anti-Submarine Coordinator. The Junichiro family's fleet will naturally receive the benefits befitting their status as 'allies'."

"on the contrary……"

If Junichiro has any inappropriate thoughts, or if there's any unpleasant leak of our 'efficient communication method'... then all the little things I just mentioned could potentially escalate in the most regrettable way. You're a sensible person; you know how to choose what's best for everyone.”

Colonel Shinohara closed his eyes and took a deep breath:

"Hai! Mr. Kim, I understand completely. Please rest assured, I will have a 'full and in-depth' conversation with Lord Junichiro to ensure that he has the clearest and firmest understanding of the current situation and future obligations!"

Uncle Jin gave a gentle smile: "It's a pleasure doing business with you!"

Colonel Shinohara's lips twitched slightly, a gesture that could be considered a response. Yes, a conversation that never took place, a role that had to be played perfectly.

He became the obedient and absolutely secretive "white glove" in Uncle Kim's hands.

Even now, he still doesn't know what Uncle Jin wants him to do, but being a tool is fine.

He has been a tool for the mascot for decades, and now that he has a new owner, he doesn't feel uncomfortable at all.

Moreover, the current master is clearly much more powerful!

……

"Shinohara-kun, please wait." Uncle Jin's voice came calmly, without turning around. "Just do what you're supposed to do."

Shinohara immediately stopped and bowed deeply: "Hai! Respectfully seeing off Mr. Kim."

Uncle Jin said no more and strolled towards the door. As he passed the huge Western Pacific nautical chart on the wall, his steps seemed to pause almost imperceptibly. On the chart, the planned return route of the "Hayashio" was clearly marked with a red dotted line, winding from the Bohai Strait towards Kyushu Island.

Then, with remarkable ease, he reached out and took a bright red thumbtack from the wooden frame at the edge of the nautical chart.

Without hesitation, he raised his hand and firmly pressed the thumbtack into the center of the map.

"Red looks better!"