Canteen System Assistance Notes

However, what he didn't know was that, in the wiretap link of the "North China No. 3" radio, a tiny electronic module had also been activated. It sent a start signal, began to collect the signal transmitted by the eavesdropper to the monitoring station, and conveniently blocked the audio signal to the monitoring station, replacing it with another piece of data in the register.

The concentrating Japanese monitor heard a noisy but penetrating male voice:

"Grunting and grumbling, slicing and grumbling... day after day, my heart felt like it was boiling with oil. All my travel expenses were spent. I sold my sword and bought a knife."

? ? ? ?

He listened carefully again and found that the voice had changed again:

"The Miluo River's deep waters ripple wildly, clouds surge over the majestic Wushan Mountains. In this dark and turbid world, I stand alone, stirring with righteous indignation and passionate song..."

Chapter 360 Itagaki Seishirō's Three Steps

Itagaki Seishirō had been feeling a bit uneasy lately. The chair in the North China Front Army headquarters always stuck to his butt. He'd recently replaced it with a Chinese-made armchair, which he'd gotten from a Peking antique market, but it still wasn't comfortable. He'd left Tieshishi Hutong again and visited the Forbidden City, where he'd tried the chairs, but they weren't comfortable either—it seemed like the same chairs used by Chinese emperors.

However, as the commander of the North China Expeditionary Force, Itagaki was in a good mood and generally in a good mood. He knew very well where these looming tensions came from.

I also understand that the current situation is not caused by me alone,

I understand that the predicament in North China cannot be resolved by myself alone—so why should I be so uneasy?

He then asked someone to buy a bubble cushion wrapped in yellow embroidered cloth, and returned to the former Duan Qirui Presidential Palace, No. 1 Tieshishi Hutong, now the headquarters of the North China Front Army, to begin planning his next move.

————―———

The end of 1940 was a difficult year for the North China Front Army. Although they had achieved long-lost victories, seizing the crucial Changzhi-Jincheng region and the Zhongtiao Mountains, and defeating both the Eighth Route Army and the Nationalist Army, the expansion of their occupied territory further stretched their already stretched forces, exacerbating public security. General Itagaki, using his power of face, quickly scattered the five divisions of red-paper soldiers he had requested across North China, never to be seen again.

While North China appeared peaceful and tranquil, with the Imperial Army controlling every major city, outside of the transportation lines, the undercurrents surged like a tidal wave beneath the surface. Not to mention the remote areas, even within the city of Peking, he could sometimes sense, through the window, a lingering illusion—as if a pair of eyes were constantly watching him with ill intent.

However, everything has two sides. From the perspective of a veteran official, a king of connections and a seasoned official, this was a golden period for Itagaki Seishirō.

During his more than one-year term, Itagaki swept away the shadow of General Bian Suofei being beaten to a pulp by the Eighth Route Army, even to the point of losing two independent mixed brigades. He successfully routed the main force of the Eighth Route Army defending Changzhi and drove a fatal wedge into the Taihang Mountains, where the Eighth Route Red Army was entrenched, severing their base area in two.

In just a few months, General Itagaki, with his foresight, devised the "Fear Plan," which incited rebellion and divided Yan's forces in Shanxi Province, allowing the Nationalist and Communist parties to jointly annihilate them. Without firing a single shot or shedding a drop of blood, the Imperial Army eliminated a major resistance force entrenched in Shanxi Province and an entire Nationalist war zone!

In 15, General Itagaki personally commanded and led the army to defeat the Zhongtiaoshan area, eliminating the last heavy troops north of the Yellow River, and freeing up sufficient manpower to completely wipe out the North China Red Army. His achievements are truly outstanding and will be remembered for generations to come!

Such achievements were so dazzling that even the deaths of mountain warfare experts in dry toilets and the crushing defeat of the aviation team at Hejin were powerless to overshadow their brilliance. "Wisdom is worse than taking advantage of the situation."

Itagaki Seishirō, a political animal, was only so-so in combat, but his mastery of social conventions and officialdom was exceptional. The situation in North China was no secret; anyone with a discerning eye could see it, and the crucial point at the end of 1940 was also the time for a crucial operation.

Itagaki Seishirō summoned his trusted lieutenant, Tamura Yoshitomi, to use his connections, and used public funds to buy him a plane ticket to return to Tokyo to "report on his work." Before leaving, Itagaki also gave him a large sum of money from his own pocket, telling him to first contact his old superior, Muto Akira, and then "get some help" from him.

What activity? As a long-term partner, Tamura Xifu knew the commander's intention without much explanation. As a qualified subordinate, he would naturally arrange everything.

Invincible and Brave, the Imperial Army Cuts Off the Red Army's Lifeline

The Reversal of the Situation in Northern China, the Divine Skills of Mr. Itagaki

"Destroy Yan! Fight Chiang! Eliminate the Red Bandits! The situation in North China is improving!"

For a time, following the explosive news in many newspapers, the sounds of clinking glasses and cheerful conversation filled Tokyo's geisha houses, upscale restaurants, izakayas, and even some soup restaurants. Even as the streets outside began to simmer with the atmosphere of impending war, these people continued to mingle fearlessly, drinking and consuming bottles of pricey Junmai Daiginjo, as if nothing else mattered to them.

The so-called peace and prosperity of the empire, the indispensable "off-field activities" in the Japanese army system, is now.

The experienced Itagaki Seishirō knew the situation in North China was about to deteriorate, plunging him into an irreversible death spiral. He needed a chance to escape. However, according to Japanese Army tradition, he absolutely could not resign—resignation was often followed by the phrase "suicide," meaning to commit suicide by slitting open one's stomach. I, Itagaki, wanted to escape this hardship and seize the opportunity for advancement, not to seek death.

It was impossible for Itagaki Seishirō to request a lateral transfer, as this often meant taking the blame and was often accompanied by punishment. In the context of the Army, only when a position was deemed incompetent would one be transferred elsewhere, in search of a more capable person to take over the mess.

The only way to completely escape the suffering in North China is to "get promoted early"! Yes, get promoted!

Itagaki felt his connections weren't as strong as those of his predecessor, Sugiyama Hajime. That "Ben-sho-tobi" general had strong connections across all factions, and even after a crushing defeat, he was promoted to Chief of Staff, then quickly climbed a half-level to become Military Councilor, becoming a member of the Emperor's military advisory staff. Even with his own "face-saving skills," Itagaki still needed some extra off-the-field maneuvering: he had to discuss his achievements and battle results without appearing to be boastful, and he had to demonstrate that all this was for the good of the Empire.

Under the manipulation of Adjutant Tamura, Itagaki Seishirō instantly became an imperial right-hand man who had the empire in his heart and was loyal to the country. He was speaking earnestly and impassionedly: Look! Move me to another place, and I will definitely be able to shine better.

Wasn't there a three-step plan? Look! Isn't it all accomplished now? Under my command, the North China Expeditionary Force first dismantled the Yan army in Shanxi Province, then went on to annihilate the Nationalist army's First War Zone and liberate the troops in the Zhongtiao Mountains!

What? You mean the third step? Destroy all the Red Army troops in Shanxi Province, take control of the province, and then join forces with the Central China Expeditionary Force to attack from both north and south, entering Yiling, breaking through the gorge, and directly taking the mountain city, completely ending the Sino-Japanese incident and occupying the mainland? What's that? I don't understand a word you're saying!

The three-step plan only has two steps, so shouldn't it be normal to do two of the three steps at once?

-----—--

"So what do you think about this personnel arrangement?"

After the Army Ministry got off work, the Military Affairs Bureau, which was in charge of personnel transfers, started its usual day of work. Several leaders who had been mobilized were sitting in the teahouse, drinking tea comfortably, watching the geisha's performance, and talking about work.

"Mister Itagaki's achievements are naturally obvious to all. I believe his application for promotion upon his return to Japan should be approved," said Director of the Military Affairs Bureau, Akira Muto, who was a senior colleague of Tamura Yoshitomi and had received many benefits. It was natural for him to speak well of his junior superior. "Now, as for... the position of Chief of the General Staff, what do you all think?"

"Good, this position will oversee the overall strategic plan. Lord Itagaki has served as Minister of War and has experience in frontline command, so he's naturally a perfect fit."

"I second the motion. The current army needs someone with real achievements to lead the charge. The previous Chief General, Prince Kan'in, was ordered to resign by His Majesty for unknown reasons."

But there must be some things that go against the Emperor's wishes.

We can definitely do this.”

Colleagues who have also participated in events and receptions agreed with this view.

"However, if Lord Itagaki comes to the General Staff Headquarters, who will be in charge of all matters in North China?"

Amidst the chorus of agreement, someone suddenly raised the question. Indeed, who could take over Itagaki's duties and continue the Imperial Army's glory? "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a suggestion. I wonder if it's acceptable."

The head of the Army's Military Affairs Section, Saburo Kawamura, looked around and offered his opinion on the issue. "Look, everyone, General Okamura, the former commander of the 11th Army of the Central China Expeditionary Force, has not yet been appointed."

Section Chief Kawamura, who had received a greater benefit than the others, struck while the iron was hot. "Such a talented person in the Empire has been idle at home for six months since being summoned back to Japan by Prince Kan'in in March. What a pity! Why not have him take over Lord Itagaki's position?"

Chapter 361 Okamura Neiji's Shiver

The former commander of the 11th Army of the Central China Expeditionary Army, the third of the Three Crows of the Showa era, Okamura Yasuji.

In the original time and space, this guy who promoted the Three Alls Policy on a large scale, inherited and promoted the Iron Wall Encirclement Policy, set up a large number of artillery towers to blockade the anti-Japanese base areas, and cruelly carried out the policies of "clearing the countryside", "nibbling away", and "mopping up" the anti-Japanese base areas, but escaped punishment because of Chiang Kai-shek's protection after the war, often becomes the "big boss" of our party and army in many works. He is the kind of person who will win the war of resistance as long as he is defeated.

Such kindness is enough to reflect the damage this commander caused to the entire anti-Japanese situation. He did not have the confidence of Sugiyama Gen to repeat himself, nor did he have the understanding of Tada Shun who did not know the reason behind it. He was also more cunning and humble than Itagaki Seishirō. He would not always immerse himself in his own world, but was willing to calm down and learn why the enemy succeeded and why he failed.

However, this cunning and suspicious commander is now forced to slack off in Tokyo.

In March 1940, he was suddenly summoned to Tokyo by his old patron, the Meiji era veteran, Taisho era marshal, and imperial general Kan'in no Miyabi. After being appointed as a lieutenant general and councilor, Okamura Yasuji lived in Tokyo with nothing to do.

He felt as if he had offended some great authority and been left in a sinecure, neglected. Soon after, Prince Kan'in Yasuhito, who had summoned him, was also ordered to resign. If this continued, Okamura Yasuji might end up like this, waiting to be transferred to the reserve and retired alongside General Bensho Tobi, who had already been promoted to general. Contrary to what many people believed, the capable Okamura Yasuji was not a popular figure within the Japanese Army. After that, even if he inquired, he could not obtain any information about his next move.

Helplessly, Okamura, who could not sit still, could only hang around the news class of the Army Military Investigation Department every day, guiding them to write "Headquarters Battle Report", "Headquarters Broadcast" and "Friendship Report". Neiji Amamiura, who had worked in the front line of the intelligence system for a long time, actually had good writing skills, and was much better at this than those young people who just graduated from school.

It was not until the end of October 1949 that Okamura Yasuji finally received his transfer order.

Former North China Front Commander Seishirō Itagaki was commended for his outstanding military achievements and appointed to replace the dismissed Prince Kan'in Yasuhito as Chief of Staff at the Imperial General Staff Headquarters. The position of Commander of the North China Expeditionary Army would be handed to him.

After packing his luggage, he boarded the regular flight between the headquarters and Korea, and then took the train to arrive at Sijiucheng, the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties. Okamura Yasuji successfully met with the current commander of the North China Expeditionary Army, Itagaki Seishirō. The two sides exchanged transfer orders and greeted each other. The atmosphere was very harmonious.

It was just that Itagaki Seishirō was happy about his departure, while Okamura Yasuji was happy that he finally had something to do and could show his talents. As a guest, Okamura Yasuji was first warmly welcomed by Commander Itagaki and enjoyed a sumptuous welcoming banquet.

The table was filled with the commander's favorite pure rice sake, sashimi shipped from Tanggu Port, milk-based pastries from the outskirts of Tokyo, and, of course, Wamo mochi. A cheerful Itagaki Seishirō, unreservedly drinking, introduced the subordinates who would be staying on to Okamura, meticulously explaining who excelled in what and whose weaknesses lay within.

Okamura Neiji was deeply moved by this and expressed his sincere gratitude, "Thank you for your hard work, Itagaki-san! You have achieved such a significant victory for the Empire, and you are truly an example that inspires us to strive forward bravely!" "That's not necessary, Okamura-san! Your politeness is actually embarrassing me."

Itagaki Seishirō quickly returned the toast. Though they were classmates at the Army Academy, Okamura was his senior at the Army University. Such flattery was a bit demeaning. "These are just some insignificant achievements. I believe that Fengcun-san will create even greater achievements in North China!"

According to the tradition of the Japanese Army, after the welcoming banquet, it is time for both sides to hand over their work to each other.

In an era without the aid of electronic systems, the handover of a high-ranking leader involved the exchange of numerous documents and personnel changes. For a regional front command, handling the transfer of so many files was a complex undertaking. The new and veteran staff officers of the North China Expeditionary Army divided into several groups, busying themselves back and forth for nearly two weeks before they finally completed the various tasks.

According to the tradition of the Japanese Army, at this time, the newly appointed commander, General Okamura Yasuji, needed to host a banquet to see off the departing Itagaki Seishirō. In this banquet, Okamura became the host and Itagaki became the guest, symbolizing that the handover between the two parties had been completed.

"Hirata-kun, this banquet is very important. You know more about the situation in Gaojing, so I'll leave it all to you." Okamura, who had finally finished all this, sat in his office in Tieshishi Hutong and breathed a sigh of relief.

It was almost time for Itagaki-san to leave. After some thought, he called his deputy chief of staff. "Next, I need to review the intelligence summary and current situation report for North China. I'd appreciate it if you could arrange it. Someone with a slightly better level than Chief Itagaki would be fine."

"Hey, I understand, Commander."

Hirata Masanori was incredibly quick. Within two days, he'd organized a sizable dinner banquet, just as Okamura had planned. Held at the North China Expeditionary Army's headquarters, the banquet was prepared by invited Chinese, Japanese, and Western chefs. The menu consisted of three sections: Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisine. Whether it was estate-grade ice wine purchased from Tsinghua University, roast duck from Quan*Germany, Western-style snacks rarely seen in Peking, or steak grilled in soy sauce, the table was overflowing with dishes, representing the pinnacle of dining and drinking at the moment.

"Haha! Such a sumptuous feast! This must have cost Commander Okamura a fortune."

The sumptuous meal delighted Itagaki Seishirō greatly. He expertly found a bottle opener, opened the wooden cork of his ice wine, and toasted the newly appointed Okamura Neiji.

The first sip of the wine was the sweetness that Japanese people love, with a hint of tannin and a hint of alcohol. It was an indescribable taste. Okamura Yasuji, who had not participated in the planning of the dinner, was quite amazed at the taste of this wine. Apart from the French champagne he drank at the University of the Continental Army, he had not tasted such a delicious wine in a long time.

"Honestly, this kind of wine is perfect with grilled fish dishes," Itagaki shared his opinion, "but I also like to pair it with senbei and fruit algae.

Only then did Okamura Yasuji notice that the table was filled with snacks to accompany his wine. On one of these, a delicately decorated bamboo dish held a row of translucent "cakes." The cakes were golden in color, yet translucent and bright, with a peeled tangerine peel inside. Under the light, they shimmered, a truly beautiful sight.

On another porcelain plate lay stacks of salty, fragrant senbei (rice crackers), some rectangular and some round, roasted to a golden, crispy finish. The large, round ones were studded with kelp flakes, like dots of green on a golden landscape.

He grabbed a slice and drank it with the wine. The wine's sweetness and the salty, crispy texture collided and overlapped, whirring and resonating in his mouth, eventually transforming into a soft, aromatic aftertaste that flowed down his throat into his stomach, bringing a warmth and slight intoxication like the warm sun in the cold winter.

"Director Itagaki, I never thought that I could enjoy such a delicious food in the northern part of the country."

"That's right, you have to master the timing of drinking. Otherwise, the alcohol will destroy the crisp texture of the senbei, and it will lose its flavor." Looking at Okamura Yasuji's intoxicated look, Itagaki Seishirō added, "I'll tell you this technique too, haha..."

"General Itagaki, what are you doing..."

After finishing his drink, Okamura met Itagaki Seishirō's gaze, only to find the former commander's eyes moist. His words were cheerful, yet there was a hint of sadness. Itagaki didn't reply. Instead, he glanced around the table, fixated on a few items, and then nodded at Okamura Neiji.

The dinner ended in this strange joy.

The drunken staff officers and generals were sent back by their respective orderlies. Soon, only Okamura Yasuji and Itagaki Seishirō were left at the banquet table at No. 1 Tieshishi Hutong.

Itagaki Seishirō glanced at Okamura and pulled a metal rod from under the table, a tool used in the staff room to point at sand tables. He rubbed his palms, stretched the rod, and pointed at the scraps on the table. "Commander Okamura, this will probably cost a package of Muroran Crafts' No. 7 turning tools, twelve of them. I think we'll get a large package."

"Well, let me think about it. We need 50 Type 38 rifle bridge plates. You know, a lot of these get lost on the battlefield. Just report a small loss, that's all."

After giving some pointers, Itagaki tapped the transparent bottle of ice wine with a metal rod, making a dinging sound. "This one's quite expensive, usually sold in packs of six. If you have a VIP card, you can trade it for a medic's satchel—it should contain a large roll of sterile bandages, a few bottles of antidiarrheal medicine, a few boxes of morphine injections, and a box of cardiotonic. If you don't have that, you can get a box of tetanus serum."

Listening to Itagaki Seishirō's quiet and calm narration, Okamura Neiji frowned and calmed down. The happiness and joy of the banquet just now disappeared, and he got back to work. "Mr. General, you are talking about the price?" "Yes, the price. You and I both have experience working in the intelligence department. This price is not marked in yen, dollars, or military bonds. I believe you should know where it comes from."

-—------

Idiot....How could this happen?

In terms of intelligence experience, Kazemura Neji even had more than Itagaki Seishirō. Having worked in Jiao'ao and the Magic City, he was well versed in the rules of the intelligence system and was even more familiar with the black market, a common underworld in the supply-scarce Foot Kingdom.

This was a natural blue ocean for intelligence agents, where everything from intelligence to human lives could be bought and sold, and even supplies could be sold to intelligence agents to enrich themselves. As the occupying force and controller of North China, the Imperial Army clearly should have controlled the underground market here, or at least, completely controlled the black market in Peking!

And now, this mysterious supplier has actually gained crucial pricing power in the black market and has extended its reach into the city of Beijing, right under the noses of the North China Expeditionary Force! Who are "they"? Are they the British, the Americans, Chiang Kai-shek's army, the Kwantung Army, or...

"So you think I really cried because I ate delicious senbei jelly and drank delicious grape ice wine?" Itagaki Seishirō said slowly. Although his tone was extremely steady, it made Okamura shudder. "During my tenure, I tried my best to prevent the Imperial Empire's arms from appearing in the black market and tried my best to compete with them. Now, we are losing control of the black market, and you know what this means.

"Commander Okamura, the war is unpredictable. You must take care of yourself!"

Chapter 362: Shirai Yukiyuki's Handover

In Xila Hutong, Shirai Yukiyuki was packing up his things, as were the others in the alley. This was the headquarters of the "Haku Plan" in Peking, and also the former office of the "Matsui Agency." "Mr. Shirai, your documents."

"Oh! Thank you. Just put it on the table at the door!"

"Okay, please sign the document and put it in the document bag outside the door. We will come to pick it up later."

"Well, I understand. I've been working here a long time!" Seeing the clerk's panicked expression, Shirai Yukiyuki gently consoled him, "These are all standard practices. You've just arrived, and you're already thinking of explaining them to me. I'm sorry for your hard work." "Hey! Thank you, Director, for your understanding!"

The civilian officer put down the documents, closed the door, and left the office. Shirai Yukiyuki then lowered his head to pack up his belongings: documents, seals, and some personal items. A seasoned intelligence officer always had a good habit of sorting things, keeping everything he needed within easy reach.

But now, the Bo Project team is about to disband, and he needs to leave here.

Oh no, it’s a promotion.

As the saying goes, "When a man is promoted, his family and friends will rise to heaven." I don't know how many people will celebrate Itagaki Seishirō's promotion. For example, Tamura Yoshitomi, who is Itagaki's right-hand man in running relationships

Played an important role in the boss's promotion process, and

He was directly promoted to Chief of Operations in the Kwantung Army, and was expected to be promoted to Major General in a few years. Shirai Yukiyuki, one of Itagaki's key achievements upon his return to Japan and a key contributor to the success of the "Haku Plan," was no exception.

He also received news of his promotion out of nowhere.

This was good news for any traditional Japanese officer, but not for Shirai Yukiyuki. As a Japanese Communist Party undercover agent extending from the East Asia Common Culture Academy, he had spent a lot of effort to finally gain a foothold in the Japanese army in North China, surrounded by wolves. He successfully developed a small number of subordinates, established an intelligence network within the Japanese army in North China, and repeatedly passed important information to his colleagues in the Eighth Route Army.

However, if he was promoted and transferred from this position, how should he maintain this intelligence network? Replacing a fake "rat" within the Japanese army is much more difficult than mobilizing the underground party commander of a city. If the underground party members in the enemy-occupied areas are silver, then the intelligence officers within the Japanese army can be said to be pure gold.

But Shirai Yukiyuki couldn't refuse the promotion; he had to act like a proper Japanese. This time, the delighted Lord Itagaki Seishirō even personally went out of his way to get him a "special letter of appreciation," insisting he take it.

While the "Special Certificate of Appreciation" didn't represent any honor or special treatment, it did represent the right to "jump the queue" and receive priority consideration during Japanese military personnel transfers. It could even move a person's hammock number from 8 directly to 20. In Japan, where seniority is a major factor in promotions, this was something many politically savvy individuals dreamed of.

Yet, he found himself holding this hot potato. Shirai Yukiyuki could only smile helplessly as he sent a routine telegram to headquarters, requesting a review of the transfer order. He used the standard Japanese intelligence code, which was flawless—this was Shirai's way of reporting information to his superiors—and soon, headquarters responded to the message.

"Confirmed. Your Excellency will travel to Hanoi to establish the 'Shirai Agency' to serve the Empire's strategic interests. I wish you the best of luck in your career and may you continue to achieve unparalleled success."

The briefcase at the door must be the official transfer order. Shirai Yukiyuki stood up and took it. Wrapped in brown paper, the order was sealed with a drop of wax and bore the Imperial Headquarters seal. It didn't appear to have been inspected like other letters. He opened the document and took a look. It was indeed a personnel document issued by the Army Ministry's Military Affairs Bureau.

"I hereby order His Excellency Shirai Yukiyuki to proceed to Tanggu Port and board the transport ship Pingbo Maru within fifteen days of receiving this transfer order. You will proceed southward as a hired hand of Nisshin Kisen Kaisha (a professional manager) and proceed to the capital of French Indochina... Is your new identity still a businessman? It seems I've done a pretty good job."

In the Bo plan, Shirai Yukiyuki perfectly played the role of a special director who entered Shanxi Province and provided financial support for Itagaki Seishirō to persuade Yan Laoxi to rebel. If it were not for a certain Showa staff officer Hanaya Masaru who "acted on his own initiative" and directly sent troops to attack and ruined the plan, perhaps the rebellion could have been successful and Yan Baichuan could have been pulled over to the side of the Imperial Army.

However, if Hanatani Masaru hadn't "acted alone," wouldn't the Yan army in Shanxi Province have weakened the anti-Japanese forces if they had truly rebelled? Or would the Yan army's rebellion have actually been more beneficial to the anti-Japanese situation? Or perhaps, had the superiors already anticipated Hanatani Masaru's "act alone"?