In the city of Kanbaru, Sumatra, heavy rain washed over the land, but it could not dispel the haze of war.

The new East Asia Hotel is located in the city of Kanbaru, although the clouds of war have been very depressed at this moment, but the hotel is a scene of singing and dancing.

Although the New East Asia Hotel is not a big hotel in the world, it is the most Sumatran style hotel to the outside world. Of course, it was precisely because of its location that it was also the home of the Allied military advisory group in Kanbaru.

A number of military representations of allied countries, including the British military delegation to Kanbaru, the U.S. advisory delegation to Kanbaru, and the French Provisional Government Military Office in Kanbaru, have also set up their offices here. Since diplomatic relations had just been established, the Allied member states recognized the Japanese armed states and also set up their own temporary embassies here.

Even Japanese military officials smiled wryly and said, "There are far more diplomatic missions in Europe and other countries in the New East Asia Hotel than in the center of Kanbaru." The New East Asia Hotel has become a miniature version of the embassy district. ”

Of course, given the personality of the Japanese, it is difficult to let these new allies dictate their own turf. On the contrary, the fact that the representatives of these countries who had just settled down were able to come to Sumatra so quickly was in itself a result of Japan's great efforts.

China's attack on Indonesia can be seen by even a blind man, let alone the Japanese, who have always been calculating. Quickly pulled a lot of helpers to the front line of Sumatra, at the urging of Japan. Those military attaches from various countries who were originally staying in Australia came here with their own troops.

Matsui Ishone, who was on his way to office, traveled day and night to preside over military affairs after Muto Akira was assassinated. This is the second time he has come here as a military officer, and Muto Akira is his old subordinate, and he can be regarded as an old partner.

He never thought that the two would become goodbyes after he was transferred back to the base camp.

Resentment? Compared to the entire Japanese archipelago being bombed into ruins. Muto Akira's death is nothing. But Matsui Shigen didn't have the slightest hatred. In his opinion. It is normal for China to do this, but it is the strangest thing not to do it. When Japan stood on the opposite side of China, he already expected such a day.

It's just that he didn't expect this day to come like this. Whether it is the death of Muto Akira. Or the bombing of the main island of Japan by China. Matsui Ishone just felt a deep tiredness. He is over the age of six. In fact, he can retire, but he knows that he can't retire now. So. He came to Indonesia.

When he came to Sumatra, Matsui didn't go anywhere, but rushed directly to the New East Asia Hotel and held a networking reception. Although in his eyes, such a move was just a pleasure in suffering, but he understood that in order to make these allies settle down, such a drinking party was inevitable.

It is precisely because of this that the level of guards around the New East Asia Hotel is also much higher than that of other areas, with a forest of horse rejections, concrete blocking piers, triangular iron obstacles, telescopic resistance car nail belts, heavily armed military police and heavily armed European soldiers, machine gunners hiding in the outposts, and armored vehicles next to the fire nest. And the clearly marked warning signs. It seems that everything is telling those who have 'ulterior motives' that "it's better not to come near here, let alone think about doing something." ”

Amid the soft music, Colonel Castro, with a dinner plate, looked around for his target. After taking off the wet raincoat after entering the door, and briefly tidying up his appearance at the French Counsellor's Office upstairs, the commander of the French Sumatra Dispatch Force Command seemed to be so burly and erect, but the centipede-like scar lying on his face was still so hideous.

Ironically, the centipede marks on the French colonel's face were added by Japanese soldiers. Now that the two have come together, this makes the colonel feel irritated when he thinks of the scar on his face.

"Oh, damn it." Soon, in the midst of the crowd, Castro found his prey.

During the time when he went upstairs to simply tidy up his appearance, Matsui Ishine had already changed into a uniform of the Royal Japanese Army, but was very elegant and capable in wearing a gray-blue skirt.

"Damn it." Seeing Colonel Rhodes, commander of the King's Royal Hungarian Guards Regiment and adviser to the British military delegation to Kanbaru, who was beside Ikuko Tosu, the commander of the 12th Mechanized Infantry Division of the British Army, Castro was angry. This damn British stupid pig actually changed into a dress. Damn, when this is a drinking party?

The reason why Colonel Castro is so angry is also because his uniform is crumpled. It had just been drenched in a lot of rain, and although it was tidied up, it was still full of wrinkles. Apparently, the Englishman and the Japanese woman were aware of the problem with their clothes, otherwise they would not have gone back to their rooms to change their clothes.

Colonel Castro was naturally very angry, and the pride of France made him look down on those stupid Englishmen, what a damn gentleman, if compared with a polite French man, the so-called London gentleman is just a bubble of shit. This damn bastard.

The Colonel angrily piled a fish pudding with garlic sauce on his plate, thinking that he should not admit defeat so easily.

Seeing that Ikuko Tosu, who was smiling with Colonel Rotus, covered her mouth and chuckled from time to time, Colonel Castro shrugged her shoulders, "Okay, beautiful and proud little goblin, sooner or later I will make you succumb to this woman with a lot of taste." ”

Castro viciously picked up a fish pudding with a fork, "Even if you are always so close and never let people get too close, I will make you pay for your seduction." Thinking that a woman was still a Japanese aristocracy, Castro was full of a strong desire to conquer. He longed to conquer the prey, to make her submit to him.

I casually ate some food and put down my plate. After taking a cocktail from the waiter's tray as he walked by, Colonel Castro ignored the waiter's surprised gaze and woke up to his neck and walked towards Ikuko Tosu and Colonel Lotus.

"Hi, my beautiful Miss Ikuko, I wonder if you are satisfied with our arrangement, three French divisions have already left for Banda Aceh to assist your army?" Colonel Castro tilted his head, shrugged his brow, and said with a smile at Ikuko Tosu.

It seems that Colonel Lotus came out of nowhere. Castro, who rudely interrupted his conversation with Ikuko, was very dissatisfied. Because this elegant British Army colonel, a traditional British soldier who has always been very gentlemanly, wrinkled his brows slightly at this time.

Ikuko Tosu noticed this, and the Japanese woman with an elegant and charming smile celebrated slightly, smiled at Colonel Castro and said, "Thank you very much." Captain. Thank you and the French soldiers, who are just as good as you, for doing this for me. You and your colleagues are very concerned. Franco-Japanese friendship will always exist. ”

Hearing this, Colonel Castro smiled proudly: "You are such a beautiful young lady. It is a privilege to be willing to come to this terrible country. The French military, like all French men, is never lacking in politeness towards women! The requirements for beautiful women are even more dedicated. As he spoke, the colonel bowed down and kissed the back of Ikuko's hand, showing his welcome to Ikuko Tosu with this medieval greeting, and at the same time proving what he called so-called French politeness.

"Well, Colonel Castro, shouldn't you give us a briefing on the current state of defense!" Colonel Lotus raised his head and said.

Castro tiptoed slightly and raised his goblet: "That's natural, but first of all, please wait a moment with Miss Ikuko." He cursed in his heart, where did he know what the battle situation was, he just rushed back from the military camp outside the city, and he didn't read any reports.

"Whatever!" Colonel Lotus also raised his glass: "But this simple buffet is really good, and I hope that our French comrades will be able to enjoy the same attack in Banda Aceh as this delicious light meal." ”

"You'll see, my dear colonel!" After being mocked by Rotes with a deep meaning, Colonel Castro's heart was filled with anger. However, on such occasions, especially in front of ladies, he still looks polite.

"General, it's okay!" The attendant lieutenant, with rain on his shoulders, hurried in and caught everyone's attention. The attendants also quickly found Matsui Ishone in the crowd.

This apparently gave Colonel Castro a step up the stairs. Nodding gracefully at Colonel Lotus and Ikuko Toya, Castro turned and walked towards the center of the ballroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Colonel Matsui Ishone tapped his goblet and interrupted the noise in the banquet hall with his deep voice. "Thank you all for coming to this welcome reception, including the legendary United States, the tulip-scented Netherlands, the Renaissance Italy, the Spanish bullfighting, and, of course, our English gentlemen."

Matsui's teasing welcome provoked a burst of good-natured laughter in the banquet hall, and then he added, "However, I would like to introduce to you our new partner, Ikuko Tosu, Executive Director of the Japanese Government's Intelligence Countermeasures Committee. ”

With Matsui Ishone's gesture, the crowd agitated to move out of the way, and everyone turned their eyes to Ikuko Toya, who was standing with Colonel Rotus. "Shouldn't we be fascinated by such a beautiful woman?" Matsui Ishone inflated the speech to a new climax: "Well, to welcome the arrival of this beautiful descendant of the Japanese aristocracy." We carefully prepared a sumptuous dinner for Miss Ikuko. ”

"At the time of this afternoon, the elite units of the Empire of Japan, together with our allies on the island of Sumatra, had launched an attack on the landing of the Chinese Marines in the direction of Banda Aceh. So far, the battle continues. Matsui raised his glass: "Then let's toast to our brave and fearless soldiers!" May they be able to drive those Chinese troops out into the sea. ”

"Cheers!" The jubilant crowd laughed at the same time.

"We have to admit that God is on our side. Otherwise, there would not have been such a typhoon. Listen, guys, the sound of rain outside is God's blessing to us. Colonel Castro gestured, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless our valiant soldiers!" The Colonel raised his glass again: "May they be invincible under God's protection!" ”

"God forbid! Cheers! Again, the jubilant crowd raised their glasses at the same time.

"If there is a winner in this war, then I would say that this winner belongs to us; belonging to the United States, to France, to Great Britain, to a strong alliance; Our Japanese friends, and the masters of this land, our warm and hospitable 'Sumatra People's Democratic Liberation Front'. God is with us! As Matsui raised his glass, all the officers and guests raised their glasses at the same time. As a Japanese, he also received a lot of applause for his phrase "God is with us".

"The victory is definitely ours. This is a sure result. To know. Together, what a powerful force we are. China will be defeated. Not far away, Castro raised his glass and echoed Matsui Ishone.

"I have to admit that this guy is very confident, just a little blind." Hear Castro's words. Colonel Lotus shrugged his shoulders. Turning his head to Ikuko Tosu beside him, he said, "I hope his self-confidence is really confirmed by the battle situation in Banda Aceh." ”

"Could it be that Colonel Rotes is not optimistic about the battle in Banda Aceh?" Ikuko Tosu lightly embellished the cocktail in her glass. Laughed.

Colonel Lotus put away his smile and stared at Ikuko Tosu seriously, and it took a long time before he said leisurely, "My noble Miss Ikuko." It's not that I look down on your country's army, but that the Chinese army is not simple? Especially in the case of oil bottles. ”

Looking at Ikuko Tosu, who smiled and did not answer, Colonel Lotus said very seriously: "If the Chinese army is really as easy to deal with as the French colonel said, then in the continental war, the Soviet army will not pay that price and lose that war." Again, or the situation in your country will not be the same as it is now. ”

Ikuko Tosu nodded, just smiled indifferently and didn't say much. And Colonel Castro was still there stirring up everyone's emotions. The cries of "For France, for Europe" continued one after another. Apparently the crowd had been buoyed by the incendiary words of Matsui and Castro, as if victory was within reach.

"Boom!" A loud explosion rang out outside the hotel, and a huge fireball burst into the rainy night outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Oh God!" The sudden explosion made the banquet hall, which had just been jubilant, suddenly quiet, and everyone stared out the window in amazement. The rising fireball seemed to mock the people who were still shouting just a moment ago. It slowly rose and rolled, and finally bloomed into a mushroom-like cloud of smoke in the rain, just like the big 'smiling face'.

"Everyone, be quiet, please don't panic, I think it's just a small attack by rebel guerrillas!" Matsui Ishine was shocked, but he was very calm on the surface, knocked on the cup, and said to the group of officers and guests who were still standing: "We will find them soon and shoot them!" ”

Matsui Ishone's words were not finished, "Boom! "There was another loud explosion, and this time, it seemed that the explosion point was closer.

The crowd, which had been able to maintain some composure just now, could no longer be suppressed and dispersed. The screams of the women and the shouts of the officers trying to restore order were chaotic. The crowd of people scurrying around like a flock of fried nests crashed into the banquet hall that had just been singing and dancing. The crisp sound of the dishes falling to the ground and shattering made the crowd even more chaotic.

"Boom!" There was another loud explosion, and the scene was almost out of control. General Franval, the commander of the Allied Coalition Forces, angrily asked Matsui Ishone, "General, I need you to give me a reasonable explanation." ”

What other explanation Matsui Ishine could give, he didn't know anything at this time.

"Gendarmerie troops, check what's going on right away?" Matsui Ishone could only yell at the gendarmes beside him.

"This farce is over!" Colonel Lotus said to Ikuko Toya, who was beside him, "I don't think your beautiful lady wants to continue watching. Here's what we soldiers can do. ”

Ikuko Tosu stood there calmly, looking at the fireworks outside the window, and the goblet in her hand suddenly let go and fell to the ground: "I think Colonel, you will be happy to watch the French on the sidelines." Ikuko Tosu smiled and left, leaving Colonel Lotus alone shrugging his shoulders.

"You're right, the Royal Army is naturally happy to see what happens." Lotus muttered to himself.

"Boom! Rumble! Rumble! ......" explosions rang out outside the security zone, and the situation was chaotic, and you could see the fireworks rising near the security zone between the airport and the city from within the city of Kanbaru. The sound of the wind, the rain, and the chilling sound of the explosion were all in harmony. In a mess, soldiers rushed out from between their camps with guns in hand.

No one expected that China had not yet really attacked, and the artillery fire had already burned into the hinterland of Sumatra. (To be continued......)