Chương 1939: Battle of the North Sea (83)

Yi Xiao was well aware of the situation, so he didn't have much hope of getting any useful information from the colonel in front of him.

After all, how could an outsider like him easily understand the intricate affairs within the Navy?

Even so, Yixiao did not give up trying to get help.

He stared intently at the colonel, his eyes filled with earnestness and expectation, and slowly began to speak, carefully choosing his words: "Respected Colonel, although I am unaware of the current turmoil your army is experiencing, I would like to remind you of one thing—every day your army delays resolving the Beihai issue means that the people there will suffer even more hardship.

Therefore, please allow me to boldly request that you convey my message to your superiors—Beihai urgently needs justice, and the people of this land equally yearn for fair and just treatment!"

After saying this, Yixiao's gaze remained firmly fixed on the colonel, as if trying to see through that resolute face to the true thoughts deep within his heart.

The colonel was clearly deeply moved by Issho's words. His tense expression gradually became serious, and finally he straightened his posture and replied with a solemn and serious attitude: "Don't worry, sir! I will definitely convey your words to the Navy Headquarters!"

At that very moment and place, Yixiao left an unforgettable impression on the colonel, like a dazzling ray of light.

This helped the colonel shake off the dejection and pessimism that had arisen from the series of defeats in the war.

In that instant, the colonel suddenly realized that if he wanted to turn the tide of the battle, perhaps only the mysterious and powerful figure in front of him could do so.

He thought to himself, "Those incompetent people in the Navy Headquarters are not fit to lead this war. Only someone as wise and brave as this gentleman can be in charge!"

Upon realizing this, the colonel felt a surge of emotion and blurted out, "Sir, you possess such astonishing strength, yet you remain alone. While you can save ten, a hundred, or even tens of thousands of lives single-handedly, individual abilities are ultimately limited. In my opinion, you are a man of justice and fervent passion; why not join the navy? With the navy's platform and resources, you will surely be able to rescue many more innocent and suffering civilians.

Moreover, with your exceptional intelligence and talent, once you join the navy, you could at least rise to the rank of vice admiral! At that point, acting as a vice admiral would be much easier, providing you with a broader scope for action and unprecedented convenience!"

After saying this, the colonel smiled and cast an expectant glance at his superior, formally extending a sincere invitation.

When these words reached the ears of everyone present, they were all greatly shocked, especially the group of soldiers standing behind the colonel. They stared at the colonel's back with disbelief on their faces.

Even the lieutenant colonel standing nearby couldn't help but tremble slightly.

"Brother, you're just a colonel! How dare you so easily vouch for someone, especially a lieutenant general! Do you think that's appropriate?"

The lieutenant colonel muttered to himself, but on the surface, he showed no emotion whatsoever.

Upon hearing the lieutenant colonel's words, Yixiao fell into deep thought.

In fact, deep down he had always longed to dedicate himself to the naval cause, but he just hadn't found the right opportunity before.

He was overjoyed that the colonel would take the initiative to extend an invitation to him today!

However, Ichisho also understood that if he joined the Navy so easily, it would not be easy for him, as an outsider, to gain more benefits.

After all, the Navy's top brass has always been cautious and rarely appoints outsiders to senior positions.

The positions of major general, vice general, and even admiral are often filled by talents carefully cultivated by the navy itself.

Thinking of this, Yixiao couldn't help but feel worried.

After careful consideration, he slowly raised his head, stared firmly at the colonel, and said in a slightly hesitant tone, "Could you please give me a little more time to think about it?"

The colonel's mind raced with various thoughts. He knew that the aura and strength emanating from the powerful figure before him were far beyond what ordinary people could possess.

Judging from the changes in his eyes and subtle facial expressions, he was clearly very interested in joining the navy, but there seemed to be some concerns that made him hesitate.

The colonel knew perfectly well that at this moment, he needed to give this strong man enough space and time to think and weigh the pros and cons; at the same time, he had to do everything he could to fully demonstrate the navy's sincerity in recruiting him!

Then, the colonel's lips curled into a confident and resolute smile, and he said to the colonel with unwavering certainty, "You can rest assured, the doors of our navy will always be open to you!"

Upon hearing this, the man known as "Yixiao" simply nodded slightly in response, but did not say another word, instead falling into a brief silence.

All of this did not escape the keen eyes of the experienced and meticulous colonel—he immediately realized that now was not the best time to continue the argument, so he made a decisive decision and took the initiative to suggest to the colonel: "In that case, sir, you should take a good rest first. If you encounter any difficulties or have any needs during this time, please feel free to let me know!"

"Thank you!"

He smiled, gave a simple thank you, and then said nothing more.

The colonel smiled again and gestured, indicating that there was no need to be so polite.

Immediately afterwards, he turned around and led his men out of the room respectfully, then gently closed the door and left.

Once the group had completely left the cabin and were outside, the lieutenant colonel, who had been holding back his emotions for so long, could no longer suppress his impulsive feelings. He rushed forward, grabbed the colonel, and whispered, "Colonel, you were just making empty promises! How could you just casually make such an important promise as lieutenant general? Don't you understand the stakes involved and that you have no right to make such a decision?"

He said that with good intentions.