Chapter 154: Concealing One's Strength

On the hillside, the green grass resembled a lush carpet.
Down in the mountain ravine, the stream trickled with a gentle, soothing murmur.
It was truly a picturesque and idyllic scene.

A gorgeous butterfly landed on a tiny yellow blossom, fluttering its wings repeatedly. Its vibrant, multicolored patterns made it look like a beautiful little sprite.

Tomorrow was the day of the final assessment, and the special training squad had finally been granted half a day of leave to relax, unwind, and prepare themselves to face the evaluation in peak condition.

After finishing lunch, Zhou Sen left the base alone and headed for the nearby mountain. Strictly speaking, he had not even stepped outside the perimeter of the base.

Every single day had been consumed by intense training, leaving him no time to properly appreciate the mountain scenery. Yet, these magnificent mountains and rivers were currently trampled beneath the iron hooves of the invaders.

Zhou Sen felt a heavy oppression weighing upon his heart, especially after enduring the repeated brainwashing techniques inflicted by the Japanese secret agents. If the Japanese were given just a little more time—another two or three generations of psychological indoctrination—so many things would inevitably change.

"I knew you'd be out here."

Anna walked up from behind and sat down beside Zhou Sen, who was lying flat on the grass.

"The weather is nice today, so I came out to catch some sun," Zhou Sen said with his eyes closed, a blade of grass clenched between his teeth.

"Are you confident about tomorrow's assessment?"

"I don't have the privilege of losing."

"You know very well in your heart that if you can't beat that fellow Sato, you'll likely be subjected to special treatment. And the worst possible outcome is that you will simply vanish from this world forever," Anna said.

"Are you worried about me?"

"Having spent so much time with you, I can tell that you are a kind person," Anna nodded and replied.

"You were trained by them, unlike me. Do you harbor these same worries?" Zhou Sen asked.

"For a spy, a loser has no value."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"I don't want you to lose."

"Could it be that you've fallen for me?" Zhou Sen opened his eyes and asked.

"Where is your mind wandering? I simply don't want to be assigned to carry out missions under Sato. Someone like him will not only get himself killed, but he'll drag everyone around him down too," Anna said with an amused, scolding laugh.

"You all keep talking about missions, but what on earth is this mission? Why do I know nothing about it?" Zhou Sen asked.

"You'll find out when the time comes," Anna said. "Anyway, in tomorrow's assessment, you must beat Sato."

"I'll do my best." Zhou Sen nodded.

...

In the afternoon, visitors arrived.

Yamagata Kyuma led a detail of men out through the main gate to line up and welcome them.

The six members of the special training squad were also standing in formation, and Zhou Sen spotted two familiar figures: Shibuya Saburo and his adjutant, Ono.

In addition, there was that Section Chief Yamamoto, who had seen them off at the railway station the other day.

Also in the welcoming party was an elderly Russian man with graying temples. Zhou Sen had never seen this person before, but judging by the demeanor of the group, even Shibuya Saburo treated him with utmost politeness.

Yamagata Kyuma saluted Shibuya Saburo militarily, expressing his welcome to the arriving party.

It was obvious that these people had come specifically for the special training squad's assessment the following day.

After entering the base, the group was arranged to stay in the finest villa. Afterward, Zhou Sen and the others were ordered not to approach the area without explicit authorization.

...

At dinner time, Sato was absent.

Everyone knew he had probably been summoned by the man named Yamamoto.

After finishing his meal, Zhou Sen washed up and prepared to get into bed early to rest and build up his energy. Everything was riding on tomorrow's assessment.

The theoretical portion of the examination had actually concluded long ago, and Zhou Sen had placed first in every single subject, practically crushing Sato.

However, tomorrow's evaluation consisted entirely of practical operations and combat confrontation, making the outcome unpredictable. This would be entirely different from their usual sparring sessions.

...

"These are the training logs of the six special trainees. Please review them, Chief Shibuya, Consultant Malatov, and Section Chief Yamamoto!" Inside the base's conference room, Yamagata Kyuma placed six thick, black-bound ledgers on the table and introduced them.

Shibuya Saburo picked up one volume, on the cover of which was written the codename "Lilac," and flipped it open to browse.

The elderly Russian named Malatov also casually pulled a ledger toward himself and began reading through the pages.

Finally, Yamamoto Minoru directly selected the one labeled "Assassin."

Inside the conference room, apart from the rustling sound of turning pages, absolute silence reigned. Yamagata Kyuma sat quietly with his eyes closed and lowered, looking like an old Buddhist monk in deep meditation.

After finishing the "Assassin" ledger, Yamamoto Minoru's expression remained calm. He then picked up another volume, flipped through the records, and could not help a trace of disgust crossing his face.

Clearly, this trainee's scores were far inferior to those of "Assassin."

After each had read two volumes, they exchanged the ledgers among themselves.

"How is this possible, Senior Yamagata? Has this trainee codenamed 'Young Master' been cheating? How could his training scores be so much higher than everyone else's?" Suddenly, as if provoked by something, Yamamoto Minoru stood up abruptly and demanded harshly.

Before Yamagata Kyuma could respond, Shibuya Saburo spoke up first: "Yamamoto-kun, what would be the point of such cheating? Besides, this isn't just a single subject. Do you honestly believe the entire training base would conspire to cheat for 'Young Master' alone?"

Yamamoto Minoru's expression shifted slightly. If the Yimapo Secret Special Training Base were cheating, it was impossible that everyone would participate—especially Yamagata Kyuma, who, just like him, was a graduate of the Nakano School, yet possessed even greater seniority.

Furthermore, the majority of the personnel here were Japanese. Why would they help a Manchurian cheat? What did they stand to gain? They didn't even know "Young Master" personally, nor were they entirely clear on his specific background.

"Yamamoto-kun, this isn't my first time running a training detachment. To me, these trainees are merely passing travelers. Perhaps I will only ever see them this once in my lifetime, and I don't even know who they truly are. What benefit would I get from helping someone cheat? Or do you seriously believe I would make a mockery of the Empire's grand undertaking?" Yamagata Kyuma retorted coldly.

"I apologize, Senior Yamagata. I spoke out of turn just now. It's simply that I cannot believe this 'Young Master'—a cowardly Manchurian who clings to his life and fears death—could possibly surpass the elite of our Great Japanese Empire."

"Some people are naturally blessed with strong limbs and brute physical power, while others are naturally gifted with sharp minds and excel at learning. Someone who values their life is not necessarily a fool," Yamagata Kyuma replied indifferently.

"Yamagata-kun makes a valid point. Yamamoto-kun, I trust that Yamagata-kun is objective and fair in his work." Shibuya Saburo smiled faintly. He had been observing Zhou Sen for quite some time, and he could see that Zhou Sen possessed the common flaw shared by many Manchurians: timidity, cowardice, and an aversion to trouble. However, the young man's brain was by no means slow. You simply had to apply the right pressure to force him to unleash a level of energy you could never imagine.

Meanwhile, Malatov had been quietly reading through the training logs of all six individuals. The tense, confrontational dialogue between Yamamoto Minoru and the others seemed unable to affect him in the slightest.

"This 'Young Master' has tremendous potential. Someone with his profile is a rarity I have only ever witnessed in a select few," Malatov said as he closed the final ledger.

Naturally, he kept the exact nature of those "select few" to himself.

Shibuya Saburo could not suppress a trace of smug satisfaction. This man was his personal selection and recommendation; if Zhou Sen achieved such results, he too would share in the credit.

Once Zhou Sen successfully completed the mission entrusted to him by the Empire, his own status would rise even further.

"What events comprise tomorrow's assessment?"

"Primarily physical fitness and combat skills. Physical fitness consists of breath-holding underwater endurance (substituting for armed river crossing) and mountain armed cross-country running. Combat skills include marksmanship (50-meter stationary and moving pistol targets, 200-meter stationary and moving rifle targets), unarmed combat, kendo, mine clearance, and disguise/infiltration, with offense and defense determined by drawing lots," Yamagata Kyuma explained.

"So many subjects to be completed in a single day?" Malatov asked in astonishment.
"Yes. Throughout this period, their daily training has been conducted at high intensity. Our goal is to forge elite agents capable of executing missions under extreme duress. If they cannot even accomplish this much, I would never issue them a certificate of graduation," Yamagata Kyuma stated solemnly.

"Very well, then I shall look forward to witnessing it," Malatov nodded, saying nothing more.

"You've worked hard, Yamagata-kun!" Shibuya Saburo stood up and offered Yamagata Kyuma a deep, respectful bow.

Realizing he was a step behind, Yamamoto Minoru hurriedly stood up and bowed in unison.

"The presence of you three brings great honor to my training base. Tonight, I have prepared a banquet, and I sincerely hope you will all grace me with your attendance," Yamagata Kyuma rose to his feet and bowed slightly.

"Most certainly."

...

"Front, what is your assessment of these six individuals?" Malatov went directly to see Front. The two were not only old acquaintances, but fellow companions who had shared hardships together.

They had fled the Far East for Manchuria together, participated in the "Bear Hunt" operation together, and both managed to escape with their lives.

"General, 'Young Master' is the Chinese boy adopted by Antony. Aside from being cowardly and lustful, he has no major flaws. He is the most suitable candidate for the 'Far East Spring' plan," Front said in a low voice.
"Why?"

"The Japanese harbor ambitions for the Far East, and their ultimate objective is our land and resources. If they conquer the Far East, they will either prop up a puppet regime or directly appoint a Governor-General of the Far East. If we ever hope to return, we must secure a force of our own," Front reasoned.

Malatov frowned slightly. It was hardly surprising that Front held such views; after all, driven by desperate circumstances, who would willingly live under someone else's thumb?

Whether the Japanese were actually capable of occupying the Far East was something he evaluated clearly in his mind. Although Soviet Russia was currently at its weakest point, following the outbreak of the Battle of Lake Khasan last year, the Japanese army had suffered a stinging defeat despite holding the intelligence advantage.

He had realized then that the Japanese military truly lacked the capability to conquer the Far East. Even if they attempted a risky "sneak attack" strategy, success remained improbable.

The vast plains of the Far East were supremely suited for large-scale mechanized warfare, and he held little confidence in Japan's third-rate army.

These were his internal thoughts, of course; he was not foolish enough to voice them aloud. If he laid his cards on the table and discouraged the Japanese from their ambitions regarding the Far East, what utility would he retain in their eyes?

Yet, Front and his associates still harbored unrealistic fantasies, hoping to leverage the Japanese military to fight their way back and reclaim power.

That was deeply naive.

Regardless, Front's interests aligned with his own, and both of them were viewed with suspicion as "traitors." To survive, they had to exert themselves and prove their worth.

However, mere labor was not enough; one had to possess undeniable value. The moment you became worthless, the Japanese would discard you without a second thought.

Among nations, only interests mattered.

Your value lay in possessing leverage that made them hesitant to dispose of you—such as holding something they could not afford to lose.

"What do you propose we do?"

"Help 'Young Master' win tomorrow's assessment. Once he passes, I can persuade him to cooperate with us."

"How can you be certain he will cooperate with us? Furthermore, Shibuya Saburo seems to value him immensely, and his intentions are likely quite similar," Malatov countered.

"Human effort can shape outcomes. That fellow Sato is self-opinionated and reckless; if he emerges victorious, it will be a disaster!" Front declared.

...

Meanwhile, inside Yamamoto Minoru's room, a strikingly similar conversation was unfolding between Sato and Yamamoto.

"Is that Zhou Sen truly so formidable?"

"Yes. He is one of the smartest men I have ever met. He learns everything quickly and grasps the tricks of the trade instantly. However, he started too late, and intelligence alone cannot bridge certain gaps. Besides, throughout these past few days, I have deliberately kept a portion of my strength in reserve..." A dangerous glint flashed in Sato's eyes.

"You intentionally concealed your strength?" Yamamoto Minoru asked, overjoyed.

"Naturally. I intend to defeat him publicly at the very moment of his greatest triumph, utterly crushing his self-confidence!" Sato said with a ferocious grimace. Having endured for over thirty days, he was finally ready to turn the tables.

"Splendid, absolutely splendid, Sato-kun! Hahaha!" Upon hearing this, Yamamoto Minoru burst into a triumphant laugh.