The sky grew dim. Matsui Iwane, the old scoundrel, had already returned to headquarters from the front lines. Inside the Japanese military tent, Matsui occupied the seat of honor. His brows were furrowed, and he paced back and forth across the tent. Below him, Fujita Susumu and his cohort of staff officers from the 3rd Division all kept their heads bowed low, not daring to look up.
Tonight, the moon was curved like a small boat, but black, rolling clouds choked the sky above the battlefield, obscuring the little light that remained. At the entrance of the tent, two rows of soldiers stood at attention, holding torches high, their expressions somber as if awaiting something.
*Tap. Tap-tap.* The sound of Matsui’s pacing was the only thing audible in the entire command post. Matsui did not even look at his men, who knew only how to keep their heads down and remain motionless.
Chapter 272