In the Arabino Range barracks.

“Comrade Xia Lei, that Japanese woman is a sly fox. She’s no good,” said Huang He sternly in Xia Lei’s room.

Xia Lei smiled. “General Huang, I know she’s not a good woman but thank you for reminding me.”

Huang He’s expression was very stoic. “You’re still young. You will have rash tendencies. However, please do not let down the country. You must get a good grip on your thoughts,” advised Huang He.

Xia Lei remained silent.

“Alright, you should rest. I don’t wish to nag you any longer,” said Huang He.

Xia Lei flashed him a reassuring smile. “General Huang, there’s no need to worry. Do I look like a man who is easily swayed by women?”

Surprisingly, Huang He returned him a serious nod. “Yes. Comrade Fan Fan had reminded me to keep a close eye on you.”

Xia Lei immediately froze, not moving an inch until Huang He had left his room.

Jeez, Fan Fan was so spoiled. How could she make someone as high profile as Huang He do her bidding? She had just earned herself an ass spanking session.

Xia Lei moved to the balcony. The man needed the harsh winter winds of Russia to comb his horrid mood.

Russian nights arrived early, the skies were already dark just a few moments after dinner. The cold winds continued to whistle through the night, bringing along a storm of thick snowfall.

He wasn’t sure when the barracks opposite his had placed on Japan’s flag. The red sun was extremely eye-catching among the snowy terrain.

Xia Lei used his vision to close in on a thirty-metre distance, scanning through the windows of the opposite building. The man was searching for Hattori Mei and Hattori Masao. Weirdly, he had seen through every single window but found none of them. That was until he whipped his head toward the location of the tanks.

The open space was divided into many areas, allowing each participating country to park their tanks there. China’s Type 99 Tank stood quietly on one of the designated areas. However, unlike the other countries that had theirs lined up neatly, the Chinese tanks were parked in circles.

A few Type 99 Tanks were gathered into a circle while a solitary tank stood in the centre. However, that particular tank was wrapped tightly in thick military canvas, leaving no chance for a sneak peek. This unique parking method made the centre tank look majestic, it stood out from the rest as if it was the emperor of the Type 99 Tanks.

In the meantime, Xia Lei spotted Hattori Mei and Masao in the same open space along with some Indian soldiers.

The presence of a mysterious Chinese Tank among China’s lineup attracted both the attention of the Indians and Japanese.

Xia Lei’s field of sight locked itself onto Hattori Mei, Hattori Masao and the few Indian soldiers.

They were conversing in English.

“The Chinese really like their games, huh?” An Indian soldier commented as he mocked the Chinese tanks.

“So what?” Another Indian soldier laughed. “Their international ranking is still one rank lower than us. If a war took place, our tank troops would be able to reach Jingdu city in less than a week.”

“What is that in the middle of those Type 99? Could it be an improved Type 99?” questioned another Indian soldier.

“That doesn’t change anything. The Type 99’s firepower is very strong but a tank requires combined strength, not just firepower. Mobility, emergency maintenance support, electronic performance and so on are vital. These are unfortunately Type 99’s shortcomings. There’s nothing to fear about the improved version for it wouldn’t be any stronger,” commented an Indian soldier.

“Miss Beryl, what do you think?” The first Indian soldier who spoke asked Hattori Mei.

She replied, “It’s completely concealed. If I could catch a glimpse of it, perhaps I could offer a very professional analysis.”

“That’s easy.” One of them began to approach a stationed Chinese soldier who was tasked with guarding the tank. The soldier exclaimed, “Hey, soldier! Can we go take a look at your new tank?”

The Chinese soldier remained stoic. His stance was rigid as ever but his grip around the gust assault rifle tightened.

“Hey, do you hear me?” The Indian soldier who yelled out his request was of rather high ranks. The man was rarely ignored so the sight of the ignorant Chinese soldier triggered him. The display had offended his pride, prompting him to word things rashly.

The Chinese soldier spared him a glance. In Chinese, he yelled, “Go away!”

What he really wanted to say was ‘Fuck off.’

“What did he say?” The Indian soldier turned around to ask.

Hattori Mei smiled at him. “He said go away.”

“Damn you!” The Indian soldier reached out to grab his collar.

The Chinese soldier immediately aimed the muzzle of the gust assault rifle towards the soldier.

The Indian soldier frantically backed off.

“That’s enough, let’s just leave. We’ll just let them play their favourite little mystery game until we beat them tomorrow,” said another Indian soldier.

With that, the few Indian soldiers left.

Hattori Masao and Hattori Mei remained in the open space.

“Since Xia Lei is here, the tank must have something to do with the Thunder Horse Organization.” Masao finally spoke. “We must get some intel on the new tank.”

“It’s going to be difficult.” Hattori Mei continued, “They stationed a soldier to guard their tanks in a harsh winter night like this, it shows how much they value this tank’s secrecy. However, obtaining their stats will be easy when the biathlon begins.”

“Let’s go.” Hattori Masao had given up too.

As they left the open space, Hattori Mei brought out her phone. “Xia Lei is at Arabino Range. When are you coming over? I’ll keep an eye on him. Please rest assured.”

After that, Hattori Mei ended the call.

“Mei, I’m sure that you’re clear about this. Not only is Xia Lei a foe to the Hattori clan, but his existence and his Thunder Horse Organization poses a great threat to Japan’s strategic interest. The fact that the Thunder Horse Organization plays such a big role in the overall strengthening of Chinese warfare begets worry. China’s army is already very strong. Once they get their hands on Thunder Horse’s high-tech weaponry, the Chinese army is going to become the strongest in Asia. Soon, there would be a change in the power balance in Asia.” Hattori Masao’s expression was burdened.

Hattori Mei replied, “Compared to their army weaponry, I think we should be more worried about their Air Force weaponry.”

“Thunder Horse Organization is a military factory that puts its sole focus on producing and researching army weaponry. How are they also capable of producing air-based weaponry? You’re overestimating Xia Lei, the man has no means to research those.”

Hattori Mei rebuked him. “Father, Lockheed Martin has its own intel system. The CIA even has a special secret department that provides it with all weapons intel from all around the world. Lockheed Martin has been receiving an abundance of intel on Thunder Horse. One of which was their new material project and their Artificial Intelligence technology project. As soon as they accomplish these two projects, the days of producing air combat weapons will not be out of reach for Thunder Horse Organization.”

That made Hattori Masao frown.

“Father, please don’t forget that the Thunder Horse Organization now is nothing like the Thunder Horse Organization before. Xia Lei has received help from the Chinese government. With China’s current national strength, Thunder Horse’s development is shrouded in mystery. Currently, the United States has regarded him as a national enemy that must be eliminated. Not to mention, his risk assessment level in the Pentagon and CIA has even surpassed the previous Bin Laden.”

“Hence our need to kill him. The man has taken your brother’s life and is the top enemy to Japan and America. We mustn’t let him live no matter what!” Hattori Masao had something sinister in his eye.

Hattori Mei said, “Father, there’s no need for us to do it. Someone else will do the job for us. All we need to do is cooperate with them.”

“Are you referring to an assassin? You’re probably aware that Xia Lei is protected by the Northern Land Corps this time around. The man is constantly surrounded by soldiers, how is one assassin going to do the job?”

“I’m not sure about the particulars but I’ll inform you when I receive further intel,” replied Hattori Mei.

The father-daughter pair continued their exchange until they reached the barracks.

Xia Lei hadn’t left the balcony. He stood tall on the third floor, watching the walking Hattori duo in the snow. He pondered silently. “They’re plotting to kill me? I’m not surprised but they’re actually serious about attempting it when I have so many soldiers protecting me? Don’t test me. I’m a man with two more years left to live. Don’t regret when I go berserk.”

From the corner of her eye, Hattori Mei noticed Xia Lei’s presence. She nudged her father, hinting for him to stay silent.

Hattori Masao too lifted his chin to gaze at the balcony Xia Lei was on. No words were uttered but there was hatred in his gaze.

Hattori Mei mustered up a flirty smile. “Mister Xia, are you enjoying the view? That’s so romantic of you. How about you come down for a walk with me?”

Xia Lei smiled lightly. “No thank you.”

Hattori Mei seemed dejected. “Jeez, that’s disappointing. Do you really not miss me at all?”

Xia Lei answered, “I have a word of advice for both of you. Focus on surviving and stop playing with fire. Hattori Geppa was a prime example. I would wish for there only to be one example.”

Hattori Mei’s expression darkened.

Hattori Masao, on the other hand, raised his right arm and graced his thumb lightly against his own neck.

Xia Lei shrugged nonchalantly.

He was not the least bit surprised with the outcome.