LOVE PROMISES

Many bitter events have unfolded; this war has destroyed everything. Human lives have changed, peace is absent, and the joy of life has vanished, replaced by rebellion and suffering everywhere.

In a spacious room secured with tight surveillance, several security officers were stationed, their long-barreled rifles slung tightly over their shoulders, along with additional equipment tucked into their trouser pockets. A soldier carrying a large bag was seen running frantically into the room to meet the head of the highest-ranking war fleet. It seemed he had an urgent matter to discuss. He was the messenger soldier.

"Sir, Chinese troops have started attacking the post in Hangzhou. Our soldiers there are overwhelmed and unable to fight back because some were caught off guard and killed in the sudden attack without a strategy in place. They urgently need reinforcements to defend the headquarters. On a brighter note, we’ve received good news from the Shanghai headquarters—our soldiers there have successfully seized control of the city, forcing the Chinese military to retreat," the soldier reported, his voice slightly breathless from running to deliver the critical news.

The day had brought a mixture of triumph and tragedy: Japanese troops had successfully captured Shanghai, but in Hangzhou, reinforcements were desperately needed after an unexpected enemy offensive.

The head commander rose from his black chair, his face flushed with tension. It was evident that the Chinese forces in Hangzhou had proven formidable, their strength growing day by day. Rebellions were erupting across the region, signaling that Japan’s dominance over its occupied territories was under serious threat.

"This cannot be allowed to continue. Hangzhou cannot be abandoned. Summon Ryota Yamazaki immediately!" the commander ordered sharply, instructing a guard to fetch Ryota, a young man recently appointed as a replacement for the late flight captain, Yoriko Daru.

The soldier promptly ran to deliver the message, heading to the workshop where Ryota was busy inspecting and repairing a damaged fighter jet engine.

"Is this plane functional, Ryota?" asked a colleague approaching Ryota, who was engrossed in his work.

"Yes, it only needs a little more repair. The engine is still in good shape and well-maintained. I believe it will be combat-ready soon," Ryota replied as he carefully examined the aircraft. The fighter jet bore scars of battle—bullet holes perforated its body, and layers of dust and dirt had accumulated on its wings, leaving patches of rust. A bit of refurbishment and modification, however, could restore it to prime condition.

"This plane hasn’t been used in a long time. It once belonged to Captain Maishida Hito, but after he was killed in battle a year ago, the aircraft was abandoned. Nobody has used it since, either in combat or on missions," explained another soldier, piquing Ryota's curiosity.

"Why is that, Iruka?" Ryota asked, turning to the man standing beside him. Iruka, also a fighter pilot, was of a similar age to Ryota.

"I’m not entirely sure. Captain Maishida was a highly respected air commander. Perhaps many felt unworthy of stepping into his shoes by flying his plane. After his death, Commander Ichiru Daichi selected Yoriko Daru—a young and talented pilot at the time—as his successor. Daru also used this plane, but when he acquired a new one, he left it behind. Tragically, he too fell in battle several months ago. Now, Ryota, you’re the successor to these two legendary captains. You’re the best candidate for the role," Iruka said, patting Ryota on the shoulder in encouragement.

Ryota remained silent, slightly taken aback by Iruka's words. The tales of these two esteemed captains who died young left him pensive. He felt the weight of responsibility as if preparing himself for the possibility that he too might meet the same fate. His heart ached at the thought of never experiencing the joy of love or sharing his life with someone if his destiny was to perish in the skies.

"You’re the best pilot we have, Ryota. Commander Ichiru wouldn’t have chosen you otherwise," Iruka reassured him with a warm smile.

"Still, I was just an ordinary airline pilot before this. I don’t have the experience with jets or fighter planes that you do," Ryota confessed modestly.

"Don’t underestimate yourself," Iruka replied, giving him a friendly nudge.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted them. A soldier approached and saluted Ryota, who promptly returned the gesture.

"Sir! Commander Ichiru has requested your presence," the soldier announced with a firm and respectful tone. Ryota and Iruka exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why the commander had summoned him so suddenly.

"Understood. I’ll head there right away. Thank you for the message. Carry on with your duties," Ryota replied authoritatively.

The soldier bowed deeply before leaving, and Ryota did the same in acknowledgment. With Iruka watching, Ryota quickly prepared himself and proceeded to meet Ichiru Daichi in his private office.

After politely knocking, Ryota heard a commanding voice permitting entry. He turned the doorknob and stepped inside, bowing deeply as he greeted the supreme commander.

"Excuse me, sir. You called for me?" Ryota inquired respectfully, adhering to the cultural etiquette of ojigi, a traditional bow used instead of handshakes.

"Yes, please have a seat, Ryota," Ichiru gestured toward a chair. Ryota obeyed and sat across from the commander, his posture attentive.

"There’s an important matter I need to discuss with you privately regarding our next mission," Ichiru began, his tone serious.

"What are my orders, sir?" Ryota asked, brimming with resolve and accountability.

"Our ground forces are under heavy pressure and need aerial support. Ten trucks carrying 300 troops have already been deployed. Tomorrow, I need you to lead your squadron to secure the skies over Nanking. We’re launching a new mission there," Ichiru explained, pointing to a map of China spread across the table.

"Understood, sir," Ryota responded with a sharp nod.

"Tomorrow, we will advance into southern China. Our objective is to neutralize and dominate Nanking," Ichiru declared with conviction.

Meanwhile, in Nanking, Kuomintang Party leader Chiang Kai-shek instructed his subordinates to evacuate government personnel and move key defenses across the Yangtze River. This strategic shift left Nanking vulnerable, guarded only by ill-trained reserve forces. The city descended into chaos, presenting the Japanese military with an opportune moment to strike.

With no formidable opposition left in Nanking, Japan’s southern advance seemed inevitable after their recent victory in Shanghai. Tomorrow marked the dawn of their bold move to seize Nanking.

Yet, behind the grand strategies laid out and the bravery emanating from the soldiers, a hidden secret lingered in the skies over Nanking—something neither the Japanese nor the Chinese forces had anticipated. Will this mission lead to a glorious victory or mark the beginning of a devastating downfall?