Everyone saw Lan Xue coming out of the room, her face flushed, like a gentle young bride, a stark contrast to her usual cold and confident deanor, which puzzled them. But as soon as they thought of Luo Zheng, they lost interest and looked at Lan Xue with eyes full of inquiry. Ghost Hand was the first to ask, "Captain, how's our brother doing?" Over the years, everyone had gotten used to calling Lan Xue captain; this title was hard to change and they were too lazy to bother.
Lan Xue found a place to sit down, quickly composed herself, controlled her emotions, thought for a mont, and her face gradually returned to its usual cool elegance. Facing everyone's expectant gazes, she said coldly, "It's nothing; he's thinking about a backup plan. Don't disturb him, go back and rest, and manage your own teams, don't complicate matters."
"Yes," everyone trusted Lan Xue absolutely, breathing a sigh of relief and agreeing in unison. They got up one after another and returned to their rooms to rest.
Ghost Hand, Snow Leopard, and Mountain Eagle tacitly did not leave. After years of working together, the three had a keen sense that sothing was up. After everyone left, Ghost Hand exchanged looks with Snow Leopard and Mountain Eagle, then looked at Lan Xue and asked, "Captain, it's just the three of us now, tell us, what's going on?"
"The original plan was canceled. You guys understand why. He's thinking about a new plan, don't worry," Lan Xue said, her eyes darting towards the door, a hint of worry flashing through them.
The task is daunting, and it's hard to have a plan canceled after painstakingly coming up with one. It's not easy to co up with another plan, and more importantly, ti is pressing. If the enemy becos alert, it will be even harder later. Lan Xue also pondered the action plan, hoping to help Luo Zheng solve his problems.
In a little while, the tightly closed door suddenly opened, and Luo Zheng ca out looking calm, which delighted Lan Xue. Ghost Hand and the others got up to greet him eagerly. Luo Zheng nodded, and the three were all smiles as they sat down, all looking at Luo Zheng. Lan Xue smiled knowingly and asked, "Have you thought of a solution?"
"It's not really a solution, more like a compromise. This mission is extrely challenging; ordinary thods are almost impossible to complete, and unconventional ans must be used. The first plan has the highest success rate. I've considered subsequent plans, but now the country doesn't agree with us implenting this plan. Can we compromise?" Luo Zheng said in a low voice, his face becoming serious.
"How to compromise?" Lan Xue asked.
"Have Hook step in?" Luo Zheng said quietly.
"Hook?" Everyone was stunned, and following Luo Zheng's suggestion, their faces gradually turned to surprise, exchanging looks and nodding with smiles.
Lan Xue also smiled and said, "Last ti, when the Eight-Nation Alliance attacked the Hook Tribe, Japan was among them. Now that Hook is retaliating, even if it's actually us taking action, we can justify it in principle, at least giving the country a reason for external explanation. At worst, it would just be another confusing legal case."
"Yeah, as long as Hook issues a statent claiming responsibility, the country can detach itself from the incident. Even if other countries know it was us, there's no evidence, and if soone claims responsibility, they can't say much. The country can shift the matter cleanly. This line of thinking is good. The problem is, will Hook agree? Isn't he afraid of a new attack?" Ghost Hand said excitedly but with so concern towards the end.
"Foolish," Mountain Eagle scolded unkindly, "Hook is just a label. There are many Terrorist Organizations in the world; just pick a na. What we need is the na, not actual assistance."
"Right, just find a Terrorist Organization that is against Japan to make a statent. They don't need to worry about anything else; we handle it. Terrorist organizations love gaining notoriety. There should be many willing to take such credit," Ghost Hand realized, happily agreeing with Mountain Eagle.
"I also agree to let a Terrorist Organization step in. Hook brothers have it tough; we can't let them fall into war again. Terrorist Organizations are different. They're elusive, hard to find by ordinary people, and not afraid of being targeted. This chance might make them famous and grow stronger," Snow Leopard chid in.
Luo Zheng did not imdiately refute but looked at Lan Xue. Lan Xue thought for a mont and said, "You couldn't possibly overlook the risk of involving Hook; what's your real purpose?"
"The Hook Tribe's area is within the traditional sphere of influence of Sam Country, a vast prival forest not conducive to large-scale operations. Who wins a small-scale engagent is uncertain; last ti's battle already proved this. If Hook takes the lead, it could raise the tribe's prestige. Maybe we can support Hook in establishing a nation, planting a stake in Sam Country's backyard, greatly benefiting our country, and I believe the dostic side would support it. It depends on whether Hook has the ambition," Luo Zheng explained seriously.
"Establish a nation?" Everyone was shocked, looking at Luo Zheng, frightened by his concept. They were still thinking about destroying the Ninja Headquarters, while Luo Zheng was considering setting fire in Sam Country's backyard. Such thinking is too jumpy, isn't it? How grand is this sche? However, inexplicably, everyone beca excited, subconsciously feeling the plan was feasible, without a single thought of opposition.
"This plan is too big and requires the nation's consent. Without national support, the Hook Tribe can't beco a state. I propose to report and seek dostic approval first," Lan Xue cautiously said.
Luo Zheng glanced at everyone and nodded, "Sure, supporting Hook in nation-building has five benefits. First, setting Sam Country's backyard on fire, dragging down their economy. Second, establishing national prestige, showing our country's toughness. Third, through supporting, there'll definitely be warfare, allowing nurous troops to engage in rotation battles, achieving training effects. Fourth, unloading excess dostic arms. Fifth, seizing pri tribal resources."
"It's everyone's blessing that you don't enter the court to beco an official. You list five benefits in one breath, each vitally needed by the country, each point is a temptation cutting to the chase. Dostic opposition would be difficult in the face of such huge benefits," Ghost Hand couldn't help but exclaim.
"Just now, when you were still confused, you started deciphering the global affairs with a plan that could shake the world. It's a grand gesture, but I like it, and I will faithfully report your ideas. Anything else to add?" Lan Xue said, looking at Luo Zheng with fascination, also being conquered by his grand strategic conception.
"Leave the detailed plan to the dostic strategists. We're just ordinary warriors; there's no need to expend ntal effort on it. Report quickly; as long as the state makes a decision, it's highly probable to persuade Hook. If not, then we'll have to casually find a Terrorist Organization for a label. Report that as well, let the nation choose," Luo Zheng advised.
"Understood," Lan Xue replied sharply, quickly agreeing.
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