Spy Wars: I am the Captain of the Military Police

Chapter 1214 I'm not the only one

Zhou Zhengqing smiled noncommittally, his face showing no smugness, remaining as calm and composed as ever.

He didn't respond to that, picked up his glass, took a sip of whiskey, let the cold liquid linger in his mouth for a moment before slowly swallowing, and then steered the conversation to another person, his tone still calm but with a hint of probing: "By the way, speaking of today's security lapses, we almost let the Military Intelligence Bureau get away with it, causing a major disaster."

"Isn't Major General Seiichi Kita in charge of the specific security arrangements?"

Upon hearing the name Kita Seiichi, Terauchi Hisaichi's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a barely perceptible hint of coldness and dissatisfaction.

He nodded, his tone flat, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes, a glint of undisguised anger and disappointment: "Yes, he is the head of the Special Service Department of the North China Army, and concurrently the head of the Beiping Special Service Agency. In theory, he is in charge of Beiping's security, counter-espionage, intelligence gathering, and the security work of the puppet government."

Today is a high-level meeting of the puppet government, which is of great importance. I specifically instructed him to strengthen security, guard against any loopholes, and ensure that no mistakes are made.

Unexpectedly, the Military Intelligence Bureau still found an opportunity. Although they ultimately failed to harm us, they still made such a huge blunder that caused us to lose face.

He is undeniably culpable.

Zhou Zhengqing nodded slightly and asked calmly, "According to the law, what should be done?"

"At the very least, they may be dismissed from their posts, investigated, stripped of their military rank, or exiled to remote areas."

In serious cases... they will be handed over to a military court and prosecuted for dereliction of duty and endangering the security of the Empire.

Terauchi Hisaichi spoke in a flat tone, as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him, but the cold glint in his eyes was enough to show that his dissatisfaction with Kita Seiichi had reached its peak.

Upon hearing Terauchi Hisaichi's words, Zhou Zhengqing immediately realized that although Kita Seiichi was Terauchi Hisaichi's subordinate and a capable assistant whom he had personally promoted, he seemed to lack trust in Kita Seiichi and even harbor some apprehension and dissatisfaction towards him.

Zhou Zhengqing pondered for a moment, then tapped his fingers lightly on the edge of the coffee table in a slow and rhythmic manner, lost in thought.

Kita Seiichi had been operating in North China for many years, possessing a vast intelligence network and spies. He had a strong control over the officials of the puppet government, and he was ruthless and decisive, making him a very useful "knife".

If Kita Seiichi were to work for him, it would greatly benefit his future plans in North China.

After a while, Zhou Zhengqing raised his head and looked at Terauchi Hisaichi with a solemn expression and a sincere tone, carrying a hint of imperceptible plea: "Uncle, I have a favor to ask about Kita-kun, and I hope you can grant it."

Terauchi Hisaichi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Hmm? Takuto, please speak. As long as it doesn't violate the interests of the Empire or damage the reputation of the North China Area Army, I will try my best to accommodate you."

"Although the attack was dangerous, and the Kuomintang agents came with great force, almost causing a major disaster, we escaped unharmed. We had no casualties, and the captured Kuomintang agents were not rescued, so it did not cause too much damage."

Zhou Zhengqing said slowly, his tone calm and reasonable: "Kita Seiichi still has an intelligence network and operational capabilities in Beiping, that cannot be denied."

He did indeed do a great deal for the empire's rule in North China, and for the establishment and stability of the puppet government, eliminating many resistance fighters and spies, and collecting a large amount of valuable intelligence.

As he spoke, Zhou Zhengqing looked firmly at Terauchi Hisaichi, his tone carrying a hint of frankness: "More importantly, this person... has already expressed his loyalty to me."

I was wondering why he did this, but after observing him, I realized that he was being ostracized and in a difficult situation within your North China Army.

So that's why he wants to join me, follow me, and serve me.

And I've already accepted it, so could you, Uncle, please give him a chance for my sake and perhaps look after him a little in the future?

"Oh?" Terauchi Hisaichi raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly surprised, but upon closer inspection, it was within his expectations.

Given Kita Seiichi's shrewdness, wasn't the arrival of Takasaki Takuto, the military police commander, in Beiping a perfect opportunity for him to curry favor?

His path in the North China Front Army was becoming increasingly narrow, and he would definitely try to find a way to break free.

Takasaki Takuto's military police system was a smooth road ahead, so it would be strange if he didn't pay attention to it.

Terauchi Hisaichi picked up his wine glass, swirled it gently, and looked at Zhou Zhengqing with a complicated expression: "Takuto, you should know that Kita Seiichi is extremely ambitious, cunning, and ruthless."

Given your status, he has expressed his loyalty to you. Although he will not dare to harbor any disloyal thoughts in the future, he also wants to use you and leverage your relationship to get out of his current predicament and gain more power and benefits.

Don't be fooled by his sweet talk.

“I understand.” Zhou Zhengqing nodded. “It’s just that I need his intelligence network and special forces, and I need him to help me deal with some things that can’t be discussed openly but must be dealt with.”

He needed my protection; he needed to use my connections to gain a foothold within the Japanese army and realize his ambitions.

When Terauchi Hisashi heard Zhou Zhengqing say this, he knew that Zhou Zhengqing had decided to use Kita Seiichi, so he smiled and pointed at Zhou Zhengqing.

"You little rascal, you really are a slippery character! You bastard, the moment you come here, you try to poach a major general, right in front of me! You..."

Zhou Zhengqing smiled and then began to inquire about Kita Seiichi's situation.

“I’ve heard that Kita Seiichi is quite capable, but…” Zhou Zhengqing looked at Terauchi Hisaichi, his tone tinged with a hint of probing: “He doesn’t seem to be very popular with you or your colleagues in the North China Area Army?”

Over the years, he has been marginalized and constrained within the Japanese military, facing numerous difficulties, right?

Upon hearing this, Terauchi Hisaichi snorted, his tone carrying undisguised aloofness and a hint of mockery, and his expression became even colder.

He didn't answer directly, but instead downed his whiskey in one gulp, as if trying to suppress some emotion in his heart.

He put down his wine glass, which clattered against the coffee table with a sharp sound that was particularly jarring in the quiet room.

Then, he slowly spoke, his tone filled with undisguised dissatisfaction and sarcasm: "Since Takumi asked, I won't hide it from you."

Kita Seiichi may have some ability, and his methods are ruthless enough. He is indeed quite capable in espionage work.

However, he was too ambitious and had an insatiable appetite. He acted ruthlessly and without regard for consequences, offending too many people.

"I'm not the only one in the North China Area Army who dislikes him."