Amuro carefully observed the Federation's defensive line, searching for the two issues Yang Hui had mentioned. However, as a young man who had only recently joined the military, Amuro couldn't find them even after looking for a long time.
"Major, I can't see it."
"First, the Federation's defensive line passes through many cities. This is a self-restricting approach. On one hand, urban combat must consider the damage to the cities themselves. On the other hand, in street fighting, MS are more effective than Type 61 Tanks and fighter jets. That's the first major issue. Second, the logistics units are positioned too far from the front-line troops. They can't provide immediate support to the frontline, and if special forces like ours attack the rear, the frontline troops won't have time to rescue them. That's the second major issue," Yang Hui explained to Amuro.
"I see..."
"If it were me, I would set up the defensive line like this..."
Yang Hui taught Amuro in great detail, explaining his own troop deployment strategy while analyzing the pros and cons of his plan compared to Revil's deployment.
Amuro was undoubtedly a genius, not only in MS piloting and mechanical engineering. After spending some time with him, Yang Hui discovered that Amuro had the potential to become an all-rounder. He learned everything quickly. The reason his ultimate achievement was only as a lieutenant ace in the Londo Bell Unit was entirely due to the corrupt Federation holding him back.
"Do you understand now?"
"Yes, Major."
"Go on. When you have time in the future, study more classic war cases."
"Yes, sir!"
After Amuro left, Yang Hui spoke without turning his head. "Since when did you develop a habit of eavesdropping?"
"You brat, I just didn't want to interrupt you teaching the kid!"
"So you hid and listened in?"
"Hmph, kid, I didn't expect you to be so skilled at commanding large-scale military operations." Revil had heard everything Yang Hui had just explained to Amuro about the battle situation. Although it differed from his own thoughts, he couldn't deny that Yang Hui's command and deployment were excellent, not at all inferior to his own as an experienced veteran.
"Read more books," Yang Hui grinned, brushing it off.
"Haha, if reading more books were enough, everyone would be a famous general."
"Alright, General Revil, what are your orders?" Yang Hui asked. This was a critical stage of the war, and Revil certainly didn't have the leisure to chat and relax with him.
"Your unit needs to move."
"Impossible. Sending them to the battlefield now would be a suicide mission for more than half of them."
"The Military Committee is under immense pressure. Most of their industries are in North America."
"That's your problem and theirs. It has nothing to do with me."
"I have a plan, and I need your cooperation."
"I won't use my people's lives to help you carry out your plan."
"I know. If my plan succeeds, not only can you complete their training ahead of schedule, but you can also wipe out those old bastards on the Military Committee in one fell swoop."
"...Let's go to my office."
Half an hour later, Revil left Yang Hui's office satisfied, while Yang Hui stood with his hands behind his back, staring solemnly at the military map. After wrestling with his thoughts for a long time, he finally picked up the phone.
"Send a message to Luna II. Ask Director Rey if the Qilin-class is completed."
"Understood."
"If we can make it in time, it's indeed a good plan, but Revil... you'd better not be deceiving me. Otherwise... I'll show you a madness more terrifying than Gihren Zabi's."
...
The assessment results were out. Those who passed this round and qualified for actual Mobile Suit training were all within Yang Hui's expectations. South Burning and Cima Garahau were definitely selected, followed by aces like Liddell Wolf and others on the kill leaderboard.
The rest fell slightly short.
According to the original plan, these individuals were not yet ready for actual Mobile Suit training, but due to Revil's plan, it had to be expedited.
"Jung, Yu, you have three days to complete their training."
"Huh? Major, I... don't quite understand." Jung and Kajima Yuu nearly thought their ears were playing tricks on them. Yang Hui had issued such an outrageous order—completing the training for several people in three days... Not to boast, but even they couldn't achieve it, let alone others. It was an impossible task.
"You heard correctly. I will also join in instructing them. In three days, our division will be deployed."
"What!" Everyone present was stunned, especially veterans like Jung, who knew Yang Hui's temperament well. He never went back on his word, and once he decided on something, even Revil couldn't sway him. But now... he was changing plans overnight?
"The plan has changed. We must depart in three days. I will announce the detailed combat plan then. Any other questions?"
"N-no..." Jung and the others shook their heads in confusion. It wasn't that they had no questions, but their minds were filled with so many they didn't dare ask, as they noticed Yang Hui was in a foul mood.
"Good. Those who passed the assessment, prepare yourselves. Your Mobile Suits aren't ready yet, so train with the available ones. Board in 15 minutes and begin training. The rest, continue with daily drills. In three days, you will depart with the team as support personnel."
"Understood!" (Chorus)
What could be accomplished in three days? Even with Yang Hui's personal guidance, what results could be achieved in such a short time?
But they had no time to spare. Over these three days, everyone who boarded an actual Mobile Suit gave it their all—300% focus and dedication—to master MS piloting skills, along with various squad tactics and responses to different environments and situations, until...
"Captain Natarle Badgiruel of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division's Assault Landing Ship Luna, reporting with the ship's crew."
Why three days instead of departing immediately or taking more time? Yang Hui was waiting for the arrival of the first Qilin-class Luna. Only with the Luna's arrival could he be confident of completing Revil's plan while ensuring everyone returned alive.
"Commence resupply and MS transport immediately. Once completed, depart at once. Destination: North America, NY."
"Understood!"
"All personnel, board the ship and assemble in the combat briefing room."
"Understood!" (Chorus)
Everyone was excited, as they hadn't expected to participate in a combat mission so soon. Even those joining as support or ship crew members believed the Twelfth Independent Technical Division would create another legend. As participants and witnesses to this legend, they were thrilled.
Yet at the same time, they felt uneasy about this mission. From the veterans' accounts, they all knew Yang Hui was a man of his word—once he gave an order, there would be no last-minute changes.
But this time, he had broken that precedent. They guessed something serious must have happened, forcing Yang Hui to compromise and adjust. That meant this mission would be extremely dangerous—more perilous than the Middle Eastern front.
Soon, they learned the answer. In the briefing room, everyone stared at Yang Hui in disbelief.
"Major, this is too risky!"
"This is practically a suicide mission!"
Yang Hui's plan was straightforward: all squad divisions were canceled, and the nine-person team would operate alone. The Luna would enter the Atlantic from Venezuela and launch a direct assault on NY, which was deep behind enemy lines. After dropping off the team, the Luna would withdraw from the combat zone, return to the Atlantic, and head to Miami for a temporary stop. Meanwhile, the second squad, temporarily led by South Burning, would conduct guerrilla operations in the Orlando area.
The first squad, after destroying the key city of NY, would move southwest to strike the second major target, DC. Then, they would fight their way through the entire occupied zone, ultimately destroying the captured frontline base in Orlando before boarding the Luna for the return journey.
The Luna was powerful—undoubtedly the strongest warship at the time, capable of low-altitude flight within the atmosphere. On Earth, it could practically operate with impunity.
But even so, it wasn't invincible. If surrounded by a large enemy force, the Luna could still be sunk. That's why Yang Hui didn't plan for the Luna to circle the Zeon-occupied areas with them. Instead, it would return to Federation territory immediately after deploying the troops to await extraction.
The second squad's mission, while not easy, was relatively safe. Although the Orlando base had been captured by the Zeon Army, it was close to the Federation's defensive lines. Even if they encountered danger and couldn't hold their ground, retreating to Federation territory wouldn't be a problem. Besides, their task was guerrilla warfare, not a direct assault on the base.
Moreover, the so-called second squad wasn't just the few qualified pilots—all reserve pilots would also participate. With more people, safety naturally increased.
Not to mention, they had Natarle Badgiruel's command and air support from the Luna.
But the first squad's mission was entirely different—it was practically a suicide mission!
The war on the North American front was essentially over, unlike the intense fighting still raging on the Middle Eastern front. The Zeon forces in North America had already begun consolidating their occupied territories. Given how quickly the local North American government had surrendered, inciting an uprising to create chaos was nearly impossible.
A stable occupied zone and a turbulent, unstable one were two completely different worlds, leaving Yang Hui and his team with very few opportunities.
And what Yang Hui's team had to do wasn't just attack NY—they also had to strike DC from there, then fight their way through the entire Zeon defensive zone to return to friendly territory.
"Given the danger of this mission, participation is entirely voluntary. Anyone who doesn't want to join may leave. I won't blame you, and you'll still be members of the Twelfth Independent Technical Division."
"Who would back out now?!" Ford Romfellow was the first to slam the table and stand up, shouting angrily.
"Major, if you're going, we will definitely follow you," Travis Kirkland said firmly.
"Although I sense there are many hidden circumstances behind this, Major..." Blog Karl said to Yang Hui, "...I don't care what the higher-ups have done. I owe you my life several times over. Whenever you need it, my life is yours."
"And me."
"Me too."
"Even if the Major is going to hell, I'll follow him through it!"
The others all stood up one after another to echo these sentiments. Even the newcomers were moved by their resolve, standing up to salute Yang Hui and express their stance.
"You... are truly good!" Even though Shinn's true age was over a hundred years old, his eyes still grew moist. These were his soldiers, his comrades who had faced life and death with him.
"Major, give the order!"
"Mm, good. Everyone, sit down. Now I will explain the true purpose of this combat plan. After hearing it, anyone who still wants to back out—I will personally shoot them." Since they were all willing to accompany him on this near-suicidal mission, Yang Hui no longer intended to hide the underlying objective.
"That's exactly what we want!" they all chorused.
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