"You'll lead the next assault personally," Maresuke added, his tone icy. "Take what remains of your men and raise the Imperial flag on Hill 203."
Koya saluted sharply, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Y-yes, sir!"
As the meeting dragged on, Maresuke leaned back in his chair, his exhaustion evident. Around him, his officers exchanged anxious glances. The situation was grim. Entire divisions had been decimated. Morale was plummeting.
"We're screwed, and we all know it," Maresuke said bluntly, breaking the uneasy silence. "But there's still one chance. Do you know what's happening two weeks from now?"
The officers exchanged puzzled looks before one ventured, "His Majesty the Emperor's birthday, sir?"
"Exactly," Maresuke said, his voice firm. "By then, we must take that damned fortress. Only then will we secure the supplies we need and salvage our honor."
