The Final Storm - Jeff Shaara [40]
Ushijima had enormous affection for Yahara, the man totally opposite in personality from the abrasive and conniving Cho.
“Nothing to add. The Americans will certainly continue their shelling until it is too dark to see. They take pride in their work, and certainly their admirals wish to see the damage they are inflicting on us. Today should be no different than yesterday.”
“We shall drive their pride into their bellies at the point of the bayonet!”
Ushijima avoided the bombast coming from Cho, but the man did not wait for a reply, was quickly gone. Yahara seemed not to notice, moved close to the back of a chair, leaned over the shoulder of one of the secretaries, a pretty woman who did not acknowledge him.
“Yes, you may complete that for my signature.”
“As you wish, sir.”
Ushijima studied the woman’s face, saw no fear, thought, good. She is not one of the playthings. And Yahara is not so crude. We will all leave that to General Cho.
“When you have completed this task, Colonel, come to my room. I should like you to give me your latest reports on the progress of the construction of the caves.”
“I shall be there in two minutes, General, if that is acceptable.”
Ushijima tried to maintain the formality, but Yahara was far too likable, a cheerfulness in the man that showed clearly how much he loved his work.
“You may have three. I do not wish you to break an ankle running through these dark hallways.”
“Do you miss your days in the classroom, Colonel?”
Yahara was still standing in the doorway, seemed surprised by the question.
“I am pleased to be here, General.”
“Sit down, Colonel. This is not an inquiry. You may relax. If General Cho insists on joining us, then we will button our coats and stand at attention. Please. Sit down.”
Ushijima was seated on a small rug, his legs bent inward, a small cup of tea beside him. Yahara made a short bow, sat across from him, and Ushijima pointed to the teapot, said, “Pour yourself a cup. I’m not in the mood for alcohol just now. Is that acceptable?”
“Of course, General. Thank you. Tea is always acceptable.”
“Relax, please. Perhaps I should have brought you some sake. It is not necessary that you be so nervous around me. General Cho has secured a case of rather outstanding Scotch. I can summon him, if that would be more to your liking.”
Yahara seemed to know that Ushijima was toying with him, shook his head.
“I would not ever consider depriving General Cho of his fine whiskey. I have learned that when he is in a festive mood, it is best to stay in my quarters.”
“I would never admit this to anyone else, Colonel, but Cho makes me somewhat uncomfortable as well. I suppose he does that to everyone. I think he rather enjoys that. I would suppose that when he was a boy, he was the schoolyard bully.”
“I would agree with you, General. But, no, I have come to respect General Cho, and to obey him when it is appropriate.”
Ushijima laughed.
“When is it not appropriate?” He saw hesitation, laughed again. “Yes, I understand. If I tell you one thing and he tells you another, you know very well whom to obey. I cannot fault General Cho for his enthusiasm. He is the picture of the samurai, is he not? He will attack anyone at any time with complete disregard for himself. Is that not what we are all supposed to do?”
Yahara seemed puzzled.
“Yes, certainly, sir.”
“So, what’s wrong? Is the progress on the caves in the south going well?”
“Oh … yes, quite well, sir. I have tried to employ the Koreans and the Okinawans whenever possible, rather than overwork our own troops. But our people are much better at the labor. I am sorry to say that within the last few days, our schedule has been altered by the arrival of the Americans. I do not believe we will have time to complete my design before their ground assault begins.”
“No, we will not. They will come any day now. But not