"Ding!"
Moscow, Buru General Staff Headquarters, in the office of General Staff Chief Comrade Shaposhnikov, the telephone rang urgently.
Shaposhnikov picked up the phone, but moments later, his face turned deathly pale.
"What? Is this true? The Ukrainians actually dared to launch an offensive against us? How is that possible?" Shaposhnikov wore an expression of utter disbelief, as though an alien had appeared before him.
Although the Kingdom of Ukraine had developed rapidly in recent years, and its military strength had likewise greatly improved, no one believed Ukraine possessed the strength to defeat Buru. Even less did they believe Ukraine had the nerve to launch an offensive against Buru.
"Someone, prepare a car immediately! I'm going to the Kremlin!" Shaposhnikov roared.
Once he had confirmed that this was no joke and that it was all true, Shaposhnikov knew this time the trouble was enormous. He had to report to Joseph at once and let Joseph make the decision.
Of course, Shaposhnikov had not forgotten to notify Voroshilov. With such a massive blunder having occurred, he could not possibly face it alone and shoulder all the responsibility by himself, could he? How could he bear it otherwise?
When Shaposhnikov arrived at the Kremlin, Voroshilov happened to arrive at the same time. Voroshilov's expression was equally grim. Clearly, he already knew what had happened.
"Comrade Shaposhnikov, this matter is likely to be very thorny," Voroshilov said.
Shaposhnikov nodded. "Once Comrade Joseph learns of this, he will certainly fly into a rage."
"There is nothing to be done about that. The Ukrainians' actions this time were simply too unexpected." Voroshilov had been equally stunned when he first received the news.
The two soon arrived at Joseph's office.
"Please, sit down, gentlemen. What is it?" Joseph set down the document in his hand.
"Comrade