Su Xiao nodded and turned toward her backpack.
After taking two steps, she stopped and looked back.
"Captain."
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Commander Li looked at her without saying anything.
Su Xiao turned around and continued toward her position.
The fluorescent lights in the basement still gave off a faint hum.
The nine of them remained silent, each making final preparations for the coming operation.
Commander Li's gaze swept over them.
"Now, assignments."
He pointed at the three red dots on the map.
"Yasukuni Shrine is the farthest away and the most sensitive location. It requires two people. Group One: Su Xiao and Zhang Lei."
Su Xiao and Zhang Lei answered at the same time.
"The Prime Minister's Office, Group Two: Zhao Gang and Li Qin."
"Combat Command Headquarters, Group Three.
"The remaining five: three on the main mission, two providing perimeter support, responsible for cover and extraction."
He began explaining the specific routes to each target, the locations of the sewer entrances, and how to install the devices.
The nine young people gathered around the map, listening intently, memorizing the details, and occasionally asking questions.
All hesitation and fear were temporarily suppressed.
A mission was a mission.
19:30 · Nightfall
Jingdong glittered with lights at night.
Group One set out.
Su Xiao and Zhang Lei wore ordinary dark casual clothes and carried tactical backpacks that looked like regular travel bags.
Blending into the crowds, they headed for Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward.
It was Footpan Chicken's spiritual symbol and had the tightest security.
The two did not speak. They simply followed the planned route, walking one behind the other.
Commander Li's low voice occasionally came through Su Xiao's earpiece:
"Turn right at the intersection ahead... Careful, there's a patrol car on the left... Pass normally."
Twenty minutes later, they reached