Chapter 12: Intelligence
Oshima returned to the place he visited yesterday and met the person.
"How is the investigation?" he asked.
The person replied, "I checked the files of the Central Statistics Bureau, Military Statistics Bureau, and Second Department. The person in the photos taken by the camera doesn't belong to any of these three units. It's confirmed; he should be fine."
Oshima sighed in relief, "That's what I thought too."
"If you think he's fine, why should I investigate?" the person questioned.
"Be cautious to avoid major mistakes!" Daishima replied.
"That's good! I don't want to see you in trouble either."
Oshima lit a cigarette, "Now that we're sure he's fine, we need to get to work."
"Sure, as long as there's money," the person remarked.
"Your money will be involved. Now, activate your contact," Oshima instructed.
"Okay, what information do you need? Don't tell me the entire plan for the Shanghai theater; I don't have that capability."
"You have connections in the theater, right?"
"I do, but he can't access operational plans. We need to help him climb higher. Once he does, he can access high-level secrets."
"Fine, let's discuss this later. For now, focus on our area."
"How should we proceed?" the person inquired.
Oshima thought for a moment, "The deployment of troops in Zhabei, especially the Chinese artillery situation. Also, the recent actions of the Chinese army. Just these three, any issues?"
"These three are a bit difficult. But it can be done. After it's done, how much are you offering?"
"Ten thousand francs!"
"Not enough! Each of these three deserves more than ten thousand. Total of thirty thousand."
"Thirty thousand is too much!"
"I'm not asking you to pay. Go find Sato. He's probably scared of staying here, eager to leave. Just tell him you have intelligence for him to take back. He'll agree to your request."
Oshima agreed, "He comes without money."
"Send a telegram, have headquarters wire it over? The Sino-Japanese War is happening in Shanghai; even without a telegram, they'll be notified. When he comes, headquarters must have given him emergency contact details."
Oshima hesitated, "This way, it will offend people. Headquarters won't be happy."
"I don't care if they're happy. Blame it on me. Say without thirty thousand francs, I can't influence the relevant people. If this deal doesn't go through, I won't continue. Besides you, no one knows about me."
Oshima sensed the danger, "You can trust me! Our years of friendship, I won't betray you. With Sato, I'll tell him I found three relevant individuals, and we need information from each of them."
"Yes! We're friends; we should make money together."
Oshima agreed, "I'll talk to Sato. After he responds, I'll leave the information at the usual place. You leave your letter, and we'll arrange to meet. This place can't be used multiple times."
"Good! Await your message!"
After speaking, the person left.
Oshima turned back. On his way back, he was cautious, using anti-tracking methods.
Only after confirming no one was following did he climb a tree, pass through the toilet, and return to the courtyard.
When he bought this property, Oshima was attracted to the large tree.
Later, he spent money to build a toilet and elevated it by a meter. This way, the top of the toilet was a meter away from the tree branches, making it convenient to use.
The reason for entering and exiting from the backyard was because there were shops and residences opposite the front door. There were also people living on both sides of the butcher shop. Opening the door in the middle of the night, even if done carefully, would still make noise. It would attract attention.
The next day, early in the morning, Oshima knocked on Zhou Lin's door.
Seeing Oshima holding youtiao and soy milk, Zhou Lin asked, "Did you go out early to buy these?"
Daishima nodded, "I've already eaten. Hurry and eat; I have something to tell you after you finish."
After breakfast, Zhou Lin went to Oshima's room.
Oshima pointed to the floor, indicating Zhou Lin to sit.
There was a small table on the floor with a teapot and two teacups.
Oshima sat on the floor, and Zhou Lin sat opposite him.
Oshima picked up the teapot and poured tea into Zhou Lin's and his cups.
They raised their cups and drank.
It was a Japanese custom; before discussing serious matters, they must sit calmly, drink tea, and keep their composure.
After finishing the tea, Zhou Lin looked at Oshima, silently asking the purpose.
Oshima said, "What intelligence do you need this time?"
Zhou Lin replied, "The greatest threat to Imperial soldiers is my target."
Oshima nodded, "Chinese infantry poses no significant obstacle to the advance of the Imperial Army. Their weapons are outdated. One Chinese division can't handle an Imperial squadron. The layout on both sides can be observed on the battlefield. So, this information isn't very valuable."
Zhou Lin agreed, "Yes."
"What threatens the Imperial Army is twofold. First is the Chinese artillery situation. Artillery is the talisman of the Imperial Army, and it's also the trump card for the Chinese army. When the Imperial Army charges forward, if the Chinese artillery opens fire, it's the biggest threat to Imperial soldiers."
Zhou Lin gave a thumbs up, "You guessed it right! When I came, the Colonel mentioned intelligence on artillery and the reinforcement plans of the Chinese army. If possible, also include the defense layout of the local garrison."
Oshima handed Zhou Lin a cigarette, "I'm already working on these three things you mentioned."
A smile appeared on Zhou Lin's face.
Oshima continued, "You know, I don't have subordinates here. Undercover work doesn't allow me to have subordinates. I just know a few friends. Over time, I've managed to bring them over. Not as subordinates but as collaborators. Understand?"
"I understand. As long as there's money, they'll sell intelligence."
"Exactly as you said. Mutually beneficial relationships."
Zhou Lin asked, "Have you found them?"
"Already found."
"How did they respond?"
"As long as there's money, they can provide real and accurate intelligence."
Zhou Lin worried, "What if the intelligence is inaccurate?"
Oshima knew Sato's polite words meant false intelligence.
Oshima assured, "That won't happen. I know their backgrounds. If it's false intelligence, a single report, and they'll end up in prison or worse. They're not that foolish. If they can't do it, they'll directly admit it. If they can provide it, it's surely reliable."
Zhou Lin relaxed, "Seeing you hesitate, something happened?"
Oshima was more direct, "They want money! I don't have that much."
Zhou Lin extended his hand, inviting Daishima to continue.