The bright early summer sunlight of May filtered through the window glass, illuminating the floor of the auditorium at the Imperial Japanese Army War College. The military band began to play the slow, solemn strains of "Kimigayo." With a command of "Step forward!", He Rui, a graduate of the college, stepped forward. Together with five other top graduates of the 27th Class of 1915, he took a step forward and stood at attention.

Principal Major General Kawai Misao walked forward and pinned the Army War College Outstanding Cadet Medal on the chests of the six men, one by one.

When the medal presentation concluded, the music stopped. Ishiwara Kanji, leader of the junior honor guard, barked, "Seniors, please follow me!" He then stood at attention, turned, and led the group to the rostrum.

These six were the top graduates of the 27th Class of the Army War College in 1915. Their ranking had been determined based on their grades in various subjects and the collective deliberation of the instructor evaluation board.

According to the established order, the six were: first place He Rui, second place Homma Masaharu, third place Imamura Hitoshi, fourth place Yamashita Tomoyuki, fifth place Kawabe Masakazu, and sixth place Tōjō Hideki.

In addition to receiving the Outstanding Cadet Medal personally awarded by the Principal, these six would receive the supreme honor of a military sword bestowed by the Emperor of Japan.

An old man wearing a general's uniform and the rank insignia of a full general walked onto the stage. He was short of stature but radiated a hale and hearty energy. This was Prince Fushimi Sadanaru, the current Minister of the Imperial Household, commissioned by the Emperor to confer this special honor.

The graduates of the 27th Class all stared at the backs of the six men. While there was envy, there was little resentment. The six men standing before Prince Fushimi had not only achieved exceptionally high marks but each possessed qualities that others could not hope to rival.

An adjutant beside the Prince presented a military sword with gold-inlaid edges with both hands, but the diminutive Prince did not pick it up. He looked up at He Rui. "He-kun, even in the palace, I have heard of your great name! It is rare to see such an outstanding young man. Even for a Chinese, you show great promise."

"Just a meager reputation; I did not expect it to reach Your Highness. I am truly humbled," He Rui replied with a Japanese cadence. Even after five years of his soul inhabiting this era, He Rui still could not completely accustom himself to the Japanese patterns of speech.

The five outstanding graduates beside him maintained a standard military posture, though most stole glances at this unusual exchange.

"That is no mere reputation. Many of the Excellencies in the Cabinet frequently adopt your views. Even His Majesty has specifically mentioned your books during several inquiries with his ministers."

"Is it *The Fate of Japan*?"

"*Introduction to Geopolitics*, *The Future of the Yellow Race*, and *East Asian Confucian Civilization and the Future of the World* were all mentioned," Prince Fushimi sighed. "Many of the Genrō were amazed. He-kun, you must know that the Emperor's bestowed sword can normally only be awarded to Japanese soldiers. However, many believe that given your friendly attitude towards Japan and your many beneficial suggestions, you should be the exception!"

Hearing this, Tōjō Hideki, who had kept his eyes fixed forward, could not help but turn his head to witness the scene.

He Rui's chiseled face remained calm. "Your Highness's words make this subordinate feel deeply honored. In these times, with Europe in the throes of war, I also hope to contribute to the people of China, Japan, and indeed, all of East Asia. It is merely my humble view, offered for your consideration."

Prince Fushimi stared at He Rui and said slowly, "Major General Kawai Misao should have spoken with you many times already, yes? He-kun, with your talent, coupled with the national power of the Great Japanese Empire, the cause of revitalizing East Asia is well within reach. If you return to China, given the current situation on the continent, a genius may find no place to display his abilities!"

For a moment, everyone who heard this held their breath, waiting for He Rui's response.

He Rui met Prince Fushimi's expectant gaze. "Your Highness, Japan will always be this subordinate's second home."

Prince Fushimi looked slightly regretful. He picked up the military sword presented by the attendant and held it horizontally in his hands. He Rui bowed, took the sword with both hands, and then retreated.

With an inaudible sigh, Prince Fushimi turned and picked up the sword for the second-place graduate, Homma Masaharu.

Half an hour later, the graduation ceremony finally concluded.

At the entrance of the auditorium, the leader of the junior honor guard, Ishiwara Kanji, had finished his duty and was waiting. Seeing He Rui emerge, he stepped forward to take He Rui's bag, and the two walked side by side to a corner of the campus where they frequently gathered.

The bright sunshine of mid-May 1915 spilled over the campus of the Army War College. Located in Minato Ward, Tokyo, adjacent to Tokyo Bay, the climate was warm and humid. Because it was a senior military academy, academic subjects were emphasized over field training, and the grounds featured few large parade squares. Instead, the campus was full of shade, with Japanese traditional wooden or stone tables and chairs scattered under the trees. It was afternoon, and the campus was very quiet.

Under the shade of the trees in the corner of the campus, a dense crowd had gathered. There were students currently at the Army War College, alongside others from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy and the Etajima Naval Academy. Seated in the middle were Okamura Yasuji, Obata Toshishirō, and other instructors and young staff officers from the General Staff Headquarters.

Arriving before the waiting group, He Rui offered his greetings. Okamura Yasuji, an instructor who was already seated, pointed to the empty seat opposite him. "He-kun, please sit."

The soldiers without seats crowded around the others. After He Rui sat down, all the seats were filled, and the standing soldiers inadvertently formed a circle.

Removing his military cap, He Rui's bright gaze swept over the young officers. The oldest among them was Okamura Yasuji, 31 years old. Obata Toshishirō, a staff officer at the General Staff Headquarters, was 30. The young soldiers standing behind them mostly came from Japan's propertied or noble classes. The people standing behind He Rui, however, mostly had backgrounds unrelated to wealth or rank.

Turning his head, He Rui ordered Ishiwara Kanji, "Ishiwara, distribute the latest issue of *Military Soul* to everyone."

Ishiwara Kanji took a stack of tabloids from his bag. The men passed them around, and soon everyone held a copy.

The backgrounds of the people gathered here were vastly different, but they were all bound by this salon tabloid, *Military Soul*. More than a year ago, He Rui and a few like-minded officers had decided to found it during a night of drinking. Originally distributed only within the college, it had gradually spread to the various service academies. Recently, copies had begun appearing in the General Staff Headquarters and the Ministry of Finance within a day or two of publication.

As the influence of *Military Soul* grew, so did the number of soldiers submitting letters, writing articles, and engaging in debate within its pages. In the last seven or eight months, senior instructors like Okamura Yasuji and staff officers like Obata Toshishirō had also become involved.

After receiving the new issue, the men did not rush to read it as they usually did. He Rui was about to return home, and everyone wanted to hear what he had to say.

The first to speak was the instructor, Okamura Yasuji. "He-kun's choice to return home is truly a pity. I do not know when we will meet again after this parting."

He Rui met frequently with Okamura, but they were not close friends. He replied frankly, "There is an article by Senior Okamura in this issue. If the future situation develops according to your view, Senior, then in as little as five or six years, or at most ten-odd, you, I, and all our fellow students here will naturally meet in arms on the battlefield."