Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 708 - 714 Victory in Sight

Chapter 708: Chapter 714 Victory in Sight

In the evening, Jethro summoned Yang Yi to a meeting, a rendezvous.

Jethro, Ferdinand, and Corkdor, the trio hadn’t gathered together in a while, as each had their respective tasks during this period. However, with the changing situation, it was clear there was a need to redeploy and redistribute their work.

Jethro could only trust Yang Yi. Therefore, he brought Yang Yi with him this time because the tasks he was responsible for could only be carried out by Yang Yi. There was no need for Yang Yi to avoid being present during the task assignment stage.

The meeting place was a restaurant where everyone arrived casually dressed. Besides the three bosses, only their closest aides were allowed into the private dining room. While Jethro and Corkdor sat at the table enjoying a meal, Yang Yi and the other two aides stood solemnly behind their boss.

Corkdor, looking relaxed, said slowly, "My men have spotted Big Ivan’s traces in eastern Ukraine. Not Big Ivan himself, but definitely his subordinates."

Ferdinand asked eagerly, "Did you make contact? What was the outcome?"

Corkdor sighed lightly, "There was combat. We had hoped to capture a live one, but... our quarry got away."

"How many?"

"Three."

Ferdinand expressed his astonishment, "They let three get away?"

Corkdor replied calmly, "Exactly. And it’s precisely for this reason I’m certain they were Big Ivan’s men. Despite being only three, they were exceptionally strong in combat."

Jethro didn’t dwell on these details, simply stating, "So, Big Ivan is hiding in eastern Ukraine?"

Corkdor nodded, "It’s highly likely."

Corkdor looked up, glancing at Yang Yi, then after a moment of thought, he addressed Jethro, "Boyata is injured. How is he doing now?"

Speaking in a low voice, Jethro replied, "He’s fine now, out of danger, uh, he can be trusted."

’The trusted one’ referred to, of course, was Yang Yi. Corkdor might have preferred Yang Yi’s absence, but since Jethro vouched for Yang Yi’s trustworthiness, Corkdor couldn’t very well ask Yang Yi to leave.

After clearing his throat, Corkdor spoke in a low voice, "L has sent people to eastern Ukraine, and we must go there as well. We’ve gathered around two hundred men. I believe that should be enough to handle Big Ivan, especially given the combat power of Ferdinand’s forces. I think, even if Big Ivan’s guards are strong, they won’t pose a problem for them."

Ferdinand confidently affirmed, "Of course, it won’t be an issue."

Jethro said in a low voice, "Can’t L take action?"

Corkdor replied with a light laugh, "Once Big Ivan’s location is confirmed, of course L will act. We have powerful support, but the important thing is to find Big Ivan."

Jethro remained silent, and Corkdor continued, "I have already discussed it with Arseny. Our operations in eastern Ukraine will receive assistance from the local military forces. Therefore, in this battle, there is no possibility of defeat. Having said that, I wish to discuss how to divide the upcoming tasks with both of you."

Turning to Ferdinand, Corkdor said sternly, "As the main combat force, your men will definitely need to go to eastern Ukraine. Jethro, you are more familiar with Ukraine, and your men are also capable fighters, so I’d like you to go to eastern Ukraine to support Ferdinand. How does that sound?"

Ferdinand immediately responded, "No problem. We’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time."

But Jethro hesitated, furrowing his brows, "When do we go to eastern Ukraine?"

"Soon. I can’t be certain of the exact day, but it won’t be too long, possibly within the next few days. I hope you can be prepared."

Ferdinand, somewhat impatient, asked, "Why not go right now?"

Corkdor shook his head, "The situation in eastern Ukraine is very complicated. There are many anti-government forces there now, with combat happening every day. All these conditions make it easier for Big Ivan to hide. If you go to eastern Ukraine right now, it’s very likely the locals will spot you and notify the anti-government forces. And Big Ivan’s collusion with these forces is certain."

Speaking gravely, Jethro added, "If Big Ivan discovers our presence, he doesn’t need to do anything but find a new hiding place immediately. That would be a complete failure for us. Thus, we cannot make any rash moves before confirming Big Ivan’s whereabouts."

Ferdinand frowned but eventually nodded, "Alright, then we’ll wait until we locate Big Ivan before going over at any time."

Corkdor smiled, "I’ve already made arrangements with Arseny. The Ukrainian military will provide us with every convenience and, upon locating Big Ivan, you can take the air force’s transport aircraft directly to eastern Ukraine. The crew is absolutely reliable."

Impatiently, Ferdinand commented, "If L will act, and there are so many troops in eastern Ukraine, why do we need to do anything?"

"L’s forces are limited, and the Ukrainian military is unreliable. Big Ivan’s ties to the military are too close. Now, many Ukrainian officers may fight the eastern forces, but they aren’t necessarily willing to confront Big Ivan. Everything is about interest. Big Ivan has fed them too well. Only after we take down Big Ivan, and after a long period of influence, it might be possible to do these things. But for now, we must acknowledge our influence over the Ukrainian military is far less than Big Ivan’s. For secrecy, we cannot utilize the Ukrainian military."

Corkdor explained this calmly. The fact was that even with the support of the highest ranks of Ukraine’s current government, he still couldn’t count on the military’s support due to Big Ivan’s deep infiltration. Neither L, representing the United States, nor Corkdor, representing Deyo, dared use the Ukrainian military, the inherently strongest force at their disposal.

After a brief explanation, Corkdor continued in a stern voice, "That’s the situation; there are no further details. I ask you to be ready to depart at any moment. I will stay in Kiev, maintaining close communication with the Ukrainian government. The actual combat operations will have to rely on you two."

Ferdinand waved his hand casually, "No problem, I’m just waiting for your message."

Jethro nodded, "Fine, we will make the necessary preparations."

Corkdor spoke nonchalantly, "This is our best chance, also the closest we’ve been to Big Ivan. Not that I don’t trust you both, but aside from the people you trust the most, it’s best if you don’t share this information with anyone else. If the message leaks, it’s all over."

Ferdinand affirmed gravely, "Of course, I won’t tell them the details."

Jethro merely nodded in agreement.

Raising his glass, Corkdor smiled, "Gentlemen, although it may be a bit premature to celebrate victory, we have already seen its first light. Cheers, to our eventual triumph."