In that moment, he understood Stessel's true intent. It wasn't about strategy or even the lives of their men—it was about glory. Stessel and his faction cared only for the accolades they could claim, indifferent to the cost in blood.
"Don't tell me you're still obsessed with chasing commendations," Kontrachenko said, his voice laced with scorn.
"Watch your words, Commander," Stessel warned, his tone cold. "I won't tolerate insubordination, not even from you."
"Unbelievable," Kontrachenko muttered under his breath. Convincing these men was impossible. Their minds were consumed by ambition, their eyes fixed only on the lands they could conquer.
"I am the commander entrusted with authority over this operation," Kontrachenko declared, his voice rising.
"Not anymore," Stessel snapped. "As the Kwantung Army Commander—and your superior—I'm rescinding that authority."
The words landed like a hammer blow. Stessel had stripped Kontrachenko of his command in an instant.
