"I have to say, Mr. Gregor, you are truly a genius at public speaking. In just a few words, you've added at least ten thousand members to your National Socialist Party," Rommel remarked, looking at the seemingly endless line of registrants at the entrance of the drill ground with some nostalgia.
"That's nothing, Rommel. I merely voiced what they wanted to hear," Strasser replied, arms crossed and unconcerned. "When it comes to persuading an audience, the most important thing is not what you want to say, but what they want to hear. If you align with their sentiments, the audience will naturally resonate with you."
"Ha ha, I can't learn such techniques; I only know how to fight."
Just as Strasser and Rommel were exchanging compliments, a commotion suddenly erupted in front of the drill ground. It seemed there were sounds of an argument, prompting Strasser and Rommel to hurry into the crowd to investigate.
"Let go of me!"
"No, unless you promise me not to join this National Socialist Party."
"I am going to join, what's it to you?"
"Then I won't let go."
What caught Strasser's eye were two figures, one large and one small. One was stout and the other tall and slender; it was Corporal Jürgen and Lieutenant Ralph.
"What’s going on?" Rommel asked sharply.
"Major, Lieutenant Ralph won't let me join the National Socialist Party!" Jürgen said, sounding a bit aggrieved. He just wanted to avenge his brother; what was wrong with that?
"Joining or not joining the National Socialist Party is everyone's own business. Why do you want to stop him? What does it have to do with you?" Rommel looked at Lieutenant Ralph.
"Regardless of my relationship with him, I should stop him from going to his death. Don't think I don't know what you politicians are up to. Sending a bunch of young people to the battlefield for your own benefit, and sacrificing Germany's future for your own gain," Ralph said disdainfully.
Rommel understood that this matter was not suitable for him to intervene, and he couldn't help but look towards Strasser. "First of all, I did not send the young men to their deaths. Secondly, I am fighting for the future of Germany."
"Then, I did not act for my own benefit." Strasser stepped forward and said slowly. "Brother Ralph, please understand me. I really want to avenge you. During the European War, I stayed in the rear for training, and I never had the chance to go to the battlefield until the war ended. I must..."
Before Jürgen could finish his words, he was interrupted by Ralph. "How do I know if what you're saying is true or just empty talk?"
In response to Ralph's questioning, Strasser remained calm. He pulled a small Luger P08 from his pocket and handed it to Ralph.
"I know that pale words cannot prove my determination, but I still want to tell you that everything I do is not for personal gain, but for the future of Germany. If I betray my promise, you can use this handgun to kill me." Ralph took the handgun and immediately aimed it at Strasser. He knew that if he killed the Major in front of him, Jürgen would definitely not be able to join the National Socialist Party.
The people around immediately tensed up. Rommel shouted, "Calm down! Lieutenant! Don't act impulsively!" Not far away, Coy had already drawn his sidearm and was aiming at Ralph, ready to take a shot that could hit him in the head. However, he glanced at Strasser, who signaled him with his eyes to hold on.
Ralph held the gun in his hand, reluctant to lower it, while Strasser remained calm and composed. He was confident that Ralph would not pull the trigger. This was not due to blind confidence or the absence of bullets in the gun, but because Ralph, caring so much for Jürgen, had to consider the consequences of killing Strasser. The senior officers of the First Division were all loyal to Strasser, and the soldiers had already begun to be swayed by him.
After a long hesitation, Ralph finally put the gun into his pocket.
"I hope you can follow your own words, otherwise I will definitely shoot you myself."
Ralph said and then turned and left, leaving behind a lonely figure.
"I'm sorry, sir, for putting you in danger because of me."
Jürgen lowered his head and apologized.
"It's okay, I understand him; he's also a pitiful person."
Strasser waved his hand and then asked loudly,
"Does anyone else want to ask me for a handgun?" The soldiers, relieved, shook their heads repeatedly. "We believe you, Major Strasser."
Strasser was very pleased with everyone's responses. He knew that he had initially grasped the leadership of the German Army's First Infantry Division.
After completing a series of soldier registrations, Strasser summoned all senior officers of the First Division, including Rommel, to a meeting at the Division.
"I will arrange the future work. Bock and Rundstedt will serve as the commanders of the First Division, overseeing the First and Second Brigades."
Bock and Rundstedt saluted in acknowledgment of their orders. Given their ranks, they were more than capable of serving as division commanders, but for now, brigade commander was the highest position Strasser could offer them.
"Student, I will allocate two thousand men from the First Division to form an additional regiment for you. You need to build this regiment according to the paratrooper model we discussed. I will find a way to provide the weapons and equipment. Do you understand?"
"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"
Student nodded excitedly, now he finally had the opportunity to implement his own ideas.
"As for Rommel, I'm sorry, I can only offer you a position as an independent company."
Seeing Rommel's slightly disappointed expression, Strasser chuckled and teased, "It's the organization of an independent cavalry regiment."
"Cavalry regiment? Do we still have such a formation now?" Rommel had three question marks hovering above his head.
"Exactly, and it's four The Cavalry Camp of the Wheel, understand? Rommel Major."
"Four The Cavalry Camp of the Wheel? I understand! Yes! I promise to complete the mission!"
Excited and coming to his senses, Rommel immediately promised. He adored this Major in front of him, and such generous support moved Rommel deeply. It's worth noting that in Germany, a regular infantry division does not have tank units.
Rommel made a silent vow to repay Strasser for his trust.
"Well then, the personnel changes I mentioned have been arranged. The remaining positions will remain unchanged. Do you have any questions?" Strasser asked in conclusion.
Clearly, as the de facto highest commander of Germany's The First Division, who also controlled the purse strings, no one would dare to oppose Strasser, whether out of genuine respect or fear.
Thus, Strasser successfully placed three of his trusted confidants in important positions within The First Division during a meeting, along with a suspected traitor.
After everyone had left, Strasser stood alone, staring blankly at the blackboard in the conference room until a soldier knocked and entered.
"Have you found everything?" Strasser asked without turning his head.
"I just found out that the lieutenant's name is Ralph, he is 35 years old, has no living relatives, is unmarried, and doesn't know any prominent figures. He and Jürgen go way back; Jürgen's brother was Ralph's Platoon Leader during the European War. After the Platoon Leader died, Ralph has regarded Jürgen as his own brother and has been very concerned about him."
"That makes sense, then," Strasser nodded.
"Do you need me to take him out, quietly?" Coy asked, believing that any danger should be nipped in the bud.
"There's no need," Strasser shook his head.
"If my work is not even recognized by the soldiers, how can I be worthy of managing this country?" Strasser turned to Coy and said, "There is only one type of person who needs to fear being killed by their own soldiers, and that is the traitor of this country."
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