Malashenko quietly looked at Iushkin who stood up from the ground in front of him, expecting to get the answer he wanted from Iushkin.
"I'm sorry, Comrade Commander, I'm sorry. It's all my fault."
If you just admit your mistake, it doesn't really matter. Seeing Iushkin's whole body shaking with tears falling from the corners of his eyes is the key point.
Yes, this boy Iushkin cried. This top gunner, who is usually positive and optimistic and gets excited when fighting, actually cried at this time. This did make Malashenko a little surprised.
But then I thought about it, and Malashenko could roughly guess the reason why Iushkin was able to wipe away his tears at this time.
"Remember the past?"
Malashenko tentatively asked the question softly, feeling that he should have guessed well based on his understanding of Iushkin.
"Um"
Although there was no cry in his voice, Iushkin, who did have tears streaking at the corners of his eyes, nodded immediately. The words Malashenko said in anger did bring back memories of those unbearable past events.
Those heart-wrenching scenes that tore open the deep wounds in his heart came to mind again. It was only then that Iushkin realized that the biggest mistake he made was actually not stealing a car.
"."
Malashenko, who was somewhat speechless, could no longer bear to curse any more. Iushkin had realized the problem and adopted a corresponding attitude. In Malashenko's view, this was considered to have achieved his goal.
, there is no need to yell and curse just to vent your anger, after all, Malashenko’s purpose from the beginning was not to vent.
"Okay, wipe away your tears. You're crying like a girl. The Germans would laugh to death if they saw you. Wipe your tears away! We will definitely win the war alive, and we must persevere to the end!"
If Malashenko has any specific purpose, then this is it.
To make Iushkin realize that the No. 177 crew is a collective, sharing life and death, and before shouldering the trust of his comrades, he must make sure that his actions are worthy of this trust, and he will not do it because of
His own selfish desires or reckless behavior put his comrades in danger.
The battlefield has never been dominated by the superhero-style "individual heroism" doctrine like in American blockbusters. The reason why the leader can be invincible and invincible depends on a highly cohesive group of heroes who live and die together, advance and retreat together, and fight in many different situations.
Only with the sincere unity and efficient cooperation of the military services can we get where we are today.
A person's growth is to surpass himself yesterday. It doesn't matter if he makes mistakes, let alone young people making mistakes.
The important thing is to be aware of mistakes and know how to correct them. Only those who can surpass themselves yesterday can continue to become stronger. This is what Malashenko learned from Comrade Political Commissar and experienced it personally, which is deeply impressive.
He put his arm around Iushkin's shoulders and gave him a strong touch and encouragement. Iushkin, who could feel the strength and trust of Comrade Commander, finally smiled again at this moment.
"Crying Iushkin has been coaxed. It's time for the crew of No. 177 to celebrate. If you ask me, I can have a bottle of Votkar tonight."
"Just one bottle? How can one bottle be enough? Five people need at least two bottles, don't you think so, Comrade Commander?"
That is how long Malashenko tried to make Iushkin realize his mistake and actively correct it. Not far away, he was sitting on the tank turret watching the excitement and eating.
Several other members of the No. 177 train crew also took the initiative to come closer to Malashenko and Iushkin.
Artyom, the main loader who now has the best relationship with Iushkin and has a close personal relationship, was the first to speak, jokingly making fun of Iushkin as usual.
Like Malashenko, Seryosha, the driver who has known Iushkin since 1941, also joked and joked after hearing this. He was the only deputy who was the only survivor of Kirill's crew.
Sergey, the loader, smiled sheepishly.
"How about we get together tonight. These days we are either at war or on the road to war. Apart from fighting and traveling, we rarely even get together to eat together. I always feel that we should enhance our relationship and eat.
Let’s order food and chat, I’ve been holding back a lot of things to say for a while now.”
Sergey, who realized the atmosphere had reached, was the last to speak and put forward his own suggestions with a simple smile.
But the tears of this naughty boy Iushkin came and went quickly. Just now, he was wiping two drops of pearl tears like a girl. Now, as soon as he heard something good happened, he immediately became energetic and moved toward Mara excitedly.
Shenke said.
"Yes, Comrade Commander. You are a very busy person on weekdays. What Sergey just said is right. How about we get together tonight? I guess those German guys have to lick their wounds after being beaten.
Okay, I guess there won’t be anything big going on tonight.”
"Um"
Malashenko, who was deep in thought, raised his eyes and glanced at the horizon in the distance. Over this city that had been shrouded in gunpowder smoke, the last rays of the setting sun remained. This busy toy was like a wind-up toy.
The robot-like "fucking" day finally came to an end with the setting sun sinking into the horizon.
"Well, it's been a while since I had any ideological exchanges with you. This is my duty as the commander, and it's my unshirkable responsibility."
"Does that mean you agree? Is this okay?"
Iushkin, who was already excited, was naturally even more excited when he heard Malashenko respond like this. Malashenko, who looked quite helpless, couldn't help but smile bitterly and asked.
.
"Don't be impatient. How can your face change faster than flipping through a book? Are you really aware of your mistake?"
Although Malashenko's words were in a joking tone, it was undeniable that there was still a bit of seriousness in them. However, as usual, Iushkin answered directly without thinking.
"Well, I realized it. I must have realized it. I'm sure. I will definitely not make the same mistake next time. I will never let down the trust of my comrades and drag the whole car into danger."
".Okay, that's a good answer."
Malashenko, who was muttering silently in his heart, had no intention of continuing to dwell on this matter. At best, it could only be a reminder, and he blurted out the words that were about the business just now.
"Let's have a try with the 177th train crew tonight, but don't drink this Walter. If you let the political commissar know about this, you will have to skin me. Right now, this is the forefront of the enemy's actual control zone, not the rear area.
A place of rest.”
As soon as these words came out, Iushkin and even Artem looked a little disappointed. Before he finished speaking, Malashenko immediately changed the topic and continued to speak with a mysterious smile.