Anti-Japanese War: Starting from Yaobai

Chapter 2957 The Second Division Flees in Disarray!
Ma Hu was ordered to lead a portion of the reconnaissance squadron to closely monitor the Japanese troops' every move near the Hukou outpost.

When he saw the Japanese troops begin to pack up their belongings in a large number and withdraw in an orderly manner, he immediately became alert and realized that the Japanese were about to run away.

Ma Hu immediately ordered the communications soldier, "Quickly, send a telegram to the battalion commander, explaining the situation of the Japanese here and asking whether to pursue them!"

The communications soldier didn't dare to delay for a moment. He quickly set up the radio and pressed buttons rapidly on the transmitter to report the situation at the Tiger's Mouth outpost.

Not long after, the radio station received a call back from Captain Duanwu.

Ma Hu quickly stepped forward and carefully read the telegram. It read: "Stay put and do not pursue."

After reading the telegram, Ma Hu understood the battalion commander's meaning. The reconnaissance squadron was small, and pursuing them would hardly cause any real damage to the Japanese, and they were also prone to losses. That was why the battalion commander ordered that they not pursue them.

So Ma Hu immediately ordered, "The captain has ordered that we remain in place and not pursue!"

Although the soldiers were somewhat unwilling, military orders were absolute, so they obediently stayed in place and waited for orders, watching helplessly as the Japanese soldiers escaped.

Little did they know that this battle was the limit for the anti-Japanese brigade.

Six tons of explosives were all cleared out, and less than three thousand rounds of ammunition remained for the Soviet-style submachine guns.

In other words, without ammunition resupply, the submachine gun is no longer usable.

Moreover, the Japanese soldiers were consuming a great deal of machine gun ammunition.

However, the Japanese machine guns were replenished, roughly matching the levels before the major battle. But artillery shells were running low. In this battle, the anti-Japanese brigade captured only a small amount of artillery shells, which could be described as insufficient to cover their losses.

Therefore, given the current state of the anti-Japanese brigade, continuing to pursue the Japanese would only expose their weaknesses to the enemy. It would be better to stop while they are ahead, first digest the captured Japanese weapons and equipment, and then try to obtain ammunition.

They can forget about manufacturing it themselves, because they don't have the gunpowder to produce bullets.

The gunpowder in bullets is different from that in landmines. Gunpowder made using rudimentary methods is less powerful and produces more smoke.

However, loading more can also achieve the desired effect.

However, the gunpowder in the bullet is a different story. If the gunpowder is too weak, it won't reach its intended range. And excessive smoke and dust will greatly increase the firearm's malfunction rate.

Because of the large amount of smoke and dust, gun ash accumulates quickly inside the gun, and if there is too much gun ash, there is a risk of the barrel exploding.

Therefore, manufacturing bullets ourselves is simply not feasible. The only options are to buy them with money or to equip all personnel with the Type 38 assault rifle as soon as possible.

However, this will take time, and even after everyone is equipped with Type 38 assault rifles, the problem of ammunition shortage will likely persist. Because no matter how many enemy rifle bullets are captured, it probably won't be enough for everyone using submachine guns.

Therefore, the next step in the Dragon Boat Festival plan is to obtain bullets at all costs, otherwise it will be difficult to deal with the Japanese invasion.

Of course, this attack might happen a few days later, or even a few months later, depending on the Japanese's mood.

Regardless, this counter-offensive was flawless, successfully repelling and severely damaging the Japanese 2nd Division.

When Duanwu returned in triumph with the anti-Japanese brigade, the entire camp erupted in celebration. Though exhausted, the soldiers' eyes shone with joy. Tang Jiujiu, Wan Shanhong, and Gao Yanan had prepared a lavish victory feast, even slaughtering two pigs.

The soldiers ate, drank, and even jumped around, chatting and laughing, creating quite a lively atmosphere.

Duanwu looked at all this with a relieved smile.

The soldiers are in high spirits and have not shown any negative emotions due to the ammunition shortage.

Of course, he wouldn't sit idly by. He discussed with Ma Ping'an the possibility of continuing to contact Makarov to see if they could purchase some submachine gun ammunition, even at a high price. He also sought help from the organization.

However, Ma Ping'an believed the chances were slim. Even if the organization had bullets, transporting them to the Northeast would likely be a long and arduous process.

Therefore, they need to find solutions from other places.

Meanwhile, General Maruyama returned to Chuncheng on the morning of the following day, looking disheveled.

He sat in the car, his eyes dim and his expression full of frustration.

Throughout the journey, he pondered how to face the questioning from headquarters upon his return.

As the convoy slowly approached the gates of Chuncheng, General Maruyama could see Kujo Miyamoto, Onizuka Yūmei, and Commander Itō standing there from afar.

Kujo Miyamoto crossed his arms, a faint, mocking smile on his face. Onizuka Yumei looked serious, while Commander Ito frowned, his eyes revealing his dissatisfaction.

The car stopped, and General Maruyama got out with heavy steps. He walked up to the three of them, his previous arrogance gone, and bowed, saying, "I'm back."

Kujo Miyamoto spoke first, saying sarcastically, "Oh, isn't this General Maruyama? What's gotten into you? I heard you led the Second Division and got utterly routed by the anti-Japanese forces. You've really brought honor to our Imperial Japanese Army!"

General Maruyama's face flushed red with anger, his heart burning with rage, but what Kujo Miyamoto said was true, and he could not refute it. He could only suppress his anger and say, "Kujo-kun, this defeat was due to my poor command. I am willing to take full responsibility."

Onizuka Yumei snorted coldly and said, "General Maruyama, do you know how much loss this defeat has brought to the Empire? The Second Division is the Empire's elite force, and now you've ruined it like this. You are to blame!"

Commander Ito, his face grim, said, "Maruyama-kun, go back and write a detailed report immediately. Headquarters is furious about your failure this time. And Headquarters asked me to convey a message to you: we hope you will seriously reflect on your mistakes in command this time!"

General Maruyama lowered his head, not daring to meet the three men's gazes, and could only reply in a low voice, "Yes! I will definitely reflect deeply and accept the punishment."

Seeing General Maruyama so submissive, Kujo Miyamoto felt even more smug and continued to mock him, "Maruyama-kun, I think you should go back to your hometown and farm. Stop making a fool of yourself here. Someone like you who won't listen to advice doesn't deserve to be a soldier of the Great Japanese Empire. You say I killed so many Imperial Army soldiers, but didn't you do the same?"

General Maruyama clenched his fists, but ultimately did not lash out.

He has already lost this battle. If he offends the Kujo family again, he may really lose his general's rank.

So he could only swallow his anger and say, "Kujo-kun is absolutely right. It was my failure to heed your advice that led to this situation. I will accept any punishment from headquarters!"

After saying this, General Maruyama ignored Kujo Miyamoto and the others, turned around, got into his car, and drove away dejectedly.

Maruyama is a loser, like a drowning dog. Right now, anyone could probably kick him in the backside or spit in his face!