Anti-Japanese War: Starting from Yaobai

Chapter 2998 The entire Japanese army is mobilized!

The conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Commander Ito frowned, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.

Kujou Miyamoto's initial excitement gradually subsided, replaced by a more serious expression. Onizuka Yuumei lowered his head slightly, seemingly reassessing the feasibility of the operation.

After a moment, Commander Ito broke the silence and slowly said, "Mr. Maruyama is absolutely right; we haven't considered things thoroughly enough. The Anti-Japanese Brigade is full of tricks, and we can't act blindly. So, in your opinion, how should we deal with this problem?"

Kujo Miyamoto raised his head, his eyes rekindling with fighting spirit. He had always been very persistent in seeking revenge; otherwise, he would have returned to his homeland long ago.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Ito-kun, I think we can first send a small elite force disguised as ordinary civilians or merchants to walk ahead of the Imperial Army. That way, if the enemy sets up an ambush, we will easily spot them, thus avoiding the possibility of the Imperial Army being attacked."

Onizuka Yumei nodded and added, "I agree with Kujo-kun's idea. Moreover, this small force should ideally be composed of experienced soldiers familiar with the local conditions. In addition, we can take this opportunity to set up multiple observation posts along the Imperial Army's marching route. If we discover any traces of anti-Japanese elements, we can issue an alarm in time, which will also reduce our risk of being ambushed."

Maruyama nodded slightly and said:
"If that's the case, then the plan is perfect. However, even if we are well prepared, we cannot be careless during the attack. I suggest that we adopt a tactic of dividing our forces and launching a coordinated attack."

The troops were divided into two routes, with one route serving as the main force to launch a frontal attack on the anti-Japanese brigade's encampment and draw their attention.

The other team would circle around to their rear, cutting off their retreat. This would allow them to wipe out all the resistance fighters within the stronghold and prevent them from escaping and launching a counterattack.

Commander Ito nodded and said, "This tactic is feasible, but how many troops do we need to deploy? At present, the nearest town to Phoenix Mountain, Songyuan County, has less than two infantry companies available. If we want to launch a surprise attack on the Anti-Japanese Brigade's base, we can only rely on Maruyama's Second Division."

Maruyama said, "That's no problem. The Second Division originally returned to Chuncheng to deal with the Anti-Japanese Brigade. As long as we can eliminate the Anti-Japanese Brigade, the Second Division will do its duty without hesitation. But who will be in charge of this operation? Kujo-kun or Onizuka-kun?"

Maruyama directly chose to step aside. The reason was simple: he wasn't absolutely certain he could deliver a fatal blow and destroy the anti-Japanese brigade.

Therefore, he did not want to take on this responsibility.

Commander Ito chuckled slightly, because Maruyama's little scheme could not possibly escape his notice.

He then smiled and said, “Maruyama-kun has considered everything very well. Therefore, I think that in terms of command, this operation should be under the unified command of Kujo-kun, and the Imperial Army in Matsubara Town and the Imperial Army of the Second Division should all be under Kujo-kun’s command. As for the marching route, what are your thoughts?”

Onizuka Yūmei spoke first:

"Ito-kun, there are two routes to choose from when traveling from Matsubara to the Anti-Japanese Brigade's base."

One is a main road, which is shorter, but it is easy to expose the target and may lead to an ambush by anti-Japanese elements.

The other route is a smaller path, a bit longer, and inaccessible to motor vehicles. However, it is more secluded and therefore safer.

I think we can send a small force along the main road to draw the attention of the anti-Japanese elements, while the main force takes the side roads and strikes their position by surprise.

After listening, Kujo Miyamoto nodded slightly and said, "Onizuka-kun's plan is brilliant! This way, we can both mislead the anti-Japanese elements and ensure the main force arrives safely at its destination, allowing us to launch a surprise attack." Commander Ito pondered for a moment and said:

"This plan is feasible. However, to ensure the operation goes smoothly, I think we should also be wary of the main force of the anti-Japanese brigade."

Although they claimed to have gone to the Da'an mine, they have disappeared, and there are over three thousand of them. If this is a trap, the fighting capacity of the anti-Japanese brigade of three thousand men is more than enough to annihilate two or more of our infantry battalions in a very short time. Therefore, we must be wary of them!

Upon hearing this, Kujo Miyamoto and the others suddenly realized what was happening, and their faces turned serious.

They thought their plan was comprehensive, but they overlooked the most important point.

Indeed, the main force of the anti-Japanese brigade was said to have gone to the Da'an mine, but they disappeared at this time, and nobody knows where they went.

Therefore, they need to rethink this matter.

Thinking of this, Kujo Miyamoto said to General Maruyama, "General Maruyama, I think this time, we should use all of your remaining two infantry regiments. One infantry regiment should be ambushed in the area between Matsubara and Phoenix Mountain, ready to provide support at any time."

Maruyama nodded, but then added, "While there's nothing wrong with the plan, I'm suddenly a little worried. Leaving an infantry regiment in the mountains is dangerous, especially at night."

Kujo Miyamoto thought for a moment, then said, "Then let's bring more flares. The anti-Japanese brigade is good at night raids, but as long as we can turn night into day, they will be helpless."

Maruyama nodded again, because for the time being, this was the only option.

At this moment, seeing that the last weakness had been addressed, Commander Ito turned to Kujo Miyamoto and said, "Kujo-kun, you must proceed with extreme caution in this operation. After reaching the anti-Japanese brigade's encampment, do not rush to seize their food. First, destroy their encampment and defensive weapons, and then proceed to seize their food. At the same time, you must also pay attention to your surroundings, whether any enemies are already watching you. You must be cautious, extremely cautious!"

Kujo Miyamoto nodded heavily and said, "Don't worry, Ito-kun. I've already suffered a lot at the hands of the Anti-Japanese Brigade. I will definitely be more careful."

At this moment, Section Chief Kitahara returned after finishing his phone call. He reported to Commander Ito, "Mr. Ito, I have arranged for my men to investigate the situation of the Anti-Japanese Brigade again. I believe we will receive news soon."

Commander Ito nodded in satisfaction and said, "Very good. Kitahara-kun, continue to monitor the reconnaissance and report to me immediately if you have any news. Now, let's get moving!"

"Hi!"

Everyone stood up, bowed simultaneously, and exerted force on each other.

Because their status and position were almost identical at this time, and since there was no subordinate relationship between them, it was natural for them to be polite to each other.

So Ito, the old devil, continued to be stationed in Spring City, while Kujo Miyamoto, Onizuka Yumei, Maruyama General, and others went to draw their own troops to prepare for the establishment of the anti-Japanese guerrilla brigade.

As for the Da'an Mine, Kitahara, Ito, and others had long since abandoned it in order to infiltrate more spies into the anti-Japanese brigade!