Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1940, The Nightmare Returns
"Tongcheng has fallen?"

"Qianshan has fallen?"

"Is the Nationalist army launching a fierce attack on Anqing?"

"Sou Ga..."

Terauchi Hisaichi remained calm upon receiving the report.

He's not stupid. He couldn't possibly be completely ignorant of military common sense. He couldn't possibly overlook Anqing.

As a crucial node on the Yangtze River waterway, Anqing has always been a strategically vital location, a gateway to Nanjing. It has been the site of continuous warfare since the Taiping Rebellion.

Chief of Staff of the Expeditionary Army, Akira Muto, was also a meticulous and experienced strategist.

On the surface, the garrison in Anqing is not large, only about 10,000 men. However, reinforcements can be sent quickly.

Ten thousand defenders, relying on their fortified defensive positions, could hold off the enemy for at least ten days, perhaps even a month. That would be enough time for reinforcements to arrive.

In fact...

As far as the fighting strength of the Nationalist army in front of him was concerned, Mutō Akira even felt that no reinforcements were needed.

The Fifth War Zone of the National Revolutionary Army lacked elite troops. The only unit with any real reputation was the Seventh Army, which belonged to the Guangxi clique.

However, the fall of Qianshan and Tongcheng suggests that the Nationalist army that arrived this time may be quite strong.
"Mr. Muto, you go and handle this!"

"Tie!"

Juichi Terauchi is not nervous.

Muto Akira remained calm.

The strength of the Nationalist army in the Fifth War Zone is extremely limited. There is absolutely no need to worry too much.

After thinking about it...

"To pick up Anqing."

"Tie!"

Muto Akira wanted to make a phone call to the garrison in Anqing.

The garrison in Anqing consisted of two main parts.

Part of it was the 35th Independent Mixed Brigade. It was at full strength, consisting of five infantry battalions.

The other part consisted of the former Hata Detachment, but it was understrength, consisting of only three infantry battalions, mainly composed of soldiers from the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan. It was a mixed force.

The garrison commander was Yoshio Hongo, commander of the 45th Independent Mixed Brigade.

The call was answered quickly.

"Your Excellency Chief of Staff..."

"Hongo-kun, tell me, how many enemies are attacking?"

"Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the enemy is divided into two lines, east and west, each with a force of approximately one corps."

"One army? So there are two armies in total?"

"Yes."

The Japanese frontline commanders were quite capable.

They accurately determined the number of Nationalist troops. It was indeed two armies, with a total strength of approximately 60,000 men.

"Sou Ga..."

Muto Akira was completely relieved.

The National Revolutionary Army's two armies could be dealt with by sending out just one division.

The Japanese troops in Qianshan and Tongcheng numbered only a few hundred. They were essentially acting as watchtowers.

They were all light infantry. They didn't even have 75mm mountain guns. It's normal that they were captured.

However, Anqing is completely different.

Anqing has well-prepared defensive fortifications. It also has 75mm mountain guns.

The Nationalist army wanted to take it quickly. Impossible.

The Japanese army could leisurely mobilize reinforcements to provide support.

Water transport is easy and convenient. Even mobilizing a division as reinforcement is a piece of cake.

"Hongo-kun, remain calm."

"Tie!"

Muto Akira ended the call.

He then ordered the General Staff to arrange reinforcements.

I don't think anything serious will happen.

Most of these were harassment operations by the Fifth War Zone. The aim was to force the Japanese army to return to their aid.

Clearly, such a clumsy scheme could not possibly succeed.

Once the reinforcements reach Anqing, they will immediately launch a counterattack and drive all those annoying Nationalist troops into the Dabie Mountains.

Perhaps, once things have stabilized on the front lines, it will be time to organize a sweep of the Dabie Mountains.

To thoroughly eliminate the Nationalist troops surrounding the Dabie Mountains and remove potential threats.

……

Anqing frontline.

The artillery fire was intense. Explosions kicked up large amounts of dust.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, the vanguard of the Nationalist army began to clear out the outer positions of Anqing.

The Japanese invaders put up a stubborn resistance, fighting to the death without retreating.

"Suddenly..."

"Suddenly..."

Zhang Yong appeared driving a three-wheeled motorcycle.

It's definitely the German BMW three-wheeler, not the Japanese rickshaw. The former is much more comfortable.

The Nationalist army's offensive was faster than he had imagined.

The 7th Army of the Guangxi Clique was indeed very strong in combat. Although its commander was a compass general.

The 31st Army, serving as an auxiliary force, also performed admirably. Its commander, Pan Guocong, was quite skilled in commanding troops.

Now, the vanguard of the troops has pressed forward to the outer perimeter of Anqing.

Here, I encountered trouble.

The main problem is a large number of landmines.

The Japanese invaders laid a large number of landmines on the outer perimeter of their positions in an attempt to halt the Nationalist army's advance.

Demining takes time. Acting recklessly would result in heavy casualties.

Only artillery fire can be used to cover the enemy.

The hope is to detonate all the landmines.

However, it's hard to say whether any landmines remained after the bombardment.

A few Nationalist soldiers attempted to scout ahead, but unfortunately stepped on landmines and were killed. The rest of the Nationalist soldiers had no choice but to wait for the mine clearance to be completed.

The minefield was very large, causing a large number of Nationalist troops to be stationed at a standstill.

"Zhang Gan!"

"To!"

"Come with me!"

"Yes."

Zhang Gan agreed.

He was secretly suspicious. What was the commissioner up to?

Seeing Zhang Yong get out of the car, he called over several Nationalist soldiers, all of whom were carrying wooden-handled grenades.

The protective caps on the wooden-handled grenade were already unscrewed. The pull ring was exposed. All it took was reaching out and pulling the pin to throw it. Then it would explode.

Several Nationalist soldiers were carrying a large number of small triangular red flags on their backs.

"Commissioner, there's a minefield ahead."

"I'll clear the way for you."

"what?"

Zhang Gan was stunned.

Will you clear the way for us?
no……

How do we clear the road?
Are we going to roll landmines?

that……

Just as he was about to speak, he saw Zhang Yong reach out, grab a grenade, pull the pin, and throw it.

"boom……"

"Rumble..."

A violent explosion. Dust flew everywhere.

It was the explosion of a grenade that detonated the landmines buried in the soil.

A landmine has been cleared.

A large crater was blasted into the ground.

Dust billowed. Visibility instantly dropped to zero.

Zhang Yong: ...

cough cough.

It's a bit uncomfortable.

I thought fifty meters was safe.

Unexpectedly, the mud flew so far.

There's no other way; next time I'll have to throw it farther away.

Keep going.

Keep throwing grenades. Throw them more than 60 meters.

"boom……"

"Rumble..."

Another landmine has been detonated.

The effect is good.

It's a clumsy method, but it works.

However, only Zhang Yong can use this method.

Keep going.

"boom……"

"Rumble..."

Explosions continued. A large number of landmines were detonated.

Others might not be able to spot the hidden landmines. But radar maps can.

Referring to the radar map, they threw grenades one by one and detonated them.

Detonate everything that can be detonated.

If it cannot be detonated, a small red flag will fly over with a whoosh and mark it.

As long as you stay away from that area, you'll be fine.

"boom……"

"Rumble..."

The passage was quickly opened.

There aren't many landmines that need to be marked with a small red flag.

Most landmines can be detonated. This was due to the technological limitations at the time.

A landmine will detonate if it is subjected to a strong external impact.

The explosion of a single wooden-handled grenade is enough to fire it.

"on!"

"on!"

Zhang Gan hurriedly ordered his troops to follow.

As a division commander, his command position was quite high. After all, Zhang Yong was in an even higher position.

"Da da da……"

"Boom boom boom..."

After the passage was opened, the Nationalist infantry took the opportunity to launch a surprise attack.

The various weapons that followed were also deployed in an orderly manner.

"Quack quack..."

"Quack quack..."

Several Panzer III tanks proceeded along the opened passage.

As they advanced, they aimed at the Japanese strongpoints and fired.

At close range, one shot can destroy a Japanese strongpoint.

"Oh!"

"boom!"

The various firing positions of the Japanese invaders at the front were easily eliminated.

The most destroyed weapons were the Japanese Type 92 heavy machine guns. One shot would blow up both the gun and the person inside.

"Dangdangdang..."

"Dangdangdang..."

The Japanese machine gun bullets hit the tanks but had no effect.

A 7.7mm bullet cannot penetrate 50mm of armor. Let alone a 6.5mm rifle bullet.

The grenade launcher was useless.

"puff!"

"puff!"

The grenade explosion was complete nonsense.

The people inside the tank couldn't even feel the vibrations outside.

The only threat was the Type 92 infantry gun.

Although its barrel is short, it is still a direct-fire cannon.

Fortunately, it also couldn't penetrate the armor of the Panzer III tank head-on. After all, the gun barrel was too short, resulting in insufficient muzzle velocity.

These tanks are Zhang Gan's source of confidence.

The 7th Army was equipped with a total of thirty Panzer III tanks.

As expected, they wanted to invite the Commissioner to fight in the Fifth War Zone.

When he arrived, all the equipment was there.

Heavy artillery...

tank……

The current Seventh Army is a true steel army.

Zhang Yong was also generous.

He deliberately provoked the bald man.

You suspect me?

Okay! Then I'll join the Guangxi clique.

I've armed the entire Fifth War Zone; you won't regret it then.

There are still many Red Army troops around the Fifth War Zone. I'll arm them as well. This will keep you up at night.

"boom……"

"Rumble..."

Continue to clear a path through the minefield.

To the south of the minefield lay the core position of the Japanese invaders.

It was constructed very meticulously.

Bunkers were everywhere. Densely packed. Layer upon layer.

The Japanese invaders also built many tunnel fortifications.

To deal with such a position, it is necessary to bombard it with 155mm howitzers.

Repeated bombardment.

The roar continued day and night.

The problem is, the heavy artillery is still behind and hasn't caught up yet.

Although it is only a French-made 155mm howitzer weighing just over three tons, it is still difficult to keep up with the pace of the infantry.

Besides, it's already nighttime. The heavy artillery is moving even slower.

How to do?
No need to wait.

They used 107mm rocket launchers to clear the way.

The Japanese fortifications are strong. Ignore them. Rockets can bypass them.

Zhang Yong's first target, of course, is Anqing Airport. He plans to use 107mm rockets to completely control the airport, without needing to occupy it.

As long as artillery fire is covering the area.

Then, once the 155mm howitzers arrive, we can control the dock and the Yangtze River.

The core defensive fortifications of the Japanese invaders can be ignored for the time being.

We can keep it. Let the Japanese invaders feel there's still hope.

Then reinforcements were continuously dispatched.

Then it is continuously consumed.

What he needs to do now is to advance about three kilometers.

Using radar maps, a relatively weak area of ​​Japanese defenses was specifically selected. Then, 107mm rocket artillery was deployed.

All are original 12-tube launchers. A total of thirty launchers.

I'm not performing anymore.

No more pretending.

On this hot summer night, the Japanese invaders once again felt the fervent greeting.

Then, I happily went back to my hometown to see the cherry blossoms...

"preparation!"

"put!"

"Choo Choo Choo……"

"Choo Choo Choo……"

Instantly, a piercing sound of something cutting through the air echoed across the land.

Some sharp-eared veterans of the Japanese army immediately realized something was wrong. That voice was…

Damn!

The memories of the nightmare were awakened.

That person is here!
That person is here!
That person appeared with his signature background music!
"It's him!"

"It's him!"

"he came!"

"he came!"

The veterans of the Hata Detachment immediately cried out in surprise.

Three years ago, they had fought that person near Anqing and were extremely sensitive to that piercing sound.

This terrifying sound, every time it appears, signifies an overwhelming barrage of artillery fire.

I looked up. Sure enough, the night sky was illuminated.

They were all long flames.

These flames are Death's invitation to you. An invitation to hell.

"Rumble..."

"Rumble..."

The flames landed, bursting into large bursts of fire.

In an instant, large swathes of Japanese positions were engulfed in flames. Countless Japanese soldiers perished in the explosions.

"Damn it!"

"It's him!"

"It's Zhang Yong!"

"It's Zhang Yong!"

Brigade Commander Yoshio Hongo stared in disbelief. A feeling of fear welled up from the depths of his heart.

He had also been in the battle three years ago. He narrowly escaped death, but his face bore many burn marks.

I was injured by one of those screaming shells. I almost met my maker, Amaterasu.

Unexpectedly, we met again here.

The nightmare was awakened.

The nightmare is back.

This nightmare's name is Zhang Yong!

"Choo Choo Choo……"

"Boom boom boom..."

Looking outside through the observation hole in the tunnel.

All that could be seen were the flashes of explosions. Countless. Continuous.

All Japanese positions were covered by overwhelming artillery fire. The Japanese soldiers could only hide in tunnels and trenches, and dared not move at all.

Even so, the dense and powerful explosions would still kill many people.

No!

Anqing is in danger!
Zhang Yong came in person.

That jinx has appeared.

He, a mere brigade commander, could not possibly withstand such pressure.

"Somebody come!"

"exist!"

"Immediately report to the expeditionary army headquarters that Zhang Yong has arrived! Zhang Yong is attacking Anqing! Request urgent tactical guidance!"

"Tie!"

The communications officer hurriedly sent a telegram.

Soon, the telegram reached Mutō Akira's hands.

"Zhang Yong?"

"That bastard..."

"He went to Anqing?"

Muto Akira frowned deeply. Then he hurried away.

The situation has changed.

Anqing may become the main battlefield.

Zhang Yong's presence there indicates he has a grand scheme.

Not to be underestimated.

He rushed to see Terauchi Hisaichi.

"Mr. Muto, why are you in such a hurry? Has something terrible happened somewhere?"

"Your Excellency, Anqing reports that Zhang Yong has arrived."

"Zhang Yong... Soga!"

Terauchi Hisaichi responded slowly, his expression gradually becoming serious.

It certainly knew who Zhang Yong was. It wanted nothing more than to skin him alive and tear him apart.

It's a pity that it can't be done.

That guy is too cunning.

No matter what method I use, I can't kill the other party.

On the contrary, a large number of Japanese soldiers died in front of the enemy.

hateful!

He actually went to Anqing?
Who exactly said he wasn't smart enough or had a low IQ?
idiot!

It's all a lie!

It was all to cover for him.

The claims that he was licentious, shameless, greedy, and lustful are completely false.

It was definitely a deliberate attempt to mislead the Japanese army.

It's all a rumor!

"Your Excellency, Anqing may be in danger."

"It is extremely dangerous."

Terauchi Hisaichi's expression was stern, and he made no attempt to hide his anxiety.

If it were anyone else attacking Anqing, he certainly wouldn't be worried. But now that Zhang Yong has come in person, things are in trouble.

What is Zhang Yong here for? Of course, it's to capture Anqing.

What to do after capturing Anqing? Of course, to cut off the Yangtze River waterway.

The latter is extremely deadly.

The consequences would be unimaginable if the Yangtze River waterway were cut off.

If the headquarters were to learn of the fall of Anqing, they would likely be extremely uneasy. The consequences would be far too severe.

There were a full 400,000 Japanese troops upstream of Anqing!
Supplies were suddenly cut off...

"chief of staff!"

"exist!"

"Immediately dispatch at least three divisions to reinforce Anqing. We cannot afford to lose it."

"Tie!"

"Order the garrison in Anqing to consolidate their defenses and hold out until reinforcements arrive. Anyone who disobeys will be punished by seppuku!"

"Tie!"

"Order the troops in the Yueyang and Nanchang directions to cease their offensive! Reduce losses."

"Tie!"

Terauchi Hisaichi issued a series of orders.

It must be admitted that its orders were very targeted.

That's all he can do right now.

Mobilizing three divisions as reinforcements is indeed an exaggeration. But it ensures absolute safety.

"Also, report to headquarters immediately."

"Tie!"

"Make the situation sound more serious."

"clear."

Muto Akira turned and went out to relay the order.

I secretly admired him; Commander, you truly have great foresight!
By deliberately exaggerating the situation, they can gain more troops to bolster the dispatched army.

Currently, a large number of three-wing divisions are being formed on the mainland, in preparation to replace the regular divisions within China. Terauchi Hisaichi is actually unwilling to do so.

Those three-wing divisions generally had poor combat capabilities and were ill-suited to shoulder heavy responsibilities. Their overall level was low.

In critical moments, we still have to rely on those regular divisions.

For example, these attacks on Nanchang were carried out by the 18th Division.

The Third Regiment Division simply didn't have that kind of determination, ability, or vision.

However, the higher-ups' strategy is shifting south, and it can only cooperate.

Unexpectedly, the situation suddenly took a turn for the better.

The frontline troops' successive capture of Nanchang and Yueyang gave the General Staff renewed hope.

Perhaps, after launching one or two more major campaigns, we could advance all the way to Chongqing, forcing Chiang Kai-shek to surrender and thus completely resolving the war in China.

If it could be achieved, that would be wonderful...

……

Anqing frontline.

Zhang Yong finally made a surprise attack on the designated position.

The Japanese invaders put up a stubborn resistance. They were very fanatical. But they were all crushed. Completely blown to pieces.

"quick!"

"here!"

Zhang Yong designated the deployment positions for the rocket launchers.

This location is only eight kilometers from the farthest point of the airport. The airport is entirely within the range of 107mm rocket artillery.

Launching rockets from here would destroy the entire airport.

Including all aircraft.

and so……

Delicious.

So cool.

A hail of bullets will rain down; let's see how you dodge them!
"quick!"

"quick!"

Unfold. Load. Aim. All in one smooth motion.

Thirty 107mm rocket launchers. A total of 360 launch tubes. Each salvo fires 360 rockets.

"preparation!"

"put!"

Zhang Yong waved his hand.

All rocket launchers fired immediately.

"Choo Choo Choo……"

"Choo Choo Choo……"

A piercing whistling sound shattered the air, and flames once again filled the sky.

The blazing flames landed in the middle of the airport. Then it exploded. The airport ground seemed to boil instantly.

One Japanese warplane after another was shattered in the explosion.

"Damn..."

"Artillery fire..."

The Japanese airfield commander was dumbfounded.

That's artillery fire!
It was artillery fire from a distance.

The Nationalist army has already advanced to the vicinity of the airport.

The airport is already under artillery fire.

Ruined……

Ruined……

This time it's really over.

Faced with enemy fire, the planes had nowhere to hide.

"boom……"

"boom……"

Sure enough, planes were continuously being bombed to pieces.

A deluge of rockets rained down. No aircraft could escape.

As the rocket exploded, debris from numerous aircraft flew wildly through the sky. The entire airport seemed to come alive with excitement.

"It's over..."

"It's over..."

The Japanese air commander muttered to himself.

My whole body was completely numb. My mind was blank. It was as if I had lost consciousness.

What else can it do?

There was nothing we could do. We could only silently wait to die.

Enemy artillery fire has already covered the airport; everything here will be destroyed.

and so……

It's gone mad...

A person walks out of the air-raid shelter.

Until the exploding ball of light completely enveloped it.

When the sphere of light disappeared, it was gone forever.

but……

"Choo Choo Choo……"

"Choo Choo Choo……"

The nightmarish sounds continued.

They're still sending more Japanese invaders to the Yasukuni Shrine to see the cherry blossoms. It's free.

And a 1600-degree fervent greeting...

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)