Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1942, The Cruel Truth

Chapter 1942, The Cruel Truth
The Japanese reinforcements arrived very quickly.

The saying "When allies are in trouble, remain steadfast as a mountain" does not apply to the Japanese invaders.

Therefore, using the tactic of besieging a city and attacking reinforcements against the Japanese invaders was often very dangerous and could backfire.

In the TV series "Bright Sword," a single company of the Independent Regiment was able to hold off an entire main Japanese regiment for eight hours. This can only be described as a slight artistic embellishment.

Under strict orders from their superiors, the Japanese reinforcements were all acting frantically.

It is now.

The reinforcements that set out from Jiujiang moved extremely quickly.

From receiving the order to boarding the ship and arriving in Anqing, it only took a few hours.

In Jiujiang, of course, the local Yoshio was informed well in advance.

Therefore, Yoshio Hongo gradually calmed down.

He can hold out as long as reinforcements arrive.

The waterway from Jiujiang to Anqing is about 150 kilometers long. It takes about six hours to travel downstream.

Hongo Yoshio checked the time and estimated that the reinforcements should be arriving soon.

Zhang Yong's artillery fire did not reach the docks. Therefore, as soon as the transport ships arrived, they could disembark smoothly.

however……

"boom……"

A muffled, loud noise came from the river.

Yoshio Hongo immediately sensed something was wrong. He hurriedly turned around and went to look behind him.

Then he saw shells falling continuously onto the river.

The explosion sent up a high column of water, and the river surface boiled.

"Damn..."

"Artillery fire..."

Yoshio Hongo's face turned deathly pale.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yong's artillery fire blocked the river.

Those transport ships were nothing but dust in the face of the shells! A single hit could sink them.

After all, they are civilian ships, so they are certainly not as sturdy as warships.

result……

"Rumble..."

Sure enough, the transport ship was hit.

The Japanese soldiers on the ship suffered heavy casualties immediately. Most of them fell into the water.

Shortly afterward, another shell hit, completely destroying the transport ship and sinking it into the water.

"Ruined……"

Yoshio Hongo's heart sank.

A transport ship and five hundred soldiers were wiped out just like that.

Too cruel...

Really.

There's no chance of getting ashore!
It was swallowed up by the mighty river. All vanished.

I could vaguely see a few soldiers struggling and shouting on the river, hoping someone would save them. But they were so far away, how could they be rescued?
They could only watch helplessly as they were eventually swallowed up by the merciless river.

Yoshio Hongo's hopes turned into disappointment.

I'm feeling a bit scared again.

If reinforcements don't arrive, won't Anqing be doomed?

That Zhang Yong has large-caliber heavy artillery! Even hiding inside fortifications isn't safe.

Even after repeated bombings, there will still be casualties in the end.

What to do? Keep filling it out.

Those in front were killed by the shockwave, and those behind took their place.

In short, even if I have to die, I'll be at the very front.

Otherwise, the Nationalist army would break through the defense line.

The expeditionary force headquarters has made it clear that it will hold Anqing at all costs.

Those cannon fodder soldiers were the price to pay.

There is no upper limit.

torment……

anxiety……

Finally, the second transport ship arrived.

He was instantly jolted awake. He regained his composure.

More reinforcements have arrived.

I hope I can successfully land ashore.

Zhang Yong's artillery fire couldn't possibly be focused on the river surface every second.

He didn't stick eyes in the river.

result……

"boom……"

More shells landed around the transport ship.

The explosion sent up another high column of water.

They clearly missed. However, the Japanese soldiers on the ship jumped into the water to escape.

"idiot……"

"big eater……"

Hongo Yoshio was so anxious he wanted to curse.

How could you jump into the water? You were in the middle of the river!

With the Yangtze River's water level so high and its surface so wide, are you sure you can survive after jumping in?

Clearly, this was a suicidal act.

Of the hundred Japanese soldiers who jumped into the water, fewer than ten would survive.

Moreover, artillery shells continued to fall into the river.

A violent explosion can kill a person instantly.

The explosive power of a shell in a river is far greater than that in the air.

Sure enough, the river gradually fell silent.

No one struggled anymore. They all seemed to be dead.

Ultimately, the transport ship was also sunk.

"Ruined……"

Yoshio Hongo's heart sank to the bottom.

I thought the reinforcements would be able to reach the shore, but I never expected it to turn out like this.

Two transport ships! With over a thousand soldiers.

It was blown up just like that.

Too brutal.

Why is this happening?

Why was he strangled at the last step?

Those reinforcements were just one step away from reaching the shore!

More than a thousand soldiers, if they were on land, could take on an entire division of the National Revolutionary Army! That is, provided Zhang Yong is not there.

As a result, he didn't serve any purpose and died just like that.

hateful……

anxiety……

Frustrated...

Until the third transport ship appeared.

At this moment, Yoshio Hongo had already arrived at the dock.

It wanted to direct the transport ship to dock at close range.

In any case, the reinforcements transported by ship must land!

If it sinks into the river again...

result……

"boom……"

Another large number of shells fell.

The shells seemed to have eyes, specifically targeting the Japanese transport ships.

As a result, the first salvo hit the transport ship directly. The entire transport ship instantly turned into a giant fireball.

The entire river surface was illuminated, including half of Anqing city.

Yoshio Hongo: ...

Other Japanese invaders: ...

They were all collectively stunned.

Their eyes saw it all. But their minds were blank.

damn...

Direct hit...

Almost all the Japanese soldiers on the ship were killed.

After the explosion, the transport ship was in a mess, and the place was empty.

The originally densely packed Japanese troops were mostly thrown into the river by the explosion. More than half of the Japanese troops died on the spot.

Those who hadn't yet perished were floating and sinking in the river, but soon they too died.

The remaining Japanese soldiers were also barely clinging to life on the ship. They were in a sorry state, living in constant fear and dread.

Staying on the ship or jumping overboard? Both are life-threatening choices.

"boom……"

Shells continued to fall.

Shells exploded around the wrecked transport ship.

Some of the remaining Japanese troops could no longer hold out and had no choice but to jump into the water to escape.

Then it was swallowed by the surging river. Ultimately, it vanished.

Some Japanese soldiers clung tightly to the ships, prepared to perish with them.

result……

"boom……"

Two enormous fireballs erupted.

Almost simultaneously, two 155mm shells hit again.

The Japanese transport ship was directly crushed.

It turned into wreckage and sank into the river.

All right.

The Japanese invaders no longer needed to make choices.

They all fell into the water.

Drifting and swaying, floating and sinking, they soon went to meet Amaterasu.

Yoshio Hongo: ...

Other Japanese invaders: ...

I felt a chill run down my spine.

An overwhelming sense of fear arose within me. It was uncontrollable.

Ruined……

Three transport ships have been lost!
Almost half of the regiment's soldiers sank into the river.

Incredible...

Are they here as reinforcements?

No. It's practically suicide.

With great difficulty, Yoshio Hongo finally regained some of his senses.

"quick!"

"Telegraph the transport ships: Do not approach Anqing for the time being!"

"Tell them to land elsewhere, not in Anqing. The river is under enemy artillery fire at Anqing..."

"quick!"

Yoshio Hongo dictated the telegram weakly.

It felt its voice trembling. There was no way around it; the casualties were too heavy.

Three transport ships, carrying over 1,500 people, vanished in the blink of an eye.

It couldn't bear such terrible casualties.

"Tie!"

The communications officer recorded it.

The telegram was sent very quickly.

"I hope..."

Yoshio Hongo finally breathed a sigh of relief.

I hope that no more transport ships will ever come to their deaths in vain. It's simply not worth it.

Those are all Zhang Yong's dishes!

They all willingly walked into Zhang Yong's artillery fire!

however……

A moment later, the fourth transport ship appeared.

Yoshio Hongo: ...

He immediately opened his eyes wide.

No, didn't I telegraph you telling you not to go near Anqing?
Why are you all disobeying me? Why are you coming here to die again? He turned and glared at the communications officer.

"Reporting to the brigade commander, we do not have a direct communication code with the transport ship and must transit through Jiujiang..."

"idiot!"

Hongo Yoshio cursed helplessly.

There's nothing we can do then. It's probably because there wasn't enough time to remind them.

Before Jiujiang could even inform the transport ship, this unfortunate ship barged in.

Ruined……

Another five hundred people!

If they are sunk again, there will be two thousand men left.

In less than an hour, four transport ships, carrying two thousand people, were sunk in the river...

What a terrifying scene that is. Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine.

Praying desperately...

I pray to Amaterasu for protection...

I hope a miracle will happen...

Don't let Zhang Yong find out...

result……

"boom……"

Prayer is useless.

Perhaps even Amaterasu was powerless to help.

After all, if it truly possessed divine power, it would have killed Zhang Yong ten thousand times over.

Now, Yoshio Hongo's only hope is for a miracle.

But it didn't happen...

"Rumble..."

Some shells still hit the transport ship accurately.

This time, the bullet hit the stern, blowing off a large portion of it.

The Japanese soldiers on the ship were naturally blown to pieces. They fell into the river, struggled in vain for a while, and then sank.

The transport ship also took on water rapidly. Its bow began to lift. Finally, it capsized.

As the river surged downstream, the bow of the boat was submerged. It eventually disappeared from sight.

The process is that simple.

But Yoshio Hongo was already heartbroken.

Four transport ships...

More than two thousand soldiers...

That's it.

They were all swallowed up by the river.

Ahhhhh!
That's over two thousand people!
Two infantry battalions!
Who could bear such a terrible loss?
Feeling lost...

despair……

Suddenly I woke up.

He grabbed the communications officer by the neck.

His eyes were ferocious.

hysteria.

Roar.

"quick!"

"Report to the Expeditionary Army Headquarters!"

"Never let any more transport ships approach Anqing. The Anqing section of the river has been blockaded by Zhang Yong!"

"The transport ships ahead have all been sunk. All reinforcements have sunk..."

The sound stopped suddenly.

But out of the corner of his eye, he saw the fifth transport ship appear.

All movement stopped abruptly. Eyes glazed over.

Damn...

Again...

And they came so quickly...

The transport ship in front had just sunk, and the one behind it arrived.

By this time, the sky was gradually brightening.

Through his binoculars, Yoshio Hongo could even see that the Japanese soldiers on the ship were already waving towards Anqing.

Clearly, this journey was very pleasant for the Japanese soldiers on board.

It was a boat trip, after all, and we were going downstream. It was quite comfortable.

From the river, Anqing doesn't appear to have suffered serious damage. At least, the docks are intact.

Therefore, it can be inferred that the battle in Anqing was not too intense or difficult.

If they manage to get ashore and launch a counterattack, they might be able to repel the Nationalist army.

That's how it's always been.

As soon as Japanese reinforcements arrived, the National Revolutionary Army had no choice but to retreat...

No, that's not right. It's a rout.

As a result, a Japanese officer said that if we fired a few shots into the air, the Chinese would run away.

"well!"

"arrive!"

The Japanese officer with a sword on his side had a big smile on his face.

With the Japanese invasion of Nanchang a success, the Japanese forces regained their confidence.

Many Japanese officers felt that final victory was not far off.

If they continue their westward advance, the Chinese people will have nowhere to escape or avoid. Ultimately, they will have no choice but to surrender.

The attack on Anqing was a minor incident, nothing serious.

He waved to the shore.

This means we've arrived. You're safe now.

As long as we are here, Anqing is absolutely safe. It's as solid as a rock...

"idiot!"

"Order them to move quickly!"

"Order them to speed up. Do not stop!"

Hongo Yoshio was anxious and frustrated.

You're still laughing!

Run quickly!
Otherwise, it will be too late.

If Zhang Yong discovers this, they will all perish at the bottom of the river...

He waved frantically.

The message was signaled for the transport ship to leave immediately.

At the same time, shout loudly.

However, the distance was too great for the sound to travel.

Only the gestures were clearly visible through the binoculars. But it was misunderstood.

The Japanese soldiers on the transport ship thought their comrades on the shore were giving them a warm welcome, so they responded with even more enthusiastic gestures.

"boom……"

Shells began to fall.

Hongo Yoshio's face turned deathly pale, and his heart clenched.

Damn...

Zhang Yong really discovered it.

The artillery fire has started again.

The transport ship is doomed again.

All the Japanese soldiers above are going to perish at the bottom of the river.

Amaterasu is utterly useless. She can't even handle a nobody like Zhang Yong.

but……

The Japanese soldiers on the ship were unaware of the danger.

Perhaps they thought these were just stray shells. No danger. They figured they weren't being targeted.

There is fighting in Anqing, and it is normal for sporadic shells to fall.

They were still waving enthusiastically towards the shore.

until……

"boom……"

More shells fell.

Shells landed around the transport ship, creating large splashes of water.

Many Japanese soldiers who were enthusiastically greeting the shore were drenched from head to toe by the splashing water.

However, most of the Japanese soldiers still didn't realize something was wrong. Their minds hadn't processed it.

"Nani?"

"This is……"

Only a small number of Japanese soldiers noticed something was wrong.

Damn...

This is artillery fire aimed at them!
The shells are aimed at the transport ship. They're meant to sink it!

fear……

nervous……

But I don’t know what to do.

This is on a ship. Not on land. Their skills can't be fully utilized.

"quick!"

"Ashore!"

"quick!"

"Ashore!"

Only a few Japanese officers reacted quickly, rushing into the engine room and shouting orders.

At this point, the captain of the Japanese transport ship realized the situation was dire. He frantically turned the rudder, attempting to reach the shore urgently.

result……

"boom……"

More shells fell.

The already mighty river turned into a raging torrent.

The captain grew increasingly tense, turning the helm to its limit in an attempt to get the transport ship to shore as quickly as possible.

however……

It forgot...

It flows downstream and moves relatively fast.

Furthermore, the force of the river water became unpredictable due to the impact of the explosion.

result……

The transport ship is listing severely.

Caught off guard, the Japanese soldiers fell into the water one after another.

"not good……"

The captain hurriedly turned the rudder back.

But it is already late.

The transport ship, propelled by the surging river, had begun to capsize.

The remaining Japanese soldiers on the ship suddenly poured into the water like garbage being dumped. Many of them were engulfed by the river before they even realized what was happening.

"idiot……"

Hongo Yoshio saw it all clearly, and he was both anxious and furious.

Zhang Yong's cannonballs missed. Instead, the transport ship capsized due to its own mismanagement.

Really...

Speechless!
Another transport ship has sunk.

It's estimated that few of the soldiers on board survived.

The river was so turbulent that even a skilled swimmer would have a hard time getting through it. Let alone a group of landlubbers.

Five ships...

Two thousand five hundred people...

That's it.

The pain is so intense I can hardly breathe. My mind is a jumbled mess.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing; I hoped it was an illusion. Unfortunately, it was all real.