Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1980, The louder they scream, the harder they get beaten.
"This idiot!"

"What did he send in plain text?!"

"Isn't this just asking for death?"

"idiot!"

Hata Shunroku was very angry.

My mood was already terrible. A gloomy atmosphere settled over me.

As a result, he had only just arrived in Changzhou when he received a telegram in plain text from Anami Korechika.

He immediately started swearing.

This Anami Korechika has never been beaten.

It was my first time in China, and I thought I could shine. So I spoke without thinking.

Who are you trying to provoke?
Are you trying to provoke Zhang Yong on purpose?
Zhang Yong is mentally ill! Why are you provoking him?
asshole!

This nearly caused his plans to fail.

Throughout the journey, Hata Shunroku was constantly thinking about how to cool down the war in China as much as possible.

That's right. The core issue is cooling.

Handle this as discreetly as possible. Let Zhang Yong focus on other hot topics.

That Zhang Yong was like a firefly in the darkness. He went wherever there was light. Since he couldn't beat him, he'd send away the plague god.

As long as his attention is drawn elsewhere, the expeditionary force will have room to maneuver.

Don't even think about continuing the attack. Just maintaining the status quo will be good enough.

If necessary, we can even abandon Yueyang and Nanchang and return to the previous state.

This is essentially an indirect dialogue with Zhang Yong: we'll maintain the status quo. We won't attack. And you shouldn't attack either. Go and attend to other matters first.

In short, keep a low profile, keep a low profile, and remain absolutely low-profile.

As a result, things have taken a turn for the better. Anami Korechika has directly confronted Zhang Yong, and even shouted out such arrogant slogans.

One hundred years!

A million troops!

What an arrogant slogan!
Even Zhang Yong had never been this arrogant.

Honestly, even Zhang Yong has never made such an arrogant provocation.

This Anami Korechika is even more insane than a lunatic!

asshole……

He'll get what's coming to him.

Zhang Yong was most susceptible to stimulation.

This telegram in plain text would definitely deeply affect him.

as a result of……

Can be imagined.

"Your Excellency Commander..."

"We will stay in Changzhou for a while."

"Tie!"

The staff officer beside him agreed.

I don't understand why Hata Shunroku changed his itinerary.

Actually, Hata Shunroku didn't want to take office so quickly.

I'm doing pretty well right now.

The expeditionary force headquarters has not yet officially begun operations.

Therefore, even when Korechika Anami encounters trouble, he goes directly to the headquarters.

Since Anami Korechika is so ambitious and full of confidence, let him do his thing.

Anyway, he has a strong backing that will cover for him.

When faced with danger, Sugiyama Gen and Tojo Hideaki would try to find a solution.

I, Hata Shunroku, will observe with indifference.

……

"Oh!"

"Oh!"

Heavy artillery positions. Smoke and fire filled the air.

It has a very strong, pungent smell. It's suffocating.

During World War II, artillerymen were actually a miserable branch of the military.

Especially for heavy artillerymen. Leaving aside the hardships, the smoke and noise of heavy artillery are deadly.

Zhang Yong covered his nose with a wet towel.

Suddenly, I understood where the system's enhanced physical attributes lay.

It means that one's hearing was not damaged. This allows one to endure the sounds of gunfire for extended periods.

Other heavy artillerymen often have to rotate every one or two hours.

These days, there are no earplugs.

He relied entirely on his physical strength to endure it.

The harsh reality is that many gunners suffer permanent hearing damage.

Some may even become permanently deaf.

"boom……"

"boom……"

The shells continued to land in the areas with more red dots.

A dozen or twenty. All were Zhang Yong's shelling targets. He didn't mind having too few.

However, gradually, the Japanese soldiers also realized that something was wrong. So, the remaining Japanese soldiers began to hide in the tunnels.

This would definitely reduce the effectiveness of the artillery fire.

Keep bombarding. Of course, you can keep killing them. But that will consume more shells and take longer.

"Commissioner..."

I vaguely heard someone calling my name.

She turned around and saw that an advisor had arrived. However, she covered her mouth, unable to continue shouting.

The smoke from the heavy artillery position was so thick. Every time you opened your mouth, it was filled with gunpowder smoke.

He waved his hand, signaling the other person to step back. Then he stepped forward himself.

"Guo Baoqian, cease fire!"

He shouted at the same time.

Guo Baoqian raised his hand, indicating that he had received the message.

So all the heavy artillery gradually stopped firing. But the smoke from the gunfire remained thick.

Summer was sweltering and windless. The heat and smoke mingled together, making every breath an extreme test for the lungs.

Go outside.

They walked for more than a hundred meters.

The smoke from the battle has finally thinned out a little.

Reach out.

Bring over a telegram.

Glanced.

I want to yawn.

I didn't notice it at first.

However, he quickly realized something was wrong. So he took another look.

Then, my eyes were drawn to the telegram.

His gaze sharpened.

Plain text telegram? Anami Korechika?
A public challenge? A hundred years? A million-strong army?

and many more!

Is it real?
Is this challenge really that audacious?
Look around. Keep walking out.

We walked until we were 300 meters away, and finally the fighting stopped.

There's a small stream nearby. The water is babbling merrily, and remarkably, it's quite clear.

I hurried to the stream. I bent down, lowered my head, and scooped up cold water to wash my face.

Wash it vigorously. Wash it repeatedly. As if trying to scrub off the skin.

Instantly, I felt refreshed and fully revived on the spot.

Let's continue reading that plaintext telegram.

That’s right.

It was indeed Korechika Anami who challenged them.

His tone was extremely arrogant.

Never seen that.

"Made..."

He muttered to himself in frustration.

I feel like I'm still too conservative.

It turns out there are people in this world who are even more arrogant than I am.

Take a deep breath.

I repeatedly told myself to stay calm.

Getting angry won't help.

Since they've challenged us, we have no choice but to fight!
I don't have a million-strong army. Not even in a hundred years. But I really can get my hands on a hundred heavy artillery pieces.

One hundred doors are still too few. It's not enough to teach Anami Korechika a proper lesson.

A 155mm caliber is not large enough.

It would be great if there were a bigger one with a caliber of 203 mm or 240 mm.

The former was from the Soviet Union.

The latter is from the United States.

View the weapon list.

Unfortunately, there are no larger caliber options available at the moment.

The 155mm howitzer is already the ceiling.

How to do?
Let's go back to the command post first.

We arrived at the three-wheeled motorcycle.

boarding.

Leave.

They quickly returned to the command post.

Commander Li and a group of army group commanders and corps commanders were all present.

They all gathered around the sand table, studying how to attack. They were studying how to quickly break through the Japanese troops' deployment.

"Commissioner!"

"Commissioner!"

Upon discovering Zhang Yong's return, everyone's expression turned solemn.

They all knew about the plaintext telegram sent by Anami Korechika. They all knew the Commissioner would be angry.

This commissioner has no patience for revenge, no doubt that it's never too late.

If you provoke me now, I will retaliate on the spot.

Anami Korechika's telegram in plain text clearly deeply provoked the Commissioner.

That's why I came back immediately, ready to get to work.

They were gathered around the sand table, also pondering how to quickly eliminate Anami Korechika.

They're so arrogant. They need to be taught a lesson.

They knocked out all my teeth.

However, it must be admitted that this is a tough nut to crack.

Anami Korechika dared to utter such arrogant slogans, clearly showing that he was very confident in his own strength.

Or rather, they were very confident in their own defensive fortifications.

Even if the Nationalist army had 155mm heavy artillery.

"Shaolong..."

Commander Li hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

I'm worried that Zhang Yong might get too carried away.

Then they make irrational decisions.

If he were to personally lead the charge, I must stop him.

Zhang Yong can do anything, except personally lead the charge.

"Commander Li, several trains have arrived from the direction of Chuzhou. They carry a large amount of grain and other supplies. Please arrange for unloading."

"Huh? A train? Supplies?"

"Yes. Including rice, flour, sugar, and so on."

"oh oh……"

Commander Li's thinking didn't keep up for a moment.

Zhang Yong returned in a hurry. Wasn't it because of the problem with the plaintext telegram?
Why the sudden mention of trains and food?

After a moment's hesitation, he said tactfully, "Anami Korechika has definitely gone mad..."

“Since he wants to fight, then I’ll gladly oblige,” Zhang Yong said calmly. “I will prepare ample food and ammunition.”

After a slight pause, Zhang Yong continued, "Until we crush Anami Korechika."

"Okay. The Fifth War Zone will accompany you throughout."

"Thanks……"

"Report! Urgent telegram from the General Staff!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than an advisor arrived, bringing a telegram.

The chief of staff took it, glanced at it, and then handed it to Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong reached out and took it.

It was indeed sent from the General Headquarters. It must be the bald man's intention.

The telegram was simple, subtly advising Zhang Yong not to take the crazy talk of certain people to heart.

It was also mentioned that the Ninth War Zone is formulating an operational plan in preparation for the recapture of Yueyang.

Yueyang is an important passage connecting Chongqing and Changsha. It is a key transportation link.

With the Japanese occupation of Yueyang, the waterway connection between Chongqing and Changsha was severed, causing serious logistical disruptions for the National Revolutionary Army.

Therefore, the General Headquarters hoped to recapture Yueyang as soon as possible and open up the waterways.

This matter requires Zhang Yong's personal involvement.

No one else could do it.

"Commander Li."

Zhang Yong finished reading the telegram and handed it to Commander Li.

Commander Li finished reading, his expression unchanged. He was already used to the bald man's antics.

"Shaolong, it's your decision..."

"I will not leave the Fifth War Zone until I have utterly defeated Anami Korechika," Zhang Yong said resolutely.

joke.

Should we leave the Fifth War Zone at this time?
Doesn't that mean telling everyone that I, Zhang Yong, can't beat Anami Korechika?
dream!

I don't think about it!

Zhang Yong would absolutely not agree to that.

Even if the bald man sent twelve golden tablets in a row, it wouldn't make a difference.

He was Zhang Yong, not Yue Fei.

Even if the sky were to fall, he would still beat this Anami Korechika to a pulp.

China will absolutely not allow such powerful Japanese invaders to exist.

The louder they shout, the worse they get beaten.

"Commander Li, I've overstepped my bounds. I need to make some adjustments to the deployment."

"you please."

"Zhou Zuhuang!"

"To!"

"Immediately lead the 46th Army to withdraw from the positions north of Bengbu and deploy them east of Bengbu. Launch an attack from the east."

"Yes."

"Other deployments remain unchanged. I will continue to reinforce the number of heavy artillery pieces in each unit."

Zhang Yong made simple arrangements.

It was basically just changing the position of the 46th Army.

Move from the north to the east.

Surrounded by three and missing one?

It's true that it is, and it's not true that it isn't.

Previously, the enemy was surrounded on three sides but missing one. This meant there were no Nationalist troops on the east side. Now it's the north side.

Someone quickly realized something was wrong.

"Commissioner, if the Japanese invaders flee north along the railway..."

"That's best."

Zhang Yong couldn't be happier that the Japanese invaders did this.

In that case, Anami Korechika's grand pronouncements would become a joke.

They boasted about a million-strong army for a hundred years, but in the end, they ran away in just a few days. They'll be laughed at when they get back.

Therefore, there is absolutely no need to worry that Anami Korechika will take the opportunity to escape.

At least not for the next few days.

"If the Japanese invaders retreat, we won't be able to annihilate them completely..."

"Disaster."

Zhang Yong shook his head.

Do you want to annihilate the Japanese invaders?
Ideals are lofty. Reality is harsh.

Under Anami Korechika, there were hundreds of thousands of Japanese troops! Even the American imperialists would have a hard time fighting them.

Let alone the National Revolutionary Army?
Heavy artillery isn't a panacea.

Even the American 406mm cannons couldn't completely annihilate the Japanese invaders!
Therefore, being able to eliminate even a portion of them is already quite remarkable.

Zhang Yong also wanted to annihilate them all.

The problem is that it's impossible.

He has one good point: he never overestimates himself.

Do it only if you can do it.

I will never force myself to do something I can't do.

It was not until 1944 or later that there was a possibility of encircling and annihilating a large force of Japanese invaders.

By then, the Japanese invaders were already in decline, and their overall combat effectiveness had severely decreased.

Now, let's eliminate a portion of them. Let's teach the Japanese invaders a heavy lesson.

This will make the Japanese invaders understand once again that launching a war in China will only result in greater losses.

It would be more worthwhile to turn south and plunder British and American colonies.

"Execute the order!"

Commander Li made a decisive decision.

He also understood that a complete annihilation was impossible.

The Japanese invaders, like cornered beasts, will fight on, and the Fifth War Zone will pay a heavy price.

On the contrary, surrounding three sides while leaving one side open could discourage the Japanese invaders from fighting.

Once the Japanese invaders begin to scatter and leave their fortified defensive positions, they can inflict even greater casualties on the Japanese.

Of course, it was not easy to force the Japanese invaders to give up Bengbu.

It all depends on Zhang Yong's abilities.

"Each department should proceed steadily and surely, advancing step by step!"

"Yes!"

"Don't be stingy with shells! I've prepared five hundred train cars!"

"what?"

Everyone gasped in shock.

Good guy!
Five hundred train cars!

How much is that?

Are they all 155mm artillery shells?
God!
When did the National Revolutionary Army become so wealthy?

Sent!

Sent.

I've never fought such a lucrative battle in my entire life.

No question, let's do it!
Even if it's an impregnable fortress, we'll smash it.

As expected, the commissioner was deeply provoked. That Anami Korechika was completely courting death.

"report!"

"Your Excellency, the train carrying grain has arrived."

"Please have the logistics department receive it."

"Yes."

Zhang Yong waved his hand.

Don't bother me with such trivial matters.

I have more important things to arrange now. That is, to arrange airstrikes.

What heavy artillery cannot achieve, perhaps a 250 kg aerial bomb can. And then there's the 250 kg napalm bomb.

Go out.

Walk to a quiet spot nearby.

Activate the 5C communication center and connect to Luoyang Airport.

Luoyang Airport is about 500 kilometers away from Bengbu.

Changsha Airport is about 600 kilometers away from Bengbu.

Both airfields can deploy their entire bomber squadrons to bomb day and night.

Even during the day is fine. Come without worry.

The Japanese airfield in Nanjing had been destroyed, and there were no Japanese warplanes near Bengbu.

The Japanese fighter planes in Hankou certainly wouldn't dare to take off.

Shanghai Longhua Airport probably wouldn't dare either.

and so……

"Move out!"

"Move out!"

"Everyone moves out!"

A series of orders were issued.

Soon, two SB2 bomber formations from Luoyang Airport took off first.

Then came more than a dozen B-10 bombers from Changsha Airport.

Under Zhang Yong's remote command, the bomber formation arrived one after another over Bengbu, approaching the Japanese positions.

Also arriving were two P-38 fighter planes. Their mission was escort, to ensure no Japanese fighter planes would interfere.

"Free bombing!"

"put!"

Zhang Yong gave the order.

One bomb after another fell rapidly.

"Rumble..."

"Rumble..."

In an instant, a huge fireball illuminated the night sky.

It's much more powerful than a 155mm grenade. The entire sky was illuminated.

Especially those napalm bombs, after exploding, set off large swathes of flames, as if setting the Japanese invaders' positions ablaze.

The Nationalist soldiers at the front line couldn't help but lean out to watch.

Wow, it's so bright!

The Japanese are in luck this time. They've been greeted by so many aerial bombs.

I reckon they'll all be blown to pieces.

"Rumble..."

"Rumble..."

More bombs rained down, creating huge fireballs.

The violent explosion blasted large craters into the ground. Everything around the craters was completely destroyed.

Zhang Yong didn't bother to pay attention to the results of the battle.

This was not a precision bombing.

It was carpet bombing.

Therefore, quantity is king.

Return to base immediately, refuel, load ammunition, and come back.

I'll keep bombing you, you son of a bitch.

I'll blow you to bits and get the hell out of here.

A hundred years? A million troops? I'll give you a hundred bombers!
We'll give you 500 tons of giant bombs for free every day!

Connect to Changsha Airport.

"Commissioner".

"Minister Min, a new formation of B-10 bombers is arriving shortly. Please be ready to receive them."

"it is good."

"A total of twelve B-10 bombers. They will rotate with the batch that just went out."

"clear."

Min Gang replied. He also felt immense pressure.

Another squadron of B-10 bombers arrived. The ground crew at the airport are under immense pressure!

Refueling and replenishing ammunition for so many bombers is indeed difficult.

Huang Zhicheng will probably be devastated.

These days, the most arduous and exhausting job at the airport is that of the ground staff.

There was absolutely no rest.

We need to keep refueling and constantly load bombs.

However, the task must be completed.

More aerial bombs must be dropped on the Japanese invaders.

……

"idiot……"

"Why are you panicking?"

"We have airplanes too!"

"idiot!"

Anami Korechika's face contorted.

It did not expect that the Nationalist bombers would arrive at night.

In the dead of night, so many bombers arrived and dropped so many bombs. The bombing terrified all the Japanese soldiers.

hateful……

It has already begun to regret it.

I regret my careless talk. I said things I shouldn't have.

However, it certainly generated buzz.

The enthusiastic people in the country call him the new generation of military god.

Even headquarters sent a congratulatory telegram.

This made Anami Korechika feel incredibly capable. He was extremely arrogant.

As a result, they had just received praise from headquarters when they were met with a barrage of bombers.

but!

Anan Weiji absolutely refused to back down.

So what if they're bombers? Do you think you can come back again and again?
joke……

As a result, its cheeks soon contorted again.

Just as dawn broke, another wave of bombers arrived and began dropping their bombs.

"Rumble..."

"Rumble..."

Another round of overwhelming bombing.

Twelve brand-new B-10 bombers dropped their bombs and immediately ran away.

They don't need to care about the results. They just need to drop all the bombs, then return, land, and resupply.

The crew can take this opportunity to rest before taking off again.

It repeats endlessly.

"boom……"

"boom……"

Anami Korechika's cheeks twitched.

Finally, they couldn't hold on any longer.

"Quickly, quickly, quickly request emergency tactical orders from the air force..."

“Quick, quick, quick…”

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)