The War of Resistance: From Overseas Chinese Mechanics to King of Nanyang

"Sakaguchi Shizuo has been defeated?" Inside the Japanese temporary command post in Lashio, Lieutenant General Watanabe Masao suddenly raised his head, a hint of surprise flashing across his usually composed face.

His fingers tightened slightly as he held the telegram; clearly, the news was completely beyond his expectations.

In his plan, the Japanese army at this moment had all the advantages of timing, location, and popular support. The expeditionary force was already in complete disarray and exhausted. Let alone counterattack, it was already the limit to maintain its organizational structure.

But the result?

Two elite battalions, attempting to ambush a retreating army, were surprisingly defeated.

This is simply a fantasy.

"Explain clearly, what exactly caused this?" Watanabe Masao's tone turned serious, his gaze sharp as a knife.

"Reporting to Your Excellency! According to the telegram sent by Colonel Sakaguchi, they had initially succeeded in ambushing the main force of the 200th Division, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, including the division commander Dai Anlan, who was also seriously wounded. The battle situation was already in a completely advantageous position."

"But at that moment, an unidentified reinforcement suddenly appeared from the road. The entire unit was equipped with British-made equipment and had extremely fierce firepower, with light and heavy machine guns and mortars raining down on them."

"Colonel Sakaguchi was worried about being cut off from the rear and attacked from both sides, so he finally ordered a tactical retreat." The communications staff officer immediately stood at attention and reported quickly.

"British-made weapons?"

Upon hearing this, Watanabe Masao frowned, paused for a moment, then slowly shook his head, a hint of disdain and doubt on his face.

British troops?

It is absolutely impossible.

The British troops stationed in Burma had long since abandoned their armor and fled westward, running faster than anyone else. How could they suddenly appear here and even launch an attack on the Japanese army?

Even if there were any scattered British soldiers who had fled, they were a bunch of cowardly fools who were terrified of the enemy. They would have scattered and fled at the sight of the Japanese flag, let alone take the initiative to attack. They had no courage to fight back.

It wasn't that Watanabe Masao was arrogant; it was simply that the British army's performance on the Burma battlefield had been so incompetent that he couldn't even be bothered to take it seriously.

There was nothing they could do; the British army was so incompetent that the Japanese army truly looked down on them.

For the Japanese army, only the Expeditionary Force was still somewhat dangerous.

"It could not possibly be the British army." Watanabe Masao's tone was resolute, even tinged with a hint of arrogance. "I can guarantee with my military honor that the British army has neither the guts nor the fighting capacity."

"If they're not British troops... but they're all equipped with British weapons? Could it be..." The communications officer was stunned. He had considered this possibility, but it was too bizarre to say out loud.

An unidentified, well-equipped, heavily armed force that dared to launch counterattacks against elite Japanese troops—this should not exist on the Burmese battlefield.

Masao Watanabe slowly walked to the military map hanging on the wall, his eyes fixed on the area where the Sakaguchi Detachment had been attacked, his expression growing increasingly grave.

"A surprise force that suddenly appeared, fully equipped with British weapons and with formidable combat power..." he muttered to himself, lightly tapping the map with his finger. "But according to all the intelligence we have gathered, the expeditionary force has been completely routed, the British army has fled far away, and the local armed forces are utterly vulnerable. There is no single unit that fits this description."

In an instant, a gloomy mood settled over Lieutenant General Masao Watanabe's heart.

The most terrifying enemy is the unknown one.

Where did this mysterious force come from?

To which region does it belong?

How many troops are there?

What is the purpose?

Was it a chance encounter, or was it premeditated?

Is it a small elite force, or a well-organized, hidden main force?

These are all things he needs to consider.

As an excellent commander, he naturally could not ignore such a problem.

Sometimes, it is precisely these small oversights that can cause a seemingly insurmountable battle to collapse.

Thinking of this, Watanabe Masao turned around, his eyes cold and his tone leaving no room for argument: "Immediately notify all departments to strengthen vigilance and thoroughly investigate all suspicious movements!"

"Furthermore, at all costs, find out the designation, strength, commander, and all information about this mysterious unit!"

"Get those Burmese people involved and have them help us find out the specific details about this unit."

"Hai!" The communications officer responded, turned around, and quickly left.

Silence returned to the command post, with only Masao Watanabe standing in front of the map, his face ashen.

He had a vague premonition that this suddenly appearing force might cause him considerable trouble.

On the other side, Huang Zurong's temporary militia camp was bustling with activity, and he himself was all smiles. Not long after the weapons and supplies were delivered, a battalion of soldiers from the 200th Division arrived at his camp.

With upright posture and firm steps, even after many days of hard fighting, their uniforms were covered in dust, yet the spirit of an elite force could not be concealed. Every soldier stood upright, their weapons were meticulously maintained, and their ranks moved in an orderly manner, displaying the rigorous style of a regular army in every gesture.

Seeing this, Huang Zurong was naturally overjoyed, as this could help him improve the combat effectiveness of his troops. Therefore, he was very enthusiastic and took out all kinds of supplies to give away.

After all, most of the 4,000 men under his command were defeated soldiers and peasants. Although they were courageous and obedient, they lacked systematic training and combat command experience. In contrast, the officers and soldiers of the 200th Division were all veterans and backbones who had experienced countless battles. With them in charge and guiding, the combat effectiveness of the troops would surely achieve a qualitative leap.

Therefore, their attitude was exceptionally enthusiastic, and Huang Zurong even had a large amount of supplies brought over.

Although the officers and soldiers of the 200th Division were elite troops of the Central Army, and their usual food and treatment were considered top-notch among the domestic armies, and many of them had seen big scenes with the troops, they were still deeply shocked by Huang Zurong's unreserved enthusiasm and the mountain of supplies in front of them.

Some people instinctively widened their eyes, staring at the exquisitely packaged chocolates and canned beef, their faces filled with disbelief. In the barren jungles of Myanmar, where food and clothing were scarce, it was rare to even see such rare treats, let alone eat them freely.

"Eat as much as you want, and let me know if you need more," Huang Zurong said warmly.

"If that's not enough, just tell me. There's plenty more in the warehouse; I guarantee everyone can eat their fill!"

Chinese people are very particular about eating well, so when entertaining someone, they will definitely make sure that the other person eats well and is full.

"You'll have to work hard now, brothers. To be honest, my militia is newly established, and most of the brothers haven't fought in a proper battle. Calling them a rabble wouldn't be an exaggeration. Training, tactics, and drills will all require your guidance." Huang Zurong's attitude was extremely respectful, which earned him the goodwill of many officers and soldiers of the 200th Division. After all, he was a lieutenant colonel and regimental commander with considerable troops under his command.

That's right!

Have you ever seen a group with four thousand people?

Moreover, it had no shortage of either light or heavy weapons; such a configuration was rare even among the entire Central Army.

"Commander Huang, you're too kind."