Chapter 16: Ichiro Hirata Plans to Encircle the New First Regiment

Chapter 16: Ichiro Hirata Plans to Encircle the New First Regiment

After enjoying a fine meal with the New First Regiment, the brigade commander prepared to return to headquarters.

After all, a dignified brigade commander could not easily abandon his post; he had to return to the brigade headquarters.

“Commander, since you’ve come all this way, why not stay for dinner before leaving?” Li Yunlong urged.

“Li Yunlong, don’t try to fool me,” the commander said. “I bet you’re just hoping I disappear right away.”

“Not at all, Commander. How could I think such a thing? Without you, Commander, there would be no Li Yunlong today,” Li Yunlong replied.

“Enough nonsense. I’m leaving now.” The commander waved his hand and tossed Li Yunlong a warning: “Remember what I said—if you don’t capture Qiu the Scar’s Fortress Village within half a month, you’ll have to send me the Italian cannon and half of your weapons and equipment.”

“Don’t worry, Commander, I’ll bring you good news,” Li Yunlong nodded confidently.

No sooner had the commander ridden off than Li Yunlong began to grumble, “What kind of leadership is this? He dumps his own problems on me to solve.”

“Commander, are we still going to handle the other business?” Zhang Dabiao, unaware of the mood, chimed in.

His words seemed to strike a nerve. Li Yunlong scowled, “What other business? Get back to training immediately. I want that Qiu the Scar’s Fortress Village taken within half a month.”

The New First Regiment was now well-supplied with arms and ammunition, but the soldiers had to hasten their training.

Many cold weapons had been replaced by firearms; they had to learn to shoot.

They had captured grenade launchers and mortars—they needed to train artillerymen quickly.

Heavy and light machine guns required gunners at once.

The soldiers also needed to practice coordination and mutual understanding.

“Yes, sir,” Zhang Dabiao responded and left.

“Commander, I want to go have a look at Qiu the Scar’s Fortress Village today,” Wu Ze told Li Yunlong.

“Good, I was just about to go there myself.” Li Yunlong exchanged a look with Zhong Zhi, gathered the guard platoon, and set off immediately with Wu Ze.

A Japanese battalion was garrisoned in Heyuan County, led by Captain Ichiro Hirata.

The entire Heyuan County was under Hirata’s control.

One day, Jiang Deshui, the highest-ranking officer of the puppet army in Heyuan County, handed Hirata a report with a nervous expression: “Sir, there’s news that the New First Regiment of the Eighth Route Army has captured the strongholds at Xiao Wang Village and Xiao Li Village.”

Hirata, not even glancing at the report, fumed, “That New First Regiment has been hiding in the mountains all this time. Though it’s been established for years, it’s poorly equipped and hardly combat-capable. How could it suddenly take two of my Imperial Allied Army’s strongholds?”

“It’s mainly because another Imperial Army transport unit was ambushed. They were moving an Italian cannon, and the New First Regiment intercepted it,” Jiang Deshui explained.

“Even if they got their hands on an Italian cannon, it’s impossible to capture two strongholds in such a short time. Are the surrounding outposts just sitting idly by? When they heard the commotion, didn’t they send reinforcements?” Hirata barked.

“I sent scouts to check both strongholds. There was no sign of large-scale attacks—only the Italian cannon’s shelling destroyed a few watchtowers,” Jiang Deshui replied. “Judging by the evidence on site, the soldiers at the two strongholds must have surrendered under the pressure of the cannon. Because of their surrender, the Eighth Route Army’s New First Regiment wasted little time. After securing their gains, they slipped into the mountains before our reinforcements could encircle them.”

“Baka!” Hirata slammed his fist on the table, toppling a cup, which shattered on the floor.

“That spineless lot are utterly useless!” Hirata roared.

Jiang Deshui cowered in silence.

In these turbulent times, who would willingly serve the devils unless desperate to survive?

If the devils attacked, they would surrender to them to live.

If the Eighth Route Army came, and they couldn’t resist, they’d surrender to them instead.

Even ants steal a chance at life—let alone humans.

“Order all posts to tighten security. If there’s any more surrendering, neighboring posts will be held jointly responsible!” Hirata thundered.

Jiang Deshui’s heart skipped a beat; joint responsibility was a harsh measure.

Yet, as a servant to Hirata, he had no choice but to obey.

“Yes, sir,” Jiang Deshui replied.

“Also, immediately gather troops from the Imperial Allied Army to form a unit to encircle and eliminate the New First Regiment,” Hirata added.

“Sir, the New First Regiment is in the mountains. Encircling them won’t be easy...” Jiang Deshui began.

“Baka! When it comes to beating dogs, it depends on the master. Two of my Imperial Army’s strongholds have been taken by the New First Regiment—do you want me to swallow my anger and just stand by?” Hirata scolded. “Quickly pull forces from all units. I will send an Imperial Army squad to lead you against the New First Regiment.”

“Yes, sir,” Jiang Deshui could only respond.

After Jiang Deshui left, Hirata picked up the report left on the table and then took the telephone. Into the receiver, he said: “From now on, posts without Imperial Army soldiers must be assigned Imperial Army guards. Posts already staffed by Imperial soldiers should have them stationed at the most fortified defenses.”

Without Imperial soldiers, the puppet troops’ morale was fragile.

With Imperial soldiers guarding, the Eighth Route Army wouldn’t dream of forcing posts to surrender.

—

“Commander, what kind of man is Qiu the Scar?”

On the way to Fortress Village, Wu Ze asked Li Yunlong.

Though Wu Ze hadn’t yet seen the defenses of the fortress, based on Li Yunlong’s attitude before the brigade commander, he could infer a great deal.

Even if he reached the fortress, finding a weakness in its defenses would be next to impossible.

Unable to find flaws in the fortress, the only option was to start from the military leader.

Li Yunlong told Wu Ze, “No one knows Qiu the Scar’s original name. The guy’s surname is Qiu, and he has a scar on his neck, so we all call him Qiu the Scar. He used to be a battalion commander in the Security Regiment. When the little devils attacked, the Security Regiment surrendered without firing a shot. At first, Qiu the Scar just helped the devils terrorize the countryside. Later, he earned merit in battle and was appointed by Ichiro Hirata as the highest military commander of Fortress Village. That old devil’s potato crops have become an important food supply for Hirata’s forces. I’ve wanted to get to him many times, but alas, never had the chance.”

“Does Qiu the Scar have any family?”

“He has three concubines, but only one son, Qiu Yaozu. Qiu the Scar dotes on him like no other. But don’t think you can use that as a breakthrough. Both father and son stay inside the fortress all the time; there’s no chance to get to them,” Li Yunlong said.

“What about his parents?”

“They’re both gone.” Li Yunlong shook his head. “Wu Ze, don’t waste your time trying to find a weakness in Qiu the Scar. The old devil has cleaned out every crack.”

“There’s nothing absolute in this world. Every fortress must have a flaw,” Wu Ze said.

“Then you try,” Li Yunlong said, though he held little hope. Wu Ze was smart, but Qiu the Scar was not so easy to deal with.

(End of chapter)