Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 183 New Deployment by the Japanese

"Ikeda-kun, why did you suddenly order a retreat!" Suzuki Ichiro rushed over immediately and asked, somewhat displeased.

"Take a look at the intelligence that the Taiyuan Command just sent out."

Without saying much, Masaki Ikeda handed the intelligence he had just obtained from the Taiyuan Command to Ichiro Suzuki.

"Ok?"

"What?! Tanaka Company has been defeated!" Ichiro Suzuki exclaimed in surprise as he took a look.

"Yes, the intelligence is correct. It was Tanaka Itsuki who personally reported to the Taiyuan Command." Ikeda Maken nodded.

"Ikeda-kun, this was a large battalion-sized force, and it was defeated by the militia so quickly!"

"Suzuki-kun, that's how it is. It seems our opponents are stronger than we anticipated!" Masato Ikeda said, looking at the militia formation in the distance.

“Ikeda-kun, I believe you now. This militia is completely different from all the Chinese troops we have encountered before.”

"Therefore, we cannot regard them as ordinary opponents."

"What should we do next?"

"The Taiyuan Command ordered us to suspend the offensive and wait for reinforcements from the Sakai Regiment."

"In addition, the Taiyuan Command will send two more battalions to reinforce Wolong Mountain from the direction of Qingshan County."

"In addition, headquarters plans to send an aircraft squadron to support our offensive operations," Masaki Ikeda said, revealing the latest deployment of the Taiyuan headquarters.

"It seems that the Taiyuan Command is determined to take Wolong Mountain," Suzuki Ichiro said.

“That’s right, otherwise we wouldn’t have changed our battle plan and increased our forces again.” Masatoshi Ikeda completely agreed with Ichiro Suzuki’s words.

"Then we'll wait here now."

"Yes."

In fact, there was something else that Masakatsu Ikeda didn't tell Ichiro Suzuki. He received a private order from the commander of the Taiyuan Command: after the battle ended and Wolong Mountain was occupied, he was to search for the gold that had been stolen from the military train at all costs.

While the Japanese troops in Wolong Mountain ceased their offensive, fighting raged fiercely in the southeastern region.

The troops in the southeast region did not have the fighting power of the local militia. Faced with the aggressive Japanese invaders, they could only avoid direct confrontation and use guerrilla warfare and sparrow warfare tactics to harass the enemy.

The Independent Regiment of the Wolong Mountain area was specially dispatched by the Eighth Route Army Headquarters to strengthen the anti-Japanese forces in the southeast region.

"Damn it, those Japanese devils are crazy! They keep chasing us around like crazy. We haven't even had a chance to sit down properly, and now we have to run again," Li Yunfei cursed.

"Political Commissar, why don't we fight the Japanese? Our Independent Regiment's equipment is pretty good now; taking down a Japanese company shouldn't be a problem!"

Li Yunfei glanced at the Japanese squadron that was hot on their heels and said.

“It’s not difficult to take down the Japanese soldiers behind us, but don’t forget that there are other Japanese units surrounding them. If we get entangled with this small group of Japanese soldiers, or with other small Japanese units, we will be in danger,” Zhao Xiaogang advised.

"What we need to do now is to lure the enemy deep into the mountains and then attack when the opportunity arises."

"Political Commissar, I understand the reasoning, but I just feel frustrated. It's not as good as when we were in Wolong Mountain, where we could fight the Japanese whenever we wanted."

"I wonder how Commander Tang and the others are doing. According to intelligence, three Japanese battalions are attacking the local militia in Wolong Mountain!" Zhao Xiaogang said with some worry.

"Political Commissar, don't worry. I've examined Tang's face, and he's definitely destined to live to be a hundred. These little devils won't be a problem for him."

"Old Li, speaking of this, I suddenly feel like something's not quite right."

"What's wrong?"

"Don't you think the number of Japanese troops chasing us is decreasing? The Japanese that attacked just now was a whole regiment, but I haven't seen any movement from them today."

"Commissar, your reminder makes sense now. So what about this Japanese regiment? What tricks are they playing?" Old Li pondered, head down.

"Oh no, this is bad!" Li Yunfei suddenly shouted, realizing something.

"Political Commissar, it's the local militia! This Japanese regiment is most likely heading towards Wolong Mountain, and we're not far from there!"

“Old Li, your analysis makes sense. The militia told us to pay attention to the movements of the Japanese in the southeast. Now it seems that Commander Tang may have already anticipated that there were more than just three Japanese battalions.”

"My goodness, with this Japanese regiment included, the Japanese forces attacking the Wolong Mountain militia numbered a full six battalions. Our entire division has never been so seriously targeted by the Japanese."

"The militia is in danger!"

"Political Commissar, I will immediately send a telegram to Regiment Commander Tang to tell him our deduction and let Battalion Commander Tang make preparations as soon as possible."

"Okay, Lao Li, let's ask our superiors together if we can go back and help Commander Tang out."

"Okay, I'll go ask right away." Old Li said and ran towards the radio station.

Meanwhile, at the militia command post, a scene of bustling activity unfolded.

"Commander, Tang Xiaohu just sent intelligence that the Japanese troops attacking Sanjiaji have stopped their offensive and are currently resting and regrouping on the outskirts of their positions."

"Commander, it seems they've been frightened by Battalion Commander Niu and his men," Zhang Haoshan said with a smile.

"It's not surprising that the Japanese reacted this way. What I'm curious about now is what the Japanese plan to do next. Now that they've set up camp, it seems they're waiting for reinforcements."

"Commander, our staff thinks so too, but we don't know where the Japanese reinforcements will come from."

"Observe the changes calmly and respond to all changes with constancy."

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, what's the current situation with the troops at the Hekou stronghold?"

"Report, Regiment Commander, Battalion Commander Niu has led the reconnaissance battalion toward the county town. The Fourth Battalion, three companies of the First Battalion, and one artillery company are on their way back and are expected to arrive at their designated location tonight."

"okay."

"Notify the logistics support battalion to ensure timely supply of materials to all units."

"Yes, I have already informed Bi Shouchai, and they have begun preparing to transport the supplies."

"okay."

"Notify Tang Xiaohu to closely monitor the Japanese movements. When night falls, think about whether we can launch a surprise attack on the Japanese camp."

"Yes, Commander, I'll make the arrangements right away."

"Ah."

"Commander, Commander!" Li Qukou rushed over in a hurry.

"What's going on?" Tang Weiguo asked upon seeing this.

"Commander, we've received intelligence that a Japanese regiment has disappeared from the southeastern battlefield. Based on our assessment, this Japanese unit's target might be us!"

"Source of intelligence?"

"Independent Regiment, intelligence on Li Yunfei," Li Qukou whispered in Tang Weiguo's ear.

"it is good."

"Expel the enemy. Contact the Second War Zone Intelligence Department immediately and have them verify the authenticity of the intelligence."

"Yes, Commander, I'll go right away."

"Ah."

"Deputy Commander Zhang, convene an emergency meeting immediately. We have important intelligence to report."

"Yes."