Chapter 74: The Devil Enters the Net
"Baga! Where did those damn Chinese go?"
Keiichi Furukawa was unwilling to make a wasted trip. If he could not wipe out the independent battalion in one fell swoop this time, it would be almost impossible to destroy it next time when they were prepared.
"Go get me the reconnaissance team!"
"Hayi!"
Several Japanese messengers bowed their heads in agreement, then turned around and ran away.
Soon, the scout team leader received the order and rushed over.
"Captain, what are your instructions?"
Keiichi Furukawa stared at him and asked, "Where did these damn Chinese go?"
The scout captain bowed his head again and said, "Your Excellency the Captain, I was just about to report to you that according to my reconnaissance, the Chinese Army's independent battalion seems to have retreated towards the Yerengou direction. They also carried a large amount of supplies and Chinese civilians!"
After saying that, the scout team leader raised his hand and pointed in the direction of Savage Valley.
"Soga!" Keiichi Furukawa ordered, "All squadrons, listen to my orders and march towards the Yerengou direction immediately!"
"Wait a moment."
The captain of the staff beside him tried to persuade him: "Captain, no, we have violated the taboo of advancing alone into deep territory by surprise attacking the independent battalion's base."
"We have already lost the initiative. If we continue to pursue, we will be in danger!"
After a pause, the captain staff officer continued, "After being attacked by the Imperial Army, the independent battalion will definitely report the incident to the 358th Regiment Headquarters. Maybe the Chinese reinforcements are on the way.
If we delay until then, the Imperial Army will be attacked from both sides, and it will not be easy to escape unscathed."
"Also, Captain, did you notice that this Chinese army that was left behind also retreated towards Yerengou?"
“This is so unscientific!”
"According to normal logic, they should have led the Imperial Army in the opposite direction in order to cover the withdrawal of the main force."
"But they did the opposite. It's obvious that they are trying to lure us into a trap!"
Then, the captain took out a map of Luotuo Ridge drawn by the reconnaissance team and said, "Captain, you see, the mountain roads in Yerengou are rugged and the terrain is complex. This kind of terrain is really suitable for setting an ambush.
If we rashly pursue them and get ambushed by the enemy, the consequences will be disastrous!
So please think twice, Captain!"
The captain made a sharp analysis of the current situation and pointed out Yang Lin's conspiracy.
However, at this time, Furukawa Keiichi was already overwhelmed by anger, and he retorted: "Takeshita-kun, I think you think too much!"
"The Chinese Army's independent battalion was obviously fleeing in a panic. How could they have had time to set up an ambush in such a hurry?"
"Besides, the Imperial Army has already put in a lot of effort for this operation. It is absolutely impossible and absolutely impossible to give up easily!"
"As for what you said, they asked for help from the regiment headquarters. Takeshita-kun, don't forget that even if the 358th Regiment sent reinforcements, they must be Qian Bojun's troops who were closest to here."
“You know, Qian Bojun has already intended to surrender to the Imperial Army, and he also has some grievances with Yang Lin, the commander of this independent battalion.
By then, even if he leads his troops here, he can only help us destroy the Independent Battalion, and cannot become a reinforcement for the Independent Battalion. "
"So, what else do you have to worry about?"
"But……"
The captain was about to say more, but was interrupted by Keiichi Furukawa: "No buts! As a soldier, you should have an adventurous spirit. If you are afraid of this and that, you might as well go home and fish!"
After saying this, Furukawa Keiichi gave a stern order: "All squadrons, immediately march towards the Yerengou direction. This battle must be won in one fell swoop, and the soldiers of the independent battalion must be annihilated!"
"Hayi!"
Upon receiving the order , the captains of each Japanese squadron immediately gathered their troops and pursued in the direction of Yerengou.
…
After chasing for about half an hour, the Japanese troops finally chased the first company of the independent battalion and the guard company to the entrance of Yerengou.
At this time, the sky was gradually brightening. Looking around, Keiichi Furukawa could see the entire terrain of Yerengou.
The mountain road ahead is dangerous and is an excellent natural ambush point.
Although this old Japanese is a little eager for quick success, he is not a fool. When encountering such dangerous terrain, he will of course be very cautious.
"Troops ahead, pay attention to fire reconnaissance!"
Some of the Japanese soldiers were responsible for pursuit, while others were responsible for fire reconnaissance.
The Japanese machine gunner swung the Type 99 light machine gun in his hand and indiscriminately fired at the hidden woods on both sides of the mountain road where people could hide.
Dense rain of bullets poured down, splashing the snow on the cliffs on both sides everywhere.
Then, the Japanese grenade launchers began to fire everywhere.
"boom!"
“Boom boom boom!——”
The grenade fell with a loud bang, and the broken shrapnel flew all over the mountains and forests along with the shock wave of the explosion.
Even though the enemy was firing aimlessly, there was almost no chance of hitting the target.
However, there were too many shrapnel and bullets flying everywhere.
As a result, several soldiers from the independent battalion on the hill were accidentally injured by stray bullets.
“Ah!—”
The injured soldiers kept in mind the orders of Battalion Commander Yang Lin. In order to avoid exposing their target, they groaned , gritted their teeth to endure the pain, and lay on the ground without daring to move.
"Damn little Japs!"
Some soldiers from the independent battalion were so angry that they wanted to open fire and fight back.
Seeing that the Japs were just attacking randomly without any rules or targets, Yang Lin lowered his voice and shouted: "Brothers, this is the Japs' firepower reconnaissance. Pay attention to hiding. No one is allowed to shoot without my order. Those who disobey my order will be punished by military law!"
When the soldiers heard Yang Lin's order, they all controlled their temper and no one fired a shot to expose their target.
The noisy gunfire continued for a few minutes and then gradually subsided.
After fire reconnaissance, the Japanese commander found nothing unusual and could finally relax and pursue the independent battalion.
"Warriors of the Empire, chase them and destroy all the Chinese soldiers!"
"Kill the chicken! Kill the chicken!"
The Japanese squadrons immediately followed one after another and pursued forward. They were also in competition with each other, and everyone wanted to be the first to catch up with the independent battalion, and it would be best if they could capture or kill Yang Lin and compete for the first credit.
More and more Japanese soldiers gathered on the winding and rugged mountain road. Yang Lin felt secretly delighted when he saw the enemy entering the ambush circle.
However, he did not rush to order an attack on the enemy.
There were only half of the Japanese troops marching on the mountain road, and his goal was to wipe out the invading Japanese troops in one fell swoop.
There is still some Japanese soldiers who have not entered the ambush circle, so now is not the time to close the net.
Yang Lin suppressed the impulse in his heart and waited for a while. Finally, all the enemies entered the ambush circle.
"Brothers, the devils have entered the net!"
"Everyone prepare for battle!"
"Beat him! Beat him hard!"
