The War of Resistance: My Expedition, My Country

On May 5th, the Japanese 30th Army headquarters in Rangoon was a bustling scene. Commander Shojiro Iida sat in a spacious, brightly lit office, absorbed in the documents and intelligence reports on his desk. Just then, a young officer entered, respectfully presenting a report. Iida took the report, frowned slightly, and then ordered, "Let him in."

A moment later, a burly, serious-looking middle-aged man strode into the office. He was Colonel Kaoru Kataoka, the Burmese Security Commander and a former student of Iida Shojiro. Upon seeing Iida Shojiro, Kataoka straightened his posture and saluted his former teacher and current superior. "Commander, I'm reporting to the Security Command!"

Iida Shojiro pretended to be calm as he looked up from the tedious documents on his desk. He took off his slightly old-fashioned glasses and pretended to look intently at Kataoka Kaoru. Then he stood up from his office chair and slowly walked over to Kataoka Kaoru. He carefully studied Kataoka Kaoru's expression and finally nodded with pretended satisfaction, saying falsely, "Very good, you look a bit like a commander!"

Hearing this, Kataoka Kaoru felt dissatisfied: this old guy transferred him from the position of captain of the 114th main regiment to the second-rate security headquarters for no reason. Kataoka was extremely unhappy.

However, Kataoka did not dare to show it, and immediately bowed deeply to Shojiro Iida, and replied hypocritically: "Thank you for your training, Commander!" However, his eyes revealed a hint of cunning and unwillingness.

Iida Shojiro seemed to notice Kataoka Kaoru's change of mood, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. Then, he casually waved at Kataoka and gestured for him to walk over to the sofa at the side of the office.

Iida extended his hand to invite Kataoka to sit down. Kataoka didn't hesitate and immediately bowed to invite the commander to sit first. Iida casually sat down at the main seat and gestured for Kataoka to sit down as well. Only then did Kataoka sit down solemnly, his back straight, and half his buttocks resting on the sofa!

Iida was very pleased with Kataoka's move. He looked at him carefully again and said, "Kataoka, I know you're upset about being transferred from your position as commander of the main regiment to the Security Command. You know, there are only so many general positions in the Empire. With your qualifications, you need to find another way to get promoted."

Iida continued, "The military will establish a security force in Burma. The Security Command is only a transitional unit. The ten additional battalions dispatched from the China Expeditionary Force will arrive soon. The military has designated the Burma Security Force the 10st Division. It will be divided into two brigades, each directly commanding five battalions. This is your opportunity. I hope you can seize it."

I see. It seems I've misjudged the teacher. A flicker of excitement flashed in Kataoka's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. Kataoka immediately stood up, bowed to Mr. Iida again, and said, "Thank you for your training!"

Iida calmly accepted Kataoka's greeting and said, "Mainland's security will not be smooth sailing either. We need to get started as soon as possible."

Kataoka thought for a moment and said cautiously, "Commander, Myanmar is located in the tropical rainforest, with many mountains and dense jungles. Small guerrilla groups can easily hide there, which is very detrimental to the stability of public security."

"I will try my best to obtain more resources for you, but you must also understand that resources are limited. The most important thing is that you act with purpose." Shojiro Iida responded indifferently.

"The department understands, but we need a clear target for the mission, otherwise it will be difficult for the Security Forces to act effectively," added Kaoru Kataoka.

Iida nodded, thought for a moment, and replied: "I will consider your request and give you certain authority if necessary, including mobilizing garrison troops to assist when necessary!" "But you must remember that your primary task is to maintain public order in Myanmar and ensure the safety of transportation lines. I don't mind what kind of public security crackdown you launch, but any behavior that dares to resist the Imperial Japanese Army must be strictly prohibited." Shojiro Iida emphasized fiercely.

"Yes, Commander!" Kataoka Kaoru immediately saluted.

Iida continued, "During the transition period, public security in Myanmar must be significantly improved. The Burmese people must see the image and benefits of Japan's land of peace and prosperity! I heard that the prisoner-of-war camp in Toungoo was attacked. What are your thoughts on this?"

"Commander, the department is here because of this matter." Kataoka quickly reported the exact situation and analysis to Iida.

"The department believes that the attack on the prisoner-of-war camp was carried out by a Chinese force, approximately a battalion in size. On-site investigations have shown that this Chinese force was likely a battalion-sized unit from the 96th or 200th Divisions that escaped in northern Myanmar."

"What do you think about this?" Iida continued to ask.

Kataoka calmed himself down and analyzed the situation carefully, saying, "Commander, this group of Chinese troops didn't rush to escape. Instead, they attacked the prisoner-of-war camp and rescued nearly 2000 prisoners. They clearly have some ulterior motive. I suspect they might be hiding somewhere in Myanmar, which could pose a threat to Myanmar's public security!"

Iida was very satisfied with Kataoka's analysis so far, and he asked again: "As the security commander, what do you think should be done?"

Kataoka didn't hesitate and immediately said, "Intensify the search, find their hiding place, and destroy them as soon as possible!"

Upon hearing this, Iida immediately stood up, and Kataoka quickly followed suit, looking extremely apprehensive. Iida walked over to his desk, opened the safe on the side, and pulled out a document labeled "Top Secret." He opened the document and pulled out a document. He then walked over to Kataoka and handed the document to him. "Take a look at this and memorize the contents. These are some of the things we need to do in Burma. Just understand!"

Kataoka took the document, glanced through it, and was shocked. It turned out that the Empire had even more hidden plans in Burma! Kataoka quickly handed the document back to Iida with both hands.

Iida took the document, put it back into the briefcase, and carefully placed it back in the safe. Then he looked up and said to Kataoka, "I'll leave this matter to you. I want the annihilation of the remaining Chinese troops to be the beginning of peace and stability in Myanmar!"

"Ha!" Kataoka immediately lowered his head to receive the order, but did not dare to leave, with some concerns revealed in his eyes.

Iida knew that he now had power but no troops, so he said, "Go find your old superior, Kimura Heitaro, who is now the commander of the 55th Division. I will give him an order to transfer at least one wing of troops to you, and the 5th Air Force will also send aircraft to assist you!"

"Ha!" Kataoka bowed to Iida again and left his office!