The War of Resistance: My Expedition, My Country

Lashio and the surrounding areas immediately fell into a white terror of dire straits. The Japanese military police headquarters arrested the head of the Special High Technology Department, Hatoyama, and several key members. At the same time, they also controlled all the members of the Kyoprosperity Society. After a period of torture and forced confessions, many bizarre confessions full of loopholes emerged. Most of them pointed the finger at Hatoyama, but in fact the target was all the security commander Matsui.

The 56th Division's troops stationed in Lashio turned the city into a prison, arresting anyone they disliked and executing anyone who showed any resistance on the spot. The 534th Brigade then joined forces, seemingly collaborating with the 56th Division's troops. They launched a massive hunt for anyone hiding guns or possessing radios in and around the city, regardless of their affiliation. They rounded up everyone, even arresting members of the Military Police's intelligence department.

At this moment, the unique layout of the Japanese army's various mountaintops was also revealed. Major General Matsui Hideji, the commander of the Security Force, was assigned to the 56th Division, and Watanabe Masao, the commander of the 56th Division, who had achieved remarkable success during the Burma Campaign, was a true leader on the Burma battlefield. Colonel Orifutaguchi, the commander of the Military Police, was from the 18th Division, and Mutaguchi Ren'ya, as the commander of an A-class division, was actively trying to succeed him as commander of the 15th Army. Meanwhile, the current commander of the 15th Army, Shojiro Iida, had appointed his protégé Kaoru Kataoka to command the 121th Brigade of the Security Force's 534st Division, clearly aiming to counterbalance the two veterans, Watanabe and Muta.

Kataoka Kaoru was once the commander of the 18th Regiment of the 114th Division, but the 114th Regiment had since seceded from the 18th Division and returned to Japan. Given Kataoka Kaoru's mentor-disciple relationship with Iida, Kataoka naturally sided with Iida. Both Iida and Watanabe were deeply annoyed by Mutaguchi Ren'ya's meddling in northern Burma affairs, and Mutaguchi Ren'ya's arrogant personality led to a secret alliance between the two.

In response to Zhibu's attempt to capture Hatoyama, Matsui and Kataoka immediately joined forces and launched a large-scale operation, leading to unrest in Lashio. While Matsui bore the greatest responsibility, he was, after all, the commander of a field brigade, and could at most resign from the garrison command. Zhibu, as the military police commander, was primarily responsible for maintaining order in Lashio, and the greatest responsibility for the unrest inevitably fell on him.

As for Kataoka, it was simple. With the existence of the Security Command and the Military Police Command, and the Security Force's focus on combating guerrillas, he wouldn't be subject to such criticism. On the contrary, his involvement in Lashio security affairs would give him more say. Kataoka was already the head of the Security Brigade, so taking over the position of Lashio Security Commander was a logical move.

Zhibu Dengguchi had been thrilled by the confessions from Hatoyama and the Kyoprosperity Society members. He knew he should give Matsui, the old fox, a hard time. In his office, Zhibu even dreamed of becoming the commander of the Lashio garrison.

"Ding ding ding——" the ringing of the phone startled him awake. Seeing that it was a red phone, he knew it was a call from his superiors. Zhibu quickly stood up, calmed down, and picked up the phone: "Moshi Moshi..."

"Zhibu, you idiot! Who asked you to touch Matsui? Who gave you the courage to challenge the authority of your direct superior? You have a very bad conscience..."

On the other end of the line, Mutaguchi Renya was cursing Orifu Tadaguchi, his anger surging, and he didn't know how to calm down. Orifu was searching for evidence of Hatoyama's crimes, and Matsui and Kataoka were using this as an excuse to stir up trouble, exposing the situation in Lashio. It was only natural for Iida to seize this opportunity to crack down on the situation.

It was clear that Matsui had already prepared to resign as Lashio garrison commander, and the evidence collected by Zhibu was of no use to Matsui. Instead, it exposed his ambitions and made him the recognized root cause of the unrest in Lashio. His fate can be imagined.

Because of his affairs, it directly affected Mutaguchi Ren'ya, and all of Mutaguchi Ren'ya's efforts were wasted. It can be said that Iida secured his position as the commander of the 15th Army because of this.

At this moment, Iida was also on the phone with Watanabe Masao, commander of the 56th Division, who was far away in Baoshan, southern Yunnan. "Watanabe-kun," Iida said, "Army Headquarters plans to establish a new 33rd Army in northern Burma. This will be primarily composed of the 33rd and 56th Divisions, and will include independent brigades to be formed in northern Burma. I have recommended you to His Excellency Terauchi Juichi, and I believe you are qualified for this position!"

"Thank you for your support, Commander. The 56th Division has always been the main force of the 15th Army. No matter when, as long as the commander gives an order, the 56th Division will rush to the forefront and open up new territory for the empire!" Watanabe Masao laughed and complimented.

Iida nodded in satisfaction, "Excellent! Watanabe-kun is worthy of being the leader of the Imperial Army."

Watanabe Masao continued, "Commander-in-Chief, the 56th Division hopes you can come and inspect and encourage the soldiers!"

Iida readily agreed, "Yoshi, I'll arrange it as soon as possible. By the way, what do you think of the unrest in Lashio?"

Watanabe Masao replied solemnly, "Your Excellency, I have always believed that Lashio is a crucial stronghold for our army's offensive against southern Yunnan. We cannot afford to lose it! It seems that Matsui is not well suited to the position of regional garrison commander. He has already expressed his desire to return to the front lines to lead the troops."

Iida pondered for a moment and asked, "So, who do you think Watanabe-kun would like to take over as the garrison commander?"

Watanabe Masao replied, "Commander, I believe the 534th Brigade was originally set up to be responsible for security in northeastern Myanmar. It is only natural for Kataoka to take over as the security commander!"

Iida nodded. "Well, Watanabe-kun's considerations make sense. I believe Kataoka will do a good job of providing logistical support to the 56th Division. As for the Military Police Commander Zhibu Dengguchi, he bears the primary responsibility for the unrest in Lashio!"

Watanabe Masao suggested, "Commander, Zhibu is very concerned about the mopping-up operation in northern Burma. I think the 533rd Brigade is in need of a qualified staff officer, and Zhibu should be very qualified for this position."

Iida said appreciatively, "Yes, Watanabe-kun's suggestion is very good. I think that's the way it's going to be arranged! However, the issue of Hatoyama leaking secrets still needs to be dealt with."

Watanabe Masao said indignantly: "Commander, this scum of the Empire should be severely punished. I don't think there is any need to consider giving him dignity. Let him face the Empire's trial in disgrace!"

During their conversation, the Lashio incident had been resolved. Matsui, Kataoka, and Orifu were all sent to different places. The worst-case scenario was that Hatoyama was quickly executed by the 15th Army for treason! As for the leaked plan for the northern Burma mop-up operation, no one paid any attention. For the larger strategic operation, a small guerrilla force in northern Burma was not even a consideration for the Japanese high command. Whether there was a plan or not, leaks or not, were irrelevant. The mop-up operation could be carried out at any time. If one attempt failed, there could always be a second or third attempt...

One day, while sitting with President Du, Liang, the translator, happened to discuss this matter. Curious, he asked Liang how he had obtained the secrets of the Japanese raid. Liang smiled and pointed to a nearby Japanese company. Du immediately understood. The Daban people, the Fourth Division, were truly omnipresent!