The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Inside the crude makeshift headquarters of the Japanese 10th Division, the atmosphere was so dignified it felt like water could drip from it. Isogai Rensuke sat at the head of the table, his sullen face fixed, his hawk-like eyes scanning the surroundings with a chilling intensity. The officers surrounding him, all with solemn expressions, sat at attention, none daring to speak out to break the stifling silence.

The reason they were so tense and serious was because of a problem that was vexing everyone: the siege of Teng County had been impossible for a long time! This battle, once thought to be easily won, had now reached a stalemate. This was undoubtedly a humiliation for the Japanese army, which always regarded itself as arrogant. Therefore, everyone knew that today's meeting would be a tense debate and decision-making.

Isogai Lianjie spoke slowly, his voice low but brimming with undeniable authority. "Gentlemen, the battle for Fuji County has raged on for days, yet our army has yet to capture it. This has severely impacted the progress of the Great Japanese Empire's campaign. We possess superior manpower and equipment, so why have we reached such a stalemate?"

A major stood up first, saluted, and said, "Your Excellency, the Sichuan troops in Tengxian County are extremely stubborn in their resistance. They have built a large number of strong fortifications by taking advantage of the terrain and have fought with extraordinary bravery. Every step forward we advance comes at a huge cost."

Isogai Lianjie frowned. "Is there no other way? Why couldn't our artillery bombardment completely destroy their defenses?"

At this time, a lieutenant colonel stood up and responded: "Sir, although the Sichuan Army's fortifications are simple, they are well coordinated and they are good at concealing themselves, making it difficult for our artillery to completely cover them. Furthermore, they seem to have a certain degree of anticipation of our offensive rhythm and are often able to organize effective counterattacks at critical moments."

Another colonel then spoke up, "Division Commander, intelligence indicates that mysterious individuals and specialized equipment have recently appeared in Teng County. These unknown factors may be enhancing the Sichuan Army's resistance. For example, the sudden appearance of powerful crossbows and some unprecedented combat tactics suggest that external forces are secretly assisting the Sichuan Army."

Isogai Lianjie's eyes glared. "External forces? Investigate. We must find out who is behind this. No matter who it is, they cannot stop the Empire of Japan."

An intelligence officer hurried in, saluted Isogai Lianjie, and said nervously, "Your Excellency, we've discovered that the crossbows found on the Tengxian battlefield are made of the same craftsmanship and materials as those found in Shanghai and Nanjing. It's very likely that the 'Ghost Assassin' has arrived here."

Isogai Lianjie's face instantly darkened. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying, "Damn it! This 'Ghost Assassin' has repeatedly disrupted the Imperial Army's plans. We must not let him get away with it. Pass the order. At all costs, we must annihilate the 'Ghost Assassin' and the Chinese troops defending the city in Fujin County. At the same time, we can use chemical weapons."

An officer nearby looked hesitant and said softly, "Your Excellency, the use of chemical weapons would probably draw strong condemnation from international public opinion. After all, it is expressly prohibited by international conventions."

Isogai Lianjie glared at the officer with a cold look in his eyes and scolded him, "Humph! Our primary mission now is to capture Fuji County and eliminate the enemy in front of us. If we don't eliminate the 'Ghost Assassin', we will suffer even greater losses. As for international public opinion, we will deal with it after we achieve victory."

Another officer nodded in agreement, "Your Excellency is wise. As long as we can resolve the battle quickly, a little public pressure is nothing to fear. However, the scope and method of deploying chemical weapons must be carefully considered to avoid affecting our own troops."

Isogai Lianjie clenched his hands, his knuckles whitening. After a long moment of deep thought, he spoke slowly, each word seemingly squeezed through gritted teeth. "From now on, comprehensively intensify intelligence gathering. Keep a close eye on every enemy movement within Teng County. Furthermore, any suspicious movement of personnel or supplies in the surrounding areas must be investigated. The artillery unit immediately adjusts its combat plan, concentrating all its firepower to fiercely attack the Sichuan Army's key defensive points, clearing the way for a new round of infantry assaults. Furthermore, select our most elite units to launch a small-scale raid into Teng County, ensuring they identify gaps in their defenses and the location of their command center. Furthermore, have the chemical unit prepare, choosing the right wind direction and timing to focus attacks on areas suspected of being haunted by the 'Netherworld Assassin' and the core positions of the Teng County defenders. Following this meeting, all units must collaborate closely and work together to capture Teng County as quickly as possible. Anyone who dares to disobey orders or neglect their duties will be mercilessly executed!"

All the officers shouted in unison: "Hi!"

Then, Japanese Colonel Yaezō Akashiba received the order and, with a grim expression, walked towards the artillery squadron of his 10th Regiment. The artillerymen were already in position, each gun like a silent beast. Yaezō Akashiba shouted, "Prepare to fire mustard gas shells. For the glory of the Empire of Japan, we must destroy the resistance in Fuji County!"

The artillerymen heard the order and immediately took action. They quickly put on heavy gas masks and protective suits. The rubber material of the protective suits gave off a pungent smell in the sun, and the goggles on the masks had a cold luster. One by one, the artillerymen walked clumsily but methodically to the ammunition storage area. They lifted the mustard gas shells marked with danger signs with both hands and carefully

Arriving at the gun, the artillerymen worked together, one holding the base of the shell while another slowly fed it into the barrel. Their hands trembled slightly during the loading process, as this was an extremely dangerous weapon. Afterward, the artillerymen, adjusting the parameters, squinted through the windows of their gas masks, carefully turning the various knobs on the gun, constantly calculating wind speed, distance, and angle to ensure the shell landed accurately within Teng County.

At the commander's command, the artillerymen pulled the firing cords. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" A series of loud explosions erupted as more than a dozen shells laden with mustard gas whizzed through the sky, hurtling towards Teng County.