Chapter 3: The Morning Star (4 below)

"Ahh Bloodsplatter. The shepherd, whose left shoulder was pierced by a bullet from three or eight bullets at close range, let out a short scream of pain. Continued to rush forward for two or three steps. Fallen headlong in the grass.

"Get him back for me." Do not wait for Kawada Kuniaki to order. Tachibana Hyotaro preemptively commanded his men. Several Japanese devils who were continuing to aim at the shepherd with their rifles answered. Rush over quickly. Dragged this man upside down from the grass to a group of devil officers.

"Well played. Tachibana-kun not only reacts quickly. The marksmanship is also top-notch. He is worthy of being a high-achieving student who graduated from Lu Shi." Although unhappy Tachibana Hyotaro made his own assertions. Kuniaaki Kawada still barely suppressed the anger in his heart. Laughing and complimenting. The latter approach is impolite. But in accordance with the rules. Marching in a strange land. Sufficient caution must be maintained. So it doesn't matter if the shepherd is a spy or not. For the safety of the soldiers of the Imperial Japan. They cannot be allowed to leave alive (Note 1)

However, in order to assert their authority. Kuniaki Kawada can't let go of Hyotaro Tachibana's faux pas. There was a pause. He continued: "Let the medic bandage his wounds. Then tied to the back of the carriage and dragged away. Waited until the Black Stone Village. I'm going to scrutinize his identity."

"Hi Yi." The devil soldiers agreed in unison. Tacitly stepped forward and dragged the captive. Strode to the back of the line. Everybody knows. The so-called screening. It's just an excuse for the chief to save face. Even if it turns out that this shepherd is not a spy. Waiting for this person is also a dead end. The difference is only. Ordered his execution. In the end, it was the captain Kuniaki Kawada. It's just that the squad leader Hyotaro Tachibana still likes to be in the limelight.

“@##^$^&^!” The captured shepherd did not yet know that he had become a corpse in the eyes of the devil. Loud scolding in outlandish language. The right hand has been stained red with his own blood. is still holding on to the puppet Manchukuo bonds that were snatched back. Won't let go no matter what.

"Hahahaha. Stupid guy." The devil officers erupted in laughter again. The eyes that looked at the captives were full of disdain. They are all dying. I can't forget a few little bucks. Chinese. It's short-sighted.

The devil soldiers dragging the shepherds. I also felt that the captives were incorrigibly stupid. Wait for the hygienist to finish treating the wound. He grabbed a rope and tied the man to the back of the wagon that pulled the munitions. Divide the money. So he hurried back to divide the mutton.

"Woo woo woo .." The shepherd, whose mouth had been taped by the hygienist, crouched on the ground and continued to curse. However, his curse was quickly silenced by the cheering around him. The devil soldiers, who smelled the smell of barbecue, forgot the fatigue of the march. They all opened their throats. Let out a series of ghost crying wolf howls." 呗(うた)を忘(わす)れた金糸雀(かなりや)は、後(うしろ)の山(やま)に弃(す)てましょか---"(Note 2)

Twenty sheep for five or six hundred devils. Inevitably, some wolves have more meat and less meat. Three mouthfuls and two bites. The ordinary devil soldiers finished a small portion in front of their eyes. Squat on the ground. While smelling the constant smell of meat wafting from the officer's quarter. While nibbling on stinky pickles and sticky bean buns, (Note 3)

They did not dare to complain that there was too much difference in the treatment of officers and soldiers. But he took out his anger on the captured shepherds. Scolding and counting the laggards is too poor. It's useless. All the possessions were only about twenty sheep and one horse. If you drive an untold herd of cattle as the legend goes. How could the soldiers of the empire not even be able to fill their stomachs... Of course. The latter was driving a large flock of sheep and was caught by them. Will there be a difference from the current treatment. It's never been in the minds of the little devils. The vanquished? Something the same as cattle and sheep. It is not worth the "noble Yamato nation" to waste time on them .

Due to the fact that the lunch was not very satisfying. Continue the march in the afternoon. The soldiers of the Empire of Japan were a little listless. And the prairie is exceptionally clean air. It also makes the sun very spicy. Even through a thick cloth military cap. It also makes the scalp of the little devils spicy and painful. It just happened to be a rainstorm two days ago. The ground is terribly muddy. Stagnant water under the roots of the grass is heated by sunlight. It quickly turns into invisible water vapor. Get into the little devil's clothes from the neckline, trouser legs, collar, etc. Together with beads of sweat. Sticks to dirty skin. Then it gradually gathers into a black mud. It trickled down his forehead and the back of his hand.

Marching in this weather. Undoubtedly a torment. The devil soldiers walked listlessly for another two or three miles. Suddenly. They let out a cheer in Japanese. Yikes... Rivers. It's a big river."

Where there is a river. That means you can stop and take a cold shower. It's no wonder that the devil soldiers are all elated. However, the captain of the devil brigade, Kawada Kuni, and the captain of the team in charge of pathfinding, Tachibana Hyotaro, did not think so. Grimacingly, they got together again. Against the high-precision military map that the spies have already prepared. Big-eyed staring.

The road was washed out. A seasonal river that suddenly appeared. The humble road that leads to the Black Rock Village. The waist rushed into two sections. While standing on this side of the river and looking at the past. The other side is only five or six meters away. But no one knows how deep the river is. How fast the water is.

"This. What about the guide. What the guide said. Tachibana-kun. Didn't you send someone to search for the bridge?" Combat staff officer Shirakawa Shiro rolled over and jumped off his horse. He asked, sipping on the shredded meat left between his teeth during lunch. Precipitation in the steppe is unstable. The way forward suddenly appears a seasonal river. It's a very common thing. It's no wonder that the spies who draw the map. Of course, it should be difficult to help the experienced emperor.

"The guide who led the way was not a local. He didn't expect this to happen. I arranged for him to take people downstream to find their way. As for the bridge ......," Hyotaro Tachibana, the leader of the squad in charge of pathfinding, let out a wry smile. He pointed to the two poplar trees on the other side of the river. Shrugged helplessly." It seems that there is. Right there. If that thing could be a bridge."

The branches of both poplars are turquoise. One can tell at a glance that they have just been cut down for a few days. However, the end of the trunk is more than two meters shorter from the riverbank. Unless the long jump master. Otherwise, no one would want to jump on the "bridge".

Even if the trunk is long enough. Kuniaki Kawada also did not dare to let his soldiers venture to climb the tree bridge. The grasslands are very soft after the rains. The tree bridge was apparently improvised by local herdsmen. There is no stable pier at all. In case the soldiers climb halfway. The tree bridge suddenly fell into the river in its entirety. I don't know how many people are going to be drowned. And even if the soldiers could crawl over. Cars and wagons carrying ammunition and supplies could not get through. In case someone comes to the other side and strikes at you. Without ammunition, the soldiers were left to hold their heads and wait for death. There is no ability to protect oneself at all.

As a devil officer with many years of experience in fighting in Chinese territory. Kuniaki Kawada certainly wouldn't risk his soldiers desperately fighting the enemy without ammunition supplies. A frown. I figured it out right away." Come people. Bring the captives over. I'm going to interrogate him personally."

"Hi Yi." Some soldiers have already thought of the same solution. Quickly run to the back of the line. Remove the shepherd from the wagon. Escorted to Kuniaki Kawada with his arms.

"Your. Say. There are no other bridges nearby." Got the experience of talking to a captive last time. Kuniaki Kawada ignored the eager translator next to him. Grabbed a blank piece of paper. I drew a map directly on it.

"Wooh.." The shepherd glared at him angrily. Turn your head to the side. Kuniaki Kawada is not angry either. The first splitter uncovered the adhesive tape that was stuck to the opponent's mouth. And then said loudly." Who took his money. Give it back to him immediately. Hyotaro Tachibana. Take all the money you have on you. Give it all to him."

"Hi .. Yi." Despite the reluctance in my heart. The Devil Soldier and the Devil Squad Leader each took out coins from their pockets. All the brains were placed in front of the captive.

The captured shepherd immediately opened his right hand like a fan. Grab all the money. Three times and two times hid in his arms. Then I looked at Kuniaki Kawada, who was smiling all over his face. On the river pattern that the other party has already drawn. Two thin lines were added crookedly.

"%¥#%......." is followed by . He put down the pen. Pointing to the poplars on the opposite bank and letting out a series of cheers. There was a clear spree of schadenfreude in his voice.

"Yaga." Kuniaki Kawada was so angry that his eyes were on fire. Raise your arms. Gave the shepherd a big slap in the face. Then he carried each other by the collar. Roar." Also use you to say. Bridge made of two poplar trees. I've seen it for a long time. Still use you to say.. Don't play tricks on me. There are no other bridges nearby. Hurry up and tell me. Otherwise. I'll shoot you right now."

The shepherd covers his swollen mouth with his right hand. looked at him stunned. I didn't understand what he was saying. I don't know why he suddenly got so angry. Look at this person's stupid look. Kuniaki Kawada felt a wave of weakness in his heart. Sighing helplessly. Explain in a low voice." Bridge. There are no other bridges nearby. There is no bridge. How did you get here?"

The shepherds are still confused. Eyes are full of question marks. Kuniaki Kawada was furious again. For a while, there was no way to take the other party. As the only captive. There is no substitute for this person's value at the moment. If there is no one to lead the way. Just with the two stupid guides arranged by the Kwantung Army headquarters before departure. Everyone wants to go to Blackrock. I don't know how long it will be...

Or combat staff officer Shirakawa Shiro is delicate. I saw the embarrassment of Kuniaki Kawada. Take the initiative to step forward. Succeed him and continue to negotiate with the captives." Yours. Don't be afraid. Say it slowly. As long as you're willing to do the Imperial Army a favor. Imperial. The Imperial Army will not forget your merits."

“&&…… ￥#￥#.” Answer Shirokawa Shirakawa's. It's still an unfamiliar language. The guide, who did not know from which nationality, was watching him. I don't know what to do.

"Money. I'll give you money. You. Help." Shirokawa Shirakawa took out a fake Manchukuo ticket from his pocket. Keep doing the good temptations.

Money is the lingua franca. The guide's eyes immediately brightened again. grabbed the money and stuffed it into his arms. Then try to cooperate with Shirakawa Shiro to understand the true intentions of the devils. It took Shirakawa Shiro another lot of effort. Finally grabbed the pen. A small yurt was drawn on the same side away from the riverbank. Explain out loud." &&…… ￥.”

"You mean. Your home is on the east side. In the direction we came from .." Shirakawa Shiro also felt a sense of powerlessness in his heart. Assault spirit inquiry.

"&&......" The shepherd nodded vigorously. I'm afraid Shiro Shirakawa doesn't understand what he means. Another sun was also drawn. He said that his home was about a whole day's journey from here.

"What about you. Then you usually go out to graze. Encounter the river in season. What to do." Shirakawa Shiro was not reconciled. Continue to grit your teeth and get to the bottom of it.

Another round of gesturing. Before Shiro Shirakawa fainted from exhaustion. The shepherd finally understood his question. And gave a laughable answer: a sheep. The tail is towards the river .... Encounter the river in season. Just turn around and go home. It's grazing anyway. Where can't you put it..

"That. That's if you're in a hurry. Need to cross the river. Crossing the river." Shiro Shirakawa's eyes are straight and black. Cover your forehead with your hand. Desperately sending out a final question.

This time. The answer didn't waste much of his effort. The shepherd gestured with his hand to a horseback riding position. Shrug your shoulders gently.

It turned out that you could ride directly on horseback. Shiro Shirakawa Daiki. A handful grabs the hand of the shepherd. Eagerly asked." It can really flow through. The water is not deep. How many centimeters exactly.."

This question is too complicated. far beyond the shepherd's comprehension. It took him five or six minutes again. Before all the devils despair. The shepherd stood up. He pointed to his waist. Loudly said: "&&...... ￥#￥#.”

The water is only up to your waist. All the big and small devil officers were relieved. I knew it was like this. You don't have to waste so much effort. Just walk over it. Although the figure of the emperor ** person is condensed. But you won't drown in waist-deep water.

"Lieutenant Tachibana. You. Take a few men and escort him to explore the way. Let's see how deep the water really is." Even though I believe the shepherds are telling the truth. Kuniaki Kawada, the captain of the devil brigade, thought about it. Or decided to be cautious and subtle.

"Hi Yi." Tachibana Hyotaro saluted. Take the ropes that bound the shepherds before. Tie a knot around the man's waist casually. Then pull the other end of the rope with your own hands. Together with seven or eight taller devil soldiers. Hold the shepherds. Rest assured and boldly walked towards the river.

The shepherds though unwilling. But under the coercion of the guns of the devils. Forced to walk at the front of the line. Your feet have just stepped into the river and you haven't gone far. He realized that something was wrong. Look back. Shouting a warning to Hyotaro Tachibana." @###￥￥%……%.”

"Your. Don't try to be lazy." Tachibana Hyotaro didn't want to give up halfway. Pull out a Wang Ba box from your waist. Pointing at the shepherds and threatening." Hurry up. Or I'll shoot you. Hurry up. Don't grind."

Shepherds don't take risks. Bitter face. Bow to Tachibana Hyotaro again and again. The latter, however, showed no mercy. Continue to pound on his head with the handle of the gun. It hurts to eat. The shepherd had no choice but to look his way again. Turn around again in an instant. A mischievous glint suddenly appeared in the two dull eyes.

Pretend to be very afraid. The shepherd continued to move forward step by step. Walked another two meters away. The water gradually flooded to his chest. At this point. Tachibana Hyotaro also regretted it very much. And then he was so scared that he would turn around and retreat now. will be despised by the boss. Continue to be bold and rub forward an extra meter or so. I realized that the water was almost up to my neck. I finally made up my mind. Be prepared to explain the situation to your boss before making a decision.

"Ahh At the moment when Tachibana Hyotaro turned around. A torrent of rapids rushed from upstream. The shepherd who walked in front let out a scream. The whole person fell into the river. Carried downstream by the rapids.

"Hurry up and help. Pull the rope. Help pull the rope." Hyotaro Tachibana didn't care about asking Kawada Kuniaki and others on the shore for instructions. Pulling the rope with both hands. Loudly give orders to his devil soldiers. Helplessly, the water flow is too fast. The devil soldiers around him are even more reluctant to risk it for a Chinese. I didn't wait to pull the rope. There was already a "Bah" in my ears. There was a muffled sound. Shepherd swept away by the current. Played a spinner in the river channel. It's completely gone. Only Hyotaro Tachibana was left holding half a rope. With his back against a few ghost soldiers who were almost knocked over by himself. Stunned.

"Hurry up and chase it. Put him. Scoop him up for me. Pick it up anyway. You can't get it alive. The body must also be found." Standing on the shore and seeing the whole process of the captives being swept away by the river, I can see it clearly. Kuniaki Kawada let out a series of anxious growls from his mouth.

The devil soldiers behind him ran to the riverbank. Pick up whatever is available around you and explore the river. However, no matter how hard they try. The shepherd's body could not be found. A shepherd with a shot in the shoulder is like dew on the tip of the grass. Disappeared into the turbulent seasonal river out of thin air.

"He. . . He can't be a guerrilla spy. Specialized. I'm here to investigate our situation." The traitor translator Sun Haifeng looked at the water in the river with his eyes. Tentatively discuss with Kuniaki Kawada.

"Impossible. He doesn't know a word of Chinese. I don't know Mongolian." Kuniaki Kawada thought about it. Shake your head vigorously. Even if the captives who have disappeared have this suspicion. It must also be not. Otherwise. Let a guerrilla spy slip away with his eyes open. Captain of the brigade himself. How to convince your subordinates in the future. To know. The following grams are on. But the glorious tradition of the emperor. Once the supreme commander of a certain army loses his prestige. Sensei said that he was always staring at the deputies in the position below him. It's just an ordinary soldier. He will no longer take his orders seriously.

"But ......" The traitor translator Sun Haifeng secretly looked at the face of his boss. I quietly swallowed what I wanted to say back into my stomach. An ordinary shepherd. Can you really stand the pain of being bulleted through your shoulder? What perseverance and courage that is.

Turn your gaze to the rushing river. He didn't dare to think about the answer now.

Note 1: Lu Shi. Japanese Army Non-Commissioned Officer School. Japan's famous military school before World War II. Sent a large number of fanatical militants to the Japanese army.

Note 2: Canary. Japanese nursery rhymes. Written by the Japanese poet and militarist Yachijo Saijo. The infamous kamikaze song of the same period Sakura. And from the hand of this man.

Note 3: The Japanese government is in order to reduce its own burden. After the invasion of China. He ordered each unit to collect rations on its own. Therefore, the dry rations of the various units of the Japanese Army in the invasion of China were very different. Kwantung Army eating bean buns. Troops stationed in Shanxi eat small rice and noodles. Central China sent troops to eat rice balls. Officers and soldiers. The food treatment is also heaven and earth.