"Hey, Your Excellency Division Commander, but Yamada-kun has committed suicide by disembowelment and apologizes to His Majesty the Emperor." Looking at the division commander with an angry face, the captain of the chestnut rice wing whispered comfort.

"Baga Chestnut Rice-kun, Daba-kun, how many troops do we have left now?" Hearing that Captain Yamada had committed suicide, the division commander Seishiro Itagaki was in a much better mood. calmed down his mood, sorted out the thoughts in his head, and asked calmly.

"Hi, Your Excellency, Division Commander. In the attack just now, Captain Yamada's reinforced brigade was killed except for the more than 100 soldiers who fled back, and the reserve reinforcement brigade led by you lost 561 men. My reinforced brigade lost 329 men, and the reinforced brigade led by Captain Kuritani lost 298 men. So far, our entire division has less than 2,000 troops left. What's more, after the battle just now, we have run out of ammunition for grenadiers and heavy machine guns. The captain of the big field said with a worried face.

"Nani, there are less than two thousand troops left, and the bullets are exhausted, how can it be like this" listened to the words of the captain of the Oba Wing. Itagaki Seishiro, who had just calmed down, was once again irritated and said with a frown.

"Hi, Your Excellency Division Commander," the two wing commanders replied at the same time.

"Eight Geya Road, Kuri Rice-kun, Daba-kun. Now our Fifth Division is facing the greatest crisis since its formation. I don't know, what do you think of the current battle situation, is there any good way to rescue our Fifth Division from the encirclement of the Eighth Route Army, and to rescue it from this crisis" Hearing the answers of the two, the division commander Itagaki Seishiro was silent.

"Division commander, now our army has less than 2,000 troops left, and more importantly, there is a lack of ammunition, and the soldiers are very tired. If the concentrated breakthrough is carried out again, there will be no chance of counterattack at all in the face of the powerful artillery fire of the Reading Division. So, I think, we should hold on until the time comes when the Reading Master launches a final assault on us. After listening to the words of the division commander, the two wing captains were deeply concerned, and the captain of the chestnut rice wing thought about what he thought in his heart for a while, and stood up and said.

"Nani, hold on until the Reading Force Master launches a general attack on the left rear Kuri Rice-kun, I don't understand what you mean." After listening to the words of the captain of the Kuri Rice Wing, the division commander Itagaki Seishiro asked with a frown.

"Hi, Division Commander. I think we only have one last chance left to break through. That is, when the Reading Division launched the final general attack, he led the troops to launch a counter-charge against the Eighth Route Army. And the division commander personally led a part of the elite troops, fished in troubled waters, and took advantage of the chaos of the entire battlefield to highlight the encirclement of the Eighth Route Army and return to Taiyuan. Co-captain Kurikii Osa explained.

"Nani, it's just that fishing in troubled waters is just, Li Fanjun, even if the elite troops I lead can escape from the encirclement of the Eighth Route Army. Aren't these remaining Imperial warriors still going to be slaughtered by the Eighth Route Army? After listening to the advice of the captain of the chestnut rice wing, the division commander had already agreed in his heart. But when he thought of the two thousand imperial warriors who had been abandoned by him, he still pretended to be dissatisfied and asked.

"Division commander, I can't think about it so much now, as many people can break through. As long as the division commander is there and the military flag of our Fifth Division is still there, then the establishment of our Fifth Division will still be there. I believe that the division commander will definitely regroup in the future and bring a more powerful Fifth Division to avenge the imperial warriors who were shattered in the hands of the Eighth Route Army's Reading Division. Seeing that the division commander seemed to have agreed to his suggestion, Captain Kuri continued to suggest.

"Hey, division commander, I think what Kuri Rice-kun said is very correct. We must not allow the Fifth Division to be destroyed in our hands. Please ask the division commander to agree to Kuri Rice-kun's breakout plan. The captain of the big field next to him also suggested.

"Yo Xi, Kurihan-kun, Oba-kun, then please," Seishiro Itagaki nodded and said.

"Hi, Your Excellency the Division Commander, we will definitely lead the troops to the end. We will definitely live up to the trust placed in us by His Excellency the Division Commander, and please rest assured that His Excellency will break through. We will carefully select a squadron of elite Imperial troops to protect the breakout of His Excellency the Division Commander. Both wing commanders replied at the same time.

"Yo Xi, you are real imperial warriors, so go down and prepare" The division commander Itagaki Seishiro nodded with satisfaction.

Immediately, the two wing commanders began to shrink the line of defense of their troops. Nearly 2,000 little devils, relying on the favorable terrain in Haseguchi. With the division headquarters as the center, they began to dig fortifications and build ring fortifications, making a posture of holding out.

At the same time, in order to allow the division commander Itagaki Seishiro to break out smoothly, a squadron of elite soldiers was also selected, and all of them were equipped with the best weapons and the most sufficient ammunition left in the entire division. An elite squadron of 150 Imperial Army soldiers all gathered around the division commander Seishiro Itagaki.

Compared with the solemn and tense atmosphere on the army's position, the Eighth Route Army's position was much more relaxed. As the enemy began to shrink their lines, the warriors no longer had to worry about the attack of the Japanese army. Except for the necessary guard posts, the rest of the soldiers were sitting together in a few people, chatting about the battle just now and replenishing their strength

Similarly, the atmosphere in the command was unusually relaxed. At this time, Liu Hua, as the division commander, was sitting leisurely on the stool. Listening to the chief of staff's report on the regiments, he had just summed up the results and losses that had just been summed up.

"Division commander, this is a telegram jointly sent by Commander Wang Benqing and Regiment Commander He Zhiyuan, who are in charge of frontal defense." The chief of staff picked up a telegram he had just received and said.

"Well, if I'm right, their results are huge. However, the casualties of the troops were also very large. I won't read it, you can read it to me, and we will know it. Liu Hua did not have the telegram handed over by the chief of staff and said.

"Yes, Commander. The two regiment commanders reported that in the explosion of the minefield just now, we eliminated more than 960 little devils. The rest is the record of the three regiments in the front-line position to block the little devils, about the count, more than 500 people. In addition, a total of 23 heavy machine guns, 65 light machine guns, and more than 800 rifles were captured. However, there is basically not much ammunition. As for the remaining dozens of light and heavy machine guns, they have all been blown up. In addition, there were the casualties of the troops, of which the largest casualties were the three regiments and one battalion, the proportion of the whole battalion killed was more than four-fifths, and the entire battalion was left with less than 100 people. According to statistics, 867 soldiers of the three regiments were killed, 129 were seriously wounded, and the rest were basically wounded. The reinforcements led by He Zhiyuan lost 226 people and seriously wounded 85 people. The total loss of the two regiments was about 1,200 men, and compared with the losses of the Japanese army, the casualty ratio was close to one to one. That's all. The chief of staff put down the telegram in his hand and said with a sigh of relief.

"Well, the little devils' breakthrough is really powerful, plus their machine gun fire is too fierce. In addition, we were too poorly prepared and had too little artillery fire, which did not play a role in suppressing the heavy firepower of the Japanese army. These are the reasons why our army has caused so many casualties! After listening to the report of the chief of staff, Liu Hua shook his head and concluded.

"Yes, I thought the same way, we didn't expect that there were only 4,000 troops left in the army. However, their firepower is still so strong. We concentrated the artillery fire of 8 mortar batteries, and we did not suppress the enemy's machine-gun fire. Chief of Staff Li Qing nodded and said, very much agreeing with the division commander Liu Hua's analysis.

"Well, this is all caused by our underestimation in advance, and I am the supreme commander of the entire battlefield. When the time comes, I will definitely review it to you at the battle summary meeting. Let's not talk about this problem, the chief of staff, the remaining three troops, the casualties are not large. Seeing what the chief of staff wanted to say, Liu Hua quickly interrupted and continued to ask.

"Since the other three directions are not the main direction of attack of the army, the casualties of the soldiers are not very large. The regiment lost 215 people, of whom 168 were killed. The 2nd Regiment lost 289 men, of whom 198 were killed. The other is the guard battalion and a battalion of the 1st Division. The two battalions lost a total of 143 men and lost 110 people. Listening to the question of the division commander, the chief of staff picked up the few remaining telegrams on the table and said.

"Well, fortunately, the casualties of the troops are not large, otherwise, when the troops attack, it will take a lot of effort." After listening to the report of the chief of staff, Liu Hua said with a sigh of relief.

"Division commander, judging by the current situation. There are less than 2,000 troops left in our encirclement, and these little devils are sleepy and short of ammunition. In addition, they are now constructing ring fortifications. Division commander, I think we must seize this opportunity and immediately launch a final general attack on the remaining Yue army in the encirclement, and completely annihilate the remaining 2,000 remnants of the little devils. Otherwise, when they finish building their fortifications, we will attack again, and the price will be much higher. "The chief of staff suggested.

"Chief of Staff, I also want to attack now. However, we have too few troops. After the defensive operation just now, our soldiers were also sleepy and lacked, and they also lost nearly 2,000 troops. All in all, our troops are insufficient" After listening to the advice of the chief of staff, Liu Hua was also deeply concerned. However, as soon as he thought of his lack of troops at this time, Liu Hua frowned.

"Division commander, not enough troops? How could it be, even if we lost 2,000 men, we still had more than 5,000 people, plus the cavalry regiment, more than three times the size of the army? Listening to the words of the division commander Liu Hua, the chief of staff said in disbelief.

"Hehe, Chief of Staff. Do you really think that Seishiro Itagaki in the encirclement is so appointed, ready to hold on. If nothing else, the little devils under the mountain must be waiting, waiting for us to launch a final general attack. Listening to the words of the chief of staff, Liu Hua shook his head and reminded.

"Division commander, the purpose of their insistence is to stall for time and wait for reinforcements. Why do you say he's waiting for us to launch a general attack? I don't understand what you mean. Listening to the strange words of the division commander Liu Hua, the chief of staff was even more puzzled and continued to ask.

"Itachi's simple, if Seishiro Itagaki wants to avoid the fate of being killed, there is only one chance without reinforcements, and that is to break through. However, just now they have lost their best chance to break through. However, there is still a chance, and that is to wait until we launch a general offensive. When the battlefield is in chaos, he gives us a fish in troubled waters. When we launched a general offensive, lead an elite force, seize the opportunity, find the vacancy of our army, and launch a counter-charge. In this case, with our existing forces, we will not be able to defend against it at all. Liu Hua explained.

"Ahh Division Commander, if it's really like what you said, we really can't defend against the division commander, then what are you going to do, you can't just wait like this, let go of the old devil Seishiro Itagaki! After listening to the division commander's explanation, the chief of staff immediately understood. Following his division commander, he frowned.

"Of course I won't let go of this old devil, the purpose of our campaign is to completely annihilate the Fifth Division of the Japanese Army. I don't want to leave any regrets, I must capture Seishiro Itagaki alive, even if I can't capture this old boy alive, I will kill him. Division Commander Liu Hua said affirmatively.

"But, division commander, our troops are insufficient," the chief of staff nodded thoughtfully. Then he frowned again and continued to ask.

"So I'm waiting," Liu Hua blurted out.

"Wait, wait for the reinforcements I know, division commander, you mean the plateau division commander, I'll contact the plateau right away to see how far they are from here." Listening to Liu Hua's words, the chief of staff immediately reacted, turned around and wanted to run to the radio room next to him.

"Report to the division commander, chief of staff. Gao Yuan was ordered to lead the troops to reinforcements. And just when Li Qing turned around and was about to send a report, a report sounded at the door of the headquarters. Immediately after that, he saw the plateau and entered the temporary headquarters with a smile on his face.

"Division commander, chief of staff, I'm not late, this kid Seishiro Itagaki hasn't been killed yet, right?" As soon as he walked into the headquarters, he heard the hearty voice of the plateau. I saw Gao Yuan striding into the headquarters, came to Liu Hua and Li Qing, and saluted the two of them with a solemn military salute.

"Haha, Chief of Staff. It's really Cao Ying, Cao Ying is here. Commander Gao, it's not too late. Seishiro Itagaki is now surrounded by us at Haseguchi, stretching his neck and waiting for us to cut it. Seeing Gao Yuan, Liu Hua was excited, and immediately stood up from his seat and held Gao Yuan's hands tightly.

"Yes, old man. Just now, the division commander and I were talking about why your reinforcements haven't arrived yet. As you talk, you're here. Division commander, now that reinforcements are coming, we can launch a general attack! Chief of Staff Li Qing also said with excitement on his face.

"Division commander, chief of staff. This time I brought a total of two main regiments, a total of 3,000 troops. In addition, two mortar batteries were brought with them. Division commander, please give an operational order" Listening to the words of the division commander and chief of staff, Gao Yuan breathed a sigh of relief. Because he was in a hurry, he finally caught up with the general attack on the Fifth Division of the Japanese Army. Thinking that he could personally witness the destruction of the Fifth Division of the Yue Army at the hands of his own troops, Gao Yuan was excited.

"Okay, with your 3,000 people, I don't have to worry about it now. A regiment of the 2nd Division was ordered to immediately take over the defensive position of the guard battalion. The guard battalion, a battalion of the first division, was used as a reserve to patrol the perimeter of Haseguchi and eliminate all the Japanese troops who could break through. As for your other regiment, replace the three regiments and two battalions of the first division. As for the replaced troops, patrols are also carried out around the perimeter. I'll give you half an hour to prepare, and after half an hour, the troops will launch a general attack on time. Seeing the eager look of the plateau, Liu Hua ordered loudly.

"Yes, division commander, I promise to complete the task" Hearing that the division commander actually let himself participate in the final general attack on the Yue army, Gao Yuan was excited and replied loudly.

"Okay, time is limited, you go and prepare! But there is one thing, you must not go to the front in person, you have to remember that you are a commander, not an ordinary soldier. Liu Hua then reminded.

"Ah, the division commander is, the division commander, I promise not to go to the front line and stay in my own command position." Listening to Liu Hua's words, Gao Yuan was surprised. Although I was not happy, I still readily agreed.

"The division commander will launch a general attack in half an hour, and there is still a cavalry regiment that has no task, how should it be arranged" saw the commander of the second division, Gao Yuan, who left the headquarters. Chief of Staff Li Qing then asked.

"The cavalry regiment is now the only mobile unit of our Reading Division. I don't want to use it to attack, his role is the commander of the little devil's division, Seishiro Itagaki. The corners of Liu Hua's mouth showed a strange smile, and he said to the chief of staff.

"Divisional commander, you mean that Seishiro Itagaki will definitely take the opportunity to fish in troubled waters. And our cavalry regiment happened to intercept and kill Seishiro Itagaki who had escaped on the periphery. Listening to Liu Hua's words, Chief of Staff Li Qing also showed a smile.

"Yes, the cavalry regiment was ordered to conduct a round-trip vigilance around Haseguchi in a company unit. As long as you see a little devil, kill me, don't leave me a living mouth. Pay special attention to some small troops, if nothing else, Itagaki Seishiro, an old devil, must be hiding in these small troops. Liu Hua nodded and ordered loudly.

Half an hour passed quickly as reinforcements moved into position. Together with the two mortar batteries reinforced by the 2nd Division, at this time, Chen Guangrong's entire artillery cluster had exceeded 150 artillery pieces. Just when everyone was anxiously looking in the direction of the headquarters. Three flares were shot into the sky as everyone looked at them expectantly.

(To be continued)