The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Chapter 221: A sudden change in the enemy camp: Takeshita Konggu's trap

While Lei Tao and his companions were intensely discussing evacuation strategies in the bell tower, the atmosphere inside the Japanese brigade headquarters in Pingyi County was suffocatingly oppressive. Takeshita Konggu sat behind a large desk, his brow furrowed as he carefully studied a document.

At that moment, the intelligence officer hurried in, stood at attention and saluted, reporting, "Commander Takeshita, we've just received urgent intelligence. The 'Ghost Assassin' is suspected of infiltrating the county. Also, there's news that a group of anti-Japanese youths will be passing through Pingyi County in the next few days."

Upon hearing this, Takeshita Konggu jerked his head up, his eyes instantly sharp as a knife. He slammed the documents in his hand down on the table, stood up, and paced back and forth across the room. He had long heard of the "Ghost Assassin," a mysterious figure that had troubled the Japanese army. Considering the fierce gunfight that had erupted in the county town today, all signs indicated that the situation was far more serious than he had imagined.

He turned to the intelligence officer and asked, "Have you found out the details of today's shootout?"

The intelligence officer quickly replied, "Sir, preliminary investigations indicate the gunfight was sparked by two suspected Eighth Route Army soldiers and a group of female students. A group of unidentified individuals intervened, assisting them in the exchange of fire with the Imperial Army. Judging from their weaponry and coordinated tactics, they were definitely not ordinary armed forces."

Takeshita Konggu walked over to the map, his finger slamming down on the location of Pingyi County, his expression dark. "These anti-Japanese youths are most likely the same group mentioned in the intelligence. And the 'Netherworld Assassin' might be involved as well."

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly gave the order: "Immediately seal off all entrances and exits to the county, dispatch additional patrols, and conduct house-to-house searches. Focus on identifying suspicious individuals and those with weapons."

After receiving the order, the intelligence officer quickly turned and left.

Takeshita Konggu then said to the signalman beside him, "Connect me to the commanders of each regiment. I want to deploy the troops myself."

After a while, the signalman reported: "Commander, the commanders of all wings have been connected."

Takeshita Konggu shouted into the communication device, "Everyone, this is an important development. The 'Ghost Assassin' may be in the county town, along with a group of anti-Japanese elements. We must eliminate them all before they leave. All regiments, follow the plan and completely blockade the county town. If any suspicious targets are found, kill them without mercy."

Responses from various commanders came through the communication equipment.

After deploying his regular troops, Takeshita Kugu still felt insecure. He knew the daunting nature of his opponent. After a moment's hesitation, he issued another order: "Contact Kazuya Uesugi, the special forces still searching for the 'Ghost Assassin.'"

The signalman quickly operated the equipment, and soon, Kazuya Uesugami's respectful voice came from the other end of the line: "Your Excellency, Commander Takeshita, Kazuya Uesugami reports to you."

Takeshita Konggu's tone was stern and unyielding, as he declared, "Uesugi-kun, lead the special forces back to the county seat immediately. The 'Ghost Assassin' is likely inside the city, along with a group of anti-Japanese youths. They've likely already colluded with each other. This mission must succeed, failure is not allowed. We must capture them all."

Kazuya Uesugi immediately responded, "Yes, Commander! We will set off immediately and will definitely complete the mission."

After hanging up the phone, Zhuxia Konggu's eyes fell on the county map again. He stretched out his finger and drew it along the main streets and key strongholds one by one, muttering to himself, as if he was re-examining the entire county's defense layout and potential enemy hiding places.

At this moment, the adjutant entered and reported, "Commander, the city gates have been sealed. The search and investigation force has been tripled and begun a street-by-street investigation." Takeshita Konggu nodded slightly and instructed, "Tell the leading imperial officers to pay attention to every possible abnormality and leave no corner untouched."