The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Chapter 166 I am used to being a lone ranger

Under the watchful eyes of the Military Control Commission, Lei Tao reunited with Li Shuiniu and other Eighth Route Army scouts. They excitedly clapped each other's shoulders, their faces filled with the joy of surviving the ordeal and the delight of reuniting after a long separation. Li Shuiniu tightly grasped Lei Tao's hand and said, "Brother Lei, thanks to your timely warning, otherwise we would have been in danger." Lei Tao smiled and replied, "Brother Li, we are all family, we should look after each other."

Just as they were chatting and asking about each other's well-being, the captain of the Military Control Commission's special operations team came over. He looked at Li Shuiniu and the others, and when he saw they were wearing Eighth Route Army uniforms, his brows furrowed slightly. Then he looked at Lei Tao and asked, "Brother Huanying, are you from the Eighth Route Army? You're wasting your talent in the Eighth Route Army... Come to the Military Control Commission. We have abundant resources and high-quality troops. A talent like you will definitely be able to achieve great things in the Military Control Commission. You will have more opportunities and room for development than in the Eighth Route Army."

Lei Tao raised his head slightly, his eyes firm and calm. He said without hesitation: "I am a temporary instructor of a guerrilla unit under the Eighth Route Army. I will leave on my own after a while. I am used to the life of a lone ranger. But I firmly believe that as long as we unite as one, whether it is the Eighth Route Army, the National Security Army or other anti-Japanese forces, we can all contribute our strength to the fight against the Japanese invaders, instead of being entangled in the camp we belong to."

The Military Control Commissioner's expression changed slightly after hearing Lei Tao's words. He seemed to want to say something more, but seeing Lei Tao's resolute expression, he swallowed his words back. At this time, Li Shuiniu spoke up, "Captain, the Japanese invaders are now in power. We should focus on how to fight the enemy together, rather than recruiting talents here. Although we, the Eighth Route Army and the National Security Army, have differences, we share the same goal in the face of national justice."

The military commander snorted, but knew this wasn't the time for an argument, so he stopped talking. Seeing this, Lei Tao quickly changed the subject, saying, "Let's forget about this for now. Let's discuss our next move. This Japanese ambush indicates they're becoming more active in this area. We must develop a response plan to prevent similar dangers from happening again."

Everyone nodded and sat together to discuss. Li Shuiniu took out a simple map, spread it on the ground, and pointed at the markings. "According to our previous reconnaissance, the Japanese have increased their forces in these strongholds, and their patrol ranges are also expanding. If we want to operate safely in this area, we must either avoid their main activity area or find a way to eliminate several of their key strongholds."

Lei Tao pondered for a moment and said, "Although taking a detour is safe, it will cost us more time and energy, and it will not be conducive to our grasp of the Japanese army's movements. I think we can unite and formulate a detailed combat plan to launch a surprise attack on the Japanese stronghold. We can use our respective advantages. The Eighth Route Army is familiar with the terrain and close combat, and the Military Control Commission has certain capabilities in intelligence gathering and long-range weapons. With such mutual cooperation, we may be able to succeed."

After hearing Lei Tao's words, the captain of the Military Intelligence Bureau felt that they made some sense. He thought for a while and said, "Brother Huanying's words are feasible, but we need more detailed intelligence support and can't act blindly. I can arrange for the Military Intelligence Bureau's intelligence personnel to further investigate the defense situation and troop deployment of the Japanese strongholds, and then we can determine the specific combat plan."

Li Shuiniu agreed: "Okay, that's settled. Our Eighth Route Army will continue to gather intelligence in the surrounding areas and prepare for battle. Once the intelligence gathering is complete, we will immediately launch an operation to deal a heavy blow to the Japanese army."

In the days that followed, KMT intelligence officers began a covert operation, disguising themselves and penetrating deep into Japanese-occupied territory, meticulously gathering intelligence. Meanwhile, on the Eighth Route Army side, Li Shuiniu led scouts in ambush near the stronghold, documenting the Japanese troops' daily movements. Lei Tao, working in the rear, worked with the KMT captain to meticulously map and formulate detailed battle plans based on the intelligence gathered by both sides, fully preparing for the upcoming battle.

At this time, the military commander said to Lei Tao, "Brother Huanying, can you please have a word with me?" He then took Lei Tao aside and said, "Brother Huanying, you said before that you would buy our weapons and equipment. Wouldn't you also sell those weapons and equipment to the Eighth Route Army? In this way, why don't you sell the weapons and equipment you have to us first? I will go back and ask our superiors for a price that satisfies you."

Lei Tao frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He said calmly, "Captain, in my opinion, anti-Japanese weapons should be sent to where they are most needed. Wherever the Japanese invaders can be more effectively attacked, that place should receive the equipment. Although the Eighth Route Army was poorly equipped, it never retreated in the fight against the Japanese army. They also urgently need weapons to enhance their combat effectiveness. I will not deliberately favor one side. I just hope to contribute to the overall situation of the War of Resistance."

The Military Intelligence Corps captain's face darkened, and he spoke more emphatically, "Brother Huanying, you must think clearly. We, the Military Intelligence Corps, can provide you with great assistance in many areas. By cooperating with us, your interests will be better protected. The Eighth Route Army's strength is limited, after all. How much can you achieve by giving them weapons?"

Lei Tao shook his head slightly and responded firmly: "Captain, I understand your thoughts, but I have only one belief in my heart, and that is to drive the Japanese invaders out of China. Whether it is the Eighth Route Army or the National Security Army, they are both anti-Japanese forces. I only consider who can better play the role of weapons on the battlefield, not the amount of benefits."