Chapter 135: The Arrogant Anton Ze!

The Japanese were far too confident, bordering on sheer arrogance. They believed that relying on the strength of the 2nd and 5th Divisions, they could prevail even when facing the ambush and encirclement of the 7th Front Army, and they still intended to push further north. Under such circumstances, had the Japanese possessed even a modicum of caution, the meticulously prepared plans of the Chengyun forces might have completely unraveled.

Lieutenant General Ando Taku, the Japanese commander, arrived at the front lines by plane from Chengyun Province, his face a mask of determination and disdain. He was prepared to personally direct a battle that was critical both to him personally and to the entire army.

"Warriors of the Empire, the Chengyun forces have gathered over fifty thousand troops at Anshan!" Lieutenant General Ando’s voice was firm and powerful, his eyes burning with a challenging light as he addressed his soldiers. "According to the intelligence we have gathered, it is impossible for them to reinforce their strength any further in the short term!"

Even in the face of imminent, fierce combat, Lieutenant General Ando and his men were filled with a longing for victory and high expectations for the future. "As long as we successfully defeat them, we can continue our northern advance, surround Chengyun, and force Wang Lin to sue for peace!" Ando’s eyes glowed with ambition, and his tone was brimming with confidence in victory. "Then, we can happily return home, reunite with our families, and share a meal together!" A flicker of tenderness crossed his face as he imagined the warmth of home.

Nearby, Lieutenant General Koyanagi frowned, a trace of concern rising in his heart. He couldn't help but offer a warning: "General, sir, in addition to their deployment at Anshan, there is the 63rd Division stationed in Chengyun, which possesses equally formidable combat power." His voice carried a hint of undeniable anxiety. "There are also the defensive forces at Lujiang; if they were to provide support at a critical moment in the battle, we would likely find ourselves in an extremely precarious position." His eyes betrayed a sense of uncertainty about the future.

Faced with Lieutenant General Koyanagi’s caution, Lieutenant General Ando wore an expression of relaxed confidence. He replied dismissively, "Koyanagi-kun, you are being far too timid!"

His smile was full of absolute certainty in victory. "Among the Chengyun forces, the 63rd Division is the only one with any real combat capability left." His voice held a trace of contempt as he said this. "As for the other units, most are newly formed groups lacking combat experience. Even our B-class divisions have the capacity to defeat them with ease." He wore a proud smile when mentioning his own troops.

"Once we capture Anshan, even if the Chengyun faction has the 63rd Division guarding Chengyun, they will still face our direct military pressure." His voice grew firmer, his eyes flashing with the brilliance of a decisive victory. "At that point, no matter how powerful their forces may be, they cannot pose a decisive advantage against us." His expression became even more resolute. "In such a situation, Wang Lin would never risk an all-out war with us." Lieutenant General Ando’s tone revealed a deep understanding of his enemy’s psychology.

"We can even dispatch troops to strike directly eastward against the Chengyun faction’s Lujiang defensive line, coordinating with our stationed units to wipe out three of their infantry divisions in one fell swoop." A flicker of excitement lit up his face as he spoke of this plan. "This way, we will possess an even greater advantage!" His words were filled with the desire for conquest. "The 7th Front Army led by Jiang Bai will suffer a devastating blow, losing the ability to confront us head-on!" As he discussed the potential defeat of his opponent, a near-victorious smile touched Lieutenant General Ando’s lips.

It must be admitted that Lieutenant General Ando’s plan was both ingenious and creative. Although he and Jiang Bai stood on opposing sides, at that very moment and in that very place, both had displayed exceptionally bold strategic thinking. Jiang Bai planned for a resolute defense, aiming to completely annihilate the Japanese forces there, while Ando’s plan was a desperate gamble, willing to risk encirclement to destroy the combat effectiveness of the 7th Front Army.

If both plans were executed with precision, they would undoubtedly deal a fatal blow to the other side. It was like two masters on a chessboard, both fully aware of the other’s strategy, yet both so confident in their own strength that they remained convinced the next move would secure victory and reverse the tide of the war.

Seeing Lieutenant General Ando’s indifference to his advice, Lieutenant General Koyanagi’s expression grew complex, shifting between hesitation and worry. He said cautiously, "What if, while we are attacking Anshan, the Chengyun faction sends their 63rd Division to strike our rear? They are a well-equipped and highly formidable elite unit. If we are surrounded, we could face the grave risk of total annihilation. What should we do then?"

Having witnessed the strength of the 19th Division at the Battle of Biliu River, Lieutenant General Koyanagi’s eyes revealed a concern that could not be ignored. His voice carried deep anxiety about an uncertain future; he did not believe the situation would be as optimistic as Lieutenant General Ando envisioned. "If our main force is pinned down by the 19th Division, it will undoubtedly expose our weaknesses, and any maneuverable force could deal us a devastating blow."

To Lieutenant General Koyanagi’s concerns, Lieutenant General Ando responded with a dismissive smile, seemingly possessing absolute faith in his own plan. He replied nonchalantly, "If they dare to do that, we shall simply retreat." His voice was calm, but his eyes flashed with a cunning light. "Koyanagi-kun, do not forget that we have placed numerous informants in Chengyun. We will know the moment the 63rd Division makes any move." His eyes held a detached confidence, as if he were fully prepared for any eventuality. "I do not believe these Chengyun people could pull any tricks on me." A mocking smile played on Lieutenant General Ando’s face, his tone filled with contempt for the enemy and a firm belief in the success of his own scheme.

Seeing Lieutenant General Koyanagi’s lips move as if he were about to speak again, a flash of impatience crossed Lieutenant General Ando’s face. He interrupted, "Enough! Say no more! I am the commander-in-chief of this battle, not you." His voice carried a distinct chill, his expression firm and beyond questioning. Upon seeing Lieutenant General Ando’s resolute attitude, Lieutenant General Koyanagi could only fall silent, ceasing his attempts at persuasion.

Clearly, his repeated questions had touched a nerve, as if challenging Ando’s authority. Lieutenant General Koyanagi’s eyes revealed a hint of disappointment and helplessness; he knew well that for any ambitious commander, such questions were nothing less than a challenge to his command.