"Hai, according to Colonel Matsui's report, before the Eighth Route Army withdrew from Baishan County, they planted at least 10,000 kilograms of explosives in the middle of the county. Just last night, the county town was shelled by the Eighth Route Army's heavy artillery unit, which detonated the explosives.

The explosives under the county seat...In the end, the entire Baishan County was razed to the ground. No one of my 20,000 troops stationed in Baishan County escaped the net, and the entire army was destroyed..."

"What, the entire army of 20,000 was destroyed...Haga..." At this moment, Lieutenant General Kimura Hyōtaro could no longer care about his rudeness, pushed down the chessboard in front of him, and cursed loudly...

"Communications staff officer, how is the situation of our forward troops now?" Faced with the anger of Lieutenant General Kimura Hyotarō in front of him, Major General Kuroda did not hesitate and immediately questioned the communications staff officer in front of him.

"Report to the Chief of Staff, Colonel Matsui: The artillery regiments, baggage regiments, and division command organs of the two divisions were all buried in Baishan County. At present, there are still five infantry regiments left in the entire vanguard force, and two

One engineering regiment, two cavalry regiments, a total of more than 21,000 troops..." the communications staff member quickly replied.

"Without the cover of artillery, the strength of our five infantry regiments, under the attack of the Eighth Route Army's superior artillery fire, can only be passively beaten... Mr. Chief of Staff, it seems that our forward troops have lost the ability to attack the Eighth Route Army base area.

Advantage. Therefore, I think we should retreat immediately before the Eighth Route Army completes the encirclement of our army...0." Major General Kuroda quickly suggested to Lieutenant General Kimura Hyōtaro beside him, who still had not reacted to his anger.

"Well, for now, it seems that this is the only way..." After a short period of thinking, Lieutenant General Kimura Hyōtaro, who really had no other choice, could only helplessly shake his head and replied.

"It's your Excellency the Chief of Staff. I will immediately summon the operational staff of the General Staff Department to draw up a complete retreat plan in the shortest possible time and give it to you for review. Please rest assured..." was affirmed by the Chief of Staff.
Chapter completed!