There is no harmony between Koizumi Toshiichiro and Honma Masaharu. One of the reasons is that they belong to different factions of the army and navy. The most important reason is that Koizumi's current post of governor of Southeast Asia was not justifiable, and Honma was arrogant. Naturally, it was impossible for people to be submissive to him. Koizumi obviously knew this, so he never showed disgrace to Honma, and took measures to split up the 14th Front Army and gradually sidelined Honma.
The Fourteenth Front Army has become an empty frame. It is naturally foolish to expect Honma to do anything in the Malay Peninsula. If Koizumi had other choices, he would definitely transfer Honma and replace him with a confidant to be responsible for the defense of the Malay Peninsula. , but the problem is that the Japanese army has not yet achieved a completely overwhelming advantage in Australia. The Australian frontline is still inseparable from generals like Kenichi Fururu and Shota Sasaki. Honma is actually Koizumi's only choice. As a last resort, Koizumi can only lower his ambitions. Posture, as if you want to take the initiative to express your sincerity to Honma.
This unprecedented war between China and Japan has been ongoing until now, and anyone with a discerning eye can actually judge the final outcome. However, for the Japanese, some are willing to accept it, while others swear to fight to the end. At this time, Japan is militaristic. The momentum is still at its peak. Even those who are willing to accept the defeat do not dare to express it in person. For example, Masaharu Honma. History has made a big joke here. In that time and space, Honma became the leader at the wrong time. The commander of the Fourteenth Army was resented by MacArthur, and became the first among the senior Japanese officers to be executed. In this time and space, Honma had been brushed aside by Koizumi Toshiichiro early, but he lost MacArthur. Bear the grudge, and at the same time have plenty of time to examine this battle and gain a correct understanding.
"This battle is meaningless now. Based on my understanding of the combat capabilities of China and Japan, the imperial army is simply unable to prevent the Chinese army from landing on the mainland. In this way, even if the imperial army can maintain the front line in Southeast Asia and North Korea, once If the homeland falls, how can we continue to fight this war? Japanese soldiers are indeed the bravest and most loyal soldiers in the world, but if the people they are loyal to and their families become Chinese prisoners of war, I don’t think they can continue to fight to the death. Courage,." As a poet general, Honma has the habit of keeping a diary, and the above words come from his diary on a certain day.
It is precisely because of this correct understanding that Honma gave up his desire to fight for power early on. He also changed the usual style of senior Japanese generals and became approachable, and instead won the loyalty and support of the soldiers at the bottom.
Koizumi didn't know this, so when he saw a seemingly different Honma, not only did he not have any doubts, but he thought that the other person had recognized the reality. This was a sign of "surrender" to him, and he felt happy immediately. .
"General Honma, the empire is in a difficult situation right now. As generals outside the country, you and I have to think about sharing the worries for His Majesty the Emperor." After two moves of Go, Koizumi thought the atmosphere had been adjusted well, so he got to the point.
"Hai." Honma replied in a low voice, but did not answer his words.
Koizumi did not take this seriously, but continued: "To increase troops overseas and force the Chinese people to fight me overseas is precisely to reduce the pressure on the mainland to the greatest extent. What does General Honma think about this?"
"Ah, not bad, I think it's good."
Honma's words were obviously perfunctory. Xiaoquan thought that he should put down his prejudices and not want to see him. His brows immediately wrinkled, and he suddenly raised his head and said: "General Honma, what time has it been? How could you do this?" Still so motivated,.”
His outburst finally brought Honma's attention back from nowhere. The latter looked at Koizumi, not sure why he was angry, and said cautiously: "Your Excellency, I have no meaning. I sincerely agree with this strategy."
Honma's attitude was very sincere and his expression did not seem to be hypocritical. Only then did Koizumi's anger subside. He looked at him and said, "Then what do you think of the situation in the Malay Peninsula?"
When it came to business, and it was the matter that Honma was responsible for, Honma couldn't help but sit upright and said with emotion: "The Chinese Army has not made any changes during this period. I thought this confrontation will continue for a while, and it should last until the war in Australia is separated. Victory or defeat, or the home defense battle comes to an end."
"No, I thought the Chinese would soon make some moves in the Malay Peninsula."
"Why are you so sure?"
"If I were Ouyang Yun, I would definitely not sit back and watch the imperial army seize Australia. Firstly; secondly, the relationship between China and the United States has always been good. Roosevelt would definitely ask Ouyang Yun for help. If Ouyang Yun wants to maintain China's position in the United Nations, Leadership must be expressed."
Honma thought about it seriously, nodded and said: "You are right, this is indeed a possibility."
"No, it's not a possibility, it's a certainty. Mr. Honma, you don't know Ouyang Yun well. Based on my understanding of Ouyang Yun, he will definitely make some moves in the near future, which will prevent me from fully focusing on Australia. "
"Ah, what should we do? The Third China Expeditionary Army is very powerful. If they launch an attack with all their strength, the current strength of the Fourteenth Army will not be able to resist it." Honma panicked slightly.
"This is exactly why I came to you. The Third China Expeditionary Army is indeed powerful, but I don't think that the China Army alone with less than 50,000 people can achieve much in the Malay Peninsula. , Mr. Honma, please don’t forget that we have the largest aviation base in Asia in Singapore. Although it cannot be used to control the airspace due to a lack of qualified pilots, there is absolutely no problem in launching special attacks on the ground," Koizumi said. His face was full of energy, showing strong self-confidence.
"It's a special attack again." Honma muttered in his heart, but remained calm on his face as he asked: "Sir, didn't you say that all of Singapore's elite aviation forces have been recruited to the Australian battlefield? Now we don't have many who can launch special attacks. Aviation."
"Who said that the aviation force of the Southeast Asian Communist Army now has more than 10,000 people?"
"Indonesian Monkey, Your Excellency, aren't these people incompetent?"
"Don't worry, the Chinese dare to come over. I have my own means to turn the Indonesian monkey into Sun Wukong. Mr. Honma, don't look at me suspiciously. I'm not saying this to be boastful. Just wait and see. Of course, the premise is It's the ground troops who have to be able to hold on for a while."
"There is no problem with this. After all, there are still some old people in the Fourteenth Army. With them, they can resist the China Army."
"Xinxi, please." After Xiaoquan finished speaking, he stood up and bowed solemnly to Honma.