Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 712: South Nine City Fortification and Clearing

As the Chinese army, under the excellent command of Zheng Zeyu, built a solid defense line along the coastline, the balance of the entire war began to tilt subtly. The Nagashika area, which was once regarded as a natural barrier of Fuso's southern defense line, has now become the focus of competition between the two sides. On the Fuso side, the top leaders held an emergency military meeting, and the atmosphere was solemn and tense. They knew that once Nagashika fell, it would not only mean that the gates of the Fukuoka area would be wide open, but it would also trigger a chain reaction, putting the entire Kyushu Island in a passive position.

The Nagashika area has a large population and is flat with only a small amount of mountainous terrain. Facing the strong pressure from China, it is extremely difficult to defend. However, Yamashita Tomoyuki dared to abandon Nagasaki but could not give up Nagashika. Nagashika is the gateway to the southern part of the Fukuoka area. Once it is lost, the entire Kyushu Corps will face the dilemma of being attacked from two directions by the enemy.

The atmosphere in the Fuso Army Headquarters in Kashima was oppressive and heavy. The dim light shone on the long table, reflecting the tense faces of several senior generals. On the strategic map hanging on the wall, the location of Changlu Port was heavily circled in red, which was particularly glaring.

Yamamoto Ryuka, one of the deputy commanders of the Kyushu Corps, sat in the main seat, his hands crossed in front of his chest, his eyes revealing dissatisfaction and worry that were difficult to conceal. His brows were tightly knitted, as if he could squeeze water out of them, and his voice was low and powerful: "The loss of Changlu Port is a huge blow to us. Two division commanders, I need you to give me an explanation, why did this happen?"

Asakawa Ichiro, the commander of the Changfeng Division, spoke first, with a bit of helplessness in his tone: "Deputy Commander Yamamoto, we are fully aware of the heavy responsibility, but the combat effectiveness of the Chinese army is indeed beyond our expectations. Their infantry is well-trained, their tactics are flexible and changeable, and more importantly, their equipment is so sophisticated that it can even rival our elite troops. In the firepower confrontation, we did not gain much advantage."

Ueno Jiang, the commander of the Xiangchun Division, took over the conversation and added: "More importantly, the Chinese army also has strong naval support. The artillery fire from those battleships was like a meteorite falling from the sky, causing huge damage to our defense line. No matter how strong our fortifications were, they could not withstand such fierce artillery fire. Moreover, their landing operations were perfectly coordinated, causing our defense system to almost collapse."

Upon hearing this, Yamamoto Ryuka's face became even gloomier. He took a deep breath and tried to calm his emotions. "I understand the difficulties you are facing, but as a soldier, our duty is to protect this land, no matter how powerful the opponent is. The loss of Changlu Port is not only a great shame, but also a huge blow to morale. We must find a solution, otherwise, the entire Kyushu Island will be in danger."

Asakawa Ichiro and Uenoe looked at each other, and both felt the severity and determination in Yamamoto Ryuka's words. Asakawa Ichiro continued, "Deputy Commander Yamamoto, we are already adjusting our tactics and strengthening intelligence collection, striving to more accurately judge the enemy's situation in future battles. At the same time, we are also seeking to cooperate with other forces in order to counter the advantages of the Chinese army through collective strength."

Ueno Jiang also echoed: "Yes, we are still considering how to make better use of the terrain and set up more complex fortifications to make up for the lack of equipment. We believe that as long as we unite as one, there will be no difficulties that we cannot overcome."

Yamamoto Ryuka nodded, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Very good, I am very satisfied with your attitude. Remember, we are now fighting for the fate of the entire Fuso, and every battle is crucial. I ask you to not only find the problem, but also find a way to solve it. The loss of Changlu Port cannot be an excuse for our failure, but should be the driving force for our progress."

Ichiro Asakawa straightened his back and said in a resounding voice, "Deputy Commander Yamamoto, please rest assured that our main force has been quickly deployed and is currently stationed in Nanjiuzhou City in the Changlu area. This city, as one of the two main cities in the Changlu area, not only has an extremely strong wall, but also has a superior geographical location. It is the key to preventing the Chinese expeditionary army from going north."

He paused for a moment, and said more firmly: "We have begun to implement the strategy of 'fortifying the city and clearing the countryside', concentrating surrounding resources as much as possible into the city to ensure sufficient and stable logistical supplies. At the same time, we have strengthened the city's defenses, added sentries and traps, and made any enemy who attempts to approach pay a heavy price. I believe that as long as we can hold on to Nanjiuzhou City, it will become a nail that is difficult to remove on the road to the north for the Chinese army."

Upon hearing this, Ueno Jiang nodded solemnly, expressing his agreement: "What Division Commander Asakawa said is absolutely right. The defense of Minami-Kyushu City is indeed crucial. Our Xiangchun Division will fully cooperate with the Changfeng Division to build a more solid defense line based on this city. We will use all available resources, including terrain, buildings and even public opinion, to develop a complete defense strategy."

He paused, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "Our goal is not only to stop the advance of the Chinese army, but also to make them pay a heavy price in this war. We will use flexible and changeable tactics to continuously consume the enemy's manpower and create favorable conditions for the final counterattack. Deputy Commander Yamamoto, please believe that our two divisions will work hand in hand to protect this land together until the last moment."

Yamamoto Ryuka listened to the reports of the two division commanders, and the haze in his heart gradually dissipated, replaced by a long-lost excitement. He stood up, walked to the map, stared at the location of Nanjiuzhou City, and said in a deep voice: "I am deeply gratified by your determination and courage. Nanjiuzhou City, this solid city, will become the starting point of our counterattack. I ask you not only to defend this city, but also to use it as a support to gradually recover the lost territory and drive the Chinese army back to the sea!"

He turned around and glanced at Asakawa Ichiro and Uenoe with a sharp gaze: "Remember, behind us is the entire Yamato nation. Every inch of our land carries the expectations and dreams of countless people. For the glory and future of the empire, we must go all out and fight to the death!"

In the headquarters of the Northwest Army, the atmosphere was tense and full of fighting spirit. Zheng Zeyu stood in front of the huge battle map, frowning slightly, but his eyes flashed with calmness and confidence. His assistant hurried in with a copy of the latest intelligence report in his hand, and reported softly: "General Zheng, we have just received the latest intelligence about the Fuso garrison in Kashima."

Zheng Zeyu quickly took the report and glanced through it, with a cold smile on his face. He turned around and faced the generals in the headquarters, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Everyone, it seems that the Fuso people have realized the severity of the situation. They have completely shrunk their defenses and concentrated their main forces in Southern Kyushu City, trying to stop us through the strategy of clearing the countryside."

He paused, looked at everyone, and continued, "But they obviously underestimated the strength of our Chinese army. Now, we have completely crushed Fuso in the navy, army, and air force. Their equipment, tactics, and even the entire country's industrial base are not comparable to ours."

At this point, Zheng Zeyu's eyes flashed with disdain: "What's more, the Changlu area is flat and it is the best battlefield for our armored forces to exert their advantages. They think they can stop us with just a city? It's just a foolish dream!"

He waved his hand and pointed to the city of Minami-Kyushu on the map, his tone firm and confident: "In my opinion, the two major divisions are just two stepping stones on our way forward. Our armored torrent will surge like a tide and completely break down their defenses. I firmly believe that the balance of victory is firmly in our hands, and no obstacles can stop us from moving forward!"