The war in Siping came to an end for the time being. Although the Japanese continued to attack from time to time and the attacks were very fierce, they were unable to shake the Eighth Route Army's defense.

The reason why the Eighth Route Army was able to gain a firm foothold in Siping was actually the "contribution" of the Japanese.

Because the people of Siping were originally in a dilemma and were not sure which side they should stand on, the Japanese's strategy of killing them all without leaving any chance of survival made them determined.

There are 100,000 people in Siping City alone, and hundreds of thousands more in nearby villages. They come from all directions to assist the Eighth Route Army in fighting or transporting supplies. Some even spontaneously organize guerrillas behind the Japanese. make trouble.

This is the power of the people.

The Japanese seem to have more troops and better preparations, but in fact, the combat effectiveness they can exert is only 50% to 60% at most.

However, the Eighth Route Army performed exceptionally well with the support of the people. Despite the ebb and flow of the enemy, the Japanese attack in the direction of Siping fell into a quagmire despite the blessing of poisonous gas bombs.

Only then did Umezu Yoshijiro think of the Imperial Navy. He said with resentment: "Is there no news from the United Fleet? These lazy guys... Taka-chan doesn't dare to fight against such a strong opponent, and the Eighth Route Army doesn't bother to fight. What on earth are they doing?" What can you do!"

The chief of staff asked about it, and then unexpectedly received a piece of news. He reported: "Your Majesty, General, our fleet has been setting out for two days, and the battleships are only one battleship, one heavy cruiser and four destroyers!"

Umezu Meijiro's expression changed, he said "hum" with a dark face and stopped talking.

It goes without saying why Umezu Yoshijiro behaves this way.

First of all, it has been two days since the combined fleet set off and the Kwantung Army has not been notified yet.

You must know that it is only more than 1,300 nautical miles from Wu Gang to Lushun, and it only takes more than three days and less than four days for the fleet to arrive at the most economical speed of 16 knots.

The fleet has been leaving for two days, that is, it will arrive at Lushun tomorrow to join the battle. At this time, the army has not been notified to prepare for coordinated operations with it?

Another one is that Okabe Naosaburo's plan is to hope that the combined fleet can send aircraft carriers...at least one, and preferably two aircraft carriers to coordinate, so that they can deal with the Eighth Route Army's anti-ship missiles.

But now, the combined fleet has only sent one battleship and five destroyers!

Is this looking down on the Kwantung Army?

Still look down on the Eighth Route Army?

Or both!

Umezu Yoshijiro guessed correctly. The captain of the "Musashi" and the commander of this temporary fleet, Toshihei Inoguchi, looked down upon both the Eighth Route Army and the Kwantung Army.

Inoguchi Toshihei's logic is this: "Although the Eighth Route Army has developed some weird equipment, it is just speculation. In the end, what matters is the industrial base and economic strength. The Eighth Route Army has neither of these, and it can be strong." Where to go? And the Kwantung Army, known as the 'Flower of the Empire', was actually defeated by the Eighth Route Army and is now surrounded by it... It seems that these people are not worth saving!"

Objectively speaking, what Inoguchi Minpei said makes sense.

A country's scientific and technological strength and equipment level are closely related to its industrial base and economic strength:

Economic strength determines the amount of scientific research funding and talent training... Both of these aspects require money, and results can only be seen after long-term and large investments for many years. Without certain sustainable economic strength, it is impossible.

The industrial foundation determines whether scientific research results can be transformed into real products. At the same time, scientific research complements and promotes each other.

And the Eighth Route Army doesn't occupy either of them, so how can it possibly develop equipment that can determine the outcome of a battle?

Even if it happens to be developed, it will be difficult to mass produce it on a large scale!

Therefore, Toshihei Inoguchi believed that leading a battleship, a heavy cruiser, and four destroyers to Lushun would give the Eighth Route Army face!

At that time, Toshihei Inoguchi was looking at the navigation chart at the headquarters. All he could think about was how to fight the Eagle Fleet in a decisive battle. As for the battle against the Eighth Route Army, he didn't care at all.

At this time, the communications soldier came forward and handed over a phone call, saying: "Your Excellency, Lieutenant General, Admiral Umezu called to inquire about the location of the fleet. He hopes that our army can contact him in time to coordinate with our army!"

Only then did Toshipei Inoguchi remember that he had forgotten to tell the Kwantung Army about his itinerary... He indeed did not mean it. If it had not been for the reminder from the communications corps, he would have forgotten that there would be a combat mission tomorrow.

"Call back!" Toshihei Inoguchi straightened his body slightly, thought for a while and replied: "Due to the sudden nature of the battle, I did not contact the General in advance. I am very sorry! We will arrive in Lushun tomorrow and will contact you again then.

Your Majesty, General, discuss the matter of attack!"

Inoguchi Toshipei thought the matter was over, and had already told Umezu Yoshijiro that the fleet would arrive tomorrow. Once the fleet arrived, the Kwantung Army's crisis would be lifted. At that time, Fengtian would send troops to attack from north to south, and the fleet would provide reinforcements near the coastline.

, are there still areas that cannot be conquered?

Unexpectedly, Umezu Yoshijiro sent another telegram soon: "Why did the fleet send aircraft carriers to coordinate operations? If there is no aircraft carrier, how can the fleet defend against the Eighth Route Army's anti-ship missiles?"

Inoguchi Toshihei couldn't help laughing when he saw this telegram: "We are not the Kwantung Army, General!"

But of course, these words would not be sent to Umezu Yoshijiro. After all, the other party is a general. Although he is an army general, he still needs to be polite on the surface.

"Your Excellency, General!" Toshihei Inoguchi called back: "I think the anti-aircraft firepower on the warships is enough to deal with those anti-ship missiles. I heard that their speed is only more than 300 kilometers per hour. This will not pose a big threat to our warships.

threaten!"

Then Toshihei Inoguchi added: "In addition, if the General is still worried about this, I think the Kwantung Army's fighter planes can take off to provide us with cover to realize General Okabe's air defense plan. Therefore, I think it is completely unnecessary to send an aircraft carrier.

Necessary!"

Inoguchi Minpei's words sound reasonable on the surface.

The ultimate role of an aircraft carrier is to provide fighter planes for the fleet, but the Kwantung Army has fighter planes. They can also provide air cover for the fleet taking off from land, and land-based takeoffs are much more economical and practical than carrier-based aircraft taken off from large aircraft carriers!

In fact, Toshihei Inoguchi had some selfish motives for not bringing an aircraft carrier: he had always admired the tactics of "big guns and giant ships" and believed that aircraft carriers were a tricky strategy. In the end, it was battleships, not aircraft carriers, that ultimately determined the outcome of the battle.

If an aircraft carrier is brought to this battle, will the "Musashi" have no chance to perform or prove his theory?

On the other side, Umezu Yoshijiro was cursing after receiving the telegram: "Asshole, doesn't he know that after our military port was occupied by the Eighth Route Army, fuel has gone in and out?"
Chapter completed!