Chapter 111: Old Scores and New Grudges, Yoshimitsu Akiyama

South of Dingyuan City, on a small rise slightly elevated above the flat terrain where the First Regiment of the Independent Brigade had established its defensive positions, Chen Qingzhi, Su Zuxin, and Regiment Commander Fang Xiaodong stood together.

All three held binoculars, observing the movements of the Japanese 9th Division in the distance. Nearby, several guards stood watch with rifles, ensuring the safety of their three commanders.

Watching the shadowy figures of the Japanese troops through his lens—the dense masses of soldiers shifting back and forth—Chen Qingzhi could not help but knit his brows. "The 9th Division is truly a formidable enemy. I fear Dingyuan is in for a brutal battle this time."

The 9th Division was one of the 17 standing Type-A divisions of the Imperial Japanese Army. Organized in a four-battalion structure, it boasted approximately 21,000 men and comprised the 18th and 6th Brigades. The 18th Brigade was commanded by Major General Toshitoki Inokuma and consisted of two infantry regiments: the 36th, led by Jiro Wakizaka, and the 19th, led by Shuzo Hitomi. The 6th Brigade was commanded by Major General Yoshimitsu Akiyama, overseeing Kazuo Isa’s 7th Regiment and Suekichi Fujii’s 35th Regiment. Beyond these, the division was equipped with the 9th Cavalry Regiment under Aguroku Moriya, the 9th Mountain Artillery Regiment led by Shu Seriyama, as well as the 9th Engineer and 9th Transport Regiments, totaling eight regiments in all. Coupled with its own dedicated signals units, medical detachments, and field hospitals, it was a force of considerable combat power, ranking among the elite of the Japanese standing divisions.

For the county of Dingyuan, defended only by Chen Qingzhi’s Independent Brigade and Su Zuxin’s 135th Division, the pressure of facing such a force was immense. To call it a brutal battle was no exaggeration.

"A brutal battle is inevitable. The 9th Division comes with such ferocity that they clearly will not stop until they have their way," Su Zuxin said, lowering his binoculars and looking at Chen Qingzhi with a smile. "Besides, your Independent Brigade ambushed and wiped out their 7th Regiment at Shuanglong Valley, and then launched a night raid on their encampment. I suspect Yoshisuke Yoshioka would love to swallow you alive; he is desperate to see you dead."

Chen Qingzhi laughed heartily at this. "That depends on whether Yoshisuke Yoshioka has the capability to do so!"

The two men shared a laugh, their expressions light and relaxed, completely devoid of the tension that usually precedes a major conflict. Standing to the side, Fang Xiaodong felt a sense of admiration watching them converse with such ease. In truth, while he remained silent, he was incredibly nervous. His regiment’s defensive line sat at the southern edge of the city, placing them directly in the path of the Japanese. If the enemy intended to take Dingyuan, his sector would undoubtedly be the main axis of their assault.

Fang had previously only commanded a pistol platoon; he had never directed troops in a battle of this scale. It would be a lie to say he wasn't tense.

Noticing Fang’s anxiety, Chen Qingzhi patted him on the shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry. The 9th Division may be formidable, but they are only human—if they take a bullet, they die just like anyone else. Just perform your duties well and hold the line. Besides, with Division Commander Su watching our flank, it won't be easy for the Japanese to take Dingyuan."

Chen’s tone radiated confidence. Influenced by his commander, Fang’s tension began to dissipate. "Don't worry, Brigade Commander," he said firmly. "The Japanese may be strong, but our First Regiment is no pushover. If they want to take our positions, they'll have to pay a heavy price in blood!"

"Well said, your morale is commendable," Su Zuxin praised. To remain so resolute in the face of such a powerful enemy, while perhaps nervous, showed a complete lack of fear—a quality that set him apart from ordinary men.

Su Zuxin’s praise was sincere. Looking at Fang’s fearless expression, he was reminded of Chen Qingzhi’s other three regiment commanders. The Second Regiment’s commander, Huzi, was a warrior of peerless bravery and loyalty, a veteran of the 29th Army’s Big Sword Team whose mastery of the near-lost art of the "Blade-Breaking" technique made him an invaluable asset. If other commanders knew of him, they would be fighting to recruit him. The Third Regiment’s commander, Wang Yachuan, while lacking other refinements, possessed a quality rare in the military: a total lack of fear of death. With his fiery temper and deep-seated hatred for the Japanese, he was a rare talent. As for the Artillery Regiment’s commander, Zhu Xiaocheng, a top graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy specializing in artillery, he would command respect anywhere. Being part of the Whampoa clique and a student of Chiang Kai-shek, his future was bright. That all four men were gathered under the Independent Brigade was something Su Zuxin could only respect.

After observing the Japanese positions a while longer, Chen Qingzhi lowered his binoculars and smiled. "Alright, let's go. It looks like they are just about ready. Everyone, return to your units and prepare to meet the enemy's assault."

The others nodded in agreement.

***

At the temporary headquarters of the Japanese 9th Division, the troops were already formed for battle. Every unit was prepped, and the artillery had secured their firing positions. Everything was ready; they were merely waiting for the order to attack.

Yoshisuke Yoshioka stood at the long table in the command post, surveying his gathered subordinates. "Gentlemen, this assault on Dingyuan is not merely to capture a county town; it is to wash away our shame. The Chinese forces in Dingyuan have been too arrogant. The ambush of the 7th Regiment at Shuanglong Valley resulted in their total destruction, and the night raid on our encampment earlier this morning was a mockery. To our 9th Division, this is an utter humiliation. If we do not annihilate them, how can we stand tall in the Empire? We risk becoming a laughingstock!"

Yoshioka’s face was dark as he said coldly, "Therefore, this battle is our chance to cleanse our honor. I have only one command: annihilate them all. Leave no one alive!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!" The officers of the 9th Division echoed the sentiment with roars of agreement. As Yoshioka had said, the Independent Brigade had brought them repeated shame. This debt could only be paid in blood.

"Division Commander, I request that our 6th Brigade be given the honor of the main assault," declared Major General Yoshimitsu Akiyama. "The Chinese wiped out the 7th Regiment under my command. It is a disgrace, and I wish to personally wash it away. I beg you to grant this request."

Akiyama was furious. His brigade had only two regiments, and the loss of the 7th had severely crippled his combat strength. He burned with the desire to tear Chen Qingzhi apart. "Division Commander, if you grant us the main assault, I guarantee that within one hour, I will bring Chen Qingzhi before you, bound and captured!"

"Yosh!" Yoshioka nodded in approval, satisfied. "Akiyama-kun, your courage in volunteering to lead the charge is commendable. You are a true soldier of the Empire! Very well, the 6th Brigade shall lead the assault. I shall wait here for your good news."

"Hai!"