Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

South China Sea.

The sea breeze howls, whipping up layers of white waves, but this is not the most awe-inspiring sight of nature.

On this vast blue sea, a massive fleet forged from steel is cutting through the waves with unstoppable force, advancing towards the northwest.

The fleet gray paint reflects a cold metallic sheen in the sunlight.

Countless masts and chimneys, like a moving steel forest, obscured half the sea surface.

The escort detachment of the U.S. Navy's Task Force 58 is escorting a transport convoy carrying the U.S. Army's 33rd Corps on a landing mission codenamed "Sharp Sword".

On the deck of a troop transport ship codenamed "Wind and Fire," Private Tom Jackson from Ohio leaned against the wet railing, staring dumbfounded at the distant sight: "My God..."

Tom took off his slightly crooked helmet, even forgetting to chew the gum in his mouth: "Sergeant Major, look, that's a big guy!"

"Is that the battleship USS South Dakota?"

In the direction he pointed, a towering battleship was cutting through the waves, its thick 16-inch main gun barrels exuding a suffocating sense of oppression even from a distance.

Veteran Sergeant Miller leaned against the bulkhead and glanced at it casually: "Rookie, lift your chin up."

“That’s the USS Washington, and next to it is the USS North Carolina.”

“And over there,” Miller pointed to the sky with his chin, “can you hear that buzzing sound?”

Tom looked up and saw dozens of F6F Hellcat fighters in dense formation, circling the fleet like a flock of eagles guarding their prey.

Below them are two massive Essex-class aircraft carriers—the USS Yorktown and the USS Lexington.

Tom swallowed hard. "With this kind of force, are we going to attack the Japanese mainland?"

"No, kid."

Miller put away his lighter, his eyes sharpening: "We're going to pave the way for the Chinese."

"Chinese?" Tom asked, somewhat puzzled. "I heard their equipment is very poor, and they need our support."

"That's because you haven't seen that 'war commander's' troops."

Miller pulled a crumpled pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes from his pocket and lit one: "I've seen them in Myanmar."

"They were a tough bunch; they could fight the Japanese with bayonets without batting an eye."

"This time, the higher-ups say it's a joint operation."

Miller exhaled a smoke ring and looked at the coastline that was faintly visible in the distance: "We'll be responsible for opening up the landing zone for them, and then let those Chinese tigers rush in and tear the Japanese devils inside to pieces."

Tom muttered, "I hope those tigers really do have teeth."

"Do not worry."

Miller patted the M1 Garand rifle beside him, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

If it weren't for joint operations, how could these Marines have been equipped with new weapons so quickly?

We should thank the Chinese for this!

"We brought the best can openers this time. The new Sherman tanks of the 18th Armored Division are enough to crush the Japanese on the island into mincemeat."

……

the other side.

At an altitude of about 10,000 meters above the border, a C-47 "Air Train" transport plane painted with the emblem of the Republic of China is traveling through the sea of ​​clouds.

The transport plane's destination is Pearl City.

That is, the current location of the expeditionary force's forward command post.

The true command center of the expeditionary force had already been relocated and returned to Kunming.

The commander's office is also located in Kunming.

The Nationalist government's central leadership also took this action to weaken the influence of the Yunnan clique.

Inside the cabin, Chu Yunfei closed his eyes to rest, holding a pencil in his hand.

Although he hadn't looked at a map, the topography of Qiongzhou Island was already etched in his mind.

Sitting opposite him was his adjutant Zhao Pengcheng, who had followed him for many years.

At this moment, Zhao Pengcheng had changed into a brand-new combat uniform, and his collar insignia had been changed to XX rank. In his expression, there was a hint of reluctance to leave.

"Your Excellency."

Zhao Pengcheng called out softly.

Chu Yunfei slowly opened his eyes, his gaze gently falling on Zhao Pengcheng: "What? You can't bear to part with him?"

"I've been by your side for so many years, I'm used to it."

Zhao Pengcheng scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly: "I'm a little unsure about going to the army out of the blue."

"No confidence?"

Chu Yunfei smiled and sat up straight: "You, Zhao Pengcheng, are also a talent that I have cultivated through all my efforts. After serving as my advisor for so long, you have gained a broad perspective and a sense of the big picture. What you lack now is that experience of leading troops through the mud."

"This time, I'm sending you to Huang Baitao's Second Army as deputy chief of staff. It's both to give you experience and to put you in a position of responsibility."

Chu Yunfei's tone became serious: "Brother Huanran is brave in battle, but there are some aspects that he could not do well enough."

"You need to help him standardize his staff work."

“Bring over that modern command system from North China.”

"In addition, the Second Army was the main force among the main forces in this Qiongzhou Island campaign."

"You need to go to the front line and carefully observe the results of the Second Army's training over the past year to ensure they are capable of undertaking this important task."

"Yes! Rest assured, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Pengcheng straightened his chest and said, "This humble servant will never disgrace you!"

Chu Yunfei nodded, his gaze turning to a young officer sitting in the corner of the cabin. He was a young man with delicate features, yet exuding a resolute spirit.

He sat upright, clutching Chu Yunfei's briefcase tightly in his hands, appearing somewhat nervous.

"Jingzhong".

"To!"

Li Jingzhong suddenly stood up; he was considered Sun Ming's prized student.

Now, he has taken over Zhao Pengcheng's position and become one of Chu Yunfei's new personal adjutants.

"Don't be nervous." Chu Yunfei waved his hand: "You were trained by Sun Ming, so you have a good foundation."

"I brought you along this time so that you can see and learn more."

"This campaign involved the army, navy, and air force, as well as coordination with the Americans and Australians."

“You can’t learn this kind of big-scale experience from Sun Ming.”

"Remember carefully, observe carefully."

"Yes, Chief Advisor!"

Li Jingzhong answered loudly, his eyes gleaming with longing.

He knew perfectly well that not everyone had the opportunity to get such a thing.

Several hours later, the plane slowly landed at Pearl City Airport.

The huge rubber tires rubbed against the runway, making a sharp screeching sound, before smoothly gliding to the apron.

As soon as the cabin door opened, a humid, subtropical atmosphere rushed out, mixed with the unique smell of rubber forests and the salty tang of the distant sea breeze.

Two Willys Jeeps were already waiting at the foot of the gangway.

Two tall and straight-looking generals stood beside the car.

These were the two core commanders of the Annamite Army—Commander-in-Chief Du Guangting and Commander of the Second Army Group Huang Baitao.

Chu Yunfei appeared at the cabin door.

The two men stood at attention in unison, raised their hands in salute, their movements perfectly synchronized, exuding an aura of grim determination born from countless battles.

Chu Yunfei strode down the gangway, a gentle smile on his face, and immediately returned the greeting: "Brother Guangting, Brother Huanran, I've kept you waiting!"

"Chief Consultant"

XXX stepped forward and grasped Chu Yunfei's hand tightly. His slightly thin face was full of determination: "You've finally arrived. The brothers on the front lines are in a completely different mood now that they've heard the news that you're personally in command."

"Yes, sir."

Huang Huanran, who was standing to the side, was even more excited.

This ragtag general, who rose through the ranks of ordinary soldiers and earned his reputation through hard-fought battles, had been sitting on the bench for a year and was itching to make his move.

His eyes gleamed with fanaticism: "The brothers have been itching to get back to work!"

"Now, if you give the order, we'd dare to venture not only into Qiongzhou Island, but also into Tokyo Bay!"

Chu Yunfei patted Huang Huanran on the shoulder, feeling the sharp edge of this fierce general, like a blade being drawn from its sheath, and nodded in satisfaction: "Good! That's the kind of aura I'm looking for!"

Chu Yunfei looked around. Flags were waving at the airport, and in the distance, a large formation was gathering, exuding a murderous aura.

"Thank you both for your hard work during this time."

"It wasn't easy to bring together this group of brothers from all over the country into a cohesive unit in this foreign land."

"It's all thanks to his prestige that we're holding on; we're just following orders."

Du Yuming said modestly, then stepped aside to lead the way: "The command headquarters has made all the arrangements, and the heads of all departments have arrived. They are just waiting for you to give them a speech."

Chu Yunfei nodded and was about to take a step when he suddenly remembered something and turned around to call Zhao Pengcheng over from behind.

"Brother Huanran."

Chu Yunfei pointed at Zhao Pengcheng and said to Huang Baitao, "Pengcheng has been my advisor for some years. He has a good overall perspective, but he lacks experience on the front lines."

Huang Baitao already understood.

Chu Yunfei said in an extremely solemn tone, "You will be the main force in this attack on Qiongzhou Island."

"I'll send him to your Second Army Group as your deputy chief of staff. Firstly, it'll be so he can learn from you how to lead troops in tough battles. Secondly, it'll be so he can keep an eye on the Second Army Group's current combat effectiveness. What do you think?" Huang Baitao was overjoyed upon hearing this.

He knew that Zhao Pengcheng was Chu Yunfei's most trusted confidant.

Send trusted confidants to your own troops.

If it were someone else, Huang Baitao would suspect that this was an attempt to spy on him.

But Chu Yunfei's confidants were different.

Zhao Pengcheng's arrival did not signify surveillance.

On the contrary, it is an immense show of trust and support!

As long as the Second Army performs as Chu Yunfei expects, resources, supplies, and fire support will be prioritized for him!

"Rest assured, Your Majesty!"

Huang Baitao snapped to attention: "We will learn from each other and strive to fight this battle brilliantly, so as to bring honor to Your Excellency!"

Zhao Pengcheng also saluted at the opportune moment: "Please give me your guidance, Commander Huang!"

"Alright, let's save the reminiscing for the victory celebration."

Chu Yunfei waved his hand, his gaze fixed on the combat troops who were already lined up neatly in the distance, ready to be inspected.

His gaze suddenly turned sharp.

"Come on! Take me to see our soldiers!"

The group boarded the jeep.

They sped toward the reviewing stand.

On the huge training ground, more than 3,000 soldiers of the Dingnan Army had already lined up.

This is the main force of the 1st Regiment of the 1st Combat Division under Wu Sizhong, which is under the Second Army.

The regimental commander was concurrently held by Chen Feng, the deputy division commander.

The American M1 carbines, Thompson submachine guns, and brand-new M1 steel helmets in their hands gleamed with a chilling light under the tropical sun.

In addition, all kinds of support weapons are readily available.

Sniper rifles, flamethrowers, Type 31 disposable rocket launchers, 45mm direct-fire cannons, 82mm mortars, and 107mm chemical mortars.

obviously.

This is a combat unit that has been fully equipped with new American weaponry.

Chu Yunfei nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, the military appearance is very much to my liking."

He ignored Huang Huanran's modesty.

Chu Yunfei's consciousness was instantly immersed in the three-dimensional combat map.

He immediately noticed that the unit's organization level was as high as 95, and their badges were also extremely rare skulls.

This signifies that this force is a well-equipped, highly motivated, and formidable army poised for a long-distance expedition across the sea!
Chu Yunfei stood on the parade vehicle, passing in front of each formation.

He saw pairs of eyes yearning for victory, and a sharp sword about to be drawn.

"brothers!"

Chu Yunfei's voice echoed through the loudspeaker over the training ground: "Although the Americans will be our vanguard in this battle."

"But we still have to fight the tough battles that follow ourselves."

"Not only the people of the whole country are looking forward to this victory, but our American allies, Australian allies, and even British allies are looking forward to this victory."

"Let me see your attitude!"

Chen Feng raised his fist high and declared loudly, "Use me in the first battle, and victory is assured!"

"Use me in the first battle, and you will win if you use me!"

"Use me in the first battle, and victory is assured!!"

"Use me in the first battle, and victory is assured!!!"

Chu Yunfei looked at the soldiers roaring in unison with satisfaction: "Brothers, I'll prepare a celebratory drink for you!"

He suddenly clenched his fist and raised the megaphone in his hand: "In this battle, we must reclaim Qiongzhou Island!!!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!!!"
-
In the blink of an eye, another week has passed.

Haikou Fort, located in the northern part of Qiongzhou Island.

Colonel Matsui, a regimental commander of the Japanese 23rd Independent Mixed Brigade, stood behind a sturdy concrete bunker, peering through binoculars at the dark sea.

"boom--!!!"

Suddenly, a flash of fire appeared on the distant horizon.

Immediately following, a piercing shriek, as if the air were being torn apart, grew louder as it approached, a sound so heavy it could stop your heart.

"Boom!!!"

That was a salvo from the 406mm main guns of the USS Washington and USS North Carolina battleships.

The massive cannonballs, carrying an aura of destruction, crashed into the Haikou defense line.

The earth trembled, and dust fell in clumps from the permanent fortifications.

In an instant, a column of fire dozens of meters high rose from the distant beachhead, hurling sand and barbed wire into the air.

"Sure enough, it's here!"

Although Colonel Matsui was pale, a glint of fanaticism flashed in his eyes, as if saying, "This is the main direction of attack for the Chinese and Americans!"

"Order the coastal artillery to prepare for a counterattack!"

"Everyone, prepare to move into the designated positions and let these Americans taste the might of our Great Japanese Locust Army!"

From the Japanese perspective, Haikou, with its port, was the best location for the Americans to land, facilitating the deployment of their subsequent combat troops.

The Chinese Expeditionary Army Command judged that since the Americans had come, they would definitely kick down the main gate.

From Japan's perspective...

The defense system here is the most complete, and the place with the most coastal artillery is also the best battlefield.

It was the only battlefield where they had a chance to level the playing field.

only.

Colonel Matsui was unaware of the earth-shattering bombardment.

It's just a feint.

These shells, for the incredibly wealthy Americans...

It was just an expensive fireworks display.

……

Two hours.

Lingao Cape, 50 kilometers away from the shelling site.

Dawns here are quiet.

Compared to the raging waves in the direction of Haikou, only the monotonous sound of waves crashing against the rocks can be heard at Lingao Cape.

The unit responsible for defending this area was a reinforced infantry company under the Japanese 46th Division.

Company Commander Captain Nobuo Tanaka was sitting in a simple bunker, holding a can of food that had long since gone cold, looking rather bored.

"Squadron Leader, the fighting in Haikou is quite intense."

A sergeant looked enviously at the firelight that had lit up half the sky in the east: "It seems the main force of the Americans is over there."

Captain Tanaka chuckled and picked up a piece of beef with his chopsticks: "Of course."

“A place like Lingao Cape is a godforsaken place with shallow water and numerous reefs, making it difficult even for fishing boats to dock. How could American landing ships possibly get in?”

"I've heard from my superiors that these American soldiers are all pampered young masters... their combat effectiveness isn't strong; it's just that they have a large number of airmen."

Before Tanaka could finish speaking, the can of food in his hand suddenly fell to the ground with a clatter.

A deep, dense buzzing sound, like a swarm of bees passing by, pressed down from the horizon where the sea met the sky.

"what sound?"

Tanaka suddenly rushed out of the bunker and raised his binoculars.

at this time.

The first rays of sunlight in the east pierced through the clouds and shone on the sea.

next second.

Tanaka Nobuo's pupils contracted sharply, and he felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over him from head to toe.

The sea was not as empty as he had imagined.

Instead, a mobile "steel city" has been built!
Countless landing craft (LCVP) and tank landing ships (LST) formed an attack line several kilometers wide, and were rolling in like bulldozers, with this place as the center!

Behind these small boats, the Royal Australian Navy's heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire lay across the shore, its dark 203mm main guns slowly adjusting their angle to aim at the undefended beachhead where he stood.

Meanwhile, in the sky, a dense swarm of Hellcat fighters and SBD Dauntless dive bombers pressed down like dark clouds!
(F6F, also known as Hellcat)
(SBD "Dauntless" dive bomber)
"Enemy... Enemy attack!!!"

Tanaka let out a piercing scream, his voice distorted with extreme fear: "It's the enemy's main force!"

"The enemy's main force is at Lingao Cape!"

"Call the regimental headquarters immediately!"

"quick……"

"Boom!!!" (End of Chapter)