CHAPTER 1101: CHAPTER 585-2

The forces attacking the city were not the direct troops of the Jieke Group.

The Jieke Group merely provided fire support, and the first to enter the city were the Security Army trained by the Jieke Group, all composed of Japanese people.

Of course, they now have a new title, granted by the Jieke Group, called the Imperial Army.

At this time in the Kyoto City area, under the drizzling rain, the ground became muddy and wet, rain striking the hundreds of tons of steel bodies of the Spider Main Battle Mecha, smashing into droplets, but unable to hinder the bombardment of artillery fire, as the 203mm main cannon continuously roared, projecting hundreds of kilograms of shells several tens of kilometers away into Kyoto City.

Not far from the Spider Main Battle Mecha’s artillery position, a group of senior Japanese Imperial Army officers stood there, even soaked with rain, dared not move recklessly.

Suddenly, an armored command vehicle approached, and the senior officers of the Imperial Army perked up.

As the armored command vehicle came to a halt, Hao Guang, brigade commander of the First Mecha Combat Brigade, stepped out.

"Sir, be careful not to catch a cold."

Araki Kenichi, the senior advisor of the Imperial Army, immediately fetched a raincoat and respectfully draped it over Hao Guang.

The other Japanese officers, who were a step slower, cursed inwardly, thinking Kenichi Araki, this sycophant, had once again gotten ahead.

Hao Guang’s gaze swept over the senior Imperial Army officers present, some of whom were from the Japan Self Defense Force’s surrendered officers, some were representatives from Osaka City’s opportunistic magnates, and others were small figures who had seized the opportunity to climb up early by allying with the Jieke Group.

Feeling the gaze of Hao Guang, many Imperial Army officers felt uneasy in their hearts, aware that this First Mecha Combat Brigade commander was a man of real power in the Jieke Group, the commander of the Jieke Group’s ground offensive forces, capable of deciding their life and death with ease.

"Before I came over here, the Supreme Leader personally issued an order to establish a new regime in Japan, splitting it into two, and a new system and order will be erected in Kyoto City in the future, restoring it as the capital."

Hao Guang’s tone was flat, but these words shook the hearts of those in the Imperial Army.

They all knew the illustrious achievements of the Jieke Group, which was adept at splitting countries, as with the example of Assam Country, where the Jieke Group seized it from India and made it independent.

Jawa Country was also divided in two by the Jieke Group, and You Tai Country was manipulated into establishing the Faha Regime, serving as an indirect replacement.

"The Supreme Leader is watching our performance, Kyoto City is the first city we need to capture, and the Jieke Group does not feed useless people. I need to see the role of your Imperial Army, and I have decided that the main troops for urban street battles will be drawn from your Imperial Army.

Whoever can take Kyoto City, I will submit to the Supreme Leader to commend them, making them an advanced active member, and with such accomplishments in hand, you could advance much further in the future, even becoming the president of the new nation—it’s not out of the question."

Hao Guang announced the plan, his voice carrying an enticing tone that made the hearts of the Imperial Army soldiers skip a beat, their eyes burning with passion.

After these high-ranking Imperial Army officers processed his words, Hao Guang continued: "Now, who is willing to volunteer to take Kyoto City?"

The room fell into silence as each of the Imperial Army high-ups weighed the pros and cons.

"I, Araki Kenichi, am willing to take the lead, sir, give me 80,000 soldiers, and I’ll capture Kyoto City within a month."

While others were still pondering, a loud shout startled them.

Everyone turned to see it was the sycophant Araki Kenichi again.

Seeing this, others dared not delay any longer, worried they might not even get the scraps if they were slower.

"Sir, I’m also willing to lead the attack. Give me 100,000 Imperial Army soldiers, and I’m confident of capturing Kyoto City within 25 days."

"What’s 25 days? I’ll take Kyoto City in 20 days and present it to the great Supreme Leader."

"I’ll not only take Kyoto City in 20 days, but I’ll also ensure all its artifacts are collected and presented to the Imperial Army."

The high-ranking officers of the Imperial Army scrambled, each one convinced this was a piece of delicious pie, and with the Jieke Group backing them, they weren’t worried about not being able to take Kyoto City.

Not to mention, Kyoto City was already under siege, with the Japan Self Defense Force finding it difficult to reinforce. Even through attrition, they could deplete the defending forces inside, coupled with the heavy artillery support from the Jieke Group, they were quite confident.

And if they could achieve the primary goal of capturing Kyoto City, they could enter the high-level vision of the Jieke Group, as Hao Guang had stated earlier, perhaps leading to a career path that could see them sitting on the presidential throne in the future, fueling many with burning ambitions.

"Within fifteen days, I will capture Kyoto City."

But at that moment, Araki Kenichi spoke again.

"Fifteen days? There are no jokes in the military."

Hao Guang’s expression was cold, fully aware of the caliber of the Imperial Army—mostly militia and converted Japan Self Defense Force surrenders, with unreliable combat effectiveness.

"Ten days! Capture Kyoto City in ten days!"

Araki Kenichi gritted his teeth, snarling as he laid down the gauntlet.

He had risen from the bottom, initially a conscripted militiaman forced by the Japan government. After Osaka City was occupied by the Jieke Group, he climbed intrusively with flattery and serving the Imperial Army well, seizing promotions, hence he wanted to gamble for a future.

"This guy’s crazy."

The other high-level Japanese officers were shocked beyond belief, incredulous at Araki Kenichi, wondering if he realized what he was saying. He wasn’t leading elite troops from the Jieke Group; with the Imperial Army alone, he needed to realize there were over fifty thousand Japan Self Defense Force stationed in Kyoto City!

Although the defense forces in Kyoto City must have suffered significant losses due to aerial bombing and artillery shelling, the idea of taking Kyoto City in just ten days, relying solely on the Imperial Army, seemed like a pipe dream to many, with even 20 days being extremely tight.

"Fine, I’ll give you two thousand more Imperial Army soldiers, but you’ll be responsible for the logistics yourself!"

Hao Guang showed an approving look, rare to find such a daring fellow.

"No need for logistics; I just hope you’ll agree to one thing: after taking the city, allow us to venture out in the city for a while."

Araki Kenichi seized the chance to propose, knowing what he needed. Without ample benefits, he couldn’t effectively command the Imperial Army soldiers under him to fight hard.

"If, within ten days, you fail to take Kyoto City, it will be your head on the line, understand?"

Hao Guang didn’t hesitate; it was originally intended for Japanese to fight among themselves, reducing the sacrifice of Jieke Group soldiers. As for what Araki Kenichi might do in Kyoto City, that wasn’t his concern.

"Understood. I’m determined to serve the Imperial Army; you’ll see my performance, sir."

Araki Kenichi thumped his chest, exuding a fearless determination that slightly altered Hao Guang’s view of him.

Although he was unsure if Araki Kenichi could fulfill the task of capturing Osaka City in ten days, depleting Japan’s own manpower was certainly achievable, as long as Araki Kenichi valued his own life. Otherwise, he would surely attack Kyoto City with full force.

At that time, whether the Japan Self Defense Force in Kyoto City failed or the Imperial Army suffered heavy losses, it was irrelevant to Hao Guang because, in the end, those who died would all be Japanese.

After Hao Guang left, the high-ranking Imperial Army officials all looked at Araki Kenichi as if he were a dead man, clearly not believing he could capture Kyoto City in ten days; such a feat seemed impossible.

"You worthless ones just wait and see, I’ll take Kyoto City for you to witness."

Araki Kenichi snorted coldly, like a triumphant general gazing at others, as if he had already seen himself capturing Kyoto City, getting promoted within the Jieke Group, and becoming a highly regarded figure.