Leitao set down his Thompson submachine gun and pistol, then pulled out a Springfield rifle to introduce it to the guerrillas. "This Springfield rifle is about 1,115 millimeters long, with a barrel length of 610 millimeters. It weighs approximately 3.9 kilograms, has a caliber of 7.62 millimeters, and uses a five-round internal magazine that can be loaded with stripper clips. Its rate of fire is 10 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 800 meters." Everyone listened intently, nodding continuously.
Suddenly, a gunshot broke the silence, followed immediately by a flurry of fire. A sentry ran over to report: "About half a company of the Japanese Army is closing in on the guerrilla camp in two flanking columns." The atmosphere in the camp turned tense in an instant. The guerrillas immediately dropped what they were doing, grabbed their newly acquired weapons, and headed for their respective defensive positions. Tang Zhangshan shouted commands: "First Squad, head to the eastern bunkers! Second Squad, hold the southern pass! Third Squad, move the remaining weapons into the tunnels—hurry! Fourth Squad, follow me!"
The fighters grabbed their new weapons, ensuring their Thompson submachine guns, M1911 pistols, and Springfield rifles were ready. Third Squad fighters carried a portion of the weapons into the tunnels to hide them, while the five-man grenade team quickly set up positions, placing crates of grenades in spots that were both concealed and easy to access.
Chapter 120