After neutralizing the immediate wave of enemies, Leitao didn’t have a moment to catch his breath. He spun around, scanning his surroundings with sharp, vigilant eyes. At that exact moment, he sensed motion seven or eight meters to his right. Three Japanese Army scouts, armed with MP35 submachine guns, were closing in on him in a triangular formation. The lead scout was hunched over, his weapon raised, advancing with quick, short steps, while the other two flanked him, weaving through the terrain for cover and keeping their barrels fixed on Leitao’s position.
Leitao dropped into a crouch instantly, reaching behind his waist to draw an M1 grenade from his gear belt. With practiced motions, he pulled the pin, counted to two in his head, and stood up abruptly, hurling the grenade with all his might toward the center of the trio. It traced a perfect arc through the air, landing squarely in the middle of the enemy group. "BOOM!" A thunderous roar shattered the air, and a fountain of flame erupted, sending a spray of dirt and shrapnel raining down in every direction.
In the wake of the blast, one scout was thrown several meters back and slammed into the ground, motionless and clearly dead. Another had his leg shredded by the explosion; he collapsed, wailing in agony, his weapon slipping from his grasp. The third, suffering only minor injuries, stared with wide, panicked eyes. He scrambled to raise his submachine gun and began firing wildly in Leitao’s direction.
Chapter 255