Matsui Ichiro watched as the Japanese Army retreated in defeat, like a receding tide across the battlefield. Though his face was a mask of despair, the fire of resentment in his heart burned all the brighter. He turned abruptly and roared at his only remaining communications soldier: "Baka! Contact Yamamoto Yuichi of the Yamamoto Cavalry Battalion immediately. Tell him he has one hour to clear the enemies at the valley mouth; once he secures the position, he is to provide support for our operations. If he fails, we will surely be wiped out to the last man! Let him understand the gravity of the situation!" The communications soldier, deathly pale and trembling, fumbled frantically with the radio. Sweat beaded on his forehead, rolling down in large drops as he nervously tapped out the distress signal.
On the battlefield, Zhao Fugui led his cavalry like tigers descending a mountain, fighting with ferocious intensity, though the cost in lives was heavy. Several sturdy horses were struck by stray fire from the Japanese Army and collapsed with a thud, throwing their riders violently to the ground. Without a second’s hesitation, the riders scrambled up, snatched up nearby weapons, and engaged the Japanese troops in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Zhao Fugui’s eyes were bloodshot; seeing his comrades, men he had lived and died alongside, falling one after another, his fury erupted like a volcano. He screamed at the top of his lungs: "Avenge our fallen brothers! Don't let a single devil …
Chapter 421