The guerrilla force and the Eighth Route Army, in hot pursuit of the Japanese soldiers, quickened their pace when they saw the lead truck blown to pieces.
The Japanese soldiers in the rear trucks, seeing the first three vehicles overturned, scrambled out and began firing wildly while lying on the ground. Under the command of two colonels, several majors rallied the panicked troops. After executing a few soldiers who tried to desert, the rest quickly established a defensive line on both sides of the road. These soldiers realized that if they didn't repel their pursuers, they would be gunned down long before reaching their barracks. They soon stabilized and organized an effective counterattack.
Reassured by their veteran officers and sergeants, the younger soldiers grew less fearful. Though their marksmanship was mediocre, they were trained, fueled by the brainwashing of the Bushido spirit, and began firing back at the Eighth Route Army and the guerrilla force.
Chapter 66