Chapter 12: A City Under Siege

A bright morning greeted the world as the sun shone warmly, dispelling weariness and infusing energy into life. Yet, in Nanking, this morning was terrifying for its residents, for the Japanese military had arrived to seize their power and freedom.

The Chinese forces defending the city began to falter. Some had been executed for resisting, while others faced the threat of mass slaughter if they dared to rebel or refused to comply with the demands of the ruthless Nippon forces.

Meanwhile, aerial surveillance was deployed under the leadership of their newly appointed captain, Ryota Yamazaki. This mission included a team of ten personnel, one of whom was Iruka Yamamoto, his combat assistant. They patrolled the skies over Nanking and its surroundings. So far, no signs of enemy airstrikes were detected; the situation remained calm and peaceful.

"The area is secure, sir," Iruka reported through the aircraft’s communication system, which connected all planes in the squadron.

"Good. Stay alert and keep your eyes and ears open. Don’t let your guard down," Ryota instructed, urging his team to remain vigilant. This was his first mission as the new captain in the Air Force, and he was determined to ensure its success without any setbacks.

On the ground, the situation in Nanking was dire. The Japanese military's brutal behavior escalated. Warships began to crowd the Yangtze River, and mass executions were carried out openly. Chinese soldiers were dragged to the riverbanks, bound, and stabbed with bayonets. Many died instantly, while others screamed in agony. The executions were merciless and prolonged, leaving the residents of Nanking paralyzed with fear.

Some Chinese soldiers discarded their uniforms and hid, fearing the wrath of the increasingly savage Nippon troops.

The cruelty extended beyond the battlefield. The Japanese military adopted a no-mercy approach, focusing solely on their mission of domination. Even surrendering Chinese soldiers were not spared; all were mercilessly slaughtered.

"What should we do, sir? Their tyranny is overwhelming," asked one of the Chinese soldiers hiding in a civilian house, stripped of his once-proud uniform.

"We wait for their vigilance to wane, then we’ll cross the Yangtze River," replied Lieutenant Luo Ying.

The Chinese military in Nanking was utterly cornered. Without reinforcements and with their ammunition confiscated, all they had left was their dignity. But even that was at risk—defiance meant facing certain death.

The horrors of war unfolded further. Days turned into nights as Nanking descended into chaos. Civilians, desperate to escape, leapt into the Yangtze River, only to be met with bullets fired by Japanese naval forces patrolling the waters. The river became a scene of massacre.

In the countryside, the Japanese soldiers began abducting young village girls, dragging them to their bases.

"Don’t take my daughter!" cried a desperate mother, clutching her child tightly.

"Shut up!" barked a soldier, yanking the girl away as she wailed in terror.

"Please, I beg you, don’t take her," pleaded the woman, but her cries were met with raised guns, silencing any resistance.

The abducted girls were taken to camps where countless women were held captive. They were forced to serve as sex slaves for the Japanese soldiers, subjected to unspeakable violations. Tragically, the victims included not only young women but also children and elderly women who fit the soldiers’ criteria.

The atrocities didn’t end there. After satisfying their cruel desires, the soldiers killed their victims, leaving few survivors.

As days passed, the violence escalated to looting and destruction. Japanese tanks rolled in, reducing the city to rubble. The cries of anguish and suffering echoed through every corner of Nanking. The impoverished residents had no means to resist.

"We’re close to conquering Nanking. This is as easy as taking candy from a baby," mused Commander Genzi Aburame as he observed the devastation with satisfaction.

"Indeed, sir. They obey us completely," replied another soldier, reveling in the despair they had caused. The mission to dominate Asia seemed within reach.

At a Chinese base near Nanking, adjacent to a makeshift medical post, soldiers anxiously searched for Chen, an aide to Commander Xiao Lue.

"Have you seen Mr. Chen?" a soldier asked a nurse tending to a patient.

"M-Mr. Chen is with Doctor Fen, examining a post-surgery patient," the nurse stammered nervously.

"Where are they now?"

"In Ward A15, where wounded soldiers are being treated."

"Thank you," replied the soldier, who, along with his comrades, hurried off.

In Ward A15, Chen sat quietly, watching Fen as she attended to a patient. A faint smile played on his lips.

"Why are you smiling at me like that, Chen?" Fen asked, flustered under his unwavering gaze.

"You’re amazing, Fen," he replied, his admiration evident. Fen blushed, caught off guard by his sincerity.

Suddenly, the soldiers arrived, breaking the moment. Chen stood at attention, aware that urgent news had brought them here.

"Sir, we have an emergency situation," one soldier said firmly, his tone laced with urgency.

Chen led the soldier aside to avoid alarming Fen.

"What is it?" he asked softly.

"The Japanese troops have taken Nanking. They’re slaughtering civilians and soldiers alike. Some of our comrades are trapped and need reinforcements. Commander Xiao Lue has summoned you to discuss the next course of action," the soldier explained quickly.

Chen’s face darkened with anger. A storm of emotions churned within him—fury at the atrocities and despair for his people.

"Sir, we cannot stand idle. We must act now to save our brothers and sisters," urged another soldier.

Chen nodded resolutely. "I’ll meet with Commander Xiao Lue immediately to plan our response."

The soldiers saluted and left, their faces reflecting the grim reality of war.

Chen returned to Fen, his heart torn between duty and love.

"Chen, is something wrong? Why were they here?" Fen asked, concern etched on her face.

"It’s nothing. I’ve been called back to the base," Chen replied, masking his turmoil. "Take care of yourself, Fen."

"Thank you, Chen. You’ve been a great help today," Fen said, her voice tinged with gratitude and sadness.

Chen smiled faintly, bidding her farewell as he walked away, his mind consumed with the horrors awaiting him.

At the base, Chen prepared to face Commander Xiao Lue and lead his troops into battle, ready to confront the nightmares of Nanking and fight for his people’s survival.

As Chen walked toward Commander Xiao Lue's office, his steps grew heavier, weighed down by the storm of emotions raging within him. His fists clenched tightly, as if trying to contain the fire of anger burning in his chest, while his mind raced with swirling plans and uncertainties. Just as he reached for the door handle to enter, a deafening roar shattered the air. A massive explosion shook the entire base, causing the ground to tremble violently and sending clouds of dust billowing in every direction. Chen froze in place, his eyes wide with shock, and his heartbeat thundered in his ears. What just happened? Was this a sudden attack? Or was something far more terrifying unfolding before his very eyes?