--- 19th of April 1897 ---
--- 3rd Person POV ---
--- Night time ---
Before the final stand at the township of Kelung, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén was also facing challenges while attempting to conquer the townships of Keibi and Shinte. He encountered a mob of civilians outside Keibi, whom he approached with diplomacy and goodwill. However, this goodwill was met with betrayal, leading to Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén losing over 20 soldiers.
Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén and his team developed a sense of distrust towards civilians residing near towns under Japanese occupation. Civilians near Keibi, where Japanese soldiers were stationed, were killed by Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén and his men. Unlike Vice Admiral Chen Yi's team, who suffered losses during the onslaught but managed to recover, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén's team was in equally dire straits.
Thirty individuals chose to desert the team, leading to their arrest and subsequent return to Taihoku. Nearly a hundred others were deemed unfit for battle after witnessing the killings, unable to tolerate the close-quarters slaughter of civilians.
This sentiment is understandable given that the killings were carried out not by gunfire but by sword. Gayangs, wielded by the majority of Butuan soldiers, were used to cut down and slay civilians and mixed Japanese soldiers within the mob.
Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén took 10 minutes to devise a plan to divide the team into two groups. One group would stay behind to recuperate, while the others would advance to Keibi and lay siege to the town. This decision was endorsed by Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén's subordinate officers. A contingent of 500 Butuanon soldiers remained to recover and guard against potential attacks from other directions, while the remaining 4 thousand or so Butuanon soldiers proceeded toward Keibi town.
The arrival of the Butuanon forces was met with fierce resistance from the 2 thousand Japanese soldiers in the town of Keibi. With no walls to protect the entirety of the town, it became easy for them to enter and intensify their fight against the Japanese forces. Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén commanded his men to surround the town, allowing zero escapes for the Japanese forces.
With the heavy rain pouring down, it became quite difficult for the forces of Butuan and Japan to engage in combat. The once solid mud that formed the town's road turned into a pool of mud and blood as the rain mixed the two elements.
Fierce commands resounded from Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén and Brigadier General Hiroshi Tanaka, undeterred by the heavy rain on the island. Despite near-zero visibility due to the darkness and downpour, the gunfire eventually ceased. However, at the slightest indication of the rain subsiding, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén promptly ordered his men to resume the fight against the Japanese forces.
As Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén and his troops progress deeper into the town of Keibi, the controlled territory of Brigadier General Hiroshi Tanaka and his forces tightens around them. Despite their push forward, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén has already suffered the loss of nearly 300 soldiers in this battle due to inadequate management.
The majority of Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén's soldiers perished not from gunfire, but from traps laid by the Japanese forces outside the township of Keibi.
Brigadier General Hiroshi Tanaka sought assistance from Governor-General Nogi Maresuke, currently overseeing the township of Shinte. However, Keibi Township lacked its own telegraph station. The option of dispatching troops via horseback was also impractical, as Brigadier General Tanaka was aware that he and his entire troop were already surrounded by Butuanon forces.
With only 1,500 soldiers remaining, Brigadier General Tanaka decided to lead his forces southward, aiming to regroup with Governor-General Nogi Maresuke's 3,000 troops in Shinte. Despite being uncertain about Butuan's military strength, Brigadier General Tanaka refused to jeopardize his and his men's lives solely to defend the township of Keibi, considering the inhabitants of Keibi less significant than his own survival.
With this mindset, 1,500 Japanese soldiers forcefully exit Keibi, firing from all sides and eliminating anyone who opposes them.
Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén observes the actions of the Japanese forces and attempts to halt their retreat. However, the Butuanon forces stationed in the southern part of the town are insufficient to prevent Brigadier General Tanaka's soldiers from escaping.
With the battle lasting just under two hours, a total of two thousand individuals perished, including 800 from the Japanese forces, 500 from the Butuan forces, and the remainder civilians unfortunate enough to be unintentionally struck by ammunition and artillery fire.
Following the battle's conclusion, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén and his men successfully seize control of Keibi and begin assessing the extent of damage inflicted upon the town. With nearly 30% of the homes reduced to rubble and fires still raging, along with scattered bodies littering the streets, it can be observed that Keibi fared considerably better than Kelung.
A few minutes after settling, Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén issued orders for his men to commence interrogating the residents of Keibi, seeking out any potential Japanese spies within the town. Concurrently, while this operation unfolded, he dispatched 500 soldiers to reinforce his forces, stationed just a few meters away from Keibi.
The seizure of Keibi faced challenges, as the civilian populace harbored resentment towards the Butuanon soldiers, holding them responsible for the deaths of their loved ones at the hands of the Japanese. Despite attempts by Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén to pacify the locals, tensions escalated, resulting in a brief riot. The enraged populace demanded answers and resorted to arming themselves with makeshift weapons from their kitchens and gardens to confront the Butuanon forces.
The short and small riot was promptly quelled by the team led by Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén after one of his men fired a warning shot at the civilians, shouting, 'BACK OFF, YOU BARBARIANS!'
Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén then imposed martial law throughout Keibi, reducing the likelihood of further unrest by implementing stricter regulations on the town's populace. He and his men spent nearly an hour in the town before proceeding towards the township of Shinte, a few kilometers away.
As 300 soldiers, led by Colonel Karthik Reddy, were deployed to maintain order and clear the town, there remained a total population of 1 thousand in the township of Keibi. With the presence of the 300 Butuanon soldiers, they gradually succeeded in persuading the grieving populace that it was the fault of the Japanese, not the Butuanon soldiers, that their loved ones were killed.
The Butuanon Imperial Military conveyed to the inhabitants that they were there to liberate them from Japanese control. Through these persuasive assertions, the devastated people of Keibi ultimately yielded to the soldiers of Butuan, fully embracing them as their heroes and saviors, while regarding the Japanese forces as their adversaries.
A clearing operation was proposed by the soldiers of Butuan who remained to ensure security in Keibi. The majority of the able-bodied men volunteered to participate. Additionally, some local men expressed their desire to join the Butuan military, a request promptly accepted by Colonel Karthik Reddy.
Although most of the 300 Butuanon soldiers expressed discomfort and reluctance to allow locals from Keibi town to join the military, Colonel Karthik Reddy reassured them. He explained that the locals would only be utilized for town guarding duties and limited their number to 50, which quelled the protests of the Butuanon soldiers.
The people prepared a pyre for the fallen soldiers of Butuan, while others began to dig a large hole in the ground to bury the deceased Japanese soldiers.
It was a gloomy and devastating night for Keibi. Keibi hadn't even managed to get a decent sleep, as not only had half of its population been killed during the battle, but some had also lost their homes. If it hadn't been for the rain that started pouring, fire would surely have engulfed the entire village of Keibi. This was especially concerning because all of the houses in Keibi were made of wood and straw, unlike those in Kelung, where some were constructed from concrete.
During the ongoing clearing process, one can observe children accompanied by their mothers or elders crying over the lifeless bodies of their loved ones and relatives. Some are even seen embracing the bodies of their deceased loved ones, their wails of pain and grief echoing throughout the entirety of Keibi. Meanwhile, Butuanon soldiers and volunteers continue their efforts to clean up the town, dragging one body after another of both soldiers and civilians.
Simultaneously, the spoils from the fallen Japanese soldiers are being transported back to Taihoku, where Colonel Sunil Rana, a subordinate of Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén, awaits as the current authority in charge of the city.
At the township of Shinko, on Major General Luna's side, a fierce battle rages. One thousand Japanese soldiers of the Japanese Empire valiantly defend the town against the five thousand soldiers of Major General Antonio Luna. Not even the rain, pouring relentlessly on the island, dampens their dedication to their respective empires.
Leading the Japanese forces in Shinko is Captain Takeo Nakamura, a 50-year-old military veteran under the command of Viscount Katsura Tarō. His leadership not only keeps the morale of his troops high but also showcases his exceptional command and tactical prowess. With a wealth of experience leading armies into various battles, Captain Nakamura is rightfully hailed as one of the greatest military captains of the Japanese Empire in this era. Even Major General Antonio Luna, renowned for his leadership and tactical acumen, finds himself challenged by the skill and strategy of Captain Nakamura.
An hour had passed since the commencement of the battle in Shinko. Unlike the forces led by Vice Admiral Chen Yi and Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén, who found themselves confronted by a hostile civilian mob, Major General Luna's troops had not encountered such resistance. This left Major General Luna's contingent of 5 thousand men in a considerably better condition compared to the others. However, despite this advantage, minimal progress had been achieved due to the formidable defenses erected by Captain Takeo Nakamura and his forces in Shinko.
The situation was somewhat absurd, as the one thousand Japanese soldiers stationed in Shinko managed to impede the progress of the much larger Butuanon army of 5 thousand soldiers in capturing the town within mere minutes. This situation greatly frustrated Major General Luna, whose pride and confidence in his leadership abilities significantly influenced his perspective. Particularly vexing was the fact that Major General Luna harbored aspirations of attaining the rank of General, aspiring to ascend the ranks of military prestige within the Butuan Empire.
The decision to station Captain Nakamura in Shinko was made by Viscount Katsura Tarō himself. He believed that having Captain Nakamura there would effectively impede the advancement of the Butuanon soldiers heading towards Chosokei. This rationale is understandable, given that the road from Shinko is the only direct route to Chosokei. Consequently, Viscount Katsura Tarō assigned Captain Nakamura to protect the town.
As heavy rains continued to fall in the area, a ceasefire ensued as both sides prioritized the well-being of their soldiers. However, during this lull in fighting, fortifications of defenses were underway in Shinko, aiming to prevent any Butuanon soldiers from breaching the town's defenses. All of this occurred amidst the grim sight of bodies strewn throughout the township of Shinko.
The bodies of fallen Japanese soldiers lay scattered on the ground as their comrades slowly retrieve them, consolidating them in one place. A similar scene unfolds on the side of Major General Luna, where a total of 80 Butuanon soldiers have perished in the first half of the battle before an unspoken ceasefire.
Amidst this grim tableau, Major General Luna stands inside a makeshift tent, clad in his military uniform, rainwater dripping off him. The tent serves not only as shelter from the cold but also provides him with space to rest and hold meetings with his officers.
The tent is adorned in the style of Butuanon, with decorations reflecting patterns of ocean and river waves, along with vines culminating in orchid flowers. Inside, a table, chair, and some beds are arranged, while candlelight from a stand on the table illuminates the space. Situated a few meters away from the shootings, it provides a serene environment.
As Major General Luna stands in the center of the tent, still dripping from the water, a soldier named Captain Jai Kumar approaches him, also dripping wet. The sound of his approach alerts Major General Luna, who turns to face Captain Jai Kumar and acknowledges his military salute.
Captain Jai Kumar is of common descent, much like the majority of the military soldiers in the Butuan Empire. He is a handsome man bearing a scar on his face from a past battle. Standing at 165.09 cm (5'5) tall, he possesses a typical height for a Butuanon. His complexion bears a slightly darker tan, a result of enduring the constant sun exposure during training. At the age of 24, he holds the rank of captain, serving directly under Major General Luna.
"Major General, sir," Captain Jai Kumar reported, "Our operative has already sought refuge in the trees. Additionally, we've dispatched scouts to Shinko to evaluate the situation and devise a more comprehensive strategy for seizing the town."
Major General Luna nodded before replying, "How about our men? How many have we lost?"
"A total of 45 soldiers have been lost, yet none carrying Kar98B rifles have perished. What's even more remarkable is that those equipped with the newly invented bulletproof vests from Rajah Arhaan Armoury were shot, but the vests successfully stopped the bullets from penetrating.
Out of the 10 bulletproof vests currently in our possession, 2 soldiers wearing them did not survive. However, the remaining 8 soldiers wearing the vests managed to survive and are in good condition, despite all ten being on the front lines of battle," Captain Jai Kumar responded with enthusiasm and delight, understanding the significance of this development. Major General Luna also expressed enthusiastic emotion upon hearing Captain Kumar's report.
"Marvelous! Hahaha!" Major General Luna exclaimed enthusiastically, a broad grin spreading across his face. "His Imperial Majesty will surely be thrilled when this news reaches his ears."
The reaction of Major General Luna is indeed understandable, as it is only in this battle that he was able to test the effectiveness of the bulletproof vest made by Rajah Arhaan Armoury. The vest was designed under the guidance of Crown Prince Siagu Alexie himself and was exclusively provided to Rajah Arhaan Armoury, an establishment affiliated with both the Imperial Family and the government.
Unlike the previously circulated bulletproof vests, which were primarily utilized by nobles and monarchs when venturing into hazardous areas, the current iteration is designed for combat and is considerably more expensive than common variants. This prompted Rajah Arhaan Armoury, under the direction of Minister of Defence Ali Ahmadi bin Haji, to produce only 10 test samples. The supply arrived just days before the commencement of today's battle.
Despite the unfortunate deaths of two soldiers wearing the vests, the likelihood of fatality while utilizing the protective gear is significantly lower compared to being unprotected. With this advancement in bulletproof vest technology, Major General Luna envisions a future where fewer Butuanon soldiers perish on the battlefield.
Realizing that he had discomposed himself, Major General Luna began to straighten his posture before redirecting his attention back towards his men.
"Pass the message… In a few minutes from now, when this rain ceases, the siege will recommence. Ready the artillery units and ensure the cavalry rifle units are prepared. We must crush this town into total submission," Major General Luna declared firmly. "We have wasted enough time waiting, hoping these vermin would surrender. But their faces are as thick-skinned as pigs'—they never yield."
After saluting in recognition, Captain Jai Kumar exited the tent and began disseminating Major General Luna's message. A few minutes later, while still inside the tent, Major General Luna summoned a soldier. A young man in his early twenties entered, drenched from the rain, and bearing the standard Winchester rifle of the Butuanon Imperial Army.
Major General Luna then handed a letter to the soldier, instructing him, "Ride back to Taihoku and deliver this to the communication department. Inform them to dispatch it to the capital, specifically to the emperor and the crown prince."
The soldier then left the tent hastily, riding a horse back toward Taihoku while carrying the letter of great importance. Major General Luna began preparing himself for the siege on the township of Shinko, waiting for the rain to cease to allow his soldiers proper visibility.
It didn't take long for Major General Luna and the soldiers of Butuan to wait for the rain to stop. Just as it did, the visibility across the entire Shinko area cleared, allowing the Butuanon soldiers to see almost everything. Rows after rows of Butuanon soldiers hid behind the cover of trenches a few meters away from the town of Shinko, while 20 artillery cannons were positioned on their front, facing the town and awaiting activation to fire.
While the artillery positioned itself, preceding the crouching soldiers in the trenches were the rifle cavalry units of the Butuanon Imperial Army. All had mounted their horses with pride and dignity, led by Major General Luna himself, who took center stage. A smug expression adorned Major General Luna's face as he sought to intimidate the Japanese soldiers in Shinko with the display of force he had mustered.
For minutes, Major General Luna awaited a possible response from the Japanese in Shinko, but none came. Failing to elicit a reply, Major General Luna, impatient with his own attitude, chose not to wait any longer.
Impatient and filled with rage, Major General Luna redirected his attention towards Captain Jai Kumar, who rode his own horse alongside the major general.
"Prepare the cannons… and upon my command, commence bombarding the town. I want those Japanese to feel the agony of being killed by cannon fire," Major General Luna declared. Captain Jai Kumar nodded in acknowledgment before departing from Major General Luna's side to issue commands to the artillery units of Butuan.
The soldiers concealed in the trenches and the cavalry units also made preparations, anticipating their imminent entry into the town once the artillery units ceased firing. Clicks of weapons and murmurs of conversation reverberated throughout the Butuanon area as they nervously readied themselves for battle. Some individuals, overcome by an inexplicable sense of fear, trembled as they prepared.
While events unfold favorably for Major General Luna, the majority of Butuanon soldiers observe a conspicuous silence in the township of Shinko. Little activity is discernible among the Japanese soldiers stationed in the area. This not only bolsters the confidence of most Butuanon common soldiers but also instills in them the belief that victory is assured. However, Major General Luna and the seasoned Butuanon soldiers harbor weariness and suspicion toward the eerie silence emanating from the township of Shinko.
With years of experience in the service of the Butuanon Imperial Army, Major General Luna and the other veteran soldiers have grown wary of anything suspicious they deem unusual. This is especially true for the town of Shinko, which boasts a considerable number of residents. Consequently, Major General Luna refrained from hastily charging towards the town with his troops.
A few minutes after issuing the command to Captain Jai Kumar, all Butuanon soldiers had already made their preparations. Consequently, without waiting for any further movements from the people inside Shiko town, Major General Luna began issuing orders to bombard the town with artillery.
"FIRE!" The command thundered from Major General Luna's lips, echoing across the field as the artillery units of twenty unleashed their payload upon the township of Shinko.
Among the Butuanon soldiers, a somber gravity hung over them, their expressions hardened by the weight of duty. Yet, below Major General Luna, a different atmosphere prevailed. Officials grinned with anticipation, their smiles belying the potential devastation wrought upon the soldiers of the Japanese Empire by the relentless barrage of artillery fire.
As the echoes of the gunfire faded into the distance, the scene was set for a confrontation of consequence, where the choices of individuals would shape the destiny of nations.