Chapter 315: Inevitable War
That orange firelight was so deadly and swift.
Facing this sudden burst of bullet rain from the valley’s dead angle, Yutoki Hatta had no time to make any evasive maneuvers. The corner of his eye only caught a glimpse of the dense chain of tracer bullets precisely streaking over his aircraft, viciously pouring into the position of the wingman behind him.
In the next instant, his best partner, the loyal wingman that had followed him for a full two years and covered his flanks in countless air battles, didn’t even manage to make a call before its entire fuselage suddenly exploded, turning into a massive orange fireball!
“Boom…”
The violent explosion echoed in the narrow valley, with shattered aircraft debris mixed with black smoke, like a flower of death that bloomed and withered in an instant. The shockwave even made Hatta’s aircraft jolt violently.
“Ah…”
A shrill scream burst from Yutoki Hatta’s throat.
His eyes bloodshot, he stared deathly at the falling flames, the final trace of his most trusted partner.
Two years of constant companionship, countless times sharing life and death, all turned to bubbles in this moment.
Endless rage and grief instantly devoured his reason.
He fiercely pushed the control stick, about to turn the nose and madly open fire on the enemy aircraft that launched the sneak attack, to avenge his close friend.
However, the opponent’s tactics were terrifyingly calm.
That massive P-47, painted with a shark mouth livery, showed no intention of lingering after completing a perfect “hit and run” strafing attack.
The pilot pushed the engine to its limit, the powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine roared, the entire aircraft pitched up its nose, and violently climbed toward the sky at a despair-inducing angle.
Yutoki Hatta instinctively wanted to chase after it, but he quickly realized it was futile.
The Zero fighter’s proud climb rate seemed so feeble before that “monster” engine.
He could only watch helplessly as the opponent’s massive silhouette rapidly shrank, soon disappearing from sight and merging into the clouds above.
Before he could recover from this heavy blow, the headphones and the valley were already in complete chaos.
Everywhere was the piercing roar of machine guns, the shrill dives of fighters, and violent explosions.
In other directions, similar ambushes were unfolding. One after another P-47 burst out from unexpected valleys and clouds, using their 8 12.7mm heavy machine guns to pour deadly bullet rain on the unprepared Japanese aircraft group.
In just a few short minutes, the four-Zero fighter formation personally led by Yutoki Hatta had already lost three aircraft.
In the channel, screams and panicked reports from another aircraft group came one after another.
“We fell for it!”
A cold fact smashed down on Hatta’s head. He instantly understood that all the exhaustion, all the reluctance to engage, were illusions! This was a meticulously planned, deadly trap!
All previous complacency and fantasies were shattered by cruel reality in this moment. He glanced at the empty sky behind him, no longer having any courage or will to fight.
He fiercely pushed down the nose, using his proficient low-altitude flight skills to weave through the complex valleys like a lost dog, tail between its legs, fleeing in panic.
Just after Yutoki Hatta fled in disarray, in the command tower of Jiuqu River Airport, the atmosphere had reached its peak.
In the radio communication channel, one exciting good news report after another kept coming, like the loudest firecrackers during a festival.
“This is ‘Thunderbolt Second Squadron’!
Reporting to headquarters, the Japanese aircraft that came from the southwest direction have been driven away by our formation, confirmed three kills.
Repeat, three kills.
Only the lead one ran fast, letting it slip!” This was Li Xiuming’s voice, forcibly suppressing his excitement.
“Headquarters, this is ‘Pirate Third Squadron’.
In the southeast airspace we’re responsible for, four Japanese aircraft were taken down two by us! The remaining two saw the situation was bad and desperately dove into the mountain gullies to escape; we’re pursuing.”
“Report! Jinsha Ridge direction, ‘Thunderbolt No. 5’ formation reports, one Japanese aircraft shot down, currently clearing the battlefield!”
Every battle result reported triggered a tsunami-like cheer in the headquarters.
Those officers and staff who had been driven frantic by the Japanese harassment tactics, harboring a belly full of anger, now all had flushed faces, vigorously waving fists and embracing each other, venting the joy of victory to their hearts’ content.
Even Doolittle, who had been standing by with a serious expression, couldn’t help but show a smile, forcefully patting Cheng Rufeng’s shoulder.
Cheng Rufeng was even more excited, his face flushed red, holding the microphone and loudly commanding, his voice somewhat hoarse.
In this ocean of jubilation, Su Yaoyang slowly stood up from his chair, his hands behind his back unknowingly released.
He walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, watching P-47s returning victoriously and landing on the runway, secretly letting out a long breath of relief.
Don’t think he appeared so calm and composed in front of everyone earlier, like he had everything under control and was confident; actually, his heart was also drumming.
Vehicle-mounted radar was an absolute novelty in this era, technically far superior, but after all, it had never seen real combat.
In theory, it could perfectly counter the Japanese low-altitude infiltration tactics, but theory is theory; no one knew its actual combat effect or if unexpected problems would arise.
But he had no choice; he was really forced into a corner by the little devils.
He never expected that the Japanese in this timeline would turn sneaky so quickly, knowing how to use Shanxi’s complex terrain to play hide-and-seek with his air force.
This rogue tactic directly reduced the efficiency of his heavily invested, proud fixed radar air defense network by at least fifty percent, giving him a sense of punching cotton with a heavy fist.
In utter helplessness, he could only take a gamble, using the matter converter to produce vehicle-mounted radar “black tech” that the Americans wouldn’t develop until four years later, using the crude method of “quantity over quality” to weave a dragnet.
Fortunately, from the current results, the effect was quite good.
Otherwise, if the Japanese continued this harassment, the air force exhausted and unable to secure air superiority, he was starting to worry whether the long-prepared general offensive on Taiyuan could still launch on time.
The officers’ cheers continued, and Su Yaoyang didn’t disturb his subordinates from enjoying this hard-won joy.
He just quietly watched for a while, then glanced at the jubilant crowd and gave a look to his chief of staff Pi Ruoyu beside him.
Pi Ruoyu immediately understood, and the two tacitly turned to quietly slip away from the clamor, leaving the stage to the true protagonists.
Unexpectedly, just as he reached the headquarters door, before he could open it, a voice with a distinct American accent and full of vigor came from behind.
“Boss, please wait a moment; I have something to discuss with you.”
Hearing this signature “Boss,” Su Yaoyang’s steps stopped; he didn’t need to turn around to know it was Doolittle—the only straight-talking American in the entire militia who called him that.
He turned his body somewhat helplessly, looking at Doolittle hurrying toward him, a hint of inquiry on his face: “Jimmy, something up?”
Doolittle walked up to him, glanced at the noisy surroundings, then at Pi Ruoyu nearby, appearing hesitant: “Boss, we… let’s talk over there.”
He pointed to a relatively quiet corner at the end of the corridor.
“Alright.” Su Yaoyang nodded.
Pi Ruoyu beside him immediately understood; he realized this might involve Doolittle’s personal matters or American side issues, and he shouldn’t be present. He spoke up proactively: “Commander, I’ll wait for you in the car below.”
“Okay… go ahead then.” Su Yaoyang waved him off.
Pi Ruoyu saluted and turned to go downstairs.
Then, Su Yaoyang and Doolittle came to that secluded corner at the end of the corridor, where there was a small observation window overlooking the entire airport apron.
Neither spoke immediately; the atmosphere was somewhat silent.
Doolittle seemed to be organizing his words, watching the ground crew inspecting and maintaining the returning P-47s outside the window, his eyes complex.
After a moment of silence, Doolittle finally turned his head, looking at Su Yaoyang with a rare solemn tone: “Boss, I think I need to resign from you.”
“You’re leaving?”
Su Yaoyang was slightly startled; the relaxed expression on his face instantly tightened.
This news was too sudden, completely unexpected.
Doolittle, as one of the earliest founders of the Shanxi Militia Flying Squadron, had played a crucial role in its formation and training; he could be called the soul of the entire air force besides himself.
Moreover, he was well aware of Doolittle’s vital role in this fledgling air force; virtually every aspect of the Shanxi Militia Flying Squadron bore Doolittle’s imprint.
Although the flying squadron had now taken initial shape, under his careful training and help, Cheng Rufeng, Feng Mingqian, Ye Qiyuan, and others could stand on their own; even without Doolittle, the unit could continue advancing and fighting.
But Su Yaoyang knew even better that in terms of comprehensive ability, tying Cheng Rufeng and all of them together still couldn’t match Doolittle.
This wasn’t even a comparison of the same level.
This guy, even placed in the global aviation field, was among the top handful of monster-level experts.
He could hand-build aircraft, was proficient in all kinds of extreme flight techniques, an ace among aces.
He was also the legendary adventurer who set the record for solo global flight.
Most critically, this guy was a PhD in aviation engineering, even able to personally research and improve aviation fuel formulas to squeeze the last bit of potential from engines.
Able to fight, build, research, manage, and lead teams—such a versatile talent was truly one of a kind in the world today.
Su Yaoyang really hated to see him go. This wasn’t just losing a capable general but also a good teacher and friend, a technical leader who kept bringing him surprises and breakthroughs.
But he was equally clear that a man like Doolittle, reaching world-top levels in multiple fields, had absolutely top-tier mental maturity and willpower.
Once such a person made a decision, basically no one could change his mind. Trying to retain him with money or position would only seem laughable and disrespectful.
Since he couldn’t keep him, better to part on good terms.
Su Yaoyang reached out and forcefully patted Doolittle’s shoulder.
“Jimmy… can you tell me the reason?” His voice was calm.
“This…”
Doolittle’s not particularly tall frame seemed to pause slightly; after a silence, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, as if weighing his words.
After a moment, he said:
“Washington issued a draft order to me; I have to reenlist.
As for the rest, please forgive me for not saying more.”
Hearing Doolittle’s lame reason, Su Yaoyang was first stunned, then an irrepressible light laugh sounded.
“Hahaha…”
He chuckled and shook his head; his expression didn’t seem like hearing regrettable news but rather a not-very-clever excuse.
Looking at Doolittle’s serious yet somewhat apologetic face, he said in a half-joking, half-serious tone: “Isn’t it just that Washington realizes war is coming soon and is starting war preparations? Why make it so mysterious—do you really think others don’t know?”
At these words, Doolittle’s expression instantly froze.
“Boss… you…”
His brows furrowed tightly, his deep blue eyes filled with disbelief. He never expected his overly young “boss” to have such keen instincts.
From just one sentence of “being drafted,” he immediately inferred the highest levels of the U.S. government’s strategic intentions! This was beyond military talent—what terrifying political insight!
Seeing Doolittle’s shocked look, Su Yaoyang waved it off, signaling him not to make a fuss. He turned, strolling casually to the observation window, leaning casually on the frame, gazing at the distant rolling mountains.
“Alright… Jimmy, this isn’t hard to guess.”
His tone was flat, yet carried a confidence that saw through everything.
“Japan and America will eventually fight over Pacific control; anyone with a bit of strategic vision can see that.”
He extended a finger, lightly drawing on the dusty glass.
“Your U.S. government was indeed smart, profiting hugely from the Sino-Japanese war these three or four years, watching tigers fight from the mountainside, nearly draining Japan’s fiscal and gold reserves. But now, Japan is sinking deeper into the Chinese quagmire, with no sign of the war stopping.”
He turned his head to Doolittle, his gaze sharpening.
“Japan’s demand for oil, food, and most importantly steel, is growing; you know what that means?”
“It means war… inevitable war!”
