PART 4
Class-A fortifications with log-barrel cannons.
Must be the "scarecrow strategy."
This stinks!
Five years' artillery training, and they give us peashooters.
Let's put that one to old Commander Yamada.
Attention!
Is there a Private Kaji in this squad?
Yes, sir.
It's been a long time, Kaji. So you're still alive?
At ease!
I am 2nd Lt. Kageyama.
I'm taking over your training as of today.
Who goes there?
Firefly.
Snow.
Sounds of gun tractors or tanks for 10 minutes.
Otherwise all is in order, sir.
Good work.
What's that?
Probably a festival.
They shot off fireworks.
Doesn't make sense.
The fighting in Europe must have ended.
Germany must have surrendered.
A new batch of recruits arrives soon.
I want you to assist me in their training.
In what way?
The new men range from 20 to 44 years old.
Half active service, the remainder untrained.
Artillery men are a rough bunch. They'd tear these men to shreds.
Basic is like that anywhere.
That's why I need your help.
Count me out.
I told you I gave up guarding the army's sheep.
I've reported that you're my assistant in the rifle squad.
I'll see that you make private 1st class.
Think you can bait me with a promotion?
No, I know I can't.
I just figured you could spare those recruits a lot of grief.
Need I say more?
I'll accept your proposal...
on one condition.
What's that?
I want radical changes in squad composition.
And the training officer has agreed
to separate the recruits from the veterans?
He has.
Hon. Squad Leader, if you approve, the company commander will as well.
Sure it's not just to keep the veterans off your own back?
That's part of it, but not all.
Many of the new untrained recruits are in their 40s.
Excessively rough treatment in the barracks
would make it difficult for them to learn anything.
From my own days in basic I remember one case of suicide.
It's our duty to weed out such weaklings.
Training alone won't make men strong.
I'll work them hard during training
but show them kindness in the barracks.
What would a two-year man like you know?
You have to put the screws on from the start
to teach them what army life is really like.
So, PFC Kaji, you're the new assistant?
That is correct.
What will you teach them?
Just what I was taught.
And what were you taught?
Since you were picked as assistant,
you must know a lot.
But there's one thing you have yet to learn.
Masui...
teach the lad.
What could a mere private like me teach PFC Kaji?
Don't try to act big around me!
How long have you served?
I'll show you how artillery trains its men!
Cannon No. 1 loaded!
Kaji-san, you're a private 1st class in the infantry.
You could give Masui a beating if you wanted.
So our presence would interfere with training your recruits?
Want to lord it over them all alone, eh?
Won't let anyone lay a finger on your precious recruits, eh?
Then get ready for what you've got coming!
Open your mouth.
Wider!
Now listen carefully!
I didn't plug your ears, so you should be able to hear.
The pheasant that cries is apt to be killed.
This one won't cry anymore, the poor sap.
This is what you get for slighting the veterans.
When your beloved rookies arrive,
forget the codes and manuals and teach them that!
Who'll save their hides under fire?
Not your codes or manuals, but the vets.
The same ones showing you such affection now.
Remember that!
The lieutenant!
What's going on here?
Take that slipper out of your mouth!
Take it out.
I'll overlook this whole matter...
but only this once.
Such behavior will not be tolerated!
Nice young kid.
Thank you for everything.
- Get your men settled in? - Yes, sir.
The vets may have grumbled,
but you got your way, even if it meant eating that slipper.
I want to train men who'll be willing to die with me.
How many men will the rifle squad get?
Twenty on light machine guns and 20 on mortars.
Well, are you tired out?
Is the border close to the enemy?
The enemy? Yes, very close.
Then this is the very front line.
I can boast to Father.
What does he do?
He's an officer. A major.
Worried about your kid?
I'm not the only one.
I'll be all right, sir.
Sir...
I'm gonna carry a picture, okay?
Watch the casual language.
What kind of picture?
Of a girl.
Sure. Most pictures are of girls or boys.
- I told you. - His is different.
It's a naked woman.
A good luck charm?
Something like that.
It'll never pass inspection. Better sew it into your loincloth.
Listen here:
Use formal language when addressing veterans besides myself.
If they hear "ain't" or "gonna,"
you'll get a beating you'll never forget.
Understand?
With eager face and eager voice
My wife and children urge me on to great deeds
Come here.
A little early to go around with loose buttons.
Words don't seem to teach you men anything.
I'll be more careful. May I have it back, please?
No, you may not. You can come for it later.
The button must have worked itself loose.
Go to the veterans' room and don't waver.
Be prepared for a beating.
Go get it back. You'll have to handle this yourself.
Recruit Koizumi to retrieve his button!
Enter!
- What's that? Your button? - It was my fault.
Tashiro did it! He pushed me!
What? You dog!
Look at what they serve the veterans.
Don't tell me you scooped it up off the ground
with those dainty hands you wipe your ass with!
Who cut our ration?
Why do you keep blaming me?
Tashiro, stop playing innocent!
What's that?
Cut it out!
Why fight over it now?
What should I do?
What should you do?
Hon. Lance Corporal, what should he do?
How about another helping from the kitchen?
No real hurry. We'll wait.
Very well!
Dump the food back in the bucket.
Azumi, when that's done,
take it to the vets.
We'll eat just rice. It's better than nothing.
Take this!
Is that how Kaji taught you?
No, it was all my own mistake.
You polish your boots sitting on your ass?
What did you do, Enji?
Ah, the Honorable Assistant.
Kaji, how'd you teach your men to shine their boots?
- I was at fault. - Shut your mouth!
How about it, Kaji?
I've yet to give them any special instructions.
He did teach us. I was at fault.
You keep quiet.
I'll see that they're taught correctly. Please forgive him.
Fine.
I'll stand by and watch how you teach him.
Hit him!
I understand you're opposed to striking your recruits.
I cannot do it.
Shall I show you how?
Like this!
Sir, strike me!
You're through here. Go!
Son of a bitch!
It's not because I took a beating.
I want orders forbidding all corporal punishment of recruits.
I'd go along with you if we were stationed further back.
But it's different here.
The vets may be louts, but they can stand on their own two feet.
If I lost control over them, what would happen in battle?
I'd place my recruits and myself at your command.
In actual combat...
I couldn't trust you half as much as I trust those men.
Those jaded five-year vets wouldn't listen
to a 2nd lieutenant fresh from the academy.
I understand, sir!
Just a minute.
Michiko wrote me.
I told her you were here with me.
She can't understand why you so rarely write,
since you must be enjoying more freedom here.
More freedom, eh?
Want to read it?
Just give me the gist.
She's relieved. Figures you have it easy under my command.
She has a lot to learn.
She asked me to keep an eye on you.
Be careful, Kaji.
Don't twist her words to support your own position.
Fool!
She's praying that our worthless lives might be spared,
hoping against hope that you'll survive.
She repeats that over and over.
I'm sorry.
You're an officer. You can write to her.
If you send a reply, here's what you should say:
"Kaji will not die.
No matter what happens, he'll make it out alive."
Please tell her that.
2nd Lt. Kageyama.
Okinawa has fallen, but we have the main island.
The 2.5 million soldiers waiting there -
- It's too late to pray for miracles. - We're not!
Our strategy aims at final victory.
We all like to think so.
Though the home front expects the tide to turn,
our men are being wiped out.
That's the true picture.
Meaning they died in vain?
Depends on how you look at it.
- Why, you - - Calm down!
Save your heroism for your soldiers.
He who shouts loudest isn't always the bravest.
2nd Lt. Kageyama.
Aren't you making a mistake?
Japan's not as feeble as you might think.
From the Aleutians to Australia,
from Tarawa to India,
Japan has pressed the battle across thousands of miles.
A pessimist like you can't begin to grasp her strength.
Yes, we've had to draw back our battle lines.
We've lost Okinawa and face battle on our mainland.
But that's all part of our basic strategy.
Look how the enemy doesn't yet dare attack our main island.
Their supply lines grow longer as our units grow more ready and compact.
Our main forces at home are still intact.
Our Pacific losses are like a single hair off the hide of a bull.
Can't you understand that?
- I understand. - What do you understand?
That I'll probably die here.
And 2nd Lt. Nonaka...
so will you.
What's going to happen to us?
If the Japanese lose -
Nonsense! Japan will never lose.
It's un-Japanese to even consider it!
Un-Japanese? It's only natural to be concerned about oneself.
Tucking your tails just 'cause we lost Okinawa!
You have no dedication!
PFC Kaji pampers you! As far as I'm concerned, he's -
I'm what?
Afraid to say it to my face?
You've said nothing to us about the fall of Okinawa.
We need a pep talk. We need faith in our ultimate victory.
You seem to love ultimate victory even more than food.
Personally, I love my wife more than ultimate victory.
You may consider that unmanly.
But when fighting starts,
I'll be the only one you can count on.
Hey, where's your salute?
Hold it!
You call that a salute?
Hon. Squad Leader!
I alone was at fault.
Let me alone be punished.
Save your breath.
Nice work, Hon. Squad Leader.
Mind taking over here?
Sir, spare the others!
Just shut up and keep it up!
- Hon. Squad Leader! - Shut your trap!
Sir!
Naruto, shut up!
I'm taking it too.
You'll keep it up until he says you can stop...
even if the commander says otherwise.
Got that?
You dog!
Get up or I'll whack you one!
Who's that?
Enji?
I'm sorry, sir.
When we were rookies, we kept this up for an hour.
Naruto!
Drinking after hours and raising hell!
You damned NCOs!
Scum! You dare defy us?
Dog! We'll murder you!
Yeah? Just try it! You're in for a surprise.
Son of a bitch!
I've been in and out of worse places.
Throw me in your guard house - I don't care!
Naruto, they'll throw you in prison!
Out of my way!
What have you got to brag about?
You've never earned an honest meal in your lives!
To hell with all of you!
Sir, please leave this to me.
I'll assume custody of him.
Insubordination and insulting a superior.
What will happen?
Can you help him?
If the CO feels
that locking up a recruit would disgrace the company...
Please try to convince him.
Salute the duty officer! Eyes right!
Front!
Cpl. Takeda and command of eight men
have duly transferred guard duties to Cpl. Fujimoto and command.
Out!
Was it tough?
Sorry to concern you. It was only three days.
They're all waiting.
Naruto's back!
Go on inside.
Naruto, was it rough?
PFC Kaji, come here!
Some training you're giving your recruits.
Our men are worn out from guard duty.
What are your men doing?
I'm sorry. I happened to be out.
That's no excuse!
You'd better teach them right.
And stop acting big because you're a PFC!
Take that!
Kaji...
get ready!
You scum!
Get up!
Well, how do you like
being sacrificed for your precious recruits?
That's enough, Akaboshi.
Let's see you do that again, Akaboshi.
Come on! I'll cut you wide open!
Don't think I won't do it.
Pride and face mean nothing to me now.
Come on!
You filthy -
Wait!
Filthy braggarts!
Don't tell me you're afraid of one two-year man.
I'll swap my life for one of you stinking worms!
Wait, Kaji!
Afraid to fight man-to-man?
Sir!
Naruto, let me go!
- Sir! - Let me go!
Don't you rats ever forget:
I'll get even with you someday!
Sir...
next time let me lend a hand.
Tashiro will help too.
Thanks, but that would never do.
Why not?
We'd all be called up for mutiny.
We'll fight it in court.
We'd be sure to lose.
Naruto...
we can't win right now.
Maybe we could give those vets a good licking...
but they're not the real enemy.
Our real enemy... is the army.
Prepare for roll call!
Sir, don't get up.
I want Lt. Kageyama
to get a good look at my face.
Roll call!
Attention!
First squad: Total 36. Absent: 4. Present: 32.
Count off!
Unnumbered: 1. Sick room: 4. All accounted for.
Emergency orders for this squad.
PFC Kaji and 28 recruits
will depart at 19:00 hrs. Tomorrow for trench-digging detail.
You'll march at night to maintain secrecy.
You'll join Cpl. Hironaka's command on site.
Work detail: Approximately one month.
This is a cowardly trick...
sending me out with a work party to avoid friction with the vets.
Look at that way if you wish.
You may think you've rid the company of its cancerous growth,
but I'll be back in a month...
probably more malignant than ever.
I don't think so.
When you get back,
I'm sending you away for special training.
Sending the prodigal son out for a few knocks in the harsh world?
To South Manchuria.
Maybe even close to Michiko.
Why stay here at the front if you have a chance to get away?
You agree?
You and I still have unfinished business.
You avoided the issue,
while I pushed a little too hard.
Neither of us accomplished anything.
You're a clever man,
but picking the army as the stage for your battles
was a fool's work.
It's wiser to play it safe than to be stubborn.
Will you do this clever fool a favor?
The mother hen's leaving half her brood behind.
It causes her some concern.
My absence may make it easier to keep the vets in line.
Can I count on you?
Don't be such a pessimist.
If you must worry, worry about your wife.
You must be all out.
Take them.
Sir, please come back to us.
It's only a month.
I get the strange feeling I'm being stranded.
You and I here together makes some people nervous.
Neither of us is very patient.
Naruto, watch that temper.
Take any trouble to Lt. Kageyama, you hear?
Work party, fall in!
Attention!
Salute the honorable lieutenant!
Eyes center!
Front!
PFC Kaji and party now departing!
Right face!
Forward...
march!
Here comes our water!
Sir!
Take a look.
Good work. Well done.
Feels like I'm building my own house.
Yes, I suppose you'd want to fight in here if possible.
I could battle fate with an easy mind here.
I see.
Sir, that bum wants to bring his mother and girlfriend to live here.
You idiot!
Your mother might want to sleep between you and your bride!
Are you engaged?
When the war's over, let Naruto build you a love nest.
He's a carpenter. He'll be glad to.
Nakai, you can help handle his mother.
I'll help handle the bride anytime!
Sir, you've never told us about your wife.
She's a good wife.
You'll all have to meet her after the war.
Is she tall or short?
Medium build. About 5'2", 105 lbs.
- Just my size! - Fool!
Work party, fall in!
On the double!
Listen carefully!
At dawn today,
our Seiundai fortifications were attacked
by heavy Soviet forces.
It seems Major Ushijima and all his men
died a glorious death.
The enemy is advancing inland
along the entire Manchurian border.
We are to return immediately to barracks to await reassignment.
We are to construct fortifications along the new line of defense,
where we shall meet
and crush the advancing enemy!
Disperse!
Hit the dirt!
A reconnaissance plane.
Nonaka Platoon, listen carefully.
Those without rifles will lash their bayonets to birch staffs
for use in close combat.
Don't we get rifles?
Birch breaks too easily to be of much use.
Is it my fault it's all that grows here?
We're moving out! Break camp!
Prepare to depart in 10 minutes!
Volunteers to go pick up our weapons!
Tashiro to the supply depot for weapons!
Very well. Be careful.
We're moving out!
Break camp! We leave in one hour!
Sir...
what's happening with our command unit?
These conflicting orders confuse and demoralize our troops.
Do your griping to the CO! This is war!
Where's Doi Company?
Over here!
Hironaka Squad?
Over here!
What happened?
We're worn out.
Did you come from Seiundai?
There weren't any survivors there!
Only Onodera managed to sneak away.
I didn't sneak away. I was sent out with a message.
What's the difference? Why so angry?
At least you got out alive.
Recruits, bring us some food!
What happened at Seiundai?
We got wiped out,
including all your precious recruits.
Russian shells suddenly started whistling overhead.
And Lt. Kageyama?
Killed in action.
Aircraft approaching from the north!
Let's go!
Platoon... halt!
Fall out!
You'll find no loot around here.
Where's the senior officer?
Good question. Hey, you know where he is?
Probably giving his girl a final workover.
In that case, Sergeant, will you issue orders for weapons?
Sorry, sir, but I'm not authorized to issue orders.
You'll need orders from HQ.
Where's the phone? I'll talk to HQ.
Right there.
What's wrong with this thing?
The bombings cut the lines.
Sir, shall I liberate more candy from the canteen?
Good idea.
Stay where you are!
Traitors!
I'll kill you all!
I'm taking the rifles on my authority.
300 men can't possibly dig 1.5 miles of trenches in 48 hours.
You think the enemy will wait while you finish?
Instead of ineffective half measures,
we should stop up the valleys with trenches
and concentrate on strengthening our fortifications.
When you're the strategy officer, you can do it your way.
You're stationed in Area C, I believe?
I'm sorry to say this,
but for strategic reasons, your area will suffer heavy casualties.
I'm not saying this to protect myself.
The task is simply impossible.
Even if I order you?
Lieutenant Doi...
proceed with the work.
Yes, sir.
But the Hon. Staff Officer must remember
that some areas will not be finished.
Should those breaches prove fatal, I cannot be held responsible.
To hell with your family. The fate of Japan is at stake.
If we lose, we'll have no homes!
Easy for you to say with no family.
Even if we lose, if I survive, my wife has a future.
If parents survive, the kids have a chance to grow up.
It's not them. You're just afraid to die.
That's enough, Terada.
You're always arguing with everybody.
Because they only think of themselves, not our country.
You're not afraid to die?
I am not.
I see.
Well, I am.
I thought you'd say that.
Now that we're in combat, may I speak my mind?
Go ahead.
You hate me because my father's a major.
That can't be helped.
But you defend this cowardly scum
because you're critical of this war.
It's all right. Let him talk.
Yes, I am critical of it.
I sold my soul for a military exemption.
I can't approve of how your father raised you.
So you mean you reject this war completely?
I mean I should have rejected it.
Then you're a coward with a split personality!
You've had your chance to speak.
Now it's my turn.
You're a fool!
A simpleton who wouldn't understand why his mother would shed tears
if he was killed in action.
To die here is a dog's death.
Even you'll understand that someday, if you survive.
Here come our rifles!
Command squad leader Cpl. Hironaka.
Light machine gun squad, PFC Iwabuchi.
Rifle squad, PFC Kaji.
Antitank suicide squad, PFC Akaboshi.
At ease!
Attention!
Lt. Nonaka will assume command of Platoon III.
The enemy attack will presumably commence at dawn.
Each man will dig a foxhole by midnight
in the spot designated by his squad leader
and prepare to meet the enemy.
PFC Kaji.
You will take a scouting party
and ascertain the location of the enemy.
You'll rejoin this main party before sundown.
Takasugi and Terada, step forward.
Ready ammunition!
This is ridiculous!
After five years of training, they want me crawling under tanks!
I'll bet you recruits don't want to die either.
Well, don't look to me. You're on your own.
Your report conflicts with the others.
Did you penetrate deeply enough to confirm?
I did, sir.
Can your two men confirm the 15 tanks?
I left them behind the embankment, sir.
Why?
We were ordered to remain behind until called.
And he didn't call you?
- I did not, sir. - Why not?
Recruits are not trained in scouting tactics.
Very considerate of you.
You never got close enough to confirm those tanks.
Coward!
I'm scared out of my wits.
This waiting's getting on my nerves.
It's already decided
who will live and who will die.
It's just a few hours till dawn.
We're like condemned men awaiting execution.
There's white cloth in my foxhole. It must be a grave.
There are no graves here.
It has to be a grave.
It must be filled with crumbling bones.
Stop driving yourself crazy!
You're not a child anymore.
Please let me change places with someone.
Sir...
I'll swap with him.
No!
You'll soon be glad to hide under corpses. Why worry about a grave?
Terada, go join Cpl. Hironaka as orderly and runner.
Well, the end has come.
Orders may not be heard above the din of battle.
Each of you must think for himself.
There are just two things I want to say.
Don't be a coward.
Like it or not, what comes will come.
The other thing is:
Never give up.
Not for the sake of victory, but for yourself.
If things get too hot, take cover and think about home...
or your girl.
That's what I plan to do.
Nakai, you got that girl in your loincloth?
Of course!
Good. Hang on to her.
They're coming!
Send up the signal flare!
Lt. Nonaka, prepare for action.
Nonaka Platoon, every man to his station.
Hold your fire. Commence firing at 300.
Distance 800. Fire!
Blast 'em! Wipe 'em all out!
Hold your fire! Save your ammo!
To your right, 400! Fire!
Get those tanks!
Rifle squad...
when the big guns open up, keep your heads down!
Ihara!
Sir!
What is it?
Tanks closing in on our rear!
Where's the CO? - Over there!
I'm going!
Wait! They're still firing.
I'll be okay.
Fire!
Keep your heads down!
Sir!
Koizumi...
Mimura...
Our only alternative is to attack.
Send a runner to the CO. Ask what he plans to do.
Terada, take the message!
Terada relaying the message!
I'm out of ammo, sir!
Azumi, you got ammo? Let me have some.
No, I'm short too.
You're not even firing!
Fine, keep it!
I'm out of ammo, sir!
I warned you about wasting it.
Here.
Wait! Stay here.
We'll fire together.
Commander!
Where's that runner?
Enemy troops to our rear! We're trapped!
We all feel safer with you here, sir.
And I want to send you home safe to your mothers.
Enji!
I'm out of ammo, sir!
I'll take him some.
You'll go?
I'm out. Ammo!
I'll be right back.
No, if you go, stay there.
Make every bullet count, okay?
Get ready. I'll cover you.
Go!
Tashiro!
Nakai, stay down!
Tashiro!
Sons of bitches!
Lieutenant, should we retreat?
Fool!
Long live the Japanese empire!
You fool, come back!
Terada, what are you doing?
Where's the tank?
It's gone.
Does it hurt?
They'll come back for us again.
The major's son fought bravely.
You just might make it through this.
I'll sear your wound.
Close your eyes.
Rifle squad!
Rifle squad, show yourselves!
Anyone there?
I refuse to die.
- What'll we do? - One final charge.
A final charge?
Watch out, Kaji!
Onodera.
Will we make it?
They coming this way?
- You got a grenade? - No.
If we have to, we jump at 'em.
Please save me!
Are they gone?
Are they? - Quiet!
They're still up there.
Stop shooting!
He'll get us all killed!
- Stop shooting! - I got him in the leg!
The battle's over.
No, it's not! I'm gonna attack!
If you wanna die like a dog, go ahead.
What do we do now?
We were lucky to come through it alive.
Let's try and stay that way.
All right, we get it!
We know how tough you are. Stop showing off!
You don't know the Kwangtung Army!
He's raving mad!
Pin him down, Kaji!
Come on, you damned Ruskies!
I'll chop you up!
Onodera, it's too dangerous!
Quiet!
You don't know how tough I am!
Quiet or we'll all be killed!
Onodera, be quiet!
Be quiet!
What happened?
He's dead.
I won't claim I put him out of his misery.
I killed him!
You didn't have to kill him.
Do you blame me? Do you?
I'm a monster!
But I'm going to stay alive!
Is anyone there?
Isn't anyone left alive?
Answer me!
Is anyone else still alive?
END OF PART 4