Chapter 40: Sniper Kill (4)

　　As Yamashima Yukio squeezed the trigger, an icy draft swept from his left. Instinct screamed danger—he ducked just as a soundless bullet struck his rifle barrel. His own shot deflected wildly off-course. The round meant for 360th Regiment Commander Zhao Fenggang's temple whisked past, missing by five millimeters. Death grazed Zhao Fenggang's skin.　　Dong Sanshao had spotted the scope flash through the branches. He fired instantly, knowing this opposing sniper targeted Chinese commanders. His goal was simple: disrupt the enemy's aim. He succeeded, but the shot revealed his position. Yamashima tracked the cold gust's origin to the left flank. Adjusting his rifle, he spotted Dong Sanshao wedged between two rocks. A cold smile touched Yamashima's lips.　　Yamashima fired without hesitation, but the angle was nearly impossible. His bullet sparked against stone. Dong Sanshao realized he faced a master sniper—cold sweat slicked his palms and beaded on his forehead.　　Dong Sanshao lay trapped between two rocks, the crown of his skull barely clearing the boundary line. When Yamashima Yukio fired again, Dong Sanshao felt death's whisper in a sudden sinister gust against his face. He flattened himself instantly. The bullet sliced through empty air precisely where his head had been moments before—a heartbeat slower would have blown his skull apart.　　He dared not