The shots from the flamethrower kept the enemies behind the crates. Since they were surrounded by flames, they didn't notice the grenade land a couple feet away from them until it was too late. With a flash, the grenade went off in the faces of their assailants, immobilizing them for the next 5 or so seconds. The crates protected the group of infantry, and the enemy climbing into the Tankette was lucky enough to have been looking the other direction. Toshiaki's shots missed his target, but Yoshiro manage to score a shot on the enemy's shoulder. The Neko dropped the package she was carrying as her arm became useless, but managed to climb fully into the Type 30 Tankette and start it up.