Holy Roman Empire

Chapter 1123: Chapter 137, Strategic Priority
 

The vast and boundless azure ocean was continually hit by waves that crashed onto the battleship, emitting earth-shattering roars and spraying water several meters high.

Beneath the impact of the waves, the battleship began to sway, and the people on the deck could hardly keep their footing. If it weren’t for their extensive experience, they might have already been feeding the fish in the sea.

Inside the command room, General Ito Yohiro calmly drank his coffee as if the tumult outside didn’t exist.

For those seasoned with life at sea, tempests had become part of everyone’s life, only noteworthy if they threatened the fleet’s safety.

Staff Officer Akiyama Masakazu said, “Commander, we have received an urgent telegram from the British, requesting your review.”

While speaking, he respectfully handed over the document, displaying flawless courtesy.

Setting aside his coffee, Ito Yohiro casually took the document and, after briefly scanning it, closed his eyes and murmured, “What was expected has come.”

He then asked, “Where are we now?”

Navigating at sea was a science in itself. In this era without GPS, direction was guided solely by traditional tools, impossible without rich maritime experience.

Especially since they were stealthily navigating this time, needing to avoid enemy detection, making it more challenging to not stick to traditional routes.

Akiyama Masakazu replied, “We are nearing the Anambas Islands now; not far from the rendezvous point with the British.”

After some thought, Ito Yohiro instructed, “The enemy is attacking Singapore; we need to bring forward the time of the decisive battle. Relay the order, command the fleet to accelerate.”

Owing allegiance to a superior has its price. After relying on the British for so many years, it was now time to repay that debt.

Of course, necessity played the biggest part. As Russia-Austria were traditional allies, Japan, currently at war with the Russian Empire, could not align with them.

In a sense, Japan’s fate had long been tied to the British. Though not shared prosperity, shared losses were certain.

If the British unfortunately lost, even if the Vienna Government abstained from retaliation, Japan without support from major powers could not overcome the Russians.

This southern advance by the Japanese Navy was not just for the British, but for the Japanese Empire itself, making it compulsory to give their all in battle.

Admittedly, the Japanese had a knack for surprise attacks. Even after the fleet entered Southeast Asia, it remained undetected by the Continental Alliance.

In comparison, the British were much less adept. The Far Eastern Fleet, soon after deployment, had leaked information, otherwise the Battle of Singapore wouldn’t have coincidentally erupted.

Of course, being underestimated also played a role. After all, the British Far Eastern Fleet was always monitored, while the Japanese Navy was not taken seriously.

Luck always runs out eventually, and Southeast Asia was, after all, within the Continental Alliance’s sphere of influence; they could evade detection only so long.

As the Japanese Navy accelerated, Hans, piloting a reconnaissance plane, blurted out a curse, “God, see what we have found?”

With exaggerated expressions, his co-pilot Leo, sweating profusely, said, “Calm down, mate, remember you’re flying!”

Seeing his tense comrade, Hans coolly responded, “Don’t worry, I’m aware. We’re flying over the sea, not mountains; a little distraction is fine.

Blame the Japanese below; if they hadn’t come here, would I be so surprised?”

Leo, exasperated with his heedless companion, finally understood why the skilled Hans had been kicked out from the main forces.

A pilot needed to be cool and composed, qualities Hans patently lacked. If not for the ongoing war and his decent flying skills, he would likely have been sent home by now.

Setting aside their dispute, Leo began tapping on the telegraph. The affair of the Japanese Navy entering Southeast Asia was significant and had to be reported immediately.

As for what to do next, that was for the higher-ups to decide, not their concern.

…

The invention of the radio was undeniably the greatest revolution in military communications history.

The news of the reconnaissance plane spotting the Japanese Navy reached Admiral Ares aboard a ship outside the Port of Singapore in less than half an hour, demonstrating true efficiency.

Anyone with a bit of military knowledge could see that the Japanese Navy’s secret move southwards was clearly aimed at the Shinra Navy.

Whether to continue with the original plan was a vexing issue. According to the original plan, dealing only with the Far Eastern Fleet had a 99% chance of victory.

Now with the Japanese Navy involved, the situation was entirely different. How much power an aircraft carrier group could wield remained a mystery.

Air support was also limited. After all, this was Southeast Asia, not the homeland, managing to deploy an air division here was already challenging.

In theory, a complete air division possessed 288 fighter planes, a considerable number.

However, an air division comprised not only bombers but also fighters, reconnaissance planes, early-warning aircraft, and transport planes…

Of course, these planes could be used as bombers too, but the results would be very touching.

Ares had reason to believe that victory would be theirs. However, this battle was not only about defeating the enemy but also about severely damaging or even annihilating the enemy’s main fleet.

The enemy wasn’t foolish; if they realized they were outmatched from above, they would certainly choose to flee.

After all, tactics born from desperation can only be performed once; if they couldn’t severely damage the enemy this time, it would be impossible to do so again.

After much hesitation, Ares decided to take a gamble. Luring the enemy right to their doorstep was hard; missing this opportunity meant the next chance was uncertain.

Even if they couldn’t capture the enemy forces, just destroying a few of their battleships or taking out the two British Dreadnoughts would achieve their objective.

Once the enemy’s strength was diminished, even without air support, facing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance with fleets from Spain and the Netherlands wouldn’t be disadvantageous.

If this step were accomplished, the Continental Alliance could not only cut off the Malacca route but also occasionally send fleets to patrol the Indian Ocean.

Subsequent battles could be left to the army, as long as the navy could ensure the logistical supply chain was intact, they could push from the Malay Peninsula onward.

Although this would mean less personal glory, as a high-ranking officer, he had to consider the strategic perspective.