Chapter 0718: Clash of the Main Forces

Rear Admiral Yamashita Gentaro, Chief of Staff of the Combined Fleet, observed the displeased expression on Admiral Ijuin Gorou's face. Clenching his teeth, he promptly issued orders for the other warships to sortie.

"Deploy the 'Uzuki,' 'Minazuki,' 'Nagatsuki,' and 'Kikuzuki' immediately. Eliminate the two German destroyers!"

"Yes, General." The communications officer swiftly set about sending the telegram.

Upon receiving the orders, the four 'Kamikaze-class' destroyers swiftly advanced toward the two German destroyers.

"Despicable islanders! Their two destroyers are no match for ours, and now they've dispatched four more. In just 53 minutes—three minutes remaining—if we cannot sink those destroyers, we will have no choice but to retreat!" Captain Mike commanded.

This caused the two German destroyers to intensify their fire. The shells poured down like a torrential rain, relentlessly pounding the 'Kamikaze-class' destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

"Boom!"

An 88mm shell struck the bridge of the 'Isokaze' destroyer, tearing through the bulkhead and detonating inside. Though the power of the 88mm shell was relatively modest, the confined space of the bridge magnified its effect. Shrapnel exploded in all directions, instantly killing all aboard, including Captain Sonoda Shigeki.

In the ensuing three minutes, the 'Isokaze' was hit more than ten times. Given its mere 450-ton displacement, such damage was undoubtedly fatal.

Soon, the ship succumbed to its wounds and sank.

Meanwhile, the 'Ayanami' destroyer was luckier, narrowly escaping destruction. Though heavily damaged, the arrival of four additional Japanese destroyers forced the German destroyers to cease fire and retreat.

The four 'Kamikaze-class' destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy gave chase, but the G-class destroyers of the German Navy, with a maximum speed of 34 knots, easily outpaced them. The Japanese could do nothing but watch as the German destroyers cruised around the Combined Fleet without being able to catch up.

"Forget about the two German destroyers. Continue south! Our goal is to engage the Germans in battle. Even if they know our movements, what of it? As long as our fleet stays together and denies them any opportunities, we shall prevail," Admiral Ijuin Gorou ordered.

"Yes, Commander," Rear Admiral Yamashita Gentaro reluctantly acknowledged.

At this moment, the German Navy's expeditionary fleet was heading north. Since the Japanese had summoned the courage for a decisive engagement, the Germans could not let this opportunity slip by. A decisive victory could potentially cripple the Japanese Navy, making future battles easier and allowing them to pressure the Japanese government into abandoning their ambitions and accepting German terms.

"General, the 'G37' and 'G38' destroyers have achieved a minor victory. They've sunk one Japanese destroyer and heavily damaged another. The Japanese dispatched more destroyers to pursue them, but the German destroyers outran them with their speed. I'm sure the Japanese are feeling rather humiliated," Rear Admiral Maofu said, beaming with satisfaction.

"Ah, it seems the Japanese ships perform even worse than I had imagined. If that's the case, our chances of victory are even higher," Vice Admiral Spee remarked with a faint smile.

"General, I'd like to inform the fleet of this news," Rear Admiral Maofu requested.

"Go ahead, let them share in the joy," Vice Admiral Spee nodded.

Operating thousands of miles from home, morale among the fleet's officers and sailors had been somewhat dampened. A small victory could undoubtedly boost their spirits, making them believe that victory was within reach and that the fleet would soon return to Germany.

Upon hearing that they had sunk a Japanese destroyer and severely damaged another, the crew members erupted in cheers. While the prior attacks on Japanese coastal cities had caused significant casualties, these had not felt like true victories. Now, however, the joy of success dispelled their lingering negativity, allowing them to wholeheartedly focus on the battles to come.

The German expeditionary fleet and the Japanese Combined Fleet were rapidly closing in on each other. Both sides knew that a large-scale battle was inevitable, and neither sought to avoid the clash. Instead, they both aimed to defeat the other and secure victory.

At 11:00 AM, the fleets encountered each other about fifty kilometers off the coast of Ise Bay.

The vast Japanese Combined Fleet sailed south, with nineteen battleships lined up in a long battle line. The other armored cruisers, protected cruisers, and destroyers formed multiple groups around the main fleet, offering protection.

"For a nation like Japan, to possess such a formidable fleet in such a short time is truly remarkable," Vice Admiral Spee observed.

"Indeed, Admiral. However, after today, there will be no more Japanese Combined Fleet. We will sink them all," Rear Admiral Maofu responded confidently.

"Order all ships to prepare for battle. All battlecruisers, form the battle line!" Vice Admiral Spee commanded.

"Yes, Admiral," Rear Admiral Maofu immediately passed on the orders.

On the other side, Admiral Ijuin Gorou also issued orders to prepare for combat. The nineteen main ships of the fleet turned to close the distance with the German forces. After all, aside from the four 'Kongō-class' battlecruisers, the rest of the Japanese fleet was equipped with 305mm main guns, and even the 'Sōgō-class' ships only mounted 254mm guns. If the engagement distance was too great, their smaller-caliber guns would lose effectiveness. Closing the gap was their only chance for victory.

At the same time, Admiral Ijuin Gorou also ordered the cruiser and destroyer groups to seek out opportunities to eliminate the German light cruisers and destroyers, preparing for subsequent torpedo attacks.