-Japan's path to survival-

"Interceptor unit number 1, the battle situation is Equilibrium We have suffered eight casualties. We have shot down ten enemy planes. They are keeping them away from the fleet."

"First unit from Musashi, I understand the battle situation. Thank you for your valiant fighting. Please continue your best efforts."

"Plane 1 understood."

As of yet, not a single aircraft has been allowed to enter.

However, shooting down a large aircraft consumes a lot of ammunition.

-6th Plane Lieutenant Furuike-

"B-kun, fall down!!"

Lieutenant Koike pulls the trigger. The machine gun pierces the enemy plane. But the bullets run out.

"What?! Shit, I'm out of bullets in a place like this!!"

"Plane 6 to all: I'm out of ammo. I repeat: I'm out of ammo!"

"Plane 1 through 6, return to Musashi. Return as soon as resupply and refueling are complete."

"Number 6, understood, we will definitely return."

With that, the sixth plane turned around and headed toward Hawaii, where the fleet was waiting.

-Lieutenant Colonel Jen's Machine-

"Damn! We've already lost over 10 planes. Cancel the operation! Cancel it! We have to get back to the mainland quickly."

"Roger that, leader to all units! Return! Return immediately!!"

"Commander, the enemy planes are retreating! We should return to base as well."

"No! If we let them go back alive now, they'll come again. Next time they'll come right to the Imperial Capital, right on top of His Majesty and our families! Don't let them go back alive!"

"Got it, we'll make them regret attacking us!!"

Thus the interceptors fought until they ran out of ammunition.

The enemy force came in a large formation of over 100 planes, but only 15 made it back alive.

However, all 15 of those aircraft were damaged and unusable.

"Reporting! We have shot down over 80 enemy planes, while 32 of our planes were hit and crashed. We have rescued 21 crew members."

"Well, thank you for your hard work. The floatplane rescued the six crew members of the enemy plane. After extracting their information, we will load them onto a destroyer and send them to the mainland."

After finishing his report, Lieutenant Colonel Fuchigami was talking with his wingman, Captain Suzuki.

"We were able to contain the air raid this time, but that was because it was a surprise attack. If the enemy had been aware of it, we would have had to rush into that dense barrage of bullets. If that had happened, our casualties would have been more than doubled or tripled."

"That's right. Moreover, this time we have shown them that we can reach the same altitude as them. I think they will be on their guard next time."

"Besides, the production lines for fighter planes are still mainly focused on the Zero fighter. However, even though the Zero fighter's 20mm guns are a thing, 7mm guns are no match for an armored B29. We need to start focusing on production of the Reppu and Hayabusa."

"Understood. Next time we return to the mainland, let's talk to the commander. It would be impossible for me, a captain, to do anything, but if you, Lieutenant Colonel Fuchigami, say it, I'm sure the commander will listen."

"That's right. This is the way for Japan to survive this war."