Published at 13th of February 2023 06:55:39 AM

US special envoy Hopkins left Tokyo on a B-17 bomber and flew back to the mainland of the United States. Kazunari Ugaki, foreign minister of the island, saw him off at the airport in person. This time, Hopkins left with a smile on his face. Overall, his trip to the island country went smoothly.

Although, the islanders were very greedy during the talks. But that's nothing. As long as the islanders can fully devote themselves to the war and launch an attack on Germany, this is what the US government hopes to see.

After all, the benefits promised by the US government will only be realized after defeating Germany. If you fail in the war, there will naturally be no way to honor everything.

The U.S. government is not afraid that the island country will go back on its word now. According to the information they have obtained, the island country is indeed ready for war, and now it is ready to go. Besides, if the island country really dares to delay any longer, the United States can immediately impose sanctions on the island country. After all, the materials promised to be provided to the island country will not be shipped to the island country until after the war breaks out. If the island country wants to continue to obtain supplies from the United States, it must fulfill its promise and go to war with Germany.

After Hopkins left, the island government entered the final stage of preparations for the war. The army and navy of the island country have already issued an order for emergency combat readiness. A large number of soldiers are returning to the barracks, waiting for the next order. The top leaders of the island country's army and navy are also discussing how to launch an offensive. Because there is no overwhelming advantage, if the island country wants to win, it has to take a slanted sword.

Island Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe summoned Minister of Army Itagaki Seishiro, Army Chief of Staff Prince Kanin Miyazaihito, Director of Education Yamada Otozo, Marine Minister Mitsumasa Yonechi, Naval Commander Nagano Shoshin, and Combined Fleet Commander Yamamoto Isashiro.

"My lords, there are not many days left until the empire joins the war. For the empire, this war is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity. I hope that you can lead the imperial army in the next war. Defeat Germany and win the war. The future of the empire is in the hands of the lords!" said Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe.

"Hi, Your Excellency Prime Minister." The generals of these island countries said one after another.

"So, do you have any plans for the next battle?" Konoe Fumimaro asked. He doesn't know much about war. But he knew that war had to be left to professionals. Otherwise, meddling casually will only mess up the good situation. They are not the ones who endure the loss in the end. Therefore, Fumimaro Konoe just set a general direction, such as participating in the war. How to fight is still up to the army and navy to discuss.

The important generals of the army and navy of the island country looked at it, and Seishiro Itagaki said: "This time the empire launched an attack on Southeast Asia and Australia, which will be a cross-sea expedition. Therefore, the first targets to be resolved are the German Pacific Fleet and the Indian Ocean. Fleet, only by solving the German navy, the army can successfully land in Southeast Asia and Australia, and confront the German army stationed there!"

Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe nodded, and looked at the three officers of the Navy.

"Your Excellency, although the strength of the Imperial Navy has developed rapidly over the years. But we have to admit that our foundation is too weak. Compared with the Germans, we have shortcomings in many aspects. Even if it is only Facing the German Navy's Pacific Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet, we are not sure of victory. After all, in naval battles, there are too many uncertain factors." Mitsumasa Minai said.

"Let Yamamoto-kun explain the specific tactics!" Minai Mitsumasa continued.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, gentlemen. At present, the joint fleet has completed formation, and all ships have completed overhaul and maintenance. All our warships are at the peak stage of strength and can go to sea to fight at any time. Now, the joint fleet has a total of 12 battleships , 4 battlecruisers formed into 4 capital ship formations. Eight aircraft carriers were divided into four aircraft carrier formations. Together with heavy cruisers, light cruisers and destroyers, the combined fleet assembled more than 150 ships warships. From the strength of the fleet alone, we can easily crush the German Navy's Pacific Fleet or Indian Ocean Fleet. But unfortunately, the two German fleets cooperate with each other. This makes our two sides roughly equal in strength Therefore, we must choose a suitable opportunity to attack and strive to severely damage the German fleet in one fell swoop. Otherwise, we may find it difficult to defeat them!" General Yamamoto Fifty-Six said.

All the people, including Konoe Fumimaro, couldn't help but become serious. Even the Fifty-Sixth Admiral Yamamoto, the commander of the United Fleet, does not have the confidence to win. It can be seen that it will be very difficult to win this naval battle.

"Yamamoto-kun, if there is no war, there is no certainty. As long as we do our best to fight for it, I believe that Amaterasu will bless us. The final victory must belong to us!" Prime Minister Konoe Fumimaro said.

He did not criticize Admiral Yamamoto Fifty-Six, because he knew that the last disastrous defeat of the Japanese navy cast shadows on many people's hearts. Although the island nation's navy is now getting stronger and stronger. But the strength of the enemy is undoubtedly stronger. So, it's best to be cautious. Land battles are not comparable to naval battles. In land warfare, success may be achieved with courage and a fearless style of play. Naval battles, however, were different. In many cases, in addition to relying on strength, it also depends on luck.

"According to the information we have so far, the German Navy's Pacific Fleet is still staying in Lion City and the South China Sea. And the German Navy's Indian Ocean Fleet has arrived in the waters east of Australia, and may go north at any time to join the Pacific Fleet and attack us. So , the United Fleet plans to attack one of the two fleets of the German Navy first. If they can be eliminated, we will be able to win this naval battle. Which one to attack first depends on the situation It depends." General Yamamoto Fifty-Six said.

In fact, the joint fleet of the island nation's navy does not have a suitable combat plan now. Because both fleets of the German Navy were too far away from them. It is almost impossible to get close without sound or odor. After all, the German Navy also built airports and deployed many land-based aircraft on those islands in the Pacific Ocean. Nanyang also has the German Air Force.