The German Navy dispatched an expeditionary fleet to the Far East to confront the island nation, a move that naturally drew the keenest attention from the islanders. Although they had anticipated that Germany would not relent when engaging their colonies in Southeast Asia, the news of the fleet's deployment still caused some unease. The island nation's navy was too weak to stand against the formidable German expeditionary force, and they knew they stood little chance of withstanding it.
As the German fleet passed through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean, the British Navy immediately withdrew all its warships stationed there into port. Simultaneously, all coastal defense guns at Gibraltar were put on high alert, fearful that the Germans might seize this opportunity to strike at the fortress.
Fortunately, the German fleet had no intention of wasting time in Gibraltar, which relieved the defenders at the fortress. While the strategic importance of Gibraltar was undeniable, the German military believed that once Britain itself was subdued, the fortress would fall easily. The fleet's current mission was to strike at the island nation, and there was no need to squander time at Gibraltar.
The news of the German fleet's entry into the Mediterranean reached the islanders through secret channels, courtesy of the British, Americans, and French. Despite the island nation having abandoned the alliance treaty and even sending troops to attack British colonies in Southeast Asia, placing the two nations in a de facto state of war, the British appeared to have forgotten this fact. They selflessly passed on intelligence about the German fleet to the islanders, hoping that the island nation could weaken the German forces or at least divert some of them, thereby reducing the pressure on Britain itself.
Upon entering the Mediterranean, the German fleet's next destination was the Suez Canal, still under British control. However, the British forces stationed in Egypt were far too intimidated by the size of the German fleet to engage them. They were far more concerned about the possibility of an attack on Egypt than a confrontation.
With the British mainland now facing imminent threat, Britain had already recalled most of its forces from across the globe. There were few troops stationed in Egypt, and the British soldiers would be grateful if the Germans did not target them. It would be suicidal to provoke the German fleet.
The British, Americans, and even the French continued to inform the islanders of the German fleet's movements, ensuring that by the time the fleet entered the Indian Ocean, the island nation was fully aware of its whereabouts and intentions.
On July 15th, at the Imperial Navy Ministry in Tokyo, Admiral Yatsuda Rokuro, Admiral Shimamura Hayao, and Admiral Ijuin Goro, the three leading figures of the island nation's navy, convened in Admiral Yatsuda's office. Although there were figures such as Admiral Yamamoto, the father of the navy, and Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, who commanded the victory at the Battle of Tsushima, these men were considered the soul of the island nation's naval forces.
"Based on information from the British, Americans, and French, the German fleet has been confirmed. It consists of nine battlecruisers, ten light cruisers, and twenty-seven destroyers, along with numerous transport vessels. We cannot deny the sheer strength of their forces. Just sending a fleet of battlecruisers is far more powerful than our entire navy," Admiral Yatsuda remarked.
"Indeed! Among their nine battlecruisers, the three *Mackensen-class* are regarded as the most powerful in the world, equipped with three triple-mounted 380mm 50-caliber main guns. The three *Derfflinger-class* battlecruisers are also armed with triple-mounted 380mm 50-caliber guns. The three *Moltke-class* battlecruisers carry triple-mounted 343mm 50-caliber guns. No vessel in our navy can withstand the firepower of their battlecruisers. Even our *Kongo-class* battleships, with their 356mm guns, are only comparable to their *Moltke-class* battlecruisers. And that is without considering the far superior 380mm guns," Admiral Shimamura sighed.
Even the paper figures alone were enough to drive the island nation's navy into despair. Though they were the foremost naval power in East Asia, facing the world's true naval powers, they were sorely outclassed. To make matters worse, the German Navy, having already defeated the British, now stood as the new naval hegemon. This overwhelming force placed tremendous pressure on the island's navy.
"If only our navy possessed such formidable ships! We could even dominate the Pacific!" Admiral Ijuin remarked, his eyes full of envy and jealousy. Western powers could build battleships with reckless abandon, while the island nation could not. The two *Fusō-class* battleships were still under construction and would not be ready for service for some time. Furthermore, future shipbuilding plans were contingent on the state of the nation's finances, a matter that troubled Admiral Ijuin deeply.
"Since the Meiji Restoration, the Empire has only developed over a few decades. To achieve what we have today is already remarkable. The European powers, after all, have had centuries to develop. Given more time, I believe the Empire could become a true world power, not merely a struggling participant among the great powers," Admiral Yatsuda explained.
The islanders were justly proud of their rapid rise to prominence in such a short period. They were the only Eastern nation to have joined the ranks of the great powers, while all other Eastern nations had been reduced to colonies.
"Indeed! The Empire's achievements have come at great cost, so we must give our all to win this battle. If we lose, the consequences are too dire to contemplate," Admiral Shimamura added.
Admirals Yatsuda and Ijuin nodded solemnly. They knew full well what the stakes were for the island nation.