"Gentlemen, the pressure on the Prime Minister is immense. If the Germans continue their indiscriminate slaughter, even the Prime Minister will be unable to bear the burden. Thus, we have no other choice but to swiftly defeat the Germans." Upon returning to the Navy Department, Admiral Yatsushiro Rokuro's face was grim.
"Our reconnaissance vessels have discovered that the German transport fleet is not accompanying their battle fleet. This means their transport ships are not with the fleet. However, we still do not know where their transport fleet is located. The ocean is vast, and locating the German transports will not be an easy task," Admiral Ishimura Sokuo remarked.
"We must find a way to organize another set of reconnaissance ships to locate the German transport fleet. Once we spot their transports, we must immediately send our fleet to strike. If we eliminate their transport ships, their battle fleet will have no choice but to retreat!" Admiral Ijuin Gorou asserted.
"May Amaterasu grant us her blessing and help us discover the German transport fleet soon!" Admiral Yatsushiro Rokuro sighed deeply.
The Imperial Navy now placed its hopes entirely on finding the German transport fleet. By destroying their supply lines, they could cripple the German expeditionary fleet. Facing a direct confrontation with the Germans was out of the question; they lacked the courage and the confidence for such a battle.
The German Navy's expeditionary fleet, advancing northward, reached Sagami Bay on August 10. The Uraga Channel, once a bustling waterway, had been quieted as merchant ships sought refuge within Tokyo Bay, too fearful to venture out. The naval base at Yokosuka was on high alert, with all coastal defenses aimed at the strait. Should the German fleet make a move toward Tokyo Bay, the Japanese would open fire immediately. In fact, the Imperial Navy had laid a large number of mines in the Uraga Channel overnight to prevent the Germans from entering Tokyo Bay.
On the flagship of the German Navy's expeditionary fleet, the battlecruiser *Mackensen*, Rear Admiral Spee and Rear Admiral Moff were discussing the upcoming battle.
"Admiral, it seems the Japanese Navy has made up its mind to hide like a turtle. After we sank so many of their merchant ships and fishing vessels, they have remained completely indifferent," Rear Admiral Moff remarked.
"Indeed! It appears the Japanese Navy is quite wise. They understand that they have no chance against us in open battle. That is why they have chosen to adopt this approach. However, they have underestimated our resolve. This time, we will not rest until the Japanese are brought to their knees," Rear Admiral Spee responded.
Though the German Navy bore much of the responsibility for how the battle had evolved, the Imperial Navy also shared blame. Had they not hidden in their ports, the German fleet would not have turned its focus to the coastal cities. While the expeditionary fleet's actions could be seen as indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, in the end, the Japanese had brought this upon themselves. Had they not been so eager to seize territories that rightfully belonged to Germany, the Germans would not have dispatched their fleet eastward. Thus, all of this was a consequence of Japan's own actions.
"Order the transport fleet to resupply tonight. Tomorrow morning, we will attack Shizuoka and destroy it!" Rear Admiral Spee commanded.
Originally, Tokyo would have been the ideal target, but Rear Admiral Spee dared not risk entering the Uraga Channel. While the coastal defenses posed little threat, the mines were another matter entirely. Under no circumstances could the fleet afford to take such a risk. After all, they were far from home, and the loss of any ship would be a significant blow.
"Yes, Admiral," Rear Admiral Moff replied, quickly organizing the arrangements.
That evening, the German expeditionary fleet rendezvoused with the supply convoy about 300 kilometers from Sagami Bay. The warships replenished their fuel, ammunition, food, and water, enough to sustain several days of intense combat.
Once resupplied, it was already late at night. The fleet began heading towards the first target designated by Rear Admiral Spee, while the supply convoy continued further into the Pacific, awaiting further orders.
On August 11, as the sun rose over the Pacific, the German fleet reentered Sagami Bay, targeting Shizuoka.
At 7:00 AM, the expeditionary fleet arrived off the coast of Shizuoka. The sight of the massive German fleet caused panic among the residents.
"Amaterasu, the Germans are here, and they are heading toward Shizuoka! What do they intend to do?"
"Who knows? Could they be planning to shell Shizuoka?"
"That's impossible! The Germans are part of a civilized society, surely they wouldn't do such a thing!"
"I've heard that the Germans have been trying to force a final battle with our Navy, but the Japanese fleet has been hiding in Tokyo Bay. The Germans have no choice but to vent their anger on others."
"Idiots! Our Navy! The people of the Empire have tightened their belts to support the Navy's development, to buy ships and build new ones. Yet when the enemy comes, they hide like turtles?"
"The enemy is too strong. Germany is the world's strongest power now. Our Navy is no match, so saving our strength is the only option left!"
The Germans paid no heed to the thoughts of the Japanese. They were soldiers, and their duty was to follow orders.
"Order all ships to prepare!" Rear Admiral Spee issued coldly. He knew the consequences of this command, but he hesitated not for a moment.
The battlecruisers began turning their broadsides toward Shizuoka, readying their guns.
"Damn it, the Germans really are going to shell Shizuoka!"
"Run! If they open fire, we're done for!"
Countless Japanese citizens scattered in fear, but it was already too late. Had they begun their retreat earlier, there might have been a chance to escape. But now, they were left with no hope but to be torn apart by the incoming shells.
"Fire!" Rear Admiral Spee gave the order.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The *Mackensen* opened fire first, its three triple-barreled 380mm main guns roaring. Heavy shells screamed toward Shizuoka.
The other eight battlecruisers followed suit, unleashing their own bombardment on the city.