To prevent the combined fleet of the island nation's navy from retreating to Ise Bay should the battle turn unfavorable, the German expeditionary fleet chose to sail eastward. This would ensure the combat took place over the Pacific, allowing the German fleet's main vessels to leverage their speed advantage and firmly suppress the island nation's flagship vessels.
General Ijuin Gorō understood the German intentions clearly, yet there was little he could do. Reluctantly, he ordered the fleet to follow the German navy's course. Should they fail to destroy the German fleet in this naval engagement, the prospect of a devastating defeat loomed large. The Germans would gradually exploit the superior capabilities of their warships, systematically dismantling the island nation's fleet. Thus, they had no choice but to seize this opportunity.
"Distance: 18,000 meters!" reported the officer in charge of the range.
"Distance: 16,000 meters!"
The distance between the fleets steadily decreased.
"When the range shortens to 15,000 meters, open fire! Engage at long range as much as possible, and do not allow the islanders to close the distance!" ordered Vice Admiral Spee.
A seasoned officer who had seen numerous naval battles, Vice Admiral Spee knew well how to apply his fleet's advantages. If they could fully harness these strengths, perhaps they could defeat the islanders with minimal cost.
"Yes, Admiral," responded Rear Admiral Maufer, quickly passing the order down the chain of command.
Soon, the distance narrowed to 15,000 meters.
The flagship of the German expeditionary fleet, the battlecruiser *Mackensen*, fired first. Three triple-mounted 380mm main guns began unleashing shells upon the flagship of the island nation's navy, the *Kongō*.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Orange flames flared from the gun muzzles as shells screamed toward the *Kongō* battlecruiser.
The firing of *Mackensen* was a signal for the other ships. One by one, the other warships followed suit.
"Idiots! BaGa! They're firing from this far? Do they think they can hit at such a distance?" shouted Rear Admiral Yamashita Gentaro.
"Yamashita, this is the difference between the Imperial Navy and a world-class navy. According to intelligence, in European naval battles, combat distances commonly exceed 15,000 meters. Unfortunately, the Imperial Navy lacks the advanced battleships necessary for such training," said General Ijuin, a flicker of regret in his eyes.
This was the difference in depth! Although Germany unified after Japan's Meiji Restoration, the former Kingdom of Prussia had always been a global power, vastly surpassing Japan in naval history. Furthermore, Japan's industrial underdevelopment and poverty left them at a severe disadvantage, particularly in costly military technologies. In contrast, the army, requiring less investment and aided by the Bushidō spirit, remained somewhat capable.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The nine battlecruisers of the German fleet fired in unison, their heavy shells smashing into the island nation's battleships. Though the German expeditionary fleet was outnumbered in terms of capital ships, they had seized the initiative from the very start of the battle.
"Boom!"
A 380mm shell exploded less than fifty meters from the *Kongō*. The resulting water column drenched several sailors on deck, leaving them soaked to the bone.
"Commander, why are the Germans' gunnery skills so superior?" Rear Admiral Yamashita's expression darkened.
"The German navy has always been formidable, nearly on par with the British navy. The Imperial Navy cannot compare. Moreover, the Germans have incorporated many new technologies, from advanced ranging devices to aiming systems, all superior to our own. If our navy could equip such advanced ships, our performance would not be much worse!" General Ijuin's face was filled with regret. Their battle against the Germans was essentially one between the weak and the strong—a near-impossible task.
Yamashita nodded, falling silent.
"Order our battleships to retaliate! If this continues, we may soon see one of our ships hit, which would severely damage morale," commanded General Ijuin.
"Yes, Commander!" Yamashita immediately relayed the orders.
The *Kongō*'s four twin-mounted 356mm 45-caliber guns fired first, targeting the German flagship *Mackensen*. Eight heavy shells screamed toward the German battlecruiser.
Other ships of the island nation's combined fleet quickly followed suit.
The combined fleet's superior number of capital ships allowed General Ijuin to position the two *Sagami-class* battleships at the rear of the line. When allocating targets, he paired two battleships against each of the German fleet's battlecruisers.
The *Kongō* and *Hiei* targeted the *Mackensen*; the *Haruna* and *Kirishima* focused on the *Prinz Friedrich Karl*; the *Kawachi* and *Settsu* engaged the *Friedrich der Grosse*; the *Satsuma* and *Aki* went after the *Derfflinger*; the *Katori* and *Kashima* aimed for the *Lützow*; the *Iwami* and *Hizen* sought to neutralize the *Hindenburg*; the *Danish* and *Shikishima* faced the *Moltke*; the *Asahi* and *Mikasa* took on the *Goeben*; the *Fuji*, *Sagami*, and *Suō* fired at the *Seydlitz*.
On paper, the island nation's fleet appeared to have the advantage, with several 2-to-1 and even 3-to-1 pairings. Yet, beyond the 356mm guns of the *Kongō*-class, the remaining battleships' 305mm guns were far less formidable.
Nonetheless, the combat was fierce, as both fleets engaged in a relentless exchange of fire.