A warship flying the Rising Sun flag sailed into the English Channel. It was an immense battleship, its displacement of over thirty thousand tons making it resemble a small mountain floating on the sea.
Though its main guns were shrouded by gun covers, the thick barrels still betrayed the immense firepower of this vessel.
This battleship was none other than the flagship of the Fusō class, the Fusō battleship, the first of its kind constructed by the Island Nation's navy. It was also the only battleship remaining in their fleet. Over the decades, the Island Nation's navy had lost its other battleships in the decisive battle against the German naval expeditionary fleet, a conflict that had left them utterly defeated. That battle had effectively sent the Island Nation's navy back to square one. In an effort to safeguard the nation's interests, they had been forced to work tirelessly to construct a new battleship, allowing the Fusō to be commissioned ahead of schedule. The progress on the Shinano battleship was also greatly accelerated.
Additionally, thanks to loans from the United States, the Island Nation's naval construction program was in full swing. The Ise class battleships were already under construction, as the nation poured its resources into rebuilding its navy to exact vengeance upon the German fleet. If the war was lost, the Island Nation would be doomed to complete bankruptcy.
On the deck of the Fusō, a young boy stood, gazing at distant Britain.
"Your Highness, the sea breeze is quite strong. Perhaps it would be best to return to the cabin," suggested Kato Takaaki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The royal family of the Island Nation was plagued by numerous ailments due to inbreeding. Emperor Meiji suffered from uremia, Emperor Taishō had mental impairments, and Crown Prince Hirohito, though physically sound, had an infirm right hand and poor health.
The boy before him was none other than Crown Prince Hirohito. Despite his tender age of fourteen, his intelligence had earned him the regard of the nation's ministers, who saw him as a symbol of a wise and capable ruler. Many believed that under his leadership, the Island Nation would only grow stronger.
Of course, what they could not foresee was that Hirohito would lead the nation to ruin. In another timeline, the Island Nation had narrowly escaped disaster due to tensions among the great powers. However, in this timeline, everything was different. Ultimately, the Island Nation would be destroyed because Emperor QinTian of the German Empire no longer wished for its existence.
"Is that the British Empire over there?" Hirohito asked, eyeing the northern horizon.
Kato Takaaki nodded, his voice laced with both nostalgia and bitterness. "Once, it was the British Empire. But now, it is the United Kingdom of England and Wales. The once-great empire no longer exists."
In Kato's words, there was a mixture of regret and exhilaration. He regretted the fall of the British Empire, as their defeat to the Germans meant that no nation could realistically oppose them. After all, Britain had long been the Island Nation's ally, providing numerous benefits. But his exhilaration stemmed from the fact that the British Empire had long looked down on the Island Nation, considering it nothing more than a mere lapdog. Now, with the British Empire gone, the Island Nation was the one that would continue to exist.
"The mighty British Empire, now shattered into three nations by the Germans. Truly, the Germans have grand ambitions to rule the world!" Hirohito gritted his teeth.
He harbored a deep loathing for Germany. Just months ago, the German navy's shells had devastated coastal cities, causing countless Island Nation lives to be lost in the flames of war. Even Tokyo had been bombarded by the Germans, and his very palace had not escaped the destruction.
Hirohito would never forget the moment when German shells exploded in Tokyo, and he was hurriedly escorted to the bomb shelter. His face had been pale, his body trembling, and even his loincloth had been soaked through—not with sweat, but with urine. The idea that the Island Nation's Crown Prince had been so terrified by the German bombardment was an immense humiliation. It was a secret he would carry to his grave, fueling an enduring hatred for the Germans.
"Indeed, Your Highness. Germany has emerged as the greatest victor in this world war. They have not only won the war but have also gained control of the world," Kato Takaaki said, his voice filled with envy.
When the Island Nation realized the tide had turned, they had tried to betray Britain and seek Germany's favor, but the Germans had rejected their overtures. Had the Germans accepted, the Island Nation would have shared in the spoils of war.
"Marshal Tōgō believes that the Empire and Germany will inevitably clash again. We lost the last time, but we will triumph next time!" Hirohito said with resolute determination.
"Yes, Your Highness, we will defeat the Germans and claim victory!" Kato Takaaki replied fervently.
From a young age, Hirohito had been indoctrinated with militaristic ideals. At six, he entered the Imperial Military Academy, where the headmaster was General Nogi Maresuke. Last year, after graduating, he entered the Crown Prince's School, headed by Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō.
Under the tutelage of such figures, Hirohito was molded into a leader of uncompromising resolve, though the immense strength of Germany often left him uncertain. The Fusō battleship beneath his feet offered some measure of confidence.
Though Admiral Tōgō had informed him that the Fusō was inferior to Germany's mightiest battleships, the Island Nation's navy was constructing even stronger vessels. Hirohito was certain that their navy would grow more powerful. Germany was formidable, but it had too many enemies. When war inevitably came, victory would belong to them.
On December 14th, the Fusō arrived at Wilhelmshaven. As the battleship entered the naval harbor, Hirohito's face turned ashen upon seeing the massive German warships. The Bavaria class, König class, Mackensen class battlecruisers, and Derfflinger class battlecruisers left him in stunned awe. Each of these warships was more powerful than the Fusō.
"Amaterasu, is this what the world's greatest power looks like?" Hirohito silently prayed.