Pathway to Japanese Literature

The Secret of the Cruiser *Mogami*

“Gentlemen, I feel deeply conflicted about divulging our navy’s classified matters, but I wish to entrust you alone with a grave secret.”

"It concerns a secret about the four cruisers currently under construction: *Mogami*, *Mikuma*, *Yoshino*, and *Chigusa*."

These four vessels were sister ships of the same class; according to the Navy Ministry's official figures, they had a tonnage of 8,500 tons, armament of fifteen 15cm guns and four 12cm anti-aircraft guns, and a speed of 33 knots. Just from these numbers alone, it was clear that the *Mogami*-class was a formidable world-class light cruiser. In fact, the US Navy were stunned upon seeing the *Mogami* blueprints unofficially released by our Naval General Staff. The designer was Dr. Toshio Takeda - an authority in the world of shipbuilding academia and head of the first department at the Naval Technical Research Institute.

Dr. Takeda was a Doctor of Engineering and also a Naval Captain (Shipbuilding).

Dr. Parkes of the University of Cambridge in England stated, "At present, three of the world's ten greatest scholars are Japanese. "The first is Dr. Kotaro Honda of Tohoku Imperial University, another is Dr. Hantaro Nagaoka of Osaka Imperial University, and the last is Dr. Toshio Takeda of the Naval Technical Research Institute." Former Chief of the Navy General Staff Admiral Kato also officially recognized this assessment,

"Admiral Togo and Dr. Takeda are two great national treasures born of our navy," he officially certified. "Gentlemen, those four *Mogami*-class vessels are what Dr. Takeda toiled over with great effort, pouring his heart and soul into their design. There’s nothing strange about the U.S. Navy gasping in astonishment even now."

However, the *Mogami*-class harbored far greater secrets that had not yet been disclosed.

The first secret was steel.

The iron used in *Mogami* was not ordinary steel.

Until now, the strongest steel in the world was the nickel-chrome steel produced by Germany’s renowned Krupp arms company.

However, our *Mogami*’s steel was far stronger than Krupp’s steel. The name of that steel was "Honda Steel"—a product of Dr. Kotaro Honda, former director of Tohoku Imperial University’s Metal Materials Research Institute, as was well known.

Now, military police were maintaining strict vigilance at Tohoku Imperial University in Sendai. Inside the heating furnace of the Metal Research Institute, a mass of steel was being scorched in a 1,600-degree inferno.

Honda Steel—created by applying a secret technique to steel that had been burned and burned and scorched through—possessed approximately three times the strength of Krupp steel. “Therefore, you can imagine just how formidable the defensive capabilities of the *Mogami*—constructed from this new steel—must be.”

*Mogami*’s armor was three inches (7.6 cm) thick. However, this strength proved no inferior to nine-inch armor. "As you all know," Dr. Takeda declared, "the battleships *Kongō* and *Haruna* carried eight-inch (20.3 cm) plating—meaning *Mogami* stands stronger."

Ah, a light cruiser more powerful than battleships!

—Such monsters were now nearing completion day by day at the four great shipyards: Kure Naval Arsenal, Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, Kobe Kawasaki Shipyard, and Nagasaki Mitsubishi Shipyard.

When these were completed, Pacific operations would undergo a complete transformation. The fifteen sister ships of the American heavy cruiser *Chicago* boastfully called themselves the *Pacific’s Invincible Fleet*. Admittedly, their tonnage of 10,000 tons and 20cm guns were impressive, but pitifully, their defensive capability was nonexistent. If struck by a 15cm shell, they would immediately spring leaks. No—even when targeted by our destroyer *Fubuki*’s 13cm guns, they would be in danger.

Even Admiral Pratt, former Chief of the Navy General Staff, “Our heavy cruisers are tin-plated.”

“Gentlemen, imagine their spindly tin-plated heavy cruisers clashing with our light cruisers armored in Honda Steel upon the Pacific!” “Doesn’t it set your heart racing?” “Doesn’t it make your blood surge?” “The design is Dr. Takeda’s! The steel is Dr. Honda’s! These four glorious ships—*Mogami*, *Mikuma*, *Yoshino*, and *Chigusa*—are the very essence of these two world-renowned scholars’ intellect!”

Astonishing World Record

However, the second secret—even more astonishing than the steel—was the power of her engines. The diesel engines of the *Mogami* were ones Dr. Takeda had crafted through truly bone-scraping efforts—even the diesel engines of Germany’s vaunted pocket battleship *Deutschland* couldn’t hold a candle to them. Thanks to this superb engine installation, *Mogami*’s operational range reached a truly astonishing world record of seventy-five thousand nautical miles.

American heavy cruisers could only cruise 15,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. Moreover, if they traveled at full speed of 33 knots, they would already run out of oil after just 2,500 nautical miles. Nothing guzzled heavy oil as voraciously as a cruiser’s engines. Even if they loaded 3,000 tons of heavy oil when departing Hawaii’s naval port, if they slightly increased their speed en route, they would already begin running low near the waters off the Ogasawara Islands.

That is how quickly heavy oil is consumed. In other words, warships of the time were quick to run out of steam. However, our *Mogami* and *Yoshino* were different. The Takeda-style diesel engines could travel 75,000 nautical miles with 2,500 tons of heavy oil. Moreover, their speed was 20 knots per hour. Even if they continued advancing at full speed, 25,000 nautical miles would be no problem.

It should be noted that while *Mogami*’s full speed was officially stated as thirty-three knots, it could actually reach forty-five knots.

Ah, was this not truly worthy of being called the *Pacific Invincible Light Cavalry*? In the U.S. Navy there existed not a single warship capable of pursuing the *Mogami*. Nor was there any warship that could escape when pursued by her.

In addition to these, the *Mogami* was equipped with the world’s finest optical weapon developed by Dr. Aoki of Tokyo Imperial University and a fearsome new weapon created by Dr. Hantaro Nagaoka; however, there was no time to explain each one now. In any case, these four light cruisers were the crystallization of Japan’s scientific prowess. And Navy Minister Yamamoto had issued a top-secret order, urging them to hurry the construction with repeated cries of “Hurry! Hurry!”

○

At this point, I must say a word about Dr. Takeda’s beloved younger brother, Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi was sixteen this year and still a third-year student at Tokyo Prefectural ○ Middle School, but his intellectual prowess already made him a genius on par with Imperial University engineering students.

He had been taking a leave of absence from school since the second term of Showa 8 (1933) and commuting to the Meguro Naval Technical Research Institute with Dr. Takeda.

Kiyoshi-kun’s skills as a naval engineering technician were truly splendid. —The world would never imagine that such a beautiful youth with rosy cheeks and delicate features could be conducting research on weapons of utmost significance at our military science research institute.

Dreaded Dr. Fuller On December 31, 1933 (Showa 8), even on New Year’s Eve night, Dr. Takeda and Kiyoshi-kun remained shut inside the laboratory until late. “Hey Kiyoshi! Once we finish *Mogami*, next up are aircraft carrier *Shōkaku* and submarine *Fuji*.” “Once these two get completed—though I pity the U.S. Navy—they’d best stop picking fights with Japan.”

Dr. Takeda boasted while glaring at the blueprints on the desk.

“Right. “The Fuji’s incredible, I tell you. When this is completed, the world’s navies will surely turn pale.”

Kiyoshi-kun’s cheeks flushed apple-red with excitement. On the desk lay the blueprints of the mysterious submarine Fuji, ceremoniously spread out with a red “Top Secret” label attached. “Compared to this one, the Mogami isn’t anything special.” The doctor growled out a low shout.

Ah, submarine Fuji—what magnificent combat power did it possess? “However, building this one will take a year. What if Dr. Fuller in America completes his Black Eagle bomber in the meantime? Once that dreadful plane is finished, the United States will undoubtedly start a war. And our navy will be locked in a desperate battle! Ah, I do hope there’s no war for a year, Kiyoshi.”

A dark shadow fell across Dr. Takeda’s face.

In America, there was Dr. Fuller—Dr. Takeda’s worthy rival. At the World Industrial Conference held in Tokyo in Showa 4 (1929), the two engaged in a fierce debate over steamship engines. And Dr. Takeda won.

At that moment, Dr. Fuller wore a frustrated expression and declared, “I will cease all shipbuilding research as of today. And starting tomorrow, I will begin aviation research.”

he declared. And then,

“Steamships and warships are already outdated—from now on, it’s all about airplanes!” Dr. Fuller retorted spitefully. That very Dr. Fuller had recently sent a letter along with formidable bomber blueprints.

The letter contained the following message scrawled in a rough hand. “Hey Takeda-kun, are you still designing those lumbering cruisers? “Quit it, quit it! Your cruisers would be annihilated in three minutes if they faced my bomber.” “This blueprint is something I drew up two years ago. “These things are nothing but scrap paper to me now—no secrets left here. “If you took this to your country, you could probably sell it for five million yen. “How about peddling this blueprint of mine to the Japanese Navy? “Then you’d be rolling in riches. “Takeda-kun, I pray you’ll drop this stubborn charade and bow to my command. “As long as I draw breath, Japan could never hope to wage war against our America.”

Audacity—what utterly insolent words! However, true to his boasts, Dr. Fuller’s blueprints were truly terrifying. Our Naval Aviation Headquarters’ top engineers thoroughly examined them and all shuddered in horror. “If something like this really comes into existence, even *Mutsu* and *Nagato* would be in danger!” Even Captain Osako—the renowned stalwart chief engineer of Yokosuka Naval Air Arsenal—had his eyes change color.

But Dr. Takeda did not back down. Dr. Takeda wrote a reply.

“Dear Dr. Fuller, “I have duly received your letter and blueprints. “True to your reputation as the second Edison, even our navy couldn’t help being impressed by your skills. “However, trying to intimidate me with such trifles won’t work. “My research has advanced far beyond that. “Ah, what would you do if you knew the combat power of my submarine Fuji? ——Dr. Fuller. “I hereby warn America: “Should you dare challenge Japan, you will face a terrible reckoning.”

Audacious Provocation

However, the submarine Fuji had only just completed its design. Would they build it at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal? Or construct it at Kure Naval Arsenal? They hadn’t even decided which factory would manufacture it yet. However, Dr.Fuller’s Black Eagle bomber was already complete. At the secret factory on the Arizona Plateau, they had completed testing of the first unit and were now beginning to assemble the second and third units in rapid succession.

General Arthur, the Chief of the General Staff,

“When the Black Eagle 10th unit is completed, our air force will be able to reduce Tokyo to ashes in three days.”

he spouted inflammatory remarks. What insolent words! Yet General Arthur’s boasts were no mere lies. They held terrible truth. Should the Black Eagle squadron reach Hawaii, our Tokyo would meet its end. Within ten hours, they would surely pick us off at their leisure! Faced with this reality, our General Staff and Naval Command officers could only clench their teeth in silent fury.

Gentlemen. You must not think of the staff officers as spineless. The combat power of the Black Eagle bomber, which our military intelligence had painstakingly uncovered through relentless effort, was truly something so terrifying it made one shudder. It had a maximum speed of 450 kilometers per hour and could fly up to 18,000 kilometers. Moreover, it was equipped with two cannons and six machine guns. The bombs weighed fifteen tons. Confronted by such a monster, even *Mutsu* and *Nagato*—those so-called "sea fortresses"—could not only not fight back, they couldn’t even escape.

“How’s that, you yellow-faced apes? You must be seething with frustration!” When the U.S. government completed this fearsome weapon, they suddenly began acting arrogantly. And then they instigated China to pick a fight with Japan. Ma Zhanshan became the military commander of Beiping. In Nanjing, Zhang Xueliang became the Air Force Commander-in-Chief. He rode in an American-made Curtiss fighter every single day, flying over our destroyer anchored in the Yangtze River. He would always pretend to drop bombs, flying so close to the destroyer’s mast that it nearly grazed the top.

In Nanjing, our destroyer was the gallantly named *Hatakaze*. The captain was Major Tachibana, a gallant man born in Banshū Akō. "That bastard Zhang Xueliang is getting too damn cocky!"

The Major stood on the bridge and glared fiercely at the red-painted Curtiss fighter. However, from the Naval General Staff had come the order: "Do not engage under any circumstances." “Captain! What a shame...” The young ensigns and lieutenants struck the barrels of their anti-aircraft guns and seethed with frustration.

“Damn it! Just you wait!” The sailors too had their eyes blazing as they voiced their frustration.

The Valiant Battle of Destroyer *Hatakaze*

But at last, the final day came.

It was the end of January, Showa ○—a morning so cold it seemed to freeze.

Zhang Xueliang took off from Nanjing Airfield leading five American officers. When the six red fighters came over the Yangtze River, they abruptly pointed their noses downward.

Below, in the mud-colored water, *Hatakaze* floated. The naval ensign appeared like a flower. Ah! Zhang Xueliang swiftly raised his right hand and signaled! They dropped the bombs! Small twenty-kilogram bombs came raining down haphazardly. *Hatakaze* was swiftly enveloped in spray. A fire broke out, and thick black smoke billowed out from the smokestack. Crimson flames, fiercely blazing, swirled around the mast. A despicably cowardly surprise attack!

Major Tachibana was furious. And fought like a wounded lion.

But the enemy wasn’t limited to Curtiss fighters alone.

Fifteen enemy ships surrounded *Hatakaze* and began bombarding her chaotically. There among them was even the American gunboat *Guam*!

“All right, target that one!”

The Major glared at *Guam* and clenched his fist. *Hatakaze* fought fiercely with its four 12-cm guns even as it burned. Behold the brilliance of Japan's meticulously honed gunnery! In the hour-long bloody battle, enemy losses amounted to seven sunken Chinese warships led by *Anqing* and including the American vessel *Guam*, eight heavily damaged ships including *Sanmin*, and four Curtiss fighters shot down.

Major Tachibana remained defiant until the very end, "What? Chinese cannons could never hit us!"

he sneered derisively. And when the shells ran out, "This is the end!" he declared, igniting the magazine himself and sinking in a blast. No sooner had a pillar of fire suddenly risen over the Yangtze River than *Hatakaze* vanished into the muddy waters—truly a gallant end befitting a Japanese destroyer, was it not? Even the Chinese must have been deeply moved by this demonic-like fierce fighting, for the Lion Mountain battery fired twenty-one mourning salvoes to honor the spirits of our brave warriors.

Ah, the Yangtze’s waters ran crimson with blood, and the sorrowful gunfire faded into the clouded sky.

Gentlemen—thus were the opening shots of the Pacific War fired.

○

Upon hearing of *Hatakaze*'s demise, our Third Fleet Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral Kimura in Shanghai resolved to act. A battle flag was hoisted on the mast of the flagship *Izumo*.

And off the Wusong Battery, they sank three American destroyers.

Our landing force raided the U.S. Marine Corps and took three hundred enemy soldiers prisoner.

In the Taiwan Strait, the cruiser Tama destroyed the enemy submarine S-30. The revenge battle for *Hatakaze* began.

However, the enemy was no ordinary foe. That very night, Philippine-based Martin bombers crossed the dark Bashi Channel and launched a night raid on our Taiwan Pingtung 8th Air Regiment’s base.

Meanwhile, enemy submarine S-29 sank the Nippon Yusen Kaisha’s luxurious mail liner *Kirishima Maru* off the coast of Shanghai.

Ah, war clouds darken over the Pacific.

The Combined Fleet gathered in Ise Bay. Observing this situation, the U.S. Ambassador presented an ultimatum to our Foreign Minister: “The Japanese government must apologize. The person responsible for the incident is Vice Admiral Kimura—execute him. Pay fifty million yen in compensation for sinking the gunboat Guam, submarine S-30, and three destroyers. And deliver your response within twenty-four hours. If no answer comes by then, our U.S. Navy will have to mobilize toward the Orient.”

he threatened.

Foreign Minister Hirota read through the ultimatum in silence, then suddenly ripped it straight down the middle with a violent tear. The U.S. Ambassador turned crimson with rage. “Alright! This severs diplomatic relations!”

—On the second day after *Hatakaze* sank, a declaration of war was issued.

The Imperial General Headquarters was established within the Imperial Palace, and martial law was proclaimed.

Admiral Sueyama, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, boarded the flagship *Nagato* and hurried from Yokosuka toward Ise Bay. He was going there to pray for victory at Ise Shrine.

Admiral Sueyama hailed from Nagato Province, birthplace of Yoshida Shōin and Yamagata Aritomo. Though a slight and diminutive admiral, his eyes held a light fiercer than any eagle's. As the "God of Tactics," his name had resounded across the world.

The Admiral crouched in the solemn sacred grounds of Ise and offered a silent prayer. “If I go to sea, I shall become a water-soaked corpse—our Combined Fleet has resolved to fight prepared for total annihilation.” “Heavenly gods, earthly gods—I pray you protect this imperial nation.” —This was the Admiral’s prayer. Ise Bay was—to the Japanese people—the “Sea of the Gods.” Moreover, from a strategic perspective, it was the second most crucial location after Tokyo Bay as a base for Pacific operations. It was not too far from any of the three naval ports—Yokosuka, Kure, or Sasebo—and was ideally suited for concealing fleet movements. As a secret base, there could hardly be a better bay than this.

That Admiral Sueyama made this “Sea of the Gods” the first-phase base was indeed worthy of the “God of Tactics.”

Following Nagato, over 150 warships—destroyers, submarines, and special service ships—raced from three naval ports toward Ise Bay.

Gentlemen, wartime fleet organization was the highest military secret among military secrets, the utmost secrecy among secrets. However, if you were to see the warships gathered in Ise Bay, you could probably get a rough idea.

Battleships *Nagato*, *Mutsu*, *Hyūga*, *Ise*, *Yamashiro*, *Fusō*, *Haruna*, *Kongō*, *Kirishima*. *Hiei* too was surrounded by a torpedo squadron. *Yamashiro* and *Fusō*, having undergone major retrofitting, had completely changed in appearance. At a glance, they appeared even more formidable than *Nagato* and *Mutsu*. The heavy cruisers too thrust their 20-centimeter guns forcefully into a corner of the sky, their robust forms resembling beasts of the sea. There were also four *Atago*-, *Takao*-, *Maya*-, *Chōkai*-, and *Nachi*-class ships. There was also *Kako*. There was also *Aoba*.

The monstrous behemoths looming in the offing were the aircraft carriers *Akagi* and *Kaga*. *Ryujo* and *Hosho* lay concealed behind the First Squadron—*Nagato*, *Mutsu*, *Yamashiro*, and others. Twenty-four Fubuki-class large destroyers—their combat strength rivaling cruisers—fluttered pristine new flags in a scene as beautiful as a painting. The submarine squadron formed a great pod of whales. The Chidori-class torpedo boats were the hunting hounds of the sea. Ah—150 mighty warships!

Truly reliable. Truly powerful!

And yet—what could have happened?—the *Mogami*, into which Dr. Takeda had poured his heart and soul, was nowhere to be seen. The *Mikuma* was missing. There was no sign of *Yoshino* or *Chigusa* either! They had already completed their fitting-out, left the shipyards behind, and were no longer in Kure, Kobe, Yokosuka, or Nagasaki. And yet within the Combined Fleet, their figures could not be found! Then where were they?

I had now come to tell of the Showa Guerrilla Force’s secret.

*Demon Island*

This was Heikai Island, located south of Hachijō Island and north of the Ogasawara Islands. The entire island was surrounded by sheer cliffs, appearing like a naturally formed fortress.

The sheer cliffs were cloaked in millennia-old moss, and the spray from the fierce waves scattered like flowers. And a flock of albatrosses cried with hoarse voices as they flew above them.

The waters around the island were a ferocious current. They were whirlpools. The pitch-black tide roared thunderously as it raced like an arrow.

What would happen if a mere small motorboat were to accidentally enter this current? In an instant, with a screeching, scream-like sound, the hull would shatter into pieces, and both ship and crew would be dragged into the demonic whirlpool. That is why fishermen from Ogasawara and Hachijō Islands have called it "Demon Island" since ancient times and do not approach this island.

What was especially terrifying was the water gate located north of the island. There, a 150-meter-high cliff split clean in two, gaping open like a mouth. When viewed from afar, the inside of the cliff appeared to form a large bay—the northern water gate was indeed the entrance to the bay. Ah, what a ferocious, terrifying sight this was⁉

Behold. The fiercely raging current surged into the bay at over twenty knots—wasn’t it?! And around the water gate billowed a tornado-like spray of water—wasn’t it?! Even the famed Murakami pirates of old, renowned in song and story, and even the Viking pirates who feared not towering waves—neither could have navigated this water gate.

If a destroyer with a speed of over thirty knots could perhaps break through by sheer momentum, even then the water gate’s width remained too narrow. When one saw the terrifying crags and grotesque rocks thrusting their jet-black heads up through the waves, even the most daring destroyer captain would surely shudder involuntarily and flee.

—That is why Heikai Island remains an eternal secret realm. It is an uninhabited island.

○

However, gentlemen, on the night of February 1st, Showa ○ Year, a mysterious warship suddenly appeared in the northern waters off this island. And then, with audacious boldness, didn’t it turn its prow toward the demonic water gate! In the cold sky, a fierce wind screamed. The ice-clear moon cast its cold light upon the raging waves. The mysterious warship’s shape resembled the heavy cruiser *Takao* when viewed from afar, but upon closer inspection, one realized it differed significantly.

Unlike the *Takao*, it lacked imposing angularity. The entire hull was rounded. That streamlined shape was commonly seen in new aircraft.

And what indeed became visible even in the moonlight was none other than the triple-mounted fifteen-barrel 15cm guns. One tried to make out the ship’s name on the stern. *Mogami*!

Ah! The *Mogami*! The *Mogami*, which had been excluded from the Combined Fleet’s roster, somehow appeared at this demonic island.

Ah, what masterful maneuvering (the handling of a warship) this was! Our cruiser *Mogami*, upon encountering the rapids, executed a swift forty-five-degree turn to port and, enveloped in spray, charged into the water gate. In an instant, its form vanished beyond the water gate. —Behind remained only the sheer cliffs bathed in moonlight, towering jet-black. The raging waves of the Pacific roared violently as they shattered against the rocks.

The cruiser *Mogami* struggling at the water gate

Demon Island—the cruiser *Mogami*, raising a spray of water as it plunged into Heikai Island’s water gate. Its form vanished into the shadow of the 150-meter cliff as if being swept away. The water gate resembled a long valley. The cliffs on both banks stretched endlessly onward, endlessly jet-black.

Through the darkness of the valley's depths, our *Mogami* was swept along by the ferocious current, proceeding deeper and deeper inward.

Two small shadows. They were moving on the deck near the bow. One of the shadows was a girl beautiful even in the night. She wore a red woolen hat and was wrapped in a leopard-skin coat. “Hey, I’m scared. How far does this water gate go on?”

With her round, obsidian-like eyes, she peered into the depths, but jet-black cliffs towered ahead, blocking the ship’s path, making it impossible to discern how far they must go before reaching the open inlet. “Teruyo, this is the entrance to hell.”

—The other small shadow whispered. He wore the uniform of a Petty Officer First Class—a fair-faced, handsome boy. Rosy cheeks, the sparkle of crystal-clear eyes. It was a face that seemed familiar somehow.

—Why, if it isn’t Kiyoshi-kun! Yes, this was undoubtedly Kiyoshi—younger brother of Dr. Takeda, designer of the *Mogami*.

He now stood imposingly at the bow of the mysterious cruiser *Mogami*, arms crossed motionlessly. The darkness of the water gate deepened further. Looking up between the towering cliffs shrouded in dense fog, a hazy moon glowed dimly.

The *Mogami* churned up spray with loud splashes as it pressed ever deeper into the passage. In the water gate’s current, ferocious whirlpools swirled here and there, and when the ship ventured into them, even the mighty great warship *Mogami*, built of Honda Steel, Groooan... it emitted a creaking groan. The terrifying power of the whirlpools.

“It looks awfully deep, doesn’t it?” Miss Teruyo clung to Kiyoshi’s shoulder and peered over the side. “Fifteen fathoms—that’s about thirty meters. You can gauge the depth from how the whirlpools swirl.” —Kiyoshi spoke with the bearing of a true petty officer. However, he was mistaken. In reality, the depth of this water gate was over fifty meters. And at its bottom, terrifying man-eating sharks were swarming in a massive school.

○

About thirty minutes after entering the water gate’s entrance, as the current grew increasingly narrow, the *Mogami* came perilously close to colliding with the cliffs and had to reverse and advance repeatedly, making little progress. Commander Ogawa, the navigation officer, was under immense strain.

At the bow, the real Chief Petty Officer came out and stared intently ahead, his eyes gleaming. The searchlight brightly illuminated the moss on the cliff face, and in its wake, the *Mogami* veered right to avoid a rocky outcrop, then left, pressing onward. The current slowed and the water stagnated as they proceeded deeper in, but the valley grew increasingly narrow until there remained only just enough width for the *Mogami* to scrape through the rocks. If the helm was mishandled even slightly, the ship would collide with a rocky outcrop and face disaster.

“Mr. Chief Petty Officer—it’s just like navigating the upper Yangtze.” Even Kiyoshi must have grown uneasy, for he peered into the Chief Petty Officer’s face with a worried frown. But Chief Petty Officer Tani, the lookout, remained deadly serious. His eagle-like eyes blazed fiercely as he stared fixedly ahead, not so much as glancing at Kiyoshi. At this moment, even an instant’s lapse in vigilance would spell catastrophe. Look— Wasn’t greasy sweat streaming down Chief Petty Officer Tani’s neck?

Now the *Mogami* was battling the rocks and fighting the current, exerting every ounce of her strength to demonstrate the prowess of the Japanese Navy’s navigational skills.

Mist billowed densely at the valley floor, and only the searchlight’s glow hung faintly pale in the darkness.

They dropped anchor at Wolf Rock.

That was the moment!

Suddenly, from beyond the valley—

Groooowl... Groooowl... Groooowl

Then came an earth-rending roar. And there atop the sheer cliffs, a crimson eerie light flared into view. What was that?

Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo instinctively drew close and joined hands. A fire's light was visible in this uncharted territory! Could it be demon fire? Or a bonfire lit by barbarians? "How suspicious..." Miss Teruyo turned pale and was trembling violently. "What’s going to happen to us? Where are they taking us?"

“I don’t know either. Even if I asked Brother, he’d just yell ‘Shut up!’ and scold me, you know.—” Kiyoshi, too, had turned slightly pale.

○

Carrying the doubts of the two youths, the *Mogami* continued to push deeper and deeper into the interior.

On the bridge atop the mast, Captain Kinoshita, Commander Ogawa, and our Dr.Takeda—clad in a naval captain’s uniform—were studying the nautical chart with grave expressions.

Around two o'clock in the dead of night, the cruiser dropped anchor and came to a stop in the shadow of a large, oddly shaped rock that resembled a crouching wolf. “We’ve finally reached Wolf Rock, haven’t we?”

Captain Kinoshita wiped his sweat and patted Commander Ogawa’s shoulder. Truly, Commander Ogawa was a master navigator. They really had managed to navigate through the thirty-nautical-mile waterway. “You’ve done well. You really kept me on tenterhooks!” Dr. Takeda was also wiping away sweat.

“Still, your niece Miss Teruyo is remarkable. For a woman to come to a place like this—it’s incredible.” Commander Ogawa was in love with Miss Teruyo.

“Yeah, that kid really loves adventure.” “She’s only sixteen, though.” “And since her handwriting’s excellent, I’ve made her my secretary.” Dr. Takeda also found his niece unbearably cute.

“I haven’t told those two anything about this island yet. Well then, shall I reveal the secret to them now?” Captain Takeda stood up.

Beyond Wolf Rock, in the darkness, a sea that appeared to be an inlet spread out blackly.

Ah, Demon Island—a mysterious inlet. What secrets lay hidden there?

Morning of Aomi Bay

That night, the *Mogami* anchored in the shadow of Wolf Rock. Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo spent a sleepless night in their hammocks, but when dawn broke on February 2nd, today was finally the day they would uncover the secrets of "Demon Island," Aomi Island! Petty Officer-attired Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo in her navy-blue sailor uniform, led by Dr. Takeda, emerged onto the rear deck while it was still dim.

In the wide inlet—Aomi Bay—the fog hung thickly, and the southland morning breeze chilled their cheeks. Between the port side of the *Mogami* and Wolf Rock, a launch came chugging in with a low rumble.

It was finally time to land. “Captain, we’re heading out now.” “Uncle Ogawa, and everyone else, goodbye.” Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo nimbly descended the gangway and boarded the launch.

The captain was Chief Petty Officer Tani. “Ahead!” At the command, the launch immediately began moving. Yet its speed was painfully sluggish. The bay was as smooth as a mirror, without a single ripple. Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo stuck their faces out the window and peered through the fog ahead. —Nothing was visible.

When they looked back, the forms of Wolf Rock and the *Mogami* were blurring into a hazy gray as they faded into the distance. It was a silence so profound it felt eerie. “Brother, is this an uninhabited island?” Kiyoshi, unable to hold back any longer, asked the Captain. “No, that’s not it.”

The Captain shook his head and parted his weighty lips. "Actually, I had planned to tell you last night." "Since both of you slept soundly in your hammocks, I decided against it." "Kiyoshi, now I'll reveal it to you." "Listen well—this Aomi Island is our navy's secret base!"

“Huh?! “A secret base?”

“That’s right! A secret fleet handpicked from the Imperial Navy’s finest—the base of the Showa Guerrilla Force!”

“Huh?! A secret fleet?” The two exchanged looks of astonishment at the Colonel’s bizarre words.

○ They knew about the Asahi Mountain Fortress on Chichijima in the Ogasawara Islands. But who could have imagined such a secret base existed north of Chichijima Fortress? That there should be a secretly organized fleet alongside the Combined Fleet led by the renowned Admiral Sueyama—if this were reported to U.S. Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral Yarnell, what expression would he make?

Thinking back, it was exhilarating. As expected of the Japanese Navy! They were truly doing the unthinkable!

Ah, the military port of this solitary island surrounded by sheer cliffs!

The secret fleet lurking deep within the thirty-nautical-mile strait! If this were to set into motion, what storm would be stirred up over the Pacific? Just the thought of it made the burning hot blood of adventure surge up from the depths of his chest. Moreover, they were now penetrating deep into that secret Aomi Bay. Kiyoshi involuntarily shuddered with a warrior's tremble.

Blood rushed to both his cheeks, crimson red—deeper than any flower.

But even so—where was the secret fleet? Where was the secret artillery battery hidden?

Was there nothing to be seen besides cliffs and sea?

“Hey, Uncle, where is this Showa Guerrilla Force fleet? I’ve looked everywhere, but I can’t see it at all!”

Miss Teruyo, her eyes shining, continued to stare into the depths of the fog. “Wait, wait—no matter how hard you stare, it won’t work,” he said. “The fog will lift soon enough. Just be patient until then.” His voice sharpened. “If you keep leaning out over the gunwale like that, a man-eating shark will leap up and grab you!” “Oh—there are man-eating sharks here?” Miss Teruyo hurriedly pulled her neck back. “What a coward you are,” Kiyoshi mocked. “What’s a shark?”

Kiyoshi, mocking Miss Teruyo, ostentatiously thrust out his hand and stirred the water’s surface. “You fool! Look out!”

Before the Colonel’s bark had even finished, a bluish-black shadow shot upward from the depths like an arrow. “Ah! A shark!” Kiyoshi swiftly pulled back his hand. Close call! A giant shark over three meters long flashed its fearsome fangs and leapt up.

If the shark's attack had come one second earlier, Kiyoshi's right hand would undoubtedly have been bitten off. What a terrifying sea! Even he turned pale.

The Showa Guerrilla Force Reveals Its Gallant Figures

Kiyoshi was roundly scolded by his older brother, the Colonel. And as he was being scolded, the thick, heavy morning fog that had settled over Aomi Bay gradually faded away.

The fog, spiraling in white whirls up and up the 150-meter cliff, was thinning out.

Behold, what a magnificent view!

Jet-black, surrounding the bay in a circular formation dozens of kilometers across—a great cliff! Their imposing form was exactly like the Japanese Alps risen from the sea.

As Miss Teruyo looked up at the unbroken chain of towering cliffs that formed a mountain range, she recalled how last summer she had climbed Mount Hakuba and gazed upon the majestic Hida Mountains. “Uncle, these cliffs somehow resemble the Alps—”

She tilted her red hat and looked up at the Colonel’s face. Colonel Takeda nodded vigorously, “Yeah, that’s right. That’s why the Navy named that solid mass Renge Peak and the pointed one over there Yari Peak.” But—this was no time to be marveling at the cliffs’ immensity. Where was the secret fleet? Where was the Showa Guerrilla Force hiding? Impatient, Kiyoshi grabbed Chief Petty Officer Tani’s arm and asked.

“Mr. Tani, where’s the Showa Guerrilla Force?”

Chief Petty Officer Tani silently moved the helm with his right hand while pointing at the opposite cliff with his left. “Take a look under that Renge Peak.” There, a large cave gaped open like a black maw.

“Let’s go take a look.” Chief Petty Officer Tani sharply turned the helm to the right. The launch approached the cave, stirring up ripples.

It must have been fifty meters in height. It was a terrifyingly large cave. ―The launch stopped its engine at the entrance.

“Ah! There it is!”

―Behold. In the dimly lit cave, a mysterious warship lurked with its bow pointed this way. Moreover, the golden light shining on its bow was unmistakably the glorious Chrysanthemum Crest.

○

Gentlemen! The mysterious warship lurking in Renge Peak’s cave was Mogami’s sister ship Mikuma! Deep within lay food stores and ammunition depots—inside rock-carved tanks sat 10,000 tons of viscous crimson-black heavy oil! The Mikuma burned 2,500 tons of heavy oil and possessed the power to sail 75,000 nautical miles. With ten thousand tons of heavy oil, conquering each of the world’s seven seas one by one would have been nothing.

“What a terrifying base this is!” “It’s amazing...” Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo felt their hearts pound with excitement.

Teruyo's scream The large cave wasn’t the only one—there were two more.

They were the caves of Tsubakuro Peak and Hotaka Peak.

In Tsubakuro Peak lay concealed the *Chigusa*. In Hotaka Peak was berthed the *Yoshino*. There were three other small caves besides these, but their interiors remained too dark to discern anything within. ——

When they finally reached the great cave of Yari Peak, Chief Petty Officer Tani whispered quietly to Kiyoshi.

“This is the *Mogami*’s cave.” “The *Mogami* is the flagship of the Showa Guerrilla Force.” “Hmm.” Kiyoshi crossed his arms and groaned. The more he thought about it, the more terrifying the island became. If they hid in this cave’s secret base, then no matter how massive a formation Dr. Fuller’s Black Eagle bombers from America attacked with, they wouldn’t flinch. Even if 1,000-ton or 2,000-ton bombs fell like rain, this great cliff would absolutely not collapse!

However, gentlemen! The secrets of Heikai Island were still unfathomable. The launch carrying Kiyoshi and the others moved from the cave of Yari Peak further and further inward. “Where are we going this time?” “It’s Fuji Cave.” “It’s at the very back.”

Chief Petty Officer Tani turned the helm to the left again.

Fuji Cave—what manner of place could this truly be?!

Miss Teruyo—as if she were being dragged into an endless, mysterious world no matter how far they went—grew strangely afraid.

Looking back, Heikai Bay resembled an emerald-colored mirror. Miss Teruyo was spellbound for a while, captivated by the beautiful color. —But for some reason, her complexion suddenly turned deathly pale. “Th-that’s—something terrifying—” A scream like tearing silk gushed forth from the girl’s throat.

—What was it that had frightened her?

The waters of Heikai Bay, which had been mirror-like until moments before, suddenly churned and roared as a terrifying whirlpool surged upward!

The Second Incarnation of the Battleship Yashima In Heikai Bay, rough waters surged as a whirlpool swelled up with a roar; in moments, it split cleanly in two with a thunderous "GOO——!"

And then, a gray colossal monster emerged majestically from the waterfall-like spray.

“Ah! It’s a submarine!”

Kiyoshi involuntarily let out a cry. "Oh, my heart is pounding." When Miss Teruyo furrowed her beautiful brows, the submarine had already fully surfaced, its terrifying form—the massive gun turret loaded with enormous cannons on its main deck—completely exposed. “Well, Kiyoshi. “Were you surprised?”

Dr. Takeda, with a large sailor’s pipe clenched between his teeth, puffed contentedly on his tobacco as he patted his beloved younger brother’s shoulder. Kiyoshi’s black eyes darted about, “Yes, I was surprised… Brother, that’s an unfamiliar submarine, isn’t it?” “Nonsense—that’s the I-5 submarine you know well. We completely rebuilt it at the Kure Naval Arsenal, so its shape appears different now. See? There were no 20cm cannons like these before.”

Dr. Takeda stretched out his large hand and pointed at the massive cannon on the upper deck. “Ah! Is that a 20cm cannon?!” Kiyoshi was surprised once again and let out a loud shout.

Gentlemen, it was no wonder he was surprised. A giant submarine loaded with 20cm cannons! This one wouldn’t lose to a cruiser! Magnificent, wasn’t it! They had believed only one such monstrously powerful submarine existed in the world—the French Navy’s *Surcouf*—yet here, on this unexpected solitary island in the southern seas, a submarine now revealed its awe-inspiring valiant form: crimson rising sun naval flag fluttering, gleaming long gun barrels thrust out defiantly.

“Brother, with this we won’t lose to the *Surcouf*, will we?” Kiyoshi felt so elated he could have wept. Dr. Takeda gave a firm nod, “Lose? Never! “Look at the stern deck—you see that storage structure? “That houses a Kamikaze-type combat reconnaissance aircraft! “And we’ve retrofitted the engines with Takeda-style systems.”

Ah, if these elite forces were to run wild across the Pacific—how exhilarating that would be. Young Kiyoshi felt a thrill surge through his chest.

At that moment, Chief Petty Officer Tani interjected. “Kiyoshi, since the armament has been altered, the name has changed too. This vessel is now called Yashima.” “It’s the name of a battleship from long ago, right?”

That was right. Kiyoshi knew well. It was the name of an honorable battleship that had met a heroic and glorious end off Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese War. The second Yashima, too, wished to demonstrate a fighting spirit off Hawaii’s Pearl Naval Port that would not pale in comparison to that of the first Yashima. “Give it your all!”

Kiyoshi stood up on the motor launch's deck and shouted toward the increasingly distant *Yashima* at the top of his lungs.

The True Nature of Fuji Cave Following the *Yashima*, its sister ships *Chiyoda* and *Akitsushima* surfaced with a gurgling surge of swirling water—but the motor launch was already speeding at full throttle toward Fuji Cave at the innermost reach of the bay. Both Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo unfortunately couldn’t get a proper look at the subsequent two submarines. But hadn’t the true nature of the secret fleet—the Showa Guerrilla Force—been dimly grasped now?

Flagship *Mogami* and the elite of the world-renowned light cruisers *Mikuma*, *Yoshino*, and *Chigusa*. And the monstrous submarines with valiant names—*Yashima*, *Chiyoda*, *Akitsushima*! These seven mighty vessels—they were the Showa Guerrilla Force! To form such a mighty, swift guerrilla fleet; to quietly conceal it within a secret base; to exploit the enemy’s complacency and unleash a grand scientific surprise attack—wasn’t the head of our Naval General Staff brilliant? Truly, Chief Admiral Uesugi’s concept had been one of “divinely cunning strategies.” All the navy’s officers and sailors should revere Admiral Uesugi as “the world’s greatest admiral.”

○

“Still, who is the commander of this secret fleet?” “And when will the fleet leave Heikai Island’s cliffs behind, churn up white waves, and sortie into the Pacific?” As Kiyoshi’s heart raced with excitement while pondering such things, the motor launch parted the emerald-green waves and approached their destination—Fuji Cave. “Here we are—this is my workshop.” When they entered the dimly lit cave, Dr. Takeda’s eyes sparkled with delight.

Electric lights glowed dimly on the massive rock walls, and the water within the cave glistened golden. As they went deeper and deeper, the inlet gradually narrowed, but as it did, the true nature of Fuji Cave became clearly visible.

Gentlemen, look! What was being thoroughly illuminated by the brilliantly shining lights but a massive shipbuilding dock! Beneath the towering black crane, that slender form coming into view—was it not Colonel Takeda’s unfinished masterpiece, our lion of the seas, the *Fuji* submarine, into which he had poured his very soul? Ah, the secret factory within the cave! The workers, each gripping hammers in their hands and oiling machinery, were awaiting the arrival of Chief Engineer Dr. Takeda.

The workers who had crowded onto the inlet wharf, upon seeing the motor launch enter, “Long live Colonel Takeda…!” they shouted. The voice echoed through the hollow cave, lingering long and somehow sorrowfully.

“That voice sounds somehow sad…” Miss Teruyo swayed her beautiful bobbed hair and whispered into Kiyoshi’s ear. “Of course it’s sad. “Dr. Fuller in America has already built his Black Eagle bomber, but Brother’s *Fuji* still lies ahead.” “It’s frustrating—Brother is losing.” Kiyoshi placed his hand on the brim of his naval cap regretfully and pulled it down firmly over his eyes.

He probably didn’t want Miss Teruyo to see his tears of frustration.

What was this command?

Colonel Takeda stepped onto the wharf and immediately changed into his blue work clothes before beginning to direct construction of the *Fuji* while covered in oil. Japan was now being targeted by the terrifying Black Eagle bomber. Admiral Sueyama’s Combined Fleet would have to wage an excruciatingly bitter struggle against what was called the twentieth century’s invincible fleet—the United States Great Navy with its assembled three hundred warships. Seeing this crisis unfold before him, Colonel Takeda (Dr.Takeda) could not remain still for even a single minute.

“If only the *Fuji* were completed, Japan would absolutely not lose.” Even if by a month, a day—no, even an hour or ten minutes—they had to launch this submarine battleship as quickly as possible. That was why Dr. Takeda’s approach to work was one of life-risking seriousness. “Begin operations—” At the Colonel’s command, the machinery roared like wild beasts with a “GRRROWL-GRRROWL,” the clanging of workers’ hammers striking steel reverberated off the rocky walls, pale electric sparks crackled and scattered, and within the blast furnace, Honda Steel began to sizzle fiercely with a “HISSS-HISSS” as it burned crimson red.

The secret factory in the cave, which until moments ago had fallen silent and lain hidden, suddenly erupted into battlefield-like clamor.

○

However, from that evening onward, young Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo had to leave this secret factory. Around six in the evening, a sudden secret order from the Commander of the Showa Guerrilla Force arrived at the two who were working beneath the large crane. The red-ruled paper that the messenger had brought read:

“Fleet Order No. 19. Takeda Kiyoshi, Takeda Teruyo. The aforementioned personnel are to immediately depart from the command of Colonel Takeda of Shipbuilding and proceed to the flagship *Mogami* within Yarigatake Cave.” —written in jet-black ink with imposing language.

“What could it be?” “I’m worried.” Miss Teruyo’s beautiful eyes took on a frightened hue.

“Teruyo, Kiyoshi—this is the Commander’s order. Hurry up and go. And make sure you have plenty of adventures out there.”

Colonel Takeda smiled meaningfully and patted both of their shoulders.

“What?” “You’re saying we’re going on an adventure?” “Well then, I’ll be off.” “Oh? What kind of adventure is this?”—

Kiyoshi, who looked cheerful with his shoulders squared, and Miss Teruyo, wearing a worried expression, were put aboard the small boat that the messenger had arrived in and departed Fuji Cave. The messenger skillfully rowed with his thick arms through the marsh-like Heikai Bay, hurrying toward Yarigatake Cave. “Hey, sailor, what are these secret orders for?”

Miss Teruyo called out, but the sailor curtly replied with only a single word.

“I don’t know.”— “Miss Teruyo, are you scared? If you’re scared, you shouldn’t have come to this island in the first place. …What’s with acting all jittery now? This is exactly why I can’t stand women—you coward!” Petty Officer Kiyoshi looked quite full of energy in his uniform. “How cruel!” Teruyo glared at young Kiyoshi, her gentle eyes flashing. “Kiyoshi, you’d better remember this. I won’t lose to someone like you. I love adventures!”

Miss Teruyo too squared her shoulders defiantly in her red sailor uniform, refusing to back down. “Ha! If you love adventures so much, why are you trembling?” When Kiyoshi mocked her, she fired back: “I’m not trembling! You’re the one who’ll jerk your head back like a startled turtle when the cannons roar!” “All bark and no bite,” he shot back. “We’ll see about that.” Kiyoshi thumped his navy-blue uniform chest with a meaty fist.

“I’ll show you—just you wait and see.”

Miss Teruyo, her glossy rose-colored cheeks flushed, stared intently at the approaching Yarigatake Cave.

Commander of the Showa Guerrilla Force

In Yarigatake Cave，the *Mogami*—having departed Wolf Rock—had wedged its massive bulk into the cavern.

On the gangway, Chief Navigator Commander Ogawa was out to greet them, puffing on a cigarette. “You made it, Miss Teruyo.”

When the boat reached the foot of the gangway, the commander extended his large hand and lifted Miss Teruyo up. Next, Kiyoshi grabbed the rope by himself and nimbly swung across.

“Both of you, follow me.”

Following behind Commander Ogawa, they passed through the aft deck hatch and descended into the dimly lit interior of the ship, where they immediately came upon the captain’s cabin. Behind the maroon curtain stood Captain Kinoshita, a burly six-foot-tall man, his tiger-like eyes gleaming fiercely. The moment the captain saw their faces, he abruptly boomed: “Ah! You’ve returned! Dr. Takeda asked me to thoroughly temper your resolve. “I’ll take you into battle now. “Well? Not scared, are you, Miss Teruyo?”

It was a booming, rough voice befitting a sailor.

“Oh! No.” Teruyo’s bobbed hair swayed in thick locks to the side. “I see. “That’s impressive!” “Since you’re a girl, Miss Teruyo, I’ll grant you the special treatment of being treated as an ensign.” “As for Kiyoshi, he will remain a Petty Officer Third Class.” “How about it? Any complaints with that?”

“Yes, I don’t mind staying a Petty Officer Third Class.” “My hands are itching to get into action!”

Kiyoshi’s large black eyes sparkled.

“All right!” The Captain nodded reassuringly,

“You’ve been assigned to serve aboard the submarine *Yashima*. Miss Teruyo will remain on the *Mogami* under Commander Ogawa’s orders. Does that work for you?”

“Oh...” Teruyo wore a slightly sorrowful expression—yet wasn’t there also a certain thrill in the two of them fighting separately? Kiyoshi turned toward Teruyo,

“Absolutely!” “Hey, Miss Teruyo—you can’t board a submarine with that weak heart of yours.” He teased. Miss Teruyo adopted a sulking posture,

“Oh, that’s not true! My heart is very strong.” “Enough of this childish argument—Kiyoshi, report to the *Yashima* at once. It’s improper to offer you drink, but we’ll share one farewell cup. Commander Ogawa—you’ll join us.” Captain Kinoshita retrieved a wine bottle from the cabinet.

“This is an old wine made in France about a hundred years ago.” “It’s my treasure.”

Wine as red as blood was poured steadily into the glass goblet. "I am a captain and not yet fit to be a commander; however, by orders, I have now become the commander of the Showa Guerrilla Force, though I am unworthy." “Well, let’s see how far we can go—as long as there’s life in us, we’ll give it our all.” “If we sortie tonight, even if we cry or scream, our lives will be entrusted to the raging waves of the Pacific.”

Captain Kinoshita raised the goblet high.

―Ah! So Captain Kinoshita was the commander of the Guerrilla Force! A captain hailed as the navy's foremost hero would surely accomplish any perilous adventure, any fierce battle.― Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo clinked their goblets with a clear chime, nodded in unison with locked eyes, and prayed for each other's martial fortune: "To your success!"

○

Outside was a hazy moonlit night, and even into the cave, a pale moonlight streamed dimly through.

Ah, on this remote southern island far from our motherland—what dreams would our boy and girl see tonight, on the eve of their departure for battle?

The Sortie Begins

February 3rd, 3:00 AM. The island remained in the predawn darkness.

The four cruisers of the Showa Guerrilla Force had already raised their anchors and now waited impatiently for the sortie order to be issued. “Gather at Wolf Rock.”

The *Mogami*’s wireless telegraph transmitted the first command via radio waves. Before long, searchlights from four caves suddenly illuminated the waves of Aomi Bay, and one ship after another began moving toward Wolf Rock; by 4:00, they had already formed an imposing single column with *Mogami* at the lead, followed by *Chigusa*, *Yoshino*, and *Mikuma*.

Behold, the mountainous formidable warships emerging in the dawn's light! The sixty 15-cm guns, their barrels appearing ready to belch fire at any moment, jutted sharply upward toward the heavens, while the foremast lookout platform—shrouded in misty currents—stood imposingly dignified.

“Advance! Follow the flagship!” The *Mogami* steadily withdrew from Wolf Rock while transmitting orders via wireless telegraph. Ah, the sortie began. Commander Kinoshita stood on the bridge like a wrathful Nio statue, his gaze fixed intently ahead. Look up—the crimson commodore’s flag fluttered high upon the foremast! Its trailing edge had split into two tatters that danced wildly in the wind. This banner was an honor permitted only to captains who had attained a commander’s rank equivalent to rear admiral or vice admiral. The officer who flew this standard must surely be foremost or second to none among the navy’s tacticians and commanders.

Our *Mogami*'s Captain Kinoshita was both a brave commander and a renowned tactician. Following her came three ships bearing three thousand souls—officers, petty officers, sailors—not a single coward among them. The guerrilla cruiser squadron, billowing spray, plunged into the valley of the watergate.

From the flagship’s stern deck, the military band’s rendition of "Farewell Song"—the melody of Long Sign—mingled with the sound of the waves, lingering long and clear.

Miss Teruyo climbed onto the mast’s lookout platform and gazed at Aomi Bay’s receding waves, her chest tightening inexplicably as her eyelids grew hot. Having battled the waves, avoided reefs, and completed their perilous passage through the strait’s valley, they broke through the northern watergate at full speed—and there lay the Pacific. Though sunlight glittered across the open sea, raging waves roared as they hurled up spray. But what were mere raging waves? “Let them rage!” With leonine valor shaking its mane-like prow, Mogami threw up a blizzard of spray as it swung its helm hard to starboard.

Ah, the Showa Guerrilla Force became beasts of the sea, charging headlong eastward, ever eastward. Speed: a full thirty-eight knots! When it came to the power of the Takeda-style engines, even the raging waves of the Pacific lacked the strength to obstruct them.

Teruyo, exposed to a biting gale fierce enough to tear at her cheeks, lingered on and on from the lookout platform, bidding farewell to her motherland. Far in the distance, atop the horizon, the pure white silhouette of Mount Fuji stood out in sharp relief. Ah, the sacred mountain Mount Fuji—dear and nostalgic—floating upon the waves. O Mount Fuji. "I pray that you protect forever our motherland Japan."—Teruyo let her beautiful black hair stream in the bitter wind as she offered this heartfelt prayer to the sacred mountain.

May the gods hearken with mercy to the maiden’s prayer!

*Mogami*'s Maiden Sortie

While *Mogami* and her group were hastening eastward north of the Ogasawara Islands, three submarines—*Yashima*, *Akitsushima*, and *Chiyoda*—under Commander Aoki’s orders, traversed an underwater channel flowing beneath Yari-ga-take Cave and likewise advanced eastward toward the Hawaiian Islands.

What did our young Kiyoshi—who had boarded the flagship *Yashima* as a Petty Officer Third Class—do, and how valiantly did the three submarines fight off the coast of Hawaii? We shall keep that concealed for now.

But more importantly, we must not lose sight of the *Mogami*’s whereabouts.

○

About a thousand nautical miles west of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii lay Midway Island. A small isolated island floated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Pure white seagulls flew over black rocky crags, and a breeze rustling through palm fronds swept along the coast.

A warm, peaceful southern island.

However, three pale blue heavy cruisers visible through the coconut palms—the star-emblazoned naval ensigns fluttering crisply. This was none other than the vanguard of the US reconnaissance fleet—the *Chicago*, *Houston*, and *Augusta* of the Third Cruiser Squadron. They were all 10,000-ton behemoths, each armed with nine 30 cm guns. Peaceful, picturesque—this island was in truth a terrifying forward base for the US Navy.

And the Showa Guerrilla Force was coming to try to occupy this base.

The morning of February 7th.

With *Mogami* at the lead, our guerrilla force appeared far offshore of Midway. When one then two Kamikaze-type reconnaissance planes launched from the catapults, the battle flag was swiftly hoisted high up the mast, and all sixty 15-cm guns trained on the island's shadow visible far off the starboard side. 35,000 meters! Even the 40-cm guns of *Mutsu* and *Nagato* couldn't reach such distance yet. And yet *Mogami* had already raised the "Commence Firing" signal flag!

When the four gunnery officers pressed their buttons, white fire instantly sparked brilliantly as yellow smoke billowed up thickly,

“Boom-boom-boom-boom… ROAR!” resounded the thunderous cannon fire. “Whizz-whizz”—the shells screamed as they flew. Miss Teruyo, with cotton stuffed in her ears and a gas mask hanging at her chest, was intently watching this bombardment from inside the lookout. Before long, from the mountain shadow of the island, black, black smoke billowed up thickly, and a strange booming sound like an earth tremor could be heard.

“Looks like we hit the ammunition depot.”

Commander Ogawa whispered softly into Miss Teruyo’s ear.

“Taking out an island like this is nothing to us.” The Showa Guerrilla Force raced ahead at thirty-five knots, unleashing awe-inspiring precision strikes with their well-honed gunnery skills. The island was swiftly engulfed in flames. Yet the enemy proved formidable—eighteen Curtiss fighters launched a desperate counterattack, tangling with our Kamikaze reconnaissance planes in a chaotic exchange of machine-gun fire. A ferocious aerial bloodbath ensued. One by one, planes plunged seaward. Silver wings blazed fiercely before burning out, vanishing beneath the waves as black smoke lingered.

The enemy fell, and our allies fell as well. In a mere twenty-minute exchange of fire, eighteen enemy planes and ten of our own had sunk to the graveyard beneath the raging waves. The remaining eight Kamikaze reconnaissance planes flew low, low over the waves, their engines echoing mournfully as if paying tribute to the warriors who had fallen in battle. Even the valiant leader turned pale. The guerrilla force’s bombardment grew increasingly fierce, and our *Mogami* sank the enemy ship *Chicago*—charging out from the island’s shadow—with but a single strike.

*Chicago* burst into flames and vanished beneath the waves as if erased—all in a mere three minutes. After that, "Revenge!" shouted the rocky mountain battery as it opened fire—but alas, their shells could only reach twenty thousand meters. They all fell into the sea, merely raising white water columns. Ah—is the Showa Guerrilla Force already about to capture the enemy’s forward base in their very first engagement?

The seagulls startled by the cannon's roar were going wild in the sky. The cowardly enemy ships *Augusta* and *Houston* hid themselves in the cove and did not come out.

“At last—we’ll occupy it!” Captain Kinoshita gazed at the rough waves and thumped his chest with a grin. “The US Navy are such cowards, don’t you think?” Miss Teruyo was also acting boldly with spirit. The battle flag’s color grew ever more crimson, and the allies hadn’t suffered a single scratch.

○

But when *Mogami* turned her bow toward the island, Miss Teruyo’s chest suddenly began to pound wildly. Somehow, she felt that something terrifying—something truly terrible—was drawing near. The wireless telegraph antenna crackled with bluish-white sparks. It looked like ghostly flames. Could this be a bad omen? In the eastern sky, jet-black clouds spread out, and the waves grew increasingly rough! "Oh, Commander Ogawa. "I... I don’t know why, but I’m getting scared."

When Miss Teruyo clung to Commander Ogawa’s thick arm, Captain Kinoshita, the commander, gripped the wireless telegraph report and abruptly turned pale.

What could have frightened the navy's greatest hero?

“Commander Ogawa, change course!”

The Captain’s face as he shouted was drained of blood and deathly pale.

Gentlemen, what ominous words could that report contain that frightened even the Captain? Let us take a look. “To the Captain of *Mogami*: Is Colonel Takeda aboard? I am Dr. Fuller. Having boarded Black Eagle Bomber No. 1, I am now east of the Hawaiian Islands. I will now proceed to bomb you—the Japanese Fleet. It is a shame to kill you, but there’s no helping it. If I sink *Mogami*, I’ll drop a wreath from up high.”

Ah! It was Dr. Fuller’s declaration of challenge. Which would prove stronger—the Black Eagle bomber or the *Mogami*? Dr. Fuller must have assumed Colonel Takeda was aboard the *Mogami*. That was why he had come to challenge them to a one-on-one duel. The dreadful Black Eagle bomber! Though *Mogami* was formidable, alas, it was feared she could not match the Black Eagle.

Captain Kinoshita had turned pale because, upon considering the fearsome nature of the Black Eagle that Colonel Takeda had described to him, he worried, "Ah—could it be that even the Showa Guerrilla Force will be annihilated here?"

Ah—if the Showa Guerrilla Force were to lose here, what would become of the Japanese Navy? And would our beautiful Teruyo too vanish into the Pacific's depths, forever parted from young Kiyoshi?

○ “Ah—it’s here!” Teruyo saw an ominous shadow streaking like an arrow across the dark clouds! At last, the terrifying demon—Dr. Fuller—had drawn near. Ah—the battle flag was torn! A mysterious shadow streaking like an arrow across the dark clouds—the Black Eagle bomber rapidly drew near. Miss Teruyo gripped the binoculars in her trembling hands and chased that shadow. Threading through gaps in the inky black clouds, emitting a low, ominous roar from its depths—the pitch-black form came surging forward.

It looked formidable at a glance. Captain Kinoshita, Commander of the Guerrilla Force; Commander Ogawa—all wore worried expressions. “There’s no help for it. Let’s break formation.” At Commander Kinoshita’s order, signal flags were raised, and our four cruisers scattered in all directions. Whether in line ahead (⊂⊂⊂⊂) or line abreast (∩∩∩∩) formation, it was dangerous to remain clustered together, as they would all be targeted at once. The flagship *Mogami* turned her rudder to port. The second ship, *Chigusa*, and the third ship, *Yoshino*, split off to the right. The rearmost ship *Mikuma* continued straight ahead.

Even the vaunted Showa Guerrilla Force now broke formation, scattered in disarray.

The Takeda-style engines of the *Mogami* burned heavy oil, crackling with pale blue sparks. The *Mogami* fled at forty knots of speed. The raging waves roared with a booming sound, and soon the 8,500-ton warship *Mogami* was enveloped in billowing spray.

The four Kure-style anti-aircraft guns had their barrels aimed skyward, poised to open fire at any moment. The black clouds spread ever wider, and the surroundings gradually darkened. The sound of the waves and the voice of the wind let out a mournful, mournful wail.

Miss Teruyo did not wipe her spray-soaked cheeks and stared fixedly at the *Black Eagle*. The terrifying enemy aircraft approached at an altitude of four thousand meters. Wrapped in black clouds, it was now visible, now hidden. “Ah, it’s disappeared again.”

Miss Teruyo released the binoculars, gently wiped her face with a handkerchief, and let out a sorrowful sigh when— Whoosh! A fierce gust of wind blew. And behold—hadn't the battle flag, which until moments ago had been fluttering with its vivid crimson hue atop the mast, been torn in two in a flash?!

“Oh!” Miss Teruyo turned pale, sensing it as some kind of ominous portent.

The waves grew ever rougher.

Poor Kamikaze Reconnaissance Unit

“Gentlemen.”

Before I report on the battle between *Mogami* and *Black Eagle*, I must bear witness to the final moments of our brave Kamikaze Reconnaissance Unit. Having shot down eighteen enemy fighters and won the aerial battle, the remaining eight planes of our Kamikaze Reconnaissance Unit were abandoned by the Guerrilla Force they had relied on as their mother, just like birds without a nest.

The sixteen brave men, seeing from above that the Guerrilla Force had scattered in disarray, thought: We're done for. From the east came the terrifying Black Eagle bomber attacking, while the mothership *Mogami* and others they relied on were fleeing. "Damn it all!" Major Katagiri roared. "Since it's come to this, let's show them a manly end befitting the Japanese Air Force!"

Major Katagiri, the squadron leader, steeled himself, raised his white-gloved left hand high, and swung it sharply sideways. It was the battle preparation signal. “Here they come.”

All sixteen shared the same resolve. The Kamikaze Reconnaissance Unit formed an echelon formation and charged headlong toward the Black Eagle bomber. (Echelon formation) Buffeted by the fierce wind, the small Kamikaze-type planes seemed about to be blown away like leaves. The Black Eagle bomber they were pursuing was concealed within the black clouds.

“That cloud.” With Katagiri’s plane at the lead, our eight planes plunged into the clouds while their machine guns rattled off a continuous barrage. They could see nothing anymore. Only the sound of machine guns reached them.

As they watched this desperate battle from the *Mogami*, a red fire suddenly flashed within the clouds. “Oh! I see fire!” When Miss Teruyo spoke to Commander Ogawa, a red flame whirled through the air and fell beyond the waves. One of the Kamikaze Unit’s planes was shot down. Then two more, then three more planes were seen falling as fiery masses. Ah, our allies were losing. “Hey, Commander Ogawa, what should I do?”

Miss Teruyo's chest tightened; she felt so sad she couldn't bear to watch any longer. "Poor Major Katagiri." Commander Ogawa too could do nothing. The Commander's eyes brimmed with tears.

○

While Miss Teruyo kept her eyes shut, seven of our eight Kamikaze Unit planes had been shot down. The Black Eagle bomber had machine cannons mounted under its wings. This machine cannon had been devised by Dr.Merkatz of Germany and was an ideal weapon for precision shooting in aerial combat. Despite being an immensely heavy bomber, the Black Eagle possessed greater climbing power than fighter planes. When the Kamikaze-type reconnaissance planes approached, it would swiftly climb above them and take aim from overhead.

When the 3-cm shells hit with a thunderous crash, the fragile reconnaissance planes stood no chance. They would immediately burn up completely. “Haha! Poor Japanese flight officers. Go become food for Pacific sharks. Here—this bouquet for your graves.” “Go become food for Pacific sharks.” “Here—this bouquet is for your graves.” Inside the Black Eagle bomber, Dr. Fuller was laughing like a demon. A white, ominous bouquet of narcissus fluttered down, trailing after our reconnaissance planes. “You detestable demon!”

The sole remaining plane at the end, Major Katagiri resolved to employ his final resort—to collide with the Black Eagle bomber and go down together with the enemy. And then he charged forward with tremendous force. However, the pitiable Major failed. The Black Eagle nimbly evaded and fired its machine cannons at Katagiri’s plane from behind as it passed by. Ah, Major Katagiri was struggling in the flames. “A direct hit! There! Now all enemy planes have been wiped out. Now, we’re going to take down the *Mogami*.”

Dr. Fuller turned his telescopic sight toward the clouds below and began searching for our *Mogami*, its form being tossed about by the waves.

The *Mogami*’s gunnery was off. Black Eagle No. 1 descended steadily lower. Then, like a kite plunging toward a fish, it dove at the *Mogami*.

With a roaring gust of wind, it descended through two thousand meters, then one thousand meters, unfazed even as it was engulfed in the smoke from our anti-aircraft guns’ shells. “Oh, how creepy…”

It was no wonder Miss Teruyo was trembling. The black wings resembled those of a giant bat. On the nose of the aircraft, two large eyes gleamed menacingly. And on the flank of its fuselage was drawn an eerie illustration—a crimson Black Eagle clutching a bomb in its beak. The *Mogami*, pursued by this monster, was straining every nerve. It was running at its full speed of forty-five knots, like an arrow. However, one minute passed, then two. Finally, the *Black Eagle* came overhead. Ah, would even the elite *Mogami* finally fall prey to Dr. Fuller?

At that moment, the wireless telegraph antenna crackled once more with pale blue sparks. It was a communication from the *Black Eagle*. “*Mogami*! Your anti-aircraft guns are useless.”

Upon seeing this wireless report, Captain Kinoshita and Commander Ogawa exchanged an intense look before nodding to each other with a mutual “Hmm.” Miss Teruyo looked on anxiously, her beautiful brows furrowing “Uncle Kinoshita. Why aren’t the anti-aircraft guns hitting?” “To draw them in.” “And then what?” “You’ll watch quietly.”

Captain Kinoshita, with a fearsome expression, put his mouth to the brass megaphone and—

“Prepare to launch No.13!”

he barked. “No.13? “That’s a strange name.” “What could it be?” Miss Teruyo, nervous that she might be scolded again, gently poked the Colonel’s back with her fingertip.

“Uncle. “Thirteen isn’t an unlucky number?” “That’s right. “For Dr. Fuller, it’s an unlucky number.” The Colonel’s words were growing stranger by the moment.

Even aboard the Black Eagle bomber, they seemed puzzled by how ineptly the *Mogami*’s anti-aircraft guns were firing. At an altitude of about 700 meters, it circled round and round, showing no sign of dropping its bombs.

The wind raged, and in a corner of the Pacific where the waves ran wild, two monsters now locked eyes in an ominous standoff.

The Strength of the *Mogami*

“Gentlemen,” “Here, recall what weapons and defensive capabilities our *Mogami* possesses.” In addition to cannons, she carried Nagaoka-style chemical weapons. She was equipped with Aoki-style electrical armaments. “No.13” represented that electrical weapon system. “Have you gentlemen not heard of the ‘Aoki Ray’ under research at Tokyo Imperial University?” “When strong electrical currents pass through ultraviolet sunlight rays, anything they touch burns pitch-black.” “The true nature of ‘No.13’ is that very ‘Aoki Ray’.”

A small searchlight-like machine atop *Mogami*’s gun turret. This very machine was the trickster. Two officers sharply angled their firing mirrors upward, taking aim at the *Black Eagle*. Alas, due to the machine’s imperfections, they couldn’t fire unless the enemy descended to five hundred meters. To explain Captain Kinoshita’s reasoning here: the Colonel had concluded that the anti-aircraft guns’ scatter shells could not penetrate the *Black Eagle*’s steel armor, and that even if they emitted jet-black smoke from their smokestacks to hide within it, they would inevitably be overtaken by the *Black Eagle* in the end.

Therefore, as a last resort, they would lull the enemy into complacency, draw them in extremely close, and then suddenly fire ‘No.13’.

At this critical moment, their sole reliance was on the immensely strong Honda Steel.

The *Mogami*’s deck armor (iron plates) was eight centimeters thick but had the strength equivalent to thirty centimeters. Would the *Black Eagle*’s bombs pierce this immensely strong Honda Steel deck, or would the Aoki-style ‘No.13 Ray’ incinerate the *Black Eagle*’s engines? “Ah! The bomb is…!”

Miss Teruyo screamed. A black mass fell like an arrow. And then, it plunged into the sea about fifty meters ahead of *Mogami*’s bow. With a terrifying roar like that of a wild beast, a water column surged upward, then—*whoosh…* and with a thunderous crash—collapsed like a waterfall. The *Mogami* plunged its bow into that waterfall-like cascade, leaving Miss Teruyo’s sailor uniform completely soaked through.

“Hey, you really got it bad.” Commander Ogawa too had become a drenched rat, trembling from the cold. However, as expected, the *Mogami* was resilient. Even though such a huge bomb had been dropped so close, Honda Steel did not budge an inch.

“Miss Teruyo, if this were a weak cruiser, it would be creaking and warping from the shock of that bombing.” Commander Ogawa gently put his arm around Miss Teruyo’s trembling shoulders. “Don’t you think... we might lose?” “Oh, it’s nothing. Just watch… That *Black Eagle* will be shocked any moment now.”

The Commander fixed his large eyes intently on the monstrous aircraft in the sky.

Blue Light Beam

This was Black Eagle Bomber Number One. They had descended to six hundred meters and dropped their first bomb, yet the *Mogami* remained unharmed. The cruiser plowed through the waves, fleeing westward with relentless determination. "Major Smith," "Dr. Takeda's *Mogami* makes for a fine enemy cruiser, doesn't she?" "It's downright infuriating how she doesn't even shudder from that bombing."

Dr. Fuller and Major Smith, the aircraft commander, exchanged glances in astonishment. “Shall I drop another one?”

When Dr. Fuller pressed the button, the 500-kilogram bomb,

Whoosh

[roaring] fell with a roar. When they looked through the telescopic sight, it seemed that this time they had scored a hit.

The aft mast snapped in two, and the red battle flag fluttered down like scattered flower petals onto the waves.

But what was happening? The *Mogami*, as if declaring, “What’s a little scratch like this?” continued charging relentlessly westward. “Even if that huge bomb hit, it didn’t sink?” Dr. Fuller shuddered at how formidable the *Mogami* was.

“Let’s go lower.” Major Smith maneuvered the controls, and the *Black Eagle* descended about a hundred meters lower. At an altitude of five hundred meters, they finally attempted to drop the third bomb—that precise moment. A bluish-white light suddenly flashed across the *Mogami*’s deck. Black clouds hung low over the dimly lit sea surface, and a glaring blue light beam streaked like lightning! It was like a painting. The ‘No.13 Ray’ had been fired.

The blue light clung to the *Black Eagle*’s black wings, which resembled those of a giant bat. The wings burned with a crackling sound.

“Damn it!” Dr. Fuller frantically turned the helm. The *Black Eagle* let out a scream and struggled to escape upward. However, the blue light beam chased after them relentlessly. The figure of the *Black Eagle*, frantically whirling through the black clouds in its attempt to evade the light beam, was terrifying to behold. The wind intensified further, now mingled with rain.

Ah! A submarine! Dr. Fuller streamed with cold sweat, fighting for his life... Finally, when they had escaped to an altitude of eight hundred meters and Dr. Fuller let out a sigh of relief, Major Smith, trembling, delivered a terrible report. “Doctor, the second engine has stopped.” “What? The engine stopped?”

“Yes,” “It appears to have been damaged by the No.13 Ray.” “It hasn’t moved since earlier.” “It’s no use.” “Let’s return to Pearl Harbor Naval Base.” “We’ve lost to Dr. Takeda.” Ah—he had dismissed the *Mogami* as merely a single strike, but Honda Steel proved far stronger than anticipated. Ambushed by that uncanny ray on top of it all, Dr. Fuller found himself thoroughly disheartened.

When they looked down, the sea raged violently with white waves churning tumultuously; there was no sign of where the *Mogami* had gone—not a shadow remained. The *Black Eagle* lurched through the air with its one remaining engine. If the storm worsened further, it was unclear whether they could even return to Pearl Harbor Naval Base. Its speed barely reached two hundred kilometers.

Dr. Fuller was silently lost in thought. Ah, what was the doctor thinking? Could it be another terrifying plan of revenge?

○

Before long, the *Black Eagle* dipped its rudder and flew through the storm, eastward and eastward, lower and lower, skimming the waves.

The Pacific was now a stage for the storm.

As night approached, the *Black Eagle* weakened considerably. The engine’s sound seemed somehow off. “Major Smith, what time is it now?” “1638 hours.” “Then it should take about three more hours to reach Pearl Harbor Naval Base.”

When Dr. Fuller leaned out the window to peer at the raging sea below—ah, look!—three whale-like large submarines were racing eastward and eastward through the turbulent waters, forming a single-file column.

The Black Eagle's Final Attack

Dr. Fuller shuddered as he saw three submarines racing across the raging sea.

When peering through the twilight, they were unmistakably Japanese submarine cruisers. "We're done for." Dr. Fuller turned pale and exchanged glances with Major Smith.

The Black Eagle, its second engine seared by the Mogami's beam and wings grievously damaged, staggered through the air—how could this crippled warbird possibly confront the fresh submarine guerrilla force?

"There's no choice. To die in my maiden battle is fate." Dr.Fuller made his final resolve within his heart. "Major Smith. Are there still bombs remaining?" "Yes, only one 500kg bomb remains." "Good. With that we'll make our final stand. If I can sink even one of Dr.Takeda's submarines... I'll die fulfilled."

Dr. Fuller grinned a sly, creepy grin.

Now was the time to retaliate for what had happened earlier. The Black Eagle, roaring its remaining first engine, plunged into the pitch-black rain clouds. Hiding in the clouds, they stealthily approached to launch a surprise attack.

Major Smith was staring intently at the clock’s second hand. One second, two seconds, three seconds, five seconds—twenty seconds. “Captain, we must be right over the enemy’s head by now.” “Yes, it’s finally time for the bombing.”

The moment Major Smith issued his command, the *Black Eagle* forcefully lowered its nose and dove steeply from the clouds, aiming straight for the waves. It was a desperation-fueled attack. Ah—would it be the *Yashima*, *Akitsushima*, or *Chiyoda*? Which ship of the Submarine Guerrilla Force would fall victim to this 500kg bomb? Or would the *Black Eagle* be struck by the No.13 Ray again and meet a pitiful end? The *Black Eagle*'s crew all stared down at the sea with bloodshot eyes. However, utterly bizarre!

The submarines that had been floating there just twenty seconds earlier were nowhere to be seen. The dark sea raged with waves, the wind roared and howled, but there was no trace of the targeted Japanese submarines. “Did we miss?”

Dr. Fuller ground his teeth in frustration. “But to submerge in just twenty seconds—I must admire the enemy’s skill.” Dr. Fuller clicked his tongue in astonishment at the Japanese submarines’ swift action. “Doctor, the enemy doesn’t realize we’re weakened here, do they?” Captain Smith’s blue eyes gleamed. “Yeah, maybe so. “Even if they’re submerged, I’ll drop the bomb anyway.” Dr. Fuller pressed the button forcefully with his fingertip. The large bomb fell like a black fiend into the depths of the sea.

“Ha ha ha… Bomb! Chase those enemy ships fleeing into **the** depths of **the** sea—pursue them relentlessly!” Dr．Fuller waved his hand from **the** aircraft and bade farewell **to** **the** final bomb． “I don’t know where you are**,** Dr．Takeda**,** but with this**,** today’s battle ends **in** **a** draw**!**”

“Captain, there’s a castaway.”

Having completed its bombing run, the *Black Eagle* flew low—so low it nearly skimmed the waves—circling the area. They were watching for oil to surface. If the submarine had been cracked and damaged by that bomb’s explosive force, oil would surely have surfaced. If oil surfaced, that would be proof the submarine had been destroyed. “How about it? Still no sign of oil?” “No sir, nothing.” For about ten minutes they searched, but ultimately no oil surfaced. Dr. Fuller looked thoroughly disappointed.

“I want to tell you here, Doctor,” he thought, “our Showa Guerrilla Submarine Force, led by the brave Colonel Aoki, won’t so easily become your prey.” “Major Smith, the attack has failed. There’s nothing we can do—let’s return.”

“What a detestable enemy.”

Major Smith changed course with a disappointed look.

That was the moment. A sailor let out a shout.

“Captain! There’s a castaway visible below the port side!” “What? A castaway?”

The captain immediately moved the helm and reduced speed. Peering down, he could see the figure of a small human being tossed by the waves. A white face was turned upward.

Dr. Fuller peered intently through the targeting telescope, “He seems to be an enemy sailor. Oh—it’s a boy. Let’s take him prisoner. We might extract some secrets from the Japanese Navy. Major Smith— Isn’t there any way to catch him?”

“It’s no use.” “The waves are too rough—we can’t get any closer.” “What a shame.” “He’s a cute-faced petty officer.” “Letting such a boy die like that—even though he’s an enemy—I can’t help but feel sorry for him.” “Poor fellow.” “He’ll soon be attacked by sharks and devoured.”

Major Smith also peered downward with a grim expression.

"When that enemy ship submerged earlier, someone got left alone on deck." "At least tie some provisions to a life buoy and throw it down." A single tear glistened in the doctor's eyes as he pulled back from the telescope. "Major Smith—that young petty officer's about the same age as my eldest boy Arthur." "He's swimming bravely through these monstrous waves." "Seeing such gallantry... somehow it only makes me sadder."

At last, along with Dr.Fuller’s tears, a life buoy was thrown.

“Boy of the enemy nation! Stay brave to the end!”

The crew of the Black Eagle saluted the pitiful young petty officer tossed by the waves in farewell.

The rain suddenly began to fall violently. The dusk over the Pacific was being enveloped by the darkness of sorrow.

Ah, where am I being swept away to?

Gentlemen. You must have realized by now that the young petty officer adrift in the waves was none other than our Kiyoshi. Just moments earlier, when the Showa Guerrilla Submarine Force spotted the Black Eagle bomber approaching at an extremely low altitude, they had submerged with lightning speed on Colonel Aoki’s orders. (Not even the Colonel had imagined that the Black Eagle might already be damaged.)

Japanese submarines were the fastest in the world when it came to diving. In particular, the Yashima and Chiyoda had special designs, so it took less than thirty seconds for their command towers to submerge.

At that moment, young Kiyoshi—standing in the shadow of the 20cm gun turret on the deck while watching the tempestuous waves of the Pacific—became so engrossed by the sound of the surf that he missed hearing the dive alarm. And no one noticed that Kiyoshi-kun had remained behind. As the advancing Chiyoda began to submerge, by the time he thought "Ah!", the Yashima’s deck was already slipping beneath the waves.

Terrifying waves attacked like wild beasts. In the blink of an eye, the ship was sinking. The moment Kiyoshi-kun thought the Chiyoda's command tower had disappeared, a wave swept his legs out from under him, and he collapsed sideways—dragged helplessly across the Yashima's deck before being washed overboard.

"Damn it!" He shouted, but it was already too late. He was pulled smoothly down into the depths, then floated naturally back up. The seawater stung his eyes with sharp pain. His chest constricted. Mountainous waves heaved him upward with tremendous force, only to plunge him instantly back into valley-like troughs.

No matter how much he cried or shouted, the Yashima had already plunged deep beneath the waves. He alone was left behind in these terrifying, raging waves.

In the dark, dark sky, the Black Eagle bomber flew roaring.

“Ah, is this my end?”

Kiyoshi-kun clenched his teeth and desperately paddled through the water with his gradually numbing hands. The face of his elderly mother back in Tokyo appeared floating vaguely within the clouds. "Mother... goodbye."

Kiyoshi-kun firmly covered his eyes and steeled his resolve.

○ It was at this moment that Dr. Fuller threw the life buoy. Kiyoshi-kun moved his exhausted body and finally clung to the life buoy. A small box was tied to it. It was a box of rock candy. Though waterlogged and hard to decipher, pen strokes ran across its surface: "Brave sailor of Japan... Though I cannot save... I deeply regret... May you remain courageous to the end. ...remain brave...to the end. ...Black Eagle No. 1" Ah—this was a gift from the enemy. Did even they possess their own form of Bushido?

Kiyoshi-kun somehow felt his eyelids growing hot.

When he raised his eyes, the Black Eagle was already flying beyond the dark clouds. The sound of the propellers gradually grew fainter and more distant. “Dr. Fuller… As my brother’s enemy, you are by no means someone to be ashamed of.” Kiyoshi shouted as rain and tears wet his cheeks. ――Before long, night fell completely.

The rain began to fall even more heavily.

In the terrifying, lonely darkness, Kiyoshi-kun clung to the life buoy as he drifted aimlessly away. A terrifying, shark-infested sea. Though near the South Seas, the night waves were cold. ...Would the dread hand of death now seize our Kiyoshi-kun?

Gallant Men of the South Seas

Kiyoshi-kun vanished somewhere into the night sea.

Here, I must temporarily cease searching for the boy’s whereabouts and speak of Natuna Island far to the south, at the northern edge of the Borneo Archipelago.

Natuna Island. This island was a green volcanic island washed by the Kuroshio Current. Large palm trees grew all over the island, and cold, clear water gushed forth from the valleys. The natives living here were a brave clan called the Ranon people. They were natives with reddish-black skin, robust builds, and piercing eyes.

They lived in small, shabby huts roofed with palm fronds, but their spears, swords, bows, and guns were all splendid implements. They were all robust; when they climbed mountains they ran faster than deer, and when they dove into the sea they could submerge more skillfully than sea turtles. It was their wish that after death, they would be enshrined as Panlima, the "God of Brave Warriors," in the volcanic mountain behind them. Therefore, they detested cowardly acts above all else. They were the Spartans among the South Seas natives. They were Japanese.

No, they truly believed that "the Japanese are descendants of us Ranon people," and took pride in this belief. That may well have been their misconception. However, it was true that their ancestors had valiantly fought against British and Dutch pirates and warships. In days of old, Western sailors would tremble violently upon hearing the name 'Ranon Pirates.'

Among these brave natives there existed a Japanese man worshipped as a 'Living Panlima' (Brave Warrior). He was a young man whose face bristled with beard. His name was Sekiya Ichiro. He served as supervisor of Natuna Island's coconut grove for Nanyo Industries. Having come to this island at eighteen years old and spent ten years here through his righteous nature, compassionate heart, and combative spirit that eagerly battled hardships, he became thoroughly revered by the natives until finally emerging as their commander. "When speaking of 'Mr. Sekiya of Natuna Island' among their ranks," he stood higher than even His Excellency the Governor-General of Borneo.

Now that the homeland Japan was in dire straits, would this patriotic stalwart Ichiro Sekiya remain silent forever?

No, no—when the telegram arrived stating "Commander Kimura’s Third Fleet engages on the Yangtze," he immediately summoned the natives to his coastal house. They would throw away their lives without even hearing the reason.

On the coast of Natuna Island stood a white cottage built atop the rocks of a cape. Five or six towering palm trees loomed around it.

Tonight, the moon was bright. The natives who had gathered in the square before the house numbered two hundred. The sea was calm, and a cool breeze blew gently.

“Is everyone here?”

Mr. Sekiya, dressed in a white shirt, appeared on the veranda. The natives were solemnly standing at attention. “The reason I had you all gather today is none other than this: I want to ask whether you truly possess courage and true chivalry.”

Mr. Sekiya glared sharply around at the assembled group. “Commander! You mustn’t doubt us Ranon natives!”

"I am no coward!" The natives burst into clamorous shouts. Mr. Sekiya waved his hand and, "Very well, I understand. "The Ranon people truly possess courage. "There's one more thing I must ask. "Do you all care for me?" "We do!" "I love you all!" Again they erupted in noisy commotion. "Then if you care for me, surrender all your lives to me." Mr. Sekiya adopted a grave expression and fixed the crowd of natives with an intense stare.

Taken aback by the unexpected words, the natives fell utterly silent for a moment—but true to their honor-cherishing Ranon nature, one foremost man soon rose and shouted.

“Hey everyone! Listen up!” “The Living Panlima—our Brave Warrior—says he wants our lives!” “Refuse this, and you’ll disgrace the name of Ranon Pirates!” “I’ll be first to die and become a god enshrined on that fiery mountain!” “Damn right!” “I’ll take the second spear charge!” “My life belongs to Mr. Sekiya!” “Me too! Me too!” they roared, fifty or sixty warriors surging to their feet at once. Among them were the overeager ones— “Commander of Japan! Go on—kill me now!” “Kill me now!”

they rushed forward.

“Ah, warriors! To lay down your lives for loved ones without question… Your hearts mirror the divine.” Ichiro Sekiya pressed his palms together in silent prayer and bowed deeply to the natives. Yet knowing these warriors despised sentimental displays, he swallowed his tears and barked commands with renewed authority. “True scions of Ranon pirates! Having received your lives, I’ll let no shame touch our ancestors’ legacy. Mark this—resolved men shall gather at this cape tomorrow night. Load ships with one month’s provisions. Poisoned arrows and firearms—forget neither! We strike at my foe.”

Night Sortie

The following night. Five sailing vessels gathered at the cape. Sixty fearless tribesmen had boarded. They refused all two hundred who begged, "Take us with you," selecting sixty of the bravest warriors. Where they were heading to attack, no one knew. Even so, they were radiant with courage, just like the military expeditions of old. Those who remained on the island were burning bonfires on the sandy beach. The sound of the farewell drum, Boom-boom, boom-boom.

And the sound reverberated through the coconut grove.

At the bow of the lead ship stood Ichiro Sekiya, the renowned Sekino Magoroku sword thrust into his belt and a conch shell horn in hand, imposing as a Nio guardian deity.

At last came their departure for battle. At the signal of the conch horn, the five sailing vessels slid out smoothly across the moonlit sea. “Beloved Natsuna Island. Coconut Grove. This marks my eternal farewell to you too. Goodbye.”

Mr. Sekiya bid farewell to the fading island shadow. The natives too, true to form, all wore expressions of reluctance to part. “Hey, the path ahead is long!” “Now show me the skills of the Ranon pirates!” He tapped Chief Solo on the shoulder and pointed toward the vast, night-enshrouded ocean stretching endlessly before them. “Bring it on! Let the storm come! Let the winds blow!” “The souls of my ancestors dwell in these arms, I tell you!” Chief Solo slapped his iron-hard arm with a sharp smack. He was a dependable man.

"We are Japan’s allied forces."

Then, over ten days, overcoming wave after wave and island-hopping, the five-ship fleet sailed east and ever eastward.

The Ranon natives' skills were truly remarkable. In leaf-like sailing ships, they passed through the very heart of great storms. They battled swarms of sharks. They crossed fierce currents. And finally, riding the Kuroshio Current and carried by trade winds, they reached a small uninhabited island at the edge of the Marshall Islands. Mr. Sekiya landed on the island, gathered the native leaders, and there for the first time revealed the operation to attack Kōgyoku Island, the enemy fleet's base of operations.

“Now Japan is being attacked by the enemy nation! Our navy is strong! But the enemy has massive forces! The battle is a hard fight! That’s why we’ll become Japan’s special detachment and strike at the enemy’s headquarters! Kōgyoku Island has a giant fortress! And there’s a massive enemy fleet! Our detachment will infiltrate under cover of darkness and attack there! Understood?!”

Mr. Sekiya, using his Sekino Magoroku as a staff, glared fixedly toward Kōgyoku Island. “Commander, does that mean we’re part of the Japanese military?”

Chief Solo asked with gleaming eyes.

“That’s right. You are the Japanese military. You are Japan’s allied forces!” “Waaah—Japan banzai!” The natives leapt up. The drums began to boom—thudding steadily. In an instant, a valiant departure dance commenced. “Japan is the leader of Asia. “The Lanon are Japan’s ancestors.” Chief Solo began singing an odd song, while some among them started firing blank shots to boost morale. Mr. Sekiya, gazing fixedly at this spectacle, felt such joy that his chest tightened with emotion.

“Hey—does becoming part of the Japanese military truly bring you such joy?” ……His gaze jerked northward unbidden— He stared up at the sovereign’s distant sky and wept scalding tears that fell like monsoon rain.

People drifted in. That night, Mr. Sekiya imparted detailed tactics to the natives. However, what kind of tactics those were would remain a secret for some time. At last came the final course. Mr. Sekiya named this five-ship sailing fleet the "Lanon Special Attack Force." And at the natives' request, they hoisted a standard resembling our naval ensign atop the mast. It was a flag that the natives had drawn with blood from their cut fingers.

Onward, onward! Kōgyoku Naval Port was near! With sails as white and beautiful as swan's feathers spread wide and blood-stained flags waving, the sixty-member suicide squad surged with courage. There were guns. There were poison arrows. There were swords. There was fearsome dynamite. ……There was no shortage of weapons. Now all that remained was a desperate charge.

――Having left the uninhabited island, on the second night, as they came slightly northward, it grew cold. And it was a terrifying storm.

The wind howled. The sea raged. In the sky, not a single trace of stars was visible—an eerie night.

“It’s going to be rough tonight.” “We won’t get a wink of sleep tonight!” When Mr. Sekiya and Chief Solo exchanged looks in the blue light of the lantern, the lookout tribesman shouted. “Commander! Someone’s drifting in!” “A cute kid!” “A child soldier!”

Chiyoda's Encrypted Telegram

What had become of Kiyoshi-kun drifting on the night sea and the Lanon Pirates afterward?

The guerrilla submarine unit that had hidden in the depths of the sea surfaced after the *Black Eagle* departed. Then, Commander Aoki ordered the second ship, *Chiyoda*, to search for Kiyoshi’s whereabouts, and taking *Yashima* and *Akitsushima* with him, he hurried to attack Kōgyoku Island. The waves grew ever rougher, the wind increasingly fierce. “It’s pitiful, but in these waves, the boy Kiyoshi won’t be saved. By now, he must surely have been reduced to flotsam in the Pacific.”

The colonel gazed fixedly at the dark sea and muttered sorrowfully.

However, late that night, around two o'clock in the dead of night, an unexpected cipher telegram arrived from the *Chiyoda*, which had been left behind.

When the cipher was decrypted and translated, "We have discovered the boy Kiyoshi. Just as we were grieving with no hope left, we spotted four or five sailboats appearing and disappearing among the waves. When we hurriedly intercepted them, to our surprise, it turned out to be a unit of Lanon tribesmen led by the Japanese Ichiro Sekiya, en route on their daring mission to attack Kōgyoku Island. The boy Kiyoshi had been rescued by them while drifting. This ship promptly took the boy aboard and is currently chasing after the main fleet. The Lanon sailing fleet valiantly plowed through the raging waves toward Kōgyoku Island. This ship wished them success in battle.—Lieutenant Commander Kitaura, captain of the Chiyoda"

――Ah, Kiyoshi-kun was saved indeed.

Commander Aoki stroked his chest in relief and promptly sent a reply to the *Chiyoda*. The text of that telegram read: “Thank you. Take care of Kiyoshi-kun. Tomorrow night, the main fleet should arrive off Kōgyoku Naval Port’s Kongōseki Battery. We’ll show you a spectacular bombardment! You (*Chiyoda*), come quickly too!” In the pitch-black sky, blue sparks from the wireless telegraph crackled and scattered. Ah, the great waves raged wildly, sending up spray. The wind howled. A storm raged at the cape. *Yashima* and *Akitsushima* charged toward the enemy’s base of operations like wild horses.

So fast! A speed of a full twenty-three knots! Among the world's submarines, this was the fastest speed on record. Moreover, riding the tidal current, they streaked ahead like arrows.

Our two submarine cruisers vanished into the darkness in the blink of an eye.—Gentlemen. How endless the wait seems for tomorrow’s glorious battle!

The Great Fortress of Kōgyoku Island

Now, while there were many concerns—Kiyoshi-kun's condition, the subsequent status of the cruiser *Mogami*, and matters regarding Teruyo-san—let us first investigate the enemy situation (the state of our adversaries) here.

Kōgyoku Island, the destination of *Yashima* and *Akitsushima*, was the base of operations for the A-nation Pacific Fleet. The island was about the size of our Shikoku, and as it lay near tropical seas, royal palm trees spread their green fronds across its sandy beaches. The mountains were tall rocky peaks; from the volcano behind the naval port, thick smoke billowed upward. This smoke was the smoke of sorrow.

Until thirty-five years ago, these Kōgyoku Islands, though small, had been an independent nation. That was deceitfully seized by A-nation, and the pitiful Her Majesty the Queen of Kōgyoku Kingdom passed away lamenting, "How vexing! How vexing!" Could it not be that her grudge remains unvanquished, even now billowing as volcanic smoke and blazing upward? However, since A-nation intended to use this island as a base to dominate the Pacific, they spent hundreds of millions of yen to construct the world's largest naval port.

At the famed Kongōseki Battery, three 40 cm cannons were installed in the shadow of the forest, and deep within Kōgyoku Bay floated a 50,000-ton dry dock. The army garrison defending the island (number of troops) was twenty thousand men strong, with two hundred fifty aircraft and fifty tanks. Offshore, over thirty thousand naval mines had been laid.

Lieutenant General Lloyd, the garrison commander, struck his chest, “Even if a hundred thousand Japanese troops attack, we won’t budge an inch!”

Lieutenant General Lloyd boasted. That was no empty boast. All the world’s strategists (people who devise war strategies) were all,

"Kōgyoku Island is impregnable. "It would be difficult to capture through human means." and they feared this.

Ah, with what strategy would our Showa Guerrilla Submarine Force assault this fearsome fortress? And what would become of the Lanon pirate band that lacked even proper weapons? The thought filled them with dread. The enemy fleet had sortied.

No, attacking and capturing it from our side was not merely difficult.

“Gentlemen, look out over the open sea from Kongōseki Battery!” The night storm had vanished somewhere, and across the Pacific, waves rolled low and gentle as far as the eye could see. In that navy-blue sea fluttered three hundred naval ensigns!

Ah—from the tip of yonder cape to the distant, unseen open sea—there lay the full deployment of the A-nation Pacific Fleet.

Now, Admiral Yarnell, the Commander-in-Chief, had his admiral's flag fluttering high on the mast of his flagship *Kentucky*, preparing to embark on the Great Expedition to Japan. The fleet under his command comprised: Battleships: Fifteen Aircraft carriers: Seven Large cruisers: Fifteen Light cruisers: Fifteen Aviation cruisers: Three Destroyers: 164 Submarines: Fifty-seven Special service ships: Forty-eight Ah—this fearsome armada of three hundred twenty-four vessels stood as the Pacific's veritable "Invincible Fleet."

In the command tower of the flagship *Kentucky*, Admiral Yarnell’s eagle-like blue eyes gleamed, while the gaunt Chief of Staff Mahan gazed fixedly at the palm grove along the shore, as though reluctant to leave it behind.

The time came to sortie. From beyond the Kongōseki Battery, army planes formed a ladder formation and appeared. It was a farewell flight. Boom-boom-boom—boom!

The battery also fired a salute.

From the flagship’s aft deck, the "Farewell Song"—a stirring yet mournful melody—could be heard.

The lead torpedo squadron began to move first, followed by the submarine squadron plowing through the waves. "Dolphin", "Whale", "Tornado", "Kuroshio", "Pirate", and "Columbus"—these six vessels were the A-nation Navy's pride: large submarines as formidable as Yashima and Chiyoda.

On their strangely shaped bows were carved statues of the "Sea Aragami" holding spears. On their masts, star-studded naval ensigns fluttered gracefully in azure beauty—a gallant departure scene from foes who were enemies nonetheless. "Ah, Your Excellency, the submarine squadron is departing."

“Yeah, they’ll definitely sink the Mutsu and Nagato!”

Admiral Yarnell waved his hand high,

“Long live the Pacific Fleet!”

he shouted.

“Waaah— Banzai! Waaah—” A thunderous war cry erupted from the submarines.

Third was the aviation squadron.

*Amazon*, *Orion*, and *Saratoga*—mountain-like massive aircraft carriers—emerged from behind the cape. Signal flags flew on the mast of flagship *Amazon*. What an incredible signal. "Black Eagle Bomber No. 5 vows to annihilate all Japanese battleships. —Dr. Fuller" Ah! Dr. Fuller was already aboard carrier *Amazon* with his new Black Eagle bomber.

Upon seeing Dr. Fuller’s signal, Admiral Yarnell tapped his Chief of Staff on the shoulder, “Chief of Staff, Dr. Fuller’s out for revenge this time—he’s going to raise hell.” “Yes.” “The enemy Sueyama Fleet will be bombed down to the last ship.”

○

Gentlemen, having thus left the shadow of Kōgyoku Island behind, the A-nation Pacific Fleet advanced ever westward, majestically forming a circular formation and brandishing thousands of cannons.

This was nothing less than a second Mongol invasion for our motherland Japan. Where could the Sueyama Combined Fleet—that force which must confront this formidable enemy—possibly be? The Bonin Islands? The Nan'yō Islands? That remained a military secret, unknown for now. Yet our *Yashima* and *Akitsushima* were already closing in on the Kōgyoku Archipelago!

Thrilling Night Raid

*Yashima* and *Akitsushima* arrived off Kōgyoku Island on the very evening the Pacific Fleet had sortied. The sky held no moon, but stars glittered, and the cape of Kongōseki Battery floated upon the water in jet-black silhouette. The pale searchlight streamed across the sea.—Our submarine, with only its periscope above water, stealthily closed in. The patrol destroyers were prowling restlessly, but they appeared not to have noticed yet.

Ah, the time for the thrilling night raid came.

Captain Aoki was planning to fire 20-cm shells over Kongōseki Cape into Kōgyoku Bay Naval Port beyond the mountains.

“All right. “Surface.” When the order was given, our sea monster churned through the waves and raised its head to the surface.

The 20-cm guns opened their muzzles and, as if shaking off spray, raised their cobra-like heads menacingly to glare at Kongōseki Cape.

At last, the Japanese Navy's first bombardment of Kōgyoku Island commenced. When the gunnery officer pressed the button, a deep thunderous roar erupted as crimson flames flashed. The guns extended and retracted their hooded heads like an angry serpent, firing the second and third shells without pause. Beyond the mountains came a roaring explosion. The shells must have struck either the ammunition depot or fuel oil tanks. Caught off guard by the ambush, the enemy's gun batteries frantically opened fire with their fortress cannons. With fifteen or sixteen cannons roaring out simultaneously, the situation turned dire.

In the sky, tracer shells streaked like meteors with luminous tails, while in the sea, water columns erupted even more violently than tornadoes. No matter how strong *Yashima* and *Akitsushima* were, they couldn’t withstand being bombarded like this. Our Captain Aoki fired off four or five rounds in rapid succession, then bellowed “Dive!” in a booming voice before plunging to the ocean depths with blinding speed. By the time the enemy batteries unleashed their fierce barrage—startling vast schools of sharks—our two submarines had already pressed themselves flat against the seafloor, cutting their engines to conceal all sound and presence.

“Navigator, our water escape technique surpasses even Sarutobi Sasuke and Kirigakure Saizō.” “But we were nearly destroyed back there.” Captain Aoki wiped away cold sweat as he boasted. “The enemy is bombarding us ferociously.” “The depth charge detonations are growing alarmingly close, sir.”

Lieutenant Commander Shibata, the Navigator, looked worried. A throbbing... BOOM... The eerie sound echoed incessantly. Destroyers—as many as four or five squadrons—had sortied and were apparently dropping depth charges from their launchers.

The Demise of Yashima Depth charges were weapons devised by Admiral Jellicoe, Commander-in-Chief of the British Grand Fleet who had been plagued by German submarines during the World War, in his determination to destroy those detested submarines. After falling to a depth of about sixty meters, they would explode. It was through their explosive force that they destroyed submarines.

*Yashima* was submerged at a depth greater than a hundred meters. Therefore, even if a depth charge exploded directly overhead, being forty meters away meant the shockwaves wouldn’t reverberate intensely enough to cause cracks.

However, *Yashima* was not a vessel built with Honda Steel. That steel was weaker than even the *Mogami*'s. In the deep ocean depths, compressed by water's weight, the hull—the submarine's body—creaked and groaned with strange noises. Then water began seeping in from somewhere with soft plopping sounds. The muggy, stagnant air made breathing labored. Soon the depth charges' reverberations grew steadily stronger until BOOM... BOOM... they began exploding right beside their ears. Each time, *Yashima* shuddered violently.

“Commander, the enemy’s depth charges are detonating at nearly eighty meters.” Lieutenant Commander Shibata furrowed his brow. The enemy destroyers seemed to have deployed formidable depth charges. Moving risked acoustic detection, yet staying hidden carried equal danger.

“Damn it all!” When Captain Aoki glared upward with bulging eyes, a thunderous rumbling shook the earth, and *Yashima* listed heavily. A depth charge had exploded right beside them. Screeeech... The steel screamed as the rivets loosened. “Ah, Captain! “We’re flooding!” With a piercing shriek, seawater gushed violently from the cracked gap. “Damn it!”

Commander Aoki’s face paled, but it was already too late. The seawater poured in like a waterfall, and in no time, the interior of *Yashima* was flooded. "What a disgrace." "I wanted to raise more hell." Listening to the sailors’ anguished voices, Captain Aoki took up a paintbrush toward the wall. He was writing his final lament. "I have no excuse for losing His Majesty’s ship.

"The attack on Kōgyoku Island was our true desire amidst this regret. Not a single subordinate feared death; military discipline remained strict. I, your subject Captain Aoki, shall become a guardian demon of the nation even in death."

On the white-painted wall, the black paint’s color stood out vividly.

The water had already risen to chest level.

“Commander, please allow me to write my final words as well.”

Lieutenant Commander Shibata, swimming, wielded the brush with thick black strokes toward the ceiling. “Long live His Majesty the Grand Marshal! Long live the Imperial Navy! First to Strike at Kōgyoku Island Long live Submarine Yashima!”

Ah, this was the end. The major’s black head vanished into the swirling water.

The fire went out, and the surroundings were plunged into pitch darkness.

Somehow detecting their presence, ten, fifteen of the "Murderous Demons of the Sea" sharks bared their fangs and began creeping closer.

"If we go to sea, we become corpses in the water—thus did the seventy brave warriors of *Yashima* come to rest eternally in the depths of the Pacific."

Above the warriors' graveyard, eighteen A-nation destroyers scrambled like hunting dogs, racing about in disarray.

Over Kongōseki Cape, a crescent moon rose hazily.

Kōgyoku Island Fortress's Great Fire

The tragic, tragic end of the *Yashima*. Despite being the first to breach enemy lines, they met such a bitter end—devoured by man-eating sharks.

But O seventy brave warriors of Captain Aoki and his men. Your vengeance was splendidly avenged by the Lanon pirates led by Ichiro Sekiya.

Ah, if only Captain Aoki’s spirit could see Lieutenant General Harigan’s *Kakioki* from the Kōgyoku Island Fortress—he would surely smile gently and rest peacefully in his grave.

Lieutenant General Harigan’s *Kakioki* is stored deep within the vault of the A-nation Army Ministry, and it contains the following words.

“Tonight our Kōgyoku Island Fortress was attacked by Japanese submarines.” A 20-cm shell struck the ammunition magazine and ignited a fire. “However, our destroyers fought valiantly, launched a full-scale depth charge attack, and repelled the enemy.”

Because the enemy fled, we let our guard down. The officers danced at the club, unaware of the night deepening, and the soldiers, exhausted, fell fast asleep.

At that moment, like demons, a group of natives crept in stealthily. They beached their sailing ship near Kongōseki Cape. Because the ship had a shallow draft, it didn't snag on any naval mines. A Japanese man who had drawn a large sword issued commands; the natives attacked the fuel oil tanks while shouting wildly. Dynamite was thrown. The tanks caught fire. Ah, thus began the terrible conflagration. The fire burned and burned.

The fire was more terrifying than an eruption of Kōgyoku Volcano. Now, the area near our fortress had become a sea of fire. There came a sorrowful report that the Kongōseki Battery had caught fire. The army barracks were burning too. Now—at three thirty in the morning—when viewed from this fortress headquarters' window, the seawater reflected the fire's glow in crimson. The sky blazed red as if at sunset. Ah, the world-renowned Kōgyoku Fortress was now being burned by unarmed natives. Has there ever been such a tragic turn of events? My heart brimmed with bitterness.

Of course, our brave garrison was not idle. They fought the natives and slaughtered them all. They captured the wounded Japanese man who appeared to be their leader and executed him by firing squad. He was a bold man; even when standing before the rifles, his expression never changed until the end. Thus we killed the enemy, but the burned Kōgyoku Island will never return to its former state. Our A-nation navy has had its major base of operations destroyed. The guilt for this lies with my own negligence. As fortress commander, I am so ashamed I want to crawl into a hole.

"I will die and atone for this guilt. Ah, God. Protect A-nation. Protect my friend Admiral Yarnell’s Pacific Fleet." Having left this Kakioki behind, Lieutenant General Harigan took his own life. Was he not a pitiable general—an enemy yet akin to China’s Admiral Ding Ruchang, who long ago drank poison after being defeated by our navy?

But even so, the Lanon pirates fought splendidly. The explosion of the fuel oil tanks was truly a brilliant strategy. Ichiro Sekiya was executed by firing squad, but his name will forever be preserved in the annals of warfare.

○

Gentlemen, Kōgyoku Island was no longer of much use as a naval base of operations. The A-nation garrison stared blankly at the scorched wasteland charred black, appearing dazed and listless. However, do not applaud yet.

Admiral Yarnell’s grand fleet, without a single ship damaged, was now advancing relentlessly toward Tokyo.

The Kuroshio Current was raging.

The whale was weeping sorrowfully.

The war clouds over the Pacific were growing increasingly dark indeed.

Kiyoshi's Military Exploit

The consort ship Akitsushima, which had bombarded Kōgyoku Island alongside Yashima—whether it had been destroyed by depth charges or slipped away safely under cover of darkness—its whereabouts remained unknown.

Meanwhile, the Chiyoda carrying Kiyoshi, while chasing after the main force headed toward Kōgyoku Island, unexpectedly encountered Admiral Yarnell’s grand fleet.

It was evening. Since three bells had sounded, it was past five-thirty, nearing six o'clock.

Beneath the crimson-glowing sunset sky, the sharply defined silhouette of the grand fleet emerged!

Lieutenant Commander Kitaura, captain of the Chiyoda, called Kiyoshi to the periscope. "You, take a look through here."

Having slept soundly through the night，Kiyoshi had completely shaken off his fatigue． With no clothes of his own，he looked comical wearing the captain’s oversized uniform． “Thank you，Captain，” he said brightly．

When he put the binoculars to his eyes—Ah! He could see them, he could see them! What a formidable fleet. A squadron of destroyers closest to them was raising white waves as they ran in a line. What appeared to be three large whales lined up in the distance was undoubtedly the air squadron. "I wonder if that lead one is the Amazon. Or maybe it’s the Saratoga." Kiyoshi, his heart pounding with excitement, stared fixedly at the enemy fleet.

The battleships were dimmed on the distant horizon and could not be clearly seen. In this area, a current that had split off from the Kuroshio Current was flowing fiercely, turning the sea black as ink. The Chiyoda had entered this current. Three or four enemy reconnaissance planes were flying alertly in the sky, but due to the dark waves' color, they could not detect the Chiyoda's shadow.

"Now's our chance for a surprise attack!" Lieutenant Commander Kitaura, captain of the Chiyoda, had been an adventurous daredevil ever since his Etajima Naval Academy days.

Ever since catching sight of the large prey (enemy fleet), his arms had been tingling with anticipation.

"I think it’s about time we sent a big torpedo their way." The Lieutenant Commander trembled with a warrior’s shiver, “Hey, Takeda! We’re going to take down the Amazon. Shall I let you fire it?”

“Yes, by all means, please let me do it.” Kiyoshi also struck his chest boldly.

Gentlemen, behold! The brave and reckless tactics of the Japanese Navy finally commenced!

Our Chiyoda hid deep beneath the waves and plunged headlong into the heart of the three hundred-ship enemy fleet at twelve knots underwater speed. Ah! It slipped beneath a destroyer's hull. The bold Lieutenant Commander Kitaura appeared resolved to press toward the enemy's main force. One couldn't catch a tiger cub without entering its den. How could victory be won by those clinging to life? How could great enemies be sunk? The Chiyoda charged relentlessly forward. All right—surface!

When they abruptly extended the periscope's head, the massive bulk of the Amazon immediately loomed into view before their eyes.

“Fire!” It was the Major’s bell-like command. Kiyoshi frantically pressed the launch button with all his might. The silver 52cm Type Go electric torpedo buzzed violently as it shot out. Then, another one. “Fire!”

A gale-force attack. Just as a shark or killer whale might burst through the waves to leap upward only to vanish into the depths in an instant, our *Chiyoda* too—the moment its torpedoes finished launching—plunged downward with blinding speed, deeper and deeper into the abyss. This was Lieutenant Commander Kitaura’s combat method.

From above came a faint dull boom—could be heard. “Hah... Got ’em, got ’em. “That’s a hit!” The lieutenant commander seemed pleased with his first combat success. Kiyoshi’s heart pounded wildly in his chest, having accomplished a major mission.

The Three Fortresses of the Kuroshio

While the Showa Guerrilla Force was attacking Kōgyoku Island and raiding the A-nation fleet, our Combined Fleet under Admiral Sueyama lay secretly and stealthily hidden in the shadow of the Ogasawara Islands.

This island was one of Japan's Three Pacific Fortresses. Heikai Island, Minami-Torishima, and Naka-Ogasawara Island—these three formed our three fortresses in the Pacific.

Kiyoshi and Teruyo-san called these the "Three Kuroshio Fortresses."

Of the three fortresses, Heikai Island now had only its garrison remaining, as the entire Showa Guerrilla Force had departed.

At Torishima, the large air force led by Lieutenant General Katō—three hundred aircraft strong—had been eagerly poised, awaiting the moment for aerial combat. In the Ogasawara Islands, our Combined Fleet's two hundred vessels—warships, destroyers, submarines, and special service ships—lurked in the shadows of Chichijima, Hahajima, Anijima, Aogashima, and other islands' rocky outcrops.

The fortress of Chichijima was concealed by green leaves and remained unseen. Yet behind both the plantain trees' shade and obsidian rocks, cannons glinted with predatory intensity.

When one climbed Asahi Mountain, the highest peak on the island, and gazed out, six battleships could be seen in the inlet directly below. The First Squadron: Nagato, Mutsu, Yamashiro; the Second Squadron: Fusō, Hyūga, Ise. On the mast of the flagship Nagato, the admiral’s flag fluttered in the spring breeze. Under that flag was where our renowned Admiral Sueyama resided indeed.

“Lieutenant Commander Kitaura is a reckless man.”

Wireless signals were incessantly arriving at the flagship Nagato. It was the scout ships deployed to the eastern offshore that were transmitting them. Sendai, Naka, Abukuma—light cruisers of approximately 5,000 tons—had sortied to serve as lookouts near Kōgyoku Island. Additionally, Type 7 flying boats formed squadrons of two or three vessels each and were searching for traces of enemy ships.

The flagship Nagato remained silent, listening to the wireless signals from those reconnaissance units. From our side, we never issued any commands. If we issued orders via wireless telegraphy, the enemy would immediately learn our location. Shortly after the guerrilla force's submarine *Chiyoda* reported, "The A-nation fleet is heading toward Tokyo Bay," it transmitted, "We have sunk the aircraft carrier *Amazon*."

Then, throughout the night, the *Chiyoda* had been tailing the enemy fleet. “The guerrilla force is quite something, I must say. The captain of the *Chiyoda* was Lieutenant Commander Kitaura.” Admiral Sueyama was addressed by Chief of Staff Inoue. “Yes, that man may be reckless, but when it comes to having the stoutest nerves in the Navy, he’s second to none. Once he latches onto the enemy, he’s like a bulldog—even if his teeth break or he dies, he won’t let go.” Chief of Staff Inoue, a major general, was Lieutenant Commander Kitaura’s uncle.

“Yes, he’s quite a spirited fellow.” “That was impressive work sinking the Amazon.” “That’s a Golden Kite Order, Fourth Class Merit.”

Admiral Sueyama also praised the lieutenant commander. However, the admiral probably had no idea that young Kiyoshi had been the one to so bravely launch those torpedoes with his small hands.

Our forces mobilized!! At last, the enemy Yarnell Fleet drew near. If we dawdled, they might enter Sagami Bay and attack Miura Peninsula. If that happened, Yokosuka Naval Port would be in danger.

Admiral Sueyama, having heard the wireless message from the *Chiyoda*, finally resolved to prepare for the decisive battle. Sortie, sortie! Signal flags snapped high on the flagship's mast.

The Nagato hoisted the "Follow me" signal flag and began to move. The Mutsu followed. Yamashiro also raised anchor. The Warship March resounded through the air. In the forest of Asahi Mountain, the army's heavy artillery unit raised farewell signal flags. Eighteen Type 7 flying boats roared as they assumed the vanguard.

Behold. From beyond Asahi Mountain emerged the Second Fleet’s *Atago*, *Takao*, *Nachi*, and *Myōkō*. Far in the distance, the torpedo squadron advanced. From where had they been hiding? From behind islands and rocks everywhere, squadrons began emerging in succession. Approaching the cape of Ani Island was Vice Admiral Matsuyama’s First Air Squadron. *Akagi*, *Kaga*, *Ryūjō*—what an impressive lineup they had assembled. They were like floating steel fortresses.

Admiral Sueyama climbed up Nagato's mast and surveyed the entire fleet's formation. Leaving the green island behind, two hundred ships advanced eastward, ever eastward. It was a truly gallant and magnificent formation.

The sturdy Haguro and Maya of the 7th Squadron The nimble-looking *Fubuki*, *Ikazuchi*, and *Inazuma* leopard-sharp *Aoba* and *Kinugasa*

Ah, all these were the brave warriors of the sea defending the glorious homeland Japan. "If I go to sea, I shall become a corpse in the water—"

Two hundred ships charged into deadly terrain. Forty thousand souls stood resolved to die. Ogasawara Islands. Farewell, Ogasawara Islands.

The spring wind was warm, but the clouds flowing over Asahi Mountain were somehow black, tinged with an ominous hue.

Seagulls were crying out with hoarse voices.

The enemy was a formidable foe. Three hundred ships against two hundred. Would the Sueyama Fleet truly crush the Yarnell Fleet? The clash with the enemy fleet would likely come at dawn tomorrow, while darkness still lingered.

The Invincible Fleet of the Pacific

Here is the A-nation Fleet.

A mighty fleet of 322 ships. When they departed Kōgyoku Island, there had been 324 ships, but last night, with the aircraft carrier Amazon and cruiser Yukon having been sunk, their number had decreased by two. However, as far as the eye could see, the great expeditionary force continued beyond the horizon of waves upon waves. The world called this the 'Pacific Invincible Fleet'.

Ah, the Invincible Fleet! That name reeked of arrogance compounded by arrogance.

Over three hundred years ago, the Spanish Armada that had arrogantly boasted "We are the world's greatest navy!" was soundly defeated by England's small fleet. Might the Pacific Invincible Fleet too be defeated by Showa Japan's Nelson—the "Second Togo," Admiral Sueyama? However, Admiral Yarnell: "I'll smash that Sueyama Fleet to pieces with one mighty blow!" he boasted.

"Forty-centimeter guns—twenty-four of them. Thirty-six-centimeter guns—one hundred thirty-six. When these one hundred sixty heavy cannons open fire, both Mutsu and Kongō will be sent bubbling to the bottom in the blink of an eye." The Admiral stood atop the mast of his flagship Kentucky, gazing at the darkening sea below, and shrugged his shoulders vigorously. The gold braid insignia on his military cap shone with a golden gleam. Chief of Staff Major General Mahan stared fixedly at the sea surface, seemingly devising some strategy. The Admiral tapped him on the shoulder and,

“Chief of Staff, last night was a bit of a failure.” “Yes, sir. The enemy appeared to be submarines from the Showa Guerrilla Force, but we ultimately let them escape. It was regrettable.” “It’s a shame we let our guard down and lost the *Amazon*.” “However, our fleet still has five large ships—*Orion*, *Rocky*, *Saratoga*, *Arizona*, and *Mexico*. The enemy has four carriers—*Akagi*, *Kaga*, *Ryūjō*, and *Hōshō*—and since two of them are small ones, there’s no need to worry.”

“I see. “And Dr. Fuller and the Black Eagle were a great help. “When that Black Eagle bomber darted out from the midst of that tremendous explosion’s flames, even I was startled.” “Ha ha ha, the enemy must think the Doctor is dead.” “The Showa Guerrilla Force targeted the Amazon to kill the Doctor, you see.” “Heh heh heh... Serves them right.”

Major General Mahan gave a sly fox-like laugh.

Ah, though the Amazon had sunk, Dr. Fuller hadn't died after all. Then where was he?

Behold the deck of the new flagship Orion that had replaced Amazon. The monster spreading its jet-black wings could only be the Black Eagle bomber. And there stood a large man in white work clothes inspecting an engine—the high nose, those hawk-like eyes—ah! Beyond doubt, this was our arch-nemesis Dr. Fuller!

Tomorrow is the decisive battle.

The Showa Guerrilla Submarine Unit's *Chiyoda* and *Akitsushima* had been approaching and distancing themselves from the Yarnell Fleet ever since leaving the waters off Kōgyoku Island, finally arriving near the Ogasawara Islands. Initially, *Chiyoda* and *Akitsushima* had been separated, but on the night *Chiyoda* sank *Amazon*, *Akitsushima*, which had caught up from behind, took out the cruiser *Yukon*, allowing the two vessels to ascertain each other’s whereabouts.

Then Lieutenant Commander Kitaura, captain of the Chiyoda, became acting commander and pursued the enemy. Kiyoshi was the boy staff officer. Now brimming with energy, he showed not the slightest weakening no matter how many breathlessly grueling dives they made. He had also learned to send wireless telegrams. The only thing weighing on the boy's mind was the Mogami's whereabouts. No matter how many wireless messages they sent, not a single reply came back. What had become of Teruyo? Was Captain Kinoshita still alive?

But now, Chiyoda could not afford to search for Mogami. The enemy fleet was approaching Tokyo Bay. The Sueyama Fleet may have already sortied. The decisive battle between the Japanese and A-nation navies had finally arrived.

Lieutenant Commander Kitaura's gaze took on a different light. His eyes glared with terrifying intensity.

“The Showa Guerrilla Force will fight in earnest during tomorrow’s battle! Don’t any of you pull cowardly stunts!”

The Major gathered the officers and barked at them. “Hey! Tomorrow’s the decisive battle that will determine the fate of the nation! Don’t you all screw this up!” The officers who had been scolded by the Major each gathered their sailors and berated them.

“Hey! You better get a grip!” The sailors who had been scolded by the officers yelled at each other in loud voices. Everyone was dead serious. They resembled a suicide squad. Even the engines’ roar was mournful yet valiant.

Kiyoshi felt his chest grow hot.

The night before the battle deepened.

The Chiyoda was now plowing straight through the pitch-black sea toward the enemy's reconnaissance fleet. When the enemy fleet drew near at last, they submerged with heavy splashes. Open fire!

The eastern sky had not yet begun to brighten. The sea was pitch black. However, the Chiyoda’s periscope—being an excellent Aoki-type optical instrument—could see clearly even at night. A squadron of large cruisers was running with all lights extinguished. “Commander, should we take them out?” Lieutenant Suzuki, a third-degree kendo practitioner, seemed to be itching to act.

“Not yet, not yet! Let these ones pass.” Lieutenant Commander Kitaura shook his head in refusal. A moment later, “What about this one? That’s a big target! It’s the carrier squadron. Come on, let’s take a shot at them.” Lieutenant Suzuki pleaded desperately, but the Major pondered intently,

“Hey, this is strange. I can’t see Orion.”

"This is strange…" "Let me see." As Kiyoshi looked through [the periscope], four large aircraft carriers advanced in column formation. Arizona. Mexico. Saratoga. Rocky. The Orion-class carrier—identical to the Amazon they had sunk—was conspicuously absent. "You're right." "What happened?" "Surely… Akitsushima couldn't have sunk her independently?"

Kiyoshi tilted his head in suspicion. Neither Lieutenant Commander Kitaura nor Kiyoshi knew that Dr. Fuller and the flagship Orion had received secret orders from Chief of Staff Mahan and slipped away from the fleet in the dead of night. No matter how much they pondered it, they would never unravel this mystery. “Alright, do it!” Lieutenant Commander Kitaura soon bellowed an order. “The target is the lead ship Arizona!” Ah—the Chiyoda was already poised to ignite the Great Pacific Naval Battle’s opening salvo without awaiting dawn.

In the periscope lens, the Arizona’s silhouette was clearly visible.

Now? Now… Kiyoshi kept his hand on the launch button, awaiting the "Fire!" command. The blood in his heart burned like fire.

That was the moment. Suddenly, a thunderous, earthquake-like sound reverberated. "Damn it!"

When Lieutenant Suzuki shouted, the Arizona's silhouette in the periscope lens vanished instantly, leaving nothing but pitch-black darkness behind. An enemy destroyer had struck the periscope. "Captain! I can't fire!"

Kiyoshi's sobbing voice was heard amidst the darkness.

What a shame. The Chiyoda abandoned the enemy before its eyes and fled deeper and deeper into the sea.

Which were stronger—the Wakō ships or the pirates?

Showa ○○ Year, ○ Month ○ Day.

The Pacific in early spring was shrouded in clouds of battle.

The Chiyoda's attack unfortunately failed, but the Akitsushima sank the enemy battleship Montana. A blood offering for the vanguard. The 28,000-ton great battleship spewed bright red pillars of fire into the dawn sky, split cleanly in two, and sank. The Japanese submarines arrived! — The A-nation fleet turned pale. They feared our submarines more than monsters, more than demons. Just as a cowardly samurai wildly swings his sword in the dark of night, the A-nation destroyers recklessly hurled depth charges.

Boom… thud-thud-thud…. The depth charges exploded with a tremendous noise. Admiral Yarnell turned bright red with rage.

“They’ve come again—the Showa Guerrilla Force. What the hell is our submarine force doing?! Immediately! We’ll launch the counterattack now!” Instantly, signal flags snapped briskly atop the flagship’s mast. “The Great Submarine Force shall immediately take independent action and assault the enemy battleship fleet.” —This signal would later forever remain in A-nation Navy’s history. This was because Colonel Ogan, commander of the submarine force, fought with such ferocity in accordance with this signal that he nearly matched our guerrilla force’s intensity.

The Colonel immediately separated from the fleet upon receiving orders from the flagship. "Whale", "Dolphin", "Tornado"—six formidable vessels broke through the waves churned by the sea wind and headed north. Colonel Ogan was A-nation's finest submariner. Three years ago, he had served as a military attaché at the embassy and been stationed in Tokyo, so he knew General Sueyama well. And he greatly admired General Sueyama, who was like a samurai of old. —But now, it was war. No matter how much he admired him, they were now divided into enemy and ally.

“Mr. Sueyama, I’m sorry, but I’ll be taking your life.”

On the deck of the Whale, drenched by seawater, the Colonel glared intensely at the Ogasawara sky.

"The night is pitch black, The light went out. Roaring raging waves Cold spray Even so, the 'Whale' does not cry." —It was the song of the submarine 'Whale'. The Colonel screamed inwardly.

“Which is stronger—the descendants of Wakō ships (Japan)? Are the pirates’ sons (A-nation) stronger? O Japanese Navy! Just you wait!”

Five-colored water pillars.

Before long, the eastern sky gradually grew brighter.

Ah, the two great eastern and western fleets inched ever closer. The blade was drawn.

At 6:00 AM, our Second Fleet and the enemy's reconnaissance fleet finally clashed. East of Ogasawara by five hundred nautical miles, north of Torishima by two hundred nautical miles. Our commander-in-chief was Vice Admiral Yamaguchi; A-nation's was Vice Admiral Mason—both spirited and valiant commanders. Seaplanes were launched from the catapults. Japanese planes were silver; A-nation planes were light blue. Our side had eight planes, the enemy twelve; they stared fixedly at each other. Two seconds, three seconds—they blazed fire in unison. A machine gun duel. A duel between hawk and falcon.

After two or three fierce exchanges, three light blue planes emitted mournful shrieks with a whining sound, spinning down in flames as they fell. "That's incredible! Japanese Air Force!" Vice Admiral Yamaguchi, disregarding the aerial battle, led the four great cruisers Atago, Takao, Myoko, and Nachi as they steadily pressed forward into enemy lines.

Thirty thousand meters. Twenty-five thousand meters. Twenty thousand meters.—All right! Forty 20-cm guns turned to the right and raised their coiled necks.

Four battle flags. They fluttered like flowers.

"When will the 'Commence firing' order come?" The aimed gun barrels moved, tracking the enemy's silhouette. Now was the moment when they had drawn their bow taut. The enemy's gun barrels were also trained this way. A breathless standoff ensued. The two squadrons advanced while locked in a glaring contest. Our fleet did not fire. Eventually, the A-nation fleet seemed to have grown impatient. *What an annoyance!* The enemy's gunnery officer must have flown into a rage.

The four ships of the vanguard squadron unleashed lightning-like gunfire.

The moment they realized, a sound tore through the waves as thirty-six shells came rushing in.

They're close! The shells fell 200 meters to the right of our squadron. With a thunderous roar, a forest of water pillars surged upward. They were beautiful colored shells. The ink inside the shells melted, staining the water pillars.

Red, blue, purple—the shells from Ship A, Ship B, and Ship C all used different colored ink.

The enemy gunnery officer used the colors of these water pillars to determine whether his fired shells had fallen short or overshot their targets. Our fleet was enveloped in a beautiful five-colored rainbow. As the multicolored water spray scattered swiftly, the enemy ships unleashed another flash of lightning-like gunfire. It was the second bombardment.

○

Gentlemen.

The Pacific Naval Battle finally began. The Sueyama Fleet, with two hundred ships, would clash against the Yarnell Fleet’s three hundred. Difficult, grueling—this decisive clash!

However, what I found heartening was that Captain Kinoshita’s Showa Guerrilla Force—which had not shown itself for some time—now hastened northward through waters a hundred nautical miles south of the battlefield. In another three hours, they would reach the combat zone. This was when Honda Steel and the Takeda Engine would demonstrate their true power.

The flagship Mogami hoisted the commodore's pennant (the flag of a captain serving as commander) and pressed onward. Following were the Mikuma, Yoshino, and Chigusa.

Teruyo-san’s beautiful sailor uniform could be seen atop the *Mogami*’s yardarm.

The figures of Captain Kinoshita and Commander Ogawa were also visible. Both men must have had no time to shave, their faces resembling that of Hanawa Danemon. “Uncle... surely we’ll win this time... won’t we?”

Teruyo-san looked worried. She was still a woman after all. She seemed incapable of mustering resolve like Kiyoshi-kun's. “We’ll win! The A-nation fleet will be annihilated!”

Commander Ogawa looked up at the dawn-reddened sky and stroked his unkempt beard. Thirty-six knots! The guerrilla force raced forward as if flying. Teruyo-san's black hair swayed in the wind like seaweed.

Teruyo's Prayer

Off the Ogasawara Islands, the great naval battle had already begun.

The Showa Guerrilla Force raced across the dawn-reddened sea toward the northern battlefield in great haste, driven by the urgency that arriving late to the decisive battle would spell disaster. It was a combat speed of 36 knots. They plowed ahead at tremendous speed, cutting through the waves. Teruyo-san stood atop the flagship Mogami’s yardarm, gazing intently at the still slightly dim northern sky. In her beautiful eyes, a shadow of sorrow hovered. “Ah… The time for the decisive battle has come at last.” “But... but... will Japan really win?” “We have Admiral Sueyama here, but if... if that terrifying Dr. Fuller’s Black Eagle comes out... Oh, what will we do?”

In her small chest, worries kept welling up one after another. Teruyo-san quietly lowered her eyes. Her small lips were moving faintly. She was praying. "...To the venerable spirit of Emperor Meiji who rests in Yoyogi's forest, I humbly pray: Please protect our Navy. Please send forth the divine wind. And... and... may this Showa Guerrilla Force achieve a great, great feat......"

The remaining words were obliterated by the sudden roar of a fierce whirlwind.

At Captain Kinoshita’s command, our *Mogami* began to move at full speed. The sudden acceleration whipped up a fierce whirlwind. Ah, forty-five knots at full speed! It was truly an astonishing speed. In the blink of an eye, the guerrilla force was enveloped in spray and smoke, and the wind roared ferociously. It seemed as though the battle flag on the mast would be torn to shreds at any moment by the ferocious wind. Teruyo-san, though inside the yardarm, staggered unsteadily and was nearly blown away.

"Hurry! Hurry!" Teruyo-san screamed within her heart.

At that moment, thunderous gunfire—BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOOOOM—resounded from beyond the distant horizon. The naval battle had already begun. Ah—was our fleet winning? Or could it be that our position was becoming unfavorable? Teruyo-san sank down onto the deck, overwhelmed by worry after worry. "God... please wound this Teruyo. No—rather than that, I pray you take this life of mine. Long ago, just as Ototachibana-hime sacrificed her noble self for Yamato Takeru, so too does Teruyo wish to die as a substitute for the Showa Guerrilla Force. Even if this small life vanishes, should the guerrilla force's victory remain—then... then... my dearest wish shall be fulfilled."—

Teruyo-san had completely made up her mind.

Because I am a woman, I cannot fight in combat. However, I can demonstrate the true courage of a Japanese girl and inspire my comrades.

Just as Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, had courageously stood at the forefront of battle, Teruyo-san too resolved to let herself be struck by enemy fire and rouse the hearts of the guerrilla force's three thousand brave warriors. Ah—the roar of cannons drew ever closer. The Showa Guerrilla Force rushed toward the battlefield like a pride of enraged lions. The white water spray was their gallant mane. The fifteen-centimeter cannons were their sharp fangs. Our Teruyo-san was the goddess of battle astride this lion.

“I ask you to avenge us.”

The Showa Guerrilla Force reached the battlefield just before eight o'clock. The battlefield lay shrouded in a dense smoke screen. The thunder of gunfire roared like crashing waves. Beyond the swells, shadows resembling the A-nation fleet could faintly be glimpsed.

“Hey, Commander Ogawa. “It looks like the Yamaguchi Fleet had a tough fight.” “Hmm, it seems they were defeated.” “That’s a shame.” Captain Kinoshita and Commander Ogawa deeply regretted not encountering them during the battle and desperately searched for any sign of the Yamaguchi Fleet, but it was nowhere to be seen.

As they pursued the retreating enemy's wake, eventually, a warship spewing flames could be seen far off the port side.

“Hey, isn’t that the *Atago*? Looks like she’s caught fire!” As they drew closer, they saw it was not the *Atago* but her sister ship, the *Takao*. A horrific sight she was. The yardarm had collapsed from its base, the funnel had been blown clean off, and the rear turret lay shattered beyond recognition. From every conceivable hole, raging crimson flames came spewing forth.

“Thank you for your valiant efforts.” *Mogami* hoisted signal flags. Then from the burning *Takao*’s upper deck came a reply via semaphore. “We ask you to avenge us.” “With only *Myoko* and *Nachi* remaining, our fleet stands near annihilation.” “The Commander-in-Chief has also fallen in battle.” “What became of the enemy fleet?” “The enemy reconnaissance fleet too nears annihilation.” “Three or four ships remain.” “Give chase at once.”

This was the cruiser Takao’s final message. When this signal ended, the ammunition magazine must have caught fire. A tremendous explosion that seemed to split the sea erupted one after another, and as the pitch-black smoke billowed up thickly, its form had already vanished from sight.

The three thousand brave warriors of the guerrilla force performed a solemn salute to these fallen comrades who had concluded their honorable battle.

*Mogami*'s military band played a mournful, mournful funeral dirge. A lonely melody drifted across the waves. "We'll avenge them—we'll surely make them pay!" The sailors wept, shaking their fists as they watched the whirlpool where *Takao* had sunk.

And then, shouting "Revenge! Revenge!", the Showa Guerrilla Force pursued the Mason Fleet.

Dragons and tigers both bleed.

“Gentlemen. I must deliver grave news regarding the great naval battle off the Ogasawara Islands.”

It was that our distinguished commander General Sueyama had vanished into the Pacific like flotsam. When the Showa Guerrilla Force caught up with the First Fleet, the decisive battle had already ended. Protected by destroyers from the torpedo squadron, five or six of our battleships—badly damaged—were attempting to pursue the enemy.

*Kongō*, *Shinano*, *Ise*, *Fusō*, and *Mutsu*—all had sustained severe damage. Where was the enemy fleet? Why had you let them escape? What were you dawdling for?—*Mogami*'s signal flags fluttered roughly, as if enraged.

Immediately, *Kongō* hoisted a reply signal. "Our fleet has sunk seven enemy battleships." "The remaining enemies are fleeing." "Our fleet's speed has decreased, and we regret being unable to give rapid pursuit."

“Where is our flagship?” “The flagship has met a glorious sinking.” “I, Commander of the Second Squadron, shall take command of the fleet.”

Ah, General Sueyama had fallen in battle. Captain Kinoshita let out an involuntary sigh.

The captain didn’t know it, but this morning’s decisive battle had been a tremendous ‘battle of death’. Five battleships sunk; the Matsuyama Air Squadron annihilated; the First Torpedo Squadron nearly wiped out.

Then, had our navy been defeated?

No—they absolutely would not lose. The A-nation fleet had sustained even more severe damage.

Seven battleships had been sunk. *Orion*, *Rocky*, *Mexico*, and *Saratoga*—four aircraft carriers had gone down. Our brave attack planes had executed their desperate bombing runs. The three hundred A-nation aircraft, their carriers destroyed, now shared the fate of nestless migratory birds. Squadrons of fuel-depleted fighters emitted mournful shrieks as they plummeted onto the waves like weary swallows, scattering across the seascape.

And both enemies and allies had sustained grievous injuries, left gasping for breath. We had lost two commanders-in-chief, and the enemy had lost four admirals.

The waves of the Pacific sang a song of sorrow. The sea breeze played a farewell melody. The A-nation fleet left the battlefield as though fleeing. But our fleet could no longer muster the speed to pursue them.

○

After announcing Commander-in-Chief Sueyama's death in battle, the Commander of the Hibiya Second Squadron immediately issued orders to *Mogami*.

“The Showa Guerrilla Force shall immediately pursue the enemy fleet and annihilate it.” The enemy’s course was east-northeast. The time for vengeance had come at last.

The *Mogami* turned its rudder with a deep groan, veering to starboard. “We pray for the Showa Guerrilla Force’s victory.” *Kongō* hoisted congratulatory signal flags.

The Showa Guerrilla Force's Valiant Struggle

The Showa Guerrilla Force pursued and pursued—finally catching up to the enemy fleet. Even damaged, it was still a mighty fleet. Still forty or fifty ships remained.

When viewed through the targeting telescope, seven large battleships advanced at the center of the formation. At the head of the formation was the flagship *Kentucky*. "Oh—the *Kentucky* hasn't sunk after all! Admiral Yarnell is still alive too!" Captain Kinoshita looked at the tattered admiral's flag still fluttering on the broken mast of the enemy flagship and muttered with regret. "Good—we'll avenge His Excellency Sueyama."

The captain called for Lieutenant Miyake of the staff,

“Battle stations!”

he shouted. The lieutenant's cheeks glowed a vivid red. The gallant blast of the battle trumpet suddenly arose. The *Mogami* hoisted the exhilarating "Total Pursuit" signal flags and launched an assault from behind the enemy fleet. Fifteen thousand meters. At last, they commenced firing.

The sixty cannons roared across the sea and bellowed forth. Behold. As expected of the Showa Guerrilla Force’s gunnery. Our shells fell into the very midst of the swarming enemy fleet. A hit! Three cruisers burst into flames. Black smoke billowed up thickly, and their masts swayed unsteadily. Then came the second volley. This time, they struck a battleship. The collapsing turret could be seen as clearly as if held in one's hand.

Miss Teruyo peered through the telescope, her hands trembling. The enemy ships loomed large in her view. The 36-centimeter guns were trained in their direction. Ah! A tremendous flash of gunfire blazed forth. Instinctively, she covered her ears, but with an eerie whistling roar, the enemy shell fell into the waves nearby with a dreadful sound. A crimson water pillar, like a tornado, blocked *Mogami*'s path. It was the enemy's counterattack. From then on, it was an all-out melee.

The Showa Guerrilla Force, with their speed nearing forty knots, churned through waves as they circled relentlessly around the enemy fleet. With their Kure-type 15-centimeter guns, they fired ceaselessly, unleashing an unending barrage. The enemy fleet, pitifully battered, could muster only 15 to 16 knots of speed. Though attempting flight, escape proved impossible. First the vulnerable cruisers sank one by one. Destroyers followed in succession, vanishing into the sea's foam.

The four surviving seaplanes transformed into human bullets and charged like arrows—though enemies, their bravery was admirable—but when struck by the Aoki beams, they all became balls of fire and burned away. "How about it? Doesn't it feel just like a hunt?" Lieutenant Commander Ogawa gently stroked Miss Teruyo's black hair with his sturdy hand. "Yes—a grand encircling hunt across the Pacific." Miss Teruyo wanted to die, but with enemy shells refusing to strike her, she remained unable to become Joan of Arc.

“Surrender!”

By around four in the afternoon, all that remained of the enemy fleet were seven battleships, including the *Kentucky* and *Jaguar*.

Aboard the flagship *Kentucky*, Admiral Yarnell held his ground on the bridge. His head was wound tightly in bandages—perhaps injured. Chief of Staff Major General Mahan's uniform hung torn in places with red bloodstains seeping through, his pallid face contrasting with eyes that blazed fiercely.

“Admiral, it’s hopeless. The Showa Guerrilla Force are absolute monsters. For mere cruisers, they don’t sink even when hit by 36-centimeter shells.” “Yeah, neither *Chigusa* nor *Yoshino* are sinking. Maybe they’re armored as heavily as battleships.”

Admiral Yarnell stared fixedly at the *Mogami* with resentful eyes. To the admirals unaware of Honda Steel's strength, the Showa Guerrilla Force appeared as mysterious monsters.

At that moment, *Mogami* suddenly closed in.

“Something’s off here.” When Major General Mahan looked through his telescope, signal flags were being raised.

“What? What—To the Commander-in-Chief of the A-nation Fleet! Cease this futile combat and surrender at once! —Fools! Signalman! Prepare the signal flags.”

The Major General turned bright red with anger. However, the signalman made a sorrowful face and, "Chief of Staff... Our ship no longer has any masts left."

“Then semaphore signals! —O Showa Guerrilla Force. “You shall surrender.” “—Hey! Execute swiftly!” “Aye!”

The signalman climbed the broken mast and waved the flags. Then, *Mogami* raised another signal. “O A Fleet who know not a warrior’s compassion! Do you truly desire annihilation?” When this signal flag was lowered, twenty-four large torpedoes came charging in, trailing white wakes. “Ah!” When Major General Mahan let out a frightened scream, the swarm of torpedoes plunged into the rear of the fleet. Then came a series of deafening explosions that threatened to rupture eardrums—in mere two minutes, the rear flagship *Kamchatka* and sixth ship *Missouri*, positioned at the fleet’s end, sank as if swept away.

As smoke from these two ships still billowed over the sea, the *Mogami* once again raised her signal flags. “Once again we address the Commander-in-Chief of the A-nation Fleet.” “Surrender promptly.”

By this time, the sun had already sunk considerably westward, streaks of clouds stained crimson red across the sky. The waves were gradually growing rougher. In the sky were albatrosses, and in the sea swarmed great schools of sharks, all converging one after another to claim the flesh of drowned warriors. “Mahan, it can’t be helped. Our fleet has lost.”

Admiral Yarnell looked up at the sunset clouds with a lonely expression.

“So, are we surrendering?”

Major General Mahan looked unconvinced. "The enemy is the Showa Guerrilla Force." "Losing brings no disgrace."

Admiral Yarnell rebuked Mahan. However, the admiral's eyes were wet with tears.

Before long, a white flag was raised on the *Kentucky*. The five battleships slowed their speed and now merely drifted upon the evening sea at the mercy of the waves.

Dusk draws near.

Ah, Japan won. The Japanese Navy won. Admiral Sueyama fell in battle, and half the fleet lay sunken beneath the Pacific's waves, but through hard-fought struggle, the enemy now raised the white flag. Admiral Yarnell surrendered.

Look. The dejected, powerless forms of the enemy ships were bowed low.

The three thousand brave warriors of the guerrilla force somehow felt the backs of their eyelids growing hot.

At the command of "Cease fire," the gunfire stopped. The only things audible were the sound of waves and the hoarse cries of albatrosses mingling with them.

The dusk battlefield lay silent as a graveyard.

However, soon, that silence was shattered.

From nowhere, cheers of "Banzai" arose. “Banzaaai!” “Banzaaai!” The voices were solemn. It was a divine cry. The voices of these warriors would surely, surely resound powerfully—reaching even Chiyoda’s forest and the souls of the fallen.

Teruyo-san also tried to join the shouting, but her voice cracked, leaving only her lips trembling uncontrollably. Whether from joy or sorrow, hot tears welled up and would not stop. Disheveling her beautiful hair, she finally collapsed into quiet sobs.

Commander Kinoshita and Commander Ogawa kept their eyes tightly shut, unmoving like rocks. …They must surely have been paying humble thanks to His Majesty the Emperor’s divine authority and mourning the spirits of the fallen.

The shadow of the setting sun illuminated the *Kentucky*'s white flag in deep crimson.

Ah, has the Showa Guerrilla Force’s mission now ended with this? Have the storm clouds of war vanished from the Pacific?

No, no. The battle had not yet ended. The terrible demon was drawing near through the evening clouds, hunting the guerrilla force.

Look. The ominous wireless telegraph antenna was once again scattering bluish-white sparks. Ugh—it was a challenge from Dr. Fuller.

“To the A-nation fleet and Japanese fleet: “We, the aircraft carrier *Orion*, bearing Black Eagle bombers, are hastening to the battlefield. “The Black Eagle conducted a bombing of Tokyo City today at 4:00 AM. Poor Tokyo has now been engulfed in a great conflagration, spewing forth black smoke and flames like a volcanic eruption. We subsequently attacked the enemy air base on Tōtōjima and annihilated their grand air force of 200 aircraft. Commander Kato has fallen in battle. Now, from this moment, we shall pursue the Japanese fleet down to its last ship and bomb them into oblivion. Japanese fleet. Prepare yourselves.”

"A-nation fleet! Do not falter! Fight to the last! And finally, Showa Guerrilla Force of Japan! I take great pleasure in battling you. The Pacific graveyard awaits you." The telegraph operator who received this transmission turned ghostly pale. His hands trembled violently—not from fear of Fuller, but from bitter frustration at seeing our navy's glorious victory being torn apart.

Ah, tonight’s battle is truly dangerous.

What if they returned to Heikai Island?

The Black Eagle bomber advanced through the evening-darkened sky toward the guerrilla force.

However，here we had to look back to the battlefield about two hundred nautical miles west and see where the boy Kiyoshi had gone.

Kiyoshi and his submarine unit fought with desperate valor in this morning’s decisive battle. The *Akitsushima* sank the enemy battleship *Manhattan* and destroyed three cruisers, five destroyers, and three oil tankers. Kiyoshi’s *Chiyoda*, though its periscope had been destroyed, sent the battleships *Lion* and *Star* to a watery grave through daring close-range maneuvers, then proceeded to sink nineteen enemy vessels including the aircraft carrier *Mexico*.

Both enemies and allies were left clicking their tongues in astonishment at the Showa Guerrilla Submarine Force’s brilliant tactics.

With the battle concluded, our two submarines were now hastening northwest through offshore waters east of Ogasawara. Were they perhaps returning to their base at Heikai Island?

The boy Kiyoshi climbed up to the command tower with Commander Kitaura and looked back at the battlefield receding into the distance.

“What an incredible battle that was.” Even the valiant commander seemed exhausted from the fifteen-hour-long battle. He wore a grim expression. “Yes, but for me, it was exhilarating.” The boy Kiyoshi vigorously rubbed his arms. The naval cap he received from the captain suited him well. “Hey, Captain, what do you think the Mogami’s doing right now? I just can’t help feeling worried. Even if we send a wireless, there’s no reply…”

“Don’t worry.” “Captain Kinoshita isn’t transmitting wireless signals to keep the guerrilla force’s movements secret.” “I wonder...” “I hope that’s really why...” “Hey there, young strategist.” “Quit your fretting.” “When we get back to Heikai Island, I’ll make sure you see Teruyo-san.” Commander Kitaura patted the boy’s back and pointed toward the distant northwest where Heikai Island lay. “It’s not like I care what happens to Teruyo-san or anything...”

Kiyoshi spoke a lie contrary to his heart and blushed slightly in embarrassment.

At that moment, from the far northeast came the low, low rumble of distant thunder-like gunfire. "Oh, they're still at it." The Commander pricked up his ears and stared out at the twilight sea.

The Whale rampaged.

Enemy submarines attacked our wounded fleet as it returned to Tokyo Bay. The *Kongo*, *Ise*, and *Fusō* fired 14cm shells into the waves while the destroyer squad hurled depth charges in retaliation. "You insolent submarines!" Admiral Hibiya clicked his tongue regretfully. These enemy submarines were none other than A-nation’s Great Submarine Fleet led by Colonel Organ.

The three vessels—*Columbus*, *Dolphin*, and *Black Current*—had been sunk, but *Whale*, *Tornado*, and *Pirate* remained on the battlefield and now pressed forward for a final decisive engagement.

The damaged *Shinano*, capable of only twelve knots, fell slightly behind the fleet as it fought.

The torpedoes from the *Whale*, stealthily closing in on that opening! Transformed into silver serpents, they tore through *Shinano*'s hull. One, two, three—three torpedoes struck home. The wounded *Shinano* listed unsteadily. The mast that had borne the naval ensign fell powerlessly, listing ever further to starboard. The funnel began belching ink-black smoke.

Ah, she’s going down. The 29,600-ton great battleship capsized, exposing its red belly as it struggled for a time, then finally left behind a great whirlpool as its shadow vanished forever into the depths of the waves.

Twilight was closing in. Where had the enemy submarines fled? Not a trace remained. The fleet, mourning the deaths of their comrades, dejectedly turned their rudders northwest. Having suffered an unexpected blow, Admiral Hibiya’s heart was clouded with gloom.

However, Admiral, do not despair. While fleeing, the enemy encountered the Showa Guerrilla Submarine Force, and thus vengeance for the *Shinano* was finally achieved.

The Clash Between *Chiyoda* and *Whale* As the *Chiyoda* and *Akitsushima* hurried northeast upon hearing the gunfire, they saw three monstrous vessels approaching from ahead. They were the *Whale*, *Pirate*, and *Tornado*. Commander Kitaura grabbed the boy Kiyoshi by the arm, "Hey, we've got a prime target here!" He bared his white teeth and grinned predatorily. If the enemy had seen it, it would surely have been an eerie sight. Now the 24-cm guns targeted the enemy's shadow. "Commence firing!"

The Commander’s booming voice resounded across the evening sky.

Blowing red fire, the artillery shell shot forth. This was the Showa Guerrilla Force’s final battle. The enemy also fired back bravely. However, twelve-centimeter guns were no match for twenty-centimeter ones. After exchanging fire for about five minutes, signs of defeat were already becoming visible in the A-nation fleet. *Pirate* burst into flames. *Tornado* too had its guns destroyed and fell silent. Only the *Whale*, sustaining wounds, continued to fight. True to being Admiral Sueyama’s friend, Colonel Organ was a formidable sailor.

He commanded the *Whale* and fought for fifteen minutes. Then at last, following *Pirate* and *Tornado*, it sank. As in the *Whale*'s song: "The night turned pitch black; all lights vanished." The sight of the *Whale* burning as it sank held nobility even in enmity. Those who die for their nation are exalted.

“How pitiful...” The boy Kiyoshi stood motionless and saluted the sinking enemy ship. Commander Kitaura, seeing enemy soldiers adrift in the waves, issued the order: “Rescue them.”

However, the waves were rough. The sun sank, and the sea began to darken. The enemy soldiers were swiftly swallowed by the waves. In the sky, albatrosses sharpened their beaks, preparing to peck at the flesh of the dead. *Chiyoda* made every effort but ultimately could only rescue five people. Among those enemies was one officer. His eyes were sharp. He had a wound on his arm, and blood dripped steadily.

“Oh! You’re Colonel Organ!” Commander Kitaura stared intently at the man’s face. The enemy officer also stared fixedly at the Commander’s face. “Ah, you’re Lieutenant Kitaura? “You were Admiral Sueyama’s adjutant, weren’t you?”

“That’s right. I was promoted to Major at the end of last year.”

“Congratulations on that.” “We’ve finally met on the battlefield, haven’t we?” “I’m glad to be your prisoner.”

“Yeah, you fought bravely—true to form. “I must admit, I’m impressed—even as an enemy.” “You must be tired.” “How about some wine?” Commander Kitaura tapped Colonel Organ’s shoulder with a nostalgic air. However, the Colonel hung his head sorrowfully, “No, I am the man who killed Admiral Sueyama. “I am a demon to the Japanese Navy. “Please, shoot me here.” “What?! So you’re the one who sank our flagship?”

“That’s right.” “Go on， kill me.” “Avenge Admiral Sueyama.” Colonel Organ pressed up against Commander Kitaura.

“I refuse. I cannot kill brave warrior prisoners.” Commander Kitaura refused with tear-filled eyes. “Then you— You—won’t you shoot me?”

Colonel Organ called out to Kiyoshi. "You're quite the young warrior." "That's right." "If I were to die by the hands of a brave Japanese boy like you, it would be my greatest wish." Kiyoshi squirmed uncomfortably, at a loss.

That was the moment. Dr. Fuller's devilish wireless message reached our *Chiyoda*.

“O Japanese Navy, “Prepare yourselves for death!” “Showa Guerrilla Force,” “Your grave awaits!”

An eerie voice resounded from beyond the black clouds.

The Coward's End

The guerrilla force triumphed. The enemy flagship *Kentucky* raised a white flag and surrendered. The submarine *Kujira* also sank.

The *Mogami*’s battle ensign, bathed in the setting sun, shone crimson, and here the curtain was about to fall on the Pacific naval battle.

However, suddenly, the Black Eagle’s wireless message resounded like a demon’s voice.

"The Black Eagle bomber approached!" "Fuller arrived!"

The guerrilla force aimed their anti-aircraft guns at the twilight sky and stood poised to engage in the decisive battle.

Once more, the sound of the battle trumpet could be heard, its valiant echo fading into the evening gloom.

“Oh, we have to fight that sky demon again.” Teruyo furrowed her brows worriedly.

The day had thoroughly deepened into night.

"I shall now commence an attack on the Showa Guerrilla Force." Another wireless message came from the Black Eagle bomber. Then, two or three minutes later, a red light moving swiftly like a meteor was seen through the northern black clouds. It was the Black Eagle bomber's light.

On the bridge of the *Mogami*, Captain Kinoshita, Commander Ogawa, Staff Officer Miyake, and others gathered and stared intently at the sky. Teruyo-san shrank back toward the rear. "Oh, they're sending flare signals."

Staff Officer Miyake pressed the night binoculars to his eyes.

“What kind of signal is it?”

“They're signaling the Kentucky. “…FEAR THE SHOWA GUERRILLA FORCE…RETRACT YOUR SURRENDER…ESCAPE WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT…” “Damn it! That’s despicable.” Commander Ogawa stamped his feet in frustration. Teruyo-san was also frustrated. How dare they retract their surrender after raising a white flag? That’s so cowardly, she thought.

However, no matter how much Teruyo-san vented her frustration, it was no use.

The five enemy ships suddenly lowered their white flags and fled.

“Pursue the cowardly and indecisive enemy.” *Mogami* raised its signal lamp and chased after the *Kentucky*.

*Yoshino*, *Chigusa*, and *Mikuma* followed suit. The searchlight cast a ghostly light, illuminating the form of the enemy ship. “Commence firing.”

A tremendous roar of gunfire erupted instantly. The enemy ships were also firing, not to be outdone. In the darkness, a small red fire glinted intermittently.

The Showa Guerrilla Force closed in on the enemy fleet at breakneck speed. This marked their second torpedo assault. A black monstrosity shot forth. Torpedoes! "Teruyo-san! Watch closely—that's what becomes of cowards!"

When Commander Ogawa brought his mouth close to the girl’s ear, a tremendous “Boom!” erupted.

The torpedo from the *Mogami* had struck the *Kentucky*. A pillar of fire like a red dragon soared high into the sky with tremendous force. The waves glowed red. “That’s your punishment for lying.” Commander Ogawa glared fiercely at the burning *Kentucky*.

Engage the Black Eagle bomber in decisive battle! Because the *Kentucky* had sunk, the remaining four battleships went berserk. Even wounded, they were indeed battleships. They were not to be underestimated. 36-centimeter shells came roaring down upon the Showa Guerrilla Force. No matter how strong Honda Steel was, they could not afford to let their guard down. Our cruisers used their blistering speed to blind the enemy, evading incoming shells as they unleashed a relentless barrage from their 15-centimeter guns.

For night firing, lightweight and rapid-firing 15-centimeter guns were the most suitable. The 15-centimeter shells couldn't sink battleships, but they burned decks, toppled masts, and breached funnels. The enemy ships burst into flames. The Showa Guerrilla Force aimed at the flames and launched torpedoes. Night torpedo attacks were the Japanese Navy's specialty. All hit their targets. The enemy weakened one after another; in just twenty minutes of battle, two ships sank, and the remaining three were engulfed in flames, their end drawing near.

Ah, in the history of the world's navies, has there ever been an instance where a cruiser fleet defeated a battleship fleet? During the Russo-Japanese War, our Kamimura Cruiser Squadron that crushed the Russian Fleet off Ulsan was formidable. However, the Ulsan Naval Battle was indeed a clash between cruisers and cruisers. At the beginning of the World War, the German Spee cruiser fleet that rampaged across the Pacific was formidable, but they were annihilated after engaging British battleships off the Falkland Islands.

However, our Showa Guerrilla Force was poised to deliver the final blow to the A-nation battleship fleet off Pacific Bird Island. Behold. Finally, the Black Eagle had come overhead. The Showa Guerrilla Force might face retaliation. But their great exploits and valiant fighting would forever be preserved in world history. “The enemy fleet nears total annihilation. Engage the Black Eagle in decisive battle with every ounce of your strength!”

Captain Kinoshita raised the decisive signal lamp. The searchlight illuminated the form of the *Black Eagle* within the dark clouds. The entire fleet’s anti-aircraft guns opened fire simultaneously. But it was no use. The *Black Eagle* didn’t budge an inch. It floated serenely amidst the clouds of bursting shells. And with flare signals, “Showa Guerrilla Force, the armor of my *Black Eagle* is even stronger than your Honda Steel!” Thus he taunted them. Teruyo-san felt an ominous, terrifying sensation and couldn’t help feeling restless.

The *Black Eagle* descended menacingly, lower and lower. The Showa Guerrilla Force launched the Aoki Ray.

A pale beam struck the Black Eagle like lightning. But how frustrating this was! The light proved too short-ranged and feeble to shoot down the Black Eagle. The *Black Eagle* flew silently through the low clouds, scorning the Showa Guerrilla Force with such contempt that it didn't even attempt to drop bombs. Not a single engine sound could be heard.

Captain Kinoshita turned toward Staff Officer Miyake, "Hey, the *Black Eagle* isn't making a single sound." “Yes, Dr. Fuller must have finally completed the silent propulsion system.” “Hmm… He’s a terrifying man indeed.” Even the valiant Captain Kinoshita shuddered at the monstrous Dr. Fuller’s fearsome power.

Dr. Fuller's Devilish Hand

The *Black Eagle*, while evading the Showa Guerrilla Force's bullets, began flare signals once more.

“To the Showa Guerrilla Force: “Dr. Takeda! “The contest is mine—decided! “Surrender. “Surrender and become my disciple.” When the pale signal fire went out, the Black Eagle’s form suddenly vanished as if erased. They pursued with searchlights, but all that could be seen was thick black clouds. “What a bastard. “Demanding surrender? You’re insulting the Japanese Navy!” Commander Ogawa’s face, already reminiscent of Hanawa Danemon’s, grew even more fearsome.

"How dare he! How dare he tell Uncle Takeda to become his disciple!" Teruyo-san—who understood Morse code—felt such frustration she could scarcely bear it. "Send a wireless transmission!" Captain Kinoshita roared. Soon the *Mogami*'s wireless telegraph called out to the invisible Black Eagle: "Dr. Fuller! In the Japanese Navy's lexicon—the characters 'surrender'—do not exist. Dr. Takeda dwells on a solitary island in distant seas. He is not aboard the *Mogami*! Our Dr. Takeda is no fool to become thy disciple. Dr. Fuller! Thou shouldst become the disciple of our great Dr. Takeda."

A bold—a thrilling—retort. Teruyo-san became so happy her heart thumped. She thought, Captain Kinoshita is truly remarkable.

However, the monstrous Dr. Fuller no longer feared the Showa Guerrilla Force in the slightest. As soon as the *Mogami*’s signal ended, suddenly from above the clouds— “Do not be astonished! Japanese Navy! How about that? Even Dr. Takeda couldn’t produce such a live voice signal, could he?” A loud, terrifying voice resounded. It was not a flare signal. It was not wireless telegraphy either. It was Dr. Fuller’s actual voice. A real voice coming from his lips. “Oh!” Miss Teruyo involuntarily doubted her own ears.

“Brave A-nation fleet,” “It seems you’re troubled by that fire.” “First, let us extinguish it together.” Dr. Fuller’s voice resounded solemnly. He must have been speaking through an extraordinarily powerful loudspeaker. The Doctor’s voice echoing through the dark sky felt unnervingly eerie—like a monster’s growl. There was no telling what terrifying weapons he might still conceal beyond this.

Before long, white trails of smoke began to descend one by one onto the enemy ships engulfed in raging flames.

Then, strangely enough, the fires that had been glowing crimson over the sea rapidly dwindled, and before the Showa Guerrilla Force could even voice their frustration, the enemy ships vanished into the darkness. “There—the fire’s out. “A-nation fleet! “This time, I’ll drop poison gas. “I’m afraid you’ll have to sleep alongside the Showa Guerrilla Force for a while. “I’ll rescue you later.” Dr. Fuller had finally revealed his demonic true nature.

Teruyo-san gasped in shock upon hearing "poison gas!" Her legs began trembling violently.

“Showa Guerrilla Force! Now I’ll drop the poison gas. Raise your white flags while you still can! Well? Won’t you surrender?”

Dr. Fuller’s loathsome voice stirred the blood of the Showa Guerrilla Force’s three thousand warriors. Ah, to fall to the devil’s poison gas was our fate. The only thing we regretted was the honor of the Imperial Navy. It was the unblemished history of the Japanese Navy. We did not want to meet an unsightly end. We did not want to resort to cowardly tactics. “Fight valiantly until the final second.”

The Mogami raised a mournful signal lamp. Our three thousand warriors donned gas masks and gas-proof coats, then began their final desperate struggle. Bullets screamed, and rays flashed.

Teruyo-san hid her face in a gas mask, her gloved hands gripping the disinfectant pump’s nozzle tightly. “Ah, Great God,” she prayed, “please protect the Showa Guerrilla Force.” Behind the gas mask’s glass, her black eyes glistened as she looked skyward—when suddenly rain pattered down. “There! I’ve released it!” Dr.Fuller’s voice boomed through the darkness. “Poison rain! “Poison mist! “Stop it if you can!” The scientist’s triumphant tone made Teruyo’s stomach churn. She twisted off the pump’s nozzle.

White mist suddenly gushed out. However, the poison mist was strong. It crept over the Mogami like a ghost. Ah, Captain Kinoshita staggered unsteadily. Staff Officer Miyake collapsed suddenly.

The Aoki Ray's fire went out. The cannon fire gradually grew lower and faded away.

Somehow her chest felt tight. Her heart ached... Teruyo-san involuntarily staggered. It was all over.

Her vision went dark. In the pitch-black darkness, a phantom of Kiyoshi-kun floated hazily into view. The phantom Kiyoshi-kun’s face was deathly pale. The sound of waves could be heard faintly, faintly. At last, Teruyo-san became motionless as if dead.

A Mournful Morning

Cold.

Teruyo gently opened her eyes. The gas mask weighed heavy. She quietly removed it. A crisp morning wind streamed cold into her chest. "Oh... I didn't die?" As she struggled to rise unsteadily, Captain Kinoshita stood before her with an ashen face. His legs seemed powerless—his posture slumped unnaturally. "Oh! Captain, your color..." Forgetting her own torment, Teruyo stood and grasped the Captain's arm.

“We’ve been poisoned,” Captain Kinoshita said. “Staff Officer Miyake didn’t make it in the end.” The Captain was breathing laboriously, his shoulders heaving. “Oh! Then what about Uncle Ogawa?” “Commander Ogawa is alive,” he replied. “He’s currently commanding in my place.” His voice grew heavy. “Miss Teruyo... Regrettable as it is, we must return to Heikai Island for now.” “Y-yes... But how frustrating,” she said through clenched lips.

Teruyo-san gently bit her red lips. “Look at that. The Black Eagles are still over there.” In the dawn sky the Captain pointed to floated a small black dot. Had the devil still not departed? “Miss Teruyo – now look at the sea.”

The Captain's hoarse voice trembled with sorrow. “Yes.” What happened to the Yoshino and Chigusa? When she looked to starboard, endless white wave crests stretched beyond sight, with no trace of the Yoshino or the others she sought. "Over here?"

She looked to port, but only the churning tidal current met her gaze. "Oh... The Yoshino and Chigusa aren't here either."

Miss Teruyo suddenly looked at Captain Kinoshita’s face. The Captain was crying. Dewdrops of tears glistened on his black beard. “Everyone’s at the bottom of the sea. Miss Teruyo, the only survivor left in the guerrilla force is our Mogami now.” “What?!” “A tragic end. I... have no excuse to offer His Majesty. Look at this.” The Captain pulled two or three papers from his pocket.

“It’s Fuller’s handwriting.” Miss Teruyo silently accepted the papers. With a trembling hand that shook uncontrollably, she held papers where the Black Eagle emblem was printed large and fluttering, beneath which lay earthworm-like scribbles—a messy scrawl.

Dr. Fuller's Letter “O sleeping Captain of the Mogami, Due to the effects of Fuller’s poison gas, your guerrilla force has all fallen asleep. It’s like a fleet of the dead, truly.

"I've brought officers and sailors from my mothership Orion to scour every corner of your Mogami." "I've completely unraveled the secrets of the Takeda-style engine." "I've ferreted out the mysteries of the Aoki Beam." "I've discovered the true nature of Nagaoka's poison gas." (Though it's clearly inferior to Fuller Gas, don't you think?) "This means my Black Eagle will become truly unstoppable!" "Captain." "Your secret documents suggest my 'dear friend' Takeda hides on Heikai Island north of Ogasawara." "And that submarine Fuji remains unfinished, I see." "How unfortunate for you."

"You shall return to Heikai Island and inform Dr. Takeda.—When Fuji is completed, have him notify me." "The Black Eagle stands ready for a decisive duel anytime!" Finally, we sank the Yoshino, Chigusa, and their companions. It’s a shame about the 2,400 combat deaths, but such is war. It can't be helped. "My battleship Maine is being towed back to Kōgyoku Island by Orion." You will awaken early tomorrow morning. Then return to Heikai Island without delay. And inform Dr. Takeda of my challenge to a duel.

“Until your Mogami starts moving, the Black Eagle bomber will be watching intently from above.” “Oh—”

Miss Teruyo let out a weak sigh.

"The guerrilla force lost—I'm so frustrated." "No, we haven’t lost... We’ll surely avenge this grudge—just you wait."

Captain Kinoshita firmly planted his staggering legs.

To Heikai Island.

The Mogami returned sorrowfully to Heikai Island. Ah, the longed-for Heikai Island. Above the moss-covered cliffs, a flock of albatrosses swirled. At the northern water gate, a tremendous current was swirling. “Ah, dear Heikai Island. “I’ve finally come back.”

Miss Teruyo’s beautiful eyes were wet with tears. Perhaps due to being poisoned by Fuller’s gas, her complexion was ashen and desolate.

The Mogami, having navigated through the perilous water gate, temporarily dropped anchor in Wolf Rock's shadow. The grand cliffs encircling Heikai Bay revealed their majestic form, unchanged from their initial appearance when first beheld.

The peaks of Renge, Tsubakuro, and Yari towered blackly, while at the faintly visible base of Tsubakuro Peak, the Chigusa Cave gaped open.

Ah, the secret base in the cave remained unchanged, but there was no longer any sight of the Chigusa entering it. Miss Teruyo hung her head sorrowfully. Captain Kinoshita and Commander Ogawa—all wore ashen faces.

○

Eventually, *Mogami* entered Yari Peak’s cave.

From Fuji Cave came Dr. Takeda. The doctor too must have endured terrible hardships—his beard had grown wild and unkempt, his cheeks hollowed.

"Well done."

Dr. Takeda called out to Captain Kinoshita.

“You didn’t do well enough. I’m disappointed.”

Tears streamed down from Captain Kinoshita’s demon-like eyes. "The A-nation fleet has been annihilated, but Dr. Fuller still lives. "They cornered us in the end and gave us a thorough thrashing. "Well, look at this." The captain spitefully produced Dr. Fuller’s crumpled letter. Dr. Takeda’s eyes gleamed sharply.

“Oh, don’t you worry. In just one more month, the Fuji will be completed.” “Can’t you hurry it up more? If we keep dawdling like this, Japan will be destroyed!”

“Yeah, I’m risking my life to hurry it along. As a submarine, it’s completely finished, but... that crucial point still isn’t ready.”

Dr. Takeda's face darkened. "What could 'that crucial point' be?" It was a mysterious phrase. "I see. Still not done with that yet?"

Captain Kinoshita also let out a sigh. Dr. Takeda changed his tone,

“Captain Kinoshita.” “The Chiyoda and Akitsushima just returned.” “When I asked Major Kitaura, he reported a large B-nation fleet approaching south of the Ogasawara Islands.” “What?!” “The B-nation fleet?” “I don’t know about that.”

Captain Kinoshita was shocked. “We can’t lower our guard. If they see Japan struggling against A-nation and weakening—that’s exactly what the underhanded B-nation Navy would exploit. They might even try occupying Taiwan or the Ogasawaras.” “No—I won’t permit such cowardly self-serving schemes.” “We can’t allow it! We still have the Mogami, Chiyoda, and Akitsushima remaining.” “Moreover, Tokyo Bay holds the Kongō, Ise, and Fusō. The Mutsu may be damaged but remains combat-ready. We’ll never fall to the likes of B-nation!”

Captain Kinoshita stood up with a fearsome expression. “How about it? I’m sorry to say this, but could you set sail from the waters off Ogasawara tonight?” “Alright, let’s sortie immediately. You hurry up with the Fuji.”

“Yeah, just you wait! We’ll astonish A-nation and B-nation—no, the entire world!”

The two colonels clicked the daggers at their hips—the treacherous B-nation Navy, which had built a massive naval base in the South Seas and was secretly plotting to unleash great turmoil across the Orient. That demonic hand had now begun to stretch forth.

In the east: the monster Dr. Fuller. From the south: the emerging B-nation fleet. —The Showa Guerrilla Force found itself increasingly cornered.

However, to fight to the last moment using this secret island as a base—wasn't that the true aspiration of an Imperial Navy officer? Captain Kinoshita set out once more for the southern seas, determined to wage a fearsome yet magnificent battle of adventure.

The Two After So Long

Late that night, deep within Fuji Cave's rocky recesses, Kiyoshi and Teruyo met after so long. The dim light of the electric lamp hazily illuminated Teruyo-san's pale face. "You look pale." "Yes, I got hit by the poison gas." "Weren't you scared?" "Yes, but I'm a woman, you see. I really shouldn't have gone to battle after all."

Teruyo-san quietly lowered her face. Kiyoshi-kun peered into her face, "Hey, why can't you go?" "Well, you know... I thought about becoming Japan's Joan of Arc. I wanted to stand on the front lines and show the enemy the bravery of a Japanese girl. But I guess that kind of thinking isn't allowed." Her voice grew faint. "There's nothing wrong with that! Even Empress Jingū was a woman! Quit being so weepy!"

Kiyoshi-kun shook Teruyo-san’s shoulders with his strong hands. “Yes, but I only end up being in the way.” “Then what’re you saying we should do?”

Kiyoshi-kun’s voice echoed angrily through the rocky cave. “Being Uncle’s secretary really is best. This island has nothing but men, doesn’t it? That’s why Uncle’s grown such a thick beard and become all grimy and unkempt. I want to do something only a woman can do for him.” Teruyo-san looked up at Kiyoshi-kun with gentle eyes. “I see. Then I understand... And also,” “Truth is, I can’t join this Ogasawara sortie either.”

"Why is that?" "Because *Fuji* will be completed soon." "Then you'll board *Fuji*, won't you?" "Yeah—This time I'll really give it my all!"

Kiyoshi rolled up his sleeve and flexed his muscles with determination. “That’s right. “Give it your all.” “A man must be strong.” “I’ll stay on this island and pray for your success, Kiyoshi-san.”

“Oh, it’s already eleven o’clock.” “It’s the Guerrilla Force’s sortie.”

Kiyoshi-kun took Teruyo-san’s arm and stood up. Cold dew dripped down from the cave ceiling.

Protect until that day.

Late that night, the Showa Guerrilla Force departed for their second battle.

Captain Kinoshita left one short sword each for Kiyoshi-kun and Teruyo-san.

“Hey, mark my words—the enemy might come attacking this Heikai Island any time now.” “When that time comes, both of you will fight bravely to the end under Captain Takeda’s command—mark my words.” The Captain stared intently at their faces.

“Yes, I will never resort to cowardly acts.” Teruyo-san quietly drew her sword and nodded with beautiful eyes. "Alright, both of you—think of those short swords as me."

Captain Kinoshita had apparently resolved to die in battle. The enemy was the mighty B-nation fleet.

With only three friendly ships, Captain Kinoshita’s heart as he led this small fleet toward Ogasawara Island was no different from that of Kusunoki Masashige heading to the Battle of Minatogawa six hundred years prior.

“Captain.” “You must be suffering terribly.”

Teruyo-san found the Captain’s plight utterly heartbreaking. “What suffering? “It’s an honorable sortie.” “Hey, you two—shout banzai for me.” “Yes, sir!”

They shouted at the top of their voices. “Long live His Majesty the Emperor— Banzai... Showa Guerrilla Force banzai——! "Cruiser Mogami banzai——!”

The voices spread high into the night sky and echoed through the Yarigatake and Tsubakurodake mountain ranges. “Banzai...” “Banzai...” The solemn voice of the mountain’s echo resounded. Could it be that even the mountains and peaks of Heikai Island were bidding farewell to the Showa Guerrilla Force? Both Kiyoshi-kun and Teruyo-san’s final cries caught in their throats, their voices trembling faintly.

○

Major Kitaura of the Chiyoda remained as fiercely energetic as ever. As Kiyoshi-kun and the others began to leave, he suddenly shouted,

“Hey! This time I’m going to wipe out every last B-nation battleship and return!”

he shouted.

However, to Teruyo-san, that face somehow appeared lonely.

“Go, Guerrilla Force! Defend the front line! Should we meet annihilation off Ogasawara Island – so be it! These lives were already consecrated to His Majesty! “Behind us stands *Fuji*! I, Dr. Takeda, yet live! “Once our formidable submarine stirs, even the Pacific’s Sea God will gasp in awe! “*Mogami*! *Chiyoda*! *Akitsushima*! You are our vanguard! Until the day our beast *Fuji* sorties – hold this line with valor unto death!”

Dr. Takeda offered a deep silent prayer to the receding form of the *Mogami* as it disappeared beyond Wolf Rock.

Dr. Fuller returned to Kōgyoku Island.

Through the fierce efforts of our Combined Fleet and the Showa Guerrilla Force, Admiral Yarnell’s A-nation grand fleet was soundly defeated in the battle off Torishima. The A-nation warships that returned to Kōgyoku Island presented a pitiful sight. The sole remaining battleship *Maine* had neither masts nor funnels. It was merely a 'steel island' adrift upon the sea. The destroyers following behind barely reached Kōgyoku Bay's entrance at a sluggish seven or eight knots. Two cruisers, eight destroyers, three submarines, and five transports that had fled the battlefield early—these alone returned.

The grand fleet of three hundred twenty-four ships returned as a mere nineteen. Where in the annals of world history has there ever been such a crushing defeat? More warships had survived initially, but on their return journey ran out of fuel oil and drifted away with the Kuroshio Current to unknown destinations; others sank from severe flooding; still others were pursued and destroyed by our *Myoko* and *Nachi*, which fought valiantly to the end—their numbers beyond reckoning.

The end of the A-nation fleet was more tragic than that of the Spanish Armada. The cobalt naval ensign faded to a pale hue, and the palm leaves concealing Kongōseki Mountain’s hidden gun emplacements rustled a mournful song.

However, the aircraft carrier *Orion* alone had not sustained a single scratch. The Black Eagle bombers had decimated the Showa Guerrilla Force, and Dr. Fuller’s morale was soaring.

The *Orion* steadily entered Kōgyoku Bay while receiving celebratory gunfire from the Diamond Battery. At the pier, the new commander, Major General Frost, came out leading the garrison unit. Dr. Fuller leaped from the *Orion* onto a motorboat. The boat cut through the blue, blue water and reached the side of the damaged battleship *Maine*. The gangway was gone, and a rope ladder dangled down. Dr. Fuller nimbly leaped onto the rope and swiftly scrambled up to the deck.

Lieutenant General Gray, who had succeeded Admiral Yarnell as Commander-in-Chief, and the Chief of Staff rushed over to the Doctor. Both men had torn clothes, sunken eyes, and looked like invalids. "The Japanese Navy was formidable even as enemies. If you hadn't been here, we would have become the world's laughingstock. Our navy stands ashamed before the Black Eagles." The Chief of Staff firmly grasped Dr. Fuller's hairy hand. "Oh, there's nothing to fear from the Japanese Navy. Even the vaunted Showa Guerrilla Force loses all mettle when facing my Black Eagles, you know."

Dr. Fuller puffed out his chest, his large eyes gleaming. “That’s right. Now your Black Eagles are our only hope. This rundown fleet is utterly useless.” Lieutenant General Gray laughed forlornly.

Terrible Secret Operation

That night, Dr. Fuller, Lieutenant General Gray, the Chief of Staff, and Army Major General Frost held a secret strategy meeting in a mountain hut at the Diamond Battery.

The hut beneath the palm fronds had its curtains drawn deeply, not allowing even a glimmer of light to escape.

Around the hut, about fifty meters away, over a hundred army sentries formed a perimeter with bayonets fixed menacingly. Because the matter involved military secrets, absolutely no one outside the four could know about it.

However, a single ruddy-cheeked boy sat in a corner chair of the hut, listening to this secret strategy. It was Arthur. He was Dr. Fuller’s only beloved child. Because Kiyoshi-kun resembled this boy when he had been thrown from the *Yashima*’s deck into the rough waves of the Pacific and was drifting, he had drawn the Doctor’s sympathy. Arthur was a lovely boy with blue eyes and thick blond hair. Like a rabbit, he pricked up his ears and was listening intently to his father’s words.

Dr. Fuller was now about to reveal his final plan. "...We must attack Tokyo once more and force Japan to surrender. "...At Arizona’s secret factory, we are currently producing twelve Black Eagle bombers." “When these are completed, I will immediately load them onto the *Orion* and sortie off Inubōsaki.” Dr. Fuller paused there to catch his breath and looked around at the three generals’ faces.

“So when thirteen Black Eagle bombers form a formation and attack, even the most stubborn Japanese government will scream and surrender.” “After all, Tokyo’s already been turned into a scorched wasteland covering nearly half the city in this latest bombing.” “Ha ha ha!” “But what if Japan still refuses to surrender?” Major General Frost interjected from the side. Dr. Fuller grinned slyly and said, “Then we’ll deploy the army.” “This was also made at Arizona’s secret factory—a monstrous tank of sorts… I call it the ‘Lion Tank.’ This beast wields even greater power than the French Army’s seventy-ton tanks!”

“Ah, the Lion tanks!” How magnificent those Lion tanks must be! Since it was Father, he must surely have conceived something extraordinary—Arthur’s heart pounded as he listened. “How many units will you deploy?”

Major General Frost’s eyes also gleamed. “Five hundred units.” “Five hundred?… Hmm.” “It’s like a veritable armada on land.”

Lieutenant General Gray leaned forward from his chair. “That’s right. With our land armada, we’ll crush Tokyo and run rampant across the Kanto Plain.” Dr. Fuller now vented truly terrifying rhetoric.

“This is still known only to three people: the President, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Chief of Naval Operations. “However, the twenty special transport ships carrying this Lion Tank unit are also fully prepared.…”

“Hmm...” “That’s… incredible.”

The three generals crossed their arms and groaned. “At last, with this, we can finally crush that insolent yellow race.” Major General Frost squared his khaki-uniformed shoulders.

"My chest feels clear. The very idea of Orientals daring to defy us whites is outrageous. We must punish them thoroughly so they can never rise again." "Let’s proceed with that vigor. I too am fighting for the dignity of the white race."

Dr. Fuller offered a toast for the Major General and shouted, “Long live the white race.” “In Japan there exists a shipbuilding captain called Dr. Takeda. This man mocked me at the World Industrial Conference. Having been insulted by such inferior Orientals, I cannot remain silent. I have resolved to use this war as an opportunity to engage in a scientific rivalry with that man. That man created the Showa Guerrilla Force. I created the Black Eagle bomber. And finally, our Black Eagle has triumphed!”

...As expected, Father is truly great... Arthur felt hot blood rising to his cheeks.

Dr. Fuller grew increasingly heated. “I’ve won. “I’ve won.” But deep down, he still felt some unease lingering within him. It was that man… Takeda… building the submarine Fuji. That man’s secret base on Heikai Island was an impregnable fortress surrounded by sheer cliffs—even he couldn’t launch a reckless attack. But he wouldn’t lose. What nonsense! How could he possibly lose to Orientals? “What’s the Fuji? What’s a submarine? They’re just sluggish half-baked contraptions that dive underwater!” “With my Black Eagle bombers and Lion tank hordes—I will certainly seize final victory for you to see!”

The doctor’s eyes became bloodshot.

The three generals raised their cups high and prayed for the doctor’s victory. The boy Arthur felt inexplicably afraid and began trembling uncontrollably.

Father is great. He might be the god of war... But somehow Father hates Japanese people too much. And isn't he overestimating white people too much? That is a mistake. Orientals are great too. Buddha is an Oriental too. Confucius is an Oriental too. And even that great Admiral Tōgō—they're all Orientals. It is wrong to despise Orientals. Moreover, moreover, Father isn't fighting solely out of patriotism. He's waging this war because he can't stand having lost to Dr. Takeda. He's waging this war out of a despicable, terrifying desire for revenge.

That is wrong. ...Oh God.

Could it be that Father is possessed by a demon...? Ah, if that were true, how sad I would be. Mother too—Mother who has passed away—must surely, surely be grieving in heaven..."

Arthur frowned and quietly peered out through the glass door.

Was there no moon outside? It was pitch black. The fronds of the royal palm trees rustled noisily, while in the distance, the faint roar of the sea could be heard.

Dr. Fuller’s secret meeting dragged on and on and on, and the sentry kept circling the hut, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

The B-nation fleet fled.

While Dr. Fuller was devising his terrifying plan to conquer Japan, on Heikai Island, Dr. Takeda raced to complete the submarine *Fuji* within Fuji Cave. The *Mogami*, *Chiyoda*, and *Akitsushima*, which had sortied to the Ogasawara Islands, encountered the B-nation fleet—yet for some reason, even upon sighting our guerrilla force, the B-nation fleet made no move to open fire.

“Hmm, this is strange. Weren’t those guys supposed to come to attack Japan?”

Captain Kinoshita tilted his head while peering through the targeting telescope.

The appearance of the B-nation fleet reflected in the mirror was a grand sight. The one leading the front was likely the flagship *Dragon* (Ryū). The forty-thousand-ton floating fortress was indeed massive. Following them were the battleships *Achilles* and *Krishna* (God of War).

The massive fleet of eight battleships and approximately 150 vessels circled round and round the Ogasawara Islands, keeping them at a distance. As the *Mogami* approached, the *Dragon* fired a salute. And, "We return to the South Seas Camden Naval Port." With that, they hoisted signal flags, turned hard to port in one swift motion, and led the entire fleet southward in retreat. "What’s going on here?" When Captain Kinoshita voiced his suspicion, Commander Ogawa sneered,

“They’re definitely scared of the guerrilla force.” “Those B-nation bastards are cowards through and through.” “They’ve always just picked on the weak and never faced a strong enemy... so they’ve lost their nerve.”

That might be the case. After all, Admiral Stahl, Commander-in-Chief of the B-nation Fleet, had long held a deep fear of Japanese submarines. Thereupon, Captain Kinoshita immediately sent a wireless telegraph to Dr. Takeda on Heikai Island. "The B-nation fleet appeared to have no intention of occupying the Ogasawara Islands and had fled southward. Their forces consisted of approximately 150 vessels, including the Dragon. The Showa Guerrilla Force would immediately pursue and intended to monitor their movements."

Heikai Island Memorial Ceremony

Upon receiving this wireless message, Dr. Takeda declared, “All right! While the B-nation fleet retreats, I’ll finish building the *Fuji* without fail—just you wait and see!” Deep confidence washed over his oil-smudged features. From that moment onward, inside Fuji Cave, work continued relentlessly—through daylight and darkness, dawn and dusk—the brutal labor so intense it might have drawn blood.

One night during that busy work, a memorial ceremony was held at the summit of Mount Yarigatake for Admiral Sueyama, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, and the tens of thousands of war dead under his command.

Led by Dr. Takeda, hundreds of engineers and workers scaled the steep rocky mountain, lit bonfires, and paid tribute to the late admirals.

The mournful music played by the garrison’s military band faded thinly into the night sky． On the unpainted wooden altar were branches resembling sacred Shinto trees propped up，white ritual paper streamers swaying in the wind． Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo knelt before it and silently offered their prayers． As they recalled that desperate great naval battle off Torishima，their chests tightened and tears unwittingly streamed down their cheeks． Ah，Admiral Sueyama had also passed away． Colonel Aoki had also joined the ranks of those who would never return． But．．．but their spirits will remain in the Pacific forever，watching over our nation．Miss Teruyo pressed herself against the cold rock and sobbed quietly．

It was not only Miss Teruyo. The workers and engineers alike were all showing unrestrained tears.

Dr. Takeda stood up on a higher rock and addressed the group.

“Here we have gathered the souls of His Excellency Admiral Sueyama and ten thousand brave warriors. The nights of Heikai Island are dark, and our sorrow knows no end.”

“However, our navy carried out its mission at the risk of total annihilation. The victory at the Battle of Torishima stands equal to the great triumph in the Japan Sea. Therefore, the spirits of our fallen comrades neither grieve nor anguish—they watch over us still.” “The Sueyama Fleet with two hundred ships nearly annihilated three hundred enemy vessels. Only ten or twenty enemy ships likely returned to Kōgyoku Island. Though Admiral Sueyama fell to an enemy shell like Nelson at Trafalgar—no, his passing far surpassed Nelson’s in nobility.”

Moreover, our Showa Guerrilla Force fought exceptionally well. “Although the *Chigusa*, *Yoshino*, and *Yashima* were lost, their valiant names shall forever shine as an eternal flower in our nation’s history.” “Our Combined Fleet and Showa Guerrilla Force protected the Imperial Nation and defended the Orient through bloodshed.” “Had the Sueyama Fleet not fought bravely, the Yarnell Fleet would have attacked the Ogasawara Islands, attacked Yokosuka, and without doubt, all of Japan’s seas would have been occupied by them.”

“But we still have the *Mogami*, the *Chiyoda*, the *Akitsushima*—and the *Mutsu*, *Kongō*, *Ise*, and *Fusō* remain as well.” “Therefore, isn’t it that the B-nation Fleet—fearing our true strength—dares not show their colors?” “They can’t risk acting rashly now.”

Dr. Takeda swept a piercing gaze across the assembly. The bonfire's flames cast a crimson glow upon his cheeks. "Yet a formidable enemy still remains here. That would be Dr. Fuller—you all know him. Should his Black Eagle bombers exceed ten completed units, Japan faces naught but annihilation." "And the B-nation Fleet lies in wait to exploit this. When the Black Eagles strike our homeland, they'll surely descend from southern waters with their grand armada—seeking to claim Taiwan and Ogasawara in one fell swoop."

"They have now returned to Camden Naval Port in the South Seas, but we must never let our guard down. And now, the only thing in Japan capable of repelling the Black Eagles and keeping watch over the B-nation Fleet is our submarine *Fuji*—this alone stands as our sole defense." "If Japan has the *Fuji*, it will prevail; without the *Fuji*, it shall perish.—Now then, let’s go back down to the cave and start working again, shall we?"

Dr. Takeda jumped down from the rock, held aloft a torch, took the lead of the group, and descended the mountain. Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo descended slowly and carefully from the very rear.

Sign of Victory

“Hey, Miss Teruyo – besides the naval war dead, there are still others I want to mourn.” Kiyoshi placed his hand on Miss Teruyo’s shoulder and whispered softly. “Who could that be?” “Well, didn’t I tell you once before? It’s the people of the Lanon Pirate Unit. Mr. Sekiya Ichiro, the natives of Natsuna Island—though their whereabouts remain unknown, they must have fought bravely and perished in battle. I want to pray for the repose of those benefactors’ souls.”

“Yes. I’ll pray with you too.” The two of them still did not know about the Lanon Pirate Unit’s fierce battle. Kiyoshi. The noble soul of Ichiro Sekiya was now quietly watching over you from atop Kōgyoku Island’s Kongōseki Battery, smiling.

...Kiyoshi climbed onto the highest rock of Yarigatake, faced east, and pressed his hands together in prayer.

In the sky, the Big Dipper twinkled silver.

Long ago, the renowned commander Sanada Yukimura had believed that "Those who fight facing the Big Dipper will be defeated, while those who fight with the Seven Stars at their backs will prevail."

Now, if one were to look up, the Seven Stars have their sharp spearheads directed southeast.

“Ah! A sign of victory!”

It might be a superstition. Yet to Kiyoshi, it somehow seemed as though Mr. Sekiya’s spirit was conveying news of Japan’s victory.

Before the Storm

The war did not progress after that. Dr.Fuller had perhaps hidden himself away at a secret factory in Arizona, for he was nowhere to be seen. In the meantime, our four battleships entered the dry docks at Yokosuka,Kure,Sasebo,and Kobe where they repaired their armor and installed new cannons. Both BA nations' air squadrons merely patrolled the nearshore waters showing no signs of actively engaging the enemy.

Occasionally, submarines would sortie on expeditions to sink freighters or engage destroyers—only barely evoking a sense of real war.

However, the attitudes of B-nation to the south and the Soviet Union to the north were gradually growing more ominous. The number of B-nation warships gathering at Camden Naval Port continued to swell, while hundreds of bombers flew over Camden Island's jungles where tigers roared.

Meanwhile, in Siberia, over 300,000 Red Army troops had gathered, and mechanized corps had surrounded the Manchurian border. The red stars on military caps reflected in the waters of the Amur River, the massive shadows of bombers, and the inexorable advance of the white man’s demonic hands stretched ever closer to the Orient.

Japan was surrounded by white military forces to the east, north, and south.

To the east were the Black Eagle bombers and Lion tank divisions; to the north, hordes under red banners; and to the south, the world’s greatest navy.

What people of old had called "a tiger at the front gate and a wolf at the back" was precisely Japan's strategic posture at that time. To make matters worse, the corrupt generals of Shina—though fellow Asians—appeared to be colluding with A-nation, waiting for the Black Eagle bomber squadrons' attack to commence before declaring war on Japan. Yet the fact that distant European nations—Germany, Italy, France—recognized the Japanese people's strength and mission while maintaining strict neutrality on their behalf remained their sole advantage.

Meanwhile, the Manchurian Empire stood armed, while the brave Mongolian people shouted, "The blood of Genghis Khan flows in our veins!" as they monitored the Red Army's cavalry formations in the Gobi Desert.

The calm before the storm. Rain-laden black clouds were covering the skies of the Far East.

The second decisive battle was drawing near. Ah, Fuji! Show your heroic form without delay!

"The Fuji was completed!"

In the autumn of Showa ○, half a year had already passed since the Battle of Torishima ended.

The early autumn moon grew clearer each night.

In the Pacific, golden and silver waves clashed in disarray, as pods of dolphins, unaware of the approaching battle, frolicked playfully.

On September 1, Dr.Fuller addressed our Commander-in-Chief Uesugi and Dr.Takeda, “We will finally commence the attack within one month. Wash your necks and wait.”

With that, he sent an arrogant and insolent wireless telegram.

Tonight was September 15th—the Black Eagle bomber squadron might have already taken off from the highlands of Arizona. The transport ships carrying Lion tank divisions might have already set sail from Kōgyoku Island.

“But Kiyoshi, there’s no need to worry.”

Look at Heikai Island’s inlet!

A single submarine floated like a giant whale! While its shape somewhat resembled the Yashima and Chiyoda, its hull bulged severely, creating a formidable silhouette. At its bow loomed a massive steel protuberance. The cannons measured smaller than the Yashima's at thirteen centimeters, yet six guns lined both fore and aft sections. This was none other than the culmination of Dr.Takeda's tireless efforts—the submarine Fuji. Dr.Takeda and young Kiyoshi stood on the deck clad in white work uniforms.

"Well, this means we'll be bidding farewell to Heikai Island for about ten days." Dr. Takeda shielded his eyes with a hand and looked up at the towering black form of Yarigatake.

The moon was casting its beautiful light through gaps in the clouds.

On the rock at the entrance to Fuji Cave, Teruyo's white sailor uniform was visible. Among the cluster of people behind her was Colonel Organ, who had been taken prisoner. Young Kiyoshi cupped his hands to form a megaphone,

“Teruyo—! Goodbye—!” he shouted. “Goodbye—” came Teruyo’s faint reply. The moment her voice reached them, it swelled like a great wooden sphere and resounded across all of Heikai Bay.

“Hey, if you keep dawdling, you’ll get locked out again!” Captain Takeda lightly tapped his brother’s head. “That kind of thing—I’ve had enough after just once.” Kiyoshi entered the conning tower, scratching his head. Soon, the Fuji quietly sank, leaving a whirlpool in its wake.

Phantom Moonlit Night

After passing through the secret cave gate and departing Heikai Island, they emerged into the moonlit sea and continued straight northward. Full speed thirty-five knots! It possessed speed rivaling that of destroyers. The spray scattered into silver beads at the bow. Kiyoshi, with the short sword he received as a memento from Captain Kinoshita hanging at his waist, stood imposingly like a Nio guardian statue on the deck, drenched in spray. After cruising for about an hour, it was time to dive again. Submerged speed: 25 knots!

With this, it could pursue any battleship now! Despite engineers worldwide struggling in vain to achieve speeds above eleven or twelve knots underwater, the Fuji now cruised at more than double that velocity. Even the schools of sharks dancing in the Kuroshio Current were startled by this monster and fled. “Brother, this is amazing.” Young Kiyoshi, surprised, looked up at his brother the Doctor’s face. “Oh, there’s more to be amazed at.”

Dr. Takeda flashed white teeth through his long beard. Then, pulling a black cloth from his work clothes' pocket— "Kiyoshi! Put this on!" "What are you doing?" "It doesn't matter. Shut up."

Forcibly blindfolded, he could neither see nor hear anything for about thirty minutes. “There we go.” The Doctor removed the blindfold. "Look outside." “That’s mean… Brother, you…” “Brother, you…” Young Kiyoshi glared resentfully at the Doctor’s face, but when he directed his gaze out the window, he instinctively—

"Ah!" he cried out.

Behold. Pale waves spread out far below their eyes! And there below, what appeared to be the silhouette of Hachijō-jima could faintly be seen! “Kiyoshi. Are you surprised?” Dr. Takeda placed a hand on his beloved younger brother’s shoulder, his eyes gleaming like those of a true scientist. “Uuugh…” Young Kiyoshi’s lips trembled as if stuttering. Ah—the true identity of the monster “Fuji” was: Flying Submarine. It was a Flying Submarine. The “crucial point” Dr. Takeda had agonized over was none other than flight. Wings had been concealed within the swollen hull. Now, massive wings spread wide to either side.

From the wings scattered pale sparks with a crackling sound—the fire of rockets. Ah, Fuji soared through the sky by rocket power! And there was no sound. It was a silent flying warship. In this aspect too, Dr. Takeda proved no less than Dr. Fuller. Young Kiyoshi trembled violently in his chest from overwhelming joy. “Brother...”

What came next was tears threatening to spill and his voice catching in his throat.

“Kiyoshi! Don't cry! With this... Japan will prevail! But make no mistake—this Fuji wasn't conceived solely by your brother's mind! We prayed to heaven-soaring deities! Their sacred might forged her! Divine energy! Celestial force! Victory shall be ours!”

Dr. Takeda’s voice also caught.

That's right. The purest mountain spirit of Mount Fuji must have secretly watched over Dr. Takeda's great mission.

The flying submarine Fuji dashed through the moonlit sky at a speed of three hundred kilometers, like the Taihō.

To Tokyo, to Tokyo.

Dr. Fuller! Devil! Come. Japan no longer fears you!

Midnight Parting

On the night of September 15th, the flying submarine Fuji, which had flown north like a monstrous bird off the coast of Hachijō-jima, vanished without a trace thereafter—not a single soul witnessed its whereabouts.

Only the owls dwelling in the sacred forest of Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi know that late one night, Captain Takeda and young Kiyoshi passed through its great torii gate.

The two black shadows crouched beneath a large pine tree, and a divine voice of prayer could be heard. Having finished offering prayers before the Imperial Majesty, the two drove a car marked with an anchor toward Meguro Hill. The Captain was gripping the steering wheel. The car came to a stop in front of a small mansion nestled in the shade of a forest. It was their beloved home. The mansion’s interior, its lights extinguished, was enveloped in darkness, and the vines at the gate rustled softly. “Mother seems to be asleep, doesn’t she?”

Captain Takeda whispered close to young Kiyoshi’s ear. Kiyoshi silently clenched his fist tightly.

Ah, Mother... Dear Mother. I will now go to the battlefield together with Brother. I don't know if I'll be able to return alive. Mother. Even if I vanish like seaweed in the Pacific, you surely, surely won’t resent me, Mother. Mother. Right now, without meeting you, Mother, I am hiding outside the gate and secretly saying my farewells.—

Kiyoshi suppressed his urge to weep and silently bid farewell to Mother in his heart.

“Let’s go.” Before long, Captain Takeda urged young Kiyoshi onward and once again ran off into the darkness toward some unknown destination.

In the predawn hours of that night, a motorboat carrying the two of them vanished into the morning mist off Kannonzaki. Their whereabouts were unknown.

Where could the Fuji be hiding?

Pirate Song

The terrifying day of bloody battle was drawing near. Dr. Fuller’s time of revenge was approaching.

The twelve-plane Black Eagle bomber squadron that had departed from their secret base on the Arizona Plateau flew stealthily into Kōgyoku Bay one night.

The twenty special transport ships loaded with "Lion" tanks were also hidden beneath the palm fronds at the base of the Diamond Battery. Ah, the night of September 25th was now beginning to dawn in the early morning hours.

The aircraft carrier Orion, sent off by the garrison troops' "Pirate Song," left Kōgyoku Bay.

Thirteen Black Eagle bombers lined up on the deck were painted in an ink-black hue; on their noses, the figure of an enraged eagle had been daubed in crimson paint. A garish visage. Two eyes and a sharp beak glinted silver. Dr. Fuller ascended to the command tower, accompanied by his beloved young Arthur. The South Pacific sea breeze swiftly stirred young Arthur's blond hair.

The boy furrowed his brows, “Father, right? The number of *Black Eagles* is thirteen. “Thirteen’s an unlucky number, right? “I just can’t shake this awful feeling something terrible’s going to happen.”

he said worriedly. “Yeah, something bad might happen—after all, our enemy is that fearsome Dr.Takeda! I’ve steeled my resolve down to my core! Listen well now—they’re singing ‘The Pirate Song’!” Dr.Fuller gazed across the deck with a grim expression.

There, a large group of officers and sailors were linking arms, forming a circle, stomping their feet in rhythm as they sang another song.

……The pirates’ whereabouts unknown With banners streaming forth they sail away

Never to return, how pitiful they are Yet, lament not.

The sea alone was his homeland. Rest in your homeland's graves, *O children of pirates……* A sorrowful, sorrowful melody. It was a funeral song mourning the pitiful pirates who had ventured to distant seas never to return. “Now, Arthur, navy men die at sea. The sea is their grave.” Dr. Fuller stroked young Arthur’s head.

“Then does that mean the air squadron’s grave is the sky?” “That’s right. Father’s place of death will be that blue sky.” Dr. Fuller raised his blue eyes and gazed at the vast sky. Pale red clouds drifted beautifully. Young Arthur leaned against his father Dr. Fuller’s chest and moistened his eyes with tears, just like a girl.

Father truly was a good person. He had resolved himself for death. Yet what burned in Father's breast was this single-minded desire to defeat Easterners, to crush the Japanese. This "single-mindedness" might be an evil "single-mindedness." It might be a devil's heart. However, I too was white. I didn't want to lose to Easterners. Ah, Mother in heaven. Please watch over Father.

Ah, I wanted to conquer Japan just once, even if it meant we were all annihilated. I wanted to see Tokyo burn before I died.……

Ah, this was how young Arthur—who until leaving Kōgyoku Island had cursed his father Dr. Fuller’s vengeful spirit and harbored sympathy for Easterners—upon hearing the "Pirate Song" and learning of the Doctor’s resolve, had unwittingly come to curse Japan and the entire East. ……The sea alone is his homeland. Rest in your homeland's graves.

*O children of pirates……*

……That's right. We white people are children of pirates. In the old days, whether in Spain, the Netherlands, Britain, or America, it was always pirates who led the charge to expand territories. That's right. The blood of pirate ancestors flows through my veins. I must become braver still. I'll harden my heart like a devil and crush the Japanese……

Young Arthur glared intently at the western sky, his small hawk-like eyes glistening.

“Hey, Arthur! Even if war breaks out, don’t you dare pull any cowardly stunts.” “I’ll definitely, definitely fight bravely. There’s no way I’d lose to the likes of Easterners.” Young Arthur squared his shoulders firmly.

Men, How I wished our young Kiyoshi could have heard these words.

Fuller returned.

With the flagship Orion at the lead, twenty transport ships formed a column behind it and advanced westward across the Pacific. Mistaking clouds hovering above the horizon for Japanese cruisers and confusing spouting whales with submarines, they finally crossed the swift Kuroshio Current east of Boso Peninsula early on September 30th and approached offshore Kujukuri Beach. "Now begins the final all-out attack!"

Dr. Fuller put on a loose leather flight suit and boarded Black Eagle No. 13. Following suit，young Arthur，his large flight goggles glinting，entered the Black Eagle’s fuselage. The Orion was now moving at full speed. Atop the mast，a special command flag emblazoned with a Black Eagle bomber fluttered fiercely in the wind.

Before long, Black Eagle No.13 emitted a low growl and roared to life. When the signal flags snapped sharply, the black monster raced across the deck and instantly soared into the dawn-blushed sky. Next, No.12 shot out. Following them came No.11 and No.10 until seven Black Eagles formed a single group that vanished into the northwestern sky from above Taitō Cape. Northwest of Taitō Cape lay Tokyo. Dr. Fuller steadily pulled back on the control stick, climbing beyond 10,000 meters.

As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but clouds. It was a sea of clouds. The sea of clouds, illuminated by the sunlight, glowed crimson and gold. "How beautiful."

Young Arthur stroked the machine gun barrel as he was struck by the grandeur of nature.

In the far distance, a snow-capped peak was visible. “Father, that mountain is beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, that’s Mount Fuji.” “Ah, so that’s Mount Fuji? What a magnificent mountain.”

Young Arthur let out an involuntary sigh. Even he, of a different race, must have felt the divine majesty of our sacred mountain. However, Dr. Fuller could not perceive the great and profound beauty of Mount Fuji. His mind was focused on nothing but the Tokyo bombing. To Tokyo, to Tokyo.

The seven demonic aircraft, casting their shadows over the clouds, raced northwest and ever northwest.

Fifteen minutes later, eighteen Japanese fighter planes came rushing up from within the dense clouds like hunting dogs. However, alas, not a single one remained—all had fallen prey to the Black Eagles. “Look at you now!” “You yellow midgets!” Dr. Fuller bared his teeth in a sneering laugh, mocking our fighter planes as they plummeted downward. Ah—in just five or six minutes, they would reach Tokyo’s skies. “Black Eagle First Squadron! Tokyo now lies beneath our wings!” “For the honor of the A-nation Air Squadron—let us annihilate this enemy land completely!”

The doctor’s raw voice resounded through the clouds.

“Commander! Our squadron will rain down Fuller’s poison gas!” “Hahaha! Don’t be shocked, you yellow midgets!”

The voice of No.10's vice-captain resounded like thunder.

“I am determined to incinerate Tokyo with thermite bombs.” “I can almost see the Japanese people’s tear-streaked faces.” No. 8 was also shouting terrible curses.

The terrifying horde of demons, each chanting incantations, plunged into the black clouds. “Arthur, right now, your father is just like Napoleon who crossed the perilous Alps.” “A beautiful city lies beneath us.” “And your father will crush it.” “You’ll make your mark too!” Dr. Fuller, with the face of a vengeful demon, pulled Arthur into his chest.

“Lion” tanks made landfall. When Dr. Fuller’s First Squadron departed beyond Taitō Cape, command fell to Army Major General Frost aboard the First Transport Ship.

The six remaining Black Eagle units attacked our defensive positions south of the Kurikami River. They rained down Fuller’s poison gas. The poisonous rain pitter-pattered down, soaking our coastal positions. Both gas masks and protective suits were useless. Just as the Showa Guerrilla Force’s cruiser Mogami had been struck down, the infantry and artillery fell one after another.

It was a soundless attack. A battle without bloodshed. Fifteen minutes after this eerie attack began, our positions had become veritable "trenches of death".

Officers and soldiers lay collapsed, still wearing their gas masks. Soldiers lay gripping their machine guns; a petty officer slumped against a cannon, unconscious. An officer lay in the trench with his sword still drawn—it was truly a regrettable, humiliating sight. “Hahaha! The enemy has surrendered.”

Major Frost grinned smugly.

Twenty A-nation transport ships approached the coast, seeking to defile the soil of Kujūkuri Beach. They may be called "transport ships" in name, but in reality, they are a type of aircraft carrier. Every ship was equipped with four 20cm guns and had flat decks, just like the Akagi and Orion.

Behold. Squadron after squadron of 240 Hayabusa bombers—sister craft to the Black Eagles—spread their wings, glaring down upon the skies over Shimousa.

A single signal flag was raised on Major General Frost’s flagship. Ah, the Great Air Force was mobilizing. The swarm of Hayabusa bombers pursued Fuller Squadron’s path and headed toward Shimoshizu Plain and Narashino Plain.

Next rose the second signal flag.

“Land the Lion Tank Unit.” Twenty transport ships groaned eerily and opened gaping maws along their hulls. From those yawning mouths crawled forth a horde of tanks. The sight of them brandishing their cannons while emerging from shadowy holds differed little from wild beasts slithering out of burrows. This indeed was Dr. Fuller’s new weapon. The hundred-ton behemoths charged across the waves without sinking, churning up great plumes of seawater as they advanced.

Five hundred heavy tanks advanced through the shallow coastal waters to attack. If the brave soldiers of our coastal defense force had seen this, how they would have trembled with battle fervor!

However, alas, those brave soldiers had all been rendered unconscious by Fuller’s poison gas. There was not a single soul left to stop the landing of this detestable, hateful army.

The horde of "Lion" tanks had already trampled our "trenches of death" in the blink of an eye.

Salvation Mist

Had Dr. Fuller’s Black Eagle bomber squadron succeeded in annihilating Tokyo? That I will inform you of later.

This is Shimoshizu Plain in Chiba Prefecture. Our First Division had constructed a roughly five-kilometer-long defensive position and was lying in wait for the invasion by the "Lion" Tank Unit.

Division Commander General Tachikawa, though small in stature, was a general of unparalleled boldness in all the land. In the trench, arms crossed, his eyes beneath the steel helmet's visor were tightly shut. General Tachikawa had a formidable strategy fully formed in his mind, but regrettably could do nothing against that poison gas with its mysterious power—Fuller’s poison gas. No matter how many gas masks they wore, our soldiers kept collapsing one after another.

Under these circumstances, even the most brilliant general had no way to execute a strategy. No matter how strong a soldier might have been, once doused with deathly poison gas, they became no different from clay dolls. Ah, if the "Lion" Tank Unit were to attack this position while spewing poison gas, how did General Tachikawa intend to engage them in decisive battle?

The enemy advanced through Shimousa’s low mountains at rapid speed. If they delayed any longer, Shimoshizu Plain would again be drenched with Fuller’s poison gas and become a “field of death”.

However, General Tachikawa remained completely unperturbed. He was like Takeda Shingen who had taken position at Kawanakajima. He didn’t so much as twitch an eyelash. Why was this?

This was because eighteen armored vehicles were currently charging at ninety kilometers per hour from Narashino Plain toward Shimoshizu Plain.

In the lead vehicle rode Dr. Nagaoka, a professor at Teikoku University. He must have been conducting research at the risk of his life. His beard grew wild and unkempt, his eyes sunken deep. As they neared the front lines, the armored vehicles scattered—twelve advancing to positions behind twelve battalions' trenches. The remaining six advanced toward the shadow of a pine grove ahead on the position's right flank. Dr. Nagaoka jumped down from the armored vehicle and immediately entered the trench where General Tachikawa was.

“General Tachikawa, we finally made it in time.” The doctor’s voice was hoarse, catching in his throat. “Dr.Nagaoka, I have no words to thank you.”

The general stared intently at the doctor’s face and solemnly saluted. “Chief of Staff, spray the Nagaoka Liquid over the positions!” When the order was given, faint red smoke began spewing from the armored vehicles. It spread rapidly to every corner of the trenches, soon settling like mist to gently dampen the soldiers’ bodies. This was the Nagaoka Liquid. Dr. Nagaoka had examined corpses from the Mogami—sent from Heikai Island—investigated Fuller’s poison gas’s true nature, and created this liquid to neutralize its venom.

It had finally been completed that morning. The mist of Nagaoka Liquid moistened the dew-laden grass and soil, leaving the pine trees in the grove faintly dampened. "Now come," "Lion tanks!"

Our forces lay in wait for the enemy's invasion according to General Tachikawa's orders—silent and breathless. What strategy could this general, dubbed the Showa-era Kusunoki Masashige, be conceiving? When the Nagaoka Liquid had been fully dispersed, two hundred of our Kamikaze fighters from Narashino base formed a massive formation and surged into the dawn sky. Soon would begin the decisive aerial battle against the enemy's Hayabusa Bomber Squadron. The Lion Tank Unit that had annihilated our garrison in the coastal engagement,

“Crush the Japanese forces in one fell swoop!” With that, five hundred units formed five or six columns and advanced as if traversing an unmanned field. Major General Frost stood at the head of that tank wave and commanded the entire army: “Advance, advance!”

Landmine Ambush The Lion Tank Unit roared as they charged toward the frontlines of our First Division's position. “Release the poison gas!”

From Major General Frost’s command vehicle, an order rang out through the loudspeaker. The five hundred Lion tanks aimed their poison gas cannons toward our position while advancing. Pale green Fuller poison gas immediately began pouring down on the position like rain. “Here comes the baptism of poison! The Japanese forces will be annihilated with this.” Major General Frost laughed like a demon inside his gas mask. But Major General... It was unfortunate, but our forces had not suffered a single casualty. The brave soldiers of the First Division—having been doused with Nagaoka Liquid—did not flinch an inch even as poisonous smoke enveloped them. They lay hidden in the trenches, poised and waiting with bated breath for orders to come.

The soldiers' hands gripping their rifles as they leaned against the damp earthen walls were tinged a faint red with the Nagaoka Liquid. This red liquid was none other than the guardian deity of our lives. Unaware of this, the Lion Tank Unit that had released poison gas thought "Now at last, the Japanese forces have perished" upon seeing our position silent and still; reducing their speed with a growling rumble of wheels, they pressed forward right before the trenches.

“Your Excellency, it seems the Japanese bastards have bought it.” “Ha ha, how thoroughly satisfying.” When the lieutenant in the command vehicle crew called out to Major General Frost, there was suddenly a tremendous noise—"Thud! Rumble…"—as if the very earth were heaving up from below.

“Damn it! Landmines!” Major General Frost turned deathly pale and staggered. And then，along with iron fragments，he was blown away into the black smoke． One minute later，the massive form of Lion Tank No．1 lay shattered into pieces，and Major General Frost’s corpse vanished without a trace． Even a massive tank weighing one hundred tons cannot escape a tragic end when encountering a large landmine loaded with X hundred kilograms of explosives．

Now then, with their command vehicle destroyed, even the formidable Lion Tank Unit was thrown into chaos—some halted their charge in shock and panic, others began retreating or changing direction, their formation suddenly beginning to break apart.

Pitiful enemy forces. Before our position lay a vast field of buried landmines. The Lion Tank Unit had been lured into this minefield nest before they knew it. Then massive explosions erupted everywhere. Behold—the once-invincible land battleship fleet lay wounded, shattered, and blown apart. Corpses of yellow-painted iron monsters now littered Shimoshizu Plain, scattered here and there until they filled the entire field.

Even so, they still believed without question that they had annihilated the Japanese forces with poison gas. Therefore, they decided to temporarily withdraw from this minefield and attempt to attack Tokyo by taking a detour through Inba-numa. From the new command vehicle thundered an order: “Fall back to the rear pine grove!” Four hundred fifty to sixty Lion tanks frantically turned their tracks and headed toward the rear pine grove.

The Lion Tank Unit plunged into a desperate struggle.

“That should do. “Let’s have the artillery open fire.”

Our distinguished commander General Tachikawa, having observed the enemy forces in disarray, issued a firing order to the Chief of Staff.

In the pine grove on the right flank, the Kōnodai Field Heavy Artillery Regiment lay concealed. Their trigger fingers had been twitching with restless anticipation. "Has the order come? Has it?" The regiment commander's bloodshot eyes glared fiercely. Then the command arrived.

Now was the moment for the Kanto artillery to demonstrate their skill.

From within the pine grove arose the tremendous roar of 10-cm cannons and 15-cm howitzers. The target was large and, moreover, was right before their eyes. Even if they fired wildly and chaotically, there was no chance of missing.

In an instant, the pine grove was enveloped in artillery smoke, and the Lion Tank Unit froze in the rain of fire. The Japanese forces they had thought dead unexpectedly opened fire. Taken by surprise, the tank unit thought, “This is the end.”

The longer they remained still, the more intense the Japanese artillery fire grew. Well, now that it had come to this, they would throw all caution to the wind. If we're to be annihilated either way, let's be annihilated after breaking through the Japanese positions.— Truly, they were the desperate Lion Tank Unit. Though they were foes, they showed admirable resolve; turning their rudders once more toward our infantry position, they counterattacked in column formation with desperate fury. "Bring it on!" On our side, Type 9△ mortars and infantry guns—X hundred units in total—were lined up with their muzzles aligned, sights set.

The Lion Tank Unit courageously charged through the minefield and pressed forward to attack. Dark red smoke billowed up as landmines detonated in rapid succession. It was a terrifying battle. The Lion Tank Unit had lost nearly a hundred vehicles in just thirty minutes of combat.

Even so, with no escape route, they—like crazed beasts—would charge up to our positions only to be blasted by heavy mortars and finished off. One hour of bloody combat. Finally, even the formidable enemy began to weaken. And then, they ceased attacking our strong right-wing position and turned toward the left flank.

Our left-wing forces rained down a shower of mortar shells, declaring, “May you prove worthy foes!” The enemy flinched and attacked that left flank once more.

However, our positions were strong; they could not breach them anywhere.

The Lion Tank Unit advanced left and left again, northward and northward, until before they knew it, they drew near Sakura. In the distance, the waters of Inba-numa shone white. The autumn wind passing through the reed fields reeked of blood.

The wounded Lion Tank Unit hurried toward Inba-numa, toward Inba-numa, as though drawn by the god of death.

At that very moment, from the skies of Narita where Fudō Myōō, the guardian deity of our battles, resides, a squadron of kamikaze fighter planes entered the battlefield, their silver wings gleaming as they threaded through the clouds.

Self-Destructed Ferocious Beasts The Lion Tank Unit, cornered at Inba-numa, made their final stand against the Sakura Regiment. However, battered by our mortar fire and bombarded with Nagaoka gas shells from kamikaze fighter planes, they ultimately exhausted their ammunition.

By the time they reached the shore of Inba-numa, the massive force of five hundred vehicles had been reduced to a mere two hundred. Moreover, even those that remained were all wounded and weakened.

The true might of tank warfare lay in hundreds of vehicles charging forth like a flood, crushing enemy positions without distraction. No matter how large and powerful the Lion tanks were, once they had botched their initial attack and began scattering here and there to flee, their numbers would gradually dwindle until defeat became inevitable. Tanks lacking offensive spirit were no different from beasts stripped of their claws. Even though they bore the name Lion tanks, the A-nation tank unit lacked the fierce offensive spirit of Japanese warriors. Had they continued advancing without regard to being fired upon by the heavy artillery in the pine grove from the start, a corner of our position might have been breached.

However, with the brave Major General Frost being the first to fall in battle, even the Lion Tank Unit was momentarily seized by cowardice, ultimately losing all hope of attack.

"What a shame." "I really wanted to trample Tokyo underfoot…"

The A-nation officers and soldiers lamented in unison, but now that the battle was lost, what good would it do to regret it? Lieutenant Colonel Smith, the last commander, gazed up at his homeland’s sky and could do nothing but weep.

“Alright! At this point, let’s at least ensure these Lion tanks don’t fall into enemy hands.” The lieutenant colonel nodded inwardly and issued the command. “Lion Tank Unit, enter the marsh.” It was an odd command. The Lion tanks lumbered toward the shore and began entering the marsh. The bottom of the marsh was a muddy ground mixed with sand. The heavy tanks sank slowly and heavily into the mud. A-nation soldiers abandoned the sinking tanks and all climbed up onto the shore. And, caught by our pursuing soldiers, they became prisoners of war.

“What a waste they made of them.” While watching the Lion tanks sinking here and there in the marsh, our soldiers—unable to do anything—clicked their tongues in frustration.

Lieutenant Colonel Smith had become a prisoner of war, but “With this, we’ve managed to keep our new weapon out of enemy hands!” he exclaimed with satisfaction. However, the lieutenant colonel’s satisfaction would not last long.

General Tachikawa, who had galloped over on horseback, called the lieutenant colonel and,

“Lieutenant Colonel, Japan has no desire for your Lion tanks! Your vaunted Lion tanks—five hundred strong—couldn’t even breach an infantry position, could they?”

he declared decisively. The lieutenant colonel bit his lip in apparent frustration, yet he refused to yield. “No! Even if the Lion Tank Unit is annihilated, the Black Eagle Bomber Squadron will not lose! Tokyo must be a burned-out wasteland by now.” he squared his shoulders proudly.

A black shadow. That was right. "The Black Eagle was an invincible fleet in the sky." It was no wonder the Lieutenant Colonel boasted. However, if Tokyo had been air-raided, there should have been an immediate report to Lieutenant General Tachikawa.

Could it be that the lack of any report meant both the General Staff Office and the Security Command Headquarters had been completely wiped out? They defeated the Lion Tank Unit. The Hayabusa bombers were also defeated. But could it be that the Black Eagles alone were unstoppable? Lieutenant General Tachikawa silently looked up at the clear autumn sky. White clouds drifted.

“Oh?”

From between the clouds, a strange black shadow emerged.

“Is that the Black Eagle?” Lieutenant General Tachikawa tightly closed his eyes. ――Ah, has the time finally come when the sacred soil of the Imperial Land will be defiled by enemy forces?――

The suspicious shadow approached our positions like an arrow. And suddenly, a booming voice resounded through the clouds. “Commander of the First Division, Your Excellency—congratulations on your valiant efforts. I am Captain Takeda of the Navy, captain of the flying submarine Fuji. We have just repelled the enemy’s Black Eagle bomber squadron in Tokyo Bay and are now proceeding to annihilate the enemy fleet off Kujukuri Beach. Long live the Great Japanese Empire! Banzai for the Imperial Army!” Ah—it was Dr. Takeda. That was the submarine Fuji. Lieutenant General Tachikawa looked up at the submarine in the sky and quietly drew his military sword. It was a renowned blade from Bizen Osafune. A two-shaku-three-sun autumn water blade, its gleam pristine. The lieutenant general swung it aloft twice—three times.

This was a salute to Captain Takeda.

Our submarine Fuji cast its black shadow upon the waters of Inba-numa Marsh and charged fiercely eastward toward the waves of the Pacific!

Prisoner's Boastful Declarations

“Gentlemen! The submarine Fuji that we have long awaited has finally appeared on the battlefield!” With white rocket fire spewing from its stern, it raced straight toward the eastern sea.

Its airspeed could exceed two thousand kilometers per hour but had been deliberately reduced to eight hundred now. "Oh! Is that Dr. Takeda's secret warship? Hmm... Impressive!"

Lieutenant General Tachikawa watched the figure of the Fuji disappearing into the mountain shadows of Shimousa with evident satisfaction, "Hiyah! Hiyah!" And he swung the renowned Osafune blade. Lieutenant Colonel Smith, the prisoner, was astonished and trembling. Lieutenant General Tachikawa thrust his ice-like autumn water blade before those eyes,

“Lieutenant Colonel, look at this sword. The noble soul of Japanese warriors resides within this blade. This scent, this radiance—where in the world could there exist such a beautiful, divine weapon? And that submarine Fuji which just vanished into those mountain shadows—that is precisely the crystallization of Japanese scientific power. When Black Eagle bombers and Lion tanks stand before Fuji, are they not but pitiful mantises raising their axes? It is Japan’s military that has united the spirit power of this Japanese sword with Fuji’s scientific might! Do you think we would let your muddy feet defile this divine land guarded by our sacred forces? Lieutenant Colonel Smith—you are enemies of the world defying the sun itself!”

Lieutenant General Tachikawa stared fixedly at Lieutenant Colonel Smith's face with eyes that shone with dignity and fervor. Lieutenant Colonel Smith, bitter at having lost his Lion tank corps and now being informed of the Black Eagle bombers' total annihilation, clenched his teeth hard before suddenly brushing back his disheveled hair and glaring boldly at Lieutenant General Tachikawa,

“But Japanese people have yellow faces, don’t they? The yellow race is an inferior race. Our army may have been unlucky in battle this time, but we will never sincerely surrender to Japan! We are white people! O Commander of the Japanese Division! You are a vile colored race. We are of a different species from you. What are Japanese swords? What is the Fuji? Our A-nation will most certainly take revenge! Long live white people!” The lieutenant colonel shouted loudly in a fit of desperation.

“Quite spirited for a prisoner, that one.”

“Shall we discipline him?”

Two or three officers exchanged meaningful glances with the lieutenant general. However, Lieutenant General Tachikawa shook his head sideways.

“Do not mistreat prisoners. He’s a pitiful man. They believe only white people are a superior race. Hahaha, let’s take him back to Tokyo and show him some of our fine Eastern art. He’ll surely come to think differently.”

The officers who had been stopped by the lieutenant general took Lieutenant Colonel Smith’s hand and patted his shoulder, “Lieutenant Colonel Smith, rest assured the Japanese military doesn’t humiliate prisoners like some other nations do.” "You’ll go to Tokyo still wearing your sword." "And observe closely whether Japanese people are inferior to white people or not." they said in unison, their voices solicitous. Having lost the battle and become like a madman, Lieutenant Colonel Smith turned his pallid face toward everyone,

"That doesn't matter! Just you wait—our Dr. Fuller will absolutely take revenge! Don't you dare cry when that time comes!" he shouted. "Lieutenant Colonel, but the Black Eagle bomber squadron has already been completely annihilated,"

A lieutenant placed a hand on his shoulder pityingly. “Shut up!”

Lieutenant Colonel Smith violently shook off that hand, "That can't be! Even if the Black Eagle Squadron was defeated, would Dr. Fuller lose so easily? Lies! That's a lie! Dr. Fuller is most certainly alive! And he'll take terrible revenge on you!"

The Black Eagle Squadron was defeated.

That was true. Lieutenant Colonel Smith's shout was no lie.

The Black Eagle 1st Squadron that had headed toward Tokyo Bay was suddenly attacked off Kisarazu by the submarine Fuji, which had leaped out from beneath the sea, and annihilated before they could mount a defense—yet miraculously, only Dr. Fuller’s No.13 aircraft survived. Now, No.13 aircraft was fleeing south and further south past Izu Ōshima. Dr. Fuller sat with an ashen face, his arms crossed. Beneath his flight goggles, Arthur’s eyes looked timid and sorrowful.

“Father… we’ve finally lost, haven’t we?”

“…………”

Dr. Fuller remained silent. “Dr. Takeda is remarkable, isn’t he?” “…………” “Father—why won’t you speak?” “The submarine Fuji was incredible, wasn’t it?”

Arthur was utterly astonished by the Fuji’s terrifying combat power.— ○

Truly, it was a terrifying battle. After passing Kisarazu, when they were already nearing Shinagawa’s battery, an enormous monster burst through the white clouds below and appeared. Almost before the Black Eagle Squadron could gasp “Ah!” in shock, Dr. Takeda’s voice rang out clear and sharp.

“Dr. Fuller.” “At last we meet face to face.” “Now then—is my flying submarine Fuji stronger, or your Black Eagle Squadron?” “Let us now face each other openly and settle this!” “My respected valiant warriors of the Black Eagle Squadron!” “Attack from wherever you will!”

It was a powerful voice. It was a voice that resonated deep in the gut. The Black Eagle Squadron remained silent. The appearance of such an utterly unexpected monster had even Dr. Fuller choking on his own spit, rendered speechless. “Then, let’s go!” Alongside Dr. Takeda’s voice, the 13-cm gun spewed fire like a flying dragon— The combat that followed was so miserable for Arthur that even recalling it felt shameful. No.8 aircraft was the first to be shot down. Next, No.10 aircraft—which had been bragging “I’ll make it rain poison gas on you”—let out a mournful scream amidst the clouds as it burned and fell.

“Scatter!” Under Dr. Fuller’s command, the remaining five aircraft scattered in all directions.

However, the Fuji was a fast rocket ship. Chasing the fleeing enemies, it fired relentlessly. No.12 aircraft was shot down into Ōmori’s Sannō Forest. No.9 aircraft vanished into the spray of Tokyo Bay’s waves. No.11 aircraft managed to flee as far as Sagami Bay, but even this one was ultimately engulfed by the raging waves of the Pacific. The No.7 aircraft, which had fled the farthest, launched a desperate charge over Mount Hakone with foolhardy courage—declaring, “If we must die, let us at least collide with the Fuji and drag it down with us!”—but at the critical moment, it was repelled by Kiyoshi’s second gunfire.

The No.7 aircraft sank deep into the depths of Lake Ashi. Dr. Takeda, who understood samurai compassion, lowered Fuji's bow and paid respects to the fallen enemy warriors. The sole remaining No.13 aircraft seized its chance while Fuji pursued its comrades, infiltrated Tokyo, and bombed the Great Wireless Telegraph Station while battling Kamikaze fighters.

As expected of the Black Eagles. They next attempted to bomb the army arsenal, but at that moment, what came flying like an arrow from the southwestern sky was Dr. Takeda’s Fuji, radiant with victory. Seeing this,

“This is the end. In that case, let us at least go out to the Pacific to die.” With that, Dr. Fuller turned the rudder southward.

The Fuji rapidly closed in. It was a terrifying form. It was an awe-inspiring sight. The boy Arthur felt like he was about to lose consciousness.

“Don’t run away, you coward!”

The voice heard from the Fuji was Dr. Takeda. “This isn’t cowardice. I don’t want my unsightly corpse exposed on enemy soil.”

Dr. Fuller answered in a strained voice. Tears were welling in his eyes.

The Fuji remained silent for a while at Dr. Fuller’s unexpected yet honorable reply, but before long, Dr. Takeda’s voice rang out again.

“My friend Dr. Fuller. “To your resolve, I offer both sympathy and respect. “Very well—proceed. “To the Pacific! “...North of Ogasawara lies our stronghold—Heikai Island. “There in its skies, let us duel one-on-one. “Now then—farewell for a time.”

As soon as the voice vanished, the monster Fuji immediately concealed itself among the clouds.

“Dr.Takeda, thank you.” Dr.Fuller spoke just a single word.

And now, the Black Eagle No.13—having lost its comrades and become the sole remaining aircraft—was skimming over the waters off Izu Ōshima.

○

“Hey, Father—the fact that a submarine can fly through the sky... Eastern scientists are truly remarkable, aren’t they? Do you think Dr. Takeda might be greater than Edison?...” The boy Arthur placed a hand on his silent father’s shoulder. “…………”

“Hey, being able to adjust speed using rocket power... Dr. Takeda really is a titan of twentieth-century science.”

The boy peered into Dr. Fuller’s face. Two streaks of tears glistened on his pale father’s cheeks. Ah, Dr. Fuller was crying.

Were these tears grief over military defeat? Resentment at losing the scientific rivalry? Or lament that he and his beloved Arthur had to vanish like foam into the Pacific's spray? The Izu sea raged with white wave crests leaping wildly. They had passed Hachijō-jima. The black shadow of Heikai Island emerged above the horizon.

We will not surrender!

The flying submarine *Fuji*, having left Shimoshitsuhara behind, appeared in the skies above Kujūkuri Beach with bullet-like speed.

High above Cape Daito, it was the moment when six aircraft of the Black Eagle’s Second Squadron were now preparing to embark on their second Tokyo bombing sortie. Six eagles, their silver eyes blazing fiercely, flapped their wings and headed north with terrifying intensity.

However, our *Fuji* spread its steel wings and blocked their path. “Black Eagle bomber squadron, surrender! The First Squadron has been annihilated over Tokyo Bay.”

Following Captain Takeda’s warning, the boy Kiyoshi shouted at the top of his voice.

“If you hesitate, you’ll be wiped out. Hurry, hurry—land on Kujūkuri Beach’s shore as proof of surrender!” The Fuji spewed bluish-white rocket smoke from its hundred-meter wings as it plunged into the Black Eagle squadron’s formation. A roaring gust kicked up a whirlwind. The six Black Eagles screeched and scattered in all directions. “Now surrender! This is your last warning!” Kiyoshi’s voice rang out valiantly.

One terrified enemy aircraft, blinded by panic, fled eastward. No matter how much it fled, it was certain to crash into an endless expanse of waves. “Stop! I’ll fire if you don’t halt!” The two 13-cm guns of Fuji’s first turret flashed red fire. The roar of cannons resounded ominously through the clouds. Ah! The fleeing Black Eagle tilted unsteadily. Flames burst out. The pitiful enemy aircraft, its right wing broken, spiraled down into the waves. Splash—a pure white spray surged up along with reddish-black smoke.

For a moment, the Kuroshio Current swallowed the enemy plane without a trace and flowed away toward Inubōsaki. "Did you see that, Black Eagle squadron?! That is the fate awaiting those who refuse to surrender!" The Fuji aimed its six cannons forward and aft, glaring at the remaining Black Eagles. Black Eagle No.4, having witnessed its ally's terrifying demise, flapped its wings fearfully, cut its engines, and abruptly nosedived into a glide. Beneath them spread the sands of Kujukuri Beach.

No.4 had finally surrendered. Following that, another aircraft—the squadron leader’s No.6—pursued after it. Ah, was the squadron leader surrendering too?

The remaining three planes merely wandered through the clouds as if they had lost consciousness. However, that was indeed the squadron leader’s plane. No.6 had not intended to surrender. He opened fire with his machine cannons in a relentless barrage from behind the cowardly No.4. *Rat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat!* As the gunfire ceased, Black Eagle No.4, engulfed in crimson flames, came crashing down in a thunderous inferno at the water's edge of Kujukuri Beach. Those who defy military law meet a wretched end.

The squadron leader’s plane spun sharply about, performed a rapid climb, and charged valiantly at the Fuji.

“You Japanese monster! “The A-nation Navy does not know surrender!” Even if it was futile, determined to make a glorious last stand, Black Eagle No.6 launched a suicide charge toward the Fuji.

Behold the might of Fuji! “Save the squadron leader!” The remaining three planes attacked from both front and rear. It was the Black Eagle bomber squadron’s final attack. The crimson eagle insignia glowed like a living creature, while the machine cannons’ fire resembled the breath of an enraged raptor. Assailed by four aircraft, Fuji suddenly unleashed storm-like speed. Having pierced through the clouds to vanish skyward one moment, it abruptly dove straight down—all six cannons roaring in unison. Once more flashed the bluish-white light of the Aoki beams!

Ah, Fuji—whose wrath makes even the sea god tremble! With just this single volley, the four enemy aircraft vanished without a trace. What could be seen were only white wave crests; what could be heard was only the roar of the Kuroshio.

Even the formidable Black Eagles that Dr. Fuller had poured his heart and soul into creating proved no match for our Fuji aerial warship. Struck by the Aoki beams Fuji fired during its steep dive, the Black Eagle bomber squadron became a single mass of flames before scattering like cherry blossoms across Sotobō Cape's skies. "The Aoki beams are incredible! To decide the battle in just two or three seconds..."

On the deck of the Fuji, young Kiyoshi was amazed at the strength of his own weapon. "Yeah—without rocket velocity and powerful light beams, you can’t win wars in the Showa era."

Dr. Takeda’s deeply serene eyes glistened as he stroked his beloved younger brother’s cheek.

"But the enemy were brave too!" "Yeah, they met a gallant end. When the war ends, let's erect a memorial monument at Sotobō Cape." "Ah, even at the Dongjiguanshan Battery in Port Arthur, there stands a memorial monument for an enemy general, doesn't there?"

"That's right. That is Japanese Bushido."

White teardrops glistened on Dr. Takeda's eyelids. Kiyoshi too felt his chest tighten with swelling sorrow.

Enemies though they were, O brave warriors who fought for your homeland's honor until the very end! Sleep peacefully in the depths of the Kuroshio Current!

○ Having witnessed the defeat of the Black Eagle squadron, the aircraft carrier Orion and twenty transport ships desperately fired their anti-aircraft guns in a wild barrage, shooting and shooting relentlessly—but the monster Fuji remained silent and unflinching. It did not attack. It merely took advantage of their exhaustion from firing to drop just one bomb. Moreover, when it struck one of the transport ships, a tremendous conflagration broke out, staining the waves crimson.

“It’s no use!”

The aircraft carrier Orion was the first to raise a white flag. Next, the transport ships scrambled over each other to raise their white flags. The white banner of Genji, symbolizing martial valor with bow and arrow, was gallant—but this white flag bore little mark of honor. “We surrender.” A pathetic surrender flag. At this point, not wanting to bully the weak any further, Fuji accepted their surrender. “We grant your surrender. Proceed to the waters off Kannonzaki in Tokyo Bay. We will be watching from beneath the waves. Any unrestful actions will be immediately sunk!”

Fuji, having issued them orders, suddenly lowered its bow and dove into the sea with a flap of its wings. The moment a spray shot up, its figure had already vanished between the waves. It submerged.

The aerial warship Fuji swiftly transformed into the submarine Fuji. The A-nation transport fleet, feeling as though they'd been tricked by a fox, stood dazed for a while; but before long, they set their course southwest and began advancing toward Kannonzaki. What strange prisoners they were. The Kuroshio's waves struck their hulls mockingly. Humiliating. Disappointing. However, they couldn't carelessly attempt to flee. The monster Fuji was intently shining its watchful eyes from beneath the sea.

At last, the twenty-one remaining vessels were formally captured by our destroyer squadron off Kannonzaki.

“Now, let’s go to Heikai Island! Dr. Fuller awaits us there!” To Heikai Island, to Heikai Island—our Fuji now hurried toward its final battlefield.

Knight's Courtesy Dr. Fuller, who had fled southward, soon spotted the silhouette of Heikai Island beyond Hachijōjima. At the foot of the jet-black cliff rising sheer from the sea, white waves shattered into scattered blossoms. “Arthur, look. That’s Heikai Island.” The doctor pointed downward with his gloved hand. “That’s the base of the Showa Guerrilla Force, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. Watch closely. Any moment now...a large inlet will appear beyond that cliff—”

The Black Eagle No. 13 reached directly above Heikai Island at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour, rapidly closing the distance.

Looking down, the waves of Heikai Bay—concealing mysteries from time immemorial—were filled with a deep, deep green. Near the slender waterway, the black dot visible in solitary isolation must have been Wolf Rock.

Yarigatake Cave and Fuji Cave were hidden at the base of the mountains, invisible from the sky. “Father, this is strange,” he said. “The Showa Guerrilla Force shows neither shadow nor form.” As Arthur gazed down suspiciously, Heikai Bay lay in slumbering stillness—not a single flying fish broke its glassy surface.

“Then let’s descend further to see.”

The Black Eagle lowered its rudder and skimmed low, ever so low, over Spear Peak, Swallow Peak, and Lotus Peak. "If there really were enemies here, they’d likely be firing their anti-aircraft guns by now."

“Hmm, perhaps a submarine is lurking at the bottom of the inlet.” “Shall we try dropping a bomb?” “Father, you mustn’t do that.” “We’re only alive because of Dr. Takeda’s mercy.” “Please, Father, keep to the knight’s courtesy until our decisive battle with Fuji.” “I’m begging you.”

Arthur clung to his father’s arm.

“What do you mean by ‘knight’s courtesy’?” “It means keeping promises.” “Father—by white racial honor—please stop the bombing.” “No! I make no promise to spare Heikai Island!” “Bombardier—drop payload!” Dr.Fuller shook off his son’s clinging arm and barked orders. “Oh Father...!” Arthur’s tearful protest proved futile. The bomb separated from its wing mount—a shrinking white speck—plunging toward Heikai Bay’s innermost cove.

With a thunderous roar, the green waves shattered as an untimely whirlwind erupted. “Ha ha ha…The Black Eagle won’t perish in vain!” Dr. Fuller threw back his head and laughed with swaggering bravado.

Bombing of Heikai Island

In Fuji Cave of Heikai Bay, Miss Teruyo remained along with the sailors of the defense force and the workers. Captain Ogan of the submarine Whale had also been taken prisoner.

On the moonlit night of September 15th, after Fuji had slipped through the secret channel and left the island, fifteen days had now passed. Day after day, Miss Teruyo lived in worry, gazing at the waters of the inlet with a lonely heart.

Would Fuji truly be able to successfully defeat the Black Eagle bomber squadron?

Though Uncle Takeda was great, Dr. Fuller might possess an even more fearsome power than that. What if something like the demonic Dr. Fuller winning were to happen? Oh, what would become of Japan?— With her mind in disarray, Miss Teruyo had had another terrifying dream the previous night. Dr. Takeda and young Kiyoshi had been chased by Dr. Fuller across a wide field when finally Kiyoshi tripped over a stone and, as he staggered, was shot down by the doctor’s pistol. The sight of Kiyoshi-kun’s blood-covered, sorrowful face from that moment—even recalling it now sent a shudder through her. Oh, Kiyoshi-san, please stay alive.

Miss Teruyo buried her face in the rocky shore and prayed to God in her heart.

That was the moment. It was when Black Eagle No.13 revealed its detestable form in the skies above the island. “It’s the Black Eagle!”

“Fuller’s here!” The sailors of the defense force immediately donned gas masks and swiftly reached the anti-aircraft gun position atop Hotaka Mountain. However, to lull the enemy into complacency, they steeled their restless hearts and refrained from opening fire.

The enemy plane was flying just above the cliff edge, “Ah!”

It was a bombing. The bomb fell right in front of Fuji Cave. A thunderous roar—a terrifying sound rang out. Miss Teruyo's ears buzzed with a piercing whine as she instinctively clung to the rocks. The spray chillingly soaked through the back of her sailor uniform.

Ah... So Fuji had lost after all. Beloved Kiyoshi-san... You had finally perished somewhere in the Pacific Ocean... hadn't you? It was so frustrating—what was I supposed to do?— Miss Teruyo trembled with frustration and wept bitterly as if her heart would break upon hearing the second explosion that followed.

In stark contrast to Miss Teruyo’s sorrow, the captive Captain Ogan trembled with triumphant excitement.

Ah, Dr. Fuller had arrived! The Black Eagle had finally defeated Fuji. Long live the A-nation Navy!—

But Miss Teruyo, wipe away your tears of sorrow. And Captain Ogan—it’s still too early to be shouting "Banzai!" When the Black Eagle dropped its third bomb, our undefeated flying submarine Fuji had already revealed its steel-gray majestic form in the skies west of Hotaka Mountain.

Takeda vs. Fuller: The Showdown

The two great men had finally come face to face. One was Dr. Takeda, the great scientist of the Land of the Rising Sun, who had boarded the rocket warship Fuji and valiantly arrived at the final dueling ground. The other was Dr. Fuller—preeminent scientist of A-nation’s academic world—who, though trembling before his inevitable defeat, still refused to cast aside his pride as a white man, now seeking to strike back at Dr. Takeda with his beloved Black Eagle.

At that very moment, the skies over Heikai Island darkened ominously, and near the peaks of Spear Mountain, a mass of black clouds hung low. The waves crashing against the cliffs suddenly roared violently, and a flock of albatrosses cried out in hoarse voices.

“Dr. Takeda! The decisive battle is finally upon us. “Inferior Japanese people! Behold the attack of my Black Eagle!” Amidst the sound of a gust of wind, Dr. Fuller’s detestable voice resounded. The Black Eagle plunged downward, assaulting the Fuji. The fire from the machine cannons shone in midair like the breath of a fire dragon. Next, Fuller’s poison gas shells were launched, and for a brief moment, our Fuji was enveloped in toxic smoke.

Ah—could it be that even the mighty Fuji might not withstand this surprise chemical attack?

That's right. Had the Nagaoka Liquid not been loaded off Shinagawa that morning, Fuji might have been defeated by this strike. Even if its combat capabilities had been unmatched, had there been no medicine to counter the lethal Fuller Gas, the 2,000-ton invincible air warship would have been enveloped in blue smoke, writhing in agony as it plunged into the waves. However, they now had the Nagaoka Liquid. Before the poison could take effect, they had thoroughly coated every corner of both the turrets and wings with a pale red liquid.

Behold. Before long, Fuji cleared away the smoke and soared into the skies above Hotaka Mountain. Then—for reasons unknown—it did not counterattack the Black Eagle, instead turning its bow toward the channel from Wolf Rock.

“Are you running away, Dr. Takeda!”

The Black Eagle let out a ferocious roar and attacked from behind. The machine cannons were heated so intensely by their fierce firing that they glowed like red-hot rods of fire, but even this torrent of shells could not pierce our Takeda Steel.

Dr. Fuller was utterly, utterly frustrated. He ground his teeth with a grating sound, glaring at Fuji’s retreating form. Fuji circled Heikai Island two or three times as if pitying the frenzied enemy, and after seeing their bullets run out, extinguished its rocket flames and came to a halt directly above Heikai Bay. “Respected Dr. Fuller. “The battle is at an end.” “You must surrender.” “And for the sake of world science, you must live.” “I bear you no hatred.” “I merely lament your distinguished intellect.”

Dr. Takeda's voice resounded with profound strength. It was an appeal for surrender tempered with compassion.

However, Dr. Fuller was utterly, utterly frustrated. He shouted at the top of his lungs, “Dr. Takeda! I am a white man. I consider it shameful to surrender to Orientals. My bullets are spent; I have no bombs left. Now there’s nothing left but ramming!” Before his voice had even faded, the Black Eagle transformed into a human bullet and charged at the Fuji.

Ah, Dr. Fuller—this was your final strike. If he held course, they were done for. A warrior’s mercy could be shown no longer. “Alright, Kiyoshi! Fire!” Dr. Takeda issued the command as if pitying the arrogant enemy rushing into the flames. Young Kiyoshi, steadying his heated heart, pulled the trigger.

Ah! The red face of the Black Eagle crumbled. The flame blazed up like a flower. In the flames, silver eyes glowed resentfully.

“Ah—it’s going down.”

Dr. Takeda closed his eyes and mourned the passing of his worthy rival.

Demise of the Black Eagle The Black Eagle, transformed into a mass of fire, plunged into Heikai Bay. The green inlet showed an unseasonable crimson hue, but by the time they launched a boat from Fuji Cave, only five or six surviving crew members remained—their faces pallid as they floated upon the waves.

The Fuji, having shot down the Black Eagle, descended soundlessly into Heikai Bay.

Ah, beloved island! Cherished inlet!

Colonel Takeda and young Kiyoshi hurriedly rushed out onto the deck. "Hey! How many enemies were saved?"

When he called out to the boat, a sailor with rolled-up sleeves turned around. “Two. The rest were all done in by sharks!” “Bring those two here immediately.” “Aye aye! I’ll bring them right away.”

“Aye aye! I’ll bring them right away, sir.”

Before long, the boat carrying prisoners was brought alongside Fuji’s hull.

“Oh! It’s Dr. Fuller!”

Colonel Takeda was shocked. When he peered inside, there lay Dr. Fuller at the bottom of the boat—covered in blood and gasping for breath! And beside him lay a boy, weeping bitterly with unmistakable sorrow. “Dr. Fuller—it’s me, Takeda. Hey, stay with me.”

Dr. Takeda gently steadied himself as he transferred into the boat and embraced the shoulders of his pitiful adversary.

Dr. Fuller narrowed his eyes and continued to speak in a murmuring tone. “A shark! A man-eating shark! A shark got me!” “I won’t be beaten by Orientals.” “What’s Dr. Takeda?” “I won’t lose! That bastard, damn him!” “Ah! It hurts!” “Damn shark!” “Damn Takeda!” “I tell you, a shark got me!” Alas, the stubborn doctor had finally lost his mind. The dullness in his eyes made him seem no longer of this world.

The shark-bitten wound was grievously deep. With the bleeding so profuse, there was no hope of saving him now. “Ah—shark! “Shark!” “Arthur, Arthur, my dear Arthur.” Dr. Fuller’s hand thrashed in the air as though groping. “Father, it’s me. “It’s Arthur.”

With tear-soaked hands, the boy clung to his father. “Ugh...”

Dr. Fuller’s lips quivered violently, but he no longer had the strength to speak. He went limp and collapsed into Dr. Takeda’s arms. An albatross let out ominous cries as it danced wildly over Wolf Rock.

Ah, where would the soul of Dr. Fuller—who died on this remote island in the boundless sea—wander lost from tonight onward? Young Kiyoshi sincerely mourned the death of this great enemy. The war had ended.

The shell that young Kiyoshi fired at the Black Eagle bomber became the final shot of the Pacific War. With its navy annihilated, its Lion tank units and Black Eagle bomber squadrons vanquished, and even Dr. Fuller lost, A-nation retained no courage to continue fighting. The wireless station on Kogyoku Island pleaded for an armistice to Tokyo. They likely feared annihilation by Fuji should they delay any further.

Shortly after A-nation surrendered, B-nation’s fleet also withdrew from the South Seas, disappearing into the distance. As the great fleet of 150 ships—led by the flagship Dragon—left Camden Island behind and retreated crestfallen toward the horizon beyond, Major Kitaura of our guerrilla force’s Chiyoda exclaimed: “With this, the seas of the Orient have returned to the hands of Orientals!”

he proclaimed triumphantly.

Ah, as the Showa Guerrilla Force ships Mogami, Chiyoda, and Akitsushima of the South Seas—escorted by the voices of natives shouting "Banzai for Japan" beneath palm fronds—returned majestically to their base at Heikai Island, atop the summit of Spear Peak, Kiyoshi and Teruyo knelt upon the rocks and bowed deeply toward the distant northern sky where the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda lay.

After finishing their prayers, as the autumn sea breeze brushed past them, the two looked at each other and smiled softly. "That was wonderful. You’ve accomplished a feat worthy of Kimura Shigenari himself, Kiyoshi-san." Miss Teruyo looked lovely in her sailor uniform, her thick black hair peeking out from under a red beret that suited her well, as beautiful as a flower in bloom. "Yeah, Japan’s future starts now."

Young Kiyoshi crossed his arms and planted both feet firmly on the rock. His eyes glared at the distant horizon where the Pacific waves met the sky.

“The aftermath of war is what matters.”

“That’s right.” “It’s dangerous if we let our guard down.” “Japan’s mission is much, much greater, you know.”

The two stood upon the rock, on and on. No matter how long they gazed, they never tired of watching the waves of the Pacific. And the boundless sky that covered it all.

――My beloved boy and girl. May you absorb the soul of this vast ocean and make your hearts pure and rich.

――

The waves crashing against the moss-covered cliff seemed to bless the future of the two of them.

Golden Mt. Fuji

How the war’s aftermath was being handled remained unclear even to young Kiyoshi and Miss Teruyo. Yet while they were saddened to part with the brave Captain Ogan, they were overjoyed that young Arthur—now fatherless—had chosen to remain in Japan, wholeheartedly devoted to Dr. Takeda. “Hey, from today onward, you and I are brothers. Let’s get along well, okay?” In the shadow of the rocks outside Fuji Cave, young Arthur—supported by Kiyoshi’s shoulder—gazed with sapphire eyes aglow,

“You’d really make me your little brother? I’m so happy!”

he exclaimed cheerfully. "I'm your big sister." Miss Teruyo composed herself and gently pinched the boy’s cheek.

○

November 3rd - it was the morning of the Meiji Festival.

The Showa Guerrilla Force, their military honors gleaming, departed Heikai Island and at last made their triumphant return to Tokyo Bay.

Before night's darkness had faded, *Mogami*, *Chiyoda*, and *Akitsushima* departed the island, their flags streaming in the salt wind. Our *Fuji* followed slightly later, lingering wistfully in Heikai Bay's waves as it skimmed past Spear Peak's ridges and turned northward.

The Pacific sky was stained crimson with the morning glow. The sea spread smoothly, and on the distant horizon floated the white lotus-like peak—Mount Fuji. As they approached the smoke-drifting waters off Oshima and looked down, the three ships of the Showa Guerrilla Force advanced in a small yet beautiful single column formation, trailing tails of white foam.

“It’s just like a painting—what a beautiful triumphant return.” Miss Teruyo whispered near Kiyoshi’s ear with tears of joy welling up in her eyes. “Oh look—there’s another fleet over there.” On the northern horizon where Kiyoshi pointed, emerging speck by speck, came the elite of our victorious navy—the four great battleships *Mutsu*, *Fusō*, *Kongō*, and *Ise* under Admiral Hibiya’s command. Ah, the Pacific’s early dawn. The black iron floating castles guarding the Divine Land kicked white spray from their prows, while our invincible Fuji spread its wings in triumphant wingbeats of return.

The Divine Land shall never perish—Japan will not fall.

Behold. The steadily rising sun cast a golden light upon the summit of Sacred Mount Fuji.