North of the Miyako Strait lay Naha City.
Naha was the political center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and now served as the seat of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. It was a maritime hub linking the sea routes to three important regions: Manila, Honshu, and Hawaii.
Thus, Naha City's economy and commerce were fairly decent—though that was only compared to the rest of the Ryukyu Islands. Compared with cities in other countries of the region, Naha City fell far short.
Recently, many more vessels had appeared in Naha City's harbor, and at regular intervals they headed south through the Miyako Strait to raid East African ships.
Early in the morning, a Japanese officer lectured a group of armed men dressed as fishermen.
"The Empire must not be insulted. From the moment you board those small boats, remember that you are fighting for the Empire, fighting for His Majesty the Emperor."
Japan did not yet wish to completely offend East Africa, yet it could not swallow its pride, nor was it willing to simply give up the chance to seize the Southern Ryukyu Islands. So it had the navy disguise itself as fishermen and intercept East African ships.
These fanatical Japanese "fishermen" before him were flushed with excitement, itching to immediately give their lives for the Empire and the Japanese Emperor. Though the sea was rough and East African vessels were larger, an ordinary fishing boat could capsize at any moment if it rammed one, leaving them to die in the ocean, not one man flinched under the indoctrination of "loyalty to the sovereign and love for the nation."
With fervent expressions, they shouted, "Long live the Empire! Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"
The naval officer was highly satisfied with the results of his instruction. Waving his hand, he said, "**Set