After General Hitoshi Anami assumed the post of Southern Army Commander, he immediately took over the formation of the entire Southern Army. Large numbers of troops were assembling in their designated areas. The advance forces slated for deployment to the Philippine Islands in particular—the Philippine Area Army—were given priority boarding ships for Treasure Island.
At the same time, the Island Nation's Army Air Corps dispatched large numbers of units to garrison the Okinawa Islands and Treasure Island. They would protect the Island Nation's Army transport fleets. Should they encounter interception by the German Navy, they would launch attacks to cover the transport fleets' successful arrival at the Philippine Islands.
On February 13, Prince Kan'in Kotohito summoned General Hitoshi Anami and Lieutenant General Shigeharu Matsumori, commander of the Philippine Area Army.
"Mr. Anami, Mr. Matsumori, are you prepared?" Prince Kan'in Kotohito asked.
"Your Highness, every man of the Philippine Area Army is ready for battle. We can launch the offensive at any time! We are confident that we can seize the entire Philippine Islands within the prescribed time!" Lieutenant General Shigeharu Matsumori replied.
"Mm, very good. This battle concerns the future of the Empire. We must achieve victory! Mr. Anami, the burden on your shoulders is exceedingly heavy!" Prince Kan'in Kotohito said.
"Your Highness, it is my great honor to contribute my strength to the future of the Empire!" General Hitoshi Anami replied.
The burden on the Southern Army Commander's shoulders was immense, but likewise, if he could win, it would mean enormous merit. It was even possible that he could be promoted once more, become a field marshal, and climb to an even higher position. Therefore, General Hitoshi Anami dearly hoped that this time, he could lead the Southern Army in defeating the German Army and occupying the South Seas