Fierce Battle (2700-Vote Bonus Chapter)

To prevent the Island Nation Navy's Combined Fleet from fleeing back to Ise Bay if the battle went badly, the German Expeditionary Fleet chose to sail eastward in its battle line. That way, the battle would be fought on the Pacific Ocean. The German Expeditionary Fleet's Capital Ships could then rely on their speed advantage to firmly suppress the Island Nation Navy's Combined Fleet's Capital Ships.

Admiral Ijūin Gorō understood the Germans' intentions perfectly. But he had no choice but to order the fleet to turn with the German Navy. Otherwise, if they failed to eliminate the German fleet in this naval battle, what awaited them would likely be a disastrous defeat. The German fleet would use its warships' performance advantages to pick apart every warship in their Combined Fleet bit by bit. Therefore, they had to seize this opportunity.

"Eighteen thousand meters!" the officer responsible for rangefinding reported the distance between the two sides.

"Sixteen thousand meters!"

The distance between the two sides was steadily closing.

"When the distance closes to fifteen thousand meters, open fire! Engage at long range as much as possible. Do not give the Island Nation forces an opportunity to close the distance!" Vice Admiral Spee ordered.

Having experienced several naval battles, Vice Admiral Spee was an experienced commander who knew full well how to make use of his side's advantages. If they fully brought those advantages into play, perhaps they could defeat the Island Nation forces at the smallest possible cost.

"Yes, Admiral." Rear Admiral Mauff immediately relayed Vice Admiral Spee's order to the fleet's subordinate warships.

Very soon, the distance had closed to fifteen thousand meters.

The German Expeditionary Fleet's flagship, the battlecruiser Mackensen, opened fire first. Its three triple-mounted, 50-caliber 380mm Main Guns began pouring shells toward the Island Nation Navy's Combined