The vast, boundless azure sea sent wave after wave crashing against the warships, roaring as if heaven and earth were splitting apart and throwing up sprays several meters high.
Under the impact of the waves, the warships began to rock, and the people on deck could barely keep their footing. Had they not all been seasoned hands, they would probably have fallen overboard to feed the fish by now.
Inside the command room, Admiral Ito Sukeyuki calmly sipped his coffee, as though the wind and waves outside did not exist.
For people who spent all year at sea, wind and waves had long become part of life. So long as they did not threaten the fleet's safety, they were nothing worth making a fuss over.
Staff Officer Akiyama Saneyuki said, "Commander, the British have sent an urgent telegram. Please have a look."
As he spoke, he respectfully handed over the document, his manners flawless in every respect.
Setting down his coffee, Admiral Ito Sukeyuki casually took the document. After giving it a cursory glance, he closed his eyes and murmured, "What was bound to come has come."
He then asked, "Where are we now?"
Determining one's position while sailing at sea was an art in itself. In this age without GPS positioning, one had to rely entirely on traditional instruments for direction. Without extensive navigational experience, it simply could not be done.
Especially since they were moving in secret this time and had to avoid enemy eyes and ears. They could not use the usual routes, making the task even more difficult.
Akiyama Saneyuki replied, "We are nearing the Anambas Islands. We are already not far from the rendezvous point with the British."
After a brief moment of thought, Admiral Ito Sukeyuki ordered, "The enemy is attacking Singapore. The decisive