Cash-Loaded Fleet

A NEW HAND | Chapter 57

The Path to Conclusion

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Despite being in wartime, the atmosphere of the New Year was surprisingly bright. Japan, in collaboration with Germany and Italy, had brought the mighty Great Britain to its knees.

The driving force behind this submission was the European Expeditionary Fleet. In the Battle of the North Atlantic, the European Expeditionary Fleet clashed with the combined British fleet. In this battle, the Japanese overwhelmed the British in both naval aviation and gun-torpedo combat.

The achievements were exceptional. A total of 18 capital ships, including aircraft carriers, battleships, and a battlecruiser, were sunk, along with 66 auxiliary ships such as cruisers and destroyers on our side. It achieved results comparable to the battles of the Marshall Islands and Oahu, and not a single one of the Japanese ships sank. In other words, the European Expeditionary Fleet accomplished a perfect game against the once world's strongest navy. With such achievements, there was no way the domestic morale wouldn't soar.

However, contrary to the jubilant citizens, those gathered in the Navy Ministry War Economics Research Group all wore bitter expressions, except for one. The fact that Britain had dropped out of the war was cause for celebration. This meant that the United States lost the moral justification for European liberation. However, their country still showed no signs of changing its stance on continuing the war.

"Being the greatest ally and having a strategic position as a foothold or bridgehead to Europe, we thought that if Britain dropped out, the United States would likely withdraw from the war with a high probability."

Even Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, a military advisor with a strong pro-American stance, found the Americans' stubborn attitude unexpected. While the US had immense national power, Yamamoto believed that it lacked the mental resilience of Japan. So, according to his assessment, the American people should have long lost their will to fight. However, the current situation did not align with that expectation.

"Until last summer, four South Dakota-class battleships were commissioned, and at the end of the year, the lead ship of the Essex-class aircraft carriers was also commissioned. The second and third ships of the same class are expected to be completed by spring. In addition, the lead ship of the cruiser-converted aircraft carriers will be commissioned soon. Knowing the Americans, they might easily build around ten of these. Well, in any case, the United States is expected to add about a dozen large and small aircraft carriers to its fleet by the end of the year. Perhaps, this might be a significant reason why the United States doesn't stop the war."

In response to Yamamoto's remarks, Navy Minister Kōichi Shiozawa explained the American shipbuilding situation. His voice and expression showed a hint of amazement. Whether it was a response to Yamamoto's optimistic assessment or to the unprecedented pace of US shipbuilding, only the person himself knew the true meaning behind it.

By the way, regarding the pre-war plan, the US had the Two-Ocean Navy Act, which initially called for the construction of 11 new aircraft carriers. However, now that the war has begun, that order has swelled to 32. If, hypothetically, half of these were to become operational, at that point, the Imperial Japanese Navy's chances of winning would be close to zero. On the contrary, since the US knows it can win, there's no rush for them to withdraw from the war.

"I understand that time is in favor of the Americans, but..."

Without hiding his frustration, Yamamoto vented his complaints. Just like the US Navy is making a comeback, the Imperial Navy is also striving to strengthen its forces. The conversion of the seaplane tenders Chitose and Chiyoda into aircraft carriers is expected to be completed this month, and three Unryū-class aircraft carriers, started under the Circle 5 Plan from summer to fall, are expected to be commissioned. However, any carriers following these are projected to be completed next year and beyond. Unfortunately, Japan falls far short of the US in terms of shipbuilding pace.

And now, the current situation is at a standstill. There are voices suggesting occupying Oahu to exert further pressure on the US, but the island is too far, and sustaining supplies is nearly impossible. There are also bold suggestions of sending the Combined Fleet back to Europe to advance into the Atlantic alongside the German and Italian fleets, striking major cities on the US East Coast. However, this idea is quickly dismissed as a pipe dream.

"If we want to cut off the United States' will to continue the war, one more decisive blow should probably be enough," said Binta.

It was an unusual interruption from the Special Mission Commander into the conversation of the Admirals. However, with Binta, it's never too late. Members of the Navy Ministry War Economics Research Group all turned their attention to him.

"The reason the United States continues the war is due to the will of the political and economic circles. Roosevelt is determined to defeat Germany at all costs. The influential Jewish capitalists, who hold significant sway over the American economy, cannot tolerate the Nazis persecuting Jews. Additionally, many in the government sector also express approval for the continuation of the war. They are people influenced by the Soviet Communist Party. On the other hand, the common people want to withdraw from this war as soon as possible. They see it as not the will of the American people but a personal war of Roosevelt."

Japan has been advancing an image strategy both domestically and towards the US, portraying the war as one initiated by Roosevelt's personal ambitions. This measure has achieved certain effects, leading to a common perception among the Japanese populace that the problem lies with President Roosevelt and his inner circle, not with the US itself. Binta devised this strategy, and the members of the Navy Ministry War Economics Research Group have been working tirelessly to turn it into reality.

"You talk about one more decisive blow, but do you have any specific vision or plan?" Admiral Gengo Hyakutake, the Chief of the Naval General Staff, asked Binta with a somewhat hopeful look.

Hyakutake joined the Navy Ministry War Economics Research Group midway and is a self-proclaimed pro-American admiral. Like other officers, he, too, received a significant amount of covert funding from Binta. Due to this, his attitude towards Binta is as polite as that of the other generals.

"Well, to deliver that one more decisive blow, we need to crush the Pacific Fleet once again, equivalent to the Battle of the Marshall Islands or the Battle of Oahu. There's a saying that even the Buddha loses patience after three times, and it applies to the American people as well. If we annihilate their fleet three times, Roosevelt won't have any excuses left. At that timing, we can bring the war between Japan and the United States to an end. Some may have to get their hands dirty in the process," Toshio says, wearing a sinister smile.