Summoning Japan: Flights of the Fancy

Chapter 16 - Strait of Iron and Blood

"Alright! I get to kill a battleship?"

Amuro (TAC name given to him because his naturally permed hair resembles a certain anime character, not that he's an ace in particular), piloting plane 9, was so excited that he forgot to mention his callsign.

"Oh, that's nice."

"I want to kill a battleship too."

"Battleship! Battleship! Battleship...!"

Clamors over the battleship erupted over the radio. These guys couldn't switch off!

"Topaz 1 to Topaz Squadron. Cut it out already! Playtime is over. Drop the payload and return to Alpha Base."

As expected, the calls ceased.

"Echo 1 to Topaz Squadron. The operation will commence in 30 minutes."

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A report was delivered on the bridge of the flagship Caladbolg.

"Report from the Cartalpas Naval Base. The smoke disappeared from the Japanese fleet's carrier as they simultaneously increased speed to about 30 knots. They are expected to pass through the Folk Strait around 30 minutes faster."

"So, the smoke was a decoy to lure out the enemy air units," Lettal Kauran frowned.

"Our fleet won't make it in time in 30 minutes. But we can't increase the speed any further," Tagus responded.

The 1st Magic Fleet had left behind slow support vessels and small ships (equivalent to destroyers) and was heading toward the Folk Strait at a speed of 30 knots with only the main combat ships.

"Joining the battle midway seems unavoidable."

"That's assuming the battle doesn't conclude by then."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An SH-60K Seahawk took off from the Hyūga's flight deck. The bridge had become operable through emergency repairs.

With the X-OS down, radar information from the SH-60K can now be shared among the escort fleet. Using the American communication system Link 16, the radar of the E-767 Kai should be able to guide missiles as well. However, since the E-767 Kai has just been modified, for safety reasons, they decided to use the SH-60K. The SH-60K climbed to locate the Gra Valkan fleet. The enemy air group has been annihilated. There might be some seaplanes left, but they can be dealt with using SAMs when the need arises.

Soon, the shadow of the Gra Valkan fleet appeared on the Hyūga's display at around 60 kilometers.

"Can we intrude on the enemy's radio communication?"

In response to Samejima's question, the electronic warfare specialist replied. "We can use aircraft radio. We know the frequency and modulation. We also understand encrypted communication, but decryption is still pending. It's only a matter of time."

"Don't mess with the encryption. Intrude on the aircraft radio."

"Commander, what are you planning to do?" The fleet staff asked.

"A surrender recommendation. We have to do it at least once, or the opposition-leaning media will be VERY noisy. Let's also broadcast it to Mirishial. It's better to clarify our country's stance."

"That's politics."

The fleet staff raised a concern, but Samejima countered.

"It's better to inform Mirishial about the situation. They're probably anxious after losing the 0th Magic Fleet. It would be troublesome if they do something during negotiations."