The Resurrected Fleet: Isekai World War 1942

Chapter 124

Shelling Asuncion Island

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Until the 1st and 2nd Raiding Forces approached Asuncion Island, the Otherworldly Empire's heavy bomber units used the Gate to attack the mainland. This time, they targeted Chichijima, but it's uncertain when the Imperial Capital might be attacked.

The magic submarines' search has revealed that there are more than a dozen enemy submarines or submersible destroyers on alert in the island's vicinity, with no large vessels in sight at present. However, there is a cruiser squadron around Saipan, which can reach Asuncion Island within half a day if notified. The Raiding Forces wanted to delay their detection as much as possible to avoid unnecessary enemy interference.

On December 17, the magic submarines torpedoed and sank the enemy submarines guarding Asuncion Island, eliminating the threat of the enemy reporting the approach of the assault units. Consequently, the two Raiding Forces moved closer to the island.

The 1st Raiding Force's flagship, the Hiei, launched an E13A reconnaissance seaplane, which intruded the airspace over Asuncion Island.

"We have confirmed a glowing object believed to be the Gate. We also discovered a small-scale base under construction on the island!"

The Otherworldly Empire was building a base on Asuncion Island. Tension ran through the headquarters of the 3rd Battleship Division. Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita frowned.

"The Gate generator is on the island, huh?"

If that's the case, the 1st Raiding Force must bombard Asuncion Island. Shortly after, the reconnaissance plane reported, "We have encountered enemy aircraft." The reconnaissance plane had been spotted by the enemy.

Seeing the recon plane over the island, the Otherworldly Empire would undoubtedly increase its vigilance. If the enemy is cautious, they will probably send out reconnaissance planes to check if there is a Japanese fleet nearby.

Kurita pondered. Should he choose to retreat temporarily to make it seem like the fleet isn't there? No, even if they are discovered, the first to come would be recon planes, not an attack group. They would need some preparation time to gather information on the fleet's size and organize an attack force. In the meantime, if they approach the island and destroy the Gate generator, there will be no attack force coming. Rushing in would result in fewer casualties than retreating—indeed.

"All ships of the 1st Raiding Force, all ships increase speed. Charge towards Asuncion Island and bombard the enemy's Gate generator."

Kurita weighed the possibilities and decided that it would ultimately be better to take the shortest route, even if it meant being discovered. He considered retreating once and then advancing during the night, when the chances of an aerial attack were lower, but there were surface ships and submarines around the island, making an ambush more likely.

Enemy torpedoes are easier to spot during daylight than at night. However, there was still a possibility that the enemy might launch an air raid from the gate, so he decided to deploy fighter planes from the carriers of the 4th Carrier Division to create an air defense umbrella.

"Will you not deploy the attack units, sir?"

"Not now."

Kurita responded to the senior staff officer. He had heard that the air groups of the Hiyō and Ryūhō had many newcomers. There were concerns about their navigation skills, and the 4th Carrier Division had requested to get as close to the target as possible if they were to deploy attack units. The Japanese Navy's air groups had not fully recovered from their losses, and the impact of the manpower shortage was evident. Compared to the Third Fleet, which had many rookie pilots, the 4th Carrier Division was slightly better but still inexperienced.