The Resurrected Fleet: Isekai World War 1942

Chapter 124 - 130

Of course, even an air group full of rookies had to be deployed if the mission required it. Therefore, Kurita intended to deploy the attack group if it was judged that bombardment by the battleship unit was not feasible.

"Received a message from the leading submarine units. They have attacked the enemy's patrol units."

・・・

The magic submarine Kairō and the MRD's submarine unit began attacking the enemy destroyers and submarines around Asuncion Island.

Magic guided torpedoes were drawn to the vessels of the Otherworldly Empire patrolling the sea, causing them to explode one after another. Under attack, their submarines begin to dive in a panic. However, the submarines of the Otherworldly Empire, lacking guided torpedoes, were helpless against the magic submarines. The surface vessels intended to engage the approaching surface ships, and destroyers were meant to take on the submarines, but the magic submarines torpedoed everything in sight, sinking them all.

The Otherworldly Empire's Asuncion Island defense unit reported the enemy assault by multiple submarines to the entire military. This indicated that the enemy—probably the Japanese Navy—was targeting the Gate, but it backfired.

When Kurita's 1st Raiding Force appeared at the island, the aircraft that emerged from the Gate were Miga attack planes loaded with anti-submarine bombs, making it impossible for them to attack the Japanese fleet immediately. Although they could attack, anti-submarine bombs—essentially depth charges—were ineffective in dealing significant damage to surface vessels.

Moreover, upon confirming the appearance of enemy attack aircraft from the Gate, Kurita ordered the fighters from the 4th Carrier Division to engage at full force. They couldn't discern from a distance whether the planes were carrying anti-ship bombs or depth charges. To prevent an attack on the fleet, they launched combat air patrol fighters, which caused the Otherworldly Empire's attack planes to flee in disarray without even being able to threaten them. Meanwhile, the 1st Raiding Force closed in on the island.

"Target the enemy land facilities at Asuncion Island."

Following Kurita's orders, the flagship Hiei led the formation with Hitachi and Iwaki following in single file. It was a daylight battle. The distance decreased to less than 25.000 meters, and each battleship aimed its guns at the island.

"3rd Division, open fire!"

The Hiei fired her 35,6 cm twin turrets. The following battleships Hitachi and Iwaki fired their 38 cm twin turrets. Each ship had eight guns, and the combined 24 shells from the three ships bombarded Asuncion Island.

The shells gouged the ground, causing explosions that sent soil flying, and some facilities caught fire dramatically. The battleships of the 3rd Battleship Division continued their bombardment. They didn't know which facility housed the Gate generator, so they aimed to destroy all visible structures.

"Has the Gate not disappeared yet?"

Destroying the device should make the Gate vanish. However, so far, the buildings that exploded didn't seem to house the generator. If they dawdled, enemy planes would make themselves known.

Kurita felt anxious. Fortunately, there were no batteries on the island, as there was no return fire.

But then, large enemy aircraft started emerging from the Gate. Full-scale counterattacks might be starting—tension ran through the 3rd Battleship Division's headquarters as multiple new lights appeared near the Gate.

"It's the Yamato! The 2nd Raiding Force has arrived!"

The lookout's report was followed by the communications officer bringing a message.