Reincarnated with the Country System-Chapter 125: Wings Over the Sea

Date: 18—11—1560 WC

Time: 1730 Hours

Location: 27°15’N, 146°55’E – Open Ocean

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The Empire’s Second Fleet surged forward, slicing through the dark waters of the open ocean in a precise formation. The fleet, consisting of 37 powerful warships, had earned a legendary reputation across the seas. It was this very fleet that had once slain the Great Sea Serpent, the so-called Ruler of Sea Monsters—a feat that cemented its place in naval history.

At the heart of the fleet steamed two aircraft carriers, their flight decks bristling with warplanes awaiting orders. The BNS Yorktown (CV-10) is a refitted Essex-class carrier. Alongside her sailed BNS Akagi, a modernized version of the once-feared Japanese carrier, now serving as a symbol of the Empire’s aerial dominance. Surrounding them were:

- Battleships: BNS Vanguard (23)– Britain’s last and most advanced battleship, with a modernized fire-control system, and USS Wisconsin (BB-64).

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- Heavy Cruisers: USS Des Moines (CA-134)– Armed with automatic 8-inch guns, capable of raining rapid and precise fire upon enemy warships.

- Destroyers:A mix of Gearing-class, British Daring-class, and Fletcher-class destroyers, all retrofitted with anti-submarine rockets and radar-guided guns to hunt down enemy vessels.

- Submarines: HMS Amphion, a modernized Amphtrite-class submarine, equipped with cutting-edge sonar, and Several German Type XXI U-boats.

- Support Ships: USS Neosho (AO-48), a fleet oiler ensuring the warships remained fueled for extended operations, and HMS Resource, a repair ship capable of servicing damaged vessels at sea.

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Admiral Akari stood on the bridge of BNS Yorktown, his sharp gaze scanning the vast horizon beyond the reinforced glass. The bridge was a hive of activity, with officers monitoring radar screens, radio transmissions, and intelligence reports. The steady hum of machinery mixed with the rhythmic tapping of boots on metal flooring as crew members moved with purpose.

A junior officer stepped forward, saluted crisply, and handed a sealed folder to the Admiral.

"Admiral, we have received intelligence updates."

Akari accepted the folder and flipped it open, revealing a series of images. Taken from the Empire’s reconnaissance satellites, the images displayed an ongoing naval engagement roughly 100 kilometres north of their position. Even from these aerial shots, the intensity of the battle was clear—columns of black smoke billowed from shattered ships, explosions lit up the dark sea, and wreckage drifted aimlessly in the water.

The officer continued his report. "High Command has ordered us to assist the Britannian fleet in this engagement."

Akari studied the images for a few moments, analyzing the situation. Britannia’s navy was engaged in a pitched battle against Latvia’s fleet, likely suffering casualties as the fight dragged on. The Latvians had proven themselves formidable on the seas, relying on sea monsters, dragon riders, and long-range cannons.

He placed the folder down and turned toward his officers. "How many aircraft are prepped for takeoff?"

The response was immediate. "On BNS Akagi, we have 24 A6M5 Zero Fighters, 18 D4Y Suisei Dive Bombers, and 12 B6N Tenzan Torpedo Bombers armed with 250kg bombs. They are fueled, armed, and on standby at Condition One."

A brief pause. The officer hesitated before speaking again. "Sir, shouldn’t we also deploy our new F-14 Tomcats from BNS Yorktown? This could be a perfect opportunity to test them in combat."

Akari turned fully to face the officer, his expression firm and calculating.

You’re right. But we only have a few of these planes. So I don’t want to use them right now. We’ll need them to break the blockade of Latvia and attack Latvian ports. I don’t want them to be damaged before then. Also, I don’t want Latvia to know about our planes yet. That will alert them in the future. That way, when we attack their main fleet, they might form a countermeasure against our planes. So we have to consider everything carefully. I don’t want the enemy to get a full idea of our capabilities. That is a luxury we cannot afford."

The officer, understanding the logic behind the decision, saluted. "Understood, Admiral."

However, he had one final concern. "Admiral, shouldn’t we also take the fleet north to assist the Britannian’s ships?"

Akari shook his head. "No. Our primary objective is to cripple Latvia’s naval supply lines before our ground forces reach Duke Farl’s territory. If we divert now, it will cost us valuable time and disrupt our operation. The Britannian fleet can hold its ground for now, and our air support will reinforce them. But we must continue our course. Without supplies, the Latvian forces will be significantly weakened when our ground units arrive. That is how wars are won—not just by force, but by starvation and strategy."

The officer nodded. "I understand, Admiral"

Akari turned his gaze back to the sea, watching the distant horizon. "Launch the aircraft from Akagi to provide air support for Britannia’s ships."

The officer bowed before swiftly leaving the bridge to relay the orders.

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1745 Hours – Flight Deck of BNS Akagi

The flight deck of BNS Akagi was alive with movement as ground crews worked with practised precision.

Aviation mechanics rushed to complete final pre-flight checks—fueling, arming, and inspecting every aircraft. The deck crew signalled to one another with hand gestures and lighted wands, coordinating the chaos into seamless efficiency.

Standing beside his aircraft, Commander Takeshi Arata, the squadron leader, adjusted his leather flight helmet and strapped on his oxygen mask. His A6M5 Zero Fighter, a sleek and deadly machine, sat ready for war. He took a final glance toward the deck crew and gave them a thumbs-up, signalling that he was ready for launch.

Inside the aviation command centre, officers monitored the latest weather conditions and other things. The order finally came through.

Catapult Officer: "Tension catapult! Release brakes!"

The Zero’s tailhook locked into the catapult shuttle. Its Nakajima engine roared to 2,400 RPM, the powerful propwash rippling across the deck.

Bridge to Flight Deck: "Wind at 25 knots. Clear skies!"

Launch Officer: "Go!"

The catapult fired. The Zero accelerated violently, its engine screaming as it hurtled off the deck, climbing rapidly into the sky.

One by one, more fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers followed, their silhouettes vanishing into the horizon.

From the cockpit, Commander Takeshi’s voice crackled over the radio:

"All squadrons, form up at 3,000 meters. Maintain formation. ETA to the battle zone: 15 minutes. Get ready for combat."

From the bridge of BNS Yorktown, Admiral Akari watched as his aircraft soared into the sky, heading toward the chaos of battle.

War had begun.

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