Summoning Japan: Flights of the Fancy

Chapter 2 - The Dolphins That Crossed the Sea

The sea to the east of the Mu Continent was calm.

From the helm of the large Japanese-registered car carrier DRIVE NEW WORLD, Captain Yamaguchi gazed out at the sea. The horizon stretched far into the distance, and even compared to the Earth, the sea felt vast perceptually.

"We're just 300 kilometers away, soon to reach the country of Mu."

Loaded with cars and motorcycles manufactured in Japan, the ship was headed towards Mu.

"I heard that war broke out in Catalpas, but I never thought it would become such a major event."

In addition to the DRIVE NEW WORLD, numerous cargo ships were cruising in a vertical line. Surrounding them from the front, rear, and both sides were the escort ships of Escort Flotilla 4.

"Well, you never know what might happen. It's better to have them around, just in case. Better safe than sorry."

. . .

The Maritime Self-Defense Force's Escort Flotilla is a unit literally created for escorting groups of ships. After calculating the necessary forces to escort a fleet against submarine attacks, it was concluded that eight escort ships and eight helicopters were needed.

Based on this, the new Eight-Eight Fleet Plan was formulated, and four escort flotillas were organized. Each escort flotilla consists of one helicopter destroyer, two missile destroyers, and five general-purpose destroyers. For long-distance voyages, the current Escort Flotilla 4 is also accompanied by the supply ship Hamana.

The swift realization of the convoy fleet was a manifestation of the government's sense of crisis and was driven by certain circumstances.

. . .

In the flagship Kaga's FIC, flotilla commander Miura listened to the hydrophone operator's report.

"Are you sure it is an unknown submarine?"

"Yes, sir. It surfaced five minutes ago. The position is approximately 20 nautical miles to the west. The acoustic features resemble those recorded by the Takanami. It's likely a boat of the same class."

"Show me the data of the submarine that the Takanami sank."

Miura glanced at the displayed data on the screen.

"A submarine carrier, huh? It looks similar to the old Navy's I-400."

"It's not just similar. It's as identical as the Grade Atlastar to the Yamato."

Upon hearing the staff officer's words, Miura scratched his head.

"Even though they claim to be from a completely different world... why are their weapons so similar?"

"It hasn't been confirmed that it's the Gra Valkas Empire yet."

"Well, never mind about bringing out the Grade Atlastar... So, it's surfacing, not periscope depth?"

"Yes, sir. Surfacing."

"Unlike the one faced by the Takanami, they seem to be planning to launch their plane. Be prepared for anti-air combat just in case. And, of course, be ready for anti-submarine combat too."

. . .

"Hehehe... Found them!!"

The special attack aircraft Acrux was launching from the Cetus-class. Its pilot, Astor, licked his lips in satisfaction. But he had no time to reminisce about the past.