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Must be nice for the home coming of the victorious KB and her consorts, the Geisha girls must be excited.

Imperial Japanese Navy HQ
Navy Ministry, Tokyo, Japan

The gate barring entrance into Navy General Headquarters swung open as a chauffeured car slowly pulled into the driveway and up to the doors of a large, Western-style brick-wall building. As it did so, an orderly quickly ran up to open the rear passenger door facing the entrance and a man immaculately dressed in the deep-blue winter uniform of the Imperial Japanese Navy stepped out into the cool December air. He had an interesting appearance. He was short, even by Japanese standards, but this was more than compensated by broad, powerful shoulders and a strong general physique that suggested muscle and brawn. On top of this, his distinctive, open face with its rugged features and almost natural scowl drew one in, demanding attention. On the whole, these features lent him a commanding presence, if at times with a hulking second nature.

He walked at a brisk pace up the steps and through the doors; as he did so, the guards stationed at either side abruptly stood at attention and saluted. Although he formally saluted back, the man did not stop for simple pleasantries. Neither did he greet the many acquaintances he passed by throughout the busy halls of a ministry at war. He was fixated on other things. In his hands, he had documents and maps – all necessary for today’s affair. The task before him was not one he relished, but it was something that had to be gotten over with. A meeting, an explanation, to be precise.

The man ducked in through the open door of a small, cramped office where a junior officer was sitting at a desk, huddled over numerous files with a haggard appearance. At the noise of the man’s entrance, the officer looked up and, with obvious relief, greeted him.

“Ah, it is you, sir. I am glad you are here. The admiral has been awaiting you all morning. He’s—”

“Is he available now?”

“Yes, sir. Go right in.”

The man nodded and mentally prepared himself, gathering his thoughts. After a moment and with a deep sigh, he opened the door to an adjacent room and went quickly in.

The room he entered more than compensated for the one he had just left. It resembled a grand study then had been built out of some grand hallway. On the far end of the room was a desk facing the direction opposite the door with an old man huddled down at a cheer before it. This old man had failed to noticed the entrance of the newcomer and, instead, seemed agitated and fixated over something, often fidgeting and laughing to himself.

As the man quietly walked closer, he thought he could make out a few of the weird utterances coming through the old officer’s rambling, meandering mutterings.

“…Nevada-tan…you’re so cool…”
“…Your guns are too much for me, Arizona…”

Dismayed and apprehensive, he stopped just before he could peer over the man’s shoulder and coughed loudly to announce his presences.

“Sir.”

The old man jumped up, startled, and seemed to panic. Crying out with surprise while trying to grab whatever documents he had before him, he stumbled over his chair and fell face down with a crash. As he fell, his papers fell out in front of him and landed at the feet of the newcomer, facing upwards. What they showed became quickly apparent. Pictures of two girls with the names of two of the U.S. Fleet’s battleships emblazoned above them.



“Admiral Nagano, what are these?”

Admiral Nagano gasped in horror and quickly grabbed the pictures and drew them out of sight while standing up. He stared at the man before him in shock for a second before quickly trying to stamp out all emotion on his face.

“N-N-N-N-Nothing. It’s nothing! You’re finally here! Good.”

“Admiral, were those American battleships depicted as…girls?”

“No—”

“Is this why the plans for attacking Pearl Harbor were cancelled?”

“Of course not! No, no, my dear friend, there were various other reasons why that operation had to be cancelled. Now, bring me up to speed on our current southern operations.”

The man nodded.

“Yes, sir. As you know, we struck Manila Bay on December 7th, inflicting significant damage on the U.S. submarine fleet. Simultaneously, we wiped out the U.S. Air Force in the Philippines with largely unopposed airway strikes at Clark’s Field and Manila. This allowed us to mostly land our forces in north, south, and central Luzon unopposed. These forces are nor promptly moving towards and accumulating near Manila in preparation for the needed assaults to take the city. It’s estimated additional forces might be needed for the final push.



“In addition to these landings, we have also conducted landings at strategic areas in the Celebes Sea at Mindanao, Jolo, and Tarakan. Tarakan will start producing oil and fuel which we will draw from while the other two areas, once appropriately reinforced, will give us the ability to establish air supremacy over the Makassar Strait for the eventual push toward Sorabaja.



“On the Malayan Peninsula, we conducted simultaneous landings at Mersing, Kuantan, Kota Bharu, as well as Singora and Patani. While this was a bit of a gamble with the Mersing force being potentially understrength, we quickly established air superiority through airfields at Kuantan and have cut off a number of British and Malayan forces on the peninsula from Singapore. That said, we also believe a good portion made it to the confines of the city and that a tough battle for the city lies ahead. Nonetheless, with the help of the Mobile Fleet, British airpower has been eliminated.



“Britain’s Task Force Z did, however, try to intercept one of our reinforcing convoys at Mersing in the days following the 7th, but it was largely beaten off at the cost of only one older destroyer. We have subsequently captured Singakawang in northwest Borneo and should have the appropriate air coverage necessary to protect against any further surprises emanating from the Dutch East Indies. If Prince of Wales or Repulse try to come up, we will sink—”

At the mention of sinking, Nagano gasped and let out a muffled voice. “Not my Repulse-chan!”

“What?”

“I’m sorry. Nothing. Go on.”

“Well, all in all, things are going well and we do not expect the Allies to be able to prevent, much less delay, our schedule for conquest in the Southern Resource Area…”

He trailed off. Nagano was looking at him with pained eyes and it could be seen he didn’t care so much about what was currently being said.

“And…and what of the special operation near Chichi-jima?”

“I am happy to report that both the heavy cruiser Houston and the light cruiser Marblehead suffered significant damage from Ryujo’s planes. Neither are expected to make it back to port given how far away they are from friendly ports and the significant number of hits each received.”

With an anguished voice, Nagano cried out, “No, no! Not the Houston! My little girl…”

He simply stared. Nagano had obviously forgotten where he was, but immediately remembered his situation and straightened himself out and, with an obviously strained voice, continued.

“Yes, and…? Go on.”

“Well sir, regarding operations in the south at New Guinea and the difficulties we are facing there…”

The conversation would continue long into the night. The austere, immaculately dressed officer discussing it with Nagano continued to labor through his hated duty.

December 20th, 1941

Location: Hashira-jima, Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

On the bridge of Akigumo

As the sun slowly began to rise in the early morning of December 20th, 1941, the Akigumo slowly slide into anchor just off Hashira-jima in the southern part of Hiroshima Bay. Other elements of the task force that needed repairs continue onwards to the dockyards at Hiroshima 30 kilometers distant. The bridge was rather calm and silent; and Lieutenant Mori felt it was not best to approach his commander with his heartfelt request.

“Commander, with all due respect, the men have put in immense efforts over the past sixteen days and performed admirably. It would do well for morale to have some shore leave, not to mentioned that in this time of war who knows when they will see home again. I believe this would allow them to return reinvigorated for the future.”

Yamagami looked at his communications lieutenant with a fixed gaze and silent intensity before abruptly shrugging in empathy. “I understand where you are coming from Lieutenant, but I cannot allow you request. We are at war and every second counts; I cannot conscientiously allow us to waste time when further training can be the difference between life and death.

“You know what happened with the Ryujo. Her success has implications for us that are worrisome and will require both much thought from us officers and ultimate dedication from the crew. I hope you understand where I am coming from. The men may grumble, but they will thank me later when we are in the thick of it.”

Mori glumly replied in the only way he could. “Yes, sir.”

Yamagami smiled and patted him on the shoulder in a friendly embrace. “Now, now, lieutenant. Don’t think me entirely heartless. Hiroshima is too far away and absolutely out of the question, but I see no problem with the men getting some relaxation today by heading over to Hashira-jima. Training can wait till tomorrow, at least. It’s not good to be in the cramped quarters of a destroyer for too long.”

Mori smiled for at least this slight consideration of his request. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

Yamagami nodded. “Good. I will be heading over to the Hiei to present my with report to the task force commander and will be out for much of the day in conference with the other captains. Expect me later tonight.”

“Yes, sir.”

------------------

Later on the Hiei…

The various commanders and captains of the task force had already reported their respective situations and been debriefed on the overall picture of the war (Hong Kong had apparently fallen) and were now heading back to their respective commands. Yamagami, however, had elected to remain behind to speak with his old friend and commander Tanaka Raizo on thee Hiei. Tanaka was widely respected throughout the navy for his immense skill as a naval commander and tactician, but although he now commanded a task force including battleships, he was heart and soul a cruiser and destroyer man.

“Tanaka, is it true that the American cruisers Houston and Boise were sunk by the Ryujo?

Tanaka looked at his friend and nodded, appreciative of the implications of answering affirmative to such a question. “It is true, Yamagami; and it really is rather extraordinary. The Ryujo only had torpedo bombers available for the strike, but the ship was without torpedoes from early operations south of the Philippines and was forced to conduct traditional level bombing runs. And yet, the planes still managed to put around ten to eleven bombs onto the decks of both American cruisers while they were moving full speed at sea.”

“And the ships?”

“Unconfirmed, but believed to be sunk. Reports describe huge fires and heavy smoke obscuring the ships completely. They can’t have survived.”

Yamagami grimaced. Up till now, the various actions and successes reported had shown air power effective against ships in port or slow-moving convoys, with all damage suffered to the combat fleets of either side only coming from surface fleet action. Now, however, bombs had sunk, not just damaged, enemy ships at sea – a heavy cruiser no less!

Tanaka continued. “Admittedly, Yamagami, these American cruisers were far at sea, isolated, and lacking the defense of heavy, concentrated anti-air fire. They were essentially at the will of our planes. Still, this presents some fleet questions as to how we might need to deal with a similar situation.”

This was worrying to Yamagami. He was a destroyer captain; he had been trained completely in surface warfare and air power added a whole new dimension to the equation that he felt unfamiliar with. He steeled himself and promised to dive right into figuring out how to train his crew and best position himself and his tactics in the event of an air attack. He felt vindicated in not giving the crew extended shore leave.

------------------

Diary of Seaman Fourth Class Kobayashi Satoru

We made it home today and the me and the rest of the crew were jubilant. This fire of elation was quickly dampened when the officers told us we wouldn’t be going on to Hiroshima. We were allowed to get off on the nearby island of Hashira and have some recreation – that was it! Then it would be back to the ship for more training. So no hot springs trip for me. I spent the day trying to wash myself in the woefully inadequate seawater and then did some fishing to pass the time. Managed to catch some White Gissu, at least, which was delicious. Here’s to being home…

December 21st, 1941

Location: Hashira-jima, Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Diary of Seaman Second Class Otomo Kinichi

Down here in the boiler rooms, we are all cursing the devil captain Yamagami. The whole ship is going through a harsh bout of training exercises, but we engine men are getting the worst of it. Constantly are we ordered to go full speed or cut engines and slow down, right after each other inexplicably. They test many things: how quickly and effectively we respond to orders or how much time we can cut in getting the engines up to full speed (which under normal circumstances can take upwards of thirty minutes). I don't know how much more the engines can take and the officers have been arguing with the bridge over the safety and efficiency of these training orders. For me and the boys, it might be December outside, but down here we are sweating and dying of the heat - some have fallen over with heat prostration. If this is what it's like to be back home, I'd much rather go back to the war.

December 22nd, 1941

Location: Hashira-jima, Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

With training having been ended for the day, Yamagami was sitting as what passed for a desk in his cramped quarters on board the Akigumo. He was was reading and responding to letters from home that could finally be delivered to him now that he was back in home waters. The Japanese navy was not known for its spacious accommodations; and this was doubly so for the destroyers of the fleet. This made the completion of such a task rather awkward and difficult. Sill, at least he had a desk and a bed - most of the men on board could never dream of such luxury. One letter was from him wife, Yoko, discussing the myriad little matters that made up life at home: little Naru's school grades, the local politics at the neighborhood association, and more. It was nice to use such matters as a sight escape from the matters of war and he cherished it. He dutifully responded to whatever little matters his wife brought up with a quiet cheerfulness.

Another letter was altogether less pleasant. A close friend of his had written to inform of the passing of a son that Yamagami was fond of. This son was an officer in the army and apparently had been killed in some minor skirmish with partisans at Canton in China. Yamagami responded to this soberly and with considered reflection. The son's soul would surely go onward to Yasukuni, and he made sure to remind his friend of the famous poem by Motoori Norinaga:

If someone asks about the Yamato spirit of Shikishima — it is the flowers of mountain cherry blossom that are fragrant in the rising sun.

His friend's son had such spirit. Cherry blossoms in Japanese culture were a symbol of mortality. They bloomed in the spring and quickly died; a vibrant, yet short, existence. For soldiers who gave there lives for the country, this was a perfect metaphor. He wondered and hoped it would somehow console his friend, however cheap and cliche such words were.

With that difficult task out of the way, he quickly read the rest of his letters before continuing on to various other administrative matters.

Loving it so far

@Kaleun thanks. Unfortunately, not much going on for our boys on the Akigumo at the moment. [:(]

December 23nd, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Lieutenant Mori stood out on the port side of the Akigumo's bow as he stared out over the railing and into the seawater below. He had time on his hands now that the men, who had been training all morning, were getting a much deserved break for lunch as the ship lay anchored in Hiroshima Bay for provisioning.

He was exhausted. While the crew were asked to exert themselves physically for hours on end, the officers too were endlessly being evaluated by the commander. After all, it was officers who were responsible for ensuring the crew did their tasks and did them well. Any failure by the men reflected badly on them too and, thus, the officers at times were under intense mental strain. Akigumo had been a relatively new ship when it received its baptism by fire off of Kuching; and many of the officers were just as new to command as those underneath them. Some resorted to the navy's time-honored tradition of physical abuse to get their way and let off some steam, but Mori did not like this practice and took no part in it. For him, letting his mind go blank and looking out into the deep water was a more soothing practice. The way of achieved inner peace through complete meditative focus was something he had learned through his studies of the Tea Ceremony in his youth. He often resorted to this praMctice in times of inner turmoil and fatigue and it served him well now.

"And why are you so glum, eh, Mori?"

Mori looked over. It was his friend Sub-lieutenant Matsunaga Hikaru, a fellow graduate from Etajima who was now in charge of directing the ships meager batteries. They had been acquaintances back at the academy, but his had strengthened into a greater friendship as they worked together and interacted daily. They often spoke to each other, reflecting on the ship and anything else that might catch their fancy.

"The training. That's what. I know its necessary, but this much is almost excessive and the men are starting to lose efficiency as weariness overtakes them. Even by the standards of the navy, this is too much!"

Matsunaga gave a wry smile and looked at his friend.

"I know what you mean, Mori. Just today, you saw as the commander chewed me out for the poor performance of the boys, especially those anti-air gunners..."

"Yes, and--"

"But you know what," continued Matsunaga, "when I looked over there at Haruna and Atago, I understand what he is driving at."

Mori looked over to where Matsunaga had nodded his head as he spoke, towards the nearby docks of Kure. The Haruna and Atago were visibly sitting in dry-dock with visible damage. They had suffered wounds significant enough to require repairs at home, wounds they had apparently received in a poor showing off of Mersing in the opening days of the war. It was the talk of the navy - they and the rest of their task force had let themselves be bested in night-fighting! While this would be an embarrassment in any case, night-fighting was an area Japan prided itself as being the best in the world at. To be beaten, even the powerful Prince of Wales, was an insult. One destroyer and part of her crew had paid the ultimate price for such failure, taking a torpedo amid the chaos of the night.

"I see what you are saying, but--"

"Mori," Matsunaga interrupted. "Those ships suffered because of poor training; and it cost the lives of many men. I don't want us to suffer that same fight. This is even more important for me as I am charged with the protection of this ship through my fire-control efforts. I don't want to be responsible for the deaths of any of our crew - that's why I will continue to suffer this training. I don't want us to suffer the fate of Asashio, a hunter hunted by its own craft - a torpedo!"

Mori sighed. "You're right, of course. I let my frailty get to me."

"Of course I'm right! My grades were always better than yours! Now, let's go get some lunch and then continue to better ourselves so we can still chat over some brandy in five year's time after all this war business is over and done with, okay?"

Mori smiled. "Definitely!"

December 24th, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Diary of Seaman Fourth Class Kobayashi Satoru

Another day of training and so Yamashita called me in to go over, once again, various enemy planes and the tactics to deal with them. This time, however, he wasn't simply grilling me on the air forces we encountered near Kuching and Singapore. Gone were the Buffalos, Beauforts, and Blenheims I was familiar with and in their place came new names like Hudson, Warhawk, and Banshee. I don't know what this means, but it does mean more work for me. He was really insistent on me learning their tactics, typical altitudes, abilities, and such and seemed to stress a certain urgency. The Banshee in particular seemed rather dangerous and frankly I'm not sure what I can do with that measly 25mm AA gun if it were to come bearing down us. Maybe it will, who knows, but I'd rather not think about it. Its heavy payload seems frightening, so I'm dutifully trying to improve my accuracy with the guns...need to remember to lead the target...

December 25th, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Yamagami sat in his room aboard the Akigumo as silent night slowly encroached upon the life of day and the exertions of his crew. Huddled over his desk, he was thoughtfully writing a letter to his wife; and as he did so, a single desk lamp cast a bright red glow over his face, making it appear almost feverish amid the contrasting darkness of his surroundings. It was late; looking at the clock nearby on the drawer near his bed, the time was approaching midnight and he was exhausted. Training was progressing, but nothing could be to his satisfaction and all required supervision. This occupied all his time, making such matters as his current activity only possible late in the evening.

Dearest Yoko,

You mentioned in your letter that a few things needed doing around the house. I promise you that the next time I am home, I will fix that tear in the shoji for the guest room. For now, do what you can to accommodate my mother if she pays another visit and remember that we must all bear little burdens in these times of war. A man not home with his family can be difficult, but I know you have the fortitude to do best and make do. Little Naru needs an example to look up to in this time of absence, so be sure to not let your struggles and frustrations show in front of her. I know you won't so this is probably a superfluous worry.

Yamagami continued on from the reply to the concerns of his wife to his main reason for writing.

With that said, I apologize for not making the short hop over to Kyushu to be with you for the 25th. I know how much it means to you as a Christian, but the times and imperatives of my station make my staying in Kure necessary, however much it pains me. Know that I do it with both your and my crew's best interest at heart. Be sure to give Naru the present I sent you for the occasion, that little doll, and my love, as always. Tell her papa will be home as soon as he possibly can, but in the mean time that she should not cause her mother any worries.

I have received my orders, though their execution remains some time off, and while I cannot write the details, it looks like I will be going far to the south, away from you. This might be for some times, but do not worry. Keep a stiff upper lip and remember that you are a sailor's wife. I do not know exactly when my next time home will be, but, given the short distance, if you want to make the trip over to Kure beforehand...

Yamagami continued writing.

December 26th, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Excerpt from The Unknown Pacific War: A Japanese Oral History
Petty Officer Second Class, Minoru Yamashita

My memory of the beginning of the war, apart from some minor actions, was drilling in Hiroshima Bay. It was December, mind you, and not the nicest time of year, but we were day in and day out on the water practicing this, practicing that - they didn't give the men much of a rest. I had been in the navy for some years and was already an old salt, but most of the boys were still new to the strict expectations of the navy. I was in charge of the anti-air guns and constantly drilled the boys on all the various aspects of operation and maintenance for them. I remember the commander constantly walking up and down the ship, observing this or that and letting nothing escape his notice. He was severe and admonished the men whom he felt did not perform adequately, but there was something inspiring about his manner. He was never mean or insulting, but appeared fair and even-handed even as he yelled; it inspired a lot of the men to be honest, even if they constantly griped about it. Slowly, this new ship was starting to have some spirit...

December 27th, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Kobayashi and old man Sato stayed in the mess hall of Akigumo following the evening meal as the rest of the crew filed out. They were on touban for the night and as a result found themselves mopping up floors and picking up scattered leftovers. As they cleaned, the communal radio that counted as the primary sources of entertainment for the ship was broadcasting bits of late-night news from throughout the empire. Like always, there were the various reports concerning the China Incident and its nebulous geography, but some additional, more relevant pieces slipped through that piqued the their interest. The 25th Army continued its consolidation and march down the Malay Peninsula before the inevitable assault on Singapore and Manila was surrounded on all sides on the Philippines by elements of the 16th - so the southern operations seemed to be going well. Already, the media was beginning to view the supposed invincible Western armies as a bunch of paper tigers. However, the radio announcer continued, naming in particular the great success and capture of some place called Rabaul causing the flight into the surrounding hills of thousands of Allied soldiers.

"Where the heck is Rabaul?" asked Sato.

"No idea," replied Kobayashi, "Maybe it's some island in the Dutch East Indies."

"The brass have been driving the importance of Dutch oil into our heads for months," Sato sneered. "You think we wouldn't know about some Dutch island important enough to announce on the radio?"

"Well, where else could it be then?" asked Sato.

"I don't know," replied Sato, "But I can bet you that it ain't no place good and I can assure you we will be in the thick of it soon enough!"

"There you go again. For all you know, we could headed for a plum assignment of light escort duty."

Sato looked over at Kobayashi incredulously. "You think this ship will be on escort duty? You're naive, Kobayashi. This is a new ship, an advanced ship. They will throw us to the wolves because that's what new ships do." He shook his head. "Rabaul...let me tell you when they start naming such places with great fanfare and you've never heard of it, that spells doom. It means it's some place far out, away from the safety of home. Battles in such places are always dangerous...and right where we will be needed."

"You worry too much."

"Just you see, I'll be proven right soon enough."

Kobayashi laughed derisively and only smiled in response as they continue cleaning up the mess hall. Sato was an old salt and thus could be relied on for sage advice, but this came with a jaded world view that had to be taken with a grain of salt. Besides, there were too many immediate concerns to think about, such as improving on training or the potential for shore leave before their assignment. He couldn't let Sato's concerns get to him.

December 28th, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Commander Yamagami, Captain's Log, Akigumo

Overcast and foggy. Other than that, no great change in the general situation of the ship. The men continue to train and work hard.

December 29th, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

11 a.m. on deck of Akigumo

Kobayashi was out on deck helping to clean the anti-air guns given constant use through drilling as the watchful gaze of Petty Officer Yamashita kept everything in order. Nearby, music blared from mess-hall radio that the commander had expressly ordered to be brought out during such down time. As always, popular songs the guys could sing to like Shanghai Blues or Manchurian Girl played, sometimes interlaced with more patriotic creations. These were not particularly interesting, but they alleviated the tedium of the moment, allowing the men to mindlessly drift along to the sensual notes as they mechanically went about their tasks.

“When do you think all these drills will end?” asked Kobayashi to his fellow anti-air men.

“Never,” replied one of his compatriots. “At least, not as long as we have Yamagami for a captain; I get the feeling we’ll be either fighting, training, or sleeping – and those three tasks only – until the end of the war…or die.”

“Shut your trap,” growled Yamashita. “The commander is a good man and all of this is to make sure lax idiots like yourself don’t die. If I hear anything more about the captain, you’ll be hearing from my fist.” He looked over at Kobayashi. “You’re getting better, Kobayashi, one day you might be able to hit the general direction of any planes that come our way. This is real praise. Let’s see if we can get you to actually get a working firing solution in the afternoon.”

“Yes, sir,” replied Kobayashi meekly. After he had joined the navy, he learned quickly through hard punishments meted out to take the criticisms and punishments of his superiors quietly. Better the momentary shame than something far, far worse physically.

Just then a news report came on the radio.

And now the hourly news update and forecast. The government today announced the liberation of additional areas within the New Guinea area. Vanimo…

Kobayashi’s focus on the broadcast trailed off as he noticed a commotion coming from the ship’s aft. The commander had suddenly appeared, clearly in an agitated state, and was erratically motioning to the small group of subordinate officers around him. “I don’t care. Get the men back to their stations and go through the motions once again! I am not satisfied and we shall not stop today until I am so!” he yelled harshly.

“What’s up with the commander?”

“Who knows?”

Reports of harsh storms in the south around the newly acquired port of Rabaul. Ships and sailors are advised to take extra precautions. In the last few days, a large Japanese convoy composed of three large cargo ships and two long-range patrol ships suffered heavy damage from high seas...

All the men heard this and, given the rumors going around that they were headed south, began to suppose that this might be cause for additional training.

“I bet the commander is worried about the weather. Mark my words, next he’ll be making us pour water in and out of the ship in buckets!”

“Baka, don’t you know about the Fourth Fleet incident of ’35? 45 sailors lost their lives!”

As all his fellow crew were casting about with their own ideas and wondering, Kobayashi looked thoughtfully at the commander as he stormed about. Heavy damage brought by storm? For some reason, he doubted that. Nearby, the radio continued.

And now we continue with our music broadcast with “If I go to the sea.”

If I go away to the sea,
I shall be a corpse washed up.
If I go away to the mountain,
I shall be a corpse in the grass
But if I die for the Emperor,
It will not be a regret.

December 30th, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None


Excerpt from Diary of Commander Yamagami, Akigumo

...The men continue to train earnestly; just as well, the incident at Rabaul is troubling and does not bode well for the future given that is near to where we are soon to be headed. Not many know what happened, apparently. The radio reported some of the losses as the result of heavy seas, but Tanaka tells a different story of poor decision-making and lax guards. We'll hopefully be better prepared next time, but it is a hard lesson to learn and fills me with shame. I can only hope to reek some form of vengeance personally in the future. It's little comfort, but now we at least know where the enemy is concentrated given the reports of little if any enemy activity in the Dutch East Indies...

New Year's Eve, 1941

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored (Training in Hiroshima Bay)
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Diary of Commander Yamagami, Akigumo

Overcast, cool. The men were given light training duties in the morning before being released for shore leave in Hiroshima for the oshogatsu festivities. They have been working hard and, given the auspicious occasion and Mori's constant urging, I felt it best they be allowed to let off some steam before our anticipated departure towards the south in the next few days. For myself, I was invited over to Haruna to spend the evening with Captain Sugimoto and some of the other captains. Much sake was had as we drank to the emperor's health and Japan's success in the war; our spirits were all boosted by the lighthearted joy of the evening and elation at the lightning March down Malaya. Probably too much fun was had, however; and as I make this late entry my mind already drifts subconsciously towards rest, but first I must write to Yoko and the children, lest they think I have forgotten them. I look forward to continuing success in the coming year.

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Senko-ji, Onomichi, Japan

The night air was cool but not annoyingly so as Kobayashi, Sato, Yamashita, and a few other sailors from the Akigumo made their way up to Senko-ji to ring in the new year. They had been walking all night - climbing rather - as the temple was located on a mountain in Onomichi overlooking Hiroshima bay; it was a popular spot at which many locals liked to get the best viewing of the sun as it rose on the new year. Kobayashi was in a solemn mood as he made his way up, not just because the new year carried many religious connotations, but because he had been with the navy months now, at war for one month, and, despite the events off Kuching, did not feel that he had yet experienced real combat. As such, he looked out upon his future and saw only an abyss of uncertainty; this could be his last new year celebration. That feeling stuck with him, but without the meat grinder of combat to use as a measuring stick, it remained purely esoteric in its effect.

"Our we almost there yet? I swear this is not my idea of a good way to spend our little shore leave after all that training."

The voice was Nakamura Hiroki, a boisterous man also assigned to the AA guns that Kobayashi had befriended.

"Shut it," growled Yamashita, "You should be thankful for this chance to pay your respects to the emperor."

"I'd rather pay more respects at Nagarekawa," whispered Nakamura to Kobayashi. Nagarekawa was the red-light district of Hiroshima; and Kobayashi's cheeks slightly reddened at it's mention and was thankful for the cover of darkness.

Finally, they arrived at the temple and stood to the side at an outcropping to the await the sun as more and more crowds from the area gathered. Sato stood silently in that old-salt way, Yamashita grumbled, and Nakamura made a few wisecracks as they waited. Kobayashi tried to keep up with Nakamura to pass the time. Eventually, the first tendrils of dawn began to creep over the horizon, culminating in the appearance of the red sun, beautiful amid the crisp winter morning. It was said that New Year's Day was representative of the coming year, and the sun's vibrant effect on its surroundings was an auspicious sign for the future. The deep red pallor that slowly encompassed everything seemed to envisage the continued growth of the Japanese Empire itself.

Still, Kobayashi couldn't help but wonder. Would all four of them be here to see this same sight again next year?

What that thought, Kobayashi went with the other three as they made their way into the shrine. They all washed and drank from the shrine's water to cleanse themselves before making their way over to ring the bell and silently recite their new year's prayers. Kobayashi prayed that he'd not embarrass himself in the eventual ordeals of combat.

January 1st, 1942

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: Anchored
Attached to: Disbanded
Mission: None
Orders: None

Commander Yamagami, Captain's Log, Akigumo

Light rain. Preparations have begun in earnest for our departure south in a task force led by Haruna. Several other ships accompanying us were previously under repair from action off Singapore and I have taken the time to gleam from their captains their knowledge and experience. Personal note: the men seem eager to get on with it and be done with training. The ship is fine shape and I am looking forward to testing it and the men. Hopefully soon.

January 2nd, 1942

Location: Hiroshima Bay
Course: South
Attached to: TF 220
Mission: Surface Comabt
Orders: Relocation southwards for further operations.

Kobayashi went about his duties preparing Akigumo to get underway for a long voyage south. Nearby, a large force of capital ships and escorts were undergoing similar operations, anchored around the imposing presence of the battleship Haruna. As he glanced about, Kobayashi couldn't help but notice how the morning sun cast a sheer white pallor over everything, lending a certain ghostly appearance to the undertaking; and though he tried not to think of it, his fatal disposition couldn't help but associate such a scene with that of some otherworldly force spiriting them all away in the manner of kamikakushi. It felt significant, momentous, but he knew that this was partly his nerves speaking out. He would have a lot of time during the course of the voyage to prepare himself for combat and over time he would probably get used to the the thought. but this was his departure from Japan. It held a certain significance; and he was sure many of the other men felt the same.

Eventually, orders rang out and the ship began to move, slipping into formation around Haruna. As they slowly moved through the inland seas, Hashira-jima became more and more a distant object. The men took every opportunity to look at any glimmer of land they could see. It would be some time before they would slip fully out of Japanese waters and into the open ocean, but they wanted to capture as much of the imagery as possible into their hearts and memories, an anchor for the trying times ahead.

Suddenly, a cheer rang out among the crew of the Akigumo, soon picked up by the other ships in the task force.

"Banzai!" Banzai, banzai!

The men continued to cheer until their voices became hoarse.

Anachro,this is well done. I'm a subscriber.

Thanks! I will get back to writing more regularly eventually. I want to build some time between the actual PBEM and the events I write down so I can do some fun foreshadowing, etc. where possible. At the moment, we are just a month ahead in the game from Jan 1st. I am writing regular daily notes on the voyages of the Akigumo as well as surrounding events which will be turned into updates for this AAR eventually. Sadly, it seems my partner hasn't had the time to keep his mutual AAR up-to-date either.

One other thing is that my other PBEM's are taking a toll on my time. One I thought was dead reared its ahead after months of no activity. Might need to get some picked up by others if possible. We'll see. I have a very interesting non-AAR Allied PBEM going on at the moment (wish I could turn it into an AAR but alas).

January 3rd, 1942

Location: South of Kyushu
Course: South
Attached to: TF 220
Mission: Surface Comabt
Orders: Relocation southwards for further operations.

Commander Yamagami, Captain's Log, Akigumo

Overcast. A little white in the waves, but otherwise calm. It feels good to be back on the open sea and underway at full speed. To see the crew operating at a markedly improved efficiency, almost a cold professionalism, makes my heart soar with pride in Navy. Of course, it remains to be seen how they will perform in real combat, but I have confidence in them. My only worry is that the long voyage ahead of us further south might dull their senses and preparedness.