In the aftermath of failed Peace Talks between Azur Lane and the Sakura Empire, Operation Rolling Thunder commenced, executed by Enterprise's Air Wing, consisting of Super Hornets and MQ-25B Ghost Bat Drones.
Military Bases, Airfields, Command Centers, and Buildings Housing Imperial Officers were all bombed to the ground, leaving structures in ruins. Bases burned fiercely as dark smoke billowed from the burning wrecks.
Fuel Depots and Ammunition Storage Facilities were engulfed in flames following Tomahawk Strikes targeting vital Imperial Military supplies and resources. Munition factories and any plant producing war materials were not spared the bombings. Bridges, Roads, Rails, and Tunnels were all bombed to hinder the reinforcement of the Capital.
Harbor Bays, where all the ships were docked, were also bombed and targeted, with Dry Docks and Repair Yards suffering the same fate.
Carrier Hiryuu, Battleship Kii, and the rest docked in the harbor sat with their keels in the shallow waters, their superstructures burning from the initial strike.
The fires ignited a war that would be etched in the history of the Sakurans and Azur Lane, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Azur Lane Alliance's push against Siren Forces in the Pacific Region.
The heat of the war was also felt by Iron Blood, as one of the members of the Crimson Axis Alliance was embroiled in a conflict that could harm the pillars supporting and structuring the Axis. The fire ignited by the Modern Kansens would soon reach them, for now, it spread across the Sakuran Empire's land.
The explosion of the first bomb dropped on the land of Sakura was heard worldwide, spreading like wildfire, consuming those who believed in Sakuran invincibility and the strength of Siren Technology.
The upcoming clash would prove which side would stand its ground or which would sink into the bottom of the ocean of destruction, consumed by its hubris.
Hawaii Pearl Harbor, Operation Room
Adm. Nimitz and Adm. Philips, along with other Naval Officers, awaited reports being fed to them by Enterprise Task Force via the bulky analog computer and its spinning tape reels recording the data.
The Comms Operator informed them of the incoming report: "CVN-80 USS Enterprise struck first at the Sakura Empire's valuable infrastructure, like Sakura Empire's Military Supply lines, which were destroyed. Military Bases and Factories are also destroyed. Half of Sakuran Military High-Ranks are dead, and...."
The sudden pause put everyone on edge. The Comms Operator then continued after a brief silence.
"Project Orochi has awakened earlier than they predicted and is now 100% operational. They are now planning to counter it with their 'conventional' weaponry."
The expressions of the two Admirals and other Naval Officers darkened upon hearing the bad news. This was not the report they were waiting for.
Adm. Nimitz gave the order to send the report to D.C about the failure to eliminate Orochi as a threat. Orochi's quick awakening could pose a significant danger to the Task Force and potentially flip the situation.
Adm. Nimitz also ordered the relocation of New Jersey's Task Force to rendezvous with Enterprise Task Force. He wanted New Jersey's Task Force, commanded by Cmdr. Elena, to rush to the aid of the Task Force.
The stakes were now incredibly high, requiring a super weapon or a miracle to stop the massive Siren Ship from running rampant. Adm. Nimitz now placed all his trust in Enterprise-80's judgment and undertaking to deal with Orochi.
White House, Oval Office
Everyone was on the edge of their seats as news of Orochi's earlier-than-predicted awakening spread. The report back from Pearl, based on the gathered information from Arizona and his Team, detailed that Orochi was a catamaran design with a flight deck on the rear and a super firing arc for its main guns at the front. Orochi's core design principle was to become a floating fortress with immense firepower on a vessel of that size. Its sheer tonnage surpassed that of existing Warships and Supercarriers, its size an eye-watering thousand and a dozen meters.
Such shipbuilding had put a significant strain on the Empire's Treasury, leaving their economy barely afloat without trade to their Axis Allies. Their invasion of Dragon Empery was also a drain on resources as their troops were bogged down by dwindling supplies from the mainland.
Everyone's minds reeled over the unprecedented situation. The initial attack on the Sakura Empire had crippled their retaliatory strike and quick mobilization. The sudden awakening of Orochi had derailed their plans, their chances of victory now slim.
FDR prepared for the worst and quickly ordered Adm. King to reinforce Enterprise Task Force and Gen. Eisenhower about troop deployment if needed.
But some of the military heads interjected, pointing out that some of their territories and forward bases would be left undefended if all forces came to the aid of the Task Force.
Adm. King remarked that they should put their trust in Enterprise-80's resolve in tackling this Siren Ship problem. She had assured them she would do anything in her power to handle such issues.
Adm. Nimitz assured them that he had rerouted New Jersey's Task Force to reinforce Enterprise's Task Force if Orochi proved too difficult to deal with. He reiterated Enterprise's commitment to take any necessary measures to take on Orochi and stop its destructive path.
As the situation with Orochi subsided, another problem came to their minds: how would they respond if the Sirens decided to join the fray? Enterprise Task Force would be shorthanded in dealing with such a new problem.
They all prayed that the Sakurans would capitulate before the Sirens showed their faces in the fight, for if things went bad, another failure on their side could occur, the previous defeat haunting them as their capable Admirals and Shipgirls perished as soon as Arbiter: Empress III had shown itself and wreaked havoc.
Rest assured to them, the power of the sun was uncontested if unleashed. The weapon of righteousness would strike fear into those at its receiving end.
Downing Street, Prime Minister Abode
PM Churchill was looking at the report sent back by spies within Iron Blood. On his table was a black and white photo showing an 800+ meter behemoth under construction. Based on the layout and design, it was a massive battleship being built in a hidden factory. The photo was the only existing evidence as the spies had been in haste to evacuate their hiding spot.
As he was about to take a sip of his brandy, the door of his office opened with urgency. A blond woman wearing an Officer's Dress of the Grenadier Guard entered, holding report papers from the Royal Navy Intelligence Agency.
PM Churchill was caught red-handed by King George V taking a shot of brandy. Luckily for him, it wasn't confiscated as the report in hand was more important and crucial than liquor.
The report detailed the commencement of hostilities by the Azur Lane Task Force led by Enterprise-80. The initial attack was a success in crippling the Sakura Empire's military response and retaliation, caught off guard by the initial assault. All the bases surrounding the Capital were burning, the roads, bridges, and rails connecting the capital severed for Ground Troops reinforcements. The skies above Capital Tokyo were taken over by modern planes, reigning supreme against Zero Fighters.
The extent of the damage wasn't just bases but also Munition and Weapons Factories, Ammunition Storage, Fuel Depots, and Repair Yards, along with the docked Ships. Everything was going according to plan.... except for one thing. Orochi had awakened earlier than they could have expected.
This troubled the two. Queen Elizabeth was currently with the Task Force commencing operations against the Sakura Empire. The news of Orochi running rampant in the Pacific would be more problematic if the Sirens got their hands on such a massive ship.
Or perhaps that was what the Sirens wanted to happen, their own Orochi being delivered to them by the Sakurans, fully functioning and powered.
Other than the Sirens, Her Majesty worried them, her tendency to act childish in such a high-stakes operation could hinder CVN-80 Enterprise's priority. This greatly concerned the two, who were sweating profusely.
PM Churchill muttered to himself that the Queen would act like an adult in such high-stakes situations as this.
Iron Blood Headquarters, Berlin
Iron Blood was in turmoil as the war on the east in the Sakura Empire commenced. Some of their citizens and those of other nations were evacuated as the Azur Lane Diplomat had promised. Amidst the chaos, their Embassy was also in disarray, with important files and documents regarding their gathered information on the Sakura Empire being burned.
Their technological secrets were all burned and destroyed to prevent capture by Azur Lane. Embassy Staff were in chaos as they cleared the building of important documents, papers fell from windows and in the middle of the room, other Embassy staff tossed them into a growing fire. Machinery was destroyed, torn apart, and burned in the frantic evacuation. Eugen heard orders from Top Officials in Berlin, ordering them to evacuate, but she and the other Iron Blood Shipgirls were tasked with another mission, their last in Sakuran waters. After that, they were all ordered to retreat along with the embassy staff of Sakura Empire.
They were ordered to stay with the Sakurans for a while and assess some of the Modern Kansens' capabilities in Naval Combat. The initial strike on Sakuran was part of that assessment.
Eager to learn more about the Modern Kansens' capabilities, there was reluctance among the Shipgirls as they were all pumped to face one in battle, the only way they would ever truly understand their power.
-Death Bunny enters the Chat-
Roon, Graff Zeppelin, Odin, and Eugen were the enthusiastic bunch, and the two Z-Destroyers just got dragged along by their curious doom.
Back at Iron Blood
Bismarck paced back and forth in the communications room as she and the others waited for crucial information or updates on the situation unfolding in the Sakura Empire.
All the updates coming through the transmission were bad. Each report was worse than the last. The extent of the destruction and the swift efficiency in decapitating the leaders of the Sakuran Military were overwhelming to hear as bad news kept coming like an unstoppable flood.
Single bombs on single targets of importance were gone and destroyed, along with the people inside, most of whom were officers.
Such a success rate was comparable to carpet bombing in ensuring hitting the target, but the surrounding destruction was minimal. To their horror, precision strikes took out Bases and Airfields with such efficiency.
Bismarck's fears had come true: Guided Bombs with great accuracy, efficiency, and destructive capacity to eliminate even dug-in bunkers. She had never felt such concern as Iron Blood was starting to mass-produce weapons like the Fritz-X and V-2 Rocket, along with some Air-To-Air Rockets or Missiles to counter Siren Planes. According to the report, a small version of their V-2 Rocket took down Zeroes like flies in the air from long ranges that no one could see.
Then a Fritz-X bomb-like Rocket that skimmed over the ocean to avoid detection did far more damage than any Battleship bombardment, rendering the whole Sakuran Port inoperable and unrepairable.
In her mind, the Sakurans had been caught with their pants down because of their ego and pride. The attack was meant as a message to the Sakurans that whatever preparation they had made wouldn't matter.
Amidst the gloom and doom in the communication room, another semblance of hope emerged, catching everyone's attention.
Bismarck's interest perked. She leaned in and listened to the transmission: Orochi had survived the initial attack and deflected the assault, with a 95% operational rate. Soon enough, Orochi would join in the Sakuran counterattack against Azur Lane.
Bismarck hoped that the Sakurans would trample Azur Lane, but it also concerned her. The Sakura Empire would have the edge over them. She now just had to wait to see if things went in her favor.
"Hmm... I guess the Sakura Empire is going to use their investment," Friedrich said, eyeing Bismarck, who was deep in contemplation.
After her contemplation, Bismarck spoke. "If Orochi bested Enterprise... then the Siren Tech proves superior to what we've anticipated."
"Good thing we have our own," Friedrich indicated something, and Bismarck's eyes narrowed.
"H-45."
"Ja."
Bismarck turned her attention to Hipper, who stood there listening. "Hipper, ordered our Factories to double its production of Fritz-X, Ruhrstahl X-4, and V2 Rockets. And tell our Researchers to complete any other projects."
Hipper saluted and left the Office, running through the Hallway as fast as she could until she reached the entrance. She was tasked with informing the Factories to double their production.
She then turned her attention to the Communication Operator, operating the other Communicator.
"Send a message to Vichya Dominion. I want the Atlantic Wall on high alert, and I want Jean Bart on the phone."
The Operator nodded and started sending the message through Vichya Dominion.
Friedrich noticed her distressed reaction and spoke. "I know you're thinking about Azur Lane landing on Vichya Dominion's shores and invading us thoroughly. I think they would need another decade to pull off such feats–"
Bismarck spoke, cutting her off. "In their world, they managed to invade Iron Blood and Sakura Empire, as Eugen said. That Kansen Lucas gave her the message.... They did it once in their world a hundred years ago. Would they repeat the same feat from a hundred years ago with the same technological advancement as Azur Lane?"
"You mean?"
"We're the next in line," Bismarck grimly said, as everyone in the room listened to the grim reality.
Musashi had had a nightmare of falling suns, Bismarck's nightmare was that the Azur Lane Alliance would roll into the plains of Europe with 21st-Century Technological parity to the Modern Kansens in their arsenal. She feared another Kansen like Enterprise would join in the invasion of Iron Blood.
-Rough riding at the plains of Europe like Wazzap Bish-
"Fear not, I think The Fuhrer has plans if such things occur," Friedrich said reassuringly, then her tone lowered into a motherly one. "Iron Blood and its people stood against the second invasion of the Sirens, we would stand too..... and most of all..... we have you as a leader to lead us there to the future."
Bismarck never doubted that she would lead Iron Blood, the Fuhrer had stated from the start that Iron Blood was hers to lead.
She gripped her pole as the responsibility weighed heavily. "I won't fail the people of Iron Blood."
Paris, Vichya Dominion
A woman wearing a Corset and Shorts was talking on the Telephone, and the tone of her voice wasn't keen on hearing such news.
On the Telephone, Bismarck's voice sounded urgent with every word spoken. "Listen.... This is not an order nor a demand, I want your cooperation in maintaining the Atlantic Wall to prevent any Amphibious Landing on Mainland Europe. We need to Prepare for a sudden attack from the Azur Lane Alliance. I believe that we are the next to be attacked if Sakura Empire falls in the current battle against Azur Lane."
"Fine. We will Fortify our coast and beaches. I don't give a damn if Azur Lane would even try to do an Amphibious Landing here at Mainland Europe."
"Jean Bart, they did it once in their world a hundred years ago.... Those threats should be taken into matters at hand." Jean Bart's face paled after hearing that.
She wouldn't have even thought someone would break the Atlantic Wall and invade Mainland Europe, such a story sounded like fantasy. But the existence of Modern Kansens and the truth that they had breached the Atlantic wouldn't be a laughing matter.
Her gaze narrowed after that information dump. "Are you sure? – I mean .... Maybe it's just propaganda- "
"Nein. Eugen heard it from the mouth of one of them.... I'm serious about this threat."
"Let's hope you're not having delusions like the Fuhrer," Jean Bart said, concerned about Bismarck's remark.
"I know... I sound like him right now, but I want you to take this threat seriously."
"I will." She then placed the Telephone down on its base with a resounding cling.
Jean Bart sat back in her seat and stared at the ceiling as she thought deeply about someone. She still thought about her sister after their little fight that ended up in the split of the country. Not long after, the split turned into civil war, and they both participated on different sides. After that, they had no connection.
~At her Office~
Bismarck looked at the window overlooking the garden below. The light tap of the rain made her thoughts drift for a while as the burden of leadership lifted. She imagined she wouldn't have to carry everything on her shoulders.
The knock at the door broke her trance and brought her back to reality. "Come in," she said, recomposing herself.
The door opened as a Short White-Haired Woman wearing a Kriegsmarine White Officer Uniform entered the Office and slowly closed the door behind her without making a sound. She then spoke in a somewhat calm and cold voice.
"You called me, Schwester?"
Bismarck faced the said woman and spoke. "Ja. I called you here, Tirpitz, to help me plan my next move against her."
Tirpitz held her chin as she thought of the Shipgirl she mentioned. "You mean that Massive Carrier that was called... 'Enterprise', reicht?"
Bismarck nodded slowly. "Ja. Her existence bothers me."
Tirpitz tried to cheer her sister, but the tone of her voice was too cold. "Don't worry, you have my support. You will topple her eventually."
"Danke, Tirpitz. That makes my day...." Bismarck smiled at her sister's small compliment.
"So, what is the plan for countering her...?" Tirpitz asked.
"The completion of Battleship H-45," she said as the atmosphere in the room darkened.
Sakura Empire
As the Capital was being ravaged by precise bombing and the elimination of some of the Military Officers inside the targeted buildings, the structures that were once tall and proud now lay ruined and ablaze. Firefighters rushed to put out the flames and conduct rescue operations for those trapped under the rubble.
The eerie sirens of the responding firefighters cleared the way for civilians. Media and a semblance of Journalism scrambled to scoop any news if there was still anything to be published amidst the haste of the sudden air strike.
The people of the Sakura Empire had been warned of the upcoming doom of a war they thought would mark their defiance against the Alliance. Now that defiance was being tested. Some were shaking in fear, some harbored hate for the sudden attack, and hardliners chose to be more of a nuisance than help.
At the Harbor, near the Capital and close to the burning Naval Base, Fuel Depots and Ammunition Storage facilities were all burning from the initial Tomahawk Strike.
In the Harbor, few Ships sat at the bottom, some were burning wrecks, and the rest were in the Dry Dock, sitting ducks as they were being repaired.
The Iron Blood Shipgirls were at the corner of the Harbor, overlooking the burning Harbor. Their Ships were all unharmed in the initial attack. They surmised that the attack was meant for the Sakurans and not for Iron Blood, or perhaps Azur Lane was just cautious not to provoke Iron Blood into joining the fight.
"Did they miss us completely?" Z-1 asked, confused as to why their ships were still floating while the Sakurans' were not.
Eugen had a diplomatic thought as to why. "It seems they were careful not to encourage our retaliation. Azur Lane committed their forces in one region of the ocean, meaning they can't do much if Herr Bismarck ordered a retaliatory attack."
"And what attack would that be?"
Z-23 was the one who answered. "Royal Navy, London was in reach of our bombers. Azur Lane's hands were full protecting sea routes, and they couldn't rush in time to protect London."
"Ja. For now, we're safe from the law of foreign diplomats. As soon as we stepped into battle... we were not protected by that law."
"We're now a combatant," Graff Zeppelin said in a serious tone.
After the evacuation of the Embassy Staff, they were ordered to assess the Modern Kansens in battle. That meant stepping into the fight without certainty of backup from the mainland.
As the Iron Blood Girls pondered the implications of the mission, far from the horizon, they caught a glimpse of the Massive Siren Ship, Orochi, sailing and being surrounded by Mass-Produced Siren Ships ranging from Carriers, Battleships, and Cruisers.
"Is that Orochi?" Z-1 exclaimed after getting a glimpse of the Massive Siren Ships.
"Orochi...." Eugen uttered the name, her gaze furrowed.
"Looks like Sakura Empire is ready to face Azur Lane...." Graff Zeppelin said in her cynic voice.
"Ha, ha, ha, ha, let's see what this money dump can do in a battle," Roon said, getting ready to fight as her face contorted into her typical psycho expression.
"My~My.... My apologies if I keep you waiting," Akagi's sadist voice boomed over the Iron Blood Shipgirls' ears.
"Ah, Akagi.... We just reached in time," Eugen responded with her own typical sadist undertone.
Akagi giggled as cheekily as a fox, while Kaga, on the other hand, was on guard. Iron Blood might be their ally, but even Iron Blood had its own different agenda in this war and battle.
"My.... Shall we go then...? – our Azur Lane friends were waiting for our arrival, shall we not make them wait even further?" Akagi said, chuckling sadistically as was typical of her.
The tone of each sent an ominous feeling to the other, their collision often carrying tensions. Even the burning infrastructure couldn't match the heat coming from the two.
"Nee-sama," Kaga's call broke the moment of tension. "We need to move."
"Hai~..." Akagi playfully said, waving off the momentary tension. "Let's go... let's not make them wait," she said, heading towards where Orochi was.
Eugen and the Girls calmed down as the tension settled and went with the two.
"Alright... Let's follow Akagi," Eugen said as they followed her to Orochi.
Orochi and its armada of Siren Ships sailed away to face Azur Lane. The towering silhouette of Orochi caught the attention of every citizen of the Empire at the Harbor. The sheer size made them all gawk and feel sacred at the sight of the numerous Siren Ships tagging along the Massive Ship.
Word about Orochi, their supposed salvation in this war against the Azur Lane Alliance, had only reached their ears due to the total secrecy of the Project and the heavy reliance on Siren Tech. The tagging Siren Ships didn't ease their concerns.
Orochi, the vessel they believed would bring them salvation and prosperity, made its maiden debut and first appearance, bringing some sense of power as it sailed on its first voyage to war.
Siren Base
Observer α was floating in the middle of dark space as she looked at the current situation in the Sakura Empire on a Holographic monitor. She had a big smile on her face, her expression full of satisfaction as she saw such devastation befall the Empire.
But suddenly, her expression changed as she saw how accurate the bombing runs conducted by each aircraft were. She finally now understood how Tester β felt when she faced this kind of devastation during their first contact.
"So, this is the reason why Tester β was defeated so fast? I don't even feel sorry for her." Observer α didn't care what might happen to her colleagues as long as she got what she wanted.
"Boom! Boom! Boooom! HAHAHA" Purifier's head was always shouting, yelling, and most of all cheering as the Holographic monitor showed every explosion of Sakuran infrastructure. Her head was being held by one of Observer α's tentacles.
"Could you please shut up for once?! I'm thinking of a plan here," Observer α exclaimed, annoyed every time Purifier opened her mouth.
"HAHAHAHA. How about... NO. HAHAHAHA"
Observer α was now totally annoyed with her. She then snapped and proceeded to spin Purifier's head like a propeller. "Woaaaaa... AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH."
"How do you like that?" Observer α asked as she spun the head like a propeller.
As she enjoyed the show of spinning Purifier's head in satisfaction, a Purple Portal appeared behind her.
Tester α came out of the portal, looking like shit after convincing one Arbiter to show up for battle. She wasn't left unscathed as the Arbiter had toyed with her.
"Looks like she had some fun with your body?" Observer α asked with a teasing tone, looking at her messed-up state.
Purifier chimed in. "HAHAHA, you look good, Tester α. It fits you very well."
Observer α then continued spinning her head.
"She said she wants to join the 'Fun' too," Tester α said, not liking her messed-up look.
Observer α turned around, gazed at the holographic monitor, and flew towards it. "We just need to find the right opportunity to strike them when the two parties are on their knees. This is a great plan to strike," she remarked.
"Are you sure about that?" Purifier said, trying to annoy her.
Observer α twitched at Purifier's remark. Fuming with annoyance, she spun her head right round like a record.
The Holographic screen then changed to one image: Orochi was now sailing into battle with its own power and an armada of Mass-Produced Siren Ships. She curved into a smile as she saw her fruits of labor come to fruition.
"Ha, Ha, Ha, I appreciate your efforts, Akagi. I wouldn't have doubted you would deliver us such beauty... and power," she said like a monologue villain.
Tester α spoke. "Seems like in a cornered situation, the Sakurans pulled the throttle on finishing Orochi on time."
"I would never have doubted the Sakurans would deliver Orochi in time, now." Observer α's face contorted into a mischievous one. "Let's collect our requisition; it's time to move."
The Sirens were planning to requisition Orochi for their own needs, having exploited the Sakura Empire's shipbuilding and resources for building such a Project. Now that it was finished, the Sirens were planning some 'Full tactical acquisition' of Orochi from Sakuran hands, like taking candy from a baby.
Unknown Place
Code-G watched the ongoing bombing run at the Sakura Empire. Her expression saddened as each bomb fell and hit its designated target.
She was sad at the footage of innocent lives getting caught between the will of the Empire and the Alliance. Their lives were just a small sacrifice for this meaningless conflict to stop.
She then pondered. 'How many lives need to be sacrificed to end this meaningless conflict?' The Sakura Empire was only the beginning of the deaths of thousands of lives to restore 'peace'.
Code-G spoke. "Even if you minimized the attack on the Empire... there are still innocent lives that are going to get involved in this conflict...."
She sighed. "Sorry.... If I asked you to stain your own hands with the blood of innocence... I'm sorry."
She closed her eyes as images of the terrified Sakuran Citizens watching the devastation befall the Empire they knew would fall in such a way flashed through her mind.
Her attention then shifted to another monitor screen showing Orochi. She had surmised that Orochi wouldn't be finished in time and its naval construction would be just a waste. But now, that behemoth of a Siren Ship was sailing into war.
Orochi was the reason why she had pulled such a stunt of kidnapping Enterprise-80 and her Strike Group to this world of pain. Seeing Orochi fully operational gave her a dreaded feeling of the sinister plans of the Sirens. She could only hope that Conventional Weaponry would suffice enough... but push came to shove.
"Don't be rash... I knew you wouldn't choose such options.... But who am I to stop you... I'm the one who dragged you here,"
Code-G lamented her dilemma of bringing the American into a problem, and the only way they chose to solve such a problem was through violence.