Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Chapter 63 The Whims of Fate (1)

Just as Germany was facing major checks from Britain due to its frenzied naval power expansion immediately after entering the 20th century.

Russia too, until the early 90s, had been undertaking massive warship construction under Alexander III's leadership. Having built up naval power for no less than 11 years, it was perhaps natural that Britain mobilized all its diplomatic power to check Russia, crying about the Great Game and dangers to India.

World's #1 army, #3 naval power. Among these, this Far Eastern Fleet accounted for 60% of the empire's naval power.

After Nicholas's reign began, they only built a ship here and there, but while naval power didn't increase, it didn't weaken either.

Port Arthur fortress, which emphasized its role as a military base rather than a port for logistics.

Two of Japan's few battleships and multiple escort ships were secretly dispatched here.

"As expected, they were still receiving supplies through the port, just without the Pacific Fleet!"

"Begin bombardment quickly!"

Moving part of the Combined Fleet to the Yellow Sea was an enormous gamble for Japan.

However, the enemy's Far Eastern Fleet hadn't moved an inch for the past few months.

Their war-making capacity was now truly showing its limits.

Finally, the fact that to break through that fortress, that damned fortress, they absolutely needed the power of large ships with large guns.

These three factors overlapped, forcing Imperial Headquarters to finally permit the navy's sortie.

But only two battleships as core strength.

No amphibious operations.

Quickly pour out firepower and retreat.

If these conditions were strictly observed, the two battleships could return to the East Sea by next morning unless the Far Eastern Fleet and Combined Fleet clashed directly.

Time was tight, but if well maintained, they could break Port Arthur fortress without a naval vacuum.

But was it too rushed?

"Huh? There's something all over under the water?"

"M-mines! Those Russian bastards covered the waters in front of Port Arthur with mines!"

"Abort operation! Abort operation! Absolutely do not approach..."

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BOOM- KABOOM-!

The battleships Yashima and Hatsuse only realized after closing to sufficient distance to pour out their prepared shells.

"Alright, let's go in!"

What? They just lost 2 of their barely 6 core battleships to mines, and not even temporarily for operations?

This is a God-given opportunity, a reward for the time we've endured.

The enemy can't avoid battle anyway.

For sovereignty of the Yellow Sea? No. At this point, it doesn't matter if they do maritime supply or troop movement through the Yellow Sea.

East Sea. Below here is their mainland. Even if they defend their mainland with coastal artillery, there are ports in Korea like Busan.

The Combined Fleet with so much to protect won't be able to avoid or flee despite being at a disadvantage.

"All forces, sortie!"

Ding ding ding!

While the sortie bells rang heavily in Vladivostok, which had been quiet throughout the war, on the orders of Far Eastern Fleet Commander Admiral Alekseyev.

Similarly, Commander-in-Chief Dukhovskoy, upon receiving news of the navy's sortie and that Port Arthur was still holding well, began his own preparations.

"The navy left Vladivostok harbor this morning for the decisive battle. We, from now on, prepare for rotation!"

The Japanese army that had endlessly replenished reserves from the mainland like cockroaches no matter how many were killed.

As of today, that replenishment ends too.

Now only Russia will receive troop reinforcements through the Trans-Siberian Railway.

==

The 4th general offensive began as soon as General Keller's Siberian Corps was blocked from moving south.

Although Port Arthur fortress was accumulating fatigue and casualties from continued general offensives, morale remained high as ever.

After all, aren't we winning the war?

"Hold on! This is the last offensive! Those bastards have no more reserves to replenish!"

"Half-strength 2nd Army? Weren't you guys farming until last year?"

The difference between active duty troops who had only prepared for war until now and reserves who were just conscripted and given 3 months of short training.

The difference between an army with morale raised by continued victories and an army frightened by sustained defeats.

Above all, the difference in firepower pouring from a stable fortress.

Port Arthur fortress, backed by all these overwhelming differences, continued its scene of massacre today as well.