In a port located in eastern Imperial Splena, a fairly large warship was being moored and loaded. On the docks, a man wearing a Qing uniform was debriefing a few soldiers that was joining him on a faraway expedition.

'Gentlemen, we're going to embark on an expedition to Tokyo. This would be our first trip to Japan as well, so be prepared.'

'Yes, Sire!'

The other soldiers armed with bayonet muskets, carrying knapsacks and wearing Beiyang Army uniforms boarded the ship. A male wolf-dog wearing an imperial uniform approaches to the man.

'Dad.'

'Yes, Kalir?'

'We're all set to go.'

'Alright then. Let's get going then. The Mikado would be waiting for our arrival.'

'Okay.'

Kalir boarded the ship as well. The wolf-dog's father then looked at the city outskirts that was just behind him. He let out a sigh as he would see the Chinese-styled buildings for the last time before the departure.

'Sayonara, Splena. I'll be back soon.'

He then boarded the ship and went to the bridge. Inside, the captain and his crew were already there. They all bowed down as the monarch entered inside.

'Whaji Davay, Emperor Splero. We're all set to go.'

'Very well then, Captain Philips. Start up the engines and set a course for Japan.'

'As his Majesty commands.'

Philips then grabbed a radio.

'Engine room, all ahead full.'

'All ahead full!'

The ship started to move as the engine started and smoke begins to billow out from the smokestacks. The anchor was raised and the ageing vessel was sailing away from the harbor and onward to the vast Pacific Ocean. The Emperor's entourage was now on its way to Japan.

...

Somewhere and mysteriously faraway, Wigglytuff was just stepping out from the Guild alongside with Chatot and Bidoof. A breeze makes their furs flutter.

'Ah, yes! What a fresh breeze.'

'You really care for your feathers, Chatot?'

'Squawk! N-No! I mean, yes! Y-Yes indeed, Guildmaster!'

'Whoa there, Chatot. Calm down. I'm just asking you.'

'Huh? Oh. I'm sorry. I never expect for you to ask me that.'

'What do you mean?'

'Urk. Nothing.'

Bidoof coughed a bit.

'Should we get moving to Treasure Town, guys?'

'Sure thing, Bidoof but what's with the rush?'

'Well. I wanted to check my Poke and other supplies that I stored at Duskull Bank and Kangaskhan Storage.'

'I see.'

Wigglytuff looked at Bidoof.

'Are you going somewhere, Bidoof?'

'Yes, Guildmaster. I'm going to accomplish a job that I picked for Beach Cave.'

'Oh. I see. Well then. Let's get to Treasure Town right now, guys.'

The trio then departed. After a short walk from the guild, they all saw Chimecho. She was just floating near to the trail that leads to Beach Cave.

'Hey, Chimecho.'

'Oh. Hello there, guys.'

'What are you doing in there?'

'Just gazing something.'

'With that?'

'Nothing. I'm just gazing the branches of the trees that was rustling in the breeze.'

'I see.'

Bidoof approaches towards her.

'Say, Chimecho. I'm going to do a job at Beach Cave shortly.'

'You do?'

'Yeah. By golly, I need to get myself ready first before I go right in.'

Chimecho giggled.

'Good Luck on your task there, Bidoof.'

'Thanks. I'll try my best!'

'Anyway, where are you guys going?'

Chatot flapped his wings a bit.

'We're just heading to Treasure Town just to mingle ourselves with the others there. Want to join in the stroll?'

'No thanks, Chatot. You go ahead with Bidoof and the Guildmaster. I'm heading to Spinda's Cafe shortly to get a drink.'

'Alright then, Chimecho. Suit yourself.'

Chatot then looked at the other duo.

'Come on, everyone. Moving on.'

Wigglytuff, Chatot and Bidoof departed. Chimecho gazed the distant treeline for a bit before she hovered towards Spinda's Cafe.

...

Elsewhere, the departing ship was now sailing through the Pacific Ocean. The ageing warship was traveling at a dead slow speed since its boilers and other machinery were old and in poor shape. Its iron-hulled armor and armament of cannons mounted on the turrets were also over-aged and obsolete as well but no one would raise doubts for concern since the ship didn't wanted to be modernized by Splero because of his resistance to foreign renovation or modernization. Nevertheless, he still commands a fleet of ageing warships back home and most of them were his prized machines that he purchased from China and Spain.

Looking through a pair of binoculars, Splero was just checking over the horizon at the ship's bridge while Captain Philips reviewed the map and compass. As the monarch lowered down his hands, Philips stowed away the navigational aids.

'I think we would arrive at Suruga Bay in about 6 hours, Sire.'

Splero gasped in surprise.

'6 hours, you say?!'

'Yes. The ship could only move at a speed of 11 knots so that's why.'

'Can you at least increase the ship's speed to the max, Captain Philips?'

'I could but we might break down the boilers if we do so.'

'Don't worry about it. Set the speed to full ahead.'

'But, Your Majesty.'

'Just do it, Captain. That's an order.'

Philips sighed.

'Yes, Sir.'

He then reminded the crew with his radio.

'Engine room, full ahead. Full speed.'

'Full speed ahead acknowledged!'

The engine noises grew louder and as much blacker smoke billowed out from the two smokestacks, the warship was now sailing full ahead.

Philips then looked at Splero.

'We're now at full speed, Your Highness.'

'Good. Just remind me if there's anything else that I need to know about. I'll head back to my cabin and check on my son.'

'Very well, Emperor Spleriia.'

Splero leaves the bridge. Philips continued on keep the ship on course to its path for Japan. Minutes later, a beeping alarm started to sound which makes the captain uneasy.

'Oh dear. Not the boilers again.'

With a sigh, he pressed a button to silence it.