The IJN Otakisan Maru, a massive naval TSF carrier of the Imperial Japanese Navy, sat docked at the Yokosuka Naval Base, its black hull gleaming in the crisp morning light. Soldiers and crew bustled across the deck, their movements precise and efficient as the final preparations for departure were made. On the docks, rows of TSFs in Imperial Royal Guard colors were lined up, their imposing frames looming like silent guardians. Among them stood the members of Horn Company, waiting in their Imperial Royal Guard uniforms, their expressions a mix of anticipation and unease.
Takeru stood at the front of his unit, his face stoic as his eyes scanned the busy scene. The men of Horn Company — Lieutenants Takeda Haruto, Fujimoto Daiki, Nakamura Renji, Okabe Shun, Tanaka Hiroshi, Kobayashi Riku, Matsuda Sota, Yamamoto Kenta, Suzuki Koji, and Inoue Takuya, stood at attention behind him, their postures rigid and their nerves clear.
The weight of what lay ahead hung heavy in the air.
A hush fell over the assembly as a procession made its way onto the dock. At its head was the current Shogun, Saionji Tsunemori, a man whose presence commanded absolute respect. His flowing ceremonial robes were adorned with intricate patterns of purple, gold, and crimson, and his sharp eyes seemed to pierce through everyone in attendance. Behind him trailed a retinue of high-ranking officials and attendants, their faces solemn.
The Shogun ascended a small dais that had been set up on the dock, his movements measured and deliberate. Once he reached the podium, he turned to face the assembled soldiers, his gaze sweeping over them like a judge assessing the worth of his subjects.
"Eishi of the Imperial Royal Guard," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly over the dockyard. "Today, you embark on a journey to lands far from our homeland to confront an enemy that seeks to extinguish all that we hold dear. The BETA have no honor, no reason, no mercy. They are a blight upon this world, and it falls to you to stand against them."
The Shogun paused, his piercing gaze settling on the ranks of soldiers before him. "You carry not only your weapons but the hopes of the Empire. Your duty is not just to fight but to show the world the strength and resolve of Japan. Let our enemies tremble before your courage and let our allies find inspiration in your valor."
His voice grew quieter, yet somehow more powerful. "Some of you will not return. That is the reality of the battlefield. But know this. Your sacrifices will not be in vain. You fight for the Empire, for your families, for the future of humanity itself. And for that, you have my deepest gratitude."
The soldiers stood frozen in reverent silence as the Shogun stepped down from the dais, his presence as commanding in retreat as it had been in speech. Takeru found himself examining the Shogun's words. They stirred something deep within him, a blend of pride, fear, and determination.
Once the ceremony concluded, the men of Horn Company were led aboard the Otakisan Maru. The TSFs were loaded carefully into the ship's cargo bays, each one secured with meticulously. The soldiers were guided to a briefing room, where the ship's captain awaited them.
Captain Nakamura Kazuki was a seasoned naval officer with a reputation for calm competence. His uniform was crisp, his demeanor sharp, and his eyes carried the steely confidence of someone who had seen his share of war.
"Welcome aboard the IJN Otakisan Maru, gentlemen," Captain Nakamura began, his voice firm but even. "You are now part of the Continental Expeditionary Force, tasked with supporting the East Asian frontlines against the BETA. Our journey will take us to Harbin, the strategic heart of the Unified Front of China's operations in Northeast Asia."
He gestured to a large map pinned to the wall behind him, detailing the route they would take.
"Our voyage will begin here, at Yokosuka Naval Base," he said, pointing to the southern coastline of Japan. "We will travel north along the Pacific coast, staying within the protection of the home fleet until we reach the northern tip of Honshu. From there, we will cross the Tsugaru Strait, entering the Sea of Japan."
Takeru and his men leaned forward slightly, their attention focused on the route as Captain Nakamura continued.
"The Sea of Japan is relatively secure thanks to regular naval patrols, but that doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Once we pass Vladivostok, we will proceed along the eastern coastline of Russia before turning south to approach the port of Harbin. The waters near the place we will dock are particularly treacherous due to the presence of BETA activity on land, so the final leg of our journey will require utmost vigilance."
He paused, his expression serious. "The entire voyage will take approximately five days, barring any unforeseen complications. Our ship is equipped with anti-laser and anti-surface defenses, but I expect all of you to be prepared for anything. The BETA do not announce their presence."
The room was silent as the gravity of their mission settled over the soldiers. Captain Nakamura's eyes swept over them, his gaze sharp and calculating.
"Captain Shirogane," he said, addressing Takeru directly. "As the leader of Horn Company, your responsibility extends beyond commanding your men. You are also tasked with ensuring the readiness of your TSFs. I trust you will use the time aboard to prepare them for what lies ahead."
Takeru met the captain's gaze without hesitation, his expression resolute. "Understood, sir. Horn Company will be ready."
Captain Nakamura nodded approvingly. "Good. Dismissed."
Horn Company filed out of the briefing room and into the ship's interior corridors. The sound of their boots echoed faintly against the metal walls, and the occasional hum of machinery added to the ship's steady rhythm.
Takeru led his men to their quarters, which were modest but functional. Each bunk was neatly arranged, and the walls were adorned with motivational posters bearing slogans like "For the Empire" and "Duty Above All."
Once they were settled, Takeru addressed the group.
"You heard the captain," he said, his voice calm but firm. "This is not just a deployment but also a test. For the Empire, for the Kagerous, and for us. The eyes of the nation are on us, and we will not disappoint."
His gaze swept over the men, each one meeting his eyes with varying degrees of determination.
"Takeda, Fujimoto," Takeru continued, addressing the group's tactician and weapons specialist, "start reviewing the maps of Harbin's terrain. I want a preliminary strategy drafted by the time we reach the Sea of Japan."
"Yes, sir," they replied in unison.
"Nakamura, Okabe, Tanaka," Takeru went on, "inspect the TSFs and make sure they're fully operational. I don't want any surprises when we land."
"Understood, Captain," Okabe said with a nod.
"Kobayashi, Matsuda, Yamamoto, Suzuki, Inoue," Takeru finished, "rotate on watch duty and monitor the ship's defenses. We may not be naval officers, but we're soldiers. If anything happens, we're the first line of defense."
"Yes, sir," they replied.
Takeru nodded, satisfied. "Dismissed."
As the men dispersed to carry out their assignments, Takeru found himself alone for the first time since boarding the ship. He made his way to the observation deck, stepping out into the cold sea air. The Otakisan Maru had begun its journey, the coastline of Japan fading into the distance as the ship sailed northward.
The sea stretched endlessly before him, its surface shimmering under the pale light of the afternoon sun.
The IJN Otakisan Maru cut through the waves with a steady, deliberate grace, its powerful engines propelling it northward along Japan's Pacific coast. The horizon stretched endlessly in every direction, a seemingly infinite expanse of blue sky and ocean. Rhythmic sound of the ship's engine hummed like a heartbeat, a constant reminder of the journey underway.
Horn Company had settled into their new environment, their movements aboard the ship a mix of cautious adaptation and restless anticipation. For most of them, it was their first time at sea for an extended period, and the novelty of it had not yet worn off. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of saltwater, and the subtle rocking of the ship was something they would have to get used to.
At Day One, Takeru began the day early, his internal clock waking him before dawn. Rising from his bunk, he moved with practiced efficiency, donning his black and gold IRG uniform. The quarters were dimly lit, and the sound of quiet breathing filled the air as the other members of Horn Company slept.
Stepping out into the chilly morning air, Takeru made his way to the deck. The first light of dawn was breaking over the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sea. The sight was breathtaking, giving him a fleeting moment of tranquility before the weight of their mission returned to his thoughts.
This calm won't last, he thought to himself, gripping the railing as he stared out at the horizon.
"Couldn't sleep either, huh?"
The voice came from behind him, and Takeru turned to see Jun Sakai, his second-in-command, stepping up beside him. Sakai was already dressed in his uniform, his hair slightly disheveled as if he had rolled straight out of bed.
"Something like that," Takeru replied.
Sakai leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "You'd think with all the drills and training, I'd be used to this by now. But being on a ship, heading straight into the unknown… It's different."
Takeru nodded, his expression unreadable. "It's always different when you're really heading to the battlefield. The stakes are higher. The consequences are real."
They stood in silence for a while, the gentle rocking of the ship and the distant cries of seagulls filling the void.
Finally, Sakai broke the silence. "Do you think the rest of the guys are ready?"
Takeru glanced at him, his voice calm but firm. "They'll be ready when it counts. It's a baptism of fire, Sakai."
Sakai nodded, though his expression remained pensive. "Yeah. I just hope they don't let their pride get in the way. We've all seen what happens to overconfident pilots. I want to lived past the eight minutes of death."
By mid-morning, the ship was alive with activity. The men of Horn Company gathered in the briefing room for a review of their objectives and tasks for the day.
Takeru stood at the front, a map of their route displayed on the wall behind him. "We're still within the protection of the home fleet," he began, his tone measured. "The chances of encountering trouble are low, but that doesn't mean we can relax. Keep your TSFs prepped and ready for immediate deployment. If anything happens, we'll be the first line of defense."
Takeda Haruto, the tactician of the group, raised a hand. "Captain, do we have any updates on enemy activity along our route?"
Takeru shook his head. "Nothing significant. Naval patrols have reported no BETA incursions near the Sea of Japan, but we can't afford to be complacent with their recent push. There might be strugglers who had managed to get past the defenses."
Okabe Shun, ever the impulsive one, smirked. "Guess it's just us and the fish for now."
The remark earned a few chuckles, but Takeru's sharp gaze silenced them quickly.
"Stay focused," he said firmly. "This isn't a vacation."
The briefing concluded, and the men dispersed to their assigned tasks. Takeda and Fujimoto began studying the maps of Harbin's terrain, poring over every detail with the meticulousness of seasoned strategists. Nakamura, Okabe, and Tanaka inspected the TSFs in the cargo bay, ensuring every system was functioning perfectly.
Meanwhile, Kobayashi, Matsuda, Yamamoto, Suzuki, and Inoue rotated through watch duty, keeping a close eye on the ship's surroundings.
Takeru spent the afternoon overseeing their activities, offering guidance where needed but largely allowing his men to handle their responsibilities. He trusted them to do their jobs, but he also knew the importance of his presence as their leader.
As evening fell, the men gathered in the mess hall for dinner.
The atmosphere was lighter now, the camaraderie of shared duty helping to ease the tension.
"First day at sea, and we're still in one piece," Matsuda joked, earning a few laughs.
"Don't jinx it," Fujimoto shot back, smirking as he poked at his food.
Takeru sat at the head of the table, quietly observing the banter.
The second day at sea began much like the first, with the ship continuing its journey northward along the Pacific coast. The weather remained clear, the sea calm, and the horizon unbroken.
Takeru started the day with a visit to the TSF hangar, where Nakamura and Okabe were performing another round of inspections. The Kagerous, shone in the artificial light, stood like silent sentinels, their colors showing the pride of the Imperial Royal Guard.
"How are they holding up?" Takeru asked, his tone brisk.
"Everything's looking good, Captain," Nakamura replied. "No issues so far, but we'll keep running checks."
"Good," Takeru said with a nod. "I want them combat-ready at all times. I know the mechanics want them to trust us, but it's us who'll be fine-tuning these machines."
Okabe grinned, giving one of the Kagerous an affectionate pat. "Don't worry, Captain. These beauties will tear through anything that gets in our way."
Takeru didn't share his enthusiasm. "Just make sure you're ready to back up that confidence when the time comes."
By midday, the ship passed through the Tsugaru Strait, the narrow stretch of water separating Honshu and Hokkaido. The strait's strategic importance was clear, with several smaller naval vessels patrolling the area.
Captain Nakamura Kazuki joined Takeru on the observation deck, his sharp eyes scanning the surrounding waters.
"We're entering the Sea of Japan now," the captain remarked, his tone steady. "From here on out, the waters get rougher, and the risk of encountering trouble increases."
Takeru nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Understood. Horn Company is ready."
Nakamura glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "I hope so, Captain Shirogane. The BETA doesn't play by our rules. The moment you think you're safe is the moment they strike. It is unlikely we will encounter the BETA, but there have been cases."
Takeru didn't respond immediately. He understood the risks all too well. He was just glad that the BETAs that lurked underwater like Krakens weren't here yet.
The day progressed without incident, though the mood aboard the ship grew more subdued as the reality of their mission loomed ever larger. The men of Horn Company carried out their duties with quiet determination, the banter of the previous evening replaced by a focused intensity.
As night fell, Takeru found himself once again on the observation deck, the cold sea air biting at his skin.
The stars above were bright, their light reflected on the dark surface of the ocean.
It was comforting to Takeru.
The IJN Otakisan Maru still rocked gently against the choppy waters of the Sea of Japan as the fourth day of their journey began. The previous three days had been uneventful, the calm monotony only broken by routine drills and inspections. But as the ship pushed further north, nearing the eastern coastline of Russia, a subtle tension began to spread among the crew.
The once-clear skies had grown overcast, a thick layer of gray clouds casting a somber hue over the sea. The air was colder now, biting sharply against the skin, and the wind carried a salt-laden chill that seeped into the bones. The men of Horn Company were beginning to feel the weight of their mission as they drew closer to the frontlines.
Takeru stood on the observation deck early that morning, his black and gold Imperial Royal Guard uniform stiff in the brisk wind. His hands rested on the railing, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon as the waves crashed against the ship. The Sea of Japan stretched out endlessly before him, its surface dark and unyielding, as if mirroring the unease that had settled in his chest.
The sound of approaching footsteps pulled Takeru from his thoughts. Turning, he saw Jun Sakai stepping onto the deck, his expression as stoic as ever.
"Captain," Sakai greeted, his voice carrying over the wind.
"Lieutenant," Takeru replied, nodding slightly.
Sakai leaned against the railing beside him, his eyes narrowing as he stared out at the sea. "The men are restless," he said after a moment. "The closer we get, the more it's starting to sink in. We're heading to war."
Takeru didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "That's natural," he said finally. "Fear is part of the process. The key is to channel it into focus."
Sakai glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "You don't seem fazed by any of this."
Takeru let out a quiet breath, his lips curling into a faint smile. "I guess I'm just ready. Let's have a briefing."
"Roger," Sakai said, shaking his head at Takeru's stoicism.
The men of Horn Company were then gathered in the briefing room, their postures tense as they awaited their orders for the day. Captain Nakamura Kazuki entered the room with his usual air of authority, his expression calm but serious.
"Good morning, gentlemen," Nakamura began, standing at the head of the room. "We are now entering waters just south of Vladivostok. From this point on, the risk of encountering BETA activity increases. Intelligence reports suggest no immediate threats in the area, but I want all of you on high alert."
He gestured to the map pinned to the wall, tracing their route with a gloved hand. "Our path will take us further along the eastern coastline of Russia before turning south toward Harbin. The last leg of the journey will be the most dangerous, as we'll be within range of BETA activity on land. Be prepared for anything."
The captain's gaze swept across the room, his eyes sharp. "Horn Company, your TSFs must remain combat-ready at all times. Any delays in deployment could mean the difference between life and death."
Takeru nodded firmly. "Understood, Captain."
Nakamura inclined his head slightly before continuing. "We'll also be conducting a full-scale drill this afternoon. I expect all of you to perform at your best."
The briefing concluded with little fanfare, and the men dispersed to carry out their tasks. Takeru stayed behind for a moment, studying the map closely. The route was straightforward enough, but the proximity to the frontlines meant that any deviation could bring them directly into danger.
We're almost there, he thought grimly. This calm won't last much longer.
The TSF hangar was a hive of activity as the members of Horn Company conducted another round of inspections on their machines. The Kagerous, in the artificial light, stood in their places.
Takeru made his way through the hangar, his sharp eyes scanning each machine for even the smallest imperfection. Nakamura Renji and Okabe Shun worked diligently on the preflight checks, their hands moving with practiced efficiency as they inspected the assault cannons and Type-74 blades.
"Status report," Takeru said as he approached them.
Nakamura straightened, saluting briefly. "Everything's in order, Captain. No issues so far."
Okabe grinned, giving one of the Kagerous an affectionate pat. "These babies are ready to rip through anything that comes our way."
Takeru's expression remained stoic. "Good. Double-check the targeting systems. I don't want any malfunctions when it matters."
"Yes, sir," Nakamura replied, his tone serious.
As Takeru moved on, he found Takeda Haruto and Fujimoto Daiki reviewing the terrain maps of Harbin. The two men were deep in discussion, their expressions focused as they analyzed the data.
"Anything of note?" Takeru asked, stepping up beside them.
Takeda glanced at him, nodding slightly. "The terrain around Harbin is going to make deployment tricky. There are dense forests to the north and marshlands to the west. If the BETA are concentrated there, it'll be a nightmare to navigate."
"Noted," Takeru said. "Prioritize mobility. We can't afford to get bogged down. Now let's get to training!"
The drill in the training simulator was intense, designed to push the men of Horn Company to their limits. The TSFs roared to life in the simulated environment, their engines humming with raw power as the pilots ran through a series of combat simulations.
Takeru led the exercise from the front, his Kagerou moving with precision and efficiency as he demonstrated advanced maneuvers. The others struggled to keep up, their movements less fluid but still effective.
"Stay sharp," Takeru called out over the comms. "The BETA won't give you a second chance."
Takeda's voice crackled through the comms. "Captain, do you always have to be this relentless during drills?"
"Consider it preparation," Takeru replied. "If you can handle this, you'll survive out there."
The drill lasted several hours, leaving the men physically and mentally drained once they get out of the simulator's cockpit. By the time they returned to the hangar, they were drained and pissed off by the relentless Takeru showed.
Despite their thoughts about Takeru and his position as Captain. It was clear he was their ace. None of them had even come close to matching him in a dogfight or fighting BETA even if it's a simulation.
"Good work today," Takeru said. "Get some rest."
The sun dipped below the horizon as the Otakisan Maru continued its steady course. The ship's lights flickered on, casting a warm glow over the deck as the cold night air settled in.
Takeru stood on the observation deck once more, his thoughts a swirl of anticipation and unease. The fourth day of their journey was drawing to a close, and the frontlines were now closer than ever.
The sound of footsteps behind him signaled the arrival of Sakai, who stepped up beside him with a tired but determined expression.
"One more day," Sakai said quietly, his gaze fixed on the dark horizon.
Takeru nodded. "One more day."
The dawn of the fifth day aboard the IJN Otakisan Maru was anything but peaceful. A heavy fog blanketed the sea, its dense gray tendrils curling around the ship and reducing visibility to almost nothing. The cold had grown sharper overnight, and the subtle shift in the ship's atmosphere was impossible to ignore.
Horn Company could feel it. Tension hummed in the air like a taut string, ready to snap. The steady, almost monotonous routine of the previous days had been replaced by an air of grim anticipation. The calm seas were behind them now. Ahead lay the unknown, and with it, the very real possibility of encountering the BETA.
Takeru was awake before most of the crew as always, already dressed in his black and gold Imperial Royal Guard uniform. He stood at the edge of the observation deck, his hands gripping the railing as he stared into the fog. The sea was eerily still, the gentle rocking of the ship the only reminder of their forward movement.
The morning light barely pierced through the gray, casting everything in an otherworldly gloom. Takeru's sharp eyes searched the horizon, though he knew there was little to see.
"Fog's thick," Jun Sakai commented, joining him at the railing. His voice was calm, but Takeru could sense the tension beneath his words.
"Too thick," Takeru replied, his gaze never wavering. "It's the perfect cover. If the BETA are nearby, we won't see them until it's too late."
Sakai nodded, pulling his coat tighter against the biting cold. "I don't like this, Captain. Feels… wrong."
Takeru said nothing, but he silently agreed. Something about the stillness, the way the fog clung to the ship like a shroud, set his instincts on edge.
The atmosphere in the briefing room was markedly different that morning. Captain Nakamura Kazuki stood at the front, his usual calm demeanor tinged with a subtle urgency.
"Gentlemen," he began, his voice steady but firm. "We've entered waters just south of Harbin. The fog is complicating visibility, and we are now well within range of potential BETA activity. I need every one of you on high alert."
He turned to the map pinned to the wall, tracing their current position. "Our approach to Harbin requires us to navigate through the Bohai Gulf. The coastline here is contested, with multiple BETA sightings reported further inland. Naval patrols in this area are limited, and air reconnaissance is heavily restricted because of Laser-Class activity."
The captain's gaze swept across the room. "Horn Company, you will remain on standby for immediate deployment. If we encounter hostiles, you are to mobilize without hesitation. The Kagerous have been prepped for this scenario, and I trust you to carry out your duties with precision."
Takeru nodded, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Understood, Captain. Horn Company will be ready."
Nakamura studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. Dismissed."
The men filed out of the briefing room, their expressions ranging from grim determination to quiet anxiety.
The gravity of the situation was clear that this was no longer a routine journey.
The fog persisted into the afternoon, refusing to dissipate even as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The ship's radar operators worked tirelessly, scanning for any signs of movement. With the occasional crackle of their datalink's radios punctuated the otherwise heavy silence.
Horn Company gathered in the TSF hangar, dressed in their fortified suits, their machines standing ready for deployment. The Kagerous had been fully inspected the day before, and every system was primed for action. Still, the men moved through their pre-deployment routines with a sense of nervous energy.
"Think we'll see action today?" Okabe Shun asked, his voice cutting through the quiet as he tightened the straps on his flight suit.
"Probably," Takeda Haruto replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "We're too close to the frontlines now. If the BETA are out there, they'll find us."
Okabe grinned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Good. I'm getting tired of sitting around."
Kobayashi Riku shot him a look. "Careful what you wish for. The first time you see a real BETA up close, you might change your mind."
Takeru stood nearby, quietly observing the exchange. He could sense their nerves, the way they masked their unease with banter. It was a familiar pattern, one he'd seen countless times in other timelines.
"You'll have your chance to prove yourselves soon enough," Takeru said, his voice calm but firm. "Just remember your training. Stick to your formations and watch each other's backs."
The men nodded, their chatter subsiding as they returned to their preparations.
It was late afternoon when the first sign of trouble appeared. The ship's radar operator reported an unusual disturbance in the water ahead — something large, moving beneath the surface. With the satellites being unable to confirm whether they were BETA.
The announcement sent a ripple of tension through the crew.
Horn Company was immediately put on high alert, their TSFs prepped for deployment at a moment's notice.
On the observation deck, Captain Nakamura stood alongside Takeru, binoculars in hand, as he scanned the foggy horizon.
"It could be nothing," Nakamura said, though his tone suggested otherwise.
"Or it could be something," Takeru replied, his voice steady. "Either way, we need to be ready."
The ship's engines slowed as the crew adjusted course, steering cautiously to avoid the disturbance. The tension on deck was palpable, every creak of the ship and every ripple in the water drawing wary eyes.
For a time, nothing happened. The fog remained thick, the sea unnervingly quiet. But then, without warning, the calm was shattered.
The first sign of the BETA was the horrifying sound of the CODE 991 that seemed to reverberate through every corner of the Maru.
It was followed by a sudden burst of movement in the water as several large shapes breached the surface.
It was a BETA incursion.
"BETA contact!" a crewman shouted, his voice ringing out over the ship's intercom. "Battalion-sized!"
The ship's alarms blared to life, and chaos erupted on deck as the crew scrambled into action. Horn Company was summoned to the TSF hangar, their training kicking in as they moved with practiced efficiency.
Takeru reached his Kagerou first, climbing into the cockpit and strapping himself in with precision. The HUD flickered to life, displaying a flurry of data as the machine powered up.
"Horn Company, report status," Takeru ordered over the comms.
"Takeda, all systems green," came the reply.
"Fujimoto, ready to deploy."
"Nakamura, standing by."
"Horn Company, sortieing!"
One by one, the men confirmed their readiness, their voices steady despite the chaos around them.
The Fighters were deployed in quick succession, their massive frames emerging onto the deck as the ship's crew cleared the area. Takeru's TSF took point, its sleek black and gold frame gleaming even in the dim light.
From his vantage point, Takeru could see the enemy clearly now. Several Grappler and Destroyer-Class BETA had emerged from the water, their grotesque forms towering over the waves as they advanced toward the coastline.
"Engage on my command," Takeru ordered, his voice calm but authoritative.
The BETA closed the distance rapidly, their movements unnaturally fluid as they surged forward. Takeru tightened his grip on the control sticks, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Now!"
Horn Company opened fire, their assault cannons roaring to life as streams of 120mm rounds tore through the air. The first wave of BETA faltered under the barrage, their bodies riddled with holes as they collapsed into the shallow sea.
But more were coming.
"Keep your formations tight!" Takeru commanded, his Kagerou moving with precision as he fired another burst of rounds. "Don't let them get too close!"
The battle raged on, the men of Horn Company holding their ground against, firing 36mm and 120mm shells.
Despite the chaos, his voice remained steady over the comms, guiding his men through the fight.
"Okabe, shift left! Fujimoto, cover his flank!"
"Takeda, focus fire on the lead that BETA away!"
The minutes stretched into what felt like hours, but eventually, the tide began to turn.
The BETA's numbers thinned, their assault faltering under the combined firepower of Horn Company, the escorts, and the ship's defenses.
Finally, the last of the BETA fell, their grotesque forms bathing the coastlines in BETA blood.
"Cease fire!" Takeru ordered, his voice cutting through the crackling comms. "Good work, everyone."
The ship returned to its course as the fog of war began to lift, the faint light of the setting sun breaking through the gray as the IJN Otakisan Maru docked.
With BETA being the first to greet them personally, they finally know they were in the frontlines.