Chapter 39: Navy Incident A

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Upon returning from the Indian Ocean to the mainland, the Shōhō conducted an extension of the flight deck in conjunction with maintenance. This measure was taken to accommodate high-speed and heavy carrier-based aircraft. As a result, the flight deck, which was originally 180 meters, was extended to 195 meters. Additionally, in a separate effort to enhance anti-air capabilities, extra machine guns were installed. In the midst of these changes, Captain Morishita visited the Third Fleet Headquarters to receive an explanation of the upcoming operation.

"The Imperial Navy will once again aim to capture Port Moresby, and will do so with the full force of the Combined Fleet. This is perhaps the greatest and final opportunity to eliminate Australia from the war. It is undoubtedly a crucial battle where failure is not an option. Therefore, I want the seasoned Shōhō to spearhead this battle as an aircraft carrier carrying only fighters."

With the words of Chief of Staff Yamada in mind, Morishita glanced at the organization chart in front of him.

Third Fleet

- Force A

   - Shōkaku (36 × A6Ms, 18 × D3As, 12 × B5Ns, 6 × D4Y1-Cs)

   - Zuikaku (36 × A6Ms, 18 × D3As, 12 × B5Ns, 6 ×D4Y1-Cs)

   - Hiryū (36 × A6Ms, 12 × D3As, 9 × B5Ns)

   - Sōryū (36 × A6Ms, 12 × D3As, 9 × B5Ns)

   - Heavy cruiser Tone

   - Light cruiser Jintsū

   - Destroyers Akizuki, Teruzuki, Suzutsuki, Hatsuzuki, Naganami, Makinami, Takanami, Ōnami

- Force B

   - Akagi (36 ×A6Ms, 18 × D3As, 12 × B5Ns)

   - Jun'yō (27 × A6Ms, 12 × D3As, 9 × B5Ns)

   - Hiyō (27 × A6Ms, 12 × D3As, 9 × B5Ns)

   - Ryūhō (18 × A6Ms, 6 × B5Ns)

   - Heavy cruiser Chikuma

   - Light cruiser Naka

- Destroyers Akigumo, Yūgumo, Makigumo, Kazagumo, Kuroshio, Oyashio, Hayashio

Second Fleet

- Battleships Hiei, Kirishima, Kongō, Haruna

- Heavy cruisers Atago, Takao, Myōkō, Haguro, Kumano, Suzuya, Mogami, Mikuma

- Light cruiser Agano

- Destroyers Yukikaze, Hatsukaze, Amatsukaze, Tokitsukaze, Urakaze, Isokaze, Tanikaze, Hamakaze, Hagikaze, Maikaze, Arashi, Nowaki

- Temporary transfer from the Third Fleet

   - Ryūjō (27 × A6Ms, 6 × B5Ns)

   - Shōhō (27 × A6Ms)

   - Zuihō (27 × A6Ms)

Morishita understood what Yamada was getting at. The Eastern Fleet, considered the guardian deity to the west for Australia, suffered defeat before the Second and Third Fleets and was swept away from the Indian Ocean. If they can further strike the guardian deity to the east, the Pacific Fleet, Australia will be left without any reliable forces. Exploiting this situation, they plan to propose peace to Australia. If successful, the Japanese forces would avoid facing an upward thrust of Allied air force capabilities from the south. However, there were parts of Yamada's words that Morishita couldn't fully agree with, and clarification was necessary.

"Although you say to lead as an aircraft carrier carrying only fighters, based on this formation, the Shōhō seems to serve only as a decoy for the regular carriers of the Third Fleet. Am I wrong?"

"As one would expect from a captain who has been through actual combat, rhetoric is not going to cut it. As you say, I too think that your interpretation is natural."

Morishita couldn't hide a wry smile at Yamada's straightforward manner of speaking. Both of them knew.

This formation was not decided by the Second Fleet or the Third Fleet Headquarters but reflected the intentions of their higher organization, either the Combined Fleet Headquarters or the Navy General Staff. Therefore, arguing about it between a chief of staff and a captain was meaningless. Rather, it was just a waste of time. Whether relieved by Morishita's attitude or not, Yamada lowered his voice and changed the subject.

"Captain, are you aware of the strange rumors circulating about the Shōhō related to the Navy Incident A?"

Yamada referred to the aircraft accident that occurred on April 18, where a liaison plane carrying staff from the Combined Fleet Headquarters on a business trip from Truk to the mainland crashed shortly after takeoff. All crew and passengers, including Senior Staff Kuroshima and Military Affairs Staff Watanabe, died. This unprecedented accident, in which a large number of Combined Fleet Headquarters staff were lost at once, became a topic of discussion within the Imperial Navy, known as the Navy Incident A. Of course, Morishita had also heard about it.

"I also feel regret for the loss of so many promising elites in the future of the Imperial Navy."

Honestly, Morishita had mixed feelings about their deaths, but for now, he chose to speak words that wouldn't cause offense. Discussions about life and death are delicate, and careful choice of words is necessary. However, the words that came out of Yamada's mouth were beyond Morishita's imagination.

"There are rumors that they, or rather Senior Staff Kuroshima, died because of the curse of the Shōhō."

"What—"

In response to Yamada's absurd words, Morishita blurted.