Chapter 250: Sea Battle Looms on the Horizon

Shen Chonghai, seeing that Lin Yu had finished the inspection, saluted again and, in a steady voice, reported: "Supreme Commander, all units of the fleet have completed self‑inspection of combat readiness; fuel and ammunition are ample, and communications are clear. According to the latest intelligence, the Eastern Detachment Fleet is expected to enter our long‑range observation zone this afternoon and may come within main‑gun effective range by evening."

While reporting, Shen Chonghai also noticed the "special guest" in a wheelchair that Feng An had pushed to the edge of the deck. Although Zuo Teng Jianyi's face was ruined, his distinctive high‑end kimono and the look he received from Feng An instantly led the seasoned naval officer to guess the man's identity and plight.

A barely perceptible flash of surprise crossed his eyes, but his solid military training kept him from showing it, and in his mind he felt a few more degrees of awe toward the young Supreme Commander's ruthless tactics.

After finishing the report, Shen Chonghai looked at the young Supreme Commander before him, dressed in crisp uniform and exuding calm, hesitated briefly, then stepped forward, lowered his voice, and spoke in a tone both respectful and sincerely concerned:

"Supreme Commander, allow me to speak frankly," Shen Chonghai bowed slightly, "the fleet is fully prepared, all commanders and soldiers have sworn to complete the mission to the death. It's just…"

He glanced at the churning sea in the distance, his tone growing heavier: "Naval battles are perilous and ever‑changing. Shells have no eyes; even a sturdy battleship like the Ironblood is not absolutely safe amid fierce fire."

The ancient saying goes, "A gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall"; you command thousands, your life tied to Shen City and the whole operation's safety, and to personally observe from the frontline flagship carries far too much risk.

Shen Chonghai's concern was not pretentious. As a professional, seasoned naval commander, he fully understood the brutality and uncertainty of sea combat. The flagship is often the enemy's primary target; if it is hit or an accident occurs, the consequences would be unimaginable.

The safety of the Supreme Commander is the prerequisite for ensuring the entire operation system runs stably.

"I earnestly ask you, Supreme Commander, to think it over!" Shen Chonghai bowed again, his tone sincere, "You can stay at the rear Command Center and command the whole battle via radio. We here are enough to send every invading enemy to the seabed! Your safety is paramount!"

His words were filled with genuine concern for Lin Yu's safety, as well as the sense of duty and professional assessment of war risks that a fleet commander should have. He could not allow his highest superior to be placed in such a perilous situation.

Hearing Shen Chonghai's worried admonition, Lin Yu not only did not get angry; instead a confident smile appeared on his face. He turned, patted Shen Chonghai's shoulder, his gaze sharp.

"General Shen," Lin Yu said lightly yet with undeniable authority, "I understand your concern. But tell me," he lifted his hand and pointed at the still‑struggling, fear‑filled Zuo Teng Jianyi in the distance, "do you think that their incoming fleet, with those few old battleships and cruisers, can truly threaten our Ironblood? Can they threaten our Sea Eagle Task Force?"

His words were saturated with absolute confidence in their own strength, as if stating an obvious fact.

Shen Chonghai was taken aback by Lin Yu's retort. Instinctively he straightened his back, recalling the Ironblood's indestructible armor, its massive main guns, and the fleet's era‑defying configuration and well‑trained crew… Indeed, compared with his own fleet, the Eastern Detachment Fleet seemed truly… underwhelming?

Lin Yu, seeing the confident gleam in Shen Chonghai's eyes, continued: "I have absolute confidence in you, in the Senior Ship Captain, in Colonel Liu, and in every officer and soldier of our Sea Eagle Task Force!" His voice was not loud, but it was infectious, "I believe that with our strength, this battle is nothing but catching a turtle in a jar—a one‑sided hunt!"

"If that's the case," Lin Yu's smile grew brighter, "why should I worry about my own safety? I'm staying here not to take a risk, but to witness with my own eyes! To witness how we trample the so‑called 'Eastern Invincible Fleet' underfoot! To witness how a new maritime era belonging to us is inaugurated!"

Lin Yu's words, brimming with absolute confidence and trust, were like blazing fire, instantly igniting Shen Chonghai's heroic spirit and battle fervor! Indeed! The commander trusts himself so much! He is so confident in the fleet's strength! What reason does he have to be timid and fear failure?!

"Supreme Commander!" Shen Chonghai sprang to a rigid stance, excitement and resolve flashing in his eyes. He gave Lin Yu an impeccably precise, forceful German‑style military salute, his voice booming as if in an oath:

"I understand! Please rest assured, Supreme Commander!"

"In this battle, the Sea Eagle Task Force will not disgrace its mission! We will unleash a barrage of guns, a thunderous strike, and utterly consign every invading enemy to this sea!"

"I will command the fleet to clear every maritime obstacle for you! Let the Easterners know who truly dominates these waters!"

His voice echoed in the sea breeze, full of unshakable belief in victory and soaring fighting spirit. Lin Yu's trust and bold words had completely ignited the fleet's morale!

Lin Yu nodded with satisfaction. This is exactly the momentum he wanted!

The great battle loomed, and the entire Ironblood battleship, as well as the whole Sea Eagle Task Force, were suffused with a fierce, solemn aura. Every gun barrel was raised, every torpedo ready, every aircraft engine warming up…

Just waiting for the prey to enter range! A sea showdown that will shock the world is already nocked on the bow!