Chapter 257: Building a Port, Fortifying the Sea Defense

"Iron Blood" battleship, main bridge.

The smoke of the sea battle has not yet fully cleared, and the joy of victory mingles with post‑war fatigue in the air. The sailors are at their stations conducting post‑battle inspections and cleanup, their faces unable to hide excitement and pride.

Lin Yu stands at the center of the bridge, while General Shen and several other chief Ship Captains and officers stand before him, upright and awaiting orders.

Lin Yu's gaze sweeps over the troops who have just achieved a brilliant victory, and a sincere admiration appears on his face. He steps forward, his voice loud and powerful:

"General Shen, all Ship Captains, all naval personnel!"

"Tonight's battle showcased the might of our Shen City Navy! It displayed the blood‑spilling spirit of our Huaxia soldiers!"

"Facing the well‑equipped, over‑confident Eastern Fleet, you remained calm, commanded steadily, employed sound tactics, and with minimal cost achieved a glorious total annihilation of the enemy! With precise artillery and fearless courage you proved to the world who truly rules these waters!"

"I, Lin Yu, am proud of you! Shen City is proud of you!"

Lin Yu's words ring with vigor, full of inspiring force. General Shen and the other officers straighten their chests, their eyes flashing with excitement and reverence. Though the ordinary soldiers are not on the bridge, Lin Yu's voice echoes through the ship's broadcast system, eliciting wave after wave of uncontrollable cheers.

After the brief commendation, Lin Yu's smile narrows slightly, his gaze becoming deeper and more far‑reaching. He looks at General Shen, his tone turning serious and purposeful:

"General Shen, this victory is only a beginning. We now have a powerful fleet, but that is not enough. A strong navy must have a solid, modern home port as its foundation."

"From tomorrow onward," Lin Yu orders, "you will immediately coordinate with Zhou Wei of City Hall, who will handle land, resources, and labor. The two of you will jointly oversee, in the coastal area near Shen City, an immediate site survey and the planning of a modern naval base!"

"This base must not only berth and maintain all our current vessels, including submarines, but also reserve space for future expansion! It must be equipped with complete shipyards, repair facilities, ammunition depots, fuel stores, coastal defense batteries, and accompanying barracks and training facilities!"

"I demand high design standards and rapid construction! I will fully support funding and technology. This is the foundation of our navy's future development and must be implemented promptly!"

Lin Yu's words are not only a future plan but also a strong affirmation of the navy's status. General Shen feels a surge of heat in his chest upon hearing them. He knows well how vital a modern base is to a fleet. Though the fleet was already strong, it always felt adrift, lacking a true home.

Lin Yu's decision is undoubtedly a tonic for the navy and demonstrates his long‑term strategic vision.

"Yes! Commander Lin!" General Shen snaps to attention, his eyes full of vigor and resolve, "I will guarantee the mission's completion! I'll contact Mayor Zhou immediately and begin on‑site surveying first thing tomorrow morning!"

He can imagine that when the news reaches Zhou Wei of City Hall, the highly efficient administrator will be equally excited. The leader's foresight and decisive action are precisely what allow this newborn regime to quickly take root and display vigorous vitality.

A brand‑new, powerful naval base is about to rise on Shen City's coastline, becoming a solid shield protecting the city and these waters.

Lin Yu nods with satisfaction, his gaze once again turning to the deep night sky and sea, already sketching an even grander blueprint in his mind.

Eastern Empire, Sasebo Naval Base, First United Fleet Command.

Unlike the silence and grimness of the waters off Shen City, the command's banquet hall now glows brightly, warm and inviting, hosting a grand dinner. Senior officers don crisp white naval dress uniforms, wear medals, and mingle among the lavishly attired guests.

The air is scented with sake, whiskey, and exquisite cuisine, accompanied by mellow Western music and bursts of lively chatter, creating a heated and luxurious atmosphere.

A group of naval officers gathers, raising their glasses high, full of vigor.

"Gentlemen! A toast to our south‑bound warriors!" a officer wearing a Lieutenant Commander insignia declares loudly, "It won't be long before Commander Shankou returns with the head of that arrogant Chinese warlord Lin Yu, bringing triumph news to the Empire!"

"Hahaha! Well said!" another Captain interjects, a contemptuous smile on his face, "A mere local warlord dares to challenge the Eastern Empire Navy's tiger whiskers? It's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—self‑destruction! A single salvo from the Nagato should be enough to flatten his stronghold, right?"

"I doubt we'll even need to fire Nagato's main gun!" a Major scoffs, "Those two veteran Fusō ships, together with the Miyako‑class iron fists, will teach those inferior Chinese what real naval power is! I heard they're still using Great Dry's scrap metal?"

"Hahaha…" a wave of uproarious laughter erupts, the words dripping with extreme contempt and mockery toward Great Dry and Lin Yu. In their view, sending a powerful detachment centered on the Nagato southward to deal with a local warlord is like using a butcher's knife to kill a chicken; victory is already a certainty, with no doubt at all. It's more a armed parade, a leisurely mission to showcase the Empire's naval might to the world.

At the head table of the banquet hall, the First United Fleet Commander, Admiral Dahenei Denqi, holds a crystal‑clear glass of champagne, a self‑satisfied smile on his face, chatting merrily with several high‑ranking officials and local gentry.

He is not tall but exudes great presence; his greying hair is meticulously groomed, his eyes radiating the authority and confidence of long‑time seniority. He has absolute confidence in the detachment heading south.

In his view, this is not only punishment for the Lin Yu who dared to challenge the Empire's authority, but also an excellent opportunity to further cement the Empire's Far‑East maritime hegemony.

"Rest assured," Admiral Dahenei says to the guests beside him, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "In a few days we will receive news of Commander Shankou's victory. After this battle, those ignorant Chinese will fully understand who truly dominates these seas. The Empire's glory will shine across the four oceans!"

Dahenei raises his glass, inviting everyone to drink, his eyes sparkling with boundless future optimism and absolute confidence in the Empire's naval might. He is fully immersed in the anticipated "victory" joy, utterly unaware that at this very moment the mighty fleet he so highly expects has already turned into cold steel wreckage in the depths of the East Sea, and a shocking disaster that could astonish the entire Empire is racing toward him at full speed.

The revelry and arrogance at Sasebo Naval Base have, unseen, already composed a sarcastic prelude to the looming colossal disgrace and defeat.