One man's resistance against Japan, I mobilized a million people to aid Shanghai.

Three days later, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor.

On this day, the sky over Pearl Harbor was crystal clear.

From early morning, all passageways at Pearl Harbor were placed under lockdown, but non-combatants were allowed to observe from designated safe areas.

The docks, hillsides, and even the rooftops of nearby buildings were packed with people: soldiers, shipyard workers, military dependents, and journalists.

Holding binoculars and cameras, each of them stood on tiptoe, craning their necks to look at the empty sea to the northwest.

10:00 AM.

On the distant horizon, the roar of engines, like muffled thunder rolling across the sky, first appeared.

Immediately afterwards, a moving black line gradually pierced the horizon where the sea and sky met.

Leading the way were four long-bodied Brooklyn-class light cruisers, which came cutting through the waves.

Following closely behind were two even larger Portland-class heavy cruisers with menacing main guns.

The heavy armor on the warships reflected a cold, hard luster in the sunlight. This was one of the most important forces at sea, and their massive cannons were powerful enough to destroy any fortifications.

Behind the protective barrier formed by cruisers, the protagonist makes his appearance.

Not just one aircraft carrier, but an entire carrier battle group.

The USS Enterprise aircraft carrier took the lead.

Its sleek hull lines and massive size immediately drew thunderous cheers from the direction of the dock.

Following closely behind was its sister ship, the USS Hornet, equally new and equally imposing.

But this is not all.

Following them were even more figures.

The USS Ranger, USS Wasp, and several smaller escort carriers converted from large merchant ships.

They formed an unprecedentedly large air strike group!

Perhaps to create an atmosphere, all the carrier-based aircraft took off and circled in the sky, densely packed and layered.

Two thousand F4F Wildcat fighters, SBD Dauntless dive bombers, and TBD Destroyer torpedo bombers filled the sky above Pearl Harbor, their silver-gray wings partially blocking out the sunlight.

"My God... this is simply... Noah's Ark fleet..." an elderly priest murmured, making the sign of the cross.

"We're going to win! We're fucking sure to win!" A young sailor, disregarding military discipline, jumped onto his comrade's back, waving his hat and roaring.

On the dock, Vice Admiral Nimitz stood on the podium for the welcoming ceremony, surrounded by a group of generals including Halsey and Spruance.

He didn't cheer wildly like the people around him, but his slightly raised chin and his eyes that gleamed with a captivating light in the sunlight revealed the surging emotions within him.

This is the sword of the United States, about to be wielded towards the Western Pacific, a weapon to sever Zhu Ganglie's ambitions!

In a corner of the invited crowd, MacArthur stood quietly.

He was still wearing his crisply pressed khaki military uniform and his familiar old military cap. His corncob pipe, unusually, was not lit; he simply held it in his hand.

He gazed calmly at the spectacular, surreal scene before him, his face devoid of the extreme excitement of the surrounding crowd, instead displaying a profound tranquility.

Only the corners of his mouth seemed to unconsciously curve into a very faint arc.

"That's truly spectacular."

"This fleet is enough to sweep across the entire Pacific Ocean, isn't it?"

MacArthur's gaze slowly swept over the towering ship silhouettes, a burning glint in his eyes.

This warship is great, but it will soon be mine!

MacArthur glanced casually at some inconspicuous corners of the port, among the busy dockworkers and junior staff.

No one noticed that the skin of these people gradually turned yellow.

Soon, the warships arrived at the port, and the welcoming ceremony was very grand.

Nimitz delivered his congratulatory address in person, and his voice was clearly transmitted to every corner of the harbor through loudspeakers.

"Soldiers! Citizens!"

"Today, we are witnessing not only the convergence of steel, but also the solidification of resolve and the embodiment of justice!"

"These powerful warships come from our great motherland and represent the indomitable will of the United States!"

"They came here with only one purpose: to end tyranny and restore peace and order to the Pacific!"

"From this day forward, Pearl Harbor will be the spearhead aimed at the heart of the Eastern devil!"

"Victory is ours! God bless America!"

"God bless America!" The response swept through the harbor like a tsunami.

After the ceremony, even more demanding work began.

The newly arrived giant ship needs to be berthed, moored, and connected to shore power and supply lines.

Lines of fuel trucks, ammunition trucks, and food supply trucks stretched out in long queues at the dock.

Cranes lift boxes of parts, spare aircraft engines, and even entire aircraft components onto the ship.

Pilots and ground crew hurriedly boarded the ship to familiarize themselves with the new environment.

......

In the afternoon, the atmosphere was lively at an informal luncheon held at headquarters for senior officers.

Nimitz was surrounded by his colleagues and subordinates, discussing the details of the attack and the assessment of the enemy situation. Everyone's face was filled with confidence in victory.

MacArthur was also present. He spoke politely with people and expressed his anticipation for the upcoming "big operation," but he always seemed a bit more aloof than the others.

After the luncheon, Nimitz had his final formal conversation with MacArthur in his office.

The adjutant has already arranged MacArthur's return to the United States, and the special plane will take off in two hours.

"Douglas,"

Nimitz extended his hand, a businesslike smile on his face.

"Domestic affairs are equally important. The establishment of the Second Fleet is key to the future defense of the Atlantic and the homeland."

"The President entrusting you with this important task is an affirmation of your abilities."

I wish you success in your new position.

MacArthur gripped Nimitz's hand tightly, his face beaming with excitement at being entrusted with such an important task.

"Thank you, Chester! I'm really grateful for your...care during this time."

"Rest assured, I will do everything in my power domestically to build a powerful fleet as quickly as possible!"

"Victory will surely belong to the bald eagle."

His words were full of enthusiasm, but his gaze inadvertently swept across the harbor outside the window once again, where a dense array of ships were moored.

Nimitz smiled, and that underlying sense of imbalance resurfaced.

MacArthur, a defeated general, continued to rise through the ranks due to his family background, while he, after struggling for half his life, only reached the rank of lieutenant general.

However, thinking about the upcoming great battle and the opportunity to make meritorious contributions and be promoted to general, he felt a little more at ease.

"Then I wish you all your dreams come true and continued success."

"I also wish you good luck in defending Pearl Harbor..." MacArthur said.

"Defense? No, I'm on offense."

Nimitz emphasized:

"I'm going west to find Zhu Ganglie's main naval force and destroy it!"

"Oh, attack...yes, attack."

"Look at me, I'm probably a little restless because I'm about to go back to China."

MacArthur seemed to immediately realize his slip of the tongue, apologetic smile spreading across his face as he patted his forehead: "Of course we must attack! We must crush the enemy with our invincible fleet!"

Nimitz's brow relaxed, taking it as an unintentional remark.

He waved his hand magnanimously: "Don't worry, Douglas."

"Pearl Harbor is impregnable, and our fleet will be even more invincible."

"Just go back to China and wait for good news."

"Of course, of course."

MacArthur smiled and gave a final salute.

"Well then, goodbye, Chester."

"May God bless you and this great fleet."

Goodbye, Douglas, have a safe trip.

MacArthur turned and left Nimitz's office.

Nimitz watched MacArthur's departing figure, and for some reason, felt uneasy.

It might be due to anxieties about the upcoming expedition.

However, none of that matters anymore. In war, people always die. What follows is Nimitz's era.

As long as Zhu Ganglie is eliminated, he will be a hero of the Bald Eagle.

Nimitz walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window and looked down over the entire Pearl Harbor.

Under the sunlight, the twelve aircraft carriers, like twelve lurking giants, rested quietly in the azure sea.

A surge of ambition unconsciously rose within Nimitz.

Zhu Ganglie?

You are indeed a formidable opponent, but in the face of such despairing power, any schemes and tricks are destined to be crushed.

Nimitz took a deep breath, then picked up the communicator and gave the order;

"Notify all unit commanders that a final operational meeting will be held at 8 p.m. tonight."

"We'll depart tomorrow, heading west to Ryukyu."

"Get the lads ready. The holiday is over, and the real hunt is about to begin."