Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 262 : The Pursuit

December 27, 1897

Aboard the USS Amerathia.

The salty wind howled across the deck of the USS Amerathia as it cut through the Pacific waters, its powerful engines humming beneath the steel plating. The moonlight reflected off the dark waves, casting an eerie glow over the ocean. The Pacific Fleet, now on high alert, moved in tight formation, ready for battle if needed.

Matthew Hesh stood on the bridge, gripping the railing as he watched the vast expanse of water ahead. The Japanese navy had already begun their pursuit from Kyushu, but the Amerathian fleet had the advantage of speed and firepower.

"Admiral Parker," Matthew said, turning to the seasoned commander standing beside him. "How far ahead are the targets?"

Parker adjusted his spyglass before responding. "Approximately thirty nautical miles ahead. The Japanese reported that they've identified at least three unknown vessels—possibly disguised merchant ships."

"Any confirmation on their nationality?"

Parker frowned. "None yet. But if they were truly merchant ships, they wouldn't be running like this."

Collins, who had been scanning intelligence reports, approached. "Sir, we intercepted a transmission from one of our outposts near the Ryukyu Islands. The fleeing ships are attempting to communicate with someone—unknown code, encrypted."

Matthew exchanged a glance with Parker. "Could they be calling for reinforcements?"

"That's a possibility," Parker admitted. "We need to intercept before they have a chance."

Matthew exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. This was no longer just about finding the people responsible for the attack—this could escalate into something far worse.

"Captain Rogers," Parker called to the officer at the helm. "Increase to flank speed. I want us closing the gap within the hour."

"Aye, sir!" Rogers barked as he relayed the order to the engine room.

The USS Amerathia surged forward, the rest of the fleet following in its wake.

Approaching the Unknown Ships

The Amerathian fleet now had visual confirmation of their targets.

Three ships, sailing under no identifiable flags, were zigzagging across the waves in an attempt to shake pursuit. The largest vessel, a heavily modified cargo ship, was lagging behind, struggling to keep up with the other two.

"They're not built for speed," Collins muttered, peering through a pair of binoculars. "They're carrying something."

Matthew nodded. "Or someone."

Admiral Parker turned to his officers. "Prepare a boarding party. We'll take the largest ship first."

A signal was sent to the Japanese fleet, instructing them to handle the other two vessels while Amerathia took the lead on the main target.

"Send a final warning," Matthew ordered. "Tell them to stop or be fired upon."

A signal lamp flashed across the dark waters, delivering the ultimatum.

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For a tense moment, silence stretched between the two forces. Then—

A sudden muzzle flash from the enemy ship.

"Incoming fire!"

Bullets whizzed through the air, striking the hull of the Amerathian destroyer leading the charge. Cannon fire erupted from one of the enemy ships, sending a shell screaming past the USS Amerathia's bow.

"Return fire!" Parker barked.

The Amerathian ships roared to life, deck guns unleashing volleys that tore into the enemy hulls. The Japanese fleet, seeing the attack unfold, joined the battle with precision artillery strikes.

The sea became a battlefield.

As the battle raged, the Amerathian Marines prepared for an assault.

Matthew, despite his high rank, refused to remain idle. Dressed in a naval officer's coat and armed with a revolver, he stood with the boarding party.

"You don't have to do this, sir," Collins said, eyeing him warily.

Matthew smirked. "I didn't come all this way to watch from the sidelines."

The USS Amerathia pulled alongside the enemy vessel, and with grappling hooks securing the two ships together, the Marines stormed aboard.

Gunfire erupted as enemy combatants—clad in mixed military and civilian clothing—opened fire from behind crates and barrels.

Matthew ducked behind cover as bullets pinged off the steel railing. "Suppressive fire!" he shouted.

The Marines moved with tactical precision, returning fire while advancing down the deck. The enemy forces fought desperately, but they were outmatched.

As Matthew and his team pressed forward, a Japanese officer from the allied boarding party ran up to him. "We found something below deck!"

Matthew didn't hesitate. "Show me."

The lower levels of the cargo ship were dimly lit and reeked of oil and damp wood. The moment Matthew stepped inside, he knew something was wrong.

The first thing he noticed were wooden crates stacked high, each marked with foreign insignias. Weapons.

Collins ran a gloved hand over one of the crates, prying it open. Inside, neatly packed rows of rifles, pistols, and ammunition gleamed under the lantern light.

"These aren't just any weapons," Collins said, inspecting the craftsmanship. "They're Russian."

Matthew clenched his jaw. The implications were clear. If these weapons were being smuggled into Japan, it meant there was a deliberate effort to destabilize the country from within.

Then, from the far side of the room, a low groan.

A man, bound and gagged, was slumped against the wall.

A Japanese nobleman—judging by his fine yet tattered robes. His face was bloodied, his eyes wide with recognition the moment he saw them.

Takeda, the Japanese investigator who had joined the boarding party, rushed forward. "It's Lord Nakamura!"

Matthew turned sharply. "Who?"

Takeda's face was grim. "A close advisor to Emperor Yoshihito. He disappeared two months ago. We thought he had been assassinated."

Collins exhaled sharply. "They were keeping him alive."

Matthew knelt beside the injured man, untying his gag. "Lord Nakamura. Can you speak?"

The nobleman coughed violently, his voice hoarse. "They… they wanted me to sign a decree… to declare Yoshihito unfit to rule."

Matthew's stomach turned. "Who did this?"

Nakamura's gaze was filled with fear. "The Russians," he whispered.

The room fell silent.

Collins exchanged a grim look with Matthew. "Well, that confirms it."

Matthew straightened with a cold expression. "Get him medical attention. We need him alive."

Takeda nodded, signaling for the Japanese medics.

Matthew turned back to Collins. "Send word to Yoshihito. We have our answer."

Collins exhaled. "This changes everything."

Matthew nodded. The attack on the succession ceremony had just escalated into an international crisis.

As he walked back toward the deck, the realization settled in.

This wasn't just about Japan anymore.

It was about global power.

And Amerathia had just stepped into the center of it.