It was a classic brinkmanship tactic—achieve everything possible and force the opponent to make the final, difficult choice. But they underestimated Russia.
If their enemy sought to teeter on the brink, Russia was prepared to shove them into the abyss.
Kuropatkin divided his forces, leaving a portion of the main army to hold the rear while sending the bulk under Kondrachenko toward Pyongyang.
Though the ice had not yet fully melted, the Pacific Fleet departed Vladivostok, and the Baltic Fleet set sail as well.
"Admiral! The Pacific Fleet, which left Vladivostok at dawn yesterday, has passed through the Tsushima Strait!"
The Allied Fleet, the entirety of Japan's naval power, braced itself. Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, leading the fleet, fell into deep contemplation.
"This is no bluff to force a treaty. They mean to fight."
While some in Japan clung to the hope that Britain's support would save them, Tōgō knew better.
"They would not bleed for a cause that serves them no profit."
