If the enemy does not surrender, he is destroyed. Or they are forced to peace, if not the thirst for revenge and robbery, but political pragmatism and human humanity prevail among the motives of the winning side. Having achieved victory in the general battle of the fleets at Cape Shantung, having avoided the bloody, destructive consequences of Gapon's turmoil, St. Petersburg unexpectedly offered Tokyo peace on terms honorable to the defeated side. However, the Russians' generous offer was rejected. The army leadership obtained from Emperor Mutsuhito a decision to continue fighting. The first serious defeat on land, near Liaoyang, does not change his position. But prolonging the war is not in Russia’s interests. And the tsar approves of two daring operations proposed by the headquarters of the Pacific Fleet. Rudnev's squadrons will attack the forts of Tokyo Bay and land the Guards Expeditionary Force to capture the capital of Japan. At the same time, thirty torpedo boats should strike the enemy fleet right in its main base - Sasebo.