Aboard the battleship Yamato, Vice Admiral Matome Ugaki is the sole survivor of an American airstrike. With the Center Force Ugaki now commands having suffered grievous losses, the sky full of American warplanes, and an uncertain situation in front of him, no rational person criticize a retreat. Bushido, however, is not rational, nor does Japan have the luxury of seeking battle another day. The Center Force must reach the American beachhead...or die trying.

Vice Admiral Willis Lee does not understand Bushido, but he can read a map. Despite aviators' claims to have sent the Japanese fleet fleeing, Lee is considering insubordination when an engineering casualty forces his hand. Regardless of what dawn will bring for the carriers of Third Fleet, Lee will take Task Force 34 south to guard the exit of San Bernadino Strait.

Meanwhile, the U.S.S. Johnston rides herd on a small group of aircraft carriers designated "Taffy 3" off the coast of Samar. To her captain's disappointment, the tides of war have prevented her from participating in the unfolding battle in Surigao Strait. For Ensign Jack Murphy, things couldn't be better. He's happily counting down the days until the United States Navy strangles the Empire of Japan by fishing aviators out of the ocean and hunting for nonexistent submarines. Pure Fate has brought him to the Johnston, and he is ready for the fickle goddess to carry him just as safely off the destroyer's deck when she next docks.

Unbeknownst to all three men, when dawn breaks on the 25th of October the lives of thousands will turn on their decisions. Titans will clash, with the fate of the Philippines hanging in the balance!