In 1904, Russian Port Arthur still existed and if the Baltic Fleet of Russia joined the Lushun Fleet, Japanese combined fleet would have no chance. In July, Togo held a council of war to defeat the Lushun Fleet of Russia protected by a fortress. Saneyuki argued that they should attack only 203 Hill to set observation point there and shell the Lushun Fleet. However, the Army, Gentaro Kodama turned down his argument, saying the purpose of the Army is to reduce a Lushun Fortress itself. The Army of the third military commander, ordered the capture of Lushun. Provoked by the shelling, the Lushun Fleet of Russia set sail in August. The battle took place over the Yellow Sea and the combined fleet could not annihilate the enemy fleet. Meanwhile, Kodama ordered Yoshifuru to organize a squad of the Akiyama troop. The first general attack, a frontal attack by the Army failed because the Lushun Fortress was modern solidified with concrete, causing 16,000 casualties. By the attack on Port Arthur, Japanese faced a terror of modern warfare. Furthermore, the second general attack also ended in failure. In October, Baltic Fleet of Russia finally leaves for Japan.
