At the meeting with , they sent an ultimatum to recognize Russian dominance in Manchuria in exchange for recognition of being within the Japanese sphere of influence.Finally, diplomatic relations between two countries began to get even hostility. , in the , was eyeing on (aka Port Arthur) and the movement of the in , and devised a secret plan. Then, he got reports that Captain , commanded the old cargo vessel "Fukui Maru" and several ships, was spotted by the Russian fleet squadron and was hit, destroying the ship and killing Hirose. Many officers and sailors managed to escape from the . War was declared after the first naval battle. The Japanese Navy won its first battle against the Russians.