on 26 november 1941, "natori" became flagship of rear admiral kenzaburo hara's destroyer squadron 5 under vice admiral ibo takahashi's third fleet and was assigned to the no.1 surprise attack unit of the philippine seizure force. at the time of the attack on pearl harbor, "natori" was escorting six transports carrying elements of the ija's 48th infantry division from mako, pescadores to aparri, northern luzon. the landing force was attacked by three usaaf b-17 flying fortress bombers of the 14th squadron on 10 december 1941, which slightly damaged "natori" and the escorting destroyer with near misses. after minor repairs at mako, "natori" ferried 27 transports with the 47th infantry regiment of the 48th infantry division and the 4th tank regiment to lingayen gulf in late december.