After a week, the Japanese realized that the action on Guadalcanal was a serious one. Henderson Airport began to pose a threat to them. Although they managed to reach the sea at sea, they did not have anything on the island to threaten the Americans.
Consequently, elements of the 7 DP under the command of the col. Ichiki and the Special Forces Silo.
The Japanese commander decided not to wait for reinforcement and attacked immediately.

