Chapter 1: Survivor
The morning was overcast, a normal occurrence during the monsoon season. What was not normal was the somber mood around the forward base. High Command had released the operational details to the units involved a few months ago, following which the hectic preparations ensued. Convoy frequencies were increased, resources stockpiled, training intensified, rigging thoroughly overhauled, and a few pieces of new tech fresh from Yuubari and Akashi were thrown in. All this led up to what was dubbed "The Final Grand Battle". Up until a week ago this was the life at the base, until the Admiral himself called for a cessation of all non-critical duties, a tradition he brought with him on his posting.
"Take this time off to clear your mind, do whatever you want, so that we can all enter battle with no distractions or regrets" were the exact words he used.
For Shigure however, this calm before the storm does nothing to dissipate the raging whirlwind in her heart. Everything about this operation irked her to a degree she never thought possible since she was assigned here 14 months ago. The thought of having to liberate the Philippines gave her palpitations, her assignment to run the Surigao Strait made her shudder, the plan of a post-breach rendezvous with the main fleet made her reel. But the greatest hit to her were the other fleet members assigned to the same operation: Fusou, Yamashiro, Mogami, Michishio, Asagumo, and Yamagumo.
All girls were reborn with their memories of the war and naval history. For Shigure, it was a feeling of vague hope marred by the onset of despair and desperation as the tides of war turned, with a deep undertone of loss and helplessness that festered as each of her comrades and sisters fell around her. In this new life she sought to drown out her sorrows in the din of combat, vowing to be the very best so that no one else would fall on her watch. She became good, very good, too good…
She tried reasoning with the Admiral, begging even, to stop the Nishimura 7 from going back into that tomb in which their old bodies still lie. Only a sincere apology was available, for the directive had come from High Command, and the Admiral's hands were tied regarding this matter.
"Your exceptional skills were noted back in the Homeland, and they decided that you should be the one to spearhead this push through the strait. The others with you were the only ones I was able to scrounge up from the base roster. How unfortunate fate this is. Do your best, as you always have done, and I believe everyone will be back safely. But as an apology, I have requested for more air cover from High Command, and I trust they will deliver, as much as I trust in you."
Shigure sat on the pier, facing east at where the sun would rise in a few minutes. She had been doing this for the past 6 days, hoping to catch what may be her final sunrise, but in the squalls and showers of the monsoon season the sun's warming first light eluded her. Now was her last chance before the sorties began, and she really wished for that one literal glimmer of hope.
It had begun to drizzle, not unexpectedly. Shigure closed her eyes and heaved a sigh. Motionless, she sat, until a faint trumpet was heard in the distance. The flag was being raised. Out of protocol, she stood up and turned to face it. But rising slowly on the main mast was not the state flag or the naval ensign. From where she was she could see only 4 colors: black, yellow, red, and blue – The Zulu flag. All were reborn knowing the significance of that ensign.
"The fate of the Empire rests on the outcome of this battle. Let each man do his utmost" she found herself silently mouthing. It became clear to her: her fate is to change fate. No one will be lost at Surigao under her watch. As the flag reached the top of the mast she felt a warm sensation on her back. Turning, she saw the clouds on the distant horizon have parted, in time to let in the first rays of sunlight in.
"There's no rain that does not end", she muttered with tears welling up in her eyes and a determination welling up in her heart. If the Surigao Strait was hell on Earth, it would be nothing compared to what she will raise…