Chapter 2: January 28 Incident

Akagi's refit would render her out of service for about a year. I heard nothing was on the fritz, they were just improving her arresting gear and some other things. Even after I was made into the 1st Carrier Division flagship, there was nothing much to do other than training with the fleet. The situation surrounding the conflict of the war was heating up, so we heard that there were already plans for us to sortie in the war, but it still seemed so far away. I didn't complain; I'd much rather enjoy my peaceful time until Akagi came back into service. Or at least I wanted to enjoy my time until the end of this year, since it was already December. You might have guessed that I still lacked the courage to become a flagship of a carrier division.

There was not a trace of Akagi's hostility toward me for the month that followed. She spent most of her time in the factory, but during the day many fleet girls would come to visit her to ask about her condition, the progress of her refit, or to just have a short chat with her. Since the destroyers of the 1st Carrier Division loved to drag me along to meet her, Akagi and I ended up having several conversations whenever she was in the middle of a break. I was a little awkward around her, but she talked to me like it was the most natural thing in the world. She really had her way with words. She never brought up the clash that happened during our first meeting, and since the destroyers were always there, I kept my mouth shut. I wondered if Akagi had an image to mantain, but even if I told these girls about that time when Akagi yelled at me, they probably wouldn't believe me.

I didn't know if Akagi's personality was genuine or not, but Houshou was right. Akagi definitely doesn't have a foul mouth; she is all around pleasant and nice, and she seems to be a simple fleet girl who has a gargantuan appetite and is really dedicated to her duties. The destroyers adored her and I could see admiration gleaming in their eyes when they looked at her. They often brought her food and snacks, which she ate without hesitation. She never treated me any differently from anyone else, but there was something in the way she talked to me that kept a distance between us, like an invisible barrier. Maybe it was because she hardly looked at me or called my name at all. Maybe it was because she mentioned Amagi's name more often everytime she saw me. Or maybe because sometimes, I could catch her gazing at me with a forlorn expression on her face. It hurt me, because she obviously still saw Amagi within me.

Truth to be said, I didn't enjoy my visits to the factory at all, but at least I didn't have to talk more than necessary because the destroyers were there to keep the conversation going.

But one day, the destroyers were so insistent to come because they wanted to bring some curry for Akagi. The silliest part of this was, they forgot to bring the curry. I was left alone in the room with Akagi, in a completely uncomfortable silence while I cursed those careless girls in my mind.

Calm down, what are you so nervous about? I asked myself, She's just another good-looking, garden-variety fleet girl. There's no need for you to strike a conversation.

It was even worse because Akagi was sitting on the bed while hardly wearing anything, as she was about to start the refitting process of the day. That single piece of kimono was probably everything that covered her body. Her room was simply furnished, probably just enough to make her comfortable during her refit, which actually spelled doom to me because nothing in there was interesting enough to distract me from the curves that were hidden just under that white kimono.

Just ignore her, stand as far away as you can, keep your eyes on the window, act like you're contemplating the universe, and don't look anywhere else. You're a fleet girl, you can face this head-on without escaping.

Akagi's voice suddenly broke my train of thought.

"So..."

Oh here we go, take a deep breath, Kaga.

Although it was windy and cold outside, the factory was pretty warm thanks to the heat radiating from its machines. However, it suddenly felt like a furnace in here.

"Yeah...?" I muttered, still looking at the window. Don't look at her, Kaga, don't look at heeer...

"How are you holding down the fort?" Akagi asked me while I was fascinated by a tree right outside the window.

"I'm...fine. The girls are doing fine. I think..." I paused a little before adding, "... I think I've gotten the hang of it now. I feel I'm getting somewhere."

"That's good to hear, " she commented.

I stole a glance at Akagi and found her gazing at the floor, her eyes unfocused and empty.

I only ever heard a few things in my life that sounded more forced than that.

But no matter how hurt I felt because she wanted her sister to be here with her instead of me, I couldn't deny that I didn't like seeing her making such a sorrowful face.

I'm just a mere substitute but... At least I didn't want her to be so disappointed of me.

I walked away from the window and approached her until my feet were in her field of vision. She looked up at me.

"...Akagi-san," I began, "I might be an inferior ship, but I am going to become an aircraft carrier to the best of my abilities."

I'm going to...try my hardest until you are able to look at me as your equal.

Saying anything more than that would be too embarrassing for me, so I waited for her response in silence, while my face was getting hotter by the second.

I did not know what I was trying to prove. I just wanted her to look at me with anything other than dolefulness.

She looked confused at first, but she seemed to catch what I meant to convey and her expression was slowly replaced with a smile.

And my God... That was one beautiful smile.

"...Of course you should. You're the one they chose to replace Amagi-nee after all. If you don't do your best, she would be disappointed, wouldn't she? " she said, "Don't you think so, Kaga-san?"

Kaga-san.

The name caught me off guard and she let out a laugh.

The last time she called my name was when she introduced herself to me, and at that time she only called me by the name "Aircraft Carrier Kaga".

"Can I call you like that, Kaga-san...?"

It was impossible to say no to that pleading face of hers.

I gulped and nodded. Judging from her amused reaction, my face was probably already as red as a tomato at that moment.

This girl really looks the prettiest when she smiles.

She still mentioned her sister, and I know that I could never... truly become a sister to her, but that kind of precious smile was something that I would fight through wars to protect.

"Yes, you can," I answered her right when the destroyers had arrived back on the door, "Yes, you can. Please do, Akagi-san."


Ever since that day, whenever I went out to train with the fleet, I could feel my spirit rising. I was so pumped to be a better carrier, and that meant I had to go through as much practice as I could. I didn't think that I was a perfect flagship, but I was getting there. I began to visit the factory on my own, to talk to Akagi about my training and asking her for tips to improve my abilities. I started to enjoy spending more time with her, although it still felt awkward at times. I was glad that I could have more decent conversation with her, though, and sometimes we could have lengthy discussions about the Navy and technicality.

And she could be pretty blunt with her... full-frontal criticism, but I guess she just took this aircraft carrier thing very seriously.

"You're too slow, Kaga-san."

Okay, first of all, ouch.

"Please, don't compare me to an ex-battlecruiser like you who can beat even the fastest battleships."

"I wasn't comparing it to my speed, though. It's just your speed in general," she added, "And you still get the problem with all that smokes and fumes that keeps coming out of your funnels..."

"But I don't know how to improve that, I already went as fast as I could. I know I can't get by on just that, but I guess it was my maximum speed," I said to her, "I know why you bring this up."

"Oh? Do tell me," she said in a curious tone.

I hesitated a little. After all this was all just my personal opinion, but for some reason I really wanted Akagi to hear it.

"You've explained about the importance of aircraft carriers in future naval battles," I began, "If we're going with the current strategy where we assist the battleships with our aerial strikes, as far as I know that cannot be a reality."

Akagi nodded in agreement, and asked, "Then theoretically, how do you think it should be done?"

Her interest encouraged me to continue. "By conducting fast aerial strikes to the enemy's plane reserves and aircraft carriers," I told her, "To establish air superiority as quickly as possible, speed will be essential in future carrier battles."

Akagi let out a chuckle. "Amazing, Kaga-san, you really have learned a lot," she praised.

"It's because you taught me so much, Akagi-san," I muttered, looking away. I could feel my ears burning. The only way I knew to repay her for that fund of knowledge was to learn more and become a better aircraft carrier.

"But everything you said proved that you have been paying attention. Well, that's what is supposed to happen, theoretically anyway. They would have to send us to battle first to make sure."

"They are," I said to her, "Akagi-san, the reason I visit you today was because...because I want to tell you that the 1st Carrier Division are finally going into battle."

Akagi only looked at me for a few seconds.

"That's great, isn't it, Kaga-san? You're finally going into battle," she said with a small voice, "They probably won't let me go out into battle until they make sure I am in perfect condition. I wonder when I can go too...? I wish Amagi-nee could see me..."

Amagi.

Her name always returned to Akagi's mouth, piercing my ear with her sad voice.

What is it... I pondered, ...What is it that I have to do to make you forget about her...?

And at the moment I realized just how cruel that thought that I just had.

Amagi could only live now inside Akagi's memories.

While me... I was just a random ship whose life happened to be traded with her sister's.

And she was still so kind to me... Although she was probably reminded of her sister's death everytime she looked at me.

Akagi was so sweet, so understanding... And that made me hate myself more for having these horrible thoughts.

I don't have any right to stand by your side... I thought as she grinned sheepishly at me, You deserve someone so much better.

Existing was all that I could do.

But if you are willing to give me a chance...

I will try to be a fleet girl you are proud of to be a substitute of your sister.

I will try to be a fleet girl who can protect you in the place of your sister.

I will try to be a fleet girl who can make you happier than your sister ever could.

And one day...

I wish I could fill the emptiness in your heart that your sister couldn't.


The rest of December and January went by in a flash. Training was getting more hectic than usual as we were gearing up for a war, and I could only drop a "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" to Akagi through phone calls before falling on my bed like a rock. I guessed I just wasn't used to this, or at least that was what Akagi said to me. I could just press that phone handset against my ear and listen to that compassionate tone of hers forever, but I still missed seeing her in person, which I unfortunately couldn't do because of our conflicting schedule, right until the day before the battle, when I promised myself that I would see her no matter what.

It rained heavily the whole day before my first battle. I waited and waited, but it didn't stop even until late at night. Ignoring the fleet girls who suggested me to stay inside and stop fussing over it, I rushed out to the rain and headed to the factory.

Akagi looked surprised to see me. Well, obviously, since she was visited in the middle of the night by a fleet girl who was drenched from head to toe. She hurriedly put a towel on my head and dried my hair out while I blabbered out the things that I had been meaning to say to her all day.

"Akagi-san, the 1st Carrier Division and Houshou-san will be supporting the Army as a part of the 3rd Fleet. We're heading out tomorrow. I guess we'll be away from the base for awhile."

"I heard. Best of luck to you, Kaga-san."

"I'll call you."

"Yes."

"Please wait for my return."

"I will. Let's have dinner together when you come back."

"And..."

"And...?"

"I'll show them the importance of carriers."

Her hands stopped moving and she stared at my hardened eyes. I wanted her approval so badly, and this battle was my chance. We might only help in supporting the Army, but it still opened the room to a carrier aircraft battle.

"Thank you, Kaga-san," she said, tearing her eyes away from me, "Everyone would be so proud of you. I'm sure my sister would be proud of you."

I swallowed hard and looked down.

Wanting to say something...but could not bring yourself to say it...it was the most frustrating thing I had ever felt.

But I didn't have the right to say it yet, so I stayed quiet for now.

At least...until I could finally prove my worth.

Akagi-san...

It is you that I want to be proud of me.

The rest of our meeting was spent in silence. I knew that I should go back and rest for tomorrow, but I closed my eyes and let her rub my head with her towel until the rain stopped and my hair was completely dry.

Athough I probably didn't deserve to be here by her side, my selfish heart wanted to enjoy her soothing touch just a bit longer.


"Where were you last night, Kaga-san? Everyone was looking for you!"

"I didn't come late, did I?"

"No. But we got to wonder what our carrier was doing in the factory before her first bat-"

"Everyone, prepare to launch!"

Houshou's voice cut off the uncomfortable questioning session that was coming my way, and I prepared myself for my arming. Despite being completely geared up for battle, inexperienced ships were not allowed to arm themselves while launching, so I went after the other fleet girls had finished arming themselves and were waiting for me to come after them. The waves were calm and there was not a single cloud on the sky, but the weather was rather foggy. I had sailed many times before for fleet training, but this was the first time I headed out for a real battle. I breathed in that scent of the sea that I loved so much. This tension of war that surrounded me made me excited.

Nee-san... I thought as I gazed upon the sky and briefly touched Tosa's hairband, Your sister is finally going into battle.

"...You look so nervous. Ya scared?"

I quickly hid my hand. I didn't expect anyone to see me doing that. The one who spoke to me was a light cruiser who acted as one of our guides. If I remembered correctly, Tenryuu is her name. She has short hair and carried a sword in a scabbard that was fastened to her right hip... And uh...what were those things floating near her head...?

"I've patrolled around that area for months. They're just a bunch of chickens. This would be easy as pie for you," she winked at me.

I was a bit grateful that Tenryuu tried to encourage me instead of teasing my inexperience.

The two girls next to her laughed. I recognized them immediately from fleet meetings, but just like with Tenryuu, I didn't know much about them other than their names. The one with short hair and green-colored spectacles is a battleship named Kirishima, and the one with a really long ponytail that almost reaches her knee is a light cruiser named Yura.

"Tenryuu, you have good intentions, but don't put too much pressure on the carrier. It's her first sortie after all," Kirishima said. Tenryuu pouted at her and Yura let out a giggle. I guessed they hung out a lot with each other from their patrol duties around these waters.

"You too, Kirishima. Just because you're a battleship now doesn't mean that you should push yourself too hard," Yura remarked.

"Being a battleship now doesn't change anything about me being a proud warship of the Kongou-class."

That name sounded oddly familiar.

"...Kirishima-san, could it be that you are Kongou-san and Haruna-san's sister?" I piped out.

Kirishima seemed to be fascinated by my question. "I see that you've met my sisters. Now that I think about it, I remember that Haruna ever mentioned your name."

"We were roommates for a bit," I replied.

"My sisters are all splendid ships," she said, fixing her glasses with a fond smile, "We might not become an Eight-Eight Fleet super-dreadnought like you were planned to be, but we would do our best to support our future carrier flagships."

Future carrier flagships, huh...?

Even the battleships put much hope in the abilities of the aircraft carriers. That made me a little nervous.

Clutching my bow tightly, I tried to look as calm as I could in front of Houshou, who looked so serious that I asked her loudly through the winds.

"Mission objective?"

"Support of the ground forces with carrier aircraft. Heavy Cruisers Myoukou, Nachi, Ashigara, and Haguro would escort the Army to the continent. Battleship Kirishima, Light Cruiser Tenryuu, Destroyer Mutsuki and the others would help with scouting and providing cover. We still don't know how many planes they have."

I glanced around and saw a red-headed Destroyer listening to us intently as we sailed. Our eyes met and she bowed her head to me. Huh, I guessed that was Mutsuki. She looked pretty shy. I focused my attention to Houshou again.

"Sure thing, but why do it so early? Surprise attack?" I asked.

"Surprise attack."

I raised an eyebrow at Houshou's grim tone, but didn't ask her further about it.

We sailed smoothly on the sea until we arrived at the mouth of a large river and we finally saw land from afar. Orders from the base reached our ears right at that moment. I almost stopped sailing.

I must not have heard that order in full.

There was just no way that they ordered me to...

"Kaga, launch the first attack wave!" Houshou shouted, drawing her bow.

"Wait," I said to her, "We're attacking them when they're not prepared at all?"

"Yes. You have known about the objective, haven't you? Why do you keep asking about it?"

"Because I was told that the target that I need to attack is..."

"Kaga-san, if you don't launch your planes now, the enemy will find out about us!"

"But the target is..."

"Kaga, you have to do it now!"

"But they're telling me to bomb civilians!"

All the Destroyers and Houshou gaped at me. Tenryuu, Kirishima, and Yura didn't look at me, and I wondered if they already guessed this outcome from their previous patrols.

"Kaga... You are a warship," Houshou told me softly, "You know what the objective is. That is all you need to know."

"My planes are going to kill innocent people, on purpose," I said with a blank expression.

"We'll do everything that we can to ensure victory for our side," Houshou continued, "We're going to launch our planes to assist the Army. That's the order."

"Why do they ask me to..."

"Kaga," Houshou said to me sharply, "This is a war. This is what we train our whole lives for. This is what we were born for. All of us. We don't have the luxury to resist orders. We are nothing but weapons for them, they can replace us anytime. And if that happens, we won't be able to see each other ever again."

"We will probably never cross paths ever again."

That pain in Houshou's eyes were real. I knew that at that time, she was trying to protect me from the Navy. She always was. She had to make Akagi and I stronger, because the Navy had high hopes of us carriers. It was a double-edged sword. They would dispose of us if we turned out to be less useful than what they expected us to be. I wondered what kind of horrors that Houshou had heard from them. Disobedience is extremely frowned upon in the Navy, and if I dared to defy an order, it would definitely not just end with a warning...

My lips trembled as Houshou and the others stared at me in silence, waiting for their flagship to take action.

Nee-san...

I evaded their eyes and raised my hand toward the quiver on my back.

"You have to work hard for my share too, okay...?"

I took out a single arrow and Houshou dropped her gaze, preparing herself to launch her own aircraft.

Nee-san, I'm sorry...

I'm always, always trying my hardest but...

This is not something that I want to do for your share...

I forced my eyes to stay open as I aimed my arrow toward the quiet, peaceful land. The Army would soon begin their own attack.

I have to keep living as a warship of the Navy...

I cannot just stop and cease to exist...

I carry your burden, and Amagi's too...

There are still things that I want to do in the future...

Akagi's face crossed my mind as I fired my arrow to the general direction of the land and launched the aircraft for the Navy's opening gambit.

On that day, Aircraft Carrier Kaga launched her first mission: a ruthless terror bombing on a completely defenseless civilian population.


January 1932

Following the Mukden Incident, Japan attempted to widen their military influence to Shanghai, which led to the January 28 Incident.

The Myoukou-class heavy cruisers escorted the transports conveying the elements of the IJA, while the 3rd Fleet, which included Kirishima, Tenryuu, Yura, Mutsuki, the 1st Carrier Division, and Houshou, were sent to Chinese waters in support of IJA ground force.

In this first major carrier action in the Far East, their aircraft flew to Shanghai for a surprise attack on the vulnerable population and various targets in the city, resulting in heavy loss of civilian lives and property.

This horrifying assault would later be known as the first terror bombing in the history of World War II.