Sorry for the long delay a few things came up and I was not able to do much writing. I am gonna try work on building the world abit but tell me if there are any changes that can be made to this and please enjoy.

xxxx

100 Miles from the Patrolled waters of the Home Base

xxxx

"So we are just a few miles away from your main base and…"

"Yes for the hundredth time yes we are almost to Yamato, you need to calm down a bit. She will be there so just stay alert"

"Well look at you all taking charge of the fleet"

"Hey you could do it if you weren't so concerned that you would seem short being in the lead"

"Hey I am not short I am moderately sized for efficient concealment, unlike you bolt laden bird"

"Oh so should I tell Yamato that you think she's fat?

"DON'T YOU DARE!"

"So you don't want her to know about your thing for her… bulbous bow?"

"I WILL ROAST YOU TURKEY"

The rest of the fleet sailing around the two bickering carriers having gotten used to it sailed on in a rather peaceful manner. The returning fleet had a few new additions such as Saratoga who came to keep and eye on Enterprise, that was her official reason the next was to meet Houshou and Mamiya and talk recipes a culinary cultural exchange as she called it. The next additions were the carriers Lexington and Yorktown who made no secret that they wanted to make sure Shouhou was safe. It did not hurt that they gave the light carrier confidence to get her over her fear of Dauntless, so it was decided it could be useful to have them help others in the main base. The battleships had stayed back for now as it would not do to take so many large ships so suddenly from Nishimura. letting the carriers go was more for logistical reasons as well the main base could support them a lot better for the moment.

Isuzu was comforting the duckies who had spent most of the trip home so far reminiscing about the things they had ate. Isuzu kept promising them that Saratoga would cook for them every now and again.

Ashigara had come away with some useful tips thanks to the some of the American cruisers on hunting whether it be abyssal or love.

"Well looks like we have arrived"

Using her planes Zuikaku spotted the welcoming fleet, Saratoga and Enterprise moved each off their planes to see.

Out on the water was a small flotilla of ships at the head was the secretary ship Nagato, the carriers Hiryuu and Souryuu and a set of cruiser Kiso, Tenryuu and Tatsuta and towering above most was the mighty Yamato, in all her glory. Her rigging impressive even at a distance and the delicate umbrella she carried. Beside Yamato stood her sister Musashi with an equally impressive set of equipment though she did not carry an umbrella she had her arms folded across her sarashi covered chest.

"You never said that both sisters were going to be here" Enterprise whispered trying to appear calm and not eye the sisters even though she was doing the watching by airplane and far out of range to be heard and since they had not encountered Hiryuu or Souryuu's planes she shouldn't be seen either.

"Didn't I? Must have slipped my mind, well should not be a problem you like caramel vanilla fudge after all."

Enterprise punched Zuikaku lightly in the side.

"Well you might want to just stick with vanilla I doubt Tenryuu is willing to share"

"Share why would…ohhh"

"Yeah they were close before I left so I am guessing since she came with her to meet us, I assume they moved forward."

"A light cruiser and a super battleship that must be… interesting."

"You say that but aren't you the one also aiming for a super battleship, not to mention the symbol of the country you kind beat into submission."

"...shit"

Enterprise swore, after spending time with Zuikaku for so long she forgot that they used to be bitter enemies in the past.

"Oh don't worry about it, I mean sure you sank her and her sister and many of her close friends then laid waste to many of our holding, having our homeland nuked twice."

As Zuikaku talked Enterprise started to sail slower and slower. Realizing this Zuikaku mentally kicked herself

"Don't lose hope I mean you could not have found more bitter enemies than us and now we are pretty good friends are we not. If there is one thing that you don't have to worry about is that she will hate you for that we were warriors of different nations and we both fought as best we could, you just won."

Patting Enterprise on the back

"Just, what was that phrase again…keep you chin up"

"Aight, yeah you're right"

Enterprise slapped herself, with both hands on her face took a deep breath then straightened up and began to sail forward.

"You do realize we are still at least 80 miles away right"

Enterprise slumped

"Must you ruin my moments?"

"Yes"

Behind the two Saratoga sailed closer. It so strange to be sailing with so few battleships she thought but I guess these are not heavily contested waters at the moment.

"Zuikaku, E, there seems to be another fleet coming in from about 50 miles to the east of our welcoming party." she reported

"Could be a returning sortie but lets not repeat mistakes from the past and take a closer look."

Zuikaku stated and directed one of her screening planes to where Saratoga had detected the fleet.

After a few minutes Zuikaku identified the fleet, it was a returning sortie and she could even identify the ships. It was Akagi, Kaga returning from a sortie, they seemed to be the only carriers in the sortie though there was aviation battleships Hyuuga and Fuso with them.

"They don't seem to have spotted us yet and I have been observing them for a while now." Saratoga stated

"Yeah, that's disappointing" Zuikaku added "Even if they are close to base they should have a few planes out there…oh well there is one returning from behind them annnnnnd now they noticed us."

Zuikaku directed her plane to fly in to let them know it they were friendly

"Uh oh"

"What do you mean 'Uh oh', Crane?" Enterprise asked with some concern

"I just remembered we have been maintaining radio silence since we left base, also she would not recognize my new planes."

"Well that's not good."

"Nope."

"They are launching planes." Saratoga stated

"Well they still don't know where we are specifically but they can follow our planes back." Enterprise said

"That worked back then cause you had faster planes" Zuikaku stated "I highly doubt that Kaga's A6M2s are gonna be able to catch your Corsairs or my Reppuu."

"Looks like they are gonna try" Enterprise said with mounting excitement "Lets play some catch"

"They are not gonna like this." Zuikaku stated as she had her plane maneuver away from the interceptors when

"I have an idea!" she stated

"What ya got Crane?"

"Race them to the base! It solves both problems on who we are and you get your race"

"Good call Crane, and what do you mean my race, I don't see you trying to really get away from them"

"OK so I'm a little bored too lets go, before I remember how much of a horrible idea this is"

So the chase was on a 2 flights of A6M2 Zeros chasing down three planes 2 Corsairs and a Reppuu. The planes darted away at full speed, when ever the zeroes fell behind the runners would loop or dive down behind the pursuers and fly past scattering them so they could not fire and then run again. After several minutes of this they zeroes broke off and returned to the carriers most likely they had confirmation from either base or the fleet at sea who they were chasing.

"Aww looks like they gave up"

To the other two carriers surprise it had been Saratoga who had been upset about the end of the chase. The fleet which was also slightly disappointed that the chase was over as they had been receiving live commentary from Shouhou and her two escorts as their own recon planes watched from a safe distance. Each reporting on the actions of one of the carriers respectively.

"That was fun while it lasted, so Crane figured out how you are gonna apologize to those two when you meet em"

Enterprise asked her smirk only growing when she saw Zuikaku freeze for a moment.

"Well… um I hmm? This is not gonna end well, Shouhou wanna do me a favor?"

"Oh no you don't."came the reply from Lexington

"You made this bed now lay in it"

Thanks to the chase now both fleets where in visual range of the Yamato. Who seems to have witnessed part of the aerial chase with one of there seaplanes Souryuu had relayed the incident to the rest of the fleet. Now all three groups should be meeting and introductions begin

Merging of the fleet

"I, Yamato welcome you back!" looking at the gathered fleet "to those I am seeing for the first time I welcome you to our water, you have had a long trip we have preparations for food and docking if needed back on land."

"Good to be back" Zuikaku responded with a wave.

"Well I do believe some introductions are in order" Nagato stated "I am battleship Nagato of the Big 7 and secretary ship of this base. These are Tenryuu Tatsuta and Kiso three of our cruisers, two of our carriers Hiyruu and Souryuu and finally, we have the Yamato sisters Yamato and Musashi.

Enterprise stiffened slightly when Yamato bowed Musashi opted for a nod of the head. Noticing the pause from Enterprise Saratoga stepped forward

"I am aircraft carrier Saratoga, it is good to see you again Nagato"

In a moment Nagato recognized the ship who had been with her on the day the sun burned. She moved forward in a swift motion taking her hand.

"I am pleased to see you well madam, I do hope you would grace me with your presence for dinner later." with a sharp bow she kissed the hand of Saratoga and looked into the eyes of the smiling carrier

Silence, the fleet was stunned even the crashing of waves seems to have ceased in this moment

"My you are ever as impressive as back then, I would be delighted to dine with you." ending with a delicate curtsy "To meet you again under such pleasant circumstances, it is a pleasure indeed"

For a moment more the two existed in a world of their own that know one dared

Clearing her throat to get attention Tenryuu began to speak.

".…Wow I doubt even Ashigara could hope to ever pull of hunt so successful."

"Hey"

"… well we were worried about relations in the fleet but it seems that might not be as much of a concern as we thought."

"Ah yes! my apologizes, where are my manners" Saratoga said turning to face Tenryuu.

"This is my older sister Lexington also here is Yorktown" both carriers either side of Shouhou waved when their name was called

"It nice to meet you" said Lexington

"First time getting to see the legendary Yamatos, you are every bit as impressive as the documents say" she continued

"Thank you for your praise" Yamato responded with a bow

"We also remember your exploits sadly we did not get to cross paths before" Musashi said

While the others were talking Zuikaku whispered to Enterprise

"Hey E this is your chance to make a good first impression"

Zuikaku turned back to Nagato and the fleet

"We have one more to introduce" Zuikaku chimed in

Stepping out from behind Zuikaku standing at her full height holding the muzzle of her Springfield the butt just above the water

"I am Aircraft carrier Enterprise for many of you my planes were the last thing you saw. I am the Gray Ghost and I have returned"

There was a mix of shock, anger, confusion and fear from the introduction and the distinct sound of Zuikaku's hand on her face. Enterprise was confused as guns were pointed at her and two swords and a glaive. Notable the a purple sword from the eye patch wearing Tenryuu was directly in front of Musashi whose guns were aimed over the head of the shorter ship on arm grasping her shoulder.

"Umm.." was all Enterprise could say before

"EXCUSE US!" Zuikaku exclaimed before dragging Enterprise a distance away from the two fleets

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT" Zuikaku whisper shouted

"YOU SAID TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION"

"YES I DID, BUT I DID NOT SAY TO GO HEY I KILLED YOU GUYS BEFORE AND I AM GONNA DO IT AGAIN"

"I NEVER SAID THAT"

"WHAT IF I CAME TO PEARL AND SAID IT WAS NICER ON FIRE"

"I oh ohhhhh oh shit" Enterprise said as s gripped her head

Saratoga during this little whisper storm was smoothing things over which was made easier by the fact that everyone could hear the very candid conversation.

"My apologizes for our Enterprise she means no harm but she is just a bit bad at well introductions"

"I am sorry for my sister she does not tend to think hard enough before she speaks, she really means no harm or insult" Yorktown spoke up

"Its true she is a good girl" said Shouhou

Well with most of tension gone around the time Zuikaku and Enterprise started talking, the situation defused it self very quickly.

"Well if Zuikaku is talking to her so calmly it can't be so bad" said Musashi said to Tenryuu as she sheathed her blade

"Not to mention that Shouhou our American fearing carrier is defending her she has got to be a good person" was Tenryuu's response before she was pulled into Musashi.

Tatsuta and Kiso looked at each other shrugged and relaxed, Tatsuta planting her glaive in the water and leaning on it an Kiso put her blade back in it sheath as well.

Further back in Zuikaku's fleet

"Alright Ashigara I believe you owe me some sake" Myoukou sang

"You mean Yen, but fine you win alright. Alrigh who bet they would almost restart the war before Zuikaku stopped it" Ashigara asked

"That would us" came the cheerful response from Yamagumo "So you owe us some ice cream."

"Once again, yen but fine"

Isuzu looked on as bets were confirmed and just said to Hatsuzuki

"It amazing how laid back we are about what could have easily been an international incident."

"Well after being around them for so long its just kinda expected for something like this to happen." Hatsuzuki responded

"Hey where is the 1sts fleet?" Asagumo asked

That got everyone's attention

"Well they were just returning from a sortie so I doubt they would want to meet in their condition till after they docked, I sent them ahead" Nagato stated

"Were they injured they seemed alright?" Zuikaku asked

"They suffered very little physical damage though the damage from your game might have hurt them more"

Saratoga looked a bit ashamed for her part in the chase "That is unfortunate, we will have to make an apology later"

"Well they also do not know it was you try not to open up with hey we were the ones messing with you earlier" came the voice of Tenryuu still held in place by Musashi.

"Well it's about time we return to base ourselves, the admiral must be waiting to meet you."

xxxx

Main Base Port Area

xxxx

Sailing into port Zuikaku saw that there were some changes to the base she could see from offshore.

"Looks like there have been lots of changes since we left"

"What do you mean Crane"

"Well there seems to be more buildings since we left and well, some just seem… different"

Nagato answered

"Since you left we have upgraded the base quiet a bit thanks to you and Shoukaku."

"Shoukaku and me?"

"Yes the training regimen you created was expanded upon and the base, well we made changes to accomadate that."

"So Crane you blew up somethings before you left, good job"

"Hey I never did anything like that, till I met you lot I was a good ship"

"Well then let us make our way to the admiral after you show our guests around, hmm actually I think you might need a guide yourself." Nagato paused remembering how much the base had changed since Zuikaku's fleet had left.

While making their way to the admrial's office Tenryuu had been telling the others all that had been going on around the base while they were away. Since they had not been able to keep up regular contact as they would have liked the little things that happen in the daily life of the base were being filled in. The main thing everyone was wanting to hear about was left out, that being how Tenryuu and Musashi finally became an item.

They had some talking to do as Ashigara took the lead and explained about the trip who they met. Hatsuzuki and the rest of the duckies took most of the time explaining about the amazing things they had eaten and how much. Hatsuzuki went into a very emotional explanation of the American Cheeseburgah and the joy it brought to herself and her sisters. She had to be stopped when she started to drool again. After the talks of food were over. The next elephant in the room had to be dealt with namely this confident Shouhou and her guardian satellite.

They all knew Shouhou was a very quiet and shy girl, they knew she wanted to prove herself and just lacked confidence. Well that had clearly changed, but how was the question. They had tried so many things to get her to be more confident in herself and all had been for naught. This new Shouhou had from what they saw, was a different ship standing tall, comfortable in her own skin. Houshou's is going to be lively tonight.

Nagato lead the combined fleet towards a tall building in the inner layers of the base.

"Umm… Nagato" Ashigara questioned "aren't we going to the admiral?"

"Yes about that, the admirals office has been relocated after a certain incident with… lets just say conventional ways of launching a shell is still preferred."

Musashi blushed holding Tenryuu in front of her, which did not work very well with their size difference.

"Admiral had the office moved to a higher point so she could see whats going on in the base easier. So we just need to head to the central building and take the elevator to the top."

xxxx

One elevator ride later.

xxxx

"Welcome to the new office"

Nagato stood in front of a large steel double door, the naval base emblem embossed in the centre. Nagato pushed the doors open to allow everyone in to the office. The new office was a large with a panoramic view of the base and there behind a large desk was the the Admiral in her original chair.

Stepping inside and looking around there was a radio console where Ooyoda sat with head phones on listening and responding to some thing from the arsenal. The secretary desk was there as well with some documents that seemed to have been filed. The office was much larger with the same amount of furniture from the old office, most is from the old office but the open windows did not make it feel sparse

The Admiral stood

"Welcome home! And to our new arrivals welcome to Yokohama Naval Base, I hope you will find our facilities to your liking"

"Glad to be back." Zuikaku stated with a salute the returning fleet followed suit

Enterprise stepped forward

" Thank you for having us and thank you for the hospitality, I hope we will have great results in our future endeavors" extending her hand for the Admiral to shake

Taking the offered hand and giving a firm shake

"Indeed we shall, I am sure you are all tired and a bit hungry feel free to head to the dock and Houshou's for something to eat. Yamato and the others will show you the way. Zuikaku and Miss Enterprise I would like to have a word with you so please stay."

"Yes admiral." came the reply in unison.

Nagato was watching as the rest of the fleet was leaving, looking very conflicted.

"Nagato I do believe you have yet to have lunch, feel free to go now if you wish"

"Thank you admiral" Nagato said as she head briskly to the door

"Hmm she seems oddly eager. Once again welcome back Zuikaku I trust the trip back went well"

"Yes ma'am there was no incident"

"Except for playing with the returning fleet"

"Ah um hmm"

Enterprise lets out a low whistle

"Yes I heard off the little exchange seems you have gotten better with your new planes. I am glad you to see you are more confident in your self . I know this might sound a little hypocritical from when your leaving but pleases don't flaunt it too much. Most of the fleet has just gotten to pass your level from before you left. SO go easy on them but not too easy. As you are going to be doing some instructing again"

"I understand admiral"

"Good, Mrs Enterprise"

"Enterprise is fine ma'am"

"Alright Enterprise, welcome once again to the base. Your reputation precedes you I have heard much of your exploits in the past and present but the most impressive I wise to thank you for it the confidence you have managed to instill in Zuikaku and Shouhou."

"Well to be fair ma'am Zuikaku is the one that helped us out with folks."

"I see well done Zuikaku, though it seems that help went both ways."

Zuikaku stood with an intense interest in her feet as her ears turned an almost glowing red.

"Though I must admit I am surprised about Shouhou and those two carriers, how did that happen?"

"Well…" scratching her head Enterprise started.

"It's a strange story of coincidences ma'am." continued Zuikaku now looking up from her feet

"The thing is Shouhou wanted to change herself for the better but she had no idea how. Then a few chance encounters gave her the help she needed"

"The remodel didn't hurt either." Enterprise added

"I will ask for the details of that later for now you too should head to either the dock or Houshou's, and I do believe Shoukaku is waiting for you outside."

"Thank you admiral"

With a salute the two ships headed for the door. Upon opening the door Zuikaku felt a presence and quickly evaded to the side Enterprise who was right behind was not as lucky having been taken of her feet in a powerful after having the wind knocked out of her there came a powerful squeeze from a violently loving hug.

"MY LITTLE ZUIKAKU HAS RETURNED AT LAST, I AM SO HAPPY YOU SEEM SMALLER THAN I REMEMBER BUT ITS OK IT MAKE YOU EASIER TO TAKE CARE OF, AWW MY POOR LITTLE ZUI WAS GONE SO LONG YOU MUST HAVE BEEN SO LONELY IN THAT FARAWAY BASE!"

"SHOUKAU NEE!"

"Huh? Zui."

"Hello Shoukaku I am glad you get to see your sister again but could you tone down the Kongou routine just a little bit she is not exactly as well armored" the admiral said an amused smirk on her face.

Jumping up from the unresponsive carrier.

"My apologizes for this shameful display, I was just so happy to see my little Zui after so long I seem to have made a sever…e, is she ok?

Shoukaku stepped back to check on the carrier on the ground

"Oh my this is one of the Americans" her eyes widened realizing that she had just in essence taken out one of her new foreign allies

Zuikaku crouched down to help up her downed ally, gently cradling the smaller carrier

"Well now is a good time as any." the admiral began when she notice Enterprise moving in Zuikaku's arms

"Shoukaku I would like to introduce you to United States Carrier CV6 Enterprise, The Gray Ghost."

Shoukaku instinctively took a slight step back and looked at the downed carrier more carefully

"She seems smaller than I expected."

"Hey I am not small I am tactically compact!"

"Well she is just a little shorter than Kaga."

"Shoukaku!" came the strained voice of Akagi who had just arrived after Shoukaku at the office door thoroughly out of breath

xxxx

Minutes Earlier

xxxx

Downstairs Akagi Kaga and Shoukaku were headed to the Houshou's when they came upon the returning fleet headed in the same direction. As soon as they Ashigara said that Zuikaku was at the admiral Shoukaku took of. Inside she ignored the elevator call button and began the large climb up the stairs with Akagi hot on her heels… at first before Shoukaku started pull lead.

Kaga on the other had had opted to wait for the elevator.

Now on the admiral's floor Kaga walked towards the open door where she was greeted with the sight of Zuikaku hugging a clearly American ship in an overly familiar fashion. Looking at Zuikaku she could see that the carrier had been in some battle there were scars on her arm. Her uniform was undamaged but different, it was in a camouflage pattern dark blue shirt and a dark brown skirt. Her equipment seem much heavier and showed signs of combat as well small scratches and nicks. Her inspection was cut short when Akagi out of breath staggered into the room calling Shoukaku. Now distracted the name that the admiral said finally sank in.

"Enterprise…"