Scarlet red color painted everything. The streets, the buildings, gardens, and schools and the harbor. As pillars of wind and fire pierced through the city, lives and memories crumbled like a sandcastle blown by the winds.

Lying on the ground, he gasped for air and water, his charred limbs hardly moving after the desperate struggle to escape from the living hell. He had left everything behind, but the sea remained far from his reach. His lungs withered, his throat choked by embers that tasted like burnt flesh. He heaved and then retched, his vision blurring with black spots as stomach acid and blood pooled beneath him. Still, he couldn't pay attention to his own unsightly self anymore; he simply couldn't.

Aaah… so… close…

Water. Water. Water. The sea was right ahead. Just a little bit more. Only a little further. The boy told himself, but he could no longer move his arms. Not even his fingers twitched, and his nerves had long frayed out. Only the sense of parched throat was registered in his crumbling mind, but even that desire was fading by the minutes. Black spots blotted out his sight and the last bits of his strength faded into oblivion. Eventually, all he could feel was a biting coldness as well as sweltering heat that threatened to break his sanity. It hurt him, it weakened him, it drove him to pray.

For anything. For something. For the sake of his own salvation, the boy made a wish with all of his heart and mind. Whoever it was out there that could hear him. Whatever the cost may be, just… as long as he could be saved, then… Then—

...wish…

A tremor jolted him awake. The city had burned down to the ground, yet the deep darkness shrouding the boy's consciousness made him look up instinctively. He stared at the abyss—and the abyss stared back. A silhouette emerged from the cocoon of darkness with piercing red eyes reflecting his pitiful existence. As a pair of enormous clawed hands reached out, they dragged him into a maw full of razor-sharp fangs. The boy's soul quaked in terrors, but it was already too late.

Oh feeble creature, upon this contract of ours shall your wish be granted—

In the following moment, the darkness swallowed him whole.

1945—late winter. The year had rounded up a month ago, and the Fifth Carrier Division was now undertaking missions and exercise routines in succession. Though there were breaks in between, the air of brewing conflicts was becoming palpable. Even sailors who had stopped seeing actions in the frontline had turned rigid. There was no doubting the immense weight of forming alliance with the technological empire that was Iron Blood. Even Aoto with his vast life experience agreed that it was groundbreaking news.

"...Shikikan, what do you think…?" Ayanami asked, standing nearby as the two observed an exercise involving the Rearline Flotilla and the Fifth Carrier Division.

"Well, that is difficult to say."

Aoto scribbled on the clipboard in his hand. The division in charge of protecting the mainland had a fairly high team synergy, but their mobility was lacking. While their firepower couldn't be underestimated, it was more or less because they mainly fielded old warships like the Fusou-class who contained more conceptual weight in their pseudo-magical keels. Aoto understood why the navy expressly ordered war supply now; it was all meant for the moment the empire allied themselves with the Iron Blood. He had a sneaking suspicion that the weapon refitting project existed to further optimize the Combined Fleet's combat efficiency as well, but the idea of changing the rigging of a battleship into an aviation battleship seemed… no, they were kansen. Perhaps his worries were unfounded.

"Shikikan…?" Ayanami's voice brought Aoto back to the present time which prompted a nod.

"Aaah, sorry sorry." Aoto looked to Ayanami's direction and smiled apologetically. Recalling her earlier question, the man adopted a ponderous look while tilting his head. "Regardless of the esteemed Flagship's intention, the main reason of forming alliance must be because we are far too exposed to dangers. I do not doubt the chances of conflicts from breaking out, but it is too early for us to assume that things will definitely go that way. Does that suffice…?"

In the ensuing silence, Aoto could feel the disappointment of his subordinate. It seemed he and Ayanami was seeing the picture differently, a simple yet inevitable contrast. Be that as it may, he really believed that there was nothing good in jumping to conclusions. Ayanami didn't look like she had any doubts about the alliance between Sakura Empire and Iron Blood was a pretext to declare war against Azur Lane, but…

It is hard to think that we'd go back to fighting against people.

Aoto did not remember his life before the Great Kanto Earthquake. Much of the town records had burned away with too many lives lost that there was no accounting whether or not he had surviving relatives. Even worse, much of the historical records had been lost throughout the Second Dark Age, making it difficult for people to know the truth of the world's past. However, Aoto had no doubt that fighting against each other was wrong. Not only the Siren still existed, but the world order was also still too fragile to even be called stable. Both the time and situation did not match; just what was Akagi thinking to make such a speech?

No, I'm being hasty. Considering Ayanami didn't seem to wish for further conversation, Aoto turned back his focus to their division.

There was tense energy in everyone's actions. It was to be expected, but Aoto felt it was worth noting. Zuikaku had taken herself in acting as the second opinion to Shoukaku in the battlefield, opting to learn her way of controlling the flow of battle. In the meanwhile, Ashigara had chosen to stick close as their escort while switching to offense and defense freely. The three had thought of this through, but among them all…

That's a peculiar combat maneuver.

Z23's battle performance was already above standard, yet she managed to synchronize with her new teammates by rushing ahead to deliver a heavy blow before swiftly retreating. Her personal battle strategy possessed the quality of a vanguard ship that must charge forward at any given time, and also the ability to know when she must pull back. Perhaps it had to do with the bestial shape of her rigging, the fact that she was more of a Gunboat than a simple Destroyer, and the extremely effective utilization of her own weaponry. That combat output wasn't just the result of her discipline and experience. The Iron Blood's Wisdom Cube's research clearly exceeded Sakura Empire's in many ways.

But it feels like I'm being watched whenever I see this girl on the battlefield. Aoto hummed noncommittally as he jotted down the result of today's exercise. Well, whatever was going on with the newest addition to his Division could wait for now. He still needed to make a report that must be submitted to the headquarters, then deal with many other tasks. He wished the people upstairs could be a little more sensible in their desire to make use of the kansen as tools of war, but even if he had the voice to tell them off, he was but one man. Why can't we live in peace…?

The sun had set and the moon rose. The stars glimmered, then the dawn broke out. As the sand of time passed by, the world gradually and surely changed. Little by little, and little by little.

A repetitive rattling noise roused Aoto from his slumber. He slowly opened his eyes to glance at the windows, seeing a gray canvas splotched with white blobs covering most of the world seen through the circular window frame. As his mind started to wake up, he remembered from last night's radio that bad weathers would persist for a bit longer, so he heaved a sigh before getting up from the bed. Opening his wardrobe, Aoto switched to his winter uniform, adjusting the sleeves and rolling his shoulders to fit himself in the outfit he had grown accustomed to.

The naval officer uniform set was an acquired taste, if he had any right to have an opinion about it. Putting on his gloves and wearing the cap with a golden emblem of cherry blossom on it, Aoto glanced at the built-in mirror at his wardrobe door, pausing once again when he took a look at his own face. The mask covering the upper half of his face was shaped like the skull of a bird with tiny horns. However, Aoto's focus lingered on his reflection for a fraction of a minute before he closed the wardrobe. There was no use in thinking about it.

Who "I" was no longer matter, Aoto decided. For those girls that have come to trust me, and for my fallen comrades, "I" am Tatsumiya Aoto, the Rear Admiral of Sakura Empire.

With that thought in mind, Aoto ended his conundrums and joined everyone at the dining room. What he noticed first was the aroma of freshly cooked rice and soup broth.

"Ah, Shikikan-kun! Good morning," greeted Shoukaku. The blue-eyed and white-haired girl walked with a tray of food to the table where almost all seats had been occupied by the other members of the Fifth Carrier Division. "Come, come! You're lucky we haven't started!"

Aoto smiled and nodded. His reaction came off as natural as it had appeared and he felt a deep sense of warmth from hearing Shoukaku's words. He took his seat at the head of the table, gave his gratitude for the food, and began breakfast in earnest. Everybody followed after his example and soon the dining table grew rowdy. Obviously, Shoukaku had drilled manners into everyone's heads, with even Z23 following in suit with no problems. Which, come to think of it…

"Though I feel this is redundant, where did you learn handling chopsticks, Z23?" Aoto opted to use the addressing label agreed upon by the Iron Blood girl and Ayanami. "It seems like you have already known how to use them."

"Mh? Well…" Z23 glanced at her friend before answering. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Though that being said, the Azur Lane is an international hub where the exchange of cultures happens regularly. Picking up this skill is a trifling thing."

"Huh. Is that how it is…?" Aoto relaxed and smiled upon catching the other destroyer at the table puffing her cheeks. "I don't think there is a need to put it in such a way, though."

It took Z23 a few seconds to realize the meaning of his words. She instantly sputtered as she looked to the side, only to meet her friend's upset stare. Ayanami mumbled something along the line of "I was the one who taught you that…" and it caused the flaxen-haired girl to panic way more. Z23 spent a few minutes to finally coax her friend while everyone watched on. As a ring of laughter filled the room, the coldness of the morning melted away.

Time naturally went by. Aoto began his daily routine at the office, once again battling the endless horde of paperwork as if there was no tomorrow. Of course, while he needed to match the schedule given to him, he still needed to analyze each document so that nothing awful could result from signing them. Just then, he heard a knocking sound. Aoto paused his work and looked to the door, finding Z23 inviting herself into the office. He tilted his head.

"Is something the matter?" He asked.

"Well…" The Iron Blood girl shifted her sight, looking around the place as if in search of some sort of thing. There she furrowed her eyebrows. "Kommandant, I'd like to assist you in your work, if that is possible."

Aoto blinked, taking a few seconds to process the sudden request. "Well, I certainly do not mind having more hands to help me, but… Can I ask what's the occasion?"

"I believe it is only right for me to repay the favors," Z23 answered. "That, and it seems you have many questions in mind. Otherwise, you would have employed me far more efficiently."

"Huh…" Aoto was at a loss for words, now. He wasn't even trying to hide it, much less making a big deal out of it, but he didn't anticipate Z23 herself to give an offer he sorely needed. But then again, he did have one immediate question in mind, now. "Am I that obvious?"

"Not exactly. Your mask did not give any positive first impression, though your lax attitude is far more than enough to make up for the difficulty in reading your expressions." Z23 crossed her arms and cocked her head to the side. "In the first place, what purpose does that mask serve, if I may ask?"

Aaaah, I haven't heard of that question for a long while, now… Scratching his cheek, Aoto felt abashed. Ever since he was stationed in the exclusive district, the exotic appearances of the kansen made it easy for him to blend in. With the type of fashion every local kansen liked to wear, his mask would of course barely register in their minds. This is kind of refreshing.

"It's not anything serious, though if I must say…" Aoto lifted his hand from his cheek to his forehead, the palm covering half of his face. "I simply cannot remove this mask. For better or worse, I suppose."

"You… cannot?"

"Mhm. Well, there was a great fire ten years ago. Saved from the fire in this state, perhaps the extreme heat that day welded this thing to my skull."

"That is… I'm sorry to hear that."

Aoto lightly laughed and waved. "There's no need to apologize. Sometimes, there are things you can't help but to live with. I've long already accepted that this is my fate."

Z23 didn't look convinced. Well, he guessed it couldn't be helped, but he'd rather not continue work with an awkward mood hanging in the air. Moving his focus to the stacks of documents on the table, he took a document and read it over. Then he nodded down before handing it toward the Destroyer.

"Can you look over this, Z23? I'd like to hear your opinion."

"Huh? Ah… well, if it's this…" Accepting it, the flaxen-haired girl immediately analyzed the file as if the previous conversation was just a backdrop. "Hmm, budget allocation and weaponry development…? The performance listed is… no, this won't work…"

Oh, looks like she truly is as capable as Ayanami said. Aoto's smile widened a little bit as he watched on his new aide went over the document. He settled back comfortably in his chair and switched his current task to split the work between him and Z23. The scent of fresh ink returned in the office, and Aoto lightly hummed a tune he couldn't quite remember the title yet dearly familiar with. Man, it shows my age that I can't even remember the title of a song...

The snows were piling up. It seemed winter still had one last storm before spring could melt the snows away. It had yet to let up, so everyone was stuck lounging around in the pavilion. Shoukaku couldn't say she liked winter since the kitchen was placed a short distance away from the main building. At least she could still heat up the kettle and boil water with her onmyoudo, though she had to admit it was a luxurious usage of supernatural power gifted by the gods.

"Zuikaku… I think you should help out, too." Looking over her shoulder, she saw her sister half-swallowed by the kotatsu in the central room. The girl, having had refused to change her clothes with thicker fabric by calling it spiritual training, was now looking more like a slob that was way too far from the image of a youthful woman. "You do realize that we now have a Commanding Officer, right…?"

"Is fine, fiiiiiiine…" Came the equally lazy response. "That guy is always in the office these days anyway, and it's been freezing cold lately. Shoukaku-nee, want to join in? We still have some leftover tangerines~"

Shoukaku frowned and discovered that not just Zuikaku, but Ayanami as well had let herself be devoured by the temptation of kotatsu. She could only see her head and shoulders poking out from the thick feather blanket, facing away from her while leaking out a quiet murmur that signified a girl deep in the dreamland.

"Ah, geez…! You're giving a bad example, see!?"

After a short while, Shoukaku walked toward the office with a tray of tea and snacks. She couldn't believe her sister actually ran out but at least she stopped staying so slovenly like that. She could imagine the disappointed face of their superior and she'd have none of that under her watch. She could never allow the pride of the division be tarnished, after all!

"Hmm, say. Z23…"

"Ah, please call me Niimi. I can tell that it is difficult to pronounce my name in Sakura tongue."

Shoukaku slowed her steps instinctively, minimizing the sound she had produced moments before she reached the office. The door was left slightly open and she could hear two people talking with each other. Without noticing, Shoukaku had already killed her own presence and stood by the door, a desire to eavesdrop taking over her desire to fulfill a regular task granted to her. Hmmm, the conversation sounds rather animated than normal...

"Have you gotten used to living in this land? I know that the Iron Blood is somewhat affected by Siren from the polar region…"

"Hm. It is true that the Fatherland is colder than before. Every year, there is a subtle change to the atmospheric pressure and climate. The weather could hardly be predicted even with the latest advancement of technology."

Oh my, Shoukaku realized. A budding sense of guilt grew in her heart upon realizing that the conversation would not go down as she had initially expected. In fact, she felt foolish for even thinking that something was going on. Well, at least I have yet to use a shikigami so maybe I should mind my own business…

"I see… it does seem like the Siren has yet to cease their activity entirely, hm."

"...by that, what do you mean?" Z23 asked.

"I'd say that it's just a needless worry, but I suppose I could gain more by having a different perspective on this." A short silence. "How far is your nation's research on the Siren, kansen, and the Wisdom Cubes?"

Under his gaze, Z23 did initially did not give a response to his question. Surprise colored her face, realization dawned in her eyes, and finally the girl narrowed her eyes as she took in his question, processing it from end to end.

"...though I am now a part of your Division, Kommandant, my loyalty stands together with the Fatherland." Z23 straightened her back, adopting a formal posture that broke away from even her typical attitude. "I'd like to exercise my rights to protect national security. What you are asking is tantamount to demanding information on the highest security level."

"Even though our countries are now allies?"

"Even more of a reason why I cannot hand over this information," the flaxen-haired girl said as she shook her head. "I do not know your intention. Though you earned Ayanami-san's trust, I have yet to fully understand your character."

Aoto wryly laughed as he hid a wince. "You sure are blunt, Niimi-kun…"

"It's because of that attitude of yours that I could be this frank to you, Kommandant…" Z23 blatantly sighed, looking as if she was starting to have a headache. "Though I have no desire to give names, others would not take so kindly to your approach. Some would even use their authority to lock you down at the spot, and know that they have the authority to do so. Please refrain from trying to overstep your boundaries. This is also for your own sake."

So it really is like that, huh… Even though it was within his expectations, the only avenue for him to see the grand scale of things seemed to require more than just conventional methods and parlor tricks. This is sort of depressing, but I can somewhat understand why…

"Thank you, Niimi-kun." Leaning back in his chair, Aoto rested his hands on the table and entwined his fingers. "And I'm sorry for bringing this topic. I felt I had to ask, because—"

"Yes. I have heard of your story from Ayanami-san," Z23 interjected, her expression gradually softening like thawed snow. "You are a rather clumsy man for a sailor who have sailed to the place nobody should have been sent to. As a form of respect to your loyalty and valor, shall we make a compromise then?"

Aoto blinked in surprise. "Is that alright…?"

"But of course," the Destroyer airily replied with an amused snort. "Let's try to focus on the basic history first. The Fatherland had been ravaged by the Siren more thoroughly than the other countries. Our armed force was not the greatest nor at the forefront at the time. And as the world came to know later on, we were forced to rebuild everything from the grounds up in spite of having nothing to protect ourselves from the Siren threats."

"And that is why you chose to reform the state as a scientific empire…"

"Yes. I see that you remembered world history class, Kommandant. Efforts are paid in full in our land, but the military and the Kaiser also expected much from you to learn and search for your own answer. We had to catch up with the world no matter what if we wished to protect ourselves from further threats."

"That desperation drove you to seek the technology of the Siren, then."

"Unfortunately." Z23's smile thinned with a tinge of sorrow. "We were extremely vulnerable as a nation. To borrow help when we had nothing—it would only lead to an end where we have no choice but to move like a puppet. We had to create our own power, a new symbol that could bolster the faith of our people as well as elevate our position as a nation in front of the world. Do you think this is deplorable, Kommandant?"

Aoto opened his mouth, but the words he was about to utter died in his tongue. As he stared at his subordinate's eyes, he began to sense something more than just a vague but intense emotion. He knew that gaze well. He had seen it many times throughout his life. The resigned determination, the bitter regrets, the unwillingness to be hinged, but also a pride cracked with worries and uncertainties. Many of his juniors back in the Imperial Academy wore such faces when they saw him off to war.

Aoto sharply inhaled, his mind spinning the gears to think it over. What he wanted to say, what he could say, what he must say. He was no longer in a spot where he could just throw cautions into the winds. Therefore...

"Not many would actually try to learn from their own enemy. It's an extremely risky choice when you could barely arm yourself," Aoto started. "However, I can understand the logic behind it. When you are in no position to demand for something better, you make do with what you have. And the Siren happened to be there, right?"

Z23 slowly nodded. However, she did not utter a single word as if waiting. Waiting for the moment of judgment. Confident of his own conjecture, Aoto then formed a soft smile.

"That is why," the man—the Rear Admiral stated. "I will not condemn you for using the power of the Siren. After all, only people would assign strength with good and evil."

Yes, that was what his thought had concluded. With all his heart and age-tempered wisdom, Aoto knew that people could not be picky when it came to certain things. Had he been at that point in his life where he wished he could have power no matter what the cost was? Far too many times. However, he also knew that it was the accumulated regrets and losses he was forced to endure that made him wish for it.

"...yes, that is correct." Sighing with relief apparent in it, Z23 closed her eyes as she returned his smile. "It seems Ayanami-san's faith in you truly was not misplaced. You possess a broad mind, a brilliant potential for you to become a wonderful Commanding Officer."

I'm not quite sure what to feel, is that honest praise with a jab or what? "Well, I wasn't exactly trying to impress..."

"But I would like to correct one thing."

"Oh?" Aoto lifted his head, meeting Z23 in the eyes.

"Among my sisters and peers, the degree of modification I permitted to be installed on my rigging only reaches the bare minimum." The purple-eyed girl placed her gloved hand on her chest. "My circumstances could hardly be called an optimum innovation to the anti-Siren effort. I know my limits, Kommandant."

Aoto rapidly blinked his eyes in wonderment. The way she worded it seemed to indicate there was something more about this brand new avenue of technology tree. However… there was no doubt about it; she had given a hint to the top-secret information she had said to have been withholding not just for her homeland, but also for his sake. Did that mean Z23 had approved him—no, haste makes waste.

As if noticing his wavering focus, Z23 giggled. "...you are a strange person, Kommandant."

"Ah, well…" Taken aback, Aoto scratched the back of his head. "I guess I was being nosy. It has nothing to do with your excellent work performance, I assure you. Though it does have some relation with an issue I have with a certain someone."

And now that I have acquired a piece of the puzzle, I can take a little break at last. He got off the chair and straightened his back. His shoulders felt stiff and his spine made a few popping sounds, though now that he was away from the desk, he noticed that the rattling had stopped; it seemed the snowstorm was now over. Guess I've been working with tensions all over my body without noticing…

"Kommandant, you need to do regular exercise."

"Ahahah… well, that's true." He walked to the clothes hanger and picked up his winter jacket as well as a scarf. The former was colored in dark blue while the latter was a handmade given to him by the priest who had taken care of him. He looked fondly at the scarf before he wore it after the jacket. "Then, I'll be off for a moment. Want to come, Niimi?"

"Mhh… a tempting offer," Z23 said with two fingers pressed on her chin. "However, I will have to decline. I need to check if Ayanami-san has been caught by the evil of kotatsu or not."

Aah, yes. I remember that particular winter devil. "Looks like you too have it rough, huh?"

"More than you could ever imagine, Kommandant."

At her sigh, Aoto could only offer a smile full of sympathies.

There were two ways to reach the harbor. Leaving the exclusive district and travel down the winding paths cresting through the hills, or from the naval base situated only a fair distance away from it. Unlike the usual, however, the sea was calm and cold, the wind biting at his exposed skin and ears.

As snow fell and he uncapped a bottle of warmed sake, Aoto soon realized that a shadow loomed over him from behind. The man blinked, finding Shoukaku standing with a paper umbrella held up so that he was beneath it. The young woman stared at him without saying anything, and not knowing what she was thinking made it difficult for him to refuse the act of kindness—if it could even be said as that. Regardless, he took the umbrella and Shoukaku invited herself into the shade of it. Right next to him.

"How did you know I am here?" Aoto eventually broke the ice.

"Niimi-chan said that you went out to stretch your legs," Shoukaku replied. "Though saying that, it's not hard to find a sailor brave enough to stand so close to the sea these days."

"...true enough." Aoto acquiesced with a nod, closing his eyes as he took in a sharp breath. "I do not think any sane person would go so far out here by themselves."

"And you always came to this place, no? To give your respect, almost like an obsession."

The man laughed. It was a bit much, but he supposed there was merit in the thought of it. Tatsumiya Aoto was one of those who had returned from the battlefield only to jump back to active duty shortly after. He certainly wasn't alone on that front, but as years went by, he became one of the few who continued to pledge their services to the empire.

"...I suppose I now have a few more regrets," Aoto confessed. "And perhaps a little envious."

Though he lived through the tragedies, the smokes of another, different war could be seen in the horizon. Aoto wasn't sure if karma followed him, but his comrades at least were fortunate enough to have long retired or already too dead to even worry about it. Still, he couldn't say he disliked the time he had spent together with the girls that were his new subordinates.

"...Shikikan-kun, are you…" Shoukaku paused and then shook her head. "No, never mind. At any rate, please go back already. You should mind your own health a bit more."

Hmm? It seemed that there was something Shoukaku wished to say. However, it didn't seem like she was being reproachful either. If anything, she seemed confused and at a loss.

"Something on your mind?" Aoto asked.

"Eh? Aaah, n-no! Not at all…"

Looks like she doesn't want to talk about it just yet. That was fine. While pressing the issue could help, it could also make things much worse. It might be alright to let her sort herself out until she had the courage to bring it up to him. He didn't mind waiting, though he also noticed that Shoukaku truly was related to Zuikaku; even their immediate reactions were remarkably similar to each other. Plus, it's not like we don't have the time for it either; at least for now.

"Very well, then. Let's go home, Shoukaku."

Aoto tilted the umbrella and shook off some piling snows, the action snapping his secretary's mind back to the present time. She hastily nodded and they climbed back up to the exclusive district, Shoukaku only lagging behind by a step when they were not on the stairs. As soon as they reached the division's quarter, however, they saw someone familiar standing in front of the gate leading to the Fifth Carrier Division's headquarters. That headphone belonged to…

"Ashigara?" Aoto murmured. And who's the girl in green and white kimono?

Even Shoukaku looked perplexed. Ashigara and the girl seemed to be talking heatedly until the former resigned herself to accept an item from the shorter, dark-haired girl in white and green. The heavy cruiser held a brown envelope tightly against her chest while the other girl bowed before going on her own way. Shoukaku immediately called out to her junior, and yet Ashigara suddenly stiffened, her eyes darting to reflect Aoto's figure. The envelope he held began to deform in her grips.

That… didn't look right. Not at all. Aoto folded the paper umbrella and approached Ashigara with hurried steps. "Ashigara, what's wrong?"

"That… is… This is…" The girl hitched her breaths as she looked at him and Shoukaku. She was at the verge of panicking, but Ashigara abruptly shut her eyes close and deeply inhaled. After going through the herculean struggle against whatever it was that held her back, she surrendered the brown envelope to Aoto. "This is… addressed for you, Shikikan…"

Aoto stared at the envelope, connecting the dots almost immediately. He heard Shoukaku drawing in a sharp breath, and even Ashigara began to wilt in the spot. Still, he accepted the item and flipped the brown envelope, seeing that it was indeed given the seal of the Admiralty Board on it. Not only that, but a purple seal of the imperial court had also been stamped next to it; a regal and sacred color symbolizing an authority equaling the Combined Fleet's Flagship and right below the High Priestess of Sakura.

This is… I see, so that's how it is...

As he held the imperial mandate, he sensed his subordinates' gazes as well as the burden he must carry from now on. There were no words exchanged, but he already understood what must have happened. His heart felt exceedingly heavy, his trust and loyalty shaken to the very core. However, he must do this. Even if it meant he must kill his own heart, he had to fight and protect those who now stayed under his wings.

It was time to fight against the world.