I know you're tired of hearing this but the historical accuracy may be changed in place of a better story. Any similarities to people, living or dead, are purely coincidental.
The Sakura Empire exclaims out in jubilation upon our return. They wave from the shore as the remnants of our fleet pull into Hashirajima port just off the coast of Hiroshima. While they celebrate our supposed victory, we silently watch in shame. There was no greater dishonor than to be mocked by our people.
Atago's ears droop as the people she had sworn to protect mock her so. I place my hand on her shoulder and slowly try and bring her into a sideways hug.
"They probably don't know. I know our people better to know they wouldn't ridicule you like this."
"Thank you, Hiroto…"
She does perk up a little, however she does not lose her sad expression. The Yamato towers above the harbor as she pulls into the small island as well, receiving much more jubilation from the crowd that had gathered.
The symbol of the Sakura Empire's strength and hope raises the patriotism of all who see her. Her glorious 18in turrets larger than the stumps of the trees on the island and her superstructure taller than the largest building in the port.
Even after our great loss, looking at the massive ship raise some feelings of hope among the two of us.
When she arrived, her ears immediately shot up in excitement. 3 similarly sized hulls stick out of the water all in their respective docks. I recognized two of them as her sisters Maya and Takao which left the last hull, by process of elimination, as Choukai. Choukai was the youngest of the 4 sisters and therefore the most modern between them.
She also just so happened to be the one sister Atago had not seen in years.
Atago launches herself from the side of her hull and skates quickly across the water towards her sisters who wave at the oldest as she slices across the port's waters. Some other Kansen are welcomed by their sisters as a wave of women and little girls cross the port, leaving their commanders to guide the hull back to port.
Including myself as I grab her wheel and turn her slowly into port.
The Yamato cannot fit within a dock, meaning she must park herself just outside of port and requires supply ships to refuel. As I walk off the ship, I am greeted by Admiral Yamamoto and a stunningly beautiful black haired fox with nine other wordly tails sticking out behind her.
She was much taller than any normal human being as she towers above Yamamoto by at least a few feet. Everything else about her was also greatly "enhanced".
I bow and salute to the Admiral, trying to keep my eyes off of the beautiful Kansen. The Admiral copies my gesture.
"Greetings, Commander."
"Greetings, Admiral."
"I have heard of your exploits in the East Indies and the Philippines. Vice Admiral Kondo had a few good words to say about you and your ship."
"Thank you sir. I am sorry I was not able to prove myself in our recent sortie."
"There are far worse things we should be sorry for."
"Too true."
"However, you may have another chance to prove yourself in the coming months."
"What do you require of me?"
"Due to… recent events. We have been silenced from telling the public which is why we are on this island. We are waiting for a large victory before informing the public on the loss of our fleet carriers to prevent a reduction of favour in the Empire."
"A wise decision."
"Thank the Emperor for the idea. However, until then we must assume a defensive position of our current holdings to prevent the Eagle Union from overpowering us until we are able to replenish our lost carriers."
"I'm assuming you want us to move to a better position to protect Sakura."
"You assume correctly. However, you and your ship have deserved a short respite from the action. For now, Sentai-4 will be stationed here until I request that you move your force to Truk for defensive purposes."
"Thank you sir." I bow deeply to him. "What will you do?"
"Yamato and I will probably head back to her port after refueling. Anything after that is classified."
"Ah yes. That is fair enough."
I look out over the small island that we now reside over. Though some mass produced ships had parked in port here, the majority of the ships were Kansen. Each Kansen is accompanied by a captain as they search for their sister ships or grabbing a quick bite to eat. It was calm, almost serene. My mind wandered to Atago, who was most definitely talking with her sisters. Her dazzling smile engraved in my memory.
"Unfortunately, we must leave. Come, Yamato."
"Yes sir."
Yamamoto bows to me and I bow in return. He turns and leaves, expecting Yamato to follow him.
Yamato bows to me deeply, exposing her chest to me which causes me to blush lightly. "Good luck, commander." She says respectively.
"Y-yeah. You too."
The Beautiful Kansen moves quickly to follow her Admiral, the clacking of her geta following wherever she went.
"Her voice sounds familiar…" I say aloud to myself.
I carefully watch as they make their way around a corner before setting out to find Atago and her sisters.
…
"This is your commander? You're making me jealous, Atago~" The new addition to the group had stated her compliments to me.
"She's been going on and on about how handsome you looked and how great your massages are~"
"C-Choukai!" Her older sister stampers in protest.
The youngest sister bore an uncanny resemblance to Atago, being just a little bit shorter than her. Her facial features were almost identical to Atago's as she looked at me with the same golden eyes. Her body reminded me of Takao's but her hair was almost identical to her older sister.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Choukai. I am glad to hear that you find me worthy of your sister."
"I hope she hasn't made things too hard. Her teasing can even get Takao to blush from time to time~"
Her personality reminded me of a less extreme Atago. She also seemed to care deeply for her sisters and was still prone to teasing, but she gave off a different type of teasing compared to Atago's more seductive teasing.
"It hasn't hindered my combat capabilities at least, so I guess you could say it hasn't been too hard." I chuckle.
Atago jabs me with her elbow playfully.
"Takao, Maya, good to see you two again."
"Good day, commander. I am sorry to hear about what happened at Midway Atoll." Takao states seriously, her stern voice only breaking to show compassion.
"It was terrible. But we are still not out of options. Our newly acquired resources should be able to sustain a counter attack when we are ready."
"That is good to hear. My sword will be yours just as it is mine when the time comes."
"Thank you Takao."
Maya seems a bit more focused on a different subject.
"Was that Yamato you were just talking to?" She asks, showing more emotion than I thought possible for the cruiser.
"Only briefly, I was mostly talking with Yamamoto."
"You spoke to Yamato?! No one speaks to Yamato, not even the Vice Admiral!" Something tells me she was more than just surprised. She was also a tiny bit jealous.
Atago seems to be jealous for another reason. "And what did you talk about, com~man~der~"
"All she did was wish me good luck. It wasn't anything more." I say, trying to keep my feelings towards Atago mute between the 3 cruisers.
"If you say so commander, I'll believe you."
Takao's gaze shifts from Atago to me to Atago and back. Clearly sensing something more at work. Though if it did not pertain to combat or physically inhibit her sister, she didn't care.
"Do you girls want some food?"
"I would love some commander~" Choukai chimes in.
"We must be careful. Even at port we are not safe."
"Does that mean yes?" Atago teases her sister.
Takao blushes slightly and nods her head.
"What about you Maya?" Choukai asks.
"I will follow wherever my sisters go."
"That's a yes from Maya~"
"Perfect. You guys have been here for longer, you see anywhere that might peak your interest?"
The three sisters look at each other, none speaking up. Takao is the first to break the silence, though she seems embarrassed to ask for Commander's permission. "I-I saw this place on the second floor of a general building that looked interesting."
Apparently, Atago's cute blush carried across to her sisters as well. From the blush on Takao, I can assume she doesn't request something too often.
"Alright, lead the way Takao. Unless you wanted to grab your commanders first."
"My commander does not indulge himself in things such as this… Though it is nice to have one that will…" Takao seems to be softening before my very eyes. My first instinct is to reach out and pat her head, but with Atago's careful gaze I decide I better not.
"It's alright commander~ It took her a lot of courage to speak up. You should reward her~" Atago takes my hand and places it on Takao's head, forcing me to give her a few pats.
Takao's face flushes red as she tries to formulate a sentence. "I-I-I didn't need a reward, Atago." Despite her protest, Takao seems to be enjoying the headpats and makes a hardly noticeable sigh when I remove my hand.
"Alright Takao, show us the way to this place."
Takao nods slightly and leads the four heavy cruisers and myself deeper into the city.
…
"Wow Takao, you sure know your stuff." Atago admires the view from the second story.
Atago didn't seem to be bothered by the little height of the balcony, in fact she seems to enjoy the fact as she uses it to look out over the beautiful little island. The port was large but only in the amount of docks it had. Everything else about it was tiny compared to the ones they had been stationed at recently like Tokyo.
"Something told me that the view would be tremendous." Takao states seriously as per her personality.
"Aww, lighten up Takao. Maybe I could have the commander give you a massage~ I promise he's gentle~" Atago giggles.
Takao turns red and swipes at her sister with her arm. Atago dodges out of the way just in time, giggling at her sister's embarrassment.
Maya and Choukai had already sat down and begun ordering by the time I made sure Atago was not going to kill Takao from embarrassment. Atago sits down to join them while Takao and I talk.
"It's fine, commander. I am used to her teasing. I'm sure by now, you are too."
Takao lets out a rare giggle and suddenly she sounds exactly like her sister.
"Spending all day with her for almost a year does that."
"I am quite jealous of her. She's both the flagship of the Sentai-4 and you're her commander. Don't get me wrong, my commander is just fine. But he does not take interest in me at all."
"Maybe it's because you come off as cold."
"I've known you for not even half the time I've known him and I'm already talking to you like we've been friends since my creation."
"Perhaps he is trying to keep the Kansen code."
"I've known your commander since the Academy, he's very loyal to his people. He probably respects you too much to see you that way."
"He could at least talk to me about training or compliment me on my skills. Even a little praise would be better than nothing."
"I can talk to him, see what I can do."
Takao smiles widely.
"I can see why my sister has fallen for you."
"She told you, huh?" I say chuckle.
"Yeah, she also said she wouldn't mind if she shared with her sisters." Takao lets out a laugh that I can't decipher if it meant she was kidding or not.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. I would hate to see my sister unhappy."
"So if it wasn't your sister, you would immediately rat me out." I say with a smile.
"I can't say I would, but I can't say I wouldn't. As an ally and someone who has bonded with you over combat, I can't say I would immediately."
"Thanks Takao. Your sister has rubbed off on you."
"She's also changed you."
"I think that's just what she does. Her personality is infectious."
"Speaking of which, we should probably order something before my sister thinks we're avoiding her."
"It's nice to speak to someone who is a bit less of a tease for once."
"You use the term 'someone' as if we weren't weapons of war."
"Atago has taught me that even weapons of war can have emotions. As far as I'm concerned, if you have feelings you are someone."
"Perhaps I would like to share you with Atago afterall." She flirts.
"I didn't know you could flirt." I tease her in return.
"I've learned a thing or two from my sister."
I walk back after giving her shoulder a light tap. She turns around and follows me to our seats. I can see Atago's curled smile behind her menu as her ears flicker. She really had perfect hearing…
"How do I look commander~"
Atago had changed into her stunning white Kimono for the summer night before them. Somehow, the fact that she was showing less skin made me stare all the more harder. She had also bought some boots to go along with it and she knew how to walk in them.
"It looks more like a winter Kimono. I think you bought the wrong type." I say trying to hold back a laugh.
"Well it was on sale… I didn't know there was a difference."
"It looks stunning, Atago. Perfect for a night like tonight."
Atago grabs my arms and hums happily in content with my assessment.
"It looks too good, you're making me look bad by comparison." I laugh.
"Give yourself some credit commander~ Your officers Kimono looks great too!"
I myself had gone and purchased one specifically for tonight. I already knew what Atago was planning on wearing so I tried to get one that complimented the white. I ended up going with deep dark blue, it could be considered black, with a golden obi. Tonight was a very special night. Tonight was the ending of a long strain of festivities for every shipgirl's favorite holiday, Marine day.
Each shipgirl had gathered with their commanders and made their way down to the very edge of the port with a small lantern in their hands. Atago found her sisters with their commanders and rushed to join their group, leaving me behind to catch up with her.
The night was black for all except the bright moon which was beginning the final phases into a full moon. The stars refused to be out tonight allowing the lanterns to shine brighter against the deep black sky.
The moddly glow of the lanterns helped illuminate the side of the island as all other sources of light were turned off. The murmuring had begun when the moon began to rise and everyone's anticipation began to soar.
The little destroyers yawned as their sleep schedule had been thrown out of balance. The rest of the ships were excited to do something outside of combat.
"Commander~ Come on, you're going to be late!" Atago calls me after briefly chatting with her sisters.
"Right!"
Atago visibly restrains herself from grasping onto me after noticing every single commander at the port was currently here. Though she is not happy about it, she understands that she cannot show me affection for the time being.
"Alright, are you ready, commander?"
"Of course."
It was tradition to send up a lantern as a sign of respect for the ocean that provided us life, and the shipgirls their own creation. It started a very long time ago and the tradition had been passed down for centuries until today where ship and captain stand side by side. Waiting for the countdown to begin.
"10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1!"
Atago and I lift ours into the air together, watching as it flies into a formation of hundreds upon thousands of little lanterns floating across the sky. Everyone watches in awe as they fly up and further beyond. Few even move a muscle to so much as blink for fear they would cause it to end the flying spectacle.
The Battle of Midway had been a huge blow to the Sakura Empire. In a way, this felt like a burial for the lost, and everyone on the base knew it too. The lanterns guide the way for the four carriers into the afterlife.
Everyone remains silent as the flames die out and the lanterns are carried off into the wind to land only God knows where. The black night made the moon look brilliant against the backdrop of space. Each pairing shuffled their way back to their residences either in their ships or their provided quarters in the port.
Atago, Takao, Maya, and Choukai, along with their commanders sit and watch silently as the lanterns dip into the warm water of the Sakura coast.
As we sit there silently, I make eye contact with Takao's commanding officer. I point my head away, indicating I wanted to speak with him. He nods and gets up, following me. Atago and Takao both turn around slightly to see where we were going, allowing Atago to place a hand on her sister's shoulder.
"Takao has confined in me something she wants you to do for her."
"Why hasn't she asked me?"
"You know how she is. She's stubborn and hot headed, and has a hard time requesting permission for her own self gain."
"Alright, then what would she like to ask me."
"She wants you to…" I try and swallow the embarrassment of the phrase. Even when I'm not Takao this was hard to say.
"She wants you to praise her more. For doing things like following orders and doing a good job."
"I am not praised for following orders, I do not see why she must be."
"She's a girl, commander. She specifically asked this of you."
"She asked this of you. I believe a professional relationship is the only way to cut out complications in battle. If she wants to go to you for praise then let her do so. But I will only praise her when she is deserving of it."
The commander walks away and sits down with Maya's commander and starts speaking in hushed breaths. If Takao's ears were anything like her sisters, she wasn't going to like his answer. I walk back to the two fox girls and sit down between them.
"I'm sorry I couldn't-"
"It's alright, commander. I knew he wasn't going to praise me. I can only hope he thinks over your words and gives it some thought. Thank you, commander."
"For what it's worth, I'm proud of you. Both of you. Few ships have seen more combat than we have and you've made it through without a scratch. You two are both doing wonderfully. So are your other younger sisters."
The two younger sisters talk amongst themselves, Choukai giggles at something Maya whispers.
"Thank you commander, that means a lot."
"Don't mention it Takao. If you ever feel like you need more praise. Come ask me and I'll be happy to shower you with more praise."
I give her black hair a quick rustle.
"Or me~ But I'm fine with you asking Hiroto as well~" Atago teases the poor heavy cruiser.
Takao blushes as Atago uses my first name, she then remembers the relationship we were in and shrugs it away.
"I ought to head back to my ship. My gut tells me we are going to be sortieing soon."
"Good night Takao."
"Good night sister!"
Takao walks away.
"Isn't she just the cutest~"
"I wouldn't say that. The cutest one is her older sister. Now that's a cute girl." I say laying in the grass.
Atago lays down next to me and playfully punches my chest.
"You're so dumb, I swear." She laughs out loud.
"Just telling the truth."
We both look up at the moon as it shines down upon the port, casting its glow upon the ocean which reflects back at itself. The calming motion of the waves and the sound of the tide splashing against the port almost forces myself asleep. Part of me. No. All of me wishes this moment could last forever, together with Atago.
It wouldn't be long before we were thrown into combat.
"Atago, sister. Could you explain our goal one more time?"
"Of course, the Eagle Union invaded Guadalcanal in a surprise attack and overwhelmed our forces. Our job is to provide support for our troop transports and create a saff landing zone for them."
"Then shouldn't we be… You know… with the troop transports and not with these two slow bulking carriers."
"Who are you calling slow and bulky!?" The hot headed crane sister shouts into the radio.
"Now now, sister. There is no need for a fuss. They are our fastest heavy cruisers after all, of course they want to move fast."
"Nnngrh. I can't move any faster! Can't we just fight already?"
"We have to keep you a secret until we have confirmation on either the airfield or enemy carriers. You'll get your chance don't worry." Atago acting as more of a flagship than either of the two main fleet carriers.
Maya had been detached to aid the fleet carriers as her superior Anti-Aircraft would make sure the two main fleet carriers remained safe.
They moved quickly towards a small island in the ocean named Guadalcanal where a few days earlier the Union launched a surprise attack and decimated our troops station there through aerial superiority. As an immediate response, Admiral Yamamoto requested that we seize back the island.
Unfortunately, this meant coming face to face with Eagle Union carriers. However, we had learned from our mistakes at Midway. Zuikaku, Shokaku, and Ryujo were the most experienced carriers in the Sakura navy, their Kansen controlled aircraft posed no match for the Eagle Union's. Our planes were far more accurate and agile than the American mass produced lumbering machines. Even if they were controlled by Kansen, there was little chance for a repeat of Midway.
However… if it happened once.
"Atago. Send up your scouting aircraft."
"Commander?"
"We cannot risk carrier based aircraft to alert the Union fleet. We must use our own ship based aircraft to scout and identify if there is a risk that US carriers are in the vicinity."
"I understand, commander." Atago extends her catapult launchers to face directly port and starboard before firing them off with a loud whoosh. "Scouting Aircraft in the air. Please do not disturb me commander. Unless it is urgent."
I stay silent but hope she could understand my acceptance of her terms.
Atago closes her eyes to focus solely on her scout aircraft. In the dead of night, her eyesight was greatly limited. However, The Sakura were trained for night time operations extensively. The Eagle Union was not.
"Shokakuuu." The bored crane carrier complained.
"Not now sister, we cannot give away our location until the time is right."
"But I'm sooo boreeeddd."
"I've told you ten times already that you'll get your chance eventually. If it helps, there are only two active carriers left in the Pacific, you'll have plenty of chances to fight them."
"Oh now I'm all pumped up! I'm coming for you Eagle Union!"
"Annd that didn't help at all…"
"You newer aircraft carriers and your personalities." Ryujo makes a statement against the new carriers.
"Find anything Ryujo?"
"Not a thing. It's too dark for scouting operations to give good feedback."
"Shame. We may have to wait until morning."
Atago flinches as she controls her aircraft. Something was obviously happening. Before her planes could make a radio call and return, Atago opens her eyes and begins panting.
"Atago are you alright?!"
"Yes I'm fine. My scouting planes… were destroyed by… enemy carrier based aircraft."
"Dammit. Were you able to see the carriers?"
"No. It was too dark out. I couldn't even see the fighters until it was too late."
I pick up the radio and broadcast her findings to the fleet.
"Attention, Atago's scouting aircraft have just been struck down by carrier based aircraft. Confirmed carrier operations in the vicinity. Keep a lookout for more planes."
"Finally! Can we launch them now sister?"
"Not yet, Zuikaku. We need visual confirmation of their fleet."
"Attention, this is Ryujo. I and my task force have been ordered to the front of the formation as a diversion for the enemy carriers to focus their scouting attention on."
"Good luck Ryujo. Let's see this one through!"
"Copy that."
Ryujo pulls up in front of us and begins to lead the force from the front. Her strange bow rising and falling in the wake of the ships leading her. Another message came across the radio shortly thereafter.
"The two main fleet carriers will turn North and split off from the rest of the group. They shall be accompanied by their escorts as well."
"That's us." Atago states. I nod my head in agreement.
Atago turns her rudder and makes her way up north, following in formation with the rest of the vanguard. The transport ships had been split in half. Half choosing to remain with Ryujo as a diversion and the other half cruising their way alongside us.
Her sisters Takao and Choukai cruise alongside us as well to our port and starboard sides. The three heavy cruisers managing a perfect formation without even trying.
Their formation continued North into the daylight. When I wake from my quick nap, I once again find my head on Atago's lap.
"Good morning commander~ Did you sleep well?"
"Good morning Atago. I slept very well thanks to you. Thank you."
"It was the least I could do, Hiroto~"
"Attention! Eagle Union scouting aircraft bearing 312 at an altitude of 5,000ft. Our force has been detected."
"My trigger finger is getting anxious, sister."
"Not now, you're so close."
The Ryujo spotted a scouting aircraft which undoubtedly had spotted them in return as Ryujo reported it was heading back.
Multiple scouting aircraft trail the Union scout but were unsuccessful in finding the Eagle Union's carrier force. They return to their cruisers which swiftly pick them up and place them back on board.
Ryujo announces she is beginning to launch her attack on the Eagle Union airfield as the crane sisters continue to argue over when to reveal their locations by sending up their planes.
Atago and I await on the bridge, looking for something to do instead of feeling hopeless like we did during the battle of Midway. After coming to reason, we decided there was little we could do except prepare for the more than likely inevitable outcome of a surface battle.
Preparing included a lot of massages. Her moans were loud enough for me to make sure the radio wasn't picking them up. Though those got old rather quickly. We then spent our time drinking tea on her bridge, joking a lot and talking about our lives before the war with the Union.
I honestly forgot we were in a battle.
However, I was soon brought quickly back to reality as Ryujo's dive bombers began their attack run on the island airfield.
"Hhmph. Their pathetic fighters are no match for my zeroes. However, the Anti-Aircraft down there is getting quite annoying."
After the brief skirmish, Ryujo reported back that she had lost 3 dive bombers and 3 fighters. A tactical win as she reported the airfields to mostly have been taken care of. Ryujo's celebration is quickly cut short as the voice of a timid cruiser plays over the radio, afraid to take up the air space from her Carrier superiors.
"I, uhm. Don't know if you need to know this but I have found the location of the Enemy fleet carriers. I uhh. Identify two carriers, the USS Enterprise and the USS Saratoga… They're going… Bearing 75 at 22 Knots."
"The grey ghost?! Wasn't she sunk at Midway!?" Shokaku expresses clear alarm. Her hot headed sister already sending planes into the sky, ready for a rematch with the Lucky E.
"That's it hot stuff! Well done! Alright planes! To the skies!" Zuikaku's planes take off overhead in a stunning representation of Sakura launch capabilities and formations. Shokaku's planes almost scrape Atago's mast as they fly overhead. The roar of their engines deafening.
"The grey ghost? Were we able to sink any carriers?" I ask Atago. Atago hangs her head, remembering the losses of our four carriers and hoping that without the mention of the third carrier meant they had at least sunk that one.
Suddenly, from behind the clouds, two aircraft fly right over the Shokaku. The Eagle Union scout airplanes obviously reporting the position of our fleet. The Shokaku scrambles to deal with them. In a brave twist of fate, the two scouting aircraft dive on the carrier.
Immediately, Anti-Aircraft fire fills the air as they attempt to strike down the two spotting aircraft. Shokaku and her escorts were not known for their Anti-Aircraft capabilities, something Shokaku immediately noticed. 5 of her zeroes turn around just as the planes open fire upon her flattop. Their bullets pepper the runway but otherwise accomplish little else. Her zeroes strike down the two aircraft which crash into the sea.
Everyone in the fleet breathes out a sigh of relief.
Her planes return to the air shortly after, following Zuikaku's flight. Suddenly, a desperate message came from the Ryujo.
"Incoming! My god there are so many of them!" Ryujo's desperation immediately felt throughout the entire fleet, both diversion and main.
The sound of multiple explosions hitting her deck resonate throughout the ocean. However, Ryujo herself does not seem to be hurt.
After a few brief but intense seconds, Ryujo once again uses the radio.
"Fuck. They got me good. I'm sorry, my hull has been too damaged to continue. I'll be fine. Just a little bruised. Give em hell!" Ryujo signs off. It was good to hear she was not in any immediate danger. I hope her rigging can take care of anyone trying to finish her off.
Almost immediately afterwards, Zuikaku announces that her aircraft are coming under fire from Eagle Union fighters. She does not seem alarmed however, her zeroes clearly having dealt with the majority of them quite easily.
"Is that all you've got, Grey ghost?!"
"Don't get cocky sister."
"Yes, dear Shokaku."
The two carriers concentrated on keeping their flights of dive bombers while new orders for the vanguard come in.
"Vanguard ships. You are to make contact and sink the Eagle Union surface ships. Make sure to search for submarines."
"Aye sir!"
Atago turns to starboard along with the rest of the vanguard in a direct course for the Eagle Union's forces. I could tell what they were trying to do. Force the Eagle Union to fight at night where their carriers would be useless and their lackluster night fighting skills put against our esteemed night fighting capabilities. It was smart. But the Eagle Union had to know this was coming.
"Alright Atago. Be careful not to get too close to enemy battleships. We cannot risk a lucky shot from one of the Eagle Union's larger main battery guns."
"It's cute how worried about me you are commander~"
I blush at Atago's teasing and ability to see through my rouse so easily.
"J-just be careful okay?"
"Aye aye!"
Shokaku reports that both Enterprise's and Saratoga's flight decks were empty as her planes came under heavy Anti-Aircraft fire. After a brief minute of intense waiting, Shokaku reported back.
"Unable to score any hits on the Enterprise. Heavy losses. Remaining aircraft are targeting a large warship."
"Don't worry sister, my planes shall strike her!"
Once again, the radio is filled with silence as the bombers begin their attack run. Atago and I wait patiently but were overcome with so much stress that neither of us could hardly look away from the radio.
Zuikaku shouts out in jubilation. "I did it! Three direct hits on the USS Enterprise! She's burning hard! Haha!"
"Yes!" I jump out of my seat and give Atago a crisp high five, wishing to do more but there were still reports coming in.
"All attempts at striking the battleship are unsuccessful. All air groups returning to base."
"Alright!" I shout hugging and kissing Atago in a combination she was not ready for. She blushes lightly from the advances I had made on her.
"Looks like things are going well commander~"
"We'll get our time to shine, don't you worry." I say confidently. She rustles my hair a little in response.
Zuikaku and Shokaku both get their planes in the air again in time for one more raid before the night sets in. However, they are unable to find the carriers and Zuikaku could not be more furious about it.
"Dammit! Dammit! Dammit! I need to make sure she sinks!"
"Don't worry sister, she will be out of this engagement at least. You can challenge her another day."
"But I was so close! Dammit!"
There was a long period of time where there were no sounds of war all across the ocean. Our vanguard travelled quickly with our battleships and transports to intercept the Eagle Union before they had the chance to escape. Pushing limits we previously had not explored, the task force slices through the ocean.
Atago's ears twitch. Never a good sign.
"Do you hear that?"
"What is it?"
Atago stops for a second, thinking in her mind.
"Wright engines. Dauntless dive bombers." she says scared.
I look to the skies and sure enough, two SBD Dauntless Dive Bombers appear from out behind a cloud. They immediately turn towards the vanguard Unit and fall from the sky. Atago is the first to open up Anti-Aircraft fire, followed by her sisters and then the battleships, destroyers, and light cruisers.
As the two fall lower, Atago increasingly gets more passionate about bringing them down. They seemed to be diving on a Seaplane tender with little to no way of defending itself.
Atago fires enough ammunition to take out a city but is still unable to take out the two Dive bombers which unleash their payload on the mass produced ship. The bombs miss her by a narrow span, causing major damage to the unarmored ship. Though she was not dead in the water, she was definitely not making it to the Eagle Union's fleet in time.
One of the destroyers takes care of her human crew and gets them to safety aboard her ship.
Atago is disappointed in herself. Her Anti-Aircraft capabilities had repeatedly proved themselves lacking luster.
"It's okay Atago. What you lack in AA you more than makeup for in your main battery. You are not an AA ship like your sister."
"I know. I just feel so helpless. It's my job to protect them and I feel like I'm letting them down."
"I think everyone else feels the same. We can't save everyone, that is just the nature of war. But think of all the people that would have died if you had not been there."
"You're right. I guess I'm really not like my sister at all." Atago laughs at her own guilt for not being in control of a situation she can do nothing about.
"I can make sure during your next retrofit to get you some nice new AA guns."
"And that's why I love you commander~" Atago chuckles.
They continued their search deep into the night, finding nothing among the dark black sea. Nothing appeared on sonar and the eeriness of a silent night in the middle of the battle made our nerves stand on end. Atago scans the night sky, still not confident that the Eagle Union would not try to launch another attack at night. I, meanwhile, scan the water and the horizon. The dark black sea reflects only the moon as our wake leaves ripples in the water. To prevent our trace being picked up by unwanted visitors, we slowed down to a quarter speed.
I look at our fuel gage as it began to drop lower and lower.
"Takao, what is your fuel at?"
"I only have about a quarter left, commander."
"We should turn back or we will not have enough fuel to make it to the nearest port."
"I was thinking the same. On your lead, commander."
I look over to Atago and without saying a word between us, Atago nods her head and turns to port. The 2 other heavy cruisers follow our lead and soon enough so do the rest of the escorts.
"This is the vanguard force, we have encountered a lack of Eagle Union ships and are running dangerously low on fuel. We are returning to Truk to make repairs and refuel."
"Well done, commander. We may not have accomplished our mission today, but there will be many more attempts now that the Eagle Union is without their most impressive Carrier."
Shokaku congratulates me. Though I feel as though we had once again done very little in a battle dominated by carrier planes.
"If you need to congratulate anyone, praise our ships. I should be thanking you two more for your service, you were the real victors in today's sortie."
"Oh commander, you're making me blush." Zuikaku chimes in over the radio.
"Are your actions done here tonight?"
"Yes, we cannot see in the dead of night. We have also accomplished our major objective of at least crippling a carrier. That seems to be the only thing that went right today on both sides."
"A win we desperately needed."
"You know, if I didn't know any better, commander. I would think you were an Admiral with the way you communicate with your ships."
"You flatter me Shokaku. But I am nowhere near the level of Kondo and Yamamoto."
"We'll see you back at port, commander."
"Yeah. See you."
I hang up the radio with a jealous fox standing behind me.
"I can't compliment my ships anymore?" I tease.
She pouts. "They got a good job before I did…"
Atago was very jealous when I spoke to ships that weren't her sisters and it showed on her face. Her usual seductive smile turned into a frown and her ears would flare up in jealousy. You could say Atago was possessive of me, especially since my job was to hang out with beautiful women all day. If Atago worked around handsome men all the time I would get jealous too.
"I'm sorry Atago. You did amazing out there today." I pull her into a hug. "And you know I always save the best for last."
Atago leans her head into my shoulder, grabbing my waist as well. Our mouths collide slowly on the dark bridge of the Atago as our passionate kiss turns into a passionate need.
"Perhaps I can get a reward tonight~" The seductive fox squeezes my tender area.
"I think you deserve a reward tonight as well." I return back to kissing the fox deeply.
She moans in my mouth as I push deeper into her, however she returns with an equally forceful delve with her tongue exciting a small groan out of me in return.
"Let's take this to your quarters~"
I make no objections.
There comes a moment in everyone's life where you have to take a step back to see the whole picture. After the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, the aircraft carriers Saratoga and Wasp were both hit with torpedoes by Sakura submarines with the latter having to be scuttled after her damage control parties could not save her. Taking this opportunity, the Sakura empire attempted one more push to take back Guadalcanal. The Battle of the Santa Cruz islands would prove to be a grand victory for the Sakura Empire. Sinking the USS Hornet and heavily damaging the USS Enterprise would mean the Japanese now had air superiority firmly in their grasp. Even with a slightly damaged Shokaku, the main Sakura carrier force was now in charge of the Pacific ocean.
However, Zuikaku was now more exhausted than any other ship in the fleet. Her planes were slow and clumsy and her ability to maneuver was also greatly hindered by her exhaustion. She had almost completely wiped out her plane reserves and could not possibly hope to replace them any time soon as all of the Sakura steel was focused on repairing her sister and creating more Carriers to replace their lost ones.
Scared of the deteriorating condition of Zuikaku, the Admiral recalled her from the front and allowed her to rest and regain planes at Tokyo. This left only 1 mass produced light carrier in defense of the entire Pacific.
In light of this. I was promoted to lead the entire naval base at Truk, only following orders from the Vice Admiral, Admiral, and the Emperor. Atago became the flagship of the theater almost overnight as battleship reinforcements arrived in place of the much more valuable Aircraft carrier.
This battle was a tactical win, but a shattering strategic loss for Japan ... Considering the great superiority of our enemy's industrial capacity, we must win every battle overwhelmingly in order to win this war. This last one, although a victory, unfortunately, was not an overwhelming victory…
Something that would soon come to haunt us later...
"Atago, how much longer?"
"Not much dear sister. Commander has reported to me that our destroyers have notified him, they have sunk the enemy fleet."
"That is very good to hear. Any news on the landings?"
"Not that we've heard, however we have our own goal to accomplish. All ships steam full ahead towards Henderson Field!"
The task force moves silently across the pitch black ocean, cutting through the waves under the guide of the stars. Atago's two youngest sisters accompanied Zuikaku on her way back to Tokyo leaving only Takao to support her. This was to be their fourth attempt to land troops at Guadalcanal and put Henderson Field out of action once and for all.
With constant vigilance on her sonar, I command the task force assigned with this difficult task.
"Without threat of air support and in the cover of night, our weapons will be much more advantageous against Eagle Union. It's brilliant commander~"
"Thank you, Atago. Though I would feel much more safe with air support of our own."
"In the cover of night they would not be of much help anyways. You made the right decision."
"I hope I have. The Union's on land radar can still detect us from long ranges."
"Then we must accomplish our mission quickly."
"Indeed, I'm counting on you Atago."
"You can rely on me, commander~"
Atago remains focused on the sea ahead, noticing every shift and every change in the ocean. The tension in the air is high as we prepare to land our troops on Guadalcanal. There had been no reports of any activity in the water as we take our offensive positions at the top of Guadalcanal.
It wasn't until our destroyer escorts reported noise in the water that we knew we weren't alone anymore.
"Commander, Ayanami reports severe cases of fire aboard her ship. She requests permission to abandon ship."
"Tell her to abandon ship and scuttle it afterwards with her rigging."
"Aye aye, commander~"
Though our destroyers had reported noise in the water, there had been no sightings of enemy ships for quite some time after their reports.
Atago squints over at something on the horizon that casts a black shadow against the backdrop of the starry night. "Commander, is that an island?"
I look out over the horizon and spot a dark and ominous object. It did not seem to move and casted the shadow of a small island a great distance away.
"Atago, turn your searchlight on the shadow."
Atago lights up her searchlight and points it towards the dark figure. Suddenly, a metallic behemoth appears within a few miles of our task force, illuminated by Atago's searchlight. She was hardly moving forward but was traveling straight at us in a collision course. Atago's eyes widen as the battleship comes into view.
"Oh shit."
I immediately grab the radio and broadcast over all frequencies in desperation. An Eagle Union battleship was a worthy adversary but hardly one I wanted to face without battleship support and carrier support.
"Enemy battleship. Identify yourself."
I wait for a response but only receive static.
"Enemy Battleship, this is Commander Hiroto Tsuyoshi of the IJN Atago. If you do not identify yourself we will have no choice but to open fire."
More static.
"Most peculiar. The message is getting across but they don't seem to be receiving it." Atago reports.
"Is it a mass produced ship?"
"It is possible she could be a Kansen if she is alone. However I cannot tell unless we are engaged in combat or they respond."
"Let's hope it is a mass produced ship. A Kansen battleship could cause major casualties."
The battleship begins rotating her guns to the starboard side. An obvious sign of her next actions.
"All stations, prepare for combat. All combat vessels open fire upon the Union battleship. Continue your advance."
Takao fires before I am even done finishing my sentence, landing just shy of the starboard side. As I predicted, the Union battleship turns to port and brings all of her guns to bear on our cruiser force. However, her focus does not seem to be on the Takao sisters but instead on our Kongo class battleship Kirishima.
"It seems It is finally time to prove myself! Prepare to receive the might of a Kongo class battleship!" Kirishima shouts out over the radio.
Her front 14in guns fire and land directly onto the Union battleship, ricocheting off of her thick armor. She mutters a curse under her breath. Atago opens fire as well to aid her sister and their battleship. Atago's shells fly through the air to land directly on the targeting array, basically knocking out the battleship's rangefinding capabilities.
It is finally time for the Eagle Union ship to open fire. The shells launched from her sixteen inch guns soar harmlessly into the water far before Kirishima. Takao responds in kind by repeating the same volley as before, only this time to much greater success. Her shells hit and exploded a deck ammo container, setting fire to the battleship's wooden deck.
On fire and slowly returning fire, the battleship opens up fire with her secondary armament, focusing both the heavy cruisers and the Kirishima. Kirishima laughs as she brushes off the smaller caliber shells off of her armor and returns fire with her own secondary armament. Atago makes another salvo at the Union battleship which is a direct hit to her damage control systems. To ad more fire, Kirishima unleashes her front two guns and hits directly onto her communications aray and radar, rendering her beaf, dumb, blind, and impotent.
Torpedoes from our friendly destroyers arrive and completely miss the battleship as it slowly tries to turn portside away from the combat. "Don't let her get away. We need to secure a sure victory."
"Yes commander!" Men and Kansen both shout at me in unison, a feeling of pride and accomplishment swelling as the Union battleship struggles to remain afloat.
The fires burn brightly on the battleship as her lights flicker, a telltale sign that her electrical systems were failing. From the bridge of the South Dakota, a bullet flies and takes out Kirishima's search light. The fast battleship curses as Atago's searchlight becomes the only one left, Takao's had been having technical difficulties.
Both Takao and Atago fire again, all of them hitting and setting more blazes onto her deck. The combination of the two heavy cruisers and their battleship had been enough to force her into a full on retreat, firing once more at the Kirishima but effectively only wasting ammunition.
We chase after her, following Atago's spotlight and the flames aboard the battleship to use our rangefinders more effectively. Round after round is fired from the Atago and Takao, leaving her practically dead in the water. As the heavy cruisers close the distance, the Kirishima fires another salvo from her front batteries. These landed squarely on South Dakota's stern and rochotet off with a clang.
"Damn she's good. Maybe if we-"
She would never finish her sentence as Atago's ears perk up at the sound of a loud whistling coming from the North. Momentarily, the Kirishima lurges upwards in an explosion, cutting her in half cleanly. Atago and I stare in shock as the battleship sinks below the waves without even a second to think about rescuing her Kansen.
Atago changes her spotlight from the old target to the new target as a fresh new silhouette appears to the North. Atago's searchlight finds a large North Carolina class battleship and her heart sinks.
"This is the USS Washington. Surrender your vessels or be prepared to face the might of two Eagle Union battleships."
I stare in disbelief at how quickly the tides of war had changed. I stare at the dangerously crippled unidentified Union battleship then back to the USS Washington which was preparing to fire its next salvo.
I was put into a tough decision. Finish off the battleship and take heavy damage in return, or attempt to attack the new addition to the battle.
"Destroyers, look for any survivors in the water. Launch a torpedo attack on the washington. We shall give chase to her should she try to flee."
"Yes sir!"
Atago turns her guns quickly towards the Union battleship and fires a quick salvo upon her, missing despite their close range. Takao is no more successful as her shots graze her armor belt with no penetrations.
Suddenly, a sixteen inch shell launched out of the battleship's aft cannons hits the Atago, rocking the ship violently. Atago falls to the ground as a result but gets back up swiftly.
"That Bitch! She's going to pay dearly for putting commander's life in danger!" She growls angrily.
Atago's fury had once again been unleashed as she chases down the retreating USS Washington. Despite her accurate gunnery, she still continued to miss salvo after salvo as the American battleship drew us away from her crippled friend. Something I took too little notice too late.
Atago and Takao fire a full spread salvo of torpedoes. Their slow but powerful nature is almost volatile enough to set themselves off at any moment. This was due to Atago's blind anger as she fires helplessly at the retreating battleship.
All our torpedoes miss and Washington avoids colliding bow first into the beach of an island. Clearly an expert and experienced Kansen at her helm.
This continued on for an hour longer until I notice Atago's fuel gauge was increasingly lowering. Her shell count was almost empty and her torpedo tubes were empty. Atago didn't seem to care however, charging with her sister into the fray.
"Atago. You're running out of fuel…"
"I know."
"You're not going to make it back at this rate."
"I know."
"Atago listen to me. We've got one of their newest battleships for one of our oldest. We cannot sacrifice our newest cruisers to take out another one."
"I know you're right. But I can't do it."
"Turn around Atago, that is an order."
Atago is surprised and slightly hurt at my serious words. Her ears droop slightly and silently. Maybe I had gone too far.
"Atago. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you. I know what you're thinking, but we just can't afford to lose you… I can't afford to lose you."
Atago hangs her head in shame. I give her a long head pat and give her ears a quick kiss which seems to raise her mood a little. "You've done well. Hell, this might be the best fight I've ever been in. Any other ship would have been sunk. I mean look at you! No torpedoes left and only a few more salvos remaining! You fought very hard, but now it's time to return. Turn her around Atago…"
Atago looks out over the ocean and at the battleship, which she still had her searchlight on, increasingly becoming more distant as they talk.
Atago looks out over her sister and their little destroyers cowering in fear as Washington and the other ship had not spared them the wrath of their secondary armaments. She looks back at me, with her golden eyes and peers deep into my determined expression.
"It's a lovely night out tonight, isn't it?"
"It is."
"Then let's enjoy it…"
She grabs my hand as we turn around and head back to port.
"Asagumo, did you find anyone?"
"I did, commander! You won't believe it!"
"Commander!? Commander is that you?!" Kirishima's voice allowed me to exhale a sigh of relief I did not know I was holding.
"Yes it is, is your captain alright?"
"Yes he's fine, just a little bruised but so am I."
"I'm proud of you, Kirishima. Thanks to you, the Eagle Union just lost a very important piece in their navy."
"Thank you commander, though I wish I could have fought her when she was fighting at full strength. Our battle would have been legendary!"
"It already was Kirishima. You get some rest. I'll come check up on you back at port."
"Okay commander!"
Atago looks at me after I hang up the radio. "You lied to her."
"If I didn't, she would have hated herself forever afterwards."
"You're so kind commander~" She gives me a quick and embarrassing kiss on my cheek before giggling.
In the aftermath that immediately followed, our primary goal had been complete. Our troop transports arrive at Guadalcanal and begin landing troops on the island immediately. Atago and I gaze at the stars the entire return trip, naming our favorite constellations.
Takao eventually joins us on the bridge and begins pointing out her favorite stars too. Though for a completely different reason than ours.
The three of us stare at the stars for ours until the sun comes back up and we all realize how tired we were. Takao waves goodbye to her sister as she climbs back aboard her own ship as the port comes into view.
"You know, I wouldn't mind sharing you with her~"
"So I've heard. She's definitely cute in her own way but I much prefer her older sister."
"You've already used that one, it won't work again~" She giggles. I laugh in response.
"I was being serious, commander~ Give it some thought, I promise she won't disappoint."
"I couldn't even if I wanted too. Doing so just doesn't feel right, plus I already have my ship to look after." He teases, causing Atago to playfully punch him.
"Commander Tsuyoshi. You have been relieved of duty."
"What!? Both Atago and I yelled out at once.
The portmaster could not hide the smile creeping to his face.
"Aheheh, I got you. And I got you. I got both of you. Ahehhe."
"Is there anything you need?"
"Yes there is actually. Atago has been scheduled for a refit. This one is planned to take a long time so enjoy your time off."
He leaves quickly as he came. We both shrug.
"A long time? How long do you think that is? A month? Two months?" Atago says as she stretches.
I don't respond, my eyes had been captured by her breasts covered in her uniform, daring her to stretch a bit more to release them. Atago takes immediate notice of this and snaps her fingers in front of my gaze.
"Commander. Commander~"
"Oh, yes. Sorry."
"Oh my Commander~ Did you want me to continue stretching? What a lewd thing to ask of me, but as your ship I will allow it."
Before I can mark my protest she bends up and then back down, giving me a full glimpse of her everything.
A large blush crawls up my face as Atago takes my arm and we head into the city to celebrate our victory.
…
A small victory that would not last.
Hello everyone, randomcitizen here. Just wanted to let you know that yes there is no Azur lane Yamato… yet. So I took some inspiration from Shinano who does exist in Azur lane and added her with darker hair because Shinano is sort of the runt of the three ships which is personally why I believe she has white hair. It seems we are nearing the end so I just wanted to say thank you for the support. Tell me which ship you want to see next and you may just get her. Until then.