*Disclaimer - I do not own the copyright for Azur Lane
Having a plan of action, Enterprise had arrived at the beach. Seeing all the girls there in their bathing suits either talking with each other or playing in the water. It made her feel a little guilty for having to deliver bad news to the girls especially since it was a nice day with no real training exercises going on today.
However, her moment of guilt would disappear as she saw Zuikaku and Cleaveland run up to her both in their swimming suits.
Zuikaku was wearing a two-set red bikini that hugged her figure quite snugly which would have made the commander lightheaded at seeing her. Cleaveland was also wearing a blue and black two-piece that looked cute and highlighted her natural beauty. The two girls were now a few inches from Enterprise with bright smiles on their faces.
"Hey! Enterprise! What took you so long? We heard that you were looking for the commander. Did you find him" Cleaveland asked.
"I'm sure Shikikan is finishing up his work and then he'll come to join us at the beach. Also, Grey Ghost, why are you wearing your detective cap? And why are you carrying a spyglass?" Zuikaku added.
Letting out a sigh, Enterprise knew what was going to happen next and prepared herself for the screaming.
"The commander... he was not in his office. We don't know where he is at all"
Zuikaku and Cleaveland's smiles slowly started to fade away as they began to really process what Enterprise was saying.
"Akagi and I made some calls to see if Shikikan had been seen anywhere but to no avail, he hasn't been seen at all today" Taking her cap off and bringing it in front of her, "And when Kaga, Akagi, Taihou, and I went to his office there were no clues to go off of on his whereabouts," Enterprise said.
Cleaveland and Zuikaku were now pale upon hearing Enterprise's words. The color of Zuikaku's face was now white and she looked fearful. Cleaveland had her mouth agape and was staring at the sand worry beginning to course through her body. It took a second before the two shook their heads furiously and charged at Enterprise.
"W-What's the plan now?!" Zuikaku shouted.
Pulling out her phone, Enterprise began to make a list of everyone that knew of Shikikan's disappearance and was ready to add more to the list.
"Now, ask everyone here if they have seen Shikikan or if he mentioned anything about today. If not... then, we'll alert everyone about the commander not being found" Pulling up another file onto her phone, Enterprise created a separate list. This list would be of girls who she thought may be acting suspicious or hiding something about the commander's whereabouts. "Plus, having discussed this with Akagi, I think it's safe to assume that there might be a girl or two or maybe even more that wants to keep Shikikan to herself for the day and will be lying to us"
Hearing this, Zuikaku looked concerned about the whole situation. Sure, the commander did his very best to spend time with everyone. Especially the girls he married. Giving them their very own alone time with him whether it was going for a walk or eating together or spending time together or...
Before she could finish that thought, Zuikaku heard Enterprise start to type away on her phone.
"Uh... What are you doing, Enterprise?"
"I'm adding you to the list of suspicious individuals"
"Oh...Wait?! W-what?! Why?!"
"You had that dazed look on your face when you think about something you really want. Your eyes get all wide and your irises get big" Having added Zuikaku's name to the list, Enterprise looked at the Lucky Crane and merely shook her head. "Besides, you went on a date with Shikikan a few days ago and spent the whole night with him. I'm sure we all know what the two of you did. Hence, you're someone who we can trust with helping us find him. But...*looking at her intently* you're also someone we have to keep an eye on"
Left stuttering and a blushing mess, Zuikaku couldn't exactly retort what Enterprise said. It was all true. Which made her blush even more. However, before Zuikaku could say anything else, Cleaveland beat her to it.
"I wouldn't be calling Zuikaku out like that Enterprise. I mean, wasn't it last week that you and the commander went out to patrol the perimeter and were gone for most of the morning? It took a minute to get in contact with you two" Cleaveland said while looking at the girl in question who had begun to type on her phone yet again.
"...Fine. You win. Moving along, we better get to asking everyone if they have seen the commander today" Enterprise said, having sadly added herself to the list of girls not to be trusted or that may be acting suspiciously.
Making their way closer to the water, Enterprise followed by Zuikaku and Cleaveland was able to see everyone that was currently here at the moment. There in their bathing suits were Hood, Shoukaku, Kirishima, Prince of Wales, Rodney, Nevada, Arizona, San Diego, Hornet, Laffey, and Ticonderoga.
Nevada was the first to spot Enterprise, "Hey! Enterprise you made it. What took you so long?"
"I... ran into a problem" Enterprise answered.
"What sort of problem was it?" Wales asked, making her way over to the group followed by Hood and Hornet.
"Well... have any of you seen the commander today?"
Taking a moment to look at each other, all of the girls shook their heads to confirm that they had not seen the commander.
"No. I haven't seen him"
"Nope"
"Nuh-uh"
"I have not"
"I don't think so"
"I saw him yesterday, but not today"
"I'm sure Shikikan was just making the rounds around the island. Checking to make sure everything was in order" Hood said, looking at the situation from one angle.
"That's the problem. Akagi and I began making calls to other girls to see if they had seen him. And what we got were worrying answers" Enterprise said.
"There's gotta be someone who's seen the commander. I mean, c'mon it's not like he could just up and vanish out of thin air! The commander is many things but a magician, I'm not sure about that" Hornet added, earning her a confused look from Laffey.
"The commander's a magician?" Laffey asked.
"I wouldn't take her seriously Laffey. Hornet is just coming up with ideas" Arizona said, patting Laffey's head while making sure she didn't pass out.
"It's hard to believe that the commander would not be seen by anyone. Maybe he went for a walk and hasn't been seen yet?" Wales proposed.
"That's one idea. But no one had even entered the commander's office. It was untouched" Enterprise explained.
"I bet the commander will show himself soon enough" Ticonderoga commented.
"If at least one girl was to say that they saw him this morning, then I would be a lot calmer about this situation. But... since no one has seen him. Akagi and I will continue to ask everyone on the island if they have seen him. This leads me to my other idea on the whole situation" Enterprise said.
"And what would your idea entail, Enterprise," Shoukaku asked which earned her a blushing mess of a sister that was embarrassingly looking at the Grey Ghost who was whistling to herself. "Sis?"
"E-Enterprise is thinking th-that there might be a girl or two that's lying about Sh-Shikikan's whereabouts," Zuikaku said while still blushing and stuttering remembering that she was outed.
All the girls looked at Enterprise who had taken her detective cap off and was cleaning it. Even blowing on the cap to give it that clean and professional look. Feeling all the girls' attention on her, Enterprise let out a sigh and prepared for the chaos.
"I came up with a hypothesis that while we are asking everyone on the island for Shikikan's whereabouts. There might be someone who will be lying to us and might even know where the commander is. Hell, maybe that girl is working with others and has kidnapped the commander" Enterprise explained.
With that idea thrown into the wind, all the girls on the beach looked at one another looking to see if someone would tense up. Leading to the realization that that person was acting suspiciously.
"I also came up with a list that will highlight the girls that might be lying or are not to be fully trusted" Enterprise added.
Tilting all their heads, in confusion. Rodney was the first to speak up.
"Uhm. Enterprise, are you saying that there's the chance that someone could have kidnapped Shikikan?" Rodney asked.
"Yes. That's what I'm thinking. That's also why I put Zuikaku on the list for suspicious individuals" Enterprise said without even batting an eye.
"I'M NOT SUSPICIOUS!" Zuikaku shouted, having her face match her bikini color. That being her blush being a dark red.
"Oh? And how did my sweet little sister end up on your suspicious list, Enterprise?" Shoukaku asked.
"Zuikaku went on a dinner date a few days ago with Shikikan where they spent the night together. This leads me to believe that she's going to be a big help in finding Shikikan. But... we need to keep an eye on her since she might be tempted to steal him away after we find him" Enterprise said while having a small smirk on her face that Hornet saw immediately causing her to start chuckling.
Zuikaku was starting to look like a cherry with how red her face was. It didn't help that she was raising her fist at Enterprise who merely looked at her with a grin on her face. All in all, it made Zuikaku look like she was pouting which made her look extremely cute.
"If Zuikaku was put on the list, then who else is on the list?" Hood asked.
"The others on the list are Akagi and Taihou. I don't think anyone would be against putting those two on the list" Enterprise said which led to everyone shaking their head in confirmation. Agreeing that those two would definitely need to be on the list.
"Is there anyone else on the list besides those three?" Arizona asked.
"...no. No one else...yet" Enterprise answered, ignoring the fact that she had her name on the list. "But I'm willing to bet that someone here is going to be added to the list"
Looking at Enterprise with wide eyes, the girls were about to start disagreeing with her statement, but Wales decided to ask why.
"Enterprise, why would you think that?" Wales asked.
"Well, if you must know Wales. I'd say that out of everyone here, you are the one to watch out for" Enterprise said, opening her phone and getting ready to add another name to the list.
"And why is that?" Crossing her arms under her *twin mounds* in her bikini which would've turned the commander into a fumbling mess. "Did someone tell you anything?" Wales questioned.
"Wales..." Hood said looking at her friend with a knowing smirk.
"I put you on the list because you are definitely someone who should not be trusted when it comes to Shikikan," Enterprise said with no hesitation.
"W-what? What do you mean by that?!" Wales said, having a blush appear on her face.
"Whenever someone asks me about you, I give them a wholehearted answer about how you are a strong, kind, and dependable ally and a great friend" Typing Wales's name into the suspicious list, Enterprise looked back at her friend. "But in all honesty, when I think of you. I think of how big of a pervert you are"
Wales immediately started stuttering and her face matched the red highlights on her bikini. Zuikaku had to stifle a giggle at the scene in front of her. This must've been what she looked like a few moments ago.
"However, I'd also have to add Hood's name to the list as well" Enterprise added while pointing her finger at Hood who looked surprised about the sudden change in attention.
"Why, Enterprise, while I am flattered that you would think of me as a suspicious character, what are your reasons for thinking so?" Hood asked.
"Hood. While you are beautiful and can make the commander's knees weak when he sees you. Under that lady-like persona, I'm willing to bet that you are..." Scratching the top of her head and readjusting her detective cap, Enterprise found the answer she was looking for. "You are in the words of Prinz Eugen. *A lady in the streets and a freak in the sheets*" Enterprise said, once again with no hesitation.
Hood was stunned at what she just heard. Instead of being left in a stuttering state like Zuikaku and Wales, Hood had a pink tint on her cheeks but kept looking at Enterprise who was now looking at her through her spyglass. The other girls were flabbergasted at what they just heard.
"Holy crap, sis! You didn't have to go in for the kill! You could've just said she'll steal Shikikan away once she gets the chance" Hornet exclaimed.
"This is too much. Ahaha!" Kirishima muttered having been silent on the whole matter and was enjoying the show.
"Enterprise woke up and chose violence today," Nevada said, looking at the woman err... detective.
"Remind me to never underestimate Enterprise when she's in her detective mode" Arizona commented.
"..." Laffey remained silent as she was most likely dozing off.
"Enterprise is kinda scary as a detective," San Diego said.
Coughing into her hand, Shoukaku was the one to get the topic back at hand.
"*Cough* *cough* Shouldn't we get back on topic? Mainly the commander's whereabouts" Shoukaku said.
"You're right, Shoukaku. We need to find him. Since no one here has seen him, can I ask that you all begin searching the island for him as well?" Enterprise asked.
Nodding their heads at Enterprise's request, each of the girls began to part ways and get dressed before joining in the search for the commander. However, Wales, Hood, and Zuikaku stayed behind to discuss something with Enterprise.
"I must say, I'm still in shock from what you said Enterprise" Hood said.
"Sorry. I'm just stating what my mind is telling me and that's what I thought" Enterprise replied.
"Well, I must say...your mind was right on the money~," Hood said which made Wales, Enterprise, and Zuikaku turn their heads so fast you'd think they would have pulled something.
"A-anyway, where will you be heading next, Enterprise?" Wales asked.
"I'll probably be heading over to the Race Queen racetrack. Maybe Shikikan went for a joy ride over there or he's working on the cars there" Enterprise answered.
"That sounds like a likely spot for him to be. Also, has anyone even tried calling his phone?" Zuikaku asked which earned a head tilt from Wales and a facepalm from Enterprise.
"I hadn't even thought about that. Should we try giving him a call?" Hood proposed.
Nodding her head, Enterprise pulled out her phone and began calling the commander's phone. Nothing. She then tried calling again but no one answered. Soon after, each of the girls began giving it a try and calling the commander's phone but ended up not getting anything.
"Well, that's out of the picture" Zuikaku muttered.
"Seems like we should stick with your plan, Enterprise, and look around the island" Wales said.
"Understood. Also, there's something else..." Raising her hand and gesturing for the girls to come closer, they all did so with confused looks. "This is another of my ideas but... I think that if the commander was kidnapped, then it would have to be someone close to him"
"Aren't we all close to him?" Zuikaku whispered.
"Yes. While that is true as he treats us all with respect and care. I think what Enterprise is getting at is that someone really close to him could be the culprit" Hood explained which earned a nod from Enterprise.
"You're correct, Hood. I'm thinking that one of his wives may be the culprit" Enterprise said, dropping a revelation on the girls.
"Wait...wouldn't that make us..." Wales said but was cut off by Enterprise.
"Yes. We are all his wives which makes us prime suspects. And seeing that the commander has a kind and big heart, being able to take care of so many girls along with the girls who are his wives, it's safe to say someone woke up today and wanted to commit a crime. A crime of kidnapping..." Enterprise said, bringing her spyglass up to her eye to strike a pose.
"I think I'm beginning to like this detective side to you, Enterprise. Hahaha!" Hood commented.
"So, seeing that we are the closest ones to Shikikan, do you have someone in mind who might be the culprit?" Wales asked.
"There's a couple of names I have in mind. Atago, Littorio, Prinz Eugen, and Akagi. Belfast is also someone I'm considering but she wouldn't leave a mess like this. She'd at least have Shikikan show himself for most of the day and then steal him away. Plus, Akagi is someone I would've definitely thought to be the one to kidnap him, but she was there with me when we were looking for him in his office, so it can't be her"
"Those three are definitely prime suspects," Zuikaku muttered.
"It didn't help that Akagi called Takao who was not with Atago. And that Atago was with Eugen at the docks looking for Akashi. Littorio is the other one I'm curious about" Enterprise said.
"Perhaps Illustrious would have a clue as to where Littorio might be. Or if we get lucky, the two of them might already be with each other taking her off the table" Hood proclaimed, earning a nod from Wales who agreed with her idea.
"While we are on the topic of girls that may have a hand in the kidnapping of the commander, I'd like to remind everyone that there are... what's the right word. Oh! Yes. A very large number of girls are his wives. And not to mention the girls who are not here on the island that are his wives" Wales pointed out.
This left Enterprise to blink several times before letting out a sigh, "Damnit. I completely forgot about that... but still, if Shikikan was kidnapped it would have to be the girls who are still on the island. Maybe while we are searching for the island, we can confront those girls directly and start taking down names of everyone that's been informed of the situation" Enterprise suggested.
"It's a start at least," Zuikaku said while noticing that Shoukaku was heading her way. "If that's all, I'll be heading out with Shoukaku. I can check the shopping district once more. Hopefully, I could run into Dunkerque or Mikasa and see if they've seen Shikikan"
"*Nodding* Yeah, we're pretty much done here. Keep me posted with whatever information you can find, Zuikaku" Enterprise said, earning a nod from Zuikaku before she ran off to meet her sister.
"Well then, if you'll excuse us. We'll be heading to meet with Her Majesty and ask her if she's heard from the commander. If not, we'll continue to ask around the Royal Navy girls. Especially the girls Shikikan has married. They will be the ones to look out for" Hood stated.
"Alright. That's good to hear. Thanks, you two, and let me know if anything comes up" Enterprise added.
"Likewise. Keep your phone on in case we get anything. I do hope the commander is alright" Wales said, looking out at the sea wondering just where in the world was the commander at.
With that in mind, seeing the other girls go their separate ways to find the commander. Enterprise straightened her detective cap and looked out to the sea thinking about where the commander could be.
While this was all happening, Akagi and Kaga had finally reached the docks and were looking for Atago and Prinz Eugen along with the commander.
"Sister, I'm not seeing Atago anywhere. Or Eugen for that matter. Perhaps they have already left" Kaga said which earned a humming sound from Akagi.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that. Eugen might have left but Atago I doubt has left the docks. If they were after an outfit from Akashi, then it must've been something eye-catching. Something to gain the commander's attention" Akagi replied, feeling a bit peeved that Atago and Eugen were searching for clothing that would catch the commander's attention. She should've thought about doing something like that!
After spending a few minutes looking around the docks and seeing all the kansens from different factions including the Sakura Empire girls, Akagi was about to move to a different location when Kaga grabbed her attention.
"Akagi, over there *Pointing ahead* isn't that Kongou and Kumano?" Kaga said.
Taking a look in the direction Kaga pointed out, Akagi scanned the area and found Kumano talking with Kongou.
"You're right dear sister! It's them alright. Let's see if they've seen Atago or Akashi"
Making their way over to the two girls, Kumano and Kongou looked to be in a deep conversation but stopped short when they saw the two fox sisters.
"Oh! Lady Kaga and Lady Akagi! What brings you down to the docks? I thought we didn't have anything going on today?" Kongou asked, tilting her head.
"That's true, Kongou. We don't have anything going on today. However, onto another matter. Have either of you two seen Akashi or Atago or even Prinz Eugen around here?" Kaga asked.
"As a matter of fact, we did see Atago and Prinz Eugen chatting with each other not that long ago. Something about a school uniform and sports outfit that would get Shikikan to become a fumbling mess. They were not very quiet with their intentions" Kumano explained.
"That sounds about right with the information we received from Takao" Reaching into her breasts, Akagi pulled out her phone and was getting ready to take notes, "Have either of you seen Shikikan at all today? We are looking for him but haven't seen him" Akagi said.
"Mm. No. We haven't seen him at all today. Kinda weird now that I think about it" Kumano replied, taking on a thinking pose.
"Is the commander needed for something? Do you need us to help you out senpai?" Kongou asked.
"That would be really helpful if you could keep your eyes and ears open for Shikikan" Adding these two to the list of girls that have been questioned. "Also, do you know which way Atago and Prinz Eugen went?" Akagi questioned.
"Yeah. Those two started making their way to Akashi's shop" Kumano answered.
"Understood. Thank you, you two. You've helped us greatly" Kaga said.
"No problem, senpais. We'll let you know if we hear anything" Kumano replied.
"If there's anything else you need from us just let us know" Kongou suggested.
"Of course. Take care you two" Akagi said while bowing at the two and heading to Akashi's shop. It was time to find some answers about Shikikan's whereabouts.
Meanwhile, back with the commander in his room.
"Alright...that...should... do it. *Click* *Zzztt* Haha! Now we're gaming" the commander said while plugging in a surge protector for all his video game consoles.
"It's not the best set up, but hey it'll do"
Walking up to his minifridge, the commander pulled out a few drinks that were nice and cold helping him cool down from the heat felt in his room. Even turning on the AC in his room did little to fight off the scorching heat.
Setting his game consoles down on his desk, the commander began to pick which console he would start with, and what game he would play. There were a couple of new games that came out in the past few weeks which bummed him out not being able to play them. Along with having started playing a few games but not having the time to finish them. But now he had the time and boy was he going to play them.
Looking back toward his bed, there was still a whole bunch of activities he wanted to do and was in awe at the sight of everything.
"Man, this is the life..."
Seeing a game that he had been playing but hadn't touched in a little while, the commander grabbed the game case and let out a chuckle.
"Ahahaha... oh boy. I'm definitely working on you"
The commander said while looking down at the front cover of the video game he was about to start playing.
"This'll be fun!"
With his heart set on enjoying himself, the commander was oblivious to all the chaos that was starting to take place outside on the island. And how crazy things would get with the girls.