To the Guest Reviewer: I am going to be basing the characteristics of the siren jets off of the German Messerschmitt Me-262 Schwalbe as this was the jet that dueled with the Mustangs.

To Overtale: I was wondering how long it would be before this came up. What I'm trying to do here is find a balance between historical accuracy and game elements. I was already planning this to be an alternate timeline as the 'Seahorse Project' ultimately was scrapped after Iwo Jima. With 'Juustagram' in the main game, it's very hard to avoid making this not in the 21st century. Although, one could also argue that with the technology required to harness the wisdom cubes, this takes place on a parallel Earth too.


Chapter 3:

Sakura Blossoms and Secret Plans

During the next couple of weeks, life calmed down a bit. Between sending the girls out on routine patrols, and giving Captain Smith the promised convoy escorts for the leg of his route that passed the base; we had developed a routine. By Christmas Eve the sorties had been reduced to convoy escort duty as fears of Siren and Crimson Sakura activities near Samoa and Pearl Harbor declined. I was able to meet Hammann and Sims who are sisters and Yorktown's escort destroyers. For some reason, whenever I'm having a conversation with Yorktown and Hammann overhears, she runs in screaming "Back off of Ms. Yorktown you pervert!" I think it's because she doesn't trust me, but Yorktown says that she just takes her job very seriously and that it's just her tsundere tendencies showing. The 'Beaver Squad' led by Charles Ausburne are some of the hardest working destroyers in my fleet, as they believe that they're heroes of justice saving the world from the sirens. December 27th is when things begin to get interesting again.


'I'm having a nice dream where Eugen is holding the pose again where she was leaning against Blue Strelitzia's wing and I'm painting it on the fuselage. After adding the last detail, she walks over looking like she's about to confess something, when I hear from her mouth "Master, it's time to wake up." Confused, I ask "what?" Almost immediately after, a bright flash blinds me.'

"Can someone turn the lights off please?" I ask irritated.

"Master, I said it's time to wake up!"

I then open up my eyes to see Belfast standing there with my blanket in her hands, and the curtains pulled to the side, allowing the sun to shine unobstructed into my bedroom. "I hope you didn't forget that the ladies from the Sakura Empire are arriving today, Master."

If I wasn't awake before, I surely am now. "Thanks for reminding me, Belle. Give me a few minutes to get ready."

"Shall I prepare breakfast for you in the meantime?"

"Yes please." I say before getting up and walking into my closet.


After my shower, I get dressed in my winter all white uniform. I exit the bathroom and see Belfast sitting at the dining room table with two plates of scrambled eggs, English muffins and bacon as well as a pot of hot coffee, two mugs, creamer and a pile of sugar cubes.

"You look rather dashing in that uniform Master."

"Thank you, I figured that since the Sakura are coming I'd wear my uniform that is closest to theirs to make them feel more welcome here."

"A good choice, shall we eat Master?"

"Yes." Belfast pours me a cup of coffee, adds some of the creamer and a couple sugar cubes before stirring it and passing the cup to me. "Thanks, Belle." I take a sip, "I don't know how you do it, but your coffee always tastes better than the cups I make."

"Well, as your maid I must be able to prepare everything according to your tastes." She says with a smile.

While enjoying my breakfast I start thinking on these past few weeks. 'As I became more accustomed to living with the girls, particularly seeing Eugen every day again, I found myself not freaking out as much. Enterprise always makes sure that the paperwork is filled out, without any details missing. Eugen's experience as the vanguard flag is most beneficial when assigning the convoy escort fleets. And Belfast balances being my maid and secretary perfectly. Whenever Enterprise and I are busy with paperwork, she makes sure that we don't miss any meals; when Enterprise works too hard, Belfast sends her to take a break and helps me with what's left.'

"Master, what are you thinking about?"

"Just, how delicious this breakfast you made for us is." 'Establishing herself as one of the most valuable members of my fleet, I eventually warmed up to addressing her as Belle.'

"Thank you, Master. I do enjoy working with you as well."

'But I-' forgot that when I think for too long, she reads my body language to figure out what I'm thinking.


After breakfast, I'm in my office filling out the daily paperwork when I hear knocking on my door. "Come in." Enterprise opens the door and walks in carrying an envelope.

"Good morning, Commander."

"Morning Enterprise. What's up with the envelope?"

"I'm not exactly sure, all it says is that it's from the Council and is addressed to you." She hands me the envelope, I open it.

"Let's see here..."

'From the Eagle Union Councilman to Commander Matthew Sparks.

Commander Sparks, now that our Country is at war with the sirens and the Crimson Axis, The President of our Union wants to have Tokyo bombed. Requesting ideas on how to do so, Lt. Colonel James Doolittle of the Eagle Air Force is sending letters to all commanding officers in our Navy and Air Force. Doolittle also was going to send you one as well. However, as you're technically with Azur Lane now, the request must be cleared by the Council. The Council decided to let you design a plan at your discretion, thus if you have any proposals contact Doolittle.

Give them hell, Admiral William 'Bull' Halsey

P.S. Take care of Enterprise for me.'

"It's from your former Admiral. Our President wants to bomb Tokyo and the Council has given me its blessing to create a plan."

"That's great, we can teach those sirens a lesson."

"Yes, but the Sakura girls are arriving today. I'm only going to send one if they're okay with it as the target is their homeland. Let's see, we know none of the airfields are close enough for the B-17s to be any good. And we can't ask the Northern Parliament as we don't have a connection up there."

"Commander, you know about my sister Hornet's ability, right?"

"The one where she can launch... That's it! I don't know how I didn't think of it, Enterprise you're a genius." I pick up my phone and call Hornet. "Hornet, can you come up to my office please?"

"Sure, Commander I'll be right over." I hang up.


-A few minutes later-

"What's up Commander?" Hornet asks as she walks in the door.

"The President wants to bomb Tokyo, I hear that you carry a squadron of B-25s as a special attack."

"Yes I do Commander, how far do you want to launch them?."

"That depends, after launch is there any way they can be landed back on your deck?"

"Yes they can."

"In that case I want to launch them about 725-730 miles away."

"At that range they'll have to be flown manually, I can only control them from typical carrier plane ranges."

"I think Col. Doolittle can find some pilots for you."

Enterprise then asks me a question. "Commander, at that range our Wildcats are useless, who's going to be the fighter escort?"

"Me of course, I specifically picked the range to be within both the bombers' and Blue Strelitzia's flight radius with the drop tanks."

"Oh...But one fighter against the entire Sakura Air Force?!"

"I refuse to send anyone out on a suicide mission! Plus, at least one escort fighter is better than none. Besides, I can handle the zeros. I'm sorry for snapping at you Enterprise. Anyway, with Hornet's flight deck going to be taken up by her bombers I'll need you Enterprise to go with in case she gets attacked, and so I can take off. We'll worry about vanguard assignments later if we get the green light. Are we all good with the plan?"

Enterprise and Hornet answer "Yes sir!"

"Alright, let's go finish preparing for the Sakura arrivals. I probably don't have to tell you, but this is a top secret plan so don't even tell Yorktown about it." Exiting my office, I make my way over to the Sakura dorm to notify Akashi that her fellow Sakura are arriving soon, and finally get to know our three submarines.


Entering the Sakura dorm, I see Akashi and the subs sitting in the tea room.

"Good morning girls."

The girls look at me and Akashi responds "Ohayo Shikikan, nya!"

"Mind if I join you?"

Akashi responds, "Hai Shikikan. You can sit next to me, nya." She then introduces the subgirls. Pointing to the red haired catgirl on the left wearing a navy blue school swimsuit, "This is I-19, nya."

"I'm I-19, Shi-ki-kan! I've been waiting forever for you."

"Nice to meet you I-19. Sorry I made you wait to introduce yourself."

Akashi introduces the next sub a navy blue haired girl wearing an athletic two piece swimsuit, "This is I-58, nya."

"I-58 reporting in. I like swimming around in the onsen, now you know where to find me."

"Nice to meet you I-58."

"And lastly, this is I-168, nya." As Akashi is pointing to a black haired girl wearing a white swimsuit.

"I'm I-168, call me Iroha. You better know how to handle an experienced and decorated ship like me."

"Good to meet you Iroha. By the way 58, and 19, please tell me you have names that I can call you besides your numbers?"

I-19 says, "Well my nickname is Kyu."

"Kyu it is then"

I-58, "Mine is Gochi."

"Kyu, Gochi, and Iroha, I look forward to seeing what your torpedoes can do. Girls, some of your fellow Sakura are arriving today." After hearing that, their spirits were lifted knowing that they won't be alone for much longer. "Once I've introduced myself I'm going to be giving all of you the formal welcome as promised. So, head to the hall again when they arrive."

The four girls reply with "Hai, Shikikan!" We then enjoy our tea until the Sakura arrive.


-A couple hours later-

I'm standing at the start of the docks with Akashi when a large group of ladies start approaching. A purple haired woman with purple-red eyes dressed as a Ninja is the first to introduce herself. "I'm the fast battleship Kirishima! Shikikan, together let us walk down the path ahead of us."

"I look forward to it Kirishima."

Next is a black haired woman with orange eyes, wearing a female Sakura officer uniform, she gives off an aura of a Samurai. "I am Takao. Please allow me to offer you my strength."

"I accept your offer Takao."

A beautiful black haired woman similar to Takao with wolf ears, wearing a similar uniform introduces herself. "Ara ara, what a kawaii Shikikan~ Please allow Onee-san Atago to take care of you from now on! ufufu..."

"Nice to meet you Atago."

"Shikikan call me Onee-san."

"Excuse me, Atag-Oneesan." 'Atago has 'That mode' similar to Strelitzia's too? Lord help me, I can't lower my guard now!'

Seeing my facial expression, Takao bails me out. "Atago, lay off of Shikikan will you? Honestly, we just met him and you're already stressing him."

"But Takao-chan he looks so kawaii when flustered!"

As the Takao sisters leave, a blonde girl with red eyes wearing a sleeveless version of a school girl sailor uniform Introduces herself. "I'm Ayanami the demon, desu. It's a pleasure to meet you, desu."

"It's a pleasure to meet you too. I heard from Akashi that you organized the escape plan."

"Hai Shikikan, the moment we heard that Akagi's group attacked Pearl Harbor, we left; taking advantage of being able to slip away while most of the traitors were away, desu. Unfortunately Nagato-sama decided that her leaving as well would only endanger us and your base as Akagi and the sirens would come looking for us, desu. There's more of us spread among the Sakura bases, but we're all I could bring to slip away undetected, desu."

"I'm just glad that y'all arrived safely. And I'll try to figure out how we can bring Nagato here as well."

After Ayanami a black haired catwoman who appears to fit the definition of a shrine priestess introduces herself. "It is an honor to meet you Milord, you must be the Shikikan. I, Fusou have been waiting forever to finally meet you. This must have been allowed by the gods. From now on, please allow me to serve you."

"Thank you for your kind words Fusou, I look forward to working with you." 'She's so polite, I can't wait to be friends with her.'

Following Fusou is a young woman who appears to be her sister. "Oh! It's Milord in person! Um... I'm Yamahi-Yamashiro! Pleased to meet you!"

"It's nice to meet you too Yamashiro."

Next is a white haired catgirl, wearing a sleeveless sailor school uniform. "Hahaha~ as a reward for making it this far, the Lucky Yukikaze the Great has decided to join you! Please feel honored!"

"Welcome to the fleet Yukikaze, I gladly accept any extra good luck here."

After Yukikaze are a trio of catgirl destroyer sisters, so young they should be in school. Akashi explains that Nagato felt that they would be safer coming here rather than staying in the empire.

Next, is a blue haired young fox woman that looks like she would get along with Gridley and run their own newspaper company. "-sniffing- I can smell it. This fleet's going to make headlines Shikikan! Allow me, Aoba to find the scoops here."

"Oookaay...Good to have you here Aoba."

"Say, Shikikan is there anything juicy going on with you and anyone?"

Almost immediately, I answer back while strategically looking away from Aoba out of the corner of my eyes. "Absolutely not, I have no idea of what you're talking about."

Akashi then speaks up. "Actually Aoba, Shikikan is dodging your question, nya. Ne Shikikan, should we tell her about Strelitzia and a certain Maid, nya? Or an 'angelic gray gh-'"

I cover Akashi's mouth to prevent her from saying something embarrassing. "What Akashi was trying to say is that she's going to lead you up to the briefing hall. Right?" I say with a smile before turning my head to Akashi giving her a death glare.

"Hai Shikikan, nya! Please follow me everyone, nya!"

I then whisper to Akashi 'I would like to see you in my office after the meeting. And bring my secretaries to the briefing hall on your way up there.'


I walk into the briefing hall again, this time the Sakura girls are sitting in the seats, Enterprise, Eugen, and Belfast standing off to the side behind the potium facing the girls.

"Ladies of the Sakura Empire, on behalf of my Secretaries: Enterprise, Belfast and Prinz Eugen, and myself. Welcome to Azur Lane Naval Base Samoa, my name is Commander Matthew Sparks. I am going to say up front right now that, if any of you feel uncertain about fighting against your fellow Sakura I won't force you to. At the same time if you are ready and willing to sortie with us I will incorporate you into the sortie plans." I then gesture to Enterprise signaling her to prepare my presentation. "Now what I am about to discuss with you is not to leave this room." The room darkens as the screen protector turns on. "As you know, the traitors bombed Pearl Harbor. In response, the President of the Eagle Union wants to bomb Tokyo. Here is my plan on how to do it." I tell the ladies the details of my "Doolittle Raid proposal." "The reason I am telling you all of this is because the target is your homeland, and swore to myself that I'm only going to submit the proposal if you're okay with it. Ladies, please raise your hands if you will go along with my plan." Surprisingly, every hand raised simultaneously.

Takao stands up, "Shikikan, I speak for all of us when I say this. We sailed all the way over here to remain part of the Azur Lane alliance against the Sirens, willing to do whatever it takes stop them. If that means bombing some factories taken over by the Crimson, then so be it."

"Thank you, Takao. I promise you all that when this war is over, we will bring honor back to the Sakura Empire! Banzai!" The Sakura stand and shout back in unison "Banzai!"


With the meeting now over, I return to my office to call Lt. Col. Doolittle. The phone answers "Azur Lane Commander Sparks for Lt. Col. Doolittle please." The secretary answers back and redirects the call.

"Commander Sparks, I guess it's safe to say the Admiral was able to get the Council's permission?"

"Yes sir, I believe I have the answer to your problem. Have you ever heard of an Aircraft Carrier launching full sized bombers?"

"Only theories, but even the idea seems possible. I'll come down there in a few days so we can discuss this plan of yours. Sound good?"

"Yes sir. I will be patiently waiting awaiting your arrival."

"I'll see you then, goodbye Mr. Sparks." I put the phone back on the receiver, Akashi then walks in.

"Please have a seat Akashi." She walks to the couch and sits down.

"First off, how did you hear the last part when I was only thinking it?"

"A couple of days ago I came in to see you about something, and found you taking a nap on the couch. Shikikan, do you talk in your sleep, nya?"

'I have to figure out how to keep that from happening before I say something and the wrong person hears it.' "Of course I did... Secondly I don't need you spreading rumors to our journalistic shipgirls so they can start spreading gossip to the rest of them like some paparazzi!"

"But they weren't rumors, nya!"

"That doesn't make it any less embarrassing for me, nor possibly become any wilder of a rumor. If Eugen heard anything of that nature about me, I would never hear the end of it."

"Okay, Shikikan I won't say anything, nya. But I know Aoba, eventually she's going to interview you. As soon as she probably eventually will figure out that something might be going on, nya. Good luck in preventing rumors from flying, nya." Akashi leaves my office.

"I really have to learn how to keep my mouth shut during my occasional afternoon nap."


Thanks for reading everyone. I'll see you in the next chapter.

I do not own Azur Lane nor its Characters. Ownership belongs to Yongshi, Manjuu and Yostar.