Chapter 6: The Four Factions Assemble (Part 2)
I'm back with chapter 6 everyone! Hope y'all had some happy holidays! I've kept you all waiting long enough so I'll leave it here for now. Please Enjoy!
"Life is not a game of luck, if you wanna win, work hard." – Sora, No Game No Life
Moving along with his morning walk around the base, the Shikikan didn't find anyone else awake so early in the morning. After walking around a bit more, he decided to head to the canteen and surprise the girls with a nice breakfast since he had some time on his hands left before he really should start getting to work as the base commander.
'Alright, now…what to make?' He said as he walked inside and noticed the chef Manjuus getting ready to work. He gave each of them a little head-pat before heading into the kitchen with them in tow of course. He ended up making a rather large stack of pancakes that would give the pile of papers in his office a run for its money, trays full of juicy thick cut bacon, scrambled eggs, steamed dumplings, and salted grilled salmon, and two large pots of steamed white rice and traditional Japanese miso soup.
'Whew, cooking seems to be my go-to thing to do whenever I want to kill some time apparently. Just seeing those girls happily eating seem so much more worth the extra effort.' He happily thought as he left the chef Manjuus back in charge and went back to his office to begin his first official day as the new Azur Lane base commander.
The pile in his office consisted of a wide range of various documents needing his attention. From maintenance, food, and other resource bills to commission requests to budget adjustments to base plans and so on, he knew he was going to be here for a while.
'Well this might be a pain, but it still beats Sirens any day of the week'.' He said as he got to work.
Meanwhile, about half an hour later…..
"Mhmmm! The pancakes are so fluffy I can't get enough!" Javelin was as bubbly as she could be as she stacked layers upon layers of pancakes onto her plate.
"Oy Javelin! It's not a good idea to eat so much so fast before our daily exercises!" Z23 tried to dissuade the Royal Navy girl but said girl seemed too lost in her desire for pancakes made by the Shikikan to even notice someone was speaking to her. Z23 could only sigh as she took another bite of her bacon before her expression changed to one of pure bliss and happiness as she continued to eat.
"Ara ara, Shikikan sure knows how to spoil a girl." Atago giggled as she was on her tenth bowl of rice and salmon.
"A-Atago, I think you might want to-never mind." Takao sighed as she seemed full just by watching her sister eat.
"I'll have to thank Herr Kommandant later in his office for this early morning surprise." Prinz Eugen added with quite a devious smirk, not unnoticed by the others.
"Ara, Onee-san was planning on helping the Shikikan with his paperwork. I'll be glad to pass along your thanks in your stead ufufu." Atago chimed in with a challenging tone of voice.
"Hoooo, how about a wager than? Whoever does better in the cruiser exercises later today gets to pay a visit to Herr Kommandant?" Prinz Eugen's smirk exuded her confidence in her combat abilities.
"Ara ara, looks like Onee-san will have to get a bit serious if you plan to get between her and Shikikan."
Sparks seemed to be flying between the two as tensions grew, but a certain destroyer decided to chime in.
"Laffey wants to take a nap on Shikikan's couch." She said as she metaphorically was adding fuel to the fire.
"Ahem! I promised Herr Kommandant that we would study naval tactics together so I think I should be the one visiting him." Z3 boldly staked her claim.
"Ohhh? Little Nimi has gotten rather bold, hasn't she?" Prinz Eugen said, intimidation quite apparent, but that changed quickly to a surprised expression as Z23 responded with nothing but a calm, yet confident challenging smile.
"Ehh? Ehh? Um, well let's not go to far, Shikikan will be troubled if we damage each other or the base." Javelin tried to ease the increasing tension in the air.
"She's right." Takao chimed in too which everyone turned to her. "But I shan't let this chance to repay the Shikikan back for his mercy pass!" Takao loudly proclaimed.
"M-me too….des. Shikikan saved me yesterday and….," Ayanami took a deep breath, "I want to thank him." Determination blazing in her eyes.
"Then it's settled, the exercises later will be a joint exercise between all of you with the one with the best performance winning the chance to be with the Shikikan ufufu." Shiranui deviously stated before multiple auras filled with determination engulfed the canteen.
"Nya! Be careful not to destroy the base nya!" Akashi was slightly blue as she thought of her shop being torn to pieces from a stray shell.
"Ahahaa…" Shouhou could only laugh nervously at the scene before her.
'Ufufu….good luck Shikikan.' Shiranui thought with a devilish smirk.
After about an hour of war with paperwork, the Shikikan managed to make a decent dent in the monstrous pile.
'Good thing Victoria's a good teacher. All this paperwork is a breeze compared to those lessons of hers.' He shuddered a bit imaging the brutal cram course he was put through back in the hospital. He decided to reward himself with some steamed dumplings he brought along with him from the canteen as a snack. Before he took a bite…
Knock Knock…."Shikikan?"
"Door's open!" In came the two previously fast asleep Dragon Empery girls now seemingly fully recovered.
"Glad to see you two up, how are you both feeling?" He asked, relieved to see them okay.
"We are feeling a lot better and wanted to thank you for-…" Ning Hai stopped mid-sentence as she seemed to be staring at something as if she was caught in a trance.
Ping Hai began to drool as she walked closer to the Shikikan, or more specifically, the plate of steamed dumplings on the desk.
"S-Shikikan are those Baozi?" Ping Hai asked as her eyes sparkled at they locked on her favorite Dragon Empery cuisine. Ning Hai walked up with the exact same expression.
The Shikikan could only chuckle a bit seeing the two girls so mesmerized by buns. "Yeah, I made some for breakfast, would you two like some?" He said as he pushed the plate towards them.
"Ye…! I mean if you insist. Thank yo-Ping Hai!" Ping Hai had swiftly took one before munching down on it.
"Zhème hǎo! This is one of the best baozis I've ever had!" Ping Hai hungrily devoured the bun with her eyes sparkling and hearts fluttering out of her head.
Ning Hai gave into the temptation before her as she grabbed one as well seeing how much her sister seemed to be enjoying it. Her serious expression melted into one of pure bliss.
"Mhhmmmm! Wèidào zhēn hǎo! S-Shikikan! Did you make these!?" She asked as she was stuffing her face.
The Shikikan couldn't help but pat both their heads as he saw the two absolutely adorable girls happily eat. "Yeah and there's plenty more back in the canteen along with some other stuff so don't feel like you have to hold back."
Ping Hai, finished with her bun, jumped up and gave the Shikikan a quick hug. "Xièxiè Shikikan! Let's go Jiějiě!" She said as she ran off.
"P-Ping Hai! Don't eat all the buns without m-I mean don't run!" Ning Hai exasperated but knew deep down she wanted to do the exact same thing. She quickly turned back to the Shikikan. "Xièxiè for saving us Shikikan, as the first ship of the Ning Ha-class, I promise that neither Ping Hai or I will disappoint you!" The more mature of the sisters bowed gratefully.
"I look forward to working with you as well." He replied before adding (with a teasing smile), "but you should hurry to the canteen before Ping Hai gets all the buns thoughhh."
Ning Hai stood straight up before dashing to the door, closing it behind here. Realizing she just embarrassed herself a bit (in her mind), she leaned her head down a bit against the door as a blush and eventually a smile crept up on her face, most likely due to confirming the Shikikan is really a nice guy after all. She dashed once more after her carefree younger sister with the happiest of expressions still plastered on her face.
Ring! Ring!
Back in the office, the Shikikan's phone was ringing. Picking it up, he noticed that it was Victoria requesting a video-chat.
"Good morning Vice-Admiral" He saluted as he saw her on the screen.
"Hey, you don't have to be so formal Shikikan." Victoria cutely pouted.
"Sorry I just felt like joking around a bit ahaha." He offered her the brightest smile she had seen from him so far, surprising her.
"I was going to ask how everything's going so far, but your expression says it all." Victoria might've have not noticed, but she can't help but worry about the Shikikan, what with all he went through, so seeing him smile the way he did, she couldn't help but smile back in relief and shared happiness.
"Ahaha yeah, I've managed to get on the girls' good sides, I think. But I swear they're all just ordinary girls. Sure, they have superhuman strength and powers, but they all have their own personalities, their own wills, and their own desires and dreams. It's kind of hard to explain, but I can't help but want to dote and support them as much as I can ahaha.' The Shikikan spoke with sincerity.
"I knew you were perfect for the job." Victoria said, feeling rightfully proud in her decision and for him as well. "So, what exactly happened that brightened you up so quickly?"
The Shikikan proceeded to tell her the entire story starting with the emergency request the Dragon Empery sisters to the Takao incident to the chats he had with Atago and Eugen.
Victoria was shocked not only from the fact that Takao attacked him by accident, but by how much has happened in under the 24 hours she left him at the base.
"And now I'm just doing some paperwork now, but it's a breeze compared to your hel-your lessons ahaha…."
"Aren't you glad you got the best teacher to teach you ahaha?" Victoria said jokingly, knowing all too well that she did cram a lot into the Shikikan's head due to the time constraint.
"Yep, having such a talented, kind, and pretty teacher was really lucky for me." The Shikikan smiled as he blurted this out without thinking.
Victoria was now blushing an intense red hearing the praise. She was not expecting him to call her that so casually at all.
The Shikikan noticed her blush and couldn't but stifle a chuckle. "Ahaa.. sorry, but it looks like Atago and Eugen's teasing nature rubbed off on me worse than I thought." Victoria cutely pouted before crossing her arms and looking away from the screen. They continued to casually talk for a bit more before Victoria realized that time got away from her faster than she expected
"But anyway, I should get back to work soon and you should too. Feel free to reach out whenever Shikikan."
"Will do" Shikikan saluted with a smile.
Victoria saluted back at him playfully before a blush came back on her face. "A-and thanks for the c-compliments." She looked away from the screen and said the latter quietly.
"Hmm? Sorry, I didn't get what you said. "
"N-nothing! I was trying to figure something out in my head! Don't be a stranger S-Shikikan!" Victoria hastily ended the video call after waving goodbye.
'Hmm, maybe I should tone down the teasing a bit for her…but with that said..' Shikikan began to speak out loud, "You girls don't have to hide, the doors always open you knowwww."
The office door opened to reveal all the ship girls he met thus far, except for the Hai sisters who were still devouring baozis in the canteen, and Shiranui and Akashi who were busy manning their respective stores.
"How'd you know we were here?" Shouhou was the first to speak up.
"A sixth sense maybe? Either that or because I heard Javelin giggling." He smiled as all the girls entered the office.
"Sigh…see? I told you were being too loud Javelin." Z23 pouted.
"B-but how could I not when Shikikan said such nice things about us!?" Javelin had her hands on the sides of her face all while happily shaking her head left and right.
"Ara ara, you're quite the charmer Shikikan. Onee-san felt her heart swoon a bit."
"Blaming me for your teasing, aren't you a devious rascal wink" Eugen had a finger to her lips that were curved into a knowing smirk.
"T-thank you again for your leniency yesterday Shikikan…" Takao spoke while her head was off to the side, a small, yet noticeable blush apparent on her face.
"Ahaha…." Shikikan was feeling a bit embarrassed after he remembered how he poured his honest feelings out about the ship girls to Victoria. "So, what brings everyone here?"
"Laffey wasn't feeling sleepy from eating so many tasty pancakes and wanted to sleep in Shikikan's office, mhm Laffey didn't."
Shikikan smiled hearing that she like the pancakes. "Well, if you do end up feeling sleepy, the couch over there is pretty comfy to take a nap on."
Laffey was halfway to the couch before Javelin grabbed onto her shoulder.
"Wait Laffey-chan! The competition! We're here to tell the Shikikan about the competition!"
"Competition?" Shikikan questioned.
"Ja. We wanted to do a competition during the fleet exercises today."
"Hmm, sounds fun. What are the rules?" Shikikan thought this would be a good chance to observe each of the girls' combat abilities for future references.
"Whoever does the best gets to spend some time with you des." Ayanami briefed him on the competition, but he noticed that her eyes were sparked with determination, of which were akin to everyone else's.
"A-are you sure that's what you all want for a prize?" He was thinking the prize seemed a bit lackluster for them.
"Ara, don't worry Shikikan, we all have different ideas on what spending time with you means wink" An intimidating, intense aura was radiating out of Atago.
"Ww-well if you say so ahaha…" The Shikikan couldn't help but feel a bit nervous upon hearing that bit from Atago. "But do be careful of going overboard and hurting yourselves though."
"Yessir!" They all responded in unison, putting his worries at ease.
"Oh, that reminds me," The Shikikan got out of his chair and walked over to the coffee table where the T5 boxes he bought from Shiranui were.
"Laffey, Javelin, Z23, Ayanami, these boxes are for you four."
All the girls went silent a bit. The four aforementioned looked at the boxes, then back at him, then back at the boxes, and again back at him before…
"Kyaa! Shikikan! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Javelin leapt up to give him a flying hug. He managed to catch her and noticed how light she was despite how heavy her rigging looked.
"No fair Jave-I mean calm down Javelin!" Z23 tried to chastise the bubbly girl but failed since she had a wide happy smile and sparkles in her eyes as she looked at the box.
Laffey walked up to hug the Shikikan around his waist. "Laffey isn't super happy, no I'm not mhmm," She said as she snuggled into the hug.
"Not that I'm against this, like at all, but uhm..is this really something you girls like this much?" The Shikikan was surprised to see how happy they all were.
"Hai des." Ayanami walked up to him with a smile plastered on her face. "As Kansen, getting stronger is necessary to be able to fight the Sirens and have the strength to protect those we care about about des. Stronger equipment makes this more possible….des." She explained this all with the same adorable smile.
"I hope they all aren't just repair toolkits ahahaaa…" Shouhou softly chuckled.
"How rude, I wouldn't scam the first tim-…I wouldn't scam the Shikikan."
"Waaahh! Shiranui Don't do that!" Shouhou jumped up out of surprise. Turning around, she noticed it was Shiranui who appeared almost magically.
"Ufufu. Don't worry Shikikan, like I said, these discounted boxes are my thank you gift so of course they will be good." Shiranui hid her small smirk behind her sleeves. "But for future reference, I recommend having future tech boxes delivered to the shipyard since it'll be easier to equip the gear there.
'I should be more wary of what I buy from her and Akashi in the future...' Shikikan thought as he made a mental note.
"Thanks, Shiranui, and will do. But for now, let's head on outside and open the boxes there since this room is a bit small ahaha."
Each of the starter squad girls grabbed a tech box and followed the Shikikan and the others outside. Upon making it to an open grassy area, each member of the starter squad placed a hand on the top of their respective boxes. The boxes began to glow before it began to open themselves, revealing the contents inside to everyone.
"Hehe, being taken care of by the Shikikan is very heartwarming." Javelin said as she looked at her new type 3 533mm Quintuple Torpedo Mount with a wide grin on her face.
"Mhmm back to sleep for me...zzz" Laffey fell asleep holding her new type 3 Twin 127mm (5"/38 Mk 38) in her arms as peacefully slept with a happy expression on her face.
"Thank you, Herr Kommandant, I hope to continue to improve together with you." Z23 came up to the Shikikan smiling brightly as she also held a type 3 Twin 127mm (5"/38 Mk 38) in her arms.
"My strength is overflowing!" Ayanami was mesmerized by the new type 3 533mm Quintuple Homing Torpedo Mount she got from her box. "Thank you Shikikan." She said as she also came up to the Shikikan with a brilliant smile plastered on her face as well.
The Shikikan head-patted both of the girls in front of him before going to Javelin and the fast asleep Laffey and giving them head-pats as well.
"I'm glad you all liked what you got. Hopefully this doesn't tilt today's competition in your favor too much ahaha…."
"Shikikan, you'll make Onee-san jealous if you spoil others." Atago had an intimidating smile as she spoke up.
He turned around and saw her, Eugen, Takao, and even Shouhou staring and were all slightly pouting at him.
"Um…ahaha….sorry about that. I bought these tech boxes yesterday for these girls and didn't expect to see more of you to appear so soon." He tried his best to ease the jealous stares and tension all pointed towards him before an idea popped in his head.
"Hey um Shiranui?" He said as he looked to the person in question who seemed to be very amused at the situation before her as she stood to the side. "Could I ask you to take Eugen, Atago, Takao, Shouhou, and the Hai sisters with you back to your store and see if you could get them so gear too?"
All the present aforementioned girls went quiet upon hearing the Shikikan.
"Oh? Well aren't you quite the Zuckervati? Either way danke Herr Kommandant wink." Eugen said as she walked up and hugged one of Shikikan's arms, a pleased smirk on her face as she the Shikikan beginning to redden a bit.
"Ara ara Shikikan, you sure do know how to please a girl, Onee-san is so proud of you, dakara…as a reward,…eyy!" Atago also came up and happily latched onto the Shikikan.
His face was now extremely red as he had two beautiful girls arm in arm with him. The soft sensations he felt on his arms felt amazing, but he still couldn't suppress the embarrassment he felt being the center of attention.
"Hooo, what's wrong Herr Kommandant? You're beet red. How adorable wink." Eugen smirked as she tightened her grip on his arm.
"Ara ara Shikikan, if you act so cute, Onee-san will have trouble holding back you knowww wink." Atago also pressed his arm deeper into her chest.
'Error 404: not found' would be an accurate description of what's going on in the Shikikan's mind at this point.
"E-Eugen-san! S-stop bothering Herr Kommandant!" Z23 was trying to save the Shikikan.
"Go easy on Shikikan, Atago…" Takao came up and tried prying her sister loose.
"Ufufu…thank you for your patronage Shikikan, I'll send the bill your way later." Shiranui had nothing but profit on her mind as she deviously smirked.
After a couple more minutes of teasing, the two girls, along with Takao and Shouhou, followed after Shiranui back to her store. The Shikikan managed to recover himself a bit after they left and turned around to see the starter squad happily chatting away.
"Well girls, good luck in the competition. I'm going to try and see if I can finish that stack of papers in my office by the end of today, but feel free to stop by if you want. Also, could I ask one of you to go inform the Hai sisters to go see Shiranui once they finish their breakfast?" He waved the girls goodbye as he walked back to his office.
After he left…
"Shikikan is so cool! He gave us such great gear and is giving everyone else gear too! Let's do our best and make him proud!" Javelin was the first to speak.
The other girls nodded in agreement. "I just hope the base's finances will be okay.." Z23 worried.
"Laffey saw Manjuus pushing a big cart full of coins and gems to the treasury."
"We should head to the dockyard and equip our new gear before the exercise des." Ayanami suggested before all of the starter squad followed suit.
{Back to the Shikikan}
After a few more hours, the Shikikan managed to finish more than half of the monstrous pile of papers since he had started.
'Phew, alright the base budgeting, restocking, scheduling, and asset planning are all set. Since I allocated more funds towards Wisdom Cube development, construction should be ten times as fast now. I'm not sure when, but the Manjuus managed to salvage some gear blueprints and parts, some coins, and even three wisdom cubes during the rescue emergency request yesterday. But back to the things to do, now all that's left are the commission assignment requests and future exercise plans. It'll probably be smarter to get a sense of each of the girl's strengths and weaknesses and go from there.' Shikikan confirmed in his mind.
He then received a notification from his watch and computer that read the same thing: 'Construction nearing completion!'.
'The girls' should have started their exercise a while ago, but I should still have time to see most of the exercise after I go greet the new recruits.' He got up out of his seat and headed to the dockyard.
Once he made his way to the shipbuilding section of the dockyard, he noticed that two massive ships, a destroyer and a light cruiser, were in place of the previously empty open water areas inside the dockyard.
'I don't know what I'd do without the Manjuus in all honesty.' A Manjuu wearing a hard hat came up to him and saluted him, to which he responded in kind.
"Excellent work!"
Chirp!
He proceeded to pet the Manjuu a bit before he headed over to the display panel, where it read '00:00:10' remaining for both construction projects. Upon reaching zero, the two cubes began to glow before completely dispersing into particles that flew to the fully constructed ships. The ships themselves then began to glow before fully dispersing into particles as well and gathering near the front of their respective construction areas. Standing from where he was at the panel monitors and displays (in between the two construction areas), two figures could be made out of the mass of particles before they glowed brightly enough to cause the Shikikan to shield his eyes. Upon opening his eyes, he noticed two unfamiliar girls standing where the previous of mass of particles were gathered. He was mesmerized at the mysterious powers of the Wisdom cubes he just witnessed. The two girls slowly opened their eyes before looking around until their eyes landed on the Shikikan's. It took him a second to gather himself from his amazement before he walked towards the front of the panel and greet them both.
"Hello, I am the Shikikan of this base. It is a pleasure to meet the both of you and I hope we get along." He smiled as he offered a small bow to the two girls.
The one on the left spoke up first. She wore a loose fitted green kimono and had long black hair accompanied with black animal ears and a black fluffy tail that was white at the tip.
"Hello Goshujin, I'm the Sakura Empire's Yuubari-class light cruiser, Yuubari." She gave a polite bow upon finishing her introduction.
'Goshujin? Ehhhh, let's play along with it for now. The other girl has yet to introduce herself afterall.' He proceeded to look over to the other girl, who was a small little girl with long blonde hair tied into twin-tails and seemed to be emitting small sparks.
"Shikikan...Eldridge, reporting in." She said as she adorably saluted him.
"I'm glad to have you two join my fleet. I look forward to working with you both." He said as he offered them both his signature small, yet sincere, smile.
Eldridge stopped emitting sparks momentarily and walked up closer to the Shikikan and put her hands up towards him.
"Shikikan….up."
The Shikikan felt his heart skip a beat at the adorable little girl's request. Much like any other person would, he complied and picked her up into his arms. She snuggled into the crest of his neck a bit, almost as if she was testing out his comfiness.
'Affinity up!'
"Mmm, comfy" She said in approval before looking into his eyes. "Shikikan….pretty eyes."
"Hmm, she's right your eyes are quite the amazing amethyst color." Yuubari had apparently walked up to his side as well.
"Ahaha….thank you." He smiled sheepishly. "The others are in the middle of their joint exercise; shall we join them?"
Yuubari nodded while Eldridge went back to snuggling up to him, seemingly not wanting to be put down, something of which the Shikikan didn't mind whatsoever.
As he was turning away, he remembered something important.
"Oh! Hey Manjuus!" He called out to the Manjuus present, of which all lined up before him and saluted.
"Again, excellent work, please have a nice long rest. There were some Wisdom cubes retrieved during yesterday's mission and I'd like to have them transformed as well. Could I ask you to do that once you all feel good to go?" He requested, worrying a bit that he might overwork the small helpful creatures.
Chirp!
Shikikan turned around to notice that the three Wisdom cubes from yesterday were being brought in by more Manjuus and being set up onto the panel to begin construction right away.
"Um are you sure you guys don't need to rest a bit? Building whole ships so fast seems a bit….you know?" He said offering his concerns for their well-being.
The Manjuus chirped happily back at him, seemingly happy that he cares for them. They all then pointed to a small door to the corner of the building. He walked up to the door and upon opening it, found hundreds of Manjuus relaxing and playing in what seemed to be a large Manjuu exclusive resort area.
'So, this is where they all go and come from'. He felt a lot more relieved now knowing that the Manjuus are well treated and comfy.
"Thank you for your hard work!" He took his free arm that wasn't holding Eldridge and saluted them, to which they saluted and chirped in response.
The trio then proceeded to leave the dockyard and headed to the exercise area.
'Will Eldridge be okay combat-wise? Not just the sparks, but she's so tiny and light, I can't help but worry a bit.' He thought as he walked with Eldridge in his arms and Yuubari to his side.
"Shikikan? Eldridge…..Will do her best." She said while putting a hand into a 'V' sign all while emitting sparks.
Surprised she read his mind, he decided to put his mind at ease for now since they reached the exercise area. They were standing on top of a cliff overlooking all the girls hard at work. The girls were all skating around in the water seemingly in the middle of a combat exercise between the starter squad and the heavy cruisers plus light aircraft carrier. Ayanami and Takao were clashing swords, Javelin was trying to hit Atago with her javelin, but the latter was dodging and parrying gracefully, and Z23 and Laffey were circling around Eugen who seemed to be trying to protect Shouhou as part of the exercise.
'Seems like this is a naval combat defense exercise where the destroyers are trying to eliminate the priority target while the heavy cruisers are to protect the VIP. Seems like Shouhou got the short of the stick and is the targeted VIP.' Shikikan's trained eyes quickly confirmed the point of the exercise while also learning more about each girls' combat capabilities.
Yuubari and Eldridge seemed to be thoroughly watching the exercise alongside him. After a few more minutes of observation, the Shikikan managed to come up with general ideas of each of the girls' capabilities.
'Based on what I've seen so far, Z23 seems to prioritize her main guns, is the strategist of the starter squad, and is quite capable of leading her fellow destroyers. Ayanami relies a lot on her torpedoes and her close combat capabilities. Javelin seems to be the best of the destroyers in terms of evasion and Laffey seems to be the most well-rounded of her squad. For the others, Takao shows a lot of experience and strength in both close and mid-range combat. The same goes for Atago, but she seems like she relies more on mid-range attacks with her guns and torpedoes in comparison to her sister. Prinz Eugen seems to have great defensive capabilities in that her shields are able to block a lot of the shells being fired at her while being able to dish out some heavy damage simultaneously. And for Shouhou, she's able to transform paper planes into actually planes and controls them with her fan quite skillfully.' He surmised all of his initial thoughts on each of the girls after briefly observing them.
He felt a vibration on his wrist and saw that he got a notification on his wristwatch that upon opening, showed him the damage output, damage taken, and other statistics of all the girls below during this exercise.
'Huh, this'll be extremely useful for future references. Come to think of it, what were the stats from the rescue mission yesterday?' He flicked downwards on his watch until he found the stats he was looking for. 'Interesting, so the damage output was about equal between Ayanami, Z23, Laffey, and Javelin. I wonder how well their new gear is working for them now.' He pondered.
"What do you say we head on down there as well?" He suggested to Yuubari and Eldridge, to which they nodded approvingly before making their way to the others.
Upon arrival, the girls had stopped to take a break and seeing Shikikan, they skated towards him eagerly.
"Great work ladies. Sorry for being a bit late, but I'd like to introduce everyone to our new allies: Yuubari," he said as he waved his hand to her, to which she greeted everyone with a bow, "and Eldridge." Whom of which was still in his arms. She looked to the Shikikan, seemingly given him the okay to put her down. Once settled on her own two feet, she looked at everyone before saluting and bowing as well.
"Ara ara, glad to see you again Yuubari-chan!" Atago came up to hug said girl, who happily hugged her back, but seemed to struggle a bit to breath with her face pressed into Atago's chest. She managed to escape her loving embrace and was able to breathe once more.
"Ha….glad to see some familiar faces at this base. I look forward to working with everyone and Goshujin." She smiled as she spoke, feeling happy that she was reunited with her old friends.
"Mhmm….Laffey…."
Eldridge came up to Laffey and hugged her, who happily hugged her back. They both lazily yawned before deciding to walk over to a nearby tree and quickly falling asleep against each other under it.
"Ehehe, it's like we have two Laffeys now huh Shikikan?" Javelin commented happily seeing the two Eagle Union girls reunited once more.
"Sigh, one Laffey is already hard enough.." Z23 sighed a bit before also smiling at the sight of the reunited girls.
"So Herr Kommandant, did you enjoy the show?" Eugen asked as she was walking closer to the Shikikan.
"Everyone seems to know their strengths and are more than capable in fighting. I'm really glad you're all on my side." He said with a sincere smile. "Even though I arrived late, I think I have a solid idea of everyone's abilities, which'll be really helpful in ensuring everyone's safety and success on future missions."
"Ehehe…hearing Shikikan say he cares for us makes me super happy." Javelin said as she happily bobbed her head side to side.
"Hoo? Ja, who would you say performed the best then? We never decided who would be the judge for this competition after all." Eugen spoke up, causing everyone who participated in the exercise, including Laffey who woke up hearing what she said, to perk their heads up and home in on Shikikan.
'Yikes way to put the pressure on Eugen.' Shikikan thought as he looked at the smirking Iron Blood cruiser. "Well…..it's hard to say since everyone obviously did well from when I started observing. Everyone showed their strengths and hid their weaknesses well, so it's hard to say right now."
"Is that so? Ja, second question, what are my strengths and weaknesses?" Prinz Eugen felt like teasing and testing the Shikikan's observational abilities.
"For you Eugen, your strengths lie in your experienced confidence and your shielding abilities granting you high sustain and survivability. I wouldn't say your firepower is necessarily a weakness, but I would say that you could use some more of it. Were you able to get some better gear with Shiranui?"
'Affinity up!'
Eugen was pleased with his answer. "Impressive Herr Kommandant, I'm glad to now know that you are a respectable capable commander." She said with an approving smirk. "And yeah, Shiranui said it should be ready soon. Hope you and your wallet don't regret this wink."
"Ahaha…" He didn't know what to say in response except rub the back of his head a bit nervously.
"Shikikan! Shikikan! What about me?" Javelin chimed in hopping up and down wanting to hear his thoughts on her as well.
"Woah there Javelin." He said as he patted her head, much to her enjoyment. "Your evasive abilities made you look really cool as you danced around. Your firepower is strong too, especially with your new torpedoes huh?"
"Hehehe" Javelin was as bubbly as ever hearing him praise her and patting her head.
Unknown to him, the rest of the girls, besides those of the starter squad, were relieved to hear that he seemed to be a capable commander and would happily send their seals of approvals of him to their faction leaders later today.
"So what should be do about the competition results Herr Kommandant?" Z23 spoke up.
"Hmm, since I didn't get to see all of the exercise and the newly arrived girls haven't gotten their new gear, how about we call this a draw until everyone is properly geared up? For now though, I should head back to my office and finish the rest of the paperwork there. Great work again everyone, you all are free to relax and go about the rest of the day." He said dismissing the hardworking girls.
The girls seemed satisfied with his answer since it did make a lot of sense to wait until everyone is fairly geared up.
"Ara ara, do you want Onee-san to accompany you, so you don't feel lonely ufufu?" Atago came up and closely hugged one of his arms.
"Ahaha…" A blush on his face was slowly getting more and more visible.
Laffey and Eldridge then came up to him and hugged his waist.
"Laffey worked hard, but she doesn't want to sleep on your office couch….probably."
"Shikikan…up." Eldridge wanted her spot back it seemed.
"Shikikan, can Ayanami come visit you in your office later?"
He patted her head with his free arm. "Of course you can, you're all free to come visit whenever since I'll be there for a while it seems ahaha.."
He ended up having to walk back with Atago still hugging one arm, Eldridge being cradled in the other, and Laffey walking by his side, not that he seemed to mind at all whatsoever. The rest of the girls decided to go about their separate ways before each of them individually decided in their heads to pay a visit to the Shikikan in his office later.
Making his way back, he left the now again asleep Eldridge on the couch where Laffey joined her before she too fell asleep once more.
Atago decided to pull up a chair to the Shikikan's desk and help him with some of the paperwork. She then looked over some of his completed ones for any errors before smiling.
"Ara Shikikan, I expected there to be some errors here and there since you're new and all, but everything looks good, Onee-san is impressed."
"Thanks Atago, Victoria herself had put me through a wringer cramming all the know-hows on running a base and naval tactics. Even though it was pretty rough, it sure did pay off ahaha."
"I'll be honest, Onee-san was kind of hoping to dote on you by helping you get used to office work." She pouted, very cutely in Shikikan's eyes.
"Ahaha, sorry about that, but I really do enjoy your company Atago." He thanked her gratefully with a smile.
'Affinity up!'
"Ara, you're quite the smooth talker Shikikan, Onee-san might have to get a bit more serious ufufu. Say, how about I become your secretary ship since we enjoy being together?" Atago suggested with a happy smile.
"Secretary ship?"
"Ara, you didn't know? A secretary ship is a designated ship girl to help you with your office work since it does get overwhelming at times." She explained.
"Makes sense, but I'd feel kind of bad imposing since you girls already work so hard in the fields. I can only imagine the stress and fatigue from combat you girls' constantly go through, so I really do want you girls to rest as much as possible." He stated his honest thoughts.
Atago's smile widened even more upon hearing that. "Ara ara, Shikikan, us ship girls were made to fight, but hearing you talk about how much you care for us will make Onee-san swoon over you, you know?" She said as she walked over and gave the seated Shikikan a hug, burying his face into her chest.
'I….could really get used to this. It's so comfy, kind of really hard to breath, but still really, really comfy.' He confirmed the hug was bliss in his mind.
"Daijoubu Shikikan, being the secretary ship is kind of like a merit to us since it lets us get to know you better and lets us feel more important in a way. So don't worry too much about imposing on us to be your secretary ship. Okay?" She said as she stroked his hair lovingly as she kept him in her embrace.
'Yep, I could definitely get used to this.' The lucky Shikikan confirmed once more.
"Sounds good and thank you…Atago….Onee-san." The bliss he felt led him to feel a bit more playful.
'Affinity up!' His wristwatch had a notification that said Atago's affinity was now at 74.
"Mmph!" Shikikan's head was pushed deeper into Atago's chest as Atago had hearts in her eyes and a rising blush on her face upon hearing him call her that.
"Mmmm…you're so cute Shikikan! You just keep making Onee-san want to spoil you more and more!" She hummed happily.
Shikikan was starting to struggle to breath, despite the increased bliss he felt.
"Oi Atago! Ease up on the Shikikan! His face is turning purple!"
Takao and Shouhou were making their way to the Shikikan's office to find Atago, only to find her unintentionally suffocating the Shikikan.
"Ara, sorry about that Shikikan, Onee-san lost herself a bit wink."
The Shikikan took some breaths before speaking. "No worries, it was mostly my fault ahaha…"
"Ufufu…" Atago giggled.
"…Anyway, Atago we should probably report to Nagato-sama that we arrived safely."
"Ara, look at the time. Where should we go? The dorms?"
"Hey Shikikan, can we do it here? I'm sure everyone back home wants to meet the Shikikan too." Shouhou suggested.
"Sure, I'd be lying if I said wasn't curious ahaha."
"Thank you Shikikan." Takao gave a small bow before moving over to the chairs by the coffee table and setting up her phone for a videocall.
"Nagato-sama, Shouhou, Atago, and I have arrived safely at the Azur Lane base and are ready to report."
"Otsukaresama des." A young yet dignified-sounding voice spoke up. "Were you able to meet the Shikikan as of yet?"
The Shikikan looked up from his papers out of curiosity.
"Hai, we actually met him about halfway on our journey here." Atago spoke up.
"Oh? Why?" Another young yet carefree sounding voice commented.
"He and some of the other girls were responding to a rescue request signal they got." Shouhou chimed in.
"The ones who sent the signal are now up and well after sustaining some injuries. There were some additional issues however ufufu…" Atago chuckled with a devious smirk as she glanced over to Takao, who immediately went blue, picked up on what her sister was insinuating.
"….and these issues were….?" The dignified voice questioned suspiciously.
The girls then retold everything that had gone down from when they met the Shikikan in detail up until now.
"Ney Takao, why'd you attack Shikikan? Why?" The carefree voiced inquired at the end of the recollection.
"Takao! You should've listened to Atago and Souryuu when they recommended that you should rest! Now look at what you've done! What if the Shikikan will think poorly of the Sakura Empire now because of this?" The dignified voice roared.
Before Takao could beg for forgiveness, the Shikikan decided to step in and speak up.
"Umm, sorry for interrupting you, but I don't think poorly of either Takao or the Sakura Empire from what happened yesterday. Like I told Takao, I was more happy learning that she deeply cherishes her friends and allies and will not hesitate in saving them from any dangers." The Shikikan then decided to walk over to where the girls were and looked directly into the camera broadcasting the videocall. He saw two young girls sitting on their legs side by side with massive rigging behind them on the other end, one with long black hair and one with short black hair. "On behalf of Takao, please don't punish her for trying to protect her friends. I'm not mad at all, I promise." He smiled.
"Are you the Shikikan? I am I am Nagato, the flagship of the Sakura Empire's Combined Fleet. As the leader of the Sakura Empire, I sincerely apologize for Takao's actions." She bowed her head.
"P-please raise your head! Like I said, I'm truly not mad whatsoever. No one was hurt and everyone returned safely back here. And in all honesty, knowing firsthand how strong ship girls are was something I needed to learn personally ahaha…" He tried to calm her down.
Nagato lifted her head and was seemingly gauging the Shikikan. She spoke after a few seconds of observations. "Thank you for your gracious mercy. I now understand why Ayanami gave such quick approval of you." She smiled.
"Ney ney, Shikikan, how come your eyes are a pretty purple? They look like crystals! Why do they look like that? Why?" The other girl questioned.
"Oi Mutsu…" Nagato started.
"Umm…I'm not sure as to how to answer to why but thank you for the compliment ahaha."
"Isn't it because of your parents' eye colors?" Shouhou suggested.
"I don't know, I can't seem to remember much." He said with a small sad smile.
"Why? Are you okay?" Mutsu asked, seemingly a bit concerned.
"Shikikan, I can explain it to them if you don't want to…" Atago spoke up wanting to help the Shikikan after noticing his sad smile.
"Thank you Atago." His smile changed to a grateful one. "But, it's okay, really. It's better to get this out of the way and off my chest myself I think."
He then explained his tragic past to everyone present in the room. Upon finishing he, heard a small sniffle.
"S-sorry Shikikan…sniff.." Mutsu was feeling very guilty for bringing this up.
"D-don't worry!" He wanted to pet her head but obviously couldn't do so over the videocall. "It's not your fault, plus I'd rather put this in past and push forward as soon as possible. I didn't mean to hide it, but it's hard to find a right time to say this without completely ruining the mood, you know?" He tried to cheer up the innocent little girl crying for his sake.
"Sniff….-t-thank you Shikikan!" Mutsu cheered up a bit.
"Those abhorred Sirens…to do such unspeakable things to civilians is sickening…Shikikan, you've been put through far too much that you shouldn't have had to go through. I sincerely commend your unbreakable spirit and hereby promise as leader of the Sakura Empire, that I will do my utmost to fight alongside you and bring swift justice upon those cruel monsters!" Nagato declared loudly.
"Thank you Nagato, it's really relieving to hear someone of your stature say that." He smiled gratefully.
Nagato began to blush a bit before looking away. "T-tonikaku! The closer we get to finishing fortification of Sakura Empire lands, the more Sakura Empire ships I shall have sent back over to the Azur Lane base. I've had some more stationed closer to the base prepare to journey back. They should be there by nightfall tonight. Until we meet in person, please continue to take care of us from the Sakura Empire." She and Mutsu bowed graciously before ending the call.
[With Nagato and Mutsu]
"Ney ney Nagato-nee! Shikikan seems really nice!"
"Agreed, I can rest easily now knowing that the Sakura Empire girls are under capable hands." She blushed as she secretly wished for all of the fortifications to be done soon so that she can go meet him too.
"Ney Nagato-nee, are you wishing you weren't busy with paperwork so you can go meet the Shikikan too? How come?" Mutsu knew her elder sister all too well.
"N-Nonsense! I simply had some thoughts on my mind a-about…other things! Come Mutsu, we have much to do!" Nagato tried to dissuade her rather perceptually sister.
[Back at Azur Lane base]
'For someone so small, she sure commands quite the presence, what with that huge rigging of hers behind her.' He wondered how Nagato was able to carry around such heavy looking gear.
He looked over to the Sakura Empire girls present in the room looking despondent, most likely due to hearing his tragic past. He walked over and gave Shouhou a head-pat and looking at Takao and Atago.
"Don't worry everyone, I did have to go through a lot, but I've been getting a lot better ever since I arrived here and met all of you. I can rest easy knowing I have the best allies anyone could ask ever ask for." He continued patting the two girls' heads who were a bit too shy and stubborn to admit that they were enjoying it.
Takao smiled upon hearing how much he believes in her. "I won't let you down Shikikan!"
"S-shikikan! I'm not a child!" Shouhou seemed to have a mixed expression of enjoyment and embarrassment.
"Ara, I can take your place if you want Shouhou-chan."
"N-No! It's not like I dislike this, but I….nnnn." She was struggling to find the right words.
The overall mood in the room lightened up after hearing Shouhou's distress.
"Also, you all are free to enter now!" Shikikan spoke as he looked at the door.
There were a couple of gasps and 'eep' sounds before the door opened to reveal Javelin, Z23, Prinz Eugen, and the Hai sisters.
'How does he always know?' Everyone at the door couldn't believe his intuition. The Hai sisters were surprised as well but decided not to question it since they felt guilty for eavesdropping and overhearing everything he said. Ning Hai was about to speak up, but the Shikikan spoke up first.
"Sorry you two had to hear such a sad story, but like I said, it's hard to find a good time to tell everyone. And really don't worry about me, as long as you girls are around, I'm really not too worried about facing them again." He smiled at them as he tried to ease their guilty consciences.
"Actually, if possible, could I ask everyone to relay what I've told Nagato to your respective faction leaders? I think it be best everyone knew as soon possible rather than left in the dark until they arrive here."
"Yes sir!" They all saluted.
"Thanks everyone, but enough of the sad stuff for now. How about we all go for lunch?" He suggested to switch gears.
Laffey and Eldridge jumped off the couch, now seemingly wide awake upon hearing lunch.
Everyone bursted out laughing seeing the carefree duo act in perfect synergy before they all headed to enjoy lunch at the canteen prepared by the miracle working Manjuus and the Shikikan.
"Mhm, Shikikan! I can't wait for everyone in the Royal Navy to come back and try your cooking! I can't get enough of how great it always is!" Javelin said as she happily took another bite of her omurice.
Shikikan responded by patting her head as she continued to eat. "Thanks Javelin, but speaking of which, how are things going in everyone's territories? Any word from your friends?" He questioned curiously.
"After the exercise, I spoke with Queen Elizabeth and she said that thanks to everyone's hard work, they should be ahead of schedule and should be fully done by the end of the week! She also said that she sent some of the maids from the Maid Corps and a few others stationed nearby here in advance. They should be here by tomorrow morning!" The bubbly destroyer said as she happily anticipated more from her faction to arrive soon.
'Maid Corps? Sounds interesting, yet kind of scary in a way.' He wanted to ask but thought it be better to see for himself tomorrow.
"Good to hear. How about everyone else from Iron Blood and the Eagle Union?"
"When I had left yesterday, fortifications were pretty much done and all that was left is the paperwork confirming everything. That said, Tirpitz sent me a message an hour ago saying that she is about to send everyone but herself here since they have 'nothing else to do here'. My guess is that they'll arrive by tomorrow night." Eugen said as she cut another piece of her steak and downed a whole glass of beer afterwards. "Mhmm Herr Kommandant, won't you join me for drinks?" She asked as she leaned a bit closer into his space.
"Maybe later, it's still noon and I have paperwork to do still ahaha…"
Ring Ring
Laffey took out her phone and read the message. "Ohhh, Eagle Union finished fortifications and are all heading here now. Laffey thinks they will arrive by tomorrow at noon." She said in a monotone voice, but her eyes and Eldridge's said otherwise as they sparkled with joy upon hearing the news.
"Yay! Everyone's slowly but surely making their way back here! I can't wait." Javelin cheered. She wasn't the only one excited since everyone present seemed excited to have more people on the large base.
'I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, but I can't help but worry about whether or not there's still some grudges these girls are harboring. Victoria said that Azur Lane and Crimson Axis were previously at war and only recently joined forces to fight the Sirens so I'm sure there's still some issues between the two. Either way though, nothing else I can do except do my best and make sure everyone feels welcomed for now.' Shikikan determined as he made up his mind to unite everyone to the best of his abilities.
"Alright girls, I should head back and get that pile of papers off my desk so I can properly greet our new allies once they arrive. That said, I noticed some quick commissions I will need to have you girls sortie for later today, but other than that feel free to take it easy for now. If you need anything, my office door is always open for you girls." He said before taking his leave. The other girls chatted together a bit more afterwards before they too left.
[With Javelin]
After leaving the canteen, Javelin decided to take a walk to the dockyards to walk off all the delicious food she just ate.
'I should ask Shikikan to teach me how to cook sometime ehehe. Oh! I should probably inform Queen Elizabeth that more ship girls are on their way here.' She said as she whipped out her phone and called her.
"Hello Your Highness! I hope I am not bothering you right now, but do you have some time? I have some reports to give."
"Good day Javelin, We are currently at lunch but are still free to chat. What reports do you have?" Queen Elizabeth was currently sitting at a table with her fellow Royal Navy members and maids attending to them. She had her phone on speaker phone for all of them to hear.
Javelin began to retell everything that happened since her last report, from the rescue mission to the joint exercise and finally to the news of the other factions nearing completion of their territory fortification projects. And with the Shikikan's previous request and approval, she told them about his past.
"And that's about everything for my report today Your Highness!"
Queen Elizabeth was silent for a bit before speaking up. "Hood, how much longer did you say was left on our fortifications?"
"We have made excellent progress thus far, enough to be ahead of schedule by about two weeks Your Majesty." An elegant voice spoke up to being called.
"…And Javelin, you said Sakura Empire has already sent three of theirs there and are having more arrive later tonight?"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"And that Iron Blood was sending everyone save for Tirpitz herself back to base right now?"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Javelin was starting to wonder what was on Her Majesty's mind.
"And that Eagle Union was completely done and sending everyone back to the base as well?"
"…Yes, Your Highness, is something wrong?" Javelin expressed her concerns.
"…W-e-WE are NOT amused!" Queen Elizabeth raised her voice surprising Javelin, while everyone at the table either sighed or giggled at Queen Elizabeth's outburst.
"W-what's the matter Your Majesty!?" Javelin jumped hearing her shout.
"The fact that Sakura Empire have theirs arrived at base with more incoming is already disconcerting enough, but the fact that Eagle Union is already done with their fortifications and that most of Iron Blood will be arriving on base by tomorrow while We at the Royal Navy have yet to have anyone but yourself there is almost preposterous. We cannot stand by while the Shikikan is swayed over to the other factions and not the Royal Navy! Hood! Tell everyone to get to work on the double and finish everything by the end of this week!"
"Your Majesty, if I may, everyone has already put in their all just to get ahead of schedule. To ask them to work even harder might lead to some issues." A beautiful fair-skinned lady in a elegant white dress and white sunhat tried to reason with Elizabeth, but to no avail.
"Do not fret Illustrious! For We are aware of Our servants' hard efforts and are prepared. Belfast to me!"
A silver haired beauty in maid attire spoke up. "Yes, Your Highness."
"Take out 10% of all he gold from Our personal treasury and offer it to the servants. Tell them that if they manage to get everything done by the end of this week or better yet even sooner, the gold will be given them as compensation for their hard work."
"Right away Your Highness." She bowed before leaving to immediately get to work on her assigned task.
"Your Majesty, I understand your concerns, but wouldn't you say this is a bit too hasty?"
"Poppycock Warspite! If another faction plants their stake with the Shikikan, then he might lean towards them and provide them with special treatment and not W-Us at the Royal Navy! We won't stand for that!" Queen Elizabeth let her true worries slip a bit.
Everyone at the table and Javelin, now realizing their leader's intent on speeding up the project, either sighed or began to giggle uncontrollably.
"Ahem! With that said, Illustrious! Wales! King George V!" Elizabeth called out.
"Yes Your Majesty!" Those called responded immediately.
"We ask of you three to head back to Azur Lane base along with Belfast, Sheffield, Edinburgh, and Unicorn, and establish a Royal Navy presence there."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" They all bowed before excusing themselves to begin preparations to head to the base.
"Um, I don't think the Shikikan is that type of person ahaha…" Javelin was at a loss but was happy to hear even more from the Royal Navy are on their way now."
"Do not fret Javelin, We will not let the Shikikan's heart be swayed anywhere else but towards the Royal Navy!" Queen Elizabeth was lost in her own world.
Javelin gave up on trying to convince her any further. "Well, um, that ends my report. I wish Your Highness well and I look forward to seeing everyone again!"
"Good work again Javelin, you may now go about your day. Do keep in touch with any other important information you stumble upon." She said before hanging up.
[With the Royal Navy]
'To be taken as a prisoner by the Sirens, to risk his own life for a ship girl in danger, and to have Javelin sing nothing but praises of you, We truly do look forward to meeting you Ourselves new serv-Shikikan.' Elizabeth didn't seem to notice the happy blush she had on her face.
'What an interesting fellow, to go through all he had and yet still be able to be kind hearted enough to have Javelin sing praises of him, you've piqued my interest quite a bit Shikikan' The elegant voice from earlier now known as Hood secretly hoped to meet this man for herself soon enough.
'He was an innocent bystander caught up in the Siren's schemes and was put through far too much in such a dark, scary place with no help to come for years. Despite all that, he managed to escape and still be able to treat the girls there so well with a smile. Rest assured Shikikan, I will not allow you to ever have to go through such darkness by yourself ever again.' Illustrious steeled her resolve to meet the man she was unknowingly beginning to admire even before meeting him.
'Hooo, I wonder how true are Javelin's praises of your cooking Shikikan. I look forward to meeting you and your seemingly unbreakable will and kind heart, Shikikan.' King George V couldn't help but want to hurry and get to the base.
[With Laffey and Eagle Union]
"And that's all Laffey has to report." Laffey was currently with Eldridge on a video call with the Eagle Union girls she spoke to on her call yesterday.
The group of girls in question plus some had all but just left their home territory for the base. Laffey had called them after lunch and told them what she overheard as she was half-asleep what Shikikan requested of the girls. She told them of his past and everything that happened after her call yesterday.
"Those monsters….How could they do something so cruel!?" The blonde tomboy had some tears in her eyes after hearing the Shikikan's past and was currently being consoled by the bluenette from yesterday's call.
"Cleveland….I feel the same way as you, but the most important thing right now is getting back and making sure that no one has to go through what he has. That said I'm still a bit concerned about the Shikikan though..."
"sniff…thanks Helena, sorry for looking like an idiot there aha.."
"Don't be Cleve" She smiled warmly at her big-hearted friend.
"….He went through all that and is still able to be as nice as he is. It even seems like he's doting on Laffey, Eldridge, and the others too! What do you think Enty-nee?" The blonde twin tailed girl asked her sister.
"Those Sirens have always been awful, but this time they've gone way too far. He's only human and yet he managed to go through hell and make it back in one piece. Despite all that, he has the strength to move forward and not turn back. I haven't even met him yet but I think he's going to be a good commander." The silver haired beauty replied with her honest thoughts.
"Mo, Enterprise-chan, you should learn to be more honest with yourself and say that you are interested in meeting him!" A shorter silver haired girl in an elegant nun attire chastised.
"W-Wha..!?" She blushed in surprise. "I-it's not like that! I just think that he'll have a good head on his shoulders that's all!"
The mood brightened up between the girls at her outburst as they laughed and giggled.
"Well anyway Laffey, Eldridge, we will try to make it by noon tomorrow, so try not to cause too much trouble for the Shikikan okay? See you soon." The caring bluenette expressed her concerns and bid the two destroyers farewell for now.
"Kayyy" The two lazily responded before the call ended.
{With Iron Blood}
Tirpitz and Graf Zeppelin has just finished speaking with Prinz Eugen and Z23. They had told her all about the Shikikan and his past and all the event after Z23's report yesterday.
"Those Sirens truly have no limits…" Tirpitz frowned hearing about what they did to the Shikikan.
"…Shikikan and I are quite alike, and yet we are not. To be hated by the world and sent through nothing but darkness and pain, and yet he's able to smile and think brightly of the future instead of cursing fate, I have no words to describe this sense of confusion." Graf Zeppelin was truly at a loss since Shikikan was able to retain his sense of hope for the future instead of loathing fate.
"Perhaps it be best for you to go as well Graf. You might be able to clear the confusion by meeting him yourself." Tirpitz suggested.
"You might be right, but are you sure you'll be alright by yourself Tirpitz?"
"The fortifications are done, and I just have these papers to complete before I too can head to the base."
Graf Zeppelin looked over to the stack of papers before grabbing about half and carrying it with her to a nearby table and pulling up a chair. "Then it'll be faster if we split this work. The others have already left, and I suppose this would be more efficient rather than going by ourselves separately." She said before getting to work.
"…Thank you Graf.." Tirpitz had a ghost of a smile on her lips before she too got back to work. 'Shikikan, while our situations differ, I can't help but feel some sort of relatedness to you. Is this because we both were left out in the cold for so long? Or is this something else entirely...?' Tirpitz pondered what she was feeling before she finally managed to focus at the task at hand.
{With Ning Hai and Ping Hai}
The two were currently in the middle of a stroll around the base.
"Nee-chan, what should we do?"
"About what Ping Hai?"
"Shikikan said we should report to our leaders, but who would that be for us?"
"I….I'm not sure. As far as I know, Yat-sen-jie is our guardian, but I don't know if she counts as the leader, let alone where she even is right now." Ning Hai was at a loss.
"Yat-sen-jie is strong, she might just be busy somewhere."
"Yeah, I'm sure we'll meet her again Ping Hai, but for now we should focus on getting stronger and helping the Shik—I mean getting stronger period." Ning Hai panicked since she was too embarrassed to say she felt the desire to get stronger for him.
"Hmm, Nee-chan, Ping Hai wants to get stronger for Shikikan too! He saved us, gave us a lot of tasty baozi, and is really nice." The more honest of the two easily spoke her mind.
"Y-you're right, we should work hard in order to repay him back! Let's go for a run Ping Hai!" She said before taking off in a sprint.
"Shì nee-chan!" She said before chasing after her.
Apologies for the long delay everyone! So much for a few days lol…..holidays, work, life, and Swirling Cherry Blossom event got to me XD. I'm back now though and am hard at work on the next chapter. Idk when that will be done, but please do put up with my erratic process :D
Please favorite, follow, comment, and look forward to next time on Azur Lane fanfic: An Unsung Legend Chapter 7: The Four Factions Assemble (Part 3 (of 3))!
