Chapter 10: A Shining Ray of Hope!
Hey y'all I'm back! Just a quick thank you for getting this fanfic over 100 favs and follows! You all are awesome! :D Well, I've kept y'all waiting long enough so let's jump right in!
"An individual's physical abilities, height, and power…If those were the only things to prove one's strength, this match would be much simpler. But it's because that's not the case, that this is so deep and so interesting." Keishin Ukai, Haikyuu!
[With the starter squad]
"I've received word from Fusou that her group has arrived at their target's area des." Ayanami informed to her fellow camouflaged friends.
"Herr Kommandant, everyone is ready on our end and the Sakura Empire's group still seems unaware of us." Z23 radioed.
"Alright, go ahead and commence the plan when you have a clear shot."
"Yeah!" They all whispered loudly as they waited for the Sakura Empire girls to skate a bit further up.
[With Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Takao, Atago, Ise, and Hyuuga]
"We haven't seen him or any of his forces for a while now..." Shoukaku commented as she surveyed her surroundings intently.
"Yeah, I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this…" Zuikaku added as she tightened her grip on her katana as they all continued advancing and scouring the chain of tiny islands they were passing by, along with the well-hidden starter squad girls as well.
[Back to the starter squad]
After the Sakura Empire girls were out of hearing range, "These cloaks are so much fun!" Javelin squealed as she had her hands in a tiger hand sign.
"They don't seem to have noticed us…" Z23 examined. "Alright! Commence the plan!" She yelled as she jumped out of her cloak and trained her main guns at the Sakura girls, with the remainder of the starter squad quickly following in her footsteps.
"Fire!" She ordered as they all shot their volleys in unison at the seemingly unaware targets. The rain of volleys looked like they were going to land perfectly, but just before they did….
"They fell for it! Time for me to make some noise hahahaha!" Ise yelled as she quickly turned around and swiftly sliced through the volley coming at her with ease. The other Sakura girls followed suit and swiftly swatted down the incoming projectiles.
"What?" Z23 yelled in surprise.
"Ara, the same sneak attacks won't work twice against Onee-san you know?" Atago sung.
"Your bloodlust was quite palpable." Takao added.
"The hunters have become the hunted, so to speak hehe." Zuikaku laughed as she got ready for a brawl with the destroyers.
"I wouldn't say they were the 'hunters' Zuikaku, but your intent's there." Shoukaku chuckled before she began playing her flute, summoning her planes for the fight to come.
"Oh no! They turned the tables!" Javelin wailed as she readied her javelin.
"Verdammt!" Z23 cried out.
"Laffey releasing self-imposed limiters." The not-so-sleepy-anymore bunny girl announced as she readied her rigging.
"We'll have to take them on headfirst then des. Your orders Commander Nimi." Ayanami said as she readied her katana.
"…..The plan goes on! Watch out for the planes and head straight for the target!" Z23 commanded right before they all scattered out of Shoukaku's dive bombers' path. Working with well-coordinated teamwork, the girls zig-zagged around the additional fighters' guns as they rushed towards their awaiting opponents.
"Finally, some action!" Ise howled as she fired her cannons at the starter squad.
"Let me in on this too Nee-san!" Hyuuga said as she fired off as well.
Anticipating the barrages, the starter squad all managed to evade them right before launching their own attack at the battleships.
"Hahaha! Not bad! Not bad at all!" Ise laughed as she swiped down the enemy fire.
"I'll be going first Nee-san!" Hyuuga said before dashing towards the starter squad for some close combat action.
"Oh no you don't!" Ise smirked before following after her little sister.
"As energetic as ever ufufu." Atago giggled before noticing something in the corner of her eye. "Wait, to the right you two!" She yelled.
"Whoa!" Ise and Hyuuga yelled as they both just managed to dodge the incoming surprise rain of fire.
"Oh no we missed!"
"There was nothing we could do Yamashiro. Atago's eyesight is second to none after all." Fusou said as she readied herself now that their covers were blown.
"Oh! Fusou-san! Yamashiro! It feels strange fighting against you two, but this is an exercise after all!" Ise said as she turned her attention to the two battleships in front of her. "Ready for a little 2v2 Hyuuga?" She asked her sister ship, but no reply was heard.
"Hyuuga?" Ise asked turning around.
"S-sorry Nee-san! I'm a bit pre-occupied here!" Hyuuga grunted as she was locked in combat already.
"Javelin engaging!" The bubbly destroyer yelled as she was the first to reach the two Sakura battleships and had lunged at her closest target, Hyuuga, thrusting her weapon nonstop.
"Why you…!" Hyuuga said as she forced into a defensive fight. The destroyer might not be as strong as her, but Javelin's speed was nothing to scoff at.
"Here's your chance Ayanami!" Javelin yelled as she jumped up to do a spin, and swiped at a guarded Hyuuga, sending her sliding backwards before following up with another fast, flashy assault.
"Ey!" Ayanami yelled, jumping at Hyuuga attempting to strike with her blade, but ultimately failed to land as a katana stopped her in her tracks.
"I'll be your opponent Ayanami! It's been awhile since I've crossed swords with you after all!" Takao said as she got into a fighting stance before launching herself at the awaiting destroyer.
"Tsk… looks like its just me against you two, Fusou-san! Yamashiro!" Ise smirked as she spun her naginata in her hand and began to charge at the two other battleships.
"It might be 2 against 1, Yamashiro, but Ise's quite formidable, especially in close range combat. Let's keep her at bay until the plan bears fruit!"
"Hai Fusou nee-sama!"
Meanwhile…
"All systems green!" Laffey said as she fired continuously at Atago.
"Ara, did you want to play with Onee-san that badly?" She giggled as she easily evaded and cut down the incoming fire.
"Duck Laffey!" A voice called out to the bunny girl as she quickly complied.
Wide-eyed from a sudden additional attack, Atago had to put her guard up as she couldn't completely cut down all of the new projectiles coming at her.
"Let's work together Laffey!" Z23 said as she skated right up next to her.
"Kayy" Laffey said before hearing a rather menacing giggle.
"Ufufu….looks like Onee-san's going to have to get a bit…serious" Atago said before firing off her guns at the two destroyers, causing them to scatter left and right. Quickly following up, she launched her torpedoes at Laffey on the left and swiftly dashed towards the right to swing at Z23, who managed to block the incoming sword with her main gun, albeit being pushed a ways back.
"Ugh….she's strong. Be careful Nimi." Laffey called out.
"Ha…yeah.." Z23 panted.
"Now what exactly is this 'plan' I've been hearing you all mention? Won't you tell Onee-san?" Atago smiled as she jutted her katana outwards and had a hand on her hips, exuding an aura of confidence with the strength to back it up.
"Who knows…" Z23 replied with a small smirk of her own.
"Laffey doesn't know….probably…" She said looking away towards the side.
"Ara, looks like Onee-san's going to have to use a more 'aggressively persuasive' method ufufu." She said before dashing forth.
"Keep it up Laffey! Here she comes!" Z23 said as she and Laffey got into their fighting stances.
"Don't forgot about us now!" A voice called out from the side as a flute began to play and two squadrons of fighters flying out, catching the two destroyers off-guard.
"Ahhh!" The two yelled as they were unable completely dodge everything in the bullet rain.
"Quite brave of you girls to try and attack us from the front after your sneak attack fell flat ufufu." Shoukaku giggled as Zuikaku skated right next to Atago with her sword unsheathed and itching to fight.
"Tides turned again….3 versus 2….This isn't looking good Nimi." A slightly nervous Laffey said.
'Ugh…..what should we do?' Z23 tried to brainstorm how to get out of this debacle.
"It's time for me to act lively!" Another voice said before a squadron of dive bombers flew over the two injured destroyers and dropped some special bombs around them, healing them.
"Laffey…rejuvenated!" Laffey said with wondrous awe.
Z23 was about to say something similar but she decided to instead look over to whoever helped them, revealing the small light carrier Shouhou, with her fan opened up and paper planes floating around her.
"I'll do my best to help! We just need to hang in there for a bit longer until-op!" Shouhou had quickly skated up to the two and was about to reveal their plan, but she luckily caught herself as she covered her mouth with her hands.
"A bit longer? They've definitely got something else planned..." Atago put a hand under her chin as she thought.
"Well whatever it is, as long as Shoukaku-nee is with me, I'm invincible!" Zuikaku declared before dashing at the two destroyers.
"SG give me your power!"
"Huh!?" Zuikaku cried out as she had to backflip out of an incoming barrage of cannon-fire coming from her left.
"Are you three okay?" The now revealed Helena asked as she skated up to the three girls.
"Yeah, great timing Helena." Laffey said with but thumbs up.
"Hehe, I'm glad I made it, but right now…" Helena said before putting a hand to the mini SG radar on her head and turning to face her opponents, "we need to do our best for Shikikan. Let's go everyone!"
"Yeah!" The girls chanted as they prepared to fight once more.
'Tsk…, I remember her. That radar of hers is anything but fair!' Shoukaku frowned, remembering who the bluenette was from the previous war between Azur Lane and Crimson Axis. "Zuikaku! Atago-san! I don't know what it is they are trying to accomplish here, but for now let's not hold anything back!" She yelled before playing her flute, summoning more squadrons of planes to encircle her before flying out at her targets.
"Fire the anti-air guns!" Helena commanded as they all released a brutal AA battery, blowing up all of Shoukaku's fighters.
"I'm here too!" Zuikaku said as she tried to catch the group off guard by charging at them.
"Go Laffey! Z23!"
"Kay.." ,"Ja!" The two dashed forth while firing their guns in unison, forcing Zuikaku to a halt as she had to slash through their combined efforts.
"I'll try to fend off Atago, Shouhou do whatever you can to deal with Shoukaku!" Helena said before she dashed to her left while firing at the heavy cruiser.
"That's easier said than done! But I'll do what I can!' Shouhou cried out before launching her torpedo bombers once more at Shoukaku.
[Javelin vs Hyuuga]
"Hup!" Ey!" The two yelled as they were locked in combat with their polearms, moving too fast for untrained eyes to witness their movements.
"Hora!" Hyuuga yelled as she had just managed to swipe Javelin's incoming thrust away from her face before spinning around and slashing downwards at the destroyer, causing her to sidestep to her far left.
"Witness Javelin's performance!" She said as she quickly followed with her main guns firing at Hyuuga point blank. Barely dodging in time with a matrix dodge, Hyuuga quickly recovered herself with a leg sweep at the destroyer. Jumping up and away from the battleship's sweep, Javelin readied her weapon before charging right at Hyuuga once more. "Ey!"
'So persistent!' Hyuuga grunted. "Tsk, let's see you try this! Twelve main guns — full salvo!" She yelled before blasting her cannons at Javelin.
"Eek!" Javelin yelled before quickly diving out of the line of fire and tumbling along the water's surface.
"Not bad Royal Navy destroyer! But you're sorely mistaken if you think you'd stand a chance against me!" Hyuuga taunted.
"Phew! My part of the plan is done!" Javelin giggled as she wiped off the sweat on her brow.
"Huh, what are you talking about and what is this plan you all keep mentioning?" Hyuuga was dumbfounded at the giggling destroyer with her guard down in the middle of a fight.
"Don't worry! You'll see soon!" Javelin said as she glanced backwards.
"What do you….." Hyuuga started before looking over to where Javelin glanced over towards, only to realize she just messed up big time. "Ah crap! Watch out!"
[A few minutes ago..]
"Ha!" "Ey!" The sounds of two blades clashing could be heard from a nearby part of the ocean.
"It's been awhile since we've last sparred like this Ayanami! You're as formidable as ever!" Takao smiled as she was locked in a sword bind with the destroyer.
"Likewise, Takao-san's mastery with her sword is truly awe-inspiring des. But for the Shikikan, I refuse to give up!" Ayanami declared right before spinning around and slashing at her again.
"I have nothing but respect for your resolve! But I shall not falter! Ha!" Takao said as she parried Ayanami's incoming side slash before the two followed up with rapid slashes at each other, hitting steel on steel as the two went at it faster than the eye could see.
'Just a little more!' Ayanami encouraged herself as she swung her blade with her full body at Takao, forcing her backwards along the water. Jumping to her right before continuing, Ayanami dashed once more at Takao, who was now on the complete defensive seeing the destroyer rushing at her. Once close enough, Ayanami twirled up into the air and came down at Takao with a strong downward slash, forcing Takao backwards again.
Takao was about to brace herself for another assault but noticed that Ayanami was standing still and just staring at Takao.
"What's wrong Ayanami? Tired already?" She asked.
"Iye, it's just the plan was a success des." Ayanami responded as she tilted her head and smiled slightly.
Takao was about to ask what she meant before she heard a loud voice from behind.
"Ah crap! Watch out!"
Quickly turning around, Takao noticed that a large barrage of cannon-fire was coming directly at her.
"Wha!?" She yelled just before she swung around to try and brace herself since she had no chance of blocking or dodging. "Agh!" She grunted as she took the brunt of the barrage.
"Eh? Takao-ch!?" Atago said in shock hearing Takao's yell. Unfortunately for her, she was stopped mid-sentence as she had to dodge incoming cannon fire from Helena.
"I'm fine! Ugh!" Takao said as she swiped the smoke away to reveal hers uniform in tatters and covered in smoke. 'Tsk! How careless of me to get hit with friendly fire like that. Was that planned or just sheer luck?' She questioned as she struggled a bit to stand up, right before a thought came to mind. 'Wait Ayanami is-!?'
She swung around to see Ayanami in arm's length trying to grab her red ribbon. With honed reflexes she had no choice but to grab Ayanami's arm and throw her over her shoulder with a judo throw.
Though surprised, Ayanami easily landed on her feet after being thrown, but had no time to rest as Takao had followed up with a wave of torpedo shells. With no time to dodge, Ayanami decided to fire her own torpedo shells, causing multiple explosions as the opposing torpedoes collided with each other.
The smoke barely cleared before Ayanami could be seen dashing and firing her main guns at Takao. Still feeling the pain from taking Hyuuga's cannons head on, Takao barely managed to slash all of Ayanami's shots, well all except for one that landed near her left leg, forcing her to take a knee.
'Be calm as water.' Takao took a quick deep breath. "This isn't over yet!" She yelled before firing all her guns at Ayanami.
"Ima-des!" Ayanami said as she sped up out of the way of the projectiles and quickly closed the distance between the two as she jumped high into the air and proceeded to aim a downward slash at Takao who was just barely standing now.
Moving on nothing but sheer instinct and willpower, Takao swung her blade in front of her as she placed her other hand on the back of the blade as she braced for impact.
"Ey!" Ayanami yelled as she swung with all her remaining strength. Ayanami's heavy swing proved to be too much for the injured, fatigued heavy cruiser as she was pushed back onto to her back and her sword dropping to her side.
"Huff…huff…huff…heh, well done Ayanami." Takao congratulated the victorious destroyer and conceded as she put her hands up in surrender with a satisfied smile on her face.
"Sugoi nya! Takao has been defeated!" Akashi announced.
"Stay right where you are Takao, I'm on my way as we speak to check on your injuries." Vestal added.
"It would seem I still have much to learn." Takao chuckled lightly as she lied down on the water's surface.
"It was a well fought battle Takao-san des. It was also thanks to Shikikan's and Javelin's efforts that I managed to pull a win against you." Ayanami smiled as she offered Takao a hand up, to which she gladly took up.
[Back to Javelin and Hyuuga]
"Sugoi nya! Takao has been defeated!" Akashi announced.
"Damnit! I messed up big time!" Hyuuga chastised herself before turning back to Javelin. "Why you!" She yelled as she rushed relentlessly at Javelin.
"Ehehe, Shikikan's plan worked out perfectly!" The bubbly destroyer giggled happily as she quickly jumped away to gain some distance. "Thank you for the help Miss Hyuuga! With that part of the mission a success I bid you farewell!" Javelin teased the now very annoyed battleship as she quickly skated away.
"Oh no you don't! Get back here!" Hyuuga yelled in anger as she was about to chase after the destroyer.
"Hyuuga! Don't!"
"Wha-? Nee-san?" Hyuuga stopped in her tracks and turned around to see her sister nearby, struggling to catch her breath.
"I get how you feel, but there was no way you could've known! You and me both know we aren't the brightest after all ahaha!" Ise laughed.
"Tsk, yeah, you're right…" Hyuuga said after resigning herself to her sister's words.
"Good, now come help me over here, Fusou and Yamashiro might not be the best of fighters, but they sure know how to fight from a distance." She said before turning back over to Fusou and Yamashiro a safe distance away.
"Sounds fun! Let's even those odds then!" Hyuuga said as she regained her composure and readied herself.
Over with Yamashiro and Fusou…
"Ney Fusou-neesama, how much longer do we have to hold out? I was already having a rough time dodging Ise's cannons and now Hyuuga's joining the fight too." Yamashiro whined.
"Just a bit more Yamashiro, Ayanami just managed to defeat Takao-san so we only have to hold out a bit more!" She said trying to encourage before an idea popped into her head. "Plus, I'm sure Milord will praise us if we do well!"
Upon hearing Shikikan's name, Yamashiro's eyes sparkled, her tail stood straight up, and her fatigue seemed to have vanished. "Fusou-neesama! Let's do our best for Milord's sake! Ammo storage is fine...alright! Ike!" She said before firing her cannons at Ise and Hyuuga.
'Hehe, how precious you are Yamashiro.' Fusou giggled before firing her main cannons as well.
{With Laffey, Z23, Helena, Shouhou, Atago, Shoukaku, and Zuikaku}
Currently, Laffey and Z23 were in a standoff with Zuikaku, all seeming to be more than just a bit fatigued.
"Seems like Ayanami and Javelin pulled through! Okay just a bit more on our end then Laffey!" Z23 said as she blasted at Zuikaku.
"Tsk!" Said carrier grunted as she sliced through the incoming projectiles. "Shoukaku-nee! What is going on over there!? How'd they manage to take down Takao-san of all people!?" She asked as she jumped back a bit.
"It seems that the one Hyuuga was dealing with tricked her into firing a full salvo at the area where Ayanami was forcing Takao into. I can't see either of them being this crafty, could this be the Shikikan's doing?" Shoukaku said before playing her flute and dealing with Shouhou's incoming planes.
"Ha…ah…ha….I don't know how much longer I can hold out for everyone…." Shouhou said exhausted beyond belief.
"Stay strong for just a bit longer! We are almost there!" Helena shouted before firing at an incoming Atago and jumping back to keep her distance.
"Onee-san is starting to get really annoyed you know? Losing Takao-chan, being left in the dark of your plan, playing this hit and run game with you, and worst of all, not being picked to be on Shikikan's team breaks Onee-san's heart!" Atago said with an intense aura around her.
"A-atago-san, that last part sounds a bit treacherous ahaha…" Zuikaku laughed awkwardly.
"Don't worry Zuikaku, Shikikan won't get away with this unpunished of course ufufu…" Atago said with darkened eyes and a rather scary chuckle.
'I'm kind of starting to feel a bit sorry for Shikikan…' Zuikaku sweat dropped.
"Atago, moving out!" She declared before rushing at Helena.
Helena tried stopping her in her tracks by firing all her guns, but Atago was having none of it as she simultaneously sliced through all of the cannon fire and was quickly closing the distance between them.
"Ara ara, how should I torment you all ufufu..?" Atago said as she shot two waves of torpedoes at Helena.
"SG give me your power!" Helena said before focusing all of her fire at the torpedoes. She succeeded in managing to destroy all of them thanks to SG, but Atago had taken this moment to close the gap between them and was no in sword range of Helena.
"You fought well, but you'll have to take a rest here!" Atago said before swinging down at the defenseless Helena.
"Oh no you don't!" A voice declared before a wave of cannon fire forced Atago to stop mid swing and jump back to avoid being the barrage.
"Cleveland!" Helena said with sheer relief.
"Yo Helena! Your knight of the sea has arrived!" The tomboyish cruiser grinned as she stepped in front of the bluenette.
"Nice timing Clevebro." Laffey called out with a thumbs up.
"Don't call me that!" Said knight blushed.
"Wait if you're here then that means…" Z23 began before turning her head back to the 5th division carriers, or more specifically towards the familiar cruiser a fair distance behind them. In a line in front of said cruiser stood five members of the Shikikan's team, all with their rigging summoned and ready to go.
"Well done girls! I'll take command from here." A voice said via radio.
"Shikikan!" His team members exclaimed happily.
"Ara, Shikikan! Did you hear Onee-san's wish to have you nearby?" Atago giggled with a slight ominous aura sending a sudden chill up Shikikan's back upon hearing that. "Daijoubu Shikikan, Onee-san won't bite, well at least not too hard of course ufufu…."
"How kind of you to save us the effort of hunting you down ufufu…" Shoukaku smiled as she turned to face him. "Zuikaku, taking the Shikikan's ribbon right here means we win and the prize!"
"Alright! Get ready to hand over your ribbon and make a whole lot of tempura Shikikan!" Zuikaku smiled as she pointed her sword in his direction.
Feeling a sudden chill running down his spine, Shikikan took a deep breath and briefly closed his eyes for a second, regaining his composure.
"Vanguard unit, engage!" He declared as he swung his hand out.
Said unit comprising of Graf Spee, Z46, Eldridge, San Diego, and Edinburgh all rushed forward as they sailed forth towards the Sakura Empire members.
On Shikikan's cruiser...
"Belfast, Sheffield, and Unicorn, please go help Yamashiro and Fusou."
"Okay! Unicorn will do her best!"
"As you wish Master, come Miss Unicorn." Belfast bowed as she offered said little girl a hand before the two jumped down from his cruiser.
"Good hunting Master." Sheffield bowed before she began following after them.
"You as well Sheffy." He smiled seeing her, Belfast, and Unicorn sail off.
"Yuubari go ahead and ready the smokescreen and C-foam grenades."
"Hai Goshujin!" Yuubari saluted cutely as she made her way inside the cruiser.
"Alright it's all or nothing at this point." He murmured to himself before following after Yuubari.
[With Atago, Shoukaku, and Zuikaku]
"Ara, so Shikikan's plan was to chip away at our numbers before bringing his full force to finish us off."
"7, 8, 9, 10!? Talk about a numbers disadvantage." Zuikaku said with a slightly nervous smile.
"Hmm, seems like Ise and Hyuuga have their hands full over there as well." Shoukaku added as she looked over to see the two battle ships back to back as they were slowly getting overwhelmed by the Shikikan's team members over there.
"Guess there's no choice but to go all out! Back me up Shoukaku-nee!" Zuikaku requested before recklessly charging forth to meet the five new incoming opponents.
"Sigh, what's an older sister to do. Ufufu, well I'll go make sure Zuikaku doesn't get in over her head. Good luck Atago!" Shoukaku giggled before playing her flute and launching her planes at the Shikikan's vanguard unit.
"Ara ara, having five gang up on Onee-san like this is quite cruel Shikikan." Atago said as she turned to face Laffey, Z23, Helena, Cleveland, and Shouhou on her own.
"Gotta say, it's pretty cool how she's able to keep her composure in a situation like this huh Helena?"
"Yeah, it's impressive, but it also must mean she's confident in herself. Everyone! Be on your guard!"
"Yeah!" They all chanted before Z23, Laffey, and Cleveland rushed at Atago while Helena and Shouhou provided support from the back.
The three charging her stopped midway before Cleveland stopped in her tracks, Laffey shifting to the left, and Z23 to the right, effectively flanking Atago. Once all three were in position they all fired at once at the heavy cruiser who had no choice but to stand her ground, slashing and dodging all the shells as best as she could, not noticing in time to react to the torpedo bombers dropping their payload above her.
"Kya!" She yelled as she took one to her right side before getting blasted by the three members surrounding her.
"Atago is deemed no longer able to continue. Stay where you are since Vestal is already checking on Takao nearby." Shiranui announced.
"Man, Shikikan's strategies are scary." Cleveland commented to which Laffey and Z23 nodded, all feeling a bit bad for the heavy cruiser in front of them.
"Ara Shikikan, while Onee-san appreciates the attention you are giving her, this is no way to express your feelings. Perhaps a punishment is in order ufufu….." Atago said with darkened eyes and a maniacal grin.
[With Shikikan]
The Shikikan felt another chill as he was overlooking the battles from his command room. 'Scary, Atago is very scary.' He shuddered. "Yuubari let's move in a little, I get the feeling that the sooner I speak with Atago the better ahaha…." He sweat dropped.
"Hai!" Yuubari said as she steered the cruiser closer towards the action.
[With the vanguard unit vs. the 5th carrier division]
"Seriously!? Atago too!?" Zuikaku frowned as her situation was no better. "This isn't looking good Shoukaku-nee! Where's Ise and Hyuuga?" She asked before trying to send out her planes, only for them to be shot down by the combined anti-air guns of San Diego and Z46.
"They aren't looking too good, they've yet to land a single hit on any of the enemies over there and are both worse for wear." Shoukaku confirmed through one of her planes before she had to jump back to avoid Graf Spee and Edinburgh's guns.
"Heh, guess it's all or nothing starting now!" Zuikaku steeled herself as she dashed forth towards Z46 and San Diego with her katana out.
"Eldridge will try her best too." She said from the side as her ahoge sparkled and shot multiple electrically charged projectiles at Zuikaku.
"It'll take more than that to stop me!" Zuikaku smirked as she turned to slash through them.
"Huh? Wait Zuikaku! Don't touch them! Dodge!" Shoukaku called out.
"Wha-?" Zuikaku was stopped in her tracks as she jumped up to avoid the first projectile.
"Ey" Eldridge said as she brought her hands up, causing her projectiles to change direction and shoot straight up towards Zuikaku.
"Nani!?" She yelled before using her sword to block the incoming projectiles, a decision she immediately regretted.
"Argh!" She yelled as she was electrocuted as soon as her katana connected with the first one with many more piled on immediately after.
"Zuikaku!" Shoukaku cried out as she saw her sister falling down and crashing into the water. Upon closer inspection, Zuikaku was out cold with swirls in her eyes and imaginary Manjuus floating around her head.
"I'd recommend you surrender as well."
Shoukaku's eyes widened as she turned around only to now notice that she was completely surrounded on all sides by the rest of the Shikikan's vanguard unit, all with their guns trained on her.
'Tsk, I've been completely outmaneuvered.' Shoukaku sighed before a smile slowly formed on her face. "Congratulations Shikikan, I surrender and will gladly be under your care." She said with her hands up.
"Zuikaku is unable to continue and Shoukaku has been forced to surrender nya!"
"Are you alright, Zuikaku?" Shoukaku asked skating up to her sister still flat on her back on the water.
"Ahehe, I got to excited, sorry Shoukaku-nee." Zuikaku said with an embarrassed smile.
"Oh! It's Vestal!" San Diego chimed in as she saw said repair ship moving towards them.
"Hello everyone! I'm here to treat all of your injuries!" She said before kneeling down and getting to work on Zuikaku first.
"Good luck you two…" Shoukaku said as she glanced over to see how Ise and Hyuuga were doing.
[With said battleships]
"Huff, huff, huff…looks like we're the last of the Sakura Empire team. Got any ideas, Hyuuga?"
"Ha…ha…. Nope, I'm running on empty here." Hyuuga replied as she was using her naginata to hold herself up.
"Yeah, me too, but giving up here would be too lame. Let's go out in a blazing glory Hyuuga!" Ise used the rest of her strength to charge right at Belfast.
"Sounds good to me!" Hyuuga said as she followed after her sister and charged at Sheffield.
"It would appear they have intention of surrendering. Let us pay our respects to them then Sheffy." Belfast said as she launched all of her torpedoes at Ise and followed up with a full barrage.
"How recklessly admirable." Sheffield said with a ghost of a smile before charging right at Hyuuga with both her guns blazing.
"Unicorn will help too!" She said as she launched her fighters and torpedo bombers at the two battleships.
"Don't forget about us!" Fusou chimed in before she and Yamashiro fired their volleys high into the air at the two charging battleships.
"Brace yourself Hyuuga!" Ise yelled as she refused to falter.
"I have no regrets!" Hyuuga roared before she, Ise, and the sea around them were engulfed in explosions.
"In a display of unwavering resolve and tenacity, Ise and Hyuuga had fought to the bitter end. They will be remembered for their valiant efforts." Shiranui announced.
"Oi nya! Don't go killing them off nya!" Akashi chastised her devious longtime friend.
"Ufufu, my apologies I couldn't help myself after seeing the end of that fight." Shiranui chuckled before quickly regaining her composure. "With Ise and Hyuuga out for the count, the Sakura Empire team is the first to taste defeat at the hands of the Shikikan and his fleet."
After the clouds of smoke finally cleared, Ise and Hyuuga could be seen sprawled out on the water's surface.
"O-ouch…maybe surrendering wouldn't have been so bad of a idea after all aha-ow.." Ise said as she lied down covered in injuries and debris.
"Oww….we really aren't the brightest sisters after all." Hyuuga said as she was lying down on her stomach unable to move.
"We did it Fusou-nee sama!" Yamashiro cheered as she hugged her sister.
"Ey, but I'm not so sure if we should be happy or sad that the Sakura Empire was the first to lose ahaha….." Fusou sweat dropped.
"If I may," Belfast skating up chimed in, "being the first ones out in this exercise is not something to be ashamed about."
"She's right!"
"Wa!? Milord? You surprised me!" Yamashiro jumped a bit as she heard his voice through her radio.
"Aheh, sorry about that Yamashiro but I was just about to contact everyone when I overheard you girls. Like Belfast said there's no need to feel any shame in being the first to lose. I focused my efforts on defeating the Sakura Empire first because I felt that you girls as a whole were the biggest threat that I needed to focus my attention on first."
"Ara is that so Shikikan? Perhaps you don't need a punishment after all ufufu." Another voice was heard though the radio.
"Um, Atago it's kind of hard to breathe…"Shikikan's voice for some reason sounded a bit muffled.
"Oi Atago! Get off Shikikan! There's a limit to how shameless you can be in public!"
"Atago! Takao! Are you both okay to be moving about already?" Fusou asked in surprise.
"Hai, thanks to Vestal's first aid, Atago and I are ready to sortie once more."
"Ey, Vestal's just about finished checking up on Zuikaku and Shoukaku and will be on her way to where you girls are soon."
"Also, Belfast, the others are making their way to me right now, so once everyone's gotten the 'OK' from Vestal, bring everyone with you back to my ship please.
"As you wish Master." Belfast bowed before ending the transmission.
"I've spotted Miss Vestal nearby. I'll head over to see if I can provide any assistance." Sheffield, who was standing nearby, informed before skating over to meet her halfway.
"I shall head over as well. Shall we all go together?" Belfast offered the two battleships who nodded in agreement before they all skated off.
[Back to the Shikikan]
"Um Atago, y-you're a bit close…"
"But of course, Shikikan, Onee-san decided to settle on squeezing you tightly in her arms as punishment for how you didn't pick her to be on your team and how forceful you were with me ufufu." Atago replied as she tightened her embrace around his neck as she hugged him from behind.
'So soft….., no wait! Get your head out of the gutter and focus on finishing this exercise!' Shikikan scolded himself.
"S-sorry about that Atago, but I didn't think I'd have won against you otherwise. And about not picking you on my team at the start, while I really wanted to have you on my team, it would've been more impressive to everyone if I managed to defeat you., you know?" He tried consoling Atago, who was slowly tightening her grip up until now.
[Affinity Up!]
"Ufufu, smooth talking your way out of this won't make Onee-san want to ease up on you Shikikan." She whispered into his ear, sending a shiver done his spine and turning his knees into jelly.
"Aku soku zan!" A voice proclaimed.
"Ow!" Atago yelled as she felt a scabbard bonk her on the head.
"Atago! I already told you to stop bothering Shikikan!" Takao said as she pointed her scabbard at her, threatening her mischievous sister ship with it.
"Kya! Shikikan help! Scary Takao is bullying me….ufufu.." Atago said in pretend fear as she clung ever tighter to the Shikikan, sending him closer to nirvana with her chest pressed so deeply into his back.
"Atago!" Takao yelled with a tick mark on her head as she charged at Atago, which then turned into a cat and mouse game with Atago running away all while dodging Takao's swings.
'They really are like mirror images of each other' Shikikan thought as he saw them 'dueling' about on the ship.
"Master, please stop staring at your subordinates with lewd thoughts in mind."
"Huh! Wait no I wasn't!...?" He quickly turned around to see Sheffield staring at him blankly and Belfast happily smiling smugly at him.
"Apologies for interrupting your pleasant daydreaming Master, but the fleet is awaiting your orders." Belfast said all while clearly enjoying his embarrassed expression.
"L-like I said I wasn't really…" The Shikikan started but he crumbled before the two maids staring at him ever so intently. Now a blushing mess, he quietly walked past them to address his now rather impressive fleet.
"A-all right great work everyone! First things first, Vestal, could I ask for an injury report?"
"There were some minor cuts, bruises, and burns, but nothing too serious. Everyone should be able to continue without worry!" Vestal confirmed as she waved over to the former Sakura Empire team all healed up and fully loaded.
"Good to hear, and thanks for the help Vestal."
"Glad to help! But for now, I should get out of the way so you can resume the exercise. Good luck Shikikan!" She said while waving good-bye as she left.
'Vestal must have a lot on her plate if she's been designated as the nurse for everyone here. Maybe I should look into improving her nurse's office after this...' Shikikan pondered before turning back to the task at hand.
"Glad to have the rest of the Sakura Empire on my side now." He smiled as he looked at the additions to his ever-growing fleet, all of whom stood on his ship looking energetic and ready to go.
"You really pulled one over us. Just what I'd expect from my new boss ahaha!" Ise laughed heartily as she and Hyuuga seemed eager to continue.
"But of course, that was to be expected of the one who has Ayanami's full trust and support." Shoukaku added as she glanced over to Ayanami happily chatting with her starter squad friends before turning her head back to face him. Taking a few steps closer, she reached out to hold his hand with both of hers before bringing it up to her face. "I'm glad to see you aren't just a nice, handsome face Shikikan ufufu." She giggled as Shikikan felt his face burn up from her bold move. "Please do watch over the 5th carrier division and the Sakura Empire from here on Shikikan."
"W-will do." He said shyly as he was unable to maintain his composure under her intense gaze.
"You're blushing like a cute Shoujo manga schoolgirl Shikikan haha!" Hyuuga grinned causing him to lower his hat to avert his eyes away from the Sakura Empire girls surrounding him.
"Shoukaku-san, please don't bully Shikikan." Ayanami pouted cutely as she came to his rescue.
"Ufufu, don't worry Ayanami, I just wanted to express my honest opinion and congratulations, right Shikikan?" She said letting him go and looking at him with a seemingly innocent face that hid her mischievous intent rather well.
"Oh right! We should hurry and get back to the exercise before the others figure out our location ahaha….." Shikikan said as he stiffly speed-walked towards the bow of his ship, all while the Sakura Empire girls were giggling at his flustered self.
"Ayanami, a moment please." Takao came up to said destroyer.
"Hai, Takao-san?"
"What did you mean when you said, 'the plan was a success', right before I was caught In Hyuuga's attack? Surely you weren't referring to luring me to that spot specifically, right?"
"No, that was exactly the plan des." Ayanami replied bluntly shocking the heavy cruiser, Hyuuga, and the rest of the former Sakura Empire team.
"Allow me to explain." Z23 spoke as she walked up to stand beside Ayanami. "In Herr Kommandant's own words, 'Since the remaining Sakura Empire fleet members are all heavy hitters, let's use their own strength against them'. Going from there, Herr Kommandant instructed Javelin to bait out a full salvo from either Hyuuga or Ise since they, in his words again, 'seem really eager to fight and most likely will be too absorbed in a fight to notice their surroundings'. From there, he instructed Ayanami through radio where to push Fräulein Takao back towards, all while coordinating with where Javelin and Hyuuga were positioned."
The former Sakura Empire stared in shock and silence before Ise spoke up.
"Man, you both really got played like a fiddle ahaha!" She laughed heartily at an embarrassed Hyuuga and Takao.
"Ara Takao-chan, it's rare I ever get to see you this flustered ufufu." Atago teased as she cuddled up to Takao.
"Oi Atago, I told you to stop being so shameless!" She yelled as struggled out of Atago's grip.
"She said either me or you, so you'd have done the same as I did Ise-neesan!" A red faced Hyuuga shouted.
"You're probably right about that ahaha!" Ise grinned.
"I'm getting flashbacks to exercises against Jintsuu and Souryuu-senpai…" Zuikaku laughed awkwardly.
"Now you've got me wondering if those two could've countered Shikikan..." Shoukaku said as she placed a hand on her cheek.
"Ahem, attention everyone!" Shikikan called out to everyone as they all came to stand at attention around him and the bow of the ship. "Who's ready for the next battle?"
[With the Ironblood]
"Looks like we don't have to worry about being the first ones out anymore." Eugen pondered with a finger on her lips.
"Hmph, he might've gotten the drop on us once, but that dummkopf's got another thing coming the next time we meet." Hipper spat.
"Making a fool of me and stealing Spee away from me, it's times like these... where I simply must punish you ahaha!" Deutschland said with a wild grin as she brainstormed what she would do once she had Shikikan in her grasp.
"Hmph? Hold up." Scharnhorst commanded as she brought everyone to a halt.
"Looks like you three get to have your chance of revenge a lot sooner than expected…" Gneisenau added as she glanced at Scharnhorst, Hipper, and Deutschland before looking at the sight before her.
"Greetings members of Ironblood. Could I interest you in surrendering to Master?" Belfast smiled and bowed.
"Ara Belfast, to think you were defeated so early on in the game. What would Queeny think once she hears of this?" Eugen taunted as she stepped up in front of her allies.
"Thank you for your concern, but rest assured that Her Highness will understand once this exercise is over and Master is declared as the victor." An unfazed Belfast replied as she continued smiling happily.
"Hah? The only ones going to be declared victors are us in the Ironblood. There's no way that dummkopf stands a chance now that we know all of his tricks." Hipper spat back confidently.
"What makes you say that Hipper?"
"Wha-!?" Hipper yelped as she heard Shikikan's voice from somewhere.
"Sorry about that Hipper, didn't mean to scare you like that."
"Who was scared!?" The tsundere yelled into her radio as she finally realized that Shikikan had hacked into the Ironblood channel.
"Are you going to hide while your fleet does all the work? That's not very manly of you." Eugen sung.
"Sorry about that Eugen, but I have to admit I'd hate to be anywhere near there right now."
"Hahaha! It's only natural for a lesser being to be scared of someone as great as I ahahahaha!" Deutschland laughed haughtily.
"To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed in you Herr Kommandant." Scharnhorst said as she wasn't too keen on having such a wimp of a commander ordering her around.
"Ahaha…, give me a break Scharnhorst, I can't help but fear being labeled as collateral damage, you know?"
"I understand your fear of the Ironblood as I'm sure you've heard a lot about us but-wait...what did you just say?" Gneisenau stopped mid-sentence as she realized what he said.
As soon as she finished speaking multiple sounds of cannon fire and engines running were heard on all sides of the Ironblood squad.
"Tsk, not bad Herr Kommandant." Eugen smirked with wild eyes as she deployed her shields.
"Wait what's going on!?" A flabbergasted Deutschland asked as she saw a literal rain of projectiles and airplanes coming at them.
"Baka, can't you tell? While you all were taunting him, he had his entire fleet sneak around and open fire on us from all sides." Hipper snapped as she too deployed her shields.
"Looks like I'll have to apologize to him later." Scharnhorst grinned before putting her arms up to guard herself.
Meer moments later, the sounds of crashing projectiles, machine guns firing, and bombs dropping deafened the area where the Ironblood team stood.
[With Shoukaku's team]
"Direct hit on all targets Shikikan." Shoukaku radioed to him as she scoured the area with her planes.
"Yikes, that's definitely gotta hurt." Zuikaku sweat dropped as she saw the devastating assault the Shikikan planned out.
"Yeah, I'd hate to be them right now." Ise added while Hyuuga nodded in agreement.
"Seems like Fusou's team also managed to land multiple direct hits as well." Shoukaku informed her team members. "Shikikan also said to move in and prepare to fire once more." She added before leading her team up towards the Ironblood team.
[With Shikikan]
With the surprise onslaught of firepower and airplanes done, the Shikikan had cruised his ship away from behind the large rock and towards the Ironblood team.
"Do you think that did them in Goshujin?"
"Judging by how neither Akashi or Shiranui has announced anything to us, I'd say unfortunately no." He concluded as he stopped his ship a distance away from the center of the smoke that had begun to clear and show multiple broken shields crumbling in the air and an Ironblood team that looked like they all just went through Hell and back.
"Yeah definitely a negative on that Yuubari."
"I-it'll take a lot more than that to beat us you dummkopf!" Hipper snarled as she struggled a bit to stand upright.
"I shall fight until the last bullet! " Scharnhorst huffed even though she was in awful shape after taking multiple direct hits.
"Ha….ha…I-it's not enough. I. Want. MORE!" A visibly injured Eugen yelled with wild eyes and a bone chilling grin.
"D-don't underestimate the Great Deutschland!" She grunted as she cradled her arm.
'Ironblood tech sure is amazing…' The Shikikan stared in surprise before recollecting himself. "I'll be honest, I was hoping that would've been enough, but I stand corrected."
"Falling in love on the battlefield are we now Herr Kommandant? Not that I can blame you of course ufufu." Eugen grinned.
"Heh, that's one way to put it." He replied surprisingly smoothly.
"Well there you have it Herr Kommandant, any last words before we pay you back in kind?" Gneisenau asked as she pushed up her glasses, causing them to glare up (A/N: Like in anime with every character with glasses lol].
"Only a question if I may?"
"Hmm? And what would that be?"
"In the off chance of a second wave, what would you girls do?" He smiled before multiple torpedo waves were shot out towards the Ironblood fleet.
"Scatter!" Eugen yelled as they all dispersed from the center of their formation where the torpedoes all collided, causing multiple explosions.
"You sure do know how to keep a girl entertained Herr Kommandant!" Eugen grinned, but not before sensing danger from behind and swiftly turning around.
"Good day Miss Prinz Eugen."
"Well if it isn't the Head Maid herself, I was wondering where you scurried off to during all of that." Eugen said as she trained her guns at the light cruiser.
"It's not nice of you to ignore Onee-san you know? Maybe some punishment is in order ufufu…" Atago chuckled as she stepped out from behind Belfast.
"I'd recommend you lay down your arms before its too late." Takao, also stepping out, added before drawing her blade.
"And miss out on all this fun? No thanks, I'll pass!" Eugen smirked before dashing forth and opening fire on the three cruisers before her.
"That idiot….we should've regrouped but she just had to get all wound up. Now I have to deal with all them by myself." Hipper frowned as she turned back to face the group before her.
"As dishonest with yourself as ever I see. Is it truly that hard to be honest with yourself and admit that you wanted some semblance of support?"
"Hah!? Who said anything about needing help, Fize!?" Hipper raged.
"She kinda reminds me of Hammann wouldn't ya say Helena?" Cleveland chuckled lightly.
"Sigh, well either way, I hope you're ready to hand over that red ribbon." Z46 said as she unsheathed her sword.
"Hmph, as if three opponents would scare me." Hipper replied with hands on her hips and her shields deployed once more.
[With Scharnhorst and Gneisenau]
"Think you can keep up with me still Gneisenau?"
"Judging by how I'm in a lot better shape than the one who refused to get behind either Eugen's or Hipper's shields, I'll be fine." She sighed.
"Hah, as if I'd ever retreat from a fight."
"Ironblood battlecruisers! We are Ise and Hyuuga of the Sakura Empire and we challenge you!" Ise grinned as she and Hyuuga spun their naginatas around and pointed them at their declared opponents.
"I'm not one for CQC, so I'll leave them to you Schwester while I deal with the other two." Gneisenau sighed before facing the other two battleships standing together by Ise and Hyuuga.
"Fusou of the Sakura Empire. I apologize in advance, but for the sake of my Milord I won't be holding back." She greeted.
"Everyone, go~! Waaah?! My guns fired on accident!" Yamashiro yelped right as she accidentally fired her main guns directly at the two battlecruisers, forcing them to dodge and go separate ways.
"Haha! Nice one Yamashiro! Let's go Hyuuga!" Ise laughed as she and her sister began charging at Scharnhorst.
"I'm not sure if that was planned or not but either way it was effective in separating me from Scharnhorst." Gneisenau thought aloud.
"Well…good job I guess Yamashiro?" Fusou half questioned, half complimented before firing her cannons at Gneisenau.
"Hehe, I'm feeling lucky today Fusou-neesama!" Yamashiro chirped happily before firing on purpose this time.
[With Deutschland]
"Watashi watashi numbah 1, yay!"
"Would you shut up already!? Either that or stand still and let me hit you!" Deutschland yelled, beyond annoyed she wasn't able to land a single hit on the dancing care-free light cruiser before her. " Verdammt! Here I am fighting a single opponent while everyone else gets a bunch.
"Deutschland.…."
"And why do I have deal with this dimwit of all people? Stop singing and fight me already!"
"Deutschland?"
"That slave is gonna regret underestimating the Great Deutschland! Ahahaha!"
"Deutschland!"
"WHAT!?" She asked seething with rage and annoyance as she turned around to address who was calling her out nonstop only to realize that it was her very own sister, Spee.
"Your rear's wide open." Graf Spee said before swinging her arms down at her sister.
"Wa!" Deutschland yelped as she dove to the side. "I can't believe my own schwester is attacking me!"
"I can't believe you left your guard down, can't get San Diego to fight you seriously, or remember that I'm on Herr Kommandant's team now…." Spee sighed before opening fire on her elder sister.
"Seems like I have to remind you why I'm the older schwester!" Deutschland smirked as she recklessly decided to take Spee's attack head on.
"Let me in on this too!" San Diego said as she fired her guns at Deutschland from behind.
"Huh!? Wait, hold up! Ooph!" Deutschland tried to say before she got sandwiched between the two barrages. Once the smoke cleared, Deutschland was seen flat on her back with swirls in her eyes.
"Deutschland of the Ironblood is unable to continue." Shiranui announced.
"Deutschland? You there? Get up!" Spee asked as she skated up to her sister and tried shaking her awake.
"Huh!? Spee? Wait, where am I? And why do I hear laughter?"
"You got too full of yourself and got hit with multiple barrages, and that laughter is Herr Kommandant's, presumably from what he witnessed from your…..'battle'." Spee informed while trying to hold back her own laughter and pointing to her radio where Shikikan was still audibly laughing.
Now embarrassed and extremely red-faced, Deutschland grabbed Spee's mic and yelled, "Oi! Stop laughing at me this instance you…you damn dummkopf!", into it.
[With Shikikan]
'Haha..ha…oh man my sides hurt.' After seeing Deutschland's comical 'battle', the Shikikan was trying his best to come back to his senses. "Sorry and thank you for that Deutschland. You too, San Diego...pft."
"Hmm? I don't know what's going on but sure thing Shikikan!" San Diego replied happily.
Deutschland on the other hand though, "I can hear you still laughing! I demand you stop at once! You too Spee!"
"Ha..phew, I think I'm good now." He chuckled a bit more before taking a deep breath. "The others are still in combat, so you three can either wait there or come back aboard my ship."
"I can still fight thought Herr Kommandant!" Spee protested since she wanted to do more.
"Me too! I haven't battled anyone yet!" San Diego added.
"Yes you have you dim wit! And would you STOP laughing already you dummkopf!?"
"Pft…, okay, okay, now I'm sure I'm done. And to you Spee and San Diego, I'm really going to need you two for the next and probably the last fight once we're done here, so I'd rather have you two rest and ready up for it."
"Understood", "Okayyy!"
"Ha! Next battle? Just because you pulled a miracle and defeated me doesn't mean that the rest of Ironblood will…" Deutschland started before hearing Akashi announce something.
"It looks like the members of Ironblood are on the last of their nya-nine lives nya!"
[With Prinz Eugen]
"Tsk, as if I'm on my last life." Eugen scowled as she was visibly fatigued and her shields barely holding up.
"Most impressive, Ironblood's Prinz Eugen. To think you are able to still stand after being ambushed and fighting 1v3 for this long is most admirable." Takao nodded her head in respects.
"What can I say? Us Ironblood girls are built to last ufufu."
"Apologies to interrupt the friendly banter, but it appears that what Akashi had said holds true for the rest of the Ironblood fleet." Belfast announced as she glanced behind Eugen.
"What?" Eugen as she quickly looked behind her.
Sensing danger, Eugen went wide eyed as she quickly turned back to see multiple incoming torpedoes, forcing her to jump out of the way.
"That was quite the dirty trick for a maid don't you think?" Eugen said as she scowled at Belfast smiling smugly, much to Eugen's fatigued chagrin.
"Not necessarily, 'all's fair in love and war' after all." Belfast curtsied, almost mockingly so, earning a tick mark on Eugen's head.
"Ara, don't forget about Onee-san ufufu." Atago giggled as she had swiftly snuck behind Eugen and swung her blade, however, Eugen managed to form a shield at the last second, stopping the blade dead in its tracks.
"Ironblood technology is quite formidable, but my blade has no eyes and will cut through even the strongest of shields!" Takao chanted as she dashed right up and swung with enough force to slice right through Eugen's main shield, forcing Eugen backwards along the water from the sheer force.
"Ahh, how interesting." Eugen's wild eyes returned as she forced herself back up and sent her two sentient riggings out to chomp at the two Sakura Empire cruisers.
"Aku soku zan!" Both Atago and Takao chanted as they both managed to stop Eugen's rigging albeit being pushed backwards a bit.
"Dear Miss Eugen, this might be a bit painful." Belfast warned as she formed a smokescreen around her and dashed straight ahead towards Eugen.
"That won't be enough!" Eugen grinned almost maniacally as she fired multiple torpedoes, forcing Belfast to a halt as she fired her own as well, causing smoke and mist to blanket the area around the collision.
"I'd hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it was plenty." Belfast calmly replied as not even a second later, Atago and Takao jumped through the smoke right at a surprised Eugen.
'Verdammt! My rigging won't make it and my shields won't form quick enough!' Eugen panicked as she had no choice but to put arms up as a last-ditch guard.
A second has passed. Then another. And another.
Opening her eyes, Eugen noticed that both Takao's and Atago's blades stopped right before her visage.
"I believe that is checkmate Miss Eugen." Eugen heard as she realized Belfast had the gun on her hand rigging pressed against her back.
"I've been outmaneuvered." Eugen sighed as she closed her no longer wild eyes and held her arms up in defeat.
"Prinz Eugen is the next to fall nya!"
"Shikikan was right. You truly were a formidable opponent." Takao said with a small smile as she withdrew her sword.
"Ho? What exactly has he said about me?" Eugen asked with sincere curiosity.
"'Prinz Eugen might seem laid back and overly confident, but she definitely has the power to back it up. Be wary of her riggings and try to coordinate your attacks to throw her off.'" Belfast said as she summed up Shikikan word for word.
"Hmm, how flattering of h—" Eugen started.
"I believe he also mentioned how despite what others might say, Eugen's achievements in the past were more than just luck and that she will not give up unless you three completely overwhelm her." Atago pondered with a finger on her chin.
[Affinity Up!]
Eugen felt her cheeks warm up a bit upon hearing Shikikan's indirect praises. 'Wow Herr Kommandant, you managed to make my heart swoon, even if it was just a little bit ufufu.'
"I've just received word from Master that Miss Vestal has finished resupplying and is on her way back here as we speak." Informed Belfast.
"Should we provide assistance to the others?" Asked Atago.
"Nay, Shikikan mentioned how we shouldn't overdo it since Ayanami's group spotted the combined fleets of Eagle Union, Royal Navy, and even Dragon Empery not far off west from here."
"Hmm, an all-out battle seems pretty imminent and interesting, but whatever will you do about my remaining Ironblood schwesters, my dear Herr Kommandant? Ufufu…" Eugen smirked.
[With Hipper]
'Hah!? Eugen lost too? Tsk, who am I kidding? I'm not exactly doing any better.' Hipper chastised herself as she was very much out of breath and ammo.
"You fought well despite being outnumbered, but its time for the curtains to fall." Z46 spoke as prepared to fire the remainder of her ammo.
"Cleveland, we should hurry. I've detected multiple signals clumped together not too far away from here."
"That's gotta be the remaining kansen with red ribbons! Looks like things are heating up! Let's go Helena!" Cleveland grinned as she dashed around and blasted at Hipper and her shields relentlessly.
'Urgh, if it wasn't for that blue haired girl's radar….no Hipper! Don't blame anyone but yourself! Stand strong and fight until the end' Hipper's inner dialogue turned into a motivational one as she desperately fired back with the last remaining ammo she had.
"You're as stubborn as ever I see, but that's one of the reasons why I can say that I respect you wholeheartedly!" Z46 proclaimed right before barraging Hipper.
'Here it comes! Stand strong Hipper!' Hipper screamed internally as she used up the remainder of her strength to form the strongest shield she could to block Z46's attack. Running on nothing but sheer willpower at this point, Hipper forced herself to persevere through the assault, where in the end she managed to stay steadfast before her shield completely crumbled.
"Hah…hah…I did it!" Hipper smiled as she achieved her goal, right before collapsing face first into the water.
"Admiral Hipper is now no longer able to continue" Shiranui announced immediately after.
"You truly were a formidable opponent Schwester Admiral Hipper." Z46 said with a ghost of a smile on her lips as she sat down next to the near unconscious Hipper.
"Hah…, i-it wasn't like I wanted praise or anything…' The tsundere replied, earning a small giggle from the destroyer next to her.
"It was a hard-fought battle, but Vestal will be arriving shortly so please take it easy until then." Helena requested, earning an almost inaudible 'hhmph' from the exhausted tsundere.
'I hope Hammann arrives here soon, I'd get the feeling her and Hipper would get along pretty well.' Cleveland chuckled at the thought.
[With Scharnhorst}
"Huff…huff…not yet! It's not over yet!" Scharnhorst grunted as she was the most visibly injured of all of the Ironblood members.
"You're pretty tough aha..ha.." Ise wheezed as she wiped the sweat and blood from her face. Both her and Hyuuga gave up on fighting with their cannons and weapons and decided on just a straight up fist fight with the battlecruiser.
"I've lost count of what round this was, but here I come!" Hyuuga said in between breaths right before she and Ise dashed at Scharnhorst, who summoned the rest of her strength to meet them head on with both her hands pulled back and swung both of the incoming battleships.
"Ora!" Ise and Hyuuga yelled as they reared their respective right and left fists back and swung.
Both of their fists landed squarely on Scharnhorst's visage while both of Scharnhorst's landed on their own as well. The first to fall was Scharnhorst as she slowly fell backwards onto the water. Hyuuga was about to fall as well, but Ise managed to hold herself and her little sister up. Both of them joined hands as they roared triumphantly and simultaneously falling onto their backs as well.
"What a bloody fist fight nya! All three of them are down, but Scharnhorst seems to be the only one unable to move, so the victors are Ise and Hyuuga nya! Vestal's nya-ot going to be very happy once she sees this though nyaa….." Akashi shuttered.
"Well fought you two! I appreciate you two not holding back against me despite everything!" Scharnhorst grinned widely as her entire body remained motionless.
"We should be the ones thanking you! I rarely ever get the chance to go all out like this!" Hyuuga laughed.
"Haha yeah, let's do this again sometime!" Ise happily added.
"Sounds good to me!" Scharnhorst immediately replied as all three of them laughed off their injuries, only to wince once the pain came back.
[With Gneisenau]
"It appears that I'm the last remaining member of the Ironblood." Gneisenau sighed as she looked visibly wounded as well. "Perhaps its time to call it quits since I've achieved my goal for today."
"Hmm? W-what goal?" Yamashiro asked in between breaths.
"Though I'm not as bellicose as my sister over there, I'm still confident in my combat capabilities. That said, I wanted to test Herr Kommandant's abilities as a commander and see if he would serve as a ray of hope that would signal the end of this never-ending war."
"And how would you say Milord did?" A tired Fusou asked cautiously, carefully watching Gneisenau's movements in case she wanted to pull off a surprise attack.
A few seconds of silence had passed before a small smile formed on Gneisenau's face. "He went beyond my expectations and I can confidently place my trust in him." She said before putting her hands ups.
"Gneisenau has surrendered, making the Ironblood the second faction to fall to Shikikan's fleet." Announced Shiranui.
"Yay, I can finally take a break!" Yamashiro cheered as she slumped down, absolutely exhausted.
"You did well Yamashiro. I'm proud of you." Fusou patted her sister's head and just as exhausted, she slumped down next to her.
"Thank you for your hard work Fusou, Yamashiro." Shikikan said as his cruiser sailed up to the two exhausted battleships.
"Apologies for our unsightly appearance at the moment Milord." Fusou bowed her head as she struggled to get up.
"Don't be! You two did amazing and deserve a long rest. Please go ahead and rest, Vestal arrived a while ago and will be here to check up on everyone over here soon." He smiled.
"Ehehe, Milord complimented us." Yamashiro chirped happily before quickly falling asleep on her sister's shoulder.
"Thank you for your kindness Milord." Fusou smiled as she rested her eyes as well.
"Most impressivework Herr Kommandant." Gneisenau complimented as she skated up to where he stood on the bow of the cruiser. "You're quite a force to be reckoned with how flawlessly you defeated both us in the Ironblood and the Sakura Empire." She flashed him a kind smile.
"T-thank you, but I couldn't have done it without everyone's help at the start." He said a bit flustered from her high praise.
"I see…" She continued before a question popped up in her head. "Speaking of, where are Z23 and friends? I don't believe I've seen them during this second encounter." She asked looking around a bit.
"Originally, the plan was to have them on standby and wait for an opening to swipe each Ironblood member's ribbon, but the Eagle Union, Royal Navy, and Dragon Empery alliance was spotted not too far off from here, so I asked them to try to throw them off away from here."
"Avoiding a battle on multiple fronts was a wise choice Herr Kommandant, but I'm not too sure on if they'd be able to lead that alliance astray, especially with the famed Eagle Union aircraft carriers and the Royal Navy's Illustrious still opposing y-, apologizes us now." She pondered.
"I'm glad you think so too, Gneisenau." He paused before waving an around out. "But have you noticed the lack of a certain noise since the encirclement ambush?"
Taking a moment to look around and think, she quickly realized what he was referring to. "Airplanes."
Shikikan smiled hearing her answer. "Currently Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Unicorn, Shouhou, and Z23's team are all doing their best to shoot down any and all scout planes being sent out from that alliance from all sides."
"Which would then limit their search radius and prevent them from figuring out where your battle with us was taking place." She concluded wide-eyed before she let out a light laugh.
[Affinity up!]
"It seems we've greatly underestimated you Herr Kommandant. I can rest easy now, knowing that my Ironblood schwesters are in very capable hands." She said, not realizing that she had the biggest smile on her face ever since the Sirens first invaded the world.
Not far away from where Shikikan and Gneisenau were chatting lay Ise, Hyuuga, and Scharnhorst as they were currently being bandaged and disciplined by a very unhappy Vestal.
"Turning this exercise into a full-on brawl…Just what on earth compelled you to do something so reckless!? You're all covered in cuts, bruisers, and blood!" Vestal chastised as she relentlessly applied ointment on their injuries without warning and uncaring of their yelps from the stinging pain from the medicine. That said, not one of them dared to complain as Vestal was protruding a rather unsettling, unholy aura that contrasted greatly from her holy maiden-like attire.
Turning her head to the side, Scharnhorst was shocked to see her reserved sister smiling the biggest smile she'd seen in ages. 'I don't know why, but I get the feeling this is Herr Kommandant's doing. I'll have to thank him later, either that or personally train him into a war machine heh.' She monologued before wincing once more from Vestal's treatment.
After a few more moments had passed, Vestal managed to quickly go around and check on everyone, healing up any injuries the ship girls sustained. With a bit of hesitation and annoyance from being bombarded with requests to be allowed to continue, Vestal allowed Scharnhorst, Hyuuga, and Ise to continue the exercise alongside everyone else.
"I don't know what I'd do without you Vestal."
"No worries Shikikan, I'm just glad to be able to help." She smiled with no trace of her unholy aura anywhere anymore.
He gave her a thankful smile before turning around to face his impressive fleet all awaiting his plans. "So who's up for the final battle?" He asked before everyone either cheered or nodded their heads. "Good to hear since this next one is going to be against an alliance between the Royal Navy, Eagle Union, and even the Dragon Empery. I've already informed Z23's and Shoukaku's teams already but here's the plan." He announced before going into detail with everyone present.
"And that should be check and mate. Now, any questions?" He asked upon finishing.
"I didn't think you'd be able to create a failproof plan like this; I think I'm falling in love Herr Kommandant hehehe." Eugen smirked as she heard a plan that she could definitely get behind.
"Hmmph, I'd expect as much from a kommandant." Hipper said as she crossed her arms and looked away with a light blush on her visage, doubling as the epitome of a total tsundere.
"When a servant does a good job, it's only common knowledge for a master to give some praise. Therefore, good work slave ahaha!" Deutschland laughed as haughtily as ever.
"By the way Shikikan, I overheard you laughing like crazy a while ago. Did you see something funny?" Ise asked nonchalantly.
Hearing this he looked over to Deutschland before a surprisingly smug, mischievous grin graced his lips, causing the Deutschland to flare up. "So in short, Deutschland over here…." He started all while glancing over at her.
"S-silence! We have a mission to do, do we not, H-h Herr Kommandant?" Deutschland asked all flustered, surprising everyone with how she referred to him, and earning a surprised look and a light chuckle from the man in question himself.
"Actually, you might've mistaken my laugh for something else maybe Ise?"
"Hmm that could be the case too, but now I'm curious haha!" Ise laughed, earning a sigh from Hyuuga and laughs all around.
"Seems like Herr Kommandant's got your elder sister around his finger Spee." Scharnhorst joked.
"Seems like something interesting happened, remind me to squeeze what exactly happened out of him later Hipper hehehe." Eugen smirked mischievously.
'I'm glad to see you're enjoying your time with us and moving onwards Shikikan.' Atago smiled as she witnessed first-hand, Shikikan's speedy recovery from his time with the Sirens.
"Do you know something about what Ise asked, Atago?" Takao asked, noticing her sister smiling radiantly.
Taking a step forwards with her hands behind her back, Atago turned around to face her sister, "Hai, but it's a secret ufufu."
'It appears Miss Atago has noticed as well.' Belfast thought, her intuition as unbelievably sharp as always.
[With the Eagle Union, Royal Navy, and Dragon Empery alliance.]
"Any luck Hornet?"
"I wish sis, but no matter which direction I send out a scout plane, it gets shot down before I'm able to gather any intel." Hornet frowned.
"He definitely has to be trying to prevent his fleet from having to fight on multiple fronts if he's caged us in like this." Assumed a deep in thought Enterprise.
"Yeah and we can't afford to split up unless we want to get picked off. We could send all our planes in one direction, but the chances of finding the Shikikan and his fleet before he finds us first are slim to none…" Saratoga thought aloud as she tried to figure out how to turn this situation around.
"We've only got Ping Hai and Ning Hai for a front line, our planes keep getting shut down, we're hopelessly outnumbered, and we don't even have information on the Shikikan's fleet's whereabouts, formations, or plans…Ugh my head's about to explode!" Hornet complained with both hands on her head as she vigorously messed up her own hair.
"At first I didn't know what to expect when he chose just four destroyers and a light cruiser for his team at the start. But apparently, he had a whole plan laid out where he would use this to his advantage and trick everyone into letting their guard down. And from there, he slowly but surely built up his fleet and now has us on the ropes. Outstanding move Shikikan." Spoke King George V.
"Heh, it's rare to ever see you at a loss like this." Wales teased.
"Quite so, I can't seem to remember a previous time where I've been this hopelessly outmaneuvered." Admitted a still smiling KGV.
"Hehe, has the 'Knight Commander' herself been smitten by Milord?" Illustrious said as she joined in.
"I show favor to those of character and to those with high culinary aptitude, so I can't deny that the Shikikan has piqued my curiosity." KGV spoke boldly.
"Oh my…" Illustrious giggled with a hand covering her mouth.
"Looks like you've got some competition Enty-nee." A smug Hornet teased as she elbowed her sister.
"N-not this again Hornet…" Enterprise started.
"Um, excuse me but uh….?"
"Hmm? What's wrong Ning Hai?" Enterprise asked turning around to address the small Dragon Empery cruiser, who simply pointed in unison with her sister standing nearby to the east.
"So, this is where you all were hiding." Prinz Eugen spoke upon arrival with her Ironblood schwesters standing behind her.
"It's been awhile Prinz Eugen." Wales replied, smiling calmly. "A shame we had to meet again on opposing sides."
"Sorry, but Herr Kommandant had other plans and won me over first hehe." Eugen sung as she glanced to the cruiser further behind her.
"Uhm…...Eugen? I'd appreciate not being thrown into the middle of whatever this is…" Shikikan sweat dropped, earning a chuckle from Wales and Eugen and feeling his face warm up a bit in embarrassment.
"A-anyway…" He started before taking a deep breath and speaking into his cruiser's mic once more. "Any chance you girls mind surrendering and saving poor Vestal here the trouble?" He smiled as he waved behind him to the repair ship who decided to tag along as a nurse on stand-by duty instead of having to make anymore round trips.
"Hooo? You've gotten quite bold Shikikan. While you've definitely proven yourself as a worthy leader, it will take a lot more than that to defeat us!" KGV proclaimed as she drew her sword and pointed it at him.
"We finally meet in battle Shikikan. Don't hold back and show me everything you got!" Enterprise declared before drawing her bow and forming a light arrow.
"Now's our chance to show what the Dragon Empery is made of Ping Hai! Let's go!"
"Shì!" Ping Hai announced before she and Ning Hai took up fighting chances.
"So Shikikan, what'll it be?" Hornet challenged with a grin.
"Hmm…how about a wave 1?"
"Wave 1?" Hornet questioned before hearing Saratoga's yell. "Incoming cannon fire from all sides! And there's a lot of them too!"
"Evasive maneuvers!" Enterprise yelled as the aircraft carriers did their best to avoid direct hits.
"Stand strong Wales!" KGV roared as she struggled to slice through all of seemingly endless waves of cannon fire.
"Curses, he's already taking advantage of our lack of intel." Wales grunted.
"Watch out Ping Hai!" Ning Hai warned before tackling her sister out of an incoming projectile from behind.
"Now! Wave 2 go!" Shikikan ordered through his mic and as soon as he did, countless engines could be heard soaring through the sky above the allied factions.
"Waa! Now there are a bunch of fighters and bombers heading our way!" Saratoga shrieked as she dove out of a fighter's line of fire.
"Let's pay them back in kind with our own then!" Hornet suggested before the four allied carriers started their counterattack.
"AA-guns at the read and….fire!" Wales ordered as she, KGV, and the Hai sisters did their best to survive the bullet hell.
"Keep the pressure coming! Fire wave 3!" Shikikan ordered as more planes and cannon-fire darkened the sky
"This is insane!" Ning Hai yelled as the entire allied forces were completely swamped in the chaos caused by the Shikikan.
After what seemed like an endless onslaught, the allied factions were visibly struggling to catch their breaths.
"Shikikan sure does know how to lay it on thick eheh.." Hornet joked in between breaths.
"Incoming projectiles coming directly from Milord's ship!" Illustrious warned.
"Leave it to us!" The Hai sisters said before firing at the projectiles.
"Hmm? Wait no those are…!" Saratoga tried to warn, but it was too late as the shells exploded, releasing multiple massive clouds of smoke that quickly swept across the battlefield.
"Smokescreens!?" Enterprise started before having to cover her face to avoid inhaling too much.
"All teams engage!" Shikikan's voice was heard across the area.
"Get out the smoke and brace yourselves!" Wales shouted before everyone bolted off in different directions, with the first ones out being Ping Hai and Ning Hai.
"Phew fresh air!" Ning Hai sighed in relief before hearing four familiar voices.
"We were wondering where you two had gone off to." Z23 started.
"Yeah! Where'd you end going?" Asked Javelin.
"Ping Hai saw a gigantic blue marlin up north and got entranced by it, so I ended up having to chase after her."
"Did you catch it des?"
"We were close, but then it dove deeper and got away." Ping Hai shook her head.
"Miss Illustrious then came up to us and asked if we wanted to ally with the Eagle Union and Royal Navy." Added Ning Hai before the sisters took up their signature fighting stances. "That said, we won't lose to you four!"
"A feast made by the Shikikan….! Let's hurry Jiejie!" Ping Hai said with hungry eyes as they charged at the starter squad.
"Hungry…when's lunch?"
"Hold out until this exercise is over Laffey!" Z23 said with a hurried tone as she started firing away at the Dragon Empery girls.
"The sooner we win, the sooner we get to go eat des." Ayanami added before she and Javelin readied their weapons.
"! Self-imposed limiters, released!" Laffey chanted before dashing around and blasting away.
"Let's work hard for Shikikan's sake!" Javelin cheered.
"Yeah!"
[With Enterprise and Saratoga]
"Separating our forces with a siege and following up with a rush order…, not bad Shikikan." Enterprise praised as she drew her bow.
"Grey Ghost! I challenge you!" Zuikaku grinned with her blade pointed at her.
"Well if it isn't the Queen of the Docks ufufu. How fortunate for you that Vestal is on standby nearby." Shoukaku taunted.
"Grr…..How come all of you look so grown!?" Saratoga complained with a pout and teary eyes. "Let's go Enterprise!" She yelled as she launched out a flurry of fighters at Shoukaku.
"Heh…" Enterprise chuckled before she had a serious look on her face. "Enterprise, engage!"
[With Illustrious and Hornet]
"Looks like we got separated from everyone…." Illustrious surmised.
"Greetings Miss Illustrious, Miss Hornet. I hope all is well."
"Good day Belfast, Sheffield, Edinburgh. What a strange turn of events, being on opposing sides and all." Illustrious bowed elegantly.
"Likewise, but as we are under Master's command, do be warned we shall not be holding back." Sheffield warned with both guns out.
"Sheffy, the way you phrased that makes Shikikan seem like a villain, ehehe…" Edinburgh sweat-dropped.
"Yo Hornet! Hope you don't mind us joining in."
"We really ended up drawing the short of the stick…" Hornet grinned nervously at the new additional opponents. "Cleveland, San Diego, and ah! Z46!"
"I'm glad you remember me Fraulein Hornet." Nodded Z46.
"Hah, how could I forget someone who wiped the floor with me twice already?"
"You flatter me, it was a close fight both times, I simply just had the advantage endowed to me by Herr Kommandant."
"I don't know what's going on, but let's hurry and do this! Shikikan promised me and Eldridge cake if we won! Let's go!" San Diego said before firing away at an unsuspecting Hornet and Illustrious.
"Whoa! Geez Sandy, this better be some legendary cake!" Hornet joked as she dove out of the way and returned fire with some fighters, only for them to be shot down with ease by Cleveland and San Diego.
'Urgh, Shikikan stop making me fight against AA pros!' Hornet screamed internally before sensing Z46 wind up a swing from her left.
"Oh no you don't!" Hornet backflipped as she dodged the strike, before following up with a roundhouse kick that might've missed but did gain her some distance as Z46 had jumped away to avoid it. "It's not like my planes are my only way of fighting you know!"
Over by Illustrious, the armored carrier was currently surrounded by planes that allowed her to maintain fighting from a distance.
"How tricky…" Sheffield said as she couldn't seem to get close enough without having to deal with incoming air strikes.
"Edinburgh watch out! There's planes above you!" Belfast warned
"Ufu!" Edinburgh tripped as she looked up and stumbled over thin air and was now a sitting duck.
"Hah, why'd that dummkopf have to send me over here?" Hipper sighed as she had quickly formed a shield around Edinburgh.
"Oh my, Milord is really focusing a lot of his forces over here…" Illustrious said as she noticed that even more opponents have appeared.
"It's because Herr Kommandant was insistent on defeating the enemy carriers as quickly as possible Hipper."
"Hah!? I already knew that, Spee you didn't need to tell me that!"
"Perhaps Shikikan just had a lot of faith in that you'd be able to handle this?" Helena chimed in.
"Hhmph, as if hearing that would make me happy." Hipper huffed as she crossed her arms and looked away, hiding her blush.
"Thank you for the help, Miss Hipper." Belfast smiled.
"I didn't do it because I wanted your thanks. Let's just hurry and win this already!" The tsundere said as she turned around to face Illustrious without knowing that she was grinning.
"Agreed tsun-Miss." Sheffield rephrased before all six of them teamed up on Illustrious.
"I…I might be in trouble here…" Illustrious said nervously.
Back over with Hornet, the carrier was currently struggling to deal with her opponents who all are more than capable of shooting down her planes. 'Tsk, Lusty's got six of them now, so I got no excuse!' Hornet motivated herself before firing multiple planes high up and had them bombard the entire area in front of her, forcing Cleveland, Sandy, and Z46 to scatter.
'Sweet, that worked! Now I've got some distance to follow up!' Hornet cheered as she readied another airstrike, until…..
"I'll do my best. Ey." A voice said before Hornet felt someone latch onto her from behind.
"Wha—Eldr-zzaaaaahhhh!?" Hornet screamed before being electrocuted by Eldridge.
Eldridge's sneak attack was super effective nya! Hornet is no longer able to continue nya!
"Nice timing Eldridge!" Cleveland cheered as she patted the destroyer's head. "I do kind of feel bad for Hornet though ahaha…" She added as she looked to the downed carrier.
"Heyyy Hornet you aliveeee?" San Diego asked playfully as she poked her cheek.
"Urghhh…yeah but I don't really feel like moving hehe." Hornet joked.
"Understandable. You've fought numerous times today and proved yourself to be a brave warrior of the Eagle Union." Z46 smiled softly.
"Hehe, thanks, let's do this again sometime! I'll be sure to win next time!" Hornet grinned before hearing another voice in the distance.
"Good work Hornet!" Vestal said as she dropped down with a repair kit next to her.
"Thanks Vestal!" Hornet smiled as she flipped over to her back. 'Hmm, I wonder how Lusty and Enty-nee are doing..' She thought before hearing Akashi's voice.
"Looks like Illustrious is not too far away from facing defeat as well nya!"
'She might be right about that…' Illustrious thought as she was panting heavily, currently surrounded with her planes and dress looking worse for wear.
"Altogether now everyone!" Belfast said before she, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Helena, Graf Spee, and Hipper all fired their cannons at once at Illustrious who had no other choice but to put her arms up.
"Kyaaa!" She yelled as all the projectiles landed in front of her and sent her on her back.
"Illustrious is no longer able to continue." Announced Shiranui.
"It would seem we all had the same thoughts on not firing directly at Miss Illustrious." Belfast smiled.
"Herr Kommandant did say not to go to overboard since this is still just an exercise." Spee replied.
"Hmph, well at last that dummkopf knows how to treat a lady properly." Hipper said turning her back and smiling a bit.
'She'd get along well with Nelson and Crescent….' Sheffield thought.
"Miss Illustrious are you alright?" Edinburgh asked offering the carrier a hand.
"I believe so, thanks to everyone's mercy ehe." Illustrious smiled as she took her hand up.
"Certainly Master." Belfast said before handing a radio over to Illustrious. "Master wishes to speak with you, Miss Illustrious."
"Thank you, Belfast." She said as she took the radio. "Good day Milord. Brilliant work today!"
"Thanks, Illustrious, but are you alright though?"
"Yes, a bit fatigued but no real injuries. I'd gladly follow any commands you would have for me Milord."
"Glad to hear, but I'm still going to have to ask you to rest there until Vestal comes to check on you just in case. I'd hate to see you hurt and I'm not willing to take any chances."
[Affinity up!]
"Oh my, hearing such kind words from Milord is truly wonderous." Illustrious blushed a bit.
"Eheh, well anyway that will be it for now. Great work today Illustrious. Could I ask you to return the radio to Belfast please?"
"But of course, Milord, but could request some of your time later over some tea? We've yet to have a decent conversation after all."
"I'd love to" Shikikan replied happily earning a blushing smile from the gorgeous carrier as she handed the radio over.
After a few more minutes have passed, "Understood Master, I shall inform those involved immediately." Belfast confirmed.
"Sheffield, please inform the others including Miss Hornet that we will be moving straight into the last phase." Belfast requested, earning a nod from the cruiser as she left with Edinburgh deciding to tag along.
"Last phase?" Illustrious inquired.
"Yes, Master plans to bring this exercise to a rather explosive end." Smiled Belfast.
[With Wales and KGV]
"Huff…..she looks like she's barely broken a sweat…." A tired out Hyuuga remarked.
"Either that or we're still worn out as heck from our fights earlier..." Ise retorted in between breaths.
"Just as one would expect from the one deemed 'knight commander' of the Royal Navy." Takao said as she was currently in a duel with King George V.
"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to test my abilities against the famed swordsmanship of the Sakura Empire. Come!" KGV smiled as she and Takao fought, sending out waves of water out from around them as their swords clashed at insanely high speeds.
"Takao-chan looks like she's having a lot of fun ufufu." Atago giggled as she watched. "Now I wonder how-" She started before looking over to what was happening in the other fight going on nearby.
" .. Now you're in range!" "Anton, Bruno, Caesar, all cannons ready! Fire!" Gneisenau and Scharnhorst declared as they fired at Wales.
'Relentless coordinated attacks from mid and long range. Interesting!' Wales monologued as she dodged gracefully before firing back.
"Wales, don't tell me that you've forgotten all about me?" Eugen giggled as she blasted at Wales from behind. Unable to dodge, Wales was only able to slice through some of the shots, takin some to her sides.
"Tsk, I'll be honest, I can never tell what you're thinking Eugen." Wales smirked as she returned fire.
"It seems that applies for the both of us." Eugen smirked back as she formed shields that barely lasted long enough to withstand the impact from Wales' cannons.
"Seems like the fight you had against Shikikan earlier weakened you quite a bit. I don't remember your shields being so…delicate." Wales grinned, succeeding to annoy Eugen this time.
"Delicate you say? I dare you to say it again after this!" Eugen challenged as she sent both her riggings out to attack Wales.
Slashing one away and dropkicking the other, Wales barely managed to react in time before realizing that Eugen had her trapped around her rigging as she sent torpedoes flying directly at her with Scharnhorst and Gneisenau sending in another combined volley.
Wales resigned herself to her fate, but not before grinning deviously at Eugen. "I won't be alone in the infirmary! You're coming with me Eugen!" She declared before firing relentlessly at an unsuspecting Eugen before both were engulfed in explosions.
"Nya! In a last-ditch effort, Prince of Wales managed to take Eugen down with her nya!"
"I can't believe you'd do something this insane. Are you sure you're a member of the Royal family?" A battered Eugen frowned as she was collapsed onto the water.
"Heh, I ask myself the same question every now and then." Wales laughed her off.
"…You might get along well with her Scharnhorst…" Gneisenau deadpanned.
"Hmm? What makes you say that?" Scharnhorst replied, unknowing as to why her sister was now sighing.
[Back to vs KGV]
"As easygoing as ever…but good job on taking one down Wales." King George V said as she glanced over to her sister before turning back to face her opponents.
"Sorry Takao-chan, but we really need to hurry."
"It's fine, Shikikan's plan all depended on one swift step after the other…"
"Hmm? Might I ask you to enlighten me as to what you are talking about?" KGV jokingly requested.
"Sorry, but no can do. I've had a blast today thanks to Shikikan and this last part will top it all off haha!" Ise laughed.
"Oi! Baka-nee!" Hyuuga yelled.
"Huh? Oh whoops haha…ha…" Ise said realizing she messed up.
"Last part?" KGV started as she tried to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
"Tsk, Onee-san will scold you later for this Ise, but for now: All at once everyone! Advance!" Atago commanded.
"Be as still as water" Takao breathed before dashing at high speeds and slashing relentlessly at KGV. Not far behind her was Atago who feinted a sideward swipe and opted for a heel kick instead, taking the knight commander by surprise and forcing her backwards as she tried blocking with her open arm.
"Super dreadnought class battleship—full salvo!" "Twelve main guns — full salvo!" The two battleships yelled as their cannons roared and fired a bullet storm at KVV, who had no choice but put up her guard and hold steadfast as she took the brunt of the combined salvos.
"Hmph, how interesting." KGV smiled as she returned fire at the two battleships.
"Not yet!" Atago declared before firing an onslaught of torpedoes and cannon fire at her, effectively blinding KGV from the explosions around her.
"I shan't falter!" Takao yelled as she followed up and dashed right through the thick of it and slashed upwards with all her strength, catching KGV off guard and sending her sword flying out of her hand.
"Brilliantly done! I shall admit my defeat in this battle." KGV said as she put her hands up and closed her eyes with a satisfied smile gracing her flawless visage.
'The last of the Royal Navy, King George V, has also fallen nya!"
"Phew, just in time too." Atago said as she saw Shikikan's cruiser fire a flare high up.
"A flare? What meaning does it have?"
"You can go ahead and tell her now Ise-neesan." Hyuuga elbowed.
[With Ning Hai and Ping Hai]
"Oh no we took too long!" Javelin cried out when she saw the flare.
"Verdammt! My apologies Herr Kommandant!"Z23 cussed as she kept firing relentlessly at the evasive Dragon Empery girls.
"So slow!" A voice yelled from behind the Hai sisters, revealing herself to be Deutschland.
"My slave was worried about you four, so he begged me to go out and save you all hahaha!" She laughed haughtily before turning her gaze to the Hai sisters. "You now face the great Deutschland! Tremb-oof!" She was brought to a halt as the Hai sisters opened fire mid-sentence.
"Was it okay to interrupt her?" Ping Hai asked.
"She stated her name, so I just assumed, but it is a battle so it's not like surprise attacks are against the rules…" Ning Hai sweat dropped.
"Hey! Don't you know that it's rude to interrupt someone mid-sentence?" A damaged Deutschland yelled before a devious grin took over. "As punishment take this! Cruel and lovely…ahaha!" She cackled before blasting a huge barrage wave at the Hai sisters, forcing them to split up and jump up high and away to dodge it.
"Go Laffey! Ayanami!" Z23 and Javelin cheered as the aforementioned two jumped up at the two separated sisters still stuck mid high jump and grabbed their ribbons.
Nya! I can barely keep up nya! Now the only two members of the Dragon Empery, Ning Hai and Ping Hai, have both lost their ribbons nya!"
"Great work you two! Let's hurry to the final part!" Javelin commended before swiftly dashing away.
"Sorry for leaving you two here yourselves, but Vestal will be coming around soon to check up on you both and Deutschland too I believe. So please sit tight!" Z23 bowed before she, Ayanami, and Laffey chased after Javelin.
"What just happened jiejie?"
"I-I don't know." Ning Hai replied as they both watched the girls sail away.
"Hhmph, you two don't get it? Well I'm in a good mood today so I'll-HEY LISTEN TO SOMEONE WHEN THEY ARE TALKING TO YOU!" Deutschland yelled as she noticed mid rant that the Hai sisters ran off after the starter squad.
"Ping Hai where are you going!? Z23 asked us to stay and wait for Vestal." Ning Hai yelled.
"But I'm not injured or tired? And I'm curious! Aren't you too jiejie?" Ping Hai asked with a tilted head.
"Grr…, okay fine let's go!"
Not too far behind was Deutschland who was screaming "Stop ignoring me and come back here!" at the top of her lungs.
[With Enterprise and Saratoga]
"Hmm? A flare?" Saratoga asked.
"You left your guard down" Shoukaku sung as she had her fighters fire at the carrier.
"Waa! Oh no you don't!" Saratoga said before firing her own fighters, planning to force another dogfight, but another set of fighters came from left field and intercepted Saratoga's.
"Unicorn will do her best!" She cried out as she sent torpedo bombers at Saratoga.
"Sister Sara won't lose that easily!" She sung as she started the rest of her planes out to counter.
"Sara, behind you!" Enterprise yelled.
"H—waaa!?" Was all Saratoga could yell before she got hit by a flurry of dive bombers and torpedo bombers from behind.
"This is all happening too fast for me nya! Saratoga has been defeated nya!"
"Great work Shouhou-chan!" Shoukaku praised.
"Ehehe, I'm blessed by the God of Fortune and Shikikan, so success is guaranteed!" Shouhou smiled happily.
"Drat I didn't expect a triple sneak attack! Sorry for leaving you by yourself Enterprise." Saratoga pouted.
"Don't sweat it Sara." Enterprise said trying to cheer up her long time friend.
"Looks like its just you Grey Ghost!" Zuikaku grinned as she launched her fighters.
"So it would seem." Enterprise smiled as she replied coolly as she shot down Zuikaku's planes.
"Zuikaku, I'm free now so I've got you covered!"
"Sounds good to me! Thanks, Shoukaku-nee!" She grinned before charging at Enterprise.
"2v1? Interesting…!" Enterprise said as she fired her bow at Zuikaku, who easily swiped it away and closed the distance, forcing Enterprise backwards bit by bit.
"You're mine!" Zuikaku declared before being pulled back by Shoukaku's arm.
"S-shoukaku-nee? I thought you said I could go all out!" She complained.
"Gomenaisai Zuikaku, as much I enjoyed seeing you have fun, Enterprise is already where Shikikan wants her."
"…What?" Enterprise went wide-eyed as she looked around and finally noticed that Shikikan's entire fleet was positioned in an encirclement formation around her. "So that flare was…"
"Correct Miss Enterprise. The flare was an attack order for everyone to gather into this formation around you." Belfast said as she finished her sentence for her. "Best of luck to you Miss Enterprise." She added before aiming her main guns at her.
"All units: fire at will!" Shikikan commanded as the entire sky above and area around Enterprise was darkened with cannon shells, torpedo shells, and airplanes.
"Owari Da!" Enterprise yelled before she was engulfed in a sea of explosions.
"D-did we do it?" Z23 asked.
"That's a death flag Nimi…des." Ayanami replied.
Almost immediately after Z23 had asked, in the center of the explosions stood a lone figure, seemingly glowing and not harmed whatsoever.
"HAH!? What kind of overpowered ability is that!?" Hipper called foul as she saw Enterprise standing unharmed with her bow drawn.
"I told ya my sister was awesome." Hornet grinned as she sat next to Vestal Shikikan's cruiser.
"Yeah, you weren't kidding…" Shikikan replied, seemingly in awe.
"Looks like it's my win, Shikikan." Enterprise smiled before firing a large light arrow upwards, which in turn transformed into a swarm of fighter and bombers that all began to fly directly towards everyone around her.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that just yet." The Shikikan replied calmly right before taking a deep breath and accidentally alliterating "Anti-air armada, advance!"
As soon as he said that, San Diego, Z46, and Cleveland jumped up and began going to work, swiftly shooting down plane after plane alongside everyone else contributing support to the AA pros.
"That won't be enough Shikikan!" Enterprise said confidently, but not before noticing Eldridge standing in front of Shikikan's cruiser looking up at her with her arms held up.
"Operation Rainbowwww…." She said before everyone in the formation also began to glow colorfully.
"Wha-what is this!?" Edinburgh said as she tried dusting off the colorful aura around her. "Ahh that bomb's coming right at me!" She said as she cowered in fear.
"Don't worry, it won't hit thanks to Eldridge's power." Helena said calmly as the bomb falling right on Edinburgh immediately jutted outwards and ended up landing a safe distance away.
"Wha-?" Enterprise exclaimed as she stopped glowing and saw all her bombers and fighters missing completely.
"Now's your chance everyone go!" Shikikan yelled as Javelin, Z23, Laffey, and Ayanami lunged up at Enterprise. Ayanami opted to attack from up front, forcing Enterprise to block her blade with her bow, while Javelin snuck in from behind and tried following up with a downward slash with her javelin. Enterprise reacted immediately as she took one hand off her bow and placed an arm up to catch the handle of the polearm and succeeded in catching it. However, Javelin had let go of her javelin pushed herself away from it as she and Ayanami moved away and launching their torpedoes almost point blank with Z23 and Laffey following up with cannon fire. Wide-eyed, Enterprise had no choice but to shield herself. Upon impact, all five of them fell onto the ocean surface.
Enterprise was the first to recover as she quickly tried to get up….but
"I believe this is check and mate Miss Enterprise." Belfast announced as she had a small torpedo to the back of her head and Takao and Atago having their blades pointed down at her.
"Heh. You were right Shikikan." Enterprise chuckled before dropping her bow and putting her hands up. "I give."
"NYAAAAAAA! Even the legendary Grey Ghost herself has been defeated nyaaa!"
"And with that, the winner of this exercise is Shikikan's team. Congratulations on the hard-fought win Shikikan."
"Nya!? No fair, you stole the best line Nui Nui!"
Phew! 16+ words!? Wow!
Apologizes for the extended delay on this chapter everyone, this quarantine had me want to tackle my backlog of games and anime and that ended up absorbing all of my time and attention haha.
Please favorite, follow, and comment if you like the story thus far!
And I'll see y'all next time on Azur Lane fanfic: An Unsung Legend Ch.11: Love, Chaos, and Challenges Await!
