A few days have passed since the incident in the lake, all girls have been training near the docks, even if they try their best, two of them are having a hard time keeping the pace with the others. The admiral was busy, mostly because of the large quantity of documents that lie hidden inside the last mysterious hangar. At first he didn't imagine how many files were around, but when he turned back, he discovered that each locker and desk was full of different types of archives, each one got notes and photos attached, making his work more complicated.
-With this one we have cataloged at least on third of all the files…- The black haired girl speech to the admiral. Up until now, with the help of Ooyodo, at least two hundred different documents have been arranged, but there are still plenty of them still inside the hangar.
-It´s been hard to but I think it will be worth it, thanks for your hard work Ooyodo- the man was pleased with her work, as both remained the last days working all day in this project.
-I'm the one that should be thankful admiral, for trusting me with this kind of job- she speaks honestly, as many of these files were labeled as classified and only those of high rank within the nave are allowed to read them. She was pretty curious at first, but with each new document that she saw, the more she understood why the base was shrouded in mystery.
-I can't think of someone better to do it… well except for- the admiral answers thinking about the other girl that has helped him a lot since her arrival.
-Good Morning! I brought some coffee- Akashi enter the room bringing a plate with a three cups with hot coffee, she already knew about the mysterious hangar and have helped the admiral with some technical files, that require some special knowledge to classify.
-Akashi, good morning… and thanks- the man took one cup and drink a bit, it was still early in the morning so it helps a lot to get ready for the day to come.
-Thanks- Ooyodo took one cup, she appreciates the help of her friend as the last days were quite boring and without her joyful personality around, she could have probably been with a lot of stress.
-Please admiral you need to get some sleep after this is done, you too Ooyodo- The pink haired girl was worried about those two, as they have been locked behind the door doing nothing but classifying files and reading documents.
-I will, but now you should help us today as promised- The admiral remembered that he wanted to watch his fleet during training, perhaps help them showing them their mistakes.
-Of course, I can't wait to read about those machines!- Akashi was happy to be able to read the files again -I mean… to understand more about the base in case of need- she did find some juicy information in those lost files, many classified things, some really interesting projects that were once researched there, many of them were too risky or fantastic to be real…
-That´s your specialty so I´m rooting for you- he was happy to let others know about his findings, it was better for them to know about this instead of keeping it as a secret.
-Thanks admiral for trusting me! - Akashi raise her cup and drink it, she was amused with all this, she was doing many things like she never did, the idea of her own shop was halfway done and now with all this information, she would learn some secrets of the base, so she keeps telling to herself that her transference was the best thing that ever happened to her.
-Very well, I will leave you two now. I want to check how the destroyers are doing with their training- the admiral drink the rest of his coffee in one go, even if it was hot, this would help him by giving him some energy.
-Up until now they have been doing well… I guess. The new training devices are doing fine and we got plenty to spare if needed- Akashi told him, she did install those machines herself so she knew how much resistance and perhaps how many months will they last with a daily use.
-That´s good to know, I will be back later- The admiral said farewell and left the place.
-See you later admiral, keep up the good work- both girls waved the man as he left the office.
The man went out of the building and started to walk to the docks, the sun was up in the sky, so he could feel the heat quite fast. The distance wasn't that much, but he did take his time to eat something speak with Mamiya for a while.
After arriving to the dock she could see all six destroyers training while Kiso is giving them orders, she looks reliable like that and seem to have her lesson of not being crazy about getting stronger. The admiral watches them silently for some time, looking how they all move above the water, all look great doing so, even if they fail sometimes, he can realize the difference in skill from all of them. If he would measure them in a scale based on how many targets they hit in one run and how fast they finish their trial, the first one should be Hatsuharu followed by Murasame, those two seem to be his stronger destroyers, while Shiratsuyu and Shigure are not far behind, Yuudachi is still trying to move as fast as her sisters, but in the las place was Murakumo, who take more shots and took longer, even if she is trying her best.
Suddenly Murasame realizes the silent man next to the crane and start to wave her hand at him, at this sight all the other girls salute the admiral and resume their training, this time maximizing their efforts to amaze their commander.
Hatsuharu manages to make a perfect run, while Murasame only fails one shot, and while the others are doing their rounds a big sound can be hear from the distance, while this makes everyone alert, a big burst of water appeared in the middle of the ocean then it started to move extremely fast towards the crane.
The admiral couldn't see what was causing it, so he moved close to the border to have a better view, however that burst opened right away showing off the one inside, yet it was already late to react as the person inside suddenly jumped out the water, moved by that amazing speed was launched right to the person in charge of the island.
A sudden splash of water appears like a wave from the ocean a crashed against the crane, the admiral was knocked down by this sudden force, leaving him on the ground while a sword pointed at him
- My name is Tenryuu. Fufufu, ya scared? – The black haired woman laughs at the defeated man, it would be easy to her to take vengeance but it would be an empty one, as the man she hated the most was already dead.
-What...- The admiral was dazed and couldn't understand why he was soaked in the ground.
-Are you the admiral?- The heavenly dragon put away her sword and ask those words dead serious watching the man below her, to her first impression he looks like a weak man but who know.
-I am- The man answered fast and stand up and look face to face the one eye girl in front of him.
-Hey what´s happening?- Murakumo was the first to get there, she went straight up really fast showing her deep concern.
-You!- Kiso went ahead of the other girls and defied the newcomer.
-Long time no see, Kiso- Tenryuu laughs again at her, she showed confidence in her words.
-Why are you here puny dragon, I heard ya hate this island and sworn never to came back!- Kiso give another step and set ready her cannon, she already knew the other lightcruiser, as both were on the same base for some time.
-That´s none of your business patched-eye!- Tenryuu also took a step ahead and waved her sword this time pointing her old comrade, both knew each other strengths and weakness.
-I have the good eye, you instead cant take down an abyssal even if it was in front of ya!- Kiso taunts her, both are known for having eye-patch, however they have them on different eyes, so they always mock each other with this fact.
-Stop this- The admiral try to calm the situation, as they both look quite serious and angry at each other.
-You think so? I can take down a demon by myself- Tenryuu now points her sword at her neck now, she can cut her right where she stands yet she knows her face would blow with a single shot of her cannon.
-Girls…- The admiral wanted to go in between them, yet Kiso raise her hand and moved away the sword.
-Haven´t change at all bitchy dragon!- Kiso finally smiled at her old friend, while she get close to her. Both have been in different escort missions and also fight the almighty devil cat together.
-Neither ya, patched-eye!- Tenryuu sheathe her sword and then both look at each other for a second.
After that both girls move their right hands and both clash at each other in one epic handshake that almost shine with all the energy contained by the bond of those two lightcruisers.
-Alright Admiral, what da ya want, got some work for us to do- both of them laughs at this breaking the tension they build, they are good friends so there is no way they can harm each other no matter what.
-Well…- The admiral was relieved that nothing bad could have happen. This happened so fast he didn't got the chance to knew more of this newcomer, Tenryuu.
However, time was not by his side that day, as the admiral turn back he realize that his helper was running towards him with an expression of fear in her face.
-Admiral! There´s an urgent message- Ooyodo tried to deliver those words, but she runs too fast she needed to recover her breath, she didn't watch the whole incident between Tenryuu and Kiso, nor she saw anything before that, she was so focused with the message that she didn't pay attention to anything.
-Calm down what is it?- The man look at her and tried to relieve her from that kind of stress.
-There was a call from HQ, they said that a Ru-type battleship is coming this way- she speaks loud and clear, so every girl heard those words. The ones that new the enemy change their expressions to those of surprise and fear, just the word "battleship" was strong enough to make a few of them shiver.
-An Abyssal battleship… how much time do we have?- The admiral understand the situation, as those enemies are known for their cruelty in battle, they are big and sturdy girls that can take lots of punishment without even blinking, and now one of those was on their way to the base.
-Perhaps two hours until they reach this base… it appeared out of nowhere and follow the same pattern as the abyssal expedition the fleet sunk a few days ago- She repeated the details of the message, it was sent a while ago, but as she was busy with those files, she didn't go into the communication room all day, if it wasn't for one of the compass fairies that noticed the urgent telegram flashing in the screen no one could have known the danger before it was too late...
-Is it alone?- The man ask the obvious question, normally ships that size are never alone as they would prove easy targets for long range attacks.
-Its escorted by four destroyers. Admiral we should try to avoid contact and wait for reinforcements from headquarters- Ooyodo told the man, she was deeply concern about this, she also knew the difference between a battleship and the current fleet, even if they are more in number, a Ru-class can still take down everyone easily with a few shots from her cannons.
-It will be too late- The man answers and takes a deep breath, even if they wait for their arrival and leave the base unprotected, it will receive damage and no one knows how much time it would take for those reinforcements from their closest ally, the Marshall base.
-Admiral we are ready to fight that battleship!- Tenryuu interrupted the man´s thoughts with her words, she heard everything and knew she would be ready to fight anything that appear from the sea.
-What do you mean by that Tenryuu?- The man could not believe her words, the difference between a lightcruiser and a battleship is quite big and he was not in the mood for more jokes.
-Patched-eye here and I got some experience fighting against those battleships, please send us into battle and we can make enough time until reinforcements arrive- Tenryuu grabbed Kiso by the shoulder and both took a step ahead, they already knew that their time to shine would come one day and were prepared to give it all for it.
-There´s no way I´m letting you do that- The man declined their offer, if he sends only two ships against five, it would mean their death, no matter how skilled they can be, they will still sink in the end.
-Then we all do it together- Hatsuharu also took a step ahead, she made her choice and wanted to protect the base from any kind of enemy, even if they are stronger than her.
-Commander, if there is one battleship, then we may be able to fight it back!- Murasame was always ready for battle, she was almost sparkling with the joy of fighting again. She wanted to fight for the first time one of those monsters and she was pretty sure she would be victorious.
-But it's a battleship, your guns will not be able to damage it- The admiral knew of their limitations, as a new base they didn't got bigger guns yet, and even if they did, as destroyers they don't have much choice but to trust in their torpedoes for real damage.
-Commander even if we are small we can try our best as always!- Murasame knew that battling was their only hope, even if it proves hard in the end, there´s only one way to know.
-It will be impossible… unless- The commander said that and fall silent, thinking of some kind of strategy to battle the enemy battleship.
-Admiral? Don't tell me you are seriously thinking of sending them. It's too dangerous without any kind of aerial support-Ooyodo walk in front of the man and look at him in the eyes, she was not convinced by their words, she have seen many other ships go down in battles before and certainly don't want to see it again if she can prevent it.
-There is no other way, it will be more dangerous to wait until they arrive… plus I don't think the enemy know that this base is operational again, so I can't risk it- His answer was a harsh truth, as they did with the other enemy expedition, if they knew of their presence in the base, more attacks would be on their way each day and they are not prepared for that kind of scenario.
-Admiral they will not be able to make it- Ooyodo put her hand in the admiral´s chest, as if she wanted to stop him from doing something he will regret, she wanted to protect everyone.
-You are right, unless we caught her by surprise- The man put both of his hands on top of Ooyodo´s shoulders, just as he imagined how they can defeat their enemy, even if it was extremely risky, there was no other choice...
-Yo-you me-mean?- Ooyodo felt shivers down her spine and her face turn red because of how close the man was right now, she didn't expect a reaction like that.
-Girls you will be battling an abyssal battleship, perhaps it will be the first time for some of you, but I need that you all be ready- The admiral told his fleet to be prepared for the upcoming battle, as everyone hail the man and hurry up to resupply.
-Ooyodo, call Akashi and tell her to install the new communication device in Tenryuu´s outfit- She told the woman and let her go, he imagined a way to fight this enemy and all that determination can be seen in his eyes.
-Sir!- Ooyodo was moved by his voice, he looks serious and cool with that kind of attitude, so she put her faith in him and left the place.
-Murakumo, come here for a second- One last thing he said, as everyone else left, leaving only the man and the silver haired girl.
-What is it commander?- She asked right away kind of nervous as she realize they were alone.
-You will stay at the base, I don't think you got enough experience to battle a Ru-class- the man said trying to be strong, it was not something easy to say, as every fleet girl has the purpose of fighting the abyssal.
-But Admiral! I´m always ready to fight- She suddenly felt sad, she already knew she was weaker than the other girls but she was trying with all her might to improve.
-Please… I don't want you get hurt again- The admiral told the girl as tears started to flow from her amber eyes, yet he didn't turn back, he was aware of how scared she was during the last training, so fighting against a battleship could be dangerous and he wanted to keep her safe.
-I´m sorry!... Sorry for being useless!- She shout and escaped from there, she was crying and the only thing she wanted was to get as far as she could from him.
-Wait!- The admiral tried to stop her, but he couldn't move. He silently saw how the girl disappear inside the base, but he knew this wasn't the time to look for her and ask for forgiveness, he got a job to do and he need to do it right. So he adjusts his hat and turn back into the main office building, he was ready and this walk let him imagine different scenarios where the girls can fight and try to think of a strategy with the pieces he got now.
In communication room, he finds Ooyodo already giving instructions to the fairies there, all was prepared for the upcoming battle, she also told headquarters that they would fight the battleship but they would need support if they prove not to be enough for such enemy. In the meantime, Akashi worked fast to install some new upgrades to everyone´s outfits and also load them full of ammunition this time.
The admiral stands next to the compass and wait for the fairies to be in place, even at this distance he knew the enemy can show some nasty surprises so he didn't want to risk it, as he needs to break all formation for such strategy.
-So what's your plan Admiral?- Tenryuu´s voice could be hear loud and clear in the communication room, so the admiral took the microphone and check the map in the screen.
-Listen to me, I will need that only three of you focus your guns on their destroyers and when they start to follow you, turn back, you will be evading a lot of bullets from that Ru, so Tenryuu, Kiso and Hatsuharu will lead this decoy. You shall launch now and be quick, Tenryuu you will be the flagship, be ready to say when the enemy is following you- The admiral told them about this plan, it was pretty simple at first, they will only need three ships to lure the enemy, then they would set a trap for them and hopefully destroy them in one go.
-Now we're talking. Setting sail! – Tenryuu was excited as she loves to be in battle, she wanted to prove her strength once again, this time as the leader of the fleet.
-Sure Admiral we shall do it- Hatsuharu went fast to be next to her.
-That will be too easy- Kiso set sail and increased her speed as she launched, she can't miss the chance to destroy a battleship by herself.
-Now the other four will follow them at slower speed. When Tenryuu gives you the signal, increase your speed and prepare your torpedoes, when you see them in range fire at the abyssal. The First fleet are also hearing this, so be prepared to evade friendly fire too- he explained the rest of his plan to the remaining four girls, being Murasame the leader of this improvised torpedo squadron.
-Admiral that's suicidal, you will sink three ships because of this- Ooyodo react and question the man for this choice, it was an extremely dangerous tactic, as they will need to evade both the enemy bullets and their own allies' torpedoes, it was too risky to work.
-It's the only way I can think of…- He wanted to take the battleship by surprise as she will not be able to see the incoming torpedoes and receive most of them. It was simple but deadly, as she will not have enough time to turn away from the volley.
-Well you hear the commander, I will be the first to damage that battleship- Shiratsuyu was the first girl to speak her mind, she trusts the commander´s strategy, even if it means to endanger her own friends, she knew a battleship was too much for them to handle.
-I wonder if this is alright… I mean friendly fire is too dangerous- Shigure didn't like the idea of shooting at them, even if the battleship would be behind them, it was risky because if one of them failed to evade they would be damaged or worse…
-I don't want to miss and hit our ally, Poi!- Yuudachi wasn't convinced by this plan, she was not sure if she was able to make it in time.
-We have to trust our lovely commander Shigure, we´ll be shooting at the abyssal not our friends!- Murasame proved to be the most mature of their sisters, as she put her faith in her commander´s voice and idea, she will not hesitate because she knew everyone will make it perfectly.
All four girls take a deep breath and launch following Tenryuu, however the distance between them quickly increased because of the speed they were going.
-Follow northwest and get ready for the encounter- Ooyodo told the girls the direction they must follow, as the compass fairies choose the best route of action.
-Remember the plan, attract their attention and lead them into the trap- The man repeat what they should do, it wasn't the time for crazy stunts or to try to show their skills, as the enemy was bigger than them.
-Loud and clear commander- Tenryuu answered and followed the path, it took them about ten minutes to finally see the enemy in the distance, strangely they were going in another direction, perhaps to circle the island before attacking.
-They haven't notice us!- Hatsuharu notice how all five enemy ships were following a line formation and yet none realize their proximity.
-We have to shoot now!- Kiso said out loud and aim her guns at those abyssal, they were distracted making it a perfect chance to make some actual damage.
- This is Tenryuu-sama's attack! Yosha!- Tenryuu move her weapons and aim right at them, taking in count the distance between, this would be the limit of their own range.
All three girls aim high and shoot their respective guns, a big sound could be heard and soon the bullets were raining down on the enemy. This surprise attack hit one destroyer at full strength making him burn above the water while it dies. This however make no effect on the Ru-class, she slowly looks into the fleet direction and turn her path into them, while the rest of her escort made a circle around her.
-That's it they took the bait- Kiso was happy about this outcome, but it was no time to celebrate, as the battleship already outrange them.
-Fall back now!- Tenryuu made a sudden turn and the other two followed, just in time as the Ru-Class was adjusting her aim.
-Here they come, evade!- the flagship was the first to be targeted by the first barrage of bullets, even if they were still ahead of them, each explosion that appear from the water beside them was big enough to make any other unexperienced girl fall lose balance. Those triple gun mounts fire one barrage after the other, making their escape pretty difficult, even now the escort destroyers were shooting and increasing their speed.
-You hear that, increase speed and ready your torpedoes- Murasame receive the signal and a sudden burst of energy filled her body, making her fast above the water, even if they were ahead, the explosions can now be seen in the distance, making all of them to accelerate in order to reach them in time. It felt like an eternity, as those explosions appeared to be bigger as their friends were covered by the smoke and the water bursts.
-Rainy sisters! Let's show them why we are number one- Shiratsuyu was prepared to fire, and all her sisters were ready too, as they saw the enemy in the distance and their allies in front, the range was perfect for this surprise attack. All four sisters fired a salvo of twelve torpedoes in straight ahead, and then resume their path.
-Here they come… Now change course!- Tenryuu saw the girls shooting in the distance, she knew it would take less than a minute to reach them so each second counts, she made some hard breaks while decreasing her speed.
-This is hard, we won't be able to do it!- Hatsuharu was momentary blinded by one explosion and was hit right in the back by another, she was engulfed by the smoke but kept going.
-Go between them or jump them if you can- Kiso was also damaged by some fragments, but she still could see the fine traces of the torpedoes ahead of her
In one desperate act, all three ships managed to evade one last barrage of bullets from the battleship, but right then she hit one torpedo, this made them react, yet it was already late for them. Her escorts tried to protect her by covering her, yet only two made it in time, as all the torpedoes hit their mark she cried in pain, after creating a big explosion that quickly raised into the sky.
-Alright!- Murasame celebrate the success, she was sure that everyone would made it in time and the good would triumph against evil.
-Yes! We made it Poi!- Yuudachi was happy, even then she felt how she improved just that day.
-It's far from over- Shigure said after the painful voice of the Ru-class was heard again.
As the smoke slowly disappears, the figure of the abyssal battleship was still visible, beside her, were the bodies of her escort, all blown to pieces and floating around in a sea of blood.
-No way!- Hatsuharu turn back to watch how the enemy was still in one piece, even if the Ru-class was covered in the blood of their escort she was still moving.
-The other three protected her flagship- Tenryuu said after watching the scene, she already knew that the abyssal can sacrifice themselves in order to protect their flagship, it was a shame that this happened because the timing was perfect and that salvo was enough to destroy her.
-She is glowing red, Poi!- Yuudachi suddenly notices how all that blood on the abyssal started to glow, even to appear like it ignite by itself, making it look like red flames.
-Shit… can't believe it´s one of those- Kiso heard about the stronger enemies that react to their companion's deaths, they were stronger and faster than their normal selves, making this a terrible sight.
-Retreat! I repeat retreat! That Ru is an advanced class!- Ooyodo heard those words and knew exactly what they mean, she wasn't from the beginning a simple battleship, it only activated after receiving damage. She knew that this ships were more dangerous and that they were all in danger.
-Oi! Don't withdraw me from the battlefield! Let me fight till my dying breath!- The celestial dragon saw her enemy and desire to keep on fighting, even if that means the worst.
-You did well, but you can't possibly defeat her- The admiral said now, the plan was successful, but that enemy was too much for them, now that they already use the element of surprise.
-Of course we can! Let me lead the charge and all of you shoot her your remaining torpedoes- Tenryuu was sure of her words, she wanted to act again as a decoy and face the enemy in close combat.
-But we…- Hatsuharu was not ready for this, all the other girls thought the same, after watching the enemy emerge from the flames.
The abyssal battleship took some seconds to adjust her power, even if she lacks expression, her eyes were full of hate. She saw her enemies right in front and shoot all her guns at once, leaving little to no room to evade. This took the fleet unguarded and all of them receive damage, the detonations cause that Yuudachi and Shigure fall to the water, they were badly injured.
-Quickly there is no time!- Tenryuu shouts at the remaining girls, she takes out her sword and started to accelerate into the enemy.
-She is insane!- Shiratsuyu couldn't believe the madness she was watching, charging all by herself into a bigger and stronger enemy.
-But it's our hope now! Now lazy worms, get ready to shoot all you have left- Kiso moved her torpedoes and aim at the battleship. Everyone else did the same, as they understand the sacrifice she was about to do in order to save them all.
-Don´t do it Tenryuu!- The man didn't want this ending, the attack was supposed to defeat their enemy, now he was about to suffer his first loss, even if it meant to save their base and the fleet, this was not something he wanted.
At that minute all the remaining girls shoot first their guns at the battleship and then all fire their remaining torpedoes, a salvo of thirteen travel fast in the ocean. Right ahead the celestial dragon remembered how many times she was lectured by her sister, even more when she lost her eye in combat for being so reckless.
-Just like that day uh…- Tenryuu was ready to dodge the enemy bullets as the Ru-class aim at her, at this short distance it will mean that she will have no room to evade, so instead of doing so she hit the water with her sword creating a burst of water that can cover her for a few seconds. She heard a series of detonations and jump right ahead just like she did when she arrives to the island. Lucky enough she barely grazes those slugs as she was in midair, then a series of explosions hit the water where she was seconds ago.
The Ru-class was dumbfounding as she caught the glimpse of her enemy right in front of her, she tried to move again and finish her of, but then she felt sharp pain in her eyes and then all she could saw was the color red. Tenryuu cut her in one slash and then used the battleship as a platform to jump again.
The scream of the abyssal was heard again, as she was blind, she shot in every direction, but soon her voice was silenced by the volley of torpedoes that engulfed her in flames, leaving this time only a burned body that slowly sunk in the ocean.
-It's done- Tenryuu´s voice was heard by everyone, as she appeared from behind the clouds of smoke, her sword was broken and half her guns were gone, but she was still doing fine.
-That crazy bitch is the best I know- Kiso was the first one to congratulate her friend, both were known in the navy for this kind of thoughtless acts, so many high ranks didn't want them around on their missions, so they end up being loners.
-It's only natural, I'm the strongest after all!- Tenryuu was proud of herself even if she cough up some blood, she still couldn't believe she did manage to beat one battleship.
-You made it? Yes!- Murasame was happy that everything went well, she was helping her sisters to recover now that the battle was over.
-That was so reckless… but I'm glad she is okay- Ooyodo smiled again, she almost cried because no one was lost, she did believe in them even in those last moments she still had hope for every single one.
-That was amazing…- Hatsuharu couldn't believe what she saw, even she can't imagine herself remaining focused in that kind of life or death situation.
-Good job girls… I'm proud of you all. Return here and go to the docks, you all need some rest- The admiral was happy because the newcomer proved to be a great asset to this fleet, a bit crazy but still a great fighter.
-Ooyodo, report headquarters that reinforcements are no longer needed- The man asked her assistant to cancel the reinforcements, as they already defeated the battleship by some kind of miracle.
-Yes sir- Ooyodo salute the man and proceed to send that message and supervise the fleet´s return.
The admiral was tired, that battle was exhausting and he did imagine losing for the first time, even then he always wanted to protect the girls, even if that means being risky. The man returned to his office to rest for a while, but inside he found her first ship.
-Commander… I´m sorry for being weak- Murakumo´s voice was broken and low, her eyes were red because of many tears she cried.
-Don´t say that Murakumo, you are still not used to battle but someday you will be one of the best destroyers in the entire navy- The man tried to keep her spirit up, even if he didn't let her to join the battle, he did it for her own good.
-I want to believe that… but I don´t know how to do it. I can't remember anything beside the first day you arrive here. All I knew is that I was already on my way here with one purpose on my mind- She walk slowly until she was in front of her commander, she didn't stand it any longer and started to cry again.
-Murakumo…- The man took the poor girl in his arms and hugged her, she was too proud but also fragile, her words explained why she was that weak… she was indeed a new ship, a girl that came into this world to fight the abyssal under his command.
-All I know is that I am your first ship commander, so please, don't leave me alone again. You are the only reason why I´m here in this world- She said while tears covered her blushed cheeks, she didn't want to be born weak but she will do anything to be the best ship in his eyes.
-I will never leave you alone, I promise…- the admiral said and both were silent afterwards. He stayed with Murakumo until she was satisfied, a minute or an hour, the time right then was not important. He did want to keep everyone safe, for their own sakes and happiness, he wants to see everyone smile and live better lives after the war… that's why he need to find a way to end it once and for all.
And so the day went bye and the admiral sleep in his office for a while with Murakumo by his side, but when she returned to her usual self she went mad and left the office faster than she first imagined she can run, her face was on fire and she couldn't believe she did something so daring.
Later that night, Tenryuu went to see the admiral and to receive his congratulations, after all she played the hero in that battle and she wanted the be appreciated for once.
-Goodnight man!- Tenryuu entered the room easily, she didn't liked the idea at first as this reminded her of what happened years ago, but she needed to be brave and show herself that she was stronger than her rancor.
-Say Admiral! What do you think of my great performance?- She said feeling proud of being the best ship girl, but still she wanted to hear it from his mouth.
-It was too foolish, selfish, irrational and stupid but…- the man answers honestly, his words were serious and his expression did not change at all while saying them.
-Oh yeah? so you think I´m…- she suddenly went angry, as if all she did was for nothing. She was used to it, every time she showed her strength all she got was scolding, over and over.
-You did an excellent job; in fact, I haven't seen anyone made such a brave move like that- The admiral explained and felt relieved by her sudden appearance, he smiled and congratulate her for this victory.
-Of course you haven't, it's the first time that you see me in action- This sudden change her voice, she didn't know what to say next.
-You are right and I want to see it more, but more than that, you are a good flagship- the man spoke his mind, during today´s incident she did her best as flagship, managing and moving everyone by her commands.
-Yeah… umm well I haven't been much of it… actually it was my first time- she said that last words in a very soft voice, she was embarrassed by this fact, even if she has been in the navy for so long, no other commander entrusted her with such important position in any of the other bases she was before.
-Amazing… then you will be great as my secretary- He said casually, as he imagined that by being his secretary she would do less reckless things and still be able to maintain the order in the fleet as she did before.
-What do you mean?- Tenryuu couldn't believe what she just heard, so she asked just to be sure she was imagining things, after all it happened before.
-I'm naming you my secretary ship- he explained to her again, by this time he will need someone to help him with the fleet, even more with all those files he need to read and classify. Also if what he heard from Kiso, she may knew more about this island and the one that was in charge here before him.
-Me? S-s-secretary Ship!- Tenryuu felt ashamed and almost fall to the ground, she blushed and only stop from hitting the floor because she grabbed the admiral´s arm… This caused her more shame and finally fall knocked down by this sudden job proposition.