Isaac stood on the forward deck of the Shimanto, turning around to inspect his newly acquired cruiser. As Zero had detailed, this ship was alien, its design a very clear departure from Japan's design philosophy in this timeline. The turrets were massive, yet with Shimanto running a full diagnostic of her vessel, Isaac could see the turrets turning almost as fast as Laffey's, despite Shimanto's turrets being nearly two thirds bigger. The gun placement was similar to some of the Japanese cruisers from earlier in the war, with three turrets placed up front with two in the rear. A hefty torpedo armament took up a decent section of her midship space. All in all, Isaac approved of the vessel.

Isaac walked over to Shimanto.

"I gotta ask, does it feel better being up on the surface instead of cooped up in a cave?" Isaac asked.

Shimanto tilted her head.

"Where I am is of no importance. I will say though… I like the heat of the sun. It's warm and gentle, like the embrace of a loved one." Shimanto said sagely.

Isaac chuckled.

"Yeah. That is a plus one would assume. Will you be okay if I head out? I have other matters to attend to, and you seem to be fine doing your diagnostics." Isaac spoke.

"I'll be okay. You have a fleet to tend to… I would decide what needs your attention first, the small Kitsune crying aboard that carrier… or the rabbit facing off against two steel giants onboard that repair ship." Shimanto offered as she walked away.

"Rabbit?" Isaac asked as he turned towards the Platypus.

"Easy. Easy. She means no harm." Yamato spoke as she stood between Shimakaze and Bismarck, who had taken one look at her before standing and trying to approach.

"Wilhelm said this rabbit is the one who injured him. I elect to turn her into stew." Bismarck spat.

"You will do no such thing. Not while I am still here. If you calm down, she can explain her actions." Yamato spoke forcefully.

"And you're going to try to stop me? It wasn't too long ago that you were slinging those monstrous shells at my Kommandant. You are in no position to make demands." Bismarck scowled.

"And you're in no position to be taking revenge on a potential ally, Bismarck." Isaac spoke as he entered the room.

"Kommandant. This rabbit was the one who injured and nearly killed Jager. If it weren't for that surgery Elizabeth suggested, he would not have survived. I demand her immediate execution." Bismarck spoke angrily.

"Request denied. And I know Tirpitz isn't too happy either. You two will not act against her. If you do, I will send both of you to New Guinea to serve as security detail." Isaac spoke coldly.

This gave the sisters pause.

"I'm sorry…" Shimakaze spoke softly.

"Sorry?! That's it?" Bismarck scowled again.

"Take a walk, Bismarck. That's an order." Isaac barked.

Bismarck glared at Isaac for a moment before Tirpitz stood and escorted her out.

"I do apologize, Kommandant. I do not know what has come over her… she usually doesn't lash out this much. Even with something this… troublesome, I would have expected a more measured response." Tirpitz whispered.

Isaac nodded.

"Yamato. Mind introducing me to the little rabbit here?" Isaac asked, noting the massive bunny ears on Shimakaze's head.

"Yes, Shikikan. This is Shimakaze. She is a large torpedo destroyer that has, until recently, been under the control of the Sirens. Lady Friedrich provided me with this." Yamato said as she procured a black cube from her outfit.

"Friedrich removed this?" Isaac asked as he grabbed the cube.

"Yes. It was embedded in Shimakaze's neck. While serving the will of the sirens, the cube laid dormant. But since she had been fighting their influence, she was wracked with pain until she caved and attacked your forces. This gave her the first moment of clarity since her awakening after the war. She tried to fight it again, but the allure of a pain free existence drew her in, leading to her attacking this man." Yamato said as she gestured to Wilhelm.

"I see. So you managed to bring down Jager. Are you still in pain?" Isaac asked.

Shimakaze remained quiet.

"I am asking you, little one." Isaac reiterated.

"Just… the pain in my neck from when that thing was taken from me… other than that. I have no pain." Shimakaze spoke.

"Kommandant." Wilhelm spoke up.

"Jager. Good to see you in decent health. How are you feeling?" Isaac asked.

"My ribs hurt… but that armor you gave us did it's job. I won't question it further. As for her. I ask you to pardon her." Wilhelm requested.

"Pardon her? Can I ask why?" Isaac asked.

"She is a capable fighter. If given a purpose or goal, she is an asset equal to my entire squad. If she comes under my command, we can double the Black Death's effectiveness." Wilhelm explained.

"And what makes you say that?" Isaac asked.

"She's fast. A quick thinker. She's capable of besting me in close combat and has excellent hearing. During our fight, it was as if the fog didn't exist for her. She knew where I was at all times." Wilhelm explained.

Isaac turned to Shimakaze.

"What can you provide for this fleet if we don't imprison you?" Isaac asked.

"Area denial. Scouting. And competent CQB ability. I am a large destroyer with more torpedoes than anyone in the Sakura Empire. My guns are sub-par, but I am comparable to the Iris and Vichya destroyers in terms of speed. And… Jager is proof of my CQB ability. I will admit, his prowess in combat is excellent for a human… our match came down to me using my guns to put him down because he could match me in swordsmanship." Shimakaze explained.

"Quite bold to use my man as proof of your capability." Isaac commented.

"If I may, Shikikan. I will take responsibility for her actions. Please spare her. She was forced into an impossible situation. I will accept any punishment on her behalf." Yamato spoke.

Isaac pondered.

"I'll permit her to join us. There will be no punishment from me or the fleet. Any punishment, if any, will be enacted by Jager. As for her admission to the Black Death, it will be on a mission by mission basis. She can be quite the asset to the fleet as well." Isaac spoke.

Wilhelm nodded.

"That is an acceptable trade-off." Wilhelm said as he turned to Shimakaze.

"As for punishment… you'll be tasked with training my men while I recover. They are proficient in ranged combat and forms of guerilla warfare. But they need to know CQB. We are heading to Russia. And if I know anything about Russia… those who side with the Sirens will fight for every centimeter. I want them to be able to fend off the worst of the worst. Do that while I recover… and I will consider us even." Wilhelm said as he laid back in bed with a sigh.

"You heard the man. You're a teacher for his squad until he gets back on his feet. The Black Death will be returning with Friedrich here in a day or so. So be prepared." Isaac said as he walked out of the room.

Yamato turned to Shimakaze, who looked ready to cry.

"See? You were so worried about the thought of death, you clouded your mind to the possibility that your opponent would stick up for you. You will thank him and the Shikikan properly once you have settled in." Yamato scolded lightly.

"Yes, ma'am." Shimakaze said softly as the battleship led her from the room.