Author's Note: I really appreciate reviews, any kind of reviews. I really welcome critics. I do understand that my English can be painful to read, or that I should have been able to explain better in my fic and cleared out confusion. That is why, for every review, thank you very much. Please let me hear your thoughts.

If you have to be physically weak to be raped, men being raped by women would be non-existent. But it does happen. What matters was always consent. I deliberately write "orders" numerous times, because the premise of the story is, Kanmusu were conditioned to follow orders. Another thing is that they have human heart. I did not really show if Haguro exactly struggled, but what I want to stress is her emotional confusion during and after. When it comes to rape or sexual harassment, there are many layers, and among those that people are often overlook, is the possible self hate victims feel, with numerous underlying reasons. Haguro is not weak, emotionally or physically. That was not my point at all, it was instead the other way around. Because she did not think simply about herself, was the reason why it happened. Because she put her existence as a weapon above her self, is among the reason why the whole thing turned complicated. You can even reread and try to find a single sentence where she blamed the Admiral and you would find none.

If what Grand Marshal said actually sound ethically wrong, then I guess it served its purpose extremely well :P

Anyway, about why this fic suddenly turn into a roller coaster… well.. I have no excuse for that. I am a pretty random author, both in updating frequency and also in storyline. I write what I want…. And well, it doesn't always come up satisfying everyone (nor do I expect it to be….). I will be extremely happy if this fic can humor you even just for a little bit however.

Also, although the setting is, roughly, Japan, this is not extrapolating our current known world. The places, like bases and other, may or may not be the same with human world. It will not be 100% based on real world, nor would it be totally bogus.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kantai Collection or any of the songs I used in this fic. Every Japanese-english translations are done by me, unless stated other wise. All songs belongs to their respective owners.

Someday we will become the light for someone else
so that we can hand over the height of our feelings
the baton that connects me to you
I feel like I can go anywhere
If we look up, there's the blue and the gigantic column of clouds

777 Sisters - FUNBARE RUNNER

Admiral Kudou Soujirou walked briskly away from the meeting room in Yokosuka Naval base main office building. He almost slammed the door, something he did not do in the end since he knew other admirals would go out as well, and just stormed out of the place. The documents on his right hand rustled by the wind of his movement. Some of the documents barely remained inside a blue colored folder he was holding. Just after passing the first garden, light footsteps appeared beside him.

"You seem angry, Commander."

Soujirou did not need to look beside him, to know his I-168 tiptoeing by his side. She seemed to have been waiting by the inner garden, then sprung to her feet the moment she saw him storming outside the meeting room. Her ribbon fluttered in the wind, going up and down with her movement.

"Another unbelievable mission?"

Her words were greeted by silence. He still walked in fast, long strides, which she could match only by half-running. Passing countless pillars and inner garden, they finally arrived at the outer garden, which connected to a viewing platform overseeing the sea.

Finally his strides slowed down.

The sea breeze blew comfortably. It was still before noon. Even the sun was being kind today. Imuya stretched and took a deep breath. When her Admiral was mad, he always went to the sea. That was among the part that she liked about him, the one that was so alike with them Kanmusu. Maybe that was why he relates to them easily?

Imuya's purple eyes peered at her Admiral, watching the familiar handsome face when he sighed.

"... That old man actually proposed for a ludicrous strategy. Even more ridiculous how it is being favored."

One hand rubbed his mouth, feeling the rough texture of his moustache and goatee. Soujirou's grey eyes were fixated on the sea.

"Ludicrous?"

Imuya tilted her head.

"... Inhumane."

"Oh."

The submarine chuckled, having both hands behind her. She was especially accustomed to such treatment, also for being a submarine-the lowest cost, economical sacrificial lamb. Until Admiral Kudou, at least.

"Isn't he always like that, Commander?"

Feeling his goatee, Soujirou did not answer. Seeing him so upset made the submarine chuckled and leaned to him. Her kind Admiral.

"Imuya doesn't worry. Commander will always find a way."

He glanced beside him, to Imuya who observed him with innocent eyes. He looked at her for quite a while, which made her eventually asked, "What is it, Commander? You need something?"

"... I may... " He turned back halfway, thinking. His eyes rested at the main office building. "... I may have an idea. I think it can change the current mission strategy…"

He turned to look at his secretary ship again, seemingly in a considerably better mood.

"But for that, we need a strong surface fleet. I guess I know who to call."

~ Lemon Soda ~

"... Me? Escort?"

Shigure looked incredulously at her Admiral. The Admiral only replied with an "mhm" while writing a memo. Shouhou waited patiently beside her for the memo to be given to the Kanmusu Administration Office.

"Is that alright with me, Admiral? Isn't someone better in either land combat or administrative work will be a good option?"

"I think you are capable enough," the Admiral smiled at her destroyer, giving the memo to Shouhou. She said a word of gratitude, then looked back at Shigure. "It is only a short visit to another base. Kaga is on a long sortie so I need Shouhou to be here to man the office. Besides, I believe I haven't taken you outside yet. When was the last time you were outside the base?"

"That was… several years ago, during Admiral Jiro's time…"

During that time, she was taken for training practice, being only one of the three destroyers actually survived the onslaught of mission and expedition without sinking. The only other ones were Kagerou and Shiranui, who were then chained to another mission. Shigure remembered that time she was brought equipped with depth charges and sonar, to fight against "Kudou-bastard"'s submarines. In the end they still lost, thanks to low morale, and he berated Shigure and Sendai during that time, for being "useless drag" or something. Calling him "Admiral" out of habit suddenly sound wrong. He was never quite an admiral, and now he was fully out of that title.

"Then that means, this is the perfect timing, is it not?" Admiral Tendouji said with a smile. "Just take this as a chance for you to let go off steam and check out places other than this base."

"I see. I understand."

Everyone in the fleet was now accustomed to the way Admiral Tendouji run things. At first they would question her motive, wondering if there were anything else behind her seemingly simple command. Turned out all of her commands were just that, simple. She often took them for a walk around or perhaps having tea. She taught them how to slow down. Perhaps it really was a good time to relax. Lately all Shigure had been doing was expedition to gather resources in faraway seas.

"Just bring some change," the Admiral nodded at her secretary once the deal was established. "We will be there for two days at least."

"Is it far, Admiral?"

"Not quite," Admiral Tendouji chuckled. "It's just that the meeting may take quite some time."

A meeting. Shigure had never escorted anyone to a meeting. Usually it was the secretary ship's role. Admiral Jiro only had Kaga in station and never anyone else. Perhaps Haruna, when Kaga was away. Easy to read that Admiral Jiro extremely disliked destroyer for being "flimsy", "weak", and "only good for expedition and as meatshield".

"Do I need to bring anything else?"

"Maybe swimsuits?"

"Eh?"

She was asking about something along documents or equipments. Swimsuits and meeting naturally did not match each other. Admiral Tendouji laughed.

"I will be mostly busy with the meeting, so you have a lot of free time."

Somehow her smile seemed to mount a thousand meaning.

"The beach there is really nice. You will love it."

Shigure nodded rather hesitantly. Even if she knew the Admiral meant well and had always been genuine in her request, things like this needed time to get accustomed to. A good beach?

"Where are we going, Admiral?"

"Oh, that is a nice question," the Admiral laughed. "Another base. Admiral Kudou's base."

XXX

The packing seemed to mean more than just meeting, however. Shigure helped around when they moved things inside a black military van they would use, finding out that their luggage were more than merely the Admiral's and Shigure's luggage bag. Big metal equipment boxes also came along, and with them, Lieutenant Kouseki. In fact, equipments took up most of the cabin's space that Shigure eventually put her small luggage bag on the seat beside her, near the Admiral's. From the size of the boxes, it seemed they brought along something as big as the 46 cm guns from the sheer size of it. Exchange of equipment between bases did not seem that strange, but it was not often done. Usually the central would be the one to conduct research on weapon, even if it was not strange for individual base to have their own research factory. They had to constantly report their finding though. It was among the schedule in periodic training. Research was a drain in budget and resources. Admiral Tendouji was among the very small number of admirals who actually spent resources on research. Since Admiral Kudou seemed like one of those admirals as well, perhaps they would want to exchange information or maybe having a program of their own research. Shigure knew both admirals were in really good terms with each other. Admiral Kudou often visited their place, even if Shigure herself never really met him after that training session years ago with Admiral—well, ex-Admiral Jiro.

With the van getting quite packed, Shigure wonder how many would tag along. Shigure thought that a private would be the one driving, like always, but instead Lieutenant Kouseki was the one sitting behind the wheel. That means it would be the three of them, and a bunch of equipment. A very small number of people. Not a single escort van or a human adjutant.

Perhaps it was quite strange for a military personnel to go around with such a small number of escort—even almost none. However, for admirals of Kanmusu naval base, there was little danger to be had on land. They were the first and most possibly the only protector of everything concerning sea security and humanity against Abyssals. There was no reason for any sane human to actually want to attack the navy. Of course, some perhaps wanted to steal equipments for whatever reasons (although Kanmusu equipment were actually useless to be used by human) or perhaps weird dark Abyssal cult may sometimes come up, but for 98% of the time, in land the navy were protected by many… for their own safety. Thus, many navy officers, especially those in Kanmusu division, felt that escorts for safety are merely formality.

Shigure was not surprised. After all she herself was there only to fill up Kanmusu escort position and to play on the beach, right?

Before departure, the Admiral changed her clothes into casual getup and so did Lieutenant Kouseki. They surprised Shigure when they appeared from the main building together along with Shouhou, ready to depart.

"Should I change my clothes too?" Shigure asked when the Admiral arrived beside her. The Admiral looked… extremely ordinary on casual clothes. She wore a simple blue pastel loose short sleeve Tshirt and jeans, awfully plain with no accessory. With summer's hot weather, it seemed fashion is not among her concern. That said, the Admiral did not seem to be one to fuss that much about fashion in things other than formal occasions. Admiral Tendouji laughed upon hearing Shigure's question.

"Ah, you can wear anything you feel comfortable really. Your clothes already looked ordinary enough. You won't draw attention when we stop by for drinks and gas. But if you have anything you would like to wear, you definitely can."

Stop for drinks and gas. Usually when they went for training, they went in the form of military convoy, so even if they stop by for gas, they did not jump off the van or truck unless it was in another base. It took almost half a day from their base to Yokosuka, the usual base for training, so they did stop by several time along the way, however never in regular rest area. Now that they actually went in small group, with a ordinarily painted van, camouflaging as ordinary people doing ordinary things seemed logical.

Shigure looked down at her own uniform. The Shiratsuyu uniform only looked like just another uniform from just another high school, although after her second remodel Shigure did receive a few more changes in her uniform/armor. She wondered if she should take off her gloves. Perhaps she should, when they arrived at some public place for gas and lunch. Besides, even if she wanted to, she did not have that many change.

"Do you want to stop by for some clothes?" asked the Admiral when she saw her destroyer's expression as she looked down on her clothes. "I am sure there will be on the way, we will be passing by some city."

Even if that seemed to be interesting, Shigure really did not think that would be necessary. She would only spend her days in the base after all.

"That's unnecessary, Admiral. My swimsuits are still in good condition and I will be using my uniform most of the time in the base. I have no need for clothes."

Admiral Tendouji raised her eyebrows.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I know Suzuya would definitely jump and hug me with a huge yes if I were to ask her that."

"... Suzuya-san is… a different case, Admiral."

Admiral Tendouji laughed, patting Shigure's head. No one can deny Shigure's statement.

They drove away with just Shouhou sending them out. Lieutenant Kouseki, wearing simple shirt and short pants, sitting behind the wheel while the Admiral in the passenger seat beside him. Shigure sat behind the Admiral, looking out through the window during the drive. Most of the time She saw how the small town the base was in did not change since the last time she went out for training. They were as humble as ever, with small number of people and loads of farm fields. The view changed into mountains, covered by cypress and cedar forests. The more they drew away from the sea, the more uneasy Shigure usually felt. Sea was the place where she was strongest. Being away from her home, did make her feel strange. However, she found the world… beautiful, as always, and she did not dislike the world outside her base and her waters. They were foreign, but not ominous.

For one, the sky above them remained the same. If she ever felt discomfort, she could just look up at the sky and felt "at home again". She was still under the same sky.

Occasionally they passed bigger cities. Cities always fascinated her. Perhaps because she was launched and lived in the same naval base, the same old small town, all her life, she found big city's robust human activity interesting. There were more people than she had ever seen, more cars, and buildings as tall as the main office, or even more. She usually felt, how few Kanmusu are compared to these people. Each and every one of them has his or her own life, most probably own family. They may or may not ever actually sail on the sea. Perhaps they did not even realized the existence of Abyssal, or may never seen one in their whole lives. Such a different life they are living… How much different were they with herself, Kanmusu?

They stopped once in a rest area by the mountainside highway. Shigure had never stepped out of the car before in any rest area, but the Admiral said she should, to stretch her legs out after two hours ride. There were some stores and restaurants in the rest area. While Lieutenant Kouseki filled their tank, the Admiral left for the convenience store to get some supply. She asked if Shigure would like to come as well, but the ship hesitated upon seeing the number of people around the store. People do travel a lot on summer, so the rest area was packed. The Admiral seemed to catch her discomfort quickly, gently telling Shigure to just sit by the bench under a canopy beside the vending machine. Shigure got some cold canned lemon soda as well from the Admiral, who bought it to show her how vending machine worked. Shigure had seen those around big cities and even in her own town as they drove by but had never used them before. She watched with eyes of curiosity when the Admiral put in some coins. Since the lemon soda looked really appetizing in the heat of the day (which was nearing midday), when it came out cold Shigure was amazed. Human were so resourceful.

Sitting by the bench, Shigure opened the can with a pop and drank some of it. The lemon soda tasted delicious.

"Good day, young lady."

A friendly elderly voice came up from beside her. Shigure quickly turned to her side, finding an old man wearing a colourful shirt and long trousers standing beside the bench. He was a bit hunched, probably because of his age. A friendly smile lighted his face and he pointed at the empty part of the bench beside Shigure.

"May I sit here? I am waiting for my grandson to finish shopping."

"Of course, Sir. Please."

Shigure politely smile and moved a bit to the side.

"Thank you very much, Dear."

"You're very welcome."

He sat with a huff.

One of the things that Kanmusu watched from human was… how fast they aged. Kanmusu did not grow old. They did grow from purified Abyssal cell line into their current form, but it was limited until their "matured form" and they would stop growing then. It was their machine self that be the limiter. That was why, sometimes they could only grow after remodel, but even then they would not grow old. It was… sad. The Admiral would grow old as well. Time could kill her. It got her thinking that, everything would be lost one day. The sea could claim her Kanmusu comrade's lives just as easily with every mission, but not even the human around her would stay. People come and go in life and constantly changing. Did human understand just how fast they actually change? When time flow differently between you and the person beside you, sometimes it felt… extremely lonely. Asking them to stay was like trying to grip water.

Looking at her lemon soda can, Shigure remembered the Admiral's kind smile. The Admiral once said to her, "One time, one encounter. Life is so fast and unpredictable… Every encounter may be the last, so we have to treasure them. We have to be kind." Seeing how fast human age and change… made Shigure felt like she really should treasure her time more with the Admiral. Now she felt like she had wasted her two hours ride. She was pretty silent along the way, only the Lieutenant and the Admiral talked with each other, occasionally including her, though she did not exactly engage in it. Perhaps she should use this time to get closer with her Admiral.

"Are you with your family, Dear? Waiting for them to shop?"

Shigure jolted at the sudden question. She faced the old man again, who smiled at her, then suddenly hesitated. Family…? I am with my superior…but of course she could not say that. It was extremely hard to lie, she just hoped that the man did not realized her nervousness.

"Ah, y-yes...I am waiting for my family."

For my Admiral.

The old man nodded at her statement.

"It is quite rare seeing a girl your age sitting in the heat like this, usually they prefer to go inside and shop."

"… I am not that fond of crowd, so..."

"Ah, I see. Yes, that can be a hassle. I wait for my family too for the same reason. Also in my age, walking is such sport."

The old man laughed, tapping her cane. He jested… about his age and his predicament. Was it not a big deal? To grow old, have wrinkles, have difficulty walking, etc, was it not something to be afraid of? Was it something to so lightly be laughed about? Knowing that you would imminently have your young body comfort being taken away… was it something… so trivial? Shigure did not understand that. If she were to be in such a body, perhaps she would be afraid everyday. Perhaps she would wish that time would not change in every second of her life.

She wondered how it felt for human, to see someone old like this. Did they feel afraid? Did they wonder how they would eventually end up like this? Just thinking that her Admiral would eventually turn weak and fragile that simply walking would be so hard, made Shigure grew afraid… Suddenly it occurred to her how fleeting these human were.

"Where are you from, Dear? If you don't mind me asking."

My past self… was from Sasebo…

"Aoya-shi, Sir."

"Aoya… Aoya…?

"Umm… Tottori prefecture."

"Oh, Tottori! The sand dunes?"

Sand dunes? Shigure titled her head, that brought more question to the ship perhaps more than the old man's curiosity itself. She politely answered, "We don't live near the sand dunes."

"Ah, I see."

That seemed to be the right answer to take.

"Have you ever been to the sand dunes? They said it's great."

"No, Sir. I haven't seen it myself," what sand dunes? Now Shigure decided she should really ask her Admiral later. "I… I have never been outside of my town..."

Well, she did go to another naval base, but not really outside of naval base. She only had vague idea of how it was outside of the base.

"Eh, really? You don't travel much?"

"Y-yes, my family don't… I guess…"

If she were to include all Kanmusu in the base as family, no they did not. They spent most of their time practicing, on expedition, on sortie, and other schedule. They had all their necessities inside the naval base, and they actually did not have any real interest to go out… Land were foreign for them Kanmusu, so they had little inclination to venture on land. They did often want to explore the waters around the base, however.

"That is really too bad," the old man seemed to sympathize her. "Travelling is good for you. I am from Kyoto myself, going to Shimane. Really long drive for someone as old as me. We can't let age conquer us, eh? Hahahahaha!"

Can't let age conquer us… Perhaps that was why… Shigure smiled. She began to understand the energy of this old man.

"Do you go to Shimane for vacation, Sir?" Shigure finally felt it was appropriate to be the one asking herself. She had never been to Shimane. The old man smiled broadly.

"I am visiting my granddaughter," he said fondly. "I always go around to famous places in the prefecture though. It won't do if we don't know our own country, right? Besides, Dear, meeting other people is always a pleasure. Like meeting you here."

Meeting other people… Shigure was not sure if she had that sentiment. In her memory, almost everyone that was with her left her and now as with the realization of time, she knew that more would. Meeting is the beginning of goodbye. Why, why would people still wanting to meet others? If it would only give them the pain of goodbye.

"You know, Dear, life is short," the old man continued. He seemed to see that Shigure was thinking. "Life is too short to experience everything in the world. But by exchanging stories with other people, visiting as many places to meet as many people you can, you actually can live a part of their lives through their words and the places they lived. When you meet other people, you take a part of their experience as well. You extend your life to others. That is why, Dear, meeting others will always be a pleasure."

… I see.

Do you want to talk about something? It's okay, I want to know. I want to listen.

Suddenly the familiar, awfully familiar statement resurfaced. The words the Admiral always kindly said to them. That she wanted to know, that she wanted to listen. Shigure understood now, it was precisely because life would mean leaving that meeting others was so precious. It was because there was never that much time in life to experience everything, why each encounter means a lot. Perhaps it was because the admiral treasured encounters so much, because she treasured other people so much, that was why she wanted to meet, to know, to experience other's lives.

Without her knowing, in her silence Shigure's grip on her lemon soda can tightened.

"Shigure."

Admiral Tendouji's voice came so close to her, that Shigure felt like being plunged back to reality.

The summer heat, the sound of people talking from afar, the sound of cars by the highway… and Admiral Tendouji, standing beside her now. She had her usual smile, with additional shopping bag by her right hand.. Her eyes moved toward the old man, who smiled at her back.

"A-Admi-"

"Good afternoon, Sir. Thank you for accompanying her."

The Admiral bowed politely at the old man, who returned the bow and the greetings. He chuckled, following how Shigure rose to her feet.

"Ah, you're this lovely lady's mother, dear? I shan't believe you if that is so, you're way too young."

"Ahahahaha, no,no, Sir, I am her sister."

That came out of the Admiral's mouth way too smooth. So smooth and so matter-of-factly, that Shigure found her heart skipped a beat and blushed came into her face. Especially since Admiral gently, naturally, pat her head as she said so.

"Of course! Hahahaahaha! Both of you are very lovely. May I ask where you're heading, Dear?"

"Kure, Sir. We are visiting a friend of mine. Shigure rarely goes out so I figured I will take her along."

"Aah, that is splendid." The old man smiled gently at Admiral Tendouji. "I hope you have a pleasant trip."

"Thank you very much, Sir. Same to you."

Admiral Tendouji turned her head to check on the van, which parked a few meters away, near the exit. Lieutenant Kouseki was waiting. She looked back at the old man.

"It seems my companion is ready to go. It's unfortunate that we should continue our drive. I shall bid you farewell."

"Oh, please, sure," the old man nodded. He looked at Shigure and smiled. "I had a pleasant time, Shigure-chan. Thank you."

"No, Sir. The pleasure is all mine."

"Oh, before you go…" the old man suddenly seemed to remember something. He put a hand on his pocket, grunting a bit, then took out a bunch of keychain. He took one of them, one with the emboss of a pavilion in gold, then offered it to Shigure. "Here, from Kyoto."

"Eh?"

Shigure turned her head to look at the keychain, then to the Admiral, then to the Keychain and the old man, and back again. The Admiral gently pushed Shigure and said, "it's okay, go on. Take it."

Hearing her push made Shigure even more flustered.

"I-Is that okay? I mean, r-really? I…"

"Just take it and remember to visit Kyoto someday in the future, Dear," the old man chuckled. Shigure bowed deeply as she took the keychain with both hands, saying thank you numerous times, and he just laughed. "I always bring a lot for occasion like this. Have a safe trip, Shigure-chan."

Shigure still looked at that old man sitting by that bench, even when the car slowly drove away from the rest area. She just realized that she did not even know his name. The keychain was warm in her palm now, and she looked at it in silence, at the golden pavilion. When she looked up from her palm, she found the Admiral smiled broadly at her, and Lieutenant Kouseki kindly observing her from the rear mirror. Her emotions were a mix of so many things. Everything felt so overwhelming that she felt like she would burst, something that she very rarely felt. She did not know what to say, or what to tell, or if it was… actually interesting. All that came to her heart were a mixture of warmth, of heat, of wonder. Upon finding the Admiral's eyes, however, she remembered the very core of their conversation and, while still feeling extremely exhilarated from everything, the destroyer talked.

"May I ask you something, Admiral?"

"Hmm? Sure. Anything, Sweetheart."

She gripped the keychain tighter, resting her hand on her lap.

"Is there a sand dune in Tottori?"

And from then on, the rest of two hours of their ride were spent by exchanging stories, a lot of them.

XXX

Wearing usual Admiral attire, Airi watched over a tall window, over to a beach where she saw the submarines running around laughing, pushing each other into the wave. She brought her cup of tea closer to her lips and took a sip. She could see Shigure sitting under a parasol near there, accompanied by Mogami.

Footsteps drew closer. A few moments later Admiral Kudou stood beside her, one hand in the pocket while the other one holding a cup of coffee.

"I apologize that both Fusou and Yamashiro aren't around this time," he said. Airi smiled. "I know they would have loved to meet her too. They should be around in three days though. Perhaps you would like to extend your time of visit, Airi?"

Airi laughed at Admiral Kudou's usual way of inviting. After almost one year of knowing each other, slowly they drew closer. From calling last names, into dropping suffix completely, now hearing her own first name called was not as foreign anymore. In the past it would still make her flustered, but now it felt familiar. It still made her quite… proud ad touched to be among the small number of people Admiral Kudou actually regarded genuinely as friends, not just acquaintance or mere work colleague.

"Thank you, Senpai, but I think my base will need my presence."

"Ah, that is unfortunate. I think my base also needs to be graced by your presence a while longer."

Airi laughed. Among many things, Admiral Kudou could become quite a tease. He squinted when his words did not seem to work, then said, "Hmmm… if that did not work, then… what about, "Shigure will definitely be extremely happy to meet Fusou and Yamashiro if you wait for a day longer"."

"Aaaagh now, that is really a hard one."

Airi groaned, scowling. It really was a hard one. When it comes to something that could possibly make her Kanmusu happy, Airi almost always jump on the wagon. The man beside her raised his eyebrows, smiling expectantly.

"So it is a yes this time?"

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahmmmmm… Unfortunately it should be no, but I really wish I could have said yes to that. Shigure can stay however."

"Ah." The man realized what Airi meant. He chuckled. So he still lost the admiral still. "Well, if you want to let her stay longer, I can definitely provide for her. I can return her along with the gun prototype."

"That sounds like a good idea," said Airi, smiling. "Is that really okay for you, Senpai?"

Her handsome companion shrugged, returning her smile.

"Of course. Don't worry about her. We have half of Nishimura fleet. They will be very glad to have her around as well. What excuse would you like me to say to her?"

Excuse…

Like mission. Airi found that some Kanmusu usually felt uncomfortable if they did not receive a mission, even if she actually just wanted them to relax. Like Asashio, although Asashio turned much freer than she usually was. Airi observed the beach for a while, sipping her tea.

"... that will be no need. I will tell her that I will give her time to have reunion with the rest of Nishimura fleet."

Admiral Kudou raised his eyebrows.

"Will that be fine?"

"I believe so. Either way, I think my Kanmusu already understand me," Airi chuckled. She remembered Asashio… then Shigure on the way coming to the base. She turned silent, observing the beach. Admiral Kudou followed her eyes.

Silence crept between them. A rather comfortable one.

"... Can I ask you… to take her around while she is here, Senpai?"

Admiral Kudou raised his shoulder.

"Sure. Any particular place you want her to visit?"

"Mmmh… Not really. You can pick any place you want. Just… let her walk around."

Airi sipped her tea.

"Is meeting other people really alright for us, Admiral?"

"Knowing who she protects will be a good experience for her."

Admiral Kudou chuckled. He took a sip on his own coffee.

"Indeed."

Another silence came to them. Airi still watched her destroyer, then the submarines playing. Admiral Kudou silently followed her eyes, then observed her from the side. Her eyes, whenever she looked at her ships, were always filled with love and affection. However sometimes, there was a tinge of sadness to it. As if she was always apologizing on something.

Not that Admiral Kudou did not understand her feelings.

"Are Nagato, Kongou, Kaga, and Maya enough?"

Suddenly Airi's voice broke the silence. Admiral Kudou seemed to think for a while. He rubbed his moustache and goatee.

"Would your base be alright with that?"

"I still have Akagi, Haruna, Shouhou, Choukai… many more. You don't have to worry."

Admiral Kudou chuckled at the confident answer.

"I see. Then yes, I will take them."

"And the destroyers?"

"Hmmm… I need drums. Can I ask for your Asashio? Or will that be too much for you?"

Asashio. Airi took a deep breath. Asashio was a different case. If she could, she did not want to be too far from her, or to let her go under someone else's command. She knew it was not ideal for her to keep such a view but she could not shake it either. Admiral Kudou smiled upon seeing her expression.

"Don't push yourself. I will take the others."

"... I don't mean it like that. Although her remodel is scheduled for before the date, she still needs some training…"

"Airi, I understand," Admiral Kudou chuckled. He sip his coffee again. "Don't worry, I really do."

"I don't doubt you. I really don't."

The woman really looked a bit frustrated, and seemingly mad at herself. She had always been one to be way too hard on herself. She did not want to hurt Admiral Kudou's pride, nor was she able to convince herself to let go of her daughter. He returned her statement with a gentle reassuring smile.

"I know. That is why I trust you, and your ship. Don't worry."

Airi bit her lower lips. Her companion was always too kind. Even if he fully understood the reason of her hesitance, he did not inquire.

"... I guess I still need more time and adapt myself. Asashio needs to learn to be under someone else as well. Just give me more time."

Admiral Kudou laughed. He patted Airi's shoulder lightly.

"Don't make it such a big deal. You really don't have to think too much about it. Well, what about your Ayanami and Mutsuki, then? Are they free?"

"Ah, I can organize both of them, sure."

"Then I will be counting on you."

"Yes."

Another silence stretched between them. Admiral Kudou watched how energy was still not back inside those brown eyes. He put a hand on Airi's head and rubbed it rather roughly. She immediately shrunk.

"S-Senpai! My hair! My hair!"

"Let me rubbed those stupid thoughts off you now, come on!"

"Okay, okay! Please, Senpai, I yield, I yield!"

"Shall any stupid thoughts come upon you again, this mighty hair ruiner hand of mine will definitely descend to deliver you… your hair of dooooooooom!"

"Senpaaaaaai!"

Finally it ceased, leaving a pouting Airi with her hair tousled. She groaned, walking back inside the office to look into a mirror that hang by the side of the currently empty secretary desk. Admiral Kudou chuckled when he followed her, watching her trying to tidy her hair back.

"Feel better now?" he said, stifling a laughter as he stood behind her, looking at the mirror. Two angry eyes returned his gaze from the mirror's reflection.

"In a way, worse, Senpai."

"Whoa, scary."

She sighed. When she returned her gaze at her hair, though, a small smile returned to her face.

"... but thank you."

He seemed satisfied. He gave a wide smile, then returned to his desk. He took a document up, flipped it, and returned it again, before glancing at her companion.

"So I can send to the central the proposal tomorrow. Is that alright with you, Airi?"

"Certainly, Senpai. If we could finish the documents tonight, I could stamp it before I go home tomorrow."

"Totally possible. We can get it done tonight if we do it together."

"Splendid."

Admiral Kudou sat on his seat, resting his back. He watched as Airi finally got her hair looked better again. A small smile curved his lips as he observed her. She looked… heartwarmingly adorable when she let her guard down.

If only people know how strong she bites.

"Just a little bit more honor point, Airi. Hang in there."

To gain her a foothold, she only need a little more push. The younger admiral smiled sweetly at him.

"With you and Admiral Fukumoto's endorsement…. Thank you very much, Senpai. I don't know how else I can express my gratitude."

"Ahaha, all my pleasure, lady, all of it are my pleasure."

He sighed, watching as she rechecked her hair back by the mirror. His eyes, however, turned dim when he said his next words, which barely came as whispers.

"If it makes you happy, then it is all worth it."

The younger Admiral turned towards him. She raised her eyebrows, tilting her head.

"Senpai? Did you say something?"

"What, you did not hear what I said? That is very impolite, Airi. Tsk tsk tsk."

"Oh, excuse me. I am not the one whispering."

"Underclassmen shall not use that way of talking. Know your ground, O' Peasant!"

"... Uhh, Senpai, sometimes I really do wish I could record that and blackmail you with those recording."

"Eh, I thought that is among my charm."

"... I am not sure about that."

With occasional laughter, they jest some more, while collecting the documents needed to write their proposal. To finish it tonight perhaps they would have to work way after working hour but that was alright. Both had the same goal in mind.

Outside, the Kanmusu continued their play, laughing and splashing water with each other.

I-168 looked up, observing the window of her Admiral's office. She could not suppress a knowing smile, before then continued playing with the others.

XXX

"What do you think of her?"

"I think she is a good person."

"That is all?"

"Imuya does not understand your question, Commander."

Admiral Kudou sighed, resting his body on his office chair. I-168 chuckled at his reaction.

"I don't think my opinion matters anymore anyway," said the submarine with a giggle. She leaned on to the desk, grinning when her admiral glanced at her. "I mean that is totally your choice, Commander."

Her Admiral did not answer right away. He cast his eyes to the ceiling. Perhaps scenarios were playing before his eyes, Imuya would never know.

Suddenly Admiral Kudou chuckled.

"If it is any other situation, asking your wife about other woman is weird, don't you think?"

Imuya laughed.

"One of your wives."

"That too. Wives."

The submarine giggled. Admiral Kudou gave his rings to all of his submarines. She leaned to the desk even more. Her eyes sparkled.

"I understand that your affection to us never change. Imuya does not worry."

Her Admiral's kind eyes, the affection in them, the way he raised his hand and gently patted her… Imuya loved them all. She knew she was not the only one and she knew everyone in the fleet would have answered him the same.

"If she is your choice, go for it, Commander. Simply by that reason, everything is worth it."

~To be continued~

Author's note: Well, a woman can't hold her otomegokoro going wild I guess. :c I guess I slipped.

And yes, there is a sand dune in Tottori Prefecture, by Tottori city. You can just google Tottori sand dunes. The keychain is easily the famous Kinkakuji, Golden Pavilion, in Kyoto.

一期一会 (Ichi go ichi e) One time, one encounter is a 4-kanji idiom or Yojijukugo (四字熟語), often found written on scrolls in tea ceremony room. The concept originated from a tea master and often linked with tea ceremony. It means to treasure every meeting as the last, or that every meeting is a one chance encounter, as it is impossible to be recreated exact in the future.