Commander Blaze, a front line commander story

by Dasmara

Meet William Blaze, a veteran who royally screwed his last mission and was thrown into prison. But when The Sirens invaded, Azur Lane High Command need him once more and so he is reinstated. His new job? Command the beautiful ship girls and give The Sirens big F you in the face. Join them as William balanced his daily life between dealing with the girl's antics and killing Sirens.

20. To the east!

"For the recovery of our sisters, for the new arrivals to this base! Cheers!" Wales said out loud while she smiled.

The audience cheered back as they raised their glasses filled with drinks and drank from them. It was night, and the canteen was lively as the base occupants celebrated the recovery of the sick ship girls, while also welcoming the new arrivals. Food was plenty, drinks flew freely, and the mood was great as the party went on with soft classical music playing from the canteen speakers. Edinburgh walked around with a tray full of drinks on top of it, several girls that passed her took the glasses one by one to switch their empty glasses. Edinburgh dutifully went through her route and saw someone who sat alone in the corner of the room, he looked at the partying girls with a faint but bitter smile plastered on his face. That person is Dr. Takeshi who went to attend the party after William himself told him to attend…

"Drinks, Mr. Koichiro?" Edinburgh asked Takeshi as she offered the drinks.

"Ah, thank you." Takeshi took one of the glasses from Edinburgh's tray.

Edinburgh carried on while Takeshi sat alone as he sipped on the drink. He thought that these girls are still suspicious regarding him working with the Sirens, and they seem to don't want to associate themselves too closely with him. Well, to be fair, he did earn that because in his state of despair and hastiness he decided to allied himself with the entire humanity's enemy, so it shouldn't surprise him when the humans were reluctant to take him back…Though maybe he got away easy because none of the girls harassed him, even though the ship girls didn't see him as an ally, they still have the heart to treat those working with them right. Someone approached Takeshi and sat beside him, it's William who was dressed in a super casual black tracksuit, black track pants, and grey sneakers.

"Don't be so gloomy doc, drink up." William said to Takeshi as he downed his glass which was filled with cognac.

"Not in the mood to drink right now, commander." Takeshi said to William while he frowned a bit.

"Then why did you take the glass?" William asked Takeshi with cocked eyebrows.

"I'm blending in with the atmosphere." Takeshi said to William.

"That so…Did any of the girls mistreat you horribly?" William asked Takeshi.

"N-No, they did no such thing!" Takeshi said to William.

"Well then what makes you look miserable?" William asked Takeshi while he grimaced.

"My wife is pregnant." Takeshi said to William.

William nodded his head as he sipped his cognac before he stopped with a widened eye and stared at Takeshi, wait really? Hope it wasn't because he left her for weeks, and some other guy managed to score…William chose to keep a positive thought, he despised NTR with all his being, but the possibility of it happening is always there. If he had to be honest, he also kind of got NTR'd too when Lena was forced to marry someone else other than him when he already got a ring ready…For fuck sake, now his mood went down a bit when he remembered that, but he struggled to make a smile for Takeshi since it's a great news.

"Um…congratulations?" William said to Takeshi while he smiled a bit forcefully.

"Thanks…god, what a bastard I am…She planned on surprising me when I returned from the mess with Crimson Cleanser and the Sirens." Thank god that Takeshi didn't look at his face.

"What did you tell her?" William asked Takeshi curiously.

"That I've been a fool. I told her a revised version of what happened. Crimson Cleanser attacked me regarding my work, and I had to stay under protection for a while, a truth in a sense but with far less details…I…told her that I should've refused this business trip to spend more time with her." Takeshi said to William as he stared at the floor.

"But what's done is done. What's her reaction?" William reasoned, then asked Takeshi.

"She forgave me, that kind woman forgave me despite everything, despite worrying her…God, I love that woman so much! I swear, I'll treat her right from now on!" Takeshi said out loud before he drank his whole glass of alcohol.

William smiled a bit as he stared at Takeshi, that man really does love his wife huh? So that was what they talked about when William told him to call his wife. Since Takeshi kept his end of the deal, William chose to keep his. He already called Erich and talked regarding Takeshi's condition, even saying that he will get Takeshi's home personally for what he did. Erich agreed to William's request with the condition that he will have to talk to Sakura Empire officials to confirm the pardon that Takeshi will receive upon his return.

"Good for you doc…Listen, I've arranged your return." William said to Takeshi.

"Really?" Takeshi asked William with widened eyes.

"Yeah. The Chairman of Crimson Axis himself gave me the details personally." William said to Takeshi as he took another glass from Suffolk who passed by with a tray of drinks.

"…Sorry but, who the hell are you? You appear in front of me with a ship girl, a soldier, and a commander from Azur Lane, but also possess a connection directly to the Crimson Axis chairman himself!?" Takeshi asked William with curiosity edging on his tone.

That really baffled him to be honest, how could some commander like him possess a direct connection to the Crimson Axis chairman? Despite now that both sides have joined forces, it shouldn't be that easy for him to request something like Takeshi's pardon. Nevertheless, Takeshi figured out why he had that connection at least…In his brief time around this port, he managed to observe the life of the ship girls on this base. There were lots of them, and everyone hailed from different factions, tension was high sometimes as few girls didn't get along well with each other by appearance, but they trusted their commanding officer…Someone that could unite the ship girls must've got some special treatment from the brass, according to Takeshi.

"Well, I do have some friends in high places. Connections, in this world, we're going to need it one way or another." William said to Takeshi then sipped on his drink.

"Huh…" Takeshi said to William.

"Back to the topic. We will go with a military C-17 tomorrow morning, a flight straight for Tokyo. Apparently, you will need to be debriefed first." William informed Takeshi.

"Debrief, they could've-" Takeshi said to William with widened eyes.

"Kill you? No, they won't, you have my word on that. The Sakura Empire is willing to forgive your mistakes and treachery on one condition, you are to disappear." William said to Takeshi, looks like the doctor is a bit paranoid.

"D-Disappear?!" See?

"Witness protection program. Essentially, you'll be given a new name and move somewhere else out of Osaka. That a good enough deal for you?" William asked Takeshi as he folded his arms.

"It is…but how? How did that happen?" Takeshi asked William curiously.

"Hah…just call it a favor, you owe me for this one doc." William sighed then said to Takeshi.

"I see…Thank you, Commander Blaze. Hah." Takeshi said to William before he sighed in relief.

He felt bad that he asked such favor from Erich, it's not like he actually already did something for him that warrant him the ability to ask favor from the man, but he took two requests directly from him. One when he had to go toward Southern Ironblood to pick up Takeshi while the other one was to get him home, maybe Erich agreed because he also wanted to finish this current mess with Takeshi then move on to the next one? Maybe…William leaned on his seat when he noticed Illustrious walked toward him with a little girl in tow, she smiled softly as she bowed her head a bit.

"Lord William." Illustrious greeted William.

"Illustrious, don't go too hard on the wine alright?" William said to Illustrious as he smiled.

"Mou, I'm not as bad as you with alcohol~" Illustrious said to William with teasing tone while she smiled.

"Fair enough. Hmm?" William noticed that the little girl peeked out from behind Illustrious.

"Milord, Unicorn here would like to get to know you better." Illustrious said to William while she smiled.

"Is that so? Come here Unicorn, you don't have to be shy. Come and sit down with me." William said to Unicorn while he smiled gently.

"Um…Y-Yes." Unicorn nodded her head.

Illustrious gently brought Unicorn to her front, the little girl with purple hair shyly looked at William, while she hugged the unicorn plushie close to herself. Adorable? For sure, this little girl just oozed with an aura that makes him want to protect and head pat her. Unicorn sat while Illustrious kept her company by also sitting beside her, Unicorn stared at the glass of alcohol that William gripped in his hand, but Illustrious gently poked her shoulder and moved her index finger sideways as if saying 'no, no' to Unicorn. She nodded her head and then stared at William who cocked his eyebrows in wonder what will Unicorn say to him?

"C-Commander, I…heard a lot about you." Unicorn said to William.

"Oh really? What did you hear?" William asked Unicorn.

"I heard that commander is a very strong, brave, and kind person." Unicorn said to William.

"Oho…Now, who told you that?" William asked Unicorn while he smiled

"Lots of big sisters said that, even big sis Illustrious said so!" Unicorn said to William while she smiled.

And with that, Illustrious' body jerked in remembrance while William and Takeshi stared at her…There's a reason why Unicorn saw William as such, and maybe that was influenced by Illustrious talking about him during their return from the airport. Abercrombie asked what kind of man is in charge of the base, and Illustrious was the one who explained from when William came for the first time to their base all the way until his latest operation with Brooklyn adding few parts of the story.

"I…kind of went overzealous when I talked about you on our way from the airport." Illustrious said to William sheepishly.

"That's so…Well how about you? What did you think when you saw me, Unicorn?" William asked Unicorn while he smiled.

"Um…Commander is a nice person but, your face…it's frightening me a bit." Unicorn answered truthfully.

"Ouch…children's honest words do hurt the most." William said out loud while he cringed.

"Children?" Illustrious asked William with cocked eyebrows.

"She's destroyer age appearance wise, isn't she?" William commented to Illustrious while he shrugged.

"Agreed…Hmmm, now I know your taste in women, I'm glad~." Illustrious said to William while she smiled widely.

"Wait, really? What's that supposed to mean?" William narrowed his confused gaze at Illustrious.

"Um, can I call you big brother?" Unicorn suddenly asked William.

"That came out of nowhere…May I know the reason?" William was genuinely surprised to say the least.

"I always wanted a big brother; I have a lot of big sisters already." Unicorn said to William with hopeful eyes…

"Hahahahaha, alright alright, you can call me that from now on." William relented and allowed her to call him such.

"Yay! Thank you, big brother!" Unicorn said to William while she smiled widely.

"Unicorn, please follow me for a bit. Thank you for your time, milord." Illustrious said to William as she stood up.

"Thank you, big brother." Unicorn said to Illustrious while she smiled and waved at him.

"Don't mention it you two." William said to them while he also waved and smiled.

…William looked to the side to see Takeshi stared at him with a confused gaze, William just shrugged, and Takeshi also shrugged back then stood up before he left the party area, William kept his gaze at him all the way to the canteen's front door. Well, as long as he didn't try to dick around the base, William would let him to his own means. Just as he's about to enjoy his drink again he saw Abercrombie who sat with Hood on one of the available seats in the corner, she looked like she's telling Hood a story enthusiastically while Hood listened at her while she sipped on her wine…Looking at them from afar, you could mistake them as a daughter who just returned home from school as she enthusiastically tells her mother how her day has been going…To be fair, they do look alike with how their blonde hair and blue eyes matched each other. Few moments passed before Hood pinched Abercrombie's left cheek as she said something while she smiled…Huh, William only assumed that Abercrombie was being a handful just like Hood had said. Suddenly though he was rammed by someone from the side, William caught the person, and it turned out to be Prinz herself.

"Whoa, careful there." William said to Prinz while he smiled.

"Whoopsie, ehehehehe~" Prinz said to William while she giggled.

"…How many bottles have you drunk already?" William immediately assumed that Prinz had been drinking.

"I lost count…at three." Prinz said to William as she leaned on his face.

"Dammit Prinz, I do give you permission to drink freely, but that doesn't mean you have to be wasted in every party that we hold!" William said to Prinz as he held her face to prevent her advance.

This is the current problem he has with Prinz regarding her drinking behavior, she didn't hesitate to drink on a daily basis and during a party, she could be guaranteed ended up being drunk. Once in a while should be fine, but this happens at every party or celebration! She could be uncontrollable too, so William made a note to always be aware where Prinz was during a party, so he could quickly bail her out from causing a scene if something happened…

"Oh, come on…We're celebrating! My sister's…recovery! And the new girls! What's wrong with…getting a little wasted, huh?" Prinz asked William while she poked on his right cheek.

"The fact that you have morning patrol duty tomorrow?" William was left unfazed as he stared at Prinz with half closed eye.

"That? Bah! You know, I could hit…a Siren while on the verge of passing out…I'm sure…I could do so with a hangover~" Prinz confidently said to William.

"Just so you know I'm going to remember those words of yours…Gneisenau, come here for a bit." William said to Prinz before he called Gneisenau over.

"Ja kommandant, you need me for something?" Gneisenau asked William.

"Help me a bit by getting her back to her room, she looks like she's about to pass out any moment now." William said to Gneisenau as he handed Prinz over to Gneisenau.

"…Again?" Gneisenau asked William with half closed eyes.

"…Yeah." William said to Gneisenau while he cringed.

"Hah…Come on Eugen." Gneisenau said out loud as she scooped Prinz over on her shoulder.

"Weeeeee~. I'm flying~" Prinz said out loud while Gneisenau carried her back to Ironblood's dorm.

"Sheesh, how many drunkards will this base get when all the ship girls are here?" William said out loud before he facepalmed.

.

The next morning, William prepared for his trip to the Sakura Empire with Belfast's help. Dressed in his white officer blazer, white shirt, black tie, white pants, and black shoes, William checked himself in the mirror, and he felt he looked neat though when he looked at his face closely he could saw that his beard has started to grow…Guess he forgot to shave these past few days, Belfast gave him an all clear before she offered him his snub nosed Colt Python revolver which William took and holstered in his holster on the hip. Why did he carry the hand cannon most of the time now? Turns out, he prefers solid firepower and hand cannons are moderately effective against the Sirens…Last he read from a field report. William exited the administrative building and immediately saw four girls standing at the front door.

"Atago, Takao, Zuikaku, Shoukaku…Isn't Hood being a little overprotective, again?" William muttered to himself as he walked toward them.

"Ohayou gozaimasu, shikikan-dono." Takao greeted William.

"Ohayou, shikikan!" Zuikaku greeted William.

"Ohayou gozaimasu, shikikan-kun~" Atago greeted William.

"Ohayou gozaimasu, shikikan-sama." Shoukaku greeted William.

"Morning ladies…So, your four are my escorts." William said to them while he smiled.

"Hai, with the four of us you have nothing to worry about, shikikan!" Zuikaku said to William while she grinned.

"I thought so. Where's Takeshi?" William asked as he looked around.

"He went to the toilet." Atago said to William.

Toilet? Well, better go to one because it'll be a long flight from this island all the way to Tokyo. William shrugged as he walked forward to see that the SUV had been prepared, who's going to drive this one? Shoukaku stepped forward a bit and noticed that William wasn't carrying a crutch but he got a walking stick instead. Walking stick? When did he buy one? The truth is that he didn't, Belfast secretly ordered one online because she thought that one day William will have to go outside but carrying a crutch would make it look awkward. So, she ordered one with express delivery straight from London, and it only took one day before it arrived…the head maid is scary sometimes.

"Hmm, you switched your crutch into a walking stick." Shoukaku commented while she smiled.

"Belfast bought one for me, it'll be awkward if I have to use crutches, she said. I like it though, it makes me look a little classy, don't you think?" William asked Shoukaku as he spun the stick a bit.

"Perhaps. All you're missing now is a monocle, a pipe smoke, a top hat, a thick coat, and a classic British aristocrat's attitude." Shoukaku said to William while she smiled.

"Huh, right." William said to Shoukaku while he pursed his lips.

"I'm here." Takeshi said out loud from behind William.

"Good, come on, let's go. We're late." William said out loud to everyone.

They headed for the airport, specifically the secluded military hangar on it, boarded the C-17 cargo plane, and immediately took off and headed straight for Tokyo…Accordingly, the flight will only take around four hours. Nothing eventful happened during the flight, all of them were busy minding their own business. William himself spend his time in flight reading through the database and E-Books, Atago was busy watching videos, Takao took a short nap, Zuikaku and Shoukaku spent the time by talking while Takeshi himself spend majority of his time in flight staring outside the window…Four hours went by, they reached Sakura Empire and are currently flying over Tokyo before landing.

"Look there, shikikan. We're entering Tokyo's airspace." Zuikaku, who sat beside William, said while she pointed at the scenery outside the plane.

"Wow…the rebuilding process is quite fast." William said out loud while he smiled.

"Of course, since our people valued our work ethics and discipline." Shoukaku said to William while she smiled.

Little side note, Tokyo was under attack by Eagle Union on a daring raid to crumble the morale of the Sakura Empire fleet out there. A task force slipped behind the frontline, two carriers, several battleships, and dozens of cruisers and destroyers. The task force dealt significant blow on Tokyo's infrastructure and severely crippled Sakura Empire forces in Tokyo, fortunately Sakura Empire had ship girls on standby in case of an attack on the mainland. At that time, 1st, 3rd, and 5th Carrier Divisions of Sakura Empire were on shore leave, they immediately joined the fray and filled the sky with hundreds of planes. The scene was described from one of the surviving crewmen, 'The sight of hundreds of steel birds diving down on us with bombs, torpedoes, rockets, and bullets. They might be outdated compared to our fighters, but they still destroyed eighty percent of our fleet within five minutes'…The plane landed on one of the military base's airports, William and the others disembarked and saw several people waiting for them directly in front of the parked plane's rear hatch. There's an elderly man dressed like a Sakura Empire Commanding Officer, and he was escorted by four soldiers with poker faces and Type 89 Howa Assault Rifles in their hands. He must be the one in charge of the base, and the one Erich told to welcome them. The man walked forward and William managed to take a better look at him, he saw the rank patch and William went tense a bit…the freaking General of the Army of Sakura Empire himself was the one who welcomed them?!

"Good morning Commander Blaze, I'm General Satoshi Kabakura. A pleasure to meet you personally." Kabakura offered his hand as he talked to William.

"Likewise, general. My name's William Blaze, good to be here." William immediately composed himself as he shook Kabakura's hand.

"I see Dr. Koichiro is safe and sound." Kabakura commented as he saw Takeshi behind William.

"Commander Blaze here is really capable, general. He rescued me and kept me safe." Takeshi said to Kabakura while he smiled.

"Good to know. Please, follow me. Let's talk inside." Kabakura said to them as he started to walk.

William and the group followed Kabakura inside the military installation, they went through several corridors until they arrived at a set of double wooden doors. The men that were with them opened the door and revealed a meeting room that looked to be used for confidential meetings, they went inside and seated themselves on the chairs. William subtly noted that the men stayed outside…Hmmm, well, William tried not to think too much about it as Kabakura sat in front of William.

"We've heard of your prowess Blaze-san, I think every unit of any military force on Earth has by now." Kabakura said to William while he smiled.

"Really? What part exactly?" William curiously asked Kabakura.

"The part where you fought on the Isle of Terania with the Sirens or the part where you infiltrated a facility full of terrorists and swarmed by Sirens, but managed to get out without a single casualty?" Kabakura asked William back as he rested his arms on the table.

"…Ho, that was pretty detailed." William narrowed his gaze at Kabakura.

"Your combat recordings became the source of an example commander, an example of what one ordinary man could do." Kabakura said to William while he smiled.

"You know, I couldn't do all that without the ship girls." William said to Kabakura honestly.

"That you are, but you still combated Siren infantry by yourself, and that is something admirable for anyone out there…It showed our soldiers that the Sirens could be defeated." Kabakura said to William.

"I see." William said to Kabakura as he nodded his head.

…It looks like the combat recordings from the camera attachment that William handed over to Lena were being used as reference material, William admitted that he's among the few that survived several encounters against the Sirens in close quarters, and that prompted his recording as valuable source of intel and direct example on what one man could do against them. But this really gave away his reputation and identity, now there's a good chance that the majority of the people out there knew about him, and he felt uncomfortable with the thought…he always enjoyed anonymity after all. Suddenly the door was knocked a few times before it was opened, and several people went inside with trays and trolleys, is it lunchtime already?

"Now, shall we eat something first? We could discuss Dr. Takeshi's situation over a meal." Kabakura said to William while he grinned.

"Great idea general." William said to Kabakura while he smiled.

The people that brought the food expertly set everything up in under three minutes, the plates, the utensils, the food, and then they bowed a bit before they closed the door again. Now, what's in front of them was a wide array of food made in Sakura Empire style. William immediately went hungry just from smelling the fragrance of the dishes, the ship girls and Takeshi also looked astonished and delighted at the sight of their lunch. Kabakura nodded his head in satisfaction, he's pretty sure that eating good food would ease any tension between them.

"Whoa…" Takeshi said out loud while he smiled.

"Please, no need to hold back." Kabakura said to them while he smiled.

"Don't mind if we do, general." William said to Kabakura while he also smiled.

Oh yes, don't mind him filling his belly with good food. Looks like the theme for today is seafood, William took some of the fish, the tempura, sushi, and a few other side dishes. William briefly looked around and noted that everyone had begun eating, the ship girls were all chatting merrily as they enjoyed the dish, Takeshi was busy filling himself with food, and Kabakura himself already started munching on the tempura shrimp. William smiled as he ate the sushi and then followed by the tempura shrimp, Kabakura however noted that William expertly used the chopsticks to eat.

"You know how to use chopsticks." Kabakura commented at William.

"Atago here taught me how." William said to Kabakura as he pointed at Atago who sat beside him.

"William shikikan is a fast learner, it didn't take long until he could use them effectively." Atago said to Kabakura while she smiled.

"Hahahaha, is that so…must be tough isn't it? Becoming a multinational leader for a specialized task force? You have a lot of culture to learn." Kabakura asked William while he grinned a bit.

"Yes, you're correct on that one." William said to Kabakura while he smiled.

They ate their lunch while occasionally talking about mundane things, Kabakura felt like he should know the man he's dealing with first…The man that is sitting in front of him, William Blaze possessed a direct connection that was even enough to influence someone like Erich Von Steinberg himself to play in his favor. Plus, the man possessed amazing combat capabilities, and he didn't even flinch when he had to face a Siren in close quarter combat. In his eyes, William Blaze was someone Kabakura didn't want to mess with despite him greatly outranking the commander…After he thought a bit, Kabakura decided to get into the main topic of William's visit today.

"…Koichiro-san, I have to be honest. What you did is treachery of the highest order. Our emperor himself wasn't pleased to discover that one of his own people is trying to work together with the Sirens after what happened between us last time. Accordingly, you should be sentenced to death…But, Chairman Erich is adamant that you are to be spared, that alongside Blaze-san's request have been taken into consideration and thus you are spared." Kabakura explained to Takeshi with a serious face.

"I can't thank everyone enough for giving me a second chance." Takeshi said to Kabakura as he smiled in relief.

"You should, so honor that by not doing that ever again. Also, your position in the Osaka lab has been removed. From now on, you will work directly under the Empire's science division." Kabakura said to Takeshi.

"A promotion?" William curiously asked Kabakura.

"His knowledge and skill should be useful…I take that you have no objection, doctor?" Kabakura asked Takeshi while he intertwined his fingers.

"I-I have none whatsoever, general! I am glad!" Takeshi said to Kabakura while he bowed his head a bit.

"But before that, you will have to undergo a witness protection program. You and your wife would have to remain incognito as you move to Okinawa." Kabakura said to Takeshi.

"After what I've done, I think I'm in no position to bargain." Takeshi said to Kabakura as he smiled bitterly.

"I'm glad you're a smart man. The details will be given to you later, you will be given three days to head to Osaka to pack your things." Kabakura informed Takeshi.

"Hai, wakarimashita." Takeshi nodded his head in understanding.

"Yosh…Now, Commander Blaze. I've heard that your division works by accepting commissions?" Kabakura asked William as he shifted the topic of conversation.

…What is this? Why did Kabakura suddenly mention commission? How did he manage to get the information that ALASUC worked by accepting commissions? William came to a simple conclusion, Erich must've told him…It's fine, ALASUC didn't limit the commission acceptance from Azur Lane only as they could do so from Crimson Axis and other organizations too, provided they have the necessary capability to reward them. They're not mercenaries though, if the work didn't suit their purpose then they could flat out refuse the commission. Now, if Kabakura mentioned this then William was sure that he would request something from ALASUC.

"Yes. Figuratively, we're still under the command of Azur Lane High Command despite the fact that we've been given more…freedom in the way we work. But we are allowed to take on requests or 'commissions' from others, and we could choose to work on it or not. I have to warn you that utilizing ship girls resources will cost you quite a bit." William explained to Kabakura regarding the commission.

"I've heard. There's an order to send ship girls to your base in accordance with the direct order from the council, although we need to send them out periodically, so as not to arouse suspicion from the Sirens. I am willing to immediately send you eight ship girls directly after the commission is complete alongside…this." Kabakura said to William.

Kabakura also showed William a hologram picture that came out of the room's hologram projector. It's a model of swept wing aircraft, but the model suggested that it's not a fighter or a bomber aircraft. There's a door behind it, hmm that alone served as indication that this aircraft is some kind of transport. However, William noted something because the engine of the aircraft isn't a rotor, but it's a jet engine…Wait, they manage to make a Vertical Take Off Landing aircraft that's even larger than Harrier and F-35 Fighter jets?

"…A transport?" William said to Kabakura.

"Not just any transport. This is our first prototype for a dropship, Hybrid Transport Model One or HTM-1 or as the engineers like to call 'Acheron'. VTOL craft with jet engines, armed with flexible armament tech derived from wisdom cubes, this aircraft could fit in fifty or more people and has the capability to fly at Mach four. Impressive piece of work for a prototype, isn't it?" Kabakura asked William while he folded his arms while he smiled confidently.

"It is, I am impressed that your engineers could already produce this kind of aircraft." William said to Kabakura while he stared at the model with awe.

"You must understand that we previously worked with the Sirens for quite some time, they shared some of their tech with us, and this is the result." Kabakura explained a little to William.

"Fair enough…So, this aircraft alongside eight ship girls? That's quite a lot for a commission reward. I'd like some details." William said to Kabakura, now he's interested.

"We could discuss the details later, but here's the outline…Yesterday, our military complex on the isle of Furushima was hit by a Siren strike team. Those monsters managed to set up shop on two of the islands and constantly bring reinforcements there, that army is withering our forces bit by bit. So far, we could hold the line by ourselves, but this constant deadlock won't last much longer…A few KANSENs are already there in the defense of the isle, the task is to reinforce the isle and beat the Sirens back to wherever they came from." Kabakura explained the situation to William.

"This military complex, is that important to you? I've seen tactics to do torch and burn operations to deny the enemy from acquiring any of your tech and information. Why didn't you do that for this one?" William curiously asked Kabakura.

"…This facility is where we do research on wisdom cubes and where our shipyard is located, it's also our largest staging point for our combat operation in the northern pacific. To put it shortly, it's very important for the Sakura Empire to not lose the base as it will definitely cripple our capability on fighting the Sirens there…Can we count on your help?" Kabakura asked William with serious tone.

…So, a military complex, shipyard, and wisdom cube research facility all in one? No wonder the Sirens want to raze it to the ground so bad. That facility on Furushima could be valued as a strategic site and losing it would set back years of research, resources, severe loss of manpower, and that will definitely cripple Sakura Empire forces in the area. William understood the situation but he needed to know more, but asking for more information could give a suggestion to Kabakura that he will accept the commission…Truth to be told, William did want to help, but he really needed to ask the secretaries' and fleet representatives' opinions. They're the ones who knew the Sirens better than him and the ones with more experience in facing them, he wanted to involve them in the decision making too.

"I have no problems whatsoever, but I will also consult my secretaries and fleet representatives before executing a high risk commission." William said to Kabakura.

"I understand. How long would you need?" Kabakura asked William.

"I'll let you know when we're done, general." William said to Kabakura.

"Alright, just please don't take too long as our forces will depart for the isle tonight." Kabakura said to William while he smiled somberly.

…After the talk with Kabakura, William and the ship girls decided to take Takeshi to the nearest train station because he had been cleared to return home. After a brief discussion on what kind of transportation he wanted to take, Takeshi said he wanted to ride the train. Not sure why, but William went along with his choice as he probably wanted to buy some souvenirs for his wife…They reached the station with the borrowed car from the military base, after parking the car they immediately headed for the entrance.

"Well, I guess this is it?" Takeshi asked out loud as he turned around.

"Yeah…Sorry I couldn't take you to your home personally, something urgent came up." William said his apology to Takeshi.

"I understand, our forces would definitely need you and the ship girls to help there. I'll be fine on my own from here on, this is my home after all." Takeshi said to William as he shrugged.

"Yeah, I reckon…Thanks for everything doc." William said to Takeshi as he extended his hand toward him.

"No, I should be the one who thank you for saving me from a horrible fate. If you weren't there, the Sirens would've got to me, and I wouldn't have another chance to come back home." Takeshi said to William as he shook William's hands.

"Then let's thank each other…Good luck doc, take care of yourself and your wife." William said to Takeshi as he smiled.

"To you as well commander, may you attain victory in all of your battles." Takeshi said to William while he also smiled.

"Hakase, kore." Atago said to Takeshi.

Atago handed him something, Takeshi looked at what he's been handed and saw a red and blue card. The card showed a picture of him working in the infirmary in sketch artwork, who could've created that? Must be one of the sick girls that was exposed to the gas, the drawing looked exactly like him when he was monitoring one of the sick girls. There's a message written, 'Doctor, thank you for healing us!' and an attached Medal of Honor on it. Takeshi smiled widely, the girls did care for an outsider like him who helped them out…William tapped Takeshi's shoulder, he smiled as he pointed at the card.

"This medal was given to you in recognition of your service. You saved thirteen ship girl's lives and for that, your action is worth far more than the destruction of a Siren base. Their lives aren't replaceable…You earned it, Takeshi." William said to Takeshi while he smiled.

"I…don't know what to say, this really makes me happy." Takeshi said while he smiled widely.

"You could always frame it…Don't forget about us, you hear?" William asked Takeshi.

"For sure…Kimitachi, arigatou gozaimasu. Boku ga kansha shimasu, shiawase dayo." Takeshi said to William then to the ship girls.

"Doitashimasite hakase, kyoushikete kudasai." Zuikaku said to Takeshi while she smiled.

"Hai…Dewa, sayonara." Takeshi said to the ship girls.

Takeshi bowed his head and waved at William alongside the ship girls as he disappeared into the station, William and the four girls waved back while they watched all the way until they couldn't see Takeshi anymore…They might have suspected the doctor back then, they might have been reluctant to work with him few days ago, but the doctor is a man of his word and seemed to regret his action back on Southern Ironblood. That's why the girls appreciated what he had done, they may didn't have had the chance to thank him personally, but that card did and will serve as a memento of his time with ALASUC. Now that one thing is off his checklist, he really needs to call the ladies back at base regarding this huge commission…But William feels that since he hasn't been to Tokyo before, perhaps he should look around a bit? Going here with only business in mind is a bit boring.

"…Well, we're in the middle of Tokyo. Should we go around for a bit?" William suggested out loud to the four KANSENs.

"Shikikan-dono, have you forgotten that we have a commission to think about?" Takao asked William with hands on her hips.

"Not at all Takao, but we're already here, so why not go around and enjoy ourselves a bit? You know, since this is my first time being here." William said to Takao while he smiled.

"…I suppose that's fine." Takao relented after she thought about it.

"Hey, why don't we go shopping for a bit?" Atago suggested out loud.

"And carrying it around even if we accept the commission?" Takao asked Atago with cocked eyebrows.

"Didn't you know that these days shops provide delivery service? We could have our things shipped directly to our base." Atago said to Takao while she smiled.

"Really Atago…" Takao said to Atago while she stared with half closed eyes.

"Mou it's fine, Takao. Imagine finding some new clothes that might not be available online, I think it's worth the effort to look around for a bit." Shoukaku said to Takao while she clasped her hands.

"If Shoukaku nee said so. Shikikan, looks like we will go clothes shopping." Zuikaku said to William.

"…Lead the way then." William said out loud while he shrugged.

After they discussed it a bit, they agreed to stay close to the station and the parked car, but they didn't really account for the fact that there's a giant Caucasian man in a navy commanding officer uniform, two girls dressed in white with animal ears while carrying katanas, and two girls dressed in fancy kimono styled clothes all walking down the street together. They really stood out among the pedestrians! Everyone stared at them as they walked down the street while looking for something that could catch their interest…William decided to ignore the stares, he put on wireless headphones and decided to call his personal secretary, Hood.

"Good afternoon. Did you miss me already, milord?" Hood asked William as soon as she answered the phone call.

"Oohh, you're being flirty today…Something good happened?" William asked Hood on the phone while he smiled.

"You can say that. I just finished the novel that I have with me yesterday, the ending was so adorable it makes my heart squeal in happiness." Hood said to William on the phone before she sighed, she still remembers those scenes very well.

"Glad to hear that." William said to Hood on the phone while nodding his head.

"…By the way, you didn't answer my question~" Hood said to William with a teasing tone on the phone.

"…Well, how about 'wish you were here with me in Tokyo'? I reckon an afternoon tea in a side street café would be lovely in this weather, especially in the company of a refined lady such as yourself." William said to Hood on the phone while he smirked.

"Ufufufu, indeed. I'm afraid I have to decline though, you're a thousand kilometers away after all." Hood said to William on the phone after she giggled.

"Hmph. Here I thought you'll do anything for the man you lo-" William said to Hood on the phone when he felt someone clung to his left arm.

"Shikikan-sama, you have four beautiful girls here, and you're still calling another girl? Aren't the four of us more than enough?" Shoukaku asked William while she playfully frowned.

"Ara ara, naughty boy~" Atago said out loud as she clung to William's right arm.

"Shikikan-dono, let's go there. I think I saw some clothes that will fit you." Takao said to William as she pulled his left hand.

"Ah! Yeah! Come on shikikan!" Zuikaku said to William as she pushed him from behind.

"Okay, okay! Easy there, ladies!" William said out loud to them.

Well, if they're attracting attention before then now they're making the civilians around them whisper at each other. The four of them are obviously Sakura Empire ship girls who clung closely at a commander who wore a Royal Navy naval uniform! The majority of the civilians didn't know how they exactly operate yet, so they certainly will cause rumors to surface with this little antic! Bah! William decided to give zero fucks about it, he'll let someone above handle any mess regarding their public appearance!

"…You're having fun there~?" Hood asked William on the phone with an amused tone.

"I'm about to turn into a mannequin for a fashion show, define 'fun' for me?" William asked Hood on the phone with half closed eye.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll enjoy it." Hood said to William on the phone.

"I wonder…Alright, enough chit chat. Hood, assemble the fleet representatives and the secretaries online. We have a request for a big commission, but before accepting it I want to hear you ladies' opinions." William said to Hood on the phone.

"Consider it done, wait one moment." Hood said to William on the phone.

They arrived at a large boutique; William cocked his eyebrows as the ship girls led him in. The boutique was lined up with various clothes, outfits, and costumes…Huh, looks like this is the kind of shop where it sells every kind of clothes imaginable. The boutique is also quite vast, safe to say this shop has been successful for quite some time. An employee who stood near the entrance smiled at them, she's about to greet them before she saw William, and she sweated a bit because she didn't know English. However, upon seeing four girls with Asian features the shopkeeper immediately assumed they knew Japanese.

"Irasshaimase, okyaku-sama." The shopkeeper said to them which they replied by smiling.

"Okay, four of us will pick an outfit for you, and then we'll judge it together!" Zuikaku said to William.

"Right, sure." William simply replied.

And just like that William was left alone in the middle of the boutique with the employees and several customers staring at him, William only shrugged while he grinned as he started to inspect some clothes around him…Did he really need additional clothes? Maybe, he didn't have many clothes back on the base, so possessing some more outfits when he had to go outside would be nice. He'll let the girls pick out his clothes, admittedly girls are more proficient when it comes to fashion sense, which William's got almost zero knowledge of. After waiting for quite a bit while he browsed for some good boxers, the girls returned, each with their selected outfits in their hands. They dragged him to the nearest changing room, the first one that will present their findings is Shoukaku.

"Try this please." Shoukaku said to William while she smiled.

William wordlessly took the clothes, and he went inside the changing room…After a while, William opened the changing room doors and presented himself to the waiting ship girls. He's dressed in a light brown leather jacket, crimson t-shirt, black leather gloves, black jeans, with sunglasses donned on his face, and a dog tag around his neck. William came out of the room and he honestly caused a few lady customers to stop and look at him.

"He looks stylish." Zuikaku said out loud while she smiled.

"Have to agree. All you lack now is a motorcycle." Atago said out loud.

"Not bad, not bad at all." Takao said out loud.

"Alright, my turn!" Zuikaku said out loud as she handed William her chosen outfit.

"Okay." William simply said to Zuikaku.

Zuikaku's choice of clothes caused William to narrow his eye a bit, but he shrugged and wore it anyway…William opened the door to the changing room, he now wore blue turtleneck sweater with black blazer, denim blue jeans, non-prescription oval glasses, and an analog watch. Mhm, he had to say that he looked dashing especially with slicked back hair style which will turn him into your standard anime antagonist…

"Semi casual outfit really looks good on you, shikikan-sama." Shoukaku said to William while she clasped her hands.

"I think you're right." William said out loud as he turned around to check how he looked.

"Shikikan-dono, that outfit should serve you well for your outing." Takao said to William while she smiled.

"I think you will look even better if you change your shoes." Atago said to William while she smiled.

"…Not happening." William said to Atago, he hates to take off and put on his shoe multiple times.

"Oh well. My choice is next." Atago said to William.

Atago dumped the clothes she chose to William, and the man reentered the changing room to change his clothes again, the girls turn out choose many nice clothes for him to use…William came out of the room, and this time he's dressed in a black overcoat with grey sweater underneath, black gloves, and comfy long black pants. Simple, neat, and should function really well during winter time…William started to see a pattern with how the girls choose the clothes for him, why do most of them select the clothes with the black color on it?

"Whoa, looking neat shikikan!" Zuikaku said to William while she grinned.

"You could very well use that during winter, right?" Atago asked out loud.

"Oh right, that looks very warm, Atago." Takao commented while she nodded her head.

"Indeed, but don't you think it's a bit tight?" Shoukaku said to Atago while she pointed at William.

"Shikikan does have a big body, I'll go ask for the biggest size available later." Atago said to Shoukaku.

"And maybe get him a wool hat while you're at it." Shoukaku suggested to Atago.

"Well for now it's working as intended and he looked dashing, I considered that as a plus. Now, it's your turn, Takao-chan." Atago said to Takao while she smiled.

"…I'm not that knowledgeable regarding outfits, but here you go shikikan-dono." Takao said to William as she handed the clothes to him.

"Alright, let's see." William receives the clothes from Takao.

Takao's choice was lighter than the others, oh well, William shrugged as he started to put on the clothes Takao chose…After a while, William showed the ship girls how he looked. William wore a green shirt, light brown cargo pants, complemented with sunglasses, and a small sling bag. This time however the girls took a while in analyzing his looks and that caused William to stare in confusion. Did he look weird or something? He looked good in his own opinion when he checked himself out in the mirror earlier…

"How do I look?" William curiously asked them.

"Takao-chan..." Atago said out loud.

"W-What?" Takao asked Atago while she smiled nervously.

"Shikikan-kun looks extremely casual." Atago commented on William's appearance.

"Agreed." Zuikaku said out loud.

"I-Is it bad?!" Takao asked out loud nervously.

"No, not at all. It looks good on him…Then again, why do I have a feeling that any clothes will look good on you?" Shoukaku asked out loud while she stared at William and smiled.

"…Don't get any funny ideas, Shoukaku." William got a bad feeling regarding that stare of hers.

"Awww, don't ruin the fun shikikan-sama~" Shoukaku said to William while she smiled.

"Milord?" Hood asked William on the phone.

"Ah Hood, is everyone already online?" William asked Hood on the phone.

"Yes, since fifteen minutes ago…" Hood said to William on the phone.

"You were all listening…" William said out loud on the phone with half closed eye.

"To be honest, master, we would like to see what's really happening there." Belfast said to William on the phone.

"Too bad, eh Belfast?" William asked Belfast on the phone while he smirked.

"It is, truly." Belfast said to William.

…William sighed in relief because if he somehow has a camera active on his body then the world will see William Blaze, and his boxers inside the changing room that could serve as perfect blackmail material, which will certainly be embarrassing for him. If the secretaries were online already then he needed to get this done, there's no way he could talk about the commission while shopping for clothes and pose as a mannequin…Okay, he had tried every clothes that the girls picked for him. Should he buy those clothes? Those will certainly expand his wardrobe.

"Shikikan-sama, which of these clothes do you like the most?" Atago asked William while she smiled.

"I like all of them, I think I'm going to buy all the outfits that you ladies picked." William said to them while he smiled.

"Tch." Shoukaku clicked her tongue as she stared sideways.

"I should've known." Atago said out loud as she facepalmed.

"He took the easy way out." Takao commented while she folded her arms.

"Typical anime protagonist!" Zuikaku said to William while she frowned.

"…How come you ladies aren't satisfied with that answer?!" William was honestly shocked beyond belief, he thought he did the right thing.

""""Why do you think!?"""" The four of them asked William at the same time.

"Damn…" William winced at their response.

How come something went so nice and easy only for it to get fucked at the last minute anyway?! Didn't they have a nice atmosphere and scene going on between each other just a few seconds ago?! All of a sudden though the Sakura KANSENs burst out giggling at each other, and that left William even more confused, what the hell ladies!? Well, he could rest assured knowing that the entire skit before is nothing but a mere inside joke to those four…at least he didn't disappoint them or something.

"Okay, enough with the jokes. Hand over the clothes, shikikan, we'll take care of it. You should discuss the situation with the others." Zuikaku said to William as she extended her hand.

"Might take a while, what are you ladies going to do?" William asked them while he handed some of the clothes back to Zuikaku.

"We're going to shop for our own clothes of course, maybe you could also give your input on the outfit that we choose?" Atago asked William while she smiled softly.

"Heh fine…Here, take this." William said to Atago while he handed her a card.

"Eh? Your credit card?!" Atago asked William with a surprised face.

"Consider the outfits you four will buy as a gift from me." William simply said while he smiled.

He got more than enough to empty the entire store and still have some for a trip around the world. He has that much money in his bank account, so indulging once in a while shouldn't hurt…Oh you wonder how the fuck William has so much money? Simple. He never really used the money he earned from all his time working in the military, he only used it once in a while for shits and giggles or when his little sister did need some money…Oh yeah! His little sister! William just remembered that he hasn't contacted her in a long time, he really needed to speak with her later when he's got some free time.

"Thank you shikikan!" Atago lunged and tackled William in a bear hug which surprised him.

"Atago!" Takao reprimanded Atago's action.

"Thank you shikikan-sama!" Shoukaku also jumped and hugged William tightly.

"Shoukaku nee!" Zuikaku said out loud with a faint blush on her cheek.

"…Ugh, those two! They're causing a scene!" Takao said out loud before she sighed and facepalmed.

"H-Hontouni sumimasen deshita!" Zuikaku said to the onlookers while she bowed her head in apology.

…William opted to go out of the store while the girls did some shopping for themselves, he chose to sit on one of the benches outside underneath a tree. He then explained the commission to the secretaries and the representatives, what they need to do, and the reward that General Kabakura would give upon its completion…No matter how William looked at it, this commission would take significant resources if they have to hit and destroy not one but two Siren military bases. He'll be honest, he doesn't have much experience in siege craft, that's more of Lena's thing, and he's the one who carries the guns alongside explosives to do the heavy field work…He should consult on those ship girls who faced them during the battle on the north pole, he'll need their experience, and he should review their combat recordings too.

"Hmmm, eight ship girls and one prototype transport? All that so we could help with the isle's defenses…I have to say, that's a generous reward." Enterprise said to William on the phone.

"It is…But here's the question, we still don't know how powerful they are. Hood, how is the satellite imagery over the isle?" William asked Hood on the phone.

"I have done some observation milord and safe to say, the situation isn't looking good for Sakura Empire forces. If we're going to accept the commission, we would need a large fleet of dozens of ship girls to handle two bases of Siren forces. The Sakura Empire already has reinforcement en route to the island, but without our help that reinforcement is like lambs that are being brought into a slaughterhouse. If we're going to participate in this battle, we shouldn't do it halfheartedly." Hood explained to the audience on the phone.

"I agree with Hood, kommandant. Judging from the image and the possibility, this battle could very well take days or even weeks just to contest one isle…We have to be prepared. That's being said, the Ironbloods are ready to head into the battle. All you have to do is to give the word." Bismarck said to William on the phone.

"The same goes for the Sakura Empire, shikikan-sama. Our forces took a deadly blow in defending that strategic position, ship girl reinforcement will greatly relieve the tension, so we are ready to fight them. Just say the word." Nagato said to William on the phone.

"…Your orders, milord?" Hood asked William on the phone.

"…Can the Royal Navy and Eagle Union hold the fort?" William asked out loud on the phone while he smiled.

"Who do you take us for!? Of course we could! We shall protect our base with our lives!" Queen Elizabeth said to William on the phone with a haughty tone.

"Rest assured commander, we will stand guard and make sure you and the others will have a home to return to." Enterprise said to William on the phone.

"Don't worry, I'm just joking. I know that you ladies can do it, I trust all of you…In that case. Bismarck, Nagato, ready everyone that can fight immediately. We will rendezvous on Furushima and take the fight straight to their doorstep." William said out loud on the phone.

"Ja kommandant!" "Wakarimashita, shikikan-sama." Bismarck and Nagato said to William on the phone.

"This meeting is done. We'll head over to Furushima directly...That is all." William said out loud as he ended the call.

…Done and done, looks like William would work directly with Ironblood and Sakura Empire ship girls on this one. Hood would be the one who assembles the roster for deployment, she will probably send around twenty to twenty four ship girls as reinforcement. Their references are the Isle of Terania and North Pole battles, if the Sirens possess two military bases and a huge army out there…They may need more than two dozen ship girls to face them in this fight, but William will assess the situation first before asking for more reinforcement from Hood. William looked at his phone, and then decided to call Kabakura's personal number.

"Hai, dochira san desuka?" Kabakura asked William on the phone.

"It's Commander Blaze, general…I'm informing you that we have decided to accept the commission." William said to Kabakura on the phone.

"Excellent news! Our second reinforcement wave will depart from our headquarters in a few hours. We'll be waiting for your arrival, the details for the operation will be sent to you momentarily." Kabakura said to William on the phone with a relieved tone.

.

…It was nearly dawn on the Isle of Furushima, both Sakura Empire and Siren forces stood guard at their respective positions as they waited for one another to continue the fierce battle that wrecked the isle yesterday…Kaga, a ship girl aircraft carrier of the Sakura Empire 1st Carrier Division walked down the corridor of the traditional styled building the ship girls stayed at, a building dedicated for the VIPs of Sakura Empire Armed Forces. Kaga walked toward the room at the end of the dimly lit wooden corridor, she passed several technicians along the way who gave her short nods as greetings which she returned. She reached the room on the end of the corridor, she politely knocked on the door before she opened the sliding tatami door. Kaga was immediately faced with a girl who dressed in a pajama kimono sat in the middle of the room, that girl is her own sister…Akagi heard the door to her room was opened by someone and she noted that it's Kaga who did that, she wondered on what Kaga wants with her so early in the morning? It's not like they have planned a mission for today, maybe Kaga just wants to visit her…

"Ohayou gozaimasu, Akagi nee-sama." Kaga greeted Akagi as she bowed her head a bit.

"…Ara, ohayou Kaga…What brings you to me so early in the morning?" Akagi asked Kaga while she smiled.

"Amagi nee-sama asked me to wake you up, she has something important to say to the ship girls." Kaga said to Akagi.

"I see…Please wait for a bit while I prepare myself." Akagi said to Kaga, it looks like their elder sister has something planned.

"As you wish." Kaga said to Akagi as she closed the door.

Akagi stood up, she decided to take a quick shower, dressed in her usual attire, and then meet up with Kaga outside her room. Together they walked out of the building and headed straight for the regional headquarters building, along the way Akagi and Kaga noted that the soldiers were busy preparing for something, and the fact that they hadn't seen any ship girls around the area. Kaga led her into a room deep within the headquarters building, they opened it, and found all of the ship girls on this aisle had gathered inside the room. The one that stood on the podium facing them all is their eldest sister, Amagi. She turned her head toward the only door to the room to find her two little sisters who finally arrived at the meeting…Akagi stared at Amagi when she noticed one small thing about her, her eye bags were faintly black.

"Akagi, you're the last one to arrive." Amagi said to Akagi while she smiled.

"Amagi nee-sama, did you rest last night?" Akagi asked Amagi while she frowned a bit.

"I didn't sleep well, that is why I spent the rest of the night assessing our situation." Amagi confessed while she smiled bitterly.

"You should take care of yourself more nee-sama." Akagi said to Amagi with a concerned tone.

"Thank you Akagi, I'll be sure to get some rest after this…Headquarters has notified us that the second wave of reinforcement is on the way here, they also said that they brought ship girls as reinforcement." Amagi said then she immediately started the meeting. Amagi turned on the projector that displayed the plan she had created onto the screen beside her.

"Then that shall ease our burden on the frontline greatly. But why don't you look happy, Amagi nee-sama?" Akagi asked Amagi curiously, that's because Amagi didn't smile despite the good news.

"…The Sirens are definitely plotting for something." Amagi said to Akagi.

"Of course they are, but I got a feeling that you meant that in different way" Akagi said to Amagi.

"The evidence is there. They forced us in a desperate defensive position, fully knowing that we cannot lose this isle…They forced us to divert more units here and even went so far to make headquarters desperate enough to call ship girls for reinforcement, they're definitely planning something." Amagi said to Akagi.

"Maybe they are nee-sama, but we shouldn't let that distract us from the real objective here. We have to fight them, in attrition battles if we have to. We need to hold on as long as we can, until our reinforcements arrive and drive them back to wherever they came from." Kaga said to Amagi while she folded her arms.

"You're right regarding that, Kaga…I already have an operation planned for today. Last night we received intel that our forward operating base or FOB was seized by Siren ground forces with Siren ship girl support, today we're going to retake the FOB with the same manner. Why? Because the FOB has so many supplies in storage in preparation for an offensive to the Siren bases, losing them will definitely impact our army's performance in the near future. I already proposed this plan to the base commander, he agreed to send out his forces to retake the base with the condition that we support their advance." Amagi explained the operation for today.

The FOB was designated by Sakura Empire command as the staging ground to raid one of the Siren bases, unfortunately their close distance to the enemy's position meant they were easier to spot and thus be attacked fiercely. It didn't take long until the FOB defenders fell or retreated from the site, the Sirens immediately locked the site down and posted sizable forces to hold the area and perhaps use it as a staging ground to attack Sakura Empire forces. Amagi immediately proposed a plan to counter attack against them; they need to retake the area before they're able to use their prototype weaponry against the Siren bases. The base commander immediately agreed to the plan with the condition that all of the ship girls will participate to ensure the mission is a success, due to their limited forces he want assurance that the casualties would be kept to minimum. Amagi agreed on the condition, and she immediately planned for the operation to retake the FOB.

"Ground support operation, huh? It's not the first time, I'm ready to do it, Amagi-san." Hiryuu said to Amagi while she smiled.

"I like your enthusiasm, Hiryuu…The operation is a simple frontal assault through the southern beachhead, marines and armor will land there with Akagi, Kaga, and Hiryuu supporting them with aircrafts. Kawakaze, you will act as a vanguard rapid responder for any Siren ship girls' counter attack. Kinu, you will act as Kawakaze's support when they show up, and I will provide overwatch and tactical orders. Yuubari, Kako, you two will stay with me…Is that clear?" Amagi asked out loud to the ship girls.

"""""""Hai!"""""""" The ship girls responded to Amagi.

"Good. This meeting is done so please eat some breakfast, study the plan further, and we execute the operation at eight o'clock. Dismissed." Amagi said to the ship girls.

The ship girls immediately dispersed from the room as they headed to the mess hall to fill their belly with breakfast, however, Akagi and Kaga remained as they stared at Akagi who stared at the screen to make sure her plan was flawless. Amagi knows that the operation is quite simple, it isn't hard to plan for this operation, but the chance of this operation going south is quite high. The Sirens won't stand still when they retake the FOB, they will surely send some reinforcements to face their unit. The Sakura Empire is only able to muster a limited number of forces to retake the base, they won't even have tank support…It all depends on the ship girls to make sure this mission goes off without a hitch.

"Onee-sama." Akagi called at Amagi.

"Yes, what is it?" Amagi asked Akagi as she turned around.

"…There's something you haven't told us, isn't it?" Akagi said to Amagi as she stared at her.

"You're quite sharp. I do…But it won't be any concern for now, I'll tell you two when the time is right." Amagi said to Akagi while she smiled reassuringly.

"If you say so, nee-sama, we trust your judgment." Akagi said to Amagi while she smiled.

"…Now go to the mess hall you two, I will join you shortly." Amagi said to Akagi and Kaga.

""Hai."" Amagi and Kaga bowed a bit then left the room.

…Amagi looked back at the screen once more. What she thought right now isn't about the operation, but the reinforcement that will come from the mainland. Amagi had heard that the reinforcement will include ship girls under the command of ALASUC, Azur Lane Anti Siren Unit Command. Amagi herself only heard the stories regarding this group from Akagi and Kaga. Supposedly, the unit already existed as far as when Azur Lane was first conceived, but kept under tight wraps. At that time, Crimson Axis hadn't defected from Azur Lane yet. The unit itself was their primary adversary during the Great War, now that they're allies again Amagi have taken the liberty to access the files concerning ALASUC's current situation…The base is located in the northern pacific region, their operational and combat capability is higher than any nation on the planet, relatively speaking. Their unit has actively fought the Sirens and were involved in the battle at the North Pole, a battle on the Terania isle, and a battle over an unknown Island. In all of those major engagements, the ship girls successfully took down or escaped from Siren forces. Their stellar achievement is also available in video recordings from the point of view of their commanding officer, William Blaze. Speaking of the commander, Amagi actually tried to access his files, but not even her clearance as strategic advisor of Sakura Empire forces is enough to warrant access to his true files. Yes, she managed to access the fabricated one for public use, but she knew better than to trust that one…

The files were too clean. It was written in the public record files that William Blaze served in the Azur Lane Marines prior to the Great War, he was handpicked straight from Royal Marines after graduating from a Naval Academy. His service in the marine division brought him on several tours of duty, from the battlefields in Europe, Africa, and all the way to Asia. He was then moved to rear administrative work for two years; this is the part that Amagi suspected the most about him. There are no records whatsoever regarding his administrative work on any records available, at this point Amagi deduced that something must've happened behind the scenes that required William Blaze to disappear. He was then mysteriously and suddenly assigned to ALASUC after two years of that suspicious administrative work, he replaced the previous commanding officer, and so far, he proved to be exemplary…A soldier of his caliber? He must be involved in the Special Forces division; Azur Lane isn't that stupid to waste such potential. The records are the proof she needed because even when the whole scenes aren't shown, he managed to infiltrate a hostile facility and fight his way out like a trooper by himself. He makes her anxious to be honest, his record lacks details, and some of the clues she gathered didn't add up with the public records. For example, it wasn't specified what unit he served with and what was his position…But if he's as deadly and capable as the recordings showed her, then she could rest easy knowing that he's the one in charge of ALASUC reinforcement to this isle. She could continue her investigation later, she better go to the mess hall before Akagi deemed her taking too long and dragged her forcefully out…

"This is Task Force Commander Meguro; all units report in!" Commander Meguro said out loud on the radio.

"Unit one, ready to go." The first marine mechanized assault unit responded on the radio.

"Unit two, we're in position." The second marine mechanized assault unit responded on the radio.

"Unit three, we're ready to storm the base." The special force platoon on standby near the FOB responded on the radio.

"Unit four, we're ready to move in as soon as the shelling is finished." Amagi responded on the radio.

"Artillery team, we're ready to commence shelling on your word commander." The artillery team that are on standby responded on the radio.

The units are on standby to hit the FOB that were guarded by Siren infantry, Spider Tanks, plasma cannon emplacements, and several jets parked on the spare land inside the FOB. The plan is simple, shell the defenses and soften them up as much as they could with a single artillery barrage on the marked site by the Special Forces platoon. After the shelling is completed, the marine mechanized assault unit will waltz in from the southern perimeter where the beach area is rocky which would provide cover for the assaulting marines. They will assault the base under the cover of fighter and bomber support from Akagi, Kaga, and Hiryuu…If the Sirens try to reinforce the base? Kawakaze, Kinu, Yuubari, and Kako would handle them, as ship girls they're the crucial unit in this mission. Without them, the assault forces' attack would be futile when the Sirens will surely counterattack with much larger force.

"This is team three, target marked." The special force platoon leader said on the radio.

"Target designated. Artillery team, you are clear to begin bombardment." Commander Meguro said on the radio.

"Roger that, we're firing now." Artillery team said out loud on the radio.

…Several cannon fire sounds could be heard from the distance, Amagi watched the base intently as she began formulating several plans in case the shelling didn't go as planned. She waited for several seconds and the artillery rounds rained the base, the Siren forces on the base immediately went on alert. The shells destroyed a quarter of their cannon emplacements and took out several parked jets, several of their infantries were torn to pieces and splattered yellow blood everywhere. Amagi clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction, it would seem the artillery failed to take out half of their intended target…Well, it can't be helped, shit happens. Amagi quickly looked at Akagi, Kaga, and Hiryuu who already had their riggings ready.

"The shelling has stopped, but it's only moderately effective…Akagi, Kaga, Hiryuu, launch your bombers and target those emplacements in the southern perimeter." Amagi said to the three of them.

"Hai, nee-sama." Kaga said to Amagi.

"Bombers away." Hiryuu said out loud.

"Unit four here shikikan, there's still some defensive emplacements remaining on the southern perimeter. We will send in our bombers." Amagi said to Meguro on the radio.

"Dammit! Roger that Amagi-san." Meguro said to Amagi on the radio.

Akagi, Kaga, and Hiryuu launched their fighter and bomber aircrafts, the planes they summoned immediately filled the skies and headed into the base like an angry swarm of locusts. The three carriers prioritized the defensive emplacements on the southern perimeter first, the emplacements immediately opened fire at the aircraft. The plasma bolts are admittedly slower than AA gun bullets, so the three girls still managed to control their planes to dodge the projectiles quite easily, their main problem would be if they installed those pulse laser point defenses which could very well wreck their planes in one hit to the mainframe…The planes dived in before they quickly dropped their bombs on the emplacements and immediately destroyed them, the planes pulled up to avoid crashing to the ground as Siren forces scrambled to do whatever they can to defend their position.

"Defensive emplacements on the southern perimeter are neutralized. Unit one and two, you're clear to advance." Amagi said out loud on the radio.

"Roger, we're starting our landing!" Unit one leader said to Amagi on the radio.

"…Marines are on their way to the beach, they're starting their assault…Support them Kaga, help unit two to break through those cannon emplacements on the base entrance. Akagi, blow the walls, so the marines could storm in with less resistance." Amagi ordered Kaga and Akagi.

"Hai nee-sama." "Wakatta." Akagi and Kaga said to Amagi.

"Siren ship girls with their escorts are approaching us!" Kako said to Amagi.

"Right on schedule. Kawakaze, Kinu, hold them off." Amagi said to Kawakaze and Kinu.

""Hai!"" Both ship girls broke off from their formation and immediately moved to intercept.

"Yuubari, Kako, start shelling those mass produced ships that are approaching us. Let Kinu and Kawakaze handle the ship girls." Amagi said to Yuubari and Kako.

"Yes, Amagi-san. Yuubari, let's go." Kako said to Amagi then broke off from formation.

Things went as planned for now, Sirens' response were predictable so far. Kawakaze and Kinu respectively drew their katanas from the sheaths, both of them glided at maximum speed toward the advancing Siren forces. Taking out the ship girls would be an extreme challenge for only two of them, but both Kinu and Kawakaze are deadly proficient with their katanas, and the quickest way to kill a Siren ship girl is arguably by direct melee attack. Siren sent in several Explorers, Trackers, and a Peace Breaker…Kinu and Kawakaze would be in for a tough fight, but they successfully avoided the mass produced Siren ships and then it's open season for them…

"Kawakaze, take the left side!" Kinu said to Kawakaze.

"Understood!" Kawakaze said to Kinu as she broke off to the left.

Kawakaze dashed quickly to one Explorer on the right side of their formation, it fired several shots from its cannon which Kawakaze effortlessly dodged. Kawakaze readied her katana, she jammed it in the Siren's stomach before she yanked the sword to the right and caused the Explorer to fall into the sea with massive bleeding on her lower left stomach. Another Explorer dashed close to Kawakaze and attacked with its shield-like rigging, Kawakaze successfully blocked the attack before she slid the Explorer off the water. The Explorer's feet were off the water, and it's about to fall down, but before that happened Kawakaze brought down her sword at lightning speed and split the creature into two. Kawakaze wasted zero seconds moving to her next target, but her katana strike was blocked mid-swing by a Tracker and that forced her to reposition. She noted that several Explorers and an Oceana managed to surround her, Kawakaze sighed and nodded her head before she set her stance.

"Surrounding me huh? Fine…I'll finish this in an instant." Kawakaze said out loud.

Two Explorers charged at her, Kawakaze ducked when one went for her head and she quickly stabbed the creature in the neck. An Explorer managed to get a hit on Kawakaze with her rigging, Kawakaze winced in pain before she quickly reacted by pulling her sword out then diagonally slashed the creature clean from its right shoulder all the way to its left lower torso. The two remaining Explorers and a Tracker opted to use their cannons this time, Kawakaze swiftly stride and circle around the three remaining Sirens in her sight. She released a torpedo barrage which forced the Sirens to reposition, but that's the gap she looked for because as soon as they did that, she charged at them at lightning speed. She sliced off the neck on one of the Explorer, dashed before she stabbed the other in the neck. Kawakaze then jumped, spun in the air and slammed down her katana on top of the Oceana's head which successfully split its head in two…Kawakaze landed on the water, she swung her katana sideway to get rid of the yellow blood then sheathed her sword as she looked back at the carnage that she just caused. Dead Siren corpses floating on the sea surface all around her, a testament of her prowess in battle.

"Tch, I only got the small fries…" Kawakaze muttered to herself.

Meanwhile Kinu charged forward at a Peace Breaker, several Trackers, and two Explorers, the Sirens wasted no time firing their weapons. Kinu nimbly avoided the flying energy projectiles and laser pulses, she grinned as she accelerated even further and got in close at one Explorer who also charged at her while firing its torpedoes and cannons. Kinu jumped while she swung her sword, the Explorer fell seconds later as her head had been decapitated. Kinu quickly landed on the sea surface and got close to one of the Trackers' backside, she climbed the rigging on its rear to avoid the cannon fire, but the other Sirens didn't hesitate to fire at their own allies. Kinu was forced to jump off the Tracker which was hit by dozens of energy bolts and several torpedoes.

"Those whack jobs were nuts!" Kinu commented while she gritted her teeth.

Kinu landed on the water, but the spot she landed was already targeted by the Siren ship girls who quickly rained the spot with relentless weapon fire, Kinu clicked her tongue as she pulled back a bit to avoid the projectiles. When the Sirens were done firing, Kinu immediately retaliated, she rapidly fired her guns at the Sirens' position. But the projectiles were stopped by the Peace Breaker who deployed her energy shielding field, Kinu dashed forward once more, and she intended to break that shield. Kinu launched a torpedo at the shield, but the last Explorer stood in front of it and took the torpedo directly, it sacrificed itself to make sure the shield was still up and protected the Peace Breaker alongside the remaining Trackers behind it. Kinu knew she didn't have much options left, she dashed forward and rammed through the shielding field which caused it to break. The Siren KANSENs immediately moved in to kill Kinu when she managed to break the shielding, Kinu grinned as she kept charging toward them.

"Don't even think about it!" Kinu declared boldly at the Sirens.

Kinu fired off her cannons rapidly and unleashed her torpedoes at the approaching Siren ship girls, this time all of them jumped in the air to get a bead on her. The Kinu smirked as she fired all of her cannons, including her AA guns to provide saturating fire, the barrage forced the Siren ship girls to protect themselves and Kinu launched herself upwards to meet them. She stabbed one of the Trackers in the head, took out her sword, used the dead Tracker as a stepping platform, and launched herself at the last Tracker. Just like before, the Peace Breaker readied its cannons and fired at Kinu who's still attached to the Tracker. Kinu used the Tracker again to dash toward the Peace Breaker who used its multiple limbs rigging to protect itself, Kinu grabbed on to the limbs and threw the Peace Breaker down to the sea. The Peace Breaker impacted the sea surface, but before it could recover, Kinu dived down toward the creature with her katana pointed at it. She stabbed the creature so hard in the head that the kinetic force was enough to cause a huge water splash on the area…Kinu jumped off the Siren's corpse, she landed on the surface then flicked her sword to get rid of the yellow blood coating it.

"Kinu here, Siren KANSENs eliminated." Kinu said to Amagi on the radio.

"Excellent. Yuubari, Kako, how were the escorts?" Amagi asked both of them on the radio.

"We're still fighting them, Amagi-san!" Yuubari said to Amagi on the radio.

"Unit one here! We are pinned down near the south western wall by plasma cannons emplacement! We need fire support!" Leader of unit one said out loud on the radio.

"Stand by unit one. Akagi, help them out." Amagi said to Unit One operator on the radio then to Akagi.

"Understood! You stubborn Sirens shall fall!" Akagi said out loud.

Akagi launched her DY4 Suisei dive bombers, and the planes immediately headed for the plasma cannons that pinned down the marines on south western walls. Akagi planned to directly bomb the emplacements, but the Siren troopers realized that her bombers would cause severe damage to their cannons that they shifted fire upwards toward her planes. Akagi dispersed the planes from formation and expertly directed her planes to bomb several key targets in the current sector, she managed to obliterate an entire Siren trooper squad with an HE bomb and then unload the rest of her bombs at the defensive plasma cannon emplacements. The marines realized that the cannons that pinned them down to their cover were no longer firing, they quickly formed up and started their direct assault with their Howa Type 64 spewing 7.62mm rounds.

"Nice work! We are moving now! Thanks for the help, girls!" Unit one leader said to the ship girls on the radio.

"Unit four, we got a situation." Commander Meguro said to Amagi on the radio.

"What is it, shikikan?" Amagi asked Meguro on the radio.

"Our main base is under attack by large Siren forces. I need you to leave some KANSENs to continue providing support for the operation while you and a few others return here to provide support for the main base." Meguro informed Amagi regarding the situation on the radio.

"Understood. Listen everyone, change of plans. Akagi, Kaga, you're going with me. Hiryuu, keep providing support for the assault forces, Yuubari, Kako, you two support her. Kawakaze, Kinu, make sure none will disturb them." Amagi said to everyone on the radio.

"""""Hai!""""" The ship girls responded on the radio.

Amagi, Akagi, and Kaga immediately head back to their base, it's fifteen minutes away from the area they're on with their top speed. Along the way, Akagi couldn't help but think that the Sirens really predicted them to recapture the FOB. When the bulk of Sakura Empire forces alongside the ship girls are away from the headquarters, the Sirens immediately strike it while it's vulnerable…The timing that the Sirens choose is very convenient, it's as if this is their goal this entire time.

"Nee-sama?" Kaga asked Akagi who moved while deep in thought.

"Their timing is too perfect." Akagi commented on the situation.

"Astute, Akagi. Yes, this must be Siren's real attack and their real intention in capturing our FOB." Amagi said to Akagi.

Amagi also believed that from the timing the Sirens chose that their real objective is to assault their local headquarters, if that's the case then they have been played by them…Amagi started to assume many things, how many did the Sirens bring to pound their headquarters? Who's in charge of the attack? Where did their forces come from? Portals? So many hypotheses, but Amagi supposes she will find out soon enough. They arrived at their headquarters and the three of them gasped, their headquarters was under heavy fire and burning from the constant bombardment by Siren ship girls, the soldiers and other personnel struggled to control the situation and fight Sirens forces at the same time. Amidst all of that, the three of them recognized the Siren that stood still watching the entire thing unfold from the beach area. The Siren wore sailor clothes with spats, her white hair tied in a high ponytail, and her bright yellow eyes displayed joy and madness at the sight in front of her.

"Purifier!" Kaga called out the name of the Siren.

"Oho? Ah it's been a while! Haven't seen you three for months!" Purifier said out loud as she turned her head around toward them three and she grinned.

"Enough talk!" Kaga said out loud.

Kaga immediately charged at Purifier who's more than happy to be her opponent, Kaga threw several of her paper planes, which turned into Zero fighters that immediately opened fire at Purifier. However, the crazy Siren managed to avoid dozens of bullets being fired at her with relative ease, Purifier summoned her rigging from underneath the sea surface and rode on top of it. Purifier fired several pulse lasers at Kaga who jumped off and flew toward Purifier with a flying punch at her, Purifier grinned wickedly when she caught Kaga's punch from landing on her face which caused Kaga to widen her eyes.

"Awww, Kaga, I just wanted to chat." Purifier said to Kaga while she grinned.

"By massacring the humans on this base?!" Kaga asked Purifier with an outraged tone.

"Hey, they're weaklings. Don't you really value power? You have tremendous power, why did you stick with them?" Purifier said to Kaga while she grinned.

"Oh shut up!" Kaga said out loud as she launched a kick toward Purifier.

Purifier eyes went half closed as she grabbed Kaga's left foot, Kaga once again was left shocked at how powerful Purifier actually is despite being smaller than her. Purifier just swung Kaga toward the beach area where she hit the water surface, then beach sand before she hit a coconut tree that finally stopped her momentum…Akagi immediately moved toward Kaga to check for her injuries, Kaga winced when Akagi picked her up.

"Oops." Purifier said out loud while she smirked.

"Kaga!" Akagi asked Kaga as she shook her.

"Nee-sama…" Kaga said to Akagi while she winced.

"Don't just attack recklessly, we need a plan to beat her." Akagi said to Kaga while she frowned.

"Come on! That's all you can do?! You certainly have gone weak, Kaga!" Purifier taunted Kaga while she grinned.

BOOM!

Purifier was thrown back as a battleship grade round impacted her rigging; that caused her to fell down into the water. Purifier swam back up with half closed eyes, she really didn't take Amagi as an aggressive woman, but it would turn out she won't hesitate to fire at those who she considered to be worthy of her shells. Amagi stared at Purifier while she scowled and narrowed her gaze that's filled with hostility at Purifier…

"She's right. You are noisy." Amagi said to Purifier.

"Now that's more like it!" Purifier said out loud while she grinned and got back on her rigging.

"Amagi-san! We successfully recaptured our forward base!" Hiryuu said to Amagi on the radio.

"Good, head back to the main base immediately and provide support!" Amagi said to Hiryuu on the radio.

"Understood!" Hiryuu said to Amagi on the radio.

"Wow, taking the three of you at once should be really challenging! But don't worry, until everyone on this base is dead, I have time to play around with you three!" Purifier said out loud as she retreated back to the shallow water.

Purifier snapped her finger and several portals showed up that spawned various Siren ship girls which were joined by those that were already with Purifier before. Amagi grimaced at the sight. They're going to face that many ship girls? Kaga and Akagi rejoined Amagi as they prepared themselves to face around two dozen Siren KANSENs, if they're going to fight them then they will need to strategize because they're severely outnumbered and outgunned. Akagi clicked her tongue, they really have to face something troublesome…The mass produced Siren ships around them also continued the bombardment as the Siren ship girls are going to engage them three, well the sooner Hiryuu and the others could get to their position the better.

"Nee-sama, we have to take her down as soon as possible." Akagi said to Amagi while she frowned.

"Easier said than done, she has retreated to the rear lines. We have to go through that many ship girls to reach her" Amagi said to Akagi.

"We could always skirt around them?" Kaga said to Amagi.

"That would do well. Let's do this." Amagi said to Kaga.

Amagi nodded her head as a signal to begin, swiftly Akagi took the right side while Kaga took the left. They glided to split Siren's ship girls in front of them, but it looks like not all of them took the bait as five of them alongside Purifier herself still remain in the middle. Amagi gilded straight toward them, and the Siren ship girls immediately opened fire…Amagi saw that there's three Trackers and two Oceanas that protected Purifier, she would need to timed her shots and reload carefully.

"Hoho, what are you three planning to do!?" Purifier asked out loud while she smiled widely.

Supposedly, Amagi's rigging means she has eight shots to face six Sirens, and that means she only has two chances to miss…The Trackers immediately opened fire and Amagi deftly avoided the shells, but along the way Amagi reconsidered her plan. She gets close to the Trackers who also moved in to take her on in close quarter combat, Amagi is a battle cruiser, so she's quite nimble for a heavy ship, and that's why she managed to pass through three Trackers. The two Oceanas behind them moved in to protect Purifier, but Amagi's got no time to deal with them. She fired two AP rounds straight to their center mass, and the rounds successfully killed the two of them which leaves Purifier open to attack. Amagi immediately locked on her and fired all of her remaining loaded rounds straight into Purifier's rigging and wrecked it almost instantaneously before exploding. Purifier jumped off from her rigging, and she looked pissed. Amagi herself immediately reloaded her cannons in preparation to engage Purifier directly.

"Hey bitch! You wrecked my rig!" Purifier shouted at Amagi with a tone full of anger.

"You call that heap of trash a rig?" Amagi asked out loud while she sneered.

"That's it! I'm done playing games, I'll kill you for real!" Purifier shouted as she chased Amagi.

"Then come and get me!" Amagi said to Purifier as she made her escape.

Purifier furiously chased Amagi around as she baited her toward the beach area, why did she bring her there? Well, Amagi noted that their base defensive emplacements are still active, and she could use fire support to pin Purifier down, until she's ready to fire a salvo at her. Purifier doesn't have weaponry she could use effectively without her rigging, so she opted to fight Amagi straight on with her limbs. Catching up to Amagi is quite hard, since she managed to dodge all of her attacks. Purifier decided that she didn't have time for anymore bullshit, she dashed forward and managed to catch Amagi off guard, and immediately launched a powerful kick that sent Amagi flying straight to the sandy beach area.

"NEE-SAMA!" Akagi shouted with horror latched on her face.

"Well, despite possessing a fragile body you took that hit quite well, didn't you? Fufufufufu~." Purifier said out loud before she giggled sinisterly.

Akagi rushed toward Purifier at dazzling speed while leaving the rest of the Siren KANSENs for Kaga to kill, Amagi's human body isn't that durable to withstand a direct melee attack, and Akagi feared that a blow to her back could snap her spine. Akagi rushed forward in blind fury and tried to land a solid blow to Purifier, but the Siren detected her first and grabbed her by her right hand. Purifier threw her upwards before she also kicked the fox in the stomach which sent her flying then landed near Amagi's position.

"Too bad, fox!" Purifier said out loud while she grinned.

"Akagi nee-sama!" Kaga who just finished wiping off the Siren ship girls immediately went to attack Purifier.

Kaga launched multiple aircraft that headed for Purifier immediately, the aircraft fired off their machine guns and launched multiple rockets none of which hit the mark as Purifier dived in under the sea. Kaga stopped her advance when she failed to locate Purifier. That changed because Purifier suddenly appeared out from underneath her and gave Kaga a devastating uppercut which launched her upwards. Purifier grabbed Kaga's right leg before she threw her back toward the beach area not far from Akagi who winced in pain, and Amagi who weakly stared at what's happening, the three of them weren't exactly proficient in direct melee combat, and they could only watch as Purifier approached them with disappointed scowl.

"…You three really disappoint me! You three used to be more formidable than this! What happened huh?! Lost the fire?! Lost the will or even your purpose in life?! Bah! How am I supposed to enjoy killing you three when you're this weak?!" Purifier asked out loud to the three of them.

"…Fuck off." Akagi said at Purifier while she scowled.

"Ouch, foul words! I think your big sister doesn't appreciate that, Akagi. And you, since you destroyed my rigging, I will finish you off first with my own bare hands." Purifier said to Akagi and Amagi.

Purifier walked slowly toward Amagi who's still in pain to properly move, but she managed to stand up to anticipate Purifier's attack. The Siren cocked her eyebrows in wonder, but she shrugged as she went to grab Amagi by the neck, Amagi successfully held Purifier's right hand with her own and launched a hard left hook at Purifier who shrugged off the blow like it's nothing. Purifier grinned as she slapped Amagi's right hand away and grabbed her neck, she brought Amagi off the ground by holding her straight in the neck.

"Tch, weak." Purifier commented while she smirked.

"No…No! Don't you dare!" Akagi shouted at Purifier with a horrified face.

"Ah, Akagi, look at that desperate face of yours! Man, maybe choking you slowly would make her expression more entertaining, Amagi." Purifier said out loud with a menacing smile on her face.

BANG!

The deafening gunshot sounded really apparent despite the chaos around them, that's because the shot came very close from their position. Purifier dropped Amagi to the ground with widened eyes. She felt her left temple throbbed; the Siren held the sore spot as she turned to her left side. Akagi noticed that Purifier's left temple just got hit by a bullet, but that didn't kill her! How strong is she?! However, that's not what caught her attention the most, Akagi turned around to see someone pointing their gun straight at Purifier. That someone is a black haired one eyed giant dressed in Azur Lane Navy Officer Uniform carrying a snub nosed Colt Python revolver, Akagi widened her eyes because she didn't even expect someone from within Azur Lane to be here! Amagi immediately knew who he was, the man is none other than William Blaze himself.

"Oi…that's annoying, you bastard!" Purifier shouted at William while she scowled.

"In normal circumstances, a .357 magnum round like that straight to the head should kill anyone. But it looks like you need special care." William said out loud as he pulled the revolver hammer back.

"You? A mere human dare to step up against me? Now this is interesting! Many of your kind ran in fear when I showed up!" Purifier shouted at William while she grinned.

"Unfortunate, eh? I'm not scared of you." William said to Purifier while he scowled and squeezed the trigger.

BANG!

William fired off another shot at Purifier's head, but this time she dodged the bullet easily, the Siren grinned as she stared at William. In all of her experience, the majority of the so-called humans ran when they saw her. Those who stood their ground either wound up dead or they will try to escape her might in the end, their so-called heroes too…she killed many of them by herself. Those that could face her toe to toe are fellow KANSENs, what makes this man different from the others? Sure, he might possess a big body, but did he think that would be enough to face someone like her?

"Oh fine since you insist, I'll play along with you!" Purifier said to William while she grinned.

"Good. Hope you can dance, lady!" William declared with a confident smirk on his face.

Purifier felt annoyed at this man's lack of fear, or did he do all that to mask his own fear? Well, she will find out soon enough. The Siren noted that Amagi is too weak to move, Akagi still stuck in her previous position, Kaga seems to be unconscious, and there's only sandy beach with a burning headquarters behind him. Perfect, she can take him on and perhaps rip his head off with her own bare hands. Purifier charged forward in full sprint, William fired another shot, but this time it's to her own leg. The bullet didn't do enough to damage her, but it caused her to stumble from the kinetic force alone. William used the chance to side step as Purifier went past him…into Takao who waited with her hands on her sheathed katana behind William.

"What the-" Purifier said out loud.

"Swift death unto evil!" Takao yelled as she drew out and swung her katana, but she missed because Purifier jumped above her and rolled on the sand.

"Decoy tactics?! So that's why you're so confident! I should've known that you have ship girls with you!" Purifier said to William while she gritted her teeth.

William's hunkering body managed to hide Takao really well behind him, no one noticed her because William took most of everyone's attention. Purifier stood up and was about to attack Takao when she noticed that she's not the only ship girl that came with William, behind them both there's Atago, Zuikaku, and Shoukaku who approached the downed ship girls on the sand…Hmm, Purifier thought that these guys must be the reinforcement who they predicted will reinforce these sorry lot that valiantly defended this isle.

"…Atago-san?" Akagi asked out loud as Atago approached her.

"Sorry for being late, we headed here as fast as we could." Atago said to Akagi while she smiled.

"Amagi-san, hold still. You'll be fine." Shoukaku said to Amagi while she smiled.

"Can you hear me, Kaga-senpai?" Zuikaku asked Kaga, who was still unconscious.

"Tch, I should've known…Oi, interested in fighting me directly without the ship girl protection? You look buffed, pretty sure you could take me on in a duel for a human!" Purifier asked William while she sneered.

"Oh I am. But, I'm still a sane man, so I have to reject the offer. Let's get her, Takao." William said out loud as he reloaded his revolver.

"Hai, shikikan-dono!" Takao said to William as she prepared her stance.

"Tch! Boys, get them!" Purifier said out loud.

Suddenly, eight Brawlers show up from under the water which took William and Takao by surprise. Atago immediately joined in with William and Takao as the three of them prepared themselves to fight, they needed to eliminate these creatures quickly, or Purifier might use the chance to do whatever plan she had in mind. William opened the skirmish by shooting one Brawler straight in the head and killing it, Takao and Atago immediately charged at the group with katanas drawn. Atago passed through one brawler from the right side while she swung her katana, and the brawler was split in two the moment she blew past it. Atago quickly set her stance as a Brawler tried to grab her, but it failed as Atago used her sword to stab it in the center of the chest. Takao swung her sword diagonally downwards and sliced the Brawler in two from its left shoulder all the way to its right lower stomach. She held her sword high before she brought it down upon another Brawler vertically, and she cleanly chopped it off into two.

That leaves three remaining Brawlers, they didn't hesitate as they blindly charged at the three of them. William quickly aimed and shot two Brawlers in their ankles, the two Brawlers stumbled and lowered themselves as the result. Takao and Atago only blitzed forward with their katanas and in split seconds they decapitated the heads of the two Brawlers, the last Brawler managed to blow past them however and headed straight for William. The man huffed as he engaged the Brawler in close quarters, it tried to grab William, but he deftly deflected its right hand, jammed his revolver in the Brawler's gaping mouth, and fired his last round straight to its brain which resulted with the Brawler falling down dead while bleeding from its mouth…Purifier now realized that the man isn't all talk, perhaps this one could very well back up his bravado. Now that she looked at him, she's reminded of the fact that Observer Alpha talked about the 'anomaly' in this world. It's about the commander of the ship girls, who fight in the frontlines…not that 'the others' didn't do so, they also fight in the front, but this one has a quite…different approach. There's only several of them across all 'possibilities', and those who did so…they're extremely tough to kill. In this one, Alpha has identified one, and Purifier widens her eyes when she realizes that she faced the same one that Alpha talked to.

"Ah! Now I remember you! Observer Alpha talked about you!" Purifier said out loud to William.

"My reputation precedes me it seems." William commented as he reloaded his revolver.

"So, you're that commander on Terania! Well well well, now things have become even more interesting that you're here…Alpha was right!" Purifier said to William while she grinned.

If that's the case, then Purifier knew better than to directly engage and kill him. Don't want to get her head taken off by Observer Alpha and swung it around in front of everyone, again…She explicitly tells her to not kill him on purpose, just yet. But if he was killed by their common soldiers earlier then perhaps this man in front of them didn't really fit their prediction. Regardless, Purifier knew better than to mess up the entire grand plan despite her recklessness and craziness. Purifier looked back and saw a portal was opened, looks like Alpha realized what's happening and subtly told her to retreat.

"Oh, that's my cue! Call me okay~? Here's my number!" Purifier said out loud while she grinned.

BOOM!

Purifier threw some kind of flashbang grenade high in the air that temporarily blinded and deafened the others around them, when their senses returned Purifier was no longer in the area as she must have escaped through that portal. William clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction, whoever she was he knew that she must be some kind of leader within the Siren forces.

"…Those Sirens really have a twisted sense of humor." William commented with a half closed eye.

"They're Sirens, what do you expect?" Atago said to William while she frowned.

"Fair point." William said to Atago.

He looked back to the three ship girls that were injured from the fight with Purifier, William had a feeling that Purifier's stance regarding fighting is quite different than Observer Alpha…The local ship girls told him to immediately help Akagi, Kaga, and Amagi when they're about to land on the island, so William complied with their request. As soon as they landed, he and the KANSENs 'borrowed' a military jeep and quickly headed for Amagi, Akagi, and Kaga's location…The rest is history. William looked at the three beautiful girls and noted that they will need proper medical attention, but he's sure that the base will be full of casualties…Perhaps they need to get the medics here? That way, they could receive priority care.

"Let's get medical care for the three of them. Shoukaku, I trust you could find a few medics for them on this base?" William asked Shoukaku.

"I'm sure they'll be busy tending to the wounded but sure shikikan-sama, I shall do my best." Shoukaku said to William.

"We expected this, but damn the damage really exceeded our prediction…Zuikaku, I need your recon plane to scour the area. Please assess the damage from above." William said to Zuikaku.

"Wakatta, shikikan." Zuikaku said to William.

"Excuse me but…Who are you?" Akagi asked William while she leaned on Zuikaku.

"…I'm with ALASUC, Azur Lane Anti Siren Unit Command that tagged along with the second wave of reinforcements that came from the mainland…As for my name? Call me Commander Blaze, I'm here to put an end to these Sirens."' William said to Akagi as he sheathed his revolver.

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Updated: 03-11-2021 (Beta Readed by Culture-Hunt3r)

…Ladies and gentlemen this is Author Dasmara speaking, we're going to be in the east for a while so sit back and be ready for some heavy combat. Yeah, I apologize if there's an error in this one because I have few important things to do, and I didn't have the time to proofread this so feel free to let me know…Thanks for the review, follow and favorite readers! We're breaking 200 followers for the story! Can't do this without the support from you readers, much appreciated, mwuah! Okay so, we're going to focus on the battle with the Crimson Axis side for a while. I already have the next chapters in progress, but I don't know when I could post it so please stay tuned for that. Oh and, I thank you guys for reading my little opinion regarding Azur Lane The Animation! It's nice to know how everyone else thought about it!

DungeonMaster: Thanks for the thoughts. I agree, fan service is important, but if that was the aim from the start, I think there's a lot of ways they could show it. The choices are many, and I couldn't say which one will fit, but I think something like Slow Ahead that's going to be animated will make a great promotional material and fulfill the fan service aspect too.

Until next time dear readers!

- Dasmara