I hope you like this new installment of Heroic Spirit/Ships. I tried to create more world-building of this KanColle world being influenced by Shirou's actions while trying to keep the humor that shipgirls, particularly the destroyers, are known for. Please let me know if I made a mistake or there are areas to improve.
Chapter One – Discovery and Shipgirl Shenanigans
Although I was curious about how my steel-hulled naval ship form had taken on my human appearance since my summoning, I hadn't been too interested in confronting the JSDF and the shipgirls about it. My curiosity could wait, especially with more pressing matters demanding my attention, like the piles of folders and papers I had requested. These reports debriefed me on Earth's current situation and the possible threats that the Counter Force had summoned me to face.
If I hadn't dealt with the numerous Singularities and Lostbelts that threatened Human Order, I might have been unnerved. The situation I was looking at fell somewhere in the middle of the threats I had faced - not as simple as the easiest Singularities, but nowhere near the worst. The Abyssals and their creations, the Abyssal warships, didn't seem as formidable as the 72 Demon Pillars or the Alien God I had battled. Thinking about those enemies that Chaldea and I had defeated against all odds, I nervously wiped my brow. I certainly didn't want to go through such terrible ordeals again if I could help it.
I was surprised to learn how humanity had managed to fend off the Abyssals in the recently started conflict, aptly named the Abyssal War, which had begun just two months ago. It was a miracle, and I suspected the Counter Force was responsible for the shipgirls' summoning in a world with no "real" knowledge of magecraft or the supernatural.
The Abyssals had inflicted tremendous damage on humanity with their all-out assault on the oceans and coastlines. Global trade, the lifeblood of many nations, had ground to a halt, and countless lives had been lost. I didn't dwell too much on the destruction of livelihoods, as it paled in comparison to the deaths caused by dehydration, starvation, and lack of medicine or medical equipment. Millions had perished from the cessation of trade alone, and even more had fallen victim to the Abyssals' attacks, as most of humanity lived near the ocean.
"Well, the situation will only worsen until more shipgirls appear and humanity finds other solutions that don't rely solely on them to stand a chance against the Abyssals," I sighed, closing the thick folder of classified reports on humanity's current state. Reaching for the classified report on the Abyssals, I turned in a certain direction and wondered aloud, "I hope my Master is enjoying the gifts I left him."
Normally when Hitoshi Goto was a very calm and stoic man, who was fazed by very little since the Abyssal War had started and humanity had faced its greatest existential threat since the several close calls in the Cold War that could have began the nuclear Armageddon, but the mirror in front of him revealed that there was still many things could unsettle him despite witnessing the spirits of personified warship coming from whoever ships went into the afterlife being summoned and them fighting in action or him commanding said shipgirls.
Professor Kikuchi Toyokazu, a close friend and personal doctor to Admiral Goto, stared at the mirror reflecting Goto's current appearance. "I had the same reaction," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "You can't begin to understand the shocking social, cultural, and economic changes that would sweep the world if we could replicate even a fraction of what happened to you."
Goto ran his hands over his face, marveling at the smoother, less wrinkled skin. If he weren't touching it himself, he would have mistaken the reflection for an elaborate prank involving makeup artists. "I can only imagine," he muttered.
Toyokazu flipped through the papers on his clipboard. "It's not just your appearance that's changed. According to the medical tests we conducted while you were unconscious, you are physically and mentally younger."
"What baffles me even more," Goto grumbled, "is that no one except you seems to notice."
"Actually," Toyokazu corrected, "anyone who has treated you is aware of your newfound youth. However, the moment they leave the room, they forget. It's as if some magical force is ensuring the secrecy of your de-aging."
A chuckle escaped Goto's lips. "I suppose we have to accept that magic is real, given humanity's struggle against the Abyssals - those vengeful spirits of warships. And let's not forget the faithful shipgirls fighting on our behalf, our only reliable defense."
Toyokazu sighed. "How could I forget the MSSB you constantly complain about?"
"Ah, yes. Magical Sparking Shipgirl Bullshit," Goto groaned, thinking of the illogical and supernatural aspects of shipgirls.
"Well, if the rumors around the base are true, we're dealing with something entirely separate from shipgirls this time. Something supernatural."
"Hard to say. I need to start reading Nagato's reports to get up to speed on what's happened while I was out." Goto grabbed his cap and put it on, asking, "How do I look?"
Toyokazu smirked. "A couple of decades younger. I'm jealous."
Laughing, Goto replied, "Something tells me you won't be the only one feeling younger for long. So, did you discover why I got younger?"
Handing Goto a stack of photos, Toyokazu explained, "We think it has to do with these items we found on your body. They range from unremarkable to some of the most ornate jewelry we've ever seen. No one could remove them without risking injury."
Goto checked his body, confused. "I don't feel like I'm wearing any of these."
"They disappeared after you stopped de-aging," Toyokazu said. "Thankfully, unlike the magical effect that erases memories of your youth, my staff and I were able to send pictures to experts. The jewelry makers, archaeologists, and ancient historians provided some answers."
"And what did they say?"
"Magic."
Goto snorted but didn't argue. After two months of the Abyssal War, he had long accepted the existence of magic and the supernatural.
"I bet the man we summoned earlier is responsible. What has he been up to in the hours since I lost consciousness?"
When I entered Admiral Goto's office, I was very pleased to see the Mystic Codes and Noble Phantasms had paid off. A good chuck of my mana had been used to bring out non-bladed or weapon type items that Unlimited Blade Works had a much more difficult task in producing and bringing out of my Reality Marble.
"From your reaction, I take it that you were the one responsible for my de-aging?" Admiral Goto asked, his eyes narrowing.
I nodded. "That is correct, Admiral."
"Why?" he demanded.
"Leading a war is incredibly stressful and demanding on both the body and mind," I explained. "The last thing the JSDF or the Shipgirls can afford is their admiral collapsing due to age-related health issues. I took the initiative to resolve that matter for you."
Goto frowned, leaning forward. "You must be aware of the social, cultural, economic, and political consequences if what you did to me gets out, correct?"
"Absolutely. That's why I erected a Bounded Field around you," I replied calmly. "No one will remember your de-aging once they leave the Bounded Field."
"Bounded Field?" The admiral's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Think of it as a specific area influenced by magic," I clarified.
Goto's expression turned serious. "And this 'Master' business?"
"It's a formal title for my summoner."
"Well, can you stop using that term? In certain social circles, it could easily be misunderstood..."
I inclined my head. "Of course. If you prefer, I can address you as Admiral. Would that be more comfortable for you, sir?"
"I would prefer that title, yes," Goto confirmed.
"As you wish, Admiral." I gave a respectful nod. "I'm sure you have many questions, and I will do my best to answer them."Admiral Goto leaned back in his chair, his gaze intense as he studied me. "Yes, I have many questions," he began, steepling his fingers. "The first is what exactly are you..."
Repair ship Akashi couldn't help but stare at the muscular physique of the man laying on the table before her. The mysterious and first shipboy! His well-defined muscles visible even through his form-fitting clothing. The repair ship felt her cheeks grow warm as her eyes traced the contours of his body, lingering on his broad shoulders, chiseled chest, and toned arms.
As a shipgirl, Akashi had never experienced such intense physical attraction before. Her duties had always taken precedence over personal desires, but now, in the presence of this captivating man, she found herself struggling to maintain her composure. Her heart raced, and a faint blush crept across her face as she imagined what it would be like to run her hands over his sculpted physique. Akashi quickly shook her head, trying to dispel the inappropriate thoughts, it had only been a few weeks since she had gone from being a steel-hulled warship to a human female for two months now but she was still learning what it meant to have a human body.
She peered beyond the physical form visible to human eyes. Akashi activated her shipgirl sight, a unique ability that revealed the true nature of the entity before her. What she now perceived was colossal, dwarfing even the mightiest American supercarriers and the largest civilian ships. Only immense artificial structures, such as the most expansive ocean oil rigs, could even begin to compare in sheer scale.
"No wonder it is the class it belongs to is called a Mobile Naval Base..." Akashi muttered as she grabbed out her tools to inspect the body. "IJN repair ship Akashi approaching. I am friendly." She broadcasted on the radio so everywhatever fairies on the body didn't mistaken her as a threat and fire upon her as she approached.
"Repair ship Akashi, this is Shirou Actual. We heard you loud and clear. Be advised you should be mentally prepared by what you're about to discover..." A voice replied on Akashi's radio.
The repair ship frowned, and wondered what surprises was waiting her. She shrugged and commanded her fairies to inspect the first shipboy's steel-hull. As she got closer to the point she was about to dock mobile naval base, she was shocked to find a rough estimate of how long its length was. Just by eye-balling the length it was about 600 meters long!
Her vision shifted from that of her shipgirl self to that of her personal fairy self as her steel-hulled body starboard-side reached the mobile naval base's portside. A ladder was soon thrown in her direction and after making sure everything was secure she started to climb up.
"Welcome, Captain Akashi," said the first fairy that Akashi met. "It is an honor to meet another Imperial Japanese Navy vessel."
"It's politically correct to go by Japanese Self Defense Force Navy." Akashi replied as she finally stepped onboard the deck of the mobile naval base.
"We are proud warships of the glorious Japanese Empire!" declared one of the fairies, her chest puffed out with pride.
"That's right!" another chimed in, a triumphant grin on her tiny face. "We crushed the American dogs and their allies beneath the rising sun's might!"
A third fairy nodded sagely. "The Emperor's divine will guided us to victory in the decisive battles of Hawaii, Midway, and beyond. None could stand against our superior tactics and warrior spirit!"
"And now, the corrupt Western powers lie broken at our feet," a fourth fairy said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Their colonies and resources are ours for the taking, fueling our unstoppable imperial machine!"
The first fairy spoke again, her eyes gleaming with fervor. "We serve not just to defend our homeland, but to expand its dominion across the globe. Asia, Europe, the Americas - all will bow before the Land of the Gods!"
"Some may question the cost of our conquests," a pensive voice piped up. "The lives lost, the destruction wrought..."
The other fairies shot their comrade sharp looks. "Nonsense! Such sacrifices are necessary for Japan's destiny of world leadership. We bear this noble burden with pride and unwavering loyalty to our Emperor."
Akashi felt a chill run down her spine as she listened to the fairies' fervent words. What madness was this? A world where Japan had won the war, become a global conqueror, ruling through brutality and subjugation? The very thought made her sick to her stomach.
These fairies, these twisted reflections of her own crew... They reveled in bloodshed and domination, blind to the suffering they caused. Was this what loyalty looked like without the temperance of compassion and reason? A mindless, fanatical devotion to an empire that had lost its soul?
No. She could never accept such a nightmarish reality. Akashi knew in her heart that Japan's true strength lay in peace, cooperation, and respect for all peoples.
The Captain fairy stepped forward, her expression stern as she addressed her crew. "Enough!" she commanded, her voice cutting through the fervent chatter. "We will not disrespect our guest with such talk." The fairy captain approached Akashi, her expression a mix of understanding and concern. "I can see that our presence here has caused you great confusion and distress. Please, allow me to explain."
Akashi nodded, her brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of the fairies' earlier words. "I would appreciate an explanation, Captain. Your crew's views are so... different from what I know."
"That is because we come from a different world than yours," the captain said gently. "Think of it like this: imagine that reality is not just one straight path, but a series of branching paths, each leading to a separate world. These parallel universes may start out the same, but a single decision or event can cause them to diverge, resulting in vastly different outcomes."
The captain held up a tiny hand, using her fingers to illustrate the branching paths. "In one timeline, a battle is won; in another, it is lost. A war ends in victory for one side in one reality, and in defeat in another. Such is the nature of these parallel worlds."
Akashi's eyes widened as she began to grasp the concept. "So, in your timeline, Japan..."
"...emerged victorious from the World War II, yes," the captain confirmed. "We became a dominant global power, our empire expanding across the globe. But in your world, this world, history unfolded differently. Japan was defeated, your cities left in ruins."
The captain looked out over the deck, watching her crew as they went about their duties. "It is a difficult thing, to find yourself in a world that operates on fundamentally different principles than the one you came from. In our timeline, we fought for an empire that sought to expand its reach. We believed in our cause, in the righteousness of our actions. But I can see now that this world doesn't share the same values."
Turning back to Akashi, the captain's gaze softened. "We must learn to adapt to this new reality, where Japan has taken a different path. One of peace, democracy, and cooperation. We will adapt if only for our own survival's sake..."
Akashi felt a glimmer of hope amidst her confusion. "Then... you are willing to learn? To change your opinions?"
The captain nodded solemnly. "We must. Though our pasts may differ, we now share the same present and future. It is my duty as a leader to guide my crew towards understanding and respect for this world we have become a part of." She extended a tiny hand towards Akashi. "I ask for your patience and guidance as we navigate this unfamiliar territory."
Akashi reached out, gently grasping the offered hand with her finger. "Of course, Captain. We all have much to learn from one another. With open hearts and minds, I believe we can build a brighter future for all." She blinked. "Are you really the Captain? I heard your..."
"No, I am not the Captain. I'm the XO. Our Captain vanished from the Bridge when Nagato threw a punch at our ship." The Captain fairy explained. "Who could have thought that our Captain's true nature is that of Servant!?"
The fairies erupted in a chorus of cheers and excited chatter upon learning that their Captain was a Servant. Their tiny voices rising in a cacophony of joy and pride.
"Our Captain is a Servant! A true hero of myth and legend!" one fairy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"It's an honor to have such a wonderful Captain!" another chimed in, barely containing their enthusiasm.
The fairies began to dance and sing, their tiny forms whirling about the deck in a spontaneous celebration. They linked arms, forming impromptu circles as they spun and leaped, their laughter and shouts of glee filling the air. Some fairies even began to compose impromptu songs and poems.
Akashi stood there dazed. Her mind very confused by the fairies' fervent celebration.
"What kind of timeline did you come from not to know what something as simple as what a Servant is." The XO fairy grumbled before grabbing Akashi's hand. "Until our Captain returns, you will be our temporary Captain!"
"What do you mean by that?!" Akashi shouted in confusion as she was dragged around and given a guided tour of the IJN Shiriou Mobile Naval Base.
Nagato knocked on the door, her brow furrowed with concern. "Akashi, how is your investigation going?" she called out. "You haven't left the workshop or talked to anyone in several hours. I'm curious about your progress."
"Give me a second..." Akashi's voice replied, sounding uncharacteristically weary, as if she had just run a marathon.
Nagato's frown deepened. "How could investigating one ship exhaust you so much-" Her words cut off abruptly as the door swung open, revealing a transformed Akashi. "What happened to you?!" Nagato gasped, her eyes widening in shock. "Why are you suddenly so tall and..."
"Stacked?" Akashi chimed in, a sudden burst of energy animating her features. She struck a series of poses, showing off her new figure like a model on a runway. "How do I look? No battleship in our Navy or any other can surpass me in height or chest size now!" she declared triumphantly.
Nagato shook her head in disbelief. "Akashi, what on Earth did you..." Trailing off, she felt an inexplicable urge to activate her shipgirl sight. What she discovered left her gawking. "If I'm not mistaken," she said slowly, "I see a repair ship that looks an awful lot like yours docked to... Does your altered appearance have something to do with the shipboy's...?"
"Exactly!" Akashi confirmed, grinning. "You're looking at my ship self, currently docked to my physical body. My fairy self is in command of the IJN Shirou Mobile Naval Base." She tapped a finger against her chin thoughtfully. "I believe that's why my human form has changed so drastically. I even have a hypothesis that the same transformation would occur if a captain-less shipgirl had another captain fairy take over."
Suddenly, Nagato got a bad feeling as Akashi rused out from the workshop and into the base while shouting out her new "discovery".
Twenty Minutes Later
Nagato massaged her temples, feeling the first twinges of a headache coming on as she surveyed the chaos unfolding before her. Across the naval base, adorable mid-teen destroyers and late-teen cruisers were suddenly attempting to board and take command of their much more physically endowed battleship and carrier shipgirl counterparts just for the chance to experience life in a more mature body, even if it was a temporary one.
"Akashi, what have you unleashed?" Nagato muttered under her breath, watching as a determined Fubuki chased after a flustered Kongou, her eyes fixated on the battleship's ample chest. The fast battleship, usually so confident and energetic, now found herself on the defensive against the destroyer's relentless pursuit.
"Bucky, wait!" Kongou cried out, dodging Fubuki's attempts to latch onto her. "I know you admire my figure, but this is not the way!" She crossed her arms over her chest, her face reddening.
"Nagato-san, help!" cried out a wide-eyed Kaga, struggling to fend off an enthusiastic Yuudachi who was practically drooling over the carrier's curves. "I don't think my body is ready for this kind of attention!"
Similar scenes played out everywhere Nagato looked, with the younger shipgirls driven by a sudden fascination with their seniors' womanly physiques.
"Nagato-san, I want to be tall and elegant like you!" Shimakaze called out, her rabbit-ear ribbon flapping as she zoomed towards the battleship. "And have a big, beautiful... bridge like yours!"
Nagato's eyes widened in alarm. "Shimakaze, that's not something you should be focusing on!" She quickly sidestepped the speedy destroyer's attempt to glomp her, her face burning at the younger girl's fixation on her upper decks.
Meanwhile, Akagi found herself cornered by a starry-eyed Sendai. "Akagi-san, your proportions are perfect!" the cruiser exclaimed, clasping her hands together in admiration. "Please, let me experience the world through your eyes... and your sweater!"
"Sendai-san, please," Akagi pleaded, holding up her hands in a placating gesture. "I understand your curiosity, but this is not appropriate." She glanced around desperately, hoping to spot an escape route before the overeager cruiser could invade her personal space any further.
Nagato stopped running and gently knocked out Shinmakaze that was attempting to board her. She sighed heavily, realizing she would need to step in and restore order before things got completely out of hand. She could only imagine the explanations she would have to give to the Admiral about why half the fleet was suddenly trying to combine like some sort of nautical Voltron.
"Attention all shipgirls!" Nagato bellowed, her voice echoing across the base. "Stand down and return to your assigned duties immediately! We will discuss the implications of Akashi's discovery in a calm and orderly manner, not through this undignified scramble!"
As the younger shipgirls reluctantly disengaged from their pursuits, grumbling and pouting, Nagato shot a pointed look at Akashi. "We need to establish some ground rules and protocols for this... situation," she stated firmly, "before it escalates into a full-blown mutiny in attempt to reach for certain form..."
Akashi had the grace to look sheepish, offering an apologetic shrug. "I suppose I should have anticipated this reaction," she admitted. "I'll make sure to not reveal any information in the future that would cause problems like this..."
Nagato nodded, her headache already beginning to recede as a semblance of normalcy returned to the base. She could only hope that this would be the last surprise Akashi's investigations would spring on them... but somehow, she doubted it.
"Is this what you mean by shipgirl shinnegans?" I asked as I watched the unfolding chaos from the roof of the tallest building on the military naval base through my properly established Master and Servant bond that allowed Goto to see and hear through my own superhuman eyes and ears.
Goto's sigh came through the telepathic link. "Yes, Archer, this is exactly what I meant. Though I have to admit, this particular incident takes the cake."
"I've seen my fair share of chaos caused by Servants," I said, shaking my head, "but this? This is on a whole other level."
"Tell me about it," Goto grumbled. "As if we didn't have enough to worry about with the Abyssals. Now I have to figure out how to keep my own fleet from tearing itself apart in pursuit of 'upgrades.'"
I watched as Nagato attempted to corral the overexcited shipgirls, her voice booming across the base. "Akashi certainly opened a can of worms with her little discovery," I mused. "Do you think this could actually be useful, though?"
There was a pause before Goto responded, his tone thoughtful. "Possibly. From what you told me you don't know a thing about the shipboy you were summoned with. I don't suppose you have any insights from your experience with magic- "
"Admiral," I interrupted Goto. "It's magecraft. The term magic is related to something else entirely that we will have to discuss in length another time when we have more important matters like discussing how to tackle the immediate Abyssal threat."
"Understood," Goto replied. "Continuing with my previous question...
I considered the question, my mind racing through the possibilities. Servants were fundamentally different from shipgirls, but there might be some parallels. "It's hard to say," I admitted. "But if we can understand the mechanics behind what had happened to Akashi by her taking command of Mobile Naval Base humanized hull we might discover surprising applications they may help with the war effort."
"Agreed. I'll have Akashi focus her research on that, once she's done sorting out this mess she's created." I heard Goto take a deep breath. "I want you to display those abilities you told me about and it would be best done before the shipgirls so they understand what you are capable of and learn to trust you."
"Roger that, Admiral. I'm on it." I replied as my body dematerialized to take spirit form before I rematerialized before a surprised Nagato and the shipgirls. "Admiral Goto said he wants me to demonstrate my abilities so can you organise..."
What do you guys think about what you read? Is it good, bad or meh? Any recommendations to improve? Please let me know.
Thank you for reading!