Shoukaku couldn't believe who had just come to her rescue. It was the META version of her sister, Zuikaku. Shoukaku wanted to rise from the water and hug the META, however her current injuries prevented her from doing anything at this moment in time, Taihou's dive bombers had caused a significant amount of damage to the white-crane. Speaking of the phoenix, Taihou was livid that somebody had gotten in her way. She was so close to freeing the commander from Shoukaku's grasp in her mind. Now, another KANSEN had interfered with her plan, and by the looks of it, it was the white-cranes sister, Zuikaku. Taihou took a second to look at Zuikaku and realised something was different about her, "Grey hair, red eyes and pale skin. What happened to Zuikaku? Why has her look changed?" The reason for the change in the cranes appearance then hit Taihou, "She's a META! That's why she looks so different! This isn't the Zuikaku I know!" The phoenix now realised what was in front of her. Taihou however wasn't intimidated by the META-cranes presence. If anything, she was overjoyed with this situation. Not only could she rid the commander of Shoukaku, but she could also destroy what was potentially an enemy of the Azur Lane. Not doubt that once he heard of her accomplishment, the commander would be overjoyed with her performance. Taihou was imagining the commander praising her and finally accepting her love for him after all this time. He would certainly see her devotion to him.
Taihou began having a euphoric look on her face, and Zuikaku META could see this, "What is going on in that head of hers. You know what, I don't want to know. All that matters is that Taihou tried to kill my sister, and I need to stop her. I need answers from Taihou so I can't kill her, I just need to damage her enough so she is no longer a threat. But I can't attack her again right now, Taihou is too close to Shoukaku. I need to make sure there's enough distance between them, then I can attack." Zuikaku META pondered. The META ship knew that her first attack was incredibly risky. A stray round could have hit Shoukaku and sunk her. But she had to stop Taihou from destroying Shoukaku, and it was the only way to draw the attention away from the badly damaged white-crane. Zuikaku META wasn't going to take that risk again. The META knew she had to draw the phoenix away from her sister, and then she could unload on Taihou.
Zuikaku META summoned her enhanced fighters but didn't use them to attack Taihou. She instead launched them at the phoenix with the intention of annoying and distracting her. Taihou and the badly injured Shoukaku could see the fighters coming and prepared for fire. However, the META's fighters didn't open fire instead the flew and buzzed around Taihou instead. "Get away from me, you pests!" Taihou shouted at the planes. Taihou tried grabbing the planes that were flying around her but had no success. They were simply too fast. Eventually, Taihou started to get angry, and Zuikaku META could see it. The META ordered her planes to retreat back to her. Seeing the planes withdrawing back to the META the KANSEN decided to charge, Taihou was confident in her ability. She was certain she could destroy the Zuikaku in front of her. Once that was complete, she could come back and finish Shoukaku off however she wanted. "Good, she heading right towards me. I just need to draw her away for a bit, and then I can strike. I just need to make sure Taihou is far away enough, so no stray attack will hit Shoukaku." Is what Zuikaku META thought was she saw Taihou coming towards her. The META decided to retreat to put some distance between themselves and her sister.
"Get back here, you pest!" Taihou shouted as she was chasing Zuikaku META. The armoured carrier was beyond furious at this point. Taihou was hell-bent on getting her hands on the META. She couldn't wait to dispose of her. Unknown to the phoenix, however, she was charging into a battle that she couldn't win. Due to the metamorphosis caused by travelling from another time Zuikaku META was much stronger than the phoenix. "Come on, just a bit further." Zuikaku META thought. She just needed a bit more distance from Shoukaku, then she could take the fight to the phoenix. As soon as Zuikaku META was confident Shoukaku was out of the line of fire, she summoned her enhanced fighters and ordered them to attack Taihou. Taihou summoned her own in response, but within seconds, they were shot down. The enhanced fighters then began circling the phoenix and began hitting her with very precise shots that Taihou couldn't defend against or avoid.
Taihou was getting hit from all sides. She tried to fight back, but whenever she summoned her planes, the barely lasted seconds in the fight. She now knew what she was up against. Taihou began trying to flee, but Zuikaku META wasn't going to let her escape. The META then summoned her own dive bombers, and they immediately began to pursue the phoenix. Taihou could hear and see them coming. She tried to pick up speed, but it was to no avail. The enhanced dive bombers quickly caught up with her, and once they were above Taihou, they dropped their payload right on top of her. A huge explosion was then heard as water splashed everywhere from the dive bombers bombs hitting the phoenix. "I hope I didn't overdo it, I need Taihou alive. I need to find out why she attacked my sister." The META thought while looking on at the destruction. Zuikaku META waited until the water calmed down until she began searching for the phoenix. She hoped she hadn't sunk her.
The wait was agonising for Zuikaku META. She really hoped that Taihou hadn't sunk to the depths of the ocean. Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity, Taihou had risen to the surface. The META caught sight of the phoenix and went over to check on her, "Good, still alive but unconscious. But I definitely overdid it. She's in bad shape. I can worry about her later, though. I need to check Shoukaku is alright first." The META decided on her course of action. Zuikaku META went back to the area to where her sister was located to check that she was still alive. When Zuikaku META arrived at her sisters location, she could see Shoukaku still floating there. The META breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that her sister hadn't sunk. Zuikaku META went over to her sister and carefully scooped up the badly injured KANSEN out of the water, "Sister, don't worry I'm here. You're safe now." She reassured the white-crane. "Zuikaku...META? What are you doing here? Why have you come back? I thought you were searching for your Tsubaki?" Shoukaku asked. While Shoukaku was grateful for the META version on her sister saving her life, she needed to know why she was here. "I couldn't find any information. It is too much to try to find her on my own. I need help. That's why I'm here, I've come to ask John and the Azur Lane for their help in finding her. I was on my way to return when I heard you fighting Taihou." The META told the KANSEN.
"What has happened to Taihou? Have you sunk her?" The crane asked. "No, she is still alive. I haven't sunk her, but she definitely won't wake up for a while. I think I went overboard when fighting her. But enough about Taihou, you need help. Tell me where the rest of the Sakura Empire are, and I'll take you to them. They can give you the help they need. I'll tell them where Taihou is, and they can come and get her." The META responded. Hearing that her comrade hadn't sunk gave Shoukaku relief. While Taihou had attacked her, the crane needed to find out where she got her information from. She couldn't find that out if she was dead. The white-crane then weakly pointed in the direction of an island in the far distance, Shoukaku then told Zuikaku META that is where the rest of the Sakura Empire were located. Seeing the objective, the META began to pick up speed and head towards the island. She was careful as to not go too fast and potentially drop her sister.
Once the pair arrived at the island, the first thing they encountered was several members of the Sakura Empire pointing their weapons at Zuikaku META. The META could see this and tried to reason with them, "Wait! Lower your weapons! I'm not a threat! Shoukaku here needs help! I promise I'm not here to fight!" she tried explaining. Once ship from the Sakura Empire, Hiei responded, "Really? How can we trust you? If you truly then aren't a threat, then put Shoukaku down and stay where you are! Don't move a muscle! We don't care if you look like one of our comrades. We will open fire if you try anything funny!" Hiei shouted at the META. Seeing the situation, Shoukaku weakly responded, her injuries were beginning to catch up to her, "Hiei, listen to me. She isn't a danger to anyone. She saved my life. Taihou attacked me. If it wasn't for her, I would have been sunk." Hiei heard what the white-crane had said and ordered everyone to lower their weapons, the battleship then told another KANSEN to go fetch Zuikaku, Amagi, and Nagato. Those three had to know the situation. Hiei then questioned Zuikaku META about Taihou and what happened to her. Zuikaku replied that she wasn't sunk and was still alive. The META also told the battleship about where her location was. Several KANSEN were then ordered by Hiei to go and retrieve Taihou from the location that Zuikaku META mentioned. The META then gently put her sister on the ground so herself and the remaining KANSEN could begin treating her injuries to the best of their knowledge.
A few minutes later, a shout was heard, which drew everyone's attention, "Shoukaku! Where is my sister? What has happened? Is she okay?" The KANSEN responsible for shouting was Zuikaku. She wanted to know where her sister was and what happened to her. The crane then appeared and could see Shoukaku on the ground with several other members of the Sakura Empire around her, and another KANSEN who she recognised; the META version of herself. Zuikaku ran over to where her sister was and could immediately see the damage done to her, "Sister! What happened? Who did this?" she asked. Zuikaku META replied on Shoukaku's behalf, "Taihou was responsible. I was on my way to return to the Azur Lane when I heard sounds of fighting. I went over to investigate and could see Taihou about to kill her and intervened." Zuikaku turned her head to her META self, "Taihou! She did this? Where is she? I'm not going to let her get away with this!" The crane was about to search for the phoenix to get revenge, but the META stopped her, "There is no need to go looking for revenge. I dealt with her. Taihou is still alive but in a bad condition, just like Shoukaku. Others have gone to retrieve her. Right now, we need to focus on helping Shoukaku. Taihou can wait." The META tried to reason with her past self.
Zuikaku wanted to get her own revenge on Taihou but realised Zuikaku META was right. Helping her sister was more important right now. The crane decided to put thoughts of revenge to the back of her mind for now. Instead, Zuikaku decided to help the others with dealing with her sisters injuries. As that was going on, two more KANSEN then appeared, Hiei could see who they were and went over to them, "Amagi! Nagato! Thank goodness you are both here! I trust you are both aware of the situation." Both of the KANSEN nodded, "Yes Hiei, we have been briefed on what has happened. So, Taihou decided to attack Shoukaku. And the META version of her sister intervened and brought her back here. Tell her to come here, we want to speak to her." Amagi told the battleship. Hiei did as instructed and went over towards the META. Once Hiei finished telling Zuikaku META that Amagi and Nagato wanted to see her, the META went over towards them.
Nagato was the first to speak once Zuikaku META had arrived, "It is good to finally meet you, Zuikaku META. The commander told us some time ago that a META was present on the base. I didn't expect it to be you. I understand you stopped Taihou from killing Shoukaku. Tell me what happened and what you were doing there. We want to get to the bottom of this. Any information you can tell us will be a great help." Nagato asked the META. Zuikaku META explained everything she saw and why she was there. She didn't know the reason, yet why the phoenix decided to attack the white-crane. That was information she hadn't yet received. The META-crane also explained that Taihou hadn't been sunk and was still alive. This relieved both Amagi and Nagato, despite Taihou being the aggressor, neither wanted to lose any comrades. They both also wanted to know why this had happened. Both Amagi and Nagato were about to ask Shoukaku but could see the white-crane had just passed out from her injuries. They wouldn't be getting any information from her any time soon.
Nagato began to think and Amagi and Zuikaku META could see it, both decided to give her a few minutes before Amagi decided to ask what the next course of action was, "Nagato, you are the leader of the Sakura Empire. What is it you wish to do?" the Kitsune asked. Nagato knew this exercise was important, but didn't want another incident like this to happen. The Kitsune also knew that Shoukaku and Taihou would need help when she was brought back here. Nagato then decided on what to do, "Amagi, I know you planned this exercise, but I don't want anymore allies injured. I'm calling it off. We are putting away all the equipment and heading back to base. What I want is Shoukaku to be put on one of our boats and taken back to base immediately. I want the same to happen for Taihou when she is found. The rest of us will sort out the equipment and begin returning to base once that has happened. I also want you to inform the commander, he needs to know everything that has happened." Nagato explained.
Amagi acknowledged everything she was told and immediately began ordering everything to pack everything away. The kitsune also ordered that Shoukaku to be put on a boat and that she was to be evacuated back to the Azur Lane immediately. Zuikaku and Zuikaku META did so along with a few other KANSEN to carry on helping with the white-cranes injuries. Once the kitsune was confident that all of Nagato's orders where being carried out she then pulled out her phone from her kimono and began to call the commander, Amagi knew she was about to have a very difficult conversation...
John was fast asleep at his home. Tsubaki was out cold by the time he reached his front door, so he was able to put the half-KANSEN straight to bed and get to bed early himself. Suddenly, the man was woken up by the sound of his phone. Taking a few seconds to wake himself up, he grabbed his phone and then looked at the name of the individual who was calling him, "Amagi? Why is she calling me at this time? Has something happened?" John pondered. Realising he wouldn't find out by just looking at his phone, the man answered it. "Amagi, what has gone on? Why do you need to call me?" he asked. Amagi replied, "I apologise for calling you commander, but something bad has happened. Shoukaku has been attacked by Taihou. She has been put on a boat and is heading back to base. Taihou has just been located, and we are doing the same for her. Nagato has also ordered the cancellation of the exercise, the Sakura Empire is putting away all our equipment, and then we will all return to the Azur Lane." The kitsune explained the entire situation.
Hearing that Shoukaku was hurt immediately caused John to be on edge, "Shoukaku was attacked by Taihou! Why? How bad are her injuries? Tell me everything you know, Amagi." The kitsune replied with all she knew at the moment when John asked her. The commander thanked the kitsune for telling him everything, then hung up. John then decided to call Belfast. He was going to head down to the dock and wait for the boat with Shoukaku on it to arrive. But the man knew he needed someone to watch Tsubaki for him. He couldn't leave his daughter on her own. John called Belfast's number and waited patiently for the maid to answer. After a few seconds, he heard a voice on the other end, "What's wrong Master? Why are you calling me this late?" she asked. "Sorry for calling you this late Belfast, but I need you to come to my home. Something has happened to Shoukaku during the exercise. She's badly hurt. I need you to watch Tsubaki for me while I head down to the dock to wait for the boat she is on to arrive." John told the maid. After a few seconds, Belfast responded, "Understood master. Just let me get ready. I will be at your home as soon as I can." John thanked her after hearing her response, then hung up. The man then quickly gave a call to Vestal and told her to expect two casualties to be arriving at the medical bay.
John got himself ready and waited for Belfast. After several agonising minutes, he heard a knock at his door. When he opened it, John could see the maid, she was sweating and her appearance wasn't the best, clearly she got here as quick as she could. John quickly explained that Tsubaki was asleep in her room and, if anything happened to call him immediately. John then left his home and began running towards the dock. Once at the dock, he began to agonisingly wait for the boat with his wife on it to arrive. After a long time, just as the sun was beginning to rise, John could see the boat arriving just over the horizon, "There she is! Shoukaku is on that boat!" John told himself. He carried on waiting until it made port. Once the boat was at port, John went over to see his wife. He found her being carried on to shore by someone whom he thought he would never see again, "Zuikaku META! So Amagi was telling me the truth. She's back." John wanted to know why the META had returned, but that could wait. His priority was seeing that Shoukaku got help. She looked in a bad way in the META-cranes arms.
Zuikaku META clocked eyes on John looking at her and only said one thing, "It is good to see you again, John..."