Authors note: Alright, this chapter is a fun one I think, and updated sooner than planned as it's update was commissioned to be sooner by the lovely MadisonTracs via my Ko-fi. I also have a now for those who want to support me more consistently. Currently it gives access to a discord channel I've set up for people to hang and nag me about stories, updates and what not, but I'm open to other ideas as well.
Hope everyone had a good holiday, and hope you like the chapter!
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"It has been four days," Warspite said as she stepped into the Commanders office, not even letting the door close or him gesture to her to ask the reason for her presence. No, she simply strode in, and spoke without even knocking.
Queen Elizabeth who had been sitting down in the room with the commander looked utterly shocked and almost dropped her tea at Warpsite's actions, while the commander took it in stride and simply spoke. "It has indeed. Clean-up is almost complete, the death toll has been tallied, and repair plans have been authorized. I have also communicated with strategic command on the mainland and put together a number of possible operations we will be engaging in the coming days and weeks."
"Weeks?" Warspite asked with clear anger. "Every day the Sakura Empire has Aggy, is another day they could be torturing her, using her as a piece of meat in a laboratory!"
"I'm aware of that, however I cannot mobilize a full force to attack the Sakura Homeland without a plan, not when we are utterly unaware of what their Ironblood allies are planning," The Commander said with a sigh. "They have been surprisingly quiet in Europe."
"But-"
"Warspite, we are aware of your woes and worries, but we cannot commit to all out combat without knowing what is going on," Queen Elizabeth said carefully, keeping her tone neutral, yet understanding. In the past few days things between her and Warpsite had been tense. She willingly accepted blame for Agincourt being taken away, but the venom in Warpsite tone when the subject was brought up, was hard for her to take. She worried she would not be able to consider Warpsite her most trusted friend and ally soon, and that both terrified and hurt her.
Warspite looked at both of them and looked like she would explode before turning toward the door, prompting the Commander to speak. "Warspite, you are not to leave the base. We will have need of your abilities soon."
". . . . . under, stood," Warspite said coldly as she opened the door and stormed out.
"If she could merely wait another week things would be of no issue, but I do understand where she is coming from. My father was just as much a spitfire when anyone in the family was in danger," the commander said with a light sigh as he began typing on his computers keyboard.
"Yes well, we do not like it. She has become so-"
"Willful, defensive, protective?" The commander said with a light chuckle. "Parents are like that."
"We should not be even capable of having children," Queen Elizabeth said with a heavy sigh. "Is she the reason the Crimson Axis has declared war on us, or had they been planning this for some time? The Maid corps had found nothing till now about any sort of buildup, yet now we receive reports of massive naval buildups from the homeland. Thankfully they remain solely upon the coast."
"The official declaration of war we received yesterday did state they would keep this war solely to the waters," The Commander said with a nod. "If they continue to follow such intent it will make our situation much easier. High command does not want a land war in Europe, not again."
"Yes, we just need to worry about London or Dover being bombarded once more to strike out naval facilities, how utterly perfect," Queen Elizabeth stated angrily. "Warspite is correct though, we do need to act."
"And we will, once we have the ability to do so more than what we already have prepared," The commander said as he touched a button on his desk, locking down the room. "Has Sheffield given a report?"
"Yes, she believes she will arrive at the Sakura islands within twenty hours. Once there, she and the others with her will scour the island for Sakuran plans, data, and Agincourt," Queen Elizabeth answered simply before sighing. "She expects a full infiltration to take many days."
"Of course, she is certainly not going to do a half-baked job after all," the commander said with an understanding nod. "Now I merely am waiting on-"The commander was cut off as his phone began to ring. A surprising thing as the office was sealed. He slowly pressed a key on his desk. "You are on speaker in my secure office."
"Anyone with you young man?" Came a low and old sounding voice that also sounded strong and potent.
"Queen Elizabeth,"
"Ah, perfectly, good then, I take it you recognize my voice my lady?" the voice asked in a hopeful tone.
"I do. Former Azur Lane Commander Jonathan Grant Hornigold," Queen Elizabeth said solemnly. "It has been long since I heard your voice."
"And I yours your majesty. I am calling to tell you both I am coming to Azur Lane. I am brining two things for your plans."
"Agincourt's cube shard, correct?" the Commander asked.
"Yes. I am also brining a new weapon prototype along with me that will both act as a retaliatory strike, and perhaps as a delivery method to the wayward girl."
"What, are you brining with you, and when shall you arrive?"
"I should arrive alongside Hornet in about four days. As for the prototype, the eggheads are calling it an SM-65 Atlas."
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"So, what do think of the little caged bird my dear sister?"
Admiral Hipper of the Ironblood turned to look at her sister, Prinz Eugen, who was sitting with her on a bench with a Sakuran treat in one hand. Across from them on another bench were the other Ironblood that had come with them to the Sakura Lands, the Destroyers Z23 and Z1, who also were enjoying some Sakuran treats.
"You are meaning the captive that Akagi wanted to show us yesterday before being denied it?" Admiral Hipper asked. "She didn't look like much."
"No, she didn't," Prinz Eugen said with a smile. "Makes one wonder why our dearest allies would capture a mere civilian, doesn't it?"
"It does seem a bit strange," Z23 spoke up as she looked pensive. "Many on this island either did not know about the war declaration, or were surprised by it."
"Not good for their own Shipgirls to not know about it," Z1 added with a shake of her head. "Might make some of them hesitant."
"Yes, and here we are as guest, who have been seemingly forgotten about by our dear allies," Prinz Eugen said with a smile. "So, what do you say we do a bit of, exploring around this lovely island city of our allies, hmm?"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Damn that sleepy ingrate!" Akagi roared as she stormed into the hidden dry-docks that housed her special project, Oochi. Her project was known to most of her people as one that would consolidate the Sakura Empires power and bring unity, but only she and her sister knew its truth.
It was an utterly massive warship built upon a basis of Siren Technologies. Over four times as large as the biggest aircraft carrier, protected by redundant Siren shielding systems and armor thicker than the plating on any battleships, with twice as many air decks as any carrier, with the armaments of a dozen cruisers, and topped off with its primary weapon and the focus for its existence. A launch point for a weapon from the future brought back by Siren technology and her own hands. The Shinsei.
Akagi stood upon the balconies overlooking the underground dry-dock and scowled in annoyance. Things had been going so well. The surprise strike upon Azur Lane had been more than just effective, it likely would keep them low for weeks, and it had worked for its true purpose as well, to enhance the Black cube that would act as the Orochi's power source. It was not at full power yet, but a few more overwhelming victories and it would have all the power it needed.
She had even found that filthy half-breed who could hold so many secrets to improve the lives of Kansen and help spread her love to so many.
"Yet she keeps holding back like a fool, and now that sleepy seer is getting in my way too!" Akagi hissed as she tuned and stormed down the catwalk toward the elevator to the dry-dock below. "Does no one think about the future of the Sakura Empire? Do they not realize that to secure our future we must act now!?"
"Of course they don't, why would they when they will live to see the future, and can simply fix problems when they arise?"
Akagi stopped just shy of the elevator and turned to the open cavern to find the one who spoke floating there above the Orochi's massive bulk. She was a siren, but of what kind was unknown as she did not match the looks of any other humanoid Siren ever recorded. She had a small frame of pale skin and her body was covered in a mix of heavy looking jagged armor, and leather straps that crisscrossed her body. Her head was covered by a massive helmet that had no visor and only revealed her lower jaw, and the bulk of her gear behind her was an array of dozens of octagonal shaped tubes and floating spherical domes of glowing pale yellow light.
Normally the sight of a Humanoid siren, long since defeated, would cause any Kansen instant worry and fear which would then lead to violence. Instead Akagi just sighed and stepped into the elevator. "The Black cube is not charged yet. Why are you here?"
"I figured I would check up on our little project, see how you are doing," the Siren said as she casually floated down alongside the elevator as it descended.
"How nice," Akagi said with no emotion. "What did you mean by what you said?"
"What, I need to explain the concept of checking up on a project now?"
"You damn well know what I meant siren!" Akagi snapped just before the elevator reached the bottom and she stepped out. "What did you mean by fixing problems when they arise?"
"Oh, that," The Siren said with a smile as if followed alongside the dry-dock. "It's just something we've seen before. Shipgirls do not age, and so do not have an ingrained fear of death by time like humans do. They have no base need or desire to make things better for those that come after, only to improve upon their own lots and those around them at that exact time," the siren stopped just shy of the raised walkway that would lead onto Orochi's deck. "It is why your actions to plan for the future are so, refreshing."
"The future must be planned for, otherwise we will never escape from under the heel of the humans," Akagi stated as she flicked a switch beside the walkway, causing it to slowly lower down toward the Orochi's hull.
"Yes, which is why you wanted to take apart that one you captured," The siren said as it began floating backwards toward the Orochi.
"Of course, if we can find a way to not be reliant upon them, we can finally be free," Akagi said as she began walking across the walkway and then stepped onto the Orochi. "The humans will be subservient to us, and we will finally show them our love when they are appropriately situated."
"Heh, Poor thing. Agincourt has no idea what you have in mind for her when you drag her screaming form down here to begin your, tender, ministrations."
"If only it were so easy, Both Lady Nagato and Lady Shinano seem intent on getting in my way, acting like they somehow know better when they sit around and do nothing to improve the Sakura empire. Even Amagi is acting Wary of me, telling me to go slowly and-" Akagi suddenly stopped and very slowly turned toward the Siren. "Did, you just say that half breed's name?"
"Yes."
"What was it?"
"Agincourt."
"How do you know that?"
"Is it so surprising that I would know such a thing, coming from the futures as we do?" The Siren asked as it began floating backward toward the Orochi's bridge.
"Perhaps not," Akagi said as she hummed to herself. "How likely is she to endanger my plans?"
"She can't," The Siren said simply. "She's suck as a pathetic human, destined to die from old age and fear those with skin like iron, so long as her wisdom cube remains shattered. Your leadership is doing you a favor, focusing on her, rather than messing with you and the Orochi."
"I see, that is good to hear. What of her supposed possession that Amagi and Shinano are worried of?" Akagi asked quizzically. "Do you know of that as well?"
"More like haunting. It would have turned her into something more powerful than a Shipgirl, a chaotic mass of hatred and destruction. Their actions will make her a mere kitten compared to you," the Siren said as it seemed to stretch its arms. "Sadly, I must be off for now."
"Still will not tell me your name despite us having gotten so far together?" Akagi asked before the Siren could leave, seemingly giving it pause for a moment.
" . . . . . I suppose you have earned that at this point. You may call me, Arunta," the Siren said before dissolving out of thin air, making it seem as if she was never there in the first place.
Akagi silently stood there upon the deck of the Orochi pondering the Sirens words. Knowing the half breed could not interfere with her work was a boon, but it did make her wonder just how much useful information and research she could get out of her. It also made her wonder how the sirens knew of her. If Kansen could actually have children with Humans, would not the Sirens have made reference to such a thing and tried to stop it? If nothing else, why had it not occurred before now?
Her thoughts were then interrupted by the sound of sandal upon the catwalk, making her glance upwards to see her Sister ship, Kaga, looking down at her. "Sister, I heard of what Lady Nagato and Lady Shinano decided about your prisoner, are you alright?"
"Of course, you did not think I would break down just from being momentarily denied did you, sister?" Akagi responded with a smile. "I'm wounded you think my love is so weak."
"Of course not Sister, I merely was worried. They did not even ask for your thoughts. Lady Shinano simply chose it herself and Amagi did not even defend you. It is strange," Kaga said before vaulting over the balcony railing and landing down on the dry-dock without an issue.
"It is vexing, but it will allow me to focus upon Orochi," Akagi said with a smirk as Kaga began crossing the walkway onto Orochi. "Let Lady Shinano think she is helping the empire with her imaginations. Lady Nagato and Amagi will come to realize we are correct soon enough."
"I see," Kaga said as she seemed to think about something for a moment before stepping onto Orochi. "How successful was the gathering of our attack?"
Akagi smiled and slipped the Black Wisdom cube from her robes so that Kaga could see. "It is making good progress. Better than I expected, though less than I hoped. We will need a few more major engagements to truly finish it."
"Then, shall we expedite such an engagement?" Kaga suggested darkly.
Akagi raised a brow. "And what do you have planned?"
"Our Ironblood guests are getting anxious due to not being told anything. If we can suggest a proper plan to strike at Azur Lane again perhaps assaulting their trade lanes or a coastal holding away from their main bases, it will keep them busy and guessing, keep our allies busy, and provide more time for Orochi to be finished."
"That-" Akagi stopped as she considered the idea Kaga had provided. It was good actually. She needed more love for the Black Cube, and the quicker it was complete the quicker she could end the war and spread her love to the world. It was surprising that Kaga came up with idea as she seemed so willing to just follow her around like a lost puppy, but perhaps that had potential as well. "Yes, that is an excellent idea Kaga. Can I ask you to plan the operation and propose it to Lady Nagato and Amagi?"
"Are, are you sure I should do it sister? You are the face of the First Carrier divisions so-"
"I will take part, make no mistake, but there are some things I must plan for and work on for the Orochi. Can I leave it to you?"
"Of course, I will not fail," Kaga declared as she turned and headed off without another word, a small smile that she likely thought Akagi hadn't noticed covering her lips.
It made Akagi smirk. " Oh Poor Kaga, if I did not know better, I could think you thought I didn't care for you," she mused as she turned back and looked at the Orochi's bridge for a short second before slipping the black cube back into her robes. "Perhaps our dear Ironblood friends have some data I could look at in regards to our little half breed."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
If anyone had told kongou that her desire to learn the truth would have her caught up in a plan led by Lady Shinano to return a Prisoner of War to their home, an act that was tantamount to treason, she would have called them a liar at the absolute least, and likely also tried to capture them herself for such intentions.
Yet here she was in a room in Shinano's own home, a room to herself nonetheless, listlessly looking down at her own body and the bedclothes she had been given for her stay.
"I'm surprised I slept that well," Kongou said after a few moments of silence. It wasn't silent of course. Not really. No place in the Sakura Empire was utterly devoid of nature. Shrines, gardens and greenspaces wee a constant, and in many places birds of many kinds, as well as fish in ponds, were a constant. On the main island of the human population there was supposed to still be spaces so wild that animal's such as deer and foxes could be seen, not that she had ever seen one herself.
Her eyes drifted to her clothes hanging upon the door, immaculate as she left them. No one had entered the room as she had slept as she expected.
"Granted, I had never expected to hear such words come from Lady Shinano," Kongou said to herself as she got up and put away her Futon before changing her clothes in silence. She was just about dressed, only her hat to put on, when she found herself instead simply staring at it. The circular shape, the blue hue, her fake horns attached to its sides. She prided herself on who she was, the first of the Sakura Empire Battlecruisers that paved the way for further development, but sometimes it was hard. She was not quite the same as other Kansen in the Sakura Empire. Her sisters held no such feelings against her, but others sometimes found her strange.
And they were not wrong, not really. Her clothes and style was different, her sword was different than Sakuran make, and her bright blonde hair color was a rarity that only a few shared, yet even still hers was a different tone, a different texture from others. It was foreign in compare to others, just like her eyes were. Some had considered her not truly of the Sakura Empire in the past, and though those sentiments had been thoroughly silenced by Lady Nagato, she had no reason to believe they were completely gone, not with the way some would look at her. Though the physically younger girls never looked at her that way, something she was quite happy about.
"Heh, I wonder how I would look if I had manifested to the age of my hull like some others have," Kongou mused with a smile as she shook her head and placed her hat firmly on her head. Regardless of her worries she had things that needed to be done.
Striding to the door and out of the room Kongou made her way down the halls of the expansive home that was Shinano's manor and looked foo the main dining room and thankfully found it without too much difficulty courtesy of Sakuran Design principle being roughly the same no matter what island you were on or the size of the home.
She was surprised however to find that she was not the only one up already, as Shinano and all of her direct subordinates were present in the room. Lady Shinano's rank and importance were nothing to think little of in the Sakura Empire, so like many of those in high rank she had a few fellow Kansen who served her directly. They were Kii, Suzutsuki, Chitose, Chiyoda, Kashino, and Kumano. Kongou had only ever met Kashino before due to her work as a supply ship making her a common sight on the main island. She knew Chitose and Chiyoda acted as Miko, but she knew little about the rest of them.
Though Kumano's style of dress and hair color put her on guard in a strange way. Was her hair dyed, or actually such a similar color to her own?
"Good morning, I apologize if you were awaiting me," Kongou said as she stepped into the room and bowed respectfully.
"You, are not late," Shinano said with a nod as she gestured to two open places around the circular table. The table was covered in plates of breakfast stapes and a couple large teapots, and it looked like they had all just sat down to eat with food on plates, but little having been eaten yet. "Kii, could you, please awaken young, Agincourt, and bring her to join us and, be acquainted with everyone?"
"Of course," Kii said as he got up from the table and left the room, making little noise as she left.
"How, was your, sleep?" Shinano then asked as she looked to Kongou as she sat down.
"It was fine, thank you," kongou replied as Chitose silently handed her a bowl of rice which she nodded a thanks for. "Though I would like to contact my sisters as soon as possible so that they do not worry for me."
"Once we, are done with this first meeting, you may," Shinano allowed with a nod. "Chiyoda, can show you."
"Thank you," Kongou said as she found a grilled fish expertly placed onto her plate by Chitose.
"Here, good food will help your mood."
"My mood?" Kongou asked in surprise.
"She is meaning how concerned and angry you looked when you arrived last night," Kumano said casually with a smirk as she pointed a long, excessively painted nail toward her. "You looked like you wanted to kill the other one, what was her name again?"
"Lady Shinano Introduced her as Agincourt, Remember Kumano?" Suzutsuki said with a light shake of her head. "Were you not listening?"
"I was, but, it was late, and that name is kinda hard to pronounce, right?"
"It is not," Chiyoda stated simply. "No harder than some of the terms you use for your lack of fashion sense."
"Hey, my fashion is totes perfect!"
Kongou smiled as the conversation continued. It was lively, utterly pointless, and perfect, the conversation of a group of those close to one another just like the conversations she often had with her sisters.
And then the conversation suddenly cut out as the door to the room slid open and Kii walked back in with Agincourt trailing behind her. "Got her up,"
"Could've just woke me up like a normal person you freak," Agincourt mumbled as she saw the table, and sat down beside Kongou with a heavy thud. She looked terrible. Her hair was a tangled mess, her sleep clothes were ruffled and wrinkled, her eyes had bags under them, and she just looked terrible.
"Didn't have a good sleep huh?" Kumano commented with zero tact before smiling.
Agincourt slowly looked at Kumano, and if looks could kill Kongou figured she'd be in a graveyard. "No. it's hard to when expecting to get stabbed in your sleep," she snapped back, making Kumano look confused. In fact Kongou noticed that most of them looked confused except of Kashino, but it was rather obvious they would be when they hadn't been told the whole story upon their arrival the night before.
The introductions had been surprisingly short after all.
"Agincourt, is from the Union, and as we, are at war, it is natural, she would be wary of us," Shinano said slowly to everyone gathered. "Has, Kashino told any of you, what she knows, yet?"
Kashino shook her head. "N-no, I figured it would be best if you did Lady Shinano,"
Shinano nodded, the whole table, except for Agincourt, now awaiting her words with rapt attention. "Agincourt here, or Aggy as she, prefers, is the daughter of a Royal Navy Shipgirl, and a Union Human male. Her Wisdom cube was, partitioned when she was born as to hide, her identity from others in the past, as has only recently discovered the truth of her parentage," Shinano explained, leading to everyone at the table staring at Aggy in surprise as Shinano continued. "Akagi captured her during her strike to start war with Azur Lane, but I have seen futures where she may be responsible in part, for our demise, either through rage, or falling to the Sirens. As such, I aim to return her to Azur Lane, and her mother."
Everyone was silent as they seemed to take in this information. Kashino was the calmest having heard some of the details the night before on the way, while Kongou looked visibly conflicted about the idea. A fact that apparently was shared as Kii spoke up first.
"Lady Shinano, if we are at war with Azur Lane, would not such an act, be considered, treason?"
"It would," Shinano said simply with a lazy nod.
"You have seen visions of her being our enemy specifically?" Chitose asked carefully? "Would not returning her bring that to point?"
"No," Shinano said with a nod. "Each timeline, with her fall from grace, has her being a weapon of the Sirens, barely controlled, or a willing pawn to them. Her hatred, of Akagi, and the Sakura Empire, leading her to destroy indiscriminately, even the Union and Azur Lane,"
Kongou noted that even Agincourt looked worried about such words, though she was trying her best to act unaffected by Shinano's words it seemed. It was then however that Kongou realized something important. "Wait, you said she was being controlled by the Sirens, but they were defeated."
Shinano shook her head. "They, still wait, in hiding, for when to reveal themselves, once more. While I, have no proof, I foresee Akagi falling under their thumb," Shinano admitted with a heavy sigh. "Amagi and Lady Nagato, do not believe that their return is possible, and Amagi, will not entertain the idea of Akagi being related, to such a thing."
"Lady Shinano, I have a question," Suzutsuki spoke up meekly before clearing her throat. "I am aware it may not be best to mention due to Miss Aggy's presence, but, is Akagi's Project Orochi to blame in some way?"
"It is," Shinano said with a nod, making everyone at the table glance around in worry.
Except for Aggy of course, who merely looked confused. "What is Orochi, some sort of Sakuran weapon?"
"We don't know actually," Kumano said, earning a glare from Kii as well as Chitose and Chiyoda. "What? We're already talking about returning a gal to her home in the middle of war, and it's not like any of us know much about Orochi anyway."
"Correct, it is, fine, to tell Agincourt," Shinano said with a nod.
"Aggy," Aggy hissed in annoyance.
"We will call you by your name of choice when you show us at least some respect," Kongou said with a shake of her head. "Orochi is a special project Akagi and her sister Kaga are heading. It is supposed to solidify the Sakura Empire place and secure our future, but aside from that, no one knows anything about it."
"Not even that tiny leader of yours? Aggy asked in surprise."
"None," Shinano said with a shake of her head. "Despite my best attempts, I have not seen it, in dreams. Only its results, of unbound, unconstrained, uninhibited, destruction."
"And somehow, Returning this girl," Chiyoda said as she looked to Aggy as she spoke. "Can stop this?"
"It can," Shinano said simply. "Her fate, and our future, are intertwined."
Silence filled the table again, allowing Kongou to glance around. Shinano's followers all seemed deep in thought to varying degrees while Shinano herself seemed utterly calm, if a little tired looking. But as that was her normal expression it made it difficult to tell what she was thinking. When she looked to Aggy however she found that she did not look overwhelmed so much, as angry.
"This is stupid," Aggy finally said, her tone making it clear that she was actually jut as overwhelmed as she sounded angry. "You, you think I'm some kind of, fated person or whatever? It's absurd, I'm just a girl, and before that, how would you even get me home in the first place when you're kind started this war and that fox bitch wants to turn me into a frog for dissection or something similar?"
"That, is what must be decided," Shinano said with a yawn. "I have seen a few ways it may be done, but cannot guarantee all of us coming out unscathed."
"What are the plans like?" Kii asked intently.
"The first, is that I take her home myself, using my own body as a bargaining piece to get passage to Azur Lane."
"Lady Nagato, Lady Amagi and Lady Musashi would never allow you to put yourself in such a danger," Chitose spoke up. "They would mobilize every fleet to get you back safety."
"They would, and it would, likely result in battles far bloodier than needed, or wanted," Shinano said in agreement. "The second choice is, that all of us leave, as a full fleet to head to Azur Lane, though our appearance would likely be received with, difficulty at best."
"And, what is the third option?" Kongou asked in worry, not liking either of these options at all.
"That you, take her alone," Shinano said simply, making Kongou's thoughts freeze up for a moment.
"What? Why should I have to take this rude little-"
Shinano raised a hand, kongou stopping her rant before it even really began. "Kongou, as the only Sakura Kansen whose Hull was designed and built away from the empire, your actions could be accepted easier. You would also not be, missed initially, as you and your sisters, are not, part of a fleet at, present."
"You, are suggesting that because my Hull was designed in the Royal islands, that everyone would simply accept the idea of my betraying the Sakura Empire?" Kongou asked, her voice tense as she tried to hold herself back from angrily yelling. Even if her mixed heritage caused her some difficulty at times, and made her very obviously different, she was still a proud member of the Empire. The mere idea of betraying it, of jumping sides so easily, of people accepting such a thing.
It angered her.
"I am, but not out of, malice," Shinano began to explain. "It is true, that your heritage would make it easy, for some to shame you, yet, I have seen dreams of you with Azur Lane already, of being against the Sakura Empire, and working, alongside it. I believe, it could be a travel of, understanding, for you," Shinano said before leaning back a bit. "There, is time yet, to decide upon, our path. Please, each of you think, of these, and others you can, conceive. Until, we must act, both Agincourt, and Kongou, are our guests."
Shinano's words made it clear the conversation was at an end for the time, so everyone went back to their food in what quickly became a quiet and somber affair. Kongou did nothing to end the silence, and hoped that it would be the end of the prior conversation. Sadly her hopes were dashes when Shinano spoke up just as kongou finished her meal.
"Kongou. When you call, your Sisters, please do not, speak of these plans. You, understand, yes?"
"I do," Kongou admitted with clearly noticed mild annoyance.
"Thank you. Then, Kii?" Shinano spoke up, getting Kii's attention in an instant. "When we are, done, I think it, would do well for some of us, to teach Young Agincourt, of things she should know, as a Shipgirl."
'But I'm not," Aggy instantly said, almost choking on some rice as she did.
"Not, currently," Shinano said as she slowly turned her gaze to Aggy. "However, you may, regain such capability, in the future, and should be aware, of things, that many of us take for granted," she slowly moved her eyes over everyone at the table s she continued. "I would like, everyone to, think of what may, be taught to her, in the meantime while Kii, tests her."
"I don't get a say in this? What is this, prison labor?" Aggy commented in annoyance.
"It would, do well for you to know, things you will need, later."
"Lady Shinano is right," Kii said as she got up from the table and walked around toward Aggy, pulling her right up by an arm as if she weighed nothing. "Like what kind of Class you would be and what armaments you need to be trained in. let's go!"
"Ah, wait, hold on, let go of me I can walk myself, I said let go you barbarian!" Aggy cried in aggravation as she was quickly carried out of the room by Kii.
" . . . So, what do you think she'll be?" Kumano asked after a few seconds of awkward silence.
"A Destroyer with her energy no doubt," Suzutsuki said with a nod of her head.
"She may be a cruiser of some kind," Chitose said as she glanced to Shinano. "Lady Shinano, do we know whom her mother is?"
"I have not seen, a vision of such," Shinano said with a shake of her head.
Kongou let out a light sigh as she stood up, not caring for the conversation at all. "Excuse me, but I shall speak to my sisters and tell them that I am well."
"I'll show you," Suzutsuki said as she got up and headed to the door, Kongou following her out and down a hall to a large objet set into a cupboard that she recognized as a Radio Repeater module usable by Kansen that could allow them to contact others without their gear in use. "Here you are,"
"Thank you, I should not be long," Kongou said as she moved to the repeater and moved to pick up its headset.
Only for Suzutsuki to place a hand on her hand before she could lift it from its position. "I know what Lady Shinano said, but, it would probably be okay to tell one of your sisters what is going on."
Kongou said nothing but instead nodded to Suzutsuki, who then removed her hand and walked away, leaving Kongou finally alone in the simple hallway. She quickly turned on the repeater, put in the Radio code for one of her sisters, and waited.
She did not have to wait long.
"Kongou, where are you?"
"I am Fine Kirishima, but, things have happened, and I need to speak to you about them quickly. Are you somewhere secure?"
"I am home, give me one moment," Kkirishima said from across the line just as a heavy thudding noise was heard, then a loud clack. "I am secure,"
"Are you inside a closet?"
"Of course, not, what do you take me for?"
"A Shinobi of course," Kongou said with a light smile as she qickley tbought of the best way to bring up what was going on. And s she did, a thought crossed her mind that both told her exactly how she would bring up all this information, and test the waters for it. "So, to begin then. How would you react to the idea of myself having to betray the Sakura Empire in secret to secure its future?"