Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Cross Connect

2018-12-05T05:34:00Z

KnightEmon: Created page with "thumb '''Cross Connect''' (クロス・コネクト) is a Japanese light novel series written by Kuou Haruki (久追遥希) an..."

[[File:Cross_Connect_Volume_1_Cover.png|300px|thumb]]
'''Cross Connect''' (クロス・コネクト) is a Japanese light novel series written by Kuou Haruki (久追遥希) and illustrated by konomi(きのこのみ).

== Story Synopsis ==

Tarumi Yuunagi, a boy who hated human in the shadow, the only one who completed the 『 Legendary Ura-game 』, which was held before. Although he had become a normal high school boy, but an accident made him join a new game, in a role of a princess and「 being targeted by 100 other participants」 . Also Harukaze, the real『 Princess』 in game was body-swapped with Yuunagi in real life. More and more unwanted things happened, changing Yuunagi normal day life.

Not also that, Yuunagi knew that the death of the 『Princess』 in game also means Harukaze would die, in order to not let that happens he had to finish the game without making any mistake.

The ultra real game starting from swapping------------

「 We will finish it perfectly」

== Updates ==

*December 5, 2018 - '''Project Started'''

'''The series is currently hosted and translated [https://mofumofutranslationblog.wordpress.com/ HERE].'''

== ''Cross Connect'' by Kuou Haruki ==

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 1 ===
[[File:Cross_Connect_Volume_1_Cover.png|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
* [https://mofumofutranslationblog.wordpress.com/cross-connect-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
* [https://mofumofutranslationblog.wordpress.com/cross-connect-volume-1-chapter-1/ Chapter 1: Game Starts]
* [https://mofumofutranslationblog.wordpress.com/cross-connect-volume-1-chapter-2/ Chapter 2: The Swap]

File:Cross Connect Volume 1 Cover.png

2018-12-05T05:13:58Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V2 004-005.jpg

2016-08-25T04:20:06Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V2 002-003.jpg

2016-08-25T04:18:40Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V2 001.jpg

2016-08-25T04:16:25Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V2 cover.jpg

2016-08-25T04:14:38Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V1 062.jpg

2016-07-18T13:47:41Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V1 083.jpg

2016-07-18T13:44:48Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V1 045.jpg

2016-07-06T10:42:32Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V1 021.jpg

2016-07-01T03:28:01Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V1 006-007.jpg

2016-06-28T00:01:08Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V1 004-005.jpg

2016-06-27T23:59:15Z

KnightEmon:

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V1 002-003.jpg

2016-06-27T23:57:47Z

KnightEmon:

User:KnightEmon

2016-06-27T15:06:46Z

KnightEmon:

Well, I'm an otaku who likes to watch anime, reading manga and light novel, hate going out and a big fan of Dota2, btw I memorized all of the heroes's reponses.

That's all

Return, as a Death Knight --[[User:KnightEmon|KnightEmon]] ([[User talk:KnightEmon|talk]]) 15:06, 27 June 2016 (UTC)

File:Valhalla no Ban Gohan V1 cover.jpg

2016-06-27T14:43:56Z

KnightEmon:

User talk:Ninja Emon

2016-02-06T09:35:42Z

KnightEmon:

YuudachiPoi here-
My Facebook account is yuudachiPoiNi@hotmail.com or other wise Yuudachi Poi
Erm I still would like to sign up as an editor for the project CtG
So yeah...
Thanks

== "Censored" numbers ==

While it's true that Japanese people use nine characters (the four symbols on the fire buttons of a PlayStation controller plus upside-down triangle, both solid black and whiteout, except × [batsu], that's just two lines) as wildcards for censoring, the whiteout circle 〇 [maru] is used almost exclusively as a placeholder for letters (romaji, kana, kanji) and the very few instances of it with this intention are most likely to appear in horizontal script (still, the solid black version is preferred). The reason for this is that the symbol 〇 in a sequence of numbers is a help for writing numbers with kanji in the western system (i.e. the same that we take 1 and 4 to write 14, they use 一 and 四 to write 一四 instead of the usual 十四), meaning "0"; thus, 一〇 means 10 (though sometimes with 1 followed by 0es, it can appear erroneously as 十〇, 百〇〇, 千〇〇〇...). This kind of writing numbers is almost exclusive to vertical script, like the one on LN (also, there was this very same problem with several numbers in the prologue and, when I checked it from the source, it was indeed this numbering at work).--[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]])

== Editor for KanColle ==

Hi Ninja Emon,
I noticed that you are the project manager for the KanColle project, and that it has no editor. If you are looking for one, I would like to put my name down for it.
Cheers, --[[User:Morgorath|Morgorath]] ([[User talk:Morgorath|talk]]) 15:41, 5 February 2016 (UTC)

I'm out of bussiness, so do whatever you want with them ( This is Ninja Emon, I used two accounts, forgot the pass for this one) --[[User:KnightEmon|KnightEmon]] ([[User talk:KnightEmon|talk]]) 09:35, 6 February 2016 (UTC)

User:KnightEmon

2015-11-14T09:10:32Z

KnightEmon:

Well, I'm an otaku who likes to watch anime, reading manga and light novel, hate going out and a big fan of Dota2, btw I memorized all of the heroes's reponses.

That's all

CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo

2015-11-14T09:09:41Z

KnightEmon:

[[Image:CtG v01 img001.jpg|240px|thumb]]

'''CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-''' (CtG ─ゼロから育てる電脳少女─) is a light novel series written by [[:Category:Gangudou|Gangudou]]. The illustrations are done by [[:Category:bun150|bun150]]. The series is currently ongoing, and published by Kadokawa Shoten under their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadokawa_Sneaker_Bunko Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko] label.

The CtG series is also available in the following languages:
*[[CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
In VRMMO -CtG- (Cradle to the Glaive), Kasugai Yuu has <married> Mifa, a girl he just met. After that, their daughter Haruha was born and grown!? Moreover...

<blockquote>"I've come, daddy!"</blockquote>

<blockquote>"K-Kugimiya!"</blockquote>

In the real world, the real Haruha, along with the real Mifa – Kugimiya Miharu - suddenly appeared! The truth is, Haruha is a <new human> created in secret!! Living under the same roof, Yuu and Miharu are stuck with caring for Haruha both in game and in life, the one who controls the fate of humanity!?

==Updates==

* June 23, 2015 - '''Volume 1, Epilogue completed'''
* June 21, 2015 - '''Volume 1, Chapter 3 completed'''
* May 12, 2015 - '''Volume 1, Chapter 2 completed'''
* April 01, 2015 - '''Volume 1, Chapter 1 completed'''
* February 04, 2015 - '''Page created & Volume 1, Prologue completed'''

== Translation ==

===[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

:*'''Translators are asked to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to '''[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Names_and_Terminology_Guidelines|Names and Terminology Guidelines]] & [[Format_guideline|The General Format/Style Guidelines]]'''.

'''If you want to discuss this series, do so in the thread on the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=10856 Forum]'''

==CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo- series by Gangudou==

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:CtG_v01_Cover.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 1 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 1 ([[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1|Full Text]])===

*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ctg-zero-kara-sodateru-dennou-shoujo/volume-1/novel-illustrations/　Terminus]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Prologue|'''Prologue''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ctg-zero-kara-sodateru-dennou-shoujo/volume-1/prologue/　Terminus]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 1: Input|'''Chapter 1: Input''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ctg-zero-kara-sodateru-dennou-shoujo/volume-1/chapter-1/　Terminus]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 2: Output|'''Chapter 2: Output''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ctg-zero-kara-sodateru-dennou-shoujo/volume-1/chapter-2/　Terminus]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 3: Interaction|'''Chapter 3: Interaction''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ctg-zero-kara-sodateru-dennou-shoujo/volume-1/chapter-3/　Terminus]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Epilogue: I'll play till the end for your sake|'''Epilogue''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ctg-zero-kara-sodateru-dennou-shoujo/volume-1/epilogue/　Terminus]
|}
 

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:CtG_v02_Cover.jpeg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 2 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |

===Volume 2===

*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Prologue|'''Prologue''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ctg-zero-kara-sodateru-dennou-shoujo/volume-2/prologue/　Terminus]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Chapter 1: The boy who attracts Evil|'''Chapter 1: The boy who attracts Evil''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ctg-zero-kara-sodateru-dennou-shoujo/volume-2/chapter-1/　Terminus]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Chapter 2: Santa Sangre|'''Chapter 2: Santa Sangre''']]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Chapter 3: Scanner Friendly|'''Chapter 3: Scanner Friendly''']]
*Epilogue
|}
 

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:CtG_v03_Cover.jpeg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 3 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |

===Volume 3===

*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume3 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
*Prologue
*1 - Form of the DEAD
*2 - Illness of the DEAD
*3 - Game of the DEAD
*Epilogue
|}
 

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:

*Project Manager:

===Translators===
:*[[User:Daniman1|Daniman1]]
:*[[User:Demina|Demina]]

===Editors===
:*[[User:Bowguyz|Bowguyz]]
:*[[User:Nighris|Nighris]]
:*[[User:Crossbeats|Crossbeats]]
:*[[User:Kilroy|Kilroy]]
:*[[User:YuudachiPoi|YuudachiPoi]]
:*[[User:RiseThyYongers|RiseThyYongers]]
:*[[User:Extremeracer19|Extremeracer19]]
:*[[User:Remji|Remji]]

==Series Overview==
*Volume 1 - CtG ─ゼロから育てる電脳少女─ 1 (September 30, 2014, ISBN 978-4041022009)
*Volume 2 - CtG ─ゼロから育てる電脳少女─ 2 (February 01, 2015, ISBN 978-4041022016)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Linked Project]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Shoten]]
[[Category:Sneaker Bunko]]

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!

2015-11-14T09:09:07Z

KnightEmon:

{{Teaser|English}}
[[Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg|240px|thumb]]

'''Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! ''' (艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します!) is a light novel series written by Toshihiko Tsukiji. The illustrations are done by NOCO. The series is currently ongoing, and published by Enterbrain under their Famitsu Bunko label.

==Story Synopsis==

Kagerou, aKanmusu stationed in Yokosuka Naval Base. As the nameship of the Kagerou class, she pushed herself to do her best in training, but things didn’t go very well. In reality, Ushio, Arare, Satsuki, Nagatsuki, and Akebono—Kanmusus that were added into the same fleet as her—caused by their respective reasons were all failing Kanmusu who could not get themselves a place in other fleets!Kagerou, with her stationing delayed and getting in last out of all of them, finding herself stuck in such a fleet and thus, her daily life in Yokosuka Naval Base began.

The long-awaited official novelization of the famous* [KanColle] has now appeared as a Famitsu paperback edition!

==Updates==

* August 27, 2015 - '''Chapter 2 Completed '''
* August 09, 2015 - '''Chapter 1 Completed '''
* August 08, 2015 - '''Page created '''

== Translation ==

===[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

:*'''Translators are asked to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to '''[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Names_and_Terminology_Guidelines|Names and Terminology Guidelines]] & [[Format_guideline|The General Format/Style Guidelines]]'''.

==Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! series by Toshihiko Tsukiji==

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 1 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 1 ===

*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon |'''Chapter 1: First Moon''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2: Second Moon''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 3: Fire|'''Chapter 3: Fire''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 4: Water|'''Chapter 4: Water''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 5: Tree|'''Chapter 5: Tree''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 6: First Gold|'''Chapter 6: First Gold''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 7: Second Gold|'''Chapter 7: Second Gold''']] 
|}
 

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[User:Ninja Emon|Ninja Emon]]

===Translators===

==Series Overview==
*Volume 1 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! (November 30, 2013, ISBN 978-4047292666)
*Volume 2 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 2 (February 28, 2014, ISBN 978-4047294615)
*Volume 3 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 3 (July 30, 2014, ISBN 978-4047297692)
*Volume 4 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 4 (December 26, 2014, ISBN 978-4047301139)
*Volume 5 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 5 (March 30, 2015, ISBN 978-4047303065)

[[Category:Linked Project]]

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!

2015-11-14T09:08:12Z

KnightEmon:

{{Teaser|English}}
[[Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg|240px|thumb]]

'''Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! ''' (艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します!) is a light novel series written by Toshihiko Tsukiji. The illustrations are done by NOCO. The series is currently ongoing, and published by Enterbrain under their Famitsu Bunko label.

==Story Synopsis==

Kagerou, aKanmusu stationed in Yokosuka Naval Base. As the nameship of the Kagerou class, she pushed herself to do her best in training, but things didn’t go very well. In reality, Ushio, Arare, Satsuki, Nagatsuki, and Akebono—Kanmusus that were added into the same fleet as her—caused by their respective reasons were all failing Kanmusu who could not get themselves a place in other fleets!Kagerou, with her stationing delayed and getting in last out of all of them, finding herself stuck in such a fleet and thus, her daily life in Yokosuka Naval Base began.

The long-awaited official novelization of the famous* [KanColle] has now appeared as a Famitsu paperback edition!

==Updates==

* August 27, 2015 - '''Chapter 2 Completed '''
* August 09, 2015 - '''Chapter 1 Completed '''
* August 08, 2015 - '''Page created '''

== Translation ==

===[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

:*'''Translators are asked to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to '''[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Names_and_Terminology_Guidelines|Names and Terminology Guidelines]] & [[Format_guideline|The General Format/Style Guidelines]]'''.

==Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! series by Toshihiko Tsukiji==

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 1 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 1 ===

*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/kancolle-kagerou-batsubyou-shimasu/volume-1/novel-illustrations/　Terminus]
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon |'''Chapter 1: First Moon''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/kancolle-kagerou-batsubyou-shimasu/volume-1/chapter-1/　Terminus]
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2: Second Moon''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 3: Fire|'''Chapter 3: Fire''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 4: Water|'''Chapter 4: Water''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 5: Tree|'''Chapter 5: Tree''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 6: First Gold|'''Chapter 6: First Gold''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 7: Second Gold|'''Chapter 7: Second Gold''']] 
|}
 

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[User:Ninja Emon|Ninja Emon]] at [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ Terminus Translation]

===Translators===

==Series Overview==
*Volume 1 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! (November 30, 2013, ISBN 978-4047292666)
*Volume 2 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 2 (February 28, 2014, ISBN 978-4047294615)
*Volume 3 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 3 (July 30, 2014, ISBN 978-4047297692)
*Volume 4 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 4 (December 26, 2014, ISBN 978-4047301139)
*Volume 5 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 5 (March 30, 2015, ISBN 978-4047303065)

[[Category:Linked Project]]

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!

2015-11-14T09:08:00Z

KnightEmon:

{{Teaser|English}}
[[Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg|240px|thumb]]

'''Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! ''' (艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します!) is a light novel series written by Toshihiko Tsukiji. The illustrations are done by NOCO. The series is currently ongoing, and published by Enterbrain under their Famitsu Bunko label.

==Story Synopsis==

Kagerou, aKanmusu stationed in Yokosuka Naval Base. As the nameship of the Kagerou class, she pushed herself to do her best in training, but things didn’t go very well. In reality, Ushio, Arare, Satsuki, Nagatsuki, and Akebono—Kanmusus that were added into the same fleet as her—caused by their respective reasons were all failing Kanmusu who could not get themselves a place in other fleets!Kagerou, with her stationing delayed and getting in last out of all of them, finding herself stuck in such a fleet and thus, her daily life in Yokosuka Naval Base began.

The long-awaited official novelization of the famous* [KanColle] has now appeared as a Famitsu paperback edition!

==Updates==

* August 27, 2015 - '''Chapter 2 Completed '''
* August 09, 2015 - '''Chapter 1 Completed '''
* August 08, 2015 - '''Page created '''

== Translation ==

===[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

:*'''Translators are asked to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to '''[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Names_and_Terminology_Guidelines|Names and Terminology Guidelines]] & [[Format_guideline|The General Format/Style Guidelines]]'''.

==Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! series by Toshihiko Tsukiji==

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 1 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 1 ===

*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/kancolle-kagerou-batsubyou-shimasu/volume-1/novel-illustrations/　Terminus]
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon |'''Chapter 1: First Moon''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/kancolle-kagerou-batsubyou-shimasu/volume-1/chapter-1/　Terminus]
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2: Second Moon''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 3: Fire|'''Chapter 3: Fire''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 4: Water|'''Chapter 4: Water''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 5: Tree|'''Chapter 5: Tree''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 6: First Gold|'''Chapter 6: First Gold''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 7: Second Gold|'''Chapter 7: Second Gold''']] 
|}
 

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[User:Ninja Emon|Ninja Emon]]

===Translators===
:Eshtar

===Editors===
:*[[User:Bowguyz|Bowguyz]]
:*[[User:Nighris|Nighris]]
:*[[User:Crossbeats|Crossbeats]]
:*[[User:Kilroy|Kilroy]]
:*[[User:YuudachiPoi|YuudachiPoi]]
:*[[User:RiseThyYongers|RiseThyYongers]]
:*[[User:Extremeracer19|Extremeracer19]]
:*[[User:Remji|Remji]]

==Series Overview==
*Volume 1 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! (November 30, 2013, ISBN 978-4047292666)
*Volume 2 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 2 (February 28, 2014, ISBN 978-4047294615)
*Volume 3 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 3 (July 30, 2014, ISBN 978-4047297692)
*Volume 4 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 4 (December 26, 2014, ISBN 978-4047301139)
*Volume 5 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 5 (March 30, 2015, ISBN 978-4047303065)

[[Category:Linked Project]]

Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna

2015-11-14T09:07:31Z

KnightEmon:

[[Image:Zuikaku Cover 001.jpg|240px|thumb]]

'''Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna ''' (艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 鶴翼の絆) is a light novel series written by Hiroki Uchida. The illustrations are done by Matarou. The series is currently ongoing, and published by Fujimi Shobo under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko label.

==Story Synopsis==

“Why have i become a human girl……?”

Having supposed to have sank after a desperate battle, Aircraft Carrier Zuikaku opens her eyes to discover that she has become one of the young girls known as “Shipgirls.”

Having becoming one of the “shipgirls” possessed with the powers and memories of the War of the Past, Zuikaku and her elder sister Shoukaku reunite, and through the man known as “The Admiral” comes to terms with the existence of humanity’s enemy–the Abyssal Ships. She resolves to protect this world that is so similar to that of her memories and embarks once more onto the battlefield–and must experience and confront the implications of her own cruel fate.

From the point of view of the “Lucky Carrier” Zuikaku and located in the world of the super-popular webgame “Kantai Collection,” this novel novel hereby launches!

==Updates==

* September 15, 2015 - '''Epilogue and Volume 1 added '''
* September 14, 2015 - '''Chapter 1,2,3,4 added '''
* September 13, 2015 - '''Page created '''

== Translation ==

===[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

:*'''Translators are asked to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to '''[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Names_and_Terminology_Guidelines|Names and Terminology Guidelines]] & [[Format_guideline|The General Format/Style Guidelines]]'''.

==Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna series by Hiroki Uchida==

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:Zuikaku Cover 001.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 1 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 1 ([[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1|Full Text]])===

*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 1: The Sea God's Maiden|'''Chapter 1: The Sea God's Maiden ''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 2: The Trial Seas|'''Chapter 2: The Trial Seas''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 3: The Meaning of Luck (Part 1)|'''Chapter 3: The Meaning of Luck (Part 1)''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)|'''Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Epilogue|'''Epilogue''']] 

|}
 

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:Zuikaku 2 Cover.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 2 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 2 ([[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2|Full Text]])===

*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Chapter 1: Raise the curtain|'''Chapter 1: Raise the curtain''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Chapter 2: Deep of the Dark|'''Chapter 2: Deep of the Dark''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Chapter 3: Ironbottom|'''Chapter 3: Ironbottom''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Chapter 4: Echoes of Grace~To the future you～|'''Chapter 4: Echoes of Grace~To the future you～''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Epilogue|'''Epilogue''']] 

|}
 

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[User:Ninja Emon|Ninja Emon]]

===Translators===

[http://pastebin.com/u/Chinkfag Chinkfag]
==Series Overview==

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Hosted Projects]]

Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna

2015-09-16T13:40:25Z

KnightEmon:

[[Image:Zuikaku Cover 001.jpg|240px|thumb]]

'''Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna ''' (艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 鶴翼の絆) is a light novel series written by Hiroki Uchida. The illustrations are done by Matarou. The series is currently ongoing, and published by Fujimi Shobo under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko label.

==Story Synopsis==

“Why have i become a human girl……?”

Having supposed to have sank after a desperate battle, Aircraft Carrier Zuikaku opens her eyes to discover that she has become one of the young girls known as “Shipgirls.”

Having becoming one of the “shipgirls” possessed with the powers and memories of the War of the Past, Zuikaku and her elder sister Shoukaku reunite, and through the man known as “The Admiral” comes to terms with the existence of humanity’s enemy–the Abyssal Ships. She resolves to protect this world that is so similar to that of her memories and embarks once more onto the battlefield–and must experience and confront the implications of her own cruel fate.

From the point of view of the “Lucky Carrier” Zuikaku and located in the world of the super-popular webgame “Kantai Collection,” this novel novel hereby launches!

==Updates==

* September 15, 2015 - '''Epilogue and Volume 1 added '''
* September 14, 2015 - '''Chapter 1,2,3,4 added '''
* September 13, 2015 - '''Page created '''

== Translation ==

===[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

:*'''Translators are asked to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to '''[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Names_and_Terminology_Guidelines|Names and Terminology Guidelines]] & [[Format_guideline|The General Format/Style Guidelines]]'''.

==Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! series by Toshihiko Tsukiji==

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:Zuikaku Cover 001.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 1 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 1 ([[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1|Full Text]])===

*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 1: The Sea God's Maiden|'''Chapter 1: The Sea God's Maiden ''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 2: The Trial Seas|'''Chapter 2: The Trial Seas''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 3: The Meaning of Luck (Part 1)|'''Chapter 3: The Meaning of Luck (Part 1)''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)|'''Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Epilogue|'''Epilogue''']] 

|}
 

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:Zuikaku 2 Cover.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 2 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 2 ([[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2|Full Text]])===

*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Chapter 1: Raise the curtain|'''Chapter 1: Raise the curtain''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Chapter 2: Deep of the Dark|'''Chapter 2: Deep of the Dark''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Chapter 3: Ironbottom|'''Chapter 3: Ironbottom''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Chapter 4: Echoes of Grace~To tomorrow's you～|'''Chapter 4: Echoes of Grace~To tomorrow's you～''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume2 Epilogue|'''Epilogue''']] 

|}
 

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[User:Ninja Emon|Ninja Emon]] at [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ Terminus Translation]

===Translators===

[http://pastebin.com/u/Chinkfag Chinkfag]
==Series Overview==

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Hosted Projects]]

File:Zuikaku 2 Cover.jpg

2015-09-16T13:32:00Z

KnightEmon:

Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)

2015-09-16T12:47:28Z

KnightEmon:

==The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)==
===Part 1===

The midsummer's sun streamed through the wide-open window into the the Naval District Office.

The trees surrounding the Naval District hummed with the "SZAZAKARAIIIISUUUUU*" of ten thousand cicadas as the fan in the corner valiantly pushed along the hot air. This nation's summer is just like the summer we know, it's very hot.

The Admiral brought me here about a month after I had come to this Naval District, on a certain afternoon.

"Regarding the Confirmation you wanted, Shoukaku, the report has arrived."

The Admiral sat in front of me, hand lying on a document spread over the desk, speaking with a sigh.

"Your theory has been validated by the evidence. You indeed sustain significantly more hits than other carriers--even if we consider 'Luck', this is still the case. In other words..."

"I am still constrained by the title of 'The Unlucky Ship'--correct?"

I cut through the Admiral with my own voice--from an Admiral's standpoint, these words were probably hard to say.

"...This kind of judgement certainly isn't surprising."

As predicted, the Admiral responded apologetically. I smiled mildly at him as always, telling him not to take it to heart.

I had long since come to terms with this.

From the moment I was born as a shipgirl, it had been like this.

It was because I, like some of the shipgirls, had clear memories of "That War."

It was not altogether surprising that would have to bear results and a legacy as a shipgirl identical to those memories.

Listening to the report at the Admiral's side, secretary-ship Houshou-nee bore a complicated expression.

"But, this way you'll..."

There was clear sorrow in the Admiral's voice. I shook my head.

"It's not a problem. After all, I have my own hopes."

"Hopes?"

"I wish to avoid bringing my misfortune onto others--that and that only."

"........"

"What happens to me is unimportant. No matter how many wounds I sustain, how many times I have to retreat, I don't mind. But I do not wish to lose anyone on account of this. This is my sole wish as a shipgirl."

"Are you worried about your demise in that 'Battle of the Marianas' you speak of?"

"I wouldn't be able to forget something like that even if I tried."

I spoke with a hint of self-mockery. Even now, I occasionally dream of what happened then.

It had been a torpedo, striking while the air groups were being refueled. A diesel leak triggered an explosion that lit me on fire. Those who did not burn were swallowed by the waves, life after life vanishing before me--unfortunately, I remembered all that with perfect clarity.

Nearly three out of four crewmen had died--some fifteen hundred. Among the Standard Carriers, this was one of the most tragic of figures.

Perhaps that was why.

Or perhaps it was my lingering worry for new model carrier Taihou and my sister Zuikaku, both of whom would subsequently perish in the line of duty, that caused it.

I do not want to bring misfortune on anyone again. I hope that this time I can protect what is important to me.

Even if it means repeating my fate in 'That War' and ending my days at the bottom of the sea.

As long as my death has meaning, has value.

"With that in mind, why don't we hurry to bring Zuikaku--my sister, the one renowned in 'That War' as the illustrious 'Lucky Carrier' to the Naval District?"

I maintained my smile as I spoke with firm words.

"That child should be the same as me, bearing the legacy of 'the Lucky Carrier'. As long as she becomes a main fleet standard carrier, she will be of great assistance to this naval district."

And so, clutching conviction to heart, I told the Admiral,

"And before that happens, leave it to me to protected Zuikaku. Even if I have to be her shield, I will definitely..."

If I bear the legacy of that war, after all, I ought to be the one to draw the enemy to me when she is in danger, just like back then.

◇◇◇

Awoken by past worries, Shoukaku lay in a daze.

She knew where she was--in her room in the naval district, on her futon. The Warm winter sun peeked through the window as the frigid wind shook the forest restlessly.

But she did not understand why she was here.

"If I recall correctly, I was in the waters around Okinoshima, and in order to protect ZUikaku..."

She recalled the torpedo wakes as they rushed at her and Zuikaku.

Though she had been the flagship at the time, her attention had been drawn by the four battleships, and so the destroyers had managed to close in unnoticed and release their deadly payload. If she had done nothing, both she and Zuikaku would have been stricken by multiple torpedoes with doubtlessly heavy and (with some bad luck) potentially fatal damage.

It was exactly because of that she had instructed the half-formed 2nd air group to intervene from their location between Zuikaku and the incoming torpedos and block what they could.

Given, she could have attempted to both direct her planes and evade as Zuikaku in the Orel Sea--but this would divide her attention and potentially prevent her from accomplishing either objective.

When Taihou came under torpedo attack during the battle of the Marianas, one of the Suisei had rammed a torpedo, sacrificing his life to block the attack. While he failed and Taihou was ultimately sunk by that torpedo spread, she could definitely succeed--and it was for this reason that she acted as she did.

(However, I only released some ten or so planes--a little too few for all those torpedos. That's why I came to terms with taking a few torps....)

Shoukaku looked at her bathrobed body. Perhaps she was lucky after all--her body bore not a single wound. From the wintry scene outside, it seemed as if little time had passed since the battle in the Okinoshima waters.

Out of nowhere, a wave of unease struck her.

(My survival means...)

She was the "unlucky ship." What if this legacy had targeted the Admiral or the other shipgirls? If Zuikaku's luck was an insufficient defense--

Her oath to the Admiral flashed through her mind.

".....! Zui--"

"Shoukaku-nee!"

The doors slammed open as destroyer Yukikaze stepped into the room--and then stopped, as if transfixed with shock.

"I-I'm really sorry! Shoukaku-nee was still sleeping....!"

That's fine, I was just about to get up."

Shoukaku smiled to calm Yukikaze, as she did to reassure Zuikaku.

"Well then, what happened?"

"Yes, Zuikaku-onee, she--"

"Zuikaku? Is Zuikaku alright...?"

Shoukaku bolted up, shoving her covers aside.

Yukikaze's gaze turned from Shoukaku elsewhere as she spoke with a voice of apology.

"She's fine, but...."

===Part 2===

"Do you think this is some kind of joke?!"

Zuikaku shouted in rage.

The location was the Naval District office. Zuikaku had only just returned yesterday with her wounded comrades.

Having called her over, the Admiral now sat behind the desk in front of her. No secretary ship stood by his side, and no other shipgirls were present--a one-on-one standoff.

Zuikaku slammed a hand on the table, her expression filled with rage as she bellowed.

"You want me to attack Okinoshima again? And with Shoukaku-nee too--what the hell is wrong with you? There's--"

"--A main fleet built around four Ru-classes garrisoned there, a force stronger than anything we have faced."

As if to complete Zuikaku's thought, the Admiral interjected with an emotionless tone.

"And among those four Ru-classes, there is a new model--after that battle, we have named it the 'Flagship Type.'"

"Well then if you already know....!"

"Moreover, those four battleships are attempting a new tactic, trying to surround us with water pillars by firing in series and trying to obscure our line of sight--Suppression Shelling, essentially. I assume that means they are equipped with the newest Radars."

The Admiral spoke in a firm tone that proscribed any interruption.

"Range seemed equivalent to that of the Nagato-class...if they were normal Battleships they'd went straight for the kill. In night battle, the disparity in accuracy may well become even more pronounced."

".....!"

"It's exactly because of this that we are betting our hopes on the power of you carriers. Carrier planes can strike from beyond their fearsome firing range and attack those four battleships from beyond the horizon. Currently, the Naval District and Factory is operating at full capacity, stockpiling resources and equipment for this sortie."

From beginning to end, the Admiral spoke with icy calm.

"This may well be the last chance given to us. Reconnaissance shows that enemy patrols have increased in both activity and patrol radius. Do you know what that means?"

Zuikaku felt a chill travel down her spine.

"That the main fleet is preparing to make their move against home base...?"

"It's possible that this Naval District is their target. If, by any chance, the Abyssals are not the regrets of 'That War' but the fate of shipgirls who have sank, it would not be surprising if they knew the location of this Naval District."

Zuikaku's expression was bleak--while it was certainly possible, she would rather have left it unsaid.

"...and it is precisely due to this that I plan to dispatch you sisters of the 5thCarDiv. Thankfully, you only sustained minor damage. 1stCarDiv and 2ndCarDiv's standard carriers have yet to fully recover--they are unlikely to be capable of sortieing in the near future; the same goes for Mutsu and the other Battleships. Currently, the only ship that can take them on are you two."

"....you can try to convince me with your arguments, but the reality is nothing like that."

Zuikaku tightly gripped the desk as she glared at the Admiral.

"Why do you believe that I could take on monsters like those? Shoukaku-nee and my survival and return...."

As she spoke, her recollection of the Battle at Okinoshima floated into her mind.

◇◇◇

"Shoukaku-nee--!"

Even as Zuikaku cried out her warning, Shoukaku was engulfed in multiple water spouts, briefly shielding her from view.

What happened was obvious--Shoukaku had used the carrier planes above her to target the torpedo spread, simultaneously using her body to shield Zuikaku from the remaining torpedos. Just like she had resolved to do before the battle.

"A,ah...."

Zuikaku shook wordlessly, simply staring as the curtain of geysers receded. As expected, Shoukaku could not have stopped all the torpedos; several shot past on either side of her--even so, Zuikaku was completely unharmed.

(H-how...how can this be...!)

Zuikaku felt the hopelessness seeping through her spirit. As it was, she may as well have been the one that had sank Shoukaku--living up to the name of the 'lucky carrier', she had sacrificed the 'unlucky ship' for her own survival.

(I never asked for this! I just wanted to fight to save this world....!)

The pillars of water slowly collapsed--revealing to Zuikaku a figure collapsed like the geysers around her.

"Shoukaku-nee!"

Zuikaku hurried rushed over as she lifted Shoukaku from where she lay on the water's surface.

Shoukaku's body was covered in wounds, her equipment virtually destroyed--it seemed not a single carrier plane had survived. But she was alive--Shoukaku had once said that shipgirls would float, as long as they remained alive.

(Thank god! But, why...?)

Even as she cried tears of joy, Zuikaku felt a smidgen of unease. Even if Shoukaku carrier planes had managed to reduce the torpedos coming at her, the remainder should have been more than enough to finish her in her current state. And yet, Shoukaku had managed to just barely hold on.

Presently, several carrier planes flew over at low altitude. These planes bore floats--they weren't Shoukaku's, at any rate.

It seemed like this seaplane team had joined Shoukaku in attacking the torpedos, saving her life in the process.

(Seaplanes? It can't be...?)

"--are you alright, 5thCarDiv Sisters?"

The voice in her ear--a radio transmission. And that voice belonged to--"

"Ise-onee?"

This transmission came from Aviation Battleship Ise. Zuikaku gaped at Ise and Hyuuga, astonished.

Ise and Hyuuga evaded the continued fire from the four Ru-classes and the pillars of water surrounding them.

Both had sustained several direct hits and several near misses and the wounds to prove it--their protective barriers were also in tatters. But they continued moving as they evaded shell after shell. While they moved as sluggishly as their status as battleships implied, they moved spryly, dodging only after the enemy had fired.

(So even at Cape Engano....!)

Breathless, Zuikaku remembered the last scenes she had witnessed of "That War."

The Battle of Engano where she sank had been the last decisive battle for her side--the carrier battle of the Leyte Gulf. Ise and Hyuuga had been responsible for the protection of four carriers, led by Zuikaku, committing themselves to a harrowing anti-air battle.

The battle had ended in disaster for the Japanese--all four carriers were lost. But Ise and Hyuuga had managed to shrewdly evade the enemy planes' waves of attacks, surviving a battle from which no survivors were expected. Watching these two shipgirls now, it seemed as if they had inherited that agility, so unlike those of battleships.

Ise's voice rose urgently.

"--is Shoukaku fine? We're falling back now--we of the 4thCarDiv will form the rearguard, you 5thCarDiv sisters hurry up and scram!"

"To leave in this situation....?"

"We just received orders from the Admiral! We've finally managed to unmask the enemy Main Fleet's true face--given how the battle is going, we have no option but to retreat...!"

Zuikaku found that her blood was rising far faster than her relief.

(Doesn't that mean that we were sent just to scout out the enemy's composition...!?)

From a certain point of view, this was a reasonable judgement and choice--even so, she could not accept it.

"--We of the 4thCarDiv's durability and evasion is more than enough, if it's just buying time against those four Battleships--now hurry up!"

"B-but, if that happens you'll..."

"Don't look underestimate the 4thCarDiv! Right, Hyuuga!"

"That's right. Let them witness the true power of the Aviation Battleships! Zuikaku, we'll definitely catch up with you--get going!"

The two bellowed, as if to reassure themselves.

At the same time, gunfire echoed in the distance--Maya and Choukai were engaging the Destroyers that had just launched the torpedo spread.

Zuikaku gulped. Currently, the enemy was completely focused elsewhere--

In her confusion, Zuikaku saw the wounded Shoukaku as an expression of anguish appeared across her face--it seemed she was trying to endure the pain. If she didn't escape, Shoukaku might sink.

"....sorry.....!"

Zuikaku lifted Shoukaku up as she started her retreat.

◇◇◇

"The only reason we survived was because Ise-nee and Hyuuga-nee acted as our shields."

Zuikaku lowered her head with her remorseful admission.

"But after we made it out, those two returned with severe damage. Maya, Choukai and Shoukaku-nee were the same...that was the limit of our power."

"Our Higher-Ups believe that you, as the 'Lucky Carrier,' are needed in the fleet for us to have any chance of victory."

"....!"

Zuikaku glared once more at the Admiral, who took it in calmly.

"I'm sure Shoukaku has told you before of your ability as the 'Lucky Carrier' to grasp the most fortunate result. It's because of this status that we were given this last chance."

"'Lucky Carrier' this, 'Lucky Carrier' That....is everyone just treating me as an object to carry around?!"

Zuikaku leaned forwards as she shouted in rage. Something that she had been struggling to endure had finally boiled over.

"The power to grasp the most fortunate outcome? I never trusted your fucking luck, I just did my best! Don't just foist a role on me like that!"

"I have no objection with your explanation. But we need your power to save the world. The fact is that you managed to unveil the enemy's true face and successfully escaped with a wounded Shoukaku from the battle. Given your comparative combat ability, this result may as well be a miracle."

"So I was called here just for that, then? So I'm just a bloody lucky charm you carry around so the miracles come falling? Sacrificing Shoukaku-nee and the other shipgirls for some crap like that--this is a little too unreasonable!"

".........."

"The one who said that shipgirls aren't tools of war, wasn't that you, Admiral?"

"That's fine as well--this is a war, and sacrifices must sometimes be made."

"........."

"We must grab our fates with our own hands."

Nearly gasping in rage, Zuikaku couldn't stop herself from raising her shortbow. Of course, she didn't loose the carrier plane at the arrow's tip--but just a twitch of the finger, and the plane would immediately shoot at the Admiral.

The Admiral didn't move, but gazed back evenly with a resolve that stood up to Zuikaku's rage.

In spite of her teeth-grinding rage, Zuikaku didn't shoot--she couldn't shoot.

"Zuikaku, stop!"

A voice from behind her--Zuikaku turned around with shock to see Shoukaku staring at her, having thrown the office doors open. From the heaving of her shoulders, it appeared that she had rushed over as fast as she could.

"Shoukaku-nee..."

Zuikaku spoke gently. Shoukaku, who had been wounded protecting her, had returned. Joy, elation and guilt flashed through her mind--along with complicated feelings about Shoukaku's resolve.

However, Shoukaku approached Zuikaku soundlessly, snatching Zuikaku's shortbow--and then raising her right arm in a broad slap.
[[File:Zuikaku 013.jpg|230px|thumbnail]]

"....!"

"Apologize to the Admiral,"

Shoukaku said severely to Zuikaku, who touched her face in a daze.

"Apologize, now!"

"....! Didn't you lie to me too, Shoukaku-nee?!"

Shoukaku roared back reflexively, expelling all the regrets and depression that had followed that last battle in a single breath.

Don't say any more--saying any more would hurt Shoukaku-nee, another Zuikaku cautioned desperately. But Zuikaku wouldn't stop, couldn't stop.

"'I won't sink again' my ass. Tossing out lies to reassure me and then try to sacrifice yourself for me...that's just like Dinosaurs! The one giving up against the title of 'the Unlucky Ship' is clearly you, Shoukaku-nee!"

"Zuikaku..."

"I don't want to be a lucky charm or a weapon of war--and I sure as hell don't want to be a reason for Shoukaku-nee to sacrifice herself!"

Zuikaku turned and ran, through the open door into the hall.

"Hold on, Zuikaku!"

Though her elder sister's remonstrances reached her, Zuikaku did not stop running.

◇◇◇

Shoukaku did not run after Zuikaku.

No, she couldn't run after her.

Firstly, it was unlikely that Zuikaku in her current state would listen to her words. Secondly, she had lied, as Zuikaku ahd said. And as Zuikaku had said, she had chosen to accept her status as 'the Unlucky Ship' and do her best under the circumstances.

(But that's all I can do...)

Those experiences in "That War" culminating in the title of "The Unlucky Ship;" the high hit sustenance rate that had come with that title; that low hit rate, even though the experience and skill was clearly there--that was just how things were---she couldn't do anything about it.

"Thank you, Shoukaku--though I want to say that, are you alright now?"

The Admiral inquired as he let loose a sigh of relaxation. Shoukaku stood up straight, responding with head lowered.

"Yes, thanks to you. My apologies for letting you witness my willfusl sister's display."

"Don't worry about it. That kind of spirit is what your sister ought to have."

The Admiral responded as if it were nothing. It seemed like he had expected Zuikaku's response.

Shoukaku nodded slightly as she spoke with a careful tone:

"I've heard the gist of it from Yukikaze. Moreover, that exchange confirmed a guess of mine--deploying the 5thCarDiv to use Zuikaku's power of the 'Lucky Carrier' was the request of the higher-ups and not the Admiral, correct?"

The Admiral said nothing as he gazed at Shoukaku, his face clearly displeased.

(I was right, huh...)

Shoukaku held back her sigh. The Admiral had come to lead the Naval District due to political backing--this had been obvious from the missions up until now. Moreover, his political base was far from solid.

The intent of Shoukaku and Zuikaku's last sortie had probably been to "grasp their formation, even if you can't wipe out the main fleet." That intent could be seen in the choice of sortieing Ise and Hyuuga, both veterans skilled in evasion.

Moreover, if this had been the primary goal, there was no need to send her and Zuikaku. Indeed, throwing in a rookie such as Zuikaku was still very risky, "Lucky Carrier" or not.

Pushing forwards in spite of all this--it had to be pressure from the higher-ups.

(Even if it was only to satisfy the demands of the higher-ups, the Admiral still took full responsibility of everything related to us as our commander while resolving to maintain clear accountability. That's probably why he didn't say anything...)

Perhaps the Admiral had gleaned from the shipgirl's recollections of "That War" that a string of disasters had resulted from poor accountability.

After all, there was no need for a bunch of shipgirls balancing a war with the abyssals with daily life at the Naval District to understand the Admiral's political position regarding his higher ups. In a certain sense, this was also an attempt to protect the hearts of the shipgirls.

At the very least, this was what the Admiral had in mind when he fought.

Perhaps he had dealt so severely with Zuikaku so that Zuikaku could vent all the suspicions and questions remaining from the previous battle and allow her to confront her feelings.

(What a difficult man to understand.)

Shoukaku frowned discontentedly as she suppressed a sigh before voicing another one of her convictions.

"However, Admiral. The Admiral I know wouldn't repeat this kind of thing."

".........."

"Plus, this time around we're not deploying until we've completely grasped the Okinoshima Garrison Fleet's formation--I presume you have a plan then?"

As Shoukaku watched inquisitively, the Admiral broke into a chilling grin.

===Part 3===

"...aren't you a little full of yourself, moping alone here at a time like this?"

Standing on the seawall that snaked around the naval district shoreline, Hiyou inquired with an expression of confusion.

At her feet Zuikaku crouched slavically, her face and expression concealed by her legs.

After the argument in the naval district office, Zuikaku had run here from the naval district. At least there would be some time for solitude here--or so she had thought.

Unfortunately, her hopes proved naive. Zuikaku had only been here for a short time before Hiyou had started talking behind her. More likely than not, Hiyou had been sent by a certain someone in the naval district.

(After that debacle, I don't have the face to return to the naval district...)

Though she felt Hiyou come closer to her, Zuikaku's depression was not assuaged.

(I just wanted to work hard as a shipgirl, but....)

Not a single word Zuikaku had said to Shoukaku and the Admiral had been dishonest or untrue. Given, aiming her equipment at the admiral was a little overdone, but Zuikaku did not feel that she had said anything wrong.

Even so, a strong sense of regret lingered

(I spoke out of line with Shoukaku-nee...)

Undecided between standing uncomfortably and sitting uncomfortably, the young woman dug her thumbnails into herself.

(Shoukaku-nee clearly just wanted to protect me...she clearly just went through a situation that made her think as she did...)

Shoukaku had not escaped the wounds of "That War." Indeed, it was the very opposite--she was one of the ones to remember it the most vividly. And it was due to those experiences that she so selflessly tried to protect Zuikaku.

Shoukaku is the "unlucky ship", so she is hit more; Zuikaku is the "lucky carrier," so she brings her side good luck--if this theory becomes a rule, there would be no ship better suited to be "the ship in charge of being hit" than Shoukaku.

Moreover, if she truly possessed the power to grasp the best possible result, it was not illogical for the Naval District to prepare for a long war with the abyssals--

(But I hate this kind of thinking....)

To Zuikaku, Shoukaku was an irreplaceable sister, one which she could not bear to harm for her sake.

(Nevermind that I'm still a rookie. Even if I were given some responsibility like "grabbing the best possible result", I'd have not a clue how to do it...)

In the worst case scenario, no miracle would be triggered at all, and all the shipgirls with her except for herself would perish--it was certainly a possibility that Zuikaku considered.

(what should I do...?)

"Oy, are you listening to me?"

Hiyou spoke again from behind her, but Zuikaku wasn't interested in answering.

The silence persisted nearly a minute more--finally, Hiyou sighed. Sitting down next to Zuikaku, she started speaking, her gaze directed at the sea.

"I heard about it. And I'm also aware of that 'you may have a certain ability' crap too."

".........."

"I've always had Junyou by me, after all. That girl was an accomplished veteran in 'That War', and survived until the end...though it's not to your degree, it would not be unreasonable to call her a 'lucky carrier' as well. In reality, her hit sustenance rate in this war is indeed lower...to tell you the truth, I'm quite jealous."

"........"

"That's why I can understand Shoukaku's feelings, and your feelings to some extent. Junyou has always been forgiving of me, constrained as I am by tactics...while it is in part to prevent me from feeling inferior, I suspect Junyou simply doesn't want to consider the idea that 'she is lucky.' If we were always aware of our own fortunes, their results and that kind of business, we'd simply be incapable of getting along with our comrades."

She felt the same right now--that was what Zuikaku thought, her face hidden in her legs. In regards to Junyou's situation, her concern for Hiyou had already made that self-evident.

And yet after a pause, Hiyou spoke up again, with a harsher voice.

"But Junyou has never given up due to her situation. She had never used 'luck' or 'it was pre-ordained' as a pretext to give up."

".......!"

Hiyou had never rebuked Zuikaku like this before, and Zuikaku froze.

"I am the same. I am a light carrier who cannot compare with standard carriers, and I accomplished little worth mentioning in 'That War'....but so what? How can I bend my knee to luck and fate? Stuff like that, I'll toss them aside with this shining hand of mine!"

Hiyou's right hand, rock in hand, glowed with her magical onmyodo powers or some shit. With what may or may not have been sheer willpower, the air around Hiyou began to tremble.

"Hiyou...."

Zuikaku looked up slowly. In front of her, Hiyou stood up, clutching the stone in her hand.

Hiyou stared at the seaside as before. And yet the gaze that emanated from those purple eyes seemed to imbibe Hiyou's resolution.

(In other words, the Admiral basically said the same thing...)

One should decide her own fate--the Admiral had said this to her, back before Shoukaku had reached the office.

Thinking carefully, that phrase may have been the expression not of the Admiral and this world's faith, but that of a hope that could guide both Zuikaku, gradually fettered by the results of "That War," and Shoukaku, long since subjugated by them.

Furthermore, she was the "Lucky Carrier," the shipgirl that carryied the power to "Grasp the best possible result"--perhaps she could end her connection to that past with her own hands. Given, this was an inherently contradictory train of thought, but this was a thought--

(Whether I truly grasp the power to grasp the most fortunate result and what the best possible result, I don't know...)

Hiyou's dark hair and red dress fluttered in the wind, but she resolutely stared out towards the sea as before--seeing her face, Zuikaku was struck with a thought.

(But the only one who can decide whether and how to use this power is I...if I use it right, perhaps it can be the power that saves everyone. Of course, Shoukaku-nee's heart is no exception...)

Even if she was the "Lucky Carrier," there was no need to truly confirm or deny this power.

The only way to avoid others sacrificing themselves for her was to use her power to solve those problems. If she didn't want to be a lucky charm or a weapon, what she needed to do was, again, to change herself, with her own power.

Of course, Zuikaku knew neither the specifics nor whether she could actually save Shoukaku's heart. Hell, the fetters binding herself with Shoukaku may well be broken--on this point, Zuikaku felt both fear and unease.

But perhaps there would be a way, as long as she gave it her all as before. After all, the title of 'the lucky carrier' shouldn't be an empty title--

"The sparkle seems to have returned to your eyes...go!"

Cracking into a slightly teasing grin, Hiyou hurled the stone in her right hand towards the sea. Perhaps it had something to do with Hiyou's magical Onmyoudou powers, but the stone continued to skip off the water's surface until it was lost in the waves.

"Fucking beautiful,"

Hiyou remarked cheerfully. She turned again towards Zuikaku.

"Really now, at this rate you're going to befoul the name of the 5thCarD...rather, the new 1stCarDiv. We were the ones propping up the Main Fleet Carrier Task Force after Midway; get it together."

Zuikaku scratched her cheek with a crooked grin.

"Ahaha, well, there were a lot of reasons..."

Though she had patched up her feelings, the "Okinoshima Main Garrison Fleet blocking us" remained an obstacle.

In order to deal with that main fleet, she'd most likely have to deploy as before with Shoukaku.

And before that could be done, some new tactics would need to be devised. Zuikaku did not believe her fortune would be enough on its own against such strong enemies.

"But how should I say this...well, I feel a lot better now. Thanks! Thanks for coming here just to cheer me up!"

"I-I wasn't giving my advice for your sake!"

Clearly embarrassed Hiyou waved the thanks away.

"This is for the whole Naval District...and the Admiral!"

"Admiral?"

"After all, he asked me in the past to take care of you in my own way. I just happened to see you run out of the naval district and remembered this...."

"Is that so..."

For all her surprise, Zuikaku also felt slightly apologetic.

Perhaps the Admiral had long since forseen this situation and had dispatched Hiyou to deal with this istuation.

Perhaps he had spoken earlier with such a harsh tone in order to help her grasp this current line of logic. Or perhaps he had hoped he could personally change Shoukaku's sense of self-sacrifice--

(But how could I have figured something like that out?! If he had said it clearly...)

"Moreover, Junyou and I are being deployed to the Okinoshima waters as well."

"Hiyou and Junyou too?"

Zuikaku gaped in astonishment. It seemed like the Admiral had abandoned surface combat and had resolved to deal with the enemy's fearsome main fleet with air power.

"That's right. As such, wouldn't it be a problem if a fleet comrade were all depressed? That's why it's for myself too--definitely not for your sake! After all, the New 1stCarDiv and the new 2ndCarDiv are rivals, and I'm not about to get all lovey dovey with you!"

"I-is that so..."

Hiyou huffily crossed her arms. Zuikaku, figuring that Hiyou was trying to hide her embarrassment,<ref> no shit, does this author know what subtlety means?</ref> broke into laughter as she tried to move on.

"Whatever, let's not worry about that for now--we need to think of some strategies..."

Hiyou's eyes turned once more to the oceans.

"I've already seen your battle report. The enemy main fleet's core are the four Ru-class battleships, one of which is a flagship-type that's stronger than the elite-type. Once caught in the enemy's continuous fire the situation deteriorates dramatically, so we must devise a way by which we can eliminate the vast majority of the opponents within the opening air attack. However..."

Hiyou stopped at this point. Thinking of the unspoken implications, Zuikaku could not suppress a pang of regret.

During the battle with the enemy main force, she and Shoukaku had both launched a first wave. Though all had reached the enemy's airspace, fierce AA fire had prevented them from inflicting any significant damage.

(From the intensity of the AA fire, it's possible that even the next-generation Suisei dive bombers and Tenzan torpedo bombers currently in development would be insufficient to break through the barrage)

"While I'm sure the Admiral has some good ideas..."

Hiyou whispered with a mix of anticipation and unease.

If it was impossible to obtain decisive victory through the air, the next time may well still end in a defeat. Not only would this defeat give the enemy main fleet a chance to approach the homeland, but it could also make possible the worst-case scenario of an attack on the Naval District, a battle which could decide the progress of the war in a single moment.

At that moment, an unfamiliar engine rumble reached the silent Zuikaku and Hiyou.

"That engine sound...could it be?"

Zuikaku had heard this sound before--at the Marianas, her own air complement had included planes that had bore these engines.

(Ahh, these were the engines of the new model recon Saiun...but, those numbers are too large for a recon team....!)

"Zuikaku, look...!"

Zuikaku turned to where Hiyou's finger pointed--and immediately understood.

These carrier planes bore a graceful streamlined shape and a distinctive inverted gull-wing layout, wings that tapered up from the fuselage to the tip. There were enough planes to mount two carriers, and their reverberating engine sounds belonged to the scaled down but high-powered Nakajima Homare engine. The plane squadrons shot over the two at high speed.

(I once heard rumors of that fuselage during "That War...!)

Capabilities surpassing the Type 99 Dive bomber and the Type 97 Torpedo Bomber--or even the Suisei Dive bomber and Tenzan Torpedo bombers; a plane that combined dive bombing and torpedo bombing capabilities in a new revolutionary design allegedly fast enough to outstrip the Type 21 Zero.

She had never mounted this decisive-battle, blueprint weapon in "That War", but she had one day hoped for that chance. The weapon "So advanced that it had to remain classified" Yuubari mentioned, maybe it was this.

It's name is--

"The Sienar Fleet Systems TIE Line Fighter...!"

The Admiral recalled the Admiral's words--if it were Carriers, they would be able to attack the four Ru-class from outside their range. The Naval District and Factories had been working at double speed to churn out the necessary supplies and equipment--indeed, the Ryuusei-kai was a standout design. If two standard carrier's worth of Ryuusei Kai could be manufactured, even the enemy main fleet, with its powerful AA suite, might still take mortal damage.

Combined with her own luck, perhaps--

(That's the 5thCarDiv is needed, and that's why I am needed...)

Watching the Ryuusei Kai squadrons flying into the distance, Zuikaku felt a surge of hot blood rush through her veins.

===Part 4===

Several hours later, Zuikaku received the official sortie order.

"I will now explain the details of the new operation."

The Admiral's voice reverberated through the Naval District Office. The skies framed in the window had long since gone black.

Inside the office were assembled the four carriers notified about their role--Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Hiyou and Junyou.

Zuikaku kept her distance from Shoukaku--she was not quite sure how to face her elder sister. Shoukaku, it seemed, was of a similar sentiment, and both of them made sure their eyes would not meet.

"As everyone is well aware, our naval district's last assault on the Okinoshima Anchorage was an abject failure, with well over half the main fleet heavily damaged by the enemy. We now believe that the enemy main fleet anchored until now at the anchorage is preparing for an invasion of the mainland."

Several fairies promptly suck a strategic map onto a whiteboard standing on the workdesk.

"If we leave the enemy free rein, our homeland and this Naval District will most likely come under attack. We must prevent this from happening at all costs. As such, we will be deploying with you all serving as the main fleet in a Carrier Task Force capacity to the Okinoshima Waters for a third attack. This operation will be referred to as 'Operation A-go.'"

Zuikaku gulped. The name of this operation was familiar.

(The Operation that led to the battle at the Marianas was also called Operation A-go.)

In "That War" and in this war, A-go represented the commitment to a decisive battle.

"This time we will be betting our hopes on you four carriers preemptively neutralizing the enemy in order to nullify the enemy's suppressing fire."

The Admiral explained in a heavier voice.

"Thanks to previous developments at the factories, we have manufactured sufficient quantites of the prototype Suisei Kai to outfit two carriers. Standard Carriers Shoukaku and Zuikaku will mount these Suisei Kai, along with Type 52 Zeroes, as the fleet's primary striking force. Due to the limited number of Type 52 Zeroes, however, Zuikaku's remaining supplement will be equipped with Type 62 Zeroes."

Zuikaku nodded slightly. As Yuubari and RJ had said in the factories, the Type 62 Zeroes were variations of the base Type 52 Zero model--if you could deal with their slightly inferior specs, they were more than capable of seizing air superiority. When it came to battle against the main force, they would also be able to serve in a dive bombing capacity.

"Hiyou and Junyou will deploy as always with Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bombers. However, we will be limiting the numbers of Type 99s, which will be primarily used as scouts. In combat, we will rely on the Type 97s. The Type 99's dive bombs may be ineffective against the Ru-class."

Hiyou and Junyou both responded with a crisp "understood."

"As for the enemy patrols and pickets, please remove them with preemptive air strikes to the best of your ability. Looking at their composition, you should have more than enough to wrest air superiority. As long the enemy is disabled, it is acceptable to disengage and move on."

The enemy's gate is down--that was what the Admiral's gaze said.

"Once the enemy main force is encountered, focus everything on the first attack. Even if the enemy is Ru-class, breaking the enemy's formation with torpedos should help to inhibit their suppression fire. Your primary target is the Flagship Ru-class that appears to be serving as flagship. As before, sinking the flagship should plunge the leaderless enemy into confusion."

The fairies promptly affixed several photos of the flagship type <ref>taken during the battle, no doubt</ref> on the whiteboard. A few of Hyuuga and Ise's observation seaplanes had managed to survive, and theses photos appeared to have been brought back thanks to their actions.

As the Admiral said, the Flagship Ru-class had indeed stood in front of the enemy fleet; it seemed like that she was indeed the coordinator.

"In the case that a preemptive strike fails, chances will be that you will lose the ability to inhibit their suppressing fire and thus suffer defeat. If that happens, the enemy will close in on the homeland. If this happens, the Naval District will deploy into Home Waters in preparation for a last-ditch defense."

It didn't require much thought to realize that there was no plan at that point. If they failed, the Naval District's home fleet would consist of Heavy Cruisers and other smaller vessels. At that point, the battle plan would be encroaching on the nation's vital naval trade network.

"The flagship this time will be Shoukaku--as before. Are there any questions?"

The Admiral looked to the four shipgirls. It appeared he wanted each of them to imagine the consequences of the failure of their last stand.

"Just one."

Shoukaku raised her hand. There was no smile on her face now, only grimness. The Admiral tipped his head lightly, beckoning her to speech.

"As the flagship, there is something I would like to confirm with the Admiral in regards to this operation: when it comes down to it, is our priority 'our survival,' or 'the elimination of the enemy main fleet?'"

(Shoukaku-nee....)

Zuikaku gazed at Shoukaku and the Admiral uncomfortably. Similarly, Hiyou and Junyou also eyed the two with tension written across their faces.

"....of course, our priority is to eliminate the enemy main fleet."

The Admiral's voice was low, but clear.

"If we fail this battle, we will have lost the war. If the price for destroying the enemy main force is your lives, I, as a commanding officer, am prepared to pay."

His distress was palpable in his voice as he continued.

"However, I forbid any of you from entering battle with this resolve. There is a high likelihood that you all will be integral to our battles in the future; as such, I demand (however unreasonably) that you defeat the enemy and return to this naval district. Fight, fight with every ounce of your soul against the enemy against you. Whatever the result, I am prepared to take full responsibility."

"I understand. Thank you."

Shoukaku nodded lightly as Zuikaku felt a pang of guilty.

Her sister had doubtlessly brought up this question to make sure Zuikaku understood the Admiral's thoughts. The Admiral had no plans to use the shipgirls as weapons. Given, some decisions may have seemed the opposite, but for the Admiral, this remained a heart-rending decision--

(I understand this kind of thing....but, Shoukaku-nee...)

"Moreover, regarding the remaining two ships..."

"I was just about to explain that. Come in, you two."

The office door swung open with a heavy clack as from it came the shapes of two rather small shipgirls. Zuikaku's eyes widened--one of the two destroyers wore a white sailor uniform as a large dress, with a pair of large binoculars hanging from her neck. The other shipgirl wore a black-on-white sailor uniform, her hair an opulent, striking white.

Zuikaku gulped. She had seen these two destroyers before, and found what she had in common with them.

(It can't be, these two are...)

The Admiral's voice echoed through the office.

"Destroyers Yukikaze and Hibiki. They are this naval district's most seasoned destroyers, and I am confident they are upt to the task of escorting you all."

The Admiral paused for a moment before regarding the six shipgirls before speaking a half-plea, half-order.

"Please, use your power as shipgirls to give us humans a future."

===Part 5===

The skies above the waters around Okinoshima were as clear as always.

Zuikaku and company sailed under the dazzling sun at full speed ahead.

Ten hours had elapsed since their departure from their naval district, and it had been two hours ago that they had left the transport ship and officially began their deployment. They had encountered the enemy three times and taken only scratch damage--and now only the main fleet was ahead of them. It appeared that someone out there had been looking out for them on this route as well.

The fleet was split into two units, with destroyers Yukikaze and Hibiki forming a vanguard for Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Hiyou and Junyou's main force. The vanguard served as both an advance force and, on enemy encounter, bait.

The six shipgirls remained silent. The impending approach of the enemy main fleet seemed to bring about a pressure that lapsed even Junyou into silence. Hiyou and Shoukaku did not need mentioning.

Zuikaku, too, had yielded to this pervading feeling.

(This is kind of bad...)

She felt a throb in her chest. Under this atmosphere it was questionable whether they'd be able to make use of their full power even if they met with the enemy.

(But I don't know how to solve this...)

She looked to Shoukaku--Shoukaku, as in the battle before, gazed forwards, her expression tight.

Looking back, Zuikaku had not said a word to Shoukaku through deployment--partly because she didn't know what to say, and partly because she still did not know how to change Shoukaku's resolve.

Doubtlessly, the current Shoukaku would willing sacrifice herself for her. After all, this was operation "A-go," the last chance for the Naval District to take out the Okinoshima Enemy Anchorage. Given the fact that the fate of the homeland would be determined by the results of this battle, the situation could not be more serious.

(But I really just don't want to see Shoukaku-nee like this...)

Zuikaku noticed that she gripped the shortbow in her right hand abnormally tightly.

(I wish fortune to Shoukaku-nee too...I wish that her smile is not just a reassurance for my sake, but from her heart. Or else...)

"--Umm, Zuikaku-nee."

A wireless transmission from somewhere--it was destroyer Yukikaze. From Shoukaku's complete lack of response, it seemed as if Yukikaze had words for Zuikaku only.

"I read you. Go on, Yukikaze."

Zuikaku's lips barely moved, to avoid attracting Shoukaku's notice. She could secretly guess what Yukikaze wanted to talk about.

"Don't worry about it, everyone over here is really quiet, and I'm pretty bored. After all, we haven't discovered the enemy main force yet."

In reality, the fleet had already launched scouts in all directions--it would be unsurprising if the enemy was found at this very moment. Nevertheless, Zuikaku didn't want to silence Yukikaze.

"--thank you. Hibiki is also listening to this transmission, is that alright?"

"No problem. Ah, also, sorry I didn't greet you guys yet. I'll be in your care today, Yukikaze, Hibiki."

"-Y-yes! Yukikaze will do her best!"

"Understood. Likewise."

The bipolarity of the two destroyer's response almost caused Zuikaku to burst into laughter.

"Well then, what do you guys want to ask me?"

"--Okay. To be honest, we've been hiding something all this time from Zuikaku-nee, and we ought to apologize to you about it..."

"You two were observing me to see whether I was the 'Lucky Carrier' that could grasp the most fortunate outcome, right?"

"....! How did you...?"

"It'd be hard not to know."

Listening to Yukikaze's embarrassment, Zuikaku broke into a bitter smile.

"You two were watching with Akagi-senpai during my inaugural battle with Kaga-senpai, and I saw you guys during drills and exercises too. Oh, so Akagi-senpai is in on this too then? Ehh, she's even higher up in seniority than Shoukaku-nee. I suppose it was expected."

"--Ehh, you got us..."

"Plus, isn't Yukikaze like me, a ship people figured would be able to grasp that most fortunate outcome? In 'That War' I also heard you being referred to as the 'Lucky Destroyer.' You survived until the end, too, so I figured..."

That last part was more instinct. From her occasional run-ins with Yukikaze, Zuikaku had noticed that she carried herself with an air unlike those of the other destroyers. An unburdened feeling, maybe. It was a vague term at best, but it was simultaneously different from the other shipgirls and similar to herself.

It was exactly because of this that Zuikaku figured that Yukikaze might be a shipgirl with similar abilities. Of course, this revelation came after the last sortie.

Akagi was the same. She was the Naval District's most senior standard carrier, and the shipgirl closest to the Admiral; there was no way she did not notice Zuikaku and Yukikaze's situation.

"--t-that's right...as expected of Zuikaku-nee..."

Perhaps Zuikaku had been on target too many times, for Yukikaze responded with a tone of admiration that caused Zuikaku to again break into a crooked smile.

"Also, Hibiki must have also survived to the end of 'That War', and thus have known who in the naval district possessed the fruits of fortune....that's why you fight with Yukikaze, correct? And that's why Akagi-senpai asked you to take care of me...am I correct, Hibiki?"

Hibiki remained silent, but Zuikaku took that as affirmation.

"...that's why I'm not concerned about this kind of thing. Yukikaze doesn't need to apologize, and neither does Hibiki--both of you were simply doing your jobs, right? This is an issue between Shoukaku-nee and I."

"--Don't you feel sad sometimes? Scared?"

From Yukikaze's tentative question, it seemed that the name of "The Lucky Destroyer" and the alleged ability to Grasp the Most Fortunate Outcome sat heavily on her shoulders.

"Of course, it's nothing to be happy about. But I won't stop here."

"........"

"If this power really exists, then I will use it where I need to. I want to protect Shoukaku-nee and stand beside her in battle. That's why I will do my best with all I have as before--that is how I feel."

"--Zuikaku-nee...."

"That is what Yukikaze thinks as well, right?"

".....Yes."

Yukikaze responded hesitantly after several seconds of silence. That brief emptiness allowed Zuikaku to feel just how grim the road of the "Lucky Destroyer" was for Yukikaze.

(Yukikaze is most likely like me...)

"--it might be strange to say 'because of this', but...I'll be leaving Shoukaku-nee to you."

From her position advancing into the distance, Yukikaze turned around to regard Zuikaku for a moment before continuing.

"--Hibiki and I both survived 'That War,', and continued serving on active duty for a significant period afterwards, so we remember a bit of what happened after the war." <ref>Yukikaze was transferred to the Republic of China Navy as Tan Yang, whereas Hibiki was transferred to the Soviet Union as Verniy</ref>

"........."

"--that's why it pains us to see a shipgirl as stubborn as Shoukaku-nee. True, 'That War' was a painful memory, both for us and our crews; even so, few hated or resented us, even as the losers. Shoukaku-nee's surviving crew probably felt the same, which is why..."

Yukikaze could not continue, and Zuikaku didn't want to push her.

Both she and Yukikaze knew that saying this to Shoukaku would accomplish nothing. Shoukaku lived in the shadow of her misfortunes from 'That War;' bringing up the events that followed would not bring her out from there.

"I understand. Thank you for your concerns."

In an increasingly choked voice, Zuikaku spoke to Yukikaze.

"At any rate, Hibiki, Yukikaze, focus on the battle. Just keep dodging, and we'll think of a way to defeat the enemy."

"--Alright, then we'll leave it to you...because Yukikaze will never sink! Hibiki-nee, let's do our best together!"

"--sounds about right."

Yukikaze shouted rousingly, while Hibiki responded with a hint of warmth, expressionless as ever.

Hibiki was one of the 6thDesDev and got along well with destroyers Ikazuchi, Inazuma and Akatsuki--but perhaps on another level, she had a certain connection with Yukikaze as well.

That aside, through her conversation with Yukikaze and Hibiki, Zuikaku felt that perhaps she had reached some kind of realization.

Perhaps the way to change Shoukaku's resolve was not through words, but actions...

(So maybe this is that most fortunate result...)

Five minutes later, one of the fleet's scout planes finally caught sight of the enemy main fleet.

This scout plane belonged to Standard Carrier Zuikaku.

===Part 6===

Whether it was because the Abyssals sensing the oncoming assault or a natural deterioration in weather conditions, the surface of the Okinoshima waters began to stir and roil.

Even so, the four carriers advanced at maximum battle speed, splitting the waters with their advance.

"Keep your prows upwind; all ships, begin launch!"

Shoukaku shrilly spoke above the din as she raised her own shortbow.

"Once the air group has assembled, send your attack teams west and target the main fleet that Zuikaku detected! The Fleet composition remains as previously--one flagship BB, three elite BBs and two unidentified DDs! All ships are currently advancing on our position in line ahead formation!"

"""""Understood!"""""

"This one attack will determine it all--everyone, I'm counting on you!"

"""""Understood!"""""

Between the order and the response, the six shipgirls had not forgotten to prepare. Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Hiyou and Junyou each loosed their arrows or launched their Shikigami and allowed them to fall into formation. Meanwhile, the two destroyers popped a smokescreen via their turbines as they moved into engage the Ru-class battleships in an attempt to draw fire from the carriers.

(This attack decides it all....!)

Repeating Shoukaku's line in her mind, Zuikaku continued firing her arrows.

(This battle is a chance to change Shoukaku-nee's heart--but, before that happens, we must win above all...!)

She continued shooting, even as she started to notice her ragged breathing. Each arrow split into the air in a burst of light, transmuting into the Type 52 Zero and Ryuusei Kai before forming into position. The Type 62 Zeros remained behind as a contingency plan, while the Ryuusei Kai all carried torpedos.

Zuikaku glanced at the other carriers--they, too, were also launching their carrier planes and then consolidating them. Shoukaku, like Zuikaku, carried Type 52 Zero and Ryuusei Kai, whereas Hiyou and Junyou carried the good ol' Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bobmers.

The cloud of planes assembled in the air continued to swell into one large air group of some two hundred planes. Zuikaku had only seen an air group of this size once or twice even in "That War."

With the last launches came the sound of guns--the four RU-class had began opening fire at Yukikaze and Hibiki.

"We're counting on you, Yukikaze, Hibiki....!"

Eyeing both her own air group and the smoke-wreathed horizon, Junyou softly murmured.

"Because once you're destroyed, the targets become us....!"

Zuikaku felt her body clench. As Junyou had said, if Yukikaze or Hibiki were destroyed, it would be the carrier group's turn to endure the suppression shelling.

A great explosion in the distance, followed by a great pillar just over the Horizon; just the thought of the accurate barrage that had straddled Ise and Hyuuga now focusing on those two slender shipgirls made Zuikaku want to rush to their rescue.

(But, those two must....!)

Zuikaku forcibly suppressed these impulses. her thoughts a prayer. A second later--

"All air groups, begin your attack runs!"

Having waited until the air assembly had completed, Shoukaku gave the order.

"Your target is the Ru-class Battleship Group! We're counting on you, go!"

"Hopefully...an attack that'll finish them out of our visual range!"

Zuikaku shouted along with Shoukaku as Hiyou and Junyou also laid down their orders.

"Alright, let's get revenge for Akagi-senpai and Kaga-senpai! Right, Junyou?"

"Yeah! Let's give it our all and give 'em a beating--Off you go!"

In total over 200 planes formed the first attack wave; at the four shipgirls' order, they shot as one towards the enemy fleet. The sight left even Zuikaku, who had sent them, gaping--this was doubtless an all-in, all-out assault.

Among the most magnificent among them were Shoukaku and Zuikaku's Ryuusei-Kai attack teams. Protected by the Type 52 Zeroes in a vast inverted gull-wing formation, they advanced as a subversion of the past fast attacks of the past.

"Report from Hibiki--enemy battleships have opened up with AA guns,"

Junyou reported with a hand to her ear.

"But the effect seems limited--the Ryuusei-kai seems to be too fast for each battleship to cope!"

"In that case....!"

In the time that Shoukaku uttered her shout of anticipation, the attack teams began to separate, beginning their individual attack runs.

Planes began to fall. As expected, the four Ru-class' AA power was overwhelming; within mere seconds, the air was filled with the black puffs of AA fire. And yet as Hibiki reported, the enemy could not quite adjust to the Ryuusei Kai's speed--losses were significantly lighter than in previous battles.

And so, each of the attack teams launched their torpedos--moments later, the four Ru-classes were bracketed by water pillars.

(How's that....!)

Zuikaku clenched her fist as she stared in the enemy fleet's direction. It would be up to the closer Hibiki and Yukikaze to report the results.

Presently, Yukikaze reported with a tone of regret.

"--no-go! Out of the four, two have been heavily-damaged, but the other two aren't hurt at all! One of them is the flagship class!"

"So they missed....?"

Shoukaku pressed with a voice of disbelief.

"--No! The two enemy destroyers acted as shields...both those destroyers have sank! But....!"

Zuikaku stood dumbstruck. While everyone was aware that the abyssal were, like the shipgirls, capable and willing to act autonomously to protect the flagship, nobody thought that it would be at this time that--

But Zuikaku now admitted that they had been far too naive. Right after, Hiyou spoke up.

"All ships, begin evasive maneuvers! The surviving Ru-classes are now firing in our direction!"

"At this time?!"

Even as the others responded incredulously, a seemingly unending chain of explosions bracketed the field.

Zuikaku had not yet lost her bearings. Countless shells exploded around her with shockwaves that smashed her onto the water surface.

"Ugh....!" she murmured as she stood back up.

Enduring the pain, she looked around her--as the waterspouts collapsed, they left a cloud of mist in their wake.

Squinting, she made out the silhouettes of three shipgirls, each emitting smoke--and her face whitened.

(How--?!)

Of the three, Hiyou and Junyou showed clearly heavy damage. With their flight decks half ruined and their other equipment virtually wiped out, the two could only grit their teeth as they knelt on the ocean surface.

Shoukaku's damage was not as severe as those of the Hiyou-class--even now, she stood up, tottering gently. Even so, her equipment also bore significant damage--her combat ability would doubtlessly be affected.

The enemy's barrage in this direction had inexplicably halted instead of chaining. The only explanation was that Yukikaze and Hibiki had once more caught the enemy's attention.

(And what about the carrier planes?)

Zuikaku looked to the sky--from the horizon, the spent first wave was now returning. They numbered around fifty, virtually all of whom were the Type 52 Zeroes and Ryuusei Kai. Hiyou and Junyou's planes had been slaughtered, nearly to the last fairy.

Of the two hundred attack planes, only one in four had returned--the losses were exceedingly heavy, far beyond Zuikaku's worst fears. And now, the only carriers that remained were she and Shoukaku.

(But, we have to regain the initiative with these remnants...!)

The enemy still had two unharmed Ru-classes. If they didn't find a way to deal with this, there would be no chance of victory.

(But what should I do...?)

"Zuikaku, hurry and retrieve those carrier planes. Take my portion too."

Standing uneasily, Shoukaku glared at the enemy fleet with a simmering anger as she spoke to Zuikaku.

"We are launching a second wave. You deal with the elite, I'll find a way to deal with the flagship type."

"Find a way....what way is there?"

Zuikaku loudly voiced her doubts. Shoukaku was giving her own carriers to Zuikaku and simultaneously calling for a second wave--a normal carrier couldn't do this.

(No, we are shipgirls--as long as there's a will, there's a way....)

"Shoukaku-nee, you're not planning on closing in on the Flagship Ru-class and detonating yourself, are you....?"

Zuikaku's eyes widened. Shoukaku continued to glare the enemy vessel as before, confirming Zuikaku's suspicions.

Shipgirls had turbine systems as well. If they could close in on the enemy and then blow up their turbines, they could deal devastating damage--at the cost of their lives.

In "That War", one would normally never consider allowing a carrier to close in on a battleship. Even so, they were shipgirls--there were shipgirls who fought with sword, spear and anchor in CQC--there were even some who fought with bare hands and technique. From that standpoint, Shoukaku's strategy was neither particular outlandish or impractical.

But this strategy meant that Shoukaku would definitely die.

"No! If you do that--"

"There are no other ways to finish the remaining two Ru-classes,"

Shoukaku responded bluntly.

"From the enemy's AA abilities, the likelihood of finishing the remaining two Ru-classes with our remaining complement is low. If we use this tactic, we can finish both vessels."

"But....!"

Moreover, the Admiral has not given the order to retreat....that means the Admiral trusts us. That's why, we have to respond to that trust...!"

With that, Shoukaku turned to Zuikaku as she broke into her usual smile.

"Zuikaku, you are the 'Lucky Carrier'--you will definitely be able to use your ability to grasp the best possible outcome to bring everyone a miracle. No matter how hard the battles get, no matter how painful, you have to survive for that reason--so that you can reach out and retrieve it all--and I believe that it's my job to open that road for you."

".....!"

"For me, the one who bears the fate of 'the unlucky ship', this is both my desire and my salvation....so please, let me go."

Zuikaku could find no retort. Shoukaku's resolve was doubtlessly genuine, and this tactic was also logical. If the Okinoshima Main Fleet was not destroyed now, the homeland and the Naval District would be endangered such that it was possible that mankind would lose altogether.

The Admiral had also said that "Destruction of the enemy holds precedence over survival." Shoukaku's idea was backed on each front.

Apart from the fact that Zuikaku couldn't accept it.

(That's right. This kind of tactic is definitely flawed!"

Zuikaku bit her lip as she once more confirmed her own reasoning.

(We are shipgirls--we came here not only to win this war, but also to confront the memories of 'That War'...I'm sure the Admiral doesn't want Shoukaku do to this either....!)

What should be done instead--at this point, several memories surfaced in Zuikaku's mind.

The words the Admiral had said to her. The words Hiyou had said to her. That stone that Hiyou had hurled at the sea--

(THat's right. That's it.)

Zuikaku had found a chance to win.

Clenching her first and enduring the pain, she righted herself and spoke:

"I don't understand as much as Shoukaku-nee thinks I do."

"Zuikaku....?"

"I can't accept something like this! I don't plan to live on for that kind of thing...that is neither my wish nor my salvation!"

She stared at the two Ru-classes in the distance. The sounds of shelling had not yet ceased--Yukikaze and Hibiki were still fighting. They trusted their comrades, carrying their survivor's guilt with them.

"This time around, I will definitely fight with Shoukaku-nee until the end--that is my wish and my salvation! And if anybody wants to stop me, even if that person is you, Shoukaku-nee, I won't let them!"

"Zuikaku! But that's the only choice if we want the operation to succeed....!"

"No, there's another way! Shoukaku-nee, look. I will definitely take down those two battleships and secure a chance to turn the tables! That's why--please don't give up and help me!"

In the course of this debate, the survivors of the first wave had successfully landed. In order to prepare them once more, Zuikaku raised her shortbow.

"Because I, Zuikaku-- 'The Lucky Carrier,' did not base my nickname on a lie!"

Next, Zuikaku continued to shoot out carrier planes--without assembling, plane after plane flew peacemeal towards the remaining two Ru-classes.

"Go-----!"

◇◇◇

The buzz of motors and propellers closed in--hearing it, Hibiki felt a sense of bemusement.

(To launch a second wave at this time...aren't they just asking to be shot down?)

".....!"

At that moment, another cloud of waterspouts surrounded her--clenching her teeth, Hibiki began evading.

After the conclusion of the four carriers' first wave, Yukikaze and Hibiki had been actively dodging the shelling of the two Ru-classes. Shoukaku, after all, had not given any new orders--moreover, Hibiki reckoned that she and Yukikaze would be in charge of drawing fire, whether they were retreating or fighting.

In "That War", Hibiki had understood that half-assed air strikes would have no effect on an opponent with a strong AA complement. This point had come long and hard upon the winners of "That War"--but this was the case even in mutually bloodless conflicts. Because it had long since become indirectly related to military affairs.

Even so, the surviving Standard Carrier was still doing this. Did she have an idea? Or were they simply making one last gamble--

(Zuikaku, you...)

The shell splashes were everywhere once more. As she evaded, Hibiki glanced at Yukikaze (who was doing the same) and the Attack Teams Zuikaku and company had released--

(....so that's how it is. That's not a bad way to go about it.)

Having figured out Zuikaku's plan, Hibiki's smile curled up into a trusting smile.

◇◇◇

Zuikaku's attack teams were divided roughly into Type 52 Zeroes, Type 62 Zero Fighter-Bombers, and the Ryuusei-Kai, and flew towards the two Ru-class in that order.

The two Ru-class immediately stopped firing at Yukikaze and Hibiki as they opened up again with AA fire. Under the fire of both their main guns and their AA guns, the leading Type 52 Zeros withered, falling one after the other.

The Ru-class had become convinced that the Type 52 Zero carried bombs, and had thus focused their fire on the skies above. Whether the bombers was launching into level bombing runs or dive bombing runs, this response was reasonable.

And yet, the Type 62s behind the Type 52s descended to near sea-level, hugging the surface as if they were about to launch torpedoes.

This attack appeared to have taken the Ru-classes by surprise, and their AA fire flitted only intermittently above the Type 62 Zeroes. The Type 62s now flew clear of the barrage, dropping their bombs onto the surface as they closed into the two vessels.

Following the laws of physics, the bombs bounced across the surface as they closed in on the Ru-classes.

In front of the bombs were what looked like the Ru-class' radar systems.

◇◇◇

"See that?! That's the power of Skip Bombing!"

Zuikaku's voice was full of jubilation--hearing it, Shoukaku gaped wordlessly at the explosions racking the Ru-class battleships.

She understood what Zuikaku was doing, or what she had wanted to do--Skip Bombing.

A bomber would close in on a target on the water's surface, not unlike a torpedo bomber. Launching at short distances, the bombs would hydroplane across the water's surface towards the target. This kind of attack required piloting, evasion and planes of the highest class; if done correctly, though, it dramatically improved hit rate. Since the velocity of the bombs themselves were rather low, their damage could not compare to that of dive bombers or torpedo--but if it could penetrate somewhere relatively weakly armored, it would be more than enough to deal a devastating blow.

Skip Bombing was a tactic that had been employed by the enemies of "That War" against them, and Zuikaku had somehow managed to remember this tactic and use it in practice.

Using the Type 52s as a decoy and the Type 62 for the attack, Zuikaku had pulled it off. Moreover, the Type 62's targets were the radar FCS--a major player in both shelling and AA coordination.

--as predicted, the wall of fire put up by the Ru-class began to show cracks--cracks which the Ryuusei-kai rushed into, dropping their torpedos as they descended.

A new set of explosions appeared--the Ru-class were surely taking heavy damage. Even if they didn't sink outright, they would not be able to maintain their suppressing barrage--
[[File:Zuikaku 014.jpg|230px|thumbnail]]

(Zuikaku....my sister did it....?)

Staring Speechless, Shoukaku glanced at Zuikaku as she cheered on her attack teams.

Before this, she had always seen Zuikaku as an existence that had to be protected. This whole time, she had believed that protecting her until the war's end would give her self-sacrifice meaning. If that could be achieved, she believed that she could bear the fate of "The Unlucky Ship" without question.

But Zuikaku had managed to invalidate that with her own strength. No, perhaps that result was due to the power of "The Lucky Ship"--even so, this could not have succeeded without Zuikaku's will.

(This is how Zuikaku wishes to fight, to protect her comrades...)

The Salvation Zuikaku sought was not the same as the one Shoukaku sought--Shoukaku had known this from the start. And yet, she had always believed that this was the only way to victory.

That belief, now, had begun to unravel.

Zuikaku was not relying on the destiny of the "Luckiest Ship"--she had not yet resigned herself to that power. She was still trying to grasp the future with her own strength and will.

(Perhaps I can live like that as well....?)

Shoukaku felt a flicker of hope--but it was buried almost instantaneously by a wave of self-mistrust. Since she was the "Unlucky Ship," her biggest contribution would be to serve as the scapegoat for the misfortune of others--

"Come, Shoukaku-nee, bring in the second attack wave and let's launch the third one!"

Zuikaku ran and clutched Shoukaku's hand with hands of energy.

"If the two of us launch a new wave together, it'll make it harder for the enemy to catch a break! Those two ships are still there, we haven't won....but, we can definitely win!"

Zuikaku's confident words and her grasp began to shake Shoukaku's heart.

Zuikaku believed in herself. She believed that she could escape the grasp of destiny and surpass it all--she believed that she would be able to work hard no matter what.

As if to confirm Zuikaku's conjecture, the distant Ru-classes had regained the initiative, advancing towards Shoukaku and Zuikaku, in spite of Yukikaze and Hibiki's attempts to stop them with gunfire. Even if the third wave did not succeed in finishing those two battleships, it was possible that, with Hibiki and Yukikaze's survival, that they be finished with torpedos.

"Did you forget about us....?"

"We've taken the advantage~ but now is the time to be serious!"

Words from behind them--Hiyou and Junyou shakily stood up. Laying out their half-burnt scrolls, they began calling out what Shikigami they had left.

"We've still got half a flight decks, so we can at least send out some Zeroes as decoys--if it's necessary, we'll be your bait!"

"Hiyou, Junyou...! Mm, let's go!"

Zuikaku nodded vigorously before regarding Shoukaku.

"So come along too, Shoukaku-nee!"

"No-go, Zuikaku-onee!"

Yukikaze's shout echoed from the battlefield, as if to cut off Zuikaku. The sound of gunfire once again covered her voice.

"The Flagship Ru-class is firing again! It seems that her guns are undamaged!"

"....She can still move? Even when her radar's been ruined....she shouldn't even be able to fire accurately!"

Zuikaku's shock was palpable--but Shoukaku understood the Flagship Ru's goal. HE. The enemy had no doubt decided that four damaged carriers did not need precisely-aimed AP shells--area damage HE shells would be sufficient. The enemy, after all, was the defense-enhanced Flagship Ru-class--even if it had taken some severe hits, it was certain that its own shells would be accurate enough.

The whine of shells closed in. They would impact in less than ten seconds--from the sound, these were doubtlessly aimed at Zuikaku. Given the AOE of a HE shell, it was unlikely that Zuikaku would be able to dodge.

"How...!"

Zuikaku stared hopelessly at the sky.

And yet, Shoukaku immediately launched into movement.

(If I were to take this shell for Zuikaku, I'd definitely sink, and Zuikaku would definitely survive....but, if Zuikaku believes i me, then I, too....!"

◇◇◇

Yukikaze's report had instantly dispelled the reveling atmosphere. As the whistle of shells closed in, the sudden reversal in situation had plunged Zuikaku into despair.

If she lost her ability to launch her carrier planes, they'd lose all hopes of a counterattack. That would make things a definite defeat--

(And we got so far....!)

The carrier planes she relied on were still returning, and all her ready air group had already been dispatched. She was out of options--

A moment later, Zuikaku saw a certain sight.

Shoukaku had nocked an arrow--a Type 99 with a bomb on board--onto her shortbow, and now now raised it towards the descending shells.

"Shoukaku-nee...?"

"Trust me, Zuikaku....!"

Shoukaku's voice trembled ever so slightly at the end. She was scared, after all, of what she was about to do. Even so, Shoukaku continued moving.

"In order to continue with you, I'm going to give it a shot....!"

A sharp whistle from the shortbow as the type 99 shot into the sky. A moment later, the arrow separated into multiple Type 99's--charging at the descending shells. The effects were unknowable--this kind of thing couldn't possibly happen in "That War," after all--this was something only shipgirls and their logic-defying existence could do.

(But, I've never heard of using carrier planes to stop shells...)

For shipgirls, this was a completely novel tactic. In the worst-case scenario, both of them would sink from the failure of this tactic--it would have been safer for Shoukaku to just take the shells.

Even so, Shoukaku used this tactic in the hope that the two of them would survive. And in the meantime, she bore in her heart fear--fear that "my misfortune would trigger now."

Seconds later, multiple explosions racked the skies above Zuikaku and Shoukaku--the Type 99s had impacted the shells and triggered their bombs. Several more seconds later, explosions appeared around the two.

Due to the explosion of the Type 99s, the HE shell trajectories had been slightly altered. Furthermore, the Shells had still been a significant distance away from the two shipgirls--even a small alteration in angle had huge effects.

Next up, a string of further explosions--most of it was luck, but there were still many shells that exploded next to Zuikaku as planned. If Shoukaku had not acted, they might have all hit Zuikaku.

Several moments later, though now smoking, Zuikaku and Shoukaku still stood in combat-capable condition.

"Shoukaku-nee.....!"

Zuikaku bore an expression of disbelief. Next to her, Shoukaku sighed as she watched the sky.

"We got through....somehow....?"

I, too, can grasp my own luck--that was the feeling that pervaded those words.

"Even though I felt that I couldn't do it a second time...."

At this moment, the carrier planes of the second air group closed in on the four carriers, returning into arrow and shikigami form for recollection.

The two Ru-class now engaged Yukikaze and Hibiki once more. Both sides were engaging at unprecedentedly close ranges--this was the price of engaging the four carriers with no heed to the two ships in front of them. Under fire from Yukikaze and Hibiki's constant rain of shells, they struggled in vain to find an opportunity to fire with their main guns once more.

As long as that continued, it could definitely be done--with that conviction, Zuikaku shouted,

"Shoukaku-nee, do it! We can definitely do it!"

"...yes."

Shoukaku nodded in embarrassment. Saying goodbye to many of her old beliefs and tightening her expression, she solemnly gave her next order:

"The Third Attack Team, prepare to launch!"

"""Understood!"""

===Part 7===

There was a palpable sense of tension on board the Command Ship used by the shipgirls deployed to the Okinoshima Waters as a rest stop, and around the shipgirls protected it.

Since the Fleet led by Shoukaku had begun engaging the main fleet, all communication had ceased. The only person with the authority to watch the battle on screen was the Admiral; some reports were secrets even to the shipgirls defending the Command ship. In order to avoid accidents this time around, the Admiral had chosen to command from the Naval District.

The Escort Fleet consisted of the Fubuki-class destroyers, with Fubuki herself serving as teh flagship.

Perhaps unable to bear the tension, Isonami whispered,

"Shoukaku-nee and company should be fine, right...."

"It'll definitely be fine!"

Fubuki responded as if to reassure Isonami.

"Zuikaku-nee's with the fleet! Plus there's Yukikaze, Hibiki, Hiyou and Junyou-nee..."

Even if she knew there was no basis to her argument, she still responded.

"If it's the, they'll definitely...!"

"Oy, you guys, look!"

Miyuki pointed towards the horizon, where--"

"Is that everyone from the fleet?"

◇◇◇

"We seem to have made it back..."

Zuikaku mumbled. She carried a heavily-damaged Hiyou on her right shoulder, while Shoukaku used her left shoulder to support an also heavily-damaged Junyou. While Yukikaze and Hibiki were unhurt, they had served as before as the four carriers' vanguard.

In the course of the battle with the Enemy Main Fleet, Zuikaku and company's third wave assault and Yukikaze and Hibiki's torpedoes had proved effective, sufficient for a victory. Even after Yukikaze and Hibiki's torpedos had lit her up, the Flagship Ru-class that had put Zuikaku and company in the danger zone had held on a little longer before ultimately succumbing and gently subsiding under the waves. Refusing to sink back into the abyss from whence she came--that seemed to be the impression given in her last struggle.

Nobody responded to Zuikaku's words--on seeing the command ship that would take them back to the mainland, each of them was flooded with relief. Even Shoukaku, as the older sister, was no exception--her expression suggested she had let out a breath of air she had held for a long, long time.

(But now the mainland has been protected, and we've maintained our initiative. Plus...)

"Zuikaku."

Suddenly, Shoukaku called her sister's name.

Shoukaku spoke with her usual gentle expression--albeit one that betrayed mixed feeling underneath.

"I'm sorry for before...also, from here on out, I'll be in your care. I, too, will do all I can so I can fight alongside you."

"Shoukaku-nee...."

Zuikaku's joy bubbled up like a fountain--this was the first time she had heard Shoukaku say what was in her heart. Of course, she had no proof for this guess, and Shoukaku perhaps was still at a loss.

Even so, Zuikaku remained overjoyed. In Shoukaku's eyes, she no longer appeared to just be the weapon known as "the lucky carrier", but as her sister--a shipgirl of her own.

And so, Zuikaku nodded vigorously before replying:

"Thank you, Shoukaku-nee! From here on out, as a shipgirl, I'll do my best....so I can become part of the main fleet like you!"

Shoukaku grinned awkwardly with a "are you still talking about that, even now" kind of smile.

"Even though we were helped by a lot of trump cards, in the end we made such an excellent result. As far as I'm concerned, you are already part of the main fleet. Just like me....rather, beyond me...."

"Even so, I am a shipgirl just like everyone else....not just that, but I want to be a "Lucky Carrier" that can bring Luckiness to everyone! As long as I still have planes, I won't lose....!"

In the distance, Fubuki and the other shipgirls on escort duty waved their hands as if in blessing as they closed in--
<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Back to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 3: The Meaning of Luck (Part 1)|'''Chapter 3''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Epilogue|'''Epilogue''']]
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</noinclude>

Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)

2015-09-16T12:45:39Z

KnightEmon:

Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)

2015-09-16T12:44:38Z

KnightEmon:

==The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)==
===Part 1===

The midsummer's sun streamed through the wide-open window into the the Naval District Office.

The trees surrounding the Naval District hummed with the "SZAZAKARAIIIISUUUUU*" of ten thousand cicadas as the fan in the corner valiantly pushed along the hot air. This nation's summer is just like the summer we know, it's very hot.

The Admiral brought me here about a month after I had come to this Naval District, on a certain afternoon.

"Regarding the Confirmation you wanted, Shoukaku, the report has arrived."

The Admiral sat in front of me, hand lying on a document spread over the desk, speaking with a sigh.

"Your theory has been validated by the evidence. You indeed sustain significantly more hits than other carriers--even if we consider 'Luck', this is still the case. In other words..."

"I am still constrained by the title of 'The Unlucky Ship'--correct?"

I cut through the Admiral with my own voice--from an Admiral's standpoint, these words were probably hard to say.

"...This kind of judgement certainly isn't surprising."

As predicted, the Admiral responded apologetically. I smiled mildly at him as always, telling him not to take it to heart.

I had long since come to terms with this.

From the moment I was born as a shipgirl, it had been like this.

It was because I, like some of the shipgirls, had clear memories of "That War."

It was not altogether surprising that would have to bear results and a legacy as a shipgirl identical to those memories.

Listening to the report at the Admiral's side, secretary-ship Houshou-nee bore a complicated expression.

"But, this way you'll..."

There was clear sorrow in the Admiral's voice. I shook my head.

"It's not a problem. After all, I have my own hopes."

"Hopes?"

"I wish to avoid bringing my misfortune onto others--that and that only."

"........"

"What happens to me is unimportant. No matter how many wounds I sustain, how many times I have to retreat, I don't mind. But I do not wish to lose anyone on account of this. This is my sole wish as a shipgirl."

"Are you worried about your demise in that 'Battle of the Marianas' you speak of?"

"I wouldn't be able to forget something like that even if I tried."

I spoke with a hint of self-mockery. Even now, I occasionally dream of what happened then.

It had been a torpedo, striking while the air groups were being refueled. A diesel leak triggered an explosion that lit me on fire. Those who did not burn were swallowed by the waves, life after life vanishing before me--unfortunately, I remembered all that with perfect clarity.

Nearly three out of four crewmen had died--some fifteen hundred. Among the Standard Carriers, this was one of the most tragic of figures.

Perhaps that was why.

Or perhaps it was my lingering worry for new model carrier Taihou and my sister Zuikaku, both of whom would subsequently perish in the line of duty, that caused it.

I do not want to bring misfortune on anyone again. I hope that this time I can protect what is important to me.

Even if it means repeating my fate in 'That War' and ending my days at the bottom of the sea.

As long as my death has meaning, has value.

"With that in mind, why don't we hurry to bring Zuikaku--my sister, the one renowned in 'That War' as the illustrious 'Lucky Carrier' to the Naval District?"

I maintained my smile as I spoke with firm words.

"That child should be the same as me, bearing the legacy of 'the Lucky Carrier'. As long as she becomes a main fleet standard carrier, she will be of great assistance to this naval district."

And so, clutching conviction to heart, I told the Admiral,

"And before that happens, leave it to me to protected Zuikaku. Even if I have to be her shield, I will definitely..."

If I bear the legacy of that war, after all, I ought to be the one to draw the enemy to me when she is in danger, just like back then.

◇◇◇

Awoken by past worries, Shoukaku lay in a daze.

She knew where she was--in her room in the naval district, on her futon. The Warm winter sun peeked through the window as the frigid wind shook the forest restlessly.

But she did not understand why she was here.

"If I recall correctly, I was in the waters around Okinoshima, and in order to protect ZUikaku..."

She recalled the torpedo wakes as they rushed at her and Zuikaku.

Though she had been the flagship at the time, her attention had been drawn by the four battleships, and so the destroyers had managed to close in unnoticed and release their deadly payload. If she had done nothing, both she and Zuikaku would have been stricken by multiple torpedoes with doubtlessly heavy and (with some bad luck) potentially fatal damage.

It was exactly because of that she had instructed the half-formed 2nd air group to intervene from their location between Zuikaku and the incoming torpedos and block what they could.

Given, she could have attempted to both direct her planes and evade as Zuikaku in the Orel Sea--but this would divide her attention and potentially prevent her from accomplishing either objective.

When Taihou came under torpedo attack during the battle of the Marianas, one of the Suisei had rammed a torpedo, sacrificing his life to block the attack. While he failed and Taihou was ultimately sunk by that torpedo spread, she could definitely succeed--and it was for this reason that she acted as she did.

(However, I only released some ten or so planes--a little too few for all those torpedos. That's why I came to terms with taking a few torps....)

Shoukaku looked at her bathrobed body. Perhaps she was lucky after all--her body bore not a single wound. From the wintry scene outside, it seemed as if little time had passed since the battle in the Okinoshima waters.

Out of nowhere, a wave of unease struck her.

(My survival means...)

She was the "unlucky ship." What if this legacy had targeted the Admiral or the other shipgirls? If Zuikaku's luck was an insufficient defense--

Her oath to the Admiral flashed through her mind.

".....! Zui--"

"Shoukaku-nee!"

The doors slammed open as destroyer Yukikaze stepped into the room--and then stopped, as if transfixed with shock.

"I-I'm really sorry! Shoukaku-nee was still sleeping....!"

That's fine, I was just about to get up."

Shoukaku smiled to calm Yukikaze, as she did to reassure Zuikaku.

"Well then, what happened?"

"Yes, Zuikaku-onee, she--"

"Zuikaku? Is Zuikaku alright...?"

Shoukaku bolted up, shoving her covers aside.

Yukikaze's gaze turned from Shoukaku elsewhere as she spoke with a voice of apology.

"She's fine, but...."

===Part 2===

"Do you think this is some kind of joke?!"

Zuikaku shouted in rage.

The location was the Naval District office. Zuikaku had only just returned yesterday with her wounded comrades.

Having called her over, the Admiral now sat behind the desk in front of her. No secretary ship stood by his side, and no other shipgirls were present--a one-on-one standoff.

Zuikaku slammed a hand on the table, her expression filled with rage as she bellowed.

"You want me to attack Okinoshima again? And with Shoukaku-nee too--what the hell is wrong with you? There's--"

"--A main fleet built around four Ru-classes garrisoned there, a force stronger than anything we have faced."

As if to complete Zuikaku's thought, the Admiral interjected with an emotionless tone.

"And among those four Ru-classes, there is a new model--after that battle, we have named it the 'Flagship Type.'"

"Well then if you already know....!"

"Moreover, those four battleships are attempting a new tactic, trying to surround us with water pillars by firing in series and trying to obscure our line of sight--Suppression Shelling, essentially. I assume that means they are equipped with the newest Radars."

The Admiral spoke in a firm tone that proscribed any interruption.

"Range seemed equivalent to that of the Nagato-class...if they were normal Battleships they'd went straight for the kill. In night battle, the disparity in accuracy may well become even more pronounced."

".....!"

"It's exactly because of this that we are betting our hopes on the power of you carriers. Carrier planes can strike from beyond their fearsome firing range and attack those four battleships from beyond the horizon. Currently, the Naval District and Factory is operating at full capacity, stockpiling resources and equipment for this sortie."

From beginning to end, the Admiral spoke with icy calm.

"This may well be the last chance given to us. Reconnaissance shows that enemy patrols have increased in both activity and patrol radius. Do you know what that means?"

Zuikaku felt a chill travel down her spine.

"That the main fleet is preparing to make their move against home base...?"

"It's possible that this Naval District is their target. If, by any chance, the Abyssals are not the regrets of 'That War' but the fate of shipgirls who have sank, it would not be surprising if they knew the location of this Naval District."

Zuikaku's expression was bleak--while it was certainly possible, she would rather have left it unsaid.

"...and it is precisely due to this that I plan to dispatch you sisters of the 5thCarDiv. Thankfully, you only sustained minor damage. 1stCarDiv and 2ndCarDiv's standard carriers have yet to fully recover--they are unlikely to be capable of sortieing in the near future; the same goes for Mutsu and the other Battleships. Currently, the only ship that can take them on are you two."

"....you can try to convince me with your arguments, but the reality is nothing like that."

Zuikaku tightly gripped the desk as she glared at the Admiral.

"Why do you believe that I could take on monsters like those? Shoukaku-nee and my survival and return...."

As she spoke, her recollection of the Battle at Okinoshima floated into her mind.

◇◇◇

"Shoukaku-nee--!"

Even as Zuikaku cried out her warning, Shoukaku was engulfed in multiple water spouts, briefly shielding her from view.

What happened was obvious--Shoukaku had used the carrier planes above her to target the torpedo spread, simultaneously using her body to shield Zuikaku from the remaining torpedos. Just like she had resolved to do before the battle.

"A,ah...."

Zuikaku shook wordlessly, simply staring as the curtain of geysers receded. As expected, Shoukaku could not have stopped all the torpedos; several shot past on either side of her--even so, Zuikaku was completely unharmed.

(H-how...how can this be...!)

Zuikaku felt the hopelessness seeping through her spirit. As it was, she may as well have been the one that had sank Shoukaku--living up to the name of the 'lucky carrier', she had sacrificed the 'unlucky ship' for her own survival.

(I never asked for this! I just wanted to fight to save this world....!)

The pillars of water slowly collapsed--revealing to Zuikaku a figure collapsed like the geysers around her.

"Shoukaku-nee!"

Zuikaku hurried rushed over as she lifted Shoukaku from where she lay on the water's surface.

Shoukaku's body was covered in wounds, her equipment virtually destroyed--it seemed not a single carrier plane had survived. But she was alive--Shoukaku had once said that shipgirls would float, as long as they remained alive.

(Thank god! But, why...?)

Even as she cried tears of joy, Zuikaku felt a smidgen of unease. Even if Shoukaku carrier planes had managed to reduce the torpedos coming at her, the remainder should have been more than enough to finish her in her current state. And yet, Shoukaku had managed to just barely hold on.

Presently, several carrier planes flew over at low altitude. These planes bore floats--they weren't Shoukaku's, at any rate.

It seemed like this seaplane team had joined Shoukaku in attacking the torpedos, saving her life in the process.

(Seaplanes? It can't be...?)

"--are you alright, 5thCarDiv Sisters?"

The voice in her ear--a radio transmission. And that voice belonged to--"

"Ise-onee?"

This transmission came from Aviation Battleship Ise. Zuikaku gaped at Ise and Hyuuga, astonished.

Ise and Hyuuga evaded the continued fire from the four Ru-classes and the pillars of water surrounding them.

Both had sustained several direct hits and several near misses and the wounds to prove it--their protective barriers were also in tatters. But they continued moving as they evaded shell after shell. While they moved as sluggishly as their status as battleships implied, they moved spryly, dodging only after the enemy had fired.

(So even at Cape Engano....!)

Breathless, Zuikaku remembered the last scenes she had witnessed of "That War."

The Battle of Engano where she sank had been the last decisive battle for her side--the carrier battle of the Leyte Gulf. Ise and Hyuuga had been responsible for the protection of four carriers, led by Zuikaku, committing themselves to a harrowing anti-air battle.

The battle had ended in disaster for the Japanese--all four carriers were lost. But Ise and Hyuuga had managed to shrewdly evade the enemy planes' waves of attacks, surviving a battle from which no survivors were expected. Watching these two shipgirls now, it seemed as if they had inherited that agility, so unlike those of battleships.

Ise's voice rose urgently.

"--is Shoukaku fine? We're falling back now--we of the 4thCarDiv will form the rearguard, you 5thCarDiv sisters hurry up and scram!"

"To leave in this situation....?"

"We just received orders from the Admiral! We've finally managed to unmask the enemy Main Fleet's true face--given how the battle is going, we have no option but to retreat...!"

Zuikaku found that her blood was rising far faster than her relief.

(Doesn't that mean that we were sent just to scout out the enemy's composition...!?)

From a certain point of view, this was a reasonable judgement and choice--even so, she could not accept it.

"--We of the 4thCarDiv's durability and evasion is more than enough, if it's just buying time against those four Battleships--now hurry up!"

"B-but, if that happens you'll..."

"Don't look underestimate the 4thCarDiv! Right, Hyuuga!"

"That's right. Let them witness the true power of the Aviation Battleships! Zuikaku, we'll definitely catch up with you--get going!"

The two bellowed, as if to reassure themselves.

At the same time, gunfire echoed in the distance--Maya and Choukai were engaging the Destroyers that had just launched the torpedo spread.

Zuikaku gulped. Currently, the enemy was completely focused elsewhere--

In her confusion, Zuikaku saw the wounded Shoukaku as an expression of anguish appeared across her face--it seemed she was trying to endure the pain. If she didn't escape, Shoukaku might sink.

"....sorry.....!"

Zuikaku lifted Shoukaku up as she started her retreat.

◇◇◇

"The only reason we survived was because Ise-nee and Hyuuga-nee acted as our shields."

Zuikaku lowered her head with her remorseful admission.

"But after we made it out, those two returned with severe damage. Maya, Choukai and Shoukaku-nee were the same...that was the limit of our power."

"Our Higher-Ups believe that you, as the 'Lucky Carrier,' are needed in the fleet for us to have any chance of victory."

"....!"

Zuikaku glared once more at the Admiral, who took it in calmly.

"I'm sure Shoukaku has told you before of your ability as the 'Lucky Carrier' to grasp the most fortunate result. It's because of this status that we were given this last chance."

"'Lucky Carrier' this, 'Lucky Carrier' That....is everyone just treating me as an object to carry around?!"

Zuikaku leaned forwards as she shouted in rage. Something that she had been struggling to endure had finally boiled over.

"The power to grasp the most fortunate outcome? I never trusted your fucking luck, I just did my best! Don't just foist a role on me like that!"

"I have no objection with your explanation. But we need your power to save the world. The fact is that you managed to unveil the enemy's true face and successfully escaped with a wounded Shoukaku from the battle. Given your comparative combat ability, this result may as well be a miracle."

"So I was called here just for that, then? So I'm just a bloody lucky charm you carry around so the miracles come falling? Sacrificing Shoukaku-nee and the other shipgirls for some crap like that--this is a little too unreasonable!"

".........."

"The one who said that shipgirls aren't tools of war, wasn't that you, Admiral?"

"That's fine as well--this is a war, and sacrifices must sometimes be made."

"........."

"We must grab our fates with our own hands."

Nearly gasping in rage, Zuikaku couldn't stop herself from raising her shortbow. Of course, she didn't loose the carrier plane at the arrow's tip--but just a twitch of the finger, and the plane would immediately shoot at the Admiral.

The Admiral didn't move, but gazed back evenly with a resolve that stood up to Zuikaku's rage.

In spite of her teeth-grinding rage, Zuikaku didn't shoot--she couldn't shoot.

"Zuikaku, stop!"

A voice from behind her--Zuikaku turned around with shock to see Shoukaku staring at her, having thrown the office doors open. From the heaving of her shoulders, it appeared that she had rushed over as fast as she could.

"Shoukaku-nee..."

Zuikaku spoke gently. Shoukaku, who had been wounded protecting her, had returned. Joy, elation and guilt flashed through her mind--along with complicated feelings about Shoukaku's resolve.

However, Shoukaku approached Zuikaku soundlessly, snatching Zuikaku's shortbow--and then raising her right arm in a broad slap.
[[File:Zuikaku 013.jpg|230px|thumbnail]]

"....!"

"Apologize to the Admiral,"

Shoukaku said severely to Zuikaku, who touched her face in a daze.

"Apologize, now!"

"....! Didn't you lie to me too, Shoukaku-nee?!"

Shoukaku roared back reflexively, expelling all the regrets and depression that had followed that last battle in a single breath.

Don't say any more--saying any more would hurt Shoukaku-nee, another Zuikaku cautioned desperately. But Zuikaku wouldn't stop, couldn't stop.

"'I won't sink again' my ass. Tossing out lies to reassure me and then try to sacrifice yourself for me...that's just like Dinosaurs! The one giving up against the title of 'the Unlucky Ship' is clearly you, Shoukaku-nee!"

"Zuikaku..."

"I don't want to be a lucky charm or a weapon of war--and I sure as hell don't want to be a reason for Shoukaku-nee to sacrifice herself!"

Zuikaku turned and ran, through the open door into the hall.

"Hold on, Zuikaku!"

Though her elder sister's remonstrances reached her, Zuikaku did not stop running.

◇◇◇

Shoukaku did not run after Zuikaku.

No, she couldn't run after her.

Firstly, it was unlikely that Zuikaku in her current state would listen to her words. Secondly, she had lied, as Zuikaku ahd said. And as Zuikaku had said, she had chosen to accept her status as 'the Unlucky Ship' and do her best under the circumstances.

(But that's all I can do...)

Those experiences in "That War" culminating in the title of "The Unlucky Ship;" the high hit sustenance rate that had come with that title; that low hit rate, even though the experience and skill was clearly there--that was just how things were---she couldn't do anything about it.

"Thank you, Shoukaku--though I want to say that, are you alright now?"

The Admiral inquired as he let loose a sigh of relaxation. Shoukaku stood up straight, responding with head lowered.

"Yes, thanks to you. My apologies for letting you witness my willfusl sister's display."

"Don't worry about it. That kind of spirit is what your sister ought to have."

The Admiral responded as if it were nothing. It seemed like he had expected Zuikaku's response.

Shoukaku nodded slightly as she spoke with a careful tone:

"I've heard the gist of it from Yukikaze. Moreover, that exchange confirmed a guess of mine--deploying the 5thCarDiv to use Zuikaku's power of the 'Lucky Carrier' was the request of the higher-ups and not the Admiral, correct?"

The Admiral said nothing as he gazed at Shoukaku, his face clearly displeased.

(I was right, huh...)

Shoukaku held back her sigh. The Admiral had come to lead the Naval District due to political backing--this had been obvious from the missions up until now. Moreover, his political base was far from solid.

The intent of Shoukaku and Zuikaku's last sortie had probably been to "grasp their formation, even if you can't wipe out the main fleet." That intent could be seen in the choice of sortieing Ise and Hyuuga, both veterans skilled in evasion.

Moreover, if this had been the primary goal, there was no need to send her and Zuikaku. Indeed, throwing in a rookie such as Zuikaku was still very risky, "Lucky Carrier" or not.

Pushing forwards in spite of all this--it had to be pressure from the higher-ups.

(Even if it was only to satisfy the demands of the higher-ups, the Admiral still took full responsibility of everything related to us as our commander while resolving to maintain clear accountability. That's probably why he didn't say anything...)

Perhaps the Admiral had gleaned from the shipgirl's recollections of "That War" that a string of disasters had resulted from poor accountability.

After all, there was no need for a bunch of shipgirls balancing a war with the abyssals with daily life at the Naval District to understand the Admiral's political position regarding his higher ups. In a certain sense, this was also an attempt to protect the hearts of the shipgirls.

At the very least, this was what the Admiral had in mind when he fought.

Perhaps he had dealt so severely with Zuikaku so that Zuikaku could vent all the suspicions and questions remaining from the previous battle and allow her to confront her feelings.

(What a difficult man to understand.)

Shoukaku frowned discontentedly as she suppressed a sigh before voicing another one of her convictions.

"However, Admiral. The Admiral I know wouldn't repeat this kind of thing."

".........."

"Plus, this time around we're not deploying until we've completely grasped the Okinoshima Garrison Fleet's formation--I presume you have a plan then?"

As Shoukaku watched inquisitively, the Admiral broke into a chilling grin.

===Part 3===

"...aren't you a little full of yourself, moping alone here at a time like this?"

Standing on the seawall that snaked around the naval district shoreline, Hiyou inquired with an expression of confusion.

At her feet Zuikaku crouched slavically, her face and expression concealed by her legs.

After the argument in the naval district office, Zuikaku had run here from the naval district. At least there would be some time for solitude here--or so she had thought.

Unfortunately, her hopes proved naive. Zuikaku had only been here for a short time before Hiyou had started talking behind her. More likely than not, Hiyou had been sent by a certain someone in the naval district.

(After that debacle, I don't have the face to return to the naval district...)

Though she felt Hiyou come closer to her, Zuikaku's depression was not assuaged.

(I just wanted to work hard as a shipgirl, but....)

Not a single word Zuikaku had said to Shoukaku and the Admiral had been dishonest or untrue. Given, aiming her equipment at the admiral was a little overdone, but Zuikaku did not feel that she had said anything wrong.

Even so, a strong sense of regret lingered

(I spoke out of line with Shoukaku-nee...)

Undecided between standing uncomfortably and sitting uncomfortably, the young woman dug her thumbnails into herself.

(Shoukaku-nee clearly just wanted to protect me...she clearly just went through a situation that made her think as she did...)

Shoukaku had not escaped the wounds of "That War." Indeed, it was the very opposite--she was one of the ones to remember it the most vividly. And it was due to those experiences that she so selflessly tried to protect Zuikaku.

Shoukaku is the "unlucky ship", so she is hit more; Zuikaku is the "lucky carrier," so she brings her side good luck--if this theory becomes a rule, there would be no ship better suited to be "the ship in charge of being hit" than Shoukaku.

Moreover, if she truly possessed the power to grasp the best possible result, it was not illogical for the Naval District to prepare for a long war with the abyssals--

(But I hate this kind of thinking....)

To Zuikaku, Shoukaku was an irreplaceable sister, one which she could not bear to harm for her sake.

(Nevermind that I'm still a rookie. Even if I were given some responsibility like "grabbing the best possible result", I'd have not a clue how to do it...)

In the worst case scenario, no miracle would be triggered at all, and all the shipgirls with her except for herself would perish--it was certainly a possibility that Zuikaku considered.

(what should I do...?)

"Oy, are you listening to me?"

Hiyou spoke again from behind her, but Zuikaku wasn't interested in answering.

The silence persisted nearly a minute more--finally, Hiyou sighed. Sitting down next to Zuikaku, she started speaking, her gaze directed at the sea.

"I heard about it. And I'm also aware of that 'you may have a certain ability' crap too."

".........."

"I've always had Junyou by me, after all. That girl was an accomplished veteran in 'That War', and survived until the end...though it's not to your degree, it would not be unreasonable to call her a 'lucky carrier' as well. In reality, her hit sustenance rate in this war is indeed lower...to tell you the truth, I'm quite jealous."

"........"

"That's why I can understand Shoukaku's feelings, and your feelings to some extent. Junyou has always been forgiving of me, constrained as I am by tactics...while it is in part to prevent me from feeling inferior, I suspect Junyou simply doesn't want to consider the idea that 'she is lucky.' If we were always aware of our own fortunes, their results and that kind of business, we'd simply be incapable of getting along with our comrades."

She felt the same right now--that was what Zuikaku thought, her face hidden in her legs. In regards to Junyou's situation, her concern for Hiyou had already made that self-evident.

And yet after a pause, Hiyou spoke up again, with a harsher voice.

"But Junyou has never given up due to her situation. She had never used 'luck' or 'it was pre-ordained' as a pretext to give up."

".......!"

Hiyou had never rebuked Zuikaku like this before, and Zuikaku froze.

"I am the same. I am a light carrier who cannot compare with standard carriers, and I accomplished little worth mentioning in 'That War'....but so what? How can I bend my knee to luck and fate? Stuff like that, I'll toss them aside with this shining hand of mine!"

Hiyou's right hand, rock in hand, glowed with her magical onmyodo powers or some shit. With what may or may not have been sheer willpower, the air around Hiyou began to tremble.

"Hiyou...."

Zuikaku looked up slowly. In front of her, Hiyou stood up, clutching the stone in her hand.

Hiyou stared at the seaside as before. And yet the gaze that emanated from those purple eyes seemed to imbibe Hiyou's resolution.

(In other words, the Admiral basically said the same thing...)

One should decide her own fate--the Admiral had said this to her, back before Shoukaku had reached the office.

Thinking carefully, that phrase may have been the expression not of the Admiral and this world's faith, but that of a hope that could guide both Zuikaku, gradually fettered by the results of "That War," and Shoukaku, long since subjugated by them.

Furthermore, she was the "Lucky Carrier," the shipgirl that carryied the power to "Grasp the best possible result"--perhaps she could end her connection to that past with her own hands. Given, this was an inherently contradictory train of thought, but this was a thought--

(Whether I truly grasp the power to grasp the most fortunate result and what the best possible result, I don't know...)

Hiyou's dark hair and red dress fluttered in the wind, but she resolutely stared out towards the sea as before--seeing her face, Zuikaku was struck with a thought.

(But the only one who can decide whether and how to use this power is I...if I use it right, perhaps it can be the power that saves everyone. Of course, Shoukaku-nee's heart is no exception...)

Even if she was the "Lucky Carrier," there was no need to truly confirm or deny this power.

The only way to avoid others sacrificing themselves for her was to use her power to solve those problems. If she didn't want to be a lucky charm or a weapon, what she needed to do was, again, to change herself, with her own power.

Of course, Zuikaku knew neither the specifics nor whether she could actually save Shoukaku's heart. Hell, the fetters binding herself with Shoukaku may well be broken--on this point, Zuikaku felt both fear and unease.

But perhaps there would be a way, as long as she gave it her all as before. After all, the title of 'the lucky carrier' shouldn't be an empty title--

"The sparkle seems to have returned to your eyes...go!"

Cracking into a slightly teasing grin, Hiyou hurled the stone in her right hand towards the sea. Perhaps it had something to do with Hiyou's magical Onmyoudou powers, but the stone continued to skip off the water's surface until it was lost in the waves.

"Fucking beautiful,"

Hiyou remarked cheerfully. She turned again towards Zuikaku.

"Really now, at this rate you're going to befoul the name of the 5thCarD...rather, the new 1stCarDiv. We were the ones propping up the Main Fleet Carrier Task Force after Midway; get it together."

Zuikaku scratched her cheek with a crooked grin.

"Ahaha, well, there were a lot of reasons..."

Though she had patched up her feelings, the "Okinoshima Main Garrison Fleet blocking us" remained an obstacle.

In order to deal with that main fleet, she'd most likely have to deploy as before with Shoukaku.

And before that could be done, some new tactics would need to be devised. Zuikaku did not believe her fortune would be enough on its own against such strong enemies.

"But how should I say this...well, I feel a lot better now. Thanks! Thanks for coming here just to cheer me up!"

"I-I wasn't giving my advice for your sake!"

Clearly embarrassed Hiyou waved the thanks away.

"This is for the whole Naval District...and the Admiral!"

"Admiral?"

"After all, he asked me in the past to take care of you in my own way. I just happened to see you run out of the naval district and remembered this...."

"Is that so..."

For all her surprise, Zuikaku also felt slightly apologetic.

Perhaps the Admiral had long since forseen this situation and had dispatched Hiyou to deal with this istuation.

Perhaps he had spoken earlier with such a harsh tone in order to help her grasp this current line of logic. Or perhaps he had hoped he could personally change Shoukaku's sense of self-sacrifice--

(But how could I have figured something like that out?! If he had said it clearly...)

"Moreover, Junyou and I are being deployed to the Okinoshima waters as well."

"Hiyou and Junyou too?"

Zuikaku gaped in astonishment. It seemed like the Admiral had abandoned surface combat and had resolved to deal with the enemy's fearsome main fleet with air power.

"That's right. As such, wouldn't it be a problem if a fleet comrade were all depressed? That's why it's for myself too--definitely not for your sake! After all, the New 1stCarDiv and the new 2ndCarDiv are rivals, and I'm not about to get all lovey dovey with you!"

"I-is that so..."

Hiyou huffily crossed her arms. Zuikaku, figuring that Hiyou was trying to hide her embarrassment,<ref> no shit, does this author know what subtlety means?</ref> broke into laughter as she tried to move on.

"Whatever, let's not worry about that for now--we need to think of some strategies..."

Hiyou's eyes turned once more to the oceans.

"I've already seen your battle report. The enemy main fleet's core are the four Ru-class battleships, one of which is a flagship-type that's stronger than the elite-type. Once caught in the enemy's continuous fire the situation deteriorates dramatically, so we must devise a way by which we can eliminate the vast majority of the opponents within the opening air attack. However..."

Hiyou stopped at this point. Thinking of the unspoken implications, Zuikaku could not suppress a pang of regret.

During the battle with the enemy main force, she and Shoukaku had both launched a first wave. Though all had reached the enemy's airspace, fierce AA fire had prevented them from inflicting any significant damage.

(From the intensity of the AA fire, it's possible that even the next-generation Suisei dive bombers and Tenzan torpedo bombers currently in development would be insufficient to break through the barrage)

"While I'm sure the Admiral has some good ideas..."

Hiyou whispered with a mix of anticipation and unease.

If it was impossible to obtain decisive victory through the air, the next time may well still end in a defeat. Not only would this defeat give the enemy main fleet a chance to approach the homeland, but it could also make possible the worst-case scenario of an attack on the Naval District, a battle which could decide the progress of the war in a single moment.

At that moment, an unfamiliar engine rumble reached the silent Zuikaku and Hiyou.

"That engine sound...could it be?"

Zuikaku had heard this sound before--at the Marianas, her own air complement had included planes that had bore these engines.

(Ahh, these were the engines of the new model recon Saiun...but, those numbers are too large for a recon team....!)

"Zuikaku, look...!"

Zuikaku turned to where Hiyou's finger pointed--and immediately understood.

These carrier planes bore a graceful streamlined shape and a distinctive inverted gull-wing layout, wings that tapered up from the fuselage to the tip. There were enough planes to mount two carriers, and their reverberating engine sounds belonged to the scaled down but high-powered Nakajima Homare engine. The plane squadrons shot over the two at high speed.

(I once heard rumors of that fuselage during "That War...!)

Capabilities surpassing the Type 99 Dive bomber and the Type 97 Torpedo Bomber--or even the Suisei Dive bomber and Tenzan Torpedo bombers; a plane that combined dive bombing and torpedo bombing capabilities in a new revolutionary design allegedly fast enough to outstrip the Type 21 Zero.

She had never mounted this decisive-battle, blueprint weapon in "That War", but she had one day hoped for that chance. The weapon "So advanced that it had to remain classified" Yuubari mentioned, maybe it was this.

It's name is--

"The Sienar Fleet Systems TIE Line Fighter...!"

The Admiral recalled the Admiral's words--if it were Carriers, they would be able to attack the four Ru-class from outside their range. The Naval District and Factories had been working at double speed to churn out the necessary supplies and equipment--indeed, the Ryuusei-kai was a standout design. If two standard carrier's worth of Ryuusei Kai could be manufactured, even the enemy main fleet, with its powerful AA suite, might still take mortal damage.

Combined with her own luck, perhaps--

(That's the 5thCarDiv is needed, and that's why I am needed...)

Watching the Ryuusei Kai squadrons flying into the distance, Zuikaku felt a surge of hot blood rush through her veins.

===Part 4===

Several hours later, Zuikaku received the official sortie order.

"I will now explain the details of the new operation."

The Admiral's voice reverberated through the Naval District Office. The skies framed in the window had long since gone black.

Inside the office were assembled the four carriers notified about their role--Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Hiyou and Junyou.

Zuikaku kept her distance from Shoukaku--she was not quite sure how to face her elder sister. Shoukaku, it seemed, was of a similar sentiment, and both of them made sure their eyes would not meet.

"As everyone is well aware, our naval district's last assault on the Okinoshima Anchorage was an abject failure, with well over half the main fleet heavily damaged by the enemy. We now believe that the enemy main fleet anchored until now at the anchorage is preparing for an invasion of the mainland."

Several fairies promptly suck a strategic map onto a whiteboard standing on the workdesk.

"If we leave the enemy free rein, our homeland and this Naval District will most likely come under attack. We must prevent this from happening at all costs. As such, we will be deploying with you all serving as the main fleet in a Carrier Task Force capacity to the Okinoshima Waters for a third attack. This operation will be referred to as 'Operation A-go.'"

Zuikaku gulped. The name of this operation was familiar.

(The Operation that led to the battle at the Marianas was also called Operation A-go.)

In "That War" and in this war, A-go represented the commitment to a decisive battle.

"This time we will be betting our hopes on you four carriers preemptively neutralizing the enemy in order to nullify the enemy's suppressing fire."

The Admiral explained in a heavier voice.

"Thanks to previous developments at the factories, we have manufactured sufficient quantites of the prototype Suisei Kai to outfit two carriers. Standard Carriers Shoukaku and Zuikaku will mount these Suisei Kai, along with Type 52 Zeroes, as the fleet's primary striking force. Due to the limited number of Type 52 Zeroes, however, Zuikaku's remaining supplement will be equipped with Type 62 Zeroes."

Zuikaku nodded slightly. As Yuubari and RJ had said in the factories, the Type 62 Zeroes were variations of the base Type 52 Zero model--if you could deal with their slightly inferior specs, they were more than capable of seizing air superiority. When it came to battle against the main force, they would also be able to serve in a dive bombing capacity.

"Hiyou and Junyou will deploy as always with Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bombers. However, we will be limiting the numbers of Type 99s, which will be primarily used as scouts. In combat, we will rely on the Type 97s. The Type 99's dive bombs may be ineffective against the Ru-class."

Hiyou and Junyou both responded with a crisp "understood."

"As for the enemy patrols and pickets, please remove them with preemptive air strikes to the best of your ability. Looking at their composition, you should have more than enough to wrest air superiority. As long the enemy is disabled, it is acceptable to disengage and move on."

The enemy's gate is down--that was what the Admiral's gaze said.

"Once the enemy main force is encountered, focus everything on the first attack. Even if the enemy is Ru-class, breaking the enemy's formation with torpedos should help to inhibit their suppression fire. Your primary target is the Flagship Ru-class that appears to be serving as flagship. As before, sinking the flagship should plunge the leaderless enemy into confusion."

The fairies promptly affixed several photos of the flagship type <ref>taken during the battle, no doubt</ref> on the whiteboard. A few of Hyuuga and Ise's observation seaplanes had managed to survive, and theses photos appeared to have been brought back thanks to their actions.

As the Admiral said, the Flagship Ru-class had indeed stood in front of the enemy fleet; it seemed like that she was indeed the coordinator.

"In the case that a preemptive strike fails, chances will be that you will lose the ability to inhibit their suppressing fire and thus suffer defeat. If that happens, the enemy will close in on the homeland. If this happens, the Naval District will deploy into Home Waters in preparation for a last-ditch defense."

It didn't require much thought to realize that there was no plan at that point. If they failed, the Naval District's home fleet would consist of Heavy Cruisers and other smaller vessels. At that point, the battle plan would be encroaching on the nation's vital naval trade network.

"The flagship this time will be Shoukaku--as before. Are there any questions?"

The Admiral looked to the four shipgirls. It appeared he wanted each of them to imagine the consequences of the failure of their last stand.

"Just one."

Shoukaku raised her hand. There was no smile on her face now, only grimness. The Admiral tipped his head lightly, beckoning her to speech.

"As the flagship, there is something I would like to confirm with the Admiral in regards to this operation: when it comes down to it, is our priority 'our survival,' or 'the elimination of the enemy main fleet?'"

(Shoukaku-nee....)

Zuikaku gazed at Shoukaku and the Admiral uncomfortably. Similarly, Hiyou and Junyou also eyed the two with tension written across their faces.

"....of course, our priority is to eliminate the enemy main fleet."

The Admiral's voice was low, but clear.

"If we fail this battle, we will have lost the war. If the price for destroying the enemy main force is your lives, I, as a commanding officer, am prepared to pay."

His distress was palpable in his voice as he continued.

"However, I forbid any of you from entering battle with this resolve. There is a high likelihood that you all will be integral to our battles in the future; as such, I demand (however unreasonably) that you defeat the enemy and return to this naval district. Fight, fight with every ounce of your soul against the enemy against you. Whatever the result, I am prepared to take full responsibility."

"I understand. Thank you."

Shoukaku nodded lightly as Zuikaku felt a pang of guilty.

Her sister had doubtlessly brought up this question to make sure Zuikaku understood the Admiral's thoughts. The Admiral had no plans to use the shipgirls as weapons. Given, some decisions may have seemed the opposite, but for the Admiral, this remained a heart-rending decision--

(I understand this kind of thing....but, Shoukaku-nee...)

"Moreover, regarding the remaining two ships..."

"I was just about to explain that. Come in, you two."

The office door swung open with a heavy clack as from it came the shapes of two rather small shipgirls. Zuikaku's eyes widened--one of the two destroyers wore a white sailor uniform as a large dress, with a pair of large binoculars hanging from her neck. The other shipgirl wore a black-on-white sailor uniform, her hair an opulent, striking white.

Zuikaku gulped. She had seen these two destroyers before, and found what she had in common with them.

(It can't be, these two are...)

The Admiral's voice echoed through the office.

"Destroyers Yukikaze and Hibiki. They are this naval district's most seasoned destroyers, and I am confident they are upt to the task of escorting you all."

The Admiral paused for a moment before regarding the six shipgirls before speaking a half-plea, half-order.

"Please, use your power as shipgirls to give us humans a future."

===Part 5===

The skies above the waters around Okinoshima were as clear as always.

Zuikaku and company sailed under the dazzling sun at full speed ahead.

Ten hours had elapsed since their departure from their naval district, and it had been two hours ago that they had left the transport ship and officially began their deployment. They had encountered the enemy three times and taken only scratch damage--and now only the main fleet was ahead of them. It appeared that someone out there had been looking out for them on this route as well.

The fleet was split into two units, with destroyers Yukikaze and Hibiki forming a vanguard for Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Hiyou and Junyou's main force. The vanguard served as both an advance force and, on enemy encounter, bait.

The six shipgirls remained silent. The impending approach of the enemy main fleet seemed to bring about a pressure that lapsed even Junyou into silence. Hiyou and Shoukaku did not need mentioning.

Zuikaku, too, had yielded to this pervading feeling.

(This is kind of bad...)

She felt a throb in her chest. Under this atmosphere it was questionable whether they'd be able to make use of their full power even if they met with the enemy.

(But I don't know how to solve this...)

She looked to Shoukaku--Shoukaku, as in the battle before, gazed forwards, her expression tight.

Looking back, Zuikaku had not said a word to Shoukaku through deployment--partly because she didn't know what to say, and partly because she still did not know how to change Shoukaku's resolve.

Doubtlessly, the current Shoukaku would willing sacrifice herself for her. After all, this was operation "A-go," the last chance for the Naval District to take out the Okinoshima Enemy Anchorage. Given the fact that the fate of the homeland would be determined by the results of this battle, the situation could not be more serious.

(But I really just don't want to see Shoukaku-nee like this...)

Zuikaku noticed that she gripped the shortbow in her right hand abnormally tightly.

(I wish fortune to Shoukaku-nee too...I wish that her smile is not just a reassurance for my sake, but from her heart. Or else...)

"--Umm, Zuikaku-nee."

A wireless transmission from somewhere--it was destroyer Yukikaze. From Shoukaku's complete lack of response, it seemed as if Yukikaze had words for Zuikaku only.

"I read you. Go on, Yukikaze."

Zuikaku's lips barely moved, to avoid attracting Shoukaku's notice. She could secretly guess what Yukikaze wanted to talk about.

"Don't worry about it, everyone over here is really quiet, and I'm pretty bored. After all, we haven't discovered the enemy main force yet."

In reality, the fleet had already launched scouts in all directions--it would be unsurprising if the enemy was found at this very moment. Nevertheless, Zuikaku didn't want to silence Yukikaze.

"--thank you. Hibiki is also listening to this transmission, is that alright?"

"No problem. Ah, also, sorry I didn't greet you guys yet. I'll be in your care today, Yukikaze, Hibiki."

"-Y-yes! Yukikaze will do her best!"

"Understood. Likewise."

The bipolarity of the two destroyer's response almost caused Zuikaku to burst into laughter.

"Well then, what do you guys want to ask me?"

"--Okay. To be honest, we've been hiding something all this time from Zuikaku-nee, and we ought to apologize to you about it..."

"You two were observing me to see whether I was the 'Lucky Carrier' that could grasp the most fortunate outcome, right?"

"....! How did you...?"

"It'd be hard not to know."

Listening to Yukikaze's embarrassment, Zuikaku broke into a bitter smile.

"You two were watching with Akagi-senpai during my inaugural battle with Kaga-senpai, and I saw you guys during drills and exercises too. Oh, so Akagi-senpai is in on this too then? Ehh, she's even higher up in seniority than Shoukaku-nee. I suppose it was expected."

"--Ehh, you got us..."

"Plus, isn't Yukikaze like me, a ship people figured would be able to grasp that most fortunate outcome? In 'That War' I also heard you being referred to as the 'Lucky Destroyer.' You survived until the end, too, so I figured..."

That last part was more instinct. From her occasional run-ins with Yukikaze, Zuikaku had noticed that she carried herself with an air unlike those of the other destroyers. An unburdened feeling, maybe. It was a vague term at best, but it was simultaneously different from the other shipgirls and similar to herself.

It was exactly because of this that Zuikaku figured that Yukikaze might be a shipgirl with similar abilities. Of course, this revelation came after the last sortie.

Akagi was the same. She was the Naval District's most senior standard carrier, and the shipgirl closest to the Admiral; there was no way she did not notice Zuikaku and Yukikaze's situation.

"--t-that's right...as expected of Zuikaku-nee..."

Perhaps Zuikaku had been on target too many times, for Yukikaze responded with a tone of admiration that caused Zuikaku to again break into a crooked smile.

"Also, Hibiki must have also survived to the end of 'That War', and thus have known who in the naval district possessed the fruits of fortune....that's why you fight with Yukikaze, correct? And that's why Akagi-senpai asked you to take care of me...am I correct, Hibiki?"

Hibiki remained silent, but Zuikaku took that as affirmation.

"...that's why I'm not concerned about this kind of thing. Yukikaze doesn't need to apologize, and neither does Hibiki--both of you were simply doing your jobs, right? This is an issue between Shoukaku-nee and I."

"--Don't you feel sad sometimes? Scared?"

From Yukikaze's tentative question, it seemed that the name of "The Lucky Destroyer" and the alleged ability to Grasp the Most Fortunate Outcome sat heavily on her shoulders.

"Of course, it's nothing to be happy about. But I won't stop here."

"........"

"If this power really exists, then I will use it where I need to. I want to protect Shoukaku-nee and stand beside her in battle. That's why I will do my best with all I have as before--that is how I feel."

"--Zuikaku-nee...."

"That is what Yukikaze thinks as well, right?"

".....Yes."

Yukikaze responded hesitantly after several seconds of silence. That brief emptiness allowed Zuikaku to feel just how grim the road of the "Lucky Destroyer" was for Yukikaze.

(Yukikaze is most likely like me...)

"--it might be strange to say 'because of this', but...I'll be leaving Shoukaku-nee to you."

From her position advancing into the distance, Yukikaze turned around to regard Zuikaku for a moment before continuing.

"--Hibiki and I both survived 'That War,', and continued serving on active duty for a significant period afterwards, so we remember a bit of what happened after the war." <ref>Yukikaze was transferred to the Republic of China Navy as Tan Yang, whereas Hibiki was transferred to the Soviet Union as Verniy</ref>

"........."

"--that's why it pains us to see a shipgirl as stubborn as Shoukaku-nee. True, 'That War' was a painful memory, both for us and our crews; even so, few hated or resented us, even as the losers. Shoukaku-nee's surviving crew probably felt the same, which is why..."

Yukikaze could not continue, and Zuikaku didn't want to push her.

Both she and Yukikaze knew that saying this to Shoukaku would accomplish nothing. Shoukaku lived in the shadow of her misfortunes from 'That War;' bringing up the events that followed would not bring her out from there.

"I understand. Thank you for your concerns."

In an increasingly choked voice, Zuikaku spoke to Yukikaze.

"At any rate, Hibiki, Yukikaze, focus on the battle. Just keep dodging, and we'll think of a way to defeat the enemy."

"--Alright, then we'll leave it to you...because Yukikaze will never sink! Hibiki-nee, let's do our best together!"

"--sounds about right."

Yukikaze shouted rousingly, while Hibiki responded with a hint of warmth, expressionless as ever.

Hibiki was one of the 6thDesDev and got along well with destroyers Ikazuchi, Inazuma and Akatsuki--but perhaps on another level, she had a certain connection with Yukikaze as well.

That aside, through her conversation with Yukikaze and Hibiki, Zuikaku felt that perhaps she had reached some kind of realization.

Perhaps the way to change Shoukaku's resolve was not through words, but actions...

(So maybe this is that most fortunate result...)

Five minutes later, one of the fleet's scout planes finally caught sight of the enemy main fleet.

This scout plane belonged to Standard Carrier Zuikaku.

===Part 6===

Whether it was because the Abyssals sensing the oncoming assault or a natural deterioration in weather conditions, the surface of the Okinoshima waters began to stir and roil.

Even so, the four carriers advanced at maximum battle speed, splitting the waters with their advance.

"Keep your prows upwind; all ships, begin launch!"

Shoukaku shrilly spoke above the din as she raised her own shortbow.

"Once the air group has assembled, send your attack teams west and target the main fleet that Zuikaku detected! The Fleet composition remains as previously--one flagship BB, three elite BBs and two unidentified DDs! All ships are currently advancing on our position in line ahead formation!"

"""""Understood!"""""

"This one attack will determine it all--everyone, I'm counting on you!"

"""""Understood!"""""

Between the order and the response, the six shipgirls had not forgotten to prepare. Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Hiyou and Junyou each loosed their arrows or launched their Shikigami and allowed them to fall into formation. Meanwhile, the two destroyers popped a smokescreen via their turbines as they moved into engage the Ru-class battleships in an attempt to draw fire from the carriers.

(This attack decides it all....!)

Repeating Shoukaku's line in her mind, Zuikaku continued firing her arrows.

(This battle is a chance to change Shoukaku-nee's heart--but, before that happens, we must win above all...!)

She continued shooting, even as she started to notice her ragged breathing. Each arrow split into the air in a burst of light, transmuting into the Type 52 Zero and Ryuusei Kai before forming into position. The Type 62 Zeros remained behind as a contingency plan, while the Ryuusei Kai all carried torpedos.

Zuikaku glanced at the other carriers--they, too, were also launching their carrier planes and then consolidating them. Shoukaku, like Zuikaku, carried Type 52 Zero and Ryuusei Kai, whereas Hiyou and Junyou carried the good ol' Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bobmers.

The cloud of planes assembled in the air continued to swell into one large air group of some two hundred planes. Zuikaku had only seen an air group of this size once or twice even in "That War."

With the last launches came the sound of guns--the four RU-class had began opening fire at Yukikaze and Hibiki.

"We're counting on you, Yukikaze, Hibiki....!"

Eyeing both her own air group and the smoke-wreathed horizon, Junyou softly murmured.

"Because once you're destroyed, the targets become us....!"

Zuikaku felt her body clench. As Junyou had said, if Yukikaze or Hibiki were destroyed, it would be the carrier group's turn to endure the suppression shelling.

A great explosion in the distance, followed by a great pillar just over the Horizon; just the thought of the accurate barrage that had straddled Ise and Hyuuga now focusing on those two slender shipgirls made Zuikaku want to rush to their rescue.

(But, those two must....!)

Zuikaku forcibly suppressed these impulses. her thoughts a prayer. A second later--

"All air groups, begin your attack runs!"

Having waited until the air assembly had completed, Shoukaku gave the order.

"Your target is the Ru-class Battleship Group! We're counting on you, go!"

"Hopefully...an attack that'll finish them out of our visual range!"

Zuikaku shouted along with Shoukaku as Hiyou and Junyou also laid down their orders.

"Alright, let's get revenge for Akagi-senpai and Kaga-senpai! Right, Junyou?"

"Yeah! Let's give it our all and give 'em a beating--Off you go!"

In total over 200 planes formed the first attack wave; at the four shipgirls' order, they shot as one towards the enemy fleet. The sight left even Zuikaku, who had sent them, gaping--this was doubtless an all-in, all-out assault.

Among the most magnificent among them were Shoukaku and Zuikaku's Ryuusei-Kai attack teams. Protected by the Type 52 Zeroes in a vast inverted gull-wing formation, they advanced as a subversion of the past fast attacks of the past.

"Report from Hibiki--enemy battleships have opened up with AA guns,"

Junyou reported with a hand to her ear.

"But the effect seems limited--the Ryuusei-kai seems to be too fast for each battleship to cope!"

"In that case....!"

In the time that Shoukaku uttered her shout of anticipation, the attack teams began to separate, beginning their individual attack runs.

Planes began to fall. As expected, the four Ru-class' AA power was overwhelming; within mere seconds, the air was filled with the black puffs of AA fire. And yet as Hibiki reported, the enemy could not quite adjust to the Ryuusei Kai's speed--losses were significantly lighter than in previous battles.

And so, each of the attack teams launched their torpedos--moments later, the four Ru-classes were bracketed by water pillars.

(How's that....!)

Zuikaku clenched her fist as she stared in the enemy fleet's direction. It would be up to the closer Hibiki and Yukikaze to report the results.

Presently, Yukikaze reported with a tone of regret.

"--no-go! Out of the four, two have been heavily-damaged, but the other two aren't hurt at all! One of them is the flagship class!"

"So they missed....?"

Shoukaku pressed with a voice of disbelief.

"--No! The two enemy destroyers acted as shields...both those destroyers have sank! But....!"

Zuikaku stood dumbstruck. While everyone was aware that the abyssal were, like the shipgirls, capable and willing to act autonomously to protect the flagship, nobody thought that it would be at this time that--

But Zuikaku now admitted that they had been far too naive. Right after, Hiyou spoke up.

"All ships, begin evasive maneuvers! The surviving Ru-classes are now firing in our direction!"

"At this time?!"

Even as the others responded incredulously, a seemingly unending chain of explosions bracketed the field.

Zuikaku had not yet lost her bearings. Countless shells exploded around her with shockwaves that smashed her onto the water surface.

"Ugh....!" she murmured as she stood back up.

Enduring the pain, she looked around her--as the waterspouts collapsed, they left a cloud of mist in their wake.

Squinting, she made out the silhouettes of three shipgirls, each emitting smoke--and her face whitened.

(How--?!)

Of the three, Hiyou and Junyou showed clearly heavy damage. With their flight decks half ruined and their other equipment virtually wiped out, the two could only grit their teeth as they knelt on the ocean surface.

Shoukaku's damage was not as severe as those of the Hiyou-class--even now, she stood up, tottering gently. Even so, her equipment also bore significant damage--her combat ability would doubtlessly be affected.

The enemy's barrage in this direction had inexplicably halted instead of chaining. The only explanation was that Yukikaze and Hibiki had once more caught the enemy's attention.

(And what about the carrier planes?)

Zuikaku looked to the sky--from the horizon, the spent first wave was now returning. They numbered around fifty, virtually all of whom were the Type 52 Zeroes and Ryuusei Kai. Hiyou and Junyou's planes had been slaughtered, nearly to the last fairy.

Of the two hundred attack planes, only one in four had returned--the losses were exceedingly heavy, far beyond Zuikaku's worst fears. And now, the only carriers that remained were she and Shoukaku.

(But, we have to regain the initiative with these remnants...!)

The enemy still had two unharmed Ru-classes. If they didn't find a way to deal with this, there would be no chance of victory.

(But what should I do...?)

"Zuikaku, hurry and retrieve those carrier planes. Take my portion too."

Standing uneasily, Shoukaku glared at the enemy fleet with a simmering anger as she spoke to Zuikaku.

"We are launching a second wave. You deal with the elite, I'll find a way to deal with the flagship type."

"Find a way....what way is there?"

Zuikaku loudly voiced her doubts. Shoukaku was giving her own carriers to Zuikaku and simultaneously calling for a second wave--a normal carrier couldn't do this.

(No, we are shipgirls--as long as there's a will, there's a way....)

"Shoukaku-nee, you're not planning on closing in on the Flagship Ru-class and detonating yourself, are you....?"

Zuikaku's eyes widened. Shoukaku continued to glare the enemy vessel as before, confirming Zuikaku's suspicions.

Shipgirls had turbine systems as well. If they could close in on the enemy and then blow up their turbines, they could deal devastating damage--at the cost of their lives.

In "That War", one would normally never consider allowing a carrier to close in on a battleship. Even so, they were shipgirls--there were shipgirls who fought with sword, spear and anchor in CQC--there were even some who fought with bare hands and technique. From that standpoint, Shoukaku's strategy was neither particular outlandish or impractical.

But this strategy meant that Shoukaku would definitely die.

"No! If you do that--"

"There are no other ways to finish the remaining two Ru-classes,"

Shoukaku responded bluntly.

"From the enemy's AA abilities, the likelihood of finishing the remaining two Ru-classes with our remaining complement is low. If we use this tactic, we can finish both vessels."

"But....!"

Moreover, the Admiral has not given the order to retreat....that means the Admiral trusts us. That's why, we have to respond to that trust...!"

With that, Shoukaku turned to Zuikaku as she broke into her usual smile.

"Zuikaku, you are the 'Lucky Carrier'--you will definitely be able to use your ability to grasp the best possible outcome to bring everyone a miracle. No matter how hard the battles get, no matter how painful, you have to survive for that reason--so that you can reach out and retrieve it all--and I believe that it's my job to open that road for you."

".....!"

"For me, the one who bears the fate of 'the unlucky ship', this is both my desire and my salvation....so please, let me go."

Zuikaku could find no retort. Shoukaku's resolve was doubtlessly genuine, and this tactic was also logical. If the Okinoshima Main Fleet was not destroyed now, the homeland and the Naval District would be endangered such that it was possible that mankind would lose altogether.

The Admiral had also said that "Destruction of the enemy holds precedence over survival." Shoukaku's idea was backed on each front.

Apart from the fact that Zuikaku couldn't accept it.

(That's right. This kind of tactic is definitely flawed!"

Zuikaku bit her lip as she once more confirmed her own reasoning.

(We are shipgirls--we came here not only to win this war, but also to confront the memories of 'That War'...I'm sure the Admiral doesn't want Shoukaku do to this either....!)

What should be done instead--at this point, several memories surfaced in Zuikaku's mind.

The words the Admiral had said to her. The words Hiyou had said to her. That stone that Hiyou had hurled at the sea--

(THat's right. That's it.)

Zuikaku had found a chance to win.

Clenching her first and enduring the pain, she righted herself and spoke:

"I don't understand as much as Shoukaku-nee thinks I do."

"Zuikaku....?"

"I can't accept something like this! I don't plan to live on for that kind of thing...that is neither my wish nor my salvation!"

She stared at the two Ru-classes in the distance. The sounds of shelling had not yet ceased--Yukikaze and Hibiki were still fighting. They trusted their comrades, carrying their survivor's guilt with them.

"This time around, I will definitely fight with Shoukaku-nee until the end--that is my wish and my salvation! And if anybody wants to stop me, even if that person is you, Shoukaku-nee, I won't let them!"

"Zuikaku! But that's the only choice if we want the operation to succeed....!"

"No, there's another way! Shoukaku-nee, look. I will definitely take down those two battleships and secure a chance to turn the tables! That's why--please don't give up and help me!"

In the course of this debate, the survivors of the first wave had successfully landed. In order to prepare them once more, Zuikaku raised her shortbow.

"Because I, Zuikaku-- 'The Lucky Carrier,' did not base my nickname on a lie!"

Next, Zuikaku continued to shoot out carrier planes--without assembling, plane after plane flew peacemeal towards the remaining two Ru-classes.

"Go-----!"

◇◇◇

The buzz of motors and propellers closed in--hearing it, Hibiki felt a sense of bemusement.

(To launch a second wave at this time...aren't they just asking to be shot down?)

".....!"

At that moment, another cloud of waterspouts surrounded her--clenching her teeth, Hibiki began evading.

After the conclusion of the four carriers' first wave, Yukikaze and Hibiki had been actively dodging the shelling of the two Ru-classes. Shoukaku, after all, had not given any new orders--moreover, Hibiki reckoned that she and Yukikaze would be in charge of drawing fire, whether they were retreating or fighting.

In "That War", Hibiki had understood that half-assed air strikes would have no effect on an opponent with a strong AA complement. This point had come long and hard upon the winners of "That War"--but this was the case even in mutually bloodless conflicts. Because it had long since become indirectly related to military affairs.

Even so, the surviving Standard Carrier was still doing this. Did she have an idea? Or were they simply making one last gamble--

(Zuikaku, you...)

The shell splashes were everywhere once more. As she evaded, Hibiki glanced at Yukikaze (who was doing the same) and the Attack Teams Zuikaku and company had released--

(....so that's how it is. That's not a bad way to go about it.)

Having figured out Zuikaku's plan, Hibiki's smile curled up into a trusting smile.

◇◇◇

Zuikaku's attack teams were divided roughly into Type 52 Zeroes, Type 62 Zero Fighter-Bombers, and the Ryuusei-Kai, and flew towards the two Ru-class in that order.

The two Ru-class immediately stopped firing at Yukikaze and Hibiki as they opened up again with AA fire. Under the fire of both their main guns and their AA guns, the leading Type 52 Zeros withered, falling one after the other.

The Ru-class had become convinced that the Type 52 Zero carried bombs, and had thus focused their fire on the skies above. Whether the bombers was launching into level bombing runs or dive bombing runs, this response was reasonable.

And yet, the Type 62s behind the Type 52s descended to near sea-level, hugging the surface as if they were about to launch torpedoes.

This attack appeared to have taken the Ru-classes by surprise, and their AA fire flitted only intermittently above the Type 62 Zeroes. The Type 62s now flew clear of the barrage, dropping their bombs onto the surface as they closed into the two vessels.

Following the laws of physics, the bombs bounced across the surface as they closed in on the Ru-classes.

In front of the bombs were what looked like the Ru-class' radar systems.

◇◇◇

"See that?! That's the power of Skip Bombing!"

Zuikaku's voice was full of jubilation--hearing it, Shoukaku gaped wordlessly at the explosions racking the Ru-class battleships.

She understood what Zuikaku was doing, or what she had wanted to do--Skip Bombing.

A bomber would close in on a target on the water's surface, not unlike a torpedo bomber. Launching at short distances, the bombs would hydroplane across the water's surface towards the target. This kind of attack required piloting, evasion and planes of the highest class; if done correctly, though, it dramatically improved hit rate. Since the velocity of the bombs themselves were rather low, their damage could not compare to that of dive bombers or torpedo--but if it could penetrate somewhere relatively weakly armored, it would be more than enough to deal a devastating blow.

Skip Bombing was a tactic that had been employed by the enemies of "That War" against them, and Zuikaku had somehow managed to remember this tactic and use it in practice.

Using the Type 52s as a decoy and the Type 62 for the attack, Zuikaku had pulled it off. Moreover, the Type 62's targets were the radar FCS--a major player in both shelling and AA coordination.

--as predicted, the wall of fire put up by the Ru-class began to show cracks--cracks which the Ryuusei-kai rushed into, dropping their torpedos as they descended.

A new set of explosions appeared--the Ru-class were surely taking heavy damage. Even if they didn't sink outright, they would not be able to maintain their suppressing barrage--
[[File:Zuikaku 014.jpg|230px|thumbnail]]

(Zuikaku....my sister did it....?)

Staring Speechless, Shoukaku glanced at Zuikaku as she cheered on her attack teams.

Before this, she had always seen Zuikaku as an existence that had to be protected. This whole time, she had believed that protecting her until the war's end would give her self-sacrifice meaning. If that could be achieved, she believed that she could bear the fate of "The Unlucky Ship" without question.

But Zuikaku had managed to invalidate that with her own strength. No, perhaps that result was due to the power of "The Lucky Ship"--even so, this could not have succeeded without Zuikaku's will.

(This is how Zuikaku wishes to fight, to protect her comrades...)

The Salvation Zuikaku sought was not the same as the one Shoukaku sought--Shoukaku had known this from the start. And yet, she had always believed that this was the only way to victory.

That belief, now, had begun to unravel.

Zuikaku was not relying on the destiny of the "Luckiest Ship"--she had not yet resigned herself to that power. She was still trying to grasp the future with her own strength and will.

(Perhaps I can live like that as well....?)

Shoukaku felt a flicker of hope--but it was buried almost instantaneously by a wave of self-mistrust. Since she was the "Unlucky Ship," her biggest contribution would be to serve as the scapegoat for the misfortune of others--

"Come, Shoukaku-nee, bring in the second attack wave and let's launch the third one!"

Zuikaku ran and clutched Shoukaku's hand with hands of energy.

"If the two of us launch a new wave together, it'll make it harder for the enemy to catch a break! Those two ships are still there, we haven't won....but, we can definitely win!"

Zuikaku's confident words and her grasp began to shake Shoukaku's heart.

Zuikaku believed in herself. She believed that she could escape the grasp of destiny and surpass it all--she believed that she would be able to work hard no matter what.

As if to confirm Zuikaku's conjecture, the distant Ru-classes had regained the initiative, advancing towards Shoukaku and Zuikaku, in spite of Yukikaze and Hibiki's attempts to stop them with gunfire. Even if the third wave did not succeed in finishing those two battleships, it was possible that, with Hibiki and Yukikaze's survival, that they be finished with torpedos.

"Did you forget about us....?"

"We've taken the advantage~ but now is the time to be serious!"

Words from behind them--Hiyou and Junyou shakily stood up. Laying out their half-burnt scrolls, they began calling out what Shikigami they had left.

"We've still got half a flight decks, so we can at least send out some Zeroes as decoys--if it's necessary, we'll be your bait!"

"Hiyou, Junyou...! Mm, let's go!"

Zuikaku nodded vigorously before regarding Shoukaku.

"So come along too, Shoukaku-nee!"

"No-go, Zuikaku-onee!"

Yukikaze's shout echoed from the battlefield, as if to cut off Zuikaku. The sound of gunfire once again covered her voice.

"The Flagship Ru-class is firing again! It seems that her guns are undamaged!"

"....She can still move? Even when her radar's been ruined....she shouldn't even be able to fire accurately!"

Zuikaku's shock was palpable--but Shoukaku understood the Flagship Ru's goal. HE. The enemy had no doubt decided that four damaged carriers did not need precisely-aimed AP shells--area damage HE shells would be sufficient. The enemy, after all, was the defense-enhanced Flagship Ru-class--even if it had taken some severe hits, it was certain that its own shells would be accurate enough.

The whine of shells closed in. They would impact in less than ten seconds--from the sound, these were doubtlessly aimed at Zuikaku. Given the AOE of a HE shell, it was unlikely that Zuikaku would be able to dodge.

"How...!"

Zuikaku stared hopelessly at the sky.

And yet, Shoukaku immediately launched into movement.

(If I were to take this shell for Zuikaku, I'd definitely sink, and Zuikaku would definitely survive....but, if Zuikaku believes i me, then I, too....!"

◇◇◇

Yukikaze's report had instantly dispelled the reveling atmosphere. As the whistle of shells closed in, the sudden reversal in situation had plunged Zuikaku into despair.

If she lost her ability to launch her carrier planes, they'd lose all hopes of a counterattack. That would make things a definite defeat--

(And we got so far....!)

The carrier planes she relied on were still returning, and all her ready air group had already been dispatched. She was out of options--

A moment later, Zuikaku saw a certain sight.

Shoukaku had nocked an arrow--a Type 99 with a bomb on board--onto her shortbow, and now now raised it towards the descending shells.

"Shoukaku-nee...?"

"Trust me, Zuikaku....!"

Shoukaku's voice trembled ever so slightly at the end. She was scared, after all, of what she was about to do. Even so, Shoukaku continued moving.

"In order to continue with you, I'm going to give it a shot....!"

A sharp whistle from the shortbow as the type 99 shot into the sky. A moment later, the arrow separated into multiple Type 99's--charging at the descending shells. The effects were unknowable--this kind of thing couldn't possibly happen in "That War," after all--this was something only shipgirls and their logic-defying existence could do.

(But, I've never heard of using carrier planes to stop shells...)

For shipgirls, this was a completely novel tactic. In the worst-case scenario, both of them would sink from the failure of this tactic--it would have been safer for Shoukaku to just take the shells.

Even so, Shoukaku used this tactic in the hope that the two of them would survive. And in the meantime, she bore in her heart fear--fear that "my misfortune would trigger now."

Seconds later, multiple explosions racked the skies above Zuikaku and Shoukaku--the Type 99s had impacted the shells and triggered their bombs. Several more seconds later, explosions appeared around the two.

Due to the explosion of the Type 99s, the HE shell trajectories had been slightly altered. Furthermore, the Shells had still been a significant distance away from the two shipgirls--even a small alteration in angle had huge effects.

Next up, a string of further explosions--most of it was luck, but there were still many shells that exploded next to Zuikaku as planned. If Shoukaku had not acted, they might have all hit Zuikaku.

Several moments later, though now smoking, Zuikaku and Shoukaku still stood in combat-capable condition.

"Shoukaku-nee.....!"

Zuikaku bore an expression of disbelief. Next to her, Shoukaku sighed as she watched the sky.

"We got through....somehow....?"

I, too, can grasp my own luck--that was the feeling that pervaded those words.

"Even though I felt that I couldn't do it a second time...."

At this moment, the carrier planes of the second air group closed in on the four carriers, returning into arrow and shikigami form for recollection.

The two Ru-class now engaged Yukikaze and Hibiki once more. Both sides were engaging at unprecedentedly close ranges--this was the price of engaging the four carriers with no heed to the two ships in front of them. Under fire from Yukikaze and Hibiki's constant rain of shells, they struggled in vain to find an opportunity to fire with their main guns once more.

As long as that continued, it could definitely be done--with that conviction, Zuikaku shouted,

"Shoukaku-nee, do it! We can definitely do it!"

"...yes."

Shoukaku nodded in embarrassment. Saying goodbye to many of her old beliefs and tightening her expression, she solemnly gave her next order:

"The Third Attack Team, prepare to launch!"

"""Understood!"""

===Part 7===

There was a palpable sense of tension on board the Command Ship used by the shipgirls deployed to the Okinoshima Waters as a rest stop, and around the shipgirls protected it.

Since the Fleet led by Shoukaku had begun engaging the main fleet, all communication had ceased. The only person with the authority to watch the battle on screen was the Admiral; some reports were secrets even to the shipgirls defending the Command ship. In order to avoid accidents this time around, the Admiral had chosen to command from the Naval District.

The Escort Fleet consisted of the Fubuki-class destroyers, with Fubuki herself serving as teh flagship.

Perhaps unable to bear the tension, Isonami whispered,

"Shoukaku-nee and company should be fine, right...."

"It'll definitely be fine!"

Fubuki responded as if to reassure Isonami.

"Zuikaku-nee's with the fleet! Plus there's Yukikaze, Hibiki, Hiyou and Junyou-nee..."

Even if she knew there was no basis to her argument, she still responded.

"If it's the, they'll definitely...!"

"Oy, you guys, look!"

Miyuki pointed towards the horizon, where--"

"Is that everyone from the fleet?"

◇◇◇

"We seem to have made it back..."

Zuikaku mumbled. She carried a heavily-damaged Hiyou on her right shoulder, while Shoukaku used her left shoulder to support an also heavily-damaged Junyou. While Yukikaze and Hibiki were unhurt, they had served as before as the four carriers' vanguard.

In the course of the battle with the Enemy Main Fleet, Zuikaku and company's third wave assault and Yukikaze and Hibiki's torpedoes had proved effective, sufficient for a victory. Even after Yukikaze and Hibiki's torpedos had lit her up, the Flagship Ru-class that had put Zuikaku and company in the danger zone had held on a little longer before ultimately succumbing and gently subsiding under the waves. Refusing to sink back into the abyss from whence she came--that seemed to be the impression given in her last struggle.

Nobody responded to Zuikaku's words--on seeing the command ship that would take them back to the mainland, each of them was flooded with relief. Even Shoukaku, as the older sister, was no exception--her expression suggested she had let out a breath of air she had held for a long, long time.

(But now the mainland has been protected, and we've maintained our initiative. Plus...)

"Zuikaku."

Suddenly, Shoukaku called her sister's name.

Shoukaku spoke with her usual gentle expression--albeit one that betrayed mixed feeling underneath.

"I'm sorry for before...also, from here on out, I'll be in your care. I, too, will do all I can so I can fight alongside you."

"Shoukaku-nee...."

Zuikaku's joy bubbled up like a fountain--this was the first time she had heard Shoukaku say what was in her heart. Of course, she had no proof for this guess, and Shoukaku perhaps was still at a loss.

Even so, Zuikaku remained overjoyed. In Shoukaku's eyes, she no longer appeared to just be the weapon known as "the lucky carrier", but as her sister--a shipgirl of her own.

And so, Zuikaku nodded vigorously before replying:

"Thank you, Shoukaku-nee! From here on out, as a shipgirl, I'll do my best....so I can become part of the main fleet like you!"

Shoukaku grinned awkwardly with a "are you still talking about that, even now" kind of smile.

"Even though we were helped by a lot of trump cards, in the end we made such an excellent result. As far as I'm concerned, you are already part of the main fleet. Just like me....rather, beyond me...."

"Even so, I am a shipgirl just like everyone else....not just that, but I want to be a "Lucky Carrier" that can bring Luckiness to everyone! As long as I still have planes, I won't lose....!"

In the distance, Fubuki and the other shipgirls on escort duty waved their hands as if in blessing as they closed in--
<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Back to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)|'''Chapter 3''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Epilogue|'''Epilogue''']]
|-
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</noinclude>

Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)

2015-09-16T12:43:17Z

KnightEmon:

Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)

2015-09-16T12:42:54Z

KnightEmon:

==The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)==
===Part 1===

The midsummer's sun streamed through the wide-open window into the the Naval District Office.

The trees surrounding the Naval District hummed with the "SZAZAKARAIIIISUUUUU*" of ten thousand cicadas as the fan in the corner valiantly pushed along the hot air. This nation's summer is just like the summer we know, it's very hot.

The Admiral brought me here about a month after I had come to this Naval District, on a certain afternoon.

"Regarding the Confirmation you wanted, Shoukaku, the report has arrived."

The Admiral sat in front of me, hand lying on a document spread over the desk, speaking with a sigh.

"Your theory has been validated by the evidence. You indeed sustain significantly more hits than other carriers--even if we consider 'Luck', this is still the case. In other words..."

"I am still constrained by the title of 'The Unlucky Ship'--correct?"

I cut through the Admiral with my own voice--from an Admiral's standpoint, these words were probably hard to say.

"...This kind of judgement certainly isn't surprising."

As predicted, the Admiral responded apologetically. I smiled mildly at him as always, telling him not to take it to heart.

I had long since come to terms with this.

From the moment I was born as a shipgirl, it had been like this.

It was because I, like some of the shipgirls, had clear memories of "That War."

It was not altogether surprising that would have to bear results and a legacy as a shipgirl identical to those memories.

Listening to the report at the Admiral's side, secretary-ship Houshou-nee bore a complicated expression.

"But, this way you'll..."

There was clear sorrow in the Admiral's voice. I shook my head.

"It's not a problem. After all, I have my own hopes."

"Hopes?"

"I wish to avoid bringing my misfortune onto others--that and that only."

"........"

"What happens to me is unimportant. No matter how many wounds I sustain, how many times I have to retreat, I don't mind. But I do not wish to lose anyone on account of this. This is my sole wish as a shipgirl."

"Are you worried about your demise in that 'Battle of the Marianas' you speak of?"

"I wouldn't be able to forget something like that even if I tried."

I spoke with a hint of self-mockery. Even now, I occasionally dream of what happened then.

It had been a torpedo, striking while the air groups were being refueled. A diesel leak triggered an explosion that lit me on fire. Those who did not burn were swallowed by the waves, life after life vanishing before me--unfortunately, I remembered all that with perfect clarity.

Nearly three out of four crewmen had died--some fifteen hundred. Among the Standard Carriers, this was one of the most tragic of figures.

Perhaps that was why.

Or perhaps it was my lingering worry for new model carrier Taihou and my sister Zuikaku, both of whom would subsequently perish in the line of duty, that caused it.

I do not want to bring misfortune on anyone again. I hope that this time I can protect what is important to me.

Even if it means repeating my fate in 'That War' and ending my days at the bottom of the sea.

As long as my death has meaning, has value.

"With that in mind, why don't we hurry to bring Zuikaku--my sister, the one renowned in 'That War' as the illustrious 'Lucky Carrier' to the Naval District?"

I maintained my smile as I spoke with firm words.

"That child should be the same as me, bearing the legacy of 'the Lucky Carrier'. As long as she becomes a main fleet standard carrier, she will be of great assistance to this naval district."

And so, clutching conviction to heart, I told the Admiral,

"And before that happens, leave it to me to protected Zuikaku. Even if I have to be her shield, I will definitely..."

If I bear the legacy of that war, after all, I ought to be the one to draw the enemy to me when she is in danger, just like back then.

◇◇◇

Awoken by past worries, Shoukaku lay in a daze.

She knew where she was--in her room in the naval district, on her futon. The Warm winter sun peeked through the window as the frigid wind shook the forest restlessly.

But she did not understand why she was here.

"If I recall correctly, I was in the waters around Okinoshima, and in order to protect ZUikaku..."

She recalled the torpedo wakes as they rushed at her and Zuikaku.

Though she had been the flagship at the time, her attention had been drawn by the four battleships, and so the destroyers had managed to close in unnoticed and release their deadly payload. If she had done nothing, both she and Zuikaku would have been stricken by multiple torpedoes with doubtlessly heavy and (with some bad luck) potentially fatal damage.

It was exactly because of that she had instructed the half-formed 2nd air group to intervene from their location between Zuikaku and the incoming torpedos and block what they could.

Given, she could have attempted to both direct her planes and evade as Zuikaku in the Orel Sea--but this would divide her attention and potentially prevent her from accomplishing either objective.

When Taihou came under torpedo attack during the battle of the Marianas, one of the Suisei had rammed a torpedo, sacrificing his life to block the attack. While he failed and Taihou was ultimately sunk by that torpedo spread, she could definitely succeed--and it was for this reason that she acted as she did.

(However, I only released some ten or so planes--a little too few for all those torpedos. That's why I came to terms with taking a few torps....)

Shoukaku looked at her bathrobed body. Perhaps she was lucky after all--her body bore not a single wound. From the wintry scene outside, it seemed as if little time had passed since the battle in the Okinoshima waters.

Out of nowhere, a wave of unease struck her.

(My survival means...)

She was the "unlucky ship." What if this legacy had targeted the Admiral or the other shipgirls? If Zuikaku's luck was an insufficient defense--

Her oath to the Admiral flashed through her mind.

".....! Zui--"

"Shoukaku-nee!"

The doors slammed open as destroyer Yukikaze stepped into the room--and then stopped, as if transfixed with shock.

"I-I'm really sorry! Shoukaku-nee was still sleeping....!"

That's fine, I was just about to get up."

Shoukaku smiled to calm Yukikaze, as she did to reassure Zuikaku.

"Well then, what happened?"

"Yes, Zuikaku-onee, she--"

"Zuikaku? Is Zuikaku alright...?"

Shoukaku bolted up, shoving her covers aside.

Yukikaze's gaze turned from Shoukaku elsewhere as she spoke with a voice of apology.

"She's fine, but...."

===Part 2===

"Do you think this is some kind of joke?!"

Zuikaku shouted in rage.

The location was the Naval District office. Zuikaku had only just returned yesterday with her wounded comrades.

Having called her over, the Admiral now sat behind the desk in front of her. No secretary ship stood by his side, and no other shipgirls were present--a one-on-one standoff.

Zuikaku slammed a hand on the table, her expression filled with rage as she bellowed.

"You want me to attack Okinoshima again? And with Shoukaku-nee too--what the hell is wrong with you? There's--"

"--A main fleet built around four Ru-classes garrisoned there, a force stronger than anything we have faced."

As if to complete Zuikaku's thought, the Admiral interjected with an emotionless tone.

"And among those four Ru-classes, there is a new model--after that battle, we have named it the 'Flagship Type.'"

"Well then if you already know....!"

"Moreover, those four battleships are attempting a new tactic, trying to surround us with water pillars by firing in series and trying to obscure our line of sight--Suppression Shelling, essentially. I assume that means they are equipped with the newest Radars."

The Admiral spoke in a firm tone that proscribed any interruption.

"Range seemed equivalent to that of the Nagato-class...if they were normal Battleships they'd went straight for the kill. In night battle, the disparity in accuracy may well become even more pronounced."

".....!"

"It's exactly because of this that we are betting our hopes on the power of you carriers. Carrier planes can strike from beyond their fearsome firing range and attack those four battleships from beyond the horizon. Currently, the Naval District and Factory is operating at full capacity, stockpiling resources and equipment for this sortie."

From beginning to end, the Admiral spoke with icy calm.

"This may well be the last chance given to us. Reconnaissance shows that enemy patrols have increased in both activity and patrol radius. Do you know what that means?"

Zuikaku felt a chill travel down her spine.

"That the main fleet is preparing to make their move against home base...?"

"It's possible that this Naval District is their target. If, by any chance, the Abyssals are not the regrets of 'That War' but the fate of shipgirls who have sank, it would not be surprising if they knew the location of this Naval District."

Zuikaku's expression was bleak--while it was certainly possible, she would rather have left it unsaid.

"...and it is precisely due to this that I plan to dispatch you sisters of the 5thCarDiv. Thankfully, you only sustained minor damage. 1stCarDiv and 2ndCarDiv's standard carriers have yet to fully recover--they are unlikely to be capable of sortieing in the near future; the same goes for Mutsu and the other Battleships. Currently, the only ship that can take them on are you two."

"....you can try to convince me with your arguments, but the reality is nothing like that."

Zuikaku tightly gripped the desk as she glared at the Admiral.

"Why do you believe that I could take on monsters like those? Shoukaku-nee and my survival and return...."

As she spoke, her recollection of the Battle at Okinoshima floated into her mind.

◇◇◇

"Shoukaku-nee--!"

Even as Zuikaku cried out her warning, Shoukaku was engulfed in multiple water spouts, briefly shielding her from view.

What happened was obvious--Shoukaku had used the carrier planes above her to target the torpedo spread, simultaneously using her body to shield Zuikaku from the remaining torpedos. Just like she had resolved to do before the battle.

"A,ah...."

Zuikaku shook wordlessly, simply staring as the curtain of geysers receded. As expected, Shoukaku could not have stopped all the torpedos; several shot past on either side of her--even so, Zuikaku was completely unharmed.

(H-how...how can this be...!)

Zuikaku felt the hopelessness seeping through her spirit. As it was, she may as well have been the one that had sank Shoukaku--living up to the name of the 'lucky carrier', she had sacrificed the 'unlucky ship' for her own survival.

(I never asked for this! I just wanted to fight to save this world....!)

The pillars of water slowly collapsed--revealing to Zuikaku a figure collapsed like the geysers around her.

"Shoukaku-nee!"

Zuikaku hurried rushed over as she lifted Shoukaku from where she lay on the water's surface.

Shoukaku's body was covered in wounds, her equipment virtually destroyed--it seemed not a single carrier plane had survived. But she was alive--Shoukaku had once said that shipgirls would float, as long as they remained alive.

(Thank god! But, why...?)

Even as she cried tears of joy, Zuikaku felt a smidgen of unease. Even if Shoukaku carrier planes had managed to reduce the torpedos coming at her, the remainder should have been more than enough to finish her in her current state. And yet, Shoukaku had managed to just barely hold on.

Presently, several carrier planes flew over at low altitude. These planes bore floats--they weren't Shoukaku's, at any rate.

It seemed like this seaplane team had joined Shoukaku in attacking the torpedos, saving her life in the process.

(Seaplanes? It can't be...?)

"--are you alright, 5thCarDiv Sisters?"

The voice in her ear--a radio transmission. And that voice belonged to--"

"Ise-onee?"

This transmission came from Aviation Battleship Ise. Zuikaku gaped at Ise and Hyuuga, astonished.

Ise and Hyuuga evaded the continued fire from the four Ru-classes and the pillars of water surrounding them.

Both had sustained several direct hits and several near misses and the wounds to prove it--their protective barriers were also in tatters. But they continued moving as they evaded shell after shell. While they moved as sluggishly as their status as battleships implied, they moved spryly, dodging only after the enemy had fired.

(So even at Cape Engano....!)

Breathless, Zuikaku remembered the last scenes she had witnessed of "That War."

The Battle of Engano where she sank had been the last decisive battle for her side--the carrier battle of the Leyte Gulf. Ise and Hyuuga had been responsible for the protection of four carriers, led by Zuikaku, committing themselves to a harrowing anti-air battle.

The battle had ended in disaster for the Japanese--all four carriers were lost. But Ise and Hyuuga had managed to shrewdly evade the enemy planes' waves of attacks, surviving a battle from which no survivors were expected. Watching these two shipgirls now, it seemed as if they had inherited that agility, so unlike those of battleships.

Ise's voice rose urgently.

"--is Shoukaku fine? We're falling back now--we of the 4thCarDiv will form the rearguard, you 5thCarDiv sisters hurry up and scram!"

"To leave in this situation....?"

"We just received orders from the Admiral! We've finally managed to unmask the enemy Main Fleet's true face--given how the battle is going, we have no option but to retreat...!"

Zuikaku found that her blood was rising far faster than her relief.

(Doesn't that mean that we were sent just to scout out the enemy's composition...!?)

From a certain point of view, this was a reasonable judgement and choice--even so, she could not accept it.

"--We of the 4thCarDiv's durability and evasion is more than enough, if it's just buying time against those four Battleships--now hurry up!"

"B-but, if that happens you'll..."

"Don't look underestimate the 4thCarDiv! Right, Hyuuga!"

"That's right. Let them witness the true power of the Aviation Battleships! Zuikaku, we'll definitely catch up with you--get going!"

The two bellowed, as if to reassure themselves.

At the same time, gunfire echoed in the distance--Maya and Choukai were engaging the Destroyers that had just launched the torpedo spread.

Zuikaku gulped. Currently, the enemy was completely focused elsewhere--

In her confusion, Zuikaku saw the wounded Shoukaku as an expression of anguish appeared across her face--it seemed she was trying to endure the pain. If she didn't escape, Shoukaku might sink.

"....sorry.....!"

Zuikaku lifted Shoukaku up as she started her retreat.

◇◇◇

"The only reason we survived was because Ise-nee and Hyuuga-nee acted as our shields."

Zuikaku lowered her head with her remorseful admission.

"But after we made it out, those two returned with severe damage. Maya, Choukai and Shoukaku-nee were the same...that was the limit of our power."

"Our Higher-Ups believe that you, as the 'Lucky Carrier,' are needed in the fleet for us to have any chance of victory."

"....!"

Zuikaku glared once more at the Admiral, who took it in calmly.

"I'm sure Shoukaku has told you before of your ability as the 'Lucky Carrier' to grasp the most fortunate result. It's because of this status that we were given this last chance."

"'Lucky Carrier' this, 'Lucky Carrier' That....is everyone just treating me as an object to carry around?!"

Zuikaku leaned forwards as she shouted in rage. Something that she had been struggling to endure had finally boiled over.

"The power to grasp the most fortunate outcome? I never trusted your fucking luck, I just did my best! Don't just foist a role on me like that!"

"I have no objection with your explanation. But we need your power to save the world. The fact is that you managed to unveil the enemy's true face and successfully escaped with a wounded Shoukaku from the battle. Given your comparative combat ability, this result may as well be a miracle."

"So I was called here just for that, then? So I'm just a bloody lucky charm you carry around so the miracles come falling? Sacrificing Shoukaku-nee and the other shipgirls for some crap like that--this is a little too unreasonable!"

".........."

"The one who said that shipgirls aren't tools of war, wasn't that you, Admiral?"

"That's fine as well--this is a war, and sacrifices must sometimes be made."

"........."

"We must grab our fates with our own hands."

Nearly gasping in rage, Zuikaku couldn't stop herself from raising her shortbow. Of course, she didn't loose the carrier plane at the arrow's tip--but just a twitch of the finger, and the plane would immediately shoot at the Admiral.

The Admiral didn't move, but gazed back evenly with a resolve that stood up to Zuikaku's rage.

In spite of her teeth-grinding rage, Zuikaku didn't shoot--she couldn't shoot.

"Zuikaku, stop!"

A voice from behind her--Zuikaku turned around with shock to see Shoukaku staring at her, having thrown the office doors open. From the heaving of her shoulders, it appeared that she had rushed over as fast as she could.

"Shoukaku-nee..."

Zuikaku spoke gently. Shoukaku, who had been wounded protecting her, had returned. Joy, elation and guilt flashed through her mind--along with complicated feelings about Shoukaku's resolve.

However, Shoukaku approached Zuikaku soundlessly, snatching Zuikaku's shortbow--and then raising her right arm in a broad slap.
[[File:Zuikaku 013.jpg|230px|thumbnail]]

"....!"

"Apologize to the Admiral,"

Shoukaku said severely to Zuikaku, who touched her face in a daze.

"Apologize, now!"

"....! Didn't you lie to me too, Shoukaku-nee?!"

Shoukaku roared back reflexively, expelling all the regrets and depression that had followed that last battle in a single breath.

Don't say any more--saying any more would hurt Shoukaku-nee, another Zuikaku cautioned desperately. But Zuikaku wouldn't stop, couldn't stop.

"'I won't sink again' my ass. Tossing out lies to reassure me and then try to sacrifice yourself for me...that's just like Dinosaurs! The one giving up against the title of 'the Unlucky Ship' is clearly you, Shoukaku-nee!"

"Zuikaku..."

"I don't want to be a lucky charm or a weapon of war--and I sure as hell don't want to be a reason for Shoukaku-nee to sacrifice herself!"

Zuikaku turned and ran, through the open door into the hall.

"Hold on, Zuikaku!"

Though her elder sister's remonstrances reached her, Zuikaku did not stop running.

◇◇◇

Shoukaku did not run after Zuikaku.

No, she couldn't run after her.

Firstly, it was unlikely that Zuikaku in her current state would listen to her words. Secondly, she had lied, as Zuikaku ahd said. And as Zuikaku had said, she had chosen to accept her status as 'the Unlucky Ship' and do her best under the circumstances.

(But that's all I can do...)

Those experiences in "That War" culminating in the title of "The Unlucky Ship;" the high hit sustenance rate that had come with that title; that low hit rate, even though the experience and skill was clearly there--that was just how things were---she couldn't do anything about it.

"Thank you, Shoukaku--though I want to say that, are you alright now?"

The Admiral inquired as he let loose a sigh of relaxation. Shoukaku stood up straight, responding with head lowered.

"Yes, thanks to you. My apologies for letting you witness my willfusl sister's display."

"Don't worry about it. That kind of spirit is what your sister ought to have."

The Admiral responded as if it were nothing. It seemed like he had expected Zuikaku's response.

Shoukaku nodded slightly as she spoke with a careful tone:

"I've heard the gist of it from Yukikaze. Moreover, that exchange confirmed a guess of mine--deploying the 5thCarDiv to use Zuikaku's power of the 'Lucky Carrier' was the request of the higher-ups and not the Admiral, correct?"

The Admiral said nothing as he gazed at Shoukaku, his face clearly displeased.

(I was right, huh...)

Shoukaku held back her sigh. The Admiral had come to lead the Naval District due to political backing--this had been obvious from the missions up until now. Moreover, his political base was far from solid.

The intent of Shoukaku and Zuikaku's last sortie had probably been to "grasp their formation, even if you can't wipe out the main fleet." That intent could be seen in the choice of sortieing Ise and Hyuuga, both veterans skilled in evasion.

Moreover, if this had been the primary goal, there was no need to send her and Zuikaku. Indeed, throwing in a rookie such as Zuikaku was still very risky, "Lucky Carrier" or not.

Pushing forwards in spite of all this--it had to be pressure from the higher-ups.

(Even if it was only to satisfy the demands of the higher-ups, the Admiral still took full responsibility of everything related to us as our commander while resolving to maintain clear accountability. That's probably why he didn't say anything...)

Perhaps the Admiral had gleaned from the shipgirl's recollections of "That War" that a string of disasters had resulted from poor accountability.

After all, there was no need for a bunch of shipgirls balancing a war with the abyssals with daily life at the Naval District to understand the Admiral's political position regarding his higher ups. In a certain sense, this was also an attempt to protect the hearts of the shipgirls.

At the very least, this was what the Admiral had in mind when he fought.

Perhaps he had dealt so severely with Zuikaku so that Zuikaku could vent all the suspicions and questions remaining from the previous battle and allow her to confront her feelings.

(What a difficult man to understand.)

Shoukaku frowned discontentedly as she suppressed a sigh before voicing another one of her convictions.

"However, Admiral. The Admiral I know wouldn't repeat this kind of thing."

".........."

"Plus, this time around we're not deploying until we've completely grasped the Okinoshima Garrison Fleet's formation--I presume you have a plan then?"

As Shoukaku watched inquisitively, the Admiral broke into a chilling grin.

===Part 3===

"...aren't you a little full of yourself, moping alone here at a time like this?"

Standing on the seawall that snaked around the naval district shoreline, Hiyou inquired with an expression of confusion.

At her feet Zuikaku crouched slavically, her face and expression concealed by her legs.

After the argument in the naval district office, Zuikaku had run here from the naval district. At least there would be some time for solitude here--or so she had thought.

Unfortunately, her hopes proved naive. Zuikaku had only been here for a short time before Hiyou had started talking behind her. More likely than not, Hiyou had been sent by a certain someone in the naval district.

(After that debacle, I don't have the face to return to the naval district...)

Though she felt Hiyou come closer to her, Zuikaku's depression was not assuaged.

(I just wanted to work hard as a shipgirl, but....)

Not a single word Zuikaku had said to Shoukaku and the Admiral had been dishonest or untrue. Given, aiming her equipment at the admiral was a little overdone, but Zuikaku did not feel that she had said anything wrong.

Even so, a strong sense of regret lingered

(I spoke out of line with Shoukaku-nee...)

Undecided between standing uncomfortably and sitting uncomfortably, the young woman dug her thumbnails into herself.

(Shoukaku-nee clearly just wanted to protect me...she clearly just went through a situation that made her think as she did...)

Shoukaku had not escaped the wounds of "That War." Indeed, it was the very opposite--she was one of the ones to remember it the most vividly. And it was due to those experiences that she so selflessly tried to protect Zuikaku.

Shoukaku is the "unlucky ship", so she is hit more; Zuikaku is the "lucky carrier," so she brings her side good luck--if this theory becomes a rule, there would be no ship better suited to be "the ship in charge of being hit" than Shoukaku.

Moreover, if she truly possessed the power to grasp the best possible result, it was not illogical for the Naval District to prepare for a long war with the abyssals--

(But I hate this kind of thinking....)

To Zuikaku, Shoukaku was an irreplaceable sister, one which she could not bear to harm for her sake.

(Nevermind that I'm still a rookie. Even if I were given some responsibility like "grabbing the best possible result", I'd have not a clue how to do it...)

In the worst case scenario, no miracle would be triggered at all, and all the shipgirls with her except for herself would perish--it was certainly a possibility that Zuikaku considered.

(what should I do...?)

"Oy, are you listening to me?"

Hiyou spoke again from behind her, but Zuikaku wasn't interested in answering.

The silence persisted nearly a minute more--finally, Hiyou sighed. Sitting down next to Zuikaku, she started speaking, her gaze directed at the sea.

"I heard about it. And I'm also aware of that 'you may have a certain ability' crap too."

".........."

"I've always had Junyou by me, after all. That girl was an accomplished veteran in 'That War', and survived until the end...though it's not to your degree, it would not be unreasonable to call her a 'lucky carrier' as well. In reality, her hit sustenance rate in this war is indeed lower...to tell you the truth, I'm quite jealous."

"........"

"That's why I can understand Shoukaku's feelings, and your feelings to some extent. Junyou has always been forgiving of me, constrained as I am by tactics...while it is in part to prevent me from feeling inferior, I suspect Junyou simply doesn't want to consider the idea that 'she is lucky.' If we were always aware of our own fortunes, their results and that kind of business, we'd simply be incapable of getting along with our comrades."

She felt the same right now--that was what Zuikaku thought, her face hidden in her legs. In regards to Junyou's situation, her concern for Hiyou had already made that self-evident.

And yet after a pause, Hiyou spoke up again, with a harsher voice.

"But Junyou has never given up due to her situation. She had never used 'luck' or 'it was pre-ordained' as a pretext to give up."

".......!"

Hiyou had never rebuked Zuikaku like this before, and Zuikaku froze.

"I am the same. I am a light carrier who cannot compare with standard carriers, and I accomplished little worth mentioning in 'That War'....but so what? How can I bend my knee to luck and fate? Stuff like that, I'll toss them aside with this shining hand of mine!"

Hiyou's right hand, rock in hand, glowed with her magical onmyodo powers or some shit. With what may or may not have been sheer willpower, the air around Hiyou began to tremble.

"Hiyou...."

Zuikaku looked up slowly. In front of her, Hiyou stood up, clutching the stone in her hand.

Hiyou stared at the seaside as before. And yet the gaze that emanated from those purple eyes seemed to imbibe Hiyou's resolution.

(In other words, the Admiral basically said the same thing...)

One should decide her own fate--the Admiral had said this to her, back before Shoukaku had reached the office.

Thinking carefully, that phrase may have been the expression not of the Admiral and this world's faith, but that of a hope that could guide both Zuikaku, gradually fettered by the results of "That War," and Shoukaku, long since subjugated by them.

Furthermore, she was the "Lucky Carrier," the shipgirl that carryied the power to "Grasp the best possible result"--perhaps she could end her connection to that past with her own hands. Given, this was an inherently contradictory train of thought, but this was a thought--

(Whether I truly grasp the power to grasp the most fortunate result and what the best possible result, I don't know...)

Hiyou's dark hair and red dress fluttered in the wind, but she resolutely stared out towards the sea as before--seeing her face, Zuikaku was struck with a thought.

(But the only one who can decide whether and how to use this power is I...if I use it right, perhaps it can be the power that saves everyone. Of course, Shoukaku-nee's heart is no exception...)

Even if she was the "Lucky Carrier," there was no need to truly confirm or deny this power.

The only way to avoid others sacrificing themselves for her was to use her power to solve those problems. If she didn't want to be a lucky charm or a weapon, what she needed to do was, again, to change herself, with her own power.

Of course, Zuikaku knew neither the specifics nor whether she could actually save Shoukaku's heart. Hell, the fetters binding herself with Shoukaku may well be broken--on this point, Zuikaku felt both fear and unease.

But perhaps there would be a way, as long as she gave it her all as before. After all, the title of 'the lucky carrier' shouldn't be an empty title--

"The sparkle seems to have returned to your eyes...go!"

Cracking into a slightly teasing grin, Hiyou hurled the stone in her right hand towards the sea. Perhaps it had something to do with Hiyou's magical Onmyoudou powers, but the stone continued to skip off the water's surface until it was lost in the waves.

"Fucking beautiful,"

Hiyou remarked cheerfully. She turned again towards Zuikaku.

"Really now, at this rate you're going to befoul the name of the 5thCarD...rather, the new 1stCarDiv. We were the ones propping up the Main Fleet Carrier Task Force after Midway; get it together."

Zuikaku scratched her cheek with a crooked grin.

"Ahaha, well, there were a lot of reasons..."

Though she had patched up her feelings, the "Okinoshima Main Garrison Fleet blocking us" remained an obstacle.

In order to deal with that main fleet, she'd most likely have to deploy as before with Shoukaku.

And before that could be done, some new tactics would need to be devised. Zuikaku did not believe her fortune would be enough on its own against such strong enemies.

"But how should I say this...well, I feel a lot better now. Thanks! Thanks for coming here just to cheer me up!"

"I-I wasn't giving my advice for your sake!"

Clearly embarrassed Hiyou waved the thanks away.

"This is for the whole Naval District...and the Admiral!"

"Admiral?"

"After all, he asked me in the past to take care of you in my own way. I just happened to see you run out of the naval district and remembered this...."

"Is that so..."

For all her surprise, Zuikaku also felt slightly apologetic.

Perhaps the Admiral had long since forseen this situation and had dispatched Hiyou to deal with this istuation.

Perhaps he had spoken earlier with such a harsh tone in order to help her grasp this current line of logic. Or perhaps he had hoped he could personally change Shoukaku's sense of self-sacrifice--

(But how could I have figured something like that out?! If he had said it clearly...)

"Moreover, Junyou and I are being deployed to the Okinoshima waters as well."

"Hiyou and Junyou too?"

Zuikaku gaped in astonishment. It seemed like the Admiral had abandoned surface combat and had resolved to deal with the enemy's fearsome main fleet with air power.

"That's right. As such, wouldn't it be a problem if a fleet comrade were all depressed? That's why it's for myself too--definitely not for your sake! After all, the New 1stCarDiv and the new 2ndCarDiv are rivals, and I'm not about to get all lovey dovey with you!"

"I-is that so..."

Hiyou huffily crossed her arms. Zuikaku, figuring that Hiyou was trying to hide her embarrassment,<ref> no shit, does this author know what subtlety means?</ref> broke into laughter as she tried to move on.

"Whatever, let's not worry about that for now--we need to think of some strategies..."

Hiyou's eyes turned once more to the oceans.

"I've already seen your battle report. The enemy main fleet's core are the four Ru-class battleships, one of which is a flagship-type that's stronger than the elite-type. Once caught in the enemy's continuous fire the situation deteriorates dramatically, so we must devise a way by which we can eliminate the vast majority of the opponents within the opening air attack. However..."

Hiyou stopped at this point. Thinking of the unspoken implications, Zuikaku could not suppress a pang of regret.

During the battle with the enemy main force, she and Shoukaku had both launched a first wave. Though all had reached the enemy's airspace, fierce AA fire had prevented them from inflicting any significant damage.

(From the intensity of the AA fire, it's possible that even the next-generation Suisei dive bombers and Tenzan torpedo bombers currently in development would be insufficient to break through the barrage)

"While I'm sure the Admiral has some good ideas..."

Hiyou whispered with a mix of anticipation and unease.

If it was impossible to obtain decisive victory through the air, the next time may well still end in a defeat. Not only would this defeat give the enemy main fleet a chance to approach the homeland, but it could also make possible the worst-case scenario of an attack on the Naval District, a battle which could decide the progress of the war in a single moment.

At that moment, an unfamiliar engine rumble reached the silent Zuikaku and Hiyou.

"That engine sound...could it be?"

Zuikaku had heard this sound before--at the Marianas, her own air complement had included planes that had bore these engines.

(Ahh, these were the engines of the new model recon Saiun...but, those numbers are too large for a recon team....!)

"Zuikaku, look...!"

Zuikaku turned to where Hiyou's finger pointed--and immediately understood.

These carrier planes bore a graceful streamlined shape and a distinctive inverted gull-wing layout, wings that tapered up from the fuselage to the tip. There were enough planes to mount two carriers, and their reverberating engine sounds belonged to the scaled down but high-powered Nakajima Homare engine. The plane squadrons shot over the two at high speed.

(I once heard rumors of that fuselage during "That War...!)

Capabilities surpassing the Type 99 Dive bomber and the Type 97 Torpedo Bomber--or even the Suisei Dive bomber and Tenzan Torpedo bombers; a plane that combined dive bombing and torpedo bombing capabilities in a new revolutionary design allegedly fast enough to outstrip the Type 21 Zero.

She had never mounted this decisive-battle, blueprint weapon in "That War", but she had one day hoped for that chance. The weapon "So advanced that it had to remain classified" Yuubari mentioned, maybe it was this.

It's name is--

"The Sienar Fleet Systems TIE Line Fighter...!"

The Admiral recalled the Admiral's words--if it were Carriers, they would be able to attack the four Ru-class from outside their range. The Naval District and Factories had been working at double speed to churn out the necessary supplies and equipment--indeed, the Ryuusei-kai was a standout design. If two standard carrier's worth of Ryuusei Kai could be manufactured, even the enemy main fleet, with its powerful AA suite, might still take mortal damage.

Combined with her own luck, perhaps--

(That's the 5thCarDiv is needed, and that's why I am needed...)

Watching the Ryuusei Kai squadrons flying into the distance, Zuikaku felt a surge of hot blood rush through her veins.

===Part 4===

Several hours later, Zuikaku received the official sortie order.

"I will now explain the details of the new operation."

The Admiral's voice reverberated through the Naval District Office. The skies framed in the window had long since gone black.

Inside the office were assembled the four carriers notified about their role--Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Hiyou and Junyou.

Zuikaku kept her distance from Shoukaku--she was not quite sure how to face her elder sister. Shoukaku, it seemed, was of a similar sentiment, and both of them made sure their eyes would not meet.

"As everyone is well aware, our naval district's last assault on the Okinoshima Anchorage was an abject failure, with well over half the main fleet heavily damaged by the enemy. We now believe that the enemy main fleet anchored until now at the anchorage is preparing for an invasion of the mainland."

Several fairies promptly suck a strategic map onto a whiteboard standing on the workdesk.

"If we leave the enemy free rein, our homeland and this Naval District will most likely come under attack. We must prevent this from happening at all costs. As such, we will be deploying with you all serving as the main fleet in a Carrier Task Force capacity to the Okinoshima Waters for a third attack. This operation will be referred to as 'Operation A-go.'"

Zuikaku gulped. The name of this operation was familiar.

(The Operation that led to the battle at the Marianas was also called Operation A-go.)

In "That War" and in this war, A-go represented the commitment to a decisive battle.

"This time we will be betting our hopes on you four carriers preemptively neutralizing the enemy in order to nullify the enemy's suppressing fire."

The Admiral explained in a heavier voice.

"Thanks to previous developments at the factories, we have manufactured sufficient quantites of the prototype Suisei Kai to outfit two carriers. Standard Carriers Shoukaku and Zuikaku will mount these Suisei Kai, along with Type 52 Zeroes, as the fleet's primary striking force. Due to the limited number of Type 52 Zeroes, however, Zuikaku's remaining supplement will be equipped with Type 62 Zeroes."

Zuikaku nodded slightly. As Yuubari and RJ had said in the factories, the Type 62 Zeroes were variations of the base Type 52 Zero model--if you could deal with their slightly inferior specs, they were more than capable of seizing air superiority. When it came to battle against the main force, they would also be able to serve in a dive bombing capacity.

"Hiyou and Junyou will deploy as always with Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bombers. However, we will be limiting the numbers of Type 99s, which will be primarily used as scouts. In combat, we will rely on the Type 97s. The Type 99's dive bombs may be ineffective against the Ru-class."

Hiyou and Junyou both responded with a crisp "understood."

"As for the enemy patrols and pickets, please remove them with preemptive air strikes to the best of your ability. Looking at their composition, you should have more than enough to wrest air superiority. As long the enemy is disabled, it is acceptable to disengage and move on."

The enemy's gate is down--that was what the Admiral's gaze said.

"Once the enemy main force is encountered, focus everything on the first attack. Even if the enemy is Ru-class, breaking the enemy's formation with torpedos should help to inhibit their suppression fire. Your primary target is the Flagship Ru-class that appears to be serving as flagship. As before, sinking the flagship should plunge the leaderless enemy into confusion."

The fairies promptly affixed several photos of the flagship type <ref>taken during the battle, no doubt</ref> on the whiteboard. A few of Hyuuga and Ise's observation seaplanes had managed to survive, and theses photos appeared to have been brought back thanks to their actions.

As the Admiral said, the Flagship Ru-class had indeed stood in front of the enemy fleet; it seemed like that she was indeed the coordinator.

"In the case that a preemptive strike fails, chances will be that you will lose the ability to inhibit their suppressing fire and thus suffer defeat. If that happens, the enemy will close in on the homeland. If this happens, the Naval District will deploy into Home Waters in preparation for a last-ditch defense."

It didn't require much thought to realize that there was no plan at that point. If they failed, the Naval District's home fleet would consist of Heavy Cruisers and other smaller vessels. At that point, the battle plan would be encroaching on the nation's vital naval trade network.

"The flagship this time will be Shoukaku--as before. Are there any questions?"

The Admiral looked to the four shipgirls. It appeared he wanted each of them to imagine the consequences of the failure of their last stand.

"Just one."

Shoukaku raised her hand. There was no smile on her face now, only grimness. The Admiral tipped his head lightly, beckoning her to speech.

"As the flagship, there is something I would like to confirm with the Admiral in regards to this operation: when it comes down to it, is our priority 'our survival,' or 'the elimination of the enemy main fleet?'"

(Shoukaku-nee....)

Zuikaku gazed at Shoukaku and the Admiral uncomfortably. Similarly, Hiyou and Junyou also eyed the two with tension written across their faces.

"....of course, our priority is to eliminate the enemy main fleet."

The Admiral's voice was low, but clear.

"If we fail this battle, we will have lost the war. If the price for destroying the enemy main force is your lives, I, as a commanding officer, am prepared to pay."

His distress was palpable in his voice as he continued.

"However, I forbid any of you from entering battle with this resolve. There is a high likelihood that you all will be integral to our battles in the future; as such, I demand (however unreasonably) that you defeat the enemy and return to this naval district. Fight, fight with every ounce of your soul against the enemy against you. Whatever the result, I am prepared to take full responsibility."

"I understand. Thank you."

Shoukaku nodded lightly as Zuikaku felt a pang of guilty.

Her sister had doubtlessly brought up this question to make sure Zuikaku understood the Admiral's thoughts. The Admiral had no plans to use the shipgirls as weapons. Given, some decisions may have seemed the opposite, but for the Admiral, this remained a heart-rending decision--

(I understand this kind of thing....but, Shoukaku-nee...)

"Moreover, regarding the remaining two ships..."

"I was just about to explain that. Come in, you two."

The office door swung open with a heavy clack as from it came the shapes of two rather small shipgirls. Zuikaku's eyes widened--one of the two destroyers wore a white sailor uniform as a large dress, with a pair of large binoculars hanging from her neck. The other shipgirl wore a black-on-white sailor uniform, her hair an opulent, striking white.

Zuikaku gulped. She had seen these two destroyers before, and found what she had in common with them.

(It can't be, these two are...)

The Admiral's voice echoed through the office.

"Destroyers Yukikaze and Hibiki. They are this naval district's most seasoned destroyers, and I am confident they are upt to the task of escorting you all."

The Admiral paused for a moment before regarding the six shipgirls before speaking a half-plea, half-order.

"Please, use your power as shipgirls to give us humans a future."

===Part 5===

The skies above the waters around Okinoshima were as clear as always.

Zuikaku and company sailed under the dazzling sun at full speed ahead.

Ten hours had elapsed since their departure from their naval district, and it had been two hours ago that they had left the transport ship and officially began their deployment. They had encountered the enemy three times and taken only scratch damage--and now only the main fleet was ahead of them. It appeared that someone out there had been looking out for them on this route as well.

The fleet was split into two units, with destroyers Yukikaze and Hibiki forming a vanguard for Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Hiyou and Junyou's main force. The vanguard served as both an advance force and, on enemy encounter, bait.

The six shipgirls remained silent. The impending approach of the enemy main fleet seemed to bring about a pressure that lapsed even Junyou into silence. Hiyou and Shoukaku did not need mentioning.

Zuikaku, too, had yielded to this pervading feeling.

(This is kind of bad...)

She felt a throb in her chest. Under this atmosphere it was questionable whether they'd be able to make use of their full power even if they met with the enemy.

(But I don't know how to solve this...)

She looked to Shoukaku--Shoukaku, as in the battle before, gazed forwards, her expression tight.

Looking back, Zuikaku had not said a word to Shoukaku through deployment--partly because she didn't know what to say, and partly because she still did not know how to change Shoukaku's resolve.

Doubtlessly, the current Shoukaku would willing sacrifice herself for her. After all, this was operation "A-go," the last chance for the Naval District to take out the Okinoshima Enemy Anchorage. Given the fact that the fate of the homeland would be determined by the results of this battle, the situation could not be more serious.

(But I really just don't want to see Shoukaku-nee like this...)

Zuikaku noticed that she gripped the shortbow in her right hand abnormally tightly.

(I wish fortune to Shoukaku-nee too...I wish that her smile is not just a reassurance for my sake, but from her heart. Or else...)

"--Umm, Zuikaku-nee."

A wireless transmission from somewhere--it was destroyer Yukikaze. From Shoukaku's complete lack of response, it seemed as if Yukikaze had words for Zuikaku only.

"I read you. Go on, Yukikaze."

Zuikaku's lips barely moved, to avoid attracting Shoukaku's notice. She could secretly guess what Yukikaze wanted to talk about.

"Don't worry about it, everyone over here is really quiet, and I'm pretty bored. After all, we haven't discovered the enemy main force yet."

In reality, the fleet had already launched scouts in all directions--it would be unsurprising if the enemy was found at this very moment. Nevertheless, Zuikaku didn't want to silence Yukikaze.

"--thank you. Hibiki is also listening to this transmission, is that alright?"

"No problem. Ah, also, sorry I didn't greet you guys yet. I'll be in your care today, Yukikaze, Hibiki."

"-Y-yes! Yukikaze will do her best!"

"Understood. Likewise."

The bipolarity of the two destroyer's response almost caused Zuikaku to burst into laughter.

"Well then, what do you guys want to ask me?"

"--Okay. To be honest, we've been hiding something all this time from Zuikaku-nee, and we ought to apologize to you about it..."

"You two were observing me to see whether I was the 'Lucky Carrier' that could grasp the most fortunate outcome, right?"

"....! How did you...?"

"It'd be hard not to know."

Listening to Yukikaze's embarrassment, Zuikaku broke into a bitter smile.

"You two were watching with Akagi-senpai during my inaugural battle with Kaga-senpai, and I saw you guys during drills and exercises too. Oh, so Akagi-senpai is in on this too then? Ehh, she's even higher up in seniority than Shoukaku-nee. I suppose it was expected."

"--Ehh, you got us..."

"Plus, isn't Yukikaze like me, a ship people figured would be able to grasp that most fortunate outcome? In 'That War' I also heard you being referred to as the 'Lucky Destroyer.' You survived until the end, too, so I figured..."

That last part was more instinct. From her occasional run-ins with Yukikaze, Zuikaku had noticed that she carried herself with an air unlike those of the other destroyers. An unburdened feeling, maybe. It was a vague term at best, but it was simultaneously different from the other shipgirls and similar to herself.

It was exactly because of this that Zuikaku figured that Yukikaze might be a shipgirl with similar abilities. Of course, this revelation came after the last sortie.

Akagi was the same. She was the Naval District's most senior standard carrier, and the shipgirl closest to the Admiral; there was no way she did not notice Zuikaku and Yukikaze's situation.

"--t-that's right...as expected of Zuikaku-nee..."

Perhaps Zuikaku had been on target too many times, for Yukikaze responded with a tone of admiration that caused Zuikaku to again break into a crooked smile.

"Also, Hibiki must have also survived to the end of 'That War', and thus have known who in the naval district possessed the fruits of fortune....that's why you fight with Yukikaze, correct? And that's why Akagi-senpai asked you to take care of me...am I correct, Hibiki?"

Hibiki remained silent, but Zuikaku took that as affirmation.

"...that's why I'm not concerned about this kind of thing. Yukikaze doesn't need to apologize, and neither does Hibiki--both of you were simply doing your jobs, right? This is an issue between Shoukaku-nee and I."

"--Don't you feel sad sometimes? Scared?"

From Yukikaze's tentative question, it seemed that the name of "The Lucky Destroyer" and the alleged ability to Grasp the Most Fortunate Outcome sat heavily on her shoulders.

"Of course, it's nothing to be happy about. But I won't stop here."

"........"

"If this power really exists, then I will use it where I need to. I want to protect Shoukaku-nee and stand beside her in battle. That's why I will do my best with all I have as before--that is how I feel."

"--Zuikaku-nee...."

"That is what Yukikaze thinks as well, right?"

".....Yes."

Yukikaze responded hesitantly after several seconds of silence. That brief emptiness allowed Zuikaku to feel just how grim the road of the "Lucky Destroyer" was for Yukikaze.

(Yukikaze is most likely like me...)

"--it might be strange to say 'because of this', but...I'll be leaving Shoukaku-nee to you."

From her position advancing into the distance, Yukikaze turned around to regard Zuikaku for a moment before continuing.

"--Hibiki and I both survived 'That War,', and continued serving on active duty for a significant period afterwards, so we remember a bit of what happened after the war." <ref>Yukikaze was transferred to the Republic of China Navy as Tan Yang, whereas Hibiki was transferred to the Soviet Union as Verniy</ref>

"........."

"--that's why it pains us to see a shipgirl as stubborn as Shoukaku-nee. True, 'That War' was a painful memory, both for us and our crews; even so, few hated or resented us, even as the losers. Shoukaku-nee's surviving crew probably felt the same, which is why..."

Yukikaze could not continue, and Zuikaku didn't want to push her.

Both she and Yukikaze knew that saying this to Shoukaku would accomplish nothing. Shoukaku lived in the shadow of her misfortunes from 'That War;' bringing up the events that followed would not bring her out from there.

"I understand. Thank you for your concerns."

In an increasingly choked voice, Zuikaku spoke to Yukikaze.

"At any rate, Hibiki, Yukikaze, focus on the battle. Just keep dodging, and we'll think of a way to defeat the enemy."

"--Alright, then we'll leave it to you...because Yukikaze will never sink! Hibiki-nee, let's do our best together!"

"--sounds about right."

Yukikaze shouted rousingly, while Hibiki responded with a hint of warmth, expressionless as ever.

Hibiki was one of the 6thDesDev and got along well with destroyers Ikazuchi, Inazuma and Akatsuki--but perhaps on another level, she had a certain connection with Yukikaze as well.

That aside, through her conversation with Yukikaze and Hibiki, Zuikaku felt that perhaps she had reached some kind of realization.

Perhaps the way to change Shoukaku's resolve was not through words, but actions...

(So maybe this is that most fortunate result...)

Five minutes later, one of the fleet's scout planes finally caught sight of the enemy main fleet.

This scout plane belonged to Standard Carrier Zuikaku.

===Part 6===

Whether it was because the Abyssals sensing the oncoming assault or a natural deterioration in weather conditions, the surface of the Okinoshima waters began to stir and roil.

Even so, the four carriers advanced at maximum battle speed, splitting the waters with their advance.

"Keep your prows upwind; all ships, begin launch!"

Shoukaku shrilly spoke above the din as she raised her own shortbow.

"Once the air group has assembled, send your attack teams west and target the main fleet that Zuikaku detected! The Fleet composition remains as previously--one flagship BB, three elite BBs and two unidentified DDs! All ships are currently advancing on our position in line ahead formation!"

"""""Understood!"""""

"This one attack will determine it all--everyone, I'm counting on you!"

"""""Understood!"""""

Between the order and the response, the six shipgirls had not forgotten to prepare. Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Hiyou and Junyou each loosed their arrows or launched their Shikigami and allowed them to fall into formation. Meanwhile, the two destroyers popped a smokescreen via their turbines as they moved into engage the Ru-class battleships in an attempt to draw fire from the carriers.

(This attack decides it all....!)

Repeating Shoukaku's line in her mind, Zuikaku continued firing her arrows.

(This battle is a chance to change Shoukaku-nee's heart--but, before that happens, we must win above all...!)

She continued shooting, even as she started to notice her ragged breathing. Each arrow split into the air in a burst of light, transmuting into the Type 52 Zero and Ryuusei Kai before forming into position. The Type 62 Zeros remained behind as a contingency plan, while the Ryuusei Kai all carried torpedos.

Zuikaku glanced at the other carriers--they, too, were also launching their carrier planes and then consolidating them. Shoukaku, like Zuikaku, carried Type 52 Zero and Ryuusei Kai, whereas Hiyou and Junyou carried the good ol' Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bobmers.

The cloud of planes assembled in the air continued to swell into one large air group of some two hundred planes. Zuikaku had only seen an air group of this size once or twice even in "That War."

With the last launches came the sound of guns--the four RU-class had began opening fire at Yukikaze and Hibiki.

"We're counting on you, Yukikaze, Hibiki....!"

Eyeing both her own air group and the smoke-wreathed horizon, Junyou softly murmured.

"Because once you're destroyed, the targets become us....!"

Zuikaku felt her body clench. As Junyou had said, if Yukikaze or Hibiki were destroyed, it would be the carrier group's turn to endure the suppression shelling.

A great explosion in the distance, followed by a great pillar just over the Horizon; just the thought of the accurate barrage that had straddled Ise and Hyuuga now focusing on those two slender shipgirls made Zuikaku want to rush to their rescue.

(But, those two must....!)

Zuikaku forcibly suppressed these impulses. her thoughts a prayer. A second later--

"All air groups, begin your attack runs!"

Having waited until the air assembly had completed, Shoukaku gave the order.

"Your target is the Ru-class Battleship Group! We're counting on you, go!"

"Hopefully...an attack that'll finish them out of our visual range!"

Zuikaku shouted along with Shoukaku as Hiyou and Junyou also laid down their orders.

"Alright, let's get revenge for Akagi-senpai and Kaga-senpai! Right, Junyou?"

"Yeah! Let's give it our all and give 'em a beating--Off you go!"

In total over 200 planes formed the first attack wave; at the four shipgirls' order, they shot as one towards the enemy fleet. The sight left even Zuikaku, who had sent them, gaping--this was doubtless an all-in, all-out assault.

Among the most magnificent among them were Shoukaku and Zuikaku's Ryuusei-Kai attack teams. Protected by the Type 52 Zeroes in a vast inverted gull-wing formation, they advanced as a subversion of the past fast attacks of the past.

"Report from Hibiki--enemy battleships have opened up with AA guns,"

Junyou reported with a hand to her ear.

"But the effect seems limited--the Ryuusei-kai seems to be too fast for each battleship to cope!"

"In that case....!"

In the time that Shoukaku uttered her shout of anticipation, the attack teams began to separate, beginning their individual attack runs.

Planes began to fall. As expected, the four Ru-class' AA power was overwhelming; within mere seconds, the air was filled with the black puffs of AA fire. And yet as Hibiki reported, the enemy could not quite adjust to the Ryuusei Kai's speed--losses were significantly lighter than in previous battles.

And so, each of the attack teams launched their torpedos--moments later, the four Ru-classes were bracketed by water pillars.

(How's that....!)

Zuikaku clenched her fist as she stared in the enemy fleet's direction. It would be up to the closer Hibiki and Yukikaze to report the results.

Presently, Yukikaze reported with a tone of regret.

"--no-go! Out of the four, two have been heavily-damaged, but the other two aren't hurt at all! One of them is the flagship class!"

"So they missed....?"

Shoukaku pressed with a voice of disbelief.

"--No! The two enemy destroyers acted as shields...both those destroyers have sank! But....!"

Zuikaku stood dumbstruck. While everyone was aware that the abyssal were, like the shipgirls, capable and willing to act autonomously to protect the flagship, nobody thought that it would be at this time that--

But Zuikaku now admitted that they had been far too naive. Right after, Hiyou spoke up.

"All ships, begin evasive maneuvers! The surviving Ru-classes are now firing in our direction!"

"At this time?!"

Even as the others responded incredulously, a seemingly unending chain of explosions bracketed the field.

Zuikaku had not yet lost her bearings. Countless shells exploded around her with shockwaves that smashed her onto the water surface.

"Ugh....!" she murmured as she stood back up.

Enduring the pain, she looked around her--as the waterspouts collapsed, they left a cloud of mist in their wake.

Squinting, she made out the silhouettes of three shipgirls, each emitting smoke--and her face whitened.

(How--?!)

Of the three, Hiyou and Junyou showed clearly heavy damage. With their flight decks half ruined and their other equipment virtually wiped out, the two could only grit their teeth as they knelt on the ocean surface.

Shoukaku's damage was not as severe as those of the Hiyou-class--even now, she stood up, tottering gently. Even so, her equipment also bore significant damage--her combat ability would doubtlessly be affected.

The enemy's barrage in this direction had inexplicably halted instead of chaining. The only explanation was that Yukikaze and Hibiki had once more caught the enemy's attention.

(And what about the carrier planes?)

Zuikaku looked to the sky--from the horizon, the spent first wave was now returning. They numbered around fifty, virtually all of whom were the Type 52 Zeroes and Ryuusei Kai. Hiyou and Junyou's planes had been slaughtered, nearly to the last fairy.

Of the two hundred attack planes, only one in four had returned--the losses were exceedingly heavy, far beyond Zuikaku's worst fears. And now, the only carriers that remained were she and Shoukaku.

(But, we have to regain the initiative with these remnants...!)

The enemy still had two unharmed Ru-classes. If they didn't find a way to deal with this, there would be no chance of victory.

(But what should I do...?)

"Zuikaku, hurry and retrieve those carrier planes. Take my portion too."

Standing uneasily, Shoukaku glared at the enemy fleet with a simmering anger as she spoke to Zuikaku.

"We are launching a second wave. You deal with the elite, I'll find a way to deal with the flagship type."

"Find a way....what way is there?"

Zuikaku loudly voiced her doubts. Shoukaku was giving her own carriers to Zuikaku and simultaneously calling for a second wave--a normal carrier couldn't do this.

(No, we are shipgirls--as long as there's a will, there's a way....)

"Shoukaku-nee, you're not planning on closing in on the Flagship Ru-class and detonating yourself, are you....?"

Zuikaku's eyes widened. Shoukaku continued to glare the enemy vessel as before, confirming Zuikaku's suspicions.

Shipgirls had turbine systems as well. If they could close in on the enemy and then blow up their turbines, they could deal devastating damage--at the cost of their lives.

In "That War", one would normally never consider allowing a carrier to close in on a battleship. Even so, they were shipgirls--there were shipgirls who fought with sword, spear and anchor in CQC--there were even some who fought with bare hands and technique. From that standpoint, Shoukaku's strategy was neither particular outlandish or impractical.

But this strategy meant that Shoukaku would definitely die.

"No! If you do that--"

"There are no other ways to finish the remaining two Ru-classes,"

Shoukaku responded bluntly.

"From the enemy's AA abilities, the likelihood of finishing the remaining two Ru-classes with our remaining complement is low. If we use this tactic, we can finish both vessels."

"But....!"

Moreover, the Admiral has not given the order to retreat....that means the Admiral trusts us. That's why, we have to respond to that trust...!"

With that, Shoukaku turned to Zuikaku as she broke into her usual smile.

"Zuikaku, you are the 'Lucky Carrier'--you will definitely be able to use your ability to grasp the best possible outcome to bring everyone a miracle. No matter how hard the battles get, no matter how painful, you have to survive for that reason--so that you can reach out and retrieve it all--and I believe that it's my job to open that road for you."

".....!"

"For me, the one who bears the fate of 'the unlucky ship', this is both my desire and my salvation....so please, let me go."

Zuikaku could find no retort. Shoukaku's resolve was doubtlessly genuine, and this tactic was also logical. If the Okinoshima Main Fleet was not destroyed now, the homeland and the Naval District would be endangered such that it was possible that mankind would lose altogether.

The Admiral had also said that "Destruction of the enemy holds precedence over survival." Shoukaku's idea was backed on each front.

Apart from the fact that Zuikaku couldn't accept it.

(That's right. This kind of tactic is definitely flawed!"

Zuikaku bit her lip as she once more confirmed her own reasoning.

(We are shipgirls--we came here not only to win this war, but also to confront the memories of 'That War'...I'm sure the Admiral doesn't want Shoukaku do to this either....!)

What should be done instead--at this point, several memories surfaced in Zuikaku's mind.

The words the Admiral had said to her. The words Hiyou had said to her. That stone that Hiyou had hurled at the sea--

(THat's right. That's it.)

Zuikaku had found a chance to win.

Clenching her first and enduring the pain, she righted herself and spoke:

"I don't understand as much as Shoukaku-nee thinks I do."

"Zuikaku....?"

"I can't accept something like this! I don't plan to live on for that kind of thing...that is neither my wish nor my salvation!"

She stared at the two Ru-classes in the distance. The sounds of shelling had not yet ceased--Yukikaze and Hibiki were still fighting. They trusted their comrades, carrying their survivor's guilt with them.

"This time around, I will definitely fight with Shoukaku-nee until the end--that is my wish and my salvation! And if anybody wants to stop me, even if that person is you, Shoukaku-nee, I won't let them!"

"Zuikaku! But that's the only choice if we want the operation to succeed....!"

"No, there's another way! Shoukaku-nee, look. I will definitely take down those two battleships and secure a chance to turn the tables! That's why--please don't give up and help me!"

In the course of this debate, the survivors of the first wave had successfully landed. In order to prepare them once more, Zuikaku raised her shortbow.

"Because I, Zuikaku-- 'The Lucky Carrier,' did not base my nickname on a lie!"

Next, Zuikaku continued to shoot out carrier planes--without assembling, plane after plane flew peacemeal towards the remaining two Ru-classes.

"Go-----!"

◇◇◇

The buzz of motors and propellers closed in--hearing it, Hibiki felt a sense of bemusement.

(To launch a second wave at this time...aren't they just asking to be shot down?)

".....!"

At that moment, another cloud of waterspouts surrounded her--clenching her teeth, Hibiki began evading.

After the conclusion of the four carriers' first wave, Yukikaze and Hibiki had been actively dodging the shelling of the two Ru-classes. Shoukaku, after all, had not given any new orders--moreover, Hibiki reckoned that she and Yukikaze would be in charge of drawing fire, whether they were retreating or fighting.

In "That War", Hibiki had understood that half-assed air strikes would have no effect on an opponent with a strong AA complement. This point had come long and hard upon the winners of "That War"--but this was the case even in mutually bloodless conflicts. Because it had long since become indirectly related to military affairs.

Even so, the surviving Standard Carrier was still doing this. Did she have an idea? Or were they simply making one last gamble--

(Zuikaku, you...)

The shell splashes were everywhere once more. As she evaded, Hibiki glanced at Yukikaze (who was doing the same) and the Attack Teams Zuikaku and company had released--

(....so that's how it is. That's not a bad way to go about it.)

Having figured out Zuikaku's plan, Hibiki's smile curled up into a trusting smile.

◇◇◇

Zuikaku's attack teams were divided roughly into Type 52 Zeroes, Type 62 Zero Fighter-Bombers, and the Ryuusei-Kai, and flew towards the two Ru-class in that order.

The two Ru-class immediately stopped firing at Yukikaze and Hibiki as they opened up again with AA fire. Under the fire of both their main guns and their AA guns, the leading Type 52 Zeros withered, falling one after the other.

The Ru-class had become convinced that the Type 52 Zero carried bombs, and had thus focused their fire on the skies above. Whether the bombers was launching into level bombing runs or dive bombing runs, this response was reasonable.

And yet, the Type 62s behind the Type 52s descended to near sea-level, hugging the surface as if they were about to launch torpedoes.

This attack appeared to have taken the Ru-classes by surprise, and their AA fire flitted only intermittently above the Type 62 Zeroes. The Type 62s now flew clear of the barrage, dropping their bombs onto the surface as they closed into the two vessels.

Following the laws of physics, the bombs bounced across the surface as they closed in on the Ru-classes.

In front of the bombs were what looked like the Ru-class' radar systems.

◇◇◇

"See that?! That's the power of Skip Bombing!"

Zuikaku's voice was full of jubilation--hearing it, Shoukaku gaped wordlessly at the explosions racking the Ru-class battleships.

She understood what Zuikaku was doing, or what she had wanted to do--Skip Bombing.

A bomber would close in on a target on the water's surface, not unlike a torpedo bomber. Launching at short distances, the bombs would hydroplane across the water's surface towards the target. This kind of attack required piloting, evasion and planes of the highest class; if done correctly, though, it dramatically improved hit rate. Since the velocity of the bombs themselves were rather low, their damage could not compare to that of dive bombers or torpedo--but if it could penetrate somewhere relatively weakly armored, it would be more than enough to deal a devastating blow.

Skip Bombing was a tactic that had been employed by the enemies of "That War" against them, and Zuikaku had somehow managed to remember this tactic and use it in practice.

Using the Type 52s as a decoy and the Type 62 for the attack, Zuikaku had pulled it off. Moreover, the Type 62's targets were the radar FCS--a major player in both shelling and AA coordination.

--as predicted, the wall of fire put up by the Ru-class began to show cracks--cracks which the Ryuusei-kai rushed into, dropping their torpedos as they descended.

A new set of explosions appeared--the Ru-class were surely taking heavy damage. Even if they didn't sink outright, they would not be able to maintain their suppressing barrage--
[[File:Zuikaku 014.jpg|230px|thumbnail]]

(Zuikaku....my sister did it....?)

Staring Speechless, Shoukaku glanced at Zuikaku as she cheered on her attack teams.

Before this, she had always seen Zuikaku as an existence that had to be protected. This whole time, she had believed that protecting her until the war's end would give her self-sacrifice meaning. If that could be achieved, she believed that she could bear the fate of "The Unlucky Ship" without question.

But Zuikaku had managed to invalidate that with her own strength. No, perhaps that result was due to the power of "The Lucky Ship"--even so, this could not have succeeded without Zuikaku's will.

(This is how Zuikaku wishes to fight, to protect her comrades...)

The Salvation Zuikaku sought was not the same as the one Shoukaku sought--Shoukaku had known this from the start. And yet, she had always believed that this was the only way to victory.

That belief, now, had begun to unravel.

Zuikaku was not relying on the destiny of the "Luckiest Ship"--she had not yet resigned herself to that power. She was still trying to grasp the future with her own strength and will.

(Perhaps I can live like that as well....?)

Shoukaku felt a flicker of hope--but it was buried almost instantaneously by a wave of self-mistrust. Since she was the "Unlucky Ship," her biggest contribution would be to serve as the scapegoat for the misfortune of others--

"Come, Shoukaku-nee, bring in the second attack wave and let's launch the third one!"

Zuikaku ran and clutched Shoukaku's hand with hands of energy.

"If the two of us launch a new wave together, it'll make it harder for the enemy to catch a break! Those two ships are still there, we haven't won....but, we can definitely win!"

Zuikaku's confident words and her grasp began to shake Shoukaku's heart.

Zuikaku believed in herself. She believed that she could escape the grasp of destiny and surpass it all--she believed that she would be able to work hard no matter what.

As if to confirm Zuikaku's conjecture, the distant Ru-classes had regained the initiative, advancing towards Shoukaku and Zuikaku, in spite of Yukikaze and Hibiki's attempts to stop them with gunfire. Even if the third wave did not succeed in finishing those two battleships, it was possible that, with Hibiki and Yukikaze's survival, that they be finished with torpedos.

"Did you forget about us....?"

"We've taken the advantage~ but now is the time to be serious!"

Words from behind them--Hiyou and Junyou shakily stood up. Laying out their half-burnt scrolls, they began calling out what Shikigami they had left.

"We've still got half a flight decks, so we can at least send out some Zeroes as decoys--if it's necessary, we'll be your bait!"

"Hiyou, Junyou...! Mm, let's go!"

Zuikaku nodded vigorously before regarding Shoukaku.

"So come along too, Shoukaku-nee!"

"No-go, Zuikaku-onee!"

Yukikaze's shout echoed from the battlefield, as if to cut off Zuikaku. The sound of gunfire once again covered her voice.

"The Flagship Ru-class is firing again! It seems that her guns are undamaged!"

"....She can still move? Even when her radar's been ruined....she shouldn't even be able to fire accurately!"

Zuikaku's shock was palpable--but Shoukaku understood the Flagship Ru's goal. HE. The enemy had no doubt decided that four damaged carriers did not need precisely-aimed AP shells--area damage HE shells would be sufficient. The enemy, after all, was the defense-enhanced Flagship Ru-class--even if it had taken some severe hits, it was certain that its own shells would be accurate enough.

The whine of shells closed in. They would impact in less than ten seconds--from the sound, these were doubtlessly aimed at Zuikaku. Given the AOE of a HE shell, it was unlikely that Zuikaku would be able to dodge.

"How...!"

Zuikaku stared hopelessly at the sky.

And yet, Shoukaku immediately launched into movement.

(If I were to take this shell for Zuikaku, I'd definitely sink, and Zuikaku would definitely survive....but, if Zuikaku believes i me, then I, too....!"

◇◇◇

Yukikaze's report had instantly dispelled the reveling atmosphere. As the whistle of shells closed in, the sudden reversal in situation had plunged Zuikaku into despair.

If she lost her ability to launch her carrier planes, they'd lose all hopes of a counterattack. That would make things a definite defeat--

(And we got so far....!)

The carrier planes she relied on were still returning, and all her ready air group had already been dispatched. She was out of options--

A moment later, Zuikaku saw a certain sight.

Shoukaku had nocked an arrow--a Type 99 with a bomb on board--onto her shortbow, and now now raised it towards the descending shells.

"Shoukaku-nee...?"

"Trust me, Zuikaku....!"

Shoukaku's voice trembled ever so slightly at the end. She was scared, after all, of what she was about to do. Even so, Shoukaku continued moving.

"In order to continue with you, I'm going to give it a shot....!"

A sharp whistle from the shortbow as the type 99 shot into the sky. A moment later, the arrow separated into multiple Type 99's--charging at the descending shells. The effects were unknowable--this kind of thing couldn't possibly happen in "That War," after all--this was something only shipgirls and their logic-defying existence could do.

(But, I've never heard of using carrier planes to stop shells...)

For shipgirls, this was a completely novel tactic. In the worst-case scenario, both of them would sink from the failure of this tactic--it would have been safer for Shoukaku to just take the shells.

Even so, Shoukaku used this tactic in the hope that the two of them would survive. And in the meantime, she bore in her heart fear--fear that "my misfortune would trigger now."

Seconds later, multiple explosions racked the skies above Zuikaku and Shoukaku--the Type 99s had impacted the shells and triggered their bombs. Several more seconds later, explosions appeared around the two.

Due to the explosion of the Type 99s, the HE shell trajectories had been slightly altered. Furthermore, the Shells had still been a significant distance away from the two shipgirls--even a small alteration in angle had huge effects.

Next up, a string of further explosions--most of it was luck, but there were still many shells that exploded next to Zuikaku as planned. If Shoukaku had not acted, they might have all hit Zuikaku.

Several moments later, though now smoking, Zuikaku and Shoukaku still stood in combat-capable condition.

"Shoukaku-nee.....!"

Zuikaku bore an expression of disbelief. Next to her, Shoukaku sighed as she watched the sky.

"We got through....somehow....?"

I, too, can grasp my own luck--that was the feeling that pervaded those words.

"Even though I felt that I couldn't do it a second time...."

At this moment, the carrier planes of the second air group closed in on the four carriers, returning into arrow and shikigami form for recollection.

The two Ru-class now engaged Yukikaze and Hibiki once more. Both sides were engaging at unprecedentedly close ranges--this was the price of engaging the four carriers with no heed to the two ships in front of them. Under fire from Yukikaze and Hibiki's constant rain of shells, they struggled in vain to find an opportunity to fire with their main guns once more.

As long as that continued, it could definitely be done--with that conviction, Zuikaku shouted,

"Shoukaku-nee, do it! We can definitely do it!"

"...yes."

Shoukaku nodded in embarrassment. Saying goodbye to many of her old beliefs and tightening her expression, she solemnly gave her next order:

"The Third Attack Team, prepare to launch!"

"""Understood!"""

===Part 7===

There was a palpable sense of tension on board the Command Ship used by the shipgirls deployed to the Okinoshima Waters as a rest stop, and around the shipgirls protected it.

Since the Fleet led by Shoukaku had begun engaging the main fleet, all communication had ceased. The only person with the authority to watch the battle on screen was the Admiral; some reports were secrets even to the shipgirls defending the Command ship. In order to avoid accidents this time around, the Admiral had chosen to command from the Naval District.

The Escort Fleet consisted of the Fubuki-class destroyers, with Fubuki herself serving as teh flagship.

Perhaps unable to bear the tension, Isonami whispered,

"Shoukaku-nee and company should be fine, right...."

"It'll definitely be fine!"

Fubuki responded as if to reassure Isonami.

"Zuikaku-nee's with the fleet! Plus there's Yukikaze, Hibiki, Hiyou and Junyou-nee..."

Even if she knew there was no basis to her argument, she still responded.

"If it's the, they'll definitely...!"

"Oy, you guys, look!"

Miyuki pointed towards the horizon, where--"

"Is that everyone from the fleet?"

◇◇◇

"We seem to have made it back..."

Zuikaku mumbled. She carried a heavily-damaged Hiyou on her right shoulder, while Shoukaku used her left shoulder to support an also heavily-damaged Junyou. While Yukikaze and Hibiki were unhurt, they had served as before as the four carriers' vanguard.

In the course of the battle with the Enemy Main Fleet, Zuikaku and company's third wave assault and Yukikaze and Hibiki's torpedoes had proved effective, sufficient for a victory. Even after Yukikaze and Hibiki's torpedos had lit her up, the Flagship Ru-class that had put Zuikaku and company in the danger zone had held on a little longer before ultimately succumbing and gently subsiding under the waves. Refusing to sink back into the abyss from whence she came--that seemed to be the impression given in her last struggle.

Nobody responded to Zuikaku's words--on seeing the command ship that would take them back to the mainland, each of them was flooded with relief. Even Shoukaku, as the older sister, was no exception--her expression suggested she had let out a breath of air she had held for a long, long time.

(But now the mainland has been protected, and we've maintained our initiative. Plus...)

"Zuikaku."

Suddenly, Shoukaku called her sister's name.

Shoukaku spoke with her usual gentle expression--albeit one that betrayed mixed feeling underneath.

"I'm sorry for before...also, from here on out, I'll be in your care. I, too, will do all I can so I can fight alongside you."

"Shoukaku-nee...."

Zuikaku's joy bubbled up like a fountain--this was the first time she had heard Shoukaku say what was in her heart. Of course, she had no proof for this guess, and Shoukaku perhaps was still at a loss.

Even so, Zuikaku remained overjoyed. In Shoukaku's eyes, she no longer appeared to just be the weapon known as "the lucky carrier", but as her sister--a shipgirl of her own.

And so, Zuikaku nodded vigorously before replying:

"Thank you, Shoukaku-nee! From here on out, as a shipgirl, I'll do my best....so I can become part of the main fleet like you!"

Shoukaku grinned awkwardly with a "are you still talking about that, even now" kind of smile.

"Even though we were helped by a lot of trump cards, in the end we made such an excellent result. As far as I'm concerned, you are already part of the main fleet. Just like me....rather, beyond me...."

"Even so, I am a shipgirl just like everyone else....not just that, but I want to be a "Lucky Carrier" that can bring Luckiness to everyone! As long as I still have planes, I won't lose....!"

In the distance, Fubuki and the other shipgirls on escort duty waved their hands as if in blessing as they closed in--
<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Forward to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Epilogue|'''Epilogue'']]
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Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 3: The Meaning of Luck (Part 1)

2015-09-16T12:42:02Z

KnightEmon:

==The Meaning of Luck (Part 1)==
===Part 1===

The Naval District hosts several hot springs, but the most popular is the open-air hot spring "Bamboo Forest Soup <ref>I'm sure this sounds better in Japanese</ref>."

Bamboo Forest Soup lies deep in the Naval District, surrounding the spring from which it derives it name; decorated according to the theme of "The Secret Hot Spring Gushing from the Bamboo Forest," it was well-loved by many shipgirls. It was quite expansive, readily taking in over half the naval district's shipgirls with room to spare.

"...whew~hot springs really are the best."

Zuikaku marinated in the pool, her legs on the rocks in a pose of relaxation as she let out her praise.

Due perhaps to the temperature that followed nightfall, the pool in which Zuikaku soaked was shrouded in a cloud of white steam. From who knows where came a sea breeze that clattered the bamboo that surrounded the hot springs against each other.

"To be able to warm up the body, remove your aches, treat your skin with spring water and (most importantly) just to relax...this is just the best...! Right, Shoukaku-nee?"

"Ohoh, Zuikaku is sounded more and more like a shipgirl by the day."

Shoukaku smiled happily.

This was the fourth day since Zuikaku's first sortie. After joint exercises with the other shipgirls, she had invited Shoukaku along to Bamboo Forest Soup. Recently she had found herself enamored to these baths, visiting the various hot springs in the Naval District or in the outlying towns whenever she had the free time to wash away the day's fatigue.

Shoukaku had yet to display an ounce of reservation to her sister's whims. Indeed, she seemed quite pleased with the fact that Zuikaku was enjoying daily life.

Shoukaku seemed the same right now, indulgently watching Zuikaku, submerged in hot water up to her neck.

During these four days, Zuikaku and Shoukaku had spent their days as before, training in the waters around the naval district.

The rest of the shipgirls were no different, with sorties limited to those on patrol duty.

The current attitude of relaxation belied the planned Assault on Okinoshima, a plan known by all the shipgirls of the Naval District.

The Operation would begin the day after tomorrow. Although Shoukaku and Zuikaku were not listed among the participants, they would likely either advance on Okinoshima as support for the Main Fleet or serve to suppress the Abyssals in other districts. As such, it was important that they train as best as they could for now.

Once Operations in the Okinoshima Waters had successfully concluded and if Zuikaku had no change of heart, the admiral would officially recognize Zuikaku as a shipgirl of the Naval District.

Shoukaku continued with a voice now devoid of post-training fatigue.

"Every Shipgirl has become addicted to hot springs after coming to this naval district. As said, the hot springs are extremely comfy...on the other hands, perhaps it's because we could not experience this kind of thing as warships that we need to enjoy it so much as shipgirls."

"Not to mention we were always on the seas as Warships <ref>no shit?</ref>, and all the showers used seawater."

Freshwater was incredibly valuable for a warship, and as such the average seaman could only shower with seawater. This was the case even for the new-model Shoukaku-class Standard Carriers and their improvements in comfort.

(Although I don't hate life on the seas, it's still nice to be able to enjoy a bath like normal people...)

As she stretched out her arms, Shoukaku spoke on:

"That's why I also enjoy hot springs. To be able to bathe with you, Zuikaku, is wonderful. Plus leisurely baths like these are great for removing all the aches and pains..."

"Ahahha. We've gotten hit together quite a bit recently."

As Zuikaku's expertise advanced, so too did the difficulty of their exercises. As the two were exposed to increasingly harsh conditions, the hits sustained had steadily increased.

Although they were both hit with virtually the same number of shells, Zuikaku reckoned that she had still been a little better off thanks to her luck.

While aware of the name of the "Lucky Carrier" given to her in "That War," this war and that were two different things. It would be dangerous to let down one's guard.

Shoukaku smiled wistfully.

"Yes. However, you've gotten used to the rules of this world faster than I had ever projected, and you've allowed me to relax. The great difference between 'That War' and the one here doesn't appear to have taken you by surprise."

"Hehe, it's 'cuz this Naval District's really comfy."

Zuikaku grinned contentedly.

"The Naval District has over a hundred shipgirls--it's like a busy family. Plus the food's good, the neighbors are friendly, and there are great hot springs everywhere...with all that in mind, the difference between worlds isn't even that important. Being a shipgirl's fucking great."

"It's important to watch your body, though. Zuikaku, since you've come, you've put on a few folds on your stomach."

"D-did I g-gain weight...?"

Suddenly feeling a burst of cold sweat, Zuikaku smiled crookedly. She paid great attention to these kind of things.

"Ugh, but every day the food is so good that you feel like you gotta have them all. Plus most of the dishes never existed during 'That War'..."

From the side came some rather cutting words.

"That is a sign that you are neglecting your training. You lack enough self-control as a shipgirl."

The speaker was Hiyou. She, like Zuikaku, was soaking her legs in the hot water, her hair tied in a neat bun as if proclaiming her good upbringing.

After Zuikaku's first deployment, Hiyou and Junyou often worked with Zuikaku and Shoukaku. They had gone together to the hot springs after concluding training.

The wounds Hiyou had sustained in battle had been completely healed, and her body now moved as if they had not even happened.

From the day after tomorrow, Hiyou and Junyou would be serving as reserve second-line troops like Zuikaku and company.

Hiyou closed her eyes as if savoring the warmth of the hot spring, all the while speaking with her usual seriousness.

"Though they do have their appeal, being too carried away is a problem as well. We are shipgirls, after all, forever under the eyes of the world..."

"There you go with all those rules and crap again...Hiyou, I always see you getting seconds."
[[File:Zuikaku 011.jpg|230px|thumbnail]]

"It's fine, after all I run a little thriftier than most carriers. Listen up, the Hiyou-class used to be luxury liners--"

"Ahyahya--!"

With an excited shout and the impact of a shell, a huge pillar of water burst in front of Hiyou's eyes. As would be expected, countless little droplets found their ways onto Hiyou as well.

"Sheeeeiit, hot springs are the best! I feel all warmed up already! Don't'ya think so too, Hiyou?"

"Before that, don't you have something you need to say to me?"

Hiyou asked with a hint of irritation, her face dripping with water.

"Something I oughta say? Uhh~ya mean that time Hiyou weighed herself at another bathhouse and her face changed color~?"

"....! Junyou! You saw it?! Didn't you say you were going to another bathhouse?"

"You were lookin' around all sneaky like. That's why I had to follow you and take a peek. Only needed one to figure out what was goin' on!"

"I,I'm not worried about my weight! That's just a part of taking care of your body..."

"Hiyou and I used to be luxury liners, so we looove western meals! Not only has Hiyou been to every western restaurant in the vicinity, but she's eaten every dish on the menu!"

"J-junyou!"

"While researching onmyodo at the shrines and monasteries, Hiyou's always munchin' on Japanese snacks too...ain't the one all caught up in worldly desires hiyou~?"

"Junyou, sisters like you...!"

An enraged Hiyou stood up from her bath, seemingly having forgotten to cover herself with her towel as she and rounded on Junyou. Suddenly sensing danger, Junyou hurriedly distanced herself.

"If we're talking about worldly desires, isn't Junyou the same? As soon as you have time you're asking me to drink with you! Even if I'm worrying about my weight, you're part of the problem!"

"If you don't want to drink then don't drink~!"

"Well, it's because Houshou-nee's bar food is too good! If someone invites me it'd be rude to refuse!"

"That's nothin' to be ashamed about!"

"There are still some things you shouldn't talk about!"

"Well I mean you might grow a bit of a beer belly, but yo boobs will grow to normal size too, you know!"

"Hold on, what are you implying?!"

Hiyou ran after the fleeing Junyou, who nimbly dodged--there was little mood left in the surroundings at this point.

Shoukaku maintained an unconcerned air in regards to the ruckus around her. Zuikaku, meanwhile, looked to Shoukaku's chest and then her own before sighing with a bitter smile.

(Why is it that sisters have such a big difference...speaking of which, how are shipgirl chest sizes decided?)

To put it more subtly, the difference in measurements between she and Shoukaku was rather large. Given that their model and upbringing were virtually identical, why did this happen?

Zuikaku wanted to ask not only Shoukaku, but also the Naval District's most well-endowed Takao and Atago. That required a certain amount of bravery, however, that she had not yet found.

"Then again, though, Junyou has a point--though it's a little contradictory, one shouldn't be over-concerned about this kind of thing as well."

Shoukaku spoke as if to herself, all the while splashing hot water on her arms.

"We became shipgirls, after all, so it'd be a waste not to enjoy the perks..."

(Not just to save the world, but to save ourselves, huh..."

Because of their transformation into shipgirls, they had become capable of going through the daily life they could not even have imagined as warships.

From the overall mood in the naval district, there didn't appear to be any shipgirls dissatisfied with the current arrangements. More likely most of the shipgirls were of the opposite sentiment.

Maybe this was a salvation of its own. To enjoy the time between battles with the abyssals enjoying everyday life with comrades--this was something the shipgirls would not have dared to ask for in the past.

(...in that sense, Shoukaku-nee once told me that our objective is to 'save the Hearts of our comrades', but...)

Last time they had sortied, Shoukaku had indeed told her that.

(Do I have some festering wounds in my heart? And Shoukaku-nee, too...)

Zuikaku sneakily glanced at Shoukaku's expression--she seemed quite relaxed, contentment written across her face with expression unclouded.

(Perhaps the current Shoukaku-nee has already gone through this...)

The entrance opened with a clatter, and Zuikaku turned to the doorway.

"Akagi-senpai, Kaga-senpai...!"

Akagi and Kaga entered the bathhouse, clutching their own towels.

"Ah, you all are here as well. Thank you for your work."

After dousing herself in hot water, Akagi sat down near Zuikaku with a soft smile. Kaga did the same without a word, while Shoukaku nodded to them respectfully.

Zuikaku felt her heart race. Akagi aside, neither Zuikaku nor Kaga would have forgotten what had happened when she had first joined. While Zuikaku held no grudge towards Kaga, she had no idea how to approach this Senpai. On another note, it was also because of her first sortie that she had finally understood the meaning of Kaga's words.

It seemed, however, that Akagi and Kaga had yet to focus on Zuikaku and Shoukaku, staring with graim expressions into teh water, as if hardening their resolve--

(It's worrying, as expected.)

Akagi and Kaga were also part of the Okinoshima strike team. Their thoughts were probably also focused there.

Zuikaku had heard a few rumors about the enemies in the Okinoshima waters.

According to the rumors, Akagi, Kaga and the rest of the main force had been worn out and forced to retreat by the picket fleets before even meeting the main force. Moreover, the number of patrols was unusually large--it would likely be quite difficult to reach the anchorage where the main force resided.

(Akagi-senpai and Kaga-senpai are going to have to head towards that place and destroy an enemy possibly even stronger than the ones before...)

What Akagi and Kaga were thinking about was all conjecture, but Zuikaku knew it would be unwise to bring up this topic. For Akagi and Kaga, the next battle was a battle for revenge--and one that could not be lost at that.

The grim aura lasted nearly a minute--surprisingly, however, the one who broke the silence was Kaga.

"Zuikaku."

"Y-yeargh!"

Zuikaku's words came out oddly due to shock. Maybe her senpai had heard her previous words and was about to give her a sound lecture--fear flashed across Zuikaku's mind.

"While Akagi and Kaga are out, the Naval District will be in your care."

"Y-yes! I'm really sorry...eh?"

Kaga seemed unconcerned with Zuikaku's muddled response, continuing slowly.

"We have yet to figure out when and where the abyssals appear. In the worst case scenario, the naval district itself may come under attack. If that time comes it will be your job to protect the naval district and the other shipgirls."

"But I..."

"This battle will involve not just us, but some 30-or so of our best-trained, front-line shipgirls. You, the Shoukaku-class, will be the only standard carriers left behind. 'Our skills are still rusty' will not work as an excuse if the Abyssals attack."

"…………"

"Therefore, we leave the naval district to you. You two, who have returned from your first battle <ref>Kaga says "you two, who have returned from your virgin battle," but that seems a little unlike her</ref> should be able to exhibit the might of the 'future Main Fleet.'"

Kaga eyed Zuikaku--there was no disdain in her eyes now, only trust.

In that case, one would have to respond in kind--Zuikaku nodded with vigor.

"Yes. I will do my best!"

"Then we look forwards to it."

Kaga's gaze returned to the water.

Her words appeared to have softened the mood somewhat. With a wry smile, Akagi joined in.

"Akagi, really...sorry, Zuikaku. This is the only way Kaga knows how to praise other people."

"Praise...?"

"When you first joined the battle, she was very uneasy...hearing that you had returned bearing wounds she had abandoned training to look for you. But she watched from a distance, so you may not have noticed..."

"I,is that so...?"

"Akagi. Your words are making me uncomfortable."

Kaga looked away, her face red--it was true, then.

Kaga gently nudged Kaga's shoulder as she spoke to Zuikaku with a laugh.

"That's why, Zuikaku, you should also work hard and reciprocate Kaga's expectations. I, too, have expectations for you as well."

"Y,yes! Thank you, senpai!"

Akagi nodded and looked towards Shoukaku.

"We'll be relying on Shoukaku as well. Perhaps it may be that you two will become the naval district's last hope."

"Yes, I understand."

Shoukaku inclined her head forcefully.

"I will pray for the safety of you Senpai. Additionally, regarding the enemy anchorage in Okinoshima..."

"Leave it to me. We will put the 1stCarDiv's pride and put an end to the enemy threat."

Akagi and Shoukaku quietly exchanged glances. The agreement between the new and old 1stCarDiv flagships lighted a fire in Zuikaku's heart.

At this time, Akagi suddenly darted towards Zuikaku and Shoukaku as she whispered to each of them.

"Also, if Hiyou and Junyou ask you guys to go to that Western Restaurant, make sure to tell me too!" "A-akagi senpai, you heard everything earlier?"

Akagi bared her arm with an amused expression as Zuikaku expressed her shock.

"I am one of the elders of this Naval District, after all. The words of my Kouhai can't escape my ears."

"No, what I meant..."

"Akagi loves eating, and as such she is quite adamant about eating out."

Kaga cut in from the side.

"That's why she always keeps her ears out for rumors about delicious restaurants. If you have questions about dieting, you can also ask Akagi--she knows quite a bit, you know."

"H-hold on, Kaga!"

"Hmhm...an eye for an eye."

A bare trace of a smile fought its way onto Kaga's face.

Zuikaku and Shoukaku also burst into laughter. It was a well-known fact that Akagi was the naval district's well-known gourmet, but her good friend Kaga joking about it added a new dimension to the joke.

(Not only Hiyou and Junyou, but Kaga-senpai and Akag-senpai also trust each other...)

Zuikaku looked to Shoukaku as she smiled elegantly.

"I need to quickly earn Shoukaku-nee's trust as well...)

In another corner of the bathhouse, Hiyou and Junyou's verbal and physical riposte continued, but Zuikaku decided to act as if she had not noticed.

===Part 2===

Six shipgirls skated on the seas around Okinoshima, cutting through the waves as if they were trying to split the seas.

Today was the third day since the assault had commenced, and the shipgirls of the main fleet were now forming into attack formation.

This group of six crossing the seas was the first fleet--the fleet's best-trained elite.

The other main force shipgirls waited onboard the command vessel with the Admiral, awaiting the breakthrough.

"things have been going pretty well--"

Fast Battleship Kongou spoke up, relaxed and confident from her position as vanguard.

"We've broken through three fleets, and we're lucky to have escaped any damage...things are going way better than last time--!"

"After all, we were beaten to submission by their surface fleets long before reaching the main force."

Kirishima's voice spoke from behind Kongou, reawakening memories of the past.

"But I think this time's success comes from us learning our lesson and bringing up some real firepower."

"That's right. The 1stBatDiv <ref> 1st Battle Ship Division</ref>'s 姐妹<ref>Sister</ref> are so reliable--!"

Kongou glanced behind Kirishima. There stood the two shipgirls Kongou had called the 1stBatDiv 姐妹<ref>Sister</ref>, armed to the teeth with multiple turrets--the 1st ship of the Nagato-class Battleships, Nagato, and the 2nd Ship Mutsu.

Armed with eight 36cm, the Kongou-class Battlecruisers could go as fast as 33 knots; juxtaposed to them, the Nagato-class Battleships mounted eight 41cm and had a maximum speed of 27 knots. At the time of their completion, the Nagato-class were world's strongest battleships, taking two places among the World's Big 7 Battleships. They were their nation's pride; in "That War," their specifications had led to them serving as the Main Force.

The Nagato-class' value had not changed, even among this Naval District's assorted shipgirls; they were the trump cards when things got tight, and the shipgirl's leaders.

In response to Kongou's words, Nagato responded with the stolid air of a career soldier.

"I understand. This engagement will be the long-awaited Fleet Decisive Battle. Leave brawling with their Battleships to me--I will make sure to meet your expectations."

"Being able deploy's not too bad. It'll be worth it, even if we get a little hurt."

Mutsu picked up where Nagato trailed off. She seemed the polar opposite of Nagato, friendly and approachable.

Unlike the Kongou, both Nagato and Mutsu had never been able to take part in the Brawl of the Battlewagons, greeting their end as disappointments and misfits. This applied especially to Mutsu, whose end came through an ammunition explosion that sank her in port--a true misfortune. It was exactly because of this that their words bore such weight.

"Even so, we'll need air support in order to keep up our firepower. If the enemy takes the skies, we won't be able to spot with our seaplanes."

"We'll be counting on you today as well, Akagi, Kaga."

"Understood."

Taking the field once more as flagship and taking the rear, Akagi nodded to Kaga besides her before responding.

"This time around, we in the main fleet have pushed our skills to the limits in preparation for this battle. I shall bet the 1stCarD...no, the shipgirl's pride on this battle. We cannot fail."

"I'd prefer not to dwell on what happens if we fail--"

Kongou's grimaced.

As the Admiral had explained beforehand, the Okinoshima Anchorage would have to be neutralized before the Western Seas Sector could be attacked. The Western Seas Sector was an incredibly bountiful resource area--if this war had to be won, a transport route would have to be established to the region. The Abyssals, endlessly streaming from the bottom of the sea, would not be beaten with a short campaign.

Should the Okinoshima campaign fail, however, this whole plan would just be cart without a horse.

"Taking the Western Seas to secure supplies for a long war, securing the rear and driving the enemy from the Western Sea Sector, making contact with the other isolated nations and then uniting all of humanity's power for the decisive battle--these are our current objectives."

Kirishima's gaze sharpened as her words turned towards the future.

"But should we fail here and exhaust our strength and resources on the Western Seas' doorstep, our assault will grind to a halt. The initiative will fall upon the abyssals and their eventual counteroffensive, all of which will culminate in final defeat--"

"The enemy set up the anchorage in Okinoshima to strangle both the homeland and the western seas--from just that we can tell that they will most likely do everything they can to halt our offensive."

Akagi responded solemnly.

"Up till now, the enemy's hurriedly thrown themselves at our assault piecemeal without stopping to concentrate their force. If we let up the attack and give them time to consolidate, it'll be us facing the danger..."

"That development reminds me of some things I'd like to forget--"

Kongou shrugged.

Though her words were full of levity, their meaning were far deeper. Even if the early battles are successes, defeat at the decisive battle means conceding the initiative, followed by collapse--just like what had happened in "That War."

"--No, there won't be any problem"

Nagato's calm dulcet tones acted as if to cut down the increasingly-grim conversation at its root.

"In order to avoid the same mistakes, we've entrusted the entirety of our memories to the Admiral. Given, we've turned into these shipgirls and so cannot verify the veracity of our memories--nevertheless, this all must have some greater meaning."

"Plus until now the shipgirl escort fleets have been pretty successful."

Mutsu joined in as if just recently enlightened.

The light cruiser and destroyer shipgirls in charge of fleet escort duty had been toiling not only to maintain the flow of materiel from the Mainland, but also to establish shipping routes to the Western Seas.

Even if humanity retook the resource areas, determining escort tactics and routes would require time--there would be no point if the resources could not be brought back to the homeland in a timely fashion. During "That War", their homeland had spent a large amount of time trying to figure out how to make use of their resource dumps--memories of those tactics came from those valuable lessons.

In order to meet the humans' expectations, the light cruisers and destroyers toiled everyday on these tasks. Of course, quite a few light cruisers and destroyers fought on the front lines, but the second line was as important as the first.

"Even in the last days of'That War', when we the main force were immobilized through lack of fuel, they still fought to protect the convoys until the very end."

Nagato continued, full of emotion.

"This time around, I do not wish to make them bear so heavy a weight..."

"In order to avoid this fate, we must succeed."

Akagi took over once more. Having participated only in the turning point at Midway of "That War," Akagi may have been the one who felt the weight of Nagato's words the most.

"From here on out, the battles will get tougher and tougher. Perhaps we will need more shipgirls--the future of the Main Force is training at the Naval District daily. In order that they will have battles to fight..."

"I've heard."

Nagato had already figured out Akagi's implication.

"It'd be great if we could train her to be our trump card..."

Akagi looked to Kaga, who looked away awkwardly.

At that moment, Mutsu's expression tightened.

"Scout Seaplanes reporting, enemy detected! Closing in on our position!"

"What's their strength?" Akagi inquired immediately.

They were still some way from the main force and their anchorage--the enemy fleet ought to be like those they had met before--picket forces or mid-level patrols. The main force ought to be cruisers and destroyers. With this current force, it probably wouldn't be hard to remove them--

Having finished communicating with the scout plane, Mutsu spoke to Akagi with an expression of shock.

"Enemy fleet composition--three carriers, one battleship, two destroyers. One of the ships seems like an elite Wo model--but it's glowing with a golden aura. I don't think we've ever seen anything like this before!"

"How can that be?! To run into hitherto-unknown abyssals--isn't this taking a mistake too far....?!"

Kirishima spoke, face drawn white.

It had already been confirmed that the Wo-classed aircraft carrier had a stronger form, referred by shipgirls as the Elite model. But if there existed a Wo even stronger than these two classes, it had not been recorded yet.

Moreover, from previous reports on abyssal fleets, mystery or new abyssal ships normally awaited at the anchorage.

And yet this time, patrol forces preceding the Main Fleet were already showing newtype vessels--just this alone was enough to unnerve the veteran shipgirls.

Adding to that, the enemy fleet consisted of three carriers, two battleships, and two destroyers--the same strength as a standard Main Force fleet. With this, there was no way to tell what was lying in wait at the anchorage.

"...reminds me of the first time we ran into the Wo-class back when we were holding the Line at the Nansei/Southwest Islands--!"

In spite of the sweat that beaded her forehead, Kongou grinned fearlessly.

The Nansei/Southwest Island Line Campaign had happened occured some three months ago--it had been the first carrier battle between the shipgirls and the abyssals. Having cleaned up the seas around the Naval District, it had been the Shipgirl's first major barrier in preparation for the assault on the Southwest/Nansei Islands.

To meet an unknown enemy among the abyssals before reaching the main force--in spite of all the tension, Kongou glowed with excitement.

"Oy ye fuggin cunts, let's go glass some argies! Git those fookin' spitfires in the air--!"

"The flagship is me! Don't order us around--Kaga!"

"Understood. First wave, prepare to launch!"

Though Kaga's face was as serene as always, she roared with a vigor that showed she, too, was itching for a fight, letting fly with her carrier planes.

Akagi, too, was the same. The enemy had three carriers, one of which was an as-of-yet unknown Wo-class--the perfect enemy for a standard carrier.

To deploy a new Wo-class as a gate guard--what kind of enemy would the main fleet be? Unease flickered through their minds, but only mmoentarily--there was an enemy to deal with, right here, right now.

"Stick to the plan--as soon as we launch our first wave, Kongou and company are to begin surface engagement! Focus on gaining air superiority and prioritize the carriers!"

"Right on--! You 'erd her ya fookin' wankers, follow me--!"

"Understood, Onee-sama!"

"Mutsu, let's go!"

"Understood! Let's pick out one of them carriers!"

As Akagi and Kaga's first wave assembled and launched, the four battleships, too, launched into their attack.

===Part 3===

"Ohhh....so this is it..."

An awestruck Zuikaku took in the sight around her as she spoke with a voice of praise.

The work area consisted of multiple brick buildings, ordered over an expansive clearing. From several of their roofs issued tendrils of black smoke reaching into the sky. On the ground, personnel <ref>the Chinese term literally means soldiers, but I'm not sure whether fairies and shipgirls fit the bill of soldiers</ref> scurried to and fro.

The smell of metal assailed the nostrils, reinforced with a persistent undertone of smoke that came from who knows where. Though it faced the sea like the Naval District, not a whiff of the smell of the sea penetrated.

"That's right. This is the Naval District's factories--a second Naval District for us."

Walking alongside Zuikaku, Shoukaku turned to explain.

Generally speaking, shipgirls sealed their souls into their equipment--nobody observed or quantified this, nor did the shipgirls feel it, but there seemed no other reasonable explanation--and then released it in battle.

However, as they could not perform maintenance, repairs or development on their own, all these things were left up to the Naval District Factory. Zuikaku didn't know the details, but the shipgirls' carrier planes--including Zuikaku's arrows, Hiyou's shikigami and the like--were, like shells and torpedos, manufactured and resupplied here.

"Originally we were supposed to live on base in a nearby Navy Port's command headquarters. But you heard the commander--in order to allow shipgirls to live like humans, our daily lives were moved to the current naval district."

"Of course, staying here would be fairly boring. Shopping would be difficult from here..."

Most likely in order to preserve secrecy or to provide some measure of protection from Abyssal attack, the Naval District was ensconced deep in the harbor, quite far away from either the Naval District or the Train Station. Even Zuikaku and Shoukaku could only reach the factories on bus and foot.

Today, Shoukaku had brought Zuikaku to the naval district factories for a tour as a part of understanding this world.

They had seen off Akagi, Kaga and the other shipgirls to Okinoshima from the Naval base yesterday morning.

To be honest, Zuikaku had wondered, "is it alright to run off to this kind of place while the Senpai were fighting?" However, Shoukaku had brought Zuikaku over with the explanation that "now, more than ever, we should look over these places."

"From here on out, the battles with the abyssals will become increasingly vicious. If we are to resist them, we will not only have to hone our skills, but also maintain and update our equipment. I believe that it is precisely because our senpai are on the front lines that we ought to learn with their efforts in mind."

Yesterday, Shoukaku had used this argument to convince the previously reluctant Zuikaku to tour the naval district factories. Having seen them with her own eyes, Zuikaku also felt she had gained a better grasp of them.

(This is the place that has been supporting us in our battles, huh...)

Thinking back, victory in "That War" had depended heavily on having the right equipment in the right amounts, in the right place. Seeing that war under the same lens, things seemed somewhat safer.

"I recall that this would be the meeting place..."

Having reached the factory meeting room, Shoukaku fretted softly.

"Meeting? Is someone coming?"

Yes. To be honest, I've only been at the factory once as well, so I'm not very clear on things either--that's why I asked a shipgirl familiar with this place to be our guide."

"A shipgirl familiar with this place?"

"S,Sorry I'm late--!"

From the distance came a voice--Zuikaku turned to see a shipgirl wearing equipment that seemed far too heavy for her slender frame. Dripping with sweat, she leaned with her hands on her knees, gasping for breath.

"Yuubari! You're the guide...? Speaking of which, are you alright?"

Zuikaku spoke with shock.

Yuubari was one of the light cruiser shipgirls. Having been designed with the absurd goal of "fitting the armaments of the 5000-ton Kuma-class Light Cruisers onto a 3000-ton ship," she had no sisters.

Borne of designing ingenuity, the ship design met the fulfilled requirements and caught the eye of the Naval Community. However, the warship also struggled with range and reliability issues, as well as the inability to mount seaplanes, among other flaws.

"Whew, whoo...this level isn't a problem..."
[[File:Zuikaku 012.jpg|230px|thumbnail]]

The young girl forced out a sweaty grin with a thumbs-up. No matter how you looked at it, this was very much a problem.

"A,anyway, let's find somewhere to rest. Do you want something to drink?"

"Don't worry about it! Visiting hours are limited, so let's hurry up.....woaaahhhh--!

Yuubari broke into a run--and then promptly collapsed. The giant equipment set on her back slammed into the ground with a rumble that summoned a cloud of dust. Her trademark sailor's uniform and green skirt were also soiled with dust.

Zuikaku stood and gaped. Shoukaku, meanwhile, spoke tactfully.

"...Anyhow, let's take it easy, you can introduce us on the way."

"S,sorry about that~"

Yuubari responded tearfully from where she lay, pinned down by her equipment.

"Moving on, this factory develops equipment, and Yuubari records the data?"

Zuikaku spoke up as they walked through the factory grounds.

With a finger on her face, Yuubari responded with a hint of embarrassment.

"Not all of them, but I inspect all the equipment I can use."

Of course, light cruisers cannot mount 41cm or a carrier's plane complement.

"Think about it--I'm an experimental warship, armed with this heavy outfit. Giving an objective evaluation and giving a second opinion on how it feels in a shipgirl's hands...I specialize in this kind of thing."

Yuubari patted her equipment proudly.

On closer inspection, what looked like two joysticks lay on either side of the outfit. Shipgirls with this type of outfit were limited to Yuubari on this Naval District. Perhaps it gave her extra stability when using her heavy equipment--it certainly gave Yuubari a familiarity with manipulating equipment that other shipgirls lacked.

"It's also because of this that fuel consumption is so high....even if average speed isn't very high, it's not like that once the battle starts."

"But for you to work here in this kind of place...as expected of a prototype ship. Someone like me wouldn't be able to pull it off."

"Ahaha, hearing you say things like that makes it worth it for us experimental ships. My specialty is equipment control--I won't lose to any other light cruiser, even in a real battle!"

Yuubari raised her right fist. It seemed that her role as "the experimental ship in the factory" had become her pride.

(For Yuubari, is this a kind of redemption....?)

The thought flashed across her mind as she watched Yuubari speak happily.

(But remember that Yuubari should be like Shoukaku and I, sank by the enemy...does she dwell on that kind of thing like Hiyou...?)

"Yuubari, you were pretty active in 'That War', right? You were a torpedo squadron flagship, escort fleet member, a participant in the 1st Battle of the Solomon Seas..."

As if to answer Zuikaku's question, Shoukaku brought up Yuubari's past.

"The Admiral's also full of praises for you as well--says your activity was nothing like that of an Experimental Ship. Plus your performance against the abyssals was even more exemplary..."

"Ahaha....well, about that, I guess I was just lucky."

"Even when you sank, didn't over 95% of your crew survive? Samidare, who rescued your crew, made a report of that sort during 'That War.'"

"Ah, yeah, that's true."

Yuubari nodded awkwardly. At the side, Zuikaku also felt a bit of tension.

Questions on the line of "What happened to the people aboard me" were banned in all but name in the Naval District. After all, nearly every shipgirl who had come to the naval district had sunk in "That War", usually with a significant part of the crew. For the shipgirls who retained memories of their deaths, this topic hit far too close to home.

Even shipgirls such as Junyou who had survived the war did not discuss these things. Bringing it up equated to drawing a comparison between "I, who allowed my crew to successfully survive" with "The rest of the shipgirls , who could not preserve their crew."

Zuikaku had also avoided this topic in order to protect these kinds of memories.

So why did Shoukaku--

(If I recall correctly, Shoukaku-nee lost 75% of her crew when she sank in the Marianas. At the time I ended up wit ha crew of about two thousand. In other words....)

This memory was too cruel--and yet, Shoukaku had voluntarily broken that taboo in order to praise Yuubari.

As if prescient of Yuubari's thoughts, Shoukaku laughed and responded,

"Don't worry, I remember what happened perfectly. But even so, it's not good to keep one's feelings buried up."

"Shoukaku-nee...."

"It's like what I told Zuikaku earlier--I know not whether we were in the right or in the wrong during 'That War'. Therefore, it is pointless for us to ruminate on whether those who we failed to save died for a good cause...however, burying these bitter memories at the bottom of our hearts only serves to raise the possibility that they will one day crawl out and kill us. Though our bodies are strong enough to fight the abyssals, our hearts are still very, very human..."

"........"

"Therefore, I want to accept everything that has happened and moved on....please keep these words between the two of you, of course."

"....I understand. After all, there are shipgirls who went down with all hands..."

"Sorry, the topic has become rather mrobid."

Shoukaku smiled sadly as if to try to diffuse the situation.

"That said, you should be proud of your high survival rate. We're all standing behind you, so give it your best."

"Sounds good! Hearing an old guard like Shoukaku-nee saying that really cheers me up!"

Yuubari replied with a smile like before.

Zuikaku began laughing as well, infected by Yuubari's smile. At the same time, she felt that her faith now lay on even firmer foundations.

(Shoukaku-nee is amazing, as expected...! To be able to subjugate her memories and fight the abyssals...)

Zuikaku did not know how many others shared Shoukaku's mentality. Maybe most of the shipgirls in the old guard were the same--even if that were so, however, Shoukaku's luster in Zuikaku's eyes did not wane.

◇◇◇

The Naval District Factory's Development Zone was under heavy security--no ordinary individual would be able to go in or out.

"Well, nobody is quite sure how much the Abyssals know about us and how much they may want to know. In order to protect our important secrets, this kind of thing is a necessity."

Yuubari raised her finger.

Just now Zuikaku and Shoukaku had passed through the cannon and torpedo development and manufacturing areas under Yuubari's guidance, all without even a glimpse of the interior. It seemed like the security measures applied to the shipgirls as well.

(Well, it's true that some of the shipgirls aren't too reliable in terms of keeping secrets).

With the childlike destroyers in mind, Zuikaku nodded, feelings conflicted.

"I'm not familiar with every Zone in the factory, and there are still some advanced armaments that must remain secret for now. There are a few unnamed areas in the factory that even I know nothing about."

"Experimentation and vivisection on captured Abyssals, maybe?"

Zuikaku's joking inquiry was met with a wry smile Yuubari.

"I, too, have wondered stuff like 'whether these crazy things are happening in there~'. Sorry to say, though, it's all just rumors."

"Ehh, how boring."

"Even though we don't know whether the abyssals know about this factory's location or significance, the crap would flow up shit creek real fast if we shut them up in there like in some late-night anime and they escaped to their comrades."

"Ah, that's true...hold on a second, late-night anime?"

".....! Ahaha, I have no clue what you're talking about."

Yuubari looked the other way, whistling loudly. It appeared she, too, had "another" side to her.

"But if security measures are so tight, isn't this tour completely pointless?"

"Oh don't be worried about that, look!"

Yuubari pointed at the sky.

"THat's....!"

Zuikaku's eyes widened.

Several Zero fighters were flying in formation. These fuselages were different from those of Zuikaku's Type 21 Zeroes, instead bearing a dark green.

(The new Type 52 Zeroes...? But it seems like there are some different ones in there...)

There were two types of Zeroes in there--one was the Type 52--the other type bore the same general outline as the Type 52, but bore what seemed like bombs on its belly.

"That's..."

"Type 62 Zero. A bomber version of the Type 52 Zero--what we call fighter-bombers!"

Another voice emanated from the mini flight deck that lay below the Zero Formation--Zuikaku spotted a shipgirl, dressed like an onmyodo in the fashion of Hiyou and Junyou.

This person was the light carrier Ryuujou, her distinctive visor glinting in the sun. She was most likely piloting the carrier planes via the "decree" Kanji written in blue light on her right fingertip.

Though Ryuujou had been designed as a carrier from the outset, her appearance had been incredibly unique, most likely due to the constant revisions made during her construction. The Ryuujou right here, however, was a normal shipgirl with a normal girl's body, no different from the others.

"Ryuujou," Zuikaku remarked, "you work here like Yuubari?"

To be sure, Ryuujou was a light carrier, suited (like Yuubari) to actions in the second line. But though a light carrier, Ryuujou had served as a front-line combat carrier in "That War". Seeing her like this seemed kind of odd.

"Naw, ah don't come 'round these parts nearly as much as Yuubari here. Ah jes visit once in a blue moon to check on the new aeroplanes."

Ryuujou responded proudly in her Kansai dialect, steering the carrier planes with her left hand with right arm akimbo.

How and why Yokosuka-born Ryuujou spoke with a Kansai dialect was one of the Naval District's seven great mysteries.

"Y'all know about how Houshou-nee's in charge'a'this kinda thing, right? Well, Houshou-nee's also a captain in the Naval District, so ah take turns runnin' the coop here at the factory with Shouhou an' Zuihou."

Now Zuikaku understood. If she was rotating with the other light carriers, the effect on overall frontline efficiency would be minimized.

"Plus, ah never got a chance to use the new aeroplanes durin' 'That War' on account of my flight deck bein' too short--no problems now, though! Bein' able ta use these new aeroplanes ahead of all y'all standard carriers--well, ah'd say ah right earned it....go!"

A she shouted, Ryuujou unfurled the flight deck scroll clasped in her right hand, revealing the new Shikigami mounted on top. Instantly, the Shikigami transmuted into the Type 62 Fighter-Bombers, lifting off from the flight deck one after the other.

"Hmhm, ah reckon ah'd have used these kinda fighter-bomber aeroplanes if ah'd made it to the Marianas...it kinda makes me all giddy inside~"

Ryuujou rubbed her nose happily. As she had said, Ryuujou had sank before the battle of the Marianas Sea, having fallen during the Guadalcanal campaign in the 2nd Battle of the Solomon Seas. She had never had the chance to mount or use anything more advanced than the three early-war planes.

"I can't use carrier planes, so when it comes to inspecting planes I call over Ryuujou or the others."

Yuubari picked up from where Ryuujou left off.

"Recently, development of the Type 52s are nearly complete--the 1stCarDiv and the 2ndCarDiv will be able to equip them soon; we'll also manufacture a few of the Type 62s on a trial basis. It probably won't be long before you two in the 5thCarDiv get upgrades as well, so look forwards to it. The other new model planes are currently in development!"

"Ah, that's great! Thanks, Yuubari!"

Zuikaku allowed her sincere joy to show. Carrier planes are the crux of a carrier--especially the Zero Fighters, vital for claiming air superiority. It would be great if new model planes were prepared quickly.

At the same time, a question popped into Zuikaku's mind.

For the fleet, carrier planes were not the only important piece of equipment. This lesson had been hammered in through experience during "That War"--

"Speaking of which, I have a question..."

Zuikaku leaned towards Yuubari and whispered:

"How is the Radar development? I remember we started equipping several during the middle of 'that war.'"

Essentially, radars launch a radio wave towards the target, using its reflection and diffraction to determine the target's distance and heading.

In "That War", Zuikaku's carrier task force had not been able to use the radar to their full potential. Originally, development had not been complete in time for midway; afterwards, the enemy military's technological superiority led to increasingly dire situations.

Yuubari nodded seriously.

"We're working on development. Look, this is a Type 21 AA radar sample."

Yuubari turned her body to reveal a machine that vaguely resembled a hair ornament.

"The Type 21 should be ready for battle soon; other AA and surface radars are being researched. For torpedo squadrons such as mine, radars in night battle are a decisive factor."

In low-visibility night battles, being able to determine the enemy's position at a distance via radar could well spell the difference between victory and defeat.

Just to be safe, Zuikaku pressed on:

"Do the Abyssals have anything on the lines of Electronic Support Measures?"

Electronic Support Measures (ESM) allowed the user to detect radar waves and use it to determine their source's position and heading.

During "That War," Zuikaku and company's limited experience with radar usage came from high command's fear that the enemy would be able to detect their position with ESM. In reality, radar technology advanced incredibly quickly, the potential dangers of ESM (which needed to send out radio waves of their own) were easily outstripped by the advantages of everyday use of radar.

Even so, that didn't rule out the possibility that the abyssals this time around did not have this ability.

Yuubari vigorously shook her head.

"Thus far it doesn't seem that way--at least that's what I've been told from the factory's Abyssal Research Class. As such, compared to something of limited utility such as ESM, I figure we may as well just go straight ahead with radar development."

"Plus when Carrier Task Forces fight it out, the radar's ruther important compared t'ESM."

Ryuujou joined in, her expression none too pleased.

How to meet the enemy attack determined a carrier's life and death. The ability to determine enemy plane distance with air radar was vital for the Carrier Task Force.

"Who knows, the Abyssals might develop something like radar, rendering our airstrikes ineffective just like the enemy in 'That War'. Before that happens...right?"

Currently, humanity's ability to detect the abyssals was not based on sound or visual identification, but via shipgirl radar detection. For reasons unknown, the Abyssals were undetectable by any other means.

From this alone, it was clear that the presence of radars would affect the tide of this war.

"I will do all I can over here. Zuikaku-nee, if you make some new discovery in battle, make sure you notify me."

Yuubari looked to Zuikaku with sincere eyes. Ryuujou's expression was also stern.

"In order to avoid repeatin' the tragedy of 'That War', let's give it all we got."

It was well past noon by the time Zuikaku and Shoukaku left the Naval District Factory.

They had been invited with Ryuujou by Yuubari to lunch at a Soba shop well-liked by the Factory--it appeared the Yuubari really liked Soba Udon.

"Thanks a lot today, Shoukaku-nee!"

Zuikaku spoke en route to the nearby bus station.

"That was pretty much a class. It wasn't until now that I realized we wouldn't be enough to fight the Abyssals. I'd been taught that not only in 'That War', but also by Kaga-senpai...I guess I'm still not ready yet..."

"Man is not born wise, and the same applies to shipgirls. Don't take it to heart."

Shoukaku smiled gently as always as she spoke.

"There is only one thing--one thing that you must learn, and that is to never stop going forwards. One day all this will be of help to you. As long as you remember your current feelings, it'll be fine if you continue to do your best."

"Mm! It's great that I'm sisters with Shoukaku-nee. It's because Shoukaku-nee is here that I could come this far...thank you very much!"

"Flattery won't get me anywhere, you know."

"That has nothing to do with it!"

Zuikaku grinned innocently, and Shoukaku smiled softly in return

And yet moments later, the small smile faded from Shoukaku's face--replaced with a new stiffness.

Noticing this, Zuikaku inquired cautiously,

"Shoukaku-nee...?"

"...The Admiral has sent out a transmission requiring that we immediately head to the naval port."

"Could it be a new abyssal? From where....?"

The words exchanged with Akagi and Kaga in the bathhouse a few days ago surfaced in Zuikaku's mind.

"No, you're mistaken."

Shoukaku's expression showed hitherto-unknown grimness as she responded.

<ref>Thank fucking god, I'm fucking sick and tired of how many times I have to reword how Shoukaku just smiles softly/gently. Yamato Nadeshiko a shit (fuck your language).</ref>

"We're going to Okinoshima."

===Part 4===

It was silent on deck onboard Zuikaku and company's destination, a ship used by shipgirls in between patrols around Okinoshima as a rest stop.

There would normally be several shipgirls waiting to be deployed on deck, but currently not a single one could be seen. The interior of the ship was the same--not a single one of the main fleet shipgirls that had deployed days ago from the naval port could be found.

Equipment in various states of damage and bloodstained littered the floorboards. Among them were what looked like 41cm turrets, their tough turret faces cracked. Even the fairies looked bitter as they scurried about with their labors.

"What...happened...?"

Zuikaku regarded the scene before her, face pale. She had just arrived via a speedboat.

"Where are Akagi-senpai and Kaga-senpai? Plus the other shipgirls..."

Zuikaku and Shoukaku's four fellow passengers--Aviation Battleships Hyuuga and Ise, as well as Heavy Cruisers Maya and Choukai-- were equally shocked. These four had also been Main Fleet members, but had until now remained at the Naval District as part of the home guard.

"....relax. If the equipment remains are here, it means that everybody returned."

Shoukaku strode through the ship aisle, her expression suggesting she, too, had seen enough.

"Let's go, the Admiral should be waiting for us in the office.

"I hereby order you all to attack the enemy anchorage located in the Okinoshima waters."

The Admiral's first words hit them the moment they entered the office.

"The situation is as you have likely surmised. You all sortie in an hour--prioritize anti-ship equipment, but keep in mind the possibility of night battle pursuit. Any questions?"

There was a (never-before-heard) grimness in the Admiral's voice that made him seem like a different individual altogether.

"Please wait a moment...!"

Zuikaku could not stop herself from speaking.

"Please explain, what do you mean by sortie...and what did you mean when you said 'the situation is as we have likely surmised'? I don't understand at all!"

"Do you really not understand?"

"I don't understand!"

Zuikaku stared at the Admiral. "Do you really not understand"--that had obviously been a blunt refusal. She felt her heart sink, but she could not voice her feelings--if the Admiral did not explain, she wouldn't be able to accept it--

The other shipgirls maintained their silence in response to Zuikaku's inquiry.

Only one person--just Shoukaku--eyed the Admiral in a silent plea.

"...Pardon, I am in the wrong. It seems that the urgent nature of this situation has prevented you from calming down...I will explain, then."

The Admiral apologized honestly, and then stood up with a breath.

"The abyssal ships launched an attack from their Anchorage in the Okinoshima waters and devastated our main fleet. Currently, the wounded shipgirls have retreated to the rear for rest and reorganization."

Though she had largely figured this was the case, Zuikaku still felt as if she had been struck with a mental two-by-four.

(How did this happen, that Akagi-senpai and Kaga-senpai...)

Akagi and Kaga should have been two of the most powerful ships in the Naval District, and they had been escorted by Nagato, Mutsu, Kongou, Kirishima and the other Main Fleet ships. The fact that the attack on the Okinoshima Garrison Fleet had failed even after these elites were committed was incredibly unsettling.

(But why send us to meet this kind of enemy?)

"Nevertheless, this operation cannot be aborted now. Our resource stockpile will only allow us to sortie one more time--this time. As such, I have decided to commit you all from the reserve fleet and roll the dice one last time."

The Admiral was going all-in.

"There will be many patrols in the Okinoshima waters, among them being a new, previously-unseen Wo-class--I hope that you will be able to break through these forces and take on their Main Fleet. The report on the enemy disposition is as above; are there any questions--"

"Please hold on!"

Zuikaku raised her voice one more in inquiry.

"Is that all the intel on the enemy we have? What about the Main Fleet's report? The Senpai and the main fleet..."

"To be quite honest, we have met the enemy main fleet nearly every time we deployed,"

the Admiral explained irritably.

"However, we have had to retreat every time with all our ships on the verge of sinking. Every fleet member appears to have lost their memories by the time they reached this ship <ref> are you fucking serious</ref>--as a result, we have received no intel regarding the enemy Main Fleet."

"....!"

"All we know is that 'the enemy main fleet has multiple powerful battleships'--power to be able pierce Nagato and Mutsu's armor, at any rate."

"But even if we fought an enemy of that caliber...."

"And that is why I am using this fleet. Even if we sent our own Battleships in a direct confrontation, we would still be beaten to a pulp by the enemy's firepower. As such, I want to bet the battle with the enemy Main Fleet on Maya and Choukai's torpedos, with you four serving as support."

Though Heavy Cruiser shipgirls lacked the firepower and armor of battleships, they possessed the speed rivaling destroyers and torpedoes, which battleships lacked. As long as they could get close, it was more than possible to take down a battleship.

In that respect, this fleet composition might work. And yet--

(But, this is even more....!)

"Shoukaku will serve as flagship. You are to carve a bloody trail to the enemy fleet, no matter what happens--should you fail, we will have to retreat."

The Admiral and Shoukaku exchanged gazes.

(Shoukaku-nee...)

Hiding her unease, Zuikaku tried to read Shoukaku's expression. Since Shoukaku was the flagship on the ground, she had the option of countermanding the Admiral's orders.

Nearly a minute of silence later, Shoukaku nodded quietly.

"Understood."

Shoukaku spoke one more phrase as Zuikaku gaped.

"We will definitely bring about a beautiful result."

===Part 5===

Led by Shoukaku, the six-shipgirl fleet sailed through the waters around Okinoshima under cloudless skies.

The enemy anchorage was within sight. Fortunately, the fleet had broken through after only three engagements.

They had not encountered the feared newtype Wo. The strongest force they had met thus far was a surface fleet led by a single Battleship. It had not lasted long under the Cranes' airstrikes and the Ise-class's shells, inflicting little more than scratch damage in return.

It was for that exact reason that Zuikaku's suspicion and unease swelled higher than ever.

(Well, we've been pretty lucky so far....but sooner or later we're going to run into the main force...)

The Main Fleet garrisoning the Okinoshima anchorage was an enemy not even the naval district's elites could overcome. Zuikaku didn't know if a chance for victory even existed.

(Speaking of which, I wonder why they even bothered to send a rookie like me....I'm not skilled like Shoukaku-nee...)

She knew, of course, that Okinoshima Anchorage could well decide the tide of the war; she also knew that this war could not be lost. However--

(In that case, why me? Shoukaku-nee should know I'm not experienced enough...)

At this rate, she might very well be the reason this sortie would come to fail. She couldn't take on an enemy that could defeat Akagi and Kaga...

"U-uh, Shoukaku-nee......"

Zuikaku's misgivings were obvious in her inquiry:

"Why did you agree to sortie with this fleet? Compared to me, Hiyou or Junyou are more...."

"You are a standard carrier. Lack of experience does not alter the fact that you are stronger in every regard than a light carrier."

"Even so, this kind of decision is too strange! You knew that, Shoukaku-nee, but agreed to sortie anyway, right?"

Shoukaku gazed at the distant seas in silence in lieu of response.

"This is no different than a suicide mission then! Even if our luck has brought us this far....SHoukaku-nee!"

Shoukaku's brow furrowed as she opened her mouth calmly.

"Listen carefully, Zuikaku. You may have an ability the other shipgirls do not have."

"Eh? Shoukaku-nee, what are you saying out of nowhere...."

"We shipgirls and our participation as warships in 'That War' doesn't just fetter our hearts--it constrains our fate as well."

There was a ferocity in Shoukaku's voice as she spoke that kept Zuikaku silent.

"We have yet to prove this empirically--but this has long since gone from conjecture to theory. Those who were fortunate in 'That War' are consistently hit less, while those whose endings were more tragic are hit more--you have noticed this trend, have you not?"

"How could that be? That's just coincidence..."

Even as Zuikaku responded doubtfully, she was struck by the truth in Shoukaku's words.

That first battle with Kaga; all the fleet exercises in which she had participated until now; that first deployment last week--every single time, her evasion was significantly higher than Shoukaku's, especially given the difference in skill between them. Given, this could still plausibly be attributed to coincidence and Zuikaku's own exertions--in spite of that, she could not honestly say that she had never wondered whether luck had played any role.

Thinking carefully, the situation was similar here. They had successfully evaded the Carrier Task Force with its New Type Wo and was now closing in on the enemy's main fleet garrison.

The name given to Zuikaku flashed through Zuikaku's mind--"the Lucky Carrier."

Shoukaku continued her explanation carefully.

"To put it another way, the actions and events of 'that war' are directly related to our own fortunes. And you, the one who bears the title of 'the lucky carrier,' may well possess the power to grasp the most fortunate result."

Zuikaku's face was drawn--she had of course been aware of her status as 'the lucky carrier.' But she she had never connected her name to something like 'the power to grasp the most fortunate result.'"

"Once the naval district had assembled several dozen shipgirls and the conflict with the abyssals had intensified, everyone gradually started to notice this fact. Of course, the Admiral (whose only knowledge of 'That War' is through us) and those who brought us to the Admiral in the hopes of saving this nation know this. Therefore, isn't considering these shipgirls as trump cards the natural conclusion?"

"How can this--"

To try to grasp something as intangible and unquantifiable as "karma" and use it as a weapon--there was a certain grimness in this train of tought.

Hyuuga, Ise, Maya and Choukai listened to Shoukaku's explanation wordlessly without a word of objection--that is, they, too, agreed with Shoukaku.

"More likely than not, this sortie is most likely related to this. If you, the one known as 'The Lucky Carrier' is here, perhaps we may be able to defeat the enemy's formidable main fleet. The possibility that you may grasp the power to reach the most fortunate result is more than enough justification in this uncertain war. Though I don't know whether this is the Admiral's thoughts or just ours...."

"How can you do this so recklessly.....?!"

Zuikaku shouted, holding back tears.

"Even if you tell me this, it's useless...! Maybe I am the 'Lucky Carrier', but that's only because I gave it my all....!"

"I understand your feelings. Nobody would ever wish to have his or her achievements dismissed as nothing more than 'luck.' In truth, you have been working hard this whole time....however, even if you factor in your hard work, there is an unavoidable and self-evident connection to luck."

In response to Zuikaku's expression, contorted with sorrow, Shoukaku comforted her with a kind smile.

"Don't worry, I will protect you. No matter what happens, that will always be true...after all, I probably received this life in order to ensure that yours continues."

"Shoukaku-nee...?"

As Zuikaku slowly uttered her elder sister's name, understanding hit her, understanding of a great many things.

Compared to herself, the one known in "That War as "The Lucky Carrier," her sister had been teased as the "Unlucky Ship," if memory served.

Through multiple carrier force engagements, Zuikaku was usually the only one to escape successfully, while Shoukaku was always the one who limped back home wounded. Allegedly some believed that Zuikaku had stolen Shoukaku's fortune.

Shoukaku's experiences a shipgirl until now probably could not be divorced from her fate. Perhaps it was because of this that she desired to protect Zuikaku, the "Lucky Carrier." Perhaps she had used her status as the frequently-hit "Unlucky Ship" to divert the enemy's attacks--

(How can it be...Shoukaku-nee!" )

"Scout Plane transmission--enemy fleet detected, close proximity! Contact in less than a minute!"

Ise reported from the front. The Ise-class Aviation Battleships carried seaplane hangars and a flight deck, allowing them to participate both in surface shelling and air combat.

Before the confused Zuikaku could even come up with a response, Shoukaku laid down the law.

"All ships, prepare for surface combat! Zuikaku, let's get our first wave up there!"

"...sheeit."

"Well?"

"U-understood!"

Disoriented and at her wits end, Zuikaku responded loudly. She raised her shortbow to the skies and left fly mechanically, waiting for her carrier planes to form up.

Ise spoke again with a tone of shock.

"Scout plane, second report--enemy fleet consists of four Battleships, two destroyers! One of which is a yet-unidentified ル-class Battleship!"

Ise's report was enough to send a tremor of shock through the shipgirls.

In the previous battles, the abyssals had never deployed a fleet in which four of the six ships had been Battleships. Add to that a hitherto-unidentified battleship--the enemy clearly had the overwhelming advantage in firepower. If they were to swing the battle in their direction, they'd need to rely on air power to dispatch the opponent.

(Can we really do something like this...?)

Most likely it was this fleet that had devastated Akagi and Kaga. Could she surmount this obstacle--

(Even so, all we can do...!)

"Here we go--all planes, lock your S-foils in attack position!"

Under Shoukaku's orders, the assembled carrier formation flew at the enemy fleet, visible on the horizon as the carrier planes began their attack runs.

"Hit----!"

As if in response to Zuikaku's roar, multiple geysers erupted around the enemy fleet. Zuikaku focused on the enemy fleet to assess the situation.

As the pillars of water subsided, Zuikaku could barely voice her shock.

"How....!"

The enemy fleet was virtually unharmed. The carrier planes, now returning, had also been heavily damaged by enemy AA fire. As the enemy had no fighters, the Zero fighters may as well have been nonexistent.

Shoukaku rebuked Zuikaku quickly, face drawn white.

"Zuikaku, hurry up and reform the carrier planes! We can still get off our second wave and hit them some more! So--"

The low rumble of gunfire in the distance--the enemy fleet had began shelling. Each battleship fired in series, forming an unending rumble of cannonfire. Moreover, they were firing outside of the range of Ise and Hyuuga's main guns, outside of effective range.

"Firing in series? At this kind of range?" <ref>unrelated note: Interwar USN surface combat doctrine involved engagement well outside of what was then considered standard engagement range. By doing this, the USN, which at the time lacked the battlecruisers and fast battleships Japan, the UK and Germany had, could avoid having their battleline turned and increase the odds of penetration through plunging fire, at the cost of somewhat reduced hit rate.</ref>

Ise shouted in surprise. Nothing followed previous abyssal procedure. Normally, the abyssals would close to short range before letting a volley loose.

"What are they thinking....!"

The AP shells closed in, unaware and uninterested in Ise's wails. From the first shot, the shells had already taken well over thirty seconds--no, even longer given that they were firing in series.

"....! Ise, Hyuuga! Evasive action!"

As if struck by some new discovery, Shoukaku shouted.

"The enemy's trying to prevent us from responding effectively by hitting us with a steady barrage while closing in! At this rate...!"

And suddenly, it was as Shoukaku had predicted, an increasingly dense net of water pillars surrounded Hyuuga and Ise, so dense that Zuikaku could not even see the two. At this rate, aiming by eye would be impossible. This was a tactic that made use of the sheer number of guns four battleships could bring to bear, quite rational really--

"Ise, Hyuuga!"

Shoukaku called in despair. At the same time, Zuikaku turned her head to the right in response to a wave of murderous intent--and immediately shouted a belated warning.

"Shoukaku-nee! Two destroyers, starboard--and torpedo wakes! Lots of them! It's too late!"

".....!"

Perhaps built specifically to counter the human-sized but highly mobile shipgirls, a host of torpedos closed in at astonishing speed in a spread that the two sisters could not possibly evade in its entirety. They were already closing in.

(Even if it's me, I can't do it....!)

Hopelessnessness weighed down Zuikaku's heart--yet, a moment later she spotted Shoukaku, right hand raised and seemingly uninterested in evasion. Above Shoukaku's head were only about ten planes--the half-assembled second attack wave--

"Second wave, aim for the torpedos--prioritize Zuikaku's safety!"

"Shoukaku-nee!"

Turning to Zuikaku's cries, Shoukaku smiled gently.
<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Back to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 2: The Trial Seas|'''Chapter 2''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection - KanColle - Kakuyoku no Kizuna:Volume1 Chapter 4: The Meaning of Luck (Part 2)|'''Chapter 4''']]
|-
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</noinclude>

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon

2015-08-10T02:14:11Z

KnightEmon:

==Chapter 1: First Moon==
==Part 1==
Kagerou strained her eyes.

The waves were calm but the weather was partially cloudy. It’s the opposite of “The weather is clear with some high tide<ref>Often said in weather forecast, if I am not mistaken.</ref>”. Although it isn’t something as serious as the fight.

Is there any sign of the enemy right in front. The Abyssal Fleet may suddenly appear, so caution is a necessity. That is why the girls have the importance of observation hammered into them even if it seems like it’s nothing. During the time they were unprepared, a Battleship class just had to appear, during the time they failed to notice, 16 inch shells just had to come down on them. The examples of those being negligent on lookout then disappeared to a watery grave are too many to mention.

Their name is the Abyssal Fleet. They came out of nowhere to wreak havoc on the seas, mankind’s greatest enemy.

No one knows when they appeared. In reality it is better to say that they were found to exist incidentally. The Abyssal Fleet obliterated any ship that came in their way, smashing the sea lanes into pieces. Uncountable ships were sunk and destroyed, disappearing into the depth of the sea.

There was nothing that could fight against them. No, other than the girls, there was nothing that could.

They are the Fleet girls. Those who were rushed into the sea to oppose the Abyssal Fleet equipped with armaments, the guardians who would grasp victory for mankind. Fleet girls are hard boiled chosen maidens, a title worthy of pride.

Even within those Fleet girls, Kagerou is a notably small, very agile and resolute Destroyer Fleet Girl.

She clutched her newly equipped binoculars, once again fixating her gaze to her front.

There was nothing but quietly shimmering blue sea. There is nothing. Perhaps nothing.

As a Destroyer Fleet Girl, she must not be careless. She was way different from the cruisers with their loaded seaplanes and the battleships that remained fine after getting hit by two or three shells. Her only way of scouting are her two eye sand if by any chance, she got hit from point blank range, she would be history. To act with extreme caution is a must.

Her two feet planted on the sea surface, slightly trembled.

Her anxiety also affects her feet. Usually she would never be this anxious, only for today the circumstances were different. The two main machines that she was wearing on her feet like shoes fit her well but time and time again they let out a coughing sound. The one in charge of maintenance was being stingy when oiling it. Thanks to that, her feelings came spreading out into growing unease in her heart. If only she prepared it herself, this kind of thing wouldn’t have happened, but due to her own foolishness, she overslept. When she remembered sleeping with the taste of last night’s sweet red bean soup she ate last night, she was in this mess.

“Please be a liiiittle bit quieter okay.”

She hushed the main machine with a whisper. Then she muttered, “Both sides advance forward, half speed.”

Like skating, she could feel her body moving forward.

Wind washed over her head. She knew how the ribbon on her head fluttered. So refreshing, it felt good. Even just a moment, the worry in her heart was forgotten.

Realizing, Kagerou shook her head. There is no time to be at ease. Even if she looked like this, she is the name ship of the Kagerou Class. Her bright cheerful and forward looking feature is her plus point. She couldn’t lose sight of the main objective.

Once again, continuing the watch anew, her eyes were on the look out.

The water surface in front of her bubbles. It’s still far in front of her but she could discern that the sea surface changed, looking like it was boiling. Then the whole area changed color.

Black hulls with fangs bearing mouths. The eyes were round but insect-like, in but a glance, it’s easy to know that it isn’t anything close to human.

In numbers almost uncountable, they spread out across the horizon.

The moment she saw them, Kagerou shouted.

“Abyssal Fleet insight! Such great numbers! Mmm.. It's like that “7 part enemy against 3 part sea”* thing<ref> It's a popular phrase in a movie said by a watchman when American warships filled the horizon. And been used in anime and such ever since.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa)</ref>! The sea is colored black by the enemies!”

The reply via the radio was fast.

[Huh? Kagerou, what are you talking about?]

“I said, It’s 7 part enemy against 3 part seas!”

[Don’t assume it. Give an exact number]

“It’s extremely high! Really!”

Although her partner on the radio, Shiranui, was composed as always, here she felt like foaming from her mouth. It’s not like she was using the popular lines to show off. That phrase was the only thing in her mind when they appeared in that number. It looked like salmon going upstream, but the enemy just isnt that cute.

They swam with a splashing sound. The correct term is sailing but the Fleet Girls called that “swimming”. Their eye colors remain drowned in darkness. If it was battle time, those eyes turn blue. Upon being agitated,humans will have bloodshot eyes, but for these creatures it was the opposite.

Kagerou decided she could do it. Issuing R Side signal (120 degree clockwise), she changed her course to be by the side of the Abyssal Fleet. Shiranui’s emotionless reply was right. If the enemy has yet to notice her, it is imperative to give an exact number.

One by one she began to count.

“Enemy, eight I-class destroyer! Sixteen Ro-class! Ha-class…”

The one who first decided the Abyssal Fleet class names to be I Ro Ha of the Japanese syllabify order was either a genius or a drunken man, there is not much of a difference. It’s more nifty than the AIUEO order but at times it is easy to get confused and mess it up.

Just when she is about to reach a total count of thirty, suddenly the eyes of the Abyssal Fleet lit up. From pitch black into blue. The blazing lights reflected on the sea surface were astonishingly clear to see. With that all together, Kagerou scowled at the sight.

“They found me out! Shiranui--”

At the moment she said it, the hull of the Abyssal Fleet sparked. Kagerou involuntarily swallowed down her words.

“.... enemy fleet, firing!”

Overhead, shells came falling.

“Kyaaaaa!!”

Pillars of water rose up around her.

“Alright... that is enough.”

Pi---. The sound of buzzer echoed around the Kure bay area.

“Practice is over.”

The dummies that make up the figure of the Abyssal Fleet were collected while still being connected to strings. On the sea surface where Kagerou had been standing, many logs drifted about as substitutes to enemy shells. Being hit by them wouldn’t kill you, but it would still hurt. It looks like an after show skit, it’s shameful.

“Kagerou, please come up.”

Clad in orange uniform was Jintsuu, who shouted by a hand mike. Beside her was the one in charge of radio communications, her accomplice Shiranui.

With water trickling down from her head, Kagerou muttered “Okay…” as she moved closer to the pier.

Heaving, she got up. The armaments were heavy and her drenched clothes makes it even heavier. Her mood also weighed quite some amount.

Jintsuu was already waiting at that place.

Jintsuu dropped her eyes to the notepad she has in her hand.

“Let’s see... for this practice... the result isn’t good, I see... Until the sighting of the Abyssal Fleet, there was a one and a half second delay, and even after sighting, the report is inaccurate... that’s unusual.” Jintsuu’s eyes flickered up to meet Kagerou’s.

“Is there any kind of anxiety you are having?”

“Ee….”

Upon hearing Kagerou’s reply, Jintsuu appeared saddened.

“Or is it because of my leadership? Like I made a mistake, ending up in putting you into a difficult situation.”

“N-No, no, it’s not like that.”

“I am after all but a second ship of the Sendai Class. I’m much too different from the energetic Kagerou Class.”

“It’s not like that! It’s not!”

Kagerous profusely denied. There was not a moment where Jintsuu’s leadership was in the wrong. Kagerou believed that her improvement in training up until now was all thanks to her.

“Well, then that’s the truth.”

“Yes.”

“Then… whose fault is this?”

Said Jintsuu, inclining her head.

Kagerou stumbled on her words. It’s because of this the young lady before her was scary. She completely saw through her heart. In one moment she said that it was her leadership at fault, then by earning the denial she continued by pressing onto the real matter. It’s a single ship practice so it couldn’t be other’s fault. Although it’s slightly cloudy but the field of vision is satisfactory so the weather couldn’t be blamed either. Kagerou confessed honestly.

“It’s… myself.”

“Why is that?”

“My attention is a bit taken by what will happen tomorrow.”

Kagerou gave a small laugh. Intending it to be a shy laugh.

She didn’t get scolded but warned.

“That won’t do, if that’s how it is. If you are not careful, the Abyssal Fleet may destroy you, and if you got distracted the whole fleet might be wiped out.”

Then, Jintsuu continued to add.

“If you’re ordered to be a escort ship, what should you do? It’s a situation where you have to find the enemies at the foremost and attack them. Scouting is the basis of everything. Don’t leave everything to the recon seaplane, you also have to have the strong determination to find the Abyssal Fleet yourself.”

“Yes…”

“Very well. Well then, Kagerou-san, with this your training in Kure is over. From tomorrow on you will be posted to Yokosuka. Please do it properly okay.”

Jintsuu smiled.

“Because after all, destroyers are our pride.”

“Yes!”

With a more spirited voice, Kagerou gave a salute.

After bidding farewell to Jintsuu who had left the pier, she let out a sigh.

Having her attention being distracted as an excuse couldn’t be helped but there was a reason for that. From tomorrow on Kagerou will be leaving Kure Naval Base that she had grown accustomed to for Yokosuka Naval Base. Because of this thought in her head, every since the morning she had been restless. The order to change placement came around yesterday. Originally it wasn’t supposed to be that sudden, but somewhere within the organization it got held up and with the delay the documents didn’t arrived until the very last moment. Thanks to that she didn’t even have time for some reluctant parting with her friends, at the very least she only had herself promising to “It’s near Tokyo so send us something nice!”. When she thought about it, personnel replacement of Fleet Girls may only be the government conspiracy to empty the wallet of the girls and prevent them from going anywhere.

Although as a replacement of a farewell gift, she was treated to sweet bean soup and ate until her stomach was full. This, however, has its own demerits.

Jintsuu as well, said “then shall we celebrate the placement change” then lent her hand for training until the very end. This was also a form of love, is what Kagerou believed.

It’s just, in this spacious pier only Kagerou and Shiranui were the only ones left.

Although it’s just the two of them, or maybe it’s for the two of them, just like always Shiranui regarded her curtly.

“Taking the first transport to Yoko Base is quite hasty, isn’t it.”

Shiranui tilted her neck.

“I wonder of the reason.”

“It’s because the new type of destroyer is energetic. They want it over there as well.”

“Ahahaha,” Kagerou laughed.

By the order of recency, it has been decided that after the Kagerou Class is the Yuugumo Class.

The girl’s armaments were practically sparkling. They were equipped with a set of 12.7 cm guns and quad torpedo tubes. The torpedo tubes were loaded with assorted torpedos capable of sinking a ship in one hit. These weapons were new, and it will prove to be reliable in a real battle. It’s unfortunate that she had to leave Kure for the assignment in Yokosuka but it has been decided for the arrangements on immediate transfer.

“They are really in a great need for me, eh. It must be so.”

“Kagerou’s great vigor and forward looking feature is certainly an advantageous charm. Even Yokosuka might have a need of that.”

“Does that mean rather than my ability it’s more for someone to liven up the atmosphere, isn’t it?”

“I believe it isn’t something as elegant as that.”

“Hey!”

In contrast with the banter, Kagerou laughed.

“I wonder what kind of place Yokosuka is. It must be as spacious as Kure.”

“Probably it is fussy about sticking to regulations. It’s not good to say “finally I meet you”informally right after a change in placement. Getting scolded for fooling around seems to have been the drill in Tokyo Bay.”

“Uwaa, that sounds strict, as expected of Yokosuka”

To Kagerou who stiffened her shoulders in fright, Shiranui said, “Aa, it’s the ‘your guidance, your encouragement…” thing.”

“With that, there won’t be any instance of suddenly getting reprimanded. At least compared to Kagerou’s casual talk.

Since it seems legit, it has been decided for Kagerou to use it.

“What dosen’t Shiranui come over to YokoBase?”

“Shiranui is comfortable with Kure’s waters.”

Shiranui before her is also a Kagerou-class, her armament is also the same. She’s a friend that underwent practice alongside her. To be separated with her, that alone was deplorable.

“How lonely. The parting with the other is also kinda off.”

“It can’t be helped.”

There were also other destroyers that trained under Jintsuu. Perhaps because they went all out for yesterday’s farewell party, right now their figures were nowhere to be seen. It must be either they are studying hard in the classroom, or lounging around drinking ramune.

Shiranui destroyed the imagery with a cold tone.

“Even on the other side, there are also other Fleet Girls. They are also the same comrades. I am sure you can get along well.”

“It’d be nice if there is a lovely girl like Shiranui.”

“.... I wonder about that.”

She turned away. This emotionless girl, it seemed that just for a little bit her face blushed.

Kagerou turned her eyes to the sea. The sky of Kure is so high, the waves of Seto inland Sea were calm. Far away beyond this, she wondered how it is in the Miura peninsula. There Yokosuka is waiting for her.

She returned her gaze.

“Well then. Tomorrow I have to go early.”

“Yes.”

“I will write you letters from there, okay.”

“Not needed.”

“Hey!”

With Kagerou’s protest, Shiranui replied emotionlessly.
[[File:Kagerou-001-17.jpg|240px|thumbnail]]
“Kidding.”

“Oh please.”

“Kagerou as well, please don’t cry and wail because Shiranui isn’t there. You are also forbidden from shooting your ally, or taking other people’s snacks, or throwing yourself off Kannonzaki peninsula all because you’re lonely.”

“I won’t do that!” shouted Kagerou. From tomorrow on, they won’t be able to hold this kind of conversation anymore.

With the insecurities welling up in her heart, Kagerou hugged Shiranui tightly. An act done quite spontaneously.

“Goodbye, Shiranui.”

“Yes.”

Shiranui also slowly hugged her back. With a bit more force than Kagerou.

“Be safe.”

At Kure Naval base where human figures began to disappear, they embraced each other.

Their 12.7cm gun mount hit one another, creating a sound similar to a ringing bell.

==Part 2==

Kagerou felt that she shouldn’t be looked down upon.

If on the first day of arrival she replied with a stupid response, they would make fun of her and she would remain inferior for the rest of her life. She shouldn’t let people think that “this village girl from Kure is eating so much oyster her head is going nuts”. Kure might have been a splendid port but Yokosuka is even bigger.

Just by being a naval base in itself, there is the pride of being the base of Tokyo Bay.

While using the connecting train from Kure, all thanks to sleeping, she missed her station and upon realizing it, she hurriedly jumped off the train. This time she rode in the wrong bus and only after she arrived at Kurihama however, in confusion she retraced her path. She asked an elderly and when she walked to the direction they pointed, she found herself by an unbelievable cliff, then after thinking really hard she realized she must have been mistaken as a tourist. While trying to somehow make it by her own strength and half wanting to cry, she finally arrived. By then she was drenched in sweat.

When she checked the time, it was surprising how she arrived earlier than the appointed time. Fleet Girls had been drilled that no what the case, they had to mobilize themselves five minutes earlier, however in Kagerou’s case even if it’s far from five minutes, she had intended to arrived two hours earlier. The waiting time had reduced significantly but the fact that she was on time still had not change.

A bronze signboard with [Yokosuka Naval Base] written on it hang by the front gate. Of course because it was a port, the place faced to the sea, but there is no way that she’d come in by swimming then making her landing there. That is why, the most common way will be to use the gate to get inside.

The equipment was being delivered by separate post so it’s almost the same as going in empty handed. It was forbidden for Fleet Girls to move on land with their equipment on. According to a plausible reasoning, if they got into the public transportation with their shells and torpedoes still equipped as is, panic would occur.

Kagerou stood still. First, she had to get in then report about her post to the admiral. She checked if her uniform is disheveled.It’s hard to say that she looks neat. Thanks to her going here and there previously. For the time being, she stretched out the wrinkles by her skirt, straightening the necktie before her breast, and brushed off any dust.

With this, it’s supposed to work out somehow. From clothes discordance, the Fleet Girls’ own discordance could be seen. Even if she might have being teased by bluffs, supposedly there would be no chance for her to be made fun of. Breathing out, she passed the gate. To the soldier who was stationed at the gate, she showed her identification papers.

The gate guard was a gorilla looking male, with gorilla looking physique. However, upon seeing her identification card, as if taking off on a flight he quickly gave a salute.

“Please come in!”

Fleet Girls are respected as much as they are feared. They were the only ones that could rescue mankind, everyone knows it. With her mood somewhat turning good, Kagerou walked into the premises. As expected of Yokosuka, even at the guard gate, they were attentive to discipline. It was also an important issue in Kure, but there the voice was a little smaller.

So as to not block the cars running around, she walked by the edge of the road, and finally after many turns, she found the building pointed by the guide.

“... it’s here, right.”

Kagerou said to herself. The said building was small. Or rather, poor. No matter how one saw it,it looks prefabricated, and on top of that, it’s still in the middle of construction. Perhaps it is more appropriate to say that it’s in the shape of a hut.

Is this really the admiral’s office? She was about to think that she was wrong, but no matter how she thought of it, it was right. However, did she really have to deliver her placement report here?

With the construction still going on, this must only be a temporary building. Yes, let’s leave it at that.

A case of insecurity; the door was left opened. Kagerou stood in right in front of the door, saying, “Kagerou, coming in!” then after doing a ten degree bow<ref>a bow done by bending your upper body about 10 degree to the front while keeping your head straight with your body, as written in Japan SDF guide</ref>, she walked in.
“Kagerou Class Destroyer, Kagerou. From 0900 today, I will take up the post in Yokosuka Naval Base! I beg of your guidance, and you encoura---”

Just when she was finally saying the borrowed lines from Shiranui, she couldn’t say it until the end.

The room was empty.

Kagerou stared dumbfounded at the room that had not a single person inside.

Before her eyes, there was only a table with blue tablecloth spread on top, but not a soul existed. By the wall there was a hanging scroll with the words “Marine Escort”, but there’s no way that anyone had ever said that line.

(.... As I thought, I came to the wrong place?)

No, no, supposedly it is not. The room was here and she had also properly informed of the time she take post. Then, why is that no one was around.

It is either no one was around, or that they ran away outside from the window with the hanging teruterubozu. From there she could clearly see the port of Yokosuka.

Right at that time, there was a loud voice.

"Take shelter! Go take shelter!"

Just as she thought eh what? what?, outside people started to run, scattering about like spider offsprings. Kagerou watched, going "pokaaaan" as her mind went blank.

A while later.

"Byuuuruu byuuruu byuuruu" sound came. Just as she absentmindedly thought, "ah, that sounds like shells...", suddenly the ceiling exploded.

"Kyaaaa!!"

Kagerou was thrown by the impact. The wall collapsed, tumbling over to the outside.

"What the?! What?! what?!"

She literally got up as her eyes turned. The prefabricated building that existed until a while ago had been completed destroyed. The "Marine Escort" hanging scroll was blown by the wind and fell on Kagerou's head.

When she took it off her head, before her she saw a girl gathering mass.

"Oh, come on, how could it be this bad. Where is the girl who directly hit Admiral's home office?"

Isn't that a Fleet girl's equipment, thought Kagerou. Since it's a 12.7 cm, the it must be equipped by a Destroyer.

Although it’s called a 12.7 cm gun mount, in reality it's not like the barrel is 127 mm. It's a name that meant the firepower it has is comparable to that amount. In addition, a 12.7 cm gun is classified as small gun. Because it's something to be equipped by Destroyers, it can't be too big.

Even then, lucky that just now it was only a 12.7 cm, and that it blew up midair. If that was the 41 cm used by battleships, it would be inexcusable to say it was just another explosion.

That being said, to have the home office of the admiral be fired at, is not a common occurrence.

"Where’s the girl!"

The girl in front, shouted until her face turned red at the group of girls in front of her.

"She's not here," a reply said. “She has gone somewhere.”

"Go find her. If you can't find her within one hour, none of you will receive your meals!"

The girls flustered then started to run about.

The girl who gave the order was still mad. For that reason, Kagerou found a little bit of courage to call out.

"Excuse me."

"Yes?"

The girl finally noticed Kagerou.

Blue cap with blue uniform. White scarf to her breast. Within one glance, it is easy to know that she is a Heavy Cruiser Fleet Girl. Her height was tall, with kind features. However, from what she had said earlier, it is known that she could be scary when she is mad.

The girl scrutinized Kagerou from top to bottom.

"Ah, a destroyer. I've never seen your face before."

"I am the first ship of Kagerou class, Kagerou. From today, I will be taking post in Yokosuka Naval Ba..."

"Aa, my apologies. The girl who contacted us from Kure, right.”

Without letting Kagerou finish her sentence, the young woman raised her hand lightly in interruption.

"My name is Takao. I'm the first ship of Takao Class. The second ship is also in Yoko Base so I guess you'll eventually meet her. I'm in charge of practice and far away excursions with the battleships. Pleased to meet you."

"Yes..."

Since she is a heavy cruiser, she must have sortied with together with the battleships and the carriers, at times functioning as the flagship.

That aside, what big breasts. The uniform could barely hold them in. She wondered if there was any kind of regulations that says unless you have big breasts you won't be able to became heavy cruisers.

"Then, is Takao-san my flagship...."

"I'm not. You're a destroyer, aren't you?"

"Yes. If so, then I..."

"More importantly, see."

Takao firmly grabbed Kagerou's shoulders.

"Will you help me search for that girl?"

".... who is this about?"

"Just now, the one who just shelled this office, that idiot-- no, that unique Fleet Girl. In just this month it's already the third time. Every time he got shelled, the admiral always sulked and went to be spoiled at by the carrier dorm, you know. Last week she had a change of heart and went to the battleship dorm, and then the lady from carrier division came out complaining. All the time it's always me who's on the short end of the stick, okay."

"Yes."

With a voice still in shock fromwhat had been happening numerous times, Kagerou stood up. What's up with this naval base.

"And so with that, please help . That girl,this time I will moored her with a bowline knot so that she can't move."

"For that, who am I supposed to look for?"

"An impertinent destroyer with slanted eyes. You will know right away."

"What’s the ship name?"

With this, Takao finally told Kagerou the warship’s name.

"Akebono."

Yokosuka naval base is big. Kure, having a different duty as it concentrates on training, pales in comparison in size. Before her departure, her other Fleet Girl comrades told her harshly "It's unfortunate that it's Yokosuka" "the strictness there can't be compared with Kure" "Going abroad is still better". No matter how you put it, those were all just sentences thrown based on imagination but since she had nothing to object with, the only thing she could do was listen.

It's not that she really had no basic conjecture, Yokosuka Naval Base was constantly being said as a base built especially to fight the Abyssal Fleet, thus there was a sense of urgency in it.

That was how it was supposedly.

Why in the world am I in the middle of manhunt now, thought Kagerou. That may be because she is a Destroyer that specializes in search investigation or rescue, but isn't it strange to right away, use someone who has just changed posts. Thanks to that, without even a tour, she was stuck walking around searching.

On that note, what it means by "tour" here is, the act of accompanying the newly appointed Fleet Girl all around the Naval Base for her to remember the position of the facilities. If one couldn't remember where a facilities exists and what it does after one round, she could get scolded at.

Without a tour, it's similar as being a lost girl herself. She wondered in what way could she even search.

"Since it's a Naval Base the same as Kure, the facilities are supposed to be the same..."

Kagerou muttered in her mouth.

For example, if she were to shell the Admiral's office and then create a commotion, after that where would she go?

Usually in a serial killer style, one will run into the depth of the mountain, or carry their equipment over to coral island to escape. If it’s in the southern area, there are many small islands that seem unknown to everyone, it’s possible to pull of a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle.

However, with the way Takao said it, until now there had been several shellings. With that in mind, the idea of going to the south on the contrary sounds unlikely. Just to be sure, she stretched her back and looked around the bay area but there wasn't any Fleet Girls' wake.

With that, let's assume she's still on land. Maybe in the military equipment storage. Ah no, there is a guard there. Then, what about the dock? Over there, there’s also the previous visitor so there is no meaning. Port task division quarantine building. It's possible to be threatened by, “do you want to be infected by a kind of pathogen?” so it's a no. Bay area degassing facility. If you hide in that kind of facility it's the same as saying goodbye.

She imagined what she would do if it was her.During time when she pilfered ramune and bananas from the cafeteria then was discovered by the one in charge of weekly duty, she concealed herself until the floor of the lecture hall. When she was caught bringing in packed ohagi and peaches and got chased for excessive rations, she pretended to be the one in charge of repairs from the Construction department. By the way, it's not like she did all of this solely because she wanted to. It was for Shiranui who caught a cold had wanted them.

(but I wonder if she would hide in such an obvious place...)

If the one who hid is a pro, the one who searched should also be a pro. Especially Destroyer Fleet Girls, who will welcome searching for anything whether on the sea or on the land. No matter which Naval Base, battles around towels or notes borrowed from the battleships or heavy cruisers or even underwear, is an everyday occurrence.

Once more, she remembered what Takao had said a while ago. Just within this month, it’s the third time. Then that means she had already been found out two times. Most likely she was in a place easy to find. Why was she in a place easy to find. Perhaps she wants someone to search for her. However for that part she must not have done it with no goal in mind. She should have wanted to know the movement from this side as well. As far as it is concerned.

“Maybe there.”

The girl ran towards a building near her field of vision.

A three-story western building in brick colored. Within the many modern architectural building, its color used for exterior appearance is clearly distinguishable from the others.

It’s a Yokosuka Naval Base Government Office building.

Kagerou gave a bow in a hurry before she went in. It’s a good thing that she saw no one, she ran up the stairs skipping one staircase in each leap.

She got out into the rooftop. This place is used to hoist flags, so it’s not that spacious.

Right there was a lone Fleet Girl.

A classic looking Sailor uniform with a blue ribbon tie. Her long hair was tied by the right side of her head, a bell on her hair clip. The profile of her side face is childish, for a certainty her expression wasn’t pleasant, as she gave a tense impression.

Kagerou was convinced that this girl was Akebono.

Without facing Kagerou, Akebono took out a pocket watch from her breast pocket.

“.... Ten minutes. Hmph. Until now this is the fastest, aren’t you..”

Her wording, really gave the feeling of making fun of others.

“All the others are being incompetent, but at least you learn a bit huh. For cruisers and destroyer this is preferable.”

The girl turned around. After that she made a puzzled expression.

“.... who are you.”

“Kagerou.” - Was how she replied. Akebono seemed to be even more puzzled.

“Kagerou as in, the first ship of Kagerou class? What business you have with me?”

“Because from today I change posts here...”

‘Yoroshiku’ is what she wanted to say but Akebono wasn’t in the mood for some greetings.

Openly, Kagerou was barraged with suspicious stares.

“Then what for did you come here?”

Against such contentious way of talking, Kagerou answered as she remembered the confusion.

“I was told to search for you. The other fleet girls are being told that they wont get any meals if they don’t find you, you know.”

“You can just ignore it. Since at best all destroyer can do is just making uproar and going here and there in confusion and be useless.”

“Aren’t you yourself a destroyer?”

“So?”

Akebono threw a glare. Kagerou unsure of what to say.

“..... well.”

“If it’s ‘changed post” that means you come from Kure or Sasebo, right. At best you must have failed on something and got thrown here. It’s must be one of those, either you screwed up in your lookout and got done in by a dive bomber, or you got wrecked by salvos. Once again those frauds pushed the scraps here, it’s getting crowded.”

Rather than getting mad, Kagerou was bewildered. Just who is this Fleet Girl who since a while ago say nothing but abusing others.

“Mere Destroyers can’t be used to fight against the Abyssal Fleet anyway, so it’s better for you to just retire right away. Not getting any post is the same as getting drowned right away anyway. Well, after sinking, there’s still scratching your name from the register so there are two steps labor of official papers, so discontinuing right away is better.”

Kagerou attempted to somehow give rebuttals to those statements fully loaded with spite.

“A…. I come here to properly fight, you know.”

“Ha? Fighting with Abyssal Fleet as an enemy are words that only battleships and carriers used you know.”

Akebono gave a mocking laughter.

“If we’re talking about what destroyer do, it’s either escorting expedition, or being expendables for escaping the battles. From the very beginning, there are no expectations out of us.”

“Without auxiliary vessel, there can’t be any battles!”

“That was too bad. Being the outrider in a fleet is not a leading role. If you wanna say what Destroyers do, they don’t expect anything more than being expendables. Those cruisers are all thinking like that.”

“That’s not true!”

Kagerou shouted. At Kure, the light cruiser girls were all gentle, valuing them. Especially Jintsuu, as kind as she is strict, saying, “Destroyers are our pride.”

“Destroyers are not useless!”

“Oooh, yes, you are right. Around the level of finding me, its still a role, right.”

Too snappish there is no way to get the conversation along with her.

Pissed off, Kagerou mouthed a “he”. If it’s going to be like this, she would have practice foul words. To begin with, in Kure there were no such perverse Kanmusu so there had never been any need to practice it. Her partner Shiranui, being cool, calm, and collected, may appeared cynical but she would never say any upfront foul words.

It’s obvious but Akebono has not a single care in Kagerou’s circumstances.

“... I’m going to bring you with me.”

It came out low, akin to a groan.

“Since if I don’t, I will also get dragged into skipping meals.”

“It’s better if you lessen your eating you know, it counts as diet.”

“I’m not getting fat!”

She forcibly grabbed Akebono’s arm.

“We’re going!”

“Uwa, how rude. So the rumour about Kagerou Class being all brawn and no brain is true.”

“Shut up!”

Trying her best so as not to let her face be seen, Kagerou pulled Akebono.

Kagerou brought Akebono to Takao. While Akebono continue badmouthing her, she didn’t give any resistance.

“I brought her.”

“Thanks for your hard work. So it’s true that those in the Kagerou class are fast.”

Takao was impressed. Remaining disappointed, Kagerou bowed.

“With this, I will excuse my self.”

“Aah, wait. Take her too.”

The “her” of course meant Akebono. Kagerou gave a baffled expression.

“Is it to detention?”

“Unfortunately for that, a while ago the admiral left an instruction to deal with this as something irrelevant.”

“Haa? She shelled the Admiral’s office, you know?!”

“Our admiral, is not only a masochist, but also loves fireworks so it seems like that person was watching it from somewhere else. And said something along the line of the spark of the explosion was beautiful, so she’s innocent.”

Kagerou thought, “so irresponsible”. Normally, without fail it would end up with the equipment being dismantled. The Fleet Girl herself would undergo trial then sent to Kurihama penitentiary. That aside, before there could be any wrongdoing done, Kagerou didn’t want to be with this Destroyer girl.

“Then, I don’t know about the destination but as long as I take her along it’s enough, right?”

“There’s still more. There’s a notice for you. I wonder where it went….”

Takao turned over a bundle of documents she had in her hand, making ruffling sounds.

“Here it is. Let’s see, Kagerou of Kagerou Class is appointed to be on command of the destroyers listed below. Fourteenth Destroyer Division.”

With her mouth, Kagerou repeated the present notice. 14… 14… she had never heard of it. Did such fleet exist?

“In case of embezzlement is it Fourteen?”

“I wonder. I guess it was decided by darts or something like.”

Seemingly to have no idea about it, Takao gave a nonchalant answer.

Based on ministerial ordinance, the destroyers division in Yokosuka Naval Base was decided to be from One up until Ten. For Fourteen to exist in Yokosuka is nearing exceptional.

Ten series was allocated for destroyer of Kure. Kagerou thought maybe because she was from Kure, it turned it Fourteen. Or if other reason exist.

“Somehow it sounds like a fleet for leftovers, isn’t it.”

“You understand it very well, huh.”

“Please don’t say something unpleasant. Other than me, who are they?”

Takao pointed to the one beside Kagerou.

“There she is.”

“She?”

“There.”

Kagerou didn’t understand what Takao was saying. No, actually she comprehend it. It’s just that she didn’t want to believe it. Because she is the newly produced Kagerou Class that she got called to Yokosuka. She thought that wouldn’t go through something unreasonable.

She gingerly looked beside her, then turned her face back.

“It can’t possibly be… with Akebono…..?”

“Yes.”

Kagerou jumped.

“Uuuuuuu this is a lie, right?!”

“Why would I tell you a lie? Weren’t you the one saying things about leftovers?”

“I can’t believe that it’s true….”

“I thought that KureBase fleet girls have good reasoning.”

As if to end it, Takao circled the documents.

Clinging on, Kagerou said forcefully.

“L-Lead ship, who is the lead ship?! It’s Takao-san right?!”

“You.”

“Eeeeee?!”

“The lead ship for the Fourteenth Destroyer Division is Kagerou.”

“Kyaaaaaaa!!!”

The lead ship is the one in charge of giving commands and directions to the destroyers. Normally it is assigned to the light cruisers, who has better speed and communication abilities. For a destroyer to be assigned as one is an exception under exceptional circumstances.

To the flabbergasted Kagerou, Takao continued.

“Until now there has been a number of people trying to lead Akebono and failed. I am temporarily in charge, but finally I’m relieved of the position.”

“That’s why, someone like me…”

“You now, the admiral said that because she came from Kure she’ll be able to do it.”

She had never heard of such a thing. If only by coming from Hiroshima one could lead, then by now the stars would have been either Carp or Sanfrecce. <ref>both are professional baseball team from Hiroshima</ref>

Assaulted by dizziness, Kagerou felt like sitting down. With a relieved expression, Takao began to chatter.

“I feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. Somehow the sea looks more blue than it usually is, don’t you think?”

“For me it doesn’t look much different than a ditch…”

“There are still other girls in the Fourteenth Destroyer Division, it’ll be good to search for them. Please get along.”

After saying that, Takao left while saying, “Perhaps I shall party with canned beef today.”

After that, only the two Kanmusu was left.

Kagerou took a peek beside her with a sidelong glance. The Kanmusu with a foul mouth and attitude, seemed to look bored.

After a while, Akebono talked to herself.

“..... pulled out the bad number huh.”

“Aren’t you understanding.”

Just when Kagerou was about to think how surprisingly honest Akebono was, the later glared at her.

“It’s about me!”

Kagerou instantly shouted, “Shut up you stinking idiot!”

What’s up with this bad mannered destroyer. Despite hearing that there are many good girls in Ayanami class, this brat is way lower than the lowest of the lows. Who would even want to get along.It would have preferred if she just got hit by a skip-bomb and sunk in the Solomon sea.

Akebono had no idea about what was going on in Kageoru’s heart. Her figure already disappeared.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Back to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2''']]
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</noinclude>

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon

2015-08-09T23:40:47Z

KnightEmon:

==Chapter 1: First Moon==
==Part 1==
Kagerou strained her eyes.

The waves were calm but the weather was partially cloudy. It’s the opposite of “The weather is clear with some high tide<ref>Often said in weather forecast, if I am not mistaken.</ref>”. Although it isn’t something as serious as the fight.

Is there any sign of the enemy right in front. The Abyssal Fleet may suddenly appear, so caution is a necessity. That is why the girls have the importance of observation hammered into them even if it seems like it’s nothing. During the time they were unprepared, a Battleship class just had to appear, during the time they failed to notice, 16 inch shells just had to come down on them. The examples of those being negligent on lookout then disappeared to a watery grave are too many to mention.

Their name is the Abyssal Fleet. They came out of nowhere to wreak havoc on the seas, mankind’s greatest enemy.

No one knows when they appeared. In reality it is better to say that they were found to exist incidentally. The Abyssal Fleet obliterated any ship that came in their way, smashing the sea lanes into pieces. Uncountable ships were sunk and destroyed, disappearing into the depth of the sea.

There was nothing that could fight against them. No, other than the girls, there was nothing that could.

They are the Fleet girls. Those who were rushed into the sea to oppose the Abyssal Fleet equipped with armaments, the guardians who would grasp victory for mankind. Fleet girls are hard boiled chosen maidens, a title worthy of pride.

Even within those Fleet girls, Kagerou is a notably small, very agile and resolute Destroyer Fleet Girl.

She clutched her newly equipped binoculars, once again fixating her gaze to her front.

There was nothing but quietly shimmering blue sea. There is nothing. Perhaps nothing.

As a Destroyer Fleet Girl, she must not be careless. She was way different from the cruisers with their loaded seaplanes and the battleships that remained fine after getting hit by two or three shells. Her only way of scouting are her two eye sand if by any chance, she got hit from point blank range, she would be history. To act with extreme caution is a must.

Her two feet planted on the sea surface, slightly trembled.

Her anxiety also affects her feet. Usually she would never be this anxious, only for today the circumstances were different. The two main machines that she was wearing on her feet like shoes fit her well but time and time again they let out a coughing sound. The one in charge of maintenance was being stingy when oiling it. Thanks to that, her feelings came spreading out into growing unease in her heart. If only she prepared it herself, this kind of thing wouldn’t have happened, but due to her own foolishness, she overslept. When she remembered sleeping with the taste of last night’s sweet red bean soup she ate last night, she was in this mess.

“Please be a liiiittle bit quieter okay.”

She hushed the main machine with a whisper. Then she muttered, “Both sides advance forward, half speed.”

Like skating, she could feel her body moving forward.

Wind washed over her head. She knew how the ribbon on her head fluttered. So refreshing, it felt good. Even just a moment, the worry in her heart was forgotten.

Realizing, Kagerou shook her head. There is no time to be at ease. Even if she looked like this, she is the name ship of the Kagerou Class. Her bright cheerful and forward looking feature is her plus point. She couldn’t lose sight of the main objective.

Once again, continuing the watch anew, her eyes were on the look out.

The water surface in front of her bubbles. It’s still far in front of her but she could discern that the sea surface changed, looking like it was boiling. Then the whole area changed color.

Black hulls with fangs bearing mouths. The eyes were round but insect-like, in but a glance, it’s easy to know that it isn’t anything close to human.

In numbers almost uncountable, they spread out across the horizon.

The moment she saw them, Kagerou shouted.

“Abyssal Fleet insight! Such great numbers! Mmm.. It's like that “7 part enemy against 3 part sea”* thing<ref> It's a popular phrase in a movie said by a watchman when American warships filled the horizon. And been used in anime and such ever since.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa)</ref>! The sea is colored black by the enemies!”

The reply via the radio was fast.

[Huh? Kagerou, what are you talking about?]

“I said, It’s 7 part enemy against 3 part seas!”

[Don’t assume it. Give an exact number]

“It’s extremely high! Really!”

Although her partner on the radio, Shiranui, was composed as always, here she felt like foaming from her mouth. It’s not like she was using the popular lines to show off. That phrase was the only thing in her mind when they appeared in that number. It looked like salmon going upstream, but the enemy just isnt that cute.

They swam with a splashing sound. The correct term is sailing but the Fleet Girls called that “swimming”. Their eye colors remain drowned in darkness. If it was battle time, those eyes turn blue. Upon being agitated,humans will have bloodshot eyes, but for these creatures it was the opposite.

Kagerou decided she could do it. Issuing R Side signal (120 degree clockwise), she changed her course to be by the side of the Abyssal Fleet. Shiranui’s emotionless reply was right. If the enemy has yet to notice her, it is imperative to give an exact number.

One by one she began to count.

“Enemy, eight I-class destroyer! Sixteen Ro-class! Ha-class…”

The one who first decided the Abyssal Fleet class names to be I Ro Ha of the Japanese syllabify order was either a genius or a drunken man, there is not much of a difference. It’s more nifty than the AIUEO order but at times it is easy to get confused and mess it up.

Just when she is about to reach a total count of thirty, suddenly the eyes of the Abyssal Fleet lit up. From pitch black into blue. The blazing lights reflected on the sea surface were astonishingly clear to see. With that all together, Kagerou scowled at the sight.

“They found me out! Shiranui--”

At the moment she said it, the hull of the Abyssal Fleet sparked. Kagerou involuntarily swallowed down her words.

“.... enemy fleet, firing!”

Overhead, shells came falling.

“Kyaaaaa!!”

Pillars of water rose up around her.

“Alright... that is enough.”

Pi---. The sound of buzzer echoed around the Kure bay area.

“Practice is over.”

The dummies that make up the figure of the Abyssal Fleet were collected while still being connected to strings. On the sea surface where Kagerou had been standing, many logs drifted about as substitutes to enemy shells. Being hit by them wouldn’t kill you, but it would still hurt. It looks like an after show skit, it’s shameful.

“Kagerou, please come up.”

Clad in orange uniform was Jintsuu, who shouted by a hand mike. Beside her was the one in charge of radio communications, her accomplice Shiranui.

With water trickling down from her head, Kagerou muttered “Okay…” as she moved closer to the pier.

Heaving, she got up. The armaments were heavy and her drenched clothes makes it even heavier. Her mood also weighed quite some amount.

Jintsuu was already waiting at that place.

Jintsuu dropped her eyes to the notepad she has in her hand.

“Let’s see... for this practice... the result isn’t good, I see... Until the sighting of the Abyssal Fleet, there was a one and a half second delay, and even after sighting, the report is inaccurate... that’s unusual.” Jintsuu’s eyes flickered up to meet Kagerou’s.

“Is there any kind of anxiety you are having?”

“Ee….”

Upon hearing Kagerou’s reply, Jintsuu appeared saddened.

“Or is it because of my leadership? Like I made a mistake, ending up in putting you into a difficult situation.”

“N-No, no, it’s not like that.”

“I am after all but a second ship of the Sendai Class. I’m much too different from the energetic Kagerou Class.”

“It’s not like that! It’s not!”

Kagerous profusely denied. There was not a moment where Jintsuu’s leadership was in the wrong. Kagerou believed that her improvement in training up until now was all thanks to her.

“Well, then that’s the truth.”

“Yes.”

“Then… whose fault is this?”

Said Jintsuu, inclining her head.

Kagerou stumbled on her words. It’s because of this the young lady before her was scary. She completely saw through her heart. In one moment she said that it was her leadership at fault, then by earning the denial she continued by pressing onto the real matter. It’s a single ship practice so it couldn’t be other’s fault. Although it’s slightly cloudy but the field of vision is satisfactory so the weather couldn’t be blamed either. Kagerou confessed honestly.

“It’s… myself.”

“Why is that?”

“My attention is a bit taken by what will happen tomorrow.”

Kagerou gave a small laugh. Intending it to be a shy laugh.

She didn’t get scolded but warned.

“That won’t do, if that’s how it is. If you are not careful, the Abyssal Fleet may destroy you, and if you got distracted the whole fleet might be wiped out.”

Then, Jintsuu continued to add.

“If you’re ordered to be a escort ship, what should you do? It’s a situation where you have to find the enemies at the foremost and attack them. Scouting is the basis of everything. Don’t leave everything to the recon seaplane, you also have to have the strong determination to find the Abyssal Fleet yourself.”

“Yes…”

“Very well. Well then, Kagerou-san, with this your training in Kure is over. From tomorrow on you will be posted to Yokosuka. Please do it properly okay.”

Jintsuu smiled.

“Because after all, destroyers are our pride.”

“Yes!”

With a more spirited voice, Kagerou gave a salute.

After bidding farewell to Jintsuu who had left the pier, she let out a sigh.

Having her attention being distracted as an excuse couldn’t be helped but there was a reason for that. From tomorrow on Kagerou will be leaving Kure Naval Base that she had grown accustomed to for Yokosuka Naval Base. Because of this thought in her head, every since the morning she had been restless. The order to change placement came around yesterday. Originally it wasn’t supposed to be that sudden, but somewhere within the organization it got held up and with the delay the documents didn’t arrived until the very last moment. Thanks to that she didn’t even have time for some reluctant parting with her friends, at the very least she only had herself promising to “It’s near Tokyo so send us something nice!”. When she thought about it, personnel replacement of Fleet Girls may only be the government conspiracy to empty the wallet of the girls and prevent them from going anywhere.

Although as a replacement of a farewell gift, she was treated to sweet bean soup and ate until her stomach was full. This, however, has its own demerits.

Jintsuu as well, said “then shall we celebrate the placement change” then lent her hand for training until the very end. This was also a form of love, is what Kagerou believed.

It’s just, in this spacious pier only Kagerou and Shiranui were the only ones left.

Although it’s just the two of them, or maybe it’s for the two of them, just like always Shiranui regarded her curtly.

“Taking the first transport to Yoko Base is quite hasty, isn’t it.”

Shiranui tilted her neck.

“I wonder of the reason.”

“It’s because the new type of destroyer is energetic. They want it over there as well.”

“Ahahaha,” Kagerou laughed.

By the order of recency, it has been decided that after the Kagerou Class is the Yuugumo Class.

The girl’s armaments were practically sparkling. They were equipped with a set of 12.7 cm guns and quad torpedo tubes. The torpedo tubes were loaded with assorted torpedos capable of sinking a ship in one hit. These weapons were new, and it will prove to be reliable in a real battle. It’s unfortunate that she had to leave Kure for the assignment in Yokosuka but it has been decided for the arrangements on immediate transfer.

“They are really in a great need for me, eh. It must be so.”

“Kagerou’s great vigor and forward looking feature is certainly an advantageous charm. Even Yokosuka might have a need of that.”

“Does that mean rather than my ability it’s more for someone to liven up the atmosphere, isn’t it?”

“I believe it isn’t something as elegant as that.”

“Hey!”

In contrast with the banter, Kagerou laughed.

“I wonder what kind of place Yokosuka is. It must be as spacious as Kure.”

“Probably it is fussy about sticking to regulations. It’s not good to say “finally I meet you”informally right after a change in placement. Getting scolded for fooling around seems to have been the drill in Tokyo Bay.”

“Uwaa, that sounds strict, as expected of Yokosuka”

To Kagerou who stiffened her shoulders in fright, Shiranui said, “Aa, it’s the ‘your guidance, your encouragement…” thing.”

“With that, there won’t be any instance of suddenly getting reprimanded. At least compared to Kagerou’s casual talk.

Since it seems legit, it has been decided for Kagerou to use it.

“What dosen’t Shiranui come over to YokoBase?”

“Shiranui is comfortable with Kure’s waters.”

Shiranui before her is also a Kagerou-class, her armament is also the same. She’s a friend that underwent practice alongside her. To be separated with her, that alone was deplorable.

“How lonely. The parting with the other is also kinda off.”

“It can’t be helped.”

There were also other destroyers that trained under Jintsuu. Perhaps because they went all out for yesterday’s farewell party, right now their figures were nowhere to be seen. It must be either they are studying hard in the classroom, or lounging around drinking ramune.

Shiranui destroyed the imagery with a cold tone.

“Even on the other side, there are also other Fleet Girls. They are also the same comrades. I am sure you can get along well.”

“It’d be nice if there is a lovely girl like Shiranui.”

“.... I wonder about that.”

She turned away. This emotionless girl, it seemed that just for a little bit her face blushed.

Kagerou turned her eyes to the sea. The sky of Kure is so high, the waves of Seto inland Sea were calm. Far away beyond this, she wondered how it is in the Miura peninsula. There Yokosuka is waiting for her.

She returned her gaze.

“Well then. Tomorrow I have to go early.”

“Yes.”

“I will write you letters from there, okay.”

“Not needed.”

“Hey!”

With Kagerou’s protest, Shiranui replied emotionlessly.
[[File:Kagerou-001-17.jpg|240px|thumbnail]]
“Kidding.”

“Oh please.”

“Kagerou as well, please don’t cry and wail because Shiranui isn’t there. You are also forbidden from shooting your ally, or taking other people’s snacks, or throwing yourself off Kannonzaki peninsula all because you’re lonely.”

“I won’t do that!” shouted Kagerou. From tomorrow on, they won’t be able to hold this kind of conversation anymore.

With the insecurities welling up in her heart, Kagerou hugged Shiranui tightly. An act done quite spontaneously.

“Goodbye, Shiranui.”

“Yes.”

Shiranui also slowly hugged her back. With a bit more force than Kagerou.

“Be safe.”

At Kure Naval base where human figures began to disappear, they embraced each other.

Their 12.7cm gun mount hit one another, creating a sound similar to a ringing bell.

==Part 2==

Kagerou felt that she shouldn’t be looked down upon.

If on the first day of arrival she replied with a stupid response, they would make fun of her and she would remain inferior for the rest of her life. She shouldn’t let people think that “this village girl from Kure is eating so much oyster her head is going nuts”. Kure might have been a splendid port but Yokosuka is even bigger.

Just by being a naval base in itself, there is the pride of being the base of Tokyo Bay.

While using the connecting train from Kure, all thanks to sleeping, she missed her station and upon realizing it, she hurriedly jumped off the train. This time she rode in the wrong bus and only after she arrived at Kurihama however, in confusion she retraced her path. She asked an elderly and when she walked to the direction they pointed, she found herself by an unbelievable cliff, then after thinking really hard she realized she must have been mistaken as a tourist. While trying to somehow make it by her own strength and half wanting to cry, she finally arrived. By then she was drenched in sweat.

When she checked the time, it was surprising how she arrived earlier than the appointed time. Fleet Girls had been drilled that no what the case, they had to mobilize themselves five minutes earlier, however in Kagerou’s case even if it’s far from five minutes, she had intended to arrived two hours earlier. The waiting time had reduced significantly but the fact that she was on time still had not change.

A bronze signboard with [Yokosuka Naval Base] written on it hang by the front gate. Of course because it was a port, the place faced to the sea, but there is no way that she’d come in by swimming then making her landing there. That is why, the most common way will be to use the gate to get inside.

The equipment was being delivered by separate post so it’s almost the same as going in empty handed. It was forbidden for Fleet Girls to move on land with their equipment on. According to a plausible reasoning, if they got into the public transportation with their shells and torpedoes still equipped as is, panic would occur.

Kagerou stood still. First, she had to get in then report about her post to the admiral. She checked if her uniform is disheveled.It’s hard to say that she looks neat. Thanks to her going here and there previously. For the time being, she stretched out the wrinkles by her skirt, straightening the necktie before her breast, and brushed off any dust.

With this, it’s supposed to work out somehow. From clothes discordance, the Fleet Girls’ own discordance could be seen. Even if she might have being teased by bluffs, supposedly there would be no chance for her to be made fun of. Breathing out, she passed the gate. To the soldier who was stationed at the gate, she showed her identification papers.

The gate guard was a gorilla looking male, with gorilla looking physique. However, upon seeing her identification card, as if taking off on a flight he quickly gave a salute.

“Please come in!”

Fleet Girls are respected as much as they are feared. They were the only ones that could rescue mankind, everyone knows it. With her mood somewhat turning good, Kagerou walked into the premises. As expected of Yokosuka, even at the guard gate, they were attentive to discipline. It was also an important issue in Kure, but there the voice was a little smaller.

So as to not block the cars running around, she walked by the edge of the road, and finally after many turns, she found the building pointed by the guide.

“... it’s here, right.”

Kagerou said to herself. The said building was small. Or rather, poor. No matter how one saw it,it looks prefabricated, and on top of that, it’s still in the middle of construction. Perhaps it is more appropriate to say that it’s in the shape of a hut.

Is this really the admiral’s office? She was about to think that she was wrong, but no matter how she thought of it, it was right. However, did she really have to deliver her placement report here?

With the construction still going on, this must only be a temporary building. Yes, let’s leave it at that.

A case of insecurity; the door was left opened. Kagerou stood in right in front of the door, saying, “Kagerou, coming in!” then after doing a ten degree bow<ref>a bow done by bending your upper body about 10 degree to the front while keeping your head straight with your body, as written in Japan SDF guide</ref>, she walked in.
“Kagerou Class Destroyer, Kagerou. From 0900 today, I will take up the post in Yokosuka Naval Base! I beg of your guidance, and you encoura---”

Just when she was finally saying the borrowed lines from Shiranui, she couldn’t say it until the end.

The room was empty.

Kagerou stared dumbfounded at the room that had not a single person inside.

Before her eyes, there was only a table with blue tablecloth spread on top, but not a soul existed. By the wall there was a hanging scroll with the words “Marine Escort”, but there’s no way that anyone had ever said that line.

(.... As I thought, I came to the wrong place?)

No, no, supposedly it is not. The room was here and she had also properly informed of the time she take post. Then, why is that no one was around.

It is either no one was around, or that they ran away outside from the window with the hanging teruterubozu. From there she could clearly see the port of Yokosuka.

Right at that time, there was a loud voice.

"Take shelter! Go take shelter!"

Just as she thought eh what? what?, outside people started to run, scattering about like spider offsprings. Kagerou watched, going "pokaaaan" as her mind went blank.

A while later.

"Byuuuruu byuuruu byuuruu" sound came. Just as she absentmindedly thought, "ah, that sounds like shells...", suddenly the ceiling exploded.

"Kyaaaa!!"

Kagerou was thrown by the impact. The wall collapsed, tumbling over to the outside.

"What the?! What?! what?!"

She literally got up as her eyes turned. The prefabricated building that existed until a while ago had been completed destroyed. The "Marine Escort" hanging scroll was blown by the wind and fell on Kagerou's head.

When she took it off her head, before her she saw a girl gathering mass.

"Oh, come on, how could it be this bad. Where is the girl who directly hit Admiral's home office?"

Isn't that a Fleet girl's equipment, thought Kagerou. Since it's a 12.7 cm, the it must be equipped by a Destroyer.

Although it’s called a 12.7 cm gun mount, in reality it's not like the barrel is 127 mm. It's a name that meant the firepower it has is comparable to that amount. In addition, a 12.7 cm gun is classified as small gun. Because it's something to be equipped by Destroyers, it can't be too big.

Even then, lucky that just now it was only a 12.7 cm, and that it blew up midair. If that was the 41 cm used by battleships, it would be inexcusable to say it was just another explosion.

That being said, to have the home office of the admiral be fired at, is not a common occurrence.

"Where’s the girl!"

The girl in front, shouted until her face turned red at the group of girls in front of her.

"She's not here," a reply said. “She has gone somewhere.”

"Go find her. If you can't find her within one hour, none of you will receive your meals!"

The girls flustered then started to run about.

The girl who gave the order was still mad. For that reason, Kagerou found a little bit of courage to call out.

"Excuse me."

"Yes?"

The girl finally noticed Kagerou.

Blue cap with blue uniform. White scarf to her breast. Within one glance, it is easy to know that she is a Heavy Cruiser Fleet Girl. Her height was tall, with kind features. However, from what she had said earlier, it is known that she could be scary when she is mad.

The girl scrutinized Kagerou from top to bottom.

"Ah, a destroyer. I've never seen your face before."

"I am the first ship of Kagerou class, Kagerou. From today, I will be taking post in Yokosuka Naval Ba..."

"Aa, my apologies. The girl who contacted us from Kure, right.”

Without letting Kagerou finish her sentence, the young woman raised her hand lightly in interruption.

"My name is Takao. I'm the first ship of Takao Class. The second ship is also in Yoko Base so I guess you'll eventually meet her. I'm in charge of practice and far away excursions with the battleships. Pleased to meet you."

"Yes..."

Since she is a heavy cruiser, she must have sortied with together with the battleships and the carriers, at times functioning as the flagship.

That aside, what big breasts. The uniform could barely hold them in. She wondered if there was any kind of regulations that says unless you have big breasts you won't be able to became heavy cruisers.

"Then, is Takao-san my flagship...."

"I'm not. You're a destroyer, aren't you?"

"Yes. If so, then I..."

"More importantly, see."

Takao firmly grabbed Kagerou's shoulders.

"Will you help me search for that girl?"

".... who is this about?"

"Just now, the one who just shelled this office, that idiot-- no, that unique Fleet Girl. In just this month it's already the third time. Every time he got shelled, the admiral always sulked and went to be spoiled at by the carrier dorm, you know. Last week she had a change of heart and went to the battleship dorm, and then the lady from carrier division came out complaining. All the time it's always me who's on the short end of the stick, okay."

"Yes."

With a voice still in shock fromwhat had been happening numerous times, Kagerou stood up. What's up with this naval base.

"And so with that, please help . That girl,this time I will moored her with a bowline knot so that she can't move."

"For that, who am I supposed to look for?"

"An impertinent destroyer with slanted eyes. You will know right away."

"What’s the ship name?"

With this, Takao finally told Kagerou the warship’s name.

"Akebono."

Yokosuka Naval Base is spacious. Its duties differ from Kure’s in that it concentrates on education and training, however, the sites and even the waters, paled in comparison. Before her departure, her other Fleet Girl comrades told her harshly "It's unfortunate that it's Yokosuka" "the strictness there can't be compared with Kure" "Going abroad is still better". No matter how you put it, those were all just sentences thrown based on imagination but since she had nothing to object with, the only thing she could do was listen.

It's not that she really had no basic conjecture, Yokosuka Naval Base was constantly being said as a base built especially to fight the Abyssal Fleet, thus there was a sense of urgency in it.

That was how it was supposedly.

Why in the world am I in the middle of manhunt now, thought Kagerou. That may be because she is a Destroyer that specializes in search investigation or rescue, but isn't it strange to right away, use someone who has just changed posts. Thanks to that, without even a tour, she was stuck walking around searching.

On that note, What it means by "tour" here is, the act of accompanying the newly appointed Fleet Girl all around the Naval Base for her to remember the position of the facilities. If one couldn't remember where a facilities exists and what it does after one round, she could get scolded at.

Without a tour, it's similar as being a lost girl herself. She wondered in what way could she even search.

"Since it's a Naval Base the same as Kure, the facilities are supposed to be the same..."

Kagerou muttered in her mouth.

For example, if she were to shell the Admiral's office and then create a commotion, after that where would she go?

Usually in a serial killer style, one will run into the depth of the mountain, or carry their equipment over to coral island to escape. If it’s in the southern area, there are many small islands that seem unknown to everyone, it’s possible to pull of a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle.

However, with the way Takao said it, until now there had been several shellings. With that in mind, the idea of going to the south on the contrary sounds unlikely. Just to be sure, she stretched her back and looked around the bay area but there wasn't any Fleet Girls' wake.

With that, let's assume she's still on land. Maybe in the military equipment storage. Ah no, there is a guard there. Then, what about the dock? Over there, there’s also the previous visitor so there is no meaning. Port task division quarantine building. It's possible to be threatened by, “do you want to be infected by a kind of pathogen?” so it's a no. Bay area degassing facility. If you hide in that kind of facility it's the same as saying goodbye.

She imagined what she would do if it was her.During time when she pilfered ramune and bananas from the cafeteria then was discovered by the one in charge of weekly duty, she concealed herself until the floor of the lecture hall. When she was caught bringing in packed ohagi and peaches and got chased for excessive rations, she pretended to be the one in charge of repairs from the Construction department. By the way, it's not like she did all of this solely because she wanted to. It was for Shiranui who caught a cold had wanted them.

(but I wonder if she would hide in such an obvious place...)

If the one who hid is a pro, the one who searched should also be a pro. Especially Destroyer Fleet Girls, who will welcome searching for anything whether on the sea or on the land. No matter which Naval Base, battles around towels or notes borrowed from the battleships or heavy cruisers or even underwear, is an everyday occurrence.

Once more, she remembered what Takao had said a while ago. Just within this month, it’s the third time. Then that means she had already been found out two times. Most likely she was in a place easy to find. Why was she in a place easy to find. Perhaps she wants someone to search for her. However for that part she must not have done it with no goal in mind. She should have wanted to know the movement from this side as well. As far as it is concerned.

“Maybe there.”

The girl ran towards a building near her field of vision.

A three-story western building in brick colored. Within the many modern architectural building, its color used for exterior appearance is clearly distinguishable from the others.

It’s a Yokosuka Naval Base Government Office building.

Kagerou gave a bow in a hurry before she went in. It’s a good thing that she saw no one, she ran up the stairs skipping one staircase in each leap.

She got out into the rooftop. This place is used to hoist flags, so it’s not that spacious.

Right there was a lone Fleet Girl.

A classic looking Sailor uniform with a blue ribbon tie. Her long hair was tied by the right side of her head, a bell on her hair clip. The profile of her side face is childish, for a certainty her expression wasn’t pleasant, as she gave a tense impression.

Kagerou was convinced that this girl was Akebono.

Without facing Kagerou, Akebono took out a pocket watch from her breast pocket.

“.... Ten minutes. Hmph. Until now this is the fastest, aren’t you..”

Her wording, really gave the feeling of making fun of others.

“All the others are being incompetent, but at least you learn a bit huh. For cruisers and destroyer this is preferable.”

The girl turned around. After that she made a puzzled expression.

“.... who are you.”

“Kagerou.” - Was how she replied. Akebono seemed to be even more puzzled.

“Kagerou as in, the first ship of Kagerou class? What business you have with me?”

“Because from today I change posts here...”

‘Yoroshiku’ is what she wanted to say but Akebono wasn’t in the mood for some greetings.

Openly, Kagerou was barraged with suspicious stares.

“Then what for did you come here?”

Against such contentious way of talking, Kagerou answered as she remembered the confusion.

“I was told to search for you. The other fleet girls are being told that they wont get any meals if they don’t find you, you know.”

“You can just ignore it. Since at best all destroyer can do is just making uproar and going here and there in confusion and be useless.”

“Aren’t you yourself a destroyer?”

“So?”

Akebono threw a glare. Kagerou unsure of what to say.

“..... well.”

“If it’s ‘changed post” that means you come from Kure or Sasebo, right. At best you must have failed on something and got thrown here. It’s must be one of those, either you screwed up in your lookout and got done in by a dive bomber, or you got wrecked by salvos. Once again those frauds pushed the scraps here, it’s getting crowded.”

Rather than getting mad, Kagerou was bewildered. Just who is this Fleet Girl who since a while ago say nothing but abusing others.

“Mere Destroyers can’t be used to fight against the Abyssal Fleet anyway, so it’s better for you to just retire right away. Not getting any post is the same as getting drowned right away anyway. Well, after sinking, there’s still scratching your name from the register so there are two steps labor of official papers, so discontinuing right away is better.”

Kagerou attempted to somehow give rebuttals to those statements fully loaded with spite.

“A…. I come here to properly fight, you know.”

“Ha? Fighting with Abyssal Fleet as an enemy are words that only battleships and carriers used you know.”

Akebono gave a mocking laughter.

“If we’re talking about what destroyer do, it’s either escorting expedition, or being expendables for escaping the battles. From the very beginning, there are no expectations out of us.”

“Without auxiliary vessel, there can’t be any battles!”

“That was too bad. Being the outrider in a fleet is not a leading role. If you wanna say what Destroyers do, they don’t expect anything more than being expendables. Those cruisers are all thinking like that.”

“That’s not true!”

Kagerou shouted. At Kure, the light cruiser girls were all gentle, valuing them. Especially Jintsuu, as kind as she is strict, saying, “Destroyers are our pride.”

“Destroyers are not useless!”

“Oooh, yes, you are right. Around the level of finding me, its still a role, right.”

Too snappish there is no way to get the conversation along with her.

Pissed off, Kagerou mouthed a “he”. If it’s going to be like this, she would have practice foul words. To begin with, in Kure there were no such perverse Kanmusu so there had never been any need to practice it. Her partner Shiranui, being cool, calm, and collected, may appeared cynical but she would never say any upfront foul words.

It’s obvious but Akebono has not a single care in Kagerou’s circumstances.

“... I’m going to bring you with me.”

It came out low, akin to a groan.

“Since if I don’t, I will also get dragged into skipping meals.”

“It’s better if you lessen your eating you know, it counts as diet.”

“I’m not getting fat!”

She forcibly grabbed Akebono’s arm.

“We’re going!”

“Uwa, how rude. So the rumour about Kagerou Class being all brawn and no brain is true.”

“Shut up!”

Trying her best so as not to let her face be seen, Kagerou pulled Akebono.

Kagerou brought Akebono to Takao. While Akebono continue badmouthing her, she didn’t give any resistance.

“I brought her.”

“Thanks for your hard work. So it’s true that those in the Kagerou class are fast.”

Takao was impressed. Remaining disappointed, Kagerou bowed.

“With this, I will excuse my self.”

“Aah, wait. Take her too.”

The “her” of course meant Akebono. Kagerou gave a baffled expression.

“Is it to detention?”

“Unfortunately for that, a while ago the admiral left an instruction to deal with this as something irrelevant.”

“Haa? She shelled the Admiral’s office, you know?!”

“Our admiral, not only is a masochist, he also loves fireworks so it seems like he was watching from somewhere else. He said something along the line, the spark of the explosion was beautiful so she’s innocent.”

Kagerou thought, “so irresponsible”. Normally, without fail it would end up with the equipment being dismantled. The Fleet Girl herself would undergo trial then sent to Kurihama penitentiary. That aside, before there could be any wrongdoing done, Kagerou didn’t want to be with this Destroyer girl.

“Then, I don’t know about the destination but as long as I take her along it’s enough, right?”

“There’s still more. There’s a notice for you. I wonder where it went….”

Takao turned over a bundle of documents she had in her hand, making ruffling sounds.

“Here it is. Let’s see, Kagerou of Kagerou Class is appointed to be on command of the destroyers listed below. Fourteenth Destroyer Division.”

With her mouth, Kagerou repeated the present notice. 14… 14… she had never heard of it. Did such fleet exist?

“In case of embezzlement is it Fourteen?”

“I wonder. I guess it was decided by darts or something like.”

Seemingly to have no idea about it, Takao gave a nonchalant answer.

Based on ministerial ordinance, the destroyers division in Yokosuka Naval Base was decided to be from One up until Ten. For Fourteen to exist in Yokosuka is nearing exceptional.

Ten series was allocated for destroyer of Kure. Kagerou thought maybe because she was from Kure, it turned it Fourteen. Or if other reason exist.

“Somehow it sounds like a fleet for leftovers, isn’t it.”

“You understand it very well, huh.”

“Please don’t say something unpleasant. Other than me, who are they?”

Takao pointed to the one beside Kagerou.

“There she is.”

“She?”

“There.”

Kagerou didn’t understand what Takao was saying. No, actually she comprehend it. It’s just that she didn’t want to believe it. Because she is the newly produced Kagerou Class that she got called to Yokosuka. She thought that wouldn’t go through something unreasonable.

She gingerly looked beside her, then turned her face back.

“It can’t possibly be… with Akebono…..?”

“Yes.”

Kagerou jumped.

“Uuuuuuu this is a lie, right?!”

“Why would I tell you a lie? Weren’t you the one saying things about leftovers?”

“I can’t believe that it’s true….”

“I thought that KureBase fleet girls have good reasoning.”

As if to end it, Takao circled the documents.

Clinging on, Kagerou said forcefully.

“L-Lead ship, who is the lead ship?! It’s Takao-san right?!”

“You.”

“Eeeeee?!”

“The lead ship for the Fourteenth Destroyer Division is Kagerou.”

“Kyaaaaaaa!!!”

The lead ship is the one in charge of giving commands and directions to the destroyers. Normally it is assigned to the light cruisers, who has better speed and communication abilities. For a destroyer to be assigned as one is an exception under exceptional circumstances.

To the flabbergasted Kagerou, Takao continued.

“Until now there has been a number of people trying to lead Akebono and failed. I am temporarily in charge, but finally I’m relieved of the position.”

“That’s why, someone like me…”

“You now, the admiral said that because she came from Kure she’ll be able to do it.”

She had never heard of such a thing. If only by coming from Hiroshima one could lead, then by now the stars would have been either Carp or Sanfrecce. <ref>both are professional baseball team from Hiroshima</ref>

Assaulted by dizziness, Kagerou felt like sitting down. With a relieved expression, Takao began to chatter.

“I feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. Somehow the sea looks more blue than it usually is, don’t you think?”

“For me it doesn’t look much different than a ditch…”

“There are still other girls in the Fourteenth Destroyer Division, it’ll be good to search for them. Please get along.”

After saying that, Takao left while saying, “Perhaps I shall party with canned beef today.”

After that, only the two Kanmusu was left.

Kagerou took a peek beside her with a sidelong glance. The Kanmusu with a foul mouth and attitude, seemed to look bored.

After a while, Akebono talked to herself.

“..... pulled out the bad number huh.”

“Aren’t you understanding.”

Just when Kagerou was about to think how surprisingly honest Akebono was, the later glared at her.

“It’s about me!”

Kagerou instantly shouted, “Shut up you stinking idiot!”

What’s up with this bad mannered destroyer. Despite hearing that there are many good girls in Ayanami class, this brat is way lower than the lowest of the lows. Who would even want to get along.It would have preferred if she just got hit by a skip-bomb and sunk in the Solomon sea.

Akebono had no idea about what was going on in Kageoru’s heart. Her figure already disappeared.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Back to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2''']]
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</noinclude>

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon

2015-08-09T10:30:27Z

KnightEmon:

==Chapter 1: First Moon==
==Part 1==
Kagerou strained her eyes.

The waves were calm but the weather was partially cloudy. It’s the opposite of “The weather is clear with some high tide<ref>Often said in weather forecast, if I am not mistaken.</ref>”. Although it isn’t something as serious as the fight.

Is there any sign of the enemy right in front. The Abyssal Fleet may suddenly appear, so caution is a necessity. That is why the girls have the importance of observation hammered into them even if it seems like it’s nothing. During the time they were unprepared, a Battleship class just had to appear, during the time they failed to notice, 16 inch shells just had to come down on them. The examples of those being negligent on lookout then disappeared to a watery grave are too many to mention.

Their name is the Abyssal Fleet. They came out of nowhere to wreak havoc on the seas, mankind’s greatest enemy.

No one knows when they appeared. In reality it is better to say that they were found to exist incidentally. The Abyssal Fleet obliterated any ship that came in their way, smashing the sea lanes into pieces. Uncountable ships were sunk and destroyed, disappearing into the depth of the sea.

There was nothing that could fight against them. No, other than the girls, there was nothing that could.

They are the Fleet girls. Those who were rushed into the sea to oppose the Abyssal Fleet equipped with armaments, the guardians who would grasp victory for mankind. Fleet girls are hard boiled chosen maidens, a title worthy of pride.

Even within those Fleet girls, Kagerou is a notably small, very agile and resolute Destroyer Fleet Girl.

She clutched her newly equipped binoculars, once again fixating her gaze to her front.

There was nothing but quietly shimmering blue sea. There is nothing. Perhaps nothing.

As a Destroyer Fleet Girl, she must not be careless. She was way different from the cruisers with their loaded seaplanes and the battleships that remained fine after getting hit by two or three shells. Her only way of scouting are her two eye sand if by any chance, she got hit from point blank range, she would be history. To act with extreme caution is a must.

Her two feet planted on the sea surface, slightly trembled.

Her anxiety also affects her feet. Usually she would never be this anxious, only for today the circumstances were different. The two main machines that she was wearing on her feet like shoes fit her well but time and time again they let out a coughing sound. The one in charge of maintenance was being stingy when oiling it. Thanks to that, her feelings came spreading out into growing unease in her heart. If only she prepared it herself, this kind of thing wouldn’t have happened, but due to her own foolishness, she overslept. When she remembered sleeping with the taste of last night’s sweet red bean soup she ate last night, she was in this mess.

“Please be a liiiittle bit quieter okay.”

She hushed the main machine with a whisper. Then she muttered, “Both sides advance forward, half speed.”

Like skating, she could feel her body moving forward.

Wind washed over her head. She knew how the ribbon on her head fluttered. So refreshing, it felt good. Even just a moment, the worry in her heart was forgotten.

Realizing, Kagerou shook her head. There is no time to be at ease. Even if she looked like this, she is the name ship of the Kagerou Class. Her bright cheerful and forward looking feature is her plus point. She couldn’t lose sight of the main objective.

Once again, continuing the watch anew, her eyes were on the look out.

The water surface in front of her bubbles. It’s still far in front of her but she could discern that the sea surface changed, looking like it was boiling. Then the whole area changed color.

Black hulls with fangs bearing mouths. The eyes were round but insect-like, in but a glance, it’s easy to know that it isn’t anything close to human.

In numbers almost uncountable, they spread out across the horizon.

The moment she saw them, Kagerou shouted.

“Abyssal Fleet insight! Such great numbers! Mmm.. It's like that “7 part enemy against 3 part sea”* thing<ref> It's a popular phrase in a movie said by a watchman when American warships filled the horizon. And been used in anime and such ever since.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa)</ref>! The sea is colored black by the enemies!”

The reply via the radio was fast.

[Huh? Kagerou, what are you talking about?]

“I said, It’s 7 part enemy against 3 part seas!”

[Don’t assume it. Give an exact number]

“It’s extremely high! Really!”

Although her partner on the radio, Shiranui, was composed as always, here she felt like foaming from her mouth. It’s not like she was using the popular lines to show off. That phrase was the only thing in her mind when they appeared in that number. It looked like salmon going upstream, but the enemy just isnt that cute.

They swam with a splashing sound. The correct term is sailing but the Fleet Girls called that “swimming”. Their eye colors remain drowned in darkness. If it was battle time, those eyes turn blue. Upon being agitated,humans will have bloodshot eyes, but for these creatures it was the opposite.

Kagerou decided she could do it. Issuing R Side signal (120 degree clockwise), she changed her course to be by the side of the Abyssal Fleet. Shiranui’s emotionless reply was right. If the enemy has yet to notice her, it is imperative to give an exact number.

One by one she began to count.

“Enemy, eight I-class destroyer! Sixteen Ro-class! Ha-class…”

The one who first decided the Abyssal Fleet class names to be I Ro Ha of the Japanese syllabify order was either a genius or a drunken man, there is not much of a difference. It’s more nifty than the AIUEO order but at times it is easy to get confused and mess it up.

Just when she is about to reach a total count of thirty, suddenly the eyes of the Abyssal Fleet lit up. From pitch black into blue. The blazing lights reflected on the sea surface were astonishingly clear to see. With that all together, Kagerou scowled at the sight.

“They found me out! Shiranui--”

At the moment she said it, the hull of the Abyssal Fleet sparked. Kagerou involuntarily swallowed down her words.

“.... enemy fleet, firing!”

Overhead, shells came falling.

“Kyaaaaa!!”

Pillars of water rose up around her.

“Alright... that is enough.”

Pi---. The sound of buzzer echoed around the Kure bay area.

“Practice is over.”

The dummies that make up the figure of the Abyssal Fleet were collected while still being connected to strings. On the sea surface where Kagerou had been standing, many logs drifted about as substitutes to enemy shells. Being hit by them wouldn’t kill you, but it would still hurt. It looks like an after show skit, it’s shameful.

“Kagerou, please come up.”

Clad in orange uniform was Jintsuu, who shouted by a hand mike. Beside her was the one in charge of radio communications, her accomplice Shiranui.

With water trickling down from her head, Kagerou muttered “Okay…” as she moved closer to the pier.

Heaving, she got up. The armaments were heavy and her drenched clothes makes it even heavier. Her mood also weighed quite some amount.

Jintsuu was already waiting at that place.

Jintsuu dropped her eyes to the notepad she has in her hand.

“Let’s see... for this practice... the result isn’t good, I see... Until the sighting of the Abyssal Fleet, there was a one and a half second delay, and even after sighting, the report is inaccurate... that’s unusual.” Jintsuu’s eyes flickered up to meet Kagerou’s.

“Is there any kind of anxiety you are having?”

“Ee….”

Upon hearing Kagerou’s reply, Jintsuu appeared saddened.

“Or is it because of my leadership? Like I made a mistake, ending up in putting you into a difficult situation.”

“N-No, no, it’s not like that.”

“I am after all but a second ship of the Sendai Class. I’m much too different from the energetic Kagerou Class.”

“It’s not like that! It’s not!”

Kagerous profusely denied. There was not a moment where Jintsuu’s leadership was in the wrong. Kagerou believed that her improvement in training up until now was all thanks to her.

“Well, then that’s the truth.”

“Yes.”

“Then… whose fault is this?”

Said Jintsuu, inclining her head.

Kagerou stumbled on her words. It’s because of this the young lady before her was scary. She completely saw through her heart. In one moment she said that it was her leadership at fault, then by earning the denial she continued by pressing onto the real matter. It’s a single ship practice so it couldn’t be other’s fault. Although it’s slightly cloudy but the field of vision is satisfactory so the weather couldn’t be blamed either. Kagerou confessed honestly.

“It’s… myself.”

“Why is that?”

“My attention is a bit taken by what will happen tomorrow.”

Kagerou gave a small laugh. Intending it to be a shy laugh.

She didn’t get scolded but warned.

“That won’t do, if that’s how it is. If you are not careful, the Abyssal Fleet may destroy you, and if you got distracted the whole fleet might be wiped out.”

Then, Jintsuu continued to add.

“If you’re ordered to be a escort ship, what should you do? It’s a situation where you have to find the enemies at the foremost and attack them. Scouting is the basis of everything. Don’t leave everything to the recon seaplane, you also have to have the strong determination to find the Abyssal Fleet yourself.”

“Yes…”

“Very well. Well then, Kagerou-san, with this your training in Kure is over. From tomorrow on you will be posted to Yokosuka. Please do it properly okay.”

Jintsuu smiled.

“Because after all, destroyers are our pride.”

“Yes!”

With a more spirited voice, Kagerou gave a salute.

After bidding farewell to Jintsuu who had left the pier, she let out a sigh.

Having her attention being distracted as an excuse couldn’t be helped but there was a reason for that. From tomorrow on Kagerou will be leaving Kure Naval Base that she had grown accustomed to for Yokosuka Naval Base. Because of this thought in her head, every since the morning she had been restless. The order to change placement came around yesterday. Originally it wasn’t supposed to be that sudden, but somewhere within the organization it got held up and with the delay the documents didn’t arrived until the very last moment. Thanks to that she didn’t even have time for some reluctant parting with her friends, at the very least she only had herself promising to “It’s near Tokyo so send us something nice!”. When she thought about it, personnel replacement of Fleet Girls may only be the government conspiracy to empty the wallet of the girls and prevent them from going anywhere.

Although as a replacement of a farewell gift, she was treated to sweet bean soup and ate until her stomach was full. This, however, has its own demerits.

Jintsuu as well, said “then shall we celebrate the placement change” then lent her hand for training until the very end. This was also a form of love, is what Kagerou believed.

It’s just, in this spacious pier only Kagerou and Shiranui were the only ones left.

Although it’s just the two of them, or maybe it’s for the two of them, just like always Shiranui regarded her curtly.

“Taking the first transport to Yoko Base is quite hasty, isn’t it.”

Shiranui tilted her neck.

“I wonder of the reason.”

“It’s because the new type of destroyer is energetic. They want it over there as well.”

“Ahahaha,” Kagerou laughed.

By the order of recency, it has been decided that after the Kagerou Class is the Yuugumo Class.

The girl’s armaments were practically sparkling. They were equipped with a set of 12.7 cm guns and quad torpedo tubes. The torpedo tubes were loaded with assorted torpedos capable of sinking a ship in one hit. These weapons were new, and it will prove to be reliable in a real battle. It’s unfortunate that she had to leave Kure for the assignment in Yokosuka but it has been decided for the arrangements on immediate transfer.

“They are really in a great need for me, eh. It must be so.”

“Kagerou’s great vigor and forward looking feature is certainly an advantageous charm. Even Yokosuka might have a need of that.”

“Does that mean rather than my ability it’s more for someone to liven up the atmosphere, isn’t it?”

“I believe it isn’t something as elegant as that.”

“Hey!”

In contrast with the banter, Kagerou laughed.

“I wonder what kind of place Yokosuka is. It must be as spacious as Kure.”

“Probably it is fussy about sticking to regulations. It’s not good to say “finally I meet you”informally right after a change in placement. Getting scolded for fooling around seems to have been the drill in Tokyo Bay.”

“Uwaa, that sounds strict, as expected of Yokosuka”

To Kagerou who stiffened her shoulders in fright, Shiranui said, “Aa, it’s the ‘your guidance, your encouragement…” thing.”

“With that, there won’t be any instance of suddenly getting reprimanded. At least compared to Kagerou’s casual talk.

Since it seems legit, it has been decided for Kagerou to use it.

“What dosen’t Shiranui come over to YokoBase?”

“Shiranui is comfortable with Kure’s waters.”

Shiranui before her is also a Kagerou-class, her armament is also the same. She’s a friend that underwent practice alongside her. To be separated with her, that alone was deplorable.

“How lonely. The parting with the other is also kinda off.”

“It can’t be helped.”

There were also other destroyers that trained under Jintsuu. Perhaps because they went all out for yesterday’s farewell party, right now their figures were nowhere to be seen. It must be either they are studying hard in the classroom, or lounging around drinking ramune.

Shiranui destroyed the imagery with a cold tone.

“Even on the other side, there are also other Fleet Girls. They are also the same comrades. I am sure you can get along well.”

“It’d be nice if there is a lovely girl like Shiranui.”

“.... I wonder about that.”

She turned away. This emotionless girl, it seemed that just for a little bit her face blushed.

Kagerou turned her eyes to the sea. The sky of Kure is so high, the waves of Seto inland Sea were calm. Far away beyond this, she wondered how it is in the Miura peninsula. There Yokosuka is waiting for her.

She returned her gaze.

“Well then. Tomorrow I have to go early.”

“Yes.”

“I will write you letters from there, okay.”

“Not needed.”

“Hey!”

With Kagerou’s protest, Shiranui replied emotionlessly.
[[File:Kagerou-001-17.jpg|240px|thumbnail]]
“Kidding.”

“Oh please.”

“Kagerou as well, please don’t cry and wail because Shiranui isn’t there. You are also forbidden from shooting your ally, or taking other people’s snacks, or throwing yourself off Kannonzaki peninsula all because you’re lonely.”

“I won’t do that!” shouted Kagerou. From tomorrow on, they won’t be able to hold this kind of conversation anymore.

With the insecurities welling up in her heart, Kagerou hugged Shiranui tightly. An act done quite spontaneously.

“Goodbye, Shiranui.”

“Yes.”

Shiranui also slowly hugged her back. With a bit more force than Kagerou.

“Be safe.”

At Kure Naval base where human figures began to disappear, they embraced each other.

Their 12.7cm gun mount hit one another, creating a sound similar to a ringing bell.

==Part 2==

Kagerou felt that she shouldn’t be looked down upon.

If on the first day of arrival she replied with stupid response, they would make fun of her and she would remain inferior for the rest of her life. She should not let people think that “this village girl from Kure is eating so much oyster her head is going nuts”. Kure might have been a splendid port but Yokosuka is even bigger.

Just by being a naval base in itself, there is the pride of being the base of Tokyo Bay.

While using connecting train from Kure, thanks to sleeping she missed her station and upon realizing she hurriedly jumped off the train. This time she rode in the wrong bus and only after she arrived at Kurihama, in confusion she retraced her path. She asked to an elderly and when she walked to the way the elderly person pointed she found herself by an unbelievable cliff, then after thinking really hard she realized she must have been mistaken as a tourist. While trying to somehow make it by her own strength and half wanting to cry, she finally arrived. By then she was drenched in sweat.

When she checked the time, it was surprising how she arrived earlier than the appointed time. Fleet Girls had been drilled that no what the case they had to mobilized themselves five minutes earlier, however in Kagerou’s case even if it’s far from five minutes, she had intended to arrived two hours earlier. The waiting time had reduced significantly but the fact that she was on time still had not change.

A bronze signboard with [Yokosuka Naval Base] written on it hang by the front gate. Of course because it was a port, the place faced to the sea, but there is no way that she come in by swimming then making her landing there. That is why, the most common way will be to use the gate to get inside.

The equipment was being delivered by separate post so it’s almost the same as going in empty handed. It was forbidden for Fleet Girls to move on land with their equipment on. According to a plausible reasoning, if they got into the public transportation with their shells and torpedoes still equipped as is panic would occur.

Kagerou stood still. First, she had to get in then reported about her post to the admiral. She checked if her uniform is disheveled. It’s difficult to say that she was really neat. Thanks to her going here and there previously. For the time being, she stretched the wrinkles by her skirt, straightening the necktie before her breast, and brushing off dust.

With this, it supposed to work out somehow. From clothes discordance, the Fleet Girls’ own discordance could be seen. Even if she might have being teased by bluff, supposedly there would be no chance for her to be made fun of. breathing out, she passed the gate. By the soldier who guard the gate, she showed her identification papers.

The gate guard was a gorilla looking male, with gorilla looking physique. However, upon seeing her identification card, as if taking off on a flight he quickly gave a salute.

“Please come in!”

Fleet Girl are respected as they same time they are feared. They were the only one that can rescue mankind, everyone knows it. With her mood somewhat turning good, Kagerou walked into the premises. As expected of Yokosuka, even at the guard gate were attentive to the discipline. It was also an important issue in Kure, but there the voice was a little bit small.

So as to not block the cars running around, she walked by the edge of the road, and finally after many turns, she found the building pointed by the guide.

“... it’s here, right.”

Kagerou said to herself. The said building was small. Or rather, poor. No matter how one see it,it looks prefabricated, and on top of it it’s still in the middle of construction site. Perhaps it is more appropriate to say it’s in the shape of a hut.

Is this really the admiral’s office? She was about to think that she was wrong, but no matter how she thought of it, it was right. However, did she really have to deliver her placement report here?

With the construction still going on, this must only be a temporary building. Yes, let’s leave it at that.

A case of insecurity; the door was left opened. Kagerou stood in right in front of the door, saying, “Kagerou, coming in!” then after doing a ten degree bow<ref>a bow done by bending your upper body about 10 degree to the front while keeping your head straight with your body, as written in Japan SDF guide</ref>, she walked in.

“Kagerou Class Destroyer, Kagerou. From 0900 today, I will take up the post in Yokosuka Naval Base! I beg of your guidance, and you encoura---”

Just when she was finally saying the borrowed lines from Shiranui, she couldn’t say it until the end.

The room was empty.

Kagerou stared dumbfounded at the room that had not a single person inside.

Before her eyes, there were only a table with blue tablecloth spread on top, not a soul exist. .By the wall there was a hanging scroll with the words “Marine Escort”, but no it’s no way that anyone had ever said that line.

(.... As I thought, I came to the wrong place?)

No, no, supposedly it is not. The room was here and she had also properly informed of the time she take post. Then, why is that no one was around.

It is either no one was around, or that they ran away outside from the window with the hanging teruterubozu. From there she could clearly see the port of Yokosuka.

Right at that time, there was a loud voice.

"Take shelter! Go take shelter!"

Just as she thought eh what? what?, outside people started to run, scattering about like spider offspring. Kagerou watched, going "pokaaaan" as her mind went blank.

A while later.

"Byuuuruu byuuruu byuuruu" sound came. Just as she absentmindedly thought, "ah, that sounds like shells...", suddenly the ceiling exploded.

"Kyaaaa!!"

Kagerou was thrown by the impact. The wall collapsed, tumbling over to the outside.

"What the?! What?! what?!"

She literally got up as her eyes turned. The prefabricated building that exist until a while before had been completed destroyed. The "Marine Escort" hanging scroll blown by the wind and fell on Kagerou's head.

When she took it off her head, before her she saw a girl gathering mass.

"Oh, come on, how could it be this bad. Where is the girl who directly hit Admiral's home office?"

Isn't that a Fleet girl's equipment, thought Kagerou. Since it's a 12.7 cm, the it must be equipped by a Destroyer.

Although called 12.7 cm gun mount, in reality it's not like the barrel is 127 mm. It's a name that meant the firepower it has is compared to that amount. In addition, 12.7 cm gun is classified as small gun. Because it's something to be equipped by Destroyers, it can't be too big.

Even then, lucky that just now it was only a 12.7 cm, and that it blew up midair. If that was the 41 cm used by battleship, it will be inexcusable for just another explosion.

With that being said, as expected to have the home office of the admiral being fired into is not common.

"Where is the girl!"

The girl in front, shouted until her face turned red at the group of girls in front of her.

"She's not here," a reply said. She has gone somewhere.

"Go find her. If you can't find her within one hour, all of you will not receive meal!"

The girls flustered then started to ran about.

The girl who gave the order was still mad. For that reason, Kagerou found a little bit of courage to call out.

"Excuse me."

"Yes?"

The girl finally noticed Kagerou.

Blue cap with blue uniform. White scarf to her breast. Within one glance, it is easy to know that she is a Heavy Cruiser Fleet Girl. Her height was tall, with a kind features. However, from what she had said earlier, it is known that she could be scary when she is mad.

The girl scrutinized Kagerou from top to bottom.

"Ah, a destroyer. I've never seen your face before."

"I am the first ship of Kagerou class, Kagerou. From today, I will be taking post in Yokosuka Naval Ba..."

"Aa, my apologies. The girl who contacted us from Kure, right.”

Without letting Kagerou finishing all her sentences, the young woman raised her hand light in interruption.

"My name is Takao. I'm the first ship of Takao Class. The second ship is also in Yoko Base so I guess you'll eventually meet her. I'm in charge of practice and far away excursion with the battleships. Pleased to meet you."

"Yes..."

Since she is a heavy cruiser, she must have sortied with together with the battleships and the carriers, at times functioning as flagships.

That aside, what big breasts. The uniform could barely hold them in. She wondered if there was any kind of regulations that say unless you have big breasts you won't be able to became heavy cruisers.

"Then, is Takao-san my flagship...."

"I'm not. You're a destroyer, aren't you?"

"Yes. If so, then I..."

"More importantly, see."

Takao firmly grabbed Kagerou's shoulders.

"Will you help me search for that girl?"

".... who is this about?"

"Just now, the one who just shelled this office, that idiot-- no, that unique Fleet Girl. In just this one month it's already the third time. Every time he got shelled, the admiral always sulk and go to be spoiled at by the carrier dorm, you know. Last week she had a change of heart and went to the battleship dorm, and then the lady from carrier division came out complaining. All the time it's always me who's on the short end of the stick, okay."

"Yes."

With a voice still in shock that it had been happening numerous times, Kagerou stood. What's up with this naval base.

"And so with that, please help . That girl, this time I will moored her with a bowline knot that she can't move."

"For that, who am I supposed to look for?"

"An impertinent destroyer with slanted eyes. You will know right away."

"What is the ship name?"

With this, Takao finally told Kagerou the warship name.

"Akebono."

Yokosuka Naval Base is spacious. Its duty differ with Kure that concentrates being education training, however the sites and even the waters paled in comparison. Before her departure, her other Fleet Girls comrade told her harshly "It's unfortunate that it's Yokosuka" "the strictness there can't be compared with Kure" "Going abroad is still better". No matter how you put it, those were all just sentences thrown based on imagination but since she had nothing to object with the only thing she could do was listen.

It's not that she really had no basic conjecture, Yokosuka Naval Base was constantly being said as a base build especially to fight Abyssal Fleet, thus there was a sense of urgency in it.

That was how it was supposedly.

Why in the world am I in the middle of manhunt now, thought Kagerou. That may be because she is a Destroyer that specializes in search investigation or rescue, but isn't it strange to right away using someone who has just changed post. Thanks to that, without even a tour, now she was stuck walking around searching.

On that note, What it means by "tour" here is, the act of accompanying the newly appointed Fleet Girl all around the Naval Base for her to remember the position of the facilities. If one couldn't remember where a facilities exist and what it does after one round, she could get scolded at.

Without a tour, it's similar as being a lost girl herself. She wondered in what way can she even search.

"Since it's a Naval Base the same as Kure, the facilities supposed to be the same..."

Kagerou muttered in her mouth.

For example, if she were to shell the Admiral's office then created a commotion, after that where will she go?

Usually in a serial killer style, one will run into the depth of the mountain, or carry their equipment over to coral island to escape. If it is in the southern area, there are many small island that seems unknown to everyone, it is possible to pull of a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle.

However, with the way Takao said it, until now there has been several shelling. With that in mind, the idea of going to the south on the contrary sounds unlikely. Just to be sure, she stretched her back and looked around the bay area but there wasn't any Fleet Girls' wake.

With that, let's assume she's still on land. Maybe in the military equipment storage. Ah no, there is a guard there. Then, what about the dock? Over there, there is also the previous visitor so there is no meaning. Port task division quarantine building. It's possible to be threatened by, “do you want to be infected by a kind of pathogen?” so it's a no. Bay area degassing facility. If you hide in that kind of facility it's the same as saying goodbye.

She imagined what she would do if it was her.During time when she pilfered ramune and banana from the cafeteria then discovered by the one in charge of weekly duty, she concealed herself until the floor of the lecture hall. When she was caught bringing in packed ohagi and peach and got chased for exceed rations, she pretended to be one in charge of repair from Construction department. By the way, it's not like she did all of this solely because she wanted to. It was for Shiranui who catch a cold had wanted them.

(but I wonder if she will hide in such an obvious place...)

If the one who hide is a pro, the one who search also be a pro. Especially Destroyer Fleet Girls, who will welcome searching for anything whether on the sea or on the land. No matter which Naval Base, battles around towels or notes borrowed from the battleships or heavy cruisers or even underwear, is an everyday occurrence.

Once more, she remembered what Takao had said a while ago. Just within this month, it’s the third time. Then that means she had been found out two times. Most likely she was in a place easy to find. Why was she in a place easy to find. Perhaps she wants someone to search for her. However for that part she must not have done it with no goal in mind. She should have wanted to know the movement from this side as well. As far as it is concerned.

“Maybe there.”

The girl ran towards a building near her field of vision.

A three-story western building in brick colored. Within the many modern architectural building, its color used for exterior appearance is clearly distinguishable from the others.

It’s a Yokosuka Naval Base Government Office building.

Kagerou gave a bow in a hurry before she went in. It’s a good thing that she saw no one, she ran up the stairs skipping one staircase in each leap.

She got out into the rooftop. This place is used to hoist flags, so it’s not that spacious.

Right there was a lone Fleet Girl.

A classic looking Sailor uniform with a blue ribbon tie. Her long hair was tied by the right side of her head, a bell on her hair clip. The profile of her side face is childish, for a certainty her expression wasn’t pleasant, as she gave a tense impression.

Kagerou was convinced that this girl was Akebono.

Without facing Kagerou, Akebono took out a pocket watch from her breast pocket.

“.... Ten minutes. Hmph. Until now this is the fastest, aren’t you..”

Her wording, really gave the feeling of making fun of others.

“All the others are being incompetent, but at least you learn a bit huh. For cruisers and destroyer this is preferable.”

The girl turned around. After that she made a puzzled expression.

“.... who’re you.”

“Kagerou.” - Was how she replied. Akebono seemed to be even more puzzled.

“Kagerou as in, the first ship of Kagerou class? What business you have with me?”

“Because from today I change post here...”

‘Yoroshiku’ is what she wanted to say but Akebono wasn’t in the mood for some greetings.

Openly, Kagerou was barraged with suspicious stares.

“Then what for did you come here?”

Against such contentious way of talking, Kagerou answered as she remembered the confusion.

“I was told to search for you. The other fleet girls are being told that they wont get any meal if they don’t find you, you know.”

“You can just ignore it. Since at best all destroyer can do is just making uproar and going here and there in confusion and be useless.”

“Aren’t you yourself a destroyer?”

“So?”

Akebono threw a glare. Kagerou unsure of what to say.

“..... well.”

“If it’s ‘changed post” that means you come from Kure or Sasebo, right. At best you must have failed on something and got thrown here. It’s must be one of those, either you screwed up in your lookout and got done by a dive bomber, or you got wrecked by salvos. Once again those frauds pushed the scraps here, it’s getting crowded.”

Rather than getting mad, Kagerou was bewildered. Just who is this Fleet Girl who since a while ago say nothing but abusing others.

“Mere Destroyers can’t be used to fight against the Abyssal Fleet anyway, so it’s better for you to just retire right away. Not getting any post is the same as getting drowned right away anyway. Well, after sinking there is still scratching your name from the register so there are two steps labor of official papers, so discontinuing right away is better.”

Kagerou attempted to somehow give rebuttals to those statements fully loaded with spite.

“A…. I come here to properly fight, you know.”

“Ha? Fighting with Abyssal Fleet as an enemy are words that only battleships and carriers used you know.”

Akebono gave a mocking laughter.

“If we’re talking about what destroyer do, it’s either escorting expedition, or being expendables for escaping the battles. From the very beginning, there are no expectations out of us.”

“Without auxiliary vessel, there can’t be any battles!”

“That was too bad. Being the outrider in a fleet is not a leading role. If you wanna say what Destroyer do, they don’t expect anything more than expendables. Those cruisers are all thinking like that.”

“That’s not true!”

Kagerou shouted. At Kure, the light cruiser girls were all gentle, valuing them. Especially Jintsuu, as kind as she is strict, saying, “Destroyers are our pride.”

“Destroyers are not useless!”

“Oooh, yes, you are right. Around the level of finding me, is still a role, right.”

Too snappish there is no way to get the conversation along with her.

Pissed off, Kagerou mouthed a “he”. If it’s going to be like this, she would have practice foul words. To begin with, in Kure there were no such perverse Kanmusu so there had never been any need to practice it. Her partner Shiranui, being cool, calm, and collected, may appeared cynical but she would never say any upfront foul words.

It’s obvious but Akebono has not a single care in Kagerou’s circumstances.

“... I’m going to bring you with me.”

It came out low, akin to a groan.

“Since if I don’t, I will also get dragged into skipping meal.”

“It’s better if you lessen your eating you know, it counts as diet.”

“I’m not getting fat!”

She forcibly grabbed Akebono’s arm.

“We’re going!”

“Uwa, how rude. So the rumor about Kagerou Class being all brawl and no brain is true.”

“Shut up!”

Trying her best so as not to let her face being seen, Kagerou pulled Akebono.

Kagerou brought Akebono to Takao. While Akebono continue badmouthing her, she didn’t give any resistance.

“I brought her.”

“Thanks for your hard work. So it’s true that Kagerou class are fast.”

Takao was impressed. Remaining disappointed, Kagerou bowed.

“With this, I will excuse my self.”

“Aah, wait. Take her too.”

The “her” of course meant Akebono. Kagerou gave a baffled expression.

“Is it to detention?”

“Unfortunately for that, a while ago the admiral left an instruction to deal with this as something irrelevant.”

“Haa? She shelled the admiral office, you know?!”

“Our admiral, not only a masochist, he also loves fireworks so it seems like he was watching from somewhere else. He said something along the line, the spark of the explosion was beautiful so she’s innocent.”

Kagerou thought, “so irresponsible”. Normally, without fail it would end up with the equipment being dismantled. The Fleet Girl herself would undergo trial then sent to Kurihama penitentiary. That aside, before there were any wrongdoing done, Kagerou doesn’t want to be with this Destroyer girl.

“Then, I don’t know about the destination but as long as I take her along it’s enough, right?”

“There is still more. There’s a notice for you. I wonder where it went….”

Takao turned over a bundle of documents she had in her hand, making ruffling sounds.

“Here it is. Let’s see, Kagerou of Kagerou Class is appointed to be on command of the destroyers listed below. Fourteen Destroyer Division.”

With her mouth, Kagerou repeated the present notice. 14… 14… she had never heard of it. Did such fleet exist?

“In case of embezzlement is it Fourteen?”

“I wonder. I guess it was decided by darts or something like.”

Seemingly to have no idea about it, Takao gave a nonchalant answer.

Based on ministerial ordinance, the destroyers division in Yokosuka Naval Base was decided to be from One up until Ten. For Fourteen to exist in Yokosuka is nearing exceptional.

Ten series was allocated for destroyer of Kure. Kagerou thought maybe because she was from Kure, it turned it Fourteen. Or if other reason exist.

“Somehow it sounds like a fleet for leftovers, isn’t it.”

“You understand it very well, huh.”

“Please don’t say something unpleasant. Other than me, who are they?”

Takao pointed to the one beside Kagerou.

“There she is.”

“She?”

“There.”

Kagerou didn’t understand what Takao was saying. No, actually she comprehend it. It’s just that she didn’t want to believe it. Because she is the newly produced Kagerou Class that she got called to Yokosuka. She thought that wouldn’t go through something unreasonable.

She gingerly looked beside her, then turned her face back.

“It can’t possibly be… with Akebono…..?”

“Yes.”

Kagerou jumped.

“Uuuuuuu this is a lie, right?!”

“Why would I tell you a lie? Weren’t you the one saying that about leftovers?”

“I can’t believe that it’s true….”

“I thought that Kure Base fleet girl have good reasoning.”

Just like ending it, Takao circled the documents.

Clinging on, Kagerou said forcefully.

“L-Lead ship, who is the lead ship?! It’s Takao-san right?!”

“You.”

“Eeeeee?!”

“The one doing the lead ship for Fourteen Destroyer Division is Kagerou.”

“Kyaaaaaaa!!!”

The lead ship is the one in charge of giving command and direction to the destroyer. Normally it is assigned to the light cruisers, who has better speed and communication ability. For a destroyer to be assigned as one is an exception under exceptional circumstances.

To the flabbergasted Kagerou, Takao continued.

“Until now there has been a number of people trying to lead Akebono and failed. I am temporarily in charge, but finally I relieved of the position.”

“That’s why, someone like me…”

“You now, the admiral said that because she came from Kure she’ll be able to do it.”

She had never heard of such a thing. If only by coming from Hiroshima one could lead, then by now the star would have been in either Carp or Sanfrecce. <ref>both are professional baseball team from Hiroshima</ref>

Assaulted by dizziness, Kagerou felt like sitting down. With a relieved expression, Takao began to chatter.

“I feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulder. Somehow the sea looks more blue than it usually is, don’t you think?”

“For me it doesn’t look much different than a ditch…”

“There are still other girls in Fourteen Destroyer Division, it’ll be good to search for them. Please get along.”

After saying that, Takao left while saying, “Perhaps I shall party with canned beef today.”

After that, only the two Kanmusu was left.

Kagerou peek beside her with a sidelong glance. The Kanmusu with bad mouth and attitude, seemed to look bored.

After a while, Akebono talked to herself.

“..... pulled out the bad number huh.”

“Aren’t you understanding.”

Just when Kagerou was about to think how surprisingly honest Akebono was, the later glared at her.

“It’s about me!”

Kagerou instantly shouted, “Shut up you stinking idiot!”

What’s up with this bad mannered destroyer. Despite hearing that there are many good girls in Ayanami class, this brat is way lower than the lower of the lowest. Who’s the one who even want to get along. It’s preferable for her to just got hit by a skip-bomb and sunk in the Solomon sea.

Akebono had no idea about what was in Kageoru’s heart. Her figure already disappeared.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Back to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2''']]
|-
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</noinclude>

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration Page

2015-08-09T05:00:23Z

KnightEmon: Created page with "<big>'''Registration Rules'''</big> *You are required to register which chapters you wish to work on. One portion of text per translator, please. *Registration is on a "First..."

<big>'''Registration Rules'''</big>
*You are required to register which chapters you wish to work on. One portion of text per translator, please.
*Registration is on a "First Come, First Serve" basis.
*A Translator may only register for chapters within a single VOLUME at a time. his is to ensure translators do not sign up and reserve more chapters than they can chew.
*A Maximum of TWO Translators May Be Simultaneously Registered on a Volume. This is to preserve similar writing style and translation style across a single story arc. Exceptions: Situations with side stories and episodic series.
*If an apparently Inactive Translator (no activity for ~2 months) occupies a registration slot that you want, contact him/her and the Project Manager. If he/she does not respond in TWO WEEKS and the Project Manager does not protest, assume the reservation has expired.

==''Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!'' series ==
Volume 1 by Eshtar

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Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!

2015-08-08T23:48:27Z

KnightEmon:

[[Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg|240px|thumb]]

'''Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! ''' (艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します!) is a light novel series written by Toshihiko Tsukiji. The illustrations are done by NOCO. The series is currently ongoing, and published by Enterbrain under their Famitsu Bunko label.

==Story Synopsis==

Kagerou, aKanmusu stationed in Yokosuka Naval Base. As the nameship of the Kagerou class, she pushed herself to do her best in training, but things didn’t go very well. In reality, Ushio, Arare, Satsuki, Nagatsuki, and Akebono—Kanmusus that were added into the same fleet as her—caused by their respective reasons were all failing Kanmusu who could not get themselves a place in other fleets!Kagerou, with her stationing delayed and getting in last out of all of them, finding herself stuck in such a fleet and thus, her daily life in Yokosuka Naval Base began.

The long-awaited official novelization of the famous* [KanColle] has now appeared as a Famitsu paperback edition!

==Updates==

* August 09, 2015 - '''Chapter 1 Completed '''
* August 08, 2015 - '''Page created '''

== Translation ==

===[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

:*'''Translators are asked to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to '''[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Names_and_Terminology_Guidelines|Names and Terminology Guidelines]] & [[Format_guideline|The General Format/Style Guidelines]]'''.

==Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu! series by Toshihiko Tsukiji==

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 1 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 1 ===

*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/kancolle-kagerou-batsubyou-shimasu/volume-1/novel-illustrations/　Terminus]
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon |'''Chapter 1: First Moon''']] Also on [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/kancolle-kagerou-batsubyou-shimasu/volume-1/chapter-1/　Terminus]
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2: Second Moon''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 3: Fire|'''Chapter 3: Fire''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 4: Water|'''Chapter 4: Water''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 5: Tree|'''Chapter 5: Tree''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 6: First Gold|'''Chapter 6: First Gold''']] 
*[[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 7: Second Gold|'''Chapter 7: Second Gold''']] 
|}
 

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[User:Ninja Emon|Ninja Emon]] at [https://terminustranslations.wordpress.com/ Terminus Translation]

===Translators===
:Eshtar

===Editors===
:*[[User:Bowguyz|Bowguyz]]
:*[[User:Nighris|Nighris]]
:*[[User:Crossbeats|Crossbeats]]
:*[[User:Kilroy|Kilroy]]
:*[[User:YuudachiPoi|YuudachiPoi]]
:*[[User:RiseThyYongers|RiseThyYongers]]
:*[[User:Extremeracer19|Extremeracer19]]
:*[[User:Remji|Remji]]

==Series Overview==
*Volume 1 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! (November 30, 2013, ISBN 978-4047292666)
*Volume 2 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 2 (February 28, 2014, ISBN 978-4047294615)
*Volume 3 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 3 (July 30, 2014, ISBN 978-4047297692)
*Volume 4 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 4 (December 26, 2014, ISBN 978-4047301139)
*Volume 5 - 艦隊これくしょん -艦これ- 陽炎、抜錨します! 5 (March 30, 2015, ISBN 978-4047303065)

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Hosted Projects]]

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon

2015-08-08T23:39:44Z

KnightEmon:

==Chapter 1: First Moon==
==Part 1==
Kagerou strained her eyes.

The waves were calm but the weather was partially cloudy. It’s the opposite of “The weather is clear with some high tide<ref>Often said in weather forecast, if I am not mistaken.</ref>”. Although it isn’t something as serious as the fight.

Is there any sign of the enemy right in front. The Abyssal Fleet may suddenly appear, so caution is a necessity. That is why the girls have the importance of observation hammered into them even if it seems like it’s nothing. During the time they were unprepared, a Battleship class just had to appear, during the time they failed to notice, 16 inch shells just had to come down on them. The examples of those being negligent on lookout then disappeared to a watery grave are too many to mention.

Their name is the Abyssal Fleet. They came out of nowhere to wreak havoc on the seas, mankind’s greatest enemy.

No one knows when they appeared. In reality it is better to say that they were found to exist incidentally. The Abyssal Fleet obliterated any ship that came in their way, smashing the sea lanes into pieces. Uncountable ships were sunk and destroyed, disappearing into the depth of the sea.

There was nothing that could fight against them. No, other than the girls, there was nothing that could.

They are the Fleet girls. Those who were rushed into the sea to oppose the Abyssal Fleet equipped with armaments, the guardians who would grasp victory for mankind. Fleet girls are hard boiled chosen maidens, a title worthy of pride.

Even within those Fleet girls, Kagerou is a notably small, very agile and resolute Destroyer Fleet Girl.

She clutched her newly equipped binoculars, once again fixating her gaze to her front.

There was nothing but quietly shimmering blue sea. There is nothing. Perhaps nothing.

As a Destroyer Fleet Girl, she must not be careless. She was way different from the cruisers with their loaded seaplanes and the battleships that remained fine after getting hit by two or three shells. Her only way of scouting are her two eyesand if by any chance, she got hit from point blank range, she would be history. To act with extreme caution is a must.

Her two feet planted on the sea surface, slightly trembled.

Her anxiety also affects her feet. Usually she would never be this anxious, only for today the circumstances were different. The two main machines that she was wearing on her feet like shoes fit her well but time and time again they let out a coughing sound. The one in charge of maintenance was being stingy when oiling it. Thanks to that, her feelings came spreadingout into growing unease in her heart. If only she prepared it herself, this kind of thing wouldn’t have happened, but due to her own foolishness, she overslept. When she remembered sleeping with the taste of last night’s sweet red bean soup she ate last night, she was in this mess.

“Please be a liiiittle bit quieter okay.”

She hushed the main machine with a whisper. Then she muttered, “Both sides advance forward, half speed.”

Like skating, she could feel her body moving forward.

Wind washed over her head. She knew how the ribbon on her head fluttered. So refreshing, it felt good. Even just a moment, the worry in her heart was forgotten.

Realizing, Kagerou shook her head. There is no time to be at ease. Even if she looked like this, she is the nameship of the Kagerou Class. Her bright cheerful and forward looking feature is her plus point. She couldn’t lose sight of the main objective.

Once again, continuing the watch anew, her eyes were on the look out.

The water surface in front of her bubbles. It’s still far in front of her but she could discern that the sea surface changed, looking like it was boiling. Then the whole area changed color.

Black hulls with fangs bearing mouths. The eyes were round but insect-like, in but a glance, it’s easy to know that it isn’t anything close to human.

In numbers almost uncountable, they spread out across the horizon.

The moment she saw them, Kagerou shouted.

“Abyssal Fleet insight! Such great numbers! Mmm.. It's like that “7 part enemy against 3 part sea”* thing<ref> It's a popular phrase in a movie said by a watchman when American warships filled the horizon. And been used in anime and such ever since.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa)</ref>! The sea is colored black by the enemies!”

The reply via the radio was fast.

[Huh? Kagerou, what are you talking about?]

“I said, It’s 7 part enemy against 3 part seas!”

[Don’t assume it. Give an exact number]

“It’s extremely high! Really!”

Although her partner on the radio, Shiranui, was composed as alway, here she felt like foaming from her mouth. It’s not like she was using the popular lines to show off. That phrase was the only thing inher mind when they appeared in that number. It looked like salmon going upstream, but the enemy just isnt that cute.

They swam with a splashing sound. The correct term is sailing but the Fleet Girls called that “swimming”. Their eye colors remain drowned in darkness. If it was battle time, those eyes turn blue. Upon being agitated,humans will have bloodshot eyes, but for these creatures it was the opposite.

Kagerou decided she could do it. Issuinga R Side signal (120 degree clockwise), she changed her course to be by the side of the Abyssal Fleet. Shiranui’s emotionless reply was right. If the enemy has yet to notice her, it is imperative to givean exact number.

One by one she began to count.

“Enemy, eight I-class destroyer! Sixteen Ro-class! Ha-class…”

The one who first decided the Abyssal Fleet class names to be I Ro Ha ofthe Japanese syllabary order was either a genius or a drunken man, there is not much of adifference. It’s more nifty than theAIUEO order but at timesit is easy to get confused and mess it up.

Just when she is about to reach a total count of thirty, suddenly the eyes of the Abyssal Fleet lit up. From pitch black into blue. The blazing lights reflected on the sea surface were astonishingly clear to see. With that all together, Kagerou scowled at the sight.

“They found me out! Shiranui--”

At the moment she said it, the hull of the Abyssal Fleet sparked. Kagerou involuntarily swallowed down her words.

“.... enemy fleet, firing!”

Overhead, shells came falling.

“Kyaaaaa!!”

Pillars of water rose up around her.

“Alright... that is enough.”

Pi---. The sound of buzzer echoed around the Kure bay area.

“Practice is over.”

The dummies that make up the figure of the Abyssal Fleet were collected while still being connected to strings. On the sea surface where Kagerou had been standing, many logs drifted about as substitutes to enemy shells. Being hit by them wouldn’t kill you, but it would still hurt. It looks like an after show skit, it’s shameful.

“Kagerou, please come up.”

Clad in orange uniform was Jintsuu, who shouted by a hand mike. Beside her was the one in charge of radio communications, her accomplice Shiranui.

With water trickling down from her head, Kagerou muttered “Okay…” as she moved closer to the pier.

Heaving, she got up. The armaments were heavy and her drenched clothes makes it even heavier. Her mood also weighed quite some amount.

Jintsuu was already waiting at that place.

Jintsuu dropped her eyes to the notepad she has in her hand.

“Let’s see... for this practice... the result isn’t good, I see... Until the sighting of the Abyssal Fleet, there was a one and a half second delay, and even after sighting, the report is inaccurate... that’s unusual.” Jintsuu’s eyes flickered up to meet Kagerou’s.

“Is there any kind of anxiety you are having?”

“Ee….”

Upon hearing Kagerou’s reply, Jintsuu appeared saddened.

“Or is it because of my leadership? Like I made a mistake, ending up in putting you into a difficult situation.”

“N-No, no, it’s not like that.”

“I am after all but a second ship of the Sendai Class. I’m much too different from the energetic Kagerou Class.”

“It’s not like that! It’s not!”

Kagerous profusely denied. There was not a moment where Jintsuu’s leadership was in the wrong. Kagerou believed that her improvement in training up until now was all thanks to her.

“Well, then that’s the truth.”

“Yes.”

“Then… whose fault is this?”

Said Jintsuu, inclining her head.

Kagerou stumbled on her words. It’s because of this the young lady before her was scary. She completely saw through her heart. In one moment she said that it was her leadership at fault, then by earning the denial she continued by pressing onto the real matter. It’s a single ship practice so it couldn’t be other’s fault. Although it’s slightly cloudy but the field of vision is satisfactory so the weather couldn’t be blamed either. Kagerou confessed honestly.

“It’s… myself.”

“Why is that?”

“My attention is a bit taken by what will happen tomorrow.”

Kagerou gave a small laugh. Intending it to be a shy laugh.

She didn’t get scolded but warned.

“That won’t do, if that’s how it is. If you are not careful, the Abyssal Fleet may destroy you, and if you got distracted the whole fleet might be wiped out.”

Then, Jintsuu continued to add.

“If you’re ordered to be a escort ship, what should you do? It’s a situation where you have to find the enemies at the foremost and attack them. Scouting is the basis of everything. Don’t leave everything to the recon seaplane, you also have to have the strong determination to find the Abyssal Fleet yourself.”

“Yes…”

“Very well. Well then, Kagerou-san, with this your training in Kure is over. From tomorrow on you will be posted toYokosuka. Please do it properly okay.”

Jintsuu smiled.

“Because after all, destroyers are our pride.”

“Yes!”

With a more spirited voice, Kagerou gave a salute.

After bidding farewell to Jintsuu who had left the pier, she let out a sigh.

Having her attention being distracted as an excuse couldn’t be helped but there was a reason for that. From tomorrow on Kagerou will be leaving Kure Naval Base that she had grown accustomed to for Yokosuka Naval Base. Because of this thought in her head, every since the morning she had been restless. The order to change placement came around yesterday. Originally it wasn’t supposed to be that sudden, but somewhere within the organization it got held up and with the delay the documents didn’t arrived until the very last moment. Thanks to that she didn’t even have time for some reluctant parting with her friends, at the very least she only had herself promising to “It’s near Tokyo so send us something nice!”. When she thought about it, personel replacement of Fleet Girls may only be the government conspiracy to empty the wallet of the girls and prevent them from going anywhere.

Although as a replacement of a farewell gift, she was treated to sweet bean soup and ate until her stomach was full. This, however, has its own demerits.

Jintsuu as well, said “then shall we celebrate the placement change” then lent her hand for training until the very end. This was also a form of love, is what Kagerou believed.

It’s just, in this spacious pier only Kagerou and Shiranui were the only ones left.

Although it’s just the two of them, or maybe it’s for the two of them, just like always Shiranui regarded her curtly.

“Taking the first transport to YokoBase is quite hasty, isn’t it.”

Shiranui tilted her neck.

“I wonder of the reason.”

“It’s because the new type of destroyer is energetic. They want it over there as well.”

“Ahahaha,” Kagerou laughed.

By the order of recency, it has been decided that after the Kagerou Class isthe Yuugumo Class.

The girl’s armaments were practically sparkling. They were equipped with a set of 12.7 cm guns and quad torpedo tubes. The torpedo tubes were loaded with assorted torpedos capable of sinking a ship in one hit. These weapons were new, and it will prove to be reliable in a real battle. It’s unfornate that she had to leave Kure for the assignment in Yokosuka but it has been decided for the arrangements on immediate transfer.

“They are really in a great need for me, eh. It must be so.”

“Kagerou’s great vigour and forward looking feature is certainly an advantageous charm. Even Yokosuka might have a need of that.”

“Does that mean rather than my ability it’s more for someone to liven up the atmosphere, isn’t it?”

“I believe it isn’t something as elegant as that.”

“Hey!”

In contrast with the banter, Kagerou laughed.

“I wonder what kind of place Yokosuka is. It must be as spacious as Kure.”

“Probably it is fussy about sticking to regulations. It’s not good to say “finally I meet you”informally right after a change in placement. Getting scolded for fooling around seems to have been the drill in Tokyo Bay.”

“Uwaa, that sounds strict, as expected of Yokosuka”

To Kagerou who stiffened her shoulders in fright, Shiranui said, “Aa, it’s the ‘your guidance, your encouragement…” thing.”

“With that, there won’t be any instance of suddenly getting reprimanded. At least compared to Kagerou’s casual talk.

Since it seems legit, it has been decided for Kagerou to use it.

“What dosen’t Shiranui come over to YokoBase?”

“Shiranui is comfortable with Kure’s waters.”

Shiranui before her is also a Kagerou-class, her armament is also the same. She’s a friend that underwent practice alongside her. To be separated with her, that alone was deplorable.

“How lonely. The parting with the other is also kinda off.”

“It can’t be helped.”

There were also other destroyers that trained under Jintsuu. Perhaps because they went all out for yesterday’s farewell party, right now their figures were nowhereto be seen. It must be either they are studying hard in the classroom, or lounging around drinking ramune.

Shiranui destroyed the imagery with a cold tone.

“Even on the other side, there are alsoother Fleet Girls. They arealso the same comrades. I am sure you can get along well.”

“It’d be nice if there is a lovely girl like Shiranui.”

“.... I wonder about that.”

She turned away. This emotionless girl, it seemed that just for a little bit her face blushed.

Kagerou turned her eyes to the sea. The sky of Kure is so high, the waves of Seto inland Sea were calm. Far away beyond this, she wondered how it is in the Miura peninsula. There Yokosuka is waiting for her.

She returned her gaze.

“Well then. Tomorrow I have to go early.”

“Yes.”

“I will write you letters from there, okay.”

“Not needed.”

“Hey!”

With Kagerou’s protest, Shiranui replied emotionlessly.
[[File:Kagerou-001-17.jpg|240px|thumbnail]]
“Kidding.”

“Oh please.”

“Kagerou as well, please don’t cry and wail because Shiranui isn’t there. You are also forbidden from shooting your ally, or taking other people’s snacks, or throwing yourself off Kannonzaki peninsula all because you’re lonely.”

“I won’t do that!” shouted Kagerou. From tomorrow on, they won’t be able to hold this kind of conversation anymore.

With the insecurities welling up in her heart, Kagerou hugged Shiranui tightly. An act done quite spontaneously.

“Goodbye, Shiranui.”

“Yes.”

Shiranui also slowly hugged her back. With a bit more force than Kagerou.

“Be safe.”

At Kure Naval base where human figures began to disappear, they embraced each other.

Their 12.7cm gun mount hit one another, creating a sound similar to a ringing bell.

==Part 2==

Kagerou felt that she shouldn’t be looked down upon.

If on the first day of arrival she replied with stupid response, they would make fun of her and she would remain inferior for the rest of her life. She should not let people think that “this village girl from Kure is eating so much oyster her head is going nuts”. Kure might have been a splendid port but Yokosuka is even bigger.

Just by being a naval base in itself, there is the pride of being the base of Tokyo Bay.

While using connecting train from Kure, thanks to sleeping she missed her station and upon realizing she hurriedly jumped off the train. This time she rode in the wrong bus and only after she arrived at Kurihama, in confusion she retraced her path. She asked to an elderly and when she walked to the way the elderly person pointed she found herself by an unbelievable cliff, then after thinking really hard she realized she must have been mistaken as a tourist. While trying to somehow make it by her own strength and half wanting to cry, she finally arrived. By then she was drenched in sweat.

When she checked the time, it was surprising how she arrived earlier than the appointed time. Fleet Girls had been drilled that no what the case they had to mobilized themselves five minutes earlier, however in Kagerou’s case even if it’s far from five minutes, she had intended to arrived two hours earlier. The waiting time had reduced significantly but the fact that she was on time still had not change.

A bronze signboard with [Yokosuka Naval Base] written on it hang by the front gate. Of course because it was a port, the place faced to the sea, but there is no way that she come in by swimming then making her landing there. That is why, the most common way will be to use the gate to get inside.

The equipment was being delivered by separate post so it’s almost the same as going in empty handed. It was forbidden for Fleet Girls to move on land with their equipment on. According to a plausible reasoning, if they got into the public transportation with their shells and torpedoes still equipped as is panic would occur.

Kagerou stood still. First, she had to get in then reported about her post to the admiral. She checked if her uniform is disheveled. It’s difficult to say that she was really neat. Thanks to her going here and there previously. For the time being, she stretched the wrinkles by her skirt, straightening the necktie before her breast, and brushing off dust.

With this, it supposed to work out somehow. From clothes discordance, the Fleet Girls’ own discordance could be seen. Even if she might have being teased by bluff, supposedly there would be no chance for her to be made fun of. breathing out, she passed the gate. By the soldier who guard the gate, she showed her identification papers.

The gate guard was a gorilla looking male, with gorilla looking physique. However, upon seeing her identification card, as if taking off on a flight he quickly gave a salute.

“Please come in!”

Fleet Girl are respected as they same time they are feared. They were the only one that can rescue mankind, everyone knows it. With her mood somewhat turning good, Kagerou walked into the premises. As expected of Yokosuka, even at the guard gate were attentive to the discipline. It was also an important issue in Kure, but there the voice was a little bit small.

So as to not block the cars running around, she walked by the edge of the road, and finally after many turns, she found the building pointed by the guide.

“... it’s here, right.”

Kagerou said to herself. The said building was small. Or rather, poor. No matter how one see it,it looks prefabricated, and on top of it it’s still in the middle of construction site. Perhaps it is more appropriate to say it’s in the shape of a hut.

Is this really the admiral’s office? She was about to think that she was wrong, but no matter how she thought of it, it was right. However, did she really have to deliver her placement report here?

With the construction still going on, this must only be a temporary building. Yes, let’s leave it at that.

A case of insecurity; the door was left opened. Kagerou stood in right in front of the door, saying, “Kagerou, coming in!” then after doing a ten degree bow<ref>a bow done by bending your upper body about 10 degree to the front while keeping your head straight with your body, as written in Japan SDF guide</ref>, she walked in.

“Kagerou Class Destroyer, Kagerou. From 0900 today, I will take up the post in Yokosuka Naval Base! I beg of your guidance, and you encoura---”

Just when she was finally saying the borrowed lines from Shiranui, she couldn’t say it until the end.

The room was empty.

Kagerou stared dumbfounded at the room that had not a single person inside.

Before her eyes, there were only a table with blue tablecloth spread on top, not a soul exist. .By the wall there was a hanging scroll with the words “Marine Escort”, but no it’s no way that anyone had ever said that line.

(.... As I thought, I came to the wrong place?)

No, no, supposedly it is not. The room was here and she had also properly informed of the time she take post. Then, why is that no one was around.

It is either no one was around, or that they ran away outside from the window with the hanging teruterubozu. From there she could clearly see the port of Yokosuka.

Right at that time, there was a loud voice.

"Take shelter! Go take shelter!"

Just as she thought eh what? what?, outside people started to run, scattering about like spider offsprings. Kagerou watched, going "pokaaaan" as her mind went blank.

A while later.

"Byuuuruu byuuruu byuuruu" sound came. Just as she absentmindedly thought, "ah, that sounds like shells...", suddenly the ceiling exploded.

"Kyaaaa!!"

Kagerou was thrown by the impact. The wall collapsed, tumbling over to the outside.

"What the?! What?! what?!"

She literally got up as her eyes turned. The prefabricated building that exist until a while before had been completed destroyed. The "Marine Escort" hanging scroll blown by the wind and fell on Kagerou's head.

When she took it off her head, before her she saw a girl gathering mass.

"Oh, come on, how could it be this bad. Where is the girl who directly hit Admiral's home office?"

Isn't that a Fleet girl's equipment, thought Kagerou. Since it's a 12.7 cm, the it must be equipped by a Destroyer.

Although called 12.7 cm gun mount, in reality it's not like the barrel is 127 mm. It's a name that meant the firepower it has is compared to that amount. In addition, 12.7 cm gun is classified as small gun. Because it's something to be equipped by Destroyers, it can't be too big.

Even then, lucky that just now it was only a 12.7 cm, and that it blew up midair. If that was the 41 cm used by battleship, it will be inexcusable for just another explosion.

With that being said, as expected to have the home office of the admiral being fired into is not common.

"Where is the girl!"

The girl in front, shouted until her face turned red at the group of girls in front of her.

"She's not here," a reply said. She has gone somewhere.

"Go find her. If you can't find her within one hour, all of you will not receive meal!"

The girls flustered then started to ran about.

The girl who gave the order was still mad. For that reason, Kagerou found a little bit of courage to call out.

"Excuse me."

"Yes?"

The girl finally noticed Kagerou.

Blue cap with blue uniform. White scarf to her breast. Within one glance, it is easy to know that she is a Heavy Cruiser Fleet Girl. Her height was tall, with a kind features. However, from what she had said earlier, it is known that she could be scary when she is mad.

The girl scrutinized Kagerou from top to bottom.

"Ah, a destroyer. I've never seen your face before."

"I am the first ship of Kagerou class, Kagerou. From today, I will be taking post in Yokosuka Naval Ba..."

"Aa, my apologies. The girl who contacted us from Kure, right.”

Without letting Kagerou finishing all her sentences, the young woman raised her hand light in interruption.

"My name is Takao. I'm the first ship of Takao Class. The second ship is also in Yoko Base so I guess you'll eventually meet her. I'm in charge of practice and far away excursion with the battleships. Pleased to meet you."

"Yes..."

Since she is a heavy cruiser, she must have sortied with together with the battleships and the carriers, at times functioning as flagships.

That aside, what big breasts. The uniform could barely hold them in. She wondered if there was any kind of regulations that say unless you have big breasts you won't be able to became heavy cruisers.

"Then, is Takao-san my flagship...."

"I'm not. You're a destroyer, aren't you?"

"Yes. If so, then I..."

"More importantly, see."

Takao firmly grabbed Kagerou's shoulders.

"Will you help me search for that girl?"

".... who is this about?"

"Just now, the one who just shelled this office, that idiot-- no, that unique Fleet Girl. In just this one month it's already the third time. Every time he got shelled, the admiral always sulk and go to be spoiled at by the carrier dorm, you know. Last week she had a change of heart and went to the battleship dorm, and then the lady from carrier division came out complaining. All the time it's always me who's on the short end of the stick, okay."

"Yes."

With a voice still in shock that it had been happening numerous times, Kagerou stood. What's up with this naval base.

"And so with that, please help . That girl, this time I will moored her with a bowline knot that she can't move."

"For that, who am I supposed to look for?"

"An impertinent destroyer with slanted eyes. You will know right away."

"What is the ship name?"

With this, Takao finally told Kagerou the warship name.

"Akebono."

Yokosuka Naval Base is spacious. Its duty differ with Kure that concentrates being education training, however the sites and even the waters paled in comparison. Before her departure, her other Fleet Girls comrade told her harshly "It's unfortunate that it's Yokosuka" "the strictness there can't be compared with Kure" "Going abroad is still better". No matter how you put it, those were all just sentences thrown based on imagination but since she had nothing to object with the only thing she could do was listen.

It's not that she really had no basic conjecture, Yokosuka Naval Base was constantly being said as a base build especially to fight Abyssal Fleet, thus there was a sense of urgency in it.

That was how it was supposedly.

Why in the world am I in the middle of manhunt now, thought Kagerou. That may be because she is a Destroyer that specializes in search investigation or rescue, but isn't it strange to right away using someone who has just changed post. Thanks to that, without even a tour, now she was stuck walking around searching.

On that note, What it means by "tour" here is, the act of accompanying the newly appointed Fleet Girl all around the Naval Base for her to remember the position of the facilities. If one couldn't remember where a facilities exist and what it does after one round, she could get scolded at.

Without a tour, it's similar as being a lost girl herself. She wondered in what way can she even search.

"Since it's a Naval Base the same as Kure, the facilities supposed to be the same..."

Kagerou muttered in her mouth.

For example, if she were to shell the Admiral's office then created a commotion, after that where will she go?

Usually in a serial killer style, one will run into the depth of the mountain, or carry their equipment over to coral island to escape. If it is in the southern area, there are many small island that seems unknown to everyone, it is possible to pull of a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle.

However, with the way Takao said it, until now there has been several shelling. With that in mind, the idea of going to the south on the contrary sounds unlikely. Just to be sure, she stretched her back and looked around the bay area but there wasn't any Fleet Girls' wake.

With that, let's assume she's still on land. Maybe in the military equipment storage. Ah no, there is a guard there. Then, what about the dock? Over there, there is also the previous visitor so there is no meaning. Port task division quarantine building. It's possible to be threatened by, “do you want to be infected by a kind of pathogen?” so it's a no. Bay area degassing facility. If you hide in that kind of facility it's the same as saying goodbye.

She imagined what she would do if it was her.During time when she pilfered ramune and banana from the cafeteria then discovered by the one in charge of weekly duty, she concealed herself until the floor of the lecture hall. When she was caught bringing in packed ohagi and peach and got chased for exceed rations, she pretended to be one in charge of repair from Construction department. By the way, it's not like she did all of this solely because she wanted to. It was for Shiranui who catch a cold had wanted them.

(but I wonder if she will hide in such an obvious place...)

If the one who hide is a pro, the one who search also be a pro. Especially Destroyer Fleet Girls, who will welcome searching for anything whether on the sea or on the land. No matter which Naval Base, battles around towels or notes borrowed from the battleships or heavy cruisers or even underwear, is an everyday occurrence.

Once more, she remembered what Takao had said a while ago. Just within this month, it’s the third time. Then that means she had been found out two times. Most likely she was in a place easy to find. Why was she in a place easy to find. Perhaps she wants someone to search for her. However for that part she must not have done it with no goal in mind. She should have wanted to know the movement from this side as well. As far as it is concerned.

“Maybe there.”

The girl ran towards a building near her field of vision.

A three-story western building in brick colored. Within the many modern architectural building, its color used for exterior appearance is clearly distinguishable from the others.

It’s a Yokosuka Naval Base Government Office building.

Kagerou gave a bow in a hurry before she went in. It’s a good thing that she saw no one, she ran up the stairs skipping one staircase in each leap.

She got out into the rooftop. This place is used to hoist flags, so it’s not that spacious.

Right there was a lone Fleet Girl.

A classic looking Sailor uniform with a blue ribbon tie. Her long hair was tied by the right side of her head, a bell on her hair clip. The profile of her side face is childish, for a certainty her expression wasn’t pleasant, as she gave a tense impression.

Kagerou was convinced that this girl was Akebono.

Without facing Kagerou, Akebono took out a pocket watch from her breast pocket.

“.... Ten minutes. Hmph. Until now this is the fastest, aren’t you..”

Her wording, really gave the feeling of making fun of others.

“All the others are being incompetent, but at least you learn a bit huh. For cruisers and destroyer this is preferable.”

The girl turned around. After that she made a puzzled expression.

“.... who’re you.”

“Kagerou.” - Was how she replied. Akebono seemed to be even more puzzled.

“Kagerou as in, the first ship of Kagerou class? What business you have with me?”

“Because from today I change post here...”

‘Yoroshiku’ is what she wanted to say but Akebono wasn’t in the mood for some greetings.

Openly, Kagerou was barraged with suspicious stares.

“Then what for did you come here?”

Against such contentious way of talking, Kagerou answered as she remembered the confusion.

“I was told to search for you. The other fleet girls are being told that they wont get any meal if they don’t find you, you know.”

“You can just ignore it. Since at best all destroyer can do is just making uproar and going here and there in confusion and be useless.”

“Aren’t you yourself a destroyer?”

“So?”

Akebono threw a glare. Kagerou unsure of what to say.

“..... well.”

“If it’s ‘changed post” that means you come from Kure or Sasebo, right. At best you must have failed on something and got thrown here. It’s must be one of those, either you screwed up in your lookout and got done by a dive bomber, or you got wrecked by salvos. Once again those frauds pushed the scraps here, it’s getting crowded.”

Rather than getting mad, Kagerou was bewildered. Just who is this Fleet Girl who since a while ago say nothing but abusing others.

“Mere Destroyers can’t be used to fight against the Abyssal Fleet anyway, so it’s better for you to just retire right away. Not getting any post is the same as getting drowned right away anyway. Well, after sinking there is still scratching your name from the register so there are two steps labor of official papers, so discontinuing right away is better.”

Kagerou attempted to somehow give rebuttals to those statements fully loaded with spite.

“A…. I come here to properly fight, you know.”

“Ha? Fighting with Abyssal Fleet as an enemy are words that only battleships and carriers used you know.”

Akebono gave a mocking laughter.

“If we’re talking about what destroyer do, it’s either escorting expedition, or being expendables for escaping the battles. From the very beginning, there are no expectations out of us.”

“Without auxiliary vessel, there can’t be any battles!”

“That was too bad. Being the outrider in a fleet is not a leading role. If you wanna say what Destroyer do, they don’t expect anything more than expendables. Those cruisers are all thinking like that.”

“That’s not true!”

Kagerou shouted. At Kure, the light cruiser girls were all gentle, valuing them. Especially Jintsuu, as kind as she is strict, saying, “Destroyers are our pride.”

“Destroyers are not useless!”

“Oooh, yes, you are right. Around the level of finding me, is still a role, right.”

Too snappish there is no way to get the conversation along with her.

Pissed off, Kagerou mouthed a “he”. If it’s going to be like this, she would have practice foul words. To begin with, in Kure there were no such perverse Kanmusu so there had never been any need to practice it. Her partner Shiranui, being cool, calm, and collected, may appeared cynical but she would never say any upfront foul words.

It’s obvious but Akebono has not a single care in Kagerou’s circumstances.

“... I’m going to bring you with me.”

It came out low, akin to a groan.

“Since if I don’t, I will also get dragged into skipping meal.”

“It’s better if you lessen your eating you know, it counts as diet.”

“I’m not getting fat!”

She forcibly grabbed Akebono’s arm.

“We’re going!”

“Uwa, how rude. So the rumor about Kagerou Class being all brawl and no brain is true.”

“Shut up!”

Trying her best so as not to let her face being seen, Kagerou pulled Akebono.

Kagerou brought Akebono to Takao. While Akebono continue badmouthing her, she didn’t give any resistance.

“I brought her.”

“Thanks for your hard work. So it’s true that Kagerou class are fast.”

Takao was impressed. Remaining disappointed, Kagerou bowed.

“With this, I will excuse my self.”

“Aah, wait. Take her too.”

The “her” of course meant Akebono. Kagerou gave a baffled expression.

“Is it to detention?”

“Unfortunately for that, a while ago the admiral left an instruction to deal with this as something irrelevant.”

“Haa? She shelled the admiral office, you know?!”

“Our admiral, not only a masochist, he also loves fireworks so it seems like he was watching from somewhere else. He said something along the line, the spark of the explosion was beautiful so she’s innocent.”

Kagerou thought, “so irresponsible”. Normally, without fail it would end up with the equipment being dismantled. The Fleet Girl herself would undergo trial then sent to Kurihama penitentiary. That aside, before there were any wrongdoing done, Kagerou doesn’t want to be with this Destroyer girl.

“Then, I don’t know about the destination but as long as I take her along it’s enough, right?”

“There is still more. There’s a notice for you. I wonder where it went….”

Takao turned over a bundle of documents she had in her hand, making ruffling sounds.

“Here it is. Let’s see, Kagerou of Kagerou Class is appointed to be on command of the destroyers listed below. Fourteen Destroyer Division.”

With her mouth, Kagerou repeated the present notice. 14… 14… she had never heard of it. Did such fleet exist?

“In case of embezzlement is it Fourteen?”

“I wonder. I guess it was decided by darts or something like.”

Seemingly to have no idea about it, Takao gave a nonchalant answer.

Based on ministerial ordinance, the destroyers division in Yokosuka Naval Base was decided to be from One up until Ten. For Fourteen to exist in Yokosuka is nearing exceptional.

Ten series was allocated for destroyer of Kure. Kagerou thought maybe because she was from Kure, it turned it Fourteen. Or if other reason exist.

“Somehow it sounds like a fleet for leftovers, isn’t it.”

“You understand it very well, huh.”

“Please don’t say something unpleasant. Other than me, who are they?”

Takao pointed to the one beside Kagerou.

“There she is.”

“She?”

“There.”

Kagerou didn’t understand what Takao was saying. No, actually she comprehend it. It’s just that she didn’t want to believe it. Because she is the newly produced Kagerou Class that she got called to Yokosuka. She thought that wouldn’t go through something unreasonable.

She gingerly looked beside her, then turned her face back.

“It can’t possibly be… with Akebono…..?”

“Yes.”

Kagerou jumped.

“Uuuuuuu this is a lie, right?!”

“Why would I tell you a lie? Weren’t you the one saying that about leftovers?”

“I can’t believe that it’s true….”

“I thought that Kure Base fleet girl have good reasoning.”

Just like ending it, Takao circled the documents.

Clinging on, Kagerou said forcefully.

“L-Lead ship, who is the lead ship?! It’s Takao-san right?!”

“You.”

“Eeeeee?!”

“The one doing the lead ship for Fourteen Destroyer Division is Kagerou.”

“Kyaaaaaaa!!!”

The lead ship is the one in charge of giving command and direction to the destroyer. Normally it is assigned to the light cruisers, who has better speed and communication ability. For a destroyer to be assigned as one is an exception under exceptional circumstances.

To the flabbergasted Kagerou, Takao continued.

“Until now there has been a number of people trying to lead Akebono and failed. I am temporarily in charge, but finally I relieved of the position.”

“That’s why, someone like me…”

“You now, the admiral said that because she came from Kure she’ll be able to do it.”

She had never heard of such a thing. If only by coming from Hiroshima one could lead, then by now the star would have been in either Carp or Sanfrecce. <ref>both are professional baseball team from Hiroshima</ref>

Assaulted by dizziness, Kagerou felt like sitting down. With a relieved expression, Takao began to chatter.

“I feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulder. Somehow the sea looks more blue than it usually is, don’t you think?”

“For me it doesn’t look much different than a ditch…”

“There are still other girls in Fourteen Destroyer Division, it’ll be good to search for them. Please get along.”

After saying that, Takao left while saying, “Perhaps I shall party with canned beef today.”

After that, only the two Kanmusu was left.

Kagerou peek beside her with a sidelong glance. The Kanmusu with bad mouth and attitude, seemed to look bored.

After a while, Akebono talked to herself.

“..... pulled out the bad number huh.”

“Aren’t you understanding.”

Just when Kagerou was about to think how surprisingly honest Akebono was, the later glared at her.

“It’s about me!”

Kagerou instantly shouted, “Shut up you stinking idiot!”

What’s up with this bad mannered destroyer. Despite hearing that there are many good girls in Ayanami class, this brat is way lower than the lower of the lowest. Who’s the one who even want to get along. It’s preferable for her to just got hit by a skip-bomb and sunk in the Solomon sea.

Akebono had no idea about what was in Kageoru’s heart. Her figure already disappeared.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Back to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2''']]
|-
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</noinclude>

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations

2015-08-08T12:33:24Z

KnightEmon:

==Novel Illustrations==
These are the illustrations included at the start of Volume 1.
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Image:Kagerou vol 1.jpg
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| Return to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon|'''Chapter 1''']]
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</noinclude>

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon

2015-08-08T12:33:24Z

KnightEmon:

==Chapter 1: First Moon==
Kagerou strained her eyes.

The waves were calm but the weather was partially cloudy. It’s the opposite of “The weather is clear with some high tide<ref>Often said in weather forecast, if I am not mistaken.</ref>”. Although it isn’t something as serious as the fight.

Is there any sign of the enemy right in front. The Abyssal Fleet may suddenly appear, so caution is a necessity. That is why the girls have the importance of observation hammered into them even if it seems like it’s nothing. During the time they were unprepared, a Battleship class just had to appear, during the time they failed to notice, 16 inch shells just had to come down on them. The examples of those being negligent on lookout then disappeared to a watery grave are too many to mention.

Their name is the Abyssal Fleet. They came out of nowhere to wreak havoc on the seas, mankind’s greatest enemy.

No one knows when they appeared. In reality it is better to say that they were found to exist incidentally. The Abyssal Fleet obliterated any ship that came in their way, smashing the sea lanes into pieces. Uncountable ships were sunk and destroyed, disappearing into the depth of the sea.

There was nothing that could fight against them. No, other than the girls, there was nothing that could.

They are the Fleet girls. Those who were rushed into the sea to oppose the Abyssal Fleet equipped with armaments, the guardians who would grasp victory for mankind. Fleet girls are hard boiled chosen maidens, a title worthy of pride.

Even within those Fleet girls, Kagerou is a notably small, very agile and resolute Destroyer Fleet Girl.

She clutched her newly equipped binoculars, once again fixating her gaze to her front.

There was nothing but quietly shimmering blue sea. There is nothing. Perhaps nothing.

As a Destroyer Fleet Girl, she must not be careless. She was way different from the cruisers with their loaded seaplanes and the battleships that remained fine after getting hit by two or three shells. Her only way of scouting are her two eyesand if by any chance, she got hit from point blank range, she would be history. To act with extreme caution is a must.

Her two feet planted on the sea surface, slightly trembled.

Her anxiety also affects her feet. Usually she would never be this anxious, only for today the circumstances were different. The two main machines that she was wearing on her feet like shoes fit her well but time and time again they let out a coughing sound. The one in charge of maintenance was being stingy when oiling it. Thanks to that, her feelings came spreadingout into growing unease in her heart. If only she prepared it herself, this kind of thing wouldn’t have happened, but due to her own foolishness, she overslept. When she remembered sleeping with the taste of last night’s sweet red bean soup she ate last night, she was in this mess.

“Please be a liiiittle bit quieter okay.”

She hushed the main machine with a whisper. Then she muttered, “Both sides advance forward, half speed.”

Like skating, she could feel her body moving forward.

Wind washed over her head. She knew how the ribbon on her head fluttered. So refreshing, it felt good. Even just a moment, the worry in her heart was forgotten.

Realizing, Kagerou shook her head. There is no time to be at ease. Even if she looked like this, she is the nameship of the Kagerou Class. Her bright cheerful and forward looking feature is her plus point. She couldn’t lose sight of the main objective.

Once again, continuing the watch anew, her eyes were on the look out.

The water surface in front of her bubbles. It’s still far in front of her but she could discern that the sea surface changed, looking like it was boiling. Then the whole area changed color.

Black hulls with fangs bearing mouths. The eyes were round but insect-like, in but a glance, it’s easy to know that it isn’t anything close to human.

In numbers almost uncountable, they spread out across the horizon.

The moment she saw them, Kagerou shouted.

“Abyssal Fleet insight! Such great numbers! Mmm.. It's like that “7 part enemy against 3 part sea”* thing<ref> It's a popular phrase in a movie said by a watchman when American warships filled the horizon. And been used in anime and such ever since.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa)</ref>! The sea is colored black by the enemies!”

The reply via the radio was fast.

[Huh? Kagerou, what are you talking about?]

“I said, It’s 7 part enemy against 3 part seas!”

[Don’t assume it. Give an exact number]

“It’s extremely high! Really!”

Although her partner on the radio, Shiranui, was composed as alway, here she felt like foaming from her mouth. It’s not like she was using the popular lines to show off. That phrase was the only thing inher mind when they appeared in that number. It looked like salmon going upstream, but the enemy just isnt that cute.

They swam with a splashing sound. The correct term is sailing but the Fleet Girls called that “swimming”. Their eye colors remain drowned in darkness. If it was battle time, those eyes turn blue. Upon being agitated,humans will have bloodshot eyes, but for these creatures it was the opposite.

Kagerou decided she could do it. Issuinga R Side signal (120 degree clockwise), she changed her course to be by the side of the Abyssal Fleet. Shiranui’s emotionless reply was right. If the enemy has yet to notice her, it is imperative to givean exact number.

One by one she began to count.

“Enemy, eight I-class destroyer! Sixteen Ro-class! Ha-class…”

The one who first decided the Abyssal Fleet class names to be I Ro Ha ofthe Japanese syllabary order was either a genius or a drunken man, there is not much of adifference. It’s more nifty than theAIUEO order but at timesit is easy to get confused and mess it up.

Just when she is about to reach a total count of thirty, suddenly the eyes of the Abyssal Fleet lit up. From pitch black into blue. The blazing lights reflected on the sea surface were astonishingly clear to see. With that all together, Kagerou scowled at the sight.

“They found me out! Shiranui--”

At the moment she said it, the hull of the Abyssal Fleet sparked. Kagerou involuntarily swallowed down her words.

“.... enemy fleet, firing!”

Overhead, shells came falling.

“Kyaaaaa!!”

Pillars of water rose up around her.

“Alright... that is enough.”

Pi---. The sound of buzzer echoed around the Kure bay area.

“Practice is over.”

The dummies that make up the figure of the Abyssal Fleet were collected while still being connected to strings. On the sea surface where Kagerou had been standing, many logs drifted about as substitutes to enemy shells. Being hit by them wouldn’t kill you, but it would still hurt. It looks like an after show skit, it’s shameful.

“Kagerou, please come up.”

Clad in orange uniform was Jintsuu, who shouted by a hand mike. Beside her was the one in charge of radio communications, her accomplice Shiranui.

With water trickling down from her head, Kagerou muttered “Okay…” as she moved closer to the pier.

Heaving, she got up. The armaments were heavy and her drenched clothes makes it even heavier. Her mood also weighed quite some amount.

Jintsuu was already waiting at that place.

Jintsuu dropped her eyes to the notepad she has in her hand.

“Let’s see... for this practice... the result isn’t good, I see... Until the sighting of the Abyssal Fleet, there was a one and a half second delay, and even after sighting, the report is inaccurate... that’s unusual.” Jintsuu’s eyes flickered up to meet Kagerou’s.

“Is there any kind of anxiety you are having?”

“Ee….”

Upon hearing Kagerou’s reply, Jintsuu appeared saddened.

“Or is it because of my leadership? Like I made a mistake, ending up in putting you into a difficult situation.”

“N-No, no, it’s not like that.”

“I am after all but a second ship of the Sendai Class. I’m much too different from the energetic Kagerou Class.”

“It’s not like that! It’s not!”

Kagerous profusely denied. There was not a moment where Jintsuu’s leadership was in the wrong. Kagerou believed that her improvement in training up until now was all thanks to her.

“Well, then that’s the truth.”

“Yes.”

“Then… whose fault is this?”

Said Jintsuu, inclining her head.

Kagerou stumbled on her words. It’s because of this the young lady before her was scary. She completely saw through her heart. In one moment she said that it was her leadership at fault, then by earning the denial she continued by pressing onto the real matter. It’s a single ship practice so it couldn’t be other’s fault. Although it’s slightly cloudy but the field of vision is satisfactory so the weather couldn’t be blamed either. Kagerou confessed honestly.

“It’s… myself.”

“Why is that?”

“My attention is a bit taken by what will happen tomorrow.”

Kagerou gave a small laugh. Intending it to be a shy laugh.

She didn’t get scolded but warned.

“That won’t do, if that’s how it is. If you are not careful, the Abyssal Fleet may destroy you, and if you got distracted the whole fleet might be wiped out.”

Then, Jintsuu continued to add.

“If you’re ordered to be a escort ship, what should you do? It’s a situation where you have to find the enemies at the foremost and attack them. Scouting is the basis of everything. Don’t leave everything to the recon seaplane, you also have to have the strong determination to find the Abyssal Fleet yourself.”

“Yes…”

“Very well. Well then, Kagerou-san, with this your training in Kure is over. From tomorrow on you will be posted toYokosuka. Please do it properly okay.”

Jintsuu smiled.

“Because after all, destroyers are our pride.”

“Yes!”

With a more spirited voice, Kagerou gave a salute.

After bidding farewell to Jintsuu who had left the pier, she let out a sigh.

Having her attention being distracted as an excuse couldn’t be helped but there was a reason for that. From tomorrow on Kagerou will be leaving Kure Naval Base that she had grown accustomed to for Yokosuka Naval Base. Because of this thought in her head, every since the morning she had been restless. The order to change placement came around yesterday. Originally it wasn’t supposed to be that sudden, but somewhere within the organization it got held up and with the delay the documents didn’t arrived until the very last moment. Thanks to that she didn’t even have time for some reluctant parting with her friends, at the very least she only had herself promising to “It’s near Tokyo so send us something nice!”. When she thought about it, personel replacement of Fleet Girls may only be the government conspiracy to empty the wallet of the girls and prevent them from going anywhere.

Although as a replacement of a farewell gift, she was treated to sweet bean soup and ate until her stomach was full. This, however, has its own demerits.

Jintsuu as well, said “then shall we celebrate the placement change” then lent her hand for training until the very end. This was also a form of love, is what Kagerou believed.

It’s just, in this spacious pier only Kagerou and Shiranui were the only ones left.

Although it’s just the two of them, or maybe it’s for the two of them, just like always Shiranui regarded her curtly.

“Taking the first transport to YokoBase is quite hasty, isn’t it.”

Shiranui tilted her neck.

“I wonder of the reason.”

“It’s because the new type of destroyer is energetic. They want it over there as well.”

“Ahahaha,” Kagerou laughed.

By the order of recency, it has been decided that after the Kagerou Class isthe Yuugumo Class.

The girl’s armaments were practically sparkling. They were equipped with a set of 12.7 cm guns and quad torpedo tubes. The torpedo tubes were loaded with assorted torpedos capable of sinking a ship in one hit. These weapons were new, and it will prove to be reliable in a real battle. It’s unfornate that she had to leave Kure for the assignment in Yokosuka but it has been decided for the arrangements on immediate transfer.

“They are really in a great need for me, eh. It must be so.”

“Kagerou’s great vigour and forward looking feature is certainly an advantageous charm. Even Yokosuka might have a need of that.”

“Does that mean rather than my ability it’s more for someone to liven up the atmosphere, isn’t it?”

“I believe it isn’t something as elegant as that.”

“Hey!”

In contrast with the banter, Kagerou laughed.

“I wonder what kind of place Yokosuka is. It must be as spacious as Kure.”

“Probably it is fussy about sticking to regulations. It’s not good to say “finally I meet you”informally right after a change in placement. Getting scolded for fooling around seems to have been the drill in Tokyo Bay.”

“Uwaa, that sounds strict, as expected of Yokosuka”

To Kagerou who stiffened her shoulders in fright, Shiranui said, “Aa, it’s the ‘your guidance, your encouragement…” thing.”

“With that, there won’t be any instance of suddenly getting reprimanded. At least compared to Kagerou’s casual talk.

Since it seems legit, it has been decided for Kagerou to use it.

“What dosen’t Shiranui come over to YokoBase?”

“Shiranui is comfortable with Kure’s waters.”

Shiranui before her is also a Kagerou-class, her armament is also the same. She’s a friend that underwent practice alongside her. To be separated with her, that alone was deplorable.

“How lonely. The parting with the other is also kinda off.”

“It can’t be helped.”

There were also other destroyers that trained under Jintsuu. Perhaps because they went all out for yesterday’s farewell party, right now their figures were nowhereto be seen. It must be either they are studying hard in the classroom, or lounging around drinking ramune.

Shiranui destroyed the imagery with a cold tone.

“Even on the other side, there are alsoother Fleet Girls. They arealso the same comrades. I am sure you can get along well.”

“It’d be nice if there is a lovely girl like Shiranui.”

“.... I wonder about that.”

She turned away. This emotionless girl, it seemed that just for a little bit her face blushed.

Kagerou turned her eyes to the sea. The sky of Kure is so high, the waves of Seto inland Sea were calm. Far away beyond this, she wondered how it is in the Miura peninsula. There Yokosuka is waiting for her.

She returned her gaze.

“Well then. Tomorrow I have to go early.”

“Yes.”

“I will write you letters from there, okay.”

“Not needed.”

“Hey!”

With Kagerou’s protest, Shiranui replied emotionlessly.
[[File:Kagerou-001-17.jpg|240px|thumbnail]]
“Kidding.”

“Oh please.”

“Kagerou as well, please don’t cry and wail because Shiranui isn’t there. You are also forbidden from shooting your ally, or taking other people’s snacks, or throwing yourself off Kannonzaki peninsula all because you’re lonely.”

“I won’t do that!” shouted Kagerou. From tomorrow on, they won’t be able to hold this kind of conversation anymore.

With the insecurities welling up in her heart, Kagerou hugged Shiranui tightly. An act done quite spontaneously.

“Goodbye, Shiranui.”

“Yes.”

Shiranui also slowly hugged her back. With a bit more force than Kagerou.

“Be safe.”

At Kure Naval base where human figures began to disappear, they embraced each other.

Their 12.7cm gun mount hit one another, creating a sound similar to a ringing bell.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2''']]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations

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Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 1: First Moon

2015-08-08T12:13:32Z

KnightEmon: Created page with "==Chapter 1: First Moon== Kagerou strained her eyes. The waves were calm but the weather was partially cloudy. It’s the opposite of “The weather is clear with some high t..."

==Chapter 1: First Moon==
Kagerou strained her eyes.

The waves were calm but the weather was partially cloudy. It’s the opposite of “The weather is clear with some high tide<ref>Often said in weather forecast, if I am not mistaken.</ref>”. Although it isn’t something as serious as the fight.

Is there any sign of the enemy right in front. The Abyssal Fleet may suddenly appear, so caution is a necessity. That is why the girls have the importance of observation hammered into them even if it seems like it’s nothing. During the time they were unprepared, a Battleship class just had to appear, during the time they failed to notice, 16 inch shells just had to come down on them. The examples of those being negligent on lookout then disappeared to a watery grave are too many to mention.

Their name is the Abyssal Fleet. They came out of nowhere to wreak havoc on the seas, mankind’s greatest enemy.

No one knows when they appeared. In reality it is better to say that they were found to exist incidentally. The Abyssal Fleet obliterated any ship that came in their way, smashing the sea lanes into pieces. Uncountable ships were sunk and destroyed, disappearing into the depth of the sea.

There was nothing that could fight against them. No, other than the girls, there was nothing that could.

They are the Fleet girls. Those who were rushed into the sea to oppose the Abyssal Fleet equipped with armaments, the guardians who would grasp victory for mankind. Fleet girls are hard boiled chosen maidens, a title worthy of pride.

Even within those Fleet girls, Kagerou is a notably small, very agile and resolute Destroyer Fleet Girl.

She clutched her newly equipped binoculars, once again fixating her gaze to her front.

There was nothing but quietly shimmering blue sea. There is nothing. Perhaps nothing.

As a Destroyer Fleet Girl, she must not be careless. She was way different from the cruisers with their loaded seaplanes and the battleships that remained fine after getting hit by two or three shells. Her only way of scouting are her two eyesand if by any chance, she got hit from point blank range, she would be history. To act with extreme caution is a must.

Her two feet planted on the sea surface, slightly trembled.

Her anxiety also affects her feet. Usually she would never be this anxious, only for today the circumstances were different. The two main machines that she was wearing on her feet like shoes fit her well but time and time again they let out a coughing sound. The one in charge of maintenance was being stingy when oiling it. Thanks to that, her feelings came spreadingout into growing unease in her heart. If only she prepared it herself, this kind of thing wouldn’t have happened, but due to her own foolishness, she overslept. When she remembered sleeping with the taste of last night’s sweet red bean soup she ate last night, she was in this mess.

“Please be a liiiittle bit quieter okay.”

She hushed the main machine with a whisper. Then she muttered, “Both sides advance forward, half speed.”

Like skating, she could feel her body moving forward.

Wind washed over her head. She knew how the ribbon on her head fluttered. So refreshing, it felt good. Even just a moment, the worry in her heart was forgotten.

Realizing, Kagerou shook her head. There is no time to be at ease. Even if she looked like this, she is the nameship of the Kagerou Class. Her bright cheerful and forward looking feature is her plus point. She couldn’t lose sight of the main objective.

Once again, continuing the watch anew, her eyes were on the look out.

The water surface in front of her bubbles. It’s still far in front of her but she could discern that the sea surface changed, looking like it was boiling. Then the whole area changed color.

Black hulls with fangs bearing mouths. The eyes were round but insect-like, in but a glance, it’s easy to know that it isn’t anything close to human.

In numbers almost uncountable, they spread out across the horizon.

The moment she saw them, Kagerou shouted.

“Abyssal Fleet insight! Such great numbers! Mmm.. It's like that “7 part enemy against 3 part sea”* thing<ref> It's a popular phrase in a movie said by a watchman when American warships filled the horizon. And been used in anime and such ever since.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa)</ref>! The sea is colored black by the enemies!”

The reply via the radio was fast.

[Huh? Kagerou, what are you talking about?]

“I said, It’s 7 part enemy against 3 part seas!”

[Don’t assume it. Give an exact number]

“It’s extremely high! Really!”

Although her partner on the radio, Shiranui, was composed as alway, here she felt like foaming from her mouth. It’s not like she was using the popular lines to show off. That phrase was the only thing inher mind when they appeared in that number. It looked like salmon going upstream, but the enemy just isnt that cute.

They swam with a splashing sound. The correct term is sailing but the Fleet Girls called that “swimming”. Their eye colors remain drowned in darkness. If it was battle time, those eyes turn blue. Upon being agitated,humans will have bloodshot eyes, but for these creatures it was the opposite.

Kagerou decided she could do it. Issuinga R Side signal (120 degree clockwise), she changed her course to be by the side of the Abyssal Fleet. Shiranui’s emotionless reply was right. If the enemy has yet to notice her, it is imperative to givean exact number.

One by one she began to count.

“Enemy, eight I-class destroyer! Sixteen Ro-class! Ha-class…”

The one who first decided the Abyssal Fleet class names to be I Ro Ha ofthe Japanese syllabary order was either a genius or a drunken man, there is not much of adifference. It’s more nifty than theAIUEO order but at timesit is easy to get confused and mess it up.

Just when she is about to reach a total count of thirty, suddenly the eyes of the Abyssal Fleet lit up. From pitch black into blue. The blazing lights reflected on the sea surface were astonishingly clear to see. With that all together, Kagerou scowled at the sight.

“They found me out! Shiranui--”

At the moment she said it, the hull of the Abyssal Fleet sparked. Kagerou involuntarily swallowed down her words.

“.... enemy fleet, firing!”

Overhead, shells came falling.

“Kyaaaaa!!”

Pillars of water rose up around her.

“Alright... that is enough.”

Pi---. The sound of buzzer echoed around the Kure bay area.

“Practice is over.”

The dummies that make up the figure of the Abyssal Fleet were collected while still being connected to strings. On the sea surface where Kagerou had been standing, many logs drifted about as substitutes to enemy shells. Being hit by them wouldn’t kill you, but it would still hurt. It looks like an after show skit, it’s shameful.

“Kagerou, please come up.”

Clad in orange uniform was Jintsuu, who shouted by a hand mike. Beside her was the one in charge of radio communications, her accomplice Shiranui.

With water trickling down from her head, Kagerou muttered “Okay…” as she moved closer to the pier.

Heaving, she got up. The armaments were heavy and her drenched clothes makes it even heavier. Her mood also weighed quite some amount.

Jintsuu was already waiting at that place.

Jintsuu dropped her eyes to the notepad she has in her hand.

“Let’s see... for this practice... the result isn’t good, I see... Until the sighting of the Abyssal Fleet, there was a one and a half second delay, and even after sighting, the report is inaccurate... that’s unusual.” Jintsuu’s eyes flickered up to meet Kagerou’s.

“Is there any kind of anxiety you are having?”

“Ee….”

Upon hearing Kagerou’s reply, Jintsuu appeared saddened.

“Or is it because of my leadership? Like I made a mistake, ending up in putting you into a difficult situation.”

“N-No, no, it’s not like that.”

“I am after all but a second ship of the Sendai Class. I’m much too different from the energetic Kagerou Class.”

“It’s not like that! It’s not!”

Kagerous profusely denied. There was not a moment where Jintsuu’s leadership was in the wrong. Kagerou believed that her improvement in training up until now was all thanks to her.

“Well, then that’s the truth.”

“Yes.”

“Then… whose fault is this?”

Said Jintsuu, inclining her head.

Kagerou stumbled on her words. It’s because of this the young lady before her was scary. She completely saw through her heart. In one moment she said that it was her leadership at fault, then by earning the denial she continued by pressing onto the real matter. It’s a single ship practice so it couldn’t be other’s fault. Although it’s slightly cloudy but the field of vision is satisfactory so the weather couldn’t be blamed either. Kagerou confessed honestly.

“It’s… myself.”

“Why is that?”

“My attention is a bit taken by what will happen tomorrow.”

Kagerou gave a small laugh. Intending it to be a shy laugh.

She didn’t get scolded but warned.

“That won’t do, if that’s how it is. If you are not careful, the Abyssal Fleet may destroy you, and if you got distracted the whole fleet might be wiped out.”

Then, Jintsuu continued to add.

“If you’re ordered to be a escort ship, what should you do? It’s a situation where you have to find the enemies at the foremost and attack them. Scouting is the basis of everything. Don’t leave everything to the recon seaplane, you also have to have the strong determination to find the Abyssal Fleet yourself.”

“Yes…”

“Very well. Well then, Kagerou-san, with this your training in Kure is over. From tomorrow on you will be posted toYokosuka. Please do it properly okay.”

Jintsuu smiled.

“Because after all, destroyers are our pride.”

“Yes!”

With a more spirited voice, Kagerou gave a salute.

After bidding farewell to Jintsuu who had left the pier, she let out a sigh.

Having her attention being distracted as an excuse couldn’t be helped but there was a reason for that. From tomorrow on Kagerou will be leaving Kure Naval Base that she had grown accustomed to for Yokosuka Naval Base. Because of this thought in her head, every since the morning she had been restless. The order to change placement came around yesterday. Originally it wasn’t supposed to be that sudden, but somewhere within the organization it got held up and with the delay the documents didn’t arrived until the very last moment. Thanks to that she didn’t even have time for some reluctant parting with her friends, at the very least she only had herself promising to “It’s near Tokyo so send us something nice!”. When she thought about it, personel replacement of Fleet Girls may only be the government conspiracy to empty the wallet of the girls and prevent them from going anywhere.

Although as a replacement of a farewell gift, she was treated to sweet bean soup and ate until her stomach was full. This, however, has its own demerits.

Jintsuu as well, said “then shall we celebrate the placement change” then lent her hand for training until the very end. This was also a form of love, is what Kagerou believed.

It’s just, in this spacious pier only Kagerou and Shiranui were the only ones left.

Although it’s just the two of them, or maybe it’s for the two of them, just like always Shiranui regarded her curtly.

“Taking the first transport to YokoBase is quite hasty, isn’t it.”

Shiranui tilted her neck.

“I wonder of the reason.”

“It’s because the new type of destroyer is energetic. They want it over there as well.”

“Ahahaha,” Kagerou laughed.

By the order of recency, it has been decided that after the Kagerou Class isthe Yuugumo Class.

The girl’s armaments were practically sparkling. They were equipped with a set of 12.7 cm guns and quad torpedo tubes. The torpedo tubes were loaded with assorted torpedos capable of sinking a ship in one hit. These weapons were new, and it will prove to be reliable in a real battle. It’s unfornate that she had to leave Kure for the assignment in Yokosuka but it has been decided for the arrangements on immediate transfer.

“They are really in a great need for me, eh. It must be so.”

“Kagerou’s great vigour and forward looking feature is certainly an advantageous charm. Even Yokosuka might have a need of that.”

“Does that mean rather than my ability it’s more for someone to liven up the atmosphere, isn’t it?”

“I believe it isn’t something as elegant as that.”

“Hey!”

In contrast with the banter, Kagerou laughed.

“I wonder what kind of place Yokosuka is. It must be as spacious as Kure.”

“Probably it is fussy about sticking to regulations. It’s not good to say “finally I meet you”informally right after a change in placement. Getting scolded for fooling around seems to have been the drill in Tokyo Bay.”

“Uwaa, that sounds strict, as expected of Yokosuka”

To Kagerou who stiffened her shoulders in fright, Shiranui said, “Aa, it’s the ‘your guidance, your encouragement…” thing.”

“With that, there won’t be any instance of suddenly getting reprimanded. At least compared to Kagerou’s casual talk.

Since it seems legit, it has been decided for Kagerou to use it.

“What dosen’t Shiranui come over to YokoBase?”

“Shiranui is comfortable with Kure’s waters.”

Shiranui before her is also a Kagerou-class, her armament is also the same. She’s a friend that underwent practice alongside her. To be separated with her, that alone was deplorable.

“How lonely. The parting with the other is also kinda off.”

“It can’t be helped.”

There were also other destroyers that trained under Jintsuu. Perhaps because they went all out for yesterday’s farewell party, right now their figures were nowhereto be seen. It must be either they are studying hard in the classroom, or lounging around drinking ramune.

Shiranui destroyed the imagery with a cold tone.

“Even on the other side, there are alsoother Fleet Girls. They arealso the same comrades. I am sure you can get along well.”

“It’d be nice if there is a lovely girl like Shiranui.”

“.... I wonder about that.”

She turned away. This emotionless girl, it seemed that just for a little bit her face blushed.

Kagerou turned her eyes to the sea. The sky of Kure is so high, the waves of Seto inland Sea were calm. Far away beyond this, she wondered how it is in the Miura peninsula. There Yokosuka is waiting for her.

She returned her gaze.

“Well then. Tomorrow I have to go early.”

“Yes.”

“I will write you letters from there, okay.”

“Not needed.”

“Hey!”

With Kagerou’s protest, Shiranui replied emotionlessly.

“Kidding.”

“Oh please.”

“Kagerou as well, please don’t cry and wail because Shiranui isn’t there. You are also forbidden from shooting your ally, or taking other people’s snacks, or throwing yourself off Kannonzaki peninsula all because you’re lonely.”

“I won’t do that!” shouted Kagerou. From tomorrow on, they won’t be able to hold this kind of conversation anymore.

With the insecurities welling up in her heart, Kagerou hugged Shiranui tightly. An act done quite spontaneously.

“Goodbye, Shiranui.”

“Yes.”

Shiranui also slowly hugged her back. With a bit more force than Kagerou.

“Be safe.”

At Kure Naval base where human figures began to disappear, they embraced each other.

Their 12.7cm gun mount hit one another, creating a sound similar to a ringing bell.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
| Return to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kantai Collection -Kan Colle- Kagerou, Batsubyou Shimasu!:Volume1 Chapter 2: Second Moon|'''Chapter 2''']]
|-
|}
</noinclude>