Chapter B: A Distant Past

"Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutena- I'm sorry. Admiral." (Ooyodo)

"Thank you."

I look at my shoulder epaulettes. The pattern on it is an anchor with a Sakura flower in the middle and two more at the sides. This feels unreal. Just last month I was still a lowly Lieutenant Commander fighting against useless shit-stain. But now... I have been double promoted to Rear-Admiral! With him gone, this Naval District is under my charge! I can do it! I can make the changes I want!

"There are going to be a lot of changes here. Let's work together, Ooyodo."

"Yes!" (Ooyodo)

The door opened and a cute CVL entered,

"Ah! It looks good on you, Admiral~" (Zuihou)

"Thank you."

I pet her head.

"Ehehe~ Oh. Everyone is waiting for you in the gathering hall." (Zuihou)

"Good."

I grabbed my stack of plans. I have been waiting for a day like this to implement them. Finally. Finally, these girls can be happy.

In the gathering hall, I explained to the girls about the plans and changes I'm implementing for Maizuru Naval District. While patrols, expeditions, and sorties will still have to take place, the frequency of them won't be as high as before.

"Expeditions will now focus on resources that are in the red."

Once they are more than sufficient, there isn't any need to run the expedition until we are in the red once again.

"You submarines girls will like this one. The maximum number of times the girls can go on a sortie is twice daily. Orel Cruising is now banned."

"Eh? Really?" (Shioi)

"You are kidding dechi..." (Goya)

"I'm still working on the patrol schedule but the number of girls ok patrol duty will increase and be on rotation basis."

Patrols are still necessary so I can't change it too much but I will increase the number of girls on patrol duty and rotate them so everyone can have sufficient rest. HQ is planning to implement turrets that can help protect the base whilst decreasing the workload of the girls. But until the blueprints are ready, this is what we have to make do for now. Everyone is entitled to at least two days of rest per week. It will depend on their schedule though. They can go out of the base and have some fun, though they need to be back by 10.30pm, before lights out.

"And most importantly, everyone will have a monthly allowance."

The amount hasn't been decided yet but it is at the very least on par with a JMSDF officer's monthly salary. This was something Rondo, I and everyone else came up with and agreed on. The shipgirls are human and should be treated like one. They are soldiers as well so a soldier's salary should be given to them.

Upon hearing all this, the girls are expectedly surprised and in an uproar. Some of them look skeptical about it. Can't blame them. These girls have been continuously working like dogs, like slaves for two years straight already. In the one year I have been here, I have seen them being treated inhumanely. Being close to death was common whenever the shipgirls returned from their duties. They barely had any rest. Morale was extremely low. When I brought this up to my superior, he just brushed me off, saying that weapons do not have human rights and do not need any rest. He told me to just kick back and let the money roll in.

This kind of working conditions were not just isolated to Maizuru. Yokosuka, Sasebo, Kure, Oominato, all of the naval bases in Japan are treating the shipgirls like slaves. Even HQ ignored my complaints. That's why we fought back. Against all orders, I altered their expedition schedules, ordered an immediate retreat whenever one of them was badly injured and sending another fleet to cover their escape, and stopped the submarine girls from Orel Cruising daily. I even allowed some of them to go to town and take a break.

Basically, I went behind my superiors back, and sometimes right in front of him, to make the girl's predicament as comfortable for them as I could. I vetoed whatever decision that shit-stain made and pissed him off at every opportunity. Naturally, I was written up multiple times but there wasn't any follow up. He threatened to charge me but nothing happened. I knew if he actually charged me, he would need to write a report and keep an eye on my whole time I was in the brig. So in the end, both of us would be essentially spending time in the brig together if he were to go through with the charges. Being a lazy scumbag, punishing me was a punishment for him as well.

Our big break came last month, during the purge. Thanks to Grand Admiral Mikoto, Rondo's grandfather in the JMSDF, an external audit from the Ministry of Defense and the National Diet revealed a scandal within the higher echelon of the IJN. All parties involved were eventually arrested on charges of corruption and embazzlement of military funds and assets. Grand Admirals, Admirals, Commanders, even the previous Marshal Admiral were all dishonorably discharged and sent to prison. A new set of Grand Admirals and Admirals were appointed and that's how I got to this rank. I received my double promotion a few days ago but I officially took office today.

I have learned about the girls strengths, weaknesses and quirks. Some of them are constantly plagued by nightmares every night. It was extremely bad for a certain destroyer, the second ship of the Shiratsuyu Class, Shigure.

Shigure would constantly cry every night due to said nightmares. Although she is alright with the sound of cannon fire, thunder will scare the wits out of her. I was able to calm her down and ease her pain by holding her hand and staying with her whenever she is feeling scared or uneasy.. Even till date, I still spend time calming her down, telling her everything will be all right and that everyone is still alive. Right now, she and her sister, Yuudachi, come to me for attention almost everyday. Yuudachi is a very active girl. She likes to get physical. She will always tackle me and act like a puppy.

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It has been months since I implemented those changes and I have seen major improvements in their morale and overall performance. They are smiling more than before. They have begun to act like girls their age. It was hard work these past few months but seeing their smiling faces makes it worth it. Even when there are casualties after sorties, they are able to return back home, alive. Unlike before, they are willing to try again after finishing their repairs. Even after I told them that it wasn't necessary, they would want me to use a repair bucket on them so they can go out for round 2. Many of them are opening up to me, expressing their worries, big or small. I try to help them as much as possible.

"Erm... Is it alright to say that?" (Prinz Eugen)

"Yes. Humanity being the strongest race? It's just a load of bullshit. If we were the strongest, we would have won this war ages ago. That whole slogan is just a means to convince those useless, couch potatoes that they are worth the oxygen they are wasting. I didn't join to be just like them."

Today, a certain bubbly German Heavy Cruiser is asking for advice. Something has been on her mind for a while now. It turns out she is worn out by the constant fighting. To her, what is the point of this war? We are currently in the midst of discussing that.

"Then, why did you join this organization?" (Prinz Eugen)

"To find something to protect. I have been pretty passive all my life. Military stuff is the only thing that interests me. But rather than being the one that charges in with a rifle in hand, I want to protect those I hold dear. I love this country so I want to be part of the shield protecting it. It's also much easier to take in mentally."

"To protect those you hold dear..." (Prinz Eugen)

"That's one way to think about this situation. Of course, winning the war is important but with this status quo, wouldn't it be better to switch to a more defensive stance instead? At least that's how I feel. Sorry if I can't offer any real advice to your situation."

Prinz Eugen shook her head and smiled brightly,

"No. It was helpful." (Prinz Eugen)

She stood up and twirled around,

"Ufufu~ To protect, huh... Then, I will protect you, Admiral! And everyone else as well. I was able to withstand two nukes so I'm very tough." (Prinz Eugen)

"Ahahaha. Don't overdo it. I will do my part to protect you as well."

"Thank you. I feel better now." (Prinz Eugen)

Prinz Eugen left with a spring in her steps. Not even a second later, Zuihou popped in. Was she just waiting outside all this time?

"You done?" (Zuihou)

"I guess. I think she is okay now."

"I can see that. She was smiling and humming to herself when she left." (Zuihou)

"Then I must have done a good job."

"Yeah yeah. Pull your chair back a bit." (Zuihou)

As soon as I did as she said, Zuihou immediately planted her butt on my lap. She smells nice. So soft...

"O-oi... What if someone comes in?"

"It's fine. Everyone else is preparing for today's sortie. No one will come in for a while." (Zuihou)

"Then, shouldn't you be preparing for it too?"

Today, there is a sortie to the Northern Salmon Sea Area. The fleet comprises of Zuihou, Shouhou, Fusou, Yamashirou, Shigure and Fumizuki, with Fusou as the flagship. It's an unexplored area but my girls can eliminate the Abyssal Princess there.

"Look. I already got my armour on. I just need to grab my gear and I'm all set. Fuu~ I knew it. This is my favorite spot." (Zuihou)

She snuggled against my chest. This cute little creature. From all the way back when I was first posted here, Zuihou has been with me, supporting me. She was the first one I shared my plans with. While the others were wary of me, she didn't hesitate to get close. She looks so innocent, so cute, so brave. She is lewd at times, which makes me want to ravish her. But I had set a rule for myself. So long as we are not dating, I will hold myself back. She is a great cook too. Her Tamagoyaki is delicious.

We have spent so much time together. We spent some nights talking to one another, explored and created various equipment, and went out shopping together. We even bathed together once. At that time, Ooyodo changed the bath curtains to blue, indicating it was my turn to bath. I ended up walking in on her while she was bathing. Fortunately, I wasn't chased out but was instead invited to join her. For her birthday, I bought a Type 99 model with metallic finish. She was extremely elated and displayed it on top of her workstation. Her sweet voice is like a melody to my ears.

I love her so much! I want to be by her side my whole life. I have been putting this off for quite some time but today is the day I tell her!

"Zuihou, you know, I-"

The door suddenly swung open,

"Ah! There you are!" (Shouhou)

"Sorry to disturb." (Shigure)

It was Shouhou and Shigure, in their full equipment. Looks like they have come to pick her up.

"Come on. Stop playing with Admiral. You haven't did your equipment checks and calibration yet, right?" (Shouhou)

"Eeeehhh~ We still have some time before the sortie." (Zuihou)

"Are we already prepared?"

"Nh. My guns are fully operational and loaded." (Shigure)

"Good girl."

I stroked her face.

"See? Even Shigure is all prepared. You are the only one left." (Shouhou)

"Muuu~ Fine." (Zuihou)

Even her pouting face is so cute.

"I will be taking direct command. Remember my standing orders."

"Come back alive, right? Don't worry. That's the one order we will never disobey. Besides, I'm in my remodelled clothes. I'm stronger than before." (Zuihou)

"Go get them, girls."

"We will be off, Admiral. Aircraft carrier, Zuihou. Setting sail!" (Zuihou)

"Shigure, moving out." (Shigure)

I watched them leave the office. Oh well, I have another chance once she comes homes.

...Or so I thought...

"Fall!" (Southern War Princess)

The Southern War Princess aimed her guns and fired an innumerable volley of shots. I can only helplessly watch from behind the monitor as they screams echoed through the speakers. Their vitals immediately turned yellow. All of them had been moderately damaged. I underestimated our enemy.

"Retreat! Retreat now!"

"Hiryuu's fleet is en route! ETA 1 hour!" (Ooyodo)

"1 hour is too long!"

"We are moving as fast as we can! Zuihou, retreat from the area immediately. We will meet you halfway and cover your escape!" (Hiryuu)

"Ouch! My leg!" (Shouhou)

"Shit! They took out my propeller! Go! I will cover you!" (Fusou)

"No! Onee-sama! Main guns, fire!" (Yamashiro)

Yamashiro fired a volley of shells at the Princess. The Abyssal defended herself, but was clearly hurt by the attack.

"Tch... I won't... be defeated... again..." (Southern War Princess)

The Southern War Princess attacked again, aiming her guns at Yamashiro and Shouhou,

"Scatter! Evade it's attacks!"

"Yamashiro!" (Shigure)

"Shouhou!" (Zuihou)

The sound of cold unforgiving shells echoed through the speakers as they pierced both Zuihou and Shigure. Their vitals immedately turned grey, the kranji for 'sink' overlapped both their names.

"All hands....abandon ship... I'm sinking... again... Shouhou? I will... go first... okay? Admiral... Sor...ry." (Zuihou)

"Looks like this is it for me... Admiral, everyone... Sor..ry. Goodbye." (Shigure)

It was as if the world crumbled around me...

Memories of my time with Zuihou and Shigure ran through my head...

No way... It can't be...

Lies... Lies!

LIES!

"No! Zuihou!" (Shouhou)

"Shigure... It can't be..." (Yamashiro)

"...ral... mira.. Ad... Admiral! Admiral! Pull yourself together!" (Ooyodo)

Why? What went wrong?

"The others will sink as well at this rate! Pull yourself together!" (Ooyodo)

Right... The others...

"Retreat. Now. Hiryuu, please! I need your help!"

"Yamashiro-san, can you tow Fusou-san?" (Ooyodo)

"Shigure... Shigure..." (Yamashiro)

"I need all of you to snap out of it right now! Are you going to let Zuihou's and Shigure's sacrifice be in vain?!" (Ooyodo)

"Shouhou-san, we need to move now!" (Fumizuki)

"Zuihou is... My little sister is..." (Shouhou)

The Princess was still firing at them as they retreated. Their vitals slowly entered the red zone, but they managed to get out of the Abyssal's firing range in time. Hiryuu's fleet finally met and rescued the survivors.

I failed as Admiral. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Zuihou... Shigure...

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My head hurts...

How long has it been?

I feel sick.

I can't think straight...

Why am I so useless...?

I'm such a failure of an Admiral...

There is a knock on the door... Who is it?

"Admiral? I brought you some food." (Shioi)

Oh, Shioi... You are here again. Thank you.

"You need to eat something at least. Here, sit up." (Shioi)

"I will eat it later..." (Shioi)

"Admiral," (Shioi)

"I SAID I WILL EAT IT LATER!!!"

Ah!

"Sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you."

"It's okay. I will be outside if you need me." (Shioi)

I can hear the door close.

I'm so pathetic... Shouting at an innocent girl like that...

Ugh... Zuihou... Shigure...

"I should just quit..."

And what? Let that Abyssal win?

"What's the point? Zuihou and Shigure are gone. I'm worthless. Protect the ones I hold dear. Heh. What a joke. I can't even protect a single girl."

Wow. So you are just going to give up? Those two girls died so the others can come home and you just going to sit here and cry like a baby? You are just going to leave after promising that you will protect them? You are the epitome of pathetic.

"What do you know about me?! Huh?! You are just a random voice in my head! You know nothing!"

I know everything! You are having these thoughts because you know this isn't over. Not yet. Avenge them. That's the very least you can do.

That's right. I will avenge them. That's the very least I can do. Then ,at least their souls can rest in peace.

I need to formulate a strategy... The girls are counting on me to make one.

Shioi's porridge... It's still warm. It's a bit salty, but delicious.

I exited my room. The bright light blinded my a bit.

"Admiral? You-" (Shioi)

I looked down to see Shioi on the ground, curled in a ball. Her eyes are watery. She has been crying.

I got on my knees,

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have shouted at you."

"N-no. I really don't mind it at all. Finally... Admiral is finally *Hic* Sorry. I just..." (Shioi)

"I have something I need to fulfill. Can you help me?"

Shioi rubbed her eyes,

"Yes!" (Shioi)

I reformulated my strategy. This time, Fusou, Yamashiro, Hiryuu, Shouhou, Kumano, and Suzuya will be the main assault fleet. Shioi's submarine fleet will advance first and assist to weaken the enemy units as much as they can before the main fleet arrives. The first round, they succeeded in sinking it once, before it reemerged from the sea. After repairs and resupplying, the two fleets set out agian the next day. It resurrected once more. And again. And again.

Finally, on the fifth day, the seas were silent. Peaceful. The Sourthern War Princess was no more.

I should have gone with this fleet in the first place. If I had done so, Zuihou and Shigure wouldn't have died.

"We have done it. Shigure," (Yamashiro)

"Finally... Zuihou," (Shouhou)

"We have finally avenged the both of you."

"Look at that!" (Kumano)

A large part of the water suddenly glowed a shade of algae green. The part that was glowing bubbled at the same time. It's not over yet?

Something broke the water surface. It was a pair of humanoids, both in a fetal position.

Wait!

No way! Are they...? But that's impossible! I saw them sink with my own eyes... Oh yeah. The cycle. So this is how it is.

My heart jumped for joy at this miracle. It was Zuihou and Shigure! They are coming home!

But alas, life is full of surprises, and most of them will punch in the face. Like this one.

"I'm Zuihou. Even though I'm a light carrier, I can show you that I'll be as good as standard carriers with some experience." (Zuihou)

"I'm the Shiratsuyu-class destroyer, Shigure. Please take care of me from now on.' (Shigure)

They are acting like this is the first time they met me. Hell, they don't even remember being with me for the past two years. Of course. Something like revival is not possible. I set my expectations way too high...

God, if you give me another chance like this, then I have to keep going. But this time, I will be stronger. I will protect you. I will never let any of you sink again. I will make sure of it.