After the outbreak of the Pacific War, USS Langley was mainly used as an aircraft transport, a clear sign that her combat capabilities were subpar.
So strictly speaking, Lexington and Saratoga were the true pioneers of the US aircraft carrier fleet.
They participated in countless drills as carriers, exploring the role of carriers in warfare. They were pioneers in carrier tactics.
Because of that, both Lexington and Saratoga had a unique skill: they could command and enhance the power of carrier-based aircraft of nearby carrier-type shipgirls. They really were that knowledgeable.
But Saratoga was even better than her sister.
Historically, she participated in many joint operations alongside the British-led Allied fleets, teaching other carriers the intricacies of carrier group tactics and air wing command. She was well-known for being someone extroverted and versatile.
This translated into a skill: for every additional carrier shipgirl in her fleet, Saratoga's aircraft power would receive a boost. With this skill, Saratoga was undoubtedly the number-one bomber of the entire base.
She didn't even carry any fighters—her entire loadout was three B-25s (Doolittle Raid models) and one A-2 bomber. The A-2 was a rare color-tier piece of gear with 21 bombing stat, even higher than the B-25s, plus +5 anti-sub.
This was a full commitment to maximizing Saratoga's bombing output.
However, her historical record wasn't all that glorious.
Saratoga participated throughout WWII, but she only earned eight battle stars, just one more than the ill-fated Helena, and nowhere near the legendary USS Enterprise, who earned twenty.
Still, Saratoga survived the war—something many of her sisters, including Lexington, couldn't claim. Lexington went down with just two battle stars to her name.
If Helena's story was one of tragedy, then Saratoga's first half was more about tranquility.
She had done her part as a pioneer and saw the war to its conclusion.
But her ending wasn't exactly dignified.
She wasn't retired. She wasn't turned into a museum ship.
Instead, she was assigned to Operation Crossroads, alongside defeated enemy ships like Prinz Eugen, to test the most powerful weapon of that time:
The atomic bomb.
Saratoga—this battle-worn veteran—was rewarded with nuclear annihilation.
Two nuclear blasts in one month.
The first, an airburst, left her only lightly damaged.
The second, an underwater detonation, sank her outright.
As we know, water amplifies explosive force as a medium.
But maybe... that was fitting.
"Strip my skin, break my bones,
Burn my remains as a torch for those who follow.
Sister, I'm coming to find you''.
Hikaru felt a girl's body suddenly wrap itself around his neck.
And he knew without looking.
"Commander!!"
The shrill cry nearly shattered Hikaru's eardrums.
He reluctantly opened his eyes—and there was Saratoga, her lovely face just inches from his own.
"Sara, get off me first."
Saratoga didn't listen, bouncing and shouting joyfully, "Brother-in-law! Brother-in-law! Brother-in-law!"
Her energy and youthfulness were overwhelming, but also strangely soothing. Hikaru chuckled indulgently. "Sara."
Saratoga paused.
Then she nuzzled against his cheek and chirped sweetly, "Husband~"
Hikaru played along, understanding her feelings. "Wife."
...Wait, that felt weirdly embarrassing.
"Heehee, Saratoga missed you soooo much! Did you miss me, brother-in-law?"
She buried herself into his arms, sniffing him like a puppy reunited with its owner.
So much affection it was borderline scary.
Hikaru honestly worried she might start licking him.
Thankfully, Lexington stepped in just in time.
"Sara, am I invisible now that you've seen the Commander?"
"Who said that? I know my sister is the best!"
Saratoga immediately spun around and leapt into Lexington's embrace. The two hugged tightly, and Hikaru couldn't help but sigh.
What a beautiful scene.
Lexington stroked her little sister's back and teased, "Then who was it yelling about how they didn't want a big sister anymore?"
"Whoever said that, Saratoga will bash their dumb face in! Hmph~ Sis!"
The heartwarming reunion between the sisters was enough to melt anyone.
Hikaru's eyes drifted to the side—Bismarck was standing solemnly nearby, while Tirpitz was lying on a table behind her, sleeping peacefully.
He remembered how Bismarck had roughed up Tirpitz when she first arrived.
Still...
Hikaru noticed the coat draped over Tirpitz.
It was Bismarck's military jacket.
Ah.
Sisters are the same, no matter where they're from.
[End of Chapter]
[100 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
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