"Oh come on…"
Yuuki rubbed his face tiredly as he stood once again within the endless void world.
No cubes.
No voices.
No strange missions yet.
Just the same endless sea beneath his feet and the calm sky stretching forever above him. The water remained perfectly still like glass, reflecting the stars overhead.
At this point, he had already accepted it as some strange dream realm between worlds.
Sleep on his bed.
Wake up refreshed.
Mentally exhausted anyway.
Another world.
Another problem.
Another group waiting for him.
Yuuki let out a long sigh before noticing movement nearby.
"Ano…"
He turned.
A very small girl stood there nervously.
Pink hair tied with a ribbon. Cat ears twitching slightly atop her head. Pink eyes staring up at him cautiously while her cat tail swayed behind her.
She wore what looked like a kindergarten uniform.
"A kid?"
Yuuki blinked.
Then he crouched down slightly so he wouldn't tower over her.
"Hey there, little one. What's your name?"
"Kisaragi-desu…"
Before Yuuki could respond—
"Kisaragi!"
Another voice called out.
A second small girl ran over quickly, brown hair tied in tiny pigtails bouncing as she moved. Cat ears. Green eyes. Another little tail behind her.
"Mutsuki-chan!"
The newcomer immediately pointed dramatically at Yuuki.
"Ah! A man trying to eat Kisaragi!"
"What?"
Yuuki stared blankly.
Kisaragi immediately shrank slightly behind the other girl.
"Please don't eat me… I am not even delicious…"
Yuuki's eye twitched.
"I was not planning to eat anyone."
Another small figure hurried over.
"Minazuki-chan! No one is going to eat Kisaragi-chan!"
This one had droopy dog ears and short blue hair with purple highlights. She looked calmer than the others, though still wary.
Then another tiny girl appeared too.
"Eat…? I don't want to be eaten…"
Yuuki stared in disbelief at the trembling pink-haired dog-eared girl clutching her hat nervously.
"Why is eating the first conclusion here?!"
"Don't worry, desu," another gentle voice spoke.
A fourth girl approached with messy light-blue hair and a large red bow.
"We won't let him eat you."
Yuuki slowly looked across all of them.
Small bodies.
School uniforms.
Animal ears and tails.
They looked less like warships and more like kindergarten children lost on the way home.
And yet—
he recognized the names.
Destroyers.
Mutsuki-class.
Shipgirls.
Kids.
Actual kids.
His chest tightened slightly.
"H…holy hell…"
The girls blinked at him.
Yuuki clenched his jaw slightly while looking at them.
These weren't soldiers hardened by war like Enterprise.
Or disciplined veterans like Belfast and Takao.
These were children.
Children who probably didn't even fully understand what happened to them.
Yorktown was right.
No matter what they were—
ships, weapons, spirits—
they were still innocent kids at the end of the day.
And somehow…
they ended up here.
In this empty place between worlds.
Yuuki slowly exhaled before softening his expression.
"Alright," he said gently while kneeling properly this time. "First things first."
He pointed at himself.
"My name's Yuuki."
The girls stared cautiously.
Then Mutsuki squinted suspiciously.
"…You really won't eat us?"
Yuuki deadpanned.
"No."
Kisaragi slowly peeked out again.
"…Really?"
"Yes."
Uzuki looked relieved enough to nearly cry. "We're safe…"
Minazuki sighed softly. "I told you…"
Mikazuki tilted her head curiously.
"Then why are you here?"
Yuuki looked out over the endless sea for a moment.
"…Honestly? I'm still trying to figure that out myself."
"So," Yuuki said while looking at the small group gathered around him, "what are your names, little ones?"
Before the girls could answer—
"I see you already met the destroyers."
"AHHH!"
Yuuki nearly jumped sideways in shock.
A girl was suddenly floating right beside him on top of a metallic cube surrounded by faint ghostly flames.
"You— when did you get here?!"
The girl blinked calmly at his reaction.
She had short black hair tied with a ribbon patterned in red flames, mechanical rabbit-like ears on her head, and sharp red eyes partially hidden behind long bangs. Her dark kimono carried the same flame motif while the strange floating cube beneath her drifted silently above the water.
Yuuki immediately narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"…Okay, you kind of creep me out."
He even leaned slightly closer just to confirm she was not actually a ghost.
The girl lowered her head politely.
"My deepest apologies. I am Shiranui, second ship of the Kagerou-class. I humbly ask for your kind treatment, Shikikan-sama."
Yuuki blinked once.
"Shiranui?"
The name sounded familiar.
"Yorktown mentioned you before. She said you were always with Akashi."
Shiranui nodded slowly.
"Yes. I accompanied that green cat for many years."
For the first time, her expression softened slightly.
"I missed her."
Yuuki stayed quiet as she continued.
"She was taken away for resurrection long ago. She never returned after that."
A pause.
"I died during a Siren attack on the base."
The calm way she said it bothered him more than if she sounded emotional.
Yuuki answered gently.
"She's safe."
Shiranui looked up immediately.
"We recovered Akashi from the vault."
For a brief second—
actual relief appeared on her face.
"…I see."
Her shoulders eased slightly.
"That is good to hear."
Then, almost instantly, she returned to her composed expression and cleared her throat softly.
"Ehem."
She looked toward the smaller girls.
"You five. Introduce yourselves properly to the Shikikan."
The girls immediately straightened up.
Kisaragi stepped forward nervously first.
"Com… man… der? Hi, I'm Kisaragi…" She fidgeted with her fingers anxiously. "U-umm… I don't taste very good, so please don't eat me…"
Yuuki stared blankly for a second.
"Why is this still a thing?"
Mutsuki stepped forward proudly next like she had rehearsed this moment.
"I'm Mutsuki! I'm part of the Thirtieth Destroyer Division and the oldest Mutsuki-class ship!" she declared proudly.
Then her expression scrunched up.
"There are newer ships, but I'm still strong! I love candy! I hate Stu— umm…"
She struggled visibly.
"Stookuhs?"
Yuuki blinked.
"…Stukas?"
"Yes! Those!" Mutsuki pointed dramatically. "I hate those!"
Yuuki had to suppress a laugh.
Minazuki introduced herself next with much more energy.
"I'm Minazuki from the Mutsuki class! We used to do transport and escort missions!"
Then she grinned mischievously.
"I also like pranking people."
A short pause.
"But I take missions seriously too!"
"Uh-huh," Yuuki said, unconvinced.
Next was Mikazuki.
The sleepy-looking blue-haired girl looked up slowly.
"Aahh… hmm… co… main… der…?"
She tilted her head slightly.
"I'm Mikazuki."
Then she seemed satisfied with that minimal effort.
Finally—
Uzuki nervously stepped forward.
"Sooo… are you really the Commander?"
Yuuki nodded slowly.
"I am."
Uzuki immediately clutched her sleeves.
"Please don't eat me…"
Yuuki finally rubbed his face tiredly.
"Like I said," he sighed, "I am not eating anyone."
Kisaragi looked relieved.
Uzuki looked relieved.
Mutsuki still looked suspicious.
Shiranui quietly covered her mouth slightly, looking oddly amused for the first time.
Yuuki looked across the group again.
Tiny destroyers.
A ghostly support ship.
Children who had probably wandered this empty world for who knew how long.
And somehow—
despite everything—
they were still worrying about being eaten instead of the fact they were dead.
That alone hurt more than he expected.
"Thank you for finding us, Shikikan-sama…"
Shiranui's voice was calm, but quieter now.
"We waited here for so long in this barren world."
She looked out across the endless sea.
"I do not even know how many years have passed anymore."
A faint pause followed.
"It is unfortunate we can no longer be part of the living."
Yuuki frowned slightly at that.
Before he could answer though—
"Shikikan-sama warm…"
The small destroyers had already crowded around him.
Kisaragi clung lightly to his sleeve. Uzuki stayed close beside her. Mikazuki leaned quietly against him while Mutsuki and Minazuki stared up at him expectantly like children wanting praise.
Yuuki sighed softly.
Then—
he employed the secret technique.
Ear rubbing.
The moment his fingers gently rubbed Kisaragi's cat ears—
the girl completely melted.
"Myaaa…"
Her tail puffed slightly while her eyes became half-lidded instantly.
Uzuki reacted the same way moments later, making a small happy sound while leaning closer without even realizing it.
Even Mutsuki froze before slowly turning into a content little puddle under the attention.
Minazuki tried to resist at first.
Tried.
"…Nn…"
Failed immediately.
Mikazuki quietly started purring against his shoulder.
Yuuki stared in disbelief at how effective this was.
"…Yorktown was right."
This was absolutely a weakness.
An incredibly dangerous weakness.
Shiranui quietly held both of her mechanical ears protectively while watching the scene.
Yuuki noticed immediately.
"…You want ear rubs too?"
Shiranui instantly looked away.
"I-I do not know what you are implying."
Meanwhile, the destroyers were outright purring now.
Just minutes ago they thought he was going to eat them.
Now they looked ready to adopt him.
Yuuki sighed internally.
"These girls are way too easy to bribe…"
Then—
"Ah, there you all are—"
Another voice appeared nearby.
"Eh?"
A pause.
"EH?! A MAN?!"
Yuuki looked up as four more girls approached across the calm sea.
The first one immediately pointed at him in complete shock before quickly straightening herself.
"He is the Commander," Shiranui explained calmly.
The brown-haired girl froze.
Then her expression lit up instantly.
"You're the one who spoke to us! We heard your voice!"
She quickly bowed.
"F-Furutaka, first ship of the Furutaka-class, reporting for duty!"
Then she laughed awkwardly.
"Ehehe… though being dead probably wasn't part of your plans…"
Yuuki looked at her quietly.
Even she sounded like she already accepted it.
That bothered him.
Before he could say anything, another girl beside her adjusted her glasses calmly.
"Second ship of the Furutaka-class heavy cruisers, Kako. Furutaka is my sister."
She spoke more formally.
"I was among the first true heavy cruisers created for my country. Kako, ready for orders."
Yuuki looked around at the endless empty sea.
"…I don't really see a way to give orders in a place like this."
Furutaka scratched her cheek sheepishly. "Fair point…"
Another girl stepped forward energetically.
"Eheh, I'm Nagara! Shikikan-sama, thank you for rescuing us!"
Unlike the others, she carried more energy in her voice despite the circumstances.
Yuuki gave a small smile. "You're welcome."
Then the last girl stepped forward.
"Is he really the Commander?"
She tilted her head slightly before smiling politely.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Kinugasa."
Then her expression softened slightly with concern.
"Have you been eating and sleeping properly, Shikikan-sama? Don't end up like my sister…"
Her voice lowered at the end.
"…I hope she's alive somewhere."
Yuuki blinked slightly.
"One tail," he muttered while looking at her ears. "I guess after meeting Akagi and Kaga, I expected more."
Kinugasa laughed softly.
"My sister Aoba only has one too."
Then her smile weakened slightly.
"…At least, I hope she's still alive."
Yuuki saw it immediately.
That same thing again.
Hope.
Every single one of them carried it.
Even here.
Even after death.
They still hoped someone survived.
Someone escaped.
Someone was still out there.
Yuuki slowly looked across all of them again.
Destroyers.
Cruisers.
Girls who should have been laughing somewhere safe instead of wandering a dead world between realities.
And somehow—
despite everything—
they still greeted him politely.
Still smiled.
Still hoped.
His chest tightened slightly again.
"…Yeah," he said quietly. "We'll look for her."
Kinugasa blinked.
Yuuki continued more firmly this time.
"Aoba. If she's alive somewhere, we'll find her."
For a moment—
Kinugasa looked genuinely stunned.
Then slowly—
her eyes softened.
"…Thank you, Commander."
The ten of them slowly gathered together on the calm sea.
Small destroyers standing close to one another.
Cruisers beside them.
Shiranui floating quietly behind the group on her strange metallic cube.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
The endless world around them remained silent except for the gentle sound of water.
Yuuki looked at all of them carefully.
These were the ones left behind.
The ones placed inside the vault.
The ones forgotten in this empty place for ten whole years.
His chest felt heavy.
"…I'm sorry," he said quietly.
The girls looked at him.
"On behalf of your old commander… I'm sorry you were left here."
The words hung in the still air.
Then Nagara smiled softly.
"It's okay, Commander."
Her voice carried no anger.
No bitterness.
"At least during those ten years… we weren't alone."
She looked toward the smaller destroyers nearby.
"We had each other."
Kisaragi quietly held onto Mutsuki's sleeve.
Nagara's expression softened further.
"The little ones stopped crying from loneliness after a while."
That somehow hurt even more.
Yuuki clenched his hand slightly.
These children had spent years trapped in a dead world trying to comfort one another.
And somehow—
they still smiled.
Shiranui lowered her gaze slightly.
"We believed someone would eventually come."
Yuuki slowly exhaled.
"…Then let's move all of you somewhere safer."
The girls looked surprised.
Yuuki stepped forward slightly.
"Shiranui."
She looked up immediately.
"Nagara. Kinugasa."
The three older girls focused on him quietly.
"We'll find your sisters one day."
Kinugasa's eyes widened slightly.
Nagara looked stunned.
Even Shiranui froze for a brief moment.
Yuuki continued calmly.
"And once I figure out the process properly…"
His gaze moved across all ten of them.
"…I'll revive all of you."
Silence.
Complete silence.
The younger destroyers looked confused at first.
But the older girls understood immediately.
Kinugasa's lips trembled slightly.
"…Revive…?"
Yuuki nodded once.
"You won't stay here forever."
For the first time since arriving—
Shiranui's composed expression cracked slightly.
Just slightly.
"…Shikikan-sama…"
Nagara quickly rubbed at her eyes with her sleeve while laughing awkwardly.
"Ahaha… that's unfair…"
Furutaka looked completely stunned. "W-We can really come back?"
Kako adjusted her glasses quietly, though her hands shook slightly. "…Impossible…"
"Maybe," Yuuki admitted honestly. "But I'm stubborn enough to try anyway."
Kisaragi tugged lightly on his sleeve again.
"…Then we can go outside?"
Uzuki looked up hopefully.
"…And eat snacks?"
Mutsuki immediately raised both hands. "Candy!"
Yuuki couldn't help smiling slightly.
"Yeah."
Mikazuki tilted her head sleepily.
"…Can we sleep somewhere warm too…?"
"Yes."
The small destroyers immediately brightened.
Even after death—
their wishes were still painfully simple.
Warmth.
Food.
Safety.
Company.
Yuuki looked at them quietly for a moment longer before extending his hand.
"Come on."
The calm sea around them slowly began glowing faintly.
"It's time to bring you somewhere where everyone gathered in this world."
"Now, hold on," Yuuki said gently while looking at the newly gathered group. "You're about to meet five others who are finally safe."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"And probably very bored."
That earned confused looks from some of them.
Yuuki extended his arms slightly.
"Alright. Everyone hold on."
The older girls held onto him more carefully.
The destroyers, however—
completely ignored personal space.
Kisaragi hugged his arm tightly.
Mutsuki latched onto his back.
Uzuki grabbed onto his coat.
Mikazuki sleepily leaned against his shoulder.
Minazuki somehow ended up clinging to his waist.
Yuuki nearly lost balance immediately.
"…Okay, maybe not all at once."
Too late.
Shiranui quietly floated closer while Nagara and the others gathered around him.
Then—
the world shifted.
The endless calm sea disappeared.
The scenery blurred briefly before solid ground finally appeared beneath them again.
Real land.
Real air.
An actual island.
The soft sound of waves echoed against the shore while a tall pagoda-like tower stood proudly further inland. Trees swayed gently under the endless void sky, and the island itself felt far warmer than the lonely ocean they had left behind.
The moment the girls arrived—
they froze.
Grass.
Wind.
Fruit trees.
Actual life.
For girls trapped for years in empty nothingness—
it probably felt unreal.
And nearby—
three familiar figures were currently harvesting fruit.
"Ara, Shikikan-sama," a gentle voice called.
Amagi turned toward him with her usual calm smile.
Then she noticed the girls behind him.
"…Ah."
Her expression froze completely.
The destroyers stared too.
For one silent moment—
nobody moved.
Then—
"Amagi-neechan!"
The smaller girls immediately broke into motion.
Kisaragi, Mutsuki, Uzuki, Minazuki, and Mikazuki all ran toward her at once.
Amagi's eyes widened as she dropped the fruit basket before the little destroyers crashed directly into her.
"Ah—"
The elegant fox barely managed to steady herself as five tiny destroyers clung to her happily.
"Amagi-neechan!"
"Wahh!"
Amagi looked down at them in complete disbelief.
Then slowly—
her expression softened completely.
Tears welled gently in her eyes.
"…Welcome home."
Her voice trembled slightly.
She wrapped her arms around the little destroyers carefully, holding them close like they might disappear again.
Nearby—
Yamashiro turned around while carrying a basket of fruit.
"Ah, Tono— wait…"
Her eyes widened dramatically.
"Nagara?! Furutaka?! Kako?!"
Fusou looked over as well.
"…Kinugasa. Shiranui…"
The moment the names were spoken—
the older girls immediately ran forward too.
"Fusou-san!"
"Yamashiro-san!"
Nagara nearly tackled Yamashiro in a hug while laughing and crying at the same time.
Furutaka hugged Fusou tightly.
Kako awkwardly tried to stay composed before immediately failing the moment Kinugasa joined in too.
Even Shiranui quietly approached Fusou before stopping.
For a second, she looked uncertain.
Then Fusou gently hugged her without hesitation.
"…Welcome back, Shiranui."
Shiranui froze completely.
Her mechanical ears twitched slightly.
"…Fusou-sama…"
Then her composure finally cracked too.
Yuuki quietly watched the reunions happen around him.
Laughter.
Crying.
Relief.
The island that once felt lonely suddenly felt alive again.
Even Amagi was openly crying softly now while the little destroyers clung to her happily.
"Amagi-neechan smells nice…"
"Warm…"
"Not lonely anymore…"
The fox woman gently stroked their heads one by one.
"Yes," she whispered softly. "You're safe now."
Yuuki slowly exhaled while watching the emotional reunion unfold around him.
The once quiet island had become lively almost instantly.
Small destroyers clung tightly to Amagi while the older girls reunited with Fusou and Yamashiro after years apart. Even Shiranui, who carried herself so calmly earlier, looked visibly shaken from finally seeing familiar faces again.
Yuuki looked toward Amagi quietly.
"Hey, Amagi…"
She turned toward him while still gently holding onto the smaller girls gathered around her.
"Yeah," Yuuki continued softly, "we found them in the vault."
Amagi's ears twitched slightly.
"Their old commander kept them safe. Together."
For a moment, Amagi closed her eyes.
Relief.
Pure relief.
"…I see."
Her hand gently stroked Kisaragi's hair while the little destroyer happily leaned into her touch.
"Yes," Amagi whispered softly. "The children are finally home…"
The warmth in her voice made Yuuki's chest tighten slightly again.
Then suddenly—
more footsteps approached quickly.
"Nagara?"
Another voice followed immediately after.
"Kinugasa? Furutaka? Kako?! Shiranui?!"
Two more girls hurried toward the gathering.
The moment the newly arrived shipgirls recognized them—
their eyes widened completely.
"Hiyou-san!"
"Junyou-san!"
Nagara immediately waved happily.
Furutaka and Kako both looked stunned before smiling brightly.
Hiyou nearly dropped the things she was carrying as she rushed forward.
"You girls are really here…"
Junyou looked equally shocked.
"We thought…"
She stopped herself halfway.
No one wanted to finish that sentence.
Kinugasa smiled softly despite the tears in her eyes. "Looks like we worried everyone…"
Hiyou immediately pulled Nagara into a tight hug.
"You disappeared for years!"
Junyou moved toward Furutaka and Kako next, visibly emotional despite trying to hold herself together.
Even Shiranui received a rare surprised look from Junyou.
"…You too, Shiranui."
Shiranui lowered her head politely.
"It has been a long time."
The little destroyers watched the older girls reunite before immediately dragging Amagi into the conversation again.
"Amagi-neechan, there's fruits here!"
"And warm beds!"
"And no scary empty water!"
"And Commander doesn't eat people!"
Yuuki immediately looked over.
"…How long is that rumor going to follow me?"
Mutsuki pointed accusingly.
"Shiki-kann-shama looks like he's going to eat Kisaragi."
"Since when I do I eat people? Maybe I should start eat naughty children..." He grins at Mutsuki.
Kisaragi tugged lightly on Amagi's sleeve.
"But he gives good ear rubs…"
The smaller girls immediately nodded together in complete agreement.
Amagi blinked once.
Then slowly looked toward Yuuki.
Yuuki instantly felt danger.
"…Amagi."
The elegant fox covered her mouth slightly, looking amused.
"My, my… Shikikan-sama seems quite skilled already. Offering your exclusive ear rubs to any girls now?"
"That sounds way worse than it should."
Nearby, Fusou softly laughed while Yamashiro looked openly entertained.
Even Hiyou and Junyou seemed relieved enough to smile now.
The island had completely changed.
What was once quiet and lonely now carried voices everywhere.
Talking.
Laughing.
Crying.
Children running around again.
And standing there in the middle of it all—
Yuuki realized something.
The void world itself had not changed.
But the people inside it had.
And somehow—
that alone made the place feel alive now.
Then—
an elegant voice drifted across the island.
"Oh my… kind sir. You are here again?"
Yuuki turned slightly before smiling.
"My lady."
Hood approached gracefully across the island path, her posture refined as always. Even within the strange void world, she carried herself with unmistakable elegance.
Hood's eyes moved briefly toward the newly reunited girls nearby before returning to him.
"So these are the ones you brought back from the other side of the void?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Yeah. Found them wandering around near the calm sea area. Couldn't exactly leave them there."
"I can see that."
Hood's expression softened slightly as she glanced toward the smaller destroyers happily clinging to Amagi nearby.
"Those poor children…"
Yuuki quietly agreed with that thought.
"Well," he said while checking his interface again, "I should probably retrieve the other group too."
Hood tilted her head slightly.
"The other group?"
"There are thirty more shipgirls I haven't recovered in this realm."
Yuuki opened the holographic interface floating before him.
Previously, the map only showed the central island where the modern pagoda tower stood. Everything else beyond it remained blurred and inaccessible.
But now—
a faint new option appeared.
[Teleport to nearby far-off island shipgirls.]
Yuuki blinked.
"…Oh?"
Hood leaned slightly closer, elegant curiosity visible on her face.
"Shall we test it, kind sir?"
Yuuki scratched his cheek slightly.
"I don't know. Usually the transportation part happens automatically."
Still—
the option was there now.
That alone meant something changed.
Nearby, Amagi noticed immediately.
"Ara… Shikikan-sama?"
She looked toward him while currently managing five sleepy destroyers clinging to her at once.
"Are you going somewhere?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Yeah. I'm testing a new function. If this works…" He glanced toward Hood briefly. "I might be able to bring someone with me this time."
Amagi's ears twitched slightly.
Then—
she pouted.
A very small pout.
Subtle.
But absolutely there.
Unfortunately for her, she currently had Kisaragi sleeping against her shoulder, Mutsuki holding her sleeve, and Mikazuki nearly asleep in her lap already.
Movement was difficult.
Hood noticed the look immediately.
And smiled.
Very gracefully.
Then she calmly stepped beside Yuuki and locked her arm with his.
"Then I shall accompany you, kind sir."
The victorious aura around her was immediate.
Amagi's eyes narrowed slightly.
The air between the elegant battlecruiser and the fox strategist suddenly became strangely tense despite both women smiling politely.
Yuuki immediately sensed danger again.
"…Why do I hear boss music?"
Neither answered him.
Nearby, Yamashiro looked extremely entertained.
Fusou quietly sipped tea like she had already accepted this chaos as normal.
The smaller destroyers were too distracted by Amagi's fluffiness to notice.
Yuuki sighed internally before looking back toward the interface.
"Well…"
He pressed the option.
"Let's see what happens."
The world around them distorted instantly.
Light spread beneath their feet.
Hood's grip on his arm tightened slightly in surprise.
Then—
both of them disappeared from the island entirely.
Amagi sighs as she decided to let Hood win for now.
=================
"Okay…" Yuuki looked around slowly. "So where exactly are we?"
There was nothing around them except the endless calm sea again.
No islands.
No tower.
No land in sight.
Just still water stretching endlessly beneath a pale sky.
Beside him, Hood maintained her composure gracefully, though even she looked slightly puzzled.
"Kind sir…" she said delicately, "…are you certain you selected the correct location?"
Yuuki stared at the empty horizon.
"…I don't know."
That was the honest answer.
Then—
"Lady Hood?!"
Both of them turned immediately.
Several figures stood further across the water.
The moment Hood saw them—
her eyes widened slightly.
"Southampton…?"
The first girl hurried forward quickly.
She had a youthful appearance, bright light-colored hair, and a distinctly red-themed outfit that stood apart from the usual Royal Maid aesthetic. There was an energetic charm to her despite the disbelief on her face.
"It really is Lady Hood…"
Her voice trembled slightly with relief.
"Southampton," Hood repeated softly.
Another girl stepped forward next.
"Lady Hood… you're alive…"
Sussex looked far more disciplined in appearance, dressed in a refined dark uniform accented with red, white, and black. Even now she stood properly despite the obvious shock in her eyes.
"She's been gone for years…" Sussex whispered quietly while staring at Hood almost like she could not believe it.
Then the third girl approached more calmly.
"Lady Hood," she said politely while bowing her head slightly, "it is an honor to see you again."
Shropshire's long green ponytail swayed lightly behind her while her orange eyes softened visibly with relief.
For a brief moment—
Hood simply stared at them.
Then her elegant expression cracked slightly.
"…You girls are here…"
The three cruisers immediately gathered around her.
Southampton looked close to tears already.
"We thought everyone forgot about us…"
Sussex lowered her gaze slightly. "No one ever came."
Shropshire tried to remain composed, but even she looked emotional now.
Yuuki quietly stepped back slightly, letting them reunite.
Hood slowly reached out and touched Southampton's shoulder gently as if confirming she was really there.
"You all survived…"
Southampton laughed weakly. "Survived is a generous word…"
The calm sea around them remained silent while the Royal Navy girls reunited after years trapped inside the void.
Then—
Southampton finally noticed Yuuki standing nearby.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Wait…"
She pointed carefully.
"A man?"
Yuuki sighed internally.
Not again.
Hood quickly recovered enough composure to explain.
"He is the Commander."
The reactions were immediate.
"The Commander?!"
Southampton looked shocked.
Sussex straightened almost instantly.
Shropshire bowed politely again.
"The new one," Southampton said while looking at Yuuki carefully, "the one who called out to us inside the vault… the voice we heard…"
Yuuki nodded lightly.
"That was me."
The three Royal Navy girls immediately looked at each other.
"So it really was you…" Southampton said softly. "We heard your voice together with Lady Belfast and Lady Illustrious."
"Yeah," Yuuki answered quietly.
Shropshire looked genuinely relieved. "We thought we imagined it…"
Then Hood gently stepped beside him again.
"He is also the one who rescued me from the depths of Exelia."
The three girls froze slightly.
Hood smiled softly while looking at Yuuki.
"A man I deeply adore and respect."
Yuuki immediately looked mildly embarrassed.
"My lady…"
Southampton looked impressed instantly.
Shropshire smiled warmly.
Sussex, however—
crossed her arms.
"Hmph."
Yuuki immediately sensed trouble.
"So you're the Commander?" Sussex said while narrowing her eyes slightly. "Let's make one thing clear. I'm not as easygoing as my sister London."
Southampton immediately looked nervous.
"Sussex…"
"I expect you to have your act together."
Yuuki opened his mouth—
But Hood was faster.
"Sussex."
The elegant battlecruiser's voice remained calm.
Yet somehow—
the pressure immediately changed.
Sussex straightened instantly.
"L-Lady Hood?"
Hood smiled politely.
"You are speaking to the man who surpassed Warspite."
Sussex froze.
"The same man who earned the respect of Her Majesty and Lady Valiant."
"…Eh?"
Hood continued smoothly.
"A man who commands a faction stronger than every known faction on Earth combined. A faction of an interstellar level."
Sussex visibly shrank slightly.
"A man who considers nuclear weapons little more than oversized firecrackers."
"E-Ehhh…"
"And someone capable of authorizing a laser from the heavens itself."
By now Southampton looked stunned.
Shropshire stared openly at Yuuki.
Sussex looked like her soul was leaving her body.
"Uuuuh… I…"
Yuuki immediately rubbed his forehead.
"My lady, please don't scare them. I don't intend shipgirls fear me."
Hood turned toward him gracefully.
"My apologies, kind sir."
Then she glanced sideways toward Sussex.
"I simply do not tolerate disrespect directed toward you."
She smiled gently.
"A lady protects her gentleman."
Yuuki sighed helplessly.
"I appreciate it, but now they probably think I'm some terrifying superweapon."
Southampton quietly whispered to Shropshire.
"…Is he not?"
"I am literally standing right here."
Shropshire looked embarrassed immediately.
"Sorry…"
Hood finally softened slightly before sighing.
"Sussex."
The cruiser immediately straightened again.
"Yes, Lady Hood…"
"I know your habit and character."
Sussex blinked.
"You attempt to appear cold and disrespectful initially before warming up over time."
Southampton quietly looked away because Hood was absolutely correct.
Hood smiled calmly.
"It will not work here."
Sussex completely froze.
"…."
Yuuki actually felt a little bad for her now.
"P-Please forgive me…" Sussex immediately straightened herself properly. "London-class heavy cruiser, Sussex."
Yuuki blinked once.
"…That's it?"
Sussex froze.
"Eepp… y-yes…"
Yuuki sighed softly while glancing toward Hood.
"See? Now they're getting the wrong impression of me."
Hood merely smiled elegantly beside him.
"Then they must learn how to treat you properly, kind sir."
Sussex visibly shrank slightly again.
Hood continued calmly.
"Sussex is the older sister type among the London-class. London herself is the eldest, naturally. However…" She sighed faintly. "Sussex possesses certain… troublesome tendencies."
Southampton quietly looked away.
Shropshire suddenly found the ocean very interesting.
Hood tilted her head slightly.
"The Sakura Empire refers to it as 'tsundere,' I believe."
Yuuki immediately rubbed his forehead.
"…Please don't tell me you learned that word from Amagi."
Hood smiled innocently.
"I merely observe people. We are great friends and I learned a lot from her."
Then she looked toward him curiously.
"Are you fond of tsunderes, kind sir?"
Yuuki immediately deadpanned.
"I literally own a book called Tsundere 101 Guide for Imbeciles."
Southampton almost choked trying not to laugh.
Shropshire looked stunned.
Sussex looked personally attacked.
Yuuki continued with complete seriousness.
"It's an actual guide. Explains how tsunderes work."
Hood covered her mouth slightly, clearly amused now.
Yuuki raised a finger like he was giving a lecture.
"Cold at first. Hostile. Harsh. Then slowly affectionate later."
Another finger.
"Shows care through insults or rough treatment."
Then he shrugged.
"But honestly? I don't have time for that."
Sussex stiffened immediately.
Yuuki's tone stayed casual, but direct.
"If someone constantly throws harsh words or treats me badly, I'm not going to magically assume they secretly care."
Southampton quietly nodded because that sounded painfully reasonable.
"I'll just accept it as dislike or hatred."
Sussex visibly shrank slightly.
"And even if they warm up afterward," Yuuki continued, "I probably still won't believe it."
That hit even harder.
"Because eventually they'll go right back to being harsh again while pretending it somehow counts as caring."
He sighed lightly.
"Honestly, it's annoying."
Sussex looked like she was taking emotional damage in real time.
Yuuki crossed his arms loosely.
"I'd rather spend time with people who speak honestly and warmly instead of hiding behind insults because they're embarrassed."
Then he added calmly—
"That stuff works in anime and manga."
A pause.
"But in real life? Most people would just think you dislike them."
"Eepp…"
Sussex physically shivered.
Southampton completely gave up and started laughing quietly into her hands.
Even Shropshire looked like she agreed.
Beside him, Hood nodded with unmistakable approval.
"First impressions are indeed important, Sussex."
Sussex immediately straightened again.
"Yes, Lady Hood…"
Hood looked perfectly composed while delivering what was essentially a finishing blow.
"If a gentleman must decipher whether you are insulting him or caring for him, then your communication has already failed."
Southampton whispered quietly toward Shropshire.
"…Lady Hood just destroyed tsunderes academically."
Shropshire whispered quietly.
"…Basically, she dismantled the entire tsundere genre…"
Yuuki rubbed his forehead lightly.
"My lady, please don't traumatize her."
"I am merely educating."
Sussex lowered her head slightly in defeat.
"…I suddenly understand why London says my personality is difficult."
Yuuki sighed softly before speaking more gently this time.
"Look, I'm not saying you have to act fake or overly sweet."
Sussex slowly looked up.
"But if you care about someone, just say it properly sometimes. Acting harsh to disguise your care just made you being hated. Honestly, if I chose someone like that as my secretary, the moment they acted harsh, I'll replace them immediately."
That made her freeze slightly.
Hood smiled faintly beside him. "A very wise perspective, kind sir. Plus, it's simpler. Less misunderstandings. Kindness hidden beneath hostility is still hostility to those who cannot see through it."
Southampton nodded repeatedly.
Shropshire looked thoughtful.
Sussex meanwhile looked like her entire worldview regarding communication had just been critically damaged.
The heavy cruiser immediately lowered her head slightly.
"Yes, Lady Hood…"
"Not everyone appreciates your attitude. Our previous Commander may have tolerated it." Hood glanced toward Yuuki gently. "But kind sir values sincerity and kindness greatly."
Yuuki awkwardly scratched his cheek. "I'm not that strict…"
Hood ignored that completely.
"He does not indulge needless hostility simply because it hides embarrassment."
Southampton whispered quietly toward Shropshire.
"She's getting lectured harder than during fleet inspections…"
Shropshire nodded sympathetically.
Hood continued with perfect composure.
"If you continue behaving that way, he may never see the person you truly are beneath it."
Sussex immediately panicked slightly.
"Ah— p-please forgive me. I-I was trying to act properly…"
"My lady…" Yuuki sighed helplessly.
Hood finally looked toward him again.
"I know I sound harsh, kind sir."
Her voice softened slightly.
"But etiquette and first impressions matter greatly within the Royal Navy."
Then she glanced toward Sussex again.
"I simply do not wish her to leave you with the wrong impression and risk you disliking her permanently."
Yuuki shook his head lightly.
"I won't hate her over that."
Sussex looked visibly relieved.
Hood smiled faintly.
"You truly are a patient man."
Then her eyes narrowed slightly toward Sussex again.
"Even so, excessive tsundere behavior is not tolerated under proper Royal etiquette."
"Eeepp…"
"Especially," Hood added calmly, "when after ten years, she still behaves exactly the same."
Southampton fully turned away now because she was absolutely trying not to laugh.
Shropshire looked like she wanted to rescue Sussex but lacked the courage.
Yuuki finally sighed and stepped in before Sussex completely died from embarrassment.
"Okay, okay, my lady."
Hood looked toward him.
"You're elegant and strict, but honestly…" Yuuki smiled weakly. "You're kind of terrifying when you get stern."
Southampton nodded immediately.
Sussex nodded too before realizing she probably should not.
Yuuki tilted his head slightly.
"Actually… now I'm curious what you look like when you're genuinely angry."
Hood smiled beautifully.
"Ah, please do not concern yourself with such things."
Her tone remained perfectly gentle.
"My anger is quite tolerable."
Yuuki stared at her for a moment.
Then glanced toward the visibly terrified Royal Navy girls nearby.
"…Somehow I doubt that."
Sussex lowered her head even further after that, looking genuinely ashamed now instead of defensive.
The earlier sharpness in her voice was completely gone.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then—
Hood gently placed a hand on Sussex's head.
The heavy cruiser visibly froze.
Hood's expression softened into something far more affectionate now.
"I know why you act that way, Sussex."
Sussex's eyes widened slightly.
"You wished to push the Commander into becoming a better man," Hood continued gently. "You wanted someone dependable. Someone distinguished. Someone worthy of carrying the burdens your sisters and allies could not."
Southampton quietly listened nearby.
Shropshire did too.
Hood sighed softly.
"And somewhere along the way… you likely began hoping he would become someone important to you personally as well."
Sussex's face immediately turned red.
"L-Lady Hood…"
"But," Hood continued calmly, "harshness rarely creates closeness."
Her fingers gently brushed Sussex's hair.
"Instead, it pushes people away."
Sussex lowered her eyes again silently.
"Kind sir is patient," Hood said while glancing toward Yuuki. "Very patient."
Yuuki scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"But even patient people eventually grow tired if every interaction feels like hostility."
Sussex flinched slightly.
Hood smiled gently afterward.
"I simply do not wish to see you misunderstood by people who genuinely wish to become your friend."
Then her tone became softer.
"Your strictness is often mistaken for cruelty."
For a few seconds, Sussex stayed quiet.
Then finally—
"…Please forgive me, Lady Hood."
Hood nodded gently.
Then Sussex turned toward Yuuki properly.
There was no pride left in her expression now.
No defensive wall.
Just honesty.
"Please forgive me as well, Lord Commander…"
She hesitated briefly.
"I will try to speak my feelings more properly from now on."
A small pause followed before she added quietly—
"And if I become harsh again… please scold me."
Yuuki immediately waved his hand slightly.
"Nah. You already got scolded enough for one day."
That earned a tiny embarrassed sound from Sussex.
Then Yuuki smiled faintly.
"Let's just start over properly."
Sussex looked up slowly.
"I don't hate you at all. Really."
The tension in her shoulders finally eased.
Then slowly—
Sussex smiled again.
This time, it was small.
Awkward.
But genuine.
And honestly—
it suited her far better than pretending to be hostile ever did.
"Wow… then sorry about my sister."
Shropshire laughed awkwardly while rubbing the back of her head.
"The youngest of the London-class and sent far away from my sisters. That's me~"
She puffed her chest slightly afterward with playful confidence.
"Ah, it's not like I'm begging for sympathy or anything," she added quickly, "but if you give me a little attention, I'll totally give you high points for that~"
Yuuki stared at her for a second.
Then slowly glanced toward Hood.
"…She's kind of cute."
Shropshire immediately blinked.
"Huh?"
Hood softly covered her mouth with visible amusement.
Shropshire's face reddened slightly.
"Acting cute? Oh shush, I was being serious, you know~"
Then she straightened herself dramatically.
"London-class youngest, Shropshire, reporting for duty~"
She pointed at herself proudly.
"I've been told I'm air-headed and gullible, so I'll probably cause you some trouble eventually."
A pause.
"But I'll do my best~"
Yuuki smiled faintly.
"Well, nice to meet you, Shropshire."
That simple response alone made her visibly brighten.
Hood sighed softly beside him, though there was affection in it.
"She is somewhat of an attention seeker."
"Lady Hood…"
"But," Hood admitted gently, "I believe spending ten years trapped here has tempered her somewhat."
Shropshire looked away sheepishly.
"There were many occasions where I had to remind her not to overdo things and accidentally annoy others."
Yuuki immediately nodded knowingly.
"Honestly, having you here saves me from getting walked over by all these girls."
Hood looked deeply pleased by that statement.
"My, what an honor."
Then she turned toward Shropshire again.
"Shropshire."
The younger cruiser immediately straightened.
"Yes, Lady Hood?"
"I trust you have learned to moderate your attention-seeking tendencies."
"…A little…"
Hood smiled politely.
"Kind sir values results more than excessive noise."
Shropshire blinked.
Then slowly understood.
"…So the best attention I can get from him is doing a good job?"
"Precisely."
Shropshire immediately nodded seriously.
"Yes, Lady Hood."
Yuuki sighed softly.
"…Why do I suddenly feel like Hood is training all of you to survive interacting with me?"
Southampton raised her hand slightly.
"Because you apparently terrify people without trying."
"I literally haven't done anything."
"She casually talked about orbital lasers and treating nukes like fireworks earlier," Sussex muttered quietly.
"…Fair point."
"Good day, Mast— ahem!"
Southampton immediately straightened herself awkwardly after nearly slipping up.
"My name is Southampton. Please let me know if there is anything I may do for you."
Yuuki immediately narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…Master?"
"Eep."
Southampton froze on the spot.
Hood quietly smiled beside him, already amused.
Yuuki tilted his head slightly.
"Wait… what class are you again?"
"T-Town-class…"
A pause.
Then realization hit him.
"So you're in the same class as Belfast?"
Southampton nodded carefully.
"Y-Yes…"
"She's your sister then?"
"Yes…"
Yuuki blinked.
"Then aren't you supposed to be a maid too?"
Southampton visibly panicked slightly.
"N-Naturally, I…" She awkwardly rubbed the side of her arm. "I preferred becoming a knight more than a maid…"
Yuuki looked genuinely curious instead of judgmental.
"So you're basically Royal Knight faction?"
Southampton nodded quickly.
"Yes."
Yuuki smiled slightly.
"Then you must be pretty strong if you got promoted from maid duties."
Southampton immediately shook both hands nervously.
"N-No no no, not at all! Lady Warspite is far stronger than I could ever become."
Hood gently sighed.
"Southampton…"
The younger cruiser lowered her head slightly.
"I wasn't suited to being a maid," she admitted quietly. "I made too many mistakes…"
For the first time, her cheerful energy weakened noticeably.
"Belfast suggested I become a knight instead."
Yuuki blinked slightly.
"She did?"
Southampton nodded.
"She said it would suit me better. That way… the others wouldn't judge me constantly for failing maid work."
Hood quietly listened beside him without interrupting.
Southampton smiled weakly afterward.
"When I heard Belfast's voice again inside the vault…" Her hands tightened slightly together. "Knowing she survived…"
A pause.
"…I still felt incompetent."
Yuuki stayed silent.
Southampton lowered her eyes.
"Even as a knight, I failed to protect Her Majesty…"
The guilt in her voice was obvious now.
"I'm sorry if I'm useless to you too…"
"Hey."
Yuuki interrupted immediately.
Southampton looked up slightly.
"Belfast clearly didn't think you were useless."
Southampton blinked.
"She gave you a role better suited for you instead of forcing you into something you hated."
Yuuki shrugged lightly.
"That's not rejection. That's trust."
Southampton froze slightly at that wording.
"And Elizabeth?"
Yuuki shook his head gently.
"She didn't blame anyone."
Hood quietly smiled faintly beside him.
"She died knowing some of her people escaped."
Southampton's eyes widened slightly.
Yuuki continued calmly.
"Belfast and Illustrious are alive and doing well."
That immediately brightened Southampton's expression.
"Really…?"
"Yeah."
Yuuki smiled faintly.
"Belfast's my personal maid now."
Hood softly covered her mouth, clearly amused by how casually he said that.
"She even gained two Nikke coworkers recently."
Southampton blinked.
"Nikke… maids? You have Nikkes?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Ade and Soda. You'll meet them once you're revived."
Then he chuckled lightly.
"She's head maid again too."
For a second—
Southampton simply stared at him.
Then slowly—
her shoulders relaxed.
The guilt weighing on her earlier softened slightly.
"…Lady Belfast really survived…"
"She did."
"And she's still scolding people properly too," Yuuki added.
Hood nodded immediately.
"Very efficiently, I imagine."
Yuuki sighed.
"You have no idea."
That finally made Southampton laugh softly again.
A genuine laugh this time.
And honestly—
seeing hope return to their faces one by one was becoming Yuuki's favorite part of the void world.
More footsteps approached across the calm sea.
"Ah, Lady Hood…"
Hood turned gracefully toward the newcomers before smiling softly.
"Crescent. Cygnet. Foxhound."
The three destroyers immediately looked relieved seeing her.
"We thought you were lost…" Foxhound spoke quietly.
Hood gently shook her head.
"Lord Commander rescued me."
Then she added calmly,
"My cube is safely stored in the real world now. Awaiting resurrection."
The three girls immediately looked toward Yuuki.
"This is the Commander?" Cygnet blinked curiously.
"You're the one who spoke to us inside the vault?" Foxhound asked softly.
Yuuki nodded.
"Yeah. That was me."
Then Crescent suddenly stepped forward dramatically.
"You're the Commander?" She crossed her arms proudly. "You totally look like someone who's never fought before."
Yuuki blinked once.
"I'm Crescent of the C-class! And I'm not a child! Even if I look like this, I actually have a lot of experience!"
Silence.
Then—
"Crescent."
Hood's voice remained perfectly calm.
"Eeep."
The destroyer instantly straightened.
Hood sighed softly.
"Pretending to be overly tough will not earn approval from the Commander."
"I-I wasn't pretending…"
"Crescent."
"Eeep…"
Yuuki quietly leaned toward Sussex nearby.
"…Wow. She really is the stern mum of the Royal Navy."
Sussex immediately turned slightly red from him casually talking to her now.
But unlike earlier—
she did not overreact.
Instead, she answered honestly.
"Yes. Lady Hood has always been the strict one among us."
Her expression softened slightly.
"But we respect her because of it. She always tries to guide us properly."
Yuuki glanced at her briefly.
"So you never actually hated me earlier?"
Sussex immediately shook her head.
"I would never."
Then she lowered her head slightly.
"If I gave that impression… please forgive me."
Yuuki gently patted her head.
"No worries."
Sussex visibly relaxed immediately.
"…Thank you."
Nearby, Hood continued dealing with Crescent.
"Just act naturally," Hood said gently.
"You do not need to pretend to be an adult all the time."
Crescent puffed her cheeks slightly.
"But I am mature…"
"Crescent," Hood said calmly, "you are easier to read than an open book."
Southampton quietly looked away because that statement was painfully accurate.
Hood continued anyway.
"Most people simply tolerate the act rather than finding it convincing."
Crescent froze.
"…Everyone gets annoyed at me?"
Hood softened slightly afterward.
"Harshly speaking? Sometimes."
Crescent visibly wilted.
"But," Hood added immediately, "you are actually very likable when you simply act like yourself."
The destroyer blinked.
"If you enjoy sweets and candy, then enjoy them openly. There is no need to hide such things behind false maturity."
Crescent looked completely stunned.
"H-How do you know that…"
Hood softly giggled behind her hand.
"My dear Crescent…"
A graceful smile appeared.
"I know many secrets within the Royal Navy. Even her majesty's."
Several girls visibly stiffened.
Yuuki immediately looked at Hood with newfound caution.
"…Yikes."
Hood tilted her head elegantly.
"Hmm?"
"She has blackmail material on everyone," Yuuki muttered dramatically. "Now I'm scared she's going to become my ethics teacher."
Hood smiled beautifully.
"That depends entirely on your behavior, kind sir," Hood said elegantly. "You are my gentleman. It is a lady's duty to guide you properly."
Yuuki immediately sighed.
"…Yep. Definitely scary."
Southampton quietly nodded in agreement.
Sussex looked like she completely understood that feeling now.
Hood then turned back toward Crescent, her expression softening slightly.
"Just be honest," she said gently. "You do not need to pretend to be tough or mature."
Crescent fidgeted slightly.
"Lord Commander will not underestimate you simply because you are young."
Then Hood smiled faintly.
"He values honesty far more."
Crescent slowly looked toward Yuuki.
"…Commander?"
Yuuki blinked.
"You really won't dislike me for not acting like an adult?"
Her voice sounded much smaller now.
"I thought… maybe if I acted mature, people would rely on me more…"
Yuuki shook his head immediately.
"Hey. Everyone gets the same chance to prove themselves."
He pointed casually toward the Sakura destroyers in the distance.
"Those girls look like children too, but I still trust them."
Crescent quietly listened.
"Why not just be yourself?" Yuuki continued. "Look at Unicorn."
Crescent blinked.
"That girl's still a child," Yuuki said with a faint smile. "And she already proved herself capable of using four building-sized Harbinger gunships."
Crescent froze.
"She wiped out dozens of Orochi small ships with them almost entirely by herself."
"Eeepp…"
Yuuki shrugged lightly.
"So honestly? Whether you look like a child or adult doesn't matter much to me."
He smiled gently afterward.
"Honesty and ability are what matter."
Crescent stared at him quietly.
"So if you want to play around, enjoy sweets, or spend time with girls your age like Laffey…"
Yuuki shrugged again.
"Go ahead."
A brief silence followed.
Then Crescent spoke quietly.
"…I wanted to be more like Nimi."
Yuuki blinked slightly.
"She's mature. Reliable. Cool…"
Then Crescent lowered her head slightly.
"But I can't really be like her…"
Yuuki smiled faintly.
"No."
Crescent froze slightly.
"But you can become the best version of yourself instead."
That made her pause.
Then slowly—
a grin spread across her face.
"Then I won't pretend anymore!"
She straightened proudly, though this time it felt genuine instead of forced.
"I'm Crescent! Please rely on me from now on!"
Yuuki smiled.
"See? That already sounds way more natural."
Hood looked deeply pleased beside him.
Then—
without warning—
she gently pushed the next destroyer forward.
"Ah—"
Cygnet nearly stumbled.
"I-I'm the C-class destroyer Cygnet…"
She nervously clasped her hands together.
"Before I was sent abroad, I stayed with the Home Fleet…"
Her voice gradually became smaller.
"I-I may not look like it, but I'm good at fishing…"
Then suddenly she brightened slightly.
"Ah! And for the sake of fish and chips, I'll absolutely do my best!"
Yuuki blinked.
"…Fish and chips?"
Hood sighed softly.
"She likes fish and chips very much."
Yuuki immediately laughed lightly.
"Honestly? Fair enough."
Cygnet looked hopeful immediately.
"Really?"
"Sure," Yuuki said casually. "Once you're revived properly, I won't mind cooking some."
Cygnet's eyes widened completely.
"Really?!"
"Yeah."
Instantly—
her entire mood brightened.
"Then I'll work really hard!"
Yuuki quietly leaned toward Hood afterward.
"My lady…"
"Yes?"
"She's kind of adorable."
Hood softly smiled.
"Ten years trapped in this place without proper food tends to simplify one's priorities."
"…Honestly understandable."
Then—
the final destroyer stepped forward confidently.
"I'm Foxhound, F-class destroyer of the Royal Navy!"
She proudly puffed herself up slightly.
"Compared to my sisters, I was the first to receive special enlarged improvements, so I'm a little better developed! Hehe~"
Yuuki stared for a second. Especially the developed part.
Then sighed.
"…Haa. Developed at those does not automatically mean better."
Foxhound froze slightly.
Hood slowly turned toward him.
"Kind sir."
"Yes?"
"Please keep your eyes appropriately respectful."
Her smile remained perfectly elegant.
Which somehow made it scarier.
There was also just a tiny hint of jealousy hidden beneath it.
Yuuki immediately straightened.
"Yes, my lady."
Southampton quietly looked away again.
Sussex looked like she was trying not to laugh.
Foxhound quickly recovered and saluted dramatically.
"Foxhound answering your call, Commander!"
Yuuki tilted his head slightly afterward.
"Wait. You call yourself Foxhound…"
Foxhound nodded proudly.
"But you don't actually have fox tails like Akagi or Kinugasa."
Foxhound blinked.
"…Eh?"
Then she laughed awkwardly.
"Well, that's because I'm not literally a fox…"
Yuuki nodded seriously.
"False advertising."
"Commander!"
Foxhound puffed her cheeks immediately.
Then after a second—
she laughed anyway.
"Anyways, I'll be in your care from now on!"
Not long afterward, another girl hurried toward the gathering.
"I-I am sorry… I am late…"
The moment she noticed Hood—
"Eepp. Lady Hood."
Hood smiled gently.
"It is good to see you again, Comet."
The destroyer immediately looked relieved.
"Awaaa… it is good to see you too…"
Comet nervously clasped her hands together while looking around at everyone gathered nearby.
"I saw everyone gathering here and followed the voices…"
Then her pink eyes shifted toward Yuuki curiously.
"Ah… you must be the one calling us."
Yuuki nodded lightly.
"Yeah."
Comet immediately brightened.
"I'm Comet of the C-class destroyers! I'm really happy to have your support, Commander!"
Unlike Crescent's forced toughness or Cygnet's nervousness, Comet simply felt energetic and straightforward.
Yuuki smiled faintly.
"Nice to meet you."
Then after hearing her speak more—
he tilted his head slightly.
"You have a nice voice."
Comet blinked.
Then instantly turned red.
"R-Really?!"
Yuuki nodded casually.
"Yeah."
Comet looked genuinely delighted now.
"Ehehe…"
She twirled a strand of her green twin-drill hair slightly.
"My dream is actually to become an idol someday."
Yuuki blinked once.
"…You know what? I can actually see that."
Comet visibly sparkled from happiness.
Even Hood looked amused beside him.
Then—
another figure approached more calmly from across the sea.
"Lady Hood. It is a pleasure to see you again."
Hood turned gracefully.
"As it is for me, Hermes."
The elegant carrier approached with composed posture, her white bob-cut hair moving lightly with each step.
Hood gestured toward Yuuki.
"This is the Commander."
Hermes immediately bowed politely.
"I am Hermes," she introduced calmly. "Second aircraft carrier ever constructed."
Then she sighed lightly.
"Also the first carrier sunk by the Sakura Empire."
Yuuki awkwardly scratched his cheek slightly.
"…That's rough."
Hermes shrugged surprisingly casually.
"War is war."
Then her eyes sharpened slightly with determination.
"Though if given the chance, I would still like to duel the first carrier someday."
Yuuki immediately thought of two specific fox carriers.
"You mean Akagi or Kaga?"
Hermes nodded.
Yuuki immediately shook his head.
"I honestly do not recommend it."
Hermes blinked.
"Those two are crazy enough already."
Southampton quietly nodded in full agreement.
Foxhound muttered under her breath.
"Especially Akagi…"
Then suddenly Hermes straightened dramatically.
"Glory to the cards, my soul to the duel d—"
She paused.
"…I mean, the flight deck."
Yuuki stared at her.
"…You really like duels, huh?"
Hermes immediately nodded.
"Yes, Commander. How skilled are you in duel cards?"
Yuuki smiled faintly.
"I'm pretty good."
Hermes' eyes lit up instantly.
"Then would you be interested in dueling me someday?"
Yuuki crossed his arms confidently.
"Once you're revived? Sure."
Then he smirked slightly.
"Give me any deck you want."
A brief pause.
"I'll still beat you."
The atmosphere instantly shifted.
Hermes froze slightly.
Comet gasped dramatically.
Foxhound immediately looked excited.
Southampton whispered.
"…He activated competitive mode."
Hood softly covered her mouth, visibly amused.
Hermes slowly narrowed her eyes with growing determination.
"…I accept this challenge, Commander."
Yuuki grinned slightly.
"Good."
Then he pointed casually.
"Just don't blame me when I send your life points to the void too."
Even Hood sighed softly at that one.
"Kind sir…"
"What? She started it."
Not long afterward, another group approached across the endless calm sea.
This time—
an older-looking cruiser walked at the front while two smaller girls followed closely beside her.
The moment they noticed Hood—
"Ah… it is Lady Hood."
The blonde cruiser immediately bowed politely.
"And the Commander as well."
She straightened herself gracefully afterward.
"Forgive my manners. Good day to you both."
Her voice carried a gentle elegance similar to the Royal Navy's refined atmosphere.
"I am Leander-class light cruiser, Leander."
Then her expression softened slightly.
"I have two other sisters as well. Though… it seems they are not here."
Yuuki nodded quietly.
"We'll search for them too."
Leander blinked slightly before smiling warmly.
"…Thank you."
Yuuki smiled faintly back.
"Nice to meet you, Leander."
Before the conversation could continue—
the two smaller destroyers beside her stepped forward eagerly.
Hood immediately recognized them.
"Beagle and Bulldog."
The two girls straightened immediately.
"Are you both well?"
"Yes!"
Beagle practically bounced with energy.
"I finally get to meet you properly, Commander! I'm B-class destroyer Beagle!"
She saluted proudly.
"I'm best at escort missions! If you ever need help, just ask me!"
Yuuki immediately got the feeling she was the hardworking type.
Beagle continued proudly anyway.
"I participated in tons of escort missions, you know! Norway! The Atlantic! Operation Torch! And then…"
She paused.
"…Actually there were a lot…"
Yuuki laughed lightly.
"Sounds like you worked hard."
Beagle immediately brightened from the praise.
"I did!"
Then the quieter girl beside her stepped forward.
"Good day," Bulldog spoke calmly.
"I am B-class destroyer Bulldog."
Then she looked at Yuuki carefully.
"…I am an adult despite my appearance."
Yuuki blinked once.
"So please do not judge me for looking younger," Bulldog finished seriously. "I hope you are not that kind of adult, Commander."
Yuuki immediately raised both hands slightly.
"I have absolutely no intention of doing that."
Bulldog visibly relaxed.
"Good."
Yuuki smiled faintly afterward.
"Nice to meet both of you."
Then he glanced between the Royal Navy destroyers and the Sakura ones he met earlier.
"Honestly, your destroyers feel more grown compared to the Sakura kids."
Hood softly covered her mouth.
"A rather accurate observation."
Beagle laughed proudly.
"We're dependable!"
Bulldog nodded seriously beside her.
"We are."
Then—
unexpectedly—
all of the gathered Royal Navy girls bowed toward him together.
Yuuki blinked in surprise.
And this time—
Sussex was the one who spoke first.
On behalf of all ten of us…"
Her voice remained steady.
"…Thank you for rescuing us."
The others nodded quietly in agreement.
For a moment, Yuuki simply looked at them.
These girls had spent ten years trapped inside a forgotten void.
Ten years of silence.
Loneliness.
Waiting.
And despite all of that—
they still carried dignity.
Still spoke politely.
Still thanked him sincerely.
Nearby, Hood smiled softly while watching Sussex speak more honestly now.
There was visible approval in her eyes.
Yuuki rubbed the back of his neck slightly.
"Honestly, I wasn't alone."
The girls looked up again.
"Enterprise, Yorktown, and Belfast helped a lot too."
His expression softened slightly.
"So once all of you are revived properly…"
He smiled faintly.
"…Make sure to thank them too."
"Kind sir…"
Hood's voice softened slightly as she looked toward him.
"Thank you from me as well."
Yuuki immediately let out a small laugh.
"Pff… you already rewarded me for it, remember?"
The moment he said that—
Hood visibly blushed.
A rare sight.
Even Southampton looked shocked.
"My lady is blushing…"
Sussex immediately looked away respectfully.
Hood gently cleared her throat while trying to recover her composure.
"It is only natural for a lady to reward her gentleman properly."
Yuuki grinned slightly.
"Sure, sure."
Hood lightly narrowed her eyes at him, though there was warmth there now instead of sternness.
Then Yuuki looked across the gathered Royal Navy girls.
"Well then…"
He gestured lightly.
"Let's bring all of you back to the island."
The girls immediately looked curious.
"There's an island?" Beagle blinked.
"With actual land?" Cygnet asked hopefully.
"And people?" Comet added.
Yuuki nodded.
"Other rescued shipgirls are already there."
Then he glanced toward Hood.
"My lady, mind showing them around for me afterward?"
Hood immediately smiled gracefully again.
"Gladly."
Honestly—
she looked genuinely happy now.
Not just composed.
Not simply elegant.
But relieved.
Because the Royal Navy girls were no longer alone in the void.
Yuuki extended his hand slightly afterward.
"Alright, everyone hold on."
Immediately—
the girls gathered closer around him.
Comet carefully grabbed onto his sleeve.
Cygnet held onto Hood first before also lightly holding Yuuki's coat.
Foxhound confidently grabbed his shoulder.
Beagle looked openly excited.
Bulldog maintained dignity while quietly staying close enough.
Leander gently guided the younger girls closer so nobody would get left behind.
Then—
Yuuki paused slightly.
Because someone had quietly taken hold of his arm directly.
He looked sideways.
Sussex.
The heavy cruiser immediately stiffened after realizing he noticed.
But—
unlike before—
she did not immediately pull away.
Her cheeks turned slightly red instead.
"…I merely wished to ensure stable transport," she said quickly.
Southampton immediately looked away because that excuse was terrible.
Hood softly smiled beside them.
Interesting.
Once Sussex stopped suppressing her feelings behind forced hostility—
she was surprisingly straightforward instead.
Yuuki simply smiled faintly and allowed it.
"Alright then."
He activated the transport again.
Light spread beneath their feet.
The endless sea distorted around them.
And moments later—
the entire group disappeared from the calm ocean together.