Outside the transport...
The massive Rapture aircraft continued through the clouds, completely unaware that it had acquired an unexpected passenger.
Several kilometers behind it...
A sonic boom echoed across the sky.
Yuuki's Mark 47 armor cut through the atmosphere at hypersonic speed.
The ocean below became a blur.
Clouds split apart around him before instantly reforming in his wake.
Jarvis calmly reported.
"Current flight time."
"Ten minutes."
Yuuki kept his eyes on the tactical display.
"Distance?"
"Closing."
"The transport altered its course approximately four minutes ago following the loss of communication with the Mother Whale."
A new projected flight path appeared across his visor.
"They're following a contingency route."
Yuuki smiled faintly.
"Good thing we hacked their navigation data."
"Indeed, sir."
The transport finally appeared on the horizon.
At first...
Only a dark silhouette.
Then...
Its full size emerged from the clouds.
The grotesque Rapture aircraft dwarfed even most bombers Yuuki had seen.
Its armored hull pulsed faintly with crimson energy.
Jagged wings carved through the air as if they belonged to some enormous mechanical beast.
Yuuki slowed.
His thrusters shifted from bright blue...
To almost invisible.
"Reducing thermal output."
Jarvis announced.
"Entering silent approach."
The armor's active camouflage activated.
Light bent around the Mark 47.
Within seconds...
Yuuki disappeared against the sky.
Only faint distortions remained.
The transport never reacted.
It simply continued forward.
Yuuki carefully matched its speed.
Five hundred meters.
Three hundred.
One hundred.
Fifty.
The turbulent airflow battered his armor, but the stabilization systems automatically compensated.
He drifted lower.
Until he reached the transport's massive tail assembly.
"Stealth remains uncompromised."
Jarvis confirmed.
Yuuki gently extended one armored hand.
His boots touched the outer hull without a sound.
"Contact established."
He crouched low against the armored plating.
"Activating magnetic grip."
A soft mechanical click echoed through the suit.
Powerful electromagnetic clamps locked onto the transport's metallic structure.
His boots.
His gloves.
Even the armor's knee plates.
All secured firmly against the aircraft despite its tremendous speed.
Jarvis displayed the aircraft's internal layout across Yuuki's visor.
"External detection."
"Negative."
"Radar."
"Negative."
"Visual."
"Negative."
"The transport remains unaware of your presence."
Yuuki slowly looked toward the forward section of the aircraft.
Beyond several meters of armor...
Nine prisoners waited.
"...Good."
He rested one hand against the transport's hull.
"Now..."
"...let's quietly steal an entire aircraft."
==============
Inside the cargo bay...
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
The engines droned steadily.
Red emergency lights pulsed across the dim compartment.
A heavily armed Rapture security droid detached itself from its charging station.
Its crimson optical sensor swept across the hold.
"Routine prisoner inspection initiated."
Hydraulic joints hissed quietly as it began walking down the central aisle.
An assault rifle remained magnetically attached to one arm.
A heavy shock baton rested along the other.
One by one...
It stopped before each containment pod.
The droid's sensor briefly scanned Mamiya.
"...Prisoner stable."
It moved to Irako.
"...Prisoner stable."
Neither supply ship reacted.
They simply watched it pass.
Further down...
The machine stopped before Blücher and Tallinn.
Blücher met its glowing red eye without fear.
Her blue eyes narrowed.
If only she had her rigging...
She silently thought.
Tallinn's expression remained equally cold.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither looked away.
The droid processed the visual information.
No elevated movement.
No escape attempt.
It continued walking.
As though their defiance meant absolutely nothing.
It simply...
Did not care.
The machine possessed no pride to wound.
No anger to provoke.
Only directives.
Farther ahead...
The Dragon Empery Shipgirls watched in silence.
Ning Hai instinctively shifted slightly in front of Ping Hai.
An old habit.
Protecting her younger sister.
The droid's optic paused on the movement.
Its scanner briefly illuminated all five prisoners.
"...Shipgirl signatures confirmed."
"...Containment secure."
The crimson beam disappeared.
It resumed its patrol.
Ping Hai quietly frowned.
"...I don't like those things."
"They don't even blink."
Ying Swei whispered.
"They're machines."
"There isn't anything behind those eyes."
Tai Yuan instinctively moved closer to Ting An again.
The older cruiser gently squeezed her hand.
"...It's alright."
"...Don't look at it."
The security droid reached the end of the cargo compartment.
Its patrol complete.
It turned mechanically.
The security droid had barely completed its turn—
A brilliant blue-white beam erupted through one of the armored observation windows.
BOOM!
The repulsor blast struck the droid squarely across its optic sensor.
Its head exploded into molten fragments.
The headless body staggered forward two steps before collapsing heavily onto the cargo deck.
THUD!
For a heartbeat...
Silence.
Every prisoner stared in disbelief.
"...What..."
Ping Hai whispered.
Blücher instinctively looked toward the shattered window.
Before anyone could react—
A thin crimson line appeared across the reinforced transparent armor.
It traced a perfect circle.
Metal glowed orange.
Molten droplets fell onto the floor.
"...A laser cutter?"
Tallinn murmured.
The final section of metal detached.
Before decompression could violently tear through the compartment—
An armored figure pushed the circular section inward.
The figure stepped through the opening.
None of the Shipgirls had ever seen armor like it before.
It was sleek.
Dark grey.
Angular.
Its surface was covered in interlocking nanometal plates with faint blue light flowing between the seams.
The helmet completely concealed the wearer's face.
A glowing arc reactor shone from the center of its chest.
For a split second...
Everyone simply stared.
Then—
WARNING.
HULL BREACH DETECTED.
The transport automatically responded.
Massive blast doors slammed shut behind the intruder.
CLANG!
Emergency bulkheads sealed the damaged section.
Compressed air roared through emergency vents.
Within seconds...
The pressure inside the compartment stabilized.
The decompression ended almost as quickly as it had begun.
The prisoners barely had time to brace themselves.
The armored figure slowly looked around the compartment.
Its helmet scanned each containment pod one by one.
Target count confirmed.
Nine friendly signatures located.
At that same moment...
Throughout the transport...
Scarlet warning lights began flashing.
WARNING.
UNAUTHORIZED HULL ENTRY DETECTED.
WARNING.
INTRUDER DETECTED.
Deep within the aircraft...
Dozens of dormant security droids activated simultaneously.
Red optics flickered to life.
Weapons unlocked.
"All combat units..."
"...Proceed to Cargo Bay Seven."
Mechanical footsteps immediately echoed through the corridors.
The transport had finally realized...
It had been boarded.
The armored figure slowly flexed one hand.
Nanometal rippled across the gauntlet.
Then, in a calm voice audible through the helmet's external speakers, he spoke.
"...Looks like stealth is over."
The nine imprisoned Shipgirls looked at one another.
Then back at the mysterious armored rescuer.
None of them knew who he was.
But one thought crossed all of their minds.
Someone...
Had actually come for them.
The sound of heavy mechanical footsteps rapidly grew louder.
One corridor.
Then another.
Target locks appeared across Yuuki's visor.
Twenty-three hostiles.
Closing rapidly.
The armored figure calmly raised his left arm toward the corridor entrance.
Panels along both forearms quietly unfolded.
Then...
Smaller compartments opened across his shoulders.
Jarvis immediately synchronized the targeting systems.
Micro-missile pods online.
Multi-target acquisition complete.
The first wave of Rapture security droids rounded the corner.
Weapons raised.
Red optics locked onto the lone intruder.
Before a single shot could be fired—
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Dozens of miniature missiles burst from Yuuki's armor.
Each immediately selected its own target.
The cargo corridor erupted into explosions.
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
Metal fragments flew in every direction.
One droid lost both arms.
Another disappeared beneath a fireball.
Several more were blasted completely apart before they even managed to return fire.
The survivors staggered through the smoke—
Yuuki casually tossed a small cylindrical object into the center of the corridor.
"...Catch."
The device bounced once.
Twice.
Then—
A brilliant blue electromagnetic pulse swept through the hallway.
WHOOOOM!
Every remaining droid instantly froze.
Red optics flickered wildly.
Weapons shut down.
Their processors overloaded.
One after another...
They collapsed lifelessly onto the deck.
Silence returned.
Only drifting smoke remained.
The armored figure lowered his arm.
His missile launchers quietly retracted back beneath the armor.
"Jarvis, how far are you in their network and security?"
"Approximately forty-eight percent infiltration complete, sir. Their encryption is adaptive, but I am steadily overriding their protocols."
Yuuki nodded slightly, eyes scanning the corridor beyond the smoke.
"Good. Send a falsified all-clear signal across their internal network. I want them to stand down—no reinforcements coming here."
"Understood, sir. Injecting spoofed command now."
A brief pause followed as streams of data flickered across Yuuki's visor.
"Signal successfully transmitted. Alert status downgraded. Nearby units are returning to standby protocols."
"Perfect."
With the immediate threat neutralized, Yuuki turned back toward the cargo bay. He stepped toward the breached section and activated a compact sealing device from his gauntlet. A thin layer of nanomaterial spread across the damaged surface, hardening instantly into a temporary barrier.
Then, with a firm motion, he secured the internal bulkhead door.
The compartment was sealed once more.
The prisoners stared speechlessly.
They had never witnessed technology like this before.
Not Siren.
Not Azur Lane.
Not even anything from Mamiya and Irako's own world.
Yuuki slowly turned toward them.
The helmet concealed his face.
Yet his voice remained calm.
"...Easy."
He slowly raised both hands away from his weapons.
"I'm not here to hurt any of you."
The Dragon Empery girls instinctively relaxed slightly.
Even so...
Mamiya couldn't completely hide the uncertainty in her eyes.
"...Who..."
She hesitated.
"...Who are you?"
The armored figure looked at each containment pod.
Then answered simply.
"...Let's just say..."
"...I came here to rescue all of you."
Silence.
The words seemed almost impossible to believe.
Then—
Tallinn's eyes widened.
She took one careful step forward against her restraints.
"...Wait..."
She stared directly at the armored helmet.
"...Your voice..."
Yuuki tilted his head slightly.
Tallinn's breathing quickened.
"...That voice..."
"...It's the same one..."
She looked toward Blücher.
"...Two weeks ago..."
"...The one who contacted us."
Blücher's eyes widened as realization struck.
"...You're him..."
Ning Hai gasped softly.
"...The mysterious voice..."
Ping Hai nodded immediately.
"...It really is..."
Tai Yuan blinked.
"...You promised..."
"...that someone would come."
Ting An smiled through her disbelief.
"...You kept your promise."
Even Ying Swei's guarded expression softened.
"...So..."
"...you actually found us."
The armored figure gave a small nod.
"...I did."
He looked around at all nine prisoners.
Mamiya looked between the Dragon Empery Shipgirls and the two Iron Blood cruisers.
"...What voice?"
Irako tilted her head in confusion.
"...We never heard anything."
Tallinn blinked.
"...You didn't?"
Blücher looked equally surprised.
"...Two weeks ago..."
"...someone spoke directly into our minds."
Ning Hai nodded.
"It wasn't a dream."
"It was clear."
Ping Hai smiled faintly.
"A gentle voice."
"It called to us."
Tai Yuan looked toward the armored figure.
"It asked us..."
"...to gather once more. Resonated in our wisdom cubes."
Ting An nodded.
"If we hadn't been captured..."
"...we would have followed that voice."
Ying Swei smiled.
"...Toward him."
The armored figure remained silent for a moment.
Inside the helmet...
Yuuki finally understood.
Mamiya and Irako aren't connected to the Wisdom Cube network.
No wonder they never heard the transmission.
Their Alien Core Spheres were fundamentally different.
He turned toward the five Dragon Empery Shipgirls.
"Ning Hai."
"Ping Hai."
The sisters immediately straightened.
"...You know us?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Yat Sen sends her regards."
Silence.
Tai Yuan's eyes widened.
"...Big Sister Sen?!"
Ting An stared at him in disbelief.
"...You..."
"...You have Big Sister Yat Sen?"
Yuuki shook his head slightly.
"I have her Wisdom Cube."
"I met her through it."
The five Dragon Empery Shipgirls froze.
"...You..."
"...met her?"
Ting An whispered.
"...How?"
"She died years ago."
"We..."
"...we couldn't bring her back."
Ying Swei lowered her head.
"...Big Sister sacrificed herself."
"She stayed behind..."
"...so we could escape."
Her voice trembled.
"...You really met her?"
Yuuki nodded.
"We can bring her back."
"As long as her Wisdom Cube still exists."
"I can establish contact with the consciousness preserved within it."
"And..."
He smiled reassuringly.
"...Resurrect her."
The Dragon Empery girls stared speechlessly.
Irako quietly whispered,
"...That sounds impossible."
Yuuki simply shrugged.
"...Ask them."
He gestured toward the others.
"They've already heard my voice."
"They know whether I've lied."
The five Dragon Empery Shipgirls exchanged glances.
Not one of them doubted him.
That mysterious voice...
The warmth they had felt...
The promise made two weeks earlier...
Everything had led to this moment.
Ning Hai slowly smiled.
"...I believe you."
Ping Hai nodded immediately.
"...So do I."
Yuuki turned toward the next containment pod.
"Blücher."
"Tallinn."
Both women immediately looked up.
"...Yes?"
Yuuki smiled beneath the helmet.
"I have Eugen."
"And Hipper."
Blücher's breathing stopped.
"...What?"
Tallinn's eyes widened.
"...They're..."
"...Alive?"
Yuuki nodded.
"They're alive."
"And waiting for you."
He chuckled softly.
"Eugen nearly ended up married to a completely useless prince."
Blücher blinked.
"...What?"
Yuuki laughed.
"You can ask her about it yourself."
"It makes for a surprisingly entertaining story."
Tallinn slowly lowered her head.
"...Lützow..."
She smiled despite the tears gathering in her eyes.
"...Big Sister Hipper..."
"...Little Eugen..."
"...They're both alive."
Blücher finally couldn't stop herself anymore.
Tears quietly rolled down her cheeks.
"...We really..."
"...get to go home."
Yuuki looked around at all nine prisoners.
His voice remained calm.
"...Yes."
Yuuki walked over to the nearest restraint.
"...Every single one of you."
He stopped before Mamiya.
"Including you two."
"Mamiya."
"Irako."
The two supply ships looked surprised.
"...Us?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Especially you two."
A compartment on his forearm opened.
A narrow blue laser emitter extended from the armor.
With practiced precision—
Fssshhh...
The beam sliced cleanly through the alloy shackles around Mamiya's wrists.
The restraints fell harmlessly onto the deck.
Clang.
Mamiya instinctively rubbed her wrists.
Deep red marks circled both of them.
Yuuki noticed immediately.
They had been wearing those restraints...
For a very long time.
He looked toward Irako.
"Your turn."
Another brief flash.
Her shackles dropped to the floor as well.
Irako slowly flexed her fingers.
"...Thank you..."
Yuuki looked between the two of them.
"I know who you are."
Both girls blinked.
"...You do?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Atago told me everything she knew."
"You aren't Shipgirls from this world."
"You're Shipgirls from another universe."
"The girls here call you..."
"...Kancolle Shipgirls."
Mamiya looked genuinely surprised.
"You know about us..."
"Only a little."
Yuuki admitted honestly.
"I don't know much about your world."
"But I do know this."
He smiled warmly.
"You spent ten years feeding fleets that weren't even your own."
"You stayed."
"You protected morale."
"You gave people a place to smile."
"That tells me everything I need to know about your character."
He looked directly at both supply ships.
"You're still Shipgirls."
"It doesn't matter what world you came from."
"So..."
"I'd like to take both of you under my wing."
"I'll help you grow stronger."
"So you won't have to remain simple supply ships forever."
He paused briefly.
"I hope..."
"...you can trust me."
Silence followed.
Mamiya exchanged a glance with Irako.
Neither of them possessed the strange connection the other seven clearly shared with this mysterious commander.
They had only just met him.
Yet...
They had watched him board a Rapture transport alone.
Defeat dozens of machines.
Speak kindly to complete strangers.
And promise to rescue every last one of them.
Mamiya smiled gently.
"...We only just met."
"We don't share the same bond those seven do."
She looked toward Ning Hai and Tallinn.
"But..."
"...they trust you."
"So..."
"...we'll trust you too."
Irako nodded.
"...We're tired."
"So very tired..."
"Of running."
"Of hiding."
"Of never knowing where we'll sleep tomorrow."
She smiled sadly.
"...If you'll have us..."
"...please take us in."
"We'd like..."
"...to have a place to call home again."
Yuuki gave a small nod.
"...You already do."
Without another word...
He moved from one prisoner to the next.
The laser cutter worked quickly.
Clang.
Blücher's restraints fell away.
Clang.
Tallinn's followed.
One after another...
The Dragon Empery sisters were finally freed.
Ning Hai immediately helped Ping Hai stand.
Ying Swei supported Ting An.
Tai Yuan stretched her aching wrists, wincing as circulation slowly returned.
Blücher quietly helped Mamiya steady herself.
Irako supported Tallinn in return.
The simple gesture made Yuuki smile.
Even after everything...
Their first instinct...
Was still to help one another.
His visor quietly completed a medical scan.
The results appeared one after another.
===========
Mild malnutrition detected.
Muscle fatigue.
Dehydration.
Pressure injuries around wrists and ankles.
===========
He slowly clenched one armored fist.
"...Months..."
He murmured.
"They kept all of you restrained for months."
None of the girls answered.
They didn't need to.
The marks around their wrists...
The exhaustion in their faces...
The way several of them struggled just to stand...
Told him everything.
His voice became noticeably quieter.
"...That ends today."
One by one...
The nine rescued Shipgirls slowly gathered behind him.
No longer prisoners.
Not yet fully free.
But for the first time in months...
They were no longer facing the enemy alone.
Mamiya looked curiously at the armored figure.
"...Who are you, sir?"
She smiled politely despite her exhaustion.
"Could you at least tell us your name?"
The armored helmet remained silent for a brief moment.
Then—
"...Yukihira Yuuki."
His calm voice echoed through the cargo hold.
"High Commander of the Global Defense Initiative."
He looked at the nine rescued Shipgirls.
"My faction isn't from this world."
"We arrived here during a hyperdrive accident."
"A temporal slip brought our fleet into this universe."
He smiled faintly beneath the helmet.
"So..."
"...No."
"I'm not from this world."
"Also, I'm not affiliated with any faction."
Mamiya blinked.
"...Yukihira..."
"...A Japanese name."
Yuuki nodded.
"It is."
"I'm from another version of Japan."
"So..."
"I understand where the two of you came from."
Irako looked surprised.
"...You're really..."
"...from another world?"
"Yes."
Yuuki answered honestly.
"When I arrived here..."
"I began rescuing Shipgirls."
He started counting.
"Atago."
"Takao."
"Yorktown."
"Eugen."
"Avrora."
Tallin immediately looked up.
"...Comrade Avrora?"
"She's with you too?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Yes."
"We rescued her from Aqua."
"Alongside five Nikkes."
Ning Hai asked quietly,
"...Anyone from the Dragon Empery?"
Yuuki shook his head.
"Not yet."
"The only thing we recovered..."
"...was Yat Sen's Wisdom Cube back in Aqua."
The five Dragon Empery Shipgirls quietly lowered their heads.
"...I see..."
Then Mamiya looked back toward him.
"So..."
"...you became their Commander?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Yes."
"The Global Defense Initiative is a highly advanced military organization."
"I'm its High Commander."
"The top and highest-ranking officer."
He paused briefly.
"My Vice Commander currently commands our space fleet."
"I personally oversee Earth's operations on your former home. I've established a major GDI base at the old Azur Lane headquarters. So, in a way, your old home has become your new one—the GDI Earth Division Base."
Silence followed.
It sounded unbelievable.
Almost impossible.
Irako finally laughed nervously.
"...It's hard to believe."
Yuuki chuckled.
"I expected that."
"You'll believe it..."
"...once you see it."
Mamiya smiled warmly.
"...Then..."
She hesitated.
"...Teitoku-sama?"
Yuuki immediately laughed.
"...I'd rather not."
"I'm more comfortable with..."
"...Commander."
Mamiya nodded respectfully.
"...Then..."
"...Shikikan-sama."
She bowed despite her tired body.
"I am IJN Mamiya."
"From the Kancolle world."
"A supply ship."
"And a chef."
Irako bowed beside her.
"I am IJN Irako."
"Also from the Kancolle world."
"I serve as a supply ship..."
"...and chef alongside Mamiya."
She smiled softly.
"If you'll allow us..."
"...please let us serve your fleet."
Yuuki returned the bow with a small nod.
"I'd be honored."
Blücher stepped forward next.
Her usual cheerful smile slowly returned despite everything she had endured.
"Herr Kommandant."
"If you truly reunite me with Hipper and Eugen..."
She clasped her hands behind her back.
"...Then I'll gladly join your fleet."
She laughed softly.
"I'm Blücher."
"Second ship of the Admiral Hipper-class."
She looked directly at him.
"If you rescued us..."
"...then you'll become the source of my endless happiness."
Yuuki couldn't help smiling.
"...That's reassuring."
Tallinn stepped beside Blücher.
Unlike her sister...
She carried herself with the composed dignity of a veteran.
She bowed respectfully.
"Comrade Commander."
"I am Tallinn."
"Northern Parliament heavy cruiser."
She paused.
"...Formerly known..."
"...as Lützow of Iron Blood."
Her expression softened.
"If your Global Defense Initiative truly welcomes those from every nation..."
"...Then please..."
"...Allow me to return to my sisters."
"Hipper."
"Eugen."
"And if I can still be of use..."
"...Please make use of me."
Yuuki nodded once.
"I didn't cross worlds just to leave sisters separated."
He looked at Blücher.
Then Tallinn.
Then the Dragon Empery girls.
Finally...
Mamiya and Irako.
"You'll all be seeing your families again."
"And after that..."
He smiled.
"...We'll make sure none of you ever have to run again."
Yuuki's gaze shifted toward the five Dragon Empery Shipgirls.
He smiled beneath the helmet.
"Now..."
"Would the five of you mind introducing yourselves?"
To their surprise...
He continued in fluent Mandarin.
"我也会说中文."
(I speak Chinese too.)
The five Dragon Empery Shipgirls blinked simultaneously.
Ning Hai looked genuinely surprised.
"...Zhǐhuī Guān..."
"You can speak Dragon Empery language?"
Yuuki chuckled.
"Chinese?"
"Fluently."
"But feel free to use whichever language you're most comfortable with."
The girls exchanged glances before smiling.
Ning Hai stepped forward first.
"Then..."
"...Zhǐhuī Guān."
She bowed politely.
"I am Ning Hai."
"The lead ship of the Ning Hai-class."
She smiled modestly.
"In order to rebuild our nation's navy..."
"My sister and I have always lived as frugally as possible."
Ping Hai nervously raised one hand.
"I-I'm..."
She looked toward Ning Hai.
"...I mean..."
She giggled sheepishly.
"I am Ping Hai."
"The second ship of the Ning Hai-class."
Yuuki smiled.
"It's nice to finally meet both of you."
A much smaller girl timidly stepped forward.
She clutched the edge of her sleeves.
"I..."
"I'm Tai Yuan."
"A destroyer."
She looked up hopefully.
"Zhǐhuī Guān..."
"...Have you..."
"...seen my sisters?"
Yuuki knelt slightly so they were almost at eye level.
"Not yet."
He answered honestly.
"But..."
He smiled reassuringly.
"I'm sure we'll find them."
"One day."
Tai Yuan nodded with determination.
"...Okay."
"I'll believe you."
Next...
Ying Swei introduced herself with graceful composure.
"I am Ying Swei."
"The second ship of the Chao Ho-class protected cruisers."
She smiled faintly.
"...And Chao Ho's younger sister."
Yuuki tilted his head.
"...Chao Ho?"
Ying Swei nodded.
"...Yes."
Her smile became bittersweet.
"I hope..."
"...she's still somewhere out there."
Yuuki answered gently.
"If she is..."
"...we'll find her."
"And if she isn't..."
He rested a hand over his chest.
"We'll recover her Wisdom Cube."
"And bring her home."
Ying Swei quietly looked at him.
"...I was hoping for the first."
She smiled sadly.
"But..."
"...Whatever it takes..."
"...I just want my sister back."
Yuuki nodded.
"You have my word."
Finally...
Ting An stepped forward.
She carried herself with quiet maturity.
"I am Ting An."
"Dragon Empery's First Fleet."
"I originally served as a seaplane tender."
"Before later being converted into a transport ship."
She suddenly remembered something.
"...Commander."
"You said..."
"...Little Yat Sen is with you?"
She smiled warmly.
"I wonder..."
"...She must have grown quite a bit since I last saw her."
Yuuki smiled.
"She has."
"She's currently resting in the Void World."
"I recovered her Wisdom Cube in Aqua."
He sighed.
"Someone was trying to sell it on the black market."
"I brought her home before that could happen."
"...Yat Sen..."
Ting An whispered.
Yuuki gently nodded.
"...Why don't you say hello?"
The Dragon Empery girls blinked.
"...Hello?"
"She can hear us."
Yuuki explained.
"She just can't respond."
"So..."
"...For now..."
"...You're speaking through me."
Ting An's eyes widened.
"...Really?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Really."
For several moments...
Nobody spoke.
Then Ning Hai stepped forward.
She looked directly at Yuuki.
Yet her words were clearly meant for someone else.
"...Yat Sen-jiejie..."
"We're alright."
"We're still alive."
Her voice trembled.
"...We missed you."
Ping Hai quickly joined in.
"...Big Sister..."
"We've been trying our best."
"We'll come home soon."
Tai Yuan smiled brightly despite the tears forming in her eyes.
"Big Sister Sen!"
"I finally met the Commander who saved you!"
"I'll become stronger."
"So you don't have to worry anymore."
Ying Swei lowered her head respectfully.
"...Thank you."
"For protecting everyone."
"We'll carry your wishes until we're together again."
Finally...
Ting An smiled with tears in her eyes.
"...Xiao Sen..."
"You've probably grown into a wonderful young lady."
She laughed softly.
"I'm sorry..."
"...that you had to leave us so early."
Her smile became warmer.
"When we finally meet again..."
"...Let's sit down together."
"I have so many stories to tell you."
For a brief moment...
The noisy cargo bay...
The alarms...
The burning corridor outside...
All faded into silence.
Yuuki simply stood there.
Listening.
Allowing sisters separated by death...
To finally speak to one another again.
The sisters slowly wiped the tears from their eyes.
Yuuki quietly waited until they had calmed down.
Then he opened another compartment on his waist.
A small metallic sphere rested inside.
He pressed its center.
The sphere unfolded into a compact spatial storage unit.
One by one...
Sealed bottles of water appeared on the floor.
Then another.
And another.
Followed by several insulated containers.
The lids opened.
Warm steam immediately drifted into the cargo bay.
Soft steamed buns.
Still hot.
The aroma alone caused every girl to freeze.
Mamiya stared.
"...Bread..."
Irako's eyes widened.
"...It's warm..."
Yuuki began handing them out one by one.
"Mamiya."
"Irako."
"Ning Hai."
"Ping Hai."
"Tai Yuan."
"Ting An."
"Ying Swei."
"Blücher."
"Tallinn."
Each girl instinctively accepted the bottle and the warm bun.
He smiled gently.
"You probably haven't eaten a proper meal in quite some time."
"So..."
"While I take over this plane..."
"...why don't you eat something first?"
The girls looked at one another.
Almost afraid.
"...Can we...?"
Irako asked quietly.
Yuuki nodded.
"Of course."
"Don't worry."
"When we reach my carrier..."
"My Shipgirls are already preparing proper meals for all of you."
He chuckled.
"For now..."
He never finished the sentence.
The girls had already opened the bottles.
The sound of drinking echoed throughout the cargo bay.
Not hurried because of greed.
But because their bodies desperately needed it.
Several quietly trembled as the cool water reached their throats.
Tai Yuan clutched the bottle with both hands.
"...It's..."
"...Cold..."
She smiled through watery eyes.
"It's so good..."
Ping Hai carefully broke her steamed bun in half before instinctively offering part of it to Ning Hai, even though there were plenty more buns available.
"...Jie."
Ning Hai smiled softly.
"...Let's share."
Blücher held the warm bun against her hands for a moment before taking a small bite.
Her eyes immediately widened.
"...Warm..."
A tear quietly rolled down her cheek.
Tallinn looked away, trying to hide her own expression as she slowly ate.
Mamiya gently held the bun between both hands.
The warmth seeped into her fingers.
She closed her eyes.
"...Freshly made..."
Irako quietly nodded while tears streamed down her face.
"...I..."
"...I don't remember..."
"...the last time we ate food like this."
Yuuki silently watched them.
His visor continued displaying their medical data.
Mild malnutrition.
Extended caloric deficiency.
Dehydration.
He slowly clenched his fist.
Not from anger alone.
But from realizing something.
These girls weren't crying because of steamed buns.
They were crying because...
Someone had finally treated them like people again.
Mamiya quietly bowed her head while still holding the warm bun.
"...Thank you..."
"...Shikikan-sama."
Around her...
No one spoke anymore.
The only sounds inside the cargo bay...
Were quiet sobs...
The opening of water bottles...
And the peaceful silence of nine exhausted Shipgirls...
Finally eating without fear.
"Now, wait here..." Yuuki said, his tone firm yet gentle as he turned toward the exit. The armored plating along his suit shifted softly with each step, the faint hum of its systems lingering in the air as he prepared to leave.
"Wait..." Ning Hai called out, her voice hesitant but earnest.
Yuuki paused mid-step and glanced back over his shoulder.
"Can we... see your face?"
Her question hung in the air.
The others exchanged glances, curiosity flickering across their expressions. After everything that had happened—the rescue, the kindness, the strength he had shown—they all realized they knew nothing about the man behind the armor. The one they now called Commander.
They wanted to see him.
To know him.
Yuuki hesitated.
"...I can't do that right now," he replied after a brief pause, his voice softer than before.
"Why...?" Ping Hai asked, tilting her head slightly.
Yuuki let out a quiet breath.
"...There are reasons."
Ping Hai narrowed her eyes, then blurted out without thinking—
"Are you ugly?"
Ning Hai immediately elbowed her.
"Ping!"
Yuuki chuckled lightly, the sound carrying a hint of amusement beneath the helmet.
"Quite the opposite, Ping."
He gave a small, almost playful shrug.
"But... not yet."
There was something in his tone—something unspoken—that made the girls fall silent.
He turned again, preparing to leave.
Behind him, Blücher tilted her head thoughtfully.
"...I wonder why he can't show us?"
===============
Far away...
Inside a heavily fortified Rapture command facility...
Behemoth paced back and forth across the command chamber.
Her tail lashed behind her in irritation.
"The Mother Whale..."
She clenched a fist.
"...Gone."
"They somehow erased every trace of those two strange Shipgirls from the Mother Whale's systems."
She clicked her tongue.
"How?"
"They even manipulated our own records..."
Before she could continue—
One of the command droids abruptly turned toward her.
"Madam."
Behemoth stopped pacing.
"What is it?"
The droid projected a flashing alert.
"Emergency notification."
"Transport Two-Three-Five has registered a hull breach."
Behemoth immediately looked at the tactical display.
"...A breach?"
"Yes, Madam."
The transport's icon flashed red.
Then...
Almost immediately...
The warning disappeared.
"...The alert was manually disabled."
Behemoth's eyes narrowed.
She enlarged the map.
Transport 235.
Approximately four hundred kilometers from the Mother Whale's last recorded position.
Silence.
Then...
A slow smile spread across her face.
"...It's him."
The room fell silent.
One of the droids tilted its head.
"Madam?"
Behemoth's expression hardened.
"Connect me to that transport."
The droid immediately complied.
"Connection established."
"Initiating remote self-destruct sequence."
Several seconds passed.
Then—
ERROR.
SELF-DESTRUCT AUTHORIZATION DENIED.
The command droid looked up.
"...Madam."
"The self-destruct system is not responding."
Behemoth's eye twitched.
"...Not again."
She slammed a fist into the console.
"They've hacked another one."
She immediately pointed toward another terminal.
"Override it."
"Manual activation."
The command droid complied.
"Attempting manual detonation..."
Processing...
Processing...
Then—
MANUAL COMMAND REJECTED.
PRIMARY CONTROL LOCKED.
Silence filled the chamber.
The droid slowly turned.
"...Manual activation has also failed."
Behemoth's expression darkened.
She already knew exactly what that meant.
"He reached the command core..."
"...Already."
One of the nearby droids hesitated.
"...Madam."
"If the transport is destroyed..."
"It will eliminate the prisoners currently onboard."
Behemoth didn't even blink.
Her answer came immediately.
"...So be it."
She stared coldly at the tactical display.
"...I'd rather see them dead..."
"...than let him recruit them."
The room fell silent once more.
The transport icon continued moving steadily across the map.
Completely disconnected from Rapture command.
Behemoth slowly clenched her fists.
"...Yukihira Yuuki..."
"...This time..."
"...I'm not letting you steal another one from me."
================
Yuuki left the cargo hold at a sprint.
The hatch behind him sealed automatically.
His boots slammed against the metallic floor as he accelerated through the transport.
Every few seconds—
Another squad of Rapture security droids emerged from intersecting corridors.
Jarvis calmly updated the tactical display.
Six hostiles.
Twelve.
Twenty-one.
Yuuki didn't slow down.
He thrust one arm forward.
Twin repulsor emitters flared brilliantly.
BOOM!
The lead droid disappeared beneath the blast.
He kept moving.
Without even looking back.
Another squad rounded the next corner.
His shoulder armor unfolded.
Micro countermeasure launchers deployed.
WHOOSH!
A cluster of guided interceptors streaked down the hallway.
Three explosions erupted almost simultaneously.
The corridor fell silent again.
Jarvis spoke inside the helmet.
"Security firewalls breached."
"Eighty-two percent..."
"Eighty-seven..."
"Ninety-four..."
Yuuki burst through the final blast door.
The cockpit lay ahead.
Two Rapture pilot droids immediately raised their weapons.
Too slow.
BOOM!
A repulsor beam tore through the first cockpit.
The second attempted to sound an alarm.
Yuuki crossed the room in a blur.
His armored fist drove straight through its torso.
The machine collapsed.
Lifeless.
The cockpit fell quiet.
Only warning sirens remained.
Yuuki lowered himself into the pilot's position.
"...Jarvis."
"Can you fly this thing?"
The AI immediately interfaced with the alien controls.
"Hijacking primary flight systems."
"Working on it, sir."
Dozens of unfamiliar symbols streamed across Yuuki's visor.
Then—
A warning appeared.
INCOMING CONNECTION REQUEST
Jarvis spoke.
"Sir."
"Someone is attempting to establish a direct command link."
Yuuki smiled beneath the helmet.
"...Put them through."
The central display flickered.
Behemoth's face appeared.
The moment she saw him...
Her expression darkened.
"...You again."
She glared through the transmission.
"...Can't keep your nose out of our business?"
Yuuki leaned back calmly.
"You've got my Shipgirls."
"So I'm taking them back."
Behemoth laughed coldly.
"...Taking them back?"
"You seem to have forgotten your situation."
Her eyes narrowed.
"You've stolen our prisoners."
"You destroyed the Mother Whale."
"You took Anachiro."
"You stole Leviathan."
"And now..."
"...You're hijacking one of our transports."
Yuuki's answer came without hesitation.
"...Yeah."
He rested one armored hand on the controls.
"I'm picking a fight with the Raptures."
"Consider this..."
"...a declaration of war."
Silence.
Then Behemoth smiled.
A dangerous smile.
"...Global Defense Initiative..."
She slowly repeated the name.
"I'll remember it."
"...The Queen..."
"...will remember it."
Yuuki nodded once.
"...Guess it's settled then."
Behemoth's smile widened.
"...Indeed."
She reached toward something outside the camera's view.
"...Consider this..."
"...our acceptance."
Her hand slammed down.
Deep within the transport—
Multiple warning indicators instantly lit up.
Jarvis reacted immediately.
"Critical alert!"
Before he could finish—
BOOOOOM!!
One engine exploded.
Then another.
Then another.
A chain reaction raced across the transport.
All six propulsion units erupted almost simultaneously.
The aircraft lurched violently.
Inside the cargo hold—
The entire compartment shook.
The girls were thrown against the walls as emergency lights shifted from red...
To flashing crimson.
Mamiya barely caught Irako before she fell.
Tallinn instinctively shielded Blücher.
Ning Hai wrapped both arms around Ping Hai.
Ting An pulled Tai Yuan close while Ying Swei grabbed onto the nearest support rail.
The transport suddenly lost altitude.
Its nose dipped sharply toward the ocean below.
Back in the cockpit...
Jarvis immediately flooded Yuuki's visor with warnings.
==========
ENGINE FAILURE.
TOTAL PROPULSION LOSS.
EMERGENCY GLIDE MODE.
==========
Yuuki stared at the rapidly dropping altitude.
"...What the...?"
On the central display, Behemoth simply smiled.
It wasn't a smile of victory.
It was one of malice.
"...Walk away from that transport, Yukihira Yuuki. Escape and lose all of your precious shipgirls."
Her crimson eyes locked onto his.
"If we meet again..."
Her grin widened.
"...I'll make sure you're corrupted."
"...You'll join our side eventually."
The transmission immediately terminated.
The cockpit fell silent.
"...Jarvis!"
The AI responded instantly.
"Sir."
"It appears Behemoth remotely overloaded all six propulsion units."
"The explosions have damaged the primary fuel distribution network."
"Secondary detonations are beginning."
Multiple sections of the transport flashed bright red across the holographic damage report.
"At the current rate..."
"...the aircraft will continue losing altitude."
"It has also initiated an internal chain reaction."
"If left unchecked..."
"...the transport will catastrophically explode."
Yuuki's eyes rapidly moved across the damage display.
"Shut off the fuel lines."
Jarvis immediately attempted the command.
Several seconds later—
"...Negative."
"The emergency isolation valves have been electronically locked."
"They've completely sealed me out of the propulsion system."
Yuuki frowned.
"...Figures."
He looked through the forward canopy.
Clouds rushed past.
The ocean continued growing larger below.
"...What can you still control?"
Jarvis answered immediately.
"I retain authority over the flight surfaces."
"The transport remains partially flyable."
"I can still steer the aircraft."
Yuuki didn't hesitate.
"...Good."
He pointed upward.
"Pull the nose up."
Jarvis paused.
"...Sir?"
"As high as you can."
The AI immediately understood.
"...Converting remaining momentum into altitude."
Hydraulic actuators screamed throughout the transport.
The damaged control surfaces fought against the aircraft's dive.
Slowly...
The massive transport began pitching upward.
Warning sirens blared continuously.
===============
STALL WARNING.
ENGINE FAILURE.
LOSS OF THRUST.
==============
Yuuki ignored every one of them.
"Keep climbing."
"Use every bit of speed we've got."
Jarvis complied.
"Maximum glide climb initiated."
The transport strained violently.
Without engines...
Every meter gained consumed precious airspeed.
But altitude...
Could be traded later.
Yuuki quietly watched the climb.
"...If we're going to lose her..."
He tightened his grip on the controls.
"...We'll lose her on our terms."
Outside...
The crippled transport clawed its way higher into the sky.
Every second it climbed...
Bought the nine rescued Shipgirls another second to live.
The transport shuddered violently.
Every alarm in the cockpit blared at once.
Jarvis monitored the rapidly bleeding airspeed.
"...Sir."
"This is the maximum altitude we can achieve."
The nose of the transport slowly stopped climbing.
Momentum was gone.
Without engines...
Gravity was beginning to reclaim the aircraft.
Yuuki nodded calmly.
"...Good."
He stood from the pilot's seat.
"Now..."
"...Open the rear cargo hatch."
For the first time...
Jarvis hesitated.
"...Sir?"
"If I open the rear hatch..."
He projected the cargo compartment onto the visor.
"...The sudden decompression will pull the rescued Shipgirls out of the aircraft."
Yuuki was already walking toward the cockpit door.
"I know."
Jarvis remained silent for half a second.
"...Sir..."
"...Are you certain?"
Yuuki answered without slowing.
"...Do it, Jarvis."
"I know exactly what I'm doing."
"...Understood."
The AI immediately obeyed.
Deep within the transport...
Massive hydraulic locks disengaged.
CLUNK.
CLUNK.
CLUNK.
Warning lights shifted from crimson...
To flashing white.
WARNING.
REAR CARGO HATCH OPENING.
Inside the cargo hold...
The nine Shipgirls immediately looked toward the enormous rear door.
"...What's happening?"
Irako whispered.
Mamiya instinctively stepped in front of her.
Tallinn frowned.
"...Something's wrong."
Before anyone could react—
KRRRRRKKKKK!!
The cargo hatch began lowering.
A narrow gap appeared.
Instantly...
A deafening roar filled the compartment.
Air exploded outward.
Loose equipment shot toward the opening.
The pressure dropped violently.
"...Hold on!!"
Tallinn shouted.
Everyone grabbed whatever they could.
Ning Hai seized Ping Hai's arm.
Ting An wrapped both arms around Tai Yuan.
Ying Swei grabbed a support rail.
Blücher desperately held onto a cargo restraint.
Mamiya pulled Irako against her.
The opening widened.
The suction became overwhelming.
Metal containers...
Broken restraints...
Debris...
Everything was dragged toward the open sky.
"...Commander!"
Ping Hai cried out instinctively.
The support rail suddenly tore free from the floor.
One after another...
Their grips failed.
"...Ah!"
Tai Yuan was the first to lose her hold.
Ting An immediately grabbed her—
Only to be pulled with her.
Ying Swei lunged after them.
The airflow caught all three.
Blücher reached toward Tallinn.
Tallinn caught her hand.
For one brief second...
They held on.
Then the deck beneath them shifted violently.
Their footing disappeared.
Both sisters were swept toward the opening.
Ning Hai and Ping Hai tried to brace against opposite sides of the compartment.
The force was simply too great.
"...Jie!"
The sisters disappeared through the hatch together.
Mamiya still held Irako tightly.
"...Don't let go!"
"I won't!"
But the rushing wind overpowered them.
Their hands slipped.
The two supply ships were pulled into the endless sky.
Within seconds...
The cargo hold stood empty.
Only scattered debris remained.
The rear hatch gaped open behind the crippled transport.
Outside...
Nine figures tumbled through the clouds...
Falling toward the ocean far below.
Jarvis watched the falling signatures spread across the tactical display.
"...Sir."
"All passengers have cleared the aircraft."
Yuuki didn't hesitate.
"Let's go, Jarvis."
Without another word, he sprinted through the transport.
At the emergency side hatch—
The armor's explosive bolts fired.
BANG!
The hatch blew outward.
Yuuki launched himself into open sky.
His thrusters ignited.
BOOM!
The Mark 47 accelerated after the falling Shipgirls.
Wind screamed across his armor as Jarvis immediately overlaid the rescue trajectories.
"How many in the air?"
"Nine, sir."
Yuuki glanced at the tactical display.
"How many can I carry?"
"Four, sir."
"Understood."
Below him...
Nine terrified Shipgirls tumbled helplessly through the clouds.
Their screams echoed across the open sky.
None of them had rigging.
None of them could fly.
Then—
Far above them...
The crippled transport reached its limit.
The internal chain reaction finally reached the fuel reserves.
BOOOOOOOM!!
A colossal fireball erupted across the sky.
The transport split apart.
Burning debris scattered in every direction.
Had they remained aboard...
None of them would have survived.
Yuuki ignited every thruster.
The world blurred around him.
His first target appeared on the HUD.
MAMIYA
He crossed the distance in seconds.
Mamiya spun helplessly through the air.
Then—
Strong armored arms wrapped around her.
"...Ahhh—!"
She screamed instinctively.
Yuuki immediately stabilized her fall.
"Easy."
"Easy..."
"Slow your breathing."
"Mamiya."
She looked up at the armored helmet.
"Sh-Shikikan-sama?!"
"We're going after the others."
He quickly pointed toward another falling figure.
"Irako."
"Mamiya."
"I need your help."
"My... help?"
Yuuki nodded.
"You grab Irako."
"What?!"
"There isn't time to explain."
He adjusted the armor's output.
Small electrical emitters activated beneath Mamiya's gloves.
A faint blue current surrounded her hands.
"I've electrified your hands."
"The magnetic grip will keep your hands locked."
"You won't lose your hold."
Before she could respond—
Yuuki accelerated again.
Both of them shot across the sky.
Ahead...
Irako continued falling, arms flailing helplessly.
"Irako!"
Yuuki shouted through the external speakers.
"Grab my hand!"
Irako looked up.
"Shikikan-sama!"
She stretched both arms with all her strength.
Almost—
Almost—
Then Mamiya reached out.
"Irako!"
Their fingers touched.
Slipped—
Then locked together.
The magnetic field engaged instantly.
CLACK.
Their hands held firmly together.
Irako immediately burst into tears.
"...Mamiya!"
Mamiya smiled despite the terrifying fall.
"...See?"
"We're together."
Yuuki looked at the tactical display again.
Jarvis updated the count.
=========
Passengers secured: Two.
Remaining friendlies: Seven.
=========
Yuuki smiled beneath the helmet.
"...See?"
"Easy."
His thrusters flared again.
BOOM!
He accelerated after the remaining seven falling Shipgirls.
Wind howled around the growing chain behind him.
Jarvis continuously updated the altitude.
Altitude: 18,000 feet.
Yuuki glanced over his shoulder.
"Mamiya."
"Irako."
"Remember the game..."
"...Barrel of Monkeys?"
The two supply ships looked confused.
"...What?"
Yuuki grinned.
"...That's exactly what we're doing."
He burst toward the next two signatures.
BLÜCHER
TALLINN
The two cruisers were tumbling uncontrollably.
Yuuki matched their velocity before reaching out.
"Tallinn!"
"Grab my hand!"
Tallinn stretched with everything she had.
"...Commander!"
Their hands met.
Yuuki's magnetic grip activated instantly.
CLACK!
Tallinn locked firmly onto his armored forearm.
Behind her—
Blücher didn't hesitate.
"...Ahhh!"
She practically threw herself through the air.
She wrapped both arms around Yuuki from behind.
Holding on with all her strength.
"...I've got you!"
Yuuki smiled.
"Perfect."
He looked toward the next target.
TAI YUAN
The little destroyer was spinning wildly.
Still screaming.
Altitude: 15,000 feet.
Yuuki dove.
The chain followed behind him.
"Tallinn!"
"Your turn!"
Tallinn immediately understood.
She reached outward.
"Tai Yuan!"
The young destroyer looked up.
"...Commander!"
She stretched desperately.
Tallinn caught her wrist.
CLACK!
The magnetic grip transferred.
Tai Yuan cried with relief.
"I got her!"
Jarvis updated the altitude.
12,000 feet.
Yuuki banked sharply.
Next target.
YING SWEI
She was falling backwards.
Unable to stabilize herself.
"Irako!"
Yuuki shouted.
Irako nodded immediately.
"I've got it!"
She leaned as far as she safely could.
"Ying Swei!"
The cruiser reached upward.
Their fingertips brushed.
Then—
Locked together.
CLACK!
Ying Swei immediately sighed with relief.
"...Thank goodness..."
Altitude: 10,000 feet.
The chain continued growing.
Yuuki immediately angled toward Ting An.
Tai Yuan looked downward.
"...Big Sister!"
She reached with both hands.
"I've got you!"
Ting An grabbed her.
CLACK!
Another secure connection.
The rescue chain lengthened again.
Altitude: 6,000 feet.
Yuuki accelerated once more.
Ping Hai continued falling below.
Ying Swei leaned downward.
"...Ping Hai!"
Ping Hai reached upward with everything she had.
"I can reach!"
Their hands met.
CLACK!
"...Got you!"
Only one signal remained.
Jarvis highlighted it.
NING HAI
Altitude: 3,000 feet.
Yuuki folded stabilizers inward.
His armor became a diving missile.
BOOM!
He shot downward.
Wind screamed around the entire rescue chain.
Below—
Ning Hai looked upward.
She could see them.
But they were still too far.
"...Ping'er!"
Ping Hai stretched until it almost hurt.
"...Jie!"
Yuuki poured every remaining ounce of thrust into the dive.
Closer.
Closer.
"...Just a little more..."
Ping Hai reached with trembling fingers.
Ning Hai jumped upward as she continued falling.
Their fingertips touched—
Slipped—
Then finally—
Locked.
CLACK!
"I got you!"
Ping Hai shouted through tears.
Ning Hai smiled with overwhelming relief.
"...You really did."
Jarvis immediately updated the rescue status.
Nine passengers accounted for.
No casualties.
Jarvis immediately highlighted the rapidly approaching ocean.
"Impact in fifteen seconds."
Yuuki looked down.
"...Girls!"
His voice boomed through the armor's external speakers.
"The moment you touch the water..."
"...Activate your ship forms immediately!"
"Understood?!"
Nine voices answered together.
"Yes, Commander!"
Yuuki smiled.
"...Good."
He ignited the suit's thrusters.
Instead of braking completely...
He angled sharply upward.
Using the tremendous momentum of his flight...
He pulled the entire chain of nine Shipgirls upward.
For one brief moment...
Every rescued girl felt the force lifting them toward the sky once again.
Then—
Yuuki released the magnetic grips one after another.
CLACK.
"Mamiya."
A gentle push.
She splashed safely into the ocean.
SPLASH!
Her ship rigging materialized instantly.
She floated.
Next—
"Irako."
SPLASH!
She immediately deployed her own ship form.
Then—
"Blücher."
"Tallinn."
"Tai Yuan."
"Ting An."
"Ying Swei."
"Ping Hai."
Finally—
"Ning Hai."
Each entered the water with far less force than a direct freefall.
One after another...
Ship riggings appeared.
The ocean stabilized beneath them.
Instead of sinking...
They floated.
Exactly as Shipgirls were meant to.
Yuuki remained hovering just above the water.
Watching carefully.
Making sure no one disappeared beneath the waves.
Then—
"...Yuan'er!"
Ting An immediately looked around.
"...Swei'er!"
A familiar voice answered.
"...Over here, Big Sister An!"
Tai Yuan waved enthusiastically.
"We're okay!"
Ying Swei smiled while raising one hand.
"...We're both alright."
Ting An let out a long breath of relief.
"...Thank heavens..."
She immediately pulled Tai Yuan into a tight hug.
Nearby—
"...Jie!"
Ping Hai looked around frantically.
Ning Hai raised an arm.
"...Over here, Ping'er!"
The younger sister immediately sailed toward her.
They embraced without another word.
Across the water—
"Irako!"
"...Over here, Mamiya!"
The two supply ships hurried toward each other before hugging tightly.
Blücher immediately looked around.
"...Lützow!"
Tallinn smiled.
"...I'm here."
The two sisters quietly reunited as well.
Within minutes...
All nine Shipgirls had gathered into a single group upon the calm sea.
Yuuki slowly descended until he hovered only a few meters above the surface.
He looked around.
"Is everyone alright?"
Nine nods answered him.
Then Mamiya folded her arms.
"...Commander."
Yuuki tilted his head.
"...Yes?"
"What..."
She pointed toward the burning debris still falling from the sky.
"...Was that?"
Yuuki rubbed the back of his helmet sheepishly.
"...Honestly?"
"I didn't expect Behemoth to destroy the transport herself."
"I thought we'd have enough time to land it."
He looked toward the burning wreckage.
"When she blew the engines..."
"The aircraft became a bomb."
"If we'd stayed inside even one minute longer..."
"...none of you would've survived the explosion."
He looked back at the group.
"Ejecting everyone..."
"...was the only rescue method I had."
Silence.
Then Mamiya puffed out her cheeks slightly.
"...Commander."
"...A little warning would've been nice."
Several others immediately nodded.
"Very nice."
Blücher agreed.
"I thought I was going to die!"
Ping Hai raised her hand.
"I screamed the whole way down!"
Tai Yuan nodded vigorously.
"I think everyone did!"
Even the usually composed Tallinn sighed.
"...Next time..."
"...perhaps explain the plan before throwing us out of an exploding aircraft."
Yuuki scratched the side of his helmet.
"...Sorry."
He laughed awkwardly.
"...It was the only rescue method I could think of."
For a moment...
The nine Shipgirls simply stared at him.
Then...
Almost simultaneously...
They laughed.
Not because it hadn't been terrifying.
It absolutely had.
But because...
Against all odds...
Every single one of them had survived.
Debris falling from the skies as the exploded plane parts all over them.
Ten minutes later...
The calm ocean was disturbed by a familiar sound.
WHOOOOOM...
A large shadow passed overhead.
The rescued Shipgirls instinctively looked up.
"...Another Rapture?!"
Tai Yuan asked nervously.
Yuuki simply smiled.
"...No."
"Your ride."
The sleek silhouette of an Orca EX dropship descended from the clouds, hovering steadily above the water.
Powerful VTOL thrusters held it perfectly still despite the sea breeze.
For a brief moment...
Several of the rescued Shipgirls looked uneasy.
After what had just happened aboard the transport...
The sight of another aircraft brought back unpleasant memories.
The rear hatch slowly lowered.
Instead of soldiers...
Four familiar figures stood waiting.
At the front...
The elegant silver-haired Royal Maid smiled warmly.
"...Welcome home."
"Belfast-san?"
Mamiya blinked in surprise.
Irako's eyes widened.
"...Belfast-san..."
The head maid gave a graceful curtsy.
"It has been far too long."
"Master has asked us to bring all of you aboard."
Standing beside Belfast were three girls none of the rescued Shipgirls recognized.
Ade offered a gentle smile.
Soda waved enthusiastically.
Cocoa bowed politely.
The unfamiliar trio immediately caught Mamiya's attention.
"...Who are they...?"
Before anyone could answer—
Two more figures appeared from behind Belfast.
Silver hair.
Green eyes and orange eyes.
A familiar teasing smile.
"...Blücher?"
Prinz Eugen's voice trembled.
Beside her...
Admiral Hipper stood completely frozen.
"...Lützow..."
Tallinn's eyes widened.
"...Schwester..."
For a heartbeat...
Nobody moved.
Then—
"Blücher!!"
Eugen ran down the ramp without a second thought.
She floated before throwing both arms around her older sister.
Blücher immediately burst into tears.
"...Schwester!!"
"I thought..."
"...I thought I'd never see you again..."
Eugen held her tightly.
"...You idiot..."
"You made us worry for years."
Nearby...
Hipper had already reached Tallinn.
She stopped only long enough to look at her.
Then pulled her into a fierce embrace.
"...Lützow..."
Tallinn smiled through her tears.
"...Big Sister..."
"I'm home."
Hipper tightened her arms.
"...Don't disappear again."
"I won't."
"I promise."
The four sisters remained together for several long moments.
No one interrupted them.
Not Belfast.
Not the Nikkes.
Not even Yuuki.
Some reunions deserved silence.
Eventually...
Eugen looked over Blücher's shoulder toward Yuuki, who was still hovering just above the water in his armor.
Her usual playful smile returned...
Though tears still lingered in her eyes.
"...Teddy Bear..."
Her voice was softer than usual.
"...Thank you."
"...Thank you for bringing my sister back."
Yuuki rubbed the back of his helmet awkwardly.
"...I only did what any commander should."
Eugen laughed quietly.
"...No."
She shook her head.
"...Not every commander would jump out of an exploding aircraft..."
"...Just to save nine complete strangers."
She smiled warmly.
"...That's why..."
"...You're our Commander."
Yuuki gently hovered toward the open rear hatch of the Orca EX.
The rescued Shipgirls followed, climbing aboard one after another with help from the crew.
The moment Mamiya and Irako stepped onto the ramp...
Belfast greeted them with a graceful smile.
"...Welcome back."
Mamiya smiled warmly.
"Belfast-san..."
Irako nodded.
"We're home."
Belfast gave both supply ships a gentle hug.
"It has been a long ten years."
"We never stopped hoping we'd find you again."
Before Mamiya could answer...
A much smaller figure suddenly ran forward.
"...Big Sis Bel!"
Tai Yuan threw herself into Belfast's embrace.
The head maid caught her effortlessly.
A gentle smile spread across Belfast's face.
"...Lady Tai Yuan."
"It is wonderful to see you safe."
Ting An stepped forward next.
"Belfast..."
"You survived."
She embraced the Royal Maid warmly.
Belfast returned the hug.
"...Yes."
"I have survived."
Her smile became bittersweet.
"...Though perhaps fate had other plans for me."
Ying Swei quietly stepped forward.
"We thought..."
"...we lost everyone."
Belfast reached out and hugged her as well.
"...Not everyone."
She smiled gently.
"...Some of us are still here."
Then her attention shifted toward the remaining Dragon Empery sisters.
"...Lady Ning Hai."
"...Lady Ping Hai."
The two sisters smiled before embracing her together.
"It has been too long."
Ning Hai said softly.
"It truly has."
Belfast replied.
After everyone had calmed slightly...
She turned toward the three unfamiliar girls standing behind her.
"Allow me to introduce our newest companions."
She gestured politely.
"This is Ade."
Ade bowed.
"A pleasure to meet all of you."
"And this is Soda."
Soda waved enthusiastically.
"Hi everyone!"
Finally...
"Cocoa."
The petite maid gave a proper curtsy.
"It is an honor."
Belfast smiled.
"They are Nikkes."
"Our newest members."
The rescued Shipgirls exchanged curious looks.
Ting An stepped forward first.
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I am Ting An."
She placed a gentle hand on Tai Yuan's shoulder.
"And this little one is Tai Yuan."
Tai Yuan smiled brightly.
"Hello!"
Ying Swei bowed politely.
"I am Ying Swei."
Ning Hai and Ping Hai spoke together.
"We're the Hai sisters."
Ade, Soda and Cocoa returned their greetings with warm smiles.
Yuuki finally stepped aboard behind them.
He glanced toward the reunited Iron Blood sisters.
"They are Blücher..."
"...and Tallinn."
"The Admiral Hipper-class sisters."
Blücher smiled through lingering tears while still clinging to Eugen.
Tallinn quietly remained beside Hipper.
Finally...
Mamiya stepped forward.
She smiled toward everyone gathered inside the Orca EX.
"I am Mamiya."
She gently rested a hand on Irako's shoulder.
"And this is Irako."
She gave a respectful bow.
"We're Shipgirls from another world."
"...Much like Commander Yuuki."
Irako nodded.
"We look forward to working alongside everyone."
Warm smiles answered them from every direction.
The atmosphere inside the dropship had completely changed.
Only minutes earlier...
They had been prisoners awaiting an uncertain fate.
Now...
They stood surrounded by comrades.
By family.
By people welcoming them home.
Belfast led the group deeper into the Orca EX.
"Everyone, this way please."
The rescued Shipgirls quietly followed.
The aircraft's clean metallic corridors, bright lighting and orderly interior felt completely foreign after years of captivity.
They instinctively stayed close together.
Almost afraid to become separated again.
Belfast noticed immediately.
"There is no need to worry."
Her gentle voice carried through the compartment.
"You are among friends."
She led them into the medical bay.
Rows of examination beds were already prepared.
Medical drones quietly floated overhead while scanners performed preliminary health checks.
Belfast activated the first diagnostic console.
"For now, I shall perform an initial examination."
She smiled reassuringly.
"Lady Vestal, Lady Akashi, Lady Mary and Lady Pepper will conduct a complete medical assessment once we return to the Daedalus."
"Daedalus?" Irako asked.
"The GDI flying command carrier, Daedalus," Belfast replied.
Mamiya nodded.
"...Understood."
The newly rescued Shipgirls sat where they were instructed.
Even so...
They couldn't help looking around.
Everything inside the Orca EX was unfamiliar.
The advanced displays.
The hovering drones.
The equipment.
The people.
They looked completely out of place.
Ade noticed their uneasy expressions.
She smiled warmly.
"Don't worry."
"You'll get used to this."
Soda happily nodded.
"The Daedalus is much bigger!"
"And everyone there is really nice."
Cocoa politely added,
"If anything makes you uncomfortable..."
"...please tell us."
"We'll help."
Nearby...
Eugen refused to let go of Blücher.
Hipper remained beside Tallinn.
"It's over."
Hipper quietly said.
"You're safe now."
Tallinn smiled.
"...Thanks, Big Sister."
Across the room...
Belfast finished checking Mamiya before gently placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Mamiya."
"Irako."
"You are home."
The two supply ships quietly smiled.
Then Belfast walked toward the Dragon Empery girls.
"It is wonderful to see all of you again."
Ning Hai smiled.
"...We thought everyone was gone."
"So did we."
Belfast admitted softly.
"But Commander found us."
"And now..."
"He has found you as well."
Silence settled comfortably across the medical bay.
After several moments...
Ning Hai looked toward Yuuki, who still stood near the entrance in his armored suit.
"...Commander?"
Yuuki looked over.
"...Yes?"
"...May we..."
She hesitated politely.
"...See you?"
The other rescued Shipgirls quietly nodded.
They had heard only his voice.
They had never actually seen the man who had risked his life for them.
Yuuki sighed with a small smile.
"...Fair enough."
He reached toward the side of his helmet.
Mechanical locks disengaged.
Click.
Click.
The armored faceplate slowly lifted away.
Every rescued Shipgirl watched intently.
Waiting to finally see their Commander.
The helmet came free.
Silence.
"...Eh?"
Ping Hai blinked.
Tai Yuan rubbed her eyes.
Mamiya froze.
Irako stared in complete disbelief.
Inside the armor...
There was nothing.
No face.
No head.
Only empty space.
The inside of the helmet should have revealed the wearer.
Instead...
It appeared completely hollow.
As though the armor itself had been standing there alone.
For several long seconds...
No one spoke.
Even Belfast simply smiled knowingly.
While the newly rescued Shipgirls tried to comprehend the impossible sight before them.