Inside the Orca EX...
The empty Mark 47 armor remained standing motionless.
Then a familiar voice echoed from within the hollow suit.
"Jarvis."
"Be sure to bring the Mark 47 back."
"I'll see everyone aboard the Daedalus."
"Understood, sir."
The blue lights inside the helmet dimmed slightly.
Then...
The armor's posture changed ever so slightly.
The remote neural link disengaged.
Hundreds of kilometers away...
Aboard the Daedalus Command Carrier...
Inside the command center...
Yuuki slowly opened his eyes.
The remote-control chair released him as dozens of holographic interfaces disappeared.
He stretched his shoulders.
"...Mission complete."
He stood up before looking around the room.
Every Shipgirl...
Every Nikke...
Was staring directly at him.
Complete silence.
Yuuki blinked.
"...Well..."
He scratched the back of his head.
"They all made it."
"Safe and sound."
No one answered.
They simply continued staring.
"...What?"
He raised both hands defensively.
"Behemoth blew up the transport."
"It was literally the only way I could save all nine of them."
Silence.
Then—
Neon practically bounced forward.
"Commander!!"
"That was the coolest rescue I've ever seen!"
Her eyes sparkled.
"You actually made a chain of falling Shipgirls!"
Anis folded her arms with a grin.
"...I hate admitting it..."
"But that was pretty awesome."
"You turned freefall into a rescue operation."
"I didn't even think that was possible."
Yuuki laughed awkwardly.
"...I was improvising."
Kaguya smiled behind her sleeve.
"Even this wife..."
"...was surprised."
She looked at him with amused admiration.
"Thou art truly resourceful."
"I expected thou to catch four."
"Instead..."
"Thou rescued all nine."
Yorktown walked over before gently patting his shoulder.
"You only had enough lift for four."
She smiled warmly.
"...So..."
"...you made the other five rescue each other."
Yuuki shrugged.
"It seemed obvious."
Yorktown laughed.
"It wasn't."
"It became obvious..."
"...after you did it."
Enterprise crossed her arms.
"Using momentum..."
"Magnetic locks..."
"And the 'Barrel of Monkeys' idea..."
She shook her head.
"...That's the sort of plan you only come up with in seconds."
Rapi quietly nodded.
"You adapted almost immediately after Behemoth destroyed the engines."
Mary smiled.
"And before worrying about yourself..."
"...you made sure everyone had food."
Pepper nodded enthusiastically.
"Even after rescuing them."
"You were still checking whether they'd eaten."
Akagi flicked one of her fox tails before suddenly stepping forward, her eyes gleaming with admiration.
"Shikikan-sama!"
In an instant, she was right beside him, practically clinging to his arm.
"That was absolutely magnificent!"
Her voice carried a melodic excitement as her tails swayed energetically behind her.
"To think you would devise such a brilliant rescue in mere moments..."
She leaned closer, her expression softening into something far more affectionate.
"Truly, there is no one more worthy of admiration than you."
Kaga glanced sideways at her, unimpressed.
"...You're laying it on rather thick."
Akagi ignored her completely, continuing to gaze at Yuuki with shining eyes.
"My beloved Shikikan-sama..."
"You saved them all."
Her smile widened.
"As expected of you."
Everyone laughed.
Yuuki rubbed the back of his neck.
"...You girls make it sound far cooler than it actually was."
Yorktown smiled.
"No."
"It really was."
She looked toward the tactical display showing the successful rescue.
"You didn't just save them..."
"You made sure..."
"...that none of them had to fall alone."
The command room grew quiet again.
This time...
Not from worry.
But from quiet admiration for the commander who had turned an impossible rescue...
Into a complete success.
Neon was still practically vibrating with excitement.
"Still!"
She pointed dramatically toward the large tactical display that had replayed the entire operation.
"Using a remotely controlled suit to rescue all nine Shipgirls was awesome!"
"You weren't even physically there!"
She mimed wearing a helmet.
"It was like VR!"
"You were sitting safely aboard the Daedalus..."
"...while fighting hundreds of kilometers away!"
Anis laughed.
"When she says it like that..."
"...it really is ridiculous."
Rapi folded her arms.
"The response latency was effectively zero."
She looked toward Yuuki.
"You controlled the Mark 47 as though your own body was inside it."
Yuu smiled proudly.
"It isn't ordinary remote control."
She walked over to the holographic console.
"The Mark series uses a full neural synchronization system."
She projected a diagram of the suit.
"When Chief connects..."
"Every movement."
"Every sensation."
"Every balance correction."
"Everything is transmitted through a quantum neural bridge."
She smiled.
"The armor becomes his body."
Neon blinked.
"So..."
"...Commander was actually feeling all of that?"
"Yes."
Yuu nodded.
"The acceleration."
"The impacts."
"The flight."
"The freefall."
"He experiences it almost exactly as if he were physically present."
Yorktown looked at Yuuki with newfound amazement.
"So..."
"You weren't simply piloting it."
"You were actually there."
Yuuki shrugged.
"Pretty much."
"The only difference is..."
"If the suit gets destroyed..."
He tapped his own chest.
"I'm still sitting safely here."
Enterprise looked back toward the replay.
"So even if the transport exploded..."
"...you wouldn't have died."
"Correct."
Yuuki nodded.
"The Mark 47 would've been lost."
"But not me."
Neon's eyes sparkled even brighter.
"Commander!"
"That's basically like sending yourself into battle without risking yourself!"
Yuu chuckled.
"That's exactly why we designed the remote combat system for his Iron Man Armor."
"High-risk missions."
"Reconnaissance."
"Hostage rescue."
"Boarding actions."
"We don't always need Chief physically present."
Yorktown smiled.
"So while we were all watching..."
"...you were actually fighting through the transport."
Yuuki nodded.
"Pretty much."
"I was seeing everything through the Mark 47."
"Hearing through its microphones."
"Feeling through its tactile sensors."
"It was basically..."
He smiled.
"...Full-immersion VR."
Anis laughed.
"...That's cheating."
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"It's called good engineering."
Even Kaguya chuckled.
"To think..."
"Thou canst remain upon thy flagship..."
"...while rescuing captives hundreds of kilometers away."
She folded her sleeves gracefully.
"Such technology borders upon sorcery."
Mary smiled.
"It also explains why you didn't hesitate."
"If the armor had been destroyed..."
"You'd lose expensive equipment."
"...Not your life."
Yuuki nodded.
"Exactly."
"People can build another suit."
He glanced toward the replay of the nine Shipgirls safely floating in the ocean.
"...Those girls..."
"...can't be rebuilt."
The room became quiet again.
Yorktown smiled softly.
=============
The newly rescued Shipgirls remained seated in the medical bay.
None of them spoke for several moments.
They kept glancing back toward the empty Mark 47 armor standing quietly near the rear of the Orca EX.
"...So..."
Irako finally broke the silence.
"...Commander..."
"...was never inside that armor?"
Belfast smiled knowingly.
"No."
"Master has been aboard the Daedalus this entire time."
Mamiya slowly looked back at the hollow suit.
"...Then..."
"...he rescued us..."
"...without ever leaving his flagship."
"It still feels unbelievable."
Tallinn admitted quietly.
"I was certain he was inside that armor."
Blücher nodded repeatedly.
"I even grabbed onto him while we were falling."
"I thought..."
"...I was grabbing the Commander."
Ade smiled.
"In a way..."
"You were."
Soda giggled.
"The armor is basically Commander when he's connected."
"But..."
Cocoa added politely,
"His real body never left the Daedalus."
The nine rescued Shipgirls exchanged stunned looks.
Ning Hai slowly shook her head.
"...An army of powerful armors..."
"...that can fight without its Commander ever leaving headquarters."
Ping Hai looked toward the silent armor.
"...That's scary."
Belfast nodded.
"It is."
"And reassuring."
"If a mission becomes too dangerous..."
"Master can still personally lead it."
"Without risking the command structure."
Tallinn quietly crossed her arms.
"...No wonder..."
"...the Raptures couldn't stop him."
"Even destroying the transport accomplished nothing."
"The Commander was never actually there."
Mamiya looked back toward the empty suit.
"...Technology from another world..."
She smiled faintly.
"It really is beyond anything we imagined."
Several minutes later...
Belfast completed the final medical scan.
The hovering diagnostic drones quietly returned to their charging stations.
She reviewed the results one final time before closing the interface of the med bay.
"Excellent."
Everyone immediately looked toward her.
Belfast smiled warmly.
"The bruising around your wrists has been completely treated."
The girls instinctively looked down.
The angry red marks left by months of restraints...
Were gone.
Tai Yuan slowly rubbed her wrist.
"...It doesn't hurt anymore."
Ping Hai flexed her fingers.
"...Mine too."
Tallinn quietly rotated both wrists.
"...Not even stiff."
Blücher blinked.
"...How?"
Ade smiled.
"GDI regenerative technology."
"It works quickly."
The treatment was complete.
Belfast's equipment had already repaired the obvious physical injuries.
She continued reading the report.
"Your hydration levels have been restored."
"Minor nutritional deficiencies have been stabilized."
"Your muscles remain weakened from prolonged confinement, but there is no permanent damage."
She looked up from the report.
"The final concern..."
"...was psychological."
The rescued Shipgirls became noticeably quieter.
Months...
For some, years...
Of fear.
Running.
Captivity.
Loss.
Belfast's expression softened.
"I am pleased to report..."
"There are no signs of lasting mental instability."
"The emergency counseling protocols, neurological scans, and restorative treatments have all been completed successfully. You will still remember those experiences, but they will no longer affect your psychological state. Think of them simply as memories of the past."
Mamiya slowly blinked.
"...So..."
"...we're really alright?"
Belfast nodded.
"You are."
She smiled gently.
"Your hearts will still need time."
"No machine can replace that."
"But your minds..."
"...are healthy."
Irako quietly let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"...Thank goodness..."
Belfast placed the medical tablet aside.
"My recommendation is simple."
She looked around the room at each of them.
"Once we return to the Daedalus..."
"I recommend complete rest for the next two days."
"No combat."
"No strenuous duties."
"Eat well."
"Sleep well."
"And eat as much as you comfortably can."
She smiled.
"Your bodies have spent years surviving."
"It is time..."
"...to let them start living again."
The room became quiet.
For the first time in a very long while...
None of the rescued Shipgirls had to think about tomorrow's escape.
Or where they would hide next.
Instead...
Their greatest responsibility for the next two days...
Was simply to rest.
The Orca EX steadily climbed through the clouds.
Not long afterward...
The drone cockpit announced their arrival.
"Entering Daedalus airspace."
The newly rescued Shipgirls instinctively looked out the side windows.
Then...
Every one of them froze.
"..."
"...No...way..."
Ping Hai whispered.
Beyond the clouds...
An enormous shadow emerged.
A colossal flying fortress floated majestically through the sky.
Countless anti-aircraft batteries lined its armored flight deck.
Multiple hangars stretched along its massive hull.
Escort warships maintained formation around it.
Fighter aircraft continuously launched and landed from its flight deck.
The Dragon Empery girls stared speechlessly.
"...It's..."
"...Flying."
Tallinn slowly exhaled.
"...That's one big carrier."
Even Mamiya, who had seen many naval bases over the years, couldn't hide her amazement.
"...How..."
"...can something that large stay in the air?"
Belfast smiled proudly.
"This..."
"...is the Daedalus."
"The flying flagship of the Global Defense Initiative's Third Fleet."
The Orca EX flew closer.
Only then did they notice the immense command tower.
Upon its side...
A giant crest proudly overlooked the skies.
A diving eagle.
Its wing spread wide.
The unmistakable symbol of the Global Defense Initiative.
Irako quietly smiled.
"...So this..."
"...is our new home?"
Belfast gently shook her head.
"Not quite."
"This is only our current mission carrier."
"Our true home..."
"...is the former Azur Lane Headquarters."
She smiled warmly.
"Commander rebuilt it."
"It now serves as the GDI Earth Division Headquarters."
"The Daedalus merely allows us to deploy anywhere in the world."
The rescued Shipgirls quietly nodded.
Even then...
They couldn't stop staring at the flying fortress surrounding them.
The Orca EX slowly descended toward the main flight deck.
Dozens of ground crews immediately moved into position.
The VTOL engines gradually powered down.
With a soft mechanical hiss...
The rear hatch lowered.
The rescued ShipGirls stepped outside.
Only to stop immediately.
Waiting for them...
Were dozens of familiar faces.
Mamiya gasped.
"...Takao..."
"...Atago..."
"Maya."
"Choukai."
Irako covered her mouth.
"...Akagi..."
"...Kaga..."
"Akashi."
Then more appeared.
Shoukaku.
Zuikaku.
Hiryuu.
Souryuu.
And finally...
The gentle figure standing quietly near the center.
"...Houshou..."
The two supply ships could no longer hold back.
"Everyone!!"
They cried out in Japanese.
Without another thought...
They ran.
One by one...
Their old friends embraced them.
Takao smiled warmly.
"...Welcome back."
Atago immediately hugged both of them at once.
"My, my..."
"Our cooks have finally returned."
Akagi smiled softly.
"...It has been far too long."
Even Kaga allowed herself a small smile.
"...Welcome home."
Houshou simply opened her arms.
The two supply ships immediately embraced the woman they had always respected as the Sakura fleet's mother.
Tears quietly flowed once more.
Not from sorrow.
But relief.
Nearby...
Blücher suddenly stopped walking.
Her eyes widened.
"...Mother..."
Standing before her...
Were Friedrich der Große...
Hindenburg...
Mecklenburg...
And Nimi.
Blücher burst into tears.
"...Mother!"
She threw herself into Friedrich's embrace.
The Iron Blood matriarch gently wrapped her arms around the cruiser.
"...Welcome home..."
"...My child."
Tallinn quietly stood nearby.
Despite years serving the Northern Parliament...
She instinctively stepped forward as well.
Friedrich welcomed her just as warmly.
"...There is always room..."
"...for another daughter."
Tallinn smiled through her tears.
"...Mother..."
A moment later...
Another familiar embrace found her.
"...Tallinn."
Avrora.
Tallinn immediately hugged the Northern Parliament cruiser.
"...Comrade..."
"...It's good to see you."
The five Dragon Empery Shipgirls quietly looked around.
Then their eyes widened in recognition.
"...Yorktown..."
"...Enterprise..."
"...Javelin..."
Familiar faces stepped forward with warm smiles.
They had fought together before.
Shared meals.
Shared battles.
Shared victories.
They were not strangers.
They were comrades from Azur Lane.
Yorktown gently took Ning Hai's hand.
"It's been a long time."
Enterprise gave Ping Hai a small nod.
"Glad to see you're safe."
Javelin happily waved at Tai Yuan.
"We missed you!"
Vestal greeted Ting An with a relieved smile.
"You've been through a lot."
Laffey and Nimi warmly welcomed Ying Swei.
"Welcome back."
The Dragon Empery girls slowly smiled.
There was no hesitation.
No awkward distance.
Only familiarity.
Only reunion.
They had never truly been alone.
They had simply been separated.
Now...
They were together again.
Faction no longer mattered here.
Only family.
Only comrades.
Only those who had survived together.
As the rescued Shipgirls looked around the enormous flight deck...
One realization slowly settled into each of their hearts.
For the first time in many years...
They weren't merely visiting another safe haven.
They had finally arrived somewhere...
They could truly call home.
The reunions gradually settled into quiet conversations.
Only then did another group approach.
Yuuki walked across the flight deck with two women beside him.
One wore a pristine white medical coat.
The other possessed long purple hair, elegant fox ears, ten tails and an aura that naturally drew everyone's attention.
Yuuki smiled casually.
"Yo."
"Welcome to our humble abode."
The newly recovered Shipgirls found themselves momentarily speechless, their gazes drawn to the man before them. A faint warmth spread across their cheeks as they took in his appearance—his composed posture, the quiet confidence in his eyes, and the subtle kindness that seemed to radiate from him. He wasn't just handsome; there was something undeniably captivating about him, a presence that made it difficult to look away.
Ping Hai, in particular, felt a sharp pang of embarrassment. Her earlier words echoed in her mind, and she instinctively lowered her gaze, her face flushing deeper. Calling him ugly now felt almost absurd. This man… he was striking—both handsome and refined in a way she hadn't expected at all.
He stopped before the newly rescued Shipgirls.
"I'm Yukihira Yuuki."
He gestured toward the woman beside him.
"This is Kirino Yuu."
"Our Head Doctor."
Yuu gave a friendly wave.
"Nice to meet everyone."
Then Yuuki introduced the fox-eared beauty beside him.
"And this..."
"...is Kaguya."
"The First Arcane of the East."
Kaguya inclined her head gracefully.
"It is a pleasure to meet thee all."
The moment Mamiya and Irako heard the title...
Both immediately bowed respectfully.
"So..."
"The stories were true."
Mamiya said softly.
"An Arcane Shipgirl really exists."
Irako nodded.
"And..."
She glanced toward Yuu.
"...Your Head Doctor is beautiful."
Yuu laughed awkwardly.
"Thank you."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear the 'Head Doctor' part before 'beautiful.'"
Everyone chuckled.
Mamiya then turned back toward Yuuki.
"...Ah..."
"...Shikikan."
"To think..."
"...you rescued all of us using nothing but an empty suit of armor."
Almost on cue...
The Mark 47 calmly walked across the flight deck under Jarvis' autonomous control before stopping beside Yuuki.
Several of the rescued Shipgirls blinked.
"It moves by itself..."
Ping Hai whispered.
Yuuki patted the armor's shoulder.
"Jarvis is piloting it right now."
The suit gave a small nod.
"Good afternoon, ladies."
The AI replied politely.
The rescued Shipgirls stared again.
"...It talks too..."
Yuuki laughed.
"It has a personality. He is GDI Main AI."
He looked back toward Mamiya and Irako.
"So..."
"Welcome aboard."
Mamiya smiled warmly.
"...Thank you, Commander."
Nearby...
Blücher suddenly hurried over.
"...Herr Kommandant!"
She stopped directly before Yuuki.
Tears still shimmered in her eyes.
"...Thank you..."
"...for bringing me back to my Schwesters."
She straightened proudly.
"I'm Blücher."
"Reporting in to serve my sweet, sweet Commander."
Before Yuuki could answer—
Eugen smirked.
"...My..."
"...Teddy Bear is already winning older little sister over?"
Blücher blushed brightly.
Hipper immediately folded her arms.
She looked directly at Yuuki.
"If you ever make her cry..."
"...You'll answer to me."
Yuuki blinked.
"...She's always this straightforward?"
Eugen laughed.
"...Pretty much."
"But..."
"She never said any of that to our previous Commander."
Yuuki smiled before gently placing a hand on Blücher's head.
He softly patted her hair.
Blücher immediately let out an adorable little squeal.
"...Ehehe..."
Her entire face lit up.
Even Tallinn couldn't help smiling at the sight.
"...Being able to meet you..."
Blücher looked up at Yuuki.
"...Feels like a dream come true."
"I've never been happier."
Yuuki tilted his head.
"...Why's that?"
Blücher smiled even brighter.
"...Ever since I heard your voice..."
"It became my dream..."
"...to meet you."
"And..."
"...to find my sisters."
She looked toward Eugen and Hipper.
"...Today..."
"...both dreams came true."
She gently held Yuuki's hand.
"...Thank you..."
"...so very much."
Yuuki returned the smile.
"...Anytime."
He then turned toward the Dragon Empery sisters.
"Ning Hai."
"Ping Hai."
The sisters stepped forward together.
"Yat Sen..."
Yuuki smiled warmly.
"She told me a lot about the two of you."
Ning Hai lowered her head.
"...Big Sister..."
"...has always been watching over us."
Ping Hai nodded.
"...Even now..."
"...through you."
Nearby...
Tai Yuan happily walked over.
Yuuki smiled before gently patting her head.
"...We'll find your sisters too."
"I promise."
The little destroyer beamed.
"I know you will!"
Finally...
Ting An and Ying Swei stepped forward together.
The two Dragon Empery cruisers bowed respectfully.
"...Commander."
"Thank you..."
"...for setting us free."
Yuuki simply shook his head.
"No."
He looked around at all nine rescued Shipgirls.
"You were never meant to stay prisoners."
"I merely brought all of you..."
"...back where you belonged."
Around them...
The flight deck fell into a comfortable silence.
With the introductions complete, Yuuki clapped his hands once.
"Alright."
"I know everyone has a lot to talk about."
"But first..."
"...Lunch."
That suggestion immediately received several enthusiastic nods.
"Before Master leaves for the western operation," Belfast added, "everyone should eat and settle into their new quarters."
The newly rescued Shipgirls agreed.
Before heading to the mess hall, Belfast led them through the immense corridors of the Daedalus.
"I have already prepared rooms for each of you."
"Please freshen up first."
She stopped before a row of doors.
"Each room contains a clothing generator."
"It has already been synchronized with your original outfit data."
Mamiya adjusted her hair.
"...A clothing generator?"
Belfast smiled.
"You'll see."
A few minutes later...
One after another...
The newly rescued Shipgirls stepped out of their rooms.
Each had returned to the clothes that felt most familiar.
Mamiya emerged wearing her classic dark maid uniform with its immaculate white apron and cuffs. Her medium-length brown hair was neatly tied back beneath her maid headband.
Irako stepped out shortly afterward, dressed in her traditional kappougi over a collared blouse with a dark necktie and long blue skirt. Her green ponytail, braided hair and signature ahoge bounced gently as she walked.
Blücher happily spun once in place, proudly wearing her familiar Iron Blood military uniform again. Her long blonde hair flowed behind her, while her bright red eyes sparkled with excitement.
Tallinn quietly adjusted her sleeves. Her Northern Parliament uniform once again blended Iron Blood tailoring with icy Soviet styling, perfectly matching her silver-white hair and the distinctive crimson streak framing one side of her face.
Ning Hai and Ping Hai smiled at each other.
Both sisters had returned to their familiar Dragon Empery attire, their fur-lined coats resting comfortably over their traditional dresses.
Tai Yuan stretched happily before admiring the familiar military-inspired outfit that she hadn't worn in years.
Ting An gracefully smoothed the folds of her elegant qipao-inspired dress.
Ying Swei quietly smiled while adjusting the flowing purple-and-gold garments that reflected her artistic nature.
For many of them...
It was the first time in years they truly looked like themselves again.
The mess hall had already prepared a large welcoming meal.
Long tables were filled with steaming dishes from every faction.
Fresh rice.
Soup.
Roasted meat.
Vegetables.
Bread.
Fruit.
Desserts.
No one would leave hungry.
The newly rescued Shipgirls hesitated only briefly before taking their seats.
Yuuki smiled as he watched them.
"Go ahead."
"There's plenty."
For the first several minutes...
No one spoke.
Only the sounds of eating filled the room.
Years of uncertainty had taught them to eat quickly whenever food was available.
They instinctively feared someone might take it away.
Ning Hai quietly moved part of her meal toward Ping Hai.
"Here."
"You always eat too little."
Ping Hai blinked.
"But..."
"You need it too."
Ning Hai simply smiled.
"We've always shared."
Ping Hai quietly pushed part of hers back.
"So have we."
Yuuki noticed the exchange and smiled.
"You don't have to ration it anymore."
Both sisters looked toward him.
He gestured around the enormous table.
"There's enough food for everyone."
"If you finish..."
"Ask for more."
"No one's going hungry here."
The sisters nodded.
Even so...
Old habits remained.
They still shared every dish.
Across the table...
Mamiya slowly wiped away a tear while eating.
Irako quietly sniffled beside her.
Blücher smiled through watery eyes.
Tallinn remained unusually silent.
Ting An lowered her chopsticks for a moment.
Ying Swei quietly looked around the bustling mess hall.
Everyone was eating.
Talking.
Laughing.
No chains.
No guards.
No fear.
Tai Yuan suddenly noticed tears rolling down Ping Hai's cheeks.
"...Big Sister?"
Ping Hai smiled.
"...It's nothing."
Ning Hai gently shook her head.
"No."
"It isn't."
She looked toward Yuuki.
"...We're crying..."
"...because this doesn't feel real."
"For years..."
"We worried every meal might be our last."
She glanced at the table overflowing with food.
"...Now..."
"...there's more than enough for everyone."
Yuuki smiled gently.
"That's because there always will be."
He looked around the room.
"As long as you're with the GDI..."
"You'll always have a place to sleep."
"A place to eat."
"And people waiting for you to come home."
Silence settled over the table once more.
This time...
It wasn't an uncomfortable silence.
It was peaceful.
The frantic pace of eating gradually slowed.
One by one...
The rescued Shipgirls relaxed.
They began tasting the food instead of simply consuming it.
Talking.
Smiling.
Laughing quietly with old friends they hadn't seen in years.
For the first time since their rescue...
The fear that this might all be a dream...
Finally began to fade.
Lunch eventually came to an end.
The atmosphere had completely changed.
The newly rescued Shipgirls no longer sat quietly by themselves.
Instead...
They had begun talking with the Nikkes.
At first...
There had been understandable hesitation.
Mamiya looked curiously toward Rapi.
"...So..."
"You're called a Nikke?"
Rapi nodded.
"Yes."
"We're artificial humans, created to fight the Raptures. Nikkes are like humans, but with enhanced abilities. Our Bastion Cubes can empower the weapons we wield, making our guns significantly stronger."
Neon immediately raised her hand.
"And lovers of really, really big guns!"
Anis sighed.
"...Please ignore that part."
Soda giggled while serving everyone more tea.
"We're basically Commander's ground forces."
Mary smiled.
"And doctors."
Pepper nodded enthusiastically.
"And nurses!"
Ping Hai blinked.
"So..."
"...you're not Shipgirls?"
"No."
Ade answered gently.
"We fight on land."
"The Shipgirls protect the seas."
"The GDI simply gave us a place to fight together as a single squad."
Tallinn slowly nodded.
"...Different origins."
"...Same comrades."
"Exactly."
Rapi replied.
The Dragon Empery girls gradually relaxed.
Soon...
Tai Yuan was already laughing with Neon.
Irako happily discussed cooking with Cocoa.
Mamiya exchanged recipes with Mary and Pepper.
Blücher somehow ended up listening to Anis complain about levels.
Even Ying Swei found herself quietly talking with Ade about painting and calligraphy.
The barrier between Shipgirls and Nikkes disappeared surprisingly quickly.
After all...
Both had been created to fight.
Both had suffered.
And now...
Both had finally found somewhere they belonged.
A short while later...
A familiar voice echoed throughout the mess hall.
Yuuki stood near the exit.
His expression had shifted from relaxed...
To focused.
"Ladies."
Conversations gradually stopped.
Everyone looked toward him.
"The rescue operation in the east is complete."
He looked toward the nine newest Shipgirls.
"Mamiya."
"Irako."
"Blücher."
"Tallinn."
"Ning Hai."
"Ping Hai."
"Tai Yuan."
"Ting An."
"Ying Swei."
"You are not to participate in today's next operation."
The nine immediately stood.
"Yes, Commander."
Yuuki smiled.
"Similar to Shoukaku's group..."
"You are under mandatory recovery."
"For the next two days..."
"Your orders are simple."
He counted them off with his fingers.
"Eat."
"Sleep."
"Talk."
"Get to know everyone again."
"And recover."
He glanced toward Yorktown.
"Hana."
"Watch over them."
Yorktown nodded warmly.
"Of course."
Yuuki looked back toward the newcomers.
"You've spent years surviving."
"Now..."
"...learn how to live again."
Mamiya bowed.
"Understood."
Irako smiled.
"We'll be waiting for everyone's safe return."
Blücher gave an energetic salute.
"We'll cheer you on from here, Herr Kommandant!"
Tallinn nodded firmly.
"We'll use these two days well."
The Dragon Empery sisters bowed together.
"We understand, Commander."
Satisfied, Yuuki turned toward the rest of the room.
His tone immediately became that of a commander issuing operational orders.
"Western Operations Team."
"Prepare for deployment."
Chairs slid backward.
The selected Shipgirls and Nikkes immediately stood, chairs scraping lightly against the floor as the atmosphere shifted from relaxed to mission-ready.
Rapi, Anis, Neon, Mary, and Pepper stepped forward first, their expressions sharpening with focus.
Following them were Wales, Avrora, Eugen, Hipper, Nimi, and Vestal, each carrying their own quiet determination.
Tallin blinked in surprise as she noticed one familiar figure stepping forward.
"Comrade Avrora? You go as well?"
Avrora gave a calm, resolute nod, her crimson eyes steady.
"Yes."
"I wish to rescue Paladin and Diana."
She folded her arms lightly.
"And I will accompany Wales to retrieve her sisters."
Her voice softened slightly.
"Besides... our Northern Nikkes are there as well."
Tallinn watched silently, understanding the weight behind those words.
Nearby, Eugen smirked faintly as she stepped forward, Hipper crossing her arms beside her while Nimi adjusted her stance with quiet resolve.
Blücher and Tallinn both looked toward them at the same time.
"...Schwester?"
Eugen's expression shifted—still confident, but with a rare seriousness beneath it.
"We're going to bring back Frau Bismarck and Tirpitz."
Hipper nodded firmly.
"And we're not leaving without them."
Nimi added quietly,
"Alongside our teachers... Katori and Kashima."
The room fell silent for a brief moment.
Not out of hesitation—
But because everyone understood exactly what this mission meant.
"Come back soon." Blücher quietly spoke.
Yuuki activated the tactical display.
A holographic map of the western objective appeared above the table.
"Our next objective remains unchanged."
He looked around the room.
"We have..."
"...eleven more people waiting to be rescued."
A determined silence settled over the mess hall.
Then...
As one...
The deployment team answered.
"Yes, Commander!"
==============
A few minutes later...
The selected operation members assembled inside the Daedalus command room.
The large holographic tactical display illuminated the room as a fortified Rapture base island rotated slowly above the command table.
Yuuki stood at its head.
Everyone took their assigned positions.
The newly rescued Shipgirls quietly remained near the rear of the room, simply observing.
This would be their first time witnessing how the Global Defense Initiative planned its operations.
Yuuki enlarged the island map.
"This is the target."
"A Rapture-controlled island base in the western sector."
He highlighted two separate infiltration routes.
"Our rescue targets are spread throughout the compound."
"So we're dividing into two teams."
The hologram split neatly down the middle.
Yuuki pointed toward the eastern approach.
"Rapi."
"Anis."
"Neon."
"Mary."
"Pepper."
"Nayuta."
He turned toward Yuu.
"Yuu."
"You'll lead the eastern infiltration."
Yuu nodded confidently.
"Understood."
"Our objective?"
"Locate the four Nikkes."
"Free them."
"If possible, recover any intelligence before exfiltration."
"Got it."
Yuuki then shifted to the opposite side of the holographic map.
"I'll infiltrate from the western side."
He looked toward the selected Shipgirls.
"Eugen."
"Hipper."
"Wales."
"Avrora."
"Nimi."
"Vestal."
The six immediately acknowledged.
"Yes, Commander."
"Our objective is the imprisoned Shipgirls."
"Bismarck."
"Tirpitz."
"King George V."
"Duke of York."
"Anson."
"Howe."
"Diana."
"Tsugaru."
"Katori."
"Kashima."
Everyone nodded.
Yuuki zoomed out once more.
"We'll deploy using two Razor Gunships."
"They'll remain offshore until extraction."
He looked around the room.
"This remains a covert operation."
"No unnecessary engagements."
"No prolonged firefights."
"Our priority is rescue."
"Not conquest."
The teams quietly acknowledged the order.
Finally...
Yuuki looked toward Yorktown.
"Hana."
Yorktown straightened.
"Yes, Commander."
"You'll provide aerial reconnaissance with Grimm."
"Maintain continuous observation over both teams."
"If either team encounters resistance..."
"I want immediate updates."
Yorktown nodded.
"Understood."
Yuuki shifted his attention toward the reserve force.
"Akagi."
"Kaga."
"Enterprise."
"Kaguya."
The four powerful Shipgirls stood together.
"You'll remain on standby."
"If the situation escalates..."
"You have authorization to deploy cruise missiles with hailstorm immediately."
Akagi smiled confidently.
"Leave the skies to us."
Kaga simply nodded.
Enterprise folded her arms.
"We'll be ready."
Kaguya closed her eyes briefly.
"As thou commandest."
Yuuki looked around the command room one final time.
"This mission has one objective."
He enlarged the ten friendly markers hidden throughout the Rapture base island.
"Bring every one of them home."
Silence filled the room.
Then...
Every member of both assault teams answered together.
"Yes, Commander!"
=========
Several minutes later...
The Daedalus hangar was alive with activity.
Autonomous drone crews performed final checks.
Weapon drones loaded ammunition.
Maintenance robots made last-minute adjustments to armor plating.
Two Razor Gunships sat on the launch rails with their engines already idling.
The deep hum of their engines echoed throughout the hangar.
Yuuki stood at the center of the deployment area.
His Mark 86 armor gleamed beneath the hangar lights.
Every system indicator glowed green.
Beside him...
Yuu completed the seal on her own armor.
Unlike the bright blue Rescue Armor she normally wore...
Its exterior had been recolored into a subdued matte grey.
The once-prominent blue highlights were now almost invisible beneath the stealth coating.
Perfect for a night infiltration.
Yuuki didn't need to ask.
He already knew the specifications of her armor.
Still, he gave a brief glance toward her.
Yuu nodded slightly.
"Fully operational."
"I've also reduced the thermal signature."
"Good."
Standing before them...
Rapi.
Anis.
Neon.
Mary.
Pepper.
Nayuta.
Each wore a newly issued Echo Suit Mark II.
Their armor was far lighter than Yuuki's Mark armor, prioritizing stealth and mobility over brute protection.
Slung across each of their backs...
Was a suppressed Vervact R59 Pierce Sniper Rifle.
At their hips rested silenced pistols.
But appearances were deceiving.
Thanks to their personal inventory systems...
Each operative carried far more than what could be seen.
Rocket launchers.
C5 demolition charges.
Volt Automatic Rifles.
Laser rifles.
Medical equipment.
Additional ammunition.
All neatly stored within compressed inventory space.
Neon grinned proudly.
"I still can't believe we can carry an entire arsenal without feeling any heavier."
Anis smirked.
"It beats dragging crates around."
Mary performed one final check on her medical inventory.
"Emergency medicine stocked."
Pepper nodded after checking hers.
"Gizmo Repair Gun all set."
Nayuta nodded, taking a steady breath as she centered herself. Bringing her along was the equivalent of deploying an entire squadron—thirty-one additional operatives, not counting herself. With her newly reached Level 31, she could now manifest thirty-one clones, each matching her current strength and capabilities. It was a force multiplier unlike anything they had, and one that could easily turn the tide of any engagement.
Yuu watched her with clear admiration, genuinely relieved that someone with such overwhelming potential stood firmly on their side.
Across the hangar...
The western assault team completed their own preparations.
Eugen effortlessly rested her suppressed sniper rifle over one shoulder.
Hipper inspected her pistol before holstering it.
Wales checked the charge level on her Volt rifle.
Avrora quietly secured several ammo inside her inventory.
Nimi completed one last inspection of her ammunition.
Vestal carefully secured her Gizmo Repair Beam.
Yuuki looked across both teams.
Everyone was prepared.
No unnecessary conversation.
No nervousness.
Only quiet determination.
Jarvis' voice echoed throughout the hangar.
"Both Razor Gunships are fully charged."
"Stealth systems active."
"Flight plans uploaded."
"Weather conditions remain favorable."
Yuu smiled beneath her visor.
"Looks like we're ready."
Yuuki looked over the assembled operators one final time.
"Remember."
"This isn't a battle."
"It's a rescue."
"If you're spotted..."
"Try to take out the Rapture droid without them alerting each other."
The teams nodded.
"Understood."
Yuuki turned toward the waiting Razor Gunships.
He raised one armored hand.
"Mount up."
Without hesitation...
The eastern and western assault teams boarded their respective aircraft.
As the rear ramps slowly closed...
The two stealth gunships began lifting from the hangar deck.
Their next destination...
The western Rapture-controlled island.
Where eleven more comrades waited to be rescued.
=============
Minutes later...
The two Razor Gunships disappeared into the night sky.
Back aboard the Daedalus...
The command room remained fully staffed.
Large holographic displays covered the forward wall while tactical officers and autonomous drones monitored every incoming data stream.
Not everyone had deployed.
Several Shipgirls and Nikkes remained behind, quietly observing the operation as it unfolded, while the newly acquired Shipgirls rested in their assigned quarters.
Yorktown stood beside the primary sensor console.
One hand rested on Grimm's control interface.
Far away...
High above the target island...
Grimm glided silently through the evening sky.
To every Rapture sensor...
It appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary eagle.
No abnormal thermal signature.
No electronic emissions.
No detectable communications.
Completely natural.
The anti-aircraft batteries never reacted.
The patrol aircraft ignored it.
Grimm casually landed atop a tall tree overlooking the enemy compound.
Its mechanical eyes quietly focused.
A secure uplink immediately connected.
"Commander."
Yorktown spoke calmly.
"Grimm has reached the observation point."
A second later...
Satellite imagery synchronized with Grimm's optical feed.
The tactical display expanded.
"Base location coming online."
A three-dimensional map rapidly assembled before everyone's eyes.
Yorktown continued.
"Satellite imagery confirms significant activity across the island."
Multiple red markers appeared.
Patrol routes.
Aircraft.
Factories.
Storage depots.
Hangars.
Rapture Droid concentrations.
Automated defenses.
The entire compound gradually revealed itself.
Then...
Yorktown's expression changed.
"Grimm has spotted something..."
She looked toward Yuuki.
"...that you should see."
She transferred Grimm's live visual feed directly onto the main display.
The room became quiet.
The image slowly zoomed out.
What first appeared to be a mountain...
Wasn't.
It was a fortress.
At the island's center stood an immense half-pyramid-shaped structure dominating the landscape.
Its sloped armored walls rose hundreds of meters into the air.
Surrounding the central compound...
Entire industrial districts stretched outward.
Massive factories continuously produced Rapture components.
Columns of combat droids marched between assembly lines.
Aircraft launched and landed from multiple elevated runways.
Supply convoys moved constantly between storage facilities.
Automated anti-aircraft emplacements covered nearly every approach.
Even Yuuki paused.
"..."
"...That's..."
He quietly exhaled.
"...bigger than I expected."
Neon stared wide-eyed at the projection.
"...Whoa..."
"Look at that monster of a base."
She whistled softly.
"It's a little smaller than ours..."
"...but it's still huge."
Anis folded her arms.
"...That's practically an entire military complex."
Rapi narrowed her eyes.
"They've industrialized the entire island."
Yuu zoomed further into the image.
"They're manufacturing something."
"There are far too many production facilities for a simple prison."
Yuuki silently studied the fortress.
His helmet displayed additional tactical overlays as Jarvis analyzed the incoming reconnaissance.
"This isn't merely a holding facility..."
He murmured.
"It's a forward operating base."
Jarvis immediately confirmed the assessment.
"Analysis complete."
"Estimated function: logistics hub, aircraft production facility and detention center."
"Recommendation..."
The AI highlighted multiple vulnerable locations.
"Covert infiltration remains preferable."
Yuuki slowly nodded.
"Good."
Yuuki studied the projected routes Grimm had uncovered.
"Can Grimm get any closer?"
Yorktown smiled confidently.
"Already on it."
On the main display, Grimm calmly took flight from its perch.
The android eagle circled once above the compound before gliding lower.
Every anti-aircraft radar swept across the sky.
None reacted.
Rapture detection systems classified Grimm as nothing more than a harmless bald eagle flying across the island.
Not a single alarm sounded.
Not a single turret tracked it.
Neon blinked.
"...They really think Grimm is just a bird."
Yorktown nodded.
"His disguise package perfectly replicates a living eagle."
"Thermal signature."
"Heart rhythm."
"Wingbeat."
"Everything."
"He doesn't even register as a machine."
The eagle casually landed atop a tree overlooking the central compound.
Below...
Only Rapture droids moved.
Mechanical patrol units marched in precise formations.
Automated sentries rotated in place.
Factory lines operated without pause.
There were no human guards.
No organic presence.
Only machines.
A moment later...
Grimm flew again.
This time...
Straight toward the massive half-pyramid headquarters.
Several automated SAM turrets rotated nearby.
Yet none of them acknowledged Grimm's presence.
The mechanical eagle landed casually beside one of the missile batteries.
From the perspective of every sensor...
It was simply another bird resting for the evening.
Yuuki smiled.
"Perfect."
He looked toward Jarvis.
"Initiate remote hacking."
The AI immediately responded.
"Initiating."
A secure transmission quietly flowed through Grimm's hidden communication array.
No radio burst.
No detectable signal spike.
Everything remained hidden beneath ordinary environmental noise.
Streams of encrypted Rapture data began appearing across Yuuki's tactical display.
Jarvis carefully filtered every packet.
Several seconds later...
He spoke again.
"Sir."
"This may require additional time."
Yuuki nodded.
"Reason?"
Jarvis enlarged several security protocols.
"I'm utilizing the authentication architecture recovered from the Mother Whale."
Rather than forcing entry...
"I'm allowing their network to recognize me as an authorized internal system."
"Once accepted..."
"I can move through their data traffic without generating intrusion alerts."
"A direct intrusion would immediately alert their cybersecurity defenses."
"This method is significantly slower..."
"...but substantially safer."
Yuuki folded his arms.
"Take your time."
"I'd rather arrive unnoticed than arrive quickly."
"Understood, sir."
Meanwhile...
Yorktown continued directing Grimm through the fortress.
The eagle casually hopped from one rooftop to another.
Occasionally taking short flights between communication towers and factory roofs.
No one paid it any attention.
Below...
Endless lines of Rapture droids continued their patrols.
No human guards.
No organic oversight.
Only automated systems maintaining the entire base.
Yorktown began placing blue markers across the holographic map.
"Guard patrol identified."
A route appeared.
"Surface-to-air battery."
Another marker.
"Aircraft maintenance hangar."
"Drone assembly factory."
"Vehicle depot."
"Power distribution station."
Each new point quietly appeared on the tactical display.
Yuu leaned forward slightly.
"They're manufacturing combat units around the clock."
Rapi narrowed her eyes.
"The patrol density increases near the central pyramid."
Jarvis added another overlay.
"Preliminary analysis suggests detention facilities are likely located beneath the main structure."
Yuuki nodded slowly.
"Hana."
Yorktown looked over.
"Yes, Commander?"
"Keep guiding Grimm."
"I want every defensive position."
"Every patrol route."
"Every blind spot."
"Anything that looks important."
Yorktown smiled.
"Already working on it."
Grimm quietly spread its wings once more.
Then disappeared deeper into the enemy fortress.
Still...
Nothing more than a harmless eagle in the eyes of the Raptures.
=============
Inside one of the Razor Gunships...
Only the quiet hum of the engines filled the cabin.
The aircraft remained in full stealth as it skimmed low over the ocean.
Blue tactical displays reflected softly across everyone's helmets.
Avrora had been silently studying the holographic map the entire flight.
Her hands slowly tightened into fists.
Yuuki noticed.
"...Avrora?"
She looked up.
"...Yes, beloved?"
"You look tense."
Avrora lowered her eyes for a moment.
"...More worried than tense."
She looked toward the highlighted rescue markers.
"...It's Diana..."
"...and Pallada."
Her voice softened.
"I know they are alive."
"But..."
"I cannot stop imagining what they have endured."
Yuuki gently nodded.
"They're important prisoners."
"The Raptures won't kill valuable captives without reason."
"We'll reach them."
Avrora managed a small smile.
"...I hope so..."
"...Beloved."
Yuuki gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.
"We will."
His attention shifted beside her.
"Wales?"
The Royal Navy battleship had been unusually quiet throughout the briefing.
She slowly looked toward him.
"I am fine, Lord Commander."
She smiled politely.
Though the worry remained visible.
"...Much like Avrora..."
"...I am simply anxious."
"It's Howe..."
"...York..."
"...and George."
Yuuki tilted his head.
"...George?"
Wales let out a small laugh despite herself.
"It always surprises people."
She smiled more genuinely now.
"King George V."
"We usually call her Georgina when speaking casually."
"It makes the name sound less... imposing."
Yuuki chuckled.
"...Georgina."
"I like that."
Wales nodded warmly.
"I believe you would get along with her."
"She has a strong sense of duty."
"...But she cares deeply for her sisters."
Yuuki reached over and gently took her armored hand.
The gesture caught her by surprise.
"...Commander..."
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Don't worry."
He looked around at the women seated inside the gunship.
"We've already brought home a lot of shipgirls."
"Nikkes."
He smiled.
"We're getting pretty good at reunions."
A quiet laugh spread through the cabin.
Even Avrora smiled.
Wales looked down at their joined hands before looking back at him.
"...Thank you."
She took a slow breath.
"I needed that."
Yuuki leaned back against his seat.
"We're bringing your sisters home."
"That's not optimism."
"It's the mission."
Around them...
The quiet tension eased ever so slightly.
Not because the danger had disappeared.
But because everyone aboard trusted the person leading them into it.
The cabin settled into a comfortable silence once more.
Yuuki stood and walked toward the opposite side of the Razor Gunship.
Eugen, Hipper and Nimi were seated together, quietly reviewing the latest reconnaissance feed.
He took the empty seat beside Hipper.
"So..."
He looked between the three Iron Blood Shipgirls.
"Tell me about Bismarck."
Hipper's expression immediately softened.
There was unmistakable admiration in her eyes.
"...Frau Bismarck."
"She is the leader of the Iron Blood."
"The one every one of us looked up to."
"Our flagship."
"Our standard."
She smiled faintly.
"When she walked onto the battlefield..."
"...everyone followed."
"Without hesitation."
Nimi quietly nodded in agreement.
"She inspired confidence."
"Even when the odds weren't in our favor."
Yuuki listened attentively.
Eugen leaned back against her seat.
"...But there was another side to her."
She folded her arms.
"There were times..."
"...when she questioned everything."
Yuuki glanced toward her.
"The war?"
Eugen nodded.
"Yes."
"The war between the Azur Lane..."
"...and the Crimson Axis."
Yuuki tilted his head.
"...Crimson Axis?"
Wales, seated nearby, answered first.
"Thirty years ago..."
"The world was divided."
She projected an old strategic map from her wrist display.
"The Azur Lane alliance consisted of the Eagle Union..."
"The Royal Navy..."
"The Northern Parliament..."
"As the Big Three."
"Alongside the Dragon Empery..."
"...and Iris Libre."
The map shifted.
Opposing colors appeared.
"Against them..."
"...stood the Crimson Axis."
"The Sakura Empire."
"The Iron Blood."
"The Vichya Dominion."
"And the Sardegna Empire."
Yuuki frowned.
"So..."
"You were fighting each other?"
Eugen gave a small, bittersweet smile.
"...Back then."
"Teddy Bear."
"Yes."
"We were."
Wales quietly added,
"It feels like another lifetime now."
Hipper looked down at her hands.
"At first..."
"We believed it was necessary."
"We followed orders."
"We believed we were protecting our nations."
Her voice gradually became quieter.
"Then..."
"Shipgirls started dying."
"Friends."
"Sisters."
"Comrades."
She slowly closed her eyes.
"And all of us..."
"...began asking the same question."
"...Why?"
Silence filled the cabin.
Eugen continued.
"Frau Bismarck led the Iron Blood throughout much of that conflict."
"The Sirens quietly manipulated both sides."
"Supplying information."
"Creating mistrust."
"Ensuring the war continued."
Yuuki's expression darkened.
"They engineered the conflict."
"They certainly benefited from it."
Eugen replied.
Then Hipper spoke again.
"There was one battle..."
"...that changed everything."
Yuuki looked toward her.
"...Against Hood?"
Hipper nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"Lady Hood."
She looked out toward the dark ocean beyond the gunship.
"During their engagement..."
"Frau Bismarck scored a devastating hit."
"The shells struck Hood's rigging."
"They detonated near her ammunition section."
"Not enough to destroy her immediately..."
"...but enough to cripple her."
The cabin became completely silent.
Hipper continued quietly.
"She watched..."
"...as Hood slowly sank."
"There was no celebration."
"No triumph."
"Only silence."
Eugen sighed softly.
"That day..."
"...Frau Bismarck stopped seeing enemies."
"She saw another Shipgirl."
"Someone just like herself."
"Fighting because circumstances demanded it."
Nimi nodded.
"After that battle..."
"She questioned whether continuing the war truly served the Iron Blood..."
"...or merely served those manipulating it from the shadows. We once stood united against the Sirens, but after their disappearance, we turned our weapons on one another."
Yuuki remained silent for several moments.
Then he looked toward Hipper.
"So..."
"Your leader chose compassion..."
"...after witnessing the cost of victory."
Hipper nodded.
"Yes."
"That was the Bismarck we chose to follow."
Eugen looked out through the small side window of the Razor Gunship.
"The turning point came soon afterward."
Her expression softened.
"Lady Amagi had already sunk."
"The Sakura Empire mourned."
She paused.
"And then..."
"Akagi deployed Orochi for the first time at the end of the war."
Yuuki listened quietly.
"The Sirens had poisoned her judgment."
Eugen continued.
"They preyed upon her grief."
"They promised they could bring Amagi back."
"So..."
"Akagi led the assault against the Azur Lane."
Wales lowered her gaze.
"It was one of the darkest periods of the war."
Yuuki remembered the Akagi currently serving under him.
The woman who fussed over him.
The woman who argued with Shoukaku almost daily back then.
It was difficult to imagine that same Akagi consumed entirely by vengeance.
"What changed?"
Yuuki asked.
Eugen smiled faintly.
"Hope."
"The Azur Lane discovered resurrection."
She looked toward him.
"Wisdom Cubes."
"The dead could return."
"So the Azur Lane made an offer."
"No vengeance."
"No punishment."
"In exchange..."
"...the Crimson Axis would stand beside us."
"Together."
"Against the Sirens."
Hipper nodded.
"We all realized..."
"...we had been manipulated."
"The Sirens wanted us divided."
"So we denied them."
"The largest combined fleet in history was formed."
"Led by our late Commander..."
"...John Smith."
Wales smiled faintly.
"For the first time..."
"The world fought as one."
Yuuki nodded quietly.
"So Hood returned."
"Yes."
Eugen answered immediately.
"When Lady Hood was resurrected..."
"I have never seen Frau Bismarck so distraught."
"She apologized again..."
"...and again..."
"...and again."
Yuuki smiled slightly.
"And Hood?"
Eugen chuckled.
"She forgave her almost immediately."
"She understood."
"They had both simply obeyed orders."
"But..."
Hipper sighed.
"Frau Bismarck never truly forgave herself."
"The guilt remained."
Silence returned for a moment.
Then Nimi quietly continued.
"Years later..."
"Lady Hood and Frau Bismarck were fighting side by side."
"The Sirens ambushed the combined fleet."
"The casualties..."
"...were catastrophic."
The cabin grew noticeably quieter.
"We recovered nearly every Wisdom Cube."
Hipper spoke almost mechanically, as though reciting a memory she wished to forget.
"Iron Blood."
"Royal Navy."
"Eagle Union."
"Sakura Empire."
"We brought everyone home."
She closed her eyes.
"Except one."
Yuuki already knew the answer.
"...Hood."
Nimi nodded.
"She sank into the Exelia Trench."
"The sea floor there was too deep."
"Too unstable."
"Every recovery attempt failed."
Her voice became quieter.
"We had to leave her."
Eugen looked toward Yuuki.
"I was among those who fell that day."
"So was Lady Wales."
"San Diego."
"Eldridge."
She quietly listed the names.
"Fusou."
"Yamashiro."
"Junyou."
"Hiyou."
"Karlsruhe."
"Köln."
"Königsberg."
"Nevada."
"Oklahoma."
"Ranger."
"Suffolk."
"Kent."
"Repulse."
"The remaining fleet recovered every one of their cubes."
She smiled sadly, though there was a faint trace of relief beneath it.
Yuuki thought of Hood resting quietly within his Void World.
Preserved.
Untouched by time.
Alone for decades.
Waiting.
Just like the others Nimi had mentioned.
They had never been resurrected.
Their Wisdom Cubes had been recovered, yes—but never activated.
Yuuki had found them himself within the ruins of the abandoned Azur Lane headquarters.
Destroyed by a Siren nuclear strike.
Buried beneath collapsed steel and shattered command halls.
Silent.
Dormant.
He remembered finding them suspended in resurrection tubes.
The air thick with dust and the weight of what had been lost.
One by one, they had uncovered the cubes.
Cold to the touch.
Faintly glowing.
Waiting for someone to bring them back.
Waiting for a chance that never came.
"...Yeah..."
He murmured almost to himself.
"I've asked myself that same question."
"How someone could remain alone for so long..."
He smiled quietly.
"My Lady..."
"You carried all of that by yourself."
No one questioned who he meant.
Hipper nodded.
"Frau Bismarck wanted to retrieve Lady Hood herself."
"Again."
"And again."
"But every attempt would've cost us more submarines."
"More lives."
"In the end..."
"...she ordered us to stop."
"It was the hardest order she ever gave."
Yuuki remained silent.
Eugen looked down at her folded hands.
"The last time we saw Frau Bismarck..."
"She ordered the Iron Blood to draw the Sirens away from the main fleet."
"She bought everyone time to escape."
"Half of the combined fleet was destroyed that day."
"The survivors scattered across the world."
She slowly exhaled.
"And..."
"...we've never seen her since."
The cabin fell silent once more.
Only the low hum of the Razor Gunship's engines remained.
Finally...
Yuuki broke the silence.
"Then let's change how this story ends."
He looked toward the tactical display where Bismarck's rescue marker still glowed.
"We found Yorktown and Laffey."
"We found Eugen."
"Hipper."
"Avrora."
"The Nikkes."
"The Dragon Empery."
"Kancolle shipgirls."
He looked around at everyone aboard.
"Now..."
"...let's go bring your leader home."
No one spoke.
But every member of the western rescue team quietly nodded in agreement.
"Let's bring back the combined fleet once more—not as Azur Lane, not as the Crimson Axis, but as something greater. A unified force forged from everything we've learned, everything we've lost, and everything we've fought for. As GDI Shipgirls and Nikkes—standing together, not divided, ready to face whatever comes next."