Chapter 44 - 41

Even though I said that I would finish whatever leftover work I have, things don't always go according to plan. This guy... really does whatever he wants.

Yuudachi came running to me when I was changing, telling me that Zuihou's enemy has arrived. I have no idea what she was talking about until I saw them. A small crowd has gathered at the port. Azur Lane's Commander brought 5 shipgirl's with him. I don't supposed he brought them as escorts. He obviously wants to have a practice excercise, since the previous one got cut short due to Zuihou breaking down.

"I don't think I need to ask why you are here for. Geez. I asked you to pick your shipgirl up, not come for am excercise."

"What great perception you have. Since I need to send someone to pick Akatsuki-chan up, so why not have an excercise as well?" (Commander)

"You... In the first place, how did you come here? I don't see any normal sh.i.p.s behind."

"That's a secret."

He definitely made one of them carry him all the way here.

"Fine. I go ask if they want to fight."

"That's okay poi! I already informed Shigure and Agano-san.They are bringing the others here." (Yuudachi)

That's fast! Oh well, the others have no problem taking them one I guess. Shigure may have some problem, so long as Yamashiro gets hurt. Zuihou is the one I'm more concerned of. It's barely a month since she recovered. I might sound overprotective but Isn't it too early for her to fight the foe she was so afraid of?

"There they are." (Yuudachi)

Just as she said, fleet 1 gathered at the port. Looks like I don't have much of a choice.

"Are the conditions still the same?"

"Yep. Let's use the same rules and conditions." (Commander)

"Fubuki?"

"Yes?" (Fubuki)

"Escort Azur Lane to the the Practice rest area. I'll meet them there."

"Roger! Erm... Commander-san? Please follow me." (Fubuki)

"Ohh. You look so different from my Fubuki."

"Eh? Is that so?" (Fubuki)

I watched as they trail off in the distance.

"You girls know what's going on. Zuihou, are you alright with this?"

"I-I'm fine. I can fight!" (Zuihou)

She is trying to put on a brave front again. I can't try to shelter her like this. There has to be a way where I can make her feel less scared of them. Hmm...? There is a small yellowish glow around Zuihou's petite body. Isn't this...?!

I scooped her off her feet and ran towards the factory.

"Eh? Admiral? What are you...?" (Zuihou)

"Just come with me. The rest of you get ready. Wait for us at the Practice area!"

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"How is it?"

"Not yet but she is close. I'm surprised you managed to picked up on that faint glow. Usually you only bring them in when the glow intensifies." (Akashi)

"How long do you think I have been doing this? So, how long will it take?"

"I can prepare and calibrate everything in 2 hours. Fitting may take 1 hour. Once the glow gets whiter, then it will be a perfect fit." (Akashi)

"Alright. We will see you in 2 hours."

"Erm... Admiral? What's all this about?" (Zuihou)

This girl still has no idea what's going on.

"Hey, Zuihou. If you win this, I have a reward for you."

"A reward? What kind of reward?" (Zuihou)

Her eyes gleamed. That got her motivated. Now to make sure she can do it.

"You will know when you win. Oh, and I came up with a strategy for you guys."

"Isn't giving us orders against the rules?" (Zuihou)

"Not when I give it to you before it starts."

"Oh I see. So, what's the plan?" (Zuihou)

"It's simple. You just need to surprise them."