Chapter 130 - 117

Let's see...

We have almost reached full capacity on fuel and steel. Ammo and bauxite is more than sufficient. The girls could use more training to get them ready for the operation. There's also the issue with fleet compositions. I will wait for more information before assigning roles. I think that's it for now.

It's already late at night already. There were some distractions along the way, but I finally finished all of my paperwork foor the day. I turned to look at the girl who caused me to work till this late. Zuihou is sleeping so soundly on the bed. I didn't expect my little experiment to turn out like that. It was fun, as usual. Halfway through, I could hear someone outside in the office. I tried to stop but Zuihou won't let me. On top of that, she was m.o.a.ning so loud that I had to cover her mouth to muffle the sound. And after that she just fell asleep. How carefree of her.

Oh right. It's almost Zuihou's birthday, followed by Murasame then Yuudachi. I wonder what should I give them this year. I gave Zuihou a glove and held a party for the three of them. I should try something new this year.

I should sleep for now. I'm too tired to think of anything.

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Almost a day has passed and I still can't think of a present to give them. Yuudachi should be fine with a feast of her own. And maybe a day of pampering. I can do the same with Murasame. Usually I would give Zuihou a model kit or something which I commissioned from Akashi, but since we are a couple now, I want to do something special for her. And that's the hard part.

"Hmm? How rare to see you in the cafeteria." (Rei)

Rei walked up to me, carry a tray of food.

Since Zuihou is on a expedition, she will only be back late at night. Probably not a good idea to send them out so late.

"I eat here some time too. Anyway, how are your studies coming along?"

"Ugh... I don't want to talk about it." (Rei)

For the set week, Rei had been holed up in the infirmary, studying for the next promotion test. If she passed, she would be promoted to 'Commander'. That's when she can officially take charge of a fleet on her own.

"I can't believe my father can just sign me up for a promotional exam! It hasn't been half a year since I got promoted!" (Rei)

"You should be happy. Getting promoted twice within a year is pretty awesome."

When she is not trying to be flirty with me, she can be a pretty decent girl.

"I know. But this is all because of father's influence." (Rei)

"Anyway, it's good for me. I can finally share with you my workload."

"If I do that, will you be my boyfriend?" (Rei)

"Not a chance."

"Rejected again..." (Rei)

Rei slumped onto the table, pushing her food aside.

"Say, hypothetically, if you have a boyfriend, how would you want him to celebrate your birthday?"

"mmmh... First, I would want him to bring me on a date. Then eat dinner at a fancy restaurant. Then spend the rest of our time together in a world-class hotel." (Rei)

I'm shocked...

"That's pretty normal, coming from you."

"That's what I want, at least. But actually, I can appreciate anything from me. It's the feeling that matters." (Rei)

"Who are you? What have you done to Lieutenant Commander Rei?!"

"Hey! Rude!" (Rei)

"An imposter?" (Satsuki)

"That's not Rei-san?" (Minazuki)

"Who are you?!" (Etorofu)

Uh-oh. My words caught the attention of the destroyers and coastal defense sh.i.p.s. They actually took my words seriously.

"It was a joke! A joke!"

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Zuihou came into the office covered in some confetti, smiling gleefully and clutching a bunch of small boxes towards her chest. Those girls act really fast.

Although, my present is at another location.

I changed into a polo shirt and jeans.

"Admiral, are you going out?" (Zuihou)

"Yeah."

"I see..." (Zuihou)

She looks so sad. Silly girl.

"Come on, change into something comfortable. We are going on a date."

"Eh?" (Zuihou)

After changing into her green jacket and hoodie, I brought Zuihou to the train station and got a ticket for the Shinkansen to Osaka.

Zuihou looked out of the window, amazed by the scenery throughout the journey.

"Admiral, where are we going?" (Zuihou)

"You will see soon enough."

"Ehh~" (Zuihou)

After reaching Shin-osaka station in the afternoon, we had to change a few trains before reaching our destination, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan .

"Wow! What a colourful building!" (Zuihou)

I decided to bring her out to have fun at the world's biggest aquarium. We went to the aquarium back at the onsen town, but that was pretty small compared to this one. It seems like the right decision, she looks excited.

"Let's go."

"Yes!" (Zuihou)

This really is the worlds biggest aquarium. There are so many different species of fishes and aquatic animals. The lighting and set up in each exhibit made everything look so natural and beautiful.

"Cute!" (Zuihou)

Zuihou gazed at a group of otters playing around in the water. Zuihou excitedly went from one exhibit to another, amazed by the various animals in each zone. The Sea Lions in the Monterey Bay enclosure, the Ringtailed Caoti in the Gulf of Panama enclosure, we would spent some time looking at the animals move around. We skipped the Ecuador Rain Forest one though. She said the shape of the fishes there creep her out.

"Those are all penguin?" (Zuihou)

"There is a feeding show starting. Want to watch?"

"Let's watch!" (Zuihou)

We stopped at the Antartica enclosure, where it's feeding time for the penguins. It's amazing how so many different species of penguins can be placed together in the same enclosure.

After watching the feeding show, we continued our exploration. She was so fascinated by the everything the aquarium had to offer.

We looked at the jellyfish enclosure. There is just something mesmerizing about the way these creatures move around.

"Beautiful..." (Zuihou)

"How is it? Was this fun?"

"Yes! This was the first time I get to see so many amazing animals." (Zuihou)

"Which one is your favourite?"

"Hmm... They are all very cute, but I think I like the dolphin the best. It looks like a plane!" (Zuihou)

A plane? That's how she chooses? Oh well...

"Wait here. I need to make a call."

I went to one corner of the Jellyfish room and took out my phone,

"Hello. Yeah, it's me. I would like to have the dolphin. We will be coming in shortly. Can we get it ready in time? Right. Splendid."

All right. Preparations are complete.

"What's wrong?" (Zuihou)

"Nah. It was just Rondo. He invited me for a drink later tonight."

"I see." (Zuihou)

"Of course, I rejected him. I already have plans tonight. Anyway, let's go."

We finally reached the end of the aquarium. Zuihou wanted to buy some souvenirs for the others, so we entered the gift shop. We have to go there anyway. While she decides on what to buy for the others back at base, I signalled to the female shopkeeper to bring out what I ordered.

"Zuihou, happy birthday!"

"Than- Eh?!" (Zuihou)

I presented her a large 1.4m dolphin plush. She gave me a look of surprise.

"What is this?" (Zuihou)

"A dolphin."

"It's so big! Almost as big as me!" (Zuihou)

Zuihou took the plush from my hands and hugged it tightly.

"It's so fluffy and cute. Is this why you asked me which animal I like?" (Zuihou)

"Sir, you really love your girlfriend." (Female shopkeeper)

"Thank you, Admiral! I will treasure it!" (Zuihou)

It was still early, and unlike the other days, it doesn't seem like it's going to rain anytime soon. So we went for a walk around Osaka Bay Area.

As expected, we are kind of getting a lot of attention with Zuihou carrying such a big plushie.

"Admiral, let's ride that." (Zuihou)

Zuihou pointed at a Ferris wheel.

Wow. That's one big Ferris wheel. In fact, it's the biggest I have ever seen. If it's that big, the scenery should be nice, right? It might be the perfect end to our date before going home.

I paid the entrance fee and the attendant ushered us into the next cabin. Zuihou was extremely excited as we ascend into the sky.

"So high! Is this what it looks like from the sky? It's so beautiful! Ufufu♪" (Zuihou)

"Hey. Stop jumping around. You are shaking the cabin."

"Waahhh~~" (Zuihou)

She is not listening...

Oh well. She is having fun.

"Admiral!" (Zuihou)

"Yeah?"

Zuihou kissed me on the lips...

"I love you!" (Zuihou)