Chapter 250 - 225

The chicken-like creatures - Sorry. What are these little guys called again? Manjuus, right. The Manjuus all gathered around my deck boat and proceed to moor it at the pier and begin to clean it for me. Wow. Even my fairies aren't that proactive. I usually have to order and bribe them to do certain tasks.

"Cute~ Can we keep one?" (Zuihou-chan)

Zuihou-chan picked up a Manjuu and hugged it tight. You can clearly see that bird is not in favour of her proposal. The thing is flailing it's wings.

"Of course not. They belong here. Come on, let's go. Stay close to me."

I stretched out my hand and the little carrier grabbed it excitedly. It's easier for me to protect and calm her down in case she freaks out when meeting the Eagle Union carriers involve in the Battle of Cape Engano. The same can be said for her older self, though she isn't as scared as before. She rather stay far away from the ones that could have been responsible in sinking her. I say 'could' because she was sank by an American air strike which was coordinated by the American carriers, so she has no idea who dealt the killing blow.

Today, we are at Azur Lane's home island to conduct a check up on Zuihou-chan's body. I called Ao the other day to ask if a glowing mental cube and a steam-emitting body is normal when engage in nightly activities. Unsurprisingly, it was not normal. So I scheduled a check up to see if we can figure out what is going on with her body. I wanted to bring Shigure-chan along, but she told me she doesn't need one. I decided not to pursue the matter any further and just brought Zuihou-chan with me. If we can find a solution for Zuihou-chan's condition, maybe I can apply the same solution for Shigure-chan if she ever has the same problem in the future.

It's only a few months and the base looks as though the Black Inferno incident never happened. The base was destroyed before, with most, if not all of the structures in shambles. Now, this place is more vibrant than before.

The large Sakura tree, which was burnt before, now stands tall and proud in the distance. The once two story buildings are now three stories, the market place has new and bigger shops, the academy looks really shiny, probably because of the large Azur Lane emblem that is almost as big as half the building itself and right smack at the top of the building. There is even some new attractions around the place. A large garden that quote unquote, contains all kinds of flora and fauna from around the world. That was what the sign at the entrance says. There is a canal that possibly meant to replicate the gondola rides in Venice. A chapel stands tall in a distance, separated from the hustle and bustle of the market place and the courtyard. There could be more places to explore, even Zuihou-chan is itching to play. But for now, let's find where is Ao's office. The entire layout of the buildings and structures have changed.

"Ah, I finally found you, our humble guests." (Belfast)

That voice, that tone, that speech pattern, it only belongs to one person. I turn around to look at the head maid,

"Long time no see, Belfast. I assume you are here to pick us up?"

Belfast bowed deeply,

"Yes. I sincerely apologize for not meeting and picking you up from the the pier. I sent Dido to fetch you but I guess she must have missed you." (Belfast)

"Oh, no. We were a little early after all."

"Dido? A new maid? I have never heard that name before." (Zuihou-chan)

"No. She has been part of the maid corps for a long time now. It's just that you have never seen her before." (Belfast)

"That makes sense, I guess?" (Zuihou-chan)

"Please, allow me to guide you Master's office." (Belfast)

"We are counting on. This place has changed so much."

"Please follow me." (Belfast)

The two of us followed the head maid as she guided us to the main building, all the while engaging in small talk with us.

"The buildings look pretty sturdy."

"Yes. After that regrettable incident, we have agreed to build our structures using a graphene-titanium alloy. This alloy makes them tough enough to withstand a couple of shells from a 41cm twin gun. If you are interested, you can get more details from Akashi-san." (Belfast)

A graphene-titanium alloy... I better take notes. I'm still looking for inspiration for my wooden alloy project.

We finally reached Ao's office, seeing as Belfast knocked on the door thrice before announcing herself,

"Master, I have brought Admiral Keita-sama and Zuihou-chan-sama." (Belfast)

"That honorific..."

"It's weird hearing too honorifics in my name..." (Zuihou-chan)

The door opened and Ao presented himself.

"Yo. Good to see you." (Suwanto Ao)

He stuck his fist out,

"Nice to see you too."

And I gave him a fist bump.

Looks like he is fully recovered. He looks healthier and the brace that was on his leg is now gone.

"Let's move to where Akashi and Vestal are. They will run a few scans to determine what's going on with your girl." (Suwanto Ao)

"I may need to participate in her checkup as well."

"Why? You are not the one with a problem, right?" (Suwanto Ao)

"Nope, but you will need me to trigger the reaction I told you."

Ao stared at me blankly, before giving an amused smile,

"I can't wait to see Vestal's reaction." (Suwanto Ao)

I suddenly feel a sharp pain on my left arm,

"Ouch! Wh- Zuihou-chan!"

The red-faced light aircraft carrier was pinching and me. Eh? She is embarrassed?