“ARGH… KHA-KHA-KHA…!”

I gasped but opened my eyes. When I looked around, I was in the destroyer’s bridge. As if nothing happened.

Despite the wobbling of my legs, I reached a window and saw that I am near the pirate lair but the ships were stationed as usual. I hobbled to another side of the bridge and saw a battleship right by my side.

I checked the ship.

The hull was fine and barely suffered any damage. The weapons too were ok.

The only thing that was not normal is the engine, it was completely cold. If I was to set sail right now, I would be able to do so, in 2 days at least.

I went to the deck.

A second later, I was hit by a seagull which did not expect me to cross its way.

“Hey, little guys! Watch out where you’re flying!”

As soon as I shook off and captured the perpetrator, all of the seagulls took off, and started to circle above the ship.

I put the captive under my arm and went to the bow, where most of the seagulls’ commotion was directed.

There I saw Patricia, fishing. She immediately turned around and started grumbling.

“Those damned birds refuse to eat, and they already sent in a couple of storms. At long last their breadwinner has arrived. I… It was really confusing to see you disappear and reappear here… If only I could’ve strangled that b*…” (P)

“Don’t fish here. Also, why are you on my ship?”

“How cold of you. This ship started drifting away after… You get it… So we had to tie it to the ‘Black Demon’. While we were working, I checked the commanding room and saw you there, intact. Of course I had to stay and make sure nothing would happen to you!” Patricia started waving her arms and almost hit a seagull with the fishing rod.

“Understood. I will go report to Alba. Anything else?” I really didn’t feel like talking. To anyone.

I jumped off the ship and headed to the coast. While there was nothing to do, I checked the stats.

‘Ding’

‘You received 2 copper coins, 5 silver coins 3 gold coins, 350 upgrade points (hits), 66 upgrade points (firing), 300 upgrade points (3 torpedo hits, 1.0 modifier)’

IJN Kuronami – DDL. Upgrade points – 13

Torpedoes – 0/6.

HP – 2342.

HI – 98%. Damage control compensation – 2%.

AU – 63% (2341nm).

Increase caliber - 0/200

Dual gun turrets - 0/400

Increase caliber – 0/100

Improve mounts – 0/250

Improve propulsion – 0/500

ASW Mortar - 0/50

Proximity fuse - 0/50

I poured all of my upgrade points into improvements. Still…

[I wonder what High Explosive means…]

At the coast I saw almost no people. Only occasional purple-coated pirates.

Near Alba’s hut I was stopped.

“Her Ladyship is not expecting visitors. Can you state your intentions?” The guards were not showing hostility so I answered cordially.

“Kuronami returned to report. I am from that ship.” I pointed at my ship.

The guards looked at me and one of them headed to the hut. He knocked and glanced inside, a moment later he gestured to come.

When I entered the hut, there were no fireworks, no screaming fans, and no champagne. Alba was just seating by a small table and writing.

“I have no idea how you came back from the dead. And don’t you tell me about ‘miracle’, I am not going to believe.” (A)

“Then I will not be telling anything. Are there any assignments for me? I want to go away.”

She looked at me for a minute but then answered.

“We sacrificed all of our fleet, and Benezio is still standing. I shall not stop you from privateering their convoys, or sinking anything that sails under their flag. You are absolutely free to go and fight.” (A)

“Understood. One more question, how did you end up with those two sisters at each other’s throat?”

“For what reason should I be answering?” Alba stopped writing and glared at me. Even though she disliked the topic, I continued pressing her.

“If I am to continue working with Patricia, I should know what is going on.”

“Haaa… Do you really think the pirates were this numerous? If I remained there, I would’ve hunted down every last one of them. I just understood that neither Patricia, nor I would have future with that man. Satisfied?!” She was angry but I asked one more question, before her patience ran out.

“Then what about Veronica?”

“I heard you became close with her. That would explain your impertinent curiosity. That child was… different… She was not like her sister, she was… weird… After we ended up enemies, their relations were severed.” I did not pry further.

“I will pick up Patricia and head out. If you allow me to.”

“Of course, tell Patricia to come, I will instruct her. Your ship will be transferred under her command, as the new part of our fleet. You are promoted to captain, and are allowed to have your own subordinate crew and bear the pirate flag as your own. Now, go.” Alba personally pushed me out of her hut and slammed the door.

‘Ding’

The stats screen opened by itself.

2nd ship - No ship commissioned.

3rd ship - No ship commissioned.

4th ship - No ship commissioned.

5th ship - No ship commissioned.

'Ships available - Kuronami-class - 1 platinum coin, Akizuki-class - 1 gold coin, Kagerou-class - 1 silver coin, Minekaze-class - 1 copper coin'