Chapter 23 - 22

"Zzz.... Zzzz..."

"Those three are not waking up." (Ooyodo)

"It was a tough battle after all. They are all tired. I'm surprised they could sleep through this noise."

A few hours ago, Maizuru Naval District and Sasebo Naval District just ended a 3-day joint operation. The objective was to take out several of Installations around the Chubu Sea Area. A combined Carrier Task Force was organized consisting of shipgirls from Maizuru and Sasebo, with Maizuru being the escort fleet. I sent Agano, Suzuya, Zuihou, Shigure, Yuudachi and Murasame, my stronger girls, to form the escort fleet for Sasebo.

For 3-days and 3-nights, the seas were filled with the smell of gunpowder and burning metal, as the girls destroyed everything in their path. The last installation they attacked was met with rather strong resistance. The fleet had to retreat quite a few times before being able to push through and complete the mission. They just came back a few hours ago and had finished repairs.

To commemorate the successful operation, I decided to host a celebratory banquet near the port for the whole district. A feast for the shipgirls. With the high quality ingredients bought from HQ, the fairies managed to whip up some rather delicious and unique creations.

While everyone was making merry, Ooyodo and I stumbled upon three sleeping Shiratsuyu sisters, who decided to make the area beneath a tree their napping spot.

"The three of them really did their best with the anti-air support."

"With your instructions at that time. If you hadn't advised the fleet to do a pre-emptive strike on that Abyssal Carrier fleet, the operation wouldn't have ended by now. It's all thanks to you, Admiral." (Ooyodo)

"Sasebo's Admiral is the type to brute force his way through everything. I didn't think he noticed the carrier fleet hiding there. Oh well, I guess I can take a bit of his credit."

"So? What shall we do about these three?" (Ooyodo)

"I think we can leave them here for a while. Wouldn't want to interrupt everyone's fun by getting some to help bring back three girls."

Actually, make that four. As soon as I stood back up, I spotted a shipgirl sitting on a stone bench, with a sleeping one lying on her lap.

"Yo, Shouhou."

"Admiral, thanks for your hard work." (Shouhou)

"I didn't do anything great. So, what happened to her?"

I poked Zuihou's cheek. She reacted by groaning.

"Ughh..." (Zuihou)

"She got a little too drunk and now she feels sick." (Shouhou)

"Again? She is to get another splitting headache when she wakes up tomorrow."

"Ehehe. I can see that happening." (Shouhou)

"Say, why not I take your place? Go and have some fun."

"But what about- ?" (Shouhou)

"Don't worry. I already had my fill. Seeing you girls have fun and be normal is best for me."

"Then... I'll take you up on that offer." (Shouhou)

I switched place with Shouhou, being careful not to wake the drunk girl up. Zuihou, still out cold, laid on my lap. Her outfit cane undone, so I had to fix it a little. Of course, not before I took a little peek.

What I said about seeing them have fun was not a lie. Just looking at my shipgirls spending time other than fighting is something I love. Like I said, I would rather have them be normal girls, or at least fight by their side. Giving orders from behind a screen is just not my thing.

I gave Zuihou another poke.

"Fuehehe~" (Zuihou)

What an relaxed face, compared to before. Wonder what is she dreaming about. How I wish they could keep dreaming like this.

"All fun things come to an end, hmm. It makes me feel a little sad."

"It doesn't matter now, does it?"

A childish voice sounded off nearby.

"Shouldn't we think about the enjoyable days? Like the summer festival and new years." (Zuihou)

"You already awake? How are you feeling?"

"A little better. Where's Shouhou?" (Zuihou)

"I told her to go enjoy herself. Geez, you really let yourself go this time."

"Ahaha... Just a little." (Zuihou)

I placed one hand on Zuihou's head.

"???" (Zuihou)

"Thank you, Zuihou. Let's continue getting along in the future."

She grabbed my hand from her head and moved it to her cheek. Her face was a little red. A smile formed on her child-like face.

"Yes, I will stay by your side. Forever and ever." (Zuihou)

I was entranced by her words. Was that her drunken self speaking, or her normal self? Even so, if you say something like that, I don't know how to react! Those words and that face can really form a fearsome combo!

Suddenly, Zuihou did a face-plant back onto my lap.

"Wha-?"

"Sorry. I guess I still don't feel so good." (Zuihou)

"Come on. Get a hold of yourself."

I patted her back to make her feel better. I guess that was her drunken self talking just now. Still, I'm glad that maybe she feels that way.

We stayed like this throughout the remainder of the banquet.