Chapter 51 - 47

Another day, another bunch of reports and sorties to clear.

Although, today's a little different.

Nowadays, the seas are a troublesome place to be in. The fight between Abyssals and Sirens have grown fiercer than before. Azur Lane established another base, under the Sakura Empire's management, near Sasebo to monitor the increased Siren activity in the area while I'm told to increase patrols around my jurisdiction because of increased activity from both the Sirens and Abyssals.

Azur Lane's commander showed me some footage of his girls who just got upgraded and I don't want to fight them. After our excercise, he came up with new tactics and technology based on how fleet 1 fought. Right now, each of his shipgirl's have their own personal ship which can be used on its own, or combined with their owners. The ones which I'm more concerned of are his Aircraft Carriers. I have seen two of them, Enterprise and Unicorn, fly in the air while Kaga summoned a wolf-like creature. A little overpowered if you ask me. Imagine meeting a girl in the middle of the ocean and getting rammed by a large ship that belongs to her. Or a giant wolf in the middle of the ocean. He says it's not as strong as I think it is because his girls can still get overwhelmed during battle. Well, I heard the Sirens are more tactical in their attacks while the Abyssals are mostly wild, save for the 'boss' types.

With that in mind, our girls keep getting caught in the crossfire between the Sirens and Abyssals, especially during sorties and expeditions. Maybe I should stop all expeditions and come up with battle plans instead. Our resources will take a blow but at least it ensures our safety. I wanted to that today but I got called into Yokosuka HQ. Not just me, the other admirals from other naval districts are present as well. All of us are here for some 'last minute's excercise which goes on for a week.

"How troublesome."

"What are you saying? You used to like this, don't you?" (Kure)

Right now, we are doing range training. As it's name suggests, it's basically shooting practice. Not sure why you need to go through this when the Abyssals take no damage from our rifles.

"Shooting is fun but I would rather be back in my office making plans for our next sortie. Heck, these bullets don't even put a scratch on the Abyssals or the Sirens. Tsk! Missed."

"I agree with you. I came all the way from across the ocean just to attend this stupid excercise? Ridiculous! I could be back in my room spending time with my dear Fletcher-chan!" (Brunei Anchorage)

"Another girl? How many does this make? What about you? Have you found a girlfriend yet?" (Kure)

"Huh? Oops! "

I nearly dropped my rifle when he asked me that. Should have expected that question since we are on that topic.

"Come on! Don't act dumb. I think you are the only Admiral who is single." (Kure)

"Aren't you single too?

"Nope! Lost my V-card two months ago with Shoukaku and Zuikaku!" (Kure)

He did a victory sign as he said that. Show-off!

"Is it common to have more than one?"

"Yeah. I mean, it's not against Military Law. They may be weapons, but they are still physically and mentally humans. They get stronger too with marriage. I getting there pretty soon. So, what about you? Who did you choose?" (Kure)

"Enough talk. Let's move to the next training area."

"Hey! Don't run away! I'm not done talking to you!" (Kure)

I can't tell them that Zuihou is my lover, though it hasn't been a month since that day. It's embarrassing!

To be honest, unlike those two, I'm a little embarrassed to talk about things like that in the open. I'm okay with just listening but if I am involved, no thank you.

"Haa~ I want to go back soon..."

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Admiral's empty office is so calm. For some reason, it feels lonely.

It has been six days since Admiral left us in charge of the district while he left for Yokosuka to attend a multi-base excercise. I heard there is also a strategic meeting for the ongoing 3-way war against the Abyssals and Sirens.

"Geez. At least make a call or something."

No no. Admiral is working hard in his own way. I can't be spoilt!

"Zuihou, this is bad!" (Shouhou)

"Shouhou, what's wrong?"

"Tokitsukaze and Yuudachi wanted to clean the hallway but spilled cleaning solution all over the place."

"Ehh?"

"Can you help us with the cleaning?" (Shouhou)

"Of course!"

Cleaning should be easy right?

Maybe not...

The floor is all slimy with the spilled cleaning solution! This is worst than I thought...

By the time we finished mopping up the floor, it was already night time.

Since I still have some time before bed, mind as well sort out the paperwork for Admiral when he comes back. Will he be happy? I should clean his room too.

Ah. He left one of his coat hanging outside on the wardrobe...

Stop it, Zuihou! You already got caught once. Do you want it to happen a second time?

But he won't be back until tomorrow night, right? Just a bit...

I went and put it on.

I knew it. Admiral's scent is the only thing that calms me down. This coat must have been left here before he left for Yokosuka. It's not dirty but his scent still lingers on it.

"Admiral, come back quickly. I miss you..."