Chapter 68 - 61.5

Compared to the first phase, the second phase is relatively simple. We were expecting another 'Princess' or 'Demon' type but in the end, it was just a normal Abyssal fleet. One very lively Abyssal fleet. The flagship, which is a He-class Light cruiser, is weak enough to be taken out in one or two hits. The main issue is that it keeps coming back! How many more times must you shoot it before it stays in the ocean?!

Anyways, since Kisaragi's fleet is on the last dance, the next mission is already underway. The next mission, named The 2nd Battle of the Java Sea, is a joint operation under Sasebo's charge. Shouhou, Arashio and Umikaze will be joining them for this. The 'boss' of this area is a Heavy Cruiser Princess. Theoretically, anti-installation weapons should work against it. The main problems would be the reported air raids along the way. Sasebo's Mikuma, Mogami and Ooi will handle the boss. Shouhou provides the necessary protection against the air raids and air support. Arashio will assist in providing anti-aircaft fire while Umikaze provides additional firepower. That's the plan for now.

But I'm not hearing any good results from this...

"Geez... my appearance is ruined..." (Arashio)

This is the fifth time we had to retreat just before our target.

"Aaah... my long-awaited flight deck came to nothing, damnit..." (Mogami)

Right now, the fleet is resting at my district. It's an hassle for the 3 of them to return all the way back to Sasebo, get repaired and then return back here. So for the time being, until the mission is complete, we will be taking care of this strike fleet. Since it's a joint operation, Sasebo will also be providing repair buckets and relevant resources such as fuel and ammo. At least that helps alleviate the pressure on my own resources.

"The battle has ended. Here's the report.. Wanna see?" (Kisaragi)

"Ooh. That's great! Good job girls!"

"Fufufufu♪" (Kisaragi)

The mission was a success! Ooyodo came in with the Action Report and a new weapon, a

Shipborne Model Type 4 20cm Anti-ground Rocket Launcher. It resembles a little like the Type 2 12cm Mortar Kai we got from the Sardine Exchange, just that this one is an Anti-installation weapon. It's under the same category as the WG42.

Great timing! Maybe this can help!

Let's see... Who can equip this? Alright! Let's get this thing onto Umikaze! With this, we should have more firepower against the Heavy Cruiser Princess.

After some discussion, Sasebo and I managed to settle on a fleet composition. Umikaze would be the flagship, followed by Arashio, Mikuma, Ooi, Mogami and finally, Shouhou. If this composition works, we should be able to finally reach and deal some damage to the Heavy Cruiser Princess to get the ball rolling.