Chapter 136 - 123

"Shouhou, how are things over there?"

"Everything is fine. Yamakaze-chan is a little anxious, but Kawakaze-chan and Fubuki-chan are with her. Yuubari-san immediately went to the arsenal to tinker with her equipment." (Shouhou)

"I see. Glad to hear you girls are doing well at Yokosuka. Tomorrow is the start of the operation. You girls may be on standby but make sure to get plenty of rest and be careful. Give the others my regards."

I just noticed Zuihou looking at me expectantly.

"Hold on. Zuihou wants to talk to you."

I passed the phone over to Zuihou.

"Shouhou, it's me, Zuihou." (Zuihou)

The next mission at Sesoko Island will start tomorrow. Yokosuka Naval District will be spearheading this operation, with support from Maizuru. To aid them in the operation, I sent Shouhou, Yuubari, Fubuki, Yamakaze and Kawakaze over to Yokosuka to as standby units for their Surface Task Force. Kure also provided some girls as standby units. Just like the first mission, there are two phases. Both phases are essentially the elimination of the Abyssal main fleet. I was just on the phone with Shouhou, checking on her and the others.

"Yeah. Come back safely. Good luck on the operation. See you later." (Zuihou)

Looks like the sisters are done chatting. Zuihou passed the phone back to me.

"We'll be waiting for your return. Do your best."

"Yes. Thank you, Admiral." (Shouhou)

I hung up. Now all that's left is to wait for the next order. With Nagato leading the Surface Task Force, I have nothing to worry about. Now, the current system prioritises the safety of shipgirls rather than the success of the mission itself. There was a reshuffling of the counsel members a while back. The old, moneyminded, success-driven members were ousted and replaced by those who see shipgirls as humans and care for them.

Of course, completing the mission is still important, but a retreat order is always issued when a shipgirl is heavily damaged and unable to proceed safely. This is also to make sure more Abyssal sh.i.p.s won't be born.

And I won't have to delay or falsify any reports because of ordering a retreat anymore. I used to do that whenever one of my girls get heavily damaged during a sortie. I think the counsel back then already figured it out but I achieved the results before they made their move on me.

"Admiral, when will I get to sortie?" (Zuihou)

"You really are eager, aren't you? I only received details about the Abyssals involved and what approach to take."

"Aww... I hope I get to sortie. And not just as part of a support expedition fleet." (Zuihou)

Actually, Zuihou will be essential for the fourth mission. HQ specifically requested for her involvement. Obviously, I'm not going to tell her that yet. She will do something rash and stupid if she knew about it.

"We are not involved in the next mission so we have quite a bit of free time. Brunei Anchorage and Hashirajima Anchorage will be in charge of it."

Zuihou peeked over my shoulder to look at the report in my hand.

"Our bauxite is pretty low compared to the rest..." (Zuihou)

"Yeah. We haven't been able to get much for quite a while now. I was thinking of sending out expedition fleets to areas rich in bauxite. But we need everyone to be on standby in case HQ orders a sortie."

She then proceeds to nibble on my ear. I got to admit, that actually sent a shiver down my spine.

"Wh-what are you doing?!"

"I'm bored." (Zuihou)

"What are you, a child?"

"Zuihou is not a child!" (Zuihou)

She puffed up her cheeks as she retorted.

"That's what a child would say."

'Then, can a child do this?" (Zuihou)

I felt her lips touched my neck for a few seconds. Oh no.

"Oi! Cut it out!"

I swiped at Zuihou as she backs off.

"Heehee! How is that?" (Zuihou)

This girl...! I took out a small mirror which I kept in one of my drawers and examined the spot she kissed. She left an mark! And an obvious one at that.

"You little...! I gonna make me pay for that!"

"You leave marks on me all the time! Kyaa!" (Zuihou)

"Yeah! But not on obvious places!"

I chased her around the office as she laughs the whole time. I could have just ordered her to stop, but that won't be as satisfying as catching her myself. We were like kids, jumping over tables and cimbing over the sofa. Heck, the office was a mess by the time I finally got her pinned on the wall.

"Haah... Hah... Gotcha!"

"So, you resorted to using strength in the end." (Zuihou)

"I got to pay you back for just now."

With one hand holding her hand against the wall, I pulled on the obi holding her shorts with the other, and watched as her clothes became loose.

"Eh?" (Zuihou)

Looks like she finally realises what's going to happen. The mischevious expression of hers quickly turned into panic.

"Wait, Admiral. Someone may come in. Nh!" (Zuihou)

I used my tongue to trace her neck from the collarbone. I then went to nibble on her ear.

"No...Nn! Not there..." (Zuihou)

I proceed to move to her collarbone and traced it all the way to her bare shoulders with my tongue. She tried to push me away, but all the stimulation I'm giving her has clearly sapped her strength. I could go further but I have learnt from past experiences.

"Alright. That's enough."

I released her from my teasing. Whenever we try to do something lewd in the office, there will always be someone walking in on us. So to spare both of us the embarrassment and lecture from Ooyodo afterwards, it's best not to go any further.

"Eh?" (Zuihou)

"Come on. Fix your clothes and help me clean up. You contributed to the mess too."

"Huh?" (Zuihou)

"What?"

"I thought-? how did you st-? (Zuihou)

She can't even get the words out. She thought I was going to go all the way? Heh...

"What a cute little pervert~"