The next morning.
Before the wake-up horn sounded, Akebono crawled out of her sleeping quarter.
As explained before, all destroyers were admitted into the destroyer dormitory. One room would consist of two or three persons. Each has her own bed and locker. This would only be a repetition, but in the case of Battleships and Carriers, on top of getting a private room, they got a big quarters with two rooms, which at times were becoming a subject of envy.
Usually, a destroyer division consisted of four destroyers but the Fourteenth Destroyer Division had six. That was why they used up to three rooms. Like submarines, in a small room there were bunk beds, and assuring privacy is only in the form of blind curtain. Feeling of dislike, even if only by hearing, makes the advantage of raising the friendship between the fleet girls unable to happen.
Kagerou was in the same room as Satsuki. Since she has a bright disposition, Kagerou thought that it wouldn’t be boring but the curtain was continuously closed. There would be no light there, she felt like there was no need to go that far. It was on the level that the curtain would not be opened even if Kagerou went inside the room for the first time and mumbled, okay let’s sleep. At times sounds were heard, it seems like she was doing push-ups.
Kagerou wondered if she did not want to be in touch with anyone. However it seemed it wasn’t only in that room, it seemed the same for Fourteenth Destroyer Division anywhere.
(Something is amiss…)
At Kure, bonds were a lot stronger. Destroyers would go “what’s wrong?” “It’s like this”. When she was arranging her own clothes, she would also check on Shiranui’s. Of course, Shiranui would also check hers, there wasn’t any kind of dangerous relationship.
This “feeling of something amiss” continued even until their first training.
Fourteenth Destroyer Division was gathered by the naval base’s pier. Suddenly Kagerou was told by Takao:
“You do it.”
Right at the time when Kagerou said, “I beg of your guidance.”, that was the answer that she got.
There was no discretion for Kagerou who blurted, “eh?”. Usually a light cruiser or a heavy cruiser would direct from above. Light cruisers, especially, would easily handle the enemy dummy during the torpedo attack training.
“Why am I the one to do it?”
“You’re the leader, aren’t you.”
“I’m a destroyer, you know?!”
“No such thing as you can’t.”
“It’s not that, I have never done it!”
“It’s first time for everyone who begins.”
Takao, who said the remark, then left while saying, “I have training with Choukai.”
Kagerou was left dumbfounded. She was expecting that perhaps Takao would come back but her figure disappeared. To make it worse, not a single person passed by.
Helplessly, she turned around. There, each member of Fourteenth Destroyer Division stood in rows.
Saying that they stood in rows was just mentioning the good things. Essentially, they did lined up in a row but just like cars parking illegally, they were uneven. Nagatsuki was glowering at Kagerou like she have found an archenemy while Arare beside her, had her eyes roamed about aimlessly. Satsuki repeatedly said, “Let’s do muscle training! Muscle training!”, Ushio meekly paid attention only to the one on her right side. There, Akebono bluntly looked away.
It has been decided for Kagerou to lead the training of these girls.
However.
(With them as my members, what the heck should I do!)
She did not say her lamentation out loud but inside her heart she was screaming. She was a destroyer, not a light cruiser or heavy cruiser. She had never heard of a destroyer leading a training. Suddenly merely wanting to train turned into a mountain-like obstacle. She had no confidence to be the leader.
Several destroyers passed them by. “There’s Akebono” “And Satsuki too” “Only leftovers…” sayings could be heard.
It was the worst feeling. Ah Kami-sama, if you’re there please hear me. I won’t even ask for the luxury to be reincarnated as a Carrier. Be it submarine chasers, or fishing boats, or special observation boat, I will become anything. I beg of you, just please don’t shove theburden on me. A, as expected, disguise heavy cruiser is best. It’s kind of cool.
Praying to the heaven, she blinked two or three times. With that, she somehow managed to drive out her grief.
“Well then, let’s do cruising training.”
“What did you say?”
Nagatsuki’s question was mixed with hostility.
“Cruising at this point? What are we, kids who can’t even swim?”
“Cruising is the foundation of everything. We’re advancing on water surface, we’re ships. Well then, let’s do this.”
Kagerou clapped vigorously.
However she felt that what Nagatsuki had said was right. The very first step of the first stage, at the time when they became Kanmusu, it was repeated over and over to the point that they grew tired of it. Although it didn’t reach the feeling that it’s okay to not do it, but she could not wipe the feeling of “at this late?”.
It’s just that Kagerou didn’t know how else to do the training. That was why she would do the navigation she herself understand, and to stimulate herself and get rid of nervousness, she clapped her hands.
Together, they went to take their equipments.
Fundamentally, fleet girls wore their equipment for the majority of the day. They, of course wear it during training, but they also do not take them off during breaks. They only take them off during meal, bath, and sleep; during which they leave it to the hand of maintenance crew. There were also girls who thought that since their lives depended on it, then they should be the one who take care of it. To those kind of Fleet Girls, the equipments were lend.
Receiving permission from the Military Unit Equipment Storage, they took their armaments.
Kagerou was relieved when she saw equipments which [Kure -> Yokosuka] written on it. If it was gone, it would be quite a thing.
Since they were destroyers, their armaments were all guns and torpedoes. The second main equipment, is communication device, which forgetting it would be out of the question.
Kagerou’s gun armament was a 12.7 cm twin gun. However, only Satsuki and Nagatsuki have a 12 cm single gun. Even though to battle the Abyssal Fleet, upgrading equipment was an urgency, where there had been barely any change reaching the Destroyers. Only the torpedo firing tubes that were spreading among every destroyer. This seemed to be strongly intended by the admiral.
Depending on each type of destroyers, their armaments differed. Specifically, there were differences in the shape of the clasp, the armament parts changed. The purpose was to make them compatible with the fleet girls, thus the armaments were distributed based on the result of the aptitude test.
This aptitude test was quite the villain, as no matter if the said person said she wished to become battleship or aircraft carrier, the result of the aptitude test would be prioritized in determining everything. Exceptionally beautiful girls [1] got their body size measured, their blood and urine taken, the hole and nook and crannies examined, and finally connected to numerous cords they had, their heads were covered with a headgear seemed to only have been seen by new species of life form, having a mysterious CG projected to their retina where they will answer “yes” or “no” for various questions like above or below, red or blue, and “would you try to kill this person?”.
They did get informed about the result but the mechanism would never go to light. Once, there was a fleet girl who filed a misleading information lawsuit, doubting that [did they make the examination ticket into a paper plane and decided on the one that flew the farthest], however as it being treated as a high class secret, the call was refused.
Kagerou had no regret getting chosen as a destroyer. However, there were times where she doubted whether or not the personality examination was functional. Especially when she met girls like Akebono.
Even now, inside the storage house, Akebono remained turning her back away and didn’t make a move.
“Hey, put on your equipment.”
She ignored Kagerou’s warning.
“Akebono, it won’t be a training if not all member on a cruise.”
“It’s pointless.”
Akebono glared at Kagerou.
“At any rate, everyone is freaking bad that they can’t even do formation or move in fleet, so it’s useless doing it.”
“It’s not useless! It’s basic, of course everyone can do it!”
“How nice being a Kure-born. You seriously think that every fleet girl can properly sail?”
“Of course.”
“Then it’s better to try it out yourself.”
After she said it herself, Akebono put on her armaments.
They returned to the pier. Save from the time when they just became fleet girls, they didn’t use the pool for cruising training. They would be battling on the sea so of course they would train by the sea.
Kagerou took the initiative and placed her foot on the sea surface from the pier. She was somewhat thrown off balance but right away, regained her stability. The surrounding sensation did not differ with when she was in Kure.
The ones that supported the fleet girls on the sea were the apparatus by both of their feet. From every angle they were shoes and the feeling of wearing them did not differ with actual shoes, however the fleet girls called them “main machine”. By the back and the heel part of main machine, propulsion power was generated, and they could move forward.
In a way, the main machine was a very important equipment, even more than the armament. This apparatus along with the unit the fleet girls carrying on their backs (called the boiler), were the two that gave the fleet girls propulsion, in which without them the fleet girls would not be able to move. If their boilers were destroyed, the fleet girl would only halt to a standstill, but if their main machines were destroyed they would lose their ability to float and would sink.
Kagerou felt a bit of relief, then said to Akebono.
“See? We can do it can we?”
“For now.”
Akebono answered as if she ridiculed Kagerou.
Since they somewhat progressing, Kagerou ordered them to form a line.
“Well then… we shall begin from line ahead.”
It’s a technique of cruising in one single vertical formation. It’s the most basic formation, said to be easy. Since just by paying attention to the fleet girl in front, it could somehow work out, it was also meant for newly assigned fleet girls.
The leadership Kagerou became the head of the line. She looked back numerous times, making sure that they were making a line.
“Here we go~. Both sides advance forward in regular speed.”
Kagerou began to advance. When she looked back, everyone was following after her.
She was relieved. Hey, look. There is no problem in any way.
“Both sides standard speed ahead, Black 10.” [2]
She adjusted the speed, increasing only the rotation of the main machine. At the same time as when she said the words, she didn’t forget to send signals from her back.
She looked back once more. A feeling that somewhat they got separated.
That’s strange. Wondering if she was too fast, she gave a different order.
“Both side standard speed ahead. Red 15.”
Thud! An impact happened, something hit her back. Kagerou almost fell forward.
When she looked back, Satsuki was brushing her head.
“Ouch…”
“Hey, didn’t I say to drop the speed? How could you just run into me?”
“Eeee, but it was standard speed.”
“Not that speed, I did gave a red signal, didn’t I? I said decrease the rotation.”
“Red?”
Satsuki cocked her head to one side. For one moment, Kagerou felt dizzy.
“Black is rotation up, red is down! You learn things like these right away, didn’t you!”
“Aa, I don’t like classroom lecture.”
Somehow Satsuki seemed proud.
“It’s better to just do muscle training and increase your physical power. On top of it, I get hurt a lot in expedition and were always in the dock so I don’t go to lectures often.”
She laughed. Kagerou was on her wit’s end.
“You don’t know about the basics at all?! How could you went to an expedition without knowing them.”
“But it’ll be alright as long as we go, go home, and return.”
“Where the heck did you get hurt?”
“I always go full throttle on both sides, so my main machine got broken and I got injured by the waves.”
Satsuki said lightly.
This muscle training idiot, thought Kagerou. If one always were to go full speed, it was obvious that one could easily get hurt. Kagerou turned to curse herself that she used to think that the dock was remotely for those injured from fighting the Abyssal.
“Is there even a fleet girl unable to even form a fleet formation…”
“I am not the only one, you know?”
Satsuki turned back. There, the other fleet girls cruised while being in a disarray.
“Kyaaa, Arare-san, please go further ahead a bit more!”
“Ignore that, Arare. I will protect you.”
“…”
The three fleet girls grouped together and went this way. Rather than a line, it was more of a yarn. Ushio was in confusion and kept waving her hands around, while Nagatsuki had her hand firmly gripped on Arare’s arm, not letting it go. Arare had her mouth joined tightly that it seemed like she was not even conscious.
The girls remained in a chaos just like that, even now it seemed like they would capsize.
From a place separated from that scene, Akebono was watching with cold stare.
“See, look at that.”
In any case, Kagerou rebutted.
“It-It must be just because they are inexperienced!”
“To be inexperienced in something basic, isn’t that the worst?”
“Badly forgetting things happens all the time. I’m sure if we get into battle formation they can properly do it.”
“Hmph. Then why don’t you try it.”
A verbal expression akin to a muffled laughter. Kagerou rode on the provocation.
“Every member, on one horizontal line! Think of when you battle the Abyssal fleet!”
During battle, the fleet girls time and time again formed a horizontal line and attacked.
Then from there it was the most difficult part. They had to synchronize with fellow fleet girls on the back and on the front, also by their left and right, and they had to do it mid-battle. If per chance only one person got to the front or got separated, the timing for torpedo firing would be ruined. For guns, by the time they shot they could do split-second adjustment, however for torpedoes once you launched them it was over so they could not do the same.
“Properly match the gap on your side!”
Kagerou gave her direction. This gap is also important, if they were so bad and went too far away they would not be able to hear the direction, too close will make their head bump to each other.
“Both sides first battle speed ahead!”
Along with Kagerou’s voice, they have moved forward simultaneously.
However, they got scattered right away. Ushio was separated, Satsuki got ahead of Kagerou.
“Bo, Both sides second battle speed ahead!”
When the propulsion increased, the line got terribly disordered. Even the interval between them and the direction were caught in disarray.
“Oh, come on! Properly form a line!”
She did not know whether her voice reached them or not. Satsuki said things like “Iyeeeei!” while running swiftly, Nagatsuki was snuggling Arare as usual. Akebono continued to advance drowsily.
Arare had her right hand grabbed by Nagatsuki. Thanks to that, Arare was gradually going clockwise, cutting through Ushio’s cruising route.
Ushio being a totally bad in cruising, only paid attention to her own feet. Because of it, she didn’t notice Arare and Nagatsuki.
“…..A, kyaaaaaaaa!”
THUMP. Ushio slammed into Nagatsuki. The reason why it wasn’t Arare was because Nagatsuki took the blow instead.
Both of them toppled over the sea surface. Kagerou rushed back in hurry.
“Hey! Are you okay?”
Nagatsuki became the first one to stand up and instead of to Kagerou, she talked to Arare.
“Are you hurt, Arare? I shielded you.”
“…. Thank you.”
Nagatsuki was relieved, taking Arare’s hand. She said things like “that’s great”, she even looked like she had tears in her eyes.
There was no time for Kagerou to watch their drama exchange.
“More importantly, what about Ushio?!”
That same Ushio turned to face up by the water surface, eyes rolling.
“Funyaaa…”
“Now, I got you up okay.”
Kagerou had caught her hand and pulled her up. She was conscious, but she seemed dizzy. It was a collision on second battle speed. Having her only hurt this much was good luck.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“No…”
Ushio shook her head numerous time, trying to keep conscious. Kagerou was relieved.
“Hhhh… how good that you’re lucky…”
“I have always been like this, I have never been hurt… It maybe strange if I said it myself but, I think this is good luck.”
“Isn’t that good that you’re lucky.”
As a fleet girl, it was a really important ability to survive, so many raised their luck. At times the fleet girls themselves claimed so. Just like how there were fleet girls who sank just by one hit, there were also fleet girls who managed to swallow numerous hit gracefully and could still get to the naval base by themselves. However, if that continued numerous times, then the title [the reason why she survive is because she’s lucky] would be gone.
“Thanks to you being lucky, we got caught up in trouble though.”
The one who said that was not Kagerou. Suddenly, there was Akebono, who came around.
“Bumping on others, do you still want to trouble others? Why don’t you shape up already?”
“….”
“If there was a fleet girl on your cruising route, isn’t it common sense to go back astern?”
“…”
Without returning anything, Ushio hung her head down in shame and was dejected.
Since she looked utterly disheartened, Kagerou couldn’t stop her mouth from interfering.
“Everyone must have done a miss or two in their life.”
“Can you say that if a big trouble like what happened between Inazuma and Miyuki occur?”
“Ugh….”
As expected it was hard to return on that. Misses that happened on the surface of the sea could easily take life. Especially if they were in the middle of battling Abyssal Fleet, if it happened there, maybe no recovery could have occured.
Even so, right then, Kagerou rebutted.
“Then, can you do fleet synchronized maneuver easily?”
“Of course I can.”
Akebono answered smoothly. Kagerou was angered.
“Then why don’t we go and see it.”
“Fine. You and me alone do it.”
One bad word asks another. It has been decided that they would do fleet synchronized maneuver with just the two of them. The others would rest and be the viewer.
Akebono took her position by Kagerou’s right side. She said, “You can begin anytime.”
“Both side full speed ahead.”
Kagerou moved the main macine. Instead of standard speed, it suddenly amped to high speed. When she glanced to her right, Akebono was following with a calm expression.
“Both sides full battle speed ahead.”
Kagerou class took pride in their ship speed. As long as the other ship was not Shimakaze, she had the confidence that she could outrun them leisurely. Akebono expectedly caught on.
Inside Kagerou’s heart, a feeling of awe was born.
“Both sides full speed ahead.”
She no longer looked beside her. It was because she knew Akebono was there. Kagerou cut her propeller’s machine.
“Hou 3!” [3]
They turned 30 degrees to the right. She turned at the same time as when she gave the signal. She was relieved, as she thought they would bump into each other but they didn’t. Akebono was perfectly in the same position.
“Q Hou!”
This time they cut 45 degrees to the left.
As expected, Akebono followed.
“Hou 1! Both sides half speed ahead!”
As they turned ten degrees to the right, they dropped the propeller to half speed. Akebono remained in her fixed position.
“Both side first battle speed ahead! Hou 2! 4 Hou! Sei 130!” [4]
After they increased the speed, they turned 20 degrees to the right, then 40 degrees to the left. The last one was a malicious true bearing 130 degrees simultaneous turning to the right, however there was no indication of Akebono falling behind.
After that, they did synchronized maneuver numerous times, but Akebono maintained their gap and there was no misdirection until the end.
They returned to the place where the other fleet girls watched. For some reason, they applauded them.
Half surprised and half astonished, Kagerou said to Akebono.
“You…. are amazing huh.”
“Hmph.”
Akebono seemed bored.
“Destroyers should not get left behind in synchronized maneuver now, can’t they.”
“But today is the first time for me to team up with Akebono. Usually mistakes happen. For you to be able to keep up from the first try, not even Kure girls able to do it.”
“Those girls must have no ability.”
“… Hey, Akebono. Why don’t we do it together? With your competence, people will stop looking down on Fourteenth Destroyer Division.”
“I don’t want to get involved with destroyers.”
After replying with that statement, Akebono said, “That’s it for today” and promptly went back.
She left Kagerou and the other four girls by the surface of the sea.
“All of us also go home?”
Satsuki said in a happy-go-lucky statement. Kagerou shook her head.
“Not yet. We’ll redo from line ahead.”
“Eee–”
“Isn’t it frustrating to be lectured by Akebono? That’s why we will train harder.”
Kagerou said to each one of them.
“Satsuki, not only you look only to the front you are always on full speed so drop your speed. Ushio, on the contrary, please look forward. You won’t fall just by not looking at your feet. For Nagatsuki, separate yourself from Arare a bit more.”
“I have decided that I will protect Arare.”
“If you stick with her that much, both of you together may capsized from point blank shot. For Arare… anyway, say something.”
Arare blinked a few times, but it was not certain if she understood it or not.
“…. I will take that as everyone understand. Well then, let’s begin from the beginning.”
In the end, that day’s training was fleet synchronized maneuver from beginning to the end.
As a result…
The five of them had their whole body bruised and hurt, ended up writhing in agony from the muscle pain.
The next day.
Without even a wink of sleep the whole night, Kagerou greeted the morning horn by slipping in between the dreamworld and reality. Overcoming muscle pain, she crawled out of bed and then went for breakfast after getting dressed.
The Destroyer fleet girls ate their breakfast by the gun room within the dormitory. It was essentially used as a cafeteria but traditionally that was what the room was called.
Each Destroyer was given one table. Kagerou and the rest of the Fourteenth Destroyer Division all had their breakfast looking dejected.
Since there were many young girls in the Destroyer class, every table was lively. It’s the age where merely a turning reel could make them laugh. Of course, the place was teeming with high pitched voice.
Within that atmosphere, the reason why Kagerou and her team had the face of staying up all night working the day before was because of the result of yesterday’s training came in the form of pains here and there. Not only that, it also did not go well. Although it was said that fleet synchronized maneuvers were deep stuff, it was the basic of the basics. If they could not even do it, everything else would definitely follow suit.
Numerous destroyers whispered while throwing their gaze at Kagerou, who made a depressed expression whilst holding back the pain.
When she tried to listen while pretending to look uninterested, she heard rumors such as, “That Kagerou Class, they said she got Akebono shoved into her face” “Uwa, that’s the worst.”
Although she thought that they were quite right to say so, when they said, “It seems she was so bad in fleet synchronized movement that even Akebono was making fun of her”, as expected that pissed her off. Well yeah it was like that, but here we’re training like mad. Just you see now!
The hushed talking still continued.
“Right there, they said that’s the Fourteenth Destroyer Division.”
“I never heard of theeeeeemmmmm!”
“It’s made by grouping the leftovers. They’re all only that kind of girls, see?”
“Well, they said the nameship of the Kagerou Class is mostly plain anyway.”
What a load of bullshit. Just you see if Shiranui was here, we would both will beat you senseless. Using night battle as an excuse, we’ll drive you to the sea naked!
But in the end, without her partner, Kagerou could only argue inside her heart.
Today’s breakfast was a combination of rice mixed with wheat and taro (Colocasia esculenta) miso soup. Salted eggplant and nori (seaweed) boiled in soy. This is a job where they move their body but the seasoning was somewhat strong. However since her attention was elsewhere, she could not taste it.
Kagerou thought that at any rate they should do something to somehow restore their position from that of being leftovers.
There was no helping that the Fourteenth Destroyer Division being not only a minor, but also a grouping of leftovers. However it must be possible to rise up from there. When she was in Kure, it was commented that “To add new meaning into the word “willpower”” was the real ability of a fleet girl.
Anyhow, she would like to do something to this funeral-like atmosphere and painful body.
Kagerou was about to say something but instead Akebono was the one to say something quite uncharacteristic of her.
“This mood sucks, doesn’t it.”
She was the only one being lively.
“Why don’t you at least say something? You make this long awaited meal turn bad.”
“… to not have useless conversations during meals is normal.”
Nagatsuki said. Even within the disheartened members, she straightened her back and properly ate her meal.
“Akebono, better shut up and eat.”
“Saying something stupid. I wonder why the Mutsuki Class are always overreaching themselves like that.”
Akebono waved her chopsticks.
“Only having that spirit alone, why don’t you live more appropriately?”
“That is natural.”
“Natural? Aa, so this protecting other ship girl personality has been there since you’re a baby, I see. Must be the influence of things like your mother divorcing your father or domestic violence or those other kinds of things.”
“To protect is a destroyer’s duty. I believe that protecting the weak is what makes up the duty of a warship.”
“A Destroyer is a warship?”
“Don’t you try tripping up somebody. No matter what happens, I will never abandon others.”
Suddenly Akebono’s expression changed. She put her chopsticks on the table.
“This stupid destroyer! People like you who blurt out things they can’t even do are really a pain in the ass!”
Although she seemed surprised by the abrupt change, Nagatsuki replied instantly.
“What’s wrong with protecting the weak?”
“Ha, I know, you see. Even between destroyers, the Mutsuki class are the ones which are the weakest, isn’t it?”
“That has nothing to do with this.”
“That way, we don’t even know if you can even protect anyone!”
“What did you say?”
Nagatsuki raised her voice and stood up.
“I’m different from you! I don’t say things I can’t do!”
“You’ll never be able to!”
They both got between the tables and glared at each other.
With that scene, the whole gun room’s attention was turned to them. Before they knew it conversations were dropped and without continuing their meals, they watched.
It was the same with the other members of the Fourteenth Destroyer Division. Kagerou was horrified and Satsuki’s eyes turned so round. Ushio seemed hesitant while Arare was the only one mechanically brought food to her mouth.
Nagatsuki and Akebono directly faced each other, sparks scattered about. A critical situation. If someone did something as simple as a cough, it seemed like a fist fight would commence.
Right then, a voice came up from another direction.
“Everyone, good mooooorniiing~~!”
The one who came into the gunroom was the secretary ship clad in a blue uniform, Atago.
Frantically the destroyers were about to stand up. Atago raised her hand.
“Aaa~. Be seated, be seated is okay.”
The destroyers who were half-standing up, sat down again. Nagatsuki and Akebono who got their emotions diminished also sat down. Atago stood in the place where everyone could see her easily.
“You may listen while eating, it’s okay. Actually there is something I would like to say to everyone~~”
There was not a single fleet girl who could continue eating after being told like that by the secretary ship. Taking care not to fail in hearing each and every word, they all focused their attention.
“Two weeks after now, there will be a special training targeting destroyers.”
At the sound of “training”, the destroyers went rigid.
“All fleets will join. We will rank you and report the result to the admiral.”
The Gun room exploded with indescribable voices.
It was a mixed of “SUDDENLY?!” or “What a relief it isn’t a sudden examination” or “I’ll win this challenge!”.
In the fleet girls’ training, allies acted as imaginary enemies and by using practice bullets, the accuracy adjudication would commence. From there, results would be calculated and graded. There are also times when they used to target ship opponent and fired live bullets. In order for these experiences to be useful in real battles, these training commenced frequently in each naval base. Using competition between fellow destroyers just like what Atago had said was not uncommon.
The majority of destroyers were elated. Those who favor this kind of method are exceptionally many between the destroyers. However, the words “special” tugged them from the back of their head.
Atago continued.
“Since common training would be uninteresting, we will join it with expeditions. Each fleet will be assigned on an escort mission, the fleet with the most marks wins.”
“Waaa!” voices were heard.
Expeditions were conducted solely to gain resources. Fleet escort meant protecting the ships and convoys that gathered resources. At a glance it was an easy task so destroyers were used a lot for this.
However, this was more nerve-wracking than training. Although they would rarely encounter the Abyssal Fleet, in one way or another it was still technically a real battle.
Atago then revealed the meaning of particularly calling it “special training”.
“The enemy fleet that will sortie are heavy cruisers and battleships. While controlling the practice, they will also check whether or not you guard well. You shouldn’t let your guard down, okay.”
Hearing the ruckus that occured, she seemed satisfied.
“It doesn’t stop there. In order to motivate you, we have prepared a splendid prize for those destroyers with good results~!”
“Oooo!” shouts intensified.
“First, for the third place prize, all you can eat voucher for Mamiya-san’s deluxe ice cream~!”
“Waaaaaa!” cheers of delight erupted. Mamiya quality products and sweets, no matter which, have the best taste. There was not a single fleet girl who did not yearn for them.
“For the second place, unlimited meal together alone with Akagi-saaan!”
“O-Ooouuu…” voices came up mixed with doubt. [5]
“And for the first place….. PANPAKAPAAAAAAAN!!”
Kagerou whispered to Satsuki.
“Panpakapan?”
“That’s her verbal tick.”
In the same timing as when murmurs saying “that looks like some kind of store reopening..” was heard, Atago announced.
“Calling me Oneechan for a whole life for free!” [6]
Waaaaa clap clap clap clap, she cheered for herself.
The destroyers looked at each other, uneasy. This “wanting to be called Oneechan mannerism” was something that everyone knew. Here and there murmurs saying “didn’t she mistake the third prize with the first?” were heard.
“It seems like everyone is delighted with this, I see.”
The voices that seemed to cry “I wonder….” didn’t reach her.
“The exact date will come later. Until then, please work hard in training!”
While still feeling satisfied, Atago left the room.
The gun room continued the breakfast while still floating in a bubbly atmosphere. “The joke with eating together with Akagi-san is whether we can eat at all or not, huh” or “How exactly do you get the third place?” talks started.
Kagerou also digested Atago’s words in her head.
Is this perhaps a chance? The prizes aside, they was no doubt they would gain prestige. This is a chance to overturn the no name or rather, bad name from Fourteenth Destroyer Division’s image. There was a similar occasion happening in Kure. Together with Shiranui and friends, for the sake of winning they stacked up hard training and the likes.
More than anything, with this, everyone can have her vision joined into one. They can be reborn from the destroyers who can’t even do fleet synchronized maneuvers.
She announced it to everyone on the table with a small voice.
“Everyone, listen. We’re going to take this training. Our goal is first place.”
Satsuki looked puzzled.
“You want to call her Oneechan that much?”
“She had me call her that. But that’s not the case. Aren’t we all destroyer? Of course we’re going in to win.”
“Well, you got a point~”
“Aren’t we being treated like fools and deadweights right now? From this, we can definitely restore that image.”
“Ooo~ aren’t you on fire.”
“Of course. This is a chance for us to make our names known in Yokosuka.”
“I’m okay with it though.”
Satsuki said it while throwing her stare at the other fleet girls.
The objections took a long time. Even then, there were none. The fight Nagatsuki and Akebono just had was still leaving its trace. Ushio, being unable to stop the dispute remained dispirited. Arare had finished her meal and just like a machine losing its battery, she had stopped moving.
Despite it all, Kagerou said.
“It will definitely be okay. If it’s us, we can do it. We’re going to be number one in Yokosuka.”
She made a fist, clenching it tightly. Satsuki was the only one who responded with an “Oooo!”
That day, Kagerou was absorbed in reading materials about sea escort when she got into the private study room before practice. In order to win, one must first deeply understand the target.
When she was in Kure, there were many missions on things like reconnaissance expedition or naval review. This too, in a way was an activity of bringing back resources so it fell into the expedition category. It’s just that she had never done escorting.
“Mmm let’s see here, the bow surface of the ship is their strength. The broadside surface of the ship is their weakness. So that means we have to protect their broadside.”
While she looked at the really thick book, she mumbled with her mouth.
“In the case of escorting two ships, take the rank and the side position… So it’s ‘protect the side’.”
At the very least she drilled into her head only the parts that may become references, then hurriedly went out of the private study room.
After being absorbed in a last minute cramming for about around an hour, she arrived at the pier. She faced her destroyer comrades lining up before her and said.
“From today we will do convoy escorting practice. Since we’re going to take the top spot in the special training, as expected I guess it is better to practice focusing on it.”
“I wonder if the other destroyers also did something similar..”
Said Satsuki. Since it was logical, Kagerou noted it.
“That’s why we have to train even more than the other destroyers.”
“I am bad at fleet synchronized maneuvers. But I am good at single maneuver.”
“You should overcome that weakness.”
Kagerou said it strongly.
“We’re going to take first place.”
She looked at everyone.
As expected, the question of whether or not they could do it popped up in her mind. The one who seemed to have the will to was Satsuki, but she was also at the level of half spirited, half anxious.
The rest had zero willpower. There were also fleet girls who had nothing but anxiety or displeasure.
“Once again, doing something stupid.”
Akebono said with a skeptic look.
“Is there even a meaning in doing something that you can’t do?”
“If we don’t do it, we will never get better.”
“It’s a waste of time.”
“Akebono may be good at steering control, but the others aren’t.”
“Then why don’t you have it your way.”
Akebono answered like spitting it out. Ushio said, “Akebono-chan…”
Thinking of encouraging everyone, Kagerou sad with a loud voice.
“Then, Fourteenth Destroyer Division shall begin convoy escort training.”
“Yeeeeeeeees!”
Somehow, there was a voice behind her.
The startled Kagerou quickly turned around. Over there was a smiling Atago.
(picture 095)
Atago lightly waved her hand.
“As expected, a Kure born girl has a different level of spirit! I will see to it fully!”
“A-Atago-san! Why?!”
“It’s Oneechan, no?”
Atago continued after she said it.
“At times to watch over destroyer training is also an important duty. Since there is no one in Kagerou’s fleet so I’m taking it in.”
What the hell… Kagerou lamented. Out of all ships, it just has to be Atago. We can do nothing about having someone to look over us but, it’s like, it would have been better is it was someone with a personality less eccentric.
“But, aren’t you the secretary ship?”
“You don’t have to worry about the Admiral. Because he thought of being spoilt by Akagi-san, he has now becomes Kaga-san’s target practice.”
That admiral, once again doing something as he pleased, cursed Kagerou inside the deepest part of her heart.
Somehow Kagerou thought of regaining back her spirit. Along with the fact that there was someone watching, in order to become number 1 they should practice.
In a convoy escort practice, more than anything they needed something to protect. That was why, Kagerou began preparation.
“I’m bringing this as a replacement for the mock ups, give me a hand lining them up.”
The ones that she brought along were not an elaborately made model of a ship.
It was a doll painted grey. A little bit shorter than human proportion, on its head two gun barrels jotting out, it had a swimming buoy on. On that buoy, from left to right a word [Zekamashi] was written. [7]
Not only one, they were a number of them. Atago muttered, “oh wow, how cute.”
“…. Shikamaze’s… Gun turrets?”
Arare the only one who said it.
“Why…..?”
“They’re dolls. Somehow many of them were left in the storage. More like, there was nothing else but these.”
Kagerou replied. Not only that, there were a great number of them, so she persuaded and borrowed them.
“Why… are these…”
“They’re body pillow!”
The one who answered to that answer was Atago.
“Hugging this while sleeping lets you sleep peacefully. That’s why they were prepared.”
“It looks like something that would make some higher ups mad…”
“It was the Admiral’s suggestion, you see.”
“…..”
The admiral said that sleeping alone made him feel lonely, so these were prepared in case his invitation to sleep together was rejected by all the fleet girls. The many numbers of them was because he had thought of delivering it to other naval base and anchorage. Obviously the distribution was stopped by fleet girls of heavy cruiser class and above so the only resting place for these dolls that have lost their destination was the storage room. Furthermore, the main person in question, Shimakaze, was reported to have went on a wild celebratory dance while shouting, “Rensouhou-chan is increasing!”
Kagerou connected the dolls with a tow rope. The head was a small sized electric dummy which pulled the rope.
“Well then, let’s float them”
Those floated by the sea. Having numerous dolls riding on a swimming buoy with “Zekamashi” written on it lining up, made quite a surreal scenery.
“We’re going to position ourselves according to my directon. Errr.. Myself, Satsuki, and Ushio will be on the right side of the convoy. Satsuki, Arare, and Akebono on the left side, kay.”
While giving unconvinced looks at the dolls, the destroyer fleet girls arrived at their position. Even Akebono who previously voiced complaints, went accordingly with a look of displeasure.
“Somehow Rensouhou is looking this way…”
Satsuki muttered with an eerie feeling.
“Don’t mind it. It’s just a doll so it doesn’t have any conscience.”
“Doesn’t it have this head-like thing drawn on it? It feels like it’s watching us no matter where we go.”
Satsuki trembled.
“Are you the type that is bad at horror stories?”
“Yeah….”
Kagerou was feeling, ‘what a troublesome girl’ but then she got an idea.
“Satsuki, change positions with me.”
“Ee? I will be in the leading position?”
“It’s okay, I’ll be the one giving directions. Just don’t go recklessly running around.”
“Eeee~ It’s better with both sides at full speed.”
To Satsuki who talked nonsense, Kagerou whispered into her ear.
“Rensouhou is looking at you.”
After giving the lead ship position to Satsuki, Kagerou switched on the towing ship.
Giving out a motor sound, the ship began to move. The dolls were pulled forward.
“Everyone, follow Satsuki while maintaining your distance.”
As if being pushed by Kagerou’s words, Satsuki moved forward.
Everyone, even if with slow speeds, cruised alongside the dolls.
Maintaining a convoy, unexpectedly had a certain technique to it. It was not enough to merely look forward, but the distance by the side was also important. Not only that, in order to protect the convoy, they should also pay attention to attacks.
“Begin “No” letter move!”
The towing boat automatically turned starboard. Being pulled, the dolls turned to the right. Just like them, Kagerou also changed direction.
Just a few moments after, they turned to the port side. Carefully they followed suit.
The No (之) letter movement was, in another term, a zig zag movement. Just like the letter E (え), following the movements going left then right, it’s a way to avoid enemy attacks. It’s particularly effective for attacks by enemy planes, but used in convoys looking out for an ambush is also among its many uses.
The towing ship’s timer moved, turning its rudder for a larger change of direction.
“Keep in line… aren’t you doing great, Satsuki? You’re not rushing even a little bit!”
Satsuki, positioned at the very front of the line, without being too fast or too slow, advanced forward while maintaining distance.
She did not look behind. She was merely paying attention to her side.
“I kinda get the feeling that I’m being watched…”
“If you run of all by yourself, I’m sure the one who’s watching you will materialize itself…”
While shrieking, “Hie!”, she quickly became more careful.
Kagerou stifled a laughter. If telling her directly wouldn’t work, then it would be better to leave it to the dolls. Of course, the doll didn’t move by itself, but if Satsuki was convinced that way, then it’s okay too.
“You’re doing good, Satsuki. well then, let’s make a bigger movement. Both sides.”
She turned right.
“Port…. Hyaaa?!”
BUMP! Kagerou ran into Ushio.
“Oh come on, don’t destroy the line.”
“I-I’m sorry. You moved so suddenly…”
“It’s No movement. You should do it properly.”
“Excuse me… may I say something?”
Since she said it so timidly, Kagerou answered, “sure.”
After dampening her lips with her tongue, Ushio began to speak.
“Mmm… During convoy escort, you should not move suddenly. Changing the angle gradually, large course changes are made by changing the angles many times.”
Ushio explained with hand movement. Although she was being explained to, Kagerou did not feel upset. Instead, she found it surprising.
“You know it very well.”
“Kagerou-san’s arrangement is according to the “Theory of Convoy battle formation with fleet girls rank positioning”, isn’t it? However, that has been revised. In an Abyssal Fleet encounter, not only just by the sides of the convoy, it was said that it’s better to have the lead of the convoy to also be guarded. There are quite a few cases of being attacked from the front…”
“How very detailed. Have you any experience?”
A bit surprised, Ushio closed her mouth with her hand.
“… well, a bit…”
“Hm, it’s pretty reassuring to have someone experienced with us, since I’ve just read that from a book.”
Kagerou laughed.
“Is there anyone else who wants to state their ideas?”
“If the girls aren’t close with each other, there are a lot of cases where the formation gets disorganized. It’s important that our relationship dosen’t run up dry… like that…”
Ushio moved her glance to her side.
There were Nagatsuki and Arare, going as if they were holding each other.
“Arare, rather than protecting the fleet, I’d protect you.”
“…”
Behind them, Akebono followed while looking at them as if they were fools.
Kagerou quickly called them.
“Nagatsuki, Arare! We’re in No Letter movement right now! You’re gonna crash if you let your guard down!”
Just as she said so, Nagatsuki and Arare fell, it looked as if they were diving towards the doll. Kagerou quickly moved towards the other side.
“Kagerou-san! If you rush, your feet will get caught in the tow rope!”
“Whooooopsie!”
Thanks to Ushio’s words, Kagerou jumped around. The expression of Akebono, who was silently watching them, turned to disdain.
Kagerou struggled.
“I’m falling! I’m falling!”
“Kagerou-san!”
As all of those happened, Satsuki, drenched in cold sweat, did the No letter maneuver repeatedly under Rensouhou’s watch.
Translator’s notes and References
↑Literal meaning: the girls that make the flowers shy ↑The Japanese navy uses “Red Black” flag to signal rotation speed. Black means plus, Red means minus. Combinations may happen. ↑Hou (方 direction). “Hou [degree]” means going [degree] to the right. “[degree] Hou” means going [degree] to the left ↑Sei 斉 works the same as Hou, just that they will simultaneously turn ↑ In case you guys don’t know. *you probably should since you are reading this.* Akagi eats a lot. By a lot I mean. A LOT. So the unlimited part…. Is… extremely questionable. As seen by their reaction ↑ 10/10 best prize 2016 ↑ In case you guys are wondering *then again you should no it already…. probably….* zekamashi is shimakaze read backwards in japanese
The next morning.
Before the wake-up horn sounded, Akebono crawled out of her sleeping quarter.
As explained before, all destroyers were admitted into the destroyer dormitory. One room would consist of two or three persons. Each has her own bed and locker. This would only be a repetition, but in the case of Battleships and Carriers, on top of getting a private room, they got a big quarters with two rooms, which at times were becoming a subject of envy.
Usually, a destroyer division consisted of four destroyers but the Fourteenth Destroyer Division had six. That was why they used up to three rooms. Like submarines, in a small room there were bunk beds, and assuring privacy is only in the form of blind curtain. Feeling of dislike, even if only by hearing, makes the advantage of raising the friendship between the fleet girls unable to happen.
Kagerou was in the same room as Satsuki. Since she has a bright disposition, Kagerou thought that it wouldn’t be boring but the curtain was continuously closed. There would be no light there, she felt like there was no need to go that far. It was on the level that the curtain would not be opened even if Kagerou went inside the room for the first time and mumbled, okay let’s sleep. At times sounds were heard, it seems like she was doing push-ups.
Kagerou wondered if she did not want to be in touch with anyone. However it seemed it wasn’t only in that room, it seemed the same for Fourteenth Destroyer Division anywhere.
(Something is amiss…)
At Kure, bonds were a lot stronger. Destroyers would go “what’s wrong?” “It’s like this”. When she was arranging her own clothes, she would also check on Shiranui’s. Of course, Shiranui would also check hers, there wasn’t any kind of dangerous relationship.
This “feeling of something amiss” continued even until their first training.
Fourteenth Destroyer Division was gathered by the naval base’s pier. Suddenly Kagerou was told by Takao:
“You do it.”
Right at the time when Kagerou said, “I beg of your guidance.”, that was the answer that she got.
There was no discretion for Kagerou who blurted, “eh?”. Usually a light cruiser or a heavy cruiser would direct from above. Light cruisers, especially, would easily handle the enemy dummy during the torpedo attack training.
“Why am I the one to do it?”
“You’re the leader, aren’t you.”
“I’m a destroyer, you know?!”
“No such thing as you can’t.”
“It’s not that, I have never done it!”
“It’s first time for everyone who begins.”
Takao, who said the remark, then left while saying, “I have training with Choukai.”
Kagerou was left dumbfounded. She was expecting that perhaps Takao would come back but her figure disappeared. To make it worse, not a single person passed by.
Helplessly, she turned around. There, each member of Fourteenth Destroyer Division stood in rows.
Saying that they stood in rows was just mentioning the good things. Essentially, they did lined up in a row but just like cars parking illegally, they were uneven. Nagatsuki was glowering at Kagerou like she have found an archenemy while Arare beside her, had her eyes roamed about aimlessly. Satsuki repeatedly said, “Let’s do muscle training! Muscle training!”, Ushio meekly paid attention only to the one on her right side. There, Akebono bluntly looked away.
It has been decided for Kagerou to lead the training of these girls.
However.
(With them as my members, what the heck should I do!)
She did not say her lamentation out loud but inside her heart she was screaming. She was a destroyer, not a light cruiser or heavy cruiser. She had never heard of a destroyer leading a training. Suddenly merely wanting to train turned into a mountain-like obstacle. She had no confidence to be the leader.
Several destroyers passed them by. “There’s Akebono” “And Satsuki too” “Only leftovers…” sayings could be heard.
It was the worst feeling. Ah Kami-sama, if you’re there please hear me. I won’t even ask for the luxury to be reincarnated as a Carrier. Be it submarine chasers, or fishing boats, or special observation boat, I will become anything. I beg of you, just please don’t shove theburden on me. A, as expected, disguise heavy cruiser is best. It’s kind of cool.
Praying to the heaven, she blinked two or three times. With that, she somehow managed to drive out her grief.
“Well then, let’s do cruising training.”
“What did you say?”
Nagatsuki’s question was mixed with hostility.
“Cruising at this point? What are we, kids who can’t even swim?”
“Cruising is the foundation of everything. We’re advancing on water surface, we’re ships. Well then, let’s do this.”
Kagerou clapped vigorously.
However she felt that what Nagatsuki had said was right. The very first step of the first stage, at the time when they became Kanmusu, it was repeated over and over to the point that they grew tired of it. Although it didn’t reach the feeling that it’s okay to not do it, but she could not wipe the feeling of “at this late?”.
It’s just that Kagerou didn’t know how else to do the training. That was why she would do the navigation she herself understand, and to stimulate herself and get rid of nervousness, she clapped her hands.
Together, they went to take their equipments.
Fundamentally, fleet girls wore their equipment for the majority of the day. They, of course wear it during training, but they also do not take them off during breaks. They only take them off during meal, bath, and sleep; during which they leave it to the hand of maintenance crew. There were also girls who thought that since their lives depended on it, then they should be the one who take care of it. To those kind of Fleet Girls, the equipments were lend.
Receiving permission from the Military Unit Equipment Storage, they took their armaments.
Kagerou was relieved when she saw equipments which [Kure -> Yokosuka] written on it. If it was gone, it would be quite a thing.
Since they were destroyers, their armaments were all guns and torpedoes. The second main equipment, is communication device, which forgetting it would be out of the question.
Kagerou’s gun armament was a 12.7 cm twin gun. However, only Satsuki and Nagatsuki have a 12 cm single gun. Even though to battle the Abyssal Fleet, upgrading equipment was an urgency, where there had been barely any change reaching the Destroyers. Only the torpedo firing tubes that were spreading among every destroyer. This seemed to be strongly intended by the admiral.
Depending on each type of destroyers, their armaments differed. Specifically, there were differences in the shape of the clasp, the armament parts changed. The purpose was to make them compatible with the fleet girls, thus the armaments were distributed based on the result of the aptitude test.
This aptitude test was quite the villain, as no matter if the said person said she wished to become battleship or aircraft carrier, the result of the aptitude test would be prioritized in determining everything. Exceptionally beautiful girls [1] got their body size measured, their blood and urine taken, the hole and nook and crannies examined, and finally connected to numerous cords they had, their heads were covered with a headgear seemed to only have been seen by new species of life form, having a mysterious CG projected to their retina where they will answer “yes” or “no” for various questions like above or below, red or blue, and “would you try to kill this person?”.
They did get informed about the result but the mechanism would never go to light. Once, there was a fleet girl who filed a misleading information lawsuit, doubting that [did they make the examination ticket into a paper plane and decided on the one that flew the farthest], however as it being treated as a high class secret, the call was refused.
Kagerou had no regret getting chosen as a destroyer. However, there were times where she doubted whether or not the personality examination was functional. Especially when she met girls like Akebono.
Even now, inside the storage house, Akebono remained turning her back away and didn’t make a move.
“Hey, put on your equipment.”
She ignored Kagerou’s warning.
“Akebono, it won’t be a training if not all member on a cruise.”
“It’s pointless.”
Akebono glared at Kagerou.
“At any rate, everyone is freaking bad that they can’t even do formation or move in fleet, so it’s useless doing it.”
“It’s not useless! It’s basic, of course everyone can do it!”
“How nice being a Kure-born. You seriously think that every fleet girl can properly sail?”
“Of course.”
“Then it’s better to try it out yourself.”
After she said it herself, Akebono put on her armaments.
They returned to the pier. Save from the time when they just became fleet girls, they didn’t use the pool for cruising training. They would be battling on the sea so of course they would train by the sea.
Kagerou took the initiative and placed her foot on the sea surface from the pier. She was somewhat thrown off balance but right away, regained her stability. The surrounding sensation did not differ with when she was in Kure.
The ones that supported the fleet girls on the sea were the apparatus by both of their feet. From every angle they were shoes and the feeling of wearing them did not differ with actual shoes, however the fleet girls called them “main machine”. By the back and the heel part of main machine, propulsion power was generated, and they could move forward.
In a way, the main machine was a very important equipment, even more than the armament. This apparatus along with the unit the fleet girls carrying on their backs (called the boiler), were the two that gave the fleet girls propulsion, in which without them the fleet girls would not be able to move. If their boilers were destroyed, the fleet girl would only halt to a standstill, but if their main machines were destroyed they would lose their ability to float and would sink.
Kagerou felt a bit of relief, then said to Akebono.
“See? We can do it can we?”
“For now.”
Akebono answered as if she ridiculed Kagerou.
Since they somewhat progressing, Kagerou ordered them to form a line.
“Well then… we shall begin from line ahead.”
It’s a technique of cruising in one single vertical formation. It’s the most basic formation, said to be easy. Since just by paying attention to the fleet girl in front, it could somehow work out, it was also meant for newly assigned fleet girls.
The leadership Kagerou became the head of the line. She looked back numerous times, making sure that they were making a line.
“Here we go~. Both sides advance forward in regular speed.”
Kagerou began to advance. When she looked back, everyone was following after her.
She was relieved. Hey, look. There is no problem in any way.
“Both sides standard speed ahead, Black 10.” [2]
She adjusted the speed, increasing only the rotation of the main machine. At the same time as when she said the words, she didn’t forget to send signals from her back.
She looked back once more. A feeling that somewhat they got separated.
That’s strange. Wondering if she was too fast, she gave a different order.
“Both side standard speed ahead. Red 15.”
Thud! An impact happened, something hit her back. Kagerou almost fell forward.
When she looked back, Satsuki was brushing her head.
“Ouch…”
“Hey, didn’t I say to drop the speed? How could you just run into me?”
“Eeee, but it was standard speed.”
“Not that speed, I did gave a red signal, didn’t I? I said decrease the rotation.”
“Red?”
Satsuki cocked her head to one side. For one moment, Kagerou felt dizzy.
“Black is rotation up, red is down! You learn things like these right away, didn’t you!”
“Aa, I don’t like classroom lecture.”
Somehow Satsuki seemed proud.
“It’s better to just do muscle training and increase your physical power. On top of it, I get hurt a lot in expedition and were always in the dock so I don’t go to lectures often.”
She laughed. Kagerou was on her wit’s end.
“You don’t know about the basics at all?! How could you went to an expedition without knowing them.”
“But it’ll be alright as long as we go, go home, and return.”
“Where the heck did you get hurt?”
“I always go full throttle on both sides, so my main machine got broken and I got injured by the waves.”
Satsuki said lightly.
This muscle training idiot, thought Kagerou. If one always were to go full speed, it was obvious that one could easily get hurt. Kagerou turned to curse herself that she used to think that the dock was remotely for those injured from fighting the Abyssal.
“Is there even a fleet girl unable to even form a fleet formation…”
“I am not the only one, you know?”
Satsuki turned back. There, the other fleet girls cruised while being in a disarray.
“Kyaaa, Arare-san, please go further ahead a bit more!”
“Ignore that, Arare. I will protect you.”
“…”
The three fleet girls grouped together and went this way. Rather than a line, it was more of a yarn. Ushio was in confusion and kept waving her hands around, while Nagatsuki had her hand firmly gripped on Arare’s arm, not letting it go. Arare had her mouth joined tightly that it seemed like she was not even conscious.
The girls remained in a chaos just like that, even now it seemed like they would capsize.
From a place separated from that scene, Akebono was watching with cold stare.
“See, look at that.”
In any case, Kagerou rebutted.
“It-It must be just because they are inexperienced!”
“To be inexperienced in something basic, isn’t that the worst?”
“Badly forgetting things happens all the time. I’m sure if we get into battle formation they can properly do it.”
“Hmph. Then why don’t you try it.”
A verbal expression akin to a muffled laughter. Kagerou rode on the provocation.
“Every member, on one horizontal line! Think of when you battle the Abyssal fleet!”
During battle, the fleet girls time and time again formed a horizontal line and attacked.
Then from there it was the most difficult part. They had to synchronize with fellow fleet girls on the back and on the front, also by their left and right, and they had to do it mid-battle. If per chance only one person got to the front or got separated, the timing for torpedo firing would be ruined. For guns, by the time they shot they could do split-second adjustment, however for torpedoes once you launched them it was over so they could not do the same.
“Properly match the gap on your side!”
Kagerou gave her direction. This gap is also important, if they were so bad and went too far away they would not be able to hear the direction, too close will make their head bump to each other.
“Both sides first battle speed ahead!”
Along with Kagerou’s voice, they have moved forward simultaneously.
However, they got scattered right away. Ushio was separated, Satsuki got ahead of Kagerou.
“Bo, Both sides second battle speed ahead!”
When the propulsion increased, the line got terribly disordered. Even the interval between them and the direction were caught in disarray.
“Oh, come on! Properly form a line!”
She did not know whether her voice reached them or not. Satsuki said things like “Iyeeeei!” while running swiftly, Nagatsuki was snuggling Arare as usual. Akebono continued to advance drowsily.
Arare had her right hand grabbed by Nagatsuki. Thanks to that, Arare was gradually going clockwise, cutting through Ushio’s cruising route.
Ushio being a totally bad in cruising, only paid attention to her own feet. Because of it, she didn’t notice Arare and Nagatsuki.
“…..A, kyaaaaaaaa!”
THUMP. Ushio slammed into Nagatsuki. The reason why it wasn’t Arare was because Nagatsuki took the blow instead.
Both of them toppled over the sea surface. Kagerou rushed back in hurry.
“Hey! Are you okay?”
Nagatsuki became the first one to stand up and instead of to Kagerou, she talked to Arare.
“Are you hurt, Arare? I shielded you.”
“…. Thank you.”
Nagatsuki was relieved, taking Arare’s hand. She said things like “that’s great”, she even looked like she had tears in her eyes.
There was no time for Kagerou to watch their drama exchange.
“More importantly, what about Ushio?!”
That same Ushio turned to face up by the water surface, eyes rolling.
“Funyaaa…”
“Now, I got you up okay.”
Kagerou had caught her hand and pulled her up. She was conscious, but she seemed dizzy. It was a collision on second battle speed. Having her only hurt this much was good luck.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“No…”
Ushio shook her head numerous time, trying to keep conscious. Kagerou was relieved.
“Hhhh… how good that you’re lucky…”
“I have always been like this, I have never been hurt… It maybe strange if I said it myself but, I think this is good luck.”
“Isn’t that good that you’re lucky.”
As a fleet girl, it was a really important ability to survive, so many raised their luck. At times the fleet girls themselves claimed so. Just like how there were fleet girls who sank just by one hit, there were also fleet girls who managed to swallow numerous hit gracefully and could still get to the naval base by themselves. However, if that continued numerous times, then the title [the reason why she survive is because she’s lucky] would be gone.
“Thanks to you being lucky, we got caught up in trouble though.”
The one who said that was not Kagerou. Suddenly, there was Akebono, who came around.
“Bumping on others, do you still want to trouble others? Why don’t you shape up already?”
“….”
“If there was a fleet girl on your cruising route, isn’t it common sense to go back astern?”
“…”
Without returning anything, Ushio hung her head down in shame and was dejected.
Since she looked utterly disheartened, Kagerou couldn’t stop her mouth from interfering.
“Everyone must have done a miss or two in their life.”
“Can you say that if a big trouble like what happened between Inazuma and Miyuki occur?”
“Ugh….”
As expected it was hard to return on that. Misses that happened on the surface of the sea could easily take life. Especially if they were in the middle of battling Abyssal Fleet, if it happened there, maybe no recovery could have occured.
Even so, right then, Kagerou rebutted.
“Then, can you do fleet synchronized maneuver easily?”
“Of course I can.”
Akebono answered smoothly. Kagerou was angered.
“Then why don’t we go and see it.”
“Fine. You and me alone do it.”
One bad word asks another. It has been decided that they would do fleet synchronized maneuver with just the two of them. The others would rest and be the viewer.
Akebono took her position by Kagerou’s right side. She said, “You can begin anytime.”
“Both side full speed ahead.”
Kagerou moved the main macine. Instead of standard speed, it suddenly amped to high speed. When she glanced to her right, Akebono was following with a calm expression.
“Both sides full battle speed ahead.”
Kagerou class took pride in their ship speed. As long as the other ship was not Shimakaze, she had the confidence that she could outrun them leisurely. Akebono expectedly caught on.
Inside Kagerou’s heart, a feeling of awe was born.
“Both sides full speed ahead.”
She no longer looked beside her. It was because she knew Akebono was there. Kagerou cut her propeller’s machine.
“Hou 3!” [3]
They turned 30 degrees to the right. She turned at the same time as when she gave the signal. She was relieved, as she thought they would bump into each other but they didn’t. Akebono was perfectly in the same position.
“Q Hou!”
This time they cut 45 degrees to the left.
As expected, Akebono followed.
“Hou 1! Both sides half speed ahead!”
As they turned ten degrees to the right, they dropped the propeller to half speed. Akebono remained in her fixed position.
“Both side first battle speed ahead! Hou 2! 4 Hou! Sei 130!” [4]
After they increased the speed, they turned 20 degrees to the right, then 40 degrees to the left. The last one was a malicious true bearing 130 degrees simultaneous turning to the right, however there was no indication of Akebono falling behind.
After that, they did synchronized maneuver numerous times, but Akebono maintained their gap and there was no misdirection until the end.
They returned to the place where the other fleet girls watched. For some reason, they applauded them.
Half surprised and half astonished, Kagerou said to Akebono.
“You…. are amazing huh.”
“Hmph.”
Akebono seemed bored.
“Destroyers should not get left behind in synchronized maneuver now, can’t they.”
“But today is the first time for me to team up with Akebono. Usually mistakes happen. For you to be able to keep up from the first try, not even Kure girls able to do it.”
“Those girls must have no ability.”
“… Hey, Akebono. Why don’t we do it together? With your competence, people will stop looking down on Fourteenth Destroyer Division.”
“I don’t want to get involved with destroyers.”
After replying with that statement, Akebono said, “That’s it for today” and promptly went back.
She left Kagerou and the other four girls by the surface of the sea.
“All of us also go home?”
Satsuki said in a happy-go-lucky statement. Kagerou shook her head.
“Not yet. We’ll redo from line ahead.”
“Eee–”
“Isn’t it frustrating to be lectured by Akebono? That’s why we will train harder.”
Kagerou said to each one of them.
“Satsuki, not only you look only to the front you are always on full speed so drop your speed. Ushio, on the contrary, please look forward. You won’t fall just by not looking at your feet. For Nagatsuki, separate yourself from Arare a bit more.”
“I have decided that I will protect Arare.”
“If you stick with her that much, both of you together may capsized from point blank shot. For Arare… anyway, say something.”
Arare blinked a few times, but it was not certain if she understood it or not.
“…. I will take that as everyone understand. Well then, let’s begin from the beginning.”
In the end, that day’s training was fleet synchronized maneuver from beginning to the end.
As a result…
The five of them had their whole body bruised and hurt, ended up writhing in agony from the muscle pain.
The next day.
Without even a wink of sleep the whole night, Kagerou greeted the morning horn by slipping in between the dreamworld and reality. Overcoming muscle pain, she crawled out of bed and then went for breakfast after getting dressed.
The Destroyer fleet girls ate their breakfast by the gun room within the dormitory. It was essentially used as a cafeteria but traditionally that was what the room was called.
Each Destroyer was given one table. Kagerou and the rest of the Fourteenth Destroyer Division all had their breakfast looking dejected.
Since there were many young girls in the Destroyer class, every table was lively. It’s the age where merely a turning reel could make them laugh. Of course, the place was teeming with high pitched voice.
Within that atmosphere, the reason why Kagerou and her team had the face of staying up all night working the day before was because of the result of yesterday’s training came in the form of pains here and there. Not only that, it also did not go well. Although it was said that fleet synchronized maneuvers were deep stuff, it was the basic of the basics. If they could not even do it, everything else would definitely follow suit.
Numerous destroyers whispered while throwing their gaze at Kagerou, who made a depressed expression whilst holding back the pain.
When she tried to listen while pretending to look uninterested, she heard rumors such as, “That Kagerou Class, they said she got Akebono shoved into her face” “Uwa, that’s the worst.”
Although she thought that they were quite right to say so, when they said, “It seems she was so bad in fleet synchronized movement that even Akebono was making fun of her”, as expected that pissed her off. Well yeah it was like that, but here we’re training like mad. Just you see now!
The hushed talking still continued.
“Right there, they said that’s the Fourteenth Destroyer Division.”
“I never heard of theeeeeemmmmm!”
“It’s made by grouping the leftovers. They’re all only that kind of girls, see?”
“Well, they said the nameship of the Kagerou Class is mostly plain anyway.”
What a load of bullshit. Just you see if Shiranui was here, we would both will beat you senseless. Using night battle as an excuse, we’ll drive you to the sea naked!
But in the end, without her partner, Kagerou could only argue inside her heart.
Today’s breakfast was a combination of rice mixed with wheat and taro (Colocasia esculenta) miso soup. Salted eggplant and nori (seaweed) boiled in soy. This is a job where they move their body but the seasoning was somewhat strong. However since her attention was elsewhere, she could not taste it.
Kagerou thought that at any rate they should do something to somehow restore their position from that of being leftovers.
There was no helping that the Fourteenth Destroyer Division being not only a minor, but also a grouping of leftovers. However it must be possible to rise up from there. When she was in Kure, it was commented that “To add new meaning into the word “willpower”” was the real ability of a fleet girl.
Anyhow, she would like to do something to this funeral-like atmosphere and painful body.
Kagerou was about to say something but instead Akebono was the one to say something quite uncharacteristic of her.
“This mood sucks, doesn’t it.”
She was the only one being lively.
“Why don’t you at least say something? You make this long awaited meal turn bad.”
“… to not have useless conversations during meals is normal.”
Nagatsuki said. Even within the disheartened members, she straightened her back and properly ate her meal.
“Akebono, better shut up and eat.”
“Saying something stupid. I wonder why the Mutsuki Class are always overreaching themselves like that.”
Akebono waved her chopsticks.
“Only having that spirit alone, why don’t you live more appropriately?”
“That is natural.”
“Natural? Aa, so this protecting other ship girl personality has been there since you’re a baby, I see. Must be the influence of things like your mother divorcing your father or domestic violence or those other kinds of things.”
“To protect is a destroyer’s duty. I believe that protecting the weak is what makes up the duty of a warship.”
“A Destroyer is a warship?”
“Don’t you try tripping up somebody. No matter what happens, I will never abandon others.”
Suddenly Akebono’s expression changed. She put her chopsticks on the table.
“This stupid destroyer! People like you who blurt out things they can’t even do are really a pain in the ass!”
Although she seemed surprised by the abrupt change, Nagatsuki replied instantly.
“What’s wrong with protecting the weak?”
“Ha, I know, you see. Even between destroyers, the Mutsuki class are the ones which are the weakest, isn’t it?”
“That has nothing to do with this.”
“That way, we don’t even know if you can even protect anyone!”
“What did you say?”
Nagatsuki raised her voice and stood up.
“I’m different from you! I don’t say things I can’t do!”
“You’ll never be able to!”
They both got between the tables and glared at each other.
With that scene, the whole gun room’s attention was turned to them. Before they knew it conversations were dropped and without continuing their meals, they watched.
It was the same with the other members of the Fourteenth Destroyer Division. Kagerou was horrified and Satsuki’s eyes turned so round. Ushio seemed hesitant while Arare was the only one mechanically brought food to her mouth.
Nagatsuki and Akebono directly faced each other, sparks scattered about. A critical situation. If someone did something as simple as a cough, it seemed like a fist fight would commence.
Right then, a voice came up from another direction.
“Everyone, good mooooorniiing~~!”
The one who came into the gunroom was the secretary ship clad in a blue uniform, Atago.
Frantically the destroyers were about to stand up. Atago raised her hand.
“Aaa~. Be seated, be seated is okay.”
The destroyers who were half-standing up, sat down again. Nagatsuki and Akebono who got their emotions diminished also sat down. Atago stood in the place where everyone could see her easily.
“You may listen while eating, it’s okay. Actually there is something I would like to say to everyone~~”
There was not a single fleet girl who could continue eating after being told like that by the secretary ship. Taking care not to fail in hearing each and every word, they all focused their attention.
“Two weeks after now, there will be a special training targeting destroyers.”
At the sound of “training”, the destroyers went rigid.
“All fleets will join. We will rank you and report the result to the admiral.”
The Gun room exploded with indescribable voices.
It was a mixed of “SUDDENLY?!” or “What a relief it isn’t a sudden examination” or “I’ll win this challenge!”.
In the fleet girls’ training, allies acted as imaginary enemies and by using practice bullets, the accuracy adjudication would commence. From there, results would be calculated and graded. There are also times when they used to target ship opponent and fired live bullets. In order for these experiences to be useful in real battles, these training commenced frequently in each naval base. Using competition between fellow destroyers just like what Atago had said was not uncommon.
The majority of destroyers were elated. Those who favor this kind of method are exceptionally many between the destroyers. However, the words “special” tugged them from the back of their head.
Atago continued.
“Since common training would be uninteresting, we will join it with expeditions. Each fleet will be assigned on an escort mission, the fleet with the most marks wins.”
“Waaa!” voices were heard.
Expeditions were conducted solely to gain resources. Fleet escort meant protecting the ships and convoys that gathered resources. At a glance it was an easy task so destroyers were used a lot for this.
However, this was more nerve-wracking than training. Although they would rarely encounter the Abyssal Fleet, in one way or another it was still technically a real battle.
Atago then revealed the meaning of particularly calling it “special training”.
“The enemy fleet that will sortie are heavy cruisers and battleships. While controlling the practice, they will also check whether or not you guard well. You shouldn’t let your guard down, okay.”
Hearing the ruckus that occured, she seemed satisfied.
“It doesn’t stop there. In order to motivate you, we have prepared a splendid prize for those destroyers with good results~!”
“Oooo!” shouts intensified.
“First, for the third place prize, all you can eat voucher for Mamiya-san’s deluxe ice cream~!”
“Waaaaaa!” cheers of delight erupted. Mamiya quality products and sweets, no matter which, have the best taste. There was not a single fleet girl who did not yearn for them.
“For the second place, unlimited meal together alone with Akagi-saaan!”
“O-Ooouuu…” voices came up mixed with doubt. [5]
“And for the first place….. PANPAKAPAAAAAAAN!!”
Kagerou whispered to Satsuki.
“Panpakapan?”
“That’s her verbal tick.”
In the same timing as when murmurs saying “that looks like some kind of store reopening..” was heard, Atago announced.
“Calling me Oneechan for a whole life for free!” [6]
Waaaaa clap clap clap clap, she cheered for herself.
The destroyers looked at each other, uneasy. This “wanting to be called Oneechan mannerism” was something that everyone knew. Here and there murmurs saying “didn’t she mistake the third prize with the first?” were heard.
“It seems like everyone is delighted with this, I see.”
The voices that seemed to cry “I wonder….” didn’t reach her.
“The exact date will come later. Until then, please work hard in training!”
While still feeling satisfied, Atago left the room.
The gun room continued the breakfast while still floating in a bubbly atmosphere. “The joke with eating together with Akagi-san is whether we can eat at all or not, huh” or “How exactly do you get the third place?” talks started.
Kagerou also digested Atago’s words in her head.
Is this perhaps a chance? The prizes aside, they was no doubt they would gain prestige. This is a chance to overturn the no name or rather, bad name from Fourteenth Destroyer Division’s image. There was a similar occasion happening in Kure. Together with Shiranui and friends, for the sake of winning they stacked up hard training and the likes.
More than anything, with this, everyone can have her vision joined into one. They can be reborn from the destroyers who can’t even do fleet synchronized maneuvers.
She announced it to everyone on the table with a small voice.
“Everyone, listen. We’re going to take this training. Our goal is first place.”
Satsuki looked puzzled.
“You want to call her Oneechan that much?”
“She had me call her that. But that’s not the case. Aren’t we all destroyer? Of course we’re going in to win.”
“Well, you got a point~”
“Aren’t we being treated like fools and deadweights right now? From this, we can definitely restore that image.”
“Ooo~ aren’t you on fire.”
“Of course. This is a chance for us to make our names known in Yokosuka.”
“I’m okay with it though.”
Satsuki said it while throwing her stare at the other fleet girls.
The objections took a long time. Even then, there were none. The fight Nagatsuki and Akebono just had was still leaving its trace. Ushio, being unable to stop the dispute remained dispirited. Arare had finished her meal and just like a machine losing its battery, she had stopped moving.
Despite it all, Kagerou said.
“It will definitely be okay. If it’s us, we can do it. We’re going to be number one in Yokosuka.”
She made a fist, clenching it tightly. Satsuki was the only one who responded with an “Oooo!”
That day, Kagerou was absorbed in reading materials about sea escort when she got into the private study room before practice. In order to win, one must first deeply understand the target.
When she was in Kure, there were many missions on things like reconnaissance expedition or naval review. This too, in a way was an activity of bringing back resources so it fell into the expedition category. It’s just that she had never done escorting.
“Mmm let’s see here, the bow surface of the ship is their strength. The broadside surface of the ship is their weakness. So that means we have to protect their broadside.”
While she looked at the really thick book, she mumbled with her mouth.
“In the case of escorting two ships, take the rank and the side position… So it’s ‘protect the side’.”
At the very least she drilled into her head only the parts that may become references, then hurriedly went out of the private study room.
After being absorbed in a last minute cramming for about around an hour, she arrived at the pier. She faced her destroyer comrades lining up before her and said.
“From today we will do convoy escorting practice. Since we’re going to take the top spot in the special training, as expected I guess it is better to practice focusing on it.”
“I wonder if the other destroyers also did something similar..”
Said Satsuki. Since it was logical, Kagerou noted it.
“That’s why we have to train even more than the other destroyers.”
“I am bad at fleet synchronized maneuvers. But I am good at single maneuver.”
“You should overcome that weakness.”
Kagerou said it strongly.
“We’re going to take first place.”
She looked at everyone.
As expected, the question of whether or not they could do it popped up in her mind. The one who seemed to have the will to was Satsuki, but she was also at the level of half spirited, half anxious.
The rest had zero willpower. There were also fleet girls who had nothing but anxiety or displeasure.
“Once again, doing something stupid.”
Akebono said with a skeptic look.
“Is there even a meaning in doing something that you can’t do?”
“If we don’t do it, we will never get better.”
“It’s a waste of time.”
“Akebono may be good at steering control, but the others aren’t.”
“Then why don’t you have it your way.”
Akebono answered like spitting it out. Ushio said, “Akebono-chan…”
Thinking of encouraging everyone, Kagerou sad with a loud voice.
“Then, Fourteenth Destroyer Division shall begin convoy escort training.”
“Yeeeeeeeees!”
Somehow, there was a voice behind her.
The startled Kagerou quickly turned around. Over there was a smiling Atago.
(picture 095)
Atago lightly waved her hand.
“As expected, a Kure born girl has a different level of spirit! I will see to it fully!”
“A-Atago-san! Why?!”
“It’s Oneechan, no?”
Atago continued after she said it.
“At times to watch over destroyer training is also an important duty. Since there is no one in Kagerou’s fleet so I’m taking it in.”
What the hell… Kagerou lamented. Out of all ships, it just has to be Atago. We can do nothing about having someone to look over us but, it’s like, it would have been better is it was someone with a personality less eccentric.
“But, aren’t you the secretary ship?”
“You don’t have to worry about the Admiral. Because he thought of being spoilt by Akagi-san, he has now becomes Kaga-san’s target practice.”
That admiral, once again doing something as he pleased, cursed Kagerou inside the deepest part of her heart.
Somehow Kagerou thought of regaining back her spirit. Along with the fact that there was someone watching, in order to become number 1 they should practice.
In a convoy escort practice, more than anything they needed something to protect. That was why, Kagerou began preparation.
“I’m bringing this as a replacement for the mock ups, give me a hand lining them up.”
The ones that she brought along were not an elaborately made model of a ship.
It was a doll painted grey. A little bit shorter than human proportion, on its head two gun barrels jotting out, it had a swimming buoy on. On that buoy, from left to right a word [Zekamashi] was written. [7]
Not only one, they were a number of them. Atago muttered, “oh wow, how cute.”
“…. Shikamaze’s… Gun turrets?”
Arare the only one who said it.
“Why…..?”
“They’re dolls. Somehow many of them were left in the storage. More like, there was nothing else but these.”
Kagerou replied. Not only that, there were a great number of them, so she persuaded and borrowed them.
“Why… are these…”
“They’re body pillow!”
The one who answered to that answer was Atago.
“Hugging this while sleeping lets you sleep peacefully. That’s why they were prepared.”
“It looks like something that would make some higher ups mad…”
“It was the Admiral’s suggestion, you see.”
“…..”
The admiral said that sleeping alone made him feel lonely, so these were prepared in case his invitation to sleep together was rejected by all the fleet girls. The many numbers of them was because he had thought of delivering it to other naval base and anchorage. Obviously the distribution was stopped by fleet girls of heavy cruiser class and above so the only resting place for these dolls that have lost their destination was the storage room. Furthermore, the main person in question, Shimakaze, was reported to have went on a wild celebratory dance while shouting, “Rensouhou-chan is increasing!”
Kagerou connected the dolls with a tow rope. The head was a small sized electric dummy which pulled the rope.
“Well then, let’s float them”
Those floated by the sea. Having numerous dolls riding on a swimming buoy with “Zekamashi” written on it lining up, made quite a surreal scenery.
“We’re going to position ourselves according to my directon. Errr.. Myself, Satsuki, and Ushio will be on the right side of the convoy. Satsuki, Arare, and Akebono on the left side, kay.”
While giving unconvinced looks at the dolls, the destroyer fleet girls arrived at their position. Even Akebono who previously voiced complaints, went accordingly with a look of displeasure.
“Somehow Rensouhou is looking this way…”
Satsuki muttered with an eerie feeling.
“Don’t mind it. It’s just a doll so it doesn’t have any conscience.”
“Doesn’t it have this head-like thing drawn on it? It feels like it’s watching us no matter where we go.”
Satsuki trembled.
“Are you the type that is bad at horror stories?”
“Yeah….”
Kagerou was feeling, ‘what a troublesome girl’ but then she got an idea.
“Satsuki, change positions with me.”
“Ee? I will be in the leading position?”
“It’s okay, I’ll be the one giving directions. Just don’t go recklessly running around.”
“Eeee~ It’s better with both sides at full speed.”
To Satsuki who talked nonsense, Kagerou whispered into her ear.
“Rensouhou is looking at you.”
After giving the lead ship position to Satsuki, Kagerou switched on the towing ship.
Giving out a motor sound, the ship began to move. The dolls were pulled forward.
“Everyone, follow Satsuki while maintaining your distance.”
As if being pushed by Kagerou’s words, Satsuki moved forward.
Everyone, even if with slow speeds, cruised alongside the dolls.
Maintaining a convoy, unexpectedly had a certain technique to it. It was not enough to merely look forward, but the distance by the side was also important. Not only that, in order to protect the convoy, they should also pay attention to attacks.
“Begin “No” letter move!”
The towing boat automatically turned starboard. Being pulled, the dolls turned to the right. Just like them, Kagerou also changed direction.
Just a few moments after, they turned to the port side. Carefully they followed suit.
The No (之) letter movement was, in another term, a zig zag movement. Just like the letter E (え), following the movements going left then right, it’s a way to avoid enemy attacks. It’s particularly effective for attacks by enemy planes, but used in convoys looking out for an ambush is also among its many uses.
The towing ship’s timer moved, turning its rudder for a larger change of direction.
“Keep in line… aren’t you doing great, Satsuki? You’re not rushing even a little bit!”
Satsuki, positioned at the very front of the line, without being too fast or too slow, advanced forward while maintaining distance.
She did not look behind. She was merely paying attention to her side.
“I kinda get the feeling that I’m being watched…”
“If you run of all by yourself, I’m sure the one who’s watching you will materialize itself…”
While shrieking, “Hie!”, she quickly became more careful.
Kagerou stifled a laughter. If telling her directly wouldn’t work, then it would be better to leave it to the dolls. Of course, the doll didn’t move by itself, but if Satsuki was convinced that way, then it’s okay too.
“You’re doing good, Satsuki. well then, let’s make a bigger movement. Both sides.”
She turned right.
“Port…. Hyaaa?!”
BUMP! Kagerou ran into Ushio.
“Oh come on, don’t destroy the line.”
“I-I’m sorry. You moved so suddenly…”
“It’s No movement. You should do it properly.”
“Excuse me… may I say something?”
Since she said it so timidly, Kagerou answered, “sure.”
After dampening her lips with her tongue, Ushio began to speak.
“Mmm… During convoy escort, you should not move suddenly. Changing the angle gradually, large course changes are made by changing the angles many times.”
Ushio explained with hand movement. Although she was being explained to, Kagerou did not feel upset. Instead, she found it surprising.
“You know it very well.”
“Kagerou-san’s arrangement is according to the “Theory of Convoy battle formation with fleet girls rank positioning”, isn’t it? However, that has been revised. In an Abyssal Fleet encounter, not only just by the sides of the convoy, it was said that it’s better to have the lead of the convoy to also be guarded. There are quite a few cases of being attacked from the front…”
“How very detailed. Have you any experience?”
A bit surprised, Ushio closed her mouth with her hand.
“… well, a bit…”
“Hm, it’s pretty reassuring to have someone experienced with us, since I’ve just read that from a book.”
Kagerou laughed.
“Is there anyone else who wants to state their ideas?”
“If the girls aren’t close with each other, there are a lot of cases where the formation gets disorganized. It’s important that our relationship dosen’t run up dry… like that…”
Ushio moved her glance to her side.
There were Nagatsuki and Arare, going as if they were holding each other.
“Arare, rather than protecting the fleet, I’d protect you.”
“…”
Behind them, Akebono followed while looking at them as if they were fools.
Kagerou quickly called them.
“Nagatsuki, Arare! We’re in No Letter movement right now! You’re gonna crash if you let your guard down!”
Just as she said so, Nagatsuki and Arare fell, it looked as if they were diving towards the doll. Kagerou quickly moved towards the other side.
“Kagerou-san! If you rush, your feet will get caught in the tow rope!”
“Whooooopsie!”
Thanks to Ushio’s words, Kagerou jumped around. The expression of Akebono, who was silently watching them, turned to disdain.
Kagerou struggled.
“I’m falling! I’m falling!”
“Kagerou-san!”
As all of those happened, Satsuki, drenched in cold sweat, did the No letter maneuver repeatedly under Rensouhou’s watch.
Translator’s notes and References
↑Literal meaning: the girls that make the flowers shy ↑The Japanese navy uses “Red Black” flag to signal rotation speed. Black means plus, Red means minus. Combinations may happen. ↑Hou (方 direction). “Hou [degree]” means going [degree] to the right. “[degree] Hou” means going [degree] to the left ↑Sei 斉 works the same as Hou, just that they will simultaneously turn ↑ In case you guys don’t know. *you probably should since you are reading this.* Akagi eats a lot. By a lot I mean. A LOT. So the unlimited part…. Is… extremely questionable. As seen by their reaction ↑ 10/10 best prize 2016 ↑ In case you guys are wondering *then again you should no it already…. probably….* zekamashi is shimakaze read backwards in japanese