5 days after Zuikaku and Kaga's face-off, the gate of the Naval District was shrouded in the morning mist.
The outside air was chilly, as would be expected of the early winter. Embracing their winter baldness, the trees covered the ground underfoot with their cast-off crimson leaf toupees. The sun had not yet risen, and the last fingers of the previous night gamely struggled on.
"Uuuu~as cold as always....!"
No sooner had Zuikaku left the main gate had she found herself incapable of resisting a shiver, her breath forming a white cloud in front of her. Her combat uniform left much to be desired when it came to warming her legs.
"It's not that big a deal, but I could really do with Kaga-senpai's stockings right now..."
"We can't show weaknesses, Zuikaku."
Shoukaku, following behind her, seemed the same as always.
"Acclimatizing to the cold is a type of training as well....who knows, one day we may have to fight on battlefields even colder than this."
"Even colder? The Aleutians were bad enough..."
After Midway, Zuikaku and the Light Carriers Ryuujou and Zuihou had went together to the North to support the Aleutian Islands operation.
Hearing Zuikaku's complaints, Shoukaku laughed lightly before continuing.
"Plus, you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of those children, right?"
"Good morning! Shoukaku-nee, Zuikaku-nee!"
With a bit of effort, the main gate was pulled upon, and from inside came several little shipgirls.
Fubuki, Isonami, Miyuki--all Destroyer-type shipgirls of the Fubuki class. All three wore their combat uniforms in the winter wind, just like Shoukaku and Zuikaku. It seemed that they had free time today--expedition duty and breakfast duty had both been assigned to others.
The Fubuki-class was the first of the so-called "special-type" destroyers, carrying armament and having range unparalleled by other ships of their class and generation. There were many shipgirls of this class and its derivatives in the Naval District--it was almost as if they were the District's Mascots.
The one who had greeted the two was Fubuki. Well-suited to the role of name-ship, she served as the leader to the other shipgirls of her class.
"Seems like some great weather, huh? Let's train early and hard today as well!"
"Eh? Uh, yeah......"
Zuikaku forced a grin. In spite of their thin clothing, the destroyers were full of vigor, and Fubuki was no exception.
From the day after the face-off with Kaga, Zuikaku had taken up daily jogs as morning training like what Shoukaku had suggested.
Though Zuikaku was not quite sure whether there would be any effect, it had been her sister Shoukaku's suggestion, thus, she had taken up that suggestion without much thought.
For the destroyers, the morning jog appeared to be a morning routine, and so Zuikaku and Shoukaku regularly bumped into them.
Under Shoukaku's past five days of tutelage (a combination of indoor tutoring and outdoor training) Zuikaku's skills had improved dramatically, such that she could now do long-distance cruises. Today's schedule was a morning jog and breakfast, followed by standard training.
According to Shoukaku, the order for Zuikaku to join the front lines would come within a few days.
As per the agreement with the Admiral, this order originally constituted the final stretch of the two-week trial period in which Zuikaku decided whether she wanted to serve as a shipgirl. However, Zuikaku's training had long since outpaced the plans for the original trial period, and so the test had been moved up.
After some stretches, Fubuki spoke to Zuikaku and Shoukaku excitedly
"Well, we're off! Earnest training brings an empty stomach and a tastier breakfast!"
With that, Fubuki charged off without waiting for a response. Picking up their equipment, the other shipgirls followed
"They sure are lively for such cold weather...."
Zuikaku's dumbfounded whisper was met with another tinkling laugh from Shoukaku and a rather admiring response.
"Those children may not fight at the very front like we do, but they more than make up for it serving as escorts, transporting supplies, and rescuing civilians. In a certain sense, their battles are even rougher than ours..."
"Ah, so it's like that here to...."
Zuikaku nodded in understanding.
In "That War", the diminutive destroyers were known as the "rickshaw drivers".[1] And yet once the tides of war had changed for the worse, they became the main characters in a war of attrition, working with a diligence and vigor that rivaled the main force.
The shipgirls, too, had inherited this kind of soul--
"Well then let's go, Zuikaku."
"mm!"
They couldn't embarrass themselves in front of those children--feeling the weight of Shoukaku's words, Zuikaku also launched into a run.
The jogging route passed through the small port town that neighbored the Naval District. Under the morning sun, the shipgirls run along the town's protective seawall.
Various scenes and objects flew past--the town, dyed in the morning sun; the seagulls, dancing in the sky; the countless fishing boats squeaking, whistling and jostling as they went out to work; the tide, advancing and then retreating from the beaches. In Zuikaku's warship days, these scenes had existed as well.
"Now that I think about it, why does everyone wear their equipment?"
Zuikaku inquired, slightly out of breath. After all, if it was jogging, why not change into something more fitting?
Running alongside her, Fubuki responded with a serious face.
"Morning exercise is a type of combat training too! If we're dressed like we are on the battlefield we can get a little more hype! Also..."
"Also?"
Fubuki's smile looked a little awkward this time around.
"The Commander said that 'this is cuter! All you cute girls running shoulder to shoulder like that makes the perfect kodak moment'...."
(T-that man......!)
Zuikaku put a hand to her forehead. The "Commander" Fubuki mentioned, of course, was the Admiral. Quite a few shipgirls preferred to refer to him that way.
Zuikaku had already heard tales of the Admiral's sexual harassment exploits many times already.
Given the chance, the man would readily and brazenly peek under skirts, rub heads and touch equipment without a second thought.
Luckily, Zuikaku had not yet been a target of these things--perhaps a legacy of their first meeting.
"Ah, but it does have its perks. Look!"
Fubuki hurriedly pointed in front of her.
Countless shoppers, commuters and students walked on the road along the seawall. Almost all of them waved to the shipgirls, their eyes glowing with familiarity. Among them were elementary schoolers and preschoolers, raucously cheering the shipgirls on with shouts of "Shipgirl Onee-sans, good luck!", "Don't lose to the Abyssals" and the like.
The Destroyers, in turn, eagerly returned their waves. Laughing gently, Shoukaku followed in elegant fashion--as did Zuikaku, albeit with some hesitation.
Once the greetings hard largely ended, Fubuki spoke.
"We can't live the same way as the civilians. The Naval District hasn't had many visitors since opening day either, so being able to meet and talk to everyone like this is really precious."
"Sometimes they even give us snacks or drinks~!"
Catching up from behind, Miyuki joined into the conversation with a grin. At her side, an embarrassed Isonami spoke up:
"We normally go out without our equipment in order to avoid attracting attention, so we don't often get the chance to show everyone that we're shipgirls..."
With a satisfied expression, she continued.
"Plus, thanks to our convoys, supplies have been able to come in from the Continent. Now the convenience stores and supermarkets have stuff are packed again, and the smiles are back on everyone's faces.....seeing everyone happy makes me happy as well."
During indoor studies, Zuikaku had heard that the appearance of the abyssals had occurred a decade ago; the world before that had been largely at peace for some time, interrupted by a few disputes at best. It was in this time that the convenience store, supermarket, the cell phone and other aspects of modern culture had developed.
While this culture had been momentarily threatened by the abyssals, the arrival and battles of the shipgirls had returned some semblance of the prewar status quo to this nation, at least--
"I see...."
Zuikaku nodded, feeling that she now understood why the Admiral had wanted everyone to keep their equipment on.
(At least this way these kids can get praised.)
These efforts perhaps allowed the destroyers, used to fighting in thankless silence, to witness the results of their hard work .
This was especially true for the Fubuki-class and their predecessors, whose glories in combat were often stolen by the newer and more advanced Kagerou-class, among others.
(As expected of the admiral.....on the other hand, is it that hard for him just to praise them honestly?)
Zuikaku smiled wryly. Regardless of the real reason, the saying that "the Admiral is a hard guy to understand" remained as true as always.
"Eh, but beautiful girls like us could catch everyone's attention, even without our equipment...."
"Murakumo, that's a little...."
Hearing the Fubuki-class' only futuristic-looking shipgirl Murakumo's statement, Shirayuki smiled awkwardly. The other members of the Fubuki-class seemed to share their sentiment.
"....speaking of which, why were we all born with the appearance of girls?"
Murakumo's musings had aroused a question from Zuikaku, who spoke before she could restrain herself. Smiling lightly, Shoukaku responded,
"Those who live on the seas pray to a deity 'Spirit of the Ships' for safety, and apparently it takes the form of a girl. Perhaps that is why we appear with this appearance, or perhaps that is simply one of many reasons. Of course, this is all just speculation...."
"Eh, that might not be that bad a way of thinking about it."
Zuikaku muttered, satisfied. Shoukaku, however, closed her mouth with a complicated expression.
By the time they had finished their jog and returned to the naval district, the sun had already risen, dispelling the last vestiges of the morning mist.
"Whew....it really isn't that bad once you do it every morning..."
Burning all over, Zuikaku fanned herself with her hand. Shoukaku came over, carrying several towels.
Several tiny fairies surrounded them, seemingly having helped Shoukaku out.
Zuikaku had no clue where these fairies came from--all she knew was that quite a few of these inhabited the Naval District. They helped the shipgirls with daily chores and manned some of the equipment in battle.
"Here, Shoukaku, a towel. Shipgirls can apparently get sick too, so make sure you wipe yourself dry."
"Ah, thank you, Shoukaku-nee!"
"Same goes for everyone. And don't forget to finish your stretches."
"Yeah~!" The destroyers responded loudly as they took towels from Shoukaku's hand. Shoukaku smiled, a caring mother surrounded by her children.
Zuikaku secretly admired her sister's thoughtfulness as well.
(As expected, Shoukaku-nee is nothing like me...)
Speaking of which, she had heard that Shoukaku had come half a year ago to the Naval District.
While it was unclear when the shipgirl's part of the war had began, the respect shown by the destroyers to Shoukaku suggested that she was one of the first to heed the call.
(sure is impressive....)
Thinking this, Zuikaku walked to the main gate--
".....!"
A breath behind her--shocked, Zuikaku turned--to see several carrier planes charging at her. Zuikaku subconsciously turned aside--it might not be a crash, but better safe than sorry..
Hearing Shoukaku's "are you alright, Zuikaku!", Zuikaku scanned her surroundings.
"Who goes there? To just attack someone out of the blue like that....out with you!"
"Not bad. As expected of the carrier recognized by Kaga-senpai--but that's no reason to get overconfident!"
From the Naval District's rooftop rang a resounding voice, and Zuikaku immediately looked up.
In her vision loomed a shipgirl, standing on the rooftop with arms crossed. Several carrier planes lay on her head--but not a type Zuikaku had seen before. Rather than Zuikaku and Shoukaku's archery uniforms, hers resembled that of an Onmyoji. The hooked jewel on her breast was especially eyecatching.
Her flight deck, meanwhile, was not a shoulder guard such as Zuikaku's, but a roll-out scroll. Additionally, several vaguely plane-shaped pieces of paper lay on the scroll. Given the onmyoji getup, those carrier planes were probably shikigami.
"You are....?"
"From here on out, I, Izum--rather, I, Hiyou, will instruct you in the place of the Senpai of the 1stCarDiv. Prepare yourself! I'm quite good!"
"'Hiyou' was that light carrier, right....? And anyway, don't fuck up your own name if you're going to make an entrance like that!"
Zuikaku could not help a snarky retort. From behind Hiyou, another carrier shipgirl interjected with a wry laugh.
"I try to remind you every time, but you keep on forgetting. 's it because you're still that lil' Ojou-sama from back then?"
"S-shut up, Junyou! Anyway, the Admiral has instructed me to teach you.....so you'd better prepare yourself!"
"Ahh, what she's trying to say is that 'even though I haven't been at the Naval District long either, I, too, was also a part of the main force after Midway, so let's get along', or something like that~"
"Really now, Junyou! I pull off this stylish introduction and then you go and mess it up!"
Unimpressed, Junyou chuckled mockingly as Hiyou retorted. As for Shoukaku and Zuikaku, they could only watch wordlessly, reduced to spectators in this heated exchange.
"Today we're going to wrap up training with a Fleet Exercise."
Shoukaku traversed the surface of the waters around the Naval District as she explained to Zuikaku.
Having finished their afternoon indoor lessons and lunch, the two headed towards the Practice Waters.
Under a barren and cloudless sky, the seas murmured with a tranquility that was a little unusual for the winter. In the distance one could see the shoreline surrounding the Naval District and the woody mountains that lay behind it.
"These so-called fleet exercises are basically just a battle between shipgirls, right? Like my battle with Kaga-senpai earlier?"
"That's right. However, this battle will be a battle between fleets. After all, we carriers can only reach our true potential with other ships."
Zuikaku nodded in understanding.
Aircraft carriers formed an impressive attack force, capable of using their planes to strike far beyond the reach of Battleships and Heavy Cruisers. Defensively, however, carrier armor could not even match that of the Heavy Cruisers--a single hit could well spell disaster.
Shoukaku, Zuikaku and the other carriers had inherited these strengths and weaknesses. As such, working with the fleet escorts was a matter of life and death for a carrier.
"Firstly, gun fire is absolutely indispensable when it comes to defending against air attacks. Secondly, battles with the abyssals usually lead to us closing to shelling distance by the time we launch our second wave. As a result, we often find ourselves under fire in the thick of battle."
"That's why it's important to work with the other shipgirls..."
"Mmm. The maximum size of a fleet here is six ships. You could say that teamwork has become even more important than it was in 'That War.'"
Only six shipgirls could engage in a battle at once--it seemed that the abyssals were capable of detecting larger fleets by some yet-unknown method, savaging it with constant ambushes. Perhaps of this, however, the abyssal fleets also never exceeded six ships in size.
"Moreover, the abyssals also integrate carriers into their striking forces, forming carrier task forces and using formations just like us. As such, Exercises between carrier forces is the best training for the real battle."
"That's really kind of unpleasant..."
Zuikaku voiced her feelings frankly. The Admiral's words on her first day, and those days studying the various abyssal types during indoor lessons had burned themselves into her mind.
"The same ship classes, the tactics, the same mode of warfare--it's as if...."
"As if they were vengeful spirits made in our image?"
Shoukaku's probing inquiry was met with a nod from the stiff-faced Zuikaku.
If the abyssals were theoretically a similar type of existence to the shipgirls, then they must be all the rage, regret, despair and negativity from 'That War,' incarnated in human form in this world...
"As the Admiral said, we have virtually no understanding of the shipgirls. For all we know, they may simply be a case of convergent evolution, completely inhuman organisms whose development has given them a coincidental resemblance to the weapons of man.
In other words, Shoukaku was saying that there was no point in dwelling on the unknown.
"Regardless, what is true is that we cannot communicate with them, and so we must fight. Each Abyssal is quite strong, and their numbers are virtually unlimited--only a fool would drop their guard around them."
Zuikaku felt herself stiffen.
A battle against an unending enemy. This was not like "That War"--there was no negotiation or arbitration, but a war whose end could only via complete annihilation of one side.
(Against an enemy such as this, there was no option but to train for endless war.)
The battle with Kaga from several days past floated into her mind. Perhaps it was Kaga's awareness of the cruelty of this war that she had fought so hard to point out Zuikaku's carelessness.
(If that's the case, then what was that thing with Hiyou about....?)
As Junyou had said, the two carriers of the Hiyou-class had accolades and achievements that compared with those of the Shoukaku-class.
Although they had been a second-line unit at Midway, they had been forced to fill the shoes of the four carriers in its aftermath, serving in various carrier battles.
According to Zuikaku's own memories and a few statements from Shoukaku, Hiyou had sunk in the Marianas, while Junyou had survived "That War."
(Given, the two of them were also part of the Post-Midway striking force just like me, so maybe they're in a similar position...)
Regardless of Hiyou's claims of "orders from the Admiral," it seemed that she had acted of her own volition, perceiving Zuikaku as a rival.
Hiyou's attitude was probably because of her past as a former luxury liner. But even so....
(I'm glad that she's willing to guide me, but that tacky senpai act.....)
"Zuikaku, there's our escorts."
From the direction SHoukaku indicated came the outlines of four shipgirls. They met in no time.
"We'll be in each other's care today, Sisters of the 5thCarDiv."
Heavy cruiser Tone regarded the two. Next to her was Chikuma of the same class as well as the destroyers Yukikaze and Makigumo.
"We've covered the 1stCarDiv and the 2ndCarDiv a few times, but this'll be our first time protecting the 5thCarDiv. But now that I'm here, you won't have to worry about finding the enemy y'know [2]!"
"Very well, we look forwards to your exploits."
Shoukaku smiled gently. Zuikaku, too, felt a little reassured.
Tone and Chikuma had been the most advanced Heavy Cruiser of "That War." Mounting multiple scout planes on their backs, they had distinguished themselves on multiple battlefields as the fleet's eyes. For the purposes of carrier task force battles, they were the perfect match for the 5thCarDiv.
"Carrier Battles are all about getting the first strike and restraining the enemy carrier's movements. As such, I'll make sure to look extra careful. The attacking's going to be up to you, though, y'know."
"Alright. Chikuma, Yukikaze, Makigumo, we'll be in your care as well."
"Of course. I ask that you all take care of my elder sister and I."
"U-understood! Yukikaze will give it her best!"
"Me too, uh, I'll do my best!"
The three shipgirls each responded differently in turn. A thought suddenly intruded into Zuikaku's mind.
(During the battle with Kaga-senpai, Yukikaze had been with Akagi-senpai....was she watching?)
"It's asking a little much of everyone when we've just met, but the Fleet Exercise is about to begin."
Shoukaku spoke with a hint of worry.
"I don't know the enemy's makeup--but since their goal is to train us, it's most likely a carrier task force...we can't let our guard down!"
"Understood!"
"I, Shoukaku, will serve as the flagship. Please act by my orders--if we are to win over the overwhelming numbers of the abyssals, we will need to trust each other and fight as one. Don't act on your own! Tone and Chikuma, please launch your recon seaplanes and search for the enemy!"
"Understood! Let's go, Chikuma!"
"Yes, Tone nee-san!"
Tone and Chikuma pointed the catapults on their right arms towards the heavens, launching their seaplanes into the sky in series.
"Yukikaze, Makigumo, you guys will be vanguard, with Tone and Chikuma taking the flanks. Form up in wheel formation and keep your eyes out for the enemy. Zuikaku, stay by my side. The carriers are the core of the fleet--regardless of your vigor or enthusiasm, avoid waiting in the front."
"Understood!"
Zuikaku watched by Shoukaku's side. The other shipgirls followed Shoukaku's orders, forming up quickly into the wheel formation a doughnut of escorts surrounding the center ships in an anti-air formation as they advanced.
(As expected of Shoukaku-nee....!)
Zuikaku watched Shoukaku as she shot out her orders. That practice confidence was exceptional, as was the way the other shipgirls obeyed wordlessly and perfectly with complete trust.
"....! Enemy detected, shoukaku! 20 degrees to starboard, distance 500, coming from behind that island! Two carriers, four other ships!"
"Shoukaku-san, attack force, coming from the starboard side! Over a hundred of them!"
All this came from the scout planes.
"An ambush from behind the island? Not a bad plan--all ships, adjust course twenty degrees to starboard! Zuikaku, let's get in there!"
"Yes, Shoukaku-nee! 1st Wave, away!"
Shoukaku and Zuikaku loosed their arrows into the sky. The arrows instantly burst into carrier planes, multiple for each arrow as they began to form up. It was fortunate that they had detected the enemy before they had struck--with this forewarning, there would probably enough time to form up and charge the enemy fleet. Zuikaku and Shoukaku's planes were all Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bombers--all early war fighters.
"Fleet Exercise opponent--Enemy detected!"
From the front, vanguard Makigumo shouted her warning. Zuikaku and Shoukaku looked at the direction in which she pointed--
"Hiyou, Junyou?"
WIthin the enemy fleet were the two light carriers responsible for the morning's ruckus, Junyou and Hiyou. With them were the heavy cruisers Kinugasa and Aoba, as well as the destroyers Akebono and Oboro.
That aside, the enemy was not advancing in wheel formation, but in line ahead--a straight battleline, suited for shelling. And, at the front of their formation, were Hiyou and Junyou.
"Carriers leading the charge?! Are you craz--"
"As promised, I have come to teach you!"
Hiyou's bellow drowned out Zuikaku's incredulous shout. She and Junyou surged forwards, sea foam blasting in their wake.
"The essentials of carrier warfare are repeated attacks! To charge into the heart of the enemy and bring the fight to them! This is how New 2ndCarDiv commander Kakuda won his victories in the South Pacific!"
The battle of the South Pacific had been a portion of the Battle of Guadalcanal--in the latter half of the decisive battle, the New 2ndCarDiv and Junyou, serving under Admiral Kakuda, had struck in place of the damaged New 1stCarDiv, closing in on the enemy carriers and devastating the paralyzed enemy with seven waves of attacks.
Admiral Kakuda had been an excellent commander who had the love and trust of his subordinates--Zuikaku could understand why Hiyou, flagship of the 2ndCarDiv, would worship him so.
"But if I remember correctly, at that time you--"
"Ahyahyahya~ Hiyou warn't there, not in the Battle of the South Pacific!"
Junyou chuckled, as if trying to complete Zuikaku's sentence.
Indeed, Hiyou had been forced to hand over the flagship position to Junyou, unable to take part in the battle due to a malfunction in her turbine.
"S-shut up! I was flagship of the 2ndCarDiv longer than you were, so I have more right to talk about this!"
"Maybe, you light carrier's speed, armor and capacity are all inferior to us....you're getting too carried away!"
"It's because we're light carriers that we have to get into the thick of things! Remodeled aircraft carriers aren't anything to scoff at, as I'm sure you know! A bit less armor doesn't make a difference!"
"But....!"
Well then, what will you do if you face an abyssal stronger than you?!"
".....!"
"Well then, let me avenge midwa--rather, let me show you my strength! Attack team, let's get in there!"
"Eh, guess Hiyou's got a point too! Let's go!"
After the initial clash between the Eagles and the Cranes' carrier teams, planes from both sides began to escape the fray. Below them, the other four surface vessels also began to open fire.
"What are we going to do, Shoukaku! We're getting into a brawl, and we're not quite ready for shelling battle yet!"
Shoukaku gaped for a few seconds before setting out new orders.
"All ships maintain formation and engage! Even if this becomes a slugfest, we have a chance to turn this around as long as Zuikaku and I are around! Is that alright?"
Keeping the carriers in the back and deploying the escorts as a shield--it was a cruel decision in a certain sense. Under concentrated fire, the escorts would likely take heavy damage. And yet, Tone and Chikuma both acknowledged the order with a nod.
"This is our 5thCarDiv's Shoukaku! I'll show you my shelling prowess! Right, Chikuma?"
"That's right! It's just like Samar again!"
"Focus on bringing down the enemy planes! All ships, clear the skies!"
The four shipgirls dodged, weaved and fired, evading enemy shells as they aimed their AA guns at the skies. Zuikaku, too, joined the fray as the enemy planes closed in...
The Naval District's largest dining hall, the Toyokawa, faced the shoreline in one direction.
For the shipgirls of the naval district, this was their main cafeteria. A few chose the Naval District's sweets shop or bar instead, but the portions there were too small for developing shipgirls.
The dining hall today was a packed house as well. Shipgirls in free time sat at their favorite seats to eat, chat or simply watch what appeared to be anime on the TV.
"Owowow....that Hiyou..."
Zuikaku lowered her tray of food onto the table, wincing from the dozen aches and pains that wracked her whole body.
Today was Thursday and thus curry day, and the spicy aroma of the Naval District's special curry wafted through the cafeteria. Quite a few shipgirls were returning to the kitchen for seconds--mainly destroyers, but also a few standard carriers.
"Even if they're practice rounds, those blast shockwaves are nothing to laugh at. Geez."
"Are you alright, Zuikaku?"
Zuikaku grimaced in response to Shoukaku's concerned inquiry.
"Yeah, I can deal with just this. What about Shoukaku-nee?"
"I'm fine. I've been through that level of evasive exercise more than enough in real battle."
"Wow, as expected of Shoukaku-nee! Speaking of which, how about Hiyou's attack style? It was literally just straight up once, twice, thrice..."
They scene from the day's exercises hovered in front of Zuikaku.
In the end, the exercise with Hiyou, Junyou and the New 2ndCarDiv ended with a brawl and then a draw.
While the New 2ndCarDiv had gotten as up close and personal as promised, they failed to penetrate Shoukaku and company's blanket of AA fire. Both side's carrier complement had been exhausted, while the surface combat failed to produce a definite victor; both sides retired, nursing numerous wounds.
The affair, however, was not over. Saying "just a single contest isn't training," Hiyou had proposed the continuation of the Exercises. After some negotiation, Shoukaku and the other shipgirls had acquiesced under the pretext of "training Zuikaku."
And so, Zuikaku found herself in her current state.
Veterans Hiyou and Junyou had quickly identified Zuikaku as the easier opponent and focused their attacks on her. Zuikaku in response had evaded furiously, ending the battle without a single direct hit, combat ability intact. Unfortunately, the shockwaves of countless near misses had taken their toll on Zuikaku, leaving Zuikaku covered in bruises and the battle inconclusive.
"For light carriers and their paper armor to opt for danger-close, all-in attacks...didn't they end up covered in wounds?"
"I can hear you, Zuikaku."
Zuikaku jumped in response to the voice behind her, turning to see Hiyou and Junyou walking up, each carrying their own trays.
Feeling a chill run down her back, Zuikaku remained silent. Hiyou, however, didn't appear to push the issue. She chose a seat near Zuikaku instead, wincing like Zuikaku as she sat down.
"Ouch...! Still, this is normal for light carriers. We must endure...."
"No need to push yourself so hard..."
"I don't like being hit either. But it can't be helped."
As if to suppress the pain, Hiyou took a deep breath before speaking in a prideful voice.
"Well then, what do you think of our fighting style?"
"'how' as in...."
"Given, constraining the enemy carrier's movement is theoretically the nominal goal in carrier combat. But that's all it is, a 'what should be' when the reality's nowhere as simple; a hail mary line drive straight for the goal brings the greatest chance of success."
Hiyou's logic did make some sense to Zuikaku. Indeed, Hiyou and Junyou had fought her to a standstill through their close engagement attacks.
"I'd say it'd a little to early to make doctrinal conclusions."
Shoukaku responded, unconvinced.
"We are a fighting an enemy both overwhelming and overpowering. Charging blindly at the Abyssals will bring victory only at great cost. In the long run we will be the ones driven into the corner by costly engagements."
"That is why we must be the Forlorn Hope--to secure those decisive victories."
"Your logic is becoming circular."
Hiyou glared at Shoukaku, who ate another spoonful of curry with an unconcerned expression.
"....whatever, it is not important. After all, we'll find out sooner or later who is correct on the battlefield....no need for haste."
Hiyou sighed. The corner of her mouth turned up as she turned to Zuikaku with a wink.
"By the way, Zuikaku, you really are quite something. To get away from such an overwhelming attack with only minor wounds....the goddess of fortune definitely stands beside you."
"M-me...?"
Surprised at becoming the topic of conversation, Zuikaku responded with a touch of confusion.
"I just did what I could...but speaking of which, you don't actually dislike me, Hiyou, right?"
"Of course I don't hate you. As your more seasoned senpai, however, I feel like I needed to tell you that. But to say I do not see you as a rival would be a lie."
"Ah, so that's how it is."
"Ahhhh~I wish they'd upgrade our carrier planes already. Stronger planes means harder strikes and more chances to make them count."
Zuikaku had learned from indoor classes that the 2nd generation Suisei, Tenzan, and Type 52 Zeroes were currently in development, with priority set on upgrading the 1st and 2ndCarDiv.
"In 'that war' Junyou and I never got a chance to use those new planes, all the way until the end...I guess it's just my dream."
Hiyou mumbled wistfully around the spoon in her mouth.
Zuikaku said nothing. Standard carriers like Zuikaku, Shoukaku and the still-absent Taihou had been fortunate enough to mount some of these second-generation machines.
"...I'm going to get seconds."
Hiyou picked up her empty tray and left, having seemingly cleared it out of nowhere. As she disappeared, the previously silent Junyou approached the two.
"Ara~sorry 'bout that, my sis keeps on bringing you problems."
Ever-cheerful Junyou scratched her head.
"I figured that Zuikaku'd be a little freaked out by this kind of first meeting, so I wanted to help clear some stuff up."
"You're saying that she has a reason....?"
"Everything Hiyou went through in 'That War,' her history and her feelings...I'm sure Zuikaku, who survived up until Cape Engano, would understand, right?"
Zuikaku blinked with instant understanding.
The aircraft carrier Hiyou had not been a fortunate carrier. Her unfortunate and premature exit from the Battle of the South Pacific set the tone for the rest of her career. Up until the battle of the Marianas, Hiyou had been unable to take part in the carrier war; when she finally joined the Battle of the Marianas, she lost most of her carrier complement in combat against enemy carriers before ultimately succumbing to air attack.
If Zuikaku had gone through a life like that--a chill traveled down Zuikaku's spine. Compared to herself, who had taken part in every carrier battle since Midway, Hiyou could well be her direct antithesis.
If she had been thrown into battle with such memories--
"Plus, Hiyou and I used to be civilian luxury liners."
Junyou raised a spoonful of curry.
"Denied a life as luxury liners and then denied the right to fight as a real carrier...Hiyou's feelings are...complicated."
(So that's why she said things like that...)
Hiyou's narrow doctrine probably reflected her obsession with truly performing her role as an aircraft carrier.
(That may be, but if she continues to fight like this, Shoukaku-nee's prediction will eventually come true.)
"That's why I'm hoping you guys can bear with her a little. Not gonna lie, I wanna have a real battle like the South Pacific again! That battle was great!"
Junyou puffed up her chest with pride. That victory in the South Pacific appeared to be Junyou's pride.
Suddenly Junyou stood up.
"Well, imma off to get another plateful too. Oy, Hiyou, let's race to see who can finish their second portion fastest! Drinks at Houshou's are on the loser~!"
With that, Junyou departed with a wave. In the distance Hiyou yelled "I don't want to! I'm not a child!" "Why's it matter," Junyou returned, "if you don't wanna bet on drinks at Houshou's, we can bet on dessert pudding~!"
"Hiyou and Junyou sure get along well."
Given their completely disparate personalities--hearing Zuikaku's remark, Shoukaku laughed gently.
"After all, they both are both carrier conversions of luxury liners..."
Shoukaku looked into the distance.
"Perhaps it's because of that they're bound together so tightly."
"So that's why Junyou's like that..."
Perhaps Junyou's carefree appearance was a way to cheer on Hiyou, Zuikaku thought.
The next day, the mood in the Naval District Office was tense.
"I will now begin the Mission Report,"
the Admiral announced to the shipgirls in the office, a sheaf of documents in hand.
Six shipgirls had been assembled--Secretary Ship Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Light Carrier Hiyou, Heavy Cruisers Myoukou and Haguro, and destroyer Hibiki--evidently a carrier task force.
Today would be Zuikaku's last trial--the front lines.
"In other words, deploying with this formation in mind...was why he sent Hiyou to find me?"
In retrospect, the situation made somewhat more sense. Although the Admiral was a pervert, he also paid attention to the mental and physical wellbeing of the shipgirls--that could be seen from the daily affairs of the Naval District.
(....also, Hibiki was watching with Yukikaze during that battle with Kaga-senpai....)
Hibiki stood listening to the Admiral next to Myoukou, expression empty as ice. It seemed she was the cold type.
(Does she get along with Yukikaze?)
"First we will explain the current situation. Shoukaku, if you would."
"Yes."
Standing next to the Admiral, Shoukaku stood next to a whiteboard covered in reports, both combat and noncombat.
"Since we have begun our counteroffensive against the abyssals, our Naval District's objective has been to capture the resource-rich sectors of the western seas, and we have launched several offensives to that effect."
Shoukaku directed attention with a pointer to a map centered around the current location.
On the routes between the Continent and the Naval District were pinned three red thumbtacks, each representing the expedition fleets. Each was currently on escort duty.
The Southwest Island Waters's Okinoshima, Curry Sea and Jam Island bore blue tacks representing the abyssals, along with the Northern Sector's Moray Sea.
"We have already suppressed the 'gate' to the Western Seas, the Southwestern Island Waters, with some initial success."
"Initially...?"
Zuikaku voiced her surprise. Shoukaku responded with a stern expression.
"Yes. Recently we have been forced to suspend our offensive. Our problem lies here."
Shoukaku pointed to Okinoshima at the edge of the Southwest Islands Waters.
"We have found that the waters around Okinoshima serve as a large-scale enemy Anchorage. If we assault the Western Seas without dealing with them first, we may find ourselves attacked by their garrison fleets."
Zuikaku nodded. The safety of the supply line was integral to the success of an offensive. If a strong enemy awaited on the flanks, the fleet ran the risk of having their supply line cut.
"As such, the Naval District has temporarily suspended the offensive in the Western Seas and has launched several major offensives against the enemy harbor at Okinoshima. We will be committing our main force this time around in the largest offensive to date."
From the indoor classes, Zuikaku had learned that the abyssals would construct harbors within various sectors, acting as staging points from which further invasions could be launched. As the harbors expanded with time, it was advantageous to quickly remove them.
"In order to ensure the success of this operation, we have decided to keep our main force at home and stockpile resources. The initial plan had been to launch an all-out attack, but recent battles have sapped our strategic reserve, reducing our main force's range."
(So supply levels can constrain fleet movements, even in this world....)
In "That War", her side lacked both the power and the resources to continue the battle.
"Moreover, we have yet another problem--several days ago, a large force of enemy supply raiders have surfaced in the eastern Orel Sea."
Shoukaku pointed to a corner of the Southwest Island Waters.
"Our side already controls the eastern part of the Orel Sea, but the enemy fleets have been threatening our supply routes from the west. Given the possibility that they may also move up to reinforce Okinoshima, it is imperative for the Naval District that they be destroyed with all due haste."
"And you are the force assembled to deal with that problem."
Picking up from Shoukaku's explanation, the admiral stepped forwards.
"We cannot send the Naval District's main force. However, to leave the enemy fleet in Orel would bring problems. As such, your duty is to wipe them out."
"In other words..."
Hiyou sounded less than thrilled. The Admiral nodded apologetically.
"Apologies. We cannot dispatch the main force, so we had to send someone else--essentially, we are relegating you all to the role of second-line troops. Even so...are you willing to sortie?"
The Admiral gazed straight at Zuikaku and Hiyou.
(To think that the last test before enlistment would be a real battle....)
A prick of unease. Would she be able to do a carrier's job in this unknown battlefield--
(Even so, to decline now would be an insult to the Shoukaku class...! Shoukaku-nee's going anyways, so....!)
Zuikaku and Hiyou's eyes met, and they both nodded before Zuikaku spoke:
"Please allow us to deploy. Since the enemy consists simply of commerce raiders, even we should have good odds."
"Is that so."
The Admiral spoke, as if a burden had been released from his shoulders. Zuikaku quickly followed up.
"Does the enemy have carriers?"
"They do. They may be commerce raiders, but we believe that they are simply a picket force, and that a main force waits behind them. Once you dispatch the vanguard, you will likely encounter the enemy main force."
From indoor classes, Zuikaku knew that abyssal harbors were generally protected by a dense web of advance forces and pickets that constantly patrolled.
When approaching the main force, shipgirls either worked to avoid these forces via early detection or destroyed them altogether. As such, attack routes often remained fluid up until the moment of contact. Sometimes the fleet would be forced to retreat without meeting the main force at all.
"The small details of the operation will be explained by Shoukaku. Apart from when to retreat, I intend to leave all decision on the ground to your judgement."
Each shipgirl's eyes were now on the Admiral.
"I wish you all the best of luck."
Briefing over, Zuikaku left alone, plodding down the corridor. From behind her, came suddenly a voice.
"Zuikaku! Don't go yet!"
"Junyou...?"
She turned around to see Junyou catching up with quick steps.
"What's up? Hiyou went the other way...."
"I have something to ask of you."
Zuikaku blinked in surprise. Zuikaku nodded, speaking with a previously unseen solemnity.
"That briefing was about the next sortie, right? And Hiyou will be deploying with you..."
"Mm. But if you want the details, you could just as Hiyou..."
"Could I ask you to watch over hiyou?"
There was only sincerity in Junyou's eyes.
"Being serious is that girl's specialty--but when it becomes a carrier battle, she begins to tunnel vision on her own battle. Although I, too, think it's strange to ask a favor of a greenhorn like yourself, there are some things about carriers only another carrier could understand. As flagship, Shoukaku is busy as well. I won't force you or ask you to go beyond your means...but do what you can, alright?"
Zuikaku remembered what Junyou had said the day before.
("To be honest, I, too, do not approve of Hiyou's gung-ho tactics. I'm a rookie too, so I have to consider her pride...")
As Junyou's gaze lingered for several seconds, Zuikaku chuckled and nodded.
"I got it. Though I'm not too confident, I'll do what I can."
Junyou's expression instantly brightened.
"As expected of Zuikaku! So reliable! I hope to see the 'Lucky Carrier's' true power someday, yo!"
"That 'true power' came from coincidences!"
"There you go again~no need to be modest!"
Junyou cheerily slapped Zuikaku in the back. While she certainly felt uncomfortable, Zuikaku found that she didn't hate this feeling.
In front of Zuikaku's gaze was the wide expanse of the Bashi Island Waters.
Zuikaku and the other members of the six-shipgirl fleet had entered abyssal's area of control, cruising through at high speed.
Until now, no enemies had been detected. However, it would be no surprise if the two heavy cruisers' reconnaissance seaplanes reported the enemy then and there.
It was a clear day, but the seas were a little more treacherous than they were around the Naval District--occasionally some of the shipgirls would be obscured altogether from view.
"SO quiet..."
The shipgirls were currently cruising in wheel/diamond formation to deter enemy ambushes. As they went, Zuikaku spoke quietly to Shoukaku.
"Are there really abyssal fleets here?"
"That's what previous records indicate. Plus, the scouts should be making their report soon."
Zuikaku nodded with unease. The gravity of real battle--and the life and death struggle that would ensue--weighed heavily on her mind.
(Even if the enemy consists merely of supply raiders, one mistake could lead to sinking...)
Sure, she had felt her life in danger during the battle with Kaga--but at that time Zuikaku had other things on her mind and had never quite felt terror. She felt it now, a constant undercurrent of fear.
The memory of her sinking at Engano remained fuzzy, she was unable to recollect the pain she must have felt then. And yet that uncertainty only served to strengthen the terror stirring in her heart.
(....! Damn it, I can't keep on going like this.)
Zuikaku shook her head.
(I'm a standard carrier. I've trained hard so that I could save this world, just like Shoukaku-nee and Kaga-senpai...)
"Zuikaku, are you alright?"
"Aaah!"
Shoukaku's sudden interjection caused Zuikaku to let out a shriek--mortified, she looked at Shoukaku and the others as they laughed.
"Fufu, you're a little too uptight, Zuikaku. It can't be helped--it's your first time, after all--but loosen up."
Shoukaku softened her smile, speaking gently.
"Don't worry. You've already accumulated more than enough experience in training. During that first battle with Kaga-senpai, didn't you escape sinking then too? Even if the enemy is a carrier task force, you'll be able to deal with it. I promise."
"Shoukaku-nee..."
Even in these circumstances, Shoukaku continued to cheer on her sister as always. In response to this kindness, Zuikaku could not stop her eyes from watering.
"Plus Zuikaku is my lovely sister, you know? I'll keep you safe. So don't worry and fight.
"mmm, yes....! I'll do my best!"
"Hold on, Shoukaku, are you just talking about your sister? Are the rest of us just cannon fodder here?"
Hiyou interrupted from behind.
"Nonsense. Since the Admiral has been kind enough to entrust me with the role of flagship, would I betray everyone's trust like that?"
With eyes full of confidence, Shoukaku met the question with a bold smile.
"Don't worry, I definitely won't let anyone sink. Not on my watch."
She spoke softly, gazing into the distance, as if it were a mere matter of fate. Next to her, Zuikaku felt both reassured and moved.
(Shoukaku-nee is reliable, as expected.)
Seeing Shoukaku standing with silver hair flowing, Zuikaku felt herself calm. And then--
"....! Shoukaku-san! Seaplanes reporting!"
Heavy Cruiser Haguro called out her report with a tense fear.
"Enemy fleet, straight ahead! One Torpedo Cruiser, Three Light Cruisers, Two Destroyers! It's most likely the enemy picket force!"
(A picket force--no carriers? We can hit them hard from the air then!)
Zuikaku's combativeness quickly surged. If the enemy had no carriers, she would have the initiative.
"Understood. Shoukaku to all ships, we're going to take out that fleet and open up the way towards the enemy's main force."
Shoukaku promptly handed out orders to the rest of hte unit.
"All carriers, launch the first wave. All other ships prepare for surface engagement! Move in as soon as the first wave has completed its attack run!"
"Understood!"
Zuikaku and Shokaku both let fly their arrows into the skies. Hiyou unfurled her scroll with a sweep of her left hand, revealing her carrier deck. With her right, she drew out a bundle of paper carrier planes, forming them into Shikigami and launching them from her deck.
"Go--!"
As she waited for her carrier planes to form up above her, Zuikaku felt her terror subside. It was just like that battle with Kaga--once the battle started, there was no time for fear--
Having consolidated into their formations, the carrier planes flew towards the enemy fleet.
Several moments later, Haguro's shout indicated the beginning of the battle.
"I have visual of the enemy fleet on the horizon! Enemy is coming around to engage us!"
"All carriers, begin your first wave attacks! Surface fleet, commence shelling!"
"Understood!"
Looking to the enemy silhouettes on the distant horizon, Zuikaku focused on the targets.
When a carrier shipgirl knew the enemy's position, heading and formation, air attack accuracy increased dramatically. Shipgirls generally only launched a relatively inaccurate long-distance attack in the opening phase, in order to gain the initiative.
(What's the situation....?)
The carrier planes began to fade out of Zuikaku's vision. Not long after, the enemy fleet was wracked with explosions and pillars of water.
(Great...! This way the rest of the battle will be a walk!)
Zuikaku wanted to cheer. If this continued all campaign, victory was virtually assured.
"Enemy fleet is either badly damaged or sinking! They've stopped moving!"
Haguro spoke with relief. The abyssals on the horizon waited immobile, black smoke gushing from their wounds as if to confirm the report. Shoukaku immediately set down the next order.
"Initiate surface combat! All carriers, prepare your second wave! Let's finish the enemy in one go!"
"Understood!"
It did not take long for Zuikaku and company to mop up the remnants of the first fleet encountered.
These abyssals appeared to have been a cruiser fleet--Myoukou, Haguro and Hibiki's gunfire quickly sank the survivors before Zuikaku and company needed to launch a second wave. No damage had been sustained in the encounter--a true total victory.
The six shipgirls pressed on through the rough seas. The enemy main force and its carriers were closing in, and so they put up a CAP of a few dozen fighters as protection.
And yet, Zuikaku's spirits had never been higher.
(My first battle...I survived...and won!"
She unconsciously balled her hands into fists. This victory proved that she could fight as a shipgirl against the abyssals.
(Plus, Shoukaku-nee's at my side....)
The post-battle report showed that Shoukaku had done the most damage to the Abyssals, her first wave having sunk two light carriers and crippled a destroyer. Hiyou and Zuikaku had been responsible for the remaining three ships.
As flagship, Shoukaku had both shown herself as an experienced commander and as a force to be reckoned with--Zuikaku had trouble restraining her praise.
(As long as SHoukaku-nee is here, our enemies count for nothing...!)
Though the enemy main force was a carrier task force, they had three carriers with them. That was no reason to let down their guard, of course, but as long as they fought hard, victory should be well within their grasp.
Zuikaku looked once more to the horizon.
All that could be seen was the wide expanse of the open sea. A few clouds dotted the sky, but otherwise all was clear.
"By the way--that was an impressive showing, Zuikaku, Shoukaku."
Hiyou spoke up from the back.
"Deciding the battle within the opening attack...the Shoukaku-class lives up to its name."
"Didn't Hiyou also work very hard?"
Shoukaku turned in response.
"The Hiyou class may be light carriers, but their carrier capacity is close to that of the Hiryuu class [3]. Admiral Ozawa, our commanding officer in the Marianas, often said that 'the most important thing about planes are numbers[4]; I believe you and Junyou are proof of that."
"No need for the praise. Once we run into stronger abyssals, after all, you standard carriers are far more likely to be in the thick of it than we light carriers."
Hiyou spoke with a hint of wistfulness. Perhaps witnessing Shoukaku's crushing attack power had made her aware of her own limits.
"Hiyou, I feel that you underestimate yourself far too often."
Zuikaku cut in from the side as Junyou's words flashed in her mind.
"If you look at the hard stats, that might be the case, but what about everything else, like fuel consumption? I heard that in 'That War', you and Junyou served diligently and efficiently as supply and plane transports due to your fuel efficiency."
"I understand that, and I am quite proud of it. However, this is not a world where you and I can avoid confronting the abyssals directly. When the time comes we must always do our best in the battle."
"That's why, this way of thinking..."
"This is my way of life. Nobody can change that....not even Junyou."
The curt resolve in Hiyou's voice was far too firm for Zuikaku and Shoukaku to challenge with further words.
"...but...thank you."
Several seconds later, Hiyou said with some difficulty.
"These words are far kinder than jabs about my low speed or thin armor. It gives me some comfort....and I am grateful."
Her words seemed to have warmed up all within the six-ship fleet.
Of course, it was at this time that a sharp noise pierced Zuikaku's ear.
Shortly after came a chorus of low howls.
(That sound...it can't be!)
"All ships, evasive action! That sound is--!"
Shoukaku shouted, her face drawn"
"That's the sound of a battleship's...!"
A second later, explosions and pillars of water surrounded the six shipgirls.
In one of the Naval District's many auxiliary buildings was a kyudo/archery range [5]. While the range was not particularly large, its target area, shooting area and shooting field were all well furnished and maintained.
The main users of this archery range were the standard carriers.
Of course, the Standard Carriers simply need to shoot into the sky for their arrows to transmute into autonomous carrier planes, and in that respect anything more than a basic grasp of archery was unnecessary. Even so, guiding the carrier planes required mental focus, and kyudo was one of the best ways to develop that focus.
Today, Akagi and Kaga were up early to practice, dressed in normal uniform.
To focus their minds, both of them maintained total silence. There were virtually no misses. On the field, several fairies helped to scurry away with the loosed arrows and replace the targets.
At this moment, Kaga fired yet again--and missed completely.
"....."
Kaga silently nocked a second arrow, her expression a little incredulous--yet her result was the same once again, her second arrow going even further off the mark.
"Why..."
Next to her, Akagi lightly giggled.
"You must have some kind of unease in your heart."
"Unease?"
"Are you worried about Zuikaku?"
Kaga's eyes widened, as if she herself had not noticed. Unfazed, Akagi continued:
"That child who's caught your eye has gone to battle for the first time. Will she complete her mission? Even if you're fairly confident, the reality is often not that simple...that's what's written on your face."
"I don't see how that's possible."
"Regardless, it is the truth, no?"
In response to Akagi's inquiries, Kaga looked looked away, her face slightly red--it seemed Akagi was right.
"The 1stCarDiv has the 1stCarDiv's way of fighting, the 5thCarDiv has the 5thCarDiv's way of fighting...wasn't the one who taught them that you, Kaga? Those children will definitely come back safely."
Akagi gazed straight into Kaga's eyes. Sighing as if to admit defeat, Kaga raised her bow once more.
"Yes. However, it is also because of that..."
Kaga sighted the target.
"That we cannot fail. If we fail..."
Draw, loose--this time the arrow stabbed straight into the center of the target, the thud resounding through the range.
Akagi hastily suppressed the bitter smile that had almost reached her face. To be able to allay her own worries and strengthen her resolve with a single phrase--that was just like Kaga.
Akagi was one of the oldest shipgirls in the naval district. She had taken up her duties when the Naval District was first formed, and from then on had fought vigorously on the front lines as one of the main force. There was a time when Akagi sortied so often that the naval district's food and supply reserve had been whittled down to nothing--these days, those affairs were simply pleasant memories.
Because of this, many shipgirls worshiped her as "the reliable carrier onee-san," and because of that Akagi frequently cared for the other shipgirl's mental and physical health.
And for Akagi, Kaga, as her closest friend, was the one she cared for the most.
(Kaga may not honest, but she is truthful...)
As she wiped her sweat off with a towel, Akagi suppressed another sad smile. As she walked towards the hallway for some water, Kaga continued to draw and shoot without a second glance.
(But, as Kaga said...)
As she stepped into the hallway, a shipgirl approached Akagi.
"Yukikaze?"
"Thanks for your work, Akagi onee-san!"
Yukikaze's greeting was full of energy. From the way she had shown up, it appeared that she had been waiting for Akagi to leave the archery range. Akagi stopped, realizing why Yukikaze had been waiting for her.
"It's related to that, right? Could you tell me?"
"Yes. Although you could probably hear it from Hibiki nee-san once she gets back..."
Having voiced her hesitation, Yukikaze took a deep breath and whispered:
"As predicted by the commander, Zuikaku onee-san--"
The chaos following the preemptive strike was limited in scope.
As the enemy had targeted the carriers, the other three shipgirls were unharmed. They immediately retaliated, turning to engage the enemy abyssals--the long-awaited main fleet. Hard on the heels of the battleship shelling, the enemy's first attack flight had followed clashing with Shoukaku's hastily-launched first wave before disengaging.
And yet, on the water's surface--
"Get a hold together! Hiyou!"
Panicked, Zuikaku turned to where Hiyou lay on the water, knocked over by repeated hits.
"Hiyou, the Abyssals are here! You can't just lay there!"
"Ugh, oh...."
Hiyou groaned in pain. The Hiyou-class' trademark onmyouji uniform had been charred black, and only about half of the flight deck scroll had survived the flames.
The wounds on her body, too, were quite severe; even movement was difficult.
The enemy battleship's shells and their carrier's planes had both targeted Hiyou in succession. Whether out of fortune or misfortune, the nearby Zuikaku had unscathed, while the lightly wounded Shoukaku fought on as if unaffected.
"Hiyou!"
Zuikaku shouted again. The frantic terror in her heart was tinged by a powerful regret.
(What was I thinking...?!)
There's no way we could lose against an enemy carrier task force with three carriers--that was what she had thought.
And yet in reality it was they who had been caught with their pants down, allowing Hiyou to be heavily damaged. Shoukaku's CAP, which had been forced to fight off the enemy's first wave unassisted, had also taken heavy losses.
Moreover, in this period of time Zuikaku herself had done nothing, gaping at Hiyou's wounds instead of acting to mitigate the enemy air attack as Shoukaku had.
"EUrgh...Zui...kaku...?"
"Hiyou!"
Hiyou forced her eyes open as she spoke with a tiny voice.
Having driven off the enemy planes, Shoukaku rushed to Hiyou's side. Evaluating Hiyou's wounds with a sweep of her eyes, Shoukaku gave her diagnosis calmly.
"...don't worry, this level of damage won't sink you. As long as we safely return to the Naval District, we can fix this much...."
"Shoukaku-nee, now isn't the time for this--"
"It'll be up to us to realize our objective from here no out, Zuikaku."
Though Shoukaku's smile was as gentle as always, there was a steely tone in her response.
Zuikaku blinked, as if dunked with cold water. While she was busy panicking, Shoukaku had chosen to face the current situation and act to mitigate the situation. Zuikaku felt as if she could die from shame.
Perhaps discerning what her sister was feeling, Shoukaku lightly stroked one of Zuikaku's twintails.
"Don't worry. It's not your fault that we are in this situation."
"Shoukaku-nee..."
Most likely, the enemy fleet hid underneath that cloud to evade our scouts, just like what happened quite a few times in 'That War.' Combined with the fact that the abyssals are somewhat smaller than warships, it's not your fault."
"But...!"
"You do lose a few points for not sending out your planes posthaste...but to be panicked by an attack out of nowhere is natural. Don't worry about it."
Zuikaku bit her lower lip. Although she understood that Shoukaku's words were correct, she could not honestly accept it.
Shoukaku regarded Myoukou and company, engaged in the surface action. Though the exact situation was unclear, the enemy had battleships and carriers--a disadvantageous situation without a doubt.
(What should we do...?)
From the recent battleship shelling and the carrier attack, the enemy's fleet probably consisted of one battleship, two carriers and three escorts. Not a losing hand, as long as they played their cards right.
And yet, the enemy's preemptive attack has crippled Hiyou, while the ensuing action had whittled down Shoukaku's complement. The only carrier at full strength was Zuikaku.
(But if I join the battle with Shoukaku-nee, we'd have to leave behind Hiyou...! And if we fail, we'll be wiped out...)
Shoukaku also remained silent. Perhaps she was also wracking her mind for a tactic to escape this situation.
"....Don't worry about me..."
"Hiyou...?"
Hiyou spoke with a hoarse voice.
"Don't talk too much, Hiyou," Zuikaku shouted, "and there's no way we're leaving you in this situation...!"
"I have to talk because this is the situation...if we divide our force to protect me, our chances are even worse...."
Though she was nearly bent over with pain, Hiyou continued to speak.
"In order to regain the initiative, you have to go all in and rush the enemy like Junyou and I did in the fleet exercises. If it's you guys with your speed, there's no way you'll fail..."
"What are you..."
Zuikaku took a deep breath. Moving danger close to engage as Hiyou proposed would increase the risk of damage. If it succeeded, however, it would likely turn the situation on its head.
But if Shoukaku and Zuikaku failed, the fleet would lose the entirety of their carrier force. Additionally, only one person still had the planes to execute this counter attack--herself.
(How can I pull all that of...?!)
"...I understand."
Shoukaku nodded honestly as she spoke for the soundless Zuikaku.
"Shoukaku-nee?"
"It is as Hiyou said--this gamble is our only chance. And if we don't counterattack soon, Myoukou, Haguro and Hibiki will be in danger."
"But it's way too dangerous! Shoukaku-nee, you told me in the past that this tactic was illogical...!"
"If there were another option I would have taken it. We, whose only weapons are our carrier planes [6], should optimally spend the whole battle outside of the enemy's attack range--engagement from beyond the horizon.
"Well then...!"
"But if we are to reverse this situation, it's the only option."
"....!"
"Furthermore, Zuikaku."
Shoukaku smiled, gentle as always.
We do not fight simply to defeat the abyssals, but also to rescue our comrades. We all bear traumas from 'That War' that we must confront in battle--if we do not let these mental scars heal, they will fester and sap our will to fight.
Dumbstruck, Zuikaku was reminded of what Shoukaku had told her when she had first joined.
"Losing the means to fight is more than losing the means to rescue these innocents--it means losing the means to save ourselves. This war may well outlast 'That War;' if we allow our hearts to be strangled under the constraints of tactical theory we may well end up in a nonredeemable situation."
Zuikaku recalled the people who had cheered her and her comrades on during their jogs, the destroyer shipgirls who had broken into smiles as a result, and what Junyou had told her.
(Hiyou is our valuable friend and ally...we have to value her heart, her hopes and her determination...in order to save the world, and in order to save ourselves...)
Zuikaku felt herself calm. The fear remained, but it was encased in a hardening resolve.
(If it's to reach our goal, I...!)
Zuikaku gulped, as if to force her previous feelings down her throat. The bitter taste of coal clung to her throat--and yet, somehow, that taste seemed to help her think more clearly than ever.
"Hiyou, Shoukaku, I'm in."
Restraining the tremors in her clenched fist, Zuikaku stood up.
"I'll take those two carriers down on my own...just you guys watch me!"
◇◇◇As Shoukaku had expected, the surface engagement between Myoukou, Haguro, Hibiki and the enemy ships was taking a turn for the worse.
The enemy fleet let fly yet again with another volley at the three shipgirls, enveloping them in seaspray and waterspouts.
"Uwaahhh--!"
Struck by a direct hit, Myoukou was sent flying, steadying herself only with great difficulty.
"Are you alright, Onee-san?!"
Soaked with water from near-misses, Haguro nevertheless looked to her elder sister with concern.
"I'm fine! Continue shelling!"
Myoukou responded promptly--she could not allow Haguro to worry.
Myoukou and Haguro were the 1st and 4th ships of the Myoukou-class, rather standard cruisers of the Naval District. While Myoukou was the nurturing older-sister type, Haguro was very much a youngest sister, weak-hearted and prone to tears. As such, Myoukou constantly worried over Haguro. Haguro was always willing to do her best, but low morale could still impact the course of the battle."
"B-but, at this rate!"
"I know! Hibiki, keep it up as well!"
"Acknowledged."
Engaging three enemy destroyers at Myoukou and Haguro's side, Hibiki responded consisely. Though she continued to cleverly evade the attacks of the three enemy vessels, she had yet to inflict a decisive blow on any of them.
From the start of the battle, Myoukou, Haguro and Hibiki had repeatedly attacked the enemy fleet, only to be forced by enemy gunfire to change course. Though the enemy was only a single battleship, the two heavy cruisers were having trouble.
(Plus, behind that fucker...!"
Myoukou regarded the distant horizon, where two enemy carriers hovered.
?To complete the mission, both the battleship and the two carriers behind her would also need to be destroyed.
The carriers had done little for a while, busy organizing their carrier planes for the next attack. But sooner or later they would be done, and the attack flight would come.
(Our carrier strength has already been halved due to the shelling. At this rate, not only will we be able to respond, but...!)
And yet in spite of that, she still hoped for her allies to respond.
(If we can deal with the enemy carrier, we can clear the skies and have a chance to finish the carrier...)
"Myoukou! Please hold on a little more! Once the enemy carriers launch their second wave, we'll start our counterattack!"
Shoukaku's shout echoed. Doubting her own ears, Myoukou shouted back.
"Counterattack...? What are you going to do in this situation? Shouldn't you focus on air defense to protecti Hiyou?"
"Zuikaku will deal with the counterattack!"
With that, Myoukou understood.
At the same time, both enemy carriers launched their attack flight.
◇◇◇
Zuikaku and Shoukaku dashed straight for the enemy carriers. Moving at their maximum combat speed of over 34 knots, they threw up a cloud of seaspray in their wake.
"Zuikaku, listen to me! We'll only get one chance--as soon as the enemy carriers launch their second attack!"
Cruising shoulder to shoulder with Zuikaku, Shoukaku elaborated.
"The enemy's second wave will most likely prioritize me as the greatest threat--but as a result, the fighter cover above them will be severely reduced, giving us a good chance of getting a hit in. That will be our only chance to take down those two carriers. Understood?"
"Understood!"
Zuikaku eyed the two carriers on the horizon. A cloud of carrier planes surrounded them--they had completed their formation.
Behind her, Hiyou lay on her own, unprotected--they could not let a single enemy touch her.
"I'm dispatching my fighters to protect Hiyou, so we're not going to have any cover. We're going to need to dodge the enemy's air attacks. We can do it!"
"I know that!"
(Dodging the enemy air attacks on one hand and guiding the carrier planes towards the enemy carriers...)
Zuikaku went over her role in her head. This did not require saying, but it would not be an easy task.
(But if we don't do it, we'll lose this battle...in order to turn the tables, this is what we must do!)
"Enemy second wave inbound...Zuikaku!"
"Damn it---!"
Zuikaku's arm shot downwards. Instantly, her consolidated carrier planes buzzed towards the two enemy carriers.
As the two formations impacted, the enemy's bombers began to break through. Though a few fighters broke off to engage Zuikaku's attack flight, the intensity of their original charge and the ensuing clash meant that only a few managed to successfully come about in pursuit.
Roughly seventy enemy planes were now charging in Zuikaku's direction--roughly half of the second wave. Each plane had a passing resemblance to Zuikaku's own planes.
The enemy planes appeared to have figured defenseless Zuikaku would be easier to bully, and came from all directions.
(...Tch! But, compared to the battle with Kaga-senpai, this isn't much!"
"Naahhhh--!"
Eyeing the enemy carrier planes' movements, Zuikaku began to break into high-speed evasive maneuvers. As the enemy bombers closed in, she jinked left and right before backing away, reading the enemy's attack paths, moving erratically to prevent the enemy from finding a pattern in her evasive movements.
Carrier planes had to move in a straight path once they began their attack run--as such, it was possible to avoid their attack by a hairsbreadth by moving the moment they began their run.
To the enemy planes, Zuikaku's response appeared to have taken them by surprise.
Although every plane could close in on Zuikaku, she moved aside at the last second, leaving them to waste their torpedos and dive bombs in empty space. A few of the cleverer ones attempted to figure out Zuikaku's movements and lead with a bomb or torpedo--but thanks to Zuikaku's high-speed evasive action, they, too, could only return to their carriers empty-handed.
Zuikaku continued dodging as she assessed the situation. At the corner of her eye, she spotted Shoukaku dodging between pillars--her own situation, however, did not leave much time to worry about others.
(I have Hiyou, Shoukaku-nee and everyone's expectations on my back! How can I fail here...!)
Presently, the previously released attack teams were now above the enemy ships. Eyeing her target, Zuikaku shouted as loudly as possible.
"Carrier planes! Go!"
The bombers began their attack runs. As predicted, only a few fighters protected the carriers--the attack squadrons easily began launching their attacks.
(All that's left now is to hit!)
Zuikaku focused on the two enemy carriers, tracking the remaining enemy planes out of the corner of her eye.
A few seconds later, the two enemy carriers crumpled with explosions, collapsing into the water. Though it was not clear whether they had sunk, what was clear was that the enemy was not immobilized. Perhaps the goddess of fortune stood at her side after all.
"...! Got 'em!"
And yet just as Zuikaku raised a shout of jubilation, one last enemy plane, eyeing Zuikaku's movements, began its attack run, its path crossing with Zuikaku's.
Though she spotted the problem, ZUikaku's momentum prevented her from turning in time, not completely--this was going to be a direct hit.
"....aw, shit...!"
Just as all hope was lost, the enemy carrier exploded in a ball of flame. Seconds later, a Zero fighter flew by.
"A Zero Fighter...? Could it be Shoukaku-nee?!"
The girl turned--Shoukaku, only a moment dodging a furiously, stopped on the water to wave at Zuikaku. She appeared to have recalled the fighters waiting above Hiyou.
"Nicely done...Zuikaku..."
Shoukaku smiled softly as she spoke to Zuikaku. She seemed to have taken medium damage, but the enemy planes had already broken off.
"As expected of the sister that is my pride..."
Zuikaku could not respond--although she had faced the same amount of planes as Shoukaku, she had escaped without harm. She didn't know whether this was due to luck or her efforts.
Shoukaku closed her eyes, reassured, before looking once more at the enemy fleet.
"Alright, let's start the counteroffensive! Deal with that battleship troubling Myoukou and company. Pull back the carrier planes and launch your second wave!"
"U-understood!"
Now that air supremacy had been obtained, they now had the initiative--putting the newfound confidence bought by her victory in her heart, Zuikaku began to recall the attack teams.
The first thing Hiyou saw on waking up was Zuikaku watching her with a worried expression.
"This is..."
Hiyou strained her ears--all she heard were the lapping of waves. The sound of gunfire, the whistle of shells, the drone of the carrier planes, all of it had vanished. The sky was dyed red under the sunset. It would not be long before nighttime would fall on these waters.
"...Same waters as before. The battle's over, Shoukaku-nee and company are confirming the results."
Zuikaku looked at her as she responded. It seemed like she was currently resting her head on Zuikaku's legs.
Although she ached all over, she hadn't sank--
"What about..."
"We won, of course. Shoukaku-nee and I got the enemy's two carriers with a close range attack--afterwards it was just cleanup."
Zuikaku spoke with a reassuring voice.
"Hiyou, your tactic worked. On the other hand, Shoukaku-nee took medium damage, and I've lost enough planes such that continuing battle would no longer be a real option."
"Is that so..."
Hiyou mumbled in satisfaction. Although it wasn't the optimal result, she had been able to convey her feelings.
She suddenly broke into laughter--Shoukaku and Zuikaku were truly superior standard carriers. But for reasons she didn't herself know, she felt proud over this situation.
(Because they're my precious comrades...)
At the very least, Shoukaku and Zuikaku must have seen her that way to take on this high-risk tactic.
(Maybe I should trust my comrades a little more as well...)
As a light carrier, the only way to defeat stronger allies was close-range attack. This belief had not changed.
But apart from that, maybe she could try to play it out a little safer.
(Looks like I might have to listen to Junyou a little more.)
Hiyou smiled bitterly. Hiyou had always thought that Junyou's self-confidence came from never having been sunk--but perhaps Junyou acted that way so as not to worry her, burdened by the past as is.
(I ought to thank her when I get back...)
"Hiyou, you alright...?"
Zuikaku regarded Hiyou's face with worry.
Hiyou flushed with sudden embarrassment.
"N-nothing, of course! I am Izumo--rather, Hiyou! Once my wounds are healed, I will go out to battle as before!"
Zuikaku couldn't resist laughing in response to the girl's attempt at a dignified response.
"Ahaha! I thought you were going to say something, but there you go messing your name up again...Hiyou, you're really are quite the scatterbrain!"
"S-scatterbrain?! Isn't it a little rude to say that at this time?"
"No wonder Junyou worries, ahaha!"
"This has nothing to do with Junyou! Speaking of which, that way you said that...did Junyou tell you something?!"
"Eh? N-no, of course not~"
"Then why are you looking away and speaking with such a guilty tone? I won't let you get away with this next exercise, you know--!"
Hiyou wildly gesticulated in annoyance. Zuikaku, on the other hand (who had until now served as her pillow) continued laughing with joy.
The setting sun colored the Admiral's office a crimson. The blue-themed classical desk, the carpet, the western-style fireplace and the ship model above it, the "Desu!" hanging wall scroll--there were no exceptions.
"In other words..."
Watching the similarly red-painted streets outside the window, the Admiral asked,
"My...no, our predictions were correct, no?"
"Yes."
Akagi responded, her face emotionless.
"The exercise against Kaga on the second day; the exercises with Junyou and Hiyou's New 2ndCarDiv; the report on the Orel Sea battle submitted by destroyer Hibiki--in all these situations, she was only hit once, and only in the first battle. Even so, this..."
"Given Kaga's strength, it's surprising she was only hit that much."
"Indeed. In comparison, the one known during 'That War' as 'The Unlucky Ship..."
The Admiral raised a hand to stop Akagi. Without eye contact, he inquired:
"Then, it seems like that is this is the case. She--'Lucky Carrier' Zuikaku is has chosen to be like some of the other shipgirls."
The admiral's expression seemed dignified, and Akagi nodded with a similar expression.
"Perhaps she can use that luck to grasp the best possible future."
5 days after Zuikaku and Kaga's face-off, the gate of the Naval District was shrouded in the morning mist.
The outside air was chilly, as would be expected of the early winter. Embracing their winter baldness, the trees covered the ground underfoot with their cast-off crimson leaf toupees. The sun had not yet risen, and the last fingers of the previous night gamely struggled on.
"Uuuu~as cold as always....!"
No sooner had Zuikaku left the main gate had she found herself incapable of resisting a shiver, her breath forming a white cloud in front of her. Her combat uniform left much to be desired when it came to warming her legs.
"It's not that big a deal, but I could really do with Kaga-senpai's stockings right now..."
"We can't show weaknesses, Zuikaku."
Shoukaku, following behind her, seemed the same as always.
"Acclimatizing to the cold is a type of training as well....who knows, one day we may have to fight on battlefields even colder than this."
"Even colder? The Aleutians were bad enough..."
After Midway, Zuikaku and the Light Carriers Ryuujou and Zuihou had went together to the North to support the Aleutian Islands operation.
Hearing Zuikaku's complaints, Shoukaku laughed lightly before continuing.
"Plus, you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of those children, right?"
"Good morning! Shoukaku-nee, Zuikaku-nee!"
With a bit of effort, the main gate was pulled upon, and from inside came several little shipgirls.
Fubuki, Isonami, Miyuki--all Destroyer-type shipgirls of the Fubuki class. All three wore their combat uniforms in the winter wind, just like Shoukaku and Zuikaku. It seemed that they had free time today--expedition duty and breakfast duty had both been assigned to others.
The Fubuki-class was the first of the so-called "special-type" destroyers, carrying armament and having range unparalleled by other ships of their class and generation. There were many shipgirls of this class and its derivatives in the Naval District--it was almost as if they were the District's Mascots.
The one who had greeted the two was Fubuki. Well-suited to the role of name-ship, she served as the leader to the other shipgirls of her class.
"Seems like some great weather, huh? Let's train early and hard today as well!"
"Eh? Uh, yeah......"
Zuikaku forced a grin. In spite of their thin clothing, the destroyers were full of vigor, and Fubuki was no exception.
From the day after the face-off with Kaga, Zuikaku had taken up daily jogs as morning training like what Shoukaku had suggested.
Though Zuikaku was not quite sure whether there would be any effect, it had been her sister Shoukaku's suggestion, thus, she had taken up that suggestion without much thought.
For the destroyers, the morning jog appeared to be a morning routine, and so Zuikaku and Shoukaku regularly bumped into them.
Under Shoukaku's past five days of tutelage (a combination of indoor tutoring and outdoor training) Zuikaku's skills had improved dramatically, such that she could now do long-distance cruises. Today's schedule was a morning jog and breakfast, followed by standard training.
According to Shoukaku, the order for Zuikaku to join the front lines would come within a few days.
As per the agreement with the Admiral, this order originally constituted the final stretch of the two-week trial period in which Zuikaku decided whether she wanted to serve as a shipgirl. However, Zuikaku's training had long since outpaced the plans for the original trial period, and so the test had been moved up.
After some stretches, Fubuki spoke to Zuikaku and Shoukaku excitedly
"Well, we're off! Earnest training brings an empty stomach and a tastier breakfast!"
With that, Fubuki charged off without waiting for a response. Picking up their equipment, the other shipgirls followed
"They sure are lively for such cold weather...."
Zuikaku's dumbfounded whisper was met with another tinkling laugh from Shoukaku and a rather admiring response.
"Those children may not fight at the very front like we do, but they more than make up for it serving as escorts, transporting supplies, and rescuing civilians. In a certain sense, their battles are even rougher than ours..."
"Ah, so it's like that here to...."
Zuikaku nodded in understanding.
In "That War", the diminutive destroyers were known as the "rickshaw drivers".[1] And yet once the tides of war had changed for the worse, they became the main characters in a war of attrition, working with a diligence and vigor that rivaled the main force.
The shipgirls, too, had inherited this kind of soul--
"Well then let's go, Zuikaku."
"mm!"
They couldn't embarrass themselves in front of those children--feeling the weight of Shoukaku's words, Zuikaku also launched into a run.
The jogging route passed through the small port town that neighbored the Naval District. Under the morning sun, the shipgirls run along the town's protective seawall.
Various scenes and objects flew past--the town, dyed in the morning sun; the seagulls, dancing in the sky; the countless fishing boats squeaking, whistling and jostling as they went out to work; the tide, advancing and then retreating from the beaches. In Zuikaku's warship days, these scenes had existed as well.
"Now that I think about it, why does everyone wear their equipment?"
Zuikaku inquired, slightly out of breath. After all, if it was jogging, why not change into something more fitting?
Running alongside her, Fubuki responded with a serious face.
"Morning exercise is a type of combat training too! If we're dressed like we are on the battlefield we can get a little more hype! Also..."
"Also?"
Fubuki's smile looked a little awkward this time around.
"The Commander said that 'this is cuter! All you cute girls running shoulder to shoulder like that makes the perfect kodak moment'...."
(T-that man......!)
Zuikaku put a hand to her forehead. The "Commander" Fubuki mentioned, of course, was the Admiral. Quite a few shipgirls preferred to refer to him that way.
Zuikaku had already heard tales of the Admiral's sexual harassment exploits many times already.
Given the chance, the man would readily and brazenly peek under skirts, rub heads and touch equipment without a second thought.
Luckily, Zuikaku had not yet been a target of these things--perhaps a legacy of their first meeting.
"Ah, but it does have its perks. Look!"
Fubuki hurriedly pointed in front of her.
Countless shoppers, commuters and students walked on the road along the seawall. Almost all of them waved to the shipgirls, their eyes glowing with familiarity. Among them were elementary schoolers and preschoolers, raucously cheering the shipgirls on with shouts of "Shipgirl Onee-sans, good luck!", "Don't lose to the Abyssals" and the like.
The Destroyers, in turn, eagerly returned their waves. Laughing gently, Shoukaku followed in elegant fashion--as did Zuikaku, albeit with some hesitation.
Once the greetings hard largely ended, Fubuki spoke.
"We can't live the same way as the civilians. The Naval District hasn't had many visitors since opening day either, so being able to meet and talk to everyone like this is really precious."
"Sometimes they even give us snacks or drinks~!"
Catching up from behind, Miyuki joined into the conversation with a grin. At her side, an embarrassed Isonami spoke up:
"We normally go out without our equipment in order to avoid attracting attention, so we don't often get the chance to show everyone that we're shipgirls..."
With a satisfied expression, she continued.
"Plus, thanks to our convoys, supplies have been able to come in from the Continent. Now the convenience stores and supermarkets have stuff are packed again, and the smiles are back on everyone's faces.....seeing everyone happy makes me happy as well."
During indoor studies, Zuikaku had heard that the appearance of the abyssals had occurred a decade ago; the world before that had been largely at peace for some time, interrupted by a few disputes at best. It was in this time that the convenience store, supermarket, the cell phone and other aspects of modern culture had developed.
While this culture had been momentarily threatened by the abyssals, the arrival and battles of the shipgirls had returned some semblance of the prewar status quo to this nation, at least--
"I see...."
Zuikaku nodded, feeling that she now understood why the Admiral had wanted everyone to keep their equipment on.
(At least this way these kids can get praised.)
These efforts perhaps allowed the destroyers, used to fighting in thankless silence, to witness the results of their hard work .
This was especially true for the Fubuki-class and their predecessors, whose glories in combat were often stolen by the newer and more advanced Kagerou-class, among others.
(As expected of the admiral.....on the other hand, is it that hard for him just to praise them honestly?)
Zuikaku smiled wryly. Regardless of the real reason, the saying that "the Admiral is a hard guy to understand" remained as true as always.
"Eh, but beautiful girls like us could catch everyone's attention, even without our equipment...."
"Murakumo, that's a little...."
Hearing the Fubuki-class' only futuristic-looking shipgirl Murakumo's statement, Shirayuki smiled awkwardly. The other members of the Fubuki-class seemed to share their sentiment.
"....speaking of which, why were we all born with the appearance of girls?"
Murakumo's musings had aroused a question from Zuikaku, who spoke before she could restrain herself. Smiling lightly, Shoukaku responded,
"Those who live on the seas pray to a deity 'Spirit of the Ships' for safety, and apparently it takes the form of a girl. Perhaps that is why we appear with this appearance, or perhaps that is simply one of many reasons. Of course, this is all just speculation...."
"Eh, that might not be that bad a way of thinking about it."
Zuikaku muttered, satisfied. Shoukaku, however, closed her mouth with a complicated expression.
By the time they had finished their jog and returned to the naval district, the sun had already risen, dispelling the last vestiges of the morning mist.
"Whew....it really isn't that bad once you do it every morning..."
Burning all over, Zuikaku fanned herself with her hand. Shoukaku came over, carrying several towels.
Several tiny fairies surrounded them, seemingly having helped Shoukaku out.
Zuikaku had no clue where these fairies came from--all she knew was that quite a few of these inhabited the Naval District. They helped the shipgirls with daily chores and manned some of the equipment in battle.
"Here, Shoukaku, a towel. Shipgirls can apparently get sick too, so make sure you wipe yourself dry."
"Ah, thank you, Shoukaku-nee!"
"Same goes for everyone. And don't forget to finish your stretches."
"Yeah~!" The destroyers responded loudly as they took towels from Shoukaku's hand. Shoukaku smiled, a caring mother surrounded by her children.
Zuikaku secretly admired her sister's thoughtfulness as well.
(As expected, Shoukaku-nee is nothing like me...)
Speaking of which, she had heard that Shoukaku had come half a year ago to the Naval District.
While it was unclear when the shipgirl's part of the war had began, the respect shown by the destroyers to Shoukaku suggested that she was one of the first to heed the call.
(sure is impressive....)
Thinking this, Zuikaku walked to the main gate--
".....!"
A breath behind her--shocked, Zuikaku turned--to see several carrier planes charging at her. Zuikaku subconsciously turned aside--it might not be a crash, but better safe than sorry..
Hearing Shoukaku's "are you alright, Zuikaku!", Zuikaku scanned her surroundings.
"Who goes there? To just attack someone out of the blue like that....out with you!"
"Not bad. As expected of the carrier recognized by Kaga-senpai--but that's no reason to get overconfident!"
From the Naval District's rooftop rang a resounding voice, and Zuikaku immediately looked up.
In her vision loomed a shipgirl, standing on the rooftop with arms crossed. Several carrier planes lay on her head--but not a type Zuikaku had seen before. Rather than Zuikaku and Shoukaku's archery uniforms, hers resembled that of an Onmyoji. The hooked jewel on her breast was especially eyecatching.
Her flight deck, meanwhile, was not a shoulder guard such as Zuikaku's, but a roll-out scroll. Additionally, several vaguely plane-shaped pieces of paper lay on the scroll. Given the onmyoji getup, those carrier planes were probably shikigami.
"You are....?"
"From here on out, I, Izum--rather, I, Hiyou, will instruct you in the place of the Senpai of the 1stCarDiv. Prepare yourself! I'm quite good!"
"'Hiyou' was that light carrier, right....? And anyway, don't fuck up your own name if you're going to make an entrance like that!"
Zuikaku could not help a snarky retort. From behind Hiyou, another carrier shipgirl interjected with a wry laugh.
"I try to remind you every time, but you keep on forgetting. 's it because you're still that lil' Ojou-sama from back then?"
"S-shut up, Junyou! Anyway, the Admiral has instructed me to teach you.....so you'd better prepare yourself!"
"Ahh, what she's trying to say is that 'even though I haven't been at the Naval District long either, I, too, was also a part of the main force after Midway, so let's get along', or something like that~"
"Really now, Junyou! I pull off this stylish introduction and then you go and mess it up!"
Unimpressed, Junyou chuckled mockingly as Hiyou retorted. As for Shoukaku and Zuikaku, they could only watch wordlessly, reduced to spectators in this heated exchange.
"Today we're going to wrap up training with a Fleet Exercise."
Shoukaku traversed the surface of the waters around the Naval District as she explained to Zuikaku.
Having finished their afternoon indoor lessons and lunch, the two headed towards the Practice Waters.
Under a barren and cloudless sky, the seas murmured with a tranquility that was a little unusual for the winter. In the distance one could see the shoreline surrounding the Naval District and the woody mountains that lay behind it.
"These so-called fleet exercises are basically just a battle between shipgirls, right? Like my battle with Kaga-senpai earlier?"
"That's right. However, this battle will be a battle between fleets. After all, we carriers can only reach our true potential with other ships."
Zuikaku nodded in understanding.
Aircraft carriers formed an impressive attack force, capable of using their planes to strike far beyond the reach of Battleships and Heavy Cruisers. Defensively, however, carrier armor could not even match that of the Heavy Cruisers--a single hit could well spell disaster.
Shoukaku, Zuikaku and the other carriers had inherited these strengths and weaknesses. As such, working with the fleet escorts was a matter of life and death for a carrier.
"Firstly, gun fire is absolutely indispensable when it comes to defending against air attacks. Secondly, battles with the abyssals usually lead to us closing to shelling distance by the time we launch our second wave. As a result, we often find ourselves under fire in the thick of battle."
"That's why it's important to work with the other shipgirls..."
"Mmm. The maximum size of a fleet here is six ships. You could say that teamwork has become even more important than it was in 'That War.'"
Only six shipgirls could engage in a battle at once--it seemed that the abyssals were capable of detecting larger fleets by some yet-unknown method, savaging it with constant ambushes. Perhaps of this, however, the abyssal fleets also never exceeded six ships in size.
"Moreover, the abyssals also integrate carriers into their striking forces, forming carrier task forces and using formations just like us. As such, Exercises between carrier forces is the best training for the real battle."
"That's really kind of unpleasant..."
Zuikaku voiced her feelings frankly. The Admiral's words on her first day, and those days studying the various abyssal types during indoor lessons had burned themselves into her mind.
"The same ship classes, the tactics, the same mode of warfare--it's as if...."
"As if they were vengeful spirits made in our image?"
Shoukaku's probing inquiry was met with a nod from the stiff-faced Zuikaku.
If the abyssals were theoretically a similar type of existence to the shipgirls, then they must be all the rage, regret, despair and negativity from 'That War,' incarnated in human form in this world...
"As the Admiral said, we have virtually no understanding of the shipgirls. For all we know, they may simply be a case of convergent evolution, completely inhuman organisms whose development has given them a coincidental resemblance to the weapons of man.
In other words, Shoukaku was saying that there was no point in dwelling on the unknown.
"Regardless, what is true is that we cannot communicate with them, and so we must fight. Each Abyssal is quite strong, and their numbers are virtually unlimited--only a fool would drop their guard around them."
Zuikaku felt herself stiffen.
A battle against an unending enemy. This was not like "That War"--there was no negotiation or arbitration, but a war whose end could only via complete annihilation of one side.
(Against an enemy such as this, there was no option but to train for endless war.)
The battle with Kaga from several days past floated into her mind. Perhaps it was Kaga's awareness of the cruelty of this war that she had fought so hard to point out Zuikaku's carelessness.
(If that's the case, then what was that thing with Hiyou about....?)
As Junyou had said, the two carriers of the Hiyou-class had accolades and achievements that compared with those of the Shoukaku-class.
Although they had been a second-line unit at Midway, they had been forced to fill the shoes of the four carriers in its aftermath, serving in various carrier battles.
According to Zuikaku's own memories and a few statements from Shoukaku, Hiyou had sunk in the Marianas, while Junyou had survived "That War."
(Given, the two of them were also part of the Post-Midway striking force just like me, so maybe they're in a similar position...)
Regardless of Hiyou's claims of "orders from the Admiral," it seemed that she had acted of her own volition, perceiving Zuikaku as a rival.
Hiyou's attitude was probably because of her past as a former luxury liner. But even so....
(I'm glad that she's willing to guide me, but that tacky senpai act.....)
"Zuikaku, there's our escorts."
From the direction SHoukaku indicated came the outlines of four shipgirls. They met in no time.
"We'll be in each other's care today, Sisters of the 5thCarDiv."
Heavy cruiser Tone regarded the two. Next to her was Chikuma of the same class as well as the destroyers Yukikaze and Makigumo.
"We've covered the 1stCarDiv and the 2ndCarDiv a few times, but this'll be our first time protecting the 5thCarDiv. But now that I'm here, you won't have to worry about finding the enemy y'know [2]!"
"Very well, we look forwards to your exploits."
Shoukaku smiled gently. Zuikaku, too, felt a little reassured.
Tone and Chikuma had been the most advanced Heavy Cruiser of "That War." Mounting multiple scout planes on their backs, they had distinguished themselves on multiple battlefields as the fleet's eyes. For the purposes of carrier task force battles, they were the perfect match for the 5thCarDiv.
"Carrier Battles are all about getting the first strike and restraining the enemy carrier's movements. As such, I'll make sure to look extra careful. The attacking's going to be up to you, though, y'know."
"Alright. Chikuma, Yukikaze, Makigumo, we'll be in your care as well."
"Of course. I ask that you all take care of my elder sister and I."
"U-understood! Yukikaze will give it her best!"
"Me too, uh, I'll do my best!"
The three shipgirls each responded differently in turn. A thought suddenly intruded into Zuikaku's mind.
(During the battle with Kaga-senpai, Yukikaze had been with Akagi-senpai....was she watching?)
"It's asking a little much of everyone when we've just met, but the Fleet Exercise is about to begin."
Shoukaku spoke with a hint of worry.
"I don't know the enemy's makeup--but since their goal is to train us, it's most likely a carrier task force...we can't let our guard down!"
"Understood!"
"I, Shoukaku, will serve as the flagship. Please act by my orders--if we are to win over the overwhelming numbers of the abyssals, we will need to trust each other and fight as one. Don't act on your own! Tone and Chikuma, please launch your recon seaplanes and search for the enemy!"
"Understood! Let's go, Chikuma!"
"Yes, Tone nee-san!"
Tone and Chikuma pointed the catapults on their right arms towards the heavens, launching their seaplanes into the sky in series.
"Yukikaze, Makigumo, you guys will be vanguard, with Tone and Chikuma taking the flanks. Form up in wheel formation and keep your eyes out for the enemy. Zuikaku, stay by my side. The carriers are the core of the fleet--regardless of your vigor or enthusiasm, avoid waiting in the front."
"Understood!"
Zuikaku watched by Shoukaku's side. The other shipgirls followed Shoukaku's orders, forming up quickly into the wheel formation a doughnut of escorts surrounding the center ships in an anti-air formation as they advanced.
(As expected of Shoukaku-nee....!)
Zuikaku watched Shoukaku as she shot out her orders. That practice confidence was exceptional, as was the way the other shipgirls obeyed wordlessly and perfectly with complete trust.
"....! Enemy detected, shoukaku! 20 degrees to starboard, distance 500, coming from behind that island! Two carriers, four other ships!"
"Shoukaku-san, attack force, coming from the starboard side! Over a hundred of them!"
All this came from the scout planes.
"An ambush from behind the island? Not a bad plan--all ships, adjust course twenty degrees to starboard! Zuikaku, let's get in there!"
"Yes, Shoukaku-nee! 1st Wave, away!"
Shoukaku and Zuikaku loosed their arrows into the sky. The arrows instantly burst into carrier planes, multiple for each arrow as they began to form up. It was fortunate that they had detected the enemy before they had struck--with this forewarning, there would probably enough time to form up and charge the enemy fleet. Zuikaku and Shoukaku's planes were all Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bombers and Type 97 Torpedo Bombers--all early war fighters.
"Fleet Exercise opponent--Enemy detected!"
From the front, vanguard Makigumo shouted her warning. Zuikaku and Shoukaku looked at the direction in which she pointed--
"Hiyou, Junyou?"
WIthin the enemy fleet were the two light carriers responsible for the morning's ruckus, Junyou and Hiyou. With them were the heavy cruisers Kinugasa and Aoba, as well as the destroyers Akebono and Oboro.
That aside, the enemy was not advancing in wheel formation, but in line ahead--a straight battleline, suited for shelling. And, at the front of their formation, were Hiyou and Junyou.
"Carriers leading the charge?! Are you craz--"
"As promised, I have come to teach you!"
Hiyou's bellow drowned out Zuikaku's incredulous shout. She and Junyou surged forwards, sea foam blasting in their wake.
"The essentials of carrier warfare are repeated attacks! To charge into the heart of the enemy and bring the fight to them! This is how New 2ndCarDiv commander Kakuda won his victories in the South Pacific!"
The battle of the South Pacific had been a portion of the Battle of Guadalcanal--in the latter half of the decisive battle, the New 2ndCarDiv and Junyou, serving under Admiral Kakuda, had struck in place of the damaged New 1stCarDiv, closing in on the enemy carriers and devastating the paralyzed enemy with seven waves of attacks.
Admiral Kakuda had been an excellent commander who had the love and trust of his subordinates--Zuikaku could understand why Hiyou, flagship of the 2ndCarDiv, would worship him so.
"But if I remember correctly, at that time you--"
"Ahyahyahya~ Hiyou warn't there, not in the Battle of the South Pacific!"
Junyou chuckled, as if trying to complete Zuikaku's sentence.
Indeed, Hiyou had been forced to hand over the flagship position to Junyou, unable to take part in the battle due to a malfunction in her turbine.
"S-shut up! I was flagship of the 2ndCarDiv longer than you were, so I have more right to talk about this!"
"Maybe, you light carrier's speed, armor and capacity are all inferior to us....you're getting too carried away!"
"It's because we're light carriers that we have to get into the thick of things! Remodeled aircraft carriers aren't anything to scoff at, as I'm sure you know! A bit less armor doesn't make a difference!"
"But....!"
Well then, what will you do if you face an abyssal stronger than you?!"
".....!"
"Well then, let me avenge midwa--rather, let me show you my strength! Attack team, let's get in there!"
"Eh, guess Hiyou's got a point too! Let's go!"
After the initial clash between the Eagles and the Cranes' carrier teams, planes from both sides began to escape the fray. Below them, the other four surface vessels also began to open fire.
"What are we going to do, Shoukaku! We're getting into a brawl, and we're not quite ready for shelling battle yet!"
Shoukaku gaped for a few seconds before setting out new orders.
"All ships maintain formation and engage! Even if this becomes a slugfest, we have a chance to turn this around as long as Zuikaku and I are around! Is that alright?"
Keeping the carriers in the back and deploying the escorts as a shield--it was a cruel decision in a certain sense. Under concentrated fire, the escorts would likely take heavy damage. And yet, Tone and Chikuma both acknowledged the order with a nod.
"This is our 5thCarDiv's Shoukaku! I'll show you my shelling prowess! Right, Chikuma?"
"That's right! It's just like Samar again!"
"Focus on bringing down the enemy planes! All ships, clear the skies!"
The four shipgirls dodged, weaved and fired, evading enemy shells as they aimed their AA guns at the skies. Zuikaku, too, joined the fray as the enemy planes closed in...
The Naval District's largest dining hall, the Toyokawa, faced the shoreline in one direction.
For the shipgirls of the naval district, this was their main cafeteria. A few chose the Naval District's sweets shop or bar instead, but the portions there were too small for developing shipgirls.
The dining hall today was a packed house as well. Shipgirls in free time sat at their favorite seats to eat, chat or simply watch what appeared to be anime on the TV.
"Owowow....that Hiyou..."
Zuikaku lowered her tray of food onto the table, wincing from the dozen aches and pains that wracked her whole body.
Today was Thursday and thus curry day, and the spicy aroma of the Naval District's special curry wafted through the cafeteria. Quite a few shipgirls were returning to the kitchen for seconds--mainly destroyers, but also a few standard carriers.
"Even if they're practice rounds, those blast shockwaves are nothing to laugh at. Geez."
"Are you alright, Zuikaku?"
Zuikaku grimaced in response to Shoukaku's concerned inquiry.
"Yeah, I can deal with just this. What about Shoukaku-nee?"
"I'm fine. I've been through that level of evasive exercise more than enough in real battle."
"Wow, as expected of Shoukaku-nee! Speaking of which, how about Hiyou's attack style? It was literally just straight up once, twice, thrice..."
They scene from the day's exercises hovered in front of Zuikaku.
In the end, the exercise with Hiyou, Junyou and the New 2ndCarDiv ended with a brawl and then a draw.
While the New 2ndCarDiv had gotten as up close and personal as promised, they failed to penetrate Shoukaku and company's blanket of AA fire. Both side's carrier complement had been exhausted, while the surface combat failed to produce a definite victor; both sides retired, nursing numerous wounds.
The affair, however, was not over. Saying "just a single contest isn't training," Hiyou had proposed the continuation of the Exercises. After some negotiation, Shoukaku and the other shipgirls had acquiesced under the pretext of "training Zuikaku."
And so, Zuikaku found herself in her current state.
Veterans Hiyou and Junyou had quickly identified Zuikaku as the easier opponent and focused their attacks on her. Zuikaku in response had evaded furiously, ending the battle without a single direct hit, combat ability intact. Unfortunately, the shockwaves of countless near misses had taken their toll on Zuikaku, leaving Zuikaku covered in bruises and the battle inconclusive.
"For light carriers and their paper armor to opt for danger-close, all-in attacks...didn't they end up covered in wounds?"
"I can hear you, Zuikaku."
Zuikaku jumped in response to the voice behind her, turning to see Hiyou and Junyou walking up, each carrying their own trays.
Feeling a chill run down her back, Zuikaku remained silent. Hiyou, however, didn't appear to push the issue. She chose a seat near Zuikaku instead, wincing like Zuikaku as she sat down.
"Ouch...! Still, this is normal for light carriers. We must endure...."
"No need to push yourself so hard..."
"I don't like being hit either. But it can't be helped."
As if to suppress the pain, Hiyou took a deep breath before speaking in a prideful voice.
"Well then, what do you think of our fighting style?"
"'how' as in...."
"Given, constraining the enemy carrier's movement is theoretically the nominal goal in carrier combat. But that's all it is, a 'what should be' when the reality's nowhere as simple; a hail mary line drive straight for the goal brings the greatest chance of success."
Hiyou's logic did make some sense to Zuikaku. Indeed, Hiyou and Junyou had fought her to a standstill through their close engagement attacks.
"I'd say it'd a little to early to make doctrinal conclusions."
Shoukaku responded, unconvinced.
"We are a fighting an enemy both overwhelming and overpowering. Charging blindly at the Abyssals will bring victory only at great cost. In the long run we will be the ones driven into the corner by costly engagements."
"That is why we must be the Forlorn Hope--to secure those decisive victories."
"Your logic is becoming circular."
Hiyou glared at Shoukaku, who ate another spoonful of curry with an unconcerned expression.
"....whatever, it is not important. After all, we'll find out sooner or later who is correct on the battlefield....no need for haste."
Hiyou sighed. The corner of her mouth turned up as she turned to Zuikaku with a wink.
"By the way, Zuikaku, you really are quite something. To get away from such an overwhelming attack with only minor wounds....the goddess of fortune definitely stands beside you."
"M-me...?"
Surprised at becoming the topic of conversation, Zuikaku responded with a touch of confusion.
"I just did what I could...but speaking of which, you don't actually dislike me, Hiyou, right?"
"Of course I don't hate you. As your more seasoned senpai, however, I feel like I needed to tell you that. But to say I do not see you as a rival would be a lie."
"Ah, so that's how it is."
"Ahhhh~I wish they'd upgrade our carrier planes already. Stronger planes means harder strikes and more chances to make them count."
Zuikaku had learned from indoor classes that the 2nd generation Suisei, Tenzan, and Type 52 Zeroes were currently in development, with priority set on upgrading the 1st and 2ndCarDiv.
"In 'that war' Junyou and I never got a chance to use those new planes, all the way until the end...I guess it's just my dream."
Hiyou mumbled wistfully around the spoon in her mouth.
Zuikaku said nothing. Standard carriers like Zuikaku, Shoukaku and the still-absent Taihou had been fortunate enough to mount some of these second-generation machines.
"...I'm going to get seconds."
Hiyou picked up her empty tray and left, having seemingly cleared it out of nowhere. As she disappeared, the previously silent Junyou approached the two.
"Ara~sorry 'bout that, my sis keeps on bringing you problems."
Ever-cheerful Junyou scratched her head.
"I figured that Zuikaku'd be a little freaked out by this kind of first meeting, so I wanted to help clear some stuff up."
"You're saying that she has a reason....?"
"Everything Hiyou went through in 'That War,' her history and her feelings...I'm sure Zuikaku, who survived up until Cape Engano, would understand, right?"
Zuikaku blinked with instant understanding.
The aircraft carrier Hiyou had not been a fortunate carrier. Her unfortunate and premature exit from the Battle of the South Pacific set the tone for the rest of her career. Up until the battle of the Marianas, Hiyou had been unable to take part in the carrier war; when she finally joined the Battle of the Marianas, she lost most of her carrier complement in combat against enemy carriers before ultimately succumbing to air attack.
If Zuikaku had gone through a life like that--a chill traveled down Zuikaku's spine. Compared to herself, who had taken part in every carrier battle since Midway, Hiyou could well be her direct antithesis.
If she had been thrown into battle with such memories--
"Plus, Hiyou and I used to be civilian luxury liners."
Junyou raised a spoonful of curry.
"Denied a life as luxury liners and then denied the right to fight as a real carrier...Hiyou's feelings are...complicated."
(So that's why she said things like that...)
Hiyou's narrow doctrine probably reflected her obsession with truly performing her role as an aircraft carrier.
(That may be, but if she continues to fight like this, Shoukaku-nee's prediction will eventually come true.)
"That's why I'm hoping you guys can bear with her a little. Not gonna lie, I wanna have a real battle like the South Pacific again! That battle was great!"
Junyou puffed up her chest with pride. That victory in the South Pacific appeared to be Junyou's pride.
Suddenly Junyou stood up.
"Well, imma off to get another plateful too. Oy, Hiyou, let's race to see who can finish their second portion fastest! Drinks at Houshou's are on the loser~!"
With that, Junyou departed with a wave. In the distance Hiyou yelled "I don't want to! I'm not a child!" "Why's it matter," Junyou returned, "if you don't wanna bet on drinks at Houshou's, we can bet on dessert pudding~!"
"Hiyou and Junyou sure get along well."
Given their completely disparate personalities--hearing Zuikaku's remark, Shoukaku laughed gently.
"After all, they both are both carrier conversions of luxury liners..."
Shoukaku looked into the distance.
"Perhaps it's because of that they're bound together so tightly."
"So that's why Junyou's like that..."
Perhaps Junyou's carefree appearance was a way to cheer on Hiyou, Zuikaku thought.
The next day, the mood in the Naval District Office was tense.
"I will now begin the Mission Report,"
the Admiral announced to the shipgirls in the office, a sheaf of documents in hand.
Six shipgirls had been assembled--Secretary Ship Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Light Carrier Hiyou, Heavy Cruisers Myoukou and Haguro, and destroyer Hibiki--evidently a carrier task force.
Today would be Zuikaku's last trial--the front lines.
"In other words, deploying with this formation in mind...was why he sent Hiyou to find me?"
In retrospect, the situation made somewhat more sense. Although the Admiral was a pervert, he also paid attention to the mental and physical wellbeing of the shipgirls--that could be seen from the daily affairs of the Naval District.
(....also, Hibiki was watching with Yukikaze during that battle with Kaga-senpai....)
Hibiki stood listening to the Admiral next to Myoukou, expression empty as ice. It seemed she was the cold type.
(Does she get along with Yukikaze?)
"First we will explain the current situation. Shoukaku, if you would."
"Yes."
Standing next to the Admiral, Shoukaku stood next to a whiteboard covered in reports, both combat and noncombat.
"Since we have begun our counteroffensive against the abyssals, our Naval District's objective has been to capture the resource-rich sectors of the western seas, and we have launched several offensives to that effect."
Shoukaku directed attention with a pointer to a map centered around the current location.
On the routes between the Continent and the Naval District were pinned three red thumbtacks, each representing the expedition fleets. Each was currently on escort duty.
The Southwest Island Waters's Okinoshima, Curry Sea and Jam Island bore blue tacks representing the abyssals, along with the Northern Sector's Moray Sea.
"We have already suppressed the 'gate' to the Western Seas, the Southwestern Island Waters, with some initial success."
"Initially...?"
Zuikaku voiced her surprise. Shoukaku responded with a stern expression.
"Yes. Recently we have been forced to suspend our offensive. Our problem lies here."
Shoukaku pointed to Okinoshima at the edge of the Southwest Islands Waters.
"We have found that the waters around Okinoshima serve as a large-scale enemy Anchorage. If we assault the Western Seas without dealing with them first, we may find ourselves attacked by their garrison fleets."
Zuikaku nodded. The safety of the supply line was integral to the success of an offensive. If a strong enemy awaited on the flanks, the fleet ran the risk of having their supply line cut.
"As such, the Naval District has temporarily suspended the offensive in the Western Seas and has launched several major offensives against the enemy harbor at Okinoshima. We will be committing our main force this time around in the largest offensive to date."
From the indoor classes, Zuikaku had learned that the abyssals would construct harbors within various sectors, acting as staging points from which further invasions could be launched. As the harbors expanded with time, it was advantageous to quickly remove them.
"In order to ensure the success of this operation, we have decided to keep our main force at home and stockpile resources. The initial plan had been to launch an all-out attack, but recent battles have sapped our strategic reserve, reducing our main force's range."
(So supply levels can constrain fleet movements, even in this world....)
In "That War", her side lacked both the power and the resources to continue the battle.
"Moreover, we have yet another problem--several days ago, a large force of enemy supply raiders have surfaced in the eastern Orel Sea."
Shoukaku pointed to a corner of the Southwest Island Waters.
"Our side already controls the eastern part of the Orel Sea, but the enemy fleets have been threatening our supply routes from the west. Given the possibility that they may also move up to reinforce Okinoshima, it is imperative for the Naval District that they be destroyed with all due haste."
"And you are the force assembled to deal with that problem."
Picking up from Shoukaku's explanation, the admiral stepped forwards.
"We cannot send the Naval District's main force. However, to leave the enemy fleet in Orel would bring problems. As such, your duty is to wipe them out."
"In other words..."
Hiyou sounded less than thrilled. The Admiral nodded apologetically.
"Apologies. We cannot dispatch the main force, so we had to send someone else--essentially, we are relegating you all to the role of second-line troops. Even so...are you willing to sortie?"
The Admiral gazed straight at Zuikaku and Hiyou.
(To think that the last test before enlistment would be a real battle....)
A prick of unease. Would she be able to do a carrier's job in this unknown battlefield--
(Even so, to decline now would be an insult to the Shoukaku class...! Shoukaku-nee's going anyways, so....!)
Zuikaku and Hiyou's eyes met, and they both nodded before Zuikaku spoke:
"Please allow us to deploy. Since the enemy consists simply of commerce raiders, even we should have good odds."
"Is that so."
The Admiral spoke, as if a burden had been released from his shoulders. Zuikaku quickly followed up.
"Does the enemy have carriers?"
"They do. They may be commerce raiders, but we believe that they are simply a picket force, and that a main force waits behind them. Once you dispatch the vanguard, you will likely encounter the enemy main force."
From indoor classes, Zuikaku knew that abyssal harbors were generally protected by a dense web of advance forces and pickets that constantly patrolled.
When approaching the main force, shipgirls either worked to avoid these forces via early detection or destroyed them altogether. As such, attack routes often remained fluid up until the moment of contact. Sometimes the fleet would be forced to retreat without meeting the main force at all.
"The small details of the operation will be explained by Shoukaku. Apart from when to retreat, I intend to leave all decision on the ground to your judgement."
Each shipgirl's eyes were now on the Admiral.
"I wish you all the best of luck."
Briefing over, Zuikaku left alone, plodding down the corridor. From behind her, came suddenly a voice.
"Zuikaku! Don't go yet!"
"Junyou...?"
She turned around to see Junyou catching up with quick steps.
"What's up? Hiyou went the other way...."
"I have something to ask of you."
Zuikaku blinked in surprise. Zuikaku nodded, speaking with a previously unseen solemnity.
"That briefing was about the next sortie, right? And Hiyou will be deploying with you..."
"Mm. But if you want the details, you could just as Hiyou..."
"Could I ask you to watch over hiyou?"
There was only sincerity in Junyou's eyes.
"Being serious is that girl's specialty--but when it becomes a carrier battle, she begins to tunnel vision on her own battle. Although I, too, think it's strange to ask a favor of a greenhorn like yourself, there are some things about carriers only another carrier could understand. As flagship, Shoukaku is busy as well. I won't force you or ask you to go beyond your means...but do what you can, alright?"
Zuikaku remembered what Junyou had said the day before.
("To be honest, I, too, do not approve of Hiyou's gung-ho tactics. I'm a rookie too, so I have to consider her pride...")
As Junyou's gaze lingered for several seconds, Zuikaku chuckled and nodded.
"I got it. Though I'm not too confident, I'll do what I can."
Junyou's expression instantly brightened.
"As expected of Zuikaku! So reliable! I hope to see the 'Lucky Carrier's' true power someday, yo!"
"That 'true power' came from coincidences!"
"There you go again~no need to be modest!"
Junyou cheerily slapped Zuikaku in the back. While she certainly felt uncomfortable, Zuikaku found that she didn't hate this feeling.
In front of Zuikaku's gaze was the wide expanse of the Bashi Island Waters.
Zuikaku and the other members of the six-shipgirl fleet had entered abyssal's area of control, cruising through at high speed.
Until now, no enemies had been detected. However, it would be no surprise if the two heavy cruisers' reconnaissance seaplanes reported the enemy then and there.
It was a clear day, but the seas were a little more treacherous than they were around the Naval District--occasionally some of the shipgirls would be obscured altogether from view.
"SO quiet..."
The shipgirls were currently cruising in wheel/diamond formation to deter enemy ambushes. As they went, Zuikaku spoke quietly to Shoukaku.
"Are there really abyssal fleets here?"
"That's what previous records indicate. Plus, the scouts should be making their report soon."
Zuikaku nodded with unease. The gravity of real battle--and the life and death struggle that would ensue--weighed heavily on her mind.
(Even if the enemy consists merely of supply raiders, one mistake could lead to sinking...)
Sure, she had felt her life in danger during the battle with Kaga--but at that time Zuikaku had other things on her mind and had never quite felt terror. She felt it now, a constant undercurrent of fear.
The memory of her sinking at Engano remained fuzzy, she was unable to recollect the pain she must have felt then. And yet that uncertainty only served to strengthen the terror stirring in her heart.
(....! Damn it, I can't keep on going like this.)
Zuikaku shook her head.
(I'm a standard carrier. I've trained hard so that I could save this world, just like Shoukaku-nee and Kaga-senpai...)
"Zuikaku, are you alright?"
"Aaah!"
Shoukaku's sudden interjection caused Zuikaku to let out a shriek--mortified, she looked at Shoukaku and the others as they laughed.
"Fufu, you're a little too uptight, Zuikaku. It can't be helped--it's your first time, after all--but loosen up."
Shoukaku softened her smile, speaking gently.
"Don't worry. You've already accumulated more than enough experience in training. During that first battle with Kaga-senpai, didn't you escape sinking then too? Even if the enemy is a carrier task force, you'll be able to deal with it. I promise."
"Shoukaku-nee..."
Even in these circumstances, Shoukaku continued to cheer on her sister as always. In response to this kindness, Zuikaku could not stop her eyes from watering.
"Plus Zuikaku is my lovely sister, you know? I'll keep you safe. So don't worry and fight.
"mmm, yes....! I'll do my best!"
"Hold on, Shoukaku, are you just talking about your sister? Are the rest of us just cannon fodder here?"
Hiyou interrupted from behind.
"Nonsense. Since the Admiral has been kind enough to entrust me with the role of flagship, would I betray everyone's trust like that?"
With eyes full of confidence, Shoukaku met the question with a bold smile.
"Don't worry, I definitely won't let anyone sink. Not on my watch."
She spoke softly, gazing into the distance, as if it were a mere matter of fate. Next to her, Zuikaku felt both reassured and moved.
(Shoukaku-nee is reliable, as expected.)
Seeing Shoukaku standing with silver hair flowing, Zuikaku felt herself calm. And then--
"....! Shoukaku-san! Seaplanes reporting!"
Heavy Cruiser Haguro called out her report with a tense fear.
"Enemy fleet, straight ahead! One Torpedo Cruiser, Three Light Cruisers, Two Destroyers! It's most likely the enemy picket force!"
(A picket force--no carriers? We can hit them hard from the air then!)
Zuikaku's combativeness quickly surged. If the enemy had no carriers, she would have the initiative.
"Understood. Shoukaku to all ships, we're going to take out that fleet and open up the way towards the enemy's main force."
Shoukaku promptly handed out orders to the rest of hte unit.
"All carriers, launch the first wave. All other ships prepare for surface engagement! Move in as soon as the first wave has completed its attack run!"
"Understood!"
Zuikaku and Shokaku both let fly their arrows into the skies. Hiyou unfurled her scroll with a sweep of her left hand, revealing her carrier deck. With her right, she drew out a bundle of paper carrier planes, forming them into Shikigami and launching them from her deck.
"Go--!"
As she waited for her carrier planes to form up above her, Zuikaku felt her terror subside. It was just like that battle with Kaga--once the battle started, there was no time for fear--
Having consolidated into their formations, the carrier planes flew towards the enemy fleet.
Several moments later, Haguro's shout indicated the beginning of the battle.
"I have visual of the enemy fleet on the horizon! Enemy is coming around to engage us!"
"All carriers, begin your first wave attacks! Surface fleet, commence shelling!"
"Understood!"
Looking to the enemy silhouettes on the distant horizon, Zuikaku focused on the targets.
When a carrier shipgirl knew the enemy's position, heading and formation, air attack accuracy increased dramatically. Shipgirls generally only launched a relatively inaccurate long-distance attack in the opening phase, in order to gain the initiative.
(What's the situation....?)
The carrier planes began to fade out of Zuikaku's vision. Not long after, the enemy fleet was wracked with explosions and pillars of water.
(Great...! This way the rest of the battle will be a walk!)
Zuikaku wanted to cheer. If this continued all campaign, victory was virtually assured.
"Enemy fleet is either badly damaged or sinking! They've stopped moving!"
Haguro spoke with relief. The abyssals on the horizon waited immobile, black smoke gushing from their wounds as if to confirm the report. Shoukaku immediately set down the next order.
"Initiate surface combat! All carriers, prepare your second wave! Let's finish the enemy in one go!"
"Understood!"
It did not take long for Zuikaku and company to mop up the remnants of the first fleet encountered.
These abyssals appeared to have been a cruiser fleet--Myoukou, Haguro and Hibiki's gunfire quickly sank the survivors before Zuikaku and company needed to launch a second wave. No damage had been sustained in the encounter--a true total victory.
The six shipgirls pressed on through the rough seas. The enemy main force and its carriers were closing in, and so they put up a CAP of a few dozen fighters as protection.
And yet, Zuikaku's spirits had never been higher.
(My first battle...I survived...and won!"
She unconsciously balled her hands into fists. This victory proved that she could fight as a shipgirl against the abyssals.
(Plus, Shoukaku-nee's at my side....)
The post-battle report showed that Shoukaku had done the most damage to the Abyssals, her first wave having sunk two light carriers and crippled a destroyer. Hiyou and Zuikaku had been responsible for the remaining three ships.
As flagship, Shoukaku had both shown herself as an experienced commander and as a force to be reckoned with--Zuikaku had trouble restraining her praise.
(As long as SHoukaku-nee is here, our enemies count for nothing...!)
Though the enemy main force was a carrier task force, they had three carriers with them. That was no reason to let down their guard, of course, but as long as they fought hard, victory should be well within their grasp.
Zuikaku looked once more to the horizon.
All that could be seen was the wide expanse of the open sea. A few clouds dotted the sky, but otherwise all was clear.
"By the way--that was an impressive showing, Zuikaku, Shoukaku."
Hiyou spoke up from the back.
"Deciding the battle within the opening attack...the Shoukaku-class lives up to its name."
"Didn't Hiyou also work very hard?"
Shoukaku turned in response.
"The Hiyou class may be light carriers, but their carrier capacity is close to that of the Hiryuu class [3]. Admiral Ozawa, our commanding officer in the Marianas, often said that 'the most important thing about planes are numbers[4]; I believe you and Junyou are proof of that."
"No need for the praise. Once we run into stronger abyssals, after all, you standard carriers are far more likely to be in the thick of it than we light carriers."
Hiyou spoke with a hint of wistfulness. Perhaps witnessing Shoukaku's crushing attack power had made her aware of her own limits.
"Hiyou, I feel that you underestimate yourself far too often."
Zuikaku cut in from the side as Junyou's words flashed in her mind.
"If you look at the hard stats, that might be the case, but what about everything else, like fuel consumption? I heard that in 'That War', you and Junyou served diligently and efficiently as supply and plane transports due to your fuel efficiency."
"I understand that, and I am quite proud of it. However, this is not a world where you and I can avoid confronting the abyssals directly. When the time comes we must always do our best in the battle."
"That's why, this way of thinking..."
"This is my way of life. Nobody can change that....not even Junyou."
The curt resolve in Hiyou's voice was far too firm for Zuikaku and Shoukaku to challenge with further words.
"...but...thank you."
Several seconds later, Hiyou said with some difficulty.
"These words are far kinder than jabs about my low speed or thin armor. It gives me some comfort....and I am grateful."
Her words seemed to have warmed up all within the six-ship fleet.
Of course, it was at this time that a sharp noise pierced Zuikaku's ear.
Shortly after came a chorus of low howls.
(That sound...it can't be!)
"All ships, evasive action! That sound is--!"
Shoukaku shouted, her face drawn"
"That's the sound of a battleship's...!"
A second later, explosions and pillars of water surrounded the six shipgirls.
In one of the Naval District's many auxiliary buildings was a kyudo/archery range [5]. While the range was not particularly large, its target area, shooting area and shooting field were all well furnished and maintained.
The main users of this archery range were the standard carriers.
Of course, the Standard Carriers simply need to shoot into the sky for their arrows to transmute into autonomous carrier planes, and in that respect anything more than a basic grasp of archery was unnecessary. Even so, guiding the carrier planes required mental focus, and kyudo was one of the best ways to develop that focus.
Today, Akagi and Kaga were up early to practice, dressed in normal uniform.
To focus their minds, both of them maintained total silence. There were virtually no misses. On the field, several fairies helped to scurry away with the loosed arrows and replace the targets.
At this moment, Kaga fired yet again--and missed completely.
"....."
Kaga silently nocked a second arrow, her expression a little incredulous--yet her result was the same once again, her second arrow going even further off the mark.
"Why..."
Next to her, Akagi lightly giggled.
"You must have some kind of unease in your heart."
"Unease?"
"Are you worried about Zuikaku?"
Kaga's eyes widened, as if she herself had not noticed. Unfazed, Akagi continued:
"That child who's caught your eye has gone to battle for the first time. Will she complete her mission? Even if you're fairly confident, the reality is often not that simple...that's what's written on your face."
"I don't see how that's possible."
"Regardless, it is the truth, no?"
In response to Akagi's inquiries, Kaga looked looked away, her face slightly red--it seemed Akagi was right.
"The 1stCarDiv has the 1stCarDiv's way of fighting, the 5thCarDiv has the 5thCarDiv's way of fighting...wasn't the one who taught them that you, Kaga? Those children will definitely come back safely."
Akagi gazed straight into Kaga's eyes. Sighing as if to admit defeat, Kaga raised her bow once more.
"Yes. However, it is also because of that..."
Kaga sighted the target.
"That we cannot fail. If we fail..."
Draw, loose--this time the arrow stabbed straight into the center of the target, the thud resounding through the range.
Akagi hastily suppressed the bitter smile that had almost reached her face. To be able to allay her own worries and strengthen her resolve with a single phrase--that was just like Kaga.
Akagi was one of the oldest shipgirls in the naval district. She had taken up her duties when the Naval District was first formed, and from then on had fought vigorously on the front lines as one of the main force. There was a time when Akagi sortied so often that the naval district's food and supply reserve had been whittled down to nothing--these days, those affairs were simply pleasant memories.
Because of this, many shipgirls worshiped her as "the reliable carrier onee-san," and because of that Akagi frequently cared for the other shipgirl's mental and physical health.
And for Akagi, Kaga, as her closest friend, was the one she cared for the most.
(Kaga may not honest, but she is truthful...)
As she wiped her sweat off with a towel, Akagi suppressed another sad smile. As she walked towards the hallway for some water, Kaga continued to draw and shoot without a second glance.
(But, as Kaga said...)
As she stepped into the hallway, a shipgirl approached Akagi.
"Yukikaze?"
"Thanks for your work, Akagi onee-san!"
Yukikaze's greeting was full of energy. From the way she had shown up, it appeared that she had been waiting for Akagi to leave the archery range. Akagi stopped, realizing why Yukikaze had been waiting for her.
"It's related to that, right? Could you tell me?"
"Yes. Although you could probably hear it from Hibiki nee-san once she gets back..."
Having voiced her hesitation, Yukikaze took a deep breath and whispered:
"As predicted by the commander, Zuikaku onee-san--"
The chaos following the preemptive strike was limited in scope.
As the enemy had targeted the carriers, the other three shipgirls were unharmed. They immediately retaliated, turning to engage the enemy abyssals--the long-awaited main fleet. Hard on the heels of the battleship shelling, the enemy's first attack flight had followed clashing with Shoukaku's hastily-launched first wave before disengaging.
And yet, on the water's surface--
"Get a hold together! Hiyou!"
Panicked, Zuikaku turned to where Hiyou lay on the water, knocked over by repeated hits.
"Hiyou, the Abyssals are here! You can't just lay there!"
"Ugh, oh...."
Hiyou groaned in pain. The Hiyou-class' trademark onmyouji uniform had been charred black, and only about half of the flight deck scroll had survived the flames.
The wounds on her body, too, were quite severe; even movement was difficult.
The enemy battleship's shells and their carrier's planes had both targeted Hiyou in succession. Whether out of fortune or misfortune, the nearby Zuikaku had unscathed, while the lightly wounded Shoukaku fought on as if unaffected.
"Hiyou!"
Zuikaku shouted again. The frantic terror in her heart was tinged by a powerful regret.
(What was I thinking...?!)
There's no way we could lose against an enemy carrier task force with three carriers--that was what she had thought.
And yet in reality it was they who had been caught with their pants down, allowing Hiyou to be heavily damaged. Shoukaku's CAP, which had been forced to fight off the enemy's first wave unassisted, had also taken heavy losses.
Moreover, in this period of time Zuikaku herself had done nothing, gaping at Hiyou's wounds instead of acting to mitigate the enemy air attack as Shoukaku had.
"EUrgh...Zui...kaku...?"
"Hiyou!"
Hiyou forced her eyes open as she spoke with a tiny voice.
Having driven off the enemy planes, Shoukaku rushed to Hiyou's side. Evaluating Hiyou's wounds with a sweep of her eyes, Shoukaku gave her diagnosis calmly.
"...don't worry, this level of damage won't sink you. As long as we safely return to the Naval District, we can fix this much...."
"Shoukaku-nee, now isn't the time for this--"
"It'll be up to us to realize our objective from here no out, Zuikaku."
Though Shoukaku's smile was as gentle as always, there was a steely tone in her response.
Zuikaku blinked, as if dunked with cold water. While she was busy panicking, Shoukaku had chosen to face the current situation and act to mitigate the situation. Zuikaku felt as if she could die from shame.
Perhaps discerning what her sister was feeling, Shoukaku lightly stroked one of Zuikaku's twintails.
"Don't worry. It's not your fault that we are in this situation."
"Shoukaku-nee..."
Most likely, the enemy fleet hid underneath that cloud to evade our scouts, just like what happened quite a few times in 'That War.' Combined with the fact that the abyssals are somewhat smaller than warships, it's not your fault."
"But...!"
"You do lose a few points for not sending out your planes posthaste...but to be panicked by an attack out of nowhere is natural. Don't worry about it."
Zuikaku bit her lower lip. Although she understood that Shoukaku's words were correct, she could not honestly accept it.
Shoukaku regarded Myoukou and company, engaged in the surface action. Though the exact situation was unclear, the enemy had battleships and carriers--a disadvantageous situation without a doubt.
(What should we do...?)
From the recent battleship shelling and the carrier attack, the enemy's fleet probably consisted of one battleship, two carriers and three escorts. Not a losing hand, as long as they played their cards right.
And yet, the enemy's preemptive attack has crippled Hiyou, while the ensuing action had whittled down Shoukaku's complement. The only carrier at full strength was Zuikaku.
(But if I join the battle with Shoukaku-nee, we'd have to leave behind Hiyou...! And if we fail, we'll be wiped out...)
Shoukaku also remained silent. Perhaps she was also wracking her mind for a tactic to escape this situation.
"....Don't worry about me..."
"Hiyou...?"
Hiyou spoke with a hoarse voice.
"Don't talk too much, Hiyou," Zuikaku shouted, "and there's no way we're leaving you in this situation...!"
"I have to talk because this is the situation...if we divide our force to protect me, our chances are even worse...."
Though she was nearly bent over with pain, Hiyou continued to speak.
"In order to regain the initiative, you have to go all in and rush the enemy like Junyou and I did in the fleet exercises. If it's you guys with your speed, there's no way you'll fail..."
"What are you..."
Zuikaku took a deep breath. Moving danger close to engage as Hiyou proposed would increase the risk of damage. If it succeeded, however, it would likely turn the situation on its head.
But if Shoukaku and Zuikaku failed, the fleet would lose the entirety of their carrier force. Additionally, only one person still had the planes to execute this counter attack--herself.
(How can I pull all that of...?!)
"...I understand."
Shoukaku nodded honestly as she spoke for the soundless Zuikaku.
"Shoukaku-nee?"
"It is as Hiyou said--this gamble is our only chance. And if we don't counterattack soon, Myoukou, Haguro and Hibiki will be in danger."
"But it's way too dangerous! Shoukaku-nee, you told me in the past that this tactic was illogical...!"
"If there were another option I would have taken it. We, whose only weapons are our carrier planes [6], should optimally spend the whole battle outside of the enemy's attack range--engagement from beyond the horizon.
"Well then...!"
"But if we are to reverse this situation, it's the only option."
"....!"
"Furthermore, Zuikaku."
Shoukaku smiled, gentle as always.
We do not fight simply to defeat the abyssals, but also to rescue our comrades. We all bear traumas from 'That War' that we must confront in battle--if we do not let these mental scars heal, they will fester and sap our will to fight.
Dumbstruck, Zuikaku was reminded of what Shoukaku had told her when she had first joined.
"Losing the means to fight is more than losing the means to rescue these innocents--it means losing the means to save ourselves. This war may well outlast 'That War;' if we allow our hearts to be strangled under the constraints of tactical theory we may well end up in a nonredeemable situation."
Zuikaku recalled the people who had cheered her and her comrades on during their jogs, the destroyer shipgirls who had broken into smiles as a result, and what Junyou had told her.
(Hiyou is our valuable friend and ally...we have to value her heart, her hopes and her determination...in order to save the world, and in order to save ourselves...)
Zuikaku felt herself calm. The fear remained, but it was encased in a hardening resolve.
(If it's to reach our goal, I...!)
Zuikaku gulped, as if to force her previous feelings down her throat. The bitter taste of coal clung to her throat--and yet, somehow, that taste seemed to help her think more clearly than ever.
"Hiyou, Shoukaku, I'm in."
Restraining the tremors in her clenched fist, Zuikaku stood up.
"I'll take those two carriers down on my own...just you guys watch me!"
◇◇◇As Shoukaku had expected, the surface engagement between Myoukou, Haguro, Hibiki and the enemy ships was taking a turn for the worse.
The enemy fleet let fly yet again with another volley at the three shipgirls, enveloping them in seaspray and waterspouts.
"Uwaahhh--!"
Struck by a direct hit, Myoukou was sent flying, steadying herself only with great difficulty.
"Are you alright, Onee-san?!"
Soaked with water from near-misses, Haguro nevertheless looked to her elder sister with concern.
"I'm fine! Continue shelling!"
Myoukou responded promptly--she could not allow Haguro to worry.
Myoukou and Haguro were the 1st and 4th ships of the Myoukou-class, rather standard cruisers of the Naval District. While Myoukou was the nurturing older-sister type, Haguro was very much a youngest sister, weak-hearted and prone to tears. As such, Myoukou constantly worried over Haguro. Haguro was always willing to do her best, but low morale could still impact the course of the battle."
"B-but, at this rate!"
"I know! Hibiki, keep it up as well!"
"Acknowledged."
Engaging three enemy destroyers at Myoukou and Haguro's side, Hibiki responded consisely. Though she continued to cleverly evade the attacks of the three enemy vessels, she had yet to inflict a decisive blow on any of them.
From the start of the battle, Myoukou, Haguro and Hibiki had repeatedly attacked the enemy fleet, only to be forced by enemy gunfire to change course. Though the enemy was only a single battleship, the two heavy cruisers were having trouble.
(Plus, behind that fucker...!"
Myoukou regarded the distant horizon, where two enemy carriers hovered.
?To complete the mission, both the battleship and the two carriers behind her would also need to be destroyed.
The carriers had done little for a while, busy organizing their carrier planes for the next attack. But sooner or later they would be done, and the attack flight would come.
(Our carrier strength has already been halved due to the shelling. At this rate, not only will we be able to respond, but...!)
And yet in spite of that, she still hoped for her allies to respond.
(If we can deal with the enemy carrier, we can clear the skies and have a chance to finish the carrier...)
"Myoukou! Please hold on a little more! Once the enemy carriers launch their second wave, we'll start our counterattack!"
Shoukaku's shout echoed. Doubting her own ears, Myoukou shouted back.
"Counterattack...? What are you going to do in this situation? Shouldn't you focus on air defense to protecti Hiyou?"
"Zuikaku will deal with the counterattack!"
With that, Myoukou understood.
At the same time, both enemy carriers launched their attack flight.
◇◇◇
Zuikaku and Shoukaku dashed straight for the enemy carriers. Moving at their maximum combat speed of over 34 knots, they threw up a cloud of seaspray in their wake.
"Zuikaku, listen to me! We'll only get one chance--as soon as the enemy carriers launch their second attack!"
Cruising shoulder to shoulder with Zuikaku, Shoukaku elaborated.
"The enemy's second wave will most likely prioritize me as the greatest threat--but as a result, the fighter cover above them will be severely reduced, giving us a good chance of getting a hit in. That will be our only chance to take down those two carriers. Understood?"
"Understood!"
Zuikaku eyed the two carriers on the horizon. A cloud of carrier planes surrounded them--they had completed their formation.
Behind her, Hiyou lay on her own, unprotected--they could not let a single enemy touch her.
"I'm dispatching my fighters to protect Hiyou, so we're not going to have any cover. We're going to need to dodge the enemy's air attacks. We can do it!"
"I know that!"
(Dodging the enemy air attacks on one hand and guiding the carrier planes towards the enemy carriers...)
Zuikaku went over her role in her head. This did not require saying, but it would not be an easy task.
(But if we don't do it, we'll lose this battle...in order to turn the tables, this is what we must do!)
"Enemy second wave inbound...Zuikaku!"
"Damn it---!"
Zuikaku's arm shot downwards. Instantly, her consolidated carrier planes buzzed towards the two enemy carriers.
As the two formations impacted, the enemy's bombers began to break through. Though a few fighters broke off to engage Zuikaku's attack flight, the intensity of their original charge and the ensuing clash meant that only a few managed to successfully come about in pursuit.
Roughly seventy enemy planes were now charging in Zuikaku's direction--roughly half of the second wave. Each plane had a passing resemblance to Zuikaku's own planes.
The enemy planes appeared to have figured defenseless Zuikaku would be easier to bully, and came from all directions.
(...Tch! But, compared to the battle with Kaga-senpai, this isn't much!"
"Naahhhh--!"
Eyeing the enemy carrier planes' movements, Zuikaku began to break into high-speed evasive maneuvers. As the enemy bombers closed in, she jinked left and right before backing away, reading the enemy's attack paths, moving erratically to prevent the enemy from finding a pattern in her evasive movements.
Carrier planes had to move in a straight path once they began their attack run--as such, it was possible to avoid their attack by a hairsbreadth by moving the moment they began their run.
To the enemy planes, Zuikaku's response appeared to have taken them by surprise.
Although every plane could close in on Zuikaku, she moved aside at the last second, leaving them to waste their torpedos and dive bombs in empty space. A few of the cleverer ones attempted to figure out Zuikaku's movements and lead with a bomb or torpedo--but thanks to Zuikaku's high-speed evasive action, they, too, could only return to their carriers empty-handed.
Zuikaku continued dodging as she assessed the situation. At the corner of her eye, she spotted Shoukaku dodging between pillars--her own situation, however, did not leave much time to worry about others.
(I have Hiyou, Shoukaku-nee and everyone's expectations on my back! How can I fail here...!)
Presently, the previously released attack teams were now above the enemy ships. Eyeing her target, Zuikaku shouted as loudly as possible.
"Carrier planes! Go!"
The bombers began their attack runs. As predicted, only a few fighters protected the carriers--the attack squadrons easily began launching their attacks.
(All that's left now is to hit!)
Zuikaku focused on the two enemy carriers, tracking the remaining enemy planes out of the corner of her eye.
A few seconds later, the two enemy carriers crumpled with explosions, collapsing into the water. Though it was not clear whether they had sunk, what was clear was that the enemy was not immobilized. Perhaps the goddess of fortune stood at her side after all.
"...! Got 'em!"
And yet just as Zuikaku raised a shout of jubilation, one last enemy plane, eyeing Zuikaku's movements, began its attack run, its path crossing with Zuikaku's.
Though she spotted the problem, ZUikaku's momentum prevented her from turning in time, not completely--this was going to be a direct hit.
"....aw, shit...!"
Just as all hope was lost, the enemy carrier exploded in a ball of flame. Seconds later, a Zero fighter flew by.
"A Zero Fighter...? Could it be Shoukaku-nee?!"
The girl turned--Shoukaku, only a moment dodging a furiously, stopped on the water to wave at Zuikaku. She appeared to have recalled the fighters waiting above Hiyou.
"Nicely done...Zuikaku..."
Shoukaku smiled softly as she spoke to Zuikaku. She seemed to have taken medium damage, but the enemy planes had already broken off.
"As expected of the sister that is my pride..."
Zuikaku could not respond--although she had faced the same amount of planes as Shoukaku, she had escaped without harm. She didn't know whether this was due to luck or her efforts.
Shoukaku closed her eyes, reassured, before looking once more at the enemy fleet.
"Alright, let's start the counteroffensive! Deal with that battleship troubling Myoukou and company. Pull back the carrier planes and launch your second wave!"
"U-understood!"
Now that air supremacy had been obtained, they now had the initiative--putting the newfound confidence bought by her victory in her heart, Zuikaku began to recall the attack teams.
The first thing Hiyou saw on waking up was Zuikaku watching her with a worried expression.
"This is..."
Hiyou strained her ears--all she heard were the lapping of waves. The sound of gunfire, the whistle of shells, the drone of the carrier planes, all of it had vanished. The sky was dyed red under the sunset. It would not be long before nighttime would fall on these waters.
"...Same waters as before. The battle's over, Shoukaku-nee and company are confirming the results."
Zuikaku looked at her as she responded. It seemed like she was currently resting her head on Zuikaku's legs.
Although she ached all over, she hadn't sank--
"What about..."
"We won, of course. Shoukaku-nee and I got the enemy's two carriers with a close range attack--afterwards it was just cleanup."
Zuikaku spoke with a reassuring voice.
"Hiyou, your tactic worked. On the other hand, Shoukaku-nee took medium damage, and I've lost enough planes such that continuing battle would no longer be a real option."
"Is that so..."
Hiyou mumbled in satisfaction. Although it wasn't the optimal result, she had been able to convey her feelings.
She suddenly broke into laughter--Shoukaku and Zuikaku were truly superior standard carriers. But for reasons she didn't herself know, she felt proud over this situation.
(Because they're my precious comrades...)
At the very least, Shoukaku and Zuikaku must have seen her that way to take on this high-risk tactic.
(Maybe I should trust my comrades a little more as well...)
As a light carrier, the only way to defeat stronger allies was close-range attack. This belief had not changed.
But apart from that, maybe she could try to play it out a little safer.
(Looks like I might have to listen to Junyou a little more.)
Hiyou smiled bitterly. Hiyou had always thought that Junyou's self-confidence came from never having been sunk--but perhaps Junyou acted that way so as not to worry her, burdened by the past as is.
(I ought to thank her when I get back...)
"Hiyou, you alright...?"
Zuikaku regarded Hiyou's face with worry.
Hiyou flushed with sudden embarrassment.
"N-nothing, of course! I am Izumo--rather, Hiyou! Once my wounds are healed, I will go out to battle as before!"
Zuikaku couldn't resist laughing in response to the girl's attempt at a dignified response.
"Ahaha! I thought you were going to say something, but there you go messing your name up again...Hiyou, you're really are quite the scatterbrain!"
"S-scatterbrain?! Isn't it a little rude to say that at this time?"
"No wonder Junyou worries, ahaha!"
"This has nothing to do with Junyou! Speaking of which, that way you said that...did Junyou tell you something?!"
"Eh? N-no, of course not~"
"Then why are you looking away and speaking with such a guilty tone? I won't let you get away with this next exercise, you know--!"
Hiyou wildly gesticulated in annoyance. Zuikaku, on the other hand (who had until now served as her pillow) continued laughing with joy.
The setting sun colored the Admiral's office a crimson. The blue-themed classical desk, the carpet, the western-style fireplace and the ship model above it, the "Desu!" hanging wall scroll--there were no exceptions.
"In other words..."
Watching the similarly red-painted streets outside the window, the Admiral asked,
"My...no, our predictions were correct, no?"
"Yes."
Akagi responded, her face emotionless.
"The exercise against Kaga on the second day; the exercises with Junyou and Hiyou's New 2ndCarDiv; the report on the Orel Sea battle submitted by destroyer Hibiki--in all these situations, she was only hit once, and only in the first battle. Even so, this..."
"Given Kaga's strength, it's surprising she was only hit that much."
"Indeed. In comparison, the one known during 'That War' as 'The Unlucky Ship..."
The Admiral raised a hand to stop Akagi. Without eye contact, he inquired:
"Then, it seems like that is this is the case. She--'Lucky Carrier' Zuikaku is has chosen to be like some of the other shipgirls."
The admiral's expression seemed dignified, and Akagi nodded with a similar expression.
"Perhaps she can use that luck to grasp the best possible future."
