Our Bonds

In the morning, I went to collect what I ordered from Akashi I got to say, this is pretty well-made. The colour is a a dark shade of purple and the top can be compressed into a shape of a drill. I didn't ask for the shape change but this is good. I spent a few hours last night doing some 'research' but I guess I can only do the simple ones. Time to wait for nightfall. In the meantime, Zuihou can work on that report she was supposed to do. That was the orignal plan.

Zuihou ran away again. She is hiding somewhere. I expected this much so I told Akashi to lock up her equipment just in case. Before I chase her though, there is some things I need to settle.

"Спасибо, что спасли нас." (Avrora)

"Erm... Thank you, for saving us." (Fubuki)

"Wow. So you can speak Russian."

"O-only a bit." (Fubuki)

Fubuki is helping to translate what the North Union girls are saying. Oh by the way, these girls are from the faction known as North Union. They originated from Russia and were on their way to the Azur Lane headquaters when they got ambushed by a bunch of High ranking Sirens. They sent out a SOS signal once they ran out of ammunition and waited for Azur Lane to rescue them. Instead, Zuihou and her fleet picked it up and engaged the Sirens until they themselves ran out of fuel and ammunition.

"We have already contacted Azur Lane. They said they will send an escort as soon as they have investigated the area you were attacked."

That's what Rei told me after she cleared up the misunderstanding of me becoming a girl. The route the North Union was supposed to take didn't involve cutting through the Kis Island area. And sirens appearing near our areas are worrisome enough for Yokosuka to launch an all-out investigation by themselves. They will be sortieing all their battlesh.i.p.s and carriers to the various areas. During this period, the other districts will stop all other operations including training excercises and expeditions. Having sirens appear in our areas were a common sight before, but with high-ranking sirens showing up and the attempts to attack the districts has raised the alarm. Since Azur Lane is involved in the investigation, the North Union girls are stuck with us for the time being.

"I know this will be weird but please, make yourself at home. You can use the facilities if you like."

Fubuki translated what I said to Avrora. Her eyes began to beam.

"She says, thank you. The others will be glad to know they can play the weird boxes in the room next to us." (Fubuki)

Weird boxes? Oh, the game consoles in the entertainment room.

Fubuki followed Avrora out of the office. I better thank her properly after this. She will be stuck with them until who-knows when.

"Now then... Shigure, I need your help."

Shigure, my secretary ship for the day, gave a confused look.

"I should get Yuudachi for this too."

Time for the hunt.

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"Zuihou-san?" (Mustuki)

"Yes. Did she come by here just now?" (Shigure)

"I don't know. What about you, Kisaragi-chan?" (Mutsuki)

"She was definitely here poi." (Yuudachi)

"Now that I think about, I did see her run pass. I was wondering what she was doing in the Destroyers Dormitory." (Kisaragi)

Yuudachi was right.

After lunch, I got Shigure and Yuudachi to help me track down Zuihou. I remember Ooyodo using Yuudachi track down my scent when I went to 'do my rounds'. Looks like Shigure can do it too. Our search led to the Destroyers Dormitory.

"There shouldn't be any place to hide here. Maybe the vents but I don't think she would be hidng in there."

"Admiral, the trail goes further." (Shigure)

"Follow me." (Yuudachi)

We started from the docks, to the Carrier Dormitory, followed by the Cruisers Dormitory and finally here. Even Shouhou and Suzuya don't know anything.

I followed the two of them towards the back of the dormitory. There's only a door that leads to the garden behind the dormitory. She can't be hiding here, right?

"She went through the garden?"

I asked as we walked through the doorway. This garden is managed by the Destroyers. Every dormitory has their own unique backyard. The cruisers have an animal she'd while the carriers have a pond.

"Looks like it." (Shigure)

"Meew." (???)

"Hello, Tina-chan." (Shigure)

Shigure crouched down to pet the white cat that came over to greet us. She is one of the two kittens we picked up from that island. The other one...

"Ahh! Kou-kun, you got stuck again?!" (Yuudachi)

Likes to climb up high places and getting himself stuck.

I let them spend some time with the kittens while I take a look around. There are lots of vegetables and fruits growing here, but that's not the point. This place is surrounded by a wooden fence. Why would she bother to come here just to climb over the fence?

"Kou-kun, did you see Zuihou come here poi?" (Yuudachi)

"Why are you talking to the kitten?"

"Maybe they know something. Kittens can be pretty observant." (Shigure)

"Is that so?"

"Meew~" (Kou)

Kou leapt out of Yuudachi's arms and walked over to the fence, before turning towards and meowed again.

"He wants us to follow him poi." (Yuudachi)

Eh?! He understood Yuudachi?

Kou squeezed through the gaps between the fence and ran off.

Hurry up. Let's follow him!" (Yuudachi)

"Wait!"

The three of us climbed over the fence to catch up with Kou. As expected of an animal, he is fast!

Kou ran into the factory building. She is hiding there?