Our Bonds

Towers of water and smoke formed all over the place as the shells and bombs miss their target. While Suzuya and Zuihou prepared to launch the next group of bombers, Sovetskaya Rossiya and Gangut carry on their assault against the Battleship Water Demon. Avrora and Chapayev concentrate on taking out its escorts and evading attacks.

We received a report of a dangerous Abyssal fleet roaming around the Eastern Sea Area. I thought of letting the North Union fleet handle this since this is going to be their first actual sortie since they came to the base. I assumed the dangerous fleet was a battleship fleet, not a fleet with a Battleship Water Demon. Someone at HQ isn't doing their job properly.

"Suzuya, help Avrora and Chapayev take out the escorts. Gangut and Sovetskaya, focus your attacks on the Water Demon. Use your skills once they are ready. Time it with Avrora's."

I watched as the girls take out the Abyssal fleet. Zuihou and Suzuya have some experience fighting this beast, but not the North Union girls. While risky, this is a good experience for them.

"That looks scary..." (Pamiat)

"Ughh..." (Grozny)

The other North Union girls are with me in the command room, observing the fight. I want them to observe and learn how to fight one if they need to.

"Even the high-ranking Sirens are not that big." (Tashkent)

With the escorts eliminated, what's left is the Water demon itself.

"Not bad... are you..." (Water Demon)

"It speaks?!" (Chapayev)

"All units, focus on the Water Demon."

There was a lot of explosions and smoke as the fleet threw everything they had at their target. It was not long until the Water Demon was on its last legs.

"Within the light of dawn are spilled blood and raging flames..." (Avrora)

Avrora's final salvo finally brought it down. The Water Demon screamed as it begin to disappear under the surface.

"Light... overflowing... on the water... I too... yes..." (Water Demon)

"Augh... I still can't get used to that."(Suzuya)

"She sounds... sad." (Avrora)

"These enemies are entirely different from what we are used to." (Sovetskaya)

"Well, that's how things are over here. Anyway, good work. Return imme-"

"Unknown aircr- Hiiiiiieee!!!" (Zuihou)

Zuihou shuddered and let out a shriek before hiding behind Sovetskaya.

"Zuihou, what's wrong?" (Suzuya)

"What's the matter, little one?" (Sovetskaya)

On the moniter, I can six green markers approaching their location.

Allies.

For Zuihou to act like that, there could only be one reason.

"Hm? I was wondering why was there an explosion in the middle of nowhere. So it was you guys." (???)

A familiar aircraft carrier with her signature eagle and uniform arrived with two other carriers and three cruisers. It was Enterprise from Azur Lane. And one of Zuihou's historical enemies. Actually, most of the carriers that participated in that battle are her enemies. Even she doesn't know the owner of the planes that sunk her.

"Oh. If it isn't Comrade Enterprise. What are you doing here?" (Gangut)

"We were returning from a commission when we spotted some explosions nearby. So we came to check it out. Didn't expect you guys to be here." (Enterprise)

"Comrade Gangut, who is this fine lady?" (Avrora)

Oh right. Apart for Gangut and Sovetskaya, the other girls haven't got a chance to meet their allies.

As they make their introductions, Sovetskaya and Suzuya try to comfort the frightened light aircraft carrier.

"Looks like she still hates me..." (Enterprise)

"Eh? I thought she was already alright with you." (Hornet)

"Well, it seemed like it back then." (Enterprise)

"You did something to her?" (Sovetskaya)

"Long story." (Enterprise)

Time to get her out of there. She is already at her limit.

"All right girls. Time to come home. We can catch up later."

"Sorry. I received orders to return back to base. We will talk some other time." (Gangut)

"I will be looking forward to it." (Enterprise)

Gangut and Enterprise bumped fists, before going their separate ways.

I turned to the remaining North Union girls,

"What do you think about that demon?"

"It's scary, but something about it makes me feel sad..." (Tashkent)

"There aren't anymore like that, right?" (Pamiat)

"Unfortunately, no. There are 'Princess's types. And not the ones you are thinking about. Anyway, you should be learning about them from Kashima this week."

"Another lesson with Comrade Kashima? Yes!" (Minsk)

"Delicious...treats...." (Grozny)

That got them hyped up. Kashima's lessons are always enjoyable and easy to understand. As expected of a Training Cruiser.

The girls will be back soon. I should greet them as soon as they return.

----------------------------------------------------

It was notlong before Sovetskaya and the others entered my office for their report and debrief.

"The fleet has returned safely!" (Sovetskaya)

"Good work. Sorry to make you girls fight a hard one all of a sudden."

"It was a shocking, but a good experience." (Chapayev)

"And we met a special someone. Right, Zuihou?" (Suzuya)

"Shut up..." (Zuihou)

Looks like she is feeling better. I was a little worried when she started to cower behind Sovetskaya. I thought she will relapse again.

"Umm... Admiral...-san?" (Avrora)

"What is it?"

Avrora appraoched me. She looked away while playing with her fingers. She wants to ask for something, doesn't she? I have seen that behavior one too many times.

"I did well, didn't I?" (Avrora)

"Y-yeah."

"Then, can you do that thing with your hand on my head?" (Avrora)

Avroa took of her hat and looked at me with anticipation. Oh, a headpat. She wants to be praised.

"Good work."

I placed a hand on her head and stroked through her hair. It's surprisely soft and silky despite being hidden under that thick woolly hat of hers.

"Ehehe~" (Avrora)

Avrora looks extremely happy.

"Hey, comrade! Remember our laws! We must always be fair!" (Gangut)

"Ah! Sorry! It's just that... this feels good~" (Avrora)

"Is that so? Then I shall experience this myself." (Sovetskaya)

Sovetskaya took off her hat as well.

"Now, Admiral. If you would." (Sovetskaya)

"Uh. Okay."

As I pat their heads, I felt a tug on the hem of my shirt. Zuihou stood beside me, looking away.

"Oho..." (Suzuya)

Suzuya had a smug look, before approaching me.

"Me next! I want some of Admiral's love too. Heehee." (Suzuya

"Wha-?!" (Zuihou)

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"N-nothing..." (Zuihou)

There is clearly something wrong...

As I pat Suzuya's head, she gestured me to come closer and whispered into my ear,

"Make sure you give her Admiral's special love, 'kay?" (Suzuya)

"Huh?"

Suzuya just winked before switching with the next girl in line.

"I will go take a bath first." (Suzuya)

Suzuya gave a thumbs-up and left the office. What was that about? Anyway, this will take a while.

Once I finished giving all of them their headpats, they all have a blissful look of satisfaction on their face as they left. All but one that is. Zuihou has been extremely quiet ever since she returned.

"Are you okay? Did something happen?"

She just turned away, pouting.

Okay... At least now I know it's not about the American carriers. I thought she was traumatised by them again. If it was, she wouldn't be acting like this. For some reason, she is jealous.

Suzuya's words echoed through my head. So that's what she meant.

It's still early though. And there is still quite a bit of paperwork to finish. For now,

"Zuihou, come here for a sec."

"What is it?" (Zuihou)

When she got close enough, I lift her off the ground and sat on in my lap.

"...Eh?" (Zuihou)

I stroked her head.

"Wh-what is this? Eh?" (Zuihou)

Since I have the chance, I want to try something. I whispered into her ear,

"You're perfect, Zuihou."

"!!!" (Zuihou)

Zuihou's body shook a little. Looks like there's some effect. Just to be sure,

"I love you, Zuihou."

Zuihou reacted again. It's working. I always wanted to try this ASMR thing. And it's interesting to see her reactions.

I continued whispering sweet things into her ear. Zuihou would sometimes instinctively move away a bit, but she didn't escape, even though I'm not holding her. She seems to be enjoying this as well.

For some reason, my lap feels a little wet...

"Zuihou..."

"Nn!!!" (Zuihou)

Zuihou's body shook uncontrollably. It then occured to me what she was doing.

"Zuihou, you..!!!"

"Hah... Hah..." (Zuihou)

This is a first...

"Admiral... More..." (Zuihou)

"Eh?"

Zuihou turned to face me, making a longing face.

Yep. It's still daytime but...

"You really are a needy shipgirl, Zuihou."

I caressed her cheek, before carrying her to my bedroom.