Our Bonds

197... 198... 199... 200...

Phew... Damn. I'm so out of shape. This was considered to be a light workout back in my academy days. Now I'm sweating quite a bit and my arms a little by the time I'm finished.

As I sat up to catch my breath, I saw a pair of white boots and a pair black heels in front of me. They belonged to Avrora and Gangut.

"Oh! Training hard eh, Comrade!" (Gangut)

While Gangut is her usual self, something seems off with Avrora. Her face is flushed and her eyes keep shifting between looking at me and onto the floor. It's like she is embarrassed to see me... oh.

"Sorry. Let me put on a shirt."

"Not a problem, comrade. I don't mind you showing some bare skin. I must say, you look skinnier when in uniform. I almost thought you were a weakling when I first saw you." (Gangut)

Is that a compliment?

For now, I just put on a shirt. I want to wipe off the sweat first before putting on my uniform, but that will have to wait. Gangut gave me a report on the expedition they just got back from. Apart from the usual, something she said concerned me.

"Sirens? Near the resource point?"

"Yeah. Of course we take them out." (Gangut)

"They are normal mass-produced Siren sh.i.p.s, but we thought we should report it just in case." (Avrora)

Avrora seems fine after I put a shirt on, though her face is still face.

"No. Thank you for the report. Usually if Sirens have been spotted in our territory, Azur Lane will take care of the it. If there are Mass-produced Sirens, that means a high-ranking Siren is lurking nearby."

"So we just have to take them down!" (Gangut)

Gangut smacked her fists against her palm. She is really like Tenryuu in a sense. Both of them like to fight.

"Like I said, Azur Lane will be handling it. You two will have a different job."

"Hoh. What is it?" (Gangut)

"Gangut, from tomorrow onwards, you will report to Commander Rei. You have been chosen to be the flagship of her fleet. You will lead Sovetskaya, Chapayev, Tashkent, Asashio and Ryuujou."

"Hah! Finally some real battle. And my comrades are great too." (Gangut)

For Rei's first fleet, I will say she thought of something rather interesting. Sovetskaya's skill is proportionate to the number of North Union girls in the fleet. The more North Union girls in the fleet, the more destructive her salvos can be. Gangut has a skill which increases the firepower of her fleet members. Tashkent can summon some sort of creature in battle and can increase the accuracy of other North Union girls. Chapayev can basically able to set fire to her targets. I'm a little worried about the straightlaced Asashio. Rei wanted her in the fleet because 'she is cute and experienced'. I won't deny the 'cute and experienced' part, but I'm afraid she might not be able to fit in with the others. Ryuujou is there to provide the fleet with air support and long-range bombardment. With three girls being the same size as her in the fleet, I don't suppose she would go on a rampage anytime soon.

"Avrora, starting tomorrow, you will be the flagship for my new torpedo squadron, HUnting Squadron A."

"I'll get my own fleet?" (Avrora)

Her jaw dropped at my announcement.

"Yeah. Your subordinates are mostly young destroyers but please do your best. I have high hopes for you."

Avrora's face begin to light up,

"Yes. I will do my best!" (Avrora)

"Good for you, Comrade!" (Gangut)

Gangut slapped Avrora on the back.

"Yes, Gangut." (Avrora)

"Alright. Then I shall brief you about your tasks tomorrow. Please take the rest of the day off. Gangut, Commander Rei will be at the infirmary. I hope you two get along."

"We shall bring victory to humanity!" (Gangut)

"As the herald of dawn, I shall bring light to everyone." (Avrora)

They are both so happy.

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"Tenth Kagerou-class Destroyer, Tokitsukaze." (Tokitsukaze)

"I'm Amatsukaze, the Ninth Kagerou-class Destroyer." (Amatsukaze)

"I am Umikaze. I'll be in your care." (Umikaze)

"The 9th Shiratsuyu-class Destroyer, Kawakaze of the revised Shiratsuyu-class. Nice to meet you!" (Kawakaze)

"Pallada Class Cruiser, Avrora." (Avrora)

Almost all the members of Hunting Squadron 1 are gathered at the arsenal. There is still on-

"Sorry I'm late! Lenigrad Class Destroyer, Minsk." (Minsk)

There she is. Now all members are here.

"Comrade Minsk?!" (Avrora)

"Comrade Avrora! Great! We are in the same fleet!" (Minsk)

Now with introductions out of the way,

"Alright, I shall start the briefing. As of today, you are all members of Hunting Squadron 1. Avrora will be the flagship of this fleet. As you know, torpedo squadrons mainly handle transport missions. I won't say your jobs don't include such missions, however your main job is to hunt your enemies."

I see six confused faces...

"Basically you will search and attack Abyssals and Sirens using the usual hit-and-run tactics you girls know."

"Ohh~ That's easy. Right, Amtsukaze?" (Tokitsukaze)

"Geez. You should have said that from the start." (Amatsukaze)

"Simple enough!" (Kawakaze)

"Hit-and-run?" (Avrora)

Avrora and Minsk still look confused.

"Simply put, we launch a set of torpedos at the enemy and move away before they can target us. If we are lucky, they won't know what hit them." (Umikaze)

The both of them seem to understood Umikaze's explanation. Nice one, Umikaze!

"Yeah. Your job is to search for Abyssal sh.i.p.s or Siren sh.i.p.s and sink them on sight. However, do not engage if there are Wo-class carriers or any of the higher ranking Abyssals. And immediately hide from enemy aircraft unless you have anti-aircraft equipment. Feel free to sink any Sirens though, since we have an edge over them."

"Oh. That's why it's called 'hunting squadron'. We literally hunt down our enemies." (Minsk)

"Somehow, I feel excited." (Avrora)

"I know, right? Such missions are fun!" (Amatsukaze)

It's obvious they are itching to get out and go on missions. Anyway, I am sending them on one now.

"Glad you are. Because I have a mission for you now."

"Really?!" (All)

The mission is fairly simple, and it can serve as a icebreaker for them. It's not a problem for the four destroyers, but this kind of things are new to Avrora and Minsk.

Hunting Squadron 1 will sortie to the Eastern Orel Bay area and sink the Ho-class Light Cruiser elite that is seen roaming around there. It is bound to be protected by 5 other Destroyer I-class but those are just small fries.

"Avrora and Minsk, go and see Akashi first. She has made some adjustments to your euipmnet to make them effective against the Sirens. Feel free to summon your sh.i.p.s if you need to."

"Roger." (Avrora)

"The rest of you, prepare your euipment and get ready to sortie by 1000hrs."

"Roger!" (All)

"Can we ride on your ship?" (Tokitsukaze)

"Tokitsukaze, you are being rude to Avrora-san." (Amtsukaze)

"It's alright. Not a problem. I can carry everyone."

"Me too." (Minsk)

As I left them to prepare themselves, I was intercepted at the door by Ooyodo.

"There you are, Admiral. We have an update. The third mission is a success. HQ has given us the 'Go' signal to proceed on the fourth." (Ooyodo)

"Okay. Inform those involved to gather in my office. We shall start at noon."

Things are going to get busy.