Our Bonds

The doctors couldn't find anything serious, but as a precaution, they ordered me to rest and avoid any physical activities for a while. They recommended me to stay home for a few days, but my actual home is pretty far away from here. So I will be staying in my quarters. The naval district is technically my second home.

"Take these once a day or whenever you feel pain. Apply this every night before you sleep." (Nurse)

"Thank you."

"And are you sure you don't need any support? Without proper support, your back injury may worsen." (Nurse)

"That's right. Listen to Nurse-san." (Zuihou)

Zuihou had followed me in the ambulance. Her outfit has already caught the attention of some curious onlookers. It's not everyday you see a Miko in a hospital. Old ladies in a Kimono are a common sight, but not a child in a miko outfit.

"Look. Even your daughter agrees." (Nurse)

Aren't you mistaking something?

"No. You got it-"

"You're wrong. Admiral is my boyfriend." (Zuihou)

"Eh?" (Nurse)

The nurse look at me as if I'm some sort of criminal.

"She is a shipgirl. She just looks like this."

"Ahh... That explains the outfit. This is my first time seeing a shipgirl. She looks like an ordinary girl. Are all of them as small as her?" (Nurse)

"No. We are mostly different." (Zuihou)

"There are big ones and small ones. Zuihou here is on the smaller side."

"Hey!" (Zuihou)

"Anyway, we will take our leave now. Thank you for your help."

I left the hospital with a pouting Zuihou in hand.

"What do you mean I'm on the small side? That's mean." (Zuihou)

"It's the truth. You are small and cute."

"Cu-cute?! That's a litt- Ehe~ Ehehehe~" (Zuihou)

Zuihou placed her hands on her cheeks, unable to contain her happiness.

How easy...

The way back home is quite a distance. So we took a taxi back.

When we returned, the engineers are still repairing the factory and docks. I hope they are not planning to work through the night.

"Grand Admiral."

"Ah. You're back. What did the doctor say?" (Hasake)

I explained that they couldn't find anything severe and just told me to rest for the next few days. I also brought up whether his men will be spending the whole night repairing.

"Of course not. We didn't bring enough materials so repairs are going to be on hold until tomorrow. At 2000hrs, the boys will stop work. Don't worry about our quarters. We will be sleeping on the ship." (Hasake)

An Admiral letting a Grand Admiral sleeping on a ship? No no. That will leave a bad taste in my mouth.

"Grand Admiral, I can prepare a room for you."

"Not necessary. I prefer sleeping in the ship I built. I can guarantee it is just as comfortable as a cruise ship." (Hasake)

"You built that ship?"

"Of course. I'm not the head researcher and chief engineer for nothing." (Hasake)

That's impressive.

"Anyway, I need to inform you that the docks may not be fully operational for a while. We managed to get one of the baths working but until we get materials, the girls will have share that one." (Hasake)

"Thank you. Just one working is good enough for now."

"Also, I heard from that Avrora girl that a couple of Azur Lane girls came. I told her to wait for you in your office, so you are going to have to deal with them. You are better at explaining the situation since you were there. As soon as I dismiss the boys, get the girls with the lowest repair time into the docks. Can't have one still bathing when we continue the repairs tomorrow." (Hasake)

Azur Lane is here? They must be curious about what happened.

"Understood."

"I'll leave the repair scheduling to you. Once you are done with that and Azur Lane, go get some rest. I don't want an Admiral to be dismissed because of a back injury." (Hasake)

"Neither would I. Thank you very much, Grand Admiral."

"No need for a salute. Now, move along." (Hasake)

I slowly made my way back to my room with Zuihou helping me. It still hurts so I'm taking it slow.

Sure enough, Avrora was waiting in my office. Sitting on the sofa were two small girls in miko outfits. The white hair one was wearing a red miko outfit while the pink hair one was wearing a white one with a red skirt. These two are definitely from the Sakura Empire. Those horns and ears gave it away.

"Ah. Shouhou?" (Zuihou)

"Hmm? Ah. Are ya' my older sister Zuihou-san?" (AL Shouhou)

That's Shouhou? She is completely different from our Shouhou. She is even speaking with a Kansai accent. And I pretty sure Zuihou is the younger one in the Shouhou-class.

"Older sister? I'm the younger one though. But being the older one still feels nice. Even though you have the same name, you are totally different from our Shouhou." (Zuihou)

"Heeh~ How does the me over here look like?" (AL Shouhou)

"For starters," (Zuihou)

I can see Zuihou staring at Shouhou's chest, before smiling happily,

"The size is totally different. I'm glad we are the same size." (Zuihou)

"Gh! Yer' got ta be kiddin..." (AL Shouhou)

These two are hitting it off pretty well.

"Shouhou, we need to get down to business." (???)

"Oh come on, Ryuujou. Tis the first time I'm speaking ta me sister." (AL Shouhou)

"I understand your feelings but we need to get what we need and return to Milord." (Ryuujou)

So this is Ryuujou. Size aside, her mannerism and speech patterns are completely different. This one speaks in an old samurai fashion.

"I assume you are here about this afternoon."

"Yes. We are here on behalf of milord to enquire about the events that transpired. But first, let us apologize for not being there to help." (Ryuujou)

"Well, I'm sure you have your reasons. Avrora, pour some tea for them."

"Understood." (Avrora)

I slowly walked to my desk and sat down.

"Oh my. Were ya' perhaps injured during the incident?" (Shouhou)

"Not really. This happened afterwards. Anyway, let's have a discussion. This Ember person we met seems to have a beef with Azur Lane."

"Ember? Neva' heard of 'em." (Shouhou)

"That Ember person... is most probably Takao-san." (Zuihou)

Both of their eyes widened at Zuihou's revelation.