Our Bonds

Ember's attack on Maizuru Naval District... A surprise Siren attack on Azur Lane's main island... This was all calculated.

Ember said she was given the wrong coordinates. The Sirens may have done this on purpose in an attempt to take us out. To stop Azur Lane from interfering, they sent mass-produced sirens and scavengers to attack the main island. If Hoppou's fleet wasn't here, we would have been wiped out from the beginning. Luckily, Ember seems obsessed with destroying Azur Lane. After realising she was attacking the wrong target, she retreated.

Her real name is Takao. Zuihou recognized her and she didn't deny it. Ryuujou and Shouhou from Azur Lane didn't believe it, because Takao was fighting alongside them during the Siren attack.

By taking what Ember said about timelines and coordinates into consideration, it's safe to say that the Sirens are not from this world. It sounds absurd, but all the things we have seen match up. Portals, teleportation, not dying despite being filled with holes, a ridiculous amount of firepower, shooting laser beams instead of shells, creating islands and landscapes, and last but not least, the sudden cloning of shipgirls. This phenomenon is still being researched, but it's believed that the energy burst caused by Abyssal Zuihou back then is the main cause. Mental cubes were apparently involved in the creation of Abyssal Zuihou. No two shipgirls can have the same appearance and name. This is a fact. But with Siren interference, this fact has changed. It's not a bad thing though. It just gives us more girls and double, or maybe triple the cuteness.

"Oh well, I'll leave all things Siren to the experts at Azur Lane."

"What are you talking about?" (Zuihou)

"Nothing. Ooh~ That's the spot~"

Zuihou continued massaging my back. She gently pressed on the spot which I fell on the other day.

"Does it hurt?" (Zuihou)

"A little, but it's not as bad as before."

"There is a bruise..." (Zuihou)

"It will heal soon enough."

"Yo! Admiral! How are- I'm not interrupting something, right?" (Suzuya)

Suzuya came into my room, fully repaired. At least, that's what I think. I can't see her since I'm facing the wall. And the door is behind me. Judging by her tone, she is definitely all right now.

"Nope. How is the new dock?"

"It's amazing! There is so much new things. A massage chair, a sauna, a steam room, so much good stuff! Grand Admiral Hasake really is a good man." (Suzuya)

"Glad you like it. I'll convey your thanks to him later."

Yesterday, after three days, Grand Admiral Hasake and his men completed the repairs on my base. They even did some upgrades to the Factory, Arsenal and Docks. I have a list of the upgrades he did on my desk. The factory now churns out weapons faster and at a lower cost. There is even an option to create three of the same weapons at the same time, accelerating our rearmament process. The arsenal is more efficient now. Weapons can be upgraded at a lower cost. Yuubari and Akashi actually helped to upgrade the Factory and Arsenal. They were so happy to help Grand Admiral Hasake in the repairs. They totally look up to him. The docks also got a luxurious upgrade. Our store rooms are tougher now. The academy looks grand and the main building has a fresh coat of paint. I should treat him and his men one of these days. I need my pay to return to normal first.

"Anyway, glad to see you are okay." (Suzuya)

"Come on. You saw me walking around yesterday."

"Teehee. So, Zuihou, are you coming to practice later?" (Suzuya)

"I can't. I still need to take care of Admiral." (Zuihou)

"It's bad to skip practice. Especially now, since we may get attacked again."

"But..." (Zuihou)

As much as I want Zuihou by my side, her being combat-ready is more important. She is strong. But that's no excuse to slack off. I think Zuihou herself understands this as well, but she is worried about me and wants to be by my side too. Even though this is just a small injury. She is easily worried nowadays, especially since the attack by Ember.

"Fine. Suzuya, tell Hiryuu that Zuihou is with me. I need her to help me with my paperwork. I have quite a bit piled up over the days."

"You say that, but you just want to have some s.e.xy time with your girlfriend, don'tcha?" (Suzuya)

"That too. But I really have quite a bit to do. Maybe I can multitask."

"Pfft! Hahahaha!" (Suzuya)

"Suzuya! Don't plant weird ideas into Admiral's head! And Admiral, don't even think about it!" (Zuihou)

"All right."

I got up and put on my shirt,

"Let's get to work. Zuihou, help me out. We can have fun later. Or do you want to do it now?"

"What are yo- W-we have work to do, right? Let's not do such a thing in the offi...." (Zuihou)

Ah~ She is so fl.u.s.tered now. She is really cute~

"Yeah yeah. I won't bother you two lovebirds. Just don't be so loud or else the curious DEs and DDs will start to investigate." (Suzuya)

"Don't worry. I have a gag ready just in case."

I reached into my bedside drawer and took out a piece of cloth.

"Or would you rather the ball type?"

"I don't need such a thing! In the first place, why do you have a such a thing in there?!" (Zuihou)

"If you want, I have cuffs and other stuff-"

"Where did you get all those?! Aren't they against the rules?" (Zuihou)

Technically, they are. That is, if I bought them from outside. There isn't any rule saying I couldn't one myself. Thank you, Akashi.

"Anyway, I'm going to practice now. Have fun, you two. Don't mess up the office while you're at it." (Suzuya)

"Wait! Suzuya, we are not- Hyaa! Admiral! Don't just grab my- Nh! Don't touch...there..." (Zuihou)

I placed my hand on her thighs. That was enough to bring out a reaction from her.

"Yikes... I better get out of here." (Suzuya)

"Remember this? This is the one I used on you after I caught you."

I showed her the first massage device I commissioned Akashi to make for me. I'm thinking of commissioning more since she reacts so differently when I use it. If I order too much at once, Akashi will get pissed for making her create such lewd products. Maybe Yuubari wouldn't mind helping me with this.

"Just do me normally! I don't want you to use any of those things! Ahh! What are making me say?!" (Zuihou)

Ohoh~

I took hold of one of Zuihou's legs,

"Hearing you say that makes me happy. As a reward, I shall grant your wish."

"I don't need such a reward! Stop pulling on my pants!" (Zuihou)