Our Bonds

I gently stroked the underside of Shigure-chan's chin as she snuggled close to me.

"Admiral... Me too..." (Shigure)

Shigure rolled her fingers into the shape of a paw and placed it on my lap. This is the first time I see such an action. Who did she learn that from?

"Sorry. Here you go."

I gently rubbed Shigure's head with my free hand. She too snuggled close to me as I pet her.

The two of them are acting like puppies again. If Yuudachi was here, I will definitely get pounced on.

"Shigure-chan,"

"Hmm?" (Shigure-chan)

"How are your lessons?"

"Quite fun. It's a little weird having to learn everything again, but Kashima sensei makes the lessons enjoyable." (Shigure-chan)

"I see. That's good."

"I sunk two abyssals today while on patrol." (Shigure)

"Is that so? Good girl."

"I scored an 'A' for today's test." (Shigure-chan)

"Really? That's great."

Hmm? Is this what I think it is?

"Muu~ I took out two light cruiser He-class with a single torpedo salvo." (Shigure)

"Good job."

Yep. They are both competing with each other. This is a first. Usually Shigure just sits around and let me pet her while the others tell their stories. She wasn't one to compete.

"You are both good girls. Here is your reward."

I continued to pamper them. From petting them to gently scratching their chin, I played with them until they were satisfied.

The two sister left for dinner, giving some time to stretch my legs. I have been sitting on the floor for so long.

"Oww... Pins and needles..."

I shook my legs and rubbed them to get rid of that annoying and painful sensation.

"That was cute of them... trying to compete like that."

"Commander!" (???)

A girl with short black hair came in and jumped at me. If it wasn't for the numbness in my legs, I would have caught her easily.

"Woah! Oww~"

Well, I still caught her. But we are on the floor.

"Hey! Tokitsukaze! You can't just barge in like that!" (Amatsukaze)

"Geez. What are you doing to the Commander, Yukikaze?" (???)

A girl, similar to Tokitsukaze in height, followed Amatsukaze into the office. She has brown eyes with a yellow hue and short brown hair. Her outfit is just like Tokitsukaze's, a yellow scarf over a very short, slightly see-through white buttoned sailor dress with blue stripes on her cuffs and end of her dress. This girl is Yukikaze, the eighth ship of the Kagerou-class destroyers and the latest addition to our family. We recently found her on a routine sortie to the Okinoshima Seas last week. If we can find Hatsukaze, the 16th Destroyer Division will be together again.

"Oh, Yukikaze. How is it? Getting used to the base yet?"

"Yes! Everyday is fun!" (Yukikaze)

"Glad to here that. And erm... don't take another step."

"Why?" (Yukikaze)

Because I will be able see your panties at this angle... like I could say that.

"It will be dangerous otherwise."

"Because Commander will be able to see Yukikaze's panties." (Tokitsukaze)

"Tokitsukaze!"

There goes my reputation with Yukikaze. Not like I have much in the first place.

Yukikaze's face turn red as she recoiled a few steps back.

"Don't worry. I didn't see anything."

Like that would convince her...

"Geez. Why are you scaring the poor girl? Don't worry, Yukikaze. I will protect you." (Amatsukaze)

"Amatsukaze..." (Yukikaze)

"Tokitsukaze too!" (Tokitsukaze)

"Yeah yeah. You two make sure you protect your sister until she is strong enough."

I touched Tokitsukaze's cheek,

"But first, can you get off me?"

"Come on, Tokitsukaze. Get off Commander already." (Amatsukaze)

Amatsukaze ran over and pulled Tokitsukaze off while Yukikaze helped me up.

"Thank you. So, did you need something?"

"N-not really." (Amatsukaze)

"Amatsukaze wanted to see Commander!" (Tokitsukaze)

"Oi! Tokitsukaze!" (Amatsukaze)

"I-I see."

Amatsukaze is blushing heavily and a lot of smoke is coming out of her smoke stack. I guess it's true.

"That makes me happy, Amatsukaze."

"I-it's not like I wanted to see you or anything. I just wanted to make sure you are doing your work. You don't have a secretary today, right?" (Amatsukaze)

That's true. Zuihou is on patrol today. And I haven't assigned anyone to take her place when she is gone. Though, it's not like I have anyone in mind. And the workload nowadays is getting lesser.

"Thank you for your concern. I already finished my work. So I'm just going to wait until dinner."

"Commander, is your back okay?" (Yukikaze)

"Yeah. I have completely recovered."

"That's great." (Yukikaze)

Apart from Tokitsukaze, both Amatsukaze and Yukikaze had a look of relief on their face.

"G-good for you. Let's go, Yukikaze, Tokitsukaze." (Amatsukaze)

"Ehh~ I want to play with Commander a little longer. Amatsukaze too, right?" (Tokitsukaze)

"Let go already!" (Amatsukaze)

A blushing Amatsukaze dragged the protesting Tokitsukaze along with her, leaving behind a small trail of smoke.

"See you again, Commander." (Yukikaze)

"See you."

Yukikaze smiled as she closed the door.

Now then, the other patrolling fleets and sortieing fleets should be back soon. I better prepare to greet them. And finish up my daily activity report.