Our Bonds

"Wow! So this is an Onsen town!" (Etorafu)

"Such a beautiful place!" (Kisaragi)

"Now now, keep it down! You're disturbing other people!" (Ooyodo)

Excitement and laughter filled the air. We are here, at a Kinosaki Onsen Town. It's located in the Northern Hugo Prefecture, a 2-and-a-half hour train ride from our place. Because they get to go out of the area often, the girls were pretty excited and noisy during the trip. It's extremely difficult to keep all 94 shipgirls in check and make sure they don't get lost while we were changing trains. Also, this is the first time I felt like everyone's eyes on me. Of course, a guy handling so many girls at once is not something we see everyday. Unless it's a school trip, but there isn't one at this time of the year.

We really need to thank the everyone involved in the transport mission. By some miracle, no one suffered any big damages during the transport mission. Because of this, they only returned back to drop off the resources, resupply and use the repair buckets if necessary. Yokosuka also told me the my girls were extremely motivated, which spread to their girls. Because of this, the transport mission was finished within the day, a record best!

As promised by HQ, Maizuru Naval District will get to go on a 5 day Onsen trip! They are probably going to give the same reward to everyone else, but we still got ourselves an early break. And on Christmas Eve as well!

As soon as we reached Kinosaki Onsen Town, everyone, especially the young destroyers and Coastal Defense Sh.i.p.s, wasted no time and started exploring the area. I guess I can let them play around for a while. I already briefed them on which Ryokan(Inn) we are staying. As an added measure, I sent Kashima, Yuubari, Agano, Souryuu to follow the young ones. The others are also keen to start exploring, so I let them do whatever they want. So long as everyone comes back by dinner time. I I can handle the check-in process myself. I should probably put their presents there too. No, lets wait till night. Some of them still believe Santa Claus is real. I don't want to crush that dream of theirs. I have already prepared everyone's presents. I do this every year. The cruisers, carriers and battlesh.i.p.s have caught on but most of the destroyers still believe that it was Santa that was delivering their Christmas presents. Since I am waiting for night to come, I'll just take a short nap. The entire operation, the Azur Lane Saga and the train rides really took a toll on me...

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"Huh? Where is Admiral?" (Shigure)

"I think he is still sleeping poi." (Yuudachi)

"He did looked tired when we reached the inn." (Shouhou)

"Oh well. Let's just start without him. Everyone! Good work on the 2nd Southern Operation! Cheers!" (Hiryuu)

"Cheers!" (All)

As agreed, everybody gathered at the dining hall by dinner time. To celebrate the end of the Large-scale operation, at least on our end, everyone decided to have a large party in the dining hall. Since it's an all-expenses paid trip by HQ, I'm sure Admiral doesn't need to fork out anything from his own pocket. I know it's supposed to be joyous occasion, but I can't help but feel like I don't deserve to be here. All this time, I have been a burden to Admiral. I did nothing but caused him trouble. I didn't even contribute anything to this operation.

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

"Shouhou..."

"Come on. why are making such a sad face?" (Shouhou)

"It's not everyday we get to have a huge party like this. Come on, lets drink." (Tatsuta)

Tatsuta-san was holding on to a large bottle of wine.

"Of course! Now is not the time to be discouraged! Listen up! Your real job starts now!" (Hiryuu)

"Hiryuu-senpai, you reek of alcohol. And you're too close."

Eh?

"My real job?"

"Yeah! With all the reports he had to make, surely he didn't have time for himself. That's where you come in. Since it's Christmas, you can give him a reward by releasing all the pent-up stress in him!" (Hiryuu)

"She is drunk, isn't she?" (Tatsuta)

"I'll go get Souryuu-senpai." (Shouhou)

"How do I that?"

"Do I really need to answer that for you? For pervert like Admiral, obviously you need to do-" (Hiryuu)

"All right all right. That's enough. How did you get drunk this fast?" (Souryuu)

Before Hiryuu-senpai can complete her sentence, Souryuu came and pulled her away. I sort of know the answer to my own question. But... is it really the best gift?

"Well, ignoring what Hiryuu-san just said, I think you know what kind of present to give Admiral." (Tatsuta)

Tatsuta-san gave her signature cynical smile. Whenever she smiles like that, I feel that she is seeing through me.

"Anyway, there's no need to think too much. Maybe just spend some time with him. We are on vacation after all." (Shouhou)

Shouhou's right. This is actually the perfect time to deepen our relationship. Maybe...

"It's Christmas tomorrow, so maybe the both of you can go on a Christmas date together." (Tatsuta)

I nearly spit out the wine I was drinking. H-how did she...? No, Tatsuta-san's favourite pastime is making cynical remarks. Maybe she is just teasing me.

"Don't worry. I won't say anything until the both of you make it public." (Tatsuta)

Tatsuta-san walked back to her table and started entertaining the destroyers there. She knew!

"Shouhou..."

"I didn't say anything! Really!" (Shouhou)

Hah... It can't be help. People are going to catch on sooner or later.

"I'll go get Admiral. It will be bad if he missed out on all the food and drinks."

As I was about to exit the dining room, the doors slid open.

"Aww. You started without me." (Admiral)

"Admiral?"

"Oh, Zuihou. You are leaving already?" (Admiral)

"N-no. I was thinking about coming for you."

"I appreciate the thought. Thank you." (Admiral)

He said that as he stroked my head. I like this feeling...

"Admiral! You're late!" (Shimakaze)

"Where have you been?" (Shigure)

"Sorry. I wanted to take a quick nap, but ended up sleeping till now." (Admiral)

Admiral went to join the others. He is trying hide it, but he is still tired. If only there's something I can do...