POV Izumo: Post-Meeting Reflection
The meeting in the command room left a heavy weight on my shoulders. Admiral Deguchi is a man of many secrets, but his honesty regarding the state of this world began to peel back the veil that had shrouded our journey so far. I decided to open up about the global conflicts; after all, this was for the sake of Azur Lane. Once the formal handshake concluded, we were guided out by his assistant-a hospital ship-girl who had been standing silently by the teak table.
"Please, this way. I will escort you to the guest quarters," she said. Her voice was incredibly soft, as refreshing as a morning breeze in the mountains. It was surreal; her voice was so gentle it reminded me of Lady Nagato.
Her name is Hikawa Maru. We agreed to call her Maru. As a hospital ship-girl, she radiated an aura of motherhood and tranquility. It made sense-being a hospital ship required immense patience, sincerity, and high levels of care. She was the polar opposite of the explosive Hyuga or the ice-cold Kaga. Maru walked ahead of us, her footsteps rhythmic against the polished marble floors of the magnificent Yokohama Command Headquarters.
We exited the main building and headed back toward the pier, but this time through an internal route closer to the maintenance facilities.
"This world... it is truly driven by human hands. It really feels like my original world," I muttered softly, glancing at the left side of the path.
We passed a row of giant hangars with hydraulic doors wide open. Inside, an extraordinary sight unfolded. I saw hundreds of human workers in gray wearpacks, busy with their equipment. The roar of impact wrenches, sparks from welding machines, and the coordinated shouts of crews filled the air.
Several F-35Bs were being stripped of their wing panels for stealth sensor checks. In another corner, an SH-60K Seahawk and an Apache were undergoing rotor maintenance. I spotted Hyuga inspecting her two helicopters-the same ones that had launched missiles at my drones earlier today-assisted by several mechanics carrying checklists.
"Izumo-san is right," Maru said with a slight smile, never breaking her stride. "Here, the human element is crucial. We ship-girls possess a spiritual bond and great power within our ships, but we cannot repair ourselves instantly using Wisdom Cube energy like the stories you told us. Every loose bolt, every burnt circuit-these humans are the ones who fix them. Even if a ship-girl is damaged at sea, she must be towed by her comrades back to port for repairs."
I watched the ammunition loading process for a destroyer moored nearby. A giant crane lifted missile canisters toward the VLS (Vertical Launch System) cells. The crew worked with extreme precision, ensuring every data connection was perfectly seated. The salvos were loaded flawlessly. They were incredibly efficient.
"That means your combat assets are very limited," Nimi remarked, adjusting her glasses. Her eyes were sharp, meticulously noting every detail of their logistics. She was clearly analyzing the differences in how they handled weaponry.
"That's correct, err... what was your name again?" Maru asked.
"KMS Z23. You can call me Nimi," she replied.
"Ah, Nimi-san. You are right. If our planes are destroyed, the nation must order or produce new ones, which takes months or even years. That is why Hyuga-san was so furious when she saw Kaga-san's aircraft destroyed. To us, it isn't just a lost weapon; it's a loss of strength that is incredibly difficult to replace," Maru explained.
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The Intelligent Girl at Pier 4
Our pace slowed as we passed Pier 4. Moored there was a destroyer with an incredibly modern, sleek design, featuring the sharp angles typical of the latest stealth technology. A ship-girl stood at the edge of the pier, holding a digital tablet and barking instructions to the crew below.
She wore a black naval uniform with a sword sheathed at her waist. Her black hair was tied back neatly. She seemed intensely focused on counting the missiles and torpedoes being loaded into her vessel.
"That is the JS Mogami," Maru said, noticing my curiosity. "And that girl is Mogami. She is one of the most brilliant among us."
"Mogami...?" Ayanami whispered, staring at the girl with an unreadable expression. In the world of Azur Lane, Mogami was a different person entirely, but here, she looked like a logistical genius.
"She is the spearhead of our patrols," Maru continued. "Mogami frequently sails between Hokkaido in the north and Yokosuka here on border patrol missions. She is extremely meticulous. Sometimes, she is sent far south to assist the destroyers there because the threat is becoming more tangible. She is the most modern frigate class in the Japanese Navy."
JS Mogami noticed our presence. She turned for a moment, giving a professional nod and a sharp salute toward us before returning to her missile count. No words were exchanged; there was only the aura of pure efficiency.
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Shadows from the South
"The threat from the South... Kaga mentioned it earlier too," I said, trying to dig for more information. "Why do you seem so cornered? You have advanced ships like Kaga and Hyuga."
Maru sighed deeply, her gentle face dimming slightly. We continued walking toward the guest house located on a small hill near the pier.
"Izumo-san, this world has a complicated history. In this country, we are bound by ancient rules from the past following a great war defeat. Our aircraft carriers are not allowed to have 'offensive' intercontinental capabilities. We are only permitted to have defense ships. Japan only has three helicopter carriers, and even those are technically modified destroyers, not pure aircraft carriers like the ones in your world."
Maru stopped walking and stared straight toward the southern horizon. A gentle breeze passed through us, fluttering our hair.
"Our real threat is a nation to the South. They are building a massive, powerful carrier fleet. Currently, they already have three pure aircraft carriers equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a vast number of fighter jets, and an enormous escort fleet. They far outmatch us in quantity. We are always in a defensive posture, guarding the borders to ensure they aren't breached," Maru explained at length.
I remained silent. So, this world wasn't exempt from power struggles either. The difference was that the enemy wasn't the Sirens or sea monsters, but fellow humans and their armadas of steel. I had a hypothesis about who their enemy was, but I kept it to myself. I didn't want to break their focus. I was a guest who happened to look like their missing sister. I had to maintain the situation for the safety and comfort of our future journey.
"So that's why Kaga-san is so sensitive about foreign ships," Javelin muttered, having listened intently the whole time.
"Exactly. We have felt alone in this ocean ever since our eldest sister, JS Izumo, disappeared. Losing her was a devastating blow to our morale and military strength," Maru looked at me with a profound gaze. "And now, you appear with a name and a ship that are nearly identical. It brings hope, yet also fear."
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Surprise at the Guest House
We finally arrived at an elegant, modern building. In front of it was a sign that read: "Navy Guest House Yokohama." As we entered the lobby, the cool air from the air conditioner greeted us.
Two staff members-a middle-aged man and a young girl who seemed to be his daughter-stood behind the reception desk. mereka immediately stood straight to salute Maru. However, when their eyes shifted to me, they froze.
The young girl covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes welling up. "No... it can't be..."
"Izumo-sama...?" the man whispered, his voice trembling.
The young receptionist almost dropped the pen she was holding. "The appearance... that silver hair... and her name tag... is this truly the JS Izumo that went missing?"
The lobby fell into a heavy silence. I could feel their gaze, full of both longing and confusion. To them, JS Izumo wasn't just a ship; she was a symbol of security and glory that had vanished. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing I'd eventually have to tell them I wasn't the person they were looking for.
"These are special guests of Admiral Deguchi," Maru explained calmly, trying to settle the staff. "They will be staying here for the next few days. Please provide them with the best service."
I could only nod slowly at them. It felt strange to be treated like a returning hero in a land where I felt like a total stranger.
Laffey, who had been sleepy the whole time, suddenly tugged at the edge of my jacket. "Izumo... the bed looks soft. Can Laffey sleep now?"
I stroked her head with a smile. "In a moment, Laffey. We have to unpack our things first," I said, pointing to several logistics crates that had just been delivered from our ship by the port crew. I hadn't even noticed them move. They were incredibly efficient. I realized Admiral Deguchi was deeply respected and obeyed.
Maru handed us the room keys. "Rest well. Tomorrow, the Admiral will speak with you more seriously about our cooperation. Yokohama is beautiful at night; please enjoy the view from your balcony."
As we boarded the lift, I stared at my reflection in the polished doors. A silver fox girl. I came here seeking peace, but it seemed the oceans of this world were asking us to take up arms once again.
Those who ask for help, and we who love peace-can those two things truly walk hand in hand?
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A Beautiful Night for Rest
The lights of Yokohama Port twinkled like clusters of stars over the calm sea. Tonight, the air felt a bit colder, carrying the scent of salt and engine lubricant unique to a military dock.
Inside our spacious guest suite, the atmosphere was quiet, yet everyone was lost in thought. I sat on the balcony, leaning back against a comfortable rattan chair. Tonight, I chose to wear a silk bathrobe-a kimono-style sleepwear with a silver cherry blossom pattern. It was a bit short, and in my opinion, fairly sexy for just pajamas, but whatever-there was no one here but my teammates.
Inside the room, Laffey had drifted into a deep slumber; she hadn't even changed into her pajamas yet. She truly had the incredible ability to sleep anywhere, even after the tension at Iwo Jima. Meanwhile, Nimi and Javelin had changed. Nimi wore a white tank top and blue shorts, while Javelin was in a white tank top and purple shorts. Both were busy at the study desk, devouring the Japanese history books and naval encyclopedias provided in the room. Nimi was scribbling notes seriously, her brow furrowed as she compared local ship specs with her own data.
A moment later, Ayanami joined me on the balcony. She pulled up a wooden chair and sat beside me. She looked relaxed, wearing just a white crop top and black shorts, clutching a bolster pillow from the bed.
"Not sleeping yet, Ayanami?" I asked softly, watching the lights of the distant ships.
"I can't, desu," Ayanami replied briefly. Her red eyes stared blankly at the harbor. "Izumo-nee, this port, the people here... they seem so fragile, desu."
I nodded slowly. "I know how you feel. They rely so heavily on physical infrastructure. There are no Wisdom Cubes, and perhaps no internal energy like mine, that can fix everything in an instant."
Ayanami squeezed her bolster. "This afternoon, when Kaga hit me... it hurt, desu. But when I saw her eyes from that close... I didn't feel hatred. I felt deep fear. The sadness of losing her sister, desu."
Hearing that, I fell silent. My mind drifted back to the moment I held the Mark 45 torpedo over the sea.
"That's why I chose to bluff rather than strike back directly," I whispered. "If I had retaliated against Kaga or Kongo, Yokohama might be a sea of fire right now. I don't want a repeat of what happened with Long Chao. Merciless war, total destruction... I can't bear to see that happen to people who don't even have internal energy to protect themselves."
"Izumo-nee is too kind, desu," Ayanami muttered.
"It's not kindness, Ayanami. It's just... I realize I hold power that shouldn't belong to a single individual in this world. Firing one missile here has a different consequence than in our world. Here, their lives and logistics are truly 'one-shot' deals," I replied.
Suddenly, a rhythmic knock on the door broke our conversation. Javelin, being closest, opened it with a guarded expression.
"Ah, it's you!" Javelin exclaimed in surprise.
It was Kaga and Hyuga. Their appearance had changed drastically since the afternoon. Kaga wore a neat, cream-colored casual shirt with a short black skirt, looking like a career woman off-duty. Hyuga looked extremely relaxed-perhaps too relaxed-in an oversized gray hoodie and blue shorts.
"Good evening," Kaga said in a tone much softer than on the ship deck. "Sorry to disturb your rest."
Hyuga stood beside her looking slightly awkward, hands tucked into her hoodie pockets. "The Admiral said you might be hungry. We're going for dinner at our favorite ramen shop near the guest house. Want to join?"
I stood up, smoothing out my silk robe. "Ramen? That sounds great. I could use something warm."
"Are you going alone, Izumo-nee?" Nimi asked, looking up from her books.
"Yes, so you girls can focus on resting and reading. But," I looked at the four of them seriously, "keep your comms on. Stay alert, even if we are in a military base. Oh, and I'll bring back food for all of you-if you're still awake."
"Understood, Izumo-nee!" Javelin answered enthusiastically.
I went inside to change. I picked a maroon crop top that fit snugly and knee-length denim shorts-practical enough if an emergency occurred. After a quick brush of my silver hair and ensuring my name tag was pinned, I stepped out to meet Kaga and Hyuga.
"Let's go," I said.
I followed Kaga and Hyuga down the hallway. Along the way, several soldiers on night watch saluted as we passed. I could feel their curious gazes, especially directed at my fox ears poking through my hair.
"So," Hyuga broke the silence as we headed down the stairs, "do all the girls in your world have animal ears like that? Are they... real?"
I chuckled softly. "Not all of them. It depends on the faction. And yes, they're real. They even move when I'm annoyed or happy."
Kaga glanced at me. "Unique. In this world, we are considered the peak of military technology, yet our physiques remain human. Seeing you makes me realize how narrow our knowledge of the universe truly is."
We exited the guest house gate and walked along the harbor sidewalk lit by warm yellow streetlamps. In the distance, I could see my JS Izumo illuminated by pier spotlights, surrounded by technician crews still performing visual observations from afar.
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Tonight, under the Yokohama sky, I felt the gap between us starting to shrink. But I also knew this peace might be temporary. There was a "neighbor from the south" watching, and I had a feeling that Azur Lane's weapons-and my own gear, which was too advanced even for Azur Lane-would soon be needed.
"That's the place," Hyuga pointed toward a small building with a swaying noren curtain. The savory aroma of bone broth wafted through the air, making my stomach growl instantly.
Our steps stopped at the cream-colored curtain, which looked a bit worn-a sign that the shop had been around a long time with many loyal customers. Upon entering, the thick, savory scent of pork bone broth hit me. The atmosphere was welcoming and cozy, a far cry from the rigid military base we had just left.
Kaga walked to the long wooden bar and ordered without needing a menu.
"Three jumbo ramen, please. One with extra chashu," she said confidently to the elderly shop owner.
We sat side by side on high wooden stools with backrests. I was in the middle, flanked by the two giants of the modern Japanese navy. While waiting for the steam to rise from the kitchen, Kaga stood up.
"I'll be back in a moment; need to use the restroom. Watch the seats for me," Kaga said softly before walking toward the back.
Now it was just Hyuga and me. The atmosphere suddenly turned very quiet, save for the sound of boiling water from the kitchen. Hyuga, who had been relaxed in her hoodie, suddenly let out a long sigh. Her cheerful expression turned solemn, her eyes fixed on the cup of green tea served by the old man.
"Izumo," Hyuga called out in a low voice, almost a whisper. "Please don't bring this up in front of Kaga later."
I turned, giving her my full attention. "What is it, Hyuga?"
"The Kaga you saw this afternoon... the one who looked so strong, disciplined, and cold... that is actually just a mask. A perfect mask." Hyuga paused, her hands gripping the edge of the wooden table. "Ever since our sister disappeared, Kaga has been completely broken. She often stays alone in her room. When night falls and her patrol duties or equipment checks are over, she drinks until she loses consciousness. Often, I have to carry her to her room because she passes out in the living area."
I was stunned. The Kaga who had so dominantly neutralized Ayanami, Javelin, and Laffey was hiding a wound that deep.
"She doesn't care about her appearance when she's drunk. She cries uncontrollably when no one is watching. The name 'Izumo' is everything to her. Our sister was her pillar." Hyuga looked at me, this time with no hatred, only bitter honesty. "That's why, when I saw you this afternoon-saw your name, saw your face which is so similar to her... I exploded. I couldn't hold back my anger because it felt like destiny was playing a cruel joke on us."
Listening to Hyuga, I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. Coming from another dimension with the same name, I had inadvertently ripped open their old wounds. Or perhaps my presence meant destiny had to take something that should have stayed. Since two identical entities cannot exist at once, fate took one away.
"Hyuga, I am truly sorry for the misunderstanding earlier," I said sincerely. "I didn't intend to replace anyone. In my world, I was born with this name, but I realize how shocking my presence here is for you."
Hyuga listened to my apology while leaning back. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach, covered by the gray hoodie. I knew beneath the fabric was a bandage from the small puncture wound from my ALKA sword.
"Forget it," Hyuga smiled thinly-a smile that felt genuine despite her tired eyes. "Maybe if you had stabbed me a little more seriously this afternoon, I wouldn't be sitting here eating ramen with you tonight. You have incredible control over your weapons, Izumo. I respect that."
Just then, Kaga returned. The heavy atmosphere evaporated instantly, replaced by Kaga's professional mask once more. Not long after, three bowls of jumbo ramen were placed before us. The steam rose beautifully, the bowls loaded with meat and perfect boiled eggs.
"So? Any interesting topics while I was gone?" Kaga asked, snapping her wooden chopsticks.
Hyuga immediately jumped in with her casual tone, as if the serious talk never happened. "Nothing major. Izumo was just telling me a bit about her fox-like hunger," she said with a grin.
I only gave a small smile, going along with Hyuga's white lie. "The ramen looks delicious, Kaga. Thank you for the treat."
We enjoyed dinner in a comfortable silence. The ramen was a winner-the savory broth soaked into the chewy noodles. Between bites, I glanced at Kaga. Behind her upright posture, I could now see the faint lines of exhaustion in her eyes. Hyuga was right; they were carrying an immense burden.
After finishing the last of the broth, Kaga set down her chopsticks. She looked at me with a slightly more relaxed gaze, perhaps satisfied by the meal.
"Izumo, after this... there's a small place in the next block that has the best sake in Yokohama. How about we have a cup or two? Just to celebrate this unexpected meeting," Kaga invited.
I glanced at the digital clock on my partial rigging. "Drinking sake, huh? Sure, as long as it's not too late. I have to get back to my destroyers. I promised to bring back four takeout meals for them. Nimi and Javelin will nag me if I come home too late smelling like alcohol. And besides, I've never actually been drunk before."
"Hahaha! Don't worry, Kaga won't let you crawl home," Hyuga teased, patting my shoulder.
I chuckled. "Alright then, lead the way. But I'm holding you to that word, Hyuga."
The three of us left the ramen shop, walking along the increasingly quiet Yokohama sidewalk. Under the dim streetlights, I felt tonight was a crucial first step. Not as an Azur Lane war machine, but as a comrade trying to understand their loss.
The seas of this world might not be doing well, but at least tonight, on the streets of Yokohama, a small peace was beginning to grow between us.
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POV Narrator: Shadows from the Pacific Depths
Far from the twinkling lights of Yokohama and the warm aroma of the ramen Izumo just enjoyed, in a silent corner of the Pacific-near the uninhabited Henderson Island-the universe was weaving a catastrophe.
The island was but a tiny speck on a forgotten map. Yet tonight, the sea around it ceased its churning, as if holding its breath. The silence was suddenly shattered when a thick green glow emerged from the dark seabed. The light pulsed, moving at high speed toward the shoreline, carrying a corrosive aura that distorted the air frequencies around it.
BOOM!
A massive explosion rocked the coral island. It wasn't a hot, red fire explosion, but a blast of pure green energy that instantly vaporized the seawater. Thick smoke billowed into the sky before slowly fading into a chilling mist.
Behind the curtain of mist, a terrifying silhouette was revealed. On the blackened sand of the beach lay the stiff body of Long Chao. One of the ships that had crossed dimensions following Izumo-the leader of the fleet Izumo and her four destroyers had previously destroyed. He lay there motionless. His pupils were white and lifeless, yet a pulsing green aura radiated from his body. Right beside him, the giant wreckage of the CN Type 004 emerged from the water. The ship was split in two, its steel twisted and mangled-a horrifying monument to a defeat that should have been final.
However, the mysterious energy had not finished its work.
Only a few hundred meters from the mangled wreckage, the sea surface split once again. A massive, futuristic structure of jet-black steel slowly rose from the depths. This was the legend from the world of Modern Warships, the most powerful aircraft carrier ever created: USS Nemesis CV-02. This ship hailed from the same dimension as the CN Type 004, and shared its origins in the same game world as the JS Izumo who had now become a Kansen ship-girl.
The vessel's appearance was terrifying, with sharp, ultra-modern anti-radar angles. Upon its vast flight deck, no ordinary aircraft sat. Lined up in neat rows were AV-8R Harrier Night Attack fighters ready for vertical takeoff, SU-57 Felon fighters specialized in hunting enemy aircraft, and R-66B Sea Comanche stealth helicopters with blades as black as the night.
Its weaponry surpassed current military logic. Two Den Sho Gun Railguns were mounted in strategic positions, their muzzles glowing with electric blue light, ready to obliterate anything in a single shot. Along its hull, AFGS Auto Cannons with NK packages, as well as AA LY-1 and Anseq air defense systems, rotated automatically, locking onto every coordinate in the vicinity.
The stealth carrier, which also possessed the capability to submerge, came to a halt right next to the wreckage of the CN Type 004. The low hum of its silent nuclear engines created a vibration that rattled the very earth of the island.
The green light enveloping Long Chao's body pulsed rapidly, responding to the presence of the USS Nemesis. Both seemed connected by the same mysterious frequency. In a world that had lost its protector, a destructive force from another dimension had just awakened. From the central command bridge of the Nemesis, a silhouette of a ship-girl stepped out. Her form remained obscured, swallowed by the dark shadows of the night.
Yokohama might sleep peacefully tonight, but in the middle of the Pacific, the Nemesis had arrived to ensure that the peace Izumo cherished would not last. Who would Izumo face first? The enemy from the south that the Admiral asked for help with, or the enemy from her own world coming to find her?
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To be continued.
Chapter 14: Shadow of Trauma, Be Strong with Your Will!