Yuuki woke slowly as morning light began to filter through the windows.
It was barely six in the morning.
Normally, he would have already been awake by now. He had grown accustomed to Belfast's particular method of waking him every morning—a method that involved far too much sunlight and absolutely no mercy.
After being repeatedly sunrayed by her, Yuuki had eventually trained himself to wake before she could get to him.
Old habits were hard to break.
He turned his head to the side and noticed Yorktown nearby.
Sleeping soundly with her head on his arm.
"Master? Are you awake?"
Yuuki blinked sleepily.
"Bel? Why are you here?"
Belfast gave a small, amused smile.
"Pff... We only just arrived."
She gestured toward Yorktown.
"Enterprise is currently acting as commander aboard the Daedalus. I came here with Lady Yorktown. She insisted on coming, and I accompanied her. Lady Hipper came along as well."
"Hipper is here too?"
"Yes. Alongside Lady Eugen."
A familiar voice came from nearby.
"My teddy bear... You look so peaceful when you sleep."
Eugen's smirk widened as she stared at him.
Yuuki glanced toward her.
Because the guest room had only a single bed, there was little opportunity for anyone to take advantage of the sleeping arrangement. Yorktown had even chosen to sit in a chair beside the bed, eventually resting her head against Yuuki's torso while she slept.
Belfast continued explaining.
"Jarvis stopped the Daedalus fleet last night and had them wait for your return. There are several matters that require your attention."
She glanced toward Yorktown.
"Lady Yorktown intended to come here herself. She happened to see me, and..."
Yuuki already knew where this was going.
"Let me guess. She brought you along as backup?"
"I would have, if Lady Hipper and Lady Eugen hadn't insisted on coming as well."
Yuuki sighed.
"Where is Hipper?"
Belfast pointed toward the other side of the room.
Hipper was sitting beside Seydlitz's bed, gently holding her hand as she waited for her to wake.
Nearby, Weser rested peacefully, with Hipper's other hand holding hers.
They were not originally supposed to be part of Hipper's family.
They had been little more than plans—unfinished designs, incomplete conversions, projects that had never been intended to become people with lives of their own.
But none of that mattered anymore.
They were family now.
Eugen's smirk returned as she watched Yuuki.
"Sis insisted on coming once we found out that you rescued Seydlitz and Weser."
She paused deliberately.
"Plus..."
Her eyes narrowed playfully.
"You hid from us that you can transform into aliens?"
Yuuki looked away.
"I don't need to use them that often, so... I figured it could stay a secret."
"Naughty teddy."
Eugen leaned closer, her smile becoming increasingly mischievous.
"Be prepared to have those secrets wrung out of you."
She licked her lips playfully.
"Lady Eugen. Behave."
Belfast sighed, already accustomed to her antics.
"Hmmm..."
A sleepy murmur came from beside them.
Yorktown slowly stirred.
Yuuki looked down at her.
"Morning, Hana."
"Morning, Commander..."
Yorktown blinked a few times before looking around the room.
"You didn't have to come all the way here."
"Pff... Of course I did."
She sat up and looked at him.
"I had to come and get you."
Then, without hesitation, Yorktown wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a warm embrace.
"You owe me a hug, remember?"
Yuuki paused.
Then he smiled faintly.
"Yeah..."
He returned the hug, holding Yorktown close.
Then she leaned back just enough to look at him.
"And a kiss."
Before Yuuki could respond, Yorktown gave him a quick kiss.
Belfast watched the exchange with a soft smile before joining the embrace, wrapping her arms around Yuuki from the other side.
"Master, you shouldn't make us worry like that."
Her voice was gentle, though there was a hint of reproach behind it.
"Sure, you are powerful, but you can't blame us for worrying about you."
She leaned closer and claimed her own kiss before pulling back.
Yuuki sighed softly.
"I know, Bel. I already got an earful last night from Hood and Amagi."
He paused.
"Even Elizabeth joined in."
Belfast smiled knowingly.
"I imagine they had quite a lot to say."
"More than enough."
Eugen chuckled from nearby.
"Still, to be able to rescue both Weser and Seydlitz..."
Her teasing expression softened slightly.
"Sis might be a big tsun, but we both owe you for that, Teddy."
She stepped closer, her eyes glinting mischievously again.
"Consider this a little thank-you."
Eugen leaned in and kissed him on the lips.
"For your trouble... and my morning kiss."
Belfast sighed.
"Lady Eugen..."
"What?" Eugen asked innocently, though the satisfied smirk on her face betrayed her.
Yuuki could only shake his head.
It was barely six in the morning, and somehow his peaceful morning had already turned into chaos.
"Oh, already showered with affections?"
Yuu's teasing voice came from across the room.
Yuuki glanced over to see her awake, a knowing smile on her face.
"Don't start," Yuuki muttered.
Yuu only chuckled.
Not long after, Vestal, Mary, and Pepper began waking as well. Their rest had been brief, but there was already more work waiting for them.
Yuu quickly gathered the three medical Shipgirls.
"We'll need your help. The villagers from the northern part of the island will be arriving soon, and we'll need to examine anyone who needs treatment."
The cathedral had already been designated as a makeshift medical center. With the village still recovering from the battle, its spacious interior was one of the few places large enough to accommodate both patients and medical equipment.
Outside, Veronica was already standing by, her systems active and her drones ready to assist.
The Iron Legions and Iron Brutes continued guarding the cathedral as well.
Their presence made several villagers nervous.
Some stared at the massive machines cautiously as they passed, while others kept their distance. The machines simply remained motionless at their posts, weapons lowered but ready.
"They came early in the morning."
Yuuki sighs.
Sheffield opens her eyelids.
She had awakened feeling considerably better after Yuu had treated the mental exhaustion that had plagued her the previous night.
Sheffield sat up and looked around the cathedral.
Then her eyes fell upon Belfast.
For a moment, she simply stared.
Her expression softened with disbelief.
"Head maid?"
Belfast turned.
The moment she recognized Sheffield, her expression brightened.
"It's been a while, Sheffy."
Sheffield's composure immediately cracked.
She hurried forward and embraced Belfast tightly.
"I miss you... and the others."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"We thought we were the only ones."
She pulled back just enough to look at Belfast.
"I know you were listening to us through the eagle, but... I'm still glad to see you here. Really here."
"Head maid!"
Gloucester suddenly rushed over and joined the embrace.
"It's really her!" Manchester exclaimed, hurrying toward them.
"It's Lady Belfast," Liverpool said, her voice filled with relief.
One by one, the Town-class maids gathered around their elder sister.
Belfast looked at each of them.
She had heard their voices through Grimm. She had watched over them from afar. But seeing them standing before her now—alive, safe, and no longer scattered across a battlefield—was something entirely different.
Her eyes began to glisten.
"To see my sisters again..."
Belfast's voice trembled.
"Thank you for surviving for this long."
Tears finally slipped down her cheeks as she pulled her fellow maids into another embrace.
The others cried with her.
For so long, the Town-class maids had survived on scraps, rationing whatever little supplies they could find while fighting simply to stay alive.
Now, that life was over.
The entire Town class had finally been brought together under GDI protection.
Well...
Almost the entire class.
Southampton was still missing.
But her Cube was safe at the GDI base, waiting for the day she could be revived.
That was enough.
For the first time in a long while, the Town-class maids no longer had to wonder who would survive the next battle.
They had food.
They had shelter.
They had medical care.
And, most importantly, they had each other.
They were finally safe within GDI.
"Araa, already morning chaos."
Atago's sleepy voice broke through the commotion as she finally woke.
Takao soon followed, rubbing her eyes before sitting up. Maya and Choukai were not far behind, both looking considerably more relaxed now that the battle was finally over.
Even the Bulins began stirring from their sleep.
Takao glanced toward the others before letting out a tired sigh.
"I think I'll be skipping today's training."
Maya blinked.
"You? Skipping training?"
"I'm exhausted."
Choukai nodded in agreement.
"After everything that happened yesterday, I think we all deserve a little rest."
The three Bulin sisters were already gathered together nearby.
"Bulin!"
Yuuki stretched and finally rose from the bed.
"Alright. Let's help out our doctors today with the treatment before we head back to the Daedalus."
He glanced around the room.
"We have another three days before we arrive in Lawless City."
Several of the girls immediately looked toward him.
Their eyes then drifted toward the device on his wrist.
The Omnitrix.
Yuuki noticed.
"I know you have questions about this thing."
He raised his arm slightly, pointing toward the Omnitrix.
"I'll answer them when we get back. For now, let's help our doctors. The faster we finish our work, the faster we can return."
"Commander."
Yorktown spoke up from nearby.
"Jarvis parked the Orca Ex in the cathedral courtyard. We can use it to freshen ourselves up before the entire northern village arrives."
Manchester's eyes immediately lit up.
"Finally! I wanted to take a shower for so long!"
Choukai smiled.
"We can show you how to use the GDI facilities."
"Please lead them, girls. I'll join you shortly."
Yuuki turned toward Hipper, who was still nearby with Seydlitz and Weser.
Before he could say anything else, a gust of wind swept through the balcony.
Two figures descended from above.
Iris and Kaguya flew through the open balcony and landed gracefully inside the cathedral.
Kaguya wore her elegant purple, moon-themed kimono, while Iris remained dressed in her northern Russian-style attire, complete with her familiar ushanka.
Yuuki looked toward them.
"You girls are up early."
"Yes," Iris replied. "Morning mana is usually at its strongest. It is an excellent time to recover."
Kaguya suddenly placed a hand against her forehead and adopted an exaggeratedly weak expression.
"Dearest... ah... this one is feeling sick. Thy wife require thy mana."
Yuuki stared at her.
"No, you're not."
"Perhaps... maybe..."
Kaguya gave him an innocent look.
Yuuki sighed.
"You really are shameless."
He stepped closer, wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her into a kiss.
Mana flowed from him into Kaguya through the kiss.
The surrounding Shipgirls immediately turned their attention toward them.
After a few moments, Yuuki pulled away.
Kaguya blinked.
Her expression quickly changed to one of genuine surprise.
"Iris!"
She looked toward her fellow Arcane Shipgirl.
"Thou never told me dearest's mana is really sweet!"
She touched her lips thoughtfully, almost as though she had just discovered something completely new.
"I never knew mana could have a taste."
Kaguya's eyes gleamed.
"If this is how thy mana tastes... perhaps this one should ask for some from thee more often."
Yuuki immediately became uncomfortable.
"Please don't make this a habit."
Iris simply grinned.
"Heavens. This one never wanted to ruin the surprise."
Kaguya looked at Yuuki with renewed interest.
Yuuki could already tell that his peaceful morning had just become considerably more complicated.
"Master..."
Belfast's voice carried a hint of amusement.
"Commander..."
Yorktown puffed out her cheeks, clearly displeased.
Eugen, meanwhile, wore an utterly shameless grin.
"Teddy bear... if you wanted a kiss, you could have asked me anytime."
Yuuki sighed.
"Everyone, this is Irisviel."
He gestured toward the white-haired Arcane Shipgirl.
"She is one of the famed Arcane of the North, just like Kaguya. Her specialty is string magic."
The girls looked toward Irisviel.
Then, almost simultaneously, their eyes drifted toward Yorktown.
And back to Irisviel.
The resemblance was uncanny.
Yorktown had silvery-white hair and dark blue eyes, while Irisviel's hair was a soft peach-white and her eyes were a deep crimson. Their colors were different, but their facial features, expressions, and overall appearance were remarkably similar.
At a glance, they could easily be mistaken for twins.
Kaguya's eyes widened slightly.
"Now that this wife has seen her properly... thou really dost look like Yorktown."
Irisviel seemed equally fascinated.
She approached Yorktown and gave her a polite bow.
"Couldst thou perhaps be my long-lost sister?"
"Ufufu..."
Yorktown giggled.
"Or perhaps we were simply made using the same template."
She looked Irisviel over more carefully.
"Still, you're an Arcane. Perhaps they used similar data when creating us."
Irisviel smiled.
"Then, this humble one is Irisviel. Iris, for short."
Yorktown smiled back.
"I am Yorktown. You can call me Hana."
"Then consider us friends, Hana."
Yorktown's smile widened.
She looked at Iris more closely.
It really was like looking into a mirror—only the reflection had different hair and eye colors.
Before either could say anything else, a large shadow passed over the balcony.
Grimm suddenly flew through the open window and landed on one of the nearby chairs.
The massive bald eagle tilted its head.
It looked at Iris.
Then Yorktown.
Then Iris again.
Even Grimm seemed to need a moment to process the resemblance.
Yuuki chuckled.
"Iris doesn't feel like Hana. Don't worry. I can tell you two apart perfectly."
"Ufufu..."
Yorktown slipped her arm around Yuuki's.
"I am your special first Shipgirl, after all. You know me so well."
Irisviel immediately stepped closer and wrapped herself around his other arm.
"This one then could be his beloved?"
Yuuki blinked.
"Kaguya told me about your special relationship with Shipgirls and Nikkes," Irisviel continued. "The fox has told this one quite a lot about them. I believe we can get along just fine."
She paused before her expression became more serious.
"I have decided to forsake the Von Eisbern name and embrace my heritage as an Arcane Shipgirl."
Yuuki looked at her for a moment before smiling.
"Then welcome aboard, Iris."
"Thank you, beloved."
Irisviel's smile softened.
"Kaguya told me that other Northern Shipgirls and Nikkes are already aboard your fleet, including you."
She looked around the cathedral.
"This one is glad to know that other Northerners exist."
Her expression became more solemn.
"Still, this humble one wishes to ask for your assistance, beloved."
Yuuki's expression turned serious.
"Go ahead."
"I forsook the Von Eisbern family because I was assigned to them as their adopted daughter. It was a means of hiding me from the world, as my true nature is that of an Arcane Shipgirl."
Her fingers tightened slightly around his arm.
"But the Von Eisbern family wished to use this one as a pawn in a political marriage. Naturally, this one rejected their proposal."
She lowered her gaze.
"Even so, they dared to sell the location of these poor maids. Their actions led to the people around them being slaughtered, while Ravenshaw managed to capture this one."
Yuuki's expression hardened.
"Well, it seems they have a problem with GDI now."
He looked toward Iris.
"They mess with you, they mess with us."
He paused.
"Where are they?"
"They seemed to have escaped into the depths when the Northern Parliament destroyed by the sirens.."
Irisviel thought for a moment.
"The last this one heard, they were in Aqua. Neopolis—the capital city and one of the largest and wealthiest stations in the world."
Her eyes narrowed.
"The Von Eisbern family is likely to be there."
Atago, Takao, Yorktown, and Belfast exchanged looks.
They knew the term Aqua quite well.
Yuuki nodded slowly.
"We might have our next destination."
He glanced around the room.
"I guess we're going back to Aqua. The Nikkes mentioned that most of them eventually ended up there."
"We need a plan soon, Commander."
Yorktown's expression was serious now.
"Yeah."
Yuuki nodded.
"Once the matter in Lawless City is settled, we'll arrange the trade between this village and Autumn Isle. Then, we can set our sights to Neopolis."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"We might assign Akashi to handle the trade negotiations."
Several girls immediately exchanged knowing looks.
Yuuki could already picture it.
"I can practically see the credits pouring out of that cat's eyes."
The others nodded in agreement.
Even Irisviel chuckled softly.
For the first time since her rescue, she had something she had not possessed in a very long time.
A destination.
A family.
And a place she could finally call home.
"Anyway, welcome aboard, Iris."
Yuuki turned toward Sheffield, Gloucester, Manchester, and Liverpool.
"Sheffield, Gloucester, Manchester, Liverpool—I would've taken you back to the fleet already, but the village still needs our help. So why don't you follow these girls to the Orca Ex and freshen up first?"
He glanced toward Eugen and Hipper.
"Eugen, stay with me and Hipper. Hana and Bel, please take our guests to freshen up. We'll join you once everything is set."
His gaze shifted toward Belfast.
"Also, Bel... you can tell me later about the matter that needs my attention."
"Understood, Master."
Yuu stepped forward, already gathering the medical team.
"Then I'll bring Vestal, Mary, and Pepper to freshen up first. I can already see a lot of people from the northern village lining up. We better hurry."
"Any day of work," Vestal said cheerfully.
"Ehee... It's quite fun," Pepper added.
Mary adjusted her equipment.
"Plus, we're getting paid for every person we treat as a bonus."
Vestal and Pepper exchanged glances.
Mary simply shrugged.
"What? It's an incentive. We do need upgrades after all."
Belfast smiled.
"Understood. Come, ladies. The ship is this way."
The Town-class maids followed her toward the courtyard.
Kaguya approached Irisviel with an excited smile.
"Come, Iris. We have much to talk about."
"Of course."
Yorktown watched the two Arcane Shipgirls leave before a mischievous smile appeared on her face.
"I might have Iris dressed as me later and prank Enty."
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"That sounds like trouble. Please don't give her a heart attack."
"Ufufu. That's the point. Minus the heart attack."
With that, Yuuki reentered the room with Eugen and approached Hipper.
"Thanks, Commander..."
Yuuki looked at her.
"For what?"
Hipper's expression softened.
"For bringing my two sisters back."
She glanced toward Seydlitz and Weser.
"In these two weeks, you rescued me and Eugen. You rescued Lützow and Blücher. You brought the Kancolle Eugen to us. And now you've brought Seydlitz and Weser back."
Her voice became quieter.
"I couldn't thank you enough for bringing our family together."
Yuuki smiled.
"Hey, no sweat. I couldn't leave them behind."
He looked toward Hipper and Eugen.
"For you and Eugen."
"Thank you..."
Eugen looked at Hipper with a teasing grin.
"Heeh... I've never seen you so emotional, Sis."
Hipper wiped the corner of her eye.
"Yeah... seeing our Admiral Hipper family together again..."
She looked toward Yuuki.
"All I ask is that you keep protecting us."
Yuuki nodded.
"You're GDI members now, Hipper. You and your entire family."
He glanced toward Eugen.
"Besides, I'm engaged to Eugen now."
Eugen immediately puffed out her chest.
"Pff. Teddy admits his love for me. Plus, a little more push.. sis might ended up as your fiancée as well."
Hipper rolled her eyes.
"You really had to say that."
Before the conversation could continue, a faint voice came from the bed.
"Hnnn..."
Everyone immediately turned toward it.
The pink-haired girl slowly opened her eyes.
"Where... am... I?"
Hipper froze.
"Seydlitz!"
She rushed to her sister's side.
Seydlitz blinked several times before focusing on Hipper.
"Schwester Hipper...? How...?"
"Thank heavens!"
Hipper immediately embraced her, careful not to disturb her.
"You're alive."
Seydlitz looked confused.
"I... I'm not dead, right?"
"No."
Hipper smiled through tears.
"You're alive."
She pointed toward Eugen.
"Even Eugen is here."
Seydlitz's eyes widened.
"Hey, Sis."
Eugen gave her a warm smile.
"Alive and well."
Seydlitz looked between them.
"How did you get to that laboratory?"
"We were captured two weeks ago," Eugen explained. "The Raptures found us, and some kind of armored man captured us. They can actually go toe-to-toe with Shipgirls now."
Seydlitz listened carefully.
Then her eyes shifted toward Yuuki.
Something stirred within her chest as she looked at him.
"Are you... the one who came for us?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Yeah. I'm the one who brought you out of that laboratory."
Seydlitz's expression softened.
"Thank you..."
She placed a hand against her chest.
"I am Seydlitz, Iron Blood battlecruiser. The fourth ship of the Admiral Hipper class. I was never completed, but my data remained intact."
She looked at her hands.
"They completed me as a Shipgirl."
Hipper smiled proudly.
"She is our sister through and through."
Seydlitz looked toward her.
"Schwester... what about our other sisters?"
"They're fine."
Hipper's smile widened.
"Blücher and Lützow are back aboard the carrier."
Seydlitz's eyes widened.
"Our sisters are assembled?"
"We even gained a new one."
Eugen gestured toward the other Eugen.
"A Kancolle version of Eugen. We named her Prinz since we both share the same name."
Seydlitz smiled faintly.
"Then our family really is together again."
Before they could continue, another faint sound came from the nearby bed.
"Hnnn..."
Everyone turned.
"Weser?"
Hipper immediately moved toward the other bed.
The blonde-haired girl slowly opened her eyes.
"Schwester Hipper... Schwester Eugen...?"
Her voice was weak.
Before she could say anything else, Hipper embraced her.
"The old Weser still lives," Eugen said with a relieved smile as she joined them.
Weser blinked.
"Where is Seydlitz?"
"Here."
Seydlitz raised a hand weakly.
"We still live, Sis."
Weser turned toward her.
Then her gaze shifted toward Yuuki.
"You are..."
"The Commander," Yuuki answered.
Weser studied him for a moment.
"I am escort carrier Weser."
She took a slow breath.
"I was the completed version of the former Seydlitz data. Through me, they created a Heavy Cruiser version, allowing me to forsake the Seydlitz name and give it to her."
She glanced toward her sister.
Yuuki smiled.
"Hey, carrier or not, you're still one of them."
Eugen nodded firmly.
"Exactly. You're still one of us, sis."
Weser looked at her sisters.
For the first time since waking, her expression completely relaxed.
"Thank you, Schwestern."
Hipper pulled both Seydlitz and Weser into another embrace.
For years, their family had existed only as incomplete data, unfinished designs, scattered survivors, and memories of sisters who were never supposed to meet.
Now they were together.
And this time, no one was taking them away.
"Why don't you two rest? You can reintroduce yourselves properly later tonight. Right now, all you need is some rest. Your bodies and minds have already been repaired."
Yuuki looked toward Hipper and Eugen.
"Hipper, Eugen, take good care of them. I'll ask the maids to bring the four of you some breakfast."
Hipper nodded.
"Of course, Commander."
Yuuki stepped toward the door.
"Anyway, I'll see you four later. I have work to do."
He paused and looked back at the two newly awakened Shipgirls.
"Oh, and by the way..."
He gave them a grin.
"High Commander Yukihira Yuuki. Global Defense Initiative."
Seydlitz and Weser exchanged curious glances.
"As for what GDI is?"
Yuuki pointed toward Hipper and Eugen.
"Hipper and Eugen can tell you more."
He gave them a casual wave.
"Chow."
With that, Yuuki grinned and closed the door behind him before heading toward the Orca Ex.
For a few moments, the room remained quiet.
Seydlitz was the first to break the silence.
"That's our new Herr Kommandant?"
"He is quite young and lively," Weser observed.
Eugen chuckled.
"Yes. He's not from any traditional faction or from Azur Lane. He's from GDI—a powerful global defense organization."
Her expression became more serious.
"Just don't mess with him. He's not your typical human commander."
Hipper nodded.
"That's the commander who leads from the front lines and joins us in battle."
Seydlitz looked toward the door Yuuki had just exited through.
"Sis..."
"Yes?"
"Can we even be useful?"
Her voice was uncertain.
"We couldn't even defeat the Sirens, let alone the Raptures. We couldn't even defeat that armored man who captured us."
She lowered her gaze.
"I just hope he won't throw us away."
Hipper's expression softened.
"Hey."
She placed a hand on Seydlitz's shoulder.
"We thought the same thing when we first joined him."
Hipper glanced down at where her legs had once been before Yuuki restored them.
"I lost both of my legs. Eugen had to carry me around most of the time."
She smiled.
"And now I'm Level 35."
Weser blinked.
"Level 35?"
Eugen grinned.
"We can level up, sisters."
She pointed toward Hipper.
"Sis is much, much stronger than she used to be. Low-level Sirens are hardly a challenge for her now."
Seydlitz's eyes widened.
"Really?"
She looked between Hipper and Eugen.
"Can we achieve what you achieved? Can we become as strong as you?"
"Yeah."
Eugen nodded confidently.
"The teddy says the level limit is one thousand."
She gave Hipper a teasing glance.
"He even promised to marry me once I reach that level."
Seydlitz and Weser stared at her.
"Teddy?"
"Are you and the Commander...?"
"Engaged?"
Eugen proudly raised her hand.
"Yes."
She flashed them a mischievous smile.
"Engaged."
Seydlitz looked utterly bewildered.
"How...?"
Eugen laughed.
"Now, let me tell you a story."
She settled beside the two sisters.
"A story about how Teddy Bear rescued both me and Sis."
Hipper sat down beside her, smiling as she remembered everything.
And so, while Yuuki headed outside to help with the village's recovery, Eugen and Hipper began recounting everything that had happened.
They told them about their rescue.
About GDI.
About the battles they had survived.
About how Yuuki had given them the chance to grow stronger instead of treating them as obsolete or incomplete Shipgirls.
With every story, the uncertainty in Seydlitz and Weser's eyes slowly faded.
Perhaps they really could become stronger.
Perhaps they really could have a place in this new family.
And perhaps, under GDI, Shipgirls who had once been considered incomplete could become flagships capable of leading entire fleets.
===============
Outside, the line had already begun to form.
With the barricade leading toward the northern village finally abolished, people from the southern side could now pass through freely. Those who needed medical attention were directed toward the cathedral, while everyone else waited patiently nearby.
The girls had switched their Echo Suit clothing templates back to their everyday uniforms, ready to work.
The maids, including Iris, had been more than happy to take proper showers and baths aboard the Orca Ex. After spending so long in rough conditions, having access to clean water and proper facilities was a luxury they had almost forgotten.
They were equally fascinated by the clothing generator.
The machine could produce their everyday clothing at the press of a button, creating garments almost as easily as magic.
The maids were especially interested in the Echo Suits.
They had seen how the others could wear what appeared to be ordinary clothing before transforming it into fully armored combat suits.
Their everyday clothing was basically an armor.
Naturally, they wanted one as well.
Unfortunately, there was one requirement.
They needed access to the Levelling System before they could equip an Echo Suit.
That revelation only made the technology even more intriguing.
To the maids, a machine capable of producing clothing out of seemingly nothing was already astonishing.
A suit capable of turning that clothing into advanced armor?
That was something else entirely.
Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, and Gloucester had organized themselves under Belfast's leadership.
Having spent years serving as the head maid for the Town-class sisters, Sheffield now understood exactly how demanding Belfast's position had been.
The responsibilities never seemed to end.
Together, the maids worked tirelessly.
Some prepared meals for the villagers. Others distributed food and supplies, while the rest helped organize the growing crowds and kept everything running smoothly.
The Takao sisters were equally busy, directing the flow of people and making sure the long lines remained orderly.
Inside the cathedral, Yuuki worked alongside Yuu, Vestal, Pepper, and Mary, helping wherever he was needed.
Despite the long line of patients, the atmosphere remained surprisingly warm.
There was, however, one recurring problem.
Several women among the villagers kept finding excuses to approach Yuuki.
Some wanted to thank him.
Others simply wanted to speak with the commander who had saved their village.
And a few were considerably more forward than that due to kind aura and extremely handsome features.
Yuu quickly intercepted them before they could get too close.
"Next patient!"
Her smile was perfectly polite.
Her eyes were not.
The women immediately retreated.
Yuuki quietly continued working, pretending he hadn't noticed anything.
The situation became even more amusing whenever Kaguya and Iris were nearby.
Both Arcane Shipgirls had joined the medical effort, using their mana to help accelerate the recovery of those who needed it.
The children, in particular, adored them.
Kaguya's soft, fluffy tails were an irresistible attraction to the younger villagers. Whenever she had a free moment, children would gather around her, fascinated by the strange but adorable tails.
Iris, meanwhile, had a completely different kind of charm.
The children instinctively treated her like an older sister, often staying close to her while she worked.
For Iris, it was something she had never expected.
After spending so long isolated from the world, seeing children smile at her without fear felt strangely comforting.
She found herself smiling back more often than she realized.
Outside, the Bulins were busy distributing supplies.
Veronica had already duplicated several batches of food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities, giving the little workers more than enough to distribute.
"Bulin!"
The Bulins happily carried boxes from one location to another.
The villagers stared in amazement.
Many still couldn't understand how GDI could seemingly produce supplies out of nowhere.
To them, it looked like magic.
In reality, it was one of GDI's greatest technological achievements.
The Copy Paste Machine was considered one of GDI's crown jewels.
It did not simply create crude physical copies.
The machine analyzed the atomic structure of an object, reproduced the necessary atoms, and precisely arranged them according to the original's atomic composition.
The result was an exact material duplicate.
Food.
Medicine.
Tools.
Equipment.
Almost anything that could be safely scanned and reproduced could be produced in enormous quantities.
Yet despite its incredible capabilities, the Copy Paste Machine was not available to the public—not even on Earth 1.0.
The technology was simply too dangerous to release without strict safeguards.
In the wrong hands, a machine capable of duplicating matter could become far more than a miracle of manufacturing.
It could destabilize entire economies, flood markets with unlimited goods, or be exploited for purposes GDI had no intention of allowing.
For that reason, the machine remained tightly controlled.
For the villagers, however, none of that mattered right now.
All they saw was GDI turning a limited supply of food and medicine into enough to help an entire community.
To them, it looked like magic.
To GDI, it was simply technology.
And today, that technology was helping an entire village rebuild its life.
Babushka eventually arrived with an elderly man at her side.
Yuuki recognized him immediately as the village chief.
More importantly, he was Babushka's husband.
The old man looked around at the bustling streets, the reunited villagers, and the GDI personnel working alongside them. His expression carried a mixture of exhaustion, relief, and gratitude.
The village had originally been a single community.
The northern and southern sections had never been separate settlements.
They had only been divided a week ago, when the Raptures attacked.
The southern villagers had been evacuated toward the safer side, but the Rapture assault had become so intense that the remaining defenders were forced to barricade the northern section.
What had once been one village had effectively become two.
Now, with the Raptures driven away, there was no reason for the separation to remain.
The barricades were gone.
The people were returning.
And the village was becoming whole again.
Babushka approached Yuuki with her husband beside her.
"High Commander..."
She bowed her head.
"Thank you. Thank you again and again for allowing your organization to protect our village."
Her husband nodded deeply.
"We owe GDI more than we can repay."
Yuuki waved his hand.
"You don't have to repay us with gratitude."
He looked toward the villagers.
"Instead, let's make sure this village can stand on its own feet."
Babushka looked curious.
"What do you mean?"
"I'd like to establish a trade route between your village and Autumn Isle."
The village chief raised an eyebrow.
"Autumn Isle?"
"It's an island under our protection. A GDI Blue Zone Island. The people there are bunnies people from the remnant of Sakura Empire. They have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and they can produce wheat as well."
Yuuki gestured toward the surrounding village.
"Food is one of the things your village needs most right now."
Babushka nodded slowly.
"That is true."
"In return, your village can provide what you already produce."
Yuuki glanced toward the nearby bakery.
"Bread, baked goods, and other products your people can make. You don't need to give away everything you produce. We establish a proper exchange."
He folded his arms.
"That way, your village gets a steady supply of food while Autumn Isle gains products it doesn't produce as easily."
The village chief considered the proposal.
"A steady supply..."
"Exactly."
Yuuki smiled.
"And I'll assign Shipgirls and Nikkes to protect the trade route."
That caught the attention of several nearby villagers.
"Protect it?"
"Of course. Trade routes need security against Raptures and Sirens."
Yuuki nodded.
"It also gives our girls actual commissions. Escort missions, transportation, patrols, and protection details."
He looked toward the road leading away from the village.
"It benefits everyone."
Babushka exchanged a look with her husband.
The village chief finally smiled.
"I believe that is an arrangement we can accept."
Yuuki extended his hand.
"Then we have a deal."
The old man firmly shook it.
"We have a deal."
Babushka smiled warmly.
"This village will remember what you have done for us."
Yuuki nodded.
"This is only the beginning."
He looked toward the distant horizon.
"Once this route is established, we can expand it."
There was another island he had in mind.
Golden Tree Island.
If GDI could establish reliable trade routes between the settlements under its protection, Autumn Isle could become more than just another island in the network.
It could become a productive Blue Zone—a reliable agricultural hub capable of supplying surrounding islands with fresh food and raw materials.
And Yuuki already knew someone who would be extremely interested in managing the trade.
Akashi.
If the cat volunteered to take responsibility for the trade routes, Yuuki certainly wouldn't object.
In fact, he could already imagine the look in her eyes when she realized just how much credits could be generated.
For now, however, the first step was simple.
One village.
One trade route.
One reliable source of food.
The agreement between GDI and the village was established, creating a new trade route between Autumn Isle and the reunited northern settlement.
==============
The treatment of the villagers was finally over.
By the time the last patient had been examined and treated, it was almost noon. The makeshift clinic that had been overflowing with people throughout the morning had finally fallen quiet.
For the first time since the Rapture attack, there were no cries of pain.
No desperate calls for medicine.
No wounded villagers waiting anxiously for their turn.
Instead, the village had begun to celebrate.
Tables had been set up throughout the streets, and the villagers brought out food provided by Veronica. It wasn't an extravagant feast by any means, but after everything they had endured, it didn't need to be.
It was a celebration of survival.
Yuuki and the others eventually settled down for lunch.
Even Seydlitz and Weser were able to join them alongside Hipper and Eugen.
The two newly awakened Shipgirls still looked somewhat overwhelmed by everything that had happened, but they were no longer isolated inside the cathedral. Hipper and Eugen stayed close to them, helping them adjust while the others made sure they felt welcome.
Around them, villagers laughed and talked.
Children ran through the streets.
For once, everyone was simply enjoying the fact that they were alive.
The Signal Gap Inhibitor had been completed and activated earlier, effectively hiding the island from long-range Rapture observation. As long as it remained operational, the villagers could finally live without constantly worrying that another Rapture force would suddenly descend upon them.
And, perhaps most importantly, everyone was being treated fairly.
There were no distinctions between the northern and southern villagers anymore.
They were simply one village again.
Even Yorktown joined the celebration.
She moved through the crowd with a smile, occasionally stopping to speak with the villagers and help the others distribute food.
Kaguya, meanwhile, had received something rather unexpected.
A special achievement badge.
The Grip of Black Hand.
It was awarded for her involvement during the previous mission against the Black Hand.
More importantly, Kaguya was the only Shipgirl or Nikke among the group to obtain it.
And the reward was significant.
The achievement allowed her to gain a level.
Kaguya stared at the badge for a moment before happily showing it to Iris.
Iris immediately became curious.
"What exactly does that do?"
Kaguya's tails swayed happily behind her.
"Ah, this wife shall explain."
And so, while everyone else enjoyed lunch, Kaguya began explaining the Levelling System to Iris.
Iris listened attentively as Kaguya explained experience, levels, achievements, stat increases, and the various ways the system could strengthen a Shipgirl or Nikke.
Yorktown eventually joined them as well.
Though, judging by how closely she sat beside Iris, she was probably just as interested in getting to know her better.
After all, the resemblance between them was uncanny.
Similar pale hair.
Similar features.
From a distance, they could almost be mistaken for sisters.
Yorktown had already taken a liking to Iris, and Iris seemed equally comfortable around her.
The two quickly found themselves talking like old friends.
Kaguya continued explaining the system while Iris absorbed every piece of information she could.
For Iris, the Levelling System represented something she had never really been given before.
A chance to grow stronger by her own choice.
Not because someone wanted to use her.
Not because someone wanted to marry her off.
Not because she was valuable as a political asset.
But because she wanted to become stronger.
Meanwhile, the villagers continued celebrating around them.
For Yuuki and the others, the atmosphere was a welcome change after the chaos of the previous days.
Their mission was finally coming to an end.
The village had been rescued.
The wounded had been treated.
The Raptures had been driven away.
Even the Obelisk at the park crumbles.
The hidden threat beneath the island had been dealt with.
And the survivors were finally safe.
For Sheffield, Manchester, Gloucester, and Liverpool, there was another matter that made the moment even more meaningful.
They could finally leave with their head maid towards a better future.
For ten long years, Belfast had believed her sisters were gone.
Now, they were standing together again.
Belfast looked toward Iris.
Her expression softened.
"Lady Iris..."
Iris turned toward her.
Belfast approached and gently took her hands.
"Thank you."
Iris blinked.
"For what?"
"For saving my sisters."
Belfast's voice trembled slightly.
"And for watching over them all these years."
Iris smiled faintly.
"They were my friends. Fellow shipgirls. I could not simply abandon them."
Belfast shook her head.
"You watched over them for ten years."
She pulled Iris into a gentle embrace.
"I will never forget that."
Behind them, Sheffield, Manchester, Gloucester, and Liverpool stood together.
They had spent a decade trapped beneath the earth, surviving in a hidden facility while the world above them changed.
Now they were finally free.
And they had Belfast back.
Their head maid.
Their family.
There was nothing left for them to protect in that buried facility.
The hidden château was gone.
Its halls, laboratories, chambers, and secrets had been crushed beneath tons of dirt, snow, and rock.
Whatever horrors had once been sealed inside were now buried deep beneath the earth.
Nothing would be slipping out of there again.
At least, not without moving an entire mountain.
For the Town-class sisters, it was enough.
They had survived.
They had found their head maid.
And now, at last, they could leave that nightmare behind.
The village celebrated around them.
The peaceful lunch did not stay peaceful for very long.
The villagers had quickly discovered something else.
Their savior was single... well, technically.
And apparently, that was enough for some of the women in the village to become remarkably bold.
Yuuki had barely settled down with his meal when several women began approaching him.
One complimented his appearance.
Another thanked him while standing just a little too close.
Then another openly asked whether he was already married.
Yuuki politely declined every offer.
Unfortunately, that only seemed to encourage them.
"High Commander, perhaps you should consider marrying a local woman?"
"I'm sorry, but I'm already engaged to them."
He pointed at his shipgirls. That was his first mistake when he mentioned 'them'.
Means he can have more than a single wife.
"That doesn't mean you can't have another wife."
Yuuki nearly choked on his food.
"I'm pretty sure that's exactly what it means."
A few of the women giggled.
Another stepped forward.
"Then perhaps you could reconsider? I wouldn't mind becoming your wife. I came from a good family in this village."
"No, thank you."
"Are you certain?"
"Very."
Yuuki sighs as these women are persistent. If Hood or Amagi or even Akagi were here, he thanked god for not allowing Akagi or Kaga to even be here.
"Not even a little?"
"Still no."
The persistence was almost impressive.
The Shipgirls and Nikkes quickly noticed what was happening.
One by one, they began moving closer to Yuuki.
Soon, he found himself surrounded.
Yorktown sat beside him.
Belfast stood nearby, calmly adjusting her gloves.
Eugen was close enough to make her position perfectly clear.
Hipper, Atago, Takao, Maya, Choukai, Kaguya, Iris, Mary and Pepper were all within arm's reach.
The message was unmistakable.
This man was taken.
The village men, meanwhile, could only watch from a distance.
Some were openly cursing their luck.
After all, Yuuki was basically living the dream many men could only imagine.
A beautiful woman on one side.
Another on the other.
Shipgirls and Nikkes surrounding him.
And apparently, even more women were still trying to get his attention.
But there was one crucial difference.
None of those women were interested in the village men.
The Shipgirls and Nikkes had already devoted themselves to their Commander.
Every attempt at flirting with them had been met with the same answer.
No.
Several of the village men eventually seemed to reach an unspoken agreement.
They weren't going anywhere near those women.
Not if they valued their lives.
Yuuki, meanwhile, continued trying to politely reject the women approaching him.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm really not available."
"You said that already."
"Yes."
"And you're still refusing?"
"Yes."
The woman pouted.
"You're a difficult man."
"I've been told that before."
Another woman stepped forward.
"What if I promise to take very good care of you?"
Before Yuuki could answer, Yorktown suddenly grabbed him by the arm.
"That's enough."
She pulled him backward and positioned herself between him and the approaching women.
Yuuki blinked.
"Hana?"
"My fiancée needs some protection."
She smiled sweetly.
The smile was pleasant.
Her eyes were not.
"You mean our fiancée?"
Belfast simply smiled while slowly arranging her gloves.
The soft snap of the fabric tightening around her fingers somehow sounded far more threatening than it should have.
Nearby, Yuu, Vestal, Mary, and Pepper were watching the situation unfold.
All four were smiling.
Technically.
Yuu's hand twitched.
Vestal quietly exhaled.
Mary glanced toward the women.
Pepper's fingers tightened around the medical kit she was carrying.
It took an extraordinary amount of willpower for the four doctors not to start sticking needles into anyone who kept flirting with their Commander.
"Ladies," Yuu said pleasantly, "please remember that our Commander is currently enjoying his lunch."
Her smile was perfectly polite.
Her eyes were not.
Vestal nodded.
"Yes. We wouldn't want anyone to accidentally require medical treatment."
Mary smiled with her eyes fully open.
Anis once mentioned that when Mary's eyes fully open, that's her scary mode.
"Although we are very well equipped for that."
Pepper giggled softly.
"Ehehe..."
The women immediately took a few steps back.
Meanwhile, Kaguya's fluffy tails suddenly flared behind her.
All of them.
She continued smiling.
It was a beautiful smile.
It was also the sort of smile that made several nearby villagers suddenly remember they had somewhere else to be.
The Takao sisters were even worse.
Takao, Atago, Maya, and Choukai exchanged glances.
Then they smiled.
Slowly.
Almost in perfect synchronization.
The villagers who noticed immediately decided that looking elsewhere was probably the wisest course of action.
Yuuki looked around at the increasingly ridiculous situation.
"...I'm starting to think I should have eaten inside the cathedral."
Yorktown tightened her hold on his arm.
"No."
She pulled him a little closer.
"You're staying here. We'll show them that you belong to us."
Belfast smiled.
"A wise decision, Hana. These people have to know Master is connected to us and only us."
Kaguya's tails swayed behind her.
"Indeed. This wife agrees."
Eugen leaned closer with a teasing smile.
"Don't worry, teddy bear. We'll protect you."
Yuuki stared at them.
"Still, that's not necessary."
Yorktown smiled.
"We know."
Belfast adjusted her glove again.
"Precisely."
Yuuki sighed.
Somehow, being the Commander of the world's most advanced military organization had not prepared him for this particular battlefield.
And judging by the expressions surrounding him...
He was completely outnumbered.
"Ufufu... I guess this is our moment to pack up and leave, chief."
Yuu stood beside him, watching the celebration with a satisfied smile.
"Everyone is saved, treated, and the Raptures won't be bothering them anymore."
Yuuki nodded.
"I guess. We have another operation in three days."
He glanced toward her.
"How's Autumn Isle?"
"Momo and Kyon haven't reported anything unusual."
Yuu shrugged.
"They're actually quite bored at the base, so I gave them an early release. But I told them they have to remain on call in case any patient needs them."
Yuuki raised an eyebrow.
"You're really passing your work to them."
"Pff..."
Yuu folded her arms.
"Maybe before I confessed my feelings to you, I might have considered staying behind."
She looked at him with a small smile.
"But now you're aware of me. There's no way I want to be far from you."
Her expression softened.
"I don't want to sit around all day, either. I already did plenty of that back in Little Doctor."
Yuu glanced toward the village.
"I can train Momo and Kyon as my replacements. And once the chrono-jump to the island is ready, I can come back anytime."
Yuuki looked at her for a moment.
"You sure are clingy."
He reached over and gently patted her head.
Yuu smiled.
"Only to you."
Then her expression suddenly became much more mischievous.
"Oh, by the way..."
Yuuki immediately became suspicious.
"What?"
"What's this story I heard from Kaguya and Iris about you being able to access Ultimate forms now?"
Yuuki sighed.
"Ah. That."
He glanced down at the Omnitrix on his wrist.
"Yeah. Courtesy of Azmuth. He said he could evolve my forms."
Yuu's eyes immediately lit up.
"Evolve?"
"Last night, I evolved the Necrofriggian."
Yuuki paused.
"And I discovered some new things about the transformation."
Yuu stared at him.
Then slowly...
Very slowly...
A grin appeared across her face.
"Oh."
Yuuki recognized that expression.
He had seen it countless times before.
It was the expression of a doctor who had just been handed the research opportunity of a lifetime.
Yuu leaned closer.
"Oh, you won't mind me reexamining all sixty-plus documented aliens I've already made records on, right?"
Yuuki's expression immediately stiffened.
"Yuu..."
"Chief."
Her grin widened.
"I have data on every alien you've unlocked."
She pointed toward the Omnitrix.
"Every transformation you've allowed me to document. Every physiological profile. Every biological characteristic. Every capability we've recorded."
Yuuki slowly began to realize where this was going.
Yuu's eyes practically sparkled.
"And now you're telling me those forms can evolve?"
She clasped her hands together.
"Chief, you just gave me a research opportunity of a lifetime."
"That's not what I meant."
"Too late."
Yuu looked positively delighted.
"Now we're going to gather data on all their Ultimate forms."
Yuuki stared at her.
"...All of them?"
"Every single one."
She gave him an innocent smile.
"You promised, Chief."
Yuuki's expression became increasingly wary.
Yuu leaned closer.
"And now that I'm officially someone you're aware of..."
Her smile became even more mischievous.
"I have the privilege to examine you personally."
Yuuki immediately took a small step backward.
"If we have the time and the situation allows it."
Yuu laughed.
"Of course."
But Yuuki knew that tone.
He had just made a terrible mistake.
Yuu already had detailed records on more than sixty of his unlocked alien forms.
Now that the Omnitrix could produce Ultimate forms, she had an entirely new mountain of research waiting for her.
And, for the first time, Yuuki realized something genuinely terrifying.
He had spent years worrying about enemies discovering the secrets of the Omnitrix.
Apparently, he should have been more concerned about giving his head doctor permission to study them.
Yuu's grin said everything.
She was already planning the experiments.
===========
The villagers eventually gathered in front of the Orca Ex at the park.
It was time to say goodbye.
The operation was over.
The villagers had been treated, the Raptures had been driven away, the hidden château had been buried, and the Signal Gap Inhibitor was keeping the island hidden from long-range Rapture observation.
GDI had done what it came here to do.
Now it was time to leave.
The villagers stood together, waving and calling out their farewells as the Shipgirls, Nikkes, and Yuuki prepared to board.
But apparently, some of the women still weren't ready to give up.
They had already spent the entire lunch trying to flirt with Yuuki.
Now they decided to make one final attempt.
One of them called out loudly.
"Commander!"
Yuuki turned around.
"If you ever feel like coming back here, you can! A lot of girls are waiting for you!"
The atmosphere immediately changed.
The Shipgirls and Nikkes froze.
Mary and Pepper slowly turned toward the woman.
Yorktown's cheeks puffed up.
"We're so not coming back here."
A few of the other Shipgirls immediately nodded.
Yuuki could only sigh.
He had a feeling this was going to become a recurring problem.
Still, there were more important matters waiting for them.
Once they completed their operation in Lawless City, they needed to return home.
After that, Yuuki could begin establishing the trade route between the village and Autumn Isle.
The first step would be sending ships to transport fresh fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products from Autumn Isle.
Those shipments would obviously require escorts.
And that presented another opportunity.
The Shipgirls could take the escort missions as regular commissions.
It would provide them with meaningful work while simultaneously protecting the trade route.
Within three months, Autumn Isle should be producing enough agricultural goods to potentially supply multiple islands.
But before establishing the route permanently, Yuuki wanted proper information.
He could ask Momo and Kyon to conduct a survey of what the bunnies on Autumn Isle needed.
Then they could determine what the village could provide in return.
If the village had products that Autumn Isle lacked, the trade could become a proper two-way exchange rather than a simple supply line.
That would benefit both sides.
And Yuuki already had an idea for how to handle the actual transportation.
The Chrono Command Ship.
The design had been inspired by one of the city-building games he had played before—Anno 2205.
A surprising amount of GDI's infrastructure had been inspired by technology and concepts from that game.
The Chrono Command Ship was one of them.
It would function as the centerpiece of the new trade route.
The ship would carry the agricultural goods from Autumn Isle, escorted by Shipgirls as it traveled toward the village.
Once the trade was completed, the Shipgirls would board the Command Ship again.
Then the entire vessel could return through the chrono network, effectively teleporting back to its dockyard in Autumn Isle.
Much like the way Chrono Miners returned directly to their refinery.
A single-route trading system.
Simple.
Efficient.
And, most importantly, it minimized the amount of time the trade route remained exposed to Siren and Rapture interference.
Once the portal connection to Autumn Isle was established from the home island, Yuuki could begin constructing proper Command Ship docks there.
Those docks would serve as dedicated facilities for housing and deploying the Chrono Command Ships.
After that, the logistics network could begin expanding.
Yuuki would simply contact Babushka once the ships were ready.
Then the village could prepare its goods.
The Command Ship would arrive.
The Shipgirls would escort it.
The goods would be exchanged.
And the route would return to Autumn Isle.
It was still only a plan.
But it was a plan that could turn the village's recovery into something much larger.
Not merely survival.
Not merely protection.
Trade.
Production.
A stable connection between two communities.
And, eventually, perhaps even more islands joining the network.
Yuuki looked back at the villagers one last time.
They had gone from hiding behind barricades and fearing the next Rapture attack...
To standing together in the open, waving goodbye.
That alone made the operation worthwhile.
"Alright," Yuuki called out. "We'll be going now!"
The villagers raised their hands and waved.
"Thank you!"
"Come back safely!"
"Good luck, Commander!"
And, from somewhere in the crowd—
"Don't forget about us, Commander!"
Yorktown's eyebrow twitched.
So did every other Shipgirl standing beside Yuuki.
Yuuki pretended he hadn't heard it.
Babushka stepped forward with her husband beside her.
"Thank you again for saving our village, Commander. We are indebted to you and GDI."
Yuuki smiled and nodded.
"Thank you as well. Once the trade route is ready, we'll contact you."
He glanced toward the village.
"Please have someone conduct a quick survey of what the village needs. The bunnies on Autumn Isle will need that information so they can prepare the appropriate supplies."
He paused.
"They'll also send you a list of what they need from your village. That way, we can establish a proper exchange rather than simply sending supplies one way."
The village chief nodded.
"We'll have it prepared."
"Good."
Yuuki turned toward the Orca Ex.
"Let's go."
Irisviel smiled before following Yorktown and Kaguya aboard.
Next, Hipper and Eugen helped Seydlitz and Weser aboard.
Both were well enough to walk now, and for the first time, they were able to do so wearing their own uniforms.
Seydlitz's medium-length pink hair framed her cool, composed features, giving her the handsome, almost masculine elegance that suited her perfectly. Her Iron Blood uniform was heavily inspired by traditional Prussian and Imperial German military attire, complete with formal officer detailing, gloves, and a naval officer's sword modeled after a World War I-era saber.
Weser followed behind her.
The escort carrier had short, bright red hair and sharp reddish eyes. Her dark, form-fitting military uniform carried the distinctive Iron Blood aesthetic, emphasizing her disciplined appearance.
The two had not been able to properly join the celebration earlier.
They had needed the rest.
Now, however, the villagers finally had the opportunity to see them.
For Seydlitz and Weser, it was a strangely emotional moment.
They had only just awakened.
They had only just discovered that they were free.
And now they were leaving the place where they had spent so much of their existence under the control of others.
Both tried to hide the sadness that came with leaving behind the place that had, despite everything, become familiar.
But beneath that sadness was something far stronger.
Relief.
They were free.
They could finally choose where they wanted to go.
They could finally decide what kind of future they wanted.
Yuu boarded next, followed by Vestal, Mary, and Pepper.
"I wanted to go back and tend to our new Shipgirls back at the carrier," Vestal said.
"Yes! Finally, the mission is over," Mary added with a relieved sigh.
Pepper looked back toward the village.
"Right? I'm going to miss the children."
Then came Atago, Takao, Maya, and Choukai.
"Finally... I want to take a long dip in the bath once we're aboard the carrier," Atago said happily.
"I am going to train for a while," Takao announced.
Maya stared at her.
"Takao-nee, the mission is just over. You want to train already?"
"Yes. I missed today's training." Takao clenched her fist with determination. "I wish to show Shikikan-sama that I am ready for the next lesson."
Choukai sighed.
"Takao-nee is such a training junkie."
Atago laughed softly.
"Relax a little, Takao-chan. Shikikan-sama won't like it if you overtrain. Besides, we all did well. Maya and Choukai can keep up with us now."
"..."
Takao's cheeks reddened.
After a moment, she sighed in defeat.
"Fine... I shall join you in the bath."
"Ufuu... That's my sister!" Atago happily grabbed Takao and pulled her aboard, dragging the others along with her.
"Bulin!"
Bulin, Kurin, and Purin suddenly came running aboard as well.
Despite everything they had eaten and how much they had played during the celebration, they still had the boundless energy of children.
The three Bulins disappeared into the Orca Ex with surprising enthusiasm.
Outside, the Iron Legions and Iron Brutes prepared to take flight alongside the Orca Ex, forming its escort.
Their massive mechanical wings unfolded, while their armored frames cast long shadows across the park.
Veronica had already returned to the GDSS Philadelphia.
Her work in the village was finished, and there was little reason for the mobile platform to remain behind.
The Town-class maids remained behind for another moment.
Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, and Gloucester turned toward the villagers and waved.
"Thank you for everything!"
"Thank you for giving us shelter!"
The villagers immediately waved back.
"You're welcome!"
"Stay safe!"
"Thank you for protecting us!"
Several voices called out specifically to Sheffield.
Sheffield paused.
For a moment, her composed expression softened.
They remembered what she had done.
During the years they had been trapped beneath Rapture-controlled territory, Sheffield had repeatedly returned to the hidden château.
Again and again, she had risked herself to rescue kidnapped villagers.
She hadn't been able to save everyone.
Some had already been lost.
Others had simply been beyond her reach.
But she had saved those she could.
And because of that, several people who should have remained prisoners were now standing there alive and free, waving goodbye.
Sheffield lowered her head slightly.
"...I'm glad I could help."
Several villagers bowed toward her.
"You saved our lives."
"Thank you, Lady Sheffield."
Sheffield's usual stoic expression cracked into a faint smile.
She turned toward Belfast.
The head maid was already waiting for them.
"Come, everyone."
The four Town-class maids finally turned away from the village.
They had done everything they could here.
Now it was time to move forward.
They boarded the Orca Ex alongside the other Shipgirls and Nikkes.
As Belfast stepped aboard, she glanced back at her sisters.
"Once we arrive at our former base, The Home Island, that will be your home."
Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, and Gloucester all paused.
Home.
The word felt strangely unfamiliar.
Their former island had once been their home.
But that island was no longer simply a Shipgirl base.
It had become the main base of the GDI Earth Division.
And according to everything they had been told...
It was enormous.
A true citadel.
A fortress.
A city built to protect the rapidly growing family of Shipgirls and Nikkes under GDI.
The maids still had trouble believing it.
They had spent ten years simply surviving.
For so long, having somewhere safe to sleep had been a luxury.
Now they were being told that they would have a home.
A real one.
Not a temporary shelter.
Not a hidden room.
Not a place they were forced to defend until they died.
A home.
The maids tried to hide their emotions.
Manchester quietly wiped the corner of her eye.
Liverpool smiled while pretending nothing had happened.
Gloucester looked away, her expression unusually soft.
Sheffield simply stood there for a moment.
Then she quietly stepped aboard.
And they weren't alone anymore.
Nikkes had become part of their rapidly growing family.
They had met Shipgirls from other worlds.
Even Kancolle Shipgirls had returned to their lives including new ones that will soon join them.
Their world had changed dramatically while they were imprisoned.
But perhaps that wasn't a bad thing.
Perhaps this new family was exactly what they needed.
Belfast looked toward them.
"Come, Edin and the others are waiting."
The four sisters exchanged glances.
Then they smiled.
"Thank you, head maid."
One by one, the Shipgirls and Nikkes finished boarding.
Yuuki was the last to glance back at the village.
The villagers were still waving.
The children were jumping excitedly.
Babushka and her husband stood together near the front of the crowd.
The village was safe.
The people were reunited.
And soon, the first steps toward establishing a trade route would begin.
Yuuki was the last to step aboard the Orca Ex. Once he was safely inside, the rear hatch sealed shut with a soft mechanical hiss.
The transport's engines powered up.
A moment later, the Orca Ex lifted from its VTOL platform and began to ascend into the sky.
Behind it, the Iron Legions and Iron Brutes rose into formation, taking up their positions as the main escort.
Below them, the village slowly grew smaller.
The battlefield.
The ruined château.
The snow-covered land where the skirmish had taken place.
All of it gradually disappeared beneath the clouds.
For now, the fighting on the island was over.
The mission had been simple when they first arrived:
Recover the Town-class maids.
And they had accomplished it.
Irisviel, Sheffield, Gloucester, Manchester, and Liverpool were safe.
The villagers had been rescued.
The immediate threat had been dealt with.
And with the first steps toward a new trade route between the village and Autumn Isle already being arranged, the island finally had a chance to recover.
Yuuki leaned back in his seat as the Orca Ex continued its climb.
Their mission was complete.
But their journey was far from over.
For now, however, their next destination had already been decided.
Lawless City.
After that...
They would finally return home.