Part 3
All the shipgirls were gathered in the auditorium.
Shiranui along with the 14th Destroyer Division had circled the naval base before entering, so they were all breathing heavily. The other girls looked at them dubiously, wondering 'Why are they all sweaty?'
Inside, it wasn't just the girls who had remained in the naval base. The girls who had been out on leave had also been recalled, and in a literal sense, everyone was here.
Yokosuka Naval Base's auditorium was an old facility and had a long history. There was an anecdote that, in the past, the Admiral and all the other staff members would send off each shipgirls who were going on a sortie from here. This was back in the days when the number of shipgirls was still small, and as you can imagine, it’s not possible to go that far now.
There were chairs lined up inside, and the shipgirls sat there.
After a few moments, the Admiral and other dignitaries arrived, and after giving some salutations and courtesies, an elderly man stood in front of them.
“Is that......?”
Kagerou tilted her head because she had never seen that man before.
Ushio, who sat directly behind her, said in a low voice, “It’s not an admiral, isn’t it......?”
“I wonder if he's a much higher ranking person?” She replied, but she wasn't sure if it was right.
The man grabbed the microphone and began to speak.
“Recently, the Abyssal Fleet has been increasingly powerful, while the sea, the home of mankind, has fallen into their hands, the restoration of sea transport is a matter of urgency.......”
She couldn't tell if it was an explanation or a speech, so Kagerou listened absentmindedly.
'Mankind is in trouble.' She already knew that even without being told. Recently, the Abyssal Fleet had appeared in the location where they were not supposed to be, attacking places that were not supposed to be attacked. Kagerou’s group special exercise had also been interrupted by the appearance of the enemy.
She was told that it was the reason why they should work harder, but the sloppy speech made it difficult for her to concentrate.
She glanced around. The rightmost row was the aircraft carriers, next to them were the battleships, and then the heavy cruisers and light cruisers, and finally the destroyers were at the very end. As expected, the seniors didn’t show any signs of boredom.
The aircraft carriers were the main force of the shipgirls, with the aircraft they had on board, they could attack the enemy at a greater distance than anyone else. These people were like gods. She couldn’t help but be timid when talking to them. Those respected[1] aircraft carriers all said ‘There's need to be stiff,’ but it just won’t work that way.
The battleships were also the aces of the naval base. To an extent, they were more important than the carriers. For the destroyers, they were not only an existence beyond reach[2], but they were also an object of admiration, and many girls wanted to have a talk with them.
Heavy cruisers were much more approachable. Even though they had a lot of contact with the destroyers, they rarely gave direct commands, so it’s more relaxing for the destroyers. When it came to light cruisers though, there were many of them who were scarier than demons, since they were the boss of the destroyer squadrons.[3]
There were other ships such as seaplane tenders, but Kagerou rarely spoke to them.
The higher-ranking person was still giving a speech, “We have gathered shipgirls from everywhere.” Indeed, there were some unfamiliar faces among the shipgirls. In particular, many of them were the battleships and aircraft carriers sisters.
’They must be gathering firepower’, she felt. She could even see some torpedo cruisers.
“...... Therefore, I hereby announce that Yokosuka Naval Base will play the central role in carrying out this operation.”
The man's fervent speech finally ended and he stepped down from the podium.
The Admiral then appeared, taking over.
"First of all, I would like to inform all of you. The naval battle around the Okinoshima area, which was fought under numerous sorties, has ended in victory for our side. I'm grateful for your efforts."
The Admiral's tone was calm, but serious.
“However, the Abyssal Fleet's activities have become even more active here. I'm sure you're aware of the frequent attacks on our supply routes.”
The way it was spoken was clear and concise, even the shipgirls felt a little overwhelmed and began to listen. Kagerou also straightened her back.
“Each naval base has been communicating and analyzing the information, and have deduced that the Abyssal Fleet is expanding its range of operations. Unfortunately, our fears were correct and a huge swarm was discovered in the southern waters.”
The Admiral gave a small nod. Then Atago, who had been waiting in the corner, pressed a switch in her hand a few times.
The lights in the auditorium dimmed and a white screen descended. A video was projected on it.
“This was taken by the shipgirls from Sasebo Naval Base during a reconnaissance mission that barely succeeded.”
There were tidal waves on the screen, causing the video to blur from left to right. Eventually, dark objects appeared behind the waves. Everyone could see that it was the Abyssal Fleet.
There was a buzz in the auditorium. It was just too many. The southern ocean was said to be a relatively calm area, and was also used as a route for transporting resources. The appearance of a large number of enemies in that area was almost synonymous with being bitten in the throat.[4]
The swarm of the Abyssal Fleet was rapidly growing larger, closing in on the foreground of the screen. There were almost no I-class or Ro-class destroyers in sight, only Ho-class light cruisers and Ri-class heavy cruisers. Moreover, their appearance seemed to be more ferocious than ever. In addition, there were even humanoid figures, obviously battleship classes.
The shipgirls raised their voices, “What's that?”
Suddenly, the screen blurred and showed the area under the shipgirl's feet. The video ended there.
The auditorium was still dark. Only the Admiral's voice echoed through the microphone.
“That's it for the video. The shipgirl was found washed ashore on a nearby island, and the recording device was recovered.”
What happened to the shipgirl who took the recording? Since the Admiral didn't say anything, no one dared to ask the question.
This time a map was projected. The mainland was at the top, while the other region was drawn in simple lines. In terms of area, the sea was overwhelmingly large.
The image then changed. The southern part of the image was now colored red.
“This is the recent area that was taken by the Abyssal Fleet, the naval base has designated this location in the southern waters as Area E.”
Once again, the shipgirls were buzzing.
The area where the Abyssal Fleet emerged was classified by numbers. For example, the Nansei Islands[5] area was classified as ‘2’, while the Okinoshima area was classified as ‘4’. Therefore, the shipgirls who were ordered to attack the Abyssal Fleet in the Okinoshima area would dub it as “Going 2-4.”[6] Since it’s an informal term, it was not mentioned in official documents and rarely spoken by the aircraft carriers and battleships. It was a playful term used mostly by heavy cruisers and below.
However, there were times when the top brass themselves refer to an area where the enemy has suddenly sailed as "Area E". But it was limited to the areas that were extraordinary and urgent.
This time, the southern waters that were inhabited by the Abyssal Fleet that suddenly appeared were marked with an 'E.' In other words, it was a sign of importance.
“If we don't crush this place, we will suffer a major blow in the short and long term. Therefore, Yokosuka Naval Base will conduct offensive operations here with reinforcements from other Naval Bases. I expect you all to do well. The operation will be commenced right now, at this very moment.”
The screen was retracted and the auditorium lit up.
The shipgirls looked at each other. Some were whispering, some were talking loudly.
Every face showed a mixture of excitement and tension. Until now, Yokosuka Naval Base had been cautiously working to reclaim the invaded area, but now they were finally going on the offensive.
It would be a highly anticipated yet difficult operation. It was obvious from the previous speech made by the higher ranking person before the Admiral.
Still, there was no visible sense of despair. Everyone has been working hard for this day.
Atago received the microphone from the Admiral.
“This concludes the general announcement. I will now announce the shipgirls that will be organized for the operation. Aircraft carriers and battleships, please gather at the front.”
The aircraft carrier and the battleship shipgirls headed towards Atago with tensed expressions.
In contrast, the destroyer shipgirls looked bored. Although their whole purpose of living was to sink large ships with their deadly torpedoes, they were inevitably put on the back burner[7] in this kind of operation. They were often relegated to securing resources or escorting convoys. Some of the girls complained, 'I even went to the trouble of piling up torpedoes, what a shame.'
“Somehow, it's kind of a big deal, isn't it?”
Kagerou spoke to Shiranui. Her former partner bluntly replied, “That's just how battles are like. I'm certain that it's a plan devised by the top brass and the commander. Destroyers will just fight, and that's what we get paid for."
“All right, let's do our best. If we do our job right, even if it's a boring mission, we'll win.”
“I really envy your positive attitude, Kagerou.”
“I like your calmness, you know.”
Kagerou laughed.
At that moment, Atago called out, “Shiranui-san of the Kagerou-class, please come to the front.”
Shiranui went ahead in a half-run.
The 14th Destroyer Division members took turns and gathered. They were all dissatisfied.
“Meh, I thought they'd let us go too.”
Satsuki folded her hands behind her head, her mouth sulking.
“Even though we exterminated a battleship the other day.”
“But it was also a violation of order…… So it couldn’t be helped,” Ushio said. Even though she was trying to help Akebono, she had crossed a dangerous bridge.
“I think it should be okay to be considered a little, though.”
“I'm sure we'll get our chance someday.”
Nagatsuki asked Kagerou, “What kind of mission have we been given?”
“Still nothing for now,” Kagerou answered. “It seems that the Admiral and Atago have their hands full with the offensive operation at the moment. We’ll probably get called then they’re done.”
“I wonder about the location of our expedition this time, the north or the south, which will it be?”
“Either cold or hot huh, it’s really extreme, isn’t it?”
At that, Arare muttered.
“I prefer hot rather than cold……”
“I'm not sure which is better. I think I prefer a climate where I can relax.”
Then Shiranui came back.
“Kagerou.”
“Welcome back. Shiranui, which do you like more, hot or cold?”
“Perhaps hot,” Shiranui said, keeping her usual tone. “I've been ordered to participate in the operation. I will be conducting an offensive reconnaissance[8] in the southern waters.”
For a moment, Kagerou was stunned. Then she said, “O-oh, I see. Fishing for dragonflies?"
Dragonfly fishing was the process of retrieving the aircrafts that had fallen from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. It's a simple mission, but some girls didn’t like it because it's not something a destroyer should be doing.[9]
Shiranui shook her head.
“I'm accompanying the heavy cruisers and light cruisers. We'll be sailing ahead of the main force.”
“Even though you’re a destroyer?”
“They want a ship that excels at being lookout and in recon-in-force. I have experience in Kure.”
“It doesn't have to be the Shiranui.......”
Shiranui looked puzzled at her words.
“Is there anything you’re dissatisfied with?"
“No, not really…… Do your best, okay?”
Despite her encouragement, Kagerou's heart somehow was filled with anxiety.
’I wonder why? I trust Shiranui and even think that she’s an excellent shipgirl. After all, she had Jintsuu's seal of approval.
But there's something that's bugging me. I don't know what it is. Perhaps it's because we've known each other for so long, but a strange feeling comes to mind.
I should take a breath to avoid it being recognized. No, I shouldn't be thinking about this. It’s not a good idea to mention it and risk making her worry.’
“How nice, being vanguards,” She tried to keep her voice cheerful. “I also want to fight the Abyssal Fleet, you know.”
“Kagerou and the others also got a splendid mission. The naval base would not be able to run without the people in the rear.”[10]
“So it’s been decided that we're going to be in the rear?”
“Are you not?”
“Hey!” Kagerou protested. Shiranui then saluted Kagerou.
“Then, Shiranui will be going to prepare…… And also, Akebono.”
“What?”
Akebono replied scornfully.
“Can we call the match from before a draw?”
“A draw, eh? It’s essentially my victory, since you can’t take Kagerou away!”
“That's unacceptable. Let's have a match again after the operation is over.”
“Hmph. Then don't die.”
Shiranui once again saluted and then left.
“How nice……” Satsuki said.
“Participating in the operation, huh? Being specifically called over from Kure to join an operation, so there’s a case like that, eh?”.
“It seems like our 14th Destroyer Division’s appeal will have to wait for another time," Ushio said.
Kagerou was half envious and half anxious. It’s hard to get rid of something once you’ve become aware of it. Nevertheless, she shook her head several times, trying to drive it away.
Note :
[1] : Kuubou no minna-sama (the aircraft carriers-sama), idk how to put it on english.
[2] : It's written as 'existence above the clouds' but I picked 'beyond reach' because it sounds better that way.
[3] : Suirai Sentai, or Torpedo Squadron, the US had a different designation which is Destroyer Squadron (not to be confused with Destroyer Division or Kuchikutai), and often abbreviated as DesRon in the official documents. It's a force of several Destroyer Divisions under the flagship of a Light Cruiser. The example of it is DesRon 2 with Jintsuu as the flagship commanding the 8th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 31st Destroyer Division.
[4] : Meaning it's really critical. Supply lines is like blood vessel for the military, and if it's cut off the entire organization would collapse.
[5] : Ryukyu Islands, I don't know why most of the fandom used the literal translation of Nansei Islands, or 'Southwest Islands,' since it's a name.
[6] : The author truly used a clever way to reference the game without making it looks forced.
[7] : In the rear, doing some odd jobs. The original sentence is translated as 'behind the scenes.'
[8] : I was thinking of recon-in-force, but somehow the Japanese definition of reconnaissance is separated into 2 types, covert reconnaissance and recon-in-force, basically one is doing it while undetected, and the other is doing it with the assumption of being attacked and attacking back or deliberately attacking the enemy on sight, and this word is neither since it's literally means 'assault reconnaissance' and recon-in-force has its own word for it, so I decided to translate it as 'offensive reconnaisance.'
[9] : Which is funny because the so called 'Dragonfly Fishing' is mostly done by the destroyers in the Imperial Japanese Navy. By the way, the term is derived from the Yokosuka K5Y "Willow" or Type 93 Intemediate Training Aircraft that was nicknamed 'Red Dragonfly' by the Japanese.
[10] : The same as 7, literally translated as 'behind the scenes.'
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