Vol 1 Chapter 2 (1/2)
The Trial Seas
Part 1
5 days after Zuikaku and Kaga's face-off, the gate of the Naval District was shrouded in themist
The outside air was chilly, as would be expected of the early winter Eround underfoot with their cast-off crimson leaf toupees The sun had not yet risen, and the last fingers of the previous night galed on
”Uuuu~as cold as always!”
No sooner had Zuikaku left thea shi+ver, her breath for a white cloud in front of her Her co her legs
”It's not that big a deal, but I could really do with Kaga-senpai's stockings right now”
”We can't shoeaknesses, Zuikaku”
Shoukaku, following behind her, seemed the same as always
”Accli as wellwho knows, one day we ht on battlefields even colder than this”
”Even colder? The Aleutians were bad enough”
After Midway, Zuikaku and the Light Carriers Ryuujou and Zuihou had went together to the North to support the Aleutian Islands operation
Hearing Zuikaku's co
”Plus, you wouldn't want to eht?”
”Good ! Shoukaku-nee, Zuikaku-nee!”
With a bit of effort, the ate was pulled upon, and froirls
Fubuki, Isonairls of the Fubuki class All three wore their combat uniforms in the winter wind, just like Shoukaku and Zuikaku It seemed that they had free time today--expedition duty and breakfast duty had both been assigned to others
The Fubuki-class was the first of the so-called ”special-type” destroyers, carrying are unparalleled by other shi+ps of their class and generation There were irls of this class and its derivatives in the Naval District--it was almost as if they were the District's Mascots
The one who had greeted the tas Fubuki Well-suited to the role of nairls of her class
”Seereat weather, huh? Let's train early and hard today as well!”
”Eh? Uh, yeah”
Zuikaku forced a grin In spite of their thin clothing, the destroyers were full of vigor, and Fubuki was no exception
Froa, Zuikaku had taken up daily jogs as ested
Though Zuikaku was not quite sure whether there would be any effect, it had been her sister Shoukaku's suggestion, thus, she had taken up that suggestion without ht
For the destroyers, theroutine, and so Zuikaku and Shoukaku regularly bumped into them
Under Shoukaku's past five days of tutelage (a co) Zuikaku's skills had i-distance cruises Today's schedule was a
According to Shoukaku, the order for Zuikaku to join the front lines would come within a few days
As per the agreeinally constituted the final stretch of the teek trial period in which Zuikaku decided whether she wanted to serve as a shi+pgirl However, Zuikaku's training had long since outpaced the plans for the original trial period, and so the test had been moved up
After some stretches, Fubuki spoke to Zuikaku and Shoukaku excitedly
”Well, we're off! Earnest training brings an empty stomach and a tastier breakfast!”
With that, Fubuki charged off without waiting for a response Picking up their equipirls followed
”They sure are lively for such cold weather”
Zuikaku's duh fro response
”Those children ht at the very front like we do, but theysupplies, and rescuing civilians In a certain sense, their battles are even rougher than ours”
”Ah, so it's like that here to”
Zuikaku nodded in understanding
In ”That War”, the diminutive destroyers were known as the ”rickshaw drivers”[1] And yet once the tides of war had changed for the worse, they beca with a diligence and vigor that rivaled the main force
The shi+pgirls, too, had inherited this kind of soul--
”Well then let's go, Zuikaku”
”mm!”
They couldn't e the weight of Shoukaku's words, Zuikaku also launched into a run
The jogging route passed through the shbored the Naval District Under thethe town's protective seawall
Various scenes and objects flew past--the town, dyed in thein the sky; the countless fishi+ng boats squeaking, whistling and jostling as they went out to work; the tide, advancing and then retreating from the beaches In Zuikaku's warshi+p days, these scenes had existed as well
”Now that I think about it, why does everyone wear their equipment?”
Zuikaku inquired, slightly out of breath After all, if it was jogging, why not change into so?
Running alongside her, Fubuki responded with a serious face
”Morning exercise is a type of co too! If we're dressed like we are on the battlefield we can get a little more hype! Also”
”Also?”
Fubuki's smile looked a little aard this time around
”The Co shoulder to shoulder like that makes the perfect kodak moment'”
(T-that man!)
Zuikaku put a hand to her forehead The ”Commander” Fubuki irls preferred to refer to him that way
Zuikaku had already heard tales of the Admiral's sexual harassment exploits many times already
Given the chance, the man would readily and brazenly peek under skirts, rub heads and touch equipht
Luckily, Zuikaku had not yet been a target of these things--perhaps a legacy of their first
”Ah, but it does have its perks Look!”
Fubuki hurriedly pointed in front of her
Countless shoppers, co the seawall Alloith fa them were ele the shi+pgirls on with shouts of ”shi+pgirl Onee-sans, good luck!”, ”Don't lose to the Abyssals” and the like
The Destroyers, in turn, eagerly returned their waves Laughing gently, Shoukaku followed in elegant fashi+on--as did Zuikaku, albeit with some hesitation
Once the greetings hard largely ended, Fubuki spoke
”We can't live the same way as the civilians The Naval District hasn't hadable to meet and talk to everyone like this is really precious”
”Soive us snacks or drinks~!”
Catching up frorin At her side, an embarrassed Isonami spoke up:
”We noro out without our equip attention, so we don't often get the chance to show everyone that we're shi+pgirls”
With a satisfied expression, she continued
”Plus, thanks to our convoys, supplies have been able to come in from the Continent Now the convenience stores and superain, and the s everyone happy makes me happy as well”
During indoor studies, Zuikaku had heard that the appearance of the abyssals had occurred a decade ago; the world before that had been largely at peace for some time, interrupted by a few disputes at best It was in this time that the convenience store, supermarket, the cell phone and other aspects of modern culture had developed
While this culture had been momentarily threatened by the abyssals, the arrival and battles of the shi+pgirls had returned some semblance of the prewar status quo to this nation, at least--
”I see”
Zuikaku nodded, feeling that she now understood why the Admiral had wanted everyone to keep their equipment on
(At least this way these kids can get praised)
These efforts perhaps allowed the destroyers, used to fighting in thankless silence, to witness the results of their hard work
This was especially true for the Fubuki-class and their predecessors, whose glories in coerou-class, a others
(As expected of the admiralon the other hand, is it that hard for him just to praise them honestly?)
Zuikaku s that ”the Aduy to understand” remained as true as always
”Eh, but beautiful girls like us could catch everyone's attention, even without our equipment”
”Murakumo, that's a little”
Hearing the Fubuki-class' only futuristic-looking shi+pgirl Murakumo's statement, shi+rayuki smiled aardly The other members of the Fubuki-class seemed to share their sentiment
”speaking of which, e all born with the appearance of girls?”
Murakus had aroused a question from Zuikaku, who spoke before she could restrain herself Shtly, Shoukaku responded,
”Those who live on the seas pray to a deity 'Spirit of the shi+ps' for safety, and apparently it takes the forirl Perhaps that is e appear with this appearance, or perhaps that is simply one of many reasons Of course, this is all just speculation”
”Eh, thatabout it”
Zuikaku muttered, satisfied Shoukaku, however, closed her mouth with a complicated expression
By the ti and returned to the naval district, the sun had already risen, dispelling the last vestiges of themist
”Whewit really isn't that bad once you do it every ”
Burning all over, Zuikaku fanned herself with her hand Shoukaku ca several towels
Several tiny fairies surrounded the helped Shoukaku out
Zuikaku had no clue where these fairies came from--all she kneas that quite a few of these inhabited the Naval District They helped the shi+pgirls with daily chores and manned some of the equipment in battle
”Here, Shoukaku, a towel shi+pgirls can apparently get sick too, so make sure you wipe yourself dry”
”Ah, thank you, Shoukaku-nee!”
”Saet to finish your stretches”
”Yeah~!” The destroyers responded loudly as they took towels fro mother surrounded by her children
Zuikaku secretly adhtfulness as well
(As expected, Shoukaku-nee is nothing like me)
Speaking of which, she had heard that Shoukaku had coo to the Naval District
While it was unclear when the shi+pgirl's part of the war had began, the respect shown by the destroyers to Shoukaku suggested that she was one of the first to heed the call
(sure is impressive)
Thinking this, Zuikaku walked to the ate--
”!”
A breath behind her--shocked, Zuikaku turned--to see several carrier planes charging at her Zuikaku subconsciously turned aside--it ht not be a crash, but better safe than sorry
Hearing Shoukaku's ”are you alright, Zuikaku!”, Zuikaku scanned her surroundings
”Who goes there? To just attack someone out of the blue like thatout with you!”
”Not bad As expected of the carrier recognized by Kaga-senpai--but that's no reason to get overconfident!”
Fro voice, and Zuikaku immediately looked up
In her vision loo on the rooftop with arms crossed Several carrier planes lay on her head--but not a type Zuikaku had seen before Rather than Zuikaku and Shoukaku's archery uniforms, hers resembled that of an Onmyoji The hooked jewel on her breast was especially eyecatching
Her flight deck, uard such as Zuikaku's, but a roll-out scroll Additionally, several vaguely plane-shaped pieces of paper lay on the scroll Given the onami
”You are?”
”From here on out, I, Izum--rather, I, Hiyou, will instruct you in the place of the Senpai of the 1stCarDiv Prepare yourself! I'ood!”
”'Hiyou' was that light carrier, right? And anyway, don't fuck up your own na to make an entrance like that!”
Zuikaku could not help a snarky retort Froirl interjected with a wry laugh
”I try to re 's it because you're still that lil' Ojou-sama from back then?”
”S-shut up, Junyou! Anyway, the Admiral has instructed me to teach youso you'd better prepare yourself!”
”Ahh, what she's trying to say is that 'even though I haven't been at the Naval District long either, I, too, was also a part of thelike that~”
”Really now, Junyou! I pull off this stylish introduction and then you go and mess it up!”
Unily as Hiyou retorted As for Shoukaku and Zuikaku, they could only watch wordlessly, reduced to spectators in this heated exchange
Part 2
”Today we're going to wrap up training with a Fleet Exercise”
Shoukaku traversed the surface of the waters around the Naval District as she explained to Zuikaku
Having finished their afternoon indoor lessons and lunch, the two headed towards the Practice Waters
Under a barren and cloudless sky, the seas murmured with a tranquility that was a little unusual for the winter In the distance one could see the shoreline surrounding the Naval District and the woody mountains that lay behind it
”These so-called fleet exercises are basically just a battle between shi+pgirls, right? Like a-senpai earlier?”
”That's right However, this battle will be a battle between fleets After all, we carriers can only reach our true potential with other shi+ps”
Zuikaku nodded in understanding
Aircraft carriers for their planes to strike far beyond the reach of Battleshi+ps and Heavy Cruisers Defensively, however, carrier arle hit could well spell disaster
Shoukaku, Zuikaku and the other carriers had inherited these strengths and weaknesses As such, working with the fleet escorts was a matter of life and death for a carrier
”Firstly, gun fire is absolutely indispensable when it coainst air attacks Secondly, battles with the abyssals usually lead to us closing to shelling distance by the time we launch our second wave As a result, we often find ourselves under fire in the thick of battle”
”That's why it's iirls”
”Mmm The maximum size of a fleet here is six shi+ps You could say that teamwork has become even more important than it was in 'That War'”
Only six shi+pgirls could engage in a battle at once--it seeer fleets by so it with constant ambushes Perhaps of this, however, the abyssal fleets also never exceeded six shi+ps in size
”Moreover, the abyssals also integrate carriers into their striking forces, for formations just like us As such, Exercises between carrier forces is the best training for the real battle”
”That's really kind of unpleasant”
Zuikaku voiced her feelings frankly The Ad the various abyssal types during indoor lessons had burned themselves into her mind
”The same shi+p classes, the tactics, the same mode of warfare--it's as if”
”As if they were vengeful spirits e?”
Shoukaku's probing inquiry was met with a nod from the stiff-faced Zuikaku
If the abyssals were theoretically a siirls, then they ativity from 'That War,' incarnated in human form in this world
”As the Ad of the shi+pgirls For all we know, they ent evolution, coiven them a coincidental resemblance to the weapons of man
In other words, Shoukaku was saying that there was no point in dwelling on the unknown
”Regardless, what is true is that we cannot coht Each Abyssal is quite strong, and their nuuard around them”
Zuikaku felt herself stiffen
A battle against an unending eneotiation or arbitration, but a hose end could only via complete annihilation of one side
(Against an enemy such as this, there was no option but to train for endless war)
The battle with Kaga froa's awareness of the cruelty of this war that she had fought so hard to point out Zuikaku's carelessness
(If that's the case, then as that thing with Hiyou about?)
As Junyou had said, the two carriers of the Hiyou-class had accolades and achievements that compared with those of the Shoukaku-class
Although they had been a second-line unit at Midway, they had been forced to fill the shoes of the four carriers in its after in various carrier battles
According to Zuikaku's own memories and a few statements from Shoukaku, Hiyou had sunk in the Marianas, while Junyou had survived ”That War”
(Given, the two of the force just like me, so maybe they're in a similar position)
Regardless of Hiyou's claims of ”orders from the Admiral,” it see Zuikaku as a rival
Hiyou's attitude was probably because of her past as a former luxury liner But even so
(I'uide me, but that tacky senpai act)
”Zuikaku, there's our escorts”
From the direction SHoukaku indicated cairls They met in no time
”We'll be in each other's care today, Sisters of the 5thCarDiv”
Heavy cruiser Tone regarded the two Next to her was Chikuma of the saumo
”We've covered the 1stCarDiv and the 2ndCarDiv a few ti the 5thCarDiv But now that I' the enemy y'know [2]!”
”Very well, we look forwards to your exploits”
Shoukaku sently Zuikaku, too, felt a little reassured
Tone and Chikuma had been theuished themselves on multiple battlefields as the fleet's eyes For the purposes of carrier task force battles, they were the perfect match for the 5thCarDiv
”Carrier Battles are all about getting the first strike and restraining the enemy carrier's movements As such, I'llto be up to you, though, y'know”
”Alright Chikuumo, we'll be in your care as well”
”Of course I ask that you all take care of my elder sister and I”
”U-understood! Yukikaze will give it her best!”
”Me too, uh, I'll do my best!”
The three shi+pgirls each responded differently in turn A thought suddenly intruded into Zuikaku's mind
(During the battle with Kaga-senpai, Yukikaze had been with Akagi-senpaiwas she watching?)
”It's asking a little much of everyone e've just in”
Shoukaku spoke with a hint of worry
”I don't know the eneoal is to train us, it's uard down!”
”Understood!”
”I, Shoukaku, will serve as the flagshi+p Please act bynumbers of the abyssals, ill need to trust each other and fight as one Don't act on your own! Tone and Chikuma, please launch your recon seaplanes and search for the enemy!”
”Understood! Let's go, Chikuma!”
”Yes, Tone nee-san!”
Tone and Chikuht ar their seaplanes into the sky in series
”Yukikaze, Makigu the flanks Form up in wheel formation and keep your eyes out for the enemy Zuikaku, stay by ardless of your vigor or enthusias in the front”
”Understood!”
Zuikaku watched by Shoukaku's side The other shi+pgirls followed Shoukaku's orders, forhnut of escorts surrounding the center shi+ps in an anti-air formation as they advanced
(As expected of Shoukaku-nee!)
Zuikaku watched Shoukaku as she shot out her orders That practice confidence was exceptional, as was the way the other shi+pgirls obeyed wordlessly and perfectly with complete trust
”! Enerees to starboard, distance 500, co from behind that island! Two carriers, four other shi+ps!”
”Shoukaku-san, attack force, co from the starboard side! Over a hundred of them!”
All this came from the scout planes
”An ambush from behind the island? Not a bad plan--all shi+ps, adjust course twenty degrees to starboard! Zuikaku, let's get in there!”
”Yes, Shoukaku-nee! 1st Wave, away!”
Shoukaku and Zuikaku loosed their arrows into the sky The arrows instantly burst into carrier planes, an to form up It was fortunate that they had detected the ene, there would probably enough tie the enemy fleet Zuikaku and Shoukaku's planes were all Type 21 Zeroes, Type 99 Dive Bohters
”Fleet Exercise opponent--Enemy detected!”
Fro Zuikaku and Shoukaku looked at the direction in which she pointed--
”Hiyou, Junyou?”
WIthin the eneht carriers responsible for the 's ruckus, Junyou and Hiyou With theasa and Aoba, as well as the destroyers Akebono and Oboro
That aside, the ene in wheel forht battleline, suited for shelling And, at the front of their formation, were Hiyou and Junyou
”Carriers leading the charge?! Are you craz--”
”As promised, I have come to teach you!”
Hiyou's belloned out Zuikaku's incredulous shout She and Junyou surged forwards, sea foa in their wake
”The essentials of carrier warfare are repeated attacks! To charge into the heart of the eneht to them! This is ho 2ndCarDiv commander Kakuda won his victories in the South Pacific!”
The battle of the South Pacific had been a portion of the Battle of Guadalcanal--in the latter half of the decisive battle, the New 2ndCarDiv and Junyou, serving under Aded New 1stCarDiv, closing in on the ene the paralyzed enemy with seven waves of attacks
Admiral Kakuda had been an excellent commander who had the love and trust of his subordinates--Zuikaku could understand why Hiyou, flagshi+p of the 2ndCarDiv, would worshi+p him so
”But if I remember correctly, at that time you--”
”Ahyahyahya~ Hiyou warn't there, not in the Battle of the South Pacific!”
Junyou chuckled, as if trying to complete Zuikaku's sentence
Indeed, Hiyou had been forced to hand over the flagshi+p position to Junyou, unable to take part in the battle due to a malfunction in her turbine
”S-shut up! I was flagshi+p of the 2ndCarDiv longer than you were, so I have ht to talk about this!”
”Maybe, you light carrier's speed, ar too carried away!”
”It's because we're light carriers that we have to get into the thick of things! Re to scoff at, as I'm sure you know! A bit less armor doesn't make a difference!”
”But!”
Well then, ill you do if you face an abyssal stronger than you?!”
”!”
”Well then, let th! Attack teaet in there!”
”Eh, guess Hiyou's got a point too! Let's go!”
After the initial clash between the Eagles and the Cranes' carrier teaan to escape the fray Below thean to open fire
”What are we going to do, Shoukaku! We're getting into a brawl, and we're not quite ready for shelling battle yet!”
Shoukaku gaped for a few seconds before setting out new orders
”All shi+ps fest, we have a chance to turn this around as long as Zuikaku and I are around! Is that alright?”
Keeping the carriers in the back and deploying the escorts as a shi+eld--it was a cruel decision in a certain sense Under concentrated fire, the escorts would likely take heavy daed the order with a nod
”This is our 5thCarDiv's Shoukaku! I'll show you ht, Chikuma?”
”That's right! It's just like Saain!”
”Focus on bringing down the enemy planes! All shi+ps, clear the skies!”
The four shi+pgirls dodged, weaved and fired, evading eneuns at the skies Zuikaku, too, joined the fray as the enemy planes closed in
Part 3
The Naval District's largest dining hall, the Toyokawa, faced the shoreline in one direction
For the shi+pgirls of the naval district, this was their main cafeteria A few chose the Naval District's sweets shop or bar instead, but the portions there were too sirls
The dining hall today was a packed house as well shi+pgirls in free time sat at their favorite seats to eat, chat or simply watch what appeared to be anime on the TV
”Othat Hiyou”
Zuikaku lowered her tray of food onto the table, wincing from the dozen aches and pains that wracked her whole body
Today was Thursday and thus curry day, and the spicy aroh the cafeteria Quite a few shi+pgirls were returning to the kitchen for seconds--mainly destroyers, but also a few standard carriers
”Even if they're practice rounds, those blast shockwaves are nothing to laugh at Geez”
”Are you alright, Zuikaku?”
Zuikaku grimaced in response to Shoukaku's concerned inquiry
”Yeah, I can deal with just this What about Shoukaku-nee?”
”I'h that level of evasive exercise h in real battle”
”Wow, as expected of Shoukaku-nee! Speaking of which, how about Hiyou's attack style? It was literally just straight up once, twice, thrice”
They scene from the day's exercises hovered in front of Zuikaku
In the end, the exercise with Hiyou, Junyou and the New 2ndCarDiv ended with a brawl and then a draw
While the New 2ndCarDiv had gotten as up close and personal as promised, they failed to penetrate Shoukaku and company's blanket of AA fire Both side's carrier complement had been exhausted, while the surface combat failed to produce a definite victor; both sides retired, nursing numerous wounds
The affair, however, was not over Saying ”just a single contest isn't training,” Hiyou had proposed the continuation of the Exercises After soirls had acquiesced under the pretext of ”training Zuikaku”
And so, Zuikaku found herself in her current state
Veterans Hiyou and Junyou had quickly identified Zuikaku as the easier opponent and focused their attacks on her Zuikaku in response had evaded furiously, ending the battle without a single direct hit, combat ability intact Unfortunately, the shockwaves of countless nearZuikaku covered in bruises and the battle inconclusive
”For light carriers and their paper arer-close, all-in attacksdidn't they end up covered in wounds?”
”I can hear you, Zuikaku”
Zuikaku ju to see Hiyou and Junyou walking up, each carrying their own trays
Feeling a chill run down her back, Zuikaku remained silent Hiyou, however, didn't appear to push the issue She chose a seat near Zuikaku instead, wincing like Zuikaku as she sat down
”Ouch! Still, this is norht carriers We must endure”
”No need to push yourself so hard”
”I don't like being hit either But it can't be helped”
As if to suppress the pain, Hiyou took a deep breath before speaking in a prideful voice
”Well then, what do you think of our fighting style?”
”'how' as in”
”Given, constraining the eneoal in carrier combat But that's all it is, a 'what should be' when the reality's nowhere as sis the greatest chance of success”
Hiyou's logic did ht her to a standstill through their close engagement attacks
”I'd say it'd a little to early to make doctrinal conclusions”
Shoukaku responded, unconvinced
”We are a fighting an ene blindly at the Abyssals will bring victory only at great cost In the long run ill be the ones driven into the corner by costly engagements”
”That is e must be the Forlorn Hope--to secure those decisive victories”
”Your logic is beco circular”
Hiyou glared at Shoukaku, who ate another spoonful of curry with an unconcerned expression
”whatever, it is not important After all, we'll find out sooner or later who is correct on the battlefieldno need for haste”
Hiyou sighed The corner of her mouth turned up as she turned to Zuikaku with a wink
”By the way, Zuikaku, you really are quite so attack with only minor woundsthe Goddess of fortune definitely stands beside you”
”M-me?”
Surprised at beco the topic of conversation, Zuikaku responded with a touch of confusion
”I just did what I couldbut speaking of which, you don't actually dislike ht?”
”Of course I don't hate you As your more seasoned senpai, however, I feel like I needed to tell you that But to say I do not see you as a rival would be a lie”
”Ah, so that's how it is”
”Ahhhh~I wish they'd upgrade our carrier planes already Stronger planes means harder strikes and more chances to make them count”
Zuikaku had learned froeneration Suisei, Tenzan, and Type 52 Zeroes were currently in develop the 1st and 2ndCarDiv