The arrival of the Bulin squad made the Naval Base livelier than ever before.
Early the next morning, Setsuna woke up in the main building's bedroom. After a quick wash-up, he set off with a few accompanying shipgirls to begin a routine patrol inside the base.
Bulins were everywhere on the island.
Aside from the main building and shipgirl dorms being temporarily preserved, they had completely overhauled the Naval Base.
After leveling the area, they began constructing a brand-new military port from scratch, built to et interstellar era standards.
The construction speed of the starship-class Bulins stunned the native shipgirls. They watched in awe as sci-fi-style buildings sprang up from the ground.
The Bulins also brought in so Manjuus from the port district to assist with auxiliary tasks:
Leveling terrain, assembling building fras, installing structural components, crafting furniture...
The renovation of the base was progressing at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Building materials were gathered from various vassal worlds and centralized in the capital, then processed by the Bulins into prefabricated components.
Once delivered to the base, the materials were assembled like a "067" modular kit.
The infrastructure workflow was well-ordered, demonstrating the impressive mobilization capacity of an interstellar empire.
"Commander, based on the Bulins' construction speed, the renovation of the Naval Base should be complete within two weeks."
As they walked, Richelieu reported the progress to Setsuna.
"This place can eventually serve as the administrative center and base for the Kantai Collection world. The Naval Base, being independent of the human world, is ideal for stationing shipgirl forces."
On the holographic map, this world's landmass looked entirely different from Earth's.
The base was located on an isolated island—
As long as a few Angeloids were deployed to seal off the surrounding sea, it could be turned into a relatively autonomous mariti kingdom.
"Not bad. We can vacation here soday—just like in the Azure Lane world."
Setsuna nodded.
Oceanic worlds were the shipgirls' backyard. After expeditions, they could return here to unwind whenever they felt hosick.
They continued walking forward.
Bulins and Manjuus clanged away on all sides—construction noise echoed across the island.
Along the coast, the native shipgirls weren't idle either. They were learning about interstellar-era technology and combat tactics from the Azure shipgirls.
Retrofit plans for the native shipgirls were still in developnt, but in the anti, they could begin testing so advanced space-age weapons.
Azure destroyers taught the native destroyers how to use space torpedoes and missiles.
Battleship girls demonstrated energy weapons to the local girls—WWII-era firearms and explosives were far too outdated in their eyes.
Carrier shipgirls were learning to use more advanced space carrier-based aircraft.
"Three, two, one, launch!"
At Enterprise and Essex's command, Akagi, Kaga, Shoukaku, Zuikaku and other native carrier shipgirls pulled their bows and launched toy-sized aircraft into the sky.
Kancolle carrier girls typically launched aircraft via bows—so, like Taihou, used crossbows instead. It looked rather charming.
Whoosh—
A dozen space-based carrier aircraft soared into the air.
Controlling such high-performance, next-gen aircraft was quite a challenge for the native shipgirls.
"One, two, three..."
Shoukaku launched an entire flight squadron and focused all her attention on maneuvering them.
She felt the space aircraft were hundreds or even thousands of tis more powerful than the Zeroes and Reppus she had once used.
Controlling them was exhausting.
Her ntal processing couldn't keep up with their speed—spacing out for even a second caused the planes to fly off into the stratosphere.
"Eh? Eh?!"
She panicked and tried to reel the high-flying plane back in. In her fluster, several other aircraft lost control and began bouncing around the sky in erratic patterns—
Nearly colliding midair.
"Shoukaku, beginners shouldn't control too many planes at once. Start slow and learn step by step."
Enterprise advised in a teacher-like tone.
In front of the native shipgirls, she was undoubtedly a senior.
"Mmm, understood..."
Shoukaku nodded. For so reason, the carrier shipgirls of the First and Fifth CarDivs all held a peculiar fear of Enterprise.
By extension, they also felt a bit intimidated by Essex.
She turned her head and spotted Setsuna patrolling nearby.
"Admiral!"
The carrier shipgirls warmly greeted him.
"Yo? Practicing new aircraft control?"
"Well? Aren't space fighters way more exciting than the models you used before?"
Setsuna chuckled and gave Shoukaku a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Mmm..."
Shoukaku brushed her silvery hair behind her ear, her eyes shining slightly. She looked up at Setsuna with a hint of pleading in her expression:
"They're really amazing... but hard to control..."
"Admiral, would you... teach ?"
"Oh?"
Setsuna was about to say, "Isn't Enterprise already teaching you all?"—but since a shipgirl had asked, he figured giving a quick demonstration wouldn't hurt.
He stood behind Shoukaku, guiding her hands-on as she drew the bow again.
"Here, let show you."
"Ah..."
Her fair wrist was gently held. She let out a soft gasp as a blush crept across her cheeks.
"Split your focus—control the aircraft in your hand. Pay attention to speed. Within planetary airspace, just use conventional propulsion. Don't activate the light-speed engines..."
Feeling the warmth and scent of the girl in his arms, Setsuna patiently taught her the nuances of carrier aircraft operation...
As expected of Lady Shoukaku—gentle and composed, radiating feminine charm.
Her kyudo uniform and protective gear added an elegant Yamato Nadeshiko aura.
Whoosh—
The aircraft shot skyward.
It circled gracefully above the ocean.
Setsuna continued guiding Shoukaku's hands as she released more aircraft.
The girl leaned back slightly—intentionally or not—drawing them closer together.
A subtle fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose.
"Admiral, you're amazing. Thank you."
"I think I'm starting to get the hang of it."
Shoukaku spoke softly.
Hiss—
The other native shipgirls watching felt their hearts skip. The scene looked exactly like a couple practicing archery together.
"Admiral, would you teach Akagi next?"
Nearby, the elegant, long-haired big sister in a kyudo uniform also requested earnestly.
"I have so questions about controlling aircraft that I'd love to ask..."
" too."
Kaga added concisely.
"Teach too~ Admiral~~"
One by one, the native shipgirls gathered around, begging for so hands-on training from Setsuna.
Having the Admiral personally teach them how to use new weapons—
There was nothing more thrilling for a shipgirl.
"???"
Enterprise, who was supposed to be the instructor, was dumbfounded.
What the heck?
Why did every shipgirl want to cuddle up to the Commander wherever he went?
"Ah, I want the Commander to teach too..."
"Commander, I'm still not quite used to 3.2 operations on carrier aircraft..."
Just as Essex tried to step forward, Enterprise yanked her back.
"Can you hear yourself?! You're already the most advanced next-gen starship carrier, rember?!"
"Tch—"
Essex regretted having such good grades in the past—otherwise, she too could enjoy so one-on-one coaching from the Commander.
"Admiral, Shoukaku's a bit clumsy... I'm not quick at learning new things. Could I borrow a little more of your ti?"
Surrounded by her sisters, Shoukaku showed no intention of backing down. She looked at Setsuna sincerely.
"Also, there's sothing I'd like to talk with you about. If you're free tonight, would you co by my place?"
"I'll be sure to prepare a warm welco."
Hiss—
That direct invitation made Setsuna freeze for a mont.
That "welco"... was she being serious?
...
After finishing a full day of training the native shipgirls at the Naval Base, Setsuna felt ntally drained.
The shipgirls had all rushed forward, eager to cuddle up to him.
Carrier shipgirls demanded to learn new space-based aircraft control thods. Battleship girls wanted to study advanced gunnery techniques. Even destroyer lolis tugged at his clothes, begging him to teach them torpedo combat.
So were genuinely seeking knowledge—most, however, clearly had other motives.
With more than half the Naval Base's shipgirls crowding around him, Setsuna could only sigh, "I'm dood. I've been surrounded by shipgirls."
Left with no choice, he did his best to pass on what he knew.
As the sun set and the moon rose high—
The native shipgirls retired to their dorms to rest. After a full day of practice, they were visibly exhausted.
Setsuna glanced at the ti—it was still early for him.
So, rembering the earlier invitation, he decided to visit Shoukaku for a friendly chat—to deepen their bond.
He made his way through the base, bypassing Bulin construction zones, and arrived at the shipgirl dormitory.
After asking two younger shipgirls for directions, he found the place.
The shipgirl dorms were structured like an apartnt building, with several units per floor.
Knock knock knock—
He lightly tapped the door.
Tap, tap, tap.
Hurried footsteps echoed from inside.
The door opened to reveal a girl in a white kimono top and red short skirt, eyes gleaming with happiness.
"Admiral, you ca?"
Shoukaku's long silver hair flowed behind her, tied with a red ribbon. Combined with her outstanding shipgirl beauty, she was stunning to behold.
"Yeah, thought I'd drop by since I had so free ti."
Setsuna nodded.
Shoukaku's room was classically Japanese in style.
The dark wood flooring of the living room was adorned with a low tea table and tatami mats. A built-in bookshelf on the wall overflowed with books.
Sliding wooden doors partitioned the modest space into bedroom, kitchen, and other areas. A few vases with arranged flowers decorated the corners.
Quiet and elegant—it was clear the room's owner had kept it ticulously.
After sitting down, Shoukaku brewed a cup of tea for Setsuna and retrieved a few boxes of delicate snacks from the cabinet.
"Please enjoy, Admiral."
"You've been busy all afternoon teaching shipgirls—you probably haven't eaten. Just a mont, I'll make sothing for you."
Saying so, she tied on an apron and busied herself in the kitchen.
Boiling water, chopping vegetables, deep frying... her movents flowed with practiced grace.
Setsuna had been about to say, "I'm strong, skipping a few als is nothing."
But when he turned to look and saw Shoukaku, hair tied back and apron on, flitting around the kitchen like a newlywed wife taking care of her husband, he was struck speechless.
She radiated pure feminine charm.
Truly, madam was madam.
Before long, Shoukaku returned with plates of tempura, sushi, and other side dishes.
"Admiral, Shoukaku's cooking can't compare to the Dragon Empery shipgirls—I haven't studied the culinary arts deeply. Please don't mind."
She sat beside him, speaking softly and respectfully.
Her deanor was humble, full of the signature grace and deference of Sakura Empire shipgirls.
"Ah... it's fine. You did great."
Setsuna was already lting into Shoukaku's gentle presence.
He sampled a bit and casually struck up conversation.
"How's the new gear? Getting the hang of it?"
"Yes, I've mostly mastered the new aircraft control thods. But there's still more to learn, so I'll be counting on you, Admiral."
Shoukaku answered earnestly.
"If I have ti, sure. But I'm usually busy—it'd be better to have the Azure Lane shipgirls teach you."
"Hmm, go see Azure Shoukaku soti. You two are pretty alike."
Setsuna mused aloud.
Azure Lane's Shoukaku was also a silver-haired, gentle older sister type—though she did enjoy tossing out the occasional sarcastic jab.
In Setsuna's opinion, Azure Shoukaku and this Kancolle Shoukaku were probably the most alike among all cross-world shipgirls.
"Mmm..."
Shoukaku seed a little disappointed, though she knew she couldn't monopolize the Commander for herself. She nodded in acceptance.
"You must be very busy managing such a large country, right? There must be so many affairs to handle..."
"It's manageable. Richelieu and Yat Sen help a lot. We even recently got a new nano-robot—she can work 24 hours a day."
Setsuna chuckled.
He considered Grey a born overti machine. As a nano-robot, she didn't need rest, and theoretically could work 24/7 without issue—
Though she'd definitely protest and go on strike.
"Oh."
Shoukaku didn't know who Grey was, but nodded anyway.
"If there's anything Shoukaku can help with, please feel free to ask, Admiral."
"My abilities may not be great, but as long as it's sothing for you, I'll do my very best."
"Thank you."
Setsuna really appreciated such considerate shipgirls—it was always comfortable being around them.
After dinner, as Shoukaku finished cleaning the dishes, she knelt behind Setsuna and gently began massaging his shoulders.
"If you work at your desk for long hours, you need to rest properly."
"Let give you a massage."
Her technique was tender, the pressure just right.
Accompanied by her soft voice, the experience was utterly relaxing.
Setsuna couldn't help leaning back—his whole body resting against Shoukaku.
She wasn't wearing armor, and her head felt soft to the touch.
"Ah... Admiral..."
Shoukaku blushed slightly in embarrassnt.
"You'd make a perfect wife..."
Setsuna praised without thinking.
Shoukaku didn't express her feelings as passionately as Taihou or Richelieu, but her gentle, quiet warmth had a way of seeping into the heart unnoticed.
"What are you saying..."
Her face turned even redder, and her hands reflexively pressed a little harder.
Soon, Shoukaku picked up on the deeper aning of his words.
"Commander, how many shipgirls have you made vows with?"
She asked cautiously.
"Hmm..."
"You've t Richelieu, Taihou, Chen Hai, and Belfast. Yat Sen is at the base—you'll see her when we return."
Setsuna answered honestly, without trying to hide anything.
"Aside from shipgirls, there are also dragon girls, Spirits, Heroic Spirits..."
The more she listened, the more surprised Shoukaku beca.
Her Commander was truly a lover of all kinds. Beyond shipgirls, he had bonded with many magical beings:
World-ending dragons, realm-bending Spirits...
Such a powerful man naturally had many exceptional won around him.
"To make a vow with you... they must all be amazing people, right?"
Shoukaku said in awe.
"It's not about strength. So of them are just ordinary."
Setsuna shook his head.
"As long as soone is willing to stay by my side and give their heart—I treat them all the sa."
"I see..."
Shoukaku paused for a mont, then took a deep breath, summoning her courage to speak haltingly:
"Do you think... I... could maybe... with you..."
Her voice grew quieter with every word, until it was barely above a whisper.
"What?"
Setsuna didn't catch it. He turned to look.
Her face had turned red all the way to her neck. Shoukaku covered her face—it felt hot to the touch.
She quickly shook her head, placing a hand over her chest.
She felt like her heart might burst out of her chest.
She had no choice but to look out the window and change the subject:
"N-Nothing... Just that... tonight, the moon is beautiful."
Pfft—
Setsuna couldn't help laughing.
He stood up and pulled her into his arms.
eting Shoukaku's shy, darting gaze—
"Yes, the moon is beautiful... and so are you."
"I like you."
"Admiral..."
Shoukaku hadn't expected him to be so direct. She froze for a mont.
Then she gathered her courage, raised her head, closed her eyes, and stood on tiptoe.
A gentle fragrance brushed his lips.
After a long mont, the two finally parted.
The silver-haired girl, bathed in moonlight, looked even more elegant and charming than ever.
"Admiral, it's already quite late... It might not be convenient for you to return now."
"If you don't mind... would you stay with Shoukaku tonight?"
She asked timidly.
"Of course. I never refuse a shipgirl's request."
Setsuna gently kissed her cheek.
Shoukaku leaned forward, resting in his embrace.
"Shoukaku, I'll be counting on you from now on..."
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