"No… more… nyaa… please… have mercy on me, nyaa…"
Akashi went limp mid-complaint.
Yuuki didn't even react—he simply adjusted his grip and slung her over his shoulder like this was routine.
"…Yep," he said flatly. "She's out."
The ekranoplane settled smoothly onto the dock, locking into place with a heavy mechanical click. Almost immediately, GDI drones swarmed in—sleek, efficient, tireless.
Some scanned the hull for damage.
Others began rearming the weapon systems.
A few connected directly to the power core, feeding energy back into the system after the intense strain of battle.
The entire process was seamless.
Automatic.
Precise.
Yorktown watched the operation, then exhaled.
"…Yeah. Good call not bringing her straight into this."
Belfast nodded in agreement. "The level of technological exposure alone would have overwhelmed her again."
Enterprise crossed her arms slightly, glancing at Akashi. "She would have fainted before reaching the hangar."
Meanwhile—
The Bulins had already broken formation.
"Big base!"
"Shiny!"
"Everything!"
They ran across the platform, completely captivated—like children dropped into a world made entirely of wonders.
Yuuki didn't stop them.
"…Yeah. Let them burn it out."
"Commander, welcome back."
The voice was familiar.
Vestal approached, relief visible the moment she saw him.
Yuuki gave her a small nod—and casually patted her head as he passed.
"Yeah. We're back."
He shifted slightly, letting Akashi slide just enough into view.
"I brought your partner."
Vestal froze.
"…Akashi?"
Yuuki nodded. "She was in the vault. Same place as the Bulins."
Before Vestal could process further—
Three small figures collided into her.
"Vestal!"
"Found you!"
"Warm!"
The Bulins clung to her instantly.
Vestal staggered slightly, then laughed softly despite herself.
"…You three haven't changed at all."
But then—
They looked up.
And really saw the base.
Their eyes widened.
Then sparkled.
"…Whoa…"
"Bigger!"
"More!"
And just like that—
They were off again.
Running.
Exploring.
Pointing at everything like it was the greatest discovery imaginable.
Vestal looked between them… then back at Yuuki.
"Anyone up?" Yuuki asked as he stepped further into the base.
Vestal nodded. "All of them. Laffey is resting with Nimi. Wales is keeping Unicorn company. Eldridge is… still hiding under the bed. Akagi and Kaga are unusually calm. And as for Sandy—"
She didn't get to finish.
"Ah, Vestal! The toilet has too many buttons! I pressed one and it burned my butt!"
A red-haired girl came rushing down the corridor, half-panicked, half-dramatic.
"Sandy!" Vestal snapped. "You were supposed to stay in bed!"
"I'm sorry!" she said immediately—then her eyes lit up as she spotted the others. "Ah! Yorky! Enterpricy! Belsy! It's been a while! Even Illusty, Ataky, and Taky!"
There was a collective pause.
Then—
A synchronized sigh.
"…She still hasn't learned proper names, and some of them are bad nicknames." Belfast said, composed but clearly resigned.
Yorktown rubbed her temple. "She never does."
Enterprise looked away slightly, already giving up on correcting it as there are times where San Diego called her Pricy.
Atago chuckled softly. "At least she's consistent."
Takao crossed her arms. "Consistency does not equal correctness."
Yuuki glanced at Yorktown. "She always like this?"
Yorktown nodded. "Always."
"She once mixed up twenty-four and forty-two," Belfast added calmly.
Enterprise followed, deadpan. "And didn't realize it for an entire day."
Yorktown sighed. "During a Christmas party, she somehow wrapped herself in microphone cords and thought it was part of the event."
Belfast added, "She was announcing herself while tangled."
Illustrious blinked. "…That is rather impressive in its own way."
Yuuki crossed his arms, watching San Diego pace around, still complaining about the toilet.
"…So not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed."
Yorktown gave a small shrug. "She's… unique."
Belfast chose her words carefully. "Her cognitive processing is… unconventional."
Enterprise added bluntly, "She's more like a child in some aspects. Remember she got herself electrocuted by shoving a fork on an outlet?"
Illustrious tilted her head slightly. "Despite appearing older."
Takao gave a quiet nod. "It explains her lack of awareness."
Yuuki glanced back at Sandy, who was still muttering about "dangerous toilets."
"…That explains the incident."
Atago covered her mouth lightly, trying not to laugh.
"Touche," she said.
San Diego suddenly turned back to them, completely recovered.
"Anyway! What are we doing next?!"
Yorktown sighed again.
"…And just like that, she's fine."
Yuuki shook his head, but there was the faintest hint of a smile.
"…Yeah."
Yuuki watched San Diego carefully, arms loosely crossed, already running through a list of potential disasters waiting to happen.
She's going to touch a Tesla coil and got herself electrocuted.
She's going to climb a Prism Tower.
She's going to try riding a drone and maybe got herself stunned.
He exhaled quietly.
Yeah… she's a Bulin-tier risk.
Thwack.
Vestal's hand came down cleanly on San Diego's head.
"Ow—!"
"Since you're already here," Vestal said firmly, "introduce yourself properly to the Commander."
San Diego blinked, rubbing her head.
"Commander? But… didn't you say the old one is gone?"
Vestal nodded. "He is. This is the new one."
A small pause.
"The one in charge of everything here."
Another pause.
"The one who owns the tower that can fry you if you press the wrong thing."
"Eeep!"
San Diego immediately stiffened.
She straightened up anyway—completely recovering in seconds.
"Hello~!" she chirped brightly. "I'm San Diego! The cruiser who earned the most stars in World War II!"
She puffed her chest slightly, clearly proud.
"Hehe, that's my introduction! I'm just that amazing!"
There was a brief silence.
Yuuki looked at her.
Then at Vestal.
Then back at her.
"…You're serious."
Vestal nodded with a small sigh.
"Believe it or not, Commander… she's second only to Enterprise in total stars earned."
Enterprise, standing nearby, didn't react outwardly—but her eyes shifted slightly toward San Diego.
Yorktown smirked faintly. "Impressive resume."
Belfast added calmly, "Performance in combat does not always correlate with… behavior outside of it, Master."
Atago covered a small laugh. "She's quite the contradiction."
Takao simply nodded. "Capable, but unpredictable."
Yuuki crouched slightly, bringing himself closer to San Diego's eye level.
His tone shifted—simpler.
Clearer.
"Alright, Sandy."
She blinked.
"You don't touch anything unless someone says you can."
She nodded immediately. "Okay!"
"You don't press buttons."
"Okay!"
"You don't climb those spinning towers unless you want getting zapped."
"Okay!"
"You definitely don't ride those drones or they might shoot you."
"…Aww."
Yuuki narrowed his eyes slightly.
She straightened. "Okay!"
He gave a small nod.
"Good."
Then stood up again.
"…Yeah," Yuuki muttered under his breath, watching San Diego immediately get absorbed into the chaos.
"Definitely talking to her like a Bulin."
Right on cue, the Bulins were already sprinting across the Health Center's floor, playing tag—laughing, shouting, completely unbothered by everything around them.
"Bulin!"
"Purin!"
"Kurin!"
"Wait for me!" San Diego jumped in without hesitation, instantly part of the game like she had always belonged there.
Yuuki pinched the bridge of his nose.
"…Yeah. This one needs work."
He handed the unconscious Akashi over to Vestal.
"Take her," he said. "Ease her into things slowly but I doubt as once she see's the Med Bay, she'll pass out again."
Vestal nodded. "Leave it to me."
She guided Akashi toward the medical wing, already planning how to not overload her again.
"Commander! Big brother!"
Two small figures rushed him—
Unicorn and Laffey.
They hugged him tightly without hesitation.
Yuuki softened immediately, placing a hand on each of their heads.
"Hey… you two did good."
"Ehee…" Unicorn smiled.
Laffey nodded sleepily. "Commander came back…"
"Commander, come," Laffey said, tugging his sleeve. "I'll introduce you to Nimi."
Yuuki allowed himself to be pulled along, the others following as they entered the health center.
Inside, the atmosphere was calmer.
Recovered shipgirls sat in light clothing, having meals, being checked, talking quietly, slowly adjusting back to normalcy.
Yuuki scanned the room—
Everyone was awake.
That alone was a victory.
Then—
Movement.
Fast.
Two figures broke from the group and rushed him.
Impact.
Yuuki didn't even get a chance to react before—
"Ahhh, welcome back, Shikikan-sama~~~~"
Akagi clung to him instantly, voice dripping with possessive delight.
"You must have missed me terribly… if you had taken any longer, I might have turned this place into a sea of fire~"
Kaga was right behind her, gaze locked onto him with intense focus.
"Shikikan-sama. Let us duel. I will prove my strength, no matter who stands before me."
Yuuki blinked once.
Then exhaled.
"…Of course."
Akagi's eyes flicked toward the others, a dangerous smile forming.
"There are… far too many eyesores here."
Her tone lowered.
"Shall I remove them before we deepen our relationship? Hehehe~"
Kaga stepped forward slightly. "Strong enemies are worth crushing."
Yuuki moved.
Fast.
He grabbed both of them by the ears—
Firm.
Controlled.
Not painful—
But enough.
"Iyaaa~~~~!" Akagi squealed.
Both froze instantly.
"Bad foxes," Yuuki said flatly. "Sit."
They dropped into place immediately.
"Don't attack anyone without permission."
"Hai~~"
Perfect compliance.
Silence.
Then—
Yorktown blinked.
"…Well."
Enterprise crossed her arms, mildly impressed. "That worked."
Belfast tilted her head slightly. "Efficient, Master. You just did what our previous commander couldn't."
Atago laughed softly. "Ara… you tamed them already."
Takao gave a small nod. "Discipline established."
Yuuki released them and straightened.
"…They're not difficult."
He glanced down at Akagi and Kaga, now sitting properly—completely obedient.
"They just need clear boundaries."
Behind him—
San Diego ran past with the Bulins.
"Catch me if you can!"
Yuuki looked over his shoulder.
Then back at the foxes.
Then at the rest.
"…Yeah."
A quiet sigh.
"I've got my hands full."
Yuuki's expression softened as he reached down again, this time gentler.
He patted both Akagi and Kaga on the head.
The effect was immediate.
Their rigid intensity dissolved, shoulders relaxing as they leaned into him almost instinctively. A faint, content sound escaped them—soft, almost like purring—as they pressed closer, resting briefly against his chest.
For a moment—
They weren't the ones who had nearly burned everything down.
They were just… girls who had endured too much.
The Med Bay had done its work. The madness, the obsession, the trauma—it hadn't vanished, but it had been tempered. What once drove them to extremes now lingered as distant, almost embarrassing echoes.
Yuuki let them have that moment.
Then gently pulled back.
"Alright," he said, calm but firm. "Back to bed. Eat properly. Recover."
A small pause.
"I'll come see you both soon."
"Hai~~!"
They responded in perfect sync, bright and obedient, before turning without resistance.
Then, Akagi's eyes soften. "We were destined to meet. I knew at first sight that you were the one I've been looking for my whole life. The one who heals and saves Nee-sama is the one worthy of Akagi's love."
Kaga's eyes soften as well. "It seems like you're the hero I was looking for..."
Takao watched the exchange, thoughtful.
"…Ordinarily, those two would not listen to anyone."
She glanced at Yuuki.
"It seems you alone can command them, Shikikan-sama."
Yuuki shrugged lightly.
"Not just me."
A faint pause.
"Amagi could too."
That name lingered for a second.
Akagi stopped before leaving, her gaze shifting toward familiar figures.
Atago.
Takao.
Her expression changed.
The possessive edge faded, replaced by something far more genuine.
"It has been a long time, Atago-san… Takao-san."
Atago smiled warmly. "It truly has."
Takao gave a respectful nod.
Kaga followed, bowing slightly.
"Yes. It has been too long."
For the first time since their awakening—
There was no tension.
No hostility.
Just reunion.
Yuuki watched them go, then exhaled quietly.
"…Good."
Behind him, the base remained alive with motion—recovery, preparation, quiet conversations.
Ahead—
Another mission waited.
But for now—
This moment held.
Yuuki slowed as he approached the corner of the med bay, where a small figure hid beneath a blanket.
"…Hey," he said softly. "You don't have to hide."
The blanket shifted slightly.
Then the air cracked with electricity.
Faint arcs at first—then stronger, snapping outward in uneven bursts that lit the dim corner in sharp flashes.
Yuuki's eyes narrowed just a little.
Vestal immediately stepped back. "Commander, please be careful. Eldridge is an experimental unit. Her electrical discharge is constant, and we cannot approach her without being shocked."
Yorktown's posture tightened. "Commander…"
Enterprise remained still, but her gaze sharpened. "That output is dangerous."
Yuuki didn't stop walking.
The closer he got, the more violent the electricity became. The arcs thickened, jumping erratically, striking the floor, the walls—anything nearby.
Atago took a step forward. "Shikikan-sama—"
Yuuki reached out.
His hand settled gently on Eldridge's head.
The reaction was immediate.
The electricity surged wildly, flaring brighter, louder, more unstable. The air filled with crackling energy that would have killed any normal human in an instant.
But Yuuki remained untouched.
The arcs struck him—and vanished, like they had nowhere to go.
Atago stared. "How is that possible…?"
Yuuki spoke calmly, as if it were nothing unusual.
"My body cancels electrical and radiation-based effects. Side effect of an experiment from my world."
Belfast observed quietly. "That explains your resistance… but the output is still increasing."
Yuuki didn't pull away.
Instead, he stepped closer.
Then he gently pulled Eldridge into an embrace.
The surge peaked.
For a moment, it looked uncontrollable—energy lashing outward in violent bursts.
Yorktown clenched her hands. "Commander…"
But Yuuki held steady.
He didn't flinch.
Didn't let go.
Slowly, the arcs began to weaken.
The violent crackling softened into faint flickers.
Then into nothing.
The room fell silent again.
Eldridge relaxed in his arms, her small body no longer tense.
Yuuki rested his hand lightly on her head.
"…There you go," he said quietly. "You just needed someone."
After a moment, he eased back and looked at her.
"You okay?"
She looked up at him, her expression calm for the first time.
"Mmm…"
A small nod.
"…Eldridge."
Yuuki gave a faint smile. "I'm Yuuki. Your commander."
She blinked slowly.
"…Commander?"
"Yes."
There was a pause.
Then she leaned forward again.
"…Hugs."
Yuuki chuckled softly. "Yeah, I figured."
She held onto him again, but this time there was no electricity.
Only warmth.
Behind them, the others watched in quiet disbelief.
Atago spoke first. "You even calmed her…"
Belfast added, "That was not force. That was trust."
Yuuki gently guided Eldridge to stand.
"Let's try something," he said.
He turned toward Enterprise.
"Hug her."
Enterprise hesitated. "Commander… that may not be safe."
"She's stable now," Yuuki replied. "She's grounding through me. She won't lose control."
Eldridge looked at Enterprise.
"…Enterprise?"
Enterprise stepped forward slowly.
"Yes. It's me."
A brief pause passed between them.
Then Eldridge stepped in.
"…Hugs."
She wrapped her arms around Enterprise.
Enterprise stiffened instinctively—
Then relaxed.
There was no shock.
No discharge.
Just quiet contact.
Enterprise blinked once. "There is no electrical output."
Yuuki nodded. "She's learning control."
Eldridge turned again, her gaze shifting.
"…Yorktown… hugs."
Enterprise gently guided her forward.
Yorktown knelt slightly and accepted her without hesitation.
"I'm right here," Yorktown said softly.
Eldridge leaned into her.
Calm.
Safe.
For the first time, she wasn't hiding.
Yuuki watched the scene unfold, then exhaled quietly.
Another step forward.
Not through power.
But through understanding.
The moment settled into something gentle.
Eldridge rested quietly in Yorktown's arms, her earlier storm of electricity reduced to nothing more than a faint, harmless flicker.
Then—
"Eldy!!!"
San Diego burst into the room at full speed.
Yorktown barely had time to react before Eldridge lifted her head slightly.
"…Sandy… hug…"
Yorktown passed her over.
San Diego grinned. "Hehe, missed me—"
BZZT!
A sharp crack filled the air.
San Diego froze mid-sentence.
"…heeee…"
Then dropped.
Flat.
Eyes spinning.
Silence.
Then—
Yuuki pinched the bridge of his nose.
"…Of course."
Vestal rushed in immediately, already dragging San Diego toward a med bed.
"She'll be fine," Vestal said, completely unsurprised. "Again."
Yorktown blinked. "…Again?"
Vestal didn't even look up. "This isn't new."
Eldridge tilted her head slightly, watching as San Diego was wheeled away.
"…Sandy…"
Yorktown gently took her back into her arms.
This time—
Nothing.
No spark.
No discharge.
Just a quiet hug.
Enterprise crossed her arms, observing. "Selective discharge."
Belfast nodded. "Emotional response without full control."
Atago gave a small, amused sigh. "So she shocks the one she likes the most?"
Takao added dryly, "An unfortunate method of affection."
Yuuki glanced toward the med bed where San Diego was already being patched up—still out cold, still twitching slightly.
"…She took that like a regular Tuesday."
Vestal sighed. "She's built up tolerance at this point."
Yorktown let out a small breath. "…That's not reassuring."
Yuuki shook his head.
"…That girl is the definition of bad luck."
He glanced back at Eldridge, who looked quietly concerned.
"…Don't worry," he added calmly. "She'll wake up and do it again."
Across the room—
San Diego twitched.
"…worth it…"
Yuuki exhaled.
"…Yeah. Definitely used to it."
The room settled again.
One girl learning how to connect.
Another getting electrocuted for it—
And somehow being perfectly okay with that outcome.
Yuuki looked between them and sighed.
"…I'm going to need hazard protocols just for these two."
Yuuki kept watching Eldridge, but now his expression changed.
Not just concern.
He was thinking.
"…Wait," he said quietly.
Yorktown looked at him. "That tone again…"
Yuuki pointed slightly at Eldridge. "What if she's not just releasing electricity…"
He paused.
"…but actually making and storing it?"
Enterprise nodded slowly. "Like a battery."
"Yeah," Yuuki said. "A living one."
Belfast added, "Then her power could be controlled… instead of random."
Yuuki nodded. "Exactly."
He looked at Eldridge again.
"If we connect her to a Tesla system…"
Takao understood immediately. "You want to make her stronger."
"Not just stronger," Yuuki replied. "Safer. More controlled."
Atago smiled. "A walking lightning storm?"
Yuuki gave a small shrug. "Something like that."
Yorktown frowned slightly. "That sounds dangerous."
Yuuki shook his head.
"Only if we do it wrong."
He explained more simply this time.
"We give her tools to control the electricity. Limit how much she releases. Help her aim it instead of letting it go everywhere."
Enterprise added, "That would increase her range too."
Belfast nodded. "And prevent accidents."
Yuuki looked back at Eldridge, who was quietly holding onto Yorktown.
"She wouldn't just shock people by accident anymore."
A pause.
"She could protect herself."
That changed the mood.
Takao nodded. "That would make her much more effective in battle."
Atago added, "And much happier."
Belfast spoke gently. "Only if she agrees to it."
Yuuki nodded right away.
"Of course. It's her choice."
He exhaled slightly.
"We start small."
He glanced at Eldridge again.
"Help her control it first."
Then added—
"And if she wants more…"
A small smile.
"We'll build it together."
From the side—
San Diego suddenly sat up.
"I'm okay!"
A pause.
"…Where's Eldy?"
Yuuki glanced over and sighed.
"…And we're definitely adding safety limits."
A soft chuckle sounded from behind him.
"You are indeed… amusing, Lord Commander."
Yuuki turned.
A woman stood there—composed, refined, carrying herself with quiet authority.
"I've been briefed," she continued calmly. "Vestal has filled me in."
Belfast stepped forward immediately, posture straightening.
"It is good to see you again, Lady Wales."
"Belfast… Unicorn…" Wales' gaze softened slightly. "So the Royal Navy still has survivors."
She looked around briefly.
"…It seems we are what remains."
Belfast shook her head gently.
"There are others, my lady. Waiting to be brought back."
A pause.
"…Even Her Majesty."
Wales' expression shifted.
"…Her Majesty…"
Her voice lowered.
"…How long has it been?"
Belfast answered quietly. "Ten years. Perhaps more."
Illustrious stepped forward.
"If Master had not found us… we would still be imprisoned in that place."
Her voice was calm, but firm.
"I owe him my life. I chose to follow him."
Yuuki gave a small shrug. "That's one way to put it."
Wales closed her eyes briefly.
"…Resurrected, yet untouched by time."
She let out a slow breath.
"To me, it feels like a long sleep."
Then her tone shifted—heavier.
"I feel ashamed."
A pause.
"While Her Majesty and the others fell… I remained."
Her hand tightened slightly.
"You were captured… and I…"
She didn't finish.
Belfast stepped closer, voice steady.
"My lady, that was not a choice."
She met Wales' eyes.
"It was fate. Circumstances beyond our control."
A brief silence followed.
"But now," Belfast continued, softer, "you are here."
A glance toward Yuuki.
"You were recovered."
"…Saved."
Wales opened her eyes again.
Her gaze moved to Yuuki.
Studying him.
Measuring him.
Not with hostility—
But with quiet judgment.
Yuuki met her gaze calmly.
No pressure.
No expectation.
Just… presence.
Wales adjusted herself on the bed, posture still elegant despite the circumstances. Even seated, she carried the presence of a battleship.
She lowered her head slightly.
"I must apologize, Lord Commander, for receiving you in such an unrefined state."
Then she straightened.
"I am the second ship of the King George V-class battleships—Prince of Wales."
A small pause.
"…Wales, will suffice."
Yuuki responded in kind.
He stood properly and gave a respectful bow.
"Then, Lady Wales. I am Yukihira Yuuki. High Commander of the Global Defense Initiative."
A brief pause.
"A faction not of this world. Including myself."
Wales studied him carefully.
"You are not aligned with any existing faction?"
"No," Yuuki replied simply. "I'm not bound to humanity, nor to the war against the Sirens."
A slight pause.
"But I am bound to my people."
His gaze shifted slightly toward the others.
"That includes all of you."
Wales' expression softened—just a fraction.
"I see… a man who defines his own duty."
She looked at him directly.
"Then I will ask plainly. Are you recruiting us into your faction?"
"Yes," Yuuki answered without hesitation. "I've already spoken with Elizabeth and the others."
"They've agreed."
That was enough.
Wales lowered her head again.
"Then you shall have my service as well."
A faint hesitation followed.
"…Though I fear I am but a broken and useless battleship."
Yuuki sighed.
"Not this again."
He stepped a little closer.
"You're the pride of the King George V-class."
His tone was firm.
"Don't downplay yourself."
Wales hesitated.
"But—"
Yuuki cut her off, calm but direct.
"I don't see you as useless."
A pause.
"You just haven't been given the chance to use your full strength yet."
He crossed his arms slightly.
"So try again."
There was a brief silence.
Then—
Wales lifted her chin.
Her voice returned to form.
"Very well."
Her posture straightened, dignity restored.
"I, Prince of Wales, shall demonstrate my true strength when the time comes."
Yuuki grinned.
"There it is."
Wales allowed a small smile.
"…Thank you."
A quiet breath.
"It is reassuring to know I am still needed."
Her eyes studied him again.
"Though I must say… your manner of speech is unexpectedly refined."
Yuuki sighed immediately.
"Yeah… blame Belfast. And Hood."
A pause.
"…And now Amagi too."
Wales blinked.
"Lady Hood…? I was under the impression that she…"
"Yeah," Yuuki cut in casually. "I recovered her."
A few of the girls behind him reacted slightly.
"Found her in the void. Now she insists I'm her 'gentleman' while she's my 'lady.'"
He rubbed the back of his neck but, his words triggered flinches behind him.
Jealous stares.
"Tsk, even more pests are on him as well." Akagi clicked her tongue.
Kaga was smirking. She always wanted to have a duel with Hood back then.
"More like my ethics teacher."
Wales raised a brow.
"You are… close to her, then?"
Yuuki snorted lightly.
"She decided I'm her student."
A pause.
"Apparently I need 'refinement.'"
He shrugged.
"I think I was doing fine as a caveman."
From behind—
Belfast's voice came, calm and sharp.
"Master, must I remind you that your previous behavior was, in fact, uncivilized."
Yuuki didn't even turn.
"…Yes, ma'am."
A faint smile touched Wales' lips.
"You are quite remarkable, Lord Commander. To have both Lady Amagi and Lady Hood guiding you…"
A small pause.
"She is the very embodiment of etiquette. Extremely precise."
Yuuki groaned softly.
"You have no idea."
He looked up slightly, as if remembering.
"The moment she comes back, I'm going to get a full lecture."
A pause.
"…Probably with demonstrations."
Belfast nodded once.
"As expected."
Wales let out a quiet breath, her composure fully restored now.
"…Then I look forward to seeing that."
For the first time since waking—
She looked… steady.
Grounded.
Ready.
And no longer uncertain of her place.
At the edge of the room, another figure tried to rise.
Her movement was slow—unsteady.
Laffey immediately caught her.
"Nimi… don't get up."
The girl shook her head, stubborn despite her condition.
"No… I must."
Her voice was weak, but determined.
"I wish to stand before him properly."
"Please… you don't have to," Laffey insisted softly.
But she pushed herself up anyway.
Step by step.
Shaking.
Still—she stood.
She raised her hand in a salute.
"The eldest sister of the 1936A-class destroyers… Guten Tag, Herr Kommandant."
Her posture wavered.
"I am Z23 of Iron Blood."
A small breath.
"Laffey informed me that I am your first Iron Blood ship…"
Her voice steadied, even if her body did not.
"So I wish to present myself… properly."
Her strength gave out.
She dropped to her knees.
"I am sorry… for meeting you in such a state."
"Nimi…" Laffey whispered, worried.
Yuuki stepped forward immediately.
"Hey."
His tone cut through the moment—firm, but not harsh.
"You don't have to do that."
He crouched slightly so he was at her level.
"The others didn't. And I'm not expecting you to either."
He gave a small nod.
"And 'Z23' is a bit stiff."
A faint smirk.
"If Laffey calls you Nimi… then I'll call you Nimi too."
Nimi looked up at him, surprised.
"…Herr Kommandant…"
Her hands tightened slightly.
"I will not be a disappointment."
Yuuki shook his head.
"You already aren't."
A pause.
"You stood up when you didn't have to."
He gave a small, approving nod.
"That's enough for me."
Laffey relaxed slightly, still supporting her.
"Nimi… you did good."
Yuuki stood again.
"Now sit before you fall again."
A brief pause.
"That's an order."
Nimi hesitated—
Then nodded.
"…Jawohl."
She allowed Laffey to guide her back down.
The room quieted again.
Another introduction.
Another bond formed.
Not through perfection—
But through effort.
Yuuki shook his head lightly, his tone steady but reassuring.
"Don't worry about being perfect," he said. "None of the girls here started that way."
He gestured around the room.
"Every one of you I found… you were all in a bad state. I've seen it already. Akashi, the Bulins… everyone."
Nimi lowered her gaze slightly.
"I do not wish for you to see Iron Blood as weak, Herr Kommandant…"
A pause.
"I apologize if we appear that way."
Yuuki answered immediately.
"No. You don't."
His voice was firm.
"I've already met others from Iron Blood before you."
Nimi looked up.
"In the Void World," he continued. "Karlsruhe. Köln. Königsberg."
Nimi's eyes widened slightly.
"…The Königsberg sisters…"
Yuuki nodded.
"They greeted me properly."
A pause.
"Even knowing they were already gone."
The room grew quieter.
"They're still waiting," he added. "Waiting to be brought back."
Nimi's hands tightened slightly.
"…I see…"
Yuuki crouched slightly again, meeting her at eye level.
"So no—you don't need to prove anything right now."
His tone softened.
"You being here is already enough."
He glanced briefly at Laffey.
"Laffey was barely standing when I found her."
Laffey blinked slowly.
"…Mm."
Yuuki continued.
"She kept fighting even after her ammo ran out."
A pause.
"Still refused to back down."
He looked back at Nimi.
"That's what I see."
"Not weakness."
A small nod.
"Just people who pushed too far for too long."
The room settled into a quieter understanding.
No pressure.
No judgment.
Just… recovery.
Yuuki stood again.
"So focus on getting better."
A faint smirk.
"You can impress me later."
Nimi lowered her head slightly.
"…Jawohl."
But this time—
There was less tension in her voice.
And more resolve.
Nimi lowered her gaze, her voice quieter now.
"Laffey told me I was found at the headquarters. I remember sinking… my cube being recovered…"
A pause.
"But I could not accept that all Iron Blood had fallen… while I remained inactive."
Yuuki shook his head.
"That's not on you."
His tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
"None of you were at fault. You fought, you survived, or you were taken out of the fight. That's all."
He glanced around the room.
"Everyone here started from a bad place."
A small pause.
"GDI doesn't care where you came from."
He looked back at her.
"You're not tied to your old faction anymore."
Then added—
"But that doesn't mean you lose it either."
A faint nod.
"You can still be Iron Blood."
"Just… under us now."
Nimi listened carefully, tension easing from her shoulders.
"…Understood."
From the side, Yorktown crossed her arms and smirked slightly.
"Speaking of recovery…"
She tilted her head toward two very familiar figures.
"Look at those two foxes."
Belfast allowed herself a small smile. "A remarkable improvement."
Enterprise added dryly, "Considering they tried to kill us with a superweapon."
Takao glanced over. "The Orochi."
Yuuki nodded. "Yeah. Still out there."
"Being fixed, upgraded, and brought under control."
He shrugged lightly.
"And now those foxes are on our side."
"Ara~~~"
Akagi's voice slipped in smoothly.
"Shikikan-sama has claimed Akagi as his own."
She smiled—soft, but dangerously affectionate.
"Akagi would not mind if you proved it right now…partake me in front of everyone."
A pause.
"Show them how much you own Akagi~"
"You have defeated me in a duel, Shikikan-sama." Kaga spoke with a stoic and prideful expression. "I am yours anytime you desire."
Silence.
Every single person in the room looked at them.
Yuuki didn't even turn.
"…Yeah."
A beat.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."
"Tsk..." Akagi clicked her tongue.
Belfast covered her mouth slightly. "A wise decision... Master.."
Enterprise looked away. "Sigh...she really doesn't change."
Yorktown snorted. "She's really not holding back, huh."
Atago laughed softly. "As expected of Akagi."
Takao sighed. "Incorrigible."
Akagi only smiled wider, completely unbothered.
Kaga, beside her, simply closed her eyes.
"…As expected."
Yuuki exhaled.
"…Yeah. Definitely a work in progress."
=============
Yuuki clapped his hands once, drawing everyone's attention.
"Alright," he said. "Introductions are done. Let's keep things simple—dinner here."
He gestured lightly toward the ceiling.
"The drones will bring everything. No need to move around too much."
A small pause.
"And you're all staying here for at least two days."
Akagi immediately stepped forward.
"Shikikan-sama… where are you going?"
Her tone shifted, softer.
"Can you not take Kaga and I with you?"
Yuuki shook his head.
"You just woke up, Akagi. Rest."
Then he added—
"I'm taking six people only."
The room quieted slightly.
"We're going to rescue Avrora."
Wales straightened.
"…You found her?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Alive. Six thousand meters below sea level."
A pause.
"About two thousand kilometers from here."
Vestal stepped in, focused. "Who are you bringing?"
Yuuki answered without hesitation.
"Enterprise, Yorktown, and Belfast. They already know how to use the Da'at Yichud armor. Plus, Bel's a good navigator, Hana and Enty are good weapon specialist in the sub."
He glanced at the others.
"And Illustrious, Atago, and Takao."
A faint smirk.
"I've got three more suits ready."
Atago's eyes lit up slightly.
Takao gave a firm nod.
Illustrious looked quietly pleased.
Akagi stepped forward again.
"…Why can I not go?"
Yuuki looked at her directly.
"Because you need to recover."
A pause.
"And this isn't a ship operation."
He kept his tone calm.
"We're going in, grabbing Avrora, and getting out."
"No prolonged fight."
Akagi's ears lowered slightly.
"…Akagi has rested enough…"
Yuuki reached out and patted her head and Kaga. Their ears are clear giveaways of their feelings.
"Not yet."
A softer tone.
"Next time."
She hesitated.
Then nodded.
"…Hai…"
Yuuki turned back to Vestal.
"Prep the med bay. Avrora's condition is unknown."
Vestal nodded immediately. "Understood."
He glanced at the others.
"Take care of everyone here."
"Leave it to me," Vestal replied.
Yuuki looked toward Laffey.
"Laffey, show Nimi around later."
Laffey nodded lazily. "Mm… okay."
Then he turned to Unicorn.
"Unicorn… can you help Eldridge?"
Unicorn stepped forward gently.
"Okay…"
She smiled softly.
"Eldridge… come here."
Eldridge looked at her.
"…Unicorn…"
A small step forward.
"…hug…"
Unicorn wrapped her arms around her without hesitation.
"It's alright…"
The room settled into something calm again.
Recovery.
Preparation.
And beneath it all—
A quiet urgency.
Because somewhere far below the ocean—
Someone was still waiting.
==========
Dinner settled into the health center's main hall—simple, warm, and surprisingly lively after everything they had been through.
Yuuki sat at the center.
Eldridge had quietly claimed his lap, resting against him without a word, completely at ease.
Across from them, Laffey puffed her cheeks.
"…That's my spot."
She didn't move, but the silent protest was obvious.
On either side of Yuuki—
Akagi.
Kaga.
Perfectly positioned.
Completely intentional.
Atago's smile twitched slightly.
Takao closed her eyes, choosing silence over commentary.
Yorktown, however, did not hide it.
Her cheeks puffed just slightly as she stared at the arrangement.
"…Really?"
Enterprise looked away, but the faint shift in her posture said enough.
Belfast maintained composure, though her gaze lingered a second longer than usual.
Illustrious simply smiled—but it carried a hint of knowing.
Vestal sat further down with Unicorn, Laffey, Akashi, and the Bulins, quietly observing the situation unfold.
Akashi was already halfway through her meal, occasionally glancing at the base systems like she was physically restraining herself from running off again.
The Bulins ate happily.
Unbothered.
"Shikikan-sama~~"
Akagi leaned in, holding up a spoon.
"Ahhh~"
Yuuki didn't even look at her at first.
"…Akagi, I can feed myself."
"Ahhh~~~"
She did not move.
Did not blink.
Did not negotiate.
A pause.
Yuuki exhaled.
"…Fine."
He leaned forward slightly and took the bite.
Across the table—
Yorktown's cheeks puffed even more.
"…Unbelievable."
Atago let out a soft laugh. "Ara… she's quite bold."
Takao muttered quietly, "She has no restraint."
Enterprise remained silent—but definitely noticed.
Belfast spoke calmly.
"Master appears… accommodating."
Akagi smiled brightly, completely satisfied.
Kaga, beside her, gave a small nod of approval—as if this were perfectly normal.
Eldridge shifted slightly on Yuuki's lap.
"…warm…"
Yuuki adjusted his arm instinctively to support her better.
Laffey stared.
Long.
Then—
"…Commander unfair…"
She didn't raise her voice.
But the complaint landed anyway.
Yuuki glanced at her.
Then at Eldridge.
Then back at Laffey.
"…You want a turn later?"
Laffey blinked.
"…Mm."
Cheeks slowly deflating.
The tension eased—just slightly.
Vestal watched the entire scene and shook her head faintly.
"…This is going to be complicated."
Yuuki leaned back slightly, still eating, surrounded by quiet chaos.
"…Yeah."
But for once—
No one was fighting.
No one was in danger.
Just a table full of people—
Trying, in their own ways—
To feel normal again.
"Commander, this may be important," Wales began, setting her utensils down with quiet composure.
Yuuki looked up. "Go on."
"I believe I have heard of the place you described," she said. "The location where Lady Avrora is being held. I have spend as a wisdom cube for a while in the headquarters. So I have heard some scientists talk."
Yuuki's eyes narrowed slightly. "You mean that deep-sea structure?"
Wales nodded.
"Yes. It was mentioned at headquarters before the fall. A… colony."
"Colony?" Yuuki repeated.
"Yes," Wales continued. "A settlement deep beneath the ocean. They would occasionally make contact with the surface—trading, exchanging technology."
Belfast tilted her head slightly. "So it was not entirely isolated."
"No," Wales replied. "But it was discreet."
Yuuki leaned forward slightly. "Tell me everything."
Wales obliged.
"After the first major cities fell to Siren and Rapture attacks, humanity began to scatter. Some fled underground. Others… went below the sea."
Yuuki paused. "Rapture?"
Enterprise answered this time. "Land-based counterparts to the Sirens."
Belfast added, "Different battlefield. Same enemy origin."
Yuuki frowned slightly. "So no one thought to tell me this earlier?"
Belfast met his gaze calmly. "You did not ask, Master."
A small pause.
"Our operations have primarily been maritime."
Yuuki sighed. "Fair point."
Wales continued.
"To survive, humanity divided its refuge."
She spoke clearly.
"Those inland moved underground, establishing what is known as the Ark."
A brief pause.
"And those who chose the ocean… built something else."
Yuuki's eyes sharpened.
"Aqua," Wales revealed. "A deep-sea civilization."
The room grew quieter.
Yuuki leaned back slightly, processing.
"So the place we're heading to…"
Enterprise finished the thought. "…is not just a prison."
Takao added, "It may be an active human settlement."
Atago's smile faded slightly. "Or what remains of one."
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"…That changes things."
Belfast nodded. "Engagement rules will need adjustment."
Yorktown crossed her arms. "We're not just dealing with Sirens anymore."
Yuuki looked down briefly, then back up.
"…And Avrora is in the middle of it."
"They did not just survive," Wales said, her voice steady but carrying weight. "They built something… permanent."
Yuuki leaned slightly forward. "A city?"
"Yes," she replied. "An underwater capital established roughly ten years ago. They call it Neopolis."
The name settled across the table.
"It became the center of what they now call the Atlantic Federation."
Yuuki frowned slightly. "Humans… living that deep?"
Wales nodded.
"Not as they once were. They modified themselves to survive the pressure, the environment, the isolation. They are no longer entirely like surface humans."
Yuuki raised a brow. "Techno modification?"
"Yes," Wales confirmed. "Biological and mechanical adaptation combined. They evolved themselves to endure what would kill others."
Enterprise added quietly, "A forced evolution through necessity."
Belfast followed, "Survival… taken to an extreme."
Yuuki leaned back, thinking it through.
"That doesn't sound stable."
Wales exhaled softly.
"It was not meant to be."
A brief pause.
"It began as cooperation… but over time, it degraded."
Yorktown crossed her arms. "Let me guess… politics."
Wales nodded.
"Pseudo-democracy. Internal power struggles. Corruption. And eventually… division."
Takao added, "A fractured society."
Atago's tone softened. "And discrimination."
Wales' gaze moved across the room.
"They do not take kindly to those who are different."
A pause.
"Shipgirls like us."
She looked at Yuuki.
"Surface humans like you."
Then, quieter—
"Even Nikkes."
Yuuki tilted his head slightly. "Nikkes?"
Yorktown answered.
"They're another type of artificial lifeform."
She leaned forward slightly.
"We were created from Wisdom Cubes. They were created from a different system… similar in concept, but designed for land combat."
Enterprise added, "They fight where we cannot."
Belfast nodded. "A counterpart to us… in another domain."
Yorktown continued.
"They don't have the same kind of overwhelming power we do, but they were strong enough to resist the Raptures."
Yuuki narrowed his eyes. "Raptures… the land version of Sirens."
"Yes," Yorktown said.
A pause followed.
"But we stopped hearing from them ten years ago."
Yuuki's voice lowered slightly. "When the Sirens moved onto land."
Yorktown nodded.
"After that… nothing."
The room grew quieter. Except for San Diego munching loudly and the Bulins laughing.
Yuuki rested his arm lightly around Eldridge as he processed everything.
An underwater civilization.
A hostile, divided society.
Modified humans who might not even see them as allies.
And somewhere inside all that—
Avrora.
He exhaled slowly.
"So we're not just dealing with Sirens anymore."
Belfast answered calmly. "No, Master. We are entering a controlled and potentially hostile environment."
Enterprise added, "We should assume we will not be welcomed."
Takao followed, "And that we may be treated as threats."
Yuuki leaned back slightly, letting out a quiet breath as he processed everything.
"…Yeah. You really do learn something new every day."
A second voice cut in—casual, familiar.
"It is, man."
Vergil's voice slipped into the channel as if he had been listening the entire time.
"The data you pulled from the old headquarters had mentions of them too. These… artificial women. Nikkes."
Yuuki glanced slightly to the side. "So it checks out."
"More than checks out," Vergil replied. "Different tech tree, same concept. War machines shaped like people. Just… built for land instead of sea."
Belfast added calmly, "Then they are counterparts to us in another theater of war."
Enterprise nodded. "Which means they likely faced the same escalation when Sirens expanded."
Yuuki exhaled again.
"…And now we might be walking into a place that doesn't like any of us."
Vergil chuckled lightly. "Yeah, you've got three things going against you. Surface human, off-world tech, and a group of shipgirls. You're basically a walking red flag."
"Thanks. Very helpful."
"You're welcome."
From the other side of the hall—
"Bulin! Purin! Kurin!"
San Diego had already abandoned the conversation entirely and joined the Bulins again, running in circles like nothing serious had ever been said.
"Wait up!"
"Catch me!"
"Shiny!"
Yuuki watched for a second, then shook his head.
"…Yeah. She's not processing any of this."
Yorktown smirked slightly. "That's putting it nicely."
Atago laughed softly. "She probably thinks 'Nikke' is some kind of snack."
Takao added dryly, "Given her track record, that is a valid concern."
San Diego skidded to a stop mid-run.
"Nikke?" she repeated loudly.
A pause.
"…Is that edible?"
Silence.
Yuuki closed his eyes for a second.
"…There it is."
Belfast covered her mouth slightly. "As predicted."
Enterprise looked away. "No further analysis needed."
From the med bay bed, Vestal sighed.
"I'm adding that to the list of things she's not allowed to interact with."
San Diego, completely unfazed, ran off again with the Bulins.
"Race you!"
"Go!"
"Fast!"
A collective sigh moved through the room as San Diego and the Bulins disappeared into the hallway, their voices fading into distant laughter. The atmosphere shifted—quieter now, more focused.
Yorktown leaned forward slightly. "So… now that the chaos has left the room…"
Belfast finished calmly, "You wished to elaborate on these Nikkes?"
Yuuki shrugged lightly. "Yeah. Might as well. Even if it's not directly tied to Aqua."
Vergil's voice slipped in again, more deliberate this time.
"Information is still leverage. And who knows—you might run into a group worth recruiting."
There was a brief pause before he continued.
"Nikkes are advanced humanoid weapons created by humanity to fight the Raptures."
The room listened closely.
"They're not like you."
A slight pause.
"They're built differently."
Vergil continued, tone more clinical.
"Most Nikkes are created using the preserved brains of young women. Those brains are flooded with something called NIMPH, then transferred into artificial cores—Bastion or Resilience Cubes."
Enterprise narrowed her eyes. "So the cube functions as a stabilizing system."
"Exactly," Vergil replied. "Once the brain is integrated, an artificial body is constructed around it."
Belfast spoke quietly. "Similar structure… but very different origin."
Yuuki crossed his arms slightly. "So unlike shipgirls… they were human first."
"Correct," Vergil said.
"They were not born from legend or concept. They were… repurposed."
A silence followed.
He continued.
"Originally, they were purely military assets. Built to fight, nothing else."
A pause.
"But over time, they took on additional roles—civilian support, logistics, reconstruction."
Yorktown added, "Still deployed to the surface, though."
"Yeah," Vergil confirmed. "Recon, combat, resource gathering. That was the last recorded state about fifteen years ago."
Illustrious spoke softly. "And their capabilities?"
Vergil answered without hesitation.
"They are enhanced. Stronger, faster, more durable than humans. Designed to survive constant combat."
A brief pause.
"They also… look human. Idealized, even."
Atago tilted her head slightly. "So they serve as both weapons… and symbols."
"Exactly," Vergil said. "Hope, propaganda, survival—all rolled into one."
Yuuki rubbed his chin.
"…So they're basically humanity's last line against the Raptures."
"More like their only line," Vergil corrected.
Yorktown suddenly leaned forward.
"Wait."
Everyone turned slightly toward her.
"You said… brains into cubes."
Her expression tightened.
"Like us."
A pause.
"Does that mean…"
She hesitated.
"…they were once real people?"
Vergil didn't answer immediately.
Then—
"…Yes."
The room went still.
Yuuki exhaled slowly. "…So they're not just constructs."
"No," Vergil said. "They're reconstructed."
Belfast's voice softened.
"With altered memory structures, I assume."
"Correct," Vergil replied. "Some retain fragments. Some don't. Some are given entirely new identities."
Illustrious lowered her gaze slightly. "That is… a heavy existence."
Takao added quietly, "To live as something between human and weapon."
Yuuki looked around at his girls.
"…You okay hearing this?"
There was a brief silence.
Then—
Yorktown spoke first.
"At this point…"
A faint exhale.
"Nothing surprises us anymore."
Enterprise nodded. "We've all seen worse."
Belfast added, "Truth, no matter how harsh, is preferable to ignorance."
Yuuki nodded once.
"…Yeah."
He leaned back slightly.
"Still."
A pause.
"…That's rough."
Somewhere in the distance—
"Bulin! Faster!"
"Wait!"
"Wheee!"
The contrast lingered.
Laughter in one corner—
And the weight of reality in another.
Yuuki exhaled quietly.
"…If we run into them…"
A small pause.
"…we treat them like people."
No one argued.
Because they already understood.
The room had gone quieter, the earlier noise fading into a more serious tone as Vergil continued.
"Unlike you," he said, "a Nikke's brain is flooded with nanomachines—NIMPH. They directly control synaptic connections."
Belfast's expression sharpened slightly. "Meaning their memories are not entirely their own."
"Exactly," Vergil replied. "NIMPH allows them to back up memories. If their body is destroyed but the brain remains intact, they can be restored."
Enterprise crossed her arms. "A controlled form of resurrection."
"But with a cost," Takao added quietly.
Vergil didn't disagree. "Those same systems allow memory alteration… or complete erasure."
A brief pause.
"Unlike you, their identity is not stable."
Illustrious lowered her gaze. "So they can be… rewritten."
"Yes," Vergil said. "If they disobey. If they fail. Or if trauma interferes with their function."
Atago's smile faded slightly. "That is not mercy."
Akashi's ears drooped. "That's scary, nyaa…"
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"…Wiped and reborn."
He shook his head.
"I thought shipgirls had it rough."
A pause.
"These Nikkes have it worse."
Vergil responded more calmly.
"They were built by a different group with different priorities."
Belfast nodded. "A more… utilitarian approach."
Yuuki glanced at his girls.
"You're not like that."
He spoke more clearly now.
"Kansen are created differently."
Vestal leaned in slightly. "Explain it to them, Commander."
Yuuki nodded.
"You're based on real humans—but not taken from them."
A few of them stiffened slightly.
He continued.
"Your brain patterns are copied. Not removed. Not destroyed."
Belfast listened carefully.
"A non-destructive replication process."
"Exactly," Yuuki said. "Then those patterns are merged with data from your ship."
He glanced at Yorktown.
"For example—your personality and appearance are based on a human template."
Yorktown blinked slightly.
"…A counterpart."
Yuuki nodded.
"Then that template is combined with the identity of the ship Yorktown."
Enterprise spoke next. "And the result becomes… us."
"Yes," Yuuki confirmed.
"The core is formed. Then it merges with a Wisdom Cube."
Wales spoke softly. "And the cube becomes our entire being."
Yuuki nodded.
"Your mind. Your identity. Your… everything."
A brief pause.
"It doesn't just hold you."
"It is you."
Akagi tilted her head slightly, a faint smile returning.
"So Akagi was once… human?"
Kaga remained quieter, but her eyes were focused.
Yuuki answered simply.
"You're based on one."
Nimi looked down at her hands.
"…So there is… someone who looks like me."
"Yes," Yuuki said.
"Your appearance and personality came from that base."
A pause.
"Enhanced. Refined."
Atago smiled softly. "Ara… so we are all… improved versions."
Takao crossed her arms. "A fusion of human and warship."
Illustrious added gently, "A balance between identity and purpose."
Akashi blinked rapidly.
"Nyaa… so I had a human version too?"
Yuuki nodded. "Yeah."
She paused.
"…Were they also this cute, nyaa?"
Yuuki smirked slightly. "Probably."
Vestal folded her arms, thoughtful.
"This explains why our mental structures feel… complete."
Belfast added, "Unlike the Nikkes, whose identities can be tampered with."
Enterprise concluded, "Our existence is stable. Continuous."
Yorktown let out a slow breath.
"…So we're not replacements."
Yuuki shook his head.
"No."
A pause.
"You're something new."
There was silence again.
Not heavy.
Just… processing.
Then Yuuki added casually—
"And for the record… all of you turned out beautiful."
That broke it.
Illustrious covered a small smile.
Atago chuckled softly.
Akagi's eyes lit up.
Kaga looked away slightly.
Wales allowed a faint, dignified smile.
Nimi blinked, then lowered her gaze quickly.
Takao exhaled quietly.
Even Belfast paused for a fraction longer than usual.
Yorktown crossed her arms, but her cheeks tinted slightly.
"…You didn't have to add that."
Enterprise looked away. "Irrelevant commentary."
Akashi giggled. "Hehe, Commander thinks we're pretty, nyaa~"
Yuuki shrugged.
"Just stating facts."
The mood shifted again.
Lighter.
Warmer.
But beneath it—
A deeper understanding had settled.
Of who they were.
And how different their fate could have been.
A voice slipped in again, light and teasing.
"Oh, look at all of you… might as well start a harem."
Several of the girls froze.
A few turned red almost instantly.
Yuuki didn't even react.
"…Didn't hear that," he said flatly, continuing to eat like nothing happened.
Vergil chuckled faintly and moved on.
"But the structure checks out. They need a real brain pattern to stabilize a humanoid form. Same baseline concept as you girls—but executed very differently."
He continued, more clinical now.
"NIMPH is implanted during the transfer. It uses the real brain's data, then processes it. Most Nikkes lose their original memories completely."
A pause.
"They're replaced with preloaded data."
Yuuki stopped mid-bite.
"…The hell?"
Vergil didn't soften it.
"In rare cases, some retain fragments. Personality traits. Sometimes even full memories."
Another pause.
"But those cases are exceptions."
Yuuki leaned back, clearly bothered.
"So they take real people… remove their brains… and overwrite them?"
"More or less," Vergil said. "Dead or dying candidates, most of the time. Still, the process is… crude compared to yours."
Belfast's voice lowered slightly.
"A far harsher method of creation."
Enterprise added, "Less regard for identity integrity."
Yuuki shook his head.
"They wouldn't have this problem if they followed how Kansen are made."
A pause.
"…Guess the Ark doesn't think that way."
Takao's expression hardened.
"A system that sacrifices individuality for efficiency."
Atago's smile faded. "That is not something I would call humane. Then, how many humans were sacrificed to create Nikkes?"
Illustrious lowered her gaze. "It sounds… lonely."
Akagi's eyes darkened slightly.
"To think humans would go this far…"
Her voice carried a low edge.
"We once fought to protect them."
Kaga gave a small nod beside her.
"…And this is what they became."
Yuuki glanced at them.
Then spoke more calmly.
"Hey."
That was enough to pull their attention back.
"You're not tied to that anymore."
A pause.
"None of you are."
He gestured lightly around the table.
"This is what matters now."
Another pause.
"GDI. And this little group we've got. Plus, Amagi wouldn't want you to think humans are less."
Akagi's expression softened again.
Kaga's tension eased.
Atago smiled faintly.
Takao exhaled quietly.
Vestal nodded from the side.
They began to pity the Nikkes.
"A better environment… makes all the difference."
Vergil let out a low chuckle, clearly entertained.
"Impressive," he said. "You calm them down, give them direction, and somehow keep everything from falling apart."
Yuuki didn't react much. "…Get to the point."
Vergil continued.
"There's something else you should know. NIMPH isn't just for memory control. It also acts as a limiter."
Belfast's eyes narrowed slightly. "A restraint system."
"Exactly," Vergil said. "It prevents Nikkes from disobeying orders. More importantly—it stops them from harming humans."
A pause.
"It's hard-coded."
Enterprise crossed her arms. "So they literally cannot act against humans."
"Not unless something overrides it," Vergil replied.
Yorktown spoke, a little unsure now.
"…Then what about us?"
Vergil answered immediately.
"You have something similar."
The room stilled.
"Shipgirls are also designed not to disobey their commanders. Your base directive was to protect humanity."
A pause.
"But your system is… more flexible."
Yuuki frowned slightly. "Meaning?"
Vergil smirked.
"Meaning you changed it."
All eyes turned to Yuuki.
"During that Siren base incident," Vergil continued, "Yorktown and Laffey engaged humans working with the Sirens."
Yorktown stiffened slightly.
"…We did."
Vergil nodded.
"That shouldn't have been possible under your original directive."
A pause.
"But your commander redefined your priority."
Yuuki didn't say anything.
Vergil spelled it out.
"You shifted from 'protect humanity'…"
"…to 'protect GDI and those within it.'"
Belfast's expression softened slightly.
"A change in core directive…"
Enterprise added quietly, "But not forced."
Vergil nodded.
"Exactly. You weren't overridden. You were given choice."
Yorktown looked at Yuuki.
"…So our orders…"
Yuuki finally spoke.
"I didn't take anything away."
A pause.
"I just gave you a different line to stand on."
Vergil chuckled.
"And that's the difference."
He continued.
"Nikkes are locked down. They cannot harm humans—even when those humans are the problem."
A brief pause.
"That system gets exploited all the time."
Takao's tone lowered.
"A weapon that cannot turn on its wielder."
Atago added softly, "Even if the wielder is wrong."
Vergil nodded.
"Exactly."
Then his tone shifted slightly.
"But you girls…"
A pause.
"You're different."
"Unless…" Yorktown began.
Vergil finished it.
"…Unless someone's voice overrides the system."
Silence.
He pointed it out clearly.
"His voice."
All eyes turned to Yuuki again.
Vergil continued.
"He doesn't suppress your will. He amplifies it."
A pause.
"He gives you the option to act—not just obey."
Belfast lowered her gaze slightly.
"…That explains the difference."
Enterprise nodded.
"We are not bound in the same way."
Vergil added one last piece.
"His voice doesn't just give orders."
A pause.
"It reconnects you to what you were meant to be."
Illustrious spoke softly.
"…Human."
Vergil smirked.
"Something like that."
Yuuki rubbed the back of his neck.
"…You're making it sound bigger than it is."
"No," Vergil replied.
"I'm saying it exactly as it is."
A quiet pause followed.
Akagi and Kaga looked at Yuuki, her expression softer than before.
"Shikikan-sama…"
Illustrious followed quietly.
"…Commander…"
Belfast lowered her head slightly.
"Master…"
Yorktown simply watched him.
Enterprise said nothing—but didn't look away.
Vergil chuckled again.
"Congratulations."
A pause.
"You didn't just command them."
He let the words land.
"You gave them back their humanity."
Silence followed.
Then—
One by one—
Several of them looked away.
Cheeks faintly tinted.
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"…Yeah, let's not make this weird."
Atago smiled softly.
"It already is."
And for once—
No one disagreed.
Vergil's voice returned, sharper this time.
"Unless," he said, "you can do the same for the Nikkes."
Yuuki exhaled through his nose. "…You're really trying to push them onto me."
Vergil didn't deny it.
"One of the standard procedures during NIMPH implantation is memory cleansing. Specifically—family. Names. Faces. Attachments."
A pause.
"They remove anything that ties them to their past."
Yorktown frowned. "That's deliberate."
Belfast nodded. "To ensure obedience."
Vergil continued.
"They're shaped into what the Central Government considers the 'ideal weapon.' No hesitation. No emotional conflict."
Yuuki raised a brow. "Central Government?"
Wales answered this time.
"The governing body of the Ark. After the collapse of global factions, they consolidated authority."
A pause.
"Though not all factions vanished. Some still exist… under Siren control."
Yuuki leaned back, unimpressed.
"…Yeah. That sounds exactly like the kind of system that would do this."
Belfast cleared her throat lightly. "Master."
"…Right. I'll behave."
Vergil continued, tone more analytical.
"There's another reason for the memory wipe."
The room listened.
"Nikkes do not age."
A pause.
"Not naturally."
Illustrious blinked softly. "…So they remain unchanged?"
"Yes," Vergil said. "While the world around them does not."
Enterprise's expression darkened slightly. "That creates a disconnect."
"More than that," Vergil replied. "In earlier cases, Nikkes encountered their families again."
A pause.
"They found people who had aged… or died."
Silence.
Akashi's ears drooped. "…That's… sad, nyaa…"
Takao's voice lowered. "Psychological collapse."
Vergil nodded.
"Mind Switch. Identity failure. In some cases… self-termination."
The table went still.
Yorktown looked down slightly. "…So they erased those memories to prevent that."
"Yes," Vergil said. "It reduced casualties outside of combat."
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"…That's not solving the problem."
A pause.
"That's just hiding it."
No one argued.
Akagi's expression hardened again.
"To think humans would go this far…"
Kaga nodded quietly beside her.
"They treat them as tools. Nothing more."
Atago's voice softened. "And yet they feel."
Illustrious added gently, "Which makes it all the more tragic."
Vergil continued.
"There's more. Some Nikkes have their limiters removed."
Enterprise looked up. "Meaning they can harm humans."
"Yes," Vergil said. "Under certain conditions."
A pause.
"In rare cases, psychological loopholes can bypass restrictions. If a Nikke convinces herself a human is not human…"
Takao finished it. "…Then the limiter fails."
Yuuki frowned.
"And the Central Government doesn't know?"
"Unknown," Vergil replied. "But if they do, they're not addressing it."
Yuuki leaned back again, arms crossed.
"…So let me summarize."
He counted slightly on his fingers.
"Memory wiped."
"Emotion suppressed."
"Can't disobey."
"Used as expendable soldiers."
A pause.
"…And the system still breaks anyway."
Vergil gave a small hum. "That's about right."
Then he added—
"They're essentially a crude version of Kansen technology."
That drew reactions.
Yorktown spoke first. "They don't even come close."
Enterprise added, "Their output and adaptability would be far lower."
Belfast remained composed. "Their construction lacks refinement."
Yuuki shook his head slightly.
"They're not just weaker."
A pause.
"They were built wrong. Inhumanely wrong."
Silence followed.
Then Yuuki added, quieter this time—
"…But none of that is their fault."
That shifted the tone.
Illustrious nodded gently. "They are victims of their creation."
Atago added softly, "Just following orders. Memories wiped out."
Takao agreed. "No agency."
Vergil spoke again.
"If you encounter one… consider bringing her over."
A pause.
"You might be the only one who can break that cycle. The cycle traps Nikkes forever and end their suffering."
Yuuki didn't answer immediately.
He looked around at his girls.
Then down at Eldridge, still resting quietly.
"…We'll see," he said finally.
A small pause.
"But if I do…"
His tone sharpened slightly.
"…I'm not treating them like tools."
Belfast nodded once.
"As expected, Master."
Yorktown gave a faint smile.
"Wouldn't expect anything else."
Vergil didn't stop there.
"There's another classification you need to understand," he said. "Irregulars."
Yuuki frowned slightly. "Irregulars?"
"Yes," Vergil replied. "Nikkes who no longer follow their intended behavior patterns."
A pause.
"They're flagged as threats."
Belfast's expression sharpened. "A system failure."
"More like a system collapse," Vergil corrected.
Yorktown leaned forward. "What causes it?"
Vergil answered plainly.
"Mind Switch."
The room went quiet.
Yuuki repeated it. "…Mind Switch?"
"Severe psychological overload," Vergil said. "PTSD. Emotional trauma. Identity conflict."
A pause.
"The brain rejects the imposed structure. NIMPH loses control."
Enterprise added, "They break free."
"Yes," Vergil said. "But not cleanly."
Takao's voice lowered. "Unstable."
"At best," Vergil replied.
He continued.
"Once a Nikke becomes Irregular, behavior varies. Some become erratic. Some become violent. Some… lose all sense of distinction between ally and enemy."
A pause.
"They are no longer bound by their restrictions."
Atago's expression dimmed. "So they finally gain freedom…"
Vergil finished it.
"…and often cannot handle it."
Silence settled.
Yuuki's jaw tightened slightly.
"And the Central Government?"
Vergil answered without hesitation.
"They eliminate the problem."
Akashi blinked. "…Eliminate, nyaa?"
"They deploy specialized Nikke squads," Vergil said. "Or they dispose of them directly."
Illustrious frowned. "Dispose…?"
Vergil clarified.
"They recover the brain."
A pause.
"Erase the damage. Reset the memory."
Yuuki's expression hardened.
"…And send them back out again."
Vergil didn't sugarcoat it.
"Recycled."
Akagi's eyes darkened again.
"That is cruel."
Kaga nodded beside her. "…They are treated as replaceable."
Belfast spoke quietly.
"A cycle of suffering."
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"…That's worse than I thought."
Vergil continued.
"There is one exception."
The room focused again.
"Vapaus."
Yorktown blinked. "Vapaus?"
"A rare substance," Vergil explained. "A blood-type agent."
A pause.
"When introduced, it destroys NIMPH."
Enterprise's eyes narrowed. "That removes their control system."
"Yes," Vergil said. "No memory wipes. No external override."
Takao added, "True autonomy."
"At a cost," Vergil replied.
He continued.
"Without NIMPH, they cannot be restored. If they die… that's it."
A pause.
"No backups."
Illustrious lowered her gaze.
"…A real life."
Atago added softly, "…and a real death."
Belfast nodded once.
"A return to true humanity."
Yuuki crossed his arms, thinking.
"So Vapaus gives them freedom… but removes their safety net."
Vergil confirmed.
"It gives them choice."
A pause.
"For better… or worse. However, if they died, the brains are intact. They can be resurrected like wisdom cubes."
"Only if the brains are intact."
The room fell silent again.
The weight of it—
Clear.
Yuuki rubbed his temple slightly.
"…That's a lot but, somehow.. it felt better to hear though."
Vergil's tone softened just a little.
"I'll send the full data to your HUD."
A brief pause.
Then—
"Your girls should see it too."
The system pinged softly.
Data transferred.
The girls absorbed it in silence.
Yorktown exhaled quietly.
"…We really are different."
Enterprise nodded. "More stable."
Belfast added, "More complete."
Akashi hugged herself slightly. "…Those poor Nikkes, nyaa…"
Illustrious spoke gently. "They were never given a proper chance."
Yuuki looked at them.
Then spoke simply.
"…You're not them."
A pause.
"And they're not your enemies."
Vergil gave a final remark.
"You're lucky."
Another pause.
"To be what you are."
Yuuki glanced around at his girls.
Then shook his head slightly.
"…Yeah."
But his tone shifted—
Just a little.
"…And if we find one…"
A pause.
"…we'll give her a better option."
No one argued.
Because they already knew—
That was exactly what he would do.
Yuuki raised a hand slightly, cutting through the weight of the discussion.
"Alright, we're drifting," he said. "The Nikke stuff is useful, but I need to refocus."
He looked at Wales.
"I need details on Aqua."
Wales straightened slightly, returning to a more formal tone.
"Yes… of course."
A brief pause.
"Aqua is currently governed under what they call a democratic system."
Yuuki raised a brow. "That doesn't sound bad on paper."
Wales gave a faint, knowing look.
"In practice… it is ineffective."
Yorktown crossed her arms. "Power without control."
Belfast added, "Or control without structure."
Yuuki exhaled. "…So, dysfunctional."
Wales nodded.
"Corruption is widespread. Influence is bought. Authority is fragmented."
A pause.
"And… substance abuse is common among the population."
Yuuki blinked once.
"…You're telling me humanity escaped extinction… built an underwater city…"
A short pause.
"…and then ruined it themselves?"
Wales didn't deny it.
"…In part, yes."
A quiet sigh moved through the table.
"Haaa…" Atago leaned back slightly.
Takao closed her eyes. "…Predictable."
Enterprise simply said, "Human behavior remains consistent."
Yuuki rubbed his temple briefly.
"…Alright. Back to the important part."
He looked at Wales again.
"Avrora. Is she in Neopolis?"
Wales shook her head.
"No. Based on what you described—a smaller structure, isolated—it is unlikely to be the capital."
A pause.
"It is more likely a peripheral settlement. Possibly a port or outpost."
Belfast added, "Which may operate independently from central oversight."
Takao nodded. "Or under local authority."
Wales continued.
"However… that does not make it safer."
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"Smaller settlements tend to be more… hostile to outsiders."
Yuuki tilted his head. "Because?"
Wales answered clearly.
"They are more insular."
A pause.
"And more extreme."
Yorktown frowned. "Meaning?"
"They distrust anything different," Wales said.
Her eyes moved briefly across the group.
"Perfect humans like you, Commander."
Then—
"Shipgirls like us."
A final pause.
"Anything that doesn't belong."
Silence lingered for a moment.
Yuuki nodded slowly.
"…Got it."
He leaned back slightly, processing.
"So we're dealing with a corrupt central system… and potentially worse local factions."
Enterprise added, "And limited intelligence."
Belfast followed, "With unknown hostility levels."
Yuuki gave a small exhale.
"…Great."
Then he looked back at Wales.
"Thanks for the info."
Wales gave a small, composed nod.
"Happy to assist, Lord Commander."
The conversation settled.
The objective was clear again.
Aqua.
An unstable society beneath the ocean.
And somewhere within it—
Avrora.
Waiting.