Suddenly, the tactical display lit up.
"Massive Rapture signature approaching!"
Yuu looked toward the ocean.
The water below them began to churn.
They had barely made it outside when the ground beneath them suddenly trembled.
BOOM!
Everyone froze.
Another impact shook the area.
Then—
The sea exploded.
Something enormous broke through the surface, sending an immense wall of water into the air.
Yuuki immediately looked back.
"What the—?"
A gigantic Rapture vessel emerged from the ocean.
It was enormous.
Its silhouette resembled a colossal manta ray, with a massive central body and broad, angular wings stretching across the sky. Water poured from its armored hull as it rose higher and higher, engines roaring with enough force to shake the surrounding terrain.
The vessel continued ascending.
Its enormous wings spread completely.
Then its weapons systems began powering up.
One after another, six heavy turrets rotated into position across its hull.
And beneath the main laser cannon, a separate three-barrel cannon slowly emerged.
The barrels locked into place.
WHRRRRR—
Energy began gathering around the main cannon.
The rescued Shipgirls stared upward.
So did the Nikkes.
Even those who had fought Raptures before had never seen anything quite like this.
Neon was the first to voice what everyone was thinking.
Her eyes widened.
"The heck is that thing?!"
Anis stared at the gigantic vessel.
"That is way too big!"
Rapi immediately raised her weapon.
"Everyone, stay alert!"
Inside the Orca EX, the other Shipgirls and Nikkes watched the enormous Rapture pursue them.
For a moment, nobody said anything.
The sheer scale of the vessel made even the Orca EX look small.
The monstrous craft accelerated.
It was chasing them.
Yuuki slowly looked toward Yuu.
Yuu looked back at him.
Neither needed to say much.
Yuuki's expression became serious.
Yuu sighed.
"This one looks troublesome."
Yuuki nodded.
"Yeah."
He looked back at the approaching vessel.
The six turrets were now fully active.
The three-barrel cannon began charging beneath the main weapon.
And the enormous central laser cannon was glowing brighter by the second.
Yuuki cracked his knuckles.
"Looks like we've got ourselves a boss fight."
Yuu gave him a flat look.
"A tough one."
Yuuki glanced at her.
"You had to say that, didn't you?"
Behind them, the massive Rapture vessel roared across the sky.
The rescue operation was supposed to be over.
Instead—
The real fight had just begun.
Behemoth's voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Meddling GDI!"
The massive Rapture ship hovered above the sea.
"You really trying to pick a fight with us?"
Yuuki immediately looked toward the Orca EX.
"Jarvis, break off."
"Breaking."
The Orca EX immediately accelerated away from the battlefield.
"Commander!"
Wales turned toward the approaching Rapture vessel.
"Go."
"We'll take this thing."
Yuuki narrowed his eyes.
"Yuu— You're going with me."
"Oh, no you don't!"
Behemoth's weapon systems suddenly locked onto the fleeing Orca EX.
The massive main guns began charging.
"Don't you dare!"
Before it could fire—
BOOM!
A projectile struck the Rapture vessel.
Then another.
And another.
The AC-130 had already turned toward the new threat.
Behemoth's remote-control systems detected multiple incoming attacks from above.
The Angel of Death opened fire.
105mm rockets slammed into the Rapture vessel.
The twin 150mm cannons followed.
Then an LTM missile struck directly against its defenses.
BOOOOOOOM!
The explosion rocked the massive vessel.
Its anti-air systems began collapsing under the concentrated bombardment.
Kaguya immediately directed several Firehawks toward the target.
"Do not allow it to escape."
The Firehawks dove.
Missiles streaked toward the manta-shaped vessel.
A deep mechanical roar suddenly rolled across the battlefield.
Then came a voice.
Loud.
Angry.
And unmistakably coming from the colossal Rapture vessel pursuing them.
"You and your people really are starting to bug me!"
The voice echoed across the sea and surrounding ruins.
Everyone looked up.
Yuuki stared at the enormous vessel.
He didn't look particularly intimidated.
Instead, he gave a small grin.
"Yeah."
His Mark 86 repulsors began powering up.
"We're at war!"
With that, Yuuki launched himself from the Orca EX.
Yuu followed immediately.
The two shot into the sky, flying directly toward the gigantic Rapture vessel.
Behind them, the Orca EX continued moving away with the rescued Shipgirls and Nikkes aboard.
But nobody inside was willing to simply watch.
The sheer size of the Rapture vessel made it obvious that this was nothing like the ordinary gunships they had encountered before.
It was enormous.
Its six turrets were already tracking the two airborne GDI combatants.
The massive three-barrel cannon beneath the main laser cannon continued charging.
And the main cannon itself began glowing with terrifying intensity.
Neon stared at it.
Her expression became unusually serious.
"We can't just sit here!"
Rapi nodded.
"The Commander and Doctor Yuu are engaging it alone."
Anis gripped her weapon.
"That thing is huge!"
The rescued Shipgirls exchanged glances.
They had only just escaped their prison.
Their bodies were still weak.
But they couldn't simply allow their rescuers to face something like that alone.
Wales looked toward Yuuki's distant figure.
"No."
She tightened her grip.
"We can't let the Commander and Doctor Yuu take that thing by themselves."
Eugen smiled.
"Now that's more like it."
Hipper nodded.
Nimi stepped forward.
"Then let's help them."
The Nikkes and Shipgirls began preparing themselves.
Nimi glanced back toward her allies.
Then she heard a familiar voice.
"Hey."
Anis raised her hand.
"Remember the Mirelurk Queen strategy?"
Rapi immediately looked at her.
"…You're not suggesting—"
"Yeah!"
Neon grinned.
"I knew you girls wanted to help the Commander."
Vestal looked toward them.
Then toward the battle raging in the sky.
She sighed.
"Go."
Mary and Pepper looked at her.
"Vestal?"
"Mary, Pepper and I have the patients."
She gestured toward the Med Bay and the other weakened Shipgirls and Nikkes.
"Go help our Commander and Head Doctor."
Anis grinned.
"Thanks."
Neon pumped her fist.
"Finally!"
Rapi shook her head.
"Let's make it quick."
The three Nikkes immediately prepared to launch.
Inside the Orca EX, the rescued Shipgirls watched the battle unfolding outside.
Georgina looked toward Wales.
"Sister…"
Wales understood immediately.
Georgina's voice softened.
"Go."
Wales looked back at her.
"We don't want to lose you again."
Howe nodded.
"She is right."
Anson gave Wales an encouraging smile.
"Go on."
Wales hesitated for only a moment.
Then she nodded.
"I'll come back."
Across the cabin, Pallada and Diana turned toward Avrora.
"Come back soon, Sestra!"
Avrora smiled.
"I will."
Bismarck and Tirpitz watched the battle through the viewport.
Bismarck's hands tightened around the edge of the console as she watched Yuuki and Yuu engage the colossal Rapture vessel. Every instinct in her body urged her to join them, to stand beside her Commander and fight alongside the allies who had risked everything to rescue them.
But she had to swallow her pride.
Her body was still weak, and the assault armor could barely compensate for the damage caused by fifteen years of suspension. Charging into battle now would not make her useful. It would only create another burden for the people already protecting them.
She was not the only one who felt that way.
All the rescued Shipgirls and Nikkes watched the battle with the same frustration. They had finally been freed, yet they could do nothing but remain inside the Orca EX while others fought in their place.
It made them feel useless.
But they had to trust their allies.
There were only nine of them heading into battle, yet each one possessed combat levels far beyond what the rescued girls could currently achieve—even at full strength.
If they joined the fight now, they would only get in the way.
Bismarck lowered her gaze, forcing herself to accept the truth.
"This is not over," she said quietly.
Tirpitz looked at her.
Bismarck raised her eyes toward the battlefield again.
"We will recover and catch up to them. Then we will fight beside them."
The rescued Shipgirls and Nikkes remained silent, but her words gave shape to what they were all thinking.
For now, they had to trust their allies.
And survive long enough to stand with them again.
"We're sorry we cannot assist."
Nimi smiled.
"Don't worry, Frau Bismarck."
She looked toward the battlefield.
"Get yourselves healed first."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Then you can join us next time. We even help you level up to match us."
Bismarck nodded.
"Understood."
Tirpitz gave a quiet nod as well.
The rear of the Orca EX began opening.
Hydraulic mechanisms groaned as the massive ramp slowly descended.
Wind rushed into the cabin.
Outside, the enormous Rapture vessel continued its pursuit while Yuuki and Yuu engaged it in the sky.
Nimi, Eugen, Hipper, Wales, Avrora, Rapi, Anis, Neon, and Nayuta moved toward the open ramp. Having seen the strategy before, Nayuta understood the assignment and deployed another clone to assist them.
Vestal watched them from behind.
"Be careful."
Wales looked back at her sisters one last time.
She now took the mantle of 'flagship'.
Then she stepped onto the ramp.
Her expression hardened.
The sisters she had thought were lost were finally behind her.
Now she had one job.
Protect the people who had brought them back.
The others followed.
And as the Orca EX released them into the battlefield—
The rescue team became the assault team.
Wales looked toward the battlefield.
The colossal Rapture vessel dominated the sky ahead, its weapons already tracking Yuuki and Yuu.
Wales tightened her grip. She's now their flagship.
"Ready?"
Nimi's rigging unfolded around her with a mechanical roar.
"Ready."
Hipper followed, her rigging deploying around her.
Eugen grinned.
"Finally."
She glanced toward Yuuki.
"I won't let Teddy Bear fight by himself."
Her expression became playful.
"Not without his fiancée beside him."
Avrora's rigging unfolded with a burst of mechanical energy.
"Our fiancée."
Eugen glanced at her.
"Exactly."
Wales smiled faintly.
Then her own rigging deployed.
Her body shifted into her full Shipgirl combat configuration as the upgraded systems came online.
Their Level 32 upgrades were now fully applied.
The difference was immediately apparent.
Their combat strength was vastly beyond that of the rescued Shipgirls and Nikkes. The newly rescued allies could only stare at them in disbelief.
The gap was not merely noticeable.
They were thirty-two times stronger.
And that was before accounting for their upgraded equipment, enhanced statistics, reinforced armor, and improved rigging.
To the newly rescued Shipgirls, their sisters and allies looked almost like entirely different versions of themselves.
Wales looked toward the others.
"Let's go."
One after another, they leapt from the Orca EX.
SPLASH!
They hit the water.
Their riggings immediately stabilized, engines roaring to life as they skimmed across the surface.
Then—
"Wait for us!"
Anis, Rapi, and Neon jumped after them.
Two Nayutas followed close behind.
They landed onto the Shipgirls' riggings and quickly secured themselves.
Rapi landed on Wales's rigging.
Neon landed on Nimi's.
Neon looked up at the enormous Rapture vessel.
Her eyes lit up.
"Okay!"
She raised her weapon.
"Now this is a battle!"
Nimi glanced sideways at her.
"What am I stuck with you?"
Neon immediately grinned.
"We're besties, sister!"
She tightened her grip.
"Deal with it!"
Nimi sighed.
Anis, meanwhile, grabbed onto Eugen's rigging.
"Don't fall off!"
"I'm not going to!"
Eugen looked back at her.
"Just hold on."
Rapi sighed from Wales's rigging.
"This was inevitable."
Wales smiled.
"Hold on, Rapi!"
The two Nayutas had settled onto Hipper and Avrora's riggings.
One of them raised her weapon.
"Get comfortable, Nayuta!"
Hipper glanced back.
"Verily…"
Nayuta adjusted her position.
"Leave the extra shooting to this humble one."
The second Nayuta checked her position on Avrora's rigging.
"We're ready."
Avrora nodded as she shouted in russian.
"Victory lies ahead!"
The formation was complete.
Five Shipgirls.
Three Nikkes.
And two Nayutas.
All moving together toward the colossal Rapture vessel.
Above them, Yuuki and Yuu were already engaging the enemy.
Wales raised her weapon.
"Let's go."
The entire formation accelerated.
The rescue team had become a strike force.
And now—
They were coming for the boss.
Above them, the Firehawks continued their assault.
The AC-130 maintained its barrage, its cannons hammering the enormous Rapture vessel from above.
BOOM!
BOOM!
Explosions erupted across the manta ray-shaped hull, tearing into its armor.
"Damn you!"
Behemoth's voice roared across the battlefield as it noticed the additional Shipgirls and Nikkes approaching.
Its massive weapons began rotating toward the new threat.
Yuuki glanced downward.
Then he saw them.
Wales was leading the formation.
The Shipgirls opened fire first.
Their riggings unleashed a coordinated barrage of naval gunfire, shells streaking toward the enormous Rapture vessel.
Behind them, the Nikkes opened fire with their own Nikke enhanced weapons.
Rapi, Anis, and Neon fired from the rear of the formation, using the Shipgirls as their mobile platforms while maintaining a constant stream of gunfire.
The result was something Yuuki had never quite seen before.
Two completely different forms of combat power were operating together.
Nikkes possessed extraordinary individual firepower, mobility, and specialized abilities.
Shipgirls, meanwhile, were overwhelmingly dominant on the sea, their riggings turning them into living naval weapons platforms.
A Nikke couldn't normally match a Shipgirl's raw naval capability on the ocean.
A Shipgirl didn't possess the same concentrated infantry firepower a Nikke could bring to a fight on land.
But combined?
Their strengths complemented each other perfectly.
Naval artillery thundered alongside automatic weapons.
Rigging weapons fired between bursts of concentrated Nikke fire.
The Shipgirls created the platform.
The Nikkes provided the additional firepower.
Their abilities merged into a seamless rhythm.
A beautiful synchronization of two different kinds of warriors.
Yuuki stared at the formation.
His expression slowly changed.
Disbelief.
Then realization.
Then a tired smile.
"You girls…"
He looked toward Wales, who was leading the entire formation as their flagship.
Yuu flew beside him.
"They're our fleet, after all."
Yuuki glanced at her.
Yuu smiled.
"They're not going to sit inside the aircraft while we fight."
Yuuki shook his head.
"I know."
He looked back toward the enormous Rapture vessel.
"All right."
His Mark 86 repulsors ignited.
"Then let's finish this together."
Wales raised her voice.
"Orders, Commander?"
Yuuki immediately answered.
"Provide covering fire."
He pointed toward the sky.
"Destroy the gunboats harassing the AC-130."
His gaze returned to the colossal Rapture vessel.
"Finish those and help us deal with this metallic fish!"
"Roger!"
The Shipgirls and Nikkes shouted together.
Their formation accelerated.
The guns of the fleet opened fire.
The Nikkes followed.
And above them, the Firehawks continued raining destruction from the sky.
For the first time, Behemoth was no longer being attacked by scattered groups.
It was facing a coordinated GDI fleet.
And they were coming straight for it.
The combined GDI force accelerated toward the massive Rapture vessel.
And Behemoth was about to discover that attacking the GDI commander had been a very, very bad decision.
The Shipgirls and Nikkes attacked together.
For the third time, they weren't fighting as separate groups.
They had become a single combat formation.
Ship-mounted cannons and Nikke firearms thundered together, their combined firepower hammering the Rapture gunboats from multiple directions.
The AC-130 remained focused on the massive manta-shaped Rapture vessel, its weapons continuously pounding the enormous target.
Meanwhile, Yuuki and Yuu dove closer.
"Anti-air battery!"
"I've got it."
Yuuki fired his repulsor cannons while Yuu followed alongside him.
BOOM!
One anti-air emplacement exploded.
Another missile launcher turned toward them.
Yuu immediately accelerated.
FWOOOM!
The projectile destroyed the launcher before it could fire.
One by one, they systematically destroyed the Rapture vessel's main guns and anti-air missile systems.
Above the battlefield, Yorktown watched through the AC-130's targeting interface.
Targeting brackets danced across her display as the gunship continued circling the colossal manta ray-shaped Rapture vessel.
She was still controlling the gunship's weapons.
But even she found herself smiling.
"They're actually coordinating like when we fought the Mirelurk Queen."
Enterprise watched the battlefield through her own weapons display.
She slowly shook her head.
"Not just coordinating."
Her eyes followed Wales's formation.
"They're fighting as one unit."
Below, Wales's strike group skimmed across the sea.
Above, Yuuki and Yuu kept Behemoth occupied.
Higher still, the Firehawks maintained air superiority.
And the AC-130 continued delivering devastating fire support.
Everything was moving together.
Everything was synchronized.
Yorktown smiled proudly.
"That's what a fleet should look like."
Enterprise looked at her.
"Let's support them, Hana."
Yorktown nodded.
"You're our flagship from above."
Enterprise rested a hand on her shoulder.
"And they're our second fleet."
Yorktown's fingers tightened around the controls.
"Yes."
She smiled.
"Let's support them."
She immediately issued new firing priorities.
"Kaga!"
The fox carrier answered instantly.
"Hai!"
"Focus fire on the anti-air batteries."
"Understood."
"Akagi!"
"Ufufu, I'm listening."
"Target the smaller turrets."
Yorktown marked them on the tactical display.
"The quadruple thirty-millimeter Vulcans are enough to shred them."
Akagi's smile widened.
"Leave the pests to me."
Yorktown looked toward Enterprise.
"Enty."
Enterprise's targeting reticle settled over one of the enormous main cannons.
"Already lined up."
She pressed the trigger.
"Firing."
The twin 150-millimeter cannons thundered.
BOOM!
A massive explosion tore one of the heavy cannons from Behemoth's hull.
Yorktown immediately followed.
She guided a pair of 105-millimeter rockets toward another weapons emplacement.
The rockets struck almost simultaneously.
Another explosion blossomed across the armored hull.
Below, Wales's formation took advantage of the opening.
Naval shells.
Missiles.
Nikke gunfire.
Everything poured into the exposed sections of the enemy.
Inside the Daedalus command room, the remaining Shipgirls and Nikkes watched the battle through the tactical displays.
No one spoke.
The scene unfolding before them said everything.
One fleet fought on-site.
Another fought from the sky.
Yuuki and Yuu held the center.
The Firehawks controlled the air.
The AC-130 acted as an airborne flagship.
The Orca EX provided support and evacuation.
The strike team coordinated below.
It wasn't merely a rescue operation anymore.
It was a complete military doctrine working exactly as intended.
Bismarck watched silently from the command feed.
Her hands tightened unconsciously.
"So this…"
She murmured.
"This is how they fight."
Tirpitz nodded quietly.
"They don't separate themselves."
Pallada watched Wales leading the formation.
"They become one force."
Mary folded her arms with a small smile.
"That's GDI."
Pepper nodded.
"Everyone has a role."
"No one's fighting alone."
Bismarck slowly smiled.
She finally understood what Wales had become part of.
Not merely another faction.
Not merely another navy.
A family that fought as one.
On the tactical display, two formations continued advancing together.
The fleet in the sky.
The fleet on the sea.
Different battlefields.
One purpose.
The true nature—
The true essence—
Of the Global Defense Initiative.
==================
Wales led the formation.
Her rigging surged forward as her main cannons rotated toward the approaching Rapture vessels.
Then—
She activated her skill.
"Royal Alliance!"
A brilliant surge of energy spread outward from Wales.
"Its a showdown!"
The effect immediately spread throughout the formation.
Wales's Firepower, Reload, Evasion, and Anti-Air capabilities surged higher, strengthened by the number of allied ships fighting alongside her.
And the effect didn't stop with the Shipgirls.
The Nikkes felt it too.
Neon's eyes widened as her weapon suddenly felt lighter in her hands.
"Whoa!"
She looked at her weapon.
"I feel my firepower increased!"
Anis blinked.
"Wait… me too!"
Even the two Nayutas noticed the change.
One looked down at her weapon.
"Curious…"
The other nodded.
"This humble one's strength has increased as well."
Behind them, Eugen grinned.
"Heh…"
She felt the surge coursing through her rigging.
"I missed this feeling."
Nimi smiled as her own weapons responded to the enhancement.
"So this is Wales's skill. It's been a while."
Hipper felt the increase as well.
"Indeed."
Avrora's rigging roared with renewed power.
She smiled.
"I can feel it too."
Wales's Royal Alliance had become more than a simple fleet enhancement.
The Shipgirls and Nikkes were receiving the same battlefield amplification. Moreover, the effect was further enhanced by Wales's upgraded talent tree.
Their different powers were being linked together.
And Wales was at the center of it.
Her main cannons locked onto the nearest Rapture gunboat.
"Fire!"
BOOM! BOOM!
At the same moment, Rapi moved forward.
Her combat systems shifted.
Her expression became cold and focused.
Red Hood Mode.
"Target acquired."
Her Seven Dwarves Zero came online.
The rifle opened fire.
BRRRRRRRRT!
A concentrated stream of rounds tore into the gunboat's exposed core.
Wales's naval shells struck from another angle.
The combined barrage hit simultaneously.
BOOM!
The Rapture gunboat was ripped apart.
Its armor shattered.
Its core exploded.
Fragments rained into the sea.
Rapi lowered her weapon slightly.
"Target destroyed."
Wales smiled.
"Good work!"
Rapi gave a small nod.
The formation continued forward.
The Royal Alliance was still active.
The Nikkes were empowered.
The Shipgirls were empowered.
And together, their firepower was becoming something Behemoth had never encountered before.
A fleet—
With infantry firepower.
An army—
With naval guns.
And every one of them was now fighting as a single force.
Nearby, Nimi and Neon were doing the same.
Neon raised her weapon.
"Annihilation!"
Her special skill activated.
"Beat that!"
Nimi grinned.
Her destroyer cannons rotated into position as she activated Iron Blood Vanguard.
"Take this!"
BOOM! BOOM!
Her naval guns fired, shells streaking toward another Rapture gunboat.
Neon immediately followed.
"BRRRRRRT!"
Her weapons unleashed a torrent of fire.
The naval shells and concentrated gunfire slammed into the gunboat almost simultaneously.
BOOM!
The Rapture vessel erupted into flames.
Neon threw her fist into the air.
"Firepower!"
Nimi's eye twitched.
"Keep quiet!"
Neon grinned.
"Oh, come on!"
She leaned forward eagerly.
"Support your bestie a little!"
Nimi sighed.
"…You're impossible."
"But you love me!"
"Focus!"
"Okay, okay!"
Nearby, Anis and Eugen were charging toward another gunboat.
"Faster!"
Anis shouted as she raised her rocket launcher.
Her special skill activated.
"Pinpoint Missile!"
WHOOSH!
The missile streaked toward the gunboat.
"Roger!"
Eugen grinned.
Her main cannons turned toward the same target.
BOOM! BOOM!
The rockets and naval shells struck almost simultaneously.
KABOOM!
The gunboat disappeared beneath the combined barrage.
Eugen laughed.
"That was fun!"
Anis grinned.
"See? We're a great team!"
Before Eugen could answer, another gunboat suddenly swung its weapons toward them.
"Uh-oh."
The Rapture opened fire.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A barrage of explosions engulfed them.
For several seconds, neither Anis nor Eugen could be seen through the smoke and fire.
Then—
Three spinning shields emerged from the flames.
They rotated around Eugen, completely intact.
Anis stared.
"Okay, that was cool!"
Eugen's grin widened.
Her eyes gleamed with excitement.
"It's not enough."
The three shields continued spinning around her rigging.
"I. Want. MORE!"
Anis's grin immediately returned.
"Woah, if we're going crazy now…"
She raised her weapon.
"Count me in!"
The two of them charged straight back into the smoke.
Neither had any intention of slowing down.
Hipper was moving at high speed across the water, her rigging cutting through the waves as she maneuvered toward another Rapture gunboat.
"Hold on, Nayuta!"
"This one is holding!"
Nayuta braced herself against Hipper's rigging and opened fire.
Her weapons roared continuously.
BRRRRRRRRT!
Then her Burst Skill activated.
"Burst: Asceticism!"
A surge of energy spread throughout the formation.
The skill increased the attack damage of all allies for fifteen seconds.
At the same time, the power of Nayuta's Burst concentrated on the Rapture gunboat ahead.
"Take this!"
The gunboat's armor began to crack under the relentless barrage.
Hipper suddenly swung her rigging hard to the side.
"Whoa!"
Nayuta shifted with the maneuver.
Hipper had deliberately repositioned herself, giving Nayuta a clear firing angle.
"Now!"
Nayuta immediately took advantage of the opening.
"Gladly!"
BRRRRRRRRT!
Hipper activated her Twin Shield.
Two shields materialized around her rigging, rotating rapidly and intercepting incoming fire.
The Rapture gunboat attempted to return fire.
BOOM! BOOM!
The shots struck the shields and were deflected.
Nayuta continued firing without interruption.
The combined assault overwhelmed the gunboat.
KABOOM!
Another Rapture vessel erupted into flames before breaking apart and sinking beneath the waves.
Nayuta lowered her weapon.
"Target destroyed."
Hipper smiled.
"Good!"
Nayuta nodded.
"Your maneuver was most effective, Hipper."
Hipper gave a proud little smile.
"Of course. I wouldn't let you fall off my rigging."
Nearby, Avrora was doing the same with the second Nayuta.
Her rigging surged forward as she maneuvered across the water.
"Hold tight, little one!"
"This humble one shall not fall!"
Avrora laughed.
"Good!"
She raised her voice.
"Revolyutsiya!"
Her skill activated.
A powerful enhancement spread across the battlefield, increasing the damage output of her allies.
The second Nayuta immediately felt the difference.
"Oh?"
She looked at her weapon.
"Curious. This humble one's firepower has increased."
Avrora smiled.
"That is the power of our revolution!"
The second Nayuta's eyes narrowed with determination.
"Then let us make good use of it."
She raised her weapon.
"Fire!"
BRRRRRRRRT!
Avrora's naval guns thundered alongside her.
BOOM! BOOM!
The two attacked together, their firepower amplified by Revolyutsiya as they closed in on the next Rapture gunboat.
Another coordinated strike was about to begin.
The two formations crossed paths, combining their firepower against another group of Rapture units.
Yuuki and Yuu watched from above.
Yuu smiled.
"They're adapting quickly."
Yuuki watched Wales and Rapi destroy another target, followed by Nimi and Neon attacking another.
"Yeah."
"They're turning every rigging into a mobile weapons platform."
Yuu laughed.
"And they're using the Nikkes as additional weapons systems."
Yuuki nodded.
"Shipgirls providing mobility and heavy firepower."
"Nikkes providing additional weapons and flexibility."
"Exactly."
Below them, another Rapture gunboat attempted to escape.
Yuuki pointed.
"Three o'clock."
Yuu immediately turned.
"Got it."
They dove together.
BOOM!
Their combined attack destroyed the vessel.
Yuuki looked back toward the formation.
"Everyone's getting the hang of this."
Yuu smiled.
"They've got something worth fighting for."
The two commanders accelerated forward.
Behind them, Shipgirls and Nikkes continued moving as one.
Cannons.
Rocket launchers.
Machine guns.
Ship weapons.
Rigging.
Powered armor.
Every weapon was being used together.
The Raptures had expected scattered resistance.
Instead, they had created a unified GDI fleet.
And Yorktown, watching the entire formation from above, couldn't help smiling.
"For once..."
She looked at the Shipgirls and Nikkes fighting side by side.
"...everyone really does look like one fleet."
=======
Above the battlefield, the Orca EX had finally reached a safer altitude.
Inside the medical bay, Vestal, Mary and Pepper continued scanning the rescued Shipgirls and Nikkes.
The others who were still waiting for their turn sat nearby, watching the battle through the large onboard screens.
On the display, their sisters were fighting.
Not just fighting.
They were fighting alongside the Commander himself.
Georgina watched Wales maneuver through the battlefield while firing her main cannons.
Yorktown, Enterprise, Akagi, Kaga and Kaguya controlled the AC-130's weapons systems from afar.
Hipper and Eugen were fighting beside the Nikkes.
Avrora was supporting Nayuta.
Rapi, Anis and Neon were riding alongside the Shipgirls' riggings.
The sight filled the medical bay with complicated emotions.
They were relieved.
Proud.
But also frustrated.
They wanted to be out there.
They wanted to fight.
They wanted to prove that they were still capable of protecting their sisters.
Instead, they were sitting inside an aircraft, being carried away from the battlefield.
Vestal noticed their expressions.
"Trust them."
Everyone looked toward her.
"They're fighting alongside the Commander because they chose to protect you."
She continued scanning Georgina's condition.
"They've already done a lot to save you girls."
Vestal looked directly at her.
"Don't waste their efforts by turning yourselves into a burden."
Georgina lowered her gaze.
She understood.
Wales was fighting because she wanted her sisters to live.
"...You're right."
She looked back at the screen.
"Then I'll recover."
"And I'll become strong enough to fight beside her next time."
York watched Wales on the screen.
The former battleship had never seen her younger sister fight like this.
Not with this level of confidence.
Not with this kind of strength.
She smiled faintly.
"That sly snake..."
Her eyes followed the commander as he fired another repulsor.
"How wonderful."
She sighed.
"To fight alongside the source of that voice."
Then her smile became slightly envious.
"I'm jealous of our sister."
Anson leaned forward.
"Then let's recover."
She smiled.
"We'll join her one day."
Howe nodded.
"Wales has surpassed us by a large margin."
She clenched her fist.
"I am envious of her."
Georgina looked at Howe.
"But she's still our sister. That doesn't mean we let Wales carry us forever."
Howe smiled.
"Exactly."
Across the medical bay, Pallada and Diana watched Avrora maneuver through the battlefield.
Pallada smiled.
"She looks so happy."
Diana nodded.
"She does."
They exchanged glances.
"Us as well."
They looked back toward the screen.
"To fight alongside the beloved..."
Pallada smiled.
"This is the first time we've seen our little sister fight to protect her older sisters."
Diana nodded.
"We'll become strong enough to do the same."
Bismarck and Tirpitz were much less cheerful.
Bismarck gritted her teeth.
She was one of the most legendary battleships of her world.
Tirpitz was no less proud.
Yet both of them were sitting inside a medical aircraft while their Iron Blood sisters fought outside.
"We're battleships."
Bismarck stared at the screen.
"And yet we cannot even assist them."
Tirpitz lowered her head.
"This is all we can do for now."
Bismarck's expression hardened.
"I want to train as soon as possible. Level up as fast as I can."
She looked toward the battlefield.
"I want to become a flagship."
"Not someone who has to be carried out of a battlefield."
Tirpitz nodded.
"Indeed, sister."
"But first, we recover."
Bismarck reluctantly nodded.
"...Agreed."
Kashima and Katori watched the battle in silence.
Their eyes followed Nimi, Eugen, Rapi and the others fighting together.
Kashima smiled.
"Perhaps one day..."
Katori understood.
"We'll be able to help as well."
"We are training cruisers."
"But that doesn't mean we have to remain weak."
Kashima nodded.
"We'll train."
"Until we can stand beside them."
Ludmilla, Tove, Neve and Alice watched the former Counter squad members fighting alongside the Shipgirls.
Alice smiled.
"Look at them."
Tove nodded.
"Shipgirls and Nikkes."
"Fighting together."
Neve watched Nayuta fire from Hipper's rigging.
"It's already an experience just watching them."
Ludmilla smiled.
"Then we should learn from them."
She looked toward Mary and Pepper.
"We'll join them one day."
Alice nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes!"
Tove smiled.
"Although..."
She glanced at Mary and Pepper.
"Those two already surpassed us."
Neve sighed.
"That hurts."
Ludmilla crossed her arms.
"A considerable blow to our pride."
Mary heard them.
She smiled gently.
"You'll catch up soon enough."
She glanced toward the rescued Shipgirls.
"In the Commander's faction, doctors are strong too. We can fight and heal."
The four of them looked toward her.
"Focus on getting healed first."
Mary's smile remained gentle.
Somehow, that made the Nikkes even more nervous.
They remembered what Mary looked like when she was genuinely angry.
The Shipgirls had learned to be cautious around her as well.
Ludmilla swallowed.
"Yes, Doctor."
Tove nodded rapidly.
"Absolutely."
Neve immediately agreed.
"Of course."
Alice smiled brightly.
"I'll get stronger!"
Mary nodded approvingly.
"Good."
Pepper quietly laughed.
"They're scared of you again."
Mary glanced at her.
"I'm being perfectly nice."
Pepper smiled.
"I know."
Nearby, Vestal continued working on the rescued Shipgirls.
"Doctors tend to be scary when they're mad."
The entire group fell silent.
Kashima slowly turned toward Katori.
"Perhaps we should never make our doctors angry."
Katori nodded solemnly.
"Agreed."
The medical bay became quiet for a moment.
Then—
BOOM!
Another explosion appeared on the screen.
Everyone immediately turned their attention back toward the battlefield.
Their sisters were still fighting.
Still protecting them.
Still pushing forward.
And every rescued Shipgirl and Nikke silently made the same promise.
Next time, they would fight beside them.
More importantly, fight alongside their commander.
=======
"Pesky GDI!"
Behemoth's voice roared across the battlefield.
The massive manta-shaped Rapture vessel suddenly opened its central weapon.
A brilliant pink laser began charging.
Yuuki's sensors immediately screamed a warning.
His eyes widened.
"Everyone, break!"
The weapon fired.
VZZZZZAAAAAM!
The enormous beam swept across the battlefield.
Several of Behemoth's own gunboats were caught directly in its path.
They were instantly obliterated.
BOOM!
Neon barely managed to duck behind Nimi's rigging as the beam passed dangerously close.
"WOAH!"
She looked back at the enormous laser.
"That thing almost cooked me!"
Nimi immediately banked away from the open battlefield.
"Stay behind me!"
The other Shipgirls followed.
Rather than remaining exposed in open water, they began using Behemoth's own attack pattern against it.
Their riggings zigzagged across the waves, constantly changing direction while keeping their weapons trained on the Rapture vessel.
The maneuvering gave the Nikkes clearer firing angles.
Whenever a Shipgirl shifted position, the Nikke riding behind her immediately took advantage of the opening.
BRRRRRRT!
BOOM! BOOM!
Automatic fire and naval artillery tore into Behemoth from multiple directions.
Above the battlefield, Yorktown immediately switched targets.
Her targeting interface locked onto the central cannon.
"Hana!"
Yuuki's voice came through the fleet channel.
"Focus fire on that cannon!"
Yorktown's expression hardened.
"Roger!"
She opened the fleet channel.
"Girls!"
Her voice carried across the formation.
"Open fire!"
Yuuki raised his voice over the comms.
"All GDI personnel—advance!"
The Shipgirls accelerated.
Their riggings cut violently through the water as they began zigzagging across the battlefield.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Their naval guns fired in rapid succession.
The Nikkes used every opening created by the maneuver, unleashing concentrated fire toward Behemoth's weapons.
BRRRRRRRRT!
WHOOSH!
Missiles streaked across the battlefield.
Shells followed.
Gunfire poured into the enormous Rapture vessel from every direction.
Behemoth's central cannon continued to glow pink as it began charging another devastating attack.
But this time, the entire GDI formation was already moving.
They weren't waiting for the next shot.
They were going straight for the cannon.
And they were firing everything they had along the way.
The Angel of Death immediately responded.
BRRRRRRRRRRT!
Akagi's Vulcan Gatlings poured ammunition into the central weapon.
BOOM! BOOM!
Kaga's Bofors cannons hammered the weapon housing.
Enterprise traversed the twin 150mm cannons.
"Target locked."
BOOOOOOM!
Two massive shells struck the central cannon.
Yorktown followed with 105mm rockets.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
BOOM! BOOM!
Then she switched to the LTM.
"Priority target."
WHOOSH!
The missile slammed into the cannon.
BOOOOOOM!
The central weapon flickered.
Kaguya immediately directed the Firehawks toward it.
"All fighters."
"Strike the main cannon."
The elite fighters dove.
Missiles streaked toward the damaged weapon.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The central cannon began smoking.
Jarvis also redirected the Orca EX.
"Pulse cannons engaging."
FWOOOM! FWOOOM!
Long-range pulse fire struck the Rapture vessel from above.
BOOM! BOOM!
The impacts tore across Behemoth's massive armored hull.
Below, the Shipgirls and Nikkes joined the attack.
Wales fired her main cannons.
BOOM! BOOM!
Her shells slammed into Behemoth's remaining defenses.
Rapi activated Red Hood Mode once again.
"Target acquired."
Her Seven Dwarves Zero unleashed another concentrated burst.
BRRRRRRRRT!
Rounds tore through the Rapture's armor.
Nearby, Nimi and Neon attacked together.
"Fire!"
Nimi's naval guns thundered.
BOOM!
Neon followed immediately.
BRRRRRRRRT!
Their combined fire struck the same section of armor, ripping it apart.
Anis and Eugen fired in tandem.
WHOOSH!
Anis's missile streaked forward.
BOOM! BOOM!
Eugen's naval shells followed, striking almost simultaneously with the missile.
Hipper maneuvered sharply across the water while Nayuta continued firing from her rigging.
"Hold on!"
"This one is holding!"
BRRRRRRRRT!
Hipper's Twin Shield intercepted incoming fire as she repositioned, allowing Nayuta to maintain her barrage.
From another angle, Avrora and the second Nayuta attacked together.
Avrora's rigging thundered as her guns fired.
BOOM! BOOM!
The second Nayuta poured continuous fire into Behemoth's exposed defenses.
The Rapture vessel was being attacked from every direction.
Naval artillery.
Nikke weaponry.
Missiles.
Pulse fire.
Every available weapon was focused on Behemoth's remaining defenses.
Its armor began to crack.
Turrets exploded.
Sections of its massive hull were torn open.
Yet the enormous Rapture vessel continued advancing.
Yuuki watched the damage indicators across his visor.
"Keep firing!"
The order echoed across the battlefield.
"Don't let up!"
The entire formation answered with another deafening barrage.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
BRRRRRRRRT!
WHOOSH!
The battlefield became a storm of fire.
And Behemoth was caught directly in the middle of it.
The massive Rapture vessel suddenly shifted its attention toward the sky.
Its central cannon rotated upward.
The weapon locked onto the AC-130.
"Warning! Target locked!"
Yorktown's eyes widened as the targeting warning flashed across her interface.
"Launching countermeasures!"
The AC-130 immediately deployed its defensive systems.
FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!
Flares burst from the aircraft, scattering across the sky in a brilliant cloud.
Behemoth's targeting system struggled to distinguish the real aircraft from the decoys.
"Target lost."
The massive cannon hesitated.
That was all the opening the Shipgirls needed.
"Fire!"
Wales shouted.
The Shipgirls unleashed a concentrated salvo.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Shells slammed into the Rapture vessel's weapon assembly.
The impacts rocked the enormous cannon, forcing it off target.
The pink beam fired.
VZZZZZAAAAAM!
The enormous laser swept across the sky—
But missed the AC-130 entirely.
The beam passed harmlessly into the distance.
Below, Yuuki and Yuu accelerated closer.
Their repulsors ignited.
"Let's finish this!"
"Right!"
They dove toward Behemoth's exposed weapon systems.
Yuuki raised both arms.
His repulsor cannons fired.
FWOOOM!
The blasts struck an exposed missile launcher.
KABOOM!
The launcher exploded.
Yuu accelerated past another section of the hull, scanning rapidly.
"There!"
She pointed toward the central weapon.
"Main gun core exposed!"
Yuuki immediately looked toward it.
"I see it!"
The central cannon's armor had been stripped away by the combined assault.
Its core was now completely exposed.
Yuuki steadied himself in midair.
Both repulsors charged.
"Eat this!"
FWOOOM!
The concentrated blast slammed directly into the cannon.
The final layer of armor shattered.
Fragments of metal flew outward as the weapon's internal mechanisms were exposed.
Behemoth's voice suddenly became furious.
"No!"
The central weapon flickered.
Its brilliant pink glow weakened.
Once.
Twice.
Then—
Click.
The enormous cannon went completely dark.
Yuuki stopped in midair.
His suit began to charge.
"Yuu."
"Hai."
The two positioned themselves directly in front of the damaged Rapture vessel.
Energy began building throughout Yuuki's suit.
His systems climbed rapidly toward maximum output.
"Initiate XTOM Superweapon Protocol!"
"Power rising."
Yuu raised her weapon alongside him.
"Let's finish it."
The two weapons synchronized.
Energy surged around them.
Circular rings of power formed around their bodies as their weapons reached full charge.
Yuuki's suit opened its energy systems.
Yuu's weapon synchronized with his.
Then—
They fired.
A brilliant pink-red beam erupted from both weapons.
FWOOOOOOOOOOOM!
The twin XTOM Uni-Beams pierced directly through the manta-shaped Rapture vessel.
The beams tore through its outer armor.
Straight through the central hull.
Through the main body.
And directly into its core.
For one brief moment, everything seemed to stop.
Then—
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
The entire vessel shook violently.
A massive explosion erupted from within Behemoth as its core was overwhelmed by the combined superweapon.
Neon's eyes widened.
"WOW! That's firepower!"
Nimi sighed.
"Of course you'd say that."
"Yeah!"
Anis and Eugen shouted together.
"THAT WAS AWESOME!"
Wales lowered her cannons.
Behind her, Rapi smiled in victory.
Avrora nudged Hipper.
Hipper looked back at her.
Both Nayutas smiled as they watched the enormous Rapture vessel collapse.
"Verily…"
One Nayuta nodded.
"That was most impressive."
Back aboard the Daedalus, the fleet erupted into cheers.
Shipgirls and Nikkes shouted in celebration as they watched Behemoth's massive form begin to break apart.
Above the battlefield, Yorktown lowered her weapon controls.
"Hold fire!"
Akagi and Kaga ceased their attacks.
Enterprise stopped firing as well.
Kaguya followed, her weapons falling silent.
The AC-130's guns also stopped.
For the first time since the battle began, the battlefield was quiet.
The enormous Rapture vessel was no longer attacking.
Its weapons were silent.
Its core had been destroyed.
And the combined fleet had won.
Behemoth's voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Damn you…"
The Rapture ship's systems began collapsing one after another.
"Damn you, Yukihira Yuuki!"
Its remaining weapons powered down.
"You won't see the last of us!"
The massive vessel lost power.
Its defenses went completely offline.
Yuuki watched it carefully, keeping his weapons trained on the disabled Rapture.
"Is it dead?"
Yuu scanned the vessel.
"Not destroyed."
She studied the readings for another moment.
"But its systems are down."
Yuuki nodded.
"That's enough."
Behind them, the Orca EX approached.
"Extraction aircraft arriving," Jarvis announced.
The Orca EX descended toward the sea, its landing systems deploying as it came in low over the water.
"Everyone, aboard!"
The Shipgirls and Nikkes immediately began returning to the aircraft.
Wales guided her sisters aboard.
Nimi helped Neon secure herself.
Eugen and Anis climbed in together.
Hipper and Nayuta followed.
Avrora and the second Nayuta boarded next.
Rapi entered alongside the others.
Yuuki and Yuu flew back toward the aircraft.
Behind them, the disabled manta-shaped Rapture vessel remained drifting in the sea.
For once, Behemoth had no weapons left to fire.
The Orca EX lifted from the water.
"Extraction complete," Jarvis announced.
The aircraft accelerated away.
Yuuki looked back at the distant battlefield.
The Rapture base was already fading into the distance.
The massive manta-shaped vessel remained disabled behind them.
And everyone they had come to rescue was alive.
Yuu smiled beside him.
"Everyone made it."
Yuuki nodded.
"Then let's go home."
The Orca EX accelerated toward the horizon.
Behind them, the AC-130 finally disengaged from the battlefield.
"All weapons secured," Jarvis announced.
One by one, the 30mm Vulcans, 40mm Bofors cannons, 150mm cannons, and rocket systems retracted into the aircraft's armored hull.
The enormous gunship banked toward the distant silhouette of the Daedalus.
Behind it, the ten Skull Squadron Mark IV Firehawks regrouped into formation.
Moments later, the Orca EX joined them, flying alongside the massive AC-130.
The formation continued toward home.
Behind them, the smoke from the battlefield slowly disappeared over the horizon.
The battle was finally over.
And the rescued Shipgirls were coming home.
==========================
Inside the command room, the remaining Shipgirls and Nikkes erupted into cheers.
"Mission accomplished!"
Yorktown smiled as she announced it.
The rescue operation had succeeded.
The prisoners were recovered.
The Rapture carrier had been destroyed.
And everyone was coming home.
Enterprise leaned back with a satisfied smile.
"Honestly..."
"That was much fun."
Yorktown looked at her.
"I'll say, Enty."
She glanced toward the tactical display showing the returning formation.
"I wouldn't mind supporting from afar again."
Then her expression became more thoughtful.
"But seeing Wales lead the Shipgirl-Nikke formation..."
She smiled.
"I'll be on the front next time."
Enterprise nodded.
"Agreed."
Akagi raised her hand.
"Akagi wants to use the LTM next time!"
She imagined the possibilities.
"Just imagine how many pests Akagi could take out!"
Kaga immediately looked at her sister.
"People are not pests, Nee-sama."
"Raptures are."
"That's different."
Akagi giggled.
"Ufufufu..."
Kaguya floated nearby, looking thoroughly pleased.
"Thou certainly can shoot well, Hana-chan."
Yorktown looked at her.
"I won't mind having thee support me next time."
Kaguya smiled.
"It was rather fun, this wife admits."
Yorktown nodded.
"It was."
She glanced toward the returning aircraft.
"But I can't wait for the Commander to come back."
Kaguya's smile became mischievous.
"Missing thy beloved already?"
Yorktown looked away.
"Of course."
Belfast quietly approached.
"Well..."
She smiled.
"Would you like to claim your hug?"
Yorktown immediately understood.
"Of course, Bel."
She placed a hand over her chest with a proud smile.
"I am his first Shipgirl, after all."
Belfast raised an eyebrow.
"And I am his first maid."
Illustrious calmly joined the conversation.
"Light Carrier."
Akagi immediately added:
"Foxes!"
Kaguya lifted a finger.
"Arcane."
Yorktown stared at everyone.
"..."
More voices began joining in.
"His little sister!" Unicorn grins.
"His accountant, nyaa!" Akashi raised her paw.
Yorktown sighed.
"Okay..."
She raised both hands.
"Okay."
"Everyone is first at something for him."
The command room burst into laughter.
Even Belfast couldn't help smiling.
For all their teasing, there was something comforting about it.
Everyone had their own place beside their Commander.
And as the Daedalus grew larger in the distance, the returning fleet continued home together.
The rescue mission was over.
=====
Yuuki and Yuu landed on the rear hatch of the Orca EX.
The moment their boots touched the deck, the repulsors on their powered armor disengaged. The helmets retracted, revealing their faces.
The rescued Shipgirls and Nikkes had already been brought back to full physical condition.
Vestal, Mary, and Pepper had worked tirelessly throughout the journey, treating injuries, restoring damaged bodies, and ensuring that everyone was stable.
Still, the doctors had been clear.
They were healed.
But they were not ready to throw themselves back into battle.
Once they returned to the Daedalus, every rescued Shipgirl and Nikke would need proper rest.
Anson, however, seemed to have forgotten the concept of rest entirely.
She immediately ran toward Wales.
"Wow, you're kind of badass, sis!"
Wales blinked before smiling.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Anson stopped in front of her, grinning.
"I have to admit, I'm kind of jealous that I couldn't join you."
Georgina approached more slowly.
Her eyes remained fixed on Wales.
"Back then, you were the first among us to perish."
Her voice softened.
"As the eldest among us, it was hard to watch."
She looked at her younger sister for a long moment.
"And yet..."
A faint smile appeared.
"Seeing you alive once more after fifteen years..."
She shook her head.
"It's as if you simply refused to die."
Wales gave a small laugh.
"I suppose I did."
Georgina's expression became warmer.
"And now, you lead a formation of Shipgirls and Nikkes to protect us."
Wales looked down for a moment.
"Sis..."
Her voice became quieter.
"It was hard staying still for fifteen years."
She looked toward the others.
"Imagine having your mind awake while everything around you just feels empty."
She paused.
"I wasn't alone, though."
Her gaze moved toward Sandy, Eldridge, and Nimi. As if they are in front of her.
"Sandy, Eldridge, and Nimi were with me."
"And the other dead Shipgirls as well."
Wales took a slow breath.
"I owe it to the Commander for saving us."
Footsteps approached from behind.
Yuuki and Yuu had finished removing their helmets.
For the first time, the rescued Shipgirls and Nikkes could properly see the man who had been fighting beside them.
Back then, there had been no time for introductions.
Everything had happened too quickly.
Now, however, Yuuki stood before them without his helmet.
They could finally see his face.
And he could finally see theirs.
Eugen immediately took advantage of the moment.
She slipped behind Yuuki and wrapped her arms around him.
"Took you a while, teddy bear."
Yuuki sighed.
"Yeah."
He glanced back toward the battlefield they had left behind.
"That thing was something."
He shook his head.
"A pink, wavy laser?"
He sighed.
"Shame we couldn't get blueprints from it."
Yuu smiled.
"Indeed. Those Raptures sure are something else."
She looked toward the horizon.
"I believe we'll see that ship again one day."
Yuuki's expression became thoughtful.
"I'll chronoshift it one day."
Eugen stared at him for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"I knew you'd say that."
Duke of York approached next.
Her eyes examined Yuuki with open curiosity.
"Oh, thou surely looked handsome under that helmet."
She smiled.
"Thou art the one who rescued my sister?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Yes."
He looked toward Wales.
"We obtained data from the headquarters."
His expression became more serious.
"And we used that information to rescue Sandy, Eldridge, Wales and Nimi."
He paused.
"We also obtained the blueprints necessary to resurrect your dead comrades."
He then looked toward the gathered Shipgirls and Nikkes.
"Since we never had the chance to properly introduce ourselves back there..."
Yuuki offered a small smile.
"I'll reintroduce myself."
He stood straight.
"I am Yukihira Yuuki."
"High Commander of the Global Defense Initiative."
The rescued Shipgirls and Nikkes listened quietly.
Yuuki continued.
"I'm not from any faction or empire."
"Not even from Azur Lane or the Ark."
He gestured toward the enormous aircraft around them and the distant silhouette of the Daedalus.
"I'm part of an organization from another world."
"I think you girls are already familiar with that fact by now."
Georgina raised an eyebrow.
"Another world..."
She glanced toward Wales.
Then toward Yuuki.
"This is intriguing."
Yuuki remained silent, allowing her to process it.
Georgina eventually looked back at him.
"If Wales became this strong under your command..."
Her expression softened.
"And she trusts you this much."
She glanced at her sisters.
"We have no reason not to trust you."
A faint smile appeared.
"Especially after seeing familiar faces like Eugen, Hipper, Nimi, Vestal, Wales, and Avrora."
She folded her arms.
"They have already told us what we need to know about you."
Wales smiled quietly.
Yuuki looked at the group.
Yuuki looked toward the gathered Shipgirls and Nikkes.
"Well..."
He gestured toward the woman standing beside him.
"This is my faction's head doctor, Kirino Yuu."
Yuu gave them a polite smile.
"A pleasure."
Several of the rescued Shipgirls looked toward her with curiosity.
She is quite a beauty.
Yuuki, however, couldn't resist.
"Just don't piss her off if you don't want your brain to end up on the table."
Yuu immediately pinched his side.
"Ow!"
She smiled sweetly.
"Cheeky, aren't we?"
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"Maybe I should have your brain on the table instead."
Yuuki immediately straightened.
"No, ma'am."
He sighed.
"Understood."
A few of the Shipgirls couldn't help but smile at the exchange.
Ludmilla, meanwhile, looked beyond Yuuki and Yuu toward the group accompanying them.
Her eyes settled on Rapi, Anis, Neon, Mary, Pepper and even the legendary pioneer Nikke - Nayuta.
"You even have our Counter squad and Seraphim comrades."
She then noticed Nayuta.
"Even Nayuta of the Pioneer."
Ludmilla folded her arms, clearly impressed.
"This is quite a team you've assembled, Commander."
Yuuki shrugged.
"Well, I found them alongside the maid Nikkes."
Neon immediately raised both fists.
"Yeah! We finally joined the GDI badass squad!"
Bonk.
Nimi's fist landed squarely on Neon's head.
"Be quiet."
Neon grabbed her head dramatically.
"Commander!"
She pointed accusingly at Nimi.
"Nimi's a bully!"
Nimi sighed.
"You're impossible."
Yuuki simply stared at the two of them.
He had already learned that some things apparently never changed.
Behind them, Bismarck watched the exchange quietly.
Her stern expression softened.
She looked at Yuuki.
"Still..."
Her voice carried genuine gratitude.
"We are grateful."
Tirpitz nodded beside her.
The other rescued Shipgirls remained quiet, but their expressions said much the same.
Yuuki's eyes slowly moved across the group.
They had not formally introduced themselves yet.
He already knew their names, of course. The mission data, medical records, and information gathered from their rescue had already given him their identities.
Still, introductions were important.
These weren't merely names on a tactical display anymore.
They were people standing in front of him.
His eyes first settled on the Iron Blood sisters.
Bismarck.
Tirpitz.
Then the two who had fought alongside Avrora's group in the past.
Pallada.
Diana.
His gaze moved toward the energetic battleship who had just been praising Wales.
Anson.
Then to her sisters.
Howe.
George or Georgina
And finally, the woman who had been watching everything with a mixture of curiosity and quiet pride.
Duke of York.
Eight Shipgirls.
Then his attention shifted toward the two Kancolle allies.
Kashima.
Katori.
And finally, the Northern Nikkes.
Ludmilla.
Tove.
Neve.
Alice.
Fourteen new allies.
Whether they realized it yet or not, they had become part of the ever-growing circle surrounding the Global Defense Initiative.
He was about to speak.
"Since we're all finally properly introduced—"
A sharp tone suddenly sounded from his communicator.
BEEP. BEEP.
Yuuki stopped.
Everyone looked toward him.
Yuu glanced at the device.
"Commander?"
Yuuki reached for the communicator.
"Hold that thought."
He activated the incoming transmission.
"Talk to me, Hana."
A voice came through the channel.
Yuuki's expression immediately changed.