Chapter 17: Operation Pancakes – 3rd Part

Kumano just recently went out of the washroom. Her face is a bit drench, she washed her face just to unwind her feelings. Kumano still has not yet have the confidence; she continues to doubt herself if she could ever be able to return to service. As she approached her friends who are waiting for her, she hears another argument between Johnston and Suzuya.

"So, do you plan quitting on her after all of that we've done?" Suzuya raised her voice.

"No, it's not like that… I wanted to help her but I also wanted what can be the best for her, if she thinks quitting this godforsaken war would be a good idea then I won't stop her."

"I don't want that to hear from you ever again."

"I see… I'm really sorry Miss Suzuya…"

Then there was another moment of silence between the two, Kumano just remained listening on their conversation.

"No… I should be the one to apologize… I just don't want to be separated from Kumano; she means everything to me… I couldn't just imagine not being at her side, without her I'm helpless…" Suzuya sounds a bit remorseful.

Kumano realizes the burden she is causing to Suzuya. Suzuya was also a very dear friend to her and she does not want to see her friend suffer. Kumano realizes that Suzuya is always the one that acts like a child, Suzuya always depends on her most of the time, and she always seek her advice before acting. She was the happiest whenever she is with Kumano. Kumano blames herself how weak she was when Suzuya needed her the most.

Kumano had enough with their conversation, if she really wanted to find her resolve for being a Kanmusu, she must seek for it on her own. She does not want to burden Johnston and Suzuya anymore so she left the two girls without letting them noticing her. She promises to herself that she will return to the naval base once she finally found her reason to fight and so that she can become Suzuya's most dependable friend once again.

"Forgive me, Suzuya-san…"


Back at the presence, Johnston and Suzuya were already on their search for Kumano to bring her back to the naval base. They steam above water at 28 knots, Ryuujou's planes scouts the area for any trace of Kumano while the two girls try to look for the cruiser through the horizon.

"Hey Johnston..." Suzuya calls Johnston while they were looking for Kumano. "… you're still aren't allowed to sortie but you decided to help me look for Kumano… you'll be getting yourself into trouble you know."

"Miss Kumano eased the fear that I felt from the incident… and as you have said before I'm the one that caused this mess so I'm just trying to make for my mistakes." Johnston smiles at the cruiser while looking at various directions.

"And besides… I'm just doing what I know what is right." Johnston said it calmly.

"Is that so… you ain't that bad as I thought you were…"

"Um well, I know you're just being overly protective towards Miss Kumano."

"Probably so… anyway… I'm sorry if I sprayed water at you during the fleet maneuvers."

"Um… … I do feel bad for calling you dumbass and a slutty teenager."

The two remained silent for a brief moment.

"Miss Suzuya… perhaps after this… could we start over as friends?" Johnston seems a bit embarrass also.

"Y-yeah… I think that would be good." Suzuya seems shy about it.

Then while they were cruising, Johnston sense a familiar signal from her radar. The signal was like when she was inside the semi-submersible ship. The destroyer knows one thing that can release this kind of signal, something that only attract an American radar.

Suzuya notices Johnston sudden change of mood, "um Johnston… is everything okay?"

Johnston turns her head frantically at Suzuya, "Miss Suzuya, contact Miss Ryuujou immediately… I hope I'm wrong in this one." the American destroyer sounds nervous.

Suzuya try to contact Ryuujou but it seems that her communication device couldn't reach the light carrier. "Johnston, it seems that I cannot contact Ryuujou-san, do you know something about this?"

"Tsk… this is absolutely bad, the Abyssals are deploying the device again and they will use it to assault the naval base!" Johnston warns the cruiser.

"What do you mean Johnston, what device?"

"It was the same thing that they use to burn Ominato, this information should be classified but during Operation SO, we were assigned to retrieve a device that can disrupt signals from the enemy, it was also where we encountered the Battleship Symbiotic Hime." Johnston confesses.

"Our radio signals are disrupted, there is no way we can contact the people back in the naval base, the only thing we can do is to find this device and take it from the enemy."

"Miss Suzuya, let's change course… we should look for the device first."

"B-but we need to find Kumano-chan first-"

"This is a very serious matter Miss Suzuya, if we don't act now, not only Miss Kumano, but everyone's lives will be at peril, they will destroy the naval base."

Suzuya could see Johnston's expressions was very tense, the young destroyer is very serious regarding this matter. "I see… very well then let's take care of this device first then we look for Kumano-chan." Suzuya agrees to Johnston.

"Like I said this device reacts on American radar so can pinpoint its location, just follow my lead." Johnston changes her route and turn north Suzuya follows the American destroyer.


Meanwhile Kumano is steaming northward away from the naval base, she holds on her turret tightly but it cannot stop her hands from shaking, her eyes looks anxious as she looks for an enemy. She thought if she can fight a Shinkaisei-kan on her own perhaps she can finally find her resolve. As she steams above water at 26 knots, the cruiser felt that something is not right.

"Why do I have this feeling that there is something wrong…?" Kumano talks to herself.

Kumano decided to stop for the meantime, she uses her binoculars to scout her surroundings. Then probably about less than two hundred yards from her position she spotted a Yo-class submarine, wadding from the waters, the enemy submarine was holding some kind of attaché case with her. The submarine seems alone so Kumano decided to stalk at the enemy and see where she is heading to.

"What does a lone enemy submarine is doing in this area?"

Kumano is not equipped for anti-submarine warfare and even if she has the proper equipment, she could not be able to utilize it properly due to her condition. The cruiser decided to distance herself from the submarine so that she could avoid confrontation though she is still quite curious about the destination of the enemy vessel so she decided to follow it from a distance.


Meanwhile within Area A, the expeditionary force Nagato send to investigate has finally arrive in the area. The expeditionary force was composed of Yuugumo, Makigumo, Naganami and Takanami. The whole Area A was covered by some sort of thick fog which make visibility unclear. The group move cautiously in the area anticipating enemy ambush.

"No good… it seems that we cannot communicate back to the naval base." Yuugumo declares.

"So, we are on our own now." Naganami response while keeping an eye on her surroundings.

"You could say that." Yuugumo replies.

"Yuugumo-neesan… this is scary." Makigumo seems afraid while holding her turret tightly.

"Men I really do hate fogs..." Naganami seems irritated. "Well at least this is better than carrying drum canisters all day." the destroyer added.

"Move cautiously, the enemy is expecting us to lower our guard." Yuugumo warned her teammates. "… also try not to lose sight of one another." she added.

"Understood." Naganami response.


Meanwhile back at the naval base, every personnel are preparing for the worse now that they cannot able to use their radio to communicate to one another from the distance. Coastal defenses and anti-air batteries are manned and ready, the defense unit are already armed with their rifles, and the watchtowers were manned while monitoring the horizon. There are also people assigned to monitor the situation in Area A from a distance, the dense fog in the area was spreading, it makes more difficult to observe the condition of the area. Kanmusus assigned for coastal defense were already deployed in the main docks and anticipating for an attack from the Shinkaisei-kan any time though there weren't any larger type ships a few destroyers and coastal defense ships were assigned for the defense.

Inside the main command building, the Admiral, Nagato, Akashi and every important people in the naval base are inside the command room which is a very spacious room located at the first floor of the main building, the room is used for major operations such as launching a combined assault with other naval bases or if there is a cause of a major Shinkaisei-kan assault is going to happen. There are several apparatus and machineries used for monitoring the condition of the operation but all of these are now useless for an unknown reason. The base technicians are trying to find the cause of the mysterious breakdown and try to do something to restore their communication line but they are not making any progress. The Admiral is discussing with several personnel speculating about their current situation.

The Admiral tries to use the telephone inside the room but it the device was start producing strange sounds so it was useless for communicating, "No good… even the phones are out of service, we cannot call other naval bases to inform about our current situation." The Admiral looks anxious.

"Yes, I also couldn't able to communicate with other Kanmusus." Nagato reported.

The Admiral looks at Akashi, "Akashi-san, do you have any idea what's happening around?" he asked the arsenal ship.

"It appears that the Shinkaisei-kan somehow found a way to disrupt communication lines, though I don't have the slightest idea how they are doing it." Akashi response.

"That is indeed a big problem for us… without our communication lines, we won't be able to coordinate our commands throughout the field." The Admiral explains.

"Then allow me to deal with the enemy Admiral, we need to find as soon as possible what is causing this mess." Nagato suggested to the Admiral.

"Wait a minute guys, I have a very important thing to say regardin' this matter." said by a familiar voice.

Nagato, Akashi and the Admiral turn their heads at the voice and see Ryuujou, the light carrier just recently arrive inside the command office and already approaching them.

"Do you know about this Ryuujou-san?" the Admiral asks.

"Yes, this is probably the same tactics the enemy used in the attack in Ominato… but before that, maybe we should talk about this in a private place if you won't mind." Ryuujou asks while seeing the people around the room.

"I see very well then let's proceed to my office to talk about this matter." The Admiral agrees.

"Also, it would be better if Nagato-san and Akashi-san can join us." Ryuujou suggested.

"I agree." said Nagato.

"Me as well, this might be something interesting." Akashi grins at them.

The admiral sighs at the two girls, though the Admiral is required to take in charge inside the command center, he decided to leave the room for a while since they have no choice but to listen about Ryuujou is about to say especially that they do not have any idea what could be the cause of their current situation.


Meanwhile back at Kumano's search party group, Ryuujou's plane decided to withdraw from the search for meantime since probably it is not safe to fly around without proper communication from their carrier. The two girls steam at high speed for about 29 knots so that they could immediately dispatch their target. They move in a single line horizontal formation where Johnston takes the lead followed by Suzuya. Since Johnston cannot use her radar to detect inbound enemies, she just relies on her eyesight.

"Johnston… are you sure about this?" Suzuya asks while they are steaming.

Johnston puts her hand above her forehead and scans the area, "of course, this mission had almost us killed so I won't fail it this time." The destroyer answered.

Then moments later, Johnston detected an enemy fleet probably less than a hundred yards away port from their position steaming westward. Though the destroyer could not see the composition of the fleet clearly. The enemy fleet could have already detected the two girls by now based from their distance but they are just ignoring the Kanmusus.

"That's weird, it seems that the enemy isn't aware of us." Johnston pondered, then she looks at Suzuya, "Miss Suzuya, aim your cannons at port for about 60 yards." The destroyer told Suzuya.

Suzuya takes Johnston suggestion, the cruiser aims her gun at port. She adjusted the angle so her shots will land for about 60 yards as the young destroyer suggested. Suzuya unleashes a volley of eight-inch shells, her shot whistles through the air and successfully landed at one of the enemy vessels. The cruiser successfully sank a Ho-class light cruiser and she also scored several near misses from the surrounding enemies.

The enemy fleet detected the two girls. Johnston could clearly see aside to the Ho-class that sank, it is accompanied by two Ro-class destroyers and one I-class destroyer. The destroyers hissed at Johnston, one of the Ro-class destroyer dives within the water and charges the approaching American destroyer.

"Miss Suzuya, provide support fire for me… I'll take care of them." Johnston commanded.

Johnston increase her speed and brings out her combat knife. Suzuya provided fire cover for Johnston and suppresses the remaining destroyers, the destroyers returned fire at Suzuya but the cruiser manage to dodge the incoming shells. The Ro-class destroyer that charging Johnston resurface and start shooting at the American destroyer. Johnston evaded the incoming attacks and fires her own weapon, Johnston scored several hits at the monster because of its sluggish movements. The monster dives to the water again, Johnston could see the shadow of the monster beneath the water as it moves closer to her.

Johnston decreases her speed; she quickly turns her body before the monster could able to tackle her. Then Johnston unleashes a powerful slice from her knife and cause a huge cut on the monster. Then when the enemy destroyer hits the water, Johnston finish it off with her gun.

Then Johnston sensed another destroyer approaching her position. This time it was an I-class, the American destroyer pulls back and dodges the incoming tackle, the destroyer quickly dives in the water. The monster resurfaces again and attacks Johnston but the American destroyer parries the incoming attack with her knife. The monster staggers from the impact then Johnston grabs her gun and fires a volley at the destroyer. Johnston scores a direct hit, then another volley ravages the monster's body coming from Suzuya. Suzuya also took out one of the destroyers during the battle.

"Thanks, Miss Suzuya." Johnston smiles at the cruiser.

"Don't mention it, but first we should locate this device you are saying… it looks like these monsters also couldn't see us unless we initiate an attack… it's either they see us or we see them." Suzuya notices.

"Yes, the device must be close but we should also be aware for enemy ambush."

"Yes, we should avoid pointless fights as much as possible, also let me watch your back… I just hope they won't see Kumano-chan."

"We just have to take this device first from the enemy, let's just hope Miss Kumano will be safe."

Suzuya agrees to Johnston, then the two began to move. Johnston again takes the lead but she become extra cautious now that enemy fleets are appearing out of nowhere while Suzuya watch their rear as they move if ever an enemy fleet has detected them.


Meanwhile back in the naval base, Ryuujou is already inside the Admiral's office to share her knowledge about the current situation. The Admiral and Nagato were very anxious about the current situation since this probably the first time they experienced this kind of scenario, while Akashi decided to stay because she found this information rather interesting.

"Admiral-san, the recent communication line disruption was caused by a certain device made by the American Navy, I learned this information during our operation in Ominato… this device has some kind of technology that can disrupt radio signals in a large-scale area." Ryuujou explains.

"Is that so and you're trying to tell us that the Shinkaisei-kan might be using the device so that they could launch an attack here in Yokosuka just like they did in Ominato." The Admiral response.

"It seems so… Ominato was already located strategically within the Bay of Mutsu but the Shinkaisei-kan still manage to pull out a surprise attack which caused a very extensive damage, they could have probably done it with this device."

"So, the enemy decided to take the fight to us." said Nagato while having her usual serious face.

"It appears that the enemy is very eager to recover the areas they have lost huh." Akashi shares her thoughts.

"The only chance that we can restore our communication back is to locate this device before the enemy begin their assault, is that what you are trying to suggest." said the Admiral.

"Then how are we going to locate this device now that we couldn't even use our radar to detect our own units." Akashi looks at Ryuujou with doubts.

Ryuujou smiles at them, "Not to worry, there is a flaw on it… it reacts to an American Radar so if someone who is equipped with the proper radar could be able to pinpoint the location of this device." the light carrier answered.

"An American radar…" then Akashi remembered something, "wait a minute, Johnston-chan is originally from American so she has an American Radar with her right, she could able to point out the location of the device for us Admiral." the arsenal ship exclaims.

"Um well about that… the shrimp already steamed away with Suzuya-san just to look for Kumano-san." Ryuujou reports, she sounds a bit guilty.

Nagato shakes her head, "she is still forbidden to sortie, I should lecture her once she returns." the battleship shows her disdain.

"Knowing the shrimp, she must be pursuing the device on her own already." Ryuujou answers.

"Well that kinda have me worried there." said the Admiral.

"But don't worry Admiral-san, I have this…" Ryuujou shows an equipment card, it was the replica of the American Radar she requested in Ominato, "… with this we can still be able to locate the device the enemy is usin' against us… the only thing is that if someone can able to equip the device, I'm still not in a good shape to fight." Ryuujou answered honestly.

Nagato approaches Ryuujou, the battleship puts her hand under her chin and observe the equipment card, "hmm… it seems that I may able to use this one." the battleship answered.

"Well that's great Nagato-san… then I order you to find this device before the enemy launches their assault on us, also you should take a few Kanmusus with you to help you on your search." the Admiral commanded Nagato.

"Understood Admiral." The battleship nods at the Admiral, Ryuujou gives the equipment card to Nagato before leaving the office and headed to the docks.

The Admiral leans at his chair and sighs roughly, "why does the Americans decided to invent such troublesome thing." he complained.

"Someone told me that Americans are longed for an end of this war, it was probably the same reason their people invented the atomic bomb." Ryuujou answers.

"Nagato-san will be very upset if she hears that." Akashi commented.

"I can only think how careless those people are… they invent some sort of shady device and if things get pretty messy, we're the ones who is in charge with the clean-up."

"I also just don't understand how did the Shinkaisei-kan learned such weapon like this exists and they are using it against us."

"I can only think is that someone could have been leakin' some classified information from them, but hey who knows." Ryuujou shrugs.


Meanwhile back to Area A. The expeditionary force is still looking their way inside the thick fog in the area. With their communication lines still being jammed they try to close at each other so that they won't be separated. The fog is getting thicker and the visibility of the surrounding is becoming more uncertain that even finding a way out within the area can be difficult.

"We still can't contact the naval base, this really had me worried." Yuugumo tries to contact the naval base she can only hear strange sounds while she makes her call.

"This is getting troublesome… we are as good as blind here." Naganami commented while scanning the surrounding.

While Takanami is scanning the surrounding she could feel the water was rippling northeast of their position. She closes her eyes and try to listen to her surrounding, she could hear breathing sounds from the same position she felt the ripple.

Takanami tugs Yuugumo's sleeve, "Yuugumo-neesan, I can feel the strange ripples from the water… m-maybe there is someone with us, it's probably located northeast from our position." she reported to her sister.

"I see, everyone should stay quiet." Yuugumo ordered them.

"Hmm… well there's only one way to found out if these ones are friendly." Naganami pulls out a chunk of bauxite from her pocket.

Makigumo saw the item Naganami holds, "Naganami-chan, what are you going to do with that?"

Naganami grins, "just see… Takanami-chan, where did you hear the sound?" she asks Takanami.

"Um… around forty-five degrees base to the position I'm facing... m-maybe" Takanami replies.

"I see alright…" then Naganami throws the chunk of bauxite to the position Takanami suggested.

Yuugumo and Makigumo are not amused regarding Naganami's impulsive action, it was rather a waste of precious resources while Takanami becomes more worried. A few seconds later, the destroyers start familiar furious growling sounds and it seems that they aren't the friendly ones.

"Heh… as expected, these aren't friendly ones." Naganami prepares her guns, the three girls follow the same.

Then all of a sudden, a Ro-class appears through the mist, Makigumo and Takanami immediately fire their guns and sink the monster to the bottom of the ocean.

"Naganami-neesan, there are also enemies beneath you." Takanami inform Naganami about it.

Naganami detected the shadow beneath the waters then she aims her gun at it. A Ni-class destroyer resurface from the waters but Naganami evades the incoming attack then the Japanese destroyer aims her guns and blasted the enemy, Yuugumo and Makigumo also made their shots and successfully sunk the Shinkaisei-kan.

"Yuugumo-neesan, there's another one approaching at your position, behind you." Takanami warns Yuugumo.

Yuugumo sees the shadow beneath her, she decided to move away and take aim. Another destroyer resurfaces and this time it was an I-class, Yuugumo fires her own gun, she struck her target's vital spot and took down the enemy by one hit. After the assault, Takanami notice a small flash from a distance and hears a soft boom.

"Yuugumo-neesan, we should move quickly… the enemy is firing in our position." Takanami reported.

Then suddenly, the girls receive suppression fire out of nowhere. The girls take cover to avoid being hit. The assault scored near misses which somehow damage their riggings and sullied their clothes.

"We should get out of here immediately!" Naganami hollers.

"Everyone! disperse, take cover from the fire!" Yuugumo commanded them. The girls follow and began moving on different direction to avoid getting hit.


Meanwhile back at Johnston's part. The two girls are still on pursuit to the location of the device that appears to be moving. The two girls continue to move cautiously to avoid unnecessary enemy confrontation. Johnston still leads the way while Suzuya watches from behind.

"Hey Johnston, I've been thinking lately… the fleet that we encountered earlier wasn't aware of our position, could it be that this device you're talking also disrupting their own communication line as well." Suzuya theorized.

"If that's the case, they probably more focus on launching the assault than engaging combats."

"Yes, but we should still be aware of their movements, probably hindering some of their advancing fleets could actually give us some time." Suzuya suggested.

"Probably but I won't wait until their main fleet arrives… we still have to look for Miss Kumano after this."

"How far are we from the device anyway?"

"Less than two hundred yards away, the device seems also on the move probably eastward but its movement is rather slow, we could probably catch up a few moments."

"I see… better prepare for this one, I don't think these guys will just hand us over the device without a fight." Suzuya suggested.

"Don't worry, I'm already prepare for the worse." Johnston grins.

"Well what else can be worse than you?" Suzuya commented.

"I'm one of a kind."

While the two girls are cruising above the water, sees something moves beneath the water. Johnston immediately unsheathes her blade before a Ni-class destroyer resurface from the water. Johnston quickly blocks the incoming attack that have her stagger for several meters.

Suzuya scans her surrounding and sees two enemy fleets approaching at their position. Suzuya prepare her guns and aims at her enemies. The cruiser releases her shells and struck one Ro-class destroyer. The enemy destroyer was sunk from the blast while Johnston recently took down another enemy with her guns.

"Johnston, we have two enemy fleets approaching on our position."

"I can see that." Johnston turns around and fires her gun at one enemy cruiser from the nearest enemy fleet. Johnston scored a critical and sunk her target. Then enemy return fire Johnston and Suzuya evades the incoming attack. The enemy destroyers fire their torpedoes at Johnston and Suzuya.

"Miss Suzuya, get behind me."

Johnston fires her guns at the approaching torpedoes, her shot manages to detonate two torpedoes which erupts geysers. Johnston and Suzuya took cover from the geyser to distract their enemies. Then the two Kanmusus quickly moves and fire their respective guns against their enemies, two of them scored a direct hit. Suzuya steams forward and fires her own torpedoes at the enemies. Her torpedoes manage to struck down one enemy destroyer and disorient the enemy fleet.

Johnston closes in to the enemy, the American destroyer directed her naval guns from her superstructure then fires both of them against her enemies. Her firing skills manage to sink another destroyer. Her enemies return fires but Johnston nimble movements manage to dodge her way against the intense assault. After successfully dodging every incoming shell from the enemy, Johnston again returns fire with her two guns and scores another direct hit.

Then Johnston draws her blade. Her quick movements took down one damaged I-class destroyer in one slash then she moves to another and hacks another Ro-class with her combat knife and follows up with a point-blank shot from her turret which downed her enemy. After defeating several enemies, Suzuya approaches Johnston.

"Johnston… how are you doing?"

"I'm fine here… manage to take them out every single one of them, how's yours?"

"I'm good as well."

Then from the distance Johnston and Suzuya sees another approaching enemy fleet from the horizon. Most of them are light cruisers from various classes escorted by elite enemy destroyers.

"Can these guys let us have a break for a second?" Suzuya looks at them with disdain.

"It seems not, I guess we have to clear our way through."

Then from the distance, a powerful shell struck the enemy fleet, the powerful shots destroyed several destroyers. Then Asashimo and Kiyoshimo arrives to provide assistance.

"Asa…shimo and Kiyoshimo, I'm so glad to see you two here!" Johnston exclaims in happiness while trying to correct herself from Asashimo's name. She somehow got it right.

"Alright, Asashimo-sama is joining the battle… we will take care of this Aneki." Asashimo declares.

"You should rest now Johnston-san." Kiyoshimo declares before steaming towards the enemy fleet to intercept them.

"Johnston… you said that the device can only be detected by an American radar, how did these two found us here?" Suzuya asks.

"Johnston!" a loud serious voice hollers startles the two girls.

Johnston recognizes the voice as she slowly turns around while looking very nervous. Nagato stands proudly behind them and properly geared for battle with her sixteen-inch turrets.

"How many times you have to disobey my orders, perhaps this time I should give you the proper punishment for misbehavior." Nagato scolds Johnston for disobedience.

"Ah um… Miss Nagato, p-please forgive me... I just…"

"Tch… there's no time for that, we need to find the device that disrupting our communication as soon as possible." Nagato suggested.

Johnston is quite surprise to know that Nagato also know about the device, "Miss Nagato, you also aware of the device?" the destroyer asks.

"Yeah, Ryuujou-san informed me about it, she also gave me the equipment to find it."

"Equipment… you also have an American Radar with you?"

"Yes, and it really does pinpoint the location of the device… I can clearly see that the enemy is converging within this area, perhaps we will face stubborn resistance along the way."

"By the way Nagato-neesan, if you are here… who is guarding the base?" Suzuya asks.

"I commanded some of the Kanmusu to stay on guard, since we cannot communicate to one another, I ordered them to shoot an enemy without hesitation once they encounter them."

"I see."

"By the way, I heard that you two sortied to look for Kumano... that probably will wait, we have to take care of these guys first." Nagato ordered.

"Y-yes ma'am" the two girls salutes.

Then the two girls steam forward to meet with Asashimo and Kiyoshimo. The group is already a few hundred yards away from Area A which they could clearly see the fog spreading from the area.


Meanwhile back at Area A, Naganami got separated from the rest of her squad. Her clothes were already ragged while she took some minor bruises from the enemy fire. She holds her turret tightly anticipating for another attack from the enemy.

"Yuugumo-nee, Makigumo-nee, Takanami-chan… where are you?" Naganami tries to call her sister while inside the blinding fog though this isn't a nice idea since it might attract the enemy.

"Men… I have to find the others before one of us gets found by the enemies." Naganami worries as she scans her surroundings.

While in the fog, Naganami feels the ripples from the water below her shoes. Though she must act cautiously since she might give a friendly fire to her sisters. And since the fog was rather thick to see anything, couldn't also probably detect her position.

"W-who's there?!" Naganami hollers frantically.

"Goddamn it, where ever the fuck you are, show yourself!" the Japanese destroyer hollers raucously while maintaining cautious.

Then suddenly Naganami hears a growl coming from an enemy destroyer, perhaps the enemy must have detected her for yelling out loudly. Naganami stops her movements and put her finger in the trigger. Then a few second, an I-class destroyer jumps from her position within the fog, Naganami immediately points her gun at point blank range, the two unleashes their shots and grazes at one another. Naganami wince from the clash and took a minor wound from her left arm while the monster dives under the waters again.

Naganami stares at the ocean cautiously again and anticipates another attack then a few moments later the monster resurface again, the Japanese destroyer quickly turns around to fire a shot but all of a sudden, a torpedo appears out of nowhere and struck the attacking I-class destroyer. The torpedo critically wounded the monster.

Naganami is slightly dumbfounded from the attack as the monster squirms in agony, then a few seconds the Japanese destroyer went back to her sense and finish the enemy with her turret. After the fight, Naganami looks from the distance and sees a silhouette. Naganami points her gun frantically at the silhouette.

"N-Naganami-nee, d-don't shoot me!" Takanami panics as she reveals herself within the fog.

"T-Takanami-chan…" Naganami immediately approach Takanami and hugs the little destroyer, "t-thank god you're here!" the bigger Japanese destroyer declares in worry that tears flow from her eyes.

"N-Naganami-nee… y-you're hugging me tightly." Takanami tries to struggle from the tight hug.

"Ah eh… s-sorry Takanami-chan, I'm just worry that's all." Naganami apologizes.

"Um Naganami-nee, did you see Yuugumo-neesan and Makigumo-neesan?"

"No, haven't seen them they might as well finding their way in this thick fog."

"I see maybe we should look for them just to make sure they are safe."

Then suddenly the two girls hear an ambiguous sound of a machinery vibrating from the distance. It sounded like a roaring motor cycle or some sort.

"N-Naganami-nee, did you hear that?"

"Yes, loud and clear… a motorboat perhaps."

"Yes… the noise is coming from that direction" Takanami points her finger at their right side from their position "maybe we should check it first."

"Yeah great idea." Naganami agrees and steams toward the location of the noise.


Meanwhile back at Johnston and her party, the four girls are still fighting their way through several enemy fleet while pursuing the device. The fog coming from Area A have already reached them, causing less visibility in the place. Moments later Nagato arrives to support the girls from their fight, the battleship used her secondary turrets to strike the approaching smaller vessels. Then during the intense fight, Nagato and Johnston heard aerial engine approaching their position the two girls look above the sky and sees three approaching fleet of enemy aircraft from their position. These aircraft are bombers.

"Tch… don't underestimate a Nagato-class battleship."

Nagato turns around and fires her anti-aircraft guns against and obliterate the approaching enemy aircraft but the battleship air defenses missed three bombers. Johnston sharp instinct detected the three enemy aircrafts, she quickly moves and aims her turret at the bombers. With Johnston's rapid-fire system and dual-purpose turret, it allows the American destroyer to deliver a shot fast enough for each bomber which reduce them to ball of flames before crashing in the water. Johnston looks at Nagato trying to impress the battleship with her amazing shooting skills.

"Mk. 30 dual-purpose gun… we Fletcher-class destroyers are made for air defense after all." Johnston boasts the battleship.

But Nagato was not focused on Johnston as she was already focused on the next enemy fleet approaching them. The American Destroyer was slightly disappointed. The enemy fleet fires their guns at Nagato, the battleship stands proudly and took all the shots.

"Miss Nagato!" Johnston hollers in worry.

"Hmp… is this all you got?" Nagato asks pompously, the smokes clear but it seems Nagato was not harmed from the enemy shells that landed on her.

Nagato smug at her enemy, "do not under estimate the power of the Big-Seven." The battleship stretches her arm at her enemy.

"Fire!"

Nagato unleashes a volley from main turrets at her target. Her blast caused havoc at the approaching enemy fleet. One light cruiser and a destroyer were sunk and the rest were critically damage from the explosion.

Johnston is astounded by Nagato's power. The battleship tough armor that shrugs shells from small vessels and the power of her forty-one cm twin guns that can cause hell to her target. Johnston used to listen stories about the big seven and how battleships ruled the ocean before the might of air superiority, the Nagato was one of the proudest battleships among the seven. It was amazing sight for a kid like Johnston to witness the full might of a battleship who is belong to the so called Big Seven.

"Johnston… what are you standing around there, help me out." Nagato commanded which snaps Johnston's trance.

The destroyer aims her gun at the approaching enemy fleet and scored a direct hit at one Ni-class destroyer. The enemy fleet closed in but they were immediately repelled by Nagato's secondary turrets. During the intense fight the rest of the Kanmusus decided to converge at Nagato.

"No good Nagato-neesan, I don't think we will able to pass them… the enemy is too many." Suzuya reported, she looks a bit exhausted in the fight.

"They keep coming and coming, it's like their numbers never end." Kiyoshimo complains.

Then during their conversation, Nagato sees another incoming fleet of enemy aircraft, she immediately turns her head at the girls.

"Everyone, try to break through to their defenses… I need to stay here to keep these enemy aircraft occupied." Nagato ordered.

"But Miss Nagato, would you be alright?" Johnston worries.

"I'm the battleship Nagato, these fools won't even scratch my armor…" Nagato looks at Suzuya, "Suzuya, provide fire cover for Johnston as she breaks through and Johnston, I ordered you to locate this device and put a stop of it before something worse happen, Asashimo and Kiyoshimo will provide you cover."

Everyone replied yes at the battleship, though they couldn't help but to worry what might happen if they leave Nagato behind.

"Johnston as soon as you disable the device, contact us immediately so that I may know our communication lines has been restored."

"Ten-four ma'am, you can count on me." Johnston gives a thumbs up at the battleship.

"Alright let's proceed to our plan."

"We've wasted so much time here, proceed to your respective commands!" the battleship orders and the rest steams away.

Nagato stares at the incoming enemy aircraft, she knows that an enemy striking force might be nearby but her radars is currently useless to locate these enemies.

"So, they think you can pass me… such fools."

The woman pulls a Type-3 incendiary shell from her belt then she gives it to her fairies on her rigging. She aims her main guns at the incoming enemy fleet and fires a volley. The incendiary shot explodes in the sky and rain shrapnel at the enemies destroying everything that it may contact with. The battleship bares her fang while standing with pride as she wipes out her enemies with her anti-aircraft guns and incendiary shots.

Meanwhile Johnston, Suzuya, Asashimo and Kiyoshimo continue to break through the defense of incoming Shinkaisei-kan. Suzuya continue provide fire cover for Johnston, while the American destroyer dispatch her target with close-quarter combat. The two Japanese destroyers guard the American destroyer's rear. As they continue their breakthrough, another batch of enemy fleet is approaching. Suzuya stops for the meantime.

"Tsk… these fuckers just won't stop coming!" Asashimo hollers furiously.

"Asashimo-san, I think we should detach ourselves so we could buy some time for Johnston-san." Kiyoshimo suggested.

"Yes… I'll do everything just to help Aneki." then the Japanese destroyer sees another enemy fleet trying to intercept them. "Alright Kiyoshimo, we should take care of these guys… Aneki, you handle the rest!"

"Yes Johnston-san, you know where to find this device thingy, we could at least be help by distracting these guys." Kiyoshimo declares.

"You guys… don't worry, I won't disappoint you." Johnston looks at Suzuya, the heavy cruiser responds a nod. "But promise me that you two won't sink in this battle."

"Don't worry Aneki, I'm actually tougher than it looks." Asashimo declares.

"Yes Johnston-san, try not to sink as well." Kiyoshimo salutes at the American destroyer.

"Alright Kiyoshimo… let's increase speed!"

Kiyoshimo nods at her sister ship, the two destroyers increase their speed and attempts to intercept the incoming enemy fleet so Johnston and Suzuya could pass. The two destroyers steam side-by-side as they aim their turrets at the incoming enemy fleet. Their rain of shells somehow causes major damage, the enemy fleet return fire but their nimble movements manage to evade the incoming shells. The two destroyers engage them a point-blank range which complete wipes out the rest of the enemy. Kiyoshimo and Asashimo's proper coordination and combat experience give them the advantage against their opponents as they continue to repel incoming enemy ships.


Johnston steams towards the device together with Suzuya, the two girls arrive in an area where the fog is dense. Since they cannot communicate with their radio, this place is dangerous because of the less visibility of the surrounding. The two girls decided to move cautiously as they maneuver themselves within the dense fog. Johnston can detect that the signal is getting stronger, they are already near on their objective, the American destroyer just have to search thoroughly just like last time.

"Just look at this mess, I hope Kumano-chan is alright." Suzuya worries as they steam towards the enemy fleet.

"I guess we just have to trust Miss Kumano about this… perhaps this might be able to find the resolve she is looking for, and if that happens, she won't be separated from you." Johnston replies as she tries to cheer up Suzuya.

"I guess so, I know Kumano-chan is a strong person, even stronger than me… she might be able to find her resolve… that's why we must do our part to help her." Suzuya looks determined.

"I'm also kinda worried to Miss Nagato and the rest… would you think they'll be alright?" Johnston tells her worry to Suzuya.

"Nagato-neesan is a strong battleship, probably one of the strongest people I know so I believe she can take care of herself, and the two destroyers, I hardly knew them but they been here long enough so I think they are well-experienced in battle." Suzuya gives her thought.

"Is that so… that's a relief." The American destroyer takes a deep sigh.

"Hmm, seems that you have more time worry other people rather than yourself." The Japanese cruiser notices.

"Well just a habit of mine… I just want to make sure that they are all safe." The young destroyer smiles at Suzuya.

"Then how about you, aren't you worried on your own safety?"

Johnston smiles proudly, "heh… like I always said, I'm Johnston the fighting ship, I always go in harm's way." The American destroyer said it haughtily. As always, Johnston does not concern about her own safety, a notable trait she got from her former skipper.

"Well… that kinda made me worried though." Suzuya smiles sheepishly.

The two girls continue to steam through the fog. Moments later, Suzuya felt something awkward. Her eyes glare at her surroundings scanning for anything hostile. Then seconds later, Suzuya feels an awkward wave in front of them. She knows that an enemy is approaching at them in high speed. The Japanese destroyer quickly pulls Johnston behind to safety and then from the dense fog a Ne-class heavy cruiser pommels the Japanese heavy cruiser with her monstrous eight-inch cannons attached on her tentacles.

Suzuya deflected the attack with her own gun but it was damaged from the impact. Suzuya responds another attack with her other arm and wounds the monster's left cheek but the Ri-class counters from the engagement and struck Suzuya right cheek from the class. The two moves away from each other which gives the opportunity to Johnston pull her gun and fires at the Ne-class heavy cruiser but the red menacing aura of the enemy cruiser deflected the destroyer's shot.

The Ne-class cruiser has the red aura swirling around her body, she appears to be an elite type. Unlike any common Ne-class cruiser, she has long white hair, there are horns growing from her forehead, and her white eyes were blank and remorseless. The cruiser might be not an ordinary foe. As the two girls meet the Ne-class heavy cruiser, the signal from the device becomes stronger, this monster is the one that guards it. The enemy heavy cruiser stares at the two girls with killing intent.

"Miss Suzuya, I think we are already close to the device, we just have to fight her." Johnston suggested.

"That probably won't be a good idea… fighting her with both of use will surely take some time." Suzuya replies intensely. "Johnston… try to slip through her while I distract her." The older girl suggested.

"Huh, but you're already bleeding… I won't let you handle her by yourself." Johnston protests.

"I don't have any plans letting myself sink in this fight, I still have to make sure Kumano-chan is safe… I just thought perhaps if you could dispatch the device a soon as possible this battle will be over."

"I'll just have to bet my hopes on you like the rest." Suzuya smiles at Johnston.

"I see Miss Suzuya, don't worry… I won't disappoint you." Johnston nods determinedly.

"Okay, let's do this…"

Suzuya immediately charges the Ne-class cruiser. The Ne-class counters with its large tentacles. Suzuya avoided the attacks gracefully then she puts broken gun in front of her and attempts to clash it towards her opponent. The Ne-class cruiser braced herself from the impact. Suzuya pins the monster on her position then she looks behind at Johnston. The American destroyer began her moves as they planned.

As the American destroyer moves away from the battle, she noticed that another shadow beneath the water. And a few seconds later, an I-class destroyer emerges beneath Johnston, without having time to dodge, Johnston brace from the impact and was thrown away from the battlefield, the American destroyer banished from Suzuya's sight. The I-class destroyer dives back at the water to stalk Johnston.

"What, J-Johnston!" Suzuya worries.

The Ne-class heavy cruiser sees Suzuya lowers her grip and sees this as an opportunity to break free from the grasp of the Japanese cruiser. Suzuya is pushed by tentacles and staggers. The Ne-class cruiser quickly follows up with another attack from her tentacles. Suzuya blocks all the attacks using her broken turret as a shield which further causing further damage on her equipment.

Suzuya moves again near the enemy cruiser to suppress her opponent's movements. The two girls clash each other in a close quarter combat not letting each other moves from their position. Suzuya uses her cannons attached on her legs to further suppress her opponent while the Ne-class cruiser just blocks every incoming shot with her tentacles. Then from the smokes created from the barrage Suzuya emerges again to tackle her opponent.

Suzuya's movement are wild and drastic, she attempts to overwhelm her opponent with everything she got while the Ne-class stays on her defensive stance not letting the Japanese Cruiser overwhelm her.

Both cruisers suffered wounds from their wild clashes but none of them seems backing down. Suzuya hollers furiously and begins her charge again while the Ne-class cruiser maintains her cold stare and braces for another attack.

While the two cruisers are engaged on their fierce battle. Johnston recovers herself from the impact she suffered earlier, the clash somehow damaged her equipment and bruised her shoulder though she can still able to lift herself for a fight. She draws her knife waiting for the monster that tackles her.

Then from the distance the I-class destroyer emerges from the fog again and tackles Johnston. This time the American destroyer is prepare from the attack and counter it with a powerful lunge attack with her blade. The attack causes massive damage to the monster. Then Johnston pulls her gun again and delivers the final blow and sunk her opponent. After the battle four destroyers emerges again from the fog attempting to overwhelm the American destroyer.

Johnston looks at them with disdain, the more time she wastes, the more time the Shinkaisei-kan can launch their attack at the naval base. Then as the enemy destroyers are about to engage Johnston. Two of them explodes, from behind the enemy Yuugumo and Makigumo emerges and both are already in tatters because of the fights they encountered within the fog.

"Yuugumo, Makigumo, I'm glad to see you two here!" Johnston beams in joy.

"It's not the time to be idle Johnston-san, we have to clear the enemies around this area." Yuugumo commanded.

Johnston nods at Yuugumo and engages with the rest of the enemy. Johnston tackles the rest of the enemy destroyer with her blade while firing her guns at point blank range. Meanwhile the two Japanese destroyer provides fire cover for the American destroyer. Johnston immediately links with her comrades.

"Johnston-chan, what are you doing in this place?" Makigumo asks while she wipes her broken glasses with her sleeves.

"The enemy is using a device to disrupt our communication and probably attempting to launch an attack in the Naval Base, I'm here to recover the device or perhaps destroy it." Johnston replies.

"I see, so that explains the communication lines being disrupted, anyway how come you can able to locate this device?" Yuugumo asks.

"The device reacts to American radar; we just have to push through on the enemy defense since the device might be near. Miss Suzuya is already engaging against a powerful enemy to buy me some time." Johnston answers then again enemy destroyers emerges from the dense fog and attempt to engage the group.

"I see, very well then… push forward for the device, we will take care of them." Yuugumo declares. "Makigumo, provide Johnston-san some cover as she pushes against the enemy."

Makigumo salutes at her sister and engage the enemy while Johnston charges at the enemy line and attempts to break through the defense.

The two Yuugumos fires at the Shinkaisei-kan destroyers and the destroyers retaliate. During the intense exchange of fire, the American destroyer moves swiftly towards one of the Ro-class destroyers and cuts down with her blade then she used this as an opportunity to pass through the enemy line and continue her pursuit towards her objective.


During the heat of a battle, Kumano is still tailing the enemy submarine from a distance. The Japanese cruiser is aware of the dense fog that covers her surrounding but she can still clearly see the silhouette of her enemy. She could feel that her surrounding is getting dangerous so she also uses the fog to cover her presence.

The submarine is a Ka-class, she wades above the surface as she moves the device which looks like a portable communication jammer but looks more powerful and expensive. It is very dangerous to have this powerful device fall to the hands of the Shinkaisei-kan. The Ka-class submarine moves the device so that the Kanmusus will not be able to retrieve them.

While Kumano is on the middle of her stalking, the cruiser sees another silhouette not far from her. Kumano stops her movement then all of a sudden, the silhouette begins to move towards her position. Kumano raises her turret but her wobbly hands restrain her from firing and moments later the shadow tackles the cruiser and the impact made both fall down above the water.

"Naganami-nee, wait!" a familiar meek voice shouts in worry.

Kumano flinches from the impact but she seems unscathed meanwhile on the other side she sees a familiar face, it was Naganami who clashes with the cruiser. The powerful impact knocked the destroyer unconscious. Of course, a destroyer would lose if she tries to ram a heavy cruiser. Takanami immediately rushes to assist her unconscious sister.

"Takanami-san, Naganami-san!" Kumano exclaims.

"Waah, K-Kumano-senpai, what are you doing here?" Takanami response, she becomes even more worried since she is quite aware of Kumano's current condition.

"Ah eh… I was on fleet maneuvers training." Kumano replies.

"I see, sorry if Naganami-nee tries to ram you… she just being cautious because of the dense fog." Takanami apologizes to the cruiser.

"Ah, no it's nothing…" Kumano response. "But Naganami-chan… she seems hurt." the cruiser worries.

Then as the three girls stay on their position, three I-class destroyers emerge from dense fog. Their presence is detected by the enemy. Takanami immediately moves in front of Kumano to protect the heavy cruiser and her unconscious sister from the enemies.

"Kumano-san, I know you can't fight them so please stay behind and take care of Naganami-nee for me." Takanami declares as she prepares her guns for combat. Kumano agrees.

The I-class destroyers fire their guns at Takanami but her keen sense manages to detect the impact sites of the shells so she quickly moves away. The shells land above water and create splashes. Kumano shields herself from the wild splash, the cruiser takes away the unconscious Naganami away from the gunfight. Takanami moves through the splashes, the little destroyer whistles at the destroyers to attract their enemies' attentions.

Takanami engages them at point blank range and fires her gun, her shot manages to land a clean shot at one of the destroyers and causes explosion, the rest of the enemy destroyer dive beneath the water to pursuit the Japanese destroyer which allows Kumano to escape.

Takanami sharp hearing allows her to detect shells incoming at her despite of the dense fog covering the surrounding. She also uses the ripples above the water to detect the location of her pursuers. During the chase, the I-class destroyers suddenly emerge beneath the ocean in attempt to tackle the little destroyer, Takanami dodges every incoming attack with her agile movements.

When the last enemy destroyer is about to dive down in the water, Takanami counters with her turret and landed another clean shot which damage her opponent. But her retaliation leaves her open for any attack, a Ro-class destroyer emerges from the water in attempt to suppress Takanami, the Japanese destroyer winces but before the impact, Johnston emerges from the fog and charges the enemy destroyer with her blade. Takanami recovers and open fires again which sunk the Ro-class destroyer. Another I-class destroyer appears but Johnston pulls out her gun and open fires at the enemy immediately. The enemy destroyer sunk from the gunfire. After the fight the rest of the enemy destroyers withdraws from battle to regroup.

"Whew… glad that's done for now." Johnston wipes her forehead with her glove.

"Johnston-san, thank you for saving me." Takanami thanks the American destroyer.

"Yeah glad to assist, by the way I met with Yuugumo and Makigumo earlier ago." Johnston replies.

"I see, I'm glad they are safe." Takanami was thankful, "by the way, Johnston-san, what are you doing here?" she asks.

"I'm in pursue of a device which causing all of this mess, we must find it before the enemy attack the naval base."

"I see, then let me help you look for it, Johnston-san."

"Okay, just follow my lead then." then the two Kanmusus began their move. Johnston does not want to waste more time.


Meanwhile back at Kumano, Naganami was still knocked unconscious, the cruiser carries the destroyer as she maneuvers carefully within the fog. She can still able to see the silhouette of the enemy submarine but she has not done any actions yet, she is quite aware that enemy ships might be protecting the submarine so she has to be careful not to execute drastic movements that would endanger their lives. Seconds later Naganami start to gain conscious, Kumano notices this so she stops moving for the meantime.

"Nnnn…" Naganami opens her eyes, then she notices that someone is carrying her, the Japanese destroyer observes carefully and sees Kumano carrying her by the arm.

"Wha, K-Kumano…!" Naganami exclaims but the cruiser immediately reacts and covers the mouth of her loud companion since it might reveal their location.

"Please be quiet Naganami-chan, the enemy might notice us." Kumano explains quietly.

Naganami calms herself then Kumano drops the Japanese destroyer above water, "Kumano-senpai, what are you doing here, you know you aren't suppose to sortie in your condition." Naganami tries to scold the cruiser quietly.

"S-Sorry Naganami-chan, b-but…" Kumano tries to explain herself while fidgeting.

"Well you can explain to me that later, first we have to get the hell out of this place." Naganami response as she prepares her weapon for combat.

But before the two girls began to move, they have encounter someone. It was the Ka-class submarine carrying a strange device wading above the water. There was an awkward silence between the girls. Kumano looks worried, the submarine looks startled while Naganami looks unamused.

The Ka-class submarine shrieks and immediately dives beneath the water to assault the two girls leaving the device behind, Naganami pulls out a miniature depth charge from her rigging and prepare for anti-submarine warfare.

"Kumano-senpai stay behind me." Naganami instructs the cruiser.

Kumano agrees but the cruiser seems to fascinate at the device left behind by the submarine, if Naganami might be able to chase away the enemy, perhaps they could recover it for their own. Due to communication disruption affecting everyone, the Ka-class submarine cannot contact any surrounding ally to assist her in the fight, she swims beneath the water and tries to scare away her opponents while protecting the device.

Naganami drops depth charges in attempts to resurface the submarine. The submarine stays beneath the water despite being rattled by the depth charges dropped by Naganami.


Meanwhile back at Johnston and Takanami, the two girls are moving faster towards their objective, they met some oppositions along the way but with their well-coordinated teamwork, they manage to win all of their encounters. Moments later, the two girls arrive at the place where the fog was very dense that even silhouettes will not be visible from a distance, Johnston and Takanami stands back to back as they move around the area.

"Takanami-san, be alert… enemies might be around us." Johnston warns.

Suddenly Takanami hears a familiar motor sound from a distance. The noise is not far from them.

"Johnston-san, do you hear a motor noise." Takanami asks the American destroyer.

Johnston stand still and closes her hears, she also began to hear the motor noise Takanami reminded her, the noise sounded like it was a machinery and is probably within their shooting range.

Takanami brings out her compass and looks at it, she turns around facing north, "Johnston-san, launch a torpedo sixteen degree, clockwise from where I'm looking…" The Japanese destroyer suggested.

Johnston looks at Takanami, she seems to be serious about it, the American destroyer follows She pulls out her torpedo launcher from her rigging and fires a single torpedo from her mount. The torpedo travels above water then moments later, the girls heard an explosion from a distance, the explosion vapors some of the dense fog which slowly clears the surrounding. Then moments later, Johnston and Takanami see a Ho-class Flagship Light Cruiser took damage from the torpedo, it also seems to be carrying a fog machine that disrupts everyone's visibility. The cruiser retaliate with is own gun at the two destroyers. Johnston and Takanami moves separately to avoid getting bombarded. The two girls do a pincer attack the cruiser and both fire their guns which again which overwhelmed the enemy cruiser.

During the middle of the gunfight, two I-class destroyer emerges from Johnston's position, one immediately tackles the American destroyer. Takanami got worried on Johnston but she couldn't stop since the cruiser is on pursuit of her.

The impact throws Johnston away from the fight and drops above water, she wipes the blood of her mouth and stares at her enemy with her death glare.

"Okay now you really had done it." Johnston roars an angry tone.

The American destroyer stands up on her feet again, the I-class destroyer charges towards Johnston again but this time Johnston had loaded her gun and anticipate for an attack. The I-class destroyer jumps towards Johnston but the American destroyer blocks the attack with her knife, the clash staggers the enemy destroyer then Johnston counters with her rapid fire, five shots hit directly her opponents and drops the enemy dead above water, after the explosion Johnston quickly pursue the next I-class destroyer and overwhelm with her gunfire until it sunk. Johnston becomes more ferocious when angered, she just eliminated two enemies with her sheer might.

"Takanami, you take care the cruiser… I'll handle the rest." Johnston orders after reloading her weapons. Takanami agrees and continue to suppress the damaged enemy cruiser.

Another group of enemy destroyers arrives at the battlefield but Johnston stands her ground. The American destroyer shares the same murderous glare Roberts had; this will not end well with her enemies. As the fight was on going, the fog is slowly dispersing around the field revealing most of the enemies surrounding them.


The duel between Suzuya and the Ne-class Heavy Cruiser continues, both fighters were already on a pinch, most of Suzuya's equipment were damaged from the engagement and her clothes were in taters while the Ne-class got one of its tentacles ripped from her body. Both fighters were panting as they anticipate the next move of each other.

While their sights were locked on each other, they have noticed that the fog surrounding them is slowly dispersing. The Ne-class got alerted to the situation, the enemy cruiser locks it sight at Suzuya, while Suzuya also very determine not to lose from her opponent. But instead, the Ne-class flees from the battle and tries to cover herself from the remaining fog, Suzuya follows in pursuit of her opponent despite having less equipment to fight.

During her pursuit a group of Ro-class destroyer emerges from the battle as Suzuya chases the Ne-class cruiser, the Ro-class open fires at Suzuya and scores a direct hit, Suzuya was thrown several meters from her position and suffers injuries, the cruiser tries to stand up but one of the Ro-class already jump at her. Suzuya immediately launch herself, turns around and delivers a powerful kick that throws the enemy destroyer away from her before breaking above water. Again, heavy cruisers were far more durable than destroyer especially on close quarter combat.

"Get the fuck away from me!" Suzuya roars angrily.

The Ro-class destroyers got intimidated and began firing their guns at the Japanese cruiser, Suzuya maneuvers herself from the gunfire and dodges every attack then she pulls out a torpedo from her mount and launches at one of the Ro-class destroyers, the torpedo hits the target and sinks it. The explosion allows for Suzuya to escape from the destroyer and pursue the Ne-class cruiser.

During the pursuit, Yuugumo and Makigumo arrives to stop the remaining enemies in the surrounding because of the dispersing fog, they were able to track down the location of their opponents. The Ro-class receives attacks which one of them sink from the gunfire. The enemies withdraw from the area.

"Yuugumo-nee, the fog is slowly dispersing…" Makigumo notices.

"Yes, but we have to be careful, our ammunition is already running low and we still have to suppress the enemy." Yuugumo advises.

"I understand, Johnston-san seems to have pushed toward the objective, I hope she's doing well."

"If that's the case… Makigumo light a yellow flare, at least other Kanmusus around can see us and reinforce this area, we just have to hold the enemies in this location." Yuugumo orders again.

Makigumo agrees and lights a yellow flare stick, the yellow flare reveals their position.


Several yards away from Yuugumo and Makigumo, Asashimo and Kiyoshimo continue to eliminate enemies from their position. Asashimo and Kiyoshimo just recently overwhelmed a Ho-class light cruiser with their combine gunfire.

"Men, the enemies are really getting tougher the longer we fight, we should regroup with Nagato-san." Asashimo suggests looking a bit exhausted from the fight.

Then during their brief rest, they see a yellow flare smoke from a distance. It signifies a converging point among Kanmusus.

"Asashimo-san, a yellow flare… there might be other Kanmusus nearby."

"Yeah, but we should move cautiously, that flare can also attract enemies." Asashimo warns.

Kiyoshimo nods her head then the two begin to move towards the yellow flare signal.


Meanwhile back to Kumano and Naganami, the Naganami was still on pursuit of the submarine, the Ka-class submarine is still holding her position to protect the device. The Japanese destroyer throws her depth charges again. Whenever Naganami approaches the device, the submarine will resurface and fires a suppression shot at the two girls hindering their movements. As their fight continue, the fog slowly disperses from their surroundings but it was still a bit dense to see anything around them.

"She's becoming a real pain in the ass." Naganami frowns, the enemy submarine is really being persistent.

"Naganami-san, the submarine seems to be protecting that the device, she won't allow use to approach that thing." Kumano remarks as she observes the fight.

"Yeah, I kinda notice… my hands are kinda full though." Naganami response telling that she is more occupied dealing with the enemy submarine. "I have an idea Kumano-senpai, you shoot at the device while I distract the submarine." The Japanese destroyer suggests.

"Um… I… I don't know…" Kumano response, she still a bit hesitant.

"Kumano-senpai, I know how you're bothered by all of this but god knows what happen if this fight last longer… please you have to trust yourself."

"Um… okay, I… I'll try…" the Japanese cruiser response with a meek voice, she aims her gun at the device from a distance.

Naganami charges at the submarine while Kumano prepares to fight her gun. Naganami left Kumano behind to chase off the submarine away the Japanese cruiser. Kumano's fingers were wobbling, her heart is ponding fast and her sight starting to blur, she still feels the fear of being a Kanmusu as she takes aim for the device.

'Kumano, come on you can do this, you just have to concentrate.' Kumano tells herself mustering her will to fire the shot.

While Kumano take aims, the submarine notices it and quickly jumps out of water and charges the cruiser. Naganami intercepts the submarine and took the damage for herself, the Japanese destroyer wince from the attack. Kumano also jolted from the clash; the cruiser was worried for Naganami.

"Kumano-senpai… do it!" Naganami hollers as she grimaces in pain, then the Japanese destroyer brings out her gun to suppress the submarine, the submarine dives beneath the water again and take cover from the gunfire.

Kumano aims at the device again but moments later, a Ne-class cruiser which Suzuya encounters appear from the fog in attempt to tackle the teen. The Japanese cruiser turns around, her entire body shakes in fear as she meets the Ne-class heavy cruiser's ferocious eyes that looks desperate in attempt to stop her. Naganami also notices the attacking cruiser, she began to move to save Kumano but the destroyer won't make it to save the helpless cruiser based on her distance.

Then from another direction, Suzuya emerges from the fog and tackles the Ne-class cruiser to save Kuman, Kumano falls down above the water from the unexpected clash. Suzuya and the Ne-class caught themselves on another brawl but this time using their own fists.

"S-Suzuya-chan…?" Kumano worries.

Naganami notices that Kumano was not doing anything again.

"Kumano-senpai, shoot the device!" the Japanese destroyer shouts that breaks Kumano's trance.

Then the Ka-class submarine jumps at Naganami again and damaged her turret. Naganami throws her last depth charge at the submarine and scores a direct hit, the enemy submarine waddles above the water. Naganami tries to finish the submarine with a torpedo but the submarine counters again with her own guns which staggers the Japanese destroyer, the explosion damaged both fighters.

Kumano takes aim at the device again while crouching and fires a volley but her shot was blocked by a Ro-class destroyer, the enemy destroyer suffered damage from the attack. The Japanese cruiser got confuse in the chaos, the Shinkaisei-kan are desperately protecting the device while everyone else is attacking one another, as the fight lasted a group of I-class destroyers arrive again but before they could approach Kumano, stray shells out of nowhere intercepted then, a shot landed directly at an enemy and in a few second, Johnston arrives to join the battle followed by Takanami.

"Johnston-san!" Kumano exclaims in excitement.

In the middle of the fight, she sees the device reacting to her radar. The I-class destroyers turn their attention at the American destroyer and begins firing their gun. Johnston moves swiftly in the battlefield and dodges the incoming attack; she suffered several near misses from the explosions. Johnston was not able to gain a proper attacking position at the device because of the overwhelming assault she is receiving.

"Takanami, shoot at the device!" Johnston hollers while retaliating fire.

From out of nowhere, three torpedoes appear within the fog, the torpedoes are streaming forward the device, the I-class destroyers fires their cannons at the torpedoes and manage to intercept two, but one streams forward near the device. An I-class destroyer jumps out of water and intercepts the torpedo with its body, the explosion immediately sinks the Shinkaisei-kan.

The battle for the device is becoming very intense and disoriented, Shinkaisei-kan from different classes arrives from distance to protect the device while Johnston and Takanami fight their way towards it. Suzuya is still engaging the Ne-class heavy cruiser on a brutal close-quarter-combat, Naganami is still fighting the persistent submarine despite of the damage both combatants sustained, the Japanese destroyer only has a few weapons available and her gun was damaged from the last impact.

Meanwhile Kumano was trapped at the middle of the chaotic fight, everyone around her were desperately want to beat the crap out of each other and she was not sure what to do in the situation, she still has doubts which restrains her abilities as a Kanmusu.

'Everyone is doing their best to fight… I want to help them but… if only I wasn't this pathetic…'


Author's Notes:

Well guess who's back… again, sorry it has been years since I have updated, kinda busy with life and all, but anyway here's the latest chapter oh and yeah, I did change some of the previous chapters and some added addendum on my Author's notes, well Johnston and Roberts aren't OCs here anymore but their personalities will pretty much stay the same. It's kinda weird Kancolle's Johnston slightly matches Amatsukaze, not what I had in mind though. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story, I cannot promise some updates as soon as possible but I still won't drop the story, (there are still a lot of mysteries to solve) and as always reviews, grammar and spelling corrections, suggestions and thoughts for this chapter are really appreciated. It's quite a long chapter and again has heavy amount fight scenes in it, I really do appreciate reading it. Also stay safe everyone.