After Yo, Magi, and Momiji finished installing Ihachigo once again, they immediately teleported toward the bridge to head toward mainland Japan.
"You two know what to do, right?" Magi inquired, not even sparing them a glance as he rushed toward the helm.
"Yes!"
Momiji made her way to her own post while Yo was activating all the necessary navigation equipment.
After everything the Catastrophe had just been through, it wasn't out of the question for half of the equipment to not work anymore.
"Please."
Yo muttered, clasping his hands together in a praying gesture, after pressing the ON button.
But it was all for nothing; half of the equipment didn't turn on, and only some of the more important functions were still working.
"Magi, you'll have to actually take charge and properly steer the ship; most of the equipment for automatic navigation isn't working anymore," Yo explained, a sour expression on his face.
"Shit!" Magi shouted while gritting his teeth.
"Tell me everything that is still working, and we'll form a plan based on that. But first, Momiji, please get the Major over here. In this current situation, we will most definitely need his expertise!"
"Okay, I'll be right back."
"Should I wait?" Yo inquired; he felt like that was the obvious course of action, but in dire times like this, it was better to be fully certain.
Magi just gave him a nod, with a slight smile.
Looks like he hasn't totally lost his head, huh?
Then Momiji and Hyoubu suddenly appeared inside the bridge.
"I'm back," She stated, but before they could progress, Momiji carefully helped Hyoubu onto a large chair so he wouldn't need to use any strength while helping them navigate to Japan.
"Good, Major, please listen carefully because we need your expertise right now," Magi started, and with a single glance he saw the proud expression on Hyoubu's face.
"Ahem," he cleared his throat, trying to stay composed, but it felt good knowing that the Major trusted him this much.
"So a lot of the equipment is currently not working, so could you please help us decide the best course of action to get to Japan in the shortest time possible? Yo, please do the briefing now."
"U-understood."
Yo scrambled a little after suddenly being in the spotlight in front of not only the Major but also Magi and in such a serious situation. But here he could also prove himself an invaluable asset to the crew.
"So the biggest problem is that the navigation console is completely gone, the same for the radar. The engine control interface is operable but not at 100%, so it could take a long time before we can even reach the mainland like this." Yo began, his expression becoming more and more somber as he explained the current status quo of the ship's functions.
"But at least the communication panel is still intact and the tactical display as well, even though those aren't what we need right now. If any others think of attacking us, we'll know..."
But as the words left his mouth, another thought formed: would we currently even be able to defeat any assailants?
Yo quickly shook his head, erasing the thought from his mind. Currently, there were already more than enough issues; thinking about what-ifs wouldn't help them at all.
"So what do you think, Major? I could take the wheel with Momiji teleporting around to make sure we're going in the right direction and don't hit anything, but with the engines not fully operable, it will take a long time before we will reach our destination."
Toward the end of his sentence, Magi's voice became softer and softer with every word he uttered, as he was looking straight at the dying Hyoubu.
"Hmm."
After hearing everything they had just presented, Hyoubu was now deep in thought. Their current plan was quite a solid one, and with their means, they couldn't improve it any further at all.
But he could, even though the cost would most definitely not be small.
"Listen up!" he suddenly stated, his eyes firm as he looked at three of his most trusted comrades and family members.
"!!"
The trio looked at Hyoubu with anticipation, not even daring to breathe, all their attention focused on him.
"We will follow Magi's plan; it is a solid plan, but I will be using my abilities to propel the ship forward with all my might."
"Wha! But—"
Before Magi could finish his objection, Hyoubu raised his right hand and just stared straight at Magi.
"I know what you want to say, and yes, it is true that it will be detrimental to my health due to the current situation I'm in, but it is the only way for us to make it to Japan fast, and I am willing to take that risk to save him; after all, he risked his own life for mine."
Hyoubu had a peaceful smile on his face, like he had accepted his fate.
"..."
Magi just stood there, his eyes wide, after hearing Hyoubu's declaration. Was this truly going to be the end of their journey together?
He shook his head fiercely. No, I refuse to let it end like this! If we just make it to Japan fast enough, we might still be able to do something for the Major!
"Yo, Momiji! Listen up," Magi firmly stated, and he now had a resolute look in his eyes.
Yo and Momiji exchanged glances for just a moment, and they felt the same way after hearing the major's words; they would not be losing anyone today.
"We will be rushing toward Japan, and not a single error will be tolerated. So get in position, and once the Major gives the signal, we will work together perfectly!"
"Understood!"
The two shouted in unison, and immediately after, they gave one last salute to Hyoubu and made their way to their own posts.
Yo stood next to all the equipment to try to wring as much power out of the engines so the burden on Hyoubu would be as low as possible.
Momiji, on the other hand, put on a jacket and glasses to protect herself from any wind or rain so she could give as detailed instructions to Magi as possible.
So they wouldn't crash into anything and would take the most optimal route to Japan.
"Heh, let the operation begin!"
Hyoubu declared, tears almost forming at the edges of his eyes. That's how proud he was of these three and everyone else who had helped overcome this predicament.