"You don't have to follow me."
Yuuki had said those exact words ten minutes ago.
Nobody listened.
Not a single person.
The commander sighed as he walked up the hill.
Behind him came a procession of shipgirls and Nikkes who had apparently decided resting was optional.
"We are merely ensuring your safety, Commander."
Belfast spoke flawlessly.
"Bel."
"Yes, Master?"
"You can survive orbital bombardment."
"That is unrelated."
Yuuki looked toward Enterprise.
The carrier looked away.
Then toward Yorktown.
She smiled innocently.
Then toward Akagi.
The fox wasn't even pretending.
"I am accompanying my Shikikan."
"You're stalking me."
"Semantics."
The group behind him laughed.
Eventually the group reached the hill overlooking the village.
Or rather—
The place where a hilltop mansion once stood.
Now it was empty.
Completely empty.
The salvage drones had reduced the former chief's residence into raw materials earlier that day.
Those same materials had already been used to repair damaged homes throughout the village.
What once represented greed and oppression had literally become walls, roofs, and homes for the Tsukimimi.
Now only an open field remained.
Perfect.
Yuuki stopped near the center.
"This should work."
Yuu nodded.
The doctor was already examining the terrain through her visor.
The future administrator of the Autumn Isles outpost looked surprisingly focused.
Though the two bunny girls standing beside her looked considerably less confident.
Kyon and Momo stood nervously next to the doctor.
The Tsukimimi had volunteered—or perhaps been volunteered—to assist Yuu.
Partially to help manage village affairs.
Partially to act as local representatives.
Mostly because Yuuki knew the villagers would feel more comfortable approaching Yuu if two familiar faces were always nearby.
The doctor adjusted her glasses.
"So these two are my assistants?"
Kyon immediately bowed.
"Y-Yes!"
Momo followed.
"We'll do our best!"
Yuu smiled.
The girls relaxed.
Then the doctor spoke.
"Excellent."
A pause.
"You may help organize census data, agricultural production, population health statistics, environmental analysis, infrastructure development—"
The two bunnies immediately looked overwhelmed.
Yuuki coughed.
"Start with helping villagers."
"Ah."
Yuu nodded.
"That is much simpler."
The Tsukimimi looked relieved.
Below them, the village was alive.
Lanterns glowed among the houses.
Children ran through the streets.
Families carried baskets filled with vegetables.
Musicians tuned instruments.
Villagers hung decorations between rooftops.
The Harvest Festival.
For five years it had never happened.
Five years of tribute.
Five years of oppression.
Five years of crops being stolen.
Five years spent surviving rather than living.
Now laughter echoed through the streets once more.
The sight made Kyon smile.
"We haven't seen this in so long."
Momo nodded.
"Everyone's happy again."
Then, they bowed before joining the preparation of the festival.
Yuuki looked down toward the village.
The restored reservoir sparkled under the evening sun.
Water flowed through irrigation channels once more.
The fields were green.
Healthy.
Alive.
The commander smiled.
The fertilizer hadn't magically solved everything.
The villagers understood that.
The crops still needed time to grow.
Still needed care.
Still needed work.
The fertilizer merely accelerated growth once the plants had properly developed.
Instead of waiting weeks after maturity, they could trigger rapid final growth and dramatically improve yields.
Used correctly, it would transform the village.
Used incorrectly, it would be wasted.
Fortunately, the Tsukimimi were exceptional farmers.
They understood soil.
They understood crops.
They understood patience.
The moment Yuuki had provided proper water and healthy fertilizer, they immediately adapted.
Now carrots were no longer their only product.
Tomatoes.
Potatoes.
Cabbages.
Strawberries.
Melons.
Herbs.
Fruit trees.
Entire new agricultural sectors were being planned.
The future trading routes were already taking shape.
Yuu looked down toward the village.
"The economic projections are impressive."
Several girls turned.
The doctor continued.
"With proper irrigation, drone-assisted farming, improved seed diversity, and regional exports, this village could triple its annual output within six months."
Yorktown blinked.
"Triple?"
"At minimum."
Yuu replied.
The two bunnies looked stunned.
Meanwhile, Akashi's eyes transformed into currency symbols.
"Nyaa..."
The repair ship immediately began calculating profits.
Vestal sighed.
"Akashi."
"What? Prosperity is important nyaa."
The group laughed.
Yuuki looked toward the empty field again.
Then toward the horizon.
"This place will become important."
The others listened.
"A forward outpost."
"A trade hub."
"A safe zone."
"A place people can rebuild."
The commander smiled.
"The first Blue Zone under the protection of the Global Defense Initiative. ."
For a moment nobody spoke.
Because they could already see it.
The future.
Chrono Gates connecting distant worlds.
Trading ships moving between islands.
Shipgirls escorting merchants.
Nikkes protecting settlements.
Drone hives maintaining infrastructure.
Medical facilities.
Schools.
Markets.
A place where people could actually live.
Not merely survive.
Then Yuu folded her arms.
"I'll make sure this place prospers."
The confidence in her voice surprised nobody.
After all, she was one of the people responsible for helping build GDI itself.
If anyone could transform a small village into a thriving settlement—
It was her.
Far below, music began playing.
Lanterns illuminated the streets.
The Harvest Festival was beginning.
Akashi's ears twitched.
The repair ship's eyes immediately transformed into currency symbols.
"Akashi can handle distribution, nyaa!"
The catgirl practically bounced.
"If Akashi can come back here anytime, Akashi can help the village earn lots and lots of credits, nyaa!"
Several girls immediately recognized that look.
It was the look Akashi got whenever business was involved.
Vestal sighed.
"Here we go."
"Nyaa?"
The repair ship pointed toward the fields below.
"Think about it, nyaa!"
Akashi immediately began counting on her fingers.
"Carrots."
"Vegetables."
"Fruits."
"Medicines."
"Herbs."
"Processed food."
The catgirl's grin widened.
"These bunnies are sitting on a gold mine, nyaa!"
"A gold mine?"
"You grow food!"
Akashi exclaimed.
"Food always sells, nyaa!"
Yuuki chuckled.
"Hmm."
The commander nodded.
"That's actually not a bad idea."
Akashi immediately puffed out her chest proudly.
"Nyaa!"
The others laughed.
The commander looked down toward the village.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
This island's greatest strength wasn't military power.
It was agriculture.
Reliable food production.
In a world ravaged by Sirens and Raptures, that was arguably more valuable than gold.
Yuuki folded his arms.
"Akashi can oversee trade distribution."
The repair ship immediately produced a notebook from somewhere.
Nobody questioned where it came from.
The catgirl was writing before he even finished speaking.
"Trade routes."
"Supply chains."
"Export prices."
"Storage facilities."
"Nyaa..."
The others watched in amusement.
The moment economics became involved, Akashi transformed into an entirely different person.
Yuu adjusted her glasses.
"Actually, that's quite efficient."
The doctor looked toward the village.
"Most settlements in this world struggle with reliable food production."
Then toward the surrounding islands.
"If the Autumn Isles become a stable agricultural producer, nearby communities will naturally begin trading here."
The commander nodded.
"And once trade routes appear..."
Enterprise immediately understood.
"You need protection."
"Exactly."
Yuuki replied.
The holographic map appeared again.
Nearby islands illuminated.
Trade routes began forming between them.
Small settlements.
Fishing villages.
Refugee communities.
Outposts.
Places struggling to survive.
Places that desperately needed supplies.
The commander looked toward Yuu.
"So, work fast."
The doctor blinked.
"I usually do."
"I need complete biological and technological profiles of the shipgirls and Nikkes."
Yuu smiled.
"Already started."
The group immediately became suspicious.
"Started when?"
Mary asked.
The doctor adjusted her glasses.
"I've been observing all of you since I landed."
Several girls slowly moved away.
Again.
Yuu sighed.
"Observing."
The group remained unconvinced.
Yuuki laughed.
"Once we understand your systems properly, we can begin the next stage."
That immediately got everyone's attention.
"The leveling system?"
Javelin asked.
"The leveling system."
Yuuki confirmed.
The destroyer's eyes sparkled.
"So we can finally start leveling up?"
The commander nodded.
"Once you're properly inducted into GDI."
The group became excited.
Anis immediately raised her hand.
"Question."
"Hm?"
"What exactly counts as leveling?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Experience."
The hologram shifted.
Missions.
Achievements.
Combat.
Research.
Construction.
Training.
Various activities appeared.
"You gain experience through contributing."
The group listened carefully.
"Combat missions."
"Escorting supply ships."
"Protecting settlements."
"Exploration."
"Training."
"Research."
"Medical work."
Mary and Pepper immediately perked up.
"We can level through medicine?"
"Of course."
Yuuki replied.
"Why wouldn't you? The more ships, people or Nikkes you saved. You earned experience points which will level you up fast."
The two doctors looked relieved.
Then Yuuki pointed toward the trade routes.
"Which means."
The commander smiled.
"Once everything is ready..."
The shipgirls leaned forward.
The Nikkes leaned forward.
"You girls can start taking commissions."
The group froze.
Then exploded.
"REALLY?"
Javelin nearly jumped.
Neon looked excited.
Anis grinned.
Even Enterprise looked interested.
Takao's eyes lit up.
The commander nodded.
"Escort missions."
"Patrol missions."
"Protection contracts."
"Investigation requests."
"Emergency responses."
The possibilities continued appearing on the hologram.
The group became increasingly excited.
Then Yuuki casually added.
"And you'll finally have salaries."
Silence.
The group froze.
"..."
"..."
"...Salary?"
Anis whispered.
Yuuki nodded.
"Salary."
Neon blinked.
"We get paid?"
"Of course."
The commander looked confused.
"What did you think happened?"
The group erupted.
"We get paid!"
"We can buy things!"
"We can have our own money!"
Javelin looked ready to sprint around the hill.
Akashi's eyes sparkled.
"Nyaa..."
The catgirl immediately began calculating future customers.
Yorktown laughed softly.
The excitement spreading through the younger girls was infectious.
For years they had fought simply to survive.
For years they had been weapons.
Tools.
Soldiers.
Now they were hearing about something surprisingly ordinary.
Jobs.
Paychecks.
Careers.
A future.
Not endless war.
Not endless survival.
A future where they could actually build lives of their own.
Yuuki watched their reactions and smiled.
Because that had always been the goal.
Not merely stronger soldiers.
Not merely stronger shipgirls.
Not merely stronger Nikkes.
But people.
People with homes.
Friends.
Families.
Dreams.
And futures worth protecting.
Far below, lanterns illuminated the Harvest Festival.
Above them, plans for an entire civilization were quietly taking shape.
Yuuki watched the excitement spreading among the shipgirls and Nikkes before raising a hand.
"Before you get too excited, there are a few things you should understand."
The group immediately settled down.
Well.
Mostly.
Neon was still imagining an entire armory.
Anis was already calculating how much food she could buy.
Akashi was calculating profit margins.
The commander continued.
"Activating the leveling system isn't just about becoming stronger."
The hologram shifted.
A large emblem appeared.
The diving eagle of GDI.
"Once the leveling system is enabled, you'll be formally inducted into the Global Defense Initiative."
Several girls straightened.
The statement carried more weight than they expected.
This wasn't merely equipment.
Or technology.
Or power.
This was membership.
Belonging.
The commander smiled.
"You'll officially become GDI personnel."
The group listened carefully.
"You'll receive a monthly salary."
Immediate excitement.
"You'll have employee benefits."
More excitement.
"You'll receive mission payouts."
Even more excitement.
"You'll receive contribution bonuses."
At this point Akashi was practically glowing.
"And you'll be able to accept requests."
The group blinked.
"Requests?"
Yorktown asked.
Yuuki nodded.
"Think of them as quests."
The hologram changed again.
Examples appeared.
Escort Supply Convoy
Research Collection Request
Settlement Defense Contract
Survey Unexplored Island
Resource Recovery Operation
Medical Support Mission
The group immediately understood.
Takao folded her arms.
"So we gain experience and money from completing them?"
"Exactly."
Yuuki replied.
The swordswoman looked pleased.
That sounded remarkably efficient.
Then the commander pointed toward the sky.
"Trust me."
A grin appeared.
"A lot of GDI personnel have requests."
Several girls became curious.
"Really?"
Javelin asked.
Yuuki laughed.
"Especially Vergil."
The group immediately understood.
"Oh."
Enterprise said.
"Oh no."
Anis corrected.
The commander nodded.
"You'll probably see things like..."
A hologram appeared.
========
Collect 50 samples of unknown crystal formations.
Requester: Vergil
Reward: 3,000 Credits
========
Another appeared.
========
Retrieve intact Siren processor core.
Requester: Vergil
Reward: 5,000 Credits
========
Another.
========
Recover living magical creature for study.
Requester: Vergil
Reward: 5,000 Credits
========
The group stared.
"He's going to abuse this system."
Enterprise said.
"Absolutely."
Yuuki replied.
Yuu nodded.
"He absolutely will."
The group laughed.
Then Yuuki became serious again.
"Each member receives a minimum activity quota."
The group blinked.
"A quota?"
Mary asked.
The commander nodded.
"You don't simply collect a salary for existing."
Several girls suddenly looked guilty.
Especially Laffey.
The sleepy destroyer slowly opened one eye.
"Work?"
"Work."
Yuuki confirmed.
Laffey looked devastated.
The group laughed.
The commander continued.
"You'll have a minimum number of quests or contributions you need to complete."
The hologram displayed a simple chart.
========
Required Contribution = Full Salary
Below Requirement = Reduced Pay
Above Requirement = Bonus Pay
========
The girls nodded.
That seemed fair.
Takao smiled.
"A merit-based system."
"Exactly."
The commander pointed toward the chart.
"Contribute less."
"Less pay."
"Contribute more."
"More pay."
The group seemed surprisingly accepting of that arrangement.
Because unlike many organizations—
The rules were simple.
Then Yuuki sighed.
"The unfortunate part is that none of this can begin yet."
The excitement immediately deflated.
"Aww..."
The commander nodded.
"Until we find a way to properly integrate the leveling system with shipgirls and Nikkes, you can't access any of it."
Several girls pouted.
Javelin dramatically slumped.
Neon looked disappointed.
Even Anis sighed.
The commander smiled.
"But once we solve it..."
The hologram expanded.
Experience gains.
Level progression.
Mission boards.
Equipment stores.
Skill trees.
The possibilities seemed endless.
"You'll finally be able to earn experience points."
The group brightened again.
"You'll be able to buy your own equipment."
Neon's eyes immediately sparkled.
The commander pointed directly at her.
"Knowing Neon..."
The Nikke suddenly became nervous.
"You'd spend your entire salary on guns."
The group erupted.
Neon immediately pointed at herself.
"Me?"
"Yes, you."
Yuuki replied.
The commander began counting on his fingers.
"Handguns."
"Necessary."
"Rifles."
"Necessary."
"Shotguns."
"Necessary."
"Railguns."
"Very necessary."
"Experimental plasma weapons."
"Extremely necessary."
The group laughed harder.
Neon puffed her cheeks.
"You make me sound irresponsible."
Anis immediately raised her hand.
"You would absolutely spend your entire paycheck on guns."
Rapi nodded.
"Without hesitation."
Mary smiled.
"Probably before receiving the paycheck."
Pepper nodded.
"Definitely before receiving the paycheck."
The group erupted again.
Neon crossed her arms dramatically.
"I'll have you know that I am financially responsible. I won't spend on anything that requires firepower."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Then Akashi slowly raised a paw.
"Nyaa."
"What?"
Neon asked.
"If Neon needs guns, Akashi can sell guns, nyaa. For a price..nyaa."
The group burst into laughter once more.
And just like that, before the leveling system even existed, Akashi had already found her first customer.
"Once the Citadel on Home Island is completed, you girls are going to be very surprised."
Yuuki casually said it.
The reaction was immediate.
"More surprised than the flying Daedalus?"
Anis asked.
"Yes."
"More surprised than the Daedalus?"
Neon added.
"Yes."
"More surprised than the Philadelphia?"
Mary asked.
"Definitely."
The group became quiet.
That answer alone was enough to get everyone's attention.
Yuuki opened a holographic projector.
A massive blueprint appeared above the hill.
The projection expanded.
Expanded again.
Expanded a third time.
Then finally stopped.
The group froze.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Nobody spoke.
Because the scale was absurd.
The shipgirls had already seen the gigantic framework being constructed back on Home Island.
They knew something enormous was being built.
But seeing the completed design was something else entirely.
Illustrious was the first to recover.
Her eyes widened.
"This..."
The carrier stared upward.
"This is our home?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Yup."
The group erupted.
"THAT'S A FORTRESS!"
"No."
Yuuki corrected.
"A fortress-city."
The correction somehow made it worse.
The holographic structure slowly rotated above them.
From above, the entire Citadel resembled a gigantic mountain rising from the center of the island.
At its highest point stood a massive command tower.
The tower alone dwarfed most structures the girls had ever seen.
The observation decks.
Communication arrays.
Sensor networks.
Command facilities.
Everything converged there.
"The Administration Tower."
Yuuki explained.
"The future headquarters of the Earth Division of the Global Defense Initiative."
Several girls blinked.
"Earth Division?"
Pepper asked.
The commander nodded.
"Oh, you girls didn't know we have Space Division."
The group chose not to think about that.
They were still trying to process the Citadel.
The hologram zoomed outward.
The structure's true shape became visible.
Five enormous sections extended outward from the central tower.
Like petals.
A gigantic sakura blossom viewed from the sky.
The girls stared.
"It's beautiful..."
Yorktown whispered.
The commander smiled.
"That was intentional."
The petals slowly illuminated.
Each one represented an enormous district.
Not neighborhoods.
Not blocks.
Districts.
Each petal was large enough to contain entire communities.
Training facilities.
Residential zones.
Commercial districts.
Parks.
Gardens.
Schools.
Medical facilities.
Everything.
The group slowly understood.
This wasn't a military base.
It wasn't even a fortress.
It was a civilization.
Yuuki pointed toward one section.
The hologram zoomed further into the Citadel.
Until now, everyone had only been staring at the sheer size of the structure.
Now they began noticing the details.
Yuuki pointed toward the first petal.
"This one is the Sakura District."
The entire section illuminated.
Immediately, Akagi, Kaga, Takao, Atago, Kaguya, and Akashi watched as traditional modernized metallic architecture appeared throughout the district.
Cherry blossom parks.
Stone pathways.
Arched bridges.
Gardens.
Shrines.
Pagodas.
The district itself looked less like part of a futuristic fortress and more like an enormous fusion of historical Japan and China.
Then the center appeared.
A gigantic palace complex.
Part Japanese castle.
Part Chinese imperial palace.
The structure dominated the district.
Akagi's eyes widened.
"Shikikan..."
The fox stared at the enormous complex.
"That's our dormitory?"
Yuuki nodded.
"The main residence of the Sakura Empire and Dragon Empery."
Several girls blinked.
"That's not a dormitory."
Atago said.
"That's a kingdom."
The group laughed.
The hologram zoomed inward.
Residential towers surrounded the central palace.
Gardens.
Training grounds.
Tea houses.
Libraries.
Bath houses.
Everything integrated into a single district.
Then the room layouts appeared.
Several shipgirls nearly choked.
"Wait."
Javelin pointed.
"Those are personal rooms?"
"Yup."
The destroyer stared.
Each room was larger than most luxury apartments.
Private living space.
Private bathrooms.
Private kitchens.
Private recreational areas.
The group erupted.
"THAT'S NOT A ROOM!"
Neon shouted.
"That's a house!"
Yuuki laughed.
"You girls are living there. Your rooms in the MCV is already big enough to match a luxurious apartment size. Imagined having a space almost as big as a house."
The reactions only became louder.
The commander then pointed toward another section.
"This is the Eagle District."
The architecture immediately changed.
Wide roads.
Modern buildings.
Parks.
Glass towers.
A distinctly western aesthetic.
Then a familiar structure appeared.
"The White House?"
Yorktown blinked.
The Eagle Union presidential house.
Yuuki nodded.
"It'll serve as the primary dormitory and administrative residence for your district. Yes, Eagle Union's main dorm is the White House."
Yorktown stared.
Enterprise stared.
The Eagle Union girls stared.
Then the district expanded further.
Modern housings for androids just like Sakura District.
Community centers.
Recreation facilities.
The entire area felt vibrant.
Comfortable.
Alive.
Then Yuuki pointed toward another petal.
The architecture shifted again.
Stone plazas.
Cathedrals.
Palaces.
Government buildings.
Industrial centers.
The Iron Blood District.
Eugen immediately grinned.
Hipper folded her arms.
Though she was clearly impressed.
The center of the district was dominated by a massive German presidential palace.
Surrounding it were residential zones and engineering facilities.
"This district will also house Iris Libre and Vichya Dominion personnel."
Several girls nodded.
The architecture blended surprisingly well.
German precision.
French elegance.
The result looked magnificent.
Then came the fourth district.
The moment it appeared, Belfast smiled.
Prince of Wales looked pleased.
Illustrious covered her mouth.
Because standing proudly at the center was a structure every one of them recognized.
Buckingham Palace.
Only much larger.
The Royal District spread outward from the palace.
Elegant avenues.
Gardens.
Museums.
Libraries.
The district radiated refinement.
"This will serve as the main dormitory of the Royal Navy."
The Royal girls exchanged glances.
They looked delighted.
Yuuki wasn't finished.
"The Sardegna Empire and Kingdom of Tulipa will share this district."
The architecture expanded.
Mediterranean villas.
Grand plazas.
Beautiful gardens.
The district somehow became even more impressive.
Finally, the commander pointed toward the last petal.
The group immediately noticed it looked different.
Far more modern.
Far more vertical.
At its center stood an enormous tower.
The Nikkes immediately recognized the design influences.
"Commander..."
Rapi whispered.
The commander smiled.
"The Nikke District."
The massive tower illuminated.
"The Grand Nikke Tower."
Surrounding it were residential buildings.
Training centers.
Medical facilities.
Research laboratories.
Parks.
Commercial zones.
Unlike the Ark's crowded environment, the district felt open.
Spacious.
Free.
Anis stared quietly.
Neon too.
Even Mary and Pepper seemed stunned.
Because for the first time—
They were looking at a place built specifically for them.
Not a military barracks.
Not a deployment zone.
Not a shelter.
A home.
The hologram zoomed out once more.
Showing all five petals surrounding the central command tower.
Then additional lines appeared.
Blue pathways.
Portal Gates.
The group blinked.
Yuuki pointed toward them.
"Transportation network."
The hologram demonstrated a portal activating.
A person stepped through.
Instantly appearing in another district.
The girls stared.
"You mean..."
Yorktown began.
The commander nodded.
"You can travel between districts instantly."
The group erupted again.
"No trains?"
Neon asked.
"There are trains."
"No walking?"
"You can walk."
The commander grinned.
"But if you want to go from the Sakura District to the Royal District in seconds..."
The portal glowed.
"You use a gate. Each gate to the five sectors will be provided in the main dorm so you girls can travel fast to visit your friends or having a sleepover."
The group became excited once more.
The Citadel was no longer merely a giant fortress.
Now they could imagine themselves living there.
Visiting each other.
Attending festivals.
Shopping.
Training.
Working.
Simply existing.
Akagi stared at the Sakura District.
Yorktown looked toward the Eagle District.
Eugen eyed the Iron Blood District.
Belfast admired the Royal District.
Rapi quietly observed the Nikke District.
For the first time, the Citadel felt real.
Not merely a construction project.
Not merely a future headquarters.
But a place waiting for them.
A place where shipgirls and Nikkes could finally stop being survivors and start being residents.
The words lingered in the air as everyone continued staring at the holographic Citadel.
For many of them, the idea still felt unreal.
A home.
A permanent one.
Not a temporary base.
Not a deployment zone.
Not a place they would eventually abandon.
A place that belonged to them.
Yuuki looked around the group and smiled.
"I won't take away your identities."
That immediately drew their attention.
The commander pointed toward the various districts displayed above the Citadel.
"The Eagle Union made Yorktown, Enterprise, San Diego, Eldridge, Laffey, and Vestal who they are."
The Eagle girls quietly nodded.
Their experiences.
Their history.
Their friendships.
Those things mattered.
Then Yuuki pointed toward the Sakura District.
"The Sakura Empire made Akagi, Kaga, Takao, Atago, Akashi, and Kaguya."
Cherry blossoms drifted across the hologram.
The Sakura girls watched silently.
Their homeland had shaped them.
Their customs.
Their traditions.
Their beliefs.
Even after ten years, those things remained part of them.
The commander pointed toward the Royal District.
"The Royal Navy and Northern Parliament shaped Avrora, Javelin, Belfast, Illustrious, Unicorn, and Wales."
Belfast smiled softly.
Prince of Wales nodded.
Even Avrora seemed pleased.
Then the Iron Blood District illuminated.
"The Iron Blood shaped Nimi, Eugen, and Hipper."
The three girls looked at the district.
Its architecture.
Its engineering centers.
Its industrial complexes.
A small piece of home preserved within the Citadel.
Yuuki continued.
"Even those still waiting in the Void World."
The group grew quieter.
"The friends and sisters awaiting resurrection."
The hologram expanded.
Showing countless empty rooms waiting to be occupied.
Waiting for their owners to return.
"They will have a place here too."
Several girls smiled.
Because many names were still missing.
Many sisters still waited.
Many friends still slept beyond their reach.
But now there was a place waiting for them.
Finally, Yuuki pointed toward the Nikke District.
"And the Ark shaped every Nikke sitting here."
The district illuminated.
"Rapi."
"Anis."
"Neon."
"Ade."
"Soda."
"Cocoa."
"Nayuta."
"Mary."
"Pepper."
The Nikkes looked toward the towering district.
The Ark had given them pain.
Loss.
Control.
Suffering.
But it had also forged their friendships.
Their experiences.
Their determination.
Those things mattered too.
Yuuki smiled.
"Even the Bulins."
"Purin!"
"Kurin!"
"Buli!"
The group laughed.
The commander folded his arms.
"I have no intention of erasing who you are."
The group became quiet.
Because those words meant more than he realized.
Many of them had lost homes.
Lost nations.
Lost families.
Lost futures.
Now they feared losing the last thing they still possessed.
Their identities.
Yuuki shook his head.
"I didn't bring you here to replace who you were."
The hologram rotated once more.
Five districts.
Five cultures.
Five histories.
All existing together.
"I'd rather preserve what makes each faction unique than force everyone into the same mold."
Yorktown smiled.
"I think that's the right decision."
Enterprise nodded.
"So do I."
Belfast agreed.
"A home is not defined by uniformity."
The maid looked toward the districts.
"It is defined by belonging."
Prince of Wales smiled.
"Well said."
Kaguya's tails swayed behind her.
"Indeed."
The fox looked toward the Sakura District.
"Different flowers may bloom within the same garden."
Her gaze moved toward the other districts.
"Yet each remains beautiful in its own way."
Even Eugen nodded.
"Besides."
The heavy cruiser grinned.
"It would be boring if everyone became the same."
"Agreed."
Hipper surprisingly replied.
The group looked at her.
"What?"
The cruiser crossed her arms.
"We're different."
A pause.
"And that's fine."
The group smiled.
Because that was exactly what Yuuki was trying to build.
Not a nation.
Not an empire.
Not a military alliance.
A community.
A place where shipgirls, Nikkes, and future members could keep their histories without being trapped by them.
Where an Eagle Union carrier could drink tea with a Royal Navy battleship.
Where a Sakura shipgirl could visit an Iron Blood cruiser.
Where Nikkes could walk freely through districts that welcomed them.
Not because they had become the same.
But because they remained different.
And chose to stand together anyway.
For a moment, everyone looked toward the Citadel again.
Not as five separate districts.
Not as separate factions.
But as five petals surrounding the same center.
Different.
Unique.
Independent.
Yet ultimately part of the same flower.
Even Rapi gave a small nod.
The commander continued.
"Each district will have leadership."
That immediately got everyone's attention.
"The district leaders?"
Illustrious asked.
Yuuki nodded.
"The people responsible for representing their districts."
The hologram highlighted the Eagle District.
"For the Eagle Union, that position belongs to Enterprise."
The carrier blinked.
Several Eagle Union girls immediately nodded.
Nobody seemed surprised.
Enterprise sighed.
"I suppose I saw that coming."
The group laughed.
The commander then pointed toward the Sakura District.
"Akagi already told me who should lead the Sakura District."
The fox smiled.
"Nagato-sama."
Several Sakura girls immediately nodded.
Takao included.
"Nagato-sama is the proper choice."
Kaga agreed.
"None among us would object."
The commander nodded.
"Then Nagato becomes the Sakura District leader once she's recovered."
Kaguya smiled softly.
"Tis been many years since this one last saw Nagato."
There was genuine fondness in her voice.
The commander moved to the Royal District.
"For the Royal Navy."
A familiar figure appeared on the hologram.
Queen Elizabeth.
The Royal girls immediately smiled.
Belfast's expression softened.
Illustrious nodded.
"Her Majesty."
The commander smiled.
"Once she's revived, she can take leadership of the Royal District."
Nobody objected.
Then the Iron Blood district illuminated.
Before Yuuki could continue, Nimi spoke up.
"Frau Bismarck."
The group turned toward her.
The destroyer stood proudly.
"She is our leader."
Eugen nodded.
Hipper nodded as well.
Neither hesitated.
"Frau Bismarck should lead the Iron Blood District."
Eugen's usually playful expression became more serious.
"She was the last to leave."
The group listened.
The heavy cruiser looked toward Yuuki.
"She remained behind to ensure the others escaped the island when it was under attack back then."
Hipper crossed her arms.
"That's the kind of person she is."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Eugen smiled.
"Can we find her later?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Of course."
The commander looked around the group.
"The same goes for everyone else."
Atago nodded.
"Nagato-sama departed alongside Shinano-sama."
The cruiser continued.
"Musashi-sama as well."
Then she smiled.
"And Yamato-sama."
Several Sakura girls became quiet.
Those names carried immense weight.
Yuuki nodded.
"We'll find them."
The group looked toward him.
The commander smiled.
"First we rescue the people we already know are alive."
Then he pointed toward the projected districts.
"After that."
A pause.
"Consider it an expedition once we recovered the sixteen on the Mother Whale."
The group listened.
"We'll recover the leaders needed for each district."
The atmosphere immediately brightened.
Because suddenly the Citadel felt even more complete.
Not just buildings.
Not just infrastructure.
The people who belonged there.
The people who would eventually fill those halls.
Then Yuuki turned toward Rapi.
The Nikke blinked.
"Rapi."
"Yes, Commander?"
The commander smiled.
"Would you mind taking the mantle of representative for the Nikke District?"
The group immediately looked toward her.
Rapi froze.
Anis grinned.
Neon smiled.
Mary and Pepper looked pleased.
The commander continued.
"You've been leading long before we met."
Rapi remained silent.
The commander nodded.
"You understand people."
"You understand responsibility."
"You understand sacrifice."
The group waited.
Finally, Rapi straightened.
"It would be my honor."
Yuuki smiled.
"Good."
The Nikke nodded respectfully.
Then the commander casually added:
"Just bear in mind your position will technically be above the Legendary Squads."
The group froze.
Rapi froze.
Anis froze.
Neon froze.
Mary blinked.
Pepper blinked.
Ade, Soda, Cocoa and Nayuta blinked as well.
Even Yorktown looked amused.
Rapi slowly turned.
"...Above them?"
Yuuki nodded.
The commander looked entirely too pleased with himself.
"As representative of the Nikke District, yes. You are technically representing the Nikkes."
The group watched as Rapi processed the information.
The same Rapi who had spent years taking orders.
The same Rapi who never sought authority.
The same Rapi who preferred standing quietly in the background.
Now technically outranked some of the most legendary Nikkes in existence.
Anis immediately burst out laughing.
Neon followed seconds later.
Mary covered her mouth.
Pepper wasn't doing much better.
Rapi simply stood there.
Staring at Yuuki.
Trying to determine whether he was serious.
Unfortunately for her—
The commander was completely serious.
Rapi could tell.
That was the problem.
He wasn't teasing her.
He wasn't making a joke.
He genuinely intended to place her in charge of the Nikke District.
The former squad leader took a slow breath.
Then nodded.
"I'll try to lead the Nikkes."
The group immediately became quieter.
Yuuki smiled.
"Good."
The commander leaned back slightly.
"So far, I think I've found a suitable candidate for the Dragon Empery's Mother position."
Several girls looked toward him.
"Oh?"
Yorktown asked.
Yuuki nodded.
"Yat Sen."
Immediately several shipgirls smiled.
Even Kaguya looked unsurprised.
"That sounds appropriate."
The fox nodded.
The commander continued.
"She's already acting like a mother."
A few girls laughed.
Because that was true.
Yat Sen naturally looked after younger ships.
Made sure everyone was fed.
Made sure everyone was safe.
Made sure nobody felt left behind.
It wasn't something she consciously did.
It was simply part of who she was.
"However," Yuuki continued, "we still need to find the actual district leader for the Dragon Empery."
The hologram shifted.
The future leadership structure appeared.
Enterprise.
Nagato.
Queen Elizabeth.
Bismarck.
Rapi.
One position remained blank.
The Dragon Empery.
"Once we locate them, we'll decide."
Several girls nodded.
That made sense.
The Dragon Empery still had many missing members.
The future leader might not even be among those currently present.
The commander then looked toward Avrora.
"Avrora."
The cruiser looked up.
"Yes, beloved?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Who leads the Northern Parliament?"
A soft smile appeared on Avrora's face.
"That would be Comrade Sovetsky Soyuz."
The group listened.
The Russian cruiser spoke with obvious admiration.
"She is naturally our leader."
The hologram added another portrait.
Sovetsky Soyuz.
Northern Parliament Leader.
Yuuki nodded.
"Then that settles that."
The commander was about to move on when Avrora suddenly added:
"If we're discussing the Mother position..."
Several girls became interested.
"Oh?"
Yorktown asked.
Avrora smiled warmly.
"That would be Kirov."
The group blinked.
"Kirov?"
Yuuki asked.
The cruiser nodded immediately.
"Da."
Her smile widened.
"Kirov is the mother of the Northern Parliament."
The group listened carefully.
"She watches over everyone."
"Guides everyone."
"Protects everyone."
The description sounded familiar.
Very familiar.
Avrora continued.
"She's also a dear friend of Lady Yorktown, Lady Friedrich, Lady Hood, and Lady Houshou."
Yorktown immediately smiled.
"That's true."
The carrier looked nostalgic.
"Kirov was one of the people who regularly visited Houshou's bar."
Several girls became interested.
"The famous bar?"
Javelin asked.
Yorktown laughed.
"The very same."
A few older shipgirls smiled at the memory.
Before the island's fall.
Before the chaos.
Before everything changed.
There had been peaceful nights.
Friends gathered together.
Stories shared over drinks.
Laughter.
Music.
Friendship.
Avrora nodded.
"We would often gather there after missions."
The group grew quieter.
Because many of those memories belonged to a time that no longer existed.
A time they hoped to recover.
Yorktown smiled softly.
"Yes."
The carrier folded her hands.
"Kirov is a great friend of mine."
Yuuki listened carefully.
Then slowly nodded.
The commander looked toward Avrora.
Then toward Yorktown.
Then toward the list of names.
Finally, he smiled.
"Hmm."
The group looked at him.
The commander pointed toward Yorktown.
"You really are suitable for the Mother position."
The carrier blinked.
"Me?"
Yuuki nodded.
The group immediately agreed.
Anis raised her hand.
"Actually, yeah."
Neon nodded.
"Mom energy."
Yorktown's face immediately turned red.
"Neon."
The Nikke grinned.
"You literally worry about everyone. Including us."
Mary nodded.
"That's true. You worried about us blending in despite meeting today."
Pepper joined in.
"Very true. We appreciate your worry. Miss Yorktown."
Even Belfast smiled.
"There are few people more qualified."
The group began nodding one after another.
Enterprise.
Avrora.
Wales.
Illustrious.
Even Rapi.
Yorktown looked increasingly embarrassed.
The commander simply smiled.
Because among all the future district leaders.
Someone would still need to be the person everyone turned to when they needed comfort.
Advice.
Encouragement.
A reminder that they weren't alone.
And every time Yuuki looked at Yorktown, he saw someone who had already been doing that long before anyone gave her a title for it.
============
"The center of the Citadel is something called the Town of Azur Lane."
The hologram shifted again.
The five districts moved outward.
At their center appeared an enormous circular city.
Immediately, the girls became interested.
Unlike the faction districts, the Town of Azur Lane didn't follow any particular national theme.
Instead, it looked like a bustling modern city.
Restaurants.
Cafés.
Shopping streets.
Parks.
Entertainment districts.
Theaters.
Bookstores.
Markets.
The entire town felt alive.
Yuuki smiled.
"Think of it as neutral territory."
The hologram zoomed inward.
"Most stores are operated by androids and service assistants. Those androids will be living alongside you in the districts. Normally, you used to have Manjuus in the headquarters but, in the Home Island? We utilized androids and drones for maintenance of the citadel. Not all androids since they can control drones to help out. Plus, the androids are sentient so you can make friends with them."
The girls watched countless civilian androids moving throughout the city.
"They handle entertainment."
"Food."
"Retail."
"Maintenance."
"The usual."
Javelin tilted her head.
"So we can actually go shopping?"
"Of course."
Yuuki replied.
The destroyer immediately brightened.
The commander continued.
"Sure, most necessities are already provided."
The hologram displayed residential benefits.
Housing.
Utilities.
Healthcare.
Basic meals.
Transportation.
"Nobody has to worry about survival."
The group nodded.
That sounded remarkably comfortable.
Then Yuuki grinned.
"But not everything is provided."
Several girls immediately became suspicious.
"What does that mean?"
Anis asked.
"It means."
The commander pointed toward the shopping district.
"If you want fancy clothes."
The girls looked toward Eugen.
The heavy cruiser smiled innocently.
"If you want expensive desserts."
The group looked toward Illustrious.
The carrier politely looked away.
"If you want custom weapons."
Everyone looked toward Neon.
The Nikke pointed at herself.
"Why me?"
Nobody answered.
The commander continued.
"You'll have to buy them."
The group immediately understood.
"Using credits?"
Mary asked.
Yuuki nodded.
"Credits."
The hologram displayed the currency symbol.
"The standard currency used by GDI."
"Also recognized by Aqua."
"The Ark."
"And the former factions once we establish trade."
The group nodded.
A unified currency made sense.
Then Yuuki smiled.
"Which means you'll finally have things to spend your salaries on."
Several girls looked excited.
Then several others immediately looked guilty.
Specifically:
Yorktown.
Enterprise.
Illustrious.
Belfast.
Atago.
Takao.
The commander slowly looked toward them.
The six girls immediately began whistling.
Very suspiciously.
Yuuki sighed.
"You spent fifty thousand credits."
The whistling continued.
"On clothes."
The whistling became louder.
"FOR EVERYONE."
The group burst into laughter.
Yorktown coughed.
"In our defense..."
"There is no defense."
Yuuki replied.
Enterprise looked away.
Illustrious smiled awkwardly.
Atago looked entirely unrepentant.
Takao suddenly found the sky fascinating.
The commander laughed.
Truthfully, he didn't mind.
The girls knew that.
Which was exactly why they got away with it.
Yuuki pointed toward the Town of Azur Lane.
"This place exists for a reason."
The group listened.
"You girls deserve to spend your money."
The statement surprised them.
Many of them had spent years fighting.
Years surviving.
Years never thinking about normal things.
The commander smiled.
"You can afford to be selfish once in a while."
The group became quiet.
Because those words felt strangely comforting.
The hologram zoomed into a lively commercial district.
Restaurants.
Bakeries.
Clothing stores.
Accessory shops.
Game centers.
Libraries.
The city was designed specifically for shipgirls and Nikkes.
A place where they could simply exist.
Not as weapons.
Not as soldiers.
Just people.
Yuuki pointed toward one section.
"I think some of you mentioned wanting businesses."
Akashi immediately raised her hand.
"Nyaa!"
Everyone laughed.
The commander wasn't surprised.
"You'll probably be the first."
The repair ship looked proud.
Then Yuuki looked toward Ade.
"And I believe somebody mentioned reopening a maid café."
Ade immediately blushed.
Soda smiled.
Cocoa looked excited.
The group laughed.
"It was just an idea..."
Ade muttered.
"A good idea. I did promised to be a one day butler for your cafe."
Yuuki replied.
The maid looked surprised.
The commander folded his arms.
"I don't mind any of you pursuing personal interests."
The group listened carefully.
"Open businesses."
"Start restaurants."
"Open cafés."
"Create services."
"Design clothes."
"Sell products."
"Do whatever makes you happy."
Several girls smiled.
Then Yuuki raised a finger.
"After your responsibilities are completed."
The group immediately understood.
"Mission quota first."
"Business second."
The commander nodded.
"Exactly."
The hologram displayed a simple schedule.
Complete monthly requirements.
Receive salary.
Receive bonuses.
Pursue personal projects.
The system was surprisingly fair.
Yuuki continued.
"Your living space is free."
The residential districts illuminated.
"Food is provided."
The district cafeterias appeared.
"Medical care is provided."
Yuu smiled proudly.
The group became nervous again.
"Transportation is provided."
Portal networks illuminated throughout the Citadel.
The commander smiled.
"Which means any money you earn is largely yours to keep."
Akashi's eyes became stars.
Several girls immediately started calculating future purchases.
Then the hologram zoomed toward the center of the city.
A gigantic plaza appeared.
At its heart stood a massive portal structure.
The group stared.
"This is Central Station."
The portal illuminated.
Every district connected directly to it.
Sakura District.
Eagle District.
Royal District.
Iron Blood District.
Nikke District.
All routes converged here.
"You can walk."
Yuuki explained.
"There are roads."
"There are vehicles."
"But honestly?"
The commander pointed toward the portal.
"Everyone ends up using this."
The group laughed.
Because instant transportation was hard to beat.
Then the hologram shifted upward.
Far upward.
Above the Citadel.
Above the clouds.
Above the city itself.
A massive structure appeared.
The Administration Peak.
The highest point of the entire Citadel.
The Headquarters of the Global Defense Initiative Earth Division.
The High Command.
The group became quiet.
Because they immediately recognized what it was.
The command center.
The heart of GDI Earth Division.
The portal from Central Station connected directly to it.
Yuuki smiled.
"And that's where I live."
The group looked at him.
Then at the headquarters.
Then back at him.
Anis slowly raised her hand.
"So..."
"Hm?"
"You're telling me."
The Nikke pointed toward the sky.
"The only man on Home Island lives in a floating fortress above a giant citadel filled with shipgirls, Nikkes, and female androids."
The group went silent.
Yuuki thought about it.
"...When you say it like that, it sounds weird."
The entire group immediately burst into laughter.
"The Citadel won't fully function until we've recovered more shipgirls and Nikkes."
The hologram slowly rotated above the group.
Entire districts remained partially dark.
Empty residences.
Unused facilities.
Vacant dormitories.
Waiting.
Yuuki folded his arms.
"Right now, we're still missing too many people."
The group nodded.
That much was obvious.
The Citadel was built for thousands.
Not dozens.
Then Yorktown smiled.
"So you won't mind if we continue living with you in the Headquarters?"
The commander blinked.
"What?"
Several girls immediately nodded.
"Seems reasonable."
Enterprise said.
"Agreed."
Belfast added.
"Perfectly reasonable."
Illustrious followed.
Yuuki pointed toward the hologram.
"You all have your own districts."
The girls looked at the districts.
Then looked back at him.
Completely unconvinced.
Eugen folded her arms.
"Teddy Bear."
The commander immediately knew he wasn't going to like where this was going.
"Are you honestly expecting your fiancée to live in a giant dormitory with only Hipper and Nimi? Just the three of us?"
Hipper immediately pointed.
"Wait, why am I included?"
"Because you're there."
Eugen replied.
The group laughed.
Yuuki rubbed his forehead.
"It's not that far."
The commander pointed toward the portal network.
"Two portal jumps."
"Maybe three."
"You'll be fine."
The girls collectively shook their heads.
"No."
The answer came so quickly it startled him.
Kaguya wrapped herself around his arm.
"Dearest husband."
"No."
The fox ignored him.
"Until more allies arrive, this one refuses. So, this wife will live alongside you."
Yorktown nodded.
"So do I."
Enterprise nodded.
"So do I."
Belfast smiled politely.
"Likewise, Master. I am still your personal maid. It will be a hassle to walk from the Royal District to your tower."
Yuuki looked toward Illustrious.
The carrier smiled sweetly.
"Absolutely."
The commander sighed.
Knowing all of them.
He had already lost this argument.
Unfortunately, Belfast wasn't finished.
The maid looked toward another section of the hologram.
A section located directly beneath Yuuki's penthouse.
And directly above the normal administrative residences.
"Master."
Yuuki immediately became suspicious.
"Yes?"
Belfast pointed.
"What is that section?"
The group looked.
Several girls tilted their heads.
There was indeed a separate area.
Positioned between the Headquarters Administration Floors and Yuuki's personal penthouse.
A hidden luxurious residential section.
The commander suddenly became very interested in the sky.
The girls immediately noticed.
"Commander."
Yorktown smiled.
"What is it?"
Yuuki coughed.
"That's..."
The group waited.
"Special Private Quarters."
The hologram highlighted the section.
Luxury apartments.
Private lounges.
Gardens.
Personal facilities.
The group blinked.
Illustrious tilted her head.
"For VIP GDI personnel?"
Yuuki immediately shook his head.
"No."
The carrier blinked.
"Then senior staff?"
"No."
"Division leaders?"
"No."
"Yuu?"
"No."
The doctor looked offended.
"Excuse me."
Yuuki pointed downward.
"Regular GDI personnel already have residences in the Headquarters levels below."
The group looked again.
That was true.
Entire administrative districts existed beneath it.
Even Yuu had housing assigned there.
Which left one obvious question.
The group slowly turned toward Yuuki.
Then Yorktown asked it.
"Then who is it for?"
The commander closed his eyes.
The group already knew.
But they wanted to hear him say it.
Yuuki sighed.
"I promised to marry all of you."
Silence.
Immediate silence.
The group stared.
Then several girls started blushing.
Eugen grinned immediately.
Akagi smiled.
Kaguya's tails swayed happily.
Yorktown looked away.
Belfast maintained her composure.
Barely.
The commander pointed toward the highlighted section.
"Those apartments are reserved for shipgirls and Nikkes I eventually tie the knot with."
The group became even quieter.
The apartments illuminated.
Private residences.
Closer to his penthouse.
Closer to him.
The realization slowly spread.
"Wait."
Neon blinked.
"Those are wedding apartments?"
The commander nodded.
"Essentially."
The group exploded.
"YOU BUILT AN ENTIRE WIFE DISTRICT?"
Anis shouted.
Yuuki immediately pointed.
"No."
A pause.
"Maybe."
The group laughed.
Even Yuu was trying not to smile.
The commander rubbed his forehead.
"It's meant to be a wedding gift."
The group grew quieter.
Because despite the embarrassment—
It was actually rather thoughtful.
The apartments weren't merely luxurious.
They were personal.
Private.
A place for future families.
A place where those closest to him could live.
Then Javelin raised her hand.
"So can we see them?"
"No."
The answer came instantly.
The destroyer pouted.
"Why?"
Yuuki pointed toward the highlighted section.
"Because they're currently locked."
The group blinked.
"Locked?"
The commander nodded.
"They only activate through a special Chrono Ring."
Several girls became curious.
"A ring?"
Yuuki nodded.
"The ring serves as a key."
The hologram displayed a silver band.
"It allows direct teleportation."
The group listened.
"Only registered owners can enter."
"Meaning?"
Yorktown asked.
Yuuki smiled.
"Only wives can teleport there."
The group immediately erupted again.
"And before anybody asks."
The commander pointed around the group.
"You cannot bring friends or family."
The group became suspicious.
"Why?"
Eugen asked.
Yuuki grinned.
"Because if I allow that, you'll have twenty people living there within a week."
Nobody argued.
Because he was completely correct.
Then the commander looked toward the fox currently attached to his arm.
"Kaguya."
The fox immediately smiled.
"Yes, dearest husband?"
The group already knew where this was going.
Yuuki pointed toward the luxury apartments.
"Until the knot is properly tied."
A pause.
"None of you are getting in there."
The group collectively groaned.
Kaguya dramatically clutched her chest.
"Thou woundest thy wife."
"Wife candidate."
Yuuki corrected.
The fox immediately ignored the correction.
Meanwhile, the rest of the girls were no longer looking at the districts.
Or the Citadel.
Or the Headquarters.
They were all staring at the luxurious private apartments sitting directly beneath Yuuki's penthouse.
And silently deciding that those apartments had just become the most fiercely contested real estate in the entire Global Defense Initiative.
Yuuki raised both hands in surrender.
"I'm sorry, but until the knot is properly tied, that section remains off-limits."
Everything designed for future spouses.
Everything currently inaccessible.
The commander pointed toward it.
"You can freely explore the Citadel."
He pointed toward the districts.
"The Sakura District."
"The Eagle District."
"The Royal District."
"The Iron Blood District."
"The Nikke District."
Then toward Headquarters.
"You can visit Headquarters."
The Administration Peak illuminated.
"You can visit my house."
Several girls immediately looked interested.
Very interested.
Yuuki immediately regretted saying that.
The commander continued anyway.
"You can even stay there if you want."
The group brightened.
Then Yuuki pointed toward the private residential level.
"That place."
A pause.
"Absolutely not. Even the VVIP, the president or the king himself is off limits."
The group collectively groaned.
Kaguya dramatically pressed a hand against her chest.
"Dearest husband wounds thy heart."
"You'll survive."
"Nay."
The fox shook her head.
"This one demands a personal tour."
Yuuki immediately became suspicious.
"A personal tour?"
"Once our knot is tied."
Kaguya smiled.
"As true wife and husband."
The group laughed.
Yorktown smiled softly.
"That's fair."
The carrier looked toward Yuuki.
"You promised to marry us when we reached our strongest."
The commander nodded.
"I did."
Yorktown folded her hands.
"Then we'll wait."
The carrier's smile remained gentle.
"But you better keep that promise."
Several girls nodded.
Even Enterprise looked amused.
The commander had unknowingly given half the group a long-term objective.
Then Yuu raised her hand.
"Question."
The group immediately became wary.
Whenever Yuu asked questions, chaos usually followed.
"Yes?"
Yuuki replied cautiously.
The doctor pointed toward the private apartments.
"Even I can't enter?"
"Correct."
Yuu blinked.
"Really?"
"Really."
The commander nodded.
The doctor thought for a moment.
Then tilted her head.
"But I could if we were married?"
The group froze.
Yuuki froze.
The commander immediately realized this was a trap.
Unfortunately it was already too late.
"Uhh..."
The group leaned forward.
"...yeah?"
The moment the word left his mouth, Yuu smiled.
A very dangerous smile.
"Ah."
The doctor nodded.
"Interesting."
The group became nervous.
Very nervous.
Then Yuu casually adjusted her glasses.
"My level is already one thousand."
The group immediately knew where this was going.
"So that means we can get married now."
"NO!"
Yorktown's response echoed across the hill.
Even the birds probably heard it.
The carrier immediately stood.
Pointing at Yuu.
"You get in line, Miss Yuu."
The doctor blinked.
"Line?"
"Yes."
Yorktown nodded firmly.
"We promised to marry him first."
The group immediately became interested.
Yuu smiled.
"Ah."
The doctor looked toward Yorktown.
"So your goal is to become his first wife."
Yorktown's face instantly turned red.
"Eep!"
The group exploded into laughter.
Atago immediately joined the attack.
The heavy cruiser grinned mischievously.
"Ah, so that's Hana-chan's plan."
Yorktown covered her face.
"It is not."
"It absolutely is."
Enterprise replied.
The carrier wasn't even trying to help.
Yorktown looked betrayed.
"Enty!"
The group laughed harder.
Then Illustrious smiled sweetly.
A smile that somehow felt competitive.
"Then perhaps we should simply strive to reach that level first."
Several girls immediately turned.
The carrier remained perfectly composed.
Which somehow made it more dangerous.
Belfast nodded elegantly.
"A reasonable solution."
The maid looked toward Yorktown.
"Hana was the first among us to meet Master."
Yorktown became even redder.
Belfast continued.
"It is only natural that she would be the first bride."
The group nodded.
Then Belfast added:
"We can discuss second place later."
The group immediately erupted.
"Bel!"
Yorktown shouted.
The maid smiled innocently.
"I merely stated the obvious."
Akagi immediately raised her hand.
"Then Akagi will marry Shikikan-sama after Hana."
The group turned.
Kaguya immediately flicked open her fan.
"Get in line."
The fox smiled.
"Mine husband still has to remarry his wife."
Akagi froze.
The group laughed.
Kaguya looked entirely too pleased with herself.
"This one already possesses wife privileges."
"Self-proclaimed wife privileges."
Yuuki corrected.
Kaguya ignored him completely.
Then two hands shot up.
"DON'T FORGET US!"
Anis pointed dramatically.
Neon nodded.
Ade nodded.
Soda nodded.
Cocoa nodded.
Even Mary and Pepper looked amused.
Then, surprisingly, Rapi raised her hand as well.
The group immediately became quiet.
Because Rapi almost never joined these conversations.
The Nikke looked away slightly.
Then spoke calmly.
"The Nikkes are also participating."
The group stared.
Anis immediately pointed.
"SEE?"
Neon looked shocked.
"Rapi actually joined!"
The commander covered his face.
The conversation had somehow evolved from discussing urban planning and district administration into determining a future marriage queue.
Again.
Yuu adjusted her glasses.
Looking entirely too amused.
Kaguya was happily attached to his arm.
Yorktown was still recovering from being called out.
Akagi was arguing with Kaguya.
Anis and Neon were supporting the Nikke side.
Illustrious looked thoughtful.
Belfast looked suspiciously calm.
And somewhere in the middle of all this chaos, Yuuki realized something.
The private apartments hadn't even been built yet.
And somehow there was already a waiting list.
The group was still recovering from the revelation that the private apartments already had a waiting list before they were even finished.
Then Yuu calmly adjusted her glasses.
"I can safely include myself in this matter."
Silence.
Every eye immediately turned toward her.
Yuuki slowly looked up.
"Even you?"
The doctor nodded.
"Even me."
The group became interested very quickly.
Especially the shipgirls.
Especially the Nikkes.
Especially Kaguya.
Yuu crossed her legs.
Unlike the others, she wasn't embarrassed.
She wasn't flustered.
She wasn't trying to hide anything.
"Chief."
"Hm?"
"I've been interested in you for a long time."
The group immediately became quiet.
The doctor's expression remained calm.
"The reason I came here wasn't solely because of the Autumn Isles."
Yuuki blinked.
"It wasn't?"
Yuu shook her head.
"I heard stories."
The group listened.
"Stories about a commander willing to listen."
"A commander who hears confessions."
"A commander who accepts shipgirls."
"A commander who accepts Nikkes."
The doctor's gaze remained fixed on him.
"And while they were making their feelings known..."
A small smile appeared.
"I was waiting. Why do you think I improve myself ever since we left Earth 1.0?"
Several girls exchanged looks.
That wasn't the answer they expected.
Yuu sighed.
"Honestly. You won't look at me if I were some little girl. I became a doctor to be close to you. However, if I am now a level 1000 world class doctor with marriageable age? I would be dumb to not pursue the matter. "
The doctor shrugged.
"I have no intention of dragging this out for twelve or twenty-four episodes like some romantic anime."
The group immediately laughed.
Even Yuuki couldn't help smiling.
Yuu pointed at herself.
"I like you, chief. Ever since we met in Earth 1.0, the little girl you save and given a second chance is now standing before you."
The confession was delivered with all the subtlety of an orbital strike.
The group froze.
Then exploded.
"JUST LIKE THAT?!"
Neon shouted.
"That was fast."
Anis added.
The doctor looked confused.
"Why wouldn't I say it directly? I won't beat around the bush and play with his feelings. All of you stake a claim then, I would do so on my own terms."
Nobody actually had an answer.
Yuu folded her arms.
"Besides."
The doctor looked around the gathering.
"It appears everyone here has already accepted some variation of a shared relationship."
Several girls became embarrassed.
Several others did not.
Kaguya looked proud.
Akagi looked determined.
Yorktown looked like she wanted to disappear.
Yuu turned back toward Yuuki.
"So naturally, I wished to make my intentions known."
The commander rubbed his forehead.
"You're surprisingly straightforward."
"I am a scientist."
Yuu replied.
The group blinked.
"What does that have to do with anything?"
Enterprise asked.
The doctor adjusted her glasses.
"I prefer collecting results rather than endlessly discussing possibilities."
The group laughed again.
Then Yuu became thoughtful.
"Although there is something I find interesting."
The doctor's curiosity immediately activated.
The group recognized that look.
Research mode.
Dangerous.
"Connected."
Yuu pointed toward the shipgirls and Nikkes.
"You mentioned being connected to them."
Yuuki nodded.
"Their Wisdom Cubes."
"Their Bastion Cubes."
The group listened.
"It allows emotional resonance."
The commander pointed toward the group.
"They can sense my feelings."
"I can sense theirs."
"It helps us understand each other."
The group nodded.
Most of them had already experienced it.
The connection wasn't invasive.
It wasn't controlling.
It simply allowed understanding.
Yuu listened carefully.
Then tilted her head.
"So that is why there is so little jealousy."
Several girls nodded.
The commander smiled.
"I don't hide things."
"They don't hide things."
The group understood.
Feelings.
Intentions.
Motives.
Everything remained open.
"No unfairness."
Yuuki finished.
Yuu looked fascinated.
Not romantically.
Scientifically.
The concept itself intrigued her.
"How can I achieve it?"
The commander immediately shook his head.
"I don't know."
Yuu blinked.
"You don't know?"
"No."
The commander shrugged.
"I've never formed that connection with a normal human."
The doctor became quiet.
Very quiet.
The kind of quiet that usually meant she was thinking.
Which somehow worried everyone more.
Yuu eventually smiled.
"Interesting."
The group collectively groaned.
Because that was exactly what they expected her to say.
The doctor ignored them.
She looked toward Yuuki again.
"I want to learn more."
The commander sighed.
"Scientifically?"
"Partially."
The answer somehow made it worse.
Yuu stood.
Then walked closer.
Not dramatically.
Not romantically.
Simply with the confidence of someone approaching a fascinating mystery.
The doctor smiled.
"If this connection truly allows understanding..."
Her eyes reflected equal parts curiosity and sincerity.
"Then perhaps we should try."
The group immediately became alert.
"Try what?"
Anis asked.
Yuu looked toward Yuuki.
Then answered honestly.
"Getting to know each other."
The group relaxed.
Mostly.
The doctor folded her arms.
"Whether it's science, friendship, or something more..."
A small smile appeared.
"I'd like to discover the answer myself."
For once, even Kaguya didn't interrupt.
Even Yorktown didn't protest.
Even Akagi remained quiet.
Because despite Yuu's unusual way of expressing it—
The meaning was clear.
Unlike the others who had followed their hearts first and asked questions later—
Yuu intended to walk both paths at the same time.
To understand the mystery.
And the person at its center.