Yuuki let out a quiet sigh.
The conversation had somehow gone from discussing city planning and district leadership to confessions, marriage queues, and metaphysical connections.
Again.
At this point, he wasn't even surprised anymore.
His gaze shifted toward Yuu.
Unlike the others, she had approached the matter differently.
Yorktown had slowly grown closer to him over years.
Akagi wore her emotions openly.
Kaguya declared herself his wife whenever convenient.
The Nikkes had followed the warmth they felt in his heart.
Yuu was different.
She had waited.
Observed.
Studied.
Thought.
And only after reaching her conclusion had she spoken.
The doctor stood there quietly.
Waiting.
Not for an answer.
But for understanding.
Yuuki smiled.
Maybe there was a way.
Not today.
Not tomorrow.
But perhaps someday.
A way to create a connection similar to the one he shared with shipgirls and Nikkes.
Not because Yuu needed to become one of them.
But because she deserved the same chance they had received.
A chance to be understood.
A chance to understand him in return.
The commander stepped closer.
"We'll get there."
Then he placed a hand on her shoulder.
A simple gesture.
Nothing more.
Yet the moment he did—
Yuu froze.
Her eyes widened.
For a brief instant, something surged through her.
Warmth.
Not heat.
Warmth.
A feeling so powerful it seemed to spread throughout her entire body.
Her heartbeat accelerated.
Her breath caught.
Every nerve seemed to awaken simultaneously.
A strange sensation flowed through her chest.
Into her arms.
Into her fingertips.
Into every strand of hair.
It wasn't painful.
It was overwhelming.
A profound sense of happiness.
Of acceptance.
Of being seen.
As though someone had quietly acknowledged her existence and said:
"I know you're here."
The feeling lasted only a moment.
Yet its afterglow remained.
Yuuki smiled.
"Since you came all the way to Earth."
The commander looked directly at her.
"I'll be needing your support from here on out."
The doctor stared.
The warmth intensified.
The commander nodded.
"I'm counting on you, Yuu."
For perhaps the first time that day—
The brilliant doctor completely lost her composure.
"Y-yes..."
The response came out far softer than intended.
The group immediately noticed.
Anis blinked.
"Did she just stutter?"
The group froze.
Yuu immediately straightened.
"I am perfectly fine."
Nobody believed her.
Not even slightly.
The doctor adjusted her glasses.
A little too quickly.
A little too forcefully.
Which only made things worse.
Several girls quietly smiled.
Because the usually composed Kirino Yuu looked flustered.
And that was a rare sight.
Meanwhile, Yuu's thoughts were elsewhere entirely.
She had been praised before.
Countless times.
As a child prodigy.
As a researcher.
As a doctor.
As one of the brightest minds of Earth 1.0.
People had relied on her.
Needed her.
Respected her.
She was accustomed to it.
So why did this feel different?
Why did a single sentence from him affect her so strongly?
The doctor couldn't understand it.
Yet she found herself replaying those words anyway.
"I'm counting on you."
The warmth remained.
Gentle.
Comforting.
She slowly looked toward Yuuki.
Toward the commander standing among shipgirls and Nikkes.
Toward the man surrounded by people who trusted him completely.
And suddenly she understood something.
At least partially.
The fairy.
Esche.
The shipgirls.
The Nikkes.
The people who gathered around him.
Perhaps it wasn't strength.
Or power.
Or technology.
Perhaps it was this.
The warmth.
The light.
The feeling that somehow made people believe they belonged.
Yuu lowered her gaze.
A small smile appearing despite herself.
The scientist in her was fascinated.
The woman in her was curious.
And for the first time in a very long while—
She found herself wanting to understand something she couldn't immediately explain.
Quietly, so only she could hear it, she whispered:
"I want to know more."
Her gaze returned to Yuuki.
A little longer than before.
"This warmth."
A pause.
"These feelings."
The doctor smiled softly.
"And... him."
For once, Kirino Yuu wasn't looking at a mystery she wanted to solve.
She was looking at a journey she wanted to experience herself.
=============
Yuuki enlarged the hologram again.
The Citadel rotated slowly above the group.
Most of the girls had been focused on the districts.
The dormitories.
The Town of Azur Lane.
The Headquarters.
The future homes waiting for them.
But Yuuki was looking at something else entirely.
The outer ring.
The commander pointed toward dozens of massive platforms extending from the Citadel's exterior.
"What are those?"
Enterprise asked.
"Expansion platforms."
Yuuki replied.
The hologram zoomed closer.
Each platform was enormous.
Large enough to hold entire facilities.
Factories.
Research complexes.
Defense systems.
The group became curious.
"What are you planning to build there?"
Mary asked.
The commander smiled.
"Lots of things."
The hologram illuminated several empty construction sites.
"Support facilities."
"Defense complexes."
Then several sections highlighted in red.
The group immediately became suspicious.
"Commander."
Rapi spoke.
"Why are those red?"
The commander coughed.
"Superweapons."
The group froze.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Neon immediately pointed.
"THERE IT IS."
"What?"
Yuuki asked.
"The GDI insanity. What kind of firepower you have for the fortress?!"
The group erupted into laughter.
The commander looked offended.
"They're defensive superweapons."
"That's somehow worse."
Neon replied.
The hologram shifted.
Massive defense grids appeared throughout the Citadel.
Shield generators.
Defense cannons.
Interceptor systems.
Orbital defense batteries.
The group slowly realized something.
The Citadel wasn't merely a city.
It was a fortress.
A fortress designed by someone who expected enemies capable of destroying worlds.
Which was unfortunately accurate.
Yuuki folded his arms.
"If the Sirens attack."
The hologram displayed defensive firing arcs.
"We respond."
"If the Raptures attack."
More firing solutions appeared.
"We respond."
"If something stronger appears."
Several girls noticed him smiling.
"We respond harder."
The group collectively groaned.
"Commander..."
Yorktown sighed.
The carrier wasn't even surprised anymore.
The commander continued.
"The Citadel is designed to become the safest place on the planet."
The group became quieter.
Because beneath all the superweapons and defenses—
That was the real goal.
Safety.
A home that couldn't be taken away.
A place nobody would lose again.
Yuuki then pointed toward another highlighted section.
"This is the support network."
Several nodes illuminated around the world map.
The group watched.
"Eventually."
The commander smiled.
"I want to support all of you no matter where you are."
The hologram displayed supply routes.
Mission routes.
Emergency response routes.
The girls listened carefully.
"If a shipgirl squad needs reinforcement."
A route appeared.
"If a Nikke team is under attack."
Another route appeared.
"If a settlement needs aid."
More routes appeared.
The support network stretched across continents.
Across oceans.
Across the world.
Then Yuuki sighed.
"Unfortunately."
The group recognized that tone.
A problem.
"There is still one equation I haven't solved."
The hologram shifted again.
A familiar device appeared.
The Chronosphere.
Several girls immediately recognized it.
The cornerstone of GDI's transportation technology.
Yuuki looked at it thoughtfully.
"Right now, supporting everyone requires multiple Chronospheres."
The world map illuminated.
One here.
One there.
Another elsewhere.
The network worked.
But it wasn't efficient.
The commander narrowed his eyes.
"If I can solve the final equation..."
The hologram suddenly merged.
Multiple routes converged toward a single point.
The group watched.
"Imagine supporting all of you from a single location."
The commander pointed toward the Citadel.
"One central Chronosphere."
The group blinked.
Yuuki smiled.
"Instead of a dozen."
The implications slowly settled.
Enterprise was the first to understand.
"You're trying to create a global support network."
The commander nodded.
"Exactly."
The carrier stared.
"You want to reinforce any location on Earth from the Citadel."
"Yes."
The group became silent.
Because they finally understood the scale.
This wasn't merely a fortress.
This wasn't merely a city.
This wasn't even merely a headquarters.
Yuuki was designing something far larger.
A place capable of protecting the entire world.
A place where a distress call from any island.
Any settlement.
Any survivor.
Could potentially be answered.
The commander looked toward the distant horizon.
"One day."
His voice softened slightly.
"If someone asks for help."
The hologram displayed countless points across the globe.
"I want us to be able to answer."
The group became quiet.
A blue holographic screen suddenly appeared beside Yuuki.
The girls immediately recognized it as a long-range communication link.
Establishing Video Uplink...
Connection Stable.
The screen flickered.
Then a familiar man appeared.
White hair.
Sharp crimson eyes.
A black research coat draped over his shoulders.
Multiple holographic windows floated around him, displaying research data, magical crystal analysis, Siren schematics, and Rapture components simultaneously.
"Yo."
Yuuki waved.
"Hey, Verg."
The vice commander glanced at the gathering behind him.
Shipgirls.
Nikkes.
Yuu.
The Tsukimimi village below.
"Looks like you're causing trouble again."
"I fixed a village."
"Exactly."
Vergil replied.
The girls laughed.
The scientist adjusted one of the floating windows.
"Anyway."
"The nanocores have been loaded onto the drones."
Several cargo drones appeared on another screen.
"I can send them now."
"Perfect."
Yuuki nodded.
A cheerful voice suddenly joined in.
"Greetings, Vergil-sama."
Vergil looked toward Yuu.
Immediately.
"That mad doctor is with you."
Yuu's smile twitched.
"Excuse me?"
Yuuki pointed accusingly at the screen.
"Bastard."
"What?"
"You sold me out."
Vergil shrugged.
"It was either that..."
The scientist pointed toward Yuu.
"Or she starts dissecting my samples."
The girls turned toward Yuu.
The doctor immediately raised a finger.
"I do not dissect every sample."
Vergil pointed at her.
"Every sample you're allowed to touch."
"That's different."
The room laughed.
Vergil looked back toward Yuuki.
"Honestly."
The scientist shrugged.
"You're cheaper."
"HEY!"
Even the shipgirls laughed at that one.
Yuu folded her arms and glared at the screen.
"One day I'll get access to your private laboratory."
Vergil immediately looked horrified.
"Yuuki."
"Hm?"
"If I suddenly disappear."
The scientist pointed toward Yuu.
"It was her."
"If she can pass Eva, Suki or Dasha."
The girls burst out laughing.
Yuu looked offended.
"I am a doctor."
"Exactly."
Vergil replied.
The vice commander quickly changed the subject before she could argue further.
"Anyway."
Several holographic windows appeared.
Crystal analysis.
Magical energy readings.
Agricultural projections.
"The nanocores are already en route."
A drone swarm appeared on the display.
"They should arrive shortly."
Yuuki nodded.
"Good."
Vergil pointed toward Neon.
"Also."
The Nikke blinked.
"Me?"
The scientist nodded.
"The magic crystals you recovered from the previous island."
Immediately several windows appeared.
Complex readings.
Energy signatures.
Unknown particle behavior.
Vergil looked unusually excited.
Which was saying something.
"Those things are something else."
The girls became curious.
"Good something else?"
Enterprise asked.
"Very good."
Vergil's eyes gleamed.
"Or very dangerous."
The room immediately became less excited.
The scientist grinned.
"Probably both."
"Definitely both."
Yuuki corrected.
"Fair."
Vergil admitted.
The vice commander pointed toward the girls.
"Send me anything unusual you find."
"Crystals."
"Ancient technology."
"Magic artifacts."
"Siren components."
"Rapture components."
The scientist paused.
"Preferably intact."
Several girls looked away.
Neon.
Anis.
Akagi.
Vergil sighed.
"I know I'm asking a lot."
The group laughed.
Then the scientist pointed toward Yuu.
"Oh."
"The Echo Suit Mark II."
Yuu nodded.
"I've already brought the deployment package."
"Good."
Vergil folded his arms.
"Test it."
Yuuki smiled.
"I intend to."
Vergil nodded.
"Good."
Then he glanced toward Yuu.
"And don't let the doctor collect live samples without supervision."
"VERGIL!"
The connection immediately terminated.
Video Link Disconnected.
The group erupted into laughter as Yuu stared at the now-empty screen.
Meanwhile, high above the clouds, a drop pod of GDI cargo drones was already racing toward the Autumn Isles.
Carrying the first pieces needed to transform the liberated village into GDI's first official Blue Zone.
============
A few minutes later, the afternoon sky suddenly changed.
A bright streak of light appeared far above the clouds.
The group looked up instinctively.
"What is that?"
Mary asked.
The answer came from Jarvis.
"Sir, incoming drop pod."
The streak grew brighter.
Faster.
Larger.
The air itself seemed to tremble.
Several Tsukimimi villagers pointed upward.
"A shooting star?"
"Nay."
Kaguya smiled.
"Tis no star."
The object descended through the atmosphere.
Its surface glowed white-hot.
A trail of fire stretched behind it.
Like a spear cast from the heavens.
Then Yorktown froze.
The carrier's eyes widened.
"..."
Beside her, Laffey had unknowingly stood up.
Both of them stared at the descending object.
"Hana?"
Enterprise asked.
The carrier didn't answer immediately.
Her eyes never left the sky.
Eventually, she smiled softly.
"Hana?"
Enterprise asked again.
Yorktown pointed upward.
"When Yuuki first arrived..."
The others turned toward her.
"He came in one of those."
The room grew quieter.
Yorktown's voice softened.
"The Home Island was burning."
Images flashed through her memory.
Smoke.
Fire.
Sirens.
Despair.
The end of everything she knew.
Then something impossible had fallen from the sky.
A drop pod.
Alongside ten Legion soldiers.
The beginning of hope.
Yorktown smiled.
"That drop pod saved my life."
Then she glanced toward Laffey.
"And Laffey's too."
The sleepy destroyer nodded quietly.
"Laffey remembers."
The group became silent.
Because they all knew that if Yuuki hadn't arrived that day—
Neither of them would be standing here now.
Yuu folded her arms.
Unlike the others, she recognized the design immediately.
"A third-generation deployment pod."
The doctor watched its descent.
"We used those all the time."
The girls looked toward her.
"Used?"
Neon asked.
Yuu nodded.
"Frequently."
The hologram from earlier appeared beside her.
A schematic of the drop pod rotated slowly.
Unlike older versions, this model was enormous.
Several decks high.
Large enough to transport super-heavy vehicles.
Entire combat groups.
Mobile bases.
The doctor pointed toward the design.
"Third-generation pods are significantly larger than earlier models."
"They can transport a single super-heavy unit or multiple medium units."
The girls blinked.
That thing was basically a spacecraft disguised as a delivery package.
Yuu continued.
"Unlike older disposable pods, these can return to orbit after deployment."
The room became impressed.
Even Akashi nodded.
"Efficient nyaa."
"Very."
Yuu agreed.
Then she smiled slightly.
"Although they technically aren't armed."
Several girls relaxed.
Then Yuu continued.
"They're still terrifying."
The room immediately became suspicious again.
"Why?"
Anis asked.
The doctor pointed upward.
The pod was still descending.
At ridiculous speed.
"Because interception is impossible."
The pod suddenly accelerated.
The air exploded around it.
A thunderous shockwave echoed across the island.
Several villagers jumped.
The group stared.
"Ah."
Enterprise said.
Now she understood.
The doctor nodded.
"They're designed to survive atmospheric entry."
The hologram displayed impact calculations.
Several girls immediately looked concerned.
"Wait."
Mary blinked.
"Impact?"
Yuu smiled.
"Anything underneath the pod becomes part of the landing zone."
The room stared.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Neon slowly raised a hand.
"So it's technically a weapon."
"Officially?"
Yuu replied.
"No."
The pod roared overhead.
"Unofficially?"
The doctor pointed upward.
"Absolutely."
The group laughed.
Moments later, retro-thrusters ignited.
Brilliant blue flames erupted beneath the pod.
The gigantic cylinder slowed dramatically.
The Tsukimimi villagers watched in awe.
To them, it looked like a divine artifact descending from heaven.
To the GDI personnel—
It looked like a delivery.
The pod finally reached the vacant hill where the former pirate mansion once stood.
Then landed.
BOOM.
The ground shook.
Dust exploded outward.
Several trees swayed.
The impact echoed across the island.
Yet the pod remained perfectly intact.
The side panels slowly unfolded.
Steam escaped from vents.
Internal lights activated.
Cargo systems came online.
Inside were the promised nanocores.
Drone hives.
Defense tower cores.
Generator modules.
Administration structures.
Everything needed to begin transforming the Autumn Isles into GDI's first official Blue Zone.
Yuuki smiled.
"Looks like the delivery arrived."
Below them, the Tsukimimi villagers stared at the massive metallic object that had fallen from the heavens.
Momo slowly pointed.
"Kyon..."
"Yes?"
"I think Lady Kaguya's friends are even crazier than Lady Kaguya."
Kyon immediately nodded.
"Definitely."
The massive drop pod remained on the ground for only a few moments.
Then its engines ignited.
"Deployment successful, sir."
"Standing by for the next objective."
Blue thrusters erupted beneath the pod.
Before anyone could properly react—
The enormous vehicle shot back into the sky.
The ground trembled.
A shockwave rolled across the hill.
And within seconds, it became nothing more than a distant star disappearing into the clouds.
The Tsukimimi villagers stared upward.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Hooo..."
Neon whistled.
"That thing really is firepower."
Soda shook her head.
"More like an oversized delivery truck."
The room laughed.
Yuuki nodded.
"Well, at least it delivers."
Below them, dozens of metallic containers sat neatly arranged where the drop pod had landed.
The nanocores.
The foundation of a GDI outpost.
Yuuki stepped forward.
"Let's begin."
The commander activated the first nanocore.
The metallic sphere unfolded.
Panels separated.
Framework expanded.
Nanomachines swarmed outward.
The girls watched in fascination.
Within seconds, a skeletal structure began rising from the hill.
Steel.
Concrete.
Support beams.
Communication arrays.
The structure continued growing.
Higher.
Higher.
Higher.
Until a massive tower dominated the hill.
Not fully complete.
But already visible.
Yuu smiled immediately.
"My Observation Post."
The tower's frame continued assembling itself.
A massive reinforced central pylon.
Support structures.
Communication equipment.
At the very top, a large domed observation deck.
The glass reflected the afternoon sunlight.
Several radar dishes emerged from its sides.
Rotating slowly.
Spotlights deployed.
Listening equipment unfolded.
Advanced sensor arrays materialized.
The tower looked less like a simple watchtower and more like a fortress dedicated entirely to information gathering.
The Tsukimimi villagers stared.
"It looks like a giant shrine."
Kyon whispered.
"One built by engineers."
Momo added.
Yuu smiled proudly.
"It will be able to monitor the entire region."
The doctor adjusted her glasses.
"Perfect."
The second nanocore activated.
This one expanded horizontally.
Massive foundations erupted from the ground.
Walls emerged.
Windows formed.
Entire sections assembled simultaneously.
The GDI crest appeared prominently at the front.
The girls watched a huge building take shape.
A central administration complex.
Medical facilities.
Research laboratories.
Living quarters.
Emergency response facilities.
A rooftop helipad.
The structure looked both modern and imposing.
Yuuki pointed toward it.
"The GDI Administration Building."
Yuu nodded.
"My residence."
Then she smiled.
"And my hospital."
Immediately Mary and Pepper became interested.
Vestal too.
The doctors were already imagining how much medical equipment could fit inside.
The third nanocore activated.
This one rose directly beside the Observation Post.
A tall communications structure emerged.
Satellite uplinks unfolded.
Signal transmitters rotated.
Massive dish arrays pointed toward the heavens.
The girls watched in fascination.
"Spysat Uplink."
Yuuki explained.
Yuu's eyes widened.
"Connected to the Observation Post?"
The commander nodded.
The doctor immediately understood.
A grin appeared.
"Oh."
The room became nervous.
They recognized that grin.
Researcher grin.
Dangerous.
"How much coverage?"
Nimi asked.
"Five hundred miles."
Silence.
Neon blinked.
"Five hundred?"
The commander nodded.
The doctor's smile widened.
The group collectively took a step back.
Because they suddenly realized Yuu would soon be able to see nearly everything happening around the Isles.
Then four additional nanocores activated.
The ground shook.
Massive generator facilities began materializing.
Power conduits emerged.
Cooling towers.
Energy distribution systems.
Within minutes, four huge generator complexes stood around the compound.
The Tsukimimi villagers looked confused.
"What do those do?"
Yuuki smiled.
"Power."
The villagers nodded.
Then paused.
"Power for what?"
The commander pointed toward the entire compound.
"Everything."
The room blinked.
"All of it?"
"Yes."
The commander nodded.
"One generator could power a city."
The villagers froze.
Then four more nanocores activated.
The ground opened.
Large industrial structures emerged.
Launch bays.
Storage facilities.
Maintenance platforms.
Drone production centers.
Four Drone Hives.
Already beginning to manufacture worker drones.
Small machines immediately emerged.
Flying.
Repairing.
Constructing.
Expanding.
The Tsukimimi watched in amazement.
Because the outpost was literally building itself.
Then the final phase began.
A faint blue light appeared.
The ground illuminated.
Energy barriers expanded outward.
Forming a perimeter around the entire compound.
The villagers gasped.
A glowing wall of energy rose into existence.
Like a magical barrier.
Like something from a fairy tale.
Except built by science.
"Ion Walls."
Yuuki explained.
The energy field shimmered.
Protected.
Stable.
Powerful.
The ground beneath the compound changed as well.
Grass vanished.
Soil compressed.
Concrete formed.
Roadways appeared.
Foundations strengthened.
The entire area transformed into a proper GDI installation.
Then large gates materialized within the Ion Wall.
The GDI crest illuminated above them.
The compound was still unfinished.
The Observation Post still lacked its upper sections.
The Council Building was still assembling.
The Drone Hives were only beginning operation.
The Spysat network was still calibrating.
Yet already—
The first Blue Zone was taking shape.
The Tsukimimi stared in awe.
Just hours ago, this hill had contained a pirate mansion.
Now it held a futuristic fortress.
A hospital.
A command center.
A watchtower.
A defense network.
A future.
Yuu looked over the growing compound.
Then toward the village below.
Toward the people she would be protecting.
Toward the island she would oversee.
Finally, she smiled.
"Chief."
"Hm?"
The doctor folded her arms.
"I think I'm going to enjoy this assignment."
The next nanocores activated.
Unlike the Observation Post or the Council Building, these did not unfold into support structures.
They unfolded into weapons.
Massive reinforced foundations erupted from the ground.
Steel supports locked into place.
Power conduits connected themselves.
Targeting arrays emerged from hidden compartments.
Then a huge cylindrical cannon slowly rose from the center of the platform.
The shipgirls, Nikkes, and Tsukimimi watched as glowing energy rings formed around the barrel.
A low hum filled the air.
Even without firing, the weapon felt dangerous.
"Tower Cores?"
Javelin asked.
Yuu smiled.
"Wave Force Towers."
The cannon continued extending upward until it stood taller than most buildings in the village.
The energy rings rotated slowly.
Blue light pulsed through internal conduits.
Yuuki pointed toward the tower.
"Tower Cores deploy Wave Force Towers."
A hologram appeared beside him.
A charging sequence began.
Level One.
Level Two.
Level Three.
Level Four.
Level Five.
Level Six.
Enterprise folded her arms.
"How powerful?"
Yuuki rubbed the back of his head.
"About one-fifth the power of an F-SPAR."
Several girls froze.
"One-fifth?"
Mary repeated.
The commander nodded.
"At maximum charge."
The group exchanged looks.
They already knew how absurd F-SPAR weapons were.
The idea of mounting even a fraction of that firepower onto a defensive tower was ridiculous.
Yuuki continued.
"A fully charged Wave Force Tower can destroy a small ship with one shot."
The Tsukimimi stared.
"One shot?"
Kyon whispered.
Yuuki nodded.
"Two or three firing together can destroy a large vessel."
Neon's eyes sparkled.
"Such firepower!"
Several shipgirls immediately sweatdropped.
Enterprise sighed.
"Of course that's your reaction."
The Nikke pointed dramatically toward the tower.
"It's beautiful."
The others laughed.
Nearby, another set of nanocores unfolded.
These were smaller than the Wave Force Towers.
Compact.
Angular.
Purpose-built for defense.
"Defender Cores."
Yuuki explained.
Missile pods emerged.
Laser emitters unfolded.
Tracking systems activated.
The structures rotated slowly as they calibrated.
"They can switch between anti-infantry laser mode and anti-air missile mode."
Several missiles rotated into launch position.
The Tsukimimi instinctively took a step back.
"They look scary."
Momo admitted.
"They're supposed to."
Yuu replied.
The remaining Tower Cores and Defender Cores didn't stay within the compound.
Cargo drones immediately picked them up.
The villagers watched dozens of drones fly away toward distant parts of the island.
A holographic map appeared.
Strategic locations lit up.
Coastal cliffs.
Mountain ridges.
Observation points.
Harbor approaches.
Ten additional Tower Cores.
Eight Defender Cores.
All being deployed around the Autumn Isles.
The island's defenses were rapidly taking shape.
Neon continued staring at the Wave Force Tower.
Then a thought appeared.
"Commander."
"Hm?"
"Can those be mounted on tanks?"
Several people immediately turned toward her.
Of course she would ask that.
Yuuki sighed.
"Yes."
Neon's eyes widened.
"YES!"
The commander brought up another hologram.
A massive armored vehicle appeared.
"Wave Force Artillery Tank."
Neon stared.
Then another appeared.
A heavier variant.
Then another.
Then a battleship.
Then a larger battleship.
Then a warship carrying multiple Wave Force emitters.
With each reveal, Neon's expression became increasingly excited.
Yuuki pointed toward the warship.
"Some naval variants use triple-barrel configurations."
Neon froze.
The Nikke looked toward the sky.
Then toward the tower.
Then toward the hologram.
Finally, she clasped her hands together.
"Such..."
Everyone already knew what was coming.
"...FIREPOWER!"
Her voice echoed across the hill.
Several Tsukimimi villagers jumped.
Anis covered her face.
Rapi sighed.
Mary laughed.
Pepper giggled.
Yorktown shook her head with amusement.
Even Enterprise couldn't hide her smile.
Meanwhile, Neon continued staring at the Wave Force Tower like someone admiring a priceless work of art.
To everyone else, it was an advanced strategic defense platform.
To Neon—
It was perfection.
Nayuta quietly observed the growing GDI compound.
The Observation Post.
The Council Building.
The Wave Force Towers.
The Defender Cores.
The Drone Hives.
The Ion Walls.
Everything had appeared within minutes.
"Tis truly astonishing."
Nayuta spoke softly.
"This humble one is surprised by thy faction's ingenuity."
The former Pilgrim looked toward the massive structures.
"Many would mistake this for sorcery."
Yuuki chuckled.
"Advanced technology tends to do that."
Beside him, Kaguya's tails swayed gently.
The fox shipgirl stared at the compound with genuine fascination.
"Indeed, dearest."
Kaguya smiled.
"Thy wife hath lived amidst magic for centuries."
Her gaze shifted toward the Observation Post.
"Yet thou dost accomplish feats similar to magic through science alone."
The fox looked genuinely impressed.
"To create water."
"To heal wounds."
"To construct castles from naught."
"To communicate across great distances."
She shook her head.
"Many of these feats would be considered high-tier magic in mine homeland."
Yuuki shrugged.
"We adapt."
The simple answer made Kaguya smile.
A civilization surrounded by impossible dangers had simply refused to stop advancing.
Nearby, Yuu examined the growing compound.
The doctor's eyes moved from building to building.
Already planning.
Already organizing.
Already imagining improvements.
"Chief."
"Hm?"
Yuu folded her arms.
"This is a proper outpost."
The doctor nodded approvingly.
"I would be honored to oversee it."
Her gaze shifted toward the village below.
"The Tsukimimi."
"The hospital."
"The agricultural development."
"The medical research."
A smile appeared.
"And the opportunity to assist the people here."
Yuuki smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that."
Yuu nodded.
"Plus."
The doctor looked toward the distant horizon.
"Once you establish the portal network, I can freely travel between here and Home Island."
"That's the plan."
The commander glanced toward the construction progress.
Several structures were already nearing completion.
The Observation Post continued growing.
The Council Building's exterior was almost complete.
Worker drones moved constantly between construction sites.
Yuuki estimated the time.
"A few more hours."
The commander nodded.
"Everything should be operational by evening."
Suddenly—
A silver light appeared nearby.
Several girls turned.
The light fluttered through the air.
Then resolved into a familiar tiny figure.
Esche.
The fairy hovered gently above the grass.
Yuu immediately became interested.
Very interested.
"So this is the fairy."
The doctor's eyes sparkled.
"Esche."
The fairy immediately became nervous.
She recognized that look.
Researcher look.
Dangerous.
Yuuki sighed.
"Yuu."
"What?"
"Behave."
"I am behaving."
The doctor slowly reached toward the fairy.
Esche immediately flew behind Yuuki's head.
"Eep!"
Several girls laughed.
The fairy peeked out cautiously.
"This one shall not object..."
A pause.
"...provided she remaineth gentle."
Yuu placed a hand over her heart.
"I am always gentle."
Nobody believed her.
Not even slightly.
The doctor looked offended.
"What brings you here, Esche?"
Yuuki asked.
The fairy immediately became serious.
Her wings fluttered softly.
"I have spoken with my sister."
Everyone's attention sharpened.
"Laurelin?"
Yuuki asked.
Esche nodded.
"Yes."
The fairy smiled.
"We are welcome at her tree."
Several girls relaxed.
That made things easier.
Then Esche continued.
"However..."
The fairy hesitated.
Yuuki immediately noticed.
"What is it?"
Esche looked toward him.
"There are protectors."
The group became curious.
"Protectors?"
Yorktown asked.
The fairy nodded.
"Three of them."
Silence.
Then Esche smiled.
"Three shipgirls currently reside beneath Laurelin's protection."
The entire group froze.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Kaguya's eyes widened.
Enterprise immediately straightened.
Yorktown blinked.
Even Rapi looked surprised.
Yuuki stared.
"Three?"
Esche nodded.
"Three."
The fairy looked toward the distant mountains of the Autumn Isles.
"All living near the Golden Tree."
The excitement spreading through the group was immediate.
Because every new shipgirl meant another survivor.
Another ally.
Another friend waiting to be found.
Atago smiled.
"Looks like our expedition just became more interesting."
Akagi's tails swayed excitedly.
"Perhaps they are Sakura shipgirls."
"Or Royal Navy."
Illustrious suggested.
"Or Eagle Union."
Yorktown added.
The possibilities raced through everyone's minds.
Meanwhile, Yuuki looked toward Esche.
The commander smiled.
"Can they be trusted?"
The fairy nodded immediately.
"Laurelin trusts them."
That answer alone was enough.
Because if a sacred fairy entrusted with one of the legendary trees considered them allies—
Then they were worth meeting.
Esche then smiled mysteriously.
"One among them is especially excited."
The group blinked.
"Why?"
Neon asked.
The fairy giggled.
"Because she learned a Great Hero was coming."
Several girls immediately turned toward Yuuki.
The commander sighed.
"Oh no."
Kaguya laughed.
"Too late, dearest."
The fox's tails swayed happily.
"Thy reputation hath already arrived before thee."
"Just like before."
Yuuki looked toward the distant mountain where Laurelin's sacred tree rested.
"Esche's Telperion Tree protected the previous island. That's why we couldn't detect Eugen, Hipper, or Kaguya until we entered its range."
The fairy nodded.
"The trees conceal those beneath their protection."
Yorktown folded her arms.
"What do we do, Commander?"
Yuuki glanced toward the mountain.
The shrine sat high above the village.
Ancient stairways wound their way through forests of orange-leafed trees.
From this distance alone, the climb looked exhausting.
"Well..."
The commander smiled.
"We still have a few hours before the outpost finishes construction."
He pointed toward the mountain.
"Let's take a hike."
Anis immediately paled.
"A hike?"
Neon looked horrified.
"A hike?"
Both Nikkes slowly turned toward the endless stone staircase climbing up the mountain.
The realization struck.
"No."
Anis whispered.
"No, no, no."
Neon pointed dramatically toward the shrine.
"Commander!"
"Have mercy!"
"We're not climbing a thousand steps!"
Several shipgirls laughed.
Even Mary looked relieved she wasn't the only one thinking it.
Yuuki rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Hmm."
The commander nodded.
"You're right."
Anis and Neon brightened immediately.
Then Yuuki grinned.
"Let's hitch a ride."
Before anyone could ask what that meant—
Nanomachines flowed across his body.
The Mark 86 armor materialized.
Grey and silver plating formed around him.
Arc reactor glowing brightly.
Beside him, Yuu activated her own armor.
The blue-and-gold Mark 49 Rescue Armor assembled around her.
Then ten familiar figures rose from below the hill.
Iron Legion soldiers.
They flew upward in formation before landing nearby.
Several Tsukimimi villagers stared.
Even after everything today—
Watching flying metal warriors descend from the sky remained impressive.
Yuuki looked toward the group.
"We can only take two at a time."
The girls immediately moved.
Far faster than expected.
"Hug."
A small light gold-haired blur launched herself forward.
Eldridge latched onto Yuuki's back like a koala.
The destroyer looked entirely satisfied with herself.
The commander blinked.
"That was fast."
Eldridge nodded.
"Efficient."
Several girls groaned.
Kaguya stepped forward.
"Dearest."
"Yes?"
"This wife believes she should accompany thee."
Yuuki pointed toward her tails.
"You can fly."
Kaguya immediately pouted.
"Ah."
The fox lowered her ears dramatically and playing with her index fingers.
"This one wished to be carried by her dearest husband."
Several girls immediately agreed.
Unfortunately—
Two others were already faster.
Nayuta had already slipped into one arm.
Ade occupied the other.
The Pilgrim smiled serenely.
"Forgive this humble one, dear ladies."
Several girls immediately became suspicious.
Nayuta continued.
"As the modern saying goes..."
A pause.
"The early bird catches the worm."
Ade grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry."
The hill exploded into protests.
"HEY!"
"THAT'S NOT FAIR!"
"I WAS GOING TO ASK!"
Akagi immediately lunged forward.
Only for Kaguya to catch her sleeve.
The fox smiled sweetly.
"Calm thyself."
Akagi pointed accusingly.
"You wanted to be carried too!"
"Correct."
Kaguya admitted.
"Then why stop me?"
"Because if this one cannot ride, neither shall thee."
The argument immediately escalated.
Kaga sighed.
"Here we go again."
Meanwhile, Yuu had already secured her own passengers.
Rapi stood on one side.
Anis on the other.
The Rescue Armor's additional thrusters easily compensated.
Anis looked surprisingly pleased.
"See?"
The Nikke pointed toward Yuuki.
"We got the smart doctor."
"Excuse me?"
Yuuki replied.
Anis ignored him.
Then another voice appeared.
"Sandy too!"
San Diego practically launched herself through the air.
The cruiser grabbed onto Yuuki from behind.
Now Eldridge was on his back.
San Diego was hanging on from the side.
Nayuta occupied one arm.
Ade occupied the other.
The commander looked down.
Then up.
Then down again.
"I thought I said two."
"Technicality."
San Diego replied.
"That's not how numbers work."
The cruiser disagreed.
The remaining shipgirls and Nikkes quickly paired off.
Yorktown and Enterprise.
Belfast and Illustrious.
Mary and Pepper.
Javelin and Unicorn.
Soda and Cocoa.
Laffey and Neon.
Though Laffey almost fell asleep before departure.
Takao and Atago simply chose to leap from one Legion to another.
Akagi eventually dragged Kaga with her onto Kaguya since she can use magic to carry them.
Still grumbling about missed opportunities.
Wales paired with Avrora.
Several others remained behind temporarily.
Waiting for the next trip.
Once everyone was secured—
The Iron Legions ignited their thrusters.
Blue light illuminated the hill.
Leaves scattered into the air.
The Tsukimimi villagers watched in amazement.
Then the group lifted off.
One by one.
Skipping the endless staircase entirely.
Anis immediately looked downward.
Then toward the mountain.
Then toward Yuuki.
"I officially forgive you."
"For what?"
"For not making us climb."
Neon nodded vigorously.
"Best commander ever."
The others laughed.
Below them, the Autumn Isles stretched endlessly.
Orange forests.
Floating bridges.
Ancient shrines.
Golden clouds.
The newly built GDI outpost gleaming in the distance.
And above it all—
Their destination.
The sacred mountain shrine protected by Laurelin.
Where three hidden shipgirls awaited.
==================
The flight was surprisingly short.
What would have been an exhausting climb of a thousand stone steps became only a few minutes through the air.
One after another, the Iron Legions descended onto the mountain summit.
Thrusters cooled.
Passengers disembarked.
Anis immediately kissed the ground.
"Safe."
Neon nodded solemnly.
"No stairs."
"Best transportation ever."
The remaining girls laughed as more Iron Legions returned to collect those left behind below.
The summit itself was peaceful.
Far more peaceful than the bustling village beneath.
Ancient maple trees surrounded the area.
Their orange leaves drifted lazily through the mountain breeze.
Stone lanterns lined a narrow pathway.
Weathered torii gates stood proudly despite centuries of exposure.
The atmosphere felt sacred.
Even Kaguya paused.
"This place..."
The fox looked around quietly.
"It has changed little."
The group followed the stone path deeper into the shrine grounds.
Eventually they arrived before a large cave entrance.
The cave was not natural.
Or rather, it had once been natural.
Over the years it had been transformed.
Shrines stood around the entrance.
Prayer plaques.
Incense burners.
Stone fox statues.
Offerings.
Lots of offerings.
The girls noticed immediately.
Carrots.
Fruit.
Rice.
Vegetables.
Fresh flowers.
Someone had clearly been maintaining the place.
Yorktown looked toward the offerings.
"The villagers?"
Esche nodded.
"The Tsukimimi."
The fairy floated toward one of the shrines.
"They leave offerings for the guardians."
The group exchanged looks.
"Guardians?"
Mary asked.
Esche smiled.
"The shipgirls."
That immediately explained everything.
Several girls looked toward the cave entrance.
For ten years.
While the village struggled below.
Three shipgirls had apparently been living here.
Protecting the sacred tree.
Protecting the mountain.
Protecting the island.
Without anyone truly knowing who they were.
Yuuki folded his arms thoughtfully.
"It makes sense."
Several girls turned toward him.
The commander nodded.
"After the Home Island fell."
"After the Sirens."
"After the chaos."
"This would have been one of the safest places in the region."
The group silently agreed.
Laurelin's protection.
The sacred tree.
Natural concealment.
Ancient magical barriers.
Even GDI scans had failed to detect it.
The perfect refuge.
Enterprise looked toward the cave.
"They probably arrived after Kaguya left."
Kaguya nodded slowly.
"Most likely."
The fox remembered leaving the island.
At the time everything had been peaceful.
The old village chief still ruled.
The harvests flourished.
The Tsukimimi prospered.
No reason existed to remain.
No reason to suspect trouble would follow.
Yorktown frowned.
"Then they probably don't know."
"About the village?"
Belfast asked.
The carrier nodded.
"They likely stayed here with Laurelin all these years."
"They wouldn't have known about the pirates."
"They wouldn't have known the villagers were suffering."
The realization made several girls uncomfortable.
Three protectors.
Living only a mountain away.
Yet completely unaware of what had happened below.
Esche gently shook her head.
"Laurelin's protection hides many things."
The fairy looked toward the cave.
"Sometimes even from those within it."
The wind shifted.
A few orange leaves drifted past the entrance.
For a brief moment, everyone could feel it.
A faint warmth.
A presence.
Ancient.
Gentle.
Watching.
Laurelin.
The sacred tree was nearby.
Far deeper within the mountain.
Then Esche suddenly smiled.
"They know we're here."
Several girls immediately straightened.
"Already?"
Javelin asked.
The fairy giggled.
"Very much so."
A pause.
Then she pointed into the darkness of the cave.
"And one of them is having trouble sitting still."
The group laughed.
Yuuki sighed.
"Please tell me she's normal."
Esche's smile widened.
The fairy's silence answered the question.
Several shipgirls immediately started laughing.
"Oh no."
Anis muttered.
"That's never a good sign."
Once the remaining Iron Legions delivered the last passengers, the group gathered before the cave entrance.
The mountain breeze faded as they stepped inside.
Unlike Esche's sanctuary on the previous island, this cave lacked deadly defenses.
No hidden mechanisms.
No magical traps.
No collapsing pathways.
Only an ancient stone corridor illuminated by shafts of sunlight filtering through cracks in the mountain.
Kyon and Momo naturally followed close behind Yuu.
The doctor remained inside her Mark 49 Rescue Armor.
The sleek blue-and-gold suit softly illuminated the cave walls as she walked.
"Are there really guardians living here?"
Mary asked.
Kyon nodded.
"The elders always told us."
"We leave offerings and prayers."
"We never disturb them."
Momo pointed toward several small shrines carved into the walls.
"People come every few days."
"Leave food."
"Clean the path."
"Then leave."
The bunny girl lowered her voice.
"This place is sacred."
The deeper they ventured, the stranger the atmosphere became.
The air felt cleaner.
Warmer.
Almost alive.
Esche flew ahead.
Her silver glow dancing through the darkness.
"Almost there."
The fairy smiled.
Several girls noticed patches of golden grass beginning to appear along the stone floor.
Then more.
And more.
Until the entire tunnel seemed touched by gold.
The darkness gradually faded.
Sunlight appeared ahead.
Not artificial.
Not magical.
Real sunlight.
The tunnel finally opened.
Everyone stopped.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
The hidden sanctuary was breathtaking.
Beneath the mountain existed an enormous open cavern.
A hidden world.
The ceiling stretched hundreds of feet above them.
Natural openings allowed sunlight to stream downward.
Golden beams illuminated the sanctuary below.
At the center rested a crystal-clear lake.
Its surface reflected the sunlight like liquid glass.
Golden grass covered the surrounding fields.
Gentle winds caused them to sway like waves upon a sea.
Ancient trees surrounded the lake.
Their silver leaves glittered beneath the light.
Small streams flowed into the water.
Creating a constant, soothing melody.
Even the normally energetic girls became quiet.
"Beautiful..."
Yorktown whispered.
"Indeed."
Illustrious smiled.
The sanctuary felt untouched by time.
Untouched by war.
Untouched by Sirens.
Untouched by Raptures.
For ten years, this place had remained hidden from the world.
Kaguya slowly looked around.
"Such a place existed beneath the mountain..."
Even she looked surprised.
"This one never discovered it."
Esche landed upon a nearby stone.
"Laurelin's blessing."
The fairy spread her arms.
"Only those welcomed may find it."
Near the lake, several small wooden structures could be seen among the trees.
Simple homes.
Gardens.
Fishing docks.
Signs of habitation.
"They really live here."
Enterprise observed.
The carrier could see footprints near the shoreline.
Fresh footprints.
Someone had been here recently.
Then Yuu's sensors activated.
The moment Yuu's sensors completed their sweep, a holographic display appeared before her visor.
Life Signs Detected: 1
The group blinked.
"One?"
Enterprise frowned.
Esche had mentioned three guardians.
The deeper they ventured into the mountain, the quieter the world became.
The sounds of conversation gradually faded.
Even the normally energetic girls found themselves lowering their voices.
The cave widened with every step.
Ancient stone gave way to polished rock worn smooth by countless years.
Crystal-clear streams flowed alongside the path, their gentle murmurs echoing through the cavern.
Golden grass swayed beneath the sunlight filtering through cracks high above.
It felt less like walking through a cave.
And more like entering a sacred realm hidden from the world.
Even Yuu's Rescue Armor remained unusually quiet.
Its scanners continued operating, but the doctor found herself staring more at the scenery than her holographic displays.
"This place..."
Mary whispered.
"It's beautiful."
Nobody disagreed.
The air itself felt different.
Cleaner.
Warmer.
Alive.
Esche fluttered ahead of the group.
The tiny fairy's silver glow danced among drifting particles of golden light.
"We're close."
The fairy smiled.
The path curved around a rocky outcrop.
Then opened completely.
Everyone stopped.
For a brief moment, nobody spoke.
Before them stretched an enormous underground sanctuary.
A hidden world concealed beneath the mountain.
Sunlight poured through natural openings high above.
Golden beams illuminated the cavern like heavenly pillars.
At its center rested a vast underground lake.
Its water was so clear that the stone beneath could be seen even from the shore.
The surface reflected the sunlight like polished glass.
Golden leaves drifted lazily across the water.
Carried by a gentle breeze that should not have existed so deep underground.
Then they saw it.
At the heart of the lake.
Upon a small island connected by ancient stone steps.
A tree.
Not a towering giant like Telperion.
Not a forest-spanning colossus.
A smaller tree.
Yet somehow no less majestic.
Its bark shimmered with silver-gold hues.
Its branches stretched gracefully toward the light.
Every leaf gleamed like molten gold.
The tree stood upon an ancient stone pedestal rising from the island's center.
Its roots embraced the stone as though the pedestal itself had become part of the tree.
Golden leaves slowly drifted from its branches.
Each one glowing faintly before dissolving into particles of light upon touching the lake.
The sight was mesmerizing.
The tree seemed less like a living plant.
And more like a fragment of heaven itself.
No one spoke.
No one wanted to break the moment.
Even Akagi remained silent.
Even Neon forgot to comment.
Even Anis simply stared.
The lake reflected the tree perfectly.
Creating the illusion of a second golden tree growing beneath the water.
Yuuki found himself smiling.
"So this is Laurelin."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
Esche nodded proudly.
"My sister."
The fairy floated forward.
Golden motes of light immediately gathered around her.
Dancing happily in the air.
The atmosphere felt warm.
Welcoming.
As if the sanctuary itself had noticed their arrival.
Kaguya slowly stepped forward.
Her golden eyes reflecting the sacred tree.
"Magnificent..."
The fox rarely found herself impressed.
Yet even she could not deny the beauty before her.
"This one hath seen many sacred trees."
Her voice softened.
"But few compare to this."
Nearby, Yorktown quietly smiled.
For the first time since arriving on the Autumn Isles, there was no urgency.
No battles.
No pirates.
No Sirens.
No Raptures.
Only peace.
The hidden sanctuary beneath the mountain felt untouched by the chaos consuming the world outside.
A final refuge protected by ancient magic and the devotion of those who guarded it.
And somewhere within this sacred sanctuary—
The guardians Esche had spoken of were waiting.
======
At the center of the underground sanctuary stood Laurelin.
Not merely a tree.
But a living miracle.
Its trunk shimmered with a soft silver-gold radiance, as though moonlight and sunlight had been woven together into living wood. The bark appeared smooth from a distance, yet closer inspection revealed intricate patterns flowing across its surface like ancient runes carved by nature itself.
The roots spread gracefully across the stone pedestal, glowing faintly beneath the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. Some disappeared beneath the lake, their golden light illuminating the depths like submerged stars.
Its branches stretched outward in elegant arcs, resembling the arms of a benevolent guardian embracing the entire sanctuary. Every branch seemed perfectly placed, neither wild nor restrained, as though the tree had grown according to some divine design.
But it was the leaves that stole the breath of all who gazed upon it.
Thousands upon thousands of golden leaves adorned the canopy.
Not dull gold.
Not metallic gold.
Living gold.
Each leaf glowed softly from within, radiating a warm light that bathed the cavern in an eternal sunset. They shimmered whenever the wind touched them, creating waves of liquid gold that flowed through the canopy like sunlight dancing upon the sea.
Occasionally a leaf would detach.
It drifted lazily through the air.
Spinning gently.
Leaving behind tiny trails of golden particles.
When the leaves touched the lake's surface, they did not sink.
Instead, they dissolved into countless motes of light, transforming the waters into a field of floating stars.
The sunlight pouring through the openings in the cavern ceiling only enhanced its beauty.
Golden beams descended from above like pillars connecting heaven and earth.
Whenever those beams touched Laurelin's leaves, the entire tree seemed to awaken.
The canopy blazed brighter.
The branches sparkled.
The lake reflected every ray.
For a fleeting moment, it looked as though a fragment of the sun itself had been planted beneath the mountain.
The reflections doubled the spectacle.
The perfectly still waters mirrored Laurelin so clearly that it appeared another golden tree grew upside-down beneath the surface.
One above.
One below.
Twin trees reaching toward each other.
The air surrounding Laurelin carried a faint fragrance.
Sweet.
Gentle.
Like spring blossoms mixed with fresh rain.
Breathing near the tree felt refreshing.
Every breath seemed to wash away fatigue.
Every heartbeat became calmer.
Every burden felt lighter.
The sanctuary itself appeared to revolve around Laurelin.
The golden grass grew greener near its roots.
The flowers bloomed brighter beneath its light.
The lake remained impossibly clear.
Even the sunlight seemed warmer around the sacred tree.
Most remarkable of all was the feeling it radiated.
Not power.
Not dominance.
Not fear.
Warmth.
A warmth that reminded one of home.
Of safety.
Of being welcomed.
Many sacred relics inspired awe.
Some inspired reverence.
Some inspired fear.
Laurelin inspired peace.
Standing before it, one could almost believe the wars raging beyond the mountain did not exist.
That Sirens had never come.
That Raptures had never appeared.
That the world was still whole.
For ten years, the tree had remained hidden beneath the mountain.
Watching.
Protecting.
Waiting.
And as golden leaves drifted across the crystal lake, Laurelin stood radiant and eternal, a beacon of hope preserved within the heart of the Autumn Isles.
=====
Yet the Rescue Armor only detected a single life sign nearby.
Yuu adjusted the sensor settings.
"Strange."
The reading pointed toward a small house nestled beside the lake.
Unlike the advanced GDI structures currently being built below, this home was simple.
A humble straw-roofed cottage.
A small vegetable garden surrounded it.
Bundles of herbs hung beneath the eaves.
It looked peaceful.
Lived in.
A place someone had called home for many years.
The wooden door slowly opened.
A woman stepped outside carrying a basket.
Long purple hair flowed behind her.
Gentle brown eyes.
A simple yukata.
For a moment she simply stood there.
Then she saw the group.
Her eyes widened.
The basket slipped from her fingers.
Carrots scattered across the ground.