Commander's Rounds Volume 1

Entry 95: Lost River

The rebels would not surrender without a fight- They had rebuffed Azur Lane's overtures.

Zuikaku had a fair bit on her mind as she floated down the river in support of the rest of her task force. It wasn't that she was going to turn down a choice assignment like this at all- a battle like this was certainly one where she could show her stuff, and any carrier would kill for a shot at closing the book on one of the threats to Azur Lane, and she had been assigned an important role. If the defenses that the Rebel Kansen could set up were as bad or worse than what Kronshtadt and Foch supposed, then she was going to need to drop bombs quickly and accurately on any gun that decided to open its ports. She also knew that Hornet had been given the same job elsewhere, and so had Victorious.

Still, she was initially uneasy about a mixed sea-land battle, as it was one of those that did in the foxes and the rabbits all at once, way back in the old days, but that was banished when she was told that the reason she had been chosen was because of her own skills. She knew how important her part of the battle was, and meant to do her utmost- after all the force that she was a part of was the one that had been airlifted inland so that they could keep them from escaping into the interior of the continent. There was a certain amount of pride in being chosen for such an assignment.

There was one other thing that was nagging at her while she went with the rest of the force. She'd heard that it was the Grey Ghost that recommended her for this assignment, and she wasn't entirely sure why. Enterprise had no reason to recommend a rival for the job. This was the only time she couldn't fathom the Grey Ghost's thinking. Enterprise was a paradox most of the time- she was easy to read, and yet seemingly impossible to put down, but this was the first time she seemed confounding.

Myoukou noticed this, and fell back to join her long-time comrade. "Zuikaku, there's something on your mind. I hope it won't distract you from performing well in the battle that will be soon at hand."

Zuikaku sighed. "...I can't hide anything from you. I was just thinking about the Grey Ghost-" She caught herself, and chuckled. "...Big surprise there, I know. She recommended that I take on this part of the mission, so..."

Myoukou shook her head. "If you're thinking about why she did something like that, I don't think Enterprise's reasons really mean all that much, as long as you apply yourself and your training to the job at hand."

Zuikaku blinked. "Really?"

Myoukou nodded. "Indeed. It's plainly obvious how you feel about chasing Enterprise's record, but her record in the previous war, and to an extent, this one, came around because she skillfully took advantage of the opportunities that were presented to her and fought efficiently and tenaciously. Now you have been selected for a major operation where there are opportunities for you to distinguish yourself." She smiled. "Really, you don't need to worry about anything except fighting well."

"Yeah, no pressure, right?" Zuikaku minded her spacing and the positioning of the others. "...But this is still an opportunity that Grey Ghost just threw into my lap."

Myoukou hmmed. "Does it matter, though? If the chance is given to you by a friend or an enemy, it's still a chance for you to display your ability. Don't be distracted by thinking about the Grey Ghost, just concentrate on the battle that's in front of you and display the true extent of your ability."

"All right!" Zuikaku said, stretching and drawing her sword. "No reason to chase another's legend when I have a chance to make my own, huh?"

Myoukou smiled. "The only ship who has fought alongside you more than me is your sister. Thank you for taking the time to listen. And take care of yourself- you're not merely fighting for your own sake." Myoukou then went back to assume her position.