Azur Lane stories-Okimawa 2 : Reap The Whirlwind

Convoy

[Context]

As a logistic shipgirl, Kashino has the crucial responsibility of supplying other shipgirls in different locations. However, due to Eagle Union's involvement in the war, her mission has become increasingly challenging. Eagle Union submarines-girls and long-range patrolling aircraft from their carrier shipgirls pose a significant threat.

Today, Akagi has given Kashino the order to deliver decommissioned planes to shipgirls stationed in Okimawa. While preparing to embark, Kashino has several questions and fears about the potential risks of being taken down and captured by Eagle Union shipgirls patrolling the waters near the island.

[IJN Kashino]  https://azurlane.koumakan.jp/wiki/Kashino/Gallery

Kashino, with a slightly perplexed look on her face, muses to herself.

"Hmph, sending out decommissioned planes? That's odd, I thought those planes were no longer standard in use..."

She furrows her brow in thought, contemplating the unusual order from Akagi. Concern starts to surface, and she wonders what's behind this decision.

Kashino is well aware of the Eagle Union's naval and aerial supremacy. With a nod, she understands the importance of operating the convoy missions only during the night to mitigate the risks.

"Hmph, I know I have to operate the convoys under the cover of night due to the Eagle Union's strength, but still... It's not an easy task to maneuver through the dark seas with the enemy always lurking."

A nostalgic look washes over Kashino's face as she reminiscences about the time before Eagle Union's involvement in the war.

"Ah, those simpler times when the Eagle Union wasn't part of the conflict... I remember the missions in Malite against Royal Navy shipgirls and in the Dragon Empire's territory."

She lets out a subtle sigh, expressing a tinge of longing for the easier times before the war escalated.

Shaking her head slightly, Kashino snaps out of her reminiscing mode and shifts her focus back to the present moment.

"Focus, Kashino. I have a mission to complete. I need to deliver these decommissioned planes to the shipgirls on Okimawa. No time for distractions or nostalgia."

She takes a deep breath, her expression becoming determined and resolute as she mentally prepares for the task ahead.

As night falls, the sky begins to darken, signaling the onset of the cover of darkness that will aid Kashino on her mission.

Kashino takes a moment to assess her surroundings, making sure everything is in order before initiating the supply delivery. The dim lighting outside creates a subtle sense of mystery as she braces herself for the potential dangers lurking in the night.

Kashino makes a seamless exit from the dock, her movements deliberate and cautiously slow. Every action she takes is executed with stealth and precision. The last thing she wants is to attract unnecessary attention during this crucial mission.

As she glides through the water, she maintains a low speed and minimal noise, carefully navigating through the darkness to ensure her presence remains undetected by the enemy.

As Kashino continues her silent voyage, the absence of any signs of hostile activity starts to make her feel uneasy. The stillness and quietness of the night seem almost unnatural. An uncomfortable feeling gnaws at her, and she can't shake off the nagging worry that something might be amiss.

Kashino's eyes scan the surroundings, her senses on high alert as she searches the darkness for any signs of trouble or danger.

Kashino's heart skips a beat as she notices the two Eagle Union Catalina PBY aircrafts closing in on her position. The sight of the enemy planes sets off alarm bells in her mind, and she quickly tries to assess the situation and decide on the best course of action.

"Damn it,"

She curses under her breath.

"Two Eagle Union aircraft heading straight for me. This is not good..."

As the Eagle Union planes start to fire their guns, Kashino quickly realizes that she is under attack. She panics slightly but quickly recovers from the initial shock and focuses on evading the incoming fire.

Pulling hard on the controls, she steers the ship in sharp zigzag maneuvers, trying to throw off the enemy's aim and avoid the incoming barrage of bullets.

Kashino struggles to keep her cool as the two planes persistently maintain a steady distance, continuing their assault from afar.

She takes a deep breath, her mind racing to come up with a plan to shake off the pursuers. The constant fire and the proximity of the enemy planes create a tense and chaotic atmosphere, demanding her full attention and concentration.

With the ongoing barrage from the planes and the added risk of submarines and destroyers girls approaching, Kashino's predicament becomes more dire. She knows that the longer this battle drags on, the higher the chance of being discovered by other types of enemy units.

Clenching her teeth in determination, she pushes herself to her speed limits, aiming to escape the range of the enemy planes and seek refuge in the safety of Okimawa.

As the planes continue their relentless pursuit, Kashino realizes that she needs to take drastic measures to shake them off. In a quick and urgent move, she retrieves a smoke grenade and tosses it into the sea, creating a billowing cloud of dense smoke.

The smoke screen shrouds her from the enemy planes' sight, creating momentary confusion and disruption. She quickly maneuvers through the cloud, using it as cover to slip away unnoticed.

With a sigh of relief, Kashino watches as the smoke screen obstructs the view of the pursuing planes. She uses the cover to swiftly sail through the area, successfully bypassing the enemy's attacks and making her escape.

As she puts some distance between her and the enemy, a wave of relief washes over her. She takes a moment to recompose herself and regain her bearings, grateful to have made it out of the dangerous situation.

As she finally escapes from the grasp of the enemy, Kashino exhales a sigh of relief and mutters under her breath.

"That ... that was a close one. I can't believe I managed to get away from those planes. But it won't be long before they regroup or call for reinforcements. I have to hurry up and reach Okimawa as soon as possible."

After a tense and precarious journey, Kashino finally arrives at Okimawa, the strategic location on the route to Sakura Empire's main territory. The island comes into view, and she exhales a sigh of relief, feeling a mix of exhaustion, relief, and determination.

With the adrenaline still coursing through her veins, she steers the ship closer to the island, her focus shifting towards the task at hand.