Chapter 325: Departure

When the next day arrived, Qin Ge and the fleet girls left the hotel together, heading to the dock to meet up with Kongou and the others. Unexpectedly, at the meeting point, they saw two familiar faces.

"Lady Akagi and Lady Kaga? What are you two doing here?" Qin Ge asked the two people in front of him.

Akagi smiled slightly, "Didn't I already tell Commander Qin Ge before? The Sakura Empire is preparing to send two envoys to stay by Commander Qin Ge's side to observe your growth."

The two of us are those envoys. Originally, according to the plan, we should have gone separately, but since Commander Qin Ge is also returning to Donghuang, if it's on the way, may we ask for a ride?

Qin Ge looked at Akagi's lovely smile, then glanced at the smiling Tiancheng. It was obvious his fleet girls had long known Akagi would be waiting here, but Qin Ge held no blame, as he had anticipated such a situation earlier.

"Of course, but is it really alright for you two to just leave the Sakura Empire like that?" Qin Ge asked.

"This world can keep running without anyone; no one is indispensable, including us to the Sakura Empire."

"Moreover, when I left, I already instructed the 5th Carrier Division on what they need to watch out for; those two are still capable, and supporting the Sakura Empire fleet poses absolutely no problem." Akagi said with a smile.

Hearing Akagi say that, Qin Ge also nodded. After all, these are matters of their fleet; he was merely an outsider, so asking a couple of questions was fine, but further discussion would be inappropriate.

Thus, Qin Ge said to Akagi, "As long as Lady Akagi doesn't mind our ship being cramped, we can certainly travel together to Donghuang."

"How could I mind? It's been a long time since I've experienced such a lengthy journey; this time I'll properly enjoy it." Akagi said with a smile.

However, while Qin Ge and Akagi were talking, Kongou and the others standing beside the command ship looked on with strange expressions at what was unfolding before them.

"Is this the legendary fox‑cunning, cruel and ruthless ruler of the Sakura Empire, Akagi? She doesn't look like it." Kawachi said strangely to everyone.

Kongou glanced at her and said, "It depends on who is standing opposite her."

"What do you mean?" Kawachi asked Kongou.

"If Akagi has the Sirens or her enemies opposite her, then she is the fierce and ruthless one you speak of. But if those standing opposite her are advantageous to her, then she will be as gentle as a spring breeze, yet fox‑cunning." Kongou said.

"I see." Kawachi had an expression of sudden realization, but the other members of the group couldn't help but rub their foreheads.

After the joke ended, Takao looked at the happily chatting Akagi and Qin Ge et al., and said with a solemn expression, "It seems our gap with them is still quite large."

Kongou chuckled, "Isn't that natural? As the first batch of awakened fleet girls, they have endured so long; their strength must be truly terrifying."

"Yes, we still need to train." Houhou said with a smile, "Once we return, we must intensify our missions, for the Siren Tide is coming soon; we need to prepare in advance."

"Hmm." Kongou and the others nodded.

After a while of pleasantries, everyone boarded the command ship. With the command ship's long whistle, the huge vessel gradually left the port of the Sakura Empire's main island.

At that moment, atop a mountain on the Sakura Empire's main island, the flagship Zhang Men, the Sakura Empire's flagship, stood at the front, with Xianghe and Zuikaku behind her. Their eyes followed the command ship as it gradually departed the harbor, knowing it would vanish into the vast ocean.

"Lady Divine Child..." Zuikaku whispered softly behind Zhang Men.

"I'm fine; I just didn't expect Akagi and Kaga to be so decisive. To discard or yield such great power on a whim really isn't like their usual style." Zhang Men said.

"We also never imagined our predecessors would hand over the entire Sakura Empire to us; even now, standing here watching them leave the Sakura Empire, I feel as if I'm dreaming." Zuikaku glanced at her sister and said to Zhang Men.

"However, Commander Qin Ge is truly a miraculous person; Akagi and Kaga following him might reach places they have never stepped before. By then, whether for themselves or for us of the Sakura Empire, it would be the best choice." Zhang Men said.

"Then, Lady Zhang Men, what should the Sakura Empire do from now on?" Xianghe asked Zhang Men.

"You don't need to ask me this question; trust that you already have the answer in your hearts. Strive to put your ideas into practice, and I will always stand by your side." Zhang Men said.

Xianghe and Zuikaku exchanged glances, then both nodded toward Zhang Men, saying, "We understand, Lady Divine Child."

The sea breeze continued to blow; Zhang Men gazed ahead, feeling that the future direction of the Sakura Empire seemed to have changed.

She wasn't sure whether this change was good or bad, but the newly reborn Sakura Empire union must steadfastly move forward, whether for its people or for the impending battle.

Just as the Sakura Empire's future remained uncertain, Donghuang here has recently been undergoing some changes.

Although the Commander Academy was originally on holiday, these past two days have become lively. Of course, this liveliness has nothing to do with ordinary commanders; it's because personnel dispatched by several major fleets to Qin Ge's side have been arriving one after another.

Today, the Prince of Wales is somewhat pleased, because the personnel sent by the Royal Navy have arrived, and they are a George V‑class ship, moreover, she is her sister.

"I didn't expect the Royal Navy to have sent you over; it seems Her Majesty the Queen indeed places great importance on Qin Ge." The Prince of Wales looked at the pretty girl before him and said with a smile.

"Hehe, after all, he's the commander who can summon a naval legend; even I am quite curious."

"However, because of the Project Ship, the one who was supposed to come this time would have been Elder Sister Hood, but I can only substitute myself and Counterattack." The girl said while glancing at a fleet girl nearby who was curiously staring at the harbor.

The Prince of Wales smiled slightly, "I didn't expect an old friend like you to come as well."

That fleet girl turned her head; she had a head of brown hair, wore a black‑and‑white naval uniform, had white gloves on her hands, and wore thigh‑high boots on her legs, giving off a very youthful and energetic vibe.

"Hey, Prince of Wales, long time no see!" Counterattack exclaimed enthusiastically, "The port of Donghuang looks a bit different from the Royal Navy's port; here the people have more warmth."

"Hehe, that's true; the people of Donghuang are more easygoing compared to the Royal Navy, unlike there where they constantly have to watch their image." The Prince of Wales smiled.

"How wonderful, I just love this natural feeling." Counterattack said, beaming with happiness.

"Alright, let's head back to the academy first; once we return, I'll tell you the details." The Prince of Wales said to the two.

"Good!"