Chapter 404: Leader‑Level Meeting

Not long after time passed, the leaders of the other factions finally connected the monitors before them, and after the last leader of the Sakura Empire, Xianghe and Zuikaku connected their communication devices, the meeting officially began.

"Everyone, long time no see." The Enterprise of White Eagle was the first to speak to everyone, wearing a confident smile, as if chatting with old friends she hadn't seen in a long time.

"Long time no see." Everyone nodded in turn; although each was calculating their own faction's interests, they still kept a certain etiquette when meeting face to face.

"You all probably know why I've summoned you today; you've already received the information. Now, under Commander Qin Ge's command, a self‑awakened shipgirl has appeared, and this information is very important to us."

Currently, the self‑awakened shipgirls appearing in this world are all high‑ranking members of their respective factions, and none have formed a contract with a commander. Previously we all believed that only shipgirls without a commander contract could possibly undergo self‑awakening, but now that seems wrong.

"So we should discuss what benefits we can offer Commander Qin Ge in exchange for this information, so that more shipgirls under commanders can gain the chance of self‑awakening, thereby strengthening our factions' power." Enterprise said to everyone.

After Enterprise finished speaking, Jean Bart of the Vichy Tribunal snorted and said, "Although you see me as a pirate, please don't describe theft and plunder so elegantly."

When Jean Bart's words fell, Enterprise instinctively reiterated, "You should understand my meaning: this is an exchange, not plunder. Moreover, sharing this information would be highly beneficial to the Azure Lane commander—in fact, its effect could surpass the mental unit that appeared in the Northern Union. What do you think?"

"I don't think so." Yixian said to Enterprise.

"Why? Could you please explain the specific reasons, General Commander Yixian?" Enterprise said to Yixian.

Yixian said to everyone, "First, Commander Qin Ge is inherently an anomaly among commanders; other commanders cannot summon their faction's flagship, but he can; other commanders cannot summon the sea legend, yet he still can."

Therefore, when setting standards, we cannot lump Qin Ge together with other commanders. Imagine if Qin Ge had never appeared; up to now, everything would still be running along its original course.

But now, precisely because Commander Qin Ge has appeared, the course of events has branched at his point. That is to say, he is the most special one, and his adaptability cannot represent general adaptability.

Furthermore, I believe the photos of Guanghui under Commander Qin Ge's command have already been sent to your desks? You can examine them carefully—are the changes in Qin Ge's Guanghui consistent with those of the Royal Guanghui?

Finally, I think we can all agree on one point: we have been deadlocked with the Siren forces, so they have not shown us much of their power.

However, after Commander Qin Ge first showed his fangs, the Sirens also began to exert force; although our faction's strength can still hold up, it no longer occupies the balance as it once did.

So, at this time, we cannot simply snuff out our fire of hope. Imagine if we let Commander Qin Ge continue developing at his own pace, without forcing growth—then a fleet stronger than any of our factions will emerge.

Under Commander Qin Ge's command, such a fleet could unleash power absolutely greater than the combined strength of all of us.

After some remarks were finished, all faction leaders fell into thought. Soon afterward, Elizabeth representing the Royal faction spoke, "I understand what General Commander Yixian is considering, but entrusting the world's future to an ordinary, lowly commander—isn't that a bit overreaching?"

However, before Elizabeth's words could be rebutted by Yixian, Bisimai interjected, "If you Royals think commanders' power is insufficient to be entrusted, then please abolish all commander positions in your ranks and let every commander leave the Royal."

Bisimai's sharp remark left Elizabeth choking; she retorted, "I didn't mean that; I mean, putting the world's future in a commander's hands—isn't that a bit overreaching? And I am not denying the value of commanders!"

"Hehe, actually what Queen Elizabeth most wants to ask is, if Commander Qin Ge later does not show the obedience we expected, what should we do then?" said the Soviet Alliance.

When that comment was made, most leaders nodded involuntarily. Indeed, their greatest worry is: when Qin Ge's wings are full, if his actions diverge from their wishes, what should be done?

"I think there's no need to worry about this." At this point, Zuikaku, representing the Sakura Empire, said, "I'm afraid that so far, only I, my sister, the Donghuang faction's General Commander Yixian, and Commander Qin Ge have had any communication, right?"

I can tell you this: Commander Qin Ge is a person with ideals and ambition; both his character and the tactics he commands are deeply impressive.

I believe the situations you worry about will not happen at all, and I can tell you this: the former leaders of the Sakura Empire, Akagi senior and Kaga senior, have already joined Commander Qin Ge's fleet.

If there were no definite criteria for evaluating his character, his future retaliation, and his ideals, would you think that the two seniors would so easily join a commander's fleet?

"Ah?" The information that came from Zuikaku's mouth shocked all the linked faction leaders, and even Yixian slightly opened his mouth.

"Hiss, did Akagi and Kaga really join Commander Qin Ge's fleet?" Enterprise said.

"Yes, I believe that given the two seniors' characters, they would not use such information to joke with us. Therefore, as long as it comes from their mouths, we can absolutely guarantee the truth of this information." Zuikaku said with a helpless expression.

In fact, when she first received this information, she was not much less surprised than the other faction leaders—or rather, she was even more surprised.

After all, she knows Akagi and Kaga's personalities very well; hearing that they have unreservedly joined a commander's fleet, the shock she feels is easy to imagine.

"I've discovered that things are getting more and more interesting." Bisimai said lightly.