Chapter 841

After sailing for more than a day on the sea, the command ship Qin Ge was aboard finally entered the waters of the Sakura Empire.

Just as Donghuang had done, the Sakura Empire swiftly dispatched a welcoming party, sending Shentong and Gaoxiong as envoys—people Qin Ge had met before.

"Welcome, Commander Qin Ge, to the Sakura Empire. On behalf of everyone here, I thank you for extending a helping hand in our time of need during the last assistance."

Shentong kept a low posture, granting Qin Ge a high standing. Not only because Qin Ge had previously aided the Sakura Empire, but more importantly because of the strength Qin Ge now represents.

Looking at the shipgirls surrounding Qin Ge, Shentong could keenly sense the difference in Wuzang and the others. Especially since just a few months ago she had fought alongside Xinong, but now the aura emanating from Xinong gave her a feeling of being suppressed.

"Thank you for your welcome, Shentong. The last assistance was simply my duty; as Commander of Azure Lane, fighting the Sirens to preserve human civilization is my responsibility. Although I am not the Sakura Empire's commander, the Sakura Empire is part of Azure Lane, so no extra thanks are needed." Qin Ge said with a smile.

"Commander Qin Ge, your integrity is truly admirable. Since you've said that, I won't bother with pleasantries. The Sakura Empire high and low attaches great importance to your arrival; while sending me to welcome you, Lady Zhang Men also prepared a banquet to welcome and refresh you and your shipgirls." Shentong said.

"That really is a bother for you all." Qin Ge nodded.

At that moment two figures appeared at the gangway; everyone turned to see Akagi and Kaga. Upon seeing Shentong and Gaoxiong, Akagi nodded and asked, "How is the Sakura Empire now?"

"Lady Akagi, although the previous frontier tide had Qin Ge's Commander's all-out assistance, losses were still considerable, and we are currently in a reconstruction phase. Our present strategy is relatively conservative; for now we must gather information, and only after confirming the situation will we consider whether to sortie into the surrounding waters." Shentong replied.

"Is this Lady Zhang Men's order, or the command of those incompetent juniors?" Akagi laughed, looking at Shentong as she spoke.

"This is the result of discussions between Lady Zuikaku and Lady Zhang Men." Shentong replied truthfully, "However, this is also currently the safest approach; without concrete intelligence, a rash sortie would easily exhaust the Sakura Empire's recently recovered vitality."

"I suppose it's them, though they've done not too badly; I had thought those reckless juniors would rush for quick results." Akagi said, "Later, tell me what's happening in the Sakura Empire now—after all, we still have a long way to the shore."

Shentong blinked, but ultimately agreed; as for Gaoxiong, who had come along, she had no interest in such matters.

Time at sea passed quickly, and just before dawn everyone finally arrived at the pier of the Sakura Empire's main island.

Even at dawn, Qin Ge still saw the welcoming team at the port; using the bright lights, he saw Zuikaku and Xianghe standing at the front, while Zhang Men didn't come.

However, this can be imagined: Zhang Men's position in the Sakura Empire is very special; even in official management he rarely appears, let alone welcoming outsiders.

"Qin Ge commander, welcome to the Sakura Empire." Xianghe smiled and extended her hand to Qin Ge, handling the etiquette very well.

"Thank you very much for coming so early to greet me, sorry to bother you." Qin Ge laughed and shook hands with Xianghe as he said.

"Ha, it's fine; anyway, during battles we never check the time, and this isn't early either." Zuikaku stepped forward and said, "But it's a pity that it's still dark; otherwise the welcome ceremony could be more grand."

Qin Ge laughed and shook his head: "Actually I don't really like such elaborate welcome ceremonies; just keep it simple. Moreover, this time we came more for travel, so being low-key is fine."

"That's good; I was worried the welcome preparations were insufficient, and Qin Ge commander would blame us, but it seems I overthought." Xianghe smiled and said.

"Sister, you don't need to be so polite; at this time, Qin Ge commander must be tired from the journey and needs proper rest. Let us first take them to a resting place; tonight there will be a banquet hosted by Lady Zhang Men, and we can chat slowly then." Zuikaku said.

"Hehe, I actually agree with this suggestion; although saying it might be a bit offensive, indeed our advance has been fast; from last night until now we haven't slept much; if we could rest a bit before discussing things, it would be better." Qin Ge laughed and said.

"Since Qin Ge commander has said that, let's first go to the hotel where you're staying; we've already arranged it beforehand, the environment is relatively quiet, and no one will disturb you." Xianghe said.

"That's really thanks to you all." Qin Ge said.

While chatting, everyone quickly left the pier; under the guidance of Xianghe and Zuikaku, they settled in a quiet hotel.

After Qin Ge woke up from a sleep, he found it was already noon; after getting up and washing up under Belfast's care, he hurriedly left his room to check on the other shipgirls.

However, when passing by Wuzang's room, he found the door open; Qin Ge was momentarily startled, then entered.

He saw Wuzang kneeling on the tatami by the window, holding a teacup, looking sideways at the outside; the continuously falling cherry blossom petals made her appear very tranquil.

"Commander, you've come; how's your rest?" Apparently hearing Qin Ge's footsteps, Wuzang's ears twitched, she turned her head and smiled at him.

"I caught a bit of sleep; I guess I've recovered some energy, right? You look like you haven't slept." Qin Ge wondered.

"No, or rather, being back in this environment makes one unable to help thinking about things that happened in memory, which makes me feel somewhat preoccupied, so I haven't rested." Wuzang laughed, "I just heard your footsteps as you passed by here; they were rather hurried—is something wrong?"

"Nothing major, just wanted to see how everyone else is doing." Qin Ge said.

"Commander, you don't need to worry; they're doing fine, and during your rest period several groups have already left the hotel to go out and play. Moreover, instead of worrying about them, why not take this time to sit with me, enjoy some tea, and view the cherry blossoms?" Wuzang smiled.

"In that case, I'll obey rather than merely show respect." Qin Ge laughed, nodded at Belfast beside him, then sat down in front of Wuzang.