Zzz...zzz

Zzzzzzzz...

...

...

Minato's Dream...

Richelieu: Take this! No one hurts my Commander..!

What the... where am I?

I slowly opened my eyes.

Huh? Richelieu? Is she fighting someone?

I looked closely to see what Richelieu was doing.

I noticed a figure attacking Richelieu.

Minato: Richelieu! I'm coming!

I quickly ran over to Richelieu.

Richelieu: Minato...! Watch out you might get hurt!

???: Heh, there's my main target...

Minato: What the?

Richelieu: Lookout!

The shadow quickly fired something at me, but before I was able to react Richelieu suddenly pushes me away.

Richelieu: O-Ow!

Minato: Oooh... That's not a good sign...

Richelieu was struck down and to her knees.

I ran over to Richelieu.

Minato: Richelieu... thanks for the save but...

Richelieu: *cough* You... have to keep going... I was hoping for our special day together but... suppose it wasn't a good day... I will bless you with the remaining holy power and light I have... take it...!

Special day?

Minato: Richelieu...

???: Awww! Are you gonna cry for your "girlfriend"? It's time for you to join her!

I turned back.

Minato: I won't let you defeat me!

???: Ahahahahah!!! I'll eliminate you now!

The shadow approached me rapidly.

Minato: I won't die here... I'll kill you for Richelieu!

I was engulfed in emotions that I stormed at the figure without thinking.

We both clashed with each other but I suddenly woke up from my dream.

I rose up and looked around my room.

Minato: Hmm... that dream wasn't so scary but...

Minato: What woke me up?

I then noticed the bottom half of my blanket being all plump and big.

I lifted my blanket and noticed a shipgirl. Wait... Surcouf?

Surcouf: Bonjour, Co-man-der~

Minato: Why are you in my room? And why is your hand on my-

Surcouf: You didn't spend time with me! So I decided to sleep with you as your punishment for leaving me~

Minato: *sigh* Can you just leave me alone?

Surcouf: Non!

Minato: You didn't do anything inappropriate while I was asleep?

Surcouf: Maybe... maybe not... who knows?

I facepalmed.

Surcouf: Anyways, you had a dream hm?

Minato: *sigh* Yeah... I saw a very suspicious figure... not to mention Richelieu was badly hurt.

Surcouf: Hmph, well don't worry so much about that dumb "nightmare". You have me! Besides, they don't come true! You've only been stressed!

Well... I guess she does have a point...

Surcouf: Now... come here~

Surcouf started getting close to me and laid her chest on me. Is she seriously doing this...

*Knock* *Knock*

Minato: I wonder who's that-

I noticed Surcouf slowly attempting to remove my shorts.

Minato: Hey! I know what you're trying to do.

Surcouf: I just want some fun with you mon amour...

Minato; You know a Commander can't have special relationships with shipsgirls unless married, right?

Surcouf: Hmph...

Surcouf pouted.

Surcouf: So what? It's not like HQ will know!

Minato: *sigh* I don't care about that. I just don't want other shipgirls spreading the news of me being in a relationship.

I pushed Surcouf away from me and got up from my bed.

I opened the door.

The girl that was knocking seems to be Saint Louis.

Minato: Saint Louis?

Saint Louis: Salut Commandant....

I noticed Saint Louis staring at my chest since I was only wearing shorts. I guess this is what I get for doing the same thing when I first met her...

Minato: Is there something you need?

Saint Louis: Yes, um... what happened to the training ground?

Minato: Oh, well... there was a little battle.

Saint Louis: I see...

Minato: Um, anything else you need?

Saint Louis: Yes, I came to inform you about the arrival of one of my Iris Libre allies. However, I don't think she saw me.

Minato: What's her name?

Saint Louis: Her name is Émile Bertin.

Minato: Alright, I'll keep that in mind if I come across someone new.

Saint Louis: Got it. I'll just be training with Jeanne d'Arc. Au revoir, Commander.

Minato: Alright see you around Saint Louis.

She left. Phew, good thing I can resist someone poking me...

I closed the door and turned around.

Minato: Why were you poking me?

Surcouf: You deserved it~

Minato: Well, I'm going to check on Richelieu.

Surcouf: What!? Why her!?

Minato: She's my secretary?

Surcouf: No! I want you to stay here...~ aahaaha...

She started to tug on my arm while she was looking at the bed.

Minato: *sigh* No, Surcouf. We're not DOING that.

Surcouf: Aww... come on. Doesn't my body make you a little lusty~

Minato: Breh...

I forcefully took away my arm from her and started to change clothes.

Surcouf: Hmph, well you wanna know something...

As I put on my shirt I answered.

Minato: Go ahead...

Surcouf: That macaron you ate from Le Téméraire... wanna know why it was bitter?

Minato: ...what are you getting at?

Surcouf: Fufufu~ I may have put something in it and Téméraire didn't even notice...

Great... it's Belfast 2.0...

Minato: Not even gonna ask...

I quickly put my clothes on and left my room.

As I got to Richelieu's dorm I noticed her door was slightly opened.

Hmm... I know eavesdropping isn't good but... meh, whatever.

I slowly approached the door and overheard Richelieu talking with a girl.

???: So what do you think?

Richelieu: I appreciate it but... it seems...

???: What? Too revealing? It's a swimsuit! Hold on... don't tell me that's the reason!

Richelieu: Y-You know!?

???: You like the Commander don't you? It's fine... just tell me, it'll be a secret between us. No one else.

Richelieu: Well... I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell you... I wish I told the other Iris Libre girls but I have a feeling they might hint at the Commander.

???: Well it's fine now, just tell me.

Richelieu: *sigh* Okay fine... I-I... like the Commander!

???: I knew it!

???: If you like him then why don't you just ask him out or tell him?

Richelieu: I have a feeling he might think I'm one of those yandere girls... I just don't know what the Commander would think and I would be embarrassed telling him... not to mention... it feels wrong being in a relationship with someone so important. He deserves someone special.

Wow... so that's how Richelieu feels for me? Hm... maybe one day I'll tell you how I feel... Richelieu...

???: Aw, don't be sad, Cardinal. Anyways, I made swimsuits for the other Iris girls so you won't be alone!

Richelieu: Well, thanks. But we're always busy. We don't have time for relaxation.

???: Just plan a day of relaxation. You're his secretary, no? It's not bad to relax once and a while. You know?

Richelieu: I suppose you have a point. I guess I could recommend it to the Commander.

I think that's enough eavesdropping. I slowly backed up from the door.

I turned around and saw Takao.

Takao: I didn't know you were an eavesdropper.

Minato: Hey, the door was already opened... slightly.

Minato: Also, let's go to my office before they notice we are here.

Takao nodded. We walked to my office and talked there.

Takao: Well anyway, I came to inform you about this.

She handed me a clipboard.

I see a document with a seal of... the Royal Navy? Great...

Takao: Oh, and if you flip the paper there's another one.

Ironblood? Seriously...?

Minato: Is this about their restaurants or whatever being set up?

Takao: Yes, HQ just wants you to confirm it with your signature. Richelieu and I already signed it, it just needs yours.

Minato: Alright then.

Takao handed me the clipboard.

"Servant, I hope you green light my plans right away!"

Great... and some shipgirls still wonder why I don't like the Royal Navy...

Minato: You got a pen?

Takao: Yep, here you go.

Takao handed me the pen and I signed both documents.

I then gave the clipboard back to her.

Takao: Alright, thanks Commander. See you soon.

Minato: Wait, Takao.

Takao: Hm?

Minato: Can I ask you a question?

Takao: Um, sure?

Minato: I know you're not the expert in love but... what should I do if a girl likes me and... I kinda like her back?

Takao: I would say just tell her. If you know she likes you and you like her, you might as well confess. She won't say no since she likes you. Worse case scenario she's just embarrassed to respond.

Minato: I see...

Takao: Hold on... Are you saying someone likes you and you like them?

Minato: N-Nope, just asking for... Akira...

Takao: Hmm... well it does seem Warspite likes him and he likes her...

Minato: However, I gotta say... that was some useful info. I thought you were clueless about love.

Takao: Well... when you have a sister that fantasizes being with the Commander, you learn things.

She shrugged.

Minato: Well I'm gonna continue doing my work now. Bye Takao.

Takao: See ya then.

Takao left my office. *sigh* What do I do...

Maybe I'll tell her when I have to judge the Royal Navy and Ironblood.

???: Hi Commander~

Minato: What the?

I looked around my room and then noticed Surcouf under my desk.

Oh no... I know how this could end up.

She then got up.

Phew...

Surcouf: Commander, who was that girl?

Surcouf looked at me with a disgusted face.

Minato: That was Takao. One of my secretaries. What do you want?

Surcouf: You! I-I mean help you!

Minato: Why?

Surcouf: No reason~ Ehe~ I'm gonna help you in anything you want!

Minato: And if I don't accept?

She pulled my hair.

Surcouf: I'LL SEGGS YOU~

Minato: Oww... ok fine.

Minato: Can you check the condition of the training area?

Surcouf: Sure love~

Surcouf then kissed my cheek and left.

This... probably won't end well.

Akira's POV:

Akira: Aaaaannnnddd.... Fire!

I'm currently doing drills with Iris Libre ships since the training area got... well destroyed. I'm also accompanied by Nagato and Mutsu.

Saint Louis: Nice movement Jeanne. However, I already read you like an open book!

Jeanne d'Arc: Holy Prayer...!

Saint Louis: What the? A barrier? And you're on fire?!

Jeanne d'Arc: Heh, I'm just warming up!

Saint Louis: I gotta say, I'm impressed. However, I'm also just getting started...

Jeanne d'Arc: You... increased you speed, hmm? This'll be a great fight!

Béarn: I see... so Jeanne d'Arc used her Holy Prayer skill and Saint Louis retaliated with Engine boost skill. These two are sure giving it their all for just a training match.

Béarn: I wonder how the others are doing.

Le Téméraire: You can do it sis!

L'Opinâtre: You ready Triomphant?

Le Triomphant: Always have!

Mutsu: *sniff* Ah, fresh air!

Nagato: Hmm... I should train...

Mutsu: Oh, are you still a little tipsy after you... lost to Warspite?

Nagato: Yeah... but, I don't mind too much.

Mutsu: Oh, well don't feel too sad!

I noticed Nagato and Mutsu talking. Nagato had her head down.

Akira: What's wrong Nagato?

Mutsu: I guess she is a little sad about her loss to Warspite.

Akira: Aw, don't be sad. If it makes you feel better I lost to Minato's girlfriend.

Nagato & Mutsu: The Commander has a girlfriend!?

Akira: I was just joking, Ahaha.

Nagato: Well, Richelieu seems like a more formidable opponent than Warspite. I'll give you that.

Akira: Yeah... also whenever the training area is back to normal we can continue the tournament!

Nagato: Yeah... and I'll face you in losers final.

Akira: Go all out! I'll do the same too.

Nagato: Heh, I'm looking forward to it!

Mutsu: And I'll spectate both of you!

???: Hey, mind if I can join?

The three of us looked behind and noticed a girl.

She has blonde hair, green eyes, a blue and white dress. She looks young yet... her size sure is pretty big... she also has a long sword.

Forbin: My name is Forbin. I'm an Iris Libre destroyer.

Akira: Well I'm Akira, and these two are Mutsu and Nagato.

Nagato: Greetings Forbin. I'm Nagato of the Sakura Empire.

Mutsu: I'm Mutsu! Sister of Nagato!

Forbin: Greetings to all of you. Excuse me, are you the Commander?

Forbin turned her attention to me.

Akira: Nope. He's probably in his office.

Forbin: I see. May I join the training?

Akira: Yeah sure. Hey Nagato, why don't you train with Forbin.

Forbin: Battleship hm? This will be good training for the future.

Nagato: Alright! Let's do it Forbin!

Iris Libre ships: Forbin!?

Forbin: Greetings my friends!

Jeanne d'Arc: Salut Forbin!

Saint Louis: Still trying to be a Iris Templar Knight?

Forbin: Oui, I decided my first battle here would be with this Sakura shipgirl.

Béarn: Hm... I have a feeling Nagato might easily lose...

Nagato: What!?

Akira: Whoa, how can you be sure?

Béarn: Calculations.

L'Opinâtre: Need some strength potions? *giggle*

Nagato: No! I'll prove that calculation wrong!

Forbin: Ready?

Nagato: Yeah!

Mutsu & Akira: Good luck!

Yu's POV:

*sigh* Still haven't awakened to my Persona... I've been training in this worn down place for 3 hours!

Hm?

I noticed a device under some rubble.

Hm? Minato's phone?

Interesting... hm? No passcode? Wow.

I noticed Minato has a unread text from Takao.

Eh, it won't hurt to look.

"Takao: Hey Minato, we've finally completed a priory ship from the Iris Libre. She will help us in the Civil War! Her name is 'Champagne'. You should probably introduce yourself."

Hehe, looks like the shipyard is where I'm going!

Maybe I should challenge this new shipgirl...

Minato's POV:

I swear... doing paper work from HQ is sooooo boring...

*Knock* *Knock*

Minato: *yawn* Come in...

The door opened revealing Richelieu and some girl. The girl has blonde hair, light blue eyes, and a blue dress with blue bows on her head. Sheesh, I bet her favorite color is blue... or as Richelieu would say, bleu.

Richelieu: Salut, Commander.

Émile Bertin: Salut Commander! Je suis Émile Bertin!

Did my office just get invaded by the French?

Minato: どんな?

Richelieu & Émile Bertin: Huh?

Haha! Checkmate. I may not know French but they don't know Japanese!

Wait a sec... they speak Japanese in Azur Lane!

Whoops, broke the 4th wall.

Minato: *ahem* Richelieu, who is this girl?

Richelieu: This is my ally, Émile Bertin.

Émile Bertin: Hiii Commander!

Minato: Hi... is there something you want? Kinda busy...

Émile Bertin: Miss Richelieu just has a request for you~

It's the relaxation thing isn't it...

Minato: Okay, what is it?

Richelieu: I have a request, where all shipsgirls on the base have a day of relaxation. Since most shipgirls would like a day of off and just relax... if you want to accept it.

Minato: Yeah sure.

Émile Bertin: Hey Commander! On our day off, why don't we have some fun? We could dance at the beach~

Minato: Dance? I don't dance...

Richelieu's mind:

What is Émile planning... is she trying to take Minato from me and get me jealous? I have to do something before this escalates to something worse.

Richelieu: The Commander has other things to attend.

Émile Bertin: Haha~ Other things to attend? You mean with... you?

Richelieu started blushing.

Richelieu: T-That's not what I meant!

Émile Bertin: Of course you didn't~ Anyways, I know you dance Commander.

Minato: Where did you get that from?

Émile Bertin: A Royal Navy girl named Hood. Quite the elegant shipgirl like me~

She talked with Hood!? Ugh...

Émile Bertin: Well, I'll be going now. See you soon~

She left my office.

Minato: Richelieu? You okay?

Richelieu: Yes, just surprised she said that.

Screw it, I'm telling her.

Minato: Richelieu, can you uh... come a little closer?

Richelieu: Um, sure?

She walked towards me slowly.

Richelieu: What's wrong? You seem... a little down.

Here goes nothing...

Minato: Richelieu, will you be——

There was suddenly an explosion that even shattered my windows. *sigh* Reminds me of Enterprise suddenly appearing by entering though my window...

The shattered glass cut Richelieu, fuck this is bad.

Richelieu: Ow! I definitely got cut! Oof... it really hurts...

Richelieu slowly started to tear up from the pain.

Minato: Don't worry. I have the necessary equipment to help you. Just stay strong. For me.

I kissed Richelieu's head.

Richelieu's mind:

The pain really hurts but... I have to stay strong for Minato! He really cares for me... I wonder... if I should tell him how I feel.

3 minutes later

Minato: There, that should do it.

Minato: Do you feel... better?

Richelieu: Y-Yes... Merci mon amou- *ahem* thank you Minato...

Richelieu's mind:

Oof... I almost called him my love... what is this feeling... is this really my love for him? J-Just shake it off Richelieu...

Minato: I wonder what caused this?

I approached the broken window and noticed a battle going on... hold on... Nagato and a shipgirl?

Richelieu: Ow... *pant* You think we should go investigate?

Minato: Yeah we should. Wait, what about you?

Richelieu: I'll just stay here...

Minato: I don't know... I think you should come with me.

Richelieu: But I'm too injured to even walk...

Minato: Hm... how about I carry you?

Richelieu blushed again.

Richelieu: T-That's embarrassing though...

Minato: Aw come on, it won't be that bad.

Richelieu: Alright then...

I approached Richelieu. I slowly and carefully picked her up.

Richelieu's mind:

I can feel the Commander's soft hands on my legs... he's pretty strong. He's carrying me like a bride... *sigh* Mabye I should wait a bit.

A few minutes later

???: Heh, you sure are strong Nagato.

Nagato: *pant* *cough* This... still isn't over...

Akira: Nagato! Please! You don't have to push yourself too much!

Nagato: I can't lose...

Mutsu: Nagato...

Saint Louis: Forbin sure is stronger than before...

Jeanne d'Arc: Yeah... she seems stronger than me during my fight with Richelieu...

Béarn: How did she become this strong!?

I overheard some talking as I approached the docks.

I noticed Nagato fighting another shipgirl.

Akira: Hm? Oh hey Minato! Heh, carrying your wife?

Minato: Har har har... very funny...

If I had a dollar every time TheagentKevinlee calls me "Richelieu's fan" I'd be out of debt.

Oh, was that out of character? Whoops.

Minato: Very funny Akira. I bet your jokes make you sleep well at night...

Akira: Yep!

Minato: Anyways, what's going on?

Richelieu: Wait... is that... Forbin?

Richelieu pointed while in my arms.

L'Opinâtre: Yes, it is.

Forbin: You are definitely a formidable opponent I must say. Nice job Nagato!

She looks pretty relaxed like she's having fun... something ain't right...

I still can't believe someone like her caused an explosion. Looks like the poor Manjuus are gonna have more work, especially my broken window.

I then felt a tap behind me.

I turned around and saw Surcouf. Shit...

Surcouf: Commander! What are you doing carrying the Cardinal!?

Richelieu: Please calm yourself Surcouf... the Commander is only carrying me because of my injuries.

Surcouf: Hmph, I bet if I was injured the Commander wouldn't carry me.

Well... yeah...

Richelieu: No! I'm sure the Commander would help you. He's a great person.

Surcouf: Well whatever, but why are you this close with the Commander!?

Minato: She told you already...

Surcouf slowly walked up to me and... started to kiss me.

Minato: Mmmm!?

Surcouf: Mmm... you're so sweet Commander...~

Richelieu: H-Hey! You can't do that! That's against HQ's rules!

???: She's right you know...

Surcouf stopped kissing me. Honestly surprised how I've been able to carry Richelieu for this long.

I looked behind Surcouf and saw... Émile...

Émile Bertin: Silly Surcouf, you can't do that.

Surcouf: Grrr... he's not yours!

Émile Bertin: Fufufu~ he's not yours either. However, soon the Commander's heart will dance together with mine... I even made him trunks for swimming~

Minato: Swimming trunks?

Wait... was the request for a day of relaxation... a day for A BEACH EPISODE!?

Whoops. Did it again.

Émile Bertin: Yep~ You can use them for your day of relaxation~

Surcouf: Grrrr... this was your plan wasn't it!?

Émile Bertin: Hehe, don't worry. I made one for you and others.

Surcouf: Even the Cardinal?

Émile Bertin: Even the Cardinal.

Richelieu in a swimsuit? I never expected that.

Émile Bertin: Alright, come on Surcouf. I'll show you yours.

Surcouf: Hmph, alright... but the Commander is mine!

Émile Bertin: *giggle*

They both left.

Richelieu: They worry me Minato... I don't know if I can trust either of them...

Minato: Well they aren't a big threat as of now.

Minato: Anyways, let's continue seeing the battle.

Forbin: Ahaha, this is really fun. However, I think it's time to end this fight.

Nagato: *pant* *pant* Coward... this fight isn't over yet...!

Forbin: All out Assault!

Béarn: That's gonna be a strong skill! Look out Nagato!

Forbin fired many guns. They pierced though Nagato's rigging and caused an explosion.

Akira: N-Nagato...

Mutsu: NAGATO-NEE!

Le Triomphant: She just held back for that...

Béarn: I'm completely mind blown...

L'Opinâtre: Even my potions can't do that amount of damage.

Le Téméraire: That was harsh...

Saint Louis: Foutue...

Jeanne d'Arc: Indeed...

Wow, she made Nagato look like a joke... Destroyer easily beat battleship huh...

The explosion cleared and Nagato was laying face first on the sea water.

Akira: Nagato!

Akira quickly jumped into the sea and swam towards Nagato.

Forbin: Heh, did you see my power Cardin- ... Cardinal... why are you in the hands of my Commander!?

Richelieu: It's not what it looks like!

Forbin: Whatever, I'm stronger than you now. Make me a Iris Templar Knight!

Richelieu: But-

Minato: I know how you can become a Knight for the Iris Libre.

Forbin: Hm? What is then, Commander?

Minato: You have to beat Yu.

Forbin: Huh? I have to beat... myself?

Minato: No that's not what I meant... you have to beat this other person named Yu. Y U.

Forbin: Heh, alright. If I win I get to have you and be a Knight!

Everyone: Wow.

Minato: Me?

Forbin: Oui. However, show me a way to a dorm room. I'm feeling like sleeping after SUCH a long battle with Nagato.

Minato: Alright then.

She already wants me for herself? Great now there's like 3 girls that like me! *sigh* What's next? The priority ship Takao and I started?