I stare at the two familiar and three new faces in front of me. All of them are wearing the black IJN Trainee Uniform. Why are there five of them? Wasn't I supposed to just take care of three? That second last guy looks a little familiar though. And the girl in the middle is short. She is maybe a little taller than Zuihou by a centimetre or so. She must be Grand Admiral Hashimoto's beloved daughter.
Today, the new Cadets-in-training assigned to Maizuru Naval District was supposed to arrive. I was expecting only three girls to show up. Imagine my shock when Ooyodo passed my five files and Prinz Eugen came back with five people. Who would have thought there were two boys in the group as well.
I glanced at a nervous and jittery Ooyodo. Something tells me she is aware of this.
"Ooyodo..."
"Y-yes?" (Ooyodo)
"You don't happen to know anything about this batch of trainees, do you?"
"Er... Um..." (Ooyodo)
"It's weird that you passed me five files when I was only expecting three. Did you hear anything about this from Rondo?"
"Um... Sorry..." (Ooyodo)
"Was it an order?"
"Yes... Grand Admiral Rondo ordered me keep it a secret from you until the five trainees have arrived. He said you will definitely reject them if you knew about it beforehand." (Ooyodo)
Bastard! I mean he is not wrong but still... I'm gonna punch him when I see him next time.
"Whatever. If it's a reasonable order from the higher-ups, especially from Grand Admiral Rondo, that can't be helped. At least it's not some kind of degenerate or suicidal order. If it is one, you better tell me about it. Okay?"
"Yes... I'm sorry." (Ooyodo)
Two boys, huh...
"I will have to make some changes to the training schedule but that won't be a problem. Did we even prepare sleeping quarter for the boys? I only remember commissioning the fairies to build a bunk for the girls in the Cruisers Dorm."
"Ah. It's alright. You know the top floor of the Cruiser Dorm is empty, right? I already told the fairies to clean and prepare a room for the boys." (Prinz Eugen)
I pinched Purin's cheeks,
"You know about this too?!"
"Ow ow ow! Ooyodo told me about it!" (Prinz Eugen)
"What the hell is this?" (Male 1)
"Beats me..." (Male 2)
"..." (Hashimoto's Daughter)
"It just as lively here as before." (Nekokami)
I can hear you guys, you know?
I released Purin-chan and stood in front of my desk,
"Ahem."
The five of them immediately stiffened. No need to be that serious.
"At ease. I'm not going to bite or anything. Well, only if you screw up. Due to the higher-ups deciding to hide vital information from me, I admit I wasn't expecting to the five of you. So I apologise for that little display earlier. Let's start with introductions. I'm the Admiral in charged of this Naval District, Tokomaki Keita. I will be your Commanding and Training Officer throughout his course The bespectacled beauty over there is Ooyodo and the cute bubbly one is Prinz Eugen.
"Cute?!" (Prinz Eugen)
"Beauty?" (Ooyodo)
"I want to hear you name, rank, hobbies, an interesting fact about yourself, and the reason for joining this organisation. Ah. But don't give the whole wanting to serve the nation kind of crap. If that's the case, you are better off joining the JSDF. We will start with the ladies. "
The first one is Ogami Mio, the tallest of the girls. I have already met her and Nekokami Fubuki. Her long black hair is tied into a ponytail. You can see the shape of her assets through her black uniform.
Ogami-san took a step forward and gave a salute,
"Sub-lieutenant Ogami Mio. I like to sing and play video games in my free time. I can do a little bit of tarot card reading. The reason I joined the IJN..." (Ogami)
Ogami-san paused for a bit. She glanced at Nekokami-san and let out a small, audible sigh, before pointing at her friend,
"I was initially dragged into joining the force by this girl over here," (Ogami)
What are you, a pushover?
"But now, I want do my part to support the girls who are doing all the work for us in this war." (Ogami)
"Huh. I was about to retort your first reason, but looks like you have a goal now. As long as you pass and get promoted to Commander, you will definitely be of support to our shipgirls. Next, that one that dragged her friend into this organization."
"Eheheh..." (Nekokami)
Nekokami-san let out a nervous little laugh. She stood at attention and saluted,
"Sub-lieutenant Nekokami Fubuki. I love to play games during my time. An interesting thing... Erm... It took me 12000 tries to get a shiny Ma*ikarp in Po*emon." (Nekokami)
Wait!
"Hold on! 12000 tries?! Isn't that too extreme?"
I get that getting a shiny hunting is a thing, but 12000 attempts is both amazing and unfortunate. Even the 5-star Servants in F*O don't have that low of a rate.
"Ahahaha... Yeah. It was a little extreme. Oh, but I got a second one a week after getting my first. So I call that a win!" (Nekokami)
"Right... If that makes you happy, go for it. But keep it in moderation, especially while you are in training."
"Gotcha. Oh. There is one more, right? Reason... It's nothing noble, but I just want to play with cute shipgirls. The last time we were here was so fun!" (Nekokami)
"You have been here before? How?" (Male 1)
"Fubuki!" (Ogami)
"Ah... Er... Um..." (Nekokami)
You dumdum...
"We will get to that later. Next."
The shorter girl in the middle gave a salute. She has black, shoulder-width hair which is tied into a ponytail. She is slightly shorter than Shigure and Nekokami-san, but taller than Zuihou by a full head. Her expression is serious, which something you would expect from a soldier. I can't really judge her body shape, since the uniform looks a little baggy for her, but I can see a little bulge at her chest area. She might be as big as Prinz Eugen or slightly smaller. But she is definitely not flat like my little CVL.
"Lieutenant Hashimoto Rei. I like to train and read about war tactics during my free time. My family has a tradition of joining the military. I intend to follow the same path." (Hashimoto)
"Why here though? Wouldn't the other JSDF branches give you the same thing?"
"Negative, Admiral. While the JSDF is indeed a military organization and is crucial in protecting Japan, the IJN is playing a much active role in this already long-drawn war against the Abyssals. Even though it will mostly in the back-lines, I want to participate in the war in a vital position and take back the seas." (Hashimoto)
"Impressive. That's a great goal. Learn and absorb all you can during this course. It won't be easy but it is definitely rewarding."
"Yes! Thank you, Admiral!" (Hashimoto)
"What about an interesting fact about yourself?"
"Interesting fact... I like to collect and build scale models of military vehicles." (Hashimoto)
Sounds like she might get along with a certain plane freak. That's sounds like a hobby rather than an interesting fact.
"That's nice. Next."
Once Hashimoto got back in line, the boy standing next to her stepped forward and did his introduction. He has a buzzcut, a typical hairstyle of Ensigns and some men in the military. There is a huge scar on his face, running through his nose bridge. I swear I have seen this person somewhere before.
"Sub-lieutenant Nagamura Yakumo. My hobbies including physical training and studying. I scored top of my cohort in the academy and qualified for the Accelerated Promotion Program . I joined the IJN as I believe this is the best place to hone my abilities and achieve something great for the country." (Nagamura)
Yakumo... Yakumo... Where have I heard that name before?
Ah! Isn't he that cocky guy Zuihou and I bumped into when we went to Yokosuka?! Why is he here? Rondo should know better than to send someone like him here!
"It's great to see you again, Admiral. Once again, I apologize for my rude behaviour back then. I didn't know you were an Admiral. I hope I didn't interrupt your da-" (Nagamura)
Shit! I better shut him up now!
"Nagamura Yakumo, if you want to remain in this course and advance in your career, you would be smart enough to keep your mouth shut and refrain from any unnecessary comments."
"I'm... sorry?" (Nagamura)
"Did I stutter?"
"No, Admiral. My apologies." (Nagamura)
"You two were acquainted?" (Prinz Eugen)
Look at what you have done!!! I need to find a way out of this.
"We bumped into each other a few months back, when I was on vacation. I entered Yokosuka Naval Base for a site inspection but he showed up to challenge me."
"Hmm... I see. So he is an enemy." (Prinz Eugen)
She is staring daggers at him.
"Rondo handled it. It's a thing in the past now."
"If Admiral says so." (Prinz Eugen)
Prinz Eugen turned to stare at Yakumo again,
"Wenn Sie Admiral noch einmal belästigen, werde ich Sie erschießen." (Prinz Eugen)
"What?" (Nagamura)
"What did you say?"
"I just told him to get along with everyone." (Prinz Eugen)
"Huh. Okay."
It sounded like she said more than that though.
I hope this guy doesn't reveal mine and Zuihou's secret relationship. If he did, his career isn't the only thing I will destroy.
"Last but not least,"
It was finally the last guy's turn. He is the tallest of the batch. Hell, he is taller than me! The uniform looks real tight on him. This guy is just pure muscle. I can see the veins along his arm. He has a fade cut, which is a favourite amongst soldiers after completing their Basic Training as a recruit.
"Sub-lieutenant Takeshi Sojiro. I love to workout. To be honest, I joined this organization mainly for the money and to exercise. I have no idea why I got picked for this course despite my meagre test scores. Erm... I was on the Swim team during my high school days and won gold." (Takeshi)
"Is that uniform too tight for you? I can get one that is bigger."
"Really? I was told by my CO that this was the biggest size." (Takeshi)
"No. There are bigger sizes. He is just probably lazy since procurement is kind of a lengthy process. Who was your CO? I can get him written up."
"No no no. That won't be necessary. Really." (Takeshi)
"If you say so. What size are you wearing now?"
"This is XL." (Takeshi)
"Ooyodo, would XXXL fit this guy?"
"I think so. XXL will probably still look a little tight." (Ooyodo)
"Then, XXXL it is. Submit the application form for 5 sets and get procurement to expedite it. Use my stamp and name."
"Roger." (Ooyodo)
"No no no. I will be fine, Admiral. I can't ask you to do that." (Takeshi)
"I didn't ask. I doing this on my own. Besides, the girls will laugh at a big man like you in such a tight uniform."
"Hey. Mutsuki-chan, Move over. I can't see." (???1)
"Wai- Etorofu-chan, don't push me." (Mutsuki)
"Shh! Stay quiet. You are gonna get us in trouble." (???2)
"Kashima-sensei, please don't rest your chest on Matsuwa's head!" (Matsuwa)
We have some extra visitors today...
"Ogami-san,"
"Yes." (Ogami)
"Please open the door."
"Yes..." (Ogami)
Ogami-san walked towards the office door and pulled it open. Immediately, the four curious cats squealed as they fell over one another.
"Woah!" (Etorofu)
"Nyaa!" (Mutsuki)
"Oof!" (Kashima)
"Hawaw-mmph!" (Matsuwa)
"Eek! Huh? Etorofu-chan?" (Ogami)
"Ah! Etorofu-chan, long time no see!" (Nekokami)
"Fubuki-chan, Mio-chan, hello!" (Etorofu)
"What you girls doing?"
"Ehehe~ We heard some new Commanders are coming today. We were just curious nyashi." (Mutsuki)
"I was going to introduce them to everyone eventually. They are not Commanders. Not yet at least. Kashima, you are smouldering Matsuwa."
"Eh? Waah!! Sorry, Matsuwa-chan!" (Kashima)
The busty Training Cruiser quickly got up, finally freeing the tiny DE girl who has been flailing about for the past few seconds.
"Pwah! Kashima-sensei, you meanie!" (Matsuwa)
"I'm so sorry, Matsuwa-chan!" (Kashima)
Since they are here,
"Prinz Eugen, Ooyodo, come over here for a bit. All of you, look over here."
Even though I said that, three of them were looking at us. Except for Hashimoto, who remained in her original position till I told them to. She is a little too serious.
"Can any of you tell me the classifications of these girls?"
"Oh. Me!" (Nekokami)
"Nekokami-san, you are not allowed to pick Etorofu or Matsuwa since you met them before."
"Ehh? Erm... That oppai demon is a Heavy Cruiser?" (Nekokami)
"Oppai demon?!" (Kashima)
"Pfft! Ahem."
"The small orange one and black is a Destroyer. But the green one looks like a destroyer too. Ooyodo is a light cruiser. Prinz Eugen is a Heavy Cruiser." (Nagamura)
"I think Prinz Eugen is CA. Kashima... is a Light Cruiser." (Takeshi)
"Mutsuki-chan is a Destroyer and Ooyodo is a Light Cruiser. I'm certain of that." (Ogami)
"Etorofu and Matsuwa are both Etorofu-class Coastal Defence Ships. Mutsuki is the name ship for the Mutsuki-class destroyers. Ooyodo is an Ooyodo-class Light Crusier. Prinz Eugen is a Admiral Hipper-class Heavy Cruiser. And Kashima is the second ship of the Katori-class Training Cruisers." (Hashimoto)
"I'm impressed. Hashimoto-san is correct. Ogami-san and Nagamura-san's answers were correct as well. Takeshi-san got one right But don't worry. Soon, all of you will be able to remember everyone's name and classification by heart. This will be useful in your career and in forming a close relationship with your Shipgirls."
I expected Takeshi-san to be unable to answer entirely. He got one right, surprisingly. Seems like he is not just pure muscle.
We have already spend more than enough time with introductions. It's time to move on.
"All of you, pick up your bags. I'll show you your quarters."
'Yes!" (All)
The five cadets picked up their duffel bags and followed me out of the office. The other shipgirls followed behind. As I led them to the Cruiser's Dormitory, and gave a short tour at the same time, the group caught the attention of the shipgirls who happen to be in the pathway. Some ran away to hide, probably got scared of Takeshi's gargantuan size. Others just followed behind silently. There are some noisy ones too.
"Look. That guy is tote huge!" (Suzuya)
"Say, the two girls there. Weren't they here the other time?" (Murasame)
"Oh. You're right. Tokitsukaze brought them in during the rain." (Tatsuta)
"The classrooms are in this building. Remember that for later. I will show you where the baths are at the end of the day. Since we have two boys with us, I will need to assign a time for you to take your baths."
And give the boys a warning about relieving themselves in the bath.
After a short walk, we reached the Cruisers Dormitory.
"This is the Cruisers Dormitory. And your sleeping quarters for these three months. Lights out is at 2230hrs. Revelry at 0600hrs. Breakfast at 0630hrs. Morning roll call is at 0700hrs."
For the girls, their bunk is next to Zara's and Pola's room, on the 2nd floor, at the end of the hallway.
"The washroom is over here. next to the stairs. No need to worry about it being too dark at night. There is a dim light strip on the ground which you can use at night."
"Originally, this idea was implemented in the Destroyer's Dormitory. There were a number of them who were scared of the dark, and got too scared to go the bathroom in the middle of the night. This caused a number of 'Night time accidents'. Soon, these lights spread to the other Dormitories.
"You have thirty minutes to unpack and get your belongings in order. Feel free to use the bed bench and wardrobes to store your things."
"Yes." (Nekokami)
"Roger." (Ogami)
"Understood." (Hashimoto)
With the girls in their bunks, I brought the boys up the stairs to the third level.
"As much as I hate it, I trust you two are disciplined enough to not sneak into the girls rooms and do anything stupid."
"Of course. We wouldn't dare." (Nagamura)
"I have a girlfriend. I won't cheat on her." (Takeshi)
That's unexpected...
"You're attached? Won't it be better if you got a job where you can go home everyday to spend time with her?"
"I did consider that. But none of the jobs I applied for suit me." (Takeshi)
"What about a PE teacher? Or Personal Trainer?" (Nagamura)
"I tried them before. But my methods were a little too extreme, according to my ex-bosses." (Takeshi)
You must have did something ridiculous like asking them to do 500 push-ups and 500 sit-ups or something.
"This is their room." (Prinz Eugen)
The boy's bunk is the second room from the staircase. Although I wasn't informed, Prinz Eugen must have gotten the fairies to make ample preparation for them.
"This is our livin-"
As I opened the door, I immediately notice a pair of breasts sticking out from one of the beds. I quickly slammed the door shut.
"Admiral?" (Nagamura)
"Both of you, turn around."
"What? Why?" (Takeshi)
"Just do it. That's an order."
"Yes!" (Nagamura)
"Roger!" (Takeshi)
Once the two boys are looking away, I gestured at Prinz Eugen to go in.
"Wha-?! Pola! What doing here?! And why are you naked?!" (Prinz Eugen)
That's a little too loud.
"Huh? Ah~ Pudding-chan~ Wanna drink with me?" (Pola)
"This is the boy's bunk!" (Prinz Eugen)
"Huh? Boys? Ahh~ No wonder there are beds here." (Pola)
"Geez! Put your clothes back on! And get out of the room." (Prinz Eugen)
"Aww~ Can I at least finish this bottle first?" (Pola)
"No!" (Prinz Eugen)
After a while, Prinz Eugen dragged a drunken Pola out of the room. Her clothes were not put on properly but enough to cover the most sensitive parts.
"I will bring her back to her room." (Prinz Eugen)
"Oh. Admiral~ You are here too~" (Pola)
"Go home, Pola. You're drunk."
"Okie~" (Pola)
Even while being dragged, she is still drinking.
"I will get the fairies to change the sheets later. You boys just unpack your stuff and get acquainted with each other. See you at the gathering hall in 30 minutes. Starting now."
"Yes!" (All)
I leave the boys to it. Now then, I have thirty minutes to make some changes to the training plan. Since most of the curriculum will be hands-on training with the fleet, it shouldn't be too difficult to change. Oh. And I need to set a time for the boys to have their bath time.
"Oh. Admiral. What are you doing here?" (Zuihou)
As I exited the Cruiser Dormitory, I bumped into Zuihou. She looks a little sweaty.
"Oh. Zuihou. Done with training?"
"Yep. Is there some kind of event? Everyone seems excited." (Zuihou)
"Oh. Just the new cadets-in-training."
"Oh yeah. It's today. Any potential Commanders?" (Zuihou)
"Beats me. Only one way to find out. I need to make some changes to the training curriculum. Remember that kid we met at Yokosuka? the one with a scar across his nose."
"If I recall, his name is Yakumo?" (Zuihou)
"Yep. He and another boy were forced under my wing."
"Oh. That isn't so bad. Training new Commanders is part of your job, right?" (Zuihou)
...
"Eh?! Isn't that bad? He might let our secret out." (Zuihou)
Took you long enough to realize.
"Don't worry. I got him to shut up, I think. I will keep him in check and make sure he doesn't reveal our secret."
"But... even if he did, I wouldn't mind." (Zuihou)
Eh? What did she say?
"Admiral, do you think it's time we tell everyone about us?" (Zuihou)