[i]Month X, Day Y - In The Manchuria Sector of the Beijing Star System.[/i] The fleet of the Japanese Empire is leading an assault on the Chun Empire. It consists of 8 Battleships, 17 Cruisers and 37 Destroyers in total. [img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61842432/daiteikoku/dai_003.jpg[/img] [img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61842432/daiteikoku/faces/dai--jap_admiral_buzzcut.jpg[/img][Staff Officer] Sir, we have a transmission from Admiral Higuchi of the second fleet. [img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61842432/daiteikoku/faces/dai--jap_admiral_old.jpg[/img][Navy Minister] Did he return from the reconnaissance mission? Just in time. [Staff Officer] U-huh. [Admiral Higuchi] Oh... Y-your excellency? Its a pleasure to talk to you. [Navy Minister] Hrmph. You probably have a reason for contacting us, get on with already! [Admiral Higuchi] O-of course. We confirmed that a fleet of the Chun Empire is approaching this sector. [Admiral Higuchi] It consists of only 4 ships. [Navy Minister] That's an odd move... What kind of ships are they? [Admiral Higuchi] Oh, just common last generation warships. [Navy Minister] How foolish... Our ships outnumber and outclass them. How do they plan to engage us with that pathetic fleet? [Navy Minister] Very well. Lets teach them a lesson about the superiority of the Japanese Navy. The Japanese Navy had tried to conquer the Beijing Star System several times in the past. Hundreds of battles had been fought over it, they were never able to defeat the enemy and gain full control of the territory. [Navy Minister] However, this time will be different. The enemy is already intimidated by us. We will take Beijing by storm. [Staff Officer] Sir, the enemy fleet has appeared on our radar, they are in range now. Shall we engage? [Navy Minister] We shall, this gives us an opportunity to test the strength of our new battleships. [Staff Officer] Understood. I will have the capital ships set course. [Navy Minister] No, wait. The new ships are a present from the Empress hershelf. Let's not damage them. [Staff Officer] What are your orders then? [Navy Minister] Hmmm... Let's have one of our fleets weaken them first, then we annihilate the remains. [Navy Minister] Give Admiral Tougou of the 4th fleet the orders to engage the enemy advance fleet. [Staff Officer] Yes Sir! The bridge of the 4th fleet flagship. [Operator Girl] Admiral Tougou, here is your coffee~~ [Tougou] Thank you. [Operator Girl] Ah... how is it? [Tougou] Mhhh. The aroma is perfect. [Operator Girl] R-really? I'm glad! [Tougou Tsuyoshi] Heh, you know what... I wonder if you taste as good... [Operator Girl] Oh, maybe you should find it out... I have no plans for tonight-- [Akiyama Keiichirou] ...*cough* Admiral Tougou. [Tougou Tsuyoshi] Got it, I'll find a nice place for us. [Akiyama Keiichirou] Admiral Tougou! [Tougou Tsuyoshi] Man, you are quite persistent today. [Akiyama Keiichirou] Its no time for jokes. We just got new orders. We are to engage the enemy advance fleet. [Tougou Tsuyoshi] Well, well... what bad timing. This is quite disappointing, but we have to cut it short. [Operator Girl] Aww.. what a pity. [Tougou Tsuyoshi] Let's continue our talk later tonight. In bed. [Operator Girl] Hehehe, sure. [Akiyama Keiichirou] Admiral Tougou! [Tougou Tsuyoshi] Ha ha ha. I got it, I got it. [img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61842432/daiteikoku/dai_006.jpg[/img] [Tougou] ..so much for relaxing. Looks like I won't get today off. [Akiyama Keiichirou] Don't worry, our capital fleet has a clear strategic advantage in this battle. [Akiyama Keiichirou] And yet they send only us to attack… [Tougou] There is no point in complaining. They expect us to do this, so lets do our best to meet their expectations. [Akiyama Keiichirou] I appreciate the trust they put in us. [Tougou] Heh, our Navy Minister doesn't want to get his own hands dirty. Great. [Akiyama Keiichirou] What ? [Tougou] Ah, nevermind. Order the 4th Fleet to move out. [Akiyama Keiichirou] Yes Sir. The bridge of the flagship Hinata--- [Navy Minister] My glorious battleship. The enemy shall not even scratch you. [Navy Minister] Heh, seems like the first battle of our new battleship won't come today. [Staff Officer] Yes. But hopefully Admiral Tougou will put on a nice show for us. [Navy Minister] Yeah. He has achieved great results during his service in the fleet. [Navy Minister] If that man wasnt so irresponsible, I would have promoted him. It's a damn pity. [Staff Officer] I agree... Then again that guy doesnt seem to be interested in promotions. [Navy Minister] Hmm? [Staff Officer] He prefers to spend his time chase after girls and considers responsibility unpleasant. [Navy Minister] Hrm... It's hard to tell if he is a strategic genius or just a fool. [Staff Officer] Indeed... [Navy Minister] Mind-boggling, isn't? Huh? Admiral Higuchi, on screen. Who did you report to a while ago? [Admiral Higuchi] Eeeh? I, I did nothing out of the ordinary, I just reported to my subordinate. [Navy Minister] Hrrrm. I am sure you are aware that transmissions during battle are forbidden. [Admiral Higuchi] Y-yes. I apologize-- *static* [Navy Minister] Well well, he sure is nervous. [Staff Officer] Navy Minister, Don't you think something seems odd? [Navy Minister] Hmm? What do you mean? [Staff Officer] There are very few enemy vessels. We are inside the Chun Empire, yet we've barely seen their fleets yet. [Navy Minister] Hmm... Maybe they are waiting to surprise us at the right time. [Navy Minister] Let's not give them time then. All ships proceed to the planet Manchuria! [Staff Officer] Yes, sir ! All warships, full speed ahead towards Manchuria. BOOM! [Navy Minister] Huh? What was that? [Staff Officer] Urgh, our engine... It took a direct hit. We are losing speed! [Navy Minister] Geh... The enemy... Where are they attacking from? [Staff Officer] What the...? Friendlies... The shots are coming from Admiral Higuchi's fleet, our own forces! [Navy Minister] WHAT? [Admiral Higuchi] Geez... I am terribly sorry, dear Minister. But I am no longer your fool. [Navy Minister] You bastard... Why are you betraying us? [Admiral Higuchi] I really didnt want see it to come this, but I had no other choice. No choice at all... [Admiral Higuchi] Blame my inadequate wage, blame the boring duties you assigned me. But don't blame me. BOOM! [Navy Minister] Augh--! Higuchi, stop this at once you son of a bitch! [Staff Officer] This time the attack came from our rear, the 3rd fleet is also attacking us! The bridge of the 3rd flagship [Rear Guard Admiral] Listen up men! The Japanese Navy is our enemy! [Rear Guard Admiral] We have to fight! Give no mercy! [Admiral Higuchi] Thats right, Admiral! Attack our enemy relentlessly! [Rear Guard Admiral] I agree, comrade Higuchi. For Chun Empire! Attaaack! [Admiral Higuchi] ATTAAAAAAAAAAACK! [Navy Minister] We are about to be destroyed by an enemy from within our own ranks. [Navy Minister] You will pay for this, even if you destroy this warship. BOOM! [Navy Minister] Aaaaaarrrrghhhhhh! [Akiyama Keiichirou] Admiral Tougou, the Hinata... [Tougou] It was destroyed... We totally stepped into their trap. [Akiyama Keiichirou] It looks that way... The enemy fleet appeared from behind. [Akiyama Keiichirou] I count 1, 2...no, 4 fleets of ships. There might be more inbound.... [Tougou] We will retreat. [Akiyama Keiichirou] B-but... [Tougou] Are you planning to get yourself killed in a pointless battle like this? [Akiyama Keiichirou] Ack... I understand. The 4th fleet is making its retreat. [Tougou] Wise choice. We stand no chance against two of our own modern fleets and the entire Chun Empire. [Tougou] Also... [Akiyama Keiichirou] What? [Tougou] One can't die leaving such a cute daughter behind. It's that simple. [Akiyama Keiichirou] Thats... true. [Tougou] I also got an hot date tonight! [Akiyama Keiichirou] You horny bastard! Several weeks later. The capital of the Japanese Empire. 113088 A passage inside the Navy Headquarters― 113089 Shit… 113090 That person is driving me insane. 113091 I am going nuts！ 113092 Staff officer Akiyama Keiichirou was not 113093 able to hide his anxiety in the hallway. 113094 You were appointed the new Navy 113095 Minister and supposed to attend a 113096 conference with the Empress today… 113097 He checks the watch he is wearing on his arm. 113098 It is AM 6:50. 113099 The conference is at AM 8:00 113100 It will begin in 1 hour, 10 minutes. 113101 But having to walk all the way to the conference 113102 hall, there was no time left to waste. 113103 Shit… 113104 This person is out of his mind! 113105 Akiyama was very worried. There was no sign of 113106 his boss at the designated meeting place. 113107 However, today running late was not an option. 113108 The thought of Tougou walking around the Navy 113109 Headquarters causing mischief made him sick. 113110 Tougou didnt appear at the meeting place. 113111 His answering machine was answering all calls. 113112 He was way behind the appointed time. 113113 Ack…this stress. 113114 Akiyamas stomach begins to ache. 113115 Ehh… 113116 I am not your secretary, your wife 113117 or your mother ! 113118 Akiyama started to run down the corridor. 113119 Huff…huff…… 113120 He catches his breath in front of a door. 113121 This was the room of his boss, Tougou. 113122 Please let him be there. 113123 Please… 113124 He took out a spare key and opened the door. 113125 　　*2Aclick*2A… 113126 Good morning, Admiral Tougou. 113127 Myaa… 113128 A young voice answered Akiyama. 113129 Maki-chan? 113130 *2Ayawn*2A …morning, A-chan. 113131 A small girl laying on the bed lifts her head up 113132 and greets him with a smile. 113133 Ah, ahaha…good morning, Maki-chan. 113134 Her name is Maki. 113135 She is Tougou's daughter and turned 6 this year. 113136 Myaa…whats up？ 113137 Today is sunday…a day of rest. 113138 Ha, ha ha. Even on a holiday 113139 there is a lot of work to do. 113140 Say, Maki-chan 113141 do you know where your dad is ? 113142 Its sunday, so he probably went 113143 somewhere to play with a woman, 113144 like always. 113145 Maki answers dry and honest. 113146 Ack… 113147 This guy is no person suited to raise 113148 a child… 113149 Dad is a grown-up. 113150 He is free to do whatever he wants. 113151 She was also free to do whatever she wanted. 113152 Ahahaha. 113153 I need to calm down… 113154 Who could he have gone to… 113155 Akiyama took out his organizer and checked it, 113156 thoroughly reviewing the list he'd made. 113157 About 20 people were in the list of women at 113158 whom Tougou had made advances recently. 113159 Lets see… 113160 Whose room are you at today? 113161 Akiyama began to analyze the suspects starting 113162 at the top of the list. 113163 Nr.1, can't be. 113164 Nr.2, no way in hell. 113165 Nr.3 seemed interested in Tougou recently. 113166 Haa…what on earth am I doing ? 113167 I feel like a stalker… 113168 A-chan, listen up. 113169 I think dad said something about 113170 going to this person's room. 113171 Oh…thank you. 113172 Akiyamas finger still was on the number that 113173 Maki showed him as he was letting out a deep 113174 sigh. 113175 Navy Staff Quarters, Misaki Gotou's room― 113176 「Haa……」 113177 She rests her cheek on the chest of the man 113178 sleeping next to her, completely satisfied. 113179 Her name is Misaki Gotou. 113180 This thing had been going on between her and 113181 Tougou since she became a Navy secretary. 113182 「Hehe…」 113183 Misaki adored Tougou. 113184 She would do anything for him. 113185 She knew that he isn't the kind of man who 113186 could be with one woman, but she accepted that. 113187 She was ok with being his plaything, and 113188 shared many nights of pleasure and lust with him. 113189 「I have been your plaything all this time… 113190 　but only because you fuck me so well…」 113191 Misaki ran her lips along Tougous neck 113192 to tease him. 113193 「Will you do me again when you wake up ？」 113194 She runs her finger over his chest playfully. 113195 　　*2Aring*2A *2Aring*2A… 113196 Her cellphone rang. 113197 「Hello, this is Gotou…」 113198 Misaki tried to whisper on the phone so she 113199 wouldnt wake up Tougou who slept like a rock. 113200 「…What?　Akiyama-san? 113201 　Yes, Tougou is here. He will call back, 113202 　as soon as he wakes up…」 113203 「Ah, ok. I understand, so there is no time left.」 113204 Misaki understood the urgency of the situation 113205 because Akiyama sounded very nervous. 113206 Hah…what is this？ 113207 …? 113208 Its still so early in the morning. 113209 What the heck is your problem ? 113210 …did you forget, Admiral Tougou ? 113211 We have a meeting with the Empress, 113212 in less than one hour. 113213 I see…thats terrible. 113214 Don't act as if it wasnt your problem！ 113215 You are about to become the Navy 113216 Minister, you can't show up late！ 113217 Ahh. I got it, I got it. 113218 Don't be upset, I'm on my way. 113219 You have work to do ? 113220 Haha. Sorry, Misaki. 113221 I really need to run. 113222 I would have loved to be with you 113223 a little bit longer, but some really 113224 annoying people require my attention. 113225 Thats ok. 113226 Your job of defending our Empire is 113227 very important. 113228 To be completely honest, I hate 113229 those boring conferences… 113230 They are so dull, I will probably 113231 fall asleep in front of the Empress. 113232 Hehehe. 113233 Come on, you are exaggerating. 113234 You got me. 113235 But if you need to relax after the 113236 conference I am here to take good 113237 care of you. 113238 You are a good woman, taking care 113239 of your man. 113240 D-don't flutter me… 113241 Thank you. 113242 Last night really helped me relax. 113243 I have to go ! 113244 Alright, see you soon. 113245 Yep. 113246 10 minutes until the conference. 113247 Seems like we are making it in time… 113248 We are. Thanks to you. 113249 Lets not run so much the next time, 113250 and be a bit more punctual. 113251 Akiyama felt like a burden had been taken off him. 113252 He was glad that they made it, but at the same 113253 time having Tougou here made him uneasy. 113254 Tougou and Akiyama, the perfect team. 113255 Akiyama was assigned to Tougou as a staff officer, 113256 when Tougou took command of his first fleet. 113257 He trusts in Tougous superior abilities as 113258 a commander. 113259 But all that faith vanishes when Akiyama 113260 considers his lack of discipline. 113261 Tougou behaves reckless and keeps 113262 causing a lot of trouble. 113263 Akiyama believes in true love, while Tougou 113264 believes having sex with as many women as 113265 possible is the goal of life. 113266 Tougou was recently appointed Navy Minister, 113267 supreme commander over the entire Navy. 113268 Akiyama wondered many times why they chose 113269 him over other candidates. 113270 However, things are the way they are. 113271 Ack, my stomach hurts again… 113272 If anything ever makes his stomach explode 113273 it would be Tougou becoming Navy Minister, 113274 he decided. 113275 Today they were about to attend this conference 113276 because of Tougous sudden promotion. 113277 There they would meet Empress Mikado. 113278 Four ministers attend this conference alongside 113279 Mikado to decide about the future of the 113280 Japanese Empire. 113281 What if Tougou makes some careless mistake… 113282 For Akiyama, Tougou's involvement in the future 113283 of the Empire was truly frightening. 113284 Ack… 113285 The thought alone caused his stomach to ache. 113286 Whats the matter? 113287 Does it hurt somewhere ? 113288 …no, I am fine. 113289 But next time please tell me where 113290 you are going the night before. 113291 Wait…you are acting like my mother. 113292 Do you have to observe me 24/7 ? 113293 I don't want to observe you, but you 113294 leave me no choice ! 113295 Ha, wait a second. Let me adjust 113296 your collar, it looks a bit messy. 113297 Akiyama straightens Tougou's clothes 113298 energetically. 113299 We have an audience with the Empress. 113300 Your clothes need to be in order. 113301 …sure thing. I hope that it won't ruin 113302 your day if I tell you I won't marry you. 113303 ……………… 113304 What is it? 113305 …are you being sarcastic? 113306 Nope. 113307 ……………… 113308 Don't cry… 113309 …I am not crying ! 113310 Please be a bit more serious 113311 at the conference. Don't be 113312 impolite to Empress Mikado ! 113313 Got it. 113314 Even I can pull myself together. 113315 Here we go. 113316 Yes…lets move. 113317 The Imperial Conference Hall―― 113318 Hi, everyone. 113319 Hmpf…………… 113320 ……………grrr. 113321 Everyone was staring at Tougou, who had 113322 just taken his seat. 113323 …Don't stare at me like that. 113324 I can understand that you admire my 113325 body, but its quite embarassing. 113326 Wha- !? 113327 This bum doesnt belong in here! 113328 We are at an imperial conference ! 113329 Sakura Ugaki, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 113330 This is your first conference, 113331 and you waltz in so casually― 113332 Calm down, Master Ugaki. 113333 The Empress is arriving soon. 113334 Well…you are right. 113335 But his lack of respect will insult 113336 our Empress. Mark my words. 113337 It won't… 113338 Rikori Yamashita, the Army Minister 113339 stared at Tougou quietly, asking him to behave. 113340 Thank you, you saved my ass. 113341 I didnt do it for you. 113342 I can't allow frivolous behaviour in the 113343 presence of Empress Mikado. 113344 You look so cool saying that… 113345 What？ 113346 …I like women who know what 113347 they want. In fact, you are just 113348 my type. 113349 If you put your filthy hands on 113350 our Empress, I will teach you how 113351 to dislike my type. 113352 I havent used my katana in a long time, 113353 but I would always draw it for Mikado. 113354 Empress Mikado. 113355 I saw her on television once… 113356 She looked gracious, wise, 113357 like a born leader. 113358 What ? 113359 Yamashita seemed to doubt Tougous words, when 113360 sudden music announced the entry of the Empress. 113361 Taa-daa. 113362 Time for the imperial conference〜♪ 113363 …………… 113364 …………… 113365 Ugaki and Yamashita bowed down in front 113366 of Mikado, forcing a smile as if nothing 113367 had happened. 113368 …is something wrong？ 113369 …she seems to be very easygoing. 113370 That makes seducing her easier. 113371 …………… 113372 Yamashita glances at Tougou. 113373 …Yeah, yeah. 113374 Ah, you must be Tougou. 113375 You look just as handsome as 113376 on the photograph. 113377 Your praise honors me. 113378 No need to be formal with me, 113379 just call me Tougou-chan please. 113380 Sure, Tougou-chan it is! 113381 You can call me Mikado-chan. 113382 Hold it right there！ 113383 Mikado, you are the ruler of our Empire. 113384 Don't let people adress you like that. 113385 Ehh !? I am sure it would make our 113386 Empire seem a lot more friendly. 113387 No, this isn't right. 113388 Meh…fine, I get it. 113389 Don't call me 'Mikado-chan'. 113390 What a pity. 113391 I can still call you Tougou-chan. 113392 …no 'Tougou-chan' either. 113393 ………cruel old geezer. 113394 Huh？ 113395 What did you just say？ 113396 Oh, nothing at all. 113397 Lets begin the conference… 113398 Nekohira, our 4th minister is absent ？ 113399 Yes. 113400 Sickness kept him from attending. 113401 Oh, thats awful. 113402 I hope he will get healthy again soon. 113403 Well, let us move on to the official 113404 promotion of Tougou Tsuyoshi then. 113405 Yes. 113406 Tan taaan♪ In the name of the 113407 Empress Mikado you are hereby 113408 promoted to Navy Minister. 113409 Please work hard every single day 113410 for the future of our Empire. 113411 That worries me a bit. 113412 I really enjoy my Sundays. 113413 Hehe, you are funny. Of course 113414 you will get days off in between. 113415 Mikado understood his little joke and played 113416 along. 113417 Then, I take this title with respect. 113418 Do that. I expect a lot of you. 113419 Arrrgh………… 113420 Ugaki stares at Tougou provocatively. 113421 Ministers are chosen by other ministers 113422 recommendations, but ultimately it is 113423 the Empress who makes the final decision. 113424 Apparently Mikado has ignored everyones 113425 recommendations and chose a Navy Minister 113426 on her own. 113427 Yamashita was also appointed by Mikado, 113428 but Ugaki seems fine with that. 113429 Perhaps because she is as stubborn as him. 113430 Ugaki and Yamashita are actually very alike. 113431 Mikado was disappointed though, she thought a 113432 woman would bring more warmth into this. 113433 So, when she had to appoint a new Navy 113434 Minister, this time she chose a young man, 113435 - Tougou - whose file she read. 113436 He was chosen because of his skills of course. 113437 Hey, Ugaki. Arent you going to 113438 retire soon ? I want to replace 113439 you with someone cuter. 113440 Haha, you must be joking. 113441 I am still on active duty. 113442 My life for the nation ! 113443 I will serve our Empire until 113444 the day I die. 113445 Huh… 113446 But you always keep saying "I am 113447 getting too old for this nonsense." 113448 Err, I do say that… 113449 But I don't mean it that way… 113450 Yeah, yeah. 113451 You don't mean it. 113452 Right… 113453 So, the battle over Manchuria was 113454 the next part we have to discuss. 113455 …Yep. 113456 A sad look suddenly spread across Mikado's face. 113457 We suffered heavy losses… 113458 Two brave admirals, the Navy Minister 113459 and many others died that day. 113460 We lost 8 battleships, 13 cruisers, 113461 30 destroyers and 10 support ships. 113462 We were betrayed by Admiral Higuchi's men, 113463 and their treacherous defection to the 113464 Chun Empire has cost us dearly. 113465 So…… 113466 …please don't blame yourself. 113467 Our new Navy Minister will reorganize 113468 our fleets, deal with those traitors 113469 and make the Chun Empire pay. 113470 …………Yes. 113471 Mikado, I know this is really sad. 113472 But I also wonder why they betrayed 113473 our Empire, I cannot understand them. 113474 Yes…this is indeed tragic. Betrayal 113475 always takes place when people don't 113476 get along with each other… 113477 Therefore, Tougou… 113478 Mikado looks at Tougou with hope in her eyes. 113479 You must reorganize our Navy, 113480 so everyone gets along well with 113481 each other. 113482 …I am deeply moved. 113483 I guarantee you that I will get along 113484 especially well with the women. 113485 Hehehe. 113486 There is something I have for you. 113487 Yamashita, bring it here. 113488 Understood. 113489 Yamashita prepared a brush and japanese paper, 113490 and Mikado wrote the symbol of 'the group' on it. 113491 The heart of the group. 113492 There is a saying that goes: 113493 Harmony in the group is important, 113494 for a harmonious group is 113495 unshakeable in its foundation. 113496 When all links in that chain are 113497 held together by the power of 113498 friendship, the group will succeed. 113499 Teamwork is the key to success. 113500 Yes. You got it. 113501 Mikado approvingly smiles at what he said. 113502 After going through some other, minor issues 113503 the conference drew to an end. 113504 Alright then… 113505 Excuse me. 113506 Ugaki and Yamashita take a bow and leave. 113507 Tougou also stands up from his seat. 113508 Hey, Tougou. Wait a moment. 113509 What do you want ? 113510 Excuse me, Tougou… 113511 I have high expectations of you, 113512 after the things you said. 113513 Therefore… 113514 Mikado held out her hand towards Tougou quietly. 113515 …lets protect the Empire together. 113516 Their hands met and sealed a secret pact 113517 between both of them. 113518 Mikado… 113519 …its a promise. 113520 Her small hand was warmer than he thought. 113521 Yes. 113522 …Yes, I am sure of it now. 113523 You are the kind of person I hoped 113524 for, all along. 113525 Huh ? 113526 I can feel a persons intentions 113527 by touching them. 113528 Surprised ? 113529 I am… 113530 That is quite an ability. 113531 What kind of person am I then ? 113532 Well…if I had to describe you, 113533 I would say a very inspiring person. 113534 That honors me. 113535 Then I shall try my best to inspire 113536 the whole Empire of Japan. 113537 Yes. [Tougou] Sorry to keep you waiting, Akiyama. Tougou met Akiyama in front of the building after the conference was over. [Akiyama] No problem. Did something happen at the conference? He knew Tougou hated conferences, the cheerful expression on Tougous face scared him a bit. [Tougou] Hahaha, nothing happened at all, don't worry. [Akiyama] ...Ah, good. Akiyama, who had been dealing with Tougou for years, let out a sigh of relief. [Akiyama] So, Admiral... I mean Minister Tougou... What kind of person is the Empress? This question came to him naturally. Mikado lived in her own world, isolated from the outside and only the ministers got to meet her in person. [Tougou] You wanna know? [Akiyama] Y-yes... tell me, I promise to keep it a secret. Akiyama was a bit ashamed about his curiosity. [Akiyama] Ah, I sound pathetic. [Tougou] No offense, but you really do... [Akiyama] I can't help it. I have been waiting here the whole time, wondering what happens in there. [Tougou] Thats true. [Akiyama] ... [Tougou] Well, I was surprised... Mikado is such an easygoing and kind girl. [Tougou] ...You could say she inspired me. I am determined to do my best, not only for Maki, but also for her. [b]The bridge of Tougou's flagship Nagatoー/b] [Akiyama] Minister Tougou. I gathered the new admirals of the Navy on our bridge as requested. [Akiyama] They will be your closest allies, fighting under your command in battles yet to come. [Tougou] Here I am. I have high expectations for all of you. Lets see if you can fulfill them. The new admirals lined up on the bridge and Tougou nodded satisfied. [Tougou] Unfortunately... [Akiyama] What? [Tougou] ...we lost many good admirals in the battle of Manchuria. But its good to see some new faces around here... [Akiyama] Uhm... the ratio of women is a bit high. Did you base your choice on gender? [Tougou] Hahaha, of course not. I chose the most skilled candidates. [Akiyama] Thats fine, but... [Tougou] ...of course, if some candidates have the same level of skill, its ladies first. [Akiyama] Gah... 113599 They are all here now. 113600 Let me greet them. The first admiral he met was an old veteran. [Tougou] Greetings, old friend. Good to see that the Grim Reaper still hasn't taken you away from us. [Yamamoto] Hahaha, I never thought I would live to see you become Navy Minister. [Yamamoto] And damn …you have got guts, for sending such an old geezer like me back to the frontline, youngster. Yamamoto grinned, his old skin carving deep wrinkles into his face. [Tougou] Someone has to take care of you. Did you bring that hot nurse of yours along with you? [Yamamoto] Yeah. She is a good girl who knows how to take care of old gentlemen. [Yamamoto] Too bad that I can't get it up anymore. He smiles and slaps the ass of his nurse. [Hitomi] Haa ?　…I-I am Koga Hitomi, Admiral Yamamoto's nurse. [Hitomi] I hope to keep his stamina up. 113622 ... [Hitomi] Huh...? Did I say something wrong ? [Tougou] S-sorry. I just admired your beautiful body. Please go on. [Hitomi] You look very handsome too. [Tougou] Seriously... old man, this woman is way too hot for someone like you. [Yamamoto] Come on, let me have my fun. [Tougou] You are not a young man anymore. [Yamamoto] Hahaha, that I can't deny. [Hitomi] Yamamoto-san, its time... You have to take your bath. [Tougou] Heh... [Raizo] Huh, are you that guy who is in charge and stuff? A man steps in front of Tougou, blocking his view at the ass of the nurse. [Tougou] Right. And you are? [Raizo] Are you kidding me? Name's Tanaka Raizo, you musta heard that name before. [Tougou] Now that you mention it… I did. Your file has interesting things in it. Tanaka commanded a destroyer during the battle of Manchuria with excellent results. However he had trouble following the orders of his superior officers, and his disobedience made him quite a problem child. Luckily for him, the Admiral he disobeyed was killed at Manchuria, so he wasnt charged. With Tougou appointing him as an admiral, this was the first time he was his own superior. [Raizo] Tougou-san. Thanks for choosing me as your admiral, thats totally cool. [Raizo] I will give a hundred percent. No mountain is too tall for me to climb, because I am the champ. Be prepared. I am aiming for your position. [Tougou] You are welcome to try. Give it your best shot. [Tougou] However, I won't tolerate disobedience. I entrust you with a fleet, so do not disappoint me. [Raizo] Yes, man. The enemy will tremble before us. [Tougou] Hm... what an interesting guy. Now, who is next... Tougou spotted a girl in the corner of the bridge. She was resting her head on her arms. [Tougou] Ozawa Matsuri, you look as cute as on the picture of your file. [Matsuri] ...are you making fun of me? [Tougou] Hahaha. No, I wasnt joking. I only told the truth. [Matsuri] ...ah. It felt like a joke for a moment. [Matsuri] Minister Tougou, I have a question to ask you... [Tougou] What is it? I'll gladly answer all private questions you have about me. [Matsuri] Actually... I want to know why you chose me as your admiral... [Tougou] Because you are excellent. [Matsuri] Even though I just graduated from the academy, without any combat experience? [Tougou] You are perfect, don't worry. Don't question your abilities. [Matsuri] I-if I screw up, will you get mad at me and "punish" me for my failure? [Tougou] No, I won't. I don't believe in such methods. Saying this, he puts his hand on her shoulder. [Tougou] I believe praise works much better. [Matsuri] Haa...? He looked into her eyes while Ozawas face turned deeply red. 113705 T-this guy. Is he already groping the girls...? Tougous hand travelled down to Ozawa's waist. [Tougou] ...Don't look at me like that. I have to inspect if my crew matches all of my requirements. [Tougou] Apart from that, she graduated on top of her class and excels at information warfare. [Tougou] It should make up for the lack of actual combat experience. [Akiyama] I-is that so? I apologize. [Tougou] Thats alright. 113719 Ah, here is another admiral... [Keiko] Master Tougou. I heard a lot of rumors about you. You look as hot as they say. Nagumo Keiko greets him joyfully. [Tougou] Hahaha, are you trying to seduce me? [Keiko] Please, I am a married woman. I can't cheat on my husband, although you don't make it easy to resist... [Tougou] I see. If you ever change your mind... [Keiko] Haha, you are just as naughty as they say. [Keiko] My husband is a much higher rank than me in the Navy. Why did you choose me and not him? [Tougou] I choose by ability, not by rank. You are far more skilled than him. [Keiko] Ah? ...When you say it like that my husband sounds like a loser. [Tougou] Deal with it. I assigned your husband to your fleet, so both of you can fight together as a couple. [Keiko] Thats great. We will fight for our future together. [Tougou] Alright. 113746 ！ have assembled the admirals I need for the creation of a new Japanese Navy. 113748 ：irst of all we need to deal with Manchuria. 113749 。ut our top priority remains to survive. 113750 ...Or more simple, to run away if the odds are against us. 113752 ゝhis has nothing to do with cowardice, so don't misunderstand it as such. 113754 仝e cannot throw away our lives. 113755 ！t is very important that all of you keep this in mind. 113757 。ut how do we beat our enemy? Everyone holds their breath and listens to Tougou's words very closely. [Tougou] ？ahaha. Leave it to me, I have a plan. A devilish grin appeared on Tougous face. [Tougou] All you guys have to do is to take good care of each other. 113764 「Hm… those are wise words, youngster. 113765 「Hah, that sounded kinda cool. 113766 「Hehehe, you are an interesting man. 113767 「…I'm hungry. Everyone reacted differently to his words. However, he had achieved what he wanted, to break the ice and to create a comfortable mood. Maybe that was his goal all along. Thus the new Japanese Navy was born, under the command of Tougou.