"Thank you for coming, Illustrious," Enterprise said, she smiled at the figure that just arrived on the port.

  "The pleasure is all mine, Enterprise," Illustrious replied gracefully, inclining her head as she lifted the side of her skirt, bowing with the poise of a princess.

  "Speaking of which, this will be your first time visiting NY City in person, won’t it?" Enterprise asked, her tone curious.

  Illustrious responded with a soft chuckle, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes. "It would seem so," she admitted, her gaze sweeping the surroundings. "From what I’ve seen, this pce is quite remarkable. The architecture is so refined, and the buildings stand with such purposeful elegance." Her voice carried a note of genuine admiration as she took in the scene, a serene smile gracing her lips.

  "How is Miss Hood faring?" Enterprise asked, concern cing her voice. She was curious about the battlecruiser's condition after her fateful csh with Bismarck.

  Illustrious responded with a sincere tone, her expression softening. "She has been recovering steadily, but..." A shadow of worry crossed her face. "She remains too weak to return to the battlefield. Ever since Bismarck unleashed the power of the Bck Cube, Hood's condition has been... complicated."

  "I see... I apologize for asking," Enterprise replied, her tone softening, guilt evident in her expression.

  The Royal carrier shook her head gently. "No need to apologize," Illustrious said with a warm smile. "In fact, I’m grateful to see how much others care for her. It shows how deeply she is cherished." Her gaze shifted thoughtfully before she continued, "Perhaps this is a bit presumptuous to ask, but... where might the Commander be?"

  Illustrious tilted her head slightly, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. She had been informed prior to her arrival that the Eagle Union would officially welcome her, yet the Commander’s absence seemed to suggest he was preoccupied.

  Enterprise offered a small smile as she replied, "The Commander is currently in his quarters. I’m not entirely sure of the specifics, but he’s engaged in strategic pnning with Saratoga and TB."

  "TB?" The Royal dy raised an elegant brow, curiosity sparking in her tone.

  "Yes," Enterprise expined with a nod. "It's our newly developed technology—an AI Navigator. Would you like to accompany me? I can show you around on the way to the Commander's quarters."

  Illustrious smiled warmly, her interest clearly piqued. "That sounds delightful." Turning slightly, she called over her shoulder, "Unicorn, dear, come along. Let’s meet the Commander."

  At Illustrious's gentle summons, a small figure with vender hair cautiously peeked out from behind one of the ship's corners. It was Unicorn, clutching her beloved stuffed unicorn, Yuni, tightly against her chest. Her wide, uncertain eyes scanned her surroundings, nervous in the unfamiliar environment—this was her first time stepping onto foreign soil, and the unfamiliarity made her feel shy and uncertain.

  As she hesitantly took a step forward, Unicorn moved closer to Illustrious. The white-haired woman offered her a warm smile, gently taking her hand in hers. Enterprise watched the sisterly interaction, a smile tugging at her lips. It reminded her of the days with her own beloved sisters—Yorktown and Hornet. She cherished those moments, the bond they shared, and the warmth of their companionship.

  With a soft sigh, she turned and began leading the way.

  First, Enterprise introduced them to the girls' quarters—a designated area for rest and rexation. However, not everyone used it consistently, as most preferred to unwind in their own spaces. Exceptions included those on break days or others with specific needs or preferences. The Commander didn’t mind this arrangement, as long as everyone got the rest they required. He understood that maintaining their morale and well-being was crucial, knowing they were an indispensable force ready to respond whenever an emergency arose.

  Next, Enterprise guided the sisters to the dockyard, a bustling hub where all the shipgirls were stationed. The area was expansive, seamlessly connected to the warehouse where their rigging underwent regur maintenance. Unicorn gazed around in awe, her eyes wide with wonder as she tried to take in the sheer size of the pce—it was so vast that she couldn't quite grasp its full scale.

  Illustrious, on the other hand, observed everything with a composed smile, her silver hair catching the light as she surveyed the surroundings thoughtfully. She was visibly impressed, her refined demeanor betraying a hint of admiration. Enterprise, noticing their reactions, couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride for the remarkable facility, a testament to Eagle Union's ingenuity and dedication.

  As the sightseeing tour concluded, they finally arrived at the Commander's quarters. Enterprise stepped forward, knocking on the door before excusing herself. "Commander, the Royal Navy's delegation has arrived," she announced.

  Moments ter, the door opened, and Illustrious stepped gracefully inside. "My, it's good to see you again, Commander," she greeted with her signature poise, bowing elegantly.

  Greynar stood to welcome her, his expression warm. "Hello, Illustrious," he replied, before his gaze shifted to the shy figure beside her. "Unicorn," he added with a gentle smile, addressing the purple-haired carrier.

  "H-Hello… Onii-chan," Unicorn stammered softly, her cheeks flushing as she shyly addressed the Commander.

  Greynar’s smile widened at Unicorn's timid greeting, his tone gentle as he responded. "Hello, Unicorn. It’s nice to see you again."

  "Hey there, Lusty!" Saratoga called out, giving the carrier a cheerful wave.

  "Been a while too, Saratoga~" Illustrious replied with a pyful shake of her hand.

  Standing gracefully beside her, Illustrious observed Greynar with a curious glint in her eyes. "It’s been a while, Commander. I must say, it seems like you’ve changed quite a bit since the st time we met," she remarked, her voice soft but ced with intrigue.

  The Commander let out a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "A lot’s happened since my visit to the Royal Navy. Let’s just say things have been… eventful."

  "Mhm," Illustrious nodded in agreement, a faint teasing smile gracing her lips. "Victorious told me all about it during her stay. She mentioned something rather interesting… something about how you were manly?" She chuckled softly, her tone light and pyful.

  "She said something like that?" he blurted out, genuinely surprised. Hearing such praise from Victorious, the goddess carrier, was completely unexpected.

  "Hee... Looks like someone has an admirer," Saratoga teased, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

  "Oh, shut it. I was just trying to be a good Commander. Staying calm is one of my virtues," he replied, slightly flustered.

  Illustrious chuckled softly, her tone light and warm. "She didn’t go into too much detail, but she did mention how composed you were during the emergency. She said you were reliable—a pilr of calm amidst the chaos."

  "Well, that was…" He started to respond, but his words were abruptly cut off as a hologram flickered to life.

  ~Commander, the battle pn has been successfully arranged. I’d estimate a 95% probability of success,~ TB announced, her figure materializing in front of him with a confident tone.

  Illustrious blinked in mild surprise, her gaze fixed on the AI before her. "Well, this is certainly unexpected…" she murmured softly.

  "Thanks, TB," the Commander acknowledged with a nod.

  As the hologram flickered slightly, TB shifted her focus to the newcomers. Unicorn, who had been hiding shyly behind Illustrious, peeked out cautiously from behind the hem of her sister’s dress to get a better look.

  Noticing the little carrier, TB performed an elegant bow, her voice warm yet professional.

  ~Greetings, friends from the Royal Navy. I am TB, the Navigator AI, specifically designed to assist the Commander in the upcoming operation.~

  "Hello~" Illustrious greeted the AI warmly. "I'm Illustrious, and this is Unicorn." She introduced them both with a gentle smile.

  "G-greetings, TB," Unicorn said, following her sister word.

  ~Personal file updated, Aircraft Carrier, Illustrious. Light Aircraft Carrier, Unicorn identified. You are now registered in the database,~ TB replied in her usual composed tone.

  Greynar introduced them, "Since you've met our newest Eagle Union tech, TB here will be assisting in the NA Ocean operation."

  "I see..." Illustrious replied, gncing at the AI. "Her Majesty would surely be delighted to see such advanced technology assisting us here."

  The hologram flickered once more, and TB turned to Greynar. ~I will be reconnecting to my mainframe to charge my power, Commander. If you need anything, just call me.~ With that, she vanished.

  "So...?" The Commander turned to the Royal delegation. "What brings you here?"

  Illustrious lightly tapped her rigging, and with a soft hum, it materialized beside her. She reached into it and withdrew a letter sealed with the Queen’s stamp. "This is from Her Majesty," she said, handing it to Greynar. "She believes it may be of use to you. It seems she was pnning to negotiate with the Iron Blood upon her release from Friedrich’s grasp."

  As Greynar took the letter, he slipped it into his pocket to read ter. He then turned to the Royal delegation and asked, "Have you two eaten?"

  Illustrious blinked, then ughed lightly. "I suppose we haven’t had a proper meal since our journey began."

  "Alright then, it’s decided," Greynar said with a nod. "Let’s go eat." He gestured to Saratoga, who followed him. Enterprise trailed behind, chatting with Illustrious as they made their way toward the dining area.

  ※ ※ ※

  At the offshore fleet area in NY’s port, Illustrious stood before the gathered forces, delivering a speech reying the words of Queen Elizabeth and the strategic decisions made by Command. The air buzzed with anticipation as representatives from various Azur Lane factions watched through virtual hologram projections, their eyes fixed on the regal figure.

  As Illustrious concluded her address with a final, stirring decration, appuse erupted from the assembled girls and staff. The sound echoed across the harbor, a powerful chorus of unity and determination.

  Then, all eyes turned to the Commander. With steady resolve, he stepped forward and raised his voice. "Begin Operation Siren immediately!"

  With that command, the gears of war began to turn, and the long-awaited operation was set into motion.

  Greynar’s fleet sailed steadily through the vast, cerulean expanse of the Bermuda Sea. This marked the beginning of the first phase of Operation Siren. On the surface, everything seemed calm, almost deceptively so. Yet, an unsettling trend was becoming clear—each passing day brought fewer sightings of the Sirens. It was as if the enemy had melted away into the depths, leaving an air of quiet unease. What were they pnning? Where had they gone? The unanswered questions hung over the fleet like a mist.

  Enterprise, Hornet, North Carolina, Illustrious, Unicorn and Baltimore stood as the vanguard of Greynar's forces. Mass-produced ships followed in formation, cutting through gentle waves as they sailed. The Bermuda Sea, once the site of fierce cshes between the Ashes and the Eagle Union, now bore an eerie stillness. It was a Level-2 water zone, enough for a passenger ship not to travel between the waters. Yet for now, the journey was peaceful, with only the sound of the ocean and the occasional hum of engines breaking the silence.

  Baltimore grinned widely, her confidence radiating like the midday sun. "Heh, st time, it was all about revenge after getting caught off guard. But this time? This time, we’re taking the initiative to strike first and wipe out the Sirens in this area for good!"

  Hornet chuckled, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "I missed the action st time in Bermuda, so this is my chance to make up for it. Trust me, those Sirens won’t know what hit them. I'll hunt them down like ants scurrying from a fire!"

  Enterprise, her expression thoughtful, added with a low murmur, "Unlike the rest of the NA waters, where the Siren defense lines are colpsing, the Bermuda Sea is an anomaly. This is the one pce they’ve reasserted control and unched an offensive. And yet... so far, we’ve only seen one or two Sirens. It doesn’t add up."

  North Carolina crossed her arms, her tone measured but curious. "That’s probably why Headquarters sent us here with the Commander leading the charge. They must believe there’s something significant—some clue to the Sirens' pns—hidden in this area."

  Enterprise nodded, her sharp gaze scanning the horizon. "Whatever the case, reciming the Bermuda Sea is inevitable. And once it’s back in our hands, we’ll finally uncover what’s really going on here. Stay sharp, everyone."

  The fleet sailed in tense silence, their eyes scanning the vast horizon with wary precision. The rhythmic sound of waves pping against their ships was the only accompaniment to the quiet vigince. Meanwhile, TB diligently monitored the area, her AI scanners sweeping for any signs of danger. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time before the Sirens revealed themselves.

  ~Analysis module synchronizing: Commander, multiple enemy signals detected ahead. Likely a Siren interception fleet,~ TB’s voice broke the silence, calm but precise, drawing the fleet’s attention. Everyone instinctively sharpened their focus, prepared for the possibility of an ambush.

  "Whoa, it even does early warnings?" Hornet said, her brows rising in surprise. "Is it plugged directly into the radar systems?"

  ~Correct,~ TB replied smoothly. ~I sync with the fleet’s radar to provide real-time analysis and updates on the battlefield situation.~

  "That’s pretty impressive," North Carolina murmured. "It’s like having an extra pair of eyes everywhere."

  Illustrious turned to Greynar with a steady voice. "Commander, allow us to engage the Sirens. There's no need to expend unnecessary resources here."

  Greynar met her gaze, noting the quiet determination in her eyes, and nodded. "Understood. You may proceed."

  With a soft, encouraging voice, Illustrious urged Unicorn forward. The timid carrier, still a little nervous, held on tight to her stuffed friend as it grew into a truly magnificent, oversized version of itself. Mounted on the now-enrged Yuni, Unicorn soared into the fray with a quiet determination that was truly inspiring to see. Her fighter pnes let out a loud, proud roar as they ascended into the sky, their engines cutting through the stillness.

  Unicorn's aircraft were so lovely to watch as they wove their way through the clouds, meeting the Siren's squadrons head-on. Her fighters were absolute stars, matching their rivals with nimble ease and executing each manoeuvre with precision. Meanwhile, Illustrious sat calmly below, her peaceful expression and elegant posture carrying a soft, confident air. With a gentle gesture, she sent her bombers soaring into action. They came down like hunting hawks, and their payloads hit the lead Siren ship with amazing precision. The water was filled with a loud and lively dispy of fireworks as the explosions rippled across the surface, marking the start of the battle.

  In just a few minutes, Illustrious's bombers had obliterated the enemy formation, leaving behind only smoldering wreckage on the waves. The attack was a resounding success. Meanwhile, Unicorn, perched atop the transformed Yuni, led her squadrons through the chaotic skies, dismantling the remaining fighters with unexpected prowess. Together, the sisters demonstrated remarkable teamwork and strength, their coordinated efforts a shining example of their bond and skill.

  As the sisters finished their engagement, they rejoined the fleet formation. TB immediately initiated another scan as the group approached the edge of the Bermuda Sea.

  ~Analysis module synchronizing: Battle results confirmed. The enemy fleet has been eliminated. However, signs of reinforcements from the Siren fleet have been detected in the distance. Please remain vigint,~ the AI announced.

  Hornet groaned in frustration. "Sheesh, we just got here, and they’re already swarming us." The blonde twin-tailed carrier checked her reconnaissance pne's radar, where new dots began to appear. "One... three... Looks like they’re sending more our way, huh?"

  "Unlike the erratic behavior of the Sirens in the outer areas of the NA waters, the Siren fleet here seems to be mounting a clearly organized counterattack," North Carolina observed with a measured insight. "It’s starting to feel like something’s been happening in Bermuda without our knowledge."

  Baltimore crossed her arms with a determined glint in her eyes. "Hmph, the more aggressively they defend, the more reason we have to push deeper into Bermuda. Whatever they’re hiding down there must be important—they wouldn’t fight this hard otherwise."

  "A secret in Bermuda..." Enterprise muttered under her breath.

  Looking at Enterprise's expression, Baltimore asked her, "Enterprise? Did you think of something?"

  The carrier looked at the cruiser. She shook her head. "Oh, no, it's nothing. Let's keep moving. Be on your guard."

  As the fleets continued to engage the Siren enemies ahead, they emerged victorious, but something felt off. As they pressed deeper into the Bermuda Sea, they came across something unexpected—a remnant of a Siren ship, adrift and floating aimlessly. It was strange; this wasn’t a ship they had directly engaged in battle. It was as if something had engaged fight with the Sirens ahead of them.

  As they delved deeper into the Bermuda Sea, the fleet encountered more and more remnants of destroyed Siren parts, each wreckage more recent than the st. Eventually, they came across a fresh Siren wreck, its damage still recent.

  "Hmm? These wreckages... Are there other fleets in the area besides ours?" Baltimore asked, eyeing the debris with suspicion. "TB, can you perform a scan?"

  ~Commencing scan... No allied presence detected within the zone. Additionally, no record of recent allied activity in this zone could be found,~ the AI responded calmly.

  "Hey, guys... you might want to check the radar. I’ve found something... interesting," Hornet’s voice crackled through the comms, drawing everyone’s attention.

  Illustrious furrowed her brow, staring intently at her own radar. "There’s no Royal fleet dispatched here, so why are these red dots disappearing?"

  The radar was alive with densely packed signals, the representation of enemy forces scattered across the nearby waters. But with each refresh, the number of dots seemed to dwindle, vanishing as quickly as they appeared.

  "The Sirens... are disappearing?" North Carolina raised an eyebrow, her tone tinged with confusion.

  "Could it be... them?" Enterprise murmured, her voice ced with suspicion. She quickly switched her channel. "Commander?" she asked, seeking permission for a recon scan.

  Greynar gave a brief nod. "Go ahead," he said, allowing her to unch the pne.

  Moments ter, the recon pne soared into the sky, but before it could reach its full altitude, it was abruptly shot down by an unseen fighter. The sudden loss sent a ripple of unease through the fleet.

  "The recon pne?!" Hornet shouted, her voice full of surprise. "Something just blitzed it!"

  Unicorn, clearly shaken, clutched the hem of Illustrious' skirt. Sensing the little carrier’s fear, Illustrious instinctively stepped in front of her, offering a quiet reassurance.

  Enterprise's eyes widened as she recognized the attacker—a Zero. The sleek fighter, one she knew all too well, had just shot down the recon pne. It was clearly a Sakura Empire pne, but there were no Sakura ships in the area. Until…

  TB’s voice crackled through again. ~Unidentified figure approaching our location. Estimated arrival in five seconds. Only one figure detected.~

  Danger. They all felt it, but it was too fast to react. Suddenly, a figure dropped from the sky, nding on the water with a spsh. It was unmistakably one of the Sakuran, their familiar bunny ears standing out. But something was off—her clothes were strange, unlike anything they had seen before.

  Hiryuu stood there, her gaze vacant and empty, staring at them all.