Chapter 64: Investigation (Part 1)

I flipped through the file I have on hand as Yahagi spoke. While returning from an expedition, her fleet came across a fleet of Abyssals getting slaughtered by Sirens.

"The Abyssal fleet was eliminated but the humanoid Sirens were still standing." (Yahagi)

I flipped through the Siren file which HQ had collated and disseminated to everyone.

"Humanoid... An Executor type again. So they are tougher and more dangerous than Abyssals?"

"I'm not sure. Considering the fact that in both incidents, these types were up against normal I-class and Tsu-class variants, their victory was ensured from the beginning." (Yahagi)

"You did not engage them, did you?"

"No. As per your instructions, we observed the fight from a distance and made sure we weren't spotted. The Recon Seaplane I used also made sure they weren't spotted." (Yahagi)

"Good. Thank you for your report, Yahagi."

Yahagi saluted and left the office.

"That is the fifth time in six days now." (Shioi)

"The other bases also reported similar cases." (Ooyodo)

"I can't tell if these skirmishes are random or... Actually, you know what. Ooyodo,"

"Yes?" (Ooyodo)

"Go to the archives and fetch me the big map. The one with every single mission area."

"Understood. I will be right back." (Ooyodo)

"Did you figure something out?" (Shioi)

"Nope. But I have a hunch and want to see if it's correct. In the meantime, help me find the reports about Siren-Abyssal skirmishes by the other Admirals'. I think it's in one of these stack somewhere"

Shioi gave me an unimpressed stare.

"This wouldn't have happened if you sorted them out properly instead of playing and spending money on that mobile game." (Shioi)

"Look. The character I wanted is a limited 4 star summer servant which I can only get during the event's runtime. And since I was already halfway through it, might as well rush to complete it."

She let out an exasperated sigh,

"It can't be helped. Let's find those reports." (Shioi)

Yes!

Shioi and I sieved through the pile of reports to find what we are looking for. Soon, we managed to find all the reports and arranged them in order. Just in time for Ooyodo to return with a large map.

"Okay. Let's focus on sightings from our own."

"The first reported case was in Forefront of the Southern Seas during a sortie. 2nd, a Deep Sea Submarine Operation in the Southern Seas." (Ooyodo)

"It was scary that time. We barely had any weapons and an Executor type almost spotted us." (Shioi)

"The third time was here. During an Enforced Rat Transport Operation. Fourth, during a sortie near Sav Island. Finally, Yahagi's expedition fleet observed a skirmish between the two factions on the way back from a Tokyo Express mission."

The three of us looked at the markers I had placed on the map. All of the skirmishes my girls had observed are centred in the Southern Waters.

"This is slightly concerning." (Ooyodo)

"Does this mean the Sirens are congregating in the Southern area?" (Shioi)

"It looks like it. But let's not jump into conclusions first. Next, let's look at Yokosuka's report. Their reports show a different location."

We repeated the same process with the reports from the other bases. Yokosuka's sightings are centered within the Central Waters. Kure found theirs in the Western Area. Sasebo encountered a few of them in Nansei Island Waters. Brunei did not encounter such cases, so that leaves them out of this.

"Shioi, pass me the red threads, ruler, and some tape on my table."

"Admiral, let's play poi!" (Yuudachi)

"Shh! Yuudachi, not now! We are busy with something!" (Ooyodo)

Yuudachi, as usual, barged into my office loudly, only to get told off by Ooyodo.

"Sorry, Yuudachi. I really need to figure this out first."

"Here." (Shioi)

"Thank you."

"Your welcome." (Shioi)

"What are you doing?" (Yuudachi)

"We are trying to figure out if there is a pattern to the recent Abyssal-Siren Skirmishes the IJN has encountered." (Shioi)

With Shioi's and Ooyodo's help, we linked the threads to each marker in their respective areas. After creating a border, I measured the distance from the centre to each marker. Hrmm... No. That's not how you do this.

"I should have paid more attention during Navigation class... How do you triangulate something again?"

"Admiral..." (Ooyodo)

Ooyodo brought her palm to her face.

"If we form triangles using the distance between each point as the base..." (Shioi)

"I want to help too poi!" (Yuudachi)

With Yuudachi's, Ooyodo's and Shioi's navigation skill, the three girls helped to triangulate and pinpointed an area of interest on each area.

"So right here, close to the Sav Islands."

"This is on par with the observed heavy resistance the Siren showed during their fight with the Abyssals." (Ooyodo)

"Our expedition route passes through there. That may explain why we encountered a bunch of Sirens." (Shioi)

I snapped a photo of each marked area. If what I think is correct, I will need these pictures as supporting evidence for my report.

"For the time being, we can assume the Sirens are building a base or something at this spot in the Southern Waters. Ooyodo, did Intel or HQ conduct an investigation regarding these sightings?"

"Not that I was aware of. There were no official announcements as well." (Ooyodo)

"Let me ask Akiyama."

I messaged the Admiral of Yokosuka, asking him if he had investigated the numerous sightings of Abyssal-Siren Skirmishes. He is smarter and more proactive than me so he should have figured something out.

"Now this is a surprised. Even Akiyama hasn't done anything about it. No investigations are being conducted as well."

I did not expect that. Looks like I one-upped him on something. Though, such cases should have raised some alarm bells in the upper echelon by now. And why is Intel just sitting and not actively doing something about this? It's part of their job to collate and figure out a pattern with such cases.

He questioned me why I was asking. I just replied with 'I will tell you later.'.

"Ooyodo, form a investigation fleet with you at the helm. Get those who can use aircraft for long-range scouting."

"Roger." (Ooyodo)

"Yuudachi, I will play with you later if you help with this."

"What should I do poi?" (Yuudachi)

She is like an excited puppy.

"I'm putting you in charge of a Destroyer Squadron just for this mission. Your task will be to support Ooyodo's fleet in both escaping and dealing with any potential threats. But do not engage the Siren's directly. This is first and foremost a scouting mission."

"I'm the flagship?! Yay! I will show the Siren's the Nightmare of Solomon." (Yuudachi)

"Like I said, we are not fighting them. Just taking a peek at they are up to. Anyway, I will assign you the girls who will be in your fleet. Lead them well, okay?"

"Yes. Destroyer Yuudachi, sortieing!" (Yuudachi)

"Combined fleet flagship Ooyodo. Sortieing." (Ooyodo)

"We will start in three hours. Get everything prepared by then."

"Roger!" (Ooyodo)

"Poi!" (Yuudachi)

The two left the room to prepare for the mission. I trust Ooyodo to form the perfect fleet for this on her own with the time I gave her. As for Yuudachi... I will create one for her.

"Now then, Shioi, time to get serious."

"Yup yup! Nice! Let's do this!" (Shioi)

Just like Yuudachi earlier, Shioi is somehow almost just as excited as a puppy. These girls can get weirdly excited over the most mundane things.