Shioi's kept its distance and flew behind the Abyssal fleet. It followed the Abyssal fleet has it moved 40 degrees South-East. The new Seiran has a larger detection radius, which is, fortunately and seemingly, just right outside of the Abyssal's detection range.
"Thanks, Shioi. Zain, you seeing this?"
"Sial. It really did show up. I didn't even get to deploy my girls for this phase." (Admiral Zain)
After reporting that the 10th Submarine Fleet encountered the new Abyssal Princess and submitting the battle footage, HQ couldn't believe it. It appeared way too early and abruptly. The great minds at Intel gave it the name 'New Mediterranean Dreadnought Water Princess'. Before Zain could give the order for his girls to engage it, it was agreed that the 10th Submarine Fleet provide live visual confirmation that the new enemy was appeared. That condition has been fulfilled thanks to Shioi. Now, we are just tracking it and trying to figure out where it would go.
"Keep tracking it. Rotate with the others periodically."
"Roger." (Shioi)
I pulled out the digital map of the area on the Battle Board in the middle of the room. The red dot represents the target, blue is ours, and the 'plane' is Shioi's Seiran. I flipped through the original intel booklet issued to us before this operation. According to this, there should be enemies here, here, here, over there, and this spot here. So these spots are T2, T1, T3, T4, and Z2. The New one is supposed to pop up at Z2 after we destroy the ones at the four 'T's. IS sudden appearance has needlessly complicated things. Right now, it's moving towards Z2, where it's supposed to stay and supposedly guard the resource nodes.
Wait...
Isn't this kind of bad? Based on it's current trajectory, it will encounter the Abyssals at T3 and T4. If it teams up with the other Abyssal fleets along the way, we could be facing a horde. Forget failing the operation, three Abyssal Fleets teaming up will be catastrophic for Force X. We need to clear out T3 and T4 before the Princess's escorts can ally themselves with said fleets. If we can take them out, at least weaken or thin them out. But I can't risk Shioi and the others as well. At this rate, the Abyssal Combined Fleet will reach T3 in a few hours. They are keeping it slow and steady. At their fastest, The submarines can definitely reach T3 and T4 first.
I will do whatever I can...
"10th Submarine Fleet, change of plans. I will need you to work a little harder on this. Head towards T3 and T4 at full speed and eliminate as many Abyssals you can. Do not, under any circumstance, engage the New Princess. Move to T4 as soon as the Princess gets within radar range."
"Our job is not done?" (Ro)
"Unfortunately, no. The is a risk of a horde forming with we don't thin out the enemy forces along its path. We need to deny it that chance. So, the mission to take out the Abyssals at T3 and T4 is still in operation."
For some reason, the submarines girls started smiling gleefully and cheering.
"So, that means we still have a role to play. Right, Admiral?" (Shioi)
"Er... Yeah."
"Yay!" (All)
Why are they so happy about this?
...
Oh. I get it. Why am I not surprised?
"I know you are excited, but don't push too far."
"We know. 10th Submarine Fleet, moving to designated point T3. Full Battle Speed! Let's go!" (Shioi)
The submarines sped up, circumventing the Abyssal Princess's location and made a beeline to T3. The Seiran that was tracking the fleet immediately returned to it's owner, almost exposing itself to the Abyssals. A little over an hour or so, the 10th Subamrine Fleet encountered the Abyssal Fleet stationed at T3.
"Alright~! The I-400-class' magnificent battle is beginning!" (Shioi)
The enemy fleet they encountered is a standard Abyssal Heavy Cruiser fleet, consisting of 2 Heavy Cruiser Ri-class Flagships, 1 Light Cruiser Ho-class Flagship, 1 Light Cruiser Tsu-class and 2 Destroer Ro-class Late Models. The Ri-class might be slightly tough but it's not an issue for my submarines girls.
"Come on, bring it!" (Imuya)
"Come, let's go! Fire~!" (Ro)
"Here goes my torpedo strike!" (Iku)
Imuya, Ro, and Iku loaded the torpedoes into their new 6-tubed Late Model Bow Torpedo Mount, outfitted with Skilled Sonar Personnel, and fired at their targets. With their newfound destructive prowess, the 4 of the Abyssals fell into Davy Jones locker easily. The surviving Heavy Cruiser Ri-class launched its Recon Plane in a futile attempt to attack the submarine girls. Hachi launched her own Kyoufuu Kai Ni Seaplane Fighter and shot down the enemy bird. Another torpedo from Iku sent it under the water.
"Hey! Leave some for us." (Goya)
"I won a dazzling victory! I'm expecting a reward from you Admiral~" (Iku)
"Yes, yes. Good work. I will treat you to Mamiya's once you return."
"Yes!" (Iku)
"No fair! Ro-chan wants some sweets too!" (Ro)
"If we do well, I will treat you as well."
"Ro-chan will do her best!" (Ro)
"Let's move. There is one more area we need to clear." (Shioi)
"Be careful. There is a Light Carrier Nu-class Flagship II in T4."
The girls swam their way to the next designated Point-of-Interest. With a Light Carrier Nu-class Flagship II leading, the Abyssal fleet at T4 comprises of a Heavy Crusier Ri-class Flagship, a Light Cruiser Tsu-class Elite, and 3 Destroyer Ro-class Late models. I'm more worried about the Nu-class. Carriers are always a pain in the ass to deal with for Submarines.
"Whoa~ We've found a lot of scary things." (Goya)
"The Seiran-sans are my friends after all." (Shioi)
Shioi, Goya and Hachi surfaced to launch their Seaplanes. Shioi launched two of her Seirans whilst Goya and Hachi launched their Zuiun and Kyoufuu Kai Ni respectively. The Nu-class launched its own squadrons of fighters and bombers.
"Launching 6 oxygen torpedoes!" (Iku)
"I'm counting on you, my torpedoes." (Goya)
After launching their torpedoes, the girls skilfully evaded the the Abyssal Depth Charges thrown at them and the torpedoes that were drop on them. The torpedoes hit their targets, the three Destroyer Ro-class and the Nu-class. The Ro-classes sank, killing one source of Anti-submarine attacks, but the Tsu-class is still floating, albeit on fire.
"My Kyoufuu is down!" (Hachi)
"Damn! Zuiun is down!" (Goya)
"I'm not like Bismarck nee-san or Eugen-san but... I'll do my best!" (Ro)
Ro fired another torpedo. It strike the Nu-class, engulfing it in a thick bloom of smoke.
"My sniper's spirit is burning~" (Iku)
Two of Iku's torpedoes sank the Tsu-class, finally killing the enemy sonar. The Ri-class is more or less a sitting duck by now, but the Nu-class standing and will continue to puking out planes like it's nothing.
"Shioi, how many Seirans and torpedoes do you have left?"
"One down, one replenishing it's bomb, and one ready for launch. I still have three torpedoes left." (Shioi)
"Ro?"
"Um... Vier! I mean, 4. I have 4 left!" (Ro)
"Iku?"
"This is bad. Only one nano!"
"What do expect when you launched so many at once?"
Hrmmm...
"Shioi, once the other Seiran has finished replenishment, launch both simultaneously. Do the usual. Iku, use your last torpedo to draw it's attention. Ro, time your attack with Shioi. Throw everything at it. The rest of you, take care of that Ri-class."
'Time my attack? With Shioi-chan's torpedo or Seiran?" (Ro)
"Ah. I got it. Ro-chan, let's go." (Shioi)
Shioi surfaced, just in time to see a Abyssal bomber fly over her. Her hanger opened up and a Seiran assembled itself before getting catapulted into the air. A second one emerged and did the same. She crashed dived before the Abyssal Hell Dive Bomber dropped its bomb on her. The bomb exploded in the water, sending her tumbling around.
"Shioi!"
Shioi's orange top was torn to shreds. The bottom part of her swimsuit was also torn apart, exposing her butt and the rest of her lower body which is not supposed to be seen. Especially during a battle.
"Nggh, they got me... But I can still go on! Don't underestimate me!" (Shioi)
Her vitals are in the orange zone. Moderately damage. Phew. Okay. She can still move.
"Iku!"
"Understood nano!" (Iku)
Iku fired her last torpedo at the Nu-class, once again engulfing it in a thick blume of black smoke. It turned towards Iku's position and launched a ton of planes.
"Eek! It's angry nano!" (Iku)
Shioi's Seiran's dropped bombs onto the back of the Nu-class's head, causing it to stagger in front.
"Shioi-chan! I'm in position!" (Shioi)
"Goooo~!" (Shioi)
"Fire~! Fire~!" (Ro)
As the Nu-class is struggling to stand up straight, the 2 submarines launched their entire arsenal of torpedoes at it. The torpedoes hit it's aft and portside, blowing it up entirely. Black metal scraps flew all over the place. Both of its arms were torn off by the blast, launching them in separate directions. Like with all Abyssals, these scattered body parts soon dissipate into dust. At the same time, Hachi, Goya and Imuya managed to take down the R-class by exhausting their supply of torpedoes as well.
"No detected Abyssals in the area." (Ooyodo)
"Mission accomplished. Good job, everyone! Espiecially you two, Shioi, Ro."
And not a moment too soon. I just received word that Force X has just left the forward base.
"Ah, I did it? Hurray! The I-400's are good, after all." (Shioi)
"Eh? I'm the best? Thanks! I'm going to brag to Hacchan!" (Ro)
"I'm right here though." (Hachi)
"Everyone, come back home. Someone assist Shioi. Stop by at the Forward Base for resupply first. Can't risk getting caught off-guard on the way back."
"Roger!" (All)
Despite being the only one injured and in bad shape, Shioi's smile is as bright as the Mediterranean sun as she makes her way back to the base with the rest.