With their shopping bags all packed, Tirpitz's eyes lit up as they passed a shelf. She pointed at a plush toy. "I have one just like that."
Hikaru looked over. It was a salted fish plushie wearing a white admiral's cap.
He understood the hint instantly and tossed the salted fish into their shopping basket, then carried it to the checkout counter.
The shopkeeper beamed. This single purchase would bring in more than what he'd normally earn in a whole month.
As he rang up the items, the shopkeeper smiled and asked, "Your shipgirl?"
Hikaru nodded.
"What class is she? A capital ship, I assume?"
Hikaru glanced at Tirpitz. "Tirpitz."
The shopkeeper's hand paused mid-reach for the plushie, a bit confused. "Tirpitz?"
"The one you're thinking of."
He looked from Hikaru to Tirpitz and back again. "There's been a ton of rumors in the city that someone summoned a powerful G-class capital ship yesterday. That's her?"
Tirpitz didn't like being stared at. "Commander, hurry up."
The shopkeeper slowly set the plushie down and rubbed his face. "Could I ask your shipgirl to endorse my shop? I won't charge you for anything today. Honestly, I've been doing Bismarck-class merch for years, and this is my first time seeing a real Bismarck-class shipgirl in person."
"No need for a formal endorsement, but we can leave you a photo for your promotions. Your products show a lot of care and craftsmanship."
The shopkeeper agreed, so next came the photo.
Of course, it was a half-body shot of Hikaru and Tirpitz—just like a marriage certificate photo. But right at the moment the picture was taken, Hikaru turned and kissed her on the cheek. Her cold face cracked in surprise, tinged with a bit of shy embarrassment.
The photo captured that exact moment perfectly. Tirpitz's little blush made her look especially charming.
They printed three copies. Hikaru took one, but Tirpitz snatched it from him. So he asked the shopkeeper for another—he still had the negatives, after all.
Waving goodbye to the reluctant shopkeeper, Hikaru laughed. "Tirpitz, people were saying we look perfect together. This feels pretty great!"
Tirpitz, hand in hand with him, gave a quiet "Mm."
That was about all the relaxing they'd get—school life was still demanding. Over the next few days, Hikaru fielded visits from over a hundred people trying to get information about ship construction blueprints. Eventually, it seemed Yamato's efforts had borne fruit. While some students at the academy still tried to make connections, most of the social figures had stopped bothering him.
During that time, Hikaru spent alternating nights with Lexington and Tirpitz. Life was smooth, and the pleasures… well, they weren't the kind one shared publicly.
Time slipped by. By the time Hikaru looked up from his intense studies, it was nearly the final week of October.
Aside from successfully unlocking the functions of the Dormitory Cafeteria and the Academy modules, the greatest achievement that month was helping ease Tirpitz's lingering sense of unease. Her eyes were even starting to change—from red to blue. They'd reached a pale reddish hue now. No one knew why.
But even though Tirpitz now felt "happy," she was still occasionally troubled by fear.
Hikaru figured only time spent together could gradually dissolve that fear. There was no shortcut.
Across the way, California was pretending for the seventh time to "accidentally" pass by. Hikaru let out a sigh and waved her over. "California, get ready. We're heading out tomorrow."
"What about equipment?"
"Ask her. I gave the word."
"You're the best, Commander!"
California cheered and ran off to find Tirpitz.
She was more excited than anyone for this sortie—because she'd finally been granted permission to use Tirpitz's rigging. She was pumped and ready to fight.
Tirpitz looked sleepy, wearing headphones and listening to music. One hand was holding Hikaru's, while the other clutched a manga volume she was completely absorbed in.
The more time Hikaru spent with her, the more her shut-in nature became apparent. But it wasn't a bad thing—kind of like when a cat shows you its belly. A sign of closeness and trust.
If she still had to put on a cold front around family, life would be far too exhausting.
[End of Chapter]
[50 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
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