Upon this Nagato chuckled softly. “ Musashi, I didn't want to knock you out in the first place. This was a test , my friend. I don't want to seriously hurt you. ”

“ . . . Musashi . . . I thank you. Hearing you say this means alot to me and i will make sure to cherrish these words. ”

“ . . . You really talk in much words. Musashi ? Is something bothering you that you want to speak out ? All these compliments . . . I don't know this from you. ”

“ There is ? If you want to tell me , go ahead. ” Nagato stepped beside Musashi and placed her right hand on her shoulder while trying to get eye contact.

.ɢᴏɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴀ sᴡɪᴍ.

“ What a time. ”

Censorship please.

With her right hand's fingers on her chin and her eyes focused , Nagato would observe —『ɪᴊɴ 』Tᴀɪʜᴏᴜ from the bottom to top. “ . . . Hm.”

“ What are you grinning at so much ? ”

〝 Mutsu , it is good to see you. 〞

〝 I see you are still around aswell. 〞

〝 hmm. . . 〞

" Mhm, of course. How foolish of me to think different. "

" You know me to well for thinking that I wish to steal targets away. As long as we defeat our enemies and keep us safe, that is all I need. "

" If I could take them on on my own or not is of no importance. We are a Fleet and are supposed to work together. So, having you with me will only give me further spirit that we will return to base safely. "

⠀ Just one smile! ⠀

〝 As always , silence has struck this base these days. 〞

ᅠ 〝 The naval grounds have become so quiet, it will be quite a change to adapt to . . .〞 ᅠ