First crosspost is up.
But the Mizuchi changed the second link to one of my crossposts! I needed the one for the snippet you just posted!
Harry And The Shipgirls: Prisoner of Shipping (A HP/KanColle Snippet Collection)
- Thread starter Harry Leferts
- Start date
- Crossover
But the Mizuchi changed the second link to one of my crossposts! I needed the one for the snippet you just posted!
Erm...how did this slip past editing?
An Author's Note about Duke and Saint Kitts in a snippet about Del and Mika? That Mizuchi really messed that part of the snippet up, and I only noticed while I was crossposting.
Wolf470
USS Exeter (Millenium Falcon class scout)
- Location
- East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon
It's referring to something that Mika was talking to Del about... so informational about something Duke said and Mika relayed.
- Location
- Mountains of Appalachia
Yeah, Mika was quoting Duke being a snarky Brit at St. Kitts with her reaction to the 'holy shit, that's a lot of Abyssals' sighting report.
Ok, got you covered. Here's the link to the prior Tsukino/Tsukiko post: Harry and the Shipgirls: Goblet of Feels Pt. 2
Cross-posting an omake I prepared earlier (and technically for the Abyssal version of the Rules thread).
Kudos to anyone who deduces the human's identity before the spoiler at the end.
A Forest Encounter
Rilisant kept her head on a swivel as she followed behind the Re-class. "Are you certain that this is a good plan, Rekar? I mean, we'll certainly be discovered."
"And I already told you, people come into this forest and die all the time. What's a few more bodies? Now shut up and keep walking. Only a few miles to go until we make our first camp."
The cruiser gulped and picked up her pace. On paper, at its most basic, Rekar's plan seemed sound. Roam through the unpopulated areas of Japan, fire an 8" or 16" shell into a population center every now and then, and kick back and watch the chaos ruin the humans' war effort.
Still…
The Ri-class's musings were cut off as the battleship held up a hand. "Well, lookie here."
In the, well, it couldn't really be called a "clearing," ahead of them, a lone human stood. Tiny streaks of grey in his hair indicated that he had seen quite a number of winters in his life. He wore a loose white outfit held up by a black cloth belt, while his feet were bare. His brow was faintly furrowed in concentration, the object of which was the most bizarre part of the scene.
Before him was a giant copy of a human "game console;" the buttons on the equally large controller were serving as rapid punching targets. Still, there was no indication that the human even registered the Abyssals' presence. "Well, I guess we'll get started early. Kill 'im."
Manifesting one of her AA guns, Rilisant took aim and, stuffing down a feeling of pity, opened fire. In the same instant, the man stopped his exercise and opened his top. Upon impact, the fifteen 25mm autocannon shells flattened against his skin. After a moment of befuddlement by the demons, he went back to his previous activity.
"Right." Bringing out one turret from her main battery, sheathing her arm in two 8" barrels, the cruiser took aim. "This is overkill, but you look like someone who needs overkill. Bye bye."
Her arm belched flame as two large projectiles were sent on their way to deliver their deadly payloads of high explosives. Then something completely beyond understanding occurred. The human swept a foot up and around, somehow catching both shells at once, and followed through into a spinning kick that launched the rounds back.
Rilisant was a bit too preoccupied to appreciate the show, as both shells detonated inside her gun barrels and tore her arm to shreds. As she collapsed, screaming, Rekar swung her tail around. "Alright, that's it! Time to die you meatbag!" And then she loosed a full broadside.
A storm of shells ranging from 20 to 406 millimeters carpeted the clearing, enough firepower to level a city block. As the dust cleared, the pair of Abyssals managed to pale. Scraps of cloth were scattered everywhere, along with the remains of the console. The ground was torn up by the blinding firestorm, reduced to a blasted hellscape. But the man remained, clothes shredded but skin unmarred. And he was glaring at Rekar.
With a wordless roar, the Re-class charged forward to bring her over two hundred thousand horsepower to bear. Her planned punch never landed. He dodged, grabbed her arm and hoodie, and threw her. Not "used her momentum to swing her over his shoulder," but bodily hurled the battleship through the air like a small stone. Rekar slammed into a nearby hill and exploded. Just from the impact. Then her magazines detonated in sympathy.
The human was already advancing on Rilisant, completely ignoring the explosions. She shuffled back in fear as fast as she could until he caught up. Panting hard, her boilers stuttering, the Abyssal cruiser awaited her fate.
He reached behind his back and pulled out a standard sized copy of the game console from… somewhere. "Sega Saturn shiro!"
__________
Kudos to anyone who deduces the human's identity before the spoiler at the end.
A Forest Encounter
Rilisant kept her head on a swivel as she followed behind the Re-class. "Are you certain that this is a good plan, Rekar? I mean, we'll certainly be discovered."
"And I already told you, people come into this forest and die all the time. What's a few more bodies? Now shut up and keep walking. Only a few miles to go until we make our first camp."
The cruiser gulped and picked up her pace. On paper, at its most basic, Rekar's plan seemed sound. Roam through the unpopulated areas of Japan, fire an 8" or 16" shell into a population center every now and then, and kick back and watch the chaos ruin the humans' war effort.
Still…
The Ri-class's musings were cut off as the battleship held up a hand. "Well, lookie here."
In the, well, it couldn't really be called a "clearing," ahead of them, a lone human stood. Tiny streaks of grey in his hair indicated that he had seen quite a number of winters in his life. He wore a loose white outfit held up by a black cloth belt, while his feet were bare. His brow was faintly furrowed in concentration, the object of which was the most bizarre part of the scene.
Before him was a giant copy of a human "game console;" the buttons on the equally large controller were serving as rapid punching targets. Still, there was no indication that the human even registered the Abyssals' presence. "Well, I guess we'll get started early. Kill 'im."
Manifesting one of her AA guns, Rilisant took aim and, stuffing down a feeling of pity, opened fire. In the same instant, the man stopped his exercise and opened his top. Upon impact, the fifteen 25mm autocannon shells flattened against his skin. After a moment of befuddlement by the demons, he went back to his previous activity.
"Right." Bringing out one turret from her main battery, sheathing her arm in two 8" barrels, the cruiser took aim. "This is overkill, but you look like someone who needs overkill. Bye bye."
Her arm belched flame as two large projectiles were sent on their way to deliver their deadly payloads of high explosives. Then something completely beyond understanding occurred. The human swept a foot up and around, somehow catching both shells at once, and followed through into a spinning kick that launched the rounds back.
Rilisant was a bit too preoccupied to appreciate the show, as both shells detonated inside her gun barrels and tore her arm to shreds. As she collapsed, screaming, Rekar swung her tail around. "Alright, that's it! Time to die you meatbag!" And then she loosed a full broadside.
A storm of shells ranging from 20 to 406 millimeters carpeted the clearing, enough firepower to level a city block. As the dust cleared, the pair of Abyssals managed to pale. Scraps of cloth were scattered everywhere, along with the remains of the console. The ground was torn up by the blinding firestorm, reduced to a blasted hellscape. But the man remained, clothes shredded but skin unmarred. And he was glaring at Rekar.
With a wordless roar, the Re-class charged forward to bring her over two hundred thousand horsepower to bear. Her planned punch never landed. He dodged, grabbed her arm and hoodie, and threw her. Not "used her momentum to swing her over his shoulder," but bodily hurled the battleship through the air like a small stone. Rekar slammed into a nearby hill and exploded. Just from the impact. Then her magazines detonated in sympathy.
The human was already advancing on Rilisant, completely ignoring the explosions. She shuffled back in fear as fast as she could until he caught up. Panting hard, her boilers stuttering, the Abyssal cruiser awaited her fate.
He reached behind his back and pulled out a standard sized copy of the game console from… somewhere. "Sega Saturn shiro!"
__________
All I can say about what happened (besides WHAT THE F**K?!) is this: Crack piece is Crack, Au, Pyan, Pyon, Dess, Wo, Wokyuu, Nanodess, Nanodessu, Lady, Horisho, Poi. (Don't try to translate the Verbal Tick-ese, it'll only make your head hurt.).
Segata Sanshiro is right up there with Chuck Norris in terms of badassery.
Literally.
The two fought in Death Battle, and it ended with them getting sucked into an alternate dimension. Even today, their battle is still continuing, with neither able to win.
Abyssals really are no match for someone on his level.
Sakuya's Butler
A refined Butler to a knife wielding Mistress.
- Location
- ↓, ↘, → + Punch
Partially on this, due to how Torpedo Rams are very very low to the water + cigar shaped, thus making them more or less a semi-submersible. But its also partially in how we have both Surcouf and the Lizardmen's Submarine Cruisers. Plus, well, everyone's navy got shot to pieces so there's far more options available on the table for the various designer thinktanks to put forwards ideas that previously would have been shot down instantly, only for this time through to be thought seriously about building a prototype (or perhaps go into production if the crazy thing works).
The French put together a plan for what is effectively a Surcouf 2.0 design, the SMX-25 plan. Its paper only (at the moment....) but sounds to be really really interesting.
Basically it would travel on the surface at high speeds (38+ knots, so about 43.7+ mph/70.3kph, which is fairly damn good for a submersible of that size) in order to reach a combat zone, like a normal surface combatant, only to then submerge once its reached the area it is expected to patrol/likely to see action. The Globalsecurity site doesn't mention it, but it would have at least one retractable & unmanned (conventional) surface gun & CIWS, plus a VLS for SAMs, cruise missiles, SUBROCs, and the usual torpedoes fore & aft. It could also go semi-submersible, with only the very top of the hull above water (on the image below, the aft black 'notch' in the white sail is where the waterline would be) and still be able to use aerial radar & SAMs, while because they're above water, would mean a far quieter acoustic signature once they do open fire (firing off missiles while completely underwater is akin to screaming into a concert speaker that 'I AM HERE!!' to any other submarine nearby), along with a safer means of deploying SpecOps forces via inflatables. Obviously it wouldn't dive very deep, and from what I could quickly scrouge up, maybe 2x the length of the boat for a maximum submerged depth.
Was also initially proposed back in 2010. So, in here, it's likely had 4 years to be scrutinized.
Of course, now that MACUSS Moasaurus, MACUSS Tyrannosaurus (bottom 2, ignore the class names), and the rest of the MACUSA submarine cruisers have been - more or less - revealed to the USN and quite possibly several other allied navies, and proven to work both as steel hulls AND as shipgirls, its quite possible that at least a few French naval architects/engineers are being briefed in detail, before heading to the bayou. Partially to see just how they got them to work, as iirc they didn't use much magic in them, and of course, partially out of; 'Americans got it to work? To Hell with that! We're French and did it first, so by god we're going to do it one better!' national pride. Which I cannot blame them for.
Surcouf likely would squee like a teenager at seeing SMX-25 (if the hull is ever actually constructed), then gush all over her.
Of course, then there's both the Royal Navy, and the St. Brendan's Island Defense Force, whom both just saw a pre-WW1 torpedo ram give the ultimate 'fuck you, I'm taking you with me' ramming attack to a WW2 later-war battleship demon, and are almost assuredly looking at either commissioning something new to experiment with (the RN, possibly via yanking the VLS and adding an enlarged airlock for subgirls to deploy from), or looking to commission a new & modernized flagship (in St. Brendan's case).
To keep this fully on topic with WotW's Thunder Child, I'm to understand that the French *did* mention the design to the Royal Navy prior to it being made publicly known about, and dressed up the artwork to say HMS Thunder Child, when it was first shown to British personnel, in case they were interested.
No Leferts, this isn't a continuation of that other design I mentioned in PMs.
That's for later.
Amused Bystander
Herald of 'She who Umu's' Be Brave!
- Location
- Philippines
The "Master" is at work!
Ah! its time for them to start the journey that leads to their new life.
It certainly is an honor for them to work his forge.
Yes, choose wisely you 2. Wisely indeed.
Time to work !
As far as i know this is pretty much authentic in how Japanese blades are made.
That is very convenient for him.
The essense of Japanese swordmaking.
One can only imagine how tiring and time consuming the whole process is.
Gotta agree with that. It really is their hallmark.
I see were in the final phase or so.
Congratulations Tsukino and Tsukiko! Yer Masamunes Now!
Getting the Boss Gods blessing i see.
And theyre beautiful. Masamune has done great work here.
Youve both earned it girls.
Hello Yae!
Oh that will be good and perhaps amusing.
Kek! It will be interesting when they meet the rest of Clan bread Knife.
A Yae Boggle! And very nice outfits there.
Musashi the Masamune approves of this.
- Pronouns
- he
Any favorites there? I mean, they are less impressive than the Muramasas and the Masamunes, at least from my viewpoint, but yes, they have fairly nice enchantments.
I mentioned once the lightsaber is rather new and it will take quite some time until it manifests an avatar.
So, if the same person who made the lightsaber made the other blades, all made in from styles all over the world, it would make sense that they are just as young.
But there is also that echo of the one who made it left on it...
Once I read this: The perfect craftsman can create the perfect whole from imperfect parts, as much as the flawed craftsman can create a flawed whole from perfect parts.
Then again, perfection is easier when the raw materials are perfect.
So... the twins were blades that shattered some time after the mongol invasions, but father Masamune made them new sword selves.
Yes, I can see them needing some help with the modern-day.
Good writing, SJ, like always
Could Pepperboxes be seen as combination guns?
And wasn't the weight of these things the reason that normal revolvers were developed?
Behold, the theme of this snippet:
Funny how he helped an alliance of heroes prevent their worlds from being fused together
You can't help but love this video because:
Energetic Laffey
Happy Unicron
Z23 in the spotlight
and Spee on the drums
And the music's not half bad.
Jadesteele
Out of my Mind - Back in 5 Minutes
- Location
- half-way between 'Crazy' And 'Eccentric'
If Goku and Superman do the fusion dance you get Chuck Norris. I wonder who you'd have to have do it to get Sagata? (my moneys on one of them being Ryu Hoshi, myself.)
Sakuya's Butler
A refined Butler to a knife wielding Mistress.
- Location
- ↓, ↘, → + Punch
Norio Wakamoto and the 1st Kamen Rider.
Which then fusioned with Capcom's Ryu.
And on that note, Harry & Natsumi could pull off one HELL of a cosplay stunt in the future via hamming it up with their flawless kitsune-tsuki merger.
Especially after they get the hovering trick right and/or true flight working. Plus full body coated kitsune-bi + a bit of hammed up screaming. And a bit of illusion to make their long furry tail, look like very tail spikey golden hair. They even can pull off the two-tone overlapping voice.
Which would work great in concert with the, ahem, 'small set of tiny golden orbs, one of which is hollow w/ a concealed & magical enlarged internal space....in which an inhumanly smirking & giggling little white rat snake is waiting, under her green & gold body paint/makeup'.
Cue a few executives literally dropping their pens/pencils/cellphones/cameras/etc in shock, to say nothing of fans watching.
Sorry to say though for them, but he's Navy bound, so won't be interested in acting, although maybe would be willing to do a few mid-air poses for references.
So, @SisterJeanne, a couple of questions came up on the SB thread in regards to your latest snip:
From Barricade:
From Barricade:
From Deltawaves:
- Location
- Mountains of Appalachia
Thank you, thank you! I'll make a note if I do more that require an archive trawl for links.
I have to say, I love it.
Indeed he is!
Ah! its time for them to start the journey that leads to their new life.
Oh yes.
Now, there's some magical and spiritual symbolism in this step. Their cutting their hair (with the ghosts of their dagger bodies) is symbolic of the old kami being reborn as the new kami. Also that hair is taking the place of what would have happened if their old steel was used as raw scrap material in the smelting process to help produce the new batch of steel that will become them.
Also symbolic and part of their reshaping, even if they are just doing the very junior grunt 'hand me my hammer!' work as the junior apprentices here. Masamune and his senior apprentices/pupils are doing the work that requires skill and experience.
Again, some magical symbolism here.
They're selecting the pieces of steel that their spiritual essence (as transmitted through the shorn hair that imbued these billets of jewel steel) suffuses to link themselves to the new blades. This is something that only they can do, namely sense which pieces of the raw steel and iron are correct to form the core and center that all else will be smithed around.
Indeed they are, in this case doing the grunt work of the junior apprentices.
That's what my research showed, yes. It was really a painstaking process and Masamune is doing it the traditional way (no power hammers for him!) like he would have in life. Also this was very much a Shinto spiritual and magical ritual, so there was a lot of purification, blessing and cleansing of the ingredients, forge, tools, and craftsmen, and the like along with using spiritually significant ingredients. IE the wood used in the furnace during certain steps was from sakaki trees which are sacred in Shinto as a sign of eternity.
Basically he's doing what Ehren does to put out a second or third avatar. The reason for this is that he's doing two blades at once which again is critical for the symbolism for the twins.
Yep. And Masamune in particular as I have portrayed him is about the striving for perfection by driving out impurities in his creations.
Oh yes, this was hard and grueling work. It took over a week for Tsukino and Tsukiko to be forged to get them ready for the differential tempering that is the final step of this part of the process. And that's with some magical shenanigans being used to allow more work in a given timeframe.
Oh yes. I'm glad this came through so well.
Final phase of this stage, yes. Now that the blades have been folded, refolded, and rough formed into their final shape with filework done by Masamune, now it's time to see if he pulled it off. When the blades are differential quenched, the steel is subject to enormous internal stresses* and if there's any voids, or impurities, or internal weakness the blade will crack or shatter then.
*Keep in mind that they will bend forward when the cutting edge's hard and brittle steel is quenched and then backward when the flexible and strong core is formed. Roughly 1/3 the blades crafted structurally fail at this stage.
Congratulations Tsukino and Tsukiko! Yer Masamunes Now!
Yep, they passed the big step for this part of the forging. Now all that's left is polishing and sharpening (which is tricky too), crafting their sheaths and koshirae swordfitting elements.
As a side note, their menuki are silver doves clutching a full moon, which is the same motif for their kogai hairpins, which the Twins will be wearing pretty much from now on.
Oh yes, blessing and approval both. Also the use of Taira here in their address is showing their transition from Hidetora blades to Masamune blades as Hachiman approves of the changes forged into them.
While they won't be full-on Blades of Hachiman, they will be consecrated to him and are enchanted reasonably heavily.
Oh yes. The only real difference between them is in their decorations and one is balanced for right-handedness and the other for left-handedness. As I said, down the road they will be catalogued as Masamune tantos alongside Toku and the rest of the other Masamune National Treasures of Japan.
Indeed they have earned their new life.
Well, Toku leaned on Yae to get them ready to manifest (after Toku was notified that they were almost finished).
Oh yes, Yae's about to meet friends (who she will introduce to the Reincarnates, the Clan Heads, and Harry down the road).
Yeah, Toku 'didn't tell them' that they are going to have nieces forged.
Very nice. Yae wasn't expecting a pair of handmaidens from The Tale of Genji to manifest.
Musashi the Masamune approves of this.
Musashi will briefly boggle, then get a grin and whittle twin bokkens.....
Have to say, I really liked that a lot!
True, very very true, and this was a real challenge of Masamune's skill and genius to create new bodies for the twin kami of long-destroyed and forgotten weapons.
Actually got lost in the Strait of Tsushima and rusted away when their mistress drowned while carrying them to protect her virginity during the Mongol invasion of 1274 but yes.
Well they have observed Japan while stuck in the Afterlife, but yeah, they will have a lot to get used to. Yae will have SO MANY BOGGLES to collect from them!
Thank you, thank you! Glad that you liked it!
The reason is that they were already the tsukumogami spirits of a different masterwork blade set (in this case forged by Hidetora in the 1200s). Rather than Masamune forging a virgin blade that created her own spirit (like IE Honjo who came into being on her own), this was linking the kami of an already crafted and then destroyed masterwork blade (Hidetora-no-Tsukiko) into a new body (Masamune-no-Tsukiko) while retaining all of what she formerly was (less reincarnation and more resurrection).
So in essence they are not full sisters of the Bread Knives since their origin and original parent is different than theirs. As 'children' of Hidetora and then Masamune, they will be called (for courtesy's sake) as the nieces of the other Bread Knives. Although once the SoS falls, their steel will be recognized as a pair of Masamune masterwork tantos (like Fudo for example) and be later officially recognized as National Treasures of Japan (alongside the other Bread and Butter Knives) on account of their craftsmanship.
Regarding the 'set or individual', it is what they were intended for and how they were used.
Musashi and Chisuheri are daisho sets designed to be used by one warrior in battle in a two-sword style (what Miyamoto Musashi is best known for and Chisuheri was commissioned by/for an apprentice of Musashi), hence they act as 'one blade' for spiritual purposes. Likewise, Kansha and Sheff are sets of cooking knives that would be used as a unit to prepare one meal (singular). Hence they only have one avatar rather than one per blade (here we have Fish Filleting Sheff, and Vegetable Chopping Sheff and...!).
In the case of Tsukiko and Tsukino, they were and now are a paired and matched set of individual daggers similar to this set of PTO and ETO presentation pistols. In the normal state of things, one of these daggers would have been worn by the husband and the other by the bride after the ceremony, hence they are identical twin sisters (which also manifests in their avatars, Tsukiko is right-handed as the 'groom's dagger' while Tsukino is left-handed as the 'bride's dagger'). You could use either or both to defend yourself with (similar to Colombe using both her true body and Ehren in sparring with Kasuyu), hence individual avatars (although they are very very close psychologically like Ume & Sakura and likely would marry the same spouse).
Harry Leferts
Suave Shadow Cabal Kaiju
Stepping outside the Vanishing Cabinet with Ume and Sakura to either side, Harry glanced around the shelter that they were currently in. It was obviously a structure made of pre-fab concrete of some sort. Looking around as the others came through, the teenage wizard guessed that the shelter had to be about twenty feet across with the Vanishing Cabinet in the spot furthest from the door. Part of him wondered about where the electricity for the lights and fans came from, but in the end decided to ignore that, "Huh… it's bigger than it was before." Hearing giggles, he turned towards Ume and Sakura with a bemused look on his face, "Something that I said?"
Chuckles made him turn towards Akiyama, who simply nodded, "In a way, Harry-San." The older man gestured around them, "We have used an expansion charm on the inside of a, I believe they called it a Pre-fab. One that makes it larger on the inside. But on the outside…"
Only nodding, Harry had a thoughtful look, "On the outside, it is probably a lot smaller. Huh… that would make it easier to conceal."
Simply nodding as both her and her sister took his hands, Ume smiled, "Hai, though we're also using some solar panels and small wind turbines to provide power for the building and the guard house just outside."
Interested in that, the younger of the two wizards allowed them to guide him along to the door where there was a keypad. After they punched in the code, they then walked out into the early morning air. Looking around, and spotting various landmarks, Harry frowned in thought before turning towards first Ume and then Sakura, "You moved it?"
Both of them smiled some before nodding, with Sakura gesturing around them, "We had them move the Vanishing Cabinet to a location in the original base where there was an empty lot. So that way, if we summoned our Installation, it would not interfere with the operation of the Cabinet."
Considering that for a few moments, the teenage boy slowly nodded, "Makes sense." Rolling his shoulders some as he could feel a bit of sweat form, Harry chuckled, "I forgot that your island is warmer than back in Yokosuka."
Lips twitching, Ume and Sakura nodded before speaking as one, "Hai, it rarely snows here except in January during only the coldest of years. But it is still nice." Both of them turned and regarded the ruins with a small smile, "Though we suppose that soon others will enjoy the island as well."
Perking up at that, Harry glanced at them, "Wait, so talk about the establishment of a JMSDF base here is done?"
Very slowly, the Twins nodded with a giggle, "Hai, which is partly why we're going to summon our Installation." At the raised eyebrow, they continued, "We are going to attempt a reverse, as it were, of what Ishikari-Chan and the others are attempting. It is based on the reports of Abyssal Installations after the Princess or Demon that created them died remaining behind, or with them fleeing and leaving behind the structures. Hoppou-Chan and the others confirmed that it is possible. And so… we're hoping that when we dismiss the Installation of our Rigging, what will be left behind will be an empty base nearly identical to the one destroyed before it had been. One which can then be retrofitted by the JMSDF." Both of them then gave a bashful smile, "Or, at least that is our Hope. If not, we shall try to repair the Dry Docks and leave them behind while taking the ruins with us. So that there is land that is outside of the grave sites available for building."
Harry stared at the two for a few moments before giving them a lopsided grin, "Okay, that? That is just bloody awesome." His next words as he laughed got a flush from them, "Then again, with how awesome the two of you are, it should be expected."
Unable to look at them, the two hummed some, "Thank you, Harry-Chan."
And then, turning back, they gave him kisses on the cheek, something that made said teenage boy blush in return.
While they continued to walk, Harry also glanced around when he noticed something, "Sakura-Chan? Ume-Chan? Just a question, but… what will happen to any animals here when you summon their rigging?"
They turned to look at him and sadly smiled with Sakura answering for them both, "Unfortunately, Harry-Chan, outside of insects and the odd bird, there aren't really any animals on the island." She gestured around them and shook her head, "The fires from the MACUSA attack burned out of control for days afterwards. And, in the end, much of what was here died to said flames. There was a reason why there was only one survivor, after all."
Grimace on his face, the green-eyed boy nodded, "Ah, I see…"
Of course, he did blink a little as their smiles became more happy, "We have spoken with the government, however, about rectifying that issue as we do own the island."
It went without saying that both aspects of what they were saying caused Harry's eyebrows to shoot upwards as he blinked, "Wait, does that mean that animals will soon be here? And what is that about owning the island?"
Turning at chuckles, Harry found himself looking at an amused Hina, "It is some old magical laws going back centuries that are still on the books for Kyoto. And which the NoMaj government has seen fit to continue to use with little difference."
Gesturing around them, Sora took over for her Co-Wife, crane wing spreading out, "You must understand, Harry-San. This island was owned by the Pre-WWII government. Afterwards, it came under the administration of the ICW Occupational Authorities. At the end of the occupation, the Izu Islands among others were given back… but when we looked at the paperwork, Ōkamashima was not listed among the islands given back to Japan. Nor was it listed under the islands that the Occupational Authorities had control of at the end of the war… nor the Tokyo Magical Diet."
Utter disbelief on his face, Harry glanced around and turned back to the three older magicals, "Wait… you mean to tell me that somehow they… they lost an island?!"
Chuckles escaping him, Akiyama nodded, "Indeed we are, Harry-San, because that is what happened." The elderly wizard made a motion with his hands to their surroundings, "Kamo, it seems, went out of his way to destroy all mention of this island. It also happened that nearly all those who did know about said island within the Magical Japanese Government died at the end of the war without mentioning it." Drawing his hands back and slipping them inside his sleeves, he continued, "From checking the lists of both the peace treaty and the one that ended the Occupation, there was no mention of the island in either."
Frown on his face, the younger of the two wizards glanced at Ume and Sakura before turning back to Akiyama, "What does this mean for Ume-Chan and Sakura-Chan?"
Head tilting a little, Akiyama considered the question, "It is… complicated, but technically as it was mentioned in the paperwork for either treaty, the legal aspects are that it is either a last holdout of the Pre-War government due to having had the ghosts that once roamed here, or is not owned by either Kyoto and the modern Japanese government nor anyone else. Which means that it falls under certain old laws regarding Hitobashira." Clearing his throat, he continued some, "If a structure or property that makes use of a Hitobashira becomes abandoned, whether private or government owned, and if the Hitobashira can manifest, that property thus shall fall under the ownership of the Hitobashira that is its pillar." Glancing at his sisters, the older wizard nodded slightly, "Said laws consider the area that the protection of the Hitobashira falls upon to be what it owns. Usually, it would be a bridge or building such as a castle. But in the case of my Onee-Samas…"
Nodding some, Sakura had a slight smile, "In our case, the area under our direct influence includes the entirety of the island. Thus, under said laws, it falls under our Ownership as we are the island's Hitobashira…"
A happy hum escaping her, Ume kissed Harry on the cheek after her sister did, "Though none considered the Hitobashira becoming a Kami such as we have, which does in some ways complicate things. There are similar laws for Kami, however."
With a chuckle, Hina nodded some as she glanced at her sisters-in-law, "Indeed, which is why no one is really too concerned with the Wani who has taken up residence in Hachijo Royal Hotel and claimed it as her 'Palace'. The laws do allow it and the former owners did abandon it to the elements."
Just considering what he had heard for several moments, Harry frowned, "So, just to make sure that I have this straight… Under these laws, if somewhere is abandoned with no one owning it, a Hitobashira that was used in said property can claim it as their own? I take it that usually, it is more of a fig-leaf as the Hitobashira can't communicate…?" Getting nods, he then turned towards the Twins with a thoughtful look, but also smiling, "So then, you both own the island?"
Briefly, they chewed their lips before slowly shaking their head, "As we mentioned, the laws regarding it are complicated. We 'Own' the island only as much as the government allows for us to. If they so wished, they could take ownership of the island as it is part of Japan as government land. However, they are willing to simply allow it to slide in much the same way that they have with the Sankaku Islands being owned by someone since the war." Both of them smiled slightly and gave very small shrugs, "Thus, they wish for the JMSDF and Japanese Coast Guard to be able to lease the portion of the island that their base shall be on, in exchange for which we continue to provide protection via the wards here, and they acknowledge the ownership of the island devolves to us."
Pausing for a moment, Sakura then continued, "There is also the offer that we made due to the fact that there is no real native wildlife on the island. Which is to have portions of it, outside very certain spots, to be a wildlife preserve. One of the animals that will be brought here will be the Iriomote cat as they hope to have a breeding population."
Akiyama had a pleased look on his face, "It is one of the things that we are working with the No-Maj government in regards to as we can stun them in order to knock them out safely and bring them here within hours for release. We're also working on some ways of increasing the genetic diversity I believe it is called of the ones brought here and prevent any genes from domestic cats. As the population grows, we might introduce them to other islands that similarly have forest but no real wildlife." He then gave a small shrug and shook his head, "My counterparts in the non-magical government are apparently quite happy, though also surprised that the Yamapikarya are not the same species as the Iriomote, but a species of magical cloud leopard… and one often sold as pets."
It went without saying that caused Harry to cock an eyebrow in surprise, but he shrugged it off. After all, said "Big Cat" was one that was hidden because of the natural silencing charm on its feet and ability to see through magical disguises like with the Kneazels. Instead, he just gave Ume and Sakura a smile, "Well, I have to admit, that would be something to see around here."
Giving his hand a squeeze, Ume nodded, "Hai, Harry-Chan, and we would not mind helping them in this fashion either."
Not long after, of course, the group reached the location of the monument to the Twins, above where their earthly remains laid. For a few moments, the two former Hitobashira looked at the monument and turned to the boy who had placed it, each giving him a gentle kiss for a few moments. Then, letting go, they moved away from him and manifested their rigging before nodding at Aoba, who had been waiting for them, "It is now time for us to summon our Installation."
Lips curled into a grin, Harry nodded some as he gave them both a thumbs up, "Can't wait, Ume-Chan, Sakura-Chan."
Both of them flashed him a smile before closing their eyes and concentrating. Moving as one, the two of them began to dance in place. As their hands weaved through the air, they left what looked like ripples in their wake. Slowly, the ripples grew in the air, as did ripples that formed around their feet as if they were standing on water while their rigging glowed as did their eyes behind their closed eyelids. Wide-eyed, everyone watched as, soon enough, the Twins were surrounded in a hemisphere of what looked like rippling, sparkling water. But all of those there knew that it wasn't actually water…
Rather, it was pure spiritual energy.
Finally, the two made one last, graceful motion with their arms… and then stomped, with caused the hemisphere to explode outwards. Automatically, Harry brought up his arms as the wave of spiritual energy, which resembled a clear, onrushing wave, hit him. It brushed past with him feeling a warm, gentle touch sweeping along him, his hair moving as if he was in water as it filled first the caldera and then covered the entire island in a glowing, rippling hemisphere until it reached the edges of the wards where it stopped and dissipated. Once it did, Harry blinked rapidly as he looked around in pure awe.
Mainly because around them was no longer just ruins… but rather the base itself as it mostly looked in 1945, though with the changes that Ume and Sakura had implemented.
Where once was cracked, overgrown paths were now cobblestone streets, clean and ready for use. Collapsed and decayed ruins were replaced by fully functional buildings that stood along the various streets. Radio towers stood tall and proud for the group to see. And towering above the ground, Harry could see the brick smokestacks for both the powerplant and the smelters where iron ore and scrap was transformed into steel for shipbuilding.
And speaking of shipbuilding, the teenage wizard turned his attention to the docks where he could see Denryuu's, Ishikari's, Miitake's, and Mihara's wrecked and rusted hulls inside of the fully repaired dry docks. Even as they watched, water was already being drained out of the slipways as the hulks came to rest on blocks. The rest of the dockyard was also similarly repaired, once collapsed cranes now tall and proud, ready for use. Off to one side, Harry could see the marine railway, smoke rising from the stacks that lead to the boilers which powered it. He knew, from earlier talks with Ume and Sakura, that said marine railways could handle the smaller Frigates and Destroyers of the JMSDF, with the Dry Docks capable of holding even a Supercarrier in them.
So it wasn't too much of a surprise to Harry that the JMSDF really wanted them functional.
From where he was, the wizard could also just see some of the changes that the Twins had made to the base. Such as how there was now a seaplane base jutting out into the waters of the caldera. Or the fact that, at the opposite end of the base from the Dry Docks were Submarine Pens that looked like the ones in Europe from which Uboats had roamed. The inside of which functioned as Dry Docks for Submarines, which was perfect for keeping them out of sight while being repaired.
Utterly speechless, Harry just stared at the sights before him in pure and utter awe. That was, of course, until he felt hands take each of his own into them. Soft hands that were warm and gentle as well, which made him turn towards Ume and Sakura. For a few moments, he tried to say something before just grinning and shaking his head, "This is… wow… just wow."
Giggles escaped the two as they shook their heads, pleased blushes on their faces before they gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you, Harry-Chan, we do enjoy the fact that we've struck you speechless."
With a glance towards their brother, Harry leaned towards them and muttered under his breath, "Well, not the first time considering…"
This time, the blushes had nothing to do with his awe as they remembered one other time he had been struck speechless.
A deep rumbling chuckle made them turn to find a transparent John there, the man giving them a grin with his white teeth standing out against his dark skin, "Bashful already, hmm?" Another chuckle escaped from him as he shook his head before he turned towards Harry, giving a small nod, "Good to see you as well, Mister Potter."
Scratching the back of his neck, Harry chuckled a little and held out his hand, "Just Harry, please."
Lightly laughing at that, the black American grasped said hand and shook it, nodding at the grip, "Only if you call me John." Getting confirmation, he turned towards Akiyama and shook the wizard's hand, "Nice to meet you in the flesh, as it were."
His lips twitching some as he shook the other man's hand, Akiyama bowed slightly, "And good to meet you as well, John-San."
Of course, John wasn't the only one who came to greet them, but once a couple more introductions were made, the American turned towards the Twins, "So, where to first, Little Ladies?"
Glancing at each other, Ume and Sakura blushed a little bit before nodding, "We wish to go to the main Administration Building, John-San. Is Charlotte-San there?" Upon getting a confirmation that she was, the two former Hitobashira gently took Harry's hands as they happily smiled and bowed to the chuckling American, "Thank you!"
Much to Harry's amusement, the two began to pull him along in excitement. Due to where they had been, it was only a few minute walk to the main Administration Building, which the teenage wizard felt his eyebrows climb at. With red bricks and the white stone covering above the main wooden doors, which Harry knew were mahogany, it greatly resembled the Headquarters at Kure. However, unlike the Headquarters in Kure, a clock tower rose above the main building, the clock slowly ticking away the seconds, minutes, and hours. Even as they approached, it chimed that it was nearly ten in the morning.
As they entered and walked over the polished stone floors, those in the group nodded at and bowed at various personnel going about their tasks, which were returned along with smile and the like. It did not take them long to reach the office for the Base Commander… Though when they entered, Ume and Sakura paused and blushed alongside Harry due to two facts that the two girls had forgotten. One of which was the plaque on the large desk for the Base Commander which had Harry's name on it…
The other being the large portrait of said boy on the wall behind said desk with his lopsided grin on his face.
None of the three said anything for a few moments before Akiyama hummed in amusement, "A very good portrait, Onee-Samas. It really captures Harry-San well…" If anything, he became far, far more amused as the two girls flushed deeply and glared at him, promising retribution. One that he welcomed full heartedly, before he turned to the amused American woman that was at another desk and bowed, "Ah, you must be Charlotte-San."
Coming to her feet, Charlotte smiled back and gave her own small bow, "That's right, and I'm pleased to meet all of you." Turning, she regarded Harry who was slowly getting his blush under control, 'Hmm… well, I can't say that he isn't a good man. Not my John, of course, but they chose a good one here.' Outwardly, however, the American just smiled, "You want the Personnel Book, Ume? Sakura?"
Relieved that there was no teasing from the American woman, the Twins nodded some, "Hai, if possible."
They watched as Charlotte walked over to one of the filing cabinets and withdrew a leather book. One that she brought over and held towards Ume and Sakura, "Here you go, the Personnel Book."
Gently, Ume and Sakura took it before slowly opening it. Clearing their throats, they looked at their brother and his wives, "Aki-Kun? Could you as well as Hina-San and Sora-San sign this please?"
With a glance towards Harry, the elderly wizard simply nodded and walked over, "Hai, Onee-Samas. It would be an honor."
Once the three were done, they stepped back and watched as the Twins held the book towards Harry. Said teenage wizard took the offered pen and dipped it into the ink pot that floated in the air before glancing at the desk, "Do you want me to sign as…"
Very slowly, the two former Hitobashira nodded, "As the Base Commander, hai."
Just taking a deep breath, Harry released it before slowly, and carefully, signing his name into their Personnel Book. Then, he placed his position, Base Commander, to the side before setting the pen into the book. Softly smiling, the teenage wizard handed the book back and watched as the Twins set it aside on the desk, the two then pulling him into a hug which he returned, "Thank you, Sakura-Chan, Ume-Chan, thank you."
Pulling back just a bit, first Ume and then Sakura kissed him with tears in their eyes before shaking their heads, "No, thank you, Harry-Chan. For everything."
Then, smiling, they gave him another kiss which he returned.
Chuckles made him turn towards Akiyama, who simply nodded, "In a way, Harry-San." The older man gestured around them, "We have used an expansion charm on the inside of a, I believe they called it a Pre-fab. One that makes it larger on the inside. But on the outside…"
Only nodding, Harry had a thoughtful look, "On the outside, it is probably a lot smaller. Huh… that would make it easier to conceal."
Simply nodding as both her and her sister took his hands, Ume smiled, "Hai, though we're also using some solar panels and small wind turbines to provide power for the building and the guard house just outside."
Interested in that, the younger of the two wizards allowed them to guide him along to the door where there was a keypad. After they punched in the code, they then walked out into the early morning air. Looking around, and spotting various landmarks, Harry frowned in thought before turning towards first Ume and then Sakura, "You moved it?"
Both of them smiled some before nodding, with Sakura gesturing around them, "We had them move the Vanishing Cabinet to a location in the original base where there was an empty lot. So that way, if we summoned our Installation, it would not interfere with the operation of the Cabinet."
Considering that for a few moments, the teenage boy slowly nodded, "Makes sense." Rolling his shoulders some as he could feel a bit of sweat form, Harry chuckled, "I forgot that your island is warmer than back in Yokosuka."
Lips twitching, Ume and Sakura nodded before speaking as one, "Hai, it rarely snows here except in January during only the coldest of years. But it is still nice." Both of them turned and regarded the ruins with a small smile, "Though we suppose that soon others will enjoy the island as well."
Perking up at that, Harry glanced at them, "Wait, so talk about the establishment of a JMSDF base here is done?"
Very slowly, the Twins nodded with a giggle, "Hai, which is partly why we're going to summon our Installation." At the raised eyebrow, they continued, "We are going to attempt a reverse, as it were, of what Ishikari-Chan and the others are attempting. It is based on the reports of Abyssal Installations after the Princess or Demon that created them died remaining behind, or with them fleeing and leaving behind the structures. Hoppou-Chan and the others confirmed that it is possible. And so… we're hoping that when we dismiss the Installation of our Rigging, what will be left behind will be an empty base nearly identical to the one destroyed before it had been. One which can then be retrofitted by the JMSDF." Both of them then gave a bashful smile, "Or, at least that is our Hope. If not, we shall try to repair the Dry Docks and leave them behind while taking the ruins with us. So that there is land that is outside of the grave sites available for building."
Harry stared at the two for a few moments before giving them a lopsided grin, "Okay, that? That is just bloody awesome." His next words as he laughed got a flush from them, "Then again, with how awesome the two of you are, it should be expected."
Unable to look at them, the two hummed some, "Thank you, Harry-Chan."
And then, turning back, they gave him kisses on the cheek, something that made said teenage boy blush in return.
While they continued to walk, Harry also glanced around when he noticed something, "Sakura-Chan? Ume-Chan? Just a question, but… what will happen to any animals here when you summon their rigging?"
They turned to look at him and sadly smiled with Sakura answering for them both, "Unfortunately, Harry-Chan, outside of insects and the odd bird, there aren't really any animals on the island." She gestured around them and shook her head, "The fires from the MACUSA attack burned out of control for days afterwards. And, in the end, much of what was here died to said flames. There was a reason why there was only one survivor, after all."
Grimace on his face, the green-eyed boy nodded, "Ah, I see…"
Of course, he did blink a little as their smiles became more happy, "We have spoken with the government, however, about rectifying that issue as we do own the island."
It went without saying that both aspects of what they were saying caused Harry's eyebrows to shoot upwards as he blinked, "Wait, does that mean that animals will soon be here? And what is that about owning the island?"
Turning at chuckles, Harry found himself looking at an amused Hina, "It is some old magical laws going back centuries that are still on the books for Kyoto. And which the NoMaj government has seen fit to continue to use with little difference."
Gesturing around them, Sora took over for her Co-Wife, crane wing spreading out, "You must understand, Harry-San. This island was owned by the Pre-WWII government. Afterwards, it came under the administration of the ICW Occupational Authorities. At the end of the occupation, the Izu Islands among others were given back… but when we looked at the paperwork, Ōkamashima was not listed among the islands given back to Japan. Nor was it listed under the islands that the Occupational Authorities had control of at the end of the war… nor the Tokyo Magical Diet."
Utter disbelief on his face, Harry glanced around and turned back to the three older magicals, "Wait… you mean to tell me that somehow they… they lost an island?!"
Chuckles escaping him, Akiyama nodded, "Indeed we are, Harry-San, because that is what happened." The elderly wizard made a motion with his hands to their surroundings, "Kamo, it seems, went out of his way to destroy all mention of this island. It also happened that nearly all those who did know about said island within the Magical Japanese Government died at the end of the war without mentioning it." Drawing his hands back and slipping them inside his sleeves, he continued, "From checking the lists of both the peace treaty and the one that ended the Occupation, there was no mention of the island in either."
Frown on his face, the younger of the two wizards glanced at Ume and Sakura before turning back to Akiyama, "What does this mean for Ume-Chan and Sakura-Chan?"
Head tilting a little, Akiyama considered the question, "It is… complicated, but technically as it was mentioned in the paperwork for either treaty, the legal aspects are that it is either a last holdout of the Pre-War government due to having had the ghosts that once roamed here, or is not owned by either Kyoto and the modern Japanese government nor anyone else. Which means that it falls under certain old laws regarding Hitobashira." Clearing his throat, he continued some, "If a structure or property that makes use of a Hitobashira becomes abandoned, whether private or government owned, and if the Hitobashira can manifest, that property thus shall fall under the ownership of the Hitobashira that is its pillar." Glancing at his sisters, the older wizard nodded slightly, "Said laws consider the area that the protection of the Hitobashira falls upon to be what it owns. Usually, it would be a bridge or building such as a castle. But in the case of my Onee-Samas…"
Nodding some, Sakura had a slight smile, "In our case, the area under our direct influence includes the entirety of the island. Thus, under said laws, it falls under our Ownership as we are the island's Hitobashira…"
A happy hum escaping her, Ume kissed Harry on the cheek after her sister did, "Though none considered the Hitobashira becoming a Kami such as we have, which does in some ways complicate things. There are similar laws for Kami, however."
With a chuckle, Hina nodded some as she glanced at her sisters-in-law, "Indeed, which is why no one is really too concerned with the Wani who has taken up residence in Hachijo Royal Hotel and claimed it as her 'Palace'. The laws do allow it and the former owners did abandon it to the elements."
Just considering what he had heard for several moments, Harry frowned, "So, just to make sure that I have this straight… Under these laws, if somewhere is abandoned with no one owning it, a Hitobashira that was used in said property can claim it as their own? I take it that usually, it is more of a fig-leaf as the Hitobashira can't communicate…?" Getting nods, he then turned towards the Twins with a thoughtful look, but also smiling, "So then, you both own the island?"
Briefly, they chewed their lips before slowly shaking their head, "As we mentioned, the laws regarding it are complicated. We 'Own' the island only as much as the government allows for us to. If they so wished, they could take ownership of the island as it is part of Japan as government land. However, they are willing to simply allow it to slide in much the same way that they have with the Sankaku Islands being owned by someone since the war." Both of them smiled slightly and gave very small shrugs, "Thus, they wish for the JMSDF and Japanese Coast Guard to be able to lease the portion of the island that their base shall be on, in exchange for which we continue to provide protection via the wards here, and they acknowledge the ownership of the island devolves to us."
Pausing for a moment, Sakura then continued, "There is also the offer that we made due to the fact that there is no real native wildlife on the island. Which is to have portions of it, outside very certain spots, to be a wildlife preserve. One of the animals that will be brought here will be the Iriomote cat as they hope to have a breeding population."
Akiyama had a pleased look on his face, "It is one of the things that we are working with the No-Maj government in regards to as we can stun them in order to knock them out safely and bring them here within hours for release. We're also working on some ways of increasing the genetic diversity I believe it is called of the ones brought here and prevent any genes from domestic cats. As the population grows, we might introduce them to other islands that similarly have forest but no real wildlife." He then gave a small shrug and shook his head, "My counterparts in the non-magical government are apparently quite happy, though also surprised that the Yamapikarya are not the same species as the Iriomote, but a species of magical cloud leopard… and one often sold as pets."
It went without saying that caused Harry to cock an eyebrow in surprise, but he shrugged it off. After all, said "Big Cat" was one that was hidden because of the natural silencing charm on its feet and ability to see through magical disguises like with the Kneazels. Instead, he just gave Ume and Sakura a smile, "Well, I have to admit, that would be something to see around here."
Giving his hand a squeeze, Ume nodded, "Hai, Harry-Chan, and we would not mind helping them in this fashion either."
Not long after, of course, the group reached the location of the monument to the Twins, above where their earthly remains laid. For a few moments, the two former Hitobashira looked at the monument and turned to the boy who had placed it, each giving him a gentle kiss for a few moments. Then, letting go, they moved away from him and manifested their rigging before nodding at Aoba, who had been waiting for them, "It is now time for us to summon our Installation."
Lips curled into a grin, Harry nodded some as he gave them both a thumbs up, "Can't wait, Ume-Chan, Sakura-Chan."
Both of them flashed him a smile before closing their eyes and concentrating. Moving as one, the two of them began to dance in place. As their hands weaved through the air, they left what looked like ripples in their wake. Slowly, the ripples grew in the air, as did ripples that formed around their feet as if they were standing on water while their rigging glowed as did their eyes behind their closed eyelids. Wide-eyed, everyone watched as, soon enough, the Twins were surrounded in a hemisphere of what looked like rippling, sparkling water. But all of those there knew that it wasn't actually water…
Rather, it was pure spiritual energy.
Finally, the two made one last, graceful motion with their arms… and then stomped, with caused the hemisphere to explode outwards. Automatically, Harry brought up his arms as the wave of spiritual energy, which resembled a clear, onrushing wave, hit him. It brushed past with him feeling a warm, gentle touch sweeping along him, his hair moving as if he was in water as it filled first the caldera and then covered the entire island in a glowing, rippling hemisphere until it reached the edges of the wards where it stopped and dissipated. Once it did, Harry blinked rapidly as he looked around in pure awe.
Mainly because around them was no longer just ruins… but rather the base itself as it mostly looked in 1945, though with the changes that Ume and Sakura had implemented.
Where once was cracked, overgrown paths were now cobblestone streets, clean and ready for use. Collapsed and decayed ruins were replaced by fully functional buildings that stood along the various streets. Radio towers stood tall and proud for the group to see. And towering above the ground, Harry could see the brick smokestacks for both the powerplant and the smelters where iron ore and scrap was transformed into steel for shipbuilding.
And speaking of shipbuilding, the teenage wizard turned his attention to the docks where he could see Denryuu's, Ishikari's, Miitake's, and Mihara's wrecked and rusted hulls inside of the fully repaired dry docks. Even as they watched, water was already being drained out of the slipways as the hulks came to rest on blocks. The rest of the dockyard was also similarly repaired, once collapsed cranes now tall and proud, ready for use. Off to one side, Harry could see the marine railway, smoke rising from the stacks that lead to the boilers which powered it. He knew, from earlier talks with Ume and Sakura, that said marine railways could handle the smaller Frigates and Destroyers of the JMSDF, with the Dry Docks capable of holding even a Supercarrier in them.
So it wasn't too much of a surprise to Harry that the JMSDF really wanted them functional.
From where he was, the wizard could also just see some of the changes that the Twins had made to the base. Such as how there was now a seaplane base jutting out into the waters of the caldera. Or the fact that, at the opposite end of the base from the Dry Docks were Submarine Pens that looked like the ones in Europe from which Uboats had roamed. The inside of which functioned as Dry Docks for Submarines, which was perfect for keeping them out of sight while being repaired.
Utterly speechless, Harry just stared at the sights before him in pure and utter awe. That was, of course, until he felt hands take each of his own into them. Soft hands that were warm and gentle as well, which made him turn towards Ume and Sakura. For a few moments, he tried to say something before just grinning and shaking his head, "This is… wow… just wow."
Giggles escaped the two as they shook their heads, pleased blushes on their faces before they gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you, Harry-Chan, we do enjoy the fact that we've struck you speechless."
With a glance towards their brother, Harry leaned towards them and muttered under his breath, "Well, not the first time considering…"
This time, the blushes had nothing to do with his awe as they remembered one other time he had been struck speechless.
A deep rumbling chuckle made them turn to find a transparent John there, the man giving them a grin with his white teeth standing out against his dark skin, "Bashful already, hmm?" Another chuckle escaped from him as he shook his head before he turned towards Harry, giving a small nod, "Good to see you as well, Mister Potter."
Scratching the back of his neck, Harry chuckled a little and held out his hand, "Just Harry, please."
Lightly laughing at that, the black American grasped said hand and shook it, nodding at the grip, "Only if you call me John." Getting confirmation, he turned towards Akiyama and shook the wizard's hand, "Nice to meet you in the flesh, as it were."
His lips twitching some as he shook the other man's hand, Akiyama bowed slightly, "And good to meet you as well, John-San."
Of course, John wasn't the only one who came to greet them, but once a couple more introductions were made, the American turned towards the Twins, "So, where to first, Little Ladies?"
Glancing at each other, Ume and Sakura blushed a little bit before nodding, "We wish to go to the main Administration Building, John-San. Is Charlotte-San there?" Upon getting a confirmation that she was, the two former Hitobashira gently took Harry's hands as they happily smiled and bowed to the chuckling American, "Thank you!"
Much to Harry's amusement, the two began to pull him along in excitement. Due to where they had been, it was only a few minute walk to the main Administration Building, which the teenage wizard felt his eyebrows climb at. With red bricks and the white stone covering above the main wooden doors, which Harry knew were mahogany, it greatly resembled the Headquarters at Kure. However, unlike the Headquarters in Kure, a clock tower rose above the main building, the clock slowly ticking away the seconds, minutes, and hours. Even as they approached, it chimed that it was nearly ten in the morning.
As they entered and walked over the polished stone floors, those in the group nodded at and bowed at various personnel going about their tasks, which were returned along with smile and the like. It did not take them long to reach the office for the Base Commander… Though when they entered, Ume and Sakura paused and blushed alongside Harry due to two facts that the two girls had forgotten. One of which was the plaque on the large desk for the Base Commander which had Harry's name on it…
The other being the large portrait of said boy on the wall behind said desk with his lopsided grin on his face.
None of the three said anything for a few moments before Akiyama hummed in amusement, "A very good portrait, Onee-Samas. It really captures Harry-San well…" If anything, he became far, far more amused as the two girls flushed deeply and glared at him, promising retribution. One that he welcomed full heartedly, before he turned to the amused American woman that was at another desk and bowed, "Ah, you must be Charlotte-San."
Coming to her feet, Charlotte smiled back and gave her own small bow, "That's right, and I'm pleased to meet all of you." Turning, she regarded Harry who was slowly getting his blush under control, 'Hmm… well, I can't say that he isn't a good man. Not my John, of course, but they chose a good one here.' Outwardly, however, the American just smiled, "You want the Personnel Book, Ume? Sakura?"
Relieved that there was no teasing from the American woman, the Twins nodded some, "Hai, if possible."
They watched as Charlotte walked over to one of the filing cabinets and withdrew a leather book. One that she brought over and held towards Ume and Sakura, "Here you go, the Personnel Book."
Gently, Ume and Sakura took it before slowly opening it. Clearing their throats, they looked at their brother and his wives, "Aki-Kun? Could you as well as Hina-San and Sora-San sign this please?"
With a glance towards Harry, the elderly wizard simply nodded and walked over, "Hai, Onee-Samas. It would be an honor."
Once the three were done, they stepped back and watched as the Twins held the book towards Harry. Said teenage wizard took the offered pen and dipped it into the ink pot that floated in the air before glancing at the desk, "Do you want me to sign as…"
Very slowly, the two former Hitobashira nodded, "As the Base Commander, hai."
Just taking a deep breath, Harry released it before slowly, and carefully, signing his name into their Personnel Book. Then, he placed his position, Base Commander, to the side before setting the pen into the book. Softly smiling, the teenage wizard handed the book back and watched as the Twins set it aside on the desk, the two then pulling him into a hug which he returned, "Thank you, Sakura-Chan, Ume-Chan, thank you."
Pulling back just a bit, first Ume and then Sakura kissed him with tears in their eyes before shaking their heads, "No, thank you, Harry-Chan. For everything."
Then, smiling, they gave him another kiss which he returned.
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- Location
- California
The FEELS! I am Buried! :Tip of Fox tail poking out:
Jadesteele
Out of my Mind - Back in 5 Minutes
- Location
- half-way between 'Crazy' And 'Eccentric'
Another chapter which comes with a Prefectly aimed volley of feels (I was gonna use feelpedos, but that just sounded wrong.)
Ahem, For some reason, when the twins were dancing, I got mental flashes of Yuna's summoner dance from FFX, accompanied by the cosmo's song from 'Godzilla vs Mothra' - which i suspect was akin to the effect you wanted to portray, ne?
Ahem, For some reason, when the twins were dancing, I got mental flashes of Yuna's summoner dance from FFX, accompanied by the cosmo's song from 'Godzilla vs Mothra' - which i suspect was akin to the effect you wanted to portray, ne?
- Location
- Deep in the Badlands of Equestria
So, Harry's now officially registered as the Twin's Base Commander. I wonder if that will help stabilize the facility structures when they are ready to test that part of the process? It would seem to be a good possibility, at any rate. As for creating a preserve for the Iriomote feline species, if that is successful I wonder how many years it will take for the ships built and based at the facility to be claimed by new feline owners as their domains? It wouldn't surprise me if at some point down the road ships built there aren't considered complete until their feline owner takes up residence on board.
owlmessenger
Parts Guy Extraordinaire
- Location
- New York
You realize of course now you just have to do one with Muramasa making gun blades or something equally ridiculous.
Archeo Lumiere
The Prince's Archivist
- Location
- Lumiose City, Kalos
- Pronouns
- He/Him/They/Them
SisterJeanne doesn't need to do anything he doesn't want to. That said that does sound hysterical.
Sandy River DL
(Verified Destroyer Leader)
- Location
- Lake Michigan
- Pronouns
- Her/She
Axegun halberd. Ridiculous but actually useful.
- Location
- Somewhere
Axe pistols were actually very popular with European cavalry for a bit.
Sandy River DL
(Verified Destroyer Leader)
- Location
- Lake Michigan
- Pronouns
- Her/She
Yep, but you know that Muramasa would take it a step or five further.Axe pistols were actually very popular with European cavalry for a bit.