"Be careful, Onee-Samas. It would not be good for Harry-San to enter your home and fall into a trench that you have worn into the floor."
Almost immediately, both Ume and Sakura stopped with flushes on their faces as they turned as one and glared at their smirking little brother, "Aki-Kun!"
Of course, that was followed by said man's wives smacking him in the arm, which only made him chuckle.
I have to say, this was great to see! Ume & Sakura are some of my favorite characters.
Especially when their kid brother is throwing shade their way!
Turning back to his older sisters, Akiyama just continued to smile, "It is true, however. Harry-San will not be much longer, I am sure. Then you can, ah, show yourselves off to him."
If anything, that only deepened the flushes on his sister's cheeks and caused them to glare all the more, "AKI-KUN!"
Thankfully for the elderly wizard's continued health, there was a knock at the door and the Twins rushed to answer, ignoring the sound of flesh softly hitting his and their sister-in-laws chiding their brother for his teasing.
Oh yeah, he is having more fun than should be legal here. And his wives are just shaking their heads with fond smiles.
Reaching the door, they opened it to find Harry there blinking before he smiled, "Ume-Chan, Sakura-Chan. Good morning."
Both Twins happily smiled at that and leaned forward to hug him before kissing his cheek, "And a good morning to you as well, Harry-Chan." Moving to either side of the door, they gestured inside, "Please come in."
Amused look on his face, Harry bowed some before stepping through the door, "Thank you."
Glancing around as he removed his shoes and put on the slippers, the teenage wizard glanced around the entryway. While he had been there before, a number of times, he was still interested in what was there. One example being the framed photographs on the wall, most of which showed Ume and Sakura doing one thing or the other. Both Twins usually happily smiling in them as they did whatever was shown. Other items were things such as potted plants on the end tables and the like.
Well this just made their day (and before they dug that trench too deep!) since Harry's visiting them.
Nice setup on the house (although I'd expect there's some additional photos of them with Harry.) **
makes note for Ehren's house**
Harry then turned back to the Twins before holding out his hands to them, "Shall we?"
With soft giggles and giving him a kiss on the cheek as her sister did on the opposite side, Ume answered for them both, "Hai, we shall, Harry-Chan."
Smiles on their faces, the two then took his hands in theirs as they walked down the hallway back to the main living room where their brother was. He noted that they were holding Harry's hands and opened his mouth… only for Hina to frown and flick his ear, "Behave." Ignoring his grumbles, she turned towards Harry and bowed a little, "I hope that you are having a good day, Harry-San."
As both Akiyama and Sora the Crane Wife greeted him, Harry bowed back, "Hai, I am having a good day, and one that looks to be getting to be even better now with Ume-Chan and Sakura-Chan."
Unnoticed by him, both girls blushed at that before smiling broadly.
Oh yes. He was stymied in teasing the Onee-samas this time. He's gotten in a fair amount of it though (and I suspect that Ume & Sakura took extra care with their appearance here).
And Harry promptly steps in it with the Twins. Honest statement that totally got them going doki-doki.
Rather amused at their reactions, Sora chuckled some, the Crane wife nodding, "I can imagine, Harry-San. Both Sakura-Chan and Ume-Chan are also rather excited to be able to show off their Installation, as I believe it to be called, to you."
Partway through nodding, the Twins paused before glancing at one another. Then, they turned towards Harry with a bashful look on their face, "Would you like to see us in our rigging, Harry-Chan? It is somewhat different from before…"
That made Harry perk up a little, "Hai, I would love to." He then glanced around and grinned some, "Though best to do it out back, I think. Otherwise…" When he gestured at the floor, Ume and Sakura giggled some and nodded before they began to lead him to the small backyard of the house that they shared with their niece and Akimi.
Ahh yes, they
definitely want to show off the 'goodies' as it were to the poor doomed young man who will become Daimyo Konohana-Potter. Of course Harry wanders unknowingly into the role they want for him to.
As they walked, Harry cocked his head to the side, "So, excited to go the Yule Ball in a few weeks?"
Happy smiles on their faces, both Ume and Sakura nodded, "Hai, we really are, Harry-Chan." Their expressions fell a little, "It will be our first one…"
Gently giving their hands a squeeze, the teenage wizard shook his head, "And far from the last, Sakura-Chan, Ume-Chan. I'll make sure that you'll have plenty of balls and the like in the future to go to." When they blushed and shyly looked away, he did blink a little, 'Was it something that I said?'
Within their minds, the two had the image of Harry doing exactly that, of taking them to various balls and dances, where they would be at his side… and actually dance with him. Something which was very, very important. And a dream that they could not wait to come true.
Meanwhile, Akiyama nodded some as he stroked his short beard, "Ah, yes, the Yule Ball. That will be very interesting to see, Harry-San."
Oh yes, that's going to be VERY romantic for them (and be interesting since Sakaya, Natsumi, Hanna, and others will be there). Definite Dance of Romance time (and thanks to John, Charlotte and others, they should have basic proficiency with Western-style dancing of the 1940-50s).
I'm
really looking forward to the Yule Ball now.
At the confused look, he smiled a little, "I shall be going as well as one of the representatives of the Japanese Magical Government, though I am bringing along Hina-Chan and Sora-Chan alongside me. I believe that Ito-San is also coming along with his main aide and perhaps her father."
Oh good to see the Miyatas! I suspect that Shigeru has moved up to
Permanent Undersecretary for services rendered to the Throne when Tokyo fell, and is in line for that Order of the Rising Sun on the next honors list....
Considering that for a few moments, Harry frowned in thought, "I take it that you'll be looking for a hotel room?"
As the Twins gestured with a hand and the backdoor opened, their brother nodded, "Hai, Harry-San, which is something that we are looking into…" Trailing off, he gave the teen a thoughtful look, "Unless you have another idea?"
Nodding some, Harry glanced at the Twins and back at Akiyama, "Actually, if you wish, I can have you stay at my family's manor. It might be a bit more comfortable than a hotel room…"
Good man, Harry, good man. As a side note, Team Malfoy will be staying in Moulbaix, before Flooing to and from Hogwarts. This also lets the Twins experience their first British Christmas with the Potters, since the Ball is on the 27th.
Pausing, he continued some and bowed slightly, "As well, it is only fair for me to offer as you allowed me to stay at your home for Gion Matsuri."
Eyes lighting up at that, Ume and Sakura glanced at their brother and then back at Harry with Sakura speaking for them both, "We had wondered what your family's home was like, Harry-Chan. Would you mind us staying there as well?"
Of course, moments later they blushed some as the teenage wizard shook his head, "Not at all, and I was, well… I was kind of planning to invite you to come there for Spring Break as well, Sakura-Chan, Ume-Chan. A number of the trees in the orchard would be in full bloom after all, and we could take walks there enjoying the blossoms."
To their brother's great amusement, his sisters' faces went red and there was the slightest hint of steam coming from their ears at the thought of it,
And Harry blasts the grave for his pelvis even deeper. Christmas and then Spring break (where the Twins will promptly experience the English equivalent to
hanami) is going to be super-romantic for these two girls. The more so since they have the KonohanaClan/tree
kami lineage....
Of course the Twins are thinking about super-romantic activities at Daimyo Potter's Estate. Chaste kisses on the cheek, admiring the blossoms with their True Love, maybe possibly even ultra-super-lewd
handholding in private, the shock, the horror!
(Yeah, I expect them to climb the latter of 'expressing affection' to Harry then, especially since I suspect that the Spring Visit will be marginally chaperoned. At a minimum, he's got a Love Confession pending from two
very eager (and thirsty!) maidens who have definite plans afoot for matrimony followed by being very (heh) 'fruitful' in filling the Konohana-Potter Family Tree immediately after/during the Wedding Night. Harry's royally screwed, in all the good ways!)
'Hmm… perhaps tease them about that later…'
Gently nudging her husband as she suspected she knew what thoughts were going through his mind, Hina turned back to Harry and smiled softly, "That does sound rather lovely, Harry-San. And thank you for the offer, we shall consider it."
Yeah, Aki-kun will have lots of entertainment teasing the Onee-samas, plus 'assisting' them pack to get ready for their fun. He's almost to the point of 'helpfully suggesting' baby names for his first nieces and nephews....
Before, the large curved rigging which represented the naval installation that they had been Hitobashira of had been impressive enough. Now? Now it was even more impressive as Harry slowly walked around it. As before, at either end of the curved section, on the top, was the 16" howitzers that had been there with their concrete shelters that they could slide in and out of on tracks. Harry could also see the various siege guns and other artillery from before.
However, now they had been joined by other guns as well.
At four places equally distant from one another, the teenage wizard could see the turrets that had come from both Musashi and Sora, the Kitsune Battleship Sora that was. As well, there was also the 6" guns as well from said Battleships as well which had been placed in various spots alongside the same 10 cm/65 Type 98 guns as the Akizuki class. Along the top of the rigging's "Rim", he could spot radar installations as well as other guns which made him blink.
Very nice setup and I like how the changes they made internally got mirrored here.
Leaning in, Harry frowned in thought even as one of the fairies manning said guns waved at him, which he returned. Then, the green-eyed teen turned towards Ume and Sakura, "I… don't recognize these guns, Ume-Chan, Sakura-Chan."
With a glance in the direction that he was looking, the two smiled, "Those would be the 12.7 cm/50 Type 5s, Harry-Chan. They're Anti-air guns that were being developed at the end of the war."
Sakura's smile then grew a little bit, "We are nearly finished with the design work for the Type 1s, which were to replace the 12.7 cm/50 3rd Year Types such as those that Fubuki-San are equipped with." Looking at the guns, she tilted her head some, "As the Type 5s, they're able to swat high flying Bombers."
Considering that, Harry slowly nodded as it did make sense, "Hmm… so the 10 cm/65 Type 98s are for lower altitude air attacks, and the 12.7 cm are for the higher altitudes? Alongside whatever smaller guns you have."
Hmm, VERY nice layered defensive setup for a cornerstone of the JMSDF's defenses. And those guns will be useful for DDs and the like (especially with VT shells).
Getting a nod, he glanced over the rigging before blinking as he spotted what looked like a large runway coming from the back of the Twins' rigging and leading into a cavern. Said runway was much too big for the usual planes, which made him blink and turn towards the Twins, "And that?"
The two just mysteriously smiled before gigging, "You'll just have to find out soon enough, Harry-Chan."
Heh, nice airbase setup, but there's also a bit of inadvertent innuendo here for Harry with this 'cavern airbase'.
Not that he will know it for a while yet, but these girls do have serious future naughty plans to have him 'explore some caverns in their installation setup'.
Repeatedly, thoroughly, often, and extensively as much as he desires to. Some of which might actually have airplane/airship/broom rider facilities inside them.
Eyebrow raised, Harry was amused at that as they dismissed their rigging, but could tell that they would say no more. Instead, he just chuckled and grinned at them, an action that brought flushes to their cheeks, "Well, all I can say is that you're just as awesome as I could expect, Ume-Chan, Sakura-Chan."
Both girls smiled happily at that and kissed his cheeks before once more taking his hands in theirs as they headed back to the house. They did have appointments to keep, after all.
Ahh yes, Harry makes their day again with the honest compliment. Those are some seriously happy girls emitting measurable Juuchis of smug levels.
Entering the room where the Vanishing Cabinets were kept, Harry barely had time to realize that the now smirking Ume and Sakura let go of his hands and stepped to the side before he found his face in marshmallow hell. Rapidly blinking, he looked at the sight of Miitake, who was hugging him tight, "Harry-Chan! You have fallen for my trap, and now it is time for… huggles!"
Preplanned. Definitely preplanned. Someone radioed ahead.
And Miitake strikes!! Surprise Marshmallow Heaven Huggles!!
Unable to help himself, Harry snorted some, especially when Ishikari groaned and facepalmed with a red face, "Miitake-Chan… just stop!"
Briefly, the other Battlecruiser paused, hummed in thought, before grinning, "Nope! Because Huggles are the best!" Feeling a tap, she looked down at Harry, "Hmm?"
Pulling back a little enough to breath and speak, Harry had a twinkle of mischiviousness in his eyes, "Actually, I know one thing that is better than huggles…"
Gasp escaping from her, Miitake jerked her head back as if struck, "Better than huggles! Impossible!" Leaning towards him, she frowned, "What could possibly be better than huggles-"
Right before she could finish, the teenage wizard kissed her for a few moments, causing her face to go bright red. Then, Harry pulled back with a smirk on his face, "Well… what about kisses with huggles?"
Very slowly, Miitake raised her finger as she regained her senses, "That… is a very good point for which I have no counter-argument."
And Harry retaliates! Miitake will no doubt include more kisses with her huggles! (and this reunion scene was utterly adorable!)
Laughing some, Harry shook his head and got out of the hug before making his way over towards Ishikari and hugging her. Said tsundere blushed and looked away, even as she hugged him back, "Jeez… do you have to do that here… not that I mind or anything, but still."
Snickers escaping him, Harry gently tugged her head down and kissed her cheek, which made her blush even more, "Nope!"
All the blushing Battlecruiser did was look away as she muttered some.
Off to the side, Mihara bit her lip in order to keep from laughing even as she glanced at Harry.
And Harry then flusters the Ishikari. Which is great to see, since he can tell that she really did enjoy and want this.
Off to the side, Mihara bit her lip in order to keep from laughing even as she glanced at Harry. Like the others, she would always be thankful to him for having given her the chance that he had. And how could she not be thankful? After all, like with Miitake and Ishikari alongside Denryuu, he had dove into her wreck to place ofuda in order to purify it.
But unlike the other three alongside Ume and Sakura, she wasn't really attracted to him. Oh, that was not to say that she didn't think that he was cute when they first met, or that he was not handsome now. Even she agreed with that after all. And, if they ever wanted to spice things up, and she was available? Well, she was more than willing to help out in that way.
It was just that was all there was really.
Yeah, that's very adult of her to accept that he's not The One and that's fine. Also, it's a great look at the other three from a semi-outside perspective.
Granted, that said? She did love watching him interact with the other "Caldera Girls" as they sometimes referred to themselves as. From how he caused Miitake to go from happy go lucky to sputtering or stunned, causing Ishikari to become a flustered, tsundere mess. Or how bashful Denryuu became around him as well as getting Ume and Sakura all blushing and giggling? It was always entertaining to watch happen. And it was something that she was definitely looking forward to happening in the future where she could see it.
Case in point. I like how you can tell that she's having lots of fun and good times here with her friends. And yes, the reactions of the others are pure win!
Not knowing of the Repair Ship's thoughts, Harry made his way over to Denryuu and pulled the Carrier into a hug, "Hey…"
Returning the hug happily, Denryuu smiled back and kissed his cheek, "Good morning, Harry-Chan."
As he pulled back a little, after returning the kiss to the cheek, the teenage wizard smiled a little bit at her, "Are you ready for what is going to happen, Denryuu-Chan?"
Smile softening as she understood what was not being said about what was going to happen, Denryuu only nodded, "Hai, I am ready for what is about to happen, Harry-Chan." Taking a deep breath, she then released it with a happy sigh, "I mean… I can't wait to summon my hull after this and, um… have you on my bridge."
Even as he nodded, Harry briefly tightened the hug, "I can't either."
Yep, someone is very happy and also being very bold. As I have said, having their loved one on the bridge is a very very meaningful intimate action for a shipgirl (with different levels of sexual/romantic vs platonic intimacy involved. Obviously Denryuu is fallign on the romantic and eventual sexual end of the scale here since she plans to 'take Admiral Potter for a private cruise' (something, I'll note that Cleo, Johnstona nd Niobe will eventually do with Draco) when he's matured a bit and she's ready. You have also seen this play out to a degree with Ron/Warspite and Ron/Duke (and soon Ron/JB once she summons her hull for him).
By signing her crew roster, in a certain sense, Harry will be marrying her (or at least a serious betrothal/engagement statement) in terms of the psychology involved*. Which Harry, as someone growing up around shipgirls, will certainly 'get' on some fundamental levels.
*I'll note that Ehren handing over her dagger body to Draco is the weapons tsukumogami version of this level of commitment and declaration of interest. Not that Draco is aware just yet, and Ehren isn't quite aware of the level of her statement there (TBF, she's denying and justifying it as 'I'm protecting him and the rest'). On a deeper level as a the protector of Draco's honor and life, Ehren's action is a fundamental binding not unlike the Kotegiri/Nobunaga Mastery bond (which was also romantic) by stating that 'he is my Hero whom I bind my spirit to unto death and beyond for us' (just like Admiral Potter and Denryuu here).
Unknown to him, the Carrier's blush deepened some as she bit her lip at other thoughts. Oh, she definitely wanted to have him sign her crew register, as her Captain and Admiral. And she also wanted to see him striding her bridge as well, with her at his side. But, well…
Denryuu was also looking forward to maybe have him stay in the quarters for the Admiral upon her. Not that they were going to do anything more than maybe hug and kiss, as well as simply sleep in the same bed holding each other. But, well… it had been in her dreams more than once…
Even if sometimes, when regarding an older Harry, those dreams had gone a bit further…
Quickly shaking that off, Denryuu tried her best to get her blush under control
QED. As I said, that kind of visit is very very special and intimate to a shipgirl. (It is very likely to result in keels being laid during the visit aboard her since she's opening up fully and totally to him, hence Johnston Junior getting conceived on
USS Johnston's bridge/captain's cabin during the honeymoon.)
"So, um… You're going to summon your Installation over the old one?"
Very slowly, the Twins nodded some, "Hai, that is the basics of it."
Gesturing with one hand, Sakura continued some, "We have spoken with Hoppou-Chan, Wanko-San, Supprin-San, and other Allied Abyssal Installations with regards to how they summon their Installations on islands to build up."
This was some great worldbuilding and explanation here about hos Installations function HL.
Ume then took over, "We also sought out some who know a great deal about spiritual matters such as Yasaka-Sama, the leader of Inari Town in Kyoto, who is also one of the Head Priestesses for Inari-Sama."
At that, Harry cocked an eyebrow, "Huh, so this Yasaka-San is the leader of Inari Town?"
Chuckling some, Akiyama nodded with a small smile, "Hai, she is as she is, as mentioned, one of the Head Priestesses of Inari-Sama. She is a very powerful Kyuubi, though from what I heard, she has taken a lover." His expression became thoughtful, "Perhaps soon they might be blessed with child…"
Nice addition here, and it makes sense that this would work. Hmm, I bet Natsumi might be acquainted with Yasaka-Sama, ditto Toku. Obviously, she's an ally of the Konohanas.
While part of him wondered, the younger wizard only nodded before turning back towards Ume and Sakura, "So, how does it exactly work?"
Lips twitching, Ume hummed a little bit in thought, "You know of ōmagatoki?"
Eyebrow raised, Harry blinked at that, "The Hour of Meeting Evil Spirits? Hai, it is shortly after sunset when the day is not quite gone, and night has not quite arrived. It is when the barriers between the material and the spiritual are at their thinnest."
Nodding at that, Sakura smiled some in thought, "Hai." She paused for a moment before continuing, "What we shall be doing is, in a way, creating an artificial ōmagatoki. We shall be thinning the veil between the material and the spiritual, allowing for both to merge upon the island itself. Thus, allowing us to overlay the physical structure of the island with our spiritual rigging."
**scribbles more notes for Ehren and co.**
Makes perfect sense to me.
When Harry asked about Abyssal Installations, she nodded some, "It is tougher for them to do as they don't, technically, own the place in question. But being as our former remains are entombed there and we are the Hitobashira, we can do it far, far easier than an Abyssal could when they claim an island."
Small smile on her face, her twin sister nodded, "After all, we technically own the island in a spiritual sense. Or, at least, the surface portions."
Hmm, makes sense. To pick on the thoroughly dead and trolled, CCP did revamp Saint Pierre to her wish list before the USN, RN, USMC, and French Expeditionary Force showed up offshore with extremely bad intentions. Sores was seen wandering past a bunch of BBV-capable dockyards that never existed on Martinique, for instance.
The Twins then began to speak together as one, "Once we have done so, with Ishikari-Chan's, Miitake-Chan's, Denryuu-Chan's, and Mihara-Chan's hulls in their dry docks, we'll drain away the water and help them." Both of them turned to the shipgirls in question and nodded slightly, "What you will be doing is overlaying your own rigging over your old hulls, with us merging them together. At that point, as with your rigging, you should be capable of easily summoning your now completed and fixed hulls like any other would with practice."
A small giggle escaped from Sakura as she shook her head, "Less practice than most shipgirls, but still with a little bit of work."
Nice way to finesse the issue here. As for the ones I'm involved with, Mika will be a while before she summons Lakotah's hull to sign her families and Dennis aboard since while she's got the raw power, she doesn't have the legend or skill yet. Johnston OTOH is kind of close since she has the legend and the badass from before she returned (and has burnished said legend and badass by living up to the Code of the Taffy**). Cleo's getting there, and Niobe might be first to summon a hull for Flottenadmiral von Malfoy, depends on how Aurelius wants that to go.
**"Though I sail through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I shall fear no evil because I'm the biggest bravest badass in the Valley! Fuck around and find out if you think you're so tough!"
Oh man, oh man, one of these mini-arcs that dive into mystical side of this AU.
I fucking love these!
So do I! **
high fives**
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 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."
Heh, Harry steps in it again., Naughty naughty minds, girls!
And nice setup with the prefab here.
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."
Yeah, no reason to lose a key element of the setup by materializing a building on top of the Vanishign Cabinet. 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."
Cue the girls planning to invite Harry over for fun in the sun this summer~~
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 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."
Yeah, if this comes out it will be massive for the JMSDF since that's years of work and billions of yen that they don't have to spend to get a functional well positioned base, just add staff and some work to upgrade from 1940 specs for things like the phones.
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.
Yeah, that was another mark int he long list of good things about him in their books. The more so since he's being honest and forthright.
(Akiyama is just smirking away and summoning movie popcorn)
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 isn'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."
Hmm, Ok, makes sense, although I'd expect some seabirds to colonize it soon-ish.
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. When 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?!"
I'll note that part of this level of shell games and secrecy was that this was intended as the ultimate hideaway for the Kamo Goverment. Which included 'hiding away from Ms. Oda wearing the red kimono who got dispatched from the Imperial Household Agency to politely discuss a few minor concerns***' as part of the criteria, so making it vanish was a good thing.
***AKA :"
What the fuck were you people smoking and you fuckers should have washed your necks or stopped digging the hole you got us in about eight years ago!!" -- Unoffical transcript of Ms. Oda Kotegiri during a 'frank and forthright' policy discussion and decision review with Minister Kamo, July/August 1945
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."
As I said, part of it was to avoid the nice Ms. Oda paying an unexpected visit here in a red kimono to 'politely discuss the situation and explore potential policy shifts****' during a discussion with base command and senior staff.
**** AKA: "
Kotegiri! Fix this catastrophe ASAP before these utter brainless fools destroy Japan!! Get your kimono out of the closet to handle the hardliners while I see what I can do from here!" -- Unofficial transcript, Imperial Household Agency unscheduled Senior Staff meeting, July/August 1945.
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…"
Hmm, interesting and it makes a lot of sense in Japanese tradition and that there would be a law for spiritual entities owning property (like Nori's shrine/farm).
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.
Which makes sense that it's a bit tricky,. OTOH, the government has serious motivation to keep them happy as their only Installations, as them providing a base in a key strategic forward location, and as folks who are politically well plugged in and could create trouble makes sense. Hand over some fig leaves, and just accept a very large slice of a very big pie as a result.
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."
Makes sense. This way everyone gets what they want and need . It's a nice compromise and solution.
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 note 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.
Hmm, that's some good news, honestly. Although you would need prey species for the cats to feed on.
And now I see the twins having a few cats as pets....
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."
Well Harry approves and I hope that this works out for them.
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.
This means a LOT to them, honestly, and they are remembering everythign that HP did for them to get them to this point. Those kisses are definitely full of love.
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.
This was an amazing sequence, honestly! I love how it all worked out!
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.
Look Yae! A Caldera-sized Potter boggle!
But yes, you can't blame him being awed.
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.
Oh yes, this is a REALLy nice setup, and now we have the stage set for the shipgirls to absorb their hulls and then manifest them.
So it wasn't too much of a surprise to Harry that the JMSDF really wanted them functional.
Yeah, this is a massive asset for Japan and the JMSDF, and if it means jumping through a few property rights hoops to sign a lease and import wildlife, it's cheap at the price (this is literally saving the JMSDF YEARS of time and billions of yen).
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.
Nice setup with the bombproof german-design U-boat pens. The subgirls will LOVE that.
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.
Oh yeah. This is a moment these two will cherish forever. Also, nice oblique reference to Harry';s first skinship with them causing him to stare and have no words.
(Their blushes are caused totally by embarrassment and shame that he accidentally walked in on them taking a bath! It' s not like they're a pair of very thirsty schemers in utter love with Harry that wanted him to get a sample of what to expect when they drag him to the altar to make it official!)
((It's totally like that, folks! They'll skinship with him again in a heartbeat and are waiting to progress to further steps in their master plan to make him the perfect Konohana husbando!!))
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."
Good to see John, who is no doubt amused. Someplace deep in a classified location in one of these buildings is a chalkboard with the betting pool of first child names, wedding date, how much Skelegrow Harry's pelvis will need, and the like for their faeries.
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.
Oh yes, this is their big moment and they are totally beside themselves with joy!
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, in like 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.
Very nice setup! (and I bet their base has been cleaned within an inch of its spiritual life for this VVIP tour...)
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.
BUS-TED!!
Totally got found out, and Little Brother sinks the dagger in to the hilt through this opening. I notice his wives didn't stop him fromt hat shot, and were no doubt snickering internally.
(also a great heartwarming moment showing what Harry means to them, plus their family relationship here.)
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."
Yeah, she's not teasing. She's notifying the Base Bookie that all bets are closed in a few long-standing wagers.
(She's totally got blackmail on them, though. They know she saw.)
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.
Yep, heartwarming here, and also it shows how much their brother and family mean to them.
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.
Yep, again, this is a statement of intent and also a declaration of eternal fidelity and love by Harry, Ume, & Sakura. Simply magnificent, HL, magnificent!
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.
Yep! This was one of the happiest days of their lives, and one that they will remember forever. They're now his, and he is theirs for eternity and beyond.
So innocently lewd.