Azur Lane Mobile Front.

Without a doubt, the fact that the commander was willing to lend him Shoukaku and Zuikaku was already a considerable help.

However, the way the other side mobilized their entire family made Mikasa feel that it wasn't just a simple matter of dealing with Akagi and Kaga.

"What exactly is that commander planning?"

...

Robb certainly had his own plans.

Having such a troublesome force standing right at his doorstep forces Robo to leave extra room for Sakura Empire in all aspects of his plans.

It's worth noting that the Sakura Empire has a tradition of impulsively gambling without considering the consequences.

Once is enough when someone steals your house.

Therefore, Rob hopes that this time, even if he can't completely solve the problem of Sakura Empire, he can at least make them feel bad.

To achieve this goal, Rob rode a white wooden horse, essentially circumnavigating the globe in a few days.

What if we don't have enough manpower on our side?

That would naturally mean calling in reinforcements!

Unbeknownst to Sakura Empire, the Northern Combined Fleet in the north and the White Eagle on the other side of the Pacific Ocean had both deployed in the waters near Sakura Empire using the White Horse's transport capabilities.

Now, all that's left is to wait for Akagi and Kaga.

Chapter 160: The Ceremony Begins

A knock came from the door of Longfeng's room.

"Please come in!"

"Sorry to bother you."

Upon entering was a short-haired ship captain dressed in a black Taisho uniform and wearing a field officer's hat, exuding a rather masculine air.

"Ghost Wrath, what's going on?"

"Lord Ryuhou, Lord Akagi of the First Carrier Division has arrived."

Longfeng raised an eyebrow, looking at Guinu with some surprise. Akagi's arrival was a little earlier than she had expected.

However, the arrival of the "first visitor" also marked the official start of the Tenyu Kaito Festival.

"I understand."

Longfeng stood up and loudly announced to her companions in the same room, "The festival begins! Please take your roles!"

"This festival will determine the fate of the Sakura Empire."

"As the agents of High Priest Shinano, we will become part of the festival."

"I earnestly request that you all take this very seriously."

Amidst the cheers, Longfeng led everyone out of the courtyard.

As they approached the door, Longfeng solemnly turned around and gazed intently towards the direction of the castle tower.

"Lord Shinano, let's set off!"

The direction of the castle tower remained as quiet as ever.

However, in an unseen corner, it seemed that a butterfly was fluttering its wings, staring intently at the departing crowd.

...

Near the main island of Tianyan Island.

Akagi and Kaga have arrived at the so-called checkpoint.

Even before the "obstacle" appeared, they still stopped in their tracks.

Some rules, even the most sincere, must be followed.

"Ten'yan Island, ah~ Shinano really found a good place to live."

Gazing at the buildings on the island, Akagi's lips curled into a sneer.

Akagi never had a pleasant attitude towards Shinano, a teammate who had taken all the resources but hadn't accomplished anything.

If it weren't for the fact that the other party was a Yamato-class official and the Sakura Empire's high priest, whose identity was far too sensitive, Akagi would have insisted on hanging Shinano on top of the torii gate.

"Aka...Akagi-sama~"

Yamashiro, who was traveling with him, cautiously reminded Akagi that this was still Shinano territory after all.

"Legend has it that Lord Shinano can see everything in the world in his dreams, and can even give instructions to priests through their dreams. So... is it possible...?"

Yamashiro felt mentally exhausted. This kind of thing should have been done by Akagi's external calming device, Kaga.

Unfortunately, Kaga's view of Shinano was exactly the same as Akagi's.

In order to prevent the festival from being disrupted before it even began due to a falling out between the person in charge and the chief priest, Yamashiro had no choice but to step forward and remind Akagi to be more careful with his words.

"Ha~ You actually believe those tricks used to fool little kids?"

Akagi's disdain became even more pronounced.

However, the sight of a figure in the distance made her suppress her expression.

Putting everything else aside, Shinano's subordinates are quite loyal, so there's no need for me to provoke them.

"Gentlemen, please wait!"

Longfeng gripped the sword at his waist with one hand and stretched out the other, blocking Akagi's already nonexistent advance.

Don't ask, that's just how the ceremony was arranged.

"Wow~ Is that you who's here to greet us? Dragon and Phoenix?"

Akagi was fairly familiar with Ryu and Feng, after all, they were somewhat of her little fans.

Therefore, Akagi's expression was much gentler towards the dragon and the phoenix.

"Think of a way to bring her over."

While greeting them, Akagi was secretly plotting to poach Shinano's men.

Such a fine ship is such a waste to leave to Shinano, who only knows how to sleep.

"It's been a long time, Lord Akagi, Lord Kaga."

(Yamashiro: What about me?)

Longfeng seemed a little reserved in front of Chicheng, but fortunately she quickly remembered her duty and avoided making a fool of herself.

“We all understand the rules of the Ame-no-Kakei Festival, so let’s skip the pleasantries and get started.”

As he spoke, Kaga summoned his ship equipment.

Long Feng's expression hardened, and he drew his sword.

After reciting the prescribed prayers with a devout expression, Ryuho summoned its ship equipment and attacked Akagi and Kaga.

Since it is a ritual, its symbolic meaning will certainly outweigh its practical meaning.

A light aircraft carrier versus two regular aircraft carriers plus an aviation battleship—unless the opponent is ridiculously weak, the outcome is predictable.

It didn't take much effort for Akagi Kaga to defeat Ryuhou.

"As expected of a senior from the First Carrier Division, I have lost this battle."

"It was a narrow victory. You've changed a lot since I last saw you."

Akagi, without even a scratch, spoke rambling nonsense without any pressure. Under normal circumstances, Akagi could play the role of an excellent senior well for such an obedient junior.

After some pleasantries, guided by Ryuho, Akagi Kaga and the others officially set foot on Ten'yan Island.

Shortly after Akagi and the others landed on Ten'yan Island, Mikasa and the others arrived at the area where the "checkpoint" was located from another direction.

"I am Suruga, and I welcome you, my guests, who have come from afar. Please take care of me."

A ship dressed in a white military uniform, wearing a white outer and red inner cloak, and with two curved bull horns on its head, emerged.

Her composed demeanor, coupled with the five massive twin-mounted turrets behind her, immediately gave people a sense of security.

"Are you the legendary third Kii-class battleship, Suruga?"

Mikasa stepped forward and looked the ship up and down.

"Hmm...seeing is believing. Thank you for your hard work, this is Mikasa."

The ship in front of them looked quite decent, and Mikasa nodded to Suruga, acknowledging her junior.

"Huh?"

Suruga showed clear signs of mental overload after hearing Mikasa's self-introduction.

"You flatter me, senior!"

Forget all about ceremony. Suruga immediately gave Mikasa a huge bow of over 90 degrees.

"As you can see, I'm just a newbie with no combat experience. I hope to fight alongside you in the future!"

Mikasa had seen this nervous look on her juniors' faces many times before.

So she didn't really care. Anyway, most of the Sakura Empire ships looked like this when they first met her.

Not to mention the distance, Nagato behind is about the same as Suruga in front of us.

"In the future? If we're going to fight side by side, can't we do it now?"

Mikasa looked at Suruga with a kind expression, while subtly reminding him that it was time to get down to business.

"Huh?! Right, that's right!"

"What was the word again?"

Suruga was clearly flustered by Mikasa's appearance, and he even forgot to say his congratulations.

Fortunately, Longfeng had anticipated this situation and thoughtfully prepared small notes for everyone.

With the help of the note, Suruga finally managed to read the blessing.

"Are you... sure you want to fight us?"

Zuikaku stepped forward, looking at Suruga with a puzzled expression.

Honestly, I wasn't this brave back then. Didn't she see how big a group of us there were?

"Yes...yes! Please give me your guidance!"

As he spoke, Suruga gripped his katana tightly with both hands, assuming an offensive stance.

"Alright..."

Ruihe said that she had already tried to persuade them, but the other party came to her on their own.

After obtaining Mikasa's consent, Zuikaku immediately summoned its ship equipment.

Then, with magnificent wings of light unfolding, Zuikaku, trailing a series of afterimages, used only one move to "cut down Suruga from his horse".

Chapter 161: Eugen: Heh heh! This little girl is interesting, let's have some fun!

Another direction from Tianyan Island.

Prince Eugen, accompanied by Z2, was looking at Noshiro with great curiosity.

Eugen was most interested in these ships that looked like they were very serious about their work.

"The Agano-class light cruiser Noshiro has been waiting here for a long time, commissioned by Lord Shinano."

"Hmm~ It's an honor for us Ironbloods to be invited as allies to participate in the Sakura Empire's festival~"

As he spoke, Prince Eugen's lips curled into that enigmatic smile once more.

Anyone familiar with her would know that this was a sign that she was about to cause trouble.

"However, when Akagi explained the process before, I heard that there was a segment called 'Martial Arts Drill'?"

Noshiro was taken aback, but didn't think much of it, taking it as just the curiosity of a visitor.

"Ah~ that. Martial arts practice is indeed an important part of the festival, but it is only for visitors from within Sakura Empire. You guests need not participate."

Noshiro solemnly introduced the information about the martial arts competition to Prince Eugen and Z2.

Anyway, it's normal to act as a tour guide for a while when it comes to reception work.