Azur Lane Mobile Front.

At dusk, the two tidied themselves up, dressed in their best clothes, and went to the major general's house on time for their appointment.

Major General Jenkins's home is located on the east side of the island. Presumably because there are no military facilities around, this area did not suffer much firepower during the Sakura Empire's attack and still looks relatively intact.

After knocking and entering, they saw a large round table in the center of the living room laden with American food. They wondered if the company, having eaten Chinese food for a month or so, could still enjoy it. They greeted Arizona, who was preparing dinner, and looked around, not seeing the old man, so they asked, "Arizona, where's the Major General?"

"Huh? That kid Rob is here?" Seemingly having heard Rob's voice, the old man, wearing an apron and a chef's hat, came out of the kitchen. Not to mention Rob, even the company was dumbfounded.

"Grandpa, something's not right with this style of writing."

"Go away, you cook for your family's company every day, why can't I do it?"

Rob thought to himself, "I'm just grinding experience and building up favorability, it's different from yours."

"I'll talk to you guys later, find a place to sit for a while." After saying that, she gave Arizona a look, signaling her to look after us, and then she quickly disappeared into the kitchen.

"Commander Luo, Ms. Enterprise, please have a seat here. It'll be a while before dinner." Arizona, dressed in casual clothes, clearly hadn't fully recovered from her injuries; after all, the ship was still out of commission at the repair shop, and her face was somewhat pale. She raised her hand to smooth her hair at her temples, and on her ring finger, a ring shone brightly under the light.

Rob: "???"

enterprise:"!!!"

“Arizona…you…Grandpa…” Rob looked at the ring on Arizona’s hand, his words slightly stammering.

Arizona didn't answer, but just looked down and fiddled with the table, a blush appearing on her originally pale face.

"Oh? Rob, Enterprise, you're here!" Pennsylvania, with her hair in a single ponytail, walked in from outside, carrying several bottles of liquor. "Hmm? You guys have sharp eyes, you spotted me as soon as you arrived."

"Sister Beng, what's going on with Sister Arizona?"

"Jenkins finally made a move on my sister, huh? It's been so many years, and he's finally willing to give her a ring. Oh well, even though I'm the older sister, I can't help it since I came later than my sister! Come on, lend a hand!"

The company took the bottles from Pennsylvania and helped set them on the table. Rob glanced at Pennsylvania's retreating figure, then at Arizona, thinking there was probably more to the story, and wondered if the old man could handle it.

After silently wishing Major General Jenkins well for ten seconds, Rob dashed into the kitchen, leaving the company and ships to exchange ideas.

In the kitchen, Major General Jenkins was preparing bread for dinner when he saw Rob sneak in. He said, "What are you doing in here, kid? Go away, get out of the way and don't get in my way."

Rob grinned mischievously: "Old man, you made a move on Arizona?"

The old man's face fell; he was somewhat embarrassed to have been brought up to his face.

"It's been so many years, and after this incident, it's time for a resolution."

"But Sister Beng seems a little unhappy?"

"If you really have nothing better to do, then do something for me! Don't try to make fun of me!"

"Help me out, that's fine. I have to go back to the academy in a few days, and I doubt I'll have another chance. Let me show you my cooking skills." As he spoke, Luo Bo rolled up his sleeves and looked around the kitchen to see what ingredients were left. In the end, Luo Bo found some chicken, a little peanuts that he probably intended to use for desserts, and two eggs, and made do with a Kung Pao Chicken.

The old man's original thought was, "How can I let you cook when you're a guest?" Then, as the aroma wafted out, he fell silent.

"Robo, you've got some skills! This dish is great!" At the dinner table, the old man ate with gusto, praising Robo's cooking highly.

The business owner glanced at the Kung Pao Chicken, then at Rob, the meaning clear: "Where's my portion?"

Luo Bo could only gesture with his eyes, "I'll make you a separate one when we get back, don't fight with the old man for it."

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the old man suddenly said to Luo Bo, "Kid, do you know why I helped you and sent you to Donghuang?"

"Because my family business saved Arizona?"

"Yes and no." The old man's face was flushed, and he seemed to be getting a little carried away, as if he was about to say something unexpected. But since the old man was in such a good mood, Luo Bo didn't want to interrupt him, so he could only eat his food and listen.

"White Eagle is a magical place. In the whole world, only with white eagles and irises are humans in control!"

Hearing the old man dumping some expensive stuff, Luo Bo stopped eating and drinking, and started eating melon seeds instead.

"Let's leave Iris aside for now. As for Eagle Union, the vast majority of its ships are under the control of headquarters. The only ships directly under the commander's command are those built by themselves."

"Wait a minute, sir. I remember that ships can apply to join a commander's command and become a commander's directly subordinate ship, right?"

“So you’re still too young, kid!” The old man downed another glass of wine. He continued, “Commanders are assigned to various ports, but ships aren’t. For example, in Pearl Harbor, the only ships permanently stationed are Arizona and Pennsylvania. Enterprise and the others—ah, they’re not yours—will be stationed in another port next month. I’ll be sending a different batch of ships here.”

Rob understood immediately when the old man explained. A ship can't stay under a commander for long; the two sides can barely get to know each other, let alone have the ship apply to join the commander's command. Even if there were a chosen one who could gain the ship's approval in a short time, given the low security of the commander's position, the ship would still return to headquarters after a few years.

"If we don't play like this, old man, what kind of fighting power do we have left?"

"Therefore, the headquarters often has to form various temporary fleets, because the garrison fleet cannot win battles that are slightly more difficult."

"Are those people at headquarters completely unafraid that the Sirens will directly breach the defenses?"

"The Sirens have been silent for too long. The current generation has long forgotten the hardships of the Sirens' war."

"So, what does all this have to do with my trip to Donghuang?"

"Why can't you get it right, kid?" The old man looked at him with a disappointed expression. "The headquarters is pulling this stunt to weaken the commander's power and ensure their absolute authority. But you're different, kid. Your company is too powerful. I heard it from Bumblebee. One against six and still managed to destroy one."

Rob glanced at his own company and thought that if she hadn't forgotten some close-combat skills, she might have beaten all six of them down.

"So, the headquarters' methods don't work on me?" Rob finished the sentence.

“That’s right. You need to know that your company is fighting against the main force of Sakura Empire. Not to mention ordinary commanders, even the headquarters itself finds it troublesome.”

Rob thought to himself, "You underestimate the headquarters. The dumplings should be in the pot by now. Add Enterprise and the others, and Sakura Empire is no match for them."

"In this situation, the command only has one other option."

"Deal with me?"

"Yes, if we can't solve the problem, then we can just eliminate the person who raised the problem."

"So I have to take advantage of the fact that the headquarters doesn't really understand the company's combat capabilities and is in such a mess that they don't have time to investigate further, and run away quickly?"

"Yes! Moreover, Donghuang is very special. You are from Donghuang. Once you gain their recognition, you will be the sole commander of the entire camp. Theoretically, you will be the commander of Donghuang, on the same level as the headquarters. At that time, even if you cause a huge upheaval, the headquarters will be powerless against you."

The old man launched into a long speech, picked up the bottle to refill his glass, but Arizona glared at him and stopped him.

After finishing discussing Rob's questions, the two started rambling on, fueled by alcohol. The old man recounted his heroic deeds from back in the day with great enthusiasm, even talking about the various ships he commanded, looking quite nostalgic.

Rob glanced over and saw Arizona give the old man a quick look. The old man, caught up in the conversation, naturally didn't notice his sister's subtle glance. Rob thought to himself, "Old man, good luck to you. Talking about other girls in front of your own sister, I, Rob, respect you as a man!"

By the time Robert and his companion got home, it was nearly midnight.

Upon entering the house, the company's previously stern demeanor vanished instantly. As soon as he sat down at the table, Rob was dumbfounded.

"You promised me, I'd have Kung Pao Chicken for supper!"

"No, why are you still thinking about Kung Pao Chicken? Where am I supposed to buy the ingredients for you at this hour?"

"Then next time."

"Next time definitely!"

In the end, Rob made do with a plate of fried rice, thinking to himself that the ship was indeed illogical. A normal person eating like that would not only gain weight, but would probably develop pancreatitis.

By the time Rob finally finished tidying up and could lie in bed, it was already 1 a.m. Lying there, he recalled what Major General Jenkins had said and for the first time felt he didn't have enough cards to play. After all, one MS couldn't sway a war; he needed at least two. Looks like he'd have to figure out how to build another round.

"Hello, yes, it's possible." The system popped up and then quickly showed Rob several advanced mechs.

Rob nearly fainted. "This isn't about influencing war; you're practically antagonizing Earth by bringing this up!"

After dismissing the system, Rob stopped thinking about construction. "Forget it, I'd rather think about how to upgrade the Enterprise's freedom. System, your pricing is outrageous! 500 million resources! Are you robbing me!"

[Hello host, this is the pricing for a Russian Tier 7 ship.]

"The Russians can rake in over a million in one go, so why didn't you give me any?"

【特色】

Chapter Seventeen: The Hearth Goddess

Rob returned to the Naval Academy at the beginning of the following year. Although he had only been away for a few months, many people would never experience what happened during that time.

Because it was still the winter break after Christmas, the Naval Academy was not as bustling as usual, and only a few pedestrians could be seen on the road.

Wearing winter clothes, Rob and his companion walked along the academy avenue. The trees on both sides of the road had long since lost their leaves, but because it had snowed a few days ago, some white could still be seen on the branches.

"The headquarters really knows how to pick their time. Calling us back at this hour. I really wish I could stay with the old man for another two months. Putting everything else aside, it's really warm over there." As he spoke, Luo Bo exhaled a puff of white steam onto his hands and rubbed them together vigorously.

Enterprise was wearing a pale yellow overcoat, over a dark turtleneck sweater, and a black mini-skirt, with white knee-high boots and a baseball cap on her head. Combined with her beautiful face and slender figure, she attracted a lot of attention wherever she went. After all, in sub-zero temperatures, anyone wearing so little and daring to leave their overcoat open would be freezing. Because there was a naval academy nearby that produced commanders, pedestrians on the street were basically in a "I can tell you're not human at first glance" state.

"I have to buy a car someday. I didn't realize it before, but now that I look at it, this college is way too big. We've been walking for ages and we're still not there," Rob complained after walking for half a day in the freezing cold.

After walking for several minutes, we finally arrived at the entrance of the building where the dean's office was located. There we saw a short figure in a dark nurse's uniform and cap, with braids, looking around as if she was waiting for someone.

Rob glanced at it and thought to himself that this must be another ship.

The ship looked around and finally spotted the company. Its eyes lit up, and it strode over quickly.

"It actually is a company! They told me before that students from the Naval Academy built a company, but I didn't believe it."

"Eh? The goddess of the hearth?" Enterprise's face lit up with joy when he saw the newcomer.

The goddess of the hearth looked the company up and down, the smile on her face gradually fading away. "Company, what's wrong with you? It's so cold, and you're only wearing so little? And you've even left your coat open? Button it up! What if you catch a cold!"

Rob, who had just been about to say hello and introduce himself, promptly shut his mouth, trying to minimize his presence. At this moment, any words he spoke would have to carry a hint of sarcasm.

After lecturing the company for a while, the female kitchen god pulled the company into the building, saying as they walked, "How old are you? You can't even take care of yourself!"

"Hey! Wait, Vesta, don't pull me! I'm not cold! I'm really not cold anymore!"

Despite being smaller than Enterprise, Enterprise was dragged away by the goddess of the hearth without any resistance. Rob thought this was probably the oppressive power of a parent. He shrugged and followed her into the building.

After turning left and right for a while inside the building, he finally arrived at the dean's office. The door was already open; it seemed that Vesta and Enterprise had arrived. Out of politeness, Rob knocked on the door.

"Come in," a childish voice called out.

Rob thought the voice sounded familiar.

Rob walked in and closed the door behind him. He saw Enterprise sitting on the sofa by the fireplace, arms crossed, looking sullen, her coat that had been open was now closed. The goddess of the hearth was beside her, asking her something, probably too busy to talk to anyone else.

"Robo, over here!" The voice rang out again.

Rob followed the sound inside and saw a large desk; the sound seemed to be coming from that desk. But he didn't see anyone.

"Dean?" Rob tried calling out.

Suddenly, a pink ahoge (cowlick) popped out from behind the table.

"!!!"

"What are you shouting for? Can't you see?" The voice didn't sound very happy.

Indeed, it was invisible; of course, Rob didn't dare say so.

"Tch. Wait a minute." A pair of small hands popped out from under the table, rummaged around for a while, found a few books, and then quickly shrunk back in, books and all.

If it weren't broad daylight, Rob would have thought he'd wandered onto a horror movie set.

After another commotion, a head finally emerged from behind the table. Oh, it was a destroyer. No, an aircraft carrier.

Saratoga?

"What's wrong? Is it strange that you saw Saratoga?" Saratoga asked, frowning.

Rob thought to himself, "It's not strange to see you, but it's quite strange to see you here."

"Dean of the Academy... could it be you?"

"What kind of tone is that! And you, a student, don't even recognize the dean?"

“We need to be reasonable. You’ve never told me you’re the dean, and you didn’t even preside over my entrance ceremony.”

"Is there a problem? I'm very busy!"

"Alright, alright, you're right." Luo Bo didn't intend to dwell on this issue and decided to get straight to the point. "Why did the Dean transfer me back? I remember my internship should still have some time left."

"You know perfectly well what I'm asking, don't you? Your company is producing a completely new type of ship. There will definitely be tons of tests to be done! You and your company are going to be very busy. And, as you know, headquarters needs to know exactly what your company is all about and how much of a role it can play on the battlefield. I bet there will be exercises and all sorts of things after the tests, so you're definitely going to be super busy!"

"When does it begin?"

"As for the testing, it's just a ship research institute, so the arrangements will be quick. It can start tomorrow or the day after at the latest. The exercise depends on when the ships we're supposed to send arrive."

"Alright, I don't have any problems here. But since I'm already here, Dean, can I talk to you about something?"

“Saratoga has a feeling you’re up to no good,” Saratoga said suspiciously, looking at Rob.

"It's like this, Dean. I'd like to apply for early graduation and then return to Donghuang."

“Graduate early? No way! You’ve only been enrolled for less than two years. Even if you graduate early, you still need to complete at least two years and earn all your credits.” Saratoga shook his head vigorously, flatly rejecting Rob’s request.

"Alright, then it'll be two years. Anyway, it'll only be a few months left." With that, Rob turned and left.

"!!!" Sarah was shocked. She never thought she would be tricked like that!

Enterprise, whose head was spinning from being nagged by the Vestal Goddess, saw that Rob had finished his business and immediately stood up, grabbing Rob's arm. "Commander, are you done? Come on, come on, there's still so much to pack. Vestal Goddess, I'm off now, goodbye!"

Before Rob could say anything, the company forcibly dragged him away.