Commander, you smell so good.

The other one had brown hair and was also wearing a Japanese-style kimono and armor, but her outfit was red and her light makeup was similar. However, compared to the indifferent look of the silver-haired woman, she was smiling, giving people a sense of arrogance and beauty.

It is like the blood-colored flower of the other shore, red, deep, and has a fascinating beauty.

But Jiang Zheng saw that the only inhuman thing they had in common was that they all had nine tails and fox ears that were the same color as their hair.

There was a Go board placed on the only table. The silver-haired woman had an indifferent expression, as if she was thinking about her next move. However, the other person did not look at the chessboard. She looked at the open door of the castle tower facing the outside world, her eyes looking down at the world.

It was not until Jiang Zheng entered that the two noticed his arrival. The red-haired woman smiled even more and quickly came to him.

"I assume you are Lord Jiang Zheng. Please allow me to introduce myself."

"I am Akagi, a carrier-class aircraft carrier, the flagship of the Invincible Armada, and the third leader of the Sakura Islands."

Chapter 287 Akagi's Thoughts

"Why the leader and not the flagship? And I'm not really an adult."

Jiang Zheng noticed the meaning in Akagi's words. Generally speaking, the highest position of a ship girl is called the chief flagship, but Akagi said that she is the leader of the Sakura Empire.

It seems to be really incredible.

"Don't worry about that. Of course, Lord Jiang Zheng, you are also an adult. Your existence is very special. I believe that the so-called ability to use the Mind Cube to awaken the ship girl is true, right?"

"It's not convenient to talk here standing, please come with me."

Akagi avoided talking about the important things instead of the trivial ones, and there was no need to mention the unimportant things.

There is not only one main hall on the top floor of the castle tower, but also other side halls that are exposed to light on both sides. Although the side halls are not as spacious as the main hall, they are one of the best places to view the scenery.

Although the decoration and layout are similar to those of the Noshiro courtyard, the interior of the castle tower naturally appears more spacious and noble. The corridors are clean and dust-free, and the sliding doors are engraved with cherry trees, birds and animals, and ethereal cloud patterns.

It was different from what Jiang Zheng had thought. He thought they had the choice of sitting in the main hall. It was not until he arrived at the next hall that he realized that this was the official place for entertaining people, and that they would sit on sofas instead of cushions.

Glancing sideways at Kaga who was making tea, Akagi met Jiang Zheng's slightly strange gaze, roughly knowing what he was thinking, and began to explain to him.

"It seems you had some misunderstandings about the Sakura Empire before. Lord Jiang Zheng, kneeling is just a tradition of our Sakura Empire. In the castle tower or at home, we naturally would not do anything that would embarrass our guests."

Please wait a moment, we will continue the story after Kaga finishes making tea.

Akagi had a smile on her face, and the slightly gentle smile made Jiang Zheng unable to tell what she was thinking. His reason made him feel that Akagi's current appearance was quite normal, and there was no sign of illness.

It's a little different from the settings described in detail on a certain wiki, but think about it, it's a game after all, this is reality, so there are naturally some differences.

During the time that Kaga was making tea, Jiang Zheng chatted with Akagi about other things, such as some literary geography and details of the Sakura Empire. At least in his opinion, Akagi was talkative, or rather knew too much and could talk about anything.

After Kaga finished washing off the tea powder with a tea whisk, Jiang Zheng took a sip and felt that it tasted even better than Agano's. He didn't know if it was an illusion?

"This tea tastes good, even better than Agano's, but I can't quite put my finger on it."

"Haha~ You're too kind. Kaga is a master of the tea ceremony, the highest level of refinement within the Sakura Empire. His tea leaves are Gyokuro, and the tea he brews is clear and elegant, and is top-notch for refreshing the mind!"

"Although Agano is a rising star and has learned a little from Fengxiang, he is still too immature compared to Kaga."

After receiving Jiang Zheng's praise, Akagi happily told him the origin of these things, while Kaga just nodded slightly in response and did not say anything else. Instead, Akagi took charge of the whole process.

After chatting about this and that, the matter of tea ceremony was finally put aside. Akagi looked at Jiang Zheng with a smile and began to express his thoughts.

"Master Jiang Zheng, to be honest, I received a letter from the European continent yesterday. I was a little surprised to learn of your arrival. However, it was already late last night and you fell asleep in Sister Fengxiang's izakaya, so it was naturally difficult to disturb you."

"However, I have heard rumors from the Sardinian Empire, the Iron Blood Principality, and the Iris Cult that you are unique and one in a million, and that the secret military organization, the Red Axis, composed of fleets from three countries, was founded in your name."

"Then, I wonder if we, the Sakura Empire, are qualified to join them?"

Chicheng held a folding fan in his hand, but did not open it. Instead, he placed it in the palm of his hand and stroked it gently. His eyes were full of Jiang Zheng's reflection, and his words were just a few words.

Want to make trouble? I want to join in too!

Jiang Zheng frowned. He was about to say, "There seems to be no point in you joining. Is that their business in the European continent? What will you get if you join?"

But then, Jiang Zheng remembered what Agano had told him yesterday about the current situation in Sakura Empire: Mikasa would not come out, the Son of God would not be born again, and Shinano was still asleep.

Although the first two are no longer in charge, they just gave up the position of flagship, not the end of the government. There is no need to say much about Shinano, and the legendary Yamato and Musashi who were able to raise their sleeves to conquer the Sakura Islands are just legends, and they have disappeared without a trace.

So what Akagi needs is to rely on joining the power of the Red Axis to increase her leadership position and the overall strength of Sakura Empire, so that she can stay in the top position and suppress the first two former flagships with different ideas.

Jiang Zheng's thoughts quickly expanded and he soon understood the intention of Chiqi City. Joining the Red Axis would gain the assistance of the Three Musketeers and stabilize the situation.

And most importantly, I can wake up the ship girl. This is the most important point.

After sorting out his thoughts, Jiang Zheng looked at Akagi with more shock. Each of these ship girls who could become the flagship were not easy to deal with. They were all old foxes.

No, what about Amagi? Where's the mastermind behind the Sakura Empire's fleet?

Oh, my keel was accidentally broken during the earthquake, and my health is not good now, I have a herniated disc.

The change on Jiang Zheng's face was naturally noticed by Chicheng. He was surprised that Jiang Zheng could understand his intention so quickly, and there was an excitement in his eyes that he had never shown before.

Don’t mention where you got the information from. Only a few people know about it and can make some associations.

As expected of my commander! As expected of my best partner! He's able to see through things so quickly. With this, my Great Sakura Plan can be realized ahead of time!

Kaga's eyes were shining. Although she didn't care about Akagi's so-called partner, they were originally one, but it would be better if the partner was a smarter person.

"As for this... Actually, my words don't count. I still need to communicate with my shipgirls."

"Of course, but please don't worry. They all breathed a sigh of relief after confirming your identity last night. Now they are all waiting for your contact."

Akagi frowned slightly, but there was no dissatisfaction in his words. Instead, he took out the holographic projector, input the contact number, and placed it on the table. However, he was thinking, what do you mean by "my home" or "not my home"? We'll all be family soon!

After placing the projector on the table, not long after, the familiar figure and naturally curly silver-gray hair finally appeared.

The moment he saw Jiang Zheng, Veneto took a deep breath and greeted him after a long time.

"Long time no see, Commander"

Chapter 288: Long time no see, I miss you so much

"Long time no see, Veneto, how are you guys doing?"

The moment he saw Veneto, saw her familiar face and expression, Jiang Zheng felt that although it had only been a short time since he traveled through time, it gave him the illusion that a lot of time had passed.

"It's okay. It's just that Littorio misses you a lot. She said she often drinks alone without you, always saying she misses the time she could see you. Empire spends every day in the library, books covering her face, and she calls your name even in her dreams. Roma is even more eccentric. Sometimes she even puts on her blue and white swan dress and sings and dances alone in the opera house, her lines filled with lamentations for your disappearance."

"As for the others, the Zara sisters are noticeably less cheerful, Sky Eagle lacks energy and motivation, the Duke of Abruzzi sails day and night looking for you, but never hears from you again, Marco Polo says he's looking for his master, and the Northwest and Southwest winds frequently scout the coast for any sign of you, just like they did before."

"So, Commander, when will you be back? Everyone is waiting for you to take a bath together in the bathhouse. Thinking about playing Jenga with everyone, the wine pool and meat forest you imagined is right here."

"Of course, it's not just us, there's also everyone from Iron Blood and Iris. When are we going to have a party together? I feel wet just looking at you now. I need that bit of yours..."

Veneto's expression went from resentful at first to flushed later, and his words became louder and louder, which made Jiang Zheng feel guilty and helpless at first and then stiff. Now he really wanted to turn off the projector.

I really want to thank my family members. Sometimes I feel helpless and can't hold it in any longer.

Akagi and Kaga, who were sitting opposite, had strange expressions on their faces. They were trying to maintain politeness and shock, and the pie charts were not enough to express their feelings.

At the same time, there was an indescribable complexity in the look he gave Jiang Zheng.

Wow, I originally thought that their close relationship was just a rumor, but now it is indeed a rumor. They are going to play all kinds of games, with things like Crystal Love, COS games, reverse Minotaur, mixing wine and water, precious feet in water, stacking hamburgers, and so on.

Okay, okay, that's how we play, right? I have a cow! I don't want to play!

Especially Chi Cheng's eyes, when he looked at Jiang Zheng, there was even a hint of anger. "You guys played games without me? And you played so well, but I didn't get a chance to play?"

"Cough cough!"

"Uh?... So you're here, Akagi Kaga..."

Kaga couldn't bear it any longer and stopped Veneto from shouting. If she continued shouting like that, the ship girls on duty outside would probably find out, and then neither they nor Jiang Zheng would be able to escape the scandal.

If it really is true, then forget it. If it isn't true and there is a rumor, then what's the point?

When Veneto turned his viewpoint, he saw the strained expression on Akagi Kaga's face. Suddenly, his originally rosy face turned deep red, just like an apple that was so red that it was about to drip with water.

The red is warm.

Fortunately, after talking about other things, the awkward atmosphere was finally forced to end. At the same time, Veneto also pulled Bismarck and Richelieu into the projection meeting.

This officially opened the meeting.

"Long time no see, Jiang Zheng, dear. I wanted to have a good chat with you, but I think this meeting is about serious matters, so we won't talk about irrelevant things. But you look really nice in this outfit. Is this a Japanese costume?"

Seeing that Jiang Zheng was in high spirits and looked the same, and even looked very elegant after wearing the costumes of Sakura Empire, Richelieu wanted to try to go to Sakura Empire to buy their Japanese-style costumes.

In this way, when he and I walk on the road, it must be a wonderful sight to see us as a pair.

"That's right, but Bishop Richelieu, this is a formal meeting, so don't use personal terms. When meeting or working, use the official title."

"Since the Iron Chancellor Bismarck has said so, then I understand. Jiang Zheng, no, he is the commander of our Red Axis."

After being mentioned by Bismarck, Richelieu naturally had to restrain himself for the time being, and later when he had time, he would have a good talk about how to make up for not seeing each other for a long time.

At the very least, it's a big bottle of small goals.

After listening to their words, Jiang Zheng also understood that the red central axis composed of the Three Musketeers of Europe and the Sakura Empire would definitely appear.

And I will become a commander, not a useless empty position with no organization and just a title.

For some reason, Jiang Zheng felt that he was on the opposite side of history, but he also felt particularly excited.

Soon, after a meeting, the Red Axis consisting of Sardinia, Iron Blood, Iris, and Sakura Empire was officially established.

Originally, we wanted to design a red central axis flag, but after discussing it for a long time, we still couldn't find a suitable one, so it had to be shelved for the time being.

However, there is no need to say much about who the only leader is. No one except Jiang Zheng can sit in this position.

All ship girls are like this. The commander only needs to sit on the golden throne, but the ship girls have to consider many things.

From big things like their future trade policies and how much support and cooperation they can get from the inland areas, to small things like the design of Jiang Zheng's personal commander's clothing, even if there are many ship girls who want to grab it, there is no way to get it and it won't even be their turn.

Jiang Zheng also learned that Eugen had created a volcanic island in a certain sea area. He had to say that she was very strong, really.

I just want to compensate her well after I go back.

The meeting finally came to an end after a long time, but it was just the end of the meeting. Jiang Zheng still had to face the questions from the four flagships.

After signing a series of unequal treaties and the Nan Jing Treaty, Jiang Zheng felt powerless and turned off the projector. He didn't know why, but it was just a meeting that made him physically and mentally exhausted. It was really enough.

"Then, Lord Jiang Zheng, that's not right! I should call you Commander."

Unlike just now when they were sitting and looking at each other, Akagi and Kaga were now sitting next to Jiang Zheng. Akagi's smile never stopped, and she took the initiative to reach out and hug his arm, with a smile of joy and relief on her face.

Kaga was not as proactive as Akagi, but the fact that her hands did not move did not mean that there were no other movements. Several of the nine tails behind her were stroking his back and thighs, and even wrapped around his hands.

The expression seems very cold, but it is true that it is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. It is really cold, with a cold expression, and it is really hot, with a lot of hair on its tail.

After snuggling for a long time, Akagi remembered that there was something important that needed to be done, because it was very important.

"Master Jiang Zheng, since we are all one of you, I wonder if you could let me witness your great power?"

Akagi blinked her eyes, Kaga stared deeply, and both of them were smiling and expectant.

Chapter 289: Temple of Heaven Ceremony

"Have you heard? That new human is a big shot. It's said that he has the ability to awaken our Sakura Empire's ships. Is that true? I heard there's going to be some cooperation in the future."

"It seems so. I heard that such a commotion has attracted the attention of Miko-sama and Mikasa-senpai. They have sent several representatives to take a look. I don't know what's going on..."

In the afternoon, Akagi, the leader of Sakura Empire or the flagship, asked Aoba and Koga from the News Department to quickly announce a major news, that is, at 3 p.m. this afternoon, the commander of the Red Axis will wake up the ship girls on the festival altar.

As soon as the news came out, it immediately attracted the sight and attention of many ship girls. Many ship girls who were busy with their work stopped to see what was going on, and the first group of ship girls to arrive were the four Kongo-class ones.

They were the first group to receive the news, but to be precise, they were not the first group to receive the news. Instead, they were the ship girls such as Ryuho and Suruga who were responsible for maintaining the venue ceremony, and Noshiro and Sakuno were also among them.

Even the destroyers Lei, Dian, Baixue and Chuixue, which were preparing to go out to sea to perform missions, stopped forcibly and went over to take a look out of curiosity.

After all, this is a blessing. It is rare to witness the awakening of the soul of a battleship with a human body. Even if I am punished this time, it is worth the price of admission.

Haruzuki and Yōzuki, the shrine maidens who serve Miko-sama, came to watch. Mikasa's friends and her subordinates Zuikaku and Shokaku from the Third Carrier Squadron also looked in curiosity, but they were more curious about what their predecessors from the First Carrier Squadron were doing.

People like Akatsuki and Kuroshio from the Ninja Club, Ise Hyuga from the Samurai Club, Yubari from the Work Science Club, Shiratsuyu from the Daytime Nap Club, and even the owner of the convenience store, Shiranui, came to broaden their horizons.

They knew about the awakened ship girls because it was said that the sea-blue sacred stone enshrined in the shrine was the sacred object that awakened Shinano, but no one knew what was going on. Shinano appeared in the world, but had been in a deep sleep, which made everyone speculate. Some people thought that it was because Shinano's power was too strong and she could not wake up.

As for awakening, even though they are ship girls, they should be able to awaken their companions who are also ships, but the probability is extremely low, as outrageous as a card drawing game.

The reason why there are so many ship girls nowadays is because of the awakening of the divine stone and the mind cube. Otherwise, there would not be such a large number of companions.

But it is undeniable that when Akagi announced that there was a human who had the ability to awaken the ship girls and that they could all appear, it would be a lie to say that I was not curious or interested.

At least, I can come and see with my own eyes what the situation is.

However, many of them were just watching and observing the situation. A few knew that this was a two-way choice. Agano noticed this scene and felt a little scared. He hurried to the venue under the altar to look for Noshiro.