Fubuki Tsukikage, set sail!

A few days after accepting a request from Glen, Shinnosuke and the others were preparing for departure.

This mission would mark the first deployment of Tsukikage, but with a round-trip duration of over two months, it would be too much for just Andy and Ellen to handle alone.

Thus, Shinnosuke divided the team into two groups.

The flagship Fukuki is assigned to Shinnosuke, Seira, and Milliena, while the second flagship Tsukikage is joined by Mark, providing support to Andy and Ellen.

Shinnosuke can operate the ship solo, Seira is an excellent communications and navigation control operator, and Milliena, though still a trainee, is capable of handling piloting and various control tasks.

On the other hand, Andy and Ellen seemed to possess average skills as escort vessel crew members, though Shinnosuke had not personally confirmed their abilities firsthand.

To improve coordination and balance, Shinnosuke decided to bring in Marks, who excelled in all aspects of ship operation, including piloting, to support him.

Once Shinnosuke took his seat in the Fujikaze's cockpit, he started the engine while checking various systems.

"Alright, pre-departure check complete. Serā, Tsukikage, how's your status?"

"Understood, confirming....Tsukikage, this is Fujikaze. We've completed our pre-departure check. How about you?"

『...Uh, this is Ellen from Tsukikage. We're all set here too—green light across the board』

Shinnosuke nodded.

"Then, Fujikaze and Tsukikage, both ships are cleared for departure."

Understood. Requesting departure clearance from the Harbor Control Center and Dock Management Office... Harbor Control Center and Dock Management Office, this is Free Merchant Fleet Union Dock 8, escort vessel Fukubuki. Requesting departure for Fukubuki and sister ship Tsukikage.

『Dock Management Office acknowledges. We will move the slipway and push the ship out.』

『Harbor Control Center acknowledges. Departure is approved.』

Upon approval, Fukubuki and Tsukikage's slipway begins moving.

First, move to the airlock between the dock and outer space. Once the airlock's seal with the dock is closed and fully secured, the air in the airlock is vented, then the rear door opens, allowing the two ships to move to their departure positions.

"Control room to Fukubuki: Movement complete. Unlocking the dock."

The dock locks for Fukubuki and Tsukikage, now aligned at their departure positions, are released.

"Dock lock release confirmed. Lead ship Fukubuki, departing."

Shin nosuke fired the thrusters, lifting Fukubuki into the air.

"Second ship Tsukikage, departing!"

Fukubuki cleared the launch platform, and about five seconds later, Andy launched the Tsukikage.

Fukubuki and Tsukikage, now underway, headed toward the rendezvous point with Glen and the others.

The first mission for the two ships of the Kasimura Corporation had begun.

On the bridge of Tsukikage, Andy gripped the helm with a tense expression.

"Are you okay, Andy?"

Turning at Ellen's voice, Andy seemed to emit an almost audible "Gigigigi..." from around his neck.

"I-I-I'm f-f-fine... I'm totally f-f-fine..."

As the new captain of Tsukikage, he was utterly nervous about his first assignment.

"I'm not fine at all... Please say something, Marks-san."

Ellen turned to Marks, who sat in the co-pilot seat beside Andy, seeking reassurance.

Marks, impeccably composed and perfectly synchronized in his movements, made no unusual sounds as he turned his head.

"Both Andy and Ellen, please be confident. With your abilities, the Tsukikage's performance, and my support, there's absolutely nothing to worry about."

Hearing Marks' words, Andy gradually regained his composure.

Yeah... you're right. We've had our share of failures, but we've kept pushing forward as destroyer crew members.

That's right. Just as Mark's said, you've got to believe in yourself!

"Yeah, you're right! Marks-san says the same thing!"

Andy and Ellen regaining their smiles.

No, these aren't my words—they're something Master said.

"Wait? Is it Shinnosuke-san?"

The two looked at each other.

"Yes. Master said, 'If Andy and Ellen are stiff with tension, just flatter them a bit to ease their nerves.'"

"Wait... doesn't that just make it pointless if we say it directly to them?"

Andy, stunned.

"Is that so? Didn't the act of flattering you two actually help you regain your confidence?"

"I did feel more confident, I guess. But we shouldn't tell them they're being flattered!"

"I only told the truth since Master didn't specifically tell me to keep quiet, didn't I?"

Andy slumped his shoulders.

"Man, I'm losing confidence again... "

The tension completely vanished from Andy's expression as he sank into gloom.

At that moment, Shinnosuke watched the image of Tsukikage on the monitor at Fubuki's bridge.

"Markus should be making a move about now..."

"???"

Seeing ShinnoSuke smirking alone, Ceyla and Milena tilted their heads in confusion.