Approaching

Fubuki continued navigating through the international space, having passed through the Acnelia Galactic Federation's territory toward the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, maintaining maximum vigilance in all directions.

"Radar contact. Bearing 4 plus 2, distance 460 plus 3 A. One unidentified vessel not on standard course."

Upon Marks' report, Shinnosuke also switched his monitor to the incoming data.

"Too far—just at the edge of Fubuki's detection range....Do you think they've spotted us?"

"No, I don't believe there's any pirate vessel out there with detection capabilities surpassing our own. It seems less like they're tracking us and more like they're searching for some other target."

"The real question is whether this ship is merely a pirate or one acting with a different objective."

Indeed, although the radar contact is approaching the Fubuki, it doesn't clearly appear to be targeting her, given the frequent changes in course.

"Under these conditions, we can disengage before being detected."

As Mark's report indicated, we should be able to disengage before detection if we increase speed slightly.

"But if that ship is targeting me, just passing by like this might not be the best move....Let's provoke it a little. When it gets within 350, switch the detector from passive to active. If it attacks, we'll counter. If it retreats, let's gather as much information as possible."

"Understood."

Fubuki slightly reduced speed.

A few minutes later, a clear change was observed in the approaching target vessel.

"Pattern detected on the approaching vessel. Distance 420, accelerating toward us."

"Understood. Their detection capability is excellent, but ours is superior."

Currently, both vessels are probing each other passively, but Fubuki's capabilities appear to be the better of the two.

"Vessel approaching to distance 380. Within range of our main guns. No change in the vessel's behavior. Continuing approach."

Fubuki's main guns, possessing strong detection capabilities and usable as a sniper vessel, may not match the firepower of battleships or heavy cruisers, but their range is exceptionally long.

"Within effective range, but still not within guaranteed hit distance..."

"Target distance 350. Switching detector to active mode."

"Understood. Don't miss even the slightest detail."

Once the enemy was drawn into a favorable engagement range, he switched the radar detection method.

A ship equipped with an excellent radar should react immediately.

"Anomaly detected. The target has slowed down and is locking onto us with its fire-control radar."

"Understood. Lock onto them with our fire-control radar as well."

Shin nosuke activated the main gun and targeted them in long-range firing mode.

The target's silhouette appeared on the glass monitor.

"Identification confirmed....It's been significantly modified, but it strongly resembles the 6325 Stellar Federation BF25 Factory-made A887 Frigate."

"The A887 Frigate? That's a current-model vessel used by the Akneria Space Navy, imported from elsewhere. It's a more advanced ship than Ira's escort vessel. Such a vessel shouldn't be in the hands of mere space pirates."

"It's not that kind of ship—A887 frigate doesn't have this kind of range. I've confirmed a large laser cannon, battleship-class, mounted on the hull's underside. It looks like it's been forcibly fitted as an external addition."

"That's not the kind of equipment you'd expect from space pirates. Feels ominous..."

For now, neither side has locked on, so an immediate exchange of fire isn't likely.

We're at a standstill, watching each other carefully.

"Confirmed cessation of fire-control radar lock on the vessel. Retreating now."

In the end, the suspicious ship withdrew from the Fubuki without launching an attack.

"Understood. We'll disengage too. Still... that's just how it is, isn't it? A real pain in the neck."

Shin nosuke turned the vessel around and pushed the throttle lever forward.

The Fubuki accelerated and moved away from the airspace.

Meanwhile, on the bridge of the A887 frigate, which had attempted to close in on the Fubuki.

Was it really okay to let her go like that? We could've taken her down if we'd acted now, couldn't we?

"It's impossible. I checked on her since she was wandering alone, but facing that ship and its captain, we might be at a disadvantage. She noticed our approach and deliberately retreated—she lured us in on purpose. Her actual detection range and firing distance are probably much greater than they seem. I'm not saying we can't take her down alone, but the risk is just too high."

"Is that really how it is?"

It goes without saying. That's precisely why this job ended up in my hands. My sponsor gave me such a toy because they're serious about this. Have I ever failed to achieve the same goal three times before? And even when I thought I'd definitely taken care of it, that person was still alive, just like last time. It's not just good instincts—it's the proven skill of a seasoned sailor, backed by experience and results. Don't underestimate me, or you'll get a nasty surprise.

"Aisya"

This time for real. This time I'll settle things once and for all. I'm determined to finish this myself. I'll need to prepare thoroughly before making my move. I'll accept your invitation after that.

Fubuki and the A887 Frigate, having once locked eyes within each other's range, slowly drifted apart, each harboring their own intentions.