Into the asteroid belt we go.

"Wait, Mr. Shinnosuke, what happened to that ship?"

"It's a newly acquired escort vessel, Yatagarasu. I'll explain the details later. But first, did you find anything out?"

As Shinnosuke said, right now, Ira's ship takes priority over the new escort vessel.

Andy takes over from Milena to report.

"In truth, we weren't able to locate Miss Ira's ship during our two-week search. On our way back, as we happened to pass through this region, we picked up what seemed to be a faint signal from within the asteroid belt."

"Was the signal's location pinpointed?"

"No, the signal itself was too weak and originated from deep within, so we could only mark a general area."

Shinnosuke checks the signal data transmitted from Fubuki.

Even with Fubuki's outstanding detection capabilities, it's impressive she didn't miss a signal this faint.

Shinnosuke turned the ship's bow toward the direction the signal originated from.

"We can immediately begin testing Yatagarasu's capabilities. Hank's and Saikouji's technicians will be thrilled."

"Master, illuminating the asteroid belt with full power on detection radar and signal detection functions."

Yatagarasu began scanning within the asteroid belt.

The crew of Fujin watched in breathless anticipation as the newly appeared escort vessel Yatagarasu began its movements.

"That Yatagarasu? Just what kind of ship is it...?"

Andy answered Seira's murmured question.

"Probably a destroyer-class vessel. Judging by its armament, it's not much different from the Fujin. What's interesting is those small radomes on the top and bottom of the hull—might be specialized for electronic warfare..."

While talking, Yatagarasu subtly shifted its position as it scanned through the asteroid belt.

'...Got it.'

'!!!'

Andy and the others flinched at Shinosuke's voice from the speaker.

Fubuki had been scanning simultaneously with Yatagarasu, but had detected nothing.

'Very weak signal. You really caught it well... Pattern match confirmed—definitely a distress signal.'

"So, does that mean A884 is in this asteroid belt... and that Iris-san is there?"

Millena spoke with hope.

"There's no way to confirm if it's A884 for sure, but there's no doubt a ship is transmitting a distress signal. The location... it's quite deep. If we have to navigate through the asteroids, it might take some time."

"You really pinpointed a position that deep?"

"Well, the full extent of this Yatagarasu's abilities remains unknown, but its detection capabilities are definitely impressive....Now, I'm going to go take a closer look."

Sinnosuke declared he would enter the hazardous asteroid belt just to navigate through it.

"Wait a moment, please!"

Andi and Millena both spoke up at once.

"We're coming with you."

"Yes, we're going to rescue Miss Aira too!"

Hearing the two voices, Shinosuke hesitated for just a moment, then quickly nodded.

"Since Andi is currently in command of the Fukubuki, I don't mind following Andi's judgment. But just coming along will be no small task. Even if the Yatagarasu goes ahead and shares course data, fine adjustments will still be necessary."

"It's fine. I'll handle the course corrections—Madelia, could you do that for me?"

Madelia, at the central operations station, answers Andy's question without turning around.

"Perfect. Leave it to me."

Hearing Madelia's response, Andy moved Fuuuki to follow behind Yatagarasu.

"Following Yatagarasu!"

'Good, then we're entering the asteroid belt. Andy, keep up with us.'

"Understood! Just keep going—don't worry about us."

Following Yatagarasu, Fubuki enters the asteroid belt.

This is where Shinnosuke and Andy's piloting skills truly shine.

After entering the asteroid belt, for several hours the Yatagarasu and Fubuki weave through tight spaces barely wider than the ships themselves in regions of high asteroid density.

The Yatagarasu and Fubuki were navigating through the narrow gaps of the asteroid belt—spaces barely wider than the ships themselves—only possible thanks to Marks' precise navigation and Madelia's skillful piloting. Yet Shinosuke and Andy were handling the ship with ease and confidence.

"Look at Andy go. Navigating through here in the Fubuki is probably even harder than doing it in the Yatagarasu."

Essentially, they were just following the course displayed on the glass monitor, but the delicate adjustments to the rudder and throttle made it challenging.

Even though they were linked via data link, Madelia was adjusting Yatagarasu's data for Fubuki, skillfully maneuvering Fubuki to stay tightly on Yatagarasu's tail—Andi's precise navigation was nothing short of astonishing.

Given this, there was no need to worry about Fubuki at all.

Then, they finally approached the point where the signal was to be transmitted.

"Well, we're getting close to the target location... Got it! A884!"