The current global standard was to grant independent command authority—or even feudal titles—elevating these powerful individuals to near-untouchable status, reducing mutual interference and oversight to the bare minimum.
It made sense. Authorities could forcibly assign junior or mid-level commanders to dangerous missions, but someone at that level? No way. At that point, they could only be negotiated with. Requested. It was society's compromise with absolute individual power.
If Hikaru obtained independent command authority, he wouldn't need to wait for any naval base allotments from the Academy. He could buy his own island and set up shop. As for orders from the military or Naval Command? He could ignore them entirely.
Despite the tempting offer, Hikaru remained clear-headed. "What do I have to pay? Can you actually get approval from the Xia Nation government?"
"You have Tirpitz and Lexington. Either one alone gives you massive influence—let alone both. As for the authorities… this was their idea. Tch, looks like someone saw the footage of you and Tirpitz's mock battle."
Hikaru was confused. "I don't get it. Why?"
Yamato kept it brief. "Xia wants to share jurisdiction with Naval Command over your base. They even tried to claim full oversight. I shut that down."
Now Hikaru understood.
Who was Yamato? She was one of the ultimate beings on the human side—a living symbol of supreme force.
The moment intelligence leaked that Tirpitz had beaten Yamato in an exercise, the upper echelons panicked. Their stance toward Hikaru shifted immediately: do everything possible to keep him aligned. They couldn't let Naval Command win him over, and they definitely couldn't let another country poach him. Even though Hikaru technically hadn't accomplished much yet, they were willing to offer independent command just to tie him down.
"Jurisdiction" basically meant resource trading, intel access, and equipment support.
Hikaru rested his chin on Tirpitz's shoulder and thought for a moment. "So what do I need to do?"
"Participate in this war. As long as your Tirpitz and Lexington show their strength, your independent authority will be guaranteed."
"When does the war start?"
"Any time. The Eastern Sea front and even the waters around Sakura Empire have both detected Abyssal forces mobilizing. This will be a defensive battle." Yamato shook the telegram in her hand, then pulled out a box from a drawer and tossed it over. "Here, your new rank. Double promotion. Happy?"
The insignia inside gleamed brightly. Mid-level Lieutenant—two diamond-shaped golden stars on either side, noticeably fancier than his former Commander badge.
"Wait, double promotion? Even for first-class merit, you only go up one rank."
Yamato puffed on her cigar and winked. "You forgot the blueprint thing? Your discovery of the abyssal's new tech is a major breakthrough. We just haven't had time to organize your awards ceremony, and your medal's still being processed."
That reminded Hikaru of his actual reason for coming. He pulled out two sheets of paper. "This month's construction and development blueprints. You guys agreed to buy them."
October's monthly reward was identical to September's—bare minimum payout.
"We'll pay fifty million for both," Yamato said, running her fingers over the pages. "Thirty million for the construction one. Our research division wants to analyze them—hope that's okay?"
Hikaru shrugged. "Do whatever you want."
He'd already had Lexington examine them. According to her, they were pure "void"—completely unanalysable.
If Naval Command somehow cracked their secrets, Hikaru would be thrilled. That'd mean every commander could field multiple shipgirls, and the job of fighting the Abyssal could go to someone else. He could finally retire and live the salted fish life.
He was tired of saving the world.
Yamato stowed the blueprints and waved him off.
Hikaru pulled Tirpitz to her feet. As they walked out, he paused. "Has anyone else ever received independent command at Lieutenant level?"
"Historically, the lowest rank was Senior Commander. You're the first Lieutenant."
"Well, so much for keeping a low profile."
Hikaru shrugged and left with Tirpitz. He still had to summon new shipgirls for his base today.
Outside the office, a girl in a white dress was waiting for him. She wore a camera around her neck, with a tiny crown perched on her white hair. She looked like a princess—or maybe an actress.
Only a shipgirl would dress like that in everyday life.
(End of Chapter)
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