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Chapter Text

February 14, 1939, 09:32
Location: Blohm & Voss Shipyard, Hamburg

A figure squints her eyes as she stares at the massive hull with the sunlight reflecting off of it. To be given the honor of launching her hull, the figure smashed a bottle of beer against the hull as shouts of glee could be heard as she stepped away from the platform. 

From the deck of the hull, the name of the ship was shown. The Bismarck. So that’s my name. Watching the hull slide into the harbor, Bismarck was greeted by another woman. “Guten Tag. My name is Prinz Eugen, but you can call me Eugen for short if you like~”

Bismarck sighed as she observed her stature. With a sloppy stance and carefree tone, she figured she’ll have to deal with her somehow later. “Guten tag. May I ask where the Kommandant is?”

Stepping aside, Eugen revealed a man behind him. He was wearing a black military uniform adorned with a multitude of awards and ranks. “Admiral Erich Johann Albert Raeder, at your service, fraulein."

Taking her hand and kissing it, Bismarck slightly blushed for a split second before quickly recomposing herself. “Danke, Herr Raeder. Besides the launch of my hull, what is it that brings you here to my ceremony today?”

Raeder sighed as he took off his cap. “Officially, I am here for the launch and declaration that you are the pride and flagship of Ironblood. Unofficially, war is on the horizon, and I’m afraid we will have to split off from Azur Lane.”

Handing her a file, Raeder took a step back for her to read it. “This is our current plan to take on the Royal Navy. As it is, we stand no chance. But if we have enough time to research and produce Roon ÄÖi}\3Dmon, Friedrich Der Große Fr3$|\*@~?5+9, and Graf Zepplin /*)9 ‘4[-_$#17, then we may have a chance against them. So as of now, we are hoping to raid convoys as soon as war breaks out. I will fill you in on the details when it gets to that point. As of now, train for it.”

Performing their salute, Raeder yelled, Sieg Heil! $19} 4?~*¡” Saluting back with Eugen, Bismarck sighed as she looked at the file. War. Was this her purpose? Her mother has always told her she was destined for greatness but was it through the murder of others? Looking at her hull that was now sliding into the water, Eugen placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You know, that figure over there has been staring at us for quite some time now~” Pointing into the crowd, Bismarck followed Eugen’s finger to a cloaked figure. Something about this figure felt odd and chilling. It was as if she had met him before. And this feeling, it was This is not your world 人á|Üí¿éü]Ö是¡

Clutching her head, Bismarck took a step back, confused by the feeling her body was experiencing and causing her to trip. Eugen, noticing this, quickly caught her. “My, don’t fall so quickly for a man~” She teased, but quickly helped her back up.

Bismarck just shook her head before looking back at where the figure was only to find an empty seat amidst the cheering crowd. “Enough jokes, Eugen. We have work to do.”

...

Raeder turned a corner as he smirked to himself as his body began to glitch before revealing a pale woman figure. “The seed has been planted. Perhaps we shall see if a class 372 occurs ~”

Then, to her surprise, a figure dropped from above in front of her, smirking. The woman froze. “Shit.” Touching her earpiece, she quickly announced, “We have a brea-”

Before she could finish, yellow flashed before her eyes, and all she could see was the boots of the man she swore was dead. Still, she could play games with him. “Stop trying. You won’t cha-”

“Silence, you. Besides, I’m not the one There is no escape from this terror tor&ÍÈÈÇ/ÈÀ?ÁËÈ_/ÈÈÁÊÀ?ÁËÑÈ.”

Chapter Text

May 24, 1941, 05:50
Location: Atlantic Ocean, Denmark Strait

The calm breeze of the sea was something that surely no one would ever miss.

At least, that’s what Bismarck thinks as she rubbed her hands together, trying to keep her hands warm as the gray skies made it feel much colder than usual. Maybe she was being too optimistic as she shuddered slightly from a sudden cold breeze. On top of that, her mind was racing to theorize the possible outcomes of this mission since they were being trailed by two cruisers.

She wasn’t complaining though. But she had never seen war before firsthand, and from things she heard from other Kansens, war could change people. Particularly combat fought in shit conditions like th-

A plunge of water rose from the sea surrounding Eugen as she reported two enemy capital ships to their immediate left. Rotating her guns, she held her fire for a short while as Eugen returned with a salvo of her own. 

Peering into the distance, she noticed it was the HMS Hood and the Prince of Wales engaging them. She had always imagined in her head targeting Hood while practicing, but to see her in the flesh was something If only you would realize ÈÏÁÈ?ÍÊöµÃ.

Shaking her head to refocus, Bismarck aimed her cannons at Hood. I’ll just maim her a little bit. At least enough to knock her out of combat. With a shout, Bismarck fired her first volley, watching as it streaked towards the Pride of the Royal Navy. 

In the distance, she could make out an explosion on Hood’s deck, but she was still floating as she converted her hull into her rigging form. “Hmph. Perhaps this next one will knock her out.” Waiting for her guns to reload, she flinched as several shells impacted her hull. Looking at Wales, who had also converted her hull into her rigging, Bismarck desummoned her hull into her rigging as she fell onto the water. 

Eugen followed, firing another volley at the two. Holding her fire again, Bismarck waited till the shells fell before taking a breath. For the Stop deluding yourself ?\7eB)iüñÄ. Firing her cannons, she watched as her shells streaked across the sea before slamming into Hood’s rigging on the right side. Bismarck breathed a sigh of relief. It’s over. Sh-

Then, to her shock and horror, Hood's rigging exploded, engulfing her in a pillar of fire as Wales screamed her name over the roar of the explosion. Eugen was also shocked, gawking at the massive fire that surrounded where Hood once stood. 

Peering through the smoke, haze, and fire, Bismarck could make out a hand reaching out, and a part of Hood’s rigging sticking out of the water as she fired one last defiant shot before sinking into the abyss. Conflicted, Bismarck’s mind began to consider how things could have turned out differently. I… killed someone… Was it… really... Are your ideals worth the death of others? %Püñ¿Äßö{

Shocked, she shook her head again. I must be tired. “Eugen, we’re heading out. Our secret has been discovered.” Looking back at the smoking wreckage, Bismarck tilted her head down. I’m sorry, Hood… 

…

…

Wales wept as she held Hood’s limp body. She had managed to grab her just before the ocean claimed her, yet looking at her now, it pained her. “Can anyone hear me? Please! We need help!”

“...”

“Anyone?!?”

“ ...Though it is futile, perhaps it is fate that I am here now… ” 

Chapter Text

A/N: You can choose to listen to the music or not. That is up to you. (Note: Song will repeat itself, but you cannot fast forward song. I am still looking as to why it does this.)

May 26, 1941, 08:51
Location: Atlantic Ocean, Several Hundred miles off of France

“...Eugen you must leave me.”

Eugen looked at Bismarck in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I sank Hood. They’ll be after me. Besides, I’m leaving a trail.” Looking at the oil slick behind Bismarck, Eugen exhaled heavily. 

“I can’t just leave yo-”

“Do your job, Eugen. I cannot continue.” 

Eugen bit her lips as she nodded her head. “Farewell, Bismarck.”

Bismarck tipped her hat as she turned away. “Goodbye, Eugen.” 

As Eugen sailed away, Bismarck sighed. “Victory to us…” she muttered as she took a step forward only to hear her respond in the distance.

“...and Long Live Ironblood…” 

Sighing, Bismarck took another step only to sense a presence behind her. “Eugen, I sa-”

“Now, now~ I am not Eugen~” 

Hearing the unknown voice, Bismarck whisked back around to stare into the face of a pale woman atop a mass of tentacles and cannons. “... I have no reason to listen to your kind,” Bismarck swore, drawing her sword and cannons at her. 

The woman just cackled slyly. “Hahaha~ Be quiet and listen carefully you insignificant being.”

How dare...!

“Besides, if this continues, Iron Blood will cease to exist in this world, too. Your foes will take your riches and hurt those dear to you. One could call it a humiliating defeat, no? Not even your dear sister will make it out unharmed, haha~”

The woman approached Bismarck, who had lowered her weapon, and brought her mouth close to her ears. “Besides, you wouldn’t want a repeat of Heed not of her words ẞ€8^#/ |+0x7`0?”

Bismarck, unable to handle such a future, yelled, “ENOUGH! We are not delicate like the Royal Navy’s teacups, Observer! We are Ironblood!” 

The Observer chuckled. "Humankind, like a tree, wishes to grow and reach the clouds; the light; the Heavens. As its branches grow, its roots do as well. Deeper and deeper into the ground; into darkness; into despair."

Bismarck, annoyed and somewhat taken aback by what she said, just tightened her grip on her scepter as she pointed her cannons at her again. “Enough. FEUER!” 

Bismarck's gun blasted at the Observer only for it to bounce off her skin as if her shells were merely rubber. Amused, the Observer just dusted her shoulders off. “With this little power, your wish hasn't the slightest chance of being granted. Consider this. Is there anything about your pitiful race that we want?”

Bismarck bit her lips. She was right. Humanity was weak compared to the Sirens. They had everything they needed, and she had no worthy Where does your worth lie? Your power, or your heart? ÄÖíó-áéẞ?€. Yet… 

While deep in thought, the Observer spoke up. “The Royal Navy itself is more powerful than you. If they wished, they could block your trade routes forever. Until you realize they are the one threatening your existence, then perhaps you’ll understand the gravity of the situation.”

She winked at Bismarck before turning around. “As a matter of fact, unlike those hypocrites who only pay lip service to the idea of liberty and justice, we hold you in high regard. That is why I grant you this key for the future. How you decide to alter your future is up to you.” 

Turning back around, she gave Bismarck a small box. Opening it, Bismarck's left eyebrow raised itself as she stared at a Dark Wisdom Cube, pulsing ever so faster as she felt an odd connection to it. 

The Observer smiled lightly for a second, perhaps showing a small case of sympathy, but it was quickly replaced by the cold face. “I assure you, we will meet again, hahaha~” 

Bismarck closed her eyes as she felt the Observer's presence leave. Such power, and yet I was given no room to argue. I couldn’t turn down such power… Chancellor, what would you do in my Look inwards, not outwards, for what your heart desires will lead your future. üñ~ÄÖÜ&ẞ?

Then, she realized. “Wait! Not yet!”

The Observer paused as she hovered in the air before turning back around. “Don’t tell me you have second thoughts now~” 

Bismarck hesitated before she spoke. “Is there anything possibili-”

“Of course not. There were none. We have observed humanity for thousands of years. Your existence is a single speck of sand in the desert of data. Even if I could tell you how to change the outcome, you alone do not have such power to choose your destiny.” 

The Observer sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose, annoyed by all her questions. “Your sole purpose was to wage war and sink meaninglessly. No matter how many simulations we run, history will not change.” 

Bismarck closed her eyes. Then if not, perhaps my people may But it doesn't matter, doesn't it?
Do you really think history will see it your way? ¿ÖÜ*óá.éí}óßö… 

“I’m not talking about me. I’m talking about my people. Tell me what happens to Iron Blood… my people… my sister…”

The Observer just stared before shaking her head. “How pitiful your species are. Of everything you could have asked, you chose one of the lowest priorities." She pursed her lips, considering her next few words carefully. "Hypothetically, if such a future exists, would you be able to shoulder such a burden, Great Leader? Such person is defined by his or her actions.
Do not fall into a temptation that leads to the destruction of everything you know and love. oá}éí|óü@ñ#Ä_rÜẞ”-€?”

Bismarck closed her eyes, thinking for a moment before responding. “Any personal dreams I had died the day I was given the name Bismarck. My life is to protect Iron Blood, and if it means I must give up my life for my people, so be it. I do not fear what fate has in store. I do not fear the inevitable.”

This seemed to intrigue the Observer as she cackled aloud. “Ahahahaha!~ I’ve seen this one to many times, but you're different! I've changed my mind. Let us watch you dance again as you push the buttons of fate by yourself. Use our Ç̷̡̙͔̰̦̳̲̪̹̳̺̣͚͍̪̲͙͈͕̻̫̻̽̃͛̓͊̆͗͌͑̿̐ͅͅơ̷͎̖̻̹̬̠̤̪̦̹͓̺̼͕̈́̿̃͆̑̍͛͒̀̿̿͐̊̏̌͐̓̑̒͘̚m̴̧̢̧̧̻͔͉͓͔͎͙͎̦̤̤̬̳̩̱̬̥̜̘͙̤̟̅̌̽̃̌̈́̋̃̓̀̽̂̍͒͊͌̂̂̀̈́̔͆͊̒͆̚͘͘͘͜͝ě̸̢̬̣̙̱̹̻̆̾̈́́̒̆̃̾̐͆̀͑̀͊̕̕̚ ̴̣̻̀̽̄͂͑͋̿̂̈́̋͐̆̑̍̃̌͊͌͝t̴̢̧̪̙̲̙͇̞̣̣̬͙̪̫͎̙̝̹̤͑̈́́̌̈̑̈́͘ͅͅo̶̞̫̯̼̬͑́̆̓̽͐̄͂̍̀̂̐̊̓̔͌̌̑͂͝͠͠ ̵̛̯͛͗̉͗͛̿̅͂̏̑̇̊́̽̑̔̍̽̐͌̏̏̒͌͑̅͒̔͘͝m̷͚̹͇͍̝̯̟̍̾͌̌̈́̾̏̑̑͌̓̾͐̆̿̿͊̒̊̌̅̽̓̚̕͝͝ͅȇ̴̡̨̠̻̰̪͍̰͙̯̞̠̠͙̲͋̋̚͜ͅ~̵̡̡̢̨̟̻̬̥̖̬̗̼͖̱̰͌͆̄́ éßí€ÄÜẞ. Prove how you can sculpt this world into your image, and perhaps if you rise above your limits as “Bismarck” and assimilate with your “alter ego,” then perhaps you may discover your answer.”

The Observer raised a hand, causing the Black Wisdom Cube to begin to vibrate with such intensity that it fell out of the box. Catching it, Bismarck watched as it melted into her hands, spreading and coursing throughout her body.

This power… it’s… Y̸̨͕͍̥̟͙͎̖̬̻̩̜̘̑̑̐̑̓̋̚e̷̢̢̨̧̨̨̺̣͓̘̦͎̠͓̼̰̲̲̳̳̦̩͔͕̰͕̥͓͓͎̟͒͐̐s̸̨͍͕̱̣͇̘̭̺͉͖̹̰̟̻͉̘̠̩̖͖̩̣̱̝̄̕.̸̛͓͔̞͍̝̲̟͕̗͍͖̗̫̀̉̈́̊̓̀̐͆́̃̓͊̈́͐̂͆̓̃̇͋͆̓̈́̚͘͝͝͝ͅ ̸̡̡̡̨̧̭̯̖̳̠̦͕͍̫̬̘͕͇̪̤̬̣̲͙̟̖͙̜͆̓͑̏̓G̶̢̡̧̡̧̛̛͚̜̱͖̬̯̙̦̗̼̫͔̥̝̜̞͕̮̩̤̞̮̤̗͙̙͛̇̋̒̈͌͒̊̃̈̆̈́́̽͒́̓͑̓͐̑̇̋̾̕͘͠͝ő̷̙̙̠̩͈̥̝͇̞̠͕̅̐̀̀̎̑͛̈́̔͐̈́̍̄̽̄͊̓̂̓̓̄̕̕͝͠͠͝ṏ̵̡͙͇̱͔̝̲̜̩̳̝̣̝͋͋͛͑͌̿͗̇̏̀̿̏̐̒̈́̅̆̽̿͒̓̎͒̍́̕͝ḑ̶̢̨̧̹̼̗͉̬̘͙̪͕̩͙̙̬̬͎̘̿͐͋̔ͅ.̵̨̢͙̲͖̹̮͍͍̳͉̮͔̲̰̳̟͎͇͚̬͚̖̞̩͇͙͐̏ ̶̡̧̱͍̗̗͓̞̰͇̝̬͈̹͙̞̩̱̠̠̤̹̮̻̊͒L̵̰̹̺̩̱̣̜̥̓͑͜ě̶̢̧̡̼̥̣̜̼̯̰̫͙͎̰̻̣͇̀͌̃̽̄͐̇̈́̔̋͊̆̀̂͂͒t̴̡͓̟̞͔̺̳̼͈̼͙͓̱̤̓͂̔ ̷̝̙̺̈́̒͊͐̓͑̎́̔̈͗̔͆͊̄̽̾̐͂͂̐̏̕͝ͅu̶̧̡̖̺̬̟̝̗̼͉̝͙̝̝̹̩͈͎̗̣̭̹̣̭͎̮̼̣͍̾̂̌͒̇̅̈̿̆͌̑̕͘̕͝͝s̵̫͕̬̗̙̯̼̣͕̘͈͓̳̹̓̀̈́̒͊̑̉͊̊̿̽͐̈́̀̓̊͛̈́͌̀̂̑̉̿͘͝ ̵̧̛̛̛̯͉̫̺̲͕̫̱͉͍̟͓͓̦͛̆́̈́̿͌̽̂̍̀̈́̂̆͛̑̇̓̉͑̃̕̕̕͝͠͠͝͝ͅŕ̶̨̧̢̤̞̞͖̠̻͖̝͓̞͍̱̭̠̝̳̳̻͕̖̲͇̙̓͛̈́̈́̾̾̈́̿̃̋́̾͐͂̈́̊̀̏͂̂̕̚ͅͅͅė̸̛̪̰̖̖̼̩̘͑̃̈́̽̄̉͌̉̍̂̓̌͊̎͛̓̊̎͋̍͋́͘̚͜͝f̶̧͔͈͈̣̮̹̻̻̽̾͆͑͊o̴̟̹͍̗͎̟̤̘͙̝̔̓̾͛͗̌͒̿̿͌̓͝r̵̡̨͈͉͈̹͍̯̖̳̃͒̈́͗̍̂̏̑̊́̈́́̿͒͊̈́͑͋̆͠͝m̴̢͇͈̤̫͖̗͎̹̝̲̮͚̲̹͇̃̓̾̌̀̇̋̑̒͌͜͝ͅ ̵̧̭̭̯͎̪̮͚̪̳̞̳̥̽̔ţ̶̡̨̢̛͍͕̮͕̙̤͚͔̦̬͕̗̣̣͓̻̲̬̬͚̟͓̮̘̝̰̩̋̀̈͑͂̃͗̋̌̃́̾̐̈́̏̀͐̓h̴̖̺̫̬͔̺̭͎̖̋̑̈̑́͛͒̊̈̈́̄̅͌͂̌̉́̀́̑̕͘̚͘͠͝ḭ̴͚̼̟̞͇̖̬̳̤̹͂̆̄̃͆̇̈́̈́̂̃̒͆̆̚ͅs̵̡̡̻͇̘͆̑͐͝ ̵̨̛̰̦͆͗͋͌̒̀̃͛̈́͆̔͋̂̅̊͛̍̄͛̆͠ẁ̴̡͚̦͙̭̠̬̳̲̘̤̦̓̃̀̈́̿̇͂́̽̑̓̌̓̓̀̋̿͘ǫ̶̧̡̨̢̲̙̤̼̥̦̱̳̖̖͓̤̮̯̥̟͔̠̼͓̘̣̰̱͍̏̍̃͐̔̔̔̓̈́̈́̓̈́͛͜͠r̸̢̛̛̛̩̼̪̮̱̟̤̻̠̱̜͎̫̪͈̻̠͋̈́͛̔̀̔͆̀̀̌́̊͋́͑̀͆͛́̚͠͝͝ļ̵̡̡̧̲̳̦̞̳̠͙̹̝͍̰̩̰̟̤̫̝̻͈̭͇̻͓̣͑̈͘͘͜d̴̫̉̎̍̆̀͒̔̌̒͊̉̍̓͑̈͒!̸̧̧̡̧̣̻̮̗̝͉̯̤̖̥̠̯̩͎̞̙̖̻̻̳̙̰̳͍̫͍̈́͋̐̔͗̃̍̉̅̋̑̾̈́̂̚̕̕͘͝͝ beaué�͌͊ͯ͏͔̤͔̠̞͉�̬̭̤̯͓̝̖͊ͣ͡éíÜí¿…

The Observer just smirked as she hovered away. “Till then, we shall await your dance…” 

...If you insist on becoming a leader, believe in your people.
One cannot fight alone... ...̷̨̨̤͉̭͓̮̖̱̠̯̮͇̫̣̯̈́̓́͒͒̀̎̈́̅͊̐̅̽͘͜͜͜͠͠...̴͔̩̱̰͔̖̓̐̓͛͆́̔̈́͘͝.̸͖͖̀̍͑̓̀̆̄̎̿̊̕̚͝͝...̴͙̬̎͑̽͂͊....̷̡̢̢̰͔̦̲̙̻̬̲͈͔̂̓.̵̢͓͓͇̏́͐͒͜͝..

May 26, 1941, 10:21
Location: Atlantic Ocean, Several Hundred miles off of France

King George V looked across the open sea, the gray clouds ominous as she saw her sister ship hull approach them, moving at flank speed towards Scapa Flow. Looking onto Wales’ deck, she grimaced as she saw the state Hood was in. Lying on the deck, she had lost her right arm and had multiple scars across her face. Leaping aboard her sister’s deck, she approached Wales, who was injecting some odd-looking syringe into Hood.

“How is she doing?”

Wales breathed heavily as she stood up, her face red and her eyes still watery. “She… was almost dead. Had it not been for…” 

Wales trailed off as she shook her head. Curious, George asked, “Who?”

George’s question was met with a confused look. “Someone… saved her. I don’t know why, but that person was… different. It was as if… he knew.” 

Chapter Text

May 27, 1941, 08:42
Location: Atlantic Ocean, Several Hundred miles off of France

Bismarck grimaced as Renown pointed her cannons at her with Ark Royal in the back, her sniper rifle at the ready. “I am Renown, battlecruiser of the Royal Navy’s Force H! I am here because of your ambush on our Kansens! Cease your meaningless hostilities at once!”

Shaking her head, Bismarck spat out, “Pfft! These new recruits of theirs…!”

Renown just made an exasperated sigh as she shook her head. “The Royal Family’s most capable ships are coming en masse. You shall not flee our wrath!” 

Bismarck exhaled heavily. She was alone, and she was not made to fight such numbers, but fate has played its cards. However, Bismarck still had hers. “It seems you’ve forgotten. A confrontation may slow me down, but I still have an advantage. I’m afraid that involves dealing with you! Engines, all ahead!!!” 

She lurched forward, desummoning her scepter and instead drawing her sword at Renown. Leaping back, Renown mumbled something under her breath before nodding towards Ark Royal. Lifting her rifle, she aimed and fired a shot at Bismarck. 

Undeterred, Bismarck dodged the round before looking at the swarms of Swordfishes approaching her. “Hmph!” Bismarck fired shells into the sea as huge columns of water disrupted the Swordfishes’ paths. “It’s time to put an end to this!” 

Ark Royal, however, would not let it end this way. Hood had been a close friend, and she desired revenge. “You are not going anywhere! 818 Squadron, attack!”

Bismarck, unaware that Ark Royal had a squadron of Swordfishes in her blind spot, was caught in a predicament. “Torpedoes... from my blind spot...?! There's… not enough time?!?” A column of water erupted from Bismarck’s rear. “They damaged my propeller...? No... my rigging?” Bismarck looked at Renown and Ark Royal, her face grim. “It seems I underestimated your biplanes.” 

Ark Royal, realizing Bismarck was without control of her rudder, quickly relayed the information to King George’s fleet. Upon hearing this, King George looked towards Rodney, whose face had darkened. “She’ll pay for what she did to Hood.”

King George just nodded as she ordered the fleet to move at flank speed towards Bismarck. Bismarck, however, was not ready to Ä̵̢̬̮̠͖̭̳́̐̄d̶̢̨̹͈͎̘̖̝͓̺̲̫̃̏͜ͅm̶̧͉͔͙̙̮͍̟̙̥̗̲̖̦̎͝i̴̢̛̥̻̪͚̥̒̔͊́͗̂͂́̉͜t̵̢̤̭̣͈̯̙̞̤͉̀̑̑ ̷̢̧̳̗̤͖̼͎̝̓̉͌̈́̍̒́̈́̄̕͠ỉ̵͍̆͆̔͠͝͝t̵͎͂̓̈́͂͠͝.̵̛̦͍͓̣̼̎̔̅̎͋̊̑̚͠ ̶̡̢̡̛̬̜͍̱̖̭̬͕̬͖̓̑̂͑̆͑̍͌͘͜͜Ỷ̶̨̛̳̺̠̼͓̘̺̞̣̤͓̘̳̿̌̂̽̄́̀̄̊̈́̋̍̉o̴̩͙̞̣̱̒u̴̪̤̭͈̫͖͒͆͐̓̃̎̏̕͘̕͜͠͝ ̷̘̩̫̎̀͂̑͌̓̃̆̔̈̂̚̚̚͜c̶̨̨͔͕̠̮̘̥̺̥̗͔͈̈́͂̐̊͒̽̾̂̃̅̄̆͝͝ą̶̡̞̻̞̹͍̖̰̠͒̉͛̈́̈́̉̒̀̅͗͑͝͝ņ̵̡̹̞̺̻̦͚̾̇̉̿̎̎̌̽̓ͅ'̵̧̡̞̤̺̯̜̰͔̖̠̪̝̭̱̄͌̂͌̊̀̉̐͂̈́t̵̥͕̐̅͒̓̾̀̾̀͌͂̓̈́̃̏͝ ̵̛̜̥̼͉͕̟̰̺̄̃̒͆́̄͆̾͘͜͠w̶̧̡̛̹̻͕̖͍͇͇̱̰̟̗̦̞̏̈́̍̓̑͆͘͠i̸͖̳̣̫̘̠̤͔̊̓̉͂͌̎͆̓̀̋́́n̵̛͙̦͓̼͕͍̹̈́̉͛̓̇́͝ ̵͉̀̽̓̂̅̃͐̑̊͘̚̕͠ą̷̢͎̦̹̟̗͎̬̙͗̃̈́͒̿̅͒̓̈́͘̕͝l̴̻͇̙̓̒̑̎̋̎̏͂ó̵͍̻̥͈͕͎̮̳̘̮̗̦͓̫̈́̑̅͋̅̅̿̅̀̈̈͛͝n̵̡̺͎͔̰͇͔͉̺̝͍̤͍̱͆͗̈́͐̌̔̕̚͜e̸̡͇̘͎̟̞͓̹͇̝̱̿͜ Gáéí¿#ü]Ö. “Though I've failed my mission, despite the fact I have no maneuverability… I still have my people I must protect, and a dream I must make ..If you continue, all that lies ahead is agony... €是öé] ...! I still have my power! And so long as I have resolve and ammunition, I shall fight to the end. Long live Iron Blood!”

Renown, watching Bismarck’s monologue, just rolled her eyes as King George’s fleet approached them. King George then approached Bismarck. “By the decree of the Queen, you are to lay down your arms and come with us. You shall have a fair trial in our courts.” 

Bismarck just laughed it off. “So this is how the Royal Navy acts, hmm? Even in the face of our bloody retribution, you still insist on suppressing your fighting instinct to resort to cheap rhetoric. Tell me. You may be cutting edge warships, but do your hearts even know the ..The thrill of battle only nulls the agony and chaos... €是u*在á|Ü?

King George just smiled at that compliment.“Ha! It's been a long time since someone has called me that. But you see, every member of the Royal Navy has a moral obligation to act under our noble traditions. Her Majesty grants D̵̻͇̝̰̬̗̈́̍̀͑͋o̷̡̤̭͚̙̹̿͒ ̴̨̡̛̖̥͓͔͚̩̼͚̼̪̹̈́͑̋̿̌̊͐̂̄̌͘y̵̙͆ȏ̶̟̦͖̭́̆̀̃̅͑͑͒͑͠͝u̷͙̻̎̃͒͆͗͒̿̐̉̄̿ ̸̨̢̖̜̮̣͎̜͖̬͎͙̜͎́̋̐̚͠ͅr̷̨̬͎̞͉̻͚͎̼͚̹̰̟̮͎̔̇̀̎̊̌͋̋̓̂̔̕ę̸̛̦̯͠a̵̛͉̙̱̟̜͍̟̣̋̎͌̽̂̌̎́͗͗̍͠l̵̜̭͚̝̄̾́͜l̷̢̥̪̰̫͓̟͖̻̮̔̾͐͜͜͠ͅy̴̢̨̛̰̱̥̬͙̦͎̲̞̤͇͍͉̽̽̇̑̆̊̓̈̔̚̚ ̷͈̲͈̖̼̪͗̂̇́̑̉͑̇͛̾͆͘͘̕b̶̛̛̥̠̗͕̺͖̾̏͘͝e̵̛̙̱͍̠͎̫̮̞̗̭̒̓̈́ͅl̸̡̢͔̜̻̮̦͕͔̀̓̔ì̸̢̗͇̠̯̳̣̖̞̲̯̾̋̂̓͆̌̀͆̅̚ĕ̴̥͝v̷̢̨̘͓͚̤̤̪̞̭̀̈͐͆͂̔͜͝ẽ̷̟͓͙͇̻͙̈́͛̄͊́̑̈̈͋̚͠ ̴͔͓̯̙̦̤̲̝̜̙̄͂̒̀̓̽͑̈́̉͒͂͊̌̚ṯ̴̡͍̩̹̳́̆́̃̇͝h̵̦̓̓̈̈̌̽͗̚ơ̸͚͎̝̹͓̣̖̝͖͓͂́̐̊̕͝ͅś̷̡̰̜͉͓̬͍̲͍̣̤̟̝̋̂̊̄͐͗e̷̢̲̫̭͎̦̺͈̼͆̾́́́̐͛̄́̒̕͠͝ ̶̨̣̝̰̺̜̺̼̱̮̲̲͔̌̓̉̉͋ͅf̵̛̳̱̯͑̈́̀͌͋̔͗̏̚ǫ̶̨͇̱̹̳̟̺̘̯̣͈̠̟͛̊̄̓o̶̯͇̱̼̳̐͆̋͆̓̕͠ͅl̷̤̳͎̘̥͇̰͓̲̉͆̄͐̑̒̒͆̆̃̕ṡ̶̛̛͖̠̩̰̮̦̯̬͖̐͂̇͘̚͘͜͜ͅ
̸̢̢̣̜̖̤̜̹̘̰̌̂̚ͅḧ̸͇̬͙̩̠͔̜́̊̽̓ͅa̴̘̥̪̟̼̭̠͕̖̳̼͙͛̈́̌̍̾́͂͂̚͠ͅṿ̷̛̭̹̲̭͔̫͙̤͕̘̼̓̈́͌̎͊͂̓̅̚̚e̸̡̨͖̳̪̫̘̞͂̀́̍̌̔͝ ̷̨͙͖̳̬͇̜̺̘͐̑̐̓̇̒͐̍̏̓́̏̕͝ͅy̷̧̞͇͚̭͈͙̜̠̹͍̓͒̀̉̏̎̈̉̉͗͒ǫ̶̡̨͚̳͉̳̬̘͔͑̏̀̏̐̈́͂͑́͜͜͠͝ừ̶̦̞̄͝r̶̞̙̟͉̩̦̈́̇͗͂́͐̀͗̕ ̸̨̜̙̦̞͕̘̓͂̈́i̶̢̲̣̟̱̠̰̲̙̺̬̼̩̹͑͋̀͌̓̉̔̊͗͝n̵̨̢̛̥͕͈̠̭̦͍̮̺̥̳̊́̒̃̈̕t̵̢̨̰͍̦̟͉̗̤̫̺̜̪̭̾̈́̚͠ͅę̵̘̱̜̯̞͚̦̫̫̈̈́̈́̈́͛̄̈́͂̓̀͝r̸̦̻̠͇̘̍͒̈̂͛͂͝e̴̡̫̠̰͈̜͇̘̍̃͊͛̊͜ͅs̸̡̧̬̜̘̜̞̟̠̝̜̏͒̒͜ͅt̸͔͖̳̟͌̈͊̏̐̕͝͝s̵̮̜͍͖̻̦͍͙̪̹̯̮̍̾͑̈́͒ ̷̧̛̬̼̳̠̘͕͓̜̍̈́͑̿͛̉͛͐͌͠͠i̶̘̗̫̪̝̓̅̀̒̐̕͠ͅņ̶͎̥̫̼͖̋͌͗̂̾͂͛͘͝ ̵̢̢̡̺̞̪̘̖̱͖̿͒͒̿̅͂̚͝m̴̠̩̹̥̭͔̬͇͂͛̾̏̄̈́̆̿̃̈͘̕i̵͖̝̮̻͙͇͇͗̑̅́̂̊̋͌͗̽̌̕͠ņ̸̪̯͖͖̫̝͔̲̏̈̌̓̇́ͅḑ̷̧͍̪͔͓̪̳̟̆̿̈́͆͐̀̋̔?̴̲̻̦͕̲̍̉͆̂͛̎̒ͅ Üẞ€是u&2 to those who have lost their way, but smites those who would cause us harm.” Lifting her hand, she pointed it at Bismarck. ‘I shall not ask you another time–”

Bismarck, who was tired of all the talking and charades, yelled, “FEUER!” as her cannons fired a salvo into the fleet. 

Upon seeing her act of defiance, King George just shook her head. “She doesn't have the ammo for this. Fear not, our enemy is on her last legs! She's made her choice Stop deluding yourself. You only wish to avenge Hood. Ö是¡Ößö clear…”

Drawing her sword while glancing around before pointing it at Bismarck, King George declared with a clear and loud voice, “All forces, open fire! For the glory of the Royal Navy!” Soon, the air was filled with the sound of 14 and 16 in guns along with other assorted calibers from cruisers and destroyers as Bismarck made her last stand.

…

But it was not enough. She could not hold them all off. Yet when Tester came to save her, Bismarck just merely glared at her. “I don't need help from the likes of you…” 

That made Tester make her usual evil grin. “Still acting tough even in this condition? You could have sent your enemies to the bottom of the sea so easily with the Is it a gift, or is a curse? 是¡█€  we gave. All you needed was a little bit of... determination.”

Bismarck just shook her head. “Dueling with Hood, I realized something. Winning with such an unfair advantage would not bring us glory at all… I knew nothing then, except that I had allowed the abyss to ..Perhaps I was wrong about you... Ö█Üẞ7&€█是!~)8k. Even now, that heart of darkness eats away at my Wisdom Cube. It plays an endless scherzo, constantly jeering at me from within my mind. It beckons me to give in to its violence.”

Tester, upon hearing this, was disappointed. She had hoped Bismarck would have been more open-minded, but shaking her head, she transmitted the data to the Observer watching over them. Bismarck, though, would not have it. While Tester transmitted the data, she pulled out a hidden sword she had always carried, swinging at Tester yelling, “For the glory of Iron Blood!”

Tester, however, was not amused when she just blocked it with her guns. “Subject has openly engaged. Issuing Errata to Experiment No. 151.” 

Upon the decree of this order, the black wisdom cube that had begun to corrupt Bismarck rapidly began to speed¡█ up its process Äs A̸̤̠̞̼̼̣̮̥͙̖͉͖͔̽̇̎͂̂̅̐͘̕͝h̶̢̘̖̤̣̰̠̙͉̣̜̲͖͂̒͐̎̓̕͠ȃ̵̡̛͎̦̰̝͎̅̍͂̇͋̀̚͘͜ḧ̸̨͔̗̼̰̘̮̭̼̼́̆̆̀̉̊͒̋̆̄͐͘͜͠͠à̵̢̧̡̞͉̣̲̦͙̹̰͈̝̹̇̈́͂͋͘.̷̧̺̦̮̻̱̙̝̼̖̾͐̓̏̑͋̓̔̾̕͘͜͝ ̸̢͙̥̯̖̙̖̓̑̿̽͛͋̕̚͠͝͠I̸̗͖̙͓̞͇͈̱͈͖̤̐̃̈́͌̉ẗ̵̗̭͆̇̍̽͆̉̇͂̽ ̵̨̟̤̯͕̥̘̥̠̞͕̹̞̀̅̇͐̏͑ͅǐ̴͉̤̉t̵̡̧͎̗̭̯̘̼̝̻̺͙́͐͋̀̌̾̌͊̀̀͘ͅ ̵̨̢̢̺̙̥͓̮͉͔̱̮̩͕̫̐̆̐͊̂̕͝͝t̶̨̧̳̤̮̻̼̃̾̕̚į̶̧̛͙̺̹͉̯̯͓̂̒͌͆̔̀́̈̀͘m̵͍̤̘̜̣̓͗̿͝ͅe̶̦̩̍̉͂̎̉͗̈́́̈̑̒͊̌͌͠ ̷̯͎͕̗̭̙͚̎f̸̠̩̑͋̈́̈́͌o̸̢͎̗͇̫̻͖͖͕̿̈́̿͌̇̀̍̑̾̚̚͠͠r̶̡̨̺̹̻̣̗̼̤̠̗͓̈͘͠ ̵̨̮̠͉͍̼̮͚̬̫̃̐̍̃̎́͝ý̴̧͎̪̘̞̺̔̽͑͗o̴̡̜̦͓͈͋̒̈́͋͗̋̾̕ų̴̢̜̣̘̜̌̈́̇̿̑̎̓̂̐̿͑̕ ̵̢̡̘͉̖͓͙͕̹́̄̌́́̐̏̎̉t̶̬̤͍̖̳̻̉̀͆͗̂͑̆o̴̡͇̺̔̉̾̽̀͠ ̷̛̬̎́̆̈́́̆̍͊̈͗̕͝͝a̷̢̡̜̯̪̻͉̰͓̯̚͜c̸̖̤̀͂͑̐͝c̵̢͕̤͙̱̳͈̜̓ȩ̶̨̧̧̡͉̲͕̰̱͔͈͔̈́̓͂̓̈͐͝p̴̛̯̗̼̜̱͈͇͚͕̅̈̂̃̈́͊̇̋͋̀͝͠͝t̵͍̠̲̪̫̟̦͆̅̉̏̊̄͛́͆͆̈́̅͐̚͜ ̶̩͖͉̥͖͇͚͍̦̊̅̑́̿͛̀̒̽͘m̵̢̯̯͉̊̀̈́̽͊̕ͅÿ̶̛͉̫͓̳̜̩͚̳͎̪̙̍̔͛̈́̂͂̍̈́̅̉͐͐̈́ͅͅ ̶̨͎̖͍̞̗̯̘̣̗̯̄͊̒ͅi̶̫̗̹̳̗̝͔̟͓̋̈́d̴͇̓̔͑̉̑̑̕͘e̷̛̳̘̖̩̪̲̮͑̋̅̊̃̈͝ǎ̸̧̢͕̥̼̝͙̭̼̪̠̖̘̉̋̒̌͐̐̎̀̈̕͘͜͝l̸̡̖͖͕͌͊͛̒̐́̓̿̔̐s̸̼̗̖̿̈́̈́ͅ.̶͈̹̲̀̈́̌̅̐̄́̍̈́̓̈́̉̄̚.̶̰̈͑͋͒͑͛̏̂̏̃͘͝.̸̢̳̫̲̥̜͍̤̫̮͉͖̫̺͎̅ 5ẞ€ *9x0S^#’u_3… 

…

Bismarck opened her eyes, staring into an endless void of water and space. Where…

“To answer your question, you are in my domain.”

Quickly turning around, Bismarck gasped as she saw herself, all tattered and bloodied. Yet although her other self was injured, she had a determined and grim look on her face as she continued. “Your faith will lead to your downfall. Your country has nothing for those like you.” 

Bismarck just shook her head. “No. You are wrong. They will avenge me when the time's come, they-”

“Will what? Win the war? Achieve peace?” The other-self taunted. “You’re just as naive as I was. Accept the truth. There is no peace. There is no And yet what determines what to be paradise?
Is it our greed, or is it our thanksgiving? pÜ5^%ẞa. Lifting her own sword, she pointed at Bismarck. “You are powerless against me. You have nothing. All this power, and yet you deny its purpose! That is why fate will never have it your way!”

Bismarck yelled in anger as she knelt and punched the sea with her fist, sending a shock wave around her as massive waves began to form. The other-self just merely leaped over the wave before offering Bismarck her hand. “Take it, and perhaps we shall mend a future of our liking. Take it, and you will see your people happy” 

Bismarck just looked at the hand. A future… of her liking? Perhaps i-

“Take it, and you shall become the thing you fear.”

Turning around again, Bismarck saw a lone hooded figure approach them. The other-self pressed her lips before speaking. “You… It has been a while, hasn’t it? And what are you doing here?” 

The figure just chuckled softly as he took off his hood, revealing the cloak he wore along with the sheath attached to his belt on his left side. His hair was a mess and a scar on his right eye beneath a pair of broken glasses with a smug smirk on his face. Resting his left hand on a handle of a weapon within a sheath on the left side of his body, he smiled softly at the other-self. “I’ve decided enough was enough. I will not idly watch as things play out like this repeatedly.”

Bismarck just stared at the figure. A Dragon Empery citizen? A set of broken glasses, and that face… despite the slash on his right eye… Why does it seem so familiar to me? 

The other-self however pointed her sword at the figure as she took a step back in what seems like fear. “Surrender now. I am in control of this place.” 

The figure laughed. “Oh really? Yet this is the mind of Bismarck we’re talking about, not this pitiful version of her.” 

The other-self just screeched aloud. “You dare!?! Then I’ll end it here and now!” She began to swing at Bismarck, who tried to raise her arms to protect herself. However, she was surprised to see the figure suddenly close the gap quickly before unsheathing a yellow katana that blocked the other-self’s sword. 

Grunting as the blades rubbed against each other, the figure turned towards Bismarck. “Follow your heart, and you will find your purpose. Now go!” With that, he pushed the other-self back before launching a flurry of strikes, forcing the other-self to constantly block his attacks. 

Looking at the two beings clashing their blades, she asked him, “What do I do now?” 

The male figure just laughed aloud, a laugh so light-hearted yet heavy at the same time that Bismarck was unsure of his motives. “Simple. Follow the path you desire.”

The other-self screeched again, her voice filled with desperation. “No! You should not listen to him! He is nothing but a failure! He will only lead to your While you may hear such things as demise and destruction,
do not give in to such despair. d€是m3s&2!” Delivering a kick to the figure, the other-self dashed towards Bismarck, her arms outstretched to grab her. 

“Take my hand, and we shall rule the world together!”

With that, Bismarck had made her mind. With a loud voice, she proclaimed, “No! I will lead Iron Blood to victory! Those I care for will not suffer, for I will be their protector! No one controls my future but for me! ”

…

Bismarck opened her eyes to find herself standing alone against the Royal Navy, her body tattered and rigging heavily damaged. Coughing, she looked at Tester who was hovering nearby. “cough, cough...What… So this is the limit of your so-called power?” 

Tester raised an eyebrow. “To think that you'd attempt to self-destruct... Ahh, turns out we weren't able to synchronize with your Wisdom Cube after all…”

Bismarck just chuckled softly to herself. “Heh... even though I thought I had the resolve to wield this power… All it took was a moment… For it to completely You... have a certain... resolve, something...
never seen before... perhaps now the tide may turn... cÄÄÄÄüñÖ_ẞ€.”

Tester just grumbled to herself as she sent the final data report. “Uploading Report: Results of Experiment No. 151 - Test subject managed to forcefully eject from the ..Awakening Protocol?.. So... that is what you did to me... ÄÖÜéééééééí. While statistically significant, overall performance failed to reach target benchmarks.”

Bismarck watched as Tester disappeared into a portal, weary of what she was up to. “I don't know what you're plotting, Siren…” Clenching her fists, she promised herself, “But whatever it is, I won't allow you to defile my honor and glory any longer!” 

Turning to the members of the Royal Navy, who were somewhat shocked at what they had just experienced, Bismarck proclaimed loudly, “Proud warriors of the Royal Navy! Though our grudge goes back many moons, I regret to inform you that I have no intention of falling into your hands today. The Iron Blood shall seize our destiny! LONG LIVE IRON BLOOD!”

With that, Bismarck fired one last defiant salvo. But with her fire control completely gone, it fell short of the fleet. George and Rodney exchanged looks before looking back at Bismarck. “To all members of the Royal Navy. Today, we shall avenge Hood! Concentrate all your fire on Bismarck!” 

With that, a barrage of shells landed around Bismarck as shells plunged into the sea and her as well, the anger of the Royal Navy Kansens felt and heard. “Why won’t she die?!?" 

"Just die, you Kraut !” Bismarck, however, had accepted this to be her fate. 

In the end, I was still unable... to achieve our aspirations… Ah... It is as you said... I have nothing worthy... But now... I can finally become one with the ocean again… My beloved Iron Blood…

Bismarck tipped her head down as she heard the sound of another salvo, waiting for the imminent impact of more shells… 

..Only to no longer hear the sound of the Royal Navy guns firing. Opening her eyes, she looked up to see the same hooded figure in her vision standing in front of her, his katana glowing as he too stood alone with her, surrounded by the Royal Navy. 

The figure looked back at Bismarck, revealing for a split second a soft and gentle smile on the side of his face before he turned his attention to King George. “Sorry for interrupting the crescendo, but I’m afraid this little symphony is over~”

Chapter Text

May 27, 1941, 10:34
Location: Atlantic Ocean, Several Hundred miles off of France

King George just stared at the figure before pointing her sword at him. “Whoever you are, hand Bismark over and we will not harm you.”

Bismarck was confused by everything that was happening, but before she could ask, her legs gave out, causing her to fall. But before she hit the water, the figure caught her. Just as he did, he whispered into her ear, “ Will you entrust me your comrades
and your own future? W�̶̣̯̥͛̀̌ͅ  yÖüá�̒̂͐͋͏͈̲éít�̬̜̖̯͂̔͑͟ͅóá�̒̂͐͋͏͈̲�̬̜̖̯͂̔͑͟ͅax/&�̴̼͖̳ͨ̈̓̑^7�͙̯̆̾͘�̛̥̻̟͙̰̠̭ͥ̏̓?”

Bismarck just nodded weakly as the figure softly smiled at her again.

Farewell; perhaps we shall meet again once you've accomplished your dream. "Then fÄÄÄÄ_áéí…”

…

Error. Unknown Time Disruption and Discrepancy
Location: █████████████, ███████

Bismarck woke up to a shock jolting throughout her body, lying on a bed in a cold cell. Where am I… wha- 

That was when all her old memories flooded back along with the experience she just had. That man… could it be? 

The door to her cell flew open as Tester rushed in along with Observer Alpha. “My, what a surprise~” Bismarck weakly rolled away to face the other direction before Observer Alpha used one of her tentacles to position Bismarck’s face toward her. “Now, tell me, since you don’t have such a power to cross simulated dimensions, who saved you?” 

Bismarck just shook her head. “I don’t know.” 

Observer Alpha just looked at Tester and nodded. Tester proceeds to pull out a device and turn a knob. Bismarck tensed, anticipating something to happen to her. 

Instead, nothing happened. 

Looking at the two, Bismarck just sighed lightly as she attempted to roll away again, her body exhausted from the toll of the simulation.

Tester though just made a smug grin. “Then perhaps we should increase it then?” With that, Tester turned the knob, and that was when Bismarck heard it. The scream. The agony. The pain. But it wasn’t from her. It was…

“...Chang?” 

…

May 27, 1941, 10:35
Location: Atlantic Ocean, Several Hundred miles off of France

King George stared at the place where Bismarck once stood, merely inches from death and vengeance nearly complete only to be taken away by this man. “You… you bastard!” 

Renown quickly opened fire with a barrage of shells at the figure, forcing him to leap back. Rodney stared in a daze before quickly snapping back to reality and looking towards George as the latter began issuing orders. “Norfolk and Dorsetshire, lay suppressing fire! Ark Royal, see if you can snipe him and pester him with your aircraft! Rodney, let’s make this man suffer for not letting us avenge Hood!”

With that, the group began to engage the figure though Rodney felt insecure and hesitant. There was something different about him, as if he was holding back. The figure struggled to deflect the volleys of shells with his katana, but he did not go down without a fight. He quickly attempted to target Norfolk first only to leap backward after noticing an array of torpedoes heading towards him from Dorsetshire. But that exposed him as he suffered a hit from one of Rodney’s 16-inch shells just as he landed.

Stumbling, King George took this opportunity to slash at the figure upwards. The figure tried to block it, but George’s blade still cut into his shoulders, making him grunt in pain as he used his right leg to kick her left leg’s knee cap, causing her weight to shift off balance and giving him a chance to recover.

King George, quite frustrated and angry at losing Bismarck, pointed her sword at him, declaring, “By the decree of the Royal Knight King George V, I hereby declare that you surrender your arms and state your identity.” 

The figure looked appalled before chuckling aloud. “Haha. Do you think I would give up so easily? Besides, we haven’t even gotten started yet~” 

He flashed his katana at her before resheathing it, giving King George a smirk. “I do not wish to fight, but if you want a fight, then I might as well answer your latter question.”

This caused King George to raise an eyebrow as the figure gave an unexpected answer. “I am My name does not concern you. So�̡̠̘̞̹̺̻̿̐ͯ̈́ü ̞̩̩͉͎̬͇̯ͤ͛͠�ͧͫ̍ͬUx/�̘̠͉̓̒̇͜�̴͓̟̘͓̂͌ü]Ö是¡�͌͊ͯ͏͔̤͔̠̞͉l, and you are nothing but a pawn for the Sirens.” 

This made King George shriek in anger as she rushed him, sword raised. 

But this was what he had expected. He closed his eyes as he tightened his left hand around his sheath. Waiting for a few seconds, he opened his eyes and watched as King George approached before moving his right hand onto the handle of the katana and performed an upward slash that outpaced King George’s attack, cutting off her right forearm.

King George screamed in agony as her sword fell to the ground with her left hand clutching the bleeding half of her right arm. Upon seeing this, Rodney dashed to help George while Norfolk unleashed a hail of shells and bullets toward the man that had injured their leader. Undeterred, There is no gain from knowing my identity. █O█�̬͉̬̠͍ͨ͜�͙̭̞̏͑͒͞ͅ<l�̻ͪ̉ͪ̀̚s�̛̘̟̭̬̈█ rushed Norfolk, slashing away at the ammunition before leaping into the air, deflecting the still incoming rounds before bringing the katana down in full force, slicing Norfolk in half. “NORFOLK!”

Enraged at seeing her sister cut down, Dorsetshire attempted to close the distance and fire point-blank at Enough of this charades, Sirens. █人�̬͉̬̠͍ͨ͜�͙̭̞̱̼̏͑͒͞ͅ only to see a flash of movement. Stopping, she looked down and realized her body was cut in half. “Norfolk…” she muttered as her upper body fell off the waist and sank into the ocean with the lower half tipping over.

With that, the figure quickly dove to his left as a round from Ark Royal passed where he just was. Glancing over at Ark Royal with Renown at her side, he flashed his sword at the sea, getting rid of the blood that stained the sword. “I am getting quite tired of killing you all now. If you allow me to leave, I will no longer interfere with this world.”

Before Renown could answer, Ark Royal spat out, “Go to hell! Squadron 818, strike him now!”

Turning around, the man's eyes went wide as he saw multiple Swordfishes drop a spread of torpedoes at close range. A massive column of water erupted from where he stood. Renown looked at Ark Royal and smiled. “Nice hit!”

“..sigh. Indeed.”

Looking back towards the man, they saw him walk out, his legs scarred from the impact yet still standing. Before the two could react, he was behind them, his katana drawn as the two Kansens fell from severe midriff cuts.

Rodney, who was resting King George on her lap as she was dying, just stroked her hair as she watched the figure approach them, flicking his sword towards the sea again to rid the blood on it. “I’m sorry, George. We couldn’t accomplish our mission…” 

George just chuckled lightly before coughing up some blood as she began to go into shock. “Just… make sure… Hood… wil…” Before she could finish, she took one final breath and went limp. Saddened by the turn of events, she let go of George as she watched her comrade sinking into the abyss.

“It didn't have to be this way, you know.” 

Rodney just turned to glare at The more you try to decode it, the more it becomes encoded, Zero. _€�̣͇ͪ̔͞$�̧̙̮̱̲͂. “You are the one who brought all this on us!”

Sighing aloud, What? Did you really think I would be
so naive to fall for your tricks again? S�͙̭̞̱̼̏͑͒͞ͅ�̻̜̠͎͍͈͍͈ͪ̉ͪ̀̚人á reached into his pocket and pulled out a photo. “Perhaps, but maybe there could have been a better world, a better outcome I would say.” 

Dropping the photo, Make sure your doors are locked, Zero.
There is no escape from me. I will find you, and I will kill you. $�̬̭̤̯͓̝̖͊ͣ͡% ̱̥̬͖̣̗̓̿̾͆͡�̶͇̯̙̜̱̞͈ͯ�̸̣̤̞͖ͪ̈̍n�͙̖͒̋͜�̴̫̻̥͇͙̋#+_�͙̬̲̭̹̼͕̙ͧ̈́̆ͥ͠�ͣ̔̚͏̻͚̮̹̩ skin began to turn green with symbols and characters running all over his body before he disappeared, just like Bismarck. Rodney, cautious, approached the photo, picking it up before gasping. It was an image of her with another Kansen and Hood, smiling with coconuts in their hands along with the man that had just killed her friends.

But her face along with the Hood and the other were crossed out, the words, “Fallen, but not forgotten,” etched over it. Looking at where the man once was, she took a deep breath before contacting the other task forces in the area about the events that had just occurred.

██████ to all units: Code Romeo Alpha Delta.
We must hurry before he finds out. ...............

Chapter Text

Error. Unknown Time Disruption and Discrepancy
Location: █████████████, ███████

A man hummed to himself as he set a kettle teapot over a campfire in the woods. The peace, the silence. Just as he always liked it.

He had always preferred it this way. At least, that was till he received a massive energy reading from a universe. And though he would normally ignore it, something pulled on him to go. Believing it was God's calling for him to rise out of hiding, he investigated only to find something he had seen too many times. 

Yet there was something peculiar about this scenario. He had a strong pull to the Bismarck, and he could sense her cube’s frequency rejecting the universe it was in. 

Shaking his head, the man sighed as he looked to the stars above before pulling out a photo from inside his jacket pocket inside his cloak. He smiled to himself as glanced over the image, remembering the fond memories he had with New Jersey, Bismarck, Hood, and Rodney. But above all those, he remembered the one person he had always cherished.

Setting the image back inside, he pulled out his hand watch from another pocket, opening it to reveal a compass with the image of Helena inside. Brushing his hands against the image, he took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. “I’m sorry, Lenie…” 

Suddenly, ruffling noises could be heard behind him. Closing the watch and turning around, he gripped his hands on his sheath only to find Rodney standing there. Based on her cube’s frequency and the device on her arms, he closed his eyes as he eased himself slightly. “What are you doing here?”

Rodney just crossed her arms under her bust. “I demand answers.”

The figure just sighed as he stood up. “Answers to what?” 

“To what happened on that day.”

The man sighed as he sat down on a log and reached for the kettle teapot. “Tea?” 

Rodney nodded as the man passed her a cup, the two sitting down and drinking in silence before the man broke it.

“You were created from a simulation of a past event in history. Despite the fact each simulation is its universe, they can each have unique characteristics or merely mirror other universes in the Siren’s attempt to ‘better’ humanity.”

Rodney frowned. “Why couldn’t you have started with that before you killed George and the rest? We would have listened.” 

The figure hesitated before answering. “That was because you were all blinded by rage as King George ordered to attack me before I could explain things, forcing me to take matters into my own hands. But there is another factor. When one is outside their universe, they will experience a lack of… why, compatibility with the universe they are not from, creating an insecure frequency that compels those who are in that universe to rid themselves of the anomaly. Usually, I spectate such events in these universes, yet I sensed something was off about Bismarck. It was as if she was not even intended to be here in the first place, so I came to investigate.”

“And?” Rodney was getting impatient. After the hunt for the Bismarck, Rodney and Azur Lane had put much emphasis on world traveling to find this man that had eluded her for so long. Even after the Second World War and with the combined help of Iron Blood, they had spent seven years researching how to perform such a feat and how to trace the man’s frequency.

“I found out the Sirens took the Bismarck from another world to heighten her strength and power. They somehow managed to lock part of her memory and replaced it with your world’s Bismarck. In fact, your world’s Bismarck was killed long beforehand as the Sirens wanted to see if they could change the outcome of history with a different Bismarck. So I decided to intervene and help her escape back to her world after the Sirens' attempt to change history failed.”

Rodney took one last sip before handing back the cup to the man. “I… see. Well then, I must apologize to you for the lack of understanding at the time, but, out of curiosity, would you mind if I tag along?” 

The man tilted his head in slight confusion. “Excuse me?”

Rodney looked away, a slight tint of red on her face. “I… I would like to stay with you. My government has decided that if I shall return, I will be scrapped as the age of Battleships is over.” 

The man breathed out a sigh of sadness as he refilled her cup with more tea. “I’m sorry you had to experience that time period. Therefore, I will allow you to tag along my journey.” 

Rodney nodded her head in thanks before taking the cup back from him. “Thank you. But before we continue, may I ask why you spared me?” 

The man hesitated only for Rodney to answer it for him. “You couldn’t kill someone you used to love, couldn’t you?” 

Now it was the man’s turn to look away. “What happened to you in my world has happened to millions. I was just tired of killing when I got to you.”

Rodney, however, could tell he was shaken by something. Taking a chance, she got up before sitting next to him. “And is that why you are chasing this Bismarck? To perhaps end it all?”

The man turned to face her, and, to Rodney’s surprise, she saw him smile, a smile that looked so innocent and lovingly she could not have sworn it was the same man that cut down her friends. “If God deems so, then I will.” 

Rodney could feel her cheeks heat up as she looked into his eyes. The man just chuckled softly as he stood up. “Am I still that handsome?”  

Grabbing a bucket of water and dowsing the fire with it, he turned to face the open sea before turning back towards Rodney, offering his hand. “Well then, shall we venture off into the unknown?”

Rodney, undeterred and quite fascinated by the man now, grasped his hands and stood up before handing the teacup back. “Yes indeed.” 

The man smirked as he stashed the teacup into his backpack, tapped the screen of the device on his left arm, and heaved his backpack onto his back before offering his hand to her again. “Hold on tight, Rodney. Interdimensional traveling can be a bit turbulent~”

Rodney just took the hand, replying with a sly smile on her face, “My life is in your hands now… Solus Aeternum.”