Chapter 128 – Sword Drawn in Defiance

Gorou spread his hands. "You're too dangerous. Surely, you understand that."

Hikaru narrowed his eyes. "Aren't you afraid my shipgirls will go berserk?"

"They won't dare," Marshal Heizou said coldly, "as long as your life is in our hands, they won't make a move. They've already captured severalCommanders—but we will not compromise."

It would be naïve to think Hikaru hadn't seen this coming.

Even before heading down here, both Tirpitz and Lexington had tried to dissuade him. Anyone with half a brain could see: if one wanted to restrain the unmatched force that was Tirpitz, the only way was to control Hikaru. He was her weak point.

But still—while Hikaru had mentally prepared for this, he hadn't expected Gorou and the others to act so decisively, so recklessly.

They had almost completely torn off the mask.

Hikaru's gaze slid past Gorou and Heizou to those standing behind them.

Shun looked elated, as if he were finally getting his revenge. Takeyama wore a stiff expression, clearly held in check by the surrounding commanders.

They were overthinking it. Takeyama had only supported Hikaru out of principle. Hikaru knew full well: Takeyama wouldn't attack his fellow commanders on his behalf.

Enemies on all sides. Surrounded by tigers.

That was the situation Hikaru now faced.

"You all..." Hikaru sighed. "Why do you always assume I'm just an easy target?"

His right hand still held the ring. His left—at some point—had already settled on the hilt of the command sword at his waist.

Gorou's pupils shrank.

All of them—dozens of Marshals—had been watching Hikaru's every move. Even the tiniest twitch of muscle hadn't escaped them.

And yet none of them had noticed when Hikaru had grasped his sword.

Gorou's heart tensed. He knew—something was about to happen.

Still unaware, Marshal Heizou continued threatening him.

"One more move, and I'll break your arm. Believe me, it's not difficult."

Hikaru chuckled softly.

"You all really underestimate the power of a swordsman. Letting a swordsman touch his sword… you've already lost."

Gorou spoke up. "Hikaru, think carefully. Once you draw that blade, there's no going back."

"And I should ask you the same. Did you really have to push me this far?"

"We're simply following the rules. Put yourself in our shoes—you'd realize we had no choice. There's no need to escalate things."

Hikaru threw back his head and let out a long, loud laugh, startling the nearby commanders, who nearly attacked him on the spot, thinking he was about to make a move.

"Someone once told me something similar," Hikaru said with a wry smile, his tone theatrical and mocking. "She said: 'Let go of hate, abandon your pride, start anew, change your ways. Let the past be past, return from the sea of suffering, and seek the lotus of awakening.'"

Marshal Heizou snapped, "Enough of that nonsense! Surrender, now!"

"Alas, my fault for being blind to reason," Hikaru shook his head. "It's been years since I last used swordplay. I wonder... is my sword still sharp?"

Gorou snorted. "Even the sharpest sword is useless against battleships and aircraft bombs."

"Is that so?" Hikaru gave a mysterious smile. "Then receive this strike. The name of this sword is—Don't Let My Tears Keep Me Company Tonight."

Marshal Heizou and the others were still holding back. They didn't dare truly harm Hikaru, and when he spouted such a ridiculous name, Heizou couldn't help but snap, "What kind of stupid name is that?!"

In the next instant, his eyes went wide as saucers.

Hikaru's hand stroked the hilt like a musician caressing strings. The sword let out a clear, singing chime—like a phoenix's cry from the heavens, a dragon leaping from a frozen lake. A brilliant platinum light burst upward, filling the entire cabin.

It was more than just light—it was as if sword energy had burst through the sky itself, crashing down like an overwhelming tidal wave.

Under that single strike, the gathered commanders were frozen in place, their souls nearly ripped apart. Not a single one could even muster the thought to dodge.

When the light finally faded, Hikaru was gone from the room.

The Commanders who had surrounded him all trembled. Thin lines of blood appeared on their wrists, and their weapons clattered to the ground.

Above them, the ceiling had a perfect circular hole punched through it.

Hikaru had soared up to the flight deck—riding his sword.

Gorou paled in shock and stomped his foot. "Damn it—go after him! Don't let Hikaru escape!"

[End of Chapter]

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