"Even a Five-Star Epic Ship Girl surrendered... Taihou must be Legendary!"
"She one-shot two Gold-Plated Ship Girls—only Legends could do that."
"Legendary... the tier above Epic."
Gasps and theories flew as Souryuu retreated.
"If no one else challenges me, leave—or stay and accept the consequences," Taihou warned.
They glanced at the two bloody Mosaics, shuddered, and turned to go.
Opportunities are worthless to the dead.
Just then a new voice rang out: "Wait! Don't leave—I'll deal with Taihou."
The crowd paused, incredulous. Who would dare?
A silver-haired beauty in a white off-shoulder dress stepped forward—Illustrious, Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier, a mere Gold-Plated Ship Girl, an ant in Taihou's eyes.
Who says you can handle Taihou—who gave you the guts to court death? Are you blind to those two Gold-Plated Ship Girls on the ground? Want me to take you to an eye doctor?
Everyone stayed silent, giving Illustrious the look reserved for the hopelessly dim.
Unbothered by their stares, Illustrious said, "Problems don't always need brute force. If I pull this off, you'll hand over thirty percent of whatever you gain inside Azure Island—cash if you can't spare the goods. Otherwise, I'm not lifting a finger."
"Deal. If you can settle that Taihou, thirty percent is yours," a fat Admiral stepped forward and agreed.
"Hey, who made you spokesman for all of us?" a male Admiral in the crowd protested.
"Hmph! Got a better plan? We're desperate enough to try anything. If you don't like it, leave—no one's stopping you. You're only still here because you're clinging to a sliver of hope," the fat Admiral barked.
His words hit home. Right—nothing to lose. Success costs thirty percent; failure changes nothing.
"I agree!"
"Well… all right, I agree too."
"If everyone's in, count me in," muttered the same male Admiral who'd objected earlier.
Illustrious recognized the fat Admiral: the man who'd asked to link soul networks in the diner and been rejected. Wu Goudan—at least he knew when to yield.
"Remember—thirty percent when it's done." With that reminder, Illustrious strode toward Taihou. "Watch me succeed!"
Taihou watched her approach, astonished. A mere Gold-Plated Ship Girl daring to challenge her? "Judging by your swagger, you're ready to become the next Mosaic patch down there.
Sixteen red halos rippled; crimson chains ending in spearheads slid out, edges glinting, waiting only for Taihou's word to skewer Illustrious into a honeycomb.
"Hold it! Don't shoot—I've got vital news for your ears only." Fearing a sudden strike, Illustrious shamelessly raised her hands in surrender.
Seeing her surrender without a fight, the crowd gaped. Big sis, weren't you going to deal with Taihou?
Illustrious ignored them. Fight a Legendary Ship Girl and win? Get real. Since force was out, other methods remained—and she was sure Taihou would let them pass after hearing what she had to say.
"Anything you can't say in front of everyone?" Taihou refused, wary of tricks.
"This concerns only you; if others hear, it's worthless. But I swear on my life it's crucial—or are you afraid a tiny Gold-Plated Ship Girl might harm you?" Illustrious baited her.
"Afraid? I, Taihou, fear nothing!" she snapped.
"Then we have a deal?" Illustrious pressed.
"Less talk, get over here. Let's hear this 'important' news," Taihou growled.
"Coming right up!"
Illustrious scurried over, bent close, caught a whiff of rose scent from Taihou, and—looking down—spotted her perfect, ample cleavage, stirring a flutter inside.
Noticing the gaze, Taihou lifted Illustrious's chin with a finger and purred, "Like the view? Want to… merge with me?"
Good grief, a veteran driver—one sentence and she's on the highway. Illustrious knew that if she dared, Taihou would turn her into Mosaic paste.
"No, no—just joking! I wouldn't dream of it," Illustrious said, wiping cold sweat.
"Tch, another impotent bore. Fine, out with your 'important' news," Taihou sneered.
Impotent? Your whole family, Illustrious cursed silently, yet bowed politely. "The news is…"
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