Section 15: Naval Warfare Preparations

We're finally down to the last area! All aboard the hype train!

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So where is this last area, and just what sort of enemy are we going up against there?

Hmm, how I can best explain this... Excuse me, Elder?

Hmm? Is it lunchtime?

Oh Elder, of course not. We just ate a little while ago, remember?

No, I just want to use your shell. Here, with his shell being the island, this last area is right around

Hohoho, that tickles. But to be honest...I kind of like it. Mmm.

I don't suppose anyone brought something we can gag him with?

Of course. I never leave home without a gag. It's worth mentioning that it'd be faster to rip out his tongue, though.

Hoho, I'm just kidding.

As you can see, there are a lot more hollowed-out areas here.

That means there are a lot of places connected to the sea where water builds up.

Well, really, most of the area is just seawater. And scattered within are small, remote islands.

Those islands are where we're heading next.

The water monsters there are those merfolk things.

I don't think they've got any tricks up their, um, scales, but there are a LOT of them in the area.

This is the culmination of everything we've worked for. We'll need to take these last battles as they come.

So let me just get this out of the way up front: we need a boat.

Without one, we won't even be able to reach these islands, let alone fight the monsters there.

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I kind of had the sense something like this might happen...

...so I held a design competition and selected three companies that met my exacting, if admittedly biased, standards.

Incidentally, my criteria ended up being, "looks strong," "looks fast," and "can't explain why, but looks like fun"!

All right, company number one, you're up! Go ahead and make your case!

Has to be a pirate ship. Obviously!

You need it for a fight, yeah? So you'll want it to be fast AND armed, won't you?

Well, there you go. Man, it's been way too long since our last naval battle. I can't wait!

As to what kind of pirate ship, you've got several candidates to choose from.

You could design one like my Golden Hind, or

Shut it, Drakie! What other choice is there but the Queen Anne's Revenge!?

I think that the Royal Fortune is the most elegant option, personally.

By the way, you there, the younger sister. Might I suggest moving your bangs just a little to your right?

Really, it wouldn't have to be much. I really think it'll bring out your charms to an even greater degree.

Wh...at?

Next, let's hear from the second company. This one requires the incorporation of a surprising amount of technology.

If we're gonna be making a ship, we oughta make one as stupid fast and fun as we can!

Know how some ships can glide across the surface of the water like a surfer?

What're they called... Oh, yeah! Hovercrafts!

I got the idea by seeing one of my old men skating on the surface of a lake with some kind of blessing. Genius, right!?

And last, but not least, a company with a ship I still can't make heads or tails of! That's why it's so fascinating!

I got the idea from readin' one of Kyokutei Bakin's old yarns.

It said there was once a ship called the Utsuro-bune or Urobune that washed up on the shores of Hitachi Province way back in the day.

Apparently, it was made of iron, had windows, and looked like nothin' nobody had ever seen.

Pretty weird, right? Intriguin', right? Hearin' bout things like that makes me wanna jump in and start paintin'!

So if it's possible, I was hopin' ya could actually build one of those ships so I can paint it proper!

I don't know how it's put together, or how it works, or any of that stuff...

...but I'd be mighty grateful if ya made it and let me get a look!

I think I see why you're so interested in this choice now, Da Vinci!

Hey, I admitted my bias right out front, yeah? Besides, I figured I could get away with throwing at least one in just 'cause I liked it.

Man, I really would love to see one of these mysterious Utsuro-bune.

We have no experience with naval battles, so we're counting on you to decide, as usual.

You don't mind, right, Sister? ...Sister?

Oh, sorry, Nhị. I guess I spaced out a little there.

So yes, there you have it! We need to build a ship before we can embark on this last battle!

All aboard the hype train! Er, ship!

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