(A/N) : Before starting this chapter, 3 things :

First, thank you guys for 2K views on this book. You're really amazing, the Azur Lane community is definitely one of best communities in this world, another reason why Azur Lane is awesome.

Second, Charles will now on wear a Crusader outfit that will be the outfit he uses in combat and when his ship is in its riggings form. Pretty sure an image isn't necessary because everyone knows how it looks like, keeping the helmet or not won't change anything, so you can choose if you want it or not, although you will most likely keep it.

And finally, you wanted the A-10 Warthog, you'll get it. Watch your ennemies fall while listening to the beautiful music that is BBBBRRRRRRRTTTTTTTT !!!

And now, let's get back to the story.

Vichiya Dominion's HQ meeting room, 12:30 A.M

3rd P.O.V

Every member of Vichiya Dominion was gathered in the meeting room, eager to learn what informations Jean Bart has.

Jean Bart : Thank you everyone for coming as soon as possible. The news I have for you are pretty grim, concerning what Charles and I saw at Sakura Empire.

Le Malin : Where is he by the way ?

Jean Bart : He went to our borders that we share with the Sardegnia Empire to find an item that could help him make him stronger.

Dunkerque : So what is the Sakura Empire doing that you need to have an emergency meeting ?

Jean Bart : I won't beat around the bush. They are working directly with the Sirens.

Everyone gasped and widen their eyes.

???1 : You're joking, right ?

Jean Bart : Sadly, La Galisonnière, this isn't a joke. And Ironblood is also helping the Sirens as well.

Le Mars : What are they doing ?

Jean Bart : The initial goal  of Akagi and Kaga was to resurrect their older sister, Amagi. The Sirens saw that and decided to make a deal where they will resurrect Amagi for them if they build a huge ship dubbed Project Orochi.

Algérie : They really are working with the Sirens ?

Jean Bart : Yes, Charles and I saw the both of them talking with Observer Alpha. We left soon afterward. And Charles was pretty mad.

La Galisonnière : How mad was he ?

Jean Bart : Enough to slap Kaga in the face, and make him release some aura that put everyone on their knees, even Nagato herself.

Gascogne : Added ability to force people to get  on their knees to Charles folder in power section. Further research is needed to complete the files.

Le Malin : So what shall we do now ?

Jean Bart : This is where I want your opinion on the matter. I don't want to be involved anymore in Crimson Axis's plans, especially if it is to work with Sirens. So, should we continue to work alone or shall we go back to Iris Libre and propose a truce to work together like the good old times.

Everyone was thinking seriously on the matter, because this is a big choice after all. After several minutes, Dunkerque gave her opinion first.

Dunkerque : Honestly, I want to go back to Iris Libre because I can't stand anymore Ironblood's control over us. We can't do anything in that state, but if we go back to Iris Libre, we might stand a chance.

Gascogne soon gave her opinion.

Gascogne : Opinion : Best course of action possible is to go back to Iris Libre. Crimson Axis objectives are contradicting our main objective, which is to kill the Sirens.

Algérie : I agree with those two. The split was an error from both parts, which gave benefits
to Ironblood to control us. We have to come back to Iris Libre.

Jean Bart : Is this really what you want girls ?

All the other girls nodded at that.

Jean Bart : Very well. To be honest, I wanted to create Vichiya Dominion because I wanted more freedom from the religious world. Although I respect it, the religion has way too much importance. However, Ironblood saw that and put us in a situation worse than before the split. I'm sorry about that everyone, I hope you can forgive me for this foolish error.

Dunkerque approcher her to give Jean Bart.

Dunkerque : Don't worry about that. We are not mad, you just wanted what was best for us.

Vauquelin : You just wanted us to be happy, even if it didn't worked, but you still tried to keep your promise, and for that we will continue to follow you.

The other girls nodded while giving Jean Bart a determined smile.

Jeant Bart : Les filles... *cries* Thanks for staying with me to the end.

That wholesome moment is sadly interrupted by the 🚨.

🚨 : ALERT !!! ALERT !!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL !!! IRONBLOOD IS APPROACHING THE BASE !!! I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL !!! IRONBLOOD IS APPROACHING THE BASE !!!

La Galisonnière : Dammit ! What do they want now  ?

Jean Bart : I'm afraid they might know what we saw, and may try to put us to silence.

Everyone : WHAT ?!?!

La Galisonnière : We won't let them do that ! We will fight !

Jean Bart : Girls, go prepare yourselves ! I'm gonna contact Charles for his help ! If he comes, we will have a greater chance of winning !

Everyone : RIGHT !!!

While the girls went to the harbour to prepare themselves for a fight, Jean Bart went to the radio to contact Charles and ask his help against Ironblood.

(Timeskip given to you by Chibi Charles with a murderous intent pursuing a terrified Chibi Roon running for her life)

After getting the answer from Charles that he is hurrying up to our position, I joined the girls to wait for Ironblood to come and gain some time before his arrival. Bismarck was present as well as Hipper, Prinz Eugen, Deutschland, Graf Zeppelin, Roon and some submarines.

Bismarck : Guten tag, Jean Bart.

Jean Bart : What are you doing here ?

Bismarck : We heard about the commotion that happened in Sakura Empire, something about Charles slapping Kaga and putting everyone else to their knees. Do you mind explaining ?

Jean Bart : Maybe he wouldn't have to do that if you didn't worked with the Sirens to begin with !

Bismarck : ... So you know the truth of our actions. As well as what Akagi and Kaga has done.

Jean Bart : You're right... Everyone in Vichiya Dominion knows about your true intentions... If this is how you will work, then we won't work with you anymore. We're leaving Crimson Axis !

Bismarck : Then I'm afraid we have to sink you. You know too much and you could be a problem in the future. I wish it didn't happened but you don't leave us the choice. Girls ! Prepare for a fight ! Let's sink them !

Jean Bart : Good, because we won't go down without one. Girls ! Let's show them our strength !

Vichiya Dominion : OUI !!!

Jean Bart P.O.V

I was at the back with Dunkerque and Gascogne to prepare our salvos while the other girls were in the vanguard trying to damage as much as they can so Charles will have an easier time to end them, not that it will change anything for him.

Jean Bart : Gascogne, Dunkerque, let's keep up our defenses to gain time for his arrival.

Dunkerque/Gascogne : Right/Order acknowledged.

3rd P.O.V

The Vichiya Vanguard are trying their best to damage them as much as possible. The Destroyers were fighting both Deutschland and Graf Spee while Algérie and La Galisonnière were against Hipper, Eugen and Roon.

Roon : I will have fun scrapping you after I kill you all.

Algérie : We won't let ourselves defeated by someone like you.

Roon : We'll see that, but you know you are outnumbered, right ? *crazed smile*

La Galisonnière : Even then. We won't give up.

Hipper : Do you think you can defeat us ?

Algérie: We'll see that, chessboard.

Hipper : NOW, YOU'VE DONE IT !!!

Meanwhile :

Deutschland : Fufufu~ You think that lowly animals like you can defeat the great Deutschland ?

Le Mars : We won't loose to someone like you.

Graf Spee : Take this ! *fires a barrage*

Le Mars : ARRRGHH !!!

Deutschland : You can see, you cannot defeat the great Deutschland !!!

Graf Spee : ...

Deutschland : And of course her sister and the rest of Ironblood !

Le Malin : Take this ! *launch torpedoes*

Deutschland : Grrrrr ! My hull ! You will regret damaging my beautiful shark, lowly animal ! *launches a barrage*

The Destroyers : AHHHHHHH !!!

Deutschland : Serves you right !

Jean Bart P.O.V

This is looking bad for us. Our salvoes are ready to be fired.

Jean Bart : Girls, now !

Dunkerque/Gascogne : Right

We fired our salvoes and it hit the Ironblood girls. Despite we hit them, they are still in good condition to fight. Crap, if only my other cannon wasn't in bad shape, I would have dealt more damage.

(Timeskip given to you by a Timeskip)

Jean Bart P.O.V

Despite our efforts, we couldn't get past them. Are we losing ? No, I cannot loose, I am Jean Bart, the strongest Vichiya Battleship and bearer of the sacred name of Iris.

Bismarck : You became more powerful, and yet, still not enough to defeat us. It's time to end you for good now.

I closed my eyes hoping it would be quick, until I heard a weird sound.

Bismarck : Hmm ?

Apparently, Bismarck heard it.

Bismarck : What ? WHAT ARE THOSE ?!?!

I looked up in the sky to see 5 missiles aiming for Ironblood. Those missiles seem familiar. Wait, are those Charles's missiles ? He's finally here.

Bismarck :ARRRRRGGGHHHHH !!!

The missiles exploded on Bismarck, sending her back to the Ironblood fleet.

Bismarck : WHO DID THAT ?!?!

???2 : That would be me, fool.

Charles P.O.V

Looks like I came just in time to save Vichiya as I watched my missiles exploding on Bismarck. I approached Jean Bart.

Charles : Are you okay ?

Jean Bart : Yes, we're good but too tired.

Charles : I see. Go get a bit of rest while I take care of them.

Jean Bart : But-

Charles : You are not in condition to continue the fight. Go rest with the others until you're ready to go back.

Jean Bart : You better come back alive.

Charles : There's no way I will die here.

Jean Bart : Girls, let's retreat. Charles will take care of them.

Vichiya Girls : Roger that !

As I looked at the girls leaving, I turned back my attention to Ironblood.

Charles : So you have attacked Vichiya Dominion, which is apart of my homeland. You better get ready for the consequences of your acts.

Skill activation : God's Wrath.

If this ship is alone or if any Vichiya Dominion/Iris Libre ship is under 50% HP while this ship is afloat, increases all of the  stats of this ship by 300%

Deutschland : You think you can defeat us, lowly animal ? We have you 6 to 1.

Charles : Foolish child, don't be blinded by statistics. Victory depends on far more.

Meanwhile in Azur Lane :

Warspite : *sneezes*

Queen Elizabeth : Are you okay, Warspite ?

Warspite : Yes, Your Majesty. It's just that someone said something that should have been said by me.

Queen Elizabeth : You believe those stupid clichés from those Eagle Union cartoons ? This is nonsense !

Warspite : My apologies, your Majesty.

Back to Charles :

Charles : *smirks* This is ironic coming from you, thinking you're above everyone else, when you were already damaged before, isn't that right Deutschland, or should I call you Lützow ?

Deutschland : You... HOW DARE YOU USE THAT NAME ?!?! AND HOW DO YOU KNOW IT ?!?! No matter. Attack him !

Her rigging dashed at me, hoping to bite my arm. I waited it came closer until it was just right in front of me. When it opened its jaws, I caught them in my hands, immobilizing it.

3rd P.O.V

To say the girls were surprised was an understatement. The Vichiya girls were scared that Deutschland's rigging will bite his hand until he caught it with his bare hands.

Meanwhile, the Ironblood girls were shocked at the display, how did he managed to do that. As they looked at Charles waiting for his next actions, a sadistic smile appeared as he said.

Charles : Hmmm, I wonder what happens if I break him in two, do you mind if I experiment that, Lützow ?

Deutschland : WAIT WAIT WAIT !!!

He didn't listen and started to stretch its jaws even further, creating cracks that kept getting bigger until he destroyed in half the rigging. The Ironblood girls were terrified at that display.

A shark made of Ironblood's finest technology, broken in half with only sheer strength alone. All the Ironblood riggings were so scared that a black stained appeared under them. They didn't want to end up like him.

Charles : Thank for letting me do this experiment. I'll give the rest of it back to you.

He threw the rest of the rigging back to Deutschland, which hit her as well as severely injuring her.

Charles : Serves you right worms. And now, it is your turn.

Roon : You won't continue because I will destroy you now ! *shoots a barrage on him*

Charles : ...

BOOM

Roon : That was easy.

Charles : Pitiful.

Roon widen her eyes, seeing Charles unscathed, in its glorious Crusader outfit, letting his murderous aura come out.

Roon felt something she never thought she would feel : fear. She was supposed to be a murderous psychopath, and yet, here is she is, trembling before Charles's murderous aura. And he shouted at her with his cannons

Roon : ARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH !!!

The other girls could only have one thought :

Vichiya Girls (mind) : Good thing he is on our side.

Ironblood (mind) : Scheisse. We're screwed.

Charles P.O.V

I stopped my aura, showing that I will not let them get away. I suddenly got a call from Amagi.

Amagi : That was quite the display. However, watch out, there are submarines around you.

Charles : Thanks for the warning. Good thing i have anti-submarine.

Amagi : Good luck, although you don't seems to need it.

Charles : Thx. *ends the call*

I looked back to see Bismarck smirking.

Bismarck : You're strong, too bad, you fell into my trap.

Charles : Oh ? You mean the one with the submarines surrounding me ? I know that, although I wouldn't call it a trap, because I wanted this to happen.

Bismarck's smirk turned into a shocked face.

Bismarck : Wait, what ?

Charles : This means that YOU fell into my trap ! GO MY PANTHER ! USE YOUR ANTI-SUBMARINE TORPEDOES !!!

At the same moment, my Panther dropped the torpedoes, exploding under water. A few seconds after that a few injured girls came back at the surface.

Bismarck : U-81 !!! U-556 !!! U-47 !!! U-101 !!! NOOO !!!

Charles : Is this the true extent of Ironblood supposedly best technology in the world ? If it is, then I'm disappointed.

Graf Zeppelin : You will regret this ! I will destroy you with my hatred ! *launches her planes*

Charles : Well, let me introduce you to a brand new plane I got, the A-10 Warthog, more known as the BBRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTT !!!

Prinz Eugen : Why BRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTT ?!?!

Charles : You will see by yourself. *launches 4 A-10 Warthog*

Jean Bart P.O.V

I heard him talking about a A-10 Warthog, supposedly nicknamed the BRRRRRRTTTTTTT ?!?? But why that nickname ? I didn't have to wait very long to know why.

BRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT !!!

The sound of those planes are so loud that you can barely hear the cries of pain coming from Ironblood's side. I'm truly glad he is fighting for us.

Charles P.O.V

My A-10 Warthog came back to me as I saw all the Ironblood fleet greatly injured. Bismarck looked at me and asked me something.

Bismarck : What are you...?

Charles : I am the one who judges the sinners for their blasphemy. The one who purge the heretics. And the one protecting the Holy lands from power-hungry factions like yours. I am the MNF Charles de Gaulle, the nuclear Aircraft Carrier in service of Iris Orthodoxy.

Charles : You are lucky that I still have mercy. Leave now and you will live. But if you try to mess with the Iris again, let's just say that I will be out of mercy the next you will fight me.

Bismarck : Fine... EVERYBODY !!! WE RETREAT NOW !!!

Roon : But... we can still fight...

Deutschland : I refuse... to yield... to a lowly beast like him...

Charles : *smiles that promise pain* Oh, I forgot to mention that all of those who don't retreat with Bismarck will be sunk here by yours truly. Do you want that ?

Roon : Actually... I remember something that I need to do... BYE !!! *flees quickly*

Deutschland : I forgot... to bring more oil actually... BYE !!! *flees quickly*

I deadpanned at their excuses.

(Timeskip given to you by Chibi Author waiting desperately for fanart of Richelieu in a wedding dress) (A/N : Seriously, I really want to see one.)

After Bismarck and her fleet got out my sight, I went back to the Vichiya girls. I saw Jean Bart running to me before putting me in an embrace. The rest of the girls approached us.

Jean Bart : Merci... for saving us...

Charles : No need to thank me. I'm only helping my patriots. So, what are you gonna do now ?

Jean Bart : Well, I talked to everyone about our discovery, and after some thinking, we decided that we want to go back to Iris Libre and recreate Iris Orthodoxy.

Charles : *smiles softly* As an Iris Orthodoxy ship, I cannot be more proud of your choice.

Jean Bart : Btw, how did you knew about the submarines ?

Charles : Even though I had anti-submarine torpedoes, to tell you the truth, some exterior help warned me about their presence.

Jean Bart : Who was it ?

Charles : You'll see. YOU CAN COME OUT, GIRLS !!!

3rd P.O.V

As Charles called someone, 2 people showed up. Needless to say they were surprised by who showed up.

Algérie : Wait, Littorio ?! What are you doing here ?

Littorio : Buongiorno, girls. Yes, it is I, Littorio. I was curious about that boy, so I talked to him and because I heard about what Sakura Empire is doing, I followed him here to see the truth from my eyes. I can say that Ironblood and Sakura Empire went too far.

Dunkerque : Who is the other girl ? And why does she looks like Akagi ?

Charles : It's because it is Amagi, her older sister.

Amagi : Hello everyone.

Everyone except Charles, Amagi and Littorio : QQQUUUUUOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIII ?!?!?

Charles : And before you ask, she is the real Amagi, not the fake one Akagi and Kaga are trying to resurrect. And she knows about their actions as well.

Jean Bart : Wow ! Where did she was all that time ?

Charles : Remember when I said I was trying to find my treasure ? *Jean Bart nods* Well, that was when I met Littorio. And inside the treasure was a cube to give upgrades to myself, including the A-10 Warthogs, and another one to resurrect a girl. And I let you guess who was resurrected with it. She was in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea all this time.

Jean Bart : I see. And that explain the Crusader outfit you're wearing.

Charles : Of course. It is better to purge the heretics when you wear a Crusader outfit.

Charles : By the way, Amagi's resurrection must stay a secret for now. We cannot let Azur Lane or Crimson Axis find her, not until we find the good moment. Can I trust you on that, girls ?

They nodded.

Littorio : It was nice to see a part of your power. But I have to go back, I still have a report to do, and don't worry, I will not mention Amagi to anyone.

Charles : I see. Take care and see you next time.

Littorio : *smiles seductively* We will definitely meet again. Believe me, because I, Littorio, deem you worthy of being my equal. *leaves*

Charles P.O.V

As I continued talking to the Vichiya girls, I received an emergency call from Richelieu.

Charles : What is going on, Richelieu ? Are you okay ?

Richelieu : Merci mon Dieu. You have answered.

Jean Bart : Sister ?!

Richelieu : You're here too, Jean Bart ?!

Jean Bart : Yes, as well as the rest of Vichiya.

Richelieu : I have not much time. Charles, I need your help. The Royal Navy is coming, and they are not here for diplomacy, I'm afraid.

Charles : Great, as if dealing with Ironblood wasn't enough, the Royal Navy is coming as well to threaten us.

Dunkerque : What happened between you and the Royal Navy ?

Richelieu : Let's say that I had enough of their monitoring on Iris Libre, and I refused to help them, and they took it badly, and are now going to fight us.

Jean Bart : What ?! The Royal Navy have you on a leash just like Ironblood did on us ?!

Richelieu : Yes, it was only known from us as well as Charles. And before you ask why he didn't told you, it was because I asked him to keep it secret. By the way, you were fighting Ironblood ?

Dunkerque : Yeah, we called Charles to help. If it wasn't for him, I don't think Vichiya Dominion would still exist. But now, we wish to join back Iris Libre and recreate Iris Orthodoxy.

Richelieu : I'm glad to hear that, but could you hurry up, please ? I don't think we will win this fight.

Charles : Yeah, count on me. When it comes to our homeland, I will always protect it.

Richelieu : Merci. We will try to gain time, so you can attack them by surprise.

Charles : Très bien. See you. *ends the call*

Jean Bart : I never knew my sister was in the same predicament as us. But I won't let her fight alone this time. I will fight with her.

Charles : I respect your choice. What about the rest ?

Algérie : We said we will follow Jean Bart, whatever her decision is, so we will help as well to deal with the Royal Navy. And I'm speaking for everyone.

They all nodded.

Charles : My apologies Amagi, but will you come with us as well ?

Amagi : *giggles* I said I will follow you for the time being, and I shall continue. Even if this means being on the sideways to give you intel about the enemy.

Jean Bart : Thank you for your help, Amagi. Do you mind if Tartu and Vauquelin stays with you for protection in case of ?

Amagi : This won't be a problem, I would appreciate the company.

Charles : Well, Tartu, Vauquelin, we're counting on you to protect Amagi. *They both nodded* For the others, come with me, it's time to free Iris Orthodoxy for good. FOR THE IRIS !!!

Everyone : FOR THE IRIS !!!

(A/N) : And that's it for chapter 8. I hope you have enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your feedback and opinion in the comments.

So, someone asked me by message if there will be lemons. And, there will be lemons, after all, this is a mature book. You can expect the first one to be in 2 or 3 chapters, depending on how I progress. It won't be easy but I will try my best to do one that is somewhat readable and enjoyable for you. That is all I will say for now.

As always, thanks for reading this chapter. And see you in the next one.

TheBreizhOne out !

_____________________________

New characters that have appeared in this chapter :

La Galisonnière :

Deutschland :

Admiral Graf Spee :

Roon :

U-81 :

U-556 :

U-47 :

U-101 :

Of course, none of those images belong to me ! Credit to their original artist !