(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Alright, that concludes today’s club meeting! You all had some amazing poems.”

Sayori: “Thanks, Monika! Everyone’s getting so good; it’s like our feelings are really starting to shine through our words.”

Natsuki: “It’s nice to see some variety, too. I mean, it’s not just about the cutesy or the dark stuff. We’re hitting all sorts of emotions.”

Yuri: “Indeed. The diversity of styles and themes is quite invigorating. It compels one to explore the depths of their own creativity.”

Monika: “Absolutely. Speaking of creativity, for our next meeting, let’s try something a little different. How about we each write a poem, but we incorporate a style or technique that we’re not used to? It could be a great learning experience!”

Sayori: “Wow, that sounds like a fun challenge! It might be hard, but it’s worth a shot!”

Natsuki: “Humph, well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try something new. Fine, I’m in. But don’t expect me to write some sappy love poem!”

Yuri: “I find the proposal intriguing. It shall be an opportunity to step out of one’s comfort zone. I accept this challenge with an open mind.”

Monika: “Great! Then it’s settled. Let’s all try to break our usual patterns and see what happens. Remember, this is all about personal growth and having fun with our writing. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!”

(Just as the club members start packing up their things, preparing to leave the clubroom, Monika adds…)

Monika: “Oh, and one more thing before we all go. Please remember to bring your favorite snacks for the next meeting. A little poetry and treats always make for a perfect combination. See you all next time!”

(As the club members leave to head home, a mysterious girl dressed head-to-toe in strange clothing watches them from a distance.)

Bismarck: (lowering her binoculars) “Those don’t look like Sirens. I’d better send someone from the Sakura Empire to investigate them. Knowing them, they’re the most well-equipped shipgirls to be tracking down this group. I think I know just who to send out. But I don’t think Shinano would be perfect of the job, knowing her tendency to doze off; and considering Taihou’s swollen belly, I’m pretty sure she’d attract a lot of attention. I’ll have to head back to the main Azur Lane base for now, though.”

(Bismarck makes her way back to the main Azur Lane base to discuss her findings with her fellow shipgirls - including New Jersey; who is sitting comfortably in a wooden chair, despite breaking several prior wooden chairs thanks to her big butt.)

Bismarck: “Upon observing the group, they do not appear to be a threat—at least, not in the conventional sense. Their abilities seem to manifest through words and emotions rather than armaments.”

New Jersey: (struggling to adjust in her reinforced chair) “Words and emotions, huh? Sounds like an Espionage Team’s sort of deal. So which shipgirls from the Sakura Empire do you reckon would be the best for this mission?”

Bismarck: “I would think someone perceptive and agile, perhaps Kaga or Atago. They have the finesse required for such a delicate task and their skill set will allow them to blend in more easily with these ‘literature club’ members.”

New Jersey: “Kaga has got that icy demeanor, but she’s sharp. Atago, on the other hand, is more outgoing… might fit in better with a club setting. Might want to consider Takao too; she’s got a knack for strategy and can keep an even keel.”

Bismarck: “Indeed. We will need to be cautious to not disrupt their activities. Our goal should be observation, to understand rather than to intervene. Hopefully, we might even learn something from their creative exercises.”

New Jersey: “Yeah, learning’s all fine and dandy, but keep your guard up. You never know when one of those cute little poems could hide a coded message or something fishy. Espionage’s always wrapped in layers, like my—”

(Bismarck cuts her off with a knowing glance)

Bismarck: “Very well. I shall make arrangements with Kaga, Atago, and maybe Takao to visit the literature club under the guise of student transfer. Meanwhile, I trust you will handle the fort?”

New Jersey: (chuckles) “You bet I can handle it—and this chair too, apparently. It’s holding up for now!”

(The moment New Jersey finishes her sentence,