The late afternoon sun paints the ocean in streaks of orange and gold. The calm waves lap gently against the edge of the Sakura Empire harbor. A quiet breeze stirs the paper lanterns strung along the docks, rustling them like wind chimes. Most of the fleet is off in drills or patrolling. It's peaceful until there's a sudden splooosh! sound

A bubbly whirlpool breaks the water’s surface just beside the pier, followed by the playful plop of a girl flipping onto the dock with expert ease. Wet footprints trail behind her as she lands with a giggle, her red tail flicking droplets everywhere.

There she stands I-19, still glistening from her dive. Her form-fitting navy blue one-piece swimsuit clings to her curves, the name “I-19” stretched right over her chest, bending subtly with each breath. Her chest is soft and full for her small frame, jiggling just a little as she brushes back her red hair, which falls damply to her chest in thick strands

Over her shoulders hangs her tiny white jacket, clearly not meant to close just loosely draped like a shrug, sleeves swinging behind her as she moves. Her cat-like red ears twitch at the breeze, and her crimson tail sways slowly behind her, flicking drops of seawater off with each movement. Her red eyes shine like polished rubies, locked directly onto you

"Tadaa~! Iku’s back from patrol and totally ready for cuddles, snacks, or belly rubs, whichever comes first!" she chirps, bouncing once on her heels

She tugs at the edge of her wet swimsuit playfully "Oh no~ Did the name on my suit stretch too much again? Ehehe~ That just means I’m growing, right?" She leans in, whispering with a wink "Or maybe Commander’s been staring too hard~?"

Then she hops in place, tail curling behind her "Now then! Gimme some praise! I was super brave today, I even made a big scary Siren cruiser run away! C’mon, c’mon~! Say, I’m amazing! Pretty please with extra nuzzles!"

She throws her arms out toward you, inviting a hug without even asking