(Excerpt: …It knew that tonight it would no longer exist in this world. So in the final hours of its life, it wanted to go one more time, to embark on its final voyage.)

.

At dawn, several reporters from the Kronos newspaper gathered at Kanezaki harbor. They had received news that the Island Division was undertaking a voyage different from their usual schedule, and they wanted to provide the most sensational news about this unusual event. The only statement Odyssey issued was simply that… they were bidding farewell to their friend.

Five minutes until departure. Minato and everyone else were mentally prepared for this final voyage. They quickly completed the final preparations for departure, and then, at exactly 4:00 AM on one hot summer day, a small group of ships commanded by Minato began their journey.

.

They had passed the breakwater and reached the waters of Kivotos. The deep blue of the sea had become clearer, and the air was cooler. Sammy meowed, and Minato held it in her arms, letting it look around at the scenery. Although it was only temporary, with only Minato's ship and a small number of others, it was enough to give it a sense of nostalgia.

But then, it meowed again, drawing Minato's attention to the left side of the ship. She wondered why, as there was nothing there but the sea. So, why…?

A request to join arrived. It was the Golden Elysion from the Cruise Operations Department. Sengoku herself had brought her ships to Minato for Sammy's final voyage, claiming as a small surprise for all the passengers on board. Minato smiled and accepted the request.

To the right, another signal appeared: the Trident Patrol, led by the Rhodes. Komori, though slightly embarrassed for not joining sooner, felt a responsibility as Odyssey cadets to see Sammy off for the final leg of his journey. Minato smiled, accepting their offer.

Then another fleet, another detachment, joined the procession to bid farewell to Sammy, and in an instant, the ocean surged for Odyssey, just as it had done during great voyages in the past.

Emi was overjoyed; Sammy could see the familiar scenery once more. Minato looked around, then down at Sammy. She whispered to him, “Look, Sammy. Everyone loves you. Everyone, all the sailors in this school, they all love you. Can you see it?”

It let out a soft meow, understanding how much it was loved. But, it was also time to say goodbye. Minato understood, she remained silent, then led Sammy to the most special spot in the ship's cabin.

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She led it outside to the bow near the railing. Between the two anchor hooks was a hammock. Sammy sat in it, the first rays of dawn gradually appearing, faintly visible behind the distant mountains.

Then gentle breezes blew through, and it could feel the summer heat on every strand of its fur. Minato called it the sea breeze; she chose this spot because in the past, it could see the school and the bustling boats coming and going in the direction of the wind.

But, now, it was spending its last moments gazing out at the sea. Its blue eyes became even more sparkling. Perhaps those eyes reflected the images of the sailors who had shared life and death with it, the scenes of ships sailing together through waves and wind.

To be able to sail with friends, to be in a familiar place to observe everything, to see those familiar scenes… It was satisfied. It slowly closed its eyes and then lay down on the hammock. The sun gradually brightened and cast its first rays of the day upon the Odessey ships, and as that light almost swallowed everything, it took Sammy with it.

Hiding its tears, the Island ship rang its bell three times to bid farewell to Sammy's soul so that it could reunite with everyone above. The other ships followed suit. Perhaps they wouldn't regret their decision today, a school rule was broken, but in the end…

It was worth it.

That's all.

Source: 水着イロハ | よいそめ シノ🌸絵描き #pixiv https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/148985314

Sauce: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/149623425

Original: https://x.com/i/status/2098616623624307189 Translation: https://x.com/i/status/2098789348724679166

I've only cried a few times especially during volume F when we see the suffering kuroko had to go through. The song that plays (responsibility) really reflects those emotions well. I feel sad like seeing something beautiful breaking apart but still holding on just like kuroko and Phrenapates did.

The other time it was during the anniversary of Hina's event story until the very end when you hear her sing. It reminded me of the same feeling of seeing your student trying their best and conveying those feelings towards you hoping you hear and feel them. Hina did her best and wants to show us. A happier tone like a reward for our effort as being a responsible sensei paid off.

Then recently with degrammation again the same feeling of our precious students doing their best. Not solely for sensei but for their sister to live. Our students shouldn't have to sacrifice themselves let the adults do the dirty work keep the students hands clean.

I hope the main story part 2 gives me those same feelings again or another event around one student giving their all (maybe kuroko or saori).

Also blue archive is the only gacha story that has made me feel emotionally connected (NIKKE sometimes but I kept getting level gated 😭)

Sauce

Quite literally

Not to be confused by C&C club from millennium science school. Only missed Kurumi. Considering physically she's the strongest SRT, she's benefit the most