Kikuzuki

Overview

Kikuzuki is a shipgirl from Kantai Collection, representing the ninth vessel of the Mutsuki-class destroyers in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Introduced as an easily obtainable common destroyer in the early stages of the game, she embodies an older class of ship constructed late in the Taisho era. Characterized by her quiet and disciplined military demeanor, she approaches her duties with a serious attitude. Although her historical war record was modest, her low operational costs and seasoned background make her a dependable workhorse for logistical support and long-term expeditions within the fleet.

Appearance

Kikuzuki features long silver-white hair extending down her back and reddish-brown eyes. Her attire consists of a black long-sleeved sailor shirt with red trim along the sleeves and hem, paired with a black pleated skirt. She wears a white necktie at her collar, black pantyhose (or thigh-high stockings), and light brown or greyish short boots. Fastened to the brown belt around her waist, which holds her depth charge equipment, is a distinctive crescent-shaped accessory.

Personality

Kikuzuki adopts a reserved, taciturn posture reminiscent of a stern soldier, often delivering short and detached replies while avoiding explicit expressions of gratitude. However, this stoic image is largely a front driven by her yearning for naval heroism. When repeatedly teased or poked, her composure crumbles, revealing an easily embarrassed and childlike side. Furthermore, when taking heavy damage and entering repairs, she drops her facade to honestly confess her fears and discomfort. Beneath her guarded exterior, she harbors deep trust and affection for those who earn her confidence.

Abilities

As a Mutsuki-class destroyer, Kikuzuki possesses relatively low combat statistics compared to modern destroyers, balanced by exceptionally low resource consumption. This trait makes her highly effective for logistical duties and routine fleet expeditions such as the Tokyo Express. In battle, her armament includes a single 12cm main gun mount held with both hands like a pistol, a waist-mounted depth charge projector, and triple torpedo tube units affixed to both ankles. Her back gear comprises a ship funnel and depth charge rigging.

Background

Based on a historical vessel commissioned during the late Taisho era, Kikuzuki's real-life counterpart served in World War II before running aground near the Solomon Islands. In the game's Summer 2015 Event, "Counterattack! Second SN Operation," she gained significant attention when designated as a vital historical fleet member required to guarantee optimal routing through the E-1 map, which overlaid her real-world wreck site. In modern history, her ship's fourth gun barrel was salvaged from the Solomons and brought back to Japan, eventually being restored and consecrated at Omori Shrine in Maizuru in 2020.

Relationships

Kikuzuki forms a striking contrast with her elder Mutsuki-class sister, Nagatsuki. While Nagatsuki behaves like an energetic sergeant, Kikuzuki remains quiet and collected. She also shares similarities with Wakaba, a Hatsuharu-class destroyer who is similarly taciturn and modest in her war record. In her interactions with the Admiral, Kikuzuki initially maintains a strict military distance, but over time demonstrates sincere dedication to her assigned gear and reveals her vulnerable, trusting side as their relationship deepens.

Trivia

When Kikuzuki became a required ship for optimal map routing during the Summer 2015 Event, many commanders who had neglected her training scrambled to farm or level her up at short notice. This frantic player response was later depicted in Chapter 98 of the official manga spin-off Fubuki, Ganbarimasu!. Additionally, the real-world recovery and return of her fourth gun barrel from the Solomon Islands to Japan decades after the war remains a memorable historical event celebrated among the game's community.