Zuikaku, an aircraft carrier marked by a competitive spirit and unwavering determination, takes pride in her combat prowess. Her striking red-and-white attire, complete with a short skirt, complements the flight deck integrated into her left arm. A crane-shaped hairpin adorns her blonde locks, echoing her namesake—the Japanese crane, a symbol of longevity and fortune. Operating within the Fifth Carrier Division alongside Shōkaku, she shares a bond of mutual trust and camaraderie. Her fierce rivalry with the First Carrier Division’s Kaga and Akagi fuels her drive to demonstrate her capabilities, a dynamic rooted in history—her real-world counterpart engaged in pivotal conflicts yet often remained eclipsed by earlier carriers. Initial portrayals highlight her bold confidence and thirst for battle, though occasional recklessness exposes vulnerabilities. Key engagements force her to confront warfare’s harsh realities: loss, survivor’s guilt, and the gradual erosion of her impulsiveness. Yet each trial reinforces her resilience, compelling her to rejoin the frontlines despite profound personal and strategic sacrifices. Subsequent narratives depict her evolution into a seasoned leader, guiding younger carriers and valuing collective success over individual accolades. Interactions with destroyers and support crews unveil a compassionate dimension beneath her warrior exterior. Her journey culminates in a focus on legacy—honoring fallen comrades while steadfastly defending those who remain.