Talk:Quests/@comment-27081753-20160330001621/@comment-26082284-20160330092052

You absolutly need AACI here. Without good anti-air defense you are bound to be RNG-sama plaything. Never a good idea.

Despite your bad luck with her, I wouldn't focus on Hoppo. She's nuisance, but she can only squeeze two shots at you.

Belariard setup upthread is what I would do, though I would probably do two minor modifications:

- I'd swap Saiun for extra fighter - red-T might be a good thing in pre-boss node, and boss node is weak enough that it can be wiped in yasen even if you happen to hit red-T,

- I would trade sanshikis for AP shells - as I said, Northern Hime can only get two shots at you, so, statistically, it's Wos, Tas, Ris and hamburgers who will taiha your CLTs. AP shells work better (or good enough in case of hamburgers).

So, to sum it up:

- best AACI you can get (Maya K2 is probably best, Isuzu or even Akizuki-class would do too, though DDs might be a little too squishy for northern route on this map). With strong AACI and some luck it's even possible to eat all Hoppo planes (I wouldn't bet my strategy on this, but when it's happens it's always nice surprise).

- BBs with AP setup, to disable as much enemies as fast as they can,

- CVL as a Reppu mule, to protect from air denial,

- CLTs - you can also do CAVs or even SS, but imho CLTs are best choice, as they can disable up to two enemies before shelling even begin. Also, they are important for boss node, especially if you end in yasen.

Last, but not least, sparkle them! For squishy ships like CVL and CLTs it's crucial. It's not a magic that always work, but it does make a difference.

With setup as above enemy should have no more than two-three good shots at you in pre-boss nodes, and you should be able to avoid them with some luck, sparkles and levels. Might take a couple of attempts, but with your kanmusus levels it's perfectly doable.