While there was a very slight chance she could have escaped from the battle afloat, wouldn't have been the first time, the fact that she was the biggest target in the Northern Force, the last Pearl Harbor attacker which meant the Americans had it in for her in particular, and no Shoukaku do be a damage magnet, meant this was most likely going to be Zuikaku last fight. She knows it. So any talk of coming back on her part is just to keep Katsuragi's morale up. The younger carrier doesn't realize Zuikaku is lying through her teeth for her sake.
Being a decoy, that's... Even though you don't have enough planes for it.I'll definitely come back. That's because I'm the lucky carrier after all.setting sail-Don't do reckless things!But!Above all, you're still healing from your injuries, aren't you!? I'll go speak to the higher-ups.Which is why, I'll leave protecting this place to you, Katsuragi.Aircraft carrier Zuikaku,
