The God of Cookery

by havok038

He ran from a life of misery to embrace a dream he once shared. "Food, medicine of the soul", his Shishou left him these words before he went on his way. A decade later, a magical Gate would unravel a new world. Beyond it, a fated encounter. But truly, can Hitoshi Furuta save this kindred spirit from her own despair and cursed fate before his phantoms caught up to devour him?

21. Chapter 20 - The Resurgence of Orochi

Author's Notes:

Poll (Closed)

1st Place: NATO STANAG

Sometimes practicality can have its uses. A gun is still a gun, takes a while to understand and use. But treat it well and it'll take care of you in turn with superb performance. (Would've chosen M16s but seemed fragile in the hands of its intended users)

2nd Place: WWII American War Surplus

I guess it sounded just as appealing. From my knowledge in either the LN or Web Novel, some surplus Springfield M1903A4s were issued by some of the other Special Region Resource Investigation Teams.

3rd Place: Comm Bloc Arsenal

Quite surprised, myself. On how low its rating was considering their availability and general pop-culture popularity.

Verdict:

Being a close runner up to our winner of STANAG weaponry, WW2 War Surplus shall also be implemented as supplementary weapon shortage.

(Updated: 8/5/19)

Switched mistake of Persia's "Nyah" exclamation with "Meow".

---

There'd been conspiracies circulating of a covert military force conceived out of the strife in the Vietnam era conflicts, serving till this very day. It was said to have initially been a sanctioned American program to address issues in the lack of capable Asian-descent operatives to command theatres of subterfuge against the NVA in place of American intelligence assets and double agents from the other side. The plan was to draft operatives from professional armies of the Manila Pact which proved insufficient at the time, until revisions were made to include another participant who had operated in the Pacific for as long as the United States. And had done so successfully in a traumatic period for Indochina before its liberation, twenty years prior in the Second World War.

This was the conspiracy of how Japan became active in covert affairs once more.

Given the proper outlets, resources and sanctions. It was left to the Japanese Defence Agency to organize these operatives under the jurisdictions of their Assessment Intelligence Division. But for the fledging Self-Defence Force who inherited nothing from the Imperial Japanese Army intelligence studies, this was new grounds. They had proven reliable allies in supporting the Allied logistical chain in the Pacific Theatre but were severely without know-how knowledge. Weapon handlings, troop training and indoctrination of modern warfighting tactics had therefore been placed under the supervision of the United States Military Assistance Command Studies & Observation Group, MACV-SOG.

Even during the waning days of Saigon, the men and women selected to partake in this experimental unit performed with unexpectedly outstanding accomplishments, operating alongside their mentor unit as a force dreaded by the communist forces alike as one that couldn't even be recognized by their own intelligence groups. Selfless and unraveled bravery were traits embedded into every one of these soldiers whose names were forgotten in history and their unmarked graves in lands not of their birth.

Such a terrifying force was not without its flaws however, as its only true weakness was its inability to continue executing perilous covert military operations in peacetime. What then, when the last American boots left the perilous jungles of Vietnam in a total withdrawal from said country to the victory of Ho Chi Minh?

In compliance with the disbanding of the US military intelligence frontline unit which had co-founded its beginnings. All associated groups and satellite units of the Manila Pact including that of Japan were to dissolve their assets. Defence Intelligence were also required by Japanese Constitution to have their outfit deactivated. Officially, that is.

Could they genuinely see the reason to relinquish such a formidable asset in such times when strife was just around the corner? For the neutralism stance of the Japanese Military Forces that could not act when needed or defend unless been struck first. The Survey and Reconnaissance Warfare Group, or SR Group could strike their hidden enemies before they even had a chance to strike back. Mission Parameters adjusted from fighting in the humid jungles to mountainous and urban combat of the modern asymmetric warfare. A paramilitary Vietcong were superseded by other covert forces of foreign powers, terrorist organisations, smuggling syndicates and if the target was ever so marked, hostile "domestic disturbances" to National Security.

But as time moved forward, the political hold over military power grasped ever so tightly. The geopolitical landscape that had evolved over the span of fifty years had changed so dramatically that the unit was likely to face certain end. Its current form, a mere shadow of its former self.

Until it all changed on the day the Survey and Reconnaissance Warfare Group received their newest addition to their closed circle. A nineteen-year-old ensign cadet out of Etajima Naval Base known by the unassuming alias of Raizen Amara.

A then-leading Commander Komakado Hideyo of Military Intelligence was tasked with screening his aptitude for fitness to serve within this covert unit. The Ensign was merely another chain in the link, a replacement for the dead 2IC Special Tactics Officer commanding the units' vanguard. An irreputable band of misfits and rogue scum almost unmentioned on homeland soil.

The Ensign's fate was to lead them into the active hot-zones with casualty rates that almost guaranteed more than one death in every mission. They floated along the Golden Triangle, fended off piracy in Gulf of Aden, had unofficial confrontations with peacekeepers in Afghanistan, conducted counter-espionage against agencies from China and both Koreas. They fought an invisible frontline war with everyone, all for an ideal Japan who took them for granted.

These members were well-aware of their misemploy, they understood they were being used by elite career intelligence officers as cannon fodder for the latter's advancement. That was why this young officer was filling the gap which they built made no difference to their intentions of keeping it vacant permanently, or so they thought.

It was only the beginning of a unique relationship that they were destined to share with the cooking crazy ensign and all his other unusual quirks. But he proved to them how down to earth he was compared to his predecessors and how he could be depended on as he did of them. He like them were here to do a job, though not of their choosing. He even pointed out that their fight wasn't for the Japanese people, let alone the country. But for themselves, as their selfless actions were what made them the better men to the people who merely ran their mouths.

The unit became known in the inner intelligence circle infamously for its Imperialistic sentiments, their ideal of Japan being a powerful nation it once was that would never surrender. To be born in the wrong era they called a falsified unconditional peacetime, it clashed with the non-confrontational policies of current. But there was little the brass could do. If it wasn't them sent out on missions to secure status quo, it'll be someone else among their own. So they could only make life difficult for him, how unsuspecting they were that he could in-turn do the same onto them. He was given an unruly wild card of a formation with little consideration other than to handle them. Instead, he turned it into his own private army of devoted acolytes. If they short on ammo, he taught them precision marksmanship. If they cut-funding, he raided enemies and uncooperative allies alike to make up the logistic shortages as he was never officially there. If they chose to disavow him and charge him with treason, he had enough evidence to bring the entire organisation down for the biggest military scandal that was the Ministry of Defence. Loki, Ymir, Fenrir, Sindri, Vǫlsungr, Sigmund. These were heathenistic callsigns they referred to one another and as a badge of merit earned through survival and prowess. A tradition passed down for as long as the SR Group had remained active.

The Ensign's was not one of the Norse deities or legendary heroes though like his peers and subordinates. But a name that stuck to the very sinister nature of traits that defined his persona upon the battlefield as the joker card, his true face.

"What happened to your back?" The unnatural croak was all too obvious that Komakado had sustained some sort of serious back injury. As Hitoshi took a moment to inquire the reason for his awkward state.

"Slight accident back home, nothing to worry about." The old man tried to pass it off as nothing, reflecting on the ridiculous instance which resulted in his current impairment. Though unconvinced the latter was.

"Come now, Hitoshi-kun. When has that ever stopped me?"

"Do I have to remind you by naming all of them?" The nostalgic memories were all coming back to him to review with his former superior.

"Cheh! So petty. Keep that up and you'll stay single forever in your lonely one-room apartment."

"I'm effectively married to cooking and my soon-to-be restaurant, its opening will almost be like an engagement party. Just like you're married not just to your work but to your boss's rear end." Hitoshi added a blow kiss to his insult.

"Oh sure….. Imagine what would've happened if I didn't kiss all those arses that needed kissing. What would become of the SR Group on so many occasions?" He exclaimed lazily with a tinge of sarcasm.

"Leave us out of this!" An operative called out with the approval of her teammates.

"That's just a part of your nature as a horrible boss, sir." Again, hurling another insult his way.

"I don't mind, since I have such a reliable gopher like you, Hitoshi-kun. Hehe…"

"Had. Now you're in semi-retirement in a career that goes nowhere. I would elaborate a little more as to why it's so hilarious, but that would be a really dick-move."

Is that how they'd go about the afternoon, hurling spiteful yet childish insults at one another while the SR operatives watched entertained, even betting on who ran out of things to say first? Kenzaki clearly didn't want to be apart of it but was alienated by the operatives in their closed off world of their own. The SFG "Fuyuki" Team seemed to dedicate their interests towards mingling with the Amazonian-like demi-human inhabitants that the cook had somehow miraculously gathered into this supposedly empty land. How was he able to be calm around an entire village of gorgeous-looking ladies where even Kenzaki was a little flustered when they came up to him to curiously poke him? The cook wasn't dense, that point was made clear from their interactions, but perhaps Kuribayashi was right about him in some way. He was a real life "cooking robot".

A shadow casted over him from a lone operative with a bandana hefting a rather heavy metal casing out of one of the semi-trailer containers without a sweat.

"Here, lemme help." Kenzaki moved up to hold the front end of the bulky tubular casing as it was being lowered.

"It's fine, sir. You do your own thing." He replied in a rather country-like Kansai accent.

"I'm free at the moment, so I'm happy to help." After refuting the operative, he took over the casing and realised how heavy it really was. "Where do you want it?"

"Just over there in the stockpile, I'll have the boys and girls sort it out at a later time." Kenzaki did as he asked and lowered the casing among a cache of similar box casings in varying dimensions. As took his hands off to continue with the next load in line, he happened to chance upon the marks inyellow he hadn't seen on the casing before due to covering it with his arms. But there was no other way of getting his attention like the inscription, "Guided Missile TOW, BGM-71D".

Kenzaki stood frozen for a few moments before reacting to the operative's call for more to be unloaded, to which he doubled back. But his streak of surprises had yet to end, as he was made to unload all manner of weaponry to ammunition. Within the container were racks of assault rifles similar to their own Type 89 rifles and even a 20mm M167 towed Vulcan anti-aircraft gun right at the back. Serious firepower that could potentially be its own power in these parts, being a little unnerving to him.

The operative was the seeming strong silent type, as he barely engaged in a single word whereas Kenzaki talked about everything thing from sports to what he expected to do with here. Even so, it wasn't is if the operative ignored him, he was merely a good listener and Kenzaki appreciated those kinds of people most. Interestingly enough, when he brought up Furuta into his conversations, this operative would either agree or correct his misconceptions of the cook as if he was an advocate for Furuta. Until….

"You don't really know anything about the Lieutenant, do you?" He said with a wolf's smile, to which Kenzaki inadvertently gulped guilty as charged. For he was blatantly luring the operative into disclosing that info.

"It's fine, I'm sure the Lieutenant wouldn't care the least."

"You keep calling him that, but he's a Leading Private now." At that answer, the operative laughed.

"I don't wanna sound rude, sir. But you really fell for an old trick of his in fooling those naïve enough to believe in his insignificance, that's his own brand of a camouflage, inconspicuousness. Yeah, cook, huh?" The operative chuckled at the thought as he munched onto a flavoured carrot stick from his pocket.

"I assume the General let you have a peek at his file, no? Lots of black lines. Honesty, if he put his mind to it, he could've made Commander by now. Then at least he could pull some strings to get me out of this shithole of an outfit!" He said laughing to himself that Kenzaki couldn't tell if he was being serious.

Then the operative held out a hand for him to shake.

"Kenji Park, Petty Officer 2nd Class, VE/041882." Kenzaki accepted the hand with appreciation that his efforts to interact had finally paid off.

"Takeji Kenzaki, 2nd Lieutenant, commanding SFG team "Fuyuki"."

"The legendary Saber himself, eh."

"You know me?" Kenzaki was surprised.

"You were the strike group at Hakone, the entire intelligence communities' calling you their golden boys."

"Yeah….. though things kinda derailed in the end."

"Heard, Demi-god and politics being a bitch, right?"

Kenzaki sighed, not in tiresome but in relief that someone actually understood their position.

"Where were you guys before this?" He took a shot at asking, despite not knowing whether it was classified or not.

"Levant."

"Um- where's that?" He had never heard of such a place and if so, what was it like?

"Commercial freighter, floating FOB in the South China Sea. Home for a good five years… till the blue-blooded twats scrapped her…." He could have sworn that operative Park had swore in a strange native tongue while he cursed the last part about an actual spycraft.

"That's Korean for "son of a- *****." For a brief moment, the operative looked at him in a very calculative way of assessing him.

It was a sign that his next sentence should have been carefully thought out words, rather than the ones that he said out of reflex. Little did he know of the severity of those mere words and the instant crackdown of his efforts to establish amicable relations.

---

Their exchange of childish bickerings had stopped and they proceeded on with business. Kenzaki didn't understand it as well as the SR operatives. When did it start, they were unsure, but it was a unique way of theirs which prevented them from holding hidden animosity for one another.

Having a prior engagement to attend to back in Tokyo with the commission, Komakado couldn't remain to supervise the SR group indefinitely. So he started to hand over inventory of what hardware they'd gathered at Hitoshi's behest as well as the equipment provided through their secure channels. When making deals on the surface, the SR Group managed its finances and upkeep through means of a dummy corporation. Although, a few strings had to be pulled here and there ever now and then to get things moving hushly. Like getting Public Safety to approve of their requisitions and Immigration and Customs Office to turn a deliberate blind eye to certain shipments.

Operation Tanegashima wasn't just about rebuilding a deterrent, but an experiment of technological leapfrogging on a civilization-scale. Using 21st Century Technology to bridge the complications of converting a pseudo-kingdom of tribes into a sovereign state-city with industrial-era infrastructure, commerce, society and defence capacities was nothing short of a miracle.

It may have been the fantasy that every member of the General Staff of Central Command and the Ministry of Defence to build their own vassal into a force to be reckoned with. But no one was up to the task of driving that impossible amount of effort with high risk and minimal reward. Luckily the person who'd been spending six years of his life cleaning up after their problems only to retire and leave them to their own devices was voluntarily fixing it for them.

"You put me in the recommendation for the Special Task Force, didn't you?" Having changed the subject from equipment to this was a little within Komakado's expectations.

"I don't know what you're referring to, Hitoshi-kun?"

The Special Task Force, a brigade-sized expeditionary army sent to establish contact with the otherworldly entities in the Special Region wasn't taking applications to willing volunteers when it was first commissioned. Men and Women were being screened and selected from their various units for their unique and reliable traits. Even if you were a veteran of many peacekeeping operations, it didn't necessarily make you a first-choice candidate. Adaptibility was key, Itami had shown that when he'd been confronted with the invasion of Ginza and had been given a field commission for it. Tomita was Ranger qualified and had received additional overseas training at Fort Bragg, Kuribayashi had an extensive close combat qualification and was previously an CQC instructor. Even Kuruta before joining the armed forces had a record of traffic police car evasions with an overweight mini-truck along the infamous mountain trail of Haruna, how he avoided prosecution and imprisonment was due to his underage status at the time.

How convenient it was for a former asset such as himself to be placed in the exact same environment as before. Those people were making no concessions to hide their ulterior motives. He was sure that when Hazama heard about his recruitment as a spy infiltrating the Imperial Palace didn't make a single sense. Why would a supply company cook, a private no less be given special assignment for a mission that required extensive proof of training in infiltration and espionage which the Jietai hardly had?

"Still don't trust me, eh? Would it make you feel better if I told you my recommendations wouldn't have made a difference?"

"….." That was possible, but only someone with extensive clearance to his file or knew what he was capable of.

"Although, a little birdy in MoD told me of four people who requested your files. Your C.O. Hazama, Abo, and Colonel Ryuzaki."

"Ryuzaki. As in JSOR Kazufumi Ryuzaki?" The leading commander of the Joint Special Operations Department component under direct authority to the Ministry of Defence.

"You heard of him?"

"No. But if I'm not wrong, he was leading the covert ambush on the CIA operatives at Hakone."

"Hey now, Hitoshi-kun. Don't go sprouting things like that without solid evidence! Where did you even hear of something like that?" Komakado laughed jokingly.

"Same source." A wry smile appeared on their faces.

"Seems you haven't lost your touch just yet."

"You know me, Commander. Once my muscles are trained, I don't just let it slack."

"Mmm." Komakado just accepted that as he moved on with Hitoshi beside him.

"You officially didn't hear it from me though, are we clear?" Hitoshi gave a nod to show acceptance to the conditions of secrecy.

"Colonel Ryuzaki was put in charge of building the early Special Operations section of the Special Task Force formation you're currently in. SFG team "Fuyuki" and the half-a-company strength 4th combat unit of paratroopers was his brainchild with tactical support from their small airbase and fire support bases. But here's the thing, Ryuzaki's never even heard of you, let alone the SR Group. Even if he theoretically had clearance to know." This was starting to seem suspicious.

"Among those that accessed your files, he was in fact the last. So who do you think had a peek first?" Hitoshi didn't need to guess.

"Abo…" The spook from the same agency as Komakado, Public Safety Commission.

"Abo Sotatsu, 1st Class Special Inspector. Has a seat in the board of directors with external links to Prime Minister's office." Komakado laid out the things he was aware of in Abo's status.

"But to be honest, until a year ago…. Nobody in the lower and mid-level departments have ever even heard of him."

In truth, these sorts of things were quite common. High-ranking Government officials flexing their authority to bring in people they knew into the warm wraps of a public office career. But of Public Safety Commission, without even the objection of even one board member was strange and worrying at the same time.

"What's Abo's true business here, what's the extent of his jurisdiction?"

"I don't know."

"You?... Don't know." Komakado not knowing something was rare indeed.

"He's the current liaison to the Prime Minister's office in regards to the Special Task Forces' affairs. One word from him decides the opinion of that spineless coward's horrid decision-making process and undermines your efforts here in the Special Region."

"Oh." There was no need to explain how bad that was. Abo was literally the current Prime Minister's advisor and inspector to the situations developing in the Special Region.

"Oh's the right word indeed, Hitoshi-kun. (Sigh)." It was a headache just thinking about it.

"So what now?" He was curious of how Hitoshi would respond knowing how backed his opposition was.

"He's aligned with folks that aren't allowed to live after what they did. Once I dig out their base of operations, he dies too." There were times he made cold calculative decisions in the field, but Komakado always noticed a gleam in his eyes when there was no conscience towards what he said.

"Those must be some real mean folks if they deserve death, don't they." Komakado mused.

"Don't pretend you don't know who I'm talking about. You've been monitoring Abo since he showed his face at the commission. I still haven't forgotten your way of doing things." There was nothing that Komakado didn't know, that was what he was infamously known for. So when confronted with the ambiguity of an existence like Abo, there was no way he wouldn't track and source for his background. A person that existed on paper, they saw him and therefore knew he existed. But at the same time didn't.

"Abo's become our Schrodinger's cat."

"Heh, maybe. But I'm curious, Lieutenant." He said as he turned his inquisitive eyes towards Hitoshi once more.

"What sort of past affiliations did you have with Abo's "sponsors"?" Who was the organisation pulling his marionette strings, that was the question Komakado wanted answered and the answer lay with his former-subordinate who's childhood he knew absolutely nothing about.

"My answer depends on what sort of backing you have yourself." If Komakado were investigating this on his own, there was a high probability he would cease to exist on the registry not long after.

"Oh, don't worry. I've got big backing, Hitoshi-kun."

"How big?" Too vague for him to make heads, which made Komakado chuckle at his cluelessness.

"Big enough that whoever touches me won't not have serious repercussions to his host party."

-That big a powerhouse, huh.- Hitoshi was a little assured that if Komakado disappeared for any reason, there was be a query as to where he vanished off to rather than be covered up.

Someone high up in the political food chain wanted to know exactly what Komakado also wanted to know . A minister perhaps, there weren't many politicians who had the balls to oppose public safety even if they had striking power.

"I guess I could give a short summary. Just try not to laugh." Komakado was happy to hear from Hitoshi.

"Humour me." But would he be happy after what Hitoshi had to say.

"We're dealing with an Illuminati-like existence whose had links with the Imperial Family since the rise of the Yamato Dynasty. Oh, and they have a secret army embedded within our formations and society." All that came out of Komakado in response was a laugh, but Hitoshi could tell how fake that was.

As it was made to seem as if it was not a sentence to take too much note of, as it was at that moment that Fuyuki member, Saber came falling in front of their footpath as they made their way to the container of armaments.

"Lemme make this clear to you, Jaui-hada." Boomed the loudest voice he had ever recalled.

"I was born in Osaka. I studied from preschool all the way to senior high. And so were my parents. I am every bit a Japanese than scum like you!"

Komakado signed as he realised what had happened in but a glimpse, even as a rifle muzzle was pointed threateningly at Kenzaki's head.

"If you call me "that" again, I'll find your family and murder'em."

"Then you'd be wasting your time on something worthless, that's not very Japanese." Said a laughing voice with on the accounts of Kenzaki and the weapon-ready SFG team was not a very encouraging sign of pacifism so much as antagonism.

But instead of getting angrier, the operative turned around with a grin. The hostile aura surrounding him vanished into thin air like it was never there.

"Yunno I'm trying my best, sir." He said scratching his head humbly.

"I hope you are, there're folks out there way worst than what Saber showed you in civvy life. And it's Private Furuta now, so you technically outrank me. I'm sure it makes you smug just thinking about it, am I right?"

Operative Park gave a nod and slung his rifle after safetying it. The SFGs lowered their weapons in kind. "You'll always have our respect, sir. Be it in another service or in that dream restaurant of yours." He said meaningfully as they stared each other eye to eye.

"That's a surprise coming from you, Ymir." Hitoshi's wry smile betrayed that earnest remark.

"Geez, can't you give a guy a moment to be honest?" He said awkwardly.

"You should know how he is, Ymir. This guy doesn't like get chummy with anyone." Komakado added into their conversation.

"Don't put words into my mouth!" Hitoshi warned his former superior with a pointed finger as the latter stepped back with raised hands.

"Anyway, we'll be working on this assignment together." Hitoshi's hand was held out.

"Just like old times." Operative Park bro clasped the hand in return but didn't let go. Instead, his biceps bulged showing signs of wrestling of arm power, reminiscent of a certain epic handshake*.

Despite the superior muscle mass than operative Park had, he struggled to keep up before relinquishing his strength. When he surrendered, they engaged in a bear hug.

"It's good to see you again, damn Chon bastard!"

"Likewise, Paper Lieutenant!"

They released their hug and grip, giving each other space. Then Hitoshi gave a brief look among his former colleagues.

"I don't see Tokushima with you lot." At this, the operatives gave a sad smile. Did CPO Tokushima Fuji, his former right-hand really kick the bucket? He found that hard to believe.

"The chief got posted back to Etijima for CIC training. Sent a postcard saying he was on a destroyer guarding the Tokyo docks, Asagiri-class I think." Hitoshi brightened to the wonderful news.

"Really…"

"Yeah, you should've seen the look on his face when the orders were sent to him." Operative Park reminisced with a smile.

"…. At least one of us has achieved his dream." There was a quietness that brewed among the SR operatives with Hitoshi being no exception.

At this time, Kenzaki struggled to his feet with the help of Matoi "Archer" who wasn't particularly happy about the way they manhandled his superior.

"I have to apologize, Ymir."

"What for?" The operative asked baffled until he noticed his gaze in the direction of the fallen Kenzaki.

"For having him call you "that", it was just me being stupid for testing your patience levels between then and now." Kenzaki appeared stricken by what Hitoshi had stated with wasn't true at all.

"The lieutenant who was just following my suggestions, you won't hold it against him as well, would you?" Operative Park, a.k.a Ymir stared at Kenzaki in the eyes when he heard this explanation from Hitoshi.

"…" Ymir believed himself brash and impulsive to a fault but wouldn't go out of his way to start a fight unless someone instigated one first. Then here came this fool, interacting all friendly and sociable which he followed in kind. Then that fool's witless words conveyed his findings of Ymir's ethnic roots in the most careless and insensitive manner that even Ymir's wall of patience cracked.

For the fool that was Kenzaki called him a Zainichi* (foreign resident), a vulgar slang particularly pointing towards the former-Korean refugees migrating to the Japanese mainland. Often, naturalized Korean-born Japanese citizens were associated with this old denomination, equally discriminated against by society. The Zainichi were treated legally as only permanent residents, not citizens of Japan. Facing difficulties in acquiring the same welfare benefits as Japanese citizens, and of course lack of rights to vote or hold civil office positions. What an ironic world this was?

Hitoshi knew Ymir had never taken kindly to anyone who treated him or denounced him as a "2nd class" citizen. He knew Ymir's story was filled with thorny bits and the reason he was ever a candidate for the SR Group. The Defence Intelligence Headquarters had promised him honourary citizenship status with pension in exchange for his services. That was all he ever wanted.

"No, sir…. Nothing to hold against him." The second cold stare towards him told Kenzaki that Ymir wasn't stupid. He knew Hitoshi was covering up for his mistake, but let bygones be bygones for the time being. Although, he'd ruined a potentially trustworthy relationship with Ymir over impatience.

Reaching out, Hitoshi pulled Saber to his feet as opposed to Archer's slow and carefulness.

"The Inspector's told me about the General's executive decisions, as of late. And the greenlight on your participation." Kenzaki was glad that Hitoshi didn't rebuke his teams' willingness to partake like before.

"Did you read the file?"

"Yeah, just now." Kenzaki held out the case file to show.

"Good." Hitoshi said as he took it from him before calling Ymir over.

"What's your present strength?" He inquired of his former-colleague.

"Forty-three, sir. Not including the Commander." That was around a platoon of men.

"We'll organise according to the old formation. Four rifleman squads of eight, you decide the guard rotation of the perimeter. Three fireteams up on the ordnance you brought with you. Get someone competitive to be your 2IC."

"Then, I choose Tyr. If that's ok-."

"Be a bit serious, Ymir. I'm putting you in charge of the field ops." Hitoshi scolded him for being carefree with his choice of support.

"Tyr couldn't tell the difference between a landmine and tripping." He continued as he butchered said operative in their midst for his known clumsy nature. Hitoshi spotted the familiar sight of a certain woman among the operatives grouping together and gave her a nod to which she returned it.

"Fenrir will watch your back." As he declared this, the operatives' laughed so hard they fell upon the ground. Much to Ymir's distraught, as the working relationship between him and Fenrir was complicated to say the least. But the source of much humour between the SR members.

"Back to you, Saber. You'll be attached to the SR as guard escort, Ymir will sort out your provisions for your stay-." Turning back to Kenzaki from where he left off, he said.

"Stay?" Kenzaki repeated as he was such, he heard wrong.

"Fenrir, the nice lady over there will get you acquainted with the boys and girls. You're got to get to know'em if you want to fight beside them." Hitoshi carried on without caring what he had to say.

"Hang on, wait a minute!" Kenzaki cut in with a frantic voice. "When did we get added into this op in such a manner? Our directives were to only escort the shipmen-."

"I'm sorry to say this, Lieutenant, but that file was just a front." Komakado informed him of the hard facts, though he didn't have to sound so humourous about it.

"Koichiro-kun is making all necessary precautions from espionage against this operation by sealing all the faucets from leaks. Plus, he can't well afford to risk losing his only SFG unit while this war rages on." Everything that Komakado said made sense, but Kenzaki couldn't imagine why they'd go through all this effort for them.

"Are you saying, he's become suspicious of his own staff?" A reasonable assumption, but that wasn't all.

"You and "Fuyuki" have been marked by the enemy." It may have been by coincidence that the SFG team had chanced upon Kaede in Bassoon Prison.

"Standard track and hunt procedure. Our encounters are irregularly high, Saber. Every time we meet, they get a triangulation of every move I make." He had constantly reminded these SFG fellows to stay out of these affairs, but it wouldn't go through their thick gungho, adrenaline junky skulls.

"So you're saying we're in the way, right?" Archer declared.

"Not just that, if you fell and died somewhere else, that's fine. But to drag everyone of us down with you in your incompetence is just something I nor the General can really deal with right now." In response, Hitoshi answered demeaningly to Matoi. The relationship was already poor to begin with.

Kenzaki stepped between them before there was another confrontation.

"As the Commander said, you're an asset the General can't afford losing. So he arranged for you all to be posted to this FOB and dark on the tactical links until further developments are made." Hitoshi explained.

"In other words, Lieutenant. You'll be staying here until the SR and Hitoshi-kun over here have subdued the enemy." Komakado added in, though what Hitoshi had said before was already difficult to process.

"Look, Lieutenant. You aren't being ordered to live isolated in a cave for months." Komakado rested his hand on Kenzaki's back as he brought him to look at the village of Yurts.

"You're basically being asked to monitor a village full of bunny eyecandies. Now tell me deep down, is that not a man's greatest fantasy, eh?" Komakado said as he winked his way to which the latter thought deeply about it till he became over-conscious about it. Making the older man poke fun at him.

While Kenzaki was convinced to stay and be sorted by the two aforementioned SR operatives, Hitoshi spent his free time waiting for Komakado to finish up on relaying Hazama's real orders to the rest of the SFG team. It was currently break period, where the Warrior Bunnies would relax themselves an hour before lunch. One of the routines Hitoshi standardized on to ensure maximum efficiency and healthy lifestyle in their works to rebuild their own society. Those who had taken up apprenticeship with the various trades returned to their one-Yurt communities, either to take care of their young ones or elderly. The latter two had been exempted from any productive working occupation. Although so elderly did insist on taking up jobs because they believed they were just as responsible for providing for the communities. Though the elderly and child population were smaller than the adult female population here, they still added to the numbers.

Hitoshi was surprised that there were actually old folks who survived the Empire-Warrior Bunny War. As he understood that these elders were the only ones with significant knowledge of the Warrior Bunny heritage and culture that the younger ones weren't aware of. He therefore had most of them take up the appointment of cultural advisors, someone who both promotes and shares understandings of their roots, much like a social studies teacher. As for the children, they could do anything. He watched a group play fighting with wooden swords and sticks, a reflection of their warrior-like upbringing. In all honesty, he was curious as to what children would do if given the freedom to choose. He wanted to know what the obvious choice as a child with the luxury of decision was.

"Yunno, if anyone else suggested an idea like this, they'd lose their job." Komakado pointed out as he returned.

"So count me lucky."

"The Ministry isn't gonna like to know what you really intend to do with them, neither is Central Command."

"You said the same thing in Ziraki, Morocco and Phnom Penh."

"This isn't Earth, Hitoshi-kun." Komakado literally sighed. "They could cut you off at any time and you'll have no support even from third-parties because they're none."

"That's what they think, if I can't get help from external groups, I'll just collaborate with the Special Region inhabitants to get things done. Since all they can do is complain about it." Komakado rubbed away the recurring headache from Hitoshi's response.

"This could be solved very easily of you'd followed your orders to the letter, let them take responsibility." Had they ever? Hitoshi recalled all those times when pushed came to shove, they chose to shrink their necks from the problems and hope for the best or simply abandon the venture all together.

"Right, like if I bowed my head to those blue-blooded career pricks everything'll be alright." The thought humoured Hitoshi.

"Maybe if you wouldn't make such a big deal out of every bad call that JSOR or the MoD, made then they wouldn't have to keep shortening our budget to keep you on leash!" It worked both ways, the more the higher-ups pushed, the harder Hitoshi did back and so on.

This was one of the rare moments that a smile was replaced with a frown on Komakado Hideyo as Hitoshi remained quiet.

"(Sigh)…. Damnit, son-… You have the qualities to be a great soldier and officer to these men. They know you'd look out for them, but you just don't know when to close one eye." Hitoshi audibly scoffed at the idea deliberately.

"Yunno…. It's that behaviour that made Public Safety think you weren't a Japanese to begin with."

"….."

Komakado could see that his comment had struck home to the very core of what Hitoshi believed in and stopped right there.

"Come on, son. Let's forget this ever happened and move on." Komakado pulled him along in a nostalgic way. This wasn't the first time they had this type of conversation. However, it ended with his superior putting the faults aside and focusing on his welfare and wellbeing. That was why Hitoshi had continued to address Komakado as Commander. He was one of the eight "esteemed teachers" who taught him the lessons and value of humanity, showing him the beauty that was life. His Shishou was one, although she meant much more than just a teacher to Hitoshi.

If his Shishou, Yaeko Furuta was like a surrogate mother to him. Then Komakado Hideyo was the closest thing to a father. With these eight in his sixteen years of truly living, Hitoshi never felt like he missed out on anything. Even though his sincerest wish was to have shared this life with his brother, blessed be his name. If he lived by squandering that gift of life in his brother's name, then he would've been foolish.

"Here we are." Komakado declared after having dragged him to the last semi-trailer container, the unaccounted extra.

"I was just about to ask you what this was." Unlike the other containers, truly built for storage, this one had windows on it, as well as ventilation fans and generators hooked up to the front, radar antennas mounted to the top as well.

"Can you guess?"

"A very expensive RV camper?" Komakado chuckled at the thought of said container being a camping mobile home.

"No. If that were the case, it'll be one of those purchases our military order can't put on the blank check." So a military mobile barracks for field officers then? That's what he understood from his former superior.

"Then, you've got me. What is it?" As Hitoshi gave up guessing, Komakado gave a knock on a secure armoured-plated door at the rear of the container.

"Actually, I don't know either." He said in a silly way, almost making Hitoshi and a few others nearby from falling over.

"But if you really wanna know…." The sound of the armoured door unlatching let out a hiss from sealed pressure. As the door swung open, a pair of boots stepped out onto the metal steps. "You can ask him yourself."

"Sir!" Catching sight of that person, Kenzaki clumsily dropped a bag of equipment as he struggled to salute the superior officer present.

"At ease, Lieutenant. I trust you aren't too shaken by my decisions as of late."

"N-No, sir!"

"Good, carry on then." The man said before turned to the person of interest.

"…" It was indeed a surprise for him to be here, that was certain. But Hitoshi knew there could only be one reason for such that Lieutenant General Koichiro Hazama would personally see to making a trip here to this undisclosed remote area. He was one of the four who Komakado marked as the ones reading his file and had an inkling of what he'd been up to for the last five years of service that weren't covered in black lines of Deniability.

"Now, Private Furuta. I'll have you explain everything to us in greater detail."

But most of all. What earned him the fear of the Defence Intelligence Headquarter and the respect of the Survey and Reconnaissance Warfare Group to be called by his callsign by both.

As Fafnir, dragon of earthly desire.

---

The container vehicle in question was in fact a conceptual division-level mobile command and control module for advanced electronic warfare and C4I that failed further procurement and had remained in storage. Although, the effectiveness of such a state-of-the-art electronic suite in a satellite-free environment was dubious. Further questionable with the absence of proper electronic Geographical model data due to the inoperability of satellite-linked reconnaissance drones.

There were instances where Dead Reckoning Modules using inertial navigation were also giving a mean error with a CEP of around forty metres. Missiles, guided munitions, aircraft and vehicles using ballistic fire control systems with gyroscopes had to undergo a significant software update based on a new model of physics grafted by eggheads. This was due to the difference in mass the Special Region world and its relative celestial bodies orbiting its star were influencing its magnetic field, even though gravity pull was roughly the same as on Earth at 1G. A relatively inconspicuous nature that if undiscovered would've led to possible casualties due to the guidance failures of their weapon and electronic systems. It was in a way, slightly forgiving that the Special Task Force mainly used Cold War era storage weapons with backup mechanical analog features that didn't depend greatly on electronics, or at least till their electronics software received the necessary gyroscopic data update patches. Evidently, if any other Earth foreign military came, they would also learn things the hard way.

That said about its apparent redundancy, the container vehicle did however have a quirk that was deemed valuable in the eyes of the General and his staff. Apart from its exterior unassuming look to fool modern aerial reconnaissance into believing its insignificant appearance. It was lead-lined and coated with radio-absorbent materials as a part of its Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare protection suite and anti-radiation weapon protection. A by-product of this feature was its total shielding from listening devices as well as null-thermal readings externally. What was essentially surplus equipment shoved upon their inventory by means of political manoeuvres to hinder their defence budget concerns, turned into their ultimate mobile stealth command and control centre for the General. Inside, Hazama was having a very confidential conversation with Private Hitoshi Furuta, who was also known by the alias of Naval Lieutenant Raizen Amara for six years. Carried out together with three of his closest staff aides, Yanagida Akira, Major Nyutabaru and Colonel Kamo.

"Come one! Come all! Here, help yourselves and don't be shy! There's plenty to go around!" Though the Warrior Bunnies didn't understand Ymir's words through language barrier, his physical expression was easy to understand he was offering that sweet-smelling grilled meat covered in savory sauce to all, no matter their denomination.

While Ymir was busy establishing positive relations with the locals in his own "Furuta-inspired" way with his pre-marinated homemade recipe of Korean BBQ meat, Kenzaki sat with a plate of some spicy ribs handed to him by the woman with the callsign, Fenrir. Barely an hour of their arrival and they were already clicking well with the inhabitants despite their poor proficiency in Imperial tongue.

Speaking of which, he saw Furuta speak with the locals so fluently on numerous occasions, as if he was part of their world as well. How did he learn the Imperial language fully in just the span of six months? Sure, Itami could too, but only to a basic level of conversations. Whereas Furuta made use of unique adjectives and proverbs in the appropriate manner.

"You interested in Furuta as well?"

"What? No- I-."

"It's alright, son." Komakado said as he sat beside him against the stone wall of a bridge arch to the flowing stream.

"Was I too obvious?" Kenzaki murmured to himself.

"You've been staring at that armoured door instead of enjoying those Gal-Bi ribs. That obvious enough?"

"…. Noted." It was there that they became quiet. As Kenzaki finally dug into the ribs, realising their delicious qualities and how Ymir could actually succeed in a humble food enterprise. Komakado had finished his and ended with an aftertaste of alcohol from a whiskey flask in his civilian disguise, garnering enough of Kenzaki's curiosity.

"You interested?" The older man offered his flask which Kenzaki gratefully accepted and took a sip.

"(cough)(cough)!?" His attempts to clear the strong liquor from his system was the subject of Komakado's laughter.

"Good god! What is this stuff?" Kenzaki said as he almost choked yet still felt the burn in his stomach from tiny drops.

"Vodka, if you thought Russia makes the strongest it's actually the Poles." Komakado explained his personal favourite brew.

"That could run a truck in place of gasoline!" Kenzaki's description was not far off from his tasting.

"Or as a molotol cocktail. Believe me, I've tried and it actually works." Kenzaki was even more stunned by the acceptance and further utility of this potent drink. Even more when Komakado took gulps than sips to satisfy his palette.

"Rough trip for you, huh?" Kenzaki felt obligated to answer but instead could only nod.

"He does that all the time, surprise the hell out of us with his super initiative to the point it irritates my superiors."

"Why? Isn't he being a good soldier?"

"By your definition, maybe. In our line of work, it's too common a place for career officers looking to become future Generals before they hit forty. But with the kudos our friend kept accumulating, he's raised the bar for achievement much to their disgruntle, almost putting them out of a job. So these rich-upbringing pricks act in the only way they know how in response." Komakado faced his way.

"Pull strings. The very definition of friends in high-places, and a blue-blooded practice if I might add. Not that our friend really gives two shits about it, nor has it slown him down in any way."

"… What happened?" A very vague question, but Komakado knew what he wanted to know.

"I don't mind telling you my version of the story of what's going on and why. Free of charge, seems it could satisfy that urge of knowing I see in you so you'd stop pestering Hitoshi-kun. He might not look it, but he's got a threshold limit."

"Am I that predictable?"

"To the point it annoys us all in particular, Lieutenant." Komakado took another dunk of his personal drink. Kenzaki accepted it with humility and awaited his accounting.

"You interested?"

"Yes. Please tell it."

Before he started, Komakado looked left and right cautiously. But saw no one listening and those that were nearby couldn't understand Nihon anyway.

"For the record, you didn't hear it from me." He said out of precaution anyways, Kenzaki was obliged to nod his head for a continuation. Then Komakado did breathing exercises before starting.

"Right… Our story begins sixteen years ago at the docks of Fukuoka Prefecture. Back when this man here was as good looking as Yutaka Takenouchi." Kenzaki personally found that hard to believe especially with Komakado's current hunchback appearance.

"I was just a Lieutenant back then in with Military Intelligence on my way to Tsushima island to investigate a forest fire in a remote part." Kenzaki knew that was the Island off the mainland just touching the Korean Peninsula, technically Japanese territory much like Hawaii is to the United States.

"Why?" That sounded more like a job for the Tsushima fire brigade and local police force to handle than MI.

"Because the regional seismic sensors indicated multiple detonations of underground explosions, well enough for the islanders to feel the shake. But here's where it got interesting, as I was heading onto a private fishing trawler who was willing to bring me and the MPs there, that's when I met him." It couldn't be, that long ago even before entering the armed forces. Komakado had that sort of encounter with the cook?

"… Hitoshi?" But Komakado's grin was too telling.

"Of course, Hitoshi-kun hardly remembered me the second-time we met. Well, not like I would remember him either for that matter." It seemed that their next meeting in the years to come was a fated one.

"He was basically this badly scarred and wounded kid in tattered clothing running out into the busy streets of the city. The boy had a look that was like a wild animal, but I remember it well." That was strange indeed.

"At the time, he hardly seemed important. Probably just a stowaway from Korean or something like that. The captain of the ship regularly made trips on transit for smuggling contraband, I turned a blind eye for a quid pro quo."

"Anyway, back to the investigation at hand. We travelled to the coordinates of the supposed explosion as reported by the AIST seismic sensors and guess what we found." Kenzaki was literally squatting next to Komakado like and eager scout at a campfire.

"The burning remains of a military base that no one had supposedly known about." That was certainly unexpected.

"Whose base was it?" He voiced his query.

"We didn't know. At first, the theories were around a possible secret Imperial Army munitions depot with some leftover munitions set off by corrosion to their primers or something. Theory two was that it was a covert North Korean black site or operating grounds. But both were unlikely."

"Why is that?"

"It wasn't an old Imperial Japanese Army base because its construction was quite modern and there were corpses lying around where the ashes were still warm. And not Korean because the writings on the walls and some leftover ledgers were in Japanese." It was getting weirder by the moment.

"So what was it?"

"Like I said, I don't know. But there were an unusually large number of child corpses around the premise as well as old people. Whatever was going on there, it was likely that they were a hidden community. Almost like a Shinobi Village or something." Komakado chuckled as he had another sip to toast to that third theory that MP suggested back then.

"What was their cause of death?"

"A firefight." He said in the gravest of tones. "It didn't matter what age they were, every one of them were armed, military-grade small-arms, body-armor and knives, lots of knives. There were also foreign mercenaries among them their dead count."

"From the expended cartridges laying about they were attacking someone, not defending themselves. Or maybe they were killing each other, dunno. Whatever happened, it was caused by those belonging to the base. As for the detonation points of the explosions, it seemed to be deliberate sabotage on their infrastructure. Someone was demolishing the base by the very foundations." Kenzaki understood why Komakado drunk as he talked now, a story like this wasn't going to impress anyone, only as a tall tale.

"So I did all the normal stuff, phototaking and recordings of the local site before returning 'cause there wasn't enough time. I took the same tugboat back while the bodies were sent to the local morgue for processing. That's when I had my first bottle of this fine stuff in this local bar, it was like true love." He said pecking a kiss to his flask.

"Then what?"

"Do you want me to tell the story or do you keep wanting to interrupt me with who, what, when, where and why?" He found it annoying to deal with Kenzaki's anxiousness.

"Sorry." He admitted.

"Right, here's the turn of events. Next morning at headquarters, my C.O. calls me to his office, confiscates my file and collective evidence. Then tells me to forget it ever happened and gives me a day-off."

"Crap."

"Yeah, crap indeed. I landed an actual military conspiracy for my case. I went back to my apartment to think it over but let the hot-blooded investigator in me decide morals. A call to AIST and they denied having ever spoken to me which only made me want to go back to the site, so I did. Going back to Tsushima Island via Fukuoka on the same tugboat. The morgue also denied meeting me and processing any number of corpses I specified. When I went to the site for answers after slipping through the police cordons… Nothing." How was what removed.

"Nothing?"

"No bloodsplatters, no bullet ricochets, not even rubble of the base destroyed. It was like someone swept the entire base off the face of the earth. There was nothing left but an unnatural flat ground like a middle-aged man's balding." Was that even possible? Why would someone go out of their way to cover all of that up as if it never existed? This wasn't something small either and any attempt that younger Komakado did to make it public would certainly threaten both his career and endanger his life.

"So I did what any sane man would do, I gave up. That was until I realised, I had a possible witness to the whole affair."

"I don't understand. Again, how did you link that incident to that child?"

"Well, besides the wounds that looked like he was in a pitbull fight, I happened to grab him once while attempting to catch him."

"But you fail."

"Yes, thank you for reminding." It really wasn't necessary for him to be reminded of that even though it had little impact.

"You see, he had something rather unmistakeably identical to the corpses on that island. A tattoo on their left forearms that honestly gave the vibes of some disturbing cult. Hitoshi had it as well."

Kenzaki tried to recall if Hitoshi had any such ink on his forearms but remembered him always covered in long sleeves. "What was it of?"

Komakado smirked as Kenzaki couldn't resist the temptation to ask.

"A hydra….."

That was certainly a weird choice.

"Eight heads exactly, and eight tails too. So that was probably not the same mythic creature, considering the demographics."

Kenzaki had a strange feeling he'd heard of that description among the folk lore of Japan before.

"But on the way back, I gave up the thought of finding him."

"Why did you?" It didn't make any sense to Kenzaki considering how hardheaded he described himself back then.

"Because I figured that whatever he was running from at the time, he certainly didn't want to be found by the same folks who covered up the whole affair." He had only realised this point where Komakado was wise enough to leave it as it was, forgotten.

"That look in his eyes, I remember it clearly. It was of something struggling to survive." There was no right or wrong in Kenzaki's view, and too fast pace for Komakado to do anything in his insignificant rank at the time. Komakado drunk to that thought as well.

"I even helped by searching for evidence on the same tugboat to destroy, since he did spend the journey on it. That's when I found him."

"What, Hitoshi went back to the boat?"

"Oh- no! He was long gone by then. But I did have the ill-fortune of meeting the frozen corpse of his comrade in one of the life rafts." Hitoshi escaped with someone else but the other person failed to survive. That was…. No words could describe what that child was possibly going through even from Komakado's mere description alone.

"Literally froze to death, it was a rather stormy winter if I could add. So hypothermia was one of the likely causes of death as well. In any case, he was just as badly wounded and at loss of blood, it's a miracle that one of them survived at all." As Kenzaki was processing this with a worsening mood, Komakado made it worst with another distressing discovery.

"They actually packed or stole provisions to brave the voyage, but I guess in emergencies they just didn't have enough for both of them. You see-… ahem….. they had an expended shot of adrenaline with them, but only one."

Kenzaki was silent, but his face said it all.

"You know what that means, right?"

"…." It was difficult to stomach, even if it was the truth. They were both ten-year-old children according to Hitoshi's age now, something truly perilous. Yet they chose between the two of them who would take the shot. In other words, who would live and who would die. That wasn't something he himself could make at that age and would only be haunted by it for the rest of his life.

"…. No more…." Komakado accepted his request to stop recounting that accounting.

The former rose to his feet to find some other place to be as Kenzaki needed it to himself now.

"If it makes you feel any better, I had that corpse quietly buried in a local cemetery. Full prayers and everything."

"Does….. he visit it?"

"Hmm? No."

Kenzaki was wrapped in complex emotion once more by his reply.

"I haven't told Hitoshi-kun anything."

So he was kept in the dark about the outcome of his comrade's corpse.

"If you want, you could tell him about it." Komakado wrote down an address for a cemetery in that city before handing him the slip of paper which Kenzaki hesitated to take but did eventually.

"Why didn't you tell him all this time?"

"Are you kidding, Lieutenant? I still value my life. Besides, he already knows his friend passed away. That should be quite obvious considering that they drew lots." Kenzaki's stomach turned after Komakado reminded him about it once more. That was the one reverse-scale that even Komakado wouldn't dare touch.

"As for the continuation of that story nine years later. Well, you should ask him yourself how he ended up in the SR Group like everyone else. You can't be just anyone to be selected to join in the current Survey and Reconnaissance Warfare group, after all." Did he really want to ask after hearing this accounting from his former superior and their chance encounter?

"Lieutenant." Komakado called him out from a distance he'd displaced himself from Kenzaki when going about his business.

"I trust you won't ply any further than I did. Neither you nor I have the qualifications to address these facts. It's simply too big a conspiracy for either of us or is beyond our understandings of what's really going on. But it's quite clear who these "enemies" of Hitoshi-kun are."

"What do you suggest that I do then?" Did he want him to support Furuta from the back or just get out of his way?

"That's up to you, Lieutenant. But I will say this. Between whoever's in the right, be it Hitoshi-kun or this organization, this-…. "Orochi". After the things I've seen, I'd rather be on Hitoshi-kun's side."

Between an organization that seemed to have influence over the military and both Tsushima and mainland islands, and a single man. That spoke much about Komakado's belief in his abilities. And that name, the mythical dragon of their ancient folk lore. Eight heads and eight tails, of course! Such a name also reflected the organizations' ominous grasp over the eight great islands that was Japan. If it was as powerful and influential as Komakado theorised, then they had every right to avoid it. In fact, Furuta should be doing the same, not confronting them.

His thoughts recalled the confrontation with Kaede Mitsu. Their brief debate about family ties and his dismissal of them as comrades due to some sort of dilusional authority figure they called "the Father". Admitting to committing assassinations or murders in the name of something that this figure asked them to do. As disturbing as that mental image was, Kenzaki couldn't lie to himself about what it meant among the other details that Komakado disclosed.

That secret military facility, Furuta and the Japanese Government were all tied together in some kind of military conspiracy that had whispers of radical ultra-nationalism at play. Whether Kenzaki chose to run from the problem by denying it or staying as far away from Furuta to escape, it would come to find him eventually to bury their secrets.

It was as Komakado suggested, staying near Furuta was perhaps the safest place they could be, for him and his team. Kenzaki took a peek at the piece of paper Komakado left him with, the address was around somewhere he knew in Fukuoka. Maybe he'd give it to him at an appropriate time, but not now.

He noticed Komakado entering the C&C container vehicle to enter into the discussion going on inside. He turned to his team, somehow interacting with the SR and locals in contrast to their aloaf disposition before. What would he tell them about the things he now knew about Furuta? Would Archer think differently after learning such things, Matoi worried him the most.

Kenzaki made peace that he was only in the need to know, all they required from him was his teams' compliance and cooperation to act as a force multiplier to whatever Hitoshi was building. Komakado was rightfully scared of the "enemy" for their control over what defined their leadership. But why wasn't Furuta still opposing their ways, alone he might add? Its because he wasn't afraid, he knew what they were and how to beat them.

Alone, he might not. But with all of their strength combined, perhaps Orochi could be defeated once more.

---

Yanagida knew why he was here with the General, he and Kamo in particular among everyone else who had come to this remote location which was the base site for Operation Tanegashima. They were involved in the works of deterrence against an unseen foe, an enemy within. But according to who? A private with an incomplete and inconsistent history.

Instead of talking about it, they started off with reviewing documents that had been passed between Abo and Hazama. Specifically, the authorization slip for Kaede Mitsu that one time, which they were enlightened on several legal loopholes it gave autonomy to.

Such as letting an unknown amount of "enemy" elements through not by stealth but from the front door that was the "Gate" checkpoint. Mistake one, was that there was no limit to the carryable equipment that Kaede could bring through either. Mistake two, the checkpoint guards may have enforced entry into the Special Region but didn't account for who left, as it was the responsibility of the entering C.O of these units or representative liaison officers if they were foreign delegates visiting, mainly press. Mistake three was rather forgiving to miss, and it had to do with the way Kaede's name was written as (楓, みっつ). Roughly translating to Maple Three, which could be subject to debate.

In other words, instead of Kaede alone walking through the front. It could technically be three people with the same name walking through the front and the checkpoint wouldn't care less. Frankly, the MPs were only bothered about documents certifying clearance, anyone else was obviously not allowed through, special guests were indicated by manpower office in advance via phone calls. With the frequency of traffic coming through due to logistical requirements of the Special Task Force to gear for war against the Pro-war factions, it was impossible to check every vehicle or else the supply chain would delay for weeks.

As bad as that sounded, the duration since the General had signed the document was already three weeks in. The cook made a rough quantitative estimation based on the average gross tonnage per trip that Kaede made via small utility vehicle to five-ton truck.

"That places their number at around company strength at absolute minimum, with a maximum tonnage of eighty for equipment."

"Good god." The colonel took the words right out of Yanagida's mouth.

Weren't they were already taking his assumptions on such weight, it wasn't anymore worrying if the "enemy" sent an army through at this rate.

"I'll take full responsibility for this incursion." Those words didn't come easy from Hazama, but it came nonetheless.

"However, I require your part in providing all the relevant intel concerning this "enemy"." Heads rotated towards the other end of the table where the person in question sat. They had avoided the subject matter of the day for too long, it was time for him to start talking.

"Sir. May I ask, what does the Jietai mean to you?" Hitoshi began with a question rather than answers.

"The defence of our nation and ho-." The colonel answered in place of Hazama and was duly interrupted by a rebuttal.

"I don't want that intelligence-insulting answer, Sir. And I was asking the General, not you." All proper formalities were paid, however, Hitoshi didn't respect Naoki Kamo's stand-in.

"….. It's about the unity of our people in getting a job done. With the best possible outcome, best efficiency and the lowest casualties. If I can do it with a clear conscience at the end of the day, then I'd spare no expense in bringing everyone home safe and sound." That was the response of a leader of men and one Hitoshi had expected from Hazama. To him this was simply an occupation, do his best for himself and his subordinates and make his client, being the Japanese government happy.

"Then, I'll be truthful to you as well, sir." Hitoshi stopped fiddling with his hands and clasped them on the table.

"I think it's a living joke." (Bang) The colonel's chair was flung back from his body standing up at rapid speeds as he reached out to grab hold of the infidel who denounced his own organization in front of him.

"I dare you to say it again to my face! I dare you-."

"Kamo." Hazama silenced him with a call of his name, with tone neither loud nor soft. "I want to hear why Private Furuta thinks that. I'm sure he wouldn't just say things without meaning behind it." He didn't come all the way here to get into a heated argument inflaming his right-hand man.

Kamo sat but said, "You'd better have a good reason, Private." Respecting the General's authority before his disbelief.

"We all know this, gentlemen. It's no secret mystery that we lost to the United States seventy years prior in the last great war and our subsequent subservience to the Allies on many accords. The Jietai is no standing army and it never will be. In all definitions, we're the equivalent to Gandhi's Shanti Sena or at most a National Guard of sorts. Both Constitution and the Potsdam Declaration enforce this."

"What are you trying to say, Private!?" Kamo's fuse was already exceedingly short.

"I'm saying that in any instances on home soil or involves home affairs requiring military intervention, the Jietai will never have the right to fully exercise its power or carry out its job properly. That falls into the responsibility of the UN and by extension the US, sir." Kamo turned to Yanagida, a former-aspirant to legal studies who nodded to him difficultly.

"In translation, you're saying that no matter how justified our means of being here is. We aren't." Hazama repeated in a simplified interpretation that all could understand. They had already lost on the justifiable political grounds even before the set out. Hitoshi was making them realise this applied to their involvement in the Special Region. The only reason they were here was because of a grey zone regarding enforcing public safety and redefining territorial distinctions.

"But what if, there was another force that carried out all these military intervening obligations." Hitoshi dug into their interest with a conspiracy theory based upon this very idea of the handicap that the Jietai faced.

"A paramilitary force that acted in lieu of a conventional full-sized professional army. Unbounded by constitution and answering to no Political Representative, but the oldest traditional figure of authority."

"A secret paramilitary force…." Hazama murmured as he reflected upon these words and what did they mean. It meant an unconventional force was being employed by some powerful figurehead in Japan who didn't directly dabble into the politics of Japan. A private army that wasn't restricted by the nuisance that was Article 9 of the Constitution or by the Allies' Potsdam obligations. But who in the world would be allowed to wield an Army like that, let alone fund it?

"…." Hazama had read the report of the statement Hitoshi had made to Kenzaki at Bassoon Prison shortly after his breakout. As outlandish as that statement implied the true sponsors to this "organization", Hitoshi's current claims were fitting in rather perfectly with that explanation. It could be no one else but the Imperial Family.

Yanagida and Kamo had come to a similar conclusion having reviewed the same pieces of intel together.

"But by not answering to any political authority, what keeps them in check? What is their purpose then?" That was the most crucial flaw to an army without properly channelled invocations of power to police, apprehend or subjugate for the interest of the nation. Because at the end of the day, that made them nothing more than a vigilante organization.

For once, Hitoshi was quiet. As if unable to answer back. However, Hazama knew it was more like he was choosing his next words carefully. When he gave a smirk as he took the joy of unnecessarily ridiculing Kamo for his earlier definition by answering with.

"The defence of our nation and home."

Kamo stood up reactively ready to pounce upon him when the table was banged again by someone else.

"No games, Private Furuta! Provoke my staff in that manner again and I shall revoke all support from this operation without questions ask! Am I clear?" What a surprise it was for Hazama to discipline him in place of Kamo.

"Yes, sir. It's as you say." Even though he was still smiling in that provocative way towards Kamo. Playing on his nickname of "Sadist two" alongside Kurokawa a bit too well.

"It's no joke though. That is their function, but it differs greatly from your interpretation of defending one's home and loved ones."

For that, Hazama nodded. "Yes, Lieutenant Kenzaki has been telling me such. You used to be part of their organization." There was no point in denying they existed at this point, it was the matter of how to convey it without sounding ridiculous, because it was.

It was absurd to think that the Imperial Family had commissioned and funded a secret military organization behind everyone's backs, the senate, the public and the world. And yet, if the everyone believed it was impossible wouldn't it be the perfect concealment?

"So, what can the Jietai do then, Private?" Out of all that was said, Hazama was still aware of one point that Hitoshi had failed to address. Which was what made "them" the "enemy"? Hitoshi was quiet once again. And this time, it was because of uncertainty. On how much they'd believe him say.

"Would you mind if we hold that thought for a moment, while we look at something else? Private Furuta?" Hazama waved Yanagida over for a screening file that came into his possession. A file that Hitoshi recognised and was the prime reason for his uncertainty due to being in Hazama's possession already, meaning that he read it.

"This is a complete medical evaluation from two years ago by Sergeant Kurokawa on you, Private Furuta. Will you give me the privy to read it out loud?"

"It's in your hands, so you should have every right?" The answer piqued Hazama for someone who had everything to hide about this file.

"Summary on scarring on extremities, a total of seventeen gunshot wounds of multiple calibres, multiple rib and limb fractures, fifty-two lacerations done by rough edge, one hundred and thirty-two by sharp edge. Signs of 2nd degree burns on wrist and forearms…." The time it took for Hazama to take breathe in before continuing, the paleness of Kamo and Yanagida's faces was apparent.

"Seventy percent of physical injuries sustained at pre-pubescence. Further indications of scarring by surgical removal or implantation without further evidence of what was removed or augmented. Red blood cell screening shows high toxicity levels of dopaminergic agents administered during ages 6-12. Rough guess on ID of agents, a combination of Amphetamine and LSD. The former seems to be organically manufactured by his marrow."

"….. What is this-…" Kamo murmured under the change of expressions that were like the spectrum of a rainbow.

"…. Subject does not show signs of avulsions despite severe physical bodily infliction, whether due to the irregular amounts of endorphins generated by his body or mental fortitude is unknown. Subject's exposure to LSD since adolescence has shown no signs of reverse effects of paranoia or hallucinations as of July 14, 20XX. Though does not exhibit immunity towards the aforementioned doses. End of log." Hazama closed the file and pushed it along the table towards Hitoshi.

"Sergeant Kurokawa might not have been biase about these reports, however, she's not been clear about it either."

"….." That was pretty apparent.

"I know you're deliberately withholding vital information regarding the origins of this organization and their formations and practices. You're keeping it away for the very reason that medical file exists." Because it was the reason, what else would they think of him rambling on about the roots of the organization other than someone who was subject to hallucinations based on his past dosage of LSD, the very drug that induces that.

"So I'll ask this in a different way, Private Furuta. What kind of guarantee can you give that justifies anything you say is reliable and not merely a dilusion?"

"Sir, I think that's a little-." Yanagida tried intervening but was rebuted.

"Not another word. I want to hear from Private Furuta only. If you can convince me on why this organization is such a threat to national security, I will forgo plying into your personal history and affiliations with them."

It turned out that the General was giving him such favorable conditions, if only he could just say it out now. In truth, Hitoshi hadn't told another soul about his early life with "them". Not even Kurokawa. He had lived with this knowledge by himself all this time, and when the time came when someone wanted to know, he couldn't say it. No. There was one person he had shared with about his life before the kitchen. But not to the exact point of who he was raised by and what he specifically did. He was making such breakthrough, yet he'd come across an emotional barrier that prevented the difference between having Hazama's support and losing it entirely before behind sent to a military mental care institute to live out the rest of his days.

"Because he's not." Declared an advocate for Hitoshi's convictions.

"Hideyo." Hazama acknowledge him casually.

"Koichiro, ganging up on the juniors again, I see." Komakado took his stand by Hitoshi's side.

"What do you have to say about all this, Inspector?" Hazama got serious.

"Here, Hitoshi-kun. Drink this." Komakado handled some shot glasses and poured some alcohol from his whiskey flask into them.

"You serious?"

"Never more, now take a visibly large chug. And by the way, you owe me a bottle after this."

"If it's worth it. I will." Hitoshi did as he said and took a dunk out of the glass to the familiar strong Vodka brand Komakado enjoyed.

"Now you too, Colonel."

"Me? Oh, why- thank you, Inspector." Kamo willfully accepted Komakado's "good will" by doing the same.

And upon the liquor touching his throat his face turned reddish as he struggled to hold it in.

"(Gasp) What is this stuff?! Aaagh! Aaaah!" Kamo gasped for air as the burn of the potent liquor burned his insides visibly as his tongue danced out of his mouth.

The contrasting difference between Hitoshi's and Kamo's reactions were clear.

"So, Furuta's a better drinker than… the Colonel?" Yanagida answered confused by the whole experiment. Incurring the Colonel's anger.

"No. That's not just the point. In a few minutes we'll see the colonel in his drunken state." Unlike Kenzaki who wastefully coughed out his valuable drink, Kamo had consumed it. Many had fallen into a state of drunkenness at the mere sip of Komakado's drink and he was quite familiar with their reactions.

"Alright…. Let's-.. L-Let's get on with businessssssss….." In no time at all, Colonel Kamo began swaying from side to side with his mouth improperly opening and closing to form words. It made Yanagida and Hitoshi wonder what was so potent about the liquor although for different reason.

"….." Hazama however, knew Komakado from long before and knew the potency.

"You know you used to say I could tranquilize an elephant with this, didn't you? Well, Hitoshi-kun's obvious soberness should tell you how well he holds against substances of any order."

"Hideyo…." Hazama addressed him informally as he pinched his temples. "Holding alcohol and hallicinations are two different thresholds."

"…. They are?" Komakado answered in all honesty, killing the suspense.

"They are, sir." Even Hitoshi confirmed it.

"Meh, at least I shut up the loud one for a while." Komakado said as he shrugged his shoulders after having only achieved silencing Kamo who snored in an undignified way.

Hazama sighed at his clear cunning underlying attempt to break the tension between them all.

"…. Say for a moment I believe you aren't a section eight case. Why should we confront this organization, what exactly makes them a threat?"

Hitoshi understood where he was getting at. They were technically Japanese as well, and as he described earlier, the Jietai didn't exactly have the legal powers to counter. Or so Hazama believed. Glancing Komakado's way who nodded to him in encouragement, Hitoshi found some courage to take a stand.

"Then, my answer would be…." He stood up and pulled up the sleeves to his left arm, showing the mark of allegiance to an exclusive enclave of dissidence. It was as Komakado remembered it, a tinge of sadness appeared on his aged features to the reality of their lives.

"That sixteen years ago, Orochi almost succeed in a national coup that would've ended the way of life we know and hold dear in Japan."

---

This organisation had no name, and never did. Was it by coincidence Komakado named them the same way that Hitoshi did? Yes and No. Shinto culture had only one representative for an Eight-headed Serpent, Yamata no Orochi. The infamous dragon of myth.

Either way, it would be troublesome not to have a way to identify the members of this organization if when and would likely encounter operating within the Special Region and close to the Pro-War Imperial Faction. So, the unanimous decision was to call them Orochi. Ironically for Hitoshi, it was the exact same name that Orochi's mortal enemy had tried to call them until they too were beaten by the former. But that was an episode unrelated to this theatre of operation.

"Urgh…." Colonel Kamo stirred too from his hangover after receiving a whiff from a cup of coffee which Hitoshi brewed using the vehicles' refreshment facilities. "T-Thanks. What did I miss?" He thanked Hitoshi and asked Hazama simultaneously.

"We're dealing with an organization of well-trained professional killers." Hazama summarized what else Hitoshi had told him after revealing the act which separated Orochi from the Jietai as defenders of Japan.

A rebellion against the current government and the usurpation of the Chrysanthemum Throne. And why was this?

Hitoshi never made that clear, but he had sent a Warrior Bunny off to his accommodations to retrieve something which seemed to have something to do with the answers.

"Their members making up the likely bulk of their work force aren't the real threat, most of them are either crooks recruited from the streets or foreign mercenaries they converted with their ideals. Maybe even some Jietai into their circle as well." An assortment of social and military rejects who were bought into their ways.

Hazama understood who dangerous unmonitored ideals were to the draw such dangerous individuals together.

"The real threat comes from the Bushi*."

Bushi, as in Warrior that follows Bushido, the way of the warrior. Not a samurai who serves a higher lord, nor a soldier that complies with orders. But a warrior of the path they treaded. The name spoke of a long and enduring history for this organization. Perhaps even predating the formation of the Jietai's spiritual ancestor, the Imperial Japanese Army. Kaede and his katana reflected this image well.

"The A-Team of Orochi." Komakado surmised from his declaration.

"Around my age, men and women who've been fighting before your kids had even learnt how to ride their first bicycle. They're a unique warrior caste of Orochi that lead and fight in the frontlines as the primary vanguard force." He had confirmed it but wouldn't elaborate further. It was enough to imagine what these warriors raised from young with Spartan-esque training would turn out superior to even the SFG who spent their early years like every ordinary citizen.

"Do they have battle-experience?" Hazama was interested in statistics mostly.

To which Hitoshi answered in relation. "Each one has more than the entire Special Operation Group combined."

"…."

"That's an understatement, I don't know what they've been up to for the last sixteen years. But they were already beyond that level when they hit the age of ten."

Hazama closed his eyes, as if meditating. Gathering all the intel he'd been given and processing a line of action against the rebel organization known as Orochi.

It was a good ten minutes before his eyes opened and he turned Hitoshi's way.

"What do you propose we do to combat Orochi and these Bushi?" A smile appeared on Hitoshi's face, it seemed that Hazama was finally ready to cooperate fully.

"I have a plan that's in the workings, with the SFGs and the SR group here to help, I should be able to triangular their current base of operations and kill off whoevers leading them this time."

Even Kamo sat upright after hearing the maturity of his plans not to deter Orochi, but utterly wipe it from the face of the earth, or Special Region in this case.

"How?" The colonel asked. To which, Hitoshi grin rather menacingly that didn't match his look. Giving off a eerie visage that sent shivers up Yanagida's face as he recalled Kaede.

"By luring out one in the open and capturing them."

"Can it be done?"

"Fifty-fifty."

"What are those odds based upon?'

"Them hating my guts. Kaede came to say hello, but also to gauge my reaction. He was provoking a response to see whether they'd kill me on the spot or use me for whatever they're planning with the Idiot Prince Zorzal."

"So why fifty-fifty if they're as disciplined and clear on act upon their motives than attack you?"

"Because not everyone of them feels the same way." Hitoshi was playing a risky gamble here.

"Kaede could be considered the most rational minded, but not every one of them were as stable in the head. Especially after their original leadership is dead, no one else is capable reign them in, not even among them. So it's a miracle how they could gather together as a whole, even for me. It doesn't make much sense."

"How are you sure they aren't dead like you thought these Bushi were?" Hazama was just being cautious in accounting for any unseen circumstances, but Hitoshi was sure they were all dead.

"Unless they can survive a bullet to the head each, I'm pretty sure they are." It was never implied whether he saw that happening or he was the one who did it. Komakado remembered some really old ones on that island base, that he was sure of were gone.

"I'm sure, you'll understand the likeliness of casualties sustained in this op, sir."

"I do." Hazama answered straight away. "But I also understand there'll be a price to pay for ignoring such a group as well."

"What do you need?" Hazama was on-board.

The armoured door of the C&C container vehicle opened as the NBC pressure seals released, the SFG and SR operatives took note of all their high-ranking figures exiting the vehicle which seemed like they had finished up their business. The SFG team approached with Kenzaki to speak with Hazama.

"Lieutenant."

"Sir!"

"I apologize for not informing you about the circumstances but do understand that confidentiality was at its utmost precedence."

"W-We understand, sir."

"Alright, here are your orders." At these words, the SFG team stood to attention to receive them.

"I have posted you here to this FOS (Forward Operating Site), codenamed "Helheim" for an undefinite period. Running this operation will be Furuta Hitoshi, you'll be reporting directly to him as if they were my instructions."

"Oh…." Kenzaki let out of his mouth accidentally after learning the rate of developments.

"What?!" But not as badly as Matoi "Archer", as the last thing he thought would happen.

"Do you have something to voice against my decision, Sergeant?"

"I mean no offense, sir. But I've got several." Before Kenzaki could tell him to back off, he'd already taken a step forward.

"Go on." Hazama accommodated his disputes.

"One, how sure are you he's not secretly on their side!?"

Hitoshi sighed exasperatedly, Hazama almost did the same.

"Dumbass, then why would I bring all this up? Why are you even here?"

"I'm on to you, cook! Don't think I'd follow the flock and-."

"Matoi, shut up!" Kenzaki broke the confrontation as Archer glared Hitoshi's way before giving up.

"Then let's say we follow his orders, what about those people?" He didn't need to say who exactly, but all of the SR operatives turned his way staring dauntingly.

At that statement, Komakado was all the laughs and chuckles.

"Son, these men and women have known him longer than you've been in the SFG. He was their superior officer in charge after all." At this, the rest of the SFG team who had yet to learn what Kenzaki had were just as surprised.

"A little more than three years ago, Hitoshi-kun went by the alias of Raizen Amara, given by me might I add. He was a Lieutanent in Naval Intelligence SRWG, under the Military Intelligence Headquarters' umbrella presently." The more he revealed of Hitoshi's file, the more discomfort he saw on Archer's expression which made him only want to say more that he could without compromising secrecy.

"Hitoshi-kun has been in covert operations spanning from Peru to Kazakhstan, from the Himalayan mountains to the Khmer Jungles. He's fallen self-proclaimed dictators, levelled insurrections, lit the fuse to a local civil war, even reversed an ambush on the group back at our rival groups. And the people he's killed…. Oh, you could only fantasize about in some deluded narcissistic savior complex to come close."

"Sergeant, our dear friend over here is literally "License to Kill". And our superiors were not even grateful he was always there to clean up whatever muck-up or problem their Golden Stallions made a mess of. If he was being paid any better than peanuts compared to lump-sums you gun-monkeys are awarded for every little training exercise for "good" behaviour, we wouldn't be a joke of a military." It now seemed like Komakado was acting unlike himself by picking on Archer for his ignorance.

"Take a good look at these people you've insulted, Sergeant." He pointed to the SR operatives.

"He's saved them on numerous occasions, made them believe in a cause that wouldn't even scoop up the necessary funds to properly run their outfit. You're a walking embarrassment if you call yourself SF, Sergeant." It was at this point that Komakado turned facing his back to Archer, having diss him enough.

"And you were saying I was one to pick on juniors." Hazama mirthfully reminded him as he shrugged in response in a "whatever" kind of way.

"This brat forgot who was Hitoshi-kun's superior. That's like he was laughing at my competence." Although, that was truth to Komakado, their point of views didn't match.

"People make mistakes, he'll work on improving himself to make sure this doesn't happen again. You will, won't you, Sergeant."

"…Uh-..Y-… Yes, sir." Archer struggled to answer as Hazama came to shield him.

"As for your current rank, however. The Sergeant may have a point." A private leading member of the Army, Airforce and Navy that were officers and NCOs, it was not taken on face value.

"Hideyo?" Hazama turned to Komakado who took out a folded piece of paper.

"In light of recent developments, the Ministry of Defence requests Military Intelligence Headquarters for the declassification and reactivation of strategic red asset callsign "Fafnir", the immediate transfer of command to Special Task Force Commander – Lieutenant General Koichiro Hazama. All previously attached outfit personnel and equipment will be also be transferred to Red Asset "Fafnir", following reinstatement of commission rank and etc." Komakado began folding the authorization papers as he ended with…

"Signed, Minister of Defense and Special Region Affairs, Taro Kano."

The Defense Minister? Everyone was bewildered by the figure of authority with knowledge and power over these affairs. It explained to Hitoshi who Komakado's main supporter was and why he was willing to stand by him. He was likely also one of the four who read his file, maybe the second.

"So there you have it, Captain Furuta."

"You don't worry about the inter-service transfers papers, I'll manage your Blue to Green. Just think of yourself as part of the Army now." Komakado assured him.

"Hitoshi!" The arrival of a panting Warrior Bunny into their talks called for attention to such urgency.

"Thank you, Parna. You're just in time, they were about to leave soon." He thanked the woman in perfect Imperial which not all of them were as fluent to get pass the interpretation he was thanking her for the effort. He received a red binding book which he in turn held out to the General.

"This is….."

"My history with Orochi, sir. I pictured a day I wouldn't be around to stop them if I failed, waiting for a day when someone would stand up to them. Please try to keep it to yourself and burn it when you've finished." He may not have been confident at conveying his words through speech, however, through writings it was easier and without lose of details.

Hazama reached out to take it when Hitoshi spoke again. "But I warn you first, sir. It might "change" your views towards what you believe. I'm afraid it might even lead to your resignation." It sounded like what was contained behind those leather bindings were atrocities that the Japanese Government in particular had approved of, maybe even authorized.

"Let me be the judge of that." Taking hold of the book, Hazama declared confidently.

"Very well. Sir."

"Of course, wouldn't it be better in the hands of the public press, something like this?" He asked waving it.

"That's the worst place to give to, sir. If you want the reporter to die a horrible death."

"Noted. By the way, would you care to introduce this lady?" Hazama was many things, especially a gentleman who noticed a woman was waiting beside Hitoshi patiently.

"This is Parna, a friend of mine whose been a key factor in what's gotten this operation going. Sir." He introduced her to Hazama.

"Parna, this is General Hazama. Commander of the Jietai forces in this world." He informed her in the local tongue. It was a surprise to her that such a high-ranking officer from the other world had come here of all places, sticking his hand into what drove the restoration effort.

She stepped forwards and gave her crisp salute of a fisted hand over her chest.

"Salutations to you, General. I can't express how grateful we are for your support in this venture and for bringing Hitoshi to us." Hitoshi raised an eyebrow at what she confessed in a sincere voice. Hazama was just standing there, awaiting a direct translation from him.

"She salutes you. And expresses gratefulness to the support you're lending to her people."

"Kansha… Shie.. masu (Grateful), Hazama-san." Parna mimicked Hitoshi's japanese words of that meaning to Hazama, who gave a nod to acknowledge her efforts.

"I hope we can work towards an agreement that best serves both our national interests, Miss Parna." Hitoshi translated Hazama's words to her once more. As it seemed that Hazama thought she was the representative for all the Warrior Bunnies. Technically, she was and wasn't. But Hitoshi figured it wasn't important to correct.

They exchanged a handshake out of formalities sake. Before awaiting pickup via helicopter called over by Yanagida. The inhabitants of Ascension were exposed to a number of perculiarities in just one day. First, moving boxes carrying wonders of another world among more supplies. Now, a flying ark that resembled one of their lunch meals the cook called a hotdog. A subject of their humour as the surprise visit from the Men in Green awaited entry into this long green sausage vehicle.

Hazama exchanged a last word with Hitoshi as the Chinook powered down.

"Captain Furuta. For the sake of travel conveniences, I'm placing you in charge of resource investigation in this region as well."

"…" A side job similar to what his former-superior Itami was already doing.

"You'll take command of Special Region Resource Investigation Team 105 (SRRIT). Since you've established a good relationship with local inhabitants, I trust that the recruiting of local guides wouldn't prove too troublesome."

"No, sir. Although, that's a pretty long name. How bout a little simpler one, like…. Spirit Ten-Five?" Kamo surprisingly whistled impressed that Hitoshi sought efficiency too over the original political name.

"Agreed. Lieutenant, see to the abbreviation amendments."

"Yes, sir. I'll have it sorted out right away. Captain Furuta can come to me in deciding his induction of members." Yanagida was having an absolute blast with making fun of his new appointment. Hitoshi was already thinking about all the times he should've gotten back at him during meal times at Alnus.

"One last thing, Furuta." Hazama said before turning to the helicopter to be brought back to the base by an indirect route

"Sir."

"Take care of my men. Promise me that."

"…. You have my word, sir. From one soldier to another, not a single one will be left behind."

Satisfied by his response, he turned and left. "Good luck, Fafnir."

Kamo followed closely behind with Komakado hitching a ride with the General back to base.

"Knock'em dead, son." He said as he walked pass.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with me." What Hitoshi said stopped him in his tracks.

"No, son. No. You've nothing to be sorry about. What you're doing here, no one asked you to do? No one dared. The same could be said on multiple occasions back when we were Survey and Recon. Look at me, boy." Hitoshi did.

"I'm proud of what you've chosen to become. Proud. I never would've expected that little runt who stowaway to be anything bigger than himself. The boys and girls know it too. Those heroes, out there. Itami and Kenzaki, they're helpless to the monsters that lurk behind the shadows. But the General and me have you, you're all we have against these shadows." He patted Hitoshi on the shoulder after giving his words of encouragement once more. "Remember that. Oh, and you owe me a bottle too." That firebrand Vodka wasn't easy to come by, that's what made it all the more difficult to obtain.

"When this is over." Hitoshi accepted.

"When it's over." Komakado agreed. "Take good care of yourself. Son."

"I will. And get your back treated." Komakado laughed as he walked away. But it wouldn't be the last time he would see of him, that was for sure.

"Right, Furuta. I'll need a list of your members in three days time." Yanagida came to him to discuss applications and paperwork.

"List?"

"Well, you ought to pay them something for their service, right? Denariis or Yen, allowable days of leave, medical benefits, insurance payouts." Yanagida was in a world of his own, seeking those people who were to join him in his Resource Investigation Team.

"The quicker you give them, the faster we can move on track."

"Right, I will. By the way, how's Itami doing?" If Hitoshi had realised what he was in for, he wouldn't have bothered asking Yanagida Akira of S2 Intelligence about Itami's progress. Because it started with a whole lot of complaining dragging on and on. "Itami did this!" or "Itami didn't fill in that!"

"How's the back?" Quickly changing subjects as it didn't seem to end.

"It's alright, I'd be more worried about Delilah though. I dumped a magazine of nine mils into her and yet she walked it off faster than me. Just what are these women made of?" It appeared that Yanagida accepted the fact of the Warrior Bunnies natural recovery rates and resilience, good for a pen pusher to take into account.

"I've a favour to ask you, for when you get back." Of this, Yanagida was interested. He could always use a favour from a field operative.

"From your meeting here, don't mention the name Parna to her."

"Do they know each other?" Hitoshi nodded.

"…. Alright." Yanagida was one of the rare few who didn't ask questions, and that was quite pleasing for Hitoshi.

"In exchange, you could do me a small solid." Because Yanagida was all about the numbers.

"There's word that Prince Zorzal is planning a secret meeting with the Governor-Admiral of Proptor." That was the port city a hundred miles East of the Capital.

"I thought Proptor chose neutrality in this fight." Hitoshi played ignorant. Zorzal had already planned to make use of the main Imperial fleet to assault the Capital City. But his efforts to convince the Governor-Admiral were proving difficult. Very soon, he might pull that trump of his in Hitoshi to win that man and his fleet over.

"Well, our sources say otherwise. They seem convince that Zorzal has some sort of card to play that would make the Governor say yes no matter what." Hitoshi called it.

"I see."

"Yeah, I dunno. Ever since he withdrew from the Capital, I thought his popularity with the cities would plummet. Instead he's been welcomed as a hero, isn't that weird. Something about him being a son of the Gods or walking amongst them and such."

"….."

"You wouldn't happen to know anything, would you?"

"No. Why would you think that?"

"You're literally attending to the Prince almost every day except now. Aren't you?"

"I'm just a chef, Yanagida. Apart from that, Viscount Herm seems to make it his problem to exclude me from the battle plans as always."

"Hmm." Yanagida accepted that was far as he could reach, of course Hitoshi didn't need to be near Zorzal to know what he was planning. Among the intel leaks from their Legion officers, he had Tyuule report to him via her alias, Iota.

"So, how is Princess Pina and Emperor Molt in Italica? I know its far from what the Capital was, but how are they managing?"

"Oh, no problems at all. In fact, strangely enough we're well working towards acquiring all vital resource rights to the potential oil fields found in Imperial Territory." It was clear that the Pro-Peace faction weren't having a field day of options. Discarding all unnecessary "baggage" to obtain a means of continued rule was all that mattered to Pina at this point. Grateful that Japan wasn't asking them to be their vassals, but equals was too good to be true in her eyes. That's what made her the perfect puppet ruler, she was led on by the carrot at the end of the stick. And Japan got its compliant ally with full mineral rights.

"Good."

"They've just signed it off this Wednesday at the- ahem, Parfait Accords." Yanagida said snickering.

"Parfait accords?"

"Oh yeah, forgot you were undercover. That's just the highlight of the Italica Accords, apart of their demands were recognition of sovereign rights over the Imperil Territories and continued commercial trade, as well as tribute of Parfait ice cream till the old Emperor croaks." Yanagida let it humour him as it did for Hitoshi, but for different reasons.

"The underline of the joke is that Emperor Molt sold his land and rights as a ruler little by little all for a glass of Parfait a day. I think the evening news crafted a caricature out of it too. Funny as hell! Not sure how he learnt about Parfait of all things, must've been a souvenir that Pina brought back. Apparently the demand for ice cream has just skyrocketed as well. The populace hearing Molt's declaration at the accord that it was some kind of "life-giving food". Did they mistake it for a longevity food or something?"

Selling his soul for ice cream. The thought was more than what Hitoshi could take as he laughed insatiably in front of Yanagida who didn't think it would be that funny. Evidentally, it dawned upon him that Hitoshi had in fact something to do with that. He was unaccounted for between Bassoon and the Pro-War Factions' withdrawal after all. But that was all, he had nothing to talk about with Hitoshi.

"Eh? Hitoshi, is that you?" Came yet another person who he would recognise.

Hitoshi recovered to find the most unlikely person to be here. "Takeo? What are doing here?"

"I should be asking you the same thing, weren't you on some kind of assignment behind enemy lines? And me, I'm just here on supply drop duties with Mari."

"Hitoshi." The other one made her presence known.

"Mari."

"Sergeant Kurokawa." She corrected him.

"That's Captain Furuta now, Sergeant." Yanagida corrected her.

""What!?"" The two members of Third Recon said simultaneously.

"Long story, short time. Don't ask." Simply said Hitoshi.

"In fact, don't ask at all. Or you both will never see the light of day again." Hitoshi turned to Yanagida who said this unnecessary sentence.

"… What?- Not your style?"

"No. Please go back to doing what you do best, and please get well." Hitoshi politely dismissed him because he currently could.

"… Alright. I'll go. Good luck, Furuta."

Hitoshi looked towards the chinook as they claimed to be here for a supply drop. Truthfully, three crate bundles were being pushed out by the army aviators while Mari and Takeo were carrying out the smaller crates. One crate Takeo was carrying marked "M112 Comp C4, High Explosives"

"Compliments of the General. In case Prince Zorzal or the "enemy" present an opportunity for your company to use them." Yanagida informed him as he signed off the forms with the Chinook airmen specialists and the helicopter was having a refuelling before take-off.

"What have you been up to, Hitoshi?" Mari asked in a light manner since time wasn't of the essence.

"You know me." He let out a wry smile causing Mari to sigh. "Schadenfreude?" Before she too let out a mischievous expression.

"Schadenfreude." In their exchange, Takeo stood oblivious to the true meaning of that English word which was in fact a German term. Looking at them both, it started getting him thinking about some things.

"Say, Mari. Takeo. How would you like to see some action here?"

Mari let out a laugh, while Takeo was unsure.

"What exactly is going "here" first, Hitoshi? Wherever this is."

Hitoshi only turned around watching the unique inhabitants go about their business, some still watching the activities of the Jietai.

"Are those….. Warrior Bunnies?"

"Is that a village of Warrior Bunnies?!" At this point, he was just showing off. As Takeo exclamations were like a child coming upon a shocking relevation.

"Eight hundred and growing, remnants of the Warrior Bunny Kingdom. And no one to draw a complete anatomy of an entire species uncataloged by any medical institute or researcher. Imagine all the paper thesis one would write and be considered the leader of his….. or her field." He deliberately enticed Mari in what she loved doing and the ambitious ventures she could pursue for a future medical career all to herself in the treasure trove of new discoveries.

There was that look on her that she knew she was being lured and she didn't like it. But she finally yielded. "Ok."

"Ok, who?" Now, Hitoshi was just pushing it.

"… Ok, sir." She struggled to even let out that one word with three letters.

"Yanagida! I'll have these two in my Resource Investigation Team!" He called out, indication to Yanagida as such. The Lieutenant raised his hand and made an ok sign.

"I dunno, Hitoshi…. I-… I really would love to stay but-… but- is that Persia-san?!" By coincidence, Takeo spotted his love in the distance. At around the time of her routine break from work.

"What's she doing here?!" He asked frantically shaking the shoulders of Hitoshi. He had been left wondering where she was back at Italica, when all this while she was actually here.

"Secret stuff, Takeo."

"Muuhhh! That's not fair, Hitoshi! How could you keep this from me, I thought we were bros!?"

"That's why I'm offering for you to stay here. How about it?"

"You betrayed me…. You betrayed me, Hitoshi! Traitor! Traitor!" He wailed not listening to Hitoshi at all, there was something just undescribable about seeing a grown man throwing a childish tantrum.

"Traitor. Traitor. Traitor….." A deadpan Mari repeated as she deemed it necessary to get back at him by annoying the hell out of him. He was starting to look like the mean one now thanks to her efforts.

"Shut up! Alright! How about this?... Persia! Over here!" Persia, ever quick responded to his summons.

"Yes?.. Meow!?- Takeo-san? What are-." Everyone was wondering what everyone was doing here, Hitoshi had heard enough of it and was going to bar any further entry until such time things got settled.

"Takeo, watch!" Hitoshi boomed to get his attention. As he stopped crying himself. "(Sniff)…. What?..."

"Persia-san, Persia-san. Repeat after me, a "cheer up" ritual for Takeo."

"Meow?" She wondered why he repeated her in such a strange manner and in Nihon for that matter.

"Uraniwa ni wa niwa, niwa ni wa niwa niwatori ga iru (There are two chickens in the backyard and two chickens in the front yard)." He spoke this classic tongue twister whilst performing a short Caramelldansen dance. For Persia, this was an easy set of motions and provided it improved Takeo's mood it was worth the try, he did say it was a proper ritual, so she felt no shame in doing it as he had.

"Urameowah meo-wah meowah, meowah meo-wah meowah meowahtori ga iru!" She performed with the exact motions.

"Pft-." Mari turned away as quickly as possible to hide it and seemed like she was shivering. It made Persia wonder if she'd done it incorrectly in any way.

"Was it not correct, Meow?"

"No. It was good. Right, Takeo?"

But said individual was staring at Persia with a blank stare and motionless body, like his spirit had left it. The only telling sign that Hitoshi could tell that he agreed wholeheartedly was by the telling nosebleed trickling from his nostrils. As his brain had somehow achieved inner bliss and lifelong fulfilment at the same time, causing an overload.

"Takeo, you're bleeding, Meow! Here, let me take care of that." Persia wiped his bloodstain nose with a handkerchief.

"Uh! Meow has to get back to work, but will Takeo be alright?"

"It'll be alright, Persia. I'll get Parna to stand in for you."

"Please don't, you know she's been on rotating shifts, Meow."

"I know and I'll make it up to her later, but couldn't you take care of Takeo for just this once? He's a guest here now."

"Well, if Meow insists. Please allow Meow to acquire warm towels for Master Takeo, first."

"Sure, I'll take care of Takeo for the while. And would you please open up the guest accommodations for two?"

"Meow will do it, naturally." Persia confirmed before being about the tasks.

With Takeo still in a rigid locked position, Hitoshi leaned over to whisper into his ear very simple words.

"Wouldn't you like to see more?"

And so, Hitoshi had acquired for himself two Jietai personnel who would assist him through their formation of Resource Investigation Team, Spirit Ten-Five. The two Special Region members would of course be Kir and Parna. But Hitoshi wouldn't look for resources like his counterpart teams were doing, travelling around the countryside in search of minerals.

No. On his next intended step towards the Kingdom Ascension, he would seek to learn and master the ways of Mythical Metal forgings the likes which the people of Earth had never seen before. To provide the restoration with steel edge unique to the Kingdom and would ensure their future spanning dominance as a power to be reckoned with.

Metal that would put even the imported 21st century firearms in its place. Wieldy, Indestructible and forge-worthy. Only one such alloy existed in the Special region and was unique to it. A metal alloys said to be the secret of the gods that had been misplaced upon the mortal realm. A metal that only Gods or the Dwarves knew how to forge.

Hitoshi "Fafnir" Furuta would forge the Legendary Adamantite for the Restoration.

---

Author's Notes:

On Special Region Metallurgy

I mentioned a while back that Hitoshi's pseudo-blade knife was made from a fictitious Dragon Steel without explanation or story other than falling into his hands from a dead chef during the cook off.

For standardization sake, in light of the contribution this metal will have on the story, I've decided to make it synonymous with the rare fictional forge enchanted metal known as Adamantite. Canonically mentioned in the story dozens of times without significant effective. (Sometimes it makes me wonder if the author put any attention to detail in his story at all. Among other things.)

Adamantite: A processed form of metal as steel is to raw iron. Significantly stronger than sword-grade steel and possibly even Earth steel alloys without weight penalties. A unique trait of empowerment via enchantment, makes it the one metal that can't be replicated on a magic-null Earth.

Because of its complex ritualistic process, it is limited to the builds of several legendary weapons (Some of which were made bedding for the Flame Dragon from its victories over its would-be slayers, as pointed out by the Dark Elves in that arc)

Of course, when medieval weapons in a fantasy setting are concerned. There's no one who dabble better in the riddles of steel better than the Dwarves. Will also be the sole makers of Adamantite weaponry for this fanfic.

Adamantite examples:

Rory's Halberd Axe (evident for cutting through Dragon Scale said to be equivalent to Tungsten Carbide)

Captain Amer- Kir's Shield (from the mountain temple ruins)

Hitoshi's pseudo-blade (keepsake from Chef Dunios)

Giselle's Scythe (having fought on par with Demi-God Rory)

Yao's uncut precious rock? (Some sources say it's a gem while others said it was an ore, not sure on this one)

K*********** sword

Demi-god Mabel Forn's Blood Sword (Core metal)

*Fuji Tokushima – Protagonist of Gate: Weigh Anchor (Thought it fun to add him in the story before his time.)