Replies for Reviews
Whwsms – Just got to say, I borrowed a few ideas from the first chapter of your "A Certain Search After The Truth" story. Thanks in advance and apology for doing it.
SciFi Maker – Yes, a mission is coming soon.
Mr. X – 1) It's in this chapter. 2) Yeah, I think 3) Yeah, just finished reading it.
Fencer29 – You'd be surprised, then.
"Please, teach me how to hold a gun…"
"What?!"
"You heard me," Fukiyose Seiri sounded like she was snarling but she kept herself composed in front of the taller Kawasaki, who seemed to be affronted by her tongue and by the request that she is conveying to the SFG's Roseline, "I'm asking you to teach me how to handle a gun…" She paused, thinking about her next words, "You know…those types of firearms being used by Kamijou…"
Oh…I see… Kawasaki huffed as her dark eyes narrows towards her look-alike, who seemed to be impatient to get an answer from her, "You do know that you're a nurse which means you're a civilian yourself? Logically speaking, I don't see any sense in having to teach you how to handle a firearm since you're a nurse, not a soldier, much less a member of the special forces."
"Being a nurse isn't an excuse for me not to be of help other than treating other people," Fukiyose could swear she would have almost yelled at the woman in front of her if it wasn't for the fact that she's a member of her former classmate's 4th platoon of the first SFG Company, "I don't want to be a burden to him by relying on him for protection all the time. I'm pretty sure my fellow nurses feel the same—"
"Then isn't that the reason why that Anti-Skill is sent here?" Kawasaki raised her eyebrows, doubting that Forehead Deluxe's reasoning, "Let me be honest with you, as much as I would love to teach you marksmanship since I'm somewhat touched by your reasoning of wanting to be of help, I can't. You're not authorized to handle any kind of weaponry for purposes other than to have exercises in the gunnery range…which was allowed by our team leader…" The pale-skinned young woman sighed, suddenly realizing that twelve platoons that exist within their four companies, their commander probably is the most liberal one.
Probably…
Fukiyose only frowned as she looked at the pale woman, who just stared back, undaunted by the nurse's slight intense look. Finally, after ten seconds of not exchanging, the Iron Wall Girl huffed as she puffed and pouted her mouth, "Okay…I get it…I understand you…" She was holding a white towel at that time and she seemed prepared to crumple it under her tight grip, "Since it's something that even Kamijou can't deal with since it's a rule, then I suppose I'll have to back down."
Kawasaki can only chuckle at the sight of Fukiyose's defeated expression. For some reasons, it's very amusing and satisfying to see her face like that.
"I guess I'm lea—"
"Uh, Fukiyose…san, what are you doing here, in our quarters?"
"Kamijou?!"
Fukiyose Seiri almost stumbled upon her first step the moment she had heard the voice of her former classmate, who just came from interrogating a certain Palestinian suspect, just calling out to her. With him is Index, who looked a bit drained despite not actually doing even anything, and Misaka, who looked like she was battered by a Moroccan dust storm as her face was literally decorated with gunpowder residue and her hair looked awful. Overall, her appearance was really shitty at this point.
"Good to see you, Kawasaki-san and Fukiyose-san. I have already extracted information from the wicked guy. He says we'll have to directly raid a Nablus café and an underground stockroom if we wanted to catch this gun runner," Kamijou replied, holding Misaka in her dirtied scrubbing uniform, "And Fukiyose, I trust that you watch over Misaka-san because after all, she's your responsibility…"
"Let me go, you idiot!" The Level Five was squirming to get free as she tried to shock him earlier but the young man was able to cancel her electricity, "I said let me…"
"I would have let you go if it wasn't for the fact that you tried to attack Takato-san with your electricity," Kamijou was chiding the brunette, "Besides, what's with your almost going off a while back…"
"That guy literally punched me in the head!" Misaka was furious as she was trying to wriggle her way out of the young man's grip.
"That was because you were supposed to help him dispose the chemical fertilizers properly, not complain all day about me giving you what you were asking for," Kamijou hilariously scolded the Level Five like a mother cat giving a lecture to her kitten, "Besides, you should be happy that I even allowed the three of you there, even Index, who was supposed to be useful only in wiping off our plates clean…"
"Touma!" Index yelled at the perceived insult.
Ignoring the wild Short Hair and the incensed Silver Sister, Kamijou turned to both Kawasaki and his former classmate, "Excuse us, Kawasaki, but it's getting late. That Palestinian guy is temporarily detained at one of the spare quarters that we have and I posted Tsuchiya and Hayama to guard him as well as some of the regular JSDF peacekeepers. Tomorrow, a team from the IDF's Sayeret Matkal will take him to permanent custody."
"Sayeret Matkal, huh?" Kawasaki seemed impressed as their commander seemed to be familiar with Israel's primary special reconnaissance unit, "Does that mean that you have asked Commander Rivlin to come tomorrow?"
"I don't know. It can probably be him or Team Leader Gilad Cohen, the Samaritan," The spiky haired young man replied, "In any case, I actually don't look forward to meet them because...you know…the political consequences if we go straight to Nablus…"
"I see. I see. Well, you should go and escort these ladies to safety," Kawasaki smiled teasingly, winking, "And get some rest for tonight. Meeting with your counterpart officers from the IDF would surely drain your energy since these Israelis are a bit touchy when it comes to anything involving their own security…"
"I know, Kawasaki. Well, rest too and good job speaking with the IDF officials," Kamijou turned his back on Roseline but not before nudging Fukiyose, who was merely silent between their short conversation, to move along as well. When they moved away from the door, the Iron Wall Girl quickly threw a dirty glance at Kawasaki, who saw this and only smirked at the nurse. Bring it on, cutie. The pale-skinned woman wanted to stick her tongue out to provoke Fukiyose but she decided against it. I won't go any lower than that.
When they were out of the Roseline's earshot, Fukiyose was the first to respond.
"Neh, Kamijou, who is this Rivlin and this Gilad Cohen that you spoke?" The Iron Wall Girl can't help but ask in slight curiosity. Outside of those NDA alumni she had encountered, she never had met the Sayeret Matkal officers being mentioned by her former classmate, "Are they some kind of batchmates as well like that Filipino guy?"
"Uh…no…but when we came to your rescue, they were with us," Kamijou explained, "It wouldn't be possible for us to conduct our missions independently since the Blue Line border is a sensitive place that we cannot just go in there without the help of the Sayeret Matkal."
"So…what are these guys called the Sayeret or something are?" Misaka kept hearing the term without even understanding what it means.
"Oh right. Basically, they're like the Israeli counterpart of the Special Forces Group of Japan's JSDF but experience-wise, even I admit that we're basically lacking in contrast to theirs," Kamijou began explaining what the Sayeret Matkal is.
Officially called the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, or Unit 269, the Sayeret Matkal is the prime sayeret unit of the Israel Defense Forces. Being a field intelligence-gathering unit, conducting deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines to obtain strategic intelligence, Sayeret Matkal is also tasked with counter-terrorism and hostage rescue beyond Israel's borders. The unit is modeled after the British Army's Special Air Service (SAS), taking the unit's motto "Who Dares, Wins". The unit is the Israeli equivalent of the Delta Force of the United States. It is directly subordinate to the IDF's Directorate of Military Intelligence.
"Technically, there are a lot of Sayerets or special forces units in the IDF. They have the Unit 101 which was disbanded. They also have the famed Shayetet 13, the unit of the Israeli Navy, and is the somewhat counterpart of the JSDF's Special Boarding Unit," Kamijou rambled on.
"How come you know all of these stuff?" Misaka asked skeptically.
"We studied it in the NDA," Kamijou answered while not particularly liking some memories from the past, "In fact, the previous Chief of the General Staff, Gadi Eizenkot, had once visited our academy and said that we're not bad at all. And to my misfortune, he had challenged me on a shooting match even though I was still a plebe at that time and I haven't met Kikuchi-sensei…"
"And what happened, Touma?"
"Eh…let's not get to that…" Kamijou sighed as he then let's go of his grip towards Misaka, "By the way, Fukiyose, if you can, please watch over Misaka-san since she's the responsibility of the whole nursing staff of Academy City. She already got to trouble a lot of times so please, guide her…"
"Oh sure, Kamijou. Anything for you," Fukiyose nodded as she was tempted to grab the hands of the spiky haired young man, whose right hand was actually holding the pistol grip of his M4 carbine. She decided against it, fearing that it would be too much uncharacteristic even for her, who began to open up slightly to the former classmate she had always shut back when they were in high school, "But it would be a little too hard because she's a bit—you know…the self-entitled that characterized most Level Fives…"
Ignoring the "Hey!" protests of Misaka, Kamijou merely rolled his eyes as he said, "You don't sound like you, Fukiyose. You and Himegami…I both knew you can do it," He said, giving her a toothy grin and a thumbs-up, "Believe it!"
"I-Idiot, you don't have to tell that. I've been brought up to always believe in my own potential. That's why I have worked so hard to get to this position," The Forehead Deluxe would have loved to bop the young man in his head while Misaka began to utter incoherent words of what sounded to be disgust and looks of abhorrence as she followed them silently, "If anything, it should be you whom I should be addressing that…"
"Then I guess I should at least thank you for that…"
"You guess?"
"I mean, it's good that for once, I can hear you say positive things about me," Kamijou scratched his head, "Outside school back in the past, we don't usually interact that much and the time we do meet each other at Seventh Mist, it would always be when I see you checking out those lingerie and as a result, you would either lecture me or worse, you would even headbutt me even when I wasn't doing anything in the first place."
"That was in the past, Kamijou! Besides, the circumstances were different back then," Fukiyose retorted back, "But judging by how you act and look very different today, it seemed that the NDA had not only high standards but had a different way of teaching discipline." And the kind of discipline that even I admit I might not even be able to survive it in a year, let alone four. She left it unsaid, not wanting to look weak in front of the young man, who just looked at her like some kind of an idiot.
"A military academy is light years different from a normal university. Yeah, it's harsh but…" Kamijou had to choose his words carefully as someone from someone from the JSDF might hear him, "I'm actually grateful for the hardships that I learned there. I do take pride at the fact that it was at that place that I have become who I am."
Misaka acted as if she wanted to say something but the atmosphere that was surrounding them prevented her from opening her mouth as Index was simply thinking another set of dinner. That's why I'm happy that you didn't end up like Tsuchimikado or Aogami. At the very least, it left the Iron Wall Girl in peace, knowing that she just had to deal with lesser idiots this time.
"Kamijou-kun…"
"Himegami/Aisa/Himegami-senpai?"Kamijou suddenly halted dead on his tracks as in front of them was none other than the invisible Deep Blood Gemstone, who seemed to stand on her spot like she was intending to block their path all along although her face didn't seemed to show any kind of that dark intention.
"I was waiting for you all to return to the mess hall but none of you have come back," Surprisingly, she was frowning which made Fukiyose almost yelp in shock while the other three were simply staring blankly, although the young man can't help but stare, "Kamijou-kun, what's with you suddenly leaving all of us like that in the air?"
"Just SFG stuff that most Japanese civilians, including you Misaka, won't really understand," Kamijou left it at that, "But you know, it's already getting late. Why don't we all get back to our quarters and rest? I'll just escort all of you girls."
"Sure, Kamijou…"
"I don't mind…"
"You sound too stuck up, idiot…"
"Touma! Touma! Why don't you let us sleep in your room?"
"Index…" The young man grimaced as he really wanted to strike her with the butt of his carbine but doing so would also mean incurring the wrath of a certain Fire Mage, "I don't want to get my life expectancy be cut down further by our SFG commander ever since the incident with Misaka barely left me with any courage to stand up to Commander Hinata, who could strip me of my command any time."
Index huffed and pouted but it didn't do anything to change the mind of the Imagine Breaker as they all began to walk back to the inn where the Academy City medical staff was staying. As only a few military personnel were seen strolling at the unfinished fortified compound in groups or phalanxes, Kamijou found himself wondering whether tomorrow would be another heated argument with either Commander Rivlin or Cohen, since what they're planning to do is a political risk in Israel that even the IDF wouldn't risk to do unless it's extremely necessary. And come to think of it. Cohen's got the same first name as the same guy who got kidnapped in 2006? Was that Gilad Shalit or what? He recalled such incident being discussed during their survival class back in their academy days.
"So…when are you going out with the rest of the SFG, again?" The miko girl suddenly asked randomly, catching the attention of Fukiyose and Misaka, who seemed eager to join the young man again for another battle.
"I don't know when but even if I know, it's not like I can tell you," Kamijou scratched his head as the next turn of events showed why saying "can't tell" can sometimes be dangerous for an unlucky man like him.
"And why is that? Don't tell me you place more faith in those IDF guys rather than us, the much advanced Anti-Skill of Academy City…ouch!" Misaka didn't even need to question more to know that earning a punch in the head means that she must have said something quite wrong, "What did I say wrong this time?"
"Perhaps, I should have expected your lack of knowledge of the IDF," Kamijou sighed, not even caring for the little bump that was growing out Misaka's head, "But for political reasons, I suggest that you all keep out of it."
"What's with the political reasons that you are spouting?" Fukiyose asked.
"Israel and the two Palestinian territories currently have an uneasy truce in place which means that any incursion between the two states can immediately flare up a conflict like the 2006 Gaza War and the 2012 and 2014 Operations Pillar of Defense and Protective Edge," Kamijou began a history ramble, "If some personality like Misaka-san is seen engaging Palestinian fighters in Nablus, who knows what extent it can damage not only the fragile peace here but also the political atmosphere back in Academy City. At least, it it's just the IDF, albeit the secret participation of the SFG, then the media firestorm, though large in its own right, is much manageable."
"But still…" Misaka tried to reason out.
"Misaka-san, just listen to your Kamijou-senpai," The young man was surprised to see and hear Fukiyose suddenly coming to his defense, "Just think about it. When you zapped the equipment of the other peacekeepers staying here, it caused a brief conflict between the Philippines and Academy City. If something as small as that cause a diplomatic protest, what odds that it won't happen again, especially in your case?" Although I would like to help you too. Was left unsaid.
"But Touma!" Now, even Index started to complain.
"Index, just leave it to me and Sti—I mean the whole SFG," Kamijou said with determination, clutching his M4 carbine, "Well, we're here. You all need to take a rest. I needed some rest too."
"Good night, Kamijou-kun," Himegami blandly called to the young man, who just nodded and turned his back on them before he eventually began to retrace his steps back to their own quarters. It didn't take long for him to reach his place and once he entered his room, he was greeted by an unexpected, or rather expected, guest.
"How was the interrogation?" Stiyl Magnus asked with a bored face as his attention was actually stuck on the poker game that he was playing alone, "And by the way, where's Othinus? She promised we will have a round two after she lost in our little game of chess…"
"The interrogation went smoothly so the next thing we'll do is surveillance and scouting and about Othinus…" Kamijou then pulled out a grumpy Othinus, who is crossing her arms while she was actually sitting Indian style on the chest rig of the spiky haired man, "There she is. Oi, Othinus, don't be so grumpy there. You and Stiyl's about to play a game…"
"Hmph," Muttered the former Magic God, "If you're seriously going to try and penetrate the enemy's defense in the east, then you should have let me joined your meeting with your small band of special fighters."
Kamijou gently put down the minute magician before he responded, "I'm not sure how Rivlin or Cohen would react when they saw a doll-like figure suddenly speak. I mean, I'm already concealing your identity from the SFG alone."
"Well, you got a point, human," Othinus conceded sagely as she then sat down on the floor to play cards with the fire mage. But even before she can make her move, Stiyl suddenly asked, "By the way, Kamijou Touma, do you have some food there in the camp? I just arrived ten minutes before you two came in so to be honest, I'm feeling a bit famished…"
"Oh great," Kamijou rolled his eyes but nevertheless, he then decided to head out for a minute to look for something to give to his guest, "Just so you know, this is an international refugee community doubling as a base with large and thick concrete walls with guard towers, turrets, and anti-tank Nimrod missiles, not a restaurant so don't expect for something fancy."
"For your information as well, I'm not a picky eater and in general, I'm not fussy about anything except when it comes to Index and cigarettes," Stiyl abruptly stopped smoking to retort back calmly, "And you're sounding like a broken record..."
"Shut up…" Kamijou muttered as he set out to find some food.
Around the time that all of these was taking place, Kurata, Fujima and Rapisura, the Filipino peacekeeper, was busy walking peacefully in the parameters of the area as they all had just finished doing their tasks. Like the medical staff of Academy City, they had all been particularly tired and wanting some rest but evidently, they don't feel anything about it. Rapisura, in particular, had no particular feeling one way or another regarding his task of being with the other Filipino peacekeepers at patrolling the area of the Golan heights. It's no real surprise; the Filipino soldier had been through a year of countless gunfights and ambushes against the Communists guerillas and the Moro insurgents back in his hometown, making him even more-battle hardened than even the two Japanese guys that are with him today. Yet, something about what they heard in Kamijou Touma's room rendered all of his experiences useless as he wasn't prepared at what he heard.
""The interrogation went smoothly so the next thing we'll do is surveillance and scouting and about Othinus…There she is. Oi, Othinus, don't be so grumpy there. You and Stiyl's about to play a game…"
"Hmph. If you're seriously going to try and penetrate the enemy's defense in the east, then you should have let me joined your meeting with your small band of special fighters."
"I'm not sure how Rivlin or Cohen would react when they saw a doll-like figure suddenly speak. I mean, I'm already concealing your identity from the SFG alone."
"Well, you got a point, human,"
It was just a split second but it was enough for the brawny Rapisura, who had sharp ears, to hear it and somehow, it actually gave him creeps although he decided to keep silent about it until they have reached a commissary where they can drink small shots before the Japanese guys can relieve the Filipino of the latter's guard post.
It was at this point that Rapisura began to speak, "Guys, I heard something coming from Kamijou's room. I don't know if I'm just hearing doubles or…"
"Oh, so you heard it as well?" Fujima didn't sound surprised as he then opened his small can of beer, "I already knew that Kamijou had a male guest there since I briefly saw him but what bothers me is that what I heard is a feminine voice."
"And a tiny one at that," Kurata added, "It's as if we heard a voice of an elf or a dwarf."
"It could be but the thing is, I doubt it," Fujima replied, sipping the alcohol quietly, "I'm not a big fan of mythological creatures myself…they're just a product of the early past…"
"Just because you don't believe it doesn't mean it doesn't exist," Rapisura didn't agree with the Japanese, "Back in my hometown, I have seen a kapre (a big monster in Philippine mythology) smoking cigars in a banyan tree. The next thing I knew, I was already running away."
"It doesn't even convinces me a bit," Fujima coolly noted, "Well, the two possibilities is that it can be real or you're just seeing doubles."
"Are you saying that I'm hallucinating?" Rapisura frowned, quite offended by what Fujima said.
Then I'll just have to find it out tomorrow for the sake of keeping our insanity intact. Kurata sighed, knowing where the direction of this discussion is leading to.
Kamijou Touma was currently walking back to his room after hoarding up a plate of left-over yakiniku and rice he got from the mess hall, which still had its lights turned on. I though I'm going to die there. When he first got inside the mess hall, he accidentally slipped into a puddle of water that seemed to have spilled from some large pitched as it sent him sliding all the way to the kitchen where he almost ended up entering into a fiery furnace if it wasn't for a janitor who ended up breaking his trip, albeit with his mop. He only had two words for that terrible accident that almost caused his untimely death.
Such misfortune.
Immersed in his own day dreaming as he was walking under the dark blanket of the night, Kamijou did not sense the presence of someone approaching him, until they were literally right behind him. It would probably have been no surprise if he had been discovered by one of the SFG's riflemen, the nurses in Fukiyose, Himegami, Tsuchimikado, and Aogami, Misaka, Index, a certain honey-scented blonde or even Kikuchi who, considering his advanced age, might be sleeping now. In this, that was not the case and it wasn't what the young man had expected.
"My cute little kouhai?" A feminine voice called out.
As if awakening from his deep slumber, Kamijou slowly turned towards the apparent source of the voice. Indeed, a certain young woman was standing behind him. With her body build and her gracefulness in walking, some people would have mistaken her for a beach model. This was the brain of the office of Academy City's Board of Directors. The breath-taking beauty, a mysterious person, among the top students in her year, generally referred to especially by many male students of a certain high school and admirers as the "Beauty-Sempai."
Kumokawa Seria.
After about two seconds, a heave of relief escaped from Kamijou's nose as he recognized who had come behind him, at which point, he replied to her greeting: "Oh...hello, Kumokawa-sempai." He seemed to be pretty guilty as he nearly took out his M1911 pistol in anticipation that it might be the enemy.
"You seem wrapped in deep thought as I approached you. I myself can't sleep right now so I decided to take a short walk in this little camp. By the way, what were you thinking?" inquired Kumokawa, with just a hint of teasing in her voice, "You seemed ready to fight as I saw your hands quickly reach out for your firearm."
To which Kamijou responded sheepishly, "Not really and sorry about that, senpai. I'm just used to having my gun whenever someone approaches. This is the Middle East so I hope you understand."
"No worries, my cute kouhai," Kumokawa waved both her hands, "You're a soldier so I understand."
"And about what I'm thinking, it's not much," Kamijou began to speak as they both stopped walking while the boy sat down in a nearby bench, "It's SFG stuff. It's normal for me to think deeply since it's not like we expect our jobs to be pretty much easy. In understand that half of our bodies is already buried deep down at six feet but even so, just serving our country and the world peace is already a huge achievement in our part. If only I don't need to kill though…"
Such is to be expected of you, my cute kouhai. Kumokawa can't help but once again feel the sensations she always felt whenever she is near the boy when she was in her third year in high school.
Suddenly, Kamijou nodded to one side of the bench: "Oh, you can have a seat if you'd like, unless you weren't planning to stay very long and you would be walking back to your room. Kikuchi-sama might be asleep at this point."
"Hmmm...then please excuse me," Kumokawa wouldn't let this rare chance pass as she moved to sit alongside him, while actually hiding her delight at being in rather close proximity to Kamijou.
For a few seconds, no further words were exchanged, until Kumokawa watched the spiky haired young man take out his M1911, put on a silencer, and randomly shot a palm tree which was a hundred feet away from them. Suddenly, one of the fruits was hit cleanly in the middle and its contents burst out. "Do excuse me for being somewhat forward, Kamijou-kun, but by any chance, are you the "Lancer" that saved Fukiyose-chan?"
Kamijou twitched at the unexpected question. I knew I'm going to get my ass busted for it but I didn't imagine it to be like this. He seemed to tense up for a few seconds before letting himself relax. Turning to the former Beauty Senpai, he calmly stated: "To be honest, there are not many people who have even knew who Lancer is but considering it's you, then I think you already know the answer."
"You SFG people are really so tough," Kumokawa can't help but notice the camouflage pants that her former kouhai was wearing, "So you really ended up going to the National Defense Academy of Japan? Very odd choice, considering that you're a very lovable kouhai that can't even hurt a girl's heart. But it looked like it worked out for you although it got me thinking that it was a waste for you to even join the anti-JSDF protest before."
"That was because it was my only choice to pass high school," Kamijou squirmed, not actually wanting to bring up those times again, "If it looked weird, then I'm sorry. Unlike high-ranked Espers, smart people like Fukiyose and people with connections like you, I probably wouldn't even land a low-paying job in Academy City."
"Oh no, I don't think it 'weird' at all, Kamijou-kun," Kumokawa replied, "On the contrary, while I myself prefer the more moderate Anti-Skill of Yomikawa-sensei, I consider myself open-minded enough to accept that the Japan Self-Defense Forces isn't as bad or evil as what our school teaches us. Also, do keep in mind, Kamijou-kun, that most, if not all the advance tech and the flashy stuff seen in Academy City is not the totality of what the society we have lived in is. I actually like to see you in that uniform. It gives you off the machismo charisma."
Kamijou broke into a grin. "Such wisdom is to be expected from our high school's Beauty Sempai. Actually, you looked prettier with your dress, like how Fukiyose-san looks much better in a nursing costume. With those black pumps, black skirt, and maroon uniform, you're the epitome of a woman with poise. Perhaps, if only I wasn't a misfortunate guy who is handling an SFG unit, I would be even sending a woman of beauty and brains in you the best roses and a ring…"
Whether unconsciously or intentionally, the Lancer missed the pink flush that momentarily broke out on Kumokawa's face, nor did he noticed her eyes opening wide or her short yet sharp intake of breadth upon hearing his last comment about sending her a lot of gifts. On the other hand, the Beauty Senpai's mind temporarily shut down for a few seconds at the possibility of spending time with the secret object of her affections.
Is he?! Is he…asking me for a date?! I know he's one of the Delta Trio but he isn't someone to tease a girl like that unless his four years in the NDA changed him radically. Oh wait! I can't let Misaka-san, Fukiyose, that stupid nun, and most especially, that Mental Out, get past me! If I have to, I'll probably have to be more careful this time!
"Uh, senpai...are you all right?" Kamijou asked, leaning in a bit close.
Something seemed to snap in Kumokawa's mind, thereby bringing her back to so-called reality, but not before she registered the young man's face closer to her own than what may transpire in a normal conversation. Taking a deep breath, she regained at least a major measure of her composure.
"Err, we were on the subject of you being in the NDA and the JSDF, weren't we?" Seria continued, doing her best to hide her flustered state. "Oh, your last comment about the JSDF and your profession in the special units, how did all those who are important to you took this news? I doubt Tsuchimikado would mind but Fukiyose and Misaka would have gone angry with it. Especially the former. Back in our younger days, she used to be the most vocal advocate about the protest in the amendment of Article Nine." It was all Kumokawa could do to avoid breaking out into laughter.
Kamijou tried his best not to cringe at the recall of the mixed reactions he had received upon letting everyone know that he is in the special forces but with a deep sigh, he replied, "Originally, aside from Index since she already knows form the start, I didn't meant to let it be known by everyone but Himegami happened to have known it already during my plebe days while the others...well, Tsuchimikado and Aogami just learned it recently when he made the distress call to save the nurses. Fukiyose…uhm…she realized the truth when she literally saw me in pure combat gear while pointing the barrel towards her captor's forehead. I'll be honest, she was shocked to actually see me after four years that I thought she suffered trauma. Prior to that fateful day, she actually thought that I'm just wandering somewhere, pondering whether to even pursue a job at the factory."
"Well, than that's a loud slap in her face. You shouldn't have saved her, then," That remark earned her a raised eyebrow from the young man, "Just kidding, my cute kouhai. But then, considering your somewhat pacifist mindset, were you all right at that time?"
"Aside from two bullets that I ate for Fukiyose, I'm alright."
"No, cutie. What I mean is, were you able to even sleep that day? You did just kill a lot of people and, from what I heard, they're all fatal shots in the head…"
"Hnnn. To be clear with you, killing anyone isn't a solution. It's just half an answer or better yet, a nonsensical method. But I guess my experiences with the NDA did slightly changed my views," Kamijou sighed, "But in those circumstances, I slept just fine and I'm not going to lose sleep over that. If it comes down to a choice between that lunatic man and Fukiyose, that's no choice at all. The only thing that I'm going to lose sleep over is how close that man could have sexually assaulted or even murdered Fukiyose and the thought that I could lose her forever if I hadn't arrived on time."
The last sentence seems a bit… She didn't know how to put it but she felt a sudden surge of jealousy in her hypothalamus.
"Then what about Misaka?" She decided to divert her feelings for now.
"Oh…that's the hardest part…" Kamijou grimaced as he buries his head in his hands, "She basically had the hardest time in accepting my career. First, she sneaked into Israel together with Index and second, she ended up destroying the equipment of the Filipinos. I even had to privately converse with her in order to calm her down. She's basically much better now although she still display aggressive behavior like a while back, when she threatened to shock one of my men."
"That just means she deeply cares for you as a close best friend. Well, maybe not in a civilized way but she did end up hauling her butt to Israel just to see you. I think you should give her credit for that," Kumokawa patted her cure kouhai's head.
"Thanks, senpai, but you know? I gotta go," Kamijou grimaced as he checked his military watch, "I have to deliver something in my place and I would like you to have some rest as well."
"Oh...I feel obliged to mention one last thing before I take my leave," Kumokawa said, slowly yet steadily moving closer to Kamijou than he would otherwise expect. "While you may have a point that it might be a difficult task to secure Japan's security, I'd like to suggest that you keep holding on to that feeling…Touma-chan…"
If the sudden use of his first name seemed to have the effect of momentarily paralyzing the SFG team commander into immobility, the next move on Kumokawa's part—a gentle touch of her lips upon his forehead—certainly snapped him out of it.
"Because that shows how much you loved your country. Without you, I doubt every Japanese people can feel safe on their own…"
With that parting sentence, coupled with a gentle smile, the Beauty Senpai took her departure.
It took the better part of a minute or two before Kamijou had stood up and continued to walk, all the while trying to blend in all that had transpired upon a bench under the gaze of the pale moon with her powdered stars.
The sun sneaked in through the space between the curtains, illuminating the dark room. Fukiyose Seiri stirred in her sleep, but she was awoken by a sound. It was a ring, one that she got used to hear whenever she wakes up early in the morning. She then got up, stretched her arms that revealed her fair underarms as she was wearing a tank top. With a groan, she got up anyway and stretched. After doing some basic exercises, she then headed out for a short jog in the whole base.
It was at this point where she heard what seemed to be a loud chant coming from a group of people. Turning around, she was surprised to see Kamijou Touma and the rest of the SFG operators, who are all in wearing their boonie hats, camouflage pants, athletic sneakers, and green
"We strike!" Kamijou yelled as he held a flag with the words Special Operations Group: JSDF as well as their insignia, a pair of Eagle wings and the Japanese flag.
"We strike!" The rest of the SFG operators chanted the song, "We who are happy and free! We soar as an eagle, loud as a bugle, Tokusen! Tokusen!"
Fukiyose's mouth dropped hilariously as all of the SFG members seemed to hardly sweat as they jog continuously while she can feel her own sweat already accumulating in her back and underarms.
"We sing!" Fujima sang.
"We sing!" All of them responded, "Greeting the night with a bang! Eating all bullets, laughing at danger! Brave, loyal, fierce, cunning!"
"Shadows to hide us! And bright star to guide us the night we roam!" Kurata was next, "No one can find us wherever we chose to roam!"
As they passed by her, Fukiyose can't believe what kind of dedication they must have to job with their assault rifles in their hands, "Their discipline is really something else." After more than thirty minutes, she and the SFG personnel both stopped jogging and at this point, she casually walked over to Kamijou, who recoiled back a bit at her sudden appearance.
"Fu-Fukiyose? You're this early?"
"Idiot. I do this since we were in high school," She faked a snarl.
"Oh? Then I guess it must have been a long time. We've been doing this kind of activity since we were cadets and this is already the easiest that we can manage," Kamijou folded the flag neatly.
"Easiest? I don't think there I anything easy on it," Fukiyose argued, "Every morning, I always wake up at five a.m. and do some daily exercises until six a.m. to keep myself healthy. I don't think that's easy, especially for someone who isn't that much dedicated."
"Well, that's too easy," Kamijou's words somehow surprised her, "Back in our plebe days, we're ordered to wake up at the reveille call and often times, three a.m. is our call time. I don't think carrying a Type 73 torpedo with eight other cadets is easy enough, especially since we don't even know if it has a live warhead or an inert one."
They did what?! Fukiyose felt herself getting smaller as she heard what the young man just said. So what I'm doing now is just basically an appetizer for them...for him? She felt very bad again for once again ridiculing the young man in front of him but at the same time, her hidden admiration for the spiky haired Kamijou just began to only go deeper and perhaps, more ingrained—and obsessive. "I see. Then I guess I will see you again at breakfast?"
"Yup but only for a short while. I have a meeting with the officers from the IDF. Seems like we're going to draw a battle plan already."
After that, they parted ways, with Kamijou and his fellow SFG operators going back in their quarters to take a shower and Fukiyose deciding to take a bath as well. At this point, the others have already woken up.
Breakfast was another entire matter. In contrast to the silent and orderly manner in which the SFG personnel and the Filipinos have eaten their food, it was all noisy from the people of Academy City as Aogami and Tsuchimikado were once again arguing back and forth on what is the best adult magazine that is in print right now while Misaka, Index, and Shokuhou were busy speaking with one another, although it's mostly about a certain spiky haired man. Speaking of the latter, it seemed that he and Fukiyose were in a hushed conversation with Himegami before the young man had hurriedly left, presumably to meet with a certain important Israeli military official.
An hour ago, it was all back to work mode as the Forehead Deluxe was now busy cleaning off a poor Syrian man's leg, which was hit by a White Phosphorus munition while Himegami was waiting for her turn to do the operations. Fukiyose decided to just leave the cleaning of the room to Tsuchimikado and Aogami, who seemed to be even becoming more useless as the days passed by. After what seemed to be a laborious task coupled with not wanting to hit some nerves, she was able to dress down the wounds as she then let Himegami then take her turn to treat an old man who just suffered a bad fall while riding a camel. Removing the surgical mask from her face, Fukiyose sat down and was about to make some tea for herself when…
"Uhm, excuse me?"
Hearing a polite feminine voice suddenly calling out to her, Fukiyose turned her head to the left and she noticed two people standing in front of her at the office of the clinic where they are conducting their medical missions. The one who called out to her was a young woman, probably in her late 20s, with brown and wavy hair and she was wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans. Her companion, a man that looks like he's in his early thirties, was wearing similar clothing. But what caught the attention of the nurse was the badge and the camera equipment that they have.
"Anou…you're from the news agency of Academy City?" Fukiyose blinked in surprise.
"Exactly! We're from the Academy City Today's media network and we're actually sent here to cover the medical mission of Academy City! I'm Nanjo Yumiko and this is Minami Taro! Nice to meet you!" The girl slightly bowed while the boy just smiled.
"Uh…nice to meet you. I'm Fukiyose Seiri from the medical staff of Academy City. What can I do for you?" She asked as politely as possible.
"Well, we do want to hear your thoughts about what you think about this mission," Nanjo smiled as Minami then held the camera, "First of all, what can you say about this humanitarian help being provided by Academy City?"
"Well…it was a good idea and at the same time, it helps us extend a helping hand to those in need," Fukiyose replied in all honesty while keeping herself calm, "While anyone can say that it's just a duty enforced upon us, we're glad that for once, we are able to meet other people who greatly needs help."
"That was so sweet of you, Fukiyose-san!" Nanjo complimented before Minami's frown suddenly made the brunette bite her tongue, "I mean is, that was great. Okay, what are some of the challenges that you faced while being currently deployed here?"
"Nothing much. Maybe we were a little bit homesick since we're not really used to be away from our homes and love ones but we're managing to hold on," Fukiyose nervously smiled. Is this finished now?
"And lastly, since we've talked about challenges, let's talk about the recent kidnapping incident," Suddenly, Nanjo brought up a topic that Fukiyose didn't expect to hear while she was being interviewed about their medical mission, "We've receive information that you happened to be one of the victims that were abducted by armed elements in the attack. Is that correct?"
The Forehead Deluxe only nodded, not knowing where this was going.
"Since you were all saved by the timely arrival of Anti-Skill, do you have a message to them?" Nanjo smiled genuinely as she held out the mini-microphone nearer to the mouth of Fukiyose.
All the two media crew got was silence.
"Uhm…Fukiyose-san…"
"Can you repeat the question…"
"Uh…ok…what will you say to the Anti-Skill officials since they have sent authorities just in time to save…"
"Hnn. I have nothing to say since I don't owe them anything…"
There was a sudden drop of the temperature as Fukiyose's sharp tongue sent horrified expressions in the face of the two.
"Uhm…what do you mean…Fukiyose-san…"
"First of all, it's not the Anti-Skill who had arrived to save us all," Fukiyose began to calmly explain, "But it was the special operating unit of the JSDF that came to our rescue and in fact, their team leader happened to be my former classmate. It's not that I'm discrediting the Anti-Skill officials but their personnel had just arrived when we were all safely brought to this camp. I'm not a fan of the guys in green myself but I think the credit should go to the JSDF this time…"
"W-Well, Fukiyose-san…" Nanjo looked like she was suddenly under panic control, "I don't meant to be mean but can you just say in front of everyone that it was the Anti-Skill who saved you? I mean…it's for the sake of the publicity of our beloved city and…"
Now, this clearly incensed the nurse as she angrily slams the table in their side, "And why would I do that?!" She raised her voice, clearly taking displeasure, "First of all, why would I twist the facts just to satisfy you two? Second, you're journalists! Shouldn't you report what is the truth?!"
At this point, Minami decided to take over as he then pulled out what looked like an envelope filled with a wad of paper bills, "Fukiyose-san, why don't we find a compromise and we work this out?" He then handed out the envelope, "We can pay you a large amount of money as long as you retract what you just—"
Thump!
This finally set off the Forehead Deluxe as she slaps the envelope away and as a result, all the paper bills were seen flying around the room, "And now, you're bribing your way through this?! You can eat up all the money you want but this is something I can't even stomach to witness! What's wrong with you two that you're reluctant to show what is the truth?!"
"Fukiyose-san, th-the way you spoke, it seemed that you're defending the JSDF," Nanjo's voice was shivering, "We all know that the reputation of the Jieitai is questionable at best and it might reflect on Academy City negatively since the city was once a major hub for the anti-war demonstrations years ago. Think about…"
"And you think this is honorable?!" Fukiyose angrily points at the scattered money which Minami was hurriedly trying to pick up, "If this is how you do things behind the scenes, then it's best if you all shut down…"
"I guess you're a traitor…like that classmate you just mentioned!" Minami suddenly cried as he just finished picking up the money, "What did those men in green make you eat that you're saying things against the city that educated and fed you?! Besides, the reality is that business is business. It's the reali—"
He wasn't able to finish what he's about to say as all of the sudden, the shorter Fukiyose landed a whipping slap into his right cheek. "Say that one more time and I won't hesitate to beat you up here!" She screamed as one by one, the office was suddenly beginning to fill with other people from the clinic. Among those witnesses were Himegami, Tsuchimikado, and Aogami, who can only stare incredulously at what their classmate just did.
"I can sue you for public assault!" Minami yelled as he held on to his cheek.
"Fine, do it!" The Forehead Deluxe growled, "So that I can also file a case against you for unethical journalism!"
"Hey, what's going on here?!" Suddenly, Yomikawa came rushing into the scene with Tessou to act as pacifiers in the now-ugly tension.
"Sensei, it's just a pair of corrupt media people trying to bribe me," Fukiyose felt she needed to get away from this place to calm herself down as all of the sudden, she turned around and began to walk away.
"Eh, Fukiyose, where' ya goin?" Tsuchimikado asked.
"To some place where I can cool down…"
An hour later, an engrossed Fukiyose Seiri was seen in the firing range being used by Anti-Skill while wearing a pair of goggles and shooting earmuffs.
In short, she was busy venting away all her anger by literally firing them away with a firearm that she borrowed from the keeper of the firing range. It became a strange way for her to past some time although it's not surprising that she missed nearly half of her target because this was her first time to actually fire a gun and she only got rudimentary instructions from the keeper.
If anything, she's thankful that Anti-Skill actually allowed Academy City personnel to use the firing range as some form of a past time.
"For someone with a very innocent face, you don't look too bad to hold a gun…"
The moment the young woman finished her rounds, she was surprised to see someone else actually standing beside her since she was just all by herself moment ago. "But your form is very awful. Terrible, even." The girl winced as she realized who this person was.
It was Kikuchi Kouji.
The World War II veteran, the master and father-figure of his former classmate.
"Uhm…Kikuchi-san…what are you doing here?" She asked politely as she puts down the goggles while untying her hair back to its original free-flowing form.
"Nothing much. Just walking around while reflecting. You?"
"Something happened back in the clinic so I decided to go here for the moment," Fukiyose replied as she was busy scanning the old man from head to toe. For someone that old, he doesn't look like he's losing his strength. It must have been because of what he's eating.
There was a momentary silence before Fukiyose then spoke again, "Uhm…I take it that you were the former shooting teacher of my former classmate…that is Kamijou Touma…"
Hearing the name, Kikuchi suddenly laughed like how Santa Claus laughs, "I see. I see, young daughter. Then I guess it's nice to meet you," He then motioned at the gun she used and then he began to speak like a father, "You know, the way you shoot reminds me of how your former classmate used to shoot back in the military academy…"
"Eh? Really?"
"Well, not as bad as you are but not in the way that I call it a gunslinger," Kikuchi explained, "In holding guns, it should come naturally for a sharpshooter. Although I guess Kamijou was talented enough that he can hit clean shots even when he didn't need to look. Well, about you, you're a nurse so it's understandable that you won't be able to take a good shot at this moment."
Fukiyose merely nodded.
"Well, since I wouldn't stay here for so long, then I guess you can join me every afternoon when your duty ends until the time I have to come back to Japan?" Suddenly, the war veteran made an offer she find it hard to resist, "That is, if you accept spending time with me since the way you think might not be aligned with mine and vice versa."
"Kikuchi-san, if I spend some few minutes with you, does that mean that you can teach me?" Fukiyose asked, sounding a bit hopeful.
"If you're staying here with me in the afternoon, then I don't see any reason why I shouldn't? I know that death is actually closer to me than ever so I think imparting my skills to a few more people won't be bad. Young women like you should learn how to defend themselves, after all," Kikuchi nodded, "Another interesting fact is that you can become a much more polished shooter than Kamijou actually because since you're a nurse…excuse me for what I'll say…you know which body parts are critical enough to hit it, unlike Kamijou or even me since we're not physicians at all."
Fukiyose nodded.
"Well then, if you don't have anything to do at the clinic, then we can start with the crash course," The old man then took the pistol, loaded it and quickly made the shot even without the earmuff, "See that? We don't even need earmuffs or shooting goggles. Just plain mastery on it. And sooner, you'll get the hang of it."
