Final update: I think I finished fixing all the grammar mistakes on this one. Probably.


Chapter 13: The Rift Within the Fog

November 2nd. 2 PM.
(Hallway. Yokohama Base)
[Takeru]

I already checked the batteries, the joysticks and the connection to the data center. The consoles are ready to be used and today I will start the special training of the squad, even if they don't like it.

Today Mikoto remained the same and asked me some tips to complete the morning exercises, but everybody else was stone cold. Can't blame them, going from how Meiya reacted yesterday I suppose all of them might harbor similar feelings towards me. That's another reason why I decided to do this. You all want me to be serious? You'll get your wish granted, and much more ladies.

The Instructor was coming along to make sure the girls behaved well and to monitor the data from the exercise, so I was in charge of the 'class' this afternoon. I never thought I would be teaching someone officially, the turns life has are a real mystery.

I enter the classroom and the girls fall silent, except Mikoto who keeps on rambling about a trick with a kendama.

"Hey y'all, good afternoon!" An unnecessary loud and joyful greeting.

"Hey Takeru! Where were you during lunch?" Mikoto comes up to me by the door with her usual giggling face.

"I was preparing something really special. I actually have something to tell you all."

The rest look at me, I can't wait to see what kind of faces you make.

"What is it? Did you bring more books the Professor gave you?!" You really liked that book, huh? Maybe I should lend her the other books about medicine.

"No, it's not that. Today's class about First Aid has been cancelled." Wide eyes galore. This is nothing to be surprised about, compared to what's coming to you.

"Eh?! What do you mean, Shirogane?" Chizuru looks like a surprised electric rat.

"Just what I said, the class about First Aid has been cancelled."

"And why are you telling us that? Wouldn't the Instructor be the one to relay such a message?" Meiya's piercing gaze stares into me, but I answer her with a grin.

"Fufufu! Don't be so impatient, Meiya. Allow me to explain in detail the reason of this change." I move towards the blackboard and stand where the Instructor usually is.

"Shirogane, I told you to stop calling-"

"Now, don't be so mean to me. And here I was, thinking of granting your wish of being serious against all of you..." I talk in my old cocky tone to taunt them, but when I expected more anger and some shouts I saw all of them look surprised, and somewhat with a spark in their eyes.

"Being serious? You mean... Wait, what has that to do with the lecture today?" Chizuru adjust her glasses while a conflicted feeling washes over her face.

"I mean that I'm going to be a good squadmate, since our dear Meiya seemed so bothered yesterday, and will give you one chance to challenge me in what I truly excel at. I asked permission to Professor Kouzuki to do this today and she agreed. However, you are not obliged to comply. If you don't want to, you can stay here doing your First Aid class."

"Is this true? Shirogane, you'll face us with your full power? You're not joking, are you?" Meiya tried to sound cold as she was being before, but I could see the yearning in her eyes.

"Wait. Why the sudden change? You can't do whatever you want here. In your previous unit you may have had that 'liberty', but here in Japan you have to follow the rules to a T." Chizuru was still as harsh as before. But you just digged your own grave, my dear.

"Oh really? Then in that case by the orders of the Vice Commander I order you, Cadet Sakaki, to accompany me to perform this training." I take out a small paper from my pocket, the official document that allowed me to treat this as a real training.

"What is... Why do you have this?!" Haven't seen her this surprised in my life. In any of all of them.

"I did told you that I got permission from the Professor. Now, I'm going to be considerate of all of you. Since I know you all don't really like me, you are not forced to come along."

They started exchanging glances. Mikoto seemed all in this, Tama was nervously looking at everyone else as if unsure of what to do, Meiya and Chizuru were whispering with each other with their backs turned to me, and Kei switched glances from me to the rest as if bored.

I waited for a minute, but Meiya and Chizuru were still debating. What the hell are they even talking about? You know what, Takeru? Let's roll.

"Alright, this is already taking too much time, the ones that do want to perform this training follow me. As for the rest... Don't feel too bad, it's okay to be scared. I am much better than all of you, so you don't have a chance either way." Grinning with my old jerk tone I give a salute to them.

Ohoho, look at them eyes! They're lit as hell right about now. Taunting: Successful! I didn't knew I missed being a jerk so much. Well, if it works in making them come along I don't care how they see me.

"What did you say?! I am not scared of the likes of you, Shirogane. If it's a duel you want, I am more than happy to oblige." Meiya, you're so easy to taunt. Even if you do look very intimidating right now.

"I can't just let this slide. Shirogane, as the Squad Leader, it's my responsibility to put you down from that pedestal. Don't look down on us just because you trained abroad!" Chizuru's pride wouldn't let her back down. I mean, Kei is always triggering her, she's super sensitive to any kind of teasing.

"And what's this? I thought you two were just quietly talking with each other right now. What about following orders to a T?"

"If the XO allowed it, there is no problem whatsoever. This is a prime chance to take you down." I may have gone too far, because Chizuru's voice was leaking hatred.

"Special-kun, you die today." Kei, I knew you were going to be game too.

"Hey Takeru, what are we gonna do? Sword fights? Or Gun fights? Maybe both?!" Mikoto was... how to say it... rebounding upon herself in excitement.

"Nah, we're gonna do some special training. You'll face me in some new training courses, you'll see when we get there."

"U-Um... Shirogane-san, is it really okay? I mean, the Instructor..."

"The Instructor is already in the room where the training will take place. Now, I'm going. You'll have to follow me to get there."

"Can you tell us where it is? We would like to go at our own pace." Chizuru was being extra cold today.

"No, because the training will take place in one of the lower floors we usually don't have access to. Just for today, we can go there. But only those who come with me will get permission to pass."

"Why? What is the meaning behind such secrecy? And why are we going to the lower floors? Can't we train on our usual grounds?" Meiya stroked her bangs as she glared at me.

"If you don't want to come you're free to stay here. I'm going." I leave the classroom, with Mikoto coming along. Well, at least I'll have one opponent to face.

The rest catched up to us as we got to B2F, they remained behind us not trying to talk. We made it to the elevator in B5F.

"C'mon, get in."

"Shirogane, what level of clearance do you have?" Chizuru keeps glaring at me, what is her problem? I know I taunted them, but weren't they the ones who wanted me to take them seriously?

"S1, but for today I can go to the floor where the training will take place."

"Oh, really?" She sounds like she didn't belive me.

As the elevator made it's way to B17F the faces of the girls grew more and more surprised the more the elevator descended.

"Shirogane, where are we going? At which floor will we stop?" Meiya sounded uneasy.

"B17F."

"W-What? Why are we going to such a lower floor?"

"Having second thoughts, Meiya?"

"Never said that, I'm surprised as everybody else is here. And I told you to stop calling me by my name." Aww, look how upset you are right now. Thankfully I have a more important goal than being on good terms with you, keeping you alive. Otherwise this would be killing me.

"And I told you manners are not my strong point. But please do forgive the rudeness, Meiya-sama." She flinched when I called her that. For a second an expression of pure bewilderment showed itself on her face, but she closed her eyes and then simply returned an angry glare to me.

"Shirogane, what makes you think you can mock us so openly?" Chizuru spoke with clear disgust.

"I dunno. Maybe if I felt like I was part of the squad I'd be inclined to treat you more nicely. You know, like I was before you all started to treat me like an outsider."

"That's because you are an outsider!"

"And what could you gain from treating a squadmate like that? It goes against all you told me about teamwork when I first arrived." She always insisted on how important it was to generate trust with your comrades, both here and in the other loops. So Chizuru, what the hell is wrong with you?

"What do you know? You're not even... Forget it." She clicks her tongue and looks away.

"I'm not even what?" What was she gonna say?

The door opened as we reached our destination and the girls got out quite fast.

"Alright, follow me." I take them to the room in question. Inside of it the Instructor was sitting by the table.

"Salute!" Chizuru ordered as soon as she saw her.

"Good afternoon Squad. I see all of you accepted Shirogane's challenge. I am here only to oversee this training. To prevent any unnecessary fighting." She shoots a glare towards Meiya, and then sits down again.

"Well Takeru, what are we gonna do here? What's the deal with those TVs?" Mikoto I appreciate your enthusiasm, but those are for later.

"We're not using those yet, you all take a seat in the sofas. I'll check everything is set up properly before starting."

They looked rather puzzled but sat down without much complain. Now, let's check that the data cables are all in their place. Yes, now... the wireless tracker is on, all Game Guys are linked. The Instructor gives me a nod to indicate it's all green on her end as well. Okay, let's get this show on the road.

"Ok, all green. Allow me to explain what you'll be doing here. You'll face against me in a special training, one designed specially by Professor Kouzuki. This is part of my special missions, so as you can expect I'm really good at this. Any questions?"

"What kind of battles will we do? I do not understand how we could face off here of all places." Chizuru really didn't like being here.

"I'll give you your... terminals now. That should answer your questions." I hand them one MMTS to each. They look surprised, to say the least.

"Shirogane-san what is this? A Pleiades?"

"No, this is a new training device developed by Professor Kouzuki with me as it's tester. The MMTS, Mobile Multipurpose Training Simulator, it's a portable training terminal that can perform many different types of training depending on the cartridge you insert in it."

"What?! Such technology exists? You said you were the tester, is this the reason you are special?" Meiya looked exactly like when she found about it the other time.

"Yes, I can't tell you the details, but I've been helping in this thing's final stage of development. Today you will all face me with these in the trainings it can do. Let me tell you that I'm quite proud of the results I got with it."

"Special-kun, this for real?"

"Yeah, if you got scared feel free to leave." I shrug while chuckling a bit. Kei looks like she wants to choke me right now.

"Shirogane, enough with that attitude. So, how do we operate this terminals?" I answer Chizuru's question, using my own Game Guy to show them how it's done.

"Now let's start this show. I'll let you decide in which order you'll face me and in which training course."

"Someone is confident. Now, what courses are available on this thing? It can't be too powerful."

"We have a race simulator, a stealth simulator, an army management simulator, a puzzle simulator and a TSF simulator." All of them open their eyes as wide as they could when hearing the last one. Tama's eyes went white, Mikoto is shivering, Kei and Meiya have their mouths wide open and Chizuru dropped her glasses.

"WHAT?! A TSF simulator?! Shirogane we have no authorization to train with that!"

"Sakaki, you're too loud. And we have authorization from the XO to use this things, so no worries there. Right, Instructor?"

"Indeed. Do not worry about that, this things are nothing like a real TSF simulator. No one is going to go after you for this, so use them to your hearts content." Nice follow up, NotMarimo-chan!

All of them relax after hearing her words. Then they start talking between themselves to decide who goes when and what games they'll play first. Of course, they don't know this things are not games. I can't wait until I show you the Stallion, if you're so surprised about the Game Guy I'm sure you'll be blown away by it. Assuming they want to keep training and don't start suspecting I'm evil incarnate again for some reason.

"Shirogane, we will face you in this order. Me, Yoroi, Tamase, Ayamine and Mitsurugi. We'll use the puzzle sim first, then the racing, army management, stealth and TSF sims in that order. Is that alright?"

"Sure thing. I'll give you the cartridges, you can practice a bit to get a feel of how it's going to be. Take some minutes to see how awesome this things are." They do seem intrigued, but are still keeping it to a minimum. Except Mikoto, she's beaming at the Game Guy. You'll always be a gamer, no matter what world you're in.

I hand them the PoyoPoyo cartridges, and proceed to enjoy their sparkling eyes and gasps as they start up the game. They seem to be enjoying themselves, I mean the first levels are really easy.

"I can't belive such a thing exist. This is truly a wonderful invention." Meiya was impressed with it.

"Yes, it's simple enough to get the basics down in just a few minutes, but I think it has a surprising depth with the formations you can do." Of course Chizuru would over analyze this.

"Well, do you all feel ready to challenge me?" Ohoho, look at those eyes! Yes, be motivated! Get fired up, I'll throw you all into a cold sea in just some seconds. I'll show you the real horror that lies behind those cute Poyos.

I start up my Game Guy, and sit down on a sofa.

"So, are we going to compare our scores on each stage?" Chizuru said as she sat down on a sofa next to me.

"No. We will use this Join Cable to play against each other Sakaki."

"Eh? Play?! You're treating this as a game? What about being serious?" And here we go again! Seriously, I'm starting to get fed up with your screaming. You weren't so noisy before, not even back on school in my world.

"You'll see soon enough. Let's see if you can make me go serious on you."

"I'll make you eat those words."

Cable connected. Two Player connection established. All right, let's do this.

We start on stage one, as I drop my cute slimes down fast. I start forming towers to make combos. Chizuru seemed puzzled, pun not intended, at what was going on in my side of the screen.

"Shirogane, what are you even doing? You can't get points if you- Huh?!" Once my big combo was executed, a lot of black slimes appeared on Chizuru's side.

"Fufufu! If you do big enough combos you can disrupt your opponent with black slimes!"

"T-That's not fair!"

"There's no fairness on the battlefield! Prepare yourself to be creamed, Sakaki!"

"Creamed?" Meiya, not now!

Two combos later had me on a nice flow, while Chizuru was almost close to lose. She had very few available space left. Oh, two triangle slimes! C-C-C-Combo!

"A-Aaahh! No, I have so little... I lost." She looked at the screen in a daze.

"Well, you did last more than I thought you would. Good fight, Sakaki."

"Shirogane, how did you even move your slimes so fast? Have you been training with these for a long time?"

"Yeah, these things are really good for training your hand to eye coordination. And it's also really cute." Tama and Mikoto gave a nod in agreement.

"Must be nice to have this things abroad. I'm sure you had a lot of time to perfect you technique." Ouch. Careful with that edge, Chizuru. You're gonna cut yourself.

"This things where made in Japan, though."

"WHAT?!" You all look just like Yuuko-sensei when I told her the same.

"Look at the back of the thing, it says 'Made In Japan' right?"

"Shirogane-san, are all the training simulators and it's courses made in Japan?"

"Yeah, they're an invention of Yuuko-sensei." They look shocked at me. Oh, right. They don't know I call Sensei that.

"Special-kun, who are you?"

"Takeru Shirogane, it's a pleasure." I reply with a smile. She gives me back her usual poker face, but I can tell she's angry.

"It is a very interesting way to train. I would never had thought about it. The screen looks even better than that of a Pleiades, the buttons feel really nice, and this software is simply amazing. Shirogane, are those black computers by the TVs also training simulators?"

"Indeed Meiya, those are the more... amazing ones. After we are done with these trainings you'll get to face against me in those. Assuming you still want to do so after I beat all of you." And she's upset again. I mean, she was upset from the beginning but now she seems like... determined to win, I guess?

"Now's my turn! Takeru get ready!" Mikoto came and sat where Chizuru was before.

I ended up beating them all. Tama was the only one who seemed to know what she was actually doing for some reason, the others lost their cool as soon as the black slimes appeared on their side.

"Now that we are done with this one, let's start the racing one." Whatever happens, I have at least showed them the things. Let's just keep at it with a positive approach.

"We couldn't even put him in a pinch..." Chizuru looked shocked.

"Here's the cartridges. Practice for awhile with it." They switch the cartridge and after powering up the MMTS again their eyes sparkle again at the sounds and graphics.

"Alright. This time we have to defeat him. Let's start this!" Following Chizuru's howl, all of them started the first race in the basic track. However...

"What is even this speed? I can't... I'm crashing!" Chizuru, that's not how you use the Desert Thunder LPT. Stop kissing the walls.

"A-Aah! No, to the left! Not so much! Why did I explode?!" Meiya, you look so cute right now.

"Auwhawhawhawha! I'm constantly hitting the walls! I can't do this." Tama, have more faith in yourself.

"...This sucks." Kei I think you and Kasumi would get along really good.

"Uwah, this... is so COOL!" Glad you like it Mikoto, but do try to not... Aaand she went off course. She doesn't seem to care and as soon as she respawned she blasted the accel again. Hahaha, typical Mikoto stuff.

After they finish their first race, and by finish I mean ran out of time after exploding a lot, I speak to them.

"Sakaki, ready for our showdown?"

"Y-Yeah, in such a hard training course we should be evenly matched. You will surely have trouble controlling your vehicle." She raises a finger at me, taking a pose similar to the ones she did when she was Class Rep in my world.

"Ohoho! We'll see about that." I pick my Red Lightning LPT and choose the basic track.

"Shirogane, why did you choose a vehicle with such low control? You're going to crash a lot."

"Thanks for your concern, Meiya. But there's no reason to worry, I will win." She still looks mad when I call her by her name, but is curiously peeking behind me as we start the race.

Alright, not yet... A bit after the second honk... And off we go! I stick to the inner side of the curve, quickly leaving Chizuru behind.

"What is the meaning of this?! How are you not- Oh!"

"You sure you got time to worry about me?" Apparently she already crashed.

Slightly let go of the accel, veering left. Accel again as I take the rest of the curve, now I got a nice, steady long road without any curves or anything.

Chizuru was getting closer now. Not that it mattered, since as soon as she has to take a curve... I press the brake and take the curve drifting, going In-In-In. Chizuru tries to take it in stride, and ends up going off the course.

"Say Sakaki, are you even trying?"

"Of course I am! You're just..." She bites her lower lip as she crashes again.

"Perfect." Meiya said, jealousy dripping from her voice.

"Aww, don't praise me so much. This is just the first track, there's another twenty something more difficult than this one." Chizuru was going steady along a clear road and ended up crashing. Did I surprise her with my words?

"Huh? Shirogane-san, is that true?" Tama couldn't belive it.

"Yeah, this is the easiest mode to take this training. If you can't pass this, the next generation of Cadets is going to steamroll you."

"Next generation?" For Kei to speak up, this must have piqued her interest. Meanwhile, to the left. Slightly lower the speed...

"Yes, the idea is to eventually have this things distributed worldwide to aid Cadets in their training." Their eyes keep getting wider and wider.

"Is this true? All Cadets in the world... trained with these?" Meiya seemed surprised, but in her tone something else stirred.

"Well, last lap. Not much left." Chizuru still tried to bridge the gap, but her control wasn't getting any better. I won while she still had three laps left.

"I can't belive... You had no problems with this one. Even when it's so hard to control." She adjusted her glasses while getting off the sofa.

"Practice makes perfect. Now, Mikoto your turn."

We made our way through the games, they were trying their best, but...

"I'll attack your Guard with my Commander. Axes have an advantage against spears, so it's guaranteed to defeat it."

"No, wait! It can survive the hit, you're just wasting your attack!"

"Meiya, dear, did you forgot that I picked up a Shield Smasher axe last turn?" Meiya's eyes are filled with horror as her Guard dies. This now gives a path for my mounted units to kill her healers.

"NO! Not the clerics!"

"Are you begging me, Meiya?" Her angry eyes lock onto mine, as the emotion made her raise her voice.

"Stop it! Claire and Ramyl are... those two are unarmed, why would you do something so low as to attack them?!" I can't belive she got attached to her units just by reading their summaries.

"Because they're your lifeline. Do you think the enemy won't attack our suppliers in real life if they get the chance?"

"Ah, you have a point... But we will fight the BETA, not other people!"

"Then today you will learn how important is to secure your lines, to avoid your formation from crumbling. This is what happens when the frontliners fail!"

"P-Please, don't! They're..." Ouch, I got a crit against Claire. The animation was quite brutal, Meiya looks dead inside. "This is... so frustrating... Now that I can't heal my knights..."

"Giving up already? Is this what they sacrificed themselves for? You wouldn't make a good commander, Meiya." Taunting: Successful.

"Never. I won't yield, your cavalry is surrounded now! Even if I lost five comrades this turn I can still-"

"My turn isn't over yet."

"Huh? What? None of your warriors can attack me from their positions."

"Meiya-san, he still has a mage right there, see?" Her eyes go wide in terror as Mikoto points to my mage. It's so nice seeing so many emotions in your face today.

"AAH! I forgot about it!"

"Say goodbye to your Samurai." I know she has a fetish for swords, but to see her choose the Samurai as her prepromote without a doubt was really funny.

"No, not Kenshin! Stop Shirogane! Don't... A-Aaaahh, what can I do now?!" She lost her cool once I took down her favorite unit.

"You can give up or die fighting." I give her a smile, and get a furrowed brow with daggers instead of eyes back at me.

"No... I'll win. I'll defeat you! I just have to defeat your King, then your army will fall!"

Sadly for her, I killed her king two turns after that. She looked completely defeated, looking at me with a mixture of envy, terror and respect. Next up was Steel Gear.

"Hmm, you wouldn't happen to be... near the second room to the right, Ayamine?" She keeps her poker face, but I saw her eyes move a bit. "Would be such a shame if I set up this bomb here."

"Tch. I'm not dead yet."

We can't really see each other in the Steel Gear game, we are each taking our turns to find and kill the other but she's giving me a hard time.

"Hmm... I wonder where could you be?"

I'll move here, and set some explosives in this hall. This should do it.

"Don't get confident. I'm still on the game."

"It's your choice, Ayamine. What are you gonna do?" She returns her gaze to her screen. All the girls were behind her sofa, peeking at her game. They all were rooting for Kei.

"Done with this. Get ready." Her face changes as her eyes get a flare on them.

Let's execute the trap. I've been laying wired explosives along a hallway and now that I'm gonna blow them up the whole hallway will be blasted, but some items will be destroyed too. Like the gas tubes.

I press the command to detonate the explosives and the chain reaction appears on the screen. For a Game Guy game this looks really good. Then the game displays that some tubes were destroyed, leaking a poisonous gas into the area. But since a wall was about to fall, it broke and blocked the way I had gone to hide. Now the gas can't reach me. It's all a matter of whether Kei is or not close enough to me to kill me before the gas kills her, so she can't hide anymore.

"Cheap. Coward."

"Say whatever you want, but you're gonna lose." The girls behind look dejected. Meiya and Chizuru look specially shaken.

Kei looked more serious now. She pressed the buttons faster than before. However...

"Eh?! Why is the laser trap activated?!"

"I found the room some turns ago and flipped the switch."

"Tch, damn you." As she moved her character it appeared on my screen, she hadn't detected my character yet. All right, it's my chance. Let's use the sniping rifle, and here we... Dead!

"Eh? I... What? From where?" For the first time since we started this she looked genuinely shocked.

"You fell right into my trap." I send a wink her way, which makes her more annoyed.

The other girls didn't knew what to say to her. Ayamine was the one that got the most close to be a problem for me in this game.

When we made it to Valgern-On they were blown away by it, but due to how fast paced it is they stood no chance against me.

"Auwhawhawhawha! Jump! And from here I'll- Ah!" My Kaiser stunned her Xao-Myun and then I strike it with more shots. She has 23% shields left.

"Fufufu! Is this all you have, Tama?"

"It's too fast! I gotta pull back to counter attack, then-"

"How about no?" I shoot at her and bring her to red numbers. Her jumps are really predictable, she always jumps and later moves instead of pressing both buttons at the same time.

"Auwhawha, I'm gonna lose. Maybe if I go on the offensive!" She tries to counter attack, and that surprisingly went well. She took 20% of my shields with that unexpected move. But she was already too low on health, some shots and down she went.

"Nice fight, Tama. That trick at the end was really good."

"I still lost. You truly are unbeatable." She sighs looking dejectedly to the ground.

For a first time it wasn't so bad. They do look dejected as hell right now, well let's see if I got them interested in them.

"So, what did you think of the MMTS?"

They exchange some glances and after some nods Chizuru speaks up.

"They are most interesting. The simulators are very polished and the teachings they have are very impressive. To think this training method could one day be common worldwide is honestly shocking." Glad to see all that work wasn't in vain. "However, as a Japanese citizen, I am worried about the Americanization of our training. I do not think this was made completely in Japan as you said, it's too similar to a Pleiades. The same could be said for the software, that has many English terms despite being of Japanese origin. Even the fact that the TSF sim is about Anti-TSF training makes it clear it's an American invention." But all of this was made in Japan. Also, why do they let their hatred towards America get in the way of everything?

"I mean, it is a Japanese invention. Also you do know this is a UN base, right? We should speak using the international language, and if using some English terminology can speed up the translations and help foreign Cadets who don't know so much of our language to not be so lost during training I don't see the problem." She did not seem to agree.

"Hmph, English can eat... Ahem, regardless of that matter, I belive I understand how much one can improve using a MMTS."

"So would you all like to continue training with them?" Wow, they did not expect that.

"B-But... these must be a military secret, right? We couldn't keep using them even if we wanted." Chizuru shot down my proposal as fast as a laser.

"A secret you already know of. And I got permission from the Professor to allow you to join me in my special mission if you want. It's up to you if you want to use them or not.

They look slightly troubled by my offer. Meiya and Chizuru were glaring at Mikoto and Tama, who seemed to be losing the mental battle.

"While they are indeed useful devices, I belive our priority is to prepare for the CCSE. The next generation of Cadets will surely make good use of these. And if they're deemed worthy I'm sure we will get another chance to train with them." Chizuru said in a monotone while doing circles in the air with one finger.

"Sakaki is right. While there is much to be gained through this method, our current objective is the CCSE. Increasing our physical aptitude should be our number one concern." Meiya spoke solemnly, not meeting my eye.

"Mikoto, Tama. What about you guys?"

"I-I... agree with Mitsurugi-san." Tama said quietly. Mikoto gave a small nod to indicate she also thought the same. Sigh, can't say I didn't expect this.

"And you Ayamine?"

"Who knows?" She shrugs. Kei, dear, please give an answer.

"What does that mean?"

"These things might just explode."

"C'mon, don't be like that. They were made very carefully, this things wouldn't-"

"Oh, one caught on fire."

"Huh?! Wait, they're fine." I see her smirking at me. KEI!

"Huhuhu."

"Ayamine, can you give a me straight answer?"

"No, can't do." She says in her usual bored tone while looking away.

"Why not?"

"Cause I'm lesbian."

"Wait, WHAT?!" This is one major change in this world, what the hell?!

"Just kidding." Don't deadpan me like that!

"Ugh, I don't know why I try with you. So you're refusing too?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Can you tell me why?" She seems irritated at my questions. She faces me and looks right me in the eye before answering.

"Because I don't give a shit about this. I'm here to become an Eishi, not a tester. Don't dump your work on us."

"Hey, that's not what this-"

"Shut it. I don't care. They're interesting, but useless to me. I have a test to pass, these things won't help me pass the CCSE. You happy now?"

I can't say I didn't see this coming. Well, I tried. No hard feelings. At least Sensei might find some use for them. Right, they're not who I'm remembering them to be. They are, but they are not. I should stop treating them how I treated my squad, I should start treating them basing myself on how they are with me.

"Alright, I guess that ends this training session. Thanks for your cooperation squad." Hm? They seem to be surprised for some reason.

"Eh? Shirogane, are we not using those black ones?" Huh? Meiya seemed interested in them, but I don't care anymore. You're going to suspect they're American and go full paranoia again. Let's not waste more time with any of you, I already know how you'll react. I'm the evil perfect soldier that's here to corrupt you with the FREEDOM and LIBERTY of the 'muricans.

"Nah, you already did enough. Plus Ayamine is right, this is my mission. I wanted some input, a different point of view, and you already gave it to me. As you all said this won't help you pass the CCSE, so let's end this here." I say bluntly as I take the Game Guys out of their hands and put them back in the briefcase they were in before.

They seemed to want to say something, Chizuru was glaring blades at Kei who simply looked the other way. Now, what the hell is their problem? They already rejected the idea of working with me, they don't trust in me. Now what?

"B-But... you promised you would fight us seriously today! You still haven't finished this training!" Meiya was not letting go of the idea. What got into her all of a sudden? Did they not think I was going to stop the training midway when they refused like that?

"Meiya, you all just said this is useless to you. Let's not waste more time, you can still go use the rest of the afternoon on your training."

"Mitsurugi is right. You said those were more amazing than the MMTS, so why don't you show us what they can do?" Chizuru, if you think you can play me you have another thing coming to you.

"Because they're a military secret. And now that I know none of you is willing to train with these devices, the orders I got from the Professor said to stop the training here. So that's that. End of the line." They look super annoyed at my response. Chizuru was again glaring at Kei.

I don't get it, if you wanted to use the Stallion why did you refuse so vehemently a second ago? What are you playing at?

"Alright, so if we agree to help you in your mission, would you-" I stop Chizuru before she finishes by raising my voice.

"You already refused, that's it. Instructor, could you send the data to the Professor while I escort them back to the barracks?"

"Leave it to me, I'll inform the Professor of today's training. You take them back to the barracks." She said as she started typing on the PC that she had. Glad I can rely on her to make the report.

"Shirogane, wait! We... Can we reconsider our choice?" She adjust her glasses, now her eyes are a mixture of regret and hope. Why did you refuse if you wanted to...

Did they think the 'friendly' Shirogane would ask them nicely to help him? That I would beg? Is this your idea of revenge, perhaps? No, Chizuru. No more nice Takeru for any of you, none of you deserve my smile with how you're treating me.

"No, you should have been more careful before you spoke badly of my mission. Plus, didn't you say that this was pointless? That it won't help you with the CCSE? We're wasting time, let's go already." I say bluntly, marching towards the door.

Not a single word was said as we made our trip back. But I could tell both Meiya and Chizuru were glaring quite intensely at Kei. Whatever, it's their problem.


[?]

"This is a most welcome surprise." I say as I read the report the soldier gave me.

"He said the same thing when I informed this matter to him. He already was suspicious of some movements some people were doing in one of the hangars."

"Haha, I see. Great minds think alike." How would I like to have such a competent person on my side. But perhaps it's because we're so similar that we will never be able to work together.

However this is a real surprise. I never expected her to convince them of this, I didn't knew she had it in her. That incident must have left quite a shock in her. I mean, who wouldn't be shocked after half a country got bombarded out of existence?

With this piece I'm sure we'll get Kouzuki to do our bidding. She could never refuse to be on charge of this research, much less in her position. She desperately needs to get something out, anything, or her support will disappear faster than a candle's flame in front of a typhoon. I'll have to thank her in person for this piece she gave me. What could I give her though? Some fruits, a bottle of sake perhaps? A fruit basket with some sake, that should do it.

"Sir, he promised his support to aid us in the production of the amounts of Type-94 you requested, as well as the deal on the F-18E. He also agreed to let the Fuji Corps to be the exclusive users of these."

"Perfectly perfect. All the pieces are falling into formation. What about the medicine?"

"Still not secured. They demanded some Type-97 in addition to the money we proposed them." Sigh... I need it, so badly.

"I'll allow it. Send ten of them in good condition. So let's review, we hand her and her research to the fox, we got all the needed hands to approve the new budget for the production of the Type-94 and we also got his support to import the F-18E, all in exchange for our support in keeping the status quo. Of course, I hope the UN keeps their end of the deal and keeps that squad as mere Cadets." The last thing we need is the hostages getting deployed. I can only imagine the amount of political f**kery that would cause. It would be funny to see, I admit.

"Actually, sir, about that... I have one matter to inform you." For an undercover agent to waver like this, what did he find?

"What is it?"

"There's a new member in Squad 207."

"Hm? Just that? I don't see how that deserves my attention."

"All data about him is locked behind the highest lock in the UN, and his public profiles are also locked."

"What did you say?!"

"He also possess great skills in all areas, be it fighting or in war knowledge, and during one night I could catch a glimpse of his piloting skills from afar. They were way above average for sure."

"Who is this person? A foreigner?"

"No, sir. He's Japanese. From what little info I could gather, he came from abroad after his squad got wiped out. He's name is Takeru Shirogane. Our partner wants to put him out of commission." A Cadet from abroad... whose squad got wiped out... Could he have been there with her?

"You said Shirogane? And under whose wing is he? America?"

"No, Kouzuki seems to be his boss." Kouzuki's guardian, huh? Killing him may be the smarter solution, but I don't see the need to rush. We should investigate more throughly. Plus, if she finds out one survivor of that got killed she may turn against us. And, for all I know, he might be on our side.

"Send a message to him, tell him I want to observe this Shirogane. Do make sure he is 'off' during the CCSE, we can't allow the hostages to grow wings or they may turn into a problem."

"Yes, sir! Will that be all?"

"No, call her here. I want to thank her personally for her efforts, as well as inform her of her transfer to Yokohama."


(Brain room. 7 PM)
[Takeru]

"And this is a Dancing Butterfly. Can you do it?" Kasumi gives me a nod, and she tries to imitate my movements. Very slowly she moves the thread, and after a while she manages to make the butterfly. A wide smile appears on her face.

"Thanks, Takeru-san. Do you know any other tricks?"

"We could do some origami next."

"Yes, let's do that."

Thankfully Kasumi is still friendly with me. Coming here to chill while we play is one of the few pleasures I have left in this rotten world. She said that Sumika feels really happy when we do, but that she's feeling some confusing feelings in her as well. Don't worry Sumika, your pain will be over soon. I swear I'll end this the right way this time.

A sound echoes through the room, what's that?

Kasumi moves her ears as she goes over to a machine and comes back holding a paper. Is that thing a fax?

"The Professor is calling for you." The paper read 'Shirogane get here'. Sigh, as pushy as always.

"I'll be back in a second." I get up and go back to Sensei's office. This long hallway is always creepy. I get back to the main hallway and knock on Sensei's door. I hear her voice and go inside, where I find another old face I recognize.

"Oh, so this is him?"

"Yes, the one and only. Shirogane, allow me to introduce you to Sakon Yoroi. He's the one that will help us with your cover." Yep, that's Sakon alright. Same coat, same face. But is he the same inside?

"Good evening, I'm Takeru Shirogane. Thanks for your help, sir." I take a serious tone as I extend my arm to offer a handshake, but then I'm met with two ice spears in his eyes. At this point I'm not surprised.

"Are you really Takeru Shirogane? Please, between undercover agents you can use your real name." He smiles and addressed me with his playful tone.

"I'm Takeru Shirogane, sir. That's my real name." His smile vanishes as he takes a step closer, ignoring my hand.

"Oh, perhaps you think you can fool us, American dog?" Oh shit, here we go again.

"Sakon, what's the meaning of this?" Sensei sounded really angry and... Holy shit! She took out her gun!

"Please, Professor. Forgive my curiosity." He raises his hands in a defensive manner. "I merely wished to test whether the man was who you said he was. His records were already cleared quite throughly, and it's surprising to see a member of the Royal Guard that willingly joined the UN."

"Yeah... About that. Sakon-san, do you know anything about the reason my records were cleared?" His faces goes back to his usual one.

"The Professor just told me you were unaware of this. She also told me you do not remember much about your life in Japan, and that one day you woke up and where forced to enlist in the UN." Yeah, that's the story she came up about how I know nothing about this world's me. And it's also surprisingly accurate, that's what happened during my first loop. I woke up, wandered around for a bit and was forced to enlist in the UN, despite not knowing anything about this world. Did I told her about that when I was drugged?

"Yes, pretty much. I had thought I was being chased by the Guard, but when I was told I was part of them I was honestly shocked."

"I see. However, I do not know about that either. I was assigned to my position one year ago, and before that I did not have the power to look into the databases, my old boss was quite mean to me. I'm afraid I cannot help you with that." He tips his hat forward slightly.

"Don't worry Shirogane, he's already agreed to clear the records. We'll find out about your past if it becomes important enough." Sensei was still pointing her gun towards Sakon. I mean, things are different this time around. I shouldn't be surprised.

"By the way, Shirogane-kun. Do you like American food?" Again with the misdirection? Talk to the suspect about a random topic, and once they seemed to relax, throw a hard question at them. It's a simple trick, people tend to lie less when they're relaxed.

"Yeah, I do."

"Hmm, I see. Maybe I could bring you a hamburger next time I bring intel to the Professor."

"That would be appreciated, Sakon-san." I return his smile with my own.

"And just to make sure, you were trained in America, right?"

"Yes, I cannot say in which base, but I was part of a UN base in American soil." According to Sensei's plan, that would make most Japanese people not care about me. Since they would keep their distance, I would not have to be giving explanations about my origins so much.

"Hoho, and they allowed you to come here? Such a talented soldier, I would keep you close if you were in my team. I cannot imagine what reason they could have, but reading your report I can sort of understand." What is there to understand? What's about the base Sensei chose to be my transferring point?

"Sakon, you're asking too much. I only allowed you to ask a few questions about him. You're putting his mission in danger." Sensei was not fooling around here.

"Alright. I do not wish to see your beautiful face making such a frown, so I'll just ask one more question. Shirogane-kun?" He now looks at me, and takes a serious tone again.

"What is it?"

"What do you think of Her Highness, the Shogun?" His eyes grow stern, the severity of his question is not lost to me, he's asking me where my loyalty lies.

"I think she's a good person. With her as the pillar of strength, the Empire can look towards the future with hope."

"And what about her situation? I'm sure that going by your mission you must know..."

"I do not have a reason to voice my opinion on the matter. The Empire's matters should be solved by the Empire. Even if foreign powers could lend a hand, it's Japan and it's citizens who must decide how they wish to interact with the world. It's up to the Empire to decide how it wishes to manage it's power."

"A very... interesting answer. So, you do not care about who holds the power?" Hostility, disgust, rejection. Right, he is loyal to Yuuhi, hearing that I don't care about who holds the power here might have sounded like I didn't care about her current struggles.

"If the people wish the power to be with the Shogun, I see no reason to oppose or antagonize them. I'm here to help, not to create more problems. Butting my head into the political struggles would cause more harm than good, since I'm a soldier." His gaze somewhat relaxes upon hearing my words.

"I see. You know about the current power struggles, and decide to remain neutral to not spark a conflict. Professor, you got yourself a good guardian." Now he was nodding in acceptance. I'll never be able to read you or your daughter.

"Enough with the chit chat. Can we get on the business? Those records are not going to fix themselves." She finally lowers her gun. Sigh, thank God she didn't have to use it.

"Do forgive my curiosity. Let's get on with it then. Shirogane-kun, we'll need your fingerprints for the registry and your blood type."

"OK, let's get this done."

More papers to sign, some confirmations on my medical test, a fingerprint registration and that's all done.

"Good work Sakon. Here are the reports you asked on the devices we've made." Sensei hands some envelopes to Sakon, who puts them inside his coat.

"Thanks for your cooperation, Professor. I assure you this aid will not go unnoticed, if it brings the results you speak of I'm sure the Shogun will prepare a very generous reward for you."

"Yeah, I know. But you might want to hold onto that, I'm very close to making another breakthrough in a more... tasty project." She looks at me while licking her lips. Sensei, you just love to stir the bees. No, you couldn't let this end peacefully.

"Hmm? I wonder what could it be? Does it have anything to do with that live test of the stealth technology?" He knows of that?!

"So those Royal Guards were spying. Yes, the devices are not the only things I created. You would do well in looking forward to it."

"Ohoho, and I suppose Shirogane-kun is involved somehow?" Sensei makes her devilish smile as she chuckles.

"Maybe. You'd do well in not antagonizing us. I may not be willing to give you early access if you get in our way."

"Oh no, that would be troublesome. Whatever will I do." He says in a deadpan tone. "I'll be awaiting that intel. And as a thanks for you sharing all this... Let me give you one warning." Me and Sensei lose our smiles as he changes his tone. What is this going to be? The coup? The HSST?

"You might receive a bad present this Christmas." Oh, it's just Alternative V. Wait, for them I guess it is an important thing.

"Oh, that? Yeah, I know. My guardian already warned me about it, but thanks for the reminder." Why did you have to mention me?! Don't give me that smile, Sensei!

"Hmm? He did? Interesting. You wouldn't happen to be willing to exchange him for some very large funds?" Great, now I'm on the sights of the Ministry of Information, way to go Sensei.

"No." Despite Sakon's playful tone Sensei answered fully serious, with a bothered face.

"Ohoho, I think I might want to not push my luck. It's been a pleasure, Professor. I'm glad you have not forgotten your duty to Japan." Sensei ruffles her hair as she sighs deeply. She did not like to deal with him, after all.

"If that's all I'll call Piatiff to escort you. Wait by the elevator, and do not go wandering off."

"Yes, I know. Until next time." He bows to us and leaves.

But before leaving he shot a glare at me. Not the playful one, not the serious one. A glare filled with doubt, with suspicion. I don't know if it's a good idea to be on his bad side.

"Sensei, why did you tell him about me telling you of Alt. V?"

"For you to have a serious enough reason to be here. You are supposed to be the guardian the UN assigned to me, in case I get attacked by my enemies. You are a special individual trained in many areas, and were sent here to aid me with Alt. IV. That's your cover, for those who can and will access your information. And it's not like it's a lie, only the part about you coming from America is." I know how important this is, but still...

"I mean, yeah. But I think you just made him more interested in me." She strokes her bangs as she sits down again.

"Look Shirogane, you were a Royal Guard here. Those guys are practically fanatics of the Shogun, the thought of one of them joining the UN is not unheard of, but it's still rare. You were not given on a loan, you joined us. So you needed a damn good reason to be here. They would have still put you under the microscope, but at least now that they know you're here to protect and aid me they will be more careful about what they may try to do to get intel on you."

"Yeah, I know this world is different. Thanks for taking care of everything again."

"Aww, don't be so humble now. I'm just doing my part, so long as you play yours there's no thanks needed. Do be careful around them, and in the CCSE as well. I know you realized, but your training is harder now. And so will be the CCSE, so be on your top game and don't take it lightly."

"Yes, I know. By the way, did you see the data from today's training?"

"Not yet. I was making some adjustments to the OS and the engines today. Let's talk over this after today's training, you have until nine. Go and keep Yashiro company for awhile longer, will you?"

"Yeah, got it."

"And Shirogane?"

"Hmm?"

"Starting tomorrow I want you to train will all of your might against your squad." She was serious, I can tell when she is simply talking and when she's giving an order by now.

"Why would you want me to do that?"

"They seem to be doubting you, so at least let them see how good you truly are. They won't stop being jealous, but maybe they will stop being so annoyed about how you seem to be playing with them. Do not hold back, at all. You can pound them into the ground all you want, I'll tell Marimo to not intervene." So you want me to beat the crap out of the political hostages that are being watched by, like, the whole base? Yeah, what could go wrong with that.

"Uhh.. Pretty sure that harming them is not a good idea."

"Don't harm them, show them how good you are. Shame them, crush them, and all without actually hurting them. I know you can do it, so go out there and show off a bit. It will also work as a warning to all the eyes that are laying their sights on you."

"So that's the real reason."

"No, both are equally important. Now, Shirogane. What are you gonna do tomorrow?" Sigh, she loves to boss me around. How I'd like to wipe that smirk off your face when you get like this, Sensei.

"I'll give my all in the trainings, until the CCSE. Anything else, Yuuko-sensei?"

"Yes, I actually have a question for you."

"A question? What is it?" That's weird, she's doubting. Her eyes moved down for a second, and her smile is getting smaller.

"Shirogane... Regarding the theories, do you think you could tell me more about the Causality Nucleus thing you said you were?"

"The Nucleus? I guess, since it doesn't really have much to do with things here. Alright, let me remember..." It pulls itself towards causal leaks if it's connected, it brings towards itself data that is related to him with a strong pull, it's own information cannot be leaked easily and can grow in power from time to time. That was all, since even though I tried to read them, I didn't get a thing from Sensei's notes.

"I see. And you had said that emotions can cause causal leaks during one of our talks before, right? About how you work as a conductor, something about an emotional link."

"Yes, that I did. You explained how the emotional state of a person can affect the kind of futures and parallel worlds it receives information from, and that the conductor can strengthen said link."

"That applies to someone who is a Nucleus too, right?"

"I guess? Why would it not apply?"

"Oh, not saying it doesn't. But if you're both anomalies at the same time, and depending on your emotional state you, as a conductor, can open links to other worlds, then also you, as a nucleus, will receive any data about you from those worlds as soon as the conduit is formed." Her eyes are burning with the passion only found in her when she is theorizing about some crazy idea.

"But you also said that it's really hard to do consciously. I don't really have any idea if I have affected anyone so far with a causal leak."

"And that's what we're going to test after the Niigata incident." She declares with a smile.

"Huh? Test?"

"I was thinking of how to gather data regarding your petition, to fix what caused your world to fall in ruin. So after you give me the theories and I confirm if my ideas are correct or not, we'll start working on that as well."

"Really?! That's... faster than I expected. What about the 00 Unit?"

"I will still need time to recheck all the theory throughly, instead of just copying the equations. So, in the mean time, we'll start dealing with your problem. To be sure nothing bad happens try to stay in a good mood, don't let things get to you." Her gaze was piercing me, but I know she means well. Can't go screwing things up now.

"Yeah, I know. Is that all, Sensei?"

"For now. Don't be late for the testing."

"Got it. Later."