So, I really don't have an excuse for why I left this alone for so long. However, I've been playing Nexus again recently, trying to get the last two achievements. (Fill out Brain Map and 100% achievements) I'm super close, I think.

Anyway, this was my chance to get this going again. To those that follow me overall, and decided to check this out, welcome. I recommend reading from the beginning. To those that follow just this story, welcome back.

Again, I don't have an excuse, I was really taken by my other stories and I have plans for them. I also have plans for this. I mentioned that I wanted to avoid canon—or something along those lines. I plan to intersect with canon to pick off of events that happen in-game. I just watched episode 14 of the Anime, definitely diverges from canon a lot. Which is giving me an idea.

Anyway, this chapter is definitely more prep than action. The chapter title is blatantly obvious. I've started chapter four and hopefully, I won't have a large gap like this.

"Speaking"

Personal Thoughts

{Brain Talk}

"Sign Language"

...

No matter how many times that they make the trek out to the mountains, it never gets any easier to walk through it. No one complained, however. They learned after the first time. So, that's why the entirety of Shiro Platoon was dressed warmly as they traveled through the mountain range that housed Togetsu. Hieno Mountain Pass, covered in ice and weird statues that decorate the path. The statues were made because of Others in the area.

Seki was bundled up the most, almost swaddled like a baby. Her thinner disposition made it easier to succumb to hypothermia and frostbite. She was currently on Yori's shoulders where she was constantly on the lookout. Since Yori was being the glorified horse, he was using his power to extend Seki's own power. She was looking for Others and possibly Togetsu spies who thought they were clever.

Shiro has heard of a term called 'Design Children' and he refuses to enter that place. He didn't like the sound of that. Miya and Ryo were walking close together and found the silence between them comfortable.

Oh, there seems to be a few people missing…

The fact is, the group of seven has separated. Seki, Yori, Miya, and Ryo are all together in one group. Shiro, Hiroki, and Kohana are in another. They decided that if they all arrived in Luton together, it would draw suspicion as they know OSF groups are either six or seven. Lower numbers mean less of a chance of being caught.

Luton itself resided at the base of the mountain. However, the only way to get there 'reliably' was by going over the mountain. Any air vehicle would have to fly a bit close for comfort near the Extinction Belt. If anything, Seki can keep in contact with the rest of the Platoon, even if it's only one way. It's just a giant game of telephone.

"Are we there yet?" Seki asked, like a child...oh wait.

Miya's voice held a slight ounce of irritation, "No, now stop asking." The swaddled pinkette did so. "When we arrive, prepare for anything and move to point Charlie. From there we can discuss further strategy."

Yori nodded, "I sense hostility...and it's not directed at us…" He was looking pointedly at Miya. The normally stoic woman bristled.

Ryo interjected like the peacekeeper that he was. He never liked when there was infighting in a platoon. Funnily enough, some platoons thrive off of it. A miniature competition they call it. "Now now, let's not fall apart, we've been through a lot up to this point."

Miya sighed, feeling the tension in her body slack slightly, "Luton used to be my home." Clearly, this surprised everyone present, except Seki. Miya already had a feeling that she knew. "Seki…"

The girl tried to play innocent, but that wasn't flying here, "I knew, Miya-san, yes…b-but I never mentioned it because of the way your mood would drop. I knew of…"

"Not. Another. Word," Miya punctuated. She was clearly upset. Yori shivered at the change in energy in the air. A storm was surrounding Miya, and the toned woman was just waiting for a target for her building rage. Ryo subtly gave her a wide berth.

The bald man then recalled something about the mission briefing, "Didn't Kohana say how many targets we're after?"

The young girl recalled it as well, "Yes, Ryo-san, she said six but only listed five."

"The sixth being the operator, right?" Ryo inquired, making sure his facts were correct. Misinformation was a deadly weapon if used against a person. There have been some sticky situations when they were put into places where the information provided was faulty.

They quickly turned it around on the employers. Their very lives sufficed well. No one crosses the Will-o'-the-Wisps and lived to tell about it. The Wisps worked like this, if the information is faulty, they kill the employer. If the target can provide better information and counter with evidence, they will go for the employer. A real mercenary group kind of thing. Them being black ops—while wearing white, ironically—made them perfect for certain situations. This group was well-trained, honed by their very leader. Why do you think he comes out from their spars with a broken bone, at worst?

Shiro takes being a leader seriously, and all four of them know it. They each have their own story of getting into the Platoon. Some have it easier than others. Seki was off in her own world, at least until she reached out to Big Brother. {Nii-sama, we're coming up on Luton, we'll meet in approximately...ten minutes at point Charlie.} "I have updated Onii-sama, not that he can reply, but we should be nearing the end of the trail." The reason why he couldn't respond was that Seki was not connected to Psynet. They would be able to be tracked that way, something that can not be allowed.

Surveillance in Suoh is so invasive that none of them feel comfortable living there. They often head to one of their designated points to hide in. Their hideout is located somewhere outside New Himuka.

The last three days have been trouble enough. The group did fight a lot of Others, no major ones, but enough to wear out a platoon if they chose to come through here. It wasn't enough to make them tired, just annoyed. Ryo was happy to flex his power since it involves something special. It often gets confused with Psychokinesis, it's easier to explain when it's put in action.

The snow that piled on everyone's shoulders was almost bothersome but the experience of running through here multiple times made it easy.

Passing over a small hill, the independent town of Luton was in view. Within that small place were their targets and they would pay with their lives. For Miya, it contained so much more than just her target, it contained her home, her past, and all the emotions that have since been bottled up.

She still remembers the day she ran away like it was yesterday. Twenty years have passed since then. The deep-seated scar was about to be opened crudely and violently.

Meanwhile, with the other three of Shiro Platoon, they were already there or at least closer than the other half of the Platoon. Shiro knew a shortcut or two through the mountain and it mitigated having to go close to Togetsu. The best part was avoiding Others, not a single one was seen. "You mind telling me why I'm dressed like this?"

"For once, I also would like an explanation, Dad," Kohana demanded, stressing the paternal term.

Shiro just grinned at the two children before him. None of them were wearing their standard OSF Battle Outfits. Instead, they were wearing casual clothes. It's been so long since the two children were wearing stuff like this, it felt far too foreign. "Simply put, we're going on a vacation to Luton because your mothers wanted to pawn you off to me."

The temperatures were higher than being in the mountain, hence why they aren't bundled up. It made maneuvering easier.

The Platoon leader may have explained the plan but that did not explain why Hiroki was wearing a long sleeve shirt and casual jeans, and why Kohana was wearing a very frilly skirt and flats. That skirt just emphasized her bust size, so no doubt that she would be hit on. The one thing that Hiroki noticed was the fact that the skirt matched her eyes. "So, this is your plan?"

"If it works, why change it? Come on, son, you know you could wear this once your term is up," Shiro said, not exactly answering but it gave Hiroki the cue to just play along.

"So what does that have to do with me?" Kohana asked, idly messing with the ends of her skirt. She found herself liking it, and she does wear them normally, but they made her feel…girly. Like a normal girl for once. It reminded her of a simpler time. However, she snapped out of her reverie at Shiro's declaration.

"Simple, you're the brocon to him, since all you want to do is fuck him," Shiro said bluntly. That statement made Kohana grin wickedly and Hiroki created as much space as possible. "Oh, and try not to use your power, it'll attract attention."

Hiroki's face was exposed since his mask would cause problems, so he had to fume silently. This was not going to be a fun time. Kohana took to her role seriously—as if she didn't already—and latched herself to Hiroki, putting his arm in between the valley of her breasts.

"Well, step-bro, do you want to explore the beach later? I brought my favorite swimsuit~," she purred sensually.

The navy blue gaze of Hiroki flicked over to Shiro pleadingly, which didn't help because he was busy trying to not bust his gut. "Ha, wow, didn't expect that she would take the brocon role so eagerly."

"It's Kohana, she lives to flirt with me. Stop encouraging her!"

A small giggle, "Not always. What do you think if you saw Kasane in her swimsuit…" she leaned up to his ear, licking the lower lobe before blowing on it, "her thighs on display, soaking up the sun, just begging for attention. I could imagine a nice red two-piece, one that barely covers her supple chest and she would ask for you to put lotion on-"

Hiroki hated to admit it, but that was a sight he'd like to see. Then he realized who he was talking to and shoved her off him. Kohana took no offense if her lecherous smirk was anything to go by. Could I simp any harder? He had to force himself to not think about it. She's sixteen…that gap is what worries me, even if I was her age I still wouldn't approach…why am I so inept at emotions…

Shiro had to act as the parent now, "Now now children, behave."

There was something else about Luton that everyone has failed to mention. Despite it being at the base of Hieno Mountain, it was not snowed-in like Togetsu. In fact, it was a beach resort, a tourist town. It's one of those long trips that take weeks to prepare. Hence why the trio was dressed in casual attire. It wasn't exactly beach attire but close enough to not draw suspicion.

Shiro even went for the 'Dad outfit' for this with a pair of board shorts, flip flops, and one of those decorative shirts that had the flowers on them. Of course, it matched the guy's hair. Paired with sunglasses and that obnoxious sunscreen on his nose, he looked ridiculous.

Luton is far from defenseless though, if Others do ever appear, then the citizens head into underground bunkers, developed by a certain violette's family, that can withstand Other attacks and barrages. Battle-tested and approved.

Shiro saw the look of amusement from Kohana and the look of slight disdain from Hiroki but they both snapped to attention when he looked at them, "What I am about to tell you is known by only me, Seki, and Miya."

Anything about their squadmates was enough to stop the squabbling. "What is it?"

"Miya's family has an operation inside Luton, as it was the place where she grew up before heading to Suoh, and being scouted to the OSF. Imamura Armaments, the family company, is located here. It is one of the most secure places besides Suoh or Seiran. They work with Randall Industries on certain projects and this rogue team has been reported to be here. The reason why they don't publically announce this stuff is that they're supposed to be rivals in the business."

Kasane's family company…well, she's adopted into the family…but still. Hiroki thought back to meeting her. She's definitely stoic and hard to approach. The only one she's close to is Naomi. Which leads me to ask, how much do they actually know of the company? They won't know much if they were scouted into the OSF like they were.

Then there's Miya's family company. What does this have to do with it, and…why haven't I heard of it until now?

Kohana saw Hiroki thinking, so she skipped up next to Shiro, "So besides that, is this rogue squad part of our organization or a sister organization?" To clarify, they were pulled away before they could start searching.

By this, she means if they are stationed from Japan's OSF branch or an international branch, like Russia, or the British Isles. Hiroki was curious too but he let the conversation roll. This pathway was something he didn't even know existed. It's why he always goes with Shiro when it comes to these types of missions. He always seems to know where he's going.

"A mixture actually, so while this squad isn't as deadly as other squads, they know how to put aside their differences when it comes to a common enemy," Shiro explained.

"So when we get there, we'll meet up from there, or are we scouting? Is that why you had us tag along?" Hiroki asked.

Once the navy blue-haired soldier saw the small pitying look in his eyes, he tensed. "So, in order for me to sneak in and do what I need to do to prepare…you need to make a small distraction."

"What kind of distraction?"

"The public kind. Kohana, you'll get to enact a fantasy…" Shiro said, trailing off when Hiroki paled. "Sorry, kiddo, but it's nothing major. To make you feel better, you won't have to get undressed."

The silent one gaped at Shiro, "That doesn't exactly make it better."

"It wasn't supposed to…" he muttered. "Kohana, basically, you'll be feeling him up the entire time, and Hiroki, you just have to let it happen."

The seafoam girl giggled, "I finally get to feel his package? I know he's-"

Big Brother grimaced, "Just don't put it that way, I don't wanna know another man's dick size."

Banshee felt betrayed, "Not another word to the rest of the Platoon…I'll jump off a cliff if you do."

Hiroki soon felt an arm wrap around his neck from behind and two fleshy mounds press into his back, stopping his stride. "Don't worry Hirochi! Your step-sister will take good care of you! I promise~," Her free arm wrapped around his front and cupped his front, making him tense. The pleased sound Kohana made did not help.

The glare that Hiroki was leveling at Shiro was enough to make the leader consider getting him a gift later. Right now, it was just funny to watch him squirm.

Entering Luton was easy, as it's more of an open-door policy. The entire time, Kohana had a hand on Hirochi's ass. She squeezed every so often to let him tense. She had to admit, he has great glute muscles.

It pissed him off to no end. His hands twitched like he was about to throw her and he would…if not for the fact that people were already looking at them weirdly. They were used to it…as much as they can be. They don't talk to many people.

Again, this platoon is a non-existent squad. They don't 'officially' have any records and they 'officially' are not psionics with the OSF. They just…have access to SAS when they shouldn't. There is no harm done…right?

Opening up a Brain Talk with Kohana, {Could you at least pretend that you're not enjoying this?}

Kohana fought to keep a smirk off her face, {Nope, this is about the only time I get to touch you without the threat of being deaf. At least my hands are not in your pants, which is where I-}

{Do not finish that sentence. I don't know why you have this infatuation to sleep with me…} Hiroki trailed off as Kohana was regarding him seriously, her hands at her sides.

She narrowed her eyes, {Do you honestly know how attractive you are?} A confused eyebrow was her response. "Seriously," she muttered under her breath, "dealing with a blockhead here."

{Said blockhead has ears, you know the rule about dating…}

Kohana leaned her head on his shoulder, whispering, "Friends with benefits sounds good, and that isn't against the rules…"

A sound argument to most but Hiroki is not most, "If I commit to someone, it's all the way, I couldn't do that to you, please understand that I am not ready to engage in a relationship."

The shadow jumper signed back, "Do you want to die a virgin?"

"I'm actually not one," Hiroki admitted after a moment of silence. "It was a long time ago, and if anything, it was a mistake. She's dead now…has been for eighteen years. It was before the OSF."

Kohana didn't have an argument for this. She let the issue drop and threw an arm over his shoulder, "Sorry for prodding," then a grin, "Come on then, the beach is waiting~!"

Hiroki knew she was hiding something behind her seafoam eyes. She looked like he did when he looked in a mirror.

Scared of her inner demons.

Shiro Platoon is a cherry bunch.

Speaking of Shiro, while the two flirt machines were busy, he slipped away into the shadows—to only one person is his better—looking for something specific. The lead he received beforehand was going to come in handy.

Major General Fubuki had let something 'slip' that their targets were operating in the northern sector of Luton. It was by the residential hotels. There were a lot of potential crimes that could be had here. Even with the advanced technology, it was a struggle to see that even with all the preventative measures, there is always someone that can find a way to exploit the system.

The best part of this, Shiro was acting like a natural tourist. He even asked for directions to make sure that he was heading in the right 'direction.' The leader continued along until he heard a voice that sounded less than desirable.

"Are you sure that you weren't followed?" Well, that's a mighty specific thing to say in a place that could be considered a safe haven. Shiro grinned, these were most likely their targets. Sure, he could just go in, kill them, and be on his way. However, he had questions that needed to be answered.

"We are in a secure location where you can blend in with anyone, no one will notice us having a cup of coffee," a second voice said, feminine this time.

"So what about our benefactor?" The first asked.

"Rumor is that she has come back, her ID pinged on the front gate. I thought she was dead," the second said. Shiro furrowed his brow, he didn't like this implication.

A small shred of silence passed, if he had to guess, they were getting served food. They did mention it was a coffee shop. "So we have to eliminate her?" There must have been a nod, "A shame too, she's quite the looker."

"Aren't you questioning why the head of the family is targeting her?"

"It's a job, we do it, get paid, and move on."

Shiro heard enough and marked this location mentally before sending a message to his platoon telling them to move to Point Mike. This would bring them far enough away where they would be safe from prying eyes but close enough to act if the time came. "These guys are making it easy, but I cannot underestimate them."

The leader slipped away under the guise of getting lost looking for the beach. His full excuse was that he was directionally impaired and gets them confused easily.

It was around mid-afternoon that Yori, Miya, Ryo, and little Seki came upon a sight. Their arrival into Luton was nothing short of amusing. Hiroki and Kohana were together, unsurprisingly. However, it was the contact that had them snickering.

The two were napping on a bench outside of a hotel, which is where they went for Point Mike. Ironically enough, it was called Mike's Potel. Potel being a mix of 'pub' and 'hotel' and that was the lower end of the stick. This place was actually pretty nice.

Seki was out of her swaddled padding and was in a long frilly skirt that descended down to her tiny ankles. She was wearing strapped sandals that wrapped up to her shins. Of course, the dress was light pink with a small touch of red. Her hair was wrapped in a very nice braid that was off to the left.

Yori still wore his cloak over his left shoulder, but it did match his casual outfit. He and Hiroki often had the same fashion sense, which was basic as all hell. It worked for them, and again, they can give two shits about what other people think. The long-sleeve tee and jeans worked well for him. They were of lighter colors, in contrast to his skin.

Ryo ended up wearing a sleeveless green tee and black swim shorts that did get some of the observers, of which there were many women, ogling him. He made the joke that he was batting for the other team, and the women looked saddened. The burly gay man heard them, "Why are all the hot ones gay?" He chuckled at hearing that. It wasn't the first time and it won't be the last.

"Why is Kohana-chan touching Nii-san like that?" Seki asked, pointing to them. The three remaining members shared a panicked look. Kohana's hand rested right in between Hiroki's legs. It didn't help that she was flexing her fingers unconsciously.

{You say anything about this, you are all going deaf,} they heard Hiroki's voice in their brains. Seki latched to his open side, and he ruffled her pink hair, hearing the small giggle she released.

"You're awake?" Ryo mused softly, so no one overheard.

A navy blue eye cracked open, {You think you're silent but my power allows me to sound you out, despite the fact you think your footsteps are silent. I memorized your walking patterns. As for Kohana, she's actually asleep and…I can't exactly move her.}

Miya, who hid her hair in a sunbonnet and covered her eyes with sunglasses, raised a violet eyebrow, "Oh? And why's that?"

"My orders," a new voice said, the group turned to see Shiro approaching with a casual swagger. "I may have let little shadow jumper here indulge in something." Understanding that the three elder members grimaced while shooting a look of pity to Hiroki.

"Nii-sama!" Seki cheered, crashing right into Shiro's legs. The leader picked her up and held her in his arms, "Why is Kohana-chan touching Nii-san like that?"

The man named Shiro had an excuse for this, "Because Kohana likes being close to Hiroki like that. He normally never allows her to be like this, but this is for the mission."

"Okay!" Seki accepted it easily. If it was for the mission, then there was a reason behind it.

"Speaking of, Miya, I have reason to believe that they know you're here," Shiro said seriously. Kohana perked up slightly, and her attention was fully needed.

Her eyebrows formed a frown. "I'm quite surprised that they haven't tried to apprehend me."

"They were plotting to kill you," Shiro said, and he smiled in satisfaction that everyone's eyes sharpened and narrowed. None more so than Seki, surprisingly. The young girl was now in her 'Echo' mode. She had asked for all the information that he has and he gave it.

Kohana leaned off of Hiroki and went to Shiro, "Should we move somewhere private?"

"Hiroki, you got the rooms?" He nodded before standing up, watching what Kohana would do. "Alright, let's go."

Once they all got settled and soundproofed their rooms because one can never be too careful. Miya explained her past, "I was born here, the second daughter to the Imamura name. My elder brother—Chikao—and elder sister—Ruqa—are only a few years older than me. My younger brother, Jiro, is the only one I even cared for in my family." the normally stoic woman gained a soft tone as she mentioned Jiro.

"So, what happened?" Kohana asked. "Do I need to kill them in their sleep?"

Miya snorted, "I considered it. And given the fact that I was raised to only be sold off to some rich noble like it was the 17th century all over again, I wanted to. So, I found a way to protect myself and learn a few tricks. My Sensei was well-versed in the art of assassination."

{I'm sensing a 'but' in this,} Hiroki interjected. He was paying attention but he was constantly feeling the sounds around him. He wasn't ordered to do it but it was just a natural thing for him to do.

"But as it turns out, he was my husband-to-be," that little bomb made the group grow wide-eyed. "Then once my family figured out that he was the one helping me, they killed him," she finished, her mood back to serious. "So, using those arts, I faked my death. Apparently, they must not have believed me. I would not make a great wife."

"Wishful thinking," Shiro said, shattering the illusion. "I think I would have made a great husband."

Ryo raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

"He's full of sh-I mean poop," Miya denied firmly, censoring herself for Seki. Yori was looking at Shiro in bewilderment.

Kohana grinned, "Sounds like a quick denial, was there something spicy between you two?"

Shiro chuckled, "No, there wasn't. I was also not her fiancé, but I think I knew the poor guy who was." The glare Miya leveled at him was enough to get him to back down. "Anyway, as much as I want to continue this, let's get back on track…"

Hiroki was much more alert. He heard footsteps, silent footsteps. Multiple pairs of silent footsteps. {Bogeys on approach. Lilly, get Hard Place to safety. She's now the VIP.}

Even though he was not the leader, when it came to ambushes, they usually failed because Banshee would hear them coming. "Quick question, because I'm so forgetful," Shiro said, "Aren't there six days in a week?"

"What drug are you on and can I have some?" Lilly asked, knowing that it was a subtle ask.

{I've counted five, Echo, can you confirm?} Banshee said, checking his wrists nonchalantly.

Seki, well, Echo was quick on the uptake, "What's this drug you're talking about, you might be five brain cells short."

Rocky chimed in, "We're sharing them anyway." Battery nodded in excitement. He felt the charge in the air. People were bristling with excitement.

That meant the number was accurate, there were five unidentified hostiles outside the room. Location-wise three at the door, and two at the window. They were also connected through SAS, and they used that to confirm. Sure, seeing the connections right now was weird and someone would comment on it but it's nothing they haven't seen before.

"That could've been worded better, dude," Big Brother said as he received a private message from Banshee.

Banshee looked to Big Brother, {I hate to ask but we may need you to use your power. I have a few questions for them.} A small stiff nod was his answer. {I'll tell you if we need it.}

At this point, Lilly already moved Hard Place to a secondary point, one of their choosing. They would meet up at a later time. This was a preventative measure in the unlikely event of capture. Can't reveal where they are if you don't know, yeah?

However, as the door was kicked open, the five remaining people acted naturally. Ryo and Yori were playing a game of Shogi, Shiro was reading on a terminal, and Hiroki and Seki were pretending to nap. Seki did wrap her arms about her onii-san to further the ruse. Except that part wasn't a ruse, she just likes hugging him.

"Hello, is there a reason that you've kicked open our hotel room door?" Shiro asked, not bothering to look up. "Hope you know you're paying for that and I was just about to go to the beach."

The people in front of them were not standard OSF, if at all. However, they did bear a striking mark that was a company that a certain person despised with her very being. Even so, the similarities were striking. Slightly shorter than Shiro, around the same build as Miya, a little more so, and concerned violet eyes that made Hiroki take a peek, feigning waking up. "Sorry to disturb you, sir, we heard a report that someone near and dear to me was back, her ID was pinged at the front gate." The suit he was wearing was not just any suit. A defensive suit that protected vitals, another invention of the Imamura family.

Ryo put down another piece on his side of the board, claiming a few of Yori's pieces, "Who are you and was kicking in the door really necessary when knocking works just as well?"

"Ah, my horrible manners. My detail gets a little too jumpy. I was also in a hurry," the man said.

{At least he's honest,} Shiro said. Everyone agreed.

"I'm Jori Imamura, and I want to know where my sister is," It would have been a bombshell if not for the fact they knew who he was already.

"You have a sister?" Yori spoke up. Seki was hiding behind Hiroki, playing the innocent child.

The bodyguard that was with the now identified Jori, leaned forward and spoke, "Sir, you're needed back at the office. We will look for her in your absence," Shiro knew this voice. It was one of the ones he scouted as their target. The male, not the female. She might be one of the ones outside.

{They are just waiting outside, far window. No other movement,} Hiroki said, leaning back into the couch, picking up his terminal, and reading a book.

Jori turned to him, "Do I know you?" He looked strikingly similar to someone he used to know. It was also possible that it was one of those seven people in the world that look like another person.

He gestured to his throat and mimed zipping his lips, "Effectively mute, I apologize."

Jori looked at Hiroki for a moment, confusion clear on his face. Shiro told him, "Accident when he was a kid, lost his voice, he doesn't like to sign about it."

Jiro flushed in slight embarrassment before excusing himself, but as they left, the bodyguard shot another look at Shiro, who pretended not to notice, instead going back to his terminal.

Once they left and repaired the door, which was actually easy, Shiro immediately told Seki to get a full Brain Talk going. Hiroki waited until the two at the window went away before joining. {Those were our targets, weren't they?}

Shiro nodded while Yori fidgeted, {Some of them. They were plotting to kill Miya.}

The aforementioned woman's voice came through, {Who was it?}

Ryo elected to answer, {That younger brother you mentioned. The thing is, he sounded like he had definitive proof that you were alive. He seemed desperate.}

They could hear the frustration of her voice, {They did something to him…he'd never confront me without clearing the area…what are they planning?}

{Don't worry, Miya-san, that's what we're here to find out!} Seki's optimism shines through and if the woman was here, she'd smile.

{So, when will we meet up?} Kohana asked, {because there seems to be a disturbance in the town square. I've jumped into people's shadows and I've taken a closer look. They're wanted posters. Miya, you didn't tell me you were such a cutie. Not to mention you grew into quite the MILF.}

{Say anything else, I'll put you in the coldest environment possible.}

Of course, Kohana doesn't have a filter, so Seki had to ask, {Onii-sama, what's a MILF?}

Yori burst out laughing, while Ryo and Hiroki shared a facepalm. {Smooth Kohana, just smooth.} Shiro, for once, didn't have an answer.

The only excuse he had was to say, "I'll tell you when you're older." A tertiary objective for the Platoon: Preserve Seki's innocence.

Hiroki glanced back at his terminal to see a New Himukan article about two rising star cadets. They both took down a Major Other on their first mission. Oh? 2nd Lieutenant Kasane Randall…hmm. There is potential for her. Yuito Sumeragi…you also are quite the interesting one. I see you care very much for your friends. Good, sometimes you just need a shoulder to cry on if the need arises.

{So, when are we commencing the operation?} he finally asked Shiro.

{Oh, we already have. Once we identify who's who, then we split and take out our targets.}

The Platoon agreed and began to discuss tactics further.