Soldier's Forge Chapter 3, a sakura wars fanfic

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Soldier's Forge, Chapter 3:

"Squad leader," greeted Maria in the command center as Oogami walked in.

"Maria," returned Oogami. "Let's get started. I wanted to work with you first because I'll need your help."

"Squad leader?" enquired Maria.

"Since you're leading the team in these exercises, I'm going to be delegating more decisions to you, on and off combat. A lot of it will have more emphasis on their ability to work cohesively; in addition, team member interaction will be stressed. I know they work well together, but I think we can do better."

"I understand," replied Maria. "I'll try to do my best, squad leader."

"I don't want to burden you unnecessarily. Are you ok with this?" asked Oogami.

"Of course, except…" Maria hesitated. "I've said before, I can't get them to perform at the level you do, squad leader. I've tried, even before you arrived, and…and I wasn't able to do it."

"Maria…" started Oogami. Looking at her melancholy face, Oogami's thoughts turned towards Maria.

"I see…a face of sorrow, of lost comrades, of doubt and indecision," thought Oogami. Remembering Kayama's advice, he looked into the green eyes of Maria. Startled, she looked back at the reflection mirrored in her squad leader's eyes.

Peering into the window of the soul…

"Maria, you're a very capable leader. You shouldn't think otherwise." Oogami placed his hand on her shoulder. "And never forget, you're not alone. We're all here to help you."

"Squad leader…thanks." Maria's face softened.

"Right, let's go then."

For the better part of the morning Oogami spent the time working with Maria, discussing tactics and strategies. They would look over scenarios, and Oogami would have Maria analyze it while Oogami offered his own insights and thoughts. Maria was a capable tactician, and Oogami had little to show her that she did not know, but the fact that both of them were working together often led to exceptional progress. More importantly to Oogami was that they were learning a little more about the way they thought. During the next combat simulation, Maria anticipated more of Oogami's moves. While he still won the scenario, it was nowhere as solid a defeat than the last time. The increase in morale among the rest of the Hanagumi was noticeable.

Since they had just finished the spring performance, there were no immediate preparations to be made. Oogami spent the afternoon working in the office with Yuri and Kasumi, while the Hanagumi set off to perform necessary tasks. Sumire was off briefly for appearances among the financial elites in Teito, and Kanna spent the time training in the theater facilities. Kohran worked on the Koubu and corresponded with her contacts back at the Hana-yashiki branch, the research division. Maria was reading some interesting military scenarios in the library at the recommendation of Oogami, Sakura was training, and Iris worked on schoolwork. Reni swam in the obstacle course, and Orihime was in the music room.

* * *

"Sakura!" said Oogami as he ran to her in the hallway.

"Oogami? Good afternoon, can I help you?" replied a smiling Sakura.

"Great. I'll need you to do me a favor, if you have the time," asked Oogami.

"Don't worry about it Oogami, you can always ask for favors. Ehehehe, what I meant was…that didn't come out right, um…" started Sakura as she embarrassingly looked around and fumbled for words.

"Sakura, the food stocks are running low, and the delivery truck didn't make it today. Normally, Kasumi and Yuri take care of these things, but Manager Yoneda has them out right now polling the public. I wouldn't want to bother you normally but Kanna and I need to finish some carpentry work before it gets dark. So…" Oogami shuffled around in his pockets. Pulling out a list and a set of keys, he handed them to a startled Sakura.

"I'll need you to head out to the market to pick up some goods. The keys are for a steam van that's parked at the theater loading area. The list is long, so find some of the others to help you. Thanks, Sakura."

"But…" started Sakura.

"Oh, and I forgot," interrupted Oogami. He handed her a card. "This will cover all the expenses made. Just show them that, and it'll get billed to the theater. Feel free to get whatever else you need. I'm putting you in charge of this operation, ok?"

"Oogami, I…" said Sakura.

"I've got to get going now, and thanks again Sakura!" Oogami said as he was already running off around the corner. Sakura stood in the hallway frozen for a second.

"I don't know how to drive?" she finished.

Sumire was relaxing in the salon to a well-made cup of tea. After a hard afternoon of consorting with the most stuffiest and boring people in Teito, she made it a point to tune out the world during her teatime. The soothing, herbal aroma began clearing her headache, even as the silent, warm cup touched her heart. Relaxing, soothing…

"Sumire!" shouted Sakura as she ran into the salon.

Forced out of her reverie, Sumire let out a yelp as she almost spilled the cup of tea she had in her hand.

"Sakura! What do you think you're doing?" shouted an irritated Sumire.

"Sumire, I'm glad I found you. You see, Oogami gave me a list with keys and I have to head down to the market to get some food stocks because he has to do some work and Kasumi and Yuri are out polling but the thing is that…" blabbed Sakura.

"Sakura!" shouted Sumire once again. Sakura paused and looked at Sumire. "Get to the point?"

"Yes, sorry," started Sakura again. "Oogami put me in charge of a mission to get some things at the market."

"And…?" probed Sumire.

"And, he said to get some help because the list is pretty long."

"And why would I want to help you?" asked Sumire haughtily. Sakura put on her most appeasing smile.

"I figured since you were so good at shopping that this would be easy for someone as experienced as yourself," grinned Sakura. Sumire pondered this for a second, and then smiled back.

"Well, you are correct about that, no doubt about it. And since this is an order from Ensign, I suppose I could help you out," conceded Sumire.

"Thank you so much, Sumire," bowed Sakura. "Please meet at the lobby in ten minutes."

"So how about it Iris, do you and Jean-Paul want to come with us?" smiled Sakura.

"Iris and Jean-Paul would love to go to the market with everyone! Yay!" she cheered.

"Well, not everyone is coming. Kohran and Maria are out doing live fire testing somewhere, and Kanna, Oogami, and Reni are busy. The only person I have to ask now is Orihime."

"Ok, Jean-Paul, let's go! Let's go!" Iris happily slid down the banister of the main stairway and ran to the music room.

"So we need your help, Orihime. Is that okay?" asked Sakura as she finished her account.

"It's boring. Leave me alone," replied Orihime.

"But, Oogami said– "

"Oh, now Ensign thinks he can relegate me to menial tasks? How much lower does he think we are?" retorted Orihime. "Besides, I'm busy." She turned to her music and began marking it.

"It's not like that at all," said Sakura while she scratched her temple. She couldn't think of anything else to say when Iris spoke up.

"Could you please come with us, Orihime? Brother gave Sakura a company card and he said we could buy whatever we want!" Pulling the card from Sakura's pocket, she held it up for Orihime to see.

The glint of the card definitely got Orihime's attention.

"Well, I suppose I could help Ensign this time," she pondered. Her expression then hardened. "But this better be the only time he thinks about sending me to do stupid things like this."

"Thank you so much, Orihime!" bowed Sakura. "Please meet in the lobby as soon as you're ready."

Sumire was waiting in the lobby when Sakura and Iris caught up with her. Sumire had changed her wardrobe for this occasion, and was wearing a western-style white blouse, a small red jacket, and a light blue business dress all complimented by large, feathered hat. Sakura by now was used to her oftentimes-shocking fashion sense, but this time it did look good on her. Sakura herself wore a simple pink summer dress, and Iris was in her typical yellow dress. Orihime entered the lobby after a minute. She too had changed into more comfortable attire consisting of a rose-red blouse and a knee-length dress.

"Is this everyone, Sakura?" asked Sumire. Sakura nodded.

"Ok, let's go then." Sumire looked out the door. "Where's the ride?"

"Um, it's this way," replied Sakura as she led the group out and around the side.

"WHAT? That's ridiculous! I can't be seen in something like that!" shouted Sumire. The group had gathered in front of the steam van and was staring at it.

"Besides," continued Sumire. "Where in the world is the driver? How does Ensign expect us to get there?"

"Um, actually," began Sakura. Sumire turned towards her, face angry and glowering.

Sakura began intently examining her feet.

"He gave me these—" She held up the keys to the van. "But…but I don't know how to drive."

"Argh!" Sumire sighed exasperatingly. "This is just great. What was Ensign thinking?"

"I…I was hoping someone here would know how," stammered Sakura.

"Sakura, I don't drive myself. Do I look like the kind of person that does?" vented Sumire.

"Iris will drive! If Iris can walk a Koubu…" started Iris as she reached for the keys.

"No, no, that's ok," said Sakura as she pulled the keys away from Iris' reach. Looking at the van thoughtfully, she decided, "Well, if driving isn't much different from walking a Koubu…" She began to open the door.

From behind, Orihime snatched the keys out of her hand.

"Alright, damn you Ensign, I'll beat the tar out of you next time I see you," said Orihime. "First he thinks I'm just an errand girl, then he wants me to be a driver?"

"You can drive, Orihime?" asked Sakura. Orihime turned towards Sakura and smiled.

"Yes, I learned it back in Italy. I did it partly because I was bored, but also I had to drive my mother around when the servants were not available."

"That's really great! Thank you so much, Orihime!" bowed Sakura. She handed Orihime a map and an address Oogami sketched onto the list.

"I'm impressed, Orihime," complimented Sumire. "I don't have to say that I trust your driving a whole lot more than this country-bumpkin's driving."

"Alright, everyone pile in!" cheered Iris.

Keys in hand, Orihime looked back.

"Everyone seated?" she asked. The passengers all nodded simultaneously.

"Ok then, 'let's go desu~'!" exclaimed Orihime. Turning the keys in the ignition, she started the engine.

"Eyaaah!" everyone screamed as she jackrabbited the van only to brake suddenly.

"Sorry about that, I might just be a little rusty," admitted Orihime.

"Orihime, are you sure you know what you're doing?" asked Sumire.

"Of course I do, you guys are in safe hands," replied Orihime. Moving up slowly to the intersection, she glanced to the left, then turned right, hitting the curb with her back wheels.

"Ahhh!" screamed Sakura as she was jostled around.

"Iris is scared," whispered Iris frighteningly.

Moving on to the main road, Orihime brought the van up to speed. There wasn't traffic at the moment, so the ride seemed to smooth out. Sumire was beginning to relax and look off into the distance when she saw a glint of light. It seemed to be getting closer, and Sumire didn't really think about it until it became rather large. Suddenly remembering something she picked up on in her many rides around the city, she leaned forward in her seat.

"Orihime! Left side of the road, left side!" she screamed as the truck was bearing down on them. Orihime swerved violently to the left, came close to toppling over the van, and barely passed the large truck blaring its horn.

"Hehe, thanks Sumire. Forgot about that," said Orihime embarrassingly.

Sakura sat in the van white faced and paralyzed. She mentally ranked riding in a van with Orihime as equal to the crack of thunder and lightning.

"Iris doesn't want to die," wailed Iris cuddling John-Paul.

* * *

By the time Orihime parked at the market, everyone was simply glad to touch down on solid ground. They piled out of the van thanking their ancestors they made it alive. As it turned out, Orihime tended to enjoy high speeds, and would shout things about Japanese men being too slow as she swerved in and out of traffic.

Gathering in front of the establishment, Sakura gaped at the massive size of the "supermarket". Iris looked on curiously also.

"It's a new style market," said Sumire. "It's supposed to be more efficient than the outdoor markets."

"Ooohhh, okay," replied Sakura. "Wow, it's so…big! Incredible!"

Sakura looked at the entrance and saw several wire carts in front.

"Um, what are we supposed to do Sumire?" asked Sakura.

"Why are you asking me? I don't ever shop for food," said Sumire. Looking around, she saw a young man that seemed to work at the market.

"Excuse me, boy. I am Sumire Kanzaki, of the Imperial Opera. I have here a list of items that I would like you to get for me. Load them into that van," ordered Sumire.

"Uh, that's not how it works around here. What you do is you take that metal cart over there—" He pointed to the rows of carts. "—and you fill them with the items you select. Take them to the front for checkout."

"You expect me to push a cart around? You're kidding," replied Sumire. Sakura walked up to Sumire with the list.

"Um, Sumire, I think we should divide the list and go get the items. If that's the way this place works…" said Sakura.

"Iris will go with Sakura!" exclaimed Iris.

"Well, when in Rome," shrugged Orihime as she pulled out a cart. She took a portion of the list then headed inside. Sakura and Iris likewise took a cart, pulled a portion of list, and handed the rest to Sumire, who stood there incredulously.

Sumire looked around angrily as they entered the market, and then screamed at the boy. "You there, you're pushing this cart for me."

When he looked at her confused, Sumire glared even more angrily at him. He quickly acquiesced and consigned himself to his duty.

"Wow, look at all those fruits and vegetables," exclaimed Sakura as she gazed in the produce section. "It's almost as big as the outdoor markets!" Iris nodded in agreement. It was apparent that she was enjoying the location also.

"Ok, let's see what's on this list." Sakura rummaged through the list. "Ok, we can get that over here…"

Orihime had just found a new passion in life, and that involved moving vehicles. Darting quickly around other customers with her cart, she turned into the first isle and pulled out her list. Skimming the general assortment of items, she wadded up the list and threw it into the cart.

"I'll just get whatever," said Orihime. Looking at the large assortment of labels and brands, she started piling cans and packages indiscriminately into the cart.

"Hey, that looks pretty good," she said often before taking it and dumping it into the cart. When confronted with several choices for a particular item, she didn't spend a long time thinking about it, as she either picked the prettiest looking product or simply took them all.

"Wow, Iris didn't know Sakura knew so much about vegetables!" marveled Iris.

"Well, back in Sendai I was the one who did all the shopping," smiled Sakura. She picked up a pepper to examine it. "See, this one isn't any good because it's soft, and doesn't have the right texture. This one, on the other hand—" Sakura picked up another one, "—is just right."

"Wow, that's great! Jean-Paul thinks so too. You're so smart Sakura!" complimented Iris.

"Hehe, I know what the good deals are. Thank you, Iris. Ok, next we need…"

Sumire smiled to herself. She felt that she was making good progress into the list. Glancing at the next item, she read it aloud.

"Packaged vermicelli. Ok, let's go," she indicated. The poor boy was led to a routine that involved Sumire reading an item off the list, and then he would lead the way to that location. Sumire would look at the different options, then point to a particular item, usually the most lavish or expensive one, and the boy would dejectedly get the item and put it into the cart. He would then await the next item read, push the cart there, and the process would continue.

"Ok, got that. Tomato paste…" continued Sumire.

"Wow, look at all that Jean-Paul! Can Iris get some, please?" asked Iris, eyes gleaming. Sakura looked at the entire row devoted to sweets and candy.

"Well, Oogami did say I could get whatever…" she thought.

"Okay, Iris, but not too much," answered Sakura.

"Yay!" cheered Iris as she ran to attack the shelves.

"I said I wanted some beef," Sumire said exasperatingly at the butcher.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but you need to be more specific than that," he replied. "What cut are you looking for, hind quarter, steak, rib-eye…"

"What's the difference? Just get me some beef," she answered. The butcher looked to the boy, who shrugged indifferently.

"Well, how about some shoulder then?" suggested the butcher.

"I don't care, just give me all of them," replied Sumire. Looking at the displays of meat, she groaned.

"Yeach, I'll let you handle that, boy." The boy bowed his head in defeat.

They all met near the checkout counter about thirty minutes later.

"Everyone finish their list?" asked Sakura.

"Yes, it was rather tiring work, but I managed to do a great job, as usual," replied Sumire. The boy rolled his eyes upwards. His cart was nearly full of luxury and gourmet foods. Turning towards Orihime, she asked the same question.

"More or less, yeah," she replied. Her cart was full to the brim with almost everything from the shelves in a disheveled mess.

"Um, alright Orihime. I'll go ahead and check out," Sakura led the pack to the counter with Iris in tow.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," greeted the checkout clerk. Sakura handed him the card Oogami gave her.

"It's for all three of us," she told the clerk. The clerk cheerfully wrote down several items, and then looked to Sakura. It was then that he saw Iris next to her, and then looking down the isle he saw Orihime talking with Sumire. Glaring, he began tallying the items in Sakura's cart.

It was evident that something disturbed him as he continued, because he continued to stare at Iris and Orihime menacingly. No longer the friendly clerk, he sneered at Sakura.

"Why are you associating yourself with these foreigners, woman? We don't need their filth."

Sakura looked at him wide-eyed.

"Wh—what are you saying?" she stammered. Orihime perked up when she heard this.

"You heard what I said," he said in a louder tone than before. Iris glared at him.

"I said that you shouldn't be polluting the purity of this country by associating yourself with trash like her—" he pointed to Iris. "—and her," he said pointing to Orihime.

"I—I don't believe this! This is unforgivable—" started Sakura angrily when Orihime jumped in.

"What do you want, you piece of trash?" shouted Orihime furiously. "How dare you talk to me in that manner—"

"I only talk to our countrymen, not to foreigners like you," he retorted. Looking her over, he added, "Half-breeds like you shouldn't even be alive."

By now, the few customers still around gathered while trying not to look at the developing scene. Sumire, who was irately engrossed in reading a publication that was titled "'Top Star' of Hanagumi consorts with lowly theater ticket-boy," picked up on the last part of the conversation. Moving to the front, she confronted the man.

"What is the meaning of this?" she shouted. "You will not behave so rudely in front of my friends. I will see you lose your job, clerk. Where is your manager?"

Turning towards Sumire, the man looked at the publication Sumire still held. Laughing, he stared right back into Sumire's face.

"I see, the famous Sumire Kanzaki not only associates with ticket-boys like the strumpet she is, she has to do so with her foreign ilk as well," he said coldly. Sumire had just about had it and was about to slap the man when the manager had entered the scene. Recognizing Sumire, he began berating the clerk.

"What are you doing? I heard what you said. You have no place here. You're fired; get out! You're not working around here anymore," he fumed. The man removed his uniform and stalked outwards while still staring coldly at the four.

"Never challenge the 'top star' of the Imperial Opera," Sumire said to him as he left. The manager turned towards her apologetically.

"Our most deepest apologies, my lady. He was a recent hire of ours, and he in no way reflects the attitudes of this establishment. Please accept our apology." The manager bowed deeply to her. He then turned to Iris, who was looking angrily at the man on the verge of tears.

"Please do not be angry, little one. You are always welcome here. I too hope you will forgive us for the actions of that man." The manager handed her candy from the shelf. Iris brightened immediately.

"Iris likes this old man! Not like that one!" Iris felt the need to raspberry in the direction of the now long gone clerk. The manager turned towards Orihime.

"As for you, my lady, I too extend my deepest apologies. We have no quarrel with you. We are honored that someone of your stature would come to visit us. Please forgive his actions." He gestured towards the staff that had gathered, and they immediately began to get to work on her cart. The manager handed Sakura back her card and bowed deeply.

"My lady, I apologize for this inconvenience. For our apology, please accept all your items free of charge."

"Thank you, sir. It wasn't your fault," she replied.

The entire staff of the market organized the goods and loaded them up into the van. Once again apologizing for the scene and even offering a driver, the manager saw them on their way. Orihime had taken the wheel once again, but drove in a subdued and quiet manner. The drive back was silent as they were all disturbed by the recent events.

* * *

After packing the goods into the van and finally seeing them off, the Manager turned to one of his assistants.

"Make sure something like this doesn't happen again," he ordered while he stalked off to file this report. Unknown to him, one of the store-hands who witnessed the entire event looked thoughtfully in the direction the fired clerk walked off to. Kayama, under guise, finished organizing the carts and walked off into the street.

* * *

After arriving back at the theater, Yuri and Kasumi met them outside with help. They relieved the four from their duties and thanked them, although it was unmistakable that something was amiss. Iris headed off to her room while Sumire, Sakura, and Orihime went to the parlor to sit down. After a short time, Oogami walked into the room.

"Hello everyone, how did everything go?" Oogami asked. He was startled when he was met with silence. Sakura and Sumire stood and walked over to Oogami. Sakura looked to Sumire, who nodded her head in the direction of the entrance. Sakura picked up on this and left.

"Ensign, something terrible happened today," started Sumire quietly. She quickly explained the situation to Oogami. Oogami's anger continued to build as she related to him the incident.

"Sumire, I'm so sorry I got you all involved in this. I didn't mean for any of this to happen—"

"Don't worry, Ensign. It's not your fault. I handled it just fine, but you'll want to talk to Iris and Orihime," suggested Sumire, who turned to look at Orihime. She was staring at nothing, and was angrily clenching and relaxing a fist.

"Ok, Sumire, thank you." Sumire left the room, leaving the two some privacy.

"Orihime," said Oogami as he sat down next to her. "I'm very sorry for what happened today. I didn't mean to get you involved, and I hope you can forgive me."

Orihime stood up angrily.

"Who does that person he think he is?" she screamed angrily as she stared into the air in front of her. "He'll be sorry, I'll make sure of it. I'm not going to let him get away with this, I'm…I'm…"

Orihime faltered, and Oogami stood up and held her while she sighed into his chest. After several minutes, Orihime looked up at Oogami.

"I'm…I'm sorry, I know it's not your fault, Ensign. It's just…I don't know many people here, and…and you're the kindest person I've ever met here. You and everyone else in this theater. I…I…" she stammered.

"Orihime, you're always welcome here. You know that. We all want you here…I want you here with us," replied Oogami.

"Thank…thank you, Ensign. I needed to hear that, especially from you." She let go of Oogami and smiled at him. Turning around, she headed out of the parlor.

"Orihime, I hope your opinion of Japanese men hasn't gone down because of this," Oogami called out after her. Pausing, she replied, "No, Ensign. You are the true representative of a Japanese man."