Soldier's Forge Chapter 4, a sakura wars fanfic

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Soldier's Forge, Chapter 4:

"Hey, everyone. Listen to this," Kohran said over breakfast. She pulled out a portable radio and turned up the volume.

"And for today's top story, the terror in Teito continues. Yesterday, another foreign embassy was the victim of vandalism. The Dutch embassy last night suffered damages ranging from broken windows, spray painting, and the destruction of various other pieces of property. This is in line with the two other recent attacks on other foreign embassies. It appears that…" continued the radio.

"Squad leader, it's not just the foreign embassies," reported Maria as she held up her paper. "Look at this. There have been random attacks on merchants, bankers, and other civilians during the past couple of weeks."

"That's funny, I didn't hear about any of that in the news," replied Kohran.

"It's not reported in the city newspaper, but I read several news sources, including some foreign newspapers. The common thread in all this is there is some kind of anti-foreigner sentiment going around," speculated Maria.

"That's terrible," said Sakura. "People are people, no matter what the differences."

"Right," agreed Oogami. "I can't imagine why there are more incidents like this going around."

The group ate in silence for a while, reflecting on the incidents several days ago at the market. No one brought it up, and was content to leave it buried. After speaking to both Iris and Orihime immediately following the event, Oogami had managed to get them back to their usual cheery mood. Eventually, the subject was changed and the usual morning banter was heard.

Oogami ran into Manager Yoneda outside his office. Yoneda was in full military dress, as was Kaede.

"Oogami, Kaede and I will be attending a meeting today. Please hold down the fort while we're out," he told Oogami.

"Yes, sir," saluted Oogami. Yoneda looked to Yuri, who had just arrived.

"We're ready," he told his escort. She nodded, and then led them to the lobby. Oogami continued to the basement for training.

* * *

"Before we get started, there are some new changes that I'd like to make," started Oogami. He was once again at the command center in front of Hanagumi.

"I have seen a lot of improvement out of everyone in the past couple of days, no doubt due to Maria's leadership and your individual practice. You all are doing great," complimented Oogami.

"We haven't beaten you yet, squad leader," replied Maria.

"Even so, you've come very close, and it's only going to get harder on me," smiled Oogami. Every simulation was successively more difficult for Oogami to deal with, as Maria was seeing his plans with more and more clarity. In addition, the squad was hitting harder and more accurately.

"Today we will be simulating using the Tenbu. While the Tenbu may have had problems because it is drawing power from a different source, it still remains a viable and more powerful alternative to the Koubu. In fact, I would like to utilize it as the standard armor when we sortie, and fall back to the Koubu when it becomes necessary. It was only in specific circumstances that they had problems, and Kohran is working on a method to isolate the pilot from those effects. So, from now on, we will practice using the Tenbu. We will also still practice occasionally using the Koubu."

"Hey, don't give us any unfair advantages, squad leader," commented Kanna. "We want to beat you, fair and square."

"No problem Kanna. I have made available more powerful forces to compensate for your increase in strength," replied Oogami. "Ok, if there are no questions, let's begin."

The simulation exercise went very well. Even with the increase in available forces, Oogami's forces were hard pressed. The superior mobility, weapons, and armor of the Tenbu cut through his forces rapidly. With the individual improvements in the team, the results when added to the Tenbu made them phenomenal. More pleasing to Oogami, however, was that the group managed to maintain cohesion, even given the extra power of the Tenbu. It showed a more mature and able Hanagumi, one that he was immensely pleased at. The margin of victory for Oogami was even thinner this time, much like a game of chess between two brilliant players.

* * *

"Good afternoon, General Yoneda," greeted an elderly man. He was in military dress, with the hard face indicative of the years of action he had seen.

"Minister Itana," returned Yoneda. The new minister of the army, commissioned after the betrayal of former Army Minister Kyougoku Keigo, led the way to the meeting room. The room was dark, with a long table seated with several other generals and their assistants.

"Meeting will begin now," started Minister Itana. "All personnel are reminded that the following proceedings are classified. Breach of silence is punishable by the law."

"Today's agenda will focus on national security after the Kouma threat. As you all know, the collateral damage left in the wake of this tragedy lies in the billions. The politicians are hard pressed as they are, and may not be able to meet the needs the defense force in the matters of security. It is estimated that it will take at least five years before we can rebuild our defense forces to a level adequate to sufficiently defend Japan."

"Secondly, the public's confidence in our capabilities for defending Teito is small. We have too many incidents that highlight the weaknesses of our defense force, especially in the Kouma War and the recent resurgences. General Yoneda, we are not without our gratitude for your division. Without them, we wouldn't have Teito here today."

"The order of business for today is this: a proposal put forth by a coalition of generals is being distributed to you now. This act, with the cooperation of several law makers, is an amendment to the existing constitution."

Yoneda took the sheet of paper from the assistant in surprise. Minister Itana continued.

"The proposal will remand the clause for all spirit-class armor to be used in operations only against supernatural related threats, and will open them for operations in conjunction with the self-defense forces and the Army."

"That's outrageous," Yoneda replied loudly. "The armor was designed only for one thing: to combat that threat against Teito. It will not be authorized to be a tool used at the whim of the army. It's power and design are far too dangerous otherwise."

"Don't be foolish, Yoneda," replied a seated general. "The way our forces are now, any state can attack us and we would be able to do nothing. This is a precautionary measure."

"It is a time of peace! The world is–" rebutted Yoneda.

"The world is not as the politicians would have you believe," interrupted another general. "Peace, stability, and security are always the focus of the defense forces."

"What would the armor be used for, then? Are you to send my armor to engage other states? Kill civilians? Suppress uprisings? The danger is too high for abuse," snapped Yoneda.

"Yes, if it is in the interest of national security," spoke a third general. "We're only looking after the interests of Teito, Yoneda. And remember, it is not your armor."

Yoneda turned to face the Minister. "Army Minister Itana, I cannot in good faith endorse the measure set before me. This meeting is over." Yoneda gestured to Kaede, who moved out with him. Murmurs and cries of dissent were heard from the seated assembly.

"Recess for ten minutes," Itana quickly issued. He moved quickly to intercept Yoneda.

"Yoneda, don't be foolish," he began.

"Don't tell me you support this," Yoneda replied caustically.

"Of course not, but it has the backing of several high ranking generals. Without your endorsement, it will be difficult to get it passed, but I would not say impossible. Refusing to comply could be dangerous for you," he warned.

"I'll take my chances," stated Yoneda.

"It was as I figured, comrade. I warn you, I cannot control them for much longer. There is only so much I can do."

Yoneda nodded, and then went in search of Yuri.

* * *

"Thank you once again, Oogami," said a smiling Yuri.

"I can't imagine what would happen if you weren't here," added Kasumi. "We would be so backlogged in the paperwork, it'd be like the post office."

"Glad to have helped," replied Oogami.

Exiting the office, Oogami noticed that he had finished slightly early, so he decided to see what the others were doing. Today the Hanagumi were doing something on stage, and thanks to Oogami's limited knowledge, he wasn't sure what performers did. He did know that the theater was in the review process of selecting a new performance, but he never did seek out the details.

Entering the first floor of the theater, Oogami saw the Hanagumi on the stage working on steps and technique. Oogami silently seated himself in an inconspicuous corner and watched until the trainer called it an evening.

"Ah, Oogami's here. Hi, Oogami!" pointed out Kohran. She gestured to him to move closer. Oogami made his way to the front.

"Heya, squad leader. What brings you here today?" asked Kanna as she was stuffing things into her bag.

"Nothing really, I got out of the office early and I wanted to see everyone. I don't have to say it, but when you're all up there it really amazes me every time."

"Thank you, Ensign," replied Sumire. "While you are ignorant of the finer points of theater, you do have good taste."

"Um, thanks, I guess." Oogami smiled embarrassingly.

"Hey now, reptile. Are all the words spewed out of your mouth laced with poison?" taunted Kanna.

"Excuse me, you muscle bound freak. I was merely being truthful and concise. Besides, if Oogami included you in his compliment, I'm beginning to question his judgment," retorted Sumire. Maria finished packing and moved between the two.

"Alright you two, that's enough. Squad leader, you have very good taste in theater," Maria said.

Oogami wistfully smiled and nodded. Kanna however was not satisfied.

"Come on, now, I think squad leader's better than that. He's probably pretty good at some of the stuff we do. Hey, why don't we let him try something? I'm sure he isn't that bad."

Oogami smiled and scratched the back of his head. "Now, now, don't worry about me, Kanna. Really—"

"How about it squad leader? It's a challenge, and I know you won't let me down," grinned Kanna.

"I don't think we should put Oogami on the spot," said Sakura as she looked at Oogami's obvious discomfort.

"We'll do something easy, something anyone can do. Hmm, what could be done that he could also do?" pondered Kanna.

"Improvisation," replied Sumire. "This will make my point. How about it, Ensign?"

"Everyone, Oogami's not very comfortable with this," repeated Sakura.

"No, that's okay. It's fine," interrupted Oogami. "I'll try my best and hope I don't let you down, Kanna."

"Great, I knew you would, squad leader." Kanna reached down and gave Oogami a hand up onto the stage. Maria sighed, while the others looked on amusingly.

"We'll do three person improvisation. It's simple really, squad leader. We select a topic or a situation, and you just make up lines as you go along. Try to keep the scene moving. Sakura, Sumire, and I will demonstrate first."

"I'm not very good at this," Sakura admitted to Oogami. The rest of the Hanagumi went to take a seat to watch.

"Sumire, you want the topic?" asked Kanna.

"Sure. Let's see…wife catches husband with a girlfriend at home. Drama."

"Ok then, I know my role," said Kanna. "Sumire will be…?"

"I'll be the girlfriend," replied Sumire. "Ready, Sakura?" Sakura nodded. Kanna turned towards Sumire.

"You know, I really don't think we should be doing this. My wife is going to be home from the market anytime soon," started Kanna as she put her hand on Sumire's shoulder.

"Don't stop, please," sighed Sumire dramatically. She averted her eyes, and then stared into Kanna's. "Let's not think about her. You love me, right? She's been nothing but trouble; she treats you terribly. I…I wish she knew what she was missing."

"You…you're right. Oh, you're so beautiful, and…and I love you, but I just can't hurt her like this, it wouldn't be right," said Kanna wistfully.

"We can run away, just you and me, start a new life. We'll be happy together, forever," Sumire said, eyes tearing.

"I…I wish it were this easy," Kanna replied as she moved to hug Sumire. Kanna gave Sakura a quick glance. Taking the cue, Sakura stomped her feet and opened an imaginary door.

"Oh no, she's back! What are we going to—" Kanna said quickly. Sakura 'barged' into the room and let out a gasp while she dropped her groceries.

"Oh, oh! Isamu, what is the meaning of this? Who is this woman?" she shrieked.

"It…it's not what it looks like, darling. I can explain," stammered Kanna. Oogami looked on with awe, completely engrossed.

"Don't lie to me, Isamu! Tell me who this woman is!" yelled Sakura.

"I…I can't lie to you, honey. I've…I've been seeing another woman," confessed Kanna. "Sakura, this is Sumire."

"So, all those times you never returned my calls? All those times you were out late with your friends? What about that time when I needed you to help me because I was sick? Was it because of her?" she asked softly.

"I…I wish it wasn't true, Sakura. Yes, all those times."

"How long? How long?" wailed Sakura.

"About six months," replied Kanna.

"Does…does this mean you don't love me anymore?" asked Sakura. Kanna looked at the floor and fidgeted.

"Of course he doesn't," entered Sumire. "Maybe now he has someone that truly loves him, and appreciates him for what he is. Maybe now that you don't have his heart, you can know what it is you never cared for."

"That's not true! How dare you, in my house!" screamed Sakura.

"It wouldn't have happened if you really loved him. Now, dear, please tell her it's over. We love each other, don't we? Let's not hide behind closed doors any longer. Let her know how you feel," ended Sumire softly. Kanna and Sumire, thinking it was over, remained in their final poses. Sakura was on her knees, her hands in her face in a sorrowful wailing. Smiling to herself, Sumire basked in the lights on the stage, knowing it was for this that she was born.

Suddenly sensing something out of the ordinary, Sumire turned to look at Sakura. Not knowing that it was over, Sakura stood up and looked at Sumire.

"If I can't have him…if I can't have him…" she started as she drew an imaginary sword. Sumire looked wide-eyed at Sakura.

"Sakura…Sakura?" asked Sumire. An aura began to surround Sakura.

"Nobody…nobody will—" she finished as she brought the imaginary sword up.

"Hey! Sakura!" yelled Kanna. Sakura broke out of her trance and looked up.

"Oh?" Realizing what she was doing, she quickly composed herself. "Sorry everyone, sorry!"

"That was incredible, I thought you said you weren't good at this!" complimented Oogami. Sakura smiled at him.

"Hehe, this time it was really easy. All I had to do was pretend Kanna was you, Oogami," she said cheerfully. Oogami blanched at the thought of this, then smiled fearfully, completely at a loss for words.

"Next time Sakura, pay more attention," remanded Sumire. "Well, now it's Ensign's turn."

"I'll step out, squad leader. I want to see how you do. Don't let me down, squad leader!" said Kanna as she patted him on the back. She jumped off the stage and joined the others.

"Do your best, brother!" cheered Iris from the audience.

"Ahaha, ok," said Oogami nervously. Looking to Sakura and Sumire, he inquired, "What's the topic?"

"Let's do something poignant," suggested Sumire. "Hmm…how about father must go off to fight a war, and must leave his family behind." Sakura nodded in approval.

"Now remember, Ensign, the key is to not think about it too much. Just let your feelings match the role, and the words will come to you," advised Sumire. "Ensign will be the father, and I will play the role of the wife. Sakura, you can be the daughter."

Sakura was about to protest, but then decided an argument would not be good for the scene. Nodding in acquiescence, she readied herself mentally.

"Welcome home, dear," began Sumire as she put her arms around Oogami. "How was your day today?"

"Just fine, Sumi—honey," replied Oogami.

"Father, welcome home," added Sakura.

"Ichirou, my husband, are you sure about this?" asked Sumire quietly.

"Yes, I'm sure," replied Oogami curtly. Seeing a pause from the others, Oogami took the hint to expound on his statement. Clearing his throat, he continued. "The country needs people like me. I am doing this for the safety and security of all of Japan."

"To hell with it all!" yelled Sumire violently as she turned away. The abruptness of it caught Oogami off guard. "What about us? How long do you expect to be out there, when we need you here? What about your daughter?"

"Father, I don't want you to go. I'll be so lonely," Sakura said tearfully, her hands clutched at the front of an imaginary dress. Once again there was a brief pause before Oogami spoke.

"Don't worry about a thing, I'll be fine. I just want to make sure you are all ok," smiled Oogami.

"How can you just say that so callously?" asked Sumire acidly. Oogami decided that he probably wasn't going down the path Sumire wanted, and she was giving him subtle nudges to where he had to go.

"I didn't want to say it, not in front of my daughter, but I think we need to talk about the truth, darling. What if…what if you don't come back alive? What will we do if I don't have a husband and your daughter doesn't have a father? Do you not love us?"

Oogami was at a loss for words. Closing his eyes, he tried to picture the scene, map out the scenarios, and try to see the strategy in improvisation. For a second he pondered all this, but his thoughts went back to earlier. "Let your feelings match the role, and the words will come to you."

"Yes, honey, there will always be the possibility of me not returning alive. I don't doubt that. But truthfully, I go because it is my duty. I am fighting for a safer place for all of us, not just for my family, but also for everyone. The people today—and their children—deserve a safe world to live in, to grow, and I will do my best to do that for them." Oogami turned towards Sumire and placed his hand on her face.

"You say I don't love you? That is hardly true. I love my family with all my heart, so much that there goes not one day that I do not worry and think about you constantly. I…I have to do this; I go because I love you, and I will fight for the future my family deserves." Oogami turned to Sakura and embraced her.

"My daughter, I know you don't want me to go, but I have to do it," Oogami said into Sakura's ear.

"No, what will I do without you? Why do you have to go?" wailed Sakura, surprised at Oogami's move. Suddenly taken back with memories of her father, Sakura began to sob.

"Don't cry, please. You have done so well, and you've grown up like an angel. I only wish I could be there more often, but I know you can do well without me. Your mother and I are very proud of you, and I…I will always love you. I will always love all of you, no matter what."

Sumire looked at Oogami with a teary eyed smile, while Sakura buried her head in Oogami's chest.

"Father…father…I'll do my best," whispered Sakura. They remained like this for several seconds before Sumire walked over and put her hand on Oogami's shoulder.

"That was so sweet," whispered Orihime. Iris was tearing up, while Maria and Kanna looked with approving, thoughtful smiles. Reni observed the scene intently, and Kohran rested her head in her hands, radiating with warmth.

"Ensign…you did fine," said Sumire.

* * *

Kaede sat on the park bench, overlooking the water. It was late night, and the only sounds heard were the gently waves of the ocean, the soft hum of the street lamp, and the chirp of the crickets. The sky sparkled with stars, a portrait of lights that filled the horizon from one end to another. The full moon's reflection rippled in the water as it sat majestically in the sky.

Without any sound, Kayama approached the bench from behind and took a seat next to Kaede. For minutes they simply sat and gazed at the scene before them.

"The sky is so beautiful," whispered Kaede.

"The stars in the sky, the song of the ocean, and the sweet breath of nature…there aren't sufficient words to describe their greatness," replied Kayama. The pair continued to bask in the night.

"Unfortunately, the acts of man do have words to them," said Kayama quietly after a while. "Things are moving quickly. It is possible that you will all be in great danger, if not already."

"What of the preparations?" asked Kaede.

"What little we can do, we will, but it is difficult to anticipate exactly how it will play out. What I do know for certain is we are trying our best. That is all I can guarantee."

"Maybe that is all we can do. I can only hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. And what about you?"

"I'm fine, don't worry about me. Worry about the others first."

"I don't have to tell you how thankful I am to you, you know," said Kaede softy.

"I know. I'll keep you informed," replied Kayama. With that, he stood up and vanished into the night. Kaede stayed for a while longer before getting up to leave.