"What's with your eyes?" Genesis couldn't help but ask once Cloud pulled the General and the Commanders in for a meeting. Zack was included since he was made First while the couple had been away.

"I woke up like this." Cloud deadpanned. Already he was getting tired of this.

"Wow, really?" Zack leaned closer. "When did that happen?"

"Two weeks ago." Sephiroth answered. "He's already been examined by Professor Hojo. He has concluded it's not the mako. But has to examine more test results for further study."

"People are going to think you're wearing contacts." Angeal made a point.

"So then what am I supposed to do?" Cloud frowned, eyes hardening. "Wear contacts to make them more blue?"

"I didn't mean offense." The dark haired commander was confused.

"Sorry. I can already hear my brothers pushing the issue. And they haven't even said anything yet."

"Shall we continue to what you called us in for?" Angeal was helpful in this matter at least.

"Yes. So, I've restructured the whole Soldier program. Instead of just one big army, it will be separated into three equal parts." Cloud showed the laptop for them to see.

"There's the main army, which General Sephiroth will be head of. Then there's Materia Specialists. This will be under Commander Genesis. Then Special Forces, a sort of hybrid of Soldier and Turks in terms of operations. This will be under Commander Angeal."

"So, separating the power to remain equal for the big three?" Genesis tilted his head.

"Yes. In time, I will eventually grant you and Angeal the title of general. But only after these sections are a success and the army has expanded by a lot. This is the trial period of seeing if it improves Soldier as a whole." Cloud nodded as he explained further.

"How long will this trial process last in order to tell if it's a success or not?" Angeal inquired.

"I've already brought it up with my brothers. They are giving us three years."

"That should be enough time to adjust." Genesis agreed on this time frame. "It shouldn't take long for the results to be seen."

"But do you guys like it?" Cloud asked them with hope in his eyes and expression.

"I like it. It's sound enough structure in theory." Angeal stated.

"Will the Soldiers get to choose which branch they wish to join?" Genesis tilted his head.

"Yes. It is all up to them. Those who can't decide can drift between the three on missions and see for themselves."

"I think I have a good idea what Materia Specialists will be. But, what is Special Forces be about? You explained that they would be a hybrid of Soldier and Turks. In what way?" Zack finally spoke up.

"Missions that require Turks but need the strength of a Soldier. Whether they join the mission or not is up to Tseng. But if a squad gets along really with a certain Turk, then they can freely be that Turk's personal team."

"You're making a bridge between us and them." Zack found admiration for this branch.

"This is to reduce mortality rates on both sides when they're together on missions. And frankly, Tseng needs every suit. We outnumber them greatly, and I don't think they will have a drastic increase in number anytime soon." Cloud had been very thorough on his research.

"You have a soft spot for Tseng." Genesis noted. His expression was curious as well a hint of distaste.

"Well, he let me live." Cloud let slip that little secret.

"So, which one will you be joining?" Zack tilted his head.

"Honestly? Special Forces is looking like a better fit for me. But we shall see. But I don't know at this point. What about you?" Cloud wondered.

"I think I'll stick it with the main forces." At that answer the young director smiled.

"Good, because you're in perfect position to be Sephiroth's second in command."

"I'm sorry, what?" Genesis and Angeal were both surprised.

"Each of you get to name someone as your second in command. The few requirements are: must be high enough in rank, must be Second Class and up, and finally, compatible with the leader of the branch."

"And you think I'm compatible for Sephiroth?" Zack glanced at the general.

"We're already friends. As a bonus, you understand me." He stated casually. "Just as Cloud is creating a bridge between Soldier and Turk, you will be the bridge between me and the men."

"That is if you accept the position." Cloud added for good measure. He didn't want to pressure Zack into anything.

"I honestly feel honored. I don't know if I am the best option, but what's the harm in trying?" He smiled. "So, will you accept to train under me still?"

"Actually, yes. I've already signed the form." The blond handed over a clipboard with the application form for a First Class to become a mentor. Zack happily accepted it and quickly signed away. He noticed something with Cloud's signature.

"Shinra-Strife?"

"I decided to keep both." Cloud was too fond of his mother's name. He asked Tseng if he could combine the two and if it would be acceptable. He answered so long as Shinra came first then it was fine.

"Okay, so Sephiroth has a second in command. Are we supposed to find our own?" Angeal brought up that, while he preferred if Zack would be his second in command, he understood that Zack was better choice for Sephiroth.

"I will allow you both a few months to name your choice. Give time to think it over and test out who works best with you and everyone else around you." Cloud knew this was fair enough.

"Very well. When do these changes begin?" Genesis was eager for this.

"After you all step outside the office. I will be releasing the official changes on the company website, and send out messages to all Soldier to please check the website for further details." The blond helped himself a smirk.

It reminded them a bit of Rufus. And yet combined with Lazard in the sense he was looking out for all of them. And yet for the first time they were also seeing Cloud as he truly was outside of the shadow of his brothers.

"I have a question. You noticed a great number were loyal to myself and Angeal. So, how will you keep balance of ensuring that Sephiroth isn't left with a shortage of Soldier?" Genesis spoke up.

"For this time there will be only a certain amount allowed to apply for either yours or Angeal's branches. I have already calculated how to keep it all even enough so that one doesn't overpower the rest. And it will be a thorough process for me to allow them to be accepted into either branch."

"You've got a lot of work ahead of you." Genesis commented. "What will we do in the meantime while you're sorting everyone?"

"Short missions close to home. At current we're not sure when Wutai will answer us with peace or not. When I get the time I will allow Zack to whisk me away for training. As a heads up, Sephiroth is free to oversee us." Cloud turned to his mentor.

"I don't mind. Just so long as we don't start butting heads." He shrugged, glancing at the general.

"I doubt it will come to that." Sephiroth really didn't think it would be a problem.

"Any last questions?" Cloud inquired.

"I think we've covered it all." Angeal wasn't the only one curious to see how the company will react to these changes.

"Then gentlemen, I would like some time to adjust to this office." And so they began to leave.

As they did so Tseng freely entered without so much as a knock. In his hand was a small box. He placed it on the desk.

"I take it that's an order from my brother dearest?" Cloud saw that they were colored contacts. They weren't cheap, either.

"Your eye color will raise questions." Tseng had taken great lengths to get these fast.

"I suppose I'll deal with it." Cloud sighed. He took the box and opened it. He used his phone camera as a mirror as he put them in.

A few blinks later and his eyes were mostly blue with hints of green. And he was surprised how comfortable they were. Cloud had expected them to be scratchy or dry.

"Wow. I didn't think they would work that well." Cloud stared.

"Carry some eyedrops with you when they start to give you trouble. And please, whatever you do, don't sleep with them on. It's a nightmare if they get stuck behind the eye." Tseng advised with all seriousness.

"I take if you've had experience?" Cloud glanced up at the suit.

"One of my subordinates." Tseng left it at that. But Cloud had a sneaking suspicion it was Reno.

Tseng left to give Cloud space. The blond began to work on the company website. He had already got it down in his head on how to word everything. So it was easy to type. When he finished he sent out a message to every Soldier to check the company website.

As he finished, Reno sauntered in.

"A call would have sufficed." Cloud glanced up.

"This is sensitive, yo. I don't even know how I can show you the evidence until I find a secured network." The redhead leaned against the desk nonchalantly.

"And? You finally figure out who was behind the rumor?" Now the suit had his full attention.

"They covered their tracks really well. But, I know a trick or two. And, well, it's the greasy professor."

"Which one?" Cloud was taken aback. He had enough sense to remember there was more than one.

"Professor Hojo."

Cloud was alarmed. And with him, he also sensed Sephiroth equally as disturbed. The blond gathered himself from the shock. Reno watched, intrigued. Although it would remind him of Rufus, the expression was closer to General Sephiroth.

"I see. Will you be able to safely show my brothers the evidence? I think it's time I finally sat down for a little family reunion."

"Yeah. No problem. Want me to do it right now or later?"

"Bring it to their attention just before lunch. I'll schedule mine to match theirs so I can visit." Cloud knew the sooner they addressed this the better they can come up with a means to deal with it.

"Gotcha. I'll leave you to your office duties." Reno left the office.

Cloud tried his best to keep himself together as his office desk phone began to ring. Within minutes he had several appointments with Soldiers to discuss their futures and what branch they wish to join. And the heir was too busy to feel disturbed about what he just learned.