Chapter 4- Trial and Error

"At your level, you are qualified to join the highest ranks of the Kiheitai. But I will not give you entry so hastily. To climb the ranks, you must prove your loyalty to me. I will test you with several missions. Once I feel you can be fully trusted and am certain you are truly capable, I will allow you to enter the innermost circle of the Kiheitai. But you will only ever report directly to me."

This is what Takasugi had informed her shortly after her declaration of servitude.

Matako was itching for her new mission. She was anxious to see where this new career would take her. And just where would the man himself take her?

Kijima knew her first mission was everything. Failure was not an option. She felt a subconscious fear of the consequences. It could mean the door to the Kiheitai would be closed forever. Or perhaps Shinsuke would choose to punish her. She had no way of being sure. But Matako's previous experiences outweighed this worry. She had confidence in her abilities and for good reason.


Another sunny day was above Edo. Matako was walking through the bustling crowds of Edo's central shopping district. She walked into a mall and boarded the escalator. In her hand was a large bag full of clothes. Matako had on a pair of white framed shades. Any other day, this would have been her on a casual shopping spree. Today though, she was heading to the location of her next hit.

Matako turned down a corridor and snuck into the employee elevator. She carefully waited for guards and employees to walk on past. Deeming the coast clear, she waltzed to the exit. Sunlight blinded her as she pushed the door open. Its effects settled revealing an open rooftop. Matako ignored the impressive view of the city. Out of her purse, she grabbed a small pouch of bullets along with latex gloves. She dropped her shopping bag and rummaged through. She fished out several detached parts to a sniper rifle.

Her fingers quickly assembled and loaded the gun. She made sure the silencer was properly installed. Such technology was nearly unheard of on Earth. Her foes would be left dumbstruck.

Matako opened up the sniper rifle's tripod and placed it on the edge of the roof. She lowered her sunglasses and peered into the scope. From here, Matako had a clear view into the neighboring building. She adjusted the scope until it hit the correct window. She could see a purple-skinned Amanto leaning back on his chair. Matako smiled.

This man was her target. She had no idea what threat he posed to Shinsuke or if he had any value at all. She never bothered with the details. Matako would treat it like every other hit. Her mind was ready to take his life. Her body was perfectly postured to her rifle and her fingers were stroking the trigger. She aligned the bull's eye to the back of the Amanto's head.

A fountain of glass spouted from the other building. Blood was spray painted onto each shard.

I got him.

She beamed proudly. A surge of excitement had run down her back as she pulled the trigger. Knowing the bullet had hit perfectly elevated this to pure ecstasy.

Matako didn't savor the victory for more than a second. Her body was already pulling itself up off of the ground. She disassembled the sniper rifle in seconds and placed it back into the bag. She dashed to the exit and walked quickly back the way she came. She slowed down to a casual pace before coming in contact with a janitor. Afterwards, she reentered the elevator and left the mall.

The day before, Matako had selected this mall as her sniping spot. Not only did it provide the perfect view, it had no security cameras upstairs. There was one downstairs that overlooked the escalator. Luckily it had a blind spot which she had the sense to utilize.

The mission was complete and all that remained was to meet with the Shinsuke at the rendezvous point.


Shinsuke stood at an old inn familiar to both he and Matako. Matako patiently knelt down before him.

"Stand up Kijima." he said.

Matako slowly rose to her feet.

"I trust you were successful?" Takasugi asked.

"I was Shinsuke-sama." she said. Her words appeared humble, but exposed her feelings of pride. Takasugi immediately picked up on it.

"Were you thorough? It would be troublesome if you were seen or left evidence of some sort."

"I used a sniper rifle. It's a long range gun-type, so I never had to get close. I used a silencer and wore gloves. I was also careful to avoid eyewitnesses. I'm confident no cameras saw me either." she explained.

Takusugi said, "Well done."

He went on to say, "Now are you ready for your next mission?"

"Yes." she said.

"It seems you are polished with assassinations. But not all scenarios will allow you the luxury of only guarding yourself. As a member of the Kiheitai, you serve me and my brotherhood. It seems you can take a life. But can you protect one?"

"I don't understand." she said. She bit her lip for speaking prematurely.

"Four days from now I am negotiating with space pirates. A rival group has it in for them, and will strike at any given chance. I've promised them my protection. As long as they are on Edo, they will be our responsibility. Kijima, you will escort them to the location of our meeting."

Her eyes lit up with surprise. Her heart began to pound from doubt. She didn't dare critique or question him though.

"Are you afraid?" he asked keenly.

"Crap. Should I lie?" she wondered.

Matako responded. "Yes. I'm afraid of failing you Shinsuke-sama. But… I will do as you command. I will adapt myself to better serve you."

"I'm pleased to hear it." Takasugi said.

Author's Note: I need to confess, though this is mainly a romance, it takes time for the romance to even begin blossoming. I'm afraid Shinsuke Takasugi is a hard man to make fall in love with you. But it will happen I promise you.