Just after lunch, Hanna and Rob rejoin the others in Hideyoshi's inner sanctum.
"Someone's looking happier than last we saw her," Chika observes.
"I'm starting to get used to being incomplete," Hanna replies.
"But you still want to kill Tsubaki and Kaede," Chika ventures.
"Absolutely," Hanna confirms.
"Well… at least you're more talkative," Chika accepts. "You could put a top on though."
"Unless it's a black halterneck crop, I'm not interested," Hanna informs.
"I couldn't convince her either," Rob shrugs.
Chika makes to reply, then decides it'd be a waste of time.
"We've worked out a defence plan," Hideyoshi informs, changing the subject. "However, something tells me you two work better with a bit of freedom, so I've left your deployment unspecified."
Rob studies the deployment maps on Hideyoshi's table for a few moments. "Can we have access to your armoury?"
"Take what you need," Hideyoshi approves.
"Thanks." Rob turns to Hanna. "I know it's not your style, but we'll be using ranged weapons, and trying to disrupt as many advancing lines as possible."
"You want me to use a gun," Hanna replies.
"We'll get some practice in the shooting range before heading out," Rob assures.
"You want me to use a gun," Hanna repeats.
"Look at the map, memorise it, and I'll meet you at the range," Rob instructs, leaving before Hanna can object.
"Something the matter?" Chika asks Hanna.
"Yes," Hanna admits. "I don't want to kill anyone."
"Except Tsubaki and Kaede," Chika reminds.
Hanna turns to Chika. "They deserve to die," she growls.
Chika elects not to respond, shaking her head in disapproval instead.
"I saved your life," Hanna reminds.
Chika remains impassive.
"Fine! I'm a fucking hypocrite!" Hanna snaps. "Happy now?"
"No, but at least you admit it," Chika replies calmly.
Hanna extends her claws and takes a step towards Chika.
"I think it's best you study the map, memorise it, and join your husband," Xander advises, placing himself between Hanna and Chika.
Hanna hesitates a moment, then backs off, retracting her claws. "I won't forget this," she growls before turning her attention to the map. A few moments later, with the map memorised, Hanna storms out of the sanctum in total silence.
"I know tensions are running high, but this is getting beyond a joke," Akiko observes.
Hanna is still angry when she gets to the shooting range fifteen minutes later, only to find Rob hasn't arrived yet. So, when he arrives five minutes after, Hanna pulls no punches.
"What on Avalice are you thinking?" she snaps as Rob walks into the range.
"I was thinking, 'This is urban warfare, where it's kill or be killed'," Rob explains, placing two compact assault rifles on the bench.
"You know I vowed never to kill again," Hanna reminds. "And you want me to pump lead into innocent people?"
"Of all the times for you to develop a conscience," Rob replies gruffly. "Why are you angry at me, anyway?"
"Because you just assumed I'd be OK with this!" Hanna snaps.
"We're not going to disrupt the advance with sticks on a chain!" Rob snaps back.
"Better sticks on a chain than fucking cutlery!"
"Ancients dammit, Hanna, for once just listen!"
Hanna folds her arms and fixes Rob with a piercing stare. "I'm listening."
Rob takes a deep breath before continuing. "Urban warfare is unlike anything you've ever experienced. It's not covered by the Red Scarves in any way, since there'll never be a need for it. At least, that used to be true. Since the Jade Alliance invaded Shang Tu, the Scarves have taken the issue more seriously, but there's still nothing substantial in place. So, I've been doing some research of my own, and using what I've learned, I know that the only way we'll survive out there is if we're armed appropriately. And that means compact assault rifles."
"We're not action movie heroes," Hanna reminds.
"But we are mercenaries for hire," Rob replies. "And we've been hired by Hideyoshi to help end this ridiculous war."
"By killing innocents."
"By disrupting advances!"
Hanna narrows her eyes. "You haven't thought about it, have you?"
"Thought about what?"
"The seven Mokuzai‑dojo fire‑teams."
"What about them?"
"We could try and turn them against Kinzoku and Tsuchi."
"That… might work," Rob admits. "It could sow dissent among the ranks, and the more it spreads the slower the advance. If we can reach a critical mass, the advance would stop!"
"And all without having to rack up a huge bodycount," Hanna finishes.
"Why didn't I think of that to begin with?" Rob asks.
"Because you forgot what it means to be a ninja," Hanna explains. "We don't fight in the open or under a banner. We fight from the shadows, sowing confusion and misdirection through the enemy lines."
Rob sighs in resignation. "You're right, of course."
"There's something else you're forgetting," Hanna continues.
"What?"
"We're meant to be saving our friends."
"We need to stop the attack too."
"We'll stand a better chance with four of us."
Rob sighs again. "You're right again."
"Obviously," Hanna smirks.
"I'm still going to take a rifle," Rob informs. "It's up to you if you take one too."
"I'll take one too," Hanna decides.
"So, after all that talk, you're taking a gun anyway?" Rob asks, a little surprised.
"'It's kill or be killed'," Hanna quotes.
"In that case, grab a rifle, and let's get some practice in."
Hanna picks up one of the rifles and examines it. "It's a start, but it needs some extras," she concludes. "A suppressor is a must, and there must be larger magazines than these. Also, a scope would come in handy."
"Given the noise, I doubt a loud gun will be an issue," Rob assures.
"I'd be able to pick this out in the cacophony," Hanna informs. "And since we must assume the enemy force includes canids and felids, we don't want to alarm them."
"Good point," Rob accepts. "Also, larger magazines would mean less reloading, and scopes would allow us to keep more distance."
"Now you're thinking," Hanna smirks.
"We can get that stuff after we've practised," Rob decides. "I know you don't have much firearms experience, so if you like, I can give you tuition."
Hanna steps up to the shooting position, switches the rifle into single‑shot, deactivates the safety, and fires off six quick shots at the target a hundred and fifty feet away. None of the shots hits the bullseye, but they are all grouped within the innermost three of the ten rings.
"Wow," Rob remarks. "Have you been practising in secret?"
"No," Hanna answers, engaging the safety. "I have to admit: I wasn't expecting to be anywhere near that accurate."
"Don't let it go to your head," Rob cautions.
"And you can do better?" Hanna teases.
Rob takes up his rifle, gets into position, switches to single‑shot, flicks off the safety, and puts six shots right in the centre of Hanna's efforts. "A little," he teases in return, engaging the safety.
"…maybe a few tips wouldn't be unwelcome," Hanna admits.