9th Shot: Secret Mission
Chrome's appearance caused quite an uproar among everyone back in the camp–well, most of them have been mocking about him, his stupidity, and his primitiveness. He did spout some nonsense about being a scientist and one of his infamous creations is mastering flames, meaning he could produce colorful flames. Of course, being the citizen of modern time, it was comedic since in the modern world it was considered as the most basic chemistry practice–flame tests.
That's what Shinko heard here and there as soon as she's back from her brief visit. Ukyo said he would handle Chrome himself and until the time he returned, he already asked for her assistance.
"I saw Chrome and his friend left their things behind. Can you check it out for me? Find something that's rather useful."
Since the most important people of the empire would have gathered along to interrogate Chrome (or witnessing how Tsukasa, Hyoga, and Ukyo stood in the same room), she had a moment of freedom to roam and did as he asked without having anyone being suspicious.
Which led her to follow certain people to know the place they use to hide Chrome's belongings. Thankfully it's not secluded and not heavily guarded–it clearly shows how they were underestimating the village's scientist at some point. It didn't settle nicely in her heart–mostly because they made it clear that Chrome was just a simpleton primitive self-called scientist. Knowing he could do flame tests in this era of stone without any modern knowledge is supposed to be a prove that in every certain time there would exists someone who will try different things just to satisfy their curiosity about this world.
They're looking down on him would bring downfall to themselves in the future.
Sighing to prepare her courage, Shinko approached the cave that's meant to be a supply storage for both food and clothing material in forced confident steps. As soon as she made herself known to their presence, the guards instantly saluted her–which threw off her composure instantly.
"Shinko-san!" they greeted.
"I-it's okay to not salute, I'm not that important…" she waved her hands frantically, feeling uncomfortable.
"You're Ukyo's right-hand man, it's our duty to treat you as such!"
Well, aren't you very famous Ukyo-san…? she thought, smiling nervously. But, right-hand man? Since when she's been known as such? "I heard the, um, primitive's stuff is in there. Do you mind if I take a look? I promise it won't be long."
She cringed deeply at her words–mostly about mentioning Chrome as primitive, which was extremely rude.
"No, take as much as time you need!"
So here it is, being quite close to one of the three top men in the empire did come with privileges–Shinko thought she would have a hard time negotiating or something. Maybe she's just over worrying many things.
"T-thank you," she meekly replied and immediately stepping in, the guards made way for her.
Once she's inside the cave, she spotted two huge bags leaning on the stone wall. Jogging towards it, she then kneeled and began rummaging through the items in it–her main goal is to bring anything Chrome could use for his independent prison break. Fortunately, she brought a satchel of her own so stealing something and bringing it out from the cave past the guards wouldn't be hard. A few objects she found were common–spare clothing, warm blankets, and containers of water made out of leather.
However, there were also a few things that were out of this stone world, things that couldn't possibly exists but somehow did courtesy to science. Shinko's hands trembled as she pulled up an extremely familiar cup made from wood, filled with extremely familiar condiments of food inside. Her eyes swirled in confusion.
I-instant food!? To think they could make this in the stone world… This is insane! she internally squeaked. No, no, no, time to focus, Shinko! Find something that looks useful for Chrome-san so he could escape.
Slapping her cheeks lightly to return her concentration, she resumed rummaging through the bag until her hand reached the bottom. Parting a few bundles of materials, she stumbled upon a cylindrical shaped object with wire made out of copper coiled around it. Pulling it out from the bag, she inspected it closer soon finding an extremely familiar number painted on one its side.
Battery? In this stone world!? she shrieked for the second time, looking at the electric energy source with 15V painted in streaking black. This is too much even for me…
At least she managed to acquire something that could be count as useful.
.
.
Watching Hyoga dumping Chrome from the cliff down to his doom almost made Ukyo flinched, however, he got a hold of himself quickly and stood on his external composure. Being honest with your emotions right upon the spotlight could be count as a weakness–something he tried to avoid as much as he could in order not to give anyone room to attack.
Fortunately, Chrome was saved from his death by an arrow Ukyo managed to launch–then Tsukasa made an instant bridge from the tree trunk he uprooted. The scientist wasn't faltered nor hesitated, meaning he wouldn't talk even if they fight tooth and nail for information. In the end, Chrome was held in a make shift prison in the carved cave.
Yo was in charge of watching him and as far as Ukyo heard, he noticed some digging happened in the area–probably traps in case someone really comes to fetch up and free Chrome.
"Ukyo-san, I manage to find something." it only needed a whisper for the said man to caught on and approached his partner until they're face to face. They promised to meet in a place where people could see them clearly–it was risky but also put them in a safe spot without anyone's suspicion.
Shinko scanned her surroundings for a moment with a quick glance and the time she deemed it was safe without anyone watching over their antics, she placed her satchel onto his open palm.
"What is this?" he asked, looking at the object and feeling quite a weight upon his palm.
"A battery," she answered. "Maybe with electricity, Chrome-san can spark fire and escape the prison since it's made out of bamboos. It should be easy for him or he could look for other ways. Knowing all this time he's with Senku-san, no doubt he has many tricks in his sleeve."
"Thank you, Shinko," Ukyo said, reaching out to give her head a gentle pat–warmth tingled in his chest as she watched her lips formed a content smile. "I'll give this to him tonight. When everyone's fast asleep. They will guard him but not too tight because he fooled them enough, making them lowered their guards. It should be easy."
"I'll come with you." she decided, which he immediately decline with a stern gaze.
"No, it will cause suspicion. It's better if I do it alone, I don't want to put you in danger." he stated firmly. "Besides, it won't be long. I'll be back as soon as possible."
If there's anything he would do, is to keep Shinko out of harm's way–because he vowed to protect her at all costs.
.
.
"This is amazing! The plan to use Lillian's voice is bringing in so many people!" Taiju exclaimed happily, noticing how their plan worked really well and ran smoothly without a hitch–in fact, too well because Nikki herself couldn't believe it.
"Yeah," she couldn't help but feel disturbed by it, looking over her shoulder to see Yuzuriha managed to get more people to come. "It's a little scary how well it's going. People are always in the most danger when they get too used to something and become complacent."
Just as she said, they're accomplishment didn't last long. Between the joy of people they brought for listening to Lillian's recording, a very familiar voice broke through–and poured dread to both Taiju and Nikki.
"You look like you're having fun. I'd like to hear that phone call too."
The worst scenario they could possibly think of just struck them right of the bat–Ukyo showed up to approached them, more specifically the phone buried underground. His appearance would leave their plan as dust. Once he saw through the lies, they're done for.
As he walked closer, he turned to look at one of the cliffs with a smile. "Good job, Shinko. You know what to do next, right?"
Nikki tensed and immediately threw her gaze following Ukyo's, noticing a figure standing on the rocky cliff–quiver over her shoulder and a large bow in her hand, already shedding off her winter cloak to welcome spring. Her eyes widened in horror in realization. No way, she's been spying on us this whole time!? Is that how Ukyo got here so fast!?
Their predicament turned from the best to the worst in a blink of an eye. Oh, no! We can't let Ukyo hear her!
However, Nikki couldn't prevent him from hearing the phone call or he would be even more suspicious on them. It's a matter of do or die now. Stepping back to create a distance, she watched tensely on how it would turn out. Who will become a victor in this? Ukyo knowing the façade they put up, or Gen could successfully trick him with his perfect impersonation from their spartan practice?
"Who am I talking to now? This is Lillian Weinberg." Ukyo kneeled in front of the mic and receiver, listening closely to the English call.
"Wow, it really is Lillian. I would've lost normally." Nikki could hear him said breathlessly before he replied it with flawless statement in English. "However, there's no vibration in your voice after singing so enthusiastically which is hard for you to imitate, Gen."
It was beyond despairing–especially for both Senku and Gen who heard it clearly from the other side of the line. They would be successful only a little bit more, and then Ukyo just crashed everything–noticing even the littlest, most impossible detail they didn't even realize.
"Damn it! Not after we've come so far!" Senku hissed, feeling a bead of sweat running from his temple.
Gen slapped a hand on his forehead, groaning in frustration. "I messed up!"
Before he noticed something odd from the conversation, something that nagged his mind. "Just a second, Senku-chan. Why did Ukyo-chan just say all that in English? It's because he didn't want the others to listen in, right? I've had my suspicions about Ukyo-chan's odd behaviors. When he found us at the grave site, he chased after us by himself without telling Tsukasa-chan or anyone else or even bring Shinko-chan along."
This helped Senku to pieced up everything he had in his mind; everything makes sense now, fitting right in the puzzle holes that were empty before. He chuckled in amusement. "Good observation mentalist. The Gen versus Ukyo battle is at one to one so far."
Taking the mic from Gen's hand, Senku brought it closer to his mouth–two can play a game. "You were the one who gave Chrome that battery, weren't you, Ukyo?"
They could hear low chuckling from the line across in respond to the question. "I'm amazed. You sure do catch on quickly. If you'd come to help Chrome, Senku, you'd be dead. Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not on your side."
"I'm sure of that," Senku put a hand on his hip. "If you were, you never would have captured Chrome to begin with."
"I'm trying to figure things out, too. I want to hear from you what kind of people you are. I saw your unbelievable mission." Senku could hear him smiling unsurely over his voice, his tone became breathless. "It's hard to believe, but if I'm right… Even in this situation, you people are trying to save all of humanity. With the power of science."
"Yeah," He felt satisfied with those words–Ukyo understood what they're on about. It saves so much time rather than explaining things from the start. "We might be able to save everyone including the people who've been destroyed by Tsukasa if we put them back together like 3D puzzles. You nailed it. Ten billion points for you, Ukyo. And, what? Are you going to rat me out to Tsukasa-sensei?"
"No," it was a quick answer without a hint of hesitation. "Senku, I wouldn't mind cooperating with you. On two conditions that is. I could even bring a formidable someone along to help."
Hearing those words were sure spark some interest–having a person who has an amazing hearing would be a great asset to go against Tsukasa's Empire. He even notched the offer with a great ally to bring along. A golden chance they surely couldn't miss, for Gen especially.
"Conditions, huh? Want me to take over, Senku-chan?" Gen offered, knowing his skill would be indispensable in this situation. "Negotiation is a mentalist's job."
Instead of agreeing or even glancing at him in acknowledgement, Senku completely ignored him and spat, "I don't have time to beat around the bush. Get to the point. What's your conditions?"
"That's the worst thing you can do in a negotiation!" Gen cried in despair, and the answer they got was a nervous laugh.
"Okay, fine." Ukyo finally said, starting to state his terms. "My first condition is simple. No one can die."
Senku snickered. "I can never quite figure you out, Ukyo. You're either a lovey-dovey idealist or…"
Ukyo scoffed, cutting him off. "An idealist? I'm the biggest coward there is. The first time I saw Tsukasa destroy a statue, I was nothing but sad. I thought 'Why? How could you?'. Still, I wanted to keep the revived from killing each other. To that end, I turned a blind eye to Tsukasa's statue destruction.
The statues are currently inanimate objects. To not revive them doesn't count as murder. Or so I convinced myself, with paper-thin reasoning. I know I'm a helpless coward. But I just can't bear to see anyone else die."
The tone in his voice was nothing but genuine pain. Senku and Gen didn't even need evidence for it. All the man wanted was no bloodshed. "Isn't that the last bastion of our humanity in this damn world? If you promise to produce zero casualties, I'll cooperate with you. But even if you kill one person-"
He was cut off by Senku's amused cackling filled with smugness underneath. "Sounds great, I'm in. No problem! We've said we'd try to make it a bloodless siege from the beginning. All that's changed is that it's a requirement instead of an ideal!"
"That's gonna be a pretty rough battle!" Gen cried.
Ukyo sighed shakily. "Thank you."
"So, then what's your second one?" Senku demanded, remembering the other condition they needed to hear out. "We don't have time, so spill."
"I want you to protect Shinko if things go south."
The scientist was taken aback by the unexpected request, brows furrowed. Gen also blinked in surprise. It didn't take long for Ukyo to start explaining. "She helps me all the time even until this moment. Currently, I ask her to watch over in case Hyoga or Tsukasa come here while we're having a phone call. I don't want anything happen to her."
That's why they couldn't hear her voice, she's guarding the area in case someone suspicious came and rat them out to Tsukasa.
Senku sighed–to think the other condition would be someone else's safety rather than anything. Emotion played its best in this part of condition. "I know what you mean. If Tsukasa or Hyoga found out about it, she's doomed alright."
"That's why I need you to protect her. She's also the person I mentioned could be our ally, and she's the one who gave me the idea of you being alive way back before Hyoga even invaded your village." now, this caught Senku's attention almost completely.
She knew he was alive quite for a long time and decided to keep it to between herself and Ukyo. How did she do it? Spying on them? Sending someone to spy on them? As far as he knew, only Gen being sent by Tsukasa to watch over and Kohaku, having a super-sight only talked about Homura watching their village all this time. However, the main question for now is only one,
"What is she to you, anyway? Your girlfriend? Why do you insisted we protect her? Knowing she's an archer, she could pretty much defend herself."
The only thing he received was a cough followed by a nervous laugh–it kind of irked Senku a little bit. "I'll leave that to your judgement. Like I mentioned before, she helped me all this time. I can't let her get hurt, she indulges my cowardice and goes along with every of my plan–the only thing I can do in return is to protect her and I'll do anything to keep her safe. She's important to me."
"Alright." Senku accepted, knowing it wouldn't be a problem since they had capable sources now. "It's a deal. Kingdom of Science will protect Shinko as an exchange for your alliance."
Ukyo sighed in relief. "Thank you."
Senku could hear slight sobbed coming from the other side before her voice turned serious in an instant. "There's one thing I'm certain of now. When Hyoga attacked your village, he said this: 'our men died because of Senku's machinations'. That's wrong, Shinko thought so too. You weren't the one who did it. It was Hyoga.
Tsukasa and Hyoga are both at the top, but they're totally different creatures. I can't sit on the fence any longer. There's going to be bloodshed at some point."
.
.
"If we're going to take over without any casualties, we're going to make lightning strike right after the tank attack." Kohaku concluded, her fist tightening in determination.
The day, the fated time has finally come–Kingdom of Science was ready with its members and their newest scientific invention as a surprise for Tsukasa Empire. Senku was confident about having a tank in their favor to diminish mentality of their foes. Back in modern times, seeing tank was enough to drove survival instincts working–fleeing the sight without any second thought. It wouldn't change no matter what era they're in. They had many backups for this surprise attack–Nikki already gathered some men by their initial strategy with Lillian's voice impersonation courtesy to Gen and her recording, Ukyo promised his and Shinko's cooperation with the plan as long as he sticks to their deal.
Their main goal isn't to determine who's the strongest in this new era, but to secure the precious source of nitric acid. Whoever got it became the ruler–the nitric acid is the main ingredient for the revival fluid also the gunpowder. Basically, the one who managed to retrieve it wins all.
"Yeah," Senku affirmed Kohaku's words. "Within the first half-minute of the battle for the miracle cave, we'll send in all of Kingdom of Science's forces. And for that, we're going to need the number one, most overpowered, toughest man around."
The scientist didn't even need to look back as soon as he heard footsteps from the path right behind him. Unlike him, the others were gasping at the new figure who approached them without hesitation.
"It's strange," he could hear Kohaku muttered, blue eyes glimmering in nostalgic way. "I've never seen you before, yet I know your name… Taiju."
In the end, Senku couldn't help but gave his childhood friend a glance. Their group was finally completed, along with Yuzuriha trailing behind the bigger young man. His lips curled up into a smirk.
"SENKU!" not even batting an eye, the said young man ducked in order to avoid Taiju's crushing hug. He could imagine him being sentimental with all the tears and yelling–even so, he chuckled in respond and tap his arm lightly. Approaching Yuzuriha, he gave her a smile and she returned the same, chocolate eyes glistening with tears.
"The Kingdom of Science now has a full deck of cards." he announced, facing the fighters upon him who were ready with their swords and their almighty tank. It took him more than a year and look at how it brought him to.
His train of thoughts were broken by a light tap on his shoulder. Looking over, he gave Yuzuriha a questioning glance. "Senku-kun, we brought company."
As if answering her statement, another set of footsteps could be heard from the path his friends showed. Series of gasps echoed for the second time that day, Gen's especially louder. He turned to face their unexpected guest–crimson eyes clashed with a pair of purple ones, it didn't radiate hostile nor danger. Only warmth and gentleness.
She reminded Senku of Kohaku from her build, only she's taller than the young woman. Her figure was clad in beige colored top that reaches her waist, wearing shorts identical in color with furs stitched to the edge, leather chest guard secured on her chest. Pink hair tied up into a bun, a large bow in her grip, quiver slung over her shoulder.
"W-who's that beautiful lady?" he could hear Ginro stuttered.
"You're the one with that Ukyo guy!" Chrome pointed out.
Scoffing in amusement, Senku greeted their additional force. "We finally met, our mysterious caller."
Shinko smiled at his words, tilting her head slightly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Senku-san."
"Wait, she's the one who found our phone first!?" Kohaku exclaimed, which she replied with a nod of confirmation.
"I'm here on behalf of Ukyo-san," Shinko remarked, never losing her smile. "I will assist you as much as I could prior to the deal."
Senku chuckled. "We'll take you up for that."
She did the same before averting her gaze towards the people she will work together with, before went completely frozen stiff with eyes widened as she rested her eyes on their latest masterpiece of science.
"N-no way, a tank!? In this stone world!?" she stuttered in disbelief, voice shaky from the bewilderment alone–never leaving her stare at the paper-shielded vehicle of war. "I mean, I should've expected it but it still gets me…"
"Finally, someone I can relate to," Gen sighed relief, finding some kind of support from the same person living in their modern time about handling Senku's plans and inventions–trying accept it into common sense.
"How did you get all the metals for the armor? What about the fuel? This kind of burning my braincells away…" in the end, she gave him a nervous smile.
"No! We made it from carbon!" Chrome exclaimed, puffing his chest in confidence.
"C-carbon…?"
"The machinery uses steam engine." the scientist added, smirking. "Basically, you just witnessed an industrial revolution tank with wobbler engine! Ten billion times more primitive but worked nonetheless."
"Nothing less from Senku-san…" Shinko muttered in amazement.
"That reminds me," He suddenly said. Senku glanced at the young woman, who returned his gaze in confused blinks. There was a question that kept nagging him which needed a logical explanation. "How did you know I'm alive even before Hyoga raided the village?"
"Wait, you know about Senku, Shinko!?" Taiju boomed, staring at the said person with widened eyes along with Yuzuriha. She laughed nervously, scratching her cheeks lightly–feeling uncomfortable with the attention she received.
"It's only a probability first. But to answer your question, Senku-san, I saw one of your inventions." Shinko answered without hesitation, staring straight to his eyes. "Months ago, you made light bulbs, right? You gave it a test in the middle of the night and I saw it."
"So, you've experienced the first light being lit up in the night after 3,700 years, huh?" the scientist snorted, definitely not expecting the answer. "Not bad for a huntress."
It did take him back in a more nostalgic way, his sweat and time in making a man-powered generator using lightning magnets and a pair of copper discs–their first item from the road map he drew in order to make a sulfa-drug for Ruri's pneumonia cure. He remembered clearly–standing on the shed's roof holding cables and placing roasted bamboo stem on a leaf, then lighting it up with electricity.
Senku was satisfied with only a few audiences present, not that he even cared about it. To think that they would have another one hiding amongst the trees in the darkness just to witnessed the moment, was a surprise indeed.