You must have noticed by now but I use characters' first names when narrating and I kind of made that rule for myself. Sure it was useful for the main characters like Tatsuya and Miyuki since they have the same surname but it complicates a little for characters that everybody refers to by the surname. Meaning, I will put their full names here just so nobody will read the chapter and think "who the hell is that character?".
Another good news: next chapter is coming out this sunday.
Kazama Harunobu - Lieutenant Colonel and current commander-in-chief of the 101 IMEB
Saeki Hiromi - Lieutenant General and former commander-in-chief of the 101 IMEB
Saeki's rank was listed as Major General in the previous chapter, but after reading some parts of the novel again, it turns out she was promoted so I changed it.
NDFID = National Defense Forces Intelligence Department
"Mahouka" - speech
Mahouka - time, place
{Mahouka} - reference
I don't own anything.
Kuroba Household
"Is that true, Nee-san?!" Fumiya barged into the room.
"Settle down and mind your manners, Fumiya." Ayako reprimanded.
Ayako signaled for Fumiya to sit on the chair facing her. He quietly did as she instructed before resuming.
"O-Oh, I'm sorry. But is that intel accurate?"
"Lina-san vouched for the one who gave it so we have put our trust in it."
"Still, to think we might clash against two of the Thirteen Apostles…"
"Well, it wouldn't exactly be the first time, though it was more akin to an obliteration on Tatsuya-san's part last time." Ayako shrugged.
"I guess, though Tatsuya-niisan had no way of knowing that the Heavenly General was present at the time." {refer to Volume 7}
"Even if he did, it wouldn't have changed the outcome. The GAA was way ahead of us when it came to preparations for war so Tatsuya-san had to do it to avoid heavy losses."
As it stands, Fumiya had just returned from a mission and was notified about intel Benjamin provided. It consisted of three main points: One, Edward was likely going to lay low for a while since his plan seemed to rely on Jiedo Hiegu's success. Two, the USNA was indeed aware of the fact that Edward was plotting against Japan but were unaware of the specifics of his plans. And lastly, the other two SCM, Igor Andreevich Bezobrazov and William McCloud, were likely going to make a move of their own, without depending on Edward.
"So the reason they are not getting rid of Edward is…"
"Because they are not sure if he is going to succeed?"
"I believe that is one of the reasons but thinking again, it's not likely." Ayako concluded.
"Why is… Oh, Angelina-san, right?" Fumiya guessed.
"Indeed, Lina-san was sent here to get closer to Tatsuya-san. And she did, probably more than the USNA wanted."
"So if she learns that they were just watching as Edward tried to sabotage and maybe even kill Tatsuya-niisan…" Fumiya said with his hand on his chin.
"Even if he manages to, no, especially if he manages to, she will desert her own country."
"We will never allow something like that to happen!" Fumiya exclaimed.
"Yes, we will remind them why we were known as "The Untouchable" but now is not the time, Fumiya." Ayako signaled him with her eyes to calm down.
"I'm sorry, Nee-san." Fumiya lowered his head a little.
"But as we were saying, allowing Edward to succeed brings many risks to the USNA as well. So if they are still just spectating then…"
"They have other reasons?"
"Or they aren't just spectating. Mister Canopus must have had help to contact us without raising suspicions. We have to talk to Tatsuya-san later. Lina-san should have already informed him at school so he must have an idea."
"So will we visit Tatsuya-san?" Fumiya asked with eyes full of expectations.
"Unfortunately, no. For now, we will be the bridge between our clan and mister Canopus. Hence, Lina-san and Sylvia-san will also stay with us."
"Aww…" Fumiya looked dejected.
"Fumiya, when you react like that I can't help but think that you really, towards Tatsuya-san…" Ayako said, covering her mouth with her hand to hide a teasing smile.
"Nee-san! I already said many times that I don't swing that way!" Fumiya shouted with a blush.
"Sorry, sorry. I just felt like teasing you a little."
"... Liar, you always do that."
"Come on now, don't start sulking." Ayako said as she hugged Fumiya from the back.
Truth to be told, Ayako was a little worried about Fumiya acting reckless after what happened with Jiedo Heigu's capture operation. She knew he was more mature than he looked but she still felt the need to confirm what she already knew. Looking at him now, Ayako felt that even if Fumiya got too emotional, he would still be able to pull himself together when he really needed it.
In a certain deserted parking lot
"Thank you for your hard work." Kyouko said.
"... I'm not happy even if you say that." Haruka stubbornly groaned.
"You are still saying that?" Kyouko raised her eyebrows.
"No, no. Rather than that, since when have you been working with Ono-sensei? And since when has Ono-sensei worked on jobs like these?!" Mayumi asked.
Kyouko had asked Mayumi to accompany her to meet one "informant". Mayumi suspected that it was not an official informant, but she never imagined that it was a teacher at her former school. Unknown to Mayumi, Haruka worked as a Public Safety Investigator and had the epithet Phantom Lady. While she was closer to a free-lancer and wasn't that well-known, her skills shouldn't be underestimated.
"I still am a counselor, it's just that I happen to have a side job." Haruka replied, avoiding details.
"I'm not sure if I should be worried or not…" Mayumi commented.
"Don't worry, Mayumi. She has Tatsuya-kun's stamp of approval." Kyouko guaranteed.
"Tatsuya-kun's? Then I guess it's alright… Not! In a way that's even more worrying!"
The fact Tatsuya himself spoke for Haruka meant that her skills were the real deal but it also meant she could be someone secretive or potentially dangerous. No to mention the Yotsuba, Mayumi knew that Tatsuya likely had more than a few, not necessarily legal, ways of acquiring information. Seeing that one of these ways was a counselor at First High left Mayumi conflicted. She couldn't help but think: "Not just Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-san but even Ono-sensei? How many people at our school had some kind of secret identity?"
"Saegusa-san, as I said, this is just my side job. Being a counselor is still my main job." Haruka assured.
"... If you say so, I will take your word for it, Ono-sensei." Mayumi agreed despite not feeling very sure.
"Now, now. Let's get started. There are no people around but taking our time like this is never good when dealing with matters this sensitive." Kyouko lightly clapped her hands to gather the two's attention.
The three entered Kyouko's car and Haruka connected her device to Kyouko's. The data was swiftly transferred and after confirming it, Kyouko sent the payment. Or at least, she was about to when…
"I won't need payment this time." Haruka raised her hand, signaling Kyouko to stop.
"Hm?" "Eh?" Kyouko and Mayumi were confused.
"Instead, I have a few questions I'd like to ask and possibly a favor."
"What is it? I'm sure I don't need to say, but we can't reveal anything confidential or private." Kyouko reminded.
"Surely it's not about that, right?" Mayumi looked at Haruka.
"Rest assured. While it is confidential, if it goes how I'm hoping it will, it won't bring any disadvantages to your side."
"Then, what is it? Is it about the information you just sent?" Kyouko guessed.
"Yes."
Mayumi was a little surprised. While she was no expert in intel gathering, she was sure that most informants did not ask questions about the intel they acquired, they just provided it and left to avoid problems. After all, knowing is good but knowing too much is bad. Even more considering the intel Haruka gave them.
It concerned the current inside problems of the country. Meaning, the groups from Japan who were likely to confront them, directly or indirectly. They already knew that Saeki was getting increasingly hostile in her actions and, by extension, the 101 IMEB. While Kazama maintained a cooperative relationship with Tatsuya the Yotsuba throughout the years, the same couldn't be said about Saeki and since Kazama was a soldier to the core, he would follow Saek's orders even if he didn't agree to them. That was the first problem but not the most urgent one. Saeki was cunning like a fox but her temper made her predictable so they just needed to wait till she slipped to deal with her, or even induce her to slip themselves. The real problem was the unseen threats.
In this case, these unseen threats were, as provided by Haruka's intel, the Tooyama clan and the NDFID. The Tooyama clan was similar to the Yotsuba as they both were secret organizations, only the Tooyama weren't that well-known as they weren't part of the TMC. They were also a clan that specialized in defense but in a different way than the Juumonji clan. Their unique magic, Remote Barrier, created barriers for their allies from a distance using coordinates. It wasn't as versatile as Phalanx and couldn't be used offensively as it focused on protecting individuals rather than large areas or places. While Phalanx was the last defense of the capital (buildings and people), Remote Barrier was the last defense of the government (strictly "important people" such as officials, not civilians).
"How will you deal with all these forces?" Haruka started.
"There aren't that many. The Tooyama clan members are obligated to join the Intelligence Department after reaching a certain age so these two groups might as well count as one." Kyouko explained.
"That's not the point!" Haruka said, impatiently.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to annoy you."
"How are you so relaxed? Saegusa-san too, you don't seem too alarmed despite knowing you have enemies both inside and outside the country."
"If I had to say, it's not like we are not alarmed, Ono-sensei. It's just, while we made enemies with our recent actions, we also made allies. It might sound idealistic but I feel that we won't lose so long as we are together." Mayumi said with a smile.
"It certainly is idealistic. I never thought of you as someone who relied on such things, Saegusa-san."
"Oh, she isn't, Ono-san. If anything, it must be due to our last operation."
"It wasn't perfect but… I was also impressed with what we did by working together. Normally, we would have sent just a few representatives from the TMC to deal with Jiedo Heigu. Had we done so, he may have escaped and the damage would have grown considerably." Mayumi said.
"I see…" Haruka seemed to be in deep thought.
One might say too much manpower was used to deal with a single terrorist but, when looking at the bigger picture, that was the right call. Had Jiedo Heigu executed his plan as intended, more people would've been hurt or killed and, as a consequence, the anti-magician movement would have gained momentum in Japan. Even with the little damage that was done, there were radicals that attempted to fuel the flames of conflict but presenting Jiedu Heigu as the culprit contributed to avoiding the worst case scenario.
Even so, anti-magician extremists weren't the only inside enemy. Fellow magicians also posed a threat due to their own conflicting views. They were all supposed to be on the same side as fellow countrymen but that was just a fantasy. Most were lucky to find themselves not having to choose sides and only watching and judging from the sidelines. The ones with power were often not allowed such privilege of avoiding responsibility. And, contrary to what she wished for, Haruka found herself getting dragged into the fray by her affiliations. Now, she had to pick a side, yet another privilege not many could afford as their side was not often a choice.
"Fujibayashi-san, Saegusa-san, there's something I need to know." Haruka said after a deep breath.
"What is it?"
"What do you hope for in this country?"
"... Can you be more specific?" Kyouko hesitated before asking.
"I'm not sure what happened for you to get engaged. I don't know what emotions and what plans were involved. What I do know is that the world started to change after that. No, it was already changing but you, the other girls and Shiba-kun started to guide that change, you became the center of it."
Mayumi and Kyouko watched in silence, waiting for Haruka to finish before replying.
"Maybe there was some huge conspiracy behind this all, maybe you all just loved Shiba-kun, maybe it's something else I could never imagine. But none of that matters to me right now. I just want to know, what are your plans for this country? What are your plans for the world? Are they good? Are they bad? What will be brought about at the end of all of this?" Haruka said it all without breaking eye contact.
The duo was not expecting a conversation of this level to happen. They thought Haruka was just going to hand over the intel and leave, maybe asking a few questions before that. But it seemed Haruka too had her own thoughts and circumstances to consider. Just as she said, the world itself was being affected and, obviously, that included Haruka. The two thought that just maybe they were taking too lightly the impact they could have on others.
"Ono-sensei, most people won't say it if they plan something bad."
"I am aware, Saegusa-san. But even if you are lying I still want to get an answer."
"She seems really determined, Mayumi. Since she was so honest with us, we should do the same." Kyouko said.
Kyouko and Mayumi exchanged a look before resuming.
"Ono-sensei, if we had to say, there was a little of everything mixed in. Some of our families had hidden agendas when they accepted the engagement, such as increasing their power by connecting to the Yotsuba." Mayumi said, thinking of her father.
"But none of us were forced into it. We all loved Tatsuya-kun, even if not to the same extent. We were all willing to exchange our vows with him, even if we had to share him." Kyouko continued.
"Oh, but you asked what we wanted, right? Well, I had to say, we just want to be happy." Mayumi said simply.
For a moment, Haruka almost couldn't comprehend. It was a simple answer, so simple Haruka wanted to demand another one but she knew the weight that single word carried. Happiness was something that seemed simple and everybody wanted but surprisingly few managed to truly secure it. These girls went as far as to share the one they loved, fully aware of how the public would look at them and yet they still persisted. Looking back, it was true that they haven't done anything and it was the opposition that came on the offensive. Haruka thought that maybe they really just wanted their own little share of happiness and were simply responding to the world that tried to take it from them. It wasn't a matter of good or bad, they just tried to live but others wouldn't agree to it. It's not like the Yotsuba were innocent or anything but Haruka couldn't help but see the attackers as the bad ones this time.
"Ok, I think I understand your positions a little better, you two."
"Have we relieved at least some of your worries, Ono-sensei?" Mayumi asked.
"Some of them but… Can you win? There's no telling who else will be coming for you."
"We can. I'm saying it as fact that we can win. Most people don't know what the Yotsuba are capable of, even while fearing them. But I know and I also know we have other allies all capable in their own right." Kyouko reassured.
"Is that so…?" Haruka looked lost in thought.
"Was that all your questions?" Mayumi asked.
"Yes… For now."
"That's good. But I recall you saying earlier that you also had a favor to ask." Kyouko reminded.
"I was only going to ask depending on your answers but I believe I don't have to worry anymore. And about that favor… Please hire me." Haruka looked resolute.
"Eh?" Mayumi blanked.
"I don't suppose you mean simply to gather information." Kyouko guessed.
"You are correct. My superiors at the Public Safety Department want me to investigate Shiba-kun and his fiancees as well. I was conflicted about what I should do since they will likely fire me if I keep rejecting their assignments. I will probably be kept under watch as well, my constant refusals probably felt suspicious for them." Haruka revealed.
Mayumi and Kyouko looked a little surprised to see Haruka admit it so easily. Rather, given her request, it was only logical to assume she refused the job given by her superiors and was on the verge of being fired.
"To think you choose to go against them, I have underestimated you, Ono-san." Kyouko sounded impressed.
"I wouldn't go as far as to say that I went against them. I just declined the job and asked to be given another assignment." Haruka defended.
"But you could tell that they were the ones picking a fight and not us."
"I mean, I do understand that sometimes you have to go far to gather information to discern enemies from allies. I also get it that it's good to neutralize threats before they actually become threats. But this time I couldn't get rid of the feeling that they were ones turning others into enemies without need and picking fights they likely won't win."
"If it makes you feel better, I think you made the right choice, Ono-san."
"Hearing it from one of the parties involved is not very reassuring but thank you I guess."
"Still, even they are wary of us. But to think they would extend it to the other girls." Mayumi looked a little pissed.
"They do understand that picking a fight with the Yotsuba is not wise so they will settle for easier targets."
"Even so, I don't believe the situation has reached a point where they would try their hand just like that. Someone else must have instigated it. And we just so happen to have a few promising candidates." Kyouko guessed.
"I believe the culprit is Tooyama Tsukasa. She has the position of Sergeant in the National Defense Forces and I learned she was tasked with checking how loyal Shiba-kun is to Japan." Haruka said.
"W-Wait, I could somewhat understand if they were just wary of the Yotsuba or afraid that the engagement was a conspiracy but they are actually afraid Tatsuya-kun will betray his own country?" Mayumi couldn't believe what she just heard.
"Saeki probably had something to do with this as well. She was less than satisfied when she learned that our operation involved attacking military bases that Jiedo Hiegu visited, even more since she only learned after the fact. She must have instigated the idea that Tatsuya cares more about his personal relationships than his nation." Kyouko surmised.
"E-Even so…! Those soldiers were in cahoots with Jiedo Heigu, a foreigner invader! How could she just…!" Mayumi ragered.
"I understand how you feel, Mayumi. But surely you remember? I commented before that Saeki puts too much emphasis on the military. She has this notion that the military should be the main force of the country and that anyone who surpasses it, intentionally or not, should be controlled or, that not being possible, neutralized."
Mayumi seemed frustrated, recalling that Kyouko indeed mentioned something like that before. Haruka as well, was shocked that someone with such a way of thinking reached a position of power. No, maybe it was because she had that drive that she got that far in the army. But it was rather ironic, Saeki disliked the idea of a group stronger than the military as if fearing a coup d'etat, despite the fact that her own way of thinking implied that the army could launch their own coup d'etat on the government.
"Anyway, we have a deal then, Ono-san. Just, you should pretend to accept your assignment while acting as our inside agent."
"You want me to be a double agent. Well, in a way it's better than changing jobs and raising questions. At least for now I will get to keep my daily life intact."
Haruka wasn't necessarily trying to join the Yotsuba nor anything like that, she was just asking for a job because once she got fired she would also likely be blacklisted. Refusing an important job at an important time would have serious consequences on her, or so Haruka guessed.
"Yes. I'm guessing that even though you asked to work for us you want to avoid the fact becoming widespread, right?"
"Well, I might not agree with my superiors but I also don't want the fact that I essentially betrayed my organization to work with Yotsuba-affiliated people to become known."
"Ahaha… I can understand that." Mayumi noded.
"Well then, pleased to have you working with us, Ono Haruka-san." Kyouko extended her hand.
"... The pleasure is all mine, Fujibayashi Kyouko-san. I really hope I won't regret this choice." Haruka shook her hand.
"I promise you we will do your best to make sure you won't, Ono-sensei." Mayumi assured.
Yet again, Tatsuya and co got another ally. That is to say, yet another individual betrayed their group to help Tatsuya.
101 IMEB base
"Lieutenant General, casualties were avoided thanks to their actions." Harunobu tried to reason.
"Regardless of that, they have overstepped their boundaries." Hiromi hissed.
They had just received confirmation that Jiedo Heigu was sentenced to death though not officially. He was going to be dealt with discreetly, the news that he was assassinated while imprisoned due to the danger he presented was never going to be made public. That was not particularly rare but what bothered Hiromi was that it brought back memories of the report about the military base attacked during Jiedo Hiegu's capture.
The operation was mostly carried out by the TMC and they even kept the attack on the base a secret till after the operation was over. Hiromi believed that relying on the TMC too much was dangerous and she felt that this attack was almost an attack directly to her pride. Of course, the soldiers that died during the attack were all traitors and the operation didn't have Hiromi in mind at all but she still couldn't let go of her anger.
"They will pay. The TMC, no, the Yotsuba will definitely pay for this affront! They will learn that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated in my country!" Hiromi angrily swore.
"Lieutenant General…" Harunobu quietly gulped his protests down.
Harunobu knew that whatever he said was not going to work. Hiromi was currently in a state where anything the TMC, especially the Yotsuba, did, would look like an affront to herself. If it was sunny it was to cheer her, if it rained it was to anger her, that kind of self-centered trail of thought, as if Tatsuya had to always act with the purpose of disturbing Hiromi's state of mind when he couldn't care less. Harunobu felt sad seeing his long-time friend and comrade-in-arms breaking down. This was something Harunobu realized about himself but never made an attempt at solving, he prioritized his orders too much, even when they were clearly not in favor of the nation's interests. If his superior could give him just one good reason, he would follow his orders despite having ten other good reasons for not doing so.
"A private organization shouldn't be allowed to wield this much power. At least not without supervision."
"Those words could be taken as a challenge to the TMC. Or even an intent to force them to enlist." Harunobu warned.
"I still meant them. They have too much power in their hands. They need to be managed."
Harunobu didn't point out the way Hiromi said it was dreadfully ominous. Even if one were to change her "managed" to "controlled" it would still carry the same intent. Harunobu didn't believe Hiromi would do something as stupid as wage war against the TMC but he was still afraid she would try other indirect ways of harming or weakening them. Even with all the members of the 101 IMEB, they couldn't possibly compare to the TMC as a whole. Even if Hiromi kept her aim only at the Yotsuba alone, the result would be the same. After all, the Yotsuba by themselves were perhaps as strong, maybe stronger, as the other nine TMC together. Of course, with the engagement, there's no way the other clans would just stand by idly. Picking a fight with the Yotsuba would result in fighting multiple dangerous groups.
"What of First Lieutenant Fujibayashi? Has she contacted us at all ever since?"
"First Lieutenant Fujibayashi has officially retired from the 101 IMEB, or so she asked me to relay." Harunobu informed.
"And why wasn't I notified about this sooner?" Hiromi's mood was evident.
"The notice was received just this morning but Lieutenant General was busy at the time so I judged it would be better to wait until the scheduled break."
"I see… Wait, did you say 'notice'? She didn't deliver a letter of retirement personally?"
"Fujibayashi-dono sent her regards and apologies for not doing it in person. She said she was quite busy with her engagement and other clan business."
"That little girl…! These things have a procedure that must be followed!"
As Kyouko had already resigned, Harunobu already changed the way he referred to her. Hiromi also did the same though her reasons were clearly different, Kyouko was not a little girl but with Hiromi's age, she felt entitled to call her that. It could be considered a disrespect to have sent the letter of retirement via message but Kyouko knew better. Given how Hiromi's been acting lately and the fact that Kyouko is now more connected to Tatsuya (Hiromi's main target mind you) on a personal level, it was obvious that Hiromi was going to attempt something if Kyouko had walked into their base. Harunobu, of course, knew that but kept quiet. Hiromi considered, for a split second, claiming Kyouko was still her subordinate as the procedure was not done correctly but realized doing so would bring more harm than good. After all, if Hiromi refuses to accept Kyouko's retirement and pressures Kyouko, the Kudou and the Yotsuba will certainly pressure Hiromi as well.
"Should I contact the Kudou clan regarding this matter?"
"No, that will only lead to more issues and I don't have the time or the patience to deal with that right now."
"Am I correct in assuming this is not the end?"
"Yes, you are. It seems the Intelligence Department is planning something to test Shiba Tatsuya's loyalty. But we already know the results won't be to their liking given his personality and priorities."
"So they will do the usual?"
"If you mean capturing and brainwashing Tatsuya to become loyal to Japan, then the answer is yes."
"Hm…" Harunobu seemed hesitant about something.
"What is it, Lieutenant Colonel? Surely you aren't getting sentimental."
"No, if ordered to not interfere I won't. But, my personal feelings aside, I do not believe that plan will bore any fruit. While Tatsuya can be potentially killed, I do not believe it's possible to capture him. And even if it was, I do not believe his mind can be brainwashed given all modifications that were already done to it."
"Because of his Regrowth?"
"Indeed. As you know, Tatsuya possesses not only a strong body but a strong mind as well. Adding his Regrowth to the mix and it becomes impossible to knock him out, he will only stop when he or the opponent dies."
"So in the worst case he dies, huh?" Hiromi seemed to be thinking of something dangerous.
"... Lieutenant General, are you thinking of destroying our country's greatest military asset?"
"If we can't control it, it might as well be our country's greatest enemy."
Perhaps it was due to the recent problems between the TMC and the military or maybe Hiromi was just being stubborn, but it seemed she was dead set on either controlling Tatsuya like a puppet or burying him into the ground. Harunobu was not going to disobey his superior but he felt needed to at least give one fair warning before actions that could not be undone were taken.
"Lieutenant General, forgive me for speaking out of line. I will accept any punishment after this."
"What is it?" Hiromi already knew she was not going to like it.
"I understand that Tatsuya can be seen as dangerous and that he is indeed not "loyal" to our country in the most important sense of the word."
"But?"
"Tatsuya will not betray anyone unless he is given a reason to. Tatsuya had no reason to turn his back to Japan but the actions from the Intelligence Department could easily trigger him and his clan."
"He is still too dangerous."
"Lieutenant General, if we keep doing this, we will be the reason he becomes dangerous. The ones trying to backstab our fellow countryman are us, the ones giving him a reason to betray the country are us. He isn't the one striking first, we are." Harunobu said with his eyes closed, already expecting a strong response from Hiromi.
"Are you trying to say it's my fault?! Are you?! Someone with such destructive power and dangerous way of thinking should never have existed in the first place!" Hiromi screamed.
"But he does exist. However, we don't need to fight him. We only are because we can't see eye to eye but we still don't need to fight him."
For a moment, Hiromi seemed to be thinking seriously about the situation. For Harunobu, every second felt like hours. He could only hope his words got through, otherwise it might just be the end for the 101 IMEB. He still left one last thing out as he correctly guessed that it would only serve to trigger Hiromi beyond hope. It was about her argument that the TMC possessed too much power without supervision, even if they came under the control of the army, who would supervise the army in return? Saying that as the authorities they would be more responsible was nothing more than idealism but Hiromi, as part of said group, was not going to listen. Eventually, Hiromi shook her head and spoke.
"We have a duty to eliminate threats to our country, no matter where they come from. Never speak of this again, Lieutenant Colonel."
"... Yes, Lieutenant General." Harunobu spoke, resigned.
Even if Tatsuya died, killed by foreigners or Japanese, the outcome Hiromi hoped for would never come. After Tatsuya, the Yotsuba would be next, and then the allied clans. Regardless of what they did to Tatsuya, winning or losing, they had no future in this path. Harunobu followed Hiromi despite all that since he knew her from a long time ago and that Hiromi really did think of her country's well-being, even if it was from a biased viewpoint. As a person, Harunobu couldn't bring himself to betray his old friend and as a soldier he couldn't bring himself to betray his long-time superior. He could only hope that, at the end, the rest of the 101 IMEB at least were spared.