From the outside, Border always held such a magnificent view as one of the tallest and largest buildings in Mikado City. Being dead center of the city also provided some more majesty for anyone not use to seeing it.

The outside was surrounded by open areas and deserted buildings. Playgrounds were also seen here and there, not a soul around to use them for entertainment. It was due to the first invasion on the world by the otherworldly appearance of what has now been known as Neighbors.

The inside of the large buildings, while mostly being monochrome, had multiple hallways leading to different areas. Training areas, research departments, lounging areas, and many more had been made for the people who entered the building. The center of the building had a large open area as well.

A single girl walked through the halls of Border until reaching a large open area where many others were gathered. Even after working for the organization for a while now, she continued to get lost due to a lack of presence in the building.

"I believe I have been here before... Oh, no. I hope they do not get mad at me for being so late. Kotowari-kun and Awdry-kun had left class early for duty so I was unable to ask for direction or follow them."

The single girl was Taiyōko Hoshi, a new member of Kotowari Squad.

"And after Kotowari-kun and Fuji-nee went through the trouble of having me officially on their squad within a single night... I should properly apologize when I see them."

Hoshi had asked the day before if she could join Kotowari Squad, expecting it to take some time for the transfer to be complete. It came as a shock when she had been told by Takeshi during the school day that she had been transferred only a few hours after they had spoken to each other.

Her response had been a kind one, yet she had been told that she did not need to join them for their defense duty during the day.

"A proper introduction should come first. You know us two well, but you should properly meet Suzume-senpai before trying to fight alongside us."

Hoshi gave a hum as she sat down on a nearby seat.

He said that but...

Their previous interaction had been brief but Hoshi thought she understood well enough how the older girl did things. The image she had of the dancer did not change, even after meeting her in person.

It may have been due to her naïveté that she did not change her thoughts.

"Ah. It is most likely because of how naïve I am that they did not want me to join them earlier. They were being kind in their decision."

It was a habit for the girl to look at the brighter side of things.

But...

"I cannot blame my current position on anything like that. I suppose I could say it is because I never thought to memorize the layout of Border, but that is only an excuse."

In a rare act for the girl, a sigh escaped her lips.

She turned her head to the left. Then she turned to the right.

"Oh my. I really am out of luck then."

She tried to look around for someone she knew, yet there was no one. Every person she saw was someone new that she had never met.

This is really troubling. I am already causing issues before even joining them proper.

Crying would solve nothing, she knew that and so she never felt like doing such a thing.

With that being the case...

I suppose I will have to listen then. It was really a bit foolish of me to assume that I could find anyone without any assistance. Looking around did not help, so I suppose I can try listening instead.

With Toby and Takeshi both not answering their phones, likely due to being out at the moment, this was the best she could do by herself.

Closing her eyes and righting her posture, Hoshi started listening to the people around her for any voices that seemed familiar to her. She saw no one she knew, but she might gave been able to hear them instead.

The end result was a success.

.

Yuki smiled towards Murakami as he playfully pushed the boy.

The school day had finished and they had been properly informed by Kimura and the directors what roles they would be playing in the upcoming meeting with the sponsors.

They had both been chosen to go to the company building belonging to the Kurosaki family in order to convince them to continue sponsoring Border. Due to the meeting earlier in the day they were aware of what to do.

With that in mind, they spent their free time how they wanted before they would have to enter a den of enemies.

"That was a nice match, Kō. Even if you lost. Buuuuuut~ You losing to Kuga was unexpected."

"Of course you needed to bring that up."

"Heh. You already knew. Nice."

"If you fought him, you would understand how that fight was the way it was."

"Hm~ I wouldn't be against that, but you already know how busy I am at the moment. Besides, just by watching, seeing how you lost, it's clear he has skill."

"Please don't push yourself."

.

Hoshi was quick to open her eyes and look for the source of the two voices.

Her eyes locked on to the two boys who has been walking behind her. One was her blood related brother while the other was a surrogate for her.

I found the best people I could ask for!

Not letting the chance escape her, she got up and made her way towards them.

"Kiyo-nii! Kō-onii-san!"

The two easily heard her and made it a point to stop right away to wait for her. Smiles could be seen on their faces, even as they almost caused some bodies to crash into them by accident.

Once reaching them, Yuki got her in a hug while Murakami simply gave her head a pat.

This is nice.

A fluffy feeling was welling up inside of her chest as she was adored by the two boys she saw as her older brothers.

"What did you need? You had told Sensei that you had something to do today and wouldn't be at the branch office."

"Ah! I am going to formally meet my new squad today. We has spoken about a meet up, but I still need to find out where their room is located."

The responses were immediate

"Who are they? Do we know them? Are they nice? What rank are they? Did they force you into it?"

Hoshi was unsure what to do as the two boys continued firing off questions. With each question they moved forward until they were only inches away.

With no other choice, she answered each of their questions honestly and with no hesitation.

"You both know them. It is Kotowari-kun's squad. They are indeed nice. I am not too sure about their rank. They did not force me into joining them. I had asked Kotowari-kun if I could join and he agreed to it."

The next response was just as immediate.

"Oh. Alright then."

It was truly amazing how fast the two of them went back to being as if nothing happened.

"Well then... I was just looking for directions and was hoping to get some from someone. I noticed the two of you walking by and called out to you. May I please ask for your assistance?"

"Hoshi, you already know you don't have to act like that with us. We'll always be happy to help you. Knowing that you are putting yourself out there and joining a squad - Kotowari Squad no less - is something we are happy about."

"Kō, you're making it sound like we are a couple and she is our child. She isn't bad in any form of the word, but I'm not sure how Mei would feel if we were together."

"That is a lie. You know exactly how she would feel if that was the case."

"I was trying not to think about it..."

"You are the fool who brought it up."

Hoshi laughed as the two boys continued their banter. In her eyes it looked like a real friendship that would have been hard to break for anyone.

It was something she always saw but never knew of.

Her laughing gained the attention of Murakami and Yuki. They looked towards her with some surprise before going to smiles.

Ah. They can still smile in my direction. That makes me happy.

"So Hoshi, you need directions to Kotowari Squad's room? If that's the case then we can take you there and give a greeting ourselves."

"A-ah. I do not want to cause too much trouble for the two of you. Simple directions will be sufficient enough. I am sure Kiyo-nii and Kō-onii-san are very busy. After all- Kyaaa!"

It was unexpected when Hoshi collided with someone while taking some steps back.

Both Yuki and Murakami had been looking directly at her, getting a bit of tunnel vision, and had been unable to see the person until the last moment.

The sound the other person made when hitting the floor was that of a regular person who could not go passed an obstacle. The sound Hoshi had made was a small one, as if she was lowering herself to the ground instead of falling towards it.

If Kushi-nee were here, I would get in trouble for not noticing. If Mu-nii were here then that would not have happened. Since Kiyo-nii is here...

"Hoshi!? Are you okay?"

"Hey, you need to be more- Oh. It's you."

Hoshi looked to her side as she was helped up by Murakami. The person who had crashed into her was trying to find his glasses while getting glared at by her older brother. It seemed as if Yuki wanted the person to know who was going to yell at them.

Noticing the glasses by her feet, she picked them up and held them out towards the person.

"Um... There are your glasses, correct? Seeing them from this angle, you must really need them."

"Oh. Thank you."

Hoshi smiled as the person put on their glasses.

"Now it's time for your scolding, Wakamura."

.

Wakamura was unsure how he missed the person near him as he was looking around the area.

From just two sentences he knew her voice was soothing and nice to listen to. From a glance he knew her appearance was hardly rivaled and completely natural. From her stance and position he knew that she had a caring personality that catered towards others rather than herself.

Someone like her is hard not to notice.

Then he saw them.

From just two sentences he knew Yuki was mad.

From a glance hew knew the two of them were in their trion bodies.

From his stance and position he knew Murakami was ready to do something.

"Wakamura. Explain yourself before we hurt you."

It was an order he was sure he was not going to refuse.

"I was looking for Yōko and didn't see you three there. I'm sorry for bumbling into you... Uh..."

"A-ah! Taiyōko Hoshi! Nice to meet you. And... Um... Kiyo-nii, Kō-onii-san, I am fine, so please do not be harsh on him. It was an accident. An accident."

Her name fit her appearance.

That was Wakamura's first thought upon hearing her name.

I was right about her personality. She's trying to help me out when she is the victim here. Ah~ That kind of thing is so refreshing.

"Fine. But!"

Wakamura felt a shiver when he noticed the glares from the other two boys.

"Wakamura, this is your only warning. Make sure this never happens again. Got it?"

He could only nod his head.

"And you've got a blush going on. Stop looking at Hoshi."

"Kiyo-nii~! Please stop harassing him! And, um..."

"Wakamura Rokurō. Sorry for not introducing myself."

"No, no! That is quite alright. Um... But Wakamura-san, you really do seem agitated. Is everything alright?"

"You don't need to be so formal. I can't be too much older than you. Plus, I did just run into you..."

"You are two or so years older than her. Besides that, it's beast to stay out of Katori Squad's affairs, Hoshi. No offense."

"None taken."

Wakamura was fully aware of how others viewed Katori Squad and their antics. What Yuki had said held no malice and was out of genuine concern for the girl. There was no blaming him for that.

It seemed as if his thoughts got through as Hoshi moved aside Yuki with a small huff, trying to get back into a conversation with him.

"If something is bothering you, I would like to help, Wakamura-san. Ah. But you said not to be so formal... So I may call you Wakamura-kun."

"Someone people just call me 'Rokkun'. But I guess that doesn't concern what you want to know. I was just looking for my squad's captain. It's nothing you need to concern yourself over."

"What about Miura? Is he not helping you?" Murakami asked from the side.

"He's waiting near our room in case he spots her. I'm going around to find her, causing some trouble apparently."

"What the hell did you do to get in trouble with these two of all people? Must have been something pretty messed up, four-eyes."

.

A new set of footsteps had appeared close to the four having a conversation with only Yuki and Murakami seeming to notice it being there.

Once a voice came from the direction of the footsteps did Hoshi and Wakamura looked to see who it was. The person in question worse the same themed outfit as Wakamura while her physical characteristics were that of a female.

"I told you guys I would be a bit late. Why the hell did you go looking for me?"

The girl had a bored look on her face as she held her phone.

"You didn't tell us anything!"

"I think I meant to."

"Knowing you... Whatever. Let's get going. We still need to practice for the next round."

"Why? You guys just need to keep making sure to act me up and we'll be fine."

Wakamura's anger towards the comment was obvious by his expression.

Yuki and Murakami were well aware that they should stay out of the fight while keeping their distance. They had witnessed this kind of thing before and knee that it had nothing to do with them, smothered was no reason to get involved.

As for Hoshi...

"Even if that is how your squad works, would it not be better to have more practice with them? That way you can all find new ways of helping each other. Ah! Yes. That sound like something a squad should do. I should remember that myself..."

She was ignorant to what was happening.

Katori looked away from her phone to see who had been talking. She looked Hoshi up and down before giving a huff.

"You are really playing up the princess act, aren't you?"

"Huh?"

"Look, as long as they don't get in my way, I'm fine. Besides, I've already gotten down what I need to do, so there's no real reason for me to be a part of that. Those two can keep on practicing to help me out and all that since they can't finish the job themselves. You two get it, don't you?"

At seeing Katori turn in their direction, Yuki and Murakami put up their arms in an "X" while shaking their head. They clearly did not want to be involved with the conversation.

On the other hand, Hoshi was far from done with the conversation.

"That is not how it goes! Wakamura-kun and this other person are working hard to assist you out. Since that seems to be the case, you should also be working hard to assist them. That is only fair since I do not think you would be able to win without their assistance. No offense of course. But, as humans, we need assistance from others and in turn assist them in return."

"Oh? And what if we hit our limits? There is no more ways to help someone out if all limits are reached. It's just a dead end that will waste time for everyone involved."

"That is not right either! When you hit the limit then you need to push passed it so that you can get even better! Besides, the capacity of a human is boundless and can go far beyond what anyone can think of! To think that stopping is a good idea is the height of...of..."

"See? You don't even believe what you're saying. You can-"

"It is the height of stupidity and arrogance! People like that are nothing but fools who are afraid of what can be found beyond their limits!"

If the temperature in the area did not chance but no one around would think that as the glare Katori gave felt as if the temperature went down a bit.

Seeing that, Yuki shifted his feet while Murakami moved his arms forward a bit.

Hoshi stood her ground against eh glare that was being directed towards her.

"So you are saying I'm an idiot then?"

"Not at all!"

"Wha-"

"I am simply saying that your way of thinking is idiotic and arrogant. I do not know you well enough to determine if you are an idiot or not."

"..."

Katori was at a loss for words.

Against this girl it seemed as if regular logic would not work while malice flew over her head as if it was just passing by. None of Katori's glare seemed to have even registered for the girl as she only looked back with determination in her eyes.

Seeing that this was a battle he could not win, Katori let out a rough sigh before turning around and start to walk away.

"There's no dealing with you, is there you dumb little girl. Whatever. I don't have time for this crap."

"A-ah! Mah I please ask your name first?"

"You are being polite after all that? Weirdo. Fine. My name is Katori Yōko. I'm that guy's captain."

With that, the girl left again before she could be dragged away by her teammate.

.

Hoshi only watched as Katori walked away from them.

After meeting Wakamura, she had not expected for his captain to be the opposite of him. She had been unprepared to handle a person like that.

"I really dislike people like her! I will still try to get along with her, but it will not be easy. Still... People like her deserve a slap on the wrist and...a kick to the chin!"

"I agree. I should go drag her back, so I need to be leaving. But Taiyōko, I'm in your side when it comes to showing her how wrong she is. I really look forward to seeing how you do this."

"A-ah! Yes! I will try my best!"

She lowered her head a bit when he gave a small laugh in response. It was clear he was not being rude by laughing and instead just reaffirming that he was on her side.

With her now joining a squad involved with the B-Rank Wars there was a possibility they would be opponents yet here he was, saying that he was on her side. It was likely that he would not be going easy on her if they were to fight. She knew that. Even so, it was something to look forward to.

Hoshi smiled in his direction as he started for the direction his captain had gone.

Wakamura-kun is a good guy. That makes me happy to know.

Remembering that there were still two other people with her, she turned around to see Yuki and Murakami talking in hushed voices. It was hard to make out what they were saying and trying to read lips was not an option when Yuki always made it a point to make it an impossible feet when he spoke.

The two boys seemed to have notice her looking towards them since they stopped talking and smiled towards her.

She placed a hand on her chest when a small ache started to form.

It is not the same as before. They will not leave me. I need to just believe that they will not leave me.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. Nothing is wrong. I apologize for worrying you."

She could only smile and hope.

"I see... Well Kō and I need to get going. Sorry we can't walk with you to Kotowari Squad's room. I'll send you the directions though, so don't worry about that."

"Thank you, Kiyo-nii. I very much appreciate it."

"No need for that. Of course I would do this for my little sister."

Then why did you leave?

She tried to push the bitter thoughts out.

When her phone vibrated in her pocket she knew she had gotten the directions. While this meant that Yuki and Murakami would not be walking with her, it was still more than enough that they had helped her out.

The love she had for her family was overflowing, but at the same time she understood that she should not expect much from them. They would tend to leave others and always had something else to do.

They love her and she loves them. She would always be there for them as their younger sister and they would always keep to themselves, helping only when they felt like it.

It was just like their parents.

Reality is painful.

She would not cry, she would not complain out loud, and she would never let these forbidden bitter thoughts be known.

People viewed her as the perfect princess in the family of soldiers, no blemishes to be seen both on the outside as well as the inside. Keeping that image up for the sake of others was all she could do on a basic level where her siblings could not reach.

.

Murakami could see conflicting feels each time he was with Hoshi.

At first it was clear what those feels were and how they came about. As time went on it became even make clear that he had only seen the surface conflict the girl had as he became more aware of how her family acted towards certain topics. At some point he learned just how much trouble tha Taiyōko family truly was.

The oldest sister was a monster, the oldest brother rejected his own existence, the younger brother was detached from everything around him, and the younger sister did not know what to do about any of it. It was the complete opposite of a fun actual family.

Besides the four siblings, he had met the parents of them a few times. Each time they had spoken to each other it seemed more and more like that were cautious around him. As if there was something they did not want to get out or that he would do something to destroy them. It was made worse when he saw that he was the only who got that treatment from them.

There was nothing he could do to help them.

Even now there was very little he could manage when compared to the four siblings. The monster was beyond his level, his friend would continue to reject himself, their brother would stay detached from him no matter what he said, and this girl...

"Ah! Kō-onii-san, may I ask for your assistance later on?"

He could only do the bare minimum for her.

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Eeeeeehhh!? What about me? What about Kiyo-nii!?"

"My apologizes, but Kō-onii-san is more reliable on the matter than you are."

It was hard not to be smug when Yuki gets hit some shocking truth.

"I need your assistance in testing something out. I will send you all of the details when I can, but I basically need you to assist in testing out Minoru-senpai's trion body. It is unlike a regular one and you would be best for this."

"Oh, so this is also helping out Minoru. Then I really can't reject this request. That is fine. Just send me everything like you said and I will be there."

"Thank you, Kō-onii!"

Murakami could only be surprised when Hoshi wrapped her arms around him, smiling all the while. The look of shock from Yuki was enough to make Murakami feel smug once more.

I win this time.

As she neared the room, Hoshi could hear something.

"Let us pass, let us pass. Where does this narrow path lead us? This is a narrow pathway to our hopes and dreams."

A beautiful voice was heard as music accompanied the words.

"Please allow us to pass.

"You have no reason to pass. You will not pass.

"To celebrate our everything. We offer our everything to those lost."

Small rhythmic steps started to be heard as she drew closer to the room. They moved in synch with the music and words, as if they were part of the song itself and not a dance accompanying it.

This song is familiar...

An older woman's voice came to mind.

A younger girl's voice continued to sing.

"Going in may be nice, but returning would be scary. It is scary, but let me pass, let me pass. This is the narrow pathway to our hopes and dreams."

This is a song of passage.

No one should have known that she was listening from beyond the door, yet it felt like this song of passage was being sung directly towards her. It felt as if she was being invited to pass through.

The words were different, but she understood where this song came from.

"Let us pass, let us pass. Where does this narrow path lead us? This is a narrow pathway to our hopes and dreams."

The chorus began again as the song continued in a beat-for-beat fashion that was not unlike a pop concert. The main difference was that it also felt old fashioned as meant for anyone who was hearing it.

"Please allow us to pass.

"You have no reason to pass. You will not pass.

"To celebrate our everything. We offer our everything to those with us."

It was ending.

"Going there is fine, but returning is frightening. I am scared, but let me pass. Let me pass..."

Hoshi knew what she had been reminded of the moment the song ended.

She had heard it while crossing the streets and when she had been younger. It was a song that most children heard and learned. The lyrics were different, but there was no mistaking it.

Tooryanse.

This song was the same, yet so very different. Words were changed and the tempo was far different from what it normally was when player in Mikado City.

This was a song of passage.

For such a song to have such a meaning...

She is talking about more than just herself. This song was not just for the people inside of that room. Everyone who can hear that song... It is for them to find their own way.

How had she known?

Hoshi was surprised that she could come to such a conclusion. She could not give proper answers to Minoru during the recent B-Rank War match, yet she managed to find an answer for a song she was not meant to hear, yet would have no issues saying she heard.

Then a new thought came.

Should I find my own passage? Have I been stuck at a "gate" the whole time. Kiyoshi-nii, Kushikage-nee and Mukuro-nii... They may have found their own passage and were unable to take me.

Then what had become of Murakami Kō?

I-

"Hoshi, you can come in whenever you feel like. There is no need to be shy. You already know three of the four people in here."

.

Mei smiled as the door slowly opened.

A girl's head appeared from behind the door, a sheepish expression evident on her face.

"A-ah... Pardon my intrusion."

Once the girl was in full view, Mei quickly took note of the pin holding her hair back and smiled.

"Welcome. Takeshi has told us about your conversation with him. You are officially in Kotowari Squad and can participate in out next B-Rank War match."

"Th-thank you very much for this opportunity! I appreciate it!"

Mei was going to answer back but was stopped as Toby raised his voice from the sofa against the wall.

"No problem! Hoshi, we're friends and know how much of a hard worker you are! No way would we not want someone like you here!"

"Thank you, Awdry-kun."

"And..."

Mei smiled when Toby looked away with a small blush.

"Again, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding from before."

"N-no, no! That was also my fault for using the incorrect phrasing!"

There was no malice due to the incident and the two seemed to be fine taking the blame as a two-sided thing between them.

It was still rather funny to think about.

"Heh heh heh~ That did provide some nice material though. I am honestly happy with the outcome. The storyboard is coming along nicely and Ken-kun has been such a help with it as well."

"I am glad to be of assistance...?"

"That is not something to be happy about."

"Kō has been avoiding me and Tatsuhito is trying to pet me more because of you! Takuma is also keeping away from No because of that too!"

"That is honestly your fault for being so pure. I am sure Kōchō-chan will love seeing the end result. She has been asking for things on you, so you should probably talk to her at some point."

"So that's why she has been keeping that fake smile on..."

Mei only watched as the conversation went on between two of the best defensive Side Effect users. The minor issues Toby would be having could be solved by talking to Suzume, someone who understood such minor issues.

Next to them, Takeshi had taken to explaining how their squad worked to Hoshi. The girl listened intently to what was being said, missing of some the small jokes that Takeshi tried to give.

How nostalgic...

The fluffy feeling in her chest was not something she was too accustomed to feeling. It was light and loose, yet firm and solid, as if it would not leave but held no burdens in it.

Being with the former Tsukiko Squad - with Yuki - the feeling was relatively the same, yet it felt overbearing. Everyone would enjoy themselves as much as possible, but it always felt like there was a pressure on them that made it feel as if it was fake happiness. As if nothing that was going on was real.

I suppose that should have been obvious given who was always involved. Yuki was still faking his life. Takeshi still could not see "colors". Toby was more of a pet than anything else. Suzume was not as free to move as she liked. As for me...

She was suffocating herself.

Her thoughts had to always been in check, making sure Rampage Dress was never seen. Each calculation felt as if it would lead to complete destruction. It was hard for her to be free when her own mind and body were restraining her.

But now...

"Fuji-nee?"

She can confirm that families are not always the same.

"I am fine. Thank you for coming, Hoshi."

.

It was strange to see Mei as she was now.

Hoshi vaguely knew about what happened with Mei and her change of name, but only the bare minimum. Only what Murakami had told her.

She seems so much happier now. That is good.

She seemed much more free.

"I thank you again for assisting me. I will try not to let any of you down."

"Oh! How cute! Hoshi-chan, you really are adorable! Take and the dog-boy had told me about you, but their words honestly don't do you justice! You are way too cute and kind to be hanging out with them!"

"U-um... That i-is not true... Um..."

Once she was able to see again, Hoshi looked towards the girl who was backing away with an impish smile.

"Heh heh heh. Misaki Suzumebachi. Suzume or Suzu is fine though. Our squad does not do formalities with each other, so honestly feel free to speak your mind however you like. Like I had said, I know a bit about you, Taiyōko Hoshi-chan."

"I-I see. Well, um, Misaki-senpai, could you please...not say such things? Kotowari-kun and Awdry-kun are amazing people, so please do not say I am better than them. I would...very much appreciate that."

The next smile the girl gave was much more soft, as if she was looking at a sibling who had just stood up for themselves. It was nice to see that smile, but it also hurt once she realized her own siblings would show no such smile towards her.

From the former of her eyes she could also see Toby and Takeshi looking towards them in surprise.

"You are a good girl, Hoshi-chan. I am honestly happy that you will be joining our squad. Even so..."

The girl with a kind smile motioned for her to come closer.

She did just that as the girl lowered her voice while leaning forward.

"You need to understand that I am simply joking around when I say that. I know just how great those boys honestly are. They are like my very own little brothers, I I just have a tendency to tease them. If you want, I will try to keep that teasing down a bit."

Hoshi remembered the song she had just heard before entering the room.

It had been a song sung with emotion and the words were meant to speak of multiple people instead of one like how the original songs went.

Mei seemed to have been sitting down already so it was made clear who exactly had sung that song of passage. This girl had done so, speaking about her and the people she cared about. With what she had just said it was clear that both Takeshi and Toby were in that group of people.

She wanted them to pass through with her.

"What did you tell her, Senpai?"

"Nothing important~"

"Listen Hoshi, whatever she told you, just ignore it. She has a tendency to let things out that she really shouldn't. If you aren't careful, she will put you in a doujinshi! She's been doing that to me ever since I met her! She does give compensation... But that's not the point!"

The girl turned away from the yelling boy, fully intending to ignore him, and face Hoshi once more. Her kind smile came back as she spread her arms out wide as if to embrace her.

"I hope you honestly feel welcomed here."

The girl - Suzume-senpai - was speaking honestly. There was no teasing in her voice and she truly did want Hoshi to feel welcomed.

There was only one way she could respond to such honesty.

"May I... If I can really become a part of this squad and have you all really accept me... May I pass through with you all?"

"Heh heh heh. Silly, pure girl. We have accepted you the moment you asked to join us."

That could only mean...

"Of course you may pass through."