The restaurant in Hanamikoji was a modest establishment nestled amidst the narrow streets of Gion district. Its polished wooden interiors and paper lanterns exuded an understated elegance that drew merchants, nobles, and those who sought quiet, neutral ground for their discussions. Today, it was the backdrop for a meeting between Shirogane Takeru and his trusted vassal, Gotō Shōsuke.
Gotō Shōsuke, a descendant of the famed Osaka merchant Gotō Shōsaburō, was a man of sharp wit and unyielding ambition. Takeru had met him two years ago, as far as he could remember. He was initially wary of placing his trust in someone so eager to prove himself. But Shōsuke had exceeded expectations, demonstrating an almost dogged loyalty to the Shirogane clan and excelling in every task he was given.
Seated at a low table in a private room, Takeru listened intently as Gotō gave his report. The faint hum of conversations beyond the sliding shoji doors and the occasional clink of dishes provided a rather subdued ambiance. A pot of warm sake sat between them, its comforting aroma blending with the faint scent of cedarwood that permeated the room.
"Business is booming, Shirogane-sama," Gotō said, his voice measured but carrying a note of pride. "The investments you made in food production and TSF materials are already yielding significant returns. The merchant circles are abuzz, wondering if you have access to some secret intelligence."
Takeru chuckled softly, taking a sip from his cup. "Secrets? No, just luck," he replied, his tone casual but deliberate. He couldn't very well tell Gotō the truth — that his insights came from lifetimes of experience, studying the ebb and flow of history, and correlating data across timelines.
Gotō raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "With all due respect, Shirogane-sama, I don't believe in luck. Especially not when I've seen you in action. If I hadn't accompanied you to that business negotiation two days ago, I wouldn't have realized how many talents you possess."
Takeru gave a faint smile, shaking his head. "You're giving me too much credit, Shōsuke. I'm simply reading where the wind is blowing."
Gotō leaned forward, pouring sake into Takeru's cup. "And where that wind is blowing seems to lead straight to a pot of gold," he said with a grin.
Takeru laughed quietly, raising his cup in a small toast. "Let's hope it keeps blowing in the right direction."
As they sipped their sake, Gotō's expression turned more serious. He set his cup down and leaned back slightly, folding his arms. "Shirogane-sama, forgive me if this is too forward, but… do you think you'll be deployed soon? Will Horn Company find itself in the thick of the fight?"
Takeru set his cup down with deliberate care, his gaze steady as he met Gotō's eyes. "It's likely," he admitted. "The way things are progressing, my deployment feels inevitable. But my survival is what will ensure that we thrive, Shōsuke."
Gotō frowned, his usually confident demeanor wavering. "Are you confident?" he asked, his voice quieter now. "Confident you can survive… the eight minutes of death?"
Takeru almost smirked at the question. Confident? He could hardly think of anyone in this world who had more experience piloting a TSF than he did. Across countless timelines, he had fought in every imaginable scenario, against every class of BETA, and emerged victorious time and time again. Dogfighting, evasive maneuvers — it was second nature to him. Few could match his skill, let alone surpass it.
Still, he kept his thoughts to himself, choosing instead to give a measured response. "I've trained for this, Shōsuke. And I trust in my ability to survive."
Gotō nodded, though the worry in his eyes didn't fade entirely. "The BETA…" he muttered, his voice trailing off. He shook his head, his tone turning somber. "They're closing in. I hear whispers of trouble on the main continent. Do you think the Unified Front of China can hold?"
"It'll be difficult," Takeru said, his voice even. "Even with the COSEAN forces and the UN providing support, the odds aren't in their favor. The front lines are stretched too thin, and the BETA's advance is relentless."
Gotō frowned deeply, his brow furrowing. "If it's so grim, Shirogane-sama, then… is it truly necessary for you to agree to this? To risk your life on the front lines?"
Takeru's expression hardened slightly, his gaze unwavering. "It's a matter of honor and achievement," he said firmly. "In this era, the new samurai are those who pilot TSFs. To lead, to exert influence, to uphold the Shirogane name — I must become a veteran. It's a gamble, yes, but one I'm willing to take."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of resolve. "If I survive, it will prove that the Shirogane clan isn't afraid of the BETA. That even its last heir is willing to risk everything to serve the Empire. That loyalty and courage run deep in our blood. Who would dare question us after this?"
Gotō studied him for a long moment, admiration flickering in his eyes. "You're braver than most, Shirogane-sama," he said softly. "I don't know if I could do the same in your position."
Takeru's lips quirked into a faint smile. "You don't need to, Shōsuke. Your role is different. As long as you continue to be useful in other ways, that's enough."
Gotō sighed, shaking his head with a rueful smile. "You always make it sound so simple, but it's not. Still…" He lifted his cup, his expression resolute. "To your endeavors, Shirogane-sama. May you achieve all that you set out to do."
Takeru raised his own cup in return, their glasses clinking softly. "And to yours, Gotō. May we both find success."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as the evening wore on, the weight of their earlier discussion giving way to more casual banter. But even as they laughed and shared stories, the shadow of the BETA loomed in the back of their minds like a constant reminder of the storm on the horizon.
Takeru sat at the head of the table, his hands resting lightly on the polished wood. Around him sat the men of Horn Company, their postures varying between stiff formality and subtle unease. The air was thick with unspoken grievances, and though none dared speak outright, their displeasure was clear sometimes in the way their gazes flickered toward Takeru when they thought he wasn't looking.
At the far end of the room, the Imperial Royal Guard veteran, a grizzled officer with the kind of sharp gaze that could cut through steel, stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His voice, gravelly from years of barking orders, filled the space with a measured cadence as he briefed them on the current situation.
"The construction of a Bhopal Hive had begun in India a year ago," he began, his tone grave. "Following the evacuation of Europe, humanity's focus has shifted to the Indian subcontinent in preparation for a potential capture of the Kashgar Hive. However, recent intelligence indicates a far more immediate threat."
He stepped forward, his polished boots clicking softly against the floor. "A massive BETA force from Kashgar has initiated an all-out eastward push. Northeast Eurasia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia have become the primary battlefields. The Unified Front of China, the Soviet Union, and various Southeast Asian nations are engaged in furious defensive campaigns, but their lines are buckling under the sheer weight of the BETA advance."
The officer paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"The Imperial Diet has deemed this eastward advance a national crisis for the Empire of Japan. To counter this threat, the Imperial Army has formed the Continental Expeditionary Force — a large-scale deployment of armored units with a focus on Tactical Surface Fighters. This force will be sent to the East Asian frontlines to aid our allies and defend against the BETA incursion."
He turned his steely gaze toward Horn Company, his voice growing sharper. "And you, gentlemen, will be among them. Horn Company will be attached to the Continental Expeditionary Force."
The room fell silent, the gravity of their orders hanging over them like a storm cloud.
The officer's gaze swept across the room before settling on Takeru. "Leading you will be Captain Shirogane," he announced, his voice firm. "Jun Sakai will serve as his second-in-command."
Takeru's expression remained stoic, his posture as rigid as steel. He felt the weight of the announcement settle over him, but he didn't flinch. He had expected this.
The officer continued, "Your duty is twofold. To demonstrate the martial strength of the Empire and to field-test the Japanese-modified Kagerous in live combat. The eyes of the Empire will be upon you. Do not disappoint."
As the officer's speech concluded, the room remained silent, the tension now more palpable than before. Takeru's sharp eyes swept over the faces of his team.
Takeda Haruto, the tactician of the group, sat with his hands folded neatly, his expression unreadable but his eyes hard. Fujimoto Daiki, boisterous as always, fidgeted slightly in his seat, his brow furrowed. Nakamura Renji, quiet and precise, watched Takeru carefully, his face betraying nothing. Okabe Shun leaned back in his chair with a faint scowl.
Tanaka Hiroshi sat stiffly, his jaw clenched. Kobayashi Riku and Matsuda Sota exchanged brief glances, their expressions tight.
They had no complaints — at least, none they voiced aloud. But the tension in their postures, the occasional flicker of discontent in their eyes, spoke volumes.
The officer didn't miss it either. His lips curled into a thin smile, the kind that didn't reach his eyes.
"I can see some of you aren't thrilled by this decision," he said, his voice dripping with irony. "But let me remind you, Captain Shirogane earned this position. His status alone would have secured him the rank, yes. But he has also bested you in combat. Treated you like amateurs, even."
The words stung, and the men's jaws tightened.
"But if truth to be told, until you face the BETA yourselves, you all have no right to this rank," the officer added sharply.
Takeru remained silent, his expression unchanged. He could feel the weight of their resentment, the unspoken doubts simmering beneath the surface. He didn't blame them. Prideful as they were, these men—nobles, samurai, and heirs to storied lineages weren't used to being humbled, let alone by someone they barely knew.
But Takeru also knew that allowing their grievances to fester unchecked would only harm the cohesion of the team.
Straightening slightly, he placed his hands on the table and spoke, his tone calm, measured, and toneless. "If any of you cannot contain your emotions, then perhaps you should remain in the Empire. The battlefield is not a place for pride. But it will decide who lives and who dies, and your noble lineage will mean nothing to the BETA."
His sharp gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each man in turn. "We are soldiers in the field. Not nobles parading our titles. The face of the Empire rests on our shoulders. If you can't accept that, then you are free to step down. But if you are here, act like soldiers. Not noble fools."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension crackling like static in the air.
The officer broke it with a low chuckle. "Well said, Captain Shirogane," he remarked, a hint of approval in his voice. "And let me remind you all — disobeying a superior officer will lead to a court-martial. And in the field, disobedience can be met with immediate execution."
The men's expressions shifted, their resentment replaced by reluctant acceptance. They nodded in unison, though some did so through gritted teeth.
Takeru's stoic façade didn't falter, even as the tension began to ease. Inside, he felt a flicker of satisfaction. The men weren't happy, but they would follow. That was enough.
The officer dismissed them shortly after, and the men filed out of the room, their expressions ranging from grim determination to quiet frustration.
After that briefing, Takeru had another destination.
The Koubuin Estate was as grand as ever, its imposing gates and meticulously maintained grounds a testament to its prestige and power. The crisp air carried the faint scent of pine and sakura, mingling with the quiet dignity of the place. Shirogane Takeru stepped out of the car, dressed sharply in his black and gold Imperial Royal Guard uniform. The Shirohana no Yaiba hung at his side.
The attendants who greeted him bowed deeply before escorting him to the inner halls. Takeru's footsteps echoed softly against the polished wooden floors as he was led to Yuuhi-sama's chamber.
She was waiting for him, seated elegantly on a zabuton cushion behind a low table. Her violet hair was tied neatly, framing her delicate features, and her blue eyes carried a calm wisdom far beyond her years. Beside her stood Tsukuyomi Maya, as stoic and composed as ever.
"Shirogane-sama," Yuuhi greeted, her voice soft but clear.
Takeru bowed deeply, his movements precise and practiced. "Yuuhi-sama. Thank you for granting me an audience."
Yuuhi gestured for him to sit, and he did so, placing a lacquered wooden box on the table between them. The box was unassuming, but the gravity of its contents weighed heavily on the room.
Takeru slid it forward. "This is my will," he said simply.
Yuuhi's serene expression faltered ever so slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She exchanged a brief glance with Maya, who remained silent, then returned her gaze to Takeru.
"You're preparing for the worst," she observed, her voice steady.
Takeru nodded. "It's only prudent. As confident as I am in my abilities, the battlefield offers no guarantees."
Yuuhi regarded him quietly for a moment, her hands folded neatly in her lap. "Are you afraid, Shirogane-sama?"
Takeru met her gaze without hesitation. "Yes," he admitted, his tone calm but resolute. "I am afraid. Anyone who isn't afraid of the BETA is either a fool or a liar."
His honesty seemed to catch Yuuhi off guard. She tilted her head slightly, studying him. "And yet, despite your fear, you still choose to fight. Why?"
Takeru's expression hardened. "Because I'm afraid of the BETA, I want to see them destroyed. I want to erase the nightmare they represent. It's my motivator."
Yuuhi chuckled softly, a sound that was both amused and approving. "You truly are fearless, Shirogane-sama."
Takeru allowed himself a small smile. "Didn't I just say I wasn't?"
Her laughter lingered for a moment before fading into a contemplative silence. She studied him with an expression that was both curious and solemn. "I see. Then I will say no more, except this: I hope you return. The Shirogane name has always stood for loyalty and strength, and I believe you will honor that legacy."
"Thank you, Yuuhi-sama," Takeru said, bowing his head slightly.
With the formalities concluded, Takeru rose and excused himself, leaving the will in Yuuhi's care. Maya escorted him to the gate, her stoicism unbroken, though Takeru noticed the faintest flicker of concern in her sharp eyes.
"Be careful out there, Shirogane-sama," she said quietly before he departed.
Takeru nodded. "I will."
Later that evening, Takeru found himself standing beside his father, Shirogane Kageyuki, in the garden of their estate. The moonlight reflected off the surface of the koi pond, casting a silvery glow over the water as the fish glided lazily beneath the surface. The sound of the gently flowing water mingled with the rustling of the wind through the trees.
For a while, they stood in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.
Kageyuki was the first to speak, his voice low and measured. "Your brothers died serving the Empire."
Takeru said nothing, his gaze fixed on the pond.
"They gave everything for the Shirogane name, for the Empire," Kageyuki continued, his tone heavy with something that resembled guilt. "And now, I wonder… will I lose you too?"
The question lingered in the air, unanswered.
Takeru finally spoke, his tone calm but detached. "Will this solidify the Shirogane name?"
Kageyuki turned to him, his expression unreadable. "Yes," he said simply. "It will."
A pause. Then, in a quieter voice, Kageyuki asked, "Do you loathe me, Takeru?"
Takeru didn't respond immediately. The question seemed to settle into the silence like a stone sinking into water. When he finally spoke, his voice was even, devoid of emotion. "I'm indifferent."
Kageyuki's brow furrowed slightly, his eyes narrowing.
Takeru continued, his gaze still fixed on the koi pond. He has memories of his father and his brothers inherited from this timeline's Takeru. But if he was being honest, Takeru didn't feel any strong affection for his father or for them. So he could only answer vaguely.
"It's… complicated."
Kageyuki didn't reply, his face betraying a flicker of pain before settling into his usual stoic mask.
"But," Takeru added, turning to meet his father's gaze, "I will honor the Shirogane name. I will uphold the responsibilities entrusted to me. That much, I can promise."
Kageyuki's shoulders relaxed slightly, and he inclined his head. "Thank you, Takeru."
They fell into silence once more, the only sounds the quiet ripple of the pond and the distant chirping of crickets.
The halls of the Imperial University were quieter than usual, their once-bustling energy dulled by the growing shadow of war. Takeru strode purposefully toward the faculty offices, the last of his reports tucked under his arm. His black and gold Imperial Royal Guard uniform stood out starkly against the subdued colors of the students and professors, drawing more than a few glances as he passed.
When he reached the faculty offices, the professors greeted him warmly, their expressions a mix of pride and somber understanding.
"Shirogane-sama," one of them said, his tone respectful. "Your work has been exemplary. We have no doubt you will represent the Empire with the same dedication and brilliance on the battlefield."
"Congratulations, and good luck," another chimed in, a hint of sadness in her smile.
Takeru bowed politely, his expression composed. "Thank you. I've learned much under your guidance."
It was clear to him, as he exchanged formalities with the faculty, that they knew the truth that he and others like him were being sent to war. With his final obligations complete, Takeru exited the faculty building, an icy wind greeting him as he stepped outside.
He hadn't made it far before he spotted a familiar figure walking.
Yuuko, her violet hair slightly disheveled and dark circles under her sharp eyes, looked every bit as exhausted. She held a stack of papers in her arms, and the moment her gaze landed on Takeru, she pushed them into his hands without a word, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Good to see you too, Yuuko," Takeru said dryly, adjusting the papers she had so unceremoniously dumped on him.
Yuuko let out a dramatic sigh, brushing her hair back as she started walking. "Don't just stand there. Follow me."
Takeru raised an eyebrow but complied, his curiosity piqued as he trailed after her. They made their way to the physics wing, the quiet of the building amplifying the sound of their footsteps.
When they entered the physics room, Takeru set the papers down on a nearby desk, his eyes catching the bold title on the cover page of the top document. Quantum Causality Theory.
He flipped the page open, scanning its contents briefly before placing it aside. The dense equations and theoretical diagrams were all too familiar to him.
"You've been busy," he remarked, leaning against the desk as Yuuko shuffled through some notes.
"Of course," she said, not looking up. "Unlike some people, I don't have the luxury of going off to play soldier."
Takeru ignored the jab, his gaze drifting around the room. "How's everything going in the Applied Quantum Physics Laboratory? And with Professor Kiriyama?"
Yuuko waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine. The research is progressing well enough, though slower than I'd like. Too many idiots slowing me down."
Takeru's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her face. "You don't look fine."
Yuuko smirked, her usual sharpness returning. "That's because my lover is about to leave me."
Takeru blinked, his expression deadpan. "Oh? Who's this mysterious lover of yours?"
Clicking her tongue, Yuuko turned her head away, a small pout forming on her lips. "You're no fun, Takeru-kun."
He rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "If you're done being dramatic, maybe you can tell me why you dragged me here."
Yuuko turned back to him, her violet eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and challenge. "Fine. Since you're so smart, why don't you tell me what my Quantum Causality Theory is all about?"
Takeru met her gaze evenly, his voice calm and measured as he began to explain. "The Quantum Causality Theory is based on the principle that cause-and-effect relationships aren't strictly linear. It theorizes that events in the present can influence not only the future but also the past, creating a causal loop."
Yuuko's smirk grew wider, her expression one of satisfied amusement. "Not bad. That's exactly right."
There was a flicker of something in her eyes then — something almost fanatical. She straightened, her posture more rigid as she declared, "One day, I will save humanity from the BETA. My work will leave my name in the annals of history, a legacy no one will ever forget."
Takeru grinned faintly, his tone light but challenging. "Well, I might just beat you to it."
Yuuko frowned at him, the corners of her lips twitching upward despite herself. "Hmph. I'd like to see you try."
She laughed softly, the sound trailing off as her expression shifted to something more thoughtful. Leaning casually against the desk, she eyed him with a sly grin. "So, Shirogane, want a quick fuck before you head off to die?"
Takeru let out a sigh, shaking his head. "Not really. Besides, I don't plan on dying anytime soon."
Yuuko clicked her tongue, her expression a mix of mock disappointment and amusement. "Is that so? Well, don't expect me to bet on it. I'm saying goodbye here. I don't like being bothered with sentimental nonsense when you get killed by the BETA."
"That so?" Takeru shrugged, pushing off the desk and heading for the door. "Anyway, see you later, Yuuko."
As he left the room, Yuuko watched him go, her arms crossed and her face… looking worried. When the sound of his footsteps faded, she muttered under her breath, "See you later... Takeru."