~ New Friends ~
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Day's have passed since the class representative duel yet the academy was still in a state of disbelief.
Rumors and wild stories had been running around the student body since Amuro's victory and reveal of his personal IS.
Some wild stories tell that he was a secret lovechild of Tabane Shinonono.
Others say he's actually a woman.
Yet among all of these wild rumors, the girl's favorite gossip was his blooming relationship with Cecilia Alcott.
Before, they were just strangers but now? The two are always seen together except when the latter is working on the hangar on his IS unit. Many girls think that the two are already in a relationship.
Well, they're theorist ain't far from the mark as the two were actually collaborating and working together to keep the class in check due one reason;
Orimura Ichika.
Cecilia doesn't know how and why but the other male pilot was a troublemaker or just plain unfortunate with the Academy's student body. Unlike Amuro's admirers (she felt weird calling them that) where they keep their distance from the redhead from afar, Ichika's admirers are pretty handsy and bold compared to the former.
She lost count on how many mobs she had to disperse.
Ichika is lucky his friend Houki is there to keep the girls in line but whenever the man's alone, it's like watching a piece of meat in a piranha tank.
This led to her and Amuro becoming the enforcers of the class to keep the girls in line and show proper decorum as IS pilots and students of the Brunhilde.
Although, she isn't oblivious of the rumors floating around involving her with the red headed male pilot (said redhead straight up ignored the rumors), she won't let it get in the way of her duties to keep the class in working order.
Yet from time to time, they would find the blonde representative blushing like a tomato whenever it's pointed out.
So days passed and they kept on going.
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"How come you got a personal pilot suit?" Ichika whined.
Currently, the entire class 1 is on the field for a practical activity. Naturally, the entire class is garbed in their pilot suits which are skin tight akin to one piece swimsuits. Obviously, the male pilots had different flight suits, being a two piece consisting of skin tight shorts and a small top that exposed the midriff.
Well, Ichika has to wear it because Amuro already had a personal IS flight suit.
The redhead had already seen the female IS pilot suit in the brochures before arriving in the academy. Thinking ahead to avoid embarrassment, he commissioned a personal IS flight suit for himself.
A simple white jumpsuit reminiscent of what he wore in the White Base.
It felt nostalgic and right at the time.
"Cause I don't suck." Amuro can't help teasing Ichika who's very uncomfortable at the leering gazes on him.
If felt like he has entered into a den of wolves and he's the lamb.
Amuro also felt the same but he didn't show any sign of discomfort. Ignoring them to focus on the task on hand.
"Today, we'll have a basic training on IS flight maneuvers." Instructor Chifuyu announced in front of the class gathered in a neat formation with Instructor Yamada beside her.
Curiously, both Instructors are in sports attire which are simple jerseys and hot pants in white and dark blue colors respectively.
"Ichika. Alcott. Both of you start the demonstration." Instructor Chifuyu said as she turned on the said students.
Acknowledging her, Cecilia took point as the Blue Tears enveloped the blonde. Meanwhile, Ichika fumbled around with his IS' closed form, not knowing how to deploy the machine.
Chifuyu sighs at the boy.
"Just call forth the IS, Orimura. We don't have all day here." She impatiently told the boy to hurry up.
"Sorry!" He immediately apologized, turning red in embarrassment.
'Calling its name huh?' Recalling the day he got his IS, Ichika finally remembered its name.
"Byakushiki!" With its name evoked, Ichika's IS was deployed.
Amuro's eyes narrowed as Ichika's machine was revealed.
'They are not even hiding it.'
Minus some parts and accessories while changing its overall design, the Byakushiki was probably the closest IS to resemble the White Knight.
'What the hell is Tabane Shinonono thinking?!'
This doesn't bode well in the future.
Meanwhile, Ichika stood in awe in his IS unit, piloting one for the first time. As he took a step, he almost stumbled to his face if Cecilia didn't pull him back.
"Careful now, your sense of balance is probably skewed with the extra weight on your limbs." Cecilia advises him.
"Thanks, Cecilia-san. Always reliable." Ichika thanked the Vice Representative, genuinely thankful for her help in and out of the class with Amuro's assistance.
If the two didn't step up, his school life here would be more hectic.
In the group, Houki visibly narrowed her eyes at the display. Amuro shook his head at the girl after noticing her jealous look.
Women. He would never understand them.
"On your mark, both of you." Chifuyu barked at the two.
Nodding, Cecilia turned at the male pilot. "Ever flown before?" Ichika immediately shook his head with a nervous smile, making the blonde roll her eyes.
"Just follow my lead, the IS will automatically do its own job. Your only job is to give it the necessary instructions." Cecilia told him.
"Now, follow me." Slowly, Cecilia began to hover off the ground. Ichika nodded and copied her, it took a few seconds but he followed the blonde into the air.
Nodding in approval, Cecilia then rocketed through the air to take the lead. Trailing behind her, Ichika tried to keep up but his flight…
It was like watching a baby bird's first flight. Adorable at first and then it becomes pitiful.
"Orimura, keep up with Alcott. The Byakushiki's specs can do much more than that!" Chifuyu said through the comms.
"I'm trying!" He is but flying for the first time wasn't something he can master immediately, something that her older sister can see.
With a sigh, Chifuyu ordered them to land. Of course, Cecilia landed smoothly shortly afterwards. As for Ichika…
"Take cover!" Amuro yelled as he watched the white IS dive at a rather alarming speed. Cecilia can't help but facepalm, she forgot to teach him how to land.
With a huge crash, the field had a new crater much to Chifuyu's anger and Ichika's embarrassment.
Still, the activity went rather smoothly despite the incident.
It was a good day. Except for Ichika.
It looks like he's gonna get some extra lessons from Houki this afternoon. The male pilot silently lamented his predicament. His only saving grace is that both Cecilia and Amuro would be there to keep him alive.
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Later in the afternoon…
Amuro frowned at the Gundam Uchigane's new data.
The IS itself is finally done updating it's Flight System after the adjustments and development he had done on the machine.
It wasn't looking good.
First, it now has half of its original shield output. It's because of the vernier thrusters around the IS. In order to power them all, energy distribution had to be done throughout every single thruster. It didn't help that his main thrusters and funnel used most of that energy to maximize mobility.
Second, it is now incapable of using energy based weapons like beam weaponry like Cecilia's own drones. With its entire energy output being used for mobility, burdening it with a weapon system would just drain the IS energy supply needlessly. Looks like he had to manually create weapons this time. Not his specialty but he can work with something.
Lastly, his IS is no longer suitable for regular IS duels or events due to failing the shield level criteria. All IS shield levels must always reach a certain criteria for the safety of the pilot in combat.
This would probably lead to complications in the future.
Amuro sighs. Too many things to fix and adjust. It's certainly a challenge but he liked it.
"... It's beautiful." Quicker than the Red Comet, Amuro grabbed the nearest wrench and brought it up as he turned around to bash someone's head.
"KYAAA!!!" Amuro blinked as he looked down at the curled up blue haired girl, covering her head while shaking like a leaf.
Then he realized what he just did.
"I'M SORRY!!!" He immediately threw the wrench away in embarrassment and horror.
Even in the next life, some habits won't go away.
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"I'm really sorry for my actions. Forgive me." Amuro apologized profusely to the girl.
This is Kanzashi Sarashiki, Japan's IS representative candidate, just like Houki.
After some introductions (which is more about Amuro apologizing to the mousy girl), they let bygones be bygones. It was Sarashiki's fault, she would admit it, for sneaking up on him yet Amuro insists it's his. His old habits are resurfacing again despite years of suppression.
It might be because he still doesn't trust the academy.
"So this is the Gundam Uchigane? It's beautiful." Kanzashi adjusted her glasses, admiring the craftsmanship and modification applied on the unassuming Uchigane. Meanwhile, Amuro continued on working on his laptop for further development of the machine.
"I won't call it beautiful." Amuro commented.
There is nothing beautiful about weapons. They are tools. Either for peace or destruction, it's the user's Will to decide.
"Huh?" Kanzashi tilted her head in confusion. Amuro's tone shows no pride or boast to his work. "But she is. You made her more than an Uchigane." She added with a frown.
"She?" Amuro raised an eyebrow.
Kanzashi blushed for taking away his attention, "Well, IS are for women so many address them as a female." She explained.
"Understandable."
The conversation died right there, much to Kanzashi's exasperation. Amuro's workaholic habit didn't really give any skills in conversing with girls except for professional purposes. From past life to new life, this is one of those things that would never change.
"So… what are you working?" Kanzashi can't help but ask, peering over his shoulders to look at his laptop.
All she can see are a bunch of codes and complicated lines that she isn't familiar with.
"I'm working on an AI Learning system for its OS, allowing independent movement without pilot interference."
Kanzashi blinked. That's… ambitious.
An IS capable of independence? That is certainly a huge project.
"But IS cores do the same thing. They gather pilot data and use it to improve their specs for their pilots in the form of evolving into their second shift."
An IS evolving to its 2nd shift isn't uncommon but it's considered a mark of a remarkable pilot as they have surpassed their IS natural limits and had to shift into its 2nd form to accommodate their pilots.
"Exactly but IS cores GATHER data. This one applies that data for independent movement, replicating its pilot's skills to move alone." Amuro explained as he pointed out the difference.
The IS core data gathering actually works along with the AI Learning system as all that data will be used by the Learning system to slowly build an Independent AI system that would function as its pilot while separated from him.
"That is smart. Use what's there and modify it for repurposing." Kanzashi commented in awe. If Amuro somehow makes it work, this would be a huge development in the history of IS development.
Countries are scrambling for female pilots already. To get a chance to use their IS without the need for pilots, they would do everything.
She can't help but feel jealous.
She hated the two of them.
The Japanese government had promised her a personal IS for being their representative candidate. Houki doesn't need a personal IS as her sister would certainly get her one.
Yet they happened.
The moment that two male pilots are discovered in Japan, her personal IS was dropped to develop theirs instead. It's aggravating and insulting. She hated the two of them since day one.
Then one of them changed that.
Amuro Ray made his own IS. No handouts, no assistance or guidance, he just straight up made one for himself.
She can't help but respect him for it.
"...Hmmm, so what brought you here. Not many girls go here unless they have a personal IS." Amuro asked.
"Huh?!" Kanzashi was startled by his question before turning red. In truth, she had nothing to be here in this hangar as it was reserved for Amuro's IS development area.
Now it does look like she's one of those girls hounding Ichika which is the worst.
But in truth….
"Can you… help me?" She asked in a small voice, barely audible to Amuro.
Looking up, Amuro nodded to her to elaborate. As a fellow 1st year student, he is willing to help as long as it's reasonable.
Kanzashi opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Her voice failed her in embarrassment. Sensing her problem, Amuro decided to help her.
"Want to help me with some designs? I needed another person's perspective." He asked.
"Ye-yes!"
Thus their partnership began.
On the field, a certain blonde sneezed before sensing that something was amiss. Her musings would be then interrupted as a certain male pilot crash lands for the 5th time with his childhood friend chasing after him.
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As the sun sets on IS academy, a lone student draws near.
"So this is the IS academy? Hmmmph, he better be glad to my surprise or else." The student huffed before moving in.
Meanwhile at an office, Maya and Chifuyu are busy reviewing Amuro's IS development.
The two had taken great interest in Amuro's unique development in his IS leading to them becoming its main party for review and feedback.
"This is…" Maya stopped, her words failing her as she reviewed the data.
"Absurd. Yes." Chifuyu continued for her, "Especially coming from a civilian IS."
Civilian IS, a designation they had given to the Gundam Uchigane as it fits. Even Amuro accepted it.
He wasn't developing an IS for military use. It was for Civilian usage. An all terrain IS from land, water, air and space. It was an absurd idea but they can see all the benefits and impact to society if Amuro keeps this up.
Chifuyu didn't like Tabane's introduction of the IS, a casual display of power that resulted in today's military arm's race for IS pilots and units. It's barbaric and would hurt everyone in the long run. Even with her having the Monopoly of IS cores, it wouldn't be long until someone cracks the code and starts producing their own IS cores. This is the worst scenario, an all out war.
That's where Amuro is different from the rabbit. The boy had seen the machine and its untapped potential. Space travel? That's one of the biggest industries in the world and has the biggest impacts throughout history. His development of the Gundam Uchigane alone would skyrocket the industry to an untold heights once this comes out. Not to mention the other applications he had added to his IS.
Yet there is danger.
The boy was too bright.
The moment Amuro was discovered to be male pilot, she had decided to use the boy as a smoke cover for her brother. Compared to him, Ichika is just an afterthought to the redhead's accomplishment.
What she didn't expect is for the boy to shine brighter than the diamonds she had in this academy.
He is the next Tabane and just like her, he would be wanted by everyone.
This is a headache.
"Hmm, so he's now out in duels. Lucky." Maya commented about the shield levels. Chifuyu nodded but in her thoughts, the boy must have cut the shield levels in order to skip duel events entirely.
With the Alcott girl being his Vice, he is sitting pretty.
A masterful move on his part.
"It's still a powerful unit." Chifuyu added much to Maya's confusion.
"How?"
"You didn't see? It may be a Civilian unit as we said but it's undeniable. It's an Ace unit. Even surpassing every single unit in the world."
"Huh?!"
Chifuyu shook her head at her colleagues' confusion.
In IS duels, the Gundam Uchigane would fall by the rules imposed on it. But in a real fight…
In a real war, it would dominate the battlefield.
Even without a weapon, it's untouchable with its base speed and sheer mobility that surpasses every single IS unit she knows.
Despite Amuro making it a civilian unit, it was undeniable of what he made.
He made a unit for Ace pilots, a unit that took the lesson of 'Do not get hit' to heart. Isn't that what all fights are all about? One good hit can end it all, so how are you gonna end a fight when you can't even see your opponent?
The Gundam Uchigane is a monster yet to be born.
Chapter End
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Gundam Uchigane Specs
Head - Basic Gundam head which houses Amuro's personal systems like shooting and Personal UI like the original Gundams. He made it purely by habit and preference.
Closed off body Armor - The armor isn't just for safety but for adapting environments as the unit is an all terrain unit. It is capable of handling deep pressure, high heat, and toxic environments. It also supports an oxygen tank and converters connected to the legs.
Legs (Dom thrusters) - stealing the Dom's leg designs, Amuro added these thrusters in order to support the PIC system and give the Uchigane much needed mobility.
Vernier thrusters - all over the Uchigane's main frame are various Vernier thrusters that are powered directly by the core.
Vulcan Funnel Shield/Thrusters - the original Uchigane's shoulder armor was converted into a Vulcan Funnel Shield/Thruster in order to support the Units mobility and give much needed fire power. Not only that, these Funnels have Vulcan Guns installed to give them firepower.
IS core - Currently, Amuro's IS core is developing differently than other IS core due to his Newtype abilities as IS core are capable of monitoring his brainwaves. It's the main reason why his Vulcan Funnels have a smooth activity as Amuro's IS core is adapting to his brainwaves in manipulating the Funnels unlike Cecilia's who needs to concentrate.