前のエピソード――Chapter Five Part Twelve | Kaga's Surprise

[--CHAPTER SIX : PROJECTIONS--]

　Quiet chattering, just like the last time Shigure was in the common room. However, unlike before, Akasha squadron are uniformed, some even wearing the mandatory combat flak vests. No matter the situation, these soldiers manage to remain in good spirits. Despite their impending deployment, and remaining at condition one.

　He'd found himself a corner away from the rest, and occupied himself with his smartphone. As usual, scrolling through documents and digital paperwork. He's felt the change within him, hence his presence amongst everyone else instead of his office. Truthfully, it's not too bad. They tend to leave him alone.

　Maybe if Shigure watches silently from the side whilst they mingle, he'll have an idea how they perform in battle. The combat that has it's reality seep further and further into him.

　Members of this squad are surprisingly attractive - not the rough appearing people you'd expect. They all seem young, also. Perhaps it's the workings of 'Sir' - Yamamoto - trying to get to Shigure's head. Though it could be a simple coincidence. Regardless, the psychological effect of thinking of their deaths, and witnessing them, ticks away in his head.

　Everything about this place ever since he returned, has been causing more and more to resurface. He cannot for the life of him, clear his mind. It's infuriating, and, terrifying.

　Looking up from his phone to a noise signifying the opening of a door. Yato, Zhaojun, and Ryuuji, also fully uniformed for combat waltz in. Apprehensive at first, but upon seeing Shigure they regain their confidence.

　Akasha squadron quiets, gazing at the new members.

　Sergeant Goto nods to the three. "Welcome. I assume you 3 are the Commodore's?"

　"You'd be correct." Ryuuji, still wearing his irritated expression, responds curtly. Not seeming to win the first impressions game.

　Yato hits his shoulder lightly, a somewhat angry frown. "Ryuuji! Be nice!" She scolds him in a hushed tone.

　Scoffing as is tradition for him. Some of Akasha's members find it amusing, others annoying and disrespectful.

　3 more members joining Akasha squadron. Bringing the total to 25. That is 25 Gleipnirs to command when in battle, a task Shigure usually left up to independent thought. But now, with operators not as experienced, he'll actually have to do his job as a Directive Officer. At least the 3 he knows are somewhat capable, almost gifted.

　Shigure didn't need the added stress of Ichijo and Takeuchi's behaviours, so in a twisted way, it is beneficial they were injured.

　"Let's introduce ourselves, okay?" She speaks still in a scolding tone. Turning to everyone else, now with her usual friendly expression. "Hi everyone~! I'm GFM-1st Lieutenant Yato, happy to meet you all. Let's get along!" She casts her head to the side, smiling.

　Analysing the faces and ways Akasha's members carry themselves, Ryuuji follows up. "Trainee Ryuuji. I'm praying you're not as incompetent as some others I've worked with."

　Shuichi nods approvingly.

　Comes Zhaojun's turn, she just looks away dismissively.

　"The silent one is Zhaojun." Slipping his phone away, Shigure stands. "Zhaojun and Ryuuji, you're both promoted to Corporal. Keep it simple, everyone, don't go killing each other." He watches around the room, blankly.

　"I like them~!" WO2 Sukagawa appears in the room, smiling. "They seem like nice people, right everyone?"

　"No-"

　"Yes. Yes they do, be quiet Koichi." She throws a pen at him, striking his forehead with a comical 'tick'. "Ahem... Well, I'm Warrant Officer 2nd class Sukagawa Setsuna. Call me whatever is best for you~! And he is..." She points to the 1st Lieutenant.

　Giving a small bow, "-1st Lieutenant Yoneda. Let us get along."

　"We'll leave you to get accustomed to everyone else... Let's not over stimulate you 3, hmm? Hehe..."