　"Sir!"

　A voice acknowledges from the formation.

　The Leading Private called forward, Kensuke Ryuuji, deliberately enlisted at the lowest position in the MMD, a decision he made with intention. He asserted that officer college would offer him no challenge; instead, he preferred starting from the bottom and ascending through merit. His tight, intense expression, often misinterpreted as anger, actually conveyed arrogance and a quiet sense of superiority.

　It's a degree of self-worth that could ruin a platoon in combat. One soldier who thinks too highly of themselves to the point of refusing orders or plans. Though for Ryuuji, It is justified. The MMD is full of self-righteous pricks, sure, but they haven't anything to back it up. Perhaps they can operate the Type-090P MGP with some competency, but it means nothing if that skill couldn't be executed in reality, away from training grounds.

　Instead, this Private has everything to back up what he projects. Awareness, logical thinking, preservation of squad members, and an overarching understanding of military doctrine. That perceived value does exist, he is in fact a valuable asset.

　"Leading Private Ryuuji, your performance has been outstanding," he said with no real interest or truth. Like reading a script. "and so, you are hereby promoted to Lance Corporal. Congratulations."

　Which brings about a fair deal of confusion to the Captain. He never could understand the desire to deliberately impose hardship onto oneself. As in, why would this now Lance Corporal not utilize his evident expertise to become an officer? Achieve an easy life. Nor could he understand why this glasses-wearing soldier was so intent on avoiding promotions. But perhaps this is the seed of a great soldier, one who will go to the ends to satisfy their desires for superiority. A sentiment outlined in a century-old quote, 'Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly'.

　"Yes Sir. Understood." The red-haired man steps back into file, concluding the promotions fully.

　"We'll be heading to the 1st Firing Range. Today you will all be marked on your side-arms handling. So wear your full combat gear. Lieutenant, anything to add?"

　With Yato's slight shake of her head and whispered 'no', "12th Platoon, dismissed."

　Resounding around the parade grounds, a collection of 'Yes Sir!'s followed by soldier's footsteps and conversations. A sound he is growing to hate. A persistent reminder of exactly where he is, of what he is doing, and the people he's stuck around. Some may consider it an honor to pass down knowledge to the less experienced. But to Shigure, it is a punishment. In the literal sense. His final operation in a Gleipnir squadron ended so poorly, that his commanding officer with his perpetual cunning nature, placed Shigure in the assignment he'd hate the most. Stuck as a paper-pusher in one of the safest installations, barred from the cockpits of any Gleipnir.