Three days prior, at the Sailing Force headquarters, Nanoha met with Chrono and Fate in the Admiral's room for a private discussion. The topic: Kai's request.
"Kai wants to change his name and everything?!" Fate exclaimed, surprised.
"Shhh, keep your voice down, Fate. It could cause trouble if someone overhears us," Nanoha cautioned.
"But Nanoha, why are you asking me to help Lieutenant Izumi Kai's situation?" Chrono asked.
"Only you can help with this, Chrono-kun. Kai doesn't want to tell Hayate-chan because it's a complicated matter for him," Nanoha pleaded.
"Well, the imposter Kai attacking Calnarog is a problem for us. Since it's just the three of us here, I can help him with a new ID," Chrono agreed.
One week later, the TSAB staff had grown accustomed to Arc's presence. Fate, observing Arc at work with other TSAB members as an investigator, felt a nagging curiosity. Kai's transformation into Arc, a completely different person, intrigued her. While Fate was observing Arc, Signum arrived, surprising her. Together, they watched Arc conduct his investigation. He worked like any other TSAB member, but unlike the others, he wore a mask and gloves, completely concealing his features. Once the case was solved, Arc left the room, unknowingly avoiding Fate and Signum, who were hiding from him.
"So, that's why you're curious about him," Signum commented.
"Yes, I mean, no TSAB member wears a mask like Arc. By the way, Signum, do you know who he is?" Fate asked.
"I don't know who he is, but his walk is very familiar," Signum replied.
"His walk?" Fate asked, puzzled.
"Yes, the way he walks reminds me of someone. But who?" Signum wondered.
"Ah, I have to meet Hayate. See you, Signum," Fate said, leaving.
Fate's curiosity about Arc persisted even after her task was completed. As she was about to return to the Sailing Force, she saw Arc heading towards the training ground and followed him discreetly. Arc was training alone, testing Raging Brando's capabilities.
Suddenly, Nanoha arrived, having spotted Arc and Fate at the training ground. Nanoha explained to Arc that Fate and Chrono knew his real identity was Izumi Kai. She also mentioned Fate's curiosity about his mask, as no TSAB member was typically allowed to wear one. Nanoha further clarified that the disguise was necessary to avoid confusion with the imposter. An idea sparked in Nanoha's mind: a sparring match between Fate and Arc to help Arc acclimate to his new device. Fate declined, citing unfinished work, and took her leave, leaving Nanoha and Arc alone.
Meanwhile, Fuji arrived at TSAB headquarters and coincidentally met Vita. Fuji, now a Brother in the Saint Church and a coach for DSAA U15 and U19 teams (like Vita, Zafira, and Signum), carried several devices with device jumpers attached. He needed Mariel's help to remove them before an upcoming tournament.
"Wow... So many devices you have... These device jumper cases are such a headache. It's going to take a while to remove them," Mariel commented.
"It's okay. The tournament isn't for a while. I don't need them urgently, Mary-san," Fuji replied.
"By the way, Fuji-kun, how did you find out your disciples rigged their devices with device jumpers?" Vita asked.
"During a previous tournament, one of my disciples suffered numerous broken bones. The opponent won, but she suddenly died due to a device jumper when she used it in a desperate situation. My disciple told me that when she attacked her opponent, her body became incredibly hard, like metal, and the attack was twice as strong as usual. So, I took all my disciples' devices for inspection," Fuji explained.
"Even the DSAA committee missed it. These device jumpers are mostly found in unity-type devices, and non-animal types. Animal types using device jumpers usually result in death," Vita said.
"So... any further news about this?" Fuji asked.
"According to a police report, the factory owner obtained them from a business partner. But that person vanished without a trace when the police arrived," Vita said.
"Wait, you mean that factory isn't the main factory?" Fuji asked, surprised.
"No, I bet there are still more hidden factories producing device jumpers. Intelligence devices made by fake device meisters and fake device engineers are dangerous," Vita stated.
"This case really worries me about my disciples. I'll be responsible if they activate a device jumper. Maybe I should change my policy on who is allowed to have an intelligent device," Fuji said.
"Fuji-san, it will take a week or more to unplug them. I'll call you when it's done," Mariel said.
"Thank you, Mary. Give me an update if you find anything else," Fuji said, about to leave.
"By the way, Fuji, are you leaving now?" Vita asked.
"Yes, why?" Fuji asked.
"I wanted to tell you that Kai is no longer here. He was transferred to a hospital and needs intensive treatment," Vita informed him.
"I see... but I'm not changing my mind, Vita. I won't visit him until the imposter is brought down, just like Renjou said. Later," Fuji said, leaving the room.
Fuji left and met Nanoha and Arc at the entrance. He glanced at Arc, as this was the first time he had seen a masked person at TSAB HQ. Fuji hurriedly left TSAB and returned to the Saint Church.
The next day was Sunday, a day off for TSAB staff. Arc was in his dorm room, which was also empty as it was a Sunday and a national holiday. He wasn't wearing his helmet, just the safety glasses made by Shario and Mariel. He walked through the mostly deserted TSAB HQ and saw Mariel sleeping at her desk. He quietly entered the room, and Mariel woke up, sensing someone's presence.
"Ah, Arc... Good morning." Mariel said, waking up yawning.
"Working hard, I see. And I see there are more devices than usual," Arc commented.
"Oh, those devices are from Fuji. They're his disciples' devices, and they're rigged with device jumpers," Mariel explained.
"Disciples? You mean he's a coach now?" Arc asked.
"Yes, he's a DSAA coach now. Oh right, do you want an update on what happened while you were in a coma?" Mariel asked.
"Sure, please tell me," Arc replied.
Mariel recounted everything that had happened during Arc's month-long coma. The Numbers who served Jail Scaglietti were now adopted by the Nakajima family and had become N2R (Numbers 2 Rehabilitation). However, not all the Numbers wanted rehabilitation. Uno, Tres, Quattro, and Sette remained loyal to Scaglietti, and Deu was killed in action. Sein, Otto, and Deed worked at the Saint Church, and the other N2R members worked in Battalion 108. Due and Lieutenant General Regius was killed by Zest Grangaitz and killed by Signum, and 3rd Commander Auris was arrested for forging documents and creative accounting.
Vivio had become Nanoha's adopted daughter and was now named Takamachi Vivio, with Fate as her godmother. She was an elementary school student and was called "Her Majesty" at the Saint Church and St. Hilde Academy of Magic. Subaru was working in the disaster response department as a Disaster Prevention Officer. Teana was at the Sailing Force as an executive officer with the rank of 1st Ground Member, along with Fate and Shario. Erio and Caro worked at the Supools camp of the Frontier Nature Conservation Corps as Conservation Officers. Fuji was a Brother in the Saint Church and a DSAA coach, and Renjou was a 1st Ground Captain in Battalion 255.
"Some of us are still in TSAB, and some transferred to other battalions," Mariel concluded.
"...I see..." Arc said quietly.
"Um, what's wrong?" Mariel asked.
"Nothing," Arc replied.
"Don't sulk, Arc. Cheer up," Mariel tried to encourage him.
"I wish I could, but..." Arc trailed off.
"H-Hey, I'm hungry. How about we have breakfast outside the HQ?" Mariel quickly changed the subject.
"Are you sure? But..." Arc hesitated.
"Don't worry, no one will recognize you with those glasses and a hat. Let's hurry and change into normal clothes first," Mariel said, pulling Arc's hand.
Mariel took Arc to the city district, visiting various places. Luckily, no one recognized Arc's face, as it was covered by a hat and glasses. Mariel spent the whole day with Arc, until the afternoon, when they returned to HQ.
"So, Arc, how are you feeling now?" Mariel asked.
"...I think... it's fine. I guess I'm okay with it," Arc replied.
"Well, my job here is done. Now, back to work," Mariel said
"I appreciate it," Arc replied. "I'm looking forward to seeing what it can do."
"We'll be working on some upgrades," Mariel added. "We'll keep you posted."
"I appreciate it," Arc said.
As the group walked back to the base, Arc couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. He had a new identity, a new device, and a new purpose. He was no longer Izumi Kai, the boy who had lost everything. He was Archibald Enzo, a mage with a mission. And he was determined to make the most of his second chance.
The next day, Arc was back at work, investigating cases in the intelligence division. Suddenly, Signum arrived, needing his help with a case involving the burned factory. Vita was on duty with Nanoha, so Signum turned to Arc. He agreed and went with her to the crime scene. The factory was completely burned down, the fire already extinguished.
The disaster response department had already arrived to put out the fire, and the workers were safe. Signum and Arc arrived to assess the situation. Signum questioned the workers and the factory owner, while Arc investigated the building. He found something on the ground, an illegal item that had almost been burned. He walked over to Signum with the evidence.
"You find anything?" Signum asked, her voice echoing slightly in the charred remains of the factory.
"Found this," Arc replied, holding up a partially burnt object.
Signum's eyes widened. "That item?!"
"Yes," Arc confirmed. "This is a device jumper. It's connected to the case I've been working on. This forbidden item is being used in the DSAA, like a steroid. And I suspect this factory was producing illegal unity-type devices. Look at all the burnt remnants." He gestured to the debris. "A lot of them are clearly modified or counterfeit."
As Arc and Signum discussed their findings, a figure darted from the shadows, attempting to flee. Signum reacted instantly, a swift binding spell ensnaring the fleeing individual. It was the factory owner. Cornered, he confessed to selling illegal devices and device jumpers to DSAA athletes, driven by greed and a desire to profit from their ambition. Fortunately, the local police arrived promptly, arresting the factory owner and his workers for further interrogation.
With the investigation concluded, Signum and Arc began the trek back to TSAB headquarters. The silence between them felt heavy, especially with Arc's quiet demeanor. Signum decided to break the tension.
"Good work, Lieutenant," she commended. "I didn't expect this factory to be the source of these illegal devices."
"...My mask isn't just for show or disguise," Arc responded. "It's also a tool for investigation."
"By the way, Lieutenant Arc," Signum began, a thoughtful expression on her face, "you remind me of someone."
"Someone?" Arc asked, feigning ignorance.
"The way you walk…it reminds me of someone from Riot Force 6. I feel like I know you," Signum explained.
"It must be a coincidence," Arc replied, hoping to deflect her suspicions.
"No," Signum insisted. "It's more than that. I remember now. You're just like Lieutenant Kai Izumi. Your walk, your gestures…they're the same."
Arc paused, then asked, "So, what happened to him then?"
"He's on medical leave," Signum replied. "He requires intensive treatment, from what I've heard."
"I see," Arc said, his voice carefully neutral.
Signum continued, "It was sudden. One day he was there, the next…gone. He was always so dedicated. It's strange. I never understood why he wore those gloves all the time, even when it was hot." She chuckled lightly. "He was a good officer, though. Very skilled."
Arc remained silent, listening intently.
"He was always so…reserved," Signum continued. "Never talked much about himself. Kept to himself mostly. But he was always willing to help others. He had a good heart."
"He sounds like a good man," Arc commented.
"He was," Signum agreed. "I hope he recovers soon. It's unsettling, you know? To see someone just disappear like that."
Arc nodded slowly. "I understand."
Signum sighed. "This whole device jumper situation is disturbing. It's like a shortcut to power, but at what cost? These athletes are risking their lives for a temporary advantage. It's…it's wrong."
"It is," Arc agreed. "They're being exploited."
"And the fact that these illegal factories exist…" Signum trailed off, shaking her head. "It makes you wonder how deep this goes. Who's behind it all?"
"That's what we're trying to find out," Arc replied.
"I hope we find them soon," Signum said. "Before anyone else gets hurt."
They walked in silence for a few moments before Signum spoke again, her voice softer this time. "You know, Lieutenant Arc…if you ever need someone to talk to…about anything…I'm here. We all are. We're a team."
Arc simply nodded, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. He knew Signum's suspicions were growing. He would have to be even more careful.
Device jumpers: small, modified devices that act like steroids for DSAA (Dimension Sports Activity Association) athletes. These dangerous items offer a temporary boost in performance but can have devastating consequences, including death, for users of unity-type devices.
(To be continue)