It was Children's Day, the tail end of Golden Week.
Kyoko's squad, a small unit of eight including herself, rode in two off-road vehicles. Despite their size, each member exuded the aura of seasoned warriors.
"Sorry, Mayumi-san," Kyoko said, her face tinged with regret, "but we can't fit everyone."
Mayumi, overwhelmed by the soldiers' battle-hardened presence, shook her head. "No, we planned to evacuate on foot anyway."
Kyoko nodded. "That won't get you far. Where are you headed?"
She addressed Mayumi directly, likely because they were acquainted, though Mayumi wished she'd consulted Katsuto instead.
"The Hodogaya unit has set up base at Nogeyama, engaging in guerrilla sweeps," Kyoko explained. "The enemy's decoy ship at Yamashita Wharf hasn't moved yet, but they'll likely deploy a mobile force soon. When that happens, the coast will be a warzone. You're better off heading inland."
Mayumi hesitated. "I think we should stick to the plan and head for the station shelter."
Katsuto nodded firmly. "Agreed."
Kyoko gestured to her vehicles. "We'll flank you front and back. We'll drive slowly—stay close."
As Kyoko moved toward one of the vehicles, Katsuto called out, "Lieutenant Fujibayashi."
She turned instantly, as if expecting it. "Yes?"
"I know it's selfish, but could we borrow one of your vehicles?"
Kyoko's eyes narrowed. "Where to?"
Instead of dismissing him, she probed for his intent, sensing the weight of the moment.
"To the Magic Association branch," Katsuto said, his voice resolute. "As a proxy member of the Master Clan Conference, I have a duty to protect the Association's staff."
Kyoko's response was swift. "Understood. Sergeant Tsuchioka, Corporal Otowa, escort Juumonji-san to the Kanto branch."
Her decisiveness caught Katsuto off guard, but she assigned two subordinates and a vehicle without hesitation.
"Let's move," she called from the truck bed, urging Mayumi's group forward. "No time to waste."
At the station plaza, where an underground shelter awaited, Mayumi's group froze at the sight before them. The square had collapsed into a massive crater, dominated by a hulking metallic form.
"An upright tank…" Mayumi whispered, stunned. "Where did it come from?"
Kanon's rage flared. "Take this!"
"Stop, Kanon!" Miyuki grabbed her arm. "Your 'Minefield' spell could make things worse!"
The ground's stability was unknown—vibrations could trigger a catastrophe. Kanon shook off the restraint, but before she could act, the tank was already riddled with holes, encased in white frost.
Mayumi and Miyuki exchanged glances. "Impressive as always," Kanon muttered, almost pouting. "Didn't even get a chance to help."
Mikihiko, eyes closed as he probed the underground, spoke up. "The people in the tunnels seem safe. No signs of anyone trapped."
Kyoko nodded. "If the Yoshida family says so, I trust it. Well done."
Mayumi blushed faintly, Miyuki offered a subtle bow, and Mikihiko stammered a quick, "It's nothing."
Erika's voice cut through, slightly defiant. "So, what now?"
Kyoko remained unfazed, her composure unshaken. "Upright tanks this far in mean things are escalating fast. I recommend retreating to Nogeyama's base."
"But won't that make us a target?" Mari countered.
Mayumi shook her head. "The enemy doesn't distinguish between combatants and civilians. Splitting off from the military won't make us safer—it might be riskier."
Mari pressed, "So, you're saying we head to Nogeyama, Mayumi-senpai?"
"No," Mayumi said firmly. "I'm calling in a transport helicopter for the stranded civilians. We'll clear the wreckage, secure a landing zone, and wait here. Mari, take the others and go with Kyoko-san."
Mari's eyes widened. "You're staying here alone?"
"It's my duty as a member of the Ten Master Clans," Mayumi said, her voice unwavering. "We enjoy privileges—freedom from certain laws. In return, I must use my power to help in times like this."
Airi stepped forward. "Then I'm staying too. As part of the Eighteen Assistant Houses, I have my own obligations."
Kei followed. "I'll stay as well, as a member of the Hundred Families."
"If Kei's staying, so am I!" Kanon added. "I'm part of the Hundred Families too."
Erika smirked. "Guess I'm in. I'm a Chiba, after all."
Others chimed in, pledging to stay as members of the Hundred Families. Shizuku even offered to call her father to arrange a company helicopter.
Mayumi sighed, her beauty tinged with exasperation. "You're all ridiculous."
Turning to Kyoko, she bowed. "Sorry for their stubbornness. We'll have to decline your kind offer."
Kyoko smiled, amused despite her serious expression. "Reliable bunch. I'll leave some of my team with you."
"No need," Mayumi replied, bowing deeply.
Behind her, the group shifted awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. Kyoko's amusement was evident, though her face remained composed.
Then, a man's voice called out, "Inspector!"
"Big Bro Kazu!?"
Two voices addressed the same person. Inspector Chiba turned to Kyoko, who had called him "Inspector."
"The military handles external threats," he said. "Protecting civilians is police work. We'll stay here. Lieutenant Fujibayashi, rejoin your unit."
Kyoko saluted sharply. "Understood. Good luck, Inspector Chiba."
With that, she departed, her exit as crisp as her salute.
"She's something else," Chiba muttered.
Erika scoffed. "Out of your league, Bro."
Chiba's face twisted in mock offense, earning a merciless jab from his sister as the group braced for what lay ahead.
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