My name is Kyosuke Benimaru. I was born in the salt-spray and emerald shadows of Ogimi, a village in Northern Okinawa known to the world as a "Blue Zone." They call it the Village of Longevity, a place where the elders outlive the machines we build. Growing up, my life was defined by the tides; I spent my childhood diving for clams, my lungs burning with a sweet ache as I challenged the depths of the East China Sea. Now, as a young adult in the year 0081, I still dive—but the pressure is
different. As a pilot of the RAG-79 Aqua GM, I descend into haunts no unaugmented human can reach. Yet, even encased in titanium and sensor-suites, the ocean demands respect. Go too deep, and the sea level doesn't just crush the suit; it claims the soul.
Speaking of my home, Ogimi (大宜味村) is a village in northern Okinawa known globally as the "Village of Longevity." It is one of the world's "Blue Zones"—regions where residents enjoy the highest life expectancy and a remarkably high percentage of centenarians.
The Secrets of Longevity in Ogimi The health of Ogimi's residents is attributed to a unique lifestyle:
* Ikigai: Having a "reason to wake up." Seniors stay active in gardening and community service, maintaining a strong sense of purpose.
* Okinawan Diet: A focus on local vegetables, tofu, seaweed, and Shikuwasa (a tart citrus). They practice Hara Hachi Bu—eating until only 80% full.
* Moai: Close-knit social support groups that provide emotional and financial security.
* Natural Activity: Daily life involves constant, low-intensity movement like walking the hilly terrain.
The One Year War changed everything. In UC 0079, I was a college student in Osaka, watching the sky burn during the Colony Drop. Before I could return home, Zeon forces moved on Okinawa. I spent the war fighting in Type-61 tanks and Saberfish, scavenging parts from fallen Zakus and Doms even by HLV drops just to keep our engines humming. Luckily, Ogimi was spared. The Zeon commanders didn't see the village as a threat since most residents were elderly. They were ordered to fall back and not engage. During that time, I joined the Federation in Osaka to fight back.
I eventually transferred to Naha Base, joining a ragtag but elite group: Commander Emiya Mitsurugi, Emma Kasumi, Ohara Shiranui, the deliquent Isao Ittou, the late Koga Zenjūbō, and the woman who haunted my periphery, Kisaki Shinomiya. but we lost Koga during a Zeon raid on the base. A man named Zuckerberg stole the RX-78-2 Gundam and killed Koga, sparking a deep hatred in Isao. By late 0080 and early 0081, new faces joined us: Lydia Mercer from North America and Aaron Smith, who now leads our Shiisaa Team. After months of tension, the Commander finally granted us a rotating holiday. Our destination? Tsuken-jima. A small Okinawan island, for a much-needed vacation. We are staying at a hotel right on the beach. With the hot sand, the Okinawan breeze, and the bright sun, it's the perfect time to experience the island.
Tsuken Island (津堅島)—or "Carrot Island"—is located off the Katsuren Peninsula. It's a quiet escape where farmland meets emerald waters.
* The Carrot Obsession: 60–80% of the land is used to grow famously sweet carrots. There is even a carrot-shaped observation tower!
* Tumai Beach: A beautiful stretch of white sand perfect for snorkeling and BBQs.
* The Vibe: Since cars are restricted, everyone uses bicycles to get around.
We arrived at Tsuken-jima via the Ferry Kugani. Known as "Carrot Island," it's a patch of farmland surrounded by emerald water, where 80% of the land is dedicated to the sweetest carrots in Japan.
"Finally! We are here at last!" I shouted, the sea breeze catching my voice and carrying it over the white sands of Tumai Beach.
"You're like a kid again, Kyosuke," Aaron laughed, stepping off the gangplank. "But I have to admit, the air here... it's different from the base."
"The beach reminds me of my hometown, Captain. We only have a three-day holiday; we can't waste a single second!" I turned around. "Wait, where is Captain Isao?"
"Still at the hotel, getting his gear ready," Aaron replied.
We checked into a small minshuku near the shore. The atmosphere was a jarring, beautiful contrast to the sea. As we gathered on the beach, the "uniforms" finally came off.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Ohara called out.
The women had arrived. Emma, Ohara, and Lydia walked toward us in their swimwear. Lieutenant Ohara was the first to arrive, radiating confidence in a daring, black V-shape sling-shot swimsuit that left little to the imagination. Emma followed in a beige micro-bikini that made her look more like a fashion model than a mobile suit mechanic. Then there was Lydia. She emerged in a red bikini, clutching a sarong around her waist, her face flushed crimson.
"Emma... Ohara... I told you this was too much," Lydia stammered, her massive curves drawing a visible blush from Aaron. Without a word, Aaron took off his beach jacket and draped it over her shoulders, looking anywhere but at her.
The real shock, however, was Captain Isao. He marched onto the sand wearing nothing but a traditional Fundoshi. His torso and legs were covered in intricate Irezumi—Yakuza-style tattoos that told a story of a life far more violent than he usually let on.
"Captain... a fundoshi? Really?" I asked, blinking.
"It provides the best mobility, Kyosuke! Don't knock the classics!" he said confidently.
"It's fine, Kyosuke," Ohara laughed. "It's a weekday; there aren't many people around to see him anyway."
"Alright then! Let's enjoy the water!" Emma cheered.
Isao pointing a finger at Aaron. "Smith! A match! Beach flags, right now! I'll show you the power of the Okinawan spirit! Even without mobile suits, I've got a challenge for you!"
"Oh dear..." Aaron muttered, speechless.
We spent the day splashing in the waves and playing beach volleyball. That evening, we had a BBQ with fresh meat and local vegetables. Even on vacation, we remained alert; we were keeping an eye out for any Zeon Remnants who might be hiding among the civilians.
The next day, we explored the island by bicycle. There were no tall buildings, just peaceful houses and small cafes. In the fields, we saw several RH-35E Draken-E units—small, civilian-grade mobile suits—helping with the carrot harvest. They are only about 1/3 the size of a standard suit, perfect for construction and farming without damaging the soil. It seemed unlikely any Zeon remnants were hiding here; the island was too small and the terrain too open to hide a full-sized mobile suit or a submarine. As the sun began to dip, casting a golden hue over the carrot fields, we stopped at a small seaside cafe. We ordered Tsuken Ninjin Cider, a refreshing mix of sweet carrot juice and tart shikuwasa citrus.
"It's so quiet here," Lydia noted. "I haven't seen anything suspicious, just those worker machines."
"Commander Aaron, find anything?" Ohara asked.
"Nothing. If there were mobile suits here, the farms would be torn up," Aaron confirmed.
"Since we're heading back tomorrow, we should find a souvenir for Commander Emiya," Emma suggested.
"And for Kisaki, too," Ohara added, glancing at me with a smirk. "I know Kyosuke is looking forward to buying her something."
I choked on my cider, spraying a fine orange mist across the table. "L-Lieutenant! We're just... she's the Commander's assistant! We're friends!"
"You don't have to hide it, Kyosuke," she teased. "We all know you like her. You're always talking to her the moment the Commander isn't around."
"We're just friends! Only friends!" I stammered.
"Friends who talk for three hours every time a sensor needs recalibrating?" Isao teased, slapping my back so hard I nearly hit the table. "Look, kid. Kisaki is the heart of Naha Base. Half the pilots are pinning for her. If you don't make a move, you'll be diving for clams alone for the rest of your life."
I went quiet. I remembered the first time I met Kisaki in 0079. Her smile had been so welcoming when I first arrived at Naha Base. Throughout the war, even when I was protecting the Gray Phantom in space, she was the one who checked on us. I had feelings for her, but I was too nervous to act. Their words stayed with me as I walked to the local shop. I bought six bottles of the Carrot Cider, her favorite, my heart hammering against my ribs like a malfunctioning thruster.
Back at Naha Base, we reported to Commander Emiya. That night, while everyone was relaxing in the lounge or the barracks, the humidity of the night felt heavy. I was in my dorm, staring at the cold bottles of cider in my mini-fridge, when a light knock came at the door .Kisaki came to my room to pick up her souvenir. I had kept the cider cold in my mini-fridge.
"Kyosuke? You said you had something for me from the island?"
"Yeah. Come in," I said, my voice cracking.
She sat on the edge of my chair as I handed her a chilled bottle. She popped the cap, took a sip, and sighed. "It's perfect. It tastes like... peace. Thank you for remembering, Kyosuke."
The room grew quiet. This was it.
The silence wasn't empty; it was pressurized, like the deep ocean.
"Kisaki," I started.
"Yes?" She tilted her head, her eyes bright and curious.
*Internal screaming*. This was so awkward. My head was spinning!. Just stay calm, Kyosuke!. If she turns you down, she turns you down!.
"I... I've thought about this a lot. Since the Gray Phantom. Since the day I landed in Naha." I took a deep breath, trying to steady my hands. "I don't just value you as a comrade. I... I've always liked you. More than anyone else."
The words slipped out, raw and unpolished. The room went dead silent. My heart stopped. Oh no. Why did I say it like that?! I want to disappear!!. I want to sink to the bottom of the ocean!! I felt like I had ejected from my suit in the middle of a vacuum!!. Oh god, I said it. I actually said it!!.
Kisaki's eyes widened. She stared at the bottle in her hands, her face turning a deep shade of pink. Seconds stretched into an eternity. Then, she stood up abruptly and bowed low.
"Kyosuke, I..." Kisaki began.
"Yes?!"
"I am so sorry!" she cried out, bowed deeply to me.
My stomach dropped into the floor. The rejection hit harder than a Zaku's heat hawk. My heart sank. I knew it. She's turning me down. I've completely humiliated myself.
"I see... it's okay. I just... I had to let you know."
"No!" she looked up, her expression panicked and flustered. "It's not that! I mean—I'm actually happy to hear that, Kyosuke! I-It's just... that was so sudden! I'm happy, Kyosuke, I really am. But my head is spinning. I've spent so long being 'The Assistant' that I... I don't know how to be 'The Girlfriend' yet."
She grabbed her bag of cider, her hands shaking slightly. "P-Please, give me time until tomorrow Okay? I need to think. I need to make sure I can give you the answer you deserve."
She bolted out of the room before I could say another word. I stood there, stunned. It wasn't a "no." There was hope.
The following day was a blur of grease and gear-checks. I avoided the command center, terrified of what I'd see in her eyes. But that night, the knock returned. I opened the door to find Kisaki standing there, no longer in her formal uniform, but in a simple sundress. She looked me in the eyes, her gaze steady this time.
"Kyosuke," she said softly. "I didn't sleep much. I kept thinking about all the times you protected the ship, and all the times you made me laugh when the war felt like it would never end." She stepped forward, closing the gap between us. "If you're willing to be patient with me... then yes. I'd like to be with you."
I felt a weight lift off me that no Mobile Suit could ever carry. I smiled, truly smiled, for the first time since the vacation started. "I'm a mechanic, Kisaki. I'm great at being patient."
Kisaki accepted. She was officially my girlfriend. I can only imagine how surprised the rest of the team will be when they find out. The Shiisaa Team was going to have a field day with this, but for once, I didn't care. The war was over, the tide was in, and for the first time in my life, I wasn't diving alone.
To be continue.