It was the evening of July 10th, 2169.
The squad were finally complete again, gathered under the same roof. All quiet.
A soft wind whispered through the open window as night crept across the room.
Kirashi was out cold on the floor, drooling with his mouth wide open—his face covered in doodles.
Tomori rested nearby, recovering, asleep on Kara's lap by the couch. Kara smiled faintly, her hand gently patting the girl's head again and again.
Beside them, Itoshi sat cross-legged on the floor with Jayu on his lap. They shared her storybook, reading together under the dim light.
Ayro and Ryujin worked quietly at the table, papers and maps spread before them—their focus on the next steps.
Across the room, Aldrin frowned at a Rubik's cube he'd picked up somewhere in the walled city of Fukuoka, turning it over with growing frustration.
The sound of papers shifting on the table mixed with Jayu's soft voice as she read aloud from her storybook.
She smiled, like she always did—like the past few days hadn't left scars on any of them. Her voice wavered sometimes, but she kept reading anyway, determined to finish the page.
Itoshi sat cross-legged on the floor with Jayu on his lap, her small back pressed against him. Kara sat nearby, watching the two quietly as the faint wind drifted through the open window.
For a while, the room was calm. Only the sound of her reading and the quiet flipping of Ayro and Ryujin's papers filled the air.
Then, out of nowhere, Itoshi spread his arms wide.
"Hut..."
Before Jayu could react, he lunged in and pinched her cheeks.
"Toh!"
"Wahh!"
Jayu yelped, giggling as she tried to pull away.
He tugged her cheeks side to side.
"Look at this face! Acting all serious while reading!"
"Itoshi-niii! Stop!"
She squealed, laughter breaking through her words.
Kara's brows twitched. Ayro and Ryujin both glanced up from their notes, half-smiling before looking away again.
"Koya,"
Kara muttered.
A soft bonk landed on Itoshi's head. He froze.
"Ow—fine, fine,"
He muttered, letting go of Jayu.
Jayu puffed her cheeks, rubbing them with both hands before turning to glare up at him with mock fury.
"Hmmp!"
Her eyes narrowed like the villain from her storybook, but her grin betrayed her act.
Itoshi chuckled and raised his hands in surrender.
"Alright, truce."
Jayu spun back around, squinting at her book again.
"Good," She said, pretending to be serious as she continued reading.
The playful air settled into silence. Jayu's voice carried softly, each word steady and clear.
After a few minutes, Itoshi's teasing smile faded. He looked down at her, then gently wrapped his arms around her.
"You've gotten stronger, haven't you, Jayu,"
He said quietly.
She blinked and looked up at him.
"Huh? I'm just reading."
He smiled faintly, brushing a strand of her hair aside.
"Yeah... I know."
The room stayed quiet—just the soft sound of her turning another page, and the wind brushing through the curtains. For the first time in a while, it felt peaceful.
~~~THE ROOM THAT OBSERVES ALL~~~
Somewhere far from that quiet room, beyond walls no one could name, the air was still. Only the faint hum of rotating lenses and shifting light filled the dark.
The Room That Observes All—silent, endless, watching.
Through the monitors, Itoshi's gentle grin flickered through static. Jayu sat on his lap, turning a page. The glow from the screen outlined their warmth in shades of cold blue.
One of the silhouettes leaned closer, voice low and steady.
"The squad's bond improves with that child present."
Another, posture straight and deliberate, replied.
"The mascot strengthens morale. The boy's flame responds to emotion—comfort will let him wield it without restraint."
The first continued, eyes fixed on the screen.
"He's adapting faster. The presence of a rival helps. The one named Kirashi keeps his pride balanced."
"Good. Rivalry sustains growth, affection prevents collapse,"
Said another voice from deeper within the dark.
Console lights pulsed faintly as data streamed across the monitors—heart rates, core temperatures, neural surges—all tied to the squad's biosigns.
"Maintain observation,"
The central figure ordered.
"They'll relocate soon. Saga Prefecture will be the next stage."
Silence returned. Only the monitors hummed, watching the laughter of a squad that never knew they were being measured.
Then—metal echoed. The silence broke as the main door slid open behind them, flooding the balcony with light.
A door only few could open.
A tall figure stood in the frame, haloed by the glow. Bao-Shi, Skull of the Asian Continent. His smile carried both pride and exhaustion.
The thrones turned toward him.
"Bao-Shi. You've returned,"
One silhouette murmured.
He walked forward, hands in his pockets, boots striking the metal floor with deliberate weight. Seven feet tall, all confidence.
"Heh? Miss me?" he teased.
"No time for jokes, Bao-Shi,"
Another warned.
Bao-Shi laughed it off, settling into his throne. The light swallowed him, leaving only a silhouette.
"Anyway..."
He paused as another figure entered the doorway behind him—eyes glowing cold cyan in the dark.
"Our homeboy's here... Ryo."
The seven thrones fell silent, their gazes fixed on the man below. Ryo Mukori—a Neck, their original Flame Gifted. The weight of their scrutiny didn't move him.
He bowed low.
"I have returned... At your service... Your highnesses."
Their smiles rose in unison, pride flickering across shadowed faces.
Ryo Mukori—a prodigy, a potential guardian, a man built for ascension. The next Skull in waiting.
Still bowed, he raised his head slightly, voice clear and firm.
"What shall be my next assignment?.."
"Ryo-Ryo Mukori... the true hero of the crimson flame."
The central silhouette spoke, his voice deep and commanding, echoing through the chamber.
"Your recent operations in the UKF proved your worth to stand among the Necks,"
He continued.
"You led with precision, commanded with resolve, and stood proud beside your men."
Another silhouette joined in, tone sharp and steady.
"With that, we entrust you with the next campaign."
Then, as one, the seven voices merged—unified, heavy, absolute.
"Ryo the Hero... you shall lead our forces in South Africa. Take your battalion into true hell. Bring order to the forsaken lands and end the beasts that dwell there."
Ryo flinched, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Understood, your highnesses."
Bao-Shi's grin could almost be heard in the dark.
"Your ride's here, Ryo,"
He said smoothly.
"Your men are waiting for you in hell."
Ryo straightened, saluting sharply before nodding once.
Then he turned, boots echoing as he walked back toward the light.
His shadow stretched across the metal floor until the doors sealed behind him.
Silence fell again.
The Skulls turned their thrones toward the monitors, the world's wars reflected across their screens—flames, beasts, and blood. But one figure didn't move.
His eyes lingered where Ryo once stood.
"Ryo... Itoshi..."
he murmured to himself.
"Show me how your flames can liberate this world."
Only then did he turn his throne back toward the light of the monitors, the hum of calculation resuming around him.
~~~U.W.D.S. HEADQUARTERS~~~
[CHINA]
Back in the meeting room of the eight Trochanters partaking in the collaborative mainland Japan cleansing, the air was thick with chatter and disagreement.
"Squad 663's mission in Kyushu is nearly complete!"
One of them barked.
"They should move north to Chugoku and assist Squad 376 for faster progress!"
Another Trochanter shot back.
"No! Combining squads will only cause chaos. We've already settled this!"
Nali, arms crossed, gave a short nod.
"Indeed. Being outperformed by another squad would only cause friction."
Her eyes flicked to Hachi, who sat quietly at the table.
David of Squad 660 leaned back, smirking.
"You'd know all about that, huh?"
Nali frowned.
"Shut up."
Before another word could fly, a knock echoed through the room.
A staff member stepped in.
"Mister Hasegawa is arriving. All rise!"
The noise died instantly. All eight Trochanters stood in perfect unison.
The door opened, and an old man entered, walking stick tapping softly with each step.
"Good afternoon, sir!"
They greeted.
He made his way to the central seat, posture steady despite his age. When he reached it, he turned and saluted.
"Good afternoon, children. You may sit."
They waited for him to lower himself into the chair before following suit. Silence filled the room, heavy but respectful.
"I heard you all arguing," Hasegawa muttered.
A ripple of tension moved through the group.
"I could hear your chatter from the other side of the hall."
His tone was low but calm.
"We're very sorry, sir!" they chorused.
He chuckled softly.
"At least you're all still full of energy. That's something."
Then, his voice hardened.
"But as for the topic of your little debate... it's about Squad 663 again, isn't it?"
Every Trochanter answered at once — except Nali, who was half a beat late.
Hasegawa nodded.
"I've received word from those above."
The air thickened.
"Squad 663 under Hachi has exceeded expectations,"
He continued.
"Not just because of Itoshi's rhythm, but because of Ryujin's leadership and Miss Gigi's precision. Their mission in Kyushu is nearly complete."
He paused, scanning each face.
"Their next move is south."
"Saga Prefecture..."
Ryujin muttered.
"We'll be traveling there next."
The squad gathered once more in their apartment, lights on, sitting in a circle on the floor. Tomori sat among them — the newest member.
Ryujin stood at the center while Ayro sat nearby on a chair, tea in hand. He flipped through a few pages, then spoke.
"Our squad will be divided into two."
A wave of chatter followed.
"Two? What?"
"Shh,"
Ayro hushed, sipping again.
Ryujin continued.
"Itoshi, Aldrin, and Ayro will head north to Kitakyushu."
Aldrin frowned.
"Why us?"
Itoshi sat between Kara and Jayu, fingers gripping the carpet.
"Squad 376 is under heavy pressure up north,"
Ryujin explained.
"The higher-ups wants Itoshi to draw Seele activity southward, giving them time to recover and fortify Kitakyushu... Meanwhile, I'll take Tomori, Kara, Jayu, and Kirashi to Saga."
"What the hell..."
Itoshi muttered, barely audible. Kara and Jayu glanced at him.
"Don't worry,"
Ayro said.
"Once you've used your rhythm, we'll regroup in Saga. It'll last long enough for us to catch up... Afterall, Aldrin's gonna fly us there."
Ryujin nodded.
"Exactly. The Seele crossing through Ariake Sea will sense it, and we can't handle them all at once."
Itoshi lowered his gaze, thinking.
"Don't worry, Itoshi,"
Ryujin added.
"We'll take care of Kara while you're gone."
Silence followed. Itoshi didn't respond — not until a soft hand touched his shoulder. Tomori stood beside him, eyes on Ryujin.
"I'll be there too,"
She said before meeting Itoshi's eyes with a gentle smile.
His eyes widened. Her voice lingered in his mind. He looked down, then back up, meeting Ryujin's gaze — fiery red against calm purple.
"If that's what the leaders ordered, then that's what I'll follow,"
He said quietly.
"It's for the best of us, right?"
The room softened. Smiles formed.
Aldrin grinned.
"Looks like our kid's growing up."
Kirashi snorted.
"Yeah, I bet his pubi—"
BONK.
"Agh—!"
Kara sighed.
"There's a child here, Kira-san."
Ryujin smirked, eyes closed as he slipped the papers back into his bag.
"Alright, that's our plan. Once Aldrin, Itoshi, and Ayro return, we regroup in Saga."
He opened his eyes again.
"Until then, enjoy Fukuoka. We won't be here long."
Everyone nodded with tired smiles — silent acknowledgment for each other's effort.
"Any objections? Complaints? Violent reactions?"
Ryujin asked.
"Nope!"
They all answered.
He chuckled.
"Good. Let's eat."
"Okay!"
Came the unified response — minus Ayro, who just sighed.
From her tablet, Miss Gigi watched them, smiling faintly.
"Hachi's kids... always full of energy,"
She murmured, eyes drifting to the lights of Fukuoka glowing beyond the rooftop.
Jayu leaned forward with her plate, holding it up with both hands.
"Here you go! Tomo-nee!" she whispered as if delivering sacred treasure.
Now the squad sat crowded around the table—eight people on one cramped surface, four on each side.
Itoshi, Kara, Jayu, and Tomori on one side.
Ryujin, Ayro, Aldrin, and Kirashi on the other.
Tomori bowed her head slightly.
"Ah! Thank you, Jayu-chan!"
Ayro, sitting directly across from her, watched the exchange over the rim of his teacup.
"Jeez... how homeless. Even a kid feels pity for you."
Tomori's brow twitched.
"Can you leave me alone?!"
Ayro just smiled—annoying, proud, and absolutely intentional.
Kirashi slumped lazily in his chair, tapping a spoon against a plate. He leaned toward Aldrin and whispered something.
Aldrin snorted and glanced at Itoshi.
"Pfft..."
Itoshi looked up immediately.
"Oi! You two are talking about me!"
Aldrin grinned.
"Kirashi said... our side has the males. Your side has the princesses."
Kirashi burst out laughing.
"HAH! With that hair he's definitely a princess!"
Itoshi's eyebrow twitched.
He grabbed a piece of meat, loaded it onto his spoon, bent it back like a catapult—
Aimed—
And—
"AUHF—AHHH!"
Bullseye.
The meat shot straight into Kirashi's mouth, knocking him right off his chair.
Itoshi crossed his arms, smirking.
"Heh~ deserved."
Kirashi choked on the floor while Itoshi laughed.
Tomori stared at the chaos.
"Are these... the dinners I'm gonna have for the rest of my life?..."
Ryujin didn't look up from his plate.
"Don't worry. He'll live."
Tomori turned to him.
"Are they usually this loud?"
Jayu answered instantly.
"Like I said, Tomo-nee... it gets worse."
Kirashi eventually spat the food out and stood up, glaring daggers at Itoshi.
"Damn you, Itoshi!"
The squad, except Tomori, muttered in sync:
"Ah... here we go."
Kirashi launched himself over the table.
"AH—!"
Boom.
And just like that, their usual dinner brawl started.
Tomori blinked, still clutching her spoon.
"What the hell..."
She muttered, laughing under her breath.
Kara noticed her untouched plate.
"Tomo-san? You haven't touched your food yet!"
She said with her mouth full.
"Ah... it's just strange eating with such a loud setting."
She scratched her neck awkwardly.
"I can't focus with those two beating each other up."
Suddenly—
"EEP!"
A shiver crawled up her spine.
Dark dendrils patted her shoulder.
"WHAT WAS THAT?!"
Ayro took a casual sip of tea.
"Just saying hello."
Tomori pointed at him.
"THOSE THINGS ARE CREEPY! DISGUSTING!"
Ayro shrugged.
"Says a lot coming from someone who lived outside."
Tomori squinted.
"Bruh... seriously.. Leave me alone."
Aldrin chimed in.
"If I were you, I'd just eat."
Tomori sighed and poked at her meal.
"This is so weird..."
Another tap on her shoulder.
"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Ayro's grin widened.
Finally, Tomori took a bite.
The room froze—Kirashi mid-chokehold on Itoshi, Ayro mid-sip, Kara mid-chew.
Everyone stared.
Tomori blinked, swallowed—
"YUMMY!!!"
Laughter exploded around the apartment.
Kirashi and Itoshi immediately resumed their fight in the background.
Tomori took her second bite, smiling despite herself.
Her first real dinner with a squad.
~~~To be Continued~~~