As the door to the monitoring room closed behind his departing team, Director Rindo wasted no time. With a firm push, he adjusted his glasses and made his way through the corridors of Border HQ. His mind buzzed with the aftermath of the interrogation, parsing through the details and implications.
Passing agents nodded respectfully in his direction. Some attempted small talk, their voices blending into the ambient hum of activity. "Good afternoon, Director," one greeted, a faint smile accompanying the gesture. "Busy day ahead?" Rindo returned the greeting with a nod, his response terse yet polite. "Indeed, it appears so," he replied, his tone betraying none of the turmoil swirling within.
Another agent chimed in, curiosity lacing his words. "Any updates on the captured Neighbor, sir?" A flicker of contemplation passed through Rindo's expression before he offered a measured response. "Progress is being made," he stated. "We'll see how it unfolds in due time."As the chatter faded into the background, Rindo's thoughts refocused on the task at hand.
As Rindo navigated the corridors of Border HQ, his thoughts consumed by the weighty matters at hand, he was suddenly interrupted by the familiar presence of Director Shinoda. With a courteous nod, Rindo acknowledged his colleague's approach. "Rindo, what brings you to this part of the facility?" Shinoda inquired, his tone laced with curiosity. Rindo adjusted his glasses with a thoughtful expression. "I've just concluded the interrogation," he explained. "The aftermath requires my attention after what the interrogation agents and his guard did."
Shinoda's brows furrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on Rindo with keen interest. "Ah, the Shogun, I presume?" he ventured. Rindo offered a confirming nod, "Indeed," he replied. Their conversation shifted to the subject of Hoshizora's future within Border. Rindo contemplated the options carefully, weighing the potential benefits and risks of integrating him into the organization through his branch Tamakoma. "Chief Kido has been considering enlisting him through Tamakoma anyway," Shinoda remarked.
Rindo nodded in agreement, his thoughts aligning with Shinoda's assessment. "It seems like the most prudent course of action," he conceded. "However, there are still uncertainties that need to be addressed."As they delved deeper into the matter, Rindo broached the topic of Yuma's observations during the interrogation. "Yuma detected inconsistencies in the Shogun's testimony," he revealed, his words carrying a weight of concern. "It raises questions about his integrity and motives."
Shinoda's expression remained composed, though a flicker of intrigue sparked in his eyes. "Two lies," he mused, his voice tinged with contemplation. "That's quite telling." Rindo nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Indeed," he concurred. "But the catch is that one of them is and isn't a lie."
As Rindo and Shinoda continued their conversation while walking through the halls of Border HQ, Shinoda couldn't help but express his surprise at Rindo's revelation about Hoshizora's alleged lies. "Not being able to see things?" Shinoda echoed incredulously. "But the medics haven't found a way to resolve his blindness yet." Rindo nodded solemnly in response. "Indeed, it's a perplexing situation," he agreed. "Especially considering the extent of his purported abilities despite his condition."
As they navigated the corridors, Rindo continued to explain the complexities of the situation to Shinoda."That leads us to his second lie," Rindo continued, his voice measured. "According to Yuma, the Shogun may not even be aware that he possesses a different side effect than the one he claimed." Shinoda's brows furrowed in contemplation as he processed this information. "So, he's either hiding something intentionally, or there's a deeper mystery at play," Shinoda concluded, his tone reflective.Rindo nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "I doubt he's hiding anything. If so, Yuma would have picked up on it," he affirmed.
As Rindo and Shinoda continued their discussion, they eventually arrived at Hoshizora's holding cell. Standing outside was Kotori, her expression a mix of concern and determination as she awaited their arrival. "Director Rindo, Director Shinoda," Kotori greeted them with a respectful nod. Rindo returned the nod with a polite smile, while Shinoda offered a brief nod in response."Kotori, how is our guest?" Rindo inquired. Kotori hesitated for a moment before responding, "He's... okay," she replied, choosing her words carefully. "But I think he's still processing everything that happened during the interrogation."
Within the confines of the cell, Hoshizora's senses sharpened as he detected the approaching footsteps of Director Rindo and Director Shinoda. Though their conversation was muffled through the walls, certain words pierced through the concrete walls. "Shogun" he caught the designation addressed to him
Hoshizora's brow furrowed slightly at the mention of the title, a name bestowed upon him by Border. As the weight of the word settled upon him, a spark of realization ignited within him. It wasn't just a title; it was a symbol of his identity—a persona molded by necessity rather than choice because Border wasn't doing its job properly for the people.
And "Inconsistencies," the word echoed within the confines of the cell. His mind raced, grappling with the implications of the word as it reverberated in his thoughts. "What inconsistencies did they catch?" he pondered silently. Despite his efforts to remain truthful during the interrogation, a nagging doubt crept into his mind. Had he inadvertently overlooked some detail?
"I was truthful with all answers, well almost all," Hoshizora reiterated to himself, his voice barely audible in the stillness of the cell. Yet, despite his conviction, a seed of doubt had been planted, and it took root in the recesses of his mind. "How did they even detect a lie like that?" Hoshizora pondered silently, his mind racing to unravel the mystery. Then, like a bolt of lightning, the realization struck him. "It was Yuma," he muttered under his breath, the pieces falling into place.
At that moment, Hoshizora understood that it was Yuma's Side Effect that had unraveled the fabric of his carefully constructed facade. Back outside the cell, Shinoda glanced at Rindo, "Do you believe he's being forthcoming with us, Kotori?" he asked. Kotori hesitated before responding, "I want to believe him," she admitted. "But there are still doubts lingering in my mind." Rindo nodded in understanding. "We share your concerns, Kotori," he reassured her. "Which is why we must proceed with caution and gather as much information as possible."
As the conversation outside the cell drew to a close, Director Rindo gestured for the door to be unlocked. With a subtle click, the heavy metal door swung open, revealing the dimly lit interior of the cell where Hoshizora awaited their arrival. Rindo and Shinoda entered first, followed closely by Kotori.
Hoshizora stood before them, his demeanor a mixture of defiance and uncertainty. "Shogun," Rindo began, his tone measured yet authoritative. "We need to discuss the events of the interrogation in further detail." His gaze bore into Hoshizora, seeking answers hidden beneath the surface. Unable to see their faces, Hoshizora relied on their voices to gauge their intentions. "I've been as forthcoming as possible," he asserted. "But if there are any discrepancies, I'm willing to address them. Minus the roughness please, I'm a blind man."
Kotori stifled a laugh, her hand quickly covering her mouth as she exchanged a brief glance with Shinoda. Rindo's expression softened as he noticed her reaction. "My apologies for any rough treatment you may have experienced," he stated sincerely. "I will address the matter with the agents responsible." Kotori nodded. "Director Rindo," she began, her voice soft yet firm. "Please, be lenient with my sister. She's still learning." Hoshizora chimed in, "Yes, please. Despite her methods, she means well," he added.
Rindo nodded in acknowledgment, "I understand," he replied. "Rest assured, I'll ensure that everyone receives the guidance they need to fulfill their duties appropriately." However, it was Shinoda who, in his typical direct manner, posed the unexpected question. "Are you truly blind?" he asked. Hoshizora's brow furrowed, taken aback by the inquiry. "Yes," he replied firmly. "It's been that way after fighting Ainfai."
Before anyone could react, Hoshizora sensed a sudden surge of Trion lunging straight at him. With swift reflexes, he seized Kotori's trigger, activating it with a command that echoed through the confined space, "Trigger On!" The Border uniform, not designed for him, hugged his form tightly as he moved, his movements fueled by adrenaline and instinct. Dodging the strike with practiced agility, Hoshizora swiftly maneuvered, pointing the Great Axe at Shinoda's head. Shinoda's smirk formed at the unexpected turn of events. "Blind, huh?" he remarked, his tone laced with amusement.
Unfazed by Shinoda's taunt, Hoshizora reaffirmed his truth. "I am," he asserted, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. "It was instinct." However, Director Rindo's question stopped that theory. "How is it instinct when you efficiently grabbed Kotori's trigger and directed the weapon at Shinoda without knowing his precise location?" Hoshizora's brow furrowed as he contemplated Rindo's inquiry. It was a moment of realization, not just for those present in the cell, but for Hoshizora himself, as he grappled with the implications of his actions.
As the tension dissipated slightly, Director Rindo couldn't help but interject with a touch of humor. "Well, Shogun, it seems the Border uniform suits you quite well," he quipped. Meanwhile, Kotori's gaze lingered on Hoshizora, her disbelief evident in her expression. "Can you... actually see?" she asked. Hoshizora looked toward her general direction with a mix of resignation and determination. "No," he admitted. "I don't even know what I just did."
Shinoda's smirk remained firmly in place, though there was a glimmer of respect in his eyes as he regarded Hoshizora. "Impressive," he acknowledged as he got out of his Trion body. Hoshizora's brow furrowed in confusion. "I really don't understand what just happened," he confessed. "One moment we were talking normally, the next moment, I see a Trion body attacking me. At that point, instinct took over."
Rindo sensed Hoshizora's bewilderment and decided to intervene. "Perhaps it's best if we take a break for now," he suggested. "We can reconvene later to continue this discussion once we've all had time to process everything." Shinoda nodded in agreement, and the two directors exited the room, leaving Hoshizora and Kotori behind.
Alone once more, Hoshizora slowly released his grip on Kotori's trigger and let out a heavy sigh as the Trion body went back into the Trigger. He returned to his bed, the weight of recent events settling heavily upon him. Kotori approached him cautiously, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Can I have my Trigger back?" she asked softly.
Hoshizora held up the trigger, studying it intently for a moment before handing it back to her. As Kotori reclaimed her trigger, Hoshizora's mind was consumed by the mystery of his newfound perception of Trion. "How can I see Trion so clearly?" he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with bewilderment. Though he couldn't grasp the answer, the realization that he could perceive the Trion particles around him sparked a sense of both wonder and apprehension within him.
As Director Rindo and Director Shinoda made their way through the corridors of Border HQ towards the engineering department, their conversation turned to the events that had unfolded in Hoshizora's holding cell. Rindo broke the silence, "Well, that was unexpected," he remarked, his tone thoughtful as he adjusted his glasses. "I must admit, I didn't anticipate such a reaction from him."
Shinoda grunted in agreement, "No kidding. The guy's got some serious instincts," he replied. "Blind or not, he handled himself well there. That Side Effect…I don't think it's Thermokinetic Amplification. I think it's Trionic Amplification. It would only make sense, since he reacted to my attack." Rindo nodded thoughtfully, "It also adds up to him reaching for his Trigger in the interrogation room, and knowing who is coming to his room." he mused.
Shinoda nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "Exactly. His ability to sense Trion and react with such precision suggests that his Side Effect is indeed Trionic Amplification," he concurred. "It's a rare ability, one that could prove to be a significant asset if properly harnessed." Rindo's gaze sharpened with understanding as he processed Shinoda's analysis. "Indeed, it would explain his uncanny instincts and heightened awareness," he acknowledged. "But it also raises questions about how he acquired such a unique Side Effect."
Shinoda's brow furrowed in contemplation. "Considering his recent encounter with the humanoid Neighbor, it's plausible that his Side Effect evolved as a result of him overusing it," he hypothesized. "Perhaps losing his eyes triggered the evolution of his ability." Rindo nodded, "That's a valid hypothesis," he agreed.
As Rindo and Shinoda continued their conversation, their brisk pace led them to the entrance of the engineering department. Just as they were about to enter, an engineer, Hiroshi, rushed up to Director Shinoda with urgency written all over his face. "Director, I have crucial information regarding Hoshizora's Trigger," Hiroshi announced breathlessly. Shinoda's brows furrowed in anticipation as he turned his attention to the engineer. "What is it, Hiroshi?" he inquired.
Hiroshi took a moment to catch his breath before delivering the news. "We've conducted a thorough analysis of Hoshizora's Trigger, and the results are in," he began, his words coming out in a rush. "It's an old C-Rank agent's Trigger, one that was used during the invasion of Aftokrator several months ago." Shinoda's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the revelation. "Are you certain?" he pressed, seeking confirmation.
Hiroshi nodded firmly. "Yes, Director. The Trigger's signature matches those used by our agents during that time," he affirmed. "It's a rare find, but there's no doubt about its origin." Rindo listened intently to the exchange. "This makes his claim about finding this Trigger true," he remarked, his tone reflecting the weight of the revelation. "It suggests that he never did attack one of our own agents but found a way to sneak onto Earth without our radars capturing his Trion signature."
As Rindo and Shinoda absorbed the weight of Hiroshi's revelation, the unexpected arrival of Chief Kido added another layer of intrigue to the situation. The chief's imposing presence commanded attention as he stepped into the corridor, his expression unreadable. "Chief," Shinoda acknowledged, his surprise evident in his tone. "What brings you here? Weren't you supposed to be at the press conference?" Kido's gaze swept over the trio, "I postponed the press conference," he stated simply. "There are more pressing matters at hand."
Rindo exchanged a curious glance with Shinoda, "What do you mean, Chief?" Rindo inquired. Kido's response was measured, "I've been monitoring the situation, I'm surprised he retaliated against you Shinoda even though he's blind. Any reason as to why?" he inquired.
Shinoda nodded, "It's likely due to his Side Effect," he explained. "He seems to possess a heightened sense of Trion perception, allowing him to react instinctively to threats." Kido listened attentively. "So, you believe his Side Effect played a role in his reaction?" he queried. Shinoda nodded in confirmation, "Yes, Chief. It's the most plausible explanation based on what we've observed," he affirmed. "His ability to sense Trion and react with such precision suggests that his Side Effect is more nuanced than initially thought."
Kido absorbed Shinoda's assessment, "Interesting," he murmured. He turned his attention to Hiroshi, who stood nearby, awaiting further instructions. "Hiroshi, I want you to repurpose the Shogun's Trigger," Kido commanded. "Extract all the data from it and add it to our database. Then, prepare an empty B-Rank Trigger to house Hoshizora's Kogetsu."
Hiroshi nodded in acknowledgment, immediately springing into action to carry out the chief's orders. As he hurried off to fulfill his task, Chief Kido turned back to the directors. Rindo couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "Chief, may I ask what your intentions are?" he inquired. Kido's response was measured, his gaze steady as he addressed Rindo's question. "I've made the decision to accept Hoshizora into Border," he explained. "However, he will be placed under you branch, Tamakoma."
Rindo's eyebrows furrowed in surprise at the announcement. "Eh? My branch?!" he echoed, his mind racing to grasp the implications of Kido's decision. Shinoda interjected with a pointed question. "Is that really a wise decision, Chief?" he inquired. "Even if the Shogun claims to be blind and thus seemingly useless in battle now?" Kido's expression remained impassive as he considered Shinoda's question. "It's not just about his combat capabilities, even though he was able to fight back without his sight physically" he replied evenly. "Hoshizora has proven himself to be a valuable asset in other ways. And with Kotori Minase by his side, they will make a formidable team."