Several days after the battle between the Eighth Fleet and ZAFT, the transport ship carrying Dawn Gundam, Gundam Exia, Gundam Cherudim, and Gundam Virtue shook off all pursuit and surveillance, returning safely to Ame No Minashira.
"You've really done something extraordinary this time."
As soon as he disembarked, a tall, imposing woman with long, straight black hair strode toward him. Aside from her, the vast port was completely empty.
"Not bad, Mina."
Rondo Mina Sahaku—one of the heirs to the Sahaku family, one of the Five Great Clans of Orb. Along with her twin brother, Rondo Gina Sahaku, both were Coordinators who had dedicated their lives to Orb from birth—no, even before birth.
Their genes had been adjusted for this purpose, and they were adopted into the Sahaku family. Among the Five Great Clans of Orb, ability was valued far more than bloodline. This ultra-realistic principle was maintained as a system to transform outdated bloodline dominance into something functional.
Unlike the Athha family, which had produced successive leaders and flourished on the political stage, the Sahaku family had long shouldered the darker, behind-the-scenes work of politics. As a result, they had deep ties with the "violence of the state"—the military. This also meant they were closely linked with Dawn Company, the heart of Orb's military industry.
"To stand on the political stage"—this was the Sahaku family's wish. Naturally, most of its members harbored feelings close to hatred toward the Athha family.
Originally, Mina and Gina's views weren't too different—both were radicals who believed Orb should stand at the pinnacle of the world. This aligned with Yang Hui's own ideals. However, the siblings differed in approach. Mina's thinking was closer to Yang Hui's: until Orb possessed the strength to simultaneously oppose both the Earth Alliance and PLANT, they must conceal their capabilities, maintain neutrality, and watch the two great powers tear each other apart.
Gina, on the other hand, was far more radical—he advocated directly declaring war on both factions or temporarily allying with one to fight the other, all while acting as a vampire, draining their resources to strengthen Orb before stabbing them in the back at the right moment.
This idea… Yang Hui could only say Gina must have been hit in the head by a door!
Both the Earth Alliance and PLANT genuinely wanted to recruit Orb—but their wariness was even stronger than their desire.
As a small nation with immense potential, joining either side would be like stripping naked and placing themselves at the mercy of others!
Draining their resources to grow stronger? What kind of fantasy was that? Where did this confidence even come from?
Gina, in particular, favored the Atlantic Federation of Earth, believing they desperately needed Orb's assistance. He was convinced that if Orb willingly joined them, they would be treated as honored guests.
To this, Yang Hui could only respond with a cold, mocking laugh.
Was the Eurasian Federation not powerful? At the very least, it was stronger than Orb at present.
So, look at what the Atlantic Federation had done to the Eurasian Federation—betrayed, used as cannon fodder, treated like a subordinate. Did it still resemble a great power in any way?
And... you don't even know what's really going on behind the scenes with the Atlantic Federation, yet you want to align with them? Did all your genetic adjustments go into your body and leave your brain untouched?
If all of Sahaku's heirs were like Gina, Yang Hui would definitely find a way to kick the Sahaku family out of Orb and take back Ame No Minashira from their hands.
Fortunately, Mina approved of Yang Hui's plans and was willing to cooperate with him, which saved the Sahaku family.
"Your actions could ruin our plans completely. Are you trying to destroy Orb?" Faced with Yang Hui's casual attitude, Mina showed no warmth, her icy expression dropping the temperature around them.
The battle between the Eighth Fleet and ZAFT was too massive and intense to hide. After the battle, spies from all sides obtained the intel, and Mina was among the first to get the detailed report. Seeing Yang Hui piloting the Dawn Gundam with such overwhelming power, her first reaction was excitement—such strength would be Orb's pillar of stability. But the next moment, she wanted to hang Yang Hui up and whip him. Orb wasn't ready yet, and Yang Hui had exposed himself too soon!
"Of course not. No one knows it was me..."
"Do you take everyone for fools?"
"Evidence, Mina. Evidence. Without proof, neither the Earth Alliance nor PLANT can use this as an excuse to target Orb."
"Hah, I didn't expect you to be so naive." Mina sneered. "I'm starting to doubt whether cooperating with you was the right decision."
"You won't regret your choice, Mina." Yang Hui smirked, exuding confidence.
Did he not understand what Mina meant? Of course he did!
Wars between nations aren't like police investigations—they don't need evidence. If a threat is perceived and the power is sufficient, any excuse will do to attack.
But... was it really that simple? Or rather... could PLANT and the Earth Alliance really spare the resources to deal with Orb now? Especially after Yang Hui had already taken note of this threat.
"Relax, Mina. Yang Hui and Sumeragi have already adjusted the plan. I'll be descending to Earth soon to visit the nations of the Earth Alliance," Wang Liu Mei reassured Mina.
"..." Mina remained silent, her gaze shifting between Yang Hui, Sumeragi, and Wang Liu Mei, lost in thought.
"Speaking of which, Mina..." Suddenly, Yang Hui dropped his casual demeanor, his commanding presence crashing through Mina's icy mask like a tidal wave. "...Why was the Astray Project already completed at Heliopolis? According to our plan, it should have just begun, and it was supposed to be at Dawn Company."
"...Hmph! I... I just thought the progress was too slow and decided to speed things up," Mina forced herself to stay composed, answering with pride.
"Why wasn't I informed?" Yang Hui stepped right in front of Mina, their faces almost touching. No one would mistake this for a romantic moment—his gaze was filled with authority and pressure, like a king about to punish a disobedient subject.
"I..." Faced with such a composed Yang Hui, Mina's pride finally couldn't sustain her resistance against him. She took a step back, her words stumbling. "I thought there was no need to report every little thing to you. You already have enough on your plate. As a partner, it's necessary to share some of your burdens—"
"...There won't be a next time, Mina."
With that, Yang Hui walked past her and left, followed closely by Setsuna and Tieria. Lyle shrugged, muttering under his breath, "This guy's no rookie—he's a total heartthrob," before catching up with them.
After Yang Hui departed, Mina suddenly felt her legs weaken, nearly causing her to collapse.
Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei, who had stayed behind, quickly steadied her.
"Mina, are you alright?" Sumeragi asked with concern.
Mina glanced at her and shook off their support.
"I don't need your pity."
Seeing this, Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei exchanged amused glances before breaking into laughter.
"Hahaha..."
"Mina, I have a suggestion. Would you like to hear it?"
"...What is it?"
"Tsundere is a disease. You should get it treated."
"You! Hmph!"
Mina's composure shattered completely. Flustered, she stormed off, but not before Sumeragi and Wang Liu Mei caught a glimpse of her frosty pale cheeks now tinged with an adorable blush.
...
Yang Hui entered Ame No Minashira, intending to rest briefly before discussing its future arrangements with Mina. However, the moment he reappeared in public, he was intercepted by someone he'd rather avoid.
"Yang Hui."
A man who looked almost identical to Mina strode forward with arrogant confidence, blocking Yang Hui's path—Rondo Gina Sahaku, Mina's twin brother.
"Gina, long time no see."
Though Yang Hui and Gina were far from kindred spirits, he maintained a polite facade. After all, Gina was Mina's younger brother and one of the Sahaku family heirs.
"Hmph. A hypocrite, as expected. You truly aren't worthy of dancing on the same stage as me," Gina sneered.
"..." Yang Hui's expression instantly darkened, realizing this wasn't a friendly visit. "If that's all you have to say, I'll take my leave."
"Wait."
"What now?" Yang Hui replied coldly.
"I came to tell you this—I don't know what you and Mina are scheming, but I've obtained P01 (Astray Gold Frame) now. With the perfect dance shoes and attire, I won't let you monopolize the stage any longer!"
"Tch." Yang Hui scoffed dismissively and pushed past him. As he walked by, he muttered icily, "If missing limbs is your idea of perfection, then this stage was never meant for you, Gina."
"You!"
Watching Yang Hui walk away, Gina seethed with rage. Too prideful to lash out openly, he dug his nails into his palms to suppress his fury.
"Yang Hui! I swear... I'll make you pay! No one looks down on me! No one!" Gina roared inwardly.
Once they were out of earshot, Tieria leaned in and whispered, "That man is dangerous. I recommend eliminating him."
"I promised Mina."
"But our mission takes priority..."
"Tieria, don't forget Mina is also our comrade."
"Tch, I never acknowledged her."
"Heh."
Yang Hui knew perfectly well that Gina was already on the path of losing control. After obtaining the Gold Frame, Gina had become utterly arrogant.
In the original timeline, after acquiring the Gold Frame, Gina had recklessly launched attacks against Lowe and Gai Murakumo without authorization, and even assaulted ZAFT Forces. After being defeated by Lowe and Gai, his rationality was completely consumed by rage and hatred, viewing them as lifelong enemies until he ultimately died by their hands.
To Yang Hui, Gina's behavior could be bluntly described as cutting off one's nose to spite one's face—not only suffering needlessly but also getting himself killed in the end. It was downright idiotic. He couldn't fathom how someone like that had been chosen by Old Sahaku as one of Sahaku's successors.
This was precisely why Yang Hui had chosen Mina over Gina as his collaborator, keeping him in the dark about everything. In every aspect, Gina paled in comparison to Mina!
For some reason, a peculiar yet entirely plausible thought suddenly crossed Yang Hui's mind.
"Hmm? Could it be... Old Sahaku only ever had his eye on Mina from the start, and Gina was just a throw-in?"