Flashback: Several months ago at Riot Force 6
The morning after the Numbers' invasion, the headquarters was in ruins. Rubble and debris littered the halls. Nanoha remained in a state of shock following Vivio's abduction, while Subaru was equally devastated after her sister, Ginga, was taken by the Numbers.
Meanwhile, in the Fuji, Renjou, and Kai dorm room, the three of them sat together, chatting while repairing their living quarters before an urgent meeting.
"Renjou, Kai. I've been thinking about something," Fuji said, leaning back on the couch.
"What is it, Fuji?" Renjou asked, fixing a broken drawer.
"Once Riot Force 6 is disbanded, the Forward Phantom will also be dissolved, and we'll all go our separate ways. What do you plan to do next?" Fuji asked with a serious expression.
"Me? I'm not sure yet, Fuji. We'll probably be split into different battalions. Why do you ask?" Renjou replied.
"I've decided to transfer to the Saint Church after this battalion is disbanded," Fuji stated firmly.
"The Saint Church? Do you want to become a priest there?" Renjou asked, sitting on the couch across from Fuji with Kai.
"Not exactly. When I visited, it felt so peaceful. I want to become a Brother of the Saint Church. Have you two decided on your next steps?" Fuji asked with determination.
"Well, we'll likely be split up. Our ranks will probably rise to Captain. As for me, training cadets like Nanoha-chan does seems interesting," Renjou mused.
Fuji turned to the perpetually quiet Kai. "What about you, Kai?"
"...I've never thought about it," Kai replied.
"Kai, I think you should work with Hayate-chan. You two are like brother and sister whenever you're together," Renjou suggested.
"Come to think of it, you're right. Everyone in the battalion says the same thing," Fuji added.
"Yagami already has her guardians, doesn't she? The Belkan Knights—Vita, Signum, Shamal, Zafira, and Reinforce. Is it really necessary for her to have me there too?" Kai questioned.
"Don't worry about that, Kai. Just leave it to me. We may be split up after Riot Force 6, but we will always be brothers-in-arms," Fuji said reassuringly.
"After the disbandment, we'll be Captains and Fuji will be a Brother of the Saint Church. He knows what he's doing," Renjou added.
"I don't know. It sounds risky to me," Kai muttered.
"Remember our oath, Kai. We are brothers, even if we are separated," Fuji reminded him.
Fate, however, had other plans. During the JS Incident at the Saint's Cradle, Kai was gravely injured by an Imposter who struck his body and face. He fell into a coma for a month, and his eyesight was severely damaged.
To hide his injuries and failing sight, Kai adopted the identity of "Archibald Enzo." With help from Nanoha, Chrono, Fate, and Lindy, he worked under Hayate's command while keeping his true identity a secret from her and the others. Now, after many struggles, Kai has finally faced Hayate. His vision has returned, though his secret was revealed at a difficult moment by his Imposter, Regan Rivian.
Even though Kai's vision is restored, the scar on his face remains. Per Lindy's orders, Kai is not allowed to reveal his face or real name except to close friends like Nanoha and only while off-duty. Lindy's reasoning wasn't just about the mask; she feared another Imposter from Adamatron might use the Soul Edge from the Book of the End of Times to frame Kai for further chaos. Thus, he remains "Archibald Enzo" on duty at HQ and "Izumi Kai" when off-duty.
End of Flashback
The Present Day
Kai woke up to his alarm on a Sunday morning. His room was filled with boxes; he was moving from the dorms to his parents' house in Midchilda the following Sunday, which conveniently preceded a national holiday. He prepared for the day, donned his uniform, and prepared to step into his role as "Arc". He put on his silver medallion necklace, hiding it under his uniform, and donned his mask.
On his way to the investigation room, he ran into Nanoha.
"Good morning, Arc!" Nanoha greeted him with a cheerful pat on the back.
"Good morning, Nanoha-san," Arc responded.
"How are you feeling today?" she asked.
"Better. I'm no longer hurting Hayate's feelings, and I don't have to hide from her anymore," Arc said.
"I'm glad. Hayate said you remind her of Reinforce Eins and that you two are like siblings. It would be a shame to keep hiding that," Nanoha said.
"I know. Even back at Riot Force 6, people said we were like brother and sister," Arc agreed.
Nanoha chuckled. "You know, everyone is talking about you returning with a new mask. They think you're a modified robot from Planet Darnaza".
"Darnaza, huh? I've read that report. That was when you were thirteen and Hayate formed 'Exceed,' right? Investigator Nanoha, Enforcer Fate, Governor Hayate, and Head Secretary Reinforce. You dealt with rampaging robots, 'The Last Witches,' Zeo and Filly Mercury in Melk Village, and the 'Cleaners' mercenaries. Signum and Zafira managed the squads, Shamal ran the medical team, and Vita trained the troops. I've only read half the report, though," Arc noted.
"That's right. The TSAB HQ is buzzing with those theories," Nanoha said. After a moment of silence, she added, "Arc, regarding your last mission... I didn't expect Regan Rivian to be your Imposter".
"He kidnapped Hayate because he wasn't hand-picked for Riot Force 6. That's what the records say," Nanoha continued.
"It's for the best, Nanoha. He was a young adult with a bratty personality. Fuji and Renjou told me about his strange behavior when I had Soul Edge. He was obsessed with you and Hayate. He deserves the consequences of his crimes. But per General Lindy's orders, I must remain as Archibald Enzo to prevent any further confusion if another Imposter appears," Arc explained.
"I see," Nanoha said. Then, she hesitated. "By the way, Arc... I've wondered since the Riot Force 6 days... do you... like Hayate?".
Nanoha expected a blush or nervousness, but Kai simply stopped and looked out the window. Though his emotions were returning, he was still somewhat unstable. He spoke in a cool, calm tone.
"...Nanoha-san... my personality isn't fully stable yet... but my heart tells me that I want to protect her," Arc said, looking at her.
"I understand," Nanoha smiled.
"But... not just Hayate. Signum, Fate, you, and everyone I know. I want to protect all of you. Like Hayate said, we are family," Arc added.
"Thank you, Arc-kun. You remind me of my big brother," Nanoha said warmly.
They parted ways, Nanoha to her office and Arc to the investigation room to continue his work on Adamatron and the Soul Edge with Signum. Signum was also handling the reports on Glaza Enfield and Regan Rivian. Curiously, Adamatron had gone quiet since Regan was defeated, vanishing like the wind. They were a terrorist group that had attacked Midchilda, likely waiting for the perfect moment to strike again. The TSAB had officially named the Adamatron drones "Soldats".
In Nanoha's office, she and Vita were reviewing data for new recruits.
"This newbie's ability is terrible, Nanoha. They'll get injured easily on a mission," Vita complained.
"They're new, Vita. I know they can become capable soldiers," Nanoha replied.
"I know, I know. It's just... you have such a strict training style, but looking at these results just pisses me off," Vita grumbled.
"Calm down, Vita-chan. Maybe we can push their progress further," Nanoha suggested.
Just then, Renjou passed by and stepped into the room. "Yo, Nanoha-chan, Vita-chan!".
"Renjou-kun! It's unusual to see you at HQ. What brings you here?" Nanoha asked.
"I asked Mariel and Shario to tune up my device. My 'Ripple Beat' was busted during the last mission, so I'm here to pick it up today," Renjou explained.
"I remember. You and Signum tried to stop Kai when he went berserk. It was brutal; your device was almost destroyed," Nanoha recalled.
"Yeah. I also requested an Overdrive Mode, similar to Fate-chan's Bardiche Sonic Form," Renjou added.
"Renjou, doesn't your battalion have its own device meisters? Why ask Shari and Mari?" Vita questioned.
"Because they understand what my device needs most. And besides, I get to tease you since you're here, Vi-chan," Renjou smirked.
"Renjou, my Graf Eisen will smack your head!" Vita barked, brandishing her weapon.
"Ooooh, scary as always," Renjou laughed, backing away.
"You really enjoy teasing her, Renjou-kun," Nanoha observed.
"I love her personality, Nanoha. Especially being short-tempered like a little child," Renjou joked, leading to a chase as Vita pursued him out of the room.
Meanwhile, Shario arrived at the investigation room to tell Arc his device was ready. They went to the engineering room where Mariel, Hayate, and Reinforce were waiting. Hayate and Reinforce wore Navy uniforms, with Hayate sporting her long white coat.
"Commander Hayate. Commander Assistant Reinforce," Arc acknowledged.
"Hey there, Kai! I've been waiting for you," Hayate greeted him cheerfully.
"Is something wrong with my device?" Arc asked.
"Not at all. Hayate-chan just wanted to see your reaction," Reinforce smiled.
"I see... judging by those smiles, you've done something to it," Arc noted.
Mariel handed over the device. "Here you go, Arc. It's good to go".
"Welcome back, Master," Raging Brando spoke.
"Even with my mask changed, you still remember me, Raging Brando," Arc said.
"I remember you are Master, with or without the mask," the device replied.
Mariel then asked, "Captain Arc, your revolver cartridge was damaged in a strange way. The bullets you used weren't ours. Can you tell us where they came from?".
Kai remembered the special bullets Miata had given him, which contained Soul Edge shards. However, he had promised to keep her secret in exchange for the information that saved his eyes.
"It was from an anonymous source. She wanted to use those bullets to avenge her family and asked to remain classified. I'm sorry, I can't say more," Arc lied to protect Miata.
"I didn't expect you to have anonymous intel sources," Reinforce remarked.
"Things happen, Commander Assistant Reinforce," Arc replied.
Renjou soon arrived to pick up his tuned-up Ripple Beat, which now featured an Overdrive Mode. Hayate then suggested testing Arc's revised device on the rooftop.
On the roof, Arc activated Raging Brando's Barrier Jacket mode. The transformation was different this time. The suit was purple with black lines. Instead of a scarf, he now wore a masculine jacket and side skirts similar to Hayate's and Signum's. His armor on the shoulders, shoes, and gloves had been remodeled and improved, and his Gunblade had a new design.
Arc took off his helmet and inspected the new look. "How is it, Kai-kun?" Reinforce asked.
"I understand why you were waiting for me now. I really appreciate the remodel," Arc said.
"It's my way of saying thanks for saving me, Kai. Reinforce and I decided to redesign it using the cloak you carry. I'm glad you like it," Hayate said.
"There's one more surprise," Reinforce added. "Raging Brando, activate Sleipnir!".
"Authorized. Sleipnir activate," the device responded.
A large, bright red wing—the same color as his old scarf—appeared on Arc's back, but only on the left side.
"Damn, that wing is huge! But why only on one side?" Renjou asked.
"The Raging Brando's capacity is almost full with the U.O.B. system, so we had to limit it to one side," Shario explained.
Renjou then asked about the naming convention, noting the similarity to Nanoha's device. Mariel explained that while the names 'Raising Heart' and 'Raging Brando' are similar, they have different meanings.
"The new version is called 'Raging Brando Zephyr,'" Shario clarified.
Renjou also asked why the device no longer featured a Buster Sword mode. Shario and Mariel explained that a Buster Sword of that scale was too expensive and impossible to maintain in a standby mode. Instead, they gave him a model superior to the Soul Edge. The new 'Sleipnir' wing granted Kai S-rank flying abilities, matching the speed of Nanoha and others.
"Thank you, Commander Hayate, Commander Assistant Reinforce," Kai said, bowing.
Hayate patted his head. "You're welcome, Kai".
"You can just call me Rein, Kai-kun," Reinforce added.
"I think I'll call you Reinforce Drei from now on," Hayate teased.
"Eh?! You don't need to do that!" Kai exclaimed as Hayate giggled.
The upgraded Raging Brando Zephyr featured a new Gunblade design with a folding mechanism for switching between gun and sword modes. The gun mode now included a "Smasher Mode" for multiple enemies, while the sword mode released 14 beam blades on the sides and one at the tip, reaching the length of his old Buster Sword. His signature "Void Eruption" attack remained available.
Finally, Kai requested one more change: he wanted his safety glasses turned into a visor that could transform into a full-face helmet for the Barrier Jacket. He wanted to look more human so people wouldn't fear him or think he was a robot. Hayate, Mariel, and Shario approved, promising the visor would be ready by the holiday.
That evening, Kai returned to his dorm to pack. He was moving to his parents' house in Central Midchilda the next day. Nanoha and Hayate visited him as he finished.
"So, you're leaving the dorm tomorrow," Nanoha said.
"Yeah, my parents gave me the key. I can live there on weekends and holidays, but I'll still use the dorm if I have to work overtime," Kai said, showing them the key.
"It's a shame, Kai. I wish you could stay at my house," Hayate said.
"Um, Hayate-san... I can't accept that offer," Kai replied.
When Nanoha asked for the address, Kai told them: "South Midchilda, Y77-8998".
"Seriously? That's near my residence at Y77-8986!" Hayate exclaimed.
"And Fuji-kun lives near me, too," Nanoha added. "What a coincidence".
Hayate and Nanoha planned to visit the next day, with Nanoha inviting Fate and Vivio, and Kai mentioning Fuji and Renjou were coming as well. Before leaving, Hayate handed Kai a new Navy-colored uniform.
"I want you to be part of my platoon, Kai. Will you?" she asked.
"Yes. Thank you, Commander Hayate," Kai said, saluting.
On Sunday morning, Kai drove to his new home—a beach house that was remarkably clean and well-maintained. Inside, he found a photo of his parents in their youth; his mother had been a DSAA champion. He even discovered a secret passage in the storage room leading to his mother's old training area, complete with a championship belt and boxing equipment.
"Are you Kai Izumi-sama?" a voice asked from behind him.
Kai whirled around, pointing Raging Brando in Gunblade mode at the source. It was a mature-looking maid in a Victorian-style dress.
"Who are you?" Kai asked.
"I am your personal maid, Young Master. My name is Scheherazade Barton, or Schera. Your parents ordered me to clean the house before your arrival," she explained with a bow.
Kai asked Raging Brando why it didn't alert him. "She has a zero-level threat, Master," the device replied.
The Barton family was famous in Midchilda for serving high-class royalty and were rumored to have secret skills for protecting their masters. Just then, Kai's mother called.
"I forgot to tell you, Kai! Schera is your personal maid. She'll handle the chores while you're busy with duty," his mother explained. She added that Kai's father and the head of the Barton family were old friends.
"Well, Schera, please take care of me," Kai said, bowing.
"My pleasure, Kai-sama," she smiled.
That afternoon, Nanoha, Fate, Hayate, Vivio, Reinforce, Fuji, and Renjou arrived. They were impressed by the spacious beach house. Kai introduced Schera, which left everyone shocked, especially Renjou, who was a bit jealous despite his own wealthy background.
While the others chatted with Schera in the kitchen, Kai, Fate, and Renjou talked on the balcony. Fate mentioned that Hayate had a habit of "skinship"—fondling her friends' breasts during onsen visits—which left Kai and Renjou speechless. Renjou also teased Kai about a "Victorian love story" between a master and maid, which Kai dismissed as outdated.
After everyone left, Kai sat on the balcony to enjoy the view. Schera asked what he wanted for dinner, and he told her to choose something simple. Before she left, he asked why she agreed to serve him.
"Four years ago, you saved me from the rubble of a drone attack," Schera revealed.
Kai remembered a mission with Battalion 621 where he, Fuji, Renjou, and Regan (then Renton) saved civilians from Jail Scaglietti's drones.
"So, you were one of the people I saved?" Kai realized.
"Yes. I wanted to repay my debt to you. After I recovered, I told my parents I wanted to serve the person who saved my life," she said.
"It was just my duty, Schera," Kai replied.
After a bath, Kai enjoyed a delicious dinner of Naengmyeon (cold noodles) prepared by Schera. He spent the rest of the evening finishing reports, feeling more productive now that Adamatron was quiet.
The next morning, Kai woke up in his comfortable new bed and took a walk with Schera to explore the neighborhood. They ran into Vita and Signum, who were teaching martial arts to children. Kai introduced Schera, and they shared a laugh about Shamal's poor cooking skills.
Meanwhile, in Carnaaj, Fuji and Schach visited Lutecia and Megane. Megane was showing great progress in walking again, thanks to the Saint Church and Lutecia's friends, Erio and Caro.
That evening, Nanoha spoke with Vita on the phone. Vita suggested "borrowing" Kai as a special instructor for the new cadets, as his expertise in stealth and surprise attacks would be invaluable. Nanoha and Raising Heart agreed it was a great idea.
Finally, Shario and Mariel arrived at Kai's house to deliver his new visor. It was designed to cover his eyes and eyebrows while revealing his mouth and hair, serving as his new "mask" to protect his identity from the public while allowing him to be himself around his friends.
"I no longer need to hide my face from Hayate, but I still can't reveal it to the world," Kai said, looking at the visor. "I just want everyone to know that I am human, not a robot."
To be continued...