Chapter 106: The Resurrection of Team Hachiman
The next day, the two of them were steadily preparing to log in after completing their exercise routines.
"By the way, how are Klein and the others doing?"
"According to Miss Haruno, she's already gotten in touch with them. We should be seeing those guys soon."
"Oh! They can log into ALO now?"
"I heard the software's ready too. They should be online any moment."
"That's great! Team Hachiman is going to be revived in ALO!"
"Since when did we start calling ourselves that…"
"It's just temporary! Oh, right, Hachiman, once everything's settled, how about forming a guild in ALO? Back in SAO, Asuna and I—maybe Liz too—actually wanted to join a guild you created."
"So it really was like that… Sorry about that."
"No need to apologize. Things were complicated back then. But if you're okay with it, we'd like to count on you this time."
"Sure, I'll seriously think about it."
"Honestly, what gives me the biggest headache isn't creating the guild, it's naming it."
"Yeah… I'm terrible at that kind of thing…"
"It's about time for our meeting with Leafa. Today's going to be packed, so let's get pumped up. This is the first step in saving Asuna and Liz."
"Right, let's give it our all."
Once it was time, they logged into ALO. As they waited outside the inn, Leafa came running and waving.
"You two, today's going to be tough. Are your bodies ready for it?"
"Oh, totally fine!"
"I'm good too."
"Kirito-kun's so full of energy, and Hachiman-kun's as calm as always."
"No, to be honest, I'm kind of nervous too."
"Really?"
"We've got a fight ahead, and we'll also be negotiating in an alliance meeting."
"Oh, right. Recon sent a report. He casually leaked the time, and Sigurd secretly contacted someone afterward and seemed oddly pleased."
"So it's confirmed—something's fishy. Looks like a fight is inevitable."
"Recon said there's still something bugging him, so he'll keep watching."
"We should thank him. Alright, let's head out."
"Got it."
The three boarded the Wind Tower. The view from the top remained magnificent.
"You two can keep up with me, right?"
"More like—can you keep up with us?"
"You wish! Let's go!"
"Watch closely—this is the result of my training!"
"Kirito, manage your stamina."
"I know, I know—let's fly."
The three headed toward Rue Street.
Leafa was indeed fast, but Hachiman and Kirito flew steadily.
Seeing that, Leafa started to look a little downcast.
"I was really confident in my flying…"
"Don't be like that. We're near our limit too."
"Really?"
"Yeah, right Hachiman?"
"Right. Just flying is fine, but we're making more unnecessary movements than you. Our feather fatigue is probably building up faster."
"You're always so calm and analytical."
"But I won't lose in top speed."
"Huh?"
Hachiman suddenly accelerated. "No way I'm losing!"
Kirito also sped up to chase him.
Leafa hurried to catch up but gradually fell behind.
"Ugh… So fast… This is frustrating…"
Leafa desperately tried to catch up, but before long Hachiman and Kirito had landed to rest. Leafa also descended beside them, worn out from feather fatigue.
"Hachiman was right, huh."
"I might be able to fly a bit more though."
"We've probably covered enough distance. But yeah, the fatigue adds up fast."
"Let's take a short break."
At that moment, Yui issued a warning.
"Daddy! Someone's following us!"
"Are they attackers or just tailing us? Yui, how many?"
"Two people."
"Just tailing… Are they getting closer?"
"No, they've landed behind us."
"So they're surveillance.
After resting, the three took off again. After repeating the flight-and-rest cycle several times, they finally saw the town.
"That's Rue Street."
"Finally."
"Ahead of schedule?"
"No disturbances along the way."
"Yui, are they still following?"
"Yes, Daddy. They're keeping a cautious distance."
"Alright, let's head into town. Leafa, contact Yukino's group."
Leafa went to find Yukino. "Daddy, the pursuers are approaching—they're in the inn's shadows and behind the trees."
"Yui, can you quietly confirm whether they're observing us?"
"Okay."
Yui climbed from Hachiman's chest pocket to his shoulder and observed from there.
"They're peeking at us. Definitely surveillance."
"They've been following us since we logged in, over a long distance. That's some dedication."
Leafa returned. Kirito waved to her. "Yukino's group is here. I'll take you to them."
"Wait. Those people are still watching."
"Huh? Where?"
"Yui said behind the inn and the tree behind me."
Leafa was about to turn her head, but Hachiman stopped her.
"Leafa, act natural and check them through your fingers. If you recognize them, stretch and use that as a signal."
"Got it… Alright, time to perk up!"
Leafa pretended to smack her cheeks, then subtly peeked through her fingers and stretched.
Hachiman loudly declared:
"We'll head to Rue Corridor in one hour. Yukino's group will reach the other side around the same time."
Kirito and Leafa echoed the timing.
"Got it, one hour from now."
"Okay! One hour!"
If we want Sigurd to take the bait, we need to let them follow us to Rue."
"As long as they don't attack, we should be safe for now."
"Let's ignore them and rest."
The watchers made contact and then left.
"All set."
"Those two are Sigurd's cronies. Not party members, but I've seen them a few times."
"You think Sigurd will act?"
"He went to the trouble of confirming our movements, so probably."
"If Leafa says so, it's likely accurate."
"Let's meet up with Yukino's group first."
"Leafa, lead the way."
"They've booked a large room at an inn near the corridor exit."
On the way to the inn, Hachiman stayed alert but encountered no suspicious figures. They successfully regrouped with Yukino's party.
"Sorry for the trouble, everyone."
"Really, we're sorry."
Hachiman and Kirito bowed their heads.
"Onii-chan and Kirito-kun, don't worry! Komachi can still do better!"
"Senpai! Kirito-kun! I'm totally fine!"
"Ha-Hachiman, Kirito-kun, the main event's just starting! Let's go!"
"You two, raise your heads. We chose to do this. We'll give our all following Hachiman's direction. Of course, we'll voice our opinions too."
"Everyone… really… thank you."
Kirito lightly patted Hachiman's back.
Leafa looked on with a hint of envy.