The next day, Hachiman visited Haruno's office to report the guild's formation, securing the base, and reviving Yui and Kizmel. Guided by Rose, he entered, gave his report, and endured Haruno's teasing. Exhausted, he left, noticing Rose still waiting outside, as she had been when he arrived. Curious, he approached her.
"You waiting for me? Something up?"
"…Maybe I've got questions, but no real business."
Rose glanced at him, clearly hiding something. The noon chime rang, and her behavior grew odd, eyes darting between the clock and Hachiman. Unsure of her intent, he chose a safe topic.
"Noon, huh? Didn't even think about lunch."
"Y-yeah, if you want, I know a good place nearby…"
As Rose spoke, the door swung open, and Haruno peeked out.
"Hachiman-kun, it's lunchtime. Wanna join—oh?"
Rose averted her gaze instantly. Haruno's eyes narrowed, appraising her. Satisfied, she whispered to Hachiman.
"Take control of her now. She'll be your subordinate someday."
"Asuna said something similar about dependence. Is that okay? You were so against it with Yukino."
"She's not family. Plus, it's better for her this way, right?"
Hachiman sighed softly.
"You're telling me to take her on?"
"I'd like to see that kind of resolve from you."
"I'll judge for myself first. That cool?"
"Yup, fine by me."
Hachiman hesitated but recalled Asuna's advice and decided to push forward.
"Sorry, Haru-neesan, I've got plans with her. Hey, Rose, take me to that spot you mentioned."
"Oh, too bad. Next time, then!"
"Yeah, sorry. Come on, Rose, let's go."
Rose's reaction wasn't that of a lovestruck girl. She froze, mouth agape, checked Hachiman's expression for anger, then Haruno's unchanging smile, and relaxed slightly, stammering.
"R-right, this way."
"Alright."
Hachiman whispered to Haruno out of Rose's earshot.
"I get it. Asuna and Haru-neesan are right—it's not romantic."
"If it was, I'd crush it for my cute little sister-in-law."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm off."
Hachiman followed Rose, and Haruno called after him.
"Do it well!"
He waved without looking back.
"Uh, this way, I think…"
"Didn't you say you knew the area?"
"I do! I've simulated eating out with someone tons of times!"
"But never actually done it?"
Hachiman's incredulous tone made Rose blush, defensive.
"It's not my fault! I'm tied to the boss—never know when she'll throw me a curveball. I can't just dine out!"
"Fair point. My bad."
Hachiman apologized sincerely, but Rose wasn't done.
"If you feel bad, make me your direct subordinate already! I graduate high school, go to college—six years? Too long! …Oh, sorry."
Seeing Hachiman's eyes narrow, she backpedaled, apologizing.
"You want to work under me of your own will, not just Haru-neesan's say-so?"
Rose flinched, mumbling.
"I don't hate you. You're reliable, and you saved my life…"
"No need for repayment. I fought for myself and my team."
"I know I was an enemy, but…"
"Then why?"
Rose's face twisted, voice strained.
"I have nightmares."
"Nightmares? About what?"
"Laughing Coffin mocking me as they carve me up."
"And that's why you want to be my subordinate?"
"…I don't have them when I see or talk to you."
Hachiman felt a heavy weight settle on him. Struggling for words, he chose harsh but necessary ones.
"I can't date you or be there when you're lonely. To me, you're like a stray pup I picked up."
"I know that! But you're all I've got! If I'm a stray, at least feed me!"
"Reverse tantrum, huh?"
"Got a problem?"
"Sigh…"
Hachiman reflected, wondering if he'd messed up somewhere, but knew beating Rosalia was his only choice back then. He steeled himself to take responsibility for the outcome.
"Fine. I'll keep feeding you forever. In return, be useful to me and Asuna."
Rose turned away, barely hiding her joy.
"F-fine, I'll do what you say!"
"Thanks."
"Good enough!"
"Let's eat, then. You had something to ask, right?"
Rose led him to, of all places, Saizeriya, inexplicably reserving a private room.
"Why Saizeriya?"
"What? You love it, don't you? Got a problem?"
"You did your homework. Didn't know they had private rooms."
"It's a trial thing for the times, apparently."
"Got it."
In the private room, Rose browsed the menu, but Hachiman didn't bother. When she asked why, he brushed it off, saying it wasn't needed. At ordering time, he rattled off items, including seasonal ones, stunning Rose.
"How do you have the seasonal menu memorized?!"
"You researched me, right? Don't underestimate my Saizeriya love."
"I didn't have that level of intel…"
Food arrived, and they dug into business.
"So?"
"You're… Shana, right?"
Hachiman hadn't expected that but was impressed she'd pieced it together from a brief clip.
"Not bad."
"You're the only one I know who can pull that off."
"That's your only proof…?"
He mentally downgraded her deduction.
"It's been a while since I tipped you off. Did you find them in GGO?"
"No sign of anyone like them yet."
"What about Satrizer?"
"Gut says he's unrelated."
"If you say so, it's probably right."
"Yeah…"
Hachiman realized Rose knowing his identity opened new risks.
"If you figured me out from that clip, they might too. I've kept a low profile since BoB's mess, but rumors could spread, or weirdos might make moves."
"Could happen."
"So here's your first order."
He locked eyes with her.
"Convert your SAO character to GGO. You don't have to play seriously—just gather intel."
"Fine, but not from scratch?"
"A newbie snooping would look suspicious. Your SAO-level strength screams mid-tier, perfect cover."
"Got it. Leave it to me!"
Rose accepted eagerly, almost thrilled. Hachiman noted her figure, wondering why she wasn't more popular, then thought darkly:
(She's mine now. Nobody else gets her. Harsh, but I've got her under control, thanks to Asuna and Haruno's nudge.)
It was a villainous thought, but Hachiman, being Hachiman, would likely grow to see Rose as a valued comrade. For Rose, this dynamic was her happiest state, so his outward attitude wouldn't change—a slightly twisted win-win.
"Starting with default gear's no good. I'll help you in-game."
"Thanks. I've got boss work tonight, but I'll start tomorrow."
"Keep in touch."
"Will do."
With Rose secured as an ally, Hachiman, Asuna, Komachi, and now Rose formed a four-person GGO team. That night, logging into GGO as Shana for the first time in a while, a random player spotted him, eyes gleaming with joy.
"Got him… finally found him…"
"Hm? Found what?"
"Em, look. It's definitely Shana."
Some notes on Rose. She wasn't meant to have this big a role, but I needed someone under Hachiman for the GGO arc. Most characters are his equals, unfit for a subordinate role. Iroha, a junior, was an option, but too ordinary. Rose—Rosalia—fit perfectly, having been defeated by Hachiman before, making her plausible as a subordinate. Writing her became fun, and I added various traits, making her quite an interesting character. So, look forward to the "unfortunate" heroine Rosalia's exploits!
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