The sun set low over Tachikawa Base, painting the training grounds in amber light. The month-long training had finally ended, bruises and scars fresh reminders of the battles they'd survived. Rows of rookies stood at attention, dust still clinging to their uniforms, the scent of gunpowder and oil hanging thick in the air.
Captain Mina Ashiro's presence silenced them immediately. Standing tall on the observation platform, she scanned the lineup with her sharp eyes. Beside her, Vice-Captain Soshiro Hoshina leaned casually against the railing, but even his grin was tempered by pride.
"Rookies," Mina's voice carried through the loudspeakers, firm and cool. "One month ago, you came here as hopeful candidates. Today, you stand as soldiers of the Japan Defense Force. Each of you has grown—and today, your Release Force reflects it."
A murmur rippled through the recruits as aides activated the scanners. One by one, their numbers flashed on the screens.
"Kikoru Shinomiya—48%."
Gasps followed. "She's even stronger now…!" Kikoru only folded her arms, chin high.
"Haruichi Izumo—38%."
Disciplined claps sounded, Izumo bowing politely.
"Aoi Kaguragi—36%."
Aoi smirked and shouted, "Not bad for passion over pedigree!" earning groans from his peers.
"Akira Kurogiri—63%."
The number remained unchanged. Whispers spread. "Still sixty-three…? Hasn't he improved?"
[Ravan: Suppression stable. Host efficiency increase 17%. External perception: stagnation. Advantage: concealed growth.]
Akira smirked faintly, letting the whispers roll off him.
"Reno Ichikawa—22%."
Reno exhaled hard, fists clenched. His growth had been hard-won. Iharu elbowed him, wide-eyed. "Dude, you passed twenty! You're leaving me in the dust!"
"Iharu Furuhashi—15%."
Iharu puffed up his chest anyway. "Hah! Growth is growth! I'll catch up, you'll see!" His bluster drew laughter.
"Kaf—" The aide hesitated before reading, "…Kafka Hibino—1%."
Laughter tried to stir but died quickly. Everyone had seen Kafka in the field—his persistence, his strange ability to always stand again. Some even glanced at him with grudging respect. Kafka scratched his cheek, laughing nervously. "Guess I'm consistent…"
Hoshina clapped his hands, stepping forward. "Numbers ain't everything. I've seen weak ones outshine prodigies when it mattered. Remember that."
Mina gave a curt nod. "From today, you'll be assigned to units."
The announcement rolled like thunder.
"Kikoru Shinomiya—Fourth Division."
"Haruichi Izumo—Fourth Division."
"Aoi Kaguragi—Fourth Division."
Akira Kurogiri, Reno Ichikawa, Kafka Hibino—I'm placing you under the Fourth Division as well."
Cheers and relief rippled through the rookies. To be together meant their bonds wouldn't be broken.
Mina's gaze hardened. "Do not mistake this for favoritism. You earned it. But remember—this is where true battles begin."
Night fell, and the tension broke like steam.
–––
The bathhouses filled quickly. Steam curled upward, carrying laughter, sighs, and curses of sore muscles.
In the girls' block, Kikoru sank into the hot water, her shoulders finally relaxing. Across from her, Captain Mina's presence radiated quiet command even here, her long hair tied back. Several female platoon leaders and Division members joined, chatter lively.
Kikoru's gaze flicked—then froze. Mina stepped into the bath. Kikoru's cheeks reddened instantly. "T-That size… impossible…"
Nakanoshima, ever the joker, leaned over with a grin and casually squeezed Kikoru's nearly flat chest. "Don't worry, Shinomiya. They'll grow… maybe."
Kikoru shrieked, dunking herself under the water in embarrassment while the older women laughed heartily. Mina only raised an eyebrow, pretending not to hear.
–––
Meanwhile, in the boys' bath, chaos was already brewing. Reno lounged with a towel over his head, Kafka sat awkwardly hugging his knees, and Akira leaned back against the rocks, eyes half-lidded.
Iharu splashed in loudly, pointing at Kafka. "Oi, one-percent old man! How are you still here?! Even I beat your score!"
Kafka laughed nervously. "H-Hey, don't rub it in…"
Akira smirked, mischief sparking. "Do you know why he's never given up, Iharu?"
The bath hushed. Even Reno peeked out from under his towel. Akira's voice cut like a blade: "Because he's in love with Captain Mina. He made her a promise in childhood."
The silence was deafening.
Then—explosion. "WHATTTTTTTTT?!" Every rookie, even Hoshina who'd wandered in with a towel slung over his shoulder, shouted in perfect unison.
Water sloshed everywhere. Iharu grabbed Kafka's shoulders, eyes bulging. "You—you knew Captain when she was a kid?! You mean Mina-sama herself?!"
Reno and Akira nodded their heads furiously in confirmation, comedic speed almost dizzying. Kafka's face turned crimson.
The shouting echoed so loudly the girls in the neighboring bath shouted back: "Keep it down, idiots!"
Kafka waved his hands frantically. "I-It's not like that! We were just kids—"
But curiosity roared over him. "What was she like?!" "Was she already that scary?!" "Did she smile more?!"
Kafka stammered, laughing awkwardly, refusing to spill details of his private memory. The rookies groaned in frustration.
Then, suddenly, Hoshina leaned in, grinning slyly. "Captain Mina, huh? Sorry, boys… but she's mine."
The bath went silent again—then erupted in howls, laughter, and disbelief. Steam rose higher, the night echoing with voices of new soldiers whose bonds had only just begun.
–––
Outside, Mina stood on the veranda, looking up at the stars. She couldn't hear the chaos from the bathhouses, but somehow, she smiled faintly.
Tomorrow, their true deployment would begin.
This story is inspired from various fanfics i have read from around the world so if you find any similarities please dont mind . Thank you
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T/N :
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