Kyouka POV
Current Location: Seventh Unit Dormitory
I took a slow, steady breath and let it fill my lungs before releasing it just as carefully. My eyes drifted shut as I allowed my senses to expand outward, relying on instinct rather than sight to read my surroundings. Every faint movement, every subtle shift in the air, nothing escaped me.
Settling into a lotus position at the center of the training ground, I straightened my back and rested my hands lightly on my knees. The familiar fabric of my gi brushed softly against my skin, grounding me. This was routine. Discipline. A quiet moment to steady both body and mind.
For a while, there was only silence.
Then, the soft sound of the sliding door cut through the stillness.
My eyes opened, my gaze shifting toward the entrance just as it fully slid aside. Standing there was Yuko, dressed in a bandana and apron, looking slightly hesitant as she peeked in.
"Did I interrupt?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
I couldn't help but smile at that. Shaking my head lightly, I let out a small chuckle.
"No, you didn't."
Relief immediately softened her expression, and she stepped inside, carefully carrying a tray in both hands.
"I was wondering if you're interested in having a light snack, Chief."
"Well," I said, adjusting my posture as I turned more fully toward her, "you kindly offered. It would be rude to refuse such a gesture from our dear newbie."
She let out a small laugh at that and walked closer before kneeling down to place the tray neatly on the wooden floor. The faint clink of ceramic followed as she arranged everything: a plate of rice crackers and a cup of green tea, steam still gently rising from its surface.
"Then I'll help myself," I said, reaching forward.
I picked up one of the crackers and brought it to my mouth, biting into it with a satisfying crunch. The simplicity of the flavor paired well with the calm atmosphere, and for a brief moment, neither of us spoke.
Yuko remained quietly at my side, sitting politely with her hands resting on her lap. She seemed content just being there, not forcing conversation.
After a few more bites, I reached for the tea. The warmth seeped into my fingers as I lifted the cup, bringing it close to my lips. Just before taking a sip, I glanced at her.
"So," I began casually, "how has your experience been so far with our team?"
I took a small sip afterward, letting the taste settle. It was good, clean, and balanced. It wasn't my first time having tea she had made, but she never missed.
At my question, Yuko scratched the back of her head, her lips curling into an easy, carefree smile.
"It's been smooth sailing so far," she said, placing a hand lightly over her chest. "Shu-chan, Nei-chan, and Himari-chii have all been treating me really well. Even a rookie like me feels welcome around them."
She paused for a second before letting out a shy laugh.
"Honestly, I kind of feel bad. I was expecting them to be strict... or maybe even a little harsh on me."
"That so?" I let out a quiet chuckle, amused. "That's good to hear."
I had already seen how well she clicked with the others. The way she and Shushu would spend their free time playing games together, getting completely into it. Even Himari had taken a liking to her. She'd even personally asked Yuko to cook for her, especially when she was craving ramen.
And honestly, I get it. Yuko's cooking isn't just good, it's actually nutritious too.
Still, hearing it from her directly just hits different. It's more reassuring that way.
So, yeah, nothing to worry about.
Right then, Yuko raised her arm and flexed a bit, showing off her bicep with a playful smirk.
"I feel fired up every time I transform into my slave form," she said, her eyes lighting up. "Fighting Shuukis doesn't feel scary anymore with you and everyone else by my side, Chief."
That got me grinning. I gave her a thumbs up without hesitation.
"That's the spirit!" I said. "Keep that up during patrols. Now that you're an official member of the Defense Force, you'll need that kind of energy to stay sharp and stay positive."
There was a bit of pride in my voice.
Hard to believe it hasn't even been a month since she joined my squad.
Yuko and I were still chatting casually when a sudden vibration broke the moment. A faint buzzing sound followed, coming from nearby. She glanced around before spotting it, then picked up my phone and checked the screen.
"Chief, someone named Mira is calling you," she said, handing it over.
"Thanks."
I took the phone from her and answered, setting my empty cup down beside me.
"You have something to say, Mira?" I greeted casually.
["Lots of things that I don't even know where to start,"] Mira groaned through the phone. ["I'll explain it fast. The Third Unit almost got themselves killed. They ran into an entire army of Shuuki, and there were Uniques mixed in too. They got completely overwhelmed."]
That made me frown, my expression turning sour without me even realizing it.
"What's their status?" I asked.
["They're still in one piece, thankfully."]
"That's at least some good news," I let out a quiet sigh.
["Yeah. Yakumo and her unit managed to back them up in time."]
I leaned forward slightly, my tone sharpening as I pressed for more details, not wanting to be left in the dark.
"Start from the beginning. What exactly happened?"
Mira didn't hesitate to reply.
["You can thank our good old bastard Kamen Rider for that one."]
I didn't react.
Not even a twitch.
...Am I just getting used to hearing that name?
Maybe.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on what actually mattered. Personal feelings could wait.
Because there was no denying it.
He played a huge part in keeping those soldiers from the Third Unit alive.
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After finishing dinner with my team and taking a bath, I continued drying my hair before settling at my desk.
I booted up my laptop, mentally preparing for the meeting. I had already heard bits of it from Mira, but an incident report from Yakumo herself, who had been on the scene, would be far more informative.
Glancing at the nearby mirror, I adjusted my hair for a moment before clicking the meeting link the Supreme Commander had created.
The online room opened, and there they were: Varvara, Mira, Tenka, and Yakumo, already waiting. Following me, the remaining chiefs joined one by one except Bell. Now, everyone was present, with the Supreme Commander appearing last.
"Then, I won't waste much time. Let's begin," Ren said, leaning back in her chair. Her camera framed a room clearly in another country.
I couldn't help but speak up.
"Sorry to interrupt, but shouldn't we wait for Bell?"
Ren shook her head.
"I already spoke with her earlier, so rest assured," she said, smiling innocently.
A bad sign, if there ever was one.
Being the woman I am, I didn't dare elaborate further.
"So," Ren said, her tone suddenly serious, "Yakumo, can you tell us more about the humanoid Shuuki you encountered while I was away?"
Yakumo nodded.
"Oki~~" she grinned, bringing up a sketch on the screen.
At first glance, a casual observer might think she was just a normal girl, if you ignored the snake-like hair, that is. Quite cute, dare I say.
"This cutie pie you're looking at isn't as harmless as she seems," Yakumo said, pressing a finger to her lips. "They call themselves the Eight Thunder Gods."
Riu-san stroked her chin thoughtfully.
"Gods? Are you sure I heard that right, Yakumo?" she asked, skepticism in her voice.
"Yes," Yakumo confirmed, "and their goal is nothing less than the destruction of humanity itself."
Destruction of humanity, huh. Not exactly the kind of thing you want to hear even once.
"Where did you get this information, if I may ask?" Tenka interjected.
Yakumo smirked.
"Who else but my bestie, Rider-chan!"
At that, the Supreme Commander's eyes shifted, a spark of interest flickering across them.
"Please, elaborate," she said, leaning forward.
Yakumo cleared her throat lightly.
"Apparently, the Kamen Rider, aka Rider-chan, has known about these humanoid beings for quite some time," she said, waving a hand vaguely in the air. "Though he mentioned this is the first time a Thunder God has personally taken action."
"So, you're saying this is why the Third Unit almost got wiped out?" Fubuki asked, her eyes fixed on the drawing of the black-haired snake woman.
Yakumo nodded.
"Exactly. She orchestrated that ambush, and she's the one who summoned those Unique Shuuki that did most of the damage."
I massaged my forehead.
Great. Another headache to add to the list. The difference from the Kamen Rider was clear enough. He was helping us, even if he was technically a trespasser and a vigilante. This group, though, was the exact opposite. Their only goal was pure destruction.
"Credit where it's due. My dear Vice Chief managed to get the injured soldier back into full shape," Yakumo said with a smile. "Not to mention the main character, Rider-chan, who, according to the Vice Chief under Bell's command, protected them without any regard for himself."
Hearing that, I couldn't help but smile, almost without realizing it.
Nosy as he may be, his morals and his heart were not something I could mock.
To you, Kamen Rider, even if you can't hear me right now, you have my thanks.