"Today is the final day. Honestly, we've already achieved most of our objectives."
Shana stood before his troops, his voice steady. "The ugly rumors have all but vanished. In the streets, the people are practically singing the Genji Army's praises. But we didn't come this far to settle for a moral victory. We are going to win! Genji Army, to your positions!"
The opening stages of the battle began as a grueling game of patience. No one knew when the Heike Army would strike. Today was different, however; members of MMO Today were darting through the lines with press flags flying, filming the confrontation from every conceivable angle. The live feed was being broadcast directly to the giant monitors in the city.
"Who do you think takes it?" a spectator in the city asked, leaning closer to the screen.
"The Genji, obviously. They've got the high ground and the home-field advantage."
"I don't know, the Heike landed a hell of a counter-punch yesterday."
"I guess it's in the hands of the RNG gods now."
On the field, the Genji Army had Shana positioned at the center, surrounded by an elite guard from the "G-Girls Federation." Sinon was among them, while the rest of the members were scattered across strategic points. Gunner X had also secured a front-row seat to the action, ostensibly to keep watch. Currently, it was Misaki who stood closest to Shana, acting as his personal shield.
"Misaki-san... that outfit," Shana muttered, glancing away.
"This is my battle gear, Shana-sama," she replied with a playful hum.
Shana was at a loss for words. Her outfit was daring—breathless, really—leaving very little to the imagination. While Sinon and Gunner X weren't exactly dressed conservatively, Misaki's attire was on an entirely different level of exposure. Shana cleared his throat, opting for the safest possible response.
"Please, try to get some rest while you can."
"Oh, Shana-sama... women are much tougher than they look in situations like this."
"Right. So I've heard."
"Any enemy who dares crawl near will be... finished off by me. You just stay right where you are and look dignified," she purred.
"R-Right. Got it."
Why does everything she says sound like a double entendre? Shana thought, a cold sweat breaking out. And is it just me, or is the way she's looking at me today even more intense than usual? It's like the Headmistress on that one day...
There was, in fact, a very specific reason for Misaki's smoldering gaze. Late the previous night, after returning home, her daughter Anzu—who was still awake—had struck up a conversation. Since Misaki had given birth to her in her teens, they shared a bond closer to sisters, with Anzu even calling her "Misaki-chan."
"Misaki-chan, the craziest thing happened today," Anzu had said.
"Oh? Tell me everything."
"So, Kurusu was literally scouted for an interview right on the street by the President of Soleil."
Soleil's President... that would be Haruno Yukinoshita, Misaki thought. She has a reputation for being a total maverick. I guess the rumors are true.
"Wow, she sounds like a character," Misaki said aloud.
"Yeah, but the real shocker was this guy." Anzu slid a business card across the table.
"What's this?"
"He's a student, same age as me. Apparently, he's the next in line to run Soleil."
The successor to Soleil? People said he was a ghost, a myth... but here his name is. Hachiman Hikigaya. I'll have to remember that.
"Oh, and Misaki-chan? Keep it a secret, okay? I don't want him to hate me."
Misaki had nodded immediately, sealing the information in the vault of her mind. She knew she had often left Anzu feeling lonely due to her work, and she made it a point of pride to never break a promise to her daughter. To Misaki, Anzu's happiness was the only priority that truly mattered.
"I won't say a word. So, did you fall for him, Anzu?"
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