"Forget it. Let's lock you up first."
Natsuki looked at Nagata. Finally sighed.
"Eh? Sending me to Space Prison now?" Nagata—confused.
Honestly—still somewhat curious about Land of Light and Space Prison.
And sharing treatment with Belial—not disgraceful.
"What are you thinking? I'll pack you all together and toss you back later."
"Sending one by one—very energy-consuming." Natsuki raised eyebrow.
Bracelet's teleport function—had cooldown. After opening space passage—needed time before reopening.
"For now—lock you up here. Just happens to work as evidence."
"Evidence?" Nagata—hearing this word—didn't understand.
Becoming prisoner—normal. But why become evidence?
As he wondered—
Lab door opened again.
Shinomiya and Vice-Commander Itami—recently returned to First Division base—walked in. When rushing to this base—first person he notified was Shinomiya.
"This is what you mentioned—the spacetime criminal?" Shinomiya's sharp gaze fell on Nagata. Asked.
"Correct. One of them." Natsuki nodded.
Shinomiya fell into thought.
Nagata's Defense Force Suit and dagger—already explained much.
Every Defense Force Suit—strictly registered. He didn't recall any issued to researchers.
Yet now—two appeared.
Both—clean records and outstanding abilities.
Logically—shouldn't do such outrageous things.
"I'll first detain Dr. Nagata at this base. As for Dr. Connie—I'll leave him to your custody." Shinomiya quickly decided. Told Natsuki.
He also needed intel from this Traveler.
As for Albert—Natsuki already explained the situation.
"We'll head to Third Division shortly."
"If nothing unexpected—tomorrow's Third Division selection exam will have incidents. Defense Force should prepare." Albert looked at Shinomiya.
If he were a kaiju faction Traveler—definitely wouldn't miss this chance to severely disrupt history.
"Understood." Shinomiya nodded. He'd have other bases prepare personnel. Once incidents occurred—immediate support.
Underground. Massive fault zone.
"Time's about right."
"No. 9's clone collected intel. Japan Defense Force selection exam—tomorrow."
A massive menacing shadow—in this dim fault zone—opened eyes. Spoke human words.
"How's our forces?" Another massive figure asked.
"No. 9's main body—mass-producing kaiju. If this goes smoothly—we capture Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro—the cultivated No. 9 can completely cleanse the surface."
"Then—we can directly eliminate other faction enemies." Third massive shadow spoke.
"Must ensure No. 9's core isn't destroyed. That way—still controllable." Fourth massive shadow said.
"Most urgent—devour Kafka Hibino before he fully masters his power. His variables—too great." Fifth and final shadow reminded others.
Original Kaiju No. 9—already controlled by them. Achieved alternative cooperation.
They'd first occupy this world. Eliminate all other factions. Then begin internal battle.
They had full confidence.
Current Kafka—just gained power recently. Perfect timing for capture.
Why not strike when Kafka was ordinary? Because they needed Kaiju No. 8 to feed Kaiju No. 9. Kafka—just a vessel carrying No. 8.
Next day.
Yokohama. Defense Force Third Division Tachikawa Base.
Underground Training Ground Two.
CLANG!
Two figures—constantly clashing in training ground. Movements incredibly fast. Uncatchable by naked eye.
"So... why would kaiju target these recruits?" Hoshina—short blade in hand—constantly leaping across alloy floor. Seeking chances to approach Natsuki. Swung blade at extreme speed.
CLANG!
"Who knows? Maybe because exceptionally outstanding ones will appear." Natsuki raised short blade. Blocked Hoshina's attack. Casually said.
"You mean... Commander Shinomiya's daughter?" Hoshina—one strike failed—quickly dodged counterattack. Then pulled back distance. Readjusted angle—attacked again.
According to internal intel—Commander Shinomiya's daughter, Kikoru Shinomiya—reached age this year. Just participating in this year's selection.
This girl's father—strongest man in Defense Force history. Mother—strongest woman. Extremely powerful genes. Great expectations since birth.
Kikoru being most outstanding recruit—not surprising at all.
"Kikoru Shinomiya?"
"Don't know. I meant two other outstanding young people."
"Their performance—I believe won't lose to Commander Shinomiya's daughter." Natsuki again deflected Hoshina. Smiled.
Hearing this—Hoshina's expression confused.
"Recruits surpassing Kikoru will appear?"
"Then I'm really looking forward to it."
He adjusted stance. Gripped short blade tight. Prepared to attack again.
After being captured by Natsuki in one exchange—kept dwelling on it. Though opponent defeated Commander Shinomiya... still no thought of giving up. Instead kept challenging Natsuki.
In this Defense Force dominated by firearms—only using cold weapons—this was his sole pride.
Wanted to polish this only advantage to higher extremes through constant challenges.
Initially Natsuki wanted to refuse. But Hoshina directly offered to cover Natsuki's three meals daily. Hard to refuse that condition.
CLANG!
"Twenty to zero."
"Alright, let's eat!" Natsuki flew up—launched aerial assault. Caught Hoshina off guard. Knocked blade from his hand. Declared victory.
Also tossed his own blade to ground. About to rush toward cafeteria.
"What a monster..." Hoshina bent down—picked up cracked blade. Scratched head. Followed behind. "Flying to attack—isn't that too unfair?"
"Huh?"
"Kaiju can't fly?"
"True..."
"Alright, finish eating quickly—should just catch the recruits' exam."
"Just wait to be amazed."
"Really recruits surpassing Kikoru?"
"How about this—ten high-end meals. Bet the recruits I mention will surpass Kikoru. Deal?"
"Mmm... five meals max."
"Deal."
───── ⊹ ⊹ ─────
📖 80+ chapters ahead — full story available
🔍 Search "patreon.com/DarkGolds
───── ⊹ ⊹ ─────