"Even better than Commander Shinomiya's daughter?"
Mina also flipped to Reno's file. Looked at this white-haired youth. Pondered several seconds.
"From physical test—indeed outstanding."
"But afternoon's qualification test is the main event. I look forward to his performance."
She memorized this name. Likely Defense Force's future rising star. Must prioritize training.
But whether truly surpassing Kikoru—depends on qualification test. Too low Defense Force Suit sync ratio—physical ability alone insufficient.
Then continued reviewing files. Seeing a familiar face—fingertip paused.
Eyes—slight emotional fluctuation.
Keenly caught by Hoshina.
"Kafka Hibino... you favor this examinee?"
"Physical test—only mid-tier. But at thirty-two—already quite remarkable."
Mina listened. Didn't answer.
Just gently shook head. Flipped past Kafka's file.
Acted like she didn't care much.
Current Mina—cold and powerful woman. Led Third Division—repeatedly subjugated kaiju. Saved countless citizens.
But now—only one person in this world knew her past self.
"This guy... what kind of monster?"
"Is that really human?"
Lunch break. Examinees rested on exam grounds. Most watching corner direction.
Silver-white haired Reno—towel draped—sat beside Kafka. Both seemed conversing.
These examinees—watching Reno with disbelief. Including geniuses from Kaiju Subjugation Academy with top scores. And rising stars from ground forces.
This guy... in physical test—directly broke Defense Force records. Absolute monster.
"Amazing, Ichikawa."
"Successfully took first place." Kafka handed water to Reno. Praised.
Reno took water. Opened—drank.
"Compared to Natsuki-san's special training—this physical test intensity too low."
"But honestly—didn't expect two days training would make me this strong."
He clenched palm. After testing—understood gap between himself and other examinees.
Now his body strength—exceeded human limits. Accurately—first training day already exceeded limits. Second day training—surpassed limits again on that foundation.
Two days. Pushed to extremes countless times. Normal people breaking their limit once—already result of tempering. He was complete monster.
Speed test. Rode alone. Broke records—maintained sprint throughout.
Strength test. Endurance test. Both broke records.
"But senpai didn't use that power."
"Otherwise should easily surpass me." Reno looked at Kafka.
Though he exceeded human limits—compared to kaiju level—still far behind.
"Not necessary yet." Kafka clenched fist. Looked at outstanding young people on exam grounds. "I also want to know—without that power—what can I achieve."
His special training with Natsuki-san—not wasted. Using kaiju power now—too unfair to these young people.
This power—his safety net. Unless necessary—wouldn't use easily.
"Exceeded my expectations, old man." Kikoru walked over. Looked at Kafka. Raised eyebrow.
Kafka's performance—somewhat unexpected. Thought this old man would be last. Results actually surpassed many young people.
"I told you—can't underestimate me." Kafka grinned.
"Hmph. Wait till afternoon's qualification test ends."
"Then—I'll truly shock you." Kikoru—extremely confident about second half test.
Compared to other examinees—started Defense Force Suit sync training early. In actual combat—these people couldn't surpass her.
"Same for us."
"In actual combat—senpai and I won't lose to anyone." Reno interjected.
He spoke—Kikoru's gaze shifted over.
"Reno Ichikawa... I've memorized your name."
"First half—you led. But second half—be prepared." Never surpassed before—Kikoru's competitive spirit fully ignited.
This white-haired youth's displayed strength—made her wary.
"Oh? Quite lively."
Then—familiar calm voice intruded.
Hearing this—Kafka and Reno—both surprised—looked toward the side.
Man in floral shirt—ice cream cone in hand—walked toward them. Raised hand—greeted.
"Natsuki-san!?"
"Eh? Why appear here?" Both extremely surprised Natsuki appeared inside Defense Force.
Illegal resident plus alien identity—appearing here really okay?
"Why appear here?"
"Isn't it obvious? Now I'm internal personnel." Natsuki smiled. "Position—roughly Third Division squad captain."
"EH!?"
Kafka and Reno—mouths simultaneously wide open.
Still participating in selection exam—how did he directly infiltrate!?
And immediately squad captain level—is this right?
"Third Division squad captain?"
When Natsuki said this—Kikoru looked over. Eyes somewhat confused. Looked up and down.
Never heard Third Division added new squad captain. And this guy... looked completely unreliable.
"What're you looking at? Not for you." Natsuki met her gaze. Looked at ice cream cone in hand. Hesitated one second. Directly threw entire cone in mouth.
Ultimate food protector.
Made three people's eyelids twitch.
"Munch munch... you two work hard. Get motivated. Don't embarrass me. Take first and second."
"Whether I can get more meals from Hoshina—depends on you two." Natsuki swallowed cone. Gave thumbs up.
"Yes, Natsuki-san!"
"No wait... Captain Natsuki!"
Both stood up. Full of energy—responded.
Kikoru's gaze moved between them. Fist unconsciously clenched.
"Want to snatch first place from me—not that simple."
"Someone like you can become squad captain... watch me surpass you immediately!" She pointed finger. Declared to both sides.
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