Chapter Text
Osamu carefully made his way into the conference room not being able to take the slander of his childhood friend any longer. quickly shuffling his way onto the stage much to the surprise of the press.
“Agent mikumo!” One of the department heads yelled on in concern “mikumo, you should be resting!” He could hear his own commander saying.
He ignored them all as he took over the mic “my name is Osamu Mikumo, I am the operator that used an unauthorised trigger.”
Quiet flowed through the room before it exploded in question and outrage.
“You! Do you know what you and that girl have done!?”
“My son was lost in that attack.”
“How can you show your face here after what your squad did!?”
“So many have been killed.”
Osamu took the hurt and sorrowful accusations for what they where.
Pain.
“I know it hurts, there was a lot more that could have been done,” a false statement. One purely made to placate the crowd. “But I do not regret what I did. I did what I did to keep people safe, to keep my comrades safe.” Osamu raised a bandaged hand to his chest as he spoke.
“If there was more to be done then there was no point in you entering the field!”
“You're an operator! Why would you go cosplaying as a soldier!?”
Osamu raised a brow at that “it seems some of you might be confused as to the problem of the matter. An operator does do the technical work but we are still trained agents, we have triggers for battle. As is any agent's right.”
The crowd seemed to lose a bit of it’s fire as confusion mixed in. “Then-then what is this unauthorised trigger and the agent that started the attack?” One of the many reporters asked.
“The unauthorized trigger is such because of the fact that BORDER was unaware of its existence, because of this many safety measures were not in place. As for the agent..” Osamu closed his eyes and took a deep breath “as for the agent, they had no knowledge of the attack and was instead sought after for her-potential, and her power.”
“Why would they let her in the field if she was such a beacon? You she just loc-” Osamu turned sharply at the reporter, causing her to jump back at his gaze. “The same reason she is so sought after is the same reason she is such an asset to us. Is it not better she is with us then against us?”
“But surely there is a better solution, SHE is still the reason for the attack. SHE still caused-”
“SHE has saved many lives! And she will continue doing that with me by her side.” The injured boy said. The room had gone quiet again, the storm having seemingly been calmed.
“I understand the hesitation you may all have, and we are-” Osamu started again as he regained himself.
“Understand? How can you possible understand?!” It was a parent this time. Not a reporter or a spokes person, a parent, surely of someone lost in recent events. They were valid in their anger, they were hurting after all, but Osamu couldn’t help the flame that had been lit inside of him.
“How can I understand?! Of course I understand! Everyone loses someone in neighbour attacks, do you think just because we are BORDER agents means that we are protected? Most of those who fight, fight because they lost people.” Osamu said as he gripped the podium, all ounce of composure lost “mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, uncles, aunts. We have lost it all, we fight so that you are safe. So that you are protected.”
“But we aren’t now are we! Look at how many were taken!” A reporter yelled, seeming to get riled up all over again, Osamu hit the wood stand hard, sending gasps throughout the crowd “did you forget how many were lost in the first battle?”
The room was so silent you could hear the buzz of a trigger “because I do. Millions. Millions upon millions, gone just like that. Would you like to know how many were taken today? Thirty two. And I know that you might think I am heartless to say that any life being stolen is better but it is-”
“Well what good does that do the still grieving families? This wouldn’t have happened-” another reporter spouted.
“-and I plan on getting them back.”
“Agent Mikumo!” Netsuki yelled “what are you doing. That is classified information.” He hissed
“BORDER has the ability to go to the other world, they are special missions called away missions. There is one planned soon and I will be manning that mission as an operator, I will help get all of those taken back.”
The press exploded once more in a flurry of questions but a single voice cut through, quieting them all down.
“He is speaking the truth.” Head commander Kido said “we at boarder are proceeding with a mission to recover people who have been taken. We already succeeded with unmanned round-trip trials to the neighbour world.”
“Commander kido?” Netsuki questioned as he grit his teeth.
“But isn’t it dangerous? To save those thirty two there might be even more victims?”
“Even more victims? I see. Surly you don’t mean we should turn our backs on those thirty two people. Our recovery mission will not be limited to those thirty two, we will be trying to recover lose lost in the fist battle 4 and a half years ago. This my be the largest ongoing longe term project boarder has ever had. We are training soldiers who can fight in enemy fields, agents to support them, and now we want this city to be a foundation to support the organization. We expecting civilians to understand and get involved with the recovery project, as well as our conventional défense activities. That’s all.”
“How will you select members for this mission?”
“We will take volunteers and pick the best from them, they will be A rank and higher most likely but that will be confidential. Now then, agent mikumo I think it is best you go back to resting.” The two made eye contact for a long time before Osamu’s flicked down, a mix of emotions, “excuse me.” He said as the press turned into a frenzy, all wanting to be the first to publish the story of the century.
Yuma looked on in thoughtful confusion, the press had almost seemed much more pliant as Osamu had talked, listening carefully unlike when they had first arrived. “Chika, does Osamu have a side effect?” He asks the girl beside him, she seems surprised for a moment at the sudden noise or the question itself he was unsure, soon though, she nodded “ya, he does. Though it’s not that obvious, it took a long time to develop to the point it is now.”
“It’s something to do with his charisma isn’t it.” The white haired boy says “it is. BORDER gave it the name charm speak, it helps a lot when fighting in a group.”
Yuma pauses for a long moment “so, that day when we were called to Kido’s office.”
Karasawa nodded “commander Kido is well aware of his side effect and oftentimes uses it in his own meetings. He wasn’t about to give you an advantage like that, especially when you were asking something as crazy as letting a neighbour join the force.” Yuma hums, “that does make sense.”
Osamu sighed deeply as he made it past the threshold of the doors “good job, is your body holding out okay?” Karasawa asked as Osamu gave a respectful nod “yes, I’m fine. Just tired” he replied.
“Welcome back, Osamu!” Chika said warmly before lightly poking him “you didn’t have to do that for me you know..” the taller boy looked offended “Chika, of course I did! There was no reason for them to do that to you!”
“Or you.” She added, but Osamu just shook his head “you know it’s not the same.” Chika seemed a bit upset about the comment but didn’t let it show for long “you said you would be more careful. I can’t believe you went after the Commander like that.” She said in clear concern, Osamu turned, refused to meet her worried filled eyes, “that was pretty great.” Yuma said after a beat “a brilliant speech if I have to say” that seemed to bounce the two out of it.
“A speech” Osamu said in amusement “ It really wasn’t all that.”
“It sure was!” Chika said loudly as the team devolved into banter.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
“Well at any rate, you spoke pretty boastfully. Now you have to do your best or you’ll embarrass Tamakoma.” Director Rindō said as Osamu gave an apologetic smile “I’m sorry sir, I told you I'd cause you trouble.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. I told you to do as you like, didn't I? That was good! Just don’t go thinking you’ll be getting on the commander's good side.” He said giving Osamu a strange look that neither chika or Yuma could decipher, the operators mouth opened slightly as if to respond, but after glancing at his two friends he seemed to think better of it.“Any case, I’m glad to see you out of the hospital.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Is that why you summoned us for? To celebrate Osamu getting well?” Yuma asked “yes! I love that idea but more importantly, to discuss the B-Rank Wars.”
“Does Yuma have enough points to be promoted?” Their teams captain asked, the branch director shook his head “the higher ups are making it real difficult for you to get up in the ranks. You think you can get up there in time?”
“Totally chief, you can count on me,” he said with a carefree expression, “good, and you both think you can do it as a duo?”
Chika gave a firm nod “I am sure we have the power to get to the top! We will all make it to A-Rank and accompany Osamu on the away mission!” She declared “chika..” Osamu said softly with a soft smile.
“Right, I almost forgot. Did you find a replacement operation for this match?” The director asked “a replacement?” Chika asked surprised “yes, there was..some concerns brought up about your recovery. Some thought it was best you sit this one out.”
Osamu stared at him for a long moment humming “WHAT! But-but we can’t just replace him!?” Chika yelled “chika, we aren’t replacing Osamu. It’s just a one time thing.” Yuma said trying to calm her down “but-”
“Chika. It’s fine. It’s just for this one match.” Osamu said softly “I, I mean if your sure..then ok.” Rindō nodded “I have just the operated in mind”
“HEY EVERYONE!” Someone yelled as they burst through the doors.
“Miss Shiori?!”
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Osamu, Chika and Director Rindō all watched Yumas' match, if you could even call it that “wow, that really was fast.” Rindō commented “that’s my kuga!” Osamu said cheerfully “he should have enough points now!” Chika added happily.
“Then it’s time to unveil Tamakoma’s new team, run wild as official agents, in the Rank Wars!” He said leaning back “yes sir!” Both Osamu and chika yelled in sync.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
“It’s a shame you couldn’t get your uniform in time.” Shiori said in Yuma’s direction “well, it’s just something to look forward to when we all finally fight together.” The white haired boy says casually.
“That’s very true Yuma!” Chika says smiling wide, Osamu gives his own “right, this is it you two. I’m counting on you, so knock them dead.”
Yuma smiled “course” while chika happily remarked a cheerful “see you later!” Before they both disappeared into the elevator, Shiori put a hand on his shoulder “don’t worry, I’ll keep them safe.” Osamu gave her a grateful nod as she too entered, he waved as the doors slowly closed leaving him in silence, his smile slowly fading.
“Mikumo.” Osamu’s eyes widened at the sound, slowly turning around “…Commander..Kido…” he said carefully, watching the older man’s face and biting his lip hard in irritation at his unreadable expression. “Congratulations on forming an official B-Rank team. How are your wounds?” The commander says voice that same tone, emotion so hidden it may as well have not existed. “Fine. I’ll be participating in the Rank Wars starting next week.” The young boy said, the ‘no matter what others say’ went unsaid “I see. And about that press conference the other day, now that you're almost healed, I had thought you may have more to say.”
“No, sir. I wouldn’t. I can understand why you made the play you did, but, if you pull something like that again, I won’t forgive you.”
“I see. I’ll keep that in mind.” The commander said as he started to walk forward “there is one thing you should know, Branch Director Rindō and Director Shinoda weren’t involved with it. If they had, I doubt they would have let us do such a thing. Good luck to you agent.” Kido finished fully walking away leaving a fuming Osamu
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Good evening, Border! I’m Ebina squads operator, Sakurako Taketomi. And the new season of B-Rank Wars is about to begin! I’ll be giving you the play-by-play for you all tonight so stay tuned! Joining me today is the famous double snipper! Satori from Arashiyama Squad.”
“Hey everyone.” Satori said, a perfect PR voice ready.
“As well as the operator for a squad debuting today. Mikumo from Amatori squad!”
“Uhh yes, thank you for having me.” Osamu said a bit clumsily.
“Due to injury he is unable to perform for today’s match, but should be able to give us amazing insight on his group's inner workings! Speaking of which, who is taking over your duties today?” Sakurako asks as she looks over to the young operator.
“That would be Shiori Usami, the current operator for Tamakoma.”
“Wow! Shirori is an A-Rank herself, your team is sure in good hands!”
Osamu smiles “they certainly are.”
The crowd around them suddenly got loud as Sakurako looked over to the huge screen in front “Ah! While we were talking, they started sending agents in, since this is the first day, senpai Satori, would you mind explaining the B-Rank Wars?”
Satori nodded “of course, B-Rank is divided into three groups. Seated as top, middle, and bottom by their point totals. We have 21 teams as of now, so there are exactly 7 teams in each. During Rank Wars we fight three and four-way team battles within groups trying to earn as many points as you possibly can to further advance. How you get points is fairly simple, for every agent that you happen to take down you earn a point. The team that survives at the end of the round is awarded two bonus points, that’s it. The point of Rank battles is to work your way to the top and enter A-Rank! It is also a great way to advance your own skills by watching others in combat.”
“Thank you very much, Senpai Satori! But just one more thing, the teams that scored high last year are given initial bonus points based on placing. so they have an advantage.”
‘Oh, that’s interesting. A seeding system..’ Osamu thought as he looked at the board.
“Now then, Yoshizato squad, Mamiya squad, and Amatori squad have been sent in! The battle has already begun!”
The crowd of C-Ranks all spoke in surprise “is Amatori Squad a bunch of middle schoolers?” “They seem so young..” “how can they be B-Rank?”
“My, Osamu, does your team only have two people?” Sakurako asked “yes. Our squad is a duo.” He said frankly, making the murmurs from the C-Ranks double “really? A duo squad is a hard thing to manage, after all there is safety in numbers” Satori said, arms crossed. “They can more than handle themselves,” Osamu said, leaving no room for argument.
Yuma ran at one of the opposing teams, easily eliminating all three of them in less than a few seconds leaving the crowd watching speechless.
“THAT FAST!” Sakurako yelled getting out of her seat “Yoshizato squad got eliminated instantly?! What was that move!? Now that’s not something we see in B-Rank Wars!”
Some of the audience members started talking about Yuma and his entire exam, “Now that Yoshizato squad bailed out!” Sakurako said, still yelling as Satori tried to calm her down “What will Mamiya squad do?! We didn’t expect things to go like this!”
Mamiya squad all huddled together “that guy..I think he’s the one who defeated Midorikawa.” One of them said “so we can’t take him head on.” Another added.
“Oh? They're not moving. Mamiya squad is hiding themselves in one of the buildings.”
“That’s called camping” Satori said “Camping?” Sakurako asked “when he approaches, they’ll try and shoot him all at once.”
“That would make sense. Mamiya squad is a team of all shooters, the teams simultaneous move called hound storm is incredibly powerful! He can’t go for then inattentively!” Sakurako said, Osamu smiled “they are focusing on the wrong person.” He said simply.
“Chika? Could you shoot that building over there?” Shiori asked as Chika nodded “you got it.” Her shot hit the building hard, exploding it. Causing two of the three person team to bail out as Yuma quickly ran and slashed the last one leaving the two as the only ones in the arena.
Sakurako yelled in surprise as Satori cheered “now that’s a snipper!” As osamu beamed the whole room filled with gasps and cheered “tal-talk about shocking results! The snipper, Captain Amatori, shattered the obstacle with an ibis! Inconceivable! What ridiculous strength!” Sakurako practically screamed.
“now with their two survival points, Amatori squad earned eight points in less than a minute! What a team, they are surely very strong contenders. With this battle, they leaped all the way from last place to No. 12, already taking a spot in the middle division. “Just how far can this squad go, their opponents for the second battle on Wednesday are..No. 10, Arafune squad and No. 8, Suwa squad. This is shaping up for a really great battle with the new stars of B-Rank! Don’t Miss their next battle! And stay tuned!”