"Oh. Not bad."
Riding the Defense Force transport—Natsuki arrived at Japan Defense Force Third Division's Tachikawa Base. Looked at the central base building. And the distant large training grounds. Praised.
Other members in the transport also disembarked.
"We'll temporarily detain you at Third Division base. Future arrangements—decided by headquarters." Hoshina told Natsuki.
"Whatever."
"I just need to meet someone who can make decisions." Natsuki didn't particularly care.
This world's Travelers—all seemed to be lying low. He was also waiting for them to show up.
Meanwhile—Japan Defense Force First Division, Ariake Coastal Base. Conference hall.
"An alien claiming to be a Space Garrison member. First time we've encountered this."
Defense Force Supreme Commander Isao Shinomiya—seated at the head—said in a deep voice.
This man—burly build. Gold buzz cut and beard. Sharp gaze. Combined aura of leader and warrior.
Also hailed as the strongest man since Defense Force's founding.
"Third Division's vice-captain had a brief exchange. But was captured instead."
"Without Defense Force Suit or weapons—doing this confirms he's definitely not human." Bald Vice Commander Itami—who appeared in earlier news—added.
"His connection to Kaiju No. 8 isn't completely cleared. But currently shows no obvious hostility." A staff officer in black uniform said.
"Can't rule out he has special purposes entering the Defense Force base." Another staff officer said.
"The government's opinion?" A third staff officer asked Shinomiya at the head.
Supreme Commander Shinomiya—hands clasped on the table. Sharp gaze—almost no emotional change visible.
"The government's opinion—direct elimination." He spoke.
"What?"
"Direct elimination?"
"If his alien identity is real—this is extremely rare research material."
"Also... this is our first contact opportunity with alien civilization."
Several staff officers didn't quite understand such orders.
Even Supreme Commander Shinomiya didn't fully understand.
Why decide on elimination so quickly?
Did someone in the government know about this alien?
But as a soldier—he knew what he should do.
"I'm going to Tachikawa Base. Talk with that alien personally. If I judge him threatening—I'll execute the elimination order." Shinomiya said in a deep voice.
As Defense Force's strongest man—he possessed strength comparable to numbered kaiju.
Yokohama South General Hospital.
"Wonder how Natsuki-san is doing..."
Kafka lay in bed. Looked up at ceiling. Thought about Natsuki being wanted.
"With Natsuki-san's strength—we should worry about the Defense Force instead."
Reno in the next bed said.
They'd just been trained one day. Knew Natsuki's strength best.
"Besides—senpai, you should worry about how to take the exam the day after tomorrow." He looked at Kafka's leg in cast.
They were still faking illness.
If they suddenly jumped around energetically for the Defense Force exam—big problem.
This exam—directly canceled written test. Started with physical screening. Then practical combat.
"I absolutely won't give up this chance." Kafka looked at his palm. Clenched into fist.
Finally got a chance to change his life. No matter what—wouldn't give up.
As a child—he promised Mina he'd protect her as captain. Now Mina became captain first. He wouldn't forget this promise.
"What will you do?" Reno asked.
Their hospitalization records and test results—all backed up at the hospital. Not something they could just claim suddenly healed.
"Simple method. Say I used recovery medicine made from kaiju tissue." Kafka answered.
Hearing this—Reno puzzled: "That exists?"
"Yes."
"You only worked one day at the kaiju cleaning company. Naturally don't know the industry's inside story." Kafka explained.
"Kaiju tissue the cleaning company cuts and processes... part goes to Defense Force. Part to private companies. Those tech companies research it. Create all kinds of strange things."
"Some can be sold publicly with official approval. But most flow to black markets."
"The healing medicine I mentioned—has side effects. And very expensive."
If someone investigated him—he could explain he used medicine. As long as physical exams didn't detect it—he was safe.
And with Defense Force desperately recruiting—his investigation probability not high.
"I see."
"This time... senpai will definitely join the Defense Force." Reno looked at him.
This time—both determined to succeed.
Next day.
Black transport helicopter descended above Tachikawa Base. Japan Defense Force Supreme Commander Shinomiya walked out the open hatch. Carried a case.
Wind whipped his coat—revealing burly, strong build underneath. Vice Commander Itami followed behind.
"Commander Shinomiya." Third Division Captain Mina Ashiro—waiting here long—saw him. Saluted.
"Take me to see him." Shinomiya nodded. Told her.
"Yes."
Three people entered the base from the helipad. Headed underground.
Through steel corridors. Came before a massive alloy door.
This base's special training ground for captain and vice-captain level combatants. Could withstand impacts from Grade 8+ kaiju.
Soon—alloy door opened.
They saw—in the center of the flat space—a man sitting at an interrogation table. Hands and feet bound by alloy restraints.
Purple-haired Hoshina stood beside. Guarding this man. Gaze on the interrogation table.
Twenty bowls of pork cutlet rice on the table. Already half empty. Pork and rice floated up—fell into the floral shirt man's mouth. Made Hoshina's eye twitch.
How can this guy eat so much?
"Oh?"
"You're here?" Natsuki—tasting pork cutlet rice—saw the burly man enter. From his stance—judged this guy very strong. Probably a Defense Force commander.
Shinomiya and Vice Commander Itami—seeing his eating manner—also frowned.
This guy really an alien?
"Release his restraints." Shinomiya's sharp gaze on the bound man. Didn't consider he might suddenly attack. Had absolute confidence in his strength.
"Commander—I suggest you don't do that..." Hoshina—hearing this—reminded him.
"No problem." Shinomiya clearly didn't listen.
And as he finished speaking—
CRACK—CRACK!
Natsuki finished the last bowl of pork cutlet rice. Directly stood from the restraint chair. Heavy alloy handcuffs and shackles—instantly shattered.
"I like talking with straightforward people." He smiled.
Seeing this—Shinomiya's brow furrowed again.
───── ⊹ ⊹ ─────
📖 80+ chapters ahead — full story available
🔍 Search "patreon.com/DarkGolds
───── ⊹ ⊹ ─────