Chapter 2
The peace treaty between Japan and the Great Asian Alliance was concluded on December 2095.
With the event "Scorched Halloween," which destroyed the southern tip of the Korean peninsula in late October, the Great Asian Alliance lost its naval base and many ships. In addition to this, in order to achieve a final victory, in the middle of November a fleet was sent from Sasebo. It was an incomplete fleet, as it was collected from the remnants, because all the major forces were mobilized to prepare for war with the New Soviet Union. Formed in Sasebo, the fleet was accompanied by the only magician of the Strategic Class, publicly disclosed by the government of Japan, one of the "Thirteen Apostles" by Itsuwa Mio. In this way Japan declared its readiness for total war.
Fortunately, the clashes with the fleet of the Great Asian Alliance did not occur. The Magic of the Strategic Class "Abyss" was not used, and the valuable magician of the Strategic Class was not lost by Japan.
Because as soon as the fleet reached the open sea, the Great Asian Alliance sent a proposal for a truce, using the Union of South-East Asia as an intermediary.
As a result, the final form of the treaty, in which the Great Asian Alliance accepted almost all of Japan's requirements, was concluded in March 2096. Immediate establishment of peace, which the Japanese demanded, influenced the modesty of the demands put forward. But the main reason was the huge damage received by the Great Asian Alliance.
But this did not mean that everyone agreed with reconciliation. In any country, in any army, there are always forces that do not want peace.
Both in Japan and in the Great Asian Alliance there were many against reconciliation. And among them were those who planned to destroy the world by force and restore the state of war.
21 March. Okinawa, Naha airport.
This day was not special. Same as yesterday, same as any of 365 days a year. There were no identical people among those passing through the landing and disembarkation, but all the differences between them could be accommodated in the concept of "individuality". Even if you have a height of 2 meters, even if you are a mountain of muscles weighing a hundred kilograms, if everything is in order with the documents, and if nothing is illegal in the baggage, you will easily pass customs as any other traveler.
This man did not have large suitcases, like those of other travelers. With only a Boston bag as luggage, he left the lobby and went to the taxi stand. [note. Boston Bag - a small hand bag]
For some reason, there were no other people around him. Nobody left the building. There was not a single car at the taxi stand. Feeling unhealthy, this man stopped. From the side of the terminal for domestic flights one could hear the approaching steps of one person. The man turned to the sound of footsteps. Throwing the bag on the road, he stood in a stance with slightly bent knees and elbows.
The man walking towards was not as big as this man, but, undoubtedly, he was the owner of impressive musculature. If a man could simply be said to possessing a very large body, then that person possessed this aura. Thanks to this he could be called a giant. A single glance would be enough to say this.
These two, possessing large bodies, concealed incredible fighting abilities. The owners of these bodies were trained only to fight.
"Captain Lou..." The man turned to the man approaching him. He involuntarily muttered his name.
"A deserter, Lieutenant Bradley Zhang." Lu Ganghu, on the contrary, clearly pronounced his words. "I do not mind if you resist."
On the face of Lu Ganghu there was a smile of an ogre-tiger.
"U-Ghost Walker!?" [note: another name is "Kimon Tonko"]
Zhang finally noticed the reason for the lack of passersby. A Ghost Walker technique that could create a kind of isolated space around the user. It was meant to not let oneself be caught.
Zhang was taller by 10 cm and heavier by 20 kg than his opponent.
However, at the smiling Lu Ganghu, Bradley Zhang watched with an impatient expression.
Zhang turned his back to Lu Ganghu. Pretending that he wants to escape, he suddenly kicked in the direction of the approaching danger.
Lu Ganghu did not stop. His body continued to move. Catching the foot of Bradley Zhang's boot, he simply pushed him back.
Zhang's body soared into the air. With unimaginable ease for such a giant, he was on the roof of a taxi station building. The grinning Zhang looked down and his face suddenly froze. Lu Ganghu was not on the road. Bradley Zhang looked up.
The views of Zhang and Lu Ganghu met. Their eyes were at the same height.
Zhang fell off the roof. He did not chose this way to go down in vain.
The empty space, where Zhang 's head had just been, was pierced by the right foot of Lu Ganghu, enveloped in a whirlwind.
After sending his body down, and pushing his left foot off the edge of the roof, Lu Ganghu quickly returned to the road. Prepared Zhang attacked Lu Ganghu at the moment of landing. Toward head of Lu Ganghu, a slashing hand struck from above, coming along at an arc. Lu Ganghu met Zhang's blow with the edge of his hand. From the colliding hands there was a sound like a gong.
"Steel Qigong."
"Not only you know this technique." Said Zhang in response to the muttering Lu Ganghu.
While answering quite joyfully, his words did not carry any sign of superiority. Lu Ganghu smiled. This smile was like the grin of a wild animal.
Lu Ganghu kicked the road. At that very moment, Zhang was pushed aside, and a scorched trail remained on the road. Immediately followed by lightning strikes with his fist, elbow, and palm. With a face showing that he was waiting for this, Zhang reflected all the blows. But in this situation it was obvious that the advantage was for Lu Ganghu.
Suddenly, a dagger flew at him. Lu Ganghu nimbly dodged this attack, but his pressure, albeit for a moment, was interrupted. Zhang took advantage of the hitch and took a sharp jump in the distance away from Lu Ganghu. Without moving his head, Lu Ganghu directed his gaze to the side where the dagger came from. There was a man wearing sunglasses, about 180 cm tall. The intruder, seemed able to overcome the technique Ghost Walker.
A familiar "voice" appealed to Lu Ganghu.
"That's enough, Captain Lou. Temporarily retreat.”
The source of the "voice" was not the enemy who was before him. And also not his ally, coming in from behind. The "voice" came from the headset of the communication device.
"Understood."
Briefly answering the "voice", Lu Ganghu turned from Zhang. Standing in the fighting stance, Zhang observed Lu's back calmly. Looking at him, he realizing that there were absolutely no open places to attack. Lu Ganghu disappeared into the building. A taxi was approaching the station. This was not strange as it was a taxi station. Bradley Zhang and the man with sunglasses got into the taxi that had arrived.
"Did you recognize the identity of Bradley Zhang's accomplice?"
"According to the passport, his name is James Jackson. Ostensibly a tourist from Australia."
For this question, Kazama answered, with Fujibayashi standing diagonally behind him.
"From Australia? How unusual."
After the Third World War Australia has adopted a policy of extremely limited contacts with foreign countries. In the understanding of the Japanese, this was "the actual state of the isolation of the country".
However, Australia's policy was not similar to the policy of complete isolation of Japan in the Edo period.
Although the Australian government had adopted a policy of diplomatic isolation, migration and trade have generally been allowed. Visitors were prohibited from directly owning property, but indirect ownership was allowed in the form of the right to distribute income.
What then is the reason for the widespread opinion about the "actual state of isolation"? The reason was in extremely strict customs rules.
Any visitors and departing people underwent thorough checks under the pretext of combating crime, and exchanging material was almost completely suppressed.
Many countries have condemned this policy. But during the Third World War, which lasted 20 years, there was a case when terrorists entered the country in the guise of travelers, and were able to build a military base, under the cover of investment. So the officially named pretext "for self-defense" was difficult to challenge.
Severe inspections were made even on their own citizens returning to the country. This was the case even for short-term trips. Under the name of a simple check, a thorough investigation of each case was concealed.
At the moment there were very few people who wanted to go abroad, and as a result, the opportunity of seeing an Australian outside of Australia was very rare.
"Ask the intelligence department to investigate his real identity."
If he is a spy, why use such prominent Australian citizenship? That is the question. If he pretends to be an Australian, then the question also arises, for what purpose.
"I'll deal with this immediately." Having given honor to Kazama, Fujibayashi left the room with a tablet terminal under her arm. After, a giant man entered the room. Having just had a fight outside, Lu Ganghu returned to the airport's conference room.
"Captain Lou, thank you for your work." The head of the division of the special forces of the Great Asian Alliance, Chen Xiangshan, sitting opposite to Kazama addressed Lu Ganghu.
Chen Xiangshan and Lu Ganghu were captured during the Yokohama incident and imprisoned as war criminals who committed illegal subversive activities. But as a result of the conclusion of the peace treaty between Japan and the Great Asian Alliance, they were released as prisoners of war. More precisely, an informal exchange of prisoners of war was made. Captured enemy agents, hiding their belonging to a country, do not have the right to such an exchange. But still it was made informally for the rescue of the captive Japanese captured by the Great Asian Alliance.
"No, I missed it."
"Never mind. This time I gave the order to retreat. In the end, a major clash in such a place would only play into the hands of the enemy."
After saluting and saying "Understood," Lu Ganghu stood behind Chen Xiangshan. The views of Lu Ganghu and Sanada, standing behind Kazama, crossed. Lu Ganghu and Sanada ignored the impertinent grin with an unflappable face.
"The taxi will be the objective of surveillance. Since we are on the island, we will not lose sight of them, I suppose."
"Thanks for the concern.” Chen Xiangshan responded in fluent Japanese to the words of Kazama. "We would like to capture not only Lieutenant Zhang, but also the other deserters."
The prerequisite for Zhang's desertion was the desire to free his comrades.
"I see. We are also in the same situation."
Kazama, no, the army wanted to seize all the saboteurs who had infiltrated Japan. It was the coincidence of interests that eventually caused their temporary cooperation.
After completing preparations for further cooperation, Chen Xiangshan and Lu Ganghu left the airport. Subordinate Kazakhs escorted them to the apartment they provided. The driver also part-time watched them.
When Chen Xiangshan and the others left, Major Yanagi entered the conference room. Together with him was Fujibayashi, who had recently left.
Kazama, Sanada, Yanagi, and Fujibayashi. The entire officer staff of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, with the exception of Yamanaka, was present in Okinawa.
"Yanagi, did you notice anything?"
"I believe that Bradley Zhang fought seriously. Lu Ganghu, on the contrary, looked frivolous." Yanagi immediately gave the answer to Kazama. Although the content of the answer was only a guess, there was no doubt in his voice. Yanagi watched the battle of Lu Ganghu and Bradley Zhang, despite the activated technique of the Ghost Walker.
"So they are not in cahoots?"
"Apparently, hunting for deserters is not a cover, but the truth."
Kazama nodded, saying "this is how" and invited everyone to sit down, gesturing his hands toward the chairs.
"The special officer will probably be shocked."
"Major Sanada. This time he is not a ‘special officer.’” The answer of Fujibayashi to the jocular words of Sanada also sounded like a joke.
"Including his part of the work, the operation is on schedule."
Of course, by "him" Kazama meant "special officer", that is Tatsuya.
Tatsuya is participating in this operation as a magician of the Yotsuba family, and not as a special officer of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion. This is what the meaning of Fujibayashi 's words was "not a special officer".
However, by the reminder from Kazama, there was talk of cooperation with Chen Xiangshan's division.
The order for a joint operation with the Great Asian Alliance was received from Saeki at the beginning of the month, before the meeting with Tatsuya. But during the meeting on the 17th Kazama did not tell Tatsuya about the desire to cooperate in the capture of diversion-planning deserters. It was not strange when the army of the Great Asian Alliance addressed this proposal. Violation of the peace treaty threatened the Great Asian Alliance, and not Japan.
For the central government of the Great Asian Alliance, which is experiencing fragmentation problems, military control has the highest priority. If they tolerate desertion, it can grow into a major insurgency according to the "domino theory". For the central government, these risks are not something that you can allow to continue.
Nevertheless, there was also the likelihood that the joint operation to find deserters is being used as a cover for some trick. Without such caution, you will not just be a loser, you will be accused of non-performance of duties, renunciation of responsibility, and deprived of an officer's rank. Of course, in the 101 brigade, General Saeki considered this possibility. Considering the possible deception of the army of the Great Asian Alliance, the choice fell on Kazama.
Kazama also understood this. He was chosen for this mission for a reason, because he was connected with Chen Xiangshan.
Communication with the Yotsuba family had nothing to do with it. This was because of the reputation of Kazama Harunobu as "Daitengu", who fought with the army of the Great Asian Alliance on the Indochina Peninsula, and also in anticipation that his subordinates could cope with the "Tiger-cannibal" Lu Ganghu.
"At the moment, we are considering the unit of Chen Xiangshan as allies." Taking into account the results of observations of the current joint actions, and having listened to the report of Yanagi, Kazama decided to trust Chen Xiangshan for the time being.
"For the moment, at least." As Sanada said in an ironic voice, no one thought that this cooperation would last long.
March 23, Saturday.
Immediately after the closing ceremony, Tatsuya, Miyuki and Minami flew to Okinawa. In fact, they wanted to skip school today, but Miyuki is the president of the school board so she could not miss the closing ceremony.
If you think about it, they could go tomorrow because the first event in which they need to participate will be held on the 24th in the afternoon.
However, instead of making a fuss that day, it seemed to them that it would be easier to go a day in advance to prepare.
Honoka and Shizuku will arrive in Okinawa on the 25th in the afternoon. Shizuku's father, Kitayama Ushio, must fly on the plane on the day of the party, and her younger brother and mother Benio must be present on the same ship as her.
Also, yesterday the group with Azusa had already arrived in Okinawa.
In an airplane five years ago, Tatsuya had an ordinary tight seat. But this time he was in a capsule, like that of Miyuki. Minami was also not sent to the usual place, despite the servant's actual position. Minami herself, in a luxurious capsule, felt uncomfortable.
After arriving, these three were accommodated in a luxury hotel near the airport. They did not use the villa on which their mother Miya spent time with Honami while she was still alive. But even if its owner is still Shiba Tatsuro, they still did not want to go there with Minami.
On the day of check-in, nothing remarkable happened. The next day, March 24, was the ceremony of Higan. Since Hayama handled all the preparations, only Tatsuya and Miyuki needed to be present as the representatives of the Yotsuba family. Miyuki was in a completely black evening dress, her hair was not in her usual style as it was gathered up into a bun. Although she attracted a lot of attention among those present, nothing remarkable happened here either.
After the ceremony, they returned to the hotel, changed their clothes and left to fulfill the real task.
The hotel in which Tatsuya and company stayed was close to Naha Airport. The place they went to was also in the vicinity of the airport. It was a two-story restaurant opposite the military base of Naha. Not a restaurant of Okinawan cuisine, but a steak house run by someone descended from those of the US military once stationed in Okinawa called the "Left Bloods." The destination of Tatsuya company was the reserved second floor of this restaurant.
"Oh, Tatsuya! Hey, long time no see." When Tatsuya entered the restaurant, a big black skinhead man called out to him. This physique and a cheerful voice were familiar to him.
"Joe." In the voice of Tatsuya, who called the name of the interlocutor, was surprise. "Long time no see. However, what is this appearance? Did you retire?"
A military magician, whom he met here 5 years ago, Higaki Joseph, was dressed in a colorful apron with the logo of the establishment.
"Of course, I'm still in the service. The other day I was promoted to sergeant."
"Congratulations."
Five years ago, Joseph was the youngest corporal. It seems that his services during the incident with the invasion of Okinawa were taken into account, and he got up quite well on the career ladder.
"It's closed today. And this outfit is just to help. They will not be paying for my assistance. This institution belongs to my retired friends."
"That's it."
Five years ago, Joseph and his friends walked around the neighborhood in the form of punks. But for the courage in the battles during that incident, the "Left Blood" deserved the softening of a prejudiced attitude. Looking at him now, it is easy to understand that this is really so.
In that incident, part of the "Left Blood" took the side of the enemy. The army kept this secret, and Tatsuya and the others promised to remain silent. Looking at the present Joseph, Tatsuya was again convinced that he was not mistaken.
"As for you, I always hear your name. Is that Tatsuya…"
"Joe." Interrupting Joe, Tatsuya did not speak in an elevated tone.
"Oops, I'm sorry. I've already detained you." However, Joseph already realized that he allowed himself to say too much.
"Your comrades are waiting on the second floor. Please go up this ladder."
Tatsuya bowed to Joseph, and they went to the second floor with Miyuki and Minami.
"This is Shiba Tatsuya."
He knocked on the door. Soon, from inside, the sound of a key was heard, and the face of Sanada appeared from behind the door.
"It's good that you came. Well, come on in." Sanada cast a fleeting glance at Minami, apparently because he had not met her before.
However, what will happen to them will be reported to Minami in advance. There being three guests was of no surprise instead of two.
It was Tatsuya's turn to be surprised. In the room were Kazama, Sanada and an unexpected person. Tatsuya kept his face poker face, while Miyuki, almost screaming in surprise, covered her mouth with her hands.
"Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, Major Sanada, it's good to meet you."
"I'm happy too, I'm counting on you." Standing up, and having answered Tatsuya, Kazama drew attention to the sitting Chen Xiangshan.
"In this operation we are in a cooperative relationship."
Kazama decided to clarify the situation before offering to them to sit down, because he understood that the presence of this person cannot be easily understood. After all, Chen Xiangshan was here because of a mission, which would be difficult to just guess.
"This time Colonel Chen from the army of the Great Asian Alliance is our ally. Take note of this and sit down."
"Understood. Miyuki."
"Yes; I also understand."
Miyuki sat in an armchair, not the one offered by Kazama, but instead in the one that Tatsuya put forward for her. Also, refusing Kazama, with the words "I'm sorry", Tatsuya sat down next to Miyuki.
Minami stood diagonally behind Miyuki. Kazama glanced at Minami.
But he did not try to force her to sit down.
"Then I'll go straight into the explanation of the current situation."
"You are welcome to." Tatsuya replied to the conversation that had begun. Chen Xiangshan was silent all this time.
"There are no large movements among enemy agents penetrating Okinawa. Once, with the help of Colonel Chen, we tried to provoke them, but at the moment we are acting cautiously."
Tatsuya directed his gaze to Chen Xiangshan. From that there was no reaction. Tatsuya again looked at Kazama.
"What are the known enemy forces at the moment?"
"Six people on this main island of Okinawa. Among them 2 Japanese and 1 Australian"
"An Australian?"
"According to the passport. Also, the place of departure of the plane, on which he flew, Sydney Airport."
"What is known about this Australian?"
"His name is James Jackson. Age of 40 years. Profession is a journalist."
Hearing the word "journalist", Tatsuya made an understanding face.
Masking as a reporter is a good cover for sending agents.
"The purpose of the visit is tourism. With him is a 12-year-old daughter."
"Is she really his daughter?"
"Here's a picture." Kazama handed Tatsuya a tablet terminal. Tatsuya turned the terminal so Miyuki could also see, and looked carefully at the screen. There was displayed the image of a mustached man and a girl, about 12-13 years old, wearing a straw hat.
"It does not look like a parent and child."
"Suppose they are really a parent and a child." Kazama expressed his impression with a bitter smile. "If this is a disguise, then I do not understand the intention to bring such a girl. Are they going to use her in a suicide attack?"
"If it's really a girl." To Tatsuya's words Kazama slightly rounded his eyes.
"Do you mean if she does not look her age?"
"It's hard to say for sure only one photo."
"Hmm, you cannot deny that possibility. However, information from Australia is extremely difficult to obtain. For now, let's just keep in mind the opportunity you indicated. "
Kazama did not use the military appeal to Tatsuya, but simply said
"you." [note: in Japan there is a "military" "you" (? ? / kikan), used in official communication when addressing military and officials]
At the moment he was not "Special Officer Ooguro Riyuuya," but
"Shiba Tatsuya from the Yotsuba." This was due to the presence of Chen Xiangshan. Chen Xiangshan does not know that Tatsuya is a magician of the Strategic Class Special Officer Ooguro Riyuuya, but on the other hand he saw the fighting power of Tatsuya and Miyuki during the Yokohama incident.
However, Kazama does not hide from Chen Xiangshan the cooperation with "Shiba Tatsuya" for another reason. Foreign magicians are planning subversive activities against Japan. It's no wonder that the Yotsuba from the Ten Master Clans are using their powers to solve this problem. Since Tatsuya was declared a member of the Yotsuba family, one can say that the existence of the Special Officer Ooguro Riyuuya is now connected only with the secret of the strategic class magician.
"There is still no activity on Kuma Island. However, there is no doubt that the aim of the agents is the artificial island off the western coast of Kuma."
There was no reason to say that this was accurate data. But Tatsuya did not doubt it. The purpose of the defense in the instructions provided by Maya was the artificial island
"Saikasin". Tatsuya suggested that Kazama determined that the enemy's target is the artificial island, based on information provided by Chen Xiangshan.
"Let me know as soon as any movement appears. Until now, we are regaining strength."
"I got it."
Tatsuya understood his role. He and Miyuki, as members of the Yotsuba family, were too noticeable. The beauty of Miyuki was not the only thing that attracted attention at today's ceremony. Those searing glances from all sides, those impudent whisperings behind their backs, the attention of the media - all this proved that their personalities were well known.
"That's all I wanted to say. Do you have any questions?"
"No, nothing special."
"I see. What are you going to do now?"
"Miyuki seems to be a little tired from the ceremony. I think we'll go back to the hotel to rest."
When Tatsuya said this, Miyuki bowed to Kazama with an apologetic face. It was an excuse not to stay in this place. Maybe for the army, Chen Xiangshan was now an ally, but for Tatsuya and Miyuki, he was not an interlocutor with whom they can communicate peacefully.
"You came from Tokyo only yesterday? It is quite natural to be tired."
Sanada, who was silent before that, said, apparently thinking that everything will be fine. "Because Fujibayashi-kun also said that she was tired."
"Really."
"Is there a break for Senior Lieutenant Fujibayashi? I saw her at the ceremony, but there was no way to talk, and I wanted to say hello here."
For a moment Sanada's face showed concern that she gave out the reason for Fujibayashi's absence as it was not as simple as it was stated.
The reason for the absence of Fujibayashi was that she was avoiding Tatsuya.
"Ah, she's resting on the base. I'm sorry." Tatsuya's question was answered by Kazama.
"I got it."
Tatsuya did not begin to ask further questions, like why there is no commander's assistant.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login