Chapter Text
“I can’t take this anymore. I tried to be patient, I tried to work with him, but I don’t think it can be done.” The frustrated man ran a hand through his already roughed hair, and Hinata Shouyou stood in the doorway wide-eyed as the exasperated gaze turned on him. “New recruit, huh?” Hinata gulped and nodded, trying to maintain the professional aura he’d practiced for so long. He was an operator, this was his first day on assignment, and despite his training and confidence, he hadn’t been able to force down a single slice of toast for breakfast before spending the rest of the morning in the bathroom.
“Probably going to be given the newest opening.” He sent one last glare into the room. “All I can say is good luck to you, man.” The man’s hard gaze scanned the smaller form from his ever-unruly halo of orange hair to the smart new dress shoes Natsu had all but chosen for him. He gave a short grunt Hinata couldn’t interpret before turning on his heel to march through the still-open doorway Hinata had just entered through.
“Kindaichi! Please!” The disgruntled older man who could only be Takeda Ittetsu shoved his glasses further up his nose, waving a hand and rushing futilely after the frowning Kindaichi who was already nearly a block away. With a heavy sigh, he turned back into the entryway and towards Hinata. “I am so sorry.” He bowed his head deeply. “You’ll have to excuse Kindaichi. He’s not exactly a patient man, and I fear I may have mis-assigned him. I’m sure he’ll be back.” He didn’t sound entirely certain of that as he gave one final glance out the door before closing it firmly behind him. “Anyway, I do apologize for a rather rough start. Hinata Shouyou, I’m Takeda Ittetsu. Welcome to the Japanese division of the World Espionage Alliance.” He gave Hinata’s hand a firm shake before handing him a thick manila envelope and glancing down at his own file. “We received your training results, and I must say we were quite pleased. For one with so little background in the area, you show remarkable potential. If you’ll follow me, I’ll introduce you to the supervisor of your division and the operators you will be working with most closely.”
Hinata nodded brusquely, quickly falling in step behind the perfunctory man and stepping into the elevator. Drawing in a few deep breaths in hopes of calming his stomach, he took the time to really look at the man he would be working under. His appearance was slightly disgruntled, but his gaze was steady and intelligent, and Hinata had an immediate sense that this was a man who could be trusted. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He spoke up at last. “I’m looking forward to working with you, and I hope I can perform to your standards, whatever the task.” He’d only practiced that phrase half a dozen times in the bathroom mirror that morning.
“If your files are any indication, your performance shouldn’t be an issue.” Takeda ensured, stepping out of the elevator as the doors opened. Hinata couldn’t help but note the implication that his performance wasn’t really what he was worried about. “Ah, Ukai.” Takeda greeted a taller man with a stern, lined face and unruly blond hair held in place by a black band. “This is Hinata Shouyou. He will be placed in your division, and-” he lowered his voice a hair, leaning slightly towards the taller man when he noticed the curious eyes of the other operators on him. “There’s been a change of plans. Ennoshita will be assigned to Tanaka. Hinata here is going to be placed with Kageyama.”
“So Kindaichi’s gone, then.” Ukai noted grimly. A quick nod was Takeda’s only affirmation.
“Ennoshita and Tanaka are a compatible pairing. Given Ennoshita’s past with Kageyama and Hinata’s training records, I truly believe that for now this is the preferable option. Please, get him settled in and introduce him to the others. I hate to dash so soon, but I have paperwork that requires my immediate attention.” He shot an apologetic look to both Hinata and Ukai. “Welcome, and good luck.” He shook Hinata’s hand once more before striding back into the elevator.
With that, Hinata finally took the time to take in his new surroundings. Desks were set up in orderly rows, and for the most part the curious glances had been turned back to computer screens. His new coworkers were speaking quickly into their headsets, typing busily on their keyboards, and maneuvering through the programs Hinata already knew like the back of his hand due to hours of simulation practice. The only difference was that now, there were actual people on actual missions on the other end of those headsets, and there were actual lives at stake if even the simplest of mistakes was made. The curdling of Hinata’s stomach was interrupted by a hand clamping down on his shoulder.
“Do you understand, son?” Ukai asked gruffly. “You’ll be paired up with Kageyama Tobio. He’s an incredibly gifted spy, top ranked in the division, actually, but he’s also gone through more operators than any other spy in the division single-handedly. He’s not an easy man to get along with, but Takeda has faith in you, and that means the rest of us do, too. I trust you’re up to it?”
“Of course.” Hinata answered quickly. This was the day he’d been waiting for. An image of the disgruntled Kindaichi flashed through his mind, but he quickly pushed it aside. He was Hinata Shouyou, and he’d be darned if he let one slightly egotistical spy get the better of him. His mother always said he was stubborn as a mule, and he’d use every ounce of that tenacity on this Kageyama person if it came down to it. “I’m prepared to do whatever is required of me, sir.”
“Good.” Ukai clapped him on the shoulder once more. “Hinata, these are the men you will be working with here at the WEA.” He led him towards the cluster of desks, pausing before each one to introduce his coworkers.
“This is Sugawara Koushi, the most senior operator of our division.” The ash blond man looked up with a reassuring grin, waving a hand in greeting. “Sugawara, this is Hinata Shouyou, the newest member of our team.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Hinata. I’m looking forward to working with you!” It wasn’t difficult for Hinata to return the easy smile that was sent his way.
“It’s nice to meet you as well, Sugwara.” He immediately decided that this man was someone who could become his friend, and possibly his mentor. He stored the information away for future reference.
“Sugawara has been paired with Sawamura Daichi for more than ten years. Sawamura is our most experienced spy. They work together seamlessly. One mind. Their closeness has been the key to their success. Sometimes pairings click like that, on many levels.” Ukai cleared his throat as a slight blush colored Sugawara’s cheeks, and for the first time Hinata noticed the thin band on Sugwara’s ring finger. “Whatever happens outside of the reign of the WEA is of no concern to us.” Ukai finally went on as he saw the realization cross Hinata’s face. “Professionalism must always be maintained, no questions. They’ve remained our most reliable team.”
Sugawara brushed off the compliment with a wave of his hand. “Hinata, please call me Suga.” He invited. “All of the guys do. I’m glad to see you’ll be joining us.”
“Thank you, Suga.” Hinata tried out the nickname on his tongue. It fit the man well.
“This,” Ukai moved on, “Is Yamaguchi Tadashi. After you, he’s our newest recruit.”
“Hello,” The tall freckled man greeted with a wave. “It’s nice to meet you, Hinata.”
“And you,” Hinata returned the niceties easily, taking an immediate liking to this man as well.
“Yamaguchi is paired up with Tsukishima Kei. He’s had remarkable success with him. As a spy, he does consistent work, but he had some trouble keeping operators in the past. All he needed was someone who understands him.” Yamaguchi had begun to blush at the praise. “It’s our hope that a similar understanding can be formed between yourself and Kageyama.”
“I’ll do my best!” Hinata promised quickly. He’d always been rather amiable. He was sure he’d find some way to get through to the grump.
As introductions continued, Hinata made the acquaintance of Azumane Asahi, a large man whose tender heart was evident the moment he returned Hinata’s greeting. Azumane was paired with Nishinoya Yuu, a spy who was apparently so excitable Hinata could just make out what must be his voice crackling through Azumane’s earpiece. Azumane cringed as he warned the man on the other end to keep his voice down.
Last to be introduced was Ennoshita Chikara, a sleepy-eyed man who had apparently been paired with Tanaka, the spy Hinata had originally been assigned to. “Hey, I hope there’s no hard feelings.” His deep sincerity earned quick assurances from Hinata. “All things considered, I knew my being paired up with Kageyama again would not have ended well. I hope you’ll be able to get through to him, man.” He gripped Hinata’s shoulder for a few seconds. “He’s absolutely brilliant. There’s no denying that. He left me slack-jawed a few times.” Hinata felt a swoop in his middle at that. The prospect of working with someone so talented got his heart beating a little faster. “His people skills are non-existent, though. That’s the problem. It’d take a stronger man than I – and apparently Kindaichi – to constantly put up with that. You seem like tough stuff, though. I’ve got a good feeling about you.” Hinata desperately hoped he was right. If he could learn to work with this Kageyama person, he’d surely achieve his goal of being the strongest.
“Well,” Ukai said suddenly, “Unless Kindaichi turns up again, that’s everyone you’ll be working with. Here’s your desk-” he gestured toward the empty one that sat between Suga’s and Yamaguchi’s “-and as luck would have it, all of Kageyama’s files, info, feed, and tracking are already loaded up. He’s in Rome right now, middle of a drug ring. It’s a tight scrape, but he’s gotten out of tighter. Likes to do things his own way. Guess that’s part of the reason he and his operators don’t usually hit it off. Anyway, for all I know he has no idea Kindaichi flew the coop. I’ll talk to him, and then it’s all yours. You ready?” Hinata quickly wiped his suddenly-sweaty hands down the front of his pants, the gnawing in his middle back with a vengeance.
“Yes.” He said with as much confidence as he could muster. “I’m ready. I’ll do my best.” With a curt nod, Ukai pulled the headset over his head, clicking it on.
“Kindaichi.” A sharp bark crackled through the ear piece a fraction of a second later, loud enough that even Hinata could clearly make out the words. “What’s the deal in this joint? I need stats. I’ve been waiting for you to hook back up.” Hinata felt his face pale at the terse exasperation he heard in the man’s voice. Suga and Yamaguchi exchanged raised eyebrows that didn’t go unnoticed by Hinata.
“Kageyama. Kindaichi’s gone, and I think you know why.” Ukai’s voice was nearly that of a different man. He was stern, abrupt, and used a tone that suggested he wouldn’t take any nonsense. “Takeda paired you with a new recruit. Hinata Shouyou’s the name. Don’t screw this up.” He growled. “I’m handing you over to him now. You’re in good hands with him. His inexperience has no bearing.” With that he removed the headset without even waiting for a response, handing it over to Hinata. “Good luck. This is nothing you haven’t done a thousand times in training. Don’t take his crap.” With a solid thwack on the back, Ukai stood leaving Hianta in full control of the station. Quickly dropping the headset into place, he took his seat before the computer.
“Kageyama.” He was incredibly relieved by the fact that his voice didn’t waver. “Hi, I’m Hinata Shouyou-”
“This isn’t tea time. I don’t have time for introductions. I need my stats and I need them now, newbie. Don’t let me down.”
Hinata only let himself be taken aback for a few moments. He had a job to do, and he was going to do it. So many people had faith in him to. “Okay. It looks like you’re clear. Heat sensors show no one approaching.” He quickly clicked through the most recent notifications. “Unless it’s been moved, a few rooms over you’ll find part of the stash. Two guards. Should be an easy takedown-”
“I don’t have time for ‘should-be’s and ‘looks like’ gimme the facts straight.” Hinata swallowed the urge to snap right back at him. Instead, he calmly relayed the newest information he saw.
“Hasn’t been much activity on the ringleader. Be on the alert.”
“Oh really?” His tone dripped with mockery. “I was planning to just, you know, lie down here and take a little nap. All of this spying has me so worn out.” Hinata bit down on his lip so hard he tasted blood. “If I wanted a voice in my ear telling me everything I already know, I’d have Takeda give my mother a headset. I think I’ve got it from here. I’m going offline.”
That quickly the line went completely silent, but that didn’t stop Hinata from wailing out a frustrated “Kageyama!” and pressing the heels of his hands hard into his eyes.
“Offline?” Suga asked simply, sending a sympathetic half-smile his way.
“How’d you know?” Hinata asked tiredly, wondering to himself how he could be so exhausted after barely an hour of his first day.
“Typical.” Suga shrugged. “He takes some getting used to. You’ll learn to deal with his moods.” Hinata hoped he was right. “Don’t let it get to you. You seem like a really good kid. At least you didn’t yell back. He really would’ve let you have it then. I think that was Kindaichi’s problem.” He went on thoughtfully. “You know, sitting at these desks, Yamaguchi and I have a pretty good idea of what goes on with Kageyama.” Yamaguchi gave a nod of agreement. “If you want, we’d be more than happy to tell you what we know. Knowing what he likes will make things a lot easier for you.”
“That would be amazing.” Hinata huffed out along with a deep sigh. He started to wonder if he was even cut out for this, but was quick to nip that thought in the bud. Thinking that way, there was no way he’d succeed. If anything, he was more determined than ever to learn how to work with Kageyama and become a team people talked about the way Ukai had talked about Suga and Sawamura. One thing he was completely certain of was that there was no way in hell he’d let Kageyama win the next round.