Chapter Text
“P-Pardon?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself, kid,” Ogata Jugo, the current captain of the 4th Division of JAKDF, sighed, dragging a hand down the side of his head.
His expression teetered between annoyance and resignation as he stubbed out his half-finished cigarette in the plastic ashtray on the side of the wooden table.
“I understand we’ve been treatin’ ya like a damn volleyball ball lately, but the higher-ups…” He paused, his face twisted, showing more of his wrinkles as if the mere memory soured his mood. “They were rather insistent with this one.” His tired greens locked onto his unguarded and uncertain ones.
“Reporting on your last performance using No 6, they decided your training should be handled by someone who can push ya over your limits and monitor your condition both on and off the field. For safety’s sake and your bond with 6.” He added, his scowl deepening.
The mention of that moment made him wince visibly, the shame of it still fresh in his memory. He didn’t know what had come over him back then.
His focus had zeroed in on the kaiju, everything else fading into static. His body had obeyed instinct alone, pushing No 6’s power beyond what he was told- ordered he could handle.
The aftermath – a dead kaiju with a torrent of searing pain in his torn muscles and a chorus of scolding voices from his teammates and nursing staff that still echoed in his mind.
Shifting uncomfortably, he caught his captain – no, his ex-captain, he corrected himself grimly – eyeing him with a fleeting look of gauging before shaking his head in quiet dismissal.
“No need to beat yourself up over it, officer. No blame fell on you. That’s the job of your standing captain.” Ogata offered a crooked grin, the kind that was more reassurance than humour.
Despite himself, he managed a small, strained smile in return. ‘That’s not what worries me, sir,’ he thought but held his tongue. He had learned better than to burden Captain Ogata with his unease about 6, no matter how much the older man knew about the numbers weapons.
There was just something about wearing the armour around Ogata that clawed at his insides, an itch beneath his ribs he couldn’t scratch. It was like déjà vu, a sensation he couldn’t pinpoint.
Then there were Ogata’s brief glances too – how the captains eyes clouded over, distant and heavy, whenever they lingered on No 6 suite for too long.
There was a history, no doubt about it. ‘It killed over two hundred soldiers…Kami-sama knows how many civilians too, it would be surprising if it didn’t had history with anyone.’
The thought lingered, but he kept his expression blank, burying the weight of his musings as he adjusted his stance and listened to the captain continue seeing as he wouldn’t comment.
“Anyways…the transfer documents are already being taken care of. There would be a van waiting outside to take you,” Ogata said, glancing toward the clock on the wall. “You’ve got an hour and ten minutes to say your goodbyes and pack up. Don’t worry about the suit, that’s the captains' responsibility.”
He said nothing, still trying to sort out what this transfer meant for him, how it would change his routine again and how will-
The soft scraping of a chair against the floor brought his attention back to Captain Ogata who stood from his place. His greens softened, tempered by a quiet pride as he straightened to perfect posture.
“It was an honour working alongside you, Officer Ichikawa Reno,” Ogata said, saluting with precision. “May you stand strong to admire the next sun rise in the distance.”
The words stuck Reno. Without hesitation, his back straightened instinctively, and he returned the salute with unwavering resolve.
“It was an honour, sir,” Reno replied, his voice firm, though his fist trembled at his side. The 4th Division slogan rolled off his tongue one final time, strong and steady despite the knot in his chest. “May you stand strong to admire the next sun rise in the distance.”
Reno felt…unsure.
Not afraid or hesitant. Just…
He inhaled deeply, sighting and lazily watching as his breath misted in the nearing winter air before his eyes shifted to the building before him, the dormitory for the 1st Division officers – excluding the captain's quarters.
The chill bit at his skin, but it barely registered. Since bonding with No 6, Reno’s ‘cold’ wasn’t like others. His altered physiological functions after wearing the suit made sure of that.
Still, he played along, dressed in a turtleneck beneath a loose sweater, sweatpants tucked into high boots, and a baggy jacket for appearances. Just enough to keep the fussing at bay.
His bared hand with a pinkish hue on the tips of his fingers clenched the strap of his duffle bag, the pressure digging into his palm. In the other, a small suitcase – a generous parting gift from his former division.
Or rather…
“And you better fuckin’ give it back, you hear me!”
…Reno leaned to the side with a sheepish smile. Iharu’s parting words echoed in his head, his voice cracking as he insisted he wasn’t crying. “That’s sweat, stupid Ren!”
He let out another sigh, lips quirking slightly. ‘Maji de…What’s with me and attracting man-babies?’
His smile faltered, heart clenching as his gaze settled back on the building.
‘Right. Speaking of man-babies.’
Straightening his back, Reno climbed the short staircase to the entrance, deliberately watching his steps. His new ‘home’ loomed ahead, a place where he was to gain better control over No 6.
He swiped his new ID card that was given to him by Captain Ogata before his departure to the Ariake base, the monitor’s led circle shone blue before the digital door slid open with a soft hiss.
Taking a slow, curious step inside, Reno’s body immediately shivered from the sudden warmth seeping into his bones he didn’t realise were cold till now.
Aah, he looked around the much more modern interior than what he was used to with only two ways to go.
‘I wonder if he’ll- !’
“Reno-kuuuun~!”
A familiar, nasal voice boomed down the left corridor, cutting his thought short. Reno’s head snapped toward the sound, eyes widening. The ground trembled slightly as a hulking figure barreled toward him at full speed.
“A-Ah! Kafka-senpai!” Reno’s arms instinctively opened, welcoming the oncoming freight train. ‘Come and see me…’ He finished the thought with a suppressed grin, eyes sparkling with affection – and soon growing in horror.
Kafka hadn’t changed much…save for the extra inch of hair and his more defined physique. But as Reno noted the trails of tears running down his senpais face, mixing with his snout, Reno’s expression immediately soured.
“Uugh!” Reno recoiled, letting his arms drop as Kafka drew closer, still wailing waterfalls of tears. He took a cautious step back, hugging himself. “Get away from me, you old man! You’re splashing your disgusting snot everywhere!” Reno shouted, face scrunched in utter revulsion.
“Uwaaaah! Reno!” Kafka sobbed louder, showing no signs of slowing.
Reno barely had time to react – throwing his duffle bag to the side with his baggage so nothing will get destroyed before Kafka leapt, flinging himself full force onto Reno’s smaller frame. ‘This is how I die.’ Reno thought bleakly as Kafka crashed into him, eliciting a pained oof!
“O-Oi, old man,” Reno groaned with Kafka’s weighting pinning him down, his hands fruitlessly trying to push the mass of muscles off. “Don’t you dare wipe your fluids on me!” he shrieked in sheer horror, trashing more under his senpais weight.
But his protests only seemed to fuel Kafka’s enthusiasm as the larger man attempted to ‘nuzzle’ into him, using Reno’s jacket as an impromptu tissue.
Despite Reno’s best efforts to push him off, Kafka held firmly, tightening his grip as they rolled across the pristine floor. Reno’s aggravated cries clashed with Kafka’s joyful wails, creating a chaotic symphony that echoed down the hall.
“Well, well. Seems some things never do change,” came a familiar voice, sharp and dripping with amusement.
Reno froze mid-struggle, twisting his neck to look at her.
Golden hair tied neatly in a side ponytail instead of her usual double ones. Her arms crossed and her smirk as smug as he remembered.
“Kikoru-chan…” Reno breathed, happiness swelling in his chest upon seeing another of his friends.
Kafka, taking advantage of his distraction, buried his face deeper into his jacket.
Kikoru arched a brow, looking utterly unimpressed. “Glad to see you haven't forgotten me. Not that you could.” She struck a pose, hip cocked and confidence radiating from her every movement.
Seeing that made him roll his eyes, secretly glad to know she hadn’t changed during those months they were apart. His brief moment was cut short however as Kafka sniffled loudly, prompting Reno to groan in renewed disgust.
“For real old man, get off!” Reno snapped with no hint of anger laced in his tone, he resumed his futile attempts to shove his senpai away.
He didn’t mind Kikoru as she watched the scene unfold with undisguised amusement, part of him hoping she’d help once he saw her moving only for her to let out a long sigh.
“Seriously. It’s so good you’re here. I swear, this buffoon is a lost cause!” she exclaimed as if she was the one smothered under Kafka’s weight and not him. Pointing at the man with a manicured finger.
“He couldn’t sleep knowing you were coming and when I teased him about it, he just agreed with it!” she said with a dramatic sigh. "It's called teasing you overgrown baby." Kikoru huffed as she gently pushed Kafka's side with the tip of her shoe which the large man simply ignored.
Reno gave his friend a deadpan look, his arms shaking under how much strength he was putting into pushing Kafka. “I’m honoured,” he groaned. “But can’t he show his love in less unhygienic ways?!”
Kikoru shrugged, looking indifferent at his struggles. “I refuse to get in the middle of this if that’s what you’re asking me to do.” She gave Reno a devilish smile. “He was purely happy you came and I’m happy to transfer full responsibility for him to you, Officer Ichikawa~”
Reno’s wide-eyed horror was palpable. Before he could protest, and try striking a deal about a potential co-parenting, Kafka flung his muscular arms around Reno’s neck, practically smothering him in his chest.
“You witch!” Reno hissed, glaring at Kikoru through any gap Kafka’s arms allowed him to.
Her cackling laughter resonated down the hallway as the trio remained oblivious to the approaching footsteps of the upcoming danger.
“Waaaah, Reno-kun! I missed chu so, so much! You don’t even know the torture I’ve endured!” Kafka wailed dramatically, squishing Reno’s cheeks between his large hands making him jump a little and bringing him closer to his sudden serious expression.
His drying tears and snout trial made the man’s profile that much laughable.
“Captain Narumi’s a beast! You can’t even play dead – he’ll just drag your soul back into your body just to make you do thousands of push-ups for wasting one second of the training!” Kafka added with definitely added flair.
‘At least I hope so…’ Reno thought sheepishly as he let himself be shaken by his senpai who whined about how Captain Narumi should go on spiritual retreat with all he had put him and Kikoru thought.
Speaking off. The girl in question snorted, arms crossed as she leaned on her other side, watching the man with judgment before her greens easily found his. “Is this how you’ve got grey hair, Reno-kun?”
Perhaps if Kafka hadn’t gasped so audibly, loudly declaring how Reno’s hair had already been grey when they first met – unlike her visible wrinkles – and maybe if Kikoru hadn’t gotten herself so easily riled up, bristling like an offended cat and retorting even louder, the trio might have noticed the approaching steps faster.
The deliberate, leisurely strides followed by more footsteps carried an air of silent authority, subtly shifting the atmosphere around them without either of them noticing.
If neither of that happened, it could have saved them the shock they experienced just as Kikoru prepared to kick Kafka’s calf who was tightly holding onto the trashing Reno.
“Oh, really! Did you forget about your bathroom accident that-“
“Enough.”
The single word froze the trio mid-action. Slowly – ever so slowly – they turned their heads. Reno felt as soft gasp escape his lips when his wide eyes locked with the bored rubies of Narumi Gen, captain of the 1st Division and Reno’s new commander.
Narumi’s gaze was on full display with his partly-white fringe pushed back, effortlessly piercing through Reno’s eyes, glazing over as though Narumi had already dissected everything there was about him.
A cough from someone from behind Narumi forced the trio to realise where they were and who was staring down at them, making them scramble into more formal positions. Reno hastily helped Kafka up, the man muttering inaudible words of apologies and thanks.
“Fuckin’ kindergarteners, this lot….” Narumi muttered sharply, tipping his head back and visibly holding back a tired sigh.
Reno felt after a second those rubies settling on him, making him fumble to steady Kafka and instinctively release his hand, sending the older face forward, nearly knocking Reno down in the process.
The scene drew a few stifled laughs from the nearby subordinates or silent snickers before Kikoru’s sharp glare whipped them into silence.
Once all three were standing at attention – Reno sandwiched awkwardly in the middle felt his blush slowly disappear. Giving him enough confidence to steal a glance at the famous captain of the strongest division there was.
‘Great first impression. You nailed it, moron.’ He self-mockingly ‘praised’ himself as he watched Captain Narumi sigh heavily, dragging his hand through his already messy hair.
Muttering something only the taller man who Reno noticed was standing a foot behind the Captain could hear by the way he raised his brow in response.
“You two…” Narumi drawled, pointing with his left index finger at Kikoru and pinky at Kafka who instinctually straightened in response. ‘What kind of whipping did these two undergo?!’ He wanted to yell, shocked eyes falling on the man who no doubt trained his two rowdy friends into such a perfect shape.
“Do you know what I want you to do?” Narumi continued, unaware of Reno’s inner turmoil.
Kikoru immediately answered with far too much confidence, “No worries, Captain! We’ll show him around right away!”
Reno raised a hesitant finger, about to whisper that Captain Narumi did not look remotely like he even wanted them near each other.
But before he could point that out, Kafka, ever the enthusiast, threw an arm around Reno’s shoulders and bent him forward.
“Hell yeah, we will! Don’t worry, Captain, we’ll take care of him, no problem-“
“Fuck no,” Narumi cut in with easy authority, his rubies narrowing as the duo hollered in unison, HUH?!
Reno blinked, startled more by Narumi’s casual tone than the denial. He still remembers captain Ogata with few of his formal 3rd Divisions colleges and some forums online mentioning Narumi’s unorthodox leadership style but seeing it firsthand was still jarring.
“Did the last kaiju you two dealt with eat your remaining brain cells?” Narumi deadpanned. “The last thing I need is this base going down in flames because of you three.” He pointed at each of them with three fingers, showing no concern for Reno’s struggle as he elbowed Kafka off so he could straighten up.
“Can you even imagine the amount of paperwork that would give me?” Narumi suddenly groaned, his serious expression shifting into a picture of exaggerated despair making him seem almost childish to Reno who quickly shifted his searching expression into a more relaxed one once the sharp rubies locked with his once again, making him instinctively avert his gaze.
“Besides,” Narumi drew out, his tone light with a hint of sharpness, “our little prodigy here isn’t a child.”
Reno’s head snapped up at the sound of approaching footsteps. Narumi had closed the distance between them, holding a folded rectangle in his hand and sporting a catlike grin, using the slight advantage of his height to peer down at him.
“Memorize it or wander this maze yourself. I could care less, so long as you show up on time where I need you to,” Narumi said lazily with smooth tone. He tapped the folded paper on Reno’s head a few times before letting it drop into his hands.
Reno scrambled to catch the paper, fumbling as it slipped through his fingers twice before he managed to grip it securely.
His captain didn’t spare him a glance, striding past him with effortless confidence, his words carrying over his shoulder as Reno's eyes trailed after the man almost instinctually.
“Your dorm room is marked in red. Check your emails before lunch for this month’s schedule and…aah,” He sighed, massaging the back of his head, “What else did those fools say to tell you- oh yeah.” Narumi snapped his fingers, turning to look at him over his shoulder “Use your newcomer privilege until lunch, ‘kay~ ?”
Reno stiffened, clutching what he now knew after opening it to be a map of the entire HQ under Narumi’s intense gaze. A sharp glint of sadistic joy in those rubies made him suppress a shudder.
Kafka’s earlier whines turned into true cries.
‘Demon.’ Reno thought with heart stuttering in his chest at the images of training under this madman.
Having to have no more patience left in his body, Captain Narumi’s expression soon fell back to his previous bored indifference as he turned, hands tucked into his baggy pants.
Whistling a short note, he strode off without looking back, as if knowing his subordinates would follow.
And follow they did – Kafka with an encouraging pat on Reno’s back, Kikoru with a mock salute, and the rest trialling in Narumi’s confident wake with bright loyalty. Watching them, something stirred in Reno’s chest that tugged him to follow.
Determined, he squeezed the map and took a shaky step forward.
“C-Chotto! Captain! If it’s fieldwork, I’m perfectly capable to go and-“
“Haah?!” Narumi’s sharp turn and wild expression cut him off mid-sentence. Reno froze, clutching the map to his chest as they stared at each other like two startled deer.
After a beat of silence where no one dared to speak, Narumi shook his head before groaning and straightening his posture, his rubies no less wild.
“What’s with you damn workaholics?” he snapped, pointing behind Reno. “You’ve got three hours of freedom – zip your yapper and go.”
Reno didn’t mean to look behind himself where Narumi was no doubt pointing just for the show but then he turned back with embarrassed flush, expecting his captain to stare at him like he had few screws lose, only to see Narumi still pointing in that direction with no change in his expression with the others just staring at him openly to see how he would respond.
“I…I mean I could still...” Reno stammered, pointing dumbly at the direction his captain was.
He watched almost curiously as Narumi dropped his hand as he leaned forward, a smirk spreading across his face. “Unless…” he drawled, “you’d like to take over in my stead for three hours, prodigy-kun~”
Reno swallowed audibly, stepping back as Narumi advanced like some snow leopard who zeroed in on its prey.
“Come on now~ Don’t be a stranger,” Narumi said lazily. “If ya want to take the position of a captain I could easily grand you such a great ‘privilege’.”
Another calculated step forward, two steps backwards with Reno’s back straightening in anticipation. “ I’ve heard so many praises from all the others that- HEY?!”
Before Narumi could get another word in, the taller man had stepped in, effortlessly hoisting the captain up by the back of his collar, showing no visible struggle even as Narumi tried swapping at him like an angered cat.
‘Everyone here is insane.’ Reno concluded, bowing automatically in gratitude when the man nodded at him apologetically. “Apologies for the captain,” the man’s deep voice resonated, his attention fully on Reno with his carmines giving nothing away.
If Narumi made him feel like he had to step on glass shards the other man gave a clear air of a proper, traditional leader. ‘This must be Hasegawa Eiji,’ he deduced as he watched the vice-president shake the captain with an unreadable expression.
“Please,” Hasegawa-san said, his voice deep and measured. “Use your time to settle comfortably. The squad is simply going for their morning training. Rest up – you’ll need it.”
Reno suppressed the shiver as he could swear he saw something akin to sympathy flash in Hasegawa’s eyes before the other man turned his broad back to him.
Leaving no opening for argument, Reno could only nod with, yes sir. Thank you sir. As he silently watched the squad walk after the vice-president holding the now grumbling captain who complained about how he was being handled.
And just as they were about to round the corner, Reno caught the captain's rubies, who in turn raise an inquisitive brow before they fully disappeared from his sight.
Giving it three more seconds, Reno finally let his shoulders slump, staring at the map in his hands before his eyes moved towards his stuff forgotten near the entrance.
“I could settle before having to start fully working.” He muttered, his head already planning how to spend his three-hours of 'freedom' as his captain had put it.