Chapter Text
“We can make our dreams come true!”
Mina walks alongside Kafka on her way to the first exam of JAKDF. She's a bit surprised that this is his fifth time taking the exam. With how serious she is about her dream - she made sure to study extra hard. Although she couldn't let her regular school studies fall behind.
She did feel at ease knowing that she’ll be attending the exam with her childhood friend - someone who promised to always be by her side.
“Oohh Mina, look! A cat!” Kafka stops in his tracks to point out the stray black cat approaching them. Mina’s eyes widen as she feels an urge to pet the cat.
“This must be our lucky day!”, Kafka exclaims. “We’ll both pass the exam for sure!”
Mina squats down to pet the cat as it purrs along her ankle. “Did you know that in the west black cats are a sign of bad luck?”. Despite the somewhat fun fact that she stated, she’s still happily enjoying petting the cat.
“Huh?!? No way! It doesn't matter! When we’re together we can achieve anything”
Mina smiles. Although she was trying to tease Kafka, she ended up feeling more reassured.
As the minutes passed, Kafka had to pull Mina away from petting the cat. He's not one to be on top of being super-early-on-time but he didn't want Mina to be late for her first exam.
They continue walking at a slightly faster pace. As they approach the testing location Mina spots another boy petting a group of cats across the street. She maintains her bearing but chuckles in her head.
What’s with that guy? He looks like he belongs with them.
The fox-eyed boy looked relaxed as he was enjoying the attention from the 4 cats surrounding him at his ankles. He looks around the same age as Mina. But she couldn't tell what school he was from since it’s a weekend and they're not in their school uniforms.
Mina looks away and blushes as she can't help but feel a bit endeared. Or maybe jealous. Or both. She holds back from trying to take a picture of the whole scene. But she reminds herself that this is a random stranger and would not want the shutter sound to go off. Even if he was across the street she was not risking an embarrassing moment. She carries on with Kafka as she must focus on the main mission at the moment - passing the first exam.
The boy eventually gets up and waves at the cats like he's telling them goodbye. He begins walking and Mina notes that he is going in the same direction as her and Kafka.
I wonder if…
Mina meets with Kafka at a small cafe to see their results together. It's a small cafe that Kafka recommended, as she’s not familiar with many in the area. She usually sacrifices going out or socializing in order to make more time to study for the defense force exam.
The shop is pretty small. There’s no more than a handful of booths. Mina and Kafka sit along the windows but near the door. The shop is small enough to hear a conversation across the room if it were quiet enough.
“Don't worry if you don't pass this time Mina. There’s always next year!”
“Don't say it like you already know my results!”
“Ahh sorry. I just don't want you to be disappointed if you don't pass!”
“Well if I’m going to be the coolest defense force officer I have to set my standards higher.”
“No matter what, when I become a real Captain, you'll be my Vice-Captain”
Mina looks at Kafka with determination. They both slowly pull out the results from their envelopes. Mina is about to exclaim “I pa-!”
When she looks up, it looks like Kafka’s soul had left his body.
Ashiro Mina - PASSED
Hibino Kafka - FAILED
“Man, I still couldn't cut it huh? Go ahead and wait for me. I'll catch up soon!”
Mina, although pleased that she passed, couldn't help but feel more disappointed that Kafka didn't.
“Even if I'm not there for now, just remember that everyone in the defense force all have the same goal - to defeat all the Kaiju! Surely you'll meet some awesome people.”
“Now you're saying it like you won’t be there” Mina remarks. She knows that Kafka is trying to make her feel better.
“Ah that's not what I meant!”
As she sighs the bell attached to the door rings. She gets distracted and glances at the person who entered the shop. It was the same boy from the day of the exam.
“Ah Hoshina! Welcome in!”
“Thank you Kei-san.”
Hoshina. Hoshina. Mina repeats in her head several times. She can clearly see him rather than from a distance. Noticing his smooth, shiny, straight, bob- bowlcut hair. His canine teeth are sharper than the average person’s when he smiles.
Mina doesn't want to draw attention to herself so she tries to refocus on Kafka. Despite that, she can still overhear Hoshina’s conversation with the cashier.
“It's rare to see you here so soon. What brings you back to Tokyo?”
Mina notes that the cashier seems to be familiar with this Hoshina guy. Maybe he’s a regular?
“My family requested me to run some errands here. Figured I'd treat myself while I'm out here in Tokyo as well.”
Out here in Tokyo? He's not from here? It sounds like he's from the Kansai region based on his accent.
“Asking a high schooler to come all the way out here for some errands seems a bit much”
High schooler? He's not wearing a school uniform though. Is it his day off? It would be odd if he was from Kansai and was able to show up here right after school.
“Since I plan on joining the defense force I may have to be traveling back and forth more frequently anyway. Might as well get used to it”.
“Well we’re always honored to have you visit our shop. One Mont Blanc as usual?”
“Please”
Defense force? So he was on his way to take the first exam on that day. Mina’s thoughts continue to wander.
I didn't see him in the same testing room as me and Kafka. Maybe he’ll be part of a different base? Or was it a coincidence I saw him that day?
Is this the type of people who join the defense force? Is everyone who joins (or wants to join) the defense force this casual? Isn't he scared?
She's not really sure why she's invested in this new character. But she can't help but eavesdrop on their conversation. It’s a stark contrast to her own worries.
Kafka is still looking like he's holding it together. He finally gets up and points to Mina with one last attempt to go out with a bang.
“Just you wait Mina! It won't be long until I'm right by your side”. Those words echoed in Mina’s ear as she smiled. She takes it to heart because the thought of having someone close to you makes aiming for your dream less intimidating.
“Thanks Kafka. I appreciate it”.
Kafka gathers his things together. “Sorry Mina, but I have to go now.
“Right after you said all that too?”
“I know! I have an appointment to attend to.”
“Let me guess - a Guramon pop-up event?”
“Today is the last day!”
Mina waves off Kafka as he leaves the cafe. She decides to hang around in the cafe for a bit longer to get some studying done. Since she came to the cafe right after school, she has all her studying materials with her. Although her most important exam is done for now, she still refuses to let her regular school studies fall behind.
Hoshina sits in the booth by the window right across from Mina. Also facing her. She tries to focus on studying but her mind is on the defense force test results.
I guess Kafka really won't be here for this first year. I wonder when he'll successfully join.
Mina is curious about this Hoshina guy who’s also joining the defense force. She looks up and can only see the top half of his face over the booth seats. To her surprise, Hoshina seemed conflicted. He's indulging in his Mont Blanc yet, in-between bites shows a troubled expression in his eyes.
Mina wonders but does not ask. She's not one to start up a conversation with strangers.
Mina was officially accepted into the defense force. Kafka is nowhere to be seen. Mina wonders why. It was his fifth, sixth by now, time taking the exam and he still couldn’t pass. Mina figured maybe he wasn’t taking it seriously as she was.
She thinks back to her first day of training for firearms. She lined up with her batchmates facing their own targets. It was simple target shooting. Just aim and fire.
Except Mina’s shot was unlike anyone else’s. If you could even call it that. It was like she fired a cannon instead of a rifle. Passing through multiple structures leaving giant holes through each one.
It was then she overheard Director Shinomiya say ‘She’s the missing link. Neutralizing Kaiju will never be the same.’
Mina was already nervous about fighting monsters bigger than herself. Way bigger than herself. But it was on this day that she felt the pressure from the expectations of the defense force.
Customized personal weapons are given to those who are of Vice-Captain rank and above. There is an exception to some regular officers who possess great skill. Ashiro Mina is one of those officers.
T-25101985.
It's heavy. Not easily mobile. Almost terrifying to hold. Mina is proud that her hard work has gotten her this far.
But the pressure placed on her by having such a powerful personal weapon. After all, it wasn’t normal for just regular officers to be in possession of a personal weapon.
Mina rises in the ranks quickly in the third division. She’s recognized by higher ups in the main HQ. Chief Shinomiya personally invites her to the Ariake base for a mission.
She finds herself in a room full of experienced Kaiju killers. Among them is another rookie - a two-toned hair guy, around the same age as Mina. She figures out his name is Narumi Gen. Director Shinomiya seems to have high expectations for Narumi as well. She doesn't really get it since his behavior is anything but professional. She can't help but think about how annoying he is. Wouldn't he shut up and just listen to the briefing
Out in the battlefield, the Honju have been surrounded by officers to gather them in one area. Mina gets assigned to the aerial sniping team.
From above ground she can see everything. All the officers are fighting, doing their best, on the ground.
Is it really ok for me to just wait here for an opening?
She and the other snipers successfully take down the Honju.
Honju vital signals are gone. Honju has been eliminated.
Mina breathes a sigh of relief. Thankful that no one sustained major injuries. Thankful that she succeeded so that no one got hurt.
Back at the base, Director Shinomiya approaches Mina.
“Why don't you come back for a joint training session next month? There’ll be other defense force officers from other divisions gathering to train. It'll be helpful in gaining experience in fighting other members outside of the third division.”
Mina is aware that she's not the best at close combat sparring. Despite being recognized as a super artillery specialist, she doesn't want shooting long range to be her only strength.
“I would be glad to attend.”
On the day of the joint training day, Mina can't help but feel anxious on her way to HQ.
She's gotten used to her division - the people who are her teammates. The people who are counting on her with her potential as a rookie. She was put on a pedestal for her innate skill with firearms. Even though this is her dream, she hated the pressure it came with. She feared letting her comrades down. She feared being responsible for their lives.
If my strength isn't enough… their sacrifices will be in vain.
By putting herself in a new environment, Mina hopes that she can clear her mind. After all, a fresh mind will help with her growth, she figures.
She sees many officers sparring with each other along with new recruits. To her displeasure,
Mina hears an annoying voice.
“You'll never catch up to Director Shinomiya with that work ethic. You don't have to train in secret”
“What?!? Who said anything about the Director! Or training in secret?!? I'm already great. As long as my results show who gives a shit!!”
Mina does not want to get wrapped in this conversation but must walk past them to grab some training gear.
Avoid eye contact. Don't acknowledge them.
“Ashiro Mina.”
Too late. She can't ignore the first division’s platoon leader - Hasegawa.
Mina salutes “yessir.”
“As you were.” Mina relaxes, lowering her hand. “Keep up the good work. I hope you can get good experience in today’s training.”
Mina felt a glare from Narumi.
“Narumi, you could learn a thing or two from Ashiro here. Especially when it comes to attitude”
Narumi’s veins popped from his forehead. “Why are you acting like an uncle comparing his kid to a cousin.”
“You both have high potential as rookies. You'll both reach great heights”
Mina is flattered but not quite sure what to do in this situation.
“Thank you sir. I will do everything I can to protect this nation from the kaijus”.
Narumi isn't interested in the “you have great potential” talk. Instead he turns to Mina.
“Have you ever played Overwatch?”
“I'm sorry?”
Mina doesn't really know what to say. She knew Narumi was immature but to even be this childish came as a surprise for her.
“It's a competitive first-person shooter game. I just started playing and trying to rank up. I'd rather be playing it instead of being here.”
He's thinking about games during a joint training exercise…
“You can play games during your off time. Train with Ashiro here if you think you're so great”
“Hah, fine”
Mina is regretting the decision to join the joint training session now. No. It's past that. She regrets joining the JAKDF now that she knows she'll have to interact with Narumi. Nonetheless spar with him.
…
“I'm tired. Let's take a break”
Mina agrees. She catches her breath and heads to the vending machine.
Narumi follows a couple steps behind her.
He's like a roach you can't get rid of.
“Interesting. I thought you were too good to be hanging out with me” Mina says while slightly increasing her walking pace.
“I’m not. I'm also trying to get a drink. Is that weird?”
Mina chooses not to entertain him.
After retrieving their drinks, they sit on opposite ends of the bench at the courtyard, in a spot where they can see everyone else training.
Narumi breaks the silence “That’s funny. You’re not all that they make you out to be.”
Mina stops in her tracks before taking a sip of her Pocari Sweat. He pisses her off so much.
She raises an eyebrow “What do you mean.”
“Your sparring skills are subpar. I can't believe Hasegawa asked me to fight you.”
“Close combat can only do so much when neutralizing kaijus.”
“What are you gonna do when you encounter small or mid-sized kaiju? Blasting them with a giant canon seems excessive.”
Mina knows this. She only bluffs to avoid facing her weakness in front of Narumi.
“There’s other officers who can cover for me. It's a team effort after all.”
Not that you know anything about working as a team.
“If you're strong enough you don't have to rely on anyone.”
“I guess so…”
Mina sips on her drink while observing the officers training with each other. Punching and kicking against the padding's that their partner holds up. Some officers used close-ranged weapons. She spots one particular officer that catches her attention. She recognized the fox-eyed bowlcut hair guy.
It's this Hoshina person she’d seen a year ago. This time he’s wearing a black compression shirt with the baggy defense force uniform bottoms. All officers have some level of athleticism, as expected. But Hoshina was more standoutish to her. Most notably, he's training with wooden blades.
Oh? He can fight with a blade. I’m no good at that.
Mina could see every muscle group defined through his shirt. His rear delts popped as he brought his hands back before each slash. Arms looking like they're gonna rip his sleeves. Forearms pumped from gripping his blades.
His lats emphasized the dorito-shaped torso. His serratus is so clearly defined like a boxer who’s thrown a thousand punches. The officer uniform pants are baggy, but Mina wouldn't be surprised if his legs were also well defined with how well he’s able to generate power from his entire body.
Mina is intrigued by Hoshina’s close-combat skill. From what she’s gathered, there isn't anyone that seems to be as specialized as him in the Third Division, as most officers use firearms. She saw something in him unlike any other defense force officer.
Her eyes stay glued to Hoshina and follow
his movements. She can see his chest expand with every deep breath he takes. His abs flex before going in for a slash.
He's fast and precise. A hard worker. How nice would it be to have a teammate like him. He seems reliable.
“Hello?? Earth to Ashiro” Narumi catches Mina staring at Hoshina, waving his hands in front of her. It looked like she was on another planet. Narumi pauses and looks in the same direction as Mina. “That guy may be good but I bet I can beat him”.
Mina, flustered and wanting to avoid addressing the fact that she was staring at Hoshina, dismisses Narumi.
“That's great but I'm not interested in seeing that”