Nathan: "Ah, if it isn't 'Captain Y/N', I've been asked to deliver this to you. Another letter from our mutual friend."
Y/N: "Oh? Well, thanks. Is there anything else or is it just the letter?"
Nathan: "Just the letter for now. It's best we keep our interactions limited, so as to not out our Lady as a benefactor... for her protection from the Shogunate, of course, should the rebellion fail."
Y/N: "I see... Well, thanks anyways, I guess."
The mysterious soldier I had come to learn was called Nathan had handed me the letter, in an icy blue envelope and stamped with some familiar looking lipstick. And no sooner had I been handed the letter had the soldier made himself sparse, leaving me alone in the dark once again. I'd noticed the note being left on my desk earlier, asking me to meet at this remote spot under cover of darkness... but now that I've received the letter, I suppose I might as well head back to my room and read what is on this letter before I get some sleep and—
???: "HYYYA! HYA! HYAAA!"
Huh, I recognise that voice... What are you doing up so late, Yukina? And not even at the training grounds, but this random spot out beyond the reaches of the camp...?
Yukina: "HYA! HYA! HYAAAH!"
I didn't immediately make my presence known, so that instead I might just be able to espy what exactly it was that she was up to. Not that it was much more than I thought it might be. It looks like she had pinched one of the training dummies from the training grounds, as well as several other items, and brought them out here in the middle of nowhere to train in a more secretive manner. I can see that she brought a fair few weapons out here with her too...
Yukina: "HYAAAAAAAAH!" *pant pant*
Y/N: "Nice bladework. I can see you've really been taking my lessons to heart."
Yukina: "Ah! Oh... It's you, Captain? What are you doing here?"
Y/N: "I could ask you the same, and with all this equipment from the training grounds you've brought out here with you too. Any particular reason for that?"
Yukina: "... well... It's– it's a little embarrassing to admit... *sigh* That damned Hayate just keeps getting in my head! His constantly saying I'm weak and that I'm going to get everyone dead... "
Y/N: "Ehhh. Don't mind him. You know how he is, he's just like that with everyone."
Yukina: "It'd be easier to deal with if he was just cocky for no reason... But he's not! He's actually a really good soldier! Well, not as good as you of course, Captain, but he's still pretty good!"
Y/N: "You really shouldn't let him get under your skin. He may be... a bit of a jerk, but in a twisted way, he does mean well... well enough at least."
Yukina: "I know that! But... urgh! Can he not just give me a break? I'm doing my best here! Before you joined the Resistance I could barely swing my sword without falling over, but now I can actually win some of the duels at the training grounds!"
Y/N: "So I've seen! You really have improved a lot, Yukina! You should be proud of yourself for how far you've managed to get already!"
Yukina: "Huh... You really mean that, right?"
Y/N: "Of course! I'm sure that when the time comes that we as a team get called into a real battle, you'll do just fine. In fact, I'll feel much more secure knowing I have such a reliable team following me into the fight!"
Yukina: "... You mean that, really? It's just... me and Jaren... I don't think we're really cut out for a real battle, not really... I mean, I could probably handle it if they came one at a time, maybe... but a whole army crashing down around us? I'd get overwhelmed in a second, I'm sure! And... well, I don't mean to speak ill of fellow soldiers like Hayate does, but Jaren doesn't... he doesn't really seem the confident type... to be able to keep his composure in a large-scale battle, you know?"
Y/N: "You'd be surprised what somebody can pull off when push comes to shove. When something that somebody REALLY cares about comes under risk, nothing is impossible."
Yukina: "People always say that... but has that ever really happened? I mean for the normal people? People without Visions... we're just mediocre in comparison to people like you and General Gorou. What chance do we have really against an Archon?"
Y/N: "We don't have to best the Electro Archon in conflict, we only need to best her in willpower. To fight for what we believe to be right, and to not give in to adversity. If we stand strong and tall, together, the Electro Archon will be forced to confront herself. Sure, she may not come to a conclusion amicable with our needs, but then and only then would we need to push even further beyond in our efforts. That, or she might relinquish just enough of her decrees so as to allow for an acceptable compromise... But, we have to get to that stage first!"
Yukina: "I... I guess so... Say, Y/N? Do you think we could go a couple of rounds, right now? I could do with some practise against a better fighter who isn't the jerk."
Y/N: "Right now? I'm not so sure about that, Yukina, you shouldn't stay up too late. You should get some rest, ready for what tomorrow will bring."
Yukina: "Urgh... What are you, my parent? I know when to go to bed, thank you very much!"
Y/N: "I didn't say you didn't. But I've got quite the plan for tomorrow, and I'm going to need you at your best. I'll be relying on your help after all!"
Yukina: "Huh? You will...? Why? What are we doing tomorrow?"
Y/N: "Now, now! Whilst I know not to state who my favourite soldier is outright, I don't think I could get away with giving you information earlier than the other guys either!"
Yukina: "... I'm your favourite?"
Y/N: "I... well... *sigh* Please don't tell anybody I accidentally told you that, alright? Supposedly it's bad for morale for people to know that!"
Yukina: "Teehee! I won't! Heh. Thanks Y/N, that means a lot coming from someone like you! Usually Vision-wielders don't really notice us little people all that often, you know?"
Y/N: "And yet you still chose to join the Resistance, a force that is actively defending the rights of those Vision-wielders. Other than myself and General Gorou, I don't see any other Vision-wielders around here. So I guess that makes you a far more impressive person than them, don't you agree?"
Yukina: ". . ."
Y/N: "Now, enough of this. Go on, Yukina, you should retire for the night. Before you catch a cold from this non-stop rain. You can leave the returning this training equipment to me, I could do with a bit of an exercise before I retire myself."
Yukina: "Oh, would you? Thanks Y/N, you're the best! Mwah! Teehee! Goodnight!"
The energetic young lady had gone skipping off towards the troop barracks, not before giving me a very overly-dramatic kissing motion from a distance– similar to how a playful relative might tease a shy kid. As entertaining as these antics of Yukina's are, having now warmed up to me and not so wary of my being "a Vision-wielder far stronger than I could ever hope to be" as she once admitted, I couldn't help but be reminded of another Inazuman girl by Yukina's playful nature... that being, of course, Yoimiya.
I'd finished picking up all of Yukina's training equipment, and was now making my way back to the training grounds so as to return the 'temporarily appropriated' items that Yukina had helped herself to. But whilst I walked back with my arms full with all sorts of equipment, I couldn't help but let my mind wander... wander back towards Narukami Island and it's residents. Namely Yoimiya.
I wonder how she is now... From the last time I saw her, she seemed like she was still on-board with harbouring the refugees from the Shogunate's enforced decrees. I wonder if she's made any progress with that yet? She had prepared quite the operation for that indeed, and I can't help but wonder... just how busy will it be for her? Hopefully not too much, but enough for her to keep happily busy. Yoimiya always seemed to genuinely get enjoyment from helping others, so I couldn't think of a better person than the lively and plucky Yoimiya for such a role!
*sigh*
I do miss her. She really was quite enjoyable to be around. It was nearly impossible to be upset with her in your presence. And yet... I had to go. Both for my own goals, and for Yoimiya's safety. I proved to be quite the pain in the Shogunate's side, even with how little I actually interacted with them, as proven by the huge reaction that I met on the docks of Ritou... just before I ended up getting that ferry across to this island by Kujou Sara herself, where she had admitted as much to me.
But... if they discovered that I was living in Yoimiya and her father's shop that entire time... that would have most certainly thrown them into some very hot water. The Kamisato Clan might have also faced repercussions for it too, as there were some clues that one could easily pick up that would have shown my relations with them... until she stabbed me in the back, in the metaphorical sense, fortunately for me.
Kamisato Ayaka... She is far more conniving than I ever could have realised. To think she put on that innocent façade so expertly so as to lull me in and lower my defences, to have me think she was just a lonely young lady desperate for friends... But then the very first thing I hear her say when she didn't know I was listening in was about how she didn't care about me at all. I won't lie, it still stings a little bit.
But at least I learnt that about her now, rather than later. Where my continued working for her would have have certainly led to me being in a dangerous spot and she would not have even offered out a helping hand to me most likely, being nothing but a useful asset to her, a powerful asset to use as she sees fit with no repercussions should I be killed due to her machinations.
It turned out I had been lost in all those thoughts for longer than I thought, and I was actually already back at the training grounds, so I unloaded my arms' worth of equipment and meticulously returned the items to their rightful places, so that nobody might notice anything had happened to them— I really ought to reprimand Yukina for that. That could very easily have been assumed to be sabotage of some sort, perhaps even stealing our resources so as to donate to the Shogunate forces as a traitor! I'll have to come up with something else to tide her over then, right? I suppose some late-night training sessions might do, and then with the General's permission we'd be able to train using the equipment properly.
Now though? With everything back in it's home, I can finally head back to my room and read this letter that I got from that suspicious troop... I really should try and figure out who he is, and what faction he and La Signora actually align with– because it definitely isn't the Resistance army. It seems as if they are just a means to an end to her... but whilst she may only expect me to further these means for her, I am definitely much more motivated to actually assist these rebels.
But even still... now that I'm back in the privacy of my room, I might as well look to see exactly what this letter is about...
╔══════ ∘◦ 🌹 ◦∘ ══════╗
To my partner in crime,
I do hope you're well,
and whilst I quite miss
having you to look at,
I suppose this will do~
My reason for writing,
well, I've got a 'task',
one that I think you
could very handily do.
There is an old hideout,
it's filled with all manner
of monsters and rogues.
But here's the thing,
I would like to have it.
That facility would prove useful.
And I'd like to test your skills.
So clear it out for me, would you?
Attached is the location,
be sure to destroy this letter.
Quite faithfully yours,
La Signora 💋
╚══════ ∘◦ 🌹 ◦∘ ══════╝
An old hideout...? I wonder what she needs that for? Perhaps she wants a more permanent residence for her plotting and schemes? Or am I underestimating the size of her operation? I wish I knew more about her, and who she truly associates with. But... I could use this, right?
Once I clear it out, she and her mysterious compatriots will move in, and then I can just pay them a surprise visit and learn exactly who they are that way. Of course, an action like that might very well sever my ties with them, if they see it as a betrayal in some manner— but I suppose I can't do much yet in that regard anyways, not until I actually clear out that old hideout: of which the location should be on this other paper in the letter... this one looks far less interesting visually than the one that La Signora wrote the main missive on. It wasn't coloured, nor ordained with the usual patterns, but I suppose that's the point. As this document I was supposed to keep on hand, so it wouldn't do to have it give away anything we wouldn't want getting out.
So... it looks like this place I need to clear out is... Oh! It's here on Yashiori Island! That makes it easier on me. I can just head out and deal with that during some of our downtime, maybe I could even twist it as dealing with a nearby threat to strengthen our hold on the island? But if I did that, I imagine the Resistance troops would want to fortify the position and occupy it themselves.
Yeah, I guess I've gotta do this alone then after all...
???: "You seem well."
Suddenly, with no warning at all, a mysterious voice seemed to speak out to me. But I didn't hear the door open, and my windows were shut tight, so as to keep the rain out; but, well, I suppose with this constant storm overhead, it wouldn't be impossible for someone to have snuck in. And that voice... it seemed really quite familiar... but not of someone from Inazuma. It couldn't be... no, could it?
Y/N: "x–Xiao?! What are you doing here?! How did you even—"
Xiao: "The storms encircling this nation might stop the travel of mortals, but they do not stop the wind. I go where I am asked."
Y/N: "I... Well, I mean, I won't complain about the surprise visit! But even still... I assume there's a reason for this visit, right? It's not... not bad news, is it?"
Xiao: "No. It is not."
Y/N: "So then, if it's not bad news... I suppose this is about Beisht then? Osial's wife? I assume you've bested her at the Harbour by now, right? Everybody's alright, aren't they?!"
Xiao: "There were very few casualties. The planning of that Tianquan was adequate enough, it seems. The only injury of note was that of the Traveller, but they have already recovered."
Y/N: "Oh? Well that's good then. And Beisht? I presume she—"
Xiao: "She was not entirely defeated. She fled before the killing blow might be dealt by Shenhe and the Traveller."
Y/N: "Shenhe... you mentioned that name before... wasn't she the one who took Qiqi under her wing? How has that been? Is Qiqi alright?"
Xiao: "I do not care for such tiresome affairs... but... Qiqi is well, I maintain my vigil over her even now whilst I carry out this errand. She still speaks of you often. For a zombie, memory issues are commonplace, and yet even after all this time... she still remembers your name."
Y/N: "...Qiqi. I'm sorry... h–how is everyone else?"
Xiao: "...I cannot speak for most those you once interacted with. But... Hu Tao has grown suspicious of me. *sigh* How tiring."
Y/N: "Suspicious? Of you? Really...?"
Xiao: "Hmph! You doubt me?!"
Y/N: "Oh, no no! I didn't! I just... I didn't expect that exactly, I suppose?"
Xiao: "... *sigh* She believes that I have been secretly in communion with you. She follows me everywhere now. Always lurking in my shadow. She would make an effective assassin, even against Adeptal targets."
Y/N: "Oh, I see! So I guess that's why you came to Inazuma yourself, rather than hosting that Dream Trawler ritual again then? So that she wouldn't gate-crash it?! Hu Tao... you're just as determined as ever..."
Xiao: "That, and Morax recommended I do so. He seeks to protect her from further pain. For Morax understands your position, and he wished for me to relay onto you that you have his well-wishes with 'your journey of self-discovery' as he so put it."
Y/N: ". . ."
Xiao: "You are wearing a uniform now. It is well decorated. I take it you are now of a leadership position of this army you joined against the Electro Archon? A General?"
Y/N: "Just... Just a Team Captain. I've three humans under my charge, they... *sigh* They are each a handful in their own way. But they are really quite loyal, even to an outsider like me."
Xiao: "To have people willing to follow you as you lead them into battle, that is an honour you must never take for granted. That said, I have... faith, in that you will not lead them astray."
Y/N: "Xiao..."
Xiao: "Regardless, back to the actual matter at hand: Beisht is almost certainly inbound to Inazuma. She failed to find you at Liyue, meaning she cannot track you as well as Osial once could, perhaps because of her weaker strength, or perhaps due to your severing the connection you once were controlled by. But Morax believes that Beisht will continue to search for you, and with her current physical state, she will either attempt to rest and recover some before her next assault, or she will attack relentlessly against any and all she comes across until she perishes."
Y/N: "And Morax thinks that she might appear here within Inazuma? Would the Electro Archon's lightning not deter Beisht at all?"
Xiao: "Hmph. What is lightning to a God? Many mortals fear lightning... Incomprehensible. Fear of something so common."
Y/N: "I see..."
Xiao: "As it stands, if she were to attack immediately, I believe you will best Beisht with little issue. But should she choose to recover first..."
Y/N: "I'll handle it. If Beisht is looking for me, then I will be sure to stand up to her should she attack. There is no need to bring the innocents of Inazuma into my mess."
Xiao: "You are... a very different person from whence I remember. It is... a shame that the others are not alive anymore to witness it..."
Y/N: "The others...? By that do you mean the other Yaksha? Back from the Archon War? I... I wish I might have been able to meet them under better circumstances. Perhaps even fighting alongside them against the enemies of Morax and the ancient Liyue people..."
Xiao: "The past cannot be changed, much as we might wish for it. But we can yet learn from it. I... I have heard whispers of things happening within The Chasm of Liyue lately, whispers concerning a lost Yaksha. As you intend to discover your past, I too will be discovering what secrets that accursed place holds, sometime soon."
Y/N: "The Chasm...? I remember reading about that place. Of a Yaksha that led humanity against forces of evil. But that Yaksha disappeared shortly after... Is that what you plan to look into then?"
Xiao: "That's right. I recently requested Morax's permission... although he wished for me to delay my investigation for the time being... He... Morax also requested that I give you his blessing also, for your current path you find yourself on. And he recommends that you look not to the most visible of places, but rather to 'the past of which truth was buried by falsehoods', that is exactly as he put it."
Y/N: "The past of which truth was buried by falsehoods...? That's... quite the clue... Do you happen to have any ideas as to what Morax meant by that?"
Xiao: "No. I do not. I am simply relaying what it was that I was told. But, I presume that the learning of what this means will be a part of your journey. So I would recommend not attempting to take any shortcuts in this matter."
Y/N: "Oh? Well, I wasn't really planning on taking any shortcuts– although most everybody who's tried to negotiate with me since landing on this island has certainly tried to convince me of that! Or... well... I suppose actually only the Kamisato girl used it as a bargaining chip. Kujou Sara simply said she would have a look in her downtime and relay if she found anything to me."
Xiao: "Hmmm... Regardless, I... *sigh* I am sure that you will find victory against your past's demons, against Beisht... But with that said, I must return to Wangshu Inn. Farewell, Y/N."
Y/N: "Farwell, Xiao. Thank you for the visit, and please, give Morax my best, would you? And Hu Tao... if you could?"
Xiao didn't verbally respond to this request, instead he simply looked at me and gave a small nod of his head before then wisping away into a black and green smoke. And in less than a couple seconds had any sign of Xiao being here in the same room as me gone, somebody else could step inside now and would think that nothing had ever been amiss. It really is a powerful ability of Xiao's... I wonder if that's something I could ever do...?
Not that it really matters right now I suppose. Instead, I should be destroying that letter from La Signora, and planning when I should go and clear out that old hideout she wanted me to deal with... It can't be tonight nor during the day of tomorrow, as I already have that activity with my team planned that I should focus on first... but maybe tomorrow night? I think attacking at night would probably be the best tactic anyways, and the sooner I do this then the more appreciative my employers might be, and the better my position with them, right...?
I guess I should get some sleep now then, so I've plenty of rest ready for what'll likely be a very busy day tomorrow...
* THE NEXT DAY *
Hayate: "Seriously... Where are you taking us? We're a long ways away from camp now. If something happens to us..."
Yukina: "Will you stop it already?! You sound as bad as Jaren with all that worrying!"
Jaren: "h–hey..."
Yukina: "And I thought you were all about the action anyways?! All the way out here, away from the camp lookouts, this is where we're most likely to run into something or somebody, right?"
Hayate: "Yes. But the difference is, I'm here with you lot. If we get ambushed by a significant force, the only one of us here I could rely on to hold their own is the Captain."
Y/N: "Come now, there's no need to bicker. We're almost here now... It's just around this corner and... aha! There they are!"
Yukina: "They...?"
Now a fair distance from the Resistance camp, the four of us had finally arrived at the location of the occupied area that a Resistance scout had noticed during one of their patrols: a Treasure Hoarder camp. In all reality, it really isn't much of a threat to us, as most the Treasure Hoarders knew better than to try and infiltrate and pilfer from the camp. But they would always wait around after a confrontation between the Resistance and the Shogunate forces, and would take their pickings on the gear of the fallen, and of anything that was left behind in a retreat.
I happened to be speaking to General Gorou at the time that the scout had relayed the location of this camp to him, and I interjected in his plans to have someone sent over to deal with it, asking if I could perhaps have my team attempt it in the stead of another.
At first Gorou seemed hesitant. But when I eventually admitted to him that before leaving Narukami Island that I had been taking on such camps alone without issue, he eventually conceded and admitted that this would be a good chance for some real battle experience for my team. Something that I had been wanting to introduce to them without too much risk for a while now.
Hayate: "A Treasure Hoarder camp...? This is what you brought us all the way out here for? To deal with some bumbling idiots?"
Y/N: "You shouldn't underestimate them. They may not be the most dangerous of combatants, but they are a very crafty people. They can be found in most all nations of Teyvat, and they always seem to find a way to weasel their way into places they aren't wanted– and escaping with things that they shouldn't have. They may not be as heavily armoured, nor as well equipped as the Shogunate soldiers. But they do have comradery amongst themselves, and their use of throwables in combination with one another can prove a fatal mistake for those that do not appreciate such a concept."
Hayate: "... I guess that makes sense. So then, I'm guessing you want to just send those two in to deal with them whilst we watch from back here? And then when they get caught out we have to go and bail them out?"
Y/N: "No, actually. I want all three of you to head in and deal with that camp. As a team."
Jaren: "wh–what?! But what about you? Aren't you going to join us?!"
Y/N: "If you haven't noticed yet, this isn't your average Treasure Hoarder camp. This seems to be the main camp on this selection of islands. The one that all the others report to, and likely to be the place with the most loot on hand. The moment you guys start your offense, there will almost certainly be some who attempt to escape with that loot. Things that the Resistance could benefit greatly from. So—"
Yukina: "So you're going to watch from a distance, so that you can keep an eye on us whilst also watching out for the runaways!"
Y/N: "Exactly."
Hayate: "... I suppose you have a point. They've stolen a lot of our equipment from the battlefield, it would certainly help our cause if we could replenish our stocks... and they probably have some decent Shogunate equipment we could appropriate too. And they usually have a decent stash of Mora, we could use that for enhancements... or for rations."
Y/N: "Me and the General's thinking exactly. Although, I will admit that General Gorou told me not to worry too much about the potential loot of this raid. Our priority should be on dealing with the threat itself, as taking down this location would severely weaken the presence of the Treasure Hoarders on these islands. But... I have the utmost faith that you three can handle the foot soldiers as a team, so I will simply stand back and observe until the opportunity arises— or something happens that requires my intervention."
Jaren: "I... I'm really nervous about this... b–but we're soldiers, it's what I signed up for! And... you'll be looking out for us, so... it shouldn't be too bad, right?"
Hayate: *sigh* "I could probably deal with this entire camp on my own, even without a Vision to call my own. Just don't get in my way, and—"
Y/N: "I will be expecting you to work as a team. They may not be as threatening as a Shogunate force, but I want you to treat them like one. To work in tandem to deal with them all."
Hayate: "... Fine. I guess these kids need the experience, and better here against people more their speed than actual soldiers. Come on then you two, let's scout it out and come up with a plan. I'm supposing you'll stay here for the vantage point, Captain?"
Y/N: "That was my intention, for now at least."
Hayate: "And should you engage the fleeing Treasure Hoarders, how will we know? We can't very well rely on your having these two's backs in case things go south if you're already occupied dealing with the cowards and their loot."
Y/N: "Well, it'll hardly put me out to halt them, but still... I suppose you'll just have to listen out for my whistling, or just my yelling out... It's not like there will be any reason for discretion at that point. But I'm sure none of you will need me, as the three of you are more than a match for these thieves, I'm certain of it!"
Hayate: "...Fine. Come on then, you two."
Yukina: "Hey! Who said anything about you being the one that leads this op!"
I couldn't help but chuckle a little, as the three humans under my command all slunk away under cover of the darkness, as the sun had not yet fully risen just yet. And I watched as Yukina and Hayate seemed to be bickering amongst one another as they snuck closer to the camp. I do want to try and get the two of them to work together better than they seem willing to do currently, and whilst they do eventually suck it up and co-operate eventually, the battlefield is really no place for a slow-burning appreciation of one another.
But perhaps, in Hayate's preferred scenario of being actively in combat, it might allow him to recognise the skills of his peers, and for his peers to likewise come to better understand and respect that Hayate is quite a skilled individual and a boon to have on our side.
But for now... I should just watch from a distance and see how they handle this scenario I have presented them with...
* * *
It didn't seem to take them all too long to settle their differences for the time being and to come up with a plan. And a good thing too, as the sun was now starting to rise more prominently now, and with it, their ability to launch a surprise attack was dwindling.
But from my vantage point, I watched as the three of them now took action, getting as close as they could to the Treasure Hoarders before springing to action. And whilst the Treasure Hoarders did have sentries in place, they were still caught quite flat-footed by my troop's sudden appearance. And whilst the Treasure Hoarders did quickly come to arms, to defend their plunder, I was quite happy to see my three soldiers more than handle themselves against the defending forces.
There was never a point where it looked like Yukina, Hayate or even Jaren might have needed any intervention from myself, as they were more than capable for dealing with the thieves armed mostly with garden tools that they likely stole from a poor farmer. Well, that and the elemental bombs that they would throw. But I had trained my three with elemental attacks specifically, using my own Vision and it's capabilities alongside previously looted Treasure Hoarder weapons to try and prepare them for future conflicts against such opponents. As such, Hayate and Yukina were more than aware to the incoming attacks infused with Cryo, Hydro, Pyro and Electro. Whilst Jaren stayed out of lobbing distance entirely with his bow and arrow, supplying a ranged threat to the Treasure Hoarders that they couldn't even hope to deal with without going through the two melee fighters first. And—
Oh. Over there! I can see some movement over there... but is that reinforcements or is that just the ones who are to slink off with as many valuables as possible whilst the rest of the camp gets demolished by the three-person army...?
Judging from all the loot that they're carrying in their arms, I'm going to wager it's the latter of the two options. And with that... *whistle* I should let my guys and girl know that I'm no longer watching their backs, and that that I will be moving to intercept the Treasure Hoarders attempting to evacuate with their stolen goods.
* A LITTLE WHILE LATER *
It didn't take much 'convincing' on my end for the loot-carrying Treasure Hoarders to surrender what they were carrying to me, and in return I allowed them to leave the area unharmed. And hopefully, with the worry in their voices at being caught out by a Vision Wielder, they might actually heed my warnings and not just go right back to their looting the battlefields of this war.
With them now gone, I took a quick peek inside their loot cave, to make sure that there was nobody hiding inside still; and with that guaranteed, I sealed the entrance with a wall of Hydro Energy, using my Vision. A skill that I recently developed and had been putting into practise whenever I was checking the letters La Signora would send me, so as to make sure nobody stepped into my private quarters at an inopportune time.
With the Treasure Hoarders' loot now secure, I made my way back to the main part of the camp– so as to check on the progress of my team. And I was quite pleased to see that not only had they already dealt with the opposing force, but they were now in the process of securing the area too.
Yukina: "Oh! Captain! You're back! That was fast, did you manage to stop them already?"
Y/N: "Of course. They didn't even try and put up a fight, they just dropped it all and ran."
Yukina: "Teehee! Captain! You should be exaggerating your truths! It'll make you sound more impressive and stuff!"
Y/N: "I really don't need to do that, I'm not that bothered about what others think of me. As long as you trust me to lead you and General Gorou trusts my judgement, that's enough for me."
Hayate: "Well... I suppose you've yet to let us down, so you're not failing in that regard... And this was kinda fun, to actually fight somebody for real for once, rather than just the same old training sessions."
Jaren: "f–Fun?! This was terrifying! But... I guess it wasn't all that bad. You and Yukina kept them away from me, so I was pretty safe, all things considered..."
Yukina: "Right! We had these guys handled, even without your help, Captain!"
Hayate: "... I suppose they have improved some, at least a little, since our last encounter with the enemy..."
Y/N: "Well then! It looks like you've already gotten all these remaining stragglers sufficiently intimidated, so why don't we let them off with a singular warning, and then we can help ourselves to the loot they once stole from us?"
I said this whilst I looked at a group of Treasure Hoarders stood awkwardly nearby, clearly awaiting some sort of punishment from me, as Captain of the team that had handled these Treasure Hoarders so adeptly. But all I had to offer them was my verbal warning of a single chance alongside a piercing glance that seemed to be sufficiently adept at scaring them.
The Treasure Hoarders quickly offered their thanks for the mercy given, as well as apologies for the pilfering off of the battlefield and giving us their amusingly-given blessings to take back what was taken from us before then making themselves quite scarce.
Hayate: "Was that really the right thing to do? Surely those vermin are just going to come back again later and do it all over again..."
Y/N: "Some will, of course, as war is a profitable time for neutral parties such as scavengers. But we're not really in any position to be punishing said neutral parties, not in any official medium anyways– and not if we wish to still be able to look at ourselves in the mirror still."
Hayate: ". . ."
Yukina: "Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's go and check out the haul!!"
* * *
Yukina: "Woahhh... Look at all those..."
Jaren: "They had so much stuff..."
Hayate: "So much of OUR stuff. Look at all this Resistance equipment they managed to get their grubby mitts on! There's a lot of Shogunate trash here too..."
Y/N: "Regardless, we're taking all of it. General's orders. All of it will be useful as supplies, and there's no denying that the equipment provided to the Shogunate forces are made of very high-materials. The effort to simply rebrand their equipment for our use is far more efficient than sourcing and crafting our own after all."
Hayate: "I suppose so... But you won't ever catch me dead using some filthy Shogunate sword!"
Yukina: "Yep–yep. We got it already. Now, how about we actually take a look at all our new loot! And then we can decide how to get it back to camp, right Captain?"
Y/N: "Exactly. Let's see if these Treasure Hoarders were at least a little bit diligent with a listing of their inventory, and then we can—"
???: "—Ah, here it is. I was worried it had ended up in one of the other camps."
What I didn't expect during this operation was to hear another familiar voice during our clearing out this place. What with General Gorou informing me that he didn't have the manpower to spare to provide us with support in this operation.
And, whilst this was a familiar voice, I couldn't quite place exactly why I recognised it yet. It wasn't Xiao again, nor anybody else from Liyue. It wasn't anybody from the Resistance, and neither was it anybody from Inazuma City or the Grand Narukami Shrine. But then, once I turned around and actually looked, that was when I realised why it was that I recognised their voice...
Hayate: "wha–HEY! What do you think you're doing here?! This place is under jurisdiction of the Watatsumi Resistance! And so is everything in here too, so drop that sword and scram before we make you!"
???: "Oh, don't mind me. Just grabbing what's mine, I was about to hit this place myself, but when I saw you bust down the front gates like that... well, no point sneaking in when someone's about to bust the door down, right?"
Hayate: "I don't care why you're here! Everything in here belongs to us now, if you want that sword, then you're gonna have to pay us a hefty fee to—"
Y/N: "The sword's all yours, Shinobu. Anything else you're looking out for?"
Shinobu: "Heh. I thought I recognised the one in charge. Hey there Y/N!"
Y/N: "Good to see you, Shinobu. It's been a while. And on an entirely different island at that too!"
Shinobu: "Yeah... A lot's happened it seems, for the both of us."
Yukina: "Soooo... You two know each other then?"
Y/N: "Oh yeah, we've met a couple times now and— Sorry, I just realised I said your name so blatantly. That's not an issue, is it?"
Shinobu: "Oh? Not really no, don't worry about it. Thanks for checking though. And you...?"
Y/N: "I gave up on all the secrecy with my joining the Resistance. I go by my real name now."
Shinobu: "Oh good, I was worried for a second that I might've accidentally slipped up there myself. So... Captain then, huh? You've certainly stepped up since we last met haven't you! You're looking pretty good too, the uniform suits you."
Y/N: "o–Oh? Uhm... thanks. You look pretty well yourself... *ahem* But I am curious, how was it that you lost your sword to the Treasure Hoarders? Or, is that not your sword? Just one you're recovering for someone else?"
Shinobu: "Oh no, no. This is my sword. But it wasn't me that lost it. That idiot Oni ended up losing it in a bet with them over that damned card game. But the thing is, this is my own private blade, rather than gang property, so it wasn't his to give away. But it's not like I could really go to the authorities over it, if the Treasure Hoarders caught a whiff of that then they'd relocate and I'd lose my sword for good. I thought it'd be a far easier solution to just come and get it back myself. But then I happened to run into you and your group, so I thought I'd just watch from the side-lines."
Y/N: "And here you are."
Shinobu: "And here I am."
Yukina: "... *ahem!* Well, that's an interesting story and all, but we're kinda busy with something here. Right, Captain?"
Y/N: "Well, I suppose we are. But the General gave us the entirety of this morning to this task, so we've still got plenty of time before they send a scout out to check up on us. So we're not really all that pressed for time."
Yukina: "Oh... great..."
Y/N: "That said, I'm sure we can act and talk, if you're not desperate to head back to the gang? We were just about to start packing this all up– assuming that there's no inventory listing anywhere."
Shinobu: "Oh? You mean this...?"
Shinobu had then brought my attention to a scruffy looking piece of parchment that she had in her hands, the handwriting on it was incredibly messy and definitely looked to be that of a Treasure Hoarder. Shinobu then handed the parchment to me and near-enough immediately did I recognise that this was indeed an inventory listing... albeit a crude one.
Shinobu: "These Treasure Hoarders are pretty predictable, they usually leave stuff like this right by a door– pinned to the wall. It's how I found my sword so quickly whilst you were talking amongst yourselves."
Hayate: "Hmm... Not bad, for some gang plebeian."
Y/N: "Hayate. I ignore your badmouthing the Shogunate for morale's sake, but don't go starting fights with people you can't beat."
Hayate: "Ha! This girl? I bet even Yukina or, hell, even Jaren could handle her! After all, I could've handled those Treasure Hoarders myself just fine, but she was going to sneak in because it was too daunting a task for her!"
Y/N: "Hayat—"
Shinobu: "No need. It really doesn't bother me. I take it that you haven't done much guerrilla work yet though?"
Y/N: "None. This was our first real foray as a team, to evaluate how well our training and team–building has been working."
Yukina: "Urgh... You two are just gonna keep talking like this, aren't you! Pass me that inventory listing, we'll handle the manual labour whilst you two chat like an old married couple!"
Yukina then snatched the parchment out of my hands and walked off towards the main pile of loot, with one hand holding the inventory listing out so she could read it as she walked, whilst the other hand was clenched around the back of Jaren, dragging him along with her as she left the conversation. There was then a snicker that came from Hayate before he turned about face and walked off to join the other two, leaving Shinobu and me alone on this side of the room.
Shinobu: "Well, it seems like quite the entertaining group, I bet you don't ever get bored!"
Y/N: "Oh, tell me about it... But speaking of, how are your guys? And how is... Itto, wasn't it? How is he holding up? Without his Vision, I mean?"
Shinobu: "Oh yeah, the Boss is fine. It's almost as if nothing changed really, well– except now he's supposedly started this 'intense training regime' to prepare him for his rematch with Madam Kujou. But usually I just catch him playing card games and fighting in beetle tournaments. But no, he's fine without his Vision; we both are."
Y/N: "Huh?! You lost your Vision too?! But how did that happen? Did you get roped into a duel for your Vision too?"
Shinobu: "Oh, I didn't lose my Vision. I handed it over willingly, to my friend Madam Kujou in the Tenryou Commission, I assume you're acquainted?"
Y/N: "Yeah... We've– well, we've spoken. But I don't think I can say much more than that. But that's beside the point! You just... gave your Vision away?!"
Shinobu: "That's right. She's my friend, and I knew she'd ask for it eventually, so I thought I'd just speed up the process and show some initiative. And, well, I didn't want to make life hard for her... and in all reality, a Vision is just a certificate from the Gods. And I'm not lacking for certifications nowadays, so what's giving away one troublesome one?"
Y/N: "I... I don't...?"
Shinobu: "Well, most things in life can, in any case, be settled without the use of a Vision, nor could the truly obdurate problems be dismissed simply by the dint of that device. Things like removing generations worth of prejudice, for example, or searching for true, unbound freedom...Or, you know, stopping those dolts in the Arataki Gang from chomping at the bit to 'help' me win my Vision back."
Y/N: "I see..."
Shinobu: "That Vision was my very first 'certification' that I received. From a God, certifying my freedom. It was thanks to my earning that Vision that my sister ended up helping me get out of continuing an occupation I had no interest in remaining in, it was what had her help me to convince my parents... as impermanent as that might have been... And well, since that day, I've earned plenty other certifications myself. That Vision gave me the freedom to pursue that which I wished for, and now that I had what I needed... I don't particularly need that Vision anymore."
Y/N: "I... I suppose that makes sense... I heard from Yanfei recently actually, and she told me that you were always quite the impressive student. So I'm not too surprised to hear that you're also quite a qualified individual!"
Shinobu: "Oh? You spoke to Yanfei, about... me? Wait, recently? But how did you manage that? What with the embargo on this nation and... well, didn't you say you wanted to keep your still being alive a secret from her and the rest from Liyue?"
Y/N: "Well, I didn't really have much a choice with that. I sorta got... well, it's an Adeptus thing. Maybe I'll tell you about it someday, I did joke with Yanfei that I'd recruit you to help me sue her for her infraction on my person and all!"
Shinobu: "Oh, you did? Well, sorry to disappoint, but I don't think I'm quite at the level to be competing with a master like Yanfei! But I would still be interested in hearing about that sometime, perhaps we could, I dunno... catch a meal sometime? I guess you probably can't really show your face around the Shogunate–controlled areas anymore though huh! I'm a pretty decent cook though, so I could sort us up something out in the wilds, I'm sure. I make quite the delectable Roasted Lavender Melon, if I do say so myself—"
Y/N: "Huh. That sounds quite pleasant, I'd be game for that! And I'll be sure to bring something of my own too, I've been trying to replicate some Liyue-style dishes recently, or at least as best I could using the local ingredients. So a certified chef's opinion would be pretty nice to have! And who knows? You might be able to give me some pointers to improve it some too!"
Yukina: *ahem!* "I'm actually quite a great cook too..." (just in case you were wondering...)
It seemed that my conversation with Shinobu was being listened in on, not that I was trying to keep it secretive at all or anything. But when I looked back over to the hoard of loot, I saw Yukina staring me down with her hands placed firmly on her hips and a rather... frustrated-looking look on her face.
Yukina: "Next time I'm on catering duty I'll show you just what I'm capable of! I make a mean Sashimi Platter after all!"
Y/N: "Oh? Is that so? Well, I suppose I'll be looking forward to that then! Ah, you really got all this stuff packed up quick! Is there anything left to do or...?"
Jaren: "No, it's okay. We've packed it all up now. Now we just need to walk it back... o–Oh! But only when you say so, of course, Captain."
Shinobu: "Hmm... You know, those Treasure Hoarders might be out there hoping to get revenge with an ambush of their own. You wouldn't mind if I walked you guys back, would you? Not all the way back to your camp of course, but just out of this hot spot?"
Y/N: "I've no issue with that, the extra backup would definitely be appreciated whilst we've got our arms full with all this stuff. You three are alright with it, right?"
Jaren: "Oh, yes! I'm fine with it! Having someone to keep us safe whilst we move all this stuff would put me at ease!"
Hayate: "I suppose it might be useful to have the backup, if she's actually a decent combatant, that is..."
Yukina: (...well, I guess I've been outvoted) *sigh* Glad to have you watching our backs, Shinabo."
Shinobu: "It's uh... It's Shinobu, actually. Kuki Shinobu. But it doesn't really matter, I suppose. Well then, if you're all ready to go? Shall we?"
Not wanting to leave all the work to my subordinates, I also grabbed a good amount of the boxed up loot to carry back to the camp, with Shinobu taking the role of escorting us four Resistance fighters being the only one of us five with her hands free– She did offer to help, but I felt that might be pushing it a bit, to have her be so involved in our operations might land her and her gang in trouble if she's recognised. But simply walking with us shouldn't be too bad... right?
Having her travel with us wasn't just nice because of the extra security it provided us, but also because Shinobu had ended up beside me again as we walked. And the two of us continued our conversation with one another the entire journey back, with her telling me more about what she's been up to these past few days, the antics of her gangmates and her meeting with Kujou Sara so as to hand her Vision over to her. Whilst I spoke about what I had been up to in some rather... broad strokes. Being careful to not name anybody for both their and Shinobu's security. I spoke about the employment I used to have, of how 'something' had caused a divide between myself and my employer. And all the events that eventually led to me being picked up by the Resistance forces— avoiding the existence of La Signora entirely, as that seemed a poor decision to me, what with three Resistance Soldiers being in earshot of us the entire time.
Eventually though, we made it close enough to the camp that it was very clearly within eyeshot of us, and us them. So we wouldn't be needing the escort any longer, and I dare not ask Shinobu to risk her reputation nor any arguments by being seen in a rebel camp, so this is where I decided we'd part ways for now...
Y/N: "This is probably far enough I'd say. I don't want to get you in trouble at all... Thanks again though, even though nothing ended up showing up, your being here was quite reassuring!"
Shinobu: "Oh? Well, I'm glad to hear that! It sure sounds like you've had it rough since you landed here... Oh, but you know? I'm more than happy to help out if you ever need anything, you were a good friend of Yanfei after all, and... well, you're pretty interesting I guess?"
Y/N: "Is that so? Huh, well thanks Shinobu, I think you're pretty neat too!"
Yukina: *cough!*
Y/N: "As for your offer though... I appreciate it, but I wouldn't want to trouble you at all, especially with you still being on friendly terms with Kujou Sara– that might cause some strife if it gets out that you've been of any help to me I'd imagine!"
Shinobu: "Even still... Me and the gang are not all that far away from here, if you ever need anything. They're all a bunch of numbskulls mostly, but they're mine– and the extra manpower always comes in handy. And hey, if you ever want to look into some guerrilla techniques, then maybe I can show you what I can do with Naku Weed? You'll find us here on Yashiori Island most of the time. Just... come looking for me, I'll do my best to show up for you."
In the end, I couldn't really get a word in edgeways with this last thing she offered me, and Shinobu had already started walking away from me before I could even try. Leaving me with what basically amounted to an invitation for the two of us to meet up again more often in the future... even if she was quite cryptic about exactly where it is that I would need to go to find her.
What she wasn't being cryptic about though, was her confidence in that I would do as she had requested. At least, it looked like that was the case to me, judging from the way she was now strutting off and away from me and the other three troops beside me, her not even thinking to look back at me for assurance, nor fiddling with anything on her person. Just a simple and confident strut, and yet...
Yukina: "Excuse me?! What was that?"
Y/N: "h–Hm? What was... what?"
Yukina: "That! You and that Shinobu girl! What, are you two seeing each other in secret or something?!"
Y/N: "Huh? Seeing each other? You mean like...? Oh! No, no! Nothing like that! She's just... She's just a friend from my time on Narukami Island, that's all."
Yukina: "Hmmmmmmmm..."
Jaren: "Uhm... If it wouldn't be too forward of me to say? It... It seemed like you were really friendly with each other, like, more than friends would normally be. Are you like, um, childhood friends or something like that?"
Y/N: "Not that I remember! No. I think that was our... third meeting, if I remember correctly?"
Yukina: "th–That little?!! But I thought that—"
Hayate: "Enough of this. Please. I don't care about our Captain's love life. I just want to get back into camp and try some practise using some authentic Shogunate trash as fodder."
Y/N: (love life...?) "r–Right! We're not entirely safe out here after all, so let's just head back to camp for now... Then we can drop off all this new equipment and I'll go and give a briefing to General Gorou about how this all went. I'm sure he'll be very impressed with your performances today!"
* * *
Eventually, we finally let the topic go, and as Shinobu had walked back whence the way she came, we too returned to where we had started the day off: back in the Resistance Camp. Alongside my fellow teammates, we all dropped off the new equipment at the Training Grounds. And the awaiting Resistance members quickly took the gear off our hands and started to process it all, ready to test it all and implement it into our usable inventory.
After having handed off my personal load of new loot to drop off, I then made my way up towards the General's tent, so as to let him know of our team's flawless success...
Gorou: "Excellent. And you say you managed to retrieve all of the pilfered equipment too? Outstanding! You and your team really exceeded expectations! You've really made quite the impact on them, and in so short a time too!"
After these past three months of me being here in Inazuma, I've learnt to not take the praise of others as sincerely as I might once have back when I was in Liyue. As falsely given praise seems to be a favourite way of the Inazuman people to garner favour with people they wish to take advantage of. But with General Gorou? I feel like I could take his praise a little bit better, what with his tail being a very evident sign of his real emotions. And as he was speaking to me now, it was wagging quite uncontrollably from side to side— just like the dogs that Ganyu and I used to tend to, back at Liyue Harbour...
Gorou: "Honestly, I have half a mind to have you separate from your team, as they are probably capable enough to handle themselves on the battlefield. And you could instead be a dedicated training instructor, you certainly seem to have the knack for it!"
Y/N: "A training instructor...?"
Gorou: "That's right! It would be quite a shame to split you and your teammates apart, especially as we had just conceived the name of your team and all... that being Leviathan I. Hmm... I feel that such a drastic change should likely be run past Her Excellency first though, before any decisions are made. For now, continue operating as you have been, alongside your fellow teammates, but please keep in mind this proposal. And I will let you know what decision has been made once I have sought council with Her Excellency."
Y/N: "I... but... Is that all, General?"
Gorou: "That is all, you're dismissed, Captain Y/N."
* * *
Once dismissed, I wasn't really sure what else to do. As I had given the rest of the day off to my now–named 'Leviathan I' members that I have been calling my teammates. So after exiting the General's tent, I sort of just slowly meandered down the path without much purpose. Currently just listening to the dialogue of the many troops around me, or at least the best I could against the roaring stampede of the never–ending rainfall, and the constant rumbling of thunder overhead.
Eventually though, I found myself in front of my private captains' quarter. And I was just about to pull at the handle to open the door when I heard a voice call out my name...
???: "Y/NNNNNNNNN!"
Turning around, I see a soaking wet Yukina, as she comes running over to catch me before I entered the private haven of my private quarters. She looked to be drenched through and through by the non-stop storm that is this island's unfortunate weather... has she been outside the whole time whilst I spoke with General Gorou?!
Y/N: "Yukina? What is it? What's with the urgency?"
Yukina: "Oh, it's nothing! I just wanted to catch you before you went inside, you're not busy with anything, are you Y/—*ahem* Captain?"
Y/N: "I suppose not, no. I was just going to step inside for a little bit, but if there's something you need... why don't you step inside for a moment, so as to get out of this rain?"
Yukina: "No need! I came looking for you because I wanted to ask what else we'll be doing today, now that we've finished with the Treasure Hoarder camp?"
Y/N: "Oh, that? Well, I spoke with the General about a couple of things just now, and we both think that after such a successful mission today that you're all deserving of the rest of the day off, whether to just relax and enjoy some time to yourselves or whatever else comes to mind."
Yukina: "Oh! So that means you're free now too, right?! So can we do some more training together now?"
Y/N: "I mean, I suppose we could... But you wouldn't want to just take a rest day? They might have just been Treasure Hoarders, but that was still their main camp in their network, and you did really well! You should really give yourself the rest of the day to relax and recuperate!"
Yukina: "But I don't wanna! You're a really good sparring partner, even when you have to go easy on me! I'd love to get some more practise in today, it's not even lunchtime yet!"
Y/N: "Even still..."
Yukina: "Oh! Oh! Actually, I haven't told you the best part! Look! Look! Here, I saved this for you!"
Yukina then revealed what it was that she was hiding behind her back, something that I didn't even notice she was doing at first until she made it obvious now. And she seemed to struggle with actually pulling it out, with it seeming to be quite the heavy item! But then, once she had managed to pull it around her body, I realised exactly what it was and that it, in fact, was quite a heavy object that she was struggling with...
Yukina: "This was one of the things we found in the Treasure Hoarders' loot cave. Apparently, from what the armoury appraiser said, this claymore works really well with people who have Hydro or Electro Visions– or at least that's what they said! I don't really know how it all works, not really..."
Y/N: "This is... Rainslasher? But... how...?"
Yukina: "Oh? Wait! You know this weapon?"
Y/N: "I do. This weapon was said to be that which the ancient Adeptus Guhua once wielded. I learnt all about Guhua and the clan that was inspired from Guhua's legacy a while back now, from this bookworm I once knew... But what is it doing here, in Inazuma of all places?"
Yukina: "Well, maybe it fell off a ship or something? I've been spending the last dozen or so minutes trying to clean it up. It looks like it had been in sea water for ages, with seaweed and stuff stuck to it. You could practically feel the salt on it, it was super gross! But don't worry, I've cleaned it all up and the guys at the Training Grounds said that we could give this to you!"
Y/N: "To me, why...?"
Yukina: "Well, I know you've got that super awesome weapon of yours, you know, the one that nobody else can lift except you? But what if something happens to it? What if you get disarmed or just need a second weapon for some reason? Well, now you can! And... well... now you can use that and we can both train together, you with this new weapon, and me with a training partner who isn't Hayate or my Captain with a weapon so heavy they have to always go easy on me when we spar!"
Y/N: "I see..."
Yukina: "Come on, admit it! This is a good idea, you shouldn't get too complacent with your personal weapon, because who knows what might happen! It's better to be safe than sorry, don't you agree?"
Y/N: "...Formless, like the rain that cuts through rain. Weightless, like the light that pierces light. Untouchable, moving like a snake. Inescapable, as sword's stare and polearm's glance."
Yukina: "Huh? What's that?"
Y/N: "It was a passage recorded in one of his books... The Rainslasher was named out of reverence for its first and final master. Originally it had no name. The same as my weapon... I wonder, when I pass on, what will happen to my blade? Will it die with me? Will it become a relic of times foregone, unusable by those that remain? Or will it accept another as it's master...?"
Yukina: "Oh, I hope it picks me! OH! N–Not that I want you to die anytime soon or anything! That's not what I meant! It's just... your weapons so cool! I want a weapon like yours, that only listens to me and has no equal in combat!"
Y/N: "The blade may have no equal, but there are plenty who surpass me in combat prowess. An unstoppable strike cannot solve all conflicts, for what cannot be blocked nor parried can instead be dodged or even avoided entirely with distance."
Yukina: "Exactly why you should practise with another weapon where you can't rely on that, right? That way then you can become even stronger when you do use your own weapon! Come ooooooon! It'll be fun, I promise!"
Y/N: "... Alright. I've nothing better to do today after all, I suppose..."
Yukina: "Yay!! Heehee! Come on then, let's go! Let's go!"
Yukina had then started tugging at my arm, pulling me away from the door to my private quarters, and down towards the Training Grounds so as to entertain her with this sparring session she so desperately seems to want... she really can be quite childlike! But... even though she's currently in a war, I hope she doesn't lose that— actually, rather I hope she can keep it in spite of the war she's fighting in.
* * *
Quite some time had passed since then, with Yukina and I spending many hours training together. I think she enjoyed it a lot more than she usual would, especially seeing as how she was actually able to fight back against me without my weapon's impossible strength getting in the way.
I had to enforce us to take breaks several times, because she just wanted to keep going, bout after bout with no thought of stopping. And she was quite right in that I had grown very much accustomed to my normal weapon being nigh unstoppable, that now I was getting flinched out by even the lightest of clashes between blades— something that I had to quickly come to terms with and adapt to, else I would have lost far more of our duels than I ended up doing.
Fortunately, my role as Captain shouldn't be under too much fire, as I managed to win most all the duels between myself and Yukina, with her only emerging victorious a small handful of times. And of course, each time that she did manage to grab a win, I made certain to congratulate her on the win and compliment the certain actions she had done to lead to her attaining victory. I did this not only because I was genuinely impressed and happy with her progress, but so that my critiques and recommendations to her upon her losses would hopefully not seem as scathing...
Having finally swapped my weapon to something more combatable, I ended up also getting duel requests from some of the other soldiers in the camp. I guess because now they felt like they had a chance at beating me? Of course, that wasn't quite the case, and I managed to still come out victorious against most all those that challenged me; that including both Jaren and Hayate who both had a solid whack at it each— and whilst Jaren was pretty easy to beat, I found my bout with Hayate to be much more of a challenge. He really was quite a skilled combatant, but fortunately I was able to still best him, even without the use of my normal weapon or my Vision.
Now though, now that the day was coming to an end and Yukina was finally sated with the amount of practise that we had ended up getting; and the moonlight was peaking as best it could through the constant clouds of rain and lightning, I had snuck on out of the camp and towards the location of that cave... the cave that La Signora had given me a map for, the one that was occupied with supposed miscreants for me to clear out for La Signora's supposed people to move into.
Under cover of the deafening rain and thunder, I made sure that nobody would notice my sneaking off, and I regularly checked my surroundings to make sure there wasn't anybody else around who might be able to accredit me to the clearing out of this place, the cave that I was now in sight of... I suppose I should just head in there and see what I can do, right? Better to just get this over with and—
???: "Ah, Y/N, I presume...?"
Suddenly a voice had emerged from the darkness, and when I looked around to the source of it, I was met not by a person initially... but rather a weird blue door– no, a portal, and it seemed to be constructed from Hydro energy... And then somebody stepped out, an exceptionally tall person who was now looking down at me, a smile on her face.
Y/N: "I might be... But who are you?"
???: "Ah, I was hoping that you were. I've already had to get my hands dirty enough with all these little cretins wandering around. You see, I have been assigned to oversee your clearing this hideout of all the scurrying rats within. The Fair Lady, La Signora, she wished it of me, and so I must."
Y/N: "I see... but there wasn't a specific day decided for this to happen, right? So were you just going to wait outside here until I showed up or...?"
???: "Heh. You underestimate me, it seems. I need not loiter in an area to be made aware of your presence. And regardless, I saw it fit to limit just how many rats made it into our target for tonight. For your sake and mine, of course~"
Y/N: "So you've been keeping an eye on the area then? Did you notice anything I should know about ahead of time, before I head in?"
???: "Nothing of much worth, no. But the rodents cowering inside are likely to be quite dug in, so clearing them out might prove cumbersome. But, fortunately for you, it has been wished of me to assist you. And with my control over Hydro, I should prove to be quite the ally for one such as yourself... wouldn't you agree, Y/N?~"
Y/N: "You keep using my name, and yet I still don't know yours. Is there a reason for that? Or...?"
???: "Ah, yes, my apologies. Please, call me Natashka."
Natashka: "I am to be your support in clearing out this den of rats, and then I will bring the condition of this place up to snuff for our use as 'Factory Superintendent' whilst you continue to work alongside those Resistance soldiers. If that is all, shall we eradicate the filth within...?"
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