A few days later -Normal POV
The wedding proceeded without issues, while Company 8 completed their final patrol before heading to The Public Safety Police Academy.
Tokyo Public Safety Police Academy - (Y/N)'s POV
We arrived at the academy without any problems after getting off the Matchbox. Everyone, including me, was dressed in the Fire Force uniform. However, I had chosen to wear my formal attire due to my father's insistence.
(AN: This is what your uniform looks like)
I don't believe in any sun god, so I don't care what others think about me. I do what I want to do without worrying about other people's opinions.
As I roamed around, lost in my thoughts, my mind drifted to the Special Fire Force Company 7 and their captain, who also happens to be my husband.
Would they be here? Would I meet Shinmon? What about his right-hand man, Konro-San?
I was startled when my father's burly hand landed on my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned to face him, seeing the concern etched on his face.
"You OK, kiddo?" My father asks me if everything is OK, as I force a smile and nod my head in response.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I looked around, wondering where the rest of the squad went. "Where is everyone else?"
"They've gone to the hall to welcome the new cadets and the fire soldiers." My father wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we walked together. "You know you have to give the speech today." I sighed in annoyance as I looked at my father.
"Seriously, old man. You need to make these speeches yourself." Despite repeatedly explaining this point to him, I kept receiving the same old answer.
"You know I suck at making speeches." was his answer. "This is why it's you or the Lieutenant." I gave my father a wry smile as we parted in the hall.
Public Safety Police hall
I sat down beside Shinra Kusokabe, and we fist-bumped. As we faced forward, I noticed several men in academy uniforms and a brooding guy with brown hair stepping onto the stage. He began tapping on the microphone.
"My name is Hyogo Kaga, Public Safety Captain. We'll be instructing you while we perform our everyday duties as officers. We can't afford to waste our time on you spoiled brats. If you have no potential, we will drop you. That is all."
He had an overwhelming presence that left more than half of the hall in deathly silence. But the absent fire soldiers were fine. They can brought up to speed at a later date.
After Kaga exits the stage, the man with glasses takes his place.
"I'm Ishigami, Captain as well. This school will produce excellent officers. I want you all to aim to create a force that can combat terrorism and foreign crime. As most of you have noticed, we have guests at this academy. They are fire soldiers who will be working closely with us. We will support their cause as they will do for us." After Ishigami's speech, another suited man goes next.
"I'm Goto, a member of Ishigami's Team. My rank is Lieutenant. Thank you." Goto briefly introduces himself as his colleague? Chuckles at him.
"Hehe, what a short greeting. That's so like Goto." the man with the ponytail turns to us with a slapped smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Shusuke Soma, also a member of Ishigami's Team. My rank is First Lieutenant. I hope to grow alongside all of you. Thank you." Soma smiles gently and pleasantly as he leaves the stage, and a blonde man takes the stage.
"I'm Ayumu Shinonome of Kaga's Team. My rank is Lieutenant. Feel free to call me Ayumu. Thanks."
From the outside, Ayumu may look like he's smiling, but that's not what it seems.
After Ayumu exits the stage, Ishigami takes over and gazes down at all of us.
"As I mentioned, The Public Safety Police Academy has guests who have joined us this year. The Special Fire Force Companies 1 - 8. And now, Special Fire Force Company 8's Captain, Akitaru Obi, would like to say a few words." After Ishigami exits the stage, my father steps forward to the microphone.
"Greetings. My name is Akitaru Obi. My rank is Captain of the Special Fire Force Company 8. I would like to call my daughter, (Y/N) Obi, to the stage since I'm no good with formal speeches." I slapped my forehead in frustration as soon as I realized what had happened.
Stupid old man!
"Hey, (Y/N), we're rooting for you!" Shinra is speaking in whispers and yelling as I smile wryly at him. I stand up, and all eyes are on me. I ignore all the looks and walk towards the stage, keeping my father in sight. As I come closer to the stage, I stop and salute the other company Captains and Lieutenants, who return the salute. I walk up on the stage, saluting my father, who steps back to give me space. I stand in front of the podium, looking down at everyone. I recognize our company members, who all give me the thumbs up, causing me to smile.
"My name is (Y/N) Obi. My rank is 1st Class Fire Officer. I am the daughter of Captain Akitaru Obi of Company 8." I introduced myself as most cadets looked confused. I noticed that there was no one from company 7. But I wasn't going to go into detail with that
.
"Causes of death are many and varied. Old age. Illness. Suicide. But in that long morbid list, there is one end: people fear above all others. Death by Fire. Special Fire Force Companies are thankful for this opportunity to work alongside the Public Safety officers." I scanned the room as if I had captured everyone's attention.
"We, Fire Soldiers, aim to uncover the truth behind spontaneous human combustion and set the Infernals to rest. We, Fire Soldiers, promise to work alongside Public Safety to create a peaceful and harmonious place for all of us to live without fearing crime, terrorism and human combustion. Thanks to the Public Safety Police Academy and the instructors for hosting this year's annual Rookie Fire Soldier games. I hope all will come and support us and cheer us on. Thank you."
After finishing my speech, the entire of the 8th stood up and applauded me with enthusiasm. This action prompted everyone in the hall, including Fire Soldiers, Cadets, Instructors, Captains, and Lieutenants, to join in and applaud as well.
A few hours later
The ceremony ended and Company 8 and I waited for my old man.
"That was great (Y/N)! You totally nailed that speech." Maki grabbed my hands excitedly, causing me to feel her enthusiasm.
"Thanks, Maki! Ugh! I was REALLY nervous," Sister Iris smiled gently as someone exclaimed.
"You were great, (Y/N)"
"I couldn't help but notice how radiant Sister Iris looked. She must be an angel," I thought to myself.
"Thanks, Sister Iris." I smiled at her as Takehisa put his arm around my shoulder and ruffled my hair.
"Have some confidence in your speaking skills." Takehisa flashed a gentle smile at me, and I reciprocated with a smile and a nod.
"Thanks,"
"You totally smashed it, (Y/N)!" Shinra gave me his signature grin as I grinned back
"Thanks, Shinra. Your confidence is SO contagious."I chuckled along with everyone when I spotted my father strolling towards us with the instructors in tow.
"Fantastic speech, Kiddo. I expect nothing less from my little girl."My father ruffled my hair again as I beamed up at him.
"It would have been great if you read your own speeches." I smiled back noticing the instructors standing behind my father. They all grinned at me.
"Great opening speech, Miss Obi." Ishigami smiles and extends his hand for a shake.
"Kind words, sir", I smiled back as Instructor Kaga smirked, causing me to furrow my brows.
"We want to see you and that boy in action", Kaga asked me to look at Shinra and then my father, who nodded, before turning back to Kaga.
"What do you say?"
"I'm game if you are, Devil's foot," I exchanged a smirk with Shinra, who responded with his signature grin.
"Bring it on."