The captains, standing tall and composed, all spoke in unison. “Units, dispatch!”

With the command, the agents moved as one, the sound of their boots hitting the floor in perfect synchronization. They jogged out of the room, their cloaks fluttering slightly behind them, the urgency of their mission driving them forward. Jenna and Momoko fell into step with the others, their steps in rhythm with the crowd as they made their way to their designated units, ready to face the war that was about to begin.

EPISODE 9
STRATAGEM

The agents stepped into the capsules in pairs, the metallic pods humming softly as they descended swiftly to the first floor. Each capsule landed with a smooth hiss, and the agents stepped out in synchronized movements. The expansive weaponry base awaited them—a room vast enough to span the entire floor, its walls lined with neatly organized racks of equipment. The air was thick with the faint smell of oil and metal, a testament to the countless missions prepared here.

Agents moved with precision, grabbing their kits and weapons from designated stations. Backpacks were slung over shoulders, and NVGs (night vision goggles) were stashed securely into waist bags. Every motion was fluid, practiced, and deliberate. The room buzzed with controlled energy, the quiet before the storm.

Forming lines quickly, the agents stood at attention, their cloaks swaying slightly with their movements. Silence fell over the room as footsteps echoed from the capsules behind them. The captains emerged one by one, their presence commanding respect. At the forefront was Captain Hashimoto Ritsumi, leader of Unit 1 of the UA units. Her gaze swept over the assembled agents as she stepped forward, her black boots clicking sharply against the polished floor.

"We’ll commence the mission unit by unit," she began, her voice clear and authoritative, cutting through the silence like a blade. The other captains stood in perfect alignment on either side of her, their postures rigid and their eyes focused.

"Units 1 to 7," Captain Ritsumi continued, her tone unwavering, "will infiltrate the recognized Jeneme hideouts as outlined in your orders." Her words carried weight, and the agents listened intently, their faces masked but their bodies radiating focus. "Units 8 to 10 will rendezvous with the SA units in the southern JEO quarters to act as rear guards. As soon as Units 1 to 7 confirm the validity of the identified Jeneme hideouts, immediate word will be sent to Commander Kisuke. Annihilation orders will follow without delay."

Captain Ritsumi took a brief pause, allowing the gravity of the plan to settle over the room. "From there, within half an hour, Units 8 to 10 will be dispatched to extract critical information regarding any remaining Jeneme hideouts. Units 1 to 7 will engage the enemy and hold the frontlines."

Her voice grew louder, more resolute with each passing word. "No questions will be entertained. Is everything clear, agents?"

"Yes, Captain, yes!" the agents responded in unison, their voices echoing with conviction. The room pulsed with their collective energy.

Captain Ritsumi nodded sharply. "Units 1 to 7, proceed to the parking lot and board the vehicles," she commanded. "Units 8 to 10, move to the backdoor and await the arrival of the vans."

The agents sprang into action without hesitation, their movements as synchronized as clockwork. The lines dissolved into orderly streams as agents marched toward their assigned destinations. The hum of preparation filled the air—boots striking the floor, equipment clinking softly, and the faint murmur of final checks.

Unit 9, the only unit with star bearers, assembled outside the backdoor as ordered. The group stood in perfect formation, their cloaks fluttering slightly in the cool night breeze, waiting for the vans to arrive. The tension in the air was palpable; the agents, trained for high-stakes missions, exchanged quiet glances but remained silent. The sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness, and they quickly shifted into two neat lines, leaving space in the center for their captain.

Kagaro strode through, his boots striking the ground with authority. He moved to the front of the group and turned to face them, his gaze sharp and unreadable. His presence alone was enough to command absolute attention, though he said nothing as he surveyed the team.

Behind the lines, Shimin sighed audibly, breaking the silence. “I thought we’d be sent to confirm the Jeneme hideouts,” she muttered, her tone laced with frustration. “We’re the best unit in the UA—star bearers with the power of spirits to fight Jenemes—and yet we’re stuck as backup.”

A voice responded from within the ranks, calm but firm. “Maybe they’re saving the best for the last push.” The speaker stepped forward slightly, her movement deliberate. She was a tall woman with an athletic build, her presence commanding respect without effort. Her deep auburn hair was tied back into a high ponytail, strands framing her sharp, angular face. Her almond-shaped hazel eyes sparkled with quiet confidence, and her black cloak seemed to settle more gracefully on her shoulders than anyone else's. This was Nana Arumi, a seasoned agent and one of Unit 9’s most reliable shooters.

“Ah, Arumi,” Shimin said, turning to glance at the woman. A faint smile played on her lips. Arumi returned the gesture, a light warmth radiating from her expression.

Unit 9 was unique, not just because of its star bearers but also because of the exceptional skill of every member under Kagaro’s meticulous leadership. With a maximum of 30 agents per unit, it was rare for all members to possess such synchronized precision and unyielding discipline. Arumi, in particular, was one of the best shooters in the UA and had been dispatched on countless missions due to her unparalleled accuracy and cool-headed nature.

“You know,” Arumi began, her voice steady and reassuring, “since you guys are the strongest, they probably think it’s best to keep you safe. If things spiral out of control, you’re the ones who can save us all.”

Shimin tilted her head, smiling at Arumi’s reasoning. “You give us too much credit, Arumi-nee,” she replied with a light laugh. “You’re all incredible assets yourselves. If it weren’t for everyone’s support, we’d never have survived the chaos of mastering our stars in the first place.”

Arumi placed a comforting hand on Shimin’s shoulder, her smile softening. The exchange, while brief, held a camaraderie that spoke of countless shared battles and unshakable trust.

At the front of the formation, Jenna and Momoko exchanged glances, quietly observing the interaction. The sisters stood side by side, their stances mirroring each other’s, as they took in the exchange between Shimin and Arumi. They had never seen this woman before, which was unusual. While they didn’t know every agent’s name, they at least recognized their faces. Arumi was undeniably new to them.

Noticing their attention, Shimin turned slightly and gestured toward Arumi. “She’s Nana Arumi-nee,” Shimin explained. “The best shooter in our unit and practically a legend in the UA. She’s always being dispatched for missions, which is probably why you haven’t seen her before.”

Jenna and Momoko nodded in unison, their curiosity replaced by a quiet acknowledgment. They both understood the weight of Shimin’s words. If Arumi’s reputation was anything to go by, she was a critical asset to Unit 9—and now, more than ever, her skills would be crucial.

Before any more could be said, the distant hum of engines echoed through the air. The vans were approaching. Kagaro, standing at the front, turned slightly, his voice cutting through the murmur of anticipation. “Prepare yourselves,” he said, his tone calm but firm.

The agents straightened their postures, their expressions hardening with focus. The time for words had passed.