FORTITUDE LEVEL,              9.8
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"But you're the same stranger."
☠︎ ⚔︎ ☠︎

AKIRA WHIPED SMALL tears from the corner of her eyes. Kafka's sudden and slightly embarrassing outburst landed her and Vice-Captain Hoshina into a fit of giggles.

She didn't notice that Mina had already walked out of the room by then—a ghost of a smile gracing the Captain's features.

Walking over to where Kafka began doing his pushups, Akira watched as multiple officers cheered him on. Iharu, a devilish grin on his face, being the main one keeping count. "Eighty-seven! Eighty-eight! Come on, Kafka, you got this!"

Kafka, red-faced but resolved, pushed through the last few pushups, his form impeccable despite the strain. Akira couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and amusement at the sight. She clapped her hands, joining in the encouragement.

With one final burst of energy, Kafka completed his set, collapsing onto the floor with an exaggerated groan. The room erupted into applause and laughter, the camaraderie among the officers palpable. Kafka rolled over onto his back, panting but smiling broadly.

"You did great, Kafka! High five?" Akira giggled, standing over him and extending her hand.

Kafka looked away with a pout, beads of sweat sliding down his forehead. "Says the one who laughed at me for getting roped into pushups in the first place!"

Akira put on a mock-shocked expression and clutched her heart. "Wow, Kafka, don't blame me for your embarrassing outburst, silly." She stuck out her tongue playfully, just as Kikoru walked over.

"Kafka Hibino. Stand up, I need to talk to you." Kikoru instructed Kafka, her tone firm.

"Why do I need to get up? We can talk right here," Kafka grumbled, still catching his breath.

Reno, who wasn't far off, came up next to Akira, giving her a comically stressed look. Kikoru sighed, looking slightly flustered. "This isn't the best place for a conversation," she insisted.

Iharu smirked, leaning in to tease her. "What, are you gonna ask him out?"

Kikoru blushed profusely, her usual composure slipping as she squealed, "It's not like that!" The crowd erupted in a chorus of mocking "ooos," making Kikoru's blush deepen.

Akira couldn't help but laugh even more at the scene, and Reno walked over to Kafka, urging him to get up. "Come on, Kafka, let's move before this gets any more out of hand."

Shortly after, Akira looked at the group, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "Is it okay if I join the conversation with Kikoru, Kafka, and Reno? I don't want to intrude."

Kafka looked up at her, his expression softening. "You're more than welcome to tag along, Akira."

Reno nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the more the merrier. I'm certain Shinomiya wouldn't mind."

—————

Later that day, Shinomiya, Ichikawa, Akira, and Hibino gathered at a charming little eatery named Bonny's. They were all dressed in their casual clothes, a rare and refreshing sight outside the formalities of the Defense Force headquarters.

Kafka and Akira found seats next to each other, while Shinomiya and Reno settled across from them.

Kikoru's face was a picture of disbelief as she exclaimed, "So... you ate a Kaiju and now you're a Kaiju?! That's revolting! Do you just consume anything that crosses your path?"

Kafka, looking both defensive and frustrated, shot back, "I didn't eat the Kaiju on purpose! It flew into my mouth!"

Reno, ever the mediator, interjected, "Could you two lower your voices, please?!"

Meanwhile, Akira, twirling a strand of her red hair around her finger, wore an expression of mild exasperation. 'I probably should've skipped this outing...'

Kafka, sounding contemplative, mused aloud, "Maybe I should just inform the Defense Force. If anyone could find a cure, it'd be them."

Shinomiya responded quickly, her voice filled with urgency. "That's not a good idea," she cautioned. "There's a high chance they'd neutralize you immediately. If not, you'd likely end up as a test subject in some lab."

"No way does this end with you becoming a Defense Force Officer."

"Seriously?!" Kafka exclaimed, the frustration evident in his voice.

"What's worse is that you're one of the rare Kaiju to gain a code name. So when they kill you, they'll carve you up and make a special weapon with your body parts," Kikoru described, her tone chilling.

The gravity of her words settled over the table like a dark cloud, causing all three of her companions to exchange spooked looks. Kafka trembled as he clung to Akira for comfort.

Reno's teeth were clenched, his eyes wide with fear. The whole ordeal made Akira's mind race, struggling to process the weight of what she had just gotten into by joining the Defense Force.

Kafka, driven by desperation, almost launched himself across the table, grabbing Kikoru by the shoulders with a pleading expression. "You have to promise not to tell the Defense Force about any of this! Let this old man live..I'm begging you!"

'Old? He doesn't even look a day over twenty-five..'

Kikoru responded swiftly, kicking him back to his side of the table. Akira did her best to pull Kafka back into his seat. Once he was settled, she huffed, breathing heavily through her nose. "Kafka, you're a little too big to be moving around this much."

Kikoru's eyes softened slightly as she continued, "Spare me your groveling. The risks are already too high. But since you saved my life, I'll keep your secret for now."

She leaned in closer with her hands resting on the table, her voice dropping to a stern whisper. "However, if you turn into a Kaiju that threatens humanity, I won't hesitate to kill you."

Kafka looked at her, sincerity in his eyes, and nodded. "I understand, I'll hold you to it."

⚔︎

Two months had passed since Kafka and the others had enlisted in the Defense Force, and the new recruits in the Third Division were making impressive strides in their training.

The sound of gunfire echoed through the shooting range as Reno focused on his target, his breathing steady and controlled.

His released force had improved significantly, now standing at an impressive 18%. Soshiro, observing from the sidelines, nodded in approval at Reno's rapid progress.

Not far from Reno, Iharu was also deep into his training. Competitive by nature, Iharu's satisfaction was evident when he glanced at the display showing his released force at 20%, a slight edge over Reno.

"Don't go getting cocky Reno, I still got your number!"

"Wasn't planning on it." The male responded, an annoyed expression on his face.

However, any sense of superiority Iharu might have felt was short-lived.

Kikoru, always a step ahead, had just finished her session. Her released combat power stood at an astounding 55%, and she had managed to defeat all her targets in a mere 1 minute and 16 seconds.

She walked over to Reno and Iharu, a smug smile on her face. "Looks like you boys have a lot of catching up to do," she remarked with a slight edge to her voice.

Reno and Iharu exchanged frustrated looks, their competitive spirits ignited by Kikoru's snide remark. But their irritation was momentarily forgotten when Akira finished her shooting training session. She had completed her run in just under 1 minute and 22 seconds.

The real surprise, however, came when her estimated combat power was revealed: it had increased from 37% to 50%, placing her just 5% behind Kikoru.

Everyone in the area remained silent for a minute as they processed this information. Akira, beaming with pride, approached Kikoru while removing her gas mask and carrying the huge rifle on her back. Her long hair cascaded in the breeze, forming rich, copper-toned waves.

"You know, instead of focusing on Reno and Iharu's scores and adding them up, you should be more concerned about who's comin' for ya number one spot," she said with a confident smile.

Kikoru's smug expression faltered for a brief second before she regained her composure. "Heh..We'll see about that," she replied, her voice tinged with challenge.

This exchange caught Vice-Captain Hoshina's attention. He observed Akira closely, a smirk playing on his lips. "Interesting," he murmured to himself, making a mental note to keep a closer eye on Hoshizora.

Nearby, Haruichi and Aoi were also engaged in their training. Signs of rivalry were evident between them as Aoi proudly announced that he had finally caught up to Haruichi's released force. The two exchanged competitive but friendly banter, pushing each other to improve.

In the midst of this, Kafka, ever the optimist, was ecstatic about his own progress. His combat power had gone from 0% to 1%, a small but significant improvement in his eyes. Even though he finished his exercise after 6 minutes, he eagerly approached Kikoru, hoping for some sort of breakthrough.

In the midst of all this, Kafka, ever the optimist, was ecstatic about his own progress. His combat power had gone from 0% to 1%, a small but significant improvement in his eyes. Even though he finished his exercise after 6 minutes, he eagerly approached Kikoru, hoping for some sort of breakthrough.

"Kikoru, guess what? I finally pulled my combat power up to 1%!" he said, beaming with excitement. When she didn't give him the time of day, he began to chase her around the training grounds.

"Come on! Say I'm cool!" he called out, his voice filled with playful desperation.

Kikoru glanced back, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a smile. "I'll say you're cool if you stop chasing me, Hibino!"

Despite his proud moment, Vice-Captain Hoshina wasn't afraid to tell him the hard truth. Standing atop the gate of the training grounds, his voice carried a tone of both authority and challenge.

"If you keep improving at this rate, you're getting tossed! You have three months to shape up."

Kafka's face fell as he processed the new time limit. The reality of the situation hit him hard, and he began to freak out. His mind raced with thoughts of the daunting task ahead.

Akira, noticing his distress, walked over and patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Kafka. One percent down, a lot more to go.."

—————

The day had been long and grueling, filled with intense training sessions and rigorous exercises. Akira felt the strain in every muscle as she made her way to the hot springs bath, eagerly anticipating the soothing warmth of the water.

She had been looking forward to this moment of relaxation, a chance to unwind with her fellow female officers after the day's hard work.

As she entered the hot springs area, she was greeted by the sight of Minase, Kikoru, and Hakua already settled in the steaming water, their faces relaxed and content.

Akira slipped out of her clothes and eased herself into the bath, the heat immediately soothing her tired muscles. She let out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes for a moment to fully appreciate the sensation.

Minase and Kikoru were deep in conversation about their training. "You really did a great job today, Kikoru," Minase said, her voice filled with admiration. "Your performance was incredible!"

Kikoru shrugged modestly, but there was a hint of pride in her eyes. "Thanks, Minase. But we all did well. It's not just about one person."

Hakua joined in, her voice warm and encouraging. "I agree. Everyone pushed themselves today. It's great to see how much we're all improving."

Akira listened quietly, enjoying the companionship but feeling no need to contribute to the conversation. She preferred to soak in the moment, letting the warmth of the water envelop her.

Minase leaned back, her eyes closing in contentment. "This bath is exactly what we needed after today. It's so relaxing."

Kikoru nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's perfect. A reward for all our hard work."

As the conversation shifted, Minase turned to Hakua. "So, what made you join the Defense Force, Hakua? Who inspired you?"

Hakua thought for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I've always wanted to protect people. Growing up, I admired the Defense Force officers. They were so brave and strong. I wanted to be like them, to make a difference."

Minase smiled, nodding. "I feel the same way. Seeing the officers in action inspired me to join. They're heroes."

Kikoru added, "For me, it was a bit different. My family has a long history in the Defense Force. It's in my blood. I wanted to continue that legacy and prove myself."

The conversation flowed easily among the women, each sharing their motivations and inspirations. Akira listened with interest, appreciating the diversity of their backgrounds and the common goal that united them.

Minase's gaze shifted to Akira, her eyes widening as she noticed the intricate tattoos that adorned Akira's skin. "Those tattoos are beautiful, Akira," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "What do they mean?"

Akira, caught off guard by the attention, hesitated for a moment before answering. "They each have personal significance. Some represent strength and resilience, others are for protection. They're a part of my journey."

Kikoru nodded in agreement. "They look really good. Very artistic."

Hakua smiled, her eyes shining with appreciation. "I love the style. They're unique."

Akira felt a shy smile tug at her lips, touched by their compliments. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. She let herself drift off into a sort of dreamland, her mind wandering as she gazed at the steam rising from the water.

In her semi-conscious state, Akira's thoughts became hazy and indistinct. She saw vague images and shapes, unable to make out anything clearly. The warmth of the water and the soothing atmosphere lulled her into a peaceful trance, her eyes growing heavy.

As the conversation among the other women continued, Akira's eyelids fluttered shut, and she drifted into a light sleep. The voices of Minase, Kikoru, and Hakua faded into the background, replaced by the gentle sound of the water.

Time seemed to stand still as Akira floated in her dreamlike state, her mind free from the day's worries and the constant demands of training. She felt a deep sense of peace, a rare moment of tranquility in her otherwise hectic life.

After what felt like only a few moments, but was actually much longer, the other women began to gather their things, preparing to leave the hot springs. Kikoru noticed that Akira wasn't with them and turned back, a slight frown on her face.

"Where's Akira?" she asked, scanning the area.

Minase looked around and then pointed to Akira, who was still sitting in the water, her head resting on the edge of the bath, eyes closed. "She must have fallen asleep."

Kikoru sighed, walking over to Akira. She gently shook her shoulder, trying to wake her. "Akira, wake up. We're leaving."

Akira stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She blinked a few times, trying to shake off the drowsiness. "Sorry," she mumbled, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "I must have dozed off."

Kikoru smiled, a touch of amusement in her eyes. "It's okay. Just don't fall asleep in the water again. It's not exactly safe."

Akira nodded, standing up and stretching. She gathered her things, feeling a bit embarrassed but grateful for the wake-up call. "Thanks, Kikoru. Would've been overheated if it weren't for you."

As Akira, Kikoru, Minase, and Hakua emerged from the hot springs, the sight that greeted them was both amusing and concerning. The men's cohort, excluding Reno, lay sprawled out on the floor, clearly overheated and passed out from their own bath session.

Reno, looking somewhat exasperated, stood nearby with his arms crossed. Akira approached him with a bemused expression. "What happened to all of them?" she asked, gesturing to the unconscious men.

Reno sighed, shaking his head. "They stayed in the hot springs for too long and overheated. I tried to warn them, but you know how stubborn they can be."

Kikoru scoffed, her eyes narrowing in disbelief. She walked over to Kafka, who had a towel draped over his face, and pulled it back slightly to inspect his condition. "The boys are always so stupid," she muttered, rolling her eyes before walking off with an air of superiority.

Minase and Hakua exchanged glances, stifling their laughter as they gathered their belongings. Akira just sighed, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Honestly," she murmured to herself.

She gathered her things and headed to her room, her body still tingling from the warmth of the bath.

————

As night fell, Akira settled into bed, feeling the exhaustion of the day pulling her into a deep sleep. But her rest was abruptly shattered when Kikoru burst into her room, shaking her awake.

"Akira! Wake up! There's an emergency!" Kikoru's voice was urgent, her eyes wide with alarm.

Akira blinked groggily, rubbing her eyes as she tried to process what was happening. The blaring of alarms echoed through the halls, indicating some sort of emergency. Stretching, she realized with a jolt that this would be her very first real mission.

Adrenaline surged through her veins as she quickly got out of bed and began to get dressed. The seriousness of the situation snapped her into focus. She pulled on her combat suit, the familiar fit and weight of it grounding her amidst the chaos.

In the hallways, other members of the Defense Force were rushing about, preparing for the mission. Akira grabbed her weapons and joined the others, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Akira felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. This was what she had trained for, and she was ready.

The team boarded the bus heading to the Kaiju's location. The atmosphere was tense, filled with the quiet determination of the newly-appointed Defense Force members. As they settled in, Vice-Captain Hoshina's voice came through their earbuds, calm and resolute.

"It's go time, Rookies."