Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

“Akiyama!” Tatsurou bolted upright in his chair as he was awakened from his sleep by a sharp female voice. He was sitting at his desk in a classroom being stared at by his classmates and a annoyed and amused Uehara Rin who was teaching the class. “Yes sensei?” Tatsurou asked in a semi groggy voice. Sighing Uehara replied “I know that you have been abroad for the past two years and that the village's history is not the most interesting subject. But it is important to your education. Especially for one who is the future leader of his clan.”

“Yes, Uehara sensei.” Tatsurou responded to many snickers and snide looks from his classmates. Tatsurou heard another boy in the class wisper to his friend.

“Leader of his clan? As if.” Causing said friend to snort in response. Tatsurou smiled to himself. If only they knew how much I agreed with that sentiment. Indeed, he had no real interest in taking over his clan from his dad and found it humorous how shocking that might seem to most of the village and especially for his clan.

The rest of the class moved forward without much else happening Tatsurou thankfully remained awake despite how tired he was. Training late at night was the only way for him to keep the skills that he had developed while he was “abroad" as Rin put it. Good grief I've only been back in this village for a few months, and I already want to leave again. Tatsurou couldn't help thinking. He was itching to get out of here and leave the village far behind though he couldn't really explain why. He knew why he wanted to leave ‘his clan,’ but the rest of the village and his sister? He couldn't say for sure, but part of him said that he could not trust any of them anymore, though he couldn't say why.

Soon enough the bell rang to signal the end of class and the end of the school day. All the students gathered their things and prepared to leave Tatsurou included. However, as he started to make his way to the door Rin called out “Mr. Akiyama, a moment please.” Sighing to himself Tatsurou walked up to the teacher still standing at the front of the room. Rin waited until all of the other students left then closed the doors to give them some privacy. After a few seconds of silence, which Tatsurou was sure that Rin was using to gather her thoughts before speeking.

“Tatsurou, many of the other teachers and myself have noticed that you have been acting unusually over the past few months. Which has me concerned about what might me going on with you.”

Geeze, I wonder why that could be. Tatsurou thought before responding. “Nothing is going on with me” he lied “I am just going through life like any other teenager in the village.”

“That is what has us concerned” Rin interjected. “You just seem to be going with the motions and while your grades still are unchanged, you don't participate in class as much as the other teachers have said you used to. Not to mention the fact that today for the second time in a week and half I have caught you sleeping in class.”

Tatsurou failed to suppress a sigh as he thought about how to respond to her. This wasn't the first time he had had this conversation since returning to the village. In truth he was not doing well, and he knew it. He was tired all the time because he could not train the way he wanted, his father and the clan elders saw too that. So, to keep the skills that he had developed while he was ‘abroad’ for two years at an acceptable level he has resorted to training privately during the night. Of course, he had tried to appeal to both the head mistress Igawa and even tried to get help from Mizuki Shiranui to overturn his fathers and the elder’s decision to shackle him to the “traditional" training of the clan.

However, in both cases he would be let down as both women told him that he should just focus on the teachings of his clan and then he can pursue other ‘interests’ when his training is complete and that ‘this was all for his benefit and to prepare him for the future.’ Tatsurou highly doubted that to be quite honest given the number of times the elders beat the shit out of him. Not to mention the couple of times that they have literally tried to kill him.

Ultimately, he was beyond frustrated with his entire situation and after once again having his requests for help ignored or outright rejected. But since Rin was going out of her way to try and reach out to him, he could at least try to reciprocate. Taking a deep breath Tatsurou took the metaphorical plunge. “I do apologize for falling asleep during class Sensei and the reason for that is due to lack of sleeping at night since that is the only time that I can train.” Rin cocked an eye at that. “Don't you already train during the day with your sister and father?”

“Yes, however that training is in the sword techniques of our clan. Which I am neither proficient nor interested in pursuing.” Rin had heard about the intense training that the Akiyama siblings were going through. Though this was not strange as many of the clans of Gosha had very intense training regiments for the future Taimanin and was seen by many as an honor to carry on the legacy of their clans, her own being no exception. However, hearing from Tatsurou himself that he didn't care to carry his clan’s legacy was quite confusing.

“Well than tell me what training you wish to pursue and why do you have to do it at night? Have you talked to your father about training in a different field?” We've damn near come to blows over it. Tatsurou thought bitterly, as his father and him have indeed had a couple of shouting matches about his father’s incessant need to make Tatsurou his second coming. But Rin did not need to know that, at least not now. “My father does not approve of me training in another field especially since my interest is in that of long-distance marksmanship.” That shocked Rin to be sure. “You want to train as a sniper?” she asked, noticing a slight gleam enter Tatsurous deep emerald eyes.

“Yes Sensei" Tatsurou confirmed feeling relief that she, for the moment, was listening to him where others seemed to have just brushed him off. “I do desire to become a sniper and have had some training while studying abroad the past two years, and I have resorted to training at night to keep my skills sharp.”

“How exactly have you been training at night and who is overseeing you while you are performing said training?” Rin inquired. Tatsurou tensed up at that knowing that his answer would get him in trouble but again seeing as Rin was willing to at least humor him in this he decided that it would be better to be truthful.

“No Sensei, no one is overseeing the training, and I unfortunately have to admit that I am using the virtual training center after hours.” Rin understandably was not happy to hear that answer. “Akiyama Tatsurou that is not acceptable behavior and I have half a mind to report this to the head mistress!” Though he expected such a response to his admission Tatsurou none the less felt slightly deflated at receiving it. “Yes Sensei, I am sorry Sensei.” Rin sighed herself before continuing with her lecturing of the young man before her.

“As for you ‘training’ in marksmanship I have heard from the head mistress that you have stated that you have received firearms instruction while abroad. I assure you that a few afternoons at a range shooting paper targets is a far cry from actual combat. Therefore, I recommend that you focus on finishing your training under your father and after gaining some actual combat experi-” the rest of her lecture was cut off as she felt a sudden spike of particle energy that also came in tandem with a wave of outright lethal intent that came from none other than the young man before her.

But just as quickly the intent and energy vanished without a trace of it ever being there. There were a few tense seconds of silence between the two before Tasurou broke the silence with a sharp and brisk tone. “Of course, Sensei, my apologize for wasting your time as well as for my indiscretion and poor judgment that has caused me to act in an unsafe manner. I will accept any punishment you deem necessary for not only falling asleep in class but also breaking the rules when it comes to utilizing the virtual training area. Also, I will better endeavor to become a clone and carbon copy of my father!” Then without giving Rin time to recover from not only the shock of the murderous energy he released mere moments ago, but also the sheer level of contempt and venom that was in his voice. Tatsurou crossed the classroom to the door and slammed it open with enough force Rin flinched in fear of it flying off its tracks and crashing to the floor before he disappeared around the door frame into the hall.

Recovering from her shock Rin fallowed quickly into the hallway calling after him. “Akiyama come back here! We are … not … done?” trailing of in confusion as she walked out into an empty hallway. Stunned by the fact that Tatsurou had seemed to disappear into thin air, she was brought back to her senses by the sounds of hurried steps behind her. Turning around in time to see both Yatsu Murasaki and Kousaka Shizuru come around the corner of an adjoining hallway. Both paused, confused, seeing only a perplexed Rin in the hallway just outside of her classroom. After a moment Shizuru broke the silence “Is everything alright Uehara Sensei? Yatsu Sensei and I just heard a very loud bang and felt a sudden increase in particle energy. Did something happen?” Taking a deep breath to gather herself Rin spoke.

“I am fine, however the noise you heard as well as the energy was Akiyama Tasurou.”

“Oh my” responded Shizuru “that is surprising. What on earth could have caused him to be so angry?”

“I caught him sleeping in class again today and after class I questioned him about it.”

“Did he try to say that it was due to him “training" during the night because his father is being too strict?” asked Murasaki.
“I’m guessing you have had this conversation with him to?” replied Rin.

To which Murasaki scoffed “Of course not. I have heard about him having a similar conversation with head mistress Igawa. But I wouldn't put much stock in what he says. Most likely he is staying up late playing video games or watching smut like the other boys.”
“Oh, you are being too judgmental Murasaki.” Shizuru countered taking a provocative pose. “After all, if Tatsurou was in need of intimacy I would be happy to help him.”
“More likely you just want another excuse to tease him like all the other young male students.” Rin commented.

“Guilty" Shizuru giggled much to the other two's exasperation before continuing more seriously. “Although I have to admit I have noticed a change in his behavior since he has returned to the village.”
“How so?” Rin asked as the three women walked through the halls to the staff office to do their end of day tasks. Shizuru thought for a moment before responding. “Well for starters he has become very withdrawn and isolates himself very frequently.”
“How is that different than usual?” questioned Murasaki. “As I recall he has always been shy and reserved.”

“He has been like that, which is part of why it was so fun to tease him. But there is shy and then there is reclusive.” Answered Shizuru “Despite his shyness he has always had a small group of friends within the village. His sister Rinko and Yukikaze being chief among them.”

Rin remembered the two girls and that when they were younger the three were attached at the hip along with Kotaro Fuuma. “But" she prompted Shizuru to continue.
“Well recently I have both noticed and even heard from others on the task force that Tatsurou is even isolating himself from the two of them.”

“Indeed” Murasaki chimed in “Rinko herself has told me that he is even more withdrawn at home and that she has even seen Tatsurou get into arguments with their father and a few of the clan elders.” That caught Rin by surprise, Akiyama Rizo the head of the Akiyama clan was one of the fiercest Taimanin the village has ever produced. From what she heard he was a man of high standards and not fond of others disobeying him. The thought that the shy, well mannered, and even timid Tatsurou out right arguing with him was outlandish to say the least.

“Really?!” asked Shizuru giving voice to the shock Rin felt.

Murasaki nodded “According to Rinko at least. Tatsurou was never close to their father and ever since he got back from being abroad the friction between them has gotten worse.”

“Those two years really must have changed him a lot. I wonder what happened that had such a dramatic effect on him.” Said Shizuru looking thoughtful. Murasaki just shrugged “I do not know, but I hope this gets resolved before it starts having a severe impact on his development. Despite his good grades in school his development as a Taimanin is much to be desired.”

Though Rin knew Murasaki's assessment was not incorrect. Despite being a straight A-B student Tatsurou was behind the curve in his Taimanin training, though his Taimanin ability has awoken and he has some skill with wind arts. Tatsurou has not shown any great ability with using it beyond it being a basic cloaking ability that can give him some minor camouflage. Not to mention, as far as anyone knew, Tatsurou’s martial arts ability was still below par.

However, Rin couldn't shake the feeling that they were all missing something. Two years was quite a bit of time to be away from the village and a lot could have happened during that time. Not to mention the fact that his father was taking the primary role in overseeing his training, which wasn’t that unusual as Tatsurou was in line to be the next head of the clan. But the fact that Tatsurou and his father are fighting with each other was a bit concerning.

“Do you think that maybe we should take a closer look into the matter?” she asked at length. The other two women looked at her a little surprised at the questioned before Shizuru answered. “I don't see why we should, I mean, I doubt the situation is that serious. Tatsurou is just being rebellious due to the harshness of his training. I'm sure that he will come to see that it is for his benefit before too long.”

“True enough,” Murasaki added “Tatsurou's life has been relatively easy until now and it's high time he starts stepping up like Kotaro has as the leader of our task force.” Rin couldn't help agreeing as her cousin Shikanosuke was in a similar situation. As for Kotaro, Rin had to admit that she and the rest of the task force put together by Commander Yamamoto were quite impressed with his progress as the captain of the task force.

Rin was once again pulled from her thoughts when Shizuru stated “Speaking of Kotaro and the task force we have a mission to do some surveillance in the dark city tonight.” After that the three women hurried to finish their end of day teacher duties before the mission that evening. Despite the words of her fellows Rin told herself that she would look into the matter of Tatsurou’s home life. However, she unfortunately would forget all about her conversation and the decision by the time their mission was over.

+Later that evening at the Akiyama residence+

Tatsurou entered the front door to the clan’s mansion and began putting his house shoes on while thinking about the events of today. Class was not bad, despite him falling asleep again, and he understood why Uehara talked to him after the class. Thinking back to the conversation with her, Tatsurou couldn’t help but chastise himself for not only losing his temper and storming of as he already had to many issues with his father and clan elders and he didn't need more at school with his teachers. But he also was angry at himself for being dumb enough to try and open up to her about his situation.

What did you think was going to happen? The third time be the charm? You sought help from the Headmistress and Mrs. Mizuki, who was practically a mother to you, and neither of them so much as bothered to act like they believed you. The cynical part of him chimed in his head. But he stormed out of the classroom Tatsurou had activated his cloaking ability and ghosted his way through the hallways avoiding being seen or heard by anyone as he went through the halls and didn't deactivate his cloaking until he had reached the entrance to the school and began putting on his shoes to go home. It was at this point that he was met by Rinko and Yukikaze who had just finished putting their own shoes on. “There you are Tatsurou. How was class?” asked Rinko. “About the same as always Sis. How about you?” Rinko Shrugged her shoulders as she responded with “Just like yours the same as usual and not much else.”

“Yeah, class work is easy though boring, especially when compared to missions.” Yukikaze spoke in her usual boastful voice. Yukikaze was in truth a genius and therefore had little issue keeping top marks in school. Which caused her to be quite prideful at times, Tatsurou remembered that he used to think that it was part of what made her cute when he was younger.

But now that he was older and had more experience in the wider world, he started to worry as he began to see her pride border increasingly on arrogance. Which he had learned from experience of watching others fall victim to such pride, would eventually bite her in the ass.

“I'm sure you had no problem with any of the course work or you’re training. Just make sure you don't let your success go to your head.” Tatsurou suggested truly feeling concerned for his friend and former crush. Yes, he did indeed have feelings for her when they were kids and even early into their teenage years. However, as time went on, he couldn't help but see her more as a friend than as a girlfriend or future wife. However, he still did not want her to end up how he has seen some women meet their ends in the line of work that all Taimanin were being raised and breed for. His concerns, as have often been the case as of late, seemed to have fallen on deaf ears despite his earnestness.

Yukikaze scoffed “Oh please Tatsurou, you should be more worried about yourself. I have already been on multiple missions and am an active Taimanin. You haven't even been taken as a ride along on a simple recon mission.” Though she did say the latter half in a teasing manner to show that she was speaking in jest. The barb nonetheless stung and Tatsurou once again felt his temper rising. But before he could decide whether to respond or not Rinko, who was ever the protective and caring big sister came to his defense. “Yukikaze! Don't say such things to Tatsurou. Even if it's just to joke don't take his concern for you lightly and he will be fighting alongside us when his training is finished.”

Sighing Yukikaze waved her hand “Calm down Rinko. I didn't mean anything by it and I'm sure Tatsurou will be a great asset to the team. If he can finish his training.” Bitch! The fuck you mean ‘If'? Tatsurou found himself thinking. But before he could inquire as to what she meant, another trio of students arrived and joined their group. Kotaro, Shikanosuke, and Hebiko Joined them at the entrance and after exchanging the usual greetings all six of them began the walk home. For the most part Tatsurou was quiet and just allowed the others to talk. When the suggestion to go to an arcade before going home was made by Shikanosuke, he politely declined and opted to go instead to the forest around the village. Rinko asked him what training he would be doing, and he simply responded.

“Just trying to improve my Taimanin art.” Which was true enough, he had made great progress in improving his ability regarding stealth, but he had little progress in the offensive department. That peaked Rinko's interest “May I join? I might be able to assist you on how to improve.” Tatsurou honestly considered the offer. Maybe his sister would be able to help him improve further. However, Yukikaze would cut in and cause him to immediately reject the idea. “Yes, Tatsurou show us how your hard work has paid off.” She said in a teasing tone that was meant to just be some lighthearted jabbing. But given that Tatsurou was still frustrated with the conversation with Uehara early coupled with Yukikaze's earlier comment about his progress or seemingly lack thereof. Tatsurou decided that he was well and truly done with other people’s shit, however friendly, for today. “Next time sis, I would rather work more by myself before I waste someone else’s time to help me.”

Rinko tried to tell him that she would not be wasting her time only to be cut off. “Suit yourself Tatsurou we will see you for dinner later tonight. Come on Rinko lets go have some fun before we must finish our homework for tonight.” Yukikaze said as she began dragging Rinko along and leading the way for the rest of the group. Rinko looked back at him apologetically, the conflict between going with her friends and spending time with her brother who had only just recently returned to Gosha. Tatsurou smiled a little sadly and waved at her “Don't worry sis I'll see tonight at dinner.”

With that he was left by himself to go to the forests near the village. There he meets up with the guardian animals of the village that have become his primary training partners since returning to the village. The training was to help him with his stalking skills, which really was more a game of hide and seek. It was simple he would use his skills and Taimanin ability to conceal himself and try to avoid being detected and found by the animals that were trying to find him. It was simple but effective and allowed him to clear his head of the day’s frustration. At least until he returns to the clan’s compound and his father’s mansion.

Which brought him back to the present as he was walking back to his room to do his homework before dinner. He had just made it to his room and set his school bag on the small table in his room that he used for homework while wondering if he should try to go to the training room to get more marksman training in when the door to his room slid open.

Tatsurou turned to see who had entered his room, half expecting to see his father only to be greeted by his sister. “Hey Tatsurou, how was your training?” Rinko asked cheerfully. Tatsurou shrugged “Not bad I have made some really good progress as of late. How was the café and hanging out with everyone?”

She smiled “We had a great time. The café had an arcade next to it and Kotaro, Shikanozuke, and Yukikaze got in a bit of a competition with each other on a fighting game. Hebiko and I just watched for the most part. But it was fun to see how into the game they got.” That does sound like something that would happen with those three. Tatsurou found himself thinking with a small smile creeping onto his face.

“You know it would have been fun if you were there with us Tatsurou. You really have been isolating yourself more and more since you got back from overseas.” That wiped the smile from his face. She was right, he had to admit, he had been more and more reclusive as time passed since coming back to the village. “Maybe next time Rinko, I just wasn’t in the mood to be around anyone for a little while.”

“Was it what Yukikaze said about your training?” Tatsurou was shocked for a moment that she had noticed how much it bothered him. “Yes, I noticed your reaction to her words, and I also noticed that you were already upset when we found you after school. I'm your big sister it's my job to know when something is bothering you.” But before he could respond they heard a call from the hallway. “Rinko Tatsurou dinner is about to be ready make sure you are ready for the guests to arrive.” Came the voice of Akiyama Tomoe the wife of their father. “Guests?” questioned Tatsurou raising a eyebrow at his sister. “Yes” Rinko chirped happily “Yukikaze and Mrs. Misuki are going to join us for dinner tonight. I need to get my homework finished, see you at dinner.”

“Yeah, see you there.” Tatsurou sighed before getting to work on his own homework, not entirely sure how he feels about having to be at dinner with them. After all, despite his past closeness to Yukikaze and that the matriarch of the Misuki clan was in a way a surrogate mother figure to him. His view of them and by extension his trust in them had changed as of late. But that was nothing new. His overall trust in the village has been going downhill, even his trust in Rinko he had to unfortunately admit. But that was unavoidable given that not even one of them were willing to listen and give him the benefit of doubt when he told them that he was already capable and he didn't need to be his father to do it. So here he was at odds with himself as he was unsure if he should be more upset that he felt more and more like he was being isolated in what was supposed to be his home. Or that he couldn't bring himself to care enough to try and change the situation he found himself in. “Just make it two more years” he told himself. Just two more years and he could leave the village and his clan behind regardless of his clans or his father’s objections.

Despite him not looking forward to the meal it was, however, very enjoyable for the most part. Rinko, Yukikaze, and himself spent most of the meal talking about the typical teenager’s things. School, music, video games, and the like. While the three adults talked amongst themselves about various topics of their own. However, all the enjoyment came to a screeching halt when at one point in the meal one of the servants helping bring dishes from the dining area to the kitchen dropped a stack of dishes. It was a simple mistake, and no one got hurt, however while the adults checked up on what happened Rinko and Yukikaze noticed Tatsurou sit bolt upright with his eyes fixed on the doorway to the kitchen. After exchanging looks of confusion, Rinko gently shook her brother to get his attention.

“Tatsurou are you ok?” Jolting and returning to himself Tatsurou responded “Ye-Yes Sis I'm fine.” Genuinely concerned Rinko pressed. “Or you sure about that? You completely locked up.” Taking a deep breath to steady himself Tatsurou smiled at his sister. “Yes, Rinko, I am sure. I’m alright.”

“Says the one that froze like a deer caught in head lights.” Yukikaze snarked with her usual cheeky smile. Tatsurou roled his eye's not wanting to give into her prodding he went back to eating. Unfortunately, the lack of reaction from him seemed to not sit well with Yukikaze as she decided to push further. “Oh, what's wrong to embarrassed that you got scared of a noise?”

Again, the jab was delivered with a playful teasing tone. However, like with her comment earlier in the day he was not in the mood for it. Not after once again failing to get anyone to listen to him about how he was not going to be his father’s replacement. But before he was able to rebuttal the three adults returned to the room. “Who was scared?” asked Shiranui curious as to the conversation between her daughter and the Akiyama siblings. “Tatsurou” Yukikaze chimed still having that smug smirk on her face. Tatsurou looked at the Misuki matriarch as she looked at him with the usual friendly smile. “Come now Tatsurou you need not worry your safe with your family and friends around.” Despite the carrying tone and words Tatsurou could see in her eyes that her respect for him died a little bit more. She, like everyone else, was just seeing him on the surface as the disappointment of the Akiyama clan.

Before he could ruminate on that any further his father cut in with his usual sharp tone when addressing his son. “He should be worried if random noises are causing him to lose his nerve. Clearly his training hasn't been harsh enough.” Turning back to his meal Tatsurou thought to himself. ‘Yeah, because being a fucking carbon copy of you will fix all my problems.’

“What was that ‘boy'?!” came a roar from his father. Realizing that he had made the mistake of saying his thoughts out loud, Tatsurou sighed as he looked up to the angry scowl on his father’s face. Ignoring the shocked looks of the four women sitting at the table he matched his father’s glare with one of passive indifference.

“I said that I have no desire to be ‘your' second coming.” He stated keeping his tone calm and level. Then without giving his father, or anyone else, at the table time to respond, Tatsurou stood and walked out of the room. He barely entered the hallway before he heard the steps of someone following him accompanied by the angry voice of his father. “Tatsurou! I asked you a question and you are going to answer it!” Right as his father finished talking, he reached Tatsurou and grabbed him by the shoulder to turn him around to face him. Acting on impulse Tatsurou spun on his feet with his father’s pull on his shoulder throwing out a punch straight into his father’s face. After feeling his father’s grip on his shoulder loose and without stopping to explain or even seeing the result of his sudden attack, Tatsurou spun on his heel and strode out of the house and into the darkness of the night without looking back.

Chapter Text

Commander Yamamoto was walking down the halls of the academy while reviewing the reports from the last mission the task force had partaken in. A subtle smile was on his face as report showed more and more affirmation that he had made the correct call to appoint the young Kotaro Fuuma as the captain of the task force. Not only had the young man managed to turn the task force into a well-trained fighting force but he had also managed to grow the ranks to a point that they had allies even outside the village. Not to mention the likes of Mizuki, Tokiko, and many other veteran Taimanin out of retirement. Now they were finally making progress in so many issues and problems within the dark city and the demon realm.

However, this had not come without cost. From the terrorist attacks caused by Momochi Toyo and his rogue taimanin, to open conflict with Nomad, and multiple underground organizations that were trying to capture taimanin. They were making progress, but he couldn’t help being frustrated by the feeling that it wasn’t enough. The task force was still too reactionary for his liking. Yes, they could solve problems after the chaos started, but not before. If only there was a way to be proactive, to take the fight to the enemy. The question was how. Despite the growth of the task force none of the operatives were ready for an open war. Maybe a few of the veterans, Shiranui Mizuki being chief among them.

However, despite her ability and power, she was still nowhere near her prime. Yamamoto did not want to risk losing her for fear of what that could lead to. As he was rounding a corner of a hallway leading to the office he used while visiting the village. When a sound that caught his attention. A sound that was all too familiar to an old war dog like himself. The staccato crack of gun fire sounded from the direction of the simulation room. Curious Yamamoto walked in the direction of the training area to see who was training so hard tonight. Only to be shocked at the sight of a young man training in the simulation room dressed not in a taimanin suit but in simple military BDU’s moving through multiple CQB simulations. After taking a moment to check the individual’s identity and file in the database finding him to be Akiyama Tatsurou. It took him a moment to realize who he was and the fact that he was Rinkos’ younger brother. But as he watched the young man go from drill-to-drill simulation to simulation he was struct by a bizarre contradiction.

Tatsurous’ file said only that he was being trained in his family’s traditional sword style and that he was overall not nearly as impressive as his sister, who was considered by both her clan and the village to be a prodigy. However, the young man before him in the simulation room who was currently performing a counter sniper simulation moved and acted in a manner that screamed ‘hardened soldier.’ Intrigued by this, Yamamoto sat in the observation room quietly as the young Akiyama worked through his own personal training session.

+Later+

Tatsurou was back in the equipment room putting back the training weapons he had used for the night taking a deep breath to recenter himself as he came to terms with his current situation he was facing. The training had helped clear his head and workout some of his anger and frustration at the cluster fuck that was his life. He didn’t want to go back home, not out of fear for he had long since stopped caring about what his father felt or thought of him. He was just overall done. Done with the village, his father and the clan elders, and the heritage that brought him nothing but grief. So don’t go back. The thought came so abruptly that it shocked him. Indeed, he could leave the village and escape back to the UFS and wait for the rest of his temporary suspension. Until he could return to the regiment and back to where he belonged. He had enough money stashed away in a personal bank account that only he knew about, if he was smart with his finances it would last until then. All he would need to do is get back to the house to grab some personal items and a duffle bag. Sneak out of the village, which he was more than sure he could do, and buy a plane ticket. He would be halfway across the Pacific before anyone in the village knew he was truly gone.

Finishing up with cleaning up and making sure that no one would notice he was here after hours Tatsurou was mentally going through the check list of things he needed to grab and what was the best way to leave without being noticed or caught. When a deep and authoritative voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Correct me if I am wrong young Akiyama, but aren’t you supposed to be supervised while using the simulation room?” Frozen in place like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar Tatsurou turned to face Commander Yamamoto cursing himself for not paying attention to his surroundings. He tried to keep calm while he thought of how answer the question in a way that would satisfy the Commander while also not compromising his plans to escape the village. After a few tense seconds of silence Tatsurou decided to answer with a partial truth.

“Don’t really have a choice sir. Nobody is willing to let me train the way I want to.”

“Yes, I noticed that your file says nothing about you receiving firearms training or any training beyond your family’s ancient sword arts. Why is that? Where did you receive your training?” Yamamoto questioned. Tatsurou wasn’t sure what to do. Could he knock the Commander out and then escape after. But what if someone found the unconscious Commander before he even left the village? Tatsurou couldn’t see a lie that would allow him to get the Commander to leave without reporting him immediately to the head mistress. As if he could read his thoughts Yamamoto spoke again.

“Akiyama Tatsurou” he spoke calm and levelly, but with an authority that did not tolerate disobedience. “I am not a threat so you can relax and as long as you speak truthfully with me, I do not plan to report you to the headmistress.” Tatsurou once again found himself on the back foot. He hadn’t noticed that he was balanced on the balls of his feet, his whole body tensed ready for a fight. Yamamoto simply watched calm and impassive while Tatsurou collected his thoughts and slowly relaxed. “I was taught by some family friends while I was abroad over the last two years sir.” Which wasn’t far from the truth, the individuals that trained him were old friends and coworkers of his uncle. Yamamoto didn’t respond and simply stood staring at him impassively, which Tatsurou returned in kind. Both stood there in silence, neither moving while they sized each other up. Each waiting to see who would make the next move.

Yamamoto was curtain that there was more to the statement, that the young man was intentionally being vague to hide the full truth. Looking over the young man with a discerning eye he concluded that if he wanted to get any real response from the boy, he would need to avoid intimidation tactics or manipulation. His years of experience in the military and politics along with his gut instincts told him that he was dealing with an experienced combatant that was ready to fight. Therefore, he needed to be careful with how he approached this. However, before he could even begin to formulate his approach Tatsurou broke the silence.

“Sir, are you serious about not reporting me to headmistress Asagi?” Temporally caught off guard Yamamoto evaluated him again. Tatsurou was still posed ready to either attack or run at the drop of a hat, but there was also a tired desperation in him that Yamamoto hadn’t noticed before. Smiling warmly, he answered the question. “Yes Akiyama, I am serious about not reporting you, as long as you are truthful with me.”

Tatsurou took a deep breath while mentally preparing himself for the inevitable conclusion that had happened every other time, he tried to get someone to listen. “Sir I was trained by and am a member of the UFS Marine Corps. Because for the last two years I was in the UFS neck deep in the Voodoo Gate incident.” Yamamoto did his best to hide his surprise; of all the things the young Akiyama could have said that was not what he expected. Though he initially found it hard to believe but the skill and ability Tatsurou showed earlier was enough for him to suspend his disbelief for the moment. “How in the world did that happen? Why were you in the UFS and why did your family not get involved to get you out of there?” Tatsurou sighed not just from relief but also from exhaustion. “That’s a very long story sir and I would rather not have to tell it here. However, if you wouldn’t mind for the moment I can give my DoD number as proof.

Yamamoto thought for a moment that would indeed go a long way in validating Tatsurou’s claim. After a few seconds of contemplation, he removed a phone from his jacket pocket and opened a database before looking expectantly at Tatsurou. Tatsurou listed off a string of numbers which the commander placed in the search bar. After a few tense seconds a notification chimed and this time the Commander could not hide his surprise. After looking through the information on the screen for a minute Yamamoto replaced his phone back in his jacket pocket and looked at Tatsurou who was now sporting a small smug grin. “Very well then Corporal follow me.”

He led them both out of the equipment room and through the academy halls to his office where they both entered and then he locked the door behind them and activated the rooms’ security measures to ensure they wouldn’t be interrupted or spied on. Usuring Tatsurou to a couple of chairs that he used to talk to clients and personnel when he wanted to be less formal, he then moved to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and a couple of glasses. Pouring a drink for them both. He then moved back to his own chair before offering Tatasurou one of the drinks. Cocking an eyebrow at Yamamoto Tatsurou took the drink earning a small scoff from the older man.

“You’re a marine. I have been around the UFS long enough to know that you are already good friends with alcohol.” Tatsurou nodded in affirmation of the statement. “Now back to my questions from earlier.” Tatsurou took a sip of the whiskey enjoying the familiar smoky flavor and the burn of the liquid going down his throat before answering. “First, I have to start with how I was even in the UFS to begin with. Which to put it bluntly is that I was staying with family there.”

Yamamoto raised an eyebrow at that. “I was not aware that the Akiyama clan had members living in the Americas.”

“They don’t.” Tatsurou calmly responded to the continued shock of the commander. “Commander Yamamoto, I need you to promise me that you will not repeat anything I am about to tell you to another soul.”

Yamamoto looked into the eyes of the young man in front of him trying to discern if he was being taken for a fool. But after taking careful stock of the young man and taking the file in the UFS military database into consideration. “I promise Akiyama that you can trust me to keep this secret however important it is.”

Nodding his head Tatsurou continued. “It is important. In fact, it is easily one of the most tightly held secrets of the clan.”

“And that is?”

“That I am an illegitimate child.” Tasturou paused then for a quick sip of his drink to let the information that he had given sink in. “Akiyama Rizo is my father, but my mother is not a member of the Akiyama clan and to be honest she isn’t even a member of the village.”

“Who is she then?” Now Tatsurou was the one to silently evaluate the Commander, trying to see if he should proceed or if he could trust the man infront of him.

“Her name is Cassandra, and she is of the order.” At first Yamamoto was confused, but after a few seconds of thought he nearly dropped his drink in shock. “Hold on, you mean the ‘Order’ right? As in the - “

“The Celestial Order of Paladins.” Tatsurou finished causing Yamamoto to go slack jawed for a minute or two as the proclamation shocked him to his core. Before he recovered Tatsurou continued. “I was born out of wedlock and in fact was born in the UFS and brought to the village just after my birth.” Expression sad Tatsurou forged on. “My mother was not keen on keeping me as she was fearful of how the rest of her family especially her father who is the current patriarch of the family would react to my existence. Or at least that is what my uncle told me.”

“Your uncle?”

“Yes, he was the family that I was staying with in the UFS.”

“Who was your uncle?” Tatsurou smiled sadly thinking of the only real father figure he’s known. Who he lost little more than two years ago. “He was Gunnery Sergeant Nathanial Graives.” Yamamoto choked on his drink hearing that name as a tidal wave of puzzle pieces fell into his lap. Nathanial Graives was one of the most prominent paladins to ever exist and legend in the UFS military. Which would mean that his mother was Cassandra Graives the Lioness of the Order. The Paladin equivalent of Igawa Asagi. Which thereby meant the Tatsurou was a direct descendant of arguably the most prominent bloodline of paladins in the world. Tatsurou gave Yamamoto a few seconds to gather up and process the information he just dropped on him before continuing.

“After he brought me to the village, he made an agreement with my father that if he would at least take care of me until my uncle could take care of me on his own, he would then come back and retrieve me from the clan.”

“You say that as if you think your father didn’t want you.”

“He still doesn’t want me!” Tatsurou snapped getting up from his chair and pacing the office. “I am a living testament to his infidelity! Hell, if it wasn’t for the elders that are so dependent on traditions that haven’t done a thing for the clan for decades I wouldn’t still be here!”

After his outburst Tatsurou stopped pacing taking deep breaths to calm himself. Anger wasn’t going to do him any favors here. “Sorry sir” Yamamoto simply sipped his drink and waved off the apology.

“So, what happened with this agreement with your father and your uncle? How do the elders tie into the whole mess?” Taking another calming breath Tasurou returned to his chair.

“Originally the agreement was that my uncle would take me back after a few years while he set everything up to take care of me given that he was still active duty at the time.”

“That ultimately wasn’t what happened though correct?”

Taking another sip of his drink Tatsurou nodded. “Yes. However, once the elders found out about my existence, they demanded that I was kept and name me as his successor as tradition required.”

That would fit Yamamoto thought to himself. Many of the clans of Gosha held many traditions as sacred and many still held to the tradition that the first son of every clan head would be the next in line to be the clan’s patriarch. Regardless of his mother’s bloodline Tatsurou is the first son of Akiyama Rizo. Therefore, tradition would dictate the next in line to be the clan leader. “I’m guessing this bothered your father?”

Tatsurou shrugged “I honestly couldn’t tell you. But I do know that a number of the clan elders weren’t on board with the idea of a child who was both born outside the village and a bastard being the current patriarchs successor.”

“Oh?”

“I have had no less then three attempts on my life from shall we say splinter cells inside the clan that desired the lineage of the clan to remain pure.”

This was a troubling development. “Your father did nothing to stop this? Or is he part of it?” Tatsurou took a moment to think about the question. He was certain that his father didn’t like having him around, but he didn’t believe that his father wanted him dead either.

“I have no proof, but I believe that my father is not involved in the attempts on my life. Though I don’t know if he has done anything to those responsible.” Yamamoto wanted to inquire more, but a look at the clock on the wall reminded him that it was already late into the evening and there was a lot more to this story.

“Very well then for the sake of time. What caused you to be in the UFS during a gate incident that rivals the Peninsula Conflict?” Which was a fair question. The Voodoo Gate was a demon gate that appeared in the region of the North American Bayou. Finishing his drink Tatsurou set his glass down on a table between them before continuing. “Well, that was due to the agreement that my uncle, father, and the clan elders settled on. I would live with both sides of my family until I was deemed old enough to decide which one I ultimately want to be part of.”

“Is this how the whole ‘exchange program’ that you have been part of started?” Yamamoto asked, starting to see the picture that was being painted in front of him. Nodding in affirmation of the question Tatsurou continued. “It was a few months after I had recently returned to the UFS to live with my uncle. We were in New Orleans preparing for a fishing trip on the Gulf Coast. When the first … bombs … went … off.” Tatsurou’s eyes glassed over, and his gaze seemed to stare into the past as he finished. Yamamoto gave him a sympathetic smile before speaking quietly. “You were at ground zero of the war.”

It was more a statement than a question, but Tatsurou answered after coming back to the present. “We were walking down a main street heading towards the docks when a bomb detonated in a car on the street. Uncle Nathan protected me from the blast, but he ended up dying because of it. After that one of his friends from the service found me and did his best to look after me. However, he couldn’t look after me full time given that he was immediately put into active duty. So, he did the only thing he could think of to keep me close by until he could get out of the war zone.”

“He enlisted you?” Yamamoto questioned, to which Tatsurou nodded. That explains how he ended up in the UFS military at the age of 14. The bomb that Tatsurou mentioned was one of many that went off that day which is what led to a demon gate opening in New Orleans and causing the Voodoo Gate war. Not to mention that because of the sudden appearance of the gate the UFS was not ready for the chaos of war on their doorstep. Thus, many young children ended up being drafted into service to cover the lack of fighting personnel. “This friend of your uncle. Who is he and is he still in the service?”

“Yes, he is still in the service. He is Colonel Joshua Coleman.”

Yamamoto again looked surprised at the statement but collected himself quickly. “Very well” he put down his drink and fished a card out of his jacket pocket. Which he then handed to Tatsurou. “This is a hotel that is close to the village get whatever you need to travel back to the UFS and then get a room there and wait till I collect you in the morning.”

Tatsutou stood and took the card and walked to the door before turning back to the commander “Understood. Good night, sir.”

“Good night, Corporal Akiyama.” After the door closed behind the young man Yamamoto picked his drink. Then after refilling the glass, he seated himself at his desk and dialed a long-distance number into his phone. After a few rings the call was answered, and a gruff male voice spoke.

“It’s rather late in your neck of the world you old dog. Been awhile since you called me to what do I owe the pleasure?”

Smiling riley Yamamoto answered the question. “Hello Josh. I am sorry about the abrupt call, but I wish to talk to you about one of your marines.”

“Oh? Who would that be?”

“Corporal Akiyama Tatsurou.”

There was a short pause before a reply came. “How is my little jarhead? Keeping himself out of trouble I hope.”

“Well, it looks like he may be jumping ship from Japan back to the UFS.”

“When and where should I be to collect him?” That caught Yamamoto off guard, and he thought carefully before responding.

“I was hoping you could help me convince him to stay. As well as giving me a bit more information about his experiences and situation with his mother’s side of the family.”

Again, there was a brief pause before a reply came through the speaker. “First tell me what sort of mess the kids gotten into.” Yamamoto told his old friend about the interaction with Tatsurou, the conversation they had, and about what the latest reports from the teachers at the academy had to say about Tatsurou’s behavior and current academic status.

“Alright what do you want to know?”

“Firstly. Why was he left in a war zone by both sides of the family? What was his capacity as a soldier? Lastly why is he under temporary suspension?”

“Well to be frank the reason why his mother’s side hasn’t tried contacting him is simply because they believe that the explosion that killed Nathan killed him.”

“Why?”

“Not sure we were never able to get any direct contact with them and any of the intermediaries we could contact seemed to not want to investigate the issue beyond the repot of him being dead. As for the report of the kid’s death I don’t know how they got that information. We hadn’t even sent the first report of casualties before they contacted us about Nathan’s death.”

That’s concerning. Yamamoto thought before continuing with his line of questioning. “What about his father? Did you try to contact his family on this side of the world?”

Coleman scoffed “Multiple times. But every time we managed to get a line through to them it was the same story. One of the so-called elders would answer then tell him to stop lying to gain sympathy and then hang up.” Coleman sighed remembering Tatsurou’s broken expression after the fourth and ultimately final attempt to get help from his father and by extension the clan. “In the end the kid just decided that he was on his own and then threw everything into his training as a marine.”

“I see” was all Yamamoto could say in response as more puzzle pieces fell into place. So not only did Tatsurou have elements in the Akiyama clan and possibly others in the village. But he also potentially had people within the order that wanted him to die or disappear at least. Before he could think more about the subject his thoughts were broken by Coleman.

“Honestly I hate to say it, but it might be what made him such a capable soldier.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it Yama. The kid lost the only father figure in his life and was abandoned in a warzone. As far as Tatsurou was concerned, he had nothing left to live for.”

“And there for nothing to lose.”
“At least at the start.”

“Please explain.”

“Tatsurou wasn’t the only orphaned kid to be drafted. In fact, there were over a hundred initially, we called them young bloods. We ran them all through basic and then separated them into fire teams of four. Then attached the fire teams to pre-exciting squads and platoons to give them the best chance at survival.”

“How did these fire team do?”

A sad sigh came out of the speaker. Conveying emotions that couldn’t be fully articulated with words. “Rough. Within the first three months we lost over half of them and lost just about half the remaining teams in the next six months after that. By the end of fifteen months. Tatsurou’s fire team was one of four left.”

Yamamoto grimaced at that, casualties in war were unavoidable but never easy. Especially when they were children. “You mentioned that Tatsurou was rather capable. How did he and his team perform?”

“You got your computer on?”

“I do.” Turning to the computer screen on his desk and taking it out of sleep mode. Yamamoto waited a few seconds then received a notification of an email with an attached file. Opening the file, he saw a record of Tatsurou’s combat record as well as three others along with a picture file labeled ‘Fire Team Seeker.’ Opening the picture file, he was greeted by the smiling faces of four young teens. Despite the short military buzzed hair Yamamoto recognized Tatsurou immediately due to his emerald eye’s. A rare oddity in his clan given most have dark purple eyes that match their hair. Apart from his hair being short he didn’t look much different physically. He was dressed in combat gear holding a high-powered rifle with a scope on it. Covered in dirt grime and gore but smiling as he and the other members of his team were gathered around a large demon that had a noticeable hole in his right temple.

The other three teens were a small elf boy with hazel eyes, dirty blonde hair, and a thin wiry build. A girl who was easily the oldest of the bunch and was already well on her way to becoming a beautiful woman. She had brown hair, piercing ice blue eyes, and was a member of the were-wolf race given the canine ears that came out of the top of her head. The last was an orc he stood easily over six feet and was like most of his kind built like a brick shithouse. Like Tatsurou the other three were dressed in combat gear and equally dirty and grungy. But all were smiling all were happy despite the obvious carnage and death that surrounded them.

Coleman’s voice once again broke him from his revery, noticing a hint of pride in the Colonels voice. “By the end of the fifteen-month mark Seeker was one of our best fire teams. That picture is after one of their most successful hunts. The bastard with the hole in his head, courtesy of Corperal Aki, was a lieutenant of the one of the demon generals that was trying to take over the area around the demon gate.”

“Aki?”

“That was Tatsurou’s nick name among his team and the company he was part of as a whole.”

“Ah. So, they were a hunter killer squad?”

“Not initially. That is what they ultimately became, originally, we had them function as scouts doing reconnaissance. Damn good at it too.”

“Do tell.”

“The elf was Fivin and was damned good with languages and syphers. He was one of the best code crackers we had during that time. The girl’s name was Birgit. She was the team leader, a skilled medic, and fighter on top of being a natural leader. As for Sheggen he was the team’s demo and heavy weapons expert. Could handle and run any heavy weapon platform like a surgeon using a scalpel.”

“And Tatsurou?”

“Tatsurou was the team’s marksman and stealth expert. Following in his uncle’s footsteps. He was a good shot when the fighting started. Probably due to the hunting he did with Nathan, and by time he was sent home he was a superb marksman.”

Given what he saw while watching Tatsurou train Yamamoto didn’t doubt that. “What was his skill level when it came to stealth and infiltration?”

Coleman chuckled. “What’s his skill level? … He’s a god damn ghost.”

“What?!”

“You heard me the kid is a ghost. He’s a natural at escape and evasion not to mention his power gives him the ability to hide in plain sight.”

This was an unexpected development. “Are you referring to his taimanin art?” Yamamoto inquired.

“Is that what you all call it? … At any rate yes, I am. At first it just caused his outline to be distorted, like you see cloaking effects in those old action movies. However, as time went on and as he got stronger his ability evolved into full invisibility. We even notice that he had started to be able to shroud himself from inferred and sonar.”

“How the hell did he manage that?!”

“Not sure. He didn’t go around bragging about it and I didn’t care to ask. The fact he was using it for our side was enough for me.”

Yamamoto wanted to question further but he needed to get this conversation done with as he had a lot of paperwork after this. If his old marine friend was willing to play ball that is. “Very well. What happened to his team and where are they now?”

Yamamoto heard another sigh of sadness come from the phone’s speaker. “Check their files.” He did and immediately wished he hadn’t. All three showed the same thing under their status ‘KIA.’ No matter how many years of military service or the time he spent as the head of section 3. Yamamoto never liked losing operatives and seeing kids losing their lives before they even started, brought a bitter taste to his mouth. Therefore, he decided it would be better to move the conversation along. “What about Tatsurou’s suspension? Was it due to battle stress or PTSD?”

“Why are you so interested in him? What do you have cooking in that head of yours?”

“I’ll get to that. First tell me why he was ever sent back hear in the first place.”

Coleman grumbled but relented. “Well to put it simply he went a-wall for a month and before you ask yes it’s tide to the deaths his teammates.”

“What happened?”

“They were betrayed.” Coleman growled “Like I said near the end of those two years Seeker team had become one of the best seek and destroy assets we had. Thanks to Birgit knowing how to make the best of their skills the team became a sort of boogie man for the other side. You would see their work everywhere but never see them.”

“I take it that the demons wanted them gone regardless of the cost, correct?”

“Bad enough to offer 250k for each of Seeker teams heads. One of our other squads took the bribe and agreed to deliver Seeker team to the demons on a silver platter. Led them straight into an ambush Tatsurou was the only one who got away alive.”

“What happened to the squad that betrayed them?”

“Went into the wind and tried to lay low after collecting their payment. Took us the better part of a month to find them. By then we had the help of the rest of the UFS military and were planning on sending a team to recover them.”

“I am guessing this team did not include Tatsurou did it?”

“Of course not. We didn’t want to risk it. But Corporal Aki … wouldn’t take no for an answer. He vanished one day without a trace only to return a month later carrying the heads of the traitors in a burlap bag.”

“And he wasn’t court marshaled on the spot?”

“He was. The brass tried to chapter him out. But we were able to dissuade them by leveraging his performance record. In the end they suspended him saying that he can return to active duty when he turns 18.”

“What would you say to changing that?”

A stunned silence followed the question. “How?” was the only response Coleman gave.

“Lately There have been some pushes to have more joint efforts between Japan and the UFS to combat the demon threat. What if I were to request that he be reactivated as a liaison to section 3 on behalf of the UFS Marine Corps?”

Again, there was a pause while Yamamoto waited for Coleman to collect his thoughts on the proposal. Eventually a single word came through the speaker. “Why?”

“Because he is a capable operative who is going to waist. Even if he gets back to the UFS, he won’t be able to do anything for at least a year and a half. You won’t be able to always keep an eye on him, and you know it. If he is here working as a liaison with Section 3, we can get him back to work and keep him in eyesight.”

More grumbling came through the speaker. Yamamoto knew Coleman didn’t like the idea of handing over a promising soldier to him, but that didn’t change the validity of Yamamoto’s point. At length a resigned sigh echoed through the speaker. “I have two conditions.”

“What are they?”

“First you have to be transparent with me on everything that the Corporal is doing and tell me of anything that happens to him.”

“Fair enough and the second condition?”

“Before you put him to work you send him back here to receive Scout Sniper training.”

Now it was Yamamoto’s turn to grumble. Scout sniper training was a minimum of 12 weeks long. Which would take Tatsurou not only out of the village but out of the country. However, that wasn’t entirely a bad thing. It would prevent the Akiyama clan from interfering with him, and it would probably do the boy some good to get away for a little while. Not to mention the benefit of Tatsurou being an actual certified Scout Sniper would help explain why the commander wanted him as a liaison. Finally, Yamamoto grumbled “Fine, but he is to be placed under my direct command once his training is complete.”

“I’ll make it happen what else do you need from me.”

“Anything that you can get me regarding his combat records and achievements. Also do you have and footage of his time over there?”

“You want combat footage? Or just general footage of him around base?”

“Whatever you can send me.”

“You’ll get it within the hour.”

“Thank you, Josh.,”

“Just make sure you take care of him. Good night, Yama.”

“Good night.”

+Earlier Outside the Akiyama Residence+

Tatsurou was standing in his room in the dark house carefully going through his belongings and packing a backpack with the essentials that he would need. He grabbed a set of clothes and a few toiletries. Then he went to his bookshelf and removed a stack of books that hid a disguised panel. Behind the panel was a small storage space that held a military style combat knife (a personal gift from his squad mates), a worn and beaten-up notebook, a wallet of UFS cash and cards, a cell phone, and a tablet computer with charging cables for both. All these items he had from his time in the UFS, and he had kept secret from his father and clan. Once he had packed them all in the bag, he placed his ‘normal’ cell phone on his computer desk then took one last look at the room not for the first time asking himself. Is this the last time I will be here? Will I ever return to see Rinko or the village again?

He steeled himself before he returned the false panel and stack of books to their original places then pulled a piece of paper and a pen from his desk drawer. He took a few minutes to write a message then folded the piece of paper and wrote a name on the back before placing it under his phone on the desk. That task completed he took one last look at the room then carefully and quietly slid out his room window closing it behind him. Activating his shroud, he slowly and methodically stalked his way back out of the mansion and after dodging multiple taimanin leaving or coming back from missions and villagers going about their business the village itself. He was standing an hour and a half later in the hotel lobby. After requesting a room and setting a wake-up call Tatsurou went up to his room and took a shower then went to sleep.

+The Next Morning+
Tatsurou woke to the phone for his room phone ringing, answering the phone he heard the voice of the receptionist on duty. “Good morning, sir this is your requested wake-up call.” Yawning Tatsurou responded “thank you.” Before he could hang up the receptionist continued. “Also, sir you have someone waiting for you in the dining area.” That caught his attention “Did this person give their name?”

“Yes, he said he was a Mr. Yamamoto.”

“Thank you, I’ll be down shortly.”

“You’re welcome.” The line went dead and Tatsurou placed the phone back in its cradle. Taking a quick shower and getting dressed before gathering his belongings once again, he left his room and made his way to the front desk to check out before heading into the dining area. He found Yamamoto sitting at a table tucked into a corner that gave him a view of the rest of the room. Placing his bag in an extra chair at the table Tatsurou took a seat himself. “Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning, Corporal” Yamamoto replied taking a sip of coffee as he handed a file to Tatsurou. “These are your new orders.” That surprised Tatsurou, he was still on suspension why does he have new orders? Seeing the confusion on the young man’s face Yamamoto elaborated. “I spoke with Colonel Coleman after you left and he confirmed everything you told me and sent me everything in your record. We have come to an agreement about how to get you back to active status and get you back to doing what you did best.”

“Oh” Tatsurou inquired “and what exactly do I do best.”

“Hunt.” Was Yamamoto’s response. He pulled another file from his briefcase and placed it on the table so that Tatsurou could read the name on it. It was his combat record. “You have quite the established record Corporal. Despite being so young your combat record is almost as impressive as some of the veterans in the village. Not to mention that you’ve stacked enough bodies to give even Mrs. Mizuki a run for her money.” Tatsurou didn’t respond, he simply flagged down a server and ordered something to eat then returned his attention to the Commander as he continued. “I’ve arranged a car to take you to the GSDF base where you will take a flight from there to Quantico to attend the next scout sniper course. After that you will be put on active duty under my authority as a liaison to Section 3 on behalf of UFS.”

Tatsurou’s food arrived at the table taking a moment to take a few bites while he processed what the Commander had told him. Then he asked, “Am I correct in thinking that I won’t be a simple consultant or office jocky?”

Yamamoto chuckled “Of course you won’t. I have better plans for you, my boy.” They then took a bit of time eating their meals in silence before Tatsurou raised another question. “How are you going to get my father and the head mistress to agree to this.”

“That is something I will deal with, and I have a plan for that. You simply need to make sure that you pass the sniper course. I will deal with the rest.”

Tatsurou’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the Commander as if to see through him. “You don’t plan on telling the headmistress what I am doing you.”

Shrugging his shoulders the commander responded. “That is up to her. As far as I am concerned, she has no need to know what you are doing or why. After all, after today you will no longer be her student, you will once again be a Marine in the UFS Marine Corps.” He paused to take another sip of coffee. “Also, there is the problem of notoriety.”

“Notoriety, sir?”

“As secretive as the Taimanin try to be and as much as Section 3 and the Japanese government try to hide their existence. Many forces in the world know of the Taimanins existence. Nomad, Demon lords, and even a few mob families and drug cartels. They know that there is a group of trained individuals that are out in the world actively working against them.” Tatsurou couldn’t deny that there had been more than one news feed on the world wide web that showed the task force in open conflict with hostile forces. Yamamoto pointed a finger at him to emphasize his next point.

“You on the other hand are unknown, a wild card. All combat action you have seen has been in the American hemisphere. No one on this side of the world knows you and if I have it my way they won’t for a very long time. Put simply corporal you are the perfect hidden factor for us. You can go just about anywhere and find anything or anyone so long as no one is looking for you.”

“So, the best way to do that is to make sure that no one has a reason to look for me friend or foe alike.”

“Correct. Any other questions”

Tatsurou thought for a moment then shook his head. “No, sir.” then returned to eating his meal. Yamamoto finished his meal and coffee then after putting some money on the table for both of their meals he stood. “Very well good luck Corporal, I will see you in about three months.”

“Thank you, sir. Good luck to you as well.”

Yamamoto then took his leave, heading to the car waiting for him outside telling him to take him back to Gosha village. As he sat, he went back through his files to make sure he had prepared everything. His first stop would be at the Akiyama mansion to confront the clan head about his mistreatment of his son and use that as leverage to sign off on his plan. Once that was done, he would have to go to the academiy to report Tatsurous leave to the head mistress Asagi. He just hoped that his hunch was correct and that she wouldn’t inquire too deeply.

Chapter Text

Akiyama Tomoe was having a very trying morning. After the incident at dinner the night before things have been more than tense in her home. Tatsurou had not just struck his father, he knocked him unconscious entirely. Which shocked all four women who were present and by the time they had recovered Tatsurou was already just a phantom on the wind. After her husband had been woken up, he tried to go out to find Tatsurou to drag him home to reprimand him. However, she and Shiranui were able to calm him down. Both women believing that Tatsurou would return before morning. Rinko was worried and confused as to what was going on with her brother. After returning from abroad Tatsurou had been more than a little different.

He was more confident and confrontational than he had ever been along with, seeming to be less and less interested in being in the village or being involved with anyone in the village altogether. Her parents assured her that he would change, and it was just a faze that he was going through. However, his outburst and the resulting attack on their father was something that she thought never would have been possible. Yukikaze likewise was unsettled by the aggression and violence that the usually meek Tatsurou had suddenly shown. After everyone calmed down and the decision to let Tatsurou be was made, her mother and her said goodnight to the Akiyamas and left for home.

It had taken both Tomoe and her husband some time to convince Rinko to go to bed and not wait up for Tatsurou to come home. They themselves reluctantly turned in for the night after Tatsurou hadn’t returned home after one in the morning. By the next morning all three were shocked at the discovery that Tatsurou had seemingly not returned home at all. It took a considerable effort for them to convince Rinko to head to school, and her husband was about to get a group of clan members together to go looking for Tatsurou when there was a knock on the front door. Going to the door and opening it to be greeted by the stoic and serious face of Commander Yamamoto. He smiled and bowed politely. “Good morning, Lady Akiyama. I am sorry for the unannounced visit, but I wish to speak to your husband and you about something private. May I come in?”

Tomoe recovered quickly “Yes of course Commander please come in.” The Commander entered and took his shoes off before they could leave the entry way a voice caught their attention.

“Dear who was at the door?” Both turned to see Akiyama Rizo walking down the hall towards the front of the house. Rizo stopped when he saw the commander and his demeanor shifted to polite but wary professionalism. “Commander Yamamoto, this is a surprise what brings you to my home this early in the morning?”

Yamamoto took a moment to examine the head of the Akiyama clan before answering. Noticing the swelling and discoloration that announced a black eye around his left eye. “I am hear to discuss a very important matter with you in regards to your son Tatsurou. Is there some place where we can talk in private?” Yamamoto heard a quick intake of breath from behind him from Tomoe, but he kept his eyes focused on the master of the house and clan. Rizo didn't show any emotion just looked quickly over Yamamoto’s shoulder to his wife before returning his gaze to Yamamoto.

“Yes, of course Commander. Please, this way.” Rizo lead him to a study where he did most of his work when it came to clan affairs. The study, like the rest of the mansion was based on traditional japanese homes. Tatami floors with books shelves filled with books, files, and scrolls along the walls with a low table surrounded by pillows at the center. Rizo offered Yamamoto a seat while Tomoe closed the door behind them and then activated the security measures built into the room that prevented spying and eavesdropping from happening. After the three of them took their seats with Rizo and Tomoe sitting next to each other on one side of the table with the Commander sitting on the opposite side. There was a tense silence before Rizo spoke. “What has Tatsurou done?”

Yamamoto decided that it would be best to not beat around the bush and be direct. “Well firstly last night I found him training by him self in the simulation room unsupervised after hours -"

“He what?!” both of the Akiyama parents shouted in shock. Not fazed Yamamoto continued on before they could interrupt again.

“Yes and by his own admission, this was not the first time he has done so since he came back from abroad due to him not being able to focus on the skill set he desires.”

Rizo was quick to counter “He is just upset that he isn't able to perform at the same level as his sister yet. But that doesn't excuse his behavior. I assure you he will be disciplined for his error.”

“I think he has a reason to be justified in his behavior given that he has already developed a great skill set. After he was left in a war zone for two years.” Yamamoto kept his voice level and tone passive but the words still had an effect on the Akiyama's. Tomoe's eyes widened in shock and confusion looking between the two men in the room. Rizo on the other hand scoffed at the words before remarking.

“So he is still using that lie.”

“You don't believe it?”

“Of course not. He was just trying to get sympathy, likely because he was finally realizing that things weren't better on the other side of the world outside the village. The elders told me that he would wizen up if we let him stay until he finally decided to return and he would take his responsibility to the clan more seriously.”

Yamamoto paused looking like he was analyzing Rizo's words. But in truth he was just trying to gauge the reactions of the two Akiyama's. Rizo himself seemed to believe the words he was saying. Tomoe however looked both shocked and horrified at what she was hearing. Yamamoto wondered if she was acting or truly unaware of what was happening with her step son. So he decided to find out. “Lady Akiyama you seem to be surprised by this.”

“Of course I am.” She said turning to her husband “You never said anything about this.”

Before Rizo could answer her Yamamoto stated “Because he couldn't be sure that you weren't trying to harm Tatsurou.”

“Why on earth would I harm Tatsurou?!”

“Because he isn't your child.” The proclamation stunned the two and before either could stop him he continued looking pointedly at Rizo. “Yes I am aware that Tatsurou was born out of wed lock and who his biological mother is. As well as the agreement that you have had with his uncle up until about two years ago.” Yamamoto turned to Tomoe and added. “So I say again Lady I'm sure your husband wasn’t sure if you were actively seeking to harm Tatsurou due to him being a product of your husbands infidelity.”

“That is not Tatsurous fault and I never blamed him for it!” Tomoe countered heatedly. “Yes I was certainly angry with my husband and he had to work to gain my trust again. But I never held any ill will towards Tatsurou.”

Again Yamamoto didn't hesitate to counter with the harsh truth. “You never showed him any love or affection either according to Tatsurou and I am inclined to believe him given that you haven't once during this conversation referred to him as your ‘son.’ Am I mistaken?” His voice and tone continued to be level and calm, but the words still hit with the force of a sledge hammer. Tomoe tried to launch a rebuttal but all arguments died on here lips. She could remember vividly the day that Rinko had been promoted to active duty as a true Taimanin she had gushed to many people, the Commander included, about how proud she was of her ‘daughter.’ Continuously using phrases such as ‘wonderful daughter’ and ‘my Rinko.’

However, when it came to Tatsurou that was all she had ever refurred to him as, not her ‘son’ just as Tatsurou. Also she had never taken any active part in his upbringing. Her silence and the growing look of shame on her face confirmed the truth of the Commanders words. Tomoe's face would change once more to one of horror as Yamamoto continued. “Furthermore Tatsurou told me that there was on a few occasions where his life was targeted by elements within the clan.”

Tomoe turned to see a pain grimace cross Rizo's face as he admitted. “Three to be exact. But the ones involved have been punished I assure you that.”

“I believe that should be four now counting the elders convincing you to leave him neck deep in the Voodoo war.” Rizo was about to rebuttal again that it was not true but was stopped by Yamamoto reaching into his brief case that he had placed on the table as he had sat down. He withdrew a file which he then slid across the table to Rizo. The head of the Akiyama clan starred at the file with mounting fear as he took in the official seal emblazoned on the file along with the words ‘UFS DEPARMENT OF DEFENSE’ written in english. Rizo looked to Tomoe who starred at the file with the same fear that he himself felt before returning the his gaze to the Commander.

Yamamoto sat calm and still as a statue stating “Tatsurou’s service record courtesy of Colonel Joshua Coleman UFS Marine Corps and Tatsurou's commanding officer.”

Rizo slowly reached to open the file with shacking hands and could only gasp along with his wife in shock as the first page inside. A picture of Tatsurou in the iconic marine dress uniform followed by his profile information.

Name: Akyama, Tatsurou
Rank: Corporal
Branch: USF Marine Corps
Post: Marine Corp 2d Division, Young Blood Company
Fire Team: Seeker
Team Members: Birgit, Sheggen, Fivin
Specializations: Marksman, Reconnaissance, Infiltration
Commanding Officer: Colonel Joshua Coleman
Accommodations: Silver Star for Gallantry, 2 Bronze Stars with Valor, 2 Purple Hearts

The rest of the file was an assortment of records of the missions that Tatsurou and his team had been part of. Along with a record of the confirmed and estimated kills that Tatsurou had. Both numbers shocked Rizo beyond belief. He had known many skilled Taimanin in his time but the number of them that had shed as much blood as Tatsurou was reported to have could be counted on his hands. He felt a weight pressing down on him as the gravity of what he had done to his son. He wanted to reject it, to laugh and throw the file in the Commanders face proclaiming it all a terrible joke. But as he looked up to the man across the table his hopes were crushed. Yamamoto had reached into his briefcase again to retrieve a tablet which like the file he slid to sit in front of Rizo. The screen was lit up and active with a big play button for a video file taunting him on its display. With trepidation he touched the play button and the final vestiges of hope that what he was being told wasn’t true were reduced to dust.

The video was a drone feed that was watching a battle from a higher vantage point in a city square. There was a armored Humvee rounding a corner only to be struck by a RPG fired from one of the buildings. Humans, Orcs, and other lesser demons poured into the street to get to the injured occupants. But as they reached the downed vehicle another Humvee and an LAV pulled up behind. In less than a second rounds began flying between the two sides. Some of the ambushers died in the first volley while the rest took cover behind the remains of the Humvee. For a few minutes no side could gain ground the fire from the two military vehicles kept the demons from advancing and claiming the dead or dying as trophies. But the soldiers couldn't advance to save their comrades. Then the drone feed shifted to show a group of demons with heavier armor and shields advancing towards the downed vehicle. Only to shift again to a single soldier on the other side who had seemed to realize what the enemy was do. As they broke from the cover of their own Humvee and ran what looked to be thirty meters through the no man’s land to the stricken vehicle. Fire, both friendly and hostile, zipped through the air around him as hate shouted from the rifle in his hands. Within seconds the soldier killed the remaining two demons using the down vehicle as cover. Then still under heavy fire the soldier pulled all five of the occupants of the stricken vehicle back behind it so that his allies could more safely advance under the down vehicles cover and recover the wounded. Then without pause the soldier climbed into the wreckage to mount the still intact turret and began to use it to engage the advancing phalanx.

The turret's barrel glowed almost white hot as the soldier sent high caliber rounds down range. Chewing through not only the advancing enemy group but the cover other enemy combatants that he could see. This both gave his allies the chance to move up and recover their wounded. But also drew the enemies fire to him, rounds zipped through the air around the soldier pinging off the downed Humvee and even a few RPG rounds exploded in the ground around him as the turret ran out of ammo. Headless of the mounting danger he reloaded the turret and continued to lay down effective fire on the enemy until his comrades had gotten the wounded loaded up and loaded themselves back into the functional vehicles. As the turret ran dry of ammo a second time the soldier vaulted over the back of the wrecked vehicle and sprinted back to his comrades with enemy and friendly fire still flying around him. When he got back to his original Humvee the soldier climbed into the turret position over the top of the vehicle as both operational vehicles backed out of the engagement area and took off towards based. The feed zoomed in on the single soldier still in the turret scanning for additional threats though slightly distorted Rizo and Tomoe could see the name of the soldier printed in English on the back of their chest armor.

‘AKIYAMA’

The video ended there, Yamamoto then retrieved it and returned it to his briefcase. “That was the action that earned Tatsurou the first of his bronze stars.” He then set his hands back on the table folded together and gazed back at the head of the Akiyama clan waiting for his response. But both Akiyamas were too stunned by everything being revealed to them to respond. So, Yamamoto continued to push the conversation towards its conclusion. “I am telling you all of this because I have a proposition for you.”

Rizo finally seemed to recover from his shock. “That can wait first I need to find and talk to my son.” He made to rise from his seat only to be stooped by Yamamoto.

“That is not possible.”

“Why?” Questioned Rizo with an edge of anger entering his voice.

“Because Tatsurou is already on a military flight back to the UFS to complete the training that he has been begging you, Lady Mizuki, and headmistress Akagi to allow him to pursue.”

Yamamoto had barely finished the statement when he found himself being lifted and pinned to the wall behind him by a furious Akiyama Rizo. Before he or Tomoe could react, the clan head seethed at him. “You had no right to do that!”

Unfazed Yamamoto returned Rizo’s angry glair with one of indifference. “On the contrary, I had every right to do that.”

“What?!”

“I am the commander of section 3 and the head liaison to the Taimanin along with that. The well-being of the village and ‘all’ its operatives is therefore my concern. Especially when said operative is a decorated soldier of the UFS military who is being greatly under valued and miss used due to the village’s blind adherence to tradition.”

“Our traditions have seen us through centuries and are what give Taimanin their strength.”

“But Tatsurou does not see himself as a Taimanin.” The statement seemed to sap the fuel from Rizo’s anger as he let go of Yamamoto and stepped back away from him. Yamamoto fixed his clothes that had been ruffled by Rizo’s aggressive act while continuing. “It doesn’t take a psychologist to see that Tatsurou feels like and outsider in the village. A sentiment that you and your clan’s elders along with the teachers at the academy, though they do not realize it, have only fed with your actions or lack thereof.”

Tomoe, who had finally risen from her seat, challenged Yamamoto. “Why are you here then to rub our failure in our faces? When we should be trying to stop Tatsurou from abandoning the village.”

Yamamoto turned his gaze too her. “I am trying to stop Tatsurou from going rouge as well as offering you an olive branch.”

“What?” Both Akiyamas questioned in unison.

Yamamoto took a calming breath before continuing. “Tatsurou is a soldier of the UFS military and whether we like it or not he is property of the UFS government. However, we can still have him reside in the village with the blessing of the UFS while he is active duty.”

Rizo cocked an eye at Yamamoto. “How?”

Yamamoto returned to the table and took out another file that had the familiar marking of official section 3 documents on it, which he handed to Rizo. “As luck would have it Tatsurou’s CO is an old friend, and he has agreed to help us so long as we agree to not mistreat him. By allowing us to officially request him a liaison from the UFS to help us here in Gosha. But in order to accomplish this I need you to sign these documents stating that you are sending Tatsurou to the UFS for training in scouting and reconnaissance in order to help section 3 as an intel gatherer. So Asagi and the village at large do not question it to much when I have Tatsurou perform missions for us.”

Rizo read the documents while considering Yamamoto’s words. After carefully dissecting the information, he focused back on the man and inquired. “What is Tatsurou officially going to be doing in the UFS for the next four months and why would we need a smokescreen to hide his movements and missions from the village? Do you not intend for him to be part of the task force.”

“Firstly, he will be heading to Quantico Virginia to complete the scout sniper course there. Secondly, no I do not intend for Tatsurou to become part of the task force, at for the time being, as that would hamper his effectiveness.”

Tomoe was next to inquire as she was now reading through the file in her husband’s hands. “Why would that hurt his effectiveness?”

“Because he is currently unknown to not only the village but also our enemies. Which will make him nearly invisible to them and the best way to ensure our enemies don’t find out is to also keep the village in the dark. Not to mention if the village finds out about Tatsurou’s abilities and history many elements of the different clans will see that as an opportunity to make power moves.”

Neither Tomeo nor Rizo could argue that point as the politics of the clans were still rife with messy power struggles, and many would see Tatsurou as a opportunity to achieve greater power and status while weakening the Akiyama clan.

Sighing As he tried to see another way out of this position Rizo commented. “That doesn’t change the fact that we will be putting Tatsurou in just as much if not more danger by having him work outside of the Taimanins knowledge.”

“True.” Yamamoto conceded. “But this is far better an option as it will allow us to keep Tatsurou close while giving us time to heal the wounds of distrust inflicted upon him. Otherwise, he will becalled back to the UFS completely and we will lose him forever.”

That put any other arguments to rest as both Rizo and Tomoe could not argue with Yamamoto’s logic. He was right whether they liked it or not they were stuck. They could not go and retrieve Tatsurou without risking both causing a international incident or destroying Tatsurous last bit of trust and causing him to go rouge. Ultimately this was the best option available given that Yamamoto held most of the cards. Resigned the two signed the forms and escorted Yamamoto to the front of the mansion and with heavy hearts wished him farewell. Yamamoto apologized for the trouble and bid them goodbye before heading to the academy. One hurdle down one to go. Yamamoto thought to himself as he made his way towards the headmistress’s office.

+Headmistress’s Office+

Asagi sat at her desk filling out and filing paperwork and fulfilling her early morning duties when a knock came from the door. “Enter” She responded while looking up to see Commander Yamamoto enter the room. Smiling she rose and greeted him with a bow. “Good morning, Commander. What brings you to my office?”

Yamamoto returned the smile and the bow before stating the reason for his visit. “I have a leave notice for you to sign.” He then reached into his briefcase and retrieved the file with said paperwork before offering it to Asagi.

Taking it Asagi looked inside and arched her eyebrow in confusion. “Akiyama Tatsurou, didn’t he just get back from being abroad in the UFS only a few months ago?”

“He did however his father has stated that his training and attitude have been suffering ever since. So, he is being sent back for specialized training to see if that might help.”

“But why not have him train here? Taturou could receive that training here.”

“True. However, Tatsurou has not been taking well to his clans more traditional training and that is causing tension between him and the clan. So maybe having him perform different training outside the country will calm things down and help Tatsurou see the value of the traditional training.”

Asagi didn’t fully buy this reasoning. She knew the commander was a sly man and though he was an ally he was still not completely beyond doubt. Especially since the plan was to have Tatsurou perform reconnaissance missions under the commander’s direct control. However, the paperwork in the file was in order and legitimate, or at least it looked legitimate. She wanted to inquire further but one look at Yamamoto told her that she would not get any better answers. She had delt with Yamamoto enough to know that she needed to pick her battles. Therefore, she signed off on the paperwork for Tastsurou’s leave without further objection. Asagi then returned the file to Yamamoto who thanked her rose from his chair and left the office with a contemplative Asagi behind him.

She sat behind her desk think back on Tatsurou’s behavior as of late and could agree that his attitude had changed since returning to the village. He had seemed at odds with his father and the Akiyama clan to the point he had asked her for help on multiple occasions. This was not an odd occurrence as many young Taimanin did not fully understand the reason behind their clan’s traditions. So each time the young Akiyama had sought her help she assured him the traditions and training were for his benefit and sent him on his way. But now he was once again leaving the village and receiving training outside the village to work under Yamamoto directly.

“What did I miss?” Asagi thought out loud. Before the ring of her desk phone with a call Murasaki Yatsu about the school lessons for the day as well as a list of the task forces upcoming missions looked like. Which they needed to plan accordingly for caused any other thoughts of the matter and the matter itself to drift away into her subconscious.

+Four Months Later+

Somewhere in the Andes Mountains in Columbia a warehouse sits in the valley between two ridges full of activity. Humans, orcs, and other humanoid creatures work at different tasks for what is the drug lab and distribution center for one Luis Andros, one of the most powerful crime lords currently in Columbia. Armed guards walk the perimeter while workers process and pack the ‘product' for shipping. Little do they know that up on the mountain side leading up to one of the ridges of the valley just about 1km away a serpent in a ghillie suit coiled amongst the grass and shrubs watched them through a rifle scope. He had been waiting and observing for over twelve hours anticipating the arrival of said crime lord. It had taken command months to find this isolated factory and he was not going to waste the chance. Suddenly the activity in the warehouse escalated and guards became more alert as a large and expensive SUV started approaching along the only road that led to the facility. The serpent watched with heightened interest as the vehicle pulled up to the facility and witnessed a man in a lavish suit step out of the vehicle. Confirming the visual of his target the serpent activated the com bead in his ear. “Seeker to Warlord, I have a visual.”

After a couple of seconds of static, a male voice responded. “Warlord copies Seeker you are clear to engage target.”

“Confirmed Seeker out.”

Dialing in his data for the shot Seeker took a few moments to calm his elevated heart rate and slow his breathing. A few heartbeats passed as Seeker watched his target walking from the SUV to the warehouse talking to his head guard, a large muscular orc wearing a flak jacket and carrying an assault rifle. Seeker squeezed the trigger and with a thunderous crack the round sailed through the air to strike Luis‘s spine between his shoulder blades and erupt out this chest through his sternum. As the crime lord crumpled to the ground the whole drug lab seemed to freeze in stunned shock. Then all at once chaos erupted and the guards began to search for the threat that had struck down their leader. After confirming the kill with a video recorder built into the scope of the rifle Seeker began the long 2km crawl back over the top of the ridge. After descending the other side for another 1.5km, which took the better part of a day Seeker found his stored gear that he had hid in a tree prior to his stalk to the drug lab.

Collapsing the rifle and storing it in a hiking pack and then taking off his stealth suit storing it in the pack with the rifle. Seeker then dressed himself in casual clothes and put the pack on looking like nothing more than a tourist out on an overnight camping trip. He walked back out of the mountains to the rendezvous point for extraction.