Chapter 8: S.T.R.I.K.E

Another fruitful day has passed. Is what Kiyoto wanted to think, but in reality, he was on standby for two days. Truthfully said, he was not that unproductive since he was training and making friends along with visiting nearby areas these last days. However he wanted to be at least a part of something.

Then that day has finally come as he was summoned to the briefing room. He heard that his supposed to be partner, Johan, has finally returned from his mission.

For anyone curious, what kind of mission from the [Swords] would take a lot of time? See, in order to keep in touch and maintain stable relationships with the other Heralds, Akafuyu sends out her trusted members to be an envoy.

They would then perform missions and assist the Heralds or their chosen envoys as well while gathering necessary informations.

Johan is one as such. As per mentioned back then, he was dubbed as the ace of their organization because if you leave something to him, it will somehow work out. This man will be entrusted later on to be Kiyoto's partner.

On the way to the briefing room, Kiyoto noticed someone waving from afar. It was Fudo who was with her partner Yato. Intrigued why the two are in the Main Headquarters instead of the usual area they are designated to, Kiyoto approached them as he waved back.

"Halloo Kiyoto! Doing well after your epic showdown with a strong bad guy?" *Insert dramatic yet badass pose*

The two of them, Yato and Kiyoto, are both speechless. Although it's normal. After all, Fudo is one of the liveliest of the bunch, she is also a very talkative person unless a situation doesn't deem her to.

Kiyoto scratches the back of his head as he replies. "I've been doing well, thank you…uhm, what are you two doing here by the way?"

"Since Johan has returned, I will be the next envoy." Yato answered. "But of course, Fudo's not included since she's a troublemaker. She's sure to make more trouble than to solve anything."

"What are you talking about, I can solve problems too, you know. Not just as efficient as you." She didn't seem to decline the troublemaker part.

Yato, unlike Fudo, is a man of brains. It's like comparing a human to a monkey. Both can make trouble, but one has the ability to solve said trouble. It's just that, he is not that active. He tends to slack whenever he sees the opportunity to do so, but not this time since it's a direct order from Akafuyu.

"I-I see. Then what will happen with Fudo while you're gone?"

"Probably will be on standby for the next months." Yato said sarcastically, but no one could detect it.

"Eh? No way! I don't want to be a burden for my parents!" Fudo weeps with imaginary tears. It's like watching stand-up comedians doing drama.

"Come now, he can't be serious right?"

Kiyoto asked with a bit of concern.

Yato sharpened his gaze at Kiyoto as he turned on him. Kiyoto in response furrowed his brows although no one can tell he did so because of the mask. Yato then smirks and pats Fudo's shoulder.

"Yeah yeah, I'm just joking so stop crying you child. Anyway, I'll be on my way. Can't keep Lord Akafuyu waiting." Yato raised his right hand as he walked away from them. The two did the same as a response.

"So, I'll lead the way then."

"Eh?" Kiyoto confusedly looked at her.

After a while, the two finally arrived at the briefing room where Commander Gwyn is waiting along with three unfamiliar faces. It looks like Fudo was also called to attend this briefing.

"Are any of you briefed or have any idea what this meeting is about?" Gwyn asked everyone in the room as he took turns in turning gazes at them.

Kiyoto thought to himself: 'I thought I was just here to be introduced to Johan…but then I was surprised that Fudo was called as well. What's happening?'

A certain someone stepped forward. A tall blonde man wearing a long dark coat with an insignia of the [Swords]. Underneath is a white military long sleeve, tucked inside his slacks.

"I was told that I would only meet one person here. Never thought the team was gonna expand or something, Commander." The man said while glancing at others except Kiyoto.

"That's right Johan, we thought about an expansion" Gwyn replied.

Johan lives up to his name. His appearance can already express the type of person he is. Even though he is still young, he already tackled responsibilities beyond his age. Though with that said, he's still that type of, quote and quote, stereotype.

"Though, I can't really help it when there are beautiful additions." He said while looking at the two ladies inside the room, which is Fudo and the other one.

Fudo clasps her hands and with a smile, she thanked Johan, oblivious of his flirt angle. "Yay! Thanks Johan!" Meanwhile the other lady didn't budge a bit. To refresh, inside the room there are six people in total including Gwyn.

"I'll overlook that for now." Before continuing, Gwyn cleared his throat.

"To finally give this a clarification, let me explain. Everyone here is already aware of the [Scythes]'s existence and their alarming goal. I personally handpicked the lot of you to be a team, primarily responsible for tracking them. Your team will also have a special authority to engage if necessary, but don't go overboard."

Gwyn puts a clipboard over the table to show them their roster.

"Your team will be known as S.T.R.I.K.E or Scythes Trackers Responsible for Investigating Known Emergencies. Johan here will be the team Captain. Any missions or tasks will be brought to him."

Every member of the team started to look at each other after Gwyn's announcement, except Kiyoto who was just taken aback. He started to question what specific responsibility does their team have.

"Heh. Sounds like a name that Lord Akafuyu will come up with." Johan spritefully commented.

Gwyn cleared his throat once again and continued: "I know I just announced it, but you and your team already have an inbound task. I hope you all can adapt to each other as soon as possible."

"Well, I hope to have a good day's worth of rest, but since Lord Akafuyu wills it, then I will have to comply." Johan would then take another glance at his teammates. "Then I think introduction is at hand first thing no?"

Gwyn nodded in response.

Without further delay, a man wearing the standard dress code for the [Swords] stepped forward. He had a serious tone displayed in his expression as well as his demeanor.

"I am Takada Hitofumi Yamato, you can just call me Yamato. I was previously stationed at Hakata and its outlying district. I was assigned as reconnaissance before as well so you can expect something from me."

After Yamato, the lady next to him begins her introduction. She looks like someone dependable as well, mature looks and has a great fig- state of mentality. She also wears the standard [Swords] uniform like Yamato and Fudo.

"Chizue Kanzaki, I belonged to an escort and guard team in Itoshima. Though with that said, I'm more capable in handling negotiations and paper transactions than fighting."

Without wasting any more time, the lively Fudo takes over. It might be late already but let us introduce one of the earliest characters we've got. Fudo wears the standard uniform, her hair is tied in a cute high ponytail since she has long tawny hair. Sheathed behind her is a dual cudgel that she mainly used for fighting.

"Fudo's the name! My family name is Yoshida but you can just call me Fudo. Let's see, I was assigned to patrol the lower districts where the thugs are many so I guess you can count me in with the fighting stuff!"

Finally, it's Kiyoto's turn. He's more confident now since the last time he introduced himself was in front of the officers and more crowded compared here.

"I'm Kiyoto. I'm just new around here, but I will do my best to help. I can't really tell anything about myself since I'm currently experiencing amnesia."

"Though I can vouch for him" Gwyn cuts him off, but in a respectable way. It looks like everyone in the room respects their Commander's decision so no one commented further.

"Then it's my turn. Name's Johan and feel free to call me that, no need for formalities and add the Captain title unless the Commander is around." That remark made Gwyn frown.

Johan continued:

"Since I was assigned as the Captain, your wellness will be my responsibility so I won't allow insurgency that will lead to you getting hurt. If there's a foe that you think you can't handle, bring em to me."

With that, Johan bumped his fists together and with a powerful tone he announced:

"S.T.R.I.K.E is now in operation!"