The morning sun crept over the horizon, casting a pale light on the White Blades' training grounds. Kaito and Yuna, standing side by side, were preparing to leave for their mission into Kurogane. Both recruits looked determined, though the weight of the task ahead clearly rested heavily on their young shoulders. Their armor felt heavier today, not just from the steel, but from the responsibility they carried.
Takeda, Daigo, and Mira stood nearby, watching the pair with mixed expressions—concern, pride, and unease. Even the usually laid-back Daigo wasn't cracking jokes this time. The tension was too thick.
Shin stood apart from the rest, leaning against a post with his arms crossed. His silver eyes, cold and distant, followed every movement of the two recruits. Despite the icy demeanor he projected, the frustration from yesterday's briefing still simmered beneath the surface.
Takeda stepped forward, his voice gruff but filled with underlying care.
Takeda:
"Remember what we taught you. Stick to the shadows, stay quiet, and don't engage unless you have to. This isn't about fighting—it's about getting the intel and coming back alive."
Kaito nodded, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.
Kaito:
"We'll be okay, Takeda. We won't let you down."
Yuna, ever calm and composed, spoke with quiet confidence.
Yuna:
"We've been given this mission because the kingdom believes in us. We won't fail."
Shin watched the exchange in silence, his mind churning with unspoken thoughts. The mission felt wrong. He knew it was wrong. But despite the rage boiling inside him, he couldn't openly defy the government's orders. He turned his back on the group, staring off into the distance as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.
Mira, sensing the tension in Shin, approached him cautiously. Her voice was soft, almost motherly.
Mira:
"Captain, they'll be alright. Kaito and Yuna may be new, but they've learned fast. You trained them well."
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Shin didn't respond at first. His eyes remained fixed on the horizon, distant and cold.
Shin (thinking):
"They're not ready… not for this."
He clenched his fists, the frustration he felt bubbling up again. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice low and sharp.
Shin:
"If they're caught… there's no saving them. Kurogane won't show mercy."
Mira sighed, nodding slowly. She knew there was truth in Shin's words, but she also believed in the recruits. She had to.
Mira:
"We have to trust them, Captain. They're White Blades. They'll make it back."
Shin scoffed, shaking his head slightly. He could feel the weight of the mission pressing down on him, but his cold exterior never cracked.
Shin (coldly):
"We'll see."
Takeda stepped forward again, breaking the silence.
Takeda:
"The sooner they leave, the sooner they can get it over with."
Daigo, trying to ease the tension just a little, offered a small smile.
Daigo:
"Yeah, just don't go getting yourselves killed, alright? We've got a spot at the table waiting for you when you get back."
Kaito grinned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
Kaito:
"We'll be back before you know it."
Yuna, still as calm as ever, gave a small nod.
Yuna:
"We'll do our best."
With that, Kaito and Yuna prepared to leave. Shin finally turned back toward them, his silver eyes cold and unreadable. He knew he couldn't stop them now. He could only watch, his heart heavy with unspoken anger and dread.
Shin:
"You leave at dawn. Don't make any mistakes."
As the two recruits turned and began their journey toward the Kurogane border, Shin's gaze lingered on them for a moment longer. His thoughts raced, filled with doubt and anger at the government for forcing this mission on them.
When they were finally out of sight, Shin cursed under his breath.
Shin (quietly, frustrated):
"Why them…?"
Mira, standing beside him, placed a gentle hand on his arm, but he didn't acknowledge it. His mind was already racing, filled with the fear of what might happen to Kaito and Yuna. He couldn't shake the nagging thought that they were being sent to their deaths.
As the others returned to the barracks, Shin remained outside, staring at the path Kaito and Yuna had taken.
Shin (thinking):
"If I don't step in… they won't make it back."
The weight of the decision pressed down on him, heavier than any blade he had ever carried. But disobeying orders meant risking everything—not just for him, but for his entire team.
Still, Shin wasn't the kind of captain to sit idly by.
Shin (thinking):
"I'll watch over them… even if it means breaking the rules."
With that final thought, he turned and headed toward his quarters, a plan forming in his mind. He wouldn't let the recruits face this mission alone. Not if he had anything to say about it.
End of Chapter