— He accepted, let's go! — Yumi said, interrupting, while pulling Kay by the arm.

— Oh, you bastard! Stop accepting missions without my permission! — Takemichi shouted at Kay.

— I only agreed to talk to you first. Yan here is a witness! — Kay defended herself, indicating Yan, who just nodded in confirmation.

Takemichi narrowed his eyes at Kay. — Look, he's injured and won't be able to fight fully. I won't allow him to go.

— Does that bother you? — Yumi asked, looking directly at Kay.

— No — Kay replied firmly.

— Then it's decided! — Yumi replied firmly.

Kay sighed, trying to find a middle ground. — Look, it doesn't bother me, but Takemichi is right. With my condition, my performance will be affected, and that might worry my companions. How about taking the captain in my place?

Nina considered the idea and gave a slight smile. — Good idea.

Takemichi raised his hands in protest. — No way! Don't drag me into this trouble!

— It's no use. We need someone who can use firearms and wear specific clothing for the mission. How about this: I take Kay and a few more soldiers? — Yumi suggested, having no patience for further arguments.

Takemichi sighed, exasperated. — Other divisions would be more appropriate for this.

Yumi shook her head. — The first division doesn't get involved in matters outside the allied kingdoms, and I don't want another division. I'll take Kay.

— Leave this mission to my squad. They're capable of completing it — Kay insisted.

— Your squad? — Yumi asked, surprised.

— They won't — Takemichi replied, determined.

Yumi gave him an impatient look. — There's no point in looking at me like that — he said, impassive.

— Aren't you going to help your friend? — she pressed.

Takemichi sighed, but still maintained his argument. — That’s not the point. It was all last minute, I should have told you beforehand.

Yumi sighed, relenting a little. — Okay, we’ll be on the mission in two days. I just came to pick up the squad to meet my team before we leave.

Takemichi nodded, but made one final demand. — No matter what happens, the details of this mission will remain between our divisions only. Can you promise that?

Yumi smiled. — That’s it? Promised.

Takemichi turned to Kay, his tone serious. — Kay, your squad will take over this mission. If any of them die, you will be held responsible, understand?

Kay nodded. — Yes.

Yumi smiled. “I’ll take good care of your people.”

Takemichi looked at the helicopter. “Can fifteen more people fit in there?”

Yumi laughed. “Fifteen? Ours can hold up to thirty, without the equipment.”

Takemichi let out an ironic laugh. “That’s very humble of you. You can take his squad.”

As they walked away, Yumi noticed Kay’s determined posture and asked casually, “Have you become a leader?”

“Yes, it’s only been a few days,” Kay replied, smiling.

“Impressive. And how did you get hurt?” Yumi asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I was careless on defense, but I’ll be fine,” Kay said.

She looked at him quizzically. “Were you caught by surprise?”

Kay laughed. “Surprised me too.”

Nina, the vice-captain, watched, intrigued. This guy is no ordinary one, she thought.

Kay picked up the radio and announced to her division, “Attention, Fifth Division.” After breakfast, come to the courtyard.

Yumi looked at him, surprised. — Only fifteen in your division?

Kay replied, with conviction: — They are all extremely capable. They will complete the mission.

She stared at him for a moment, assessing his confidence. — Two days, then. In addition to the clothes and weapons, take personal items for the stay.

— I will prepare my things. When they arrive, let me know. Kay said, leaving.

Yumi was getting ready to leave, but was stopped by Nina, who grabbed her arm.

— You will wait here too! — Nina said firmly.

— I want to go with him! — Yumi replied, struggling to free herself.

Kay laughed and, with a reassuring look, said:

— I will be right back. Wait here! — and began to walk away.

Yumi was reluctant, but remained quiet, while Nina watched her closely.

The scene changed and soon everyone from the Fifth Division was inside the helicopter, ready for the mission.

"They're staring at you, Kay!" Yumi commented, noticing the curious looks from the members of the division.

— Why would that be? — Kay replied with an ironic smile.

— Let him go, Yumi! — Mira shouted from behind.

— You let him go! — Yumi retorted.

— Be quiet back there! — Nina said, already irritated by the argument.

At that moment, another helicopter approached the base.

— Kay, your package arrived! — Fernanda said over the radio.

— Was it today? I had forgotten! — Kay replied, surprised.

The institute's helicopter landed in the courtyard, and Kay asked Kratos for help.

— Kratos, give me a hand here! — Kay called.

— Sure! — Kratos replied, descending with him to the helicopter.

The pilot opened the door and handed Kay a wooden box. Kay thanked him and Kratos picked it up easily.

— Isn't it heavy? — Kay asked, surprised by Kratos' ease.

— To be honest, it's only the weight of the box. Is there really anything inside? — Kratos replied, intrigued.

— Yes! Take it inside — said Kay.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

They returned to their seats, and Kay gave the order:

— We can go!

Nina closed the door and the pilot turned on the helicopter, ready for takeoff.

— What's that? — Mira asked, curious.

— They're masks to be attached to the suit! — Kay replied, opening the box.

— Masks? — Mira and Yumi exclaimed, both surprised.

Kay rummaged through the contents of the box, revealing that it was full of shredded papers for protection. He removed some and pulled out the first mask, which had the letter "K" on the cheek.

— Dark mask, with gold details and a letter! Fernanda knows what she's doing! — said Kay, putting the mask on her face. — The eye holes are big enough not to hinder vision, you can breathe normally, and there are small holes so your voice comes out less muffled! You can even adjust the tightness on your head. I like it! I don't know if they all have initials, but go get them!

The recruits looked at him in confusion.

— I can't believe you're wasting resources on this! — Nina said, irritated.

Kay looked thoughtfully at the box of masks.

"I want the children... people to see the soldiers smiling, even in unfavorable conditions," he thought, before speaking out loud. — The mask will hide the soldiers' expression of pain. I want them to know that they can trust the army to protect them! So, when you show your faces, don't show an expression of suffering or fear. Just smile, even if it hurts!" — Kay took off the mask and smiled, forcing a positive expression.

"That seemed a little personal!" — Yumi commented, suspicious.

"Who knows... It just seemed kind of cool to walk around killing ghouls wearing that mask!" — Kay replied, putting the mask back on.

Mira took the box and began to distribute the masks, each one with the initial of the person's name.

"You both have the same initial, so switch based on the shape of the mask!" — Mira said, handing the masks to San and Slayer.

San and Slayer looked at the two masks and, after a quick exchange of glances, reached a consensus and exchanged the masks.

— You are not required to wear the masks, especially in areas without civilians! — Kay said, observing the situation.

— I want one too! — Yumi said anxiously.

— You have to ask someone to make one for you! — Kay replied.

— Okay, but now take off that mask! — Yumi demanded, crossing her arms.

Kay took off the mask, as requested.

— Hey, Yumi... You know I'm dating Mira, right? If you get too close to me, she'll get angry! — Kay whispered, trying to divert the situation.

— Young people... — Yumi muttered, visibly frustrated.

— Stay away from him, Yumi! — Mira said, irritated.

— I don't want it, you stay away! — Yumi retorted firmly.

— Where's your professional side? — Kay exclaimed, rolling her eyes.

— And whose fault is it? — Mira and Yumi answered at the same time, as if they had rehearsed it.

Kay remained silent, just accepting the situation without complaining.

— Say something! — the two insisted, in unison.

— What do I say? I'm going to come off as wrong anyway, so leave me alone here, just catching some sleep! — Kay replied, lying down.

"What the hell, are we being forced to watch this?" thought all the recruits in the helicopter.

"Hey, Mira, I just realized something!" — Kay said, suddenly changing the subject.

"What?" — Mira asked, confused.

"We didn't get coffee at the base!" — Kay replied with a smile, trying to ease the tension.

"He's changing the subject?" thought Nina, watching the scene carefully.

"I got it! We can get by for a week with what I brought!" — Mira replied, excited, showing a small bottle of coffee.

"But we're only staying for two days!" thought the recruits, exchanging confused looks.

"Good job!" — Kay praised, smiling.

Mira smiled back, pleased with Kay's reaction.

"The world has been reduced to six countries. The distance between them isn't that great, but since we're going from the sixth to the fourth division, it's going to take a long time. So, to shorten the flight time, we're going to switch to a military plane that's waiting for us. With that, it'll only take us five hours to get to our country. How cool is that! — Yumi explained, excited about the solution.

“Five... wake me up when we get there!” — Kay replied, already starting to settle down for sleep.

“It's five there and five back to see you, and you treat me coldly, heartlessly!” — Yumi replied, with a mischievous smile.

“This world really needs a change…” — Kay murmured, thoughtfully.

“What are you talking about?” — Yumi asked, surprised.

Kay laid Mira's head on her shoulder and, with a fluid gesture, did the same with Yumi, placing her head on the other shoulder.

“I have the incredible ability to remain still while I sleep, so just relax, both of you, and go to sleep!” — Kay said, closing her eyes and settling back into the seat.

— But I'm not sleepy! — Mira protested, embarrassed.

— Me neither! — Yumi said, also a little embarrassed.

— Then just relax! — Kay insisted, putting the mask on her face again, signaling that she didn't want to talk anymore.

— Okay, but you better sleep after we're on the plane! — Yumi finally gave in, knowing that it would be difficult to convince Kay otherwise.

The helicopter finally landed at an airport outside the walls, they switched vehicles.

— Oh, I remember they mentioned the existence of airports outside the walls... — Kay murmured, with an air of curiosity, observing the place.

— Yes, this is a transition zone. The weapons around the airport are all controlled remotely, so we can say that the defense is automatic, but of course, it is not completely guaranteed. — Yumi explained. — Since there is no one living around here, the ghouls rarely attack these places, so we can use these airports to safely exchange vehicles.

Nina added, with a serious expression:

— Each country has an airport outside the walls, for emergencies and army maneuvers. For example, that plane over there and those helicopters are from the sixth division. They are here to be used in cases of emergency that require quick responses in other countries. These airports function as strategic points, allowing for refueling and maintenance of vehicles. So, any trip between countries necessarily involves a stop at one of these airports.

— Interesting, and this one we are in now? — Kay exclaimed, looking at the plane.

— It is also from the sixth division! — Nina replied.

— The captain didn't know how many people could come here. Why? — Kay asked, curious.

— That's because he doesn't usually go to other countries. He only uses the planes from your base! — Yumi explained.

Kay thought for a moment.

— I see. So, in the case of an attack, the other countries ask for help from the other divisions. Being in last place makes people suspicious! It makes sense! — Kay said, taking in the explanation.

The plane headed for the runway. Yumi made a serious expression.

— I don't want to judge Takemichi, but the highest death rate in the army is from his division. So, looking at it that way, our country prefers to ask for help from others who are more capable! — Yumi commented, with a critical tone, without ceasing to be objective.

Mira was visibly saddened by Yumi's words. Kay noticed and held her hand, trying to comfort her.

— If that's what people think of us, then they better rethink from today on! — Kay said firmly, looking at the others around her. Her expression was serious, but full of determination.

“I know that being in the last squad has always been seen as a dishonor, but the captain and the others have always treated me with respect. They believe in me, and I believe in them. We will complete this mission, no matter what it takes!” said Raven, her voice firm and her eyes shining with determination.

“How cute!” said Yumi, smiling.

“True!” agreed Kay and Mira, still smiling.

Raven looked at them, confused.

“What?” she exclaimed, surprised.

Yumi laughed and explained:

“I thought you were the type of person who says ‘when I get the chance, I’ll run away to the first division!’ That’s what I thought!”

— Seriously? — Mira asked, a little surprised.

Kay shrugged, still with a smile on her face.

— Considering the way Raven behaves and her skills, it makes sense that you would think so, since you don't spend much time with her.

Raven was thoughtful, frowning.

"The way I behave? Why did he say that?" — she thought, confused and a little uncomfortable with the observation.

Yumi then spoke in a more serious tone, changing the subject:

— Anyway, practically all of you here caught the attention of the captains of the other divisions during the recruitment. If you continue to show your worth, one day you might change divisions or even make the sixth division rise in the scoreboard!

Kay was sitting, with his eyes already closed, trying to rest.

Slayer, curious, asked:

— But what changes if a division rises in the scoreboard?

Yumi, always frank, answered:

— Honestly, nothing. To be honest, it only gets worse. When other divisions are in trouble, they will ask you for help, because they will start to see you differently.

"No benefit?" Slayer asked, suspicious.

Yumi nodded, with an ironic smile.

"When you are recruiting, more talented people will want to join your division."

Nina, who had been quiet until then, added:

"And in the future, with more recruits, you will be able to conquer more lost kingdoms in your country. With that, your country will develop even more and the threat of ghouls will also increase!"

"Since you are recruits, let me explain: titles, recognition, promotions... they only give you more work! Of course it is good to see people trusting us, but in practice, it only brings more responsibility and pressure!" said Yumi

"Isn't that a bit contradictory, Yumi?" asked Mira, thoughtfully.

"Sometimes, I think I would prefer to continue without the burden of being recognized. Less responsibility, more freedom." — Yumi replied, laughing humorlessly.

— It's not just about what you gain, it's about what you lose too. Kratos said

— Exactly! You lose your freedom, you lose your privacy, you lose the possibility of making small decisions for yourself, because now you have to answer for every move. — Yumi replied.

— And you, Kay, what do you want? — Raven asked

— He's sleeping! — Mira said

— I want to kill all the ghouls! I think that's what he would answer! — Yumi said, with an impatient smile.

— You're right, he would also say that he would protect people in the process! — Mira added, with a thoughtful look.

— In matters of skill, I recognize Kay as superior, but in everything else he's horrible! — Raven said, with a sigh of frustration.

— There's only one thing Kay says that you can be sure he won't break! — Mira said, with a tone of conviction.

— What would it be? — Raven exclaimed, confused.

“When he promises!” — Mira replied, with a sparkle in her eyes. — If he promises to be a good leader, he will be. Now, as for the matter of following my father’s orders and taking the army seriously… He didn’t promise, but since he said it all with such conviction, I’ll believe him. However, it’s quite possible that he’ll change his mind in the future.

“I’m still not sure if he’s the leader the army needs, but maybe he’ll surprise me.” — Mira thought, silently reflecting on Kay’s words.

The journey continued peacefully.