General 116

 Test

Chapter 116. Business Trip To Okinawa

"Okinawa, here we go again~~!"

I was feeling unusually hyped.

"Blue ocean, white sandy beaches. It’s October, but in Okinawa, it’s still barely summer!"

Next to me, Hayami-san seemed just as excited.

""It’s for work, but I’m still happy to be in Okinawa!”"

This time, Misuzu, Hayami-san, and I came to the Okinawa National Soul Armor Research Institute, accompanying Misuzu in exchange for covering her food expenses.

Last time was a personal trip out of pocket, but this time, it’s official business, so we’re on the company’s dime.

"Though, it’s still just a day trip~"

"Really, thanks to Hayami-san leveling up and being able to transport multiple people, we don’t even need to use a plane anymore."

"Yuu-sama, should I be genuinely happy about that?"

"The charm of travel is zero."

Some people like to enjoy a leisurely trip, but hey, we’re saving on airfare, so it’s kinder on both the budget and the environment.

"Still, to think we can travel instantly from Tokyo to the Okinawa National Soul Armor Research Institute door-to-door! Even with our busy schedules, we could manage a day-trip honeymoon, right, Natori-san?"

"It’s incredibly convenient. Since Director Kirigaya’s trips to Tokyo will be easier, please feel free to go there for work more often. It’ll make my job hunting in Tokyo easier."

Ignoring Dr. Kirigaya's comment, Natori-san responded with his own thoughts.

"Wait, Natori-san, are you planning to quit your job with the military!?"

"I'm in despair because the original HR agreement to stay only until Kyoko’s graduation was overturned. So now, I'm seriously considering a career change."

"Oh my~ Natori-san, you sure love your dark humor~ But I believe in you!"

No, Natori-san may be smiling, but his eyes are dead. I think she’s genuinely job-hunting.

"Well, since this is a good opportunity, let’s also measure Hayami-dono’s abilities along with Misuzu-dono’s."

"Wait, so can I go play at the beach since I’m free?"

"Kamiya-dono. This is still official business, so openly playing around is a no-go. Besides, the condition for this Okinawa trip was that you stay with Misuzu-dono."

"Tch."

"Coming from someone who’s constantly slacking off, that carries no weight."

"Natori-san! Shhh! Anyway, let’s get started. If we finish work quickly, we can play a bit before heading back, so let’s give it our all!"

"That’s the line I always use to coax Director Kirigaya into doing work."

Unfazed, Dr. Kirigaya and Natori-san exchanged their usual banter as we passed through the gates of the Soul Armor Research Institute.

"So, Hayami-dono, when Kamiya-dono broke through the dimensional transfer membrane you created, your limiter was released?"

"Yes. It felt like that was the turning point."

"My soul understood it the same way."

Director Kirigaya was engrossed in Hayami-san’s story, watching the data from various tests displayed on the monitor.

"So, after having your membrane broken, you came out of your shell, huh? I see, I see."

"Director Kirigaya, that's sexual harassment in all directions."

"My apologies. So, Misuzu, how was my dimensional transfer blocking technique constructed back then?"

Hayami-san, having finished changing out of her test clothes, shot a sharp glance at Misuzu. Having her ability’s weakness exposed seemed to be bothering her.

"I don’t really know the principles of the blocking technique. I only provided my avatar, and the researchers developed the technique. In that box, I was just the power source for the spell’s activation."

"I see..."

Misuzu casually explained, but what must it have felt like to be locked in that dark box, endlessly using her soul armor powers until she was spent?

Her emotionless expression might be the result of contemplating that very question.

"Hmm. Misuzu-dono has a special constitution that allows her to use various soul Armor abilities, and the recognition-blocking technique worked. I hypothesize that by intentionally shifting the waveform and bundling the technique, it disrupted the dimensional transfer. I’d like to run an experiment, so Misuzu-dono, could you generate five avatars?"

"Got it. I’ll head over there and do it."

Like she was just heading to the bathroom, Misuzu took five test suits and headed to a separate room.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

"That wraps up today’s tests."

"In the end, we didn’t have time to play after work, huh."

Watching the sunset over the beach from the cafeteria window of the Soul Armor Research Institute, I shot a slightly resentful look at Dr. Kirigaya.

"Well, thanks to this, I came up with some tactical ideas, so it was quite productive."

"Yeah, I guess. Especially regarding Hayami-san’s spatial transfer technique. It’s improved far beyond expectations."

"This could completely overturn the common sense of the battlefield. Hayami-dono could even be considered a special, single-unit force."

"For life, I want to remain Yuu-sama’s adjutant, so if any recommendations come up, please shut them down."

Dr. Kirigaya, clearly excited, received a wry smile from Hayami-san.

Wait, did she just casually say she’ll be with me for life? Isn’t she making decisions too lightly about something that could shape her entire career?

"That said, doesn’t Japan have no more enemies at this point? The Eastern Federation has essentially already submitted to Japan."

Misuzu asked with a slightly conflicted expression. Though they had tried to use her up, it was clear she couldn’t entirely sever her feelings toward her homeland.

But I actually felt relieved to see Misuzu’s human emotions stir. It’s natural, after all.

"That country was the only one stubbornly resisting us. Now that they've lost their trump card, Misuzu-dono, there’s no reason for them to voluntarily stay in the Stone Age without modern communications. They’ll surrender soon enough."

Rumors of high-ranking officials from the Eastern Federation frantically seeking asylum had already reached our ears.

Even though the country’s internal communications were still cut off, the people would soon learn of their government's betrayal.

Just imagining the outrage when the public found out about the government’s failures and the officials fleeing first is terrifying.

"Well, we’ll leave that to the diplomats. We’ll focus on our training. I look forward to working with you tomorrow too~"

"If it’s going to be several days, I wish we could stay over. Day trips to Okinawa just don’t have the same charm."

"Yusuke. The food in the cafeteria here is delicious. Misuzu likes it."

I was glad to see that Misuzu, having undergone the tests, was satisfied.

"Oh, right. Since we’re here, how about we stay for dinner before heading back?"

"Um... Misuzu-dono, I’m sorry, but you ate all the ingredients during lunch, so the cafeteria won’t be serving dinner tonight."

"Shobon."

Now that I think about it, Misuzu had devoured everything from goya champuru to soki soba and taco rice, practically covering all Okinawan cuisine in one meal.

"Well, then, how about we go out for dinner? Dr. Kirigaya can treat us. Natori-san, could you arrange the car?"

"Understood."

"Why should I be paying?! Rank-wise, Major General Kamiya is the highest!"

"In situations like these, it’s tradition for the eldest to pay. I already made reservations at our usual Okinawan oden restaurant."

"Natori-san, why are you even faster than usual today? And this meal’s going on the research budget, right? Right, Natori-san!?"

"The car has arrived, so let’s head out."

"Yay~ I wonder what Okinawan oden is like? I’m excited~"

Ignoring Dr. Kirigaya’s pained cries behind us, we eagerly headed out to enjoy Okinawa’s night.