GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 8: Siege of Italica Part 4 (Rewritten)

East Gate, Italica

March 29, 2028, 03:53 (29th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

Hearing Skiff's voice crackle through the radio brought a rare smile to Adam's face, a sense of nostalgia softening his usual sharp demeanor. He pressed the push-to-talk button without hesitation.

"Skiff? What the hell are you doing out here?"

The reply came with urgency. "Yeah, it's me. We'll catch up later. Right now, focus on staying safe. Backup's en route—ETA five minutes, inbound by helicopter. Those explosions? Don't sweat it. We're just clearing the path for the birds. Hang tight, Bravo One-One."

Adam couldn't help but smirk. "Copy that, Hitman One. Thanks for the heads-up. We'll hold the fort until backup arrives. Stay safe out there."

Skiff's response was sharp and reassuring. "Always am. Hitman out."

Lowering his radio, Adam turned to find Itami watching him with curiosity.

"Who was that on the radio?" Itami asked.

"Just an old friend," Adam replied with a shrug, though his expression betrayed a hint of nostalgia.

Itami glanced toward the billowing smoke on the battlefield. "And those explosions?"

"Clearing the path for the birds. We'll be fine," Adam assured him.

Itami's expression remained grave, but he nodded, focusing on the task at hand. He turned to the rest of the group, his voice cutting through the chaos.

"Alright, listen up, everyone. We're splitting into two teams. Nishina, take two with you and evacuate the wounded. Move quickly and stay low."

Nishina gave a sharp nod. "We're on it."

Itami turned to the remaining members of the team. His gaze was steady, his tone resolute. "The rest of us will help the defenders hold the line until the helicopters arrive. Fix bayonets and get ready for close combat. Kuribayashi, you're on point."

Kuribayashi nodded without hesitation, her expression hardening with determination. "Understood, sir. I'll lead the way."

"Remember," Itami continued, "we're buying time for the wounded to get out and for our backup to arrive. Stay close and watch each other's backs. We move on my mark."

The team quickly fixed their bayonets, the metallic clicks reverberating through the tense air.

"Alright," Itami said, gripping his weapon tightly. "Let's move out!"

Kuribayashi took point, her movements fluid and purposeful as the team advanced toward the defensive positions. The sounds of battle intensified—shouts, screams, and the clash of steel filling the night. As they reached the frontlines, a striking figure dominated the scene.

Rory stood amidst the chaos, her crimson eyes gleaming in the firelight as her axe cut through the ranks of bandits with terrifying ease. Each swing precise and devastating.

Kuribayashi charged ahead, her bayonet catching the flickering firelight as she dove into the melee. Shoulder-to-shoulder with Rory, she fought with ferocity and precision, her disciplined strikes complementing Rory's wild, brutal swings. Together, they carved through the bandit ranks like a storm, leaving chaos in their wake.

A bandit lunged at Kuribayashi, his sword slicing through the air. She intercepted with the body of her rifle, metal clanging sharply as sparks flew. Without missing a beat, she drew her sidearm with her free hand and fired point-blank. The shot echoed above the battle's roar, and the bandit collapsed in a heap at her feet.