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SHEATH YOUR BLADE.
The training grounds of the Third Division Tachikawa Base were filled with the sounds of exertion and the clashing of weapons. Akira and Vice-Captain Soshiro Hoshina were in the midst of an intense sparring session, each move calculated and precise. Akira's muscles burned with effort, but she pushed herself harder, determined to match Hoshina's skill.
Hoshina, with his usual foxy grin, dodged and parried her attacks, his movements fluid and controlled. "Come on, Akira. Show me what you've got," he teased, his voice steady despite the intensity of their bout.
Akira narrowed her eyes, focusing on his every move. She saw an opening and lunged forward, executing a series of rapid strikes that forced Hoshina to step back. With a swift maneuver, she swept his legs out from under him and pinned him to the ground, her knee pressing into his chest.
Breathing heavily, Akira allowed herself a triumphant smile. "Got you," she said, a hint of pride in her voice.
Just then, a sound from the edge of the training grounds caught her attention. Akira looked up to see her father, a distinguished man in a sharp suit, standing there with an amused expression on his face. He cleared his throat, drawing their attention.
"Akira," he called his voice a mix of warmth and authority.
Akira's face flushed with embarrassment as she quickly got to her feet and helped Hoshina up. "Father! What are you doing here?" she stammered, trying to regain her composure.
Her father, Mr. Hoshizora, approached with a confident stride. "I came to check up on my only daughter and to personally deliver your newly made Defense Force Combat Suit, crafted by Izumo Tech," he explained, gesturing to a sleek case he held in his hand.
Hoshina, still catching his breath, gave Mr. Hoshizora his signature foxy grin. "So you've been the one keeping my daughter out of harm's way, I thank you," her father said, his tone sincere.
Hoshina chuckled, glancing at Akira. "It's been a pleasure, sir. Your daughter is quite skilled," he said, the teasing note in his voice unmistakable. "She's been keeping me on my toes."
Akira felt her face heat up even more. "Alright, alright," she muttered, stepping between them. "Thank you, Father. I'll show you around."
Before Hoshina could say anything more, Akira grabbed her father's arm and began to lead him away. "Come on, let's go," she insisted, trying to escape the situation as quickly as possible.
As they walked towards the main building, Mr. Hoshizora glanced back at Hoshina. "Take care of her, Vice-Captain," he called, his tone serious.
Hoshina raised a hand in acknowledgment, his grin widening. "I will, sir."
Once they were out of earshot, Akira let out a sigh of relief. "Father, you have the worst timing," she said, half-jokingly.
Mr. Hoshizora smiled, patting her shoulder. "I just wanted to see how you're doing. And it looks like you're doing quite well."
They reached a quiet spot, and Mr. Hoshizora handed her the sleek case. "Here it is, your new combat suit. Izumo Tech has outdone themselves this time. I hope it serves you well."
Akira opened the case and examined the suit, her eyes widening with appreciation. The craftsmanship was impeccable, the design sleek and advanced. "Thank you, Father. This is amazing."
Mr. Hoshizora nodded, pleased. "I'm glad you like it. Now, go show that Vice-Captain what you're capable of with this new suit."
Akira laughed, feeling a surge of confidence. "I will. Thanks again, Father."
After her father left, Akira returned to the training grounds, her new suit in hand. Hoshina was waiting for her, his curiosity evident. "Nice suit. Care to give us a demonstration?"
Akira nodded, already feeling the excitement building. She quickly changed into the new suit, marveling at how perfectly it fit. The material was lightweight yet incredibly durable, and she could feel the enhancements as she moved.
