The Legend of the Sun Pillar

Chapter 06 - 3rd Season

— Tanjiro, wake up. Wake up!

The redhead stirred at the call and immediately sensed the difference in climate and atmospheric pressure compared to the country where he was born and raised for more than one lifetime — perhaps even two. They were still airborne, but the plane was gradually descending toward the sea. In a few minutes, they would be on solid ground, but the aircraft was already in North American airspace. The military authorities? They were aware of their presence and had granted permission for their approach.

Still a bit groggy from having slept through the entire flight, Tanjiro got up and walked over to one of the airplane windows. Looking down, all he could see were white clouds and occasional dark storm clouds over the open sea.

— How long until we land? - he asked, settling into one of the seats. It was a bit chilly, so he used his concentrated breathing technique to warm himself. An unusual method, but quite useful when blankets weren't readily available. — Kanae.

— We should arrive in about forty minutes, sleepyhead. - Kocho smiled and playfully flicked his forehead, then sat down beside him. She sighed; she was worried about what awaited them once they set foot on American soil, but she chose to believe that whatever happened, Tanjiro would handle it.

They didn't talk much after that. Kanae was too anxious to focus on anything else, and Tanjiro just wanted to reach solid ground as quickly as possible. Not that he disliked flying or conversing with Kanae, but the combination of anxiety and the turbulence they'd experienced hadn't been kind to his stomach.

"Keeping up the concentrated breathing technique is getting more nauseating. Ugh, I know it's silly to say this, but I hope these forty minutes pass quickly", he grumbled mentally, closing his eyes. Eventually, he drifted back into a light doze.

[...]

The arrival of the Japanese military delegation on American soil was unexpected, especially for the upper echelons of the U.S. military. Although they had allowed entry based on confirmation of non-hostile intentions, some members remained wary of this sudden visit, especially since it included an officer they had never heard of. When the seaplane touched down in the waters off Washington, D.C., the delegation was greeted by the U.S. Navy. A group of ships — comprising the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier and five USS Hammann destroyers — had been dispatched by the Navy for escort duty and, if necessary, to neutralize any potential threat. After all, the United States and Japan were on the brink of becoming enemies in World War II, unless circumstances changed.

As Tanjiro and his team disembarked from the plane in motorized boats, the American military personnel were taken aback by the sight of an extremely young child — someone who didn't even appear to be of legal age — wearing high-ranking Japanese attire and clearly respected by the Japanese military personnel who had arrived on the plane. Communication initially faltered because Tanjiro was unfamiliar with American English, and most of the U.S. military personnel had no idea how to understand Japanese.

However, the problem didn't persist for long. As soon as Tanjiro and his team reached the aircraft carrier, an interpreter personally welcomed them. He spoke fluent Japanese and even had some Oriental features — slanted eyes, slightly pale skin, dark hair, and a somewhat more refined face.

(JAP) — Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. - the interpreter addressed Kanae first, before Tanjiro and the others. The reason was that he had mistaken her for the group's leader. — I apologize that our general couldn't personally receive you, but I inform you that he awaits you at the Pentagon.

(Just as in this fanfic's alternate history, World War II was started earlier, the Pentagon was also built earlier. In the history of our world, the Pentagon was created and built during World War II.)

(JAP) — The Pentagon? - Kanae asked, puzzled. She immediately realized the interpreter had confused her as the group's leader and decided to play along. Tanjiro also caught on, sensing Kanae's intentions through her scent, and chose to continue the misunderstanding.

(JAP) — You'll understand when you get there. Now, please follow me. - The interpreter was accompanied by a group of six heavily armed Marines. As he turned to ascend the stairs leading to the aircraft carrier's command center, the Marines surrounded the delegation, informing them they would serve as their 'escort.'