A Vengeful Retribution

Chapter 18: True Nature

3rd POV

Chifuyu: If you think this was tough, you should see me during actual training.

Yap couldn't help but laugh at that, but the whole scene left him with one thought: [Never underestimate any of them.]

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the ocean, Yap made his way to the cliff where Houki stood, gazing out at the sea. The waves crashed softly below, and the air was filled with the salty breeze. Chifuyu stood nearby, arms crossed, her usual stern expression softened slightly by the calming scene.

Yap: So this is where you've been hiding, Houki Shinonono.

Houki turned slightly at the sound of his voice, but said nothing, continuing to look out at the horizon.

Chifuyu: The ocean's not going anywhere, Houki. You can give me your attention now.

Houki sighed and turned fully to face Chifuyu, though her gaze flickered briefly toward Yap. There was an unspoken tension, something about the conversation that seemed heavier than usual.

Chifuyu: I've been meaning to talk to you, Houki. About Tabane.

At the mention of her elder sister's name, Houki's expression darkened slightly, though she remained silent, waiting for Chifuyu to continue.

Chifuyu: You know as well as I do that Tabane always has her own plans. July 7th is coming up—tomorrow, in fact. I expect she'll send you something, something important.

Houki's eyes widened slightly, the curiosity clear on her face. Yap, leaning casually against a nearby tree, listened in but remained silent.

Chifuyu: "The Akatsubaki." She paused for a moment, letting the name sink in. "It's Tabane's creation, and you'll be receiving it soon. But..."

Chifuyu's gaze shifted to Yap for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing her usually composed features. Yap noticed the glance but didn't react outwardly.

Chifuyu: I'm not sure if it will be enough.

Houki frowned. "Enough for what?"

Chifuyu sighed and glanced back toward the horizon, her tone more serious now. "The Akatsubaki is an overspec'd IS, made by Tabane with technology far beyond what most others have. It's supposed to put you on a level far above your peers. But with the IS that Yap wields..."

She glanced at Yap again, this time with clear concern in her eyes. "I'm not entirely confident it will be enough."

Houki's frown deepened, and she turned her full attention to Yap, her expression unreadable. "You think... the Akatsubaki might not be strong enough to face Yap's IS?"

Yap, who had been quietly observing the conversation, straightened up and crossed his arms.

Yap: It's not about whether it's 'strong enough.' It's about how it's used, Houki. Sure, the Akatsubaki might be overspec'd compared to most IS units. But SoVR... it's something else. Something unpredictable.

Houki clenched her fists slightly, her determination clear. "Then I'll just have to prove that I can handle the Akatsubaki, and face you if it comes to that."

Chifuyu nodded, her eyes still on the ocean. "I want you to be ready, Houki. Tabane doesn't do things without reason, and if she's giving you the Akatsubaki, there's something more going on here. Just... be prepared."

Yap's sudden chuckle broke the tense silence, catching Houki and Chifuyu off guard.

Yap: If the day comes when we have to fight, Houki, don't take it personally. It's not about strength alone.