Sequence 4

Shuji turned from the now closed door to look out into the courtyard. In the time that it’d taken himself and Kin to eat the area had mostly emptied. However, his attention was drawn to a man standing on the male side hall swinging a broom. It looked as if he was practicing kendo with the care that he took with him swings. But why a broom?

Shuji crossed the GUARDIAN compound and climbed the stairs to the male apartments. As he approached the rising kendo-star, he softened his step.

“I think you got him. But the air’s not much of an opponent.”

At the sound of his voice, the young man dropped his mighty sword and turned around sheepishly. From the look on his face, there was no way he could be more than twenty-two. Was he Rear Guard? Was he supposed to be sweeping?

“Oh… I’m sorry. Am I in your way?”

“A bit, but I’m more concerned about your broom. Are you supposed to be sweeping with that? Or are we out of swords to give the Rear Guard?” At the mention of it, the young man looked at his now discarded broom. He gasped and quickly scurried to collect it.

“Sorry Mr... wait… who are you? Are you new here?” he asked quickly while he leaned on his broom.

“I am. I’m the new Lancer here. And you are who exactly?”

Upon hearing Shuji’s rank, the young man’s eyes widened, and he took a step back. He straightened his back as if he was about to salute. Oh no. “I’m sorry Lancer-san. My name is Kojima Seiji. I’m a PFC in the Rear Guard. And… your name is what, Lancer-san?”

Shuji wasn’t familiar with the rank of PFC. What did it even stand for? Unlike most members of GUARDIAN, Shuji never went through a maiden stint in the Rear Guard while he learned how to fight and control his soul. He entered GUARDIAN at thirteen with those skills. It kept creeping up on him how young he was.

“It’s Yotogi Shuji. And a PFC? Is that… good? Bad? Mediocre?”

“Oh, yes. Yes, it’s good. Soon I get to choose between going into the Vanguard and staying in the Rear Guard. Though, you don’t care about any of that, Yotogi-san.” Kojima was still standing uncomfortably straight. Was Shuji supposed to say “at ease?”

“At ease?” Kojima took a more comfortable posture. What an uncomfortable responsibility Shuji had, telling people when they could relax. “Which are you leaning towards?”

“Oh! I’d very much like to join the Vanguard Yotogi-san.”

“What’s your contract weapon?”

“It’s a shield. Do you want to see it?” Kojima dropped his broom and prepared to summon his weapon.

“I’d rather not,” the young Lancer spat quickly.

“Oh…” Kojima’s face sank at this. He moved to pick up his broom.

“I don’t think a shield is suited to killing Oni.”

“Are they… are they really that terrifying?”

“Hmmm?” Shuji stopped on his heels.

“Oni. Are they really as terrifying as we’re taught?”

“Well, they’re as tall as you’re taught. But they’re a bit more docile than any Academy lets on. But, you knowing that would only make you more complacent. It’s only done to prepare you in an attempt to lower casualties. If a handful of diagrams and ghost stories scare you, you’re probably not cut out for field work.”

The young man’s face dropped even further at this. For a while, he remained silent. Perhaps he was contemplating what Shuji just said or perhaps he was worried that joining the Vanguard was probably beyond his aptitude. Shuji should say something. Probably something reassuring.

“Well, you could always see if you could tag along on a mission to observe. Some people are confident going in but then can’t handle fighting with an actual Oni. But,” he added hastily. “Some people are the opposite. You’re probably just anxious.”

Shuji took steps to round him and began to walk to his room. However, Kojima spoke up and demanded Shuji’s attention. “What about you, Yotogi-san?”

“Hm?” the young Lancer turned back to Kojima.

“How did you feel when you saw your first Oni in person.”

“I threw up,” he lied. “And after I killed my first one I threw up again.” Kojima’s face lightened at this. Of course, Shuji had a much calmer reaction to killing his first Oni. However, lying was perhaps for the best here. It was certainly easier. It was getting so easy to lie to people.

“Would you consider letting me tag along sometime Yotogi-san?”

Oh no. Shuji’s attempt to give Kojima confidence had given him too much confidence. For a moment he imagined having to watch over both Kojima, of questionable competence, and Umeki. That sounded like a headache, but Shuji was hoping this exchange outside his room would be finished by now. “Sure. If an easier mission comes my way, I’ll let you know.” Please let that be enough.

“Thank you Yotogi-san,” Kojima parted with a bow. Was the bow necessary? That felt too stiff. Should Shuji return the bow? That would be the formal thing to do. He gave a small bow before turning to his room. People were striking conversations with Shuji everywhere he turned in Nagasaki. Well, at least he wouldn’t get lonely.