CHAPTER- 9 THE UNKNOWN MAN
"Hataki Squad, assemble at the mission desk. I repeat: Hataki Squad, assemble at the mission desk."
Doors creaked open, and hurried footsteps echoed as the squad members made their way to the central mission hall. Commander Hataki stood waiting, his posture steady, exuding authority. Behind him, the mission desk operator was ready, his expression serious.
As the team gathered, Commander Hataki stepped aside, allowing the operator to address them.
"This is an important moment," the operator began, his voice firm. "Today marks your first mission as a squad after taking the power serum. Commander Hataki will not accompany you on this mission. Leadership and execution will rest entirely on your shoulders."
The operator gestured toward the group, listing their roles. "Yoto, you are the squad leader. Your teammates—Yushin, Hayato, Eiji, and Akemi—will rely on your decisions to guide this operation. It's time to put all your training into action."
Hayato's voice burst out, brimming with excitement. "Where is the mission going to take place? Can you give us the location and the mission details?"
The operator's response was perplexing. "Even I don't know."
Hataki frowned, his tone sharp. "What do you mean, even you don't know?"
The operator clarified, though his explanation did little to ease the tension. "What I mean is, I was informed that this team has a mission. Beyond that, I was given no specifics."
Hataki's voice grew more serious. "With respect, do you think this is a joke? Without knowing anything about the mission, how do you expect them to proceed?"
The operator raised his hands defensively. "I'm only following instructions. I've told you everything I know."
Before Hataki could press further, a voice cut through the room. "Thank you, operator, for informing the kids about their mission. Your job is done; now it's my turn to fulfill my duty."
All heads turned to the figure stepping forward. Commander Hataki's eyes narrowed as he recognized the man. His expression darkened, a mix of fury and suspicion.
"Razor," Hataki growled.
Yoto, sensing the tension, asked cautiously, "Sir, who are you?"
The newcomer flashed a grin, his presence commanding yet oddly disarming. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Renjiro, one of the commanders who works directly under the organization's president. You can also call me Razor."
Eiji's eyes widened, excitement spilling over. "RAZOR? That's so cool!"
Yoto kept his focus. "Sir Renjiro, what is the mission about?"
Razor's grin widened. "I'm afraid I can't disclose any information until we reach the mission location. So, kids, shall we get moving?"
Hataki's voice boomed, stopping them in their tracks. "Wait! Where are you taking them, Razor?"
Razor turned, his grin unfazed. "Ah, Commander Hataki. Didn't notice you there, my old rival. How have you been?"
Hataki's voice was cold. "What are you doing here, Razor?"
"Didn't I just say? I'm here to guide your squad to their mission location," Razor replied, his tone laced with a playful edge.
"They were supposed to go without a commander," Hataki retorted, his voice rising.
Razor chuckled softly. "True, but I'm not here as their commander. I'm just a guide."
Hataki's hands clenched, his rage barely contained. Razor turned back to the squad. "Alright, kids, let's not waste time. Adventure awaits!"
"Razor," Hataki said, his voice a low growl. "At least tell me where you're taking them."
Razor's tone shifted, calm yet cutting. "Hataki, these kids are warriors of the Novare Organization. They've got powers now. Trust me, they'll be fine. See you when the mission's done."
With that, Razor led the squad out of the building. Hataki watched them go, unease clawing at his chest. Something felt wrong. Razor's sudden involvement, combined with Kaito's warning about Genta's interest in Yoto, set off alarms in his mind. This was no coincidence.
The squad piled into a van, which drove them to the bustling port. Razor opened the van's back door with a flourish. "Alright, kids. Ready for the journey?"
"Yes, sir!" they replied in unison.
Razor and the squad boarded a sleek ship. As the engine roared to life, the ship cut through the ocean. Hayato approached Razor, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
"Sir Razor, why are we on a ship? Is the mission here?"
"Nope," Razor replied, leaning casually against the railing. "We're heading to another nation. The Ice Nation, Kori-no."
Akemi's voice held a note of awe. "The Ice Nation?"
"Bingo!" Razor said with a grin. "What's your name, by the way?"
"Akemi," she replied, slightly puzzled.
"Nice to meet you. Let's do a round of introductions, shall we? Better late than never."
Eiji whispered to Hayato, "What kind of commander doesn't even know his team's names?"
Hayato shushed him quickly.
After introductions, the squad had lunch and relaxed. Later, Yoto found Razor enjoying the sea breeze.
"Sir Razor, may I talk to you for a moment?"
"Sure. What's on your mind?" Razor asked.
"Do you know our sensei?" Yoto asked cautiously.
Razor laughed, a deep, genuine sound. "Know him? Of course! Hataki and I joined the organization at the same time. He's the strongest among us. The only one who could rival him isn't around anymore."
"Who was that?" Yoto asked, curiosity piqued.
"Someone Hataki considered a brother," Razor replied, his tone turning serious. "But enough reminiscing. Gather your squad; we're nearing our destination."
As Yoto left, Razor's smile faded. His thoughts darkened. Your sensei, Yoto… He's the reason I'm cautious around you. But this time, I'm not the same as I was before.
The ship neared Kori-no, the Ice Nation. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden rays across snow-capped mountains. Flurries of snow danced in the air as the squad gathered on deck.
Razor spread his arms wide. "Welcome to Kori-no, kids. Take it all in. This is where your mission begins."
The squad stood in awe, marveling at the breathtaking view. For a moment, the beauty of the landscape eclipsed their nerves. Yet Razor's sharp gaze remained fixed on Yoto, his thoughts hidden behind a carefully crafted smile.