~ Perfect Blossom Tea Room ~

[Malaclypse 666]

Two boisterous young pilots walked into the Blossom. They were laughing and jostling each other as they approached the Officer's section.

"So, you were waiting for us?" one of the young men said with a haughty tone to his voice.

Takemono raised an eyebrow, and looked slyly at Chijin. He then spoke to the two men.

"Those appear to be brand new uniforms, young sirs. If you expect to be wearing them long, I suggest you stand at attention and improve your attitude when addressing superior officers. Report!"

The startled pilots immediately became sober. "Sensei! I am sorry! I am Ito Yamato. My companion is Masurao. We have only today been recruited by the Captain of the Hitoya Maru in New York. We were assisted at the Nagumo by Commander Kilo. We beg your forgiveness if we have offended!"

"Very well! I am Lieutenant Takemono. And this other officer is Captain Chijin, the acting commander of all KNF Forces. You are fortunate that Cmdr. Kilo told us to expect you. However, he did not tell us to expect such brash young recruits. Chijin Sensei, what shall we do with them?"

Chijin stared at Yamato and Masurao for a long moment. "Why, we will buy them a sake, of course. Anyone brave enough to face the formidable foes of Kusari should be toasted. And then, we will instruct them a bit in the protocols of the KNF. Better we do it than have their fellow fighter pilots beat it into them, eh, Takemono-san?"

"Hai, Sensei! At ease, you two. Be seated. And welcome to the ranks of the Emperor's Blades."

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