Night of August 7, 2013
At a clandestine military pier in South Korea, the exceptionally tranquil environment induced a slight chill. Perhaps it was the nocturnal moisture forming a thin mist. Standing at the edge, Hideaki gazed towards the distant sea. Behind him, ranks of soldiers remained silent, standing rigidly, awaiting commands.
The seaside night seemed somewhat cool; Hideaki, clad sparsely, could exhale visible white vapor.
"Your Excellency, perhaps you should rest inside the vehicle. I shall notify you immediately upon the ship's arrival," Miyamoto, standing beside him, expressed concern.
"Are you mocking me?" Hideaki retorted with his customary irascible temper.
"This subordinate dares not," Miyamoto lowered his head, speaking with trepidation.
"Alright, alright. I know you dare not. Just wait quietly with me. Soon you shall witness Japan's pride!" Hideaki lightly patted Miyamoto's shoulder.
Perhaps it was an illusion, but at that moment, Miyamoto perceived his superior officer as more approachable…
In the distance, emerging from the thin mist, the silhouette of an immense vessel appeared. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be an oil tanker. This indicated the colossal scale of the cargo being transported…
"All personnel, prepare…" Hideaki commanded sternly. The soldiers behind him tensed, "Commence operations!"
"Affirmative!" The synchronized response, resounding loudly, shattered the night's serenity.
At this juncture, various transport vehicles and personnel shuttled back and forth. The moribund pier seemed suddenly reanimated.
Quietly awaiting the vessel's docking, a massive crane initiated movement. Its arm, powerful like a monstrous limb, strained to lift a peculiar container from the ship's hull. Resembling the containers for the Beasts—both being square structures—it nonetheless towered a full 15 meters high.
"Transport the container to Warehouse Number 5," Hideaki turned and departed, with Miyamoto hastening to follow.
"Yes, sir!" The soldier receiving the order replied vociferously.
"Your Excellency, where are we headed?" Miyamoto inquired curiously.
"I'm taking you to 'unwrap a gift'!" A triumphant smile adorned Hideaki's face.
Entering Warehouse Number 5, the sight before him left Miyamoto astounded. To call it a warehouse seemed less fitting than labeling it a laboratory. Scientific instruments everywhere emitted strange noises, while numerous scientists in white lab coats busily calibrated the equipment.
"Follow me!" Hideaki roused the dazed Miyamoto, striding directly to the warehouse's center. Shortly thereafter, the peculiar container from earlier was brought in and placed steadily before Hideaki and Miyamoto.
Spotlights on the ceiling illuminated, focusing entirely on the container. The transport personnel swiftly withdrew. The warehouse doors were locked from the outside. Except for the troops still transporting Beasts, all others, armed, surrounded the warehouse.
"Behold, this is the supreme masterpiece of Japanese technology—'Yamata'!" Hideaki snapped his fingers towards the sky. The massive container doors swung open. The dark interior was instantly illuminated.
Gazing at the object before him, Miyamoto stood rooted to the spot, utterly speechless. His body trembled slightly—a manifestation of excitement.
Nearby scientists rapidly converged to conduct inspections.
"Your Excellency, am I dreaming? Is this truly our weapon?" Although aware of the existence of ultra-powerful weapons like Yamata domestically, few in Japan had actually witnessed it. Beholding this pride of Japan, Miyamoto remained incredulous.
"You are not dreaming! It is indeed Japan's dream weapon…" Hideaki gazed into the container with fascination.
An enormous machine stood quiescently within.
Yamata Briefing:
Single-operator internal heavy weapon system. Total height 13 meters, width 10 meters. Pure white coloration. Lower limbs consist of four crab-like legs supporting the body. Upper torso resembles an enlarged American mech structure. Maximum movement speed is 230 kilometers per hour. Capable of short-duration, low-altitude jet-powered flight. Maximum operational radius undetermined. Power source is an internal nuclear battery, allowing sustained operation until pilot death. Exterior shell is fully enclosed Titan metal armor. Armor employs Japan's highest metallurgical craftsmanship, containing over seventy percent Titan raw material, currently the world's most robust Titan armor. Primary weapon systems include a long-range heavy shoulder-mounted cannon, fourteen machine cannons integrated into the hand armor, and a missile launch system beneath the chest armor. Ultimate secret weapon details are exclusive to the pilot, not to be disclosed…
"Is it beautiful?" Hideaki murmured absently.
"It feels like watching a Gundam. Is this genuinely a weapon?" Miyamoto still harbored disbelief.
"Naturally. This is the ultimate weapon obtained from the Noah civilization. Compared to China's whatever Special Services or America's mechs, 'Yamata' possesses superior combat capability and protection, making it the premier land warfare weapon. It is the true king of the land!" Hideaki advanced a few steps, gently stroking Yamata's gleaming metallic crab leg.
"King of land warfare?" Miyamoto too became lost in thought.
"Miyamoto, I have a task for you…" Hideaki suddenly turned, looking at the bewildered Miyamoto.
"Your Excellency, please issue your command. This subordinate will certainly comply!" Miyamoto bowed sternly.
"Excellent…" Hideaki nodded with a smile, "By the authority vested in me as the Supreme Commander of the Three Services of the Japanese Forces Stationed in Korea, I hereby order…"
This was the first time Hideaki invoked such a weighty title; Miyamoto couldn't help but shudder…
"I order that, effective immediately, you, Miyamoto, shall become the new Supreme Commander of the Japanese Forces Stationed in Korea. Henceforth, you shall act as proxy in handling all affairs in Korea, empowered to issue direct orders without consulting me…" Hideaki's words nearly caused Miyamoto to collapse.
"Your Excellency!" Miyamoto looked up, speaking frantically.
"Say no more. This is an absolute, unalterable command. As a subordinate, you possess only the authority to obey, not to refute," Hideaki shook his head.
"But Your Excellency, although you say this, what about yourself?" Miyamoto still struggled to accept this abrupt promotion.
"I will remain here," Hideaki turned back towards the towering "Yamata", "To familiarize myself with 'Yamata's' specific operations. I shall become its pilot…"
"Absolutely not!" Miyamoto exclaimed sternly, disregarding any difference in status, "I will never permit you to undertake such a perilous task. Setting aside the issue of my command, according to your plan, Yamata is intended as the weapon to combat 13. Doesn't this mean you will confront him directly? You are trifling with your own life! To put it more severely, you are gambling with Japan's future!"
"Thank you…" Hideaki replied strangely, his voice so soft Miyamoto could barely hear.
"Truly, thank you for your concern," Hideaki turned again, translucent liquid flowing in his eyes, "I am gladdened by your concern. But this is my decision after careful consideration, thus it will not change. Even if it is willful, I shall be willful this once."
"Your Excellency!" Miyamoto's voice trembled, barely able to contain his emotions.
"Do you know? The first person to make me taste failure was him. At that time, I was incredibly vexed. But now, I have recovered," Hideaki's words were like conversing with an old friend, "Yet, every day thereafter, my dreams were filled with his shadow. I must admit, my conceited plans were defeated by his strength. Therefore, I must seek vengeance using his forte—'strength'. I shall use Yamata to tear his body asunder, to show him that he is, in fact, insignificant!" Hideaki's hand clenched into a fist.
"Am I being very childish?!" Hideaki offered an embarrassed smile.
"No… not at all. Seeking revenge is the true nature of us Yamato men," Miyamoto discovered Hideaki's surprisingly endearing side.
"Actually, your task is not arduous. Just maintain the current situation, continue tracking. Upon discovering their arrival at the destination, immediately implement the encirclement. I will arrive at the scene at the earliest opportunity. Then, kill him!"
"But Your Excellency, regarding your piloting, His Excellency Ryuichi will absolutely not consent…" Miyamoto mentioned a name that caused Hideaki's heart to jolt.
"Miyamoto…" Hideaki suddenly called out intimately, "Consider this the first time in Hideaki's life asking for a favor. Please, do not inform Ryuichi about this matter, alright?"
Miyamoto was conflicted…
"I know you were formerly his subordinate, but you follow me now. I hope you can keep this secret for me," Hideaki spoke softly.
"May I ask if this is an order?" Miyamoto preferred it to be an order, making acceptance easier.
"No, this is a request from a friend," Hideaki's words truly moved Miyamoto.
"Yes! Your Excellency! This subordinate will absolutely help you maintain secrecy!" Miyamoto shed tears, trembling. What a precious request! As a subordinate, perhaps all one desires is to be called 'friend' by their master…
"Thank you. You are the first subordinate I have confided in. Please do not disappoint me…" Hideaki said with a smile.
"Rest assured, Your Excellency. This subordinate will fulfill your instructions even at the cost of his life," Miyamoto's voice became somewhat muffled, "I only hope Your Excellency will take care of yourself when this subordinate is not by your side."
"Mm, I will," Hideaki nodded, reassuring Miyamoto.
Wiping away the tears from his face, Miyamoto walked briskly towards the door. Thus, since arriving in Korea, Miyamoto left Hideaki's side for the first time, yet gained a precious friendship…