Eikichi Hosokawa listened patiently as first Kayumi and then Donna spoke, reading and re-reading the proposals on the table as he waited for an opportunity to get a word in. It was, in a word, frustrating that the situation in Troyes had reached this point, not to mention how the actions of the Aostan military had risked further exacerbating it, but that was the past. They were, in his opinion, jumping the gun, so to speak; it would've been better to act as  a unified body rather than let it reach this point.
   "As far as I am permitted to say, these terms are acceptable for the Empire of Fusan." He said before continuing with "However, I feel must voice the objection of my government to the continued presence of Aostan naval vessels within Marsellais without their expressed consent. I would therefore urge that, until such a time as the government in Montaulon clarifies whether it views their presence as not amounting to a violation of their sovereign territory, Aosta withdraw its vessels to positions outside of their territorial waters as defined by the FSC."

To: Asuna Anselmo, Empress of Rokkenjima
Serenity Azurewind, Empress of Achkaerin

   While the policy of the Empire of Fusan with respect to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Marseilles remains unchanged, wherein we recognize the city of Troyes as being illicitly occupied by Seaforthian forces, we are nonetheless left deeply troubled by the actions taken both by the organization known as "Real Marseilles" and by our nominal allies in the Empire of Aosta on the 12th of April. Though we recognize the right of the people of Troyes to determine their own future, they cannot be forced to choose their fate at gunpoint. Furthermore, to our knowledge, the Republic of Marseilles has yet to recognize the so-called "Republic of Troyes", nor has it yet made any moves to reincorporate the territory, let alone welcome Aostan vessels into its territorial waters. Thus, without the expressed permission of the government in Montaulon, we find that Aostan military activities within their territorial waters, ones which Seaforth claims as its own as well, are inherently provocative at best and are at worst illegal under international law.

   While reports from inside Troyes are difficult to come by at this time, we recognize that both the First Empire of Rokkenjima and the Empire of Achkaerin have ongoing security commitments to the Kingdom of Seaforth. Should the Kingdom view that its own territorial sovereignty, even if the grounds to claim such are flawed at best, has been violated, or should a member of its armed forces or its civilian populace within the city be killed, and as such both nations are called to assist the Kingdom of Seaforth in countering this threat, though the Empire of Fusan is not obligated to assist, we are nonetheless prepared to offer what assistance we can to our allies against a belligerent force which threatens the stability of our region. We are likewise prepared to dispatch forces to the region in the coming days so as to monitor the ongoing crisis.

   Nonetheless, we agree that the use of force can only be justified should extraordinary diplomatic efforts be exhausted first, and thus, as a nominally neutral party in this affair, we would be prepared to facilitate negotiations between the Republic of Marseilles and the Kingdom of Seaforth to resolve this present crisis. Nonetheless, I will restate that the official policy of the Empire of Fusan is that the city of Troyes is not and will not be an independent state without a fair and open vote on the part of its citizens, unmolested by either the Seaforthian military and government or forces belonging to Real Marseilles.

Yamazakura

---

Nishiatago, Kyūre, Izumi Prefecture
August 14th, 1945
5:18 PM

   There were some sights which would linger in the hearts and minds of any who saw them. Lofty mountain peaks capped in snow, the great floating shrine at Miyajima, scorched cities where nothing would grow. Today, out before Yuna—before the family as a whole—was another of those sights. For parading through the streets in lock-step, the sons of a nation marched towards the port and on to an uncertain fate. It was an uncanny sight, such clean uniforms passing through bombed-out and burned-out streets. The sort of sight that would instill in any onlooker a sense of determination, of a will to fight on even to the end in defiance of their most reviled foe.

   It wasn’t like the old days, back at the start of the war. Once, fresh-faced youths marched, eager to find glory in far-flung lands, now replaced with tired, hardened veterans and mere children knowing that they would be marching into hell. A few years ago, they might not have been able to hate the Ardian, but six years ago, the heart of Fusan had not been ripped asunder and set aflame. Six years ago, this wasn’t a war for survival. Yuna wondered, as they passed, what they were thinking; many, she understood, would never see home again. Those noble sons of the nation, ready to lay down their lives for everyone else… That was why she was here, why everyone was. Even if the streets were lined with rubble, it was only right to give them support in the only way they could: being there in this, the final moments before they departed.

   There was a song whose lyrics rang within her head as they passed, the rhythmic beat of their footsteps echoing through the city. ”As blossoms in bloom are destined to fall, thus we shall fall nobly for our home.” It went, and perhaps it would ring true in the days and weeks to come. If they fell, as indeed many would, then it would be a noble sacrifice, one which would be honored across the land. And if they failed, then even in this wounded state which she found herself in, seeing such bravery on their part made her believe, at least in part, that she would be ready to do the same. Like the blossoms of the yamazakura, she would be ready to meet her fate—the fate of her nation—head on.

Glow of the Fireflies

---

Hiroioki, Kyūre, Izumi Prefecture
August 9th, 1945
7:22 PM

   In the twilight sky, under the sliver of the crescent moon, the fireflies danced as little lights in a shadow play, resplendent amidst the darkness and blissfully unaware of the new world now unleashed. It reminded Yuna of the first verse to a song every child these days knew, a song about the relentless pursuit of knowledge, of the parting of old friends, and of a desire so firmly held to defend one's home. Or at least, that's how she had interpreted it. Was that "pursuit of knowledge" what led to bombing of Hatsukaichi? It had been a few days since that cloud appeared over the city—four, to be exact—and even still, a deep sense of unease filled the hearts of man, as though it might not be the last one. If Hatsukaichi, a city which had largely gone untouched by the war until just a few days ago, could be attacked, then was there truly anywhere which was safe? A shiver ran down her spine as those thoughts came to mind.

   "I guess you're gonna be stayin' here then, eh, Yuna?" Iwao asked in between swings of his shinai. His form was poor, but unfortunately for him, kendo was apparently a mandatory part of military life. It was a strange question to her; after all, she didn't know if her family, save perhaps her father, was still alive. Certainly, their home was gone, and her relatives in Furue, while probably okay, almost certainly couldn't be handling more people at this point. Few in this world would take someone like her in, anyways. Where else could she go, if she didn't want to stay here?
   "Yeah... I would like to, if that's alright." Yuna replied as he took another swing.
   "Y'know, I had a feeling you'd say that, but... You had me so worried." Iwao said before calling it a quits with his practice. "I don't suppose you've heard from anyone in your family, have you?"
   "No." Yuna answered as she looked at a leaflet—one which had been dropped by the Ardians earlier in the day—before crushing it into a ball. She knew she was supposed to turn them in whenever she found 'em, and to be fair to her, she was going to, but... It was getting late, and truth be told there were probably better uses for it. "Other than a phone call with dad, nothing." She said, tossing the paper aside. "Of course, I'd wanted to go with Mrs. Asayama and a few of the others into Hatsukaichi, help deliver supplies, but..."
   "She refused to let you go?"
   "Yep." Yuna replied. "Of course, at the moment, I thought that I was probably just a hinderance to her-" she said as she touched the back of her head, her hair freshly cut. "-hence why my hair looks this way."
   "You know she probably wouldn't let you go because you're still recovering, right?" Iwao opined, though he found himself bemused by how she had come to that conclusion.
   With a sigh, Yuna answered "...I realized that afterwards."

   The two of them spent some time watching the fireflies, enjoying the view as well as each other's company. A few minutes, maybe five or six, of quiet in amidst the evening calm. But in these days, the war was ever-present, even if in moments such as this, it was easy to forget. The Umeki family had been torn apart by it, and both Yuna and Daisaku wore the scars left by it. Every day, there was news of fighting, of some great battle abroad, of cities bombed and people killed. Even with the bombing of Hatsukaichi in such an unprecedented fashion, little had changed, and soon enough, Iwao found himself bringing up some of what he'd heard.
   "I've heard they're getting ready to retake Toshima. Yakushima, too." He said, looking up to the moon. Yakushima, the island where her brother was believed to have been shot down near. Where the road to this hell which Fusan had been subjected to day in and day out had started. Where the Corvus and the Sanae had traded blows all those years ago. It was as though everything was coming full circle.
   "Will you-" Yuna tried to ask, anxious as to what it would mean for them, before being cut off.
   "No." Iwao answered, taking her hand tenderly into his own. "I'm not assigned to any ship nor any unit which'll be participating." He sighed, knowing that there were so many who weren't so lucky as he. "Instead, I'm to remain at my post here, as always."
   "I... I'm glad to hear that." Yuna admitted. She'd lost too much already, and the thought that she might not need to sacrifice her own life as had been spoken of was in some way comforting, too. In any case, it seemed, now more than ever, that they were well and truly in the final stages of the war. It was only a matter of seeing who would break first: Fusan or Ardia.

In the aftermath of 2023's devastating attack on Awara, many within the government began calling for reforms in how the nation responds to potential crises at home. In particular, they cited the shelters found in Awara, long-abandoned following the Cold War, which have fallen into disrepair as well as the failure of F-Alert to properly warn citizens in time, with this failure being blamed for a significant portion of casualties sustained on that day. As a result, the Ministry of Communications has been directed to work alongside the Ministry of Internal Affairs in overhauling this system alongside the construction of new shelters in Tochigi Province. These shelters will be designed to withstand a missile blast, being made of reinforced concrete with walls measuring more than 30 centimeters thick. The shelters will provide two square meters of space per person, and carry enough supplies for up to two weeks. As for the National Early Warning System (F-Alert), the MoC plans to expand direct coverage through YHK to the majority of the country, including Tochigi Province, rather than relying on local broadcast infrastructure for the system.

---

All across Fusan, deaths and hospitalizations have been reported among a number of people who consumed a mold-based supplement manufactured by a Fusanese pharmaceutical company. Okayama-based Takahashi Pharmaceutical Co.'s "Beni-koji choleste-aid" contains "beni-koji," a variety of koji mold-cultured foods consumed for centuries in countries including Fusan and Toshikawa. Beni-koji is made by culturing Monascus mold species on grains such as rice. Popular for its natural red color, the ingredient is found in "tofuyo" Amami-style fermented tofu, as well as in a variety of rice wines and other dishes. According to Takahagi University associate professor Akifumi Murata, an expert on the study of fermented foods, Fusanese researchers discovered an ingredient found to lower cholesterol, called "monacolin K," from the mold in the 1970s. In recent years, this has garnered attention as an ingredient in health supplements. However, some Monascus species produce citrinin, a toxic substance which is thought to bring about kidney disorders. Takahashi Pharmaceutical's product, however, is made using a type of the mold species that does not produce this mycotoxin, and a product analysis performed after the issue came to light did not confirm the presence of any citrinin.

Thus far, no apparent cause has been discovered, with the Okayama-based company urging for consumers to remain calm, saying "there's no need to be overly concerned about products other than this supplement as long as it's not taken in excess." Despite this, seven people have been reported dead, apparently a result of the product, and a further 560 people have received or wish to receive outpatient treatment for symptoms suspected to be linked to the supplements, treatment which the company is reportedly prepared to offer compensation for. A government research facility is set to conduct a further examination of the product in collaboration with the company.

	T49 105mm Howitzer
Role	Towed field gun
Manufacturer	Zayasu Heavy Industries
Crew	5 - 7
Weight	2,320 kg
Length	4.85 m
Barrel Length	3.2 m
Shell:	Various
Caliber	105mm
Effective Firing Range	17.5 km
Other Capabilities	Capable of being dropped via parachute
Cost	$1.9 million
Background	The T49 is a 105 mm howitzer used by the Imperial Fusanese Army and Marines. A licensed copy of a foreign design, the T49, owing to its design, is intended to be towed to its firing positions by another vehicle, most commonly the Uma, and can be easily airlifted by helicopter, or airdropped by parachute.

Just under sixty years after commissioning its first-nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the Imperial Fusanese Navy launched today the second ship of its third generation of nuclear-powered carriers. Featuring upgrades over her sister, including a new reactor similar in principal to that powering the Miyakejima-class strike cruisers, the Ibuki, like the other members of the Taihō-class, is designed to carry naval air power well into the late 21st century and perhaps even beyond. The carrier builds on decades of experience with the construction of larger vessels, however, she contains several upgrades over previous classes, including the ability to generate more electrical power to support the propulsion and ship systems and new launch and retrieval systems enabling the operation of a wider range of aircraft than even her sister. The vessel, after having been launched, has been moved to a dock in Hatsukaichi, where it will undergo further outfitting and testing before being delivered to the navy in 2025.

Ibuki was joined in its launch by the Barakuda, the lead ship in its class of nuclear-powered "hunter-killer" submarines, which was launched three days ago. As has already been mentioned earlier this month, the vessel is set to be delivered to the navy for sea trials on the 17th of April. It will remain under testing for a period of no less than a year, although due to the nature of the vessel, the navy has refrained from stating to what extent these trials will include beyond what would be expected of a vessel of its type. Together, both Ibuki and Barakuda paint a picture of a navy steaming boldly into the future, ready to tackle any challenges it may face with the might and resolve which has come to be expected of it.

However, in a speech by Prime Minister Konishi at the launching ceremony for the Ibuki, he echoed the calls by Admiral Satoru Hazuki, the Chief of Naval Operations, for a large-scale rearmament of the navy to better meet those challenges.

   "...It is therefore my conclusion, consistent with the analysis brought forwards by Admiral Hazuki and others within our great navy, that we need a naval force of no fewer than five hundred ships." The Prime Minister said. "In order to achieve that goal, I am calling on the Diet to approve this rearmament, the likes of which we have not seen in many years, in order to safeguard our nation from any threats it may face going forwards."

---

The asteroid 641376 Takenaka may be rich in organic molecules that could serve as the building blocks of life. The discovery was made when ūchunauts aboard the DSP took their first look at the samples collected from the asteroid earlier in the month. The sample, according to one member of the crew, appears to contain several "prebiotic organics" including several types of amino acids that are used by living creatures to build proteins essential for regulating chemical reactions and forming structures like hair and muscles. These molecules can also be created by various non-living processes, such as chemical reactions that can take place in asteroids. The findings add more credibility to the theory that the basic ingredients needed to kickstart the development of life on Mundus could have been delivered to the planet in its infancy from space. The term "organic molecules" describes a wide range of compounds containing the element carbon coupled with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and other atoms and are the building blocks of all forms of life here on Mundus. These compounds can be created by chemical reactions that don't involve living things, meaning that chemical processes within asteroids can create the ingredients for life. The search for these chemical processes that could have led to the emergence of life on Mundus is known as "prebiotic chemistry."

Naturally, these findings will need to be verified once the samples are returned to Mundus in April, however, they are nonetheless an exciting find for members of the scientific community the world over. It remains to be seen if they will be corroborated in studies which will be undertaken in the years to come.

Dawn of a New Age

---

Hiroioki, Kyūre, Izumi Prefecture
August 5th, 1945
8:10 AM

   Ever since that day, Yuna’s desire to return home had waned; she still planned to visit, even if she hadn’t ultimately made up her mind if she would stay in Hatsukaichi or not. Her father had put it best, in a letter he’d sent, and all the way from Shinkyo, no less. ”Running will only make the pain worse in the end.” He’d said. A man with his experience would know. After all, that’s why he’d come to Hatsukaichi all those years ago. Supposedly, he’d been summoned to the capital by some important figure in the government, but to what end, he never said. What mattered was that when she crossed over the mountains, back to the town of her birth, he would not be there. It would just be her mother and Ikuko, and of course her cousins across the bay.

   When she’d announced her plans, back on the evening of the 28th, everything had changed once again. For her and Iwao, it had been… complicated, suffice to say. They’d hardly spoken, if only to make their parting somewhat easier, but they both knew they’d miss one another, no matter how long it might be. The house had changed in other ways, too; on top of the five of them—Daisaku, Natsumi, Azumi, Iwao, and herself—they were now also hosting her father-in-law’s sister and brother-in-law, at least until they could afford to rebuild their own home or move somewhere else. It had certainly been an adjustment, having the seven of them under one roof, but soon, that might not be her problem anymore. And of course, Azumi had slowly but surely come back around to her, though they still didn’t exactly speak too often. She couldn’t really blame her, though.

   It was a difficult time, no matter how you spun it.

   Even so, life had to go on. And just because she was to leave for Hatsukaichi soon didn’t mean she didn’t have work to do. Far from it, in fact. So here she was, sweeping the floors since that didn’t require her to have two hands to do. She could see Azumi sewing something out of the clothes that Ikuko had gifted them, though she wouldn’t say what it was she was using them for. And of course, outside, it was a peaceful, summer day; the cicadas were chirping, and a gentle breeze was blowing in the treetops. It was, simply put, ordinary. The kind of day you’d forget at first, but look back on fondly as you got older. Certainly, it was more peaceful than Hatsukaichi during the festival that was supposed to happen today.
   “Say, when are you supposed to be leaving?” Azumi asked her, though her gaze was still fixed on her needlework. “Y’know, for your appointment?”
   “Oh, that’s… About ten?” Yuna replied, placing the broom on the floor before grabbing a dustpan. “I don’t need help getting over there, if that’s why you’re asking.”
   “That’s fine.” Azumi smiled, though Yuna likely didn’t catch a glimpse of it. “I’m just glad to see you’re doing alright.”

   That was the first time she’d heard her say that since the accident. Back then, she’d blamed her, but this was… something different. And once again, someone was telling her they were glad about something. But this time, in a way, she could at least share the sentiment. It was something to be glad about, she supposed, even if the circumstances were not.
   “Come to think of it, isn’t today your hometown’s festival?” Azumi asked. “Yeah. I was gonna go home on the second, but I couldn’t get an appointment until today.”
   “You’re not going to make it in time.” Azumi said, seemingly finding a way to rain on her parade even now. “Besides, the doctors are all very busy, especially after last week, and of course, you’ll probably just get a referral to a hospital in the city. And that’s before we get to how hard it is just getting a train ticket these days.”

   Perhaps she was right. If it had been easier for Ikuko to get here in the back of an army truck, then what hope did she have of getting a ticket? But getting a referral wasn’t really an issue to her; as it happened, that was the plan seeing as she was going to be in Hatsukaichi for a long time by the look of things. Still, it was disheartening that she wouldn’t be attending the festival, which had celebrated the start of the harvest season in the region since forever. She remembered how she’d often help out her grandparents, her aunts and uncles, and the families of her friends with preparations in those olden days, now gone. But her thoughts were soon interrupted when she heard something land next to her; the clothing which her sister had brought her, taken apart and fashioned into something new.
   “I went ahead and turned the clothes your sister brought into a pair of trousers.” Azumi said, taking a seat next to her. “I sewed an elastic band in so you could put them on yourself.”
   “Oh, thank you.” Yuna said quietly as she looked down at them. Somehow, they’d managed to go from looking like a bundle of rags into something that looked almost brand new. A testament to her sister-in-law’s skill with a needle, she thought.
   “Yuna… I’d like to apologize for, you know… blaming you for Kahori’s death.” Azumi said after a moment.
   “It’s no problem.” Yuna responded; she’d come to internalize it to an extent, but she understood that what had been said was born from grief rather than any anger towards her. She’d been desperate to get her daughter back, even if it were impossible, and frankly, that was something they’d shared.
   “Yuna, listen. The man I loved died at sea, long before his time. His family’s shop—our home—was torn down in the pruning last year...” She hesitated for a moment. “...And now, I can’t see either of my children for a whole host of reasons. Is all of that unfair? Yes. Sad? Yes. But I wouldn’t dare say I’m unhappy, seeing—”she continued. “—as this is the life I chose for myself, after all.” She added, looking at Yuna for a moment. “You’re different, Yuna. You came so far, moved into a distant and unfamiliar home to marry someone you didn’t know. You always did what you were asked, always carried yourself with a smile. It must’ve been hard.” Azumi said, taking her hand. “I suppose the point I’m trying to make is that you want to leave, that’s up to you. But so long as you don’t hate it here, you’ll always have a home here, Yuna.”

   Yuna was silent as she spoke; in a way, Azumi was correct, though not entirely. Everyone chose the path they took in life, to some degree, and she’d agreed to get married, to come here, a city she didn’t know. But even so, she hadn’t chosen to lose her hand, to see Kahori die before her eyes. She didn’t choose to live in a city which was now merely a pile of ash amid ruins. And it was sad, all of it, but that was just life dealing her a bad hand. Not like she could go back now.
   “Don’t worry about what everyone will say. That choice is yours, and yours alone.” Azumi said. “But just so you know, doing chores and helping you when you need it isn’t a problem for me. In fact, I like doing it. And besides, it’ll help me keep my mind off… You know.”

   And in that moment, at 8:15 according to the clock, there was a bright flash which filled every nook and cranny of the house. Though they didn’t know it, it spread beyond the horizon, all-encompassing in that instant. It was like… Well, no, it was like nothing they’d ever seen before. Whatever it was, it was gone as quickly as it came, and it had left Yuna and Azumi confused. And evidently, not just them.
   “Azumi, Yuna, did either of you see that flash?” Natsumi called out to the two of them.
   “Yeah, we both did!” Azumi answered before saying “Was it lightning, maybe? But it’s such a nice day out…”
   “I… I changed my mind.” Yuna said after a moment. “Do you… Do you mind if I stay, after all?” She asked, her voice almost fragile as she held onto Azumi’s arm.
   “Of course, of course. I said as much, didn’t I? Now please, let go, it’s already hot as it is.” Azumi replied, but she wouldn’t be trying to get her off, not a moment afterwards when the shaking began. In fact, it led to them holding one another tighter as the day just became stranger and stranger. It felt as though it were an earthquake, but an earthquake didn’t usually follow a bright flash like what they saw. Some of the tiles fell off the roof, shattering as they hit the ground, and it felt as though the glass panes on the windows might break as well, but soon enough, at most ten seconds later, the tremors stopped, and everything returned to normal.

---

8:18 AM

   For nearly two minutes after the “earthquake” had hit the house, Azumi had been trying to get the family radio working, but to no avail. YOFK was silent, as were all of the other local stations, and any of the more distant ones like the station out of Toyono, a city about a hundred kilometers up the coast from them, were just as confused. But soon, they’d have their answer as to what had happened, at least in part. For from the yard, Daisuke, having just returned from work after spending the night on duty, called out to them.
   “Come out here, take a look at this!” He shouted, pointing out towards the mountains—towards Hatsukaichi—as everyone rushed outside. And before them, rapidly rising into the sky, a cloud like none they’d ever seen before. It looked almost as if it were a thundercloud, but something seemed off about it. It had a strange glint to it as it soared to greater and greater heights, and they all just stood there in awe and terror.

   One thing was certain: the world would never be the same again.

”I’m Glad”

---

Hiroioki, Kyūre, Izumi Prefecture
July 19th, 1945
9:18 AM

   It was an odd pair of phrases, ”I’m glad” and ”It’s good.” Yuna thought as she looked down at the bandaged stump that was once her right hand. She’d heard it over and over again for the last few weeks, whether from friends, family, or even from complete strangers. Glad that she was alive, that the house hadn’t been lost, that she was healing rather quickly. So many things they said that they were glad for, and yet, she couldn’t help but wonder what she should be glad about, what was so good about any of what had happened. It was all wrong. So very, very wrong. It had only been a few weeks ago that she’d learned that her right hand was gone. The same hand that once grabbed Kahori’s hand in June. The same hand that she’d used to draw her husband’s face in May. The same hand that had helped Ikuko cross the bay ten years ago.

   How was she holding up, Yuna thought to herself. They’d only had a short while to talk to one another back in November, and she didn’t take the news about their brother all too well. They’d tried to keep in touch though, albeit by letter, but even these had stopped since the accident. She wasn’t so good at writing with her left hand anyways, so it was probably to be expected, but… Ikuko hadn’t sent anything, either. Her parents had, but it was pretty much complete silence from her. Maybe she was just too busy? That was probably it; she had been one of the more industrious Kimuras, after all, but… Between all that had happened with Isao and now her, she couldn’t blame her if it was a little bit difficult. And if she was going to visit, it would’ve been next to impossible for the first few weeks anyways, just due to travel restrictions.

   And as though fate had decided to toy with her again, the door slid open, and someone stepped in. Probably just Natsumi, coming by to check on her again, but maybe, just maybe it was another visitor, seeing as the only other alternative was her sister-in-law, who had just about stopped talking to her anymore. She couldn’t help but wonder if her sister-in-law had simply been feeling guilt about what she had said to her earlier or if it were simply another manifestation of her grief. For all she knew, it might’ve been both. Either way, with regards to who had come to visit, she’d soon have the answer anyway.
   “Your sister’s here.” Natsumi said, at which point Yuna’s attention slowly shifted from her hand.
   “Oh, how horrible, Yuna.” Ikuko said as she entered the room; in her hands was a parcel of some sort, likely containing some sort of fabric based on how it slumped against her arms.
   “Ikuko? You… came to see me?” Yuna asked, her face almost lighting up upon seeing her.
   “Of course. You probably don’t remember, but I came by the day after…”
   “After Kahori died.”
   “Right. You were still out cold, though.”
   “I’m gonna be honest, I’m surprised you could even make it out here.” Yuna said as she sat up on her futon. “I thought the Army was still imposing its restrictions on travel.” She added as her sister took a seat beside her.
   “Oh, they are.” Ikuko answered. “You remember that officer I told you about, back when you came to visit last year?” She asked, to which her sister nodded in response. “Well, he wound up getting assigned to help transport supplies out here from Hatsukaichi, and he’s been allowing me to hitch a ride on his truck.”
   “I see… What’s his name?” Yuna inquired, head tilted.
   “Hm? Oh, Hiroki.”
   “Well, you’d best give this ‘Lt. Hiroki’ my thanks.” Yuna smiled. “So, what’s in the package?”
   “Oh, right.” Ikuko said, quickly grabbing it and opening it. “Just some old clothes, hand-me-downs that some of my friends from work gave me. I know, they’re old, but they’re pure cotton.”
   “Pure? So, no rayon?” Yuna asked, surprised that she’d even been able to find it. Ever since ‘39, the government had mandated that all cotton yarn be blended with the stuff, which meant it was… not exactly very durable. Actually wound up putting the family business under and forcing her father to rejoin the military, even if as an overseer for an arsenal.
   “Indeed. ‘Course, now I owe them, but for you, it’s worth it.”

   A few moments passed as they continued to talk, during which time Azumi would quickly drop by and serve the two of them tea. It was hardly what could be considered “good”, but it was the gesture that mattered more than quality. Besides, with how hard it had become to afford even such a simple luxury, you’d need to take what you could get. Even so, she still remained silent as she first entered and then left the room, and so too were they. Yuna could’ve sworn that she heard Ikuko apologize, even if quietly, but that was about it. Once she had left, though, they would get back to talking amongst themselves.
   “I suppose I should thank you.” Yuna said after a moment, looking down at the clothing. It had certainly seen better days, but then again, so had she.
   “It’s nothing, honestly. I’d like to imagine you would’ve done the same, were our roles reversed.”
   “No need to imagine, you know I would.” Yuna said, to which Ikuko nodded in agreement.

   Some time would pass, and the hour would soon grow late. It had been quite surprising, truth be told, just how quickly the day had passed, but everything had its appointed hour, and this was the one where her sister had to leave. They had, of course, enjoyed the time they spent together; in many ways, like they had been as children, they were still each other’s best friend, if not their first. But that didn’t mean that schedules couldn’t be kept. Far from it, in fact.
   “Well, I’d best be going.” Ikuko said, grabbing her things with a smile. So innocent, much like Kahori, and a sight all too rare these days. Yuna had hoped and prayed that she would survive the war unscathed, unshaken by all that had happened, and so far, it seemed like it might stay that way. But as her father had taught her, it was best to cherish the moments you had with those you loved, and so, she’d make a decision which, though perhaps foolish given the state she was in, was one she would have to commit to.
   “Tell you what, I’ll walk you half-way.” She replied. And so, a couple minutes would pass as they got ready to leave, but eventually, they were off.

---

Nikokyo, Kyūre, Izumi Prefecture
3:26 PM

   I had come to regret my decision, tagging along, even if I wasn’t walking the whole way. It wasn’t the distance, nor was it my still-healing arm that was the trouble, but rather, the heat. It was unseasonably warm out, even for this time of year, and it was further compounded by most of the trees being burned away on the 1st of July. And that was before we even reached the city proper. Hiroioki had taken a beating, to be sure, but nothing could compare to what was before us. Though I didn’t know if she felt the same, it seemed to me like the world was spiraling out of control, and I had been merely a vicarious bystander who wound up getting unlucky.
   “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Ikuko asked me as we descended the hill, probably because I’d nearly tripped going down it. I could never understand why anyone would want to live at the top of such a steep hill, let alone put a road going up this part of it. “Yeah. I need the exercise anyway. Doctor’s orders.” I answered.

   A few minutes passed as we continued to climb down, and I got to thinking about Isao again. Just about every time he’d stop by to visit, he’d complain to me about the climb, especially after they’d finally scrapped the steam bus. Something to do with it just being incapable of going uphill, or so I’d been told, though she suspected it was more due to poor maintenance than anything else. As we walked, passing first into Hondori, I could tell just how bad the attacks had been. In spite of what we had thought, the idea that Kyūre was safe after so much had been burned was proving to be false. After all, we still didn’t go more than a few days at a time between air raids, and every so often, the harbor would be hit again, as would the surrounding buildings which had yet survived.
   “So, where are we going exactly?” I asked, stepping over some rubble which had fallen in the road.
   “Well, I’m supposed to meet him by the fire station.” Ikuko answered, still looking forward.
   “Ah, then you’ll want to look for the observation tower down by the river.” I replied, though come to think of it, was it still around? The fire had been pretty bad, even over there, so it wasn’t as though I knew for sure if it had survived. “Oh, wait, it probably burned down, didn’t it.”
   “Nope, it’s still there.” Ikuko responded. “Hiroki showed it to me on the way into town.” She added before positively gushing about him. “He’s so kind, y’know. He gives me ration coupons for lunch and movie tickets. And of course, he remembered that I have a sister out here, so…”
   “Sounds to me like you like him.” I teased her for a moment, which of course caused no small amount of embarrassment for my sister, which I too would feel once she started “lightly” patting me on the back. “What are you talking about, Yuna?” She joked as we continued to walk.

   It was nice, seeing that at least someone was so happy, even now that the world had been turned upside-down. That flowers could still bloom, even when by all accounts, the world they knew was dead. For some people, life just went on, unaware of the horrors that lurked not even a hundred kilometers away. Her old hometown must’ve been so peaceful, this time of year. Yet in Kyūre, so close-by, hell had arrived, and death yet lingered in the air. Two cities, so close yet so different, two lifestyles separate from one another. When this was all over, if anyone were left alive, would a place like Hatsukaichi be the same as before, or would it too be forever changed?

   Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve spoken to Iwao a whole lot since that day.

   “This place really got hit hard, didn’t it?” Ikuko asked me as we approached the city center. All around, just about as far as the eye could see, the city was flattened. A few people still lingered, living out of their shelters and trying to pick up the pieces as well as they could, but it would certainly be in vain the next time an attack happened. And there would be a next time, that was certain. Especially with the rumors that the Army was getting ready for something big, something which might hopefully put an end to the raids once and for all

 Of course, I didn’t understand why anyone would stay behind; after all, if their homes were burnt down, why not just leave? We stopped by the side of the road, near where some incense had been placed where someone had died, and we offered a prayer for them. Ikuko seemed surprised that someone had died here, let alone that the body hadn’t been dealt with so far, yet I’ve walked by people lying dead in the street without so much as batting an eye. It had just become ordinary, a part of the daily routine.
   “Kyūre keeps getting bombed endlessly… How can people keep living with it?” She asked me as she stood up from the impromptu shrine, surrounded by water from a burst pipe. “Why, that attack at the start of the month was so bad that we could see the sky turning red, even from home.”

   I think I knew, at that moment, what was wrong. My sister was only a year younger than me, but I knew that I was the one who was all wrong. Warped by the war like a world drawn with my left hand.

   “So, uh… With your… Your hand being the way it is, it must be hard, helping the Umekis.” She said, turning to look at me. “The point I’m trying to make is… Well. The point is, I’d like for you to come home. To Hatsukaichi.” I was, of course, surprised by the request; I hadn’t even really considered it an option until she said it, and I didn’t know if I could leave everyone—everything—behind again. Not now. “There aren’t any raids on the city, and I know, it won’t be the same now that Isao’s gone, but… It would do your mother so much good if you were around.” That was a good point, I thought privately; not my brother being gone, but everything else. I’m glad. I thought to myself before I answered.
“...It’s a tempting offer.” I looked away, a smirk on my face as I thought of what else I could say. “Maybe I’ll come and see if this officer ‘friend’ of yours is as handsome as you say he is.” I teased yet again.
   “That’s not funny!” Ikuko said in a slightly higher-pitched voice than usual.
   “I kid, I kid.” I said, trying to defuse the situation just in case.
   “Sure you do.” Ikuko replied before saying “It’s a good idea though.” before leaving. But before she got too far, she turned around and shouted something about the upcoming festival, set for the 5th of August, as well as that she ought to come home soon. And yet, I was undecided. One thing I knew, though, was that because I was so tempted to run away, my brother would be disappointed.

   And because of that, I was glad he wasn’t around anymore.

Fire on the Mountain, Part One

---

Hiroioki, Kyūre, Izumi Prefecture
July 1st, 1945
11:45 PM

   It was almost pitch-black outside, the skies heavily overcast as rain fell gently from above. Just a few minutes of decent weather all day, Yuna had thought as she lay in bed, before the darkness returned. It seemed almost fitting, given the circumstances, but in the moments that she wasn’t in pain, her mind was free to wander, most often to the day that everything changed, the day that Kahori died. How long had it truly been, she wondered when her father-in-law left for work that morning. For him to be up and about, it had to have been some span of time, at the very least. A day? A week? A month? The passage of time had bled together, and she’d hardly paid attention to the rising and setting of the sun. To tell the truth, she didn’t care anymore.

   Murderer.

   That’s what Azumi had called her, and as she looked at the family’s shrine, where poor, young Kahori’s ashes sat in a box, she couldn’t help but agree. She could’ve taken another route to the station. She could’ve not stopped on the way back to the station. She could’ve done so much to prevent this, but she didn’t. And to make matters worse, whenever someone would come to visit, as Mrs. Fukumori—one of their neighbors—had earlier in the day, they’d look at her with pity. She survived, and they pitied her. What sense was there in that, pitying someone who was so inattentive that she got her own niece killed in such a preventable fashion? No. The last thing she needed was pity. That was for the innocent, not for her.

   Do you think you could draw Hisao for me next?

   Her last words, at least, the last that Yuna ever heard. Her memory of that day was at times both vivid and fragmentary; she remembered the moments leading up to the explosion quite well, but afterwards, what few things she could recall, she didn’t want to remember. She could remember, between moments of consciousness, seeing as first responders scraped what little remained of Kahori off the ground. She could remember the hospital being so full that not only was she given just the bare minimum of treatment before being sent home, but that her father-in-law had been sent home with them. And of course, she remembered how Azumi had seen her afterwards. She was still in pain, but then again, everyone was. The war had truly come home now; it wasn’t like her brother going missing—presumed dead—in Toshima. She’d directly witnessed the death of a loved one, perhaps even, in some small way, caused it.

   Yet when the now ever-familiar tones of the radio issued forth, what thoughts she had at the time quickly faded away. Outside, it was so dark that, were it not for the searchlights which guided the local AA battery’s fire, one might not be able to see more than a couple dozen meters away.
   ”The central region’s office of civil defense reports: 23:50. Two groups were observed over Hatsukaichi bay. Furthermore, there are two groups over the Hinase strait and two over the Kitan channel. In the southwest, there are…” The presenter prattled on. Off in the distance, engines could be heard, though surely they’d have some time left before whatever was coming would arrive.
   “Are you awake, Yuna?” Natsumi asked, opening the door to her room. For her part, Yuna had, in fact, been awake for a while, and had been getting ready to evacuate the building; she had, however, run into some trouble with her hood. These hoods had been in use for a while by now, yet she never quite understood their use. All it might do is prevent dust from getting into her hair, which now seemed so inconsequential to her.
   “I am.” She answered as Azumi began removing the shoji doors as instructed by countless meetings of the tonarigumi.

   A few minutes would pass as everyone present did what they could to prepare. The once faint buzzing of aircraft engines had given way to a most furious roar, perhaps louder than they had been anytime before. By two minutes before midnight, they had become impossible to ignore, which of course meant it was time to get into the shelter.
   “Look at that, they’re saying that there are many airplanes, but I tell you, I can’t see them.” Natsumi said, helped by her daughter on their way to the shelter. Almost as soon as they stepped down from the porch, a bright yellow light filled the sky as flares began to fall from above. No doubt, it was either some sort of signal or simply a means of illuminating the city for the enemy. It was a strangely beautiful sight, like the attack on the 16th of March or the first time she saw a condensation trail.
   “Yuna, c’mon! Quickly now!” Someone, perhaps Azumi or perhaps one of the Arikawas, said, and yet, she did not move. Why couldn’t she move? She might’ve thought it was beautiful, in its own way anyways, but she knew to run from that which was beautiful if it was still a threat. Fear? They hadn’t attacked yet, but perhaps that was part of it. No, it was something else. Soon enough, a new sound filled the air, almost like the shattering of glass mixed with the ruffling of paper, and light fell from the sky before striking the ground with a loud bang, setting alight all that surrounded them.

   It was guilt. That’s what she felt, even as one of the incendiary bombs crashed through the roof but did not explode like the others. In that moment, she wasn’t afraid, she wasn’t sad, hell, she wasn’t even happy—if one could call it that—about what had happened. She was just tired, tired of the grief, of the pain, of the guilt. She felt angry, yet not because they had been attacked; rather, she was disappointed that it hadn’t landed a meter closer and took her with it. It would’ve been what she deserved, after all. But then, with tears in her eyes as she looked at the bomb, she remembered what she had been asked just a short while ago.

   ”Are you going to be alright?”

   Was this alright? Kahori was dead, she was maimed, and now, the house was about to go up like a tinderbox. What would Iwao think if all of them were gone? Would he be alright? She couldn’t bear to imagine it, yet so lost was she in her own thoughts that she could hardly do anything at all. Azumi once told her that she’d been brought here only to help out, yet Iwao had truly enjoyed her time with them. She had too, but… It felt as though she had only brought the Umekis pain and heartache. Would they be better off without her?
   “Yuna, where are you!?” Azumi shouted for her, a lone voice in the darkness which seemed to drown out the flame. Though she didn’t mean it that way, the question seemed almost perfect. “Where was she?” indeed. Home. Prison. Refuge. Torment. It seemed so conflicting, how she felt about this place, yet there was one thing, at the very least, which was certain: it needed to be protected. She soon ran, scanning the area for something, anything which might put it out. At the end of the porch, a pair of buckets full of water. She might’ve only had one arm, but she would have to manage. She hoisted one up, propping it up against the stump that once was her right hand, and ran like a bat out of hell with a great cry.
   “Water! I need more water!” She shouted as she tried—and failed—to extinguish the flames which threatened to consume their abode, soon resorting to using her futon to stamp it out, an act which was frankly foolish on a normal day and which singed the fringes of her clothes. She could hear the tramps of footsteps on the wooden floors getting closer.
   “Yuna, did one of them hit us?” Azumi asked before quickly stepping in to help. A precious few more seconds passed, and before she knew it, the fire was out. They wouldn’t look at the bomb, that small, rectangular thing, yet to think that such a device could do so much damage so quickly… They were lucky. If it had gone off, they would’ve lost the house and Yuna would’ve died. As Azumi, Natsumi, and a few of their neighbors helped to move the device, the buckets, and the now scorched futon out of the house, she would step towards the edge of the yard, exhausted, as she looked out towards the city below. A great breeze, warm to the touch, slammed against her face, and in shock, she could only look out and stare.

   Kyūre was burning.

NASDA has successfully placed an asteroid into lunar orbit as part of its Asteroid Retrieval and Utilization (ARU) mission on Friday, marking the beginning of its efforts to study in depth the composition of Near-Mundus Asteroids, as well as marking its first successful redirection of an asteroid. While the agency has completed other missions to asteroids, the multi-billion Mon robotic explorer, named Prosperity, carries with it a docking port and several scientific experiments that will be performed by ūchunauts in Low Mundus Orbit. Already, preparations are reportedly underway for the crew of DSP Expedition 1, which departed from Zenshoen in late February, to briefly depart the station and rendezvous with Prosperity and the asteroid, 641376 Takenaka, sometime next week. The crew will spend three days at the asteroid, where they will conduct a number of EVAs and perform experiments with the object.

As far as asteroids go, Takenaka is on the smaller end, with a maximum diameter of just under six meters. Discovered in 2011, the asteroid appears to have an intensely dark surface that is known to reflect a number of unusual colors, this being in spite of long-exposure images released by NASDA which often depict it as a gray mass. Takenaka is a C-type asteroid, something which both made it difficult to discover and which made its discovery all the more interesting to researchers on Mundus, as it means that it is a so-called "Primitive Asteroid," one which could be rich in carbon, organic materials and frozen water. That means, according to NASDA, studying the asteroid could help "clarify interactions between the building blocks of Mundus and the evolution of its oceans and life," as well as to understand more about how the solar system works. But just because the asteroid has been recovered and will be visited doesn't mean that the agency is done with them. Already, planners are considering a visit to a similar asteroid as part of Sojourner's mission to Nergal in the coming years, likely following a flyby of Ishtar on the way home. Whatever may come of those plans, one thing can be certain: the next few weeks will be quite interesting for researchers at NASDA.

---

Illuminating businesses and homes with the star-sustaining power of fusion will be one of the greatest engineering challenges in human history. In order to recreate the energy-generating physics at the center of our Sun—which uses a lot of gravity to squeeze atoms together—reactors on Mundus have to compensate for this lack of mass with an immense increase in heat. At around 100M °C, light nuclei in the form of an electron soup known as plasma can overcome strong electric repulsion and fuse via quantum tunneling. While that is a good thing, there is a problem involved: containing that ultra-hot plasma in the first place. That is because plasma has a tendency to escape the magnetic fields which contain it in a reactor, which immediately ends a fusion reactor when it happens. But scientists from Misaki University, as well as the Misaki Plasma Physics Laboratory (MPPL), are employing AI to avoid these plasma mishaps and hopefully keep future fusion reactions from this particular form of self-sabotage. Using Fusan's ISTX experimental fusion reactor in Katashina, researchers demonstrated that their AI model trained on experimental data could detect what are known as “tearing mode” instabilities—a type of plasma disruption when plasma-containing magnetic field lines break—sometimes as much as 300 milliseconds in advance. Although not enough time for humans to react, AI can readily change parameters to avoid the tear, and thus keep the reaction stable. The results of this work were published in the Fusanese Journal of Research (FJR) last week.

"Tearing mode instabilities are one of the major causes of plasma disruption, and they will become even more prominent as we try to run fusion reactions at the high powers required to produce enough energy,” first author Giichi Urata, a professor of Physics at Kudoyama University in Yakumo who performed the work as a postdoctoral researcher at Misaki, said in a statement. "Previous studies have generally focused on either suppressing or mitigating the effects of these tearing instabilities after they occur in the plasma, but our approach allows us to predict and avoid those instabilities before they ever appear.”

Teaching AI to control a fusion reaction is similar to how other AI models are trained for complicated tasks—a large amount of real-world data and ultra-quick pattern recognition. This AI model used a “reinforcement learning algorithm” that allowed the program to work out best containment methods via trial and error within a simulated environment. Eventually, the program learned to achieve high power output without the “punishment” of instability. Co-author Nae Sun-Yung, also a member of the Misaki group, compared training the model to learning to fly an aircraft, saying a controller needs lots of time on an intricate simulator before “they’ve learned enough to try out the real thing.”

Now that the AI has passed the real-world test with flying colors, the researchers say they need more data on the AI's performance at the ISTX reactor, and if all goes well, the team could begin training the program to recognize other fusion instabilities as well. But containing plasma in real-time is only one piece of the fusion puzzle. Engineers, for example, still need to develop new materials capable of withstanding the immense heat of fusion for not just minutes, hours, or days, but years if the technology has any hope of one day powering homes across the world. Fusion may very well be the greatest feat of engineering in human history, and it very well may also be the biggest in AI history, too.

---

A new predator will soon stalk the world's oceans and seas, as the Imperial Fusanese Navy prepares to launch the IFN Barakuda, the lead vessel of her class, later this month. The ship, with its complement of 125 sailors, marks the culmination of a decades-long effort to field a replacement for the fleet's Itachizame-class of diesel-electric hunter-killer submarines, which were retired at the turn of the new millennium. The vessel differs from its peers in the Navy's silent service by forgoing the ability to launch missiles, instead coming equipped with an impressive arsenal of torpedoes, including both Type 69 "HATEs" and the newer Type 75 ULTRA, whose range, though not officially stated by the navy, is believed to be in excess of 65 kilometers and can carry a 405 kg explosive warhead. The submarine is expected to be launched later this month and will begin its shakedown cruise on the 17th of April, coinciding with the year's Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Delayed

---

Nikokyo, Kyūre, Izumi Prefecture
June 25th, 1945
9:18 AM

   It was a sound which Yuna had unfortunately grown used to, the vicious wails of air raid sirens. Most of the time, they’d been sounded as a result of false alarms or for aircraft that would ultimately hit elsewhere, yet not today. Daisaku had always said to make sure if you can hear engines, and she could certainly hear them now. But that there were so many coming was of little consequence; they didn’t know where to go. They certainly wouldn’t have enough time to get home, but there had to be a public shelter nearby. Best to just follow everyone else, she thought, as she heard someone shouting for people to find shelter, and quickly. Not that needed to be told that, of course, but it was probably for the few people here who somehow didn’t know what to do.
   “Looks like they really are coming this time.” Someone said as people filed into one of the shelters, not too far from the hospital. The sound of AA guns started to fill the air alongside the rumble of engines, but Yuna and Kahori seemed safe, entering the shelter alongside everyone else.
   “You’re not from around here, are you?” One of the occupants, a woman who appeared to be in her late 40s, asked.
   “No, ma’am. We’re from up in Hiroioki, visiting family in the hospital.” Yuna answered, holding Kahori close. It seemed so silly, being polite at a time like this, and yet she felt indebted to everyone else here for allowing them to stay, given the circumstances.
   “I’m so sorry to hear-”
   “HERE THEY COME!” Someone else, a soldier, possibly, shouted as he slammed the door to the shelter shut. “Cover your ears, open your mouth, and get down!” He said before taking cover as many in the shelter seemed to be fighting the urge to cry.
   “Yuna, I’m scared…” Kahori said.
   “We’re gonna be okay, don’t you worry.” Yuna said, reassuring her. And then the world began to violently shake, the loud bangs and cracks thundering all around them. Even the first attack wasn’t this bad, and they had been outside for it. No, it was like the ground was going to swallow them alive. Indeed, some of the soil fell around them, and yet the shelter held strong. They must’ve been going for the arsenal, there was no other reason to hit so close. Frankly, there was little else to target here anymore, since much of the fleet had moved further into the inland sea or to other ports in the east. It felt as though it would never end…

---

12:03 PM

   Just over two and a half hours would pass as the world seemed to fall apart around them. It was like an earthquake of a magnitude few alive might’ve remembered, at least, around here anyways. Yuna remembered growing up hearing about the earthquake that hit Shinkyo the same year she was born, and her great-grandfather had lived through the Tokai earthquakes in the 1850s, but even those didn’t last for hours at a time. Not that this did either, not really, since the planes came in waves, but it was far too constant to be an earthquake. Sometimes, a bomb would land really close, and those would rattle everyone present to their bones, but eventually, the tremors stopped and the sirens issued forth the “all clear”, so it would seem it was safe to exit the shelter.

   Yuna and Kahori were among the last to leave, having helped some of the elderly to exit before them. Even in times of turmoil such as these, Yuna had been taught to care for those who were most vulnerable in society; that was something her father had wanted her to remember, growing up. Even though he wasn’t here, she wanted to make him proud, to make her nation proud, even if the act itself was so small. But eventually, they would also have to leave the shelter, for they had a train to catch, assuming Azumi had survived and the tracks hadn’t been damaged.

   A thin haze of smoke hung in the air, joined by the cacophony of people coughing as a result. Even her niece hadn’t been spared from it, yet at first, she paid no mind. Just up ahead, across from the entrance to the shelter, a house sat destroyed, shattered by one of the bombs. They had just narrowly avoided death that day; even a few feet closer and the shelter would’ve almost certainly collapsed in on itself. And standing in front of it, just at the entrance to the house, was one of the women who had joined them in that hole in the ground. She seemed stunned, yet her eyes were almost empty, as though she had just lost everything, and indeed she had. That was once her home, most likely, but there was something she had which so many people needed: Water.
   “Uh, excuse me?” Yuna asked the woman, who at first appeared to not notice them. “Can we have some water?” She continued, looking at the tub of water just off the property, presumably there in case of a fire. The Umekis had something similar, though of course, theirs wasn’t quite as nice looking.
   “Go ahead.” The woman said, and almost immediately people would crowd around it, seeking relief from the smoke which left their lungs irritated and which stung their eyes. She’d lost so much, the poor thing, and yet even now she was so generous. Or was it simply a lack of care, now that she had nothing to her name? Either way, that was perhaps the best water any of them had in their life, but eventually, everyone, even Yuna and Kahori, would leave, but not before thanking her.

   As they walked along the road, every so often they’d be able to catch a glimpse of the sea, of the carnage wrought upon the harbor. It wasn’t good, that was for sure. Sirens could be heard nearby, probably from the fire department as so many sped to combat the flames which raged in the harbor. Off in the distance, beyond the mountains, smoke seemed to rise, perhaps from aircraft which had thankfully been brought down, but that wasn’t worth speculating. Right now, they needed to focus on getting back to the station. There would be questions, of course; some serious, like why the bombings were even happening, others less-so. Kahori worried if the train had left them, and was told that they wouldn’t leave the station at a time like this. But even after all that happened, she seemed dead-set upon one thing in particular: seeing the ships. It would be difficult, of course, given the smoke, but that was something that was something she’d help with. It might’ve been her last time seeing her, for all she knew, so why not make it count?
   “Auntie Yuna?” Kahori spoke up as they walked side-by-side, Yuna on the left, Kahori on the right. “Do you think you could draw Hisao for me next?” She asked her as they passed by someone’s garden off to the right, torn apart by shrapnel by the looks. Such innocence, Yuna thought as they walked. And then, she saw it. A crater, small in diameter, sat within, and for some reason, she recalled a lecture she’d attended over a year ago. ”Small craters can be created by unexploded bombs. According to our intelligence reports, as well as experience in the field, the enemy uses these bombs to hamper recovery after an attack.” the instructor’s voice echoed in her head. It was like alarm bells were going off in her head, practically screaming at her to run, and now.
   “Kahori, look out!” She screamed, grabbing her hand and trying to run, but it was too late. A flash of light blinded her, and then, there was nothing. On that day, tasked with protecting both home and family, she failed. Everything was gone.

   "Certainly, Mr. General Secretary." Sadazane replied. He was, of course, well aware of the talks with the ADSN; that was something he tried to keep himself appraised of, after all. "I suppose we could see about encouraging said investments, but just saying that isn't really enough, is it? Obviously, with regards to matters like tariffs, we will defer to whatever the ADSN suggests, so I would suggest we avoid that specific topic for the time being." He added before saying "That will, of course, constrain what exactly we are able to achieve here, but there are still plenty of other avenues for us to consider. But as you requested this meeting, I will let you take the lead, at least for now."

   As soon as the Rokkenjiman representative had finished, her Fusanese counterpart, Eikichi Hosokawa, glancing first at the Jiayuanese ambassador and then to his peers, would speak up, saying "The proposal put forwards by Mr. Ferraro seems reasonable in the eyes of the Empire of Fusan." before pausing momentarily. "And as my Rokkenjiman counterpart put it, we must pursue a means of upholding the vision set forth for this Association while also being open to partnerships without. As it stands, we are prepared to support the measure being proposed by Abertone."

Calling

---

Hiroioki, Kyūre, Izumi Prefecture
May 5th, 1945
6:31 PM

   "...more than 125 B-19 bombers participated in the raid. While there was damage to the Hikami Naval Arsenal and the 11th Naval Aviation Arsenal, the number of casualties is being reported as minimal..." the announcer on the radio said as Yuna, Azumi, and Natsumi listened, hopeful that Daisaku had survived. That day, a few hours prior, the city had come under another air raid, striking his place of work, and they hadn't heard from him since. It was hard not to fear the worst; even if it was almost certain that he had made it, the odds were never too favorable not to need proof. And with how late it was getting, they were likewise worried about Iwao. Sure, there wasn't any reporting about the port getting hit, but again, better safe than sorry. Thankfully, on that front, they were soon relieved, as he would walk in a few minutes later.
   "Oh, thank the heavens you're safe, Iwao." Natsumi said as everyone tried to greet him, check if he was okay. "Yeah, I suppose I am. Any news about dad?" He said, handing a parcel to Yuna.
   "He... hasn't come home yet." Yuna answered, taking the parcel and setting it aside and getting back to tending the stove.
   "I see... Well, I suppose if anything happened, then Hikami would've contacted us." Iwao sighed before sitting down to remove his shoes. "...Y'know, it's different now. Used to be, so long as you had family that worked there accompanying you, they'd let you on base. With the war, I guess it's not as easy as it used to be, so we really can only wait." He added, almost absent-minded as he finished. A few minutes would pass, with him just sitting there silently, lost in thought, perhaps. It wasn't like it was hard to tell why, he might've just lost his father after all, and not knowing... That was the hardest part. Eventually, if only to get his mind off that particular train of thought, he started helping to prepare dinner, peeling potatoes to go with the rice.
   "We need to talk about-" Yuna said, trying to get him to open up for a moment before stopping herself, realizing he probably wasn't ready.
   "Oh? About what, Yuna?" Iwao asked.
   "Nothing, just... Uhh..." She looked over to him. "Are you going to keep peeling, because I think you've finished that one."
   "Ah, right." He said, passing the potato to her. He could overhear the radio once again, still reporting on the attack earlier in the day. "I don't know if what YOFK's reporting is true, but Hikami's arsenal was badly damaged."

   The room seemed almost silent when he said that, the only noises being the crackling of the fire and the boiling of water. It was clear that he was hurting, that there was so much he couldn't say that he wished to have. Not to her, more than likely, but to a man he feared he might never see again. Not in this life, certainly. The fragility of humanity, swept away like sandcastles before the tides. Only the tides of their day were not of water, but of flesh, blood, and steel. It felt as though the world they had grown up in, the world their forefathers had striven so greatly to forge, had come crashing down, and soon, all that would be left was ash. What kind of world would there be left, when all of this was over. Would they even live to see it? Daisaku wouldn't, and neither would Isao. Nor did he think he would, given what had happened today.
   "My new uniform came in." He said after asking for Yuna to sit with him.
   "What?" Yuna asked; it felt as though her heart had skipped a beat when he said it.
   "That's what is in the parcel over there." He continued. "Starting on the fifteenth, I'm to be made a Chief Petty Officer. Judicial Affairs, nothing bad, but uhh... I'll be training with the fleet and won't be back until August."
   "...Will you come back afterwards?" Yuna asked, grasping his hand.
   "I believe so." Iwao answered, looking into her eyes. "You're going to be okay, Yuna. You may be somewhat short, but... Well, I've seen you practicing. If you couldn't protect our family, then nobody could."
   "But I... No. I can't!" She answered, raising her voice before standing up and taking a step back. Maybe wasn't good enough. She'd already seen her brother fly off, never to be seen again on the promise that he might come back, and now, he was asking her to hold out hope like that again? What if he didn't come home? "Isao told me he would come back, and you know what that happened. I'm sorry, but-" She tried to say, but she was interrupted not by his voice, but something different. That most simple of gestures: A hug.
   "I'm sorry, Yuna." Iwao said, holding her close. "Genuinely, I am. If I had a choice, I wouldn't be doing this. I hope you'll forgive me."
   "I... I'm sorry too." Yuna replied. "I'll do it. It's only three months, we'll survive."