'Inspection(1)'

Jason was finally done with his work for the day. The 5th Army had finally returned to Inazuma City and he was currently staying in a military barracks. The past few days had been the same routine for him - waking up at an ungodly early timing to be briefed personally by the general each day; mostly on the administrative duties he had to settle. It was like doing an office job … except there was no air conditioning.

Today however had been less than pleasant. He was going through the names of the deceased who had died in the battle against the bandits, having to ensure that fair compensation was accorded to those who died under the death gratuity program. It reminded him that if the civil war did not end soon, the numbers would climb even higher as a result.

Along with the seeds of hatred, planted in the closed ones of those who perished.

"How is everything? That's the last bit of work for the week. You may take a break like the other soldiers if you wish for a few days. It'll be awhile before the resupply is done."

Jason heard a familiar voice from behind him. It was the general. He stood up and turned to face her, holding the stack of papers in one hand.

"I'm done with verifying the records. For the casualty report, out of the 5000 soldiers that we had initially; there are 751 who have suffered injuries, 400 deaths, 100 missing in action." He shuffled the papers. "If we include the 300 we've left at Yatari City to assist with maintaining order and security ... The final number of soldiers that we have ready for combat stands at 3449."

"Close to a 30% casualty rate for the first battle … it's an army composed of new recruits after all." The general's voice turned low, her head slightly bowed.

"We do have reason to be optimistic though. These are bandits who mostly have been fighting for years on end, and we won against one of the strongest bunch of them. I've read some reports about the ongoing civil war. I doubt most of the fighters in the resistance have experience or are skilled - except for their elites and core men."

"Oh. You've managed to find time to study the other battle reports from the frontlines?"

"It's my job as your aide after all ... we'd be facing them soon."

The general placed a hand to her forehead. "It's all because of their leader - Sangonomiya Kokomi. What the resistance lack in experience and manpower have been more than made up for by the ingenious strategies she has come up with ..."

Realizing that this was causing Sara distress, Jason quickly changed the topic.

"I noticed our soldiers who perished in battle appear to be very well compensated. While no amount of money could ever replace the value of a life … Five hundred thousand Mora along with a 100-year tax exemption of the families related to the deceased is quite generous," he said. "Was that the directive of the Tenryou Commission?"

"No, it was the Shogun's."

"Oh?"

Jason was surprised to hear that. He'd always imagined the electro deity to be a high, lofty being who did not bother about the struggles of her people. Perhaps she wasn't that indifferent to the plight Inazuma was in.

"It was something introduced when the civil war started. The Almighty Shogun is a merciful being who cares for the lives of her subjects. It is unfortunate that there are still those who have a bad opinion of her and see her as a tyrant …"

"There are no perfect policies and humans often prefer to see a cup of tea as half empty rather than half full. Considering the effects of the civil war, it is only natural they would place the blame on the Shogun for declaring the Vision Hunt Decree."

"Hmph. If it wasn't for the Divine Priestess raising a banner to oppose it, there wouldn't even be a civil war in the first place." the general pouted, her arms folded together. "A-anyways. Do you have any plans for the next few days?"

"I'll be checking up on how my disciple is … I've gotten a letter from her yesterday. Apparently she found a part-time job at a place called Naganohara Fireworks and really enjoys the work there." Jason replied, wondering how the girl had been doing.

"H-her?"

He cocked his head sideways, puzzled by the general's response. "Yeah. My disciple's a female, is there some kind of issue?"

"Nothing. Urm … how old is she?"

"She's eighteen this year."

The general kept quiet for a moment, her arms folded.

Jason frowned. What was the general's deal? She seemed … annoyed.

"I suppose I will have to accompany you. Their owner has caused quite a bit of problems pertaining to public safety and health hazards in the past. It would be a good chance to conduct an undercover and surprise inspection."

"Wait! But you're a general and I do-"

"It's also an opportunity to see how the lives of the people in Inazuma are getting on in the midst of this new Civil War," Sara said. "If there are any problems; I'll be able to bring it up to the Raiden Shogun when I get to have an audience with her. No further protests on this!"

-----------------------------------------

The next day began quite late, as seeing there were no duties for him and it was his day off; Jason awoke much later than usual.

He didn't have much to prepare, so it didn't take long for him to get changed. Then he left and waited quietly at an inconspicuous spot - sitting on a bench underneath a sakura tree a distance away from the military barracks.

The general soon arrived. It was the first time he had seen her wearing something else apart from her usual military attire. Sara was dressed in a purple kimono with no patterns, and a light purple sash secured it tightly around her slim waist. She looked just like an ordinary Inazuma Citizen.

It was simple clothing, but yet it still couldn't hide her beauty … and the size of her chest as well; which drew his attention again. They were just of the right proportion - not too big nor too small; and incredibly tempting. Just how would it feel to squeeze down on them? There was also an air of dignity and demeanor around her; as expected of a daughter from a noble clan.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said. "Let's go. I'll show you the way to Naganohara Fireworks. We shouldn't stay here for too long - it's too close to the barracks and some of the soldiers hanging out nearby would recognize me."

"Okay."

Jason chided himself for such a thought. If the general knew what he was thinking earlier; he'd probably be electrocuted to ashes.

They quickly left through one of the smaller less used roads. Judging from the way she moved; it definitely wasn't her first time sneaking out in such a fashion.

"General Sara, do you usually do this kind of thing? Going out in secret?"

"Well. When I used to be undergoing military training as a child here. I did sneak out a few times. My foster father was quite strict … anyways! You are not to tell anyone about this. Not a soul."

"That's kind of unexpected. I thought the esteemed general was always someone who followed the rules and regulations to the dot. Imagine if your men found out ..."

"H-hey! You can't do that."

"Sorry, I just couldn't help it."

Jason couldn't resist teasing her. In the military, Sara always gave others the impression of a very stone-cold and inaccessible person.

It was exciting in a way to see the normally reserved ice-cold beauty getting flustered.

The corners of the general's lips curled into a faint smile. "By the way. Could you please drop the general? I'd prefer it if you just addressed me by my name when we're alone together."

"I don't think it's a good idea. You're my commanding officer and from a noble family. People might get the wrong ideas and your reputation would be affected."

The general puffed her cheeks out. "Are you trying to disobey your superior? Konoe Jason?"

"I wouldn't dare. I am just merely stating my considerations for your welfare. It is my duty as your aide." He sighed. "If you insist so. I will address you as suc-"

The general suddenly pulled Jason into a narrow alleyway by the side. She clutched him tightly in an embrace, pressing him against a wall.

Two round sensations - surprisingly soft could be felt against his chest.

"G-general!"

"Shh. Be quiet." Sara's voice sounded beside him as she leaned in. "There are some shogunate soldiers in the distance."

He turned in the direction the general was looking at. Sure enough; there were two men dressed in military attire strolling down the street.

But that wasn't the main problem. He could feel the warmth from Sara's body pressing against him, and his heart had never beaten so fast in his entire life. Something had twitched a little in his pants.

"Um … Genera … I mean Sara! I think it's fine now."

"Oh. Sorry."

The general finally let go of him; she was holding on for an unusually long period. The two shogunate soldiers had already long passed them. Jason thought he saw disappointment flash across her face for an instant when she loosened her hands around him earlier.

"Ahem, since this is an undercover investigation. Don't call me Sara, it'll blow my cover." she folded her hands and looked away. "Just call me Miyako."

Jason nodded. "Then, shall we continue moving … Miyako?"

(1606 Words)