12 Chapter 12: The end

[A/N: I have no excuse for this long update. So sorry about that. I just don't fuck much with fighting scenes, and I'm awful at writing those, lol. I hope it was good enough for most people, and I would understand if it was terrible for some.

The next chapter should be about the reaction of various parties and the Forum. They are easier to write for me by a long shot. Again, I hope I didn't spoil your expectations so much with this fighting scene. I can only improve myself in writing those battle scenes as I continue writing this FF.

Anyway, sorry for the long talk. So please enjoy!]

 x-x-x-x-x-x

Chapter 12: The end

- Aruto Igarashi –

I hovered close enough to my nemesis as my height stopped at a head taller than the IS.

Huh? I was baffled as I expected to be way fucking taller like the original Gundam, and yet we were more or less around the same height.

"Why aren't we growing anymore!? I want to stomp that bitch with my feet and make her beg for forgiveness!!!" I thought with all of my hatred. Ever since I got chased by this stupid bitch my life became worse.

[We could grow taller if you wish.] replied Jintekai in my mind as we were currently connected with our minds linked together.

"Then do it! I want to see her wriggle under my foot! HAHAHAHA"

[…You should see someone after that. As for your question, I don't believe it's our current state's best course of action.]

[Growing in size would make us waste more energy than necessary, and I believe you should be able to fight our enemy with your current height.]

[Moreover, I sense no sign of life inside this black IS, and I believe someone remotely controls it.]

What the fuck

"So, was I fighting against an AI during all this time!?" I thought as my heart broke.

[Hmmm, I can't say for sure since I'm unfamiliar with the IS to conclude, but I don't believe you are facing an AI.] replied Jintekai after giving some thoughts on the problem.

[In a more straightforward term, the current black IS is more akin to a game character controlled by a player.]

"Fuck, don't tell me I'm fighting against a controller player or pc gamer!"

[Again, I'm not sure, so I can't confirm my hypothesis]

[Also, you should focus on the fight since our friend finished analyzing us.]

Sure enough, my buddy might be into something since the enemy didn't retreat and wanted to continue this fight. No sane person would outright fight against my current form, or at least without a single care for their wellbeing.

Dammit, I'm really fighting against a pc gamer or worse…

That guy behind this nonsense better hides or else… I promise you, I will bite this guy to death.

Since the person behind this mess is so eager to collect my data, I might as well showcase some of my prowess, no? I'll make you happy and let you have a great time! I'll plunge them into despair and show them that I'm better than them in every way possible.

[I'll assist you during this fight, so don't worry and focus on the fight]

That's all I needed to hear, buddy.

I quickly propelled toward the black IS with the help of my thruster while the enemy hastily retreated backwards.

So the black IS is not willing to engage like before? That's fine! I'll be the hunter this time, then. I revved up my thruster, flying faster toward the IS and narrowing the gap between us.

The black IS retaliated with a relentless barrage of bullets from its Gatling guns. I couldn't help but smirk at this familiar move, an old tactic I'd faced countless times during the relentless chase. Accelerating even faster, I left after images trailing behind me, briefly confusing the IS. It was a brief moment, but it was all I needed to close the gap between us.

"Come on, buddy! You have to do better than that! You can't stop me with that!" I roared, wielding my two swords with confidence. I swiftly appeared just above the black IS, executing an X-shaped attack. The IS, unable to react in time, suffered greatly as I saw the perfect shield flickering.

Staggered by my powerful assault, the black IS attempted to counterattack, only to find itself kicked by me, crashing into the ground and leaving a crater.

Not wasting a moment, I descended from the air and pursued the fallen IS on the ground. I intended to deliver the finishing blow. However, the IS despite not possessing the raw strength of Gundam Bael, the IS proved to be a formidable opponent with its versatile arsenal.

Fortunately, I had Jintekai for those sorts of situations. We are an excellent duo even though we just started working together now.

[I sense eight flying objects released from the IS.]

[Be careful, Aruto]

"Drones, huh? Interesting, I'll slice them." I said and observed the drones that appeared in my field of view with the black IS as the smoke finally disappeared.

Without leaving much time to think or observe, the eight drones went into action as they separated themselves into a group of two.

Four groups of two.

They were definitively tricky since each group wasn't the same. I also couldn't ignore the artillery support of the black IS at the same time.

The first group of drones approached me at full speed but kept a fair distance from my position. The first drones that appeared in my vision were compact and aggressive. It was a small, hovering device with a sleek metallic or robotic structure. It has visible weaponry that emits lights indicating its offensive capabilities.

The drones kept firing at me as I swung my sword and parried every bullet on my way. As I was ready to dash and swiftly destroy those drones. I heard the warning from my partner.

[Dodge! Incoming laser on your way!]

I instantly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the bright and vibrant lasers that burned holes into the ground. Glancing over, I spotted a second group of drones emerging from the black IS.

This set of drones was sleek and futuristic, armed with visible laser emitters, emphasizing their ranged capabilities.

So, she wants to keep me from advancing further, huh? Interesting, but it takes more than that to hurt me, especially as Gundam Bael. Plus, I excelled more on the ground than in the air.

Ignoring the attacking drones that barely damaged my armoured body, I approached the laser drones. They posed a more significant threat than the first, and I aimed to minimize their numbers before they could gang up on me.

The battlefield was anything but peaceful as the laser drones continued their calculated assault. Meanwhile, the black IS wasn't silent either as she kept firing with her new sniper rifle. She was still unwilling to approach me and kept her distance no matter how hard I tried to reach her.

Moreover, her drones started to annoy me, yet it was a relief that she couldn't keep summoning them. So I only had to destroy them once and for all. So, let's start with the current threatening enemy on the field. I reached the two laser drones in no time and quickly destroyed them with a swift movement of my dual swords. Their sleek form crumbled into pieces as I continued my relentless advance toward the black machinery.

However, a new threat emerged as they replaced those laser drones. Those green missile drones looked more robust and armoured than the other drones. The missile drones swiftly took their place, launching a barrage of explosive projectiles directly at me.

Without hesitation, I swung both swords precisely, slicing through the incoming missiles easily. The air crackled and exploded as the missiles were cut down before they could reach me, leaving behind trails of smoke in the air. I threw my left sword toward the missile drones as it spun rapidly and destroyed them as soon as they appeared.

I stretched my hand toward the flying sword in the air as it materialized back into my hand as if it never left in the first place. As for how?

Don't worry about it.

I had no time to deal with them; I only wished to destroy the black IS and dip from this place. Moreover, it seemed like Jintekai was thinking the same things as me.

[You need to kill this black IS swiftly, Aruto.]

[Your control over this power is still in its early stages, and your rough method needs improvement.]

[We have some energy but aren't far from hitting dry.]

[It would genuinely be unfortunate if we were forced out of the Gundam Bael form and met so early in the early stage of our story.]

Well, isn't that the tallest motherfucking flag if I've ever seen one in my life. The warning from my partner made the situation even more urgent, so I decided to end it now since I saw an unexpected development around the black IS.

I noticed two drones hovering around the black IS, emitting a green energy that seemed to be healing the damaged parts.

"Healer drones? That's not fair at all." I muttered and accelerated even faster toward the black IS.

As I focused on the recovery drones, I saw another set of drones appearing beside the attacking drones, which I honestly forgot since it did nothing to me from the start. It wasn't a real challenge to think about what this new drone could do since its appearance was a dead giveaway.

Their compact and fiery appearance and the vents at the front indicate their ability to deal with fire damage. Yep, that's a flame drone if I ever saw one. I love the design, so I respect it.

Anyway, the flame and attack drones took advantage of the situation, closing in for another round of assault. I provocatively twirled my twin swords as I dashed above them, made a simple downward slash at the first attack drones, and finished with a sweep to the last one of its kind.

That drone basically begged me from the start to kill it since it did nothing from the beginning.

I returned my attention to the flame drones as they unleashed a torrent of fire in my direction. I utilized my thrusters to evade the fiery onslaught, narrowly avoiding the scorching flames.

[Aruto, you need to take out those support drones. They are restoring the black IS faster than expected.]

Jintekai's voice echoed in my mind, urging me to prioritize the elimination of the healing drones. I acknowledged the advice and focused on the green energy-emitting drones around the black IS.

Determinedly, I propelled myself towards the support drones; dodging attacks from them, I swung my twin swords precisely, slashing through the air as I aimed to turn off the healing source. The battle intensified as I was finally close enough to the black IS.

The black IS threw the sniper rifle at me, and I simply sliced through it. I guess it finally realized she couldn't one tap me from all this time when I was entangled with her drones.

That has got to be a skill issue, friend.

She deployed her dual-edged arms and approached me for a sword fight. Finally! I really wanted to show this bitch that I was superior in this aspect since Bael was literally made for this!

No one can out-sword me.

The black IS swiftly swung its dual energy blades to catch me off guard, but I neatly parried with my twin swords. Our blades clashed in dazzling sparks as we engaged in a fierce sword fight.

At the same time, the flame drones surrounded me, their fiery presence adding another annoyance to the battlefield. The black IS took advantage of the additional support and launched a series of precise, quick strikes aimed at my joints. However, I anticipated its moves, smoothly dodging and countering each attack.

I also started to get annoyed with the remaining drones as they kept fucking burning my ass during this fight. Like, come on, lil bro, take hints. No one wants you here.

So, with a swift spin, I sliced through the flame drones, scattering them in a burst of embers. The black IS, now deprived of its fiery support, was left supportless. I seized the opportunity and pressed the assault, launching a series of precise strikes.

The black IS, realizing her wrong position, attempted a desperate move. It summoned a barrage of bullets from its Gatling. Undeterred, I sliced through the weapon and deprived the black IS of its ranged weapon.

Simultaneously, as the Gatling fell apart on the ground, the black IS lost its balance. I seized the opportunity, moved in, and severed its wings.

No more flying for you bitch! How dare you fight me on the ground!? I will enjoy my win!

The black IS was distraught as I took this opportunity to completely disarm my nightmare by shattering its blade with a powerful downward slash and cleanly broke both swords. I closed the distance, dashed towards the black IS, and plunged both of my swords directly into its chest, bringing an end to the nightmare that caused so much pain for me and everyone involved. I hope it will be enough for those affected to find peace.

 For a moment, the black IS stood there, immobile, as if time had frozen. I observed the defeated nemesis, noticing no blood on my blades. I threw the irresponsible mechanical body on the ground, surveyed the area silently, and relished the moment.

Destruction everywhere… I hope they won't charge me with it, or I'll fight with them since they were bold enough to let me handle this nightmare.

"Looks like you were right after all. There is no one inside the IS..." I muttered, exhaustion evident in my voice.

[Congratulations, Aruto, you finished your first trial!] said Jintekai happily.

"Thanks, buddy, I feel a little exhausted…" I replied as I returned to my human form and fell to the ground.

[Wait, Aruto!] cried Jintekai as I couldn't answer him, and my eyes closed gradually. I was too tired to think honestly. I had too much action in a single day and wanted to hit my bed.

As I closed my eyes, I felt like I hit something metallic and heard the voice of someone I was somewhat familiar with.

"Aruto Igarashi, good job. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything. My dear student," said a voice full of care and gentleness. I honestly wanted to take a peek at my saviour. Kidnapper? Arch nemesis?

Oh, well. That's something for me to think about in the future.

So goodnight, everyone.

x-x-x-x-x

- Jintekai -

Jintekai observed Aruto's limp body in the arms of Chifuyu Orimura, a suspicious glance cast towards Maya, who had landed beside them. He sized up the arrival of the duo with suspicion.

He quickly recognized the pair's identity from Aruto's memories in this world; Jintekai couldn't be sure of their intentions. Perhaps there was no need for immediate action, as he doubted they were there to harm Aruto as he heard what Orimura said. Nonetheless, he remained vigilant and prepared a backhand if things took an unexpected turn.

[Chifuyu Orimura… don't make me regret this.] muttered Jintekai as he disappeared from the open and returned inside Aruto's body to recuperate. He was also exhausted from all of this ordeal. He also wanted to catch up with the last episode of the Naruto Shippuden anime from Aruto's memory. Madara's impressive display of power against the allied ninja force had left a deep impression on him.

What a remarkable man.

He also saw the sequel of the anime by the name of Boruto. He was enjoying the Naruto series. Then the sequel shouldn't be bad, right?

x-x-x-x-x-x

- Chiyufu Orimura –

"I got you…" muttered Chifuyu as she caught her Aruto, their infamous late student from IS Academy. Beside her was Maya as they both finally arrived at the scene after some complications with the Japanese government.

"How is he, Senpai!" asked Maya erratically as she observed the fight's aftermath. The place became a wreck after a battle between two titans.

Unfortunately, they might never uncover the valid reason for this clash, as speculation was all they had for now. The black IS, responsible for the chaos, lay in ruins, and Aruto was left unconscious.

Chifuyu examined Aruto's body after exiting her IS, taking necessary measures to ensure he wasn't severely injured. To Maya's embarrassment, Chifuyu didn't hesitate to remove some of Aruto's clothes for a thorough inspection.

"S-s-senpai!" Maya exclaimed, her face flushing with embarrassment at Chifuyu's bold actions. However, Chifuyu, while seemingly unfazed, couldn't completely hide the traces of a blush on her cheeks. It certainly had nothing to do with her student's well-defined physique and his very tempting abs as she carefully checked for injuries.

Clearing her throat to dispel the awkwardness, Chifuyu explained herself to Maya. "I-I-I was simply examining if Igarashi had any life-threatening injuries in his body. Fortunately, he seems to be safe except for some small injuries. He should be exhausted after fighting for so long."

While not a medical professional, Chifuyu possessed enough knowledge to assess the situation, address immediate concerns, and ensure Aruto's safety until proper medical attention could be provided.

Chifuyu turned her eyes to Maya. "We are ready to leave. I'll take care of him, and we'll bring him to the academy."

"What about these devastated ruins around us or the IS?" inquired Maya.

"…Let's leave it to the government; it was their fault in the first place for how the battle escalated," replied Chifuyu with a cold expression. She held little faith in the Japanese government and their actions during this catastrophe.

Taking the remains of the Black IS would only lead to bureaucratic headaches, and Chifuyu had no intention of dealing with higher-ups. Ready to depart with Aruto in a princess carry and Maya by her side toward the academy, she was interrupted by her junior. "Wait! Chifuyu, the army is here!"

Chifuyu halted, her expression becoming a scowl as she followed Maya's gaze.

Chifuyu stopped and looked in the direction where Maya was pointing as she furrowed her brows in disgust.

"…I hope he won't make it too difficult after what he pulled on us." Muttered Chifuyu as she saw someone she didn't want to meet. It was also the same person who pulled the rescue of Aruto Igarashi until now.

General Subarashi Miyamoto.

He is an old traditionalist man who should have retired from his position for a very long time and enjoyed his time at a retirement house.

He wasn't alone either, as he brought his troops behind him and tanks. It seemed like the general was severe as he showcased his powers in such fanfare. Chifuyu also noticed two IS pilots who followed the General but didn't seem to be affiliated with the general.

So, someone else was also helping the general from the shadow? Interesting…

Chifuyu looked at the sleeping beauty in her arms and gave him a complicated look. Aruto Igarashi became too attractive in the eyes of the world. She wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the countries aren't already sending a spokesperson to recruit him or kidnap him.

IS Academy won't be peaceful for the next few days…

"Chifuyu Orimura." Interjected the General as he greeted Chifuyu and pulled her out of her thoughts.

"General." Replied Chifuyu with her regular stoic face.

The General looked around and surveyed the damages caused by the two fighters and gave Aruto a calculating look that Chifuyu or Maya did not miss. They suddenly became a little defensive and prudent.

It looks like Chifuyu's gut was right. They were indeed here for Aruto Igarashi, but who was Chifuyu? She wouldn't even let them take a single strand of his hair.

"I'm here for Aruto Igarashi. You can entrust me this man, and I'll take care of the rest." Said the general as he signalled his men to take care of Aruto.

However, how could this be someone from Chifuyu's hand so quickly? She was his teacher and also an object of interest. He would not fall on the general's hand or his collaborator.

God knows what they'll do to Aruto if left alone and unsupervised. She also couldn't outright deny the general's request since they were still on Japan's soil and not the IS Academy, where she had more power.

Chifuyu Orimura intensely hated politics and would instead evade them, but they were essential and valuable.

Chifuyu cleared her throat as she saw two soldiers coming in her way and stopped them from moving further.

"What is that supposed to mean, Chifuyu Orimura?" asked the general with apparent irritation in his tone.

Unfortunately for him, She was not someone who could easily be bullied. "I'm sorry, general, but Aruto Igarashi is officially a student of the IS Academy and his teacher. I have the right to return him to the academy where we will teach him. This is an official rule made with the consent of every country."

The general paused as he narrowed his eyes. "…Unfortunately, this young man caused the death of many people in my country and caused numerous damages that would cost the country a lot of money. I have the right to arrest him and interrogate his motivation."

"This is ridiculous, general, and you also know it. Aruto Igarashi wasn't the one who destroyed the main street or the death. He was also the victim of this incident of a murderous IS pilot." Said Chifuyu with a frosty face.

"It's the same thing; we have enough evidence to link that Aruto might be affiliated with the pilot. Who knows? It might also be a spectacle manipulated by them." Replied the general with a thoughtful face.

"Also, unfortunately, he also killed the IS pilot in cold blood and destroyed the IS, leaving nothing behind. Who knows if that black IS was even real, no?"

"You are playing a very dangerous game, general." Said Chifuyu as she narrowed her eyes.

Chifuyu wasn't willing to back down either. "You should be careful of your world general. The black IS existed and displayed numerous actions under the eyes of the public. Moreover, I also confirmed that there wasn't any sign of life or trace inside the remains of the black IS."

"Aruto Igarashi didn't kill anyone, and we should applaud him for saving the country from a murderous IS that the military wasn't willing to solve. I wonder why the military wasn't willing to appear on the battlefield, general?"

"…"

"We are doing what's best for our country. There were simply some complications on our end. We would have easily contained such IS even without your help." Replied the general with a dark look on his face.

"For the country, huh? Then why was I delayed from rescuing Aruto Igarashi by the Japanese government when we approached the country? We gave a formal request to the government, and I think my skill qualifies enough for such an operation." Said Chifuyu as she crossed her arms.

The general looked at Chifuyu's face with innocence in his eyes. "What? I don't understand what you are implying, Chifuyu Orimura. I'm only doing this for our country! Aren't you also Japanese? I only want the best for our country! We must ensure that Aruto Igarashi is innocent and protected from future attack."

They were in a stalemate with no one willing to step down. It was a very tense atmosphere, as both sides knew.

"Hand us over the boy. We won't hesitate to use force if necessary, Chifuyu Orimura." Uttered the general with a glint of madness in his eyes.

Chifuyu and Maya immediately took a defensive stance.

"Stay behind me, and we'll leave at my signal." Whispered Chifuyu to Maya.

"Yes, senpai."

As the tension in the air thickened, the ring of a phone cut through the heavy atmosphere. Still eyeing Chifuyu with suspicion, the general answered the call with a gruff acknowledgment.

Chifuyu and Maya watched as the general's face contorted with fury and anger.

"How dare you!?" he bellowed his expression a storm of surprise and frustration.

"You shitty fake rabbit, dare!" he roared, throwing his phone to the ground and mercilessly stomping on it in a fit of rage.

"FUCK!" he shouted one last time, ignoring the bewildered looks from his troops, as well as Chifuyu and Maya.

"Get me another phone."

"Yes, General!" responded one of his loyal soldiers.

"We are leaving! And pick up that damned Black IS for me!" the general commanded, and his troops hurriedly followed suit. However, not everyone was on board, particularly the two female IS pilots who had accompanied him.

"That was not in the plan, General," the first pilot remarked with a trace of anger.

"She won't like this, General," added the second girl, her tone condescending.

"FUCK YOU! DO YOU THINK I WANTED THAT? GO FUCK SOMEONE ELSE! I don't want that shitty fake-ass delusional rabbit on my ass!" The general's frustration echoed through the ruins as he vented his anger on both his soldiers and the unexpected turn of events.

His rage left the two girls surprised and silent, realizing the gravity of the situation. Shooting a disdainful glare at Chifuyu and Maya, they swiftly departed from the scene.

After venting his frustration, the general turned his piercing gaze towards Chifuyu. "You and the boy are free to go. Consider yourselves lucky."

With those words, the soldiers withdrew, leaving Chifuyu, Maya, and the unconscious Aruto amidst the wreckage of the battlefield.

Chifuyu sighed, muttering to herself, "Tabane… What are you planning?" Deep in thought, she carefully lifted Aruto, and together with Maya, they left the chaotic aftermath behind.