32:- Sakuzaki

The day of the Sakazuki ceremony arrives, and a sense of anticipation fills the air.

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Naze takes a moment to teach Mikazuki a bit about writing in eastern characters.

Naze: [Patiently] Alright, Mikazuki, let me show you how to write your name in eastern characters. It's a bit different from the western alphabet.

Mikazuki: [Curious] Eastern characters? Yeah, sure, I'm interested.

Naze takes out a piece of paper and demonstrates the characters for Mikazuki, who watches intently.

Mikazuki: [Nods] Ah, I see. It's simpler than the western alphabet.

Naze: [Smiling] Exactly, and it carries a different kind of elegance.

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[Ichiro stands before Atra, struggling with his kimono as he tries to get it on properly.]

Ichiro: [Grumbling] These kimonos are a real pain. How do people wear these things?

Atra: [Giggling] It's not that difficult, Ichiro. Here, let me help you.

[Atra steps forward and starts adjusting Ichiro's kimono.]

[After a few moments, Atra manages to help Ichiro get the kimono on properly.]

Ichiro: [ Smiling and thumbs up] Atra. You really are amazing at this. Exactly the kind of wife I need for me Brother. 

Atra: [Blushing Heavily] It's okay, Ichiro. What did you say-y-yy-y.

[Ichiro chuckle's at her reaction, and Ichiro is grateful for Atra's help in getting dressed properly for the important ceremony.]

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Kudelia stands before McMurdo Barriston and Orga in a private room, her expression resolute.

Kudelia: [Determined] I've made my decision. I will stay with Tekkadan, and I will honor the memory of all those who have sacrificed their lives to protect me.

McMurdo Barriston: [Nods approvingly] Kudelia, your resolve is commendable. You've become an important part of Tekkadan, and your dedication to their cause is admirable.

Orga: You will allow us to continue the escort under Teiwaz, yes?.

McMurdo Barriston: Yeah, but wouldn't your pride as the leader be tarnished?

Orga: Tekkaden it's a house that we all build together.

Kudelia's decision to stay with Tekkadan solidifies their bond and strengthens their determination to continue their journey to Earth, where they hope to find a better future.

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As the ceremony begins, the Tekkadan members, including Kudelia, gather with the Turbines and other members of Teiwaz. Orga, dressed in the traditional attire for the Sakazuki, stands before Naze, who holds a ceremonial cup.

Naze: [In a solemn tone] Orga Itsuka, by partaking in this Sakazuki, you become a brother to me and a member of the Turbines. Your loyalty and trust mean everything to us.

Orga accepts the ceremonial cup from Naze, and they both drink from it simultaneously, sealing their bond as brothers.

Naze: [With a smile] Welcome to the family, Orga.

The ceremony proceeds smoothly, symbolizing the unity between Tekkadan and the Turbines. Afterward, the Hammerhead and the Isaribi take off from Saisei, continuing their journey toward Earth with their newfound allies, the Turbines.

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As the rest of Tekkadan prepares to leave Sasai for their journey to Earth, Mikazuki and old man Yukinojo remain behind. They're waiting for the Teiwaz engineers to finish their work on Gundam Barbatos. It's a rare moment of downtime for Mikazuki, and he spends it contemplating their journey and the battles they've faced.

Meanwhile, the other members of Tekkadan are busy receiving messages from back on Mars. Dexter, their reliable contact, informs Orga that everything is going well on their home front, which eases Orga's concerns.

Biscuit and Takaki both receive videos from their families. Biscuit watches his younger sisters happily chatting away, and a sense of responsibility washes over him. He dreams of sending his siblings to a good school, something he can now consider with the increased earnings and status associated with Teiwaz.

Takaki's heart swells as he sees his family, and he's grateful for the opportunity to provide them with a better life. His younger sister waves excitedly at the camera, telling her experiences in the school.

Kudelia's mother reaches out to her, hoping to convince her daughter to return home and leave behind the dangerous path she's chosen. However, Kudelia remains steadfast in her commitment to her mission and her newfound family in Tekkadan. She politely refuses her mother's plea, determined to see her goals through to the end.

As messages from their past lives on Mars reach them, the members of Tekkadan are reminded of the sacrifices and dreams that drive them forward on their perilous journey to Earth.

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Mikazuki watches as the ships begin their departure from Sasai, and he can't help but feel a sense of loneliness wash over him. Old man Nadi, noticing Mikazuki's somber mood, asks if he's feeling lonely.

Mikazuki nods and admits, "Yeah, very lonely." The bonds he's formed with his comrades in Tekkadan are strong, and being separated from them even for a short while leaves him with a deep sense of emptiness.

Old man Nadi tries to cheer him up, perhaps with some light-hearted banter or a reassuring word, but it's clear that Mikazuki's attachment to his friends runs deep, and their absence weighs heavily on his heart.

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Naze gathers with Orga and the others to discuss their next course of action. He emphasizes the importance of following the Turbines' lead around the Ariadne to avoid detection by Gjallarhorn, as secrecy is crucial for their mission.

During the meeting, Naze introduces the group to Merribit Stapleton, a representative from Teiwaz who will be joining Tekkadan. Orga vaguely recalls meeting Merribit while he was intoxicated, but the memory is hazy, and he feels somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of having a woman in a group comprised entirely of boys.

As they prepare for this new phase of their journey, Orga and the others will have to adjust to Merribit's presence and work together to ensure the success of their mission while keeping a low profile.

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Ichiro and Bladwin leave the meeting, discussing Merribit's presence within their group. Ichiro asks Bladwin for his opinion on why she might be here.

Bladwin responds, "Maybe Teiwaz wants a person inside our group to keep us on a leash. It's a pretty ancient tactic; many kings used to marry their daughters to neighboring kingdoms to keep tabs on them."

Ichiro nods in agreement, saying, "I also think the same." They both seem to share a sense of caution regarding Merribit's role and her potential influence on Tekkadan's operations.

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Kudelia and Atra have a heartfelt conversation in the kitchen of the Isaribi, discussing their respective families and backgrounds.

Atra begins, "You know, Kudelia, I'm an orphan. I used to work for a mean shopkeeper who treated me badly. I ran away from there, and that's when I met Mikazuki. He saved me from starving and gave me a place to stay. He's like my first real family member."

Kudelia, feeling upset about her parents trying to stop her political crusade, sighs, "I wish my family understood what I'm trying to do."

Atra reassures her with a warm smile, "Kudelia, you're a member of Tekkadan's family now. We all care about you, and we'll support you no matter what. You're not alone in this."

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