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Culture Documents
Gate Keepers 1985
Gate Keepers 1985
The separation wall was far too robust. The grey paint on the surface was flaking off, but only a small
dent was made on the wall. After trying several times, only many of these dents were being made.
Dammit!
-1-
At the end of the day, the true power of the vacuum missiles could only be used when fighting against
Invaders.
The power released from the 'Gate' was only a weapon for annihilating Invaders, not for destroying
such strong structures.
No, if it were just some steel or concrete wall, a huge hole would have been made by now.
"Original purpose was to prevent enemies from invading, now it ends up being a hindrance against
rescue." Ukiya muttered to himself, as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.
To defend against even nuclear weapons, precious materials such as "Titanium" and "Magnesium"
together with the most state-of-the-art alloy technology had been used. This could be said to be the
most robust wall ever, and it is even 2 metres thick. (TN: Magnesium is a precious metal?)
Wanting to use vacuum missiles made of compressed air to penetrate this wall, it is impossible! It is
like trying to use a very sharp katana blade to slice through a huge tree, sharpness is not what we are
after, it is thickness.
---It's too hot!
Sweat kept on rolling down Ukiya Shun's forehead. All the buttons on his uniform were undone, with
his sleeves rolled up. This was not due to the humid air, it was due to the stagnant air.
Ukiya Shun was starting to feel impatient.
Yesterday, this was our strong secret base, now we only have this wall preventing us from getting
inside!
The firmly closed wall, it was just like its name. 'Separation Wall', separating the inside from the
outside.
AEGIS Far East Headquarters. It was the secret base situated deep under Tategami High School, the
Far East defense fortress!
Up until yesterday, all the members of this earth defense organisation AEGIS were working hard to
complete their respective tasks. But now... look at the situation
-2-
"Ukiya"
Coming from the spacious corner, there was a familiar voice, the deep voice was getting closer.
The one approaching was it was Banba Choutarou (Bancho)!
Ukiya: "What's what's this?!"
Bancho looked like he had just fought a very intense battle. The ragged clothes were evident, wet
blood was still rolling down his face.
Ukiya: "Sorry, as you can see, this path Bancho you opened for me with your own body by holding
back the Invaders As long is this wall is here, it's all futile."
Bancho: "This is not the time to talk about this."
As Bancho said this loudly, he put his hand on Ukiya's shoulder and gave him a shake.
Bancho: "What I want to know is, the situation here! At the Far East branch."
Ukiya started to cry, tears poured down from his two eyes like waterfalls. (TN: Haha, what imagery)
"Naturally, you can see it yourself! The terrible situation!"
Bancho: "When I just got inside, walking down the dark path
All there was were corpses!"
In the AEGIS uniform, countless team members' corpses laid there, like abandoned mannequins.
No physical wounds could be found on their bodies. On the ground and ceiling, not a drop of blood.
There was not even the slightest sign of resistance. Just like mannequins that were placed there.
Bancho: "They how did they end up like this?! Although they're just normal workers, they've all
undergone combat training right?! And compared to the time in February when this place was taken
over by Kageyama, I thought even stronger members were assigned here."
Every time he spoke aloud, Bancho fiddled with his old, worn out cap.
-3-
-4-
Ukiya: "The mysterious man, after being seen by his eyes, every life form will become weak. Silently
killed by this fearsome existence. From the many witness accounts and cross examination from many
perspectives Original Invader, that is, the probability of him being an Invader cadre is very high."
Bancho: "So you get killed just by having him look at you?"
Ukiya: "Not just that."
Bancho: "For example?"
Ukiya: "That branch, let me think Ah yes, the Parisian branch. After that branch had just started to
operate, the communication network was invaded by suspicious signals, coming with a video clip.
Although it had not been broadcasted in public, all the AEGIS monitors had it displayed. At that
moment, all the people who had been watching had died without any signs of injury."
Bancho: "Just by an image?!"
Ukiya: "One of them recorded a message just before he died. The message consisted of the signal
there, and the recorded sound. Contents: Congratulations on the new branch, I will use my Death
God's Eye as a gift to you humans."
Ukiya's voice had no hint of any emotions. Calmly, he stated all he knew as he knew it.
Ukiya: "After that, AEGIS called this gentleman-like unconfirmed Invader cadre, Shinigami Shinshi."
Bancho: "How could it"
Bancho's voice was shaking.
Bancho: "This is not the time to talk about the past, Ukiya"
Bancho ran up to Ukiya, hitting the narrating Ukiya on the shoulder.
At this moment
He finally saw Bancho. (Had his back to him previously)
Their eyes met, Ukiya's tears
-5-
-6-
Smiling, Bancho gave Ukiya a thumbs up, and signaled him to move away.
Bancho: "Move back and watch!"
He separated his legs, roaring like a beast "UWAHHHHHHHHH!"
Circles of light appeared in Bancho's eyes. (TN: You know, the circles when they open a gate)
Bancho: "Here I come! GATE OOOOOOOOPEN!" Loud like the sound of a shotgun.
In front of Bancho, orange circles of light appeared. The light lit up the surroundings, in this dark
underground tunnel, it was as bright as the sun, like the light of hope.
Obtaining power from a different dimension, the unknown 'Gate'.
'Gate'
Ones which can open 'Gates', the respected 'Gate Keepers'.
Bancho: "Ooooliiiaaaa Bancho Choutarou, the strongest and most beautiful special attack! The two
stage crush!" (TN: I directly 'translated' the sound by phonetics, I have no idea how it's supposed to
sound)
The separation wall shook, although it was metres thick, designed to even withstand nuclear attacks,
in front of Bancho, it shook like a drum at a festival.
Bancho: "Disintegrate...!"
As he screamed, Bancho's right fist struck the wall. Starting from his fist as the centre point, the wall
crumbled as if made of sand. Disintegrating all matter from the molecular level, that is the power of
Bancho's 'Gate of Disintegration'. (TN: I've seen it translated as Gate of Solid Crush on Wikipedia, but
what I see here is slightly different)
Bancho: "So.!?" Completely crushed.
Like a sandcastle struck by a wave, under the attack of the 'Gate of Disintegration', the wall was
destroyed in an instant.
-7-
Exactly like this, Ukiya's Vacuum Missiles were like katana blades on a huge tree. Regardless of the
sharpness of the blade, the lack of thickness was crucial.
Bancho's 'Gate', now THAT is a thick blade!
Ukiya: "You did it, Bancho!"
A smile appeared on Ukiya's face.
The 'sand' from the wall floated in the air like specks of dust.
All areas within close proximity have been covered by a layer of dust.
Bancho: "So Ukiya. As long as the 'Gate' can still be opened, I will not give up."
Ukiya: "Bancho?!"
Bancho: "Now you can go to save princess Ruriko"
All of a sudden, in the mist, Bancho's legs became powerless, his breathing became heavy, he seemed
to be struggling.
Ukiya: "Hang in there, Bancho."
Bancho: "I'm alright I just overtaxed myself a bit"
Ukiya: "You're too reckless. After using so much energy on the over ground battle, you'd just awoken
your gate less than 2 months ago, your body hasn't fully adapted yet. Just like when I'd just awoken
mine."
Bancho: "Just two months? Don't kid, Ukiya, ever since I met you at Himeji (the place where they first
met), I've been a real Gate Keeper already."
Although his tone was rough, he was smiling. Ukiya had no choice but to return a smile.
Ukiya: "Yes that's right, from that time on, you've been the greatest Gate Keeper."
-8-
Bancho: "Ukiya go! I'll rest here for a bit, you go to where Ruriko is first!"
Ukiya: "Roger, I'll.."
Shinigami: "There's no need to proceed, gentlemen in front of the door."
Sounded like someone was speaking.
Ukiya turned his head back by reflex. In the sand mist (TN: For lack of a better term), that is, from the
direction of the area that had been inaccessible until now, that was where the voice was from.
Ukiya knew instantly who was speaking, although it was the first time they had met, he detested the
voice, because
Ukiya: "You are?"
The sand mist finally started to fade away, vaguely, the silhouette of the speaker could be seen.
Slim, and very tall. Slender arms and legs, two hands resting lightly on his shoulders.
The sand mist faded away further, what could now be seen was, a man wearing what resembled a suit
from a prestigious university, a long face. He was actually a very handsome man! Behind his glasses,
were cold, sensible eyes.
Shinigami: "You too, see them? My Eyes of Genocide."
Invader cadre, Shinigami, spoke with a contemptuous voice.
That voice, it was like he was mocking them.
Ukiya: "So, you ARE Shinigami Shinshi!"
Shinigami: "So that's the case you know of me. In Paris, I was just having some fun. Really, being
famous can be troublesome. From that day onwards, the General and the Count have been nagging
me everyday, so I had to hide my existence."
Ukiya: "You"
-9-
Ukiya started to stand up slowly. From his uniform, he took out his specially made wooden blade. He
swung his blade, it extended like a fishing rod, reflecting the alarm flashlight, it was very lustrous.
Ukiya: "So you came here especially to be defeated by me huh."
Shinigami: "Defeat me? Who? Who can?"
Shinigami laughed, then used his finger to lightly lift up his glasses.
Ukiya: "So let me defeat you, the unconfirmed Invader cadre, Shinigami Shinshi!"
Shinigami: "Eh? Haha hahahahahaha!"
From the initial quiet laughter, it became a mocking laughter.
Ukiya: "What's so funny?!" He pointed the tip of his blade towards Shinigami.
Shinigami: "Isn't it obvious? I heard that you're the one who defeated the General and the Count,
although I'm looking forward to see you in action, your intelligence seems a bit low, or you're not
elegant enough."
Ukiya: "What did you say?"
Shinigami: "Mah, just a bunch of oriental yellow monkeys anyway (derogatory term for Asians), I
didn't expect you to say anything elegant. Having said that, this is too disappointing."
Ukiya: "Is that all you want to say?"
Shinigami: "No, although I didn't see anyone gentleman-like here, there is just about one lady."
Ukiya: "Lady?"
Shinigami: "What a pity, unfortunately my gem-like eyes interfere with my love life. I just saw her for a
moment through the surveillance camera."
Ukiya: "What, you?!" The tip of the blade in his hand was shaking.
Shinigami continued speaking.
- 10 -
Shinigami: "If I remember correctly, the lady's name is something like Ikusawa Ruriko. I was just there
to say hi, trying to communicate with the control room. Unfortunately, the commander was trying to
save the few survivors, and instead, the lady received my message. Although it was love at first sight,
I'm afraid I've killed her!"
Ukiya: "You!"
After hearing that, Ukiya charged towards Shinigami like a demon.
Shinigami: "Direct attack from the front, that's not gonna work Ukiya!"
Ukiya did not hear Bancho's cry to stop him, at that time, Ukiya had completely become an infuriated
demon!
Ukiya: "Groaaaaaaaar!" The blue 'Gate' opened in front of him. Ukiya's gate, the Gate of Gales! (TN:
Another direct phonetic translation, they have battle cries I fail to comprehend)
The maelstrom surrounded the specially made wooden blade. Compressed, vibrating air, Ukiya's angry
expression. Faster than the speed of sound, controlling the air to flow unilaterally, the wind itself is as
sharp as a blade, giving the opponent a hard blow! That is, that is the...
Ukiya: "Ultra. Whirlwind slash!"
Shinigami: "Ah, that's your legendary strongest attack."
Ukiya: "Die!"
The wind surrounded his body, Ukiya charged with a roar, directly towards Shinigami.
Was this full power attack effective, could Ukiya defeat this enemy in front of him? To explain this, let
us move a bit forward in time. The past, the present, the future. Moving between the different times,
the story will become all connected in the end. Hence, let us start talking about the future now. The
'present' to them, will be described here.
End of Prologue
- 11 -
- 12 -
- 13 -
A small voice (TN: No idea what a small voice is), unbelievably cheerful, emitted a resonant sound.
Shadow: "I am the judge, and I will give you judgment!"
The long shadow's speech continued. Of course, a shadow does not talk. The one speaking was the
owner of the shadow, standing legs apart.
But the man, for some reason, thought the speech came from the shadow.
Shadow: "Giving up your identity as a human, becoming such an ugly being. Yes, in other words, what
is known as scum. But unfortunately, I, who am giving you judgment, am always"
- 14 -
The owner of the shadow, was seen as a shadow again. Under the bright light, the man saw a
silhouette.
The eyes glared like a wild beast.
Shadow: " death penalty."
Invader: "?!"
In the man's head, different from "kill" and "procreate", emerged a new word.
-- Terrifying
The man's impression of the owner of the shadow can be described using that word. This terrifying
feeling, almost paralysing. An instinct engraved in the man's mind made him move, suddenly, he
ripped open the coat he was wearing.
Invader: "Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!"
Protruding from the man's chest was a seemingly infinite number of shiny gun barrels.
Different diameters, different lengths. Impossible, there was no way this could come from a human
body.
Yes, the man was no longer human. He no longer had his own conscience.
On the contrary, the owner of the shadow seemed to have been waiting for this moment for a long
time, he raised his left hand at a blazingly fast speed.
Shadow: "It's futile."
Buah. (TN: Some sound, I have no idea, translating sounds is weird.)
A black ring appeared in mid air.
Invader: "Kill you! Kill you! Kill you!"
- 15 -
The man who was no longer human, concentrated all his power in his chest and abdomen. Within the
heavy, low sounds, came discontinuous light beams. The man was shooting out highly destructive light
bullets. Pieces of pure energy.
However
The owner of the shadow was right. (with reference to 'it's futile')
The shadow owner caused the light bullets, which were all supposed to be aimed at him, to disappear
in the canyons between the skyscrapers, high above his head. In the darkness of the night with the
overcast, the light bullets seemed to be devoured, vanishing without a trace.
It really was 'futile'.
Shadow: "Death penalty, execution complete."
What was originally thought to be only nonsense from the shadow owner.
Suddenly, the man was cut in half at his abdomen. At this moment, the top and bottom half, as if
superimposed, collapsed.
Invader: "?!" What was going on, the man could not figure it out. The shadow owner raised his left
hand, the black rings hovered in mid air.
The invader looked at the ring, once again, he shot out numerous light bullets from his chest.
My body has been cut apart?!
How did this happen? What has happened?
The man screamed: "Oooh, Oh, Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh Oh?!"
The sound that came from his throat, was just a meaningless noise!
His vision darkened, he started to have seizures. (TN: It says something along the lines of spasticated,
but that doesn't seem like a good word). Very cold. Like having ice cold water poured onto his head.
The monstrous strength which tore his colleagues apart, the light bullets that came from his chest and
abdomen, were all useless.
- 16 -
Shadow: "Rest in peace" The shadow owner approached the invader slowly.
No longer under the light, the silhouette showed his face, about 30 odd years old, not too young, not
too old either.
Fairly handsome, he gave this impression.
Shadow: "You will disappear now. You will not even remember your own name."
Name?
Deep within his conscience, the man asked himself. My name, surname. My name is, the name I
inherited is.
Can't remember.
Exterminate. Procreate. Only these 2 words.
In this night, in this alley, the man became a different existence, and right after this transformation, he
had been annihilated by this shadow owner in front of him.
After not long, the man gradually disintegrated into bubbles of light, disappearing, literally. After this,
only a crystal emitting green light remained.
-- Ah! I haven't
Within the corners of this consciousness, another consciousness was moaning.
Yes, the dream he kept dreaming.
Especially, on the night of execution.
Something he could never forget, the day 15 years ago.
26th February 1970
Very close to the National Conference Hall, very close to the only multi-storey building in Japan,
- 17 -
Kageyama: "I, have not lost Understand? In the end, the one who'll kick your asses Yes, like this
Using my own hands, you scums"
Breath getting weaker, panting, walking. Seemed like the bones were broken. Dragging his disobedient
right foot, drip, drip, his forehead dripping blood non stop.
The dark purple suit, was like a red and black piece of cloth.
Kageyama: "I, have not lost"
It was this strong will which had been supporting his body. But the sudden blurriness stole his vision. It
was then, the body collapsed onto the cold concrete. Am I just going to die like this? As if smirking at
himself, a weak smile appeared on his face, at this moment
Megumi Kurogane: "Face reality, you lost."
He heard a familiar voice, the voice of a young girl.
The sound, became my life saver after hearing it.
I cannot fall. He used his left leg to support his body, he raised his head.
Afterwards, the origin of the voice appeared in front of his eyes.
Megumi: "Hold on tight."
The round glasses and the lonely expression supported me, the unadorned face looking at me. The girl
in a dark blue sailor's suit (TN: Japanese school uniform) extended her tender, white hands to me.
Kageyama: "Megumi?"
Involuntarily, he whispered the girl's name. Then, a question blurted out
Kageyama: "Why?"
- 18 -
Megumi: "A man like you, without any followers, cannot do anything, right?"
The girl called Megumi, her voice was not comforting at all, or perhaps he was just listening to her
soliloquy.
Megumi: "Come on, quick."
The white hand which was extending towards me, had no ulterior motive. It was extending towards
the blood stained shoulder.
A feeling like it could embrace anything, the warm and comforting feeling.
And then, almost dependently, he gave his hand to the white hand, and then, he dove into her chest
like a little boy diving towards his mother.
Kageyama: "Megumi I lost?"
Megumi: "Yes, lost. The two of us together."
Kageyama: "I I"
Megumi: "What?"
Kageyama: "I don't want to lose I can see it a future buried in darkness. So I wanted to help them.
To lead those stupid human beings who cannot even think, at least, use my two hands to lead them,
using my two hands"
In front of his chest, heat came rushing out. It was not shame nor pride. Disposing of his dignity and
pride, there was no longer anything that could stop him.
Then, Kageyama Reiji screamed and cried as he desired in front of Megumi's chest.
After this, how many times had he dreamed of this dream? Every morning after the dream ended, the
feather-light blankets, felt as heavy as lead boards.
Only the top half of his body woke up, looking at the digital alarm clock next to his bed. The time was
11:21. Then, it became 11:22. The alarm clock was not illuminated, it was a retro clock, like a calendar.
It was mechanical, relying on the movement of plates with engravings.
- 19 -
Because he just woke up, the colour of the smoke looked purple to him. Dispersing through the entire
room, like a family suite of a 5 star hotel, it was spacious, with a luxurious carpet laid on the floor.
But there was only a double bed and a wooden desk next to his bed in the room.
Perhaps, this was only a room where there was no feeling of 'living'.
""
Almost finished with the cigarette, Kageyama finally left the bed, and walked towards the window
close by. Opening the thick curtains, the sunlight shined into his room. What he could see was an
endless matrix of highways and skyscrapers shrouded in grey. This was a room, rather high up, in a
building in the city centre.
-- No, today is different. The dream was not coincidental, it was causal.
Kageyama looked at what seemed like huge grave stones, arranged in a dull, mindless manner.
Today was
Yes, today was a special day to Kageyama.
The countless number of times he saw in the dream, the long excruciating story after that day. It was
about time to draw the line between now and that day.
Slowly, Kageyama picked up the phone on the bedside table, it didn't have a phone number. It was an
internal phone.
- 20 -
Beep beep beep beep. After ringing 4 times, the other party picked up the phone. The one picking up
the phone was a clear female voice.
Female worker: "Good morning, boss."
Kageyama: "Running a bit late, need to leave right away."
Without even a greeting, Kageyama continued speaking.
Kageyama: "Have you arranged for the cars yet?"
Female worker: "All cars, ready."
Kageyama: "I just need car 6. I don't even need a driver, I'll drive myself."
Female worker: "Roger." A substanceless reply, like a recording.
-- I should be able to make it.
Kageyama undid his robe and put it on the bed, he put on his left wrist the watch he liked.
The meeting time was 1 pm.
The time engraved in his mind. It was the time when he was going to meet his old friend, one who had
not been in contact for 14 years. Ukiya Shun.
It was a great car, but the engine was a bit unresponsive, you would notice as soon as you turn the
leather covered steering wheel. Kageyama knew about the capabilities of his 22 beloved cars from the
very beginning.
- 21 -
He breezed past valleys like the flow of a river, the scenery along the Route 246 was disappearing
behind him.
Though the time was just about noon, the overhead bridges made the road seem dark.
Kageyama raised his head to look at the overhead bridges through his tinted sunglasses. He squinted,
reminiscing.
-- Yes. That time, when the bridges didn't exist, and the road still had tram tracks.
The trams that ran on the Route 246, at the end there was only one tram left, which was eventually
abandoned. It was 1969.
The passenger count was dropping, the construction of highways and bridges was the main reason.
-- Has it already been 16 years?
Times have changed.
The overhead bridges seemed like they had been here forever, shading the sunlight, the pillars that
resembled huge tree trunks everywhere. The number of cars running on the road was still increasing.
The new constructions alongside the road took away what remained of the sky's colours, disappearing
like they were stolen.
The times are changing, and the change will not stop, it will keep changing.
Suddenly, Kageyama smiled.
He smiled as if laughing at himself.
Thinking carefully, change is inevitable. He could not believe the drastic changes from before either.
At first he was thinking in his mind, then, he said it out loud.
"There's really nothing I could do." (TN: Terrible translation, but I couldn't quite think of how to say it
in English)
- 22 -
It became bitter laughter, Kageyama wanted a change of mood, he moved his hand towards the audio
system in his car (should be a CD player). He played the CD with his favourite songs.
That was the time.
*squeak*
The rear wheel of the Esprit jumped a bit, it felt like it jumped to the side a bit.
Was it because of the uneven roads? Flat tire? Or was it a mechanical failure?
-- No.
Kageyama was certain.
It was not something normal.
It was
-- An enemy!
In a split second, he switched to second gear. The speedometer was moving rapidly, the turbo engine
was making a noise, sucking air into the engine.
It was an overloading movement. Whilst he was accelerating, Kageyama was pressed to his seat.
In a few seconds, the road that the Esprit just sped past, *Rumble*, along with the purple trail of light,
the surface of the road had been scraped off. It was not just the cement, even the red clay beneath
the cement had been removed.
Attack.
Yes, it was an attack.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Not just once, numerous times.
- 23 -
- 24 -
- 25 -
-- Screech
Ahead was a red light. Pedestrians were crossing the road. He estimated not less than 10 people,
including old men, students, and a young mother pushing a buggy.
There.
Kageyama sped forward without hesitation.
Kageyama did not panic. After a few seconds, he would crash into the pedestrians without question.
At this moment
A miracle happened.
He missed them.
In the small gap between the fencing and the pedestrians, he slipped through!
Even at the speed of 1 km/h (TN: Eh?), Kageyama's Esprit did not decelerate, passing through the
pedestrians.
The feeling the pedestrians felt could only be imagined as a gust passing. That was how the Esprit
should have, and did, breeze pass them.
It all happened like a miracle.
...That's how it should've been
-- If there had been even a minor error, if the car had been 3 cm to the right
The miracle would not have happened.
Kageyama could predict the pedestrians' motion. He could see the relationship between their pace
and the position of the car when he passed them. Therefore, he could see the 1860cm gap which the
Esprit had required to pass.
Amazing. Ingenious. Kageyama's Esprit which went pass the pedestrians, you can use any adjective of
choice to describe the skills.
- 26 -
The black car following Kageyama could not quite do the same.
It was about to crash into the crowd.
Everyone had noticed.
The mother pushing the buggy let out a cry of despair.
They watched the black car come closer.
There was no time to evade it.
Shocked by the bright light, like a cat in darkness. Their minds went blank, waiting for the moment of
death.
Death, it was approaching the lives of the young mother and the baby in the buggy.
At the same instant.
A sharp sound pierced their eardrums.
The long, sharp sound.
The sound of the brakes , and the abrasion between the tires and road surface.
The source of the sound, was Kageyama's Esprit.
The sharp sound of the forced deceleration was like a sad cry. It maximised the use of the road width
to turn around.
Like magic, the car turned around 180 degrees. The Esprit came to a complete stop, from the car door
came Kageyama.
Kageyama: "Such irritating bugs."
He raised his left hand, he himself was like a powerful weapon.
- 27 -
- 28 -
The young mother was not quite sure what was going on, like just now when the car was about to
crash into her, she stood their stunned. On the pedestrian crossing where the people had just walked
pass, the two halves of the car collapsed with a *bang*.
The incident started to stir disturbance in the other pedestrians. Cries could be heard. Not too far
away, Kageyama slowly got back in the car.
He was not going to panic, no matter when, no matter what happened.
Kageyama: "OK."
Just when he was about to sit in the Esprit again, with his hand on the door handle.
Suddenly.
The remains of the two halves of the collapsed car emitted light, a dark purple light.
"!"
Kageyama sensed that in an instant.
The light beams approaching him in a straight line, the unexpected attack.
Could not evade.
The light beams which used all of the car's remaining energy traveled at several times the speed of
sound. No matter what reflex speeds you have, it would impossible to dodge this. No normal person
could do it.
-- It's going to hit.
This phrase flashed through his mind.
He was not going to sway.
He as not going to be afraid.
He was not going to panic.
- 29 -
- 30 -
On the ageing pedestrian bridge. The shooter of the wind bullets stood with his back to the sun,
showing his figure as a silhouette.
Kageyama: "Did you come to greet me? Ukiya Shun."
"!?"
This was obviously an attack.
The proof was the right hand raised above his head.
Bang!
Along with the sound of his lower abdomen (TN: Eh?), the silhouette's right hand opened a blue light
ring. The Gate of Gales, which means, this silhouette was indeed Ukiya Shun.
--Is he, going to attack?!
Yes.
Roaring wind is concentrated at the centre of the Gate, and then concentrated into a single point,
forming highly pressurised bullets of wind, which are then released. The pressurised air bullets which
saved Kageyama just now, that is what vacuum missiles are.
"Gah!"
By reflex
Kageyama raised his left hand and opened his gate.
Kageyama: "Shadow blades."
Black shadows zooming through the air. That was what split the invader-ised car in half, the black 2nd
dimension chasm.
Whoosh
Vacuum missiles and shadow blades.
- 31 -
That was
They met violently in mid air, and cancelled out each other.
The wind generated from the impact blew Kageyama's fringes upwards.
Kageyama: "Are you testing me?"
Cracking a smile, Kageyama said to the silhouette on the pedestrian bridge.
After a while, he got a response.
Ukiya: "Perhaps."
A sensitive, brave, but also slightly nave voice, the silhouette was
Kageyama: "I was just thinking whether I failed to sense approaching danger, with slow senses like
you."
Slowly descending the stairs of the pedestrian bridge.
Maintaining his prestige, but with messed up sleep hair, not too tall, but with a strong body.
The scar on his nose was like a symbol.
It could not be wrong, Kageyama was sure.
The man who came down from the bridge, was the real deal, the man called Ukiya Shun.
Kageyama: "You are quite evil, so to say, Ukiya. Suddenly greeting me with your vacuum missiles.
Mah, it's been over 10 years already, to me, the person who started to oppose the invaders, this is no
surprise."
Ukiya: "I told you it isn't you."
Kageyama: "You can speak."
- 32 -
- 33 -
- 34 -
Then
Ukiya: "So, that means just like everyone else, you've researched on the people around me as well."
Kageyama: "Yes."
Ukiya: "I noticed ages ago, I don't think they realised I'd noticed. Watching over someone isn't exactly
the best hobby."
Kageyama: "Don't put it that way. That was all done so that we could reunite them."
Kageyama: "Your subordinates?"
Ukiya: "Not subordinates, associates. That's a better way to put it."
Ukiya: "And the name Mitsuoka Yuuji?"
Kageyama: "Don't mention that, that name is"
Ukiya: "I thought you've given it up? That name."
Ukiya chuckled.
Although he seldom appeared in public, but from reading financial magazines, it was noticeable.
Absorbing American R&D techniques, and using a large amount of capital. Not just through stock
exchange, but also trading land in the city centre, the man who accumulated a huge fortune in only 10
years. The name was 'Mitsuoka Yuuji'.
Mitsuoka Yuuji was Kageyama Reiji's previous name. Actually, Mitsuoka Yuuji is his official name.
However, after he joined the Invaders, he had abandoned his past and changed his name to Kageyama
Reiji. Yes, the Kageyama Reiji of the past loathed humans and worked with the Invaders. But by now,
everyone had forgotten, when he took over the National Conference Hall, calling himself the 'Dark
Prime Minister'. The incident on 26th February 1970.
But Kageyama's plans were ruined. The man who ruined them was the man in front of him now, Ukiya
Shun, with his comrades.
- 35 -
Kageyama always dreamt of it, a dream he will never forget. That is, the dream of the moment Ukiya
Shun defeated him.
But, a man who had such a wild ambition and evil heart, and the man who was once his arch enemy,
how come they're conversing like they're reminiscing the past? That, we will understand later on.
Now, Kageyama removed his sunglasses, stood and looked at Ukiya Shun beside him.
Kageyama: "What a diligent man, you've even been subscribing to financial magazines?"
Ukiya: "Neh, just occasionally."
He lied. Just now Ukiya Shun admitted himself that he had read a lot of financial magazines (TN: From
my version, that part wasn't part of the speech). But why did he have to lie now? Kageyama notice
immediately.
Kageyama: "No, you've been paying attention, to what's happening around the world, looking for
suspicious things, looking out for weird things that happen. I suspect that every morning, you watch
the news religiously."
Ukiya: "What a joke, I'm just"
Ukiya: "I know, Ukiya. I'm just the same as you. However, although the scale is a bit different, I'm
doing the same things. Collecting information from different news agents around the world, getting
specialists to analyse it, to find the truth beneath the surface level."
Ukiya: "The truth eh."
Kageyama: "Yes, to stop the evil hidden in everyday life. They still continue to procreate tenaciously,
their movement."
Ukiya: "In-va-der."
The syllables came out of Ukiya's mouth one by one. (TN: Words, in the original, but that doesn't work
in English)
Kageyama followed on.
- 36 -
Kageyama: "Yes, the Invaders. In our society, we don't know when they started blending into our
society, corroding it. You should know very well yourself. Like the intentions of Shinigami Shinshi, ever
since the 70's, they've started to change, cunningly, strategically. They're different from before, you
can perhaps even say that they're another face of humans. Or, humans who have revealed their true
selves."
Ukiya: "Those things actually dare call themselves humans"
Ukiya took out a handful of sparkling little stones from his chest pocket.
Kageyama: "It can't be, you?!"
The moment he saw them, Kageyama's expression froze.
The translucent, light green stones. All of them were about 5 cm in diameter. All of them had the same
geometry, like slightly larger Kompeitos (a kind of candy). They were like snow crystals.
Kageyama: "The core of Invaders, their crystals?"
Kageyama made a noise like a moan.
Ukiya held the crystals in his hand, but did not answer.
Kageyama: "Of course I remember, I remember everything very clearly. After that incident, the
Invaders underwent drastic changes. They weren't imitating people, yes, they became like living
people the moment they were born. Eventually, no matter who became an invader, it wouldn't be a
surprise anymore. Also, Invaders themselves have been secretly spreading amongst the human
society."
Kageyama: "Ukiya, you? You did this to the Invaders alone?"
Ukiya: "Your subordinates, they didn't investigate this thoroughly?"
Kageyama: "Ah, they don't spy on you 24/7."
Ukiya: "One of them."
Kageyama: "?!"
- 37 -
Ukiya: "Kept on fighting? Don't even joke about it. It's just when they decide to appear in front of me.
Or maybe, although I want to get rid of it, but I couldn't, the power of my Gate seems to summon
them. The real problem is, if I'm not nearby, they might actually just live on with the faces of humans."
Kageyama: "You're right. The new species of invaders seem to only change into battle mode when
they need to procreate or they sense the presence of their arch enemy, the Gate Keepers. Originally,
the Invaders predominantly existed in cities, especially in Tokyo. If they just decide to live in a random
place, then the chances of finding them would become very low, if that were the case..."
Ukiya: "If that were the case, what would happen?"
Kageyama: "You've already stepped into the fight there."
- 38 -
Ukiya: "I've already told you, Kageyama. I have no intention to continuing fighting. It's just that, I
cannot not protect. When the fire comes, I've got to put it out, that's the only reason why I do it."
Kageyama: "That thing, you know that's from the human itself, right?"
Ukiya: "Yea."
Kageyama: "The crystals you hold, they form the cores of Invaders. In other words, it's more
appropriate to call them the souls of people. You chose to defeat them, and collect the cores."
Kageyama: "Or, would it be better to just leave them?"
Ukiya cracked a smile.
A spine chilling smile.
Kageyama's expression froze.
Kageyama: "You've changed, Ukiya."
Ukiya: "You said before."
Ukiya: "Me?"
Kageyama: "You've forgotten? What happened when we first met."
Ukiya: "When we first met"
Kageyama: "Yes, in second grade of high school, at the beginning of summer."
Kageyama thought back to the past. 1969, when he was still on the Invaders' side, when he was still
the evil Gate Keeper. In order to destroy the Gate Keepers from the inside, he went to Tategami High
School as arranged by Kaiser Kikai and Count Akuma.
At that time, his first conversation with Ukiya.
- 39 -
Kageyama: "Yes, very hot, hotter than the magma beneath the earth, hotter than the sun which burns
in the sky." (TN: Sounds like some very cheesy pickup line in English, but he means hot more literally)
Ukiya: "Just when I thought you actually had something to say."
Ukiya turned to leave. But Kageyama kept talking to Ukiya who had his back to him, with the complete
opposite tone.
Kageyama: "The current you, is losing yourself."
Ukiya: "What?"
Kageyama: "You said before, bad guys, you have to exterminate them all."
Kageyama: "Have you forgotten?"
Kageyama: "But that kinda strong mindset, when you're contradicted, you will lose faith in yourself.
Being lost is no good, being lost will lead to the worst possible outcome."
Ukiya: "That's enough, stop it."
Kageyama: "If you really want to protect something, you will do so even if you have to cover your
hands with blood."
- 40 -
Yes, at that moment, Kageyama said that to Ukiya. To the Ukiya who was at a low, it seemed to be like
mockery. But to Kageyama, they were all honest words. If you really want to protect something, you
will do so even if you have to cover your hands with blood, you need to stick to this belief.
To Kageyama, who lost his parents and home as a kid, there was truth in that.
However.
Ukiya: "Although I've said that before, things are different now."
Ukiya: "How about you?"
Kageyama: "Me?"
Ukiya: "Just now I already saw it. You are just like before, no, even sharper than before, the power of
your Gate. Also, you are hiding powers which I do not know of."
Kageyama did not reply, Ukiya continued.
Ukiya: "Using that power to open a Gate, even if you can dodge it, no doubt the Invaders will come to
you. What will you do then? Run away, or, while knowing that it'd be futile, beg for mercy? I think
neither, no doubt you will open you Gate, and casually cut the invaders in half. Even while knowing
they're actually humans."
Kageyama remained silent.
Ukiya continued talking.
Ukiya: "I also plead guilty for it. To protect ones important to me, I also defeat human beings. I am just
a Gate Keeper by coincidence, on a certain level, no, I am definitely killing people. Invaders are beings
which are beyond the law so we can't sentence them, but they are also criminals who deserve capital
punishment. Dammit. Using your words, I guess we'd call them scums."
- 41 -
- 42 -
But, this song, and what the driver was saying, Ukiya did not hear a single word.
Kageyama: "Of course, I don't need your response right now, I've only started preparing. But, time is
tight, ever since AEGIS was destroyed, lurking in the dark, the number of Invader transformations has
only been increasing. We should strike them at their roots while the original invader is still dormant.
The earlier the better."
Ukiya: "You can foresee with your eye?"
Kageyama: "Yes."
Ukiya: "Gate of Foresight, mah. So you can know everything without actually doing anything. So say
you do set up this organisation, can we really wipe out all Invaders from the world?"
Kageyama: "To put it simply, my Gate of Foresight cannot actually analyse physical phenomena. I can
only sense a vague blurry future, and extract the definite result from it. The future which can't be
seen, there's nothing I can find out about it."
Ukiya: "Ah, so 'future' as by definition, something in the dark. (TN: I guess it works in Japanese
somehow.). But Kageyama, if that's the case, then what would happen if we just ignored it? If you
can't foresee it, then everything we do would be futile. The possibilities of anything leading to the
result are equally high."
Kageyama: "It's because of that, because of what I can't foresee, despair as well as hope, coexist."
- 43 -
Ukiya: Is it because I haven't opened my Gate for so long, or just mental fatigue? Why am I so tired?
Taxi driver: "But, sir."
The driver did not understand what Ukiya was thinking right now, he continued talking with his voice
over the radio.
Driver: "My daughter, she just got into secondary school, and she said she wanted to enter that Meow
Meow group band. Definitely not possible. I worked so hard to raise her, and she tells me she wants to
join that kinda band. Ever since she was born, I've wanted to raise her as a fair lady, spent loads of
money on her piano classes. Lately, she doesn't talk much to me anymore. That's probably
adolescence, having special thoughts about men."
However, Ukiya was just staring at the retreating streetlights, mindlessly.
Alongside the road, there was a chain of well lit family restaurants. A few years ago, there was not
even a half decent one.
- 44 -
Ukiya: --When I was still in primary school, the Ring 8 hadn't even been built, everywhere was paddy
fields and forests.
(Note: The Ring 8, Tokyo-to Road No. 311 Ring Road 8, as I've translated it. Goes from Haneda Airport
in Tokyo-to to North Tokyo-to, not sure about the geography.)
Ukiya: What am I doing thinking about this stuff?
Driver: "but, sir?"
Suddenly, the driver's voice interrupted.
Ukiya who was not paying attention, replied with: "Eh?"
Driver: "Nothing much, I was just asking, sir, are you still single?"
What a random question, but it would be troublesome to not reply.
Ukiya replied concisely: "No"
Driver: "Eh You're so young, I was sure you'd be single."
Ukiya: Not young, I'm already 33. Ukiya thought he was going to end the conversation by remaining
silent, but the driver went on anyway.
Driver: "Then, do you have children?"
Responding was a mistake. But although he thought so, it was already too late. Probably because the
driver was too bored, the driver asked these questions while he was controlling the steering wheel.
Anyway, no matter for what reason, Ukiya felt obliged, so he replied sighing.
Ukiya: "Yea, I have a daughter."
Driver: "Ah a daughter, same as me. That's great. But, I'd suggest you not let her learn to play the
piano or do ballet. She told me she wanted to learn, so I spent loads of money on her lessons, but she
didn't learn anything. I told you already just now, to let her learn the piano, I bought her one, even
though it's second hand. Of course it's not a grand piano. The brand is Yamaha. Not the motorbike
Yamaha, the musical instrument. It was a box shaped piano, really small. But even so, it was so
- 45 -
Ukiya got off at the crossroads, and walked into a small path from the Route 246.
Simple single storey houses arranged in a row, a quiet little path.
-- Ah, still the same.
Ahead where the streetlights shined, there were buildings in construction.
Looking carefully, this placed has changed quite a lot from before. The timber houses have basically all
disappeared. Outside Setagaya (a place), there was a narrow and winding road. During the war,
although almost all the paddy fields were lost, the periphery was fortunate enough to not be affected
by the bombing. Afterwards, to develop agriculture, they built roads, and the streets became very
complicated. The main culprit was having construction come before urban planning.
Around the house he grew up in, high rise buildings had been built. 15 years ago when Aoyama Dori (a
famous road) had just been built, seldom did cars pass through at night.
He thought back again.
-- Aoyama Dori, eh?
- 46 -
Before attending primary school, Ukiya lived near the Jingu Stadium. Now, near Aoyama Dori was
luxurious constructions. Back then, there were only old houses on this quiet residential street. That
was before 1960.
Because of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, many of the residents had to be moved. The Aoyama Dori of
that time symbolised the beginning of the Olympic Road. It was then when Ukiya moved to
Setagaya.
-- Humans, such stubborn creatures. Back then, he said something against his intentions and
separated with the girl. Many years later, history repeated itself.
Forgotten for so long, no, wanting to forget but only filling his head. Like when you open a bottle of
beer after shaking it vigorously.
The one who shook the bottle of memories of Kageyama.
-- I have not forgotten, about Kageyama, or about myself, or, about her. Thinking carefully, how could
I forget? After numerous times of putting my life on the line for her.
What do I have to do to forget, Kageyama?
Just before they parted ways, Kageyama told Ukiya.
Kageyama: "Sorry for bothering, I'll call you again some other time, have a good think about it. Oh, by
the way, Ikusawa Ruriko, still remember her?"
Ukiya: "Yea."
Kageyama: "A few days ago, I received information about her, wanna hear it?"
Ukiya: "No."
Kageyama: "Ok, I won't say anything then."
The awoken memories, the past he did not want to remember.
- 47 -
On this quiet path, there were numerous little lamps, every lamp, was like a part of a past memory.
-- A lot of things had happened in the past, but it's all in the past, there was nothing that needed
longing for anymore. The me now, just needs to think about how to protect that little bit of happiness,
I am a selfish person.
Just as he said, I've already found my little bit of happiness.
On the other side of the dark path, there was a little house with the door lamps on, like little glittering
stars.
It was a newly built house, the white walls lit up by the door lamp.
-- See, Kageyama, quite nice right? Just finished construction last year. I borrowed money from the
bank, and even mortgaged the land for it. With my current monthly wages, by the time I pay my debts
off, I'd probably have grandchildren by then.
He took a key out from his pocket, and inserted it into the keyhole.
not long after.
*Click*. The sound of the door opening came from the inside, and slowly the door opened.
Inside, was a woman holding a baby, with a warm smile.
Woman: "You're back, honey."
The woman said to Ukiya.
Ukiya replied.
Ukiya: "I'm back, Youko, and..."
Reaching out with his right hand, he touched the baby's head. Light and soft, the feeling of the soft
and tender hair.
Ukiya: "I'm back, Ayane."
- 48 -
The child who was being touched, made a sound and laughed.
- 49 -
Tokiwatari smiled understandingly, he fixed the position of his glasses a bit, and continued.
Commander: "It's always better to be prepared, just in case. No, for the one in a billion situation. Even
though Invader activity is really quiet now, they have not been completely exterminated. Always think
of contingency plans, being well prepared to deal with the worst case is our job. We have to do our job
even if people mock us for being paranoid."
Ochiai: "Is this really OK?"
Commander: "What are you concerned about?"
Ochiai: "Last week, the result of the meeting at the New York headquarters about the earth defense
strategy"
Commander: "That?"
Ochiai: "That, is it really OK?"
After the Second World War, AEGIS, the earth defense organisation set up to battle the ever
increasing Invaders, played the role of the 'Underground United Nations'. Participating countries, and
available opportunities, were exactly the same as the United Nations. Because of this, beneath the
New York United Nations Headquarters, was the huge AEGIS headquarters. No, perhaps it could be
called the other face of the United Nations. Anyway, just like the United Nation meetings,
representatives of the AEGIS' key locations regularly held meetings to discuss strategies to battle
Invaders.
At the AEGIS Far East branch, the secretary of the commander, Ochiai Keiko basically knew about the
meeting agenda, except a few classified items.
Keiko: "Why now, would they cut down the number of AEGIS members over the world? Because of
this plan, there are some branches which shrank in scale."
Commander: "It can't be helped. It's the decision made at the meeting. Besides me, many of the
commanders of other branches agreed to the cut. And actually, the evil Gate Keeper with the code
name 'Shadow', Kageyama Reiji, was defeated, original invaders Dimension Maou (TN: Maou
translates to 'demon king'), Kaiser Kikai and Count Akuma were killed. Invader activity over the world
has decreased drastically."
- 50 -
Ochiai: "Even so, but according to the AEGIS Intelligence Agency's investigation, the original
Invaders"
Commander: "Yes, the guys we call the 'cadres'."
Ochiai: "Yes, the cadres, there are 8 of them in total. But only 3 of them have been destroyed"
Commander: "That's only a rumour. Also, before AEGIS had been official established, there had been
cadres killed by Gate Keepers. Investigation shows that although their core crystals had not been
destroyed, and they are original Invaders who can keep resurrecting, the resurrection process takes a
really long time. The immediate crisis has already passed."
All along, the Invaders had been perceived as Invaders from outer space, but further investigation
suggested that during Medieval times, the Gate Keepers summoned what resembled life forms. From
the Gate, appeared 8 bodies assuming human form, the original Invaders.
Two of them, Kaiser Kikai and Count Akuma were defeated by the AEGIS Far East branch Gate
Keepers. The other one, Dimension Maou, was defeated by the Gate Keepers guerilla squad led by Jim
Skylark, even his crystal was destroyed. As a matter of fact, there was no longer immediate danger.
The conclusion reached by the AEGIS HQ meeting was based on these facts.
But.
Commander: "Ochiai-kun, I understand what you are trying to say."
Tokiwatari held the armrest of his chair with his right hand, groomed his beard with his left, and
continued.
Commander: "I already said just now, be prepared for the worst, that's our job. In other words, AEGIS
has not been disbanded. This has only surfaced in a few countries, but after the Second World War,
alongside the rapid development, the developed countries are starting to pay attention to the rapid
destruction of the environment, pollution."
Ochiai: "Pollution?"
Commander: "Pollution is, for example, deforestation, chemical waste from factories, and the likes.
Bad influences from activities of the human society."
- 51 -
The world could finally take a breath from the heated rapid economic growth. It could be said as the
reaction force of the long time growth, or the sudden emergence of the problem of pollution, covered
widely by the media. Of course, that does not mean pollution did not exist before. Like the mine
poisoning incidents, those date back to the Meiji period. But with development prioritised, the impact
on the environment and people had been completely neglected.
The time when the problems of pollution became hot topics, would be next year, in 1971.
Tokiwatari continued.
Commander: "AEGIS requires a vast amount of operation costs annually. Every country needs to
gather this amount behind the government's back. It's about time they've reached their limits. By
downsizing AEGIS, the money could be used to fight pollution. In a way, this is also protecting the
earth."
Ochiai: "But"
Ochiai replied with her head down.
The topic died for a while.
*Click click*. The sound of the super computer operating in the commander room could be heard.
After a while.
Ochiai: "On the pavement, the scum littering as if it were nothing. Leaded oil being used like tap water
(i.e. in large amounts), scums emitting exhaust gas.
Ochiai spoke with her head down, so quietly it could just barely be heard.
Ochiai: "It's alright now, but 10 years later, 20 years later, 30 years later. Because of these scums, the
world will be turned upside down."
Upon finishing, Ochiai raised her head.
Commander: "Before, Kageyama said that when being broadcasted on TV."
- 52 -
- 53 -
The one who had this special voice was the young Ukiya Shun. He had his sleeves rolled up to near his
elbow, wearing racer gloves, these were the features of the young Ukiya Shun.
Ruriko: "Look, the 3rd year classroom we're at right now is for class A. Before this, Reiko was also in
this classroom, oh the memories. Looking around, I think the others are messing around in the
underground base."
The one who replied was, Ikusawa Ruriko, with her long chestnut coloured brown hair, and a ribbon
which was uncommonly large at that time.
Ukiya: "Yes, good times indeed, but we've only graduated for a month, it's not like we need to come
back to visit just yet."
Ruriko: "Yea, but, I think coming back to school to visit is just an excuse. I think out of habit, you came
to school as normal, that's the actual reason."
Ukiya: "No way."
Ruriko: "Yes, you're holding your school bag, and also wearing your uniform."
Bancho: "This is really shocking! But don't misunderstand because of the trauma."
The one shouting was Bancho Choutarou, the neglected Bancho.
Ruriko: "This is really like the typical Reiko. Always airheaded, and even wearing her uniform. Miss
Ono (Reiko's butler) must be lost for words from the surprise."
And the last one of the 4, was the short-haired Konoe Kaoru.
Ukiya: "But Reiko-san failed her university entrance exams right? Shouldn't she be going to tutoring
sessions?"
Ruriko: "Yea, she's got private tuition at home, so she should be even busier."
Ukiya: "Ah, private home tutor. The place which failed her was a music college, didn't she apply just
for learning to play the piano?"
- 54 -
Ruriko: "It's not like that. Her actual piano skills have been great from the beginning. Even the rector,
who was the examiner, cried after hearing. But, her other subjects"
After Ruriko's explanation, the other three said in unison "Ah."
Bancho: "This is also like the typical Reiko."
The Reiko they were talking about, is the one who frequented Tategami High School since March, one
of the Gate Keepers, Asagiri Reiko.
Kaoru: "But, when Asagiri-senpai keeps coming back, she will keep thinking about the happy times
over the past year."
Just feels like it's become kinda lonesome, Kaoru said softly.
Ukiya: "Yea, after the last battle, Fei Ling was summoned back to China by the Beijing branch.
Commander made Reiko-san a part-time member. Now, the only Gate Keepers left are me, Kaoru and
Rurippe"
Then, Ruriko and Bancho yelled at the same time.
Ruriko: "How many times have I said, we're already 3rd year students, don't call me a sniveler
anymore!" Bancho: "What are you saying, Ukiya? Why are you not counting the Gate Keeper with the
Gate of Disintegration, me?"
Like having two loud speakers on either side, it shocked his eardrums. Ukiya could not help but
retreat.
Then, using a line from a popular gag manga 'Ah, a nosebleed---!", he changed the subject.
Everyone laughed.
The calm air was flowing.
But, softly also, Ruriko whispered.
Ruriko: "But, that is the truth." (Referring to there being fewer members, the lonesome feeling)
- 55 -
Ukiya: "Dotetsu Ken (TN: Should be the name of the ramen shop, I guessed the romaji from the kanji,
could be wrong, literally means Iron Bone Shop). Megumi's father told me reluctantly, it seems like
they had one phone conversation, she said she has to go to a place far away and don't look for her."
Ruriko: "A place far away?"
Ukiya: "I don't know, but, Kageyama did such a thing to her." (Referring to the anime finale)
Ruriko: "She'd be better off not being a Gate Keeper."
Ukiya: "Yea, that way, she could be like everyone else, and just forget that incident."
Ruriko: "It was a huge incident back then. Reiko-san played the piano for a whole day."
February 6th, after resolving the incident of Kageyama Reiji taking over the National Diet (the
Japanese Government), the AEGIS Headquarters gave instructions to undergo mass memory erasing.
They used Asagiri Reiko's Gate of Illusion over television, radios, loudspeakers, broadcasting cars and
other devices which could transmit sound.
Hence, the majority of the Japanese citizens forgot about the whole incident of the National
Conference Hall takeover, except a minority with very strong will power, and the people involved.
Bancho: "There's something else I want to ask, princess Ruriko."
Bancho said unhappily, and took a step forward to talk.
- 56 -
Bancho: "Don't let him (Kageyama) call us 'scums' anymore. Same applies to Kurogane. It's all because
they were on the Invaders' side, we almost lost our lives. If it wasn't for our Ukiya, Japan might be
Kageyama's already, don't sympathise for them."
Ruriko: "Wait, Bancho!"
Kaoru, who was beside him, elbowed Bancho.
Bancho: "It's all Kageyama's fault. Kurogane's even worse, put simply, she betrayed her comrades, us.
She secretly went to Kageyama's side, and even took princess Ruriko away. She is an evil woman."
Kaoru: "That's enough, don't talk about it anymore, Bancho. It's all in the past now."
Bancho: "Princess Kaoru? I just can't forgive evil women."
Ruriko: "Indeed, an evil woman."
Ruriko said, sighing.
"Ikusawa-senpai?" Kaoru's eyes widen from the shock.
Ruriko: "The evil one isn't Megumi, it's me."
Bancho: "Princess Ruriko, you?"
Ruriko: "I could still remember clearly what happened when Megumi took me away. Her Gate of Walls
was reversed by her negative emotions, yes, to become the Gate of Invasion. When she invaded my
heart. At that time, because it was so painful, I know. The me at that time only thought about myself, I
didn't consider the thoughts of people around me at all."
Bancho: "Then, that evil Kurogane Megumi"
Ruriko: "Yes, the same as me. She's the same as me. I had the mentality I just mentioned all along. And
I didn't understand her, I just saw her on a surface level. If I had become friendly with her, then I might
have been able to relieve her of her troubles at an early stage."
Bancho: "That that's just your deduction!"
- 57 -
Ruriko: "Perhaps. But, it's very unbelievable, she just disappeared in front of us, I just can't help being
concerned about her."
Kaoru: "Yea... We're all members of the Gate Keepers, but I've always felt that it was just difficult to
talk to Kurogane."
Kaoru looked down at her feet silently.
The ambience became silent.
Bancho: "Princess Kaoru."
Bancho tried desperately to relieve the mood, he shook Ukiya's shoulders violently.
Bancho: "Hey, hey Ukiya. Let's put Kurogane's case aside for now! The last battle you fought back then
was truly amazing! My counter attack against Spigon (the dog Bancho destroyed with his Gate), I think
that battle was comparable to yours. Your dad created the Gate Robo, that's also awesome! Hey,
how's that right now?! It's been over a month, should be about time, Specs should've fixed it by now!
I'm really looking forward to test driving it!"
Ukiya: "There's no more Gate Robo."
Bancho: "Yes! No more! What inspiring news. What what did you just say?!"
Ukiya: "You just said something, Bancho? My Gate Robo was only a prototype, don't want to invest
too much in it. Rather than repairing, abandoning it would be more appropriate."
Bancho: "?!" (TN: Haha, I wonder what sound that is.)
Ukiya: "We only kept the engine for research purposes, but we ended up installing it in the
Yota-hachi."
(Yota-hachi was the Gate Engine powered car)
Bancho: "How how about the Gate Robo? My own mecha?"
- 58 -
Ukiya: "The original plan was to ship here the mass produced model which Jim and co pilot. But as you
can see, recently Invader activity has been quiet. So, they said they're gonna be delivering them a bit
later than planned..."
Bancho: "How how did it become like that"
Ukiya: "Almost everyone's memories have been erased, the Gate Robo we fought with is no longer
here. Now I feel like all the incidents before the National Conference Hall incident are just like dreams
to me."
Perhaps influenced by Ruriko, Ukiya also said rather depressing things.
Bancho had a sulky face, screaming "My my Gate Robo!"
But behind those words, there was one thing Ukiya could not forget.
-- Kageyama
Even if he didn't think about it, it was deeply engraved in his brain.
Whenever he closed his eyes, he would remember clearly.
The huge black hole created when the large number of Invaders were destroyed. Perhaps, it was the
same thing as a negative Gate. But, when Ukiya was about to be devoured by it, he was kicked out.
The expression Kageyama had the moment he fell in, was a mysterious smile, not mocking, not
endearing either, and of course, not self-deprecating either.
What did that smile mean?
-- Kageyama Reiji. Were you devoured by the black hole? Or After those thoughts, he looked at the
expression of Ruriko who was standing next to him. Perhaps subconsciously, he gave her a warm
smile.
The smile was different from Kageyama's, it was a smile out of loving feelings.
- 59 -
- 60 -
"The Kaiser and Count are both stupid. They trusted humans, and gave him power. In the end, they
- 61 -
"It's no problem, the Kaiser and Count are just resting in their cribs, they will wake up soon enough."
"That's for sure. As long as the core, within which our soul lies, doesn't disappear, we're immortal. The
worst case is like Maou (Dimension Maou), unlucky fellow, he lost his soul."
"The ones in conflict, are the Invaders and Gate Keepers."
"So I've said so from the very beginning."
"Eh?"
"As I've said, we have to draw the line. Someone made a brother cry, the person must now be
punished. The human world, it's like that."
"Hoohoohoo. Yes. It's like that. You've come to understand humans pretty well."
"Thanks for the compliment. Now, talk time is over. It's time to get going, we have to make many
preparations."
"Understood. All is fine on my end. Tonight, I will let them take action."
"Isn't it very far?"
"No problem, have you forgotten about my abilities?"
"Ah yes, right. So, I'll see you in a bit then."
That was the last signal, the two people who were talking disappeared at the same time.
What the two were talking about, at this point we did not know whether it was for better or worse.
The only thing for certain was that they could assume human form.
The young little girl's body was mainly transparent, very thin, wearing a thin and light silk-like dress.
The man wore a brown old-fashioned, but prestigious, suit.
- 62 -
- 63 -
Saemi: "What?"
Ukiya: "Do you play with Yukino a lot?"
Saemi: "Yea, about a week ago, Yukino suddenly visited a lot. She always says she'll come again, but
couldn't confirm a time. Also, when I ask her where she's going, she would never tell. Although, I
heard she lives near your school. But, why did you suddenly ask me this?"
Ukiya: "Ah, nothing much. Just wanted to ask whether Yukino has fun with you."
Saemi: "To be honest, at first I was a bit scared. Happy, or unhappy, I couldn't quite tell. Every time,
she didn't talk too much. But recently, when we were playing Cat's Cradle (a game with a string), I
wasn't really good at it and messed up, at that time Yukino had a slight smile."
Ukiya: "Ah is that so."
Houjou Yukino, a Gate Keeper like Ukiya. But 800 years ago, something tragic happened to her, and
time froze for her. Ever since, she has kept her 11 year old body, living alone in the world.
-- Great. Yukino finally met a friend of a similar age. Although it's my capricious sister, Yukino seems
happy, so it's all good.
Thinking those thoughts to himself, Ukiya aimed his chopsticks at the fried chicken on the plate.
Saemi: "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
Masako: "What?"
Saemi: "Brother stole my fried chicken!"
Ukiya: "What do you mean stole? The fried chicken is on the plate, it doesn't belong to anyone."
Saemi: "No. There are 12 pieces in total, 4 each! You're on your 5th!"
Ukiya: "Ah fine, I'll give it back to you."
Then, Saemi took huge bites to show Ukiya she was eating the fried chicken.
- 64 -
- 65 -
- 66 -
This was an unprecedented emergency situation. Under the influence, he unknowingly shouted at his
sister for peeking. Also, he was worried that if his sister saw it, she would be dragged into this. He had
all these thoughts.
Looking at his 11 year old sister who was about to cry, he rushed to explain.
Ukiya: "S sorry. I borrowed this watch from a friend. So ah yes, I said I'd return it to him today. So, I
must take a trip to school now."
Saemi: "Going now? It's already night time."
Ukiya: "Can't be helped, it's a promise between guys."
Saemi: "I refuse! You said after dinner, you were gonna play baseball pinball (a pinball game with a
baseball theme) with me. Brother, you said that. So I borrowed it from Takeshi (Ikeda Takeshi, the one
who broke the hair accessory Ukiya gave to Saemi in episode 20). Look, it even comes with the magic
ball!"
Ukiya: "Sorry."
Apologetically, he patted her head softly.
Ukiya: "Hoo hoo hoo! You aren't a kitten anymore! (In TV episode 1, Saemi said 'don't treat me like a
kitten anymore')"
"Don't say that anymore." Saemi looked happy.
Ukiya gave a relieved smile, and turned to walk towards his mother Masako.
Ukiya: "Mum, I'm sorry."
Masako: "No problem, it's an important promise with a friend, go."
We do
not know if she knows that her son is a member of the earth defense organisation AEGIS.
Masako looked very gentle. But, that gentleness would seep through his back and Ukiya would feel
restless about whether he could make it back. However, Ukiya is capable of overcoming the
restlessness and fear, that was how he could take up the role as Captain of the Gate Keepers and fight
- 67 -
to the end.
The annoying alarm just kept on sounding. The red visual alarm made the Far East branch commander
room seem like a dark room for developing photographs.
Operator: "Connection to the New York headquarters is cut! Could not connect to satellite
communication lines either!"
Operator: "Wired communication via seabed cables also not responding."
Operator: "London branch, Parisian branch, all communication networks cut, no responses at all!"
Operator: "Same for Moscow, Calcutta and Beijing branches!"
Operator: "Cannot connect to the data in the super computer! Attempting to connect to emergency
use ARPANET, but just like with other branches, we are getting no responses."
(ARPANET Short for Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, developed by the United States Department of
Defense. It's a real network, you can look it up.)
- 68 -
The operators sat in a row, reporting one after another. Even in critical situations, they were trained to
not be emotional, and calmly report the factual truth, but what happened to cause them to be moved
like this?
Ochiai: "Commander, if it goes on like this, the Far East branch will be completely isolated."
Ochiai cast her eyes on the commanding Tokiwatari behind her, who was evidently worried.
Yes. The independent real-time communications network connecting all the branches of AEGIS was
crumbling. To AEGIS, which was formed to protect the world from the Invaders, this situation was
equivalent to being blind folded, with their ears plugged and arms and legs tied up. It was like having
an enemy right in front of them, holding a weapon, ready to strike, yet they could not feel his
presence at all. To the earth defense organisation AEGIS, this was the same as stopping all their
functions.
In the centre of the commander room, the images and data displayed on the multi-purpose digital
screen disappeared one by one. There were black pixels appearing all over the place, like a broken
crossword puzzle.
Ochiai: "So this is caused by the strong interference waves from the Invaders?"
Commander: "No. The communication network using the seabed cables is also cut off. Even if there
were an accident, having so many cables cut off at the same time, it cannot happen, it's better to think
that way. If that's the case"
Ochiai: "Then the remaining possibility is?"
Commander: "No, what's more important is, how are we doing gathering the Gate Keepers?"
Ochiai: "As you've instructed, we have sent out the top level emergency assembly signal. Having done
that, even if there's a bit of interference, we should be able to reach them. But Captain Ukiya is still at
home in Youga"
(Youga: A place in Setagaya)
While reporting.
The black squares have completely filled all the screens.
- 69 -
- 70 -
Jim: "Headquarters has been completely Also the intrusion Jun Thunders (Gate of Lightning)
and Sakimori Misao (Gate of Perception) have already the supreme commander has also
- 71 -
Invaders"
The noise was worsening. It was getting more and more difficult to hear Jim's voice.
Commander: "Jim! What about the Invaders?! The New York headquarters? What happened to the
AEGIS supreme commander?!"
Jim: "This side has already be careful"
*Click*
His voice was cut off, along with the noise.
*beep beep beep*
What was left was just the emotionless signal sound.
Ochiai: "Was that call from Jim? What happened?"
Ochiai asked.
Tokiwatari squinted his eyes a bit, and replied.
Commander: "There's one thing we're certain of, starting with the headquarters, and all the AEGIS
branches, the reason for the communication being cut off, is not because of the network failing."
Ochiai: "What is it then?"
Commander: "It's very simple actually. The headquarters as well as the other branches have been
taken over by the enemy."
Ochiai: "How is that possible? It's impossible. The branches spread across the world, how could they
be taken over at the same time? Moreover, the New York headquarters should be no problem at all,
they have the strongest defense system. And also, it's..."
Commander: "So, there's no point now. Although we're still considering possibilities, from Jim's call
just now, we know it's a large scale counter attack by the Invaders."
- 72 -
Ochiai: "Even so, the branches over the world, each equipped with the newest weapons, being taken
over at the same time? It doesn't make sense. Each branch should have at least one Gate Keeper."
Tokiwatari did not reply, he just crossed his arms.
At that moment.
Ochiai: "What happened, commander?"
In the commander room, from the Gate Keepers exclusive elevator, there appeared Ikusawa Ruriko.
After receiving the emergency assembly call, she rushed to the Far East branch.
Ochiai: "Ikusawa!"
Ochiai's expression became better instantly. Although not all the members have arrived, but their
trump card against the Invaders, a Gate Keeper, has arrived. This relieved a part of the restlessness.
Commander: "Right on time Ikusawa-kun. After a while, Ukiya-kun, Konoe-kun and Bancho-kun should
be arriving soon. Before that, I think I should explain to you the situation. Just now our communication
with the AEGIS New York headquarters was cut off."
Ruriko: "Headquarters?"
Commander: "Although this is only our guess, but I'm afraid the New York headquarters has already"
Just when Ochiai was about to tell her their guess, unexpectedly at the moment
*Crackle* There was a faint sound of electricity. This was not communication from the outside. This
was limited to internal communications within the Far East branch, the emergency communication
device. Sound from the loudspeaker followed.
AEGIS member: "This is the Launch Control Room. Do you read me, commander room?"
Commander: "This is Tokiwatari. Did something happen?"
- 73 -
AEGIS member: "Yes. We don't know what it is, but something is heading towards exit 5, it is already
very near."
Exit 5 was where large vehicles such as the AEGIS bus was deployed. With a large scale elevator, it
connected the Far East branch directly to ground level, the entrance was directly below the Tategami
High sports hall. Whenever they deployed vehicles, the sports hall would slide to give way to a secret
exit. So what the member was reporting, was that something was approaching the Tategami High
sports hall. Right now they did not know who it was, and there was nothing suspicious going on at the
sports hall, but.
AEGIS member: "The surveillance camera is confirming, but it's not a student nor teacher from
Tategami High, not a resident from nearby either. What do we do?"
This was a completely different situation from normal. They had lost communication with the New
York headquarters, it was a situation of crisis.
Commander: "Quickly confirm!"
AEGIS member: "Please wait a moment. No. Using the infrared filter, we can just about make it out.
Looks like a male in a suit. No strange waves coming from him, doesn't look like an Invader"
All of a sudden, the sound was cut off.
That had already re-checked the lines thoroughly.
Under Tokiwatari (in terms of the hierarchy), everyone in the commander room was waiting for the
next line to come. But, after a long time, no follow up report came. An impatient female operator
rushed to the operation panel and spoke to the microphone.
Operator: "Launch Control Room, what happened? Please continue reporting."
AEGIS member: "Ahh why is it like this?"
Operator: "We can't hear you clearly, did something happen?!"
AEGIS member: "Very strange my energy all the other members everyone"
- 74 -
The sound came with a strange noise. This was not a signal problem. The voice was like the panting of
a dog after running around in the yard. Yes, it was caused by the member having problems breathing,
that was what cut it off.
AEGIS member: "Everyone"
The conversation was cut off. The phone line was still connected. Through the microphone, the sound
of machinery operating could still be faintly heard. Then, what just happened?
Ruriko: "Commander, I'll go check out the Launch Control Room."
Ikusawa Ruriko moved swiftly. She took out the foldable bow and arrow from the bracket strapped to
her thigh. It was Ruriko's unique weapon against the Invaders, developed by the AEGIS R&D team.
The non-offensive Gate of Life would concentrate the energy at the tip of the arrow and release the
energy upon hitting the target. It was a weapon only for fighting against Invaders.
-- Ukiya, Kaoru and Bancho aren't here. So I must fight hard.
Ruriko thought to herself, and ran towards the elevator which was connected to the outside.
But.
Commander: "You cannot go."
Suddenly, Tokiwatari stopped her.
As if suddenly tied down by an invisible rope, Ruriko froze in surprise.
Is there a problem? Before Ruriko could ask the commander, Tokiwatari spoke.
Commander: "Final War System!"
Once he said that, everyone in the commander room looked shocked.
- 75 -
Commander: "From now on, the AEGIS Far East branch will be completely cut off from the outside. We
will now employ the Final War System for a long term war to defend our base. All members shall move
swiftly to the designated refuge areas. After the migration, apart from a small proportion, all
separation walls shall be sealed off. This is not a drill."
Ruriko: "Commander, what is this?!"
Ruriko asked Tokiwatari.
Final War System.
That was designed for a nuclear war above ground, without doubt that was the last resort for the
worst case scenario.
Ruriko: "This is not a nuclear war! Even if there are Invaders invading, as long as they're not cadre
level, my special bow and arrow should be enough to fend them off."
Commander: "No, no!"
Ruriko: "Why?"
Commander: "I cannot let you go to such a dangerous place! From now on, we must make optimum
use of your powers. Yes, if that guy shows up, he's more dangerous than nuclear weapons."
Ruriko: "That guy?"
Commander: "Everything is clear now. This is indeed not a communication network problem. The New
York headquarters as well as all other branches have been taken down by his powers. It can't be
wrong. Of the Invader cadres, the scariest, and most dangerous being. If he used his full power..."
Ruriko: "Wait, commander. A cadre with such power, he is?!"
Commander: "You should know of his existence too. His alias is 'Shinigami Shinshi', he has finally
reached this AEGIS Far East branch."
7. Rendezvous with Death
- 76 -
From Ukiya's home in Setagaya, the distance from Tategami High was about 15km. By car or tram, it
should take about 30 minutes. But Ukiya only took 10 minutes to reach Tategami High.
-- Although he did feel slightly sorry for the taxi driver.
He rushed out of his house to stop a taxi and used his ability to open the Gate of Gales. By controlling
the flow of air, the taxi became a bullet on the road. The driver had no idea what was going on, and
was petrified. By the end of it, he looked as if he was about to die.
No matter what, this was speeding to almost 300km/h on a normal road. Fortunately he controlled his
Gate of Gales sophisticatedly to avoid any accidents, but it still caused influence to other cars.
-- Top level emergency assembly, what happened?
The puzzled Ukiya approached the Tategami High entrance.
The closed gates were almost 2 metres tall, but Ukiya leapt over it easily. With superb athletic abilities,
and using the Gate of Gales on his hands, this was a piece of cake to Ukiya.
-- The nearest emergency elevator was near the flower beds in the playground.
Tategami High had several Far East branch secret entrances which only AEGIS members knew of. The
one near the playground flower beds was one of them.
Kaoru: "Senpai!"
A greeting from behind.
Without even turning back, he knew it was Konoe Kaoru.
Kaoru: "Wait up, I just arrived too!"
Kaoru came running frantically in a light coloured T-shirt and slippers made of resin.
Ukiya: "Kaoru, I thought you lived in the dorms?"
Kaoru: "I was just showering, then I heard the alarm on my watch so I ran here."
- 77 -
- 78 -
By riding this, they could reach the underground Far East branch quickly.
Kaoru: "!"
Kaoru sighed.
The elevator platform rose up, a metallic elevator platform.
There, they saw something unbelievable.
Unbearable.
That was
A person.
Ukiya: "Specs?!"
Ukiya screamed.
The one lying on the elevator platform was AEGIS' head mechanic, as well as the designated pilot for
the Gate Keepers' back up supply delivery, nicknamed Specs, it was Meguro Kanetake.
Ukiya: "What happened, Specs? Hey?!"
Ukiya picked up Specs from the ground. Kaoru looked at him anxiously.
Specs: "It's so good to see you Ukiya-senpai"
Specs choked out painfully.
Ukiya: "What happened?"
He could still talk. Ukiya looked at the short boy Specs he was holding. There were no wounds. His
work clothes were, as usual, full of oil stains. At first glance there was nothing wrong at all.
Specs: "I received an order from the commander there is a message I must give to you guys.
Everyone has been working hard to get the message across. But Sawayama's comrades have
- 79 -
already"
At this point, Specs was already on his last breath. Chaotic breathing pattern, the hoarse voice, his
speech became discontinuous.
Ukiya: "That's enough, stop talking, Specs!"
Ukiya: "Look, your face has become so pale!"
Ukiya and Kaoru cried in pain.
No external wounds. But Spec's body became so weak, they could feel it very well. Ukiya and Kaoru
could feel that if he kept talking, Specs could die.
Ukiya: "We'll get you to the hospital, we'll be there in no time, hang in there."
Specs: "Before that there is something I have to tell you no matter what."
Ukiya: "What is it, Specs?"
Specs: "The commander said this. Starting from the New York headquarters, all the branches have
been destroyed by this man. The destruction of the Far East branch is only a matter of time The
remaining Gate Keepers retreat immediately. Contact the AEGIS members around the world... and
rebuild strength..."
Kaoru: "We can't do that, that's the same as watching the Far East branch collapse! How could we do
such a thing?!"
Kaoru: "All branches have been destroyed, that's impossible"
Impossible.
Just when Kaoru was about to continue, Specs used his last breath to utter out the last message.
Specs: "Although Ikusawa-senpai is using her Gate of Life to heal everyone but it's too late. Eye. As
soon as the guy looks at you everyone will Even without directly looking. Just through a monitor
still"
- 80 -
Keeping her calm, she held her breath. Then she pressed her ear against the left side of Spec's chest.
- 81 -
Kaoru: "It's alright, his heart is still beating. He just fainted 'cause he said so much while being so weak
already."
Ukiya: "That's great"
Kaoru: "But, we can't just leave it like this. We must get him to the hospital as soon as possible."
Ukiya: "That's true, but what Specs said just now"
Kaoru: "I understand, but, now"
Ukiya: "!"
Kaoru: "!"
Konoe Kaoru and Ukiya Shun almost reacted in unison.
They raised their heads and looked around nervously.
They did not hear anything.
No one came to give them any news.
Instinct.
After numerous battles, the sharp senses the Gate Keepers had. It was that instinct which told them,
danger was approaching.
Ukiya: "At a time like this"
Kaoru: "Yea"
Almost without any lights, in a dark space.
There.
No idea at what time.
- 82 -
- 83 -
- 84 -
Ruriko: "Now, Ukiya-kun, although you haven't joined AEGIS for long, but anyway now you're the
Captain, you'll have to read all this information."
In the Far East branch commander room, acting like a senior, Ruriko gave Ukiya a mountain of
documents.
Ukiya: "Yea, in theory that's true. But there's so much information, how could I finish it?"
Ruriko: "You must finish it. Like me, I know it back to front."
Ukiya: "Lies. Stop kidding Ms. Goody Goody."
Ruriko: "Who's Ms. Goody Goody?! I'm serious."
Ukiya: "*Sigh Fine, for instance, this one. About unconfirmed Invader cadres, the analysis and
investigation. What does it say there?"
Ruriko: "Of course that's no problem. Listen carefully. *Sigh. Deducing from the past information,
other than the known highest level Invaders, in other words, Invader cadres, we expect there to be a
few others with abilities on par with them. In simple terms, they're called the unconfirmed Invader
cadres. Their provisional names are Mugen Majuu (Infinite Magic Beast), Ghost Girl, and Shinigami
Shinshi."
Ukiya: "Oh Correct correct. And then?"
- 85 -
Ruriko recited all the analysis about the abilities of the 3 Invader cadres, and their eyewitness
accounts. Like spelling out a word from letters, fluently without pausing. At that time, Ukiya
deliberately showed acknowledgement, nodding along to encourage Ruriko to continue speaking.
Ukiya: "Ah. So anyway, we know there are a total of 8 cadres, and besides a couple of them, we don't
know much detail about them."
Ruriko: "That's right."
Ukiya: "Then, the next topic is this one. The change in the number of Invader incidents over time
around the world, do you remember this?"
Ruriko: "eh?"
Ukiya: "Eh?"
Ukiya: "Ukiya-kun, could it be, you find reading it yourself too troublesome, so you're making me tell
you it all?"
Ukiya: "Ahahahaha. I didn't tell you to do that, right? Ah, I didn't tell you to do that. My sincere
apologies!"
Ruriko: "Wait! Don't go thinking that you can get away with this by sounding like a lame advert. You
call yourself a captain like this?! Seriously, consider the feelings of the people who voted for you!"
- 86 -
Out of the unconfirmed cadres, the one with the most dangerous ability was Shinigami Shinshi.
He did not expect him to really appear.
Ukiya: "There's no time to explain, Kaoru-chan!"
Ukiya had his hand on Kaoru's shoulder.
Ukiya: "Take Specs and get out of here!"
Kaoru: "But I want to"
Ukiya: "This is the best plan right now. During the fight with these Invader soldiers, there's a chance
that Specs may be hit by a stray bullet. No matter how we fight, there's only going to be the two of us,
so"
Gugugugugu
There was no time left.
The low pitched sound came out stuttery. The sound similar to flying bees was getting louder. The
lights in the gravity guns the Invaders were holding were focusing. They were about to fire.
Ukiya: "I'll deal with it here, so, Kaoru!"
Kaoru: "Fine, I get it"
Before she finished her sentence, another voice interrupted.
A coarse, deep howl, like a bear.
Bancho: "Correct!!!!! I'll deal with it here!"
*Clack*
The extremely loud sound of Geta (Japanese wooden slippers) echoed.
At the main entrance of Tategami High, the person standing on top of the gate post was.
- 87 -
Kaoru: "Bancho?!"
Bancho: "Absolutely right, Bancho Choutarou reporting now!"
The person standing, was the late Bancho who rushed here.
Bancho: "Princess Kaoru, listen to Captain Ukiya's orders and bring Specs to the hospital! Captain,
quickly take the elevator to underground!"
Bancho's loud voice overcame the distance between the school entrance gate and the flower bed in
the middle of the playground.
Ukiya replied loudly at the same time.
Ukiya: "Finally here, eh? Bancho!"
Bancho: "Who do you think I am?! Look! Earth shattering! Ground breaking! Clear and merry! Roast
meat meal! Impeccable, the power of the Gate of Disintegration!"
Bancho had amazing presence, he pushed his right wrist forward.
Bancho: "Gaaaaaaaaaaate Opeeeeeeeeeeen!"
Rings of light formed, it was the Gate of Disintegration.
Invader Soldier: "High energy source confirmed. Gate of Disintegration 97% probability. Danger
increasing. Attack target change. Attack target change."
Bancho: "Too late!"
Maintaining his Gate open state, Bancho leapt off the gate. The sound of the Geta rang grandly, he
dashed towards the crowd of Invader Soldiers unstoppably.
Invader Soldier: "Initiate attack immediately"
Dong!
- 88 -
Before he could even finish his sentence, a shockwave came out from the gate, piercing through the
Invader Soldier who just gave the attack order, and several Invaders behind him. In an instant, just an
instant, the Invader Soldiers were disintegrated, falling on the ground like sand, leaving only the green
crystals behind.
Bancho: "Princess Kaoru, now!"
Bancho spoke with a stern tone, Kaoru nodded by reflex.
Kaoru: "Yes understood, AEGIS!"
Moving like a flash of light, she picked up Specs, opening the Gate of Close Combat.
Focusing all the energy in her legs, she leapt forward. With just a leap, she went over all the Invader
Soldiers, landing just above where Bancho was standing. The leap was over 100 metres. That was the
power of the Gate of Close Combat.
Invader Soldier: "Target B. Gate Keeper of Close Combat, searching for escaping target. Attack target.
Stop target from escaping."
Not the same as the Invader Soldier Bancho just took down, it was another individual giving the order.
While the Gate Keepers were feeling disgusted, the Invader Soldiers did the same motion, they
pointed their gravity guns, flashing with black light, in the direction of Kaoru who was holding Specs.
But.
Bancho: "Your opponent is me!!!!!"
Bancho's wave of fast attacks did not stop. He opened his Gate once again, swinging both fists one
after another, as if practicing boxing. The only difference from practice was the targets, in front of him
was a line of Invader Soldiers, whom he crushed one by one.
Bancho: "Hurry, princess Kaoru!"
Kaoru: "Bancho!"
- 89 -
Bancho: "What?!"
Kaoru: "Be careful!"
Leaving that sentence behind, Kaoru made a huge leap again. She leapt over the lamp post in front of
Tategami High, and disappeared into the dark streets.
Bancho: "Thats good!"
Bancho gazed at the direction Kaoru disappeared into. At that instant, there was a gap.
Invader Soldier: "Shoot him, now!"
The Invader Soldiers focused all their attacks on Bancho.
Bancho: "Ooooh?!"
Bancho did not get attacked.
Ukiya: "Vacuum missile!!!!!"
Numerous bullets of air, capturing all the targets. As suggested by the name, missiles with homing
capabilities, flying towards the Invader Soldiers targeting Bancho.
Bancho: "Ooooh!"
Of course, he knew exactly who did that.
Bancho: "What are you doing, Ukiya?! Didn't I say just now, I'll deal with it here! You hurry and go
underground! Although I don't know the details of the situation, but quickly go there. After I trash all
these guys, I'll be after you!"
Ukiya: "Sorry! I'll leave it to you here, Bancho!"
Ukiya, who saved Bancho when it was ever so close, ran like the wind to the platform to the basement
levels.
Invader Soldier: "Gate Keeper of Gales. Moving underground. Stop him. Concentrate all attacks on
- 90 -
Just late by a bit, but late nonetheless. By the time they shot the gravity guns, the platform was
already descending underground.
Following a series of explosions, the entire flower bed was destroyed, along with part of the school.
Bancho: "No! These guys damaging the things around the school, I must punish them!"
Bancho crashed into the crowd of enemies, swept his Gate of Disintegration across the Invader
Soldiers holding the gravity guns.
Invader Soldiers: "Gales and Close Combat, two targets away from the battle. Danger decreasing.
Target Gate of Disintegration locked on. Concentrate attacks."
The remaining Invader Soldiers reset their formation. They surrounded Bancho. They surrounded in 2,
then 3 layers of chains. By rough estimation, there were over 200 Invader Soldiers remaining. The
ones he defeated were only a part of the group.
The Invader Soldiers formed a huge circle in the playground.
Bancho muttered to himself.
Bancho: "This is like a group dance."
He rolled up the sleeves of his uniform.
Bancho: "Alright then! Who wants to dance with me first?!"
Everyone.
The Invader Soldiers surrounding Bancho shot their gravity guns at the same time.
- 91 -
- 92 -
- 93 -
- 94 -
Ruriko stopped and said to Ochiai softly "It's gonna be alright.", then she walked towards the female
operator. On her way, her left foot kicked something, it felt both soft and hard at the same time.
She looked down naturally.
It was a dead, young member in his 20s.
Ruriko: "!"
Ruriko took a deep breath.
Even though she was fatigued from over-using her gate, she had to keep at the rescuing. Suddenly she
felt dizzy, her legs were wobbly, at the moment it seemed like she was about to collapse.
- 95 -
But.
-- Hang in there, Ruriko. You can do it. This level of fatigue is no problem. Now, even though there
aren't too many, I can only think about saving the survivors. Yes, I am no longer the sniveler Ruriko. I
am, the Gate Keeper of Life, Ikusawa Ruriko.
Ruriko kept at it.
She stood still, then exerted force with her legs. She stepped powerfully to walk towards the people
waiting for her help.
Ruriko: "Wait a moment, I'm on my way."
On her way.
*Beep beep beep beep beep beep* (TN: Not the original sound, but the original sound was like
Jilulululululu, made no sense to me)
The floor standing receiver for communication purposes.
Next to the small screen, a red light was flashing.
-- Could it be, Ukiya-kun?!
Ruriko reacted in an instant.
Yes, that Ukiya, could never submissively obey orders. The miracle masked rider. Didn't he always
come to my rescue in emergencies when we were young? It will happen this time as well. Definitely.
Perhaps, he's already arrived by my side.
She knew the basic ways of operating the floor standing receiver. Ruriko pressed the switch of the
microphone.
Communication on.
Ruriko: "Hey, is it Ukiya-kun?!"
- 96 -
On the other side of the monitor, the man took his glasses off and flashed Ruriko with his eyes.
Ruriko's body felt like an electric current flowed through.
This was definitely not the tingling feeling of love.
It was right the opposite.
It was the heart racing from contacting death.
The story from here on.
After several events, the story joins back with the prologue.
With Bancho's help, Ukiya descended underground to the AEGIS Far East branch.
In front of him was the thick separation wall lowered because of the activation of the Final War
System.
Bancho caught up from behind.
He broke through the separation wall with his Gate of Disintegration.
But.
Ukiya: "Did you come here to be defeated by me?"
- 97 -
Ukiya screamed loudly, the roaring of the gales twirling at high speed and the supersonic waves
- 98 -
amalgamated.
Obtained through defeating numerous Invaders in the past, Ukiya's strongest attack.
Ultra Whirlwind Slash.
Shinigami: "What an interesting move. Ah, indeed, from the many Gate Keepers I've seen, this move
seems to have formidable power."
Ukiya who has become wind, was approach him.
But, Shinigami analysed calmly.
Shinigami: "However, barking like a dog, is not the way of a gentleman."
He smiled.
Shinigami smiled with utmost confidence.
Then, he calmly removed his glasses.
Just like that.
Just by removing his glasses.
The battle was decided.
Ukiya: "Oh?!"
The roaring wind around him disappeared without a trace.
Without any signs, Ukiya tripped.
He fell onto the ground.
Like a headfront slide in baseball, Ukiya fell onto the ground face down.
*Clonk*
- 99 -
The special bokken sword fell onto the ground with an empty sound.
Shinigami: "Ah, my apologies. I didn't expect you to fall over so grandly. Sorry."
Ukiya: "You"
The powerful aura he had just now disappeared.
The strength in his limbs vanished. It seemed like he could not even move his tongue at will. What
came out was a very soft sound.
Shinigami: "Did you not know? My ability is the Eye of Genocide."
Shinigami put his glasses back on.
Shinigami: "A fearsome ability, right? Sometimes I find it scary myself. I have been an abnormal
existence within the Invaders since my birth. You should know this very well. Invaders feed on the
negative emotions of humans to grow. In other words, to us Invaders, humans can be seen as a food
source in some way. But I will eliminate this food source. I am a taboo existence. Especially the
Kaiser and Count. To me, I agree with their human farming scheme. I don't know who said this, he said
I've forgotten that I am an Invader, and I liked to live like a person."
Ukiya: "What are you saying you took away so many lives"
Ukiya struggled to stand up.
But, it did not work. Even though he wanted to support his body with his arms, he could not use any
strength. His body trembled, and he fell back down straight away. No matter how many times he tried,
the result was the same. It was like he was doing push ups.
Ukiya: "My energy dammit. Just this kind of I"
Shinigami: "You shouldn't move around, if you just stay put, you might be able to stay alive. You are
indeed a Gate Keeper, even with my eyes, the effects have weakened. It seems like I can't make you
die immediately. Remarkable, even with your life energy taken away, you still want to stand up. You
are impressive."
- 100 -
- 101 -
- 102 -
- 103 -
Yes.
Why didn't he realise straight away?
The origin of the sound, full of confidence.
Ukiya: "It's Kageyama, right?!"
No response.
Shinigami had left, it seemed like Kageyama's voice had disappeared too.
In the passageway, only the many corpses remained, along with Ukiya and Bancho who have fainted.
- 104 -
- 105 -
Ukiya: "Seriously just now you said Ayane-chan could stand up."
Youko: "It's, it's true."
Ukiya: "Alright alright. She will be able to stand up soon, and then walk around here. No rush."
Youko: "Yea."
Ukiya sat up straight on the sofa, he went for the coffee cup on the table. Ah. It turns out there was no
more coffee in the cup.
Youko: "Ah, I'll pour you some coffee right away."
Ukiya: "Thanks."
Youko stood in the kitchen.
Ayane kept rolling around next to Ukiya's sofa.
Youko: "So."
Youko spooned coffee into the cup while talking to Ukiya with her back to him.
Youko: "It's almost time, mum's (Ukiya's mum) third death anniversary. What will Saemi do?" (TN: It's
an Asian thing/tradition to visit the deceased's grave annually on the day of their death, is it also a
Western thing? I'm not sure)
Ukiya: "She, we only saw her when she came to pay respect last year. We didn't keep in touch too
well. After all, she's already 27. Ever since she dropped out of high school to become an actress, she
left home. It's time to give up those unrealistic dreams. Wouldn't it be better to just come back?"
Youko: "That's true, but"
Youko brought the full cup of coffee to Ukiya.
Youko: "After mum passed away, this house had to undergo reconstruction. It wouldn't be the best
idea for her to stay here even if she wanted to."
- 106 -
- 107 -
Ukiya: "Goodbye"
Saemi: "A truly incredible child. Just like when we first met, her body never grew. I grew up bit by bit,
now, I'm almost like an old lady. Perhaps, Yukino still looks the same now as she was before."
Ukiya: "How could that be, that's impossible. Anyway, why do you want to see Yukino that much?"
Saemi: "No. It's nothing worth mentioning. If I see Yukino again, don't know why, feels like I need to
work a bit harder."
Ukiya: "That's enough."
Saemi: "Eh?"
Ukiya: "Being an actress or something, working while studying. It's time to come back. Don't do that
drama stuff anymore."
Saemi: "No, I haven't given up yet."
Ukiya: "Seriously, the only thing which hasn't changed is your stubbornness."
-- Ah yes. My sister Saemi, she's really like Yukino? Although she's grown, but she hasn't changed at
all, at least she hasn't changed on the inside. Just like before, so capricious, only moving forward with
tunnel vision. But the 'me' now.
He stared at his reflection in the full coffee cup.
-- But. The number of things I should be protecting has increased. Different from 3 years ago when I
wasn't married yet. It's just that, now, already.
Youko: "Dear, look!"
Youko said loudly.
- 108 -
That night.
Lying on his bed, Ukiya stared at the dark ceiling.
Youko was sound asleep beside him. Ayane was sleeping in the crib next to them.
--Sorry Kageyama. You came all the way to invite me. What you did for me at that time, of course I
haven't forgotten. But, there was too much pain afterwards. To be honest, I've been hit quite hard
both physically and mentally. Even though I don't want to fight anymore, those guys keep appearing. I
didn't fight because I wanted to. I had no choice but to fight. At that time, Youko appeared. She gave
me a very soothing, comfortable feeling. I wanted to hold on to her immediately. I wanted to lean on
her. Kageyama. The help you had given me in the past, it's the same now. Youko is helping me by
given me this stable and content life. So, I can't do anything which will betray her and Ayane.
- 109 -
- 110 -
- 111 -
No.
Tokiwatari's speech was suddenly cut short and drowned by a deafening sound from the corner of the
commander room.
Female operator: "No!"
One of the female operators gave out a sad cry.
Tokiwatari: "What?!"
Tokiwatari stood up and turned around.
Shinigami: "New AEGIS. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Far East branch commander, Mr
Tokiwatari."
At a corner of the separation wall. There, he was unsure how it happened, there was a huge hole.
As if it had been drawn on, it was a perfect circle.
Tokiwatari: "It's impossible?! Out of all facilities, the strongest defense, the separation wall of the
commander room has been penetrated?!"
Shinigami: "It's actually really simple. Ah. It wasn't me who broke through the separation wall. I just
used the power of my guide. Thanks to her, I managed to get here so quickly."
Tokiwatari: "Shinigami Shinshi!"
Making that huge hole, arriving at the commander room, that was without a doubt Shinigami Shinshi.
Also, there was a girl floating behind him. With floating long hair, a girl giving off a mysterious white
glow.
Tokiwatari: "She is?"
Shinigami: "She's really shy. She doesn't want to be seen. Also, it seems like she's got something else
to do. Anyway, I'll be your opponent."
- 112 -
- 113 -
Female operators standing in as nurses and the dying members stared at the screen with shocked
expressions.
The supreme commander continued with his speech.
Supreme commander: "Since February this year, the number of Invader related incidents has
decreased drastically. Especially since May, there hasn't been a single report of Invader sighting.
According to the detailed analysis of our science team, Invader activity has become dormant. We
confirm that from that point onwards, there are no signs of their revival. We deduced that it was due
to their cadres being eliminated, their commanders no longer exist. From now on, even if there are
isolated cases of Invaders appearing, they will be of small scale. National armies and the police force
are capable of dealing with them."
Tokiwatari: "Impossible. Although Invader activity has quieted down, they are just progressing into a
new phase!"
Tokiwatari glared at Shinigami with rage in his eyes.
Tokiwatari: "You, are you guys coercing the supreme commander into doing this?!"
Shinigami: "Coerce? How could that be. A gentleman would never do such a thing. That is the real
supreme commander, from now on he will be using this identity."
Tokiwatari: "From now on?"
Shinigami: "Fine then, I shall tell you, Mr. Tokiwatari. The supreme commander there, is not the
supreme commander you know. Appearance, knowledge, and memories. They're all the same as
himself, but it's also not himself. Yes. His true identity is"
Tokiwatari: "Unconfirmed Invader cadre, Mugen Majuu!"
Shinigami: "Correct. Out of us, his intelligence is of a lower tier. His appearance looks like a tiger or
wolf. But he has the ability to transform. He can completely reproduce the memories, knowledge and
appearance of humans he has devoured. Also, secretly devouring important people in various
countries, stirring chaos throughout the world. The magic beast of infinite faces. In other words,
Mugen Majuu (Infinite Magic Beast)."
- 114 -
Tokiwatari took out a mini-pistol from his pocket. A semi-automatic pistol, known as the Baby Nambu.
- 115 -
He got this from a superior when he was still a pilot for the navy in his youth. Ever since, he has kept it
with him at all times like a charm.
Bang!
Quickly and rapidly he shot Shinigami's forehead.
But.
Shinigami: "You know very well this is futile. That is not very gentleman-like. Mr. Tokiwatari."
The gunshot had no effect on the Invader cadre Shinigami, at all.
Of course. If he could be defeated by a bullet from a tiny gun, they would not be suffering now.
Tokiwatari did not choose to not shoot. No matter how little hope there was, he would not give up his
spirit, this made him pull the trigger.
Shinigami: "But, this is the end of it."
Slowly, Shinigami pulled down his glasses.
Ochiai: "Commander!"
Ochiai screamed.
Operators in the commander room, the surviving members, they all looked away from the Shinigami
out of reflex. But that was of no use. Even if they don't look at Shinigami, their life force will be
drained away as long as Shinigami sees them.
At this moment, the person who got to the AEGIS Far East branch is
Megumi: "Wall of Mirror!"
Who said that.
- 116 -
Shinigami: "Even you have come to interfere? In the past you had the name of Shadow, standing on
- 117 -
Taking his long arms out. With golden hair. Wearing sunglasses on his head.
That man was
Ukiya: "Kageyama!"
Ukiya woke up in shock.
Breathing rapidly.
There was a drenched spot on his chest.
--It was--the same dream
Beside him, Youko was fast asleep.
--For how many times he did not know. Dreaming this dream.
Ayane, who was in the crib, was woken up by the cry. Her round eyes looked in this direction.
Ukiya: "Sorry, Ayane, I woke you up."
Ukiya crept out of bed slowly to keep Youko from waking up, then he picked up Ayane.
It seemed like she was not fully awake yet. Seemed like she was just sleep talking, Ukiya held Ayane to
his chest to allow Ayane to continue sleeping.
--Children feel so warm.
The body warmth of Ayane was transferred through his drenched chest. It was like holding a kitten.
- 118 -
- 119 -
- 120 -
Yukino: "If the living people, are all deceased people, as long as they are in the world, there will not be
happiness."
Ghost Girl: "Ah. It's ancient poetry. I know this one. It's Manyoushuu (TN: ancient Japanese poetry
collection, literally 'Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves'.). Hoohoohoo. It's no use. To me, happiness is
unnecessary. Before knowing of this world's happiness, I will do all I can to take away lives. Performing
terrifying judgments."
Yukino: "Is that all, you want to say?"
Ghost Girl: "Where do you want to go?"
Yukino: "To teach you the ways of being a person."
Ghost Girl: "Hoohoohoo. Those living beneath my feet, what can they teach me? Also, this won't be
effective on me. Humans, everyone's lives are short, they will all die at a certain age. You should know
that very well. People are like beings which disappear like dreams. Even after years, decades,
centuries. They will never change and stupidly repeat this process."
Ghost Girl was playing with her crystal ball like a ball.
Ghost Girl: "So, come play with me. You and I are the same, although different we are the same. (She
said the same thing to Ayane in GK21). You, would definitely understand."
Yukino: "I will not play with you."
Yukino raised her right hand to the sky, pointing her middle finger. (TN: middle finger?!)
Yukino: "Open. Gate of Ice and Snow."
At the tip of her finger, there appeared light purple rings of light. It was the Gate of Ice and Snow
which Houjou Yukino had opened.
Flah, flah, the snow danced around like flower petals, and then Yukino disappeared.
Leaving behind only Ghost Girl.
- 121 -
Ghost Girl: "Ah. Teleportation. She can use the same powers as me. Hoohoohoo. Indeed, that child is
the same as me. I will not give up. No matter how many times, until I know she understands me, I will
keep seeking her. Because, after not long, the humans she knows will all disappear. Hoohoohoo. This
makes me happy. Really happy."
Ghost Girl held the crystal ball with a huge smile. On the other hand, Yukino disappeared in the
darkness.
Shinigami "Aiyaya. Coming to save the Far East branch from the crisis with Kurogane Megumi.
Planning to atone for your sins, becoming the righteous hero. Kageyama Reiji-kun."
Shinigami laughed like 'kaka kaka'.
Kageyama: "How could that be? You don't know anything."
Shinigami: "Ho?"
Kageyama: "Righteous hero? Don't joke. I've never thought about being the villain."
Shinigami: "You did use the Kaiser and Count to take over the country."
Kageyama: "Doing that was still better than the true darkness this country will fall into soon."
Shinigami: "But, that does not justify defeating me. If you wanted to become the leader of this country
once again, then your obstacle should be this earth defense organisation. It could be said that you and
I have the same goal. Am I right?"
Kageyama: "Unfortunately, you are wrong. In the past I wanted to destroy AEGIS in order to fulfil my
goal. To direct this country in the right direction. What I hate has never changed."
I assessed myself, those who only blame others, but doing such nave things themselves, without any
ambition, stooping so low, only thinking of their own happiness. Scums. Then you are even worse than
those people, killing people who are unrelated to yourself, the true king of scum, wreaking havoc and
causing chaos."
- 122 -
Shinigami: "Hey hey. Don't say that OK? I am just giving those people a little punishment. That's all."
Kageyama: "Don't lie."
Shinigami: "Lie?"
Kageyama: "Your true aim. To let the Invaders evolve to a new stage. Destroying AEGIS is only the
overture. The Invaders you spread have already been eliminated, giving humans a temporary sense of
stability, they become the breeding ground of the people who are unaware of the fact that they have
already depraved, breeding scums indefinitely. And then using those scums as the seedbed for
breading new Invaders. Different to the inorganic ones from before, you want to convert humans into
Invaders."
Shinigami: "Geh."
Different from his normal calm attitude, clenching his jaw. His whole face became unhappy.
Shinigami: "I didn't expect you to know this all so clearly."
Kageyama: "Who do you think I am?"
Shinigami: "Stupid human, you are only one of the scums you speak of."
Kageyama raised his hand, focusing his thoughts.
Kageyama: "Gate---Open!"
Black rings. The black floating Gate.
Kageyama: "Die. You original Invaders are born from negative human emotions, coming from this
black Gate. So even if you are the Shinigami Shinshi, you cannot escape from this Gate of Darkness."
Shinigami: "Although I wanted to finish this elegantly, it seems that I have no choice now."
Shinigami clapped his hands together.
Then.
- 123 -
From the ceiling, ventilation openings on the walls, gaps in the ground, black paper-like matter
emerged. The thin paper danced around the commander room like ribbons.
Soon after, the thin paper inflated like balloons in the air, then slowly took on human form. Black
Suits. They were the Invader soldiers.
Shinigami: "Now everyone, I'll leave it to you here."
Upon Shinigami's orders.
Standing in a line, the Invaders shot out light bullets from their briefcase-shaped guns.
Kageyama turned his head back and said to Kurogane Megumi: "Open the defense barrier."
Megumi raised her hand, displeased, saying: "I didn't need you to tell me that."
Megumi: "Wall of Steel!"
The Gate opened, creating a spherical barrier.
Dong, dong, dong.
The barrier reflected all the light bullets the Invaders shot. A strong barrier which can block out
anything. A Wall of Steel. That was the true power of Kurogane Megumi's 'Gate of Walls'.
It was a really close call. If Megumi had been slightly slower, not just Kageyama and Megumi herself,
Tokiwatari and all AEGIS members would have been hit by the light bullets. That of course includes the
unconscious Ruriko. The shots from the Invader soldiers were intensive as usual, and the area was also
very wide.
Megumi: "Hoohoo. Didn't think I would be helping you again."
Megumi sneered and glanced at Ruriko who was behind her on the ground.
Kageyama: "Damn Shinigami Shinshi. Didn't expect him to use these minions to slip away. Seriously,
and he calls himself a gentleman."
- 124 -
It was exactly as Kageyama said. Shinigami was nowhere to be found in the commander room. He
most likely disappeared when the Invader soldiers fired. The negative Gate Keeper who could open
this black Gate created by negative emotions was equivalent to a natural enemy to the original
Invaders.
Kageyama: "But, that doesn't mean I'll just let you go."
While Kageyama muttered to himself, the Invader soldiers continued to shoot their light bullets
mercilessly. Thanks to Megumi's barrier, no one was injured, but because of the light bullets, the walls
in the commander room started to become damaged. This was a few hundred metres below ground.
At this rate all of them will be buried alive.
Kageyama: "Megumi, remove part of the barrier. Get outside."
Megumi: "Is that really OK?"
Kageyama: "Who do you think I am? Eliminate the Invader soldiers, then go after Shinigami Shinshi. It
seems like Ghost Girl came too. She has teleportation abilities, we have to get to her before she
reaches somewhere we can't."
Megumi: "Fine, if you say so."
Kageyama: "Good girl."
Megumi: "Good, it's this confident smile."
Kageyama: "?"
Megumi: "Different from the dispirited look you had after being defeated by Ukiya, crying in the
building. The smile so cruel, showing that you will not lose to anybody. Not panicking regardless of the
situation, always composed, the born emperor. That is Kageyama."
Kageyama: "Speak no more, Megumi."
Megumi: "Then, I'll remove the barrier now."
Kageyama: "Yes"
- 125 -
At that moment.
Tokiwatari: "Wait, Kageyama!"
The one who spoke was Tokiwatari, standing beside the collapsed Ruriko.
Tokiwatari: "Are you on our side? Or?"
Upon hearing Tokiwatari's question, Kageyama snickered.
Kageyama: "Unfortunately, AEGIS has been destroyed. This is the indisputable truth. There is no more
friend or foe distinction."
Tokiwatari: "Then, why did you save us?"
Kageyama: "Didn't I mention just now? In the future, the scum will breed indefinitely, I just don't like
the way they do things."
Tokiwatari: "But, I really can't believe, what you have said."
Kageyama: "Believe, or not believe. It has already begun. The rapid economic growth. What will
happen in the end with their boundless desires. How will people's attitudes and values change. You
should've have seen my TV show, right? This show broadcasted on WHK for the younger generation.
(TV episode 19) There you should've seen a description of the future I see."
Tokiwatari: "Indeed, I do agree with many points you said back then."
"Commander?" Ochiai said in surprise at the side. But, Tokiwatari ignored her and continued.
Tokiwatari: "But, humans aren't actually such stupid animals. When the time comes, humans will look
back, correct what went wrong, preserve what was good, and then continue developing. Let alone
humans becoming Invaders. I believe in that completely."
Kageyama: "Do you really think that from the bottom of your heart?"
Tokiwatari: "That"
- 126 -
Kageyama: "Please don't forget. As the Gate Keeper of Foresight, I can see the definite future. As well
as the huge dark abyss of a Gate above the National Conference Hall, from which Invaders were born."
Tokiwatari: "Then, at what time did you?"
Kageyama: "I still get the chills when I think back about it. After being defeated by Ukiya, a huge black
Gate appeared in the sky. Yes, that is also a type of gate. At the very last moment, Kurogane Megumi
used the Wall of Steel on me, that's how I escaped. But that was already enough. I have already
touched it. Saw it. Not through my eyes. It's my heart. The amalgamation of the negative emotions
lurking at the bottom of people's hearts. The amalgamation of a vast amount of negative energy.
Memories were stored as remains of thoughts. That is why Invaders appear. Also the buried, shocking
truth about Gates."
Tokiwatari: "Truth?"
Kageyama: "At least, Gates are not hope."
Tokiwatari: "That's impossible. Just now we managed to escape from the Invader Soldiers' attacks
thanks to the power of Kurogane Megumi's Gate. As for Ikusawa, she used her Gate of Life to heal
members who were critically injured. If that's not hope, what is it?"
Kageyama: "Have you forgotten, what I planned to do in the past?"
Tokiwatari: "That"
Kageyama: "If we reverse the Gate of Life, it will become the Gate of Genocide which will take away
lives from living organisms. Yes. That is the same ability as Shinigami Shinshi. Actually, Shinigami was
born from a Gate. So it's no surprise that he has a similar ability. But, the biggest problem is the same
powers as Shinigami Shinshi, appeared in a mentally unstable girl."
Tokiwatari: "Wrong. I am sure that is wrong, Kageyama. Ikusawa reversed her gate because"
Kageyama: "No, are you sure? Can you guarantee that from now on she will never want to give up her
life, and stimulate her hatred?"
Tokiwatari: "That"
- 127 -
Kageyama: "I'll stop here. It's moot discussing whether humans are good or evil. But the truth is, this
thing called a Gate, should teach us Gate Keepers a good lesson."
Tokiwatari: "According to the user's will, both good and evil are possible, double sided power, eh?"
Kageyama: "You finally understand, Tokiwatari-san."
Tokiwatari: "But, if that's the case, Kageyama-kun."
Kageyama: "Excuse me, it's time to end the chatting. I can't let that guy escape. If we live to meet
again, I will have a good long talk with you."
Then Kageyama faced Megumi, and said to her: "Remove the barrier."
Hearing that, Megumi opened a gap in her barrier. It was a gap just wide enough for one person to
pass through. Kageyama jumped through it with a somersault. As soon as he was outside the barrier,
Kageyama's left hand shone.
Kageyama: "Shadow blades!"
Black darts flurried. Then, cutting noises came from all directions.
Invader Soldier: "Oh geh geh geh"
Invader Soldier: "Geh"
Invader Soldier: "Oh oh oh"
Invader Soldier: "Goo geh geh geh"
The unclear sounds mixed together.
While shooting the light bullets, the Invader Soldiers were sliced and diced, their limbs scattered all
over the floor.
Bang. Different from the crisp and clear sound from glass colliding, soon, the fragments of the Invader
soldiers became green rock sugar-like crystals.
- 128 -
Kageyama: "Hoo."
Kageyama did not even bother to confirm the results of the battle, he disappeared into the circular
opening Shinigami came through.
"Kageyama" Tokiwatari stared, confused.
Ochiai said behind him: "Let's forget that for now, commander, it's really dangerous here."
Tokiwatari: "Ah, yes. You are right."
He has finally returned to our side. The Invaders had all been taken down by Kageyama, but because
of the attacks from before, the commander room was in the state where it could collapse any time.
Cracks appeared all over the ceiling, even the steel framework was giving off creaking noises.
Tokiwatari: "Shinigami Shinshi has retreated. In the current situation, we will have to give up the
commander room. Everyone still mobile, carry the injured to warehouse number 3. There is an
emergency evacuation staircase there opposite the separation wall. Escape from there."
Members: "Roger, AEGIS!"
From Ochiai under (in the hierarchy), the lightly injured members saluted with the formal AEGIS
salute.
After nodding, Tokiwatari looked at Megumi.
Tokiwatari: "Kurogane Megumi, what do you plan on doing from now on?"
Megumi: "Unfortunately commander, I had betrayed everyone. Also, I must go and help him."
Tokiwatari: "Kageyama?"
Megumi: "Yes. Without my support, he will fall down again some time."
Megumi smiled with a hint of evil, that smile, it was very hard to imagine that smile coming from a 17
year old teenage girl.
Then she turned around, ready to leave the commander room.
- 129 -
Ghost Girl: "Ala ala. This is really rare. Leaving before achieving your original agenda? At least think
about me, who opened up the path for you."
In the passage, beside Shinigami, Ghost Girl appeared.
Shinigami: "Don't say that. At least the schedule has not been affected. AEGIS has collapsed, the
functionality of the Far East branch has been terminated completely. By the way, Kageyama Reiji, he
saw the abyss of the black Gate, but he lived to tell it. As a mere human, it's pretty impressive."
Ghost Girl: "That can't be helped. He was originally on our side. At that time, he already knew a lot of
our secrets."
Shinigami: "Our, eh? Don't you think it's weird to say that?"
Ghost Girl: "Really?"
Shinigami: "Of course it's strange. Because originally you were also"
*Tap*. Shinigami stopped s hort.
At the same time, Ghost Girl was also looking at something ahead.
- 130 -
Shinigami: "Aiyaya."
Ukiya used his sword as a cane to stand up there.
Shinigami: "We meet again. By t he way, you are really resilient. After being seen by my Eye of
Genocide, you're still alive."
Ukiya: "You"
Shinigami: "Ho?"
Ukiya: "I definitely won't let you go"
Accompanied by the unsteady breathing, Ukiya struggled to force the words out.
His legs shook again and again. His face was pale and white. Beads of sweat the size of peas were
forming on his forehead.
His eyes up until now, still had a powerful glow.
The light of determination.
Killing all the AEGIS Far East branch members like bugs, Shinigami, must be defeated by these two
hands. The light of this strong determination.
Shinigami: "Didn't I tell you just now? Moving around recklessly is no good. No matter what you do,
you cannot defeat me."
Ukiya: "Even if I can't win I, Ukiya Shun, as the Gate Keeper, Captain. I definitely won't let you go.
Definitely won't"
Shinigami: "Then, what you if you die?"
Ukiya: "That doesnt matter. Rather than living with regrets, I'd rather take you down with me. I, even
if it's just for my own sake, will have done what I needed to do. I can rest in peace."
Shinigami: "Sad. Really sad. You speak of something like the will of ugly humans."
- 131 -
After saying that, Shinigami had a very depressed expression. Was he just acting, or was he serious?
Then, slowly he reached for his glasses with his right hand.
Ukiya screamed with all his might.
Gripping his special bokken sword tightly with both his hands, there was a faint glow of blue and white
light.
It was the power from the Gate. The power of gales.
Ukiya: "Ultra, Vacuum Stab! (Not the Ultra Whirlwind Stab used in the TV finale)"
That was an attacked learned through the battles in the past.
His opponent could kill just by taking off his glasses. There was no time for a close up battle. He would
be killed before getting close. The only option was to use the strongest long range attack. The power
of gales transmitted through the special bokken sword, the 'stab' at the tip of the blade was critical.
The move was a combination of the Ultra Whirlwind Slash and Vacuum Missiles. That was the Ultra
Vacuum Stab.
Ukiya was correct.
The bullets from the Ultra Vacuum Stab travelled at several times the speed of sound. Even Shinigami
would be hit before he could remove his glasses.
But.
What if there was third party intervention?
Weak and powerless.
The path of the bullets from the Ultra Vacuum Stab formed strange curves in the air.
- 132 -
S-shaped snakes. Or perhaps it could be said that they looked like skipping ropes.
Ukiya: "?!"
Ukiya Shun was stunned.
The path of the bullets curved into a spiral and hit the walls of the passageway.
There was an extremely loud sound of explosion.
The special armour-reinforced walls of the passageway were penetrated through in an instant. A huge
hole was formed.
Reaching all the way to the foundations, there were sand and dust floating.
Ukiya: "How could that be? My Ultra Vacuum Stab was so simply?"
The floating particles took away his sight of the surroundings. Visibility was zero. He could not locate
Shinigami.
Ukiya: "Where, where are you?!"
Shinigami: "So it's like that. You really scared me. If I took that attack directly, I would be dead for
sure."
He could not work out where the sound came from.
Ukiya: "You!" Although he tried hard to confirm his enemy's position by the sound, but perhaps due to
the debris and dense floating dust, there was reverberation. He could not confirm the direction of the
source of the sound.
Shinigami: "But it didn't work. Using the very last bit of your energy to release that attack. In your
current state, you cannot even open your Gate."
Ukiya: "Shinigami Shinshi, what did you do?"
Shinigami: "Unfortunately, that was not my powers just now. I could explain to you, but I really don't
- 133 -
As the dust faded, the reverberation weakened. From behind, at an angle from the right, Ukiya swung
his special bokken sword in the direction of the sound.
But, that was a stupid and reckless move.
Shinigami: "Ah. Looking at you without my spectacles, this is the second time."
In the end, Ukiya looked straight at Shinigami without his glasses on.
Ruriko: "I must go. It can't go on like this. After being seen by those eyes, there's no getting back up."
Ochiai: "That's too reckless, Ikusawa. You were just unconscious a while ago. Also, where do you want
to go?"
Ruriko: "To Ukiya"
- 134 -
Ochiai: "Eh?"
Ruriko: "I saw, Ukiya fighting with that Shinigami Shinshi."
Ruriko held one arm with the other hand, shakingly, walked back to where she came from.
Tokiwatari: "Wait, Ikusawa."
Tokiwatari stood up.
Tokiwatari: "Although we are still out of contact with Captain Ukiya right now, but, you are also in a
very dangerous state. Over-using the Gate of Life, and being seen by Shinigami Shinshi's Eye of
Genocide, your stamina has reached its limits. Dont force yourself."
Ruriko: "But, still I must go."
Tokiwatari: "No. There is no evidence to prove that Ukiya is in danger."
Ruriko: "I can feel it, commander."
Tokiwatari: "Even if he were, I can't let you go in such a wounded state!"
Ruriko: "Commander!"
Commander: "Your powers are essential."
As they were arguing, another soft voice interjected.
Vaguely, there was a hoarse voice which sounded as if about to faint. It sounded like a girl's voice.
Ruriko had recollections of that voice. Memories of the snowy hills.
Ruriko: "Could it be Yukino?"
Appearing out of nowhere, behind the door in the passageway, Yukino stood in her white,
long-sleeved kimono.
Waka (Japanese poetry) came out between Yukino's small lips.
- 135 -
Ruriko understood in an instant, covered by clouds was implying that Ukiya was on the verge of death.
Ruriko: "Please, Yukino. Bring me to Ukiya."
Yukino: "Understood."
Yukino reached out and held Ruriko with her small little hand.
Tokiwatari: "Wait, this is too dangerous! Even if Houshou Yukino is a high level Gate Keeper, it's still"
He did not have time to finish his sentence.
At the instant Yukino and Ruriko touched, the two of them disappeared into thin air like smoke.
Ochiai:" Commander? Just now, it seems like I saw a little girl disappear with Ikusawa?!"
Tokiwatari: "Not seems like, they actually did disappear. An ability only high level Gate Keepers, or a
limited number of Invaders, could use. Commonly known as teleportation."
Tokiwatari's shocked eyes were fixated on the space next to where they disappeared, little bits of
snow floated down slowly. Soon after, the ice melted, and disappeared.
- 136 -
But, it was not the car Ukiya wanted. Firstly, to loan money for renovating the house for new born
Ayane, he had to settle for a small car from 6 years ago, that was the passive reason. Secondly, out of
all the small cars of various brands, this one fitted his preferences the most, a small back wheel drive
car with a classic feel to it, that was the active reason. Combining the two reasons, he chose this car.
--There was a slight creaking noise from the rear door. It was from the time when recently, Youko was
taking Ayane to the hospital, and bumped into the corner of the house's concrete wall.
Thinking of those times, Ukiya smiled.
--Seriously. It was just a slight burn, but she said no, and cried like Ayane was going to die. All the
neighbours thought something happened, sticking their heads out of their windows. Under the
influence of Youko's cries, Ayane started crying, causing chaos.
The traffic lights turned red.
Stepping on the brakes lightly, the car slowed to a stop in front of the line. After stopping, Ukiya
smiled again. This was a bitter smile.
- 137 -
--I'm just the same. In the past, I would've braked grandly. Now I've gotten used to having Ayane in
the car, it was like having a stack of eggs. Lightly steering and stepping on the brakes. A typical driver
father.
The sun was shining brighter. He pulled down the visor to block out the sunlight.
He saw the road sign through the windscreen. He was soon to arrive at Mejiro (name of place).
Yes, just not far ahead. It was faster to turn at the crossroad with the wine house in the corner, away
from the residential area, into the narrow road.
The lights turned from red to green. Slowly stepping on the pedal, the car accelerated slowly. He was
now headed to a place he wanted to forget, but could not forget, a nostalgic place.
Tategami Private High School.
That was the former secret entrance to the AEGIS Far East branch, it was the place where Ukiya and
the others' youth and days of earth defense were deeply engraved. The place was in a quiet
residential area in Mejiro
--I didn't think that I would really come here.
Last night, Ukiya was determined. For his wife Youko and his daughter Ayane, he will never participate
in fighting again. If possible, he would not even open his Gate. Seal the forbidden memories, to live as
someone oblivious. I said that to Kageyama at that time.
But.
Why did Ukiya come to Tategami High to visit again? He was not sure about that himself, either. But,
he had a strong feeling that he must take a look.
--Regardless, I have decided. This time it's really the end. Today, if I look at Tategami High and bid it
farewell, I probably won't have that dream again. It would be great to forget the regretful memories of
the past, starting a new 'me' from tomorrow onwards. Yes, it'd be great.
But, there was something lingering in his mind. I should have made up my mind already, but I still hear
that hoarse voice in my mind repeatedly.
- 138 -
To the right of the main entrance, he stopped his car . He turned off the engine and stepped outside.
There was a ringing sound behind him.
Rushing frantically, it looked like a late female student riding a bike, brushing past Ukiya. With a loud
braking noise, she disappeared into the direction of the school entrance.
--Really, even the uniform has changed.
The bike riding girl wore a dark blue vest, and a checkered skirt. On her chest, there was the 'lion' logo
of Tategami High.
In that era, many private high schools had gotten rid of the old sailor-style uniform. Westernised
uniforms were being heavily promoted. Some schools also designed their own uniform. Getting rid of
old things, replacing with new things, times were definitely changing.
- 139 -
Ukiya went on ahead and looked at the school again. After 15 years, there was an incredible feeling.
But, only memories resurfaced.
Starting from deep underground at the school, the memories of the final battle.
Back to 1970 again. Deep underground at the AEGIS Far East branch.
Ukiya: "Woo oooooo ah"
The result of looking at Shinigami directly.
It was his second timing being seen.
Ukiya's vision slowly became foggy. Energy was drained from his arms and legs.
*Clack* The wooden sword in his hand fell to the ground. Ukiya could just hear a distant sound. It was
not just vision, he was losing his aural sense too.
Ukiya: "My Ultra Vacuum Stab was"
His chest felt very painful. Could not breathe. Just like anaemia, an unbelievable light feeling
surrounded his body.
Suddenly, without anymore energy, he kneeled down.
--I fell down? On the ground? Where is my wooden sword? No. No. That's not important. Where is
that guy? Where is Shinigami Shinshi?
With what was left of his consciousness, he asked himself those questions. If he didn't keep asking
himself, he could be devoured by the darkness surrounding him.
Shinigami: "This time it is really the end. You've been seen by my eye for a second time. But, even so
you did not die immediately, very impressive, Ukiya-kun."
- 140 -
- 141 -
"To stop the treachery of you, the being who treats a life like nothing."
Shinigami: "Ah. Oriental ladies are really powerful. But there's nothing we could do about that. We are
Invaders. Inorganic beings which resemble humans. Structurally we're slightly different, for example,
something like robots. To fully and correctly understand the concept of life, it's basically impossible."
"You're lying."
Shinigami: "Ho ho?"
"With that level of intelligence, it's impossible to not understand the meaning of life. You know it, but
you just ignore it and take away lives to fulfil your targets."
Shinigami: "Seriously. The meaning is different from different perspectives. Your subjective values and
ours are different. Valuing life, or not valuing. In different positions, discussing is pointless. You are on
that side, and I am on this side. Anyway, we can't reach a consensus."
"Then my only choice is to destroy you."
Shinigami: "Yes yes yes. This is really funny. So it's like that. As long as your enemy does not have a life,
then eliminating them is no problem. Just like how you've always been eliminating Invaders."
"That is only to protect everyone's lives."
Shinigami: "So, let me ask you. What if Invaders were all metamorphosised from humans? Will you still
destroy them like you couldn't care less?"
"You could it be, you want to?"
Shinigami: "The answer will likely appear in a few decades' time. When it becomes the time of your
descendants, also humans, destroying them under the name of life and peace. Even though they're
clear that their hands will be full of blood, they still don't care."
"Could it be, you want to humanise Invaders? As a trial for us?"
- 142 -
Shinigami: "Maybe. Or maybe not. It doesn't matter. No matter which path you choose, you will still
be mesmerised by my eyes right now, and then die. Just like the guy on the ground next to you, your
powerful boyfriend."
No.
Ukiya cried in his heart.
The two people conversing were Ikusawa Ruriko and Shinigami Shinshi. Then he realised, the beige
light which gave senses to his fingers was the light from Ruriko's Gate of Life. The one who saved
Ukiya, who was on the verge of death, was Ruriko herself.
--Rurippe Run. Run.
He could not make a sound. His energy had not fully recovered yet. He wanted to stand up
immediately, to protect Ruriko from Shinigami's eyes.
- 143 -
- 144 -
Kageyama: "Ah. Those glasses, while limiting your powers, also act as your lifesaver. You can take
away someone's life without contact, but that doesn't mean you can take away lives without limit.
Taking away lives without limit, will actually become your heaviest burden. With too many lives taken,
your bodies will also be destroyed. The glasses are for preventing that from happening."
Shinigami: "What a pain. A human with such observation skills has once again returned to AEGIS'
side."
Kageyama: "Don't misunderstand. I did not go back to the good guys. No. I never thought about being
a bad guy from the start."
Shinigami: "But."
Kageyama: "?"
Shinigami: "Don't you think I would have contingency plans?"
*Snap* Shinigami snapped his fingers in the ball of light.
Kageyama: "It's no use. Even if you summon the Invader soldiers it's no use."
Shinigami: "Not Invader soldiers. It's a very special guest. Coming from the other side of the planet, he
is the same as my guide, a very powerful guy."
Shinigami's smiling face twisted despicably.
No.
That is not an expression. It was true, Shinigami's face and body started to distort into a weird form,
like the reflection in a distorting mirror.
Kageyama: "?"
Beside Shinigami, someone appeared slowly and quietly. It appeared like steam rising.
Ruriko: "Could it be, that person is?!"
- 145 -
- 146 -
- 147 -
Kageyama: "So what? Although we have the one impersonating the AEGIS supreme commander,
Mugen Majuu here, we can't do anything to change the terrible situation you're in. I've heard about
Mugen Majuu's abilities from the Kaiser and Count. Even though he is powerful in battle, basically he's
for acquiring the faces of people he's devoured, as well as copying their memories and abilities. Before
this, he secretly devoured the leaders of various countries, and caused chaos from the background."
"Ukiya-senpai--!"
They heard footsteps from behind Kageyama.
Ruriko reacted immediately.
Ruriko: "Kaoru?!"
Racing here from the dim passageway, the Gate Keeper of Close Combat, Konoe Kaoru.
Kaoru: "Ikusawa-senpai?! Kurogane Megumi, and even Kageyama, are here too?"
Ikusawa: "I'll explain later. Right now, they're here to help us."
Kaoru: "Help us? But isn't Ukiya-senpai down?"
Ikusawa: "Ukiya is fine. In a moment, I will give him energy from the Gate of Life, then there will be no
problem. Rather, how are Specs and Bancho?"
Kaoru: "Specs is in the hospital. I bumped into Bancho on the way here, I took him back above ground,
so he should be safe for now. But because of that, I got here a bit late"
Kageyama spoke again loudly to Shinigami to drown their voices out.
Kageyama: "Didn't I say so before? The other Gate Keeper is also on the way here. Summoning the
Mugen Majuu who is using the supreme commander's body, is it for catching us off guard? You've
miscalculated, Shinigami Shinshi."
Shinigami: "Is that what you really think? Mugen Majuu's ability is duplicating someone after
devouring them. But what if even their knowledge, memories, secrets and their original abilities could
also be copied?"
- 148 -
Kageyama: "Fu. Although he is the AEGIS supreme commander, he is just a normal human being, what
can you do?"
Shinigami: "Mah, Mr. Tokiwatari would know. In AEGIS, it's classified as an S-class secret. It makes
sense that you don't know."
Kageyama: "What?"
Shinigami: "Mugen Majuu-kun. No. AEGIS supreme commander. Demonstrate your ability in front of
these imbeciles."
Majuu (TN: Shortened from Mugen Majuu): "Oh ohohoh oh"
The supreme commander stepped forward slowly.
As if asking for attention on his hands, he raised both of them.
Subtly, the supreme commander's body started bending.
Like a reflection in rippling water.
Not just the supreme commander's body. All the surroundings rippled like water.
Then.
In front of his raised hands, orange rings appeared.
Kageyama: "Could it be a Gate?!"
What a man, Kageyama, he did not hide his shock.
Could it be that the supreme commander in front of him could open a Gate?
Majuu: "Ohooohoohoohoooh!"
Majuu in the form of the supreme commander, made noises which did not seem like a noise. The rings
of the Gate kept expanding, the surroundings were also becoming increasingly distorted.
- 149 -
The curving ripples seemed to be alive, they extended to the ceiling, walls, and the floor. The
distortion seemed contagious. It looked like the ripples formed when a stone is tossed into calm
water.
Kageyama: "Space distortion?!"
Kageyama spoke in shock while retreating.
Even the Wall of Mirror surrounding Shinigami was bending like a bubble. After a short while, it ripped
open.
Megumi: "Even my Wall of Mirror is ripped?"
Kageyama: "Shadow darts!"
To keep Shinigami, who broke free, from escaping, Kageyama released his shadow darts. But
Shinigami: "It's no use."
Just as he said, the paths of the shadow darts curved and flew over Shinigami's head, disappearing
deep into the passageway.
Distorted.
The space distortion the supreme commander used also distorted the paths of the shadow darts.
Yes. From Ukiya's full power attack just now, the bending of the Ultra Vacuum Stab's bullets was also
because of the supreme commander's ability.
Shinigami: "This is the AEGIS supreme commander's Gate of Distortion (TN: I've seen it as Gate of
Space and Time before somewhere, but this is what I see here). Distorting the third dimension,
deflecting all attacks." Shinigami proceeded to explain: "This AEGIS supreme commander is not just
some person. Within AEGIS, he could be said to be a top level Gate Keeper. When AEGIS was just
formed, he used this ability to bury an uncountable number of Invaders. But now, in the huge
organisation of AEGIS, he is just a useless member of authority. So he didn't notice Mugen Majuu
secretly approaching using teleportation, and fell into the trap. Yes yes. Mentioning this, when you
took over the National Conference Hall, the one who abandoned this tiny Eastern country, Japan, was
this supreme commander."
- 150 -
- 151 -
*Dong*
From the Gate of Darkness, out came black shadow fragments.
Kageyama: "Black Dimension!"
Kageyama's strongest attack.
Surrounding the target in darkness, and making it disappear from this dimension, falling into abyss.
Shinigami: "It's useless, Kageyama-kun."
Just as he said, the released shadow fragments twisted and distorted in front of Shinigami and the
supreme commander, and finally dissipated.
Shinigami: "Then, I'll start with you."
Shinigami signaled with his eyes.
Majuu, in the form of the supreme commander, reached for Kageyama.
The distorted space extended like a predator to a prey.
"Guh?!"
The space around Kageyama was twisting. Accompanied by explosion noises, the floor and ceiling
crumbled in an instant.
"Oohooohoooh?!"
Just when Kageyama was about to be buried in the debris.
"Wall of Steel!"
A defense barrier was formed around him.
It was Kurogane Megumi.
- 152 -
- 153 -
Ruriko held the fallen Ukiya's hand tightly. There was a weak beige light, it was the recovery energy
from the Gate of Life. Ruriko suddenly remembered, in the past she also held Ukiya's hand like this
before, and shared her energy with him. Yes. It was when they met again for the first time after
separating in kindergarten, when Ukiya was knocked down by the huge spherical Invader. (TV episode
1)
Ruriko: "Stand up like that time, Ukiya. You can do it. Stand up once again, kill Shinigami Shinshi,
avenge everyone."
Ukiya: "Woooooooo"
Vaguely, Ukiya was making a sound.
Ruriko: "Ukiya?!"
At the same time, above their heads.
With a loud noise, the ceiling above their heads started to collapse. Under the influence of the
indefinitely spreading distorted space, the passageway itself was started to collapse.
An uncountable amount of cement fragments, and steel bars as thick as logs were falling from directly
above Ruriko and Ukiya.
"Ah!" out came a sad cry, Ruriko's eyes were filled with despair.
But.
Kaoru: "Ikusawa-senpai, Ukiya-senpai!"
Kaoru came out and stopped the falling steel bars.
Kaoru: "Are you alright?"
Ruriko: "Kaoru-chan?!"
Kaoru: "Hurry, take Ukiya-senpai and leave! We can't hold it here anymore! Before all the whole
ceiling falls, hurry!"
- 154 -
Ruriko: "No, no, Kaoru! It's too dangerous to move Ukiya in this state! If I don't give him energy from
the Gate of Life right now, most likely Ukiya will never wake up!"
Kaoru: "If we don't hurry, everyone will be buried alive!"
Ruriko: "It's gonna be alright."
Kaoru: "Eh?"
Ruriko: "If it is Ukiya, he will definitely do something. So I'm drawing all the energy from my Gate and
infusing it into Ukiya."
Kaoru: "All? But, if you did that, wouldn't Ikusawa-senpai you from now on?!"
Ruriko: "I, have no regrets."
Kaoru: "But, Ikusawa-senpai!"
Ruriko: "Rather than us, Kaoru-chan you should hurry up and leave!"
Kaoru: "Don't kid with me! I've already lost in the race of love, how could I also lose in Aegis Far East
branch's final battle?!"
Ruriko: "Kaoru-chan"
Kaoru: "Also, I promised Bancho just now. I will definitely protect Ukiya-senpai. Then along with
Ukiya-senpai, avenge everyone."
On top of the steel frame Kaoru was holding up, debris were falling one by one.
Kageyama: "Damned Shinigami Shinshi. You were aiming at the Aegis supreme commander's hidden
ability from the start, and orchestrated the destruction of Aegis."
Kageyama said grimly.
The surrounding barrier was buried in a horrifying vortex of dust and rubble. At this rate, they will
surely be buried alive. But, they were all aimed at Kageyama. As long as these powerful waves from
the space distortion are still there, they could not just simply remove the barrier.
- 155 -
- 156 -
- 157 -
Such a magical sight. Like a freeze frame, the rubble and steelworks above him stopped miraculously.
What was more incredible was, Kageyama could move normally himself.
Kageyama: "It is not time which has stopped. It is space, as if frozen."
- 158 -
Kageyama focused his remaining energy in his arms, he started moving his body bit by bit. Following,
his face felt something ice cold. A feeling which he yearned, but also felt surreal.
Kageyama: "Snow?"
In front of his eyes, the snow fell like flower petals.
Kageyama: "Could it be that, you froze space?"
Sensing the presence, Kageyama looked back.
There, stood Houshou Yukino in white clothing.
Kageyama: "Is that you? The one who sealed my actions at Tokyo Tower?" (TV Episode 22, when
Kageyama was about to strike Ukiya)
I will never forget. The time when I, in the dark Gate Robo, was stopped from attacking Ukiya in the
Gate Robo. Interfered by a forceful freezing, the high level Gate Keeper from that time. Although she
looked like a little girl, it was obvious that her powers were superior to mine, a mysterious Gate
Keeper.
Megumi: "Houshou Yukino"
Megumi said from a distance.
"Houshou, Yukino?" Kageyama kept repeating.
Yukino: "This way, your path ahead has been opened."
Houshou left a soft, weak message, as if she was about to faint, and vanished slowly.
Teleportation.
At the same time.
"WooOoohooohOoohoohOooh!"
- 159 -
Kageyama: "Stop Ukiya! As long as that guy still has the Eye of Genocide, charging like that is useless!"
Ukiya: "I know that very well!"
Kageyama: "Then wait! Join forces with me, then defeat him, that's the best plan!"
Ukiya: "No, I don't need to borrow your powers! I need to avenge everyone, with my own hands!"
Ukiya's charging could not be stopped. He completely ignored Kageyama's advice and dashed towards
Shinigami's Majuu front on.
The falling rubble and steelworks were still frozen by Yukino's powers, so the path was clear.
There was only one obstacle.
Shinigami: "Again? So embarrassing. When I was fighting Kageyama-kun, you should've just left with
the ladies."
Shinigami held his glasses.
Shinigami: "Mah, seen for the third time. This time, I will really take away your life."
Ukiya: "The same trick will not work on my anymore!"
- 160 -
Ukiya: "If you can't see me, then the Eyes of Genocide you take so much pride in will have no effect!"
At the other side of the white blizzard, Ukiya's voice was getting closer. It was near.
Shinigami: "Mugen Majuu! Gate Open! Make a field of distortion!"
Majuu: "Woo ooohooohOoohooh!"
Opening the Gate in front of him, Majuu expanded the distortion field. The frozen rubble and
steelworks were bent into strange shapes. The largest scale third dimensional distortion field
appeared. The space was distorted, the ceiling and walls looked like they were put into a blender and
were smashed at an increasing rate. The furiously flurrying ice and rubble took away Shinigami's vision
completely.
Ukiya: "I knew you would do this!"
Shinigami: "Where are you, Ukiya Shun?!"
- 161 -
Ukiya: "Even if you distort the space! Even if I can't see you! I know where you are! In the centre of the
distorted space! That's where you are!"
Shinigami: "Then attack me, with the distortion field in your way, use your best move!"
Ukiya: "Ah ah, exactly what I wanted!"
The blizzard became fiercer.
It has become more than a snowstorm, it was a cyclone of snow.
Ukiya: "Ultra, Whirlwind Slash!"
Then, Ukiya appeared from amidst the snowstorm.
Right in the centre of the distortion field.
No, no.
It was the opposite direction.
In other words, behind Shinigami.
In the blizzard, Ukiya somehow got behind Shinigami.
Ukiya: "You two go ahead and disappear---------------!"
Ukiya raised his wooden sword and leapt up.
Directly below were Shinigami and Majuu.
Ukiya swung the sword without hesitation.
In the following instant.
The Gate of Distortion Majuu opened expanded infinitely.
An abnormally powerful distortion, it devoured the whole of the Far East branch.
- 162 -
- 163 -
- 164 -
Ukiya: "Sad? Don't kid with me. You, who don't belong to Aegis, would feel sad?"
Kageyama: "Of course not being sad for Aegis. It's because that era, was back when I still felt a gleam
of hope for the future."
There was a moment of silence.
The wind blew lightly.
Transported by the wind, they could hear the noises from students on the roof.
It sounded like gym class. Happy noises from female students.
Kageyama: "The size of the playground was cut. The swimming pool and tennis court have been
surrounded by fences on the roof."
Ukiya did not reply.
Kageyama stopped for a while, and said to Ukiya "Want to take a tour?"
The sports hall had been rebuilt, compared to before, it was one whole size smaller.
In the past, there were tall poplars planted all around the playground. Now there were only inorganic
concrete walls. Not far ahead, there were newly built dormitories.
Kageyama: "Ukiya, have you thought like this before?"
Ukiya: "What?"
Kageyama: "If life were a story, in the end, will your own story end with a happy ending?"
Ukiya: "What a nave thought. Life is not a story, how could there be pre-written happy endings like in
movies and novels."
- 165 -
Kageyama: "You sound exactly like an adult, Ukiya. Yes. It is indeed like this. We're already over 30,
we've known for long that a tranquil life from a happy ending will never happen in this world. Even if
we had random moments of fortune, in the end, that is only the beginning of misfortune. But even if
we always complain about the misfortunes in our lives, as long as we live in the world, there will still
be little moments of happiness."
The two walked through a corner of the playground and reached the courtyard.
That was a gap between the two school buildings, connected by a very long corridor.
Kageyama continued speaking as he walked.
Kageyama: "Yes, as long as we live in the world, both good and bad things will happen. On the other
hand, taking a snapshot in life, the story could change in any direction. Will it be a happy ending or a
bad ending? But as long as we live, taking a snapshot is impossible. The different endings will all cross
over, just when you thought it was happiness, it will become misfortune. Comedy and tragedy. Life
just keeps repeating like that."
"A very optimistic view." Ukiya finally spoke, then he followed on.
Ukiya: "But, Kageyama. Fortune or misfortune, it's all a matter of perspective, it depends on how the
person thinks. When everyone else thinks it's misfortune, perhaps the person thinks it's happiness. In
the contrary, when everyone else thinks you're happy, you could also feel unhappy."
Kageyama: "That I know, of course. But, in reality, there are many people who just judge by the cover.
No, no doubt the number of these people is increasing. Measuring based on their own values, failing
to acknowledge other possibilities, adults who are just like kids. They are very sensitive to being hurt,
but very dense about hurting others. Because of these people, the breeding ground for Invaders is still
growing."
As if he suddenly thought of something, Kageyama stared at Ukiya.
Kageyama: "Ukiya, there is actually something I wanted to ask you."
Ukiya: "What a sudden change of tone, what is it?"
Kageyama: "I want to ask you directly. Do you feel happy now? If you were to die right here, would
- 166 -
Ukiya: "This"
Kageyama: "I don't want to hear a perfunctory response. Instead, I want to hear what you truly think."
Ukiya: "My true answer is"
Ukiya could not help but stutter.
All the memories poured into his mind like a fountain.
Ukiya thought about what happened 15 years ago.
The location was still here, in the courtyard of Tategami High.
May 1970
The fight ended.
"Well done. Ukiya. Ikusawa. Konoe. Bancho who's not here. Specs. And also Kageyama, Kurogane
Megumi."
Before dawn, in the courtyard of Tategami High.
Tokiwatari, who crawled out from the emergency exit along with the other survivors, stood tiredly,
commending Ukiya and the others who fought a tough battle.
Tokiwatari: "Anyway, the most important thing to do now is send the injured to hospital. It'll be fine.
Even if the Far East branch has collapsed, it doesn't mean Aegis has stopped functioning. There are still
many dedicated facilities in the city, there are also many members spread throughout the world."
Then, Tokiwatari helped the severely injured Ukiya up, and looked at Ruriko.
- 167 -
Tokiwatari: "Ruriko will also definitely recover. She just over-used her gate and lost consciousness
temporarily."
Ukiya: "I'm very sorry, commander."
Tokiwatari: "What is it, Ukiya?"
Ukiya: "Well done or whatever, I really cannot accept that."
Tokiwatari: "That is not true. You guys are the very few remaining fighters, but you still managed to
defeat the unconfirmed Invader cadres, Shinigami Shinshi and Mugen Majuu"
Ukiya: "No, that's not true. That time, I saw it. I did indeed tear Mugen Majuu, in the form of the
supreme commander, to pieces with my Ultra Whirlwind Slash. But Shinigami, the culprit of all this,
the one who flipped the whole Far East branch upside down..."
"I'm afraid it was probably the Ghost Girls doing, a white figure appeared, and then disappeared."
Kageyama finished Ukiya's line.
Kageyama: "That was without a doubt teleportation."
Then he looked back outside the courtyard, at the long corridor.
On the corridor, a looming light appeared. Houshou Yukino, who was late, appeared.
Perhaps she was secretly worried about their safety.
Tokiwatari: "Yes, you also participated in the battle. Thank you, Houshou."
Tokiwatari was speaking to Yukino. However, Yukino was just looking at the others.
Kageyama: "What a miraculous fight. In the end, the Gate Keepers squad and Houshou Yukino got out
of this crisis together." He sounded as if he was complaining, then he said to Megumi.
Kageyama: "Hey, Megumi. Give me your shoulder, we need to go."
Megumi: "Understood"
- 168 -
Although he tried hard to maintain his composure when speaking to Megumi, but he had already
received a considerable amount of damage from the attacks of the Gate of Distortion. In the end, he
was already struggling to simply stand up.
"Please wait, Kageyama." Tokiwatari shouted.
Kageyama: "What is it this time?"
Tokiwatari: "What do you plan on doing from now on?"
Kageyama: "No matter what, the ball's in the Invaders' court from now on. Secretly seep into the
human society, then transform, changing from inorganic material to organic. Until all humans become
Invaders. Invasions which normal people can't see will also continue."
Tokiwatari: "In that case, why don't we fight together?"
Kageyama: "Hasn't Aegis collapsed?"
Tokiwatari: "The branches around the world have indeed been destroyed, but, I won't just give up like
this. If Shinigami Shinshi really plans to convert all humans to Invaders, I will announce this danger to
the countries around the word, and focus all resources on rebuilding Aegis."
Kageyama: "Can you really do that, Tokiwatari-san? Humans becoming Invaders, it's no laughing
matter. They will learn from past failures. The appearance of the Fukuoka-type and Nishitani-type was
no coincidence. They are the failed products of their experiments to expand their territory. In the end,
their invasion will reach the final phase. After many years, they will become the same as humans. They
will be like the genes of viruses and take over living people. By the time of outbreak, it may be several
decades, but what we can be certain of is that they are changing humans. In the long dormant period.
In the long incubation period, they are definitely invading."
Tokiwatari: "Then, what will you do from now on?"
Kageyama: "If the scums walking this earth became Invaders, can I just wipe them out without
worrying...?"
Kageyama took a stride while leaning on Megumi's shoulder, and continued.
- 169 -
Kegeyama: "But if I didn't do that, the number of humans will keep decreasing. Wiping out the scums
who have become Invaders, then we can cure the normal humans well and build a utopia, this isn't
completely bad."
Tokiwatari: "But Kageyama, that is a bit too.."
Kageyama: "Then, let's stop here."
Those were Kageyama's last words.
Megumi, with Kageyama leaning on her shoulder, turned around and bowed slightly.
The two left in the dim streets before dawn, once again.
Ochiai: "Letting them go like that, is that really fine?"
Ochiai said to Tokiwatari as she walked closer.
Tokiwatari: "There's nothing I could do, they are them. I believe that there will come a chance when
we can have a long talk. Anyway, the most important thing to do now is take the injured to the
hospital."
Looking at the Aegis members lying weakly on the ground, he could not help but think about how up
until yesterday, there were still several hundred members at the Far East branch. Now they were only
in the double digits. The remaining people have all been buried in the dark and deep underground,
along with the rubble.
"It's all because I'm not good enough"
He could vaguely hear the shivering voice.
It was the voice of Ukiya, holding Ruriko.
Ukiya: "In the end, I still didn't manage to avenge everyone. Shinigami Shinshi did all this but still
nothing could be done"
Tokiwatari: "Ukiya, there's no need to blame yourself. You've already exceeded the duties of a Gate
Keeper."
- 170 -
- 171 -
--Yes, repeating the same things. Because me, who will keep falling over due to my uselessness, you
will desperately open your Gate of Life. One day you will lose your life because of sharing it with me.
Ukiya: "So, you should understand."
--Please forgive me. I cannot reciprocate your expectations. An enemy who does not appear no matter
how long the wait. Even though I want to exact revenge for what happened at that time, Shinigami
Shinshi never appeared.
- 172 -
Ukiya: "Someone who lost the power of their Gate is no longer my comrade. I will keep on fighting.
Even if there's only me left, as the captain of the Gate Keepers."
--Yes. If it's just me, rather than living with regret, dying is not a problem. But Rurippe, you are
different.
The memories swirled into a whirlpool.
Ukiya stared at the school building without saying a word for a while.
There was a soft breeze.
There was a short ginkgo tree at t he corner of the courtyard, the branches swayed slightly.
The leaves floated down around the tree.
Ukiya, who delayed his response to Kageyama, gazed at the sign at the root of the tree for some
reason.
At that time.
In Ukiya's mind, he thought of something.
On the sign, written with an oil-based magic marker:
"From all the graduates of 1970"
Ukiya did not turn back, and started to structure his response to to Kageyama.
Ukiya: "Hey, Kageyama."
Kageyama: "?"
Ukiya: "Because of that incident, we were all somehow forced to drop out of school. Although the
records show that we graduated as normal, but in the end, we weren't even able to attend the
graduation ceremony."
Kageyama: "Mah, nothing could be done about that. Then, what is it?"
- 173 -
Ukiya: "After 15 years, coming back to school again, it feels like I've remembered some unfinished
business."
Kageyama: "Ho."
Ukiya: "But that is only for my own satisfaction. It will upset Youko, and Ayane who just turned 1, the
ones who supported me when I was in pain."
Kageyama: "Didn't I say just now, Ukiya?"
Ukiya: "?"
Kageyama: "In this world, as long as you're alive, both good or bad things may happen."
Ukiya: "But"
Kageyama: "Yesterday, when I saw you, there was a topic you didn't want to bring up, so I didn't
mention it. It's about Ikusawa Ruriko. After graduating from university, it seems like she became a
qualified teacher. On a sparsely populated island, she became a teacher of a few kids. I saw her in the
photos in the report, one year ago, it seems like she got married. She looked very happy."
Ukiya: "Rurippe, became a teacher."
Kageyama: "Don't you find that quite appropriate?"
Ukiya: "Yes, that's true. Indeed, it may be a very suitable occupation."
Kageyama: "Ukiya. If you treasure you wife and daughter, live on."
Ukiya: "If I live on, I, want to rid myself of the past regrets. Is that possible?"
Kageyama: "If it were you, you could definitely do it."
Ukiya: "I knew you would say that."
Smiling a little, Ukiya turned around.
- 174 -
Ukiya: "Let's go, Kageyama. The Aegis network you spoke about briefly, tell me in more detail."
Kageyama: "My pleasure."
Then, when they were about to leave.
The cool breeze blew into Ukiya's face.
He turned around to look by reflex.
A young girl was standing in the corridor, in long sleeved clothing which was as white as snow.
She was smiling slightly.
Ukiya: "One day, we will meet again."
- 175 -
As if about to cry.
Kageyama: "Yes. When we were younger and fooling around, we joined the social psychology study
ground, after that, the memories did not disappear and helped my business. Although I'm only saying
it now, I'm really thankful for you."
Isogai: "These things"
Kageyama: "No, I just happened to think about this. What happened back then."
Kageyama tossed the piece of paper Isogai gave him into the bin.
Kageyama: "Not being able to do anything well, it's all my fault. Even though I have the power of the
Gate of Foresight, what I can foresee is limited. The important parts are always buried in the
darkness."
Isogai: "Is there something I did not do well enough?"
Kageyama: "Thank you. But, I just want to be alone right now."
Isogai: "Understood"
Isogai only said that, then she left the office while wiping away her tears.
The sunlight penetrated into the office through the blinds, Kageyama let out a deep sigh.
Unbelievably, he did not shed a tear.
Instead, he moaned in the empty office.
Kageyama: "Even Megumi has left. Then, up until now, I may have been wrong. Ukiya, I think I said as
long as you're alive, both good or bad things may happen. But what is this world about? It seems like
only bad things happen?"
Again, his gaze fell towards the paper in the bin.
Inorganic, the text from a Japanese typewriter formed strings.
- 176 -
Report A-22
Battle Record with unconfirmed Invader Cadre S-08D, commonly known as "Shinigami Shinshi"
Captured Shinigami Shinshi
Set up surrounding net
17 Invader hunters dead
Attack squad captain, Ukiya Shun, crashed in
Gate of Gales identified
Full power
Total annihilation of Shinigami Shinshi confirmed
At centre of explosion, corpse of Ukiya Shun discovered
Death confirmed
Kageyama: "So sneaky of you, Ukiya. In the end of the end, you broke our pact."
He swiveled his chair back, and looked at the large window behind.
From the slits in the blinds, he could see the grey sky.
Kageyama: "Getting closure with the you of the past, didn't you plan to make your own happy ending?
Ukiya, what will happen to the people left behind? Me, your wife Youko, and your daughter Ayane."
Then Kageyama fell into silence.
- 177 -
Ayane: "A person like you, I really don't want to admit you are my father. Mother said this before.
Your father did something no one approved of, but had to be done, he was a great man. But to me,
whether someone is successful is not important. Even if he drank and puked while complaining about
society after getting home, I still want him to be beside my ill mother."
Ukiya: --No matter what I say, you won't accept it. Sorry, this is all my fault.
Ayane: "I really want to say, because of the annoying ability I inherited from you, I couldn't make
friends no matter where I went. Everyone left right in front of me. That, at least"
Ukiya: --At least, what?
Ayane: "I am not obliged to answer you."
Ukiya: --But
Ayane: "That's enough, I don't want to hear, I don't want to tell either. Compared to you who died
midway, now I only have uncle Kageyama who understands me and says I have talent in being an
Invader hunter. Who wants to be a man like you who could not even bring happiness to the woman he
- 178 -
loves?"
If interested, you can look the rest up, it's all on Wikipedia.
It is a traditional rite of passage for three and seven year old girls and three and five year old boys,
hence the name '7-5-3'.
Ukiya: --It's fine for you to think that. But, in the abyss of despair, now, there are people waiting for
- 179 -
Was that a message which transcended time, a voice of the past, or an illusion in her mind caused by
her longing to see her father?
But, she positively heard it.
The voice of her deceased father.
Just like the past, a voice which was gentle, firm, and with a hint of sadness.
Ayane: "Me, who has always been hated since I was small, who could be waiting for me?"
While murmuring, Isuzu Ayane slowly woke up on her bed.
Incredible, her body seemed to have become lighter.
Just like, a feather.
Then, Ayane faced the sunlight seeping through the blinds, which were somehow opened, squinting
her eyes.
(The End)
- 180 -