----Kouki Arakawa Viewpoint

　Well, now that I've finished drawing Skinhead's picture, let's have lunch. I thought so and called out to Shingo, who was taking pictures to be used for the auction.

Shingo, it's almost time to go, why don't we have lunch?

'Huhhi, it's that time already? Yeah, let's go get lunch. Would you like to join us, skinhead?

　Shingo invites Mr. Skinhead to come with him while operating his personal terminal, but will he really come with him?　I've asked him out once before, but I felt like he was somehow avoiding eating with me, so I haven't asked him out since then, but how about this time?

Hm, then let's eat together. Since it's a good time, let's treat him to something!　You can order whatever you want.

　Oh!　I'm not going to try to avoid it this time. After all, I feel like I've been recognized as one of them, so my response has become kinder. Come to think of it, I have an image of Mr. Skinhead always wrinkling his brows, but today he only has a normal, or rather gentle face.
　Could it be that you can tell me Skinhead-san's 'name' now, too?　I ask the question, feigning casualness, thinking so.

'Well, let's go to the cafeteria. And Mr. Skinhead, that's kind of a code name, isn't it?　What's your real name?

My name?　It's a good thing that you've forgotten about it........but it's still a matter of Mr. Kunugi and he's likely to look it up on his own. If you let her get involved in too many weird things, she'll get angry with you, so I'm in trouble.

'If it's something you don't want to do or can't say, there's no need to force yourself. I'm sorry for asking such a strange question.

　I hurriedly apologized to Skinhead-san, who crossed his arms and started to give me his usual difficult look, but he just kept on thinking for a bit and nodded a few times, as if he had decided on something, before opening his mouth.

''You know your father's.......Shuichi-san's former job, right?

Yes, sir.

Shuichi-san used to be a top-secret unit of the United Nations Army, but my homeland, Russia, has a unit like that too.

　Does that mean he was in the same ridiculously high level of special forces as Macho?　In other words, skinhead-san is an excellent soldier who is able to fully endure a real battle just like Claire-san and Court-san. I was about to ask him what kind of work he was doing while giving him a respectful look, but before I could, Shingo opened his mouth.

I'm not sure if it's inside.　Is it outside?

'Well, Shingo-kun, you know a lot about these things. It's 'outside'.

　Shingo must have understood the meaning of 'outside' that Skinhead-san answered. He looked back at me and spoke to me in a tone that didn't allow for questions.

''Gongju, let's end this conversation here. If we go any further, it will be too long and the cafeteria will be crowded, and it's not something you ask about the past of someone who was in the special forces.

'Hahaha, I'm sorry to have made you feel uncomfortable. Let's stop this discussion here, thanks to Shingo's thoughtfulness. Good!　Then I'll return the tools I used, and you guys can go to the dining room first to get a place.

　Mr. Skinhead said to us and walked quickly to the supply room with his tool case. Did I do something wrong?　The military people I've met so far, or rather, the special forces people directly under Macho, were the kind of people who bragged about their exploits, so I figured that Skinhead-san was the same... but... no. I'll ask Shingo about that.

'Hey, did I do something bad?　The skinheaded old man, he looked sad for a moment.

'Hmm, I don't know.　Maybe he thought we'd hate him.

What do you mean?

Hey, why don't you come on down to the cafeteria and I'll walk you through it?

　With that, I followed Shingo as he walked away, holding Conn in his arms. I've been working on the personal terminal on my arm as we lined up next to each other, and eventually found the information I wanted and sent the data towards me.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a handful of things to do, but also a lot more than just a handful of things to do.

Well, Russian Foreign Ministry Special Forces?　.... foreign operations ... intelligence ... special measures ... this is...

''Well I thought it was just a gossip, but because of what happened to Gongju's father, it's probably real.

　After all this time, I could understand why Shingo stopped talking there. It seems that Mr. Skinhead was an assassin...or for lack of a better word, an assassin, more like an 'agent' than a soldier. Certainly, in that case, it's no wonder he "forgot" his name, he's probably more of a non-existent person. But why is such an incredibly talented person, in a way, a good luck charm for us?　Wondering, I ask Shingo.

I'm completely imagining it, but to defeat a sniper - a sniper - you need a counter-sniper. Similarly, if we are targeted by an assassin or something, wouldn't skinheads be the ones to deal with that?　Well, that's fine, but what about Gongju?

What do you mean by that?

'It's my attitude towards Mr. Skinhead. Maybe he cares?

'It won't change anything. How can I despise someone who put their body on the line for the country in the past and now puts their body on the line for us?

'Huh!　Yeah, I know. Oh, thank goodness it's the same for me!　Besides, we're comrades now.

　Shingo said reassuringly, stopping his blank expression when he was explaining to me and discussing with Conn what to have for lunch with his usual smile. As I look at him with a sideways glance, I remember a novel I saw in a previous life.
　I'm sure it was about a lone assassin who discovers the terrorists behind the attacks, even as he makes enemies around the world. In my world, it's common and overused, but in my world it's a new story.
　If this plan works, I'd like to create a story with a protagonist who is active in the other side of the world, such as Macho and skinheads. Is it selfish of me to want to let the world know about the activities of those who work in dangerous jobs, or those who take part in protecting peace at all costs?







----Miki Arakawa Point of View

　When I went under the transition gate from Noah Island, that unique slippery feeling enveloped my entire body. Shuichi-san and Kouki said that they were 'already used to it,' but I couldn't get used to it at all, and every time I felt an unspeakable feeling of disgust.

'Huh, I'm tired, and I'm as sick as ever.'

　I was waiting for Ellis-san in front of the gate while blurting to myself, and after a few minutes she came trotting towards me. Her complexion ... her right eyebrow is angled up, so it looks like something mildly wrong is going on. I'm prepared to listen to her report while preparing my personal terminal for my own use, so that I can determine that and deal with it immediately.

Thank you for your hard work. As soon as I can, I have three reports about your son.

'All right, with that look on your face, the level of secrecy shouldn't be a problem, should it?　Please report back as you head to the Oval Office.

　As I say this, Ellis-san walks next to me and starts to report on the terminal as he walks next to me.

''Yes, the first case first. Kouki-kun confiscated the front armor plate of the 6th generation aircraft from the scrap yard with his escort Anton, explaining to those around him that he's been 'creating a new culture' since this morning. I drew a 'picture of a girl' on the surface of the armor plate and sold it at auction on the Internet.

　The content of the story makes me feel dizzy right away. Sixth generation armor would be a big problem if it wasn't for Gongju. But still, they drew a picture and put it on display?　It's too obvious to be a cover story. Is its purpose to demonstrate Noah's technical information?　Or is it a warning to other countries?　It's a tough call.

The second case. The two armoured plates sold immediately for $150,000, the maximum amount available. The buyers were cleverly disguised as a fictitious company of United States intelligence and a British state-owned company.

　Well, that's to be expected. The main power suits used by the major nations of the United Nations are at best 5th generation...and I'm sure they'd love to have the 6th generation machines that we use.
　It is true that the armor plate has used some new technology, but the main improvements in the 6th generation are in the indirect drive train and internal control units, so there is no need to worry about dramatic improvements after acquiring a single armor plate. I still wonder if Gongju exhibited it for the purpose of venting from other countries?

''The third case. After confirming that the item sold in the auction was sold immediately, Congratulations,' he said, 'I'm going to start my plan,' and made several requests and requests to her. First of all, the establishment and purchase of a dedicated satellite network line for Noah and the acquisition of general broadcasting rights. Acquisition of advertising rights for newspapers, e-books and paper magazines. Purchase of part of the old Internet and radio broadcasting lines. Purchase of movie broadcasting rights and rental of Noah's public relations department. Furthermore...

Hey, wait a minute!　What does he have to say about the costs and personnel for that?

'Yes, sir. It seems that he's going to throw in the full amount of the bounty he got for developing a special medicine for the 'European Tragedy Virus' a while ago. This is just my personal opinion, but it seems that Gongju-kun is serious about it. If this is the case, I foolishly think it is better to actively cooperate with him so that we can monitor him to some extent.

　That said, what the hell are you thinking, asking for the right to broadcast and transmit almost all media?　It's easy to say no and pressure her not to get what she wants, but if there are no legal issues, she'll get it eventually. At that time, if she finds out that we refused to cooperate, she will never listen to our opinions. If that's the case, then maybe we should help her.
　But I don't understand how the display of the armor plate and the control of the media are connected. The propaganda-like information warfare is already being conducted by the public relations department──perhaps the pictures are more meaningful.

'Ellis-san, did you see the picture that Gongju drew?　What was it like?

'No matter what you say.......I dare to point out that it was a touch of painting that I hadn't seen before. Would you like to see it?

　When I opened the image that Ellis-san forwarded to me on my device, I found that it was certainly not a picture that was broadcast on an educational program like I've seen before, but a girl dressed somewhat sensationally. If that's the case, let's bet on her talent here, what on earth she's planning to do──. If it's going to be dangerous, then we can stop it then, and I give instructions to Ellis-san while thinking about such things inwardly.

''I understand, please grant all the details that Gongju has requested.

Understood, then please take a look at this document. I received a plan from Kunugi-kun to ensure that the plan will be implemented smoothly when she gives the go-ahead.

　When I used the terminal again to look at the materials sent to me, I found a wide variety of plans, some with fairly detailed instructions and others that seemed to be still in the planning stages. What caught my attention was the advertising for the cosmetics division, or more specifically, the instructions for changing the commercials that were being broadcast on the Internet and video replay sites.
　The plan called for the cooperation of the women of the Merkava Kingdom in the G-88 world to use magic to transform themselves into 'princesses' the moment they use the cosmetics and 'become so beautiful! It was written that they would be asked to do it. It certainly has a strong visual impact... but will it have any sympathy?　No, there's more to it than that...

Mr. Ellis, I'm revising some of the instructions I gave you earlier. If the plan is this clear-cut, I'll have Noah establish a new department. It will be called 'Special Media and Entertainment Division' and will be headed by Arakawa Kouki. Please contact all departments at Noah and provide a full backup system.

I understand.

"Also, this plan says that it should take about five days to complete the commercial, considering we're going to be on Noah's Island by the time it's due to be replaced, but it should be done within two days. This is a good time to do it, and we'll see how long it takes to get it done if all the departments work together as best they can.

I understand. I'll coordinate with other departments as soon as possible. I'm sorry.

　As I stare at Ellis-san, who stomps off to deliver my instructions, I open the door to the office, thinking about the next task I need to do. First, I have to have a smoke with a cup of strong tea and then show up at the engineering department.......and then I have to go to the weapons department as well. After thinking that far, I couldn't hold back the laughter that suddenly began to rise, and I chuckled to myself.

''Hmph, they might be happy to have the armor of a 6th generation plane, but that's a shame. It's a shame really, we're already developing the next generation of aircraft for a new era.

　The development plan, which is stored in a terminal and is strictly encrypted, contains information on the development of the 10th generation machine - commonly known as the "0" model. It will be several years before the completion of this machine, which will completely overturn the concept of power suits, but Noah's technology is nearly eighty years ahead of even this world standard.
　You should make the mistake of thinking that you might be able to catch up with them. I'll use any method I can to protect those kids' happiness. I reaffirmed my resolve as I stared at the pot, which began to boil with a churning sound.







----William O'Dowd, President of the United States

　I heard a knock on the room, so I stopped my office once and looked at the clock, the hands were pointing at 16:00. It's that time already... I rubbed my stiff shoulders as I heard another knock on my shoulder and hurriedly answered it.

'Come in.'

Excuse me.

　A pale man with glasses came into the room, a technical lieutenant general in the army, I believe. When I motioned for him to sit down in the chair, he refused, 'No need,' and then began his report, holding a piece of paper in his hand in front of me.

I am pleased to inform you that I have completed my investigation of the Noah's armor plate. In conclusion, it is an armored plate that can be mass-produced immediately in our country, and there was no significant improvement found. The problem is that we have not been able to obtain the suit itself, so it is unknown to what extent the suit will be able to demonstrate its capabilities.

Hmm, papier-mache. Have you seen the TV lately?　No, it doesn't have to be on TV, have you ever watched an online video site?

I haven't seen it lately, but so what?

　I was desperate to shout at the lieutenant general who told me this with a sober face, but I turned on the screen on my desk so that he could see it, and then I played back the Noah's "cosmetic commercials" that began to be broadcast yesterday. I've been looking at the commercial, which has a total of five different types, and while I was looking at it, the color of the lieutenant general's face became even worse, and when I finished watching it, he was so pale that he looked as if he was about to collapse.

Is this CG?

'Common sense would dictate that, yes, there's no way in real life that a woman using cosmetics could be transformed into a princess.

But, Mr. President, sir!　I can't believe I could make this, this level of footage...

　No wonder the lieutenant general said so. The biggest movie production company in our country has replied that there is no evidence of using CG even after having it appraised. In other words, the level of Noah, who started the film production recently, is much higher than the level of our proud company. The "weapons" that Noah specializes in are papier-mâché?　Is this lieutenant general incompetent?

''Can you still say he's uptight after seeing this?

No, but there's a huge difference in technology between images and weapons...

'You idiot!　Are you saying that Noah's "weapon of choice" is papier-mâché?　I'd love to know what kind of thinking would give you that kind of optimism. You see, the day after this commercial aired, which is to say, as of noon today, Noah's products disappeared from cosmetics stores around the world. You can imagine the impact this commercial has had on the way it was received.　In addition, I just received a direct voice call from Noah's Miki Arakawa.

'From the Demon King........what did he say?

"The thing we got is an incomplete armor plate, so they're going to send us a new armor plate through 'legitimate channels' at a later date. And he also said, 'It's only a favor, so there's no need to thank him. I'd like to ask you, is our country's intelligence organization as good as that of a company?　No, I'll tell you what's more important... why did you mess with Noah after all the warnings I gave you?　That's not a normal company!　The attitude of the point of contact set up between you and Noah has already hardened because of this matter, please, and please do not do anything to provoke the other side any further!

　Finally losing patience, he yelled at the lieutenant general and he apologized repeatedly as he left the room. Utterly!　If you really wanted the armored plate, you could have gone through the proper procedures and Noah would have provided it to you. But because they tried to get the plate in secret, it angered the Demon King, and even the plan to invite Kouki and the others to receive state guest status as excellent researchers was thwarted!　Both his wife and daughter, Mary, wanted to see him....

　And to top it all off, it was almost impossible to get involved in Noah's satellite network broadcast, which I had been informed would soon go on the air. How in the world are we going to regain Noah's trust, we are going to discuss it at tonight's cabinet meeting, and I can't help but wonder if we'll come up with any good ideas...