It happens at a construction site at night, a place where gangsters gather to engage in drug use, drinking, smuggling, vehicle shows, robbery, and numerous other criminal activities. One leader is in the middle of a deal for an illegal weapon. However, when he takes the weapon to test it, other gangsters invade, causing destruction and blood to splash all over the place using the same type of weapon the leader possesses.
The next morning at the Nakajima residence, Subaru looks at her sister, Ginga, who is on a datapad call with Kai in the living room. Subaru peeks in as Ginga and Kai continue their conversation.
"That is all I have to relay to you, Captain Kai. Will you assist me today?" Ginga asks.
"I understand, Lieutenant Ginga. I shall meet you there," Kai replies.
"Yes, thank you very much, Kai-san. I will pick you up at TSAB HQ," Ginga says.
"I'll see you soon, Ginga," Kai says before ending the call.
"Gin-nee, are you 'borrowing' him?" Subaru asks, walking over to Ginga.
"Yes. I need his help with an investigation into the gang members active lately," Ginga explains.
"You mean the 'Avenger Gang'? They've been causing quite a ruckus recently," Subaru notes.
"That is exactly why I am enlisting him—to look into these strange cases involving them," Ginga says.
The Avenger Gang consists of teenage high school criminals and delinquents with terrible reputations. They engage in illegal street racing, robbery, smuggling, and underground fighting. The fact that Ginga is calling Kai for these cases indicates that something truly sinister is happening within the gang.
At noon, Ginga picks up Arc (Kai) from TSAB HQ and heads to the crime scene at the construction site. The Midchilda Police Department has cordoned off the area with police tape due to the brutal nature of the activity: blood stains the floors and walls, and strange slash marks from a weapon are visible everywhere.
While Ginga speaks with other personnel, Arc analyzes the blood and slash marks through his visor. He detects the power of Soul Edge within the marks, though it is the weakest resonance he has ever encountered. It feels as weak as a generic device.
During the investigation, an elegant woman with long grey hair arrives, wearing a Navy uniform with the rank of Commander.
"Pray tell, who are you two, and to which battalion do you belong?" the female commander asks with a cold, aristocratic air.
"I am Investigator Ginga Nakajima from Battalion 108. I am here with Investigator Archibald Enzo from TSAB HQ, ma'am!" Ginga says, offering a salute, which Arc follows.
"Hmm, an investigator from Battalion 108 and TSAB HQ," the commander muses. She walks toward Arc. "You must be the Archibald Enzo who serves under Commander Hayate, am I correct?".
"Yes, Commander," Arc replies.
"I have heard tell of you, Archibald Enzo—the masked man with the ghastly wounds upon his face. I did not expect the one and only Specialist under Commander Hayate
to appear here. If you have concluded your observations, I suggest you depart; allow my personnel and me to conduct the proper investigation," the commander says before walking away.
After finishing their work, Ginga and Arc stop at a nearby cafe for a break, and Arc removes his visor, appearing as Kai. Ginga explains that the woman they met is Sonya Alisea Zonda, the Commander of Battalion 454. She is a high-class noble who believes in righteousness through strength and the principles of meritocracy. She is notoriously strict with herself and others, often appearing cold.
"They call her 'Gentildonna,'" Ginga adds. "When she activates her device, her movements in battle are like a choreographed dance".
Kai notes that while she seems cold, she clearly cares for her comrades. He informs Ginga that the Soul Edge power at the scene is mass-produced and weak—low enough for ordinary personnel to handle. Suddenly, Subaru approaches them.
"Gin-nee! Kaa-san!" Subaru shouts.
"Subaru, what a coincidence to meet you here," Ginga says.
"It's a coincidence for me too! What are you discussing?" Subaru asks energetically.
"We're taking a break after the investigation. Sit with us, Subaru," Ginga says, gesturing to a seat.
"Subaru, could you please refrain from calling me 'Kaa-san'?" Kai asks. "People will think I'm actually your mother".
"Eeeeh? But 'Kaa-san' is the easiest! 'Kai-san' or 'Kai-kun' or even 'Kai-chan' is difficult, and 'Captain Kai' is too formal!" Subaru argues.
"Fine, fine... I get it. 'Kaa-san' is fine," Kai sighs, defeated.
"By the way, Subaru, are you here with friends?" Ginga asks.
"It was me, Ginga," Fate says, arriving with Teana.
"Fate-san, Teana-san," Ginga greets them.
"It's good to see you, Ginga, Kai," Fate says, taking a seat with Teana.
"Are you two also working the case regarding the 'Avenger' gang?" Ginga asks.
"Yes," Teana replies. "The Avengers have been causing trouble ever since the Adamatron attacks stopped. I wonder if there is a connection".
The group begins discussing the gangsters; the Enforcers are also looking into the Avengers. Ginga mentions that Kai sensed a weak Soul Edge power at the scene, roughly at the level of a generic device.
"I see," Fate says. "I suspect these gangs are connected to the Adamatron. They might be using them as pawns for crimes. Kai, may I 'borrow' you after Ginga is finished?".
"I am finished with him, Fate-san. He's all yours," Ginga laughs.
"If it's for the gang case, I'm available, Fate-san," Kai agrees.
Meanwhile, at Battalion 255, Commander Bright Accura holds a meeting with Battalion 454. Personnel including Renjou, Shin, and Kaguya are present to discuss the "Hydra" gang, rivals of the "Avengers" who are also causing chaos.
"Commander Sonya from Battalion 454 is here to announce the ambush strategy. Commander Sonya, the floor is yours," Bright says.
"My gratitude, Commander Bright," Sonya begins. "As the Commander has stated, I am here to address the current state of security in Midchilda".
The meeting details an ambush plan to secure the gangsters' hideouts at night to restore safety to the citizens. After two hours, Renjou, Shin, and Kaguya return to Renjou's office. Shin and Kaguya research the strategy while Renjou collapses on his couch, exhausted.
"Renjou-san, why are you so tired?" Shin asks.
"Perhaps he is weary because the meeting was long and lacked snacks," Kaguya teases.
"About Commander Sonya... that was my first time seeing her. She's pretty, has a stunning figure, and..." Renjou trails off.
"And what?" Shin asks.
"Her massive chest, obviously," Renjou says. Shin and Kaguya fall to the floor in shock.
"IS THAT WHAT YOU WERE THINKING THE WHOLE TIME?!" Kaguya screams. "I thought that serious face meant you were focusing on the mission!".
"You're only tired because you were staring at Commander Sonya the whole time?!" Shin adds.
"Well... yeah. Is there something wrong with looking?" Renjou asks.
"YOU DIMWIT!!" Shin and Kaguya shout, performing a double suplex on him. Commander Bright, walking past the office, recognizes this as their usual daily routine and continues to his office where Sonya is waiting.
"Well... Commander Sonya certainly is well-endowed," Bright mutters to himself as he walks.
That evening at TSAB HQ, Kai runs into Nanoha, Hayate, and Signum. Hayate invites him for a drink, so Kai messages Schera to let her know he won't be home for dinner. They go to a Japanese-style Izakaya—the same one where Hayate previously met with Genya and Ginga.
"So Kai, I saw you with Ginga. Was she borrowing you?" Nanoha asks.
"Yes, for a gangster investigation," Kai confirms.
"These gang cases are spiraling out of control," Signum observes.
"Nanoha will likely just interrogate them to give them a second chance, as is her way," Hayate jokes.
"Kai-kun, did you find anything?" Nanoha asks.
"Yes, a very weak Soul Edge presence. I believe other personnel can handle it," Kai says.
"Another Soul Edge?" Nanoha is surprised.
"Yes, but it's the lowest possible level. Not fatal like the original we faced," Kai explains. He also mentions meeting the Commander of Battalion 454.
"Did she ask anything of you?" Hayate asks.
"She simply told Ginga and me to leave and let her personnel handle the job," Kai says.
Late at night in the Zonda royal mansion, Sonya is in her room conducting deep research on Archibald Enzo. She notes his history: a transfer from the Sailing Force to TSAB HQ under Hayate's command by Admiral Chrono's order, replacing Izumi Kai. She notes his mask is allegedly due to a Soul Edge-related injury. She compares photos of Izumi Kai with Archibald, noticing the chin matches, but further information is classified.
"Is he truly Archibald Enzo," she wonders, "or is he Izumi Kai in disguise?".
The next day, Fate informs Kai that a massive ambush on the gangs is scheduled for tonight. Nanoha is invited for her long-range shooting expertise, while Teana, Subaru, and Renjou will handle a different location with Battalions 108 and 255.
As night falls, everyone waits in position in Barrier Jacket mode. Sonya approaches Nanoha, Fate, and Arc.
"It is a pleasure to see you both here—the 'Ace of Aces,' Takamachi Nanoha, and Enforcer Fate Testarossa Harlaown," Sonya says with a graceful salute.
"It has been a while, Commander Sonya Alisea Zonda," Fate replies, saluting back with Nanoha and Arc.
"And I see Archibald is in your company," Sonya says, looking at Arc. "I find myself most eager to witness the capabilities of a Specialist Captain such as yourself". Arc remains silent.
"Commander Sonya, will you be joining the front lines?" Fate asks.
"Indeed. I cannot allow my personnel to come to harm while I simply sit and watch. I must protect them," Sonya states. She looks at Arc one last time. "I look forward to your performance, Archibald Enzo".
"She's intense," Nanoha whispers after Sonya leaves. "Why is she so interested in you, Arc-kun?".
"I have no idea, Nanoha-san," Arc replies.
The report comes in: the Avengers are moving. As the police ambush them, a gang member draws a strange weapon.
"I can sense it! Nanoha-san, Fate-san!" Arc shouts.
Nanoha and Fate lead the charge, using Crossfire Shoot and Photon Lancer to knock out the gangsters. Arc uses Chain Bind to restrain them and engages with his gunblade. However, the gang leader retreats to a hidden room. Sonya chases him alone, but falls into a trap.
"Haha! Your commander has walked right into our leader's trap!" a gangster shouts before being knocked out by Fate.
"This is bad! Nanoha, can you help her?" Fate asks.
"Negative! I'm pinned down by heavy fire! Arc-kun!" Nanoha yells.
"On it," Arc says, activating an invisibility spell.
Arc rushes through the goons to reach Sonya. Inside the trap, Sonya is surrounded by gangsters with Soul Edge-related weapons.
"I did not anticipate falling into such a crude snare," Sonya says calmly.
"You think we'd just surrender? Now that you're alone, I'm going to enjoy violating you!" the leader sneers. "GET HER!".
Sonya summons her device, 'Congelation'—a gun that transforms into an ice-element energy blade. She fights with the elegance of a dancer. When three goons try to ambush her from behind, Arc appears from his invisibility, shooting them down with a 'Void Beam'.
"Are you unharmed, Commander?" Arc asks.
"Ara... I did not expect you to be the one to rescue me, Captain Archibald Enzo," Sonya says with a small smile.
"The others are occupied. I was the only one available," Arc says, switching his gunblade to sword mode.
"I hope you are prepared to dance with me, Archibald Enzo," Sonya says, her weapon glowing.
"I cannot dance, but I can finish the mission," Arc replies bluntly.
"How refreshingly honest," Sonya giggles. "Well then... let us dance, Archibald!".
Within thirty minutes, the gangsters are defeated and frozen by Sonya's 'Frost Bind'. When Nanoha and Fate arrive, the situation is already under control.
"You are late," Sonya remarks. "Everything has been settled with Archibald's assistance".
"We heard about the trap. Nanoha ordered Arc to assist you," Fate explains.
"...Arc. So that is what they call him," Sonya muses.
Arc hands one of the gang's weapons to Fate. She holds and swings it for several minutes with no ill effects. Nanoha tries it as well; it is harmless and lacks the corrupting side effects of the original Soul Edge.
"Is there an issue, Enforcer Fate?" Sonya asks.
"It's about Arc's case—the Soul Edge Lost Logia stolen by the Adamatron," Fate explains. Nanoha adds that while these weapons contain Soul Edge shards, they are mass-produced and weak.
"Are you taking these to your engineers?" Sonya asks.
"Yes, for further research," Nanoha says.
The police take the gangsters into custody. Teana reports that Ginga, Subaru, and Renjou have also secured their targets and confiscated similar weapons.
The following day at TSAB HQ, Nanoha, Vita, Signum, and Hayate meet in Mariel's device division. They officially name the weapons "Soul Edge M.P." (Mass Production) .
"It appears the Adamatron is using gangsters to carry out their terrorism," Vita says.
"We don't know their ultimate goal, but thankfully Kai can sense these shards," Nanoha adds.
"Where is Kai now?" Vita asks.
"He's with Fate and Teana, heading to meet Admiral Chrono and Verossa," Nanoha replies.
"By the way, Nanoha, did any other battalions get involved yesterday?" Hayate asks.
"Yes, Battalion 454 was there with Commander Sonya," Nanoha says.
"454? Sonya was there?" Hayate looks surprised. "I'll tell you about her when the timing is right".
In the Sailing Force, Arc, Fate, and Teana meet with Chrono, Verossa, and Shario. Shario displays the M.P. Soul Edge and a damaged "Device Jumper".
"The mass-produced shards are no more dangerous than a standard generic device," Shario concludes.
"Are you saying they aren't dangerous at all?" Chrono asks.
"Arc tested it on me, and I felt nothing," Fate confirms. Teana notes that the gangsters likely received the weapons from a mysterious woman delivering boxes.
Arc's visor analysis suggests the person might be Miata or Rito.
"Arc, how did you know there was a shard inside?" Verossa asks.
"I can sense them. Soul Edge was my device in Battalion 621 before I joined Riot Force 6," Arc says.
"But wasn't it destroyed?" Verossa asks.
"I have intelligence from outside the TSAB—from Yuuno Scrya and others—that my Soul Edge is a part of the 'Beast Without a Name' from Ancient Belka history. The original is from a book of Lost Logia".
"A book? Like Hayate's?" Fate asks.
"Yes, but much more dangerous. It is called 'The Book of the End of Times,'" Arc reveals.
"How do you get this classified info?" Teana asks.
"That is classified, but I can tell you the source is a woman," Arc replies.
Kai keeps his promise to Miata even though their deal is technically over. He wonders why the Adamatron is using gangsters instead of combat drones. Are they a diversion, or is the Adamatron recruiting "lost people" for something even larger?.
To be continued.