The submarine employed by the Great Asian Alliance defectors was a conventional model. Using nuclear propulsion—specifically fission reactors—for weaponry was a violation of the International Magic Association's charter. Even if such a vessel existed, the regulations surrounding its management were so stringent that procuring one for a rogue operation was nearly impossible.
Tatsuya, having met up with Lina and the others, let out a heavy sigh as a door of light manifested out of thin air, depositing Yugen and Miyuki before him. It was clear to Tatsuya that even Yugen had eventually buckled under Miyuki's tearful pleas.
"Yugen... you have my sympathy," Tatsuya remarked.
"We're in the same boat, more or less. Anyway, let's finalize the plan."
"Right."
The division of labor for the raid on the tanker was set. Tatsuya, Lina, Fumiya, Ayako, and Kana would be joined by Yugen, Miyuki, and Major Kazama to seize the bridge. The dock and submarine sections, where the bulk of the enemy's combat personnel were expected, would be handled by Yanagi and Lu Ganghu's units.
"To prevent their escape, Miyuki, I need you to use freezing magic upon our descent to lock the tanker in place. A temporary disruption is all we need," Yugen directed.
"Understood."
"Tatsuya will disable their systems—aim for minimal collateral damage. Fumiya and Ayako will take the lead on the breach, while Kana-nee and Lina provide rear support."
While Lina was a powerhouse, her magic wasn't technically optimized for frontline "point man" duties. It was more logical to use her as a flexible support for the primary attackers. Given their physical prowess and specific spell kits, Tatsuya and Fumiya were the optimal choice for the vanguard.
"How are we explaining this to Major Kazama?" Tatsuya asked.
"I'll use my authority to keep the magic classified. There's a risk Major General Saeki might try to probe into the Yotsubas' capabilities otherwise," Yugen replied.
"...Well, considering you've been targeted by the National Defense Force before, I can't say I blame you," Tatsuya noted.
Yugen had already secured Kokonoe Yakumo's cooperation on this front. The priest had merely chuckled, remarking, "I'm fond of the Yotsubas, but I have even less desire to make an enemy of my employer."
"Yugen... you certainly have a difficult life," Lina said, her voice tinged with a rare moment of empathy.
"Not as difficult as yours, Lina. Being a unit commander in your teens must invite a lot of jealousy."
"When you put it that way, it makes me realize how precarious my position really is."
At that moment, Tatsuya detected James J. Johnson's signal moving away from the submarine. It didn't look like a tactical maneuver; it seemed more like the friction from the afternoon's failed attack had caused a rift. Tatsuya noticed, but seeing no reason to alert Kazama, he remained silent.
"As for the tanker and the submarine, I'll be requisitioning them personally," Yugen added. "I have the necessary maritime licenses."
"Requisitioning them? Do you have a use for them?" Ayako asked.
"I can't let the NDF take possession of hardware like this. I'll follow the proper legal channels, of course."
The official story would be that the Shisaka Group was purchasing the vessels for "decommissioning and scrap." In reality, they would be moved to Minamishizu Island, where the submarine would undergo a "magical overhaul" to serve in the island's defense. Since Yugen planned to pay a premium rather than ask for a discount, he didn't expect anyone to complain. The logistics of the move would, naturally, be handled by his 'Mirror Gate.'
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