After this chaotic melee.
These Defense Force elites thoroughly understood what "there's always someone stronger" meant.
The guy from outer space brutally taught them a lesson.
That afternoon, they obediently listened to Natsuki arrange training plans. Assigned each person methods to break their limits... Seeking to dramatically enhance their strongest fields in the shortest time.
When discussing Reno Ichikawa, Natsuki specifically said more.
"This training ultimately tests willpower. As long as you hold firm to your beliefs, you can surpass them within three days."
"Albert transferred Kaiju No. 6's numbered Defense Force Suit to this base. According to compatibility testing, you're the only qualified user. I hope you can quickly complete training and master this new power."
Natsuki patted Reno's shoulder. Spoke earnestly.
"Kaiju No. 6's equipment... letting this kid control it?"
"If things go wrong, he'll lose his life." Captain Igarashi looked at Natsuki. Reminded him.
Numbered Defense Force Suits weren't for just anyone. Even with compatibility, easy to be devoured by the suit.
A youth who just joined the Defense Force, immediately facing Kaiju No. 6 that killed several captains—would definitely crush this boy.
"I absolutely won't disappoint Natsuki-sensei!" Hearing that, Reno bowed to Natsuki. Responded with ringing voice.
He didn't care whether Kaiju No. 6's will would crush him. Only wanted power to protect those without strength to face Kaiju.
Only standing at loved ones' funerals reveals true despair.
Ten years ago, when still a child, he attended his father's, mother's, brother's funerals. Witnessed his family become cold corpses. Lost everything. Became alone.
He deeply knew the pain of losing family. So he didn't want others to endure his same suffering.
A kind youth. This quality was what Natsuki admired most about him.
He had nothing left to lose. If so... use his life to protect those who hadn't lost everything.
Choosing to join the Defense Force—he'd already made this resolve.
"I believe you can do it." Natsuki patted his shoulder again. Smiled.
Grown-up Shinji resembles this Reno.
"Reno..."
"Yoshi! As a senior, I must keep working hard too!" Kafka beside him saw Reno's determination. Clenched his fist. Spoke equally passionately.
"Youth is wonderful..." Captain Ogata with thick beard watched their passion. Smiled.
"You're also young. Want to slack off? At least wait until my age." Natsuki glanced back at him.
"Eh?"
"How old is Natsuki-sensei this year?" Captain Ogata felt puzzled. The other didn't look older than him at all.
"Just turned nineteen thousand."
"Nine... nineteen thousand?" Ogata froze.
Took a while to react.
Right, right, right—almost fooled by his appearance. This guy's an alien.
Like the calm before a storm.
No Kaiju disasters occurred all day.
Time came to the second day.
Training camp content was extensive. Rest time extremely minimal... Natsuki continuously provided healing when their bodies broke through limits and couldn't endure. Racing against time.
The enemy would definitely launch an attack within the fourteen-day world mission deadline... But the specific day was completely unknown. What they could do was race against time, then actively attack the enemy.
"Even the captains... train this desperately."
Inside Tachikawa Base building, on-duty ordinary members looked through glass at the now-cratered stadium. Sighed.
"What level of enemy are we facing?"
"Making all captains take this so seriously... probably at least Level Ten Kaiju or above?"
These members also sensed the danger of the coming war.
To avoid social panic, the Defense Force didn't publicly announce enemy information. Only circulated internally. Had local governments prepare for emergencies.
"War between humans and Kaiju."
"Can we... really survive the war?"
"Will it be like the Meireki era? All who resisted Kaiju died. Could only wait for Kaiju to return underground and hibernate. Only then could humanity catch its breath?"
One member recalled learned history. This world's humans had fought Kaiju for hundreds of years. The most tragic event—a subjugation battle in the Meireki era. Warriors who participated basically all died.
This war seemed even more brutal than that one.
Underground. A certain dark fault space.
"The Defense Force blocked information. Can't easily obtain details about the last battle."
"We still don't know their specific combat power."
A massive figure's voice echoed through space densely packed with Kaiju cocoons.
"No matter."
"Accumulate forces for seven more days."
"Then launch the general offensive."
"No matter what combat power appears in the Defense Force, even if they all raise Combat Power Release to 100%, they can't face this many Kaiju."
Another massive figure spoke.
Their total forces were enough to crush any quality on the other side... And regarding individual combat power, they also held complete advantage.
All three of them were Level Ten or above. They also had elite units created using Kaiju No. 9. Even...
At the final moment, they could even release the Meireki era giant Kaiju hidden within Kaiju No. 9's body.
"With all these preparations, we have the power to steamroll this world."
The last figure spoke. Their own power was already extremely strong... But out of caution, still controlled Kaiju No. 9. Then found ways to enhance overall combat power.
By now, they couldn't imagine what surface creatures could block their advance.
"Some Kaiju surged toward the surface early. Should we control them to return?" The first figure asked.
"Unnecessary. Even if the Defense Force eliminates them, no harm. If successful, might bring back intelligence." The second figure said.
"Victory is certain. Seven days later when total forces reach their peak—our complete victory."
Surface. Tachikawa Base.
"Epicenter reaction detected in Tokyo Shibuya!"
"Citizen evacuation in progress. Request instructions for follow-up action!" In the monitoring room, a technician contacted Captain Mina Ashiro.
This base's nominal executive captain was still Mina.
"Understood."
Mina nodded. Just about to organize personnel for deployment, Narumi beside her spoke first.
"Tokyo is also First Unit's jurisdiction. The stronger First Unit should deploy."
First Unit and Third Unit as always—disputed over shared jurisdiction issues.
"Hmph. I say at times like this, we captains should deploy."
"Quick decisive battle." Captain Igarashi said eagerly.
These captains rarely gathered together. Encountering a Kaiju appearance not too far away—this Kaiju was unlucky.
"Deploying together... works." Natsuki looked at them. Rubbed his chin.
These guys deploying together could definitely minimize casualties.
What he worried about—were these emerging Kaiju the enemy's probe, or a signal for general offensive?
The former would be fine. If the latter... troublesome.
Thinking this—
Natsuki suddenly raised his head. Looked toward the sky. Seemed to sense something.
"Mm... actually not that troublesome anymore."
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