Chapter 73: "Tsar" Shingetsu
After reporting in, Otonashi Chiya was assigned to Special Operations Unit 1. Every Devil Hunter working in the Military Department was a member of the Special Operations forces.
Shortly after, Chiya met directly with the Director of the Leningrad Military Department—a position roughly equivalent to the Chief of Tokyo Public Safety. The Director was a middle-aged man with a long, ferocious scar across his face, likely a souvenir from a past battle with a devil. He wore a distinct military uniform adorned with medals.
"A pair of one-of-a-kind blood-red eyes... You must be Otonashi Chiya from Tokyo Public Safety," the Director said, rising from his desk as Chiya entered. Clearly, he had been briefed on Chiya beforehand. Looking at the boy's eyes, he found them just as bizarre and peculiar as described; no ordinary human possessed pupils of such a shape.
"That's right. That's me," Chiya nodded slightly.
"Since you've just arrived, if you find anything uncomfortable during your stay, feel free to speak up," the Director said. His attitude was welcoming enough, lacking any overbearing arrogance.
"I will," Chiya replied.
"As you already know, you'll be working in Special Operations Unit 1. I should warn you that the workload in Unit 1 is the most intense. However, given your track record at Tokyo Public Safety, it shouldn't be an issue," the Director noted.
Chiya remained silent, offering only a smile. He truly didn't care; his confidence in his Double Kamui was absolute. Even if he did have objections, he doubted he had much choice in the matter. This was likely an arrangement made by the high-ranking Soviet officials, not just the local Leningrad office.
"Furthermore, your partner will be the Captain of Special Operations Unit 1." After saying this, the Director spoke toward the door: "Tsar, come in."
"Tsar?" Chiya thought, feeling a bit bewildered. Surely no one was actually named that? Choosing the name "Tsar" during the Soviet era was a bit... ironic, to say the least.
"It's just his codename. His real name is Shingetsu, but he dislikes it when people use it. We all call him by his preferred title, 'Tsar.' I suggest you do the same," the Director explained.
"I see..." Chiya nodded.
Then, the sound of the door creaking open came from behind him. Chiya turned and saw a tall, slender youth with very delicate features enter the room. "Delicate" didn't quite cover it; the word was "exquisite." The youth wore a military cap, and his face was beautiful and strikingly pale. The well-fitted uniform emphasized his long, lean frame.
This was the first time Chiya felt like using the word "pretty" to describe a man. Had the youth's chest not been as flat as a runway, he might have mistaken him for a woman. This, presumably, was "Shingetsu," codenamed "Tsar."
Still, Chiya couldn't help but find the codename a bit cringe.
"Tsar, this is your new partner—and your first official one. Take a moment to get to know each other," the Director said to Shingetsu.
However, Shingetsu's beautiful face remained frostier than the Siberian winter. He cast an incredibly cold glance at Chiya.
Chiya smiled slightly and stood up to introduce himself. "I am Otonashi Chiya, from Tokyo Public Safety."
Shingetsu gave a curt nod without saying a word. Seemingly satisfied that the Director had already introduced him, he didn't feel like wasting any breath.
"I hope you can earn my approval." With only those words, Shingetsu turned and left the office.
"..."
Chiya maintained his polite, if slightly awkward, smile as he looked back at the Director. The Director looked like he had a massive headache, rubbing his temples. "Tsar is like that. That's why I said you'd be his first real partner. I hope you don't take it to heart."
He had recommended several partners to Shingetsu before, but none had met his standards of strength, and no formal partnerships were ever formed.
"Setting aside whether I mind or not, what is my first assignment?" Chiya asked calmly.
"For now, you'll be shadowing him as a partner, even if he hasn't officially 'accepted' you yet," the Director said with a strained expression. "I've reviewed your achievements in Tokyo. I believe your strength is sufficient. As long as you perform as you normally do, he won't act like he did today..."
He then added, "I'm sorry if this feels like a slight to you, but the higher-ups insisted on 'Tsar' being your partner. Besides, there really is no better candidate. While he might not be the absolute strongest in the entire USSR, he is unquestionably the strongest here in the Leningrad Military Department."
Great, Chiya thought. He had just arrived in Leningrad, and they were already dialling the intensity up to eleven. Not only was he paired with the local "strongest," but he also had to win the approval of this moody pretty boy.
Still, for him, this "intensity" was hardly a challenge.
"It's fine. Since I'm here, I'll do my best to cooperate with your arrangements," Chiya told the Director with a faint smile.
"Good. Go take a look at the dormitories first. Any vacant room is yours to choose."
Following the conversation, the Director's first impression of the boy was one of admiration. Most people would have felt like giving up or at least scowled when faced with a difficult partner like Shingetsu. Yet, this youth's expression remained indifferent. It was clear he possessed a very stable temperament, likely forged from long-term combat with devils.
AN-
Yall,coffee's the goat.
Gonna do like 5-7 chapters and I'll turn in.
Don't expect much rn.
I'm seriously tired.