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chippokenabokura · 6 years

Note

Thank you for all your hard work! I've been a fan of your blog for a while now and I'm grateful for how much insight you gave us on World Trigger. I have a question I hope you might have some thoughts on: I was rereading the latest chapter and reached the point where Ema was targeted while he reloads. Why is there a need to reload when they don't use real bullets or a variation of pre-stored trion bullets? I assume it's implied that the trion snipers/shooters use is supplied by trion bodies?

Since I didn’t manage to answer any asks before the new chapters came out, I’m going to answer this one quickly while I post the translations.

According to BBF, sniper rifles use up a large amount of trion in one shot so they cannot rapid fire. I presume it works on a similar premise as Gatorin’s Vasilissa. I hope that makes sense!

World Trigger Ch176 ‘Netsuki Eizou′ & Ch177 ‘Mikumo Osamu 17′ Translation

Panel 2

Usami: Now then

Panel 3

Usami: Our turn’s over; what do you want todo?

Usami: Watch the evening division?Usami: Though it’s not for another 4 and a half hours

Panel 4

Hus: The records can probably be viewed atTamakoma base too right

Yuuma: We’re going to go do some solo rankwars

Panel 1

Chika: I have to go meet Izuho-chan…

Usami: I see, roger that~

Panel 2

Usami: Hus-kun, horns! Be careful!

Hus: I know

*machine whirr*

Panel 3

Usami: Let us know when you’re heading back

Osamu: Then let’s disperse for now!

Panel 5

Usami: Ahhhh~ at any rate…

Panel 1

Usami: It was a good match today~Usami: We earned 6 points against upper tier teams!

Osamu: Yes

Panel 2

Usami: It was worth you working hard to getHus-kun onto the team, Osamu-kun

Osamu: That’s rightOsamu: It went beyond my expectations

Panel 3

Usami: That reminds me

Usami: Did the ‘bad premonition’ youmentioned before we left go away?

Panel 5

Osamu: No…that’sOsamu: The truth is it’s still…

Usami: Ehhhh~? Really?

Panel 1

Usami: I wonder what it could be? Your ‘badpremonition’Usami: Chika-chan looked fine…

Panel 2

Usami: When you had a difference of opinionwith Hus-kunUsami: I thought, will this cause a fight later?Usami: But in the end it doesn’t feel like Hus-kun is dissatisfied with thematch results

Osamu: You’re right…

Panel 3

*ding*

Panel 4

Osamu: A message from Kikuchihara-sempai…

Usami: Oh, what’s it say?

Panel 5

Kikuchihara: Congrats on winning the match. Kikuchihara: You were prettypointless this time.

Panel 1

Osamu: Pointless…

Usami: That Kikucchy, always saying somethingmean…

Panel 2

Osamu: Let’sask Kikuchihara-sempai too

Osamu: Thankyou very much.Osamu: Even though we won the match,for some reason I feel uncertain.Osamu: I wonder what this could be

Panel 3

Kikuchihara: Isn’t it some kind of sad premonition that ‘the new guy is strong so Iwon’t have anything to do’?

Panel 4

Usami: Is it? I don’t think so though

Osamu: Hmmm, I don’t know…

Panel 5

Osamu: Ifthe next opponents are cautious of Hus’s Escudo and choose an outdoors map,Osamu: The wire formation and leadbullet sniping would be effective again, so I think there are still things Ican do…

Panel 1

Kikuchihara: …whatKikuchihara: So he does get it

Utagawa: ?

Panel 2

*flinch*

Panel 3

Kikuchihara: …?

*chatter chatter*

Panel 4

*vibrate*

Usami: Hm? It’s me this time

Panel 5

Usami: Yes, yes, hello

Panel 1

Utagawa: Usami-sempai, good work today

Usami: Good work to you too, Utty. What’swrong?

Panel 2

Utagawa: Sorry, I just wanted to check…

Usami: Check…?

Panel 3

Utagawa: Tamakoma Second’s new member’s identity

Utagawa: It hasn’t been officially released,right?

Panel 4

Usami: Eh…?

Panel 1

Utagawa: According to Kikuchihara, someC-rank agents in the loungeUtagawa: …probably the ones who saw the match just now, I think

Utagawa: It looks like they’re gossipingaboutUtagawa: ‘isn’t Tamakoma’s new member a Neighbour?’…

Panel 2

Usami: Eh!?

Panel 3

Usami: …right!

Usami: Right, got it, thank you!

Panel 4

Osamu: A rumour that ‘Hus is a Neighbour’Osamu: Among the C-ranks…

Panel 1

Osamu:My squad is moving in a good direction

Osamu:The chances of success for the next match shouldn’t be low either…

Panel 2

Osamu: Inbattle, Kuga and Hus are overwhelming the other teams…

Osamu: Andyet…

Panel 3

Osamu: …That’s it

Panel 4

Osamu: That’s what my ‘bad premonition’was!

Osamu: Hus standing out too much was the problem!

Panel 5

Osamu: That’s why, no matter how good thematch was goingOsamu: My ‘bad premonition’ didn’t go away…!

Usami: Ahhh~! I see!

Panel 1

Usami: It’s true he made a big splashagainst the upper tier teams in his debut match

Usami: Is the Neighbour rumour because hisappearance and name looks foreign?Usami: Maybe the fact that we’re the pro-Neighbour faction has something to dowith it too?

Panel 2

Usami: …but what do we do?Usami: I don’t think the ones spreading the rumours have any proof

Usami: But we don’t know what will happenif it spreads further

Osamu: That’s true…

Panel 3

Usami: Might it affect the expeditionselection too?

Usami: I want to think it won’t go as faras Yuuma-kun getting suspected too…

Panel 4

Osamu:If I had made Hus stand out less…

Osamu:…no, that might have made it impossible to get 6 points

Osamu:The match itself should be fine like that…

Panel 1

JIn: Don’tfalter

Panel 2

Osamu:…

Osamu:Right!

Panel 3

Osamu: …either wayOsamu: I have to go for a bit

Osamu: Please contact Hus and the others,Usami-sempai!

Usami: Right, got it!

Panel 4

*flip*

Panel 5

Osamu: …Sorry, Branch Chief Rindou

Osamu: I have a sudden request

Panel 1

BorderHQPublic Relations Department

Panel 2

*knock knock*

Panel 3

*click*

Osamu: …pardon the intrusion!

Panel 4

Netsuki: …You’re here, Mikumo-kun

Panel 1

Netsuki: Branch Chief Rindou has made anappointment

PublicRelations Department ChiefNetsuki Eizou (39)

Panel 2

Azuma: Good work today

B-rankAzuma Squad CaptainAzuma Haruaki (25)

Panel 3

Osamu: Azuma-san…?

Osamu: Thank you for your hard work

Panel 4

Osamu: …sorry to bother you

Osamu: I would like to consult with you regardingan issue with Hus

Panel 5

Netsuki: The matter of the ‘rumour’, Isuppose?

Panel 1

Osamu: …!Osamu: Yes!

Netsuki: I have received the report fromCaptain Kazama

Panel 2

Netsuki: Jeez…Netsuki: This is why I opposed his enlistment…

*sigh*

Panel 3

Netsuke: …and?

Netsuki: What do you propose I do aboutthis?

Panel 4

Osamu: I was thinking if Border HQofficially

Osamu: Refutes the rumours…

Panel 5

Netsuki: Don’t say something so foolish

Panel 1

Netsuki: If we officially react in such a rushto suspicions that are only at the rumour levelNetsuki: It’s as good as saying there’s something to be guilty about

Panel 2

Netsuki: What’s so troublesome about thismatter especially

Netsuki: Is that it’s not a ‘baseless rumour’

Panel 3

Netsuki: As an organisationNetsuki: Announcing a lie to the public for just a temporary measure

Netsuki: I am obliged to say it is too biga risk

Panel 4

Osamu: …!

Netsuki: Well…having said that, we cannotallow the rumours to spread any further either…

Panel 5

Osamu: That’s very true…Osamu: I didn’t consider it deeply enough

Netsuki: Hmph…Netsuki: There is no need to apologise

Panel 1

Netsuki: Tamakoma Second or not

Netsuki: It is our job to protect theorganisation’s reputation

Panel 2

Netsuki: With this matter, for now

Netsuki: We shall deal with it by overwriting the rumour

Panel 3

Osamu: ‘Overwriting’…

Osamu: The rumour…!?

Panel 4

Netsuki: We create and spread a rumour that isNetsuki: More believable than the current one

Netsuki: Is what I’m saying

Panel 5

Netsuki: ‘Tamakoma Second’s Agent Hus is’

Netsuki: ‘Tamakoma Branch’s Chief EngineerCronyn’s relative’Netsuki: ‘And was scouted due to his exceedingly high trion ability’

Panel 1

Netsuki: ‘He has been at Tamakoma branchfor several years’Netsuki: ‘And it was planned for him to be assigned to Tamakoma First afterAgent Jin left’

Netsuki: ‘But as Agent Jin has returned toA-rank’

Netsuki: ‘He has been incorporated intoTamakoma Second instead’

Panel 2

Netsuki: …are the contents of the rumour

Netsuki: We will spread it under CaptainAzuma’s name

Panel 3

Osamu: Under

Osamu: …Azuma-san!?

Panel 4

Netsuki: Do you think we would get anyresults if we spread it under your name?

Panel 5

Netsuki: This time the ‘original rumour’ ismore newsworthy

Tamakoma’sNew Member is a Neighbour!?

Actually Tamakoma’s Teacher’s Pet!

Azuma-san Tells All

Netsuki: Without enough credibility, it wouldn’tbe able to overwrite it, would it?

Panel 1

Osamu: …but doesn’t that mean

Osamu: We will be making Azuma-san telllies…

Panel 2

Azuma: Well, it’s just a ‘rumour’ in theendAzuma: For the time being we are planning on spreading the rumour at tomorrow’sjoint sniper practice…

Panel 3

Azuma: I’ll make the contents a bitambiguous for the collaborators too

Satori:It seems that Azuma-san said…

Hanzaki:According to what SatoKen heard from Azuma-san…

Azuma: And only have them spread it as‘hearsay’

Panel 4

Azuma: If I myself am asked to confirm itAzuma: I will keep the fact that I spread the rumour ambiguous

Azuma:Did I say that?

Azuma:Well, anyway, it fits, probably

Azuma: And just approve the contents

Panel 1

Azuma: If for some reasonAzuma: There’s a need to reveal Hus’s identity to someone at some point

Panel 2

Azuma: The false information spread undermy nameAzuma: Will be explained as being done under Netsuki-san’s orders

Netsuki: IndubitablyNetsuki: It is my responsibility

Panel 3

Netsuki: Of course, we will have Tamakoma’scooperation as wellNetsuki: We must have consistency with what we ‘establish’

Osamu: …

Osamu:Before I arrived, they’ve already…

Panel 4

Osamu:Finished the countermeasures…!

Netsuki: ThenNetsuki: We must get our story straight with the agents who already know Hus’sidentity

Azuma: And the people who know Chief Cronynis a Neighbour

Panel 1

Netsuki: For goodness sakes…with this kindof situationNetsuki: The fewer people involved as possible the better…

*shift*

Panel 2

Netsuki: If the ‘rumour’ spreads outside, it would cause us many moretimes the trouble we have currentlyNetsuki: So if we do not shut the rumour down now…

Osamu: Sorry for taking up your time…

Panel 3

Netsuki: …wellNetsuki: I suppose I need to say that you have made progress

Netsuki: Coming to report this yourselfbefore the problem becomes a big one

Panel 5

Netsuki: I will go summarise the mainpointsNetsuki: Sit and wait for a while

Osamu: Ah, yes!

Panel 6

Osamu: …I am indebted for your help…

Azuma: Ah, well, don’t worry about it

Panel 1

Osamu: …you already knew then, about Hus

Azuma: Those with expedition experiencewill probably notice from the nameAzuma: Since we know Chief Cronyn’s identity

Panel 2

Azuma: It’s a message from Branch ChiefRindou that those in the know will understand

Osamu: I see…

Panel 3

Azuma: …anyway, Mikumo

Osamu: Yes?

Panel 4

Azuma: Is Amatori

Azuma: Alright?

Panel 5

Osamu: …eh?

Panel 1

Osamu: Eh…?

Panel 2

Osamu: ‘Alright’Osamu: What do you…?

Azuma: …no

Azuma: It might not be my place to say

Panel 3

Azuma: But I know someone else like Amatori

Azuma: Who ‘can’t shoot people’

Panel 4

Osamu: …!

Panel 1

Osamu: Are you

Osamu: Talking about…Hatohara-san?

Panel 2

Azuma: What, you already knew?

Osamu: Um…I heard from Reiji-san

Azuma: I see

Panel 3

Azuma: It was on my mind

Azuma: When Hatohara accidently shotsomeone during a rank warAzuma: It was quite bad

Panel 4

Osamu: By bad…Osamu: You mean?

Azuma: She threw upAzuma: And was laid up

Panel 5

Osamu: Eh…!

Azuma: So I was worried about AmatoriAzuma: If she seems fine then it’s all good

Panel 1

Osamu:To receive that much damage…

Osamu:Was she a different type from Chika…?

Panel 2

Osamu: …I had heard that Hatohara-sanOsamu: Was ‘a sniper who only aimed at and destroyed the opponents’ weapons’

Osamu: But was it that badOsamu: Every time she hit someone by accident…?

Panel 3

Azuma: Hm? No…

Panel 4

Azuma: Hatohara has only hit someone once

Azuma: She has never failed except that onetime

Panel 5

Azuma: She trained single-mindedlyAzuma: So that she would never hit aperson

Osamu: …!

Panel 1

Azuma: …well, a sniper shot is differentfrom an explosionAzuma: It might not be a good comparison

Panel 2

Azuma: Think of it as an example of whatcould happenAzuma: And look out for Amatori

Osamu: …right!

Panel 3

Azuma: …but

Azuma: There’re finally only 4 days left…

Osamu: …?Osamu: Yes

Panel 4

Azuma: The press conference

Azuma: Where you said sharply that you will‘go on the expedition’Azuma: Was just a little over a month ago

Panel 1

Osamu: …!

Azuma: That you would actuallyAzuma: Reach the point where you almost have your hands on the qualifications for it

Panel 2

Azuma: When I heardAzuma: ‘This season’s rank wars will end with Round 8’

Azuma: ‘For the expedition selection,B-rank No.2 and above will be considered A-rank’Azuma: From the top brass

Panel 3

Azuma: I thought that, points-wise

Azuma: It might be impossible for youTamakoma Second to reach the selection

Panel 4

Azuma: Have you already devised the means tohave Hus joinAzuma: By that point?

Osamu: Ah…yes

Azuma: That is quite meticulous

Panel 5

Netsuki: With your positionNetsuki: I would like you not to back any specific teamNetsuki: Captain Azuma

*click*

Panel 1

Azuma: I’m not backing anyoneAzuma: I’m just saying how

Azuma: Tamakoma Second is interestingbecause they rose up using different means from the other teams

Netsuki: I don’t think there’s anythinginteresting…

Panel 2

Netsuki: The main points of the plan

Panel 3

Netsuki: Take it back and dispose of itafter it has been sharedNetsuki: Make sure nothing is saved

Osamu: …yes!

Panel 4

Osamu: Thank you very much!

Osamu: I will definitely return this favoursomeday!

Panel 5

Netsuki: It’s not like I need thanks

Netsuki: This is our job from the start

Osamu: No

Panel 1

Osamu: Exposing an agentOsamu: To a problem that could have been predicted

Osamu: Is the mistake of the Captain whogave the order

Panel 4

Osamu: Please excuse me

Panel 5

*click*

*thud*

Netsuki: …

Panel 6

Azuma: So putting aside the ‘reputation ofthe organisation’Azuma: The ‘reputation of Hus’ is his responsibility, huh

Netsuki: …hmphNetsuki: I wonder

Panel 1

Netsuki: If it becomes known that he isusing a talented Neighbour as a mercenaryNetsuki: Mikumo-kun himself will be under fire too

Netsuki: In the end is he not just puttinghis own interests first

Panel 2

Azuma: He isn’t that kind of person

Azuma: According to what I heard fromKazamaAzuma: Before Hus, it seems he tried to get Jin to join his team

Panel 3

Netsuki: …

Netsuki: Huh!?

Panel 4

Netsuki: What the heck!Netsuki: That’s beyond unfair!

Azuma: It’s very shameless

Panel 5

Azuma: Indifferentwhen it comes to himselfAzuma: But burdens himself with otherpeople’s problems…

Azuma: Howunbalanced…

Panel 1

Usami: I see!

Usami: So Netsuki-san will be dealing withit for usUsami: Thank goodness~!

Osamu: Yes

Panel 2

Izuho: I tried to find the source of therumour indirectly

Panel 3

Izuho: But at firstIzuho: It was just

Izuho: ‘What if he’s a Neighbour~’

Panel 4

Izuho: But then ‘I saw him during the LargeScale Invasion’Izuho: ‘Tamakoma’s new member is a Neighbour!’

Izuho: Someone started sayingIzuho: And the rumour really caught fire

Panel 1

Konami: Did that guy really see Hus?

Konami: Not just saying the first thingthat came to their heads for attention?

Izuho: I think that’s probably it

Panel 2

Izuho: My eyes are really good

Izuho: But Hus-sempai was so far away Icouldn’t see his face

Izuho: Even though I noticed Ochibi-sempai byhis hair colour right away

Panel 3

Izuho: Even looking at him now

Izuho: I wouldn’t think he’s the Neighbourfrom that time

Panel 4

Konami: Besides, how would you even

Konami: Come to the conclusion thatKonami: ‘The Neighbour from the Large Scale Invasion has become a Borderagent’?

Hus: Because it’s a rumourHus: As long as it’s provocative, it works

Panel 1

Usami: No, but it’s actually true

Yuuma: Truth is stranger than fiction

Panel 2

Osamu: Well, in any case, we have takenmeasures

Panel 3

Osamu: Make sure you memorise Hus’s‘backstory’Osamu: Then act normally

Chika: Right, got it

Yuuma: Roger

Panel 4

Usami: …oh?

Panel 5

Usami: Our opponents for the final matchhave been decided!

Osamu: …!

Usami: Our next opponents are…

Panel 1

Usami: No.1 Ninomiya squad, No.4 Ikomasquad, and Yuba squad who have risen to No.7

Panel 2

Osamu:Ikoma squad…

Osamu:Ninomiya squad…!

Panel 3

Yuuma: It’ll be our first time going upagainst Yuba squad

Panel 4

Hus: Ikoma…

Ikoma: Sorry

Panel 5

Usami: The rumour issue is worryingUsami: But we need to prepare properly for the match too!

Osamu: …yes!

Panel 1

NextDay

Panel 2

JointSniper Training

Panel 1

BorderHQPublic Relations Department

Azuma: I think we have managed to overwriteit among the C-rank snipers

Panel 2

Azuma: All that’s left isAzuma: How wide the new rumour can spread and…

Panel 3

Azuma: How stubborn the one who said

Azuma: ‘I saw Hus’ is…I believe

Panel 4

Netsuki: Well, I think it’ll be fineNetsuki: But if this is no good

Netsuki: Worst case scenario we will haveto think about using memory sealing measures…

Panel 5

Netsuki: If there are any problems, reportimmediately

Osamu: …understood!

Panel 2

Konami: HmmmKonami: Then it more or less went well, right?

Osamu: …I think so

Osamu: Though we still don’t know whateffect it has yet

Panel 3

Konami: Well, there’s no point thinkingabout it any furtherKonami: Why not think about something else and concentrate on the last match?

*thud*

Panel 4

Osamu: Yes

Osamu: I plan to

Panel 5

Konami: How many people for dinner today?

Usami: Isn’t it just the 4 of us?

Panel 1

Usami: Yuuma-kun is with Zoe-san and theothersUsami: Reiji-san went drinking with Suwa-san and the others

Usami: Torimaru-kun is on defence duty withSuzunariUsami: Jin-san and Hus-kun has gone out with Boss and the others

Panel 2

Konami: Then we’re eating out todayKonami: My treat

Konami: It’s too much bother to cook

Usami: Oooh, how generous!

Panel 3

Konami: Meat. We’re going to go eat meat

Osamu: Thank you for the meal

Panel 4

Jujuen

Panel 5

Konami: No ordering anything too expensive!

Osamu: Roger that

Panel 1

Osamu: Ah

Panel 2

Inukai: Oh?

Panel 3

Osamu: Thank you for your hard work…

Inukai: What a coincidence

1. If we go with the day division happening at about noon (because that’s one of the meanings of the word ‘hiru’ and if so I might actually need to change my translation to noon division) and since the match is about an hour, that means the evening division happens at about 6 (since the aftermatch commentary might take up to half an hour). This is nothing we haven’t inferred before, but I just wanted to lay it out anyway.

2. I know it’s a common theory that these rumours are the plan that Lata hinted at the last time we saw Galopoula, but I can’t help but feel it’s a red herring just because if they have the capability to spread rumours this way wouldn’t they do something more direct with a higher chance of stopping the expedition…? But then again, Ashihara doesn’t really trick the audience through fakeouts, (surprises in World Trigger are usually not because Ashihara chose the less likely option unless it’s only less likely because we the audience don’t have all the facts and/or backstory) so I guess this could be their plan? After all, Izuho makes it sound like the switch to Hus definitely being a Neighbour was very sudden…

3. Anyway, there really is a giant Arashiyama…it is SO OBTRUSIVE

4. Jin really was in Tamakoma First before he became S class. This was a pretty popular theory so it’s nice to see it validated. But does that mean Jin will become part of Tamakoma First again? That’s what this new rumour is suggesting at least

5. It’s always nice to see adults being competent and showing why they are the adults, and World Trigger is really good at that. But another thing it’s good at is showing (and allowing) characters take responsibility for what they’ve taken under their charge.

6. I had Azuma say 'we’ when talking about those who’ve gone on expeditions because that’s the implication when he started talking about it when Osamu mentioned him knowing about Hus. But I just want to point out that in Japanese he does not actually come out and say that HE has been on expeditions, Ashihara loves these kind of word tricks where he lets your expectations blind you (no, I still haven’t forgiven him for that A-rank ranking q&a). But on the other hand, Ashihara also loves Occam’s Razor, so Azuma could have gone on expeditions, especially since he used to be A-rank No.1. And if his A-rank No.1 team really was Ninomiya, Kako and Miwa then they might know too. After all, Kazama was talking about Tamakoma’s Neighbour engineer right in front of Miwa in volume 3 (actually, does this mean Narasaka knows as well, since he was there too?)

7. There are so many theories about who Hatohara might have shot, but most of them are of existing characters while I feel, since this is Ashihara, it’s more likely to be someone we haven’t even met yet. Like someone from Kusakabe squad.

8. I’ve given up on trying to translate ochibi with honorifics into a viable English nickname, though chibi by itself still works if I use 'squirt’.

9. But, man, Izuho doesn’t seem to have much of a reaction to Hus, does she? I wonder how much she knows that she’s okay with it all despite everything that happened to them, especially Chika, during the invasion

10. Yay, Yuba squad! As a reminder of the interesting things to look forward to about Yuba squad: they’re the last upper tier squad to be revealed, they’re Ouji and Kurauchi’s old team, they have quite possibly the last HQ B-rank female character to be introduced (unless Yukari is actually a boy, or one of the masculine names not yet introduced is a female character, unlikely with Ashihara but K did have a male character named Yukari so…), Yuba is our last chance to see a strong dual-weld handgun character since he’s the only dual-weld handgun character who hasn’t been introduced yet and the others are Yuiga and Chano squad (A-rank does have 1 unintroduced single-weld handgun character - Satomi - as well as 2 introduced - Kitora and Miwa, who are strong), and finally Yuba is also one of the characters Jin said was one of the Fuujin candidates (despite being a Gunner) and is called 'Yuba-chan’ by Jin - since so far Jin has used -san or their title for everyone older than him, there is a high chance that Yuba is 19 or younger.

11. But this really does mean we’ve lost the chance to see Urushima in the rank wars, doesn’t it? SIGH

12. So I translated a lot of 'and others’ for the going out for meals part because the Japanese didn’t specify who they’ve gone with, but my guesses are: Yuuma is with the other 18 year olds (but probably not at okonomiyaki again since Usami said 'Zoe-san and others’ not 'Kageura and others’), Reiji is with the other 21 year olds, we know who Suzunari all are, and Jin and Hus are probably with Yuri and Mikhael as well as Rindou - maybe even Youtarou too. Man, as interesting as BBQ with Ninomiya squad is, I want to see all these meetups too.

13. I did not miss the fact that if Tsuji stays in that seat he might end up surrounded by girls lol

14. In conclusion, the next chapter will be the last chapter of volume 20, I’m expecting something good to end the volume.

#world trigger #anon #replies #chapter 176 #chapter 177 #translations

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nightowldaylark · 9 years

Text

[Fic] A Decision With No Regrets [Karasawa/Netsuki]

Title: A Decision With No Regrets

Pairing: Karasawa Katsumi/Netsuki Eizou

Summary: For good or for ill, everything they do is for Border.

Author’s Note: This is not meant to be an excuse for anyone's actions unless you want it to be. This is not meant to be a condemnation of anyone's actions unless you want it to be. I just wanted to try exploring certain aspects of Netsuki (who revealed Osamu's actions just to say that he is Border's and that Border has dealt with it), Karasawa (who brought Osamu there just to see what he would do), and a relationship between the two of them. Nothing more, nothing less. Unless you want it to be :)

Warning: Some references to sex

AO3 Mirror

The PR Department was even more bustling than usual; everyone rushing around with purpose as the Large-Scale Expedition became more real with every new sponsor offer and enlistment request. The man usually at the centre of it all, directing the chaos like the conductor of an orchestra, was nowhere to be seen today.

Karasawa did not let that discourage him, wading easily through the bedlam until he reached the door to the small meeting room set aside for Netsuki’s personal use. It was usually where he met with Arashiyama Squad, or any other defence personnel he needed to see.

As he expected, Netsuki was seated at one end of the table with the members of Arashiyama squad clustered around him, all of their attention on the mess of papers spread all over the surface.

Karasawa hung back a little, expecting to wait until they are done, but Netsuki started shuffling the papers together immediately without looking in his direction. Arashiyama squad, following his cue, bowed to Netsuki in farewell and turned.

Arashiyama was the first one to react to Karasawa’s presence, a solemn nod of the head a far cry from his usual exuberant personality. Satori and Ayatsuji meanwhile gave nothing more than a weak smile as they slipped past, eyes not actually looking at Karasawa. Kitora bowed exactly as manners dictated, but the effect was ruined by the heavy scowl on her face. Only Tokieda greeted him like normal, he who had the best control over his emotions.

Karasawa waited until they were out of the room before turning back to Netsuki and asked lightly, “I wonder if they are more upset with you or me?”

Netsuki sent him a dark look, still seated at the table with the papers in his hands. “And what can I do for you today, Karasawa-san?”

Karasawa noted the snub and smiled widely. “I was hoping you would join me for dinner.”

The restaurant Karasawa took Netsuki to was an expensive, yet understated, traditional Japanese place tucked in one of the side streets near the main train station of Mikado City. It was a discreet place that catered to the other sort of clientele: people with the money to indulge in sexualities not approved by society. Netsuki was the one to introduce this restaurant to Karasawa, back when they first started their little dalliance. It was the only place in Mikado that gave its customers a romantic atmosphere in total privacy for two people of the same gender. And the food was very good too.

In deference to all the time and effort – not to mention money – Karasawa must have spent to wrangle them a reservation at such short notice, Netsuki tucked his negativity deep inside him and allowed the good food and atmosphere of the small private room to sooth his frazzled nerves. It was too cold to open the glass doors that opened out to the neatly trimmed private garden that came with the room, but through the open curtains Netsuki could see little candle flames flickering in the stone lanterns that dotted the garden. It was all very…nice.

Finishing his food, Netsuki shifted on the low cushion he was seated on until he was half resting on the tatami mats and allowed himself to slump a little against Karasawa’s side, watching with hooded eyes as Karasawa refilled their sake cups.

“It’s a new moon tonight,” Karasawa said softly, clinking his cup gently against Netsuki’s then offering it up to the clear night sky. Netsuki gaze followed the cup up to the stars twinkled fiercely without the interference of the moon. The Neighbourhood nations did not exist in those stars, but Netsuki thought it all the same.

“Thank you for the meal, Karasawa-san,” Netsuki offered. No matter how he felt about Karasawa at the moment, this he could give him.

“You’re welcome, Netsuki-san,” Karasawa replied in the same tone of voice, but did not take the conversation opening Netsuki had offered.

Netsuki tsked exasperatedly in his mind, and then tried a different tack. “It has been a nice evening. I am grateful, but I must be on my way now.”

Karasawa smiled patiently, the hand not holding his cup curling around Netsuki’s waist. “Won’t you give me a bit more of your time this evening?”

“I am very busy right now,” Netsuki said crossly, finally letting his resentment out. “I must go back to work.”

“That is precisely why you must rest,” Karasawa said, undeterred. “I am very good at helping you relax, am I not?”

Netsuki sighed. This wasn’t working; if Karasawa must beat about the bush… “It is not your style to apologise, not for something like what you did at the press conference. Why did you invite me here tonight?”

Karasawa’s eyes crinkled merrily. “To help you rest, just as I said. I may not be sorry for my actions, but I do regret that the whole thing put you under a lot of stress – and continues to put you under a lot of stress.”

“Do you? Really?” Netsuki was unconvinced, but permitted himself to recline more fully against Karasawa’s side, lying his head against Karasawa’s collar.

“It was necessary.” Karasawa shrugged expansively. Netsuki could feel his muscles shifting under his shirt. Karasawa was no longer a rugby player, but that did not mean he didn’t keep himself in shape. “Every one of those reporters in that room knew your reputation, Netsuki-san; precisely because they knew your surprise was genuine, they did not think that the whole thing was planned from the beginning.”

“There would have been no need to worry they would think so if you had not brought Mikumo-kun there,” Netsuki grumbled. “He is still injured; you should not have taken him to that place.”

“Let him live in ignorance instead? Until he is confronted with the truth on the evening news, helpless to do anything but let Border shield him from the worst of the condemnation?”

“That is our job. He is a child; his actions are our responsibility; our duty to protect him from the media,” Netsuki said, bitterness coating his mouth. “Had the conference happened as I planned, any reporters who tried to find out Mikumo-kun’s identity would have had to face the weight of Border and Mikado city’s censure. I may even have been able to spin it to give Mikumo-kun more popularity among the civilians.”

“You wanted to make him a martyr,” Karasawa pointed out, not unkindly. He drained his sake in one gulp, setting the cup down and leaned his head towards Netsuki, nosing at his hair. “He is not just a child, but a soldier. One of our soldiers. Allow him the chance to fight back on his own terms. Let him take responsibility of his actions.” Karasawa picked up Netsuki’s untouched cup, bringing it to Netsuki’s lips. “Revealing C-ranks’ lack of bailout to the enemy is a terrible blunder; won’t you give him a chance to make up for it? As long as Border is unable to punish him for it, this is the best way, don’t you think?”

Netsuki took a sip and replied, just as accusingly, “You wanted to make him a hero.”

“He already is a hero,” Karasawa corrected.

Karasawa took Netsuki back to his apartment after dinner. He didn’t want to use a hotel room for this. Not tonight.

It was as Netsuki said. Karasawa was not in a position to regret his actions, and so he did not. But that did not mean he could not be kind to Netsuki. For this moment, for today, for as long Netsuki would allow it.

They did not have a habit of rough sex in the first place – Netsuki was paranoid of visible marks, and Karasawa liked the power of controlled sex too much – but Karasawa made sure to go especially slow tonight. Building it up until Netsuki lost his patience, well-trimmed nails digging into Karasawa’s back as he took them to the brink and back, again and again.

They weren’t young anymore. One round was enough to make Netsuki collapse back against the pillows – Karasawa’s one visible indulgence in his apartment – an arm over his eyes and refusing to budge. Karasawa sat beside him, nonchalantly lighting a cigarette and bringing it to his lips. “Do you feel better now, Netsuki-san?”

“Smug is not a good look for you.” Netsuki sniffed. He turned to look at Karasawa solemnly. “We cannot see eye to eye, Karasawa-san. But I fear I may never forgive you for making him face them,” Netsuki said quietly, watching Karasawa as he smoked his cigarette.

“And I do not blame you for throwing him to the wolves in the first place.” Karasawa sighed. “Does it matter so much now what we have done? In the end, you achieved your goal and I mine.”

“Mikumo-kun is not for you to use,” Netsuki said helplessly. He looked away, collapsing slowly into the pillows again like a balloon losing its air.

Karasawa smiled understandingly, he knew Netsuki was talking about more than just himself. “I know.” He curled an arm around Netsuki’s shoulders and pressed a gentle kiss against his ear. “Do not regret what you have done for the sake of Border. For the sake of our little child soldiers. We must own our actions, Eizou-san.”

Netsuki closed his eyes softly. “I know.”

#world trigger #karasawa katsumi #netsuki eizou #karanetsu

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