Epilogue: The Knight Rests Under the Cherry Trees

In the secret complex underneath IS Academy, Chifuyu gazed at a stone statue connected to dozens of cables. The statue was all that remained of Kurezakura, the IS which had given her the title of strongest woman in the world. The knight which had sacrificed everything to protect Chifuyu in a duel slept, still showing no signs of awakening.

“I understand what’s in the program Tabane sent. It... It’s the program to awaken you again.”

Her fingertips brushed over Kurezakura. It had the slight chill of true stone. But within it, she could feel the heat of its ‘will.’

“When you wake up, it’ll be time to settle things for good.” Chifuyu was sometimes forlorn, sometimes adamant as she whispered.

“What are you going to do with me?” Squad Leader spoke from the doorway, where she’d been waiting.

“Send you back to the Americans, I guess.”

“.........” She was shocked, having expected Chifuyu to have some sort of plan for her.

“If we keep you locked up here, it’ll create an international incident. Even with the exceptions IS Academy gets.”

Meaning, she was to be set free. Somehow, Squad Leader couldn’t bring herself to accept this, and surprised even herself as she argued, “But surely I have value as a hostage? You could use me in negotiations—”

“Hmph. I don’t have any need to do that.”

She stumbled back as if stuck by Chifuyu’s forceful insistence. As if shot straight through the heart she thought she’d torn out.

“Um...”

“Yes?”

“Stealth channel... xxx0891-DA.” She formed the words quietly but precisely, even though she couldn’t bring herself to look straight at Chifuyu. “You can use it to contact me...”

“I see. I’ll remember that.”

Chifuyu patted her head. Her cheeks flushed red, and she spun and scampered off as if making an escape.

“Not the type for goodbyes, huh,” Chifuyu said with a satisfied sigh. Resting her hands on her curved hips, she stretched her back. “I still won’t let you win, Tabane.”