The early morning sun casted a gentle glow through the curtains of Shin's room.
It was early enough that majority of people at the hospital would still be asleep, but late enough the sun was starting to peak over the horizon. Stirring from a restful sleep, Shin found himself surrounded by the peaceful breathing of Doctor Yuna, Rei, and Misaki.
The events of the previous night lingered in his mind, but the pressing responsibilities of the day caused him to focus on the present. He looked at the cute faces of the trio cuddling up against him. He did wish they could have more nights like this.
Quietly, the girls began to wake, exchanging soft smiles and whispered good mornings. Understanding the need to return to their routines, and put on some proper clothes, they gathered their belongings and slipped out of the room, leaving Shin to prepare for the day ahead.
Shin got out of bed and stretched his muscles. He went and took a quick cold shower to shock himself into being more awake. He then went to the closet and put on some comfortable clothes for the day. Shin had some time to kill before breakfast, so he read for a bit. Once it became time, he headed out the room to the elevator. The elevators doors dinged open as he stepped into the Japanese UW floor.
He made his way to the dining room.
There, Riku and Director Sayuri awaited, engaged in light conversation over breakfast.
"Morning, Shin," Riku greeted with a nod as he took a bite of egg.
"Good morning," Shin replied, taking a seat next to him.
Director Sayuri offered a rare smile. "I'm pleased with the progress both of you have made. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed."
"Thank you, we just do what has to be done." Shin said as he dug into his breakfast.
Shin, Riku, and the Director made small talk as they continued to eat. Shin felt slightly nervous as he watched the Director eat. She seemed a bit off and not acting like her usual composed self. Shin's thought was pushed to the side as Doctor Yuna, Rei, and Misaki entered the dining room and sat down across from Shin.
They seemed happy and lively. Shin couldn't help but smile at them.
The group made some small talk for a little bit. They updated each other on different small news. Riku told the group how he learned how to fight better as a result of his training and is going to be practice more in the gym in his free time. Misaki told everybody how they are expanding the library which was going well.
As they enjoyed their meal and exchanged news, Sayuri's expression grew colder.
Shin felt his gut tighten slightly. This wasn't good.
"I have some important news. The MKS has successfully stolen a cryo-pod containing a potential Code Number. While it's unlikely they'll harm him immediately, as he's more valuable alive, this development is concerning."
The room fell silent, the gravity of the situation settling in.
"The good news," Sayuri continued, "is that this incident occurred on the opposite coast of Japan. For now, it's safe for us to return to Hano. The level of danger you are in at this moment is fairly low according to our field agents."
They finished their breakfast in almost complete silence. Shin was upset that his gut was right. He started thinking of what was going on behind the scenes. Instead of worrying about it, it was better to take action. The MKS Organization was on the offensive. We can't keep playing defensive all the time. Shin thought to himself as they finished breakfast.
As the elevator door dinged open back on the first floor, everybody left to go pack their belongings. Once everybody was ready, they left the scene after checking in with the Director one final time. They loaded into their limos with armored escorts, just in case.
They arrived back at Hano Medical University in peace.
President Serena walked out of the front doors to greet them, her expression grim.
It looks like she heard the news already. Shin thought to himself as he got out of the limo.
The girls at the University greeted Riku, Shin, and their entourage with enthusiasm. It was clear though they were on edge. It was a possibility Serena told them of the news as well or told them to be cautious. There were too many unknown powers at play.
Once Shin was situated back on campus. He changed into a swimsuit.
He wanted a change of pace while also getting som exercise.
Shin headed to the facility's pool. The rhythmic strokes of his swim provided a temporary escape from the mounting tensions. After several laps, he rested at the pool's edge, the cool water soothing his thoughts.
Suddenly, Doctor Yuna approached from the edge of the pool, urgency evident in her voice.
"Shin, you need to see this. It's important."
Grabbing a towel, Shin followed her to the largest common room. There, a news broadcast displayed a headline that sent a chill down his spine:
"Terrorist Group Izanami Steals Potential Future Code Number 8 from UW Facility"
The implications were dire.
Riku, President Serena, President Momo, and the others came into the common room soon after Shin. Riku's eyes widened at the sight of the headline. He looked at Shin with worry in his eyes. The others were just as worried. There was a deadly silence between everybody.
Nobody said anything because nobody knew what to do.
With both Code Number 4 and the potential Code Number 8 in their possession, Izanami's threat loomed larger than ever. The UW Japanese Branch faced a critical crossroads, their next actions pivotal in the unfolding crisis.
President Momo's phone rang.
She picked it up.
It was Director Sayuri.
President Momo spoke with the Director in rapid whispers.
The Director then hung up.
President Momo addressed the room.
"The Director is coming to Hano shortly. She contacted one of Reito's inner circle members. She said she is going to be important with what comes next. If it involves Reito, we know there is something larger at stake than just us. We have to play our cards very carefully if we don't want the World Headquarters after us."
The tension in the air grew. The President continued speaking.
"If World Headquarters find a way to shame us publicly and convince the public we broke the rules, they are able to terminate us directly. They won't need the MKS Organization to come after us if they take action. Director Sayuri will update us more once she gets here."
Everyone knew it without it being said out loud.
The Japanese UW Branch was on thin ice.