At the same time, Shiba Tatsuya contacted his superiors, Major Kazama Harunobu and Major General Saegusa Koukai, informing them about the vibration-based magic displayed by Shangguan Wen, along with the video of him easily defeating opponents.
After watching the video, Saegusa Koukai’s first reaction was to capture Shangguan Wen. As a member of the Japanese military, her initial instinct was to nip the danger in the bud.
Kazama Harunobu, to the silver-haired, fox-masked woman, his superior Saegusa Koukai, said:
“General, I believe we should monitor him discreetly, rather than arresting him openly. After all, he’s an international student. Arresting him for his exceptional magic without concrete evidence will only lead the international community to believe that we’re coveting his vibration magic, not that he’s a spy.”
“What about the evidence? The intelligence department can easily fabricate something. You know, Japan is an island nation, most worried about tsunamis and earthquakes!”
Shiba Tatsuya objected:
“No, General, doing that will not reveal Shangguan Wen’s true purpose; it will only stir up the waters.”
Kazama Harunobu nodded slightly, agreeing with Shiba Tatsuya’s insight. A thoughtful expression appeared in his eyes.
“Tatsuya is right, General. We can’t act rashly. Since Shangguan Wen dared to demonstrate such powerful vibration-based magic in public, he must have something to rely on. A direct arrest will not only trigger international criticism but may also cause us to miss the opportunity to uncover the secrets behind him.”
Saegusa Koukai frowned upon hearing this, but she was clearly weighing the pros and cons. She said slowly:
“Major Kazama makes a good point, but letting him be is also risky. If vibration-based magic is used militarily, it will pose a significant threat to our country’s defense system. We must find a way to ensure national security without causing a diplomatic crisis.”
Shiba Tatsuya added at the opportune moment:
“Perhaps we can use Shangguan Wen’s status as an international student to conduct a more discreet investigation through school channels. At the same time, strengthen intelligence gathering and try to find clues from his social circle and daily behavior. This will avoid direct conflict and gradually approach him, forcing Shangguan Wen to reveal his true colors.”
Kazama Harunobu further refined the plan:
“In addition, we can also consider communicating with the higher-ups at Ichiko, Shangguan Wen’s high school, and ask them to assist us in monitoring his activities without affecting student privacy. Simultaneously, we can arrange for agents to disguise themselves as ordinary teachers and students, observing him closely and looking for breakthroughs.”
Saegusa Koukai’s expression softened as she listened, clearly approving of this strategy.
“Good, proceed according to your plan. Kazama, you are responsible for coordinating with the school. Tatsuya, the 101st Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion will cooperate with you to find any possible clues from his online footprint. Remember, we want solid evidence and the true intentions behind Shangguan Wen.”
“Yes, General!”
Shiba Tatsuya and Kazama Harunobu responded in unison, each preparing to immerse themselves in this delicate and complex investigation.
Meanwhile, on the other side…
“What ‘study abroad at the First High School in Japan’? It sounds good, but in reality, it’s just overtime!”
Angelina Shields, the commander of the American magic force “Stars” and Major Angie Sirius, was fuming after hearing her superior’s new orders. She had just finished a mission and hadn’t rested for a few days, and now she had to go to work again. She felt like she was being used like an animal.
“Major Shields, your age is relatively equal to the target, making you a very suitable candidate. You’ve seen his powerful vibration magic. Not only the United States, but countries around the world are taking action, wanting to obtain it. We can’t fall behind other forces.”
Angelina sneered:
“Heh, they’re not afraid of getting beaten to death by Shangguan Wen. That kind of power would cause comminuted fractures.”
Her superior’s tone was serious:
“Indeed, his ability is not to be underestimated, but that’s precisely why we need to master the essence of this vibration-based magic. The First High School in Japan, as the birthplace of vibration magic, has the world’s top vibration-based magicians and teaching resources. Your trip is not just for learning but also for communication and competition, to win the secrets behind this power for the United States.”
Angelina frowned. She understood the weight of her superior’s words, but the resistance in her heart was still difficult to suppress.
“But, sir, why does this mission have to fall on me? There are people in the team with more experience and strength than me.”
Her superior sighed softly, his tone softening a bit, as he began to paint a rosy picture:
“Angie, I know you never pick and choose missions, but this time is different. Your magical talent and combat intuition are top-notch in the Stars. More importantly, your adaptability to different cultures and rapid learning ability are unmatched. This study abroad program is not just a technical exchange but also a deep collision of culture and strategy. We need you, as a bridge, to bring back the knowledge that could change the course of the war.”
Angelina was silent for a moment, and the inner struggle gradually subsided. She knew that, as a soldier, obeying orders was her duty. Moreover, this mission might actually bring her new breakthroughs and challenges. “Okay, sir, I’ll go. But one thing I want to make clear: overtime is fine, but overtime pay has to be given. Don’t give me any of this ‘paying to work out of my own pocket’ nonsense.”
She said half-jokingly, trying to ease the tense atmosphere in the office.
Hearing this, her superior smiled slightly:
“Don’t worry, we’ll arrange everything for you. Remember, Angelina, you represent not only yourself but the hopes of the entire United States. Be careful on your trip to Japan, but also explore boldly. We look forward to your return, bringing back gains that are enough to shock the world.”
And so, Angelina Shields, the strategic magician named after Sirius, embarked on a journey to Japan with complex emotions. As the plane slowly took off, she looked at the shrinking city skyline outside the window, filled with both curiosity about the unknown and uncertainty about the future. But she knew that, no matter what the road ahead, she would do her best, because that was her mission, her glory.
After Angelina arrived in Japan, her superior put on a different face and said to his higher-ups: “Report, Shields has arrived in Japan, but she did not go to the Kudou family first.”
Upon hearing this, a thoughtful look flashed in the superior’s eyes, and he said faintly:
“Avoiding suspicion, it’s within our expectations. It’s not that we don’t trust her, but she’s half Japanese. With such a complex background, how can America trust her without reservation? However, none of this is important. What’s important is how we can extract the most value from her.”
“Yes, sir.”
Angelina’s superior nodded immediately, but he couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotions in his heart. He knew that in this war without gunpowder, everyone was a pawn, and Angelina was undoubtedly a key and complex one.
“Pass down the order to have a special operations team closely monitor Shields’ every move to ensure that she doesn’t do anything that harms our interests.”
The superior’s orders were short and powerful, every word revealing unquestionable authority. Angelina’s superior quickly conveyed the order, but he couldn’t help but feel a trace of worry for Angelina’s future. He knew that although Angelina was outstanding in her abilities, her identity and background would undoubtedly become handles for others to attack her in this complex situation.
At the same time, Angelina was walking alone on the streets of Japan, feeling this familiar yet strange city. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, she deeply knew her mission and responsibilities; on the other hand, she couldn’t ignore the emotional entanglements in the depths of her heart.
She recalled the days of training in America, those hard but fulfilling times. She knew how much effort and sweat she had put in for this day, but now, she felt unprecedented confusion and loneliness.
Mixed-race people are fine in peacetime, but once war breaks out, they must make a choice, either the paternal America or the maternal Japan.
The reason she was chosen to come here, she also more or less guessed, precisely because she guessed, so she felt confused and lonely.
