The morning sun cast a golden hue over the training grounds as Scarlett approached Akashi, her footsteps echoing against the hard-packed earth. Without preamble, she cut straight to the chase.
"How'd you sleep last night?" Scarlett inquired, her tone casual yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.
Akashi's expression remained impassive as he replied, "Sleeping on the hard floor isn't exactly ideal."
Unperturbed by his minor complaint, Scarlett pressed on, her gaze unwavering. "I called you out here today to discuss your placement within the Fifth Division. While most soldiers are assigned randomly, given the circumstances of your arrival, I'm granting you the privilege to choose your squad."
With a subtle nod, Scarlett handed Akashi an electronic notepad containing a comprehensive list of the division's generals, their respective squads, and their roles. Akashi swiped through the digital interface, his movements precise and deliberate, until he settled on a particular squad.
"You've made your choice," Scarlett remarked, her tone neutral as she observed Akashi's selection. "I'll inform them of your decision."
Akashi offered a simple "Mhm" in agreement, his expression unchanged as he handed back the notepad.
A few hours later...
Neon lay sprawled on the floor, neon lights flickering around her as she rolled and flailed her arms, crying out in frustration. "Why meeeeeeeee?" she lamented, her voice echoing across the training grounds.
Akashi stood nearby, his expression unchanged but a faint sense of hurtfulness flickering in his eyes at her reaction. As Neon struggled to regain her composure, she attempted to adopt a stern expression, but her tear-streaked face betrayed her true emotions.
"Why did you choose my squad?" she demanded, her annoyance evident in her puffy, red face.
"I'm quite hurt, you know," Akashi replied with a hint of dry amusement, his voice steady but tinged with an underlying vulnerability.
Neon's irritation grew as she reminded him of her recent breakdown. "But you weren't the one crying just now," she retorted, feeling a twinge of embarrassment at her outburst.
Akashi explained his reasoning, his voice measured and deliberate. "I saw that your squad was in charge of technological advancements in the 5th division," he began, his gaze meeting hers with a rare glimpse of sincerity. "And since I am quirkless, I believe I would find something here which would at least somewhat guarantee my survival in the battlefield."
Neon's frustration mounted as she realised she couldn't counter his logic. "Then you should've picked Soren's squad," she snapped back. "They're the ones in charge of weapon manufacturing."
Akashi shook his head, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Most of their weapons are designed to enhance one's quirk power output," he explained, his tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a sense of self-assurance. "And since I am quirkless, they would be of little use to me."
Neon fell silent, her irritation simmering beneath the surface as she struggled to find a response to Akashi's logical explanations.
Neon's eyes narrowed as she spoke, her tone firm and unwavering. "Since Ms. Scarlett vouched for you, I'll begrudgingly take you in," she declared. "But there's a condition—you must apologise."
Akashi's response was immediate. "I'm sorry," he stated without hesitation.
Neon's anger flared at his nonchalant apology. "You don't even know what for, you brat!" she exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. "During our first encounter, you dared to imply that science hasn't progressed far enough. When you join my squad, you'll come to realize just how vast and groundbreaking scientific advancements truly are."
With a determined stance, Neon crossed her arms and fixed Akashi with a stern gaze. "However, since you insulted science itself, I cannot let it slide," she continued. "So, if you want to join, you'll need to apologise to science directly."
Akashi didn't hesitate. "I'm sorry," he repeated, his tone unchanged.
Neon sighed in exasperation, a sense of fatigue evident in her expression. "Are you even trying?" she questioned, feeling the weight of his insincere apology.
Neon shook her head, her frustration palpable. "Well, an apology is an apology, no matter how pathetic it may be," she muttered with a mixture of irritation and resignation.
With a resigned shake of her head, Neon motioned for him to follow. "Come on, kid," she said wearily. "I'll show you just how incredible science can be."
As they stepped into the corridor of the Death-Hold, the air grew thick with anticipation. Neon led the way confidently, her steps echoing against the cold, sterile walls. They reached a seemingly ordinary wall, but Neon's touch sparked a subtle transformation.
"Open, Eden," she commanded, and with a soft hum, the wall split to reveal a hidden passage. A radiant light spilled forth, beckoning them into the unknown.
With measured steps, Akashi followed Neon into the chamber beyond. The sight that greeted them was like something out of a sci-fi nightmare. Soldiers clad in pristine white hazmat suits moved with purpose amidst a sea of experimentation.
The room pulsed with activity. Massive machines loomed in the corners, their mechanical hum filling the air. Akashi's gaze was drawn to a particularly unsettling sight—a group of scientists orchestrating the transformation of living creatures into monstrous forms.
Turning to Neon, Akashi found her expression unchanged, her demeanour unfazed by the unsettling scene. She wore a knowing grin as she turned back to face him.
"Welcome," she declared with a hint of pride, "to the Teknozai."