Drake Myers glanced at Kafka Hibino, noticing the rapid shifts in his expression. He understood immediately.
After all, Kafka wasn't just any kaiju—he was a Beast-Class, a staggering Level 9.8!
Incredibly powerful, yet now reduced to the demeanor of a startled bird. It was no wonder he wouldn't dare transform in front of Drake.
The thought made Drake stifle a laugh. On the surface, there seemed to be no surveillance on him anymore, but in truth, plenty remained.
The drones alone numbered several.
Leaving the hospital had been anything but easy for Drake.
The Night Before
At Yokohama General Hospital, three hours after Mado Wu Xu left with his partner, Amon Koutarou, and his daughter, Soshiro Hoshina stormed into the building.
Knocking out all Defense Force personnel on duty, he connected directly to their internal communications network.
Never underestimate the Sakura Nation's technological prowess, especially after years of battling kaiju. As the vice-captain of the Third Defense Division, Hoshina had access to many personal tools and methods.
But tonight, he had to let Captain Yabai Mina in on the situation. Within the Third Division, unity was paramount. Without it, rival forces could easily exploit any gaps.
And now, with the CCG investigators involved? The stakes were even higher.
"Koizumi Haomi, can you hear me?" Hoshina asked, standing outside Drake's hospital room.
"All systems normal," Koizumi calmly replied.
Taking a deep breath, Hoshina pushed open the door and stepped inside. Kikoru Shinomiya was already sound asleep.
"Drake Myers, you've surprised me. You're entirely human," Hoshina began bluntly.
"Oh? Isn't this Vice-Captain Hoshina? What brings you here?" Drake yawned, feigning fatigue. "I thought you'd have returned to base with that senior officer."
"He's Mado Wu Xu, a senior investigator with the CCG," Hoshina explained, getting straight to the point. "His primary role is dealing with the Half-Kaiju and other such anomalies. But that man—he's very interested in you."
Drake's expression remained calm as he sipped a glass of water. "And what does that have to do with me?"
"I'm here to invite you to join the Defense Force," Hoshina said seriously. "As you know, when it comes to eliminating kaiju, we're humanity's most powerful line of defense."
For someone as calculating as Hoshina, speaking so openly wasn't easy.
Drake, however, couldn't help but laugh. "Hoshina, did I hear you right? Don't forget how you treated me during the Half-Kaiju raid. And now you expect me to join the Defense Force without question? Isn't that a little insulting?"
Hoshina sighed, expecting resistance.
"You're human, Drake. You must understand—when someone displays extraordinary strength, every faction will have their eyes on you. And I don't think you're the type to live quietly in the shadows," Hoshina countered.
He firmly believed that someone as powerful as Drake wouldn't stay idle. As long as kaiju continued to wreak havoc, Drake would undoubtedly step up.
In Hoshina's view, joining the Defense Force was the best path forward.
"Maybe so," Drake replied indifferently. "But so what? I prefer freedom. At one point, I did consider joining the Defense Force. But after how you treated me during the raid, I'm left cold. Honestly, just thinking about it still sends chills down my spine."
Hoshina sighed deeply. He couldn't deny the truth of Drake's words.
From the Defense Force's perspective, they had acted appropriately during the raid. Drake had been gravely injured, and their priority had been to take him to the hospital for examination.
But to everyone's shock, Drake not only survived but single-handedly defeated the Half-Kaiju.
It was an awkward situation, to say the least. How could they admit they had underestimated him?
"So, what do you want?" Hoshina asked, his fists clenched.
Drake's smile turned sharper. "I've already told you. An apology. Show me you're sincere, and we'll talk about joining the Defense Force."
Drake's words cut deep, his tone icy. "After all, I'm a hero who defeated a kaiju, yet you treated me like a criminal. If this is how you operate, who would dare step forward next time?
"I guarantee there are countless talented individuals out there. But they won't reveal themselves. Why? Because no one wants to be controlled by you—or worse, dissected and studied.
"Frankly, I'm just lucky to still be alive. But if I weren't human, I doubt I'd be standing here right now."
Hoshina couldn't argue. The reality was as harsh as Drake described.
Kaiju attacks were as frequent as natural disasters, and the Defense Force couldn't always respond in time.
"So, what do you want us to do?" Hoshina asked, clearly exasperated.
"Like I said—apologize. Show me your sincerity," Drake replied, his tone unwavering.
Taking a deep breath, Hoshina made his decision. He bowed deeply and said, "My apologies. Earlier, there were too many people around. Drake, I sincerely invite you to join our Third Defense Division."