After confirming that Drake Myers was human, Soshiro Hoshina was filled with urgency.
An exceptional talent like this had to be recruited into the Third Defense Division.
But, alas, his enthusiasm was destined to be in vain.
Drake had never intended to join the Defense Force—not from the start.
There was no need.
Revealing his strength and proving his identity were merely steps to legitimize his presence.
He had no intention of following Kafka Hibino's troublesome path as seen in the original series.
Even his interactions with Kikoru Shinomiya carried a degree of calculated intent.
"Apologies, Vice-Captain Hoshina, but I truly have no interest in joining the Defense Force right now," Drake replied calmly, unmoved by Hoshina's sincerity.
The people in this series were, overwhelmingly, good-natured. Rarely were there despicable individuals or circumstances.
"You're really going to insist that our captain apologizes to you?" Hoshina straightened his posture, his expression darkening. His narrowed eyes betrayed a hint of hostility.
This outcome was something Hoshina could not accept.
"Young man, don't forget that your current strength only matches that of a Level 5 kaiju.
With kaiju evolving into larger, more powerful forms, how do you plan to fight them?
With bare steel bars? Those won't even penetrate their defenses.
Without a combat suit, your power will stagnate."
Hoshina, the calculating and sharp-minded vice-captain, spoke with an unprecedented degree of humility. He was even prepared to kneel if necessary.
Drake, however, remained composed. "Sorry, Vice-Captain, but having Captain Yabai apologize was the condition I set from the beginning.
Now that you've confirmed I'm human, the surveillance should also stop.
I refuse to live in a world where privacy doesn't exist."
Hoshina's frustration was palpable, but he ultimately suppressed his anger.
It seemed that coercion, coupled with persuasion, was the only way to bring Drake into the Defense Force.
A Warning
"Fine. We'll give you two weeks to think it over.
But, Drake Myers, understand one thing: without a combat suit, your strength is only comparable to a Level 5 kaiju.
Joining the Defense Force sooner rather than later will benefit you. Otherwise, it'll only invite unnecessary trouble."
Hoshina's tone shifted into a sharp warning.
"Is that a threat?" Drake's expression darkened.
"Not at all," Hoshina replied with a thin smile. "Just a reminder.
You're human, but your strength is anything but.
Fortunately, after a thorough examination, no issues were found. Otherwise, you would have been sent to the Minami Base for further investigation.
You must know how humanity deals with kaiju: after their defeat, the strongest numbered kaiju are transformed into specialized weapons."
Hoshina's words were calculated.
In the original series, Kafka was also sent to this base after his secret was exposed, undergoing an extensive process before being accepted.
"So, what, I should thank you?" Drake chuckled coldly.
"Absolutely. Your formidable strength was carefully classified as Level 5 after my intervention.
For now, only a select few know the truth.
With a combat suit, you'll have even greater capabilities—and more importantly, a legitimate identity.
You could quickly become a pillar of the Third Defense Division.
Now, doesn't that sound sincere enough?"
Hoshina's sharp mind was always two steps ahead, ready with contingencies.
Thanks to his careful explanations and Kikoru's corroboration with recovery medicines, Drake's overwhelming performance was framed as extraordinary yet reasonable.
Multiple examinations confirmed he was human, with a heartbeat and no kaiju core replacing his vital organs, unlike Kafka.
A Compromise
"Looks like I do owe you a favor," Drake replied lazily, stretching his arms. "But give me some time.
The second round of Defense Force interviews is still over two months away. How about I show up then?"
This was, of course, a delaying tactic.
Two months—sixty days—was plenty of time for the situation to change dramatically.
Hoshina was momentarily taken aback by Drake's straightforwardness. For a second, he couldn't quite read the young man.
"You're not planning to demand another apology from the captain, are you?" Hoshina muttered, his mind racing through worst-case scenarios. He envisioned Drake passing the Defense Force tests and causing a public spectacle.
"How could I be that type of person?" Drake chuckled.
"But for now, Vice-Captain, I just want some peace and quiet."
Hoshina nodded slowly, recognizing the merit in Drake's request.
Indeed, the constant surveillance had been overbearing—anyone would feel suffocated.
Yet Drake was far too special to let slip from their radar.
If anything unexpected happened, it would be a logistical nightmare for the Third Defense Division.
Their efforts to contain and rationalize Drake's abilities had already cost them dearly.
Fortunately, all records of his feats were limited to internal circulation, preventing the public from learning of his true potential.
The Deal
"Fine, you want time? We'll give you time.
But with your strength, there's no need to wait for the second round of interviews.
Based on your previous weapon usage, matching you with a combat suit won't be an issue.
As long as you make contributions, we'll ensure you're equipped with a custom weapon," Hoshina declared after some deliberation.
He didn't want Drake joining the Defense Force in a public spectacle—this young man wasn't as compliant as he appeared.
If Drake were to stir up trouble, the consequences would be impossible to contain.
Present Day
Back at Kafka's apartment, sirens blared as kaiju attacked once again.
"Alert! Alert! All residents, please evacuate immediately!
Level 5 kaiju detected in Yokohama's southern district…"
The sharp, blaring alarm snapped Drake back to reality.
"Drake, let's head to the shelter," Kafka urged, his voice tinged with unease.
Unless absolutely necessary, Kafka avoided transforming into a kaiju in front of humans.