CHERRY BLOSSOM

...

Pledge your love to me here.

Right here?

This is an old cherry blossom tree that began its life far up on the surface.

If we pledge our love to one another underneath this tree and seal it with a kiss,

then our love will be everlasting.

Now kiss me, you fool.

Like that, my darling?

Please, that was a mere peck on the lips. Give me a proper kiss!

As you wish, my dear.

!!!

Wow...

This must be the show with this year's Cherry Blossom Festival as the backdrop.

That's right.

It's the first time a sakura tree from the surface is being unveiled to the public,

so it's expected to be more crowded than usual.

A sakura tree from the surface...

A pledge of love, sealed with a kiss, will give you everlasting love...

Hm.

Interesting.

Leader! Leader!

What is all that ruckus outside?

Someone has come to inquire about issues pertaining to your succession.

...

They've been hounding us lately.

Should I tell them to go?

No.

Leader!

You must find yourself a consort at once!

Quit making a scene.

Go inform the Peony Association and Hedonia

that this year's Cherry Blossom Festival will be held by Seimeikai.

And...

as per your request...

I shall find myself a husband.

I'm just going to get this out of way and ask you straight out:

Will you be my husband?

As in my spouse.

If you prefer a different term, will you become my spouse?

You'll only be required to act out this role for the day.

That's right.

Just today, and no more.

Fine.

As you know,

I am the leader of the Seimeikai.

What very few people do know however, is that I am a Nikke.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Seimeikai has always been passed down from generation to generation, all through the same bloodline.

This means that from the outside looking in,

it seems as if I'm not pulling my weight in terms of finding a successor.

Very much so.

They wish for me to find a husband and give them a successor.

They're oblivious to the fact that my body does not age,

so they're concerned about preparing for the future.

Their hope is for Seimeikai to continue on throughout the ages.

As the organization's leader, I can sympathize with their sense of unease, and I want to find a solution.

However, Nikkes are not capable of having children.

So I can never produce an heir for them.

I've given it some thought,

and since I cannot immediately go out and procure a husband, I'll...

Precisely.

This upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival is famous for many different reasons.

I guess you haven't heard.

Take a look at this then.

Because of this show, there's a big scuttlebutt about how

if a man and a woman kiss under that specific sakura tree, which is originally from the surface,

their love will supposedly be everlasting.

The exact same tree in that show will be unveiled at this year's festival.

... Using this to my advantage, yes.

Precisely.

You catch on quick.

Once we both stand under that tree and promise each other that our love will be everlasting,

it'll make everyone who's hounding me think I've found someone that I have a future with.

At the very least, it'll appease them and assuage their concerns for the time being.

So that's why I'm doing this.

I have to be honest, you don't stand to gain anything from this.

Nevertheless, will you help me?

Starting now, cast all other girls out of your mind.

For today, you only have eyes for me.

Sound good?

I can't tell you how glad I am you accepted.

I'm not sure.

I didn't really think about it.

I may have had to resort to less amicable methods to convince you.

Well, now that you're up to speed...

Should we go?

...

There are way more people here than I expected.

I know this has all been very sudden. Are you feeling all right?

...

If you say so.

... It's nothing.

Let's continue.

Hey, it's the Commander!

It really is the Commander!

...!!

Mihara, the Commander looked at me!

How could he not? You're cuter than ever.

Hehe!

I'm so happy.

Huh? The Commander pretended not to see us.

Oh my, really?

You've become even cuter, that must be why he didn't recognize you.

Maybe he'll recognize you if you walk up and say hello.

Oh, so that's it...

Hehe... Hi, Commander.

!!!

Commander, don't you recognize me?

Would hitting you help jog your memory?

Hi, Commander.

What are you doing here?

What about all these guys in black suits following you?

Did they come to enjoy the flowers as well?

Hehe, looks like you've gotten yourself wrapped in another fun predicament, Commander.

It's super noisy the further you go in.

They must be holding several events today.

Whatever's going on here, it seems way more fun than the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Can we join you?

I think whatever you're doing will be a bit more enticing with Yuni and I participating...

Haha, okay.

I'll stop teasing you.

I just couldn't pass up a risqué joke. However...

...

... I feel I may end up regretting it if I continue.

Glad to see you know your limits.

I don't get it, Mihara. Why would you regret it?

Don't worry, Yuni. It has nothing to do with you.

???

At any rate, we should get going.

I thought looking at the cherry blossoms would be a nice change of pace, and figured I could buy Yuni some spring outfits while I was at it.

However, staying here might spoil my good mood.

Yeah, everyone in there is so loud and keeps fighting with each other.

They kept asking us for money, too.

We're not sure who it was. I don't associate with such unsavory characters.

Perhaps your friend might be more familiar with them.

... Hard to say.

You never can truly tell who's bad and who's good.

True, true. Anyway, we'll see you later.

You two have a good time.

See you, Commander.

...

Are you starting to regret your decision?

If you want to go with them...

Hey, you two!

Stop!!!

... Moran?

I object to this wedding!

I heard everything!

Just a minute, Moran.

Huh?

What are you doing here?

Why am I here? The Peony Association is responsible for this entire festival!

What? I said that I would be taking charge. I'm positive of it.

You doofus.

You said you'd oversee the Cherry Blossom Festival. This is the Spring Festival!

... Moran.

Have you noticed the name of this festival?

It's got a name? Isn't it just a run-of-the-mill spring festival?

*Sigh*

...

What are you on about?

... Cherry blossoms?

...

And lots of 'em, too! Ha!

So this really is the Cherry Blossom Festival I guess.

I thought for sure it was the Spring Festival...

Are you finished?

... Sorry.

Every time a festival like this opens up, the Underworld Queen decide who will be the one to oversee everything.

One organization is chosen to keep an eye on the proceedings from start to finish.

Just in case there's any trouble.

At big gatherings like these festivals,

there's a good chance of people showing up who want to make a name for themselves.

For this year's Cherry Blossom Festival, Seimeikai volunteered to look over it.

Because as you know, there's something very important I have to do at this festival.

However,

Moran, in her bewildering stupidity, didn't realize this was the Cherry Blossom Festival, and came out to watch over the place herself.

The entire reason we decided only one organization per festival was to avoid conflicts such as this.

Whatever!

So two of us both watch over the place. What's the big deal?

And besides!

I heard everything!

Heard what?

You guys!

What about us?

You're getting married!

How can you decide to get married out of the blue like that?

And without telling me!

Marriage!! Matrimony! The old ball and chain!

Oh boy.

I guess the rumor mill is already spinning.

Wait, you mean it's true?!

You're actually getting married?

Moran, must you always ask such stupid questions?

Surely by now even you can see

what we're planning on doing?

How can this be?!

Whatever happened to loyalty, Cadet?

Or have you already forgotten the sworn oath we took at the peach Splendamin factory?

I fail to see the connection between our marriage and the concept of loyalty.

If you have a big event in your life, like getting married, you tell your friends!

That's what loyalty is!

See the connection now?

We even drank from the same glass to seal our bond together. Did that mean nothing to you?

Let me get this straight.

Are you saying that in order for us to get married,

we need your approval?

Yes!!

Why?

Why...?

Uh... well...

Out of... Out of loyalty! Yeah! That's it!

You're a big fan of using that word.

You bandy it about whenever it's convenient for you.

*Gasp* Don't besmirch loyalty!

I'm doing no such thing.

Any disrespect I'm showing is directed entirely at you. So don't get your panties in a twist.

Oh, good, in that case...

... Wait! You're still insulting me!

Anyway...

I can't allow Cadet to be married off to another without my approval. This will not stand!

*Sigh* I can't talk to you...

Wait, what?

Producer?

Getting married?

...

Did I hear that right?

You're getting married?

I've been under a lot of stress lately,

I must be hearing things.

I did?

You're actually getting married?

What is it with today?

I was invited here to put on a show, but

some weirdoes said I couldn't perform and made a big scene...

Made a big scene...

Then I turn around, and Producer is getting married.

This can't be happening...

Today is the worst!!

Yeah, it's the pits!

Cadet, let me try and talk some sense into you. You should rethink this whole marriage thing.

Holy matrimony isn't something that should be taken lightly!

*Sigh*

They say bees start swarming at the scent of honey.

I'm starting to see just how true that is.

However, this does show how highly sought after you are.

I can see that if you're to be my husband, there are some obstacles I'll have to overcome.

Everyone, listen.

Yes, Leader!

These individuals are pestering my husband-to-be.

Clear us a path and see to it that we are not bothered by them any further.

That's an order.

Yes, Ma'am!

Hey, what is this?!

Producer?!

Shall we go?

You promised, remember?

Just for today, you would cast aside every other relationship you had.

You're all mine.

You want some?!

You two won't get away from me!

So that the majority of our organization members believe it.

I think so.

Moran is an open book, one that's easy to read.

The moment she's told the truth, anybody who takes one look at her face will know it as well.

With her less-than-stellar brainpower, she'll end up trying to cover up with a lie that doesn't make a lick of sense.

Before you know it, everyone will know that our "marriage" is a sham.

Does it make you upset,

me doing this?

Don't worry.

After today, everything will go back to normal.

No harm will come to you.

All you've got to do is be uncomfortable for a little while longer.

You don't have to lie to make me feel better.

You've been walking on eggshells ever since we arrived at the festival.

It's okay.

I know it isn't easy being around me. I realize that better than anyone.

I basically forced you into being here.

Oh yeah?!

Well, you should pay if you're using someone else's land!

What is that racket?

This is the first I've heard of this being private property.

Well then allow me to inform you: This is our land.

What kind of nonsense is this?

None of the advertisements for the festival mentioned anything about that.

Seems so.

You better stop harassing me, or I'm going to call the A.C.P.U.!

I'd love to see you try.

I'll break your wrist before you dial the first digit.

!!!

Stop.

What the...

Oh, are you here to pay the admission fee?

Admission fee?

Yeah, for a place to sit. You see all this space underneath the cherry blossom tree? We own it.

What is this...?

You're here for all that sappy eternal love crap, aren't you? You wanna get a peek at the tree that came from the surface?

Then you gotta pay up.

Do I really have to say it out loud?

No money, no tree.

We need to pay you just so we can see the tree?

Why?

Cause this is Liberty territory.

Territory?

So you're the property owner?

What the... listen you dumb broad, this is our turf!

And who decided that?

Haha!

You know perfectly well no one would give us a place to stay.

Since no one's willing to cough up any land, we'll just have to go ahead and take it!

You guys were coming here to visit anyway, weren't you?

What's the big deal with us asking for a few extra bucks while you're at it?

This is the Ark's entertainment district.

As I'm sure you're already aware,

claiming turf outside of the Outer Rim is forbidden.

!!

What do you know?!

We don't listen to the Underworld Queen, or anyone else for that matter!

So you did know the rules, yet chose to ignore them.

How intriguing.

I'd like to hear you elaborate on that point.

Everyone in position?

Yes, Leader!

Wh-who are these people?!

Make them talk.

Yes, Ma'am!

Gasp!

Ugh!

Help...!

That's enough.

Ready to talk?

Y-yes! We'll tell you anything you wanna know!

That's more like it.

Who ordered you to come here and swindle people?

Where's your hideout?

Fess up.

Now.

Sakura!!!

I caught you!!

Moran.

I'm working right now.

What do you mean?

I'm not as dumb as you and Rosanna think.

I'm a strong, independent woman dang it!

It'll take more than that to get rid of me!

Fine. Our friends here have taken it upon themselves to flout the rules.

Huh?

... These guys are breaking the rules.

Oh, really?

Was that a question? Do you think I'm lying?

Relax! That's not what I meant.

... So are you sure they're guilty?

Yes.

They're trying to fleece festival-goers who want to see the tree.

They claim this area is their turf.

...

Yikes. Trying to claim turf inside the Ark?

They really are flouting the rules.

That's what I'm saying.

Name?

Liberty.

Doesn't ring a bell, so they must be new.

Must be.

I've never heard of 'em either.

If you don't know them, then they're new to the scene for sure.

That didn't stop them from making big moves right from the jump.

Hard to say if we can contribute that to naïve arrogance,

or if someone else put them up to it. I need to find out more.

Hmm... I can't make heads or tails of it, but

we should hurry at any rate.

Right.

Just as the Ark has its own laws,

so does the underworld have rules which it abides by.

The Underworld Queen have all taken an oath to ensure that these rules are obeyed.

No exceptions. All must follow these rules.

Any nail which sticks out is to be hammered down.

Moran, with things being as they are...

Yes?

You should stay here and look over the festival.

Fine.

Since it's your special day and all.

Commander-kun, you should stay here too.

You'll be safer sticking close to Moran.

I've got to do some digging on these guys.

I need to wrap this all up before it gets out of hand and the A.C.P.U gets involved.

You want to go with me?

What? No!

You have no idea what these people are like!

Moran is right. It's dangerous.

Huh? For the day...?

...

... What are you talking about?

Fine. Come with me.

Moran, I'll leave the festival to you.

... Huh? Oh, yeah... okay...

...

Wait a minute!

So are you guys getting married, or not?

You look like you have a lot of questions you want to ask.

While my men are out searching for Liberty's base, I have some time to spare.

I should be able to satiate your curiosity somewhat.

Go ahead.

It's...

...

No, that's not it.

There's no one else with whom I share such an intimate connection.

I just don't know where to start.

Well, our squad is called Underworld Queen.

The three of us are the heads of the three largest organizations in the world of organized crime.

Very well.

If you want it put succinctly,

although we are Nikkes, our sphere of influence extends well beyond the Outer Rim.

It in fact reaches all the way to everyday life in the Ark.

Seimeikai. The Peony Association. Hedonia. Each of us runs one of the three major criminal organizations.

So you want to take this chance to hear it all.

Very well.

Underworld Queen is a squad formed to act as an anti-crime unit in the Outer Rim and the Ark.

Much like Missilis's Exotic squad.

Our sphere of influence extends well beyond the Outer Rim, and into the facets of everyday life in the Ark.

Although we operate within the criminal world,

our ultimate goal is to safeguard the Ark.

In that sense, we serve a function similar to Exotic.

I am the head of Seimeikai, the oldest of the three organizations. It has existed since the Ark was first created.

Moran runs the Peony Association. They also refer to themselves as the Templars. They are few in number.

Hedonia is led by Rosanna. This gang has been on an upward trajectory for a while now.

Some of us were criminal leaders before becoming Nikkes,

whereas some of us became involved in this world only after the fact.

The uniting factor between the three of us is that we all voluntarily chose to become Nikkes after our deaths.

The "oath" I've mentioned before was taken the moment we decided to become Nikkes.

We reached our decision when he chose to start using his influence to rid the Ark of its unseemly elements.

The one CEO who has remained constant since the Big Three were founded.

Whereas Missilis and Elysion are a revolving door of leadership, at Tetra,

he has been the one and only CEO.

Mustang.

He sought us out.

You seem somewhat incredulous.

To maintain control over the darkness.

Acknowledging that such darkness exists, while also striving to conquer it.

To draw a line in the sand, and punish those who step over it.

C'est Queen!

That is what you must do.

So you're saying I should rule over the Outer Rim using force?

What?!

That'd make us no different from Exotic.

You've got some nerve telling us to act like those government lapdogs.

Non, non! C'est très différent!

I don't want disorder.

Why us?

There are other ways.

You could ask any one of your cronies to take over the world of organized crime.

Why ask the three of us to do it?

Why make it so complicated?

Only those who have known darkness will not fall victim to its temptations.

Besides, don't you all see the outlaws as des humains?

What are you blabbering about?

What else should we see them as? They're humans, duh.

Oui! C'est correct. They are in fact humains. That is obvious, to be sure.

However, as you are well aware, there are many who do not regard them as such.

Many don't treat them humanely due to the fact

they have no money or a place to live.

Well... That's true, but...

Humans who have never lived in darkness could never comprendre where the darkness comes from.

Who knows what things they would end up doing for their own gain.

This is not what I'm after.

That is why I chose you.

You understand both the Outer Rim and the Ark,

and you have experienced your fair share of darkness.

What is your game here?

What's a CEO of the Big Three doing bending over backwards to help the Outer Rim?

Oh la la, whatever do you mean by "help"?

The reason I want you isn't for the good of the Outer Rim.

Nor is it out of any love for humanity.

It is to restore peace in the Ark, where society has become tres polarized.

There is mutual enmity between those who are excluded, and those who are not.

War continuer to rage on long after people have begun to forget why it commencer in the first place.

Should this situation continue, the Ark will crumble.

I cannot allow l'humanité to fall by the wayside so frivolously.

The protecteurs of my choosing must have a certain affection for l'humanité.

To merely exist is not enough, non!

Entterrtaaainnment!!!

This is the manner in which they should live their lives.

Otherwise, life has no meaning, no?

La race humaine must band together and prouver that

my Goddesses did not risk their lives in battle in vain.

If that means we must fight violence with violence, then c'est la vie.

You're giving us carte blanche to use force in order to combat violence?

You don't even know for sure how far we'll take it.

Don't you need to put us on a leash like Exotic?

Non. C'est a hard no,

No respectable Queen would ever be seen with a leash around her neck.

What if we decide to turn on you? What then?

Sacré bleu!

I welcome ze challenge!

By all means, take a potshot at the back of my head at your leisure!

If you can, that is.

...

However.

Above all else, I will not tolerate the breaking of your oath.

Absolument not under any circumstance.

If you do not follow the pledge in any way, shape or form,

and for any reason...

There will be a price to pay.

...

...

...

This is the consequence for me placing a crown atop your head, instead of a leash around your neck.

If you take umbrage to this, then you are bienvenus to leave. There's the door.

I like it!

This is the perfect chance to show everyone they can be Templars so long as they put their mind to it!

Quotidians and Sovereigns alike!

I'm down as well.

Mustang.

My goal has always been quite similar to yours.

And Rosanna? How about you?

Haha! Do you even have to ask?

I'm the only one out of the three of us who isn't a gang leader.

How could I turn down a chance

to become a Queen?

Tres magnifique!

Now that we are all in agreement,

let this promise we have made today be known as the Floral Oath!

Did that satisfy your curiosity?

Good.

Now you know what we are, and

what our oath is.

That already makes you more well-informed than most.

Pardon my intrusion, Miss.

Did you find out their location?

Yes.

Perfect timing.

Now that we're finished talking, we can go straight away.

Seimeikai?! How'd you find us?

I'm the one asking questions here.

Are you the leader of Liberty?

... What if I am?

Did you send your men to the Cherry Blossom Festival

and have them start extorting people for money?

Sounds to me like you already know the answer.

...

Why don't you keep talking? It'll give me another shot at your head!

I think you need some target practice.

What?

I'm going to ask you one last time.

Are you aware of the rules that govern the underworld?

Give me a break! Who would ever follow rules that favor you all and no one else?

So you have heard of them.

I'm glad I came to the right place.

G-get back!

Seimeikai grants no leniency to

whomever knowingly breaks the rules.

I'm going to make sure you never forget that.

A-attack!

Finish them off.

Hmm... doesn't seem that they have any connection to Heavenly Ascension.

This situation won't get any bigger than it already has, which is a relief.

Argh...!

I knew I should have taken Heavenly Ascension's offer to lend us support.

If we had, hypocrites like you would think twice about stepping all over us.

...

You're calling us hypocrites?

You go around blabbering about how you're the Underworld Queen and how you've got our best interests in mind,

but you're just the same as the Central Government.

You use force to keep us down,

all because you want to keep us out of sight, out of mind!

That's right.

We're fighting fire with fire.

That way, law-abiding citizens realize that we mean them no harm,

and they won't start any witch hunts against us.

What a load of crap!

Witch hunts? Rules?

What does any of that matter to us?

Does following the rules put food on our table?

We're not so different, you and us. Why does the outside have a ball with all these damn festivals, while we toil away in the dark?

Why won't you let us speak up?! We want to be seen!

Who cares if it's a lie?

In the grand scheme of things, you're an insignificant speck of dust.

You're not capable of causing any real harm to anyone or anything.

What do you hope to do by injuring the pride of the Central Government?

What will change by ruining a festival that ordinary people get enjoyment out of?

If you make a fuss and end up facing off against the A.C.P.U., what will be waiting for you then?

Shut up!

Death.

Complete and total destruction, devoid of any meaning.

Is that what you want the ultimate fate of your organization to be? Everyone throwing their lives away without purpose?

...

No matter how wretched and unjust the situation may be,

the moment you raise your weapons against innocent people,

you defile your own message, and only leave violence in your wake.

Violence begets violence, and all you're left with is an endless stream of perpetrators and victims.

I will end that cycle of violence.

Regardless of where it's coming from,

or which side it's directed towards.

I will stop this war between the Outer Rim and the Ark, by force if necessary.

... And what does that change?

How long must we live like...

You want change? Fine.

You are now officially part of the Seimeikai.

... What?

You no longer have to be miserable cowards that

disturb other people's festivities.

You will finally have a place to stay.

Before that, however,

you're going to have to clean up your act.

Ah, right.

Since you keep saying how hungry you are, I must insist that you mind your table manners as well.

Wh-what is all this...

Take them.

Yes, Ma'am!

Hey, wait...! Gah!

You mean Liberty?

Yes, I did.

If I neglect those who have been victims of violence,

they'll only build up resentment and come back bigger and stronger with their next attack.

Like they said,

it doesn't matter how good our intentions are.

The reality is that they lead a miserable existence. Nothing will change the fact that they have been oppressed.

So, I'm offering them a different life.

A place of their own where they can stay.

A life where they're able to put food on the table.

That's right.

I have accepted many small organizations into our family in this way.

Haha, even if it did, I would never admit to it.

Otherwise, how could I consider myself the head of an organization?

However...

because our gang has increased in size,

I must be more resolute than ever, and never waver.

That's right.

The slightest oversight or cause for concern

can have a rippling effect throughout the entire group and cause issues.

And what about you?

Even though it was all an act,

being my husband for a day must have been quite a burden.

Haha, at least you're honest.

That's very kind of you to say.

...

If you ever feel that it's becoming too much to handle,

just tell me.

I'll take you to the Outer Rim,

where your girls await you.

I feel selfish for having forced you here all for my own benefit.

You didn't even get to enjoy the festival properly

because of me.

You had to run off and pretend not to recognize your friends.

So I'm offering you a way out, if you want to take it.

As the organization's leader, I can sympathize with their unease, and I want to find a solution.

I can't tell you how glad I am you accepted.

You promised, remember?

Just for today, you would cast aside every other relationship you had.

You're all mine.

After today, everything will go back to normal.

No harm will come to you.

All you've got to do is be uncomfortable for a little while longer.

!!

You remembered what I told you this morning.

... You really are a kind person.

Okay.

If you're ready, we can go back to the Cherry Blossom Festival?

Don't worry about her.

Let's go meet up with Moran.

What do you mean?

It's okay.

It doesn't seem like we can avoid it, so tackling the problem head-on might be the best way forward.

How's the food?

Good, good.

No surprise there.

Seimeikai makes the best food.

If you'd forgotten to bring this, I'd have a bone to pick with you!

...

So, are you two finally gonna tell me

what's going on?

So you're apparently not actually getting married?

Moran.

Would you please keep your voice down?

Whoops! Sorry, I forgot that it was a secret.

*Sigh*

I said I was sorry! I won't tell anyone, promise.

You have my word!

Fine, fine. Here, have some of this.

Is this alcohol?

Yes, peach-flavored.

I made it special for this occasion.

Hey now! You're a good egg after all, Sakura.

And here I was thinking you were a devious little trickster with no manners.

Little did I know you had a sense of loyalty befitting that of a true Templar!

Just one thing.

I prepare this alcohol specially for you.

So make sure that

you drink it all.

Oh... um...

Got it?

*Hick*

Y'know...

I really thought y'all were getting hitched.

What was that? You want more? Here, let me top you off.

Huh? Did I say I wanted more?

Sure, you just said it.

Ha! Maybe I did! All right, then!

Bottoms up!

If I can't incapacitate her physically, then I'll have to incapacitate her mentally.

Huh? You two are talking again!

I said don't...!

Whoa...

Sakura, there are several of you!

Is that right?

Must be because you haven't drunk enough.

Ah-ha, I see! So that's it!

Drink some more, and there'll only be one of me.

Hmm... alrighty, if you say so.

Trust me, it'll take more than this to get her truly drunk.

Isn't that right, Moran?

You bet your behind!

I'm not down for the count yet!

Whoops!

How come I fell?

Weird...

Real weird... uh-uh, everything's spinning...

Oh boy, really fast too...

So dizzy...

Sounds to me like you want to lie down.

If that's what you want, we'll let you lie down.

We should get a move on.

Wha... whawhere are yu guys goin'?

You're not getting marreid without me, areoy ?

Maybe, maybe not.

Huh? Whattt?

Just lie down and relax.

Okay?

Uhh... Okay... Relax...

Commander-kun.

It's showtime.

...

I believe so.

Everyone, stop.

Just the two of us will go from here.

The rest of you wait here.

Shall we?

You've gone awfully quiet.

Feeling shy?

Or are you nervous?

I'll tell them to turn around.

Sorry, but I'm not sure how to help you there.

Maybe you can try some breathing exercises?

Me?

I'm not sure...

...

Yes.

Perhaps I am slightly nervous as well.

How strange. It's not as if this is the first time I've been alone with you.

If anything, I think that might make me more of a nervous wreck, but...

... it does feel nice.

So this is it. The cherry blossom tree from the surface...

Yes, it is.

Even if we forgot completely about the promise,

it would be worth coming here just to admire this tree's beauty.

Commander-kun,

did you know that

there is another name for this tree?

Everlasting Sakura.

These cherry blossoms were artificially engineered to prolong their lifespan,

allowing them to survive long after their moment would have come otherwise.

Yes.

How else could a tree like this, which requires natural sunlight from the surface,

exist in a place like the Ark where the only light is artificial?

That is the reason why I wanted to gaze upon this tree with my own eyes.

Not only does it share its name with me, but it also has continued to live well after it should have died a natural death.

I wanted to see... if it was still beautiful, even though it has become everlasting.

No.

By throwing away my mortality,

I have been given the strength to protect Seimeikai.

Eternal life was something given to me in order to uphold the oath I made. In that sense, it is the greatest reward I could ever ask for.

So no, I do not regret anything.

... I'm not sure.

Perhaps I will head to the surface, and fight on the battlefield.

Or perhaps I will enter the Ark, with all its darkness.

No.

No matter how beautiful eternal life may seem,

even blossoms in full bloom must fall one day.

If not, they will rot and only bring harm to the tree which they are a part of.

For me,

Seimeikai is the precious tree upon which I grow.

So, when the time is right, I must fall.

For I am nothing but an impostor, a mere fabrication in the guise of a real flower.

!!

...

... Thank you.

Ahem...

Well, I don't think we can put this off any longer.

Shall we?

A kiss... to make our oath official.

Commander-kun, allow me to inform you of something.

There is nothing fake about this oath we are taking.

I have never once in my life

emitted falsehoods from my lips while under the bounds of an oath.

That's my position on the matter, at least.

I know it might be different for you.

I certainly don't want to force you into anything.

So, I will give you the option.

Do you want our oath to remain a lie,

or do you wish to put some truth into it?

!!

That makes me happy.

What am I to do?

Your promise only mandates that you be mine for today, and no more.

Standing here now, however, I feel like breaking that promise.

I want this promise to last for an eternity.

But I can't, not right now.

If I were to wage war on your army of female suitors,

I would have my work cut out for me.

Commander-kun,

my dear husband,

for today, and today alone.

Seal our oath with a kiss before the day is over.

So you're telling me all those rumors

about you two getting married didn't have any truth to them?

Phew... what a relief.

You got me so drunk that I thought you two had eloped for real.

It would have been nice for you two to have just told me the truth.

Why all that ridiculous cat and mouse stuff and pulling the wool over my eyes?

!!!

How can you say that?!

I'm like a vault when it comes to this stuff!

If you say it's a secret, then my lips are sealed tight!

That, my friend, is called being loyal.

Even if you had managed to keep your mouth shut,

your face would have given it away instantly.

I think it was a smart decision not telling her, Producer.

!!!

But how did you fake a kiss?

It's not so hard.

Since we were so far away, they probably just had to lean in close to each other and that's it.

What's that face for?

Wait... did you kiss for real?!

Of course we did.

Isn't that right, Commander-kun?

Y-you actually kissed for real?

Wait, that means you really made an oath!

That's not what you told us, Cadet!

You didn't say you kissed each other!

Lay off them.

You're putting my husband in an awkward position.

Yes?

You call this war?

I'm merely presenting the facts so that I can stake my claim.

If we really started a war, then

there's no way we would be standing here joking around with each other.

Producer, be honest.

How far did you go?

Yeah, give us the dirt!

Don't let Sakura intimidate you. Tell us everything!

What would you like to do, Commander-kun?

Would you like me to leave you alone in this cacophony?

Or...

would you like to see the rest of the cherry blossoms with me?

Producer!

Cadet!

A wise decision.

Take care of them, boys.

Yes, Ma'am!

Hey, what's the big idea?!

He-hey! Sakura! Cadet!

Producer, you liar!