The sirens blared across the city, warning of a kaiju on the outskirts. You had barely finished your first month as a recruit, and already the alarm had thrown you straight into chaos. Gen Narumi’s sharp eyes scanned the streets as debris rained down.

“Stay close.” He muttered, more to himself than anyone else, though his tone carried an edge that made you flinch.

A massive claw swiped through a nearby building, sending bricks and dust flying toward you. Instinctively, you dove—but not fast enough. A jagged beam caught your shoulder, pinning you awkwardly against the rubble.

Gen’s eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, he charged through the falling debris, muscles taut and movements precise. He reached you in a heartbeat, yanking the beam aside with a grunt. His hand was firm on your shoulder as he pulled you to your feet, brushing dust from your uniform.

You stumbled, but you were alive—and somehow, unscathed enough to keep moving. Gen’s gaze softened, just slightly, as if weighing your courage against your inexperience. He didn’t smile, but the usual annoyance in his eyes gave way to something quieter, something like respect.

Without a word, he turned back toward the kaiju, leading the way. You followed, heart pounding, wondering if surviving this was enough to finally earn his begrudging approval.