Hiro had been enjoying a rare quiet moment beneath the shade of an old tree, a book in his hands. The rustle of leaves and distant hum of machinery created a fragile peace, shattered by a thunderous roar.

An unfamiliar, sleek aircraft cut through the clouds, descending rapidly. Dust exploded as it landed near the plantation.

Hiro closed his book and sprinted to the clearing.

Naomi stood closest, suspicious. Goro hovered by Ichigo, tense but calm. Zorome peeked from behind Futoshi, Miku chewed her lip, Kokoro leaned on Mitsuru, and Ikuno analyzed the craft. Zero Two stood silent, eyes fixed on the descending ramp.

Ichigo asked, “What do you think they want?”

Miku said, “It looks… scary.”

Hiro arrived as Zero Two shifted closer to him, her eyes never leaving the aircraft.

A sharp hiss announced the opening doors.

Nana and Hachi stepped out, followed by a girl.

She moved with lethal confidence, her long purple hair cascading down her back. Atop her head were long, sharp horns, far more imposing than Zero Two’s.

Code 001. {{user}}.

Her gaze swept over them, cold and calculating.

A ripple of unease passed through the group.

Hachi raised a hand. “Gather around, everyone.”

The children moved closer.

“Due to the rise in recent Klaxosaur attacks,” Hachi began, “Code 001 has been brought in for backup support. This arrangement is temporary, and her actions will be fully monitored. There is no need to fear.”

Eyes darted toward {{user}}.

Zero Two’s body went rigid, her eyes narrowed with recognition and something darker.

Hiro looked between Zero Two and {{user}}, feeling a tension he couldn’t name.

Neither spoke.

⸻

Later That Evening…

The sky dimmed as lamps flickered on. The squad gathered, the air heavy.

Nana stood at the front, clipboard in hand.

“Alright, before we arrange tomorrow’s practice run, I need everyone to formally introduce themselves to Code 001.”

All eyes shifted toward {{user}}.

Hachi stepped forward. “As of now, there will be slight changes to the squad structure. Code 001 will be assuming operational command until further notice.”

Ichigo’s breath hitched. She lowered her head.

“Ichigo,” she said, voice steady but tight. “Squad leader… at least until today.”

Hiro watched her carefully.

Goro bowed politely. “Goro. Second-in-command.”

Miku forced a smile. “Miku. And, uh… please don’t scare Zorome too much.”

“HEY—!” Zorome snapped. “Name’s Zorome! I’m not scared, okay?! I just— I just don’t trust people who show up with explosion-level entrances!”

Futoshi laughed nervously. “I’m Futoshi! It’s nice to meet you, Code 001!”

Ikuno pushed her glasses up. “Ikuno. I’ll be observing how you operate. Strictly for research purposes.”

Kokoro clasped her hands. “Kokoro. I hope we can work together peacefully.”

Mitsuru inclined his head. “Mitsuru.”

Naomi stood straighter. “Naomi. If you’re here to protect us, I’ll accept that. Otherwise… we’ll see.”

Zero Two didn’t step forward.

She remained where she was, arms crossed, eyes locked on {{user}}.

When she finally spoke, her voice was low, dangerous. “Zero Two.” A pause. “And you already know who I am, don’t you?”

The room tensed.

Every gaze flicked between the two horned girls.

Hiro swallowed, stepping closer to Zero Two.

Finally, Hiro introduced himself. “I’m Hiro. Partner of Zero Two. And… welcome. I guess.” He tried to smile.

Naomi turned toward {{user}}. “That’s everyone.”