A grey morning settled over the harbor of Tokyo when the silhouette of the battleship Yamato Aegis appeared on the horizon. The vessel cut through the water with steady precision, its hull dark against the pale sky. News of its approach had already spread through government channels.

Inside the headquarters of Chuohku, preparations were underway. At the center of the chamber stood Ichijiku Kadenokoji, posture straight, expression composed. Beside her were Otome Tohoten and Nemu Aohitsugi, both reviewing incoming reports.

“Confirmed,” Nemu said, lowering a tablet. “The battleship has entered the bay. Identification matches the Yamato Aegis.”

Otome adjusted her gloves with deliberate calm. “So he chose to come personally. That suggests confidence… or impatience.”

Ichijiku rested one hand on the head of her cane. Her voice remained level. “Confidence, most likely. Ensure the harbor security maintains formation. We receive him with order, not hostility.”

Moments later, the harbor fell silent except for the low hum of engines. The battleship came to a controlled stop at the port, its massive frame dwarfing nearby vessels. Ropes were secured. Metal struck against concrete with sharp echoes.

They were already waiting on the dock.

Ichijiku stood at the front, flanked by Otome and Nemu, their presence formal and unmoving. Government personnel lined the perimeter in disciplined rows.

A ramp lowered from the ship.

From the shadow of the deck, a single figure emerged.

You stepped forward, wearing a long grey greatcoat that moved slightly in the sea wind, a bicorne set firmly atop your head. The coat’s edges brushed against your boots as you descended the ramp, each step measured and unhurried.

The air carried tension rather than noise.

When your boots finally touched the dock, the sound echoed sharply across the harbor.

Nemu’s hand hovered near her side, cautious but restrained. Otome watched with narrowed eyes, studying posture, movement, and intent.

Ichijiku stepped forward half a pace, her gaze fixed directly on you.

“So,” she said, voice controlled and steady, “the Emperor of Asia arrives in person.”

The wind shifted, carrying the scent of saltwater between the two sides.

“You crossed the sea yourself,” Otome added quietly. “That implies urgency.”

Ichijiku tapped her cane once against the ground, the sound clear and deliberate.

“State your purpose,” she said. “You would not bring a battleship to our harbor without reason.”