Cinq South Section 4: Outis's Story
Cinq Assoc. South Section 4 Outis
... I see. So you have already conducted an interview with the members of Section 5.
Yeah... Their Director was... well, she certainly was a character.
Cinq South Section 5 Director... Don Quixote, was it? I have heard many tales about her, yes.
As the child slowly strolled through an alleyway, a woman with a small notepad followed closely behind her.
She also brought me on a 30-minute-long stroll through the alleyways, actually. Like we're doing now.
Oh, my apologies. Perhaps this interview would have been better conducted at a proper reception room...
No, no... I got pretty much everything I wanted to know about the Cinq Association from you.
The interviewer smiled, flipping through her notepad.
Unlike in her previous interview, her notepad was filled to the brim with information.
I thank you for your understanding.
I am certain that you have already been informed... but this is a part of our work process. Please do understand.
Yes, of course.
In the corner margins of her notepad, the interviewer scribbled the following: 'Interviewee is somewhat unfriendly'.
Of course, the child didn't see that.
Well... If I were to speak my mind, I don't believe that either directors of Sections 4 and 5 are individuals fit for their respective positions.
Gasp...
Wouldn't you agree...? Such flippant behavior ill befits the position of a leader.
The child sighed, then looked at the interviewer. It was as though she was expecting an answer.
Ha ha ha... I... wouldn't know a thing about that.
Hm, is that so.
Well, whichever it may be... I have no complaints about their martial prowess.
When the Director of our Section 4 wields his blade, for example... It inspires a certain chilling awe in people.
Ohh... Yeah, I've heard the stories. He moves as though in a trance, guided by the blade itself right into the opponent's weakness...
That is no exaggeration, indeed. The 'stories' are true.
His technique is... well, it's not an easily replicated technique. If it could even be replicated, that is.
The interviewer nodded along, jotting things down on her notepad as the child lectured.
However... I, Outis, can confidently say that my very own skills do not fall behind the Director's.
Once this is over, I plan to return to the training hall for a spar. Unless you have prior engagements...
... would you like to watch me duel?
Oh! Of course. Wouldn't miss it for the world.
The child laughed gently and fixed her hat. She liked that answer.
Very well. Then let us hurry.
The child began walking a little faster as though the thought raised her spirits.
(... She seems very proud of her own skills. ... Maybe too proud.)
Of course, the child didn't see the interviewer write that down either.
Not that the child needed to see it, that is. And the interviewer would soon see why.
Right... she said the most important thing in a duel is to properly manage the distance between oneself and the opponent...
The interviewer whispered to herself, observing the child...
When the opponent finally had the chance to press the offensive, the child was already out of their reach.
And when the opponent's defense cracked, even for a split second, the child quickly bridged the gap to exploit the opening. Then, she rapidly retreated to the exact position as before.
The child's distancing was precise, exact. It was almost as though she was measuring her every step with a ruler.
She's doing all that... with a hat on, too...
The interviewer gulped, and looked down at her notepad.
And...
... she quickly crossed out her earlier comment about the child's pride.
She had to, of course.
It was no mere boast. She was certainly skilled enough to back up her own claims.