2:50 PM, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kyoto.
"Sylvie, this outfit isn't too weird, right?"
Angelene hesitated in place, occasionally turning to inspect her attire.
She had braided her ponytail, wore a cap, and donned a white top with black sleeves featuring the autograph of an American rock musician. Below, she simply paired it with grey sweatpants. Though simple, her striking looks still drew attention.
"Not weird, just not very coordinated."
Sylvie, dressed in a light-coloured casual dress, gave Angelene a once-over before sighing regretfully:
"Honestly, it's not as eye-catching as yesterday's chaotic kimono. At least that mismatched kimono stood out more than this... overly ordinary look."
Angelene huffed at that:
"If we're disguising as ordinary tourists for a secret meeting, of course we should dress ordinarily! It's not like we're attending a festival!"
Sylvie simply reached out and pinched Angelene's cheek:
"But Lina, with a face like yours, you'll be the centre of attention no matter what you wear, okay?"
"Sylvie..."
The girl's low whine was full of complaint.
Hearing this, Sylvie decided not to tease her further and changed the subject:
"Speaking of which, the meeting point is the bridgehead of Togetsukyo, right?"
She glanced around at the occasional tourists and vehicles crossing the bridge, spotting familiar faces from the tactical team at various vantage points—on the bridge, the opposite shore, and some elevated positions:
"Seems like the Hidden Management Department hasn't arrived yet."
"Looks that way..." Angelene also scanned the surroundings before asking curiously, "But Sylvie, is it just the Hidden Management Department meeting us?"
"Higher-ups said the Operations Department will intervene after the situation escalates, and only their actions will be officially reported."
Hearing this, Angelene frowned slightly:
"A covert operation? Then who holds command authority? What's the mission objective? What's the plan?"
"Lina," Sylvie sighed, rubbing her temples in exasperation, "you're the captain here!"
"Even so," Angelene stared straight at Sylvie, "aren't these matters supposed to be handled by you as the vice-captain?"
"Though I'm the Head-Captain, I'm just the combat personnel who makes the final decisions, right?"
Hearing this, Sylvie replied expressionlessly:
"No, I mean the clearance level for this operation is too high. The details should only have been sent to your encrypted email."
"Eh?" Angelene froze momentarily before her face instantly flushed red. She hurriedly pulled out her specialised phone from her pocket: "Sorry, I didn't realise that was the case. Wait, Sylvie, why didn't you remind me this morning?"
At this, Sylvie said matter-of-factly: "Because your conflicted expression while choosing suitable disguise clothes was too amusing! I got distracted watching and forgot about it."
"Sylvie!!"
Angelene's voice rose sharply as her face reddened.
Just then, a rustling sound echoed in both their minds.
"Captain, suspicious individuals approaching from Point C."
Hearing this telepathic message, Angelene and Sylvie's expressions stiffened simultaneously, their peripheral glances shifting towards the bridge.
It was then that Angelene spotted the golden-curled, expressionless girl again.
"Is that... the one from yesterday?"
"Know her?" Sylvie murmured.
Seeing Suzuka Dairenji, Angelene hesitated before saying:
"That's the girl who followed Director Luo Shu yesterday. Seems to be a new member of the Hidden Management Department."
"New member?"
Hearing this, Sylvie responded oddly before pinching the soft flesh behind Angelene's back, making the girl yelp in pain.
"Sylvie!!"
The girl protested loudly.
Sylvie calmly stated:
"Review the Onmyou Agency files when we get back. If you can't even recognise Taiyin of the Divine Generals, you must have been completely distracted while studying last night."
"Eh?" Angelene froze again.
The girl's pained cry had also drawn Suzuka Dairenji's attention.
After a glance confirmed it was Angelene, she walked over with visible irritation, stopping directly before her to say bluntly:
"It's you, yesterday's idiot!"
"What?" Being suddenly called an idiot left Angelene bewildered.
But Suzuka continued:
"Seen that shameless Director of ours anywhere?"
"Director Luo Shu?? No." Angelene shook her head before asking in confusion, "Shameless??"
Suzuka didn't answer, merely clicking her tongue in annoyance as she crossed her arms:
"Tch, so I'm early then? Damn bastard only sent the time and location to my email. Worst of all, making me come alone! That bastard!"
Hearing this, Sylvie swallowed her initial question about why they'd know her Director's whereabouts, instead giving Suzuka a peculiar look.
That tone of resentful wifely complaint... your relationship with your Director seems rather questionable!
Sylvie had originally wondered why the Hidden Management Department's Director would bring a new member with ties to another organisation on such a confidential mission.
Now it made sense - this kind of relationship explained everything!
But speaking of which, is it really appropriate to have such nepotism in a newly established department? Are you sure the Chairwoman won't hold you accountable?
Oh, come to think of it, the Chairwoman herself is his girlfriend.
Sylvie felt something was off about this whole situation, but couldn't quite put her finger on what exactly was strange.
As she was pondering, the more straightforward Angelene asked curiously:
"Didn't Director Luo come with you?"
"Him?" Suzuka Dairenji scoffed. "He's probably still outside scouting the location. That guy is ridiculously cautious when it comes to matters of life and death..."
As she said the word "cautious," Suzuka's expression suddenly changed as she realised something serious:
"Wait, given Luo Shu's personality, why would he arrive just on time instead of coming early to set up preparations?"
"There's something wrong here?"
"What do you mean?"
Angelene and Sylvie were stunned simultaneously, but then a soft clapping sound echoed through the air.
"I never expected you'd be the first to notice the problem."
"That's rather unexpected, Suzuka."
As the voice faded, the surrounding scenery began to dissipate like mist.
Beneath the vanishing mist...
Revealed a spacious hall with traditional Japanese decor, tatami flooring, and numerous low tables laden with dishes - as if in the midst of a banquet.
At the head table, Luo Shu smiled at the assembled group:
"First meeting, everyone from the Direct Action Team!"
"I'm Luo Shu."
"Your temporary commanding officer."