Just like old times, Doctor. You're safe with me around.

New weapons? Nope, Hannya just got reforged, and I shared a connection with this blade from early on. I prefer old-school stuff for everything, except my bike—though I do keep my retired rides all nice and clean in the garage.

One time I showed up to work with this outfit on, and Lungmen's triads were especially well-behaved that day. Too bad Missy ordered me to switch back after the L.G.D. hotline got flooded with residents asking us to handle an 'Unidentified Dangerous Individual'... what a shame.

Monks talk of 'Prajna' as a transcendent wisdom beyond mortal comprehension, but the Higashinese are more familiar with 'Hannya', the angry face on this shield. Being born in Higashi as an Oni is already lucky enough for a Sarkaz, but who can say how many of us seek liberation, or die in battle?

Kyoukaku? Xiá? Sure, your gallant swordsmen dedicated to lofty moral codes, you hear about them in Higashi's Chuushingura and Yan's wuxia tales, but I'm not the type at all. Those are vigilantes, going against the law with violence; and once you have law enforcement turning into vigilantes, or a vigilante with no choice but to join hands with the police, then everything will—Yeah, stuff's been messed up for a long, long time.

Yeah, I chose Lungmen in the end. After so many years, I'd long stopped expecting Mitsukue sake to take like it used to. But I never imagined it'd distill itself into tastelessness. All we got left is straight paint thinner. Booze like that, I don't drink.

I took Missy to dinner after she got back from Siesta. It was before she got sworn in, so imagine how red her face was when I let a 'Commissioner' slip out—Oh, Commissioner Swire! What an honor to have you grace Rhodes Island!—Ow! Milady—I mean, Missy, please, have mercy!

In his final moments, Ah Faat asked Old Ch'en to take care of me, but she's actually the one who can't keep out of trouble. Today, I have the entire L.G.D. behind me, but her? Ugh... Promise me, Doctor, if she ever asks Rhodes Island for help, don't make a fool of her.

I don't take vows lightly. Moral values are inherently messy, and bending over backwards to do stuff for other people only adds to the horrible hotpot. But you—I trust you. I know you can tell right from wrong. I've said before I'll heed your orders, and that will always be true. You heard me, a promise is a promise.

Here, the coffee machine. I kept watching you run over to it, so I just made it easier for you. It's light enough.

Defender Operator Hoshiguma, reporting in once again—Special Inspection Unit Chief? Yup, that'll be my job title soon. Though on Rhodes I'm just Operator Hoshiguma, it's more chill for me that way.

Best I learn from you how to command others.

I'll still protect you even without this medal... That said, it's an honor getting a commendation from you. Thank you very much.

Another medal? Enough of these stuffy things. If you really want to thank me, why not write something on Hannya's underside? I vow to you, as long as I hold the shield, your inscription will be there forever.

Mission time? Perfect, I get to stretch my legs far, far away from paperwork.

Just focus on offense, no matter how the fight might go. Yup, go wild. I'll keep you all safe.

If you're stumped, just leave the hardest task to me.

Prepare yourselves. The battlefield might get a little crazy once I make my move.

Time for me to get serious?

Don't panic, I am here.

Where's their most annoying guy? I'll take him down.

Where's the most dangerous spot? Send me there.

Decided what to carve on your graves yet?

Not scared? You've got guts, but that might be all you've got.

You're not the one I'm looking for. Move.

…What a pity.

...Just like all those years ago? No, I'm following your orders this time, so no regrets on my end.

Don't bother checking the battlefield again. I saw every enemy off myself.

Call it a day here? Hold on, I haven't had my fun yet, so I need to blow off some steam—Phew... So? I seem less scary now, right?

Don't worry, they'll stay clear of you as long as I'm around. See you in a bit, once I'm done with them.

Here I am, Doctor. Huh? Oh, I've spent so much time here, it's muscle memory for me to duck my head.

What was that?

Careful, my horn's pretty sharp too.

Arknights.

Doctor, here's a bike I got for you. Give it a spin. Why did I get it? Uh, the ad was really cool, and they told me they had a New Year sale too... right, so you accelerate here, and this one... wait—Doctor?! Slow down! The bike's out of control!

Want a glass? It's just mint tea. C'mon, you think I'm the type to grab a drink at this hour?

Only for your birthday, Doctor, will I follow you anywhere, no matter how dangerous or silly it gets, even if you take full responsibility for the risks. So, figured out where you wanna go yet?

I hate how time has taken people away from me, but on the other hand, everyone still with me is precious, and that includes you... so before time washes everything away, why not chill with me here for a bit, Doctor?