A convoy of sleek black vehicles pulled up to the university's main entrance.
From the lead car emerged Director Sayuri, her expression as stoic as ever. Beside her stood Akane Ryuzoji, a tall woman with vermilion hair tied in a ponytail, her demeanor confident and composed. Akane carried a bottle of alcohol with her.
It was her signature item.
President Serena, President Momo, Shin, Riku, and a few others ran to the door to greet them. Director Sayuri introduced Akane to the group. They made their brief introductions before heading through the front doors into the university building.
They made their way to the second floor into a private conference room that was guarded by several agents. Everyone sat in their respective seats, forming a circle. It was evident that there was too much tension in the room.
Once seated, Director Sayuri addressed the group. Her voice was filled with a hint of fear.
"The situation has escalated. With Izanami now in possession of Code Numbers 4 and 8, our position is increasingly dangerous. Our next few decisions will be crucial to the survival of our Code Numbers and possibly the future of humanity. Akane will be able to explain things better."
She gestured to Akane, who took a swig from her bottle before speaking.
"Reito has always been on the side of good. He is a little bit naïve, but he means well. Even though World Headquarters has him wrapped around their finger, using him like a public puppet to put down conflicts with the people. Reito does know, though, they are evil through our help. In addition, Reito was approached by Code Number 3 to propose an alliance against Shin, but he shut that down quickly. He is quite the pacifist if it's in his control."
A murmur spread through the room, a mix of relief and concern.
Akane continued after taking another sip, "On a more positive note, Reito and his team have discovered an abandoned secret research facility. Our team managed to get a lot of the tech there running smoothly. This allows us to do what we want without any harm of being monitored by World Headquarters. It makes us effectively off-grid."
She spoke again as she leaned forward, elbows on the table.
"Our work on the MK Virus cure has progressed significantly. We haven't found a cure yet, but we know the process to get there. However, this information remains confidential. We can't let World Headquarters know, or any high-ranking Japanese UW officials we can't 100% trust. Public knowledge could jeopardize their safety and the research itself."
Director Sayuri nodded in agreement. "The World Headquarters, especially the Three Sages, cannot be trusted with this information. Their motives are unreadable. Those three are extremely smart and dangerous. The fact the majority of women on Earth want men to come back fully is probably the only reason they won't directly kill off all the Code Numbers. They can't handle a full-on revolt. However, we have no proof yet of them wanting to kill all men."
Riku leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "What steps should we take now?"
Akane responded, "Given the circumstances, it's too risky for you and Shin to remain here. The World Headquarters is likely aware of your existence and may act against you. It is highly possible they would use you as leverage against the Japanese Branch. Therefore, we're arranging for you to relocate to Reito's secret facility temporarily."
Akane took out her phone and placed a quick call. She spoke in whispers and hung up a minute later. Everyone was curious what that was about. It didn't take long to find out.
"I've confirmed with Sui, Reito's bodyguard, that accommodations can be made for that to happen. However, it is best you limit the amount of people you tell. It would be pretty smart to tell all the ladies that their Code Numbers have gone on an important mission somewhere and will return safely later. Since, who knows what World Headquarters might try to do to find their location."
Director Sayuri interjected, "Will it be allowed for Riku and Shin to bring their attendants? Maintaining the breeding program's quota is essential for the Japanese UW Branch. It increases the chance of pregnancy and, with that, a birth of another male."
Akane considered this before replying back. She took another big swig of her bottle, which was now empty. She frowned as she noticed it was all gone. She sighed and responded.
"Yes, but limit it to a dozen each. The facility has its constraints and it's safer this way."
"We understand," Director Sayuri said while nodding.
"We are ready to do what's necessary," Shin responded back. Riku nodded in agreement.
They all got up from their chairs and walked out of the conference room.
The meeting concluded itself.
The group split off to gather their things. Shin luckily didn't have to pack much, since he hardly unpacked from his time at the hospital. He was moving around a lot lately, and he wasn't happy with it. He understood why, though. Just his existence caused a change within the political scene of things. Now he is best buds with Riku, which further complicates things.
Shin will do what has to be done, though, in order to keep his girls safe.
He was placing his final piece of clothing in his suitcase and zipping it up when Doctor Yuna opened his door. She helped him double-check he wasn't missing anything. Yuna noticed that Shin was feeling a bit sad about leaving his room. After all, this was the place he most considered home.
"This will only be temporary," Doctor Yuna said softly to him as she put a hand on his back.
"I hope you're right," Shin replied back. He opened his door leading out to the hallway. He took one more look behind at his room before shutting it behind him with a soft thud.
He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the uncertain journey ahead.