28th May 2007
The morning sun spilled through the armory windows, casting golden lines across the polished floor. Rows of lockers lined the far wall, each one marked with a trainee's name. The air buzzed with quiet excitement today, they were being armed not just as trainees, but as official investigators.
Takeru stood near the entrance, watching as the quartermasters moved down the line, handing out gear with practiced efficiency. When his name was called, he stepped forward and received the first piece: Vanguard Coat.
Dark and sleek, the coat felt heavier than it looked. As he slid it on, a faint shimmer danced across the surface. It was cool to the touch, yet almost immediately began adapting to his body heat. Crafted with monster derived materials and layered with defensive enchantments, it could withstand claws, fangs, even fire and frost. It hugged his frame like a second skin, a silent promise of protection in the field.
"Not bad" Kaneki muttered beside him, twisting his shoulders as he adjusted his own coat. "Stylish and practical."
Next came weapon selection. Racks of close combat gear lined the armory walls, blades forged from monster bones and enhanced alloys, each humming faintly with stored energy. Swords, daggers, spears, axes, hammers, bows, cannons, gauntlets, guns and even more. All were designed to pierce through monster hides where normal steel failed.
Takeru's eyes scanned the choices before him. He finally reached out, wrapping his hand around the grip of a slightly curved, single edged sword. Its edge glowed faintly, like it remembered every strike it had ever delivered.
"This one" he said quietly. The weight felt right. Balanced.
Beside him, Kaneki chose a pair of short blades, twin knives meant for speed and close quarters combat. "Gotta match my style, right?" he said with a wink. "Fast and flashy."
Around them, others were making their choices. Aiko claimed a massive halberd with a confident grin. Shun silently picked up a reinforced longsword, testing its grip with a calm nod. Ema took a set of throwing knives and a sleek dagger, her expression unreadable. Haruto inspected his weapon meticulously before choosing a spear with runes carved down its shaft.
As each trainee equipped themselves, there was a subtle shift in the air. The mood turned more serious. These weren't training props anymore. This gear meant real missions. Real danger.
Takeru tightened the strap on his sheath and looked toward the instructor now entering the room. The moment was here, the transition from trainee to investigator.
The door slid open with a sharp hiss.
But it wasn't an instructor who walked in.
Commander Shizune Arima stepped into the room, flanked by two aides in sharp black uniforms. Her Vanguard Coat bore the silver trim exclusive to her and the emblem on her shoulder marked her as something far more significant.
The entire room stiffened.
Even Kaneki, who always had something to say, kept silent.
Shizune's heels echoed across the floor as she strode past the newly equipped trainees, her sharp gaze flicking over each of them with clinical precision. There was no warmth in her expression, but no malice either just a cold, quiet focus honed over decades of experience.
She stopped at the front of the armory.
"You've all been given tools" she said, her voice clear and firm. "Some of you might think you're ready now that you're geared up. Let me make something clear, equipment doesn't make you capable."
A slight hush fell over the room as her words settled in.
"You've earned your licenses, but you haven't earned our trust. Not yet. That takes time, blood, and consistency. Monsters don't care about your rank. Neither do I."
Takeru felt the weight of her stare when it briefly met his. It wasn't just pressure, it was challenge.
Shizune turned to one of her aides and gave a small nod. The woman stepped forward with a datapad in hand and addressed the group.
"You'll now proceed to the Outer Yard for the first segment of your formal training. Squad formations will remain the same. You'll undergo simulated monster combat drills using live constructs. This is not a test. This is your baseline."
"Dismissed." Shizune added, already turning to leave.
The moment she exited, the trainees exhaled collectively, some in awe, others in tension.
Kaneki muttered under his breath, "She's scarier than any monsters we've seen."
"No kidding" Takeru replied, flexing his fingers around his sword grip. "But she's right. This is where it really starts."
They followed the rest of the squad out of the armory and into the training yard.
The Outer Yard stretched wide beneath the clear morning sky, an open field surrounded by high walls and observation towers. Monster shaped dummies stood in formation, some humanoid, others grotesque and monstrous in design. Mechanical arms and reinforced gates hinted at hidden mechanisms, ready to simulate chaos at a moment's notice.
Takeru stepped onto the sandy ground alongside Kaneki and the rest of Squad 4, the weight of his sword settling naturally at his side.
They weren't trainees anymore. They had passed the qualification mission, been issued their official gear, and were now rank 3 Investigators, the lowest official rank, but investigators nonetheless.
A group of instructors stood ahead near a platform, distinguishable by the red striped shoulder insignias. One of them, a tall woman with a crisp voice and commanding presence, stepped forward.
"I'm Instructor Mibu" she began. "You're now part of the MIB as full fledged rank 3 investigator. Congratulations. But don't get cocky, this is where the real work begins."
She tapped her wrist console. A holographic chart projected into the air above her, six tiers of glowing text.
"This is the MIB Investigator ranking system. You're rank 3 now. It's the starting point for all field investigators without formal academy graduation. From here, you'll train under us and fight to earn your place."
She pointed to the next tier.
"Graduating from the training academy and completing the final mission earns you promotion to rank 2 investigator. That's when you're considered field certified and ready for regular assignments with fewer restrictions."
The chart flickered up another level.
"Above that is rank 1 investigator, also known as second class, highest rank for juniors. They handle A-rated monsters alone and often act as support for senior ops."
Then, the rank shifted again.
"First Class Investigators come next. Senior investigator is the best of the best in most regions. Capable of handling S-rated monsters. You've probably heard of Shizune Arima. She's one of highest-ranking first class investigators in Japan. She's been in this fight since 1992."
There was a pause, a quiet beat of respect.
Finally, the crimson rank at the top of the chart lit up: Special Class Investigator.
"Only 42 of them exist worldwide. These are the elites who fight S+ rated monsters, the kind that could wipe out entire nations. Promotion here isn't just about power. It requires a total of 61,100 points, defeating at least one S+ rated monster and most importantly, formal approval by the Grand Master of the MIB. Not a commander. Not your unit leader. The Grand Master."
Instructor Mibu's gaze lingered on the group for a moment before continuing.
"You may have heard the term special class before, but it wasn't always part of our system. In 1992, special class investigator rank was introduced because of Ichikami, the first ever special class investigator. He was a legend in his own time, the most powerful human mage to ever walk on earth. His incredible strength, and the sheer power of his magic, made him capable of fighting off S+ rated monsters on his own."
Takeru couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the mention of Ichikami. The stories were legendary, how he had single handedly repelled several major invasions and had nearly died fighting a creature that could level a city.
"Ichikami's unmatched power is the reason the Special Class system was created" Mibu continued, her tone becoming slightly more somber. "Before him, there were no clear standards for human combatants who could face S+ rated threats. He was a force of nature, and the MIB had no choice but to acknowledge that there needed to be a tier above first class. His strength and actions paved the way for this rank."
She switched the display to a point chart.
"Here's how you climb:
C-rated monster: 10 points
B-rated: 50
A-rated: 100
S-rated: 500
S+ rated: 1,000"
A subtle shift ran through the squad. Serious. Heavy.
"To reach rank 2, all you need is graduation. From there, points decide everything.
1,100 points gets you to rank 1
11,100 for first class
And if you ever hit 61,100 points, and slay an S+... well, maybe the Grand Master will give you a call."
Mibu's eyes swept the group. "None of you are anywhere near the base of that mountain."
She gave a thin smile, the kind that dared them to try.
"Now let's see if you're worth the uniforms. Combat simulation begins in five."
The air in the yard grew thick with tension as the trainees filed into position. The concrete field stretched before them, flanked by towering walls with reinforced panels that could shift and adapt for different simulations. Overhead, cameras and drones hovered, monitoring every move, while instructors observed from a nearby control booth.
As the reinforced gate sealed shut behind them, the squad heard the low hum of arcane mechanisms activating throughout the chamber. The simulation room was massive, built like a modern gladiator arena, enclosed with reinforced concrete and monster-grade alloy. High above, drones floated silently, their lenses recording every movement.
Squad 4: Takeru, Kaneki, Aiko, Shun, Ema, and Haruto stood at the center of the field, alone.
Takeru glanced at Aiko. "Oh, didn't expect to be in the same group as you, Aiko."
Aiko flashed a quick smirk. "Don't worry, I won't outshine you too much."
The PA system crackled to life.
"You're currently in Room C-7" Mibu's voice echoed from the speakers. "Each squad has been assigned to a separate simulation zone to test their individual cohesion and capability. Focus on your objective, don't worry about the others."
The gate across the arena rumbled open. From the shadowed corridor beyond, figures began to emerge, shambling, twisted silhouettes crawling into the light.
C-Rated monsters.
About a dozen of them, each grotesquely different in form. Some hunched low with clawed limbs scraping the ground, others loped on all fours, bone plates jutting from their backs. A sickly green fluid dripped from their mouths. These were lesser beasts, yes but even lesser beasts could kill, especially in numbers.
Kaneki spun one of his knives between his fingers. "Well, I was hoping for a warm up. Guess we got one."
"Don't get sloppy" Takeru said, drawing his blade and stepping forward. "They're fodder, but they're still monsters."
"Form up" Aiko barked, halberd already in hand. "Haruto, mid range. Ema, support from the flanks. Shun, cover our backs."
They moved with practiced precision. Squad 4 had trained together for weeks now, sparring, coordinating, pushing through drills until their movements became instinctive.
The first monster lunged, and the arena erupted into chaos.
Takeru met it head on, blade cleaving through a twisted neck. Kaneki darted between beasts like a blur, blades flashing. Aiko's halberd crushed limbs and spines with every swing. Haruto's spear found weak points with surgical precision, and Ema's knives never missed. Shun held the line with calm focus, intercepting those who got too close to the rear.
One by one, the C-Rated monsters fell. Blood stained the training floor, and the air stank of burnt ozone and monster flesh.
Then the second gate opened.
Takeru's breath caught.
The arena rumbled as a new figure stepped out, massive, muscular, nearly three meters tall. Its flesh looked like armor, thick and pulsing with a crimson hue. Horns curled from its skull, and its eyes burned with wild fury. It let out a guttural roar that shook the walls.
"B-Rated!" Aiko shouted. "Spread out!"
No one hesitated.
The beast charged like a freight train. Haruto barely managed to dive aside as it slammed into the center of their formation, carving a crater into the stone floor. Its arm lashed out, and Shun was knocked off his feet, tumbling back with a grunt.
"Keep it surrounded!" Takeru barked, blade in hand. "Don't let it build momentum!"
He rushed in, slashing across the beast's flank. The blade cut, but shallowly. Its hide was tougher than any C-Rated monster's.
Kaneki struck from behind, driving both daggers into its back, .only to be flung aside like a ragdoll when the beast twisted and slammed him with its elbow. He hit the ground hard, groaning but conscious.
"Kaneki!" Ema launched a flurry of throwing knives, striking the monster's eyes and arms, momentarily blinding it.
"Haruto, now!" Aiko shouted.
He hurled his spear with all his strength. The runes along the shaft blazed, and the weapon pierced into the beast's side, deep this time. It howled.
Aiko followed up, her halberd sweeping low, cutting through a tendon in its leg. The monster stumbled.
Takeru surged forward. He climbed its back in a heartbeat and with a roar of his own, drove his blade deep into the back of its neck, straight down, twisting as he went.
The beast spasmed, then collapsed with a thunderous crash.
Silence.
Everyone stood still for a moment, breathing hard. Blood black and steaming pooled beneath the monster's corpse.
The green light above the exit finally blinked on. The PA system crackled again.
"Simulation complete" said Mibu's voice, cool and composed. "Well done, Squad 4. One B-Rated, twelve C-Rated eliminated. No serious injuries. Report to debriefing."
Kaneki groaned as he pushed himself up, chuckling through the pain. "Come on, please tell me we get extra points for that one."
Takeru didn't answer. He looked at the monster's corpse, then at his team, his allies and felt something stir.
Not fear.
Conviction.
This was only the beginning.
Later that evening.
Observation Room, MIB Training Facility
Behind the thick glass of the observation deck, the arena below was quiet again, cleaners already at work clearing away the remains of the combat simulation. The blood, the shattered stone, the scorched markings. It was as if the battle had never happened.
Commander Shizune Arima stood with arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Her presence, even in silence, radiated authority, decades of experience etched into her gaze.
At her side stood Instructor Mibu, alongside two others, Yasuda, the close combat trainer, and Kujo, who oversaw strategy and field tactics.
"Squad 4 performed well" Mibu said, tapping a tablet. "Minimal injuries, tight formation. They adapted quickly to the B-Rated monster's appearance."
"They're shaping up faster than expected." Yasuda added, arms folded. "Aiko's got leadership instincts, and Takeru… he's got killer reflexes. Clean kill shot to the spine."
Shizune didn't speak at first. Her eyes were on the last frame of the footage. Takeru, standing over the monster's corpse, blood splattered but calm. Focused.
"That wasn't just instinct" she said at last. "He moved like someone who's been in real combat. Not just simulation."
"He's... intuitive" Mibu said, careful with her words. "Observant. He analyzes on the fly. Not afraid to take the lead when no one else does."
Shizune's gaze narrowed.
"He reminds me of someone." she murmured.
No one spoke for a moment.
Then Kujo cleared his throat. "Shall we move them on to the advanced phase?"
"Not yet" Shizune said firmly. "They're rank 3 now, yes but the world doesn't care what number you wear. It cares if you survive."
The room fell silent again.
Mibu lowered her gaze. "Understood, Commander."
Yasuda tapped the side of his tablet. "What about Ichikami's recommendation list? He sent word from HQ last night. He wants eyes kept on certain names... and Takeru Hoshino is one of them."
At that, Shizune's expression shifted just slightly.
"I know," she said. "Ichikami doesn't send names lightly. He never did."
Her gaze returned to the window.
"Keep watching Squad 4. From now on, we're not just training investigators. We're preparing survivors."