The Tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others - Jose Rizal, Late 19th century Filipino writer and patriot.

......

Ryutarou Hatamoto's POV

Six months after the murder

Meet Katsuma, my little brother. 12 in age.

Ever since the loss of my mother, I have to be there much more for him. Also for sake of him in particular, my dad got remarried.

Right now, it's time to let the cat out of the bag, to make everyone know that I want to go ROTC when I enter college and duty as an Army officer.

My dad knew and accepted my sudden change of course. Uncle Takahashi must had convinced him to let me wear the olive green...

"Remember, son, National Service (1) might be your calling, but never forget the piano."

"As a general's daughter," my stepmom, Nakashima Yuki, began. Her father, Nakashima Shohei, was an Air Force general who retired in 2014. "Being in uniform requires an immense commitment, much more compared to the civilian world. And be ready to be not at home for months."

"Thank you, mom."

On the other hand. "Is this because of Mom, Onii-chan?"

Well... I drew out a collective breath. He must know, in an appropriate manner.

"I realized after Mum's gone, that my real calling is in the Army... little brother. And there will be time that I have to be away from home..."

Another burden went off my back. A voice inside my heart let itself know. I know Katsuma did understand what I am going to do. Much more as yesterday Kokoro had let myself know her plan.

"I'll go Army with you! Because two is better than one!"

"Are you serious, love?"

"Why I must lie to you?" she retorted, on screen. "You know that while my dad is in the Diet and encouraged me to go to Law or Political Science, I know what is the best for me. And just a few hours ago, he gave me his blessing to add ROTC while taking Business Management."

On the same day that night, Izumi and Himari got me on a video call, too.

"I have news..."

I hope that the spiky haired and stocky friend of mine gave us something interesting, which turned out to be more than that.

"Even if we are just starting our last year in high school... I know that college is not my place."

"Why?"

"First, my wish to be independent earlier, especially as athletic scholarship seems out of reach for me... second, my father had just got diagnosed with cancer, Ryutarou."

"Oh no... How come I don't know this?"

"He's just been told yesterday. It's on the throat, and it's already in the second stage, so he took no chances and today, he has done with his first chemo session..."

I remember how his father, a management-level railway worker, was once a heavy smoker before called it quit seven months ago and was doing well ever since. But now, he must fight the consequences of his old life.

... And after a lot of consideration I'll go Army."

"Are you serious?"

"Izumi means it, Ryutarou. He told me today at school before we're back on our homes and got free time to chat with you."

While Kokoro and I attended the elite Hibiya High School, Izumi and Himari attended Hikarizaka National Academy, an all-round academic focused school with substantial athletic program.

"How about you, Himari?"

"For me... You guys know that public service is not unknown in my family thanks to my dad being an Air Force pilot while one of my aunts is in the Coast Guard. For long I thought that college is for me. Then two weeks ago I finally realized that despite my grades, it is simply not for me."

"However, nor Coast Guard nor Air Force are suitable for me. And so, I am seriously considering to go Army like Izumi. But I want to keep myself as a woman in the process."

"Himari, you are a woman and even if you become a warrior, you are still a woman. Embrace it. You can learn from your aunt, as well as the onna-bugeishas (2) of old, fighting alongside their samurai husband in protecting their households and honor. I will always love you whatever your choice will be."

We smiled upon Izumi has done telling us his growing relationship with the short brown haired girl on the right screen, whose eyes are hazel in color.

"And you, Ryutarou?" He continued.

"Both Kokoro and I had decided that when we enter college, we'll add ROTC in it and have time in the Army. I still cannot believe that my mother's passing had woken up a desire that I never thought before as possible for people like me..."

Silence.

Himari was the first to react.

"You can't do things alone, and so, let us be in your side."

"I concur with Himari. We have our own reasons, but now we know what we have to do as your friend; we are to support you in finding the real killer of your mum, our prime minister. He cannot hide forever."

My fist clenched tight, my eyes slowly accumulating tears inside when they were referring to my late mother. I exhaled slowly to let all of the former go before I gave my response to them;

"Again, thank you for dropping in, guys... By the way, when we can hit the gym together like in the old times?"

"Tomorrow, buddy. And tell Kokoro-chan too!"

And so we set our course. Kokoro and I full four years reserve officer training program in Tokyo University, while Himari and Izumi enlisted as privates, in a demanding 22-weeks basic and advanced infantry training.

.....

A/N

1.) In some countries, like Singapore and the 1950s United Kingdom, "National Service" means conscription. However, in this story, the Japanese used this term for volunteer military service in general.

Another term here is "public service"

2.) A class of female warriors in ancient Japan, belonged to the nobility. Notable examples include Tomoe Gozen, Empress Jingu, Nakano Takeko, and Hojo Masako.