"Lieu... Lieutenant Tempest Kotone," He blurted out.

Tempest glanced at him, but walked on past him. Then Yuuka appeared, and stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. There was a moment of tension in the air, until Yuuka smiled. "Kotone-san, please accept him as your partner for this assignment. I'm afraid I am not available." She said.

Tempest stepped away from her, and nodded while sighing. She took off her glasses and cleaned them with the ribbon around her small waist. The lenses glinted brightly as she put them back on. "I see... and what's his name?" Tempest asked.

"Kiyoshi," Yuuka answered, "Kiyoshi Durante."

Tempest nodded calmly again. "All right then, Kiyoshi-kun," Tempest said, "I assume you agree to this, us being assigned together?" Kiyoshi hesitated, but then saluted. "Of course, if it is ordered by Yuuka-san, I accept it with no regrets whatsoever." He said quickly. Tempest nodded slowly in approval, carefully examining him. And then, miraculously, Tempest smiled.

"Okay, then. I suppose we should go now." She said.