Tekagi's Arch, also known under the apt name of Heaven's Gate, is considered one of the greatest achievements man ever made in Kusari. Its sheer size, splendor and grandeur is often described by those who first see it with terms such as "breathtaking", "impressive", and "overwhelming".
Formerly housing Governor Tekagi of Kusari, it is now home to those named the Za Aoi Ichi.
"One of the most remarkable things about..."
"Sir?"
Takeshi Aoki glanced at the man standing in front of him, awaiting permission to continue. He closed his book, keeping one finger between the pages to mark where he was. Couldn't a subcommander of a battleship like the Nagasaki ever have some rest? He was bloody off duty!
"What is it?"
"Mister Nagano is asking for you in his quarters. He says it's urgent."
"Urgent? At this time of the evening?"
"Yes, sir."
"Fair enough...that'll be all."
"Yes sir!"
Takeshi smiled at the ensign's mildly naive enthusiasm. Most new lads were like that. Again, he glanced up, noticing the ensign was still just standing there.
"Well, of you go!"
"Oh--Yes, sir, of course sir!"
Takeshi yawned, slowly got up, and started the long walk to Nagano's quarters.
Takeshi hesitated slightly, wondering what Nagano wanted, then knocked on the door twice.
"Enter."
A sly grin crept onto Takeshi's face as he entered. "You know, they have internal ship radio's these days. No need to send that poor lad all the way to me."
"This is safer."
Takeshi raised his eyebrows. Safer? What was the man blabbering about? Was he drunk again, like that one day? If High Command heard about that...
With a slight thump, the door closed behind him.
"More safe? What are you on about...?"
"Nothing. Here, have something to drink, we're both off duty."
"No thanks."
"I insist. Here," Nagasaki said, pushing a glass of alcohol into Takeshi's hands, "take a seat."
"What's wrong anyway?"
A hint of suspicion crawled into Takeshi's voice. This wasn't like Nagano at all. Slowly, he sat down on a chair opposite to Nagano, who followed suit. He nipped the alcoholic drink, whatever it was, finding with disgust that it was strong alcohol.
"There is something you need to know, Takeshi."
"Oh?"
"Finish your drink. We'll talk afterwards."
"No thanks."
"I insist."
"Very well then..."
Takeshi again nipped his drink.
"Drink up, Takeshi-san. You're going to need it."
"All right then..."
Takeshi had heard the rumours about Nagano acting a tad strangely lately, but they were just that, rumours. Right? Nevertheless, he quickly downed the glass. The drink burned in his throat, refreshing yet intoxicating. He knew he was getting a tad too intoxicated a tad too quickly.
"So what did you want to tell me?"
Nagano slowly pushed the table aside, now sitting directly in front of Takeshi Aoki. He merely stared into Takeshi's eyes, as he muttered something.
"Za Aoi Ichi."
"What?" Takeshi asked, shifting uncomfortably on his seat.
"It means "The Blue Ones", my friend."