Recommendations from Iwamoto-Senpai (岩元先輩ノ推薦)

Who's this?

He's not Japanese. He's from somewhere else.

A foreigner?

Is he the mastermind?

"The best whisky is from Britain." Or so most people believe.

But the stock in this place

is good enough to make one see the value of choosing for flavor, not origin.

I'm rather taken with it.

You see, I have a bit of an obsession when it comes to specifications.

I'd wager you're the Japanese version of myself.

Mister Iwamoto. You're magnificent. With powers that exceed the rumors.

Who is this guy? What's he talking about?

Never shoulda agreed...

We even exchanged cups... but it was all bullshit...

You... used me, you bastard!

You said you were gonna take me away to be a mercenary!

You weren't bad, certainly.

But I have my doubts about how useful you'd prove in 20th-century warfare.

I personally find your garish persona charming...

Mister Shibukibara, the Japanese powered chap.

Wai—

Begging your pardon. My name is Neptune Watergun.

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

I actually came to give you a recommendation.

DEICIDAL FLAME

I've taken a great interest in your ideals.

Raising the standing of people with powers...

Teaching the ignorant masses of their value...

My nation, the British Empire, is also acting to make that utopia a reality.

Now, regarding that recommendation...

Would you be willing to come and work for me, Mister Iwamoto?

I'm quite serious.

Your nation is so old-fashioned.

Why not chase after your ideal in mine?

That is the path I recommend for you.

What the hell is this guy talking about?

Oh, I get it.

He's after the same thing as Iwamoto-san. He wants to recruit people with powers.

And he does it like this?!

Quite correct.

Iwamoto-kun, you really are magnificent.

Given my obsession with specs, that's really saying something.

And we share the same ideals.

Not to mention, you cut a dashing figure.

I'd love to see what my guidance can turn your undeniable raw potential into.

The resulting vintage would be intoxicating. I guarantee it.

I've come quite a long way to welcome you, you know.

What are you talking about? Iwamoto-san is nothing like you!

Why kill Shibuki?

Why, to demonstrate our greater value.

Weak allies can be more dangerous than strong foes, you know.

Haramachi is right.

I realize you've traveled a long way,

but it's time you headed back.

Iwamoto-san!

Well, I can't say I didn't anticipate that you wouldn't come along quietly.

It was rather predictable, frankly.

And at such times... this is my approach.

After I've plunged you into the depths of despair,

I will drag you back with me.

Where does your fire come from? I'm curious about how you generate it.

It's a rather advanced power.

Mine is quite orthodox by comparison.

That said, as long as there is even the slightest bit of water present,

I can use it.

A water dragon?

I-It's freaking Yamata no Orochi!

Iwamoto-san!

"Orochi"? That's Japanese folklore, isn't it?

You could at least call it "Cerberus" instead.

Both of you, get back!

I wonder if killing your pitiable little retinue will make you come along quietly.

I won't let that happen!

I'm sure this is a novel experience, Mister Iwamoto.

Engaging in a battle with someone who has such hi-spec powers.

Iwamoto-san's being overpowered?

No, it's fire versus water. That's a terrible match-up for him.

This doesn't look good. Amaba, watch my back!

What's your plan?

I'm gonna knock Iwamoto-san over!

Haramachi?

Ow...

Amaba-kun.

Why does Amaba get a "kun"?

Wait, that doesn't matter right now.

You two shouldn't take such crazy risks.

Iwamoto-san, your power puts you at too big a disadvantage here.

Let's retreat for now.

We've done plenty already.

We eliminated a guy dangerous enough

to take down the platoon we found at the entrance.

Crematory spider lily!

You gotta be kidding me!

Retreating at this point wouldn't count as disobeying orders.

Be brave enough to withdraw.

Haramachi...

Let's leave now and strengthen our fighting force.

It's not that you're weak. He has a natural counter to your powers.

Recommending the commander makes the choice to retreat...

That's the kind of thing a long-time, work-wife advisor would do, big man.

You should take point.

Hurry to the door. Amaba and I will protect you from the water.

We need you to be our guide and show us the most effective path out.

Please! Trust me!

Haramachi...

I'll do as you ask.

That's the Iwamoto-san I know!

Not bad, big man.

We're gonna close it behind us!

Yes! We made it!

There shouldn't be any water from here to the exit.

Haramachi.

I appreciate what you did. Thank you.

Aw, it's fine.

I hate to ruin the romantic moment, gents,

but we shouldn't underestimate this guy.

Let's get out to the street quickly.

You think we don't realize that?

I feel sorry for them, but someone will have to come back for these rose people.

The roses?

O-Oh, no!

Amaba! You need to move from there!

The roses are made out of blood...

Dragons of blood!

Precisely.

All fluids bend to my will.

S-Stop it...

You seem to be in pain, Mister Iwamoto.

Perhaps you should choose less pedestrian compatriots?

I recommend once again that you choose your friends more carefully.

Instead of this trash.

In the coming wars, the nations with armies devoid of peons will be victorious.

Bastard!

You're wasting your time.

As high as your specs are, there is no scenario in which I lose to fire.