S1.01: Commencement, 03 of 03

After reading the official memo, Izana went in search of Nagate, eventually finding him cleaning an empty classroom.

"Nagate-san, they've announced the latest cadet organization and we are within the same disivision." Izana said by way of greeting. Nagate stopped sweeping and stared at them blankly. "That means we may be paired together in the same unit for drills or practice sorties. In fact, we are on call right now."

"Oh. That's great," Nagate said with a smile.

"We must shake hands now," Izana said, holding out their right hand for Nagate to clasp.

"What is this for?" Nagate asked staring at their hands.

"There is a saying that squad mates who've never touched each other will get into an accident." As they shook hands, Izana spotted Yamano walking in the hall outside and called out, "Oh, Yamano! You're in our division aren't you? We might be paired together, so let's shake hands to be safe."

"That's just a dumb superstition," Yamano replied with barely a pause before continuing down the hall and away from them. "I'm gonna pass."

"Yamano is always like that," Izana said with a sigh as they watched Yamano walking away from the doorway. "Well, let's go put on our skin suits." Izana knew some experience with the suits would do Nagate some good as being introduced to the biological catheter right before your first sortie would not be good.

"What?" Nagate replied.

"Just follow me."