September 18, 2026. 9:15 AM. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Inside Fuji Training Area. Certain location.
“Right this way. But Totoki-sama, are you truly sure about this…?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already secured the release authorization. Is it down this way?”
Totoki walked ahead of the staff member and two Self-Defense Force officials. And then they arrived at what appeared to be the destination cell.
“This solitary cell has special security measures. It has double doors, so please be careful. Regulations dictate that if the prisoner attempts anything suspicious, they are to be shot dead immediately. Please understand.”
“I know. Open it.”
At Totoki’s instruction, the staff member opened the cell door. The SDF members on the left and right aimed their assault rifles at the prisoner sitting in the back.
“Prisoner Number 477. You have a visitor.”
Saying that, the staff member stepped back behind Totoki.
“Nice to meet you. I am Totoki, Section Chief of Public Security Section Seven. I came to talk to you.”
A woman inside the solitary cell. The emaciated woman with overgrown hair was looking down quietly, reading a book. Her age was perhaps in her late 30s… Her appearance was terribly unkempt.
“………”
She slowly moved her gaze and looked at Totoki.
“………”
She stared further at Totoki with eyes like a venomous snake.
“–Excuse me. Could you leave the two of us alone?”
Totoki said that to the staff member.
“B-but…”
“–I said, leave the two of us alone. I won’t say it twice.”
Totoki glared. Frightened by his demeanor, the three reluctantly left the solitary cell.
“–I apologize. I trust you. I have no intention of harming you. Let’s talk a little. I will also prepare the optimal place for you to work.”
“………What is it?”
The woman’s low voice. Totoki smiled faintly.
“Former Public Security Police Section Six. Reiko Shisei. You wrote a certain report before. I was allowed to read it.”
“………”
“…The Dream Witch. You appealed to her existence in your report. Did you actually meet her?”
“………You read the report, didn’t you?”
Totoki shook his head.
“No. That’s not what I want to know. –I am asking, did she grant your wish?”
“………”
Shisei slowly opened her palm, facing upward. Then, for an instant, flames danced up from her palm. Her gaze was merely staring at Totoki.
“…I appreciate you being quick on the uptake. I would very much like to borrow your power. When you are assigned to our Public Security Section Seven, I will erase all your past criminal records and promise you freedom of action. Though the duties will be extremely busy.”
“One thing…”
“What is it?”
“An advance payment and preparation time… About a week will do…”
“That’s not one thing, but… well, fine. How much do you need?”
“………”
Shisei stared eerily at Totoki and held up one finger.
“That’s too high for a national public servant’s monthly salary, but… very well. Your power is valuable. I’ll consider it an upfront investment.”
“One more thing…”
“…What is it this time?”
“I want you to prepare a car… An unmarked Legacy. The latest model… The color must be black.”
“Those are quite strict demands… They aren’t produced in Japan anymore, but well, I’ll manage somehow.”
“………Deal.”
September 25, 2026. 8:37 AM. National Police Agency, Public Security Section Seven. Office.
The morning sun shone through the blinds. Totoki was drinking his morning coffee at his desk while checking emails on his computer. Meanwhile, Kujo and Mizuhara brought her in.
“………!”
“Section Chief. Good morning…”
Totoki was astounded by the transformation. The woman who had been in a terrible state in the solitary cell with her hair eerily overgrown had properly groomed herself and looked like a completely different person. She even looked about 10 years younger.
“Public Security Section Seven. Reiko Shisei. I have arrived at my post…”
Then Totoki explained to Kujo and Mizuhara.
“Let me introduce you. This is our new comrade, Inspector Reiko Shisei. She possesses innate spiritual abilities and a special power. She should become a great asset when confronting AWs. The duties will become even more dangerous than before. I’m counting on you. Also, do not leak anything about Shisei’s abilities to the outside.”
Kujo and Mizuhara saluted. Then, Shisei slowly peered into Kujo’s face.
“………Kujo-san.”
“…What is it?”
Shisei floating a faint smile.
“How many people……… have you–killed?”
Shisei with an eerie smile. She gradually peered into Kujo’s face and snuggled up to him. Instantly, Mizuhara stepped in to stop her.
“Please stop! Just what are you–”
It was at that moment. Taking advantage of a split-second opening, she twisted the joints of Mizuhara’s wrist and took her back in the blink of an eye. Then, she thrust the ballpoint pen she had in her breast pocket against Mizuhara’s neck.
“………Shut up, little girl. Do not irritate me… Incompetents who know nothing of the darkness–make me want to kill them.”
Unable to watch, Totoki stepped in.
“–Don’t go overboard on your first day, Shisei. Power harassment will mean a massive pay cut.”
Totoki’s sharp words flew. Shisei slowly returned the ballpoint pen thrust against her neck.
“–Excuse me. I have a rather urgent call.”
Saying that, Totoki entered his own office and picked up the phone.
“This is Totoki. Has the draft for the evacuation plan been safely approved? Countermeasures are a mandatory requirement, but our hands are full over here as well. Proceed with things as instructed. I look forward to working with you going forward.”
Totoki hung up the phone. And then made a call somewhere else.
“–This is Totoki. Yes. Our preparations are going smoothly. –Yes. Thank you very much. Regarding coordination with the US, it will become increasingly important going forward. –Matters concerning information leaks affect the nation’s credibility. Please draft it flawlessly. Well then.”
He hung up the phone.
He opened the drawer of the desk in his office. Inside was a single photograph taken during his Harvard University days.
The university campus… The three of them pictured getting along well. Himemiya in the middle. Totoki and Kamikura on either side.
After gazing at the photo for a while, he quietly closed the drawer.
He gently closed his eyes. And Totoki, standing up from his chair, left the office with a gaze as if he had resolved himself to something…
To be continued in CODE:AW EPISODE II