The Away Mission Test: Part 21

Short Summary
''At lights out, Osamu and Oki theorize how Mizukami is approaching the battle sims, while Taichi opens up to Kageura. At the start of Day 3, A-rank judges resume scrutinizing Mizukami’s strategy. Upon learning of the increased number for allotted units, Suwa affirms to continuing their collaborative playstyle and looks to Osamu for potential exploits.''

Long Summary
Osamu is astonished at the idea of Mizukami soloing the simulation, but quickly realizes its implications: with less time communicating, his teammates can pull ahead in universal assignments. Osamu questions how Mizukami can produce quality results without extra strategizing; Oki thinks his teammate’s expertise in was applied to the simulation’s traditional set-up. Osamu wonders if their squad should have tried the same method with Katori. Oki reminds him of Suwa’s call to wait until tomorrow.

Kageura of Squad 3 consoles a dejected Taichi, who recalls getting drafted last and the thought of disappointing Suzunari First. He nonetheless reassures Kageura, thanking him for his support. They both express resentment for Inukai, but aim to keep their captain out of it.

On the morning of Day 3, Katagiri Squad returns from defense duty to join the other judges, who inform them of Squad 9’s drama the previous night. A-rank consensus is split regarding Mizukami’s secrecy: some believe he’s done well practically, while others disapprove of his approach. Ichigō agrees with the former, as discourse is inevitable to him. He observes how those with captain experience seem more understanding, but Fuyushima and Tachikawa prove to be exceptions — the latter of which expands on his demerit, remarking that Mizukami appeared to have predicted difficulties and pushed more responsibily onto Arafune and Kon.

Amakura questions why secrecy is a necessity, but Yuitsuka doesn’t think Mizukami’s teammates would have easily accepted the solo strategy. Kitagawa details how his intentions were solely for the benefit of his squad, before comparing the treatment of Teruya to Yuiga’s frequent neglect. Momozono admits to avoiding precarious situations like these; Narasaka struggles to find a more successful strategy — though Yuitsuka notes their captain only narrowly gained a net-increase in points. After the days’ events, Kuroe and Kako wonder about other teams’ strategies going forward.

Squad 7 discovers the addition of more battle units, which would explain the doubled point allocation. Suwa reveals his hunch about Mizukami from yesterday, but recommends collaborative effort given the increased number of units. He prioritizes the creation of exploits from now on, silently entrusting Osamu to the task.

Characters in Order of Appearance
Characters in italics are seen only briefly and have yet to make a proper appearance.
 * Osamu Mikumo
 * Kōji Oki
 * Satoshi Mizukami (Mentioned/Flashback)
 * Tatsuhito Ikoma (Flashback)
 * Yōko Katori (Mentioned/Later Appearance)
 * Kōtarō Suwa (Mentioned/Later Appearance)
 * Masato Kageura
 * Taichi Betsuyaku
 * Sumiharu Inukai (Mentioned)
 * Suzunari First (Mentioned/Taichi)
 * Kuniharu Kakizaki (Mentioned)
 * Yukimaru Ichijō
 * Yōsuke Yoneya
 * Takaaki Katagiri
 * Kōhei Izumi
 * Tōru Narasaka
 * Fumika Teruya (Flashback/Mentioned)
 * Isami Tōma
 * Risa Maki (Later Mentioned)
 * Yuri Rindō
 * Ren Tsukimi
 * Shinji Fuyushima (Later Mentioned)
 * Kirie Konami (Later Mentioned)
 * Kyōsuke Karasuma
 * Shūji Miwa
 * Reiji Kizaki
 * Kei Tachikawa (Mentioned/Later Appearance)
 * Yuu Kunichika
 * Tetsuji Arafune (Mentioned)
 * Yuka Kon (Mentioned)
 * Asumi Amakura
 * Karin Yuitsuka
 * An Kobayakawa
 * Mai Kitagawa
 * Takeru Yuiga
 * Tōichirō Momozono
 * Futaba Kuroe
 * Nozomi Kako
 * Madoka Ui

Triggers in Order of Appearance
None appear over the course of this chapter.