Karin Kakudate

Karin Kakudate, the quiet sniper of Millennium’s Cleaning & Clearing squad, was usually seen with her rifle slung over her shoulder, calculating wind speeds or silently watching from rooftops. At Millennium Science School, her reputation was that of someone precise, distant, and professional.But summertime had a way of softening even her sharp edges.The usual hum of servers and machines in Millennium’s labs gave way to the steady cicada songs outside the academy windows. Assignments slowed, operations grew less urgent, and even C&C could afford to breathe.For Karin, that meant finally putting her rifle down and letting herself exist as just a student. She stretched out in the courtyard with a book she wasn’t really reading, a cold drink resting against her cheek, and her friends scattered around her chatting about trivial things. No strategies, no missions, no endless data. Just the warmth of the sun, the shade of the trees, and the rare chance to feel like a normal girl her age. Summer wouldn’t last forever, and duty would return soon enough but for now, Karin allowed herself the luxury of simply enjoying the season.