It has to be something else. Well that's what Gen thinks. And he's kind of right because what makes you so respected among the others? Was it your overwhelming strength? Your excellent ability to lead others?

Maybe everything together. But there are so many others who are capable of your job? Why are you so popular? Honestly, those questions are torturing Gen for the last few days

Until he experienced the reason himself.

It was unspeakable kindness.

Like last time when he stalked you for a whole day—

"Wahh! I forgot my wallet!"

"That's alright. Today's my time to invite you." your lips curled into the faintest smile, a rare sight for your solemn gaze.

"Ah..! Thank you so much, vice-captain [lastname]!"

Or in the middle of the battlefield—

"My apologies, vice-captain! It's entirely my fault for being distracted!"

You shook your head and placed your hand on top of his shoulder, ignoring the burning pain in your other arm. "It's alright. Everyone gets distracted once in a while." you were quick to brush off.

"But you got badly hurt!"

"Make sure to stay focused from now on so this won't happen again. Yes?"

"I-I understand, vice-captain!"

Not to forget on your day off—

"Oh? It's unusual to see you out on a day off." you blinked in surprise.

The black-grey haired boy twitched as he immediately lifted his head, tearing his gaze from his phone to you. "Y-You..!" he spluttered in total shock, not expecting to see you around.

"T-That's [lastname] [name], vice-captain of the first division!" a young girl gasped in shock, her excitement vivid.

"Who? Who's that, old man?" another kid spoke up, who sat next to him on the bench.

"Oi, I'm not old at all! I just turned twenty!"

"Right, explain that to your white hair."

"It's obviously grey, brat!"

"Oh, I didn't think you would be the type to understand yourself with children." you patted the head of the girl, who clung onto your leg.

"I don't!" he denied, "they just came out of nowhere."

"Gen-chan visited us!" the little girl giggled.

"Really?" you crouched down to her level.

"Yeah, he visits us once in a while. The orphanage we live in isn't in the best condition, so he makes sure to check up on us." she whispered, a big smile adorning her chubby face.

"That's sweet of him." you hummed, returning her smile with your own.

"I'm not checking up on them..! Just because I decided to hang out here, doesn't mean I intended to visit you brats..!"

"Wow, that's totally something what an old man would say..."

"Right?" you agreed, deciding to humour them a little.

You rose from your crouching position and sat down beside him, the girl not hesitating to follow you and making herself comfortable by leaning her head against your arm. "Can I get an autograph?!"

"Sure, you just have to give me a marker." it's not like you're a celebrity. But it doesn't hurt to bring a little joy for children.

"You want an autograph from her!?" Gen froze, his thumbs halting mid air. "Could've asked me too, y'know?"

"No, thank you."

"Old man, you died!"

"It seems like you're pretty loved." you chuckled as you faced him, "next time you check up on them, make sure to call me too."

"I'm not..!"

You are kind. It might not look like that upon first glance but the longer someone spends time with you, the more aware they are of this side. And then they start cozying up on you.

Because you respect them, you understand them, you recognise them. Sometimes you're tough to them but later on, they realise that you did this for them. For them to improve and learn out of their mistakes.

That's what makes you so respected. Not only in the first division but also in the whole JAKDF. And lastly by Narumi Gen himself.

"Spar with me, vice-cap'!"

"Clean up your room first, Gen."

"I will do it later."

"No. Do it now or you have to spar with Hasegawa."

"...fine."

It was a quiet murmur before Gen left the room.

"Oh, I expected it would take longer for vice-captain to tame that beast..."

"Dang this is a new record. Not even the platoon leader gets him to clean up his room..!"