───「 Human POV 」───
Hideo Takahashi gripped the chain in his hand, sitting among his fellow volunteers in the makeshift camp. Nearby, a heavy transport plane waited to carry them to what would likely be their final mission.
Each person wore equipment that resembled something from a space movie—jetpacks and full-body protective gear that left no skin exposed. But this wasn't for space exploration. This was for sacrifice.
The jetpacks would let them fly close to Godzilla's massive form, disrupting its movements. The protective gear might keep them alive long enough to complete their mission, masking their presence from the creature's extraordinary senses. Even the small explosives concealed in their suits had a grim purpose—should anyone get close enough to Godzilla's head when it prepared its atomic breath, they could detonate themselves inside its mouth.
This wasn't survival gear. It was a suicide kit. Putting it on was accepting a one-way ticket to the afterlife.
With three hours until Godzilla reached their defense line, someone broke the heavy silence. "Why did you all choose to fight?"
No one answered at first. The questioner, trying to ease the tension, decided to start: "I'm with the Far East Land Forces. Lost my parents years ago, never started a family of my own. Life lost its meaning—just existing day to day, wondering what it was all for. No goals, no dreams. But I wanted my end to mean something. When Godzilla landed, staying behind felt right."
His words opened a floodgate. Others began sharing their stories, each one a testament to the complex web of motivations that brought them here.
"Fifteen years away from home," one said. "Achieved nothing. Burdened my family. Parents died bitter. This is my chance to make things right."
"Civil servant," another added. "Lost Mom early, Dad to hereditary disease. Just got diagnosed with the same thing myself."
"Hereditary disease? Me too—"
"I have one from East Asia—"
The stories flowed freely now. Young patriots fighting to protect their homeland. Desperate souls seeking escape from crushing debt. Soldiers who'd ignored their parents' pleas, determined to defend their country. Those who believed they owed their final breath to the land that bore them. Even some who couldn't explain why they'd stayed, finding themselves in the transport vehicles as if guided by fate.
Hideo joined the conversation, though he kept silent about his wife and daughter's deaths. Instead, he focused on comforting others who'd been drawn into this battle. As he listened to their stories, he reflected on his own reasons for staying behind, refusing evacuation to East Asia.
Was it vengeance for his family? The need to preserve their memories? Or something deeper—the drive to protect what remained of their home?
He thought of others he'd met with similar losses, like the young girl who'd lost her parents. If the Eastern Region fell, Godzilla would march straight to East Asia. His role as Emergency Minister of Hokkaido would mean nothing once the city was destroyed. Better to make his final stand where he could still make a difference.
One man's story cut through his thoughts: "I've got massive debt and three kids to feed. But if I die fighting Godzilla, if I win some glory—things'll change. Those loan sharks won't dare harass my family. There's compensation for the dead, maybe even coverage for the kids' education." He managed a smile. "Plus, I've always wanted to do something for my hometown. Never managed much in life, but at least my children can say their father was a hero!"
His accent drew laughter, but also tears of understanding. They shared more stories, time slipping away unnoticed until dawn painted the sky.
Then the broadcast crackled: "Godzilla has engaged the first wave of southern troops. All personnel, board transport vehicles immediately. Prepare to advance on the alarm!"
Their final three hours were up. Everyone rose, securing themselves in the transport vehicles for the last charge.
───「 GODZILLA POV 」───
The ancient creature sensed them gathering. Their determination burned like bright flames in its awareness—not fleeing as others had, but advancing. Something about their resolve stirred memories of ages past, when other beings had faced it with such courage.
───「 Human POV 」───
Hideo clenched his fist as he boarded. For reunion. For others' futures. For hope.
The ultimate battle for the Eastern Region began. In the distance, tanks launched their rockets, drones rose from the sea carrying secret weapons, and Godzilla's atomic breath carved blue fire across the sky.
Death for rebirth. Destruction for regeneration.
The final confrontation had begun.