“Promotion?” Hide gave Akihiko a look. Probably one of those you’re joking looks. “My previous adventure had me taking a nasty blow to my chest. Considerably less heroic. But as far as promotions go, I don’t know if I’m right for that kind of thing, you know?”

Akihiko laughs, a little less polite than usual after such a day.

"I'm not saying Lion Clan High Command, Matsu-san. Just more than where you are now. Or scout training if rank seems unappealing. Look," he says, very matter of factly, "you recruited our team today. No one was there for me. They volunteered to go into an obvious trap, for you. And you snuck forward, led the attack from the front. And you completed the objective personally, despite things looking desperate as we were taking fire." He shakes his head. "And you brought everyone home. So why wouldn't I be saying promotion?"

"Also," he points to the blaster burns on his uniform. "Getting hit in the chest is just part of the job."

“I mean... Huh. You think that was all me?” Hide couldn’t help but rub at the back of her neck. She hadn’t thought of it that way at all. “I guess I did get the team together and complete the objective.”

"I'm not saying you came up with the whole plan yourself, but sticking to the plan and adjusting when you have to -- those are good tactical skills. If you want to do more. And, you know," he waves toward Eriko, "maybe protect her better."