ZZZ:Through the Frosted Mirror

The atmosphere in Section 6's briefing room was tense. The core members of the team—Miyabi, Yanagi, Harumasa, Soukaku, and the others—had gathered to discuss their next steps in uncovering the truth behind the attack on their base, Ellen's disappearance, and Mira's kidnapping. Each of them carried the weight of recent events, and the stakes had never felt higher.

Miyabi stood at the head of the room, her hands clasped behind her back, her eyes scanning the room with unyielding determination. "We've come to a critical juncture," she began, her voice steady but laced with urgency. "The documents we found suggest that someone within our ranks has been feeding information to the enemy. This mole has not only endangered Ellen and Mira but has also compromised the safety of New Eridu. We cannot allow this betrayal to go unanswered."

Harumasa leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes narrowing. "So, what's the plan, Chief?" he asked, his tone neutral but with an edge of curiosity.

Miyabi took a deep breath. "We're going to gather all Section 6 staff, both high-ranking officers and lower-level personnel. During the assembly, we'll announce our findings about the mole and observe everyone's reactions closely. Anyone who reacts suspiciously will be questioned further. This is a direct approach, but it's our best chance to root out the traitor."

Soukaku tilted her head, her oni mask glinting under the lights. "It's bold, but also risky. What if the mole realizes they're being cornered and makes a run for it?"

Yanagi, seated with her hands clasped on the table, nodded in agreement. "That's precisely the concern. While Miyabi's plan could work, it comes with significant risks. If we make this announcement without solid evidence to immediately detain suspects, the mole could alert their handlers, putting Ellen and Mira in even greater danger. We'd lose any element of surprise."

"Do you have an alternative suggestion, Deputy Chief?" Miyabi asked, her tone calm but firm.

Yanagi's brow furrowed in thought. "We could conduct a covert investigation instead. Rather than gathering everyone at once, we could monitor communications and movements quietly, cross-referencing them with the timeline of events leading up to the attack. It's slower but minimizes the risk of tipping off the mole."

Harumasa chimed in, his voice steady and pragmatic. "A covert approach might take time we don't have. Ellen is out there, and we can't afford to waste days chasing shadows. Miyabi's plan, while risky, forces the mole to act. If they slip up, we'll have them."

Soukaku, leaning casually against the table, spoke next. "Why not combine both approaches? Announce the findings but stage it as a bluff. Pretend we already know who the mole is and watch for who panics. Meanwhile, we keep our covert investigation running in the background. Two layers of pressure."

Miyabi's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That could work. By bluffing, we maintain the element of surprise while still putting pressure on the mole. We can station trusted operatives at key exits to prevent anyone from fleeing during the announcement."