>>96093432
Hibana was running out of room to backtrack, so she launched an even bigger attack of fire petals, and Jumper pulled out his trump card: the bracer on his arm that turned his armor plates into mines. He laid them out in a semicircle around and behind her, cornering her. She launched her last desperate attack-

-what a beautiful way this would be to die-

-no, focus!-

-he converted the petals into armor as they came, managing to juggle the heavy load-

-goofed it-

-protected all his vitals and exposed skin-

-Hibana's attack blew off his protective hat and coat-

-and his shirt-

-and his pants. Jumper stood there, frozen, mortified. He heard Iris say something like "There's two of them now" but he didn't fully register it. Because now he was NAKED in front of GIRLS.

After what seemed like an eternity of indecision, Jumper went dogeza. Hibana promptly stomped on him. And stomped on him some more. "That wasn't my fault," he managed.

"I didn't say you could speak," she said curtly. She stomped on him harder. Jumper thought she was going to drive her heel right through his skull, but eventually she stopped.

And then, oddly, surrendered. Or at least, agreed to work with Company 8. Jumper didn't really understand why, but it definitely had something to do with the new smile on her face.

Princess Hibana would come by Company 8 rather often after that. When she did, Jumper made sure to pull out all the stops at dinner, steak or chicken with either his famous mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries. Hibana was a demanding guest, and seemed to disdain actually eating with Company 8, and would usually join him in the kitchen.