Area 11: Britannia
The main castle, where Britannian nobles and military officials were stationed, hosted two meetings simultaneously. One involved Cornelia and her advisors, while the other was a private war council led by Shredder, the ruthless leader of The Foot Clan. The room was sparsely populated—only a few elite operatives were present, including Karai, Bebop, and Rocksteady, as well as some newer faces who had recently arrived in Japan.
Dr. Baxter Stockman
A Britannian scientist and Shredder's top bio-engineer, Stockman was the mind behind the cybernetic enhancements that kept the Shredder alive. A master of robotics and mutagenics, he was infamous for his unorthodox experiments—though he insisted they were only performed on criminals The Foot Clan deemed disposable. The world wouldn't miss them.
On the large screen dominating the wall was another key figure—a weapons supplier responsible for modifying the Knightmare Frames for Foot Clan use.
Tiger Claw
A mercenary warlord allied with The Foot, Tiger Claw had suffered grievous injuries in battle, leaving half his face and body scarred beneath his armor. Currently stationed in Europe, he was negotiating arms deals with Euro Britannia alongside other high-ranking Foot operatives.
With everyone seated—except Tiger Claw, who remained on-screen—the meeting began. Shredder's voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"You have all been summoned for a reason. Report."
His masked gaze shifted to Tiger Claw's feed. "Is this channel secure?"
Tiger Claw nodded. "My best hackers are jamming any outside interference."
"Good."
Shredder turned to Dr. Stockman, who stood, adjusting his glasses before speaking.
"Our experiments on the criminal subjects have shown promise... though with complications."
Shredder's grip tightened on the armrest of his chair. "Explain."
Stockman switched the screen to a live feed—a laboratory where a cybernetically enhanced Foot soldier twitched violently before clawing at its own head, screaming. Moments later, it collapsed, lifeless.
Karai's expression remained cold, while Bebop and Rocksteady exchanged uneasy glances.
"The subjects' minds reject the cybernetics," Stockman admitted. "They self-terminate rather than serve."
"Why not just use robots?" Rocksteady grunted.
"Robots lack instinct," Stockman snapped. "A human mind adapts—predicts enemy movements, improvises in battle. Our A.I. is not yet advanced enough."
Shredder's voice was ice. "Fix this. If memory wiping is necessary, do it."
Stockman bowed. "It will be done."
Shredder turned to Karai. "Your mission in the Amazon. The rebel faction?"
Karai smirked. "We're closing in. The only obstacle is Britannian forces—arrogant, and undisciplined. My scouts are tempted to cut them down."
"Do so quietly," Shredder ordered. "No witnesses."
Next, he addressed Tiger Claw. "The Knightmare shipment?"
"On schedule. But I propose relocating to Japan to oversee modifications personally. I don't trust that Britannian scientist, Lloyd, near our designs."
"Lloyd remains useful," Shredder said dismissively. "For now."
Rising, he pressed a button, displaying an image of Zero rescuing Suzaku Kururugi.
"What do we know of Zero and Suzaku?"
Karai sighed. "Nothing concrete. Zero is a ghost, and Suzaku's past is buried deep—as if someone erased it."
Shredder's claws flexed.
"However," Karai added, "Suzaku attends Ashford Academy. We could exploit that."
Bebop grinned. "Yeah! Lure 'im in with somethin' shiny!"
"Must you always think like a thug?" Stockman muttered.
Silence fell as Shredder stared at the screen.
"Master?" Karai prompted.
Without turning, Shredder spoke. "Stockman—is my infiltration suit ready? I will visit this school myself."
Ashford Academy
Ashford Academy was a jewel of Britannian superiority—ostensibly open to all, but in truth, a bastion of elitism.
A black limousine rolled to the gates. The driver, a Foot ninja in disguise, lowered his window.
"Open the gate."
"Y-Yes! Welcome, Lord Shredder—"
The intercom sparked and died—a shuriken embedded in its circuitry.
The gates opened.
Inside, students clustered near the clock tower, fawning over Suzaku. But their attention snapped to the limousine as its doors opened.
First emerged Karai, her presence commanding immediate fear. Then—
The Shredder.
The students recoiled. All except one.
Lelouch vi Britannia stood apart, his gaze sharp with defiance.
Time seemed to freeze as the two locked eyes.
Karai's hand drifted toward her blade, but Shredder raised a single finger. "No distractions."
They strode inside, leaving Lelouch to simmer in silent fury.
The principal bowed so low his nose nearly touched the floor. "Lord Shredder, we are honored—"
"I am here for Suzaku Kururugi," Shredder interrupted. "Bring him."
Before the man could respond, Karai's sword flashed, slicing a nearby banner in half. It fluttered to the ground like a dead bird.
"If anyone interferes," she said softly, "the next cut won't be on cloth."
Private Room
Suzaku sat across from Shredder, his pulse racing. Karai stood guard, her eyes unreadable.
"Suzaku Kururugi," Shredder began. "You are... an enigma."
"M-My lord?"
"Son of Genbu Kururugi, a man who chose death over surrender. Yet you serve Britannia. Why?"
"I believe change is possible from within—"
Shredder laughed—a sound like grinding metal. "Naive." He slid a folder across the table—photos of Japan's ruins. "They broke your people. And you thank them for it."
"Violence only breeds more violence! I—"
"You crave death."
Suzaku stiffened.
"The Lancelot's systems were untested. You knew the risks. Yet you returned after Zero saved you, knowing Britannia would execute you." Shredder circled him. "Your father was a fool, but his death... a kitchen knife? Then a wakizashi? Unlikely."
Suzaku's breath hitched. "How do you know about—?"
"A warrior studies his enemies. Seppuku requires a kaishakunin. Yet your father died alone." Shredder leaned in. "You killed him."
Tears welled in Suzaku's eyes. "I had to! He would've—!"
"Sacrificed millions for pride. You saved Japan. But now you serve its destroyers." Shredder straightened. "You will serve me instead. And I have no use for martyrs."
With that, Shredder and Karai left Suzaku alone in the dark, his fists clenched in silent agony.
Outside the School
As the limousine departed, Shredder glanced up at the clock tower.
Lelouch stood at the pinnacle, watching.
"Trouble?" Karai asked.
"No," Shredder said. "Just a new piece on the board."
Lelouch turned a black king chess piece in his fingers, his smile razor-thin.
"Checkmate is coming, Shredder."