Sakura (GFL2)/Profile

Sakura (GFL2)

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"I can't sleep yet, I still have work to do..."

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Record 1

Sakura, a newly minted independent courier, teamed up with the personalized truck-navigation-system-cum-delivery-vehicle or "Truck-senpai" to form a private logistics service, Ouka Kyuso. Together, they operated several supply routes between contamination zones and the satellite cities in the Green Zones.

After leaving Griffin, Sakura originally accepted her reassignment and took her new position at Molniya Express. She worked behind the scenes in the warehouses, yet she became a temporary courier by sheer happenstance and bad luck, which led to her fateful meeting with her future partner—"Truck-senpai". Through her time working as a courier, Sakura learned about the hardships of residents in the contamination zones. After overcoming various difficulties, she left Molniya to form a new logistics service with Truck-senpai, dedicated to connecting the satellite cities and the contamination zones and improving the residents' lives.

Sakura's once shy and introverted personality seemed to have grown steadier, tempered by her time working with her clients. She bravely held her ideals with her signature hardworking attitude despite her terrible fortune causing her trouble every step of her journey. While she would cry to her former coworkers about how hard and unfair life was at times, she would immediately regain her polite and courteous demeanor in front of strangers—a little habit she had picked up to better fit into the wider world.

One wonders what kind of adventures Sakura will experience during today's delivery.

Record 2

Ouka Kyuso had been in operation for quite some time, and business seemed decent. Sakura and Truck-san were often out delivering orders, only returning to the Elmo for some much-deserved rest.

I hadn't given much thought about it. Having a career of her own was something worth supporting—even if that amounted to simply exchanging a brief good night when she returned in the middle of the evening.

However, something had changed recently. I started seeing Sakura more often during the day—No, it's more like there were times when I would see her almost all day.

"No orders to deliver today?" I asked as Sakura sorted through her orders beside me with her head lowered.

She glanced at me, then burrowed her head even more into her screen.

"I... already took care of them all! So I thought I'd stay on the Elmo and catch more rest..."

She was always out early and back late; she should indeed give herself more time to rest. As such, I didn't think too deeply about it, and neither did I notice how her gaze lingered on me.

A week later, while I was working in the ops room, Sakura came to me, seemingly fretting over something.

"Commander, umm... may I apply for extra funds to upgrade Senpai's engine?"

"Sure, just remember to tell Mayling about it. But don't you have the income from running your logistics service? Are things alright?"

Seeing her fingers fidgeting at her sleeves, I quickly added, "Oh, I didn't mean to turn down your request. I was just curious."

"No... It's just that... we got fewer orders recently, so the income..."

"But please don't worry, Commander. I'll pay you back in the future—"

"That's not what I meant. Fewer orders? Why's that? Something happened to your clients? I don't recall anything notable happening in the satellite cities lately... Is another logistics company trying to outcompete you?"

My guesses grew more and more outlandish, and Sakura's face flushed more and more in accordance, until she finally interrupted my wild speculations.

"N-no! It's just that I... I wanted to spend more time with you, that's all..."

"Even though we've reunited, all I've been doing is running errands under the name of Ouka Kyuso. I've had little time to simply be at your side..."

So that was it. She was upset about not spending enough time with me.

"But you started Ouka Kyuso to help people in the contamination zones, 'to realize our shared dream', didn't you? That's what you told me back then."

I walked over and patted her head.

"In that case, how about treating your time out there as time we're together in spirit? After all, you're carrying my hopes and prospects for the world with you."

She clenched and loosened her fists before finally raising her head, with determination shining in her eyes.

"Then I'll do my best to make both our dreams come true as soon as possible!"

Record 3

"So you're the 'Commander' Sakura brings up all the time, huh?"

A voice suddenly rang out beside me, tinged with a teasing scrutiny.

"And you must be the 'Truck-senpai' working under Sakura."

I caressed the rear of the Ouka Kyuso delivery truck.

"What do you mean 'working under'?! We're partners! And where do you think you're touching!" The truck flashed its tail lights angrily.

A brief silence followed. We stood around for a while, watching Sakura bustle about in a corner of the warehouse, counting the packages for her next delivery, completely unaware of our exchange. Clearly, her partner wasn't planning to let me off the hook so easily.

"So this is what you've been doing all these years? Watching on the sidelines? You know she's been looking for you for a long time, right?"

I took a moment to find my response.

"...Looking for me?"

"Oh, I see, playing innocent now, huh? You don't seriously think that her running a logistic service in the contamination zones was purely to help people out there, do you?"

The screen inside the cab flickered, as if scoffing at me.

"Ever since she caught wind of your whereabouts, she couldn't help but end up lost in her own thoughts whenever she went out to those settlements. Watching her like that gave me such headaches!"

The truck "clicked" its tongue through the speakers.

"Really? What was she hesitating about?"

"Are you serious? I'm beginning to doubt whether you're as smart as she claimed... It's the same old stuff—she's afraid that she's not good enough, that she doesn't look on par, that—well, afraid that you won't be happy with the way she is!"

The truck swayed side to side as if shaking its head.

"Effort needs a goal, after all."

So Sakura worked this hard... for me?

"Oi, oi. Sakura might be a little dork who overthinks constantly, but she's still under my wing. You can't just laugh at her like that! And don't tell her that I told you this!"

The truck honked twice at Sakura as she hurried over.

"Commander! What brought you here?"

A smudge of dust marked Sakura's forehead, and I raised my hand to wipe it off her.

"I came to see you," I said with a smile.

"You started working early again today. You're really diligent, Sakura."

She froze, then hurriedly stepped back and bowed, stammering about how she'd keep doing her best. Her earnest expression looked especially vivid against her flushed face. Well, it seemed like I'd better praise her efforts more often in the future.

I glanced at the small "OK" gesture on the truck's dashboard and felt quietly pleased.

Record 4

The gleaming truck sped along a fairly smooth road, with even the dust billowing behind it looking spirited and lively. Fitting music blasted from the onboard speakers; the usually stern Sakura couldn't help but hold the steering wheel with just one hand while she bobbed her head to the sound.

"Tsk, not feeling like respecting the proper driving posture today, are we? Do you like that bag of apples so much that you HAVE to hold it with one arm?"

"It's a thank-you gift to Ouka Kyuso, of course I have to handle it with the utmost care!"

Sakura flashed a contented smile and lowered her head again to catch a whiff of the apples' pleasant and fresh fragrance.

"Today's definitely a rare lucky day! The client must've been very satisfied with our delivery service, hehe."

"I bet it's because they were impressed by how good I look," said the face on the dashboard while looking a little contemptuous.

"I told you long ago to wash the truck more often. See? The clients just can't help but give us stuff when we have a good image."

"Yeah, yeah. You're right—Ahhh!!"

Sakura suddenly hit the brake, and the truck screeched to a stop as a passing vehicle sped by.

Sakura jumped out of the truck with the bag of apples in her arm, only to see that the truck's freshly cleaned side panel had been splashed with a streak of mud.

"AIIIIIE! I was just cleaned... I-I'm reporting you to the Security Administration for reckless driving! Just you wait!" The navigation system's noisy voice rattled Sakura's auditory module.

Shoot, the truck needed to be cleaned again... At least there was still the bag of apples for consolation.

Sakura shook her head helplessly and turned to climb back into the truck when, suddenly, the paper bag felt much lighter. Unbeknownst to her, a hole had appeared at the bottom. The apples fell and rolled along the roadside. Sakura rushed after them, but several were smashed on the pavement or crushed by passing vehicles.

"Ahhhh... The client's goodwill..."

Holding the few remaining apples, she got back on her seat, wiped the dirt off one with a tissue, then took a bite.

"Mmm, at least the ones left still taste good."

"It's not lunchtime yet, baka Sakura. Deliveries come first."

"Stop crying over sour grapes because you don't have a gustatory module, Senpai." Sakura took another bite.

"Huh? The texture feels a little... Wah! There's a worm! How come only the—Ahhh!"

"Pfffft—guess not having a gustatory module was a blessing, hah!"

Alas, it was another unlucky day after all.

Record 5

"What I'm saying is, you really don't look like a courier with that uniform... You sure that won't get in the way of you hauling packages?"

Anna leaned against the doorframe and watched Sakura carry package after package into her front yard.

"And always wearing that red scarf too—are you not hot in it?"

With a thud, Sakura stacked the final box on top of the pile.

"Phew, all your packages are now delivered, Miss Anna... Were you talking about my outfit?" She awkwardly spun around and adjusted her scarf; the bells attached to her clothes chimed pleasantly.

"Hehe, it does look distinctive, right? No matter where I go, everyone can tell at a glance that Ouka Kyuso has arrived!" Her smile, half-hidden behind her scarf, looked rosy and bright.

"As for this scarf... It's not enough to affect a Doll's temperature regulation. And as a bonus, it matches my outfit really well!"

"Brand recognition, huh? You've finally learned to make up lies on the spot, baka Sakura."

Back in the truck, the navigation system's teasing voice came from the speakers.

"I can't just tell her that I wear anything that brings good fortune to me because I'm afraid of bad luck..." Sakura pouted.

"I can't let the clients get the impression that I'm a bad omen and stop doing business with us, which would be terrible... Plus, this was your idea, Senpai!"

"Nonsense. You've been wearing that scarf since the day we first met. What does it have to do with good fortune?"

"Of course it does! It was—"

A present gifted to her by the Commander on the day they first met.

"It's getting cold now. Don't forget to dress warmly."

The scarf carried the lingering warmth of the Commander, which made Sakura's face heat up as well. Just like Miss Anna, the Commander had also forgotten that she was a Doll...

Having the Commander nearby... being able to stay by the Commander's side... how's that NOT a form of fortune?

"Was what? Hmph, can't come up with a story on the spot anymore, huh? You really need more practice at this." The smug mockery pulled Sakura back to reality.

"Senpai—stop with that already!"

In the end, that sweet little secret was better kept in her heart.

Record 6

After greeting the Commander, Sakura headed for the counter like she usually did. Sharkry enthusiastically waved at her and Sakura nodded politely in return.

Without a word, Springfield smiled and set down a hot latte in front of her. Sakura held the cup and took a deep breath. The rich aroma filled her olfactory module.

"Looks like Ouka Kyuso has finally gotten on track," Springfield said as she examined Sakura's smile.

"Yes! I revised the flyers based on your advice and the Commander's. I also placed ads online. Lots of people contacted me today! I guess publicity really is key if you want to make a profit... Thank you so much, Miss Springfield!"

She took a small sip, milk foam still clinging to her lips as they curved into a satisfied smile.

"That's indeed worth celebrating, though I wonder how's little Sakura's wallet doing after all that advertising."

"Umm, it did cost a fortune... but thankfully, the Commander was willing to 'sponsor' me." Sakura lowered her head and cupped the coffee, hiding her blush behind the rising steam.

"Now I have to work even harder to repay the Commander's kindness..."

"Oh? Did little Sakura forget someone? Don't forget that I've entrusted all of the Zucchero's logistic needs to you."

"Ah! The Z-Zucchero will get a 20% discount on all services... including your private orders too! But... if I run into trouble in the future... may I come to you for advice?"

"Of course. You're always welcome."

Hearing Springfield's immediate reply, Sakura's smile grew brighter.

However, it wasn't just this singular favor. Having someone to talk to when she struggled, reconnecting with the Commander, and being able to make a profit this quickly after forming Ouka Kyuso... Every step forward that Sakura took was with the help of Springfield.

Normally, the kind and courteous Sakura would be losing sleep over owing so many favors. However, when these came from her old comrades, she felt warmth instead. It was as if they were back in the days of Griffin, where everyone looked out for one another.

"Ughhh... Miss Springfield, you're a lifesaver!"

Unable to hold back, Sakura buried her head tightly against Springfield's bosom. As Springfield smiled and gently patted her head, Sharkry pouted and lightly tapped the tabletop.

"Heh~ I'll become Miss Sakura's 'old comrade' one day too♥"

Record 7

Sakura held a thick envelope in her hand; the letter inside seemed to carry countless unspoken feelings. She could still feel the sender's lingering warmth in her palm, even though the person had long since been laid in the ground, wrapped in tattered cloth, and devoid of life. It took Sakura considerable effort and time to bury the body—finding a patch of land unlikely to be disturbed by ELIDs was no easy task in the contamination zone.

"Please... you're my only hope... Heaven must've been the one who sent you... You're the first courier... I've ever seen..."

As she covered the grave with yellow soil, the scene of the sender begging her to deliver the letter replayed again and again in Sakura's mind.

The destination was in a satellite city. It must've been an important letter, since sending anything from the contamination zones into a satellite city was a challenging task even at the best of times. Judging by the envelope's condition, the person must've wanted to have it sent a long time ago, but without couriers traveling through the area...

Perhaps due to being pushed to the brink, the sender had even forgotten about delivery fees entirely. Inside the dark cave, there was nothing else aside from an extinguished fire pit and a faded family photo. That was what the sender called home.

Usually, Sakura would never linger around while traveling through contamination zones. It was only because she had been unfortunate enough to run into a Collapse storm that day and was forced to take shelter inside a cave that this "unpaid commission" happened. Otherwise, she had only seen the small tents scattered around the yellow sands from afar through her windshield. Seeing the living conditions of the contamination zones' residents with her own eyes stirred something within her mind.

"Today's delivery seemed to have taken longer than usual. Did something happen?"

After she returned to the company, the manager asked without even looking up. Sakura was just about to recount her experience that day when she was immediately cut off.

"I'm not pressuring you, but the company's really busy lately. You need to up your efficiency..."

The manager's head never left the documents.

As she walked out the company's doors, Sakura silently clenched the envelope against her chest. Had she not entered that cave, would this letter have ever been sent? Even if she made this one message reach its destination, what about the countless others in the contamination zones? Was it fair that they were left with no way out just because they couldn't afford to pay up?

If she could help them... could she make their lives a little better? But without the time and energy...

Sakura's mind was in turmoil, and the thought refused to leave her head no matter how hard she tried.

...Enough! Even if it was something small, as long as it made a difference, it still counted as a step forward!

In that case, she would start with... delivering this letter. Sakura took a deep breath and headed toward the recipient's address.

Record 8

The warehouse lights were still on late into the night. I stepped closer and found that a new shipment had just arrived, and Sakura was in the middle of logging it into the system.

"...For Miss Mayling... These should be spare parts, so let's put them here. Ah, the Zucchero markings, probably tea snacks purchased by Miss Centaureissi? Those need to go into cold storage..."

I leaned against the door frame and watched as Sakura was focused on the list while directing robots to move the packages around, completely unaware of my presence.

The packages on the floor gradually disappeared, and soon only two boxes remained. She picked up the smaller, unremarkable one.

"And, here comes a package for me... Wait..."

Sakura's eyes widened as she opened it. A cherry blossom hairpin lay inside; its metallic surface glimmered under the warm lights.

"Do you like it?"

My voice wasn't loud, but it startled her nonetheless.

"Wah! C-Commander? T-this package—"

"That's right. It's from me."

I walked toward her.

"You've joined us for quite a while now, yet it felt like I never really welcomed you properly. Consider this little gift a late yet sincere apology from me. Mind if I help you put it on?"

She hesitated for a moment, then gently handed me the box. I brushed aside a lock of her bangs and fastened the hairpin in place.

"I knew it would suit you the moment I saw it."

The pink petals matched her cute face perfectly.

She quietly brushed the hairpin, admiring her reflection in the polished shelf frame, then bent down to pick up the final box on the floor.

"I... I actually bought you a gift too, Commander—"

She bit her lip and handed me the box, her name written on the shipping label.

"I planned to wait for a holiday to give it to you, but since you just gifted me something... let's exchange them now!"

"Oh? What a coincidence. I wonder what it could be."

I took the box and was about to open it when Sakura held it down.

"It's—It's a surprise! It shouldn't disappoint you... so, please open it once you're back in your room!"

What could it be? I couldn't help but wonder as I headed for my room.

Although, no matter what it was, what mattered more was this bond between the two of us.

Private Meeting Logs

Sakura

Commander, online courses nowadays are really quite amazing.

Take a look at this one that I found online, "25 Principles of Social Interaction For The Service Industry".

Anyway, I was planning to sign up for it in order to improve my social skills...

Is it okay if I practiced with you to help check my progress? Think of it as an investment in Ouka Kyuso's future...

That's great! I'll start studying the material right away!

Tea Time

About the Contamination Zones

Commander
Heading deep into the Contamination Zones again?

Sakura

Yes! There was a little girl in the settlement we passed by a few days ago...

I saw her trying to grow a flower underground. I have to bring her fertilizers.

If only more people are like her...maybe then the Contamination Zones could be recovered much sooner.