"Strictly speaking," Araragi noted in response to Ryuta's question, "that's not quite what was said. It is true that fighting them without the shinmen is extremely hazardous. Conventional weapons have far less effect than your abilities, but more importantly, we have no defenses to speak of."

"But!" Komatani broke in. "That's why we're trained to work with limited resources. Shinmen or not, you're talking to the world's best Shadow-fighters--or you wouldn't be talking to us at all. Right, Major?" She grinned and threw a friendly arm around his shoulders, to no particular response. Undaunted, she went on.

"As for defenses, that's what these are for: the Demountable Next Integrated Capability Armor--" the name came out as a quick string of largely indecipherable Engrish "--or Demonica suit." She thumped her chest as if to demonstrate. "Once it's on, it gives us a couple minutes of resistance--but that's it. And you don't even wanna know what it takes to power these things," she added, making a face. "Pretty sure a chunk of Kobe blacks out every time we put it on charge--"

"Corporal." Araragi's tone was gently admonishing, though he didn't look the slightest bit fazed.

"What? They know I'm kidding!"

"I'm not sure they do," he replied, sounding perfectly serious.