For this rooftop shoot with Hollow Special Operations Section 6, our goal was crystal clear: to capture the distinct aura of New Eridu's special operations frontline. We chose a rooftop after the rain, where standing puddles became natural mirrors. In Photo 6 especially, where Hoshimi Miyabi and Tsukishiro Yanagi stand side by side, the water reflection seamlessly blends the sky and our figures, immediately evoking that sharp, cool atmosphere. Our photographer, Haimao, had an incredible eye for lighting—especially under the overcast sky where the soft yet crisp light sculpted our silhouettes with great three-dimensionality.
A tremendous amount of care went into the costumes and props. The preparation was quite tedious; from styling wigs to organizing weapon props, we spent an entire day getting ready. For the Tsukishiro Yanagi uniform I was responsible for, the white shirt and black tie paired with a black skirt and black stockings struck the perfect balance between corporate sharpness and combat-ready edge. Black stockings cosplay has a completely different texture in direct light versus shadow, and photographer Haimao captured these nuances with meticulous attention to detail. Miyabi's katana and Soukaku's massive trunk were heavy in hand; to wield them with convincing momentum, our core muscles had to be fully engaged. Harumasa's dual blades were also distinct, requiring poses that balanced raw power with agile lightness.
The 3-panel comic strip in Photo 9 was completely improvised. We were teasing each other in front of the lens, and capturing those spontaneous moments made the shots feel exceptionally lively. In fact, that playful energy was the most relaxing part of our shoot. We shot from broad daylight until the clouds grew thick, the wind whipping our wigs and clothes, which added a touch of authentic, battle-tested grit to the photos. As the tagline says, "We determine what evil is"—Section 6 does not fight out of reckless bravado, but to safeguard urban order.
The chemistry across our entire team was remarkably seamless since we are close friends in real life, making our interactions feel completely organic. We kept the makeup clean and crisp to emphasize facial contours and the fierce focus in our eyes, striving to convey a combatant's resolute intensity before the camera. We faced several challenges during the shoot, like strong gusts shaking the props, but everyone adjusted their positioning in sync to deliver satisfying results. Shooting on a rooftop with metal railings and the distant city skyline recreated the unique urban aesthetic of Zenless Zone Zero to perfection. Being able to wear these exquisite outfits and portray these brave characters alongside good friends was truly a special experience. We only hope this level of dedication shines through.