Using the ship as the elevator, the party made their way to the Shinra military complex of Junon. With their bounties on their heads and the intention for Yuffie to do the contract, Cloud and the others must infiltrate the region without getting caught, knowing that the whole region is a restricted area due to the incoming inauguration parade for Shinra's new president, Rufus.

The six snuck into a hangar where they saw platoons of troopers making their way out.

Tifa: those troopers seemed pretty psyched for the parade, huh?

Barret: more like, "eager to prance around their new paymaster." Now I know what y'all gonna say, but I got to ask

Cloud: what?

Barret: if Rufus is in town, are we gonna  let this opportunity pass us by?

Y/N: you forgot the whole region is restricted, if the guards even see us, we'll get busted

Barret: hell, I'm not saying we kill the man, but we oughta at least give him a talking to. Rough him up a little maybe, you know?

Y/N: capture the president in broad daylight in front of the entire freaking military. Good idea, big man

The Assassin SOLDIER said in a sarcastic tone.

Aerith: actually, I'm gonna have to agree. The Turks said, "do whatever, we're not after you"

Y/N: I still have a bone to pick with then

Tifa: okay, but how? We can't just walk up to the president in the street

Y/N: exactly

Cloud: or maybe we can

The party seemed surprised by Cloud's ambition.

Barret: we bust up his parade

Y/N: god damn it

Cloud: no, that's how we die in a hail of bullets like a bunch of dumbasses. The city is crawling with Shinra troopers. We join the parade, hide in plain sight

The last statement reminded Y/N of his ancestor's so called Creed. One of the three tenets is to hide in plain sight.

Y/N: yes, good idea! We get in, get close and get the answers we sought

Tifa: seriously?

Cloud: sure

Aerith: wow! That's good!

Barret: no arguments here

Cloud: Barret, Red. You two find a route to the port, see what security detail is like

Barret: now hold up!

Cloud: fatigues won't be enough to disguise you two

Red XIII: true enough

Barret: shut up

Y/N: I'll go higher ground to scan the perimeter, watch yourselves

Cloud: alright, see you in a bit. I gotta go find a uniform

The party went their ways to scan the area. Y/N climbed high to the top of a nearby building to scan the area of the parade route and the stage set up.

As for Cloud, Aerith and Tifa, they made their way through the warehouse to find the uniforms of Shinra troopers.

Tifa: now we're talkin'!

Aerith: they're actually kinda cool!

Tifa: well, ready to suit up?

Aerith: yup!

The girls made their way to the changing rooms while Cloud followed them.

Aerith: whoa there! Three steps back, if you please! 

Giving them space, Cloud went on to put a spare uniform. He looked through the contents and remembered his past.

Cloud: been a while

He then proceeded to change into uniform, dressed like a Shinra trooper. Then he felt a gun pointed at his back.

Tifa: freeze!

Aerith: hands up!

Cloud put his hands up and turned to see it was the girls also in uniform.

Aerith: I'd say we look the part

Cloud: maybe, but don't forget, you got to act the part too. Just do what I do, alright?

The three disguised party members made their way through, until they were stopped by a Shinra commander adjutant.

Commander Adjutant: hold it! It's the damnedest thing, but I don't recall seeing the three of you at practice. Am I assume that you simply forgot?

Cloud: sorry sir!

Commander Adjutant: you're sorry?! Do you have any idea how important today's ceremony is? Do you, maggot?! Form check. Now! You will give your commander a flawless performance

The three followed the adjutant to the drill area where they were met by the commander, who is wearing a red uniform.

Adjutant: attention!

Commander: have to hand it to you three. You've got guts skipping out on practice... that or you're idiots. Let's find out, shall we? I'm not about to take any chances today. I'm warning you now, though... One slip up, and I'll chuck you straight into a malboro's mouth. Clear?

With the three members in disguise and avoiding any suspicion, Cloud stepped up and the three grabbed their drill rifles. Remembering the basics thanks to his experience, the three went through the practice drill with no slip ups.

Commander: precise, clean movements... impeccable timing... I must say, you've impressed me

Adjutant: he'd serve as a sterling example to the others, ma'am

The commander nodded and continued to address Cloud.

Commander: congratulations. You are hereby promoted to parade captain of Midgar's 7th Infantry. You will be our model trooper... the one to march at the head of our drill team. Which means that our performance, satisfactory or otherwise is now your responsibility

Cloud: ma'am!

Cloud was then given a new helmet to symbolize his promotion.

Adjutant: as parade captain, you will round up your fellow troopers currently on leave in Larboard Junon. You will recall that, to march in the parade, each drill team is required to master five units or more. Look for the 7th's brassards or shoulder insignia. They'll identify the best from the rest

Commander: once assembled, you and the team will report to Starboard Junon. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Now make us proud!

The three saluted and went around Larboard to find and round up the troopers of Midgar's 7th Infantry.

Aerith: boy, that was lucky

Tifa: hey, you sure about this? In the parade really gonna get us to Rufus? 

Cloud: the parade won't... but the presidential commendation will. That's how these things go. The president himself gives the award. 

Aerith: wow!

Tifa: that's some plan. I mean, it's risky, but... 

Aerith: gotta go big or go home right?

The three went to roam around and find the 7th Infantry troopers.

Meanwhile, Y/N scanned the structure of the stage and a found a scaffolding next to it. 

Y/N: hmm... that beam is strong enough to hold my weight

He climbed up the scaffolding and tested the strength of the beam and saw it was in perfect position above the podium.

Y/N: perfect, while the president talks, I'll drop in to say hello. Hmm, I wonder what Tifa and the others are up to

(Time skip)

With all the troops of the 7th Infantry all assembled, the three stumbled upon Barret who was wearing what looks like a sailor's uniform.

Aerith: hey!

Barret: hey there! I was just checking my uniform. For lint! You know how it is!

Tifa and Aerith couldn't help but to bust out a giggle and laugh at the big man's expense.

Barret: ha ha, very funny, I could've shot you

Aerith: you look...

Barret: what?

Tifa: wow...

The girls said as they giggled again.

Barret: it's not like I had a choice. Nothing else fit!

Tifa: okay, I get it

Barret: anyway, I checked out the way to the port, and y'all, uh... look like you're fitting in

Cloud: yeah, nobody batted an eye

Aerith: we're gonna win the president's commendation

Barret: I'm sure you will

Tifa: think you mean, "I'm rooting for you."

The three then went back to the Starboard Junon and met with the Commander and the 7th Infantry troops.

With the Junon population watching along with cameras to broadcast the event, the parade for Rufus' inauguration as the new company president commences.

Arriving in a white convertible, President Rufus Shinra ordered for a single shot from Junon's cannon, welcoming the people to a new era under his administration. Now, the camera of the broadcast shifted focus to Cloud, Tifa and Aerith as they lead the 7th Infantry through the parade as they were about to start their drill and command sequences.

As for Y/N, he watched the parade from the scaffolding as he saw the 7th Infantry on a large screen, and instantly recognized Cloud in his disguise.

Y/N: Cloud? How the hell did you get into that predicament?

The Assassin watched his friend commanded the Infantry as the troops followed his orders flawlessly.

Y/N: wow, you still got it, Strife

https://youtu.be/3yVUMgqahdo

The Assassin continued to watch from the vantage point as he watches the 7th Infantry continue their march.

Y/N: whoa, he got them in the most difficult formations

The Assassin kept on watching and saw that even the general public are enjoying it too as the infantry racked up over 100,000 votes, placing them as the favorites to win the achievement award.

Y/N: looks like the show is done

All of Shinra's military stood in attention in front of the stage as Heidegger and Rufus were on stage.

Heidegger: allow me to congratulate you on a stirring performance. You've done your company proud. Your passion and patriotism is beyond question, and our president can't wait to thank you. Of course, some among you deserve special praise. For our first award, we will recognize the division, whose examplary display eclipsed all others.

Heidegger then grabbed an envelope from his coat as he announced the winner for outstanding performance.

Heidegger: the prize for outstanding performance goes too... Midgar's 7th Infantry!

Y/N's eyes widen in amazement as Cloud's platoon won the award as the infantry's commander went to the stage and accepted the award.

Y/N: nice job Strife. And excellent job too, Tifa babe

He can't help but to admire Tifa in her Shinra uniform.

Heidegger: next, we have the president's commendation. If you will, sir?

Rufus nodded as he approaced the podium.

Y/N: there you are, you sumbitch

Y/N proceeded to get in position on the beam that directly above the podium while the president spoke.

Rufus: the late president, my father...  single-handedly turned a small arms manufacturer into the greatest company the world has ever seen, and transformed all of our lives with the miracle of Mako. So I invite you to join me in a moment of silence for a man gone to soon

The commanders and all of the troopers paid their respects to the late president while they saluted.

Rufus: we live in challenging times. Some may feel that I am too young, too inexperienced to lead us. But to them, and to you all, I say this... the Shinra Electric Power Company will endure. The challenges we face can be overcome, if we summon our courage, and cute ties with the past. Yesterday is behind us; we must look instead to the promise of tomorrow. For today is a new day. And the first of a long, arduous journey which we must take together. Follow me and we will reach our promised land. This I do solemnly swear before you all, as president of the Shinra Electric Power Company. My friends, place your trust in me, and together will we achieve our dream of a better world. 

The attendees all cheered while Y/N shook his head.

Y/N: man likes to hear himself talk of all that bullshit

Then Rufus proceeded with the commendation award.

Rufus: now, I have a commendation to present. 

A drum roll was played as Rufus grabbed the envelope.

Rufus: the award goes to... Midgar's 7th Infantry

The 7th Infantry cheered as they were given and earned of the award from the president himself.

Rufus: to accept this award on behalf of the team... three of the best will now join me. Come on up

Y/N: what are you up to, Shinra?

The three of the best happens to be the disguised Cloud, Tifa and Aerith as they made their way to the stage to join Rufus.

Rufus: your performance today was nothing shirt of incredible. Midgar's 7th Infantry is without a doubt, the pride of our people. Congratulations

Then Rufus turned off and put the mic down.

Rufus: I have a few private words to say to these troopers. Cut the feed

The feed was cut, which alerted Barret.

Barret: that ain't right. Excuse me, coming through

Then Red XIII noticed Yuffie with a camera.

Red XIII: Barret, over there!

The big man was shocked to see Yuffie as she made her way through the crowd.

Barret: of all the times...

(Back to the stage)

Rufus: I rarely talk to the rank and file. Why not take off your helmet? Cloud Strife

Y/N was shocked to hear that Rufus can see right through the disguise.

Y/N: be careful man

Rufus: that was a first class performance. One worthy of a SOLDIER. Speaking of them, where is your friend, hmm? You and your friend are fascinating individuals, Cloud Strife. Your file was as gripping as it was... enlightening. Which is why, I have a proposition for you. At present, Midgar requires my full and undivided attention. The city is Shinra's beating heart. Its devastation is a humiliation and the world must see us rebuild. To that end, I need to refocus my efforts, and push certain duties to one side 

Cloud: get to the point, and Y/N is not your concern

Rufus: my father left me a mountain of unfinished tasks. Like the recapture of a fugitive of Ancient descent, the recovery of a stolen lab specimen and of course the arrest and execution of Avalanche... none of which are of any interest to me whatsoever. I'd gladly wash my hands of it all. 

Tifa: so what, you're gonna let us go? Just like that?

Rufus: yes. If you can keep your distance from Midgar, that id. No more stirring the proverbial pot

Aerith: and the same goes for me, but why?

Rufus: because I have a new vision for Shinra

Y/N was all confused from this detailed deal of Rufus.

Y/N: a new vision?

Cloud: so we go free, and you get?

Rufus: Sephiroth. Dead

Cloud was shocked to hear his name.

Y/N: he wants him dead too... I'm not surprised

The Assassin said to himself as he continues to eavesdrop.

Rufus: he's an unsavory relic of our past, and I want him gone, but in our current state, Shinra lacks the resources to get the job done, so I turn to you

Cloud: it's a deal

Y/N: what the hell, Cloud?!

Y/N couldn't believe that his friend made a deal with the devil in a way.

Rufus: you have a lead, I take it?

Cloud: the men in black robes

Rufus: clever you

Tifa: you know who they are, don't you?

Rufus: according to Hojo, they're connected to Sephiroth. Shadows of the man I believe he called them. Follow them and you'll find him

Cloud: right

Y/N was in awe of what he just heard.

Y/N: well I'll be damned, Rufus Shinra himself has a common goal as us, finish Sephiroth

Then Y/N heard a noise from the scaffolding, he turned to see Yuffie in her Moogle disguise.

Y/N: Yuffie? What the hell is she doing?

Yuffie got out her big shuriken and measured for her shot before throwing it at the president while Barret shouted stop to her. However, Heidegger saw it coming and tackled the president down.

Y/N: god damn it, Yuffie!

The Assassin saw Yuffie getting away and he proceeded to give chase to the ninja.

As for the others, Red XIII learned that one of the robed men were heading for the port, and even with the region on high alert, the party still had the uniforms to use them for their advantage; they then split up while Cloud took care of the infantry by throwing them off guard.

Y/N: hey!

Y/N managed to tackle and catch Yuffie before taking her to a secured spot without any guards around.

Y/N: what the hell was that about?

Yuffie: I'm just doing my job, buddy!

Y/N: you realized everyone is looking for you too right?!

Yuffie gasped and started to worry.

Yuffie: oh no, what are we gonna do?!

Y/N: just follow my lead, stay close and don't try to do any funny business, you got that?

Yuffie: wow, you really know what you're doing

Y/N: of course I am, I came from a bloodline of skillful Assassins, now keep quiet

Y/N escorted Yuffie around Junon to avoid any suspecting guards as their main task is to catch up with the rest of the party.