The sun had just risen, casting its golden light across the horizon. Yumé was the first to wake up. Still half-asleep, his first instinct was to go wake Carla. The two of them, clearly up to something, crept over to Kenny, who was still snoring peacefully. With a mischievous grin and a marker in hand, they began doodling all over his face—mustaches, swirls, hearts, and even a panda.
Once their little prank was complete, they burst out laughing and rushed into the living room, barely able to contain their giggles.
A few minutes later, Kenny finally woke up. Groggy, he shuffled into the bathroom—and let out a deafening scream the moment he caught sight of himself in the mirror.
— YUUUMEEEEE!!! CARLAAAAAA!!! I'M GONNA KILL YOUUU!!!
Cue the usual chaos. A giant black panther darted through the hallway, growling furiously, chasing after a laughing Yumé and a tearful Carla, both cracking up at full volume. That hilarious racket finally woke Ikku, who stretched and sat up groggily. One glance at the scene unfolding outside his room was all he needed to understand what had happened.
But the fun was cut short by a familiar voice.
Zéno had arrived, his expression as serious as ever.
— Morning, kids. Today, the mission reaches its climax. Let me remind you again, this is what Nexus missions are really like. Be ready to put your lives on the line… but don't waste them foolishly.
— Yes, sir! the group answered, their mood instantly shifting to something much more focused.
After a quick round of prep, the team stepped out of the guesthouse.
The sight before them was nothing short of eerie.
The pleasure district, which had been buzzing with life just the day before, was now silent. Empty. Abandoned.
— There's… no one left, muttered Ikku in disbelief.
— Of course, said Zéno. The mafia doesn't bluff. Remember your training, and stay sharp. We don't know where the first strike will come from.
Everyone nodded, scanning the surroundings with laser focus. Yumé spotted them first.
— Over there… they're coming.
A dark mass approached from a distance, and as it got closer, their numbers became clearer.
Maybe a thousand of them.
They stopped about sixty meters away.
— That's… a lot of them, said Ikku, awestruck.
— Don't worry, Zéno replied. Stick to the plan, and we'll be fine.
— Got it! Carla and Yumé echoed together, full of energy.
One of the mafia members stepped forward, raising his voice so all could hear.
— This is your first and final warning. We're giving you one last chance to turn back. If you don't… be prepared to die.
In response, the team gave him a defiant smirk.
— Then you've just dug your own graves, the man sighed, before raising his arm.
At his signal, the thugs charged. Zéno stood firm.
— Here they come. Kenny, you're up.
— On it, Kenny replied calmly.
He stepped forward and instantly transformed into a sleek black panther.
— An Animagus?! one thug shouted.
— Doesn't matter! another barked.
But they had no idea what was coming.
Kenny kept growing… and growing… until he towered thirty meters tall. The attackers froze in terror.
Too late.
With a thunderous roar, Kenny pounced. His claws slashed through the enemy ranks, and each roar sent waves of men flying like rag dolls.
— Fire!! the mafia boss screamed.
Gunshots rang out, but none of the bullets made it through. Carla's chain had sprung into action, spinning through the air like a shield, blocking every shot with ease.
Then Zéno entered the fray. Sword in hand, he moved like a phantom, cutting down enemies left and right. Not a single one could lay a hand on him.
— Master Zéno is on a whole different level, said Carla, amazed.
— He's almost scary… Ikku replied, stunned.
Meanwhile, one thug had managed to sneak up behind Carla, gun drawn.
If I take her out, they'll lose their bullet protection, he thought.
He aimed at her head and pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The bullet never reached her.
Once again, her chain reacted instinctively, blocking the shot. Carla turned, frowning.
— What the—?! I'm sure you didn't see me! How the hell…?!
— Aww, sorry~ Carla said with a cheeky grin, sticking out her tongue. I have to control the chain to protect the others. But when it's about me… it moves on its own.
Before the man could process what she meant, a flash of light blinded him. He turned just in time to see Yumé's fist slam into his stomach. He dropped like a stone.
— They're not that tough, Yumé said, sounding slightly disappointed.
— Don't let your guard down, Yumé! Ikku shouted. We can't underestimate them, there are probably more hiding.
Ikku closed his eyes. His senses sharpened. Gunshots, footsteps, faint whispers… nothing escaped him. He took a deep breath.
Then—he found them.
— Gotcha! TURBO!
A red aura burst around him. His skin glowed crimson, and his spiritual energy surged. He shot off like a missile, zigzagging behind buildings where mafia members lay hidden.
They didn't stand a chance.
One by one, he took them down with blinding speed.
And then, just as suddenly, he reappeared on the battlefield, beside Carla. He dropped to one knee, out of breath, and canceled the technique, sitting on the ground to recover.
— I can't… haa haa... keep that form… haa more than five minutes…
— Incredible, Ikku, said Yumé, impressed. I couldn't even see you move!
— You've really gotten strong, added Carla.
— Thanks… guys… Ikku said, still panting.
Elsewhere on the battlefield, it was a massacre.
Kenny, still in giant panther form, stood over the last remaining goons. Above his head stood Zéno, blade drawn, eyes cold. Of the thousand who had come, barely a quarter were still standing.
— Should we finish them? Zéno asked, deadpan.
The remaining enemies began stepping back. Their fighting spirit was all but gone.
— Step aside, said a calm voice from behind them.
A tall man walked toward Zéno and Kenny. Hands in his pockets, he strolled casually. His long brown hair flowed down to his lower back, and his bright green eyes were sharp and confident. He stopped in front of the survivors.
— Nice to meet you, Zéno the Angel of Death. The name's Shu. I'll be your opponent today.
— Not so fast, Shu, called another voice from above.
Perched on the roof of a nearby building sat another man. Short blond hair, a piercing in his eyebrow and nose, scruffy beard, and a cigarette dangling from his lips.
This one's strong… thought Zéno, eyeing him carefully.
— Name's Demba, the man said. I hope you live up to your reputation.
— What now, Master Zéno? asked Kenny, tense.
— That guy's tough. I'll take him. But the one called Shu also looks strong. The rest of you, team up and bring him down. If another strong one shows up, split into two groups: you and Carla in one, Yumé and Ikku in the other.
— Got it! replied Kenny, ready for round two.