Kazama pulled off his gloves with his fingers still trembling. His clothes smelled of smoke and every step felt heavier than the last. He had one final glance at the chaos behind him and then he moved on.
But he couldn't go home like this. Not with scorched clothes. Not with ash and soot on him. Not with a mafia phone in his pocket. There was only one person he could trust with moments like this. Akito.
Kazama inhaled deeply and broke into a run. He vaulted over a guardrail, slid down a slope and crossed into the residential district. Once inside the neighborhood, he hopped fences, jumped low rooftops and cut across backyards.
Parkour steadied his breathing. It kept the memories at bay. It kept him moving.
He reached the final rooftop overlooking Akito's street, crouched low and scanned the area. No patrols. No witnesses. He dropped down silently into the alley beside Akito's house, boots hitting the ground with a soft thud.
Akito held the small bag of clothes with both hands as Kazama approached, his eyes scanning every burn mark and tear on Kazama's attire. His brows drew together immediately, absorbing the state Kazama was in.
"Here. This is what you asked for. Fresh pair of clothes," Akito said, extending the bag. His voice was calm, but his eyes lingered on the scorch marks, the red skin, the way Kazama's shoulders sagged from exhaustion.
"Thanks," Kazama replied. His voice was hoarse and dry.
"Go change inside quickly," Akito said, stepping aside and casting a nervous glance toward the quiet street. "I'll keep watch outside."
Kazama paused, slightly swaying, then muttered, "I owe you one."
Akito scoffed with a tired, small smile. "You owe me many, apparently. All for that one time you saved my ass." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, but there was no sarcasm.
Kazama slipped inside the house.
He peeled off his vigilante gear, grimacing as scorched fabric clung to his arms. Smoke residue dusted his clothes and faint burn marks traced the spots where heat had seeped through the gaps of his improvised armor. He hissed when a sleeve brushed one particularly red patch of skin. He took a wet cloth to clean himself up and wipe any marks on his skin.
He changed quickly with a simple black shirt and trouser, tossing the ruined gear into a separate bag. He tightened the drawstring, took one steadying breath and stepped back outside.
Akito perked up when he heard the door open. "You done?" he asked, lifting his chin slightly.
"Yeah," Kazama nodded.
Akito crossed his arms. "So what did you find? Drugs? Guns? Erotic magazines?"
Kazama stared at him with frowned eyebrows. It was a look of pure disgust.
Akito blinked. "What? I'm just covering all possibilities."
Kazama sighed. "Nothing unfortunately. That fire guy from my previous encounter was there again. Burned everything down. I had to save his friends from getting burned. It was a real hassle."
Akito's shoulders drooped dramatically. "Oof. So all your efforts literally went up in flames. It was all for nothing. You must be really disappointed".
He leaned closer, eyes hopeful. "So disappointed that you're finally ready to quit this vigilante act and free me from my shackles?"
Kazama shook his head. "No one is tying you down to this. If you ever feel like helping me is a burden, you can always say so and I wouldn't bother you."
Akito stepped in front of him, eyes serious now. "I am. I am tying myself down. Because if you keep doing this… and if you die… I'll feel like it's on me. I know your secret. I'm choosing to be involved. And if I just stand around while you get killed, how can I call myself someone who wants to be a hero? Besides, you have saved my life once. And who will save people like me if you are gone?" He stepped back and continued, "I don't have any crazy abilities. I can't fight like you."
Kazama reached into his pocket and pulled out a slightly charred flip phone. "Great. Because I found something even better. I'll brief you in our next meeting."
Akito's eyes widened behind his glasses. He leaned forward. "Is that… ? A flip phone? Who uses that in this day and age?"
"The Kurotsuki Mafia", Kazama replied with a slight smile as if it was a breakthrough.
Akito's voice dropped to a whisper. "Contacts, routes, messages… This could be huge."
He snapped his fingers in frustration. "But you're not gonna tell me now?"
"I need to go through it properly first. See what's on it", Kazama said, slipping the phone away.
Akito groaned loudly and threw his head back. "Ugghh. Fine. Whatever." But he didn't argue further.
Kazama adjusted the bag on his shoulder. "I'll be off then. And thanks again for the clothes."
Akito waved him away. "I would've said 'Yeah, anytime,' but I'm exhausted. So just go, man."
Kazama smirked faintly despite the ache in his body and headed out into the dim streetlights.
Akito watched him go, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Every damn day with this guy," he muttered.
******************************************************************************************************
The written tests were starting next week. The entire school had shifted into preparation mode. Study groups formed in every corner of campus, the library stayed open late, and the usual chatter in hallways was replaced with quick-fire quiz questions.
At Kurogane's house in the evening, Kazama sat with a physics textbook open. Kurogane stared at a practice problem like it was written in an alien language. Haruto lounged nearby on the bed with a history book, observing the proceedings with amusement.
Kurogane's house was too nice and tidy for a person of his personality. A sitting table at the center of the room with a bed to the side. The shelf had more trophies from his stellar football career than any form of books. The only misplaced object in the entire room was a football by the door.
"You don't know this either," Kazama said, tapping the question with his pen.
Kurogane clasped his hands together like he was praying. "Please Kazama. I need to impress Kiyomi-san."
"Then I can't help you. You should know why we have these tests and why they are so important. I can't help you with such a reasoning," Kazama replied flatly as he closed the physics book with rapid motion. He was annoyed by Kurogane's shallow desire to impress someone being the main motivation behind this group study.
"Man. Come on. I can help you with the fitness test then", Kurogane said, puffing out his chest proudly as if he were offering elite-level coaching.
"What is there to help in a fitness test? You are gonna piggyback me or do firemen's carry or toss me across the finish line?" Kazama asked dryly.
"I will give you muscle building tips, sprinting techniques and some of my protein powder", Kurogane declared, pointing at himself proudly though it only made Kazama look more disgusted as his brows pinched together, forming a sharp crease.
Kurogane leaned back in his chair and let out a small sigh. "Come on, man… nobody takes me seriously. Everyone sees me as the comedic relief. The guy who messes up, the guy who gets laughed at. And honestly? I don't hate making people smile. I like it. I want to. But that's all anyone ever expects from me."
He glanced down at his hands, forcing a crooked smile. "I just… I want to be the kind of hero who can walk into a room and make a scared kid feel safe. The kind who can lift spirits, not just lift weights. If a hero can't put a smile on a child's face, then what's the point of being a hero at all?"
He looked back up at Kazama, sincerity replacing all the earlier joking. "And for that… I need to graduate. I need to pass these stupid tests. Otherwise, I'm just a joke with big dreams."
Silence settled over the room. Haruto paused mid-page, sensing the shift.
Kazama studied Kurogane for a moment. The goofy grin, the nervous hands and the sincerity buried under all that theatrics. Kazama realized this wasn't just a joke for him.
Kazama spoke as his tone softened. "That's a passable reasoning. Fine… I'll help you."
Haruto smirked, somewhat impressed that Kazama picked up on the emotions Kurogane was showing while he tried to convey his reasoning.
"Really? Thanks man!" Kurogane said as his face lit up and his shoulders loosened.
"But you're actually going to study. No shortcuts and no cramming formulas you don't understand. We're doing this properly," Kazama said as he opened the book once again.
"Deal."
They took a break after another hour. Kazama and Haruto stepped outside to the balcony, leaning against the railing while Kurogane worked on a practice test inside.
"So, why do you want to become a hero? Just wanted to confirm," Haruto asked, his tone casual but his eyes serious.
"You have known me for over 10 years. You know why", Kazama said quietly as he looked at Haruto even though Haruto acted like he didn't know. "I don't want to see a world where children are getting orphaned, hopes are being crushed and cries for help being ignored. We are not 5 year olds anymore. We understand what's right and what's wrong. And I want to do what's right. Not just for me but for everyone".
Haruto's eyes lit up a bit as he replied, "No matter the cost?"
"No matter the cost", Kazama replied with determination in his eyes. He could relate his own answer with the situation he was currently in with the Kurotsuki Mafia. I will become a hero that my parents would have been proud of. Hana-nee and Takahashi-san would be proud of. And I will take down the Kurotsuki Mafia.
"That's a passable reasoning," Haruto replied with a slight smile.
"You bastard." Kazama elbowed him lightly with a smile of his own. "What about you?"
"I have some other agendas besides contributing towards the greater good. But our goals do align to a point," Haruto said vaguely, looking out at the street below.
"That's such a cryptic and creepy answer", Kazama replied with pinched eyebrows. He was confused at that reply from Haruto.
"Hahaha. Yeah. I am more into becoming a better human being than being some hero. I just want to help people but not as a responsibility or duty but because I want to do it. And that is why I won't be participating in the qualifiers," Haruto said as he looked at the setting sun. He stared at the sun for quite some time. He was more into admiring the setting sun than his own answer.
Kazama's face fell into an annoyed expression as he frowned. "Wait, what? You're seriously not participating?"
"Why the long face? I just think it's a bit of a stretch to conduct these tests. Heroes should be formed based on their willingness to help people and moral reasoning. Not these shenanigans", Haruto said with a straight face, turning to face Kazama.
"Maybe you are right. Or maybe you are just lazy," Kazama said, though his tone suggested he was actually considering Haruto's point.
"I mean think about it. You have these stages. You clear one and you get to the next one and the cycle continues. And I understand it is to make sure that people getting the hero license should be responsible and capable like not getting themselves killed while saving others. But sometimes you just jump in and help," Haruto explained, gesturing with his hands.
"I get your point. The quality of heroes in recent times has gone down as well," Kazama agreed, thinking of certain top-ranked heroes whose actions he had been investigating.
"Yes! We used to have legends like Hisashi the Hound, Shinobu the Diamond Princess and of course the first ever hero to be given World Rank 1, First Generation hero Yoshikawa Rejin", Haruto said with a confident tone. It seemed like he had those names on his tongue.
"Harder times had better heroes. Now apparently Shirai Takeru is one of the best these days," Kazama said with skepticism.
"You still don't buy his heroics", Haruto said as he tilted his head. He was amused by Kazama's disapproval of Shirai Takeru without knowing the small history between Kazama Raiden and Shirai Takeru.
"Not yet." And I have reasons not to, Kazama thought but didn't say aloud.
Before the conversation could deepen, a frustrated yell burst through the balcony door.
"I am done with this shit. Why are you asking such hard questions, Kazama?" Kurogane's voice came from inside, breaking the moment.
Haruto and Kazama exchanged a knowing smile and headed back to the study room.
"Do you expect the exams to be a cake walk?" Kazama asked, settling back into his chair.
Kurogane just stared at him blankly.
"It's all about the fundamentals when it comes to physics and maths. If you get the core concepts right then every problem is solvable," Kazama explained, flipping through the textbook to find a simpler example.
"And when it comes to history, it's all about interest. The more interested you are in the things that happened in the past, the better you remember those things," Haruto added as he opened the history book he was reading before.
"I am interested in one thing," Kurogane said as he pointed towards Haruto with his pen.
"Don't say Kiyomi-san," Haruto warned as he gave a sharp gaze to Kurogane.
"No no no. I meant in history," Kurogane protested as he waved his hands.
"Go ahead", Haruto said with a hand sign of approval.
"We have first generation World Rank 1, the legendary Yoshikawa Rejin. Like his tales were my favorite thing while growing up. And even today he is one of the most feared heroes. Then we have the current World Rank 1 in the third generation with immense potential and unmatched record for saving people. But who is the second generation World Rank 1?" Kurogane asked, with genuine curiosity in his voice.
Haruto closed his book, giving Kurogane his full attention. "Hmm. The World Hero Organization has erased his name from the history books. All we know is that he was from Russia and was last seen in Japan. But other than that nothing is available."
"So that's what it is. And even you don't know who he is? Like history is your strongest topic," Kurogane said, disappointed. He expected Haruto to answer that question.
"It is but it's like I said. Interest. Hero conspiracies are not my forte. Maybe Honda Akito can answer," Haruto suggested as he took off his glasses.
"Who would talk to that nerd?" Kurogane said dismissively, scrunching his mouth as if he were about to spit out something bitter. His whole expression twisted into exaggerated disgust.
Kazama's gaze sharpened, fixing on Kurogane. The comment hit differently now that he knew how much Akito was risking for him.
"What?" Kurogane noticed the look.
"Nothing. Let's get back to studying," Kazama said, but made a mental note to ask Akito about the second generation World Rank 1 later.
I guess Akito might know the answer to who the second generation World Rank 1 might be. I will ask him before the exam if I meet him.
******************************************************************************************************
Meanwhile, just two houses away at the Tachibana residence, another study session was underway. Takemi's room was organized chaos, textbooks spread across her desk, notes color-coded and arranged by subject. Also a whiteboard covered in formulas!
"And this is how we solve it," Takemi said, finishing the problem with a flourish. She tapped her pen at the end and circled the answer to make it clear for her friends to see.
"Wow Takemi. You really are a nerd," Kana teased, leaning back with a grin on her face.
"Hey!" Takemi protested, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Even I knew how to solve it, Kana. You are just too dumb," Sakura said bluntly as she flipped through her notebook with a smirk.
Kana rolled up her sleeves dramatically. "Give me one more question. The fastest one to solve wins. You are out of this one, Takemi."
Sakura also rolled up her sleeves as well. "I will solve this with blindfolds."
"Okay okay! Let's try to step back a little and actually focus on the basics," Takemi said, trying to restore order before her friends turned studying into a competition.
"Ugghh. Enough with the basics. Just tell us how to get more marks!" Sakura complained, flopping back on Takemi's bed.
"That is the way. Otherwise cramming is an option. Like you try to memorize every problem or similar problems," Takemi explained patiently as she drew on the back of her notebook with doodles to explain what she was saying.
"That's so tough to do," Kana whined.
"That is my go to option if I don't understand a problem. You need to be prepared for everything and hence every weapon should be available at your disposal!" Takemi said with conviction, channeling the competitive energy she usually kept hidden.
Sakura sat up. "Speaking of being prepared... Did you hear anything about Kazama-kun and the others? After the principal's office thing?"
Takemi's hand paused over her notes. "No. Why?"
"Just wondering. I mean, Kurogane is your childhood friend. Thought you might know something," Sakura said casually.
"I haven't talked to them yet. But if Akito's information was right and they were defending Kiyomi, then I'm sure the principal understood," Takemi said, trying to sound neutral.
"You're worried about them," Kana observed.
"I'm worried about anyone who gets called to the principal's office. It's called basic empathy," Takemi replied, perhaps a bit too defensively.
"Uh huh. Basic empathy. That's what we're calling it," Sakura said with a knowing smile.
"Can we please get back to studying?" Takemi said, her face is definitely red now.
******************************************************************************************************
The warehouse on the outskirts of Yokohama stood still with scorch marks around the entire area. Courtesy of Hiro. The burnt trucks were still there with the shipment all gone.
Inside the warehouse, lightbulbs flickered and water dripped from a tap in the corner. The only two things accompanying Hiro who was waiting patiently for Shirai Takeru.
Shirai Takeru landed from the sky with the help of his powered suit outside the warehouse with a loud thud. He landed at the other end of the warehouse. The end which didn't have scorch marks and burnt trucks. He marched into the warehouse to meet with Hiro. He had a frustrated look on his face.
"What the hell dude! You didn't pick up your phone. The guys on the port said that one truck worth of shipment was missing and now you show your face here? On top of that you called me from some random number? Whose number was that?" Takeru demanded, his voice rising with each sentence as he walked towards Hiro.
"I had to steal a phone. It was from some kid. I am not proud of it. I don't know where my phone is," Hiro admitted, not meeting Takeru's eyes. His heartbeat was rising by the second and sweat formed on his forehead.
"You lost your badge and your phone? A flip phone from the mafia with all important updates from your district! How could you lose that? Do you know what would happen if it falls into the wrong hands?," Takeru's voice rose even further.
"I am sorry Shirai-san." Hiro finally looked up and there was genuine fear in his eyes.
Takeru studied him for a long moment. Hiro is not the best person at this job but he still is somewhat capable. This was the type of job I would expect these guys to finish without hassle. Something had rattled him badly. Let's see what he has to say for the shipment.
"Okay forget that. What happened to the shipment? Why didn't it make it through?", Takeru continued with the question that he had in his mind.
"He...He…. He was there," Hiro said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Who?" Takeru asked with a hunch. Could it be some undercover hero who knows about our operations or worse, a pro hero? But it cannot be him. The vigilante. This time these guys were armed with guns on top of an awakened person already guarding the shipment. The vigilante can't be this good.
"That vigilante. He was there. We couldn't stop him", Hiro said with tremors. His hands were still shaking both from the fight with Kazama and with the guilt of burning everything down.
"You have powers and your subordinates have guns.The vigilante had some electrical powers," Takeru pointed out, his analytical mind already working through the problem. "What was the problem? How did you guys lose?"
"Not electricity, bro. He had telekinesis powers," Hiro corrected and his hands trembled even more as he remembered the guns levitating, the metal baton floating and striking him, the way objects moved at the vigilante's command.
"What!" Takeru's composure finally cracked. He looked at Hiro's haunted expression and realized they had severely underestimated whoever this masked figure was.
Hiro pointed out towards the north entrance of the warehouse since he knew he couldn't hide the mess outside any longer and it was better to tell Takeru before anyone else found out. Takeru walked at a quick pace to investigate. He saw two burnt trucks and a charred field.
What the hell happened here?, Takeru thought as he placed both his hands on head in shock.