Honnouji Academy - Student Council Room
Satsuki upon her throne, finalizing the logistics for the upcoming subjugation of the Tri-Schools.
Sanageyama: Athletic Committee squads 1 through 11 are prepped. The Osaka Raid Trip Brigade is ready to roll.
Nonon: Non-Athletic squads 1 through 18 are standing by. The Kyoto Raid Trip Brigade is awaiting orders.
Gamagoori: The Disciplinary Committee is more than sufficient to crush the resistance in Kobe!
Sanageyama: Being an elite corps is fine, just don't screw it up.
Nonon: Yeah, I'd hate to see you commit seppuku, Ira. Cleaning your insides off the pavement sounds like a drag.
Gamagoori: Save your concern. Failure is not an option.
Inumuta: The Information Strategy Team, centered around the PC Club, has seized control of the information networks in all three cities. We have eyes everywhere.
Satsuki: Iori, report on the Goku Uniforms.
Iori: Yes, Lady Satsuki. The Anti-Osaka, Anti-Kyoto, and Anti-Kobe Combat-spec uniforms are being distributed. As for the Elite Four, your new Three-Star uniforms are in production. For now, you'll have to make do with standard issue.
Satsuki: Good. Your new uniforms incorporate data from your defeats against Matoi and Nui Harime. There is no shame in losing if it leads to evolution.
Sanageyama: What about (L/N)?
Gamagoori: Watch your tongue! Do not interrupt Lady Satsuki!
Satsuki: It is fine. Regarding (L/N)... we were unable to obtain enough data to integrate a counter-measure into the Goku Uniforms.
Inumuta: It's frustrating. Even with close-range scans during the election, his energy signature is... baffling. It doesn't match Life Fibers or standard human biology. It's like a volatile chemical reaction contained in a human shell.
Sanageyama: So we got nothing?
Inumuta: We know his reaction time is inhuman, and his durability is off the charts. That's about it.
Nonon: I could have told you he was tough just by looking at him.
Satsuki: It is of no consequence. With or without that data, you will mature. Lead your brigades to victory.
Elite Four & Iori: Understood!
Satsuki: stands up The Raid Trip departs at 0200 hours the day after . Gamagoori, I have a task for you.
Gamagoori: Yes!
Meanwhile
Y/N's No-Star Apartment
Y/N decided to skip school. After the chaos of the Sudden Death Runoff Election—and the literal explosion of violence—he figured the school needed repairs and he needed a nap.
(Y/N): Staring at the ceiling I hope Ryuko is holding up. She really lost it yesterday. Reminded me of the old days... anger makes you sloppy.
Before Y/N could finish his thought, the door was kicked open. Mako and a boy with messy black hair and glasses burst in.
Mako: Y/N!!!!!!!!
(Y/N): Jumps slightly Do you people not know what knocking is?!
???: Y/N! I need your help!
(Y/N): Who are you? And why are you in my living room?
Mako: Ah! This is-
Shinijiro: I am Shinijiro Nagita! Former member of the Newspaper Club!
Shinijiro: I have come to ask for your assistance!
(Y/N): ...In?
Shinijiro: You and Ryuko Matoi are the only ones to defy Satsuki Kiryuin! Please! Lend me your strength to end her tyranny!
(Y/N): No.
Shinijiro: Rejected!? Wait! I really need you!
(Y/N): Look, kid. I'm retired. I came here to study, not start a revolution. Besides, you want Ryuko, not me. I'm just the guy who gets dragged into the crossfire. -_-
Shinijiro: I know you're strong! I saw you at the Election!
(Y/N): I didn't fight. I just... aggressively calmed people down.
Shinijiro: You're too modest! With your power and Matoi's, we can free this school!
(Y/N): Riiiiight. Speaking of Ryuko, how is she, Mako?
Mako: She woke up, but she's super bummed out. She doesn't want to put on Senketsu.
(Y/N): Figures. Losing control leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Shinijiro: Maybe if you both talk to her, she'll fight again!
(Y/N): That sounds like a has-
Mako: That's a great idea! Let's go!
(Y/N): Mako, no! I'm in my sweats!
Completely ignoring his protests, Mako grabbed Y/N's wrist with her iron grip and dragged him out. As they ran, Y/N noticed Shinijiro staring at him. Not with hope, but with a cold calculation.
The Mankanshoku Home
Ryuko lay in her futon, staring at the wall. Senketsu hung above her, silent.
Ryuko: I lost it. I let the bloodlust take over. If I wear him again... I might kill Mako. Or Y/N.
Shinijiro: Please put it on!
Ryuko: Eh?
Mako: Mom, we're here!
(Y/N): Yo. -_-
The group around the tea table. Shinijiro slammed a copy of a newspaper onto the wood.
Mako: "We Are Not blankety-blank's blanks!" Wow, catchy title!
Shinijiro: Read it! Satsuki is turning students into soldiers! I tried to publish this, but the Disciplinary Committee censored me!
(Y/N): Skims the paper Censorship. Classic dictatorship move.
Shinijiro: Ryuko! You defeated the Elite Four! You are the symbol of rebellion! Lead us!
Ryuko: Forget it. I'm not fighting for a cause. I'm done. Go home.
Shinijiro: Then what are you fighting for?!
Ryuko: How should I know?
Shinijiro: There is one man who saw you and found the courage to take back his life! Your fight matters! So put on that sailor uniform!
Ryuko shoved Shinijiro out the door and slammed it.
Ryuko: What is his deal?!
(Y/N): You were kind of harsh.
Ryuko: Shut up.
(Y/N): Sighs Look, I'm not gonna give you a generic "believe in yourself" speech. But... I'm glad you went berserk.
Ryuko: Glad!? I almost killed everyone! I almost killed you!
(Y/N): I'd be worried if you didn't react that way.
Ryuko: What?
(Y/N): You found out your life was a lie. That gets to you. I grew up in a system where they trained us to be soldiers from passing grade. Dorm life, constant battles. I never really had a "home" or parents waiting for me. When I saw you with Mako's family... I was jealous. You have people to protect. That rage came from fear of losing them.
Ryuko: Y/N...
(Y/N): We care about you, Ryuko. As long as you've got that, you won't lose yourself.
Mako: That's right!
Barazo: You're family!
Guts: Guts!
Ryuko: Thanks, guys.
(Y/N): Besides, if you don't wear Senketsu, you'll get out of shape. Imagine trying to squeeze into that skimpy outfit after gaining ten pounds.
Ryuko: ...
(Y/N): Hilarious visual.
Outside
Y/N was thrown out of the roof of the house by Ryuko, landing on his feet with a heavy thud.
(Y/N): Ow. Rubs head Well, at least she has her energy back.
Shinijiro stepped into his path.
Shinijiro: Is Matoi going to fight?
(Y/N): That's her call. Stop lurking, it's creepy. -_-
Shinijiro: And what about your strength? There's no way a normal human moves like you did at the Election.
(Y/N): I drink a lot of milk. Go away.
Y/N walked past him, hands in his pockets.
(Y/N): Internal That guy... he smells like trouble. And not the school bully kind.
Later - REVOCS Headquarters
Satsuki stood before her mother, Ragyo Kiryuin.
Ragyo: Kamui Senketsu... La vie est drôle.
Satsuki: Matters should be settled youth against youth.
Ragyo: Indeed. But why was the High Order Tailor sent?
Satsuki: You mean Nui? She interfered with my plans.
Ragyo: Nui does what Nui wants. Pauses Hououmaru, show me the footage.
On the screen, a video played of the Election. It showed Y/N grabbing Nui Harime and tossing her out of the arena with a burst of explosive speed.
Ragyo: Is that...?
The video zoomed in. Ryuko struck Y/N, tearing his shirt. Underneath, visible for a split second, was the massive starburst scar over his heart and various burn marks from a past war.
Ragyo: Smiles sadistically I finally found you... my lost hero.
2 Years Ago - Hokkaido, Japan
A path of destruction carved through the city. A failed Life Fiber experiment, looking like a demonic red beast, rampaged unchecked.
Ragyo: Tch. To think it escaped the facility.
She engaged the beast, her Life Fiber swords bouncing off its hide. It was regenerating too fast. She was sent flying into a building.
Ragyo: You filthy imperfection!
She dashed back in, but the beast was adapting. It prepared to crush her.
(Y/N): Voice from a distance Shitshitshitshit!!!
Ragyo turned. A boy in civilian clothes was sprinting through the battlefield, eyes glued to his phone map.
(Y/N): Looks up Oh fuck! What is that?!
Ragyo stared. A civilian?
(Y/N): Uh... Checks phone I have like, two minutes before the train leaves.
The boy didn't run away. He lunged. The beast roared, swiping at him. Y/N ducked under the claw, his palm glowing with a fierce orange light.
(Y/N): Out of my way, ugly!
BOOM.
With a single, concentrated explosion from his palm, he drove the beast's head into the pavement. The skull caved in. The impact wave shattered the Life Fibers instantly.
(Y/N): Dusts off gloves Too easy.
Ragyo: Impossible...
She walked up to him.
Ragyo: Hello there.
(Y/N): Huh? Oh. Hi. Didn't see you.
Ragyo: Smiles Your hair... and that power. How about you tell me your name?
She released subtle threads to bind him.
(Y/N): Name's- Phone rings AH CRAP! My train!
(Y/N): Sorry lady, gotta jet!
He dashed off, leaving a sonic boom in his wake, snapping Ragyo's threads like cobwebs.
Ragyo: Licks lips I will find you... and you will be mine.
Present Day - Honnouji Academy
(Y/N): Walking to school Maybe will be boring. Boring is good.
Shinijiro appeared out of thin air.
Shinijiro: Good Morning!
(Y/N): Internal Goddammit.
Shinijiro dragged them to the courtyard and began a speech about revolution.
Shinijiro: Students! Take back your school!
(Y/N): 0_0 This is going to end poorly.
Mako: 0_0
Shinijiro tossed newspapers into the air. The Disciplinary Committee arrived instantly. Shinijiro got beaten down, jumped into a sewer, and escaped.
(Y/N): Phew He's gone. Maybe I can sneak awa-
Gamagoori: (L/N)! Mankanshoku!
(Y/N): Are you kidding me?!
Gamagoori: Hard labor for both of you! But first... (L/N), Lady Satsuki wants a word.
(Y/N): Noooo!
Student Council Chambers
Gamagoori slammed Y/N onto a chair.
(Y/N): @_@ Why the body slam? I walked here peacefully.
Gamagoori: Protocol! Leaves
Satsuki sipped her tea.
Satsuki: (L/N). We need to talk.
(Y/N): About?
Satsuki: The Sudden Death Runoff. You went toe-to-toe with a berserk Kamui without a uniform.
(Y/N): I work out.
Satsuki: You threw the Grand Couturier out of the ring like a ragdoll.
(Y/N): She was light.
Satsuki: Sighs Follow me.
She led him to an underground arena.
Satsuki: A deal. We spar. If I win, you become my Vice-President and reveal your secrets. If you win, I stop asking.
(Y/N): Can't I just... leave?
Satsuki: And have the Prime Minister—who I know you have contacted for new identities—deported?
(Y/N): ...Low blow. Fine.
Satsuki activated Junketsu. She lunged. Y/N didn't transform or boost. He simply weaved.
Slash. Dodge. Stab. Sidestep.
Satsuki: Why do you refuse to fight?! You have power!
(Y/N): Ducks under a blade I've fought enough wars. I just want a normal life.
Satsuki: A normal life is a waste of your potential!
She unleashed a flurry of strikes. Y/N caught her blade between his reinforced palms, the kinetic energy dissipating with a soft thud.
(Y/N): My choice. Not yours.
Satsuki glared, testing his grip strength. It was immovable. She smirked.
Satsuki: So you do have fire inside you.
She sheathed her sword.
Satsuki: I concede. I have seen what I needed.
(Y/N): Sweats You knew you couldn't hit me, didn't you?
Satsuki: Perhaps.
After School - The Slums
Y/N was walking home, exhausted.
(Y/N): Internal Satsuki is crazy. Ryuko is crazy. Everyone is crazy.
Shinijiro ran up to him.
Shinijiro: Y/N!!! Ryuko is being attacked!
(Y/N): Eyes narrow Where?
Shinijiro led him to an empty quarry. It was silent.
(Y/N): Where is she?
Shinijiro: Giggles
(Y/N): What's funny?
Shinijiro: You are.
Shinijiro melted, shifting form into the blonde girl in pink. Nui Harime.
(Y/N): Internal Shape-shifters. I hate shape-shifters.
Nui: Bonjour (F/N)! Remember me?
(Y/N): ...No.
Nui: Twitch I'm Nui Harime!
(Y/N): Right. New Harmony.
Nui: I'm going to kill you! Just like I hurt Ryuko hours ago!
(Y/N): Stops You hurt Ryuko?
Nui: Yes! I made her scream!
Nui summoned clones, surrounding him.
Nui: -Mignon Prêt-à-porter! Die!
Y/N didn't dodge this time. He raised his hand. Small sparks crackled around his fingers, the air smelling of ozone.
(Y/N): You shouldn't have said that.
BOOM.
A shockwave erupted from Y/N, instantly vaporizing the clones. He stepped through the smoke, appearing right in front of the real Nui.
Nui: W-What!?
Y/N slammed his fist into her gut. A contained explosion rippled through her body.
Nui: GAH!!
Y/N clasped his hands together, raising them high.
(Y/N): Begone.
He slammed them down. The ground cratered. Nui bounced off the floor, face twisted in pain. Y/N followed up with a straight right cross to her face, a burst of orange light launching her into the horizon like a baseball.
(Y/N): Shakes hand Annoying pest.
He turned and ran back toward Mako's house. If Nui was here, Ryuko was in danger.