It's hard knowing he's been replaced. Wild Tiger, the Crusher for Justice, at the top of the point standings back in his prime, is now nothing but a sidekick to a smart-ass punk. The only reason he ever makes an appearance on Hero TV is because he's breaking something, making a fool of himself, or just happens to be in a shot with Barnaby Brooks Jr., handsome hero rookie. His best days are over, and he knows it, but it's not any easier to accept.

What's more frustrating is how Kotetsu knows Apollon Media is just using him. He's not as stupid as he makes himself out to be, and he's well aware that he and Topmag were bought out just to make Barnaby look better than he already was. Kotetsu is even more aware that Barnaby would have outright replaced him if he hadn't been chosen to be the brat's partner. It's all one big marketing scheme that Kotetsu has found himself stuck in the middle of, and he hates it.

He remembers with longing how Hero TV used to be about, well, heroes. Kotetsu sits lazily beside a green screen and a crowd of photographers and stylists surrounding his blond partner, and the TV station's status as a commercialist money-trap couldn't be any more evident. As much as Kotetsu disagrees with the principle of it all, he can't help but feel jealous watching Barnaby flash his coy, winning smile for the eager cameramen. If being a hero in this day in age meant being a celebrity, what Kotetsu wouldn't give for a little extra fame.

"Let's try with another button undone, Mr. Brooks. For the ladies, eh?"

"And a few without your glasses, please? Yes! Sexy! Keep that pose, Mr. Brooks, this is wonderful."

But Kotetsu's jealousy extends beyond the way he's been mercilessly overshadowed. He doesn't realize why his blood boils and bubbles up to redden his face when the photographers ask such things of Barnaby, but it does. It's ridiculous to think he holds any sort of ownership over the young man, but a huge part of him wants to step forward and stop everything. Maybe it's platonic love, maybe it's more, but seeing Barnaby exploited and sexualized bothers him more than it should.

And there's still the issue that it's Barnaby getting all the attention and not him. They're a team, so why don't any of these damn reporters and photographers seem to realize it? Why is Kotetsu even waiting around if he's not going to be used? Even as a sidekick, he deserves more than-

"Aren't you going to include Tiger in any of these photos?"

Kotetsu perks up then, his head instinctively snapping up to stare at all the commotion around the green screen the moment he hears his name.

"We're a team, after all. He may be a bumbling idiot at times, but our best work is done together."

Since when did the brat talk about Kotetsu like that? The veteran hero's heart swells in his chest and he grins dumbly. Maybe he hasn't given Barnaby enough credit.

The cameramen are reluctant, but at further insistence from the rookie they can't say no, and they beckon for Kotetsu to come forward.

Stylists quickly adjust his hat, his hair, his jacket, and it makes him nervous but he doesn't pay too much attention because his eyes are drawn only to Barnaby's kind, sympathetic smile.

"What's with you?" Kotetsu mouths silently in Barnaby's direction, and the younger man only shrugs.

"Just don't make me look bad." The words don't sound as cruel as they should. In fact, they're almost playful, and the glint in Barnaby's emerald eyes confirms it. Kotetsu is confused, and it shows.

"Smile for the cameras, old man."

The cameras begin their flashing once again, and Barnaby's pretty sure that these pictures will be the best.