We open to the Galaxy King, where David was looking on at the view.
"Excited to see your family?" Ace asked.
"And my old friends, but those guys I'm nervous about. I mean, it probably wasn't until Akihabara was restored in the climax of the war against the Elements that they noticed I was gone." David said.
"I'm sure they'll be happy to see you again…" Ace said patting David's back. "Even I wonder how Mastemon is doing back in Devaloka."
"I'm sure things will go fine." Jexi said. "Besides, I've never been to Akihabara and it might be nice to see it."
"Even I can't remember the last time I was here in the Standard Universe." Ace said.
"Well, now more than ever, right?" Hope asked.
The Galaxy King soon landed outside the crossroads between Akihabara and Tokyo. Akane was the first to run out as she jumped to the building beside the ship and stretched as the others came out.
"Aaaaaaaaah…! It feels so good to be home!" Akane said.
"Oh yeah, this is your home too, guys." Hope said. "How's it feel to be back?"
"It feels so relaxing… I missed this fresh air." David said.
"I agree it feels so nice to be back in Japan without any undead running around." Aya said. "Despite it not being our universe."
"So this is your home? It looks...sort of nice." Elementa said.
"It wasn't always like this, though. Around 4 years ago, in my sense of time at least, Junko Enoshima set a plan into motion that ravaged the entire world to the ground." David said.
"I know. I was here during that ravaging time. When she held me and my friends for that killing game." Hope said.
"Junko's death during that killing game calmed things down a little bit. A little bit afterward, I was surrounded by Monokumas and thought for sure that I'd be killed. That's when Sectonia, who we now know was revived by Taranza's prayers, swooped in and saved me. That's what started my journey across the multiverse, and… Well, the rest you guys all know." David said.
"Multiple Monokumas...that must have been when Monaca was trying to become the second Junko." Mukuro said.
"Yeah, but her plan was halted by an unexpected individual. Makoto's sister, Komaru." David said. "After that, the Elements' assault happened, and after Dragon's defeat, this world was restored. From the looks of things here, things are slowly but surely, returning back to normal."
"By the way, what happened with Junko after that group split up?" Hope asked.
"From what I know, they wiped her memory of her time there, changed her hair color and face and left her to fend for herself." Rainbow said. "They didn't wanna take any chances if it was an act."
"Understandable. It's okay for people to choose their own paths." Peko said.
"I'm sure your paranormal group and Sachiko must be thrilled to be back after so long." Pit said.
"You know it! Oh man, the folks back here would never believe some of the stuff we've gone through." Mayumi said.
"Tell me about it." Sachiko said.
"Yeah...especially David considering the rep he's built up along with you guys." Indigo said.
"You've got that right." David said. "Well, no time like the present. So, what should we show you guys first?"
"It's hard to say." Ace said. "What do you have in mind?"
"Yeah, there's so much to see and do here." Hope said.
"Alright. I guess we can show you guys around." David said as they headed towards Akihabara. "As you know, Akihabara is a hub for otaku culture with a reference to popular anime and manga every square inch. There are also tons of electronic stores here, so if someone needs their technological fix or just the feeling of stepping into another world, this is where they go."
"So in a way this place is like a central hub." Ace said.
"Yeah...I can see how David would feel at home here." Jade said.
"..." Leviathan stayed silent as she looked at the city.
"Too much to handle, Leviathan?" David asked.
"Hmm? Oh, no. Seeing this place reminds me of home back in Neo Arcadia." Leviathan said.
"I can understand the familiar sight. It's pretty humbling." Hope said.
"Wow! Look at how authentic that Nu-13 costume is!" a citizen said as everyone was taking photos of Nu.
"Yeah, I...probably should've warned you guys about that." David said.
"Guess a lot of people don't know about us." Zero said.
"Not everyone in the worlds is aware of hero groups, same with the worlds." Jexi said.
"That doesn't change the fact that you guys are popular in some circles here." David said.
"Yeah, this place is pretty amazing." Jalter said as people started taking pictures of her and the other Heroic Spirits. "Aside from the paparazzi."
"Come now, it's not all bad." Rarity said posing for the cameras.
"Hey, this guy looks just like that badass Bakugo." one said poking Bakugo.
"Get outta my face you damn nerd!" Bakugo shouted knocking him away.
"Bakugo, calm down. He's just a fan." David said.
"Yes...I'll have to ask you to calm down." a familiar voice said as they saw Water standing on the fountain.
"Who are you?" Selena asked.
"His name is Water. He's one of the Elements." Juvia said.
"He was originally on Dragon's side until the events at Gran Tesoro caused him to question his loyalties." David said.
"I see." Azura said.
"So, what brings you here to Akihabara?" Hope asked.
"I've been here since after the events of XGard. I am Akihabara's guardian, protecting it." Water said. "And also keeping an eye on him." he said pointing to a manga building where Hifumi was kicked out.
David sweatdropped at this. "Oh, boy. I think I know what this is about." he said as he walked up to Hifumi. "Hey there, Hifumi. It's been a while."
"Huh?" HIfumi said looking up and seeing David's face. "Ishiharaaaaa!" he said hugging David. "It's been so long! I never thought I'd see the day when I would see you again!"
"Hehe. It's good to see you again, too, Hifumi." David said.
"Yes...it has been far too long." Hifumi said.
"Well, someone sure is happy to see you." Sunset said. "Hey, remember us?"
"Ah...my former...partners in...school I guess." Hifumi said.
"Yeah. We haven't forgotten you. Sorry about that first time when Celestia...sent you down the river." Applejack said.
"Oh hoho, no worries. I've buried the memory of Ludenberg's murder of me deep within my subconscious." Hifumi said. "Where it will never see the light of day…" he said a creepy way.
"Yeeeaaah… not poking that beast. What were you doing getting kicked out of a manga production building?" Rainbow said.
"From what I'm seeing here… It looks like he's trying to chronicle a story about my adventures." David said.
"This is the 25th manga company he's been kicked out of." Water said.
"25? That many?" David asked. "Damn… I wonder what the reason could be for him to be denied that many times."
"I'm sure it can't be that...Oh god!" Mary said reading it. "Kill it! Kill it with fire!"
"What? Come on it can't be….My eyes!" Al said before dashing off.
"Uh… Hifumi?" Hope asked looking at the story. "What the heck have you come up with here?"
"Yeah, Mary and Al just became afraid of a story." Starlight said before looking at it. "Uh huh…" she said before ripping it up and tossing it in the trash. "The world will thank us later."
"My Life's work!" Hifumi said. "Why'd you do that?!"
"Life's work? You drew that one up this morning." Water said.
"I-Is that horrible object gone?" Al asked shaking a bit as she looked sick.
"Yep. It is." David said. "Seriously, though. Why would it be that bad? I mean, you were accepted into Hope's Peak after all. Your works were among the best at that point."
"Maybe it's because he's trying to write a fanfic on real life? I mean, aren't fanfics mostly for things from tv shows?" Ruby asked.
"Pretty much." Mari said.
"Ah yeah… That is quite the problem." David said. "I mean, if it took place in some kind of alternate universe, then maybe…"
"Best not to say anything about that right now." Mari said.
"Right… Anyway, we're here because I felt a little homesick and I thought I may as well show these guys around." David said.
"Yeah, we needed a break from all the action the past few weeks." Ace said.
"I see." Hifumi said.
"Anyone else think he's kinda like a male version of Mari?" Al whispered.
"Don't you dare say that!" Mari said.
"I tell you guys, we've been through so much that we don't even know where to begin." David said.
"There was that time we all met in Valentia, but I think that's a story for another time." Ace said.
"Anyway, shall I show you guys the agency we work at? Gotta warn you, though. It's all the way in Toyosu." David said.
"Ugh, we're in for a long walk…" Rainbow said.
"That's exactly what the trains are for, Rainbow." Jesse said.
Later in the day, following David's guidance, the group enters a sort of building where a keypad pops up. David types in a certain code and a large elevator opens.
"Whoa, fancy." Rose said. "This is your Agency's HQ?"
"Yep. It was real mind-boggling at first for us, too." Mayumi said as the group went into the elevator as it went down. Once it stopped, it opened to reveal a room with many offices and creatures.
"Whoa… So this is where you run all those operations." Leia said.
"Yep, because people and creatures from other worlds show up in Tokyo, we embraced that image with the diversity of this place. However, the government usually don't react well to that kind of thing so we set it underground to keep things hush-hush." David said.
"So it's a secret organization." Law said.
"This place is so cool. Where do they keep the robots and the laser beam stuff?" Luffy asked.
"That's all in the technological wing, but be careful. Some of those are very dangerous and unstable." David said.
"Well, well… It's not every day that guests are brought along." a voice said revealing a woman in a suit. "Welcome back, everyone."
"Hello, Miss Kumori." David said with a bow. "Sorry I couldn't contact you sooner. I was showing my friends around Tokyo."
"It's quite alright. We all have those moments where we just want to get away from it all." Kumori said.
"A friend of yours?" Ace asked.
"Ah, yes. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Emijo Kumori. But...my friends call me Emi." Emijo said.
"A pleasure to meet you, my name is Ace Neptune." Ace said.
"I'm Jexi and this is Hope. You might have heard of us...we're the Dimensional Heroes and Shining Hope Squad as well as Spirit Force." Jexi said.
"Ah yes. I am a big, big fan of your exploits! You guys defined multi-special unity in a way no one else thought possible." Emijo said.
"Seems someone's a big fan of you three." Ace said.
"Especially our former operatives here. I had a feeling they would be destined for greatness some day." Emijo said. "You guys have some real guts taking on some of those big names out there."
"Yeah, David's been taking on some big bads around the Multiverse. Stain, Yomi, the list goes on and on." Hope said.
"And his most recent and famous defeat of Katakuri earned him this." Robin said showing the wanted poster.
"A bounty? Ooh… You might want to watch your back there. A reward like half a billion Beli can rise real quick if you piss off the wrong people." Emijo said.
"Yeah, we...kinda learned that the hard way." David said.
"Speaking of which… I've been checking in on the Regime. After the big breakout in Universal Prison, word is that they're up to their old tricks again." Emijo said.
"Yeah...no surprise. I knew that when I saw Hawkgirl in Hero City." Jexi said.
"Oh the hawk lady I took down." Miles said.
"Damn that Flux." Jexi said.
"Yes. I recall he was the one who started this mess in the first place. Though there has been a puzzlement from before that." Emijo said. "The prisoners that were escorted to that built impenetrable prison. I just don't understand why the Universal Government would have built it."
"Honestly, I don't know either. But hey." David said.
"I'm especially worried about you, David. After all, Wonder Woman has a bone to pick with you after that little stunt of yours that caused the Regime's downfall." Emijo said.
"So she really was among the inmates at that prison." Gemini said.
"Unfortunately." Emijo said. "Since the Alvarez Empire was toppled in that same incident, the same applies to Invel Yura as well."
"Oh, great." David said.
"There's more. We did some digging into the prison break incident. We know how Flux knew about it." Emijo said showing footage of Flux meeting with a cloaked figure. "Now we apply an x-ray." she said as the screen showed a crystal within the other.
"Wait...that crystal...Normal!" Water said.
"So even in his time with his new posse, he answers to Flux. Typical. That Flux would round up just about anyone he finds worth stepping over." David said.
"That's what I thought too. But...somehow I don't think it was a master/subordinate relationship." Emijo said. "We listened to several conversations between the two. We have reason to believe it was a three-way partnership." she said.
"Three-way? Who's the third?" Jexi said.
"Take a wild guess. You all recently saw him battle in the GGG Cup alongside Wisdom." Emijo said.
"Despair. I knew it." David said.
"I had a feeling he'd be like this. He is after all, a part of me." Hope said.
"Each of them on their own is pretty bad...but all three together...that's just asking for trouble." Jexi said.
"..." Ace stayed silent as he was lost in thought.
"It makes you wonder, what are they up to?" Hope asked.
"That's what we can't figure out. For now, the three have been out of contact. Normal's in hiding, Despair's under ship arrest, as for Flux...after his arrest, thanks to his mother, in lieu of jail time, he's been sentenced to 1,000,000 hours community service." Emijo said.
"No way can the guy live to complete all of that." Kaito said.
"Actually, there are some ways, but that's neither here nor there." Emijo said. "And he can't leave the world he's been assigned to. There's a shock anklet on him that shocks him if he tried to get beyond thirty feet of any world he's assigned to."
"Wow, Dave. This Emijo woman here really knows her stuff." Tapu Lele said.
"She had to in order to keep track of everything that's going on." David said.
"Anyway, I'm sure you guys must be exhausted from all that world-hopping." Emijo said. "It's a little cramped, but why don't you guys spend the night in the guest quarters?"
"We usually have that reserved for witnesses to big cases that have to stay overnight." Petra said.
"That would be nice. Thank you." Roku said.
"..." Ace stayed silent as he wasn't able to think of something to say.
"Is everything okay, Ace? You've been pretty silent for a while now." David said.
"I'm sorry. I...need to be alone for a bit." Ace said before he warped away.
"Where is that guy gonna go?" Emijo said.
"Don't mind him, Emi. He does that." David said.
"He just needs some space to think, so we'll respect his privacy." Hope said.
"Anyway, are you sure it's alright, Emijo? We don't want to be a liability in case a big case pops up." Jude said.
"Oh, it's quite alright. We can make do with a few or hundred so guests every once in a while." Emijo said. "Just make yourselves at home."
"Got it. Thank you, Miss Emijo." Chalcedony said.
"Still, I wonder what Ace was thinking about?" Hope asked.
"For now, let's just leave him alone." Jalter said.
"Yeah...I'm sure he's got a lot on his mind." Jexi said.
"Sharia, can you come in here for a minute?" Emijo asked as an elf woman with red hair walked up.
"Yes, Emi?" Sharia asked.
"Would you mind escort our guests to our guest quarters?" Emijo asked.
"Of course. Right this way, please." Sharia said as the group followed her.
"They let elves work here? Interesting." Elementa said.
"As Emi had said before, she believes in diversity. Thus why there are so many different races here." Sharia said.
"Amazing." Papelne said.
"Plus, Tokyo is considered to be the center of the entire multiverse, so...pretty much anything can happen here." David said.
"Anything…" Al said.
"Yep. Pretty much every day is eventful down here." Kokoro said.
"We're here." Sharia said opening a door to a very spacious room where there are beds for pretty much everyone.
"Wow! This room is huge!" Hiyoko said.
"And the beds are so soft too." Wendy said.
"I hope the accommodations are to your liking." Sharia said.
"Very much. We love it here!" Peridot said.
"Thank you. I hope you all rest well." Sharia said.
"We will. See you in the morning." David said as Sharia left. Soon everyone has settled in.
"First day back and things are already looking up." David said. "Of course… Peaceful days like this don't really happen very often. I hope all that info Emi gave us doesn't lampshade anything. Knowing this place, something happens around every corner."
