AUTHORS NOTE: Hello everyone, i am apologizing for taking so long between chapters. And holy cow, i just realised this is my longest chapter i ever written ever! Every one just gets longer and longer, i need some time to adjust. Hehe. Well, enjoy reading. :)
CHAPTER III: The Gathering of Earth's Warriors
Reiji and Xiaomu were driving on their bikes back to Mishima in Shizuoka. As they were riding through the mountain pass and saw the city in the distance, Reiji opened his motorcycle helmet to talk to Xiaomu.
Reiji: See? I told you we would make it in about one and a half hour. Not three. You really make up a lot of nonsense.
Xiaomu: That ain't true!
Xiaomu clumsily opened her helmet as well, accidentally breaking off the eye shield. She was completely flushed out of embarrassment.
Xiaomu: Oops...
Reiji: Gosh, you're so clumsy at everything. It's quite fun to watch.
Then something struck Reiji in his mind. He seemed completely baffled.
Xiaomu: What? What's wrong?
Reiji: We were supposed to rendezvous with the unidentified agent who'd drop in from Gunma less than two hours ago. Goddammit, how did i forget that...?!
Xiaomu: Hehe, seems like i'm not the only one here who is clumsy and all.
Reiji: Oh shut up, you... you little fox. If it weren't for the events at Shibuya, i definitely would've made it in time.
Xiaomu: Well, we're nearly back at our on headquarters anyways, so why don't we drop in tomorrow with a dispatch helicopter?
Reiji: Sure... if the agent would still be around then. We are late as hell already, so whatever. He can wait. I need some rest...
Xiaomu: Like-wise.
The two then followed the road to the city in front of them until they got up to one of the tallest skyscrapers of their organisation within the giant city of Mishima, Shinra Headquarters. The two pulled up at the garage entrance, letting their ID-passes be scanned. As soon as the verification was finished, the garage door opened. As the two pulled inside, the door behind them completely closed off with iron plates again. Reiji and Xiaomu parked their bikes within the closest parking spaces to the garage doors and stopped their bikes.
Xiaomu: Thank goodness that the dude with the prius is gone. He's such an asshole for stealing out spots...
Reiji: Oh come on, it's only like two meters of difference.
Xiaomu: Yeah, but it's still faster for us to be here. It makes a lot of difference!
Reiji: Welp... you got me there. Sigh...
Reiji scratched his head a bit, as they entered the elevator up to floor 28 where their office and own apartment resided. As they arrived on the floor, they walked over to office 14 which was immediately linked to their apartment. Reiji opened the door to their office with his key, to which Xiaomu immediately walked through the door. She heavily yawned.
Reiji: Hey-
Xiaomu: Yaaaaawnnn... Well, i'm pooped. Imma go nap.
Reiji: ...Don't forget to pick up the money from-
Xiaomu: Yeah, yeah. Whatever...
Xiaomu slowly opened the room to their apartment and closed the door right behind her. As she was gone, Reiji sighed and tried to press the light switch of his office.
Reiji: ...Well, i will remind her again at some time.
Although right before he did, he stopped his arm and looked at the office. He couldn't help but notice somebody was hiding in there with no visible presence. He slowly pulled his arm away and walked over to the desk, keeping up his guard.
Reiji (Thinking): ...Something's not right...
Then somebody appeared right behind him out of thin air in the middle of the office, with a punch to the head...
Reiji: ...!
Reiji with a quick reflex, blocked the punch that came from the person behind him and pulled him down. Although the person didn't back down, and sweeped Reiji's legs while he was on the ground, making him fall. The person stood back up. Reiji was a bit annoyed.
Reiji: Grr...!
Reiji then pulled out his pistol and aimed at him, as did the other person within the darkness of the room.
Person: The agent from Shinra... you almost made me waste enough time as is. Well, at least it gave me enough time to polish the Nyoraito's dirty spots.
Reiji: Who are you...?
The person lowered his weapon. Reiji now seemed to realise something about what he received earlier while contacting the unidentified agent.
Reiji: Wait...
The person calmly picked up a classic candle and lighted it with a snap of his fingers to the wick. Through the light, it is revealed to be a man in a formal white suit with red sleeves, white boots and brown hair with a few strands of hair sticking out.
Person: The Universal Tournament... As they will call it. And our universe plays a part, too.
Reiji: How did you know about that?
Person: I'm quick to catch on. Practically, i can be almost anywhere, yet never spotted. That's what makes me the perfect detective to stay private on cases...
The person then held out his hand to help Reiji get back up. Reiji slowly lowered his weapon and put it back.
Reiji: So you're the agent who was tasked to meet up with me, huh?
Reiji reached for the person's hand and got back up on his feet with the help from him. He formerly bowed towards Reiji and introduced himself.
Kogoro: That's right. Call me Kogoro Tenzai. And you must be Reiji Arisu, professional agent of Shinra HQ.
Reiji: Right. So, how about the tasks we have to do?
Kogoro: Oh, patrol on the rifts? We can ignore those for a while. As there is a bigger threat at hand that i would like to play a bigger part in trying to prevent it...
Reiji: Wait... don't tell me you're actually considering joining the ten warriors, aren't you?
Kogoro nods his head slowly in response.
Reiji: Okay, i know you managed to find my exact apartment room and got in without permission and all, but HOW exactly can you be helpful to the team?
Kogoro: Well... do you know any good fighters from here off the top of your head?
Reiji: Well...
Reiji began struggling in his own thoughts for quite some while. Eventually he softly tried to speak up.
Reiji: There's Xiaomu... but, even i doubt her sometimes...
Kogoro: Hmph. See? I am sure that even among Shinra, the highest class of fighters are just dudes who can aim a gun.
Reiji: Well... okay, you are right about that.
Kogoro: What you need is a sneaky and careful tactician. One who happens to know a thing or two about recognising talent.
Reiji: Oh really? Tell me, how many guards protect the lobby within the building?
Kogoro: Six.
Reiji: ...Then, what floor contains the archive of experiments our company has?
Kogoro: Fourth in the basement.
Reiji: ...You didn't really kill any guards of alerted them, did you?
Kogoro: Nope. Not even a single trace of my consciousness was left. I only observed the building in its entirety from the inside...
Reiji: You know... I am pretty convinced you may be the right person for this job. But know that I will put the final mark on the decisions you may make, okay?
Kogoro: Alright. I am completely fine with that. I will go and try to find some possible candidates for our team to be helpful to the both of us.
Reiji: Speaking of 'our team', do you know if anybody has caught whim of Saya's schemes?
Kogoro: I can gladly say that nobody in our universe is ever aware of the tournament being a thing. For all they know here in japan, it was just another quake. Elsewhere, nothing major even happened to what they know.
Reiji: That's good...
Kogoro: Well, i'll speak you tomorrow. Here's my phone number. I already got yours.
Kogoro picks up a piece of paper of his jacket pocket and writes down his phone number, passing it to Reiji. As Kogoro was about to leave through the door to the hallway of the floor, he turned back to Reiji again once more.
Kogoro: Oh, one more thing... Have you ever heard of Mii Koryuji?
Reiji: Only of Koryuji Holdings... why?
Kogoro: Well, i am her tutor. She is still only just a high school student, but she has pure raw talent. I know she would do great along my side.
Kogoro walked over to Reiji and passed a personal photo of Mii Koryuji from his pocket. On the picture, she was posing as if she was taking a photo from a smartphone. She had long red hair, green eyes, and seemed to be wearing a maiden dress. Reiji felt a bit weirded out about the whole "maid" getup and then passes the picture back towards him.
Reiji: ...A bit of an odd fashion sense, but maybe you're right.
Kogoro: Trust me, Mii would say the same thing about your little girlfriend.
Reiji was completely embarrassed. Kogoro innocently laughed it off.
Reiji: H-hey, she is NOT my girlfriend!
Kogoro: Hehehe. I'm only joking.
Reiji: ...Well... i can consider her as part of our team for now, at least.
Kogoro: Great. Absolutely grateful. Hey, if you still have some doubts, i can send over more info and some footage of proof for conviction. Alright?
Reiji: Well, alright.
Kogoro: Okay, i'll be off...
Kogoro then turned back and almost closed the door behind him as he was about to exit the office. But just before he left, he turned back and pointed at Reiji one more time.
Kogoro: Remember... Six more to go.
Kogoro then turned in a circle, disappearing as if he was with the wind, with the door automatically closing behind it due to the wind's strength. Reiji pondered to himself a bit.
Reiji: How did he even...?
Reiji then looked behind him and noticed the offices' window was still open.
Reiji: ...Well either way, i am gonna go and rest.
Reiji closed the window's office as well as the roller blinds and headed back to his bedroom to sleep...
It was now the 8th of June, 2022, 11AM
Reiji and Xiaomu found themselves onto the street. Xiaomu seemed proud while Reiji was completely baffled from what lied in front of him.
Reiji: What is THIS?!
Xiaomu: Ta-da! You told me we needed to get us some heroes, so here we are!
Reiji and Xiaomu found themselves right in front the Namco Theater in Aoyama Itchome of Tokyo. People were casually passing by them as Reiji turned silent for a few seconds.
Reiji: ...Dammit, i know i shouldn't have followed with your ideas...
Xiaomu: Look, i always wanted to go to this show. Once more before we'll die, is that all to ask for? Besides, these tickets were hard to get!
Reiji: What do you mean 'we will die'?! Urgh... fine. But only this once. After this, i'll be the one who decides where we are heading. I do not want to waste more time after this at all! You hear me?
Xiaomu: Right, right... geez, stop nagging.
Reiji: Hmph...
Reiji started to walk towards the building with Xiaomu following right behind. After a while, they found themselves within the theater seats near the middle of the 5th row out of the 43. They began to sit down and waited until the show started. Although Xiaomu being a bit shorter, became annoyed that the people in front of her blocker her view a bit. She tried to sit a bit more upward in the process.
Xiaomu: Dang! Is everyone really so tall in here?!
After a few seconds of struggling, the lights all around started to dim. Most others turned quiet now, too.
Reiji: Shh... be quiet.
Xiaomu: Oh, right...
As Xiaomu finally found a comfortable position and somewhat decent view, she immediately began to stop moving around in her chair as the curtains began to roll... the show began. It started out with a girl who had dark blue eyes and brown hair who was wearing a short light-blue dress with a pink sweater beneath. She was walking through the theater's stage which had a setting of a regular park. Xiaomu immediately recognised her... She then leaned over a bit to Reiji and with a bit of excitement whispered to him...
Xiaomu: Ah...! That's her! That's Momo!
Reiji: Hrm... i am not really grasping the idea as to why this is so popular yet...
Xiaomu: That's the titular hero, man! Oh this is gonna be great...!
As the play went on during the first scene, she had to fight off men dressed up as aliens referred to as 'Warudemons' to defend earth. At the start of the show she started with regular kicks, but as they came to the second scene in the suburban areas, her main talent finally came up to the spotlight: She seemed pretty good at hula hooping, and tried to use it as a weapon against them by throwing. It was a bit silly to Reiji, while Xiaomu almost couldnt hold herself in from amazement.
Reiji: Hula hoops...? Is that the best weapon they could come up with?
Xiaomu: Oh believe me, that's not the best part yet...
The play went on for quite some time. They were at the fifth scene now, which was close to the half-time break. This act takes place at an open parking lot near near the mountains. Reiji noticed that whenever the titular hero Momo ducked, she accidentally left her panties visibly open to see. Every now and while, a paparazzo took an opportunity to take a shot of this. They then ran out of the theater immediately. Reiji was a bit disgusted.
Reiji: Are there really such a lot of pathetic perverts?
Xiaomu: Eh, she's gotten used to it. But you got a good point...
As Momo finally reached the end of the parking lot on the set, she began to sit down onto the fence next to her for a bit to catch up.
Momo: I have got to stop the alien invasion... i have come so far. Well, i mean, i cannot fail...
Momo stood up, as a new character finally walked up on the scene from the other side towards her... She had brown hair and yellow eyes. She was wearing traditional japanese pink/light green armor, a red warrior tiara and dark green boots. Momo was a bit lost in thought as she noticed something different.
Armored Girl: That's right... Momo.
Momo: W-what are you saying? Aki, i know this isn't the real you!
Momo (Thinking): Wait... did she change in looks a bit? Something is really odd...
Although to most it seemed like this is how the play is actually supposed to go, Reiji noticed something strange about the energy coming from the armored girl as well. Even Xiaomu couldn't sense it yet due to her rather being too invested into the show.
Reiji: Hmm... What is going on here...?
Xiaomu: Psst, Reiji, that's Amazona. She's supposed to be a classmate of the main hero.
Reiji: Ah, i see... But something's still not right about that...
Reiji still couldn't help but be bothered by it. It didn't seem to be part of the play at all... Meanwhile as he was thinking, Amazona slowly pointed right at the actor.
Amazona: Momo, you cannot refuse this offer... You will join me, or i will cut off your limbs until you can no longer crawl. Either way, i will change your mind to come along!
Momo: S...somebody ! !
Momo tried off to pull out a rather average fighting pose. The two stared at each other for a while. Silence filled the entire stage. Not even the guards were fazed by it. Momo was deep in thoughts to how bad the situation could become. She tried to keep herself cool.
Amazona: ...Do not scream for help, you know nobody will come here and rescue you...
Momo (Thinking): This is bad... something is up with Aki. Even I could sense that! I would scream for help, but i cannot let the audience know they're all in real danger. What would she even do to them...?
As Amazona slowly began to take steps towards her, a voice from behind the left side of the curtains could be heard.
Mysterious voice: Except for one...
Suddenly from above, a man in a superhero costume appeared. The costume consisted of a yellow/dark blue flashy cosmic helmet, blue stretching sleeves and pants, white sunglasses, white/dark green metal gloves, green spandex covering around the torso and between the hips, white combat boots, a long red scarf and a yellow shirt. The superhero dropped down below on the stage as if it was just natural to the play. Momo kind of recognised her.
Momo: Wait... you...
Amazona: Kch...! How dare you!?
Xiaomu had no idea who he was either. The audience were all pondering, too.
Xiaomu: Wait... who is he?
Reiji looked a bit uncomfortable around him as he was surprised that she of all people didn't know either. Then Momo spoke up as she finally knew it...
Momo: Wait... Bravo-Man?
Bravo-Man struck a typical old-fashioned superhero pose. Although some hardcore fans in the back were cheering, the rest was a bit confused, but they all clapped nontheless.
Bravo-Man: That's my name ! !
Momo began to whisper to herself a bit out of confusement.
Momo: The one and only superhero in my own show...?
Bravo-Man: Fear not, young Wonder Momo. I have come to save you.
Bravo-Man began to stand right near Momo as the two faced towards Amazona. She was pretty confused.
Momo: Wonder Momo? But-
Amazona: Hey! Stay out of this, you irritating action figure...!
Bravo-Man got up close with his head to Wonder Momo to whisper something, so that the audience couldn't hear it at all.
Bravo-Man (Whispering): Momo, who exactly is this?
Momo (Whispering): She's Aki, a real-life classmate of mine... she is supposed to be my rival for the play, but she is acting really, really strange today...
Bravo-Man (Whispering): I see... well, follow close. I do not want to ruin your play.
Bravo-Man stopped whispering and pointed directly at Amazona. As was Momo
Bravo-Man: See here, young gal. You are being possessed by the aliens. I know because i was once confronted by one and know exactly how they operate. Snap out of it!
Amazona: She has the perfect soul to contribute to my thirst for fresh blood...
Bravo-Man then leaned back to Momo again to whisper.
Bravo-Man (Whispering): Yeah, she is definitely possessed... I think you should do your transformation.
Momo (Whispering): Transformation?! But...
Bravo-Man (Whispering): Don't worry about the details. Just transform!
Momo stood a bit still... Bravo-Man turned silent as well.
Bravo-Man: (Whispering): ...She's just a character, isn't she?
Momo (Whispering): Yes... i cannot really have superpowers...
Bravo-Man sensed something rather in her and began to smile. He spoke up for the public to hear the next lines again.
Bravo-Man: ...You're wrong.
Momo: Huh-?!
Bravo-Man: This little soul is more than just somebody to prey on, miss demon. This girl, is something more... Wonderous.
Momo: What do you mean, wonderous...?
Bravo-Man: You have a different side in you... within your heart. You can truly transform. To protect the innocent, to protect the world... To protect your own life in any situation. You are a real Wonder Momo.
Bravo-Man put his hand on Momo's shoulder, as she suddenly felt like she was lightened up with energy more than ever...
Bravo-Man: I believe in you...
A few people began to stand up and chant "Won-der-Mo-Mo" at a domino effect. Almost everyone began to cheer. Momo couldnt help it but look in front of the audience from the stage and everyone around her. She felt overwhelmed now... but also better than ever before. Reiji however, could suddenly just feel the energy bursting from her. It was as if she really was becoming a real hero. Now even he was on the edge of his seat. Reiji was caught by surprise for once during this show.
Reiji (Thinking): No way...
Momo slowly crossed her arms, feeling herself burst up with energy all around her and then said...
"Wonder... Transform!"
Momo released her crossed arms, as a big ray of light emerged from the stage. She began spinning around as her outfit changed piece by piece to attach to her body... As the light dimmed, Wonder Momo emerged from it in her own new outfit... She was now wearing the iconic red helmet with an armored red/pink dress, white gloves, blue sleeves and red thighhigh boots. The whole audience began cheering. And although Xiaomu didn't notice it, Reiji sure did. She became a real powerful warrior in that instance. Both Wonder Momo and Bravo-Man began standing side-by-side, ready to fight Amazona. Wonder Momo then began to create a hula hoop with her own energy. The crowd was all cheering together. Reiji was just questioning to himself what this new attack was.
Reiji: Wait... what's that?
Xiaomu: The Wonder Hoop. Also known as the true signature attack. It can cut right through enemies!
Reiji (Thinking): Cut right through them? Now that actually sounds promising...
As Wonder Momo held up her Wonder Hoop close, Bravo-Man quietly told her one more thing before they would attack. Meanwhile, Amazona readied her own sword and began to walk over to the two.
Bravo-Man: I got a plan to knock her out in one hit... I'll attack her in the abdomen from here, and you attack her with the hoop in your hand afterwards. Be careful though, as you don't want to kill her.
Wonder Momo: R-right.
Amazona: Time for you to DIE ! !
Amazona held her sword up, and then charged towards the two. Wonder Momo and Bravo-Man managed to barely dodge her attempted stab attack, causing her to lose a bit of balance from the weight.
Bravo-Man: Alright!
Bravo-Man turned around, pulled back a bit, and threw a punch with his left fist. In an instant, his left arm stretched, reaching at full speed coming right towards her. The whole audience gasped. As was Reiji.
Reiji (Thinking): His arm's stretching...
Amazona turned around and barely managed to block the punch, but had to drop her sword to loosen the weight and actually block his punch on time. Bravo-Man then laughed at her.
Bravo-Man: You're easily leaving yourself too open!
He then immediately threw his right fist at her in the abdomen, causing her to freeze from the physical pain. Bravo-Man then pulled back his arms and let Wonder Momo step forward.
Bravo-Man: Now you go!
Wonder Momo: Right!
Wonder Momo pulled her right arm back, tried to suppress her power as best as she could and threw the Wonder Hoop. Although it went and cut right through the wooden stage's platform below them, it still managed to directly go in Amazona's direction. As she pulled back up from the pain of the punch she received earlier, she then noticed the Wonder Hoop going straight for her head... it directly hit her in the face, sending her crashing through the left side behind the stage. The audience stopped making noise entirely... and then they all clapped again and even began to cheer. Everybody stood up, even Xiaomu. With Reiji noticing it, he slowly stood up as well and began clapping. Wonder Momo and Bravo-Man turned towards the audience, as Bravo-Man smiled at her. Wonder Momo blushed a bit, and smiled back.
Wonder Momo: I... I would kiss you out of gratitude if i could...
Bravo-Man: H-hehe... I-i'd rather not, i am already married.
Wonder Momo: Eh? Oh i see... hehehe...
The two held their fist up high, as they faced towards the audience with the curtains slowly rolling down. Wonder Momo then crawled her head under the curtains one more time.
Wonder Momo: We'll be right back after the transition break ! !
The curtains fully went down afterwards, as she pulled her head back. The regular lights in the audience went on again as the mid-break started. A few went out to get food, while most stayed in their seats. Reiji continued to stand up, but Xiaomu immediately sat back down again. He then turned towards Xiaomu.
Reiji: Hey, umm... i need to make an important call, alright? You keep on watching the show behind me.
Xiaomu: Wha?! But you'll miss the best part!
Reiji: I don't mind. In fact, take my seat. I am sure it's less annoying to see what's in front of mine than yours.
Xiaomu: Wellll... if you really don't mind...
Xiaomu shuffled over to the seat of Reiji and grabbed a bag of potato chips. Reiji then turned his back and walked out of the theater.
As he got out, he noticed on his smartphone it was nearly 6PM now. The sun is almost down. Reiji went on through the nearest hallway between buildings at the nearest street and went through his contacts on his smartphone, dialing the phone number that Kogoro Tenzai gave him a day ago. The dial went on for a bit, which got Reiji nervous if he would even respond.
Reiji (Thinking): What if he switched numbers...?
Although before it went over to the voicemail, the phone dial got accepted.
Kogoro (Phone): Identify yourself...
Reiji: Er-? I-it's-
Kogoro (Phone): I'll let you know i can trace the call, so you better-
Reiji: H-hold on. It's Reiji Arisu! Agent of Shinra HQ in Mishima.
Kogoro (Phone): Oh... i am sorry for that. Usually scammers call me from this line, so... I really should save this phone number of yours within the device to identify future calls...
Reiji: That's okay... I just got startled, thats all.
Kogoro (Phone): Either way, what are you calling me for?
Reiji: I think i may have a good catch for some fighters... and i need you to figure out the true identities and address of these two people i have in mind.
Kogoro (Phone): Okay, is it on hints, or is it on other identities?
Reiji: Other identities. One is called 'Wonder Momo' by the media, and another goes by the name 'Bravo-Man'.
Kogoro (Phone): Wonder Momo and Bravo-Man... I was already clear on the fact that these two are good candidates, but today is an off-day for me, and i don't wanna leave my chair. Hold on, lemme find the real 'them' for you..
Reiji could hear the typing of a keyboard while Kogoro was calling with him, and a few mouseclicks. It took him about twenty minutes to respond back on the phone, but Reiji waited patiently within that time. Eventually, Kogoro came back onto the phone.
Kogoro (Phone): I am sorry for the wait, it is pretty hard to identify a man who is only ever seen with a face-covering helmet. Alright... the identities you were looking for are: Kanda Momo, and Hitoshi Nakamura. I won't say more, because i think you can handle it from here.
Reiji: That's alright. Nobody in our company could probably pull that off within such a time. Hell, let alone anyone in this country probably aside from you...
Kogoro (Phone): Thanks for the compliment. Welp, gotta go. I feel my head getting a bit dozy...
Reiji: Ah... well, goodnight, detective.
Kogoro (Phone): This conversation never happened.
Kogoro hung up and ended the call. Reiji then opened up his private app developed by Shinra on his smartphone to locate residents within the country by satellite and other methods. Reiji first began to search for Hitoshi Nakamura. As his phone was tracking the ID of this person via electronics within the country and satellite, he noticed that Hitoshi was quickly on the move towards the higher outskirts of Fujinomiya City in Shizuoka.
Reiji: Oh crap, he is already on the move...!
Reiji began to run towards his bike near the alleyway and immediately headed onto the main road. While the road was clear, he then activated the turbo boosts attached to his rears, following directly after the moving target and avoiding possible oncoming pedestrians, while they were watching out of confusement from the sidewalk.
After nearly an hour of following the traced ID, he's suddenly started to move slower. He found himself on the calm and hillish-sided neighborhood of Fujinomiya city, almost able to look in the distance of the entire main city from here. Reiji parked his bike near the side of the road between a few regular houses and began to slowly follow the ID by foot until he arrived at house number 28 within the street next to his previous spot. This was the house that Hitoshi Nakamura found himself in. Reiji walked up to the front door and softly knocked. He waited for a few seconds... until a young boy opened the door. He politely bowed towards Reiji while sticking his arms wide.
Reiji: ...Is this the Nakamura residence?
Young Boy: Mm-hmm.
Reiji: Can i speak to Mr Hitoshi, perhaps?
Young Boy: L...Let me get him...
The boy turned around and yelled from the hallway. With Hitoshi from the living room speaking back at the boy.
Young Boy: Father, a mister is here to see you!
Hitoshi: Who?
Young Boy: I do not know!
The boy walked through the hallway and back into the living room. After Reiji waited for a bit, Hitoshi clumsily stepped forward towards Reiji as if he were to be in a rush. He appeared to be a regular japanese man with short black hair, glasses, a blue formal business suit and black leather shoes.
Hitoshi: Who are you?
Reiji pulled out his official Shinra Agent badge.
Reiji: Reiji Arisu, Agent of Shinra Headquarters. You must be Hitoshi Nakamura. Or should i say...
Reiji got a bit up close to Hitoshi, and softly said...
Reiji: Bravo-Man...?
Hitoshi seemed shocked at first, but then pulled himself back by surprise and laughed it off.
Hitoshi: Me? A-ahahaha. How could you think that? I am just a normal salesman after all!
Reiji: Don't worry. I won't do anything with your hidden identity. I am just here to ask you about something...
Hitoshi slightly looked behind him at the hallway to see if anybody of his own family was there. As nobody was, he then grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil out of his business suit's pockets and wrote down something.
Hitoshi: Look, i will speak to you about our next... business meeting plans another time. Dinner is almost ready.
Hitoshi quickly bowed towards him, passed Reiji the piece of paper as he then slowly closed the door. Reiji looked confused.
Reiji: Hrm... what was that about?
Reiji then turned around and walked back onto the sidewalk. He opened the piece of paper, which said: "At the junkyard near Takaoka Toyama, tomorrow morning, 9:15". He then grabbed his smartphone out of his pocket. Reiji started up the residental locator app again, searching for Kanda Momo.
Reiji: Honestly, that name isn't so clever if i think about it... But eh, makes it better for us.
As Reiji turned around to head for his motorcycle, somebody honked at him from behind. Reiji turned around, and was surprised to find out it was Xiaomu on her own motorcycle.
Xiaomu: Hey Reiji. I am telling ya, that show was fan-TASTIC. That scene where she cut the dinosaur in half? Absolutely amazing!
Reiji: Wha-?! How did you find me, Xiaomu?
Xiaomu: Huh- Oh, that? Well... Tee-hee. It's your scent!
Reiji: ...What?
Xiaomu: I've known you for almost 10 years, i can easily track you down with your scent from however far you may be. Instincts, man!
Reiji: That's just weird, and i never heard of it before. Either way, get off the bike.
Xiaomu: Wha? But...
Reiji: Please?
Xiaomu: Oh darn, alright...
Xiaomu sighed and stepped off her own motorcycle. Reiji then quickly stepped on it and turned around. He checked on his phone to see for the phones results and found that the identity of his target was near Omiya Kusayama in Kyoto.
Xiaomu: What'chu gonna do with mine anyways?
Reiji: Oh, just gonna track somebody down...
Xiaomu: At our day off? But why would you-
Reiji: Shhhh... No talking. Just follow me. We gotta get out of here.
Xiaomu: How can i do that on foot? Why? And last of all, where is YOUR bike?!
Reiji revved the engine of the motorcycle and pointed back at the road behind him of where he came from.
Reiji: It's up there between one of the houses. Now go take it and follow me, alright? I am in a rush.
Reiji then immediately took off on the motorcycle, leaving Xiaomu completely behind.
Xiaomu: Why, he...!
She was a bit annoyed. Xiaomu spitted on the ground and turned around. Slowly walking towards the street which lied in front of her.
Xiaomu: Too lazy to get his own bike...
It took him around 4 and a half hours to actually get there. It was around 22:37 now.
Reiji found himself in a pretty calm street with only a few regular houses surrounding it. Reiji stopped the motorcycle as Xiaomu stopped right after him next to the brick walls aside the road. Reiji checked his phone and began to follow towards the dot on the map, passing by other houses.
Xiaomu: What did you want us to get all the way here for? Special snacks?!
Reiji: Look, i am not that 12 year old kid anymore. I know what i'm doing. Besides, this will probably be a surprise to you, as much as i hate that fact...
Xiaomu: A surprise to me...? What exactly could you mean?
Reiji: Watch... just keep yourself calm, alright?
Xiaomu: Hmph. What could make me possibly so excited from your ideas?
Reiji then stopped in front of the house where the tracked dot on the map ends. It was a basic three-story house with a red roof, a small garage and was surrounded by a brick fence, which was decorated with a few plants near the right side of the house. The small near the wooden door was still burning. Reiji walked up to the wooden door and softly knocked, with Xiaomu standing right beside him. Although Reiji then noticed the TV behind the walls was playing too loud, so he decided to knock again, but much harder. After a few seconds, there were a few voices to be heard from behind the door.
Older Woman: Go and open the door!
Younger Girl: R-right. Just give me a moment...! I have got to prepare for-
Older Woman: Who cares if you're famous? You shouldn't be awkward regardless!
Xiaomu's ear twitched a little bit, as she noticed something was familiar about the younger girl's voice.
Xiaomu: Wait... her voice... is it...?
As steps came rushing from behind the door, the door finally opened. It was Kanda Momo in her pink-white striped pyjamas. Xiaomu stiffened up completely, with her expression in shock. She completely stood still.
Momo: Yeah...?
Reiji: Kanda Momo, right? Also goes under the stage-name... Wonder Momo.
Momo: Yes... E-erm... how did you find my address?
Reiji showed his Shinra Agent badge at her.
Reiji: Agent from Shinra Headquarters, Reiji Arisu. And this is-
Reiji turned towards Xiaomu, to find that she was still completely frozen. Momo scratched her head a bit. As was Reiji
Momo: ...Is she alright? Orr...
Reiji then looked at Xiaomu a bit more in-depth and slightly poked her 2 times in the cheek, which caused her to fall over. She was completely unconscious. Momo was a bit concerned, while Reiji still scratched his head.
Reiji: Nevermind her, that's Xiaomu. She will be fine. She is just a big fan of yours. Maybe too big...
Momo: O-oh... well, thanks.
Reiji: Either way, i wanted to talk to you about something private... Care to go for a walk?
Momo: Oh... you mean you worry about granny overhearing us? Don't worry. The TV's too soft for her on loud volumes anyway. She could never hear us from here...
Reiji: I see... Well, i'll cut to the chase then.
Reiji began to lean a bit closer to Momo to speak on a more quieter tone.
Reiji: Our world is in danger. There is a universal tournament coming up where teams of 10 face off against each other. If we lose or don't participate, we'll all be erased from existence. We need you to join our team.
Momo: Wha? But how do other people-
Reiji: Simple answer to your question: The fact that our world is in danger is kept away from the public. If it makes the news, we won't even know what would break out among the countries.
Momo: Hrm... But what convinced you to come to me for it? I am only known for my own theatrical plays... Maybe movie roles as well, i suppose.
Reiji: I saw your show last afternoon. And i noticed your fight with Amazona wasn't an ordinary stage play... you really were fighting for your life together with Bravo-Man.
Momo: You're right... I was lucky there, honestly. I... I do not know why she acted the way she did...
Reiji: Looking at the symptoms of her behaviour... most likely caused by the heavy air around Shibuya. It is known that certain people couldnt resist against the effects of the fog, hence why the city was closed off.
Momo: Ohh... i see. Still, i do not know if i am the right person for this. I did not even know i really had special powers until today...
Reiji: I am certain that you would be a great part of our own team. You just need to learn how to master your new powers and get stronger. Don't worry. We will help you. At least to start from the basics.
Momo: Hrmm...
Momo pondered to herself for 15 seconds or so... before she finally spoke up again with more confidence in her face. She smiled as well.
Momo: Alright... i'll do it.
Reiji, after hearing this, smiled a little bit. They shook hands.
Reiji (Thinking): That makes 5...
Afterwards, Reiji grabbed his phone and opened up his contacts.
Reiji: Okay, i'll keep you in touch on more details. Can we exchange phone numbers?
Momo: Huh? Oh, s-sure...
Momo grabbed her own cell phone and swapped phone numbers with Reiji, as did he. Reiji then turned around and looked once more towards Momo.
Reiji: Well, we will be off again. Remember... do not tell anybody about this, okay?
Momo: R-right. I'll be quiet. Speak to you soon!
Reiji picked up Xiaomu and began carrying her on his shoulder. The two headed back to their motorcycles.
Granny: Little Mo! Who was ringing the door?!
Momo: Oh, nobody special. Just a friend from school!
Granny: This late? Jeesh, this generation...
Momo closed the door behind her and went back upstairs. Meanwhile back at the motorcycles down the street, Reiji put down Xiaomu on her own bike, as he got on his own and rested for a bit. After a few minutes, Xiaomu slowly regained consciousness.
Xiaomu: U-urghhh... What happened...?
Reiji: You met your idol at her own house and fainted.
Xiaomu: I did...? Wow, you weren't kiddin' that i'd be surprised.
Reiji: Yeah... well, she is a part of our team now...
Xiaomu: Wait a minute... she is...?
Reiji: Please do not faint again, or i might have to slap you conscious.
Xiaomu: Alright... well, i am gonna dream about it when we get home...
Xiaomu rubbed her eyes and yawned a bit, as she then turned around her bike and went back towards their headquarters. Reiji followed afterwards. As Reiji looked up the street in the distance and saw no oncoming traffic, he then grabbed his phone and began carefully texting Momo while they were on the road.
Reiji texted: "Takaoka Toyama Junkyard, 9 June 9:15?"
She took about two minutes to respond and texted back: "Sure. I got time"
It was now the 9th of june, 2022, 9:15AM
Reiji and Xiaomu pulled up near the junkyard at Takaoka Toyama. In the lot, they found a whole bunch of wrecked cars and one small office building of only one storey. It was completely quiet, as the main road next to the junkyard was completely closed off. No cars passed by it at all. Not even any pedestrians.
Reiji: So that's why he suggested this location...
Xiaomu: It's so quiet it almost seems like an invite to an ambush...
Reiji: Well, we always come prepared for it.
Xiaomu: Oh yeah, right...
Reiji held his arm against the Karin's hilt while they were still talking. As they noticed, a white Toyota Camry pulled up into the lot and parked right near the two. To their surprise, Momo stepped out of the car. She was in her casual clothing. Xiaomu started to stutter our of surprise afterwards.
Xiaomu: M-M... M-M-M-
Reiji: Glad to see you could make it.
Momo: Yeah... same here. It was hard to make it to here though, a lot of roads were blocked off.
Xiaomu bowed down to Momo's knees and held her head down towards her. Reiji felt a bit ashamed.
Xiaomu: M-m-my lord... It is such an honor of you to join us on our quest...!
Momo: Erm... t-thanks...
Reiji: Xiaomu, get back up. She's just an ordinary girl, you're making her uncomfortable.
Reiji immediately pulled Xiaomu back up on her feet afterwards.
Momo: He is right, you can just speak casually to me. No need to worship me or anything...
Xiaomu: O-ohh, okay.
Xiaomu however still took her hand out and shook it with Momo.
Xiaomu: Regardless, we are absolutely grate-ful that you will help us.
As Xiaomu let Momo's hand go, Reiji checked his smart phone to look at the time. It was already 9:17AM.
Reiji: He's two minutes late... Regardless, i didn't call you over here for nothing. So in the meantime, let's see your powers up close, Momo.
Momo: Huh? But how do i exactly do that?
Reiji and Xiaomu awkwardly looked at each other after Momo asked that.
Reiji: ...
Xiaomu: ...You do know she is just an actor, right?
Reiji: I am telling you, she is not. She actually has real strength. Couldn't you notice that yesterday?
Xiaomu: Well... i was too caught up in the show, so i would not know that...
Reiji: Pfft.
Momo: Mister Reiji is right. However, i... i honestly am not sure how i activated it...
Reiji: Okay, let's try to actually find out how. What did you feel like right before you were able to transform?
Momo: Urm... hrmm... i would say it was... it was like i pulled out the strength out of my heart. And there it all flowed from itself.
Reiji: Well, try to re-enact it like it was just yesterday, okay?
Momo: Okay... i'll try.
Momo clenched her fists and tried to pull her own heart forward full of energy from the inside. However nothing happened. After holding it in for 15 seconds, she tried to catch up with her breath.
Momo: Huff... huff...
Reiji: Hrm...
Momo: Alright, once more...!
Momo tried it yet again until her entire face turned red... still nothing happened. She was a bit exhausted.
Reiji (Thinking): Alright... i gotta test the waters here. Please forgive me for what i'm gonna do.
Reiji stepped up towards Momo and then puncher her with a right hook to the face. Although not enough to break something, it made her right side of the face a bit sore. Xiaomu was completely shocked. While Reiji played it cool.
Xiaomu: W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
Reiji: Testing something.
Reiji then pulled out his flaming Karin and pointed it at Momo. She was still in a bit of pain from his punch.
Momo: O-owww...
Reiji: In the face of danger, you should always be able to react. You could have seen that punch coming by instinct.
Momo: What do you mean? I did not-
Reiji: Exactly. You don't! Now if you do not act upon this, i will have to burn off at least something, whether hair or skin!
Momo now began to feel something within her heart. The energy within her began to glow, and grow stronger than before as if it was something that easily arises. Reiji lowered his sword and put it back in his sheath. She looked at herself as she noticed it as well.
Reiji: Do not forget this feeling, and practice to awaken it at command.
Momo: Right.
Momo then crossed her arms, and another ray of light emerged. She began to transform back into Wonder Momo with her iconic outfit. Xiaomu was a bit mesmerized by seeing it up close this time. Even drooling a little bit.
Xiaomu: That outfit's good...
Xiaomu then snapped out of it and then turned back towards Reiji with a rather harsh look.
Xiaomu: Reiji, don't you think you were being too foul on her?!
Reiji softly smiled a bit as he noticed that Wonder Momo was now looking at her own outfit this time.
Reiji: Nah, it had to happen. It was all part of my plan.
Reiji then stepped up to Wonder Momo again, and politely shook hands with her.
Reiji: I'm sorry for being too harsh all of a sudden... but i had to test if this would work.
Wonder Momo: It's alright. I understand.
Reiji (Thinking): I'm glad she's more easygoing than Xiaomu...
Reiji: Now, we need to test whether you can easily switch between your form. Try to let go of your powers.
Wonder Momo: O-okay...
Wonder Momo tried to recall the feeling of gaining her power from inside, and then she let loose of it. Surprisingly, it worked. Her armored suit broke off by itself and sparks of light emerged, reverting back to her original state and casual clothing.
Reiji: Remember. Always switch between the two, as your tranformation form could drain more stamina.
Momo: You're right... i kinda feel different when fighting in my Wonder form. As if everything really puts my body on the line.
Reiji: Okay, now to tranform back on command. Try it for yourself. You should know the feeling by now.
Momo: Okay... hopefully it'll work...
Momo tried to recall her last feelings of transforming. Although they all stood still for 30 seconds with nothing happening. Xiaomu was biting her nails, as Reiji dropped a tear of sweat. This is the moment where it would define if she could easily do it, or not.
But then... she felt it. She automatically glowed up on her own.
Momo: I found it!
Reiji: ...!
Xiaomu: ?!
Reiji and Xiaomu were shocked. Momo crossed her arms once more, and transformed into Wonder Momo succesfully on her own this time. He then turned towards her again.
Reiji: Alright. You actually got it! Remember to often exercise this when nobody's around. You would want to shorten the time it takes to switch.
Wonder Momo: Okay.
Reiji: Now then... Onto our next lesson. Controlling your energy.
Reiji checked his phone again to look at the time. It was now 9:26AM.
Reiji: Still not here-?! A-anyways, controlling energy. This one is something you should mostly focus on yourself.
Reiji then pointed towards one of the scrapped cars in the distance.
Reiji: You should be able to hit that car from a distance with an attack. I want you to only scratch it.
Wonder Momo: Only scratch it with an attack? Okay, i'll try...
Wonder Momo spread her legs a bit in her current stance and held her hand up. She began concentrating on forming a spinning hula hoop out of her own energy like she did yesterday.
Wonder Momo: Wonder Hoop!
As the Wonder Hoop became fully formed, the energy began to surround itself across the hoop. The energy coming from it was really big. Xiaomu was shocked and almost fell over from it.
Xiaomu: Whoa...! Ouch...
Reiji: Maybe that's a little too big. You don't want to burst out all of your energy into just one attack for an enduring battle royal.
Wonder Momo: W-wait, a battle royal?!
Reiji: Oh right, i hadn't mentioned that. My apologies. Keep in mind that endurance is key. Now try to suppress the energy within the hoop...
Wonder Momo: O...okay, i'll keep that in mind. I am gonna try to lower it now...
Wonder Momo held herself back. It took her a while, but eventually within her mind, she found the trigger to suppress and enlargen energy. The energy around the hoop slowly started to become smaller, until it only vaguely glowed.
Xiaomu: And now throw it right at the car!
Wonder Momo: Alright, here goes...!
Wonder Momo decided to throw the Wonder Hoop straight into the car. Although it was a bit sloppy and her energy into the hoop became a bit more than she wanted. The Wonder Hoop went straight at the car, and nearly cut the roof in half. To their surprise, Bravo Man just appeared from on top one of the distant cars. With the Wonder Hoop heading straight for him, he was shocked and barely dodged. The hoop then went into the trajectory it was thrown in to the distance and eventually evaporated as it ran out of energy. Reiji noticed Bravo-Man in the distance while Xiaomu was only concerned about Wonder Momo. Xiaomu helped Wonder Momo get back up her feet.
Bravo-Man: Whoa ! !
Reiji (Thinking): Finally you showed up.
Wonder Momo: Ugh-! ...D-did i hit it?
Reiji: Hrm... eh, you didn't cut the car in pieces, so you're at least close. Now keep practicing that until the tournament will begin. Also, come up with some handy moves that could work. I gotta go talk to the man there.
Xiaomu: Are you okay, Miss Momo?
Momo: Erm... yeah, i suppose.
Reiji turned around back to Bravo-Man who was watching from a distance and walked towards him. He then checked the time on his phone. It was already 9:30AM. Meanwhile, Bravo-Man noticed Wonder Momo in the distance.
Bravo-Man: Wait, she's here too...?
Reiji: You're late, Mr Hero!
Bravo-Man: H...heh, yeah, i suppose. Gotta come up with excuses to leave my j- err... i mean, side tasks. Side tasks, yeah!
Reiji: Don't make that a habit. We came all the way out here for a reason.
Bravo-Man then got off the pile of cars and then landed on his own two feet, facing right at Reiji. He started to speak up a little bit.
Bravo-Man: Let me introduce myself...
Bravo-Man pulled a typical superhero pose, and began to have a speech.
Bravo-Man: As i changed from a regular man to a superhero by the incredible Alpha Man, i can stretch my body parts with ease. I am stronger than any regular human out there.
Bravo-Man switched between poses constantly during his own speech. Xiaomu pondered a bit to herself as she noticed him while he was talking. Wonder Momo then noticed him as well.
Xiaomu: Wait... isn't he the guy from that theater play yesterday?
Wonder Momo: You're right... he is! What's he doing here?
Bravo-Man: And i am one to make sure peace is covered over the entire planet! I am... The Great Superhero, known as Bravo Man ! !
The three stared at him in silence. Until Bravo-Man eventually dropped the act.
Bravo-Man: Either way... what is it you wanted me to contact about?
Reiji: An invitation... we need you to help and save our own universe.
Bravo-Man: Huh? Why, i never heard of ours being in absolute danger!
Reiji: Well, this information is kept away from the public... A few days ago, Saya declared a universal battle royal. If we don't play a part in it, we're all done for in an instant. She has the power of multiple universes in her own grasp.
Bravo-Man: Oh... w-well in that case, i would love to play part!
Reiji: Oh... that went easier than expected. Welcome to the team.
Reiji gratefully shook hands with Bravo-Man.
Reiji (Thinking): This now makes 6 out of 10 fighters within their team...
Reiji: Would you happen to have at least a private phone number? I would hate to track you down again, so...
Bravo-Man: O-oh yeah, of course. I got an old cell phone i barely use.
Bravo-Man picked up a piece of paper from his pocket and a pen, and they exchanged their phone numbers on paper. Although immediately after, both Reiji and Bravo-Man could sense something close to them they couldn't see. The two immediatelystarted to face off with their backs against each other.
Reiji: You sense that too, right...?
Bravo-Man: Right... negative energy near us... And one of these energies seems way too familiar...
After this statement, Bravo-Man sensed a flying object thrown him, and immediately caught it by reflex. It was a four-edged shuriken. He then threw it back towards the direction it came from and jumped up in the air. Reiji noticed two girls in the distance up onto the office building's roof. Bravo-Man threw a stretched punch at the two, but they then jumped off, causing them all to land back onto the ground facing towards the two. It was revealed to be Amazona again, and a new girl. She had red, long hair, two tiny ponytails to the side, dark blue armored shoulder pads and chest armor, a light green dress, fishnets covering her thighs and dark purple leggings with dark purple sandals.
Bravo-Man: Waya Hime...
Xiaomu: And Amazona again...?!
Amazona: I would not be alone in on this. This time i brought a teammate.
Waya Hime: I heard you would be in for it, Bravo-Man... i couldn't pass up such an offer.
Bravo-Man: But why? I already defeated Dr. Bomb. You're free from his grasp!
Waya Hime: I am well aware... But i will not forgive you for one single thing...
Waya Hime slowly grabbed her two sai's from behind and took a fighting stance.
Waya Hime: You punched me right in the face.
Bravo-Man: Well, i had to do it because i couldnt convince you otherwise to let me pass. I apologise for doing it.
Waya Hime: Too late... You are going to be beaten regardless.
Waya Hime then used an after-image technique and disappeared. During that instance, Amazona pulled up her own sword and began charging straight at the two. But then as Reiji got himself ready, she passed him and Bravo-Man and went directly for Wonder Momo. She was caught off guard.
Reiji: ?!
Wonder Momo: Wha-?!
Amazon went for an overhead swing right at her head, but before she could slash her, Xiaomu jumped right in and blocked her attack with the Suiren.
Amazona: This doesn't concern you...!
Xiaomu: You're right. It doesn't, but i'll give her a chance to get at least ready for YOU!
Xiaomu then kicked Amazona in the stomach and sent her 3 meters sliding backwards. She then immediately began running past her.
Amazona: Ngh-!
Xiaomu: Momo, this one's all yours. Do not attempt to kill your own friend!
Xiaomu then ran towards Reiji, grabbed him and ran straight towards the office building. He was confused.
Reiji: Hey, what are you-
Xiaomu: This is between them... Not us. Let's distance ourselves.
Reiji: Okay then...?
Xiaomu jumped onto the roof of the office building with Reiji, as the two began spectating from a distance. Meanwhile, Wonder Momo took a defensive stand. As Amazona again charged right towards her, she dodged her attack, and gave a forceful kick with her right leg into the back, and then with a left punch from the side. As she barely recovered, Wonder Momo then ducked, supporting herself on her two hands, and used both legs to kick Amazona. She went flying upwards pretty high. Afterwards, Wonder Momo quickly got back up on her two feet and jumped up straight towards her. She tried to put all her energy in her left leg.
Wonder Momo (Thinking): A kick will be enough to knock her out... whatever it may take, i will put some sense back in her!
As Wonder Momo got close, she then pulled up her leg, releasing her energy within. She then said the following in mid-air while getting closer.
Wonder Momo: Aki, please return to your senses... Wonder... KICK ! !
Right as she got close to her, Wonder Momo harshly kicked Amazona in the back of her head with her Wonder Kick. Knocking her out with the brute force of the kick alone. Xiaomu was pretty amazed watching from the roof.
Xiaomu: ...Wonder Kick?! Oh my freakin' lord, that is SO COOL!
The two went falling back to the ground. Although since Wonder Momo isn't used to jumping from such heights, she clumsily falled back to the ground to harshly land on her butt.
Wonder Momo: O-ouuch...! Oomph...
She carefully got back up and noticed that the negative energy around Amazona completely vanished. Wonder Momo took off her helmet. She seemed confused.
Wonder Momo: Huh...?
Reiji decided to get down to the ground to carefully check up on Amazona. She was still breathing, but the negative energy previously surrounding her was entirely gone.
Reiji: It's gone... she doesn't seem to be possessed anymore.
Wonder Momo: I did it... Although, how exactly did i do that...?
Reiji: Maybe it's because of the energy she got struck with from you. Either way, she is safe. Only unconscious now, thankfully.
Wonder Momo: I see... hey, Bravo-Man! Do i need to back you up? I owe you from yesterday, after all!
As Bravo-Man landed back from the battle and dodged Waya Hime's slicing from her sai's, he stopped and quickly turned towards Wonder Momo.
Bravo-Man: No, it's fine. I can handle it!
Afterwards, Waya Hime charged towards Bravo-Man. He began to fight her again, starting by throwing a long punch right towards her, but then she dodged by jumping upwards behind his back. She then threw a flaming bottle bomb towards him, which Bravo-Man quickly cartwheeled away from to dodge while the almost the entire lot went up in flames. As he began to face towards her again, she threw a kunai and two shurikens straight at his direction and then used another afterimage technique to give the illusion of ambushing him with them. Bravo-Man sighed a bit.
Bravo-Man: ...Okay then. Bravo Kick!
Bravo-Man then crouched, stretched his leg as long as he could and swiftly slide-kiced in a 360 degree motion to hit all the after-images. Eventually she hit Waya Hime in between all the after-images and made her real self harshly fall over.
Waya Hime: Agh-! Grrr...
She then turned a bit frustrated. Waya Hime tried to grab one of her sais, only for Bravo-Man to get up close to Waya Hime and to be immediately disarmed by him. Bravo-Man grabs Waya Hime to make sure she couldnt break free. She tried her hardest to get loose, but she couldnt. After struggling for nearly a minute, she eventually she gave up.
Waya Hime: ...Alright, i give up. You got me.
Bravo-Man: Now promise me you will not fight back.
Waya Hime: ...
Bravo-Man: I hear a bit of hesitation.
Waya Hime: Okay, fine! I won't. I just... cannot forgive you, that's all.
Bravo-Man: Okay...
Bravo-Man gently and slowly released her, and let her get back up on the ground.
Waya Hime: Gotta be honest, you haven't changed at all.
Bravo-Man: Neither have you... you're still as arrogant as ever, hehe.
Waya Hime: Well, duh. I'm a cyborg. Of course i am still the same!
Reiji, Xiaomu and Wonder Momo walked over to the two as well to listen in on the conversation between Bravo-Man and Waya Hime.
Bravo-Man: But why did you come after me? You are completely free to do your own thing. You aren't just another henchman anymore.
Waya Hime: Look... i know, i just felt the thrill in fighting against you again. It's what i have been built for, after all.
Bravo-Man: Of course, of course.
Reiji: Wait... who is she, exactly?
Bravo-Man: Oh right... i haven't properly introduced her yet. This is Princess Waya. Or as she casually likes to be referred to as... Waya Hime.
Xiaomu: She's your lover or something?
Both Bravo-Man and Waya Hime were completely flushed after Xiaomu asked that.
Waya Hime: A-although i thought of that occasionally...
Bravo-Man: No... GOD no. I'm married!
Xiaomu: Oh yeah, you already said that yesterday...
Reiji softly slapped Xiaomu in the back of the head while not even saying a word this time. Although he was impressed by what Waya Hime could pull off.
Xiaomu: Owww...?!
Reiji (Thinking): Hmm... She could be a great addition to the team, perhaps...
Reiji: Hey, mister hero.
Bravo-Man: Hm?
Reiji: Since you two know each other well, you go and convince her you-know-what.
Bravo-Man: But-
Waya Hime: Wait, what's all this even about?
Bravo-Man turned back towards Waya Hime and took a deep breath before speaking up again...
Bravo-Man: ...Okay. Waya, all of us are in deep trouble. Like, deadly-trouble. It's the reason we met up.
Waya Hime: And what would that concern me?
Bravo-Man: Does it concern you if i were never exist again?
Waya Hime: What-?!
Bravo-Man: Yeah... So even if you want, you could never go and try to fight me again.
Waya Hime: Goodness... what threat would it be to involve you into such a consequence?
Bravo-Man: In only a few weeks, we will possibly all be erased. However, if you were to join our team-
Waya Hime: I'm in.
Xiaomu: Eh?
Waya Hime: Whatever it is, i will never let Bravo be killed by anybody, other than myself. Even if i have to... team up with you.
Bravo-Man: Oh, that makes me happy.
Waya Hime: BUT remember... i just do this for myself.
Bravo-Man: Yeah, yeah. I am aware.
As they were talking, all of them sensed a noticable, yet unknown life energy close by. They all stood on edge aside from Reiji and Wonder Momo, and they turned towards where it came from.
Bravo-Man: Everyone, raise your guards... Something is slowly heading our way...
They all took a defensive stance. As they sensed the life energy came from somebody right behind the office building, they all started to await whoever comes down from there. As it was finally revealed, Amazona showed up right from near the office building again. She heavily yawned.
Xiaomu: You again...?!
Xiaomu tried to take a step forward but Wonder Momo stopped her before she even could.
Wonder Momo: Hold on a moment, fox-girl.
Xiaomu: Did she really just-
Wonder Momo dropped her stance and calmly walked over to her. Amazona now seemed completely normal, although really tired.
Wonder Momo: H-hey... Aki to earth?
Amazona: Ngh... yeah, just... just gimme a sec-
Amazona rubbed her eyes a bit and opened them. She was confused as to where she was.
Amazona: M-momo? Wait... Where am i? Did i accidentally get poisoned with alcohol again? I could've sworn i went shopping in Shibuya...
Wonder Momo: You are sure you do not wanna kill me. Right?
Amazona: What...? No, of course not... We're friends since second grade, remember? What did i do while i lost my senses...?
Wonder Momo stuck her thumb up towards the others and smiled. They all stepped up towards her, as she softly waved.
Wonder Momo: It's all safe! She is just tired, everyone. No need to worry.
Xiaomu: Whew. Finally...
Wonder Momo: Since i haven't introduced her properly... This is Aki Matsuo. A friend and old classmate of mine.
As Wonder Momo was talking, Aki Matsuo tried to take off her own armor, and noticed that it was permanently stuck to her. She was confused.
Aki: What...? My suit...
Wonder Momo pondered for a bit and tried to pull off her own armor... surprisingly, it wouldn't get off either.
Wonder Momo: Weird... wait, so you had real super powers all this time as well? Why didn't you tell me that?
Aki: H-huh?! I never even... what? Since when?! I thought we were just actors!
Wonder Momo: Don't worry. I'll try to get you out of this transformation and try to explain it... from what i know, at least.
Aki was shocked. As was Wonder Momo. Meanwhile Xiaomu started to whisper to Reiji while Momo was helping Aki out.
Xiaomu: You think she'd be a good member to the team...?
Reiji: I don't know... she has quite a bit of power too, but i cannot definitely say if she has any real talent.
Reiji stepped forward as he interrupted Momo trying to help Aki Matsuo to switch back to her regular state. Momo was already back, but Aki still had some troubles.
Reiji: Hey, um... Aki was it?
Aki: Hm?
Reiji: Would you happen to have any real skills in something specific?
Aki: Hrmm... i can fence well. It's why i got into theater play in the first place...
Reiji: Fencing? That's a pretty handy thing for combat...
Aki: But hold up, why are you asking?
Xiaomu: Let's ask... how would you feel about using your fencing techniques... for the whole world?
Aki: I don't follow... you're saying i could become widely popular?
Xiaomu: Nah. I mean as in use it to defend our world...
Aki: H-hold on, what's this about?
Momo: I'll explain. But, don't tell anybody outside of our group...
Momo leaned in towards Aki and began quickly whispering about what she was told of the tournament.
Aki: Okay... that's making me really nervous.
Momo: Me too, me too... but we need to get a group together and participate.
Aki: Hrmm... well, since you're in for it, i suppose i will tag along, too.
Momo: Oh thank you, Aki!
Momo hugged Aki pretty tightly since she was feeling pretty relieved. Leaving almost no room between them.
Aki: Argh... i-i can't breathe...!
After awkwardly realising this, she immediately let go. Xiaomu and Bravo-Man laughed a bit at seeing this.
Momo: Oh! I-i'm sorry-!
Reiji: Well, either way, i am gonna need your phone number.
Aki: Oh, sure.
Aki grabbed out her own smart phone and exchanged numbers with Reiji. Then Waya Hime realised...
Waya Hime: Wait, what about me?! I do not have any electronic device... Do i just need to waltz right into your homes?
Reiji: Hrm... Yeah, that's a pretty good question...
Xiaomu: Oh right...! Here, take this.
Xiaomu picked up her own old cell phone out of her pocket and handed it over to Waya Hime.
Waya Hime: ...Thank you.
Xiaomu: I do not need this device anyways. His number must be somewhere on that thing, don't worry i only used it for pizza delivery services.
Reiji: Are you seriously just gonna hand over a perfectly working phone for free?
Xiaomu: Eh, why not.
Reiji: Well... okay, that's your choice. Just don't come begging to me when you're out of cash.
Xiaomu: Hey... it's happened only three times!
Reiji: Well in my case, it was never. So you gotta learn how to deal with it.
Xiaomu: Pfff, you're so mean.
Reiji: I-i'm just giving advice. Either way...
Reiji looked at the time of his phone and noticed it was around 9:53AM. As everyone was still around him, he began to speak up.
Reiji: Everyone, i am glad we could make so many decisions as of today. I got ways to contact all of you, so we will all keep in touch. Us two, along with two other fighters i have yet to introduce will search for the last two remaining fighters. For now... we are dismissed.
Everybody split up. Bravo-Man began to grab onto one of the distant buildings and launched himself into the distance. Waya Hime vanished using ninjutsu, while Momo helped Aki get into her own car and then they pulled out of the driveway. But just before they all left, Xiaomu yelled one more thing...
Xiaomu: Anybody willing to spend out a day with me, just yell it!
As everybody stopped just to listen to what Xiaomu had to say, Reiji then pinched Xiaomu in the ear.
Xiaomu: OUCH- W-why?!
Reiji: Don't mind her stupid question, we are just gonna go training... Oh, remember everyone. Do not forget to train and exercise to prepare for the tournament. The deadline is the 21st of June! At Shibuya on the spot!
Everybody then resumed to head off again and completely left the area one by one. Xiaomu heavily yawned and stretched her arms.
Xiaomu: Yaaaaaaawnnnn... i could really go for some orange juice right now...
Reiji: Look, i'll get one on the way back. Okay? I need to make a call first.
Xiaomu: Riiight.
Xiaomu slowly walked over to her motorcycle as Reiji grabbed his smart phone. He started calling Kogoro Tenzai again.
Kogoro (Phone): Speak.
Reiji: Hey, Mr Tenzai. Reiji here. Listen, i wanted to inform you on our team so far.
Kogoro (Phone): I am already aware. So far you have pulled together: Yourself, your partner, us two, Kanda Momo, Hitoshi Nakamura, and as a surprise you also found Aki Matsuo and Waya Hime. Correct?
Reiji: Right.
Kogoro (Phone): Well, i am proud to say you went at least after some good candidates i had in my eyes. Although Aki Matsuo isn't really shown as a fighter yet, but i can put up an examination within Shinra HQ to test her true potential. Aside from that, now we just need to find the remaining two fighters.
Reiji: Yeah... Can you send me a list of possible candidates soon? Maybe i will run into the perfect two by coincidence, but it's best to be sure.
Kogoro (Phone): No problem. By the way, a small question... would you mind if i send over Mii Koryuji towards your office in two days? She hasn't met any of the other teammates besides me on the team, and i wanted you to properly get to know her.
Reiji: Hrmm...
Kogoro (Phone): I know you're not the most social person, but it would really benefit both you and her simultaneously. Trust me.
Reiji: ...Alright, i wouldn't mind then.
Reiji started to walk over to his motorcycle as well while still calling.
Kogoro (Phone): Good. Well remember... two more to go. This conversation never happened.
Kogoro hung up. As the call ended, Reiji closed his smart phone, hopped on his own motorcycle and took off in the distance with Xiaomu.
Who are the remaining two fighters that are going to be on the team?