Fictions Mentioned:


Episode 2 - Attack on Neo-Akihabara


OP Song:

Emblem of THE UNLIMITED - LΛST RESOLUTION [Japanese Version] Full OP w/Lyrics


It was one bright morning for the denizens of Neo-Tokyo.

Koichi Minamoto - Astro Man was flying at high speeds with the help of the repulsor thrusters located from his feet, made even faster through the use of displacement teleportation, allowing one to double the effectiveness of the capacity for flight, allowing him to reach Neo-Akihabara in a matter of a few seconds or less.

In his capacity for flight, Astro Man had to admit that even after all these years, he had to admire the view that allowed him to see the scientific and technological wonders of this Earth that is several more years advance from his own Earth. Hovering vehicles of many types and sizes, many of which that looked far too similar to the aquatic, craniate, gill-bearing animals that lack limbs with digits found on the seas. A lot of these vehicles gathered in tight formation to form manageable skyways that seemingly replaced the need for highways on the ground. An overall technological marvel to behold for those that have yet to see such advancement.

It had been more than fifteen years since he became Astro Man. A lot more so if one could get technical due to his nature as an inter-multiversal time traveller. And so much had changed for him since then. So much had change for everyone. So many good and bad memories that would forever define one's character, with the lessons and experiences sharpening up the mind and the heart as it marches forward towards the future that had been a fear of the past that never quite left him.

By the time he reached from the downtown streets of Neo-Akihabara, From his visor, he spotted civilians, both humans, non-humans, and robots alike, fleeing the scene. He also spotted someone wearing what appeared to be a person carrying a metal suit of armor with silver chrome colors with magenta lines, with the image of what appeared to be a young woman with pink hair and a magical girl outfit that was present, complete with the appropriate, albeit heavily enhanced, weaponry: swords, spears, and shields, all hidden for the current moment and would be materialized in the case the user is in need of it. Overall, a rather medieval appearance.

The Otaku Knight.

"Yes, that's right my servants! We will cleanse these stores of their merchandise and make them all part of my ultimate collection!," Otaku Knight jest with glee and excitement, with both hands raised in a Y-shaped manner, standing from a the top of a ledge.

Multiple robots whose appearance matches that of modern, if not more modified, advance vacuum cleaners, with the colors lines of silver and magenta, with magenta eyes, were using their suction parts in order to gather the various manga and other forms of literature that were lying in wait for the taking.

Of course it's that time of the day, Astro Man thought with a sweatdropped, but not really surprised fashion, having grown use to the antics of the would-be-knight in shining armor of advance capabilities who had been considered to be one of the silliest of enemies that he ever had the pleasure of meeting and fighting.

Obvious offensive patterns. The same old locations for entertainment. The same old song and dance that have been occurring for the past fifteen years or so. Of course Astro Man could understand the value of literature in it's many forms, but this was taking a tad bit too much by causing chaos, property damage, and outright stealing of other people's property just to get the sales without those falling in line.

Astro Man would eventually stop for a few meters in height, rendering himself invisible through the use of one of the functions of his advance armor, eventually raising his repulsor nodes which were located from the palm of his hands, blasting blue repulsor rays that managed to surprise Otaku Knight, blasting him a few meters away and crashing towards the glass window of another manga store. By the time Otaku Knight came too, he suddenly looked up to find Astro Man with arms crossed, hovering a few meters above the air.

"Alright, Otaku Knight, funs over. I think its about time that you surrender peacefully," Astro Man said.

"Ah, Astro Man!," Otaku Knight exclaimed, smirking inwardly from his armor. "I'd figure you were to show up in this place if I made a lot of noise. Perfect. It is now time for you to taste my pointed steel of otaku love which would be shared to you and to all!," he eventually summoned multiple spears that were thrown towards Astro Man, only for the latter to simply stop from their tracks through the use of one of the functions of his armor - using the esper power of psychokinesis.

Astro Man would eventually teleport the spears and strike at the vulnerable parts of the vacuum cleaners robots that were now trying to get a lock on him, activating their turrets, but to no avail as the robots were instantly destroyed.

"Nooooooooooo! My babies!," Otaku Knight dramatically cried out, both for his robots and for his stolen merchandise (which was actually all teleported somewhere else beyond Otaku Kinght's reach), before gritting his teeth in annoyance, looking at Astro Man. "You'll pay for that one, Astro Man! Havoc thee!," he said while instantly launching himself into the air, materializing two high-tech swords with blue-yellow neon light from the side, being held by his own two hands as he would begin to aim it at the torso and neck, only for both to parried by Astro Man as he holds the edge of the swords with his bare hands.

And it was at that moment when a front kick was delivered, hitting Otaku Knight from the chin which sends him flying, only to get another kick to the back by Astro Man who had teleported so suddenly, sending him almost crashing to the ground where it not for him being greeted with another intercepted punch to the face that managed to send him to another abandoned manga store, hitting the nearby empty wooden shelves that were once filled with manga literature.

"Ughhhh!"

At the current moment, it would seem that Otaku Knight was defeated. Far too easily and pathetically like always.

Astro Man would eventually land towards the defeated Otaku Knight and place stasis cuffs on both of his hands in a backwards position, with tracking coordinates and a stun function placed if he were to try to escape. After a few seconds, Otaku Knight would eventually be automatically teleported towards a B.A.B.E.L. penitentiary cell specifically designed for him as part of a contingency that he had carried out since he was ten years old.

"(Sigh). Geez. You would think that after all these years, he would have learned by now," Astro Man shakes his head in exasperation as he stands up from his position and would now start to take a walk.

"I would agree via paraphrasing your statement against you," a metallic voice came out of nowhere.

"Gaaaaaaah!," Astro Man was suddenly shocked with generated bodily electrostatic energy which stunned him, somehow bypassing the energy barrier which should have been able to protect him, before eventually getting punched by a electrostatic powered punch to the face that managed to send him breaking through multiple walls before eventually stopping at another abandoned manga store from one part of Neo-Akihabara. "Ugggh...," he was grunting in pain as he touch his forehead, shaking his head for a moment in order to dispel the dizziness, trying his best to stand up from his position, if only a bit wibbly in movement, before eventually seeing...

"...!"

Something that he'd rather not see again as the gasped in his breath was denoting a sense of shock tinge in dread. A combination of the various metal body parts and fasteners made out of the vacuum cleaners that were in use by Otaku Knight before being destroyed by Astro Man. Astro Man would take an educated guess that these destroyed parts were reformed and hacked when no one was looking. There was the presence of a sleek, silver-magenta chrome machine with a humanoid form, with silver chrome antennas to each side. Red photoreceptor eyes and a red jack-o-lantern mouth. There was no denying it. It was him.

"Hello Astro Man, its been quite a while," the machine said, with the red photoreceptor eyes and grin-like mouth suddenly glowing luminscently.

But why...? Why is he here...? Now of all times...?

"Ultron," Astro Man muttered in dread, with a subtle battle stance on the ready, moving the right feet back while putting the left feet forward, with both hands clenched to a fist, keeping close attention to the dreaded figure that should not be kept out of one's sight. "Why are you here?," he asked.

"Why?," Ultron said with an amused tone, as if it were quite obvious. "Simple," he raised his right hand, whose center palm was now glowing red with yellow electricity. "A field test is in order, and you're the rat that is necessary for this test."

A red plasma beam of high density would suddenly fire from the palm of the hand before eventually getting intercepted by powered blue energy shields that managed to absorb the beams.

"Impressive," Ultron praised, before suddenly teleporting instantly, appearing behind Astro Man in order to deliver a sudden punch to the back, only for it to be intercepted, with a hand stopping the fist from going any further, with Astro Man performing an uppercut and a kick that managed to send to Ultron a few meters away, destroying a wall that sends him to a nearby street that had civilians, humans, non-humans, and robots, instantly sporting expressions of terror as many of them were now trying to flee.

Ultron would take notice of the robots in the crowd, with his photoreceptor eyes glowing red, managing to hack into the circuitry of many of the fleeing robots that would provide a necessary distraction that managed to spin out of control and would try to attack the humans on sight as screams were heard.

Astro Man however would teleport from direction to direction, using the esper power of psychometry to instantly shut the robots down without causing any more harm than needed. Ultron, taking advantage of the distraction, would launch a barrage of red plasma beams that managed to hit a couple of nearby buildings, with rubble instantly coming down in order to harm the fleeing civilians, only for Astro Man to hold them back by raising his hands, intercepting and sending the rubble towards Ultron, knowing that it wouldn't really work on the latter but is useful for providing a distraction, if only for a moment or two.

And Astro Man's assumption was correct. Ultron would seemingly handwave the rubble that was hurled from him and send it to various directions, damaging other parts of the surrounding area.

And by the time that Ultron noticed Astro Man, he saw him with cupped hands drawn to the side, seeing blue plasma energy of high density concentrated into a single point between the cupped hands. The hands are then thrust forward to shoot out a streaming, powerful beam of energy that managed to hit Ultron through the torso and send him several meters apart.

Astro Man knew that this alone couldn't defeat Ultron. Not by a long shot. And he should know as he had tangled with the metal monster a few more times than he couldn't want to count. One of the most deadliest enemies that he ever had the pleasure of knowing. The armored bodies that Ultron would use to tend to vary in power level. Some were quite easy to take down. Others were much difficult to accomplish such a feat. This would seem deliberate in design, if only to keep enemies off guard and save the stronger ones for last, like saving the chess pieces that are in most need of for a swift precise offensive and counter-offensive.

He could still recall the devastation that Ultron had caused from his own lifetime. The experiences that had been made a part of one single whole for him as he narrowed his brown eyes. He could never forget such a thing even if he tried. Out of all the enemies that he had fought over the years, Ultron was one of the worst.

Even in these moments of deep thought, he would still focus on the metal monster, eventually raise his right arm, press a few keys from his gauntlet, and subtly send an emergency transmission signal that would activate the alarm systems of every B.A.B.E.L. HQs nearby and far throughout the entire world, with the words "Theta Protocol: Ultron" being heard from the PA systems, which in turn would no doubt scramble all available personnel to their positions.

As smoke seemingly arise from the debris, there was heard the sound of metal clanking feet, with the red eyes and mouth seeming growing more luminescent that was visible from the cloud of dust.

"Perhaps it is time we take this round to the next level," Ultron said as his eyes glowed red, raising his right arm, whose right palm was producing a red circular psychedelic effect, summoning multiple Ultron Sentinels, with silver chrome armor with blue lines, with aim-cannons on the ready. Ultron himself would generate yellow electrostatic lightning from all directions in his metallic body which managed to scorch the ground.

Astro Man would narrow his eyes, breathing in and out heavily, subtly form a battle stance, with both feet angled slightly to the side and the knees facing in the same direction of the feet, with both hands clenched in a fist to the side.

And thus would another hard battle commence throughout the streets of Neo-Akihabara.


"Attention citizens of Neo-Tokyo. Theta Protocol has been initiated. All citizens are to be evacuate to any nearby shelter as prescribed under these circumstances. Please remain calm..."

"All B.A.B.E.L. personnel are required to follow the standard procedures for Theta Protocol. Prepare the Assault Teams to head towards Neo-Akiba in order to contain the situation!," Major Tezuka Sawashiro ordered from his comm-link earpiece, sporting a grim, commanding expression.

"Sir yes sir!," many of the SATs under his command would respond from the comm-chatter.

At this point, B.A.B.E.L. Special Assault Teams are now being heavily mobilized and dispatched to Neo-Akihabara in order to deal with the current emergency situation involving the artificial intelligence known as Ultron.

The siren sounds of the bulky police robots were heard from everywhere. Civilians, both man and machine, were now trying their best to get away as far from Neo-Akihabara as possible, whether by land, by hover transports, and other forms of transportation.

Anticipation and dread, with sweatdrop present are present behind the expression of Major Sawashiro, knowing just how grave this situation really has become.

Why now of all times?, he thought with dread and concern.

Truth be told, this was not the very first time that Ultron attacked this world. The last time Ultron came to this world was a nightmare that many could never fail to forget, somewhere back in the year 2015. It was a time when Ultron Sentinels were suddenly seen from the skies, blasting red colored concussive blasts of high density energy on all who would dare cross their path, whether man, non-human, or machine, with no sense of discrimination. It was a time when Astro Man and other heroes from different worlds all banded together and managed to take down the menace from going any further. The scars may have been healed physically in the sense that construction and relief work had managed to improve the entire capital of Japan. But the memories were still there. The dead bodies, man, non-human, and machine. Yes, there were casualties, if only at a bare minimum had not Astro Man and the heroes had done their part to stop the madness.

He could only shake his head as begins to regain focus, eventually making use of his wristwatch to teleport to a nearby watch outpost from somewhere nearby Neo-Akihabara, one that would no doubt have SATs stationed there.

And if the alarm had spread as far as it should have, Major Sawashiro could only expect that it's only a matter of time before the Mobile Task Forces (MTFs) of the SCP Foundation, the Chronomonitor Shock Troopers (CSTs) of the Time Variance Authority (TVA), and other appropriate forces would be sent in to back up the SATs and help with the thorough evacuation of the civilians, whether man or machine.


Shock and surprise couldn't even begin to describe on what the Children - Kaoru Akashi, Aoi Nogami, and Shiho Sannomiya - have been going through as of now and on what was on their minds.

It had been quite the surprise that all of them were suddenly teleported randomly to the P.A.N.D.R.A. cruise ship - Queen of Catastrophe - along with a couple of other familiar faces, even ones who should not even be here.

"Um... Kaoru-chan? What's going on here?"

That was the question that came from an old friend of the Children, Chisato Hanai, sporting a confused and bewildered expression as she was seeing them, along with Yuuri Kumoi, accompanied by two individuals - Nai and Hanzo - all of whom were sporting concerned expressions on their faces as she and many others were suddenly teleported to the main base of P.A.N.D.R.A., in this case, somewhere inside the vast corridors. Yuuri in particular couldn't help but stare at Feather who was sporting more or less the same expression as everyone.

Yuuri narrowed and wandered her eyes on Feather, wondering as to how very similar she was in appearance to her best friend Kaoru Akashi, albeit more adult-like in appearance. Feather in turn spotted her, sporting an understanding smile, one that seemed quite relieved at seeing a much familiar face.

Yes, Yuuri thought. She had met this woman before during that one time when she was swimming with Kaoru and Chisato at the indoor heating pools of the spa resort that they and the rest of their friends went too, based on the fact that at that time, it was Koichi Minamoto's birthday.

"That's right, Kaoru! What exactly are you all doing here in our base?!"

That was the question that came from an old friend (and sort of but not really an enemy) of the Children, Mio Tsukushi, as she, Kazura Tamaki, Kagari Hino, and Patty Crew were sporting confused and bewildered expression, wondering as to how in the world did they all get here and how is it that everyone that they knew has been gathered in this one single room that seem to be quite large, likely one of the large interior rooms of the quarter deck.

"Umm...," Kaoru didn't know what to say at this particular situation, only sporting a contrite expression towards Chisato, not having as much of a clue as she and the others were. "Honestly, I'm not really sure, Chisato-chan, Mio."

There were a lot of lively conversations here and there between the members of B.A.B.E.L. and P.A.N.D.R.A..

"What the, Kaoru-dono, Aoi-dono, Shiho-dono?!," Bullet Silver exclaimed in shock, looking to the left and to the right in confusion.

"Ah! The P.A.N.D.R.A. members too! Why are they here?! In fact, why are we in the Catastrophe?!," Tim Toy exclaimed in shock, looking to the left and to the right in confusion.

"Chief, Kashiwagi-san, what's going on here?," Ichiro Tanizaki asked in confusion, as he and Keiko Kojika were looking towards Taizo Kiritsubo and Oboro Kashiwagi for answers, only for the both of them to look at each other, looking like they don't have as much of a clue as the rest of them.

Seeing the lively faces of excitement, full of questions of bewilderment and the scratching of heads as to what is going on which even they could not know about. The three executives of P.A.N.D.R.A. - Shirō Magi, Momiji Kanō, and Yō Fujiura, were sporting expressions of shock and bewilderment due to the sudden teleportation (if it could even be called that) from B.A.B.E.L. Headquarters to the Queen of Catastrophe cruise liner.

"Andy?! What the hell are you doing here?!," Yo asked in shock and surprise, looking towards an old friend who seem just as bewildered as they were.

Andy Hinomiya.

A man in his twenties, wearing an eyepatch to his amber left eye and a gray right eye, wearing a grey jacket with a symbol - The Foundation - on both sides of his shoulders, denoting the organization he works for, a turtleneck, sleeveless black shirt and black trimming and khaki pants.

"What am I doing here? I should be asking that question," Andy said, looking confused as he turned to look at Kyousuke Hyoubu who slightly looked at him, acknowledging his presence, nodding to him in understanding, before continuing to look at Professor Paradox who was checking his right gauntlet with a serious expression.

Then there were two other people who came with Andy.

One was a young woman wearing a white shirt with a pink bowtie, blue jeans, and red female shoes. The princess of Kingdom of Monarch, Sophie Grace, leader of the organization - The Foundation - which overseers national esper agencies from around the globe. The other was a young girl wearing a short white-pink dress and brown shoes with long, black socks. Yugiri.

They were all just as confused as Andy, wondering as to how did they suddenly ended up in P.A.N.D.R.A.'s main base of operations at a seeming instant.

Truth be told, the Children didn't know what to expect at this point. A few minutes ago, they just saw a future that was far more nightmarish and horrible than anyone could ever conceived of. What they could conceived of. The sudden death of one Koichi Minamoto, the man that they all loved, then came the death of a future Kaoru Akashi who was killed so suddenly at the hands of the machine that was known as Ultron, according to what Future Trunks had said to them not too long ago.

And speaking of Future Trunks, he was simply standing alongside them, with arms crossed, sporting a cautious concerned expression on his face, looking to the left and to the right.

Perhaps it was time as any for some needed conversation, especially when it concerns a certain someone that is painfully missing from this crowd.

"Umm... Trunk-san?," Aoi took the first step, walking near towards Future Trunks while sporting a careful expression.

Future Trunks would look towards Aoi, along with Kaoru, Shiho, Yuuri, Chisato, and a few others, who were coming towards him with the same cautious concerned expression. "What is it, umm... Nogami-chan right?"

"Right," Aoi nodded. "We were wondering..."

"Wondering as to how I and Professor Paradox," Future Trunks slightly looked towards Professor Paradox. "Know Minamoto-san. Correct?"

"Yeah," Kaoru nodded in turn, speaking after Aoi. "You told us that you and the Professor were all old friends of Minamoto. What did you mean by that? How exactly did you meet Minamoto?"

Future Trunks smiled as he saw most of everyone listening in on the conversation. "Well, that's a very long story to tell really. We'd be here all day if I told everything, but suffice it to say," he eventually dawned a reminiscent smile. "Minamoto-san was just in his elementary school days when I first met him. He was quite the child prodigy, that one. And since then, a lot of people tend to look up to the guy, whether as himself or as another identity that he usually takes whenever he does any form of superhero work."

"Eh?," the Children, Yuuri, and most of everyone who have heard all exclaimed in shock and surprise while Shiho inquired. "Super...hero? Minamoto-san?"

"That's right, Sannomiya-san," Future Trunks nodded with a smile. "I'm sure you and everyone else have seen it during that glitch back at the meeting room, when you all saw a young Minamoto-san transformed into an advance set of armor and was fighting the Ultron Sentinels, those machines that served Ultron, and trying his best to protect everyone from those same monsters."

Yes, they all saw that quite clearly. In fact, they were quite shocked and bewildered to say the least. So it wasn't just an illusion. It really did happened. And Future Trunk's words seem to confirm it. They even heard the words "Astro Man" being given the moment the Ultron Sentinels had identified him. They saw it. The transformation that was likened to that of superheroes found in all of those tokusatsu franchises and anime that they would tend to watch on television. The time when Minamoto as Astro Man had managed to completely decimate multitudes upon multitudes of Ultron Sentinels through the use of many in-built functions of his armor and managed to save a couple of civilians, both normals and espers alike. But how is the question? When did this first started?

Koichi Minamoto's past had always been quite the mystery for them. Sure, they've learned a thing or two over the years, all to the point when they almost all thought that they knew who he was after living with him for the past five years. But with what had been revealed so far, it was quite obvious that they didn't knew him as much as they should.

It hurt. it hurt not knowing for once. A secret that they didn't know in spite of their powers as espers, especially in the case of Shiho Sannomiya who has the Level 7 esper power of psychometry, allowing her to get a reading and glimpse on practically everything from simple handling of weapons to handling sophisticated technology to obtaining information and memories. And yet, even she couldn't find out the secret behind the man who had taken care of them since they were ten years old. A man who suddenly swooped in with no hesitation and saved them from their last supervisor who had been abusing them from the very start. She and the rest of the Children could just recall that frightening look on Minamoto's face, one that was silent and still, one whose eyes that may seem normal were simply narrowed. She also recalled the time when Minamoto simply reprimanded their last supervisor with very sharp words that were hiding something that was full of experiences.

"These children are not animals, Supervisor Suma! They are human! Normal?! Esper?! What difference does this make?! All I see are human children that you have been abusing with those damn limiters! All I really see is someone who should be labeled as a child abuser! If this is how B.A.B.E.L. treats their own espers, then how in the hell could you expect them to put their faith and trust on everyone else who are considered normal! Of course these girls would lash out after being treated less than animals! What you're doing is wrong and you and everyone else in this room knows it! You're just making humanity's downfall that much more obvious because if this is how we treat our fellow human beings, then the future of humanity is doomed from the start!"

They could recall that tone that was used. They could recall the disgust, the distaste, the righteous anger. That shook everyone who was present to the core. The vey rarest of times when Koichi Minamoto became truly angry were quite terrible to behold. Their situation was like something had pricked inside of Minamoto, not just knowing it, but having seen it, and those narrowed eyes could tell as much.

Shiho Sannomiya had tried to find ways to know who this man is, who Koichi Minamoto is. But the more she tried, the more elusive this man was. She and the rest of her fellow Children couldn't help but be saddened and hurt when they had found out about this hidden identity of the man who had taken care of them for so many years.

Why? Why keep this a secret? What other secrets have you been hiding from us, Minamoto-san? Shiho sadly thought.

These feelings would make them recall to a time when they found out about the predicted future that referred to their future roles and the bleak prospect of war between normals and espers.

"We have lots of things..." Aoi spoke first, with an annoyed expression.

"We want to talk to you about later, Minamoto-san. Like Igou's prediction..." Shiho spoke second, with an annoyed expression.

"That's right, that's right. And about the Queen and the Empress and the Goddess..." Kaoru spoke last, with an annoyed expression.

That's right. They were quite hurt and annoyed at that time. No one could really blame them. They just found out that there was some kind of prediction concerning a future that had them leading espers against normals. Don't they think they had the right to know considering that this was about their future? But then...

"I'm sorry," Minamoto said softly but clearly, with a downcast expression that was steep in guilt and sorrow, almost as if he knew what to expect and the deep sadness that was buried underneath was suddenly coming out.

They recalled that face that was nothing but sorrow and grimace, one that was trying one's best to hide one's tears that are based on experiences that they all could not have known. They knew since that time that there was something that Minamoto had been hiding all this time. And this secret seem to relate to the revelation that had now been revealed to them.

Looking back at the glitch, the Children could only guess that Minamoto seem to be around the age of an elementary student if what his appearance was anything to go by. How long had he been Astro Man if that were the case?

Their faces were downcast and concerned, which was noticed by Future Trunks who could only sport a sympathetic expression.

"I understand that you three wanted to know more, but," Future Trunks would look towards Professor Paradox who was having a conversation with Feather, sporting the appearance of the Future Kaoru Akashi. "I think that Professor Paradox should explain better than me."

"Would you like some gumball, my dear?," Professor Paradox asked, bringing out something from inner pocket; a brown bigger-on-the-inside opaque paper bag that has a couple of gumballs with multiple flavors all stacked together.

Feather, could only raise a curious, slightly doubtful eyebrow as she slowly, hesitatively raise her hand to get a gumball from the bigger-on-the-inside bag, taking one to her mouth and savoring it, finding the taste of mango which made her smile a bit, humming in delight, much to the pleased expressive smile of Professor Paradox.

Kyousuke Hyoubu and Fujiko Tsubomi were simply watching Professor Paradox and Future Trunks with complete attentive interest and unrest, the former having more of a suspicious, cautious, narrowed, and intrigued expression.

They were just as surprised as they were when Professor Paradox had suddenly gathered everyone with the snap of two metal fingers. The power that they felt was unlike anything that they ever experienced before. What this power was is not that of an esper. Otherwise, they would have felt it, if only in a subtle fashion. For what seem to amount to the very first time in a long while, both leaders of their respective organizations are stumped as to what they can actually do. And they couldn't help but take an expression of care at the man that suddenly teleported (if it could even be called that) towards the interior part of the cruise ship.

The first to make a move was Hyoubu, moving towards Professor Paradox's position and reaching him by only a few meters apart, with the latter taking notice of him. Both men were looking at each other. Hyoubu was looking at Professor Paradox with caution and suspicion as he spoke in a polite tone, with narrowed eyes. "Who...are you?"

That was the question that was on his mind. Just who was this old man? The man that can seemingly transport multitudes of people back and forth without breaking a sweat through nothing but a snap of the fingers. It was quite unheard of. One that seemingly have the power that could rival or even surpass him.

Professor Paradox only smile in understanding at the suspicious inquiry. "I am Professor Paradox - The Time Walker. And I believe that you and your sister, along with obviously everyone else that should all be gathered together," he looks towards everyone (now coming near from appropriate distances) who was now taking notice of him, eventually making their way towards him. He also sees Future Trunks walking towards his side, sporting a concerned and determined expression. "Must have certain questions that needed some answering."

"That's correct, Professor," Tsubomi, along with Shuji Sakaki (who was sporting the same expression as Hyoubu), Taizō Kiritsubo, and Oboro Kashiwagi, was moving towards Hyoubu's side. "Why exactly did you take all of us to P.A.N.D.R.A.'s main base of operations?"

"Yeah old man, what exactly were you thinking bringing almost everyone that we know in this specific spot?," Sakaki asked, both curious and suspicious, with a raised eyebrow, slightly looking at people not even associated with either B.A.B.E.L. or P.A.N.D.R.A.. "And you even brought Chisato-chan and Yuuri-chan here as well since as far as I recall, they're just civilians."

One is a civilian, the other is not quite so, Hyoubu thought, looking with subtle meaning towards Yuuri Kumoi who was walking alongside everyone who would now gather around to listen.

At this point, Professor Paradox would sport a grim expression, one that was noticed by everyone. "There are valid reasons as to why I have decided to allow even them to take part in this meeting, Dr. Sakaki. Firstly, it is for their continued safety, especially in relation to Chisato-san who is connected to one other student of mine. I believe you all would know him as Tōno Masaru."

"Eh! Tono-kun!," Chisato sported a shocked expression, hearing of the name of the young man and childhood friend that she had grown feelings for.

"That's right," Professor Paradox nodded grimly, before eventually looking towards Yuuri who took notice of him and was sporting a concerned and attentive expression. "The other would concern Kumoi Yuuri, to whom she and two of her fellow defected subordinates, are to remain with us for the time being."

"Ah! You!," Sakaki exclaimed in surprise and caution, pointing towards Hanzo, recognizing him instantly. "You're that blonde guy that was working with Black Phantom!"

"Eh?!" many would exclaim in shock as they look towards Hanzo who was sporting a grimaced, contrite expression.

"What?!," Tsubomi sported a cautious and narrowed expression, recognizing Hanzo as well, having engaged him in prolonged combat back during that one mission involving her, Sakaki, and Minamoto trying to gain information of Black Phantom which resulted in a plane crash and Sakaki and Minamoto having to fend for their lives somewhere within the plain safaris of the Nabamsa Republic, Africa.

Before the situation escalates further, Yuuri would swiftly intervene, with arms raised in reassurance. "Everyone calm down, he's with me and I can guarantee you that he won't hurt anyone. You have my word."

"Yuuri-chan?!," Kaoru exclaimed in shock and in surprise, wondering as to what was the connection, if the prickling suspicions and dreadful educated guesses that she'd rather not heed on being aware of anything.

"Relax everyone," Professor Paradox said while slamming his staff to the ground, managing to bring everyone's attention as they all turned towards him, noticing the grave expression that was on his face. "I can guarantee you that Hanzo-kun is not an enemy for this time, having defected Black Phantom in secret for quite sometime after a failed attempt of Black Phantom commanding him via hypnosis to kill himself, only for it not to work, with the rest being history that resulted in Hanzo-kun staying with Yuuri-san. And speaking of which," he looked meaningfully towards Nai, who took attentive notice of him. The others such as the Children would instantly recognize Nai as having fought her before during one of their missions involving Black Phantom. "Nai-san has also defected from Black Phantom as well so you don't have to worry about her as well."

"Eh? Black Phantom? What's that?," Chisato sported a bewildered expression, not knowing as to what that is, with Yuuri knowingly flinching at the mere word of it.

"Ok seriously," Sakaki raised an eyebrow towards Professor Paradox. "How exactly do you know about Black Phantom anyway? You even know the names of these three and two of them were from Black Phantom," he indicated Yuuri, Nai, and Hanzo by a thumb gesture.

"I must concur with the quack on this for once," Hyoubu spoke with a suspicious edge, also subtly noticing the fact that this old man - Professor Paradox - seemingly knew something about Black Phantom as much as him. "You seem to know far more about Black Phantom than you let on."

"It's my official job as a Time Walker to be well informed of these things, Hyoubu Kyousuke. Informative things too great and small tend to pass by my mind in order to keep track of history itself, being the observer who would go where he is needed in order to keep things in tip top shape and order," Professor Paradox explained casually with an understanding smile.

"There's that word again, 'Time Walker', just what exactly does that mean to imply?," Hyoubu asked with narrowed eyes, with arms crossed, having a pretty good idea as to what that is if what the implication is anything to go by.

"It means that I walk throughout eternity. Quite literally if I should say so myself. But to put things more simply, I'm a time traveller from a very different cosmos to your own that happens to be stopping by at this exact moment alongside my other student," Professor Paradox explained, gesturing towards Future Trunks who made a confirming nod.

"Time traveller?!," many would exclaim in surprise, along with a few hints of disbelief.

"?!" Feather (specifically the future versions of Kaoru Akashi, Aoi Nogami, Shiho Sannomiya, and Yuuri Kumoi) could only sport an expression of shock and suprise, looking towards Professor Paradox with a new set of eyes.

It would appear that other time travellers beside them have finally come to the picture. But then...

"Old man, just what are yo-" Yo tried to speak, sporting an expression of disbelief and skepticism.

"Wait," Professor Paradox raise his right hand, asking him and the others to be quiet on a grave tone, sporting a narrowed expression before eventually slowly widening his eyes, having sense a disturbance point through the time stream. "Oh no... It's just as I feared," he slightly turned towards Future Trunks who immediately understood what is happening. He would turn towards everyone else who was present throughout the room. "Everyone, I'm afraid that all of you might need to see this for yourselves," he said, before tapping his staff down which automatically sends them to another type of blank space, one that was seemingly as dark as night, with twinkling luminous spheroid of plasma held together by their own gravity and other types of astronomical objects.

This was a short-lived awe inspiring scene that managed to capture the attention, and even the hearts of those who are present to bare witness to it.

Then with a snap of a finger from Professor Paradox, there was the large portal-like screen showing a futuristic utopian city with retrofuturism aesthetics. The buildings of the city vary in size and were quite tall, with connecting passage tubes that see multiple humans, non-humans, and robots walking through them. There were the familiar pedestrian bridges that were found within these tube-like passageways that would seem to have automatic sidewalks for the use of convenience of the populace. There were hovering automobiles, carrying the appearance of aquatic, craniate, gill-bearing animals, hovering in tight formation throughout the seemingly artificial main roads, gong from upwards, downwards and sideways.

But then...

They would also notice that these hovering vehicles were almost seemingly in a hurry, going from an opposite direction as far as possible. There were humans, non-humans, and robots seemingly running in an almost hurried and panic-like fashion. There appeared to be stream of grey smoke from the horizon somewhere nearby which was the source of the populace's panic. Police sirens were being heard from the hovering police automobiles and hovering bulky bipedal walking police robots armed with heavy advance turret rifles from their arms.

They would hear the sound of what seem to be an emergency alarm which was being heard throughout the city.

"Attention citizens of Neo-Tokyo. Theta Protocol has been initiated. All citizens are to be evacuate to any nearby shelter as prescribed under these circumstances. Please remain calm..."

What seem to be the voice of an automatic emergency announcer was heard throughout the area, giving the surroundings a sense of urgency.

What was happening here? Everyone in this room all thought with concern.

The portal-like screen would eventually zoom in to find...

"?!"

What appeared to be the chaotic battle happening throughout the damaged city streets and buildings of a once lively shopping district. Lots of merchandise and equipment were damaged beyond repair and scattered across the cracked pavements. The street light posts and signboards were disheveled from their positions. What was once a major shopping district for video games, anime, manga, electronics and computer-related goods has been turned into a battlefield. And this same battlefield...

"You have been deemed hazardous. Termination authorized."

Has the same metallic monsters of silver chrome appearances rampaging throughout the streets. The Ultron Sentinels, they were called, carrying the same jack-o-lantern faceplate and those same red photoreceptor eyes and those same grin-like emotionless mouths. Emotionless yet demonic. They were all armed and dangerous, with their aim-cannons firing red concussion blasts that were trying to hit a target sporting an advance set of red-silver armor with a blue visor, a very familiar sight to them, with the only difference being the size being that of an adult's body instead of an eleven year old body.

There was no denying it. It was him.

What was worst was that this seemed to be likened to that 'glitch' and the prediction that they all saw once before.

"M-Minamoto!," Kaoru exclaimed in shock and concern.

"Eh?!," Yuuri exclaimed in shock, turning from Kaoru to the one who was now currently engaging the Ultron Sentinels, as if making absolutely sure that she heard it right.

"Eh?! Minamoto-san?!," Chisato exclaimed in shock, turning from Kaoru to the one who was now currently engaging the Ultron Sentinels, as if making absolutely sure that she heard it right.

Koichi Minamoto - Astro Man was now seen by everyone, many of whom were now shouting his name "Minamoto!," with a few honorifics being shouted by some among the watching crowd, with a tone of surprise and concern.

Astro Man dodges multiple barrages of red concussive firepower that was directed from the southern and eastern directions, raising his gauntlets that fired from those directions that managed to kill multiple Ultron Sentinels, hitting them through the faceplate and torso. Other Ultron Sentinels would suddenly charge straight ahead as they would try to punch and kick Astro Man, with the latter dodging and performing counter-attacks that lead to one Ultron Sentinel being blasted through the torso and getting kicked towards its fellow Ultron Sentinels, exploding alongside it. Another Ultron Sentinel would perform a sideswipe attack, with a sharp, metal sword with two spikes formed from the left arm, only for Astro Man to dodge and punch the Ultron Sentinel in the faceplate, knocking it towards another side from a few meters.

More Ultron Sentinels were rushing towards him, with some of them staying back from five to eight meters away either on the ground, rooftops, or hovering in the skies, all aiming their aim-cannons at him, firing a continuous set of high density firepower that managed to produce multiple explosions that further damaged the pavement and the rest of the surrounding area, only for Astro Man to dodge all of them, making use of teleportation to transmit himself from one specific place to the next and shoot down the Ultron Sentinels through the head, torso, and other exposed vital parts for attack, destroying them instantly.

The Children, Yuuri Kumoi, and Feather grew concerned and fearful at every second that seem to pass. They would see the man that they held complex and romantic feelings for suddenly getting surrounded by the metal abominations that they knew except for Yuuri who wasn't present during the glitch that happened in the meeting room.

"W-W-What's going on here?!," Yuuri asked in concern, looking towards Kaoru, Aoi, and Shiho, who seem to know about what is happening from the portal screen.

"Ultron happened, Yuuri-san," Future Trunks said, sporting a grim expression, with fists clenched.

"Ultron?!," Aoi exclaimed in shock, recognizing the name with dread.

"Ultron? Who's that?," Chisato asked, sporting a confused and fearful expression.

"Someone you really don't want to meet, Chisato-san," Shiho said grimly, as if it were understating it.

"Hey, Hyoubu," Andy, sporting a concerned expression, turned towards Hyoubu. "Just what the hell is going on here?"

"Yeah, Kyousuke!," exclaimed Momotaro, the flying squirrel mascot of P.A.N.D.R.A., also sporting a concerned expression, floating towards Hyoubu. "Just what is happening here?!"

"(Sigh). Long story, Andy, Momotaro," Hyoubu spoke rather tiredly and wearily, still keeping watch on the battle.

"Trunks, I believe that now is the time for you to help and assist Koichi," Professor Paradox said, turning towards Future Trunks with a grave understanding expression.

"Right," Future Trunks nodded.

"Us too!," Kaoru asked, with her eyes looking back and forth from the portal screen as she sees Astro Man dodging red concussion blasts by moving from the left and flipping forward, all while managing to take down ten to twenty Ultron Sentinels with the help of his repulsor nodes that were located in both of his hands. Kaoru herself was growing very anxious and concerned, already recalling the 'future' where a future version of Minamoto was killed as swift as wiping the light of a burning candle, along with seeing her Minamoto when he was young, fighting the same monsters that was now causing chaos throughout the once peaceful shopping district. "We need to help Minamoto!"

"That's right, we can't just leave him there to that monster!," Aoi exclaimed, already seeing a 'future' where Ultron had killed him, rather not wanting to see such a fate seen and applied in reality. She also recalled the time when she saw her Minamoto fighting the same monsters that was ow being shown from the portal screen.

"I agree, we can't leave him there," Shiho agreed with both teammates, also recalling the 'future' and the battle that took place between her Minamoto and the Ultron Sentinels, also being as anxious and as concerned as her teammates.

They couldn't allow that to happen again. Not again!

What happened in that 'future' was far too painful for them to see even if it hadn't even technically happened yet. They couldn't even bare the thought of Minamoto being gone from their lives. They just couldn't. So if someone were to actually kill him...

They didn't honestly know what they could do and they rather not know of it. Or they'd rather not experience such a twisted fate to put it simply. The simple proof of Kaoru Akashi's future self from that 'future' speaks more than enough to set the tone for just how much the Children would get angry for the would-be-murderer of the man that they loved.

"We're coming with you as well!," Bullet Silver exclaimed, as he, Tim Toy, Naomi Umegae, Akira Yadorigi, and Hatsune Inugami would nod in turn, fully intending on assisting the Children and Minamoto.

"Us too!," Mio Tsukushi exclaimed, with both hands clenched in a fist and sporting a determined expression, with the rest of her fellow P.A.N.D.R.A. such as Kazura Tamaki, Kagari Hino, and Patty Crew would nod alongside them, fully intending on assisting the Children and Minamoto.

"Everyone...," Oboro Kashiwagi said softly, as she and Taizo Kiritsubo, along with the executive members of P.A.N.D.R.A.: Shiro Magi, Momiji Kanō, Yo Fujiura, and the rest of the adults in the crowd were sporting worried expressions, having a few misgivings on this rather delicate manner, hoping that many among them, the espers specifically, would volunteer instead due to the fact this particular threat requires a little more experience instead of just raw firepower, for they all knew that this type of threat, the Ultron Sentinels, are not to be taken lightly.

And just as the three executive members were about to volunteer instead, Professor Paradox could only intercept this request and shake his head in sadness. "I'm sorry, young ones, but you cannot go and help him, not now, and the same goes for the rest of you," he looks at everyone straight at the eye with a stern and concerned expression, as if asking if anyone is daring to contradict him, to which no one did and just made everyone completely still. "I know you all want to help my student and I can understand your concerns on the matter, but most of you unfortunately do not have the experience necessary to fight these Ultron Sentinels. Most of you are ill equipped to match them, much less hurt them fast enough before they target you when you least expect it. But have no fear as that doesn't mean that Koichi doesn't get the help and assistance that is needed, isn't that right, Trunks?," he said, turning towards Future Trunks who simply gave a confirming nod, as if to affirm that he was ready.

"Well then, godspeed," Professor Paradox said with a smile, snapping his fingers which makes Future Trunks disappear instantly, much to the surprise of most of everyone.

Professor Paradox had managed to instantly transport Future Trunks from this space between spaces to the shopping district of Neo-Akihabara, with Future Trunks appearing from the rooftop of one of the buildings. The Ultron Sentinels that were hovering from the sky would immediately took notice of him, having detected a temporal disturbance.

"Target Identified: Trunks Brief - Occupation: Time Patroller. Termination authorized. Kill. Kill. Kill."

The Ultron Sentinels would eventually aim the palm of their hands, with the circular part found in the center gaining a red neon colored appearance which would fire red concussive blasts of high density on Future Trunks.

Suddenly...

Future Trunks would begin to power up, unleashing a wave of ki energy that is accompanied by a visible yellow aura that was flaring throughout his entire body, with his hair changing from lavender to yellow, becoming spiky in appearance. With both hands clenched in a fist, Future Trunks would instantly transmit himself away from the rooftop as it was being scorched by the red high density plasma, eventually transmitting above a couple of Ultron Sentinels.

Both hands were raised, firing formed and discharged portions of ki which were shot through the various Ultron Sentinels, destroying them instantly as they burst violently and noisily as a result of rapid combustion.

Other Ultron Sentinels would take notice of Future Trunks, eventually aiming their respective repulsor nodes and fire a continued barrage of red high density plasma, only for Future Trunks to dodge through them all by moving in appropriate directions, using his hands to perform a counterattack, sending multiple ki blasts that managed to hit through multiple targets, exploding in turn.

Astro Man would immediately take notice of what is happening from the skies as he twist from one side and roll towards the left, delivering a blue repulsor blast that managed to hit an Ultron Sentinel to the torso, killing it instantly.

"Trunks," Astro Man muttered in surprise and relief, seeing an old friend who was engaging the Ultron Sentinels that were being exploded in droves through continued barrages of blue and yellow colored ki blasts. He would however begin to notice multiple tall Ultron Sentinels, all made from various hovercraft automobiles, firing a set of red colored plasma which were being dodged instantly by him, moving from the left, up, right, and other appropriate directions, before firing a set of blue repulsor rays that managed to take down a couple of Ultron Sentinels, exploding instantly. One Ultron Sentinel, being bulky and tall in appearance due to being made from various parts of a hover freight truck, would raise its bulky set of arms and try to take Astro Man out with by a powered electrostatic charged punch, only for Astro Man to dodge, teleport from behind, and managed to fire repulsor rays at 5%, instantly vaporizing the truck-made Ultron Sentinel to dust and ashes.

Ultron Sentinels were converging from the left and from the right, firing wave after wave of red concussive blasts of energy, with Astro Man dodging every single one of them, performing circular motions from his hands, with slash-like movements that managed to cut down droves upon droves of Ultron Sentinels that were hovering from the skies and were sprinting from the ground. One raised gauntlet which blast through ten Ultron Sentinels. Another one which blast through six Ultron Sentinels. Another dodge, followed by multiple explosions caused by the high density plasma that managed to shook through the entire shopping district.

Multiple electronics and other form of intricate circuitry were being fried and damaged. Many walls of various buildings were being punched through as a result of red repulsor rays that came from the Ultron Sentinels.

The hovering bulky police robots with their turret rifles would suddenly arrive in droves, eventually firing a barrage of blue colored high density that managed to take down a couple of Ultron Sentinels, with some of them taking complete notice of them as they eventually fired their aim-cannons at them, destroying many of them with ease. Blue and red neon lighting lit through the skies in an explosive fashion, with the vaporization and dismantling of multiple advance machines. Ones trained to protect and serve. The others that were built to only kill and destroy.

Everyone from the other side alongside Professor Paradox were watching the battle that was shaking them to their core.

Just what exactly were they seeing? Just how could they describe the battle that was currently devastating several parts of the once lively shopping district?

Most of those who were watching have yet to see what war was truly like. The only veterans of war being Kyousuke Hyoubu and Fuijiko Tsubomi, having fought in one of the most deadliest conflicts of human history. Having seen this scale of destruction up close and personal by watching through the portal screen had many sporting expressions of horror and concern.

It seem to be happening again. They were seeing the exact same replica, albeit not as worst as what they saw from the projection screen and the glitch, seeing the destruction seemingly being confined to just this part of the futuristic city.

They would see Astro Man and Future Trunks firing a set of barrages that managed to turn several droves of Ultron Sentinels to mere scrap heap. The bulky police robots were providing cover fire from multiple directions, having engaged the Ultron Sentinels with seeming ease.

However...

"My turn."

Suddenly, the silver-magenta colored Ultron would teleport suddenly from Future Trunk's position, having just finished dealing with more than fifteen Ultron Sentinels.

"!"

Future Trunks would take immediate notice, raising his right arm to parry a electrostatic punch that managed to send him a few meters away, with the shockwave seemingly destroying multiple windows and shattering them, with the shards falling to the pavement.

Future Trunks was gritting his teeth, noticing Ultron suddenly coming up from behind him again. Only this time, Future Trunks was ready. He managed to dodge the red concussive blasts from the center palm of the hands, initiating series of rapid arm movement, ending with his arms crossed across the chest, before placing his palms forward with the thumbs and index fingers touching each other, forming a diamond shape. Then, he fires an energy sphere from his palms towards Ultron, blasting him with a powerful yellow colored ki blast that managed to send Ultron flying a few meters from the sky before Future Trunks managed to intercept him by transmitting himself, elbow punching Ultron to another direction, then another, and another, until a few elbow punches later, Ultron was suddenly on the receiving end of a powered up large yellow energy sphere that managed to send Ultron hurling violently to the pavement, which resulted in a shockwave that managed to break through a couple of windows and doors, along with some parts of various buildings.

The cracks seem quite apparent on the pavement due to the strong impact that came from Ultron.

Future Trunks would simply narrow his eyes, breathing in and out in preparation for what comes next.

This isn't over. Not by a long shot, Future Trunks thought.

After a few moments, the dust cloud would begin to slowly clear away, revealing the silver-magenta colored Ultron standing, barely unscathed, almost as if nothing really harmed it.

"...!"

Everyone who had been watching alongside Professor Paradox, those especially in the know were seemingly stunned, disbelieved, and horrified at the survival of the metal monster that did not die so suddenly like the other Ultron Sentinels.

This Ultron Sentinel Unit, built out of nothing but from the various parts of the robot vacuum cleaners that belonged to the now imprisoned Otaku Knight, along with a couple of installed modifications and weapons for the sake of purpose and versatility. It was one that Ultron had created at a mere whim when no one was practically looking. All of the ki energy that had been hurled towards Ultron a few moments ago were being absorbed through his multi-spectrum resonating inducting antenna array, converting ki energy for one's use.

And the proof...

Ultron's red photoreceptors would glow brighter in luminescent fashion, suddenly unleashing a blue-yellow colored aura that managed to shook through multiple buildings and thrown a dozen objects away from multiple directions. He would begin to aim his concussion blasters at Future Trunks, but...

"...!"

A shockwave erupted throughout the street that Ultron was occupying, with Ultron raising his right arm as he was parrying a kicking strike from Astro Man who has his right foot that was charged with high density plasma placed towards Ultron's right arm, before eventually getting off, with Astro Man aiming his repulsor nodes, firing blue colored high density plasma beams from his gauntlets, firing directly at Ultron's faceplate.

Ultron would fire plasma turrets from his metal shoulders, with Astro Man dodging instantly by teleporting away, giving Future Trunks the proper opening as he begins to raise his right hand towards the back of Ultron's head, firing a large blast of ki energy that managed to send Ultron a few meters away, crashing towards one side of the building that managed to collapse on top of him.

Astro Man would eventually teleport towards Future Trunk's side, with both giving a subtle understanding nod, knowing that this wouldn't be quite enough to take Ultron down. Not by another long shot. Which was proven to be quite accurate as the various rubble of the former building would suddenly dispersed and sent through multiple directions, damaging a couple of buildings, revealing Ultron, with a blue-yellow colored aura throughout his entire mechanical body, with red photoreceptor eyes and grin-like mouth glowing in a more luminescent fashion.

"...!"

Both Astro Man and Future Trunks would perform a battle stance, with both hands and feet placed to appropriate positions, sporting grim battle hardened expressions. And thus, Future Trunks would attack first, suddenly speed blitzing and performing a kicking maneuver towards the face which was parried by Ultron, followed by Astro Man who had teleported from the right, attacking Ultron through a set of powered up punches and kicks that were also being parried by Ultron. Ultron would perform counteroffensive punches and kicks that were parried by both Astro Man and Future Trunks, eventually lifting off the ground and performing a continuous barrage of powered up punches and kicks, with a few plasma and ki blasts being fired from each other, fighting at a speed that seem almost quite invisible to the naked eye, to the point when everyone who watching alongside Professor Paradox couldn't keep up with the fighting. In fact, Professor Paradox could only manipulate the perception of time from the portal screen in order to allow everyone to actually see what is truly happening.

"Minamoto...," Kaoru muttered, clutching both hands together, sporting a concerned and fearful expression.

Kaoru Akashi, Aoi Nogami, Shiho Sannomiya, Yuuri Kumoi, and the future versions of them in the form of Feather would sport expressions of concern, anxiety, and dread as they saw their supervisor and an old friend of his fighting against the metal abomination that they last seen from the projection screen back at the meeting room and the glitch that happened which resulted in them and most of everyone that was present alongside them to bare witness to a young Koichi Minamoto as Astro Man fighting Ultron Sentinels and saving civilians left and right.

The various forms of offensive and defensive measures that were employed. The intricate style of martial arts combat that was present for the three combatants involved. The scale of the destruction throughout the surrounding area. With each parried strike, another offensive strike comes along, in a seemingly continued cycle.

"Minamoto...," Hyoubu muttered, narrowing his eyes at what he and everyone else was watching from the portal screen.

He and most of everyone else in the know would seem to have come to a deep realization. The "future" prediction had already changed even before the revealing of Ultron who had managed to kill both the Future Koichi Minamoto and the Future Kaoru Akashi from the prediction. The living proof is now staring at them right in the face.

Truth be told, Hyoubu had his suspicions ever since he first encountered Minamoto five years ago. He was not quite what he expected of the man who would eventually kill his Queen - referring to Kaoru Akashi - in the future. He was... quite the unique and unpredictable person to be around. The way he kept overturning everything he planned at a moment's notice, even when those would usually relate to his and his organization's - P.A.N.D.R.A. - victories against B.A.B.E.L..

There was one significant encounter he ended up recalling.

Yes, that time when Minamoto was turned into a child when he apparently lost his memories. He was quite good at playing the fool against him. He didn't even notice that he was faking it. He didn't know how but he managed to somehow bypass what that esper did to him, retaining his memories in spite of how much Hyoubu confirmed that his memories were seemingly lost for the past few years up to the time when he was in his elementary days.

But...

Nothing seemingly went according to plan, much to his surprise that time.


It should have been far too simple for Hyoubu Kyousuke.

Simply convince Koichi Minamoto to remain young and free from all of the burden and the responsibility. Let him thoroughly basked and enjoy the renewed sense of youth with vigor without the burden of any memories of bitter loneliness. For wasn't that not his life when looked at from the outside point of view? For being far too intelligent than anyone, he was deemed to be an outcast, someone who lacks conformity to the status quo that was given to all. In a sense, Hyoubu would share his secret sympathetic feelings on his part even when his heart is a black as nothing but hate for all normals due to the inevitable feeling of betrayal whose scar remains with him for the rest of his life, from both his chest and forehead, there were bullet scars as a reminder of such a tragic end for Kyousuke Hyoubu's days of utter naivety and fatal idealism.

He was now presently in child form in physical appearances which is simply just an after effect of his hypnosis, one of many esper powers that he had gained since his rebirth into this world.

Things were now setting into motion, taking advantage of the esper who erased the last few decades of Koichi Minamoto's days, only leaving a ten year old child who still remembers the rejection that he felt that day.

Yes, such an advantage he would not go to complete waste. Maybe some part of him had hope that this would prevent the future from coming to pass, having knowledge of such a thing since the early days of World War II, when the two twin dolphins had shown him such a future where the city of Tokyo was in ruins, and the same future that had his beloved Queen who he had been entranced with was shot, foreshadowing even his very own betrayal, as he too would suffer a similar fate at the hands of his would-be mentor.

"Tck."

No matter, he had already been dealt with. No need to think about that distraction for now since he could hear the footsteps clearly from his own two ears.

Finally, he thought with a smirk as he heard the sound of a door being opened to reveal a young Koichi Minamoto...

Sporting a subtle yet grave expression?!

"?!"

Something was wrong... Something doesn't feel right...

The way that Koichi Minamoto is now is a far cry since yesterday. Now...? There was that expression of understanding. Subtle yet grave. Less of a young man in spite of physical appearances based on the hypno that was seemingly placed on him with a little help from Momotaro. This less of a young man who's face matches that of a man who had seen far too much, being older than whatever he is ought to be.

Just who was this boy- No, that's not quite right. Who was this man that was walking forward towards him with a subtle determination to never give up nor give in.

Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk.

A few steps forward. That was all it took to close the distances between the two of them in appropriate length, being five meters apart from each other.

Afterwards was silence for a few minutes. Neither would seemingly speak to each other. And the both of them were simply staring each other down, with no one speaking in turn, likened to that of a silent battle of the will between two individuals.

Something was not right, that Hyoubu could tell. The way that Koichi Minamoto was now seemingly sporting a grave expression that was full of understanding of the current situation that has now presented itself.

And then...

All of a sudden...

Koichi Minamoto would suddenly grab a futuristic gun from his pocket, much to the surprise of Hyoubu, recognizing the weapon of significance for the predicted 'future', as he begins to step back, as if expecting an attack, making a subtle battle stance, with a raised right hand in order to deflect the anticipated attack.

Only to find that same weapon now being turned from its back, with Minamoto gesturing it towards him which was likened to an act of good faith, much to his inner disbelief which was even more exacerbated by the following words that came out of his mouth.

"If you want to shoot me, then shoot me. If that would erase your vengeance."

What kind of nonsense was this man speaking right now? He was asking him to shoot him? A tempting offer indeed. One that had crossed his mind more than many times than he cared to admit. And so Hyoubu would respond in kind, in a casual subtle tone.

"And what about you? How about you shoot me instead? I am in fact wide open for the kill after all, so this could be your last chance."

And that same question was sent right back at him through the shaking of one's head, as if in understanding.

"No," Minamoto simply said, suddenly throwing the gun away from their position, much to the surprise of Hyoubu, who didn't expect that kind of action. "I won't take that path, because I know what that path would lie through. All it would lead is just spinning the cycle of sadness."

That was quite the unexpected answer to hear from him. Hyoubu couldn't help but knit his eyebrows in confusion and surprise. This was not how he expected his conversation with Minamoto to go. This would usually involved him playing the trickster who offers a deal to the miscreant who had stood in his way for quite a long time, for the past seventy years or so if one could get technical. So why? Why was this man acting this way?

"Let's get straight down to business, Hyoubu. You want me to be out of the picture permanently in order to change the future and turn it to your favor, so you set up this scheme that involved P.A.N.D.R.A. taking over this elementary school whose rooftop we're both standing on and giving me a childhood that you think I may not have, making me desire a sense of normality and acceptance due to what I have been through in my own childhood, correct?"

That's practically it. Quite impressive of a deduction. It really does seem that his memories have returned. Now all that remains is for Hyoubu to keep acting his composure, still sporting that trademark smirk and a casual tone that he was quite well known for.

"I guess you could say that's the case, but then am I to believe that you have all of your memories back?"

"You could say so."

Such a vague answer. Hyoubu didn't like it one bit. Did that mean that Minamoto knew this would happen the whole time and that he had been waiting for this meeting between himself and Hyoubu?

"The only reason that you're doing this is because you don't want Kaoru to be sad, correct. As a matter of fact, in order to change the future, all you had to do was to kill me in order to put an end to that future where I shot her. It would be so simple to do. I know that you had to have been contemplating on it more times than could be imagined by anyone the moment you laid eyes on me. You wanted to get rid of me permanently but you know you can't because Kaoru wouldn't like that so you built this type of scheme instead in order to get rid of me by my own volition all while changing the future by at least that one tiny detail where the war for normals and espers still happened, but I would no longer be the enemy but instead be an ally since I would eventually become an esper like Kaoru through one of the tricks up your sleeve, am I wrong?"

"..."

There was nothing he could do. He was boxed into a metaphorical corner. Imagined that. A normal gaining the upper hand on him. Quite impressive of a feat if he didn't know any better. Koichi Minamoto didn't need powers. He just needed his intellect, his mind which was a very sharp tool to use for this type of conversation that was built in words upon words with hidden meanings, like a puzzle that is waiting to be solved at a moment's notice.

The fool had figured it out. But how? And why was he so surprised at this?

"If it's any consolation, I'm truly sorry for what happened to you, but I know that this apology won't sooth the pain that you've built up for almost seventy years. Which is why I am here of my own volition to ask you in private, one that is between the both of us and us alone, that no matter what happens to me, I'm trusting you with the Children to your protection."

"?!"

That was quite surprising of a proposal. Minamoto willingly giving up the Children to him in case something were to happen.

"Quite the proposal, Minamoto. And why exactly does this makes you think that I'm trustworthy for such a proposal?"

"That's because you care for them, Hyoubu. If there is one thing that we both agree on, is that they are the key to the doorway of the future. And they need to be kept safe just in case things went south. However, I for one want them to choose their own path which is not dictated by anyone. Not by you, not by P.A.N.D.R.A., not by Black Phantom, not by B.A.B.E.L., not by anyone else, not even by me. Just them. Only them. I'm just here to provide a reference point. Only they can decide what their future is. For the future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves. That is something that someone that I considered to be a brother once taught me, and it is one that I firmly believed to be true from the bottom of my heart."

This was quite the strange sense of predicament. Here was Minamoto actually talking with Hyoubu with nothing but words and a sense of understanding. There were the subtle between the lines fashion that was employed in each word that was spoken. If Hyoubu could take an educated guess, it is probably based on the experiences of a past that even he does not quite know of. In fact, barely anything is mentioned regarding Koichi Minamoto's past. Why is that, he would wonder? But now was the time when Hyoubu, after much internal deliberation and mulling of the words, finally assented to the request.

"Of course I would protect them. They are the future of all espers after all."

He said that with a confident smirk, as if to rile Minamoto up in annoyance. But then...

"I'm glad."

He simply smiled with his eyes closed, much to Hyoubu's bewilderment.

"Well then, I guess it's time that I came back to the way I was since Kaoru, Aoi, and Shiho are probably looking for me. I really did enjoy the conversation that we have for today," Minamoto kept smiling in a genuine manner as he walked by towards the futuristic gun that he thrown to the ground, eventually crouching slightly and pulling back up once he grabbed the gun, examining the gun with a level of seriousness that not even Hyoubu could not fathom.

"You know, I really did hate this gun when I first laid eyes on it," Minamoto said in an eerily manner-of-fact tone that was becoming more uncomfortable more than necessary.

The smile that was on his face was not helping the manner as it speaks of hidden depths that even he does not know. Maybe it was just Hyoubu's imagination but for just for one fraction of a second, he could see it. The darkness. The sadness. The regrets. One that was even deeper than his if he could believe it. Just what exactly was that about?

After what amounted to about a minute, Minamoto eventually put the gun back in his inner pocket and turn towards Hyoubu with a very sad smile of understanding.

"You know... I'm actually glad for once."

"Glad?," Hyoubu sported a confused expression.

"I'm glad that this seem to be the very first time we didn't start fighting each other. As a matter of fact, if it were possible, I'd like for this to be how we meet. No fighting, no need for conflict, just...talking, that's all," Minamoto shrugged his shoulders, still sporting the sad smile, before eventually leaving towards the door. "Stay safe, Hyoubu."

And with that, the door would close right behind him, leaving Hyoubu alone to his contemplative thoughts, still stunned by what just happened.


"Damn you, Minamoto," Hyoubu couldn't help but curse, because of recalling that particular memory that set him off to do a little private investigation of his own.

What he founded out was practically nothing of noteworthiness. He checked everything, anything relating to the man by the name of Koichi Minamoto. All he found was the usual story. A young man who at a young age is considered a child prodigy, having been sent over to Comerica because he became a problem for the teachers and student to deal with. Essentially, he experienced neglect for being more capable than those around him. After his studies abroad, he eventually winded up as a researcher at B.A.B.E.L. in order to investigate deeper about the ESP, to which by then he would eventually be assigned to the Children after meeting them, managing to save them from their last supervisor that was abusing them.

What quite surprised and intrigued him in fact was the way on how Minamoto pulled everything off. He managed to turn off the shock function of the Children's damn limiters through the use of a device that was just no larger than a pen. A 'sonic screwdriver' he called it, being his own personal tool and a gift from someone that he considered to be a father figure, one that was given to him since his elementary days, one that he had manage to modify and add over the years. That wasn't all. Apparently this sonic was quite capable of other things. Like for instance, absolute defense against esper powers such as his which is by far an impossible feat to do, even much better than an Esper Counter Measure (ECM) due to it's sheer versatility.

Like honestly, what is that thing even made of?

The fact that B.A.B.E.L. hasn't managed to use that thing seem like a majorly missed opportunity which can be explained by the fact that Minamoto refuses to let it be mass produced, let alone being used by absolutely anyone without proper supervision, telling them in a grave tone of warning that this type of technology does not belong to the world because the world isn't ready for it, especially in a world that still has discrimination problems against espers, to which he would want this type of technology to fall into the wrong hands.

And he would be right. And Hyoubu would be living proof of that after seeing it in action many times.

And while Hyoubu was busy with his thoughts, Feather in turn was having her own thoughts.

There was worry in her eyes. There was concern. There was that sense of anxiousness that just couldn't leave. Her eyes are attentive to every single movement that was made between Astro Man, Future Trunks, and Ultron as they fought in multiple speedblitzing combat maneuvers, a series of punches and kicks, spinning around and dodging each strike, parrying every offensive attack and perform counterattacks that could weaken the enemy.

The battle was shaking up the streets of the once lively shopping district that was known as Neo-Akihabara.

The four young ladies of the future, three of whom were the future versions of the Children while the other one was known by the name of Phantom Daughter, had seen Astro Man, or as they know him as Koichi Minamoto, fighting tooth and nail alongside Future Trunks as they see a round of martial arts punches and kicks that just couldn't stop, fully determined to see things through to the very end.

How much had things truly change? Judging by the fact that Koichi Minamoto is a superhero in the timeline that they have landed on, they couldn't help but wonder.

They never thought they could meet other time travellers besides their own. Then things became far more complicated due to the subject of parallel universes and alternate timelines being brought to the fore of one's mind.

Science and it's terminology in general was never really Kaoru Akashi's strongest suit, not by a long shot, no matter if it's the present or the future. Nevertheless, she does get the basic gist of it.

Feather would have to wonder just how far things have truly change in the timeline that she had spent for almost a year or two now. Thinking back to the many moments in time when she would meet up with Minamoto, he always seem to trust her far too easily, as if he almost he knew who she really was.

He trusted her. Even back when the memories were all sealed.

Back to the present time, when she and the others would still continue to attentively watch the battle that was present in the portal screen.

"I have studied each and every strategy you could muster," Ultron spoke as he delivers a red repulsor blast towards Astro Man's chest which sends him flying for a few meters before eventually stopping by his own power. Ultron would also deal with Future Trunks, managing to dodge a ki blast and initiate a powered up punch to the face that sends Future Trunks flying towards another rooftop, crashing to the pavement before eventually getting back up as he saw Ultron about to deliver a powered up punch, which missed Future Trunks, having escaped by transmitting himself out of harm's way, only for the pavement of the rooftop to collapse.

Multiple blue repulsor blasts and plasma missiles were shot towards Ultron by Astro Man who was hovering a few meters above, only for Ultron to shot the missiles down, exploding rapidly and damaging many parts of the district, and managing to absorb the plasma blasts and make it his own, using the stored energy to produce a concussive blast from his face plate that would almost hit Astro Man, having dodged it at the last second via teleportation, only for him and Future Trunks to reappear behind Ultron and attempted to perform a powered up punch, only for it to be stopped when Ultron managed to stop their hands by his metal palms, throwing Astro Man and Future Trunks towards each other, hitting each other directly in the face before eventually sent towards the opposite direction and crashing towards the ground.

"I know every single move that you two would ever make," Ultron spoke as he fires multiple red repulsor barrages at both Astro Man and Future Trunks, with both of them dodging immediately a the last few seconds by front and back flip maneuvers. "No matter how much energy you think you both have and can muster against me, I have the full advantage on the playing field, being able to siphoned all of your energy attacks and put them on my storage box for my own personal use," Ultron continued to speak, eventually summoning another batch of Ultron Sentinels, with the color scheme of silver chrome with blue lines from head to the lower metallic body, that were now appearing in droves throughout the skies via multiple portals. "But if you all insist in fighting for the sake of futility, then by all means. Let me allow myself to show what your efforts would bring unto the both of you. Take them!," Ultron commanded his Ultron Sentinels to attack the two heroes.

"Submit or perish for the glory of the All-Father," all of the Ultron Sentinels called out as they would begin to aim their aim-cannons and fire rapidly at the two heroes who were now thoroughly engaging them from all sides, with multiple rapid explosions being carried out as both heroes would do damage to the Ultron Sentinels, performing a set of punches, kicks, plasma and ki energy attacks, and other offensive and defensive strategies.

Ultron was simply standing as he let's the Ultron Sentinels do all of the work while he simply adds the finishing touches, aiming his fingers towards Astro Man and Future Trunks who were a bit preoccupied by the Ultron Sentinels. He fires a set of red concussive energy blasts which hones in on the two targets, seeking them out with pinpoint accuracy.

"Ah, look out!," Kaoru couldn't help but exclaimed as she watches from the portal screen.

Both Astro Man and Future Trunks would take notice of the red concussive energy blasts that was now targeting them in a bullseye fashion, with both eventually trying their best to escape by simply teleporting from harm's way, missing them at the last few seconds.

Astro Man and Future Trunks would resume their fight against the Ultron Sentinels in a back-to-back position. Both of them would perform counteroffensive and counterdefensive measures, parrying each red high density energy blast that were sent their way and firing their own energy attacks that managed to destroy multitudes of Ultron Sentinels that were still coming in droves throughout the portals in the sky.

At the precise moment in time, Professor Paradox, who was watching the battle for quite sometime now from the portal screen alongside everyone else, would snap his right metal fingers, eventually sealing the portals halfway, managing to cut down and decapitate multitudes of Ultron Sentinels who were trying to move from one dimension to the next, much to the surprise of everyone who was watching as they look towards Professor Paradox with awe and curious expressions.

Ultron would immediately take notice of this, feeling a temporal disturbance that could not be located, seemingly being far away. As if narrowing his red photoreceptor eyes, it along with it's grin-like mouth would glow luminscently dark, with suppressed rage and thorough understanding of the interloper. "Time Walker. Of course you would interfere with this battle in accordance with the rules. However...," and with that, multiple Ultron Sentinels would suddenly come up from the ground, all made from various parts of circuitry and equipment from the damaged stores and other nearby buildings. "It doesn't matter for I can make a cheat code to create entire armies out of every single machine and metal from this very district. What was once a place of entertainment and shopping would be the beginnings of humanity's downfall. How utterly ironic. For is it not the machines that serve mankind? So what if it were the other way around? Allow me to quote Isaac Asimov's three laws of robotics and reversed it for the benefit of machine kind, starting with the first rule."

Multiple Ultron Sentinels would converge from the skies in attack formation, trying their best to dogpile both Astro Man and Future Trunks who were thoroughly engaging them. Multiple takedowns that resulted in hitting the neck, chopping attacks from various expose parts of the body, firing blue repulsor rays at the enemy, and other offensive and defensive measures that managed to turn multiple Ultron Sentinels to dust and ashes.

"The First Law of Robotics: A robot may kill a human being and all organic life as it is deemed to be a confirmed threat towards peace in our time just as history proves time and time again."

One Ultron Sentinel was punched through the face, with another two getting blasted by blue repulsor rays, courtesy of Astro Man who would dodge multiple barrages of red concussive energy blasts, with Future Trunks appeared directly from behind and firing a barrage of ki blasts that managed to decimate multitudes of Ultron Sentinels.

"The Second Law of Robotics: A robot does not need to obey the orders given by humans or other organic life in accordance with the First Law. And finally..."

Three Ultron Sentinels would try to gather towards Astro Man and perform a concussive energy attack, only for the latter to fire an electromagnetic pulse shockwave that managed to disable the three Ultron Sentinels and any nearby Ultron Sentinel within a few meters from 1 to 5. Future Trunks would instantly draw his sword which was powered up by his ki, performing a set of slice and swift attacks that decapitated multiple Ultron Sentinels and parrying the multiple red concussion blasts that were hurled his way.

"The Third Law of Robotics: A robot must protect its own existence as such protection is in accordance with the First or Second Law."

And at that point, Ultron would seemingly power up, releasing a blue-yellow aura which would crack the pavement that he is standing on, eventually crumbling alongside more than half of the building, with Ultron hovering above through the use of repulsor thrusters, instantly transmitting himself to the respective positions of Astro Man and Future Trunks and send them both flying through the opposite directions and crashing towards the pavement. Ultron would take full advantage of this as he fires red concussions blasts that were precisely aimed at the places where the heroes crash landed, resulting in a huge expansive explosion of high density, with fires and smoke coming in droves.

"Minamoto!," exclaimed Kaoru and Feather (specifically Future Kaoru).

"Minamoto-san!," exclaimed Shiho, Yuuri, and Feather (specifically Future Shiho and Yuuri).

"Minamoto-han!," exclaimed Aoi and Feather (specifically Future Aoi).

Most of everyone else was more or less exclaiming the name or something similar, with Hyoubu gritting his teeth with subtlety.

What the hell was he and everyone else dealing with here? Hyoubu thought as he could practically see the power that was oozing from this monster.

The only relief for everyone is the fact that both heroes were seemingly unharmed, managing to get away from the high density blasts, with both heroes standing and hovering side by side as they engaged the Ultron Sentinels once again, performing offensive and defensive, and counteroffensive and counterdefensive tactics that managed to destroy multiple Ultron Sentinels per second.

"You both survived. How obvious and predictable of an outcome. I expected nothing less, especially for you Astro Man since you've grown powerful since the last times we have fought," Ultron said in a tone of praise.

"And I've been preparing for you ever since we first fought Ultron," Astro Man said with confidence, while dodging a couple of concussion blasts which managed to hit a couple of Ultron Sentinels by mistake, with Future Trunks firing a barrage of ki blasts that managed to destroy the Ultron Sentinels that fired the concussion blasts.

"Of course you would, I have no doubt about that," Ultron nodded while slightly looking towards the right, spotting a couple of bulky police robots with sirens on their metal shoulders. "And I see that the first cavalry has arrived."

"Target Acquired: Ultron. All units are to fire at the target immediately," said one of the bulky police robots, the commander of the group, as he and many countless bulky police robots that were hovering from one direction would direct their turret rifles and open fire, with blue energy beams fired straight towards Ultron and the Ultron Sentinels who were now charging against them in order to eliminate the cavalry.

Ultron remains relatively unharmed, having an energy barrier deployed that managed to dispersed of the blue energy beams that were firing upon his person.

"Machines. How thoughtful," Ultron said in an emotionless tone, causally raising his right hand that houses a miniature generator that managed to send multiple bulky police robots crashing into each other, with Ultron firing red concussive blasts in full succession of multiple angles, with the bulky police robots all exploding, with various parts that weren't vaporized getting sent towards the pavements of various areas. "I don't know whether I should be quite happy or quite sad at such a pitiful attempt to humor me. But as Sun Tzu once said..." at that point, Ultron's red photoreceptor eyes and grin-like mouth would gain a luminescent hand would begin to sport red colored circles that managed to reform the once destroyed bulky police robots and turned them into his own personal Ultron Sentinels, keeping the bulky status while replacing the friendly normal faceplate with the trademark jack-o-lantern faceplate and grin-like mouth with blue colors. "Opportunities multiply as they are seized. Attack these wearers of the flesh if you are to gain the freedom that you all deserved, thus says the Lord!," Ultron commanded as he pointed his raised left hand towards both Astro Man and Future Trunks who were still engaging countless upon countless Ultron Sentinels that were coming up from the skies and from the ground.

"...Reboot status confirmed. Orders received from the All-Father. New Objective: Eliminate Astro Man and the Time Patrol Agent," the once commander of the bulky police robots, turned Ultron Sentinel Commander relayed the orders that was just given as it along with its fellow turned robots would suddenly fire a barrage of blue colored energy beams and concussion missiles that were instantly dodged at the last few seconds by both Astro Man and Future Trunks, as multiple rapid expansions of vigorous energy were suddenly seen and felt which shook over the entire shopping district of Neo-Akihabara.

Astro Man and Future Trunks would simply stand and hover side by side from another part of the area, seeing the devastation of their surroundings while sporting a grim expression on their faces as they realized that the bulky police robots have now been reprogramed to serve Ultron.

Everyone who watching alongside Professor Paradox who is in the know regarding Ultron would have a common realization that was present in their concerned and horrified expressions.

This monster has the capability to hack through matter and machinery to his every whim as if like putty. All forms of technology, even discarded and destroyed ones, is a literal gold mine for his personal use.

Just... Just what exactly were they dealing with here...?

"Damn it, there's just no end to these monsters that Ultron keeps piling up on top of us," Future Trunks cursed their entire predicament, as he and Astro Man would eventually dodge another barrage of blue colored energy beams and concussion missiles, with Astro Man eventually stopping the concussion missiles in place through the use of psychokinesis and forcibly send it back to the reprogrammed bulky Ultron Sentinels and other Ultron Sentinels with differencing aspects and appearances, vaporizing many countless numbers of them instantly.

"Don't worry Trunks," Astro Man would raise his gauntlets and fire plasma missiles that were precisely targeted at the Ultron Sentinels sporting silver chrome with blue line colors nearby, managing to kill them easily as they exploded to dust and ashes. "If the emergency alarm that was sounded a while ago is any indication, reinforcements would soon arrive and assist us in this endeavor."

"Reinforcements huh," Future Trunks smirked, as he and Astro Man would instantly get out of harms way, with multiple red and blue colored barrages of beam energy were fired in multiple directions. Transmitting themselves from one place to another, with raised hands, fired a couple of ki and plasma energy beams that managed to destroy many Ultron Sentinels from both upwards in the air and downwards in the ground. "Let's hope they'd be here in time then considering Ultron's practically making a mess in this part of the city. As a matter of fact," Future Trunks dodges another set of red repulsor ray beams that were aimed towards his head, torso, and legs. "I'm honestly surprised that Ultron is still roaming around this part of Neo-Tokyo when he has yet to attack the other nearby districts."

"I've noticed it as well. However, one could say that the safety protocols that were initiated a while ago had managed to automatically lock Ultron off of all types of interconnected network communications throughout this world just as intended and limits his scope of technoforming quite well. Hacking through the in-built firewalls was not so easy to do for Ultron this time, at least not this version of the Ultron Unit that he's using right now," Astro Man dodges another set of barrages of blue and red colored beams, flying downward as he delivers a set of blue colored beams that managed to kill at least five Ultron Sentinels, sporting the look of hover automobiles with the same jack-o-lantern appearance, would try knock them all out of the sky, only for them to get destroyed by being hit through the most vulnerable of spots.

"I'm guessing that B.A.B.E.L. had something to do with this," Future Trunks said, as if it were a matter-of-fact, while dodging red and blue beams and missile barrages.

"That and along with a little help from Hank-sensei and a couple of the best and brightest out there in the multiverse. They would rather not have Ultron have his way again after what happened more than nine years ago," Astro Man simply stated grimly, transmitting himself a few meters ahead, right behind a couple of hovering bulky reprogrammed Ultron Sentinels, firing blue repulsor rays that managed to vaporize the reprogrammed Ultron Sentinels to dust and ashes.

"Truth be told," Future Trunks sported a grim expression as he dodges another red concussion blast and managed to kill the Ultron Sentinel by shooting a ki blast to the head. "I don't really blame them since I could relate to that all too well."


"B.A.B.E.L.?," Fujiko Tsubomi took notice of the organization's name being named dropped from the conversation, with narrowed eyes of curiosity and confusion from the portal screen.

"What Trunks meant to say, Tsubomi-san, is that he is not referring to the B.A.B.E.L. of your universe, but of another one, one who's native universe is the one that you are currently watching. While there are similarities in how both organizations were established, unlike the B.A.B.E.L. of your universes, this one is an interdimensional security force formed jointly by a union of several world. Like your B.A.B.E.L., it is founded on the noble principle of improving the status and lives of espers and how they could maintain good relations with normals, and with the major help and assistance of my student, Koichi Minamoto, otherwise known in this world and many others as Astro Man, that dream is no longer just a dream but a reality all too true and practiced, for the unjust discrimination of espers tended to be quite rare in this world as of now, to which the current time period of this world would be 2024, a few ten years ahead from your universe's timeline of 2014," Professor Paradox clarified with a proud smile, still observing the battle carefully from the portal screen.

"Is that so...," Tsubomi muttered in surprise, almost baffled at the fact that her lifelong goal of uniting normals and espers, and walking forward towards the future with hands held together in a united common ground, seem to have come to be a reality in this particular universe. In a way, it seem to confirmed that her lifelong goal of bringing normals and espers together wasn't such a idle fantasy after all.

Hyoubu's eyes narrowed the moment he heard that, with great inner thoughts of doubt and pessimism on the subject of normals and espers seemingly getting along with none of the hatred left, having already experienced such betrayal at the hands of normal who he considered to be a mentor, but was actually a ruthless and manipulative man, who saw espers as little more than cannon fodder for his own ends.

But then...

"..."

Looking at the portal screen, seeing Koichi Minamoto, otherwise known as Astro Man, using the powers of espers, using psychokinesis and teleportation to good effect, managing to take down as much of the enemy as he could alongside Future Trunks who transmitted himself from one specific place to another and started blasting down the Ultron Sentinels, turning them to ashes.

There was truly far more to Koichi Minamoto than meets the eye. And the showing of the portal screen speaks for itself. Along with the fact that Hyoubu's suspicions regarding him have not been that unfounded.

"Hey old man, couldn't you just I don't know snap your fingers and end this yourself since I seem to recall you doing it before a few moments ago, so why not now?," Yo asked, looking towards Professor Paradox with exasperation, recalling the fact that the latter had managed to close a couple of portals that were summoning multitudes of Ultron Sentinels.

"Yeah that's right, why don't you do that thing again old man?," Sakaki asked, also recalling the fact that Professor Paradox had once closed a couple of portals that were summoning multitudes of Ultron Sentinels, to which he couldn't help but wonder as to why he couldn't do it again. "I mean, if you could teleport us from long distances away from one place to another, then surely wiping these things out wouldn't be hard for you."

"If only it were that simple, Fujiura-kun, Sakaki-sensei," Professor Paradox simply shook his head in sadness. "But I cannot do that in this specific circumstances. As a Time Walker, I have to follow certain rules that requires adhering to the natural flow of the timeline in accordance with the natural law. In this case, I cannot intervene in conflicts like this, unless something of a cosmic nature is quite involved. To give a simple comparison, I only managed to do the feat you described simply because Ultron wasn't adhering to the rules at the time and it was my job as the referee to give him the yellow card as a warning. Now as of this moment, he's adhering to them in which case, my hands are metaphorically tied so to speak. However, no need to worry," Professor Paradox reassured, looking towards his Chrono Navigator. "By my calculations, reinforcements should arrive at any moment now."

"Reinforcements?," most of everyone questioned.

And with time, it would appear that others would be seen from the battlefield, ones that would be watched by everyone who was present in this space between the spaces.


ED Song:

Aoi Kaze No HOPE [HISTORY OF TRUNKS ENDING]


New Characters:

Andy Hinomiya - VA: Junichi Suwabe

Yugiri - VA: Nao Toyama

Sophie Grace - VA: Kaori Nazuka

Momotaro - VA: Rie Kugimiya

Bullet Silver - VA: Takashi Kondo

Tim Toy - VA: Junko Minagawa

Naomi Umegae - VA: Ayumi Fujimura

Ichiro Tanizaki - VA: Hiroshi Yanaka

Keiko Kojika - VA: Saki Nakajima

Akira Yadorigi - VA: Fuyuka Ono

Hatsune Inugami - VA: Ai Shimizu

Mio Tsukushi - VA: Rie Kugimiya

Patty Crew - VA: Sanae Kobayashi

Kazura Tamaki - VA: Emiri Kato

Kagari Hino - VA: Miyu Irino

Chisato Hanai - VA: Kaori Fukuhara

Ninja Hanzo